Joseph Cole Rippey

COLE, LOEHR, RIPPEY, WEEKS

Posted By: Judy Wight Branson (email)
Date: 9/9/2004 at 21:10:25

Joseph C. Rippey, who has resided in Madison county for almost six decades and is one of its venerable and esteemed citizens, devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career but is now living retired with his son, J. W., who makes his home on section 34, Lincoln township. His birth occurred in New Jersey on the 25th of September, 1835, his parents being Matthew and Sarah (Cole) Rippey, the former a native of New York city and the latter of New Jersey, where their marriage was celebrated. In 1854 they removed to Keithsburg, Illinois, and about two years later came to Madison county, Iowa, arriving here in what is known as the "cold winter" of 1856-7. Matthew Rippey entered land on section 29, Lincoln township, and there developed a farm, making it a productive and valuable property. Both he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives thereon, and when they passed away the community mourned the loss of two of its honored pioneer settlers. They were the parents of seven children, as follows: Matthew, who studied medicine and was one of the early physicians of this county but has recently retired and now resides in Lincoln township with his daughter .and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. James McKibban; Joseph C., of this review; Thomas, who was employed as a night watchman at Keithsburg, Illinois, for about thirty-five years and still resides there; John, who makes his home at Coon Rapids, Iowa; Woodman, a resident of Waukee, this state; Hope Anna, who is the wife of N. W. Loehr, of Madison county; and Jane, who gave her hand in marriage to Van Moore, of this county.

Joseph C. Rippey was a young man of twenty-one years when he came to Madison county with his parents and he has remained within its borders continuously since. General agricultural pursuits claimed his attention throughout his entire business career and he became the owner of a well improved and productive farm of eighty acres on section 32, Lincoln township, which he recently sold. Since the demise of his wife, which occurred on the 20th of September, 1896, he has lived retired with his son, J. W., enjoying in well earned ease the fruits of his former toil.

In 1862 Mr. Rippey was united in marriage to Miss Marinda Thornburg, a sister of Lou Thornburg of Winterset, of whom mention is made on another page of this work. To them were born five children, three of whom survive, namely: Charles E., who is a resident of Aztec, New Mexico; George I., living in Grand River township, this county; and J. W. In politics Mr. Rippey is a stalwart democrat and he has ably served in the capacities of school director, constable and school treasurer. His mother was a Quaker and he was reared in that faith. His life has been upright and honorable in its varied relations and he well merits the respect and esteem which are uniformly accorded him.

Joseph Warren Rippey, son of Joseph C. Rippey, was born in Lincoln township, this county, in 1875, and was reared to manhood on the home farm. He continued the work of the fields for some time after attaining his majority but fifteen years ago embarked in merchandising at Ord, a former postoffice, and there acted as postmaster for five years or until the rural free delivery was established.

Ten years ago he purchased forty acres of the John A. Macumber farm and moved his store thereon, also erecting a handsome residence. He has since carried on agricultural pursuits and also conducts a general store, having built up a gratifying patronage during the fifteen years of his identification with mercantile interests.

As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life J. W. Rippey chose Miss Zoa Weeks, a native of this county and a daughter of James Weeks, a resident of Creston, Iowa. To them have been born four children, namely: Olin, Russell, Gleason and Faith. Mr. Rippey is widely recognized as a prosperous and enterprising citizen of his native county and both he and his wife have a host of warm friends here.

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