General Notes

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1840 Van Buren County, Iowa Census:

Joseph Tally
1 Male    20-29     1811-1820 Joseph
1 Female  20-29     1811-1820 Lydia
1 Male    5-9  1831-1835 William
1 Female  5-9  1831-1835 Lucy
1 Male    0-4  1836-1840 John

The only 2 other Talley/Tally families, in Iowa in 1840 are John and William.  Both are living in adjoining counties to Joseph.  As Joseph names his 1st 2 sons William and John, it is assumed they are related in some way.

In the 1880 Census, Joseph states that both parents were born in Virginia.  Also, in the 1880 census, Elizabeth,  listed as wife, is with Joseph.  Did Joseph remarry?  Elizabeth born about 1815 in Pennsylvania. In an 1881 history of Marion County, Iowa, mention is made of Mr. & M rs.Tally, members of the Methodist Church.  In "Pioneers of Marion County",published 1872, Tally's Ford is noted as being the crossing on the Des Moines River.  The history tells of their generosity and aid to the early settlers.  The history goes on to say that the Tally's present residence is in Decatur County.  In the same book, Mr. Alexander May tells of his wife who " borrowed" a meal at Joseph Tally's on the north side of the Des Moines River.  In another histo ry, "Proud Mahaska", Joseph Tally was licensed March 11, 1846 to keep a ferry at a point called Tally's Ford. Rates were:

2 horses & wagon    371/2 cents
4 horses & wagon    50 cents
1 man & horse  183/4 cents
1 horse        10 cents
cattle, per head    08 cents
sheep & hogs, per head   05 cents
footman        10 cents

This history also states that Joseph Talley was one of the 1st settlers of Mahaska County, arriving shortly after 1843.  Joseph filed his claim near river.  There is an article on the "Ta ly Raid" involving a George Tally and his probable cousin Bill.