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Jasper County, Iowa
Historical and Genealogical Data Exchange
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John
M. Hiatt Specific
mention is made within the pages of this book of many of the worthy citizens who
have honored Jasper County with their residence-citizens who have figured in the
growth and development of this favored section of the great Hawkeye commonwealth
and whose interests are or have been identified with its every phase of
progress, each contributing in his sphere of action to the well being of the
community which he selected for the arena of his life labors and to the
advancement of its normal and legitimate growth. Among this worthy number of a
past generation, none was more influential or conspicuous than the late John M.
Hiatt, a man combining many praiseworthy characteristics of head and heart, much
of whose busy and useful life was spent within the borders of this County, whose
interests he ever had at heart and sought to foster while laboring to advance
his own. For his public spirit, his industry and exemplary character he was held
in high regard by all classes. Mr.
Hiatt was born in Licking County, Ohio, March 21, 1819.
He was the son of Elsey and Sallie Hiatt, who were among the old settlers
of that County, the family finally moving from there to Shelby County, Ohio,
when the son, John M. Hiatt, was about four years old, and there grew to
maturity on the home farm and received a good education in the country public
schools. He remained at home with his parents until he was married to Catherine
Ike, of Shelby County, Ohio, on February 24, 1842.
She was born in that County on February 2, 1821, she and Mr. Hiatt having
been schoolmates there. She was the
daughter of William and Hannah Ike, pioneer residents of that locality, where
they became prosperous farmers and influential in the affairs of the
neighborhood. After
their marriage John M. Hiatt and wife remained in Shelby County, Ohio, three
years, then, in 1845 moved to Dearborn County, Indiana, locating on a farm where
they spent three years, thence moving to Ross, that state, where Mr. Hiatt
engaged in carpentering until 1854. then started on the overland trip to Jasper
County, Iowa, having been joined in Davenport, Iowa, by the parents of Mr.
Hiatt, who accompanied them to Jasper County. They located on farms in Rock Creek Township, purchasing one
hundred and sixty acres from the government, the County being new, unimproved,
in fact, wild. There the parents established a good home, in which they spent
the remainder of their lives and there John M. Hiatt and wife lived until 1863,
when they sold out and moved to Newton, which city was Mr. Hiatt's place of
abode until his death, on January 13, 1887, at the home on West High street,
where his widow continued to reside until summoned to her reward, some
twenty-three years afterwards. Here
Mr. Hiatt followed carpentering and contracting, with the exception of three
years, when he was in the drug business on the east side of the public square.
He was very successful in whatever he turned his attention to and he
became one of the best-known contractors in this locality, many of the
substantial buildings over the County today being monuments to his skill as a
builder. Mr.
Hiatt was a strong Republican and he took an active interest in party affairs.
He was a worthy and active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at
Newton. He left his widow a beautiful home and several valuable
buildings in Newton, which she owned until her death, on December 27, 1910,
having attained the advanced age of ninety years.
She was active and hearty almost to the last, her mind acute and memory
excellent. It was a rare treat to
hear her recall reminiscences of the early days and conditions of pioneer times,
both here and in Ohio. She led a
devout Christian life and always enjoyed the association of a host of warm
friends. To
Mr. and Mrs. John M. Hiatt one child was born, a daughter, Sophia Jane, whose
birth occurred on December 27, 1842, in Shelby County. She died when six years of age. John
M. Hiatt was admired and respected by all who knew him, and he did much for the
early development of Jasper County along material and moral lines, and he and
his faithful life companion are eminently deserving of a conspicuous place in
her history. The Past and Present of Jasper County, Gen. James B. Weaver, Editor-In-Chief, 1912 B.F. Bowen Co., Indianapolis, IN, p. 580. |
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