Geroge J. Hyde may with propriety be termed one of the fathers of Scott County, he having exerted a potent influence in promoting the advancement of the community with which he has been identified since its first settlement. He was born in Ferrisburgh, Vermont, June 22, 1815, and is a son of Jabez P. Hyde, whose ancestors can be traced back to William Hyde (first), who came from England in 1633, and settled at Norwich, Connecticut, where he remained but three years before removing to Hartford, Connecticut.
George J. Hyde received a common school education in the State of New York, and took a two years' course at IIamilton College, his father having removed to New York when George J. was a boy. In 1838, when the tide of emigration began flowing toward the West, George decided to cast his lot with the multitude and seek his fortune in the wilds of Iowa territory. He took passage on a canal boat to Buffalo, thence by steamer “James Madison" to Chicago. From there he came overland in a wagon to Pleasant Valley, landing with a cash capital of seventy-five cents to begin life on his own account. His straitened circumstances gave him no concern, however, because he knew how to work and was self-reliant, capable and industrious. He at once began work at the carpenter's trade, which he had previously learned, and after accumulating some money bought land and erected the first good frame house in Pleasant Valley Township, near his present residence. It stands to-day as a specimen of his handiwork and a landmark of pioneer days.
November 3, 1842, Mr. Hyde married Miss Julia Ann Rowe, whose father was a native of Bath, New York, having immigrated to Scott County in 1836. Mrs. Hyde, née Rowe, has the honor and distinction of teaching the first school in Pleasant Valley Township, in 1841-42, in the first school-house erected in that Township. She is a lady who has retained in a remarkable degree her intellectual vigor, notwithstanding the fact that she has passed the age of three score and ten.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Hyde has remained unbroken, both having been spared to celebrate their golden wedding some two years ago. This one epoch in their lives is worthy of record and an incident that their children may remember with pleasure after they have passed away. Of this union nine children have been born. Mary F. married Alfred Helm, and resides at Carson City, Nevada. Mr. Helm has been connected with the County and State in various capacities during his residence there. At present he holds the office of Deputy Secretary of State and is a man of prominence. William F. married Miss Mary Morris and lives in Banning, California; Julia F. married William Anderson and lives in Carson City, Nevada; George F. married Miss Nancy Smith and lives in Grinnell, Iowa; Martha F. married the Rev. J. F. Wilcox, who died November 10, 1894. Mrs. Wilcox resides in Davenport. Benjamin F. married Miss Catherine McDonald and resides in San Bernardino, California; Wilfred P. is single and resides at home; Eva E. married John C. Fintel, who died in May of 1886. Mrs. Fintel makes her home with her father. Diadama, the youngest, is single and resides at home.
Mr. Hyde has held many school and Township offices during bis residence in Pleasant Valley. Many years ago he built and principally maintained a school-house near his residence in order to educate his children, and for the welfare of the community in general. He has always been public-spirited and willing to aid any legitimate enterprise that would advance the interest of his neighbors. Politically he affiliates with the Democratic party, and is a member of the Pioneer Settlers' Club of Davenport.
BIOGRAPHIES