Louisa H. Yates (1830-1906)

YATES

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 10/3/2022 at 10:34:26

Louisa H. (Wiggins) Yates
(June 20, 1830 – May 3, 1906)

While history usually deals with the labors of men because they are more active in business and political life, the part which women play is no less important, though of a more quiet and retired nature. Great credit is certainly due to the pioneer women who accompanied fathers and husbands to the wild west and made for the men of the household comfortable homes upon the frontier, meeting with unflinching courage and uncomplainingly the hardships and trials which fell to the lot of all who advanced beyond the older districts and went to the wild west to reclaim it for purposes of civilization. Mrs. Louisa H. Yates is one of the honored pioneer women of Calhoun County, and the widow of the first settler in Lincoln Township. She still resides on section 16, in this township, respected by all who know her and beloved by many friends. She was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, June 20, 1830, a daughter of Philip and Sarah (Rose) Wiggins, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of New York. Her parents remained in Pickaway County until called to the home beyond, the father devoting his energies to agricultural pursuits. In his political affiliations he was a Democrat, and both he and his wife were members of the Methodist Epiiscopal church. The father had thrice married, but had no children by his first union. Unto the mother of Mrs. Yates were born six children, of whom five are yet living: James, a resident of Kansas; Mrs. Martha Poe, of Alabama; Mrs. John Jackson, of Missouri; Mary; and Mrs. Yates. After the death of the mother of this family, Mr. Wiggins was again married, his third union being with Mary Ulm, by whom he had one child, Asbury, who is now in Ohio. Louisa H. Wiggins spent her girlhood days upon the home farm in the Buckeye state. She assisted in the duties of the household and her training in farm work well fitted her to take charge of her own home at the time of her marriage. On the 23d of July, 1852. in Pickaway County, she gave her hand and heart at the marriage altar to Joseph Yates, who was born in that county in 1825, a son of David and Christina Yates, who spent their entire lives in Ohio. Joseph Yates had limited educational privileges, yet he possessed common sense, good business ability and determination, and with these capabilities he won success in business. For two years after his marriage he remained in Ohio and then accompanied by his wife removed to Illinois, settling near Galesburg, where he secured a homestead claim, residing thereon for eighteen years, during which time he transformed the property into a valuable farm. On the expiration of that period he sold his property in Illinois and came to Calhoun County, arriving in the fall of 1865. The winter, however, was passed at Nevada, Story County, where Mr. Yates had a sister living. For one winter they also resided in Fort Dodge, but in the meantime Mr. Yates entered a claim and erected thereon a story and a half house, twenty by twenty-four feet. This was the first frame house built in Lincoln Township and stood on the old Fort Dodge and Sioux City stage line. At the request of people who came later Air. Yates established a relay station in the stage route and also a post office in his home, the latter being maintained until the building of the Illinois Central Railroad. His home farm at first comprised eighty acres, after which he afterward added by purchase another tract of eighty acres. Energetic and determined, he began the development of his land and acre after acre was placed under the plow, making it a valuable farm which returned to the owner a golden tribute for the care, and labor he bestowed upon it. Mr. Yates was quite prominent in political affairs in pioneer days and all the county meetings were held in his home. At one of these meetings over one hundred people were entertained in his home on one night. All the meetings of a religious character also convened in the Yates household and the neighborhood was known as Yatesville for about three years. Gradually the country became settled. M. Yates taking an important part in the development of the prairie land and doing all in his power to promote public progress and improvement. The home of our subject and his wife was blessed with five children, all of whom yet survive and are still living in the neighborhood. These are: Philip Cass, who resides on the old home farm: Benjamin P., who married Rosa Robinson and is living in Lincoln Township: Thomas O., who assists his eldest brother in the operation of the home farm; Emma, who married O. O. Brown and is now the wife of George Ebersole, of Alanson: and Press, who married Rosa Gill and is living in Lincoln township. At an early date Joseph Yates was a
member of the Grange and took an active interest in every movement that tended to promote the welfare of his community and aided in its. substantial upbuilding. Both he and his wife held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and his life was ever upright and honorable, commending him to the confidence and respect of all with
whom he was associated. He died after a long illness, passing away on the 12th of July, 1886, and the community mourns the loss of an honored pioneer and valued citizen, and his family a loving husband and father. After the death of her husband Mrs. Yates sold the old home place and purchased eighty acres of land on section 16, Lincoln
Township, where she is now living with her two sons, Philip and Thomas. The history of pioneer life in this county is familiar to
her and she has a wide acquaintance, especially among those who have long been residents of this portion of the state. [Source – Biographical Record of Calhoun County, Iowa, by S.J. Clarke, 1902, p.407]