BOOTHBY, Thomas - 1914

BOOTHBY, FATCHETT, HARRISON, MATTOON

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 7/2/2009 at 11:53:05

HISTORY OF
Cherokee County
IOWA
VOLUME II
ILLUSTRATED
CHICAGO
THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING COMPANY
1914
by Thomas McCulla

THOMAS BOOTHBY.

A man loyal in friendship, faithful in citizenship and honorable in all of his personal relations passed away when Thomas Boothby was called to his final rest on the 2d of September, 1911. He was at that time sixty-five years of age and practically his entire life had been passed in Cherokee county, where for twenty years he was closely connected with agricultural interests. He was born near Goxhill, Lincolnshire, England, August 3, 1846, and there remained until 1854, when he came to America with his parents, who settled at Sterling, Iowa. Ten years later they moved to Goose Lake, Clinton county, Iowa.

Thomas Boothby was reared in Sterling and Goose Lake and in the latter locality began his independent career. In 1872 he moved to Cherokee county, buying a farm in Rock township, whereon he resided continuously for twenty years thereafter, bringing the land to a high state of cultivation and winning a gratifying and well deserved success. He became well known as a representative and progressive agriculturist and contributed in substantial measure to community growth and upbuilding. In 1892 he retired from active life and moved into Washta, where he resided until his death. He was vice president of the Washta State Bank and a man of recognized business ability.

On September 6, 1869, Mr. Boothby was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Fatchett, a daughter of George and Sarah Ann (Harrison) Fatchett, natives of Lincolnshire, England, the former born June 4, 1812, and the latter June 27, 1820. After their arrival in America the parents settled in Petosa, Missouri, where they remained four years, after which they returned to England. They later made another journey across the Atlantic and this time settled in Clinton county, Iowa, where the father engaged in farming until his death, which occurred December 19, 1883. His wife has also passed away, her death occurring January 27, 1902. Their daughter, Mrs. Boothby, was born in Lincolnshire England, September 1, 1849. She survives her husband and is now taking his place as vice president of the Washta State Bank. Mr. and Mrs. Boothby became the parents of two children, Bert C. and Mrs. F. E. Mattoon.

Mr. Boothby was a member of the Congregational church and was connected fraternally with Little Sioux Lodge, No. 521, A. F. & A. M., of Washta; Burning Bush Chapter, No. 90, R. A. M.; and Crusade Commandery, No. 39, K. T., of Cherokee. He gave his political allegiance to the republican party and served in various positions of trust and responsibility, filling the positions of assessor of Rock township, school director, member of the city council and mayor of Washta. He was recognized as a publicspirited citizen whose cooperation could be counted upon to further the movements which he deemed essential to the public welfare. For many years he was closely associated with the active work of development and he remained throughout his life an esteemed and loved resident of Cherokee county.