LONG, Lewis Henry - 1912 Bio (1848-1936)

LONG, COURTNEY, HAWK, MCCLURE

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 9/22/2007 at 10:16:45

History of Jefferson County, Iowa -- A Record of Settlement, Organization, Progress and Achievement, Vol II
Published 1912, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago
Pages 296 and 299

Lewis H. LONG is engaged in general farming in Walnut township where he owns one hundred and fifty-six acres of arable land. He was born in Buchanan township, Jefferson county, in December, 1848, and in the intervening period of sixty-three years has been an interested witness to the growth and changes which have taken this county out of the ranks of pioneer settlements and placed it with the leading counties of this great commonwealth. His parents were John and Barbara E. (COURTNEY) LONG, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Virginia. It was in the year 1844 that the father came to Jefferson county, Iowa, living with his parents in Buchanan township until he had attained his majority, when he began farming on his own account. Finally he purchased a tract of land in Walnut township and undertook the task of clearing and improving this, converting one hundred and twenty acres in to a richly cultivated tract. For a long time he operated that farm, after which he sold the property and removed to Wayne county, Iowa, there residing until his death, which occurred in 1899. His wife passed away about five years before, dying in 1894.

Under the parental roof Lewis H. LONG spent his boyhood days and in the district schools acquired his education, while the summer months were devoted to the work of the fields. He was trained to habits of diligence and determination and continued with his parents until he reached adult age, when he started out in life on his own account, feeling that his experience was sufficient to enable him to obtain success. He rented a farm and continued its cultivation for nine years, after which he used his savings in the purchase of eighty acres in Walnut township. He then resolutely set himself to the task of improving the place to which he has since added by purchase until he now has one hundred and fifty-six acres of finely improved land, constituting one of the valuable farms of this part of the state. He raises the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and the plowing and planting at springtime give promise of abundant harvests in the late autumn. His success is attributable entirely to his own labors and not only has he established himself in a creditable position in agricultural circles but is also well known as a stockholder in the East Pleasant Plain Bank and in the North Lockridge Telephone Company.

In January, 1872, Mr. LONG was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. HAWK, a daughter of William and Frances (McCLURE) HAWK, of whom mention is made in connection with the sketch of her brother, Thomas M. HAWK, on another page in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. LONG have become the parents of two sons and one daughter, Lora A., William Ross and Thirza S. The son is now following farming in Lucas county, Iowa. Mr. LONG has served as school director but has never been active as an office seeker, other interests fully claiming his time and energies. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, his religious faith is that of the Church of God and his fraternal relations are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Salina. His has been a busy and useful life and yet he has never sought to figure prominently in public affairs. Year after year he has carefully done his work and performed his duties and because of his trustworthiness and fidelity he is accorded the friendship and esteem of those with whom he has come in contact. Moreover he deserves representation in this volume as one of the pioneer settlers. Few of the native sons of Jefferson county have lived for sixty-three years within its borders and in that period he has witnessed many notable changes, including the building of the railroads, the introduction of the telegraph and telephone and the establishment of many important business enterprises which have done much to place the county on a plane of prosperity. He ever rejoices in the onward movement and feels that the county has every right to rank with the leading districts of the state.

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