Breeden, William Jesse 1855-1932

BREEDEN, MCCOY, RUSSELL

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 9/16/2014 at 15:42:27

The Grinnell (IA) Herald
Nov. 1932

DEATH SUMMONS
W.J. BREEDEN

(By a Staff Correspondent)

Newburg, Ia., Nov. 4, Special:

William Jesse Breeden, son of John and Margaret Breeden, was born at Versailles, Ind., Mar. 13, 1855, and passed away at Madison, Wis., Oct. 28, 1932, at the age of 77 years, 7 months and 15 days.

In May, 1856, the family moved from Indiana to Hickory Grove township and settled as pioneers on a farm. Here William attended country school, and here he grew to manhood. In 1882 he was married to Miss Alice McCoy.

He farmed in Hickory Grove township until 1887, when he bought a farm implement business at Kellogg, and moved to that place. In 1901 he disposed of his business in Kellogg and moved to Des Moines where he became a traveling salesman of farm implements, in which business he continued until the time of his death. He represented at various times several different companies and always with marked success. In the pursuit of his work he made his home for a time in Omaha and in Madison. He was also a recognized expert in the starting and operating of farm machinery.

Mr. Breeden was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church from his boyhood. Fifty years ago he hauled the stone from the quarry at Le Grand to build the foundation of the Hickory Grove M.E. church, where the funeral was held, and where he was married the same year that the church was built.

Two children were born to the home, a son, Volney who lives in Madison, Wis., and a daughter, Mrs. Harry Russell of Mitchellville. In addition to these there remain his wife, three grandchildren, and two brothers, H.M. Breeden of Newburg, and A.J. Breeden of Grinnell.