HON. E. A. LAYTON

LAYTON, GEDNEY, SHEPARD, HODGSON, KINSLEY, FLUKFELDER

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 3/7/2020 at 14:04:22

HON. E. A. LAYTON, - E. A. Layton was born in Dearborn County, Ind., on the 5th day of August, 1821. He was the third of nine children, whose parents were David G. Layton and Margaret R. Gedney, who were natives of Long Island, New York. They were agriculturists by occupation, and gave great attention to the moral interests of their children. The early education of the subject of this sketch was very limited, and at the age of thirteen he went to Cincinnati, where he got occupation as a cutter of stone, which he followed for three years. On account of physical inability he renounced this work which he had followed for a few years, and went in the printing office of the Gazette in Cincinnati. He remained in this office as printer for a space of four years. In 1841, he renounced the printing occupation and came to Iowa, and settled in Green Bay Township. When Mr. Layton first came to Iowa he was in very poor circumstances, but it will be in taste to observe that he as never permitted himself in the battle of life to be daunted by any obstacles. From the time that he first came to Iowa up to 1866, he was engaged in various occupations of an industrious and useful nature. He was for some years engaged on the river in such occupations as pilot, etc., etc., and for a short time resumed his youthful occupation as printer.

From 1859 till 1866, he was Warden of the Iowa penitentiary, although for some time preceding he was Deputy Warden. In 1866, he moved into Green Bay Township and settled on section 7, where he has since resided, engaged as a successful farmer, and where most likely he will pass the balance of his days. In 1852, he was united in marriage to Amy E. Shepard. She was the second of eight children whose parents were George Shepard and Phoebe Hodgson, who were both natives of England. Mr. Layton is the father of two children by his first wife, one of whom is living. In 1856, his first wife died. In 1859, he was united in marriage to Christian Kinsley, who was the third of twelve children. Her parents were Jacob F. Kinsley and Mary Ann Flukfelder. Who were prosperous farmers of Pennsylvania. Mr. Layton is the father of two children by his second wife. Politically, he is a Republican. He voted first for Fillmore. When the civil war broke out he favored the strongest means to crush it and was conspicuous for his enthusiastic efforts in favor of the Union. It may with truth be remarked concerning him, that to-day his political convictions are not arbitrarily governed by the dictates of any political party. He is a man of the people and favors all measures that are for the interest of the whole country. He is a man remarkable for energy and courage; and it will be safe to say is firm and unalterable in his convictions. His life has been one of ceaseless activity and industry. Religiously, he has never permitted himself to be circumscribed by the doctrines of churches. He has always preferred to stand on the platform of rationalism. He has always led a peaceable and upright life, and is a respecter of all who are law-abiding citizens. Socially, he is pleasant and affable. He is a man who moves through life without ostentation. He has just been elected to the General Assembly; but it will be in taste to observe that he is a man who has an aversion to holding offices of a public responsibility, and has only done so when actually forced to do so by the voice of friends and public needs. We find him to-day on his farm, enjoying good health and spirits, and predict for him years yet of honorable and useful life.

Source:
Illustrated Historical ATLAS of Lee County, IOWA
A. T. Andreas
Chicago, ILL.
1874

Transcription by Mary H. Cochrane, Volunteer