Latham Park: History

Latham Park is located in the Morningside neighborhood of Sioux City, Iowa. The park is privately owned and operated and is open to the public.

History:

October 27, 1832 - Benjamin Tuets Latham is born in Maine.

September 4, 1835 - Elizabeth Bathsheba Cary was born in New York State, into a family heritage which recounted a 1648 immigration to Plymouth Colony from England.

Summer 1853 - At the age of only 20 years old, Benjamin was not yet ready settle in Iowa.

Christmas Day, 1855 - Elizabeth Cary married Benjamin Latham in Montgomery, Ohio.

November 15, 1857 - The first of three sons, Elbert Cary Latham was born in Summit, Iowa.

August 18, 1862 - The second son, Leslie Twitchell Lathamwas born in Summit, Iowa.

July 7, 1865 - The third son, Willis Anderson Latham was born in Dayton, Ohio.

February 5, 1870 - The Latham's only daughter was born in Detroit, Michigan.

August 21, 1876 - Willis Latham died in Port Huron Michigan, and was buried in Maineville, Ohio.

1881 - After many years of  living in several other states the Latham moved to Iowa and settled on an 100 acre farm south of Moville, Iowa.

1888 - The land that the final Latham family home was eventually built on is platted by prominent "Morning Side" developer and financier, Daniel T. Hedges.

1889 - Benjamin retried from farming and bookkeeping and moved his family to 1806 S. Lemon St. in Sioux City, Iowa. The family joined Morningside Presbyterian Church.

1915 - The Latham sons, Elbert and Leslie, who were skilled carpenters built the final family home at 1915 S. Lemon St.

Christmas 1915 - Benjamin and Elizabeth celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in the new home.

1916 - The entire Latham family moved into the home.

December 13, 1917 - Elizabeth Latham died at Lutheran Hospital and was buried in Maineville, Ohio, alongside young Willis.

March 1, 1924 - Benjamin Latham died in his own bed at home and was buried in Maineville, Ohio, alongside young Willis.

August 15, 1927 - Elbert Latham died.

April 24, 1928 - Leslie Latham died.

April 6, 1933 - Clara Latham purchased the additional lots surrounding the Latham home.

January 25, 1937 - Clara Latham died in the home and is buried in a family plot in Sioux City's Graceland Park Cemetery with her sons Elbert and Leslie.

At the time of Clara's death the total Latham property totaled just over 0.94 acre. Under the terms of her will the property reverted to a trust, now managed by Security National Bank of Sioux City. The Trustee was charged with the perpetual maintenance of the house and grounds for the use of, and enjoyment by, the general public. Today this property is Latham Park.