Tool, John H.

TOOL, FOUCH, WOOD, BRODERSON, TROUT

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 10/22/2009 at 19:45:41

Tool, John H.

The subject of this sketch is a worthy representative of one of the oldest and best known families in Jasper County and since his childhood, which was passed amid the stern experiences of the pioneer period, he has been actively identified with the growth and development of this locality. He has not only worthily upheld an honored family name, but has won a reputation for public spirit, honesty in politics and the home and his material success is well deserved. He is the grandson of Adam Tool, the first white settler in Jasper County.

John H. Tool, farmer of Elk Creek Township, was born in Fairview Township, this county, on May 23, 1854. He is the son of James A. and Sarah (Fouch) Tool, the father born on June 12, 1825, in Virginia, and the m other was a native of Indiana. In an early day the father came to Fairfield, Iowa, and from there to Jasper County. For a complete history of the Tool family the reader is directed to the sketch of Quinn H. Tool, brother of the subject, which appears in another part of this volume.

John H. Tool, of this sketch, grew to manhood on the home farm and when but a boy he assisted with the general work in the fields and about the place. In the winter months he attended school in the Oak Grove district and one winter in the Monroe High School. He remained under his parental rooftree until he was twenty-one years of age, when he bought sixty acres where he still resides. He has made a good living here, keeping his place well cultivated and well improved and he has a cozy home and excellent outbuildings. By good management and close application to his affairs he has prospered and added to his place from time to time until he now owns four hundred and twenty acres in Elk Creek and Fairview Townships.Good livestock are always to be found in his fields and everything about him indicates good management.

Mr. Tool was first a Greenbacker in his political belief, and he now votes the Democratic ticket. In religious matters he belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he takes much interest. He believes in carrying his religion into his everyday life and is therefore known as a mild-mannered honorable, straightforward gentleman, eminently deserving of the confident and respect which all freely accord him.

Mr. Tool was married on November 6, 1875, to Rebecca Wood, who was born near Warsaw, Indiana, December 2, 1855, the daughter of Wesley Wood, who came to Jasper County, Iowa, in 1855 and who is now living at Monroe. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Tool, namely: George A. who married Marie Broderson; Bernice; Clarence C., who married Dora Trout, and Lillian. Past and Present of Jasper County Iowa B. F. Bowden & Company, Indianapolis, IN, 1912 Page 714.