Watrous
surname and burials
Fayette County Iowa

We finally have a better answer to the question:
Why did Fayette Co, Iowa, have a unique entry level pioneer settlement of free black and 'colored' families found nowhere else in the State? bz/2010.

David Watrous (1789-1864),United Brethren minister and abolitionist, encouraged some free blacks and 'coloreds' to follow his family to pioneer farms in Fayette Co, Iowa, starting by 1852.
David Watrous led the way to Fayette Co, Iowa.

...Beginning in 1852, a historic free 'mulatto, colored, black' neighborhood was pioneered just north of Westfield (Fayette) village from the Spring Valley neighborhood, eastward to the Frog Hollow, Albany, Lima areas in Fayette County, Iowa.
...United Brethren Minister David Watrous (1789-1864) would encourage and lead the settlement of the 'colored' families he was familiar with into Fayette County starting in 1851/1852, shortly after land in the area was opened for entry and purchase. The early successful farm ownership would encourage a few other free 'colored' families to join the area for a couple of decades.
...By the time Rev. David Watrous's death in 1864, 12 yrs after coming to Fayette County, many of the surnames in the 'colored' neighborhood or those surnames buried at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, were established farmers: Bass, Coleman, Crosswhite, Dean, Dixon, Dover, Epps, Gamble, Garner, Graham, Hebrank, Herbst, Hovey, Howard, Lewis, Moore, Olson, Sanders, Stepp, Tann, Thorp, Wilson.
...David's son George, U.B. Minister and pioneer farmer in Clayton Co, Iowa, and other family members were also involved. George would farm in Mallory.Twp, Clayton.Co.IA into the 1890's and eventually move on to Cedar Falls in Black Hawk Co, Iowa. The remainder of David's children moved westward, most ending up in Washington state. Within a couple of decades there would be no Watrous members near the 'colored' neighborhood farms, where they had taken the lead in its establishment.
The area around Albany and Lima had other active abolitionists families such as the Wroe and Houlsworth surnames.

Generation No. 7
7. DAVID WATHROUS7 WATROUS (DAVID WATERS6, SAMUEL5, SAMUEL WATERHOUS4, ISAAC WATERHOUSE3, JACOB WATERHOUSE2, GILBERT WATERHOUSE1) was born 07 Nov 1789 in Lyme, New London Co, CT, and died 14 Oct 1864 in Spring Valley area, N of Fayette, Fay.Co.IA. . He married REBECCA HODGKINS 1812 in Greenville, Ontario, Canada. She was born 1792 in Canada, and died 1866 in Iowa?.
More About DAVID WATHROUS WATROUS:
Burial: Dunham Grove Cem, lot 10 (SE corner, near Barber Bro's), Center.Twp, Fay.Co.IA.
Note 4: Aft. 1850, U.B. minister, abolitionist, likely encouraged 'colored' families to move into Fay.Co.IA with him.
Note 6: 1850, Census; farming, $0/400, Rebecca58, ReubenP15, David13, Iroquois.Twp, Jasper.Co.IN
Note 8: Bet. 1851 - 1852, Suspect; came IN to Fay.Co.IA to buy land N of Fayette, bz/2010.
Note 9: 1852, Census; on 80a farm, 2mi N of Fayette, Westfield.Twp, Fay.Co.IA.
Note 10: 01 Oct 1852, Recorded; cash for 80a, N1/2ofSE1/4, sec 8, Westfield.Twp, Fay.Co.IA.
Note 11: Bet. 1852 - 1864, Suspect the single primary reason for ethnic families locating N. of Fayette.IA, bz/2010.
Note 13: 1854, Census; 2m N of Fayette, Westfield.Twp, Fay.Co.IA (close to my butler line, bz/2010).
Note 14: 1854, Land adj. to Thomas Bass & Thomas Graham in the 'colored' & Spring Valley neighborhood.
Note 15: Nov 1854, Bought: lots 11,12, Bk 14 & lots 1,2, Bk 15, Albany plat, Fay.Co.IA.
Note 16: 28 Nov 1855, Bought: lots 1,2, bk 6, Albany, Fay.Co.IA; sold to dau Lydia Aug 1862; to Ed Thorp Oct 1865.
Note 18: 1856, Census; U.B. Minister, with wife, in Albany, Westfield.Twp, Fay.Co.IA.
Note 19: 1856, Adj. is W.A. Skinner34VA, painter, in Albany plat, Fay.Co.IA
Note 20: 16 May 1856, Bought: with Noah Phillips, lot 4, bk 6, Albany, Fay.Co.IA.
Note 21: 1856, Bought lots; 2,3,4,5, Bk 7, Albany plat, Fay.Co.IA
Note 24: 1860, Census; farming sm. amount of land (U.B. Minister), $200/200, Albany, Fay.Co.IA.
Note 25: 1860, With are; Rebecca68Can, Ruben26OH, Lydia/24NY, Francis5IA, Hetta2/IA.
Note 26: 1860, Adj to Andrew Hensley, likely farming some of his land.
Note 27: 14 Aug 1862, Bought: lots 1-6, bk 1, Albany plat, Fay.Co.IA.
Note 28: Abt. 1863, Apparently moved to near Dunham Grove, Center.Twp, Fay.Co.IA.
Note 29: Abt. 1862, May have answered 'calling' for U.B. ministry at Dunham Grove.
Note 30: Aft. 1864, Most of David's Albany lots do not appear in land transactions or they are sold for tax.

More About REBECCA HODGKINS:
Burial: Aft. 1870, Suspect; unmarked in Dunham Grove, adj to husb David, bz/2010.
Note 9: 1870, Census; 89/Can, widowed, enumerated Waters, Westfield.Twp, Fay.Co.IA.
Note 11: 1870, With Perne Audekirk (Odekirk) 24/NY, Margaret 19/WI, adj is Thomas Graham family.
Note 12: 1870, Living sec 17, P.Hill.Cem area, adj to entry farm of deceased husb.
Note 13: Assumed; lived Spring Valley neighborhood until death, bz/2010.

...David Watrous probably was probing for land in Fayette Co, Iowa, from Clayton Co, Iowa, as soon as 1850 when entry land opened above the Neutral Ground line. Many men were 'squatting' and claiming land before entering acres on the book. It can be speculated that David Watrous is the one major reason for the 'colored' or ethnic family settlement in northern Westfield.Twp, as David not only led the way to land claims, but remained on location with them as a farmer, U.B. minister and mentor until his 1864 death.
...After about 1870, I do not suspect major Watrous influence other than son Rev David remained in Clayton.Co. and a couple of other offspring were around until moving westward. Once established on farms about the same time as Rev David, and within the European pioneer farms, the colored families would have had enough influence and contacts to draw a few others they knew in Illinois or Indiana. The number would never have been great as the area land was bought up and occupied quickly.
...Most ethnic offspring would soon marry within the groups families, plus into
area European families and remain to farm in the area. After David died, his wife Rebecca lived with with a young couple just below the entry 80a farm of David.
...David remained closely associated with the 'colored' families from Spring Valley neighborhood through Lima, and would have continued as an active U.B. minister and abolitionist with contacts through his son Rev George in Clayton.Co all the way back across IL, IN and OH. The main reason for the location from Spring Valley across Albany, Frog Hollow and Lima would have been the more basic structure and abolitionist stance of the U.B. Church rather than the more highly structured M.E. church settling in Fayette. In time many of the U.B. patrons would attend or join the M.E. congregation in Fayette.

Contains webpage links to various Fayette Co. surnames and history projects.
Iowaz Index Page
The photo hosting site contains material regarding history, maps, genealogy of Fayette, Co, Iowa
Iowaz Photo Hosting Site
Use Microsoft Research Maps for a topo and aerial view of farms, villages, along with Google Earth.
http://msrmaps.com/default.aspx

Last uploaded: Nov 30, 2010

A Brief on the United Brethren Church helps with the understanding
of the Watrous family and the free 'colored' movement into Fayette Co, Iowa.

...The beginnings of the United Brethren Church go back to May 1767. During a 'Great Meeting,' or an inter-denominational revival meeting held at the barn of Isaac Long in Lancaster.PA.   At that meeting Mennonite preacher, Martin Boehm (1725-1812), spoke of his becoming a Christian through crying out to God while plowing in the field. Reformed pastor, Philip William Otterbein (1726–1813) of York.PA, left his seat, embraced Boehm and said to him, "Wir sind Brüder (we are brethren)".
...The followers of Boehm and Otterbein formed a loose religious 'movement' for many years, spreading out to include German-speaking churches in PA, VA, MD and OH.
...In 1800, the movement began a yearly conference, with 13 ministers attending the first gathering in the home of Peter Kemp at Frederick.MD. During the first conference the name "United Brethren in Christ" was adopted, with Boehm and Otterbein were elected as 'bishops' of the conference.
...Organized in 1800, the U.B. denomination claimed to be the first to actually begin in the United States.
...In 1815, a 'Confession of Faith' (philosophy, beliefs, rules, etc.) was adopted that was similar to the one Otterbein drew up in 1789, and remains today the statement of the U.B. Church doctrine.
...In 1821, the United Brethren took a strong stand against slavery. Church members owning slaves could set them free or let the church decide how long a slave had to work to compensate for a the 'masters' investment before coming 'free.' In no case could a U.B. member sell a slave after 1821.
...Beginning in1837, slave owners could no longer remain as members of the U.B. Church.
...Many U.B. Church members were active abolitionists working with the Underground Railroad system or assisting slaves and free blacks/coloreds in other ways to include leading them into frontier farms and neighborhoods.
...The hard-line stance against slavery kept the U.B. Church from spreading into the South, often bringing persecution, arrests and killings, during the Civil War.
...A U.B. Constitution was adopted In 1841, which has stayed basically intact.
... In 1853, the U.B. organized a 'Home, Frontier, and Foreign Missionary Society.'   In 1855 wagon train of missionaries was organized to travel from Iowa to Oregon, consisting of 38 wagons pulled by oxen, 98 people and 300 head of cattle followed the Oregon Trail for five months, with the intention of starting United Brethren churches.
...By 1861, there were about 600 U.B. locations, coast to coast.
...Expansion of the U.B. Gospel spread westward from PA into OH & IN, by Circuit-riding preachers on horseback going from community to community, organizing churches and doing whatever they could to 'tell' people about Christ.
...Many of the U.B. ministers were farmers who traveled around preaching without pay and supervising Church activities at numerous locations in their spare time. The frontier preachers may have spread out over a couple of counties going to 10-30 'church' locations, generally by horseback over rough terrain.
... The U.B. circuit riders were preaching on the gospel, the judgment, future rewards or punishments with such intensity many in attendance would 'think the day had come' and join the church movement.
...On the frontier and in pioneer neighborhoods, the circuit riders were often the only contact with organized religion.
...Between preacher visits a 'lay leader' would be in charge of local church activities. When the U.B. Minister would arrive it often triggered large crowds from which many might 'commit their lives to Christ.'
...Because of circuit riding preachers who were often very committed, the U.P. Church grew quickly on the upper/middle states in IL, MI, WI, IA.
...Pastoral and sermon preparation was on the job training during most of the 1800's with later ministers being more 'ordained.' Those that expressed a desire to become a minister were often given a circuit of churches.   Before the 1860's only a couple of U.B. bishops had any higher training. College education might be viewed with suspicion, with an individual relying on their learning rather than on God and the Gospel.
...Before the 1850's there were few U.B. church buildings. Meetings were held in homes, barns, schools, or outdoors. The U.B. goal was to reach people rather than membership and structures. The Church decree of 1837 stated, 'Meeting houses should be built plainly, neatly, with free seats, not more expensive than necessary."
...As the 1800's wore on, the U.B. Church began organizing colleges. Rare for the time, they all admitted women. The Otterbein College in Ohio, admitted blacks, which was unheard of at the time, and was a station for the Underground Railroad, assisting escaped slaves.
...By 1889, the United Brethren had grown to over 200,000 members with six bishops and experienced a division into followers of several changes made at Conference in the 'Constitution' and those of the 'Old Constitution.'
...Many U.B. members eventually joined M.E. congragations.
...A Google search will produce more information and the history of the U.B. into the present.

Generation No. 7
7. DAVID WATHROUS7 WATROUS (DAVID WATERS6, SAMUEL5, SAMUEL WATERHOUS4, ISAAC WATERHOUSE3, JACOB WATERHOUSE2, GILBERT WATERHOUSE1) was born 07 Nov 1789 in Lyme, New London Co, CT, and died 14 Oct 1864 in Spring Valley area, N of Fayette, Fay.Co.IA. He married REBECCA HODGKINS 1812 in Greenville, Ontario, Canada. She was born 1792 in Canada, and died 1866 in Iowa?.
More About DAVID WATHROUS WATROUS:
Burial: Dunham Grove Cem, lot 10 (SE corner, near Barber Bro's), Center.Twp, Fay.Co.IA.
Note 4: Aft. 1850, U.B. minister, abolitionist, likely encouraged 'colored' families to move into Fay.Co.IA with him.
Note 6: 1850, Census; farming, $0/400, Rebecca58, ReubenP15, David13, Iroquois.Twp, Jasper.Co.IN
Note 8: Bet. 1851 - 1852, Suspect; came IN to Fay.Co.IA to buy land N of Fayette, bz/2010.
Note 9: 1852, Census; on 80a farm, 2mi N of Fayette, Westfield.Twp, Fay.Co.IA.
Note 10: 01 Oct 1852, Recorded; cash for 80a, N1/2ofSE1/4, sec 8, Westfield.Twp, Fay.Co.IA.
Note 11: Bet. 1852 - 1864, Suspect the single primary reason for ethnic families locating N. of Fayette.IA, bz/2010.
Note 13: 1854, Census; 2m N of Fayette, Westfield.Twp, Fay.Co.IA (close to my butler line, bz/2010).
Note 14: 1854, Land adj. to Thomas Bass & Thomas Graham in the 'colored' & Spring Valley neighborhood.
Note 15: Nov 1854, Bought: lots 11,12, Bk 14 & lots 1,2, Bk 15, Albany plat, Fay.Co.IA.
Note 16: 28 Nov 1855, Bought: lots 1,2, bk 6, Albany, Fay.Co.IA; sold to dau Lydia Aug 1862; to Ed Thorp Oct 1865.
Note 18: 1856, Census; U.B. Minister, with wife, in Albany, Westfield.Twp, Fay.Co.IA.
Note 19: 1856, Adj. is W.A. Skinner34VA, painter, in Albany plat, Fay.Co.IA
Note 20: 16 May 1856, Bought: with Noah Phillips, lot 4, bk 6, Albany, Fay.Co.IA.
Note 21: 1856, Bought lots; 2,3,4,5, Bk 7, Albany plat, Fay.Co.IA
Note 24: 1860, Census; farming sm. amount of land (U.B. Minister), $200/200, Albany, Fay.Co.IA.
Note 25: 1860, With are; Rebecca68Can, Ruben26OH, Lydia/24NY, Francis5IA, Hetta2/IA.
Note 26: 1860, Adj to Andrew Hensley, likely farming some of his land.
Note 27: 14 Aug 1862, Bought: lots 1-6, bk 1, Albany plat, Fay.Co.IA.
Note 28: Abt. 1863, Apparently moved to near Dunham Grove, Center.Twp, Fay.Co.IA.
Note 29: Abt. 1862, May have answered 'calling' for U.B. ministry at Dunham Grove.
Note 30: Aft. 1864, Most of David's Albany lots do not appear in land transactions or they are sold for tax.

Watrous
Basic descendent trees of the major surname lines in Fayette Co, Iowa.
I had to re-create trees from online, census, burial info so there will be speculations/best guesses.
These trees can be added too or corrected should anyone want to copy/paste/email info.

TREE FORM: Descendants of Gilbert Waterhouse Watrous
1 WATROUS, Gilbert Waterhouse b: in England d: in England Note 1: 27 Nov Watrous last reviewed: Barry Zbornik Hannibal Missouri iowaz@swbell.net
.... +DE LANGVALE, Isabell b: in England d: in England
2 WATROUS, Jacob Waterhouse b: 1610 in Wethersfield, Hartford.Co.CT d: 1676 in Hartford.Co.CT
..... +WATROUS, Hannah Waterhouse b: 1704 in Wethersfield, Hartford.Co.CT d: 1704 in New London Co, CT
3 WATROUS, Isaac Waterhouse b: 1641 in Wethersfield, Hartford.Co.CT d: 07 Oct 1713 in Old Lime, New London Co, CT
...... +PRATT, Sarah b: 11 Aug 1652 in Hartford.Co.CT d: 08 Dec 1725 in Lyme, New London Co, CT
. 4 WATROUS, Samuel Waterhous b: 21 Jul 1685 in Lyme, Middlesex.Co.CT d: 06 May 1725 in Lyme, Middlesex.Co.CT
....... +BRONSON, Frances b: 1690 in CT? d: 01 Aug 1769 in CT?
... 5 WATROUS, Samuel b: 29 May 1719 in Lyme, New London Co, CT
......... +HOWARD, Jemime b: 10 Dec 1719 in Lynn, Essex.Co.MA d: 1759 in Hebron, Tolland.Co.CT Father: Edward HOWARD Mother: Eleanor TARBOX
.... 6 WATROUS, David Waters b: 14 Apr 1748 in Hebron, Tolland.Co.CT d: 11 Sep 1834 in NY
..... 7 WATROUS, David Wathrous b: 07 Nov 1789 in Lyme, New London Co, CT d: 14 Oct 1864 in Spring Valley area, N of Fayette, Fay.Co.IA. Burial: Dunham Grove Cem, lot 10 (SE corner, near Barber Bro's), Center.Twp, Fay.Co.IA. Note 4: Aft. 1850 U.B. minister, abolitionist, likely encouraged 'colored' families to move into Fay.Co.IA with him. Note 6: 1850 Census; farming, $0/400, Rebecca58, ReubenP15, David13, Iroquois.Twp, Jasper.Co.IN Note 8: Bet. 1851 - 1852 Suspect; came IN to Fay.Co.IA to buy land N of Fayette, bz/2010. Note 9: 1852 Census; on 80a farm, 2mi N of Fayette, Westfield.Twp, Fay.Co.IA. Note 10: 01 Oct 1852 Recorded; cash for 80a, N1/2ofSE1/4, sec 8, Westfield.Twp, Fay.Co.IA. Note 11: Bet. 1852 - 1864, Suspect the single primary reason for ethnic families locating N. of Fayette.IA, bz/2010. Note 13: 1854 Census; 2m N of Fayette, Westfield.Twp, Fay.Co.IA (close to my butler line, bz/2010). Note 14: 1854 Land adj. to Thomas Bass & Thomas Graham in the 'colored' & Spring Valley neighborhood. Note 15: Nov 1854 Bought: lots 11,12, Bk 14 & lots 1,2, Bk 15, Albany plat, Fay.Co.IA. Note 16: 28 Nov 1855 Bought: lots 1,2, bk 6, Albany, Fay.Co.IA; sold to dau Lydia Aug 1862; to Ed Thorp Oct 1865. Note 18: 1856 Census; U.B. Minister, with wife, in Albany, Westfield.Twp, Fay.Co.IA. Note 19: 1856 Adj. is W.A. Skinner34VA, painter, in Albany plat, Fay.Co.IA Note 20: 16 May 1856 Bought: with Noah Phillips, lot 4, bk 6, Albany, Fay.Co.IA. Note 21: 1856 Bought lots; 2,3,4,5, Bk 7, Albany plat, Fay.Co.IA Note 24: 1860 Census; farming sm. amount of land (U.B. Minister), $200/200, Albany, Fay.Co.IA. Note 25: 1860 With are; Rebecca68Can, Ruben26OH, Lydia/24NY, Francis5IA, Hetta2/IA. Note 26: 1860 Adj to Andrew Hensley, likely farming some of his land. Note 27: 14 Aug 1862 Bought: lots 1-6, bk 1, Albany plat, Fay.Co.IA. Note 28: Abt. 1863 Apparently moved to near Dunham Grove, Center.Twp, Fay.Co.IA. Note 29: Abt. 1862 May have answered 'calling' for U.B. ministry at Dunham Grove. Note 30: Aft. 1864 Most of David's Albany lots do not appear in land transactions or they are sold for tax.
........... +HODGKINS, Rebecca b: 1792 in Canada d: 1866 in Iowa? m: 1812 in Greenville, Ontario, Canada Burial: Aft. 1870, Suspect; unmarked in Dunham Grove, adj to husb David, bz/2010. Note 9: 1870, Census; 89/Can, widowed, enumerated Waters, Westfield.Twp, Fay.Co.IA. Note 11: 1870, With Perne Audekirk (Odekirk) 24/NY, Margaret 19/WI, adj is Thomas Graham family. Note 12: 1870, Living sec 17, P.Hill.Cem area, adj to entry farm of deceased husb. Note 13: Assumed; lived Spring Valley neighborhood until death, bz/2010.
....... 8 WATROUS, Horace Wells b: 16 Jul 1813 in CT d: 03 Mar 1892 in Dayton, Columbia.Co.WA
............. +CHESTER, Mary m: Bet. 1832 - 1839 in Cuyahoga.Co.OH
........ 9 WATROUS, David Bethuel b: Jun 1838 in OH d: 1921 in Wash state.
........ 9 WATROUS, Unknown b: Bet. 1835 - 1840 in OH
....... 8 WATROUS, George H., Rev b: 25 Dec 1814 in CT d: 24 Oct 1897 in Bk.Hawk.Co.IA Burial: Washington Chapel Cem, Bk.Hawk.Co.IA Note 8: 1850 Census; Brooklyn, Cuyahoga.Co.OH Note 9: 1858 Came to Clayton.Co.IA. Note 11: 1860 Census; farming, $0/200, wife & all ch, P.O. Elkader, Wagner.Twp, Clayton.Co.IA Note 12: 1860 Father Rev. David & bro Levi are at Albany, Fay.Co.IA. Note 14: 1870 Census; Cedar Falls, Bk.Hawk.Co.IA Note 16: U.B. Minister and abolitionist; lived in many locations. Note 17: 1882 U.B. pastor of Fairview Ch, sec 20, Mallory.Twp, Clayton.Co.IA. Note 18: 1885 Census; U.B. Minister (farming), sec 15, T91N, R3W, Mallory.Twp, Clayton.Co.IA. Note 19: 1885 With are; Geo46farming, DavidA31, Eliz43teaching
............. +FISH, Eunice b: 22 Feb 1815 in Cuyahoga.Co.OH d: 20 Apr 1884 in Sec 15, Mallory.Twp, Clayton.Co.IA Burial: Bethel Cem, Clayton.Co.IA m: Aft. May 1838 in OH Father: Moses FISH Mother: Elizabeth BRAINARD
........ 9 WATROUS, George b: 13 Apr 1839 in OH d: 29 Apr 1919 Note 8: Abt. 1864 Corp, Co I, 8th Iowa Cavalry, Civil War. Note 11: 1885 Living at Osterdock, Clayton.Co.IA.
........ 9 WATROUS, Elizabeth H. b: 23 Dec 1840 in OH d: 03 Jan 1920
........ 9 WATROUS, Morris Moses b: 1842 in OH
........ 9 WATROUS, Naomie Naoma Leona b: 13 Jun 1845 in Rock Co, WI
.............. +FORD, Hiram Duane b: 08 Sep 1846 in Wyandotte.Co.OH m: 06 Feb 1866 in Bk.Hawk.Co.IA Father: Hampton w. FORD Mother: Anna COMBS Note 8: Apr 1856 OH to farm in Bk.Hawk.Co.IA
......... 10 FORD, George H. b: 10 Jan 1868
......... 10 FORD, William W. b: 19 Aug 1872
......... 10 FORD, Hettie B. b: 15 Nov 1879
........ 9 WATROUS, William Henry b: 1848 in WI d: 20 Feb 1898 Note 8: 1870 Census; farm and, Esther Tailor ($3k/780), N of Fayette, Westfield.Twp, Fay.Co.IA. Note 9: 1870 Uncle Ruben is farming close.
........ 9 WATROUS, Adeliade Adalade M. b: 30 Dec 1850 in OH d: 08 Apr 1919 in Clarksville, Butler.Co.IA
.............. +STEIN, Jacob Henry b: 02 Oct 1844 in PA m: 1871
......... 10 STEIN, Harry Duane b: Mar 1872
......... 10 STEIN, Howard W. b: 1874
......... 10 STEIN, Aris
........ 9 WATROUS, David A. b: Mar 1853 in OH d: Aft. 1920
........ 9 WATROUS, Lorania Lorane b: 1855 in OH
....... 8 WATROUS, Elizabeth Betsy b: 12 Feb 1817 in New London Co, CT d: 03 May 1901 in Adams.Co.NE
............. +NICHOLAS, Dennis b: Bet. 1780 - 1790 in Cuyahoga.Co.OH
....... 8 WATROUS, Levi Walter b: 13 Jun 1825 in Edwardsburg, Ontario, Canada d: 08 Jun 1910 in Dayton, Columbia.Co.WA Note 5: 1850 Census; Magnolia.Twp, Rock.Co.WI Note 6: 1852 Census; close to bro David Watrous, John Fish, John Thorp families, S of Corn Hill area, Fairfield.Twp, Fay.Co.IA Note 8: 1860 Census; sawyer at Earle Mill, Albany, Westfield.Twp, Fay.Co.IA. Note 9: 1860 Living fairly close to father David. Note 10: 1860 Living with; Almira35/OH, Ellen14WI, Henry12WI, Clara12IA, Hattie4MN, Fred3MN. Note 15: 1883 Living at Columbia, WA Note 17: 1890 Living at Columbia, WA Note 19: 1900 Census; living at Railroad, Columbia.Co.WA
............. +FISH, Jeanette Almira b: 06 Jan 1825 in Brooklyn village, Cuyahoga.Co.OH d: 26 Jul 1893 in Dayton, Columbia.Co.WA m: 25 Sep 1845 in Rock.Co.WI Father: Moses FISH Mother: Elizabeth BRAINARD
........ 9 WATROUS, Ellen A. b: 1847 in Wisc d: 09 Oct 1931
........ 9 WATROUS, Frank b: Jan 1848 in Wisc
........ 9 WATROUS, Henry F. b: Jan 1848 in Wisc
........ 9 WATROUS, Clara Frances b: 08 May 1852 in Fairfield.Twp, Fay.Co.IA d: 27 Nov 1940 in Dayton, Columbia.Co.WA
........ 9 WATROUS, Harriet Marie b: 03 Aug 1855 in Austin, Mower Co, MN d: 15 Oct 1939 in King Co, WA Burial: Dayton Cem, Columbia Co, WA
.............. +BUTLER, James Wing b: 18 Oct 1850 in LaPorte, LaPorte Co, N d: 18 Jul 1925 in Renton, King Co, WA Burial: Dayton Cem, Columbia Co, WA m: 03 Jan 1873 in West Union, Fayette Co, IA Father: Joel Asa BUTLER Mother: Jennet Angeline WING
........ 9 WATROUS, Frank b: Aug 1860 in Westfield.Twp, Fay.Co.IA
........ 9 WATROUS, Maybell b: 03 Oct 1868 in West Union, Fay.Co.IA d: 02 Apr 1946 in Dayton, Columbia.Co.WA
....... 8 WATROUS, Lydia Maire b: 1830 in Edwardsburg, Ontario, Canada d: Dec 1904 in Dayton, Columbia.Co.WA Note 11: 20 Feb 1866 Bought from parents, lots 1-6, bk 1, Albany plat, Fay.Co.Ia.
............. +KENOYER, Silas C. b: 1827 in OH
....... 8 WATROUS, Reuben T. b: 15 Jun 1834 in Cleveland, Cuyahoga.Co.OH d: 20 Dec 1901 in Dayton, Columbia.Co.WA Note 5: 13 Aug 1862 Enlisted; 3rd Corporal, Co G, 34th Iowa Inf, Civil War. Note 6: 17 Jun 1864 Promoted 4th Corporal; transfered to Co G; 34th & 38th cons. Jan 1865. Note 8: 1870 Census; farming $0/200, adj Edwin Ash, N of Fayette, Westfield.Twp, Fay.Co.IA. Note 10: 1871 Moved to Walla Walla Co, WA. Note 12: 1872 Moved to Dayton, Columbia.Co.WA, started boarding ouse for woolen mill workers. Note 14: 10 Sep 1874 Homestead; SE1/4 os sec 14, T7n, R35E, Walla Walla Co, WA. Note 16: Sep 1875 Bought acre in Dayton, WA; June 1877, sold homestead for $700. Note 18: Aft. 1876 Bought farm 5+mi S of Dayton on Robinette Mt. Note 20: Retired to home on Spring St, Dayton, WA. Note 25: 1881 Charter member of M.E. Ch of Dayton.WA.
............. +THORP, Lydia P. b: 22 Dec 1835 in Chautauqua.Co.NY d: 14 Dec 1904 in Dayton, Columbia.Co.WA m: 07 Mar 1854 in Fay.Co.IA Father: John THORP Mother: Margaretta HOOD
........ 9 WATROUS, Franics M. b: 26 Jan 1855 in Farm N of Fayette, Westfield.Twp, Fay.Co.IA d: 30 Dec 1884 in Dayton, Columbia.Co.WA
.............. +PAIGE, J. W. Paine m: 31 Oct 1872 in Walla Walla, Walla Walla Co, WA
........ 9 WATROUS, Hettie Florence b: 25 Dec 1857 in Farm N of Fayette, Westfield.Twp, Fay.Co.IA d: 27 Sep 1932 in Dayton, Columbia.Co.WA
.............. +STEDMAN, Preston b: 11 Jan 1845 in Hartland, Somerset.Co.MA d: 27 May 1921 in Dayton, Columbia.Co.WA m: 22 Aug 1875 in Dayton, Columbia.Co.WA
....... 8 WATROUS, David b: 1837 Note 9: 1852 Census; close to bro Levi Watrous, John Fish, John Thorp families, S of Corn Hill area, Fairfield.Twp, Fay.Co.IA

REPORT FORM: Descendants of Gilbert Waterhouse Watrous
　
Generation No. 1
1. GILBERT WATERHOUSE1 WATROUS was born in England, and died in England. He married ISABELL DE LANGVALE. She was born in England, and died in England.
More About GILBERT WATERHOUSE WATROUS:
Note 1: 27 Nov, Watrous last reviewed: Barry Zbornik Hannibal Missouri iowaz@swbell.net
Child of GILBERT WATROUS and ISABELL DE LANGVALE is:
2. i. JACOB WATERHOUSE2 WATROUS, b. 1610, Wethersfield, Hartford.Co.CT; d. 1676, Hartford.Co.CT.
　
Generation No. 2
2. JACOB WATERHOUSE2 WATROUS (GILBERT WATERHOUSE1) was born 1610 in Wethersfield, Hartford.Co.CT, and died 1676 in Hartford.Co.CT. He married HANNAH WATERHOUSE WATROUS. She was born 1704 in Wethersfield, Hartford.Co.CT, and died 1704 in New London Co, CT.
Child of JACOB WATROUS and HANNAH WATROUS is:
3. i. ISAAC WATERHOUSE3 WATROUS, b. 1641, Wethersfield, Hartford.Co.CT; d. 07 Oct 1713, Old Lime, New London Co, CT.
　
Generation No. 3
3. ISAAC WATERHOUSE3 WATROUS (JACOB WATERHOUSE2, GILBERT WATERHOUSE1) was born 1641 in Wethersfield, Hartford.Co.CT, and died 07 Oct 1713 in Old Lime, New London Co, CT. He married SARAH PRATT. She was born 11 Aug 1652 in Hartford.Co.CT, and died 08 Dec 1725 in Lyme, New London Co, CT.
Child of ISAAC WATROUS and SARAH PRATT is:
4. i. SAMUEL WATERHOUS4 WATROUS, b. 21 Jul 1685, Lyme, Middlesex.Co.CT; d. 06 May 1725, Lyme, Middlesex.Co.CT.
　
Generation No. 4
4. SAMUEL WATERHOUS4 WATROUS (ISAAC WATERHOUSE3, JACOB WATERHOUSE2, GILBERT WATERHOUSE1) was born 21 Jul 1685 in Lyme, Middlesex.Co.CT, and died 06 May 1725 in Lyme, Middlesex.Co.CT. He married FRANCES BRONSON. She was born 1690 in CT?, and died 01 Aug 1769 in CT?.
Child of SAMUEL WATROUS and FRANCES BRONSON is:
5. i. SAMUEL5 WATROUS, b. 29 May 1719, Lyme, New London Co, CT.
　
Generation No. 5
5. SAMUEL5 WATROUS (SAMUEL WATERHOUS4, ISAAC WATERHOUSE3, JACOB WATERHOUSE2, GILBERT WATERHOUSE1) was born 29 May 1719 in Lyme, New London Co, CT. He married JEMIME HOWARD, daughter of EDWARD HOWARD and ELEANOR TARBOX. She was born 10 Dec 1719 in Lynn, Essex.Co.MA, and died 1759 in Hebron, Tolland.Co.CT.
Child of SAMUEL WATROUS and JEMIME HOWARD is:
6. i. DAVID WATERS6 WATROUS, b. 14 Apr 1748, Hebron, Tolland.Co.CT; d. 11 Sep 1834, NY.
　
Generation No. 6
6. DAVID WATERS6 WATROUS (SAMUEL5, SAMUEL WATERHOUS4, ISAAC WATERHOUSE3, JACOB WATERHOUSE2, GILBERT WATERHOUSE1) was born 14 Apr 1748 in Hebron, Tolland.Co.CT, and died 11 Sep 1834 in NY.
Child of DAVID WATERS WATROUS is:
7. i. DAVID WATHROUS7 WATROUS, b. 07 Nov 1789, Lyme, New London Co, CT; d. 14 Oct 1864, Dunham Grove area, Center.Twp, Fay.Co.IA.
　
Generation No. 7
7. DAVID WATHROUS7 WATROUS (DAVID WATERS6, SAMUEL5, SAMUEL WATERHOUS4, ISAAC WATERHOUSE3, JACOB WATERHOUSE2, GILBERT WATERHOUSE1) was born 07 Nov 1789 in Lyme, New London Co, CT, and died 14 Oct 1864 in Spring Valley area, N of Fayette, Fay.Co.IA. He married REBECCA HODGKINS 1812 in Greenville, Ontario, Canada. She was born 1792 in Canada, and died 1866 in Iowa?.
More About DAVID WATHROUS WATROUS:
Burial: Dunham Grove Cem, lot 10 (SE corner, near Barber Bro's), Center.Twp, Fay.Co.IA.
Note 4: Aft. 1850, U.B. minister, abolitionist, likely encouraged 'colored' families to move into Fay.Co.IA with him.
Note 6: 1850, Census; farming, $0/400, Rebecca58, ReubenP15, David13, Iroquois.Twp, Jasper.Co.IN
Note 8: Bet. 1851 - 1852, Suspect; came IN to Fay.Co.IA to buy land N of Fayette, bz/2010.
Note 9: 1852, Census; on 80a farm, 2mi N of Fayette, Westfield.Twp, Fay.Co.IA.
Note 10: 01 Oct 1852, Recorded; cash for 80a, N1/2ofSE1/4, sec 8, Westfield.Twp, Fay.Co.IA.
Note 11: Bet. 1852 - 1864, Suspect the single primary reason for ethnic families locating N. of Fayette.IA, bz/2010.
Note 13: 1854, Census; 2m N of Fayette, Westfield.Twp, Fay.Co.IA (close to my butler line, bz/2010).
Note 14: 1854, Land adj. to Thomas Bass & Thomas Graham in the 'colored' & Spring Valley neighborhood.
Note 15: Nov 1854, Bought: lots 11,12, Bk 14 & lots 1,2, Bk 15, Albany plat, Fay.Co.IA.
Note 16: 28 Nov 1855, Bought: lots 1,2, bk 6, Albany, Fay.Co.IA; sold to dau Lydia Aug 1862; to Ed Thorp Oct 1865.
Note 18: 1856, Census; U.B. Minister, with wife, in Albany, Westfield.Twp, Fay.Co.IA.
Note 19: 1856, Adj. is W.A. Skinner34VA, painter, in Albany plat, Fay.Co.IA
Note 20: 16 May 1856, Bought: with Noah Phillips, lot 4, bk 6, Albany, Fay.Co.IA.
Note 21: 1856, Bought lots; 2,3,4,5, Bk 7, Albany plat, Fay.Co.IA
Note 24: 1860, Census; farming sm. amount of land (U.B. Minister), $200/200, Albany, Fay.Co.IA.
Note 25: 1860, With are; Rebecca68Can, Ruben26OH, Lydia/24NY, Francis5IA, Hetta2/IA.
Note 26: 1860, Adj to Andrew Hensley, likely farming some of his land.
Note 27: 14 Aug 1862, Bought: lots 1-6, bk 1, Albany plat, Fay.Co.IA.
Note 28: Abt. 1863, Apparently moved to near Dunham Grove, Center.Twp, Fay.Co.IA.
Note 29: Abt. 1862, May have answered 'calling' for U.B. ministry at Dunham Grove.
Note 30: Aft. 1864, Most of David's Albany lots do not appear in land tranactions or are sold for tax.
More About REBECCA HODGKINS:
Burial: Aft. 1870, Suspect; unmarked in Dunham Grove, adj to husb David, bz/2010.
Note 9: 1870, Census; 89/Can, widowed, enumerated Waters, Westfield.Twp, Fay.Co.IA.
Note 11: 1870, With Perne Audekirk (Odekirk) 24/NY, Margaret 19/WI, adj is Thomas Graham family.
Note 12: 1870, Living sec 17, P.Hill.Cem area, adj to entry farm of deceased husb.
Note 13: Assumed; lived Spring Valley neighborhood until death, bz/2010.
Children of DAVID WATROUS and REBECCA HODGKINS are:
8. i. HORACE WELLS8 WATROUS, b. 16 Jul 1813, CT; d. 03 Mar 1892, Dayton, Columbia.Co.WA.
9. ii. GEORGE H. WATROUS, REV, b. 25 Dec 1814, CT; d. 24 Oct 1897, Bk.Hawk.Co.IA.
iii. ELIZABETH BETSY WATROUS, b. 12 Feb 1817, New London Co, CT; d. 03 May 1901, Adams.Co.NE; m. DENNIS NICHOLAS; b. Bet. 1780 - 1790, Cuyahoga.Co.OH.
10. iv. LEVI WALTER WATROUS, b. 13 Jun 1825, Edwardsburg, Ontario, Canada; d. 08 Jun 1910, Dayton, Columbia.Co.WA.
v. LYDIA MAIRE WATROUS, b. 1830, Edwardsburg, Ontario, Canada; d. Dec 1904, Dayton, Columbia.Co.WA; m. SILAS C. KENOYER; b. 1827, OH.
More About LYDIA MAIRE WATROUS:
Note 11: 20 Feb 1866, Bought from parents, lots 1-6, bk 1, Albany plat, Fay.Co.Ia.
11. vi. REUBEN T. WATROUS, b. 15 Jun 1834, Cleveland, Cuyahoga.Co.OH; d. 20 Dec 1901, Dayton, Columbia.Co.WA.
vii. DAVID WATROUS, b. 1837.
More About DAVID WATROUS:
Note 9: 1852, Census; close to bro Levi Watrous, John Fish, John Thorp families, S of Corn Hill area, Fairfield.Twp, Fay.Co.IA
　
Generation No. 8
8. HORACE WELLS8 WATROUS (DAVID WATHROUS7, DAVID WATERS6, SAMUEL5, SAMUEL WATERHOUS4, ISAAC WATERHOUSE3, JACOB WATERHOUSE2, GILBERT WATERHOUSE1) was born 16 Jul 1813 in CT, and died 03 Mar 1892 in Dayton, Columbia.Co.WA. He married MARY CHESTER Bet. 1832 - 1839 in Cuyahoga.Co.OH.
Children of HORACE WATROUS and MARY CHESTER are:
i. DAVID BETHUEL9 WATROUS, b. Jun 1838, OH; d. 1921, Wash state..
ii. UNKNOWN WATROUS, b. Bet. 1835 - 1840, OH.
　
9. GEORGE H.8 WATROUS, REV (DAVID WATHROUS7, DAVID WATERS6, SAMUEL5, SAMUEL WATERHOUS4, ISAAC WATERHOUSE3, JACOB WATERHOUSE2, GILBERT WATERHOUSE1) was born 25 Dec 1814 in CT, and died 24 Oct 1897 in Bk.Hawk.Co.IA. He married EUNICE FISH Aft. May 1838 in OH, daughter of MOSES FISH and ELIZABETH BRAINARD. She was born 22 Feb 1815 in Cuyahoga.Co.OH, and died 20 Apr 1884 in Sec 15, Mallory.Twp, Clayton.Co.IA.
More About GEORGE H. WATROUS, REV:
Burial: Washington Chapel Cem, Bk.Hawk.Co.IA
Note 8: 1850, Census; Brooklyn, Cuyahoga.Co.OH
Note 9: 1858, Came to Clayton.Co.IA.
Note 11: 1860, Census; farming, $0/200, wife & all ch, P.O. Elkader, Wagner.Twp, Clayton.Co.IA
Note 12: 1860, Father Rev. David & bro Levi are at Albany, Fay.Co.IA.
Note 14: 1870, Census; Cedar Falls, Bk.Hawk.Co.IA
Note 16: U.B. Minister and abolitionist; lived in many locations.
Note 17: 1882, U.B. pastor of Fairview Ch, sec 20, Mallory.Twp, Clayton.Co.IA.
Note 18: 1885, Census; U.B. Minister (farming), sec 15, T91N, R3W, Mallory.Twp, Clayton.Co.IA.
Note 19: 1885, With are; Geo46farming, DavidA31, Eliz43teaching
More About EUNICE FISH:
Burial: Bethel Cem, Clayton.Co.IA
Children of GEORGE WATROUS and EUNICE FISH are:
i. GEORGE9 WATROUS, b. 13 Apr 1839, OH; d. 29 Apr 1919.
More About GEORGE WATROUS:
Note 8: Abt. 1864, Corp, Co I, 8th Iowa Cavalry, Civil War.
Note 11: 1885, Living at Osterdock, Clayton.Co.IA.
ii. ELIZABETH H. WATROUS, b. 23 Dec 1840, OH; d. 03 Jan 1920.
iii. MORRIS MOSES WATROUS, b. 1842, OH.
iv. NAOMIE NAOMA LEONA WATROUS, b. 13 Jun 1845, Rock Co, WI; m. HIRAM DUANE FORD, 06 Feb 1866, Bk.Hawk.Co.IA; b. 08 Sep 1846, Wyandotte.Co.OH.
More About HIRAM DUANE FORD:
Note 8: Apr 1856, OH to farm in Bk.Hawk.Co.IA
v. WILLIAM HENRY WATROUS, b. 1848, WI; d. 20 Feb 1898.
More About WILLIAM HENRY WATROUS:
Note 8: 1870, Census; farm and, Esther Tailor ($3k/780), N of Fayette, Westfield.Twp, Fay.Co.IA.
Note 9: 1870, Uncle Ruben is farming close.
vi. ADELIADE ADALADE M. WATROUS, b. 30 Dec 1850, OH; d. 08 Apr 1919, Clarksville, Butler.Co.IA; m. JACOB HENRY STEIN, 1871; b. 02 Oct 1844, PA.
vii. DAVID A. WATROUS, b. Mar 1853, OH; d. Aft. 1920.
viii. LORANIA LORANE WATROUS, b. 1855, OH.
　
10. LEVI WALTER8 WATROUS (DAVID WATHROUS7, DAVID WATERS6, SAMUEL5, SAMUEL WATERHOUS4, ISAAC WATERHOUSE3, JACOB WATERHOUSE2, GILBERT WATERHOUSE1) was born 13 Jun 1825 in Edwardsburg, Ontario, Canada, and died 08 Jun 1910 in Dayton, Columbia.Co.WA. He married JEANETTE ALMIRA FISH 25 Sep 1845 in Rock.Co.WI, daughter of MOSES FISH and ELIZABETH BRAINARD. She was born 06 Jan 1825 in Brooklyn village, Cuyahoga.Co.OH, and died 26 Jul 1893 in Dayton, Columbia.Co.WA.
More About LEVI WALTER WATROUS:
Note 5: 1850, Census; Magnolia.Twp, Rock.Co.WI
Note 6: 1852, Census; close to bro David Watrous, John Fish, John Thorp families, S of Corn Hill area, Fairfield.Twp, Fay.Co.IA
Note 8: 1860, Census; sawyer at Earle Mill, Albany, Westfield.Twp, Fay.Co.IA.
Note 9: 1860, Living fairly close to father David.
Note 10: 1860, Living with; Almira35/OH, Ellen14WI, Henry12WI, Clara12IA, Hattie4MN, Fred3MN.
Note 15: 1883, Living at Columbia, WA
Note 17: 1890, Living at Columbia, WA
Note 19: 1900, Census; living at Railroad, Columbia.Co.WA
Children of LEVI WATROUS and JEANETTE FISH are:
i. ELLEN A.9 WATROUS, b. 1847, Wisc; d. 09 Oct 1931.
ii. FRANK WATROUS, b. Jan 1848, Wisc.
iii. HENRY F. WATROUS, b. Jan 1848, Wisc.
iv. CLARA FRANCES WATROUS, b. 08 May 1852, Fairfield.Twp, Fay.Co.IA; d. 27 Nov 1940, Dayton, Columbia.Co.WA.
v. HARRIET MARIE WATROUS, b. 03 Aug 1855, Austin, Mower Co, MN; d. 15 Oct 1939, King Co, WA; m. JAMES WING BUTLER, 03 Jan 1873, West Union, Fayette Co, IA; b. 18 Oct 1850, LaPorte, LaPorte Co, N; d. 18 Jul 1925, Renton, King Co, WA.
More About HARRIET MARIE WATROUS:
Burial: Dayton Cem, Columbia Co, WA
More About JAMES WING BUTLER:
Burial: Dayton Cem, Columbia Co, WA
vi. FRANK WATROUS, b. Aug 1860, Westfield.Twp, Fay.Co.IA.
vii. MAYBELL WATROUS, b. 03 Oct 1868, West Union, Fay.Co.IA; d. 02 Apr 1946, Dayton, Columbia.Co.WA.
　
11. REUBEN T.8 WATROUS (DAVID WATHROUS7, DAVID WATERS6, SAMUEL5, SAMUEL WATERHOUS4, ISAAC WATERHOUSE3, JACOB WATERHOUSE2, GILBERT WATERHOUSE1) was born 15 Jun 1834 in Cleveland, Cuyahoga.Co.OH, and died 20 Dec 1901 in Dayton, Columbia.Co.WA. He married LYDIA P. THORP 07 Mar 1854 in Fay.Co.IA, daughter of JOHN THORP and MARGARETTA HOOD. She was born 22 Dec 1835 in Chautauqua.Co.NY, and died 14 Dec 1904 in Dayton, Columbia.Co.WA.
More About REUBEN T. WATROUS:
Note 5: 13 Aug 1862, Enlisted; 3rd Corporal, Co G, 34th Iowa Inf, Civil War.
Note 6: 17 Jun 1864, Promoted 4th Corporal; transfered to Co G; 34th & 38th cons. Jan 1865.
Note 8: 1870, Census; farming $0/200, adj Edwin Ash, N of Fayette, Westfield.Twp, Fay.Co.IA.
Note 10: 1871, Moved to Walla Walla Co, WA.
Note 12: 1872, Moved to Dayton, Columbia.Co.WA, started boarding ouse for woolen mill workers.
Note 14: 10 Sep 1874, Homestead; SE1/4 os sec 14, T7n, R35E, Walla Walla Co, WA.
Note 16: Sep 1875, Bought acre in Dayton, WA; June 1877, sold homestead for $700.
Note 18: Aft. 1876, Bought farm 5+mi S of Dayton on Robinette Mt.
Note 20: Retired to home on Spring St, Dayton, WA.
Note 25: 1881, Charter member of M.E. Ch of Dayton.WA.
Children of REUBEN WATROUS and LYDIA THORP are:
i. FRANICS M.9 WATROUS, b. 26 Jan 1855, Farm N of Fayette, Westfield.Twp, Fay.Co.IA; d. 30 Dec 1884, Dayton, Columbia.Co.WA; m. J. W. PAINE PAIGE, 31 Oct 1872, Walla Walla, Walla Walla Co, WA.
ii. HETTIE FLORENCE WATROUS, b. 25 Dec 1857, Farm N of Fayette, Westfield.Twp, Fay.Co.IA; d. 27 Sep 1932, Dayton, Columbia.Co.WA; m. PRESTON STEDMAN, 22 Aug 1875, Dayton, Columbia.Co.WA; b. 11 Jan 1845, Hartland, Somerset.Co.MA; d. 27 May 1921, Dayton, Columbia.Co.WA.

1910 History of Fayette Co, Iowa, by Fitch, pages 131-132, "The Negroes"
edited notes, additions, rewritten material and clarifications, bz/8/2006

...Settlement of colored people in Westfield Twp started as early as 1852. United Brethren Rev. George Watrous likely encouraged their move from the Kankakee Co. in northern Illinois on the Indiana line, where he had known some of the families. NOTE: It was not George Watrous but instead his father David Watrous, U.B. Minister (1789-1864) who encouraged and would lead 'colored folks' to pioneer farms north of Fayette and in the Albany/Lima area.
....Other families continued to follow forming a ‘neighborhood’ just north of the Lima/Albany/Fayette area, which would become known as the ‘Colored Settlement.’
The ‘colored’ families were not pure African blood, but a mixture of various nationalities to include Caucasian, with African and Portuguese predominating. Their features to include facial and skin color were more traditional European than that of African blacks of the American slaves of the time. These families were industrious, frugal and progressive farmers. They were considered progressive, law-abiding, with an interest in educational and religious institutions.
...Most of the families joined the United Brethren teachings of ‘Father Watrous.’ When a school house was built in the ‘Colored Neighborhood,’ a preaching appointment was established to coincide with the opening of the school, and continued into the 1900’s. A plat of ground, Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, was dedicated early for burial purposes. The Stone School house/church just south and across the road on the other side of the valley from the cemetery was still standing in 1910.
...As the founders of this colony became established their children continued to farm in the area. Numerous offspring when on to the higher schooling in Fayette to include attending Upper Iowa University, with some becoming excellent teachers.
...It was thought that not many, if any, of these families were slaves at the time of their movement to Westfield Twp. Some of the more pro-slavery and/or anti-colored early settlers did not receive with favor the establishing of colored farms in the area, and tried to dissuade them from staying. The Civil War and its effects basically changed the early resistance to one of only a ‘minor issue.’ Some enlisted to serve in the Civil War. In the last decades of the 1800’s they generally were inclined not to intermingle and kept relatively to themselves, but prospered on their farms, being reliable and trustworthy citizens of the area.
...Some of the earliest families were: T.R. Bass, Sion Bass, Sandy Bass, Thomas and John Graham, J.J. Epps, Seymore Wilson (killed digging a well), Benjamin Anderson, John Jack Tann (said he descended from Hindoo, Am. Indian, Negro races), Samuel Maxfield, Isam Lewis, Stepp, Collins', Aunt Sally Wilson.
...Many of the early settlers are buried at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery (two miles north of Fayette of Hwy150). The ‘Colored Settlement’ just north of Albany and Fayette remained as of 1910 the only Negro or colored people in Fayette County.

Fayette County Iowa Settled by Black Pioneers, Settlement Unique in Iowa
Waterloo Courier article, Sunday, Sept 5, 1971, copied basically intact as published up to the point the article quotes Fitch’s 1910 History of Fayette, which is summarized in attached material.
...Fayette—The cemetery is somewhat derisively called, "The Blackberry Patch." Shaded by trees, it sits four miles north of Fayette village on the east side of Hwy 150, a cornfield to the north and gully on the south. Here, the remains of some of the oldest settlers of Fayette County are buried. Most of them are Negroes (of mixed blood, mulatto).
...For one of the most unique, and least remembered, Pioneer settlements in Iowa was the black community of Westfield Twp., in Fayette County. These pioneers came to the undulating hills of the Volga River valley as early as 1851. The pro-slavery boys tried to run ‘em out. But they stuck to the hills and valleys and raised their crops and their children and became successful farmers and fought in their country’s wars and when they died white folks from the area attended their funerals.
...Now only a few descendants of the original colony remain in Fayette County, in Westfield Twp., west (northwest) of the old settlement of Albany, where they continue to farm seemingly unmolested by the fears and the desperation felt by many of their brothers in the urban ghettoes. (by the 1971 article, the State’s Volga Lake Project taken a high percentage of the original ‘Colored Settlement’ farms).
...In 1868 the ‘black’ (mullato) population of Fayette Co. was 70. At its peak in 1880, the settlement boasted a population of about 120. Black Hawk County in 1880 had a black population of 37. In the 1840 census, Iowa had a total Negro population of 186, including 16 slaves. Most lived in Dubuque, where they worked in the lead mines. By 1850, there were 333 blacks in Iowa. Their children were not allowed to attend public schools with white children. It was the law.
...In 1851, 11 years after the first white settler moved into Westfield Twp., Thomas Graham moved to Westfield Twp., where he purchased 123 acres of land. The area north of the Neutral Ground opened in 1850 for pioneer settlement. Therefore Thomas Graham and the other early members of the ‘Colored Settlement’ were among the very early pioneers of the Volga flowage of Westfield Twp.)
...One history book says Graham’s father was a Scot and his mother French and Portuguese. He wore a flowing beard, and was identified as being one of the earliest settlers of the so-called "Colored Settlement." He cast his first volt for Zachary Taylor and voted Republican consistently. He served on a U.S. District Court jury at Dubuque in the 1870s.
...J.J. Epps was another early member of the community. Epps was born in Georgia in 1820, moved to Indiana in 1837, then to Fayette County in 1853, where he purchased 108 acres of farmland. Ten of his 14 children survived.

Do not trust as totally valid any tree/report data. Often World Connect or Ancestry trees/data were utilized as a foundation upon which to add material gleamed from obits, articles, histories, biographies, stories, burials, censuses and other data collected. My primary interest is generally the pioneer history and includes linking village and neighborhood surnames together for several of the early generations. Family connections, locations and other data may have to be speculated in order to continue a complex series of inter-related projects. My web pages are primarily personal study projects for note keeping, but can also jump start others. I have a huge number of projects started and rarely return to edit/update material unless interest is rekindled. Any web pages online are usually linked off the 'Index Page.' Numerous projects are not put on web pages but are in draft form or in the form of photo albums on the 'Photo Hosting Site.' I may have material for research use in storage, plus will/can upload other people's material if appropriate.