Manatt, William

MANATT, CARPENTER, SHORTLEY, SHRIMPLIN

Posted By: Gary Norris (email)
Date: 12/19/2012 at 09:37:15

The History of Poweshiek County, Iowa
Des Moines: Union Hist. Co., 1880.

MANATT, WILLIAM - Bear Creek Twp. - pg 841. Capitalist. Was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, July 14, 1823. Moved at an early age to Holmes county, Ohio, where his father, Robert Manatt, engaged in agricultural pursuits, and resided until 1846, and where William was raised and educated. In 1846 the family came to Poweshiek county, locating where Brooklyn now stands. At that time the State road was laid out, but had not been traveled to any extent. The Manatts were among the first settlers of the county, and had many of the difficulties to contend with which are incident to the settlement of a new country. The deep snows that prevailed in those days made it an arduous task to obtain the necessaries of life, they having to be drawn long distances. The subject of this notice owned the land upon which the town proper of Brooklyn stands, and erected a number of fine business houses and residences. Mr. Manatt is the third oldest settler in the town. He has been twice married; first, to Mary Ann Carpenter, October 4, 1845. By this union he had two children: Wesley, Sarah Massey (now Mrs. Shortley). Mrs. Manatt died November 9, 1854. Was married the second time October 1, 1863, to Roxann Shrimplin. By the latter union they have three children: Lolla, Nellie and Tresa.