Simon Pitcher

PITCHER, DYER, ENGLE

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 11/16/2011 at 20:02:56

SIMON PITCHER is a farmer of Lincoln Township, Grundy County, residing on section 24, where he has one hundred and sixty acres of good land, which yields him a comfortable income in return for the care and cultivation bestowed upon it. The owner is a public-spirited and progressive citizen, and well deserved representation in this volume. He was born in Albany County, N. Y., in February, 1842, and is a son of William and Mary Pitcher. Upon his father’s farm in the Empire State the days of his boyhood and youth were passed amidst play and work. In the winter months he attended the district schools of the neighborhood, thus acquiring a good English education, and throughout the summer season he aided in the labors of the field.

Mr. Pitcher left the home farm when about twenty-five years of age, and was married to Miss Lucy Dyer. She was a native of Albany County, N. Y., and a daughter of James and Mary (Engle) Dyer, who were also born in that state. Our subject was one of a family of ten children, all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood and are yet living, viz.: Frank, William, Eugene, Clarence, Simon, Harriet, Dolphine, Samantha, Emma and Caroline. Unto Simon Pitcher and his wife were born three children, a son and two daughters: Arthur, Eva and Jessie. The daughters were educated in the Iowa State Normal School. The mother of this family was called to her final rest October 4, 1890, and her loss was deeply mourned throughout the community.

In was in 1876 that Mr. Pitcher severed his business connections in the east and with his family journeyed westward to Illinois. He made a location in Ogle County, where he engaged in the operation of a rented farm for three years, and in 1879 he came to Grundy County, Iowa. He purchased land in Washington Township, and also rented a tract, but at length he sold that property and bought the farm on which he now resides. It then comprised eighty acres, but its boundaries have since been extended by the purchase of an additional eighty-acre tract. He has placed most of the improvements thereon, has erected good buildings and added all the accessories of a model farm. The property is now managed by his son, a wide-awake and enterprising young man.

In his political views Mr. Pitcher is a Republican and keeps well informed on the issues of the day. He is a warm friend of the cause of education, and the interests of the community which are intended to advance the general welfare ever receive his hearty support and co-operation. His neighbors speak of him in high terms, for he has led an upright and honorable life, which has gained him the esteem of all.

Source:
Portrait and Biographical Record
of Jasper, Marshall and Grundy Counties, Iowa
1894