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LEVI C. EGGLESTON, who owns and operates a good farm of two hundred and twelve acres in Eden and Big Grove townships, was born in Potsdam, St. Lawrence county, New York, September 1, 1849; he is a son of Walter and Sarah Ann (Goodrich) Eggleston. Walter Eggleston traded for fifty-two acres in section 18, Eden township, now owned by his son L. C. For some time he was practically retired from active life on account of poor health, and the farm was carried on by his two sons, L. C. and 0. F. Walter Eggleston was born in Vermont, on the shores of Lake Champlain, October 13, 1802, and died December 9, 1890, at his farm in Benton county, Iowa. He was reared in the state of New York and followed farming until compelled by ill health to retire, many years prior to his decease. He married, June 8, 1830, in New York, Sarah A. Goodrich, born September 30, 1811, at Charlotte, Vermont, and died June 19, 1901; she was a member of the Presbyterian church. In 1858 Mr. Eggleston and his wife removed to Cook county, Illinois, where they remained until 1864, the date of their location in Benton county. They had eight children, of whom but two survive, L. C. and 0. F.
0. F. Eggleston served two years in Company I, of the Ninth Iowa Infantry, in the Civil war, being discharged on account of disability. He has followed the trade of carpenter most of his life, and now makes his home with his brother.
L. C. Eggleston came to Benton county with his parents in 1864, and he has made practically all the present fine improvements on the home farm, and has added one hundred and sixty acres to the original farm. He takes a keen interest in the conduct of the place, and has been very successful. For many years he has taken an active part in political affairs, and has served three years as bridge commissioner of the county, as well as in several township and school offices. Since attaining his majority he has always held some public office. Mr. Eggleston is a member of the Knights of Pythias of Vinton, and of the Pythian Sisters.
Mr. Eggleston married (first) November 23, 1873, Hattie L. Sanders, who died August 15, 1899, aged forty-six years. She was born in Indiana and accompanied her family in childhood to Benton county. They had eight children. Edward G., born August 31, 1874, has until recently served as deputy treasurer of Benton county; Leonard LeBoy, born November 30, 1875, is now in California; Fannie May, born May 17, 1877, is the wife of Marshall Beller, of Eden township, and has four children; Bertha Ann, born December 23, 1878, is the wife of Morris McNie, of Polk township, and has one daughter; Ruth D., born April 20, 1881, is the wife of Paul Ward, of Big Grove township, and has two children; Delia L., born August 14, 1882, is the wife of Glen Van Nice, of Jackson township, and has three children; Dora Ett, born December 11, 1883, became the wife of Wilbur Robinson and is deceased; and Lewis Earl, born December 4, 1888, lives at home. Mr. Eggleston married (second), June 4, 1902, Irene, daughter of George Leverich, deceased. She is a member of the Presbyterian church.
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