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RIZOR, George Washington - 1912 Bio (1858-1921)

RIZOR, PECK, MURPHY, BOWERS, DOUBLE

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 9/27/2007 at 15:25:02

History of Jefferson County, Iowa -- A Record of Settlement, Organization, Progress and Achievement, Vol. II, Published 1912, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago
Pages 216-217

George W. RIZOR enjoys the distinction of having been born in the first house built by the early settlers in Jefferson county, Iowa. It may still be seen, a crude but picturesque log cabin, stationed for its historic interest in the Old Settlers' Park at Fairfield, Iowa. In this log cabin, originally put up in Round Prairie township, Jefferson county, George W. RIZOR was born September 24, 1857 (sic - 1858). He was the son of John and Cynthia (PECK) RIZOR, both natives of Ohio. His father came to Iowa in the early days of its settlement and began his agricultural career in Jefferson county on land bequeathed to him by his father. This he cleared and utilized for purposes of general farming until his death on March 29, 1909. In the same year his wife also died.

In the schools of Lockridge township George W. RIZOR was given a general education. On finshing school he remained at home and became assistant to his father in the management of the farm and, after a time, was given full charge thereof, a responsibility which he discharged with much credit for ten years prior to his father's death. Of this land one hundred acres fell to his share of the bequest and these, together with eighty more which he purchased, he improved until he now owns one of the finest farms in his township. He raises sixty head of hogs annually, keeps thirty head of cattle and ten horses.

George W. RIZOR married Miss Belle MURPHY, March 27, 1882. Her father, Levi MURPHY, was a native of Ohio; her mother, Sarah (BOWERS) MURPHY was a native of Pennsylvania. When Mr. MURPHY was a boy his family removed to Iowa settling in Wapello county. On coming of age he followed farming, renting for this purpose a tract of land in Round Prairie township, Jefferson county, which he operated for a short time, accumulating sufficient capital to buy forty acres of land which he improved, enhancing its value to such a degree that he was able to sell out at a good profit. Thereupon he purchased a farm of two hundred acres of land, to the operation and improvement of which he gave the remainder of his years. He passed away July 1, 1902, six years after the demise of his wife, which occurred in February, 1896.

Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. RIZOR. They are: Bessie M., the wife of Charles E. DOUBLE, residing at Dudley, Iowa; Lilly E., twenty-six years of age, at home; Roy E., twenty-three years of age, living at Ft. Madison, Iowa; and four younger children all living at home. These are, Herbert L., aged twenty-one, Hazel L., aged fifteen, Carl E., aged ten and Bernard J., aged four years.

Mr. RIZOR is an earnest prohibitionist and has served as school director of his district. He and his wife are members of the First Methodist church in which they have a large circle of friends. Mr. RIZOR is a man to whom much credit is due for being a provident father, a good worker in his church and a loyal advocate of the principles of prohibition.

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


 

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