Horsford, John G.

HORSFORD, GRIFFIN, BLACK, HOOVER

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 8/31/2009 at 10:31:25

Horsford, John G.

This sterling farmer, who has come to us from the great and powerful British empire, but who, nevertheless, reveres our flag and gladly supports our institutions, is one of the progressive and highly honored citizens of Washington Township, Jasper County, owning there a valuable and well kept farmstead. Since coming here he has won a reputation for both industry and integrity, his character standing out unblemished, so that to him is accorded the fullest measure of popular confidence and esteem. He is eminently entitled to representation in this work, which aims to give all worthy citizens of this locality due credit for their praiseworthy lives.

Horsford was born in Devonshire, England, July 26, 1860, and he is the son of George and Charlotte (Griffin) Horsford, both natives of Devonshire, England. There they grew up, were educated and married, devoted their lives to farming, and there they died, the father in the same house in which he was born. Their family consisted of four sons, namely: John G. of this sketch; William lives in England; Harry died in his native country; and Fred, who is still living in England.

John G. Horsford grew up in his native community and was educated there, emigrating to America when twenty-one years of age and located in Winnebago County, Illinois, where he worked a few months, then returned to England, where he remained until the spring of the next year, then returned to Illinois and located in La Salle County where he worked out as a farm hand. In the fall of 1883 he came to Jasper County and located in Richland township, buying one hundred acres there, which he improved into a good farm and there made his home for a period of sixteen years, then sold out and bought one hundred and forty acres near Bethel Church. Selling that farm in March 1909, he purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Washington Township and this place he has improved and is very comfortably situated, having a pleasant home and convenient barns and other buildings; in connection with general farming, he raises a good grade of live stock of various kinds. Having been a man of thrift, he has met with a large measure of success in his adopted country.

Mr. Horsford is a man of decided views, and he votes for the man who, in his estimation, is best qualified for the office sought, irrespective of politics. Religiously, he belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has been school director in his district.

On July 24, 1884, Mr. Horsford was united in marriage with Mary Black, who was born in Grinnell, Iowa, May 18, 1864, the daughter of O. W. Black and wife, early settlers of this portion of Iowa. Two children have been born to the subject and wife, Mrs. Fannie Hoover and Charlotte. Past and Present of Jasper County Iowa B. F. Bowden & Company, Indianapolis, IN, 1912 Page 747.