Franklin Dolloff

DOLLOFF

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 3/12/2009 at 12:24:43

Franklin Dolloff, Thirty-six year shave passed since Franklin Dolloff arrived in Boone. IN the fall of 1866 he came to this county in in the intervening period he has become widely known as a progressive and reliable citizen. He is now living a retired life at his pleasant home, No 709 West Fifth street. Almost half the width of the continent separates him from his birthplace, the town of Meredith, New Hampshire, where he first opened his eyes to the light of day on September 7, 1822. In 1824 the family removed to Vermont, settling in the town of Sutton, in Caledonia county, where our subject grew to mature years early becoming familiar with the work of the home farm in all its departments. When he had attained to man’s estate he returned to New Hampshire and secured employment in the cotton factory in Manchester where he continued for seven years. IN the fall of 1849, attracted by the discovery of gold in California, he made a trip to that state, going by vessel around Cape Horn and through the Pacific ocean to San Francisco. In the spring of 1850 he made his way to the mines in search of the precious metal. He engaged in prospecting to a certain extent and was fairly prosperous in this business ventures in the far west. He the returned by way of the Panama route to New York city and New Hampshire.
IN the spring of 1853 Mr Dolloff was married in Canaan, New Hampshire to Miss Sarah Derby, who was born and reared in the old Granite state. With his bride he then removed to Lawrence, Massachusetts, where he built a home and began housekeeping. While there he accepted a position of night watchman in the cotton mills, Serving in that capacity for two years. He then sold his property in New England, and removed to the west located in Rockton, Winnebago county, Illinois, where he purchased a farm, devoting his energies to agricultural pursuits for two years. He then again disposed of his property and became a resident of Rock county, Wisconsin, where he was engaged in farming until 1864, when, feeling that his duty was to his country he joined the army at Janesville, becoming a member of Company I, Forty-fourth Wisconsin Infantry. He then proceeded south to Tennessee, joining his regiment at Nashville, where the command was held in reserved during the last battle in that vicinity. Later, he was engaged in patrol and picket duty, also participating in some skirmishes, continuing at the front until after the cessation of hostilities and the establishment of peace relations between the two divisions of the country. He was then mustered out and honorably discharged at Paducah, Kentucky, in September 1865.
Immediately afterward Mr Dolloff returned tot his home, rejoining his family in Janesville, Wisconsin. IN the spring of 1866 he came to Iowa, establishing his home in Boonesboro, where he purchased a lot and erected a good, comfortable residence. He was variously employed, accepting any occupation that would bring him a sufficient return in order that he might provide for himself and family. He was with the street railway company for twenty years, having the supervision of the track, his duty being to see that it was always in good repair, he also served as janitor of public schools for about twelve years and for seven years he worked for the street commissioners on the sidewalks. He is now living a retired life and makes his home with one of his daughters. In September 1901, he lost his wife, who in that month was called to her final rest, leaving him very lonely. They were the parents of four children, of whom two are living. Nellie is the wife of Robert Fullerton, a business man of Boone. They reside with Mr Dolloff caring for his home and bringing into it all the sunshine possible since the death of the loving wife and mother. The other living daughter is Bessie, now the wife of L D Leland, a well known commercial man residing at Boone. They have four children: Frank, Bertha, Rhoda May and Sarah. Mr Dolloff lost two children: Lydia, who grew to mature years and became the wife of L D Leland and at her death left two children. Nellie who is now one of the successful teachers of Boone county, And Clyde, who occupies pa position in the business world of Boone. The only son in the Dolloff family was David L who reached mature years, passing away when he was about thirty-two years of age.
In politics Mr Dolloff has long been identified with the Republican party, having given its support thereto since John C Fremont became its first candidate in 1856. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic, being identified with the post in Boone, and has served as its chaplain for the past ten years. Since 1892 he has received a pension of twelve dollars per month. He has led an exemplary life, Being a man of correct habits, honest and unassuming, honored as an early settler, as a loyal citizen and a gentleman of sterling worth as well as a veteran of the Civil War who fought for the unction during the dark hour in our country’s history. He has now reached the age of eighty years, a venerable and respected man, well deserving mentioning the history of his adopted county where he has made his home through more than a third of a century.

1902 Boone County History Book