Two Kearns households came from Ohio to Linn Township in 1853, but the county histories never say whether they were related, so they are kept apart here. John and Margaret (Grubaugh) Kearns, of German descent, brought their family, including John A. Kearns, born in Richland County, Ohio, in 1835; John A. married Catherine Mann in 1863, farmed 175 acres on section 8, and died June 10, 1900, on the day he was to be ordained an elder of the Presbyterian church at Paralta. Their daughter Mary became the second wife of Stephen Mann of Linn Township. Valentine Kearns came with his parents, and his father entered land from the government and built a log cabin, later replaced by a frame house. Valentine farmed the homestead until 1909, when he retired to Marion, and his youngest son, Joseph M. Kearns, born there in 1880, was working its 142 and a half acres in 1911. Every fact below is cited to a public-domain Linn County history.
Earliest in the record
John A. Kearnsborn 1835Most recent in our records
John A. Kearnsborn 1835Each number matches a section below. Tap a name to jump to that person.
Pioneer farmers, Linn Township
Farmer, section 8, Linn Township
JOHN A. KEARNS.
John A. Kearns, deceased, was for over forty-six years an honored and highly respected citizen of Linn county, much of his life being passed upon his farm on section 8, Linn township, where he owned and successfully operated one hundred and seventy-five acres of rich and arable land. He was born in Richland county, Ohio, April 25, 1835, and in 1853 came to Iowa with his parents, John and Margaret (Grubaugh) Kearns, who were of German descent. The family located in Linn township, this county, where the father followed farming for many years. He died there at the age of sixty-eight years, and his wife passed away at the age of eighty-six. They had six children, who are still living and continue to reside in Linn township.
Throughout his active business life John A. Kearns followed general farming and stock raising with good success. In March, 1863, he was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Mann, a daughter of Adam and
Jennie ( "hitlatch ) Mann. Her father was a native of Greene county, Pennsylvania, and continued his residence in that state during his boyhood and youth. When a young man he went to Ohio, where he lived for four years, and then came to Iowa, crossing the Mississippi at Muscatine, August 8, 1837. On this trip he was accompanied by his parents, David and Xancy Mann, who located on a farm in Greenfield township. Jones county, where they made their home until death.
Adam IMann remained with his parents in Jones county until 1840, when he came to Linn county, and took up his residence on section 8, Linn township, where he entered one hundred and sixty acres of land from the government. He at once commenced to break and improve his land, and in his farming operations here he met with" marked success, owning at the time of his death nearly five hundred acres of valuable land in Linn township, though he had already given farms to some of his children. In connection with general farming he carried on stock raising to some extent. He voted the Democratic ticket, and was an earnest and consistent member of the Baptist church, as is also his wife. He died on the old home place October 6, 1889. at the age of sixty-five years,but she is still living in Linn township]> at the age of seventy six, and enjoys good health. She is a native of Ohio and a daughter of John \V. and Annie (Afann) Whitlatch. Her father engaged in farming in Linn township for a great many years, but shortly before his death removed to Nebraska, where he passed away about twelve years ago. His wife has been dead twenty-three years.
As printed in the source1. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
Daughter of John and Margaret Kearns
Farmers on the old homestead, Linn Township
Farmer on the old homestead
JOSEPH M. KEARNS
To the operation of the old homestead farm, comprising one hundred forty-two and one-half acres of land in Linn township, Joseph M. Kearns is devoting his time and attention. He was born on this farm July 2, 1SS0, the youngest of eight children, whose parents are Valentine and Ella (Erion) Kearns, who were natives of Ohio. In 1853 the family sought a home in the middle west, making a location in Linn county. Iowa. At that time the country was but sparsely settled and much of the land was still unclaimed. The tract on which Valentine Kearns and his parents took up their above, the grandfather entered from the government and his first work was to prepare a little home for his family, which was a crude dwelling built of logs. In this they lived for several year's but as soon as circumstances would permit the log cabin was replaced by a more modern frame structure, which is still standing on the place. The father of our subject made many other improvements on the place and placed the land under a high state of cultivation. He engaged in farming throughout his active business career but in 1909 put aside this work and removed to Marion, where he has since lived retired, enjoying in comfort and ease the fruits of his former toil. Unto him and his wife were born eight children, as follows: Carl E., Clvde W., Grace E., William E., Arthur R,, Mabel L, Ruth O. and Joseph M., of this review.
The last named acquired his education in the common schools and early became familiar with the work of plowing, planting and harvesting, heavier tasks being assigned him as his age and strength increased. lie remained at home until twenty-two years of age, after which he was employed for one year at farm labor. He then took a course in stenography and, seeking employment along that line of activity, was in the service of the Chicago. Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company at Cedar Rapids for three years. However, farming seemed to appeal more strongly to his taste and on the expiration of that period he returned to the old homestead, since which time he has been operating the place. He is working diligently in the conduct, of his business affairs and his labors are being rewarded with good returns.
Mr. Kearns completed arrangements for having a home of his own by his marriage on the 23d of October, 1907, to Miss Margaret McBride. a daughter of John and Jemima (Kerr) McBride, natives of the Buckeye state, in whose family were six children, all living, namely: Amanda, George. Alice, Mary, Margaret, now Mrs. Kcams. and Anna. A little daughter, Margaret Isabel, graces the home of Mr. and Mrs. Kearns. Her birth occurred October 22, 190S.
In his political views Mr. Kearns is a republican but does not care for public office. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church. The spirit of self-help is the source of all genuine worth in the individual and this truth is abundantly verified in the life of Mr. Kearns. Steadily pursuing his way undeterred by the obstacles and difficulties in his path, he is achieving a prosperity of which he has every reason to be proud.
As printed in the source2. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
Of Brown Township
Of Marion Township
Of section 22, Linn Township
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