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Edward Henry Lockwood

"The subject of this sketch is one of the successful farmers and enterprising citizens of Fayette county, whose life has been characterized by strict integrity and unsullied honor. He is a shrewd and practical man of affairs and because of his sterling qualities he has won the respect of all who know him. Mr. Lockwood was born in Oran township, Fayette county, Iowa, on September 25, 1854, and is a son of Lewis and Hannah (Seamans) Lockwood. The father and mother came from Steuben county, New York, in 1852 and located in Oran township, where they took up two hundred acres of farm land. Here the subject of this sketch was reared to manhood and received his education in the public schools of the locality, subsequently, in 1874-5, attending the Upper Iowa University. He then engaged in teaching school. He taught school fourteen terms in Bremer and Fayette counties, beginning his work while the editor of this history was serving as county superintendent. Seeking a wider opportunity for advancement, Mr. Lockwood ceased teaching and took to farming and dealing in livestock, in which he met with gratifying success from the start. He conducted farming operations in Oran township, Fayette county, and also across the line in Bremer county, owning land in both counties. He has been adding to his original possessions from time to time as he was able, until at present he is the owner of between eight hundred and nine hundred acres of as good farming land as can be found in this section of the state.

Mr. Lockwood gave his personal attention to every detail of his business, which, under his careful management and energetic attention, was prospered. He made many permanent and substantial improvements on the property, which is considered one of the choice farming properties in the locality. In the fall of 1899 Mr. Lockwood moved to Fayette, having a nice farm located in the west edge of the city. He still gives his attention to his other farms, having men to operate them for him. He is a great fancier of cattle, of which he is an excellent judge. He has made all he has by his own efforts. His first start was in buying fifty-three acres of land, from which he soon realized a profit. He has frequently gone into debt thousands of dollars in making land deals, but his sound judgment in every case has been vindicated by results. He is now the owner of a comfortable and attractive residence located on high land on the west edge of Fayette, overlooking the beautiful Volga valley, where the spirit of hospitality is ever in evidence.

In 1878 Mr. Lockwood was married to Mary Jane Green, the daughter of William and Sarah (Hand) Green. She was born in Iowa county, Wisconsin, and came to Bremer county in 1864 with her parents. The latter originally came to America from Worcestershire, England, in 1846, locating in Wisconsin, where they were numbered among the pioneers, as they were also in Bremer county, Iowa. To Mr. and Mrs. Lockwood have been born nine children, namely: Estella V. is the wife of Fred Shelton, of Oran township, this county, and they have one son, Lyle B.; Lila E., who remains at home Miller, of Banks township; Edna H., a teacher; Ray W. is at home and is assisting his father; Pearl is a student in the high school at Fayette; Zenita, Lelah and Earl S. are attending school. Fraternally, Mr. Lockwood is a member of the Knights of Pythias and takes an intelligent interest in the workings of this beneficent order. Religiously, he and his wife are members of the Congregational church, to which they give an earnest and liberal support."

~transcribed for the Fayette Co IAGenWeb Project by Georgianna Gray