Hiatt, John M.

HIATT, IKE

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 8/31/2009 at 07:56:20

Hiatt, John M.

Specific mention is made within the pages of this book of many of the worthy citizens who have honored Jasper County with their residence, citizens who have figured in the growth and development of this favored section of the great Hawkeye commonwealth and whose interests are or have been identified with its every phase of progress, each contributing in his sphere of action to the well being of the community which he selected for the arena of his life labors and to the advancement of its normal and legitimate growth. Among this worthy number of a past generation, none was more influential or conspicuous than the late John M. Hiatt, a man combining many praiseworthy characteristics of head and heart, much of whose busy and useful life was spent within the borders of this County, whose interests he ever had at heart and sought to foster while laboring to advance his own. For his public spirit, his industry and exemplary character he was held in high regard by all classes.

Mr. Hiatt was born in Licking County, Ohio, March 21, 1819. He was the son of Elsey and Sallie Hiatt, who were among the old settlers of that County, the family finally moving from there to Shelby County, Ohio, when the son, John M. Hiatt, was about four years old, and there grew to maturity on the home farm and received a good education in the country public schools. He remained at home with his parents until he was married to Catherine Ike, of Shelby County, Ohio, on February 24, 1842. She was born in that County on February 2, 1821, she and Mr. Hiatt, having been schoolmates there. She was the daughter of William and Hannah Ike, pioneer residents of that locality, where they became prosperous farmers and influential in the affairs of the neighborhood.

After their marriage John M. Hiatt and wife remained in Shelby County, Ohio, three years, then, in 1845 moved to Dearborn County, Indiana, locating on a farm where they spent three years, thence moving to Ross, that state, where Mr. Hiatt engaged in carpentering until 1854, then started on the overland trip to Jasper County, Iowa, having been joined in Davenport, Iowa, by the parents of Mr. Hiatt, who accompanied them to Jasper County. They located on farms in Rock Creek Township, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres from the government, the County being new, unimproved, in fact, wild. There the parents established a good home, in which they spent the remainder of their lives and there John M. Hiatt and wife lived until 1863, when they sold out and moved to Newton, which city was Mr. Hiatt's place of abode until his death, on January 13, 1887, at the home on West High street, where his widow continued to reside until summoned to her reward, some twenty-three years afterwards. Here Mr. Hiatt followed carpentering and contracting, with the exception of three years, when he was in the drug business on the east side of the public square. He was very successful in whatever he turned his attention to and he became one of the best-known contractors in this locality, many of the substantial buildings over the County today being monuments to his skill as a builder.

Mr. Hiatt was a strong Republican and he took an active interest in party affairs. He was a worthy and active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Newton. He left his widow a beautiful home and several valuable buildings in Newton, which she owned until her death, on December 27, 1910, having attained the advanced age of ninety years. She was active and hearty almost to the last, her mind acute and memory excellent. It was a rare treat to hear her recall reminiscences of the early days and conditions of pioneer times, both here and in Ohio. She led a devout Christian life and always enjoyed the association of a host of warm friends.

To Mr. and Mrs. John M. Hiatt one child was born, a daughter, Sophia Jane, whose birth occurred on December 27, 1842, in Shelby County. She died when six years of age.

John M. Hiatt was admired and respected by all who knew him, and he did much for the early development of Jasper County along material and moral lines, and he and his faithful life companion are eminently deserving of a conspicuous place in her history. Past and Present of Jasper County Iowa B. F. Bowden & Company, Indianapolis, IN, 1912 Page 580.