Kilburn, Frances Asbury

KILBURN, CHANDLER, MOODY, TRIBBET, HIGH, BLANCHARD, JERREL, FERRY

Posted By: Gary Norris (email)
Date: 12/3/2012 at 07:43:27

Francis Asbury Kilburn was one of the most prominent and successful merchants of the county in his time. He was born in Gilsum, New Hampshire, February 21. 1820, and there received a part of his education. He was the second son of Iddo and Abigail Kilburn. The father died in Gilsum, New Hampshire, at the age of eighty and the mother in Vermont at the age of ninety-two. When nineteen years of age our subject went to Vermont and attended school for a time, after which he engaged in teaching and farming. This he continued until October, 1851, when he came to Montezuma, then a village of six log houses, the frame of a house being built a d a courthouse (a frame structure) on the southeast corner of the square, one room below and three offices above. The court room was the only available place, so for a time that was their home. Later a frame house was completed on the north side of the square, into which they moved. In February, 1852, Mr. Kilburn drove to Keokuk, that being the nearest railroad point where goods could be bought, and purchased merchandise. On the way home he sold a part of the load. With what was left his wife "set up storekeeping" in one corner of the court room, which served as a living room, kitchen, bedroom, and store, partitioned with curtains. He returned for another load and sold what he could on the way home, leaving more goods at home each trip until as the town and business increased he was needed in the work at home. But the four or six horse wagon was a familiar sight for a good many years or until the Grinnell & Montezuma Railroad reached here in 1875. From this beginning he and his wife built up a successful business. He was also a landowner and bought and sold hogs and other livestock.

Mr. Kilburn was twice married. On the 14th of June, 1841, in Hartford, Vermont, he wedded Miss Sarah Chandler, who was an estimable woman, one loved and respected by all. She was a good mother, a consistent Christian and a splendid business woman. She was always ready to help those who needed help and seemed to know just the best way to do those things. She died February 25, 1870, leaving three children. Mary H., whose birth occurred on the 1st of May, 1842, gave her hand in marriage to W. A. Moody and had three children; Frank, Elmer and Charles. Abigail S., whose natal day was November 22, 1846, wedded Dr. J. C. Tribbet, by whom she had two children: one who died in infancy; and Nellie F., living in Montezuma, who is the wife of Dr. D. B. High and the mother of two children, Helen F. and Harlan T., Sarah , who was born on the 9th day of October, 1850, married Hon. Judge L. C. Blanchard and passed away on the 19th of February, 1878, leaving two children, Rose and Claude. Rose Blanchard became the wife of Dr. B. O. Jerrel, of Oskaloosa, by whom she now has two children, Louise and Burton. On the 2nd of February, 1871, Mr. Kilburn was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Mary F. Ferry, by whom he had one child, Lillian F., whose birth occurred on the 2nd of June, 1873.
On account of ill health Mr. Kilburn retired from active business in 1884, his home being yet in Montezuma. When he was well he often called Montezuma the "garden spot of the world" His demise occurred on the 16th of May, 1896. He donated the ground where now stands the Methodist Episcopal church and parsonage. For many years his home, store and warehouses occupied the ground where the church now stands. The buildings were destroyed by fire a few years after he moved from them.

History of Poweshiek County Iowa
- A Record of Settlement, Organizations, Progress and Achievement, Vol. II
written by Prof. L. F. Parker.
Published by The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., in 1911
Pages 408-409