Francis C. Madison, farmer, section 34, Lodomillo Township, was born in Todd County, Ky., March 12, 1822, and was the son of Reuben C. and Winnifred (Cotts) Madison, both of Virginia. Mrs. Madison was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. They had eight children, of whom five are living. Francis C. was the seventh child and third son. At the age of eight years, he removed with his parents to Fulton County, Ill., settling at Lewiston. His father died in 1834, his mother in 1838, at which time Francis was sixteen years old. After a year and a half he began work as an apprentice at the mason's trade, working with John Tompkins three years. He then worked for farmers in summer, and at a mill in winter, till he was twenty-one. Then he came to Ead's Geove, Delaware County, Iowa, in company with Isaac Preston and Horace Bemis and families. The following April he came to Lodomillo Township. Remaining with Isaac Preston four years, he was married to Elizabeth Purdy, in November, 1848; one child, Ervin C., was the result of this marriage. January, 1849, he settled on section 34, where he has since lived. Mrs. Madison died June 16, 1850. In December, 1852, Mr. Madison married Maria Willard, of Wisconsin, daughter of Edward and Louisa Willard. She died in 1855, and he married Julia A. Crawford, July 31, 1856. They have five children-- Wilbor C., at school at Fayette; Motier C., studying law at Elkader; Curtis B., Eliza M. and Harriet M. Mr. Madison owns 160 acres of land, about ninety under cultivation. Has been Constable, Justice of the Peace and Trustee, and has held various local offices of trust and honor. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Madison and four of their children are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. source: History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 895-896 |