Church Meigs (#483) was the first son of Heman (#259) and Lydia (Hunt) Meigs. He was born on December 16, 1804, in Lyndon, Vermont, "and was there raised and educated." "Among those who were prominently identified with the interests of [Poweshiek County, Iowa] in an early day is the one who's name heads this sketch.... In 1854, having heard much of the induce-ments offered in Iowa, he came to this county, settling on sec-tion 11, of Malcom township. He entered a large tract of land in this and Iowa counties, but in the autumn of the same year re-turned to Vermont. In the spring of 1855 he moved his family here, and during their early residence experienced many hardships consequent upon the early settlement of a new country. But in due time all these obstacles were overcome. His marriage was on the first of October, 1834, to Miss Nancy Paddleford [b. 06/26/1813, d. 06/28/1886], who was born and raised in New Hamp-shire. They raised a family of eight children.... Mr. Meigs was a man honored and respected by all who knew him; ever ready to help the needy, always willing to aid any good cause. He died December 29, 1865, and was followed to the grave my many friends. His home was frequently used as a place of public instruction, and also for divine service in an early day. In the death of this man the county lost one of its best citizens." 1 Meigs became an extensive land-owner and operated the first sawmill in Malcom, Iowa, and furnished the settlers with lumber for their homes. 2 His children were:
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