The Black Families of Muscatine County, Iowa

ROBERT C. BLACK.

For almost six decades Robert C. Black has been a resident of Muscatine county, and in the years that have come and gone he has witnessed remarkable changes in the development, progress and improvement that has been carried on here. He is now living retired in Nichols and is justly accorded a place among the prominent and representative citizens, for he belongs to that class of men whose enterprising spirit has been used not alone for his own benefit, but has also advanced the general good and prompted public prosperity by his ably managed individual interests, thus placing this section of the country on a par with the older east.

Robert C. Black was born in Boone county, Kentucky, on the 20th of April, 1841, a son of Benjamin and Frances (Moore) Black. The father was also a native of Kentucky, while the mother claimed Virginia as the state of her nativity. In 1852 the family made the journey from Kentucky to Muscatine county, Iowa, with team and covered wag'n and here the father entered land from the government, continuing to cultivate the same until his death, which occurred in 1888. His wife had preceded him to the home beyond, her death occurring in 1886. Unto them were born ten children, but only three of the number are now living, these being: Robert C, of this review; John, also a resident of Muscatine county; and Arthur L., who makes his home in Alabama.

Robert C. Black was reared in his native state to the age of eleven years, and his education, which was begun there in the common schools, was continued in the schools of Muscatine county. He remained under the parental roof until he attained his majority, having in the meantime become thoroughly familiar with all of the hardships and experiences incident to life in a new country. At that time he started out to make his own way in the world, working first as a common laborer in Wisconsin. After a brief period spent in that state he returned to Muscatine county and operated rented land for a number of years. He was energetic and persevering, and, carefully saving his money, he was at length enabled to purchase land in Pike township. At first he had but a small tract, but as the years passed he kept adding to his holdings until his possessions now embrace thirteen hundred acres of valuable land in Muscatine county. He continued to engage in general agricultural pursuits throughout a long period and in connection with his farming made a specialty of feeding hogs and cattle, which added materially to his annual profits. In 1897 he put aside his business cares and removed to Nichols, where he built a fine modern residence. He now merely gives supervision to his invested interests, still retaining possession of his farm lands, and he likewise owns a half block of ground in the village. In his business affairs he has ever displayed sound judgment and an ability to overcome all obstacles and difficulties that best his path, and in this lies the secret of his success.

In 1873 occurred the marriage of Mr. Black and Miss Mary M. Johns, who was born in Muscatine county, September 8, 1849, a daughter of Hosea and Elizabeth (Nichols) Johns. Her father was born in Maryland, while her mother was a native of Ohio, but their marriage occurred in Muscatine county. Mrs. Black was the only child born of that union and by her marriage she has become the mother of three children, one son and two daughters. B. H., the only son, is a resident of Muscatine county. Nannie E., who was born May 1, 1879, became the wife of B. A. Kirchner, a merchant of Nichols, but departed this life on the 26th of March, 1901, when twenty-two years of age. Clara Bell, who was born in 1883, died in 1900, when but seventeen years old. Both were laid to rest in the cemetery at Nichols.

In his political views Mr. Black is a democrat but aside from serving as school director and as treasurer of the board he has filled no public office. He and his wife are Presbyterians in religious faith, but they now attend the Methodist church. In former years he led an extremely busy and active life, and the rest which he is now enjoying is richly merited, for it has come to him as the direct result of earnest and persistent toil.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

JOHN W. BLACK.

Among the successful farmers of Orono township is John W. Black, who has prospered in his chosen calling and by industry and sound judgment merits the gratification he now derives from the possession of a handsome competence. He was born in Boone county, Kentucky, twenty miles from Cincinnati, Ohio, January 31, 1847, the son of Benjamin and Frances (Moore) Black, the former of whom was born in Boone county, Kentucky, March 9, 1812. He was united in marriage with Frances Moore, October 23, 1834. She was born in Spottsylvania county, Virginia, September 8, 1808. This union was blessed with eleven children, six daughters and five sons. One son, Benjamin Franklin, and four little daughters died in infancy. The remaining children are the subject of this sketch, John W. Black, and his two brothers, Robert Connely Black, of Nichols, Iowa, and Arthur Lee Connely Black, of Newton, Alabama. The former was born April 20, 1841, the latter December 4, 1848. James M. Black was born August 24, 1838, and died in Audubon county, Iowa, June 28, 1907. Lida Black, born May 31, 1844, died in Orono township, April 10, 1906. Martha M. Black was born January 2, 1846. At Muscatine, Iowa, December 24, 1868, she was united in marriage to Alfred M. Wilkins. To them four children were born: Anna Belle, Rhoda, Mirmie and Maude. The three latter are dead. The mother passed away at Muscatine, October 12, 1882.

Benjamin Black, and all his children were born in Boone county, Kentucky. His mother, Margaret Connely, was of Scotch descent. She was born in the fort at Lexington, Kentucky. Her father was a surveyor in the employ of the United States government. Her husband, James Black, died January 16, 1833. He was a farmer and kept his business very straight. His death occurred after a short illness. The only debt he owed was thirty-seven and one-half cents, and he would not have owed that but the blacksmith could not make the change. She died December 11, 1848. Benjamin Black was a large man physically and mentally and an honorable, honest man in all the relations of life. His tender ministries to the little wife in her long invalidism was most beautiful. She passed away January 15, 1884. Had she lived till October 21, 1884, they would have celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. After her departure he wanted to be reunited with his companion of almost fifty years- And after carrying here one year, three months and three days, his spirit was released from the earthly tabernacle. He died April 18, 1885. He came to his "grave in a full age like as a shock of corn cometh in his season."

John W. Black came to Iowa with his parents at the age of five years. The father, mother and six children came from Kentucky with a team and covered wagon. They crossed the Father of Waters at Muscatine, November 26, 1852. He has lived in Muscatine county continuously since then, except one and a half years, the family spent in Cedar county, immediately after coming to Iowa. Although he is now in his sixty-fifth year he has never drunk a glass of liquor of any kind, never took a chew of tobacco or a smoke, or ever played a game of cards. He and his sister never left their parents, and after their death, they continued to live together till she answered the summons, "Come up higher." On the 17th of January, 1883, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. B. McKenney, at Maquon, Knox county, Illinois, Mr. Black was married to Miss Alice Templeton. Rev. Joseph E. Williams was the officiating clerk>'man.

One child, Elmer Wesley, came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Black. He was born April 12, 1885, and on December 18, 1907, married Miss Bertha Foster, who was born at Letts, Iowa, September 24, 1887. A son, Arthur, was born to them January- 17, 1911.

Mr. Black and family located on the one hundred and eighty acre farm in Orono township in February, 1889, to which he has devoted much time and energy, making it one of the highly desirable properties of the township. The prosperity which he has attained is the result of wisely directed effort, and he now has the satisfaction of knowing that he and his family have abundant resources upon which to draw in case of emergency. Although he has not sought political office, Mr. Black has ever since arriving at manhood voted with the democratic party, believing that in so doing he is performing his duty as an American citizen. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Conesville, and they have many friends not only in that denomination but throughout the section where they are widely recognized on account of their excellent traits of mind and character.

John Wesley Templeton and Miss Mary Frances Crittenden were married at the home of her parents, Pryor and Nancy Jackson Crittenden, in Wilson county, Tennessee, May 13, 1852. Five children blessed this union: Alice, now Mrs. John W. Black, was born March 6, 1853, near Nashville, Tennessee; Blanche was born at Silver Springs, Tennessee, November 2, 1854; Joseph Crittenden Templeton, May 6, 1858; Mollie Browder Templeton, September 12, 1862; William McMurry Templeton, June 6, 1861. He died in infancy. The three last mentioned were born in Gentry county, Missouri, near where Stanberry now is. Blanche became the wife of Morton Hayden Rogers, November 27, 1873, and to them ten children were born. She died April 26, 1905. Mollie B. was married to Porter Johnson, December 24, 1885, and to them were born four children. Joseph Crittenden Templeton, was united in marriage to Miss Margaret D. Enlow, at Bridgeport, Ohio, August 17, 1886, and to this union nine children were born. He is now superintendent of the public schools of Palo Alto, California. One son, Eugene C, is an instructor in Leland Stanford Jr. University. Joseph C. Templeton, taught at Nichols, Iowa, in 1881-

The father of Mrs. John W. Black was born in Iredell county. North Carolina, January 9, 1820. He was the youngest of eight children born to his parents, John and Ann (Claywell) Templeton. In 1844 he went to Elkton, Kentucky, making the trip on horseback. After remaining there a while, he engaged in mercantile business at Winchester, Tennessee. In April, 1857, he and his family went to Gentry county, Missouri. He lived on a farm till November, 1858, when he again became a merchant- In May, 1863, he with his family returned to Kentucky. He lived near Greenville for twenty-four years. After the children all left the old home, they grew lonely and went to reside with their daughter, Mrs. Blanche Rogers, near Auburn, Kentucky. There he passed away June 20, 1889, at the age of sixty-nine years, five months and eleven days. The mother accompanied her daughter, Mrs. Black, home. On July 26, 1890, she departed, with her son, for his home, at the Montana Wesleyan University, Helena, Montana, he being an instructor in the school. There on March 16, 1892, she died, aged sixty-five years and two months. She was born in Nottoway county, Virginia, January 16, 1827. She went with her parents to Wilson county, Tennessee, in 183 1. They were intelligent, honorable and upright people. Her father, Pryor Crittenden, died in Wilson county, Tennessee, in April, 1854, aged seventy-three years. Her mother, Nancy (Jackson) Crittenden, was the only child of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Jackson, of Nottoway county, Virginia. She died at her home near Greenville, Kentucky, June 4, 1865, aged seventy-three years. To her and her husband were born thirteen children. Three sons, Robert M., Thomas P., and Daniel W. Crittenden, were medical doctors. One son. Colonel John Jackson Crittenden, was a military man. The great-grandparents of Mrs. Black were Peter Claywell and Jemima Arthur, who were married August 28, 1777. To them were born twelve children. Ehzabeth Blankinship, born October 30, 1778, died February 2, 1861.

Solomon Claywell, born February i6, 1780, died March 11, 1848. Ann Templeton, born August 1, 1781, died August 27, 1853, while her husband, John Templeton, who was born January 18, 1782, died September 17, 1852. These were Mrs. Black's grandparents and they died in Buchanan county, Missouri. Mildred Edson, the youngest of the family, was born November 3, 1782, and died November 21, 1855. Shadrach Claywell, bom February 4, 1784, died June 20, 1867. Jemima Fitzgerald, born August 26, 1785, died in February, 1862. Peter Claywell, Jr., born February 8, 1787, died April 30, 1878. Mary King, bom April 16, 1789, died January 29, 1874. Margaret Tomlinson, born August 22, 1790, died in August, 1865. Jane Holland, born June 27, 1792, died March 31, 1883. Sarah Browder, born April 26, 1796, died May 13, 1875. William A. Claywell, born January 19, 1799, died April 24, 1873. Peter Claywell, Sr., the father of this family, died May 17, 1842, and the mother, Jemima (Arthur) Claywell, died June 7, 1842.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

HON. B. H. BLACK.

Hon. B. H. Black, representative in the general assembly of Iowa from Muscatine county, is a native of this county, born in Pike township, July 23, 1874. He is a son of Robert and Malissa (Johns) Black, a record of whom appears elsewhere in this work. He received his early education in the common schools, later becoming a student in the West Liberty high school and the Nichols high school, graduating from the latter. He also had the advantages of a course in a business college at Iowa City, applying himself to his studies in such a way as to indicate an earnest ambition to excel in anything he undertook. He continued with his parents until twenty-two years of age, and then, having married, he began farming on his own account on a part of his father's estate in Pike township. He early became acquainted with all phases of farming and stock-raising and although he is still a young man he has gained an established reputation as one of the highly energetic and successful farmers of the county.

Mr. Black has taken an active part in politics and in November, 1910, was elected on the democratic ticket to the state legislature for a period of two years, which began in January, 191 1. Having passed his entire life in this state he is intimately acquainted with its resources and possibilities and also with the needs of the people, and it is confidently expected that as a public official he will acquit himself with high honor.

On the 16th of December, 1896, Mr. Black was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Welch, who was born in Muscatine in April, 1875, a daughter of Michael and May (Joyce) Welch. Her father is a native of Ireland and her mother of Muscatine. Mr. Welch is a tailor by trade but is now living retired. There were four children in his family, namely: Mary E., now Mrs. Black; John, who died at the age of six years; Frank M., who is connected with the Chicago American; and Clement J., a graduate of the Iowa State University, who has been admitted to practice as a lawyer but is now general manager of the Bell Telephone Company at Sioux City, Iowa. Mrs. Black is a lady of unusual intellectual accomplishments and is a graduate of the Sisters school of Muscatine and also of the business college of the same city. She is a member of the Catholic church, and fraternally, Mr. Black is connected with the blue lodge of the Masonic order, at Nichols, the chapter at West Liberty, the commandery at Muscatine, and the shrine of Davenport. He is also connected with the Order of the Eastern Star and the Elks. Mr. Black has an attractive personality that inspires confidence and respect and his friends are numbered by the legion in Muscatine county. Gentlemanly in address, frank and persuasive in manner, and governed by unselfish and generous motives, he is to be congratulated on the position he has attained, as it is the reward of genuine personal merit.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

JAMES C. BLACK.

Among the substantial farmers of Muscatine county should be named James C. Black, who has passed his entire life in the county and from his earliest recollection has been identified with the interests of this section. Born in Goshen township, May 11, 1855, he is a son of Arthur and Adaline (Anderson) Black, the former of whom was born in Lexington, Kentucky, and the latter in Virginia. They were married in this state and soon afterward settled on a farm in Goshen township, upon which they continued during the remainder of their lives. The father died March 22, 1891, at the age of eighty-four years, while his wife passed away January 24, 1893. He was a thoroughly competent farmer and acquired three hundred and twenty acres of land, which he cultivated to excellent advantage. Four children were born to him and his wife, namely: Marcellus, who died at the age of nine years; James C, the subject of this review; George W., of Muscatine county; and Margaret now the wife of L. R. Moore, who is living retired at Muscatine.

James C. Black acquired his education in the district schools and was reared amidst environment which may be truly regarded as the most favorable that could be desired for an aspiring young man. He remained with his parents until their deaths and then took charge of a part of the homestead, which he cultivated for thirteen years, when he came into possession of one-half of the place. He remained upon his farm until 1907 and then purchased a handsome residence in West Liberty, where he is now living in the enjoyment of a well earned and honorable retirement. By good management in the beginning of his business career and also by making a wise use of opportunities, he, years ago, became recognized as one of the substantial men of the county, and by his honorable business career he has set an example that is well worthy of imitation by young men who desire to gain the respect of those with whom they are associated.

On January 31, 1894, Mr. Black was united in marriage to Miss Isabel Moore, born in Jefferson county, Ohio, November 22, 1863, a daughter of Alexander and Roseanna (Calhoun) Moore, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Pennsylvania. They were married in the Keystone state and subsequently lived a short time in Ohio, then coming to Cedar county, Iowa, and later to Muscatine county. After a short experience in the mercantile business, Mr. Moore removed to a farm in Goshen township, which he rented for eight years. By his industry and perseverance he acquired the capital necessary to purchase eighty acres, which he cultivated until his retirement and removal to Atalissa in 1888. He died in 1895, his wife having been called away eight years previously, in 1887. To Mr. and Mrs. Moore seven children were born, namely: Mary Alice, now of West Liberty; Amanda and Ellen, twins, the former now the wife of William Bilby of Oklahoma, and the latter now Mrs. James Henderson of Wayne county, Iowa; Lydia Ann, the wife of Charles C. Croxen of Atalissa; Isabel, now Mrs. James C. Black; Adaline, who died at the age of twenty-four years; and George A., of West Liberty. One child, Arthur A., has come to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Black. He was born November 30, 1895, and is now a student in the West Liberty high school.

Politically Mr. Black is identified with the democratic party and fraternally he is a valued member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge of West Liberty. He and his family attend the Presbyterian church. He has been successful from the beginning of his business career, not having been obliged to pass through the fluctuations of fortune that fall to the lot of the majority of men. He possesses sound judgment, a genial disposition, and many other qualities that attract friends and is greatly esteemed by young and old in a section where his life has been as an open book for over half a century.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

GEORGE W. BLACK.

The owner of three jjroductive farms and thoroughly qualified by experience and ability to conduct successfully several lines of business, George VV. Black, of Goshen township, has shown unusual capacity as a man of affairs. He succeeds in anything he undertakes because he devotes to it the energy and judgment necessary for success.

Born in Muscatine county, January 30, 1859, he is a son of Arthur and Adaline M. (Anderson) Black, the former of whom was a native of Kentucky and the latter of Loudoun county, Virginia. They were married in Iowa City, January 18, 1853, and immediately afterward the father entered one hundred and sixty acres of land in Muscatine county, upon which he took up his residence, continuing there until his death, which occurred March 22, 1891. He was a resourceful man of laudable ambition and marked ability, and became the owner of three hundred and twenty acres in this county. The mother was called away January 24, 1893. There were four children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Black: Marcella, who died at the age of nine years; James C, now living retired at West Liberty; George W., the subject of this review; and Margaret J., now the wife of L. R. Moore, of Muscatine, Iowa.

George W. Black received his early education in the district schools and under the direction of his father became thoroughly familiar with the various details of agriculture and stock-raising. After arriving at manhood he continued as manager upon the home farm and engaged quite extensively in feeding and shipping stock. He continued to live upon the family homestead after his marriage, owning a half interest in the farm until 1897, when he took charge of a grain elevator at Atalissa, operating it with a high degree of success for ten years. However, he continued even more extensively in the occupation to which he had been reared, and about 1907 he purchased one hundred and twenty-four acres of land where he now lives. He is the owner of four hundred and sixteen acres in Muscatine and Cedar counties, a large part of which has been brought to a high degree of cultivation, so that he is enabled to secure the best results from his work. He is also identified with other interests and has been president of the Atalissa Savings Bank ever since its organization.

On the 20th of September, 1899, Mr. Black was united in marriage to Miss Margaret T. Moylan, who was born in Muscatine county, February 7, 1878, a daughter of Edward and Anna (Fitzpatrick) Moylan. The father was a native of Ireland and the mother of Cedar county, Iowa. They were married in Iowa City and are now living upon a farm of one hundred and fifty acres near that place. Mr. Moylan is a veteran of the Civil war, having served most creditably in the Thirty-fifth Iowa Volunteers. In his family were ten children: William Joseph, now engaged in the mercantile business at Muscatine; Minnie Helen, who is the wife of Thomas McCarthy, a hotel keeper of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; James, a resident of West Liberty; Margaret T., now Mrs. George W. Black; Frank J., also of West Liberty; Bessie, who died at the age of nineteen years and six months; and Henry A., Alice, Ralph P. and Gertrude, all of whom are living at home. Mr. and Mrs. Black have become the parents of two children: Helen A., born July 10, 1900; and [name withheld], born November 22, 1908.

Mr. Black is not identified with any religious denomination, but his wife is a valued member of the Catholic church. Politically he gives his earnest support to the democratic party and the esteem in which he is held by his neighbors is indicated by the fact that he served as mayor of Atalissa for six years. Socially he is a strong factor in the community and fraternally he is identified with the Masonic lodge at Atalissa. A man of clear perception, great energy and of sound judgment, he has gained leadership through his own innate business talents, and his example has been a powerful incentive to younger men. Few residents of Muscatine county understand the possibilities of this part of the state any better than he and in the estimation of his friends the future holds for him greater rewards than any he has yet gained.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

W. L. BLACK.

Among the native sons of IMuscatine county who have here attained an honorable name is W. L. Black, of Atalissa. He was born on a farm about two miles from Atalissa, July 27, 1866, and is a son of James and Margaret (Woods) Black. The father was born near Boone Lake, Kentucky, and, like many other ambitious citizens of that state, emigrated to Iowa, locating in 1854 in Muscatine county, where he engaged in farming for thirty-three years. In 1887 he removed to Audubon county, Iowa, where he lived until called to his final rest at the age of sixty-four years. In politics he was a democrat and assisted to the extent of his ability in advancing the interests of the party. He was a man of good character and devoted his entire Hfe to agricuUure and stock-raising. The mother of our subject was a native of Indiana, but was married in Muscatine county and is now Hving with a daughter at Kingfisher, Oklahoma.

W. L. Black was educated in the district schools of Pike township, Muscatine county, and grew up on the home farm, where he became thoroughly familiar with all the details of farm work. At twenty-two years of age he began to farm on his own account near Nichols, Iowa, removing in 1905 to a location south of Atalissa, where he remained for two years. Being attracted to mercantile pursuits, he took up his residence in Atalissa in 1907, and since that time has been engaged in the grain and coal business. He is the owner of the building in which the business is conducted and also of a handsome residence in Atalissa.

In February, 1888, Mr. Black was united in marriage to Miss Ruby Nicola, a resident of Nichols, Iowa. Three children have blessed this union. Homer, Elsie and Isabel, all of whom are living at home. Mr. Black has been successful both as a farmer and as a business man. Being quiet and unassuming, he has never sought notoriety nor courted public favor. He has won his way by the exercise of good judgment and sound discrimination and, possessing high character and laudable ambition, he has not made any serious mistakes. As a public-spirited citizen he willingly lends his aid to every worthy cause. He is a stanch adherent of the principles and candidates of the democratic party and fraternally is identified with the Masonic lodge of Nichols, the chapter of West Liberty, Iowa, and the Modem Woodmen of America.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.