Source: The Story of Marion County, Iowa and its People.
The pioneer history of Marion County bears the name of Tyler OVERTON for he was one of the first settlers in this part of the state and aided in laying broad and deep the foundation for the present prosperity and progress of the community. He continued to reside within its borders until death called him 24 Sept 1878, his birth having occurred in NC on 10 Nov 1813. His parents were Asa and Katura Tyler Overton who resided in Randolph Co NC until their son Tyler reached young manhood. About that time the family removed westward to Lee Co Iowa where the parents remained until called to their final rest. In 1843, Tyler Overton then about 30 came to Marion County and secured a claim of 320 acres, which is still in the possession of the family. The work progressed and development had scarcely been begun here at the time of his arrival and a number of years passed ere the county could be said to have emerged from the conditions of pioneer life. The land, which came into his possession, was all-wild, not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made but with characteristic energy he began its development and the result was soon seen in well cultivated fields from which he gathered good crops. He shared in the hardships and trials of pioneer life and bore his part in the work of early development and improvement. At the time of his arrival wild game of all kinds was plentiful and it was no difficult thing for a hunter to return home with a plentiful supply of meat for the family larder. The prairies were covered with wild native grasses, starred with a million wild flowers in June while in December they were covered with a dazzling, unbroken sheet of snow. One could ride for miles without coming to a fence to impede his progress and all of the early homes were log cabins or other primitive dwellings. On 19 Dec 1844, Mr. Overton married Miss Rebecca May who was then in her 16th year, a daughter of Alexander and Hessie May the former a native of Ky and latter of NC. The family is of English and Dutch lineage and was established in Indiana in pioneer times. Mrs. Overton was born in Fountain County, Indiana, Jan 30, 1829. In her girlhood her parents removed with their family to Montgomery County Indiana where they resided until 1843 then came to Iowa.
The following year she became the wife of Tyler Overton and for 34 years they traveled life's journey happily together but were separated by the death of the husband 24 Sept 1878 while Mrs. Overton did not pass away until Dec 1901. In their family were 9 children: Mrs. Frances Beebout who died 30 years ago; Mary Elizabeth who is the wife of Francis May; Henry Alexander, a prominent farmer and orchardist of Knoxville Twp, this county; Benjamin Franklin, deceased; Hester Heln who gave her hand in marriage to William Robuck; Sherwood, who passed away; John W, an agriculturist of Knoxville Twp, this county; Asbury S, a sketch of whom appears on another page of this work; and Laura Rebecca who is deceased. Mrs. Overton survived her husband many years or for almost a 1/4 of a century and resided in one of the finest homes of the county and many other modern improvements which indicate the care and labor that have been bestowed upon the farm. Both Mr. and Mrs. Overton were members of the Christian Church and took an active part in its work from 1851 assisting materially in advancing its growth and extending its influence. Both were highly esteemed and no history of Marion County would be complete without mention of this worthy pioneer couple.
