Meigs, Church

MEIGS, PADDLEFORD, WALLACE

Posted By: Gary Norris (email)
Date: 2/19/2013 at 07:17:37

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

MEIGS, CHURCH—Malcom Twp—pg 868. Deceased. Among those who were prominently identified with the interests of this county in an early day is the one whose name heads this sketch. He was born in Lyndon, Vermont, December 14, 1804, and was there raised and educated. In 1854, having heard much of the inducements offered in Iowa, he came to this county, settling on section 11, of Malcom township. He entered a large tract of land in this and Iowa counties, but in the autumn of the same year returned to Vermont. In the spring of 1855 he moved his family here, and during their early residence experienced many hardships consequent upon the early settlement of a new country. But in due time all these obstacles were overcome. His marriage was on the first of October, 1834, to Miss Nancy Paddleford, who was born and raised in New Hampshire. They raised a family of eight children, seven of whom are now living: Patience P. (now Mrs. John Wallace (born January 19, 1835), John (born January 14, 1837), Sylvanus R. (born May 17, 1839), Church (born December 22, 1841), Benjamin P. (born October 14, 1843), Austin P. (born April 12, 1850) and Merrill H. (born June 22, 1855). Lost one, Simeon (died June 12, 1865). Mr. Meigs was a man honored and respected by all who knew him; ever ready to help the needy, always willing to aid any good cause. He died December 29, 1865, and was followed to the grave by many friends. His home was frequently used as a place of public instruction, and also for divine service in an early day. In the death of this man the county lost one of its best citizens.