Westbrook, Mr. and Mrs.

ASHLEY, JONES, WESTBROOK

Posted By: JCGS Volunteer
Date: 9/18/2010 at 20:33:34

“Grown Old Together” – Of the many worthy old people of our county, none have stood higher in the estimation of our people generally, nor are more affectionately regarded by those of their immediate acquaintances than father and mother Westbrook, who are now making their home with their son, A. J. Westbrook, in Sherman township. Hiram
Westbrook was born in Ontario county, New York, on the 4th day of May 1907, and he will have reached his 83d year on the 4th of next May. His good wife, whose maiden name was Mariah Ashley, was born in Chenango county, New York, March 7th 1808, and last Friday celebrated her 82nd birthday; and by the way, it was delightfully celebrated by the unexpected gathering in of a large number of neighbors and elderly friends, who with well-filled baskets and hearts full of kindly greetings, made the day one that will be of pleasant memory for years to come.
Father and Mother Westbrook were married in Knox county, Ohio in 1826, and for over 63 years have mutually shared in each other’s joys and sorrows. Nine children blessed their union, only three of whom are living – A. J. Westbrook, of Sherman township, L. B. Westbrook, of this city and Mrs. Mary Jones, of Nebraska – besides these, numerous grand children and great-grand-children unite in making joyous the declining years of the good old people. In 1864 they removed from Ohio, and settled in this city, where they lived until a few years ago, when they went to make their home with their son A. J.
From their youth, father and mother Westbrook have been faithful and zealous members of the Christian Church. Politically, Mr. Westbrook was a Whig until the birth of the Republican party, when he cast his lot with it, and has been faithful to the principles and teachings from that day to the present. He has never failed to cast his vote at every election, and we believe we are safe in saying that his ticket has always gone into the ballot box with a scratch. In their declining years, this old couple are blessed with excellent health, and give promise of several years of usefulness to come.
Source: Newton Journal; March 12, 1889