For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 708
J. F. HANKINS....The record of J. F. Hankins, who is now the owner of a fine farm of one undred and seventy acres in Muscatine county, presents a remarkable instance of successful perseverance in the face of great obstacles. It is proof that " where there is a will, there is a way," as all difficulties disappear before a courage that yields not to them. Mr. Hankins was born in Wyandot county, Ohio, on the 19th of November, 1867, and is a son of Thomas and Elmina ( Haner ) Hankins, the former of whom was born in Maryland and the latter in new York state. They were married in Ohio and there continued during the remainder of their lives, the mother passing away January 28, 1875, and the father June 22 of the same year. There were six children in their family, four of whom are now living, namely : G. W., a record of whom appears elsewhere in thiswork ; Louis, of Texas ; William, of Ohio ; and J. F. Amelia died at thirteen and Mary at three years of age.At the tender age of seven years the subject of this review was deprived by death of his parents and was given into the care of a heartless guardian, who instead of acting as his protector sent him from place to place to work for his board and clothing. This he was obliged to do until he was seventeen years of age, when he began to work for wages by the month. Even as a boy he showed unusual ambition and energy and at eighteen years of age he began renting land on his own account. He carefully saved his earnings and three years later purchased eighty acres in Cedar township, later acquiring ninety acres more and developing his farm until it has become one of the valuable properties in that part of the county. He carries on general farming and stock-raising and is able to deliver his cattle and hogs in fine condition at the market. The neat and attractive appearance of his place indicates that he gives to it careful attention and the revenue that he derives from his labor is year by year steadily increasing.
On the 6th of March, 1889, Mr. Hankins was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Snyder, a daughter of Samuel and Sarah B. ( Jones ) Snyder, of Muscatine county, a record of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Three children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Hankins, all of whom are at home : Fannie B., born January 19, 1890, who is a graduate of the normal school of Muscatine and has been successfully engaged in teaching for four years ; Letha C., who was born December 8, 1892, and was educated in the common schools ; and Gertrude A., born November 5, 1898.
Mr. Hankins enjoys the happiness experienced only by those who have won prosperity through their own exertions. His success should encourage others who are obliged to depend upon their own resources. Energetic, self-reliant and at all times governed by a sound judgment, he steadily forged his way to the position which he now holds as one of the substantial citizens of the county.
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