William F. Hircock

BRINSON, CAMERON, DODDS, FLEENER, HIRCOCK, PATTON

Posted By: Judy Wight Branson (email)
Date: 8/7/2004 at 18:59:45

William F. Hircock can justly call himself a self-made man, a title which is much honored in this country, where success is dependent chiefly upon individual initiative and ability. He was born in Lincoln township, this county, on the 11th of September, 1861, a son of Jacob and Louisa C. (Dodds) Hircock, both of whom were born in Cambridgeshire, England, the father on the 12th of February, 1824, and the mother on the 13th of January, 1828. In 1854 they emigrated to America and first located in Huron county, Ohio, whence five years later they removed to Madison county, Iowa, settling in Lincoln township. The father had purchased land in Jackson township but never lived thereon. In 1861 he and his family returned to Ohio and later located two miles over the state line in Michigan. In 1869 they again came to Madison county, Iowa, and Jacob Hircock and wife lived in various places thereafter, their last days being spent in Lincoln township. Both passed away on the farm where their son Thomas now resides. The father's death occurred on the 18th of December, 1898, and the mother died on the 18th of May, 1906.

The record of their eight children is as follows: Benjamin, born July 24, 1852, died March 5, 1853. Eleanor C., born April 2, 1854, married John W. Fleener and passed away on the i4th of March, 1880. Thomas, who was born in Huron county, Ohio, July 27, 1856, resides upon the homestead in Lincoln township, Mary Ann, who was born in Huron county, Ohio, November 2, 1858, is the wife of R. E. Cameron, of Lincoln township, William F. of this review, is the next in order of birth. Culy, who was born in Monroe county, Michigan, March 25, 1864, is a resident of Kansas. Charles, also born in Monroe county, Michigan, July 14, 1866, is residing in Jackson township, this county. Emma Louise, born February 5, 1870, is the wife of William Smith and resides in this state.

William F. Hircock spent the greater part of his boyhood and youth in Lincoln township, this county, and remained under the parental roof until he attained his majority. He was early trained to farm work and upon starting out himself devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits. His father gave him a team of horses and a cow, but the received no other assistance from him and for the first five years rented land. He lived frugally and saved as much as possible and at the end of that time purchased thirty acres of slightly improved land on section 3, Lincoln township. He has continued to practice thrift and from time to time has added to his farm until it now comprises two hundred and twenty acres. It is well improved and has two sets of buildings, his son living upon a part of the farm. The industry of Mr. Hircock has never failed and as he possesses good business judgment he has been able to sell his crops and stock to advantage, so that his resources have steadily increased.

On November 10, 1886, Mr. Hircock was married in Lincoln township to Miss Mary Brinson, a daughter of William Brinson, a veteran of the Civil war and a retired farmer living in Winterset, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. They have become the parents of four children: Clara, who died in infancy; Floyd L., who married Dola Patton and resides upon a part of his father’s farm; and Lannie and Elise, both at home.

Mr. Hircock is a republican and is at present a member of the school board and township board. He has given his whole time to his work as a farmer and stock-raiser, having few outside interest, but in improving and developing his farm he has contributed to the growth of the county along agricultural lines, and his sterling integrity has won him the respect of all who have come into contact with him.

Taken from the book, “The History of Madison County, Iowa, 1915’