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William J. Stanton
Born July 31, 1865 |
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| Agricultural pursuits have characterized the efforts of William J. Stanton, a successful and enterprising farmer of Washington township, Jones county, whose birth occurred on the 31st Of July, 1865, in Washington township, this county. He is the youngest son in a family of nine children born unto William and Mary Stanton, and he never saw his father, who died on the 4th of December, 1864. His entire life has been passed upon the old homestead in Jones county. He acquired his education in the district schools nearby and when not busily engaged with his text-books assisted in the work of the fields, early becoming familiar with the tasks that fall to the lot of the country lad. He learned the best methods of plowing, planting and harvesting, and by close observation gained thorough knowledge concerning the value of industry, diligence and perseverance, so that when the old home farm came into his possession he was well equipped to assume the practical and responsible duties that devolved upon him in that connection. The place consists of two hundred acres, all highly cultivated, upon which he has made many improvements, and it testifies in its well kept and attractive appearance to the industry and thrift of its owner. Everything about it indicates that he has kept in close touch with the modern spirit of progress and his well directed efforts and close application to business have gained for him a place among the substantial and prosperous farmers of the community.
On the 23d of October, 1895, Mr. Stanton was united in marriage to Miss Agnes Mahoney, a daughter of Michael and Catherine Mahoney, the former deceased and the latter now residing with our subject. By this marriage were born four children, namely: Mary Ann, born on the 11th of January, 1897; Joseph M., born on the 19th of October, 1899, his death occurring on the 15th of March, 1909; Mildred, born May 11, 1901; and Orland, born August 17, 1905.
Mr. Stanton holds membership in the Catholic church, the teachings of which form the guiding influence in his life, while politically he is a democrat and gives stalwart support to that party at the polls. He is not an aspirant for office, however, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his private business affairs, which, capably conducted, are proving a source of most gratifying prosperity.
Mrs. Stanton, the mother of our subject, recalls the time when, in 1859 a murder occurred in the vicinity of the old homestead and although not a witness of the crime, she saw the murderer soon afterward hiding in some hazel brush near the house and heard his confession. She advised him to give himself up to the authorities and take the consequence of his act. He followed her advice and was later acquitted by the jury.
Source: History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 262. |
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© Copyright 1997-2013, The Art Department, © Copyright 2014-2020, Richard Harrison.
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