Harrison A K McCaskey

MCCASKEY

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 3/20/2009 at 00:00:04

Harrison A K McCaskey, Harrison A K McCaskey, now deceased, was one of the early settlers of Boone county and was widely known among his many friends as Doc McCaskey. He lived in this portion of the county for 45 yrs and was acquainted with the work of development and improvement and contributed his share to the general advancement. He was born in Ohio in 1833, a son of John and Nancy A McCaskey, also native of the Buckeye state, whence they removed to Indiana, where the father was engaged in farming until his death. He served as county official in that state and was very prominent and influential man there. His death occurred in that state, but his widow surviving him for sometime, passed away in Ogden.
Mr McCaskey of this review pursued a common school education, largely spending his youth in Indiana. After coming to Iowa he settled on a farm in Yell township, known as the Maple Shade Stock Farm. He purchased at different times several farms and became an extensive land owner but continued to make his residence upon the Maple Shade Stock Farm. Until his removal to the village of Ogden in 1896. He was extensively engaged in raising stock and his business prospered from year to year bringing to him an excellent return. His life was one of industry in which there was no trace of indolence. He realized that prosperity comes as the reward of diligence, directed by sound judgment, and his efforts provided a comfortable competence for his family.
On May 17, 1860 Mr McCaskey was untied in marriage to Miss Elsie D Ritter, a native of Stark county, Ohio , and a daughter of Solomon Ritter, who died in Indiana. Unto Mr and Mrs McCaskey were born twelve children. Lincoln, who wedded Mary Pugsley, is a resident farmer in Yell township. Clinton married Maggie Bierfeldt and is also living in Yell township. Ellen is the wife of Martin Rinehart, who is an employee of the railroad and makes his home in Boone. Mary A is the wife of Samuel Rinehart, a carpenter living in Ogden. Orlo B married Ella Hanson and is living in Hancock, Iowa Harrison resides in Ogden, Iowa. Franklin O is now living in Washington, Sheldon S is at home. Charles is employed on a farm in Yell township .Esther Jane is deceased. Martin Ray and Etelka D are at home. The father of this family was called to his final rest September 14, 1901, and in his death the community mourned the loss of a valued and representative citizen. He was a Republican in his political views and took a deep interest in the success of his party. For several years he served as a school director of Yell township but was never an active politician in the sense of office seeking, preferring to devote his time and energies to his business affairs whereby he won a handsome competence, thus leaving his family in comfortable circumstances The many excellent traits of his character won for him the esteem of all with whom he was associated and at his death many friends mourned his loss. His widow still owns the farm in Yell township, having bought 700 acres. Much of this is situated on Sec 18, Yell township, while a quarter section is in Hancock, Iowa. The estate also comprises a fine residence in the northern part of Ogden. The family is one widely and favorably known, the member of the household occupying an enviable position in social circles.

1902 Boone County History Book