ELIAS A. ENSLOW

ENSLOW, LEE, NOSS

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 2/29/2020 at 20:46:10

ELIAS A. ENSLOW, was born June 8, 1826, in Juniata County, Pa. His ancestors were of English-Irish descent. One uncle served in the war of the Revolution. His grandfather, on his mother’s side, Noss, was a Weaver, and lived on what was known as the “Harris Farm,” the present site of Harrisburg, Pa. In 1838, his parents moved to this State, and located in Pleasant Ridge township, near where he now lives.

Mr. Enslows’s education was obtained in a very brief period, occupying altogether not more than three months. In this short time, he got knowledge enough to make his work and management on the farm a financial success. One advantage that Mr. Enslow had over most of the first settlers was this: Instead of taking timber land, his parents ventured a little, and located on the prairie. They arrived at their future home in mid-winter, and immediately prepared a camp in the timber in which they remained until the next summer, when they moved into a cabin that they built on their claim. Their nearest mill was forty miles away. Those now living can have but little idea of the trials the early settlers were obliged to pass through.

In 1839, June 15, his mother died at the age of thirty-two. His father died in 1853, at the age of fifty-eight. One brother, Periander, died while in the late war, at Corinth. In 1858, December 2, Mr. Enslow was joined in marriage to Sarah Ann Lee. She was born in Ohio, March 1, 1836. In 1839, her parents moved to this county. They have had eight children, four sons and four daughters. September 20, 1865, Benjamin H., the first son died, aged two years. The remainder of the children are living at home. Mrs. Enslow united with the Cum. Presbyterian church in 1871.

In politics, Mr. Enslow has always been a Republican. He has always been active, enthusiastic, and one of the wide-awake men who work not so much for their own aggrandizement as for the benefit of their country. He picks out the ablest man, and votes for him regardless of party. When Mr. Enslow’s father came to this county, he had considerable money, most of which he invested in land. The subject of this sketch was enabled to begin life in good circumstances, and as the saying is, ”He has since been able to hold his own.” His father gave him the farm on which he now lives. This he has improved and ornamented with a good house and surroundings, a view of which is presented in this atlas. We may estimate his assets at thirty thousand dollars.

Source:
Illustrated Historical ATLAS of Lee County, IOWA
A. T. Andreas
Chicago, ILL.
1874

Transcription by Mary H. Cochrane, Volunteer