VAN NOSTRAND, Clark - 1890 Bio (1831-1914)

VAN NOSTRAND, GRIBBEN, BIRKHIMER, WHITING, SHAW, GOSSICK

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 9/2/2007 at 22:08:27

Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago
Pages 473-474

Clark VAN NOSTRAND, a prominent farmer and early settler of Buchanan Township, Jefferson County, residing on section 18, is a native of Ohio. He was born in Ashland County, January 12, 1831, and traces his ancestry back to Holland. The progenitors of the family in America, crossed the Atlantic at a very early day in the history of this country, and settled in Pennsylvania. His paternal grandfather emigrated from that State to Ohio, but ere the removal, there was born in Westmoreland County, on the 1st of September, 1800, a little son, to whom was given the name of John. That child was a lad of fifteen years when the family took up their residence in Ohio. Soon afterward his father died, and the burden of supporting the family fell upon the young lad, who, in the midst of the forest developed a farm, whereby he provided for the maintenance of his mother, brothers, and sisters. He was the oldest of eight children, the family being composed of three sons and five daughters. In Ashland County, Ohio, he married Miss Eiza GRIBBEN, who was a native of Pennsylvania, but of Irish descent, her parents having been born in Ireland. Mr. VAN NOSTRAND then made a farm for himself, and there reared his sons to habits of industry. On the 9th of September, 1850, loading the household effects into wagons, the family started for Iowa, reaching their destination after twenty-three days of travel. The father purchased two hundred acres of land, the farm now owned by our subject, and there spent the remainder of his life, but he was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, for after an eight-years' residence in Iowa, his death occurred on the 6th of April, 1859. His wife was called home about three years previous, dying in November, 1855, at the age of fifty-four years. Both were members of the Christian Church from early life, and the record which they made is one of which their children may well be proud. Their family numbered four sons and three daughters, but only three are now living: William, a resident farmer of Decatur County, Iowa; Amanda, wife of John BIRKHIMER, whose home is in Fremont County, Iowa.

Clark VAN NOSTRAND, the other surviving member of the family, and the one whose history is identified with that of Jefferson County, has lived a useful and upright life, and ranked among the valued citizens of the community. As soon as he was old enough he was put to work upon his father's farm, and before the removal of the family to Iowa, he learned the cooper's trade. On reaching this State, he found his services in that line were in demand, and made many an extra dollar by work at the same when the weather or other causes prevented farm labor. Though lawfully his own master, he remained at home and operated his father's farm, until, at length, having accumulated some surplus money, he entered two hundred acres of land in Decatur County. That continued to be his home but a short time, when he sold out, and in company with his brother Lewis, he purchased the old homestead, of which he became sole owner after five years.

An important event in the life of Mr. VAN NOSTRAND, occurred on the 23d of April, 1859, when he led to the marriage altar Miss Sarah WHITING, a native of Ashland County, Ohio, born April 9, 1832. Her parents were Samuel B. and Rebecca (SHAW) WHITING, the former a native of Maine, and the latter of Pennsylvania. They became early settlers of the Buckeye State, and the year 1856 witnessed their arrival in Iowa. Upon their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. VAN NOSTRAND took up their abode on the old homestead, which they have never left for another place of residence. The home was blessed with a family of seven children, numbering six sons and one daughter, but four of the number died in childhood. Emma, the only daughter, is now the wife of Benjamin L. GOSSICK, a resident farmer of Buchanan Township; Andrew B. is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Colorado; and Lewis W. is at home.

For many years both Mr. and Mrs. VAN NOSTRAND have been identified with the Christian Church. They are charter members of the Fairfield church, in which for some twenty years he has held the office of Elder. Not only has he given freely to its support, but he has also made liberal donations to Oskaloosa College, and Drake University, which institutions are under the auspices of the Christian Church. He makes his religion a part of his daily life, is charitable and benevolent, and in his good works finds a ready and willing assistant in his estimable wife. He cast his first Presidential vote for Scott, and in political sentiment, since the organization of the party, has been a Republican. Caring little for public office, he has never sought political preferment, but in 1880 was the choice of township for the office of County Supervisor, and for three years he served as Township Assessor. His landed possessions now aggregate four hundred and ten acres, one of the best farms in the neighborhood. A glance at the well tilled fields indicates to the passer-by that the owner is a man of thrift and industry, and in looking into this stables and seeing the fine grades of horses, cattle, sheep and hogs which he raises, we see that he is a man of progressive ideas, who is ever abreast with the times. He has gained the greater part of his possessions through his own efforts, and is regarded by all who know him as one of the leading citizens of Buchanan Township. Many friends will be pleased to receive this brief sketch of his life which deserves a place in the volume of his country's history for many reasons, he being an early settler, a representative farmer and good citizen, but mostly because he is an upright man whose example is worthy of emulation.

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