John T Alban

ALBAN

Posted By: County Coordinator (email)
Date: 5/13/2010 at 16:38:09

John T Alban, the period of whose residence in Boone county covers nearly a half century, is now living retired in Pilot Mound and is widely recognized as one of the prominent and respected citizens of the community. His birth occurred in England in March 1840, his parents being Thomas and Margaret Alban, likewise natives of that country. The father an agriculturist by occupation, emigrated to the United States in an early day. Locating Michigan, where he operated a farm for four years and them passed away in 1853. The demise of his wife occurred the following year.
John T Alban acquired his education largely in Michigan. In 1861 when a young man of twenty-one years. He enlisted for service in the Union army as a member of Company F, Second Illinois Cavalry, remaining with that command for four years and five months and making a highly creditable military record. After the war he took up his abode in Lyon, Clinton county, Iowa securing employment as engineer in a sawmill. In 1867 he came to Boone county and here operated a sawmill for three years, on the expiration of which period he purchased a tract of land in Pilot Mound township. He at once began clearing and improving the property and continued its operation successfully until 1892, when he took up his abode in Pilot Mound and for six years was engaged in the grain business. For the past sixteen years he has lied retired, enjoying the fruits of his former toil in well earned ease.
In November 1868, Mr Alban was joined in wedlock to Mrs Mary Scott, nee Petty, a daughter of Zacharia and Lucinda (Runyan) Petty, who were natives of Indiana and became pioneer settlers of this county. Mr Petty who carried on general agricultural pursuits here for many years, passed away in 1866, while his wife was called to her final rest in 1889. Mr and Mrs Alban became the parents of five children, as follows: Hattie, who passed away o September 5, 1908, W C a resident of Des Moines, Iowa, Roy who makes his home in Boone, Arthur of Pilot Mound, and Harry L of Mitchell, South Dakota. The demise of the wife and mother occurred on September 5, 1907, at the end of a year’s illness. Mr Alban enjoys a wide acquaintance in the community which has so long been his home, and his strongly marked characteristics are such as commend him to the trust and friendship of his fellowmen.

1914 Boone County History Book