Tompkins, Abram

TOMPKINS, BROWN, EATIN

Posted By: Jeanie
Date: 5/18/2005 at 12:48:38

Abram Tompkins.

The subject of this sketch is a native of New York, having been born in that State September 23rd, 1811. His parents K. and Catherine (Brown) Tompkins were also of the same State, and in very limited circumstances, so poor, in fact, that their son was only permitted to attend the common subscription schools, from the time he was five years of age until he was old enough to do for himself.

The father of Abram Tompkins was a God fearing man, and an earnest christian, one who endeavored to bring up his children in the “fear and admonition of the Lord,” and when his son was yet an infant he carried him in his arms to the Sabbath School. Here and at the family alter, was sown the “good seed of the word” which in after years bore fruit, and we trust will continue to bear by the hundred fold.

After living at home until he was twelve years of age Abram decided on leaving home to seek his own fortune. He did not leave the vicinity of his old home immediately, however, but hired to the neighboring farmers, earning enough to supply his wants and save a little for a rainy day.

In 1831 he left the State of New York and went to Michigan where he enlisted in the Black Hawk war as a private and after receiving his discharge returned and was united in marriage November 20th, 1833, to Miss Mary A. Eatin, by whom he had ten children: G. W., born in 1835 and died in St. Louis in 1862; C. M., now living in Kansas, born January 14th 1838; B. T., now living in Iowa County, this State, was born January 2nd 1840; Catherine J., born January 22nd, 1842; S. M., born March 16th, 1844; A. E., born June 30th, 1846; M. T., born October 18th, 1848; Z. A. E., born December 19th, 1850; Sumner, born March 26th, 1855; Z. E., born July 12th, 1857.

Shortly after marriage Mr. and Mrs. Tompkins wisely came to the conclusion that the advantages enjoyed in that State was not such as they desired and therefore determined to seek a home and fortune in a better country where the advantages would be greater. They came to this County in the year 1853, when all was a blank wilderness and have lived to see it “blossom as a rose.”

Abram Tompkins is a large man of splendid appearance, pleasant and agreeable in his intercourse with friends and neighbors. In the family circle, he is kind to his children, strict in discipline and teaches each member to know that his yea means yea, and his nay means nay, from which can be no appeal. In business with the world his word can always be relied upon, his promises always being held sacred, and invariably carried out to the letter. He is a good friend and neighbor, living at peace with all men and a hard working farmer.

In 1859 Mr. Tompkins received the nomination for Representative in the Iowa Legislature and was triumphant. In this capacity he served his constituents in a faithful manner, attending closely to the business for which he was elected and afterwards retired from office bearing the laurels that none but the faithful can bear. Taking all in all Mr. Tompkins is a man possessing such qualifications as to place him high in the niches of the history of Tama County.

From the History of Tama County, Iowa. by Samuel D. Chapman. Printed at the Toledo Times Office. 1879. Pages 153 to 155.