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C. A. Leffingwell
Born November 14, 1850 |
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That farming in Iowa is a profitable business is evidenced by the life of C. A. Leffingwell, who through the cultivation of its rich lands has derived the competence that now enables him to put aside business cares and live retired in a beautiful home in the village of Oxford. He was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, November 14, 1850, a son of Edwin and Louise M. (Fitch) Leffingwell, the former born in Ohio and the latter in the Keystone state. In 1851 the father made a business trip to Iowa and while on his way back to Ohio his death occurred. Subsequent to his death the mother, with her family of four children, came to Jones county, Iowa, the year of her arrival here being 1854. She entered one hundred and sixty acres of land in Oxford township and after improving the tract made her home thereon until 1868. Then, selling the farm, she purchased another in the same township, remaining there until her death, which occurred in 1874. As stated her family numbered four children, but only two are now living, the sister of our subject being Sarah L., the wife of Milo Lathrop, of New Market, Taylor county, Iowa. Mary E., the other sister, died in 1874, at the age of twenty-eight years, while the brother, Henry E., was drowned in 1875, at the age of thirty-one years.
C. A. Leffingwell was a little lad of four years at the time of the removal from Ohio to Jones county. At the usual age he entered the common schools, wherein he mastered the branches of learning that fitted him to face the responsibilities of life in later years. He remained with his mother until the time of her death and after reaching mature years assisted her materially in the management and operation of the home place. On the 11th of February, 1879, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary T. Rathbone, the only child of George and Mary Rathbone and a native of Jones county. Her parents were both natives of England and are now deceased.
Following his marriage Mr. Leffingwell continued to engage in farm work and be and his wife are now in possession of two hundred and seventy acres of variable farm property in Oxford township. After leading a busy, useful and active life for many years, Mr. Leffingwell removed to Oxford, where he owns a fine residence on Fifth Avenue. He still retains possession of his farm, from which he secures a good rental that supplies him with all the comforts of life.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Leffingwell have been born one son and two daughters: George Edwin, of Oxford; Agnes M., the wife of L. F. Zeller; and Grace A., who is a graduate of the Oxford high school and is at home. A democrat in principle and practice, Mr. Leffingwell was nominated on that ticket to the state senate in 1899 but met with defeat. He has served as township trustee and has filled a number of minor offices, in all of which he has discharged his duties faithfully and conscientiously. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias Lodge, No. 88, at Oxford. His labors in former years were of a character that contributed to general progress and prosperity as well as to individual success and now he is living a contented and happy life and enjoying the rest which he so well deserves.
Source: History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 421. |
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© Copyright 1997-2013, The Art Department, © Copyright 2014-2020, Richard Harrison.
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