BENJAMIN N TOZER, b 3 May 1815

TOZER, WOODWORTH, DAVIS, SMITH, NORTHRUP, WILLARD, COOK, WINANS, CHURCHILL, HARRIS, STREETER, CROSS

Posted By: Donna Moldt Walker (email)
Date: 1/24/2005 at 14:49:13

Benjamin N. Tozer, junior member of the firm of Williard & Tozer, has been a resident of this county since the spring of 1857, and is carrying on general merchandising at Baldwin. He is of New England birth and parentage, his native place having been Grand Isle, Vermont, where he first opened his eyes to the light, May 3, 1815. His parents were Benjamin and Jedidiah (Woodworth) Tozer, natives, respectively of Vermont and Connecticut, and of Scotch and English parentage.

The paternal grandparents of our subject emigrated directly from Scotland to America, as also did the grandparents on the other side of the house from England. Benjamin Tozer, Sr., followed farming in his native State until 1820, then removed with his family to the Province of Ontario, Canada, settling about nine miles from St. Thomas. There the father died in 1823, and the mother the following year. Four children were thus left in orphanage, and they lived in Canada until reaching mature years. Emily, the eldest, became the wife of Richard Davis, and died in Ontario, leaving a family of five children; Benjamin N., our subject, was the second born; Isabel married Henry Smith, and also died in Ontario, leaving a family of six children; Luther Melvin resides near the city of Detroit, Mich. Grandfather Tozer was twice married and became the father of two sons and two daughters.

The subject of this sketch, after the death of his parents, being then a small boy was taken into the home of one Andreas Davis, with whom he remained until fourteen years old. He then lived with Joseph Davis, a brother of the first-mentioned, until reaching his majority; in the meantime becoming familiar with farm pursuits. He now started out for himself, rented a tract of land four years, and at the expiration of this time, leaving the Dominion made his way to Ogle County, Ill., where he entered 120 acres from the Government. He effected some improvements and laid the foundation for a comfortable homestead. On Sept. 11, 1840, he took unto himself a wife and helpmate, Miss Eunice Northrup, the wedding occurring at the bride's home in Ogle County, Ill.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Tozer remained in Illinois until 1857, our subject following farming at first, and later learning the trade of stonemason and plasterer. In the year above mentioned he decided to seek the country beyond the Mississippi, and coming to this county settled on a tract of land in Monmouth Township. He, however, worked at his trade mostly until about 1884. In 1881 he removed to Baldwin, and for the last five years has been engaged in mercantile business. He owns 130 acres of land and lives largely at his ease, having by the aid of his faithful wife accumulated a competence.

Of the seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Tozer six grew to mature years (one having died in infancy) and three are still living. Charles, the eldest, occupies himself in the livery business, in Baldwin; Della is the wife of Ira Willard, of Baldwin; Mary remains at home with her parents and assists in the store. Mr. Tozer, politically, is a decided Republican, and has held the local offices. Both he and his excellent wife in religious matters are strong believers in modern Spiritualism.

The parents of Mrs. Tozer were William and Lucretia (Cook) Northrup, natives of Nova Scotia, whence they removed to the Dominion of Canada, settling near St. Thomas, where they lived until 1840. That year they emigrated to Ogle County, Ill., where the father died in 1848, leaving his widow with a family of nine children. These grew to manhood and womanhood, but Joshua, Charles and Mary (who became the wife of John Winans), are now deceased; Eunice (Mrs. Tozer), who was born April 21, 1820, is the eldest child living; Louisa became the wife of Levi Churchill, and they live in California; Shippilent died in Dixon, Ill.; Hannah became the wife of Amaria Harris, and they live in Ogle County, Ill.; Elizabeth J. married Ansel Streeter, and died in Illinois; Bathia married Joel Cross and died in Illinois. The paternal grandfather, Joseph Northrup, served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War and subsequently took up his abode in Nova Scotia where it is probable he spent his last days.

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