Salmon, Wilbur F.

SALMON, ROBINS, HILL, LINT, BURKLEY

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 8/15/2009 at 09:08:41

Wilbur F. Salmon, one of the leading teachers in the state, was born in Clear Creek Township, Jasper County, May 21, 1860. He is the youngest son born unto James and Mary (Robins) Salmon, natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia, respectively. He is the only living son of this worthy couple. His ancestors came originally from Ireland.

Our subject received his early education in the common schools of his native county, and later, at the age of eighteen, he entered the Mitchellville Seminary, where he remained for two years, and then for a time attended school at Bloomfield, where he was graduated from the Southern Iowa Normal College at the age of twenty-three. Returning to his home, our subject taught school for some time in the country, and also in Poweshiek County. From here he was called to Phillips County, Kan., and was appointed Principal of the Marvin school, and acted in that capacity for three years. In 1887 he returned to his native county, and was chosen Principal of the Mitchellville schools, holding this position until 1890, when he resigned to assume charge as Principal of the schools of Colfax. These schools he conducted with great tact and success for two years, and in November of 1893 was nominated by his fellow-citizens as candidate for the office of County Superintendent of Public Instruction, but was not elected.

In 1884, he married Miss Minnie Hill, a native of Iowa, and a daughter of J. H. and Elizabeth Lint, of Oskaloosa, and by adoption a daughter of Mr. Hill. Mrs. Salmon was a graduate of the Quaker College of Oskaloosa, Iowa. She was for a time teacher in the public schools of Jasper County. One brother of Mrs. Salmon, M. F. Lint, was adopted by a Mr. Burkley, and took the name of Burkley. Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Salmon were the parents of two children, John J. and Florence M., who are at home with their father. July 2, 1892, the devoted mother and wife of our subject passed away, mourned by all who knew her. She was a consistent member of the Christian Church. In his political affiliations, Mr. Salmon is a Democrat, and takes an active interest in all the work of his party. Portrait and Biographical Record, Jasper, Marshall and Grundy Counties, IA Page 466.