Plunket, William F. (1833-1921)

PLUNKET

Posted By: Joyce Hickman (email)
Date: 8/18/2008 at 16:16:52

William F. Plunket
Nov 29, 1833 - July 26, 1921

(From the 1883 History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, by J. H. Keatley, p.112, Hardin Twp.)
William F. Plunket, farmer, P. O. Council Bluffs. In the fall of 1870, when Mr. William F. Plunket became a resident of Hardin Township, the country was settled by but a few farmers and stock men. Choosing one of the finest locations in the township, Mr. Plunket has devoted his time and energy to the development of a fine farm, and he has succeeded admirably. He first bought 200 acres, but has since added forty acres to his original purchase, and now has what is generally conceded to be the finest farm in Hardin Township. For four year after purchasing the farm, he lived in a small hut, occupied by the original owner, Mr. E. A. Huber. He then erected his present residence, the main part of which is 16 x 26 feet and two stories, with a sixteen-foot post. The L, or wing, is 14 x 16 feet. A fine cellar, walled with brick, is under the main building. His barn, which is the finest in the township, is an old-fashioned frame, and is solid and substantial. This he built in the spring of 1882. It is 36 x 50 feet, with sixteen-foot posts. Both buildings cost him $3,000. Hardin Township does not baost a finer orchard than is to be found on the farm of Mr. Plunket. It consists of nearly six hundred fine trees, all of which have been reared by himself. Mr. Plunket is a native of Mason County, Ill., where he was born in 1833. His parents moved from there to Henry County, Iowa while there were plenty of Indians to be had for neighbors, if they so desired. There, the early life of William F. was spent. In 1854, he went to Colorado, where he remained for three years, mining and prospecting. Returning to Iowa, he bought a farm in Henry County, and resided there until he sold out and came to his present home. In 1858, he married Miss Nancy Coy, of Henry County, Iowa. Her people became residents of that county as early as 1855. Six boys have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Plunket, but no girls have blesed their union. Politically, Mr. Plunkett is a Democrat, though he is governed more by principle than party ties when casting his vote.

(From the 1891 Biographical History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, p.678)
WILLIAM F. PLUNKET, of section 19, Hardin Township, is one of the prominent and well known settlers of the township where he has resided since September 19, 1870. He was born in Menard County, Illinois, November 29, 1833, the son of Zeno A. and Sarah (FOSTER) PLUNKET, both natives of Kentucky. They were also married in this state. The father was among the early settlers of Sangamon County where he settled in 1831 and remained until 1835, when they moved to Henry County, Iowa, which was then a Territory, inhabited by the Fox and Winnebago Indians; he was also one of the first settlers of this county. The father died in September 1842, leaving a widow, three sons and one daughter, viz.: William F., Elizabeth who died in Henry County near Wayland; J.H. of Garner Township; and Samuel who was killed at Vicksburg in 1863. He was a member of the 25th Iowa Infantry. The mother now resides with her son, William F., at the age of seventy eight years.
William F., our subject, passed his youth in Henry County, assisting at farm work. April 6, 1854, he started for California with an ox team, crossing the Missouri River at Countyl Bluffs when there was only one log cabin where the boat landed at Omaha. At the end of four months, he reached Shasta County, California, where he remained until December 5, 1856, when he returned home via the Isthmus of Panama, to New York, and thence to Henry County, Iowa. In the fall of 1870 he came to Pottawattamie County and purchased 200 acres of partially improved land, which he has since converted into one of the best improved farms in the township. He has since added to this tract until he now has 280 acres. He has a grove and orchard of four acres, and everything about the farm shows the thrift and prosperity of the proprietor.
Politically Mr. PLUNKET is a Democrat, and has served as Township Trustee and as a member of the school board, serving with credit to himself and the best interests of the people. He is a man 57 years of age, but bears his years lightly; he is frank and cordial in his manner. He has lived fifty years in Iowa, and has witnessed the growth and prosperity of this part of the county and has shared in its development. He is numbered, socially, financially and politically, among the solid men of the township. He was married in Henry County, October 7, 1858, to Miss Nancy Ann CAUGHEY, a native of Pennsylvania and the daughter of Josiah and Elmira (MALONE) CAUGHEY, both natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. And Mrs. PLUNKET have seven children living, viz.: John F., who lives adjoining his father; Charles C., a physician at Anita, Cass County, Iowa; Edward, a machinist at Des Moines; William O., Albert F., at home; Ira Z. and Casper A. They lost their second child, Samuel, by death at the age of two years.