Charlesworth, James

CHARLESWORTH, LETHERBARROW, HILL, VANCE

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 8/12/2009 at 06:32:21

James Charlesworth, a resident of Palo Alto Township, Jasper County, was born in Yorkshire, England, on the 29th of April 1819, being a son of Nathaniel and Hannah Charlesworth, natives of England. Reared to manhood in the land of his birth, he has from his youth been engaged in the occupation of farming. His education was gained in the pay schools of England, though the knowledge he now possesses is the result of self-culture and thoughtful reading, rather than instruction in school.

In December 1845, James Charlesworth was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Letherbarrow, who was born in England, December 31, 1820, being a daughter of Thomas and Aunt Letherbarrow, natives of England. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Charlesworth, five of whom are living, viz.: Charles, William, Merritt; Sarah, wife of William Hill, and Hannah, who married James Vance. The deceased are George, Ann, Mary A. and one that died in infancy. Taking passage on a steamboat at Liverpool in 1858, Mr. Charlesworth immigrated with his family to America, arriving in New York City after a voyage of nine days. In the fall of the same year he came to Jasper County and settled upon his present farm, in Palo Alto Township. As the result of energy and diligent effort he has acquired the ownership of three hundred and ninety-eight acres on section 27, where he engages in general farming. During the early years of his residence here, he endured all the hardships incident to a life in a new country, but notwithstanding adverse circumstances he never became discouraged. He remembers having seen Indians here, as well as numerous wild animals. Wolves and wild cats were especially plentiful, and often during the nighttime their cries could be heard by the pioneer in his lonely house as they wandered through the surrounding forests, or, growing bold, threatened to invade the frontier home.

With his wife and children to bless his home, and surrounded by all the comforts, which his untiring labors have secured, Mr. Charlesworth is passing the twilight of his useful existence. He is well known among the venerable pioneers of Jasper County, and has the regard of all who know him. His broad acres and fine farm buildings are a standing monument to his energy and perseverance. In politics he is a Republican, and his sons are also of that political belief. He and his wife are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has officiated as Steward for nine years. Portrait and Biographical Record, Jasper, Marshall and Grundy Counties, IA Page 402.