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         ZADOK JARVIS, deceased. In recording the sketch of Mr. Jarvis we furnish an item of interest to the readers of the ALBUM, not only of this generation, but of coming generations, he being one of the most prominent pioneers of Louisa County. He was born in Rowan County, N. C., Dec. 28, 1809, but when he was twelve years of age the family removed to Union County, Ind., making that their home until 1847, when they removed to Louisa County, Iowa. In 1832 Mr. Jarvis went to Cass County, Mich., and while in that county was united in marriage with Jane Gardner, a native of Mifflin County, Pa., and a daughter of Hugh and Mary (McFadden) Gardner, the mother a native of Pennsylvania, and the father of Ireland. The marriage of Mr. Jarvis and Miss Gardner was celebrated in 1836, and the following year he brought his young wife to Louisa County, Iowa, locating on the west side of Virginia Grove, on what is now section 22, Morning Sun Township, the present owner being Hugh Gardner. There they began in earnest life’s work, subjected to all the hardships and inconveniences, trials and privations of pioneer life. After eight years of happy married life the wife was called to her final rest, Feb. 6, 1844. She was the mother of five children, only two of whom are now living: Mrs. James N. Chapman, of Morning Sun Township, and Mrs. J. T. Gawthrop, of Burlington. In 1847 Mr. Jarvis was again married, Charlotte Spafford becoming his wife. She is a daughter of Orlin Spafford, one of the early and respected settlers of the county. Of the six children born of the second marriage four are still living, three sons and one daughter: Margaret L., now Mrs. John Wood, of Nebraska; John R. and Leander M., of Morning Sun, and Edward E., supposed to be in Kansas.

In many respects Mr. Jarvis was a remarkable man. Deprived of the advantages of acquiring even a common-school education, he yet had been endowed by nature with superior judgment and considerable talent. As a business man he developed splendid executive abilities, which were everywhere recognized, and his wise counsel was sought for by his neighbors far and near. Always generous to a fault, the home of this plain and honest man was for years in the early history of the county the abode of genuine hospitality. Sterling integrity was another of his striking characteristics, his word being as good as his bond, and although through business entanglements with others he suffered financial misfortune, his honor and his good name through all the varying scenes of a busy life ever remained unstained, and in him one could see a fulfillment of the “noblest work of God—an honest man.” Mr. Jarvis was always a Democrat, firmly clinging to his political convictions, yet cheerfully acceding to others the right of opinion, a trait precious on account of its scarcity in this age of partisan bitterness.

In 1870 Mr. Jarvis united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and lived a consistent member of that body until his death, which occurred June 24, 1886. When the news of the death of this good old man became known, while not unexpected, a feeling of universal sorrow was manifested on every hand. His long-continued illness, with his old age, gave his friends little hope for any other result, though everything that medical skill could employ or loving hands provide was brought into requisition for his relief, but it was evident that the sands of life had about run out. He fell peacefully asleep, and without an apparent struggle his spirit passed to Him Who gave it. In his death the county lost one of her best and truest citizens. None knew him but to love him, for his many acts of kindness shown to those in distress, need or sorrow, could not but win the hearts of all. Although surrounded by trials and difficulties, he always overcame every obstacle and came out conqueror in the . . .

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. . . end. On his arrival in this county he had $303 in money with him. Leaving his family in their tent a short distance from Wapello, he started out on foot to find a suitable location, and staid all night upon the farm that he purchased. He took his money with him, and after paying for the claim had but $3 left. By the time the trade was completed night came on, and not wishing to return to his family, a distance of ten miles on foot, he accepted the invitation to stay all night with the man from whom he had bought the land. During the night while asleep he was robbed of the $3. He always supposed his host was the thief.

In after years Mr. Jarvis accumulated considerable property, but he was often heard to remark that the happiest days of his life were spent in the old log cabin, when the children would make the old house ring with their merry shouts and laughter, and when the friends and neighbors lived for one another. But as “time and tide wait for no man,” the old pioneers one by one are passing away, and only a few of the honored ones of forty or fifty years ago are left to tell the story of the trials and hardships of the early days of pioneer life of Louisa County.