George W. Vickers

VICKERS, TULLIS, ANDERSON, PIPER, SCRAMLIN, COLLINS

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 10/1/2001 at 09:33:48

(The following biographical sketch was prepared for publication in this paper by the Bonaparte Centennial Committee.)

George Washington Vickers, one of a family of eleven children, was born April 8, 1823, near Wilkesboro, North Carolina, and lived there until 8 years of age. After a winter spent in Kentucky, he moved to Indiana, living in Rush and Fayette counties until he moved with his family to Albia, Iowa, in the fall of 1852.

After a short stay there and at Ottumwa he came to Bonaparte, Iowa, in May, 1853. They came by boat from Ottumwa and it took five days to make the journey as far as Bentonsport, which was really their destination; but the river being at flood stage from the heavy rains, and much land was under water, they could not make a crossing, so came on to Bonaparte, where the river was also very high. Houses available were very scarce, but they were to find a present shelter at the house known later as the Hopkins home, and the residence now of Isaiah Meek. Work being found they decided to make this their home.

While living in Indiana he married Mariah W. Tullis of College Corners Feb. 7, 1849, and to them were born 10 children, the eldest dying at birth and Sarah H. at four years. Lamartine, who was born shortly after they came to Bonaparte later married Jennie Anderson. Margaret and Frank, who married Emma Piper are the only two living here, while Florence Scramlin, Alma Willy, Oliver and Temple were the other members of the family.

The mother died April 29, 1875 when the youngest child was but four years of age, and at which time Margaret took her place in the home. The father died June 5, 1903, he having a brother Harvey, and a sister, Mary Jane, living in Farmington while Mrs. Nancy Collins, another sister, lived in Bonaparte.

Margaret Vickers, whose memory is very keen for one of her years, can recite many interesting incidents of the early days in the history of Bonaparte. When she was four years of age, again the Des Moines river was at flood stage during spring rains, and she remembers one of a frightened herd of deer coming from the woods, dashing blindly to what it hoped was refuge, but in reality was a wild plunge in the river over the bank at a point where the bridge entrance is now. Someone shot the animal and the venison was distributed. She remembers the early days of the life of the town when people came to Bonaparte with milling to be done, wool to sell, making a long day's journey to this fine trading point.

Source: Van Buren Record, July 1, 1937

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I am NOT related and am posting this obit for those who may find this person in their family history.