R. Sand

As printed in 1887

R. SAND.S is a retired farmer, residing in Ains'.north. He is a native of Washington C'county, K. Tenn., born Oct. 25, 1810, and is the son of Joseph and Anna (Harrison) Sands, the former a native of Virginia, of English descent, and the latter a native of North Carolina, of Scotch-Irish descent. Both died in Monroe County, Tenn.

The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, and in his youth learned the blacksmith's trade, at which he worked for many years. His chances for acquiring an education were limited to the subscription schools of his time. In 18.35 he married Rosanna Henderson, who was born in Blount County, Tenn., in 1812, and the daughter of John and Margaret Henderson. By this union there were six children, five of whom.are living: J. W., now residing in this township; Margaret A., the wife of J. F. R. Leonard, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume; Joseph P., of Hamilton County, Iowa, who married Eliza Van Winkle, and has si.t children — Ervin, Gracie, Bessie, Benjamin, Alice and Samuel; Nancy J. is the wife of C. C. Stone, of Nebrasiva; they have one child, Cora, who married Trueman Brown, and has two children. S. A. married Elizabeth M.Hcnderson, and J. N. married Catherine Henderson.

In 1851 Mr. S.ands came with his family to Washington County, Iowa, and durch.ased IGO acres of wild la lid in Oregon Tow'nshi), erecting a cabin 16x20 in which the family lived till 1863, when he built I, neat frame house. On the 2d of June, 1 887, Mrs..Sands died. She had been a consistent member ii the United Presbyterian Church since 1853, and left a large circle of friends to mourn their loss. Mr. Sands is a member of the Baptist Church, and has been connected with it for many years. Mrs. Sands was a model Christian woman; though modest and retiring in spirit, she was very active and earnest in that which she regarded as the Lord's work. In her life she exhibited the proofs of ever existing grace, and was greatly loved by all who knew her. She had done her life's work faithfully, and was ready and willing to go at the Master's call. Among her last words were: "I want nothing but Jesus." Her last request was that her body might be quietly conveyed from her home to its last resting-place, which was in keeping with her modest spirit.

A resident of this county for thirty-six years, Mr. Sands has witnessed the many changes that have been made, and h.as done much to convert a wild country into its present prosperous state. In the time that he has lived in Washington County ha has held several of the local offices, and has discharged every duty devolving upon him in a faithful manner. He is now living a retired life in Ainsworth, where he is highly respected by all, and enjoying the fruits of a well-spent life.

As printed in Portrait and biographical album of Washington County, Iowa, containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, together with portraits and (1887). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.