HEATON, Hiram 1845 - 1922, remembered

HEATON, BONNIFIELD

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 4/25/2011 at 14:10:55

"The Fairfield Ledger"
Centennial Edition
Section D, Page 5, Column 7
Tuesday, September 24, 1946

H. HEATON CHRONICLED EARLY COUNTY HISTORY.

Hiram HEATON, early resident of Glendale, is remembered as an outstanding historian and writer of Jefferson County. A teacher and scholar, HEATON compiled much of the county's history and for many years was the Glendale correspondent for the Fairfield Ledger. Mr. HEATON was born in Ohio on October 15, 1845, and came with his parents to Jefferson County. The farm, purchased by his father at that time, remained Mr. HEATON's home throughout his lifetime. Although under age, HEATON joined the Union army with three of his brothers during the Civil War and participated in General Sherman's campaigns through the South. He returned to Glendale after the war and served as district school teacher. HEATON was a self-educated man, obtaining his only formal education in elementary schools. He was an enthusiastic scholar and a prolific writer of both poetry and prose. HEATON's interest in early history led to his membership in the State Historical Society. He was interested in all county activities and was a member of the Iowa Horticultural Society and the Jefferson County Agriculture Association. The group sponsored county fairs in Fairfield for many years. HEATON was one of the organizers of the Jefferson County Old Settlers Association and was instrumental in establishing Old Settlers Park. He aided in the removal of the old BONNIFIELD log cabin to that site. HEATON was an early member of the Methodist church at Parsonsville and later belonged to the church at Glasgow. His death occurred in 1922 after he was injured in a fall at Washington, Iowa. Hiram HEATON is best remembered for Woodthrush Park, his family home south of Glendale. Mr. HEATON requested in his will that the area be established as a park, and it is now a state wildlife preserve.

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I am not related to the person(s) mentioned.