William Myrtle Boone

BOONE

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 3/11/2009 at 14:58:12

William Myrtle Boone who is now living a retire life in the home of his daughter, Mrs Page, on Sec 14, Worth township, was for many years a thrifty and enterprising farmer owning and operating 160 acres of land. He came to Boone county in the fall of 1851, finding here a district situated upon the frontier while pioneer conditions existed throughout the county. He was born in Harrison county, Indiana, on the banks of the Ohio river, May 30, 1822, and is a son of Squire Boone and a grandson of Moses Boone both natives of Kentucky. The latter’s father was also named Squire Boone and was a brother of the noted pioneer explorer. Daniel Boone, who led the way into the wilds of the Blue Grass state. The father of our subject was reared to manhood in Kentucky and was married there to Phebe Rissler, who was born in Virginia and was reared in Kentucky. In that state the father carried on agricultural pursuits for a number of years and then moved across the Ohio river into Indiana, where he again developed a new farm. In 1852 he came to Iowa, settling in Worth township, Boone county. Here he purchased land and with the aid of his sons again improved a new farm upon which he spent his last years. For several years prior to his death he was a resident of Boonesboro. His wife died there and he then went to live with hi son, William M, with who he remained until his death which occurred December 5, 1879. When he was eight-five yeas of age. He was twice married and by the first union had two daughters and four sons. William M was the eldest of this family. There are two sons and one daughter living., the brother, Tyler Boone, being one of the substantial farmers and well known citizens of Worth township. The sister, Mrs Elizabeth Williams, is a widow living in Madrid.
William M Boone was reared in Putnam county, Indiana, and assisted his father in the arduous task of developing a new farm. He remained with his father until he had attained his majority and then took charge of the old home place which he conducted for ten years. He was married in Putnam county, in 1841, to Miss Nancy Parker, a native of Kentucky. In the fall of 1851 he came to Iowa and settled near old Boonesboro, in Boone county. There he purchased a claim of 240 acres and when the land came into the market entered it form the government and secured his title. After raising one crop he rented his land for a number of years and subsequently traded it for land in Worth township in order to be near his father and attend to the business interests of his parents. He then cultivated and improved a new farm of 160 acres, built good residences upon it, operated the fields, planted fruit trees and made valuable additions to the place which transformed it into a model farm of the period. There he continued to carry on agricultural pursuits with signal success until 1896. On January 1, of that years, his wife passed away and he then rented the farm, but previous to this time he had given portions of it to his children and aided all of them to get a start in life by making a gift of a farm to each.
Unto Mr and Mrs Boone were born nine children, two of whom died in infancy. Alice is the wife of Thomas Page, now of Luther, Edward M is a resident of Wyoming, Jessie P is also living in Luther, Virgil is a resident farmer of Worth township, Matilda is the wife of Wesley Page, a substantial agriculturist of Worth township, Laura is the wife of James W Wayne, also a farmer of Worth township, and Oliver P follows agricultural pursuits in this county.
In the early life Mr Boone of this review voted with the old Whig party and upon its dissolution he joined the ranks of the new Republican party at its organization and cast his ballot for John C Fremont in 1856. Hi has since voted for each presidential candidate of the party, never wavering in his allegiance to the principles in which he so firmly believes. He has never sought or desired office, preferring that his attention shall be given to his business affairs. Fifty-one years have passed since his arrival in Iowa more than half a century, and great changes have occurred during this long period. The most farsighted could not have imagined, much less dreamed of the present flourishing condition of the county, ranking to day among the leading counties of this great commonwealth. He has seen Boone grown from a mere hamlet to one of the leading cities of the state, has witnessed the introduction of the railroads, bringing the county into close communication with other portions of this land, saw the wild prairies reclaimed for purposes of civilization, while roads were constructed and homes were built and churches and schools indicated the moral and educational status of the community. Mr Boone has endorse every movement for the benefit of the county and is well known throughout this section of the state as man whose life has ever been honorable and upright, his example being well worthy of emulation by his children and grandchildren. He has many friends throughout this portion of Iowa who will be glad to see his record in the history of Boone county.

1902 Boone County History Book