Francis Marion Peed

KALE, MCGEE, MOORE, PEED, PRALL, WHITE

Posted By: Judy Wight Branson (email)
Date: 6/28/2006 at 10:29:17

A fine modern farm of three hundred and thirty acres in Douglas township pays tribute to its owner, Francis M. Peed, who was born on the 2d of December, 1854, in Lawrence county, Indiana. His father, Edmund Peed, was likewise a native of that county, his birth occurring in 1827. He was an agriculturist and resided in his native state until 1853, when, with his belongings in saddle bags, he started on horseback for the west. He found Dallas county, Iowa, to his liking and stopped there but only remained a few months, though in that time he built a log cabin. He then returned to Indiana and in 1856, with his family, made the journey to this state, settling, however, in Madison county. He entered land on section 4, Douglas township, paying therefor a dollar and a quarter per acre. There were many deer and elk in this section and deer were killed as late as 1871. As soon as possible he erected a cabin and broke his land, thus providing a home for his family and making possible the raising of grain to supply food. His next care was to fence his fields with rails and he was continually throughout his active life making improvements upon his farm, which became one of the valuable properties of his neighborhood. He not only cultivated the usual cereals, but was also an extensive stock-raiser and accumulated more than a competence. In 1890 he retired from active life and lived in Winterset until 1904, when he passed away at the age of seventy-seven. There were a number of families from Indiana who were living in the same neighborhood in Douglas township and among them Mr. Peed was an acknowledged leader in social, political, educational and religious affairs. His church membership was held in the Church of Christ and he was an efficient worker in that organization. The saddle bags which he used on his first trip to Iowa are now in the museum of the Winterset Historical Society and his memory is honored as that of a worthy pioneer. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Eliza White, was born in Washington county, Indiana, in 1829, and died at the age of sixty-six in 1895. There were three children in their family, namely: Mrs. Nancy Moore, a resident of Douglas township; Francis M., of this review; and Charles T., living in Kansas.

Francis M. Peed first attended school held in a neighbor's house, as the settlers had not yet had time to erect a schoolhouse. He later continued the pursuit of an education in the first schoolhouse erected in the township. Needless to say, the building was of logs and the seats were but board slabs. The training acquired in school, however, was but part of his education and under his father's instruction he early in life became familiar with the various phases of farm work. When twenty-one years of age he rented land and after his marriage lived upon his father-in-law's farm for a time. He purchased land as soon as his financial circumstances would permit and from time to time added to his holdings until he and his wife now own three hundred and thirty acres. He feeds and ships many cattle and hogs annually and has found that a profitable occupation. Much of the active work of the farm he leaves to others, but he supervises and directs their labors. His residence is modern in every particular and everything about the farm is kept in the best of repair. The prosperity which Mr. Peed enjoys is thoroughly deserved and the leisure which is now his is the reward of former toil.

On March 4, 1879, Mr. Peed was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca McGee, who was born in this county, November 1, 1856, of the marriage of Matthew M. and Caroline (Kale) McGee, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Peed have three living children. Roy M., who was born January 30, 1880, is residing upon his own farm in Douglas township and is specializing in the raising of registered Poland China hogs. He married Miss Grace Prall. Ira L., born August 6, 1881, owns land in Jackson township and is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. Retta B., is at home with her parents. She has received an excellent, musical education but spends the most of her time as representative for the Curtis publications. A daughter, Mabel Grace, was born December 19, 1887, and died on the 8th of December, 1888.

Mr. Peed is a republican and, although without political aspirations, has exerted considerable influence in local party circles. His family are devout members of the Methodist church and are active factors in its work. He is well known throughout the county and to know him is to respect him, for he is upright and honorable as a man and as a citizen manifests a commendable concern for the public welfare.