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1907 Past and Present Biographies
Thomas Toyne Click image to enlarge hundred acres in that county. Now one of the most prosperous citizens of his community, his success is attributable entirely to his own labors, and his example should serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to others, showing what may be accomplished when one has perseverance, sound judgment and keen business discernment. Mr. Toyne is a native of England, born in Lincolnshire, on the 17th of March, 1844. His father, Thomas Toyne, also a native of that district, was born on the 25th of March, 1801, and always remained a resident of the mother country, passing away in Lincolnshire, March 24, 1866. In early manhood he was married to Miss Ann Robinson, who was born May 2, 1804, and died in her native county of Lincolnshire in 1847. They were the parents of eight children, six of whom yet survive, and all have become residents of the new world. In order of birth they are as follows: John, who is living in Muscatine county, Iowa; Mrs. Rebecca Houseman, a widow, living in the same county; George, who is connected with the business interests of Glidden, Iowa; Joseph, whose home is in Churdan, Iowa; Wilson, also a resident of Muscatine; and Thomas, whose name introduces this review. In taking up the personal history of our subject we present to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known in this section of the state, his excellent success and the methods whereby he has achieved it commending him to the admiration and confidence of his fellowmen. His boyhood days were spent at home in his native country, but at the very early age of eight years he began earning his living by herding cows, receiving twelve cents per day as a compensation for his services. What little education he acquired was obtained in the evening schools. In the school of experience, however, he has learned many valuable lessons and as the years have gone by he has constantly broadened his knowledge through reading and observation. At the age of fourteen years he hired out to work at farm labor for twenty dollars per year. The second year his wages were increased to thirty-six dollars, and during the succeeding three years he received fifty dollars per year. After his father’s death in 1866, Mr. Toyne sought a home in the new world, believing that he would find better opportunities on this side the Atlantic. He made his way at once to Muscatine county, Iowa, where he had two brothers and a sister living. His cash capital at the time of his arrival was sixty-two dollars, and with that small amount he began life in the United States. He reached his destination on the 4th of March, 1867, and soon afterward secured employment as a farm hand, working in that way for two years, during which time he carefully saved his earnings, so that in June, 1869, he was enabled to perfect arrangements whereby he became the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land, making the purchase from the firm of Head & Jay. This tract of land was settled on section 18, Cedar township, and at that time there were only two houses in sight, while not a grove or tree was to [be] seen in any direction. It was all wild, unbroken prairie, but the soil was naturally rich and responded readily to the care and labor bestowed upon it. In 1872 Mr. Toyne broke eighty acres of his land, and while thus engaged boarded with a brother. This was the beginning of his extensive farming operations. On the 2d of December, 1876, Mr. Toyne started for his native land, where in January, 1878, he was united in marriage to Miss Ann Denton, also a native of Lincolnshire, born on the 24th of September, 1846. After a sojourn of about fifteen months in his native country Mr. Toyne returned with his young bride to the new world and also upon his farm on section 18, Cedar township, his original dwelling standing upon the site of his present fine residence. His wife is a daughter of John and Mary Ann (Pickwell) Denton both of whom are now deceased, having spent their entire lives in England. She has two brothers, however, Joseph and John, in Denton, Kansas, while another brother, Charles, is living in Willis, Brown county, Kansas, and one brother, William, is still in England. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Toyne have been born two sons and two daughters; Betsie, who married S. M. Jorgenson and lives in Broken Bow, Nebraska; Rebecca, the wife of John Reed, a resident farmer of Carroll county, Indiana, by whom she has three children, Thomas H., Cora and Hardy; John T., a resident farmer of Cedar township, who married Catherine Rossow, and has one child; and Edward Arthur, at home. That Mr. Toyne has been successful in his business life is indicated by his present extensive landed possessions in this state and one thousand two hundred and eighty acres in Canada. He came to the United States practically without capital, but he possessed determination and energy, which are a safe foundation upon which to build success. In America labor is king, and the man of energy and diligence may here win prosperity, unhampered by caste or class. Mr. Toyne resolutely took up the work which came nearest at hand and within a short time had saved enough to make his first purchase. Industry and economy since that time have permitted other purchases, and as he has seen opportunity for judicious investment he has added to his property until he is now the owner of seven hundred and ten acres of land, four hundred acres lying in Carroll county. He has three sets of buildings upon this place. His own home is a finely developed property, in the midst of which stands a large, modern residence that in all its equipments is modern, while its furnishings are very tasteful. The barn is octagonal in shape, being sixty-seven and a half feet in diameter, with twenty-foot posts and basement of eight foot. The fields have been carefully cultivated and in his farming interests Mr. Toyne proves that he is in thorough touch with the most progressive methods. In all his business affairs he is systematic, meeting every obligation promptly and never making an engagement that he does not fill. He has thus come to enjoy in the fullest extent the good will and confidence of those with whom he has dealings. He is well known as an extensive raiser of stock, keeping cattle, hogs, sheep and horses, having some very fine specimens of the Clydesdale horse upon his farm. Mr. Toyne is one of Cedar township’s most popular men, having a circle of friends almost co-extensive with the circle of his acquaintance. In community affairs he takes a deep and abiding interest and for twenty years has served as road supervisor, doing much to secure excellent highways. He has also been township trustee for several years; for six years was a member of the county board of supervisors and school director for seven years. His political allegiance has ever been given to the republican party since he became a naturalized American citizen and there is no more loyal resident of Greene county than this adopted son of America. He and his wife are devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church, taking an active and helpful interest in its work. Kindly in spirit, generous in disposition and possessing many sterling traits of character, they enjoy to the fullest extent the esteem of those with whom they have been brought in contact. |
Transcribed from "Past and Present of Greene County, Iowa Together With Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Prominent and Leading Citizens and Illustrious Dead," by E. B. Stillman assisted by an Advisory Board consisting of Paul E. Stillman, Gillum S. Toliver, Benjamin F. Osborn, Mahlon Head, P. A. Smith and Lee B. Kinsey, Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1907.  Site Terms, Conditions & Disclaimer |