Mann, J. H.

MANN, WILLIS, LESTER

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 10/24/2012 at 10:26:13

1880 History of Poweshiek County Iowa

CHESTER TOWNSHIP

Page 935

MANN, J. H.--Farmer and stock-raiser, section 34, P.O. Grinnell. Was born in the State of New York, on the 30th of July, 1820. He was brought up and educated in the schools of New York, attending the common schools in his younger days and afterward the high school at Homer. After finishing his education he taught school during the winter season and farmed during the summer until 1871, when he removed to Iowa and settled at Iowa City. There became engaged in the real estate business, building and improving city property. After remaining here some three years he removed to the place which he now occupies. He was married, in the year 1845, to Miss Susan J. Willis, of Oswego, New York, who died in the year 1872, at Iowa City, by whom he had six children, three sons and three daughters: John E., Hannah M., Willis P., Mary L. and Ella C., living, and one deceased. John E., the eldest son, is now an accountant and book-keeper in Cleveland, Ohio. Willis P. is at home with his father on the farm. Hannah is a school-teacher of the first grade, having been thoroughly educated at Oswego, New york, and at the training school at Iowa City. Mary is now attending the high school in the city of Grinnell and Ella is at home with her parents. He was married to his present wife, who was Miss Hattie E. Lester, of New York, in January, 1873. She was educated at Ithica and Genoa academies, New York. Mr. Mann was for three years Assistant Assessor of Internal Revenue in New York; was twelve years on the Board of Supervisors in that State. Has been trustee of the townshp in which he now resides and was one of the corps of enumerators in 1880, taking the census of Chester township. He had been a member of the M.E. Church for twenty-five years before coming West. Was a member of the Patrons of Husbandry and is now a member of the Farmers' Alliance.