Francis Esmay, b. 14 Nov 1829

MARIKLE, SEEBER, COTTRAL, HOFFMAN, CLARK, MCMASTERS, GARLICK, DIXON

Posted By: Donna Moldt Walker (email)
Date: 3/13/2004 at 09:41:51

Francis Esmay of Sabula, is occupied as a contractor and builder, and in connection with this industry is a man of long and large experience, beginning work as a carpenter, when a youth of sixteen years. He came to this county in the spring of 1850, and for a period of fifteen years, operated a planing mill in connection with his other business. Many of the principal buildings in Sabula and vicinity, and some in Savanna, bear the marks of his skill, he having come to this place at a time when such services were considerably in demand. He sold his planing mill in 1886, although he still superintends its operations.

A native of Cortland County, N.Y., our subject was born Nov. 14, 1829, and is the son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Marikle) Esmay, who were natives of the same county as their son, and the father a farmer by occupation. The parental household was completed by the birth of eight children, only three of whom are living - Francis, our subject; Michael of Fort Scott, Kan., and John, the photographer of Sabula. Francis, like his brothers and sisters, received only a limited education and early in life was trained to those habits of industry and economy which have been the secret of his success. Prior to his arrival in this county, he was married in Corland County, N.Y., to Miss Nancy Seeber, daughter of Saffrenes Seeber, one of the pioneer setters of this county, who as early as 1853 took up his abode in Sabula; he and his excellent wife are now deceased.

Mr. and Mrs. Esmay began the journey of life together at Sabula, and here their eleven children were born and nine of them are living: Edgar S. married Miss Thoda Cottral, is the father of three children - Ada, Charles and Eddie - and lives in Sabula. Thomas married Miss Kate Hoffman; he resides in Lyons, and has three children - Ermine, Joseph and Louise. Luella is the widow of Joseph Clark, who died in South Pueblo, Cal., June 28, 1888. She lives there and has three children - Edith C., Lulu M., and Nellie N. Ada married Charles McMasters, of Denver, Col., and has three children, Roy, Elmore and Lucy. George married Miss Ettie Garlick, lives in Lyons and has three children. Frank is married and resides in Pueblo, Col. Lavina is the wife of Harry Dixon; they live in Sabula, and have one child - a daughter, Florence. William and John H. are at home with their parents. Mr. Esmay politically gives his support to the Republican party, but has never evinced any weakness for the spoils of office. In religious matters, he belongs to the Congregational Church, and socially is a member of the A.O.U.W. He possesses considerably musical talent, and as a member of the cornet band at Sabula takes a warm interest in its progress and efficiency.

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