Charlesworth, Charles

CHARLESWORTH, MCVICAR, KITCHEN, MCDUFF

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 8/12/2009 at 06:29:12

Charles Charlesworth

Enshrined in the affections of the people of Jasper County is the name, which the subjects of this sketch bore so worthily. For many years prior to his death he resided in Palo Alto Township, with the history of which he was closely identified. He owned one hundred and twenty acres, all under good cultivation, and embellished with substantial buildings. His career was that of a good man, and his life was well rounded and honorable, illumined by the benignant light of genuine goodness. To the world and to those who bear his name he leaves the priceless legacy of a blameless and unsullied life.

On the 18th of April 1821, the home of Nathaniel and Hannah Charlesworth was blessed by the birth of a son, whom they named Charles. In the parental home in Yorkshire, England, he grew to manhood, and thence, in 1845, he immigrated to America, the voyage being made on a sailing vessel. After landing in Quebec, he came through Canada to Indiana, in company with his father, who met him soon after his arrival. He resided in Henry County until during the Civil War, when he removed to Jasper County, Iowa, and settled in Palo Alto Township. During the greater part of his active life lie followed the trade of a blacksmith, and for a number of years engaged in farming in connection with his trade. He died while in business at Newton, Iowa, September 30,1863.

On the 23d of November 1846, our subject married Miss Sarah S. Charlesworth, who was born in Maryland, May 14, 1832. Mrs. Charlesworth is a daughter of Solomon and Mary (McVicar) Charlesworth, natives respectively of England and Maryland. When three years old she accompanied her parents to Indiana, and was reared to womanhood in Henry County, where she married. She received her education in the subscription schools of Indiana, but did not have the advantages now enjoyed by young ladies, not having an opportunity to attend school after the age of eleven. Mr. and Mrs. Charlesworth became the parents of seven children, of whom four now survive, namely: Charles N., Arthur L., George N. and Coe M. On the 13th of June 1866, Mrs. Charlesworth married W. M. Kitchen, and this marriage resulted in the birth of two children: Laura M., wife of Charles McDuff, and Mary H.

In his political belief Mr. Charlesworth was independent, voting for principles and not for party. He was identified with the Presbyterian Church, in which faith he died. He was a good husband and father, an obliging neighbor and kind friend, and his word was considered as good as his bond. In his demise Jasper County lost a law-abiding and upright citizen, who by an unvarying course of industry, energy and perseverance won success in life, and deservedly received the high regard of the community.

Portrait and Biographical Record, Jasper, Marshall and Grundy Counties, IA