Henry L Moyers

MOYERS

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 3/20/2009 at 00:23:33

Henry L Moyers, who is living on Sec 24, Worth township, was born in Botetourt county, Virginia, October 20, 1834 and is a son of Cary A and Susan (Locket) Moyers, who were also natives of the Old Dominion, in which state they were reared and married. About 1840 they removed to Indiana, settling in Putnam county, where the father secured land and improving and excellent farm and rearing his family thereon. It continued to be the home of both himself and wife until they were called to their final reset and in the community they had a wide acquaintance, while many friends esteemed them for their sterling worth.
Henry L Moyers spent the greater part of his youth in Putnam county upon the old homestead which he had aided in clearing, assisting his father in the arduous task of developing a new farm upon the frontier. He remained at home until his marriage which occurred October 12, 1854, in Clay county, when he was in his twentieth years. He wedded Elizabeth Clark, who was born August 12, 1834, in Clay county and a daughter of John and M Clark. The young couple began their domestic life upon a rented farm in Putnam county, which continued to be their place of abode for several years. The young wife carefully attended to the duties of the household, while the husband worked I the fields form the time of the early spring planting until the crops were harvested it in late autumn. In 1860 he came to Iowa, thinking that he might have better business opportunities in this state, then less thickly populated. Boone county was his destination. He had previously had 80 acres entered for him from the government. He rented a farm which he operated for two years and then purchased 40 acres of land on Sec 28,. This lay along the river and on it he made his home for a short time. Building a cabin, clearing a little of the land and farming it, while at the same time operating his present farm and making habitable. He first built a shanty here and with characteristic energy began breaking the fields and fencing the place. As the years passed great was the improvement accomplished and the little cabin home was replaced by a good substantial house, though small in proportion. He lived in it for some time, then built his present commodious residence. He has also built good barns, corn cribs, granaries and has made a very valuable farm. In addition to the home property, on Sec 23, Worth township he likewise owns a well improved place of 160 acres in Colfax township.
Mr Moyers lost his wife on October 5, 1895, and she was laid to rest in Clark cemetery. She had been a faithful companion and helpmate to him on life’s journey and her loss was deeply mourned, not only by her immediate family but also by many friends. Seven children were born of the marriage: Francis P who is now a substantial stock dealer and farmer of Luther, John a also a successful business man of Boone, Albert E who makes his home in Monona county, Iowa, and Zelda the wife of James Curtis Kintzley, who is operating one of the farms belonging to her father. Alice, Alma, Minnie May and an infant son have passed away.
Although Mr Moyers has never sought or desired office he has always been a stanch Democrat in his political views, never wavering in his allegiance to the party in whose principles he has firm faith. He first voted for James Buchanan in 1856. Among pioneer settlers of the county he is numbered and the history of up building and development here has been familiar to him through 42 years. Mr Moyers deserves great credit for what he has accomplished as he started out in life on his own account a poor young man. He had absolutely no capital, but he realized that diligence and energy are important factors in winning success in the business world and with these qualities to serve as a foundation upon which to rear success he has steadily advanced and it today the owner of three valuable farms. Difficulties an obstacles he has encountered, but with resolute spirit he has overcome these and has at all times commanded the respect and confidence of his associates and acquaintances by reason of his honorable dealing.

1902 Boone County History Book