Oliver C. Stoughton

STOUGHTON

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 4/25/2009 at 09:36:12

James W. Ellis, History of Jackson County, Volume II, pages 328-329.

OLIVER C. STOUGHTON

For almost half a century, Oliver C. Stoughton was connected with agricultural interests in Maquoketa Township and was engaged in the active cultivation of the farm now under control of his sons until his death in 1901. He was born in Orleans County, Vermont, in 1829, and when a small boy removed with his grandparents to New York, where he was educated and grew to manhood, coming to Iowa in 1853. For a number of years he worked on various farms in Maquoketa Township, but it was not until 1880 that he purchased the tract of land his sons now own. It remained his home throughout the remainder of his life, its rich soil making him generous returns in bountiful harvests for the labor he expended upon it. He knew the value of good management as well as the necessity for industry and in consequence his fields were well cultivated, his buildings maintained in excellent repair and each year saw a substantial addition to the income which was his.

In 1869 Mr. Stoughton married Miss Esther Mason, a daughter of Rev. William Mason. The father was a Methodist minister who came to came to Iowa in the early years of its settlement after it became a state, and in conjunction with his pastoral duties conducted a blacksmith shop at Mason’s Corner. His daughter Esther was born in Warren County, New York, in 1836, and was about nineteen years of age when she accompanied her father to the west. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Stoughton was blessed with the following children: Ira O., born in Jackson County, December 31, 1870, attended the district schools and after his father’s death he and his brother assumed the management of the home farm, to which they have added from time to time, until now it is a fine tract of two hundred and fifty-three acres. He has never married. George G., also born in Jackson County, July 19, 1873, was likewise a pupil of the district schools and has remained at home assisting the other members of the family in conducting the farm. J. Harvey, born February 28, 1882, is also a partner in the agricultural pursuits of his brothers. These three men are Republicans in their political views, but have never been prevailed upon to accept any office within the gift of the people. Another son, Otis H. is residing in West Concord, Minnesota. Olin M., is a building contractor in this county. Sanford W., who died May 7, 1907, was married and lived in Jackson County. Laura is engaged in the ladies’ tailoring business in Boise City, Idaho. Flora is the wife of William Evans, of Maquoketa. Cora is at home. Orpha S. died October 7, 1901.

Mrs. Stoughton, who is still living and presides over the household, may feel a justifiable pride as she looks back over the years, realizing the vast difference in the character of the present from that of the past when she first came to this section of the state. Her husband contributed in no small measure to its development, while her sons by their endeavors are advancing the prosperity of Maquoketa Township at the present. Mr. Stoughton enjoyed the good will and sincere respect of his fellow citizens and in this respect his sons have followed in his footsteps.