SANDS, John W.

SANDS, HENDERSON, SHAW, RIDDLE

Posted By: Norma Jennings (email)
Date: 10/25/2011 at 01:00:08

JOHN W. SANDS, farmer and stock-raiser, section 24, Oregon Township, is a native of Tennessee, born in Monroe County, March 22, 1839, and is the son of Benjamin R. and Rosanna (Henderson) Sands. Benjamin R. Sands is a native of Washington County, Tenn., and is of Scotch-Irish descent. In his native State he was united in marriage, in 1835, in Monroe County, with Miss Rosanna Henderson, also a native of Tennessee, born in Blount County, and of Irish descent. They came to Washington County, Iowa, in the spring of 1851, and were therefore numbered among the earliest settlers.

Mr. Sands entered 160 acres of land, which he put under cultivation and greatly improved, and on which he remained until 1880, when he went to the village of Ainsworth, and there lived a retired life. Mrs. Sands died there June 20, 1887, leaving an aged and devoted husband, with several children and many friends to mourn their loss. She was a kind and an affectionate wife, and an indulgent an loving mother; a sincere Christian woman; a member of the United Presbyterian Church; in the faith of her fathers she died, and is now enjoying the rest that comes to the righteous. Since the death of his wife Mr. Sands has made his home with the subject of this sketch. He is a member of the Baptist Church, and as a citizen is respected by all. Numbered among the representative pioneers of Washington County, he has witnessed all the changes that have been made in its development, and now, at the ripe old age of seventy-seven years, awaits the summons to come up higher. Benjamin R. and Rosanna Sands reared a family of six children, five of whom are now living: John W.; Margaret, wife of J.F.R. Leonard, a sketch of whom will be found in this work; Joseph P., of Hamilton County, Iowa; Samuel A.; of this township; James, also in Oregon Township; the deceased is Nancy J.

The subject of this sketch came to Washington County, Iowa, with his parents in 1851. Here he grew to manhood, was educated in the common schools of his adopted county, and in early life was required to do his share of the farm work. His whole life has been spent upon a farm, with the exception of three years, when he was engaged with others in helping to put down the most gigantic and unholy rebellion that was ever known. He enlisted in September, 1861, in Co. C, 11th Iowa Vol Inf. He was in the battles of Shiloh, first and second Corinth, the Vicksburg and Atlanta campaigns, and in various minor engagements. He was mustered out at Gaylesville, Ala., and honorably discharged at the same place. Returning to his home on receiving his discharge, he again resumed the occupation of a farmer, in which business he has been fairly successful.

Mr. Sands was married in Louisa County, in 1864, to Martha A. Shaw, the daughter of Samuel and Mary (Riddle) Shaw, who came to Iowa in 1856. She was born in Monroe County, Tenn., Nov. 23, 1843. They have by this union four children—Eva J., Samuel B., Francis G. and Alva. Mr. and Mrs. Sands are members of the United Presbyterian Church. Their three oldest children are also members of that body. In politics our subject is a Republican. He has held the office of Township Trustee, and other minor local offices. Mr. Sands is regarded as one of the enterprising citizens of Oregon Township; he is a man universally esteemed by all who know him. Commencing life in limited circumstances, by industry and economy, assisted by his wife, he has acquired a nice property, and his farm is regarded as one of the best in the township.
Portrait and Biographical Album, Washington, Iowa pp.178