MOWERY, Franklin P. - 1890 Bio (1853-1936)

MOWERY, DIAL, KIRBY, OSBORN

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 8/18/2007 at 21:49:14

Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago
Pages 411-412

Franklin P. MOWERY, an intelligent and progressive farmer and stock-raiser of Jefferson County, resides on section 30, Polk Township, and is a representative of one of the highly respected families of the community. His parents, David and Sarah (DIAL) MOWERY, were natives of Ohio, where their marriage was celebrated and whence they came to Jefferson County in 1845. Mr. MOWERY settled upon the farm in Polk Township, where our subject now resides, and entered four hundred acres of land, which farm he afterwards increased by subsequent purchase. He was well pleased with his new home in the West and continued here to live until life's journey was ended. He passed away in 1877, and his wife died in 1886. He faithfully discharged all his duties of citizenship, lived an upright and useful life, and it was therefore an occasion of deep regret on the part of many friends when the news of his death reached them.

F. P. MOWERY, whose name heads this sketch, was the tenth in order of birth in a family of twelve children. He was liberally educated, his primary course of training being supplemented by two years attendance at the Axline Academy, of Fairfield, and a two years course in the Iowa Business and Normal College, of Des Moines. For some eighteen months he then engaged in real-estate dealing in Des Moines, but at the end of that time returned to Jefferson County and resumed the occupation to which he had been reared. In 1877, he led to the marriage altar Miss Cora KIRBY. The lady was born in Warren County, Ill., and is a daughter of John and Anna (OSBORN) KIRBY, who removed from Illinois to Jefferson County, Iowa, in 1870. For some time they made their home in Polk Township, but are now residents of Fairfield. Mr. KIRBY was born in Pennsylvania, and in Illinois, in 1856, he wedded Miss OSBORN, who was a native of the Empire State, whence she had removed to Illinois with her parents in girlhood. To Mr. and Mrs. MOWERY have been born four children -- Gaylord, Paul, Carrie and Earl, and the family circle yet remains unbroken.

This worthy couple began their domestic life upon the farm on which they still make their home. It now comprises two hundred and seven acres, divided into fields of convenient size which are well kept and improved. In the barns are found some fine specimens of Kentucky Short-horn cattle, of which he makes a specialty, together with other good grades of stock. The secret of his success in life is contained in one short word, work. He is now numbered among the substantial citizens of the community, possessing a competence which furnishes him with all the comforts of life, together with many of its luxuries. He takes an active interest in political affairs and on questions of national importance casts his ballot with the Democratic party, but at local elections his support is given to the man whom he thinks will best fill the position. He has served both as Treasurer and Secretary of the School Board, and has done not a little for the advancement of the case of education in this community. He is an honored member of both the Odd Fellows society and Masonic fraternity, belonging to Abingdon Lodge, No. 468, I. O. O. F., of which he has been Commander and Inside Guard, and also belongs to Abingdon Lodge, No. 104, A. F. and A. M., of which he is now Secretary. He and his wife hold a high position in the social world due to their worth and intelligence, and are people whom any community might be proud to claim as citizens.

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.