John spent his early life on a Pennsylvania farm. He received common school training and in August of 1862, shortly after he passed his 21st birthday, he enlisted for the Civil War in Company B, 142nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry.

He was wounded on December 13, 1862 at Fredericksburg, Virginia, and on account of his disability was detailed to clerical work until his discharge from the Army in August of 1865. He was wounded in the knee and used a blue variegated silk hanky ran through the hole, the wound left him with a slight but permanent limp.

On July 4th, 1866, after returning home, he married Mary Catherine Johnston who was also from Mt. Pleasant. Catherine was born on November 26, 1841. Together they moved to Ohio where he returned to his teaching career which he started when he was 18 years old. John served as a Justice of the Peace for Wood County, Ohio.

John moved to Iowa in 1871 when he and his brother, Cyrus, together purchased 160 acres in Toledo, Township, Tama County, Iowa. At one point John amassed 500 acres.

On January 1st, 1901 he was elected treasurer of Tama County and moved to town, serving two terms over five years at which point he refused another re-election due to poor health after suffering a stroke. John also served for three years as a steward of the County Home and was treasurer of his school district for 27 consecutive years.

John and Catherine had 6 children: John, Wm F., Ed C., Winfield Scott, George and Mary "Mayme" (Mrs. George Whalin).

John had a fraternal connection with the Ancient Order of United Workmen at Toledo, the G.A.R., and he and Catherine were 2 of the 13 charter members of the United Brethren Church.

On September 26, 1910 John passed away at his home at the age of 69, and Catherine passed on March 2, 1919. Both are buried in the Woodlawn Cemetery.


Bio info obtained from the book Toledo, Iowa, Celebrating 150-Years of Yesterdays, 977.7756 CEL, Toledo Public Library.