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- In the 1851 Census living at Llanasa was James Atherton Head M 33 Stone Mason b. Llanasa, Elizabeth Atherton Wife M 33 b. Llanasa, Edward Atherton Son 9 b. Llanasa, John Atherton Son 8 b. Holywell, Charles Atherton Son 5 b. Llanasa, James Atherton Son 3 b. Llanasa, Elizabeth Atherton Dau 1 b. Llanasa.In the 1861 Census living at Bryn Maur Llanasa Edward Atherton Carter Unm 19 Carter b. Llanasa. Head of family is Mary Head Unm 67 Farmer of 116 Acres employing 4 men & 1 boy.Edward arrived in the USA at the Port of New York on May 10, 1869 aboard the steamer `City of London` bound from Liverpool, England. He is listed on the Manifest as passenger number 937, age 27, male, occupation mechanic and `The country to which they severally belong` as Great Britain. He was accompanied by his brother James, age 21, passenger number 938 and his sister Elizabeth (`Eliza`), age 19, passenger number 939.
Passenger List of Vessels Arriving at New York 1820-1897, (National Archives Microcopy 237, Roll 310), May 6-17, 1869 (Lists 438-517), List 458.
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In the 1870 U. S. Census, Edward, age 28, occupation was blank, birthplace as Wales and both parents foreign born, was living in the town of Hamilton, P. O. Box Bostwick Valley. He was reported on Line 9 of Dwelling 77 and Family 78. On line 1 of the enumeration of that dwelling and family is Robert L. Roberts, age 33, a farmer owning $4,500 of real estate and $1,200 of personal property who was a farmer with a birthplace of England with both parents foreign born.
1870 U. S. Census, La Crosse Co., Wisconsin, (National Archives Microfilm M593, Roll 1721), written page 12, printed page 21 [B], Lines 1 & 9, Dwelling 77, Family 78.
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Was not able to locate Edward A. Atherton (A363) on the 1880 Census Soundex for Iowa (T748, Roll 1), while researching at the National Archives Regional Administration, Atlanta, GA, in August, 2000.
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In the 1885, Iowa Census, Edward, age 40, is listed with his wife Louise, age 31, and son, Edward, age 1 (all ages at birthday in 1884). They are listed as residing on Township 82, Range 12, Section 26 , N.W. S.E., Edward`s occupation is `Farmer,` Place of Birth `Wales,` with parentage of both parents marked as `F` for foreign (vs. N for native), and marks in columns `Subject to military duty` and `Entitled to vote.` Louise`s occupation is marked `Farmer` by use of ditto marks, Place of Birth `Mass,` with parentage of both parents marked as `N` for native (vs. F for foreign), and son Edward, age 1, is listed as having an occupation of `Farmer` by use of ditto marks, Place of Birth `Monona` (If in Iowa, what county?) parentage of his father is marked `F` for foreign and parentage of his mother marked `N` for native.
Iowa 1885 Census, Monoma Co., Willow Township, Page 547, Lines 17-19.
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In the 1900 U. S. Census, Edward is listed as living in Lincoln Township with his wife, Louisa M., age 46, and a son, Edward A., age 17, with a birthdate of Sept 1841, age 58, married for 28 years, with a birthplace of Wales with both of his parents also reporting a birthplace of Wales. His year of immigration to the USA is listed as 1869 with 31 years in the USA and a Naturalization status of `Na.` His occupation is farmer with zero months not employed, and he owns a mortgaged farm.
1900 U. S. Census, Harrison Co., Iowa, (National Archives Microfilm T623, Roll 436), E.D. 68, Sheet 9, Line 75.
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`EDWARD A. ATHERTON. Among the farmers and stock-raisers of Willow Township few are more practical or prosperous than the subject of this sketch, whose farm is situated on section 26. He was born in Wales, September 15, 1841, and is the son of James and Elizabeth (Jones) Atherton. His education was obtained in his native country and is fairly complete and thorough. In April 1869, he crossed the ocean to America, landing in New York May 10, and proceeded at once to LaCrosse County, Wis. From there, in October, 1870, he removed to Dow City, Crawford County, Iowa, where he made his home some ten years. In the spring of 1880 he came to Monona County and settled upon the farm where he now resides, at that time in its primitive condition. He purchased some one hundred and twenty acres of land to which he has added from time to time until his estate now embraces some four hundred and eighty acres, which is well improved and excellently cultivated. At the time of his settlement there were no people in the neighborhood and the nearest schoolhouse was two miles and a half distant. Since coming here he has prospered highly and is numbered among the more affluent and influential citizens of the township.
Mr. Atherton was married May 2, 1880, in Harrison County, this State, to Miss Louisa M. Grout, a daughter of Otis and Louisa (Lee) Grout, and by this union they are the parents of one child Edward A., born February 10, 1883.
When Mr. Atherton emigrated to America his brother James and sister Elizabeth came with him and the former is now a resident of Harrison County, Iowa, and the latter of Brown county, Dak. The father, who came to this country in (p. 629) 1882, makes his home with his son James. Two brothers of our subject, Henry and Charles, are also residents of Willow Township, the former coming to this county in May, 1882, and the latter in 1867. Charles for some years resided in LaCrosse County, Wis., whence he came to this locality. All are in prosperous circumstances and are valuable and esteemed citizens.`
________, History of Monona County, Iowa, (Chicago: National Publishing Company, 1890), pp. 628- 629.
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`EDWARD A. ATHERTON
`A citizen of Harrison county, who made an indelible impression on the hearts of all those who knew him was Edward A. Atherton. He was a man of sterling character, of estimable qualities and at all times a gentleman. With the aid of his devoted and faithful wife, he lived in such a way that his life is worthy of study and emulation.
Edward A. Atherton, the son of James and Elizabeth (Jones) Atherton, who were natives of England, and had moved to Wales, was born September 15, 1841, in Llanassa, near Holywell, North Wales, and died at his home in Lincoln township, Harrison county, Iowa, October 18, 1910. He was one of nine children born to his parents, six of whom were boys and three girls, he being the eldest of the family.
Receiving a good education and surrounded by the atmosphere of a country home, it followed naturally that Mr. Atherton should be inclined toward an agricultural life. In Wales he took a great many prizes on his farm work and produce, and as plowing is there regarded as a trade in itself, he took a number of first prizes in that work.
In 1869, Mr. Atherton came to the USA, beginning his journey in April, and arriving in New York on the tenth of May. He went [p. 583] directly to Lacrosse county, Wisconsin, where his brother, Charles, who had preceded him to America, was already living. Mr. Atherton was accompanied by his brother James, and his sister, Elizabeth, the latter coming for the purpose of keeping house for her brothers. They lived in Wisconsin until 1870, in which year Mr. Atherton removed to Dow City, Iowa, where he farmed, both renting and working by the month for four years, and renting for six years, during which time he worked for Judge Dow, for whom Dow City is named. In 1880 Mr. Atherton again moved, this time to Monona county, Iowa, where he bought one hundred and twenty acres of virgin soil. During his stay on this farm the original one hundred and twenty acres was increased to four hundred and eighty acres. In February, 1896, the family moved to Harrison county, where they bought one hundred and twenty acres of land in Lincoln township, and here Mr. Atherton made his home until his death.
Success or failure in life depends to a large extent upon the helpmate chosen, and Mr. Atherton was very fortunate in his choice, as he married May 2, 1880, in Dunlop, Harrison county, Iowa, to Louisa M. Grout. She deserves full credit for her share of the progress Mr. Atherton made. Louisa Grout was born September 28, 1853, in Charlton, Worcester county, Massachusetts, the daughter of Otis and Louisa (Lee) Grout, both of whom were natives of Worcester county, Massachusetts. The Grouts are of German descent, and the Lees of English descent, both families being long time residents of Massachusetts.
The Grout family came west in 1864, locating in Clinton county, Iowa, later removing to Crawford county, this state, in 1871, where they lived until the father`s death. The mother later came to Harrison county, and made her home with a daughter, Mrs. D. A. Meirs, until her death, which occurred three years after her arrival.
To Edward A. and Louisa M. (Grout) Atherton was born one child, Edward Arthur, Jr., who was born February 10, 1883. He has always lived at home, taking charge of the farm after his father`s death. He attended the Woodbine Normal School after completing his elementary education in the common schools, and is thus well equipped for life`s work. Edward Arthur, Jr., has bought forty acres of land on the west of his father`s farm, his father having sold forty acres of his farm before his death, and thus he has a farm equal in extent to the original home farm.
Mr. Atherton was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and in his religious connections he was a member of the Episcopal church. Politically, he declared allegiance to no particular party, preferring at all (p. 584) times to vote for the man whom he thought best fitted for the office. He took an active interest in politics and was township assessor in Monona county for many years. He also was prominent in school work, and at one time was overseer of three school districts in Willow township. This was before the township was divided into three sub-districts. Mr. Atherton was a fancier of good live stock, and made a specialty of Aberdeen-Angus cattle, importing some fine animals. Mr. Atherton was progressive in every way. He was strictly honorable, respected by every one, and his death left a vacancy impossible to fill. He is not forgotten, and his name and deeds will live for the betterment of future generations.`
Charles W. Hunt and Will L. Clark, History of Harrison County Iowa Its People, Industry and Institutions, (Indianapolis, Indiana: B. F. Bowen & Company, Inc., 1915), pp. 582-584.
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`Edward Atherton
Edward A. Atherton was born at Flincher [sic- Flintshire], North Wales, Sept. 15, 1841. Died at his late home [sic] north of town Tuesday, October 18, age 69 years, 1 month and 3 days.
He left his native country in 1869, coming to Wisconsin. Here he worked for two or three years and then came to Iowa. His residence in Harrison county goes back to the time when the country was undeveloped, something like 30 years ago. For a number of years he lived in the vicinity of Dunlap,
It was in this county, in Dunlap, May 2, 198880 [sic], that he was united in marriage with Louisa M. Grout. They worked hard to make a home for themselves, as was the case with most early settlers, and experienced the usual hardships. About fiteen years ago they moved to the farm north of town a few miles, where they have since lived. They have had only one child, Arthur who is on the home place. This son and the wife and mother are those of the immediate family to mourn. The writer is not informed as to the other relatives, except that James, a brother, lives here in town, and the members of his family.
The deceased had been poorly for some time, but his condition was considered serious only the past two weeks or so, kidney trouble being the direct cause of death.
Funeral services are being held this Thursday afternoon, Rev. Cable of the M. E. church of this place in charge. The Odd Fellows of Dunlap and of Woodbine have a ritualistic ceremony at the funeral, he being a member of this order.
This paper extends sympathy to the members of the family.`
The Woodbine Twiner, Woodbine, Iowa, October 21, 1910, p. 5 (not numbered), col. 7.
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`Edward A. Atherton oldest son of James and Elizabeth Atheerton was born in Llanssa, Wales Sept. 15th 1841, and died at his home three miles north of Woodbine Oct. 18th, 1910 age 68 years, 1 month and 3 days.
Coming to America in 1869 he went to LaCross, Wis, and the follwoing year he went to Dow City, Ia, where he made his home six years. In 1880 he moved to a farm he had bought in Monona Co, where he lived a prosperous and influential farmer for fourteen years [sic]. Selling his farm he moved to a place near Dunlap where he lived for a short time and then bought the farm he now owned and with his family moved to it in 1896.
In his youthful days he was confirmed in the Episcopal church and always held firmly to that religious belief and form of worship.
In 1880 he was married to Miss Louisa M. Grout of Dow City and she with their son Edward Arthur and his brothers John J. of Emporia, Kans., Chas of Ontario, Ore., James of Woodbine, Henry E. Missouri Valley and sister Mrs. Eleanor Evans of Missouri Valley, his nephews and nieces and many friends now mourn for him.
His parents, a brother Roger, and sisters Mrs. Elizabeth Griffith [sic - s] of Planan [sic - Plana], S. D. and Mrs. Sarah Ogg of Sussex, England have crossed to the other shore and waited for him in that beautiful home where there is no parting.
About twenty years ago, Mr. Atherton joined the Golden Rule Lodge I. O. O. F. No 178 at Dunlap and has since been an honored member, loved and respected by members of that order.`
Missouri Valley Times, Missouri Valley, Iowa, October 27, 1910, p. 6 (not numbered), col. 3.
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Burial information from Volume I, Book I, Boyer & Douglas Township Cemeteries, compiled and published by Harrison County Genealogical Society, Woodbine, Iowa, 1987, p. 68.
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