For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 710
FRANKLIN G. HESTON....The owner of a well improved farm on one hundred and twenty acres on section 10, Goshen township, Franklin G. Heston may be regarded as having made a success of his business. Especially is this true in view of the fact that he is the acrhitect of his own fortune, having nothing to depend upon at the start except a laudable ambition and a good strong constitution.Born in Mason county, Illinois, May 6, 1857, he is the son of Mahlon and Elizabeth ( Gordon ) Heston. The parents were both born in Pennsylvania and were married in that state, coming west previous to the ' 50s, Mr. Heston being convinced that the Mississippi valley presented a more favorable outlook for a farmer than could be found anywhere in the east. He rented land in Mason county for twenty years and then purchased eighty acres, on which he lived until his death, which occurred July 15, 1901. The mother made her home with her children until she passed away October 2. 1904. There were fourteen children in their family, five of whom are now living, namely : Sarah E., the widow of H. C. Beckwith, who lived in Kilbourne, Illinois ; Franklin G., the subject of this review ; Anna, the wife of C. E. Hopping, of Beaver City, Nebraska ; Lura, now Mrs. Charles Freas, of Colorado Springs, Colorado ; and H. B., of Adel, Iowa.
Franklin G. Heston acquired his early education in the district schools and as he grew up was well trained by his father in the various details of agriculture and stock-raising. He continued on the home farm until twenty-four years of age, when he began farming upon his own account, renting land for ten years. Being a man of industrious and thrifty habits and also being ambitious to become a landowner, he purchased a portion of the farm where he now lives and has since increased the area until his place includes one hundred and twenty acres and is one of the desirable farms of the township. It is doubtful whether any other farm of its size in this section is in better condition for cultivation or provided with more modern facilities.
On the 22d of February, 1883, Mr. Heston was united in marriage to Miss Ella A. Jackson, who was born in Muscatine county, October 2, 1859, a daughter of Elias and Annis ( Dickinson ) Jackson. Her father was a native of Ohio and her mother of Vermont. They were married in Muscatine county and Mr. Jackson began farming on South Prairie, but after a few years removed to the state of Connecticut. However, five years' experience in the east convinced him that Iowa presented more favorable inducements and he again established his home in this state, where he remained until his death in 1879. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Jackson seven children were born, namely : Daniel, of Kilbourne, Illinois ; Frank, of West liberty ; Ella, now Mrs. Frank G. Heston ; George, of Sylvia, Illinois ; and Hattie, Cora and Leona, all of whom are deceased. After the death of her husband, the mother of these children was married to Jonathan Pringey, a native of Pennsylvania, and one child was born of this union, Clarissa, now the wife of George Skinner, of Canada. The mother passed away in December, 1899, but Mr. Pringey is still living and makes his home at West Liberty, having arrived at the advanced age of ninety-two years. Two children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Heston, namely : Delmer K., born March 25, 1886, who received a common-school education and is now married and lives at Atalissa ; and Dessie P., born November 26, 1888, who was educated in the common schools and is living at home.
By an upright and industrious life Mr. Heston has set a worthy example and has gained the confidence of his neighbors and all who know him. From the start he was actuated by a sound judgment and today he is in possession of a competence. Mrs. Heston is a member of the Christian church and a firm believer in the authority of the Bible. Socially Mr. Heston is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America at Atalissa and politically gives his support to the republican party.
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