Frum, Joseph

FRUM

Posted By: Joyce Hickman (email)
Date: 10/21/2008 at 14:05:55

Joseph Frum

(From the 1883 History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, by J. H. Keatley, p.211, Pleasant Twp.)
Joseph Frum, farmer, P. O. Shelby, was born in Monongalia County, W. Va., December 15, 1819, son of Samuel and Catharine (Bland) Frum, natives of Berkeley County, W. Va. Both the parents died in Monongalia County, W. Va., he April 28, 1856, she born in 1792, and died in January 1874. They were farmers, and the parents of eight children, three sons and five daughters. Our subject received his schooling in his native county, and has been engaged in farming all of his life. He was married, in his native county, December 24, 1844, to Mary Boyd, born in the same place September 14, 1819, daughter of William and Margaretta Boyd, both of whom are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Frum have eight children - Samuel B., Catharine, Joseph Ezra and John N. (twins), Vian, Anna, Christopher C. and George D. Our subject was engaged in farming before he left his native State. He came to Iowa in the fall of 1868, and to Pleasant Township in 1872. He purchased 320 acres of wild land at $8.50 per acre, and improved it. At one time he and his sons owned 1,300 acres, which they divided, and now our subject has 160 acres, which he improved years ago by setting out 2,000 shade and 225 fruit trees. In 1875, he built a large one and a half story frame house, 16 x 24, with large kitchen and cellar. He has retired from active farm work, the place being run by his son, George D., who also owns 160 acres adjoining on the west. Our subject has filled township offices in his native State, and has been School Director in Pleasant Township. From 1861 to 1863, he was in the employ of the Government. In politics, he is a Republican.