Albert Vernon
Success in farming as in other legitimate lines of business requires industry, patience and sound judgment, and the individual who will apply these three principles with due discrimination generally forges to the front. In any event, Albert Vernon won a beautiful farm of five hundred acres through his own labor and perseverance and it stands today in Stockholm township, Crawford county, as an enduring monument to his ability.
He is a native of Jones county, Iowa, born May 5, 1862, a son of Edward and Bridget (Flaherty) Vernon. The father was born in England and the mother in Ireland. They came to America and after staying in Pennsylvania about two years, traveled westward to St. Louis, where they spent another period of two years; then they came to Jones county, Iowa, where Mr. Vernon took up a homestead.
In 1881 he removed to Crawford county and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Stockholm township, where he continued until his death, which occurred March 15, 1894, he being then about seventy years of age. The mother was called away at the age of eighty, in October, 1904. There were five children in their family, namely: Mary, who died in infancy; David, of Oklahoma; Ellen, the wife of Patrick Keeney, of Vail, Iowa; and Albert and Alice, twins, the former the subject of this review and the latter now the wife of James Aldridge, of South Dakota.
Albert Vernon was reared upon his father's farm in Jones county and acquired his education in the district schools. At twenty-one years of age he began for himself by buying eighty acres and as the years passed he increased his land holdings until today he owns about five hundred acres on sections 34, 27 and 28, Stockholm township. He carries on general farming and stock raising upon an extensive scale. When he bought the land there were few improvements and he has transformed the place, making it one of the most valued and attractive farms in his part of the county. His success has been a great encouragement to many young men starting in life like himself upon their own resources. Mr. Vernon deserves credit for what he has accomplished.
On the 25th of February, 1895, Mr. Vernon was united in marriage to Miss Maggie Hill, a daughter of Michael and Margaret (Brady) Hill, both of whom were born on the Emerald isle. The father is deceased, but the mother is now living at Vail. To them were born thirteen children, namely: John and Frank, both deceased; Michael, of South Dakota; Catherine, the wife of Benjamin Finnerty, of Omaha, Nebraska; James, of Vail; Mary Ann, now Mrs. William De Vine, of Oklahoma; Margaret, now Mrs. Albert Vernon; Susan, the wife of M. J. Kane, of Vail; Bernard, a resident of Vail; John, Ella and Sarah, all of whom are deceased; and William, of Boyer, Iowa.
Two children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Vernon: Edward Francis, who was born December 22, 1896; and James, who died at the age of eight years.
Mr. Vernon has never turned aside from his chosen vocation to seek political honors but he has served in minor township offices to the general acceptance of the people. He votes for the principles and candidates of the republican party and keeps well informed as to the progress of events and therefore casts an intelligent ballot. He was reared in the faith of the Catholic church and has never departed from its teachings, being a liberal contributor to its charities. In all matters pertaining to the township and county he is interested and aims to perform his duty in forwarding to the extent of his ability every good work.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.