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William Alston

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William Alston

Birth	:	29 Sep 1811 England
Death	:	19 Mar 1896 Jefferson County, Iowa, USA
Burial	:	Old Fairfield Cemetery, Fairfield, Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate	:	41.0148000, -91.9598000
Plot	:	Lot 97
Description	:	Son of William and Elizabeth Alston. A brother, John Alston , is buried in Oakland cemetery, Keokuk, Lee county, Iowa. --------- "The Fairfield Tribune" Wednesday, March 25, 1896 Page 2, Column 3 Death of William ALSTON. William ALSTON, a resident of Fairfield for over fifty-five years, died at his home in the west part of town Thursday morning, March 19th, about half past seven o'clock. About two years ago Mr. ALSTON went to Denver for a visit with his daughter and while there and after his return had a severe sick spell. Since that time his health has been fairly good for... Read More	Son of William and Elizabeth Alston. A brother, John Alston , is buried in Oakland cemetery, Keokuk, Lee county, Iowa. --------- "The Fairfield Tribune" Wednesday, March 25, 1896 Page 2, Column 3 Death of William ALSTON. William ALSTON, a resident of Fairfield for over fifty-five years, died at his home in the west part of town Thursday morning, March 19th, about half past seven o'clock. About two years ago Mr. ALSTON went to Denver for a visit with his daughter and while there and after his return had a severe sick spell. Since that time his health has been fairly good for one of his age. About a month ago he was again taken down and gradually failed until the time of his death, suffering intense agony the last few days. William ALSTON was born in Lancastershire, England, September 29, 1811. In 1837 he came to America and located in Edwards county, Illinois. He lived there about a year and then moved to Lexington, in Van Buren county, Iowa, where he engaged in the grocery business. He moved to Fairfield in June, 1840, and continued in the same line of business. He was married to Miss Ruth VAUGHN December 25, 1843. Ten children blessed this union, three of whom are living. From 1858 he devoted himself exclusively to farming and stock raising, but for a number of years past has lived a retired life. Mrs. ALSTON died in November, 1863, and two years later Mr. ALSTON was married to Mrs. Jane WILEY, who died seven years later. The deceased was a man of excellent character, sterling integrity and uprightness. During his long residence here he formed a large circle of friends who could only speak of him in words of praise. The funeral was held at the home Friday at two o'clock and was largely attended. The surviving children, Mrs. Mary VOTE, William E., and Henry C. ALSTON, were present. the service was conducted by Rev. Melick, of the Lutheran church, and Dr. J. F. Magill, of the Presbyterian. ~~~~ "The Fairfield Ledger" Wednesday, March 25, 1896 Page 3, Column 3 William ALSTON Has Passed Away. William ALSTON, one of the oldest and best known residents of Fairfield and Jefferson county, died at his home in this city Thursday. He was in the eighty-fifth year of his age, and had been in feeble health for many months past. Mr. ALSTON was born in Lancastershire, England, September 29th, 1811. He grew to manhood near his native place, and, being thrown largely upon his own resources, decided to find a home in the new world. He came to the United States in 1839, made his first permanent stop in Edwards county, Ill., and a year later came to Iowa. After a short residence in Van Buren county he came to Fairfield in April, 1840, and his residence here had been unbroken during this period of more than half a century. December 25th, 1843, Mr. ALSTON was united in marriage with Miss Ruth VAUGHN, who died in November, 1863. Then children were born to them, only three of whom are now living, W.E. and H.C. ALSTON and Mrs. Mary VOTE, and all make their homes in this city. In October, 1865, he was again married, to Mrs. Jane WILEY, who died seven years later. Mr. ALSTON's parents both lived to the advanced age of eighty-seven years, and he was the last surviving member of a family of ten children. Mr. ALSTON was a merchant during the earlier portion of his residence in Fairfield, but afterwards spent several years on a farm just northwest of the city. Some time in the '60's he again removed to town and retired from active business. He was ever energetic and industrious, prudent and conservative in the management of his affairs and in his investments, and he amassed a comfortable fortune. In any public enterprise Mr. ALSTON was always ready to bear his share of the burden, and he was a cheerful giver in private charities. Among the older residents of Jefferson county he had a very wide acquaintance and many warm friends, and for the younger generation he always had a word of cheer and encouragement. He was a man of many excellent qualities, and those who knew him best most admired and esteemed him. Much sympathy was extended him in the long illness with which he was afflicted, and his death will be very generally regretted. The remains were interred in this city Friday afternoon. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. J. F. Magill and Rev. M. L. Melick. ---------- Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 295-296 William ALSTON, a retired farmer residing in Fairfield, was born in Lancastershire, England, September 29, 1811, and is a son of William and Elizabeth (HAYES) ALSTON, both of whom were natives of the same county, the father born in 1778, the mother in 1776. William ALSTON, Sr., was a cabinet maker by trade but made farming his chief occupation. He once came to America and for a short time remained in St. Louis, Mo., but not liking the country he returned to his native land, where he spent the remainder of his days. Both he and his wife died at the age of eighty-seven years. In their family were ten children, four sons and six daughters, but with the exception of our subject only one is living in the United States -- John, a retired farmer of Illinois. Edward came to this country and spent some time in California but returned to England. William ALSTON, whose name heads this sketch, is a self-made man. As soon as he was old enough he began earning his own living and in consequence his educational advantages were quite limited. At the age of fifteen years, his father sent him to Liverpool to work for a month at the joiner's trade to see how he would like the business, that being the custom in those days, but not finding it to his taste he returned to the farm. By chance a pamphlet fell into his hands which was sent to England by a Mr. FLOWERS, who had come to America and located in Edwards County, Ill. This publication, like all others of its kind. told how easily one could make a fortune in this country, and with the hope of bettering his condition and rapidly acquiring wealth, in 1837 Mr. ALSTON set sail for the United States. On arriving in Edwards County, he found that he could get the chills much easier than a dollar. The following year he came to Iowa, locating in Van Buren County, and after engaging in the grocery business in Lexington for about a year, he once more changed his place of residence and settled in Fairfield in June of 1840, however. continuing operations in the same line of business. Soon afterward he made his first purchase in real estate. Buying a claim, he carried on farming in connection with his grocery, and as opportunity offered he would buy a land warrant, locate it and hold for an advance in prices. Tract after tract he added to the original amount until at length he owned some three thousand acres in this and surrounding counties, retaining still in his possession seven hundred and forty acres. Since 1858 he has devoted himself exclusively to farming and stockraising and has met with excellent success. Although he found that a fortune could not be acquired merely by coming to this country, he saw that one of industrious and energetic habits could make for homself a comfortable home, as land could be obtained from the Government at a nominal price. On Christmas Day of 1843, Mr. ALSTON was united in marriage with Miss Ruth VOUHN, who died in November, 1863. Ten children were born unto them, four of whom were living at the time of her death, but only three are now living; William E., a farmer of this county; Mary, wife of Henry VOTE, and Henry C., who is also engaged in farming. In October, 1865, Mr. ALSTON was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Jane WILEY nee STEWART, a native of Pennsylvania. She survived her marriage only seven years, dying in 1872 (sic. 1873 per headstone inscription). In political sentiment, Mr. ALSTON was formerly a Whig and since the dissolution of that party has voted with the Democracy. He has never sought or desired office, but through the solicitation of friends twice served in the City Council. He ranks among the worthy citizens and leading men of the commuity, where for fifty years he has made his home, witnessing the many great changes which have taken place in the county and participating in its growth and development. Although living the quiet and unostentatious life of a farmer, he has steadily worked his way upward to a position of affluence and by his upright life has won the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens. --------- "Fairfield Ledger", Dec. 9, 1869, Pg. 3, Col. 4 ANOTHER FIRE IN FAIRFIELD... ALSTON's building, which is one of the old landmarks, stands fire well. About two years ago the Jefferson House, just across the alley, was burned down. It escaped then, and now it has again escaped.

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is William Alston's memorial?
William Alston's memorial is located at: Old Fairfield Cemetery, Fairfield, Jefferson County, USA.
When did William Alston death?
William Alston death on 19 Mar 1896 in Jefferson County, Iowa, USA
Where are the coordinates of the William Alston's memorial?
Latitude: 41.0148000
Longitude: -91.9598000

Family Members:

Spouse

Elizabeth Jane Stewart Alston

(1828 - 1873)

Ruth Vaughn Alston

(1821 - 1863)

Children

(1845 - 1845)

(1846 - 1852)

(1847 - 1850)

(1849 - 1870)

(1850 - 1852)

(1852 - 1931)

(1854 - 1938)

(1858 - 1863)

(1859 - 1863)

(1862 - 1932)

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Old Fairfield Cemetery
Fairfield, Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 41.0148000, -91.9598000

2. Evergreen Cemetery
Fairfield, Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 41.0138600, -91.9562100

3. Memorial Lawn Cemetery
Fairfield, Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 41.0068000, -91.9805000

4. Switzer Cemetery
Fairfield, Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 41.0368996, -91.9096985

5. Roth Cemetery
Fairfield, Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 40.9589005, -91.9574966

6. Bradshaw Cemetery
Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 40.9766998, -91.9032974

7. Smith Family Cemetery
Libertyville, Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 40.9972416, -92.0362857

8. Bethesda Cemetery
Fairfield, Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 41.0019000, -91.8796000

9. Wheeler Cemetery
Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 41.0797000, -91.9185500

10. Upper Richwoods Cemetery
Salina, Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 41.0602989, -91.8807983

11. Galliher Cemetery
Glasgow, Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 40.9666892, -91.8835038

12. Jefferson County Poor Farm Cemetery
Libertyville, Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 40.9416900, -91.9996200

13. Perlee Cemetery
Perlee, Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 41.0805750, -91.8993380

14. Pattison Cemetery
Fairfield, Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 40.9444008, -91.9049988

15. Moorman Cemetery
Fairfield, Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 41.0452995, -92.0622025

16. Wright Cemetery
Fairfield, Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 40.9524000, -91.8728000

17. Gregg Cemetery
Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 41.0078011, -92.0811005

18. Antioch Cemetery
Fairfield, Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 41.1002998, -91.9147034

19. Moyer Cemetery
Fairfield, Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 41.1046982, -91.9330978

20. Cumberland Cemetery
Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 40.9248000, -91.9903000

21. McCleary Cemetery
Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 40.9892006, -92.0805969

22. Brooks Cemetery
Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 41.0635986, -92.0693970

23. Salina Cemetery
Salina, Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 41.0419006, -91.8330994

24. Thompson Cemetery
Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 40.9155998, -91.9772034