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Charles A. Sutherland
Born June 20, 1858


Charles A. Sutherland is a worthy representative of one of the oldest families of Jones county, the name having been established here at the time the land was being placed on the market and people were coming from various sections of the country to cast in their lot with the first settlers. Mr. Sutherland was born in this county, June 20, 1858, a son of William and Henrietta (Esby) Sutherland. The father was born in the Red River country of Canada, and in 1839, when but a lad, he accompanied his parents to this state. The grandfather and his family formed a part of a colony that started from the Red River valley on the long and wearisome journey across the border into the United States. There were forty ox carts in the train, the oxen being driven single, and the wheels of the carts were made of logs. After a journey covering six months they reached Jones County and searching for land, the whole company squatted on claims in Scotch Grove township. One long log house was built, this being covered with sod and dirt and here the whole company made their abode during the winter. In the spring Mr. Sutherland, the grandfather of our subject, made a plow from a tree and with this they cultivated their gardens, over which they had to keep a close watch as deer roamed at will over the prairies. When the land was placed on the market all entered claims and thus the Sutherland family established a permanent home in Jones county. In 1849, during the gold excitement on the pacific coast, the grandfather went in search of the precious metal, remaining in the west for two years. He then returned to Jones county, where he made his home until his death.
The father, William Sutherland, early became familiar with the privations incident to establishing a home in a wild region, as he assisted in developing and improving the tract which was entered by his father. He was here married to Miss Henrietta Esby, who was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, and their union was blessed with three children: Charles A., of this review; John E., now deceased; and Nettie, the wife of Charles Bates, of Jones county. Both still survive and make their home with their son, the family owning three hundred and eighty-six acres of as fine land as can be found in Scotch Grove township. The parents are highly respected in Jones county, being numbered among its most prominent pioneers.
Charles A. Sutherland was reared under the parental roof and acquired his education in the common schools. After attaining his majority he engaged in feeding and shipping cattle for five years and in this was very successful. His health failed, however, and he sought a home in the Black Hills of South Dakota, but after a time went to Nebraska, and purchasing three hundred and twenty acres of land, made his home thereon for five years. He subsequently returned to his former home in Jones county, and now makes his home on the farm in Scotch Grove township, the family being in possession of three hundred and eighty-six acres. He is actively and busily engaged in farm work and is meeting with merited success, for he follows the most modern methods of agriculture and uses the latest improved farm machinery to facilitate his work.
Mr. Sutherland was married in 1884 to Miss Jennie Cameron, who was born in Missouri, a daughter of Wesley and Mary (Hudson) Cameron, in whose family were five children. Both the parents are now deceased. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Sutherland has been blessed with six children: Thomas W., Nellie M., Mildred and Charles P., all under the parental roof; and Nettie M. and Mary, who have passed away.
Mr. Sutherland is a republican, stanch in his support of the party and its principles, and although he is not active as an office seeker, has served as township collector. Both he and his wife are devoted and consistent members of the Presbyterian Church, The work instituted by the grandfather and carried on by the father is still continued by Charles A. Sutherland. The family have taken a prominent part in the development of the county from its earliest pioneer times down to the present and throughout their career of far-reaching usefulness, their duties have been performed with the greatest care, and business interests have been so managed as to win the confidence of the public and the prosperity which should always attend honorable effort.

Source: History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 546.

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Last updated on Friday, 16-Apr-2021 16:53:33 MST