BOONE, William Myrtle - Putnam

William Myrtle Boone, who is now living a retired life in the home of his daughter, Mrs. Page on Sec 14, Worth Twp, was for many years a thrifty and enterprising farmer owning and operating 160 acres of land. He came to Boone County in the fall of 1851, finding here a district situated upon the frontier while pioneer conditions existed throughout the county. He was born in Harrison County, Indiana on the banks of the Ohio River, May 30, 1822 and is a son of Squire Boone and grandson of Moses Boone, both natives of Kentucky. The latter's father was also named Squire Boone and was a brother of the noted pioneer and explorer, Daniel Boone, who led the way into the wilds of the Blue Grass state.

The father of our subject was reared to manhood in KY and was married there to Phebe Rissler, who was born in VA, and reared in KY. In that state the father carried on agricultural pursuits for a number of years and then moved across the Ohio River into Indiana where he again developed a new farm. In 1852 he came to Iowa, settling in Worth Township, Boone Co. Here he purchased land and with the aid of his sons again improved a new farm upon which he spent his last years. For several years prior to his death he was a resident of Boonesboro. His wife died there and he then went ot live with his son, William M, with whom he remained until his death which occurred Dec 5, 1879, when he was 85 years of age.

He was twice married and by the first union had two daughters while by the second union he had 3 daughters and 4 sons, William M was the eldest of this family. There are two sons and one daughter living, the brother, Tyler Boone, being one of the substantial farmers and well-known citizens of Worth Twp. The sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Williams is a widow living in Madrid.

William M. Boone was reared in Putnam County, Indiana and assisted his father in the arduous task of developing a new farm. He remained with his father until he had attained his majority and then took charge of the old home place which he conducted 10 years. He was married in Putnam County in 1841, to Miss Nancy Parker, a native of Ky.

In the fall of 1851 he came to Iowa and settled near old Boonesboro, in Boone County. There he purchased a claim of 240 acres and when the land came into the market entered it from the government and secured his title. After raising one crop he rented his land for a number of years and subsequently traded it for land in Worth Twp on which he took up his abode aobut 1853. He had removed to Worth Twp in order to be near his father and attend to the business interests of his parents. He then cultivated and improved a new farm of 10 acres, built good residences upon it, operated the fields, planted fruit trees and made valuable additions to the place which transformed it into a model farm of the period. There he continued to carry on agricultural pursuits with signal success until 1896. On the 1st of January of that year, his wife passed away and he then returned to the farm, but previous to this time he had given portions of it to his children and aided all of them to get a start in life by making a gift of a farm to each.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Boone were born 9 children, 2 of whom died in infancy. Alice is the wife of Thomas Page, now of Luther; Edward M, is a resident of Wyoming; Jesse P. is also living in Luther; Virgil is a resident farm of Worth Twp; Matilda is the wife of Wesley Page, a substantial agriculturist of Worth Township; Laura is the wife of James W. Wayne, also a farmer of Worth Township; and Oliver P. follows agricultural pursuits in this county.

In the early life Mr. Boone of this review voted with the old Whig party and upon its dissolution he joined the ranks of the new Republican party at its organization and cast his ballot for John C. Fremont in 1856. He has since voted for each presidential candidate of the party, never wavering in his allegiance to the principles in which he so firmly believes. He has never sought or desired office, preferring that his atteniton shell be given to his business affairs.

51 years have passed since his arrival in Iowa - more than half a century - and great changes have occurred during this long period. The most farsighted could not have imagined, much less dreamed of the present flourishing conditions of the county, ranking today among the leading counties of this great commonwealth.

He has seen Boone grown from a mere hamlet to one of the leading cities of the state; has witnessed the introduction of the railroads, bringing the county into close community with other portions of this land; saw the wild prairies reclaimed for purposes of civilization, while roads were constructed and homes built and churches and schools to indicate the moral and educational status of the community.

Mr. Boone has endorsed every movement for the benefit of the county and is well known throughout this section of the state was a man whose life has ever been honorable and upright, his example being well worthy of emulation by his children and grandchildren. He has many friends throughout this portion of Iowa who will be glad to see his record in the history of Boone County.