Ambrose Key facts for kids
Ambrose W. Key (born November 27, 1829 – died August 17, 1908) was an American pioneer. He was born in Crawfordsville, Indiana. His parents were George Key and Rebecca Mintun.
Ambrose's father, George, was from Virginia. Around 1800, George and his family moved to Ohio. He became a trader, traveling on rivers to set up his trade routes.
Moving to Iowa
In 1836, George Key found land in Iowa that reminded him of his home in Virginia. He claimed this land in Louisa County and called it "Virginia Grove." He planted crops there in 1836 and 1837. During the winters, he returned to Montgomery County, Indiana with his family.
In 1838, George sent for his wife and children to join him in Iowa. Rebecca, Ambrose's mother, hired 10 men to help move her family of 10 children, including Ambrose. They traveled about 300 miles (483 km) from Indiana to Iowa. The journey took 45 days, with them traveling about 7 miles (11 km) each day. They used three wagons and a carriage. They also brought young horses, cattle, and nearly 100 sheep with them.
Life as a Businessman
In 1855, Ambrose bought 80 acres (32 hectares) of government land in Louisa County, Iowa. By 1856, he was a successful merchant in the town of Wapello.
On May 21, 1859, Ambrose married Mary Jones Garrett. She was from Ohio. They got married in Tipton, Moniteau County, Missouri.
Businesses in Texas
Within a year of getting married, Ambrose and Mary moved to Washington County, Texas. There, Ambrose owned a general store. He also bought a Sawmill called Baker and Thomson, which was located on the San Jacinto River. For about four years, he also ran a factory that made sashes, doors, and blinds.
Later, the family lived in Falls County, Texas for several years. In Falls County, Ambrose bought another sawmill. He also started a tannery, which is a place where animal hides are turned into leather.
Moving to Kansas
After the American Civil War, Ambrose and his family spent a year in St. Louis. Then, they moved to Westport, which is near the Kansas border. For three years, he ran a general trading and freighting business from Westport. This meant he bought and sold goods and transported them for others.
In 1872, Ambrose bought a farm in Shawnee Township, Wyandotte County, Kansas. It was about 3 miles (5 km) southwest of Argentine. From 1872 until he passed away on August 17, 1908, Ambrose had a very successful business growing fruits on his farm.
Ambrose W. Key was survived by his wife, Mary, and their four children: sons Sidney D. Key and Joseph Francis Key, and daughters Nellie G. Key and Mrs. Gertrude Baldwin.
