Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1889

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album, Muscatine County, Iowa, 1889, page 257
JOHN NEGUS, a farmer residing on section 12, Bloomington Township, was born in Henry County, Iowa, in 1851, and was the eldest in a family of ten children born to Isaac and Mary ( Cappock ) Negus. His father emigrated to Iowa at an early day, taking up his residence in Henry County, but some years later came to Muscatine County, settling on Ogilvies Hill, where he engaged in the nursery business for many years. He later removed to a farm in Goshen Township, where his death occurred in 1883, and where his widow is yet living on the old farm.

Our subject was reared to manhood on his father's farm, and his education was received in the district schools of this State. He later resolved to learn the harness trade, but after working at it for a year was obliged to return to the farm, as it did not agree with his health. He is now engaged in raising small fruits of various kinds adapted to this climate, which he sells mostly in the home market. Since 1878 he has been residing on section 12, Bloomington Township, where he owns a comfortable farm, which is pleasantly situated about four miles from the city of Muscatine. He devotes almost his entire attention to the cultivation of fruit, and everything about his place denotes thrift and enterprise.

In Muscatine County, Iowa in 1874, Mr. Negus was united in marriage with Mary M. Gidley, who is a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Isaac and Mary Gidley, who were born in the same State. When she was but a small child, both of her parents died, and she was reared by Thomas and Esther Sharp, whose name she was always known by. By their union five children have been born, all yet at home, namely: William B., Alice E., Edwin J., Hervey S. and Henry A., the last two named being twins. Both Mr. and Mrs. Negus are members of the Society of Friends, and are earnest Christian people, who take an active interest the welfare of the denomination. Politically, he is a supporter of the Republican party, and at present holds the office of School Director. The cause of education finds him a true friend, one who is always ready and willing to introduce the best methods of instruction in the public schools. He is regarded as one of the leading citizens in the community where he resides, and is held in high esteem by a large circle of friends and acquaintances.

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