Edward Stacy

CALDWELL, DURHAM, SMITH, FISHER, HONORA, BOATMAN

Posted By: Norma Nielson
Date: 10/9/2019 at 15:30:54

EDWARD STACY
One of the highly respected citizens of Bridgewater is Edward Stacy, who is identified with various organizations and forces which are recognized as uplifting influences in the community. Moreover, he is a progressive and successful business man, being proprietor of the Stacy House, in connection with which he operates a large livery barn and is also engaged in the milling business. What he has accomplished represents the fit utilization of the innate powers and talents which are his.
Mr. Stacy was born in England, March 15, 1847, a son of Charles and Elizabeth (Caldwell) Stacy, both of whom were also natives of that country. The father passed away there, after which the mother came to America, spending her last days in this country. She had five children, and when she came to the new world she brought four of them with here, leaving Edward with an uncle in England, with whom he remained until 1866, when his mother sent an older son for him, she furnishing the money to pay their passage.
Edward Stacy established his home in Hardin county, Iowa, and in the spring of 1881 removed to Adair county, where he worked as his trade as a miller. For three years he operated what was known as the Durham mill, and he also owned a farm in Eureka township. Eventually, however, he sold that property and bought another farm in Washington township. He afterward disposed of it and became the owner of a tract of one hundred and thirty-four acres in Bridgewater township, which is well improved. In the spring of 1885 he removed to Bridgewater, where he built a hotel called the Stacy House. He has since successfully managed this hotel, making it a popular hostelry by reason of the excellent table which he sets and the earnest effort which he puts forth to insure the comfort of his guests. He also owns a large livery barn and is yet engaged in the milling business, owning and operating a well equipped mill in Bridgewaer. His various business interests are bringing him good return. Diligence is one of his strong characteristics and industry and determination are numbered among his salient traits.
On the 4th of July, 1868, Mr. Stacy was united in marriage to Miss Ada V. Durham a native of New York and a daughter of Cummings and Amelia (Smith) Durham, who were also born in the Empire state. In 1866 they removed to Minnesota and a short time later came to Iowa, living in this state, however, for but a brief period and then taking up their abode in Kansas, where their remaining days were passed. Mr. and Mrs. Stacy are the parents of four children, as follows: Minnie May, the wife of John Fisher, of California; Honor Honora, who is a professional nurse residing in Colorado; William W., who lives on his father’s farm in Bridgewater township; and Matilda J., who gave her hand in marriage to William Boatman, formerly of Iowa but now living in Colorado.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Stacy are members of the Christian church, in which he is serving as one of the trustees. In politics he is a democrat but he does not hesitate to cast a ballot in support of a candidate of another party if his judgment dictates this to be a wise course. He has served on the school board and as road supervisor and he is a member of the Odd Fellows lodge of Bridgewater. Mr. Stacy has made a very comfortable fortune since coming to Iowa and has never had occasion to regret his determination to leave his native land and seek the opportunities of the new world. Here he has gradually worked his way upward and the success he has achieved is the direct and merited reward of his persistent energy and his well defined and carefully executed plans.