Horatio E. Needham is a native of Addison County, Vermont, born September 10, 1827, near the village of Shalott. While in his infancy his, parents migrated to St. Lawrence County, New York, remained six years, and then went to Cuyahoga County, Ohio, where they remained until 1852. During this time Horatio was employed on the farm and also at stone-cutting. In 1859 he went to Fremont County, Iowa, and in 1862 enlisted in Company E, Twenty-ninth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and was on duty three years, being in many important engagements, among which were the battles, of Little Rock, Helena, Mobile and Saline River, and his soldier life was extended through the States of Missouri, Kentucky, Mississippi, Louisiana,, Alabama, Arkansas, Texas and Iowa, until he was honorably discharged in 1865. After his return to Fremont County he was engaged in teaming for two years before his removal to Nebraska, where he took up a section of land which he afterward sold and came to Daviess County in 1875. He now owns and cultivates a fine farm in Sheridan Township.
Mr. Needham was married, November 25, 1852, to Miss Lucina Bagley, a native of Ohio. Eight children have been born to them, five of whom are living: Whitfield H., Mary I., Ada A., Minnie E. and Willie A.