Person:William Boak (1)

From profile of son William Wesley, in Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Webster and Hamilton Counties [1]:

William was the third son, of four, of John Boak of County Tyrone, Ireland. He emigrated to America at 17, and apprenticed in cabinet-making in Darkesville, Berkeley County, Virginia. At the time of writing of the profile, William Wesley had in his possession the apprenticeship certificate (dated Nov. 20, 1802), ending the term as of Oct. 7, 1807. Soon after, he returned to Ireland. William W. also still had his father's passport, issued by James Madison as secretary of state, dated Oct. 9, 1807. In Ireland, he married Nancy Latta, and returned to Darkesville, where he worked in his trade until 1836.

William and Nancy had 8 children, 2 sons and 6 daughters, 2 of which died in infancy. William W. was the oldest son, born 21 Aug 1825. In Sept. 1836, the family moved west, spending the winter in Georgetown, Vermillion, Illinois. In the spring, they moved on to Mt. Pleasant, Henry Co, Iowa, which at the time had about 5500 inhabitants. William bought a quarter section of land, at $1.25 an acre, and lived there until his death in 1861.

1. ↑ ^1.0 1.1 Find A Grave
   William Boak.

   Stone says aged 81 y, 11 m, 16 d

2.   Henry, Iowa, United States. 1850 U.S. Census Population Schedule.

   1850 Henry Co, IA: William Boak 70 Ireland, Nancy 67 Ireland; Elizabeth 26 VA; James 22 VA; William W. 25 VA; Samantha K. 21 (Marion, p. 223a)

3.   Henry, Iowa, United States. 1860 U.S. Census Population Schedule.

   1860 Henry Co, IA: Wm Boak 81 Ireland, Nancy 78 Ireland; Elizabeth 30 VA; James 28 VA; Jane 19 VA (Marion, p. 344, 8/2/1860)