J. C. Vermilya

VERMILYA, RIGHT, MURPHY, CARTER, STRONG, BROOKS, CARPENTER

Posted By: Jeanie
Date: 5/18/2005 at 12:46:01

J. C. Vermilya, first Judge of Tama County, is a native of the State of Delaware and was born on the 11th day of September, 1803, his parents being Edward and Joanna (Right) Vermilya. When but about six months of age his parents emigrated to New York settling in Putman County where they remained until 1818 when they emigrated to Indiana, and settled in Jackson County. Shortly after settling here his father and mother both died, leaving young Vermilya with but little means, nothing but a common school education, no home, to do and provide for himself. With a good will and a strong constitution he determined to learn a trade and immediately went to work as a hatter which business he followed eight years, when he went to farming. In 1852, Mr. Vermilya came to Tama County and entered land on section 26, in Tama township, and commenced to improve the same, which business he has followed ever since.

Mr. Vermilya was elected to the office of County Judge in the year 1853, and was the first one in Tama County. This office he filled with honor, and from that date has held a high reputation over the County as a man who is strictly honest, and one who works for the best interest of the community in which he lives.

Mr. Vermilya was first married in the year 1823 to Miss Catherine Murphy of Jackson County Ind., with whom he lived twenty three years when she passed to the other shore, one child accompanied her. After the death of his first wife, he married a Miss Mary Ann Carter, by whom he had four children, two of whom are dead, the other two are married, one is the wife of J. G. Strong of Grundy Center, the other the wife of A. L. Brooks, of Tama City. In 1870 his second wife was carried off by disease leaving Mr. Vermilya again to mourn the loss of one whom he loved and cherished. Mr. Vermilya was again married to Miss M. A. Carpenter, with whom he is still living. His farm is located about one mile north east of Tama City upon which he has made some fine improvements. His house and out buildings are among the best in the County and Mr. Vermilya in his old age has a happy home with all the enjoyments of life.

From the History of Tama County, Iowa. by Samuel D. Chapman. Printed at the Toledo Times Office. 1879. Pages 151 and 152.