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1907 Past and Present Biographies
William A. EasonHis father, James Eason, was born in Wooster, Ohio, on the 16th of December, 1828, and his life span covered almost seventy years, his death occurring on the 9th of March, 1898. In his earlv manhood he married Miss Rachel Metcalf, who was born in Ohio on the 10th of April, 1833, and is still living in Brooks county, Kansas. The year 1850 witnessed their arrival in Linn county, Iowa, which was then largely a pioneer district. The father was a blacksmith by trade and always followed that pursuit in order to provide for his family. He lived in Linn county for about sixteen years and in 1866 came to Greene county, settling in Jefferson, where he engaged in blacksmithing for a short time. Later he took up his abode upon a farm in Kendrick township and in connection with the management and control of his land he continued to work at the forge, doing blacksmithing for many people of the neighborhood. He continued his residence in this county until 1881, when he removed to Brooks county, Kansas, where he also engaged in farming and blacksmithing until a short time prior to his death. His life was ever a busy, active and useful one, and whatever success he attained was due to his well directed labors. His wife still makes her home in Brooks county, Kansas, and several of their children are living in that state. They had sons and daughters to the number of ten, and nine still survive, namely: Mrs. Nancy Sprague, whose home is in Greene county, Iowa; Mrs. Mary Brant, living in Barton county, Kansas; William A., of this review; Mrs. Delilah Starkley, a resident of Nebraska; Robert, of Kansas; Edward, who is located in Oklahoma; Mrs. Rhoda Stow, also living in Kansas; Mrs. Olive Weyer, of the same state; and Benjamin, who also makes his home in the Sunflower state. William A. Eason was but seven years of age when his parents removed from Linn to Greene county. His educational privileges were limited although for about a month he was a student in Jefferson when small. His training at farm labor, however, was not meager, for at an early age he began working in the fields, assisting largely in the cultivation of the farm while his father gave his attention to blacksmithing. William A. Eason continued work at farm labor by the month for five years after leaving home at the age of eighteen years, but ambitions to engage in farming on his own account he rented land and for two years continued its cultivation. With capital acquired through his economy and industry he then purchased forty acres of land in 1884, becoming owner of a tract on section 22, Kendrick township, on which his residence now stands. To his original purchase he has added from time to time until he now owns one hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land on which are fine improvements. The residence is a large, modern dwelling and the barn and outbuildings are commodious and substantial. The work is carried on along progressive lines and success results from the labor and energy of Mr. Eason. It was on the 16th of March, 1887, that William A. Eason was happily married to Miss Emma Baggs, who was born January 5, 1866, in Piatt county, Illinois. Her father, Charles Baggs, was a native of Massachusetts, born on the 30th of October, 1822, and in early manhood he wedded Miss Nancy Coon, whose birth occurred in Ohio on the 19th of May, 1832. They became early settlers in Illinois, where they resided until 1881, when they removed to Greene county, Iowa, settling in Kendrick township, where Mr. Baggs purchased land. Here he improved his farm, continuing its cultivation until three years prior to his death, when he retired from active business life and made his home with a son in Bristol township. He died on the 17th of November, 1906, having for seven years survived his wife, who passed away on the 5th of January, 1899. In their family were ten children, of whom three are living, namely: Andrew E., a resident of South Dakota; Mrs. Eason; and William H., who is living in this county. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Eason was blessed with four children but they lost their first born, Hazel, in infancy. The others are Lloyd E., Claude L. and Mildred M., all at home. The parents are members of the Friends church and in politics Mr. Eason gives his support to the republican party and has served as school director. In 1899 he was elected township trustee and is now filling the position for the third term, being called to the office by vote of his fellow townsmen who recognize his worth and ability. He is a self-made man, owing his prosperity entirely to his‘own labors. He had no special advantages in his youth, and, in fact has been dependent upon his own resources since he started out in life as a farm hand when eighteen years of age. He realized that diligence and perseverance were good weapons with which to fight life’s battles and he has come off victor in the strife. |
Transcribed from "Past and Present of Greene County, Iowa Together With Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Prominent and Leading Citizens and Illustrious Dead," by E. B. Stillman assisted by an Advisory Board consisting of Paul E. Stillman, Gillum S. Toliver, Benjamin F. Osborn, Mahlon Head, P. A. Smith and Lee B. Kinsey, Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1907.  Site Terms, Conditions & Disclaimer |