Lincoln, Ernest Edwin

LINCOLN, MAPSTEAD, SIMMONS, THOMPSON, ROBSON, WHITTAKER

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 3/28/2010 at 08:52:09

History of Poweshiek County Iowa 1911
Page 84

ERNEST EDWIN LINCOLN

At the early age of four years Ernest Edwin Lincoln arrived in America with his parents from England. He has, perhaps, but a faint recollection of the green fields and crowded cities of the British Isles. In Poweshiek county he has spent about forty-five years of his life. He is now one of the honored citizens of Washington township and the owner of one of its highly productive farms.

He was born on Isle Sheppy, fifty miles east of London, on the Thames river, November 8, 1849, a son of Edward and Amy (Mapstead) Lincoln. The father was born at Chillham, a suburb of London, and the mother at Charing Cross. They were married in the old country and came to the United States in 1853, taking up their residence near Columbus, Ohio, where Mr. Lincoln rented a farm for twelve years. He then came to Washington township, Poweshiek county, Iowa, and purchased one hundred and twenty acres upon which he established is family homestead. He died June 9, 1882, the mother being called away on the 4th of March, 1884. They were both baptized in the faith of the Episcopal church and the father gave his political support to the republican party. There were nine children in their family: John F. and George, both of whom are deceased; Mary Ann, who married George Simmons, of Grinnell; Edward, living in Washington, this county; Henry W., who is now living near Columbus, Ohio; Jane and Charles, both of whom are deceased; Ernest Edwin, of this review, and Amy, also deceased.

Ernest Edwin Lincoln was educated in the public schools of Ohio and as he grew to manhood assisted his father in the work upon the home farm. He came to Poweshiek county with his parents and inherited forty acres of the family estate, to which he added one hundred and sixty acres by purchase. Subsequently he disposed of his land and acquired his present farm of four hundred acres. He also owned sixty acres in the west side of the township, which he has sold his son. He erected the buildings, which are substantial and sightly, and has made many other improvements, the place being one of the valuable properties of the township. His business interests are well managed and he is a man of energy and determination, the reward he received as the result of his efforts being well merited.

On the 26th of December 1876, Mr. Lincoln was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Thompson, who was born in Mercer county, Illinois, May 4, 1858, a daughter of Alexander and Mary (Robson) Thompson. The father was born near Belfast, Ireland, and the mother also at the same place. They were married in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, having come to the United States in 1851. After their marriage they removed to Mercer county, Illinois, where Mr. Thompson purchased a farm. Subsequently he disposed of his property and came to Iowa, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres in Jasper county, and applied himself with such diligence that he became the owner of six hundred and forty acres of good land. He is now retired from active labor and has reached the age of eighty-four years. The beloved wife and mother died April 14, 1909, being then eighty-two years of age. Mr. Thompson is a member of the Presbyterian church, as was also his wife, and in politics he gives his allegiance to the democratic party. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln, namely: Alexander, of Washington township, who is married and has two children, Elsie Elizabeth and Alice Mary; Ernest, also of Washington township, who is married and has two children, Frances Elizabeth and Roy Ernest; David, of Washington township, who is married and has five children: Emma May, Albert Ernest, Grace Susan, William David and Harry Ralph; Charles, of Washington township, who is married and has two children, George Edwin and Ross Arthur; Susan Mary, who married B.N. Whittaker, of Washington township, and has one child, Ona Elizabeth; John E., deceased; and Francis Henry and George Edward, both of whom are at home.

In politics Mr. Lincoln is independent, preferring to cast his ballot for the man rather than in support of any party organization. He is active in local affairs and has held most of the township offices, including those of trustee and road supervisor. He is greatly interested in education and for twenty-five years past has served as a member of the school board. He has an intimate knowledge of the development of Poweshiek county and through his genial characteristics has gained many warm friends, who regard him as one of the most capable and useful men in the township.