Kilbourne, David Wells

12 Apr. 1803–24 Apr. 1876. Merchant, land agent, postmaster, lawyer, railroad executive. Born in Marlborough, Hartford Co., Connecticut. Son of David Kilbourn(e) and Lydia Welles. Presbyterian. Married Harriet Rice in Albany, Albany Co., New York, 28 June 1827. Settled in New York City. Moved to Des Moines Co., Wisconsin Territory (later Lee Co., Iowa Territory), fall 1836. Represented New York Land Company at Fort Des Moines, Lee Co., purchasing and selling land in Half-Breed Tract. Laid out town of Keokuk, Lee Co., June 1837. Platted town of Montrose, Lee Co., 1837, and established a general store with his brother Edward. Appointed postmaster of Montrose, 1839. Unsuccessful Whig candidate for Iowa Territorial Council, 1840, 1841. In 1843, moved to Fort Madison, Lee Co., where he continued working for New York Land Company. Delegate from Iowa at National Whig Convention in Baltimore, 1852. Moved to Keokuk, 1852. Died in New York City.