A H McGregor

MCGREGOR

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 3/11/2009 at 16:10:22

A H McGregor is a prosperous farmer and stock breeder of Beaver township living on Sec 27. For a quarter of a of a century he has resided in Boone county, but many miles separate him form the place of his birth, which occurred in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, November 27, 1838, He is the eldest son of Duncan and Sarah (Blackburn) McGregor, both of Bedford county, Pennsylvania. In that county there were reared and married the wedding being celebrated in March 1838. For several years thereafter the father carried on farming in that locality and on May 3, 1853, he removed with his family to Peoria, Illinois, living in that city for two yeas and then purchasing land in Princeville township, Peoria county. For thirty-four years he was a representative of the agricultural interests of that locality. His wife died on February 9, 1889, and in the spring of that year he gave up the old home farm and come to Boone county. Here he spent his remaining days, but he did not long survive the lady who had so long been his companion and helpmate on life’s journey, for his death occurred on December 2, 1890. In their family were nine children, who are mentioned in the sketch of John McGregor on another page of this work.
In the usual manner of farmer lads A H McGregor spent the days of his boyhood and youth, and at the age of twenty-five yeas he left home to make his own way in the world. He entered upon his business career by renting a farm of his father, in Princeville township. Peoria county, Illinois, and after two years he purchases that property which he owned for four years. He then sold out and invested in coal mines. opening up and operation mines for five years. In 1877, however, he disposed of his business interests in Illinois and came to Bone county, Iowa purchasing the farm upon which he has since resided, and here he has since lived with the exception of three years spent in Des Moines, Iowa in order to better educate his children.
On November 8, 1865, Mr McGregor was united in marriage to Miss Mary E Ballentine, a daughter of James D and Lucinda (Edwards) Ballentine. Her father a native of Cumberland county, North Carolina, followed farming throughout this entire business career. He now lives with Mr McGregor at the advanced age of ninety years, but is still able to hoe in the garden and do other light work. He removed form his native state to Tennessee in 1849 and in 1851 became a resident of Stark county, Illinois. His wife died in North Carolina September 22, 1846. They were the parents of thirteen children, of whom three are now deceased. Unto Mr and Mrs McGregor have been born five children: William S, born October 1, 1866, March 14, 1867. James A born December 19, 1867, died March 23, 1868. M Devereaux born april 28, 1869, was married May 16, 1899, to Miss Sophia Nedham, a daughter of W B and Addie (Stewart) Nedham of Boone, Iowa. They reside in Boone, where he was deputy county auditor for five years and was then elected county auditor, serving for four years. He is now engaged n collecting back taxes. Clara E born October 27, 1872, is the wife of F H Johnson, bookkeeper for the firm of W D Johnson & Company of Boone and for three years he held the office of deputy county auditor. Otto Manning, born January 15, 1874, follows farming in Union township. He was married December 30, 1896 to Miss Ada Webb, daughter of Q O and Erispie (Mace) Webb, the father a farmer and stock raiser of Union township. All of the children have had college educations and have thus been well fitted for life’s practical and responsible duties. The home of this family is on Sections 27 and 34. Beaver township, where Mr McGregor owns 240 acres of land, which is very rich an arable. He has recently erected a commodious and modern residence and upon his place has large barns and cattle and hog sheds. The fields are under a high state of cultivation and he has a good bearing orchard and small fruit is seen in abundance upon his place. He also owns a residence and some vacant property in Des Moines and a store building in Berkley, Iowa thus having made judicious investments in real estate. He makes a specialty of raising of fine stock upon his farm and has full blooded Hereford cattle. He has been very successful in his agricultural efforts and in the placing of his investments and is among the most prosperous and up to date farmers in Beaver township. His family is refined and intelligent and all enjoy the warm regard of many friends. Mr McGregor is a Republican in politics and has almost continuously held some minor office. He and his wife a re members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Berkley and take an active part in all lines of church work. He belongs to that public spirited class of citizens who while promoting individual success, also find time to aid in advancing the general welfare along social, material intellectual and moral lines.

1902 Boone County History Book