John M. Tool

John M. Tool was born in Washington County Virginia in 1832. In 1836 his parents moved to Illinois: thence to Jefferson Co. this state in 1841, where they remained for two years. At the end of that time they came to this county, our subject moving with them. He married miss Jane E, Paul in Mahaska County, this state. She was a native of Indiana. They had five children, three of whom are living. Mr Tool was ordained minister of the Methodist.Episcopal Church by the M.E. Conference in Des Moines in 1874.

Source: A history of Monroe Iowa, 1843-1976.

Author Note:  I have included this for historical background of the period. This Rev John M. Tool and another Rev James Tool were sons of Adam Tool and Susan H. Tool, one of the founders of Monroe Iowa in 1843, along with William Highland (The first pioneer child born in Jasper County was of Mr. & Mrs. William (Ellen) Highland, and it was born in the first house built by a pioneer settler.), John B. Frost, and John Vance and three others.

Monroe, Iowa  was in fact originally called Tool's Point. John M. Tool was elected President of the first "Old Settlers Association".