Harrison County Iowa Genealogy

HISTORY OF HARRISON COUNTY, IOWA, 1915
BIOGRAPHIES
Page 582
EDWARD A. ATHERTON

A citizen of Harrison county, who made an indelible impression on the hearts of all those who knew him was Edward A. ATHERTON. He was a man of sterling character, of estimable qualities and at all times a gentle man. With the aid of his devoted and faithful wife, he lived in such a way that his life is worthy of study and emulation.

Edward A. ATHERTON, the son of James and Elizabeth (JONES) ATHERTON, who were natives of England, and had moved to Wales, was born September 15, 1841, in Llannssa, near Holywell, North Wales, and died at his home in Lincoln township, Harrison county, Iowa, October 18, 1910. He was one of nine children born to his parents, six of whom were boys and three girls, he being the eldest of the family.

Receiving a good education and surrounded by the atmosphere of a country home, it followed naturally that Mr. ATHERTON should be inclined toward an agricultural life. In Wales he took a great many prizes on his farm work and produce, and as plowing is there regarded as a trade in itself, he took a number of first prizes in that work.

In 1869 Mr. ATHERTON came to the United States, beginning his journey in April, and arriving in New York on the tenth of May. He went directly to Lacrosse county, Wisconsin; where his brother, Charles, who had preceded him to America, was already living. Mr. ATHERTON was accompanied by his brother, James, and his sister, Elizabeth, the latter coming for the purpose of keeping house for her brothers. They lived in Wisconsin until 1870, in which year Mr. ATHERTON removed to Dow City, Iowa, where he farmed, both renting and working by the month for four years, and renting six years, during which time he worked four years for Judge DOW, for whom Dow City is named. In 1880 Mr. ATHERTON again moved, this time to Monona county, Iowa, where he bought one hundred and twenty acres of virgin soil. During his stay on this farm the original one hundred and twenty acres was increased to four hundred and eighty acres. In February, 1896, the family moved to Harrison county, where they bought one hundred and twenty acres of land in Lincoln township, and here Mr. ATHERTON made his home until his death.

Success or failure in life depends to a large extent upon the helpmate chosen, and Mr. ATHERTON was very fortunate in his choice, as he was married May 2, 1880, in Dunlap, Harrison county, Iowa, to Louisa M. GROUT. She deserves full credit for her share of the progress Mr. ATHERTON made. Louisa GROUT was born September 28, 1853, in Charlton, Worcester county, Massachusetts, the daughter of Otis and Louisa (LEE) GROUT, both of whom were natives of Worcester county, Massachusetts. The GROUTs are of German descent, and the LEEs of English descent, both families being long-time residents of Massachusetts.

The GROUT family came west in 1864, locating in Clinton county, Iowa, later removing to Crawford county, this state, in 1871, where they lived until the father's death. The mother later came to Harrison county, and made her home with a daughter, Mrs. D. A. MIERS, until her death, which occurred three years after her arrival.

To Edward A. and Louisa M. (GROUT) ATHERTON was born one child, Edward Arthur, Jr., who was born February 10, 1883. He has always lived at home, taking charge of the farm after his father's death. He attended the Woodbine Normal School after completing his elementary education in the common schools and is thus well equipped for life's work. Edward Arthur, Jr., has bought forty acres of land on the west of his father's farm, his father having sold forty acres of his farm before his death, and thus he has a farm equal in extent to the original home farm.

Mr. ATHERTON was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and in his religious connections he was a member of the Episcopal church. Politically, he declared allegiance to no particular party, preferring at all times to vote for the man whom he thought best fitted for the office. He took an active interest in politics and was township assessor in Monona county for many years. He also was prominent in school work, and at one time was overseer of three school districts in Willow township. This was before the township was divided into sub-districts. Mr. ATHERTON was a fancier of good live stock, and made a specialty of Aberdeen-Angus cattle, importing some fine animals. Mr. ATHERTON, was progressive in every way. He was strictly honorable, respected by every one, and his death left a vacancy impossible to fill. He is not forgotten, and his name and deeds will live for the betterment of future generations.

Return to 1915 Biographical A Surnames Index

Back to 1915 Biographies Index