SYLVESTER L WATTS, b 28 Jan 1845

WATTS, ASHCROFT, BROTHERS

Posted By: Donna Moldt Walker (email)
Date: 2/28/2005 at 07:08:23

There are few finer residences in Jackson County than that occupied by Mr. Watts, who is one of the most successful farmers and stock-raisers of Iowa Township. His property is pleasantly located on section 21, where he has 200 acres of choice farming land, and makes a specialty of graded Norman horse, Short-horn cattle, and Poland-China swine. He is not only a thorough and skillful agriculturist, but is ranked among the most useful men of his community, over whose interests he watches with fostering care. He has served in the various local offices, being Township Trustee three years, Assessor four years, and School Treasurer eight years. In the development of one of the finest farms within its limits he has added not a little to its prestige as a well-to-do and intelligent community.

A native of the Dominion, Mr. Watts was born Jan. 28, 1845, on Twelve Mile Creek, in the vicinity of Hamilton, now the Province of Ontario, but then called Canada West. His parents, John and Hannah (Ashcroft) Watts, natives of England, emigrated to Iowa the same yar in which their son was born, and the father took up a tract of land in Van Buren Township, on which he constructed a comfortable homestead, which he still occupies. The mother of our subject departed this life in 1854. To her there were born six children, three of whom are living, namely: Melissa (Mrs. Garland), of Scranton, Greene County, this State; Robert, occupying the old homestead in Van Buren Township; and Sylvester L., our subject.

Young Watts spent his boyhood and youth after the manner of most farmers' son. He was but an infant when he was brought by his parents to this county, and when of suitable years and acquirements he began to assist his father in the various labors to be performed in the development of the new farm. He was ambitious and energetic, and in the spring of 1864, being twenty years of age, and desirous of seeing something more of the Great West, he set out for Montana, and until of the fall of 1866 occupied himself at gold mining, in Virginia City and Blackfoot. In 1876 he purchased the farm he now owns. He put up a fine frame residence in the spring of 1878, which he remodeled a few years later, and into its interior arrangements introduced various modern improvements and conveniences conducing to the comfort and health of the family. It now occupies an area of 22x32 feet, is two stories in height, with an "L" 18x20 feet, and a one story addition 20x24. It is handsomely finished and comfortably furnished, and with its surroundings very nearly approaches the ideal rural home. A fine horse barn was erected by Mr. Watts later, 30x40 feet in dimensions, and in 1887 he put up a hay barn 30x80 feet. His machinery is of the most improved pattern, and all that sound judgment and ample means could suggest have been employed in perfecting the estate.

On the 3d of December, 1868, occurred the most important epoch in the life of our subject, when he was united in marriage with Miss Abbie Brothers, the wedding taking place at the bride's home in Bellevue. Mrs. W. is the daughter of Andrew and Pleasure Brothers, natives of Canada; the father and mother are both deceased. Our subject and his estimable wife are the parents of two children only: John A., born Nov. 3, 1869; and Luella, Aug. 28, 1871. Mr. and Mrs. Watts are members in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Sterling, and Mr. Watts, politically, is a strong defender of Democratic principles.

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