Century Farms in Adams County

Jonathan Colby was born in Vermont and married a girl from Maine named Sarah. The couple was blessed with seven children before they migrated to Adams County and settled in the Town of Easton. Jonathan surveyed forty acres and entered a claim. The first house was a shanty, but good temporary shelter while he was clearing the land. He eventually bought more land until there was a total of 160 acres.

Warren, one of Jonathan's sons, was the next owner of the homestead. He met and married a girl named Jenny. It was probably this second generation that built the house that Richard and his wife, Marjorie still live in.

Next in the ancestral line was Lloyd, the son of Warren and Jenny Colby. He met and married Reva. They also lived in the original house and raised three children. An addition was later added to update and enlarge the original house. Acreage was also added to the farm which increased the land holdings to the present total of 600 acres.

Lloyd and Reva's son, Richard, spent his life on the farm and was a perfect person to teach agriculture in A-F High School which he did for many years before he retired. "My son, Rick did the majority of the farm work while I was teaching," said Richard, "now I am retired and working on the farm and he is working a different job--but still helps." They have 60-70 Shorthorns to care for, plus the crops that are grown as feed.

There is a sign in front of the farmhouse that announces, "Oakwood Farms." Jonathan Colby started the Oakwood Farms and Richard Colby continues to carry on the tradition. His son Rick will be the 5th generation and the one to register the farm as a sesquicentennial farm.

Transcriber's note: Jonathan's wife was Sarah Pettigrove. Warren's wife was Jennie Halstead. Lloyd married Reva Schoff. Lloyd and Reva only had two children.