John F. Cass (1853-1927)

CASS

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 10/3/2022 at 09:06:22

John Frank Cass
(November 15, 1853 – December 20, 1927)

History is not the outcome of the actions of one man or of a few men but of the aggregate endeavor of many. Each citizen bears a part in producing results that mold public affairs and bring about conditions that affect either the weal or woe of the general public. Mr. Cass, a well known resident of Elm Grove Township, has ever been found on the side of progress, improvement and the right. He resides on section 4, Elm Grove Township, where he owns and operates a good farm. His landed possessions comprise about two hundred acres.
Mr. Cass is one of Iowa's native sons, his birth having occurred in Jackson county, this state, on the 15th of November, 1853. His father, John Cass, was born in New York in 1828, and at an early date came to Iowa with his parents. He was reared in Clinton County and after he had arrived at years of maturity he was married in Jackson County to Orpha Louisa Hill, who was a native of New York. Mr. Cass entered land from the government in Jackson Township, and there opened up a farm, upon which he reared his family and carried on business interests for many years, but now he is living retired, making his home in Monmouth, Iowa. Mr. Cass, of this review, was reared in Jackson County and pursued his education in Mount Vernon, Iowa, and in Valparaiso, Indiana. When his student days were over he began teaching, following the profession in Jackson and Calhoun counties. He came to the latter county in 1880 and here purchased one hundred and twenty acres of raw prairie land, on which no improvement had been made. He soon fenced his farm, built a home and began the development and improvement of his land. From the seed he has raised maple, ash and box elder trees. He has also planted an orchard, which is now in excellent bearing condition. He built good barns, purchased the latest improved machinery and has added all the modern accessories and equipment until his place is one of the desirable farm properties of the county. For a number of years he has also successfully engaged in raising a high grade of stock and now has a herd of about fifty head of Galloway cattle. Returning to Jackson County, Mr. Cass was there united in marriage, on Christmas day of 1880, to Miss Pearl Adelaide Bill, a native of Jones County, Iowa, and a daughter of Oliver J. Bill, who was born and reared in New York. When a young man, however, he left that state and went to Ohio, where he was twice married, the mother of Mrs. Cass, being the second wife. Her maiden name was Alary Faucett. A native of England, she went with her parents to Ohio when a child of three years. Mrs. Bill is living in Wyoming, Jones County, Iowa. She was the mother of seven children, four
of whom are yet living. Oliver J. Bill removed to Iowa, where he became one of the early settlers of Jones County. There he purchased land and developed a farm, upon which he reared his family and spent his remaining days. Mrs. Cass passed her girlhood days in Jones County and pursued her education in the schools of Mount Vernon. She engaged in teaching in Jones, Sac and Jackson counties previous to her marriage, and the readiness and clearness with which she imparted to others the knowledge that she had acquired made her a capable educator. Five children have been born unto our subject and his wife: Uretta May, Iva Orpha. Charles Henry, Effie Ellen and
Glenn Robert.
Mr. Cass first voted for Rutherford B. Hayes, casting his ballot for that nominee of the Republican party in 1876. Since that time he has never failed to support the conditions of that organization and he strongly endorses Republican principles. He keeps well informed on the issues of the day and is therefore able to uphold his political opinion by intelligent argument. At local elections, where no issues are involved, he regards only the capability of the candidate and pays no attention to party affiliation. Political office and emulations have never had attraction for him to any extent, although he is now serving as assessor of Elm Grove Township, his term covering two years. His wife is a member of the Elm Grove Presbyterian church. Mr. Cass has always been a resident of Iowa and has made his home in Calhoun County for twenty-two years. During this time he has witnessed the introduction of the railroad and the telegraphy while towns and villages have sprung up and schools and churches have indicated the intellectual and moral progress of the people. He has always supported movements for the general good and though his life has been quietly passed he has that true worth of character which in every land and every clime commands respect and confidence. [Source – Biographical Record of Calhoun County, Iowa, by S.J. Clarke, 1902, p.371]