Albaugh, Theodore

ALBAUGH, COCHRAN

Posted By: Mary H. Cochrane, Volunteer
Date: 7/6/2019 at 08:42:56

THEODORE ALBAUGH

Theodore Albaugh, who died in the spring of 1915, was a farmer and stock-raiser residing on section 14, Long Creek township. He was born in Fulton county, Illinois, April 13, 1856, and was a son of Jesse Albaugh, who was born in Ohio, of German and Scotch ancestry. In the early ‘40s the father removed to Fulton county, Illinois, where he was residing at the time the country became engaged in the civil war. In 1862 he enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served for three years in the Union army. He did not live to return home, as he was killed in and two of his sons, Warner and John, also gave up their lives in defense of the old flag. By trade he was a brick molder but he also engaged in farming to some extent and was likewise a preacher of the Christian church. His wife, who was also of German and Scotch descent, was born in Licking county, Ohio, and in that state they were married. She continued to reside in Fulton county, Illinois, until after her husband’s death, but in 1865 removed to Hancock county, that state, where she continued to live until her demise, which occurred on the 2d of November, 1896, in La Harpe.

Theodore Albaugh acquired his early education in the public schools and for two years was subsequently a student at Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio. He remained at home and assisted in the work of the farm until after his mother’s death with the exception of two years which he spent as telegraph operator. In 1900 he sold his interest in the home place and went to California but later removed to Canada, locating in the vicinity of Winnipeg until 1906 and while there was engaged in the real-estate business. It was in 1908 that he came to Iowa and purchased five hundred and sixty acres of land near Kellerton, which he operated for two years. At the expiration of that period he traded his property for a livery stable in Chicago, which he conducted for only three months, however. He next came to Decatur county, Iowa, and took possession of two hundred and sixty acres of land which he had purchased a short time previously. He continued to own and operate one hundred and twenty acres of excellent land on section 14, Long Creek township, until his death and was successfully engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He was progressive as well as energetic and in the management of his affairs met with most excellent success, being a man of good business ability and sound judgment.

On the first of January, 1900, Mr. Albaugh was married to Miss Clara C. Cochran, a daughter of Sanford Cochran, who was born in Ohio but for many years carried on agricultural pursuits in Mahaska county, Iowa, where he passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Albaugh was born a son, Theodore, who is now nine years of age and is attending school in Oskaloosa.

For many years Mr. Albaugh supported the republican party but later voted independent of party ties. For some time he served as a member of the board of supervisors of Hancock county, Illinois and also filled a number of township offices, including that of school director. Fraternally he was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to the lodge at La Harpe, Illinois. He met with success in business affairs and his life was such as to command the respect and confidence of those with whom he came in contact.