JOHN FRANKLIN NESBITT
History of Idaho, Gem of the Mountains, Volume 2, by James H. Hawley
S. J. Clarke Publishing Co, 1920, Page 684-687
John Franklin Nesbitt has contributed in substantial measure to the upbuilding and development of Payette and his section of the state through the important part which he has played in banking circles and in the development of agricultural and irrigation interests. He was born in Greensboro, Vermont, February 4, 1852, and is a son of J. F. and Jennetta (Taylor) Nesbitt. They came to America in 1830, having been married in Glasgow, Scotland, two years previously. The father followed shoe-making in his native country but immediately on his arrival in the new world took up the occupation of farming. He was at that time thirty years of age. He passed away in Greensboro, Vermont, in 1862, while the mother, long surviving him, departed this life in 1883.
John F. Nesbitt attended the graded schools of his native city, from which in due course of time he was graduated. When fifteen years of age he went to Mableton, Kansas, where he worked as a farm hand for seven years. In the spring of 1874 he came to Idaho, settling near Mountain Home, where he was employed at farm work for two years and was then put in charge of J. B. Emery's freighting outfit and engaged in teaming between Kelton, Utah, the nearest railroad point, and Idaho City.
Mr. Nesbitt dates his residence in Payette from 1880, at which time he purchased a squatter's right to one hundred and sixty-seven acres of land. He concentrated his attention upon farming and stock, raising and, meeting with success in his undertakings, added to his property from time to time until he is now the owner of four hundred acres of rich and arable land. Extending his efforts into other fields he became one of the organizers of the Bank of Commerce at Payette and in connection with A. J. McFarland he built an irrigating ditch which supplies water to their respective places, which are adjoining properties. He was also the organizer of the Payette National Bank and for many years its vice president. His judgment is sound, his sagacity keen and his enterprise unfaltering. These qualities constitute a broad basis upon which to build success, and as the years have passed Mr. Nesbitt has prospered in his undertakings.
In August, 1882, Mr. Nesbitt was married to Miss Mary J. Stuart, a daughter of John and Mary Jane (Scott) Stuart, who were natives of Ireland and came to America in 1846. The father was a mechanic and farmer who settled at Pittsfield, Illinois, where the daughter Mary Jane was born. She came to Idaho in 1880, making her way direct to Falk, where she lived with her uncle, William S. Stuart, and early settler and respected pioneer of that district. She taught school at Emmett, Idaho, for two years prior to her marriage and since that important event she has presided with gracious hospitality over their home. To Mr. and Mrs. Nesbitt have been born the following named.
John W., a farmer and stock raiser residing in the Pahsimari valley of Idaho, married Martha Beach, a native daughter of this state, and they have three children, Frank, Joseph and Comfort Gladys. George F., who follows farming and stock raising at Big Willow, Idaho married Priscilla Higgenbottom and is mentioned elsewhere in this work. Milton S. is also represented on another page of this volume. Oscar died in infancy. Elmer H., who is engaged in farming and stock raising, married Io Kenward, a native of Provo, Utah, and they have two children, Kenward and David. Iva M. is teaching school at New Plymouth, Idaho, and is a graduate of the Idaho State Normal School. Clarence S., a teacher at Eagle, Idaho, was graduated from the Agricultural College at Corvallis, Oregon.
In political views Mr. Nesbitt has always been a stalwart republican and served as county commissioner of Canyon county in 1900-2. He was also for some years chairman of school district No. 20 near Falk, Idaho. Throughout his life he has been actuated by a progressive spirit that has recognized and utilized each opportunity. His labors have been wisely directed, and step by step he has advanced toward the goal of prosperity. Winning a handsome competence through his farming operations, he then turned his attention to banking and again has made for himself an honored name and place in business circles.
