D. P. Bullock, born in St. Lawrence County, New York, in 1838, was the son of a War of 1812 veteran. He relocated to Illinois, where he enlisted in the Eighth Illinois Cavalry during the Civil War, participating in many significant battles. After the war, he farmed and worked in railroad shops before settling in Douglas Township, Iowa, in 1880. He married Delia E. Lake and fathered four sons, engaging in local governance and serving as postmaster in Cushing, Iowa.
Julia Hickey emigrated from Ireland to the United States during the famine, leaving home at her mother’s urging. After stowing away on a ship, she arrived in America, never to reunite with her brother. Settling in New York, she and her husband John had four children before relocating to Wisconsin and Iowa. Their son John pursued mining, while daughter Jennie became a teacher, selling land for a school and church. William H. became a bank director and state legislator. Julia died in 1893.
John Harrison, born in County Monaghan, Ireland, in December 1824, was a notable pioneer of Douglas Township, Ida County, Iowa. After moving to Scotland with his family, he married Jeanette Stevenson in 1845 before immigrating to the United States in 1855. Harrison served in the Civil War and later settled in Iowa, where he took a pre-emption claim in 1868. His home served as a stage station and gathering place for travelers. He and Jeanette had six children, engaging in farming and stock-raising throughout their lives.
Jonas Collin, born in Sweden on April 12, 1830, immigrated to America in 1869 with his family, initially settling in Iowa. After an 18-month stay in Benton County and a further period in Marshall County, he acquired 80 acres in Ida County, later expanding to 440 acres. Collin was dedicated to improving his land with various fruit trees. He married Johanna Segolson in Sweden, and together they had nine children, two of whom died young.
Charles G. Kolb was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, on September 29, 1834, and immigrated to America at age 22. He settled in Pennsylvania after marrying Catherine Weiler and later moved to Ida County, Iowa, in 1880. Kolb significantly influenced local education and worship, establishing a Sunday school and serving on the school board. After moving to Ida Grove, he remained active in the community until his death in April 1919. He and Catherine had six children and are buried in Ida Grove Cemetery.
Rev. David Nicoll, born on February 22, 1841, in Delaware County, New York, was a minister of the United Presbyterian Church and a notable farmer in Battle Township, Iowa. Son of Scottish emigrants, he served in the Union Army during the Civil War, participating in significant battles and sustaining a gunshot wound. After his military service, he completed his theological education and became a pastor in Iowa. Nicoll also contributed to his community as a school board secretary and township clerk while managing his 320-acre farm. He and his wife Isabella had three children.
Alytte R. Dunn, known as Ale, was a prominent farmer and stock-raiser in Ida County, Iowa. Born in 1854 in Scott County, IA, he settled in Logan township after acquiring land in the late 1870s and married Cora Andre in 1877. Dunn diligently improved his farm and participated in local politics as a Republican. Tragically, he was killed by a train on January 17, 1907, while returning from a public sale. His funeral drew a large crowd, reflecting his esteemed status in the community.
Peter Morrison, originally from New York, learned carpentry and engaged in railroad contracting before moving to Iowa in 1867. He settled in Battle Creek in 1874 and began his own contracting business. A Civil War veteran, he served in the 8th Wisconsin Infantry, participating in key battles and suffering two wounds during his five years of service. Peter and his wife, Emma, raised six children: James, Sarah, Martha, Matilda, Mary, and George. He was a member of the Mathew Gray Post in Ida Grove.
Collins F. Tillotson, born December 7, 1846, in Onondaga County, New York, settled in Maple Township, Ida County, Iowa, in 1874, acquiring 417 acres of wild prairie land. He was educated in local schools and Monroe Collegiate Institute. His ancestry includes a Revolutionary War soldier and a participant in the War of 1812. At 24, he married Mary J. Clark, with whom he had six children. Tillotson’s homestead featured various structures and livestock facilities, reflecting his dedication to farming.
Mathias Clouse, born in Alsace-Lorraine, France, in 1843, was a pioneer in Silver Creek Township, Ida County, Iowa. He emigrated to America with his family, initially settling in Erie County, New York, before moving to Iowa. Mathias married Isabella Cunningham in 1869 and established a farm in Ida County in 1874. He served in the Civil War, participating in significant battles and earning an honorable discharge. The couple had five children, and Mathias was actively involved in the G.A.R. after the war.
Thomas S. Brannan, an attorney-at-law in Ida Grove, Iowa, was born on August 15, 1839, in Keyesville, New York, and raised in Canada before settling in Ida County in 1879. He served in the Civil War with the 10th Iowa Volunteer Infantry, where he was wounded twice. Admitted to the Iowa bar in 1883, he also served as Clerk of the District Court. Married to Rachael Tiser, Brannan had five children and was of Irish descent, with connections to the Hudson Bay Fur Company.
E. B. Baird was born on November 6, 1837, in Onondaga County, New York, and raised on a farm. In 1872, he relocated to Maple Township, Ida County, Iowa, where he purchased land. He first married Harriet Conover, with whom he had one son, Edmund C. Baird, before marrying Matilda Preston in 1877, with whom he had three children. Baird was active in his community, serving as vice president and director of the Maple Valley Savings Bank and on the Maple Township School Board.
The Stone Family is recognized as one of the notable families by the American Historical-Genealogical Society, which has compiled their history. Their lineage is significant in both the British Empire and the United States, with members actively participating in historic events. The surname “Stone” derives from familial ties to prominent geographical features. This volume consolidates essential genealogical information, presenting an organized lineage chart. Additionally, the compiler encourages family members to collaborate on further genealogical endeavors, reflecting a commitment to preserving the Stones’ rich heritage.
Smith D. Atkins, born in 1836 in New York, moved to Illinois in 1848 and began a diverse career as a lawyer, journalist, and politician. He actively supported Lincoln during the 1860 election and was the first to enlist for the Union army from his county after the Civil War began. Rising through the ranks, he became a notable officer, exhibiting bravery at key battles. Post-war, he returned to Freeport as an editor and served as Postmaster for many years, demonstrating dedicated public service.
Charles Betts, a distinguished legal figure in Freeport, Illinois, was born in Batavia, New York, in 1825. Known as “Judge Betts,” his legal career began after being admitted to the bar in 1847. A prominent trial lawyer, he earned respect for his legal expertise and oratory skills. Betts was politically active, aligning with Democratic ideals while opposing proslavery sentiments. He married Mary Celestine Wilson in 1878, and they had five children. Throughout his long career, he maintained a reputation for integrity and civic duty, retiring honorably after decades in law.
C. N. Bentley, a prominent pioneer of Stephenson County, was born on July 24, 1826, in Massachusetts. His lineage traces back to Eldred Bentley, who notably had connections to Ethan Allen. C. N. married Alecta Smith in 1844, raising five children, including a Civil War veteran. He has dedicated much of his life to local governance, serving as a school trustee for twenty-five years and holding various community roles. Bentley embodies the spirit and history of early settlement in Harlem township.
Jacob Krohn, born in 1832 in Pomerania, Prussia, is the president of Freeport’s Second National Bank, known for its solid reputation in the Northwest. Immigrating to America in 1853, he initially worked as a cigar maker before entering banking as a stockholder and director in 1871. Krohn has held various public offices, including mayor and alderman. He is a prominent Mason and Odd Fellow, actively involved in both organizations. He has been married twice and is a devoted father to eight children, with a strong commitment to education and community service.
Henry H. Mynard, born on November 3, 1822, in Greene County, New York, has been a Stephenson County resident since 1863. He began farming in Cook County, married Caroline C. Cool in 1845, and later moved to Ridott Township before settling in Freeport. A retired farmer, he served in various local offices and was active in the Grange society. Mynard is a prominent Freeport citizen, a Republican voter, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has four children, three of whom are living.
Hon. Willard P. Naramore, a distinguished physician and surgeon from Lena, has been a pivotal figure in the county’s growth from prairie to a thriving community. With dual expertise in healing and finance, he established a notable practice and became a successful banker. Born in 1824 in New York, he moved to Ohio, pursued medicine, and later settled in Lena. Active in politics and education, he contributed substantially to local governance and community welfare, exemplifying success and dedication throughout his life.
Thomas Carroll, an experienced engineer with the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Road, began his career at eighteen as a fireman. He quickly advanced, dedicating over thirty years to the railway. Born in 1847 in Freeport, he comes from an Irish immigrant family, with his father also working in the railroad industry. Married in 1874, Carroll is a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. He is proud of his long, accident-free service in the railroad sector.