For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 506
WILLIAM MARCHANT....For nearly thirty years actively engaged in farming in Wilton township, William Marchant may be designated as one of the enterprising citizens of Muscatine county. From his youth upward he has been actuated by a worthy ambition and the well cultivated farm he now owns is one of the practical results of his efforts. He is a native of England, born January 7, 1851, and is a son of Charles and Caroline ( Hawkins ) Marchant, both of whom were born in England and spent their lives in their native country. They were the parents of nine children, one of whom, Jane, is deceased. David is living in Australia. Sarah is the wife of Willian Foster and lives in England. Charles, John, Allen, Jessie and George are also living in England.The subject of this review, who was second in order of birth in this family,was reared under the favoring influences of a well regulated home and received his education in the public schools. At twenty-three years of age, believing that more favorable opportunities were available under the American republic, he emigrated to this country, spending the first five years in Tompkins county, New York. In 1878 he arrived in Muscatine county, Iowa, and went to work upon a farm, applying himself with such diligence that in 1881 he was able to purchase a farm of eighty acres in Wilton township, where he has since lived. He has made many improvements, including a comfortable dwelling, a large barn, outbuildings, fences, etc., and as a general farmer has attained a prosperity which is proof of good judgment and thorough acquaintance with his calling.
In 1881 Mr. Marchant was united in marriage to Miss Fannie Bailey, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Joseph and Eliza ( Harrison ) Bailey, who were of English descent. Mr. Bailey departed this life in 1890, but his wife is still living and makes her home at Wilton Junction. Mrs. Marchant was one of a family of seven children, and by her marriage she has become the mother of two : Joseph C., a graduate of Wilton College, now living at home ; and Alice May, also at home.
Mr. Marchant is a stalwart republican and is now serving as township trustee, an office he has filled with general acceptance for the past six years. He is an earnest friend of the public-school system and has served for twelve years as member of the school board. He deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, having established a home through his own exertions and built up a reputation in the community as a patriotic and public-spirited citizen.
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