Dorington CHANCE, one of the successful farmers of Washington Township, and a representative of one of the oldest families of Ringgold County, was born in Richland county, Ohio, near Loudonville, the date of his birth being October 19, 1835, a son of Joshua and Mary A. (JUMP) CHANCE. The father was a native of Maryland, and an early settler of Ohio. He remained in Richland County until the fall of 1856, when he removed with his family to Ringgold County, locating on raw prairie land, on section 36, Washington Township, and here he built a small hewed-log house, 14 x 16 feet, and began improving his land, on which he lived till his death in 1858. The mother survived till 1878. They were the parents of three sons and five daughters, all whom yet survive except William Henry, who died in the service of his country during the late [Civil] war.

Dorington CHANCE, the subject of this sketch, was reared to manhood in his native county, receiving his education in the common schools and at the Loudonville Academy, which he attended two terms. He came to Ringgold County, Iowa, with his parents in 1856, where he followed farming till 1860. In that year he crossed the plains to Colorado, remaining there two years, when he went to California, where he was engaged in freighting and dealing in hay till 1866, when he returned to Ringgold County, Iowa, and soon after purchased the old homestead of his parents.

He was married in March, 1868, to Miss Sarah M. LEWIS, a native of the State of New York, and a daughter of Nelson LEWIS, of Ringgold County. They are the parents of six children - Myra L., Mary E., William F., Oliver H., Theressa J. and Coletta, all of whom have received good educational advantages.

Mr. CHANCE has met with success in his agricultural pursuits since making his home in Ringgold County,and is now the owner of a fine farm containing 240 acres, all under fence and highly cultivated. In connection with his general farming he devotes considerable attention to the raising of stock, maing a specialty of thorough-bred cattle. Mr. CHANCE has never aspired for official positions, but was elected and served as township trustee of Washington Township for four years, with credit to himself and his constituents, when he resigned, and has since devoted his time to the duties of his farm.

NOTE: Dorington CHANCE died March 12, 1917. Sarah M. (LEWIS) CHANCE was born August 28, 1849, and died at the age of 82 on November 11, 1931. Dorrington and Sarah were interred at Oak Ridge Cemetery near Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa. Dorington and Sarah's son William Franklin CHANCE was born on December 4, 1872 near Mount Ayr, and died January 23, 1925, aged fifty-two years. He was interred at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Oliver H. CHANCE was born in 1875, and died in 1962 with interment at Oak Ridge Cemetery near Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa.

Joshua CHANCE, Dorington's father, died August 25, 1858. Mary Ann (JUMP) CHANCE died at the age of 67 years, 5 months and 5 days on April 11, 1876. Joshua and Mary Ann were interred at Oak Ridge Cemetery near Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa.

SOURCES:
Biography & Historical Record of Ringgold County, Iowa, p. 258, 1887.

WPA Graves Survey

Transcription and note by Sharon R. Becker, January of 2009

Biographical Sketches Pages Index: A - F,   G - L,   M - R,  S - Z