E. W. H. Jacobs, architect,
McGregor, was born in Huntingdon Co., Pa., Aug. 21, 1829,
a son of Alexander and Dorcas (Vandevander) Jacobs, his
father of English and Scotch descent and a native of
Pennsylvania, his mother of German descent. They were
married in Pennsylvania in 1816, and were the parents of
eleven children--seven sons and four daughters. Mr.
Jacobs was by occupation a carpenter and joiner in early
life, but subsequently followed farming. In politics he
was an old-line Whig, and was active in his party's
interest. Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs died in Pennsylvania. The
subject of this memoir was reared on a farm, and received
a common-school education. When sixteen years of age he
learned the trade of a carpenter, and at nineteen years
commenced reading medicine with Dr. Rodrigue, of Blair
Co., Pa. Leaving this, he prosecuted his trade and
studied architecture, which business he has followed
since. In November, 1850, he left Pennsylvania and went
to Muscatine, Ia., where he was employed by the
Government at Fort Dodge for a short time, when the
Government failed to vote an appropriation and the work
was discontinued. He returned to Muscatine, remained a
short time, and having friends in Clayton he came here,
and being well pleased with the country he has remained
here since. He spent one year in Garnavillo, then went to
Clayton, where he purchased property and built a
residence. In 1853 he married Emeline Cook. In 1862
removed to McGregor, where he has resided since. Mr. and
Mrs. Jacobs are the parents of six children-- Stella May,
wife of F. M. Hazlett, editor of the New Hampdon Tribune;
Blanche, wife of Robert Quigley, attorney at law, of
McGregor; Adeline, a teacher in Lansing High School;
Edward H., printer; Frank B., dry-goods clerk, and Evlyn.
Mr. Jacobs in politics is a Republican, and has held
several local offices of trust. He is a member of the
Masonic fraternity. source: History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 988-989 |