Emery De Groat, b 1 May 1843

MEANS, SPRAGUE

Posted By: Donna Moldt Walker (email)
Date: 3/3/2004 at 16:00:57

The late Emery De Groat was the owner of a fine property, and occupied one of the handsomest houses in Preston, to which he and his wife removed in the year 1882. The dwelling is an elegant cottage with beautiful surroundings, finely finished and handsomely furnished, and having within and without all the evidences of cultivated tastes and ample means. Mr. De Groat was a very successful business man, and highly esteemed by the citizens of Jackson County, in which he held many positions of trust and responsibility. He filled the office of Sheriff several years prior to his death, and when but twenty-seven years of age was elected to represent the county in the State Legislature. In politics Emery De Groat was a stanch supporter of Democratic principles. He was a prominent member of the Masonic order, and also belonged to the Legion of Honor.

Mr. De Groat was born near Utica, Oneida Co., N.Y., May 1, 1843, and completed his education in the schools of Oswego and Whitestown Seminary. For a time after coming to Iowa he engaged in the live-stock business very successfully.

On the 21st of August, 1869, Mr. De Groat was married to Sarah Jane Means, with whom he spent a happy life. Mrs. De Groat was born in Spragueville, this county, Dec. 10, 1847, and is the daughter of George and Juliet (Sprague) Means, the former of whom was born in Mercer County, Pa. George Means came to the West during its pioneer days, and was intimately associated with its early history. The town of Spragueville was named after Lawrence Sprague, the maternal grandfather of Mrs. De Groat. He went to California in 1849, and died there three months after his arrival. The mother of Mrs. De Groat departed this life at her home in Van Buren in 1861, leaving five children, namely: Sarah Jane, Woods, Lauren, Ellen and George. The latter is a resident of California, and the three others make their home in Nebraska. In after years Mr. Means contracted a second marriage, and became the father of four more children, namely: Richard, Minerva, Maggie and Laura. Previous to this the household had been managed by the daughter, Sarah Jane, although she was but thirteen years old at the time of her mother's death. She remained in this place until she was a maiden of eighteen, when she joined her father in Burt County, Neb., remaining there one year. She then returned to Iowa, and was there married to Mr. De Groat a few years after.

There were born to Mr. De Groat and his amiable wife three children, the eldest of whom, Juliet, named after her maternal grandmother, died when ten years old. There are remaining two sons: John, who was born Sept. 16, 1873, and George, April 5, 1878. They are bright and promising lads, and, it is hardly necessary to say, the joy and pride of their mother's heart. They lived on a farm in Van Buren Township until Mr. De Groat was elected to the Sheriff's office, in the fall of 1881, then they removed to Maquoketa, so that he could properly attend to the duties of his position. They were residents there a year and eight months, then removed to Preston. Mr. De Groat died of typhoid fever on the 20th of December, 1884.

His death was felt to be a universal loss, as he had always been held in high esteem by every one who knew him. Mrs. De Groat is a lady of more than ordinary accomplishments, and has managed the fine property left her by her husband with rare ability and good judgment. She gives careful attention to the education of her sons and their home training, and is performing her part nobly as a conservator of important interests.

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