Orrin Wooden (1833-1908)

WOODEN

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 4/14/2023 at 18:45:05

Orrin Wooden
(March 18, 1833 - February 14, 1908)

For thirty-six years Orrin Wooden has been a resident of Calhoun County. Not many were the settlers who antedated his arrival, and through the long period which has elapsed he has borne an active part in the improvement and up building. He was born in Delaware county, New York, March 18, 1833. His father, John Henry Wooden, was a native of Putnam County, New York, born in 1798, and after attaining to years of maturity, he wedded Mary Hamilton, of Lexington, New York, the marriage ceremony being performed in Delaware County. They began their domestic life upon a farm, which they made their home throughout their remaining days. The mother of our subject died in 1847, and the father afterward married Catherine
Rooney. He was a Whig in his political views in early life and afterward became a Republican, while his religious faith was indicated by his membership in the Baptist church. He died December 16, 1881, and the community mourned the loss of one of its valued citizens. His second wife, however, is still living. By his first marriage he had seven children, namely: Phitena, Edwin, Andrew, Orrin, Emily, Cyrus and Maria. The children born of the second marriage are: Mary Jane, Susan, Fannie, Alice and Henry. In a log schoolhouse on Bushkill Brook, near Andes, New York, Orrin Wooden pursued his education, acquiring a knowledge of the elementary branches of English learning, but at the age of fourteen years he put aside his text-books in order to earn his own living and acquired the means of livelihood by serving as a common laborer in Delaware County. His time was thus passed until his marriage, which occurred on the 1st of January, 1862, in Margaretsville, New York, the lady of his choice being Miss Sarah Helen Carroll, who was born in New York, October 7, 1842, a daughter of John and Maria (Akerley) Carroll, also of the Empire state. Her father was a farmer, and in 1863 emigrated westward, taking up his abode in Carroll County, Illinois, where he
remained for three years, after which he came to Calhoun County, Iowa, with his family. His death occurred January 4, 1890, but his widow is still living in this county. Their children are Freer, Warren, Ann, Mary and Kate. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Wooden has been born but one child, Eugene, whose birth occurred October 25, 1864, in
Carroll County, Illinois, and who is now managing the home farm of his father. Mr. and Mrs. Wooden began their domestic life in the Empire state, where they remained for two years, and in 1864 became
residents of Illinois, while the year 1866 witnessed their arrival in Calhoun County. Iowa. In May they reached their destination and Mr. Wooden secured from the government a homestead claim, upon which he yet resides. The journey across the country was made in prairie schooners, to which were attached two yoke of oxen. The nearest trading-post was Fort Dodge, and the barren prairies stretched for miles away, covered only with the native grasses. For about four years Mr. Wooden lived in a sod house in the primitive manner of the times, but in 1870 erected a residence, which he still occupies. He experienced all the hardships and trials that must be experienced in the establishment of a home upon the frontier. He suffered discouragements and difficulties in his business, but eventually overcame these by determined effort and strong purpose, and is now the owner of a valuable property, which yields to him a good income. In the year 1863 there were but seventeen voters in the county, so that it is seen that he was among the earliest settlers, for only three years had elapsed before he took up his abode in this section of Iowa. In 1890 Mr. Wooden was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 29th of April and was buried in Rose Hill cemetery in Manson. She was long a faithful companion and helpmate on life's journey to him and her loss is deeply felt. Mr. Wooden has supported the Republican party since its organization and has served as school director, but has left office-seeking to others, preferring to give his time and attention to his farming pursuits. As the years have passed his capital has been gradually increased, through the sale of crops which have been the results of his own labor, and his example proves conclusively that success is not a matter of genius, but is the reward of diligence and enterprise. [Source - Biographical Record of Calhoun County, Iowa, by S. J. Clarke, 1902, p.506]