West Virginia Pioneers

Isaac Wilson Pfost

Male 1846 - 1926  (80 years)


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  • Name Isaac Wilson Pfost 
    Born 21 Jan 1846  Jackson County, West Virginia, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [1, 2
    Gender Male 
    Died 18 Dec 1926  Ada County, Idaho, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [3
    Buried Ada County, Idaho, USA Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Notes 

    • Isaac Wilson Pfost
      Birth: Jan. 21, 1846
      Ripley
      Jackson County
      West Virginia, USA
      Death: Dec. 18, 1926
      Meridian
      Ada County
      Idaho, USA

      Idaho Death Certificate #56065
      Cause of death: Cerebral Hemorrhage
      Death certificate for Isaac is under photos section of his memorial.
      ____________________________________

      Wives of Issac Wilson Pfost Pfost: Married 1st wife Margaret Virginia Koontz on December 13, 1866, Married 2nd wife Rebecca J. Curl Brown on December 4, 1890 in Idaho. Married 3rd wife Mary Baker Pullman February 7, 1892.
      _____________________________________

      (Published in Illustrated History of The State of Idaho 1899)

      Isaac W. Pfost, proprietor of the Bancroft Hotel, Boise, Idaho, was born in Jackson County, Virginia, January 21, 1846, a son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Rader) Pfost. His father and mother were likewise natives of Virginia. Abraham Pfost died at the age of sixty-two. Their son, Isaac W. Pfost, was reared and educated in the county of his nativity. In the fall of 1865, when he was nineteen years old, he went to Cooper County, Missouri. A year later he went to Bates County, in the same state, where for two years he was engaged in farming. He then removed to Henry county, Missouri, where he became the owner of a farm, which he operated successfully until 1876, when he sold it and engaged in the grocery business at Montrose, Missouri, in which enterprise he prospered until, out of the kindness of his heart and with the motive of helping others, he became security on financial paper which he was forced to redeem and which caused him to lose nearly everything he had accumulated. He managed to pay all his obligations, however, and then, declining proffered assistance to engage in business again at Montrose, he thanked his well-meaning friends and announced that he had taken the advice of Horace Greeley as his guide, and was determined to "go west and grow up with the country." Accordingly, in the spring of 1878, he crossed the plains with a team and arrived at Boise July 16. Until 1883 he was engaged in freighting between Kelton, Utah, and Boise. He drove a twelve-horse, four-wagon team and often transferred more than twelve tons of freight at a time. In 1883 he located on a farm ten miles from Boise, and lived in that vicinity until the fall of 1898. As a farmer he ranked with the most progressive and successful in Ada County, improving his place constantly and adopting the most advanced methods in every department of his work. In 1898 he sold his farm for a good price, and, moving to Boise, he purchased the Bancroft Hotel with its fixtures, furniture and stock. This hotel has a history which dates back to 1893. It is a history of success, to which Mr. Pfost is adding with every passing month. The Bancroft Hotel is a three-story brick structure, containing forty rooms, and its conveniences are modern and complete. Mr. Pfost, who is a Mason, an Odd Fellow, a Pioneer of the West, a Good Templar and an influential Democrat, is keeping an up-to-date hotel, and through his numerous fraternal connections and wide acquaintance is drawing to it an extensive patronage, and it is deservedly popular with the traveling public.

      December 13, 1866, Mr. Pfost married Miss Margaret Koontz, who died in Ada County, Idaho, December 27, 1885, leaving seven children: Mary (now Mrs. S. M. Burns), John A. James E., Effie (now Mrs. Boyd Burns), Otis, Charles L., and Daisy. Mr. Pfost's second marriage was with Mrs. Rebecca (Curl) Brown and was celebrated December 4, 1890. Mrs. Pfost died May 30, 1891, and February 7, 1892, Mr. Pfost married Mrs. Mary Pullman, a native of Iowa and a daughter of Hugh and Amanda Baker, prominent among the wealthy citizens of Appanoose County. By her former marriage Mrs. Pfost has one son, Carl D. Pullman, whose father, Edward Pullman, a druggist at Centerville, died January 16, 1890, when Carl was only six days old. By his present marriage Mr. Pfost has three children: Merle, Robert and Montie D. Mrs. Pfost first came to Idaho in 1885. Here she taught school three terms and then returned to Iowa, where she lived until she came back to Idaho in 1891. She is a member of the Odd Fellows auxiliary order, the Daughters of Rebekah, and is interested in all the good work carried on under its auspices and in all of the local work of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which she and her husband are members.
      ________________________
      The Idaho Statesman
      December 9, 1890
      Boise City, Idaho

      Married
      PFOST-BROWN--At the house of the bride's father, Mr. Eenry Curl, near ?unter, on the evening of December 4, Mrs. Rebecca Brown to Mr. Isaac W. Pfost, both of Ada County, Rev. C. Eagle of the M. E. Church officiating. The wedding was a private one; only relatives and a few intimate friends of the families present.
      _________________________
      The Idaho Statesman
      August 23, 1888
      Boise City, ID

      Isaac Pfost and Milton Burns leave this morning for Sheep Mountain. Mr. Pfost has a mine there, owning a half interest in the Seafoam, and Mr. Burns goes along to aid in the development of the mine.
      ________________________
      The Idaho Statesman
      August 6, 1899
      Boise City, Idaho

      I. W. Pfost has received advice of the death of his sister, Mrs. Elvasia Silas, in Henry County, MO., on July 23.
      ******************

      Idaho Statesman (Published as THE IDAHO SUNDAY STATESMAN)
      December 8, 1926

      PIONEER SERIOUSLY ILL

      I. W. Pfost of Meridian, pioneer of the Boise valley, is seriously ill at his home, said word is received in Boise Tuesday night. Mr. Pfost is the father of Emmitt Pfost, sheriff of Ada county. Merle Pfost of Los Angeles, another son, arrived Tuesday, called to Meridian by relatives. Mr. Pfost senior is about 80 years of age.

      ******************
      Idaho Statesman (Published as THE IDAHO SUNDAY STATESMAN)
      January 2, 1927

      Meridian Pioneer Crosses Divide

      Another pioneer of the early ‘70s, Isaac W. Pfost has reached the end of the trial. Mr. Pfost died at the age of 80, and the funeral services were held at Meridian Monday week.

      Mr. Pfost was born in Jackson county, West Virginia.

      In the fall of 1865 at the age of 18 years, Mr. Pfost went to Missouri, where he engaged in farming and later engaged in the grocery business.

      About that time Mr. Pfost in common with the progressive young men of his age, had the western fever, and crossed the broad plains from the Missouri river to Idaho, going over very much the same route as is pictured in the “Covered Wagon.” He started in April in the early ‘70s and was three months on the road. There were 65 wagons in the train. After his arrival in Boise he engaged in mining and was one of the pioneer prospectors in Cape Horn and Sea Foam districts. Later he took up farming.

      December 13, 1868, Mr. Pfost married Miss Margaret Koontz, who died in Ada county, December 27, 1885, leaving seven children: Mrs. Mary Burns and John A. Pfost of Meridian, Emmitt Pfost of Boise, Mrs. Effie Burns of Nampa, Lee W. of Los Angeles, Otis A. Pfost and Mrs. Daisy Clendim, who have since passed on.

      Mrs. Pfost died in 1891 and some years later he was married to Mrs. Mary Pullman, a native of Iowa and daughter of Hugh and Amanda Baker, prominent among the well-to-do citizens of Appanose county. By her former marriage, Mrs. Pfost has one son, Carl D. Pullman, whose father, a druggist at Centerville, Iowa, died January 16, 1890, when Carl was only 6 days old.

      By his present marriage Mr. Pfost had three children, Merle, of Compton, Calif., Robert of Meridian, and Montie D., who died when 2 ½ years old.

      Family links:
      Parents:
      Abraham Pfost (1812 - 1854)
      Elizabeth Rader Pfost Harrison (1814 - 1860)

      Spouses:
      Rebecca J Curl Pfost (1869 - 1891)
      Mary Jane Baker Pfost (1867 - 1956)
      Margaret Virginia Koontz Pfost (1847 - 1885)*

      Children:
      Infant Pfost*
      Mary Elizabeth Pfost Burns (1866 - 1933)*
      John Abraham Pfost (1869 - 1932)*
      James Emmitt Pfost (1872 - 1946)*
      Effie Mae Pfost Burns (1874 - 1951)*
      Otis Allen Pfost (1877 - 1913)*
      Charles Lee Wilson Pfost (1880 - 1937)*
      Daisy Margarette Pfost Clendenin (1883 - 1906)*
      LeRoy Merle Pfost (1894 - 1933)*
      Robert Raymond Pfost (1895 - 1987)*
      Montie Dunton Pfost (1897 - 1900)*
      Siblings:
      George Washington Pfost (1833 - ____)*
      Francis Marion Pfost (1835 - 1873)*
      William Allen Pfost (1837 - 1900)*
      Marcus De Lafayette Pfost (1839 - 1920)*
      Elvira Pfost Sallaz (1841 - 1899)*
      Elizabeth Dorothy Pfost Koontz (1843 - 1906)*
      Isaac Wilson Pfost (1846 - 1926)
      Henry Clay Pfost (1848 - 1893)*
      Adam Alexander Pfost (1850 - ____)*
      Nancy June Pfost Koontz (1852 - 1882)*
      Benjamin Early Harrison (1855 - 1942)**
      *Calculated relationship
      **Half-sibling
      Burial:
      Morris Hill Cemetery
      Boise
      Ada County
      Idaho, USA
      Plot: MHILL_1_86_6
      Maintained by: Amanda Fox
      Originally Created by: David Mills
      Record added: Feb 01, 2005
      Find A Grave Memorial# 10409933
    Person ID I3054  WVPioneers
    Last Modified 30 Jun 2017 

    Father Abraham Pfost,   b. 16 Apr 1812, Lewis County, West Virginia, USA Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 1855  (Age 42 years) 
    Mother Elizabeth Rader,   b. Abt 1812, Gallia County, Ohio, USA Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. Yes, date unknown 
    Married 3 May 1832  Jackson County, West Virginia, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [4
    Notes 

    • 1840 Jackson Co VA
      2m 0-5
      2m 5-10
      1m 20-30
      2f 0-5
      1f 20-30

      1850 Jackson, VA #398-402
      Pfost Abraham 38 M Farmer Va
      Pfost Elizabeth 37 F Va
      Pfost George W 17 M Farmer Va
      Pfost Francis M 15 M Farmer Va
      Pfost William A 13 M Va
      Pfost Dr Marquis Lafayette 11 M Va
      Pfost Elvira 8 F Va
      Pfost Elizabeth C 7 F Va
      Pfost Isaac W 4 M Va
      Pfost Henry C 2 M Va
      Pfost Adam A 6/12 M Va
    Family ID F1028  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

    Family 1 Margaret Virginia Koontz,   b. 23 May 1847, Jackson County, West Virginia, USA Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 27 Dec 1885, Ada County, Idaho, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 38 years) 
    Married 13 Dec 1868  [3
    Notes 

    • 1870 Deepwater, Henry, Missouri
      Post, Iaac W 24 VA
      Margete A 23 VA
      May E 2 MO
      John A 10/12 MO
      Nancy J 18 VA
      Johnson, Peter P 30 Sweden

      1880 Boise, Ada, Idaho
      Pfost, Isome W 34 teamster VA VA VA
      Margret 33 wife VA VA VA
      Mary E 11 da MO VA VA
      John A 9 son MO VA VA
      James E 6 son MO VA VA
      Emma F 4 da MO VA VA Effie Mae
      Olliver A 2 son MO VA VA Otis Allen
      Arthur 4/12 May son Idaho VA VA Charles Lee
      Pfost, Lewis A 30 bro teamster VA VA VA

      1900 Boise Ward 2, Ada, Idaho
      Pfost, Isaac W 1/1846 m 11y WV WV WV
      Mary wife 2/1867 m 11y 4-1 child IA IL IL
      Lee C son 5/1880 s ID WV WV
      Daisy da 5/1883 ID WV WV
      Merle son 9/1894 ID WV IA
      Robrt son 9/1895 ID WV IA
      Pullman, Carl ss 1/1890 IA IA IA
      Gardiner, James boarder 1/1871 KS KY KY
      Austin, Kate servant 4/1875 wd ID NY Ireland

      1910 Meridian, Ada, Idaho
      Pfost, Isaac W 64 m2- 18y WV WV WV
      Mary J wife 43 m2- 18y 4-3 children IA IL IN
      Merle son 15 ID WV IA
      Robert son 14 ID WV OA
      PUllman, Carl D ss 20 IA IA IA
      Pfost, Otis A son 32 m1- 1y MO WV WV
      M Elsie dil 19 m1- 1y 0-0 child CA Can - Gaelic Scot - Gaelic
    Children 
     1. Mary Elizabeth Pfost,   b. 14 Nov 1866, Bates County, Missouri, USA Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 22 May 1933, Ada County, Idaho, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 66 years)
     2. John Abraham Pfost,   b. 14 Nov 1869, Bates County, Missouri, USA Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 2 Apr 1932, Ada County, Idaho, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 62 years)
     3. James Emmit Pfost,   b. 25 Dec 1872, Bates County, Missouri, USA Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 21 Jan 1946, Ada County, Idaho, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 73 years)
     4. Effie Mae Pfost,   b. 27 Dec 1874, Missouri, USA Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 31 Aug 1951, Ada County, Idaho, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 76 years)
     5. Otis Allen Pfost,   b. 22 Dec 1877, Missouri, USA Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 4 Mar 1913, Bingham County, Idaho, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 35 years)
     6. Charles Lee Wilson Pfost,   b. 7 May 1880, Ada County, Idaho Territory, USA Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 26 May 1937, Ada County, Idaho, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 57 years)
     7. Daisy Margarette Pfost,   b. 8 May 1883, Idaho, USA Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 27 Jan 1906  (Age 22 years)
    Family ID F28955  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

    Family 2 Mary Baker [Pullman],   b. 7 Feb 1867, Iowa, USA Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 7 Nov 1956, Washington, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 89 years) 
    Married 7 Feb 1892  Ada County, Idaho, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [3
    Notes 

    • Marriage Index, 1842-1964, 1975-1996
      Name: Isaac W. Post
      Gender: Male
      Marriage Date: 7 Mar 1892
      Marriage Place: Idaho, USA
      Residence Place: Ada Co., Idaho
      Spouse: Mary Pullman

      1900 Boise Ward 2, Ada, Idaho
      Pfost, Isaac W 1/1846 m 11y WV WV WV
      Mary wife 2/1867 m 11y 4-1 child IA IL IL
      Lee C son 5/1880 s ID WV WV
      Daisy da 5/1883 ID WV WV
      Merle son 9/1894 ID WV IA
      Robrt son 9/1895 ID WV IA
      Pullman, Carl ss 1/1890 IA IA IA
      Gardiner, James boarder 1/1871 KS KY KY
      Austin, Kate servant 4/1875 wd ID NY Ireland

      1910 Meridian, Ada, Idaho
      Pfost, Isaac W 64 m2- 18y WV WV WV
      Mary J wife 43 m2- 18y 4-3 children IA IL IN
      Merle son 15 ID WV IA
      Robert son 14 ID WV OA
      PUllman, Carl D ss 20 IA IA IA
      Pfost, Otis A son 32 m1- 1y MO WV WV
      M Elsie dil 19 m1- 1y 0-0 child CA Can - Gaelic Scot - Gaelic

      1920 Nampa, Canyon, Idaho
      Pfost, Isaac 73 WV WV WV
      Mary wife 53 IA IA IA
      Selover, Arthur J lodger 38 m NY NY NY
    Children 
     1. Leroy Merle Pfost,   b. 1 Sep 1894, Ada County, Idaho, USA Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. Mar 1933, Clark County, Nevada, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 38 years)
     2. Robert Raymond Pfost,   b. 24 Sep 1895, Idaho, USA Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 25 Jan 1987, Fresno, Fresno, California, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 91 years)
     3. Montie Dunton Pfost,   b. 12 Jul 1897,   d. 5 Mar 1900, Ada County, Idaho, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 2 years)
    Family ID F28956  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  • Sources 
    1. [S1205] Census.

    2. [S25] Valentin Pfost/Post 1740-1800 of Hardy County, WV.

    3. [S898] Gravestone or Memorial posted on Findagrave.com.

    4. [S17] Marriage Records, Jackson Co, WV.