For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 300
JOHN A. HOOPES. John A. Hoopes, the owner of a well improved farm of one hundred and fifty-four acres in Lake township, Muscatine county, upon which he has made all the improvements, was born in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, April 12, 1849, a son of Lindley and Mary Hoopes. He was reared under the kindly influence of a peaceable home and was reared in the district schools of Lake township, this county, and later in the schools of Muscatine. He continued at home until twenty-one years of age and then began teaching school, continuing to follow that occupation for four years. On March 1, 1875, he entered into partnership with his father in farming and the livestock business, and seven years later purchased the farm which he now owns, it being originally part of the home place. Here he erected a substantial residence and a large barn, also adding in many other ways to the appearance and value of the place. Being a man of industry and good judgment, he has been keenly successful, and is recognized as one of the substantial farmers of Lake township. In 1875 Mr. Hoopes established a well known High Prairie herd of registered cattle. Such choicely bred sires as Prince of Denmark IV, 76965; Golden Hero, 119418 ; Gold Bug, 123043, having been used in the herd. The young bull, Scottish Lavender, 335284, now heads the herd.On September 5, 1894, Mr. Hoopes was united in marriage to Miss Martha Butler, who was born in Lake township in 1858 and was a daughter of William L. and Martha A. ( Baumgardner ) Butler. Her father was a native of Ohio and her mother of Virginia. They came to Muscatine county, Iowa in 1837, and were among its early settlers. Her grandfather, George Baumgardner, was also a pioneer of Muscatine county. He entered a large tract of land in Dallas county, Iowa, and was also an extensive landowner in this county. There were eleven children in the family of WilliamL. and Martha A. Butler, and to Mr. and Mrs. Hoopes one child, Clarence B., was born. He is now living with his father. Mrs. Hoopes passed away August 3, 1895, and was buried in High Prairie cemetery. On December 29, 1897, Mr. Hoopes was again married, the lady of his choice being Miss Cornelia Hitchcock, a native of Lake township, who was born February 25, 1865. She is the daughter of Josiah and Phoebe Cassandra ( Chapman ) Hitchcock. Her father was born in Ohio and in 1847 came west to Muscatine county, Iowa, where he stopped for a short time, then going to California. Later he returned east to Ohio and in 1853 came to Muscatine county, where he rented a farm for five years. In 1858 Mr. Hitchcock was united in marriage to Miss Phoebe Cassandra Chapman and settled on his newly acquired farm of a quarter of a section in Lake township, where he made his home until his death on the 15th of February, 1904. His wife passed away January 5, 1911. There were ten children in their family. Three children have come to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Hoopes: Leslie W., J. Wendel and Ernest W.
Mr. Hoopes inherited from worthy parents many fine qualities, and in the course of an active life has contributed in many ways toward enhancing the comfort and happiness of those with whom he has associated. He and his estimable wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which he has taken a great interest. He has for many years served as steward and trustee. Politically he affiliates with the republican party, accepting its principles as those best adapted for the prosperity of the country. His abilities have been recognized by his friends and acquaintances, and he has served for several years as justice of the peace and for three terms as clerk of his township. He is now serving as a member of the school board and, being a man of great public spirit, never withholds his support from any enterprise that he believes will advance the permanent interest on the community.
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