Alpheus B. Dickens

DICKENS, ASHBY, WILSON

Posted By: mjv (email)
Date: 10/8/2020 at 17:26:14

Alpheus B. Dickens, deceased, was a well-known citizen of Washington County. He was born in Bedford County, Pa., March 4, 1825, and in consequence of the death of his father when he was but a small child, was thrown on his own resources and required to make his own living. His educational advantages were therefore limited, but in later life, by reading and thinking he became well informed on almost every topic of general interest. The early life of Mr. Dickens was spent in the East, but like thousands of others, with that restless energy that could not be controlled, in 1851 he came to Iowa and first located at Mr. Pleasant, Henry County. In 1852, he came to Washington County, where he resided till his death, which occurred March 16, 1887. On coming to this county, he formed a partnership with Jonathon H. Wilson in the stock business, while at the same time he entered a tract of land and began farming, but turned his attention more especially to the stock feature of that business, in which he seemed eminently qualified.

Here in Washington, Mr. Dickens formed the acquaintance of Miss Hester W. Ashby, born in Preston County, W. Va., in April, 1825, and daughter of Jesse and Elizabeth (Wilson) Ashby, who were pioneers of this county. (See sketch of Jesse Ashby.) The acquaintance thus formed soon ripened into love, and on the 6th of January, 1853, they were united in marriage. Four children were born to them – Julia E., Milton E., Priscilla and Cora M. Mr. Dickens came to this county in limited circumstances, but by industry and economy, assisted by a loving wife, he accumulated considerable property, having at his death 260 acres of fine land in Washington County and 700 acres in Kansas and Nebraska.

In early life Mr. Dickens was a Whig, but in later years a Republican. Religiously, he was for many years a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, serving as a Class-Leader and Steward. In Church work he took great delight, being zealous, and having a strong desire to advance the cause in every way. A student of the Bible, and the doctrines of the Church, he made an exceptionally good Class-Leader. In all his dealings with his fellow-men he was honest and upright. His death was sadly mourned, not alone by a kind and faithful wife and loving children, but by a host of friends. Mrs. Dickens and her family reside in Washington, and enjoy the confidence and esteem of all who know them.

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington County, Iowa (1887). Excerpt from Biographical Sketch of Alpheus B. Dickens, pages 345-346.