M. B. Wamsley

WAMSLEY, SWIM, COOPER, MOLSBERRY

Posted By: Diane Wilson (email)
Date: 5/27/2004 at 22:21:56

M. B. and W. S. Wamsley, were also early settlers, just along what is now the line, and had much to do with the early times of this township. M. B. Settled in Butler county April 20, 1851, section 1, Jackson township, a claim previously taken up by his brother, John Wamsley. As this place was without improvements Mr. Wamsley built at once a log cabin, 14 x 16, commenced breaking the land, and the first year raised corn, beans, potatoes, and other vegetables, enough for family use.
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His family consisted of himself, wife and two children. During this season considerable sickness – mainly ague – was experienced. However, he was successful, and in about four years the log cabin gave way to a good, substantial building, which is still in good repair.
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Mr. Wamsley’s health failed him about the year 1870; since then he has been unable to do hard work. In 1878 he removed to the village of Clarksville. He still carries on his farm, also dealing in live stock. Mr. Wamsley is one of the incorporators of the Butler county bank, and was president for ten years.
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He was born in Adams county, Ohio, October 9, 1826. His parents, John and Sarah (Swim) Wamsley, were both natives of said county. He is the oldest of four children, was brought up to farm life in his native state; was in 1848 married to Miss Milly Cooper, a native of Adams county, a daughter of Samuel and Nancy Cooper.
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He remained a resident of his native county until he came to Butler county. Mr. and Mrs. Wamsley have had ten children, seven of whom are now living – Henry, Sabia J., now Mrs. Milton Molsberry, Marion, Byron, Bascomb, Mary and Charley. Mr. Wamsley is a democrat, and has associated with that party since he reached his majority. He was the first justice of the peace in his township, and has since held other local offices. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the Blue Lodge and Chapter at Clarksville and the Commandery at Cedar Falls.
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Source: History of Butler and Bremer Counties, Iowa
Union Publishing Co., Springfield, IL, 1883
Page 493