Biographies | 1896 Bios
John Cary Headlee
Mr. Headlee was born in Noble county, Ohio, February 28, 1835. His father, Francis Headlee, was a Virginian by birth and a son of John Headlee. The Headlees are of French origin and were for many years prominent citizens of the Old Dominion. Francis Headlee married Miss Mary Cree, who was of Irish descent. They came west to Guthrie county, Iowa, in 1866, and here passed the closing years of their lives, his death occurring at the age of seventy-six years, and hers at eighty-two. They were the parents of eleven children, as follows: Penelope, Luther, Sarah, George, John C., Esther, Francis, Mary, Daniel, Dwight, and one that died in infancy. The father was a farmer during his active life. In politics he was a Democrat and in his religious belief he was broad and liberal. His son Francis was a soldier in .the late war, serving through that struggle as a member of an Ohio regiment.
On his father's farm in Noble county, Ohio, the subject of our sketch spent his boyhood days. While his educational advantages were limited, he was early taught the important lessons of honesty and industry. Much of his time was spent in chopping and grubbing in the clearing, and in tilling the soil. During the winter months he attended school in a log school-house, and the education he received there was extended by home reading and study and by actual business. On attaining his majority he came to Iowa, the journey hither being made by boat to Marietta, Ohio, and on down the river to Cairo, Illinois, and thence up to Keokuk. From Keokuk he drove through to Guthrie county. Arrived here, he purchased 160 acres of land where he now resides, on section 9 of Baker township, and he also bought eighty acres in Bear Grove township. Here he first put up a rude shanty and subsequently erected his modern residence, which is 28 x 30 feet, with an L 14 x l8 feet. Near the house is a fine orchard of two acres. To his original purchase he has from time to time added other lands until now his farm contains 400 acres, mostly rich land along Seeley creek, and all well improved. His barn is 36x60 feet with 16-foot posts, and a rock basement. The hay barn, which is 24x72 feet, has a capacity of eighty tons. Besides his home farm Mr. Headlee owns 500 acres elsewhere, all of which is devoted to general farming and stock-raising.
Mr. Headlee was married April 24, 1869, to Miss Mary D. Herron, daughter of William and Rachel Herron. She was born and reared in Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Headlee are the parents of six children, viz: Theresa, wife of Daniel Lobdel, of Baker township, this county; Hallie, wife of Logan Rice, also of this township; John C. Jr.; Abbie; Lettie, Thurman; and Willard, deceased.
In politics Mr. Headlee is a Democrat; but has never aspired to office as his extensive farming operations have kept him sufficiently occupied. He is a member of the Masonic order, Orange Lodge, No. 123. Mr. Headlee is a self-made man. His strong physique, clear intellect and earnest ambition have combined to make him a useful and successful citizen.
A Memorial and Biographical Record of Iowa, Chicago, The Lewis Publishing Company 1896, pg. 342.