J W Brittain

BRITTAIN

Posted By: County Coordinator (email)
Date: 5/11/2010 at 14:14:24

Beautiful “Fairview” is the home of J W Brittain. The place is situated in Dodge township, and the home stands upon a knoll, commanding a splendid view of the surrounding country. In fact on can look for miles over the district and take in the details of the farm of 260 acres, which devoted to the raising of crops and stock is one of the best improved properties of Boone county. Here Mr Brittain resides, carefully controlling his business interests, and his success is the result of close application, sound judgment and unfaltering enterprise.
A native of Pennsylvania, J W Brittain was born in Lucerne county, December 29, 1848, a son of Jacob and Cassandra (Myers) Brittain. The father as of English descent and was a son of Joseph Brittain, who was reared upon Long Island, where his father had settled on coming form England to the new world. Jacob Britain, who was born December 27, 1813 passed away on January 3, 1871. His wife, who was born in 1818 survived him for over twenty-two yeas, dying March 1893.
J W Brittain was reared in the Keystone state and when a young ma of twenty-five years came, in 1873 to Boone county, upon a visit to his uncle. He did not remain at that time but after two yeas returned and for ten years was a member of his uncle’s family. Upon the death of his uncle he purchased the farm and has since made his home thereon. He is now the owner of 260 acres of rich and valuable land that responds readily to the care and labor he bestows upon it. He is regarded as a successful agriculturist and stock raiser. His methods of tilling the soil and caring of the crops are progressive and he keeps on hand high grades of stock for which he finds a ready sale upon the market. His farm is one of the most pleasing and attractive features in the landscape, and his is one of the most beautiful in his section of the county. It is large an commodious built in modern style of architecture, is tastefully furnished and moreover is a most hospitableness, so that it is a favorite resort with the many friends of the family.
In 1882 Mr Brittain was united in marriage to Miss Elnora A Gibbons, who was born in Boone county in 1859. Her parents were John H and Sarah A (Moore) Gibbons, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Pennsylvania. They removed westward to Boone county in 1855, and four years later their daughter Elnora was born. Two children were born unto Mr and Mrs Brittain, but both died in early childhood during an epidemic of diphtheria. Mr and Mrs Brittain are widely and favorably known and have a large circle of war friends. For fifteen years Mr Brittain filled the office of township trustee, his long continuance in that position indicating his capability and fidelity. For about forty-one years he has lived in this county and has a wide acquaintance. He is accounted a worthy representative of the best class of citizens and is a recognized leader in agricultural progress.

1914 Boone County History Book