JOHN B. PARK

John B. Park, residing on section 11, Linn township, was born in this county, January 6, 1849. He is a son of George W. and a brother of Enos and George Park. His father was born in Ohio and in his youthful days accompanied his parents to Tennessee, where he remained until sixteen years of age. At that time he came to Cedar county, Iowa, arriving in the spring of 1837. He drove a team much of the way but in order to lighten the load walked by the side of the team. He found here an undeveloped region, the land just as it came from the hand of nature. Only a few settlements had been made within the borders of the county, showing that the seeds of civilization had been planted. Mr. Park turned his attention to breaking the prairie, which he followed for several seasons and in different counties. About 1843 he went to Indiana and in Tippecanoe county, that state, was married. He afterward returned with his bride to Cedar county and became closely associated with the farming interest of this part of the state.

John B. Park was reared upon the old homestead farm and in Mechanicsville where the family spent four years. He continued to assist his father in the cultivation and development of the fields until the death of the latter, when he inherited a part of the estate, this being divided between the three brothers. John B. Park received as his share the one hundred and twenty acre tract of land upon which he now resides. It was covered with brush, which he cleared away, preparing it for the plow. After breaking the sod he planted the seed and in due course of time gathered rich harvests. He has made the farm what it is today, erecting in its midst a good house together with a substantial barn and outbuildings. The farm is divided into fields of convenient size by a woven wire fence, which protects the crops from the stock. He raises and feeds considerable stock and both branches of his business are proving profitable. The place is situated on section 11, Linn township, and as the years have passed he has met with well merited success, being justly and honorably earned.

Mr. Park was married in Linn county to Miss Emma C. Shank, who was born in Red Oak township, Cedar county, and is the daughter of Henry Shank, now a resident of Tipton. After their marriage the young couple took up their abode on the old homestead, Mr. Park cultivating the place for four years and after the estate was divided they settled at their present place of residence. Mr. Park has improved both places to a considerable extent and now has a well developed property that indicates his careful supervision, practical methods and progressive spirit.

Unto him and his wife have been born seven children, who are yet living: William R. and Henry Earl, who are engaged in farming in South Dakota; H. N., an expert mechanic, who is operating a sawmill in Mason’s Grove; Archie L., who operates the electric lighting plant at Mechanicsville; Homer V., who is cultivating the home farm; Carl B., who has started out for himself; and Chester G. Mr. and Mrs. Park also lost four children. They have triplets of whom two died in infancy, while Henry Earl, mentioned above, was the third. The other two children also died in infancy.

The republican party finds in Mr. Park a stalwart supporter for he believes that its principles are best calculated to promote the interests of good government. He is a public-spirited and progressive citizen and has been called to office, serving as road supervisor, while for two or more terms he was township trustee. He has also been a school official for a number of years and believes in the maintenance of good schools and the employment of competent teachers. A lifelong resident of the county, he has seen some of its best farms developed and has personally assisted in improving two farms, the attractive appearance of his place indicating an active and well spent life.