Joel A Worth

WORTH - BLACK - PRUNTY

Posted By: Mary E Boyer (email)
Date: 11/30/2006 at 00:14:25

BIOGRAPHY OF JOEL A WORTH*
Pioneers of Marion County - Pages 220 - 222
Red Rock Township - Marion County - Iowa

Joel A. Worth and Thomas Black were the first persons who succeeded Mr. Prunty in the settlement of the northern part of the township. Mr. W. was born in Ky., Aug. 17, 1817, emigrated to Ill. in ‘29, and from thence to Fairfield, Iowa, in Nov. ‘43, in company with Thomas Black, and their families.

Here winter overtook them, and they were compelled to secure quarters for their families till spring. Having provided corn and fuel, they set out for the “New Purchase” in search of a permanent location. At the close of a cold day in December they got as far as where Pella now is, and being unable to reach a more sheltered place, they put up a sort of cat-faced tent to windward of a scanty grove that grew near where the Central University now stands, and prepared to pass the night there. But a serious difficulty interfered with an important part of this preparation, which was to kindle a fire. Everything was damp, the wind was blowing a strong, cold blast, and our wayfarers were in imminent danger of perishing unless they could get something warm for the “inner man.” They had one box of matches, but these seemed to have been either worthless at the start or had become damaged, and they were not aware of it till at this critical moment. One after another they refused to ignite, till nearly the entire box was exhausted, and all hope of obtaining the fire sustaining heat was as nearly extinguished. At length only two matches remained, and upon these seemed to depend their weal or woe. Fortunately, or it may be providentially, to their great joy, these two matches happened to possess the vitality requisite for the crisis. With the utmost care a fire was started, and a warm supper restored the adventurers to comparative courage and comfort.

Next day they reached their destination and took up their quarters with Mr. Prunty till claims could be selected and houses built. The claim selected by Mr. W. proved to be in section 1, town. 77, range 20, on which , on the 14th of Feb., he put up a cabin, and on the 19th of March had the pleasure of introducing his family to their new home.

During the year - - - - - (1845), Mr. Worth moved into Jasper county, just across the line, where he still lives in the enjoyment of a comfortable competence as the reward of his early trials in pioneer experience.

Transcribed by Mary E. Boyer for Iowa Gen Project - Pioneers of Marion County (of no relation)