WILLIAM GIFFORD, dealer in agricultural implements, wagons,
buggies and road-carts, is the pioneer of this business in Larrabee; he
opened his stock in October, 1888, and carries a full line of the best
standard machinery and farming implements. His extensive acquaintance
with the farmers of this section of country, and being himself a
practical farmer, he has many advantages over ordinary dealers. His
sales for the season 1889 amounted to $5,000. He also deals extensively
in hard and soft coal, and is doing a profitable business. There is yet
another important enterprise for which the village of Larrabee is
indebted to Mr. Gifford, and that is Gifford's Hotel. The house is well
arranged for the convenience and comfort of guests, and is a welcome
retreat to the weary traveler. William Gifford was born in Her
Majesty's Dominion of Canada, in 1851, and is a son of Harvey and Lydia
(Yager) Gifford. When he was eighteen months old his parents removed to
Ogle County, Illinois, where he was reared and educated. In 1876 they
removed to Iowa, and settled in Spring Township, Cherokee County.
William continued to reside with his parents until 1881, when he
purchased a tract of land three miles west of Larrabee. He now owns
eighty acres of land which is well improved. He was married February
23, 1880, to Miss Nancy H. Daniels, a daughter of Sylvester Daniels,
who now resides in Liberty Township. Mr. Gifford has good business
qualifications, is a number one salesman, and is considered one of the
enterprising men of the township.
Biographical History of Cherokee
County, IA, W. W. Dunbar & Co Publishers, 1889 |
