Muscott, H. B.

MUSCOTT, MACOMBER

Posted By: Gary Norris (email)
Date: 1/17/2013 at 09:28:06

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

MUSCOTT, H.B.—Grinnell Twp—pg 915-16. County Auditor, section 13. To a self-made man who has battled his way to success through his own unaided ability and gained an honored and responsible position in society, much should be accredited. The subject of this sketch is the architect of his own fortune, and his rise in the world must be attributed to his energy and perseverance. Born in Oneida county, New York, October 21, 1829, where he lived on a farm until he was sixteen years of age, assisting his father during the summer and attending the common school during the winter; this, with three terms in a graded school, when nine, twelve and fourteen years of age, comprised his schooling as far as schools were concerned. In 1846, in company with his parents, he removed from his native State and located in Washtenaw county, Michigan, at a place called Dexter, where he continued to live until 1866, when he again removed to Polk county, Iowa. During Lincoln’s administration he was appointed postmaster of Dexter, Michigan, a position he held five years, commencing in 1861; and was also there engaged in the mercantile business for two years; with these exceptions his time was mostly devoted to agricultural pursuits. In 1868 he came to this county and located on section 13, Grinnell township, where he still resides, having one hundred and sixty acres of Poweshiek’s best soil in his possession, all well-improved. In 1875 he was elected by his friends to the office of County Auditor, and has been re-elected two consecutive terms; during this time he has discharged the duties of his office with such care, integrity and effectiveness, that his character both as a private citizen and public officer has never been tainted by a breath of suspicion. In January, 1856, he returned to his native county and was there united in marriage with Miss Sylva Macomber, and their family circle are: Clayton A., Freddie, Hattie A., Mabel, Brayton, Martha and Horace.