VALENTINE PLUMB

VALENTINE PLUMB, a highly esteemed citizen of Lincoln Township, is a native of Lincolnshire, England, born December 5, 1843. He is the son of William and Sarah (Gray) Plumb, who reared six children, of whom Valentine is the second born. He was reared on a farm, and received his education in the common schools. He was united in marriage December 15, 1867, to Miss Charlotte Llewellyn, a native of Wales, born April 24, 1837; she is a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Evans) Llewellyn. Valentine Plumb resided in England until April 11, 1870, when he sailed for America on board the ship Nebraska. He arrived in New York, April 26, 1870, and came from that point to Council Bluffs, Iowa; he went to Mills County, where he had relatives, and worked by the month for two years; he then rented land in Mills County until 1875, when he bought land, and in the spring of 1876 he settled on his present farm; this he has improved from year to year, until he now has as fine a farm as Shelby County affords. He has a good frame dwelling, surrounded with shade trees, a fine grove and orchard, a barn and windmill, and all improvements, showing the thrift and prosperity of the owner. Mr. and Mrs. Plumb have one daughter-Mary H., born September 26, 1872. They are both worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Plumb is a Republican, and is now serving his second term as trustee for the township. Mr. Plumb is an example of what a man can do, coming to Iowa without money. By industry and good management he has acquired a good property. He has always taken an active interest in religion and education, and is a liberal supporter of all movements tending to advance either.

Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 551-552. Transcribed and submitted by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs