William Thomas Lloyd



James and Mary (Johnston) Lloyd

William Thomas Lloyd owns three hundred and forty acres of fine farming land in Linton township and by constantly following the most progressive and practical methods in its cultivation has surrounded himself with an enviable degree of prosperity. Upon this property he has resided since his childhood but was born at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, June 12, 1870, a son of James and Mary (Johnston) Lloyd, natives of Ireland, the mother born in West Meath and the father in County Cork. When a young man the latter crossed the Atlantic to America and for a time worked in the employ of others in New York city, later going to New Jersey and thence to Chicago, where he arrived in the fall of 1866. He became connected with the St. Paul railroad and an idea as to his worth, reliability and capability can be gained from the fact that with only nine other men he was held over during the winter when all others were discharged, simply because their employer, a Mr. Lawler, had recognized their ability for the work for which he had them selected. Mr. Lloyd then became connected with the Chicago station of the St. Paul road and ran his first train from Madison, Wisconsin, to Prairie du Chien, where he was made yardmaster, a position which he held until 1871. In that year he moved to Iowa, having purchased a farm in Linton township, and this property he began to clear and improve, engaging in agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred February 2, 1910. His wife survives him and makes her home with the subject of this review.

William T. Lloyd acquired his education in the district schools of Linton township, having been one year old when his parents removed to this part of Iowa. He was reared upon his father’s farm and in his youth learned the best agricultural methods by assisting his father with the operation of the homestead. Upon reaching maturity he assumed entire charge of the property and after his father’s death succeeded to it, making it by his able management one of the finest and most productive in this vicinity. He owns three hundred and forty acres and here carries on general farming and stock-raising, both branches of his enterprise being extensive and important. He is a stockholder in the Cooperative Creamery of Waterville and in the Farmers Cooperative Telephone Company of Paint Creek and his ability is recognized and respected in business circles.

On the 6th of June, 1899, Mr. Lloyd was united in marriage to Miss Katherine Kane, who was born in Boston, Massachusetts, September 6, 1880, an adopted daughter of William Hart. She was brought to Allamakee county when she was less that seven years of age and grew to womanhood here. Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd became the parents of five children: John Joseph, who was born May 21, 1900; Mary Lillian, born May 28, 1901; James Leo, born March 13, 1903; William Searle, born June 15, 1908, who died July 7, 1908; and Frances Mallick, born April 6, 1910, who died September 17, 1912.

Mr. Lloyd’s religious views are in accord with the doctrines of the Roman Catholic church and his political allegiance is given to the democratic party. His long residence in this township, extending from his infancy to the present time, has made him widely known and his many sterling traits of character have won him the respect of his neighbors and friends.

-source: Past & Present in Allamakee County; by Ellery M. Hancock; S. J. Clarke Pub. Co.; 1913
-transcribed by Linda Earnheart

Return to index