William H Raybourn

RAYBOURN

Posted By: County Coordinator (email)
Date: 5/22/2010 at 20:09:40

William H Raybourn early became identified with the development and prosperity of Boone county and was for many years regarded as one of the leading farmers of Cass township, but is now practically living retired in Woodward. He was born in Kentucky on October 17, 1837, and is a son of John and Mary (Mathias) Raybourn, also natives of that state. In 1838 the family removed to Indiana and settled in Marion county, where they made their home until 182, which year witnessed their arrival in Iowa. The journey was made across the country by wagon and hey settled in Albia, Monroe county, where the father died in 1853. Shortly afterward, in the same year, the mother and children removed to Polk county, this state, and she purchased a tract of 40 acres near Madrid, which our subject cultivated for some time. In 1857 they came to Boone county, and here he secured a quarter section of land on section 6, Cass township. At that time the majority of the settlers were living along the Des Moines river and conditions in this locality were still very primitive. In connection with general farming Mr Raybourn of this review gave considerable attention to the raising of stock, and as time passed he prospered in his undertakings and became one of the well to do men of his community. After his children were grown he sold his farm and purchased a home in Madrid, where he resided for three years, and at the end of that time disposed of his property there and removed to Woodward. Here he has a nice residence, well furnished and is surrounded by all the comforts of life.
Mr Raybourn’s mother died in Indiana and of the ten children in the family only two now survive. Eight were born in Kentucky and two in Indiana. In order of birth they were as follows: Mrs Elizabeth Stoops, David, Mrs Mary Ann Bevans, Theodore, Mrs Catharine Jennings, Mrs Melinda Watt and Mrs Amanda Wright, all deceased, William H of this review, Mrs Eliza Jane Brockston, deceased, and Mrs Missouri Copeland, who resides in Illinois.
William H Raybourn was married in Polk county, Iowa, in 1857 to Miss Lydia M Harvey, a native of Indiana, who died in Woodward in 1909. Her parents were Henderson and Sarah (Riinker) Harvey, who died in Marcy township, this county. Her father was a native of Scotland. Mr and Mrs Raybourn became parents of five children, namely: Francis M now a resident of Colorado, Mrs Sarah Isabelle Adams, of Pilot Mound, Iowa and Harvey H, Joseph and Charles all three of California.
Mr Raybourn is an earnest and consistent member of the Christian church to which his wife also belonged. His political support is given the republican party, and he served as road supervisor in Cass township, but has never taken a very active part in public affairs, preferring to give his undivided attention to his business interests. He is an upright, reliable business man and in every relation of life has been found true to any trust reposed in him.

1914 Boone County History Book