EVERETT, John L. - 1890 Bio (1848-1905)

EVERETT, COSGROVE, DANLEY, CONNOR, PARSONS, ORNDUFF, FLEENOR, PETERS, HOLDEN, CAMPBELL, CLARK

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 8/5/2007 at 13:05:51

Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago
Pages 609-610

J. L. EVERETT, a farmer residing on section 9, Locust Grove Township, Jefferson County, is the son of Isaac and Amelia (COSGROVE) EVERETT, who for a number of years resided in this community and ranked among its best citizens. They were both natives of Pennsylvania, and after their marriage which was celebrated in the Keystone State, they removed to Ohio in 1839, making a location in Hocking County. It was during their stay in that county, that the birth of our subject occurred, the year being 1848. In 1865 the parents removed to Burlington, Iowa, but a year later took up their residence on the farm which is now the home of J. L. Their last days were spent in this county Mr. EVERETT passing away in 1872, while the death of his wife occurred in October, 1884. Their family numbered nine children -- Mrs. Mary DANLEY, of Hocking County, Ohio; Sarah, now Mrs. CONNOR, of Athens County, Ohio; Mrs. Priscilla PARSONS. of Lucas County, Iowa; J. L. of this sketch; Nancy who is now Mrs. ORNDUFF, of Oregon; Edward, a resident of Oregon; Ida, now Mrs. FLEENOR, of Polk Township, Jefferson County; Survenas who is living in Oregon; and Clara now Mrs. John CONNOR, of Kansas. The EVERETT family in inseparably connected with the history of Jefferson County for a number of its members were valued citizens of the community, while some are still here residing and equally with the others are held in high esteem.

It is said that each person is fitted for some particular business and that if he engages in that pursuit his life will be a success. Accepting this theory, we should say that Mr. EVERETT found the work for which nature had intended him. He commenced farming for himself at the age of twenty years, on what is now the old homestead and has there carried on operations, his labors netting him a good income which provides him with all the comforts of life. He was married in Jefferson County, in February, 1874, to Miss Mercy PETERS, who was born in this county and is a daughter of John W. and Ann Elizabeth (HOLDEN) PETERS, who were natives of Indiana. Their residence in Jefferson County dates from 1844, when, settling in Polk Township, Mr. PETERS began the development of a farm, improving more than two hundred acres. In 1852, he engaged in general merchandising in Abingdon, where two years later his death occurred. He was an earnest Christian gentleman, faithful to every duty and the acts of kindness and deeds of charity which he performed won him the love and gratitude of many. His wife, a most estimable lady, still survives him and makes her home in Abingdon. The children of their family are James R., now a resident of Polk Township, who enlisted in Davenport, Iowa, in Company D, Nineteenth Iowa Infantry in 1862 and served three years; Sarah F., wife of G. A. CAMPBELL, of Abingdon; Matilda who died in 1865; Isaac who died in October, 1869; Mercy, wife of our subject; and Lucinda Jane, now Mrs. CLARK, of Abingdon.

To Mr. and Mrs. EVERETT have been born eight children, six of whom are living -- Eddie died in 1876, at the age of two years; Gladstone T., Maud, Blanche, Mabel, John, Earl and Anna Lee are at home.

Mr. EVERETT began life with no capital, save a young man's bright hope of the future, pluck and energy, but these proved ample to unlock the portals of success. His first purchase consisted of only twenty-eight acres of timber land, but this he cleared and planted, adding to it from time to time as opportunity afforded until he is now the owner of a one hundred and seventy-five farm (sic), all fenced and under a good state of cultivation. He is not an office seeker but on the solicitation of friends accepted the office of trustee and also served on the School Board, where he did effective service for the cause of education, of which he is a warm friend. Politically, he is a Democrat, and socially, he is a member of Abingdon Lodge, No. 468, I. O. O. F. He served as treasurer of the order for some years and has passed through all the chairs of the order. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church and their circle of friends is extensive, embracing the best citizens of the community.

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