Vincent, Theophilus

VINCENT

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 7/2/2021 at 21:11:47

History of Warren County, Iowa from Its Earliest Settlement to 1908, by Rev. W. C. Martin, Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois, 1908, p.729

THEOPHILUS VINCENT
A well improved farm comprising one hundred and thirty-four acres, situated on section 30, White Breast township, is the home of Theophilus Vincent, who has acquired this property entirely through his own well directed labors. He is a native of the state of Missouri, born in Monroe county, July 29, 1852, a son of William and Julia A. (Cornelius) Vincent, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Indiana. The father was reared in the Blue Grass state but later removed to Indiana, where he was engaged in farming for several years, while later he took up his abode in Monroe county, Missouri, where he followed the same pursuit. In the course of time he disposed of that property and removed to cedar county, Iowa, and in 1877 took up his abode in Warren county, where he improved and developed a farm but later disposed of that property and spent his last days with his daughter in Lucas county, this state, passing away there January 20, 1905. His wife, however, passed away in 1892. Their family numbered seven sons and five daughters, all of whom grew to mature years but only four sons and three daughters still survive.
Theophilus Vincent was a little lad of ten years at the time of his parents' removal from Monroe county, Missouri, to Cedar county, this state. He was early trained to the duties of the home farm, assisting his father from the time of early spring planting until the crops were harvested in the late autumn and during the winter seasons he acquired his education in the district schools near his father's home. He remained under the parental roof until he reached mature years, when he came to Warren county and operated a rented farm for several years. During this time he accumulated a competency that enabled him to eventually invest in property and he accordingly in 1883 became the owner of forty acres of raw land, which he broke and improved. He also erected a fine country residence and added other buildings necessary for the shelter of grain and stock. He later added to his original holdings and now has one hundred and thirty-four acres, situated on section 30 and 31, White Breast township. He now has one of the best improved farms in this section of Warren county. In addition to raising the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he also feeds stock, making a specialty of cattle and hogs.
It was on the 11th of January, 1877, that Mr. Vincent was united in marriage to Miss Eliza J. Walters, who was born and reared in Cedar county, this state, a daughter of William Walters, one of the pioneers of that county. They became the parents of three children but the eldest, Mary Ettie, died when about eighteen months old. Those living are: Clara May, the wife of N. R. Mills, a farmer of White Breast township, by whom she has three daughters, Minnie E., Flossie M. and Gracie L.; and Clarence, who is married and follows farming in Liberty township and also operates a part of his father's farm. He has one son, Merl.
Politically Mr. Vincent is a republican and has served as a school director for ten years. He has also served on the petit jury and as a delegate to county conventions. He and his wife are members of the Christian church. His success is well merited, for he has ever followed the most honorable methods in carrying on his business affairs, never being known to take advantage of another in a trade transaction and he is well entitled to the proud American title of a self-made man.