Jewell, Benjamin E. 1850 - 1938

JEWELL, HEADINGTON, ELLIOTT, COUGHLIN

Posted By: Bill Waters (email)
Date: 2/28/2014 at 19:32:36

BENJAMIN E. JEWELL

Benjamin E. Jewell needs no introduction to the readers of the history of Winneshiek county for his name has been an honored one in this section of the state since early times and he himself is today one of the progressive and substantial agriculturists of Decorah township. He owns and operates four hundred and forty acres of land on section 6, a property which his well directed efforts have made productive and profitable.

Mr. Jewell was born in Ohio on the 1st of February, 1850, and is a son of Jacob and Emily (Headington) Jewell, natives of Ohio, who came to Winneshiek county, Iowa, in i860, the father purchasing land in Decorah township. He bought an unimproved tract which he at once set about clearing and developing, adding to his holdings from time to time until he owned twelve hundred acres, one of the most extensive tracts in this section of the state. For the remainder of his life he gave practically all of his attention to the improvement of his farm and his activities had an important effect upon the agricultural upbuilding of the community. He died in 1909 and is survived by his wife, who resides upon the homestead, having reached the age of eighty-seven years.

In the acquirement of an education Benjamin E. Jewell attended public school in Ohio and when he was ten years of age accompanied his parents to Iowa, completing his studies in the district schools of Winneshiek county, where the family settled. In his childhood he assisted with the operation of the homestead and for many years after laying aside his books remained with his parents. When he was thirty-five years of age he took up his residence upon a farm of one-hundred and sixty acres on section 6, Decorah township, land which he had purchased some years before, and this he set about clearing and improving. He later bought more land and upon the death of his father inherited an additional one hundred and twenty acres. He now owns four hundred and forty acres of fine land lying on section 6, Decorah township, and upon this he carries on general farming and stock-raising, success steadily attending his well directed labors. Upon his property he has made substantial improvements in buildings and equipment and has neglected nothing that would add to its attractive appearance, the farm being today one of the best agricultural properties in this part of the state.

In September, 1885, Mr. Jewell married Miss Kate Elliott, a daughter of John and Kate Elliott, natives of Ireland, who came to Winneshiek county in early times. Here the father purchased one hundred and eighty acres of land in Decorah township and has since improved and operated this property. Mr. and Mrs. Jewell became the parents of six children: John J., aged twenty-seven, an attorney at law in Hobson, Montana; Lola, the wife of George Coughlin, bookkeeper for Ben Bear; Catherine, who lives at home; Walter and Marjorie, who are attending school in Decorah; and Benjamin, who died in 1900, at the age of three years. Mr. Jewell and his wife are members of the Roman Catholic church.

Mr. Jewell is affiliated with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is well known in fraternal circles of Decorah. He gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and is interested in the growth and welfare of the section in which he has resided since his childhood. He rendered the county excellent service for two terms as supervisor and made a notable campaign for the office of state senator but was defeated by a few votes by Dr. Jewell, of Decorah. Well known throughout Winneshiek county by reason of his long residence and his honorable and upright life, Mr. Jewell is accounted one of the active workers and progressive farmers of Decorah township and has the unqualified confidence and esteem of the entire community.

Source: History of Winneshiek County, Iowa Vol. II Chicago the S. J. Clark publishing Company 1913

St.. Benedict Cemetery Gravestone
 

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