Bacon, Joshua C.

BACON, HUMPHREY, SEARS

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 10/23/2012 at 13:26:48

1880 History of Poweshiek County Iowa

CHESTER TOWNSHIP

Page 933

BACON, JOSHUA C.--Farmer and stock-raiser, section 10, P.O. Chester Center. Was born in Orange county, Vermont, on the 9th of October, 1830, where he was brought up and educated, and remained until he was about thirty-three years of age, during which time he spent three years in Indiana, where he was engaged in the railroad business as a baggage-master and ticket agent at night, in which capacity he continued to labor for thirty-three months, and the longest time he had for sleeping at any one time was two hours and forty minutes. He returned to Vermont and engaged in agricultural pursuits, which business he had always followed before he became engaged in railroading. After about seven years he removed to Iowa and settled two and a half miles southeast of Grinnell, where he lived about two years, and removed to this township in the year 1868, where he has since resided. His farm consists of 240 acres of fine land all in cultivation, and is well improved with good fences and buildings. Was married, in 1857, to Miss Mary Jane Humphrey, who is still living, and is a lady of refined tastes and superior culture. By this union they have eight children: Etta F., Fred H., Ida A., William D., Albert H., Hiram J., Hattie, Eda M. The eldest of these, Etta F. (who is now Mrs. Adilbert Sears), before her marriage was a school teacher, having, however, had no advantages of any high schools. She was one of the finest English scholars in the county. Mr. Bacon was injured while in the railroad business by the falling of a water-spout which struck him on the back of the head, fracturing his skull and rendering him unfit for duty for a long time. He has held several offices of trust in the township where he lives, and enjoys the entire confidence of his neighbors.