My Genealogy Hound

Lincoln J. Day is the owner of one of the best improved farms of Highland township, his place being on section 25. It was upon this farm that his birth occurred in October, 1860, and as the years have gone by he has gained a creditable position among the prosperous and enterprising agriculturists of this section of the state. His father, John A. Day, a native of Jefferson county, Ohio, was there reared and educated and in Ashland county, Ohio, he was married to Miss Eliza Drumm, whose birth there occurred. The broad prairie of Iowa and the natural resources of the state, as yet largely undeveloped, attracted him in 1850 and he made his way to Henry county, where he lived for five years, when he cast in his lot with the early residents of Union county, taking up his abode within its borders in 1855. He entered land from the government, securing two hundred and forty acres on section 25, Highland township, where he made a home. Later he added to the original holdings and upon this place continued to reside until his life’s labors were ended in death on the 11th of November, 1886, when he was seventy-two years of age. His wife died February 1, 1908, when nearly seventy-nine years of age. Their family numbered eight children, seven of whom reached adult age, while five are yet living. In the substantial improvement of the county John A. Day figured prominently and through the utilization of his opportunities gained a place among the leading agriculturists of this part of the state.

Lincoln J. Day was the fifth in order of birth in his father’s family and was reared upon the old homestead where his entire life has been passed. This farm, endeared to him through the associations of his boyhood, has become the scene of his manhood’s activities and successes. He was educated in Afton and in Parsons College at Fairfield, Iowa, where he spent three years as a student. He afterward engaged in teaching for several years and then concentrated his energies upon his farming interests.

As a companion and helpmate for life’s journey Mr. Day chose Miss Vesta Wolfe, whom he wedded in September, 1893. She is a native of this county and a daughter of Fred Wolfe, of Shannon City, Iowa. The young couple began their domestic life upon the old homestead, which Mr. Day has cultivated since his father’s death. He has purchased one hundred and sixty acres of the farm and also a tract of land of one hundred and twenty acres in Union township. Upon his land he has erected a fine two-story residence, built in modern style of architecture, with all twentieth century conveniences, including water works, a bath room, furnace heating, etc. He likewise built a good barn, thirty-four by fifty-four feet, with sixteen-foot posts. Upon his place he has a windpump and in 1904 he built one of the first cement silos of the county, eighteen by thirty-five feet, with a capacity of one hundred and ninety tons of ensilage. Since 1904 he has raised considerable alfalfa, being the pioneer in that industry in this region. He raises shorthorn cattle, generally feeding from two to three carloads per year; and he also raises Duroc Jersey hogs, Shropshire sheep and some good draft horses. His farm with its excellent buildings, its well tilled fields and fine grades of stock is regarded as one of the best improved properties of Highland township and indicates in its splendid appearance the careful supervision and practical methods of the owner.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Day have been born four children: John A., Fred W., Louis M. and James M., all yet at home. The family are prominent in the community and the hospitality of their own attractive home is greatly enjoyed by many friends. Mr. Day has been a life-long republican where national issues are involved but casts an independent local ballot. He held the office of township clerk for six years, was justice of the peace for several years and has been a delegate to various county conventions. He is a stalwart champion of good schools and of every progressive measure for the general welfare. Fraternally he is connected with both the subordinate lodge and encampment of the Odd Fellows and is secretary of the Farmers’ Institute of Union county, and both he and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal church of Unity, of which he has for some time been an official member, now serving as a steward. Remaining throughout the period of his life in the county of his nativity, he is well known here and has made himself a forceful factor in agricultural circles by reason of the progressive methods he has followed and the successes he has achieved. His ideas upon many subjects of agricultural importance are largely received as conclusive, for he has demonstrated their worth in the conduct of his own farm and the prosperity which has attended his labors.