William McCall

MCCALL

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 3/10/2009 at 11:32:08

William McCall, it would not be a complete history of Boone county if William McCall was not mentioned upon its pates, for fifty-five years have passed since he became a resident of this portion of the state. He came from Indiana in 1846, settling first in Dallas county, buy on April 7, 1847, took up his abode near Centertown, Boone county, where he secured a claim. From that time forward he has been a witness of the progress and improvement of this portion of the state.
Mr McCall was born in Rush county, Indiana, November 18, 1829, and is a son of Montgomery and Charlotte (McCane) McCall, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. In an early day the father removed to Indiana, where he made his home until he came to Boone county, Iowa. He entered here 400 acres of land from the government. On the tract not an improvement had been made or a furrow turned, but he located upon the place and at once began its development and cultivation. After two years, however, he retuned to Dallas county, Iowa where he conducted a gristmill and sawmill, carrying on business along those lines until his death, which occurred in 1855. His wife survived him for a number of years, passing away in Marcy township, Boone county, in 1872. In their family were nine children: Emily, the wife of Reuben S Clark, of Ray county, Missouri, Samuel B, who is living in Los Angeles, California, where he is in charge of the Soldiers’ Home of that state, William, of this review, Margaret M, who became the wife of J Bowles, but is now deceased, Martha, who has also passed away, Solomon, a resident farmer of Marcy township, John, who died in March 1902, Margaret, the wife of Samuel Parks, of Boonesboro, and James, who is living in Boone. All were educated in the common schools and thus acquired knowledge fitting them for the practical duties of business life.
William McCall of this review spent the first seventeen years of his life in his native state and at the usual age began his education here. He also worked upon the home farm and thus early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. At the age of seventeen he came with his parents to Iowa and in 1847 took up his abode in Boone county, where he secured a claim, residing thereon for eight years. He then removed to a place near his present home. After his marriage he entered land where the village of Moingona is located. This he cleared and made excellent improvements upon the property. Since that time he has resided continuously in this locality with the exception of one summer which he spent in Ray county, Missouri. He now owns 90 acres of land on Sec 12, Marcy township, adjoining the village of Moingona, and here ha a comfortable home. In connection with his son he is carrying on general farming and the united labors of the two result in the acquirement of a good competence.
Mr McCall was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Rose, a native of Ohio and a daughter of colonel John rose, and early resident of Marcy township, settling here in 1850. From that time forward he was identified with farming interests in this locality until his death. Unto Mr and Mrs McCall have been born two children: Charles Henry, who is residing in Boone, and William Wallace, who married Sarah J Sparks and resides upon the old homestead. He has two children: Roy and Florie.
In his political affiliations Mr McCall is a Democrat and fraternally he is connected with the Masonic Lodge of Moingona and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of that place. He represents one of the oldest families in this part of the state and deserves great credit for the work he has accomplished in laying the foundation for the present prosperity and development of Boone county. He was familiar with the hardships and trials of pioneer life and it is but justice that he now enjoys the fruits of his former toil and has become the possessor of a comfortable home in which to spend the evening of his life. He has reached the age of seventy-three years and all along life’s journey he has won and retained the friendship and respect of those with whom he has been associated.

1902 Boone County History Book