Corette, Charles

CORETTE, TONDER, VINCENT, MCCULLEY

Posted By: mjv (email)
Date: 9/9/2020 at 14:49:36

Charles Corette, residing on section 35, Cedar Township, is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He is a native Hawkeye, born in Washington County in 1855, and is a son of Joseph and Margaret (Tonder) Corette, natives of France, who settled in Washington County in 1853. For a number of years his father was engaged in the grocery trade in Washington, in which business he accumulated a fine property. Of his family there are four children living: Joseph, now residing in Grinnell, Kan., engaged in general merchandising; Charles is the subject of this sketch; Edward is now residing in Newton, Kan., and is Cashier of the National Bank in that place; Mary resides with her mother in Washington. The father died some years ago.

The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in the city of Washington, Iowa, and was educated in its public schools. On the 18th of April, 1878, he was united in marriage with Miss Martha Vincent, also a native of this county, and daughter of John and Jane (McCulley) Vincent, who were numbered among the early settlers of Washington County. While crossing the railroad track near Keota, Iowa, in October, 1876, both were killed by a passing locomotive. The father was eighty years old and the mother sixty-seven. They were members of the United Presbyterian Church, and were well known and highly respected citizens of the county.

Soon after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Corette settled in West Chester, where he engaged in the mercantile business for two years. While a citizen of Franklin Township he was elected Justice of the Peace, and served two years, resigning his office on his removal from the township. In 1884 Mr. Corette settled upon his present farm, which consists of 100 acres of fine land, well improved in every respect. His present residence, which is T shaped, is 16x28 and 16x30 feet. It was erected in 1885 at a cost of $1,600. The other improvements on the place are of a most substantial kind, including a good barn and other out-buildings. He is regarded as one of the most enterprising farmers of Cedar Township, and is highly esteemed by all who know him.

Politically, Mr. Corette is a Republican, and a Prohibitionist from principle. Although a young man, he has been honored by his fellow-townsmen with the election to several of the township offices, and is at present Chairman of the School Board. On his place is a fish pond covering about half an acre of ground, which he is arranging to have well stocked up with carp. Mr. and Mrs. Corette are members of the First United Presbyterian Church, of Washington.

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington County, Iowa (1887). Excerpt from Biographical Sketch of Charles Corette, page 256.