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CAPT. J. F. BLICKENSDERFER, residing on section 24, Dutch Creek Township, is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He was born July 11, 1835, in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, and is a son of Isaac and Elvina (Myers) Blickensderfer, the former a native of Ohio, and the latter of Pennsylvania.
The boyhood and youth of our subject were spent on a farm with his parents until 1855, in the meantime attending select schools and acquiring a liberal education. He then taught a graded school for two years, and subsequently engaged in farming, which occupation he followed until the breaking out of the Rebellion, when he assisted in recruiting and organizing the 51st Ohio Infantry, securing by his own exertions the services of 117 men for that regiment. He was commissioned Captain of Company B, but on account of undue advantage being taken of him, he resigned his commission in that regiment, and turned his attention to merchandising until July, 1863, when he recruited a company of the Ohio National Guards, and was afterward mustered into service as Captain of Co. A, 161st Ohio Vol. Inf., and was sent to the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, and was with Sheridan at Winchester, the 161st Regiment occupying a position on the right, being in the 2d Division of the 6th Army Corps. Capt. Blickensderfer, in this engagement, was under fire about thirty-six hours, and had two balls shot through his clothing, one on his right side and the other on the left and three through his hat.
On the 28th of October, 1864, the regiment was discharged from the service, and Capt. Blickensderfer returned home, and subsequently raised 217 men for the 189th Ohio Infantry, and was mustered in as Captain of company C, of that regiment, March 4, 1865. The regiment was attached to the 4th Army Corps under Gen. Thomas, and was placed on garrison duty at different points in Alabama, until the 29th of October, 1865, when it was mustered out of service at Nashville, Tenn., and was discharged at Camp Chase, Ohio, a few days after. In September, 1866, Capt. Blickensderfer came to Washington County, Iowa, and bought 177 acres of land on section 24, and began farming. In 1869, he sold the south half of the land and bought ninety acres where he now lives, and where he has a fine farm of 190 acres, all of which is under cultivation, and is well improved in every respect. Recently he has turned his attention to the raising of good horses, and is now the owner of a Percheron, a fine black horse four years old and weighing about 1,700 pounds. He has also a fine lot of Poland-China hogs.
In 1857, he was united in marriage with Miss Louisa C. Graham, and to them were born two children, a son and daughter, the former dying in infancy, and the latter in September, 1883. In December, 1862, Mrs. Blickensderfer died, and May 2, 1863, Capt. Blickensderfer again married, choosing Miss Sarah R. Graham as a wife. To this union two children were born, Anna C., born Sept. 9, 1865, and Elva S., born Oct. 14, 1867. On the 6th of October, 1868, Mrs. Blickensderfer died, and in October, 1869, Capt. Blickensderfer married Melinda Romig. By this union, five children have been born: Susie F., born Oct. 11, 1870; Frederick, Aug. 17, 1875; Bertha, Sept. 10, 1881; Charles F. and Edgar L. died in infancy.
Capt. and Mrs. Blickensderfer are members of the Moravian Church, and he is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Politically, he is a Republican, and cast his first vote in 1856, for John C. Fremont for President. In the community where he resides he is regarded as a live man in every respect, ready
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to assist in every good work, and willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. The world is made better by such men.
WALTER J. MAXWELL. One of the most interesting family histories to be found in this work is that of the Maxwell family, who are not only one of the most numerous, but one of the pioneer families if the county. Robert F. Maxwell, the father of our subject, was born in Virginia, Jan. 16, 1792, and died Aug. 26, 1875. He came to this county in the autumn of 1848 and purchased a farm, upon which he remained until his death, and no man or family in the county were more highly respected. Robert Maxwell came with his father, Thomas Maxwell, from Virginia to Harrison County, Ohio, while a mere lad, where he grew to manhood, and was married to Martha Crossen in December, 1814. During the war if 1812 he was a solder, serving under Gen. Harrison, and his son, our subject, was a soldier during the late war, a member of the 45th Iowa Infantry.
All the children of Robert Maxwell's family were born in Harrison County, Ohio—William, Thomas, Robert, Martha, Rachel, Nancy, Walter, John, Samuel, James and Jane. The two latter are deceased. The others are all living, married and have families. Robert and Thomas preceded their father in locating in this county, coming in 1846. They both purchased lands, and Thomas returned to Ohio and was married to Sarah J. Miller who returned to this county with him. Robert married Rachel Thompson, and all their children were born in this county. After the parents came to Iowa the remaining children followed one by one, until the children were all settled permanently in this county. William married Sarah McGaw; Martha is the wife of Hon. G. T. Auld; Rachel married W. A. Johnston; Nancy is the wife of J. P. McCullough, the great fine stock breeder; John married Martha W. George, after whose death he became the husband of Rebecca Stiles.
Our subject was married to Miss Mary J. Goble, Oct. 1, 1867, the occasion being also one of the great reunions annually held by the Maxwell family. This family are now represented by nine children and 106 grand and great-grandchildren. The reunion of 1887 is to be held upon the farm of our subject, and preparations are being made to have this the grandest affair ever attempted by the family.
The only child living born to Walter and Mary J. Maxwell is a daughter, Annie. It is only speaking plain language to state that the children of Robert F. Maxwell are without exception wealthy, and the most highly respected of men and women. The death of Martha Crossen Maxwell occurred some years ago. She had a happy married life of more than sixty-one years, and lived to see all the children settled abut her and happily mated to honorable and excellent men and women. The aged father and mother have been members of the United Presbyterian Church since the union between that and the "Seceder Church," which was made in 1858, of which they were members. They were constant in attendance and liberal in the support of the Church of their choice, and stanch defenders of its principles. Three generations often meet beneath their hospitable roof, and the history of different members of the family will complete fully what has been accomplished by their descendants.
WILLIAM H. BREED, farmer and stock-raiser, resides on section 5, Oregon Township, where he owns sixty acres of land in a high state cultivation. He is a native of Connecticut, born April 3, 1824, and is the son of William and Sabra Breed, both of whom are of Connecticut. The family sprang from one Allen Breed, who settled in Connecticut in an early day, coming from England, and therefore, on the father's side is of English descent. William Breed and Sarah HOmes were married in Connecticut and there remained about five years, then emigrating to Chenango County, N.Y., where they remained sixteen years. They than moved to Broome County, N.Y., where the mother died in 1863, and in 1865 the family came to Iowa and settled on the farm now occupied by the subject of our sketch, where the father died in 1878. They reared a family of eight children, six of whom are
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now living: Mary, wife of Thomas R. Gates; William H., the subject of this sketch; Fally, wife of Edwin Taylor, of this township; Henry, also of this county; Allen, of Dallas County, Iowa; Pulaski M., of Bradford County, Pa. The deceased were Hannah and Almeda. William and Sabra Breed were highly respected wherever known; they were kind and affectionate in their disposition, and their death was greatly mourned by children and friends.
William H. Breed, the subject of this sketch, was reared on a farm, and was married in Broome County, N.Y., Nov. 13, 1848, to Caroline M. Glidden, daughter of James and Sarah (Saxon) Glidden. She was born in Vermont Dec. 7,1827. Her father died in Pennsylvania, and her mother in Louisa County, Iowa. By this union there were two children: Charles A., born March 6, 1850, married Mary L. West in 1871, and died July 14, 1886, aged thirty-six years; his widow is yet living, and with his parents, deeply mourns his death. George A., born Sept. 28,1 857, married Lorena M. Wood; they have one child, Pearl I., born July 14, 1885.
Politically, Mr. Breed is a Democrat, but in local affairs he usually votes for the best man, regardless of party. He has been honored by his fellow-townsmen with several of the township offices, which he has filled with credit to himself and his constituents. He is a man who enjoys the respect of his friends and neighbors in a high degree. Mr. and Mrs. Breed are members of the Baptist Church; their two children were also members of that Church. Mr. and Mrs. Glidden, the parents of Mrs. Breed, had a family of six children.
 REV. JOHN O'LOUGHLIN, who is a missionary worker of the Society of Bible Christians, resides on section 34, township 77, range 7, in what is known as English River Township, where he is the owner of 200 acres of land, of which 160 acres is under cultivation, the remainder being in timber. He was born in Jefferson County, Ind., April 2, 1821, and is the son of John and Dicey (Johnson) O'Loughlin, both of whom were natives of Kentucky, the former being of Irish descent, his father having been born in County Clare, Ireland. When John was but fifteen years of age the family moved to Little Rock, Ark., arriving at that place on Christmas Day, 1836. they only remained there, however, until the spring of 1837, when they came to the fair State of (then Territory) Iowa, where it was to be hoped the opportunity for future improvement would be much better. Locating in Louisa County, about six miles south of Wapello, steps were at once taken to improve a farm. The family then consisted of the parents and nine children, six sons and three daughters. At this writing, our subject and one brother are all that are left, the rest having passed on to "the better land." James, the living brother, now resides in Pawnee County, Neb., and is a prosperous farmer.
The first occupation in which John engaged, after arriving in Iowa, was to assist a party of surveyors in laying off Des Moines and Louisa Counties into sections. In March, 1838, in company with his father, George O'Loughlin and Mr. Tribbett, he visited Washington County, where the entire party made claim to some of the rich Government land which was waiting to be "tickled by the hoe," that it might "laugh with a harvest." In Mrch, 1839, he returned to his claim in English River Township, and at once began its improvement. Being without means, he was compelled to work at such odd jobs as he could find to do, that he might live and further improve his land as the opportunity was afforded to him.
Time passed, and realizing that it was not good for a man to be alone, in September, 1844, Mr. O'Loughlin was united in marriage at Pilot's Grove, now Pilotsburg, with Miss Dicey A. Farley, a native of Shawneetown, Ind., and daughter of Edward and Polly Farley. A family of eight children have been born unto them: D. Marion married Victoria Marsh, and is an ex-sheriff, now engaged in insurance and real-estate business; they have seven living children, five girls and two boys, and reside in Washington. William Ambrose married Elizabeth Rogers, and is living in Potter County, Dak., engaged in farming; they have four children, two boys and two girls. Almedia died in
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childhood; Legora Herschel married Lottie Wilson, and resides in Shelby County, Iowa, engaged in farming; they have four children, three girls and one boy. Mary Elizabeth is the wife of JOhn Leffler, who owns a farm of 200 acres near Ainsworth, but is temporarily living on Mr. O'Laughlin's farm; they have three children, two boys and one daughter. Lyeurgus Newton married Sarah Bradley and lives in Shelby County, Iowa, where he is engaged in farming; they have three children, one daughter and two sons. Luther Calvin and Ida Ellen complete the family.
When in his twenty-third year Mr. O'Laughlin professed conversion and united with the Protestant Methodist Church, and has since endeavored to live a consistent Christian life. The study of the Scriptures was now a pleasure to him, and in time a talent for public speaking was developed, and he spoke to the people upon a theme which is ever dear to the followers of the meek and lowly Jesus. As his views did not at all times coincide with the body with whom he was associated, he began preaching independently in 1853, and in company with Ira A. parker, he organized a society called the Church of Christ, at Elm Grove. In 1860, by a vote of the Church, he was regularly ordained to the ministry of the Word, and has since been recognized as a regular minister of the Gospel. The Church of Christ in due time was merged into the Union Christian Church, and in 1870 Mr. O'Laughlin was received by the Union Christian Conference at Shiloh, this county, as a regularly ordained minister.
For thirty years Mr. O'Loughlin preached for the Church of Christ and Union Bible Christians in his neighborhood, but since 1885 has been engaged in mission preaching. Throughout Washington and adjoining counties he is well land favorably known, and whether as a minister of the Word or a humble private citizen, he is universally respected. For almost a half-century he has been a citizen of Washington County, locating here while yet in his teens. He is now rapidly nearing his threescore and then years, but is a hale and hearty man, one who has the best interests of humanity at heart and who delights to do good. As a pioneer citizen and as a representative of that great body of men who seek to plant the cross in all lands, that all may enjoy salvation in Christ, it is with pleasure that we make this short record of his life, and at the same time present the portrait of this noble man of God to the readers of the ALBUM.
THOMAS BUCK, Postmaster at Brighton, Iowa, was born in Gallia County, Ohio, on the 2d of November, 1821, and is the son of Charles J. and Maria (Grimes) Buck, who moved to Gallia County at an early day. They were the parents of nine children who lived to be adults, five of whom are now living: Mary V. is the wife of Daniel Whitsette, of Mahaska County, Iowa; Thomas, the subject of this sketch; Elizabeth, wife of Jesse Stoner, of Dallas County, Iowa; William, who served three years in the 36th Iowa Infantry, now resides in Appanoose County, Iowa; James, also residing in Appanoose County, Iowa. The father died in Jackson County, Ohio, in 1852, while the mother is yet living at the age of eighty-four, making her home with her children.
The subject of this sketch was reared upon a farm, and was educated in the old log school-house, often in the winter time wading in the snow up to his knees, a distance of two and a half miles in order to reach the school-house. In the spring of 1844 he married Miss Margaret Corbit, a daughter of Alexander Corbit, of Jackson County, Ohio. Soon after his marriage he moved to Knox County, Ill., where he spent two years, and in 1846 came to Iowa and located in Henry County. During this year Iowa was admitted to the Union. Mrs. Buck died in 1852, leaving three children, two of whom are now living. Harvey, when but seventeen years old, enlisted in the 4th Iowa Cavalry, served two years, and then veteranized and enlisted for three years. Lafayette enlisted in a Missouri regiment and served his country faithfully.
On the 20th of November, 1852, Mr. Buck was again married, choosing as a companion Miss Melinda Shaw, a native of Tennessee. Her father, Milo C. Shaw, was born in Kentucky, in 1804, and her mother, Elizabeth A. (Ferris) Shaw, was born
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in Nashville, Tenn., in 1811. They were married in Nashville, and were the parents of eight children, six of whom are now living: Martha F., Mary, Melinda, John B., Ariel S. and Thomas R. In 1834 Mr. Shaw moved to Decatur, Macon Co., Ill., and in 1844 to Henry County, Iowa, where he spent most of his life. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, of which body his wife was also a member. Mrs. Shaw died in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, in 1862, and Mr. Shaw in Macon County, Ill., in 1863. Mr. and Mrs. Buck have four living children: Arthur V., a teacher of music and composition; C. M., yardmaster in Oskaloosa, Iowa; Frank P., a telegraph operator in Oskaloosa, Charles H., a yardmaster in Lincoln, Neb.
On the 20th day of July, 1861, Mr. Buck enlisted in the 1st Iowa Cavalry, and was mustered into service at Burlilngton. He participated in the various engagements of the regiment, and was in Missouri after bushwhackers, and also in the raid after Price and Marmaduke. Mr. Buck was wounded while in Missouri on the Little Rock expedition. After faithfully serving for three years and fifty-two days, he was mustered out at Davenport on the 12th day of September, 1864. Returning to his home in Mt. Pleasant he subsequently moved to Fairfield, and in 1873 to Brighton Township. He was appointed Postmaster at Brighton, and took possession of the office Oct. 1, 1885. Mr. Buck is a Master Mason, and highly respected by all who know him.
REV. JAMES PATTERSON, deceased, section 34, Jackson Township, was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., in 1812. He is a son of William and Sarah Patterson, who later removed to Bedford County, Pa., where James Patterson grew to manhood. He received a thorough classical education, and completed it at Cannonsburg, graduating from that noted school, and then completed his theological studies in the same city. He received his degree and was licensed to preach at twenty-one years of age, and his first charge was of the United Presbyterian Church at Scroggsfield, Ohio.
The talented young minister made hosts of friends, among whom were the Hutchinson family, wealthy and highly respected, who were residents of Belmont County, near Wheeling W. Va. The intimacy first formed with the family by the young minister was increased, as two years from the time of his becoming pastor at Scroggsfield, he was wedded to Miss Jane, daughter of James and Susan (Watt) Hutchinson. The marriage was celebrated May 15, 1838. Rev. Patterson remained pastor of the charge at Scroggsfield until 1855, when his accomplishments as a profound teacher and speaker attracted much attention, and he was elected President of Wilmington (Pa.) College, retaining that chair for about fourteen years. Excessive labor so exhausted him physically that he was forced to resign the position, which he had held with great honor for many years, and with his family emigrated to this county about 1868, where he purchased a farm, and the pure air and out-door exercise restored his health, and he later assumed charge of the "Living Lake" United Presbyterian Church, of which he was pastor about four years, when failing health again caused his retirement from the sacred desk. All that care and skill could do was done to prolong the life of that good and useful man, but his demise occurred in the autumn of 1872. He was interred in the cemetery at Washington, this county, and her sacred soil marks not a spot more honored for its dust than where rest the remains of Rev. James Patterson.
Beloved alike by rich and poor, old and young, Christian and men of the world, there was no wonder that his death was so greatly mourned by his large acquaintance formed in the new country. He was indeed a good shepherd, for, from a mere handful of worshipers when he took charge, his talents drew the congregation, until it was not only a large one, but was composed of the best society. The family was composed of seven children: Victoria; Henrietta, the wife of John Neal; Susan, the wife of Rev. Samuel A. Taggart; Lydia M.; Mattie, the wife of Robert J. Fleming; Jeannette, the wife of James Stevenson, and David J., who resides under the same roof with his mother upon the farm. The children are all graduates of a classical college, except the eldest and the youngest daughters, and the
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son. Eliza was a teacher in the college at Miami, Ohio. The family are in easy circumstances, and are a valuable acquisition to the social circles in this township. The ancestors of Mrs. Patterson were of Irish origin, and were reared in Chester County, Pa., removing to Belmont County, Ohio, in 1810, where they lived and died.
WILLIAM S. STEWART, farmer and stock-grower, resides on section 19, Washington Township. He is a native of Washington County, born Dec. 11, 1847, on the farm where he now resides, and is the son of William G. and Hannah (Patterson) Stewart. He was reared upon a farm and received a liberal education in the common schools of the county. In the fall of 1872, he was united in marriage with Miss Henrietta Clinton, born in Burlington, Iowa, and daughter of George and Mary A. (Morgan) Clinton. She was born in 1851. Her father was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion and was killed at the battle of Belmont. by this union there are three living children—Freddie, Belle F. and William.
Mr. Stewart is now the owner of the old family homestead, and, together with other land, is the owner of 333 acres. HIs farm is one of the best in this section, and he makes a specialty of raising fine stock. While yet in his prime, he has done much for the improvement of his native county, and is a very active business man. He is a member of the firm of Babcock, Stewart & Co., stock dealers, which expends an average of $12,000 per month for the entire year. Born but a few months after the admission of Iowa as a State, he has been a witness of its wonderful growth and improvement, and has reason to be proud of being a native Hawkeye.
FRANK A. ROSE, farmer, was born in Alsace, France, in 1824, and is a son of Conrad and Elizabeth (Angly) Rose, both of whom were natives of that country. Conrad Rose owned and operated a machine-shop in Maswam, in which village his wife died. She was the mother of eight children, of whom five are now living; all are married and are residents of the United States. In 1849, Conrad with his family emigrated to America and located in Stark County, Ohio, where he purchased other lands upon which he remained during the rest of his lifetime. He brought from France his tools, but never engaged at his trade after coming to America.
Our subject learned the machinist's trade, as did also Lewis, his younger brother, and Edward, the eldest. They both reside in Canton, Ohio, engaged at the trade. Louisa became the wife of Mark Goodman, a farmer of Stark County, Ohio; Josephine wedded Lewis Kister, a farmer of the same county, whose land embraces a part of the corporation of Canton, Ohio; Frank learned of the Great West, and the opportunity for seeing it came unexpectedly. Being a machinist, the firm for which he worked sold to James McCahen a new mill, and Frank was sent out to set it up. This was in 1853, and was one of the first mills in this country, and the second circular sawmill. After this was completed, Frank worked for eighteen months in the machine-shop for Rose & Kilgore, at Washington, after which he came to this township, purchased and built the Schnoebelen Mill on English River, and for one year operated it, when he was married to Mary Critz, a sister of Frank Critz, the present Treasurer of Washington County. Her people were also early settlers in this county, and a sketch of the family will appear elsewhere in this volume. Their wedding was celebrated in 1857, Rev. Father Emmons, of Iowa City, performing the ceremony, and at the same time uniting in marriage John Critz and Miss Jane Wrotemont. Joseph Critz had taken a large amount of land, and the farm on which our subject now resides was the wife's patrimony, but all the improvements have been made by Mr. and Mrs. Rose. The lands were then in a virgin state, and every tree and bush has been planted since, and the house and out-buildings have all been erected.
Mr. Rose first built a small frame building near the site of the present residence, but it has been removed to make room for a more modern structure. All of the children except the youngest were born in the little frame dwelling, and in it the good fortune of the parents began, which has continued
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until the present time. The birth of the eldest son, Louis, was followed by those of George, Frank, Mary, Lena and Daniel, none of whom are married. The two eldest sons are engaged in the harness trade in Riverside, and Mary is their housekeeper. The others are at home with their parents. Without being members of any church, both the parents entertain the highest ideas of the beauties of the Christian religion. They are earnest advocates of their doctrine, and enjoy the fullest confidence of all who believe that "to the godly man cometh righteousness, and that from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaketh and beareth witness of the faith within." They have lived may years in this county, and as their days have been lengthened, a corresponding increase of prosperity has come to them. Strict in every business principle, industrious and energetic, they have prospered, and their children have grown to man and womanhood with these precepts instilled in their minds. We are proud of such people as the Rose family, and are glad to give their sketch a prominent place in the history of the county wherein they have so long made their home.
JAMES H. YOUNG, President of the Washington County Savings Bank, is a native of Kentucky, born in Fleming County, May 9, 1841. His father James H. Young, and his mother, Margaret (Henry) Young, were also natives of that State. The family came to Washington County, Iowa, in 1849, where the father died in 1851, the mother surviving him until 1884. James H. Young, Sr., was a man of considerable ability, well educated, and one who kept posted in all public affairs. He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church and lived a sincere Christian life. His wife was also a member of the same Church and died in the faith.
James H. Young, the subject of this sketch, was but eight years of age when he came to this county, and here he has since continued to reside. His education was obtained in the common schools,supplemented by an attendance of a few terms in the old college at Washington, Iowa. While a student in the college the war broke out, and laying down his books, he enlisted in Co. C., 19th Iowa Vol. Inf., and served till its close. With his regiment he participated in various campaigns and engagements, among which were the following: Prairie Grove, Ark.; Van Buren, siege and capture of Vicksburg, Yazoo City and Port Hudson. The regiment was then sent to New Orleans, and subsequently a portion of it was captured at Sterling farm, near Morganzin, La., but Mr. Young was among the number who escaped. With that portion of his regiment that was not captured, he was sent back to New Orleans, and from thence across he Gulf to Brownsville, Tex. After the exchange of that portion of the regiment that was captured, the united regiment was sent to Ft. Gaines and Ft. Morgan, and thence to Mobile, and was in the charge on the forts at the latter place. After the capture of Spanish Fort at Mobile, the regiment was employed in dismantling it until May 4, when it removed to Dauphin Island, thence to Mobile, where it was mustered out July 10, 1865.
Returning to Iowa, Mr. Young received his discharge at Davenport, Aug. 1, 1865, and returned to his home in Washington County, where he engaged in farming a few years, and then embarked in the coal, wood and grain trade at Washington. In this latter business he continued until the organization of the Washington County Savings Bank, in 1876, when he was made Cashier of that institution, and subsequently was elected President, yet holding the latter position.
About two years after his return from the army, or on the 21st day of November, 1867, Mr. Young was united in marriage with Miss Lizzie N. Laughead, a native of Indiana, born June 7, 1841, but of Scotch-Irish descent. They now live in a neat, comfortable home on Main street, Washington, where they entertain from time to time their many friends and enjoy the good things of life. They are both members of the United Presbyterian Church, Mr. Young now being one of the Elders of the Second United Presbyterian Church of Washington.
Among the numbers of excellent business men of Washington, with whom it is a pleasure to do business, none stand higher, or are more universally
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esteemed than Mr. Young. In the discharge of all his duties, he endeavors to act in obedience to the Golden Rule. Combining caution with a desire to please, he has made many friends while at the head of his bank, and has the perfect confidence of the business men of the city and country. In all matters of public interest, he is ready to do his part.
JACOB H. MECHLING, hardware merchant, Riverside, was born in Armstrong County, Pa., in 1838. He is the son of Jacob and Mary (Irwin) Mechling. Jacob Mechling, Sr., the grandfather of our subject, was a native of Mechlenburg, Germany, and was perhaps married in that country. He was a very early settler of Armstrong County, and there Jacob, the father of our subject, was born. In that county two generations lived and died, and three were born.
Jacob Mechiling, Sr., was by occupation a tin and copper smith, and manufactured copper stills and all kinds of tinware at Kittanning, having learned the trade at Greensburg, Westmoreland Co., Pa. He was married in Armstrong County to Mary Irwin, also a native of Pennsylvania, of Scotch ancestry, born about 1826 or 1827. She was the mother of five children: Michael, deceased, who went to California in 1848, and died there unmarried; Eliza, the widow of John Neff, who when living was a mechanic of Illinois city, Rock Island Co., Ill.; Mary, the widow of John Kennedy, who was also a mechanic and farmer of the same county; Rosana, the wife of Rev. J. P. Forsythe, of Sheldon, Ill., and Jacob H., our subject, who is the only one of this family a resident of Iowa. His father for years prior to his death lived a retired life.
Our subject came West in 1854, and learned the blacksmith trade in Illinois City. After completing his trade, he engaged in various occupations until 1862, when he enlisted in Co. I, 126th Ill. Vol. Inf. He was a participant in the siege of Vicksburg and many skirmishes prior to his promotion to Second Duty Sergeant, afterward First Duty Sergeant, and prior to his discharge, was Quartermaster Sergeant of his regiment. After returning home form the army he became engaged in the mercantile business at Muscatine, remaining a clerk until 1866. While a resident of that city he became the husband of Miss Frances De Graff, daughter of Daniel De Graff, of Rock Island County, Ill. Daniel De Graf was the owner of farm in that county, but by trade was a boot and shoe maker for many years in Syracuse, N.Y. A large family of children graced their home,of whom the daughter Frances was born in Rock Island County, Ill. Of the family the sons were farmers, and with the exception of Frances and Mary, all the daughters have wedded farmers.
In 1867 Mr. Mechling engaged in the grocery and queensware business at Muscatine, with William Beardsley as a partner, under the firm name of Beardsley & Mechling. Several years later the firm removed to the promising town of Riverside, and until 1880 the name was unchanged. On the twelfth anniversary of their business relationship, Mr. Beardsley purchased his partner's interest in the business and removed the stock to Wellman, Iowa. They were the oldest firm in the city prior to their removal from Muscatine, and were the first to engage in general merchandise in the new town of Riverside, bringing their goods in wagons from the Iowa River, and in getting into the town site, had to lay down a rail fence before they could drive up to their store. The partnership existing for twelve years was of the most pleasant and profitable character, and no record was ever kept of their dealing with each other. Probably such friendship never existed in a business way in this county. Soon after Mr. Beardsley removed his goods to Wellman, Mr. Meching opened a new stock of general merchandise in the same building, and one year later Mr. W. H. Cress, of Virginia, purchased an interest with Mr. Mechling, and seven years later the senior member of the firm disposed of his interest to Mr. F. A. Druf. July 21, 1887, Mr. Mechling purchased the hardware stock and good-will of G. W. Edelstein, and is the present proprietor of the business.
Jacob H. Mechling is a pioneer in business, and also deserves further mention, as his was the third residence built on the town site. He was an ardent worker in securing the incorporation of the
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village in 1875, and was a member of the first board. In consequence of the refusal of the Mayor to serve, the first official papers issued after the incorporation of the town, were signed by Mr. Mechling, Mayor pro tem. Mr. Mechling was a charter member of No. 105, A.O.U.W., and has passed all the Chairs. He is an enterprising and enthusiastic worker, and as a man is esteemed by his townsmen, none bearing greater honor than he.
Two children have graced the union of Mr. and Mrs. Mechling—Harry, a clerk in his father's store, aged twenty years, and Dora, now in her fourteenth year. Harry has almost completed a commercial course at Elliott's Commercial College, of Burlington, and will graduate in six months. Although so long a resident of a Democratic township, Mr. Mechling has always remained a steadfast Republican, and is a leader in the party politics of the township. Seeking no office, he asks no favors in a political sense, and while a soldier he never asked for nor received a furlough, neither does he desire to become aught but what he is, a business man in the fullest sense.
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