"Adventures," admittedly, is stretching it --- but it has been interesting this week to rediscover the context of two small items in the Lucas County Historical Society collection.
Capt. Lyman Southard Huntley (1837-1926) was a New Hampshire native and Civil War veteran who arrived in Lucas County's Warren Township in 1865, farmed, represented his new home in the state legislature on a couple of occasions and generally flourished until his death at 88 during 1926,
His small silver cup has been on display in the A.J. Stephens House since about 1974, when it was donated by Mr. Huntley's granddaughter, Mary (Huntley) Larson, along with several other family items.
But we had no idea of what role the cup had played in the life of its original owner --- or so we thought.
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Then this week, while working through the alphabetical sequence in an archival binder of vintage photographs, I came across a tiny image of Mr. Huntley in Civil War uniform, also donated by Mary Larson.
I turned it over and there were two equally tiny hand-written notes on the back. One read, "put in the silver cup." And the other, "Lyman Huntley received this cup for the straightest furrow in a plowing match at Galena, Ohio, when he was 14."
That means the cup has been around since about 1851 and the photograph originally had been kept inside it.
We're not going to put the photo back in the cup --- not a healthy place for it. But now we can add an explainer that helps to put the cup into context.
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Here's more information about Mr. Huntley, courtesy of his obituary from The Chariton Herald-Patriot of Sept. 23, 1926.
Lyman S. Huntley, only son and youngest of three children of Sebra and Nancy Huntley, was born in Sullivan county, New Hampshire, November 27, 1837, and died at his home in Warren township, Lucas county, Iowa, September 17, 1926, aged 88 years, 9 months and 20 days.
His father died when he was one year old and he was adopted by Mr. and Mrs. William Clark, of Charleston, New Hampshire, with whom he grew to young manhood. He then came to Galena, Ohio, and commenced work for himself on a farm.
He was married March 26, 1860, to Mary E. Allen, who preceded him to the better world November 19, 1922. To this union were born five children: Willard A. and Frank S. who have gone before their parents, Clark W. on the home farm, Edith J. Brewer of Indianola, Iowa, and Mae E. Shaffer, of Chariton, all of whom were present during his last sickness. He also leaves eighteen grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
Mr. Huntley answered his country's call and enlisted as a volunteer in the 96th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, August 6, 1862, at Galena, Ohio. He was mustered in as a Sergeant and after three years service was mustered out as a Captain.
Soon after his discharge in 1865, he came to Iowa and settled on the farm where he has since lived.
For many years he has been an active member of the G.A.R. and of the Odd Fellows at Chariton, and has taken much interest in their work. He always took an active part in the affairs of the county and represented Lucas county in the 26th and 28th extra sessions of the Iowa Legislature.
He was always willing to do his full share and help in every way to build a better community life, and his great interest in the welfare of children is shown by his continuous service of over fifty years as school treasurer.
His was a life of service to everyone with whom he came in contact, and he received his greatest enjoyment by giving joy to others.
During his life he often expressed a willingness to meet his Lord, and during his last sickness many times expressed an anxious desire to be with his friends who have gone before, and for friends left behind, to meet him on the other side.
The funeral was held from the home, Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Frank Bean, and interment was made in the Chariton cemetery. A delegation of his comrades were present and with others, paid tribute at the grave.
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