FRANK D. JOY, LINCOLN TOWNSHIP.

The Joys, both father and son, are intimately associated with the development of Lincoln and Grant townships; they have been leading elements in the growth of the northeastern part of Cass county, whether considered from the standpoint of the public service, or the development of agriculture.

Frank D. Joy is a native of St. Lawrence county, N. Y., born October 23, 1851, the son of Albert and Angeline (Dodge) Joy. His mother was a New York woman, and his father moved from his native State of Vermont to Massena, St. Lawrence county, that State, at an early period of his life. In 1871 he started with his family for the West, journeying (via the Great Lakes) to Chicago, and thence by rail to Iowa. The first purchase made by the father consisted of forty acres of land bought of John Bull, of Whitneyville, and at the time it was planted to corn. In the fall he bought an additional 120 acres, on the line between Lincoln and Massena townships, which had been owned by his son, and this remained his homestead until his death in 1894, at the age of seventy-five years. His wife and widow is still living with her son, A. J., being now eighty-five years of age. Besides the two sons, the family consists of two daughters, now Mrs. McCormick, of Griswold, and Mrs. Chester, of Anita.

Albert Joy, the father, was, in his day, a leading Abolitionist and Republican, while a resident of this county serving as township trustee and in other local offices. He was a member of the Congregational Church and an honored and influential citizen. The paternal grandfather was a native of Vermont and a farmer, but died in New York State.

Frank D.Joy was not of age when the family moved from St. Lawrence county, N. Y., to Cass county, Iowa, but two years after that venture (1873) purchased a farm of his own in Lincoln township, which he has since fashioned into a modern homestead--a term implying thoroughly cultivated land, comfortable residence, substantial barns and other farming conveniences, and flourishing and attractive groves. The farm consists of 120 acres in a body and has been brought to a high state of productiveness.

On March 26, 1879, Mr. Joy was married to Belle Furst, a Wisconsin lady, whose parents came to Cass county in 1874. Their four daughters and one son are as follows: Eva A. (Mrs. Gorsight), Edith K., Carrie L., Nettie and Fred. Aside from his farming interests, Mr. Joy has various important connections with institutions of a financial and semi-public nature. He is a stockholder in the Anita Savings Bank, in the Fair Association and Telephone Company, and takes an active interest in any enterprise which promises to redound to the convenience or good of the communities of which he has been a leading factor for so many years. He is also well and favorably known in Republican politics, and has served as school director and (for six years) as township trustee. His connection with the fraternities is confined to Masonry.

From "Compendium and History of Cass County, Iowa." Chicago: Henry and Taylor & Co., 1906, pp. 380-381.