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.
Wayne 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.
Biography of Amanda J. Weathers
Amanda J. Weathers, born in 1848 in Wayne County, Iowa, is recognized for her significant contributions to the development of Union County. After marrying George See in 1865, the couple ventured westward, facing trials before settling in the Grande Ronde Valley. Following her husband’s passing, Amanda successfully managed her estate, cultivating a flourishing farm and nurturing her family. She married twice more, experienced personal sorrow, yet remained resilient and committed to her community. A member of the Christian church, she is esteemed for her faith and character.
Bryant, Amanda J. – Obituary
Amanda J. Hammack Bryant, who passed away at 68, was a notable pioneer of Oregon. Born on April 26, 1848, in Wayne County, Iowa, she relocated to the Willamette Valley in 1863. Amanda was married six times, most recently to J.A. Childers in 1878, and had seven children, with three surviving her at the time of her death. Known for her resilience, she worked to support her family after the loss of her husbands. The funeral is scheduled for Thursday at the Christian Church.
Biographical Sketch of James L. Chapman
James L. Chapman, born on March 23, 1818, in Hancock County, West Virginia, migrated to Iowa in 1854, later settling in Missouri. He engaged in farming and transitioned into the mercantile and hotel business before establishing a fruit farm in Gallatin, Missouri. Married to Nancy J. Daugherty in 1849, they had six children. Nancy passed away in 1878, after which James continued his commitment to the Christian Church, serving as a deacon for over thirty years.
Biography of James Wilson
James Wilson, born May 15, 1826, in Indiana, was a prominent farmer and stockman in Idaho, where he settled in 1864. A pioneer in the state’s agricultural development, he improved cattle quality by introducing thoroughbred shorthorns. By the time of his death on March 20, 1899, he owned over 1,000 acres and had amassed significant wealth. Wilson was a family man, married to Nancy Perkins, and had six children. He was also a Mason and politically independent later in life, leaving a lasting legacy in Idaho’s farming community.
Biography of Shepard Keene Linscott
Shepard Keene Linscott, born on March 6, 1887, in Chesterville, Maine, embodied American manhood through his pioneering spirit and community contributions. After leaving home at sixteen, he became a farmer in Indiana, later marrying Myra Simmons and serving in the Civil War. He excelled in business as the president of S. K. Linscott Bank in Kansas and played a crucial role in agricultural advancements. A dedicated family man and gentleman, his legacy of love and integrity left an indelible mark on his descendants and community.
Biography of John R. Kellogg
John R. Kellogg, born on July 20, 1830, in New York, was a pioneering educator and influential figure in Union County. After his education at Oberlin College, he taught in Ohio and Iowa before settling in La Grande, Oregon, where he improved his land and built a successful estate. Kellogg served as a fife major during the Civil War and was active in local politics and education, including leading a union Sunday school for three decades. He married Rocsa A. Hill and raised two adopted daughters, contributing significantly to the community’s development.
Biography of James A. Russell
James A. Russell, born on September 23, 1861, in Iowa, is a prominent businessman in Island City, operating a successful butchering establishment. After receiving an education in Cove, he engaged in various professions, including teaching and ranch management. Mr. Russell’s entrepreneurial journey began in the butcher trade in Cove, eventually leading him to establish a shop in Island City. He is a respected community member, married to Addie Whittemore, with whom he has four children. He also holds significant property and livestock investments in the area.
Makin, William – Obituary
William Makin, born December 12, 1837, in Pennsylvania, was a significant figure in Wallowa County’s history, known for his moral integrity and pioneering spirit. After traversing the plains to the Pacific coast in a large wagon train, he settled in the Grande Ronde Valley, engaged in farming, stock raising, and mining. Makin married three times and had several children, playing a prominent role in his community by supporting education and various religious causes while also operating an electric light plant. His life exemplifies dedication and hard work.
Hammack, James Lafayette – Obituary
James Lafayette Hammack, born October 18, 1860, in Wayne County, Iowa, died June 13, 1948, in Lostine. He migrated with his family across the plains in 1865, lived in several Oregon counties, and settled in Wallowa County. Married twice, his first wife, Sarah Allen, passed away in 1903, and he later married Jessie Robinson in 1913. Hammack was active in the Assembly of God church and is survived by his wife, an adopted daughter, stepchildren, sisters, and numerous relatives. Funeral services were held at the Christian church.
Biography of General Marion Swanson
General Marion Swanson, born on April 29, 1863, in Lineville, Iowa, has made a significant mark in real estate and farming. Following his education in Kansas, he moved to Oklahoma in 1894, where he served as deputy sheriff and later focused on real estate in Muskogee. Married to Beulah K. Diamond, they have six children. Active in community affairs, he held positions including county commissioner and contributed to local development. Notably, he crossed the plains to the Pacific in the 1860s, showcasing a life dedicated to service and improvement.
Hammack, John L. – Obituary
John L. “Linz” Hammack, a pioneer of Wallowa County, passed away on August 28, 1937, at nearly 80 years old. Born in Iowa, he crossed the plains with his family in 1865 and settled in Wallowa County in 1881. He had two marriages, resulting in four children from his first wife and several step-children. Known for his remarkable memory, Hammack shared tales of early Wallowa County life and worked as a freighter. His funeral was held at the local Christian church, attended by family and friends.
Bills, Roy – Obituary
Roy Bills, born on November 27, 1881, in Seymour, Iowa, passed away at the age of 25. He moved to the city with his family in 1897 and held a trusted position at the Post Office. His death, mourned by family and friends, leaves behind a father, mother, sister, brother, and other relatives. Funeral services were held at the Methodist church, and he was interred in the city cemetery by the W.O.W. community. The community expresses deep sympathy to his grieving family.
Bryant, J. A. Childers Mrs. – Obituary
Mrs. J. A. Childers Bryant, aged 68, passed away early this morning from acute indigestion at her home in La Grande. Born in Wayne County, Iowa, on April 26, 1848, she moved to Oregon in 1863 and married J. A. Childers in 1878, who predeceased her in 1893. She was the last survivor of ten siblings. The funeral is scheduled for Thursday at the Christian church, following a brief service at her home. She is survived by her daughters Grace and Joenna.
Hammack, James Lafayette – Obituary
James Lafayette Hammack, born October 18, 1860, in Iowa, passed away on June 13, 1948, in Lostine, Oregon. He migrated west with his family in 1865, settling first in Yamhill County and later Summerville. After living in Wallowa County for most of his life, he briefly resided in Hermiston. He married Sarah A. Allen in 1886, who died in 1903, and later wed Jessie May Robinson in 1913. Hammack was a dedicated member of the Assembly of God church and is survived by his wife, an adopted daughter, and many relatives.
Robinson, Susan E. – Obituary
Funeral services for Susan E. Robinson were conducted at Snodgrass and Zimmerman mortuary, following her passing at the age of 77 on June 20, 1930. Born on November 21, 1852, in Wayne County, Iowa, she married George W. Robinson in 1871, with whom she had four children. She is survived by two daughters, a son, six grandchildren, and two sisters. The service was officiated by Rev. M. G. Tennyson, and she was laid to rest in the Masonic cemetery.
Thorpe, Frank – Obituary
Graveside funeral services for Frank Thorpe, 79, took place at Summerville cemetery following his death at the Pythian Home in Vancouver, Washington. Thorpe, born on July 7, 1866, in Seymour, Iowa, moved to the area as a child and engaged in local business for years before relocating to his property near Alicel. He is survived by a daughter, whose whereabouts are unknown. The service was conducted by the Knights of Pythias.