RECALLS HISTORY OF DAVID EXLINE

EXLINE, FARNSWORTH, WEST, MIKELS

Posted By: Alice & Wayne Daniels
Date: 2/22/2003 at 15:57:37

EARLY PIONEER STORIES

RECALLS HISTORY OF DAVID EXLINE

GRANDAUGHTER, MRS. A. L. FARNSWORTH, TELLS OF EARLY CALDWELL TWP. RESIDENT

Mrs. A. L. Farnsworth remembers a great many things that happened in the latter years of her grandfather, David Exline's life. Also has considerable knowledge of his early life.

In her possession is a picture taken of the late Mr. Exline sitting in a chair in front of his store, with him a Mr.George West, of Keokuk, Ia., the first traveling salesman to come to Exline.

Mr. Exline was born in Jackson county, Ohio, on August 27, 1826 and came to Iowa in 1865 and settled near Orleans, in this county a little north of Moulton, about as year later he moved to a farm east of Exline near the Robley Mill, in what is known as Coal Hollow, where the mill, a store and the Royal coal mine were located. He purchased an interest in the mill and store, but later sold out and moved to the present site of Exline and engaged in farming and also opened up a store.

Shortly after the building of the railroad he laid out the town which still bears his name. In the first place there was some indecision as to just what the town should be called. For a time it was called Caldwell, also Summit, but finally named Exline.

Mr. Exline's store and lumber yard were located on Main street, where the Dudley store building now stands. His dwelling house was near by and is still in use, being occupied by the David Mikels family.

He continued to run his store until about four years before his death which occurred in his 87th year.

A peculiar coincidence is the fact that David, 87, and his brother Edward, age 83, of Udell, died the same day.


1870 Census Aug 18; Caldwell TWP; Unionville, pg 366 B; roll 375 Book 1

David Exline 43 farmer OH
Sarah 41 PA
Milton 18 OH
Harriett 16 OH
William A. 14 OH
Mary A. 12 OH
John 9 OH
George 8 OH
Joseph E. 4 IA
Benjamin F. 1 IA
Isaac 68 farmer VA