Iowa County History and Genealogy Books Online
These are free books online where you can research your Iowa ancestry. This list contains county and local history, genealogical and biographical books, as well as atlases and farm plats.
Wapello County IA
Iowa Atlases, Farm Directories, and Plat Books
This collection contains digital atlases, farm directories, and plat books for all 99 Iowa counties. We have collated these from a variety of online sources, and provide them here as a single source for all online Iowa County Atlases, Farm Directories, and Plat Books.
Goehring, Lewis – Obituary
Lewis Goehring, aged 83, passed away on October 22, 1935, at his home following a prolonged illness. A native of New York City, he moved to Iowa at age two and spent his career as a grain merchant. Goehring was active in his community through various organizations, including the Woodmen of the World, and was a member of the First Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife, Laura, and several children, siblings, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for October 24 at Daggett Funeral Chapel.
Lee, Harley Essex – Obituary
Harley E. Lee, a notable figure in Kansas City real estate, passed away on June 13, 1960, at the age of 75. Originally from Ottumwa, Iowa, he relocated from Oklahoma City in 1922 and played a key role in developing a prominent housing area in Leewood. Lee was one of five brothers who co-founded the Lee Hotel in Oklahoma City. He is survived by his wife, Ruth, a daughter, and four grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for Wednesday.
Biographical Sketch of Hon M. D. Clifford
M. D. Clifford, born in 1859 in Ottumwa, Iowa, moved to Oregon in 1870. He pursued law independently and began practicing in 1882 after studying under Hill Mays. Elected district attorney in 1884 and 1886, he was appointed Circuit Judge in 1890, later winning re-election. A committed member of several fraternal organizations, he served as Grand Master of the Masons in 1896. Married to Edith Hazeltine, he has two children and is recognized for his ability and bipartisan respect.
Biography of Dr. James W. York
Dr. James W. York, born March 27, 1851, in Iowa, has established a respected career in medicine over his thirteen years in Billings. A dedicated physician known for his integrity and compassion, he has garnered a loyal patient base. After graduating from Keokuk Medical School in 1874, he served as a government physician in the Indian Nation before settling in Billings in 1880. He is also successful in the drug business, having built a substantial property portfolio, and is actively involved in community affairs. York married Olive Napper, and they have two daughters.
Biography of Alphius Lamont Hamilton
Alphius Lamont Hamilton, born on March 4, 1850, in Pennsylvania, has dedicated 45 years to law, public office, and civic engagement in El Dorado, Kansas. A prominent figure in the Kansas bar, he established a successful legal practice after studying under notable figures. His ancestry includes members who served in key American conflicts, reflecting a deep-rooted commitment to public service. Hamilton has also been active in the Republican Party, serving as Butler County attorney and briefly as a district judge, prioritizing his career as a lawyer.
Biography of David T. Miller
David T. Miller, born in Ohio in 1843, distinguished himself through military service in the Civil War and in civic duty. A member of the Fifteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, he participated in significant campaigns, serving without injury. After the war, he pursued education and was admitted to the bar in 1870. He practiced law in Ottumwa until relocating to Boise in 1891, where he became influential in local politics. Recognized for his leadership, he served as speaker of the Idaho House and as deputy collector of internal revenue. He is married with two children, embodying progress and patriotism throughout his career.
Biography of William L. Fugate
William L. Fugate, born on September 16, 1853, in Missouri, is a prominent figure in Summerville, where he serves as justice of the peace and operates a collection agency. After his education, he worked in various positions, including bookkeeper and manager of an express office. Fugate moved to Summerville in the 1880s, engaging in farming and later with the local milling company. A respected community leader, he holds multiple public offices and actively participates in church and educational initiatives. He has two children with his wife, Susie.
Biography of William P. Bowen
William P. Bowen, born on August 31, 1855, in Ottumwa, Iowa, has been a pivotal figure in the milling industry of Southern Kansas for over thirty years. He owns the flour and feed mill in Independence that he established with his father. A civic leader, Bowen served three terms as mayor, contributing significantly to community welfare. His family’s roots trace back to Welsh ancestors, and Bowen has a robust educational background and extensive involvement in local organizations, while fathering four children with his wife, Hester A. Purnell.
Biography of John L. McKinnis
John L. McKinnis, born on July 3, 1843, in Jackson County, Ohio, became a notable figure in Union County as a leading agriculturalist and successful businessman. After enduring a challenging journey across the plains in 1864, he established a prosperous farm near Summerville, accumulating extensive land and engaging in various business ventures, including milling. He was active in local politics and served as county school superintendent. McKinnis, married to Rachel C. Harris, raised eleven children and earned a reputation for integrity and community service.
Biography of James Webb
James Webb, born on January 2, 1874, in Wapello County, Iowa, became a notable and respected figure in Union County after moving there with his great uncle in 1890. An orphan from a young age, he worked on farms and in sawmills before purchasing a successful 160-acre farm in High Valley in 1898. Webb’s diligence in agriculture has earned him a commendable reputation, complemented by his marriage to educator Nora Wilkinson. He is also involved in community affairs and fraternal organizations, showcasing his commitment to local development.
Biography of Henry H. Abernathy
Henry H. Abernathy, born on September 10, 1834, in Indiana, moved to Idaho in 1862 and significantly contributed to the development of the Salubria Valley. He initially engaged in mining before turning to farming and stock-raising, establishing a successful agricultural property. Abernathy, a Republican, married Elizabeth South in 1877 and has three children. His commitment to progress in southern Idaho, evident in his active involvement from its early days, has earned him widespread respect in the community, reflecting the state’s remarkable transformation.
Biography of Ervin W. Johnson
Ervin W. Johnson, born on March 17, 1857, in Ottumwa, Iowa, became a prominent figure in Idaho’s development. Initially a portrait artist and hotelier, he served as postmaster of Bellevue and was active in mining and politics, notably advocating for the creation of Blaine County. He later managed the Overland Hotel in Boise, becoming well-regarded for his hospitality. Johnson also contributed to the Idaho Inter-mountain Fair and remained engaged in public service throughout his life. He married Louise Crane and had three daughters.
Harker, Xantippe Lee – Obituary
Mrs. Xantippe Harker, aged 76, passed away on February 6, 1908, at the home of L. Goehring in Ottumwa. She was the widow of James Harker and the daughter of Marshall Burr Lee and Ellen McEwen. Funeral services will take place at the Goehring residence on February 8, led by Rev. F. G. Davies, with interment at Ottumwa Cemetery. Note that her headstone indicates her death occurred on February 5.
Harker, James – Obituary
James Harker, aged 82, passed away on November 20, 1906, at 5:30 AM at his home on West Park Avenue. A respected resident of the city since 1876, he is survived by his wife, Mrs. Xantippe Harker. Funeral services will be held at 2 PM tomorrow, conducted by Dr. F. G. Davies of the First Baptist Church, with burial at Ottumwa Cemetery. Originally from Bartholomew County, Indiana, Harker was known for his devout Christian faith and service as sexton at the local cemetery.
Harker, Alonzo – Obituary
Alonzo Harker, born May 11, 1857, in Indiana, passed away on September 22, 1891, in Ottumwa, Iowa, after a brief illness from typhoid fever. He moved to Ottumwa with his parents in 1876 and was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church. Harker married Laura A. Bonwell in 1879 and is survived by her and their two children, Harry B. and Ina P. His funeral, held on September 24, was conducted by Rev. H. Williams, and he was laid to rest beside his deceased daughter, Opal J.
Goehring, Laura Bonwell – Obituary
Mrs. Laura Alice Goehring, a long-time resident of Ottumwa and the oldest member of the First Baptist Church, passed away on December 12, 1942, at her daughter’s home. Born on November 29, 1859, in Indiana, she was married twice, first to Alonzo Harker and later to Lewis Goehring. She is survived by her daughter, Mrs. Ina Swanson, and son, Harry Harker. Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church, with interment at Ottumwa Cemetery.