Abner Lycurgus Harlow

HARLOW

Posted By: County Coordinator (email)
Date: 5/27/2010 at 14:17:19

In taking up the personal history of Abner Lycurgus Harlow we present to our readers the life record of one who was well and favorably known in Boone county for many years and who by his quiet and well spent life contributed to the development, improvement and up building of the section in which he lived. He was born in Cass township on October 31, 1860, and was but forty-six years of age when he passed away in Woodward on January 5, 1907. He was a brother of Charles D and A M Harlow, both of whom are mentioned elsewhere in this volume.
The experiences in the early life of Abner L Harlow were those which usually fall to the lot of the farm boy. In the public schools he acquired his education, and his business training was received under the direction of his father until he started out in life on his own account. Turning his attention to farming and stock raising, he won a substantial measure of success in that direction and for a time was interested with his brother in the lumber business in Woodward. In 1886, however, he returned to the farm and concentrated his energies upon the work of the fields through the succeeding twelve years, the result of his labors being manifest in the large crops which he annually harvested and which brought him a substantial financial return In 1898 he removed with his family to Woodward but later they returned to the farm for a short time. Again they took up their abode in Woodward and Mr Harlow retired from active business, his death occurring soon afterward.
It was in Cass township, December 16, 1885, that Mr Harlow wedded Miss Eva Patrick, who was born in Union county, Ohio, September 7, 1867, and in 1884, came to Iowa with her parents, the family home being established in Woodward, Dallas county, where the family has since been represented. Her father, Harmon Patrick, was born in Union county, Ohio, February 12, 1840, and died at Woodward on June 25, 1897. Her mother who bore the maiden name of Lovina Severs was a native of Knox county, Ohio, born October 1, 1839. She makes he home with her daughter Mrs Harlow, in Woodward. The Patrick’s were pioneers of Ohio. Three children were born unto Harmon and Lovina (Severs) Patrick, tow sons and a daughter. David, who was born December 25, 1859, died in Ohio in 1862, Jefferson who was born November 15, 1863, and passed away in 1870, and Mrs Harlow of this review, who by her marriage also became the mother of three children: Britt P who was born in Peoples township, July 8, 1888, and now resides on the home farm in Cass township, Howard H who was born October 24, 1889 and Opal who was born in Woodward, Iowa, September 14, 1901, and is attending high school in Woodward. The second son Howard H Harlow is one of the progressive young farmer so Boone county. He owns and cultivates 240 acres of choice land in Cass township and has his place splendidly improved according to modern standards. He has brought his land to a high state of cultivation, and the result of his labors is seen in his excellent crops. The neat and thrifty appearance of his place constitutes his farm one of the attractive features of the landscape. Moreover, he is willing to bear his part in worthy public enterprises. Fraternally he is connected with Peaceful Lodge, No 454, A F & A M of Woodward. In politics he is a democrat but has neither the time nor the inclination for office. He has served as school director, and the cause of religion as well as that of education finds in him a warm friend, as is indicated by his membership in the Woodward Methodist Episcopal church.
The father, Abner L Harlow was likewise a member of Peaceful Lodge, No 454, A F & A M, of Woodward, and the Modern Woodmen Camp at that place. His sterling traits of character were recognized by all who knew him. He was faithful in the performance of every duty in both public and private life, and he left behind him not only a handsome competence as the result of his labor but also a good name. Mrs Harlow remains in Woodward, where she occupies a well furnished and hospitable home.

1914 Boone County History Book