ACKLEY, John Martin 1825-1894

ACKLEY, THAYER

Posted By: Diane M Scott (email)
Date: 8/20/2012 at 15:17:33

John Martin Ackley – April 8, 1825 – April 10, 1894

John Martin Ackley was born April 8, 1825 in Otsego County, N. Y., oldest living child of James and Nancy Ackley. Mr. Ackley made that State his home till he came to Iowa, which was in the winter of 1853, locating in Union Township, Floyd County.

The first two years he was scarcely settled in this county, but spent a portion of it in Illinois visiting friends and working. The second year he returned to New York, and remained only about ten months, when he returned to Iowa in company with his brother C. T. and wife, and his own wife.

At that date they could not go on the cars further than Dunliff. From there to Cedar Falls they staged it. From there they had to hire a conveyance, paying $12 for the pleasure of riding over the wild prairie. In 1855 Mr. Ackley and his brother C. T. pre-empted 320 acres of land, and built a long shanty.

They had a partition through this building, each family living upon his own land, thus securing the clear title to the land under the law.

In the year 1872, or thereabout, he built himself a fine residence, being one of the best in the county. His home was nicely situated and presented a fine appearance. Mr. Ackley enjoyed the fruits of life of ambition and energy and industry. He began at the stump, as some term it, and had raised himself to a position of independence.

His start in this county was discouraging. On the way he and his brother C. T. each lost a large box of clothing, supposed to be burned up in the Chicago depot, the most of which was new and badly needed, for they were without a change of clothes and nearly out of money.
These were indeed dark days. But for these stout-hearted pioneers, the grand West, that was swarming with busy people and waving with rich harvest, would be a desert still.

Mr. Ackley was married in 1855 to Miss Julina Thayer, a native of New York. They have no family living; lost two children in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Ackley have been members of the Free-Will Baptist Church for the past twenty-five years.

Mr. Ackley died April 10, 1894 and was buried in West Side Cemetery, Marble Rock, Iowa.

From the History of Floyd County, p. 1082-1083: