49 years, 8 months, 20 days
Husband of Sarah Van Ausdall Roundy
Father-Uriah Roundy
Mother-Polly Lyon



Sarah Roundy is the daughter of William and Polly (Hedrick) Van Ausdall, natives of Virginia. Mr. Van Ausdall was born February 23, 1788, and died January 1, 1869, in Shelby County, Iowa. His wife was born in November, 1792, and died in November, 1846. They were married in Virginia, and in 1839 they came to Iowa and located in Lee County, where Mrs. Van Ausdall died. They were the parents of twelve children, of whom seven survive - Jane, wife of William Gaugh; Elizabeth (deceased); Mary, wife of Thomas Woodcock; Anna, wife of John Cachran; Malinda (deceased); Margaret Sims (deceased); Cornelius (deceased); Leanah, wife of Chauncey Williamson; Martha, wife of George Oman; Sarah Roundy, the subject of this notice; Susannah (deceased), and William H., residing in San Antonio, California. Mr. Van Ausdall was reared a farmer and followed this occupation successfully through life. He came to Shelby County in 1850, bringing his family with him, settling at Galland's Grove; there he spent the latter part of his life. He figured very prominently in the early political history of the county; he was the first judge of the county, and held some of the township offices. He was an elder in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (reorganized), and took an active interest in the upbuilding of that society. He united with the church in 1832, and clung fast to the faith until his death. He was a man who did whatever he could to promote the welfare of the community. The last seventeen years of his life he spent with his daughter, Mrs. Sarah Roundy. Mrs. Roundy was born in Lawrence County, Ohio, February 22, 1831, and came to Iowa with her parents when she was eight years old. She was married March 22, 1853, to Asahel Roundy, a native of Onondaga County, New York, who was born September 10, 1828. He came to Shelby County in 1850, and there lived the remainder of his days; he died June 6, 1879. His first venture in real estate was a claim of 160 acres in section 20, Grove Township; there he and his wife commenced life together. They struggled through the early history of the county, fearlessly facing the hardships met with by all pioneers. They improved their land and increased their possessions until at the time of Mr. Roundy's death they owned 300 acres, all of which is highly improved. They have done their share in promoting the interests and welfare of the county. Through their many deeds of kindness and hospitality they have become endeared to a large circle of friends. Mr. Roundy was noted for his honorable and square dealing. He had few equals as a neighbor, and as a husband and father he was kind, faithful and true. He held positions of honor and trust among the people, and his death was mourned by a large circle of friends. His place is one that can not easily be filled. Mr. and Mrs. Roundy were the parents of ten children - Mary, wife of J. M. Franklin; Artimicia, at home; Frances, wife of J. C. Hardman; Sophia, at home; William U., residing in Grove Township; Forest Rose and Lillie A., at home; Alma (deceased). The family are members of the reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Sophia and Marthy have been successfully engaged in the profession of teaching.

The above bio has no connection to the Shelby County, Iowa genweb site.


1889 Biographical History of Shelby and Audubon Counties, Iowa ... Chicago, W.S. Dunbar & Co., 1889. LaCrosse, WI: Brookhaven Press, 2000.