1914 Delaware County History pgs. 463-464

Mrs. Anna File

Mrs. Anna File is highly esteemed in Hazel Green township, where she has resided for many years and where she is known as a woman of splendid qualities of character and great kindness of heart. She was born September 16, 1866, and was in her maidenhood Anna Lorena Winch, her parents being William H. and Mary Jane (Bacon) Winch, the former born April 21, 1838, and the latter on the 21st of July, 1845. The father was taken by his parents to Dubuque, Iowa, when an infant and the family home was maintained there for five years, after which removal was made to Delaware county. His parents purchased land here from the government and from his childhood he was familiar with farm life and work. After arriving at years of maturity he also purchased land and continued to farm in this county until called to his reward December 14, 1892. On the 23d of September, 1863, he was united in marriage to Miss Bacon at Anamosa, Iowa, and she survives him, residing upon the homestead. To them were born six children, namely: Clara E., who married F. W. Houston, of Hazel Green township; Mrs. File of this review; Martin Henry Crittenden, who passed away in Union township in September, 1909; Jennie W., the wife of Howard McBride, of Hazel Green township; Warren H., residing on the old homestead with his mother; and William Cleveland, who died in infancy.

Mrs. File received her education in the district schools and was trained in the tasks of the housewife by her mother. On the 10th of December, 1884, when a girl of eighteen years, she was united in marriage to John Frederick File, who is mentioned at greater length in the sketch of A. E. File. To this union were born two children, namely: Anna Ellen, who was born May 11, 1886, and is now the wife of Spurgeon Fillingham, a farmer residing near Tracy, Minnesota; and Hazelton, who was born December 26, 1887, and died May 9, 1911. Mr. File was called to his reward on the 23d of April, 1896, and his demise was sincerely mourned not only by his family but by a host of friends. His widow subsequently remarried.

Mrs. File owns one hundred and seventy acres of fertile and valuable land in Hazel Green township and successfully supervises its operation, managing well all of her business affairs. She also takes an interest in the community welfare and is willing to cooperate in movements seeking the general good. Those who know her most intimately esteem her most highly, which is conclusive proof of the genuineness of her personal worth.

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