Alva A Burkhart

BURKHART

Posted By: County Coordinator (email)
Date: 5/27/2010 at 14:21:12

Among the native sons of Boone county who have recognized and utilized the business opportunities here offered never finding it necessary to seek success elsewhere, is Ala A Burkhart, now busily engaged in the further development and improvement of an excellent farm in Peoples township. It was in the same township that his birth occurred on January 1, 1872.
His father David L Burkhart a native of Pennsylvania, was born in Butler county in 1833, but came to Iowa in early life, casting in his lot with the pioneer settlers of Boone county at a time when the work of progress and development seemed scarcely begun here. ON first reaching this state he made his way to Iowa City, then a small town, while Fort Des Moines had not yet been founded. After a short time in Iowa City he removed to Fort Des Moines and worked at his trade of carpentering for a number of years. At length he exchanged his home in Des Moines for a tract of land in Peoples township, Boone county, and took up his abode thereon, making that place his home until he was called to his final rest. Following the outbreak of the Civil war he enlisted in Company A, Twenty-third Iowa Volunteer Infantry, in 1862. He was enrolled at Zena and was honorably discharged 1863 on account of physical disability. I the meantime he was with Grant at the siege of Vicksburg and was in the charge at Big Black river, in which he received special mention. For bravery on that occasion he was advance to the captaincy of his company. In the charge of his company captured many swords and flags, and a sword and flag which he took on that occasion are still in the possession of his family in Peoples township. He made an excellent military record and it was with the deepest regret that he was forced to put aside his duties on account of the greatly impaired condition of his health.
David L Burkhart was united in marriage to Miss Sarah McDonald, whose mother was a near relative of John Brown. Mrs Burkhart was born in Michigan I 1834 and died in Peoples township, Boone county, Iowa August 7, 1892. She became the mother of eleven children: Mrs Laura Hayer residing at Lesmore, Minnesota, Mrs Sarah J Rittenhouse of Oregon City, Oregon, John P, Thomas deceased, Charles who makes his home in California, William who has passed away, Aaron E who was born March 24,1870 and is living in Peoples township, Alva A of this review, George Washington who makes his home in the state of Washington, Albert living in Peoples township, and Otho who is a resident Woodward, Iowa. The parents of these children were married in Polk county but established their home in Peoples township, Boone county, and all of the children were born there.
Throughout his entire life Alba A Burkhart has resided in the county which is now his home. His educational opportunities were those afforded by the public schools. His early training was that of the farm, and he has always carried on general agriculture pursuits and stock raising. His work has been intelligently directed, ad his energy and determination have constituted the basis of his growing success. His methods are at all times practical, and he has annually gathered good harvests as a result of the intelligent manner in which he has cultivated the fields and cared for his crops.
In Marcy township, February 8, 1899, Mr Burkhart was untied in marriage to Miss Beatrice Stewart, who was born in Coal Valley this county, and spent her girlhood days here, were she ahs always resided. Her parents, Stephen and Margaret (Patterson) Stewart were among the early residents oft the county and were well known through the pioneer epoch and later periods in the history of this section of the state. Their children were as follows: Eleanor Webster, of Hot Springs county, Wyoming, Janet Edgar a resident of Tacoma, Washington, Jane Thompson of Thermopolis, Wyoming, and Mrs Burkhart. Mrs Stewart was twice married the children by her second union being John Hodge and Bessie Nelson both of Rock Springs, Wyoming.
Mr and Mrs Burkhart have become the parents of the following named: Austin who was born January 31, 1900, Mahlon born June 27, 1901, Velma born January 3, 1905, David and Stephen twins, born May 17, 1909, and Clifton, whose birth occurred on July 23, 1913. The older children are now is school. The family occupy a pleasant home, the house is commodious and tastefully furnished, and the air of hospitality which there pervades makes it a favorite resort with the many friends of the family. The residence stand in the midst of 105 acres of arable land situated on section 13, Peoples township, and in addition to a comfortable home there are good barns and outbuildings, well kept fences and the latest improved machinery. The political allegiance of Mr Burkhart is given to the republican party, and both he and his wife are member of the Methodist Episcopal church, to the teachings of which they are ever loyal, while to the support of the church they make generous contributions.

1914 Boone County History Book