Norman C. White, b. 27 Aug 1837

BRUNSON, SAXTON, VIALL, FULLER, DEEDS, KELLOGG

Posted By: Donna Moldt Walker (email)
Date: 2/20/2004 at 23:32:17

A course of uniform prosperity has resulted in the accumulation of a fine property by Mr. White; and one of his peculiarities is that he carries his honors with unusual modesty, never seeking popularity nor striving to push himself forward before the public. He has a fine farm property on section 13, in Union Township, embracing 280 acres of land, which is largely devoted to the raising of fine stock, especially of Shetland ponies. His land is in a thorough state of cultivation, and the farm building and appurtenances are in a modern style of architecture, equipped with the comforts and conveniences in accordance with modern ideas and requirements. Mr. White is in all respects a progressive man and keeps himself well informed upon the matters pertaining to his vocation.

A native of the city of Cleveland, Ohio, our subject was born Aug. 27, 1837, and is the son of Solomon and Hannah (Brunson) White, natives respectively of Vermont and Connecticut. Solomon White left New England as early as 1804, and settling in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, produced the first brick burned in that vicinity, and erected the first brick house in the city of Cleveland. Later, in 1845, he removed to Peninsula, a point twenty-four miles south of Cleveland, and from there emigrated to Iowa in May, 1850. Coming to this county he lived one summer at Mt. Algor, in Iowa Township, then removed to the Davis farm, where he spent one summer. In the fall of 1851 he took up his residence in Sabula, where he resided with his family until his death, which occurred early in 1864. The mother only survived her husband about six weeks.

To Solomon and Hannah (Brunson) White there was born a family of nine children, five of whom are living. Mary, the eldest, married Mr. Saxton, and is a resident of Troy, Kan.; Jane, Mrs. Viall, lives in Summit County, Ohio; Lucian, (deceased), Susan, Mrs. Fuller, is a resident of Preston, this county; Norman C. is the next eldest son; George is occupied at farming in Ottawa County, Kan.

Norman C. spent his boyhood and youth on a farm in Ohio, receiving his education in the district school. After the outbreak of the rebellion he enlisted as a Union soldier in Company A, 9th Iowa Infantry, and participated in many of the important battles which followed, namely: Pea Ridge, Vicksburg, and others of that campaign, but was mostly, however, on detached duty. After a service of three years and four months he received his honorable discharge, Jan. 20, 1865. Then returning to this county he engaged in general merchandising at Sabula two years. In November, 1872, he took possession of the farm where he now lives. Besides this he has 320 acres two and one-half miles north, also in Union Township. He makes a specialty of graded stock, Holstein cattle, Poland-China, Scotch-red and Chester-white swine; and in horses keeps the celebrated English draft animals and Cleveland Bays, besides his Shetland ponies. He has made for himself quite an enviable reputation as a
stock-breeder, and is in the habit of carrying off the blue ribbons at the local fairs.

The 25th of January, 1863, witnessed the marriage of our subject with Miss Mary E. Deeds. This lady was born in Jo Daviess County, Ill., March 31, 1843, and was the daughter of John and Sophia (Kellogg) Deeds, who were natives of New York and Kentucky, respectively, and emigrated to Jo Daviess County at an early day, being among the earliest settlers of Pleasant Valley Township. The father battled successfully with the elements of a new soil, and rested from his earthly labors in August, 1864. The mother is still living and makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. White. They were the parents of twelve children, eight of whom are living, namely: John, Thomas, Mary E., Martha J., Adeline L., Eveline L., Angeline R., and Walter S.

Mr. White is a stanch Republican, politically, but no office-seeker, although he has at times been prevailed upon to serve his fellow-townsmen in various capacities. He is a Scottish-Rite Mason, having taken the thirty-second degree, and also belongs to the G.A.R. He is not identified with any church denomination, but contributes to their support. He is a man public-spirited and liberal, one in whom the people have entire confidence, and is one of the custodians of the relief fund for destitute soldier's widows and orphans, appointed by the County Board of Supervisors.

Seven children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. White, two of whom died at the ages of sixteen and nineteen months, respectively. The five surviving are: Clinton N., Ava Floy, Pearly S., Fred O., and Ray H., four of whom are at home with their parents. The daughter Ava is attending the State Norman School at Cedar Falls, Iowa, from which she expects to graduate in June, 1890. She is a bright girl and a faithful student, and prior to this was graduated from the Sabula Public School.

("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois)