W. W. Acres

ACERS, PATTERSON, SOMES, WILCOX

Posted By: Oregon Rain
Date: 1/19/2007 at 23:21:43

W. H. Acers, now living retired in Manchester, Iowa, is a valued addition to the citizens of the town, as he is a man of known integrity and of commendable public spirit. He was born in Michigan on the 1st of December, 1848, a son of Henry and Margaret (Patterson) Acers, both natives of the state of New York, where they were married. They removed to Michigan about 1848 and resided there until 1850, when they came to this county, driving through with ox teams. They settled upon a farm which is now within the city limits of Manchester. The father entered about eight hundred acres of land and was a well to do and successful agriculturist. The mother died in this county, but he passed away in Louisiana while spending the winter there. The three children born to their union are as follows: Louisa J., the wife of W. O. Somes of Manchester; W. H., of this review; and G. S., also of Manchester.

W. H. Acers remained at home and was employed as were most farm boys of the middle west at that time. The greater part of the year was given to farm work but during the winter months he attended the district schools and thus secured a serviceable education. During the Civil war he enlisted in Company B, Sixth Iowa Cavalry, and served in that command for fifteen months, after which he was mustered out and discharged at Davenport, Iowa. His regiment was chiefly engaged in fighting the Indians upon the frontier. After leaving the army he returned to Delaware county and located upon a farm in Delaware township, and for a number of years gave his close attention to the cultivation and development of his land. He not only manifested the qualities of industry and enterprise but also displayed sound judgment in directing his labors and, as he likewise made a careful study of market conditions, his agricultural activities yielded him a satisfactory profit. A number of years ago he retired and has since lived in well deserved ease.

On the 1st of November, 1870, Mr. Acers was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Wilcox, also a native of the Wolverine state and a daughter of Elijah and Helen Wilcox. The former was born in Canada and the latter in New York state, but both removed to Michigan in an early day in the history of that commonwealth. Subsequently they came with their family to Delaware county. The father passed away in Clayton county, this state, but the mother is still living and makes her home in Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Acers had a daughter, Sadie B., who died when a child of seven years.

Mr. Acers is a republican in his political belief and has served upon the city council of Manchester. He has sold all of his real estate but his residence in Manchester and one in St. Petersburg, Florida, where he spends the winter months. Those who have been most closely associated with him value most highly his friendship, which is an unfailing indication of a character of genuine strength and incorruptible integrity.

~ source: History of Delaware County, Iowa and its People, Illustrated, Volume II. The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1914, Chicago. Page 186-187. Call Number 977.7385 H2m; LDS microfilm #934937.