Eggleston, Charles A.

EGGLESTON, REYNOLDS, PEARCE

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 2/14/2003 at 20:04:20

Source: "The 1901 Biographical Record of Clinton Co., Iowa, Illustrated" published: Chicago : S. J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1901.

CHARLES A. EGGLESTON.

Prominent among the progressive and successful agriculturists of De Witt township is Charles A. Eggleston, who owns and operates a fine farm of two hundred acres on section thirty, within two miles of the village of De Witt. He was born in Essex county, New York, on the 8th of December, 1840, and is a son of Roswell Eggleston, who was born in the same county, in 1799, his paternal grandfather, Captain Richard Eggleston, having been one of the early settlers of that locality. On reaching manhood, Roswell Eggleston married Sarah Reynolds, who was also a native of Essex county. Later they removed to St. Lawrence county, New York, where the father followed farming until coming west, in the spring of 1855. The journey was made by way of Chicago and Rock Island, and at the latter place the family took a boat for Lyons, Iowa. Mr. Eggleston purchased a farm near Elvira and engaged in its operation for a number of years, but spent his last days in Lyons, where his death occurred, May 18, 1890. His wife survived him a few years, passing away March 21, 1893.

The subject of this sketch was fifteen years of age when he came with his family to Clinton county, and during his minority he gave his father the benefit of his labors in carrying on the home farm. He completed his education in the common and select schools of Lyons and DeWitt. After arriving at man’s estate he purchased a farm near Grundy Center, Grundy county, Iowa, and was engaged in its operation for three years.

Returning to Clinton county, Mr. Eggleston was married, January 3, 1871, to Miss Ada B. Pearce, who was born here, and was a daughter of John R. Pearce, one of the earliest settlers of the county, owning and operating a farm where the city of Clinton now stands. After his marriage Mr. Eggleston located three miles east of DeWitt, where he purchased eighty acres of land, which he owned three years; selling, he bought one hundred and twenty acres, where he now lives, and has since added to it, making a good farm of two hundred acres. He has enlarged and remodeled his residence, built a barn and outbuildings, tiled and fenced the land, and set our fruit and shade trees, so that he now has a very attractive and beautiful place. In connection with the operation of his land he is also engaged in raising and feeding stock for market, making a specialty of hogs, of which he raises a good grade. He began earning his own livelihood by working as a farm hand, and won success by his well-directed and energetic efforts, so that he is now quite well-to-do.

Mr. Eggleston has been called upon to mourn the loss of his estimable wife, who died on the 20th of July, 1899, leaving six children: Russell H., a farmer of Plymouth county, Iowa; Alberta, who received a good education, and is now teaching in the school of DeWitt; Leonard, who aids his father in carrying on the home farm; Grace, who is now keeping house for her father; Jessie, a teacher of this county; and Harry, a student in the DeWitt schools.

Since casting his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, in 1864, Mr. Eggleston has affiliated with the Republican party. He has always taken a deep and commendable interest in educational affairs, and has efficiently served as a member of the school board, and also as president of the district. Since 1866 he has been a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge of DeWitt, in which he has filled all the offices, and is now past grand. He is widely known and highly respected, and commands the respect and confidence of all with whom he comes in contact either in business or social life.