John Giddings

GIDDINGS, POPE, SIMS, CHAFER

Posted By: Barbara Gehlsen Nugent (email)
Date: 8/24/2011 at 14:57:39

History of Jackson County, Iowa, Volume 2, by James Whitcomb Ellis, 1910. Biographical Sketches

JOHN GIDDINGS.

The contribution John Giddings has made to the world's work has been along agricultural lines, and in the thorough and scientific cultivation of his farm in Iowa township he has gained a success that entitles him to be enrolled among the substantial and representative citizens of Jackson county. He was born in London, England, May 3, 1860, and is one of a family of four children. His parents, Harold and Ann (Pope) Giddings, decided to come to this country, that their children might have larger opportunities for advancement than they enjoyed in the old world. A more extended mention of them is made in the sketch of Alfred W. Giddings, which appears elsewhere in this volume. John Giddings was reared at home in Iowa township, this county, and early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, working in the fields when not busy with his lessons in the schoolroom. He remained with his parents until after he attained his majority when he married and established a home of his own. In 1885 he bought the place on which he now lives. It is a tract of eightynine acres in Iowa township, which has been well improved and cultivated, owing to the unremitting industry and perseverance of Mr. Giddings. He bends his energies toward raising the crops best adapted to soil and climate, and, utilizing the most modern, progressive and scientific methods, he annually gathers and markets good harvests.

It was in 1882 that Mr. Giddings was married to Miss Jane Sims, also a native of England. Her parents, Thomas and Eliza Sims, emigrated to America in 1862 and, settling in Michigan, spent the remainder of their lives in that state. In their family were six children. Mr. and Mrs. Giddings have had two children, but Harvey, who was born March 25, 1883, died September 17, 1884. Alida M., who was born January 27, 1888, graduated from the high school in Sabula in 1903. when only fifteen years of age. She is now the wife of Frank Chafer and resides in Oklahoma.

Mr. Giddings gives his political support to the republican party, having firm faith in its principles but not desiring office, preferring to devote his entire time to his business interests. Fraternally he is connected with Sabula Lodge, No. 169, A. F. & A. M., in which he has filled all the chairs, and with lodge No. 415, K. P., while with his wife he belongs to lodge No. 245, E. S., at Sabula, and his life embodies the sterling principles which underlie these organizations. He is public spirited and popular, an unfeigned cordiality and uniform courtesy gaining him the warm friendship and kindly regard of the greater number of those with whom he comes in contact.