Horsfall, William

HORSFALL, REKA

Posted By: Roseanna Zehner
Date: 7/22/2006 at 14:41:05

HORSFALL, WILLIAM

William Horsfall, who is the proprietor and manager of a livery barn and sales stable at George, Lyon county, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, March 17, 1846, and was taken by his parents before he had reached the age of three years to Grant County, Wisconsin, where he received his education.

He began to work in his father's woolen mill early in life and soon became an expert weaver. When the mill was destroyed by fire he did not remain to see it rebuilt, but came to the west, and in 1888 started a livery business in George. For this purpose he built a barn, and put in all the outfit required at that time. He has become noted as one of the oldest settlers of George, and has seen the town grow from almost nothing to its present considerable proportions. Honest as the day is long, and kind and humane in his spirit, and withal an industrious character, he is recognized as one of the leading business men of the place, and has a host of friends who wish him well.

Mr. Horsfall was married to Miss Emma L., daughter of Henry and Lucretia Reka. Her parents were of English origin, but were old pioneers in Vermont. To this union were born five children: Lucretia, Ivy B., Mary Ann, F.E., and Pansy. The only son is in the mail service.

Mr. Horsfall wore the Union blue during the Civil War. He enlisted in Wisconsin in 1863, becoming a member of Company J, Twentieth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, serving throughout the war until 1865, when he was discharged. Mr. Horsfall was in the first fight at Mobile, the assault on Fort Morgan, and fought through Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana. He was in the battle of Pea Ridge, and his last campaign carried him through Texas. His discharge was received at Galveston. Our subject is naturally an ardent member of the Grand Army of the Republic. For twenty-one years and more he has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and for many years he has been affiliated with the Knights of Pythias. His family belong to the Methodist church. In politics he is a Republican, and for six years has filled the position of president of the school board. It was by his efforts very largely that the construction of the present handsome school building was secured.

Joseph Horsfall, the father of William Horsfall, was born in London, England. His trace was weaving woolen and silk, and in it he attained excellence. When he came to the United States he opened a small shop in Grant county, Wisconsin, for weaving cloth, which soon became so much in demand that he had to enlarge his works. Along in 1868 he was employing from fifteen to twenty hands, but that year the shops burned down, and were never rebuilt. Mr. Horsfall retiring to a four-hundred acre farm, has since given up all active employment.

Source: Compendium of History Reminiscence and Biography of Lyon County, Iowa. Published under the Auspices of the Pioneer Association of Lyon County. Geo. Monlun, Pres.; Hon. E. C. Roach Sec’y; and Col. F. M. Thompson, Historian. Geo. A. Ogle & CO., Published, Engravers and Book Manufacturers. Chicago, 1904-1905

Transcribed by Roseanna Zehner, Darlene Jacoby and Diane Johnson