Harold J. Giddings

GIDDINGS, POPE, MYERS, MASE

Posted By: Barbara Gehlsen Nugent (email)
Date: 8/24/2011 at 16:10:22

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

HAROLD J. GIDDINGS.

A fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres, neat and attractive in appearance, annually pays tribute in rich harvests to the energetic, persistent and systematic cultivation practiced by its owner, Harold J. Giddings. In his stock raising, too, he has obtained a notable success, and the place he holds among the substantial and representative agriculturists of Iowa township is well merited. He was born in London, England, August 13, 1855, and is a son of Harold and Ann (Pope) Giddings, also natives of the British isle, of whom more extended mention is made in the sketch of Alfred W. Giddings.

Harold J. Giddings was about nine years of age when, in 1864, he accompanied his parents on their removal to America, and he grew to manhood upon the farm they secured in Iowa township. He obtained such an education as was afforded by the common schools of the '60s and the years of his boyhood and youth passed busily, a great deal of his time being devoted to helping his father in the cultivation of the fields. He remained under the parental roof until he was twenty-five years of age, when, having married, he had the natural desire to establish a home of his own. For the next five years he followed the stonemasons' trade, at the end of which period, as the result of his industry and careful economy, he was able to buy the farm on which he now lives. It is a fine tract of one hundred and sixty acres, which he has improved and placed under a high state of cultivation. He raises the crops adapted to the soil and climate and is also engaged in stock raising, deriving a splendid income from both branches of his business, so that he is accounted one of the substantial and energetic agriculturists of the county.

In 1881 Mr. Giddings was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Myers, who was born in Tennessee, and is a daughter of Alvan and Mary J. (Mase) Myers, also natives of that state. Her father died shortly after the Civil war, but her mother still survives and resides in Jackson county. There were two children in their family, the other being John, whose home is now in Clinton county, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Giddings had four children, namely: Raymond H., who was born March 27, 1882, and died July 26, 1890; Ralph C, who was born May 14, 1887, and is a graduate of the Sabula high school; Anna J., born June 4, 1891, also a graduate of the high school; and Alvan J., who was born April 8, 1897. The three younger children are living at home.

Mr. and Mrs. Giddings attend the Methodist Episcopal church, and are interested in its work and generous in its support, while politically Mr. Giddings gives his allegiance unfalteringly to the republican party. On its ticket he was elected to the office of township trustee, in which capacity he exercised his prerogatives in support of many measures for the public good, leaving tangible proof of his loyalty and progressive citizenship. He belongs to Sabula Lodge, No. 169, A. F. & A. M., in which he has filled all the chairs, and with his wife is a member of the Eastern Star, of which he was patron for four years.

Mr. Giddings may be called a self-made man, for the substantial position he now holds is the result of his own efforts and close application. His record will bear scrutiny, for he has carried on his business along honorable lines that require no disguise and by methods that are utterly worthy of commendation. He well deserves, therefore, the universal respect in which he is held.