John
R. Goldthorp
Extracted from Portrait and Biographical Record of Dubuque, Jones
and Clayton Counties, Iowa, 1894 Reprinted by Higginson Book Co.,
Salem, Massachusetts, p. 211
JOHN R. GOLDTHORP, has good
standing as a citizen and farmer, and is particularly well known
in Dubuque County, where he has spent his entire life. He now
occupies and cultivates tile family homestead, inherited from
his mother. By close application to farm work, persevering industry
and good judgment in making investments, he has increased the
value of the estate and gathered about him the many comforts pertaining
to modern civilization. The property is pleasantly situated in
Dubuque Township and bears all the improvements of a model estate. |
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Born and reared in Dubuque County, the subject of this
sketch is the son of the late John Goldthorp an honored and highly respected
pioneer of the county. The latter was born in Yorkshire, England, July
27, 1808, and was there reared to manhood. In 1829, having resolved
to seek a home in the New World, he took passage on the ship "John
Wells" and after an uneventful voyage landed in Philadelphia. In
1832 he came west to Galena, Ill., where he engaged in mining. The following
year he removed to Blue Mound, Wis., where he was similarly engaged.
The year 1836 witnessed his advent into Dubuque County, of which he
was a resident continuously until his death.
With such perseverance did Mr. Goldthorp conduct his enterprises that,
beginning with nothing, he gradually became tile possessor of several
hundred acres of fine land. In his labors the wise management, sympathy
and prudence of his estimable wife assisted him. She was known in maidenhood
as Alice Cocker and was born in Lancastershire, England, in August 1808.
Becoming the wife of John Goldthorp January 1, 1833, she remained his
faithful, devoted helpmate until her death, which occurred in Dubuque
County. Five children resulted from her union, of whom John R. and his
sister Sarah still occupy the old homestead. Our subject, who is following
in the footsteps of that parent, has inherited the honorable disposition,
uprightness and stability of character, which were prominent in the
life and actions of his father. He is quiet and unassuming in demeanor,
a man of strictly temperate habits and sound business qualities. While
his education was limited to common school advantages, he is a thoughtful
reader and on all general topics is very well informed.
