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         CHARLES FURNAS, a prominent farmer of Louisa County, Iowa, residing on section 5, Grand View Township, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, Nov. 15, 1829. Mr. Furnas traces his descent from John Furnas, who married Mary Wilkinson in Wigton, England, in 1762. Their eldest son, Joseph, was our subject’s grandfather. His parents were Benjamin and Mary (Patty) Furnas, both of whom were natives of Ohio. They reared a family of ten children, seven of whom lived to maturity, our subject being the second in order of birth. The father followed farming in Ohio until 1857, when with his family he removed to Louisa County, Iowa, settling in Grand View Township, near the town of Letts. He purchased forty acres of land at Government prices, also 120 acres near that at $3 per acre, making in all 240 acres. He immediately began the improvement of his land, and since his original purchases has become the owner of 120 acres of timber land, situated in this and Muscatine Counties. From the wild, unbroken prairie he soon developed a fine farm, and made numerous other improvements which go to make up a well-regulated farm. Mr. Furnas’ death occurred May 20, 1880, at the age of seventy-six years, his wife having preceded him to her final home, she having departed this life in 1867, at the age of fifty-nine years.

Our subject was reared to farm life and received his education in the district schools of Ohio. Being of a studious character, he fitted himself for teaching, and began the practice of his chosen profession at the age of eighteen years, teaching for two or three winters in Ohio. He was united in marriage in that State, in 1849, with Ann Elizabeth Earhart, who is of German descent, but was born in the Buckeye State, and is the daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Earhart, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, and who went to Ohio at an early day, settling near Dayton, where they both remained during the remainder of their lives. The father died many years ago, but his wife survived him for a long time, dying at the ripe old age of eighty years.

After his marriage Mr. Furnas purchased a farm in Ohio, where he remained until 1853. Then selling out, he came to Louisa County and bought 200 acres of land on section 5, Grand View Township, and eighty acres of timber in Muscatine County, but afterward sold the latter. The work of improvement was immediately begun, and as time passed he added more land, until he at present has 225 acres, all of which is under a fine state of cultivation. He has nearly two acres of peat bog, and his farm has been partially tiled, having one tile ditch that opens into his barnyard, furnishing plenty of water for his stock. Upon his farm may be found a good grade of Durham cattle, Norman horses, Durock and Chester-White hogs, and Southdown Sheep. He has one of the best farms in the township, is a most successful farmer, and everything about his place denotes the thrift and industry with which it is managed.

In his political views Mr. Furnas is a supporter of the Republican party. He served as Justice of the Peace in 1860 and 1880, held the office of Township Trustee ten years in succession, has also served as Road Commissioner, and assisted in the township organization. He has taught school in Louisa County during the winter for many years, being a successful teacher, and has also been a correspondent for the Muscatine Journal for many years, and also for the Columbus Safe Guard and Wapello Republican. Mr. Furnas and his wife are members of the United Brethren Church, and while their new house of worship was being built at Lettsville, he took an active part in soliciting for and collecting the funds. He holds the office of President of its Board of Trustees, and is Chairman of its committee for purchasing a parsonage for the Lettsville circuit. An active worker in the . . .

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. . . Sunday-school, he was chosen the first Superintendent, and has filled the position frequently since. All educational, social or moral interests find in Mr. Furnas a ready supporter, and any enterprise started for the public good receives his influence and aid.

Seven children grace the union of Mr. and Mrs. Furnas: Clayton, who is married, and resides in Story County, Iowa, where he is the owner of a 200-acre farm; Adeline, wife of C. N. Holliday, who resides near the old homestead on the McVay farm; Annette, still residing at home; Belle is the wife of Frank E. Longstreth, who resides on a 100-acre farm in Hall County, Neb.; Emma C. is a teacher of music, being engaged in that profession at Columbus Junction; Clark and Elmer are still inmates of the paternal home. Mr. Furnas has given all his children good educational advantages, and Belle and Adeline have both been successful teachers in this county. By his own industry, frugality and good management Mr. Furnas has gained the greater part of that which he now possesses. His honesty and integrity in all matters of public or private dealing have won him the confidence of all, and as a citizen he is highly respected.