B.D., who was born in Wayne County, Ky., was one of the first settlers of Rock Creek Township, Jasper County, Iowa. According to one relative, the family arrived on Sept. 8, 1868, on daughter Eliza's third birthday. He and his family are buried at Rock Creek Cemetery.

In the photo taken of him in younger days, he is swimming in an ill-fitting suit; early portrait photographers often had racks of clothes for their subjects who couldn't afford such attire.