Brinton, Edward S.

BRINTON, MATLOCK, HYDE, HYNES

Posted By: mjv (email)
Date: 8/7/2020 at 11:25:50

Edward S. Brinton resides upon section 14, Clay Township, and is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He was born in West Chester, Pa., Jan. 31, 1816, and is the son of John and Sarah (Matlock) Brinton, who were also natives of Pennsylvania, and who were the parents of seven sons and two daughters. He was reared on a farm, and received his education in the common schools of that early day. His father died in 1840, and on his death the property was divided between the children. John Brinton was an upright man, his word being as good as his bond. He was a well-to-do farmer, and left a fair estate for that day.

In the spring of 1841 the subject of our sketch, taking his portion of the estate, left Pennsylvania and came directly to Washington County, Iowa and purchased 800 acres of land in Clay Township, for which he paid in gold the sum of $1,000. He at once erected a cabin and commenced the improvement of his farm. For a time he lived alone in his cabin, “keeping bach”, as it was called, and then rented it to a family with whom he lived until his marriage, which occurred on the 29th of August, 1843, with Miss Hannah Hyde, a daughter of West and Rebecca (Hynes) Hyde, the former a native of New Jersey, and the latter of Maryland. She was born in Virginia, March 13, 1822. Her father died July 1, 1861. He was a pioneer in Wisconsin, and a well-to-do farmer. Her mother died Feb. 7, 1885, in the eighty-ninth year of her age. They were both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Brinton took up their abode in the log cabin on the farm, in which he now lives, and for years endured the hardships incident to pioneer life. Eleven children have blessed their union: Henry, born July 7, 1844, is a farmer residing in Adair County, Iowa; George, born April 5, 1846, enlisted in the service of his country, died, and was buried in Memphis; John, born June 23, 1848, is a farmer in Adair County, Iowa; Oliver P., born Aug. 30, 1850, resides at home; Addison H. and Anson H., twins, born Nov., 8, 1852 are engaged in farming in Clay Township; Sarah R., born Feb. 1, 1854, is the wife of C. M. Cady, living in Adair County, Iowa; Thomas B., born Dec. 16, 1856, is engaged in farming in Clay Township; Stephen M., born Dec. 20, 1858; Benjamin E., Aug. 4, 1861, and Mary E., Aug. 29, 1863, all reside at home.

To his original purchase of 800 acres, Mr. Brinton has added by subsequent purchase, until he has now 1,035 acres, all under a high state of cultivation. The old log cabin has long since given place to a handsome two-story dwelling-house, while the rail and straw barn has given place to a large and fine structure 40x60 feet, with 20-foot posts, in addition to which there are three other barns on the farm. For forty-six years Mr. Brinton has been engaged in bringing his farm to perfection, and certainly has one of the finest and best improved farms in this section of the State. In addition to the general farming he is engaged quite extensively in the raising of a superior grade of stock, both in horses and in cattle. He is a practical farmer, one ever willing to learn and to make use of improved methods. He is a man of excellent judgement, with good reasoning powers, and is not only well posted in regard to his own peculiar business, but in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the county, State and Nation. The start in life received from this father enabled him to escape much of the hardship experienced by young men, but he made good use of that which was given him, has never squandered anything, but has continually added to his estate. He is now considered one of the wealthiest farmers in Washington County. Unlike many others, while adding to his possessions he has ever been liberal and a friend to the poor. His home has ever been a hospitable one.

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington County, Iowa (1887). Excerpt from Biographical Sketch of Edward S. Brinton, pages 607-608.