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biography from Portrait & Biographical Album of Mahaska Co., Iowa, 1887
JACOB VERNON, a well-known citizen of Oskaloosa, was born in Greene County, Pa., Feb. 26, 1807. He is a son of Benjamin and Sarah (Harry) Vernon, natives of Chester County, Pa. They were the parents of six children, two sons and four daughters: Rachel, who married Robert Bodkin, of Belmont County, Ohio, where she died; Anna, wife of Japhet Smith, who died in Adams County, Ohio, in 1886; Hannah, wife of John Sharpney, who died in Washington County, Ohio; Alma, wife of. David Bell, who died in Greene County, Pa.; Jacob, the subject of this sketch; Benjamin, a tailor by trade, now residing in Worth County, Va. The father died in 1810; his widow survived him until 1861. She was a member of the Society of Friends. Jacob Vernon, the subject of this sketch, remained at home with his mother upon a farm until seventeen years of age, when he was apprenticed to the trade of a hatter, and served two and a half years, for his work receiving his board and clothes. After traveling around for about one year he began business for himself as a hatter. In 1829 he was married to Miss Catherine Smith, born in Greene County, Pa., May 9, 1805. In 1836 Mr. Vernon, with his family, went to Monroe County, Ohio, where he engaged in farming, and remained there for thirty-three years. In 1869 they came to Oskaloosa, where he has since resided. Mr. and Mrs. Vernon were the parents of nine children, four of whom are yet living: Lydia A., wife of William Lowry, of Noble County, Ohio; Sarah, wife of James Musser, of Adams County, Iowa; Catherine, wife of Frank Oakey, of the same county; Carlton, who married Miss Louisa Jones, and is now residing in Mahaska County. Mrs. Vernon died Jan. 9, 1882. She was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, a sincere Christian, one enjoying the respect of all, who knew her. In September, 1885, Mr. Vernon was again united in marriage, choosing for a companion Miss Lida Bull, a native of Fayette County. Pa. Miss Bull was left an orphan at the age of three years, and was reared in Philadelphia by a brother. Mr. Vernon cast his first vote for Gen. Jackson, for President. He continued to vote and act with the Democratic party until the nomination of Vallandingbam, for Governor of Ohio, during the Rebellion. He then allied himself with the Republican party, with which he has since continued to act. Mr. Vernon has held several local offices of trust, once receiving the nomination for County treasurer, but on account of a large private business would not accept the nomination. Commencing life a poor man, Mr. Vernon by his own exertions has accumulated a large property and is to-day living a retired life, enjoying the respect and confidence of a Large circle of friends.
Portrait & Biographical Album of Mahaska Co., Iowa, 1887
Mahaska County, Iowa Genealogy