Joseph A Sifrit

SIFRIT

Posted By: County Coordinator (email)
Date: 5/8/2010 at 17:37:18

Joseph A Sifrit, who for twenty-nine years has made his home on his present farm on section 7 Beaver township, was born in Woodford county, Illinois May 5, 1855, a son of Michael and Susanna (Newland) Sifrit, both of whom were natives of Ohio. On leaving that state they came to Boone county, Iowa in 1851, but only remained for about a year, removing at the end of that time to Woodford county, Illinois, where the father purchased land and operated his farm until 1869. He then sold out and went to Coles county, Illinois and afterward became a resident of Cumberland county, that state, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits until 1874. He then returned to Boone county, where he carried on farming for some time. Later he retired and made his him with his children thorough his remaining days, death calling him on May 28, 1906. He had long survived his wife who passes away on April 21, 1882.
Joseph A Sifrit was reared and educated in Illinois and remained in his parents, or made his home with them, until twenty-four years of age. In the meantime he earned his living by working a s a farm hand in the employ of others, but he was ambitious to improve his own financial condition and began renting land in Dallas county. This he operated for a number of years, or until 1885, when he purchased his present farm of 80 acres of section 7, Beaver township. This he also set about improving has operated the place continuously since. It is not difficult to conjecture what manner of man Mr Sifrit is when we notice his place and see its well kept appearance. The fields give promise of abundant harvests, and everything about the farm is kept in good condition. He also owns 40 acres of land on section 19, Beaver township, and his wife is the owner of 80 acres in Dallas county.
On February 28, 1881, Mr Sifrit was untied in marriage to Miss Mary E Halley a daughter of George W and Christina (Staley) Halley, who were natives of Ohio and on coming to Iowa cast in their lot with the pioneer settlers of Jackson county in 1853. There the father engaged in the practice of veterinary surgery until 1871, when he removed to Dallas county, where he continued to practice until his death. He was accidentally killed by being thrown from a cart while breaking a colt, his neck being broken. This was in September, 1907. For more than ten years he had survived his wife, who passed away December 28, 1896. To Mr and Mrs Sifrit was born an child who died in infancy in 1882.
In his political views Mr Sifrit is a prohibitionist, for he believes that the question of the sale and manufacture of alcoholic liquors is one of the most important before the country today. His religious faith is that of the Baptist church, and his life exemplifies many high and honorable principles. He is esteemed whoever known and most of all where he is best known.

1914 Boone County History