Western Family History
From the bondage of slavery to one of the last 10 black farms in the state of Iowa.
Thomas and Susannah Western were born into slavery in Virginia. Upon getting their freedom, they decided to head west in search of a better life.
Picking a location
The Western family originally settled near Buck Horn, Iowa before a lack of water in the area brought them to the Union Township area located in Mahaska County, Iowa.
Along with their children George, Kossuth and Salina Western, Thomas and Susannah raised livestock, grew a diverse mix of grains, corn and potatoes as well as producing butter and molasses.
Early years of operation
150+ years of stewardship
Over the years, the farm would continue to expand with the purchase of additional sections and timber lots that now make up the current Western family farm. It has been passed from generation to generation, often from father to son or brother to brother. The final size of the original farm is roughly 200 acres.
Following the death of Todd Western Sr. in 1974, Todd Western Jr. purchased the family farm from his aunts. Additionally, he purchased a second farm just outside of Waterloo, IA that was roughly 40 acres in size. Todd Jr. continued to operate both farms with his sons until his death in 2008.
