Nathan Binns

BINNS, CLEMENT, FERNSIDE, HOWARD, MOORE

Posted By: Judy Wight Branson (email)
Date: 6/28/2006 at 21:12:56

Nathan Binns a well known farmer and stockman residing on section 9, Webster township, was born in Yorkshire, England, on the 19th of January, 1852 His parents, Benjamin and Hannah (Fernside) Binns, were also natives of that shire, the father's birth occurring in 1830 and the mother's two years later. Benjamin Binns, who is a stone mason and bricklayer by trade, resided in England until 1858, when he left his native land and came to the United States, settling in Oskaloosa, Iowa. He purchased land there, but continued to follow his trades until 1886. He then came to Madison county and bought land in Webster township, becoming the owner of two hundred acres, which, however, he never cultivated personally, hiring others to do the farm work. He raised considerable stock of a high grade, finding that line of activity very profitable. He stills owns one hundred and two acres, from which he derives a good income. In 1911 he returned to Oskaloosa, where he still lives, and he is a stockholder in one of the banks of that city. He is a naturalized citizen of the United States and supports the republican party at the polls. He has always been keenly interested in everything affecting the public welfare and is willing to place the general good above his private interests. His wife passed away on the 8th of April 1914 They were the parents of three children, of whom Nathan is the eldest. B. S. is also living in Webster township and the youngest is residing at Oskaloosa.

Nathan Binns began his education in England and continued it in the district schools of Mahaska county, Iowa. However, when but eleven years of age he began earning his own living, working as a farm hand for John Schultz who at one time resided in Madison county. When thirteen years of age Mr. Binns began assisting in the operation of his father's farm, while the latter followed his trades, by dint of hard work and careful management our subject has accumulated a competence. He owns three hundred and twenty-seven acres of fine land on section 9 in Webster township and engages in the stock business. He raises, feeds, buys and ships cattle and hogs and carries on an extensive business along those lines. He also does some general farming and is financially independent.

In 1890 Mr. Binns married Miss Martha J. Howard, a daughter of Dexter and Elizabeth (Moore) Howard, an account of whose lives appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Binns have become the parents of the following children: Everett L., who married Miss Matilda Harrison, a granddaughter of M. C. Clement, one of the pioneers of Grand River township; William and Guy, who died in infancy; and Fred, Arthur, Dessie Marie and Alfred, all of whom arc attending district school.

Mr. Binns is a republican but has never felt the least desire to take an active part in political affairs. Fraternally he is connected with Evening Star Lodge, No. 43, A. F. & A. M. Since 1886 he has resided permanently in Madison county and has many sincere friends, who esteem him the higher because he is retiring in disposition and does not seek publicity. He devotes his entire time to his farm and stock business and, as he is energetic and has good business judgment, it is but natural that he has gained material prosperity. His success is especially creditable as he is a self-made man, having been dependent upon his own resources since the early age of eleven years.

Taken from the book, “The History of Madison County, Iowa, 1915,” by Herman Mueller.