BEVINS, Edwin

BEVINS, BUTTERS, PRENTISS, UPHAM, HORNEY, UNDERWOOD, FITCH

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 1/20/2014 at 06:16:27

History of Decatur County Iowa and Its People
Illustrated, Volumne II.
Prof. J. M. Howell and Heman C. Smith, Supervising Editors
The S.J. Clarke Publishing Company. pp. 182-84. Chicago. 1915.

EDWIN BEVINS

EDWIN BEVINS is one of the oldest and also one of the most honored residents of Eden township. He has almost reached the eighty-fourth milestone on life's journey and has at all times discharged to the full all of the obligations resting upon him. For many years he was actively engaged in farming but is now enjoying a well earned rest and leisure. He was born in Hague, Warren county, New York, August 30, 1831, of the marriage of Thomas C. and Rowena (Butters) Bevins, natives respectively of Vermont and New Hampshire. The father emigrated to New York in his early manhood and there engaged in farming and lumbering for forty-nine years. In 1865, however, he removed to Illinois and made his home with our subject until his demise, which occurred in March, 1873. He had long survived his wife, who died in September, 1835.

Edwin Bevins was only four years of age when his mother died and was only six vears old when he went to live with his grandmother, with whom he remained until he was of age. A year after attaining his majority he went to Pennsylvania, where he found work in a sawmill. He remained in the Keystone state for four years, but at the end of that time removed to Illinois. Subsequently he took up his residence in Clayton county, Iowa, where he engaged in teaching school for one term, at the end of which time he returned to Illinois and for a year farmed in partnership with a brother-in-law. At the end of that time Mr. Bevins' health failed and he went back to New York and resided with his father until 1865. In that year he again went to Illinois and purchased land in Carroll county, which he operated for about twenty-five years. In 1890 he sold that place and came to this [Decatur] county, buying two hundred acres in partnership with his brother. Subsequently, however, he bought ninety acres of additional land, forty acres of which he afterward sold. His holdings lie in Eden township, and his land is well improved and in a high state of cultivation. He gave much attention to the raising of pure bred Polled Durham cattle and Poland China hogs in addition to growing the usual crops. He was successful as an agriculturist, was a prominent bee keeper for years, and accumulated a competence.

In January, 1866, Mr. Bevins married Miss Julia M. Prentiss, a daughter of Reuben and Roxena (Upham) Prentiss, who were born respectively in New Hampshire and Connecticut. Her parents resided in Vermont for many years and there the father carried on agricultural pursuits. His demise occurred in November, 1867, and that of the mother in June, 1857. Mr. and Mrs. Bevins became the parents of a daughter, Frances P., who was born in Illinois in November, 1867. She is now the wife of Henry E. Horney, who was born in Ohio in June, 1867, of the marriage of Oliver and Sarah (Underwood) Horney. His parents were natives of Ohio and the father farmed there for many years. During the Civil war he fought valiantly in the Union army. He died in 1910 but his wife still survives. Mr. Henry E. Horney operates the farm belonging to our subject. Mr. and Mrs. Horney have seven children, namely: Julia M., twenty-one years of age, who is the wife of Harley Fitch, a farmer of Eden township; Lee B., nineteen years of age, who is at home; Lillie I., who died in 1901 at the age of two years; Edwin O., thirteen years old; Charles H., who died in June, 1905, when three months old; Esther S., seven years of age; and Edith M., a child of two years. Mrs. Bevins died July 3, 1881, after being an invalid for several years. In November, 1883, Mr. Bevins married her sister. Miss Lucia S. Prentiss, who passed away in January, 1901, after a few days' illness.

Mr. Bevins is a republican and has been honored by election to a number of public offices, which he has filled to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church. Although throughout his life he has given careful attention to his work as a farmer, he has not forgotten his duties as a citizen and has at all times been willing to cooperate in movements seeking the welfare of his community. His old age is crowned with the sense of worthy achievement and with the respect and warm regard of all who know him. He has almost reached the age of eighty-four years and his brother, who is eighty-six years old, and who has farmed in this county for twenty-five years, lives with him.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, January of 2014