Honor Justin R Doran

DORAN

Posted By: County Coordinator (email)
Date: 5/11/2010 at 14:13:48

Hon. Justin R Doran is not only one of the foremost, if not the foremost, representative of agricultural interests in Beaver township, but was also for many years in the state legislature and in that connection id valuable work in promoting constructive measure which were of great benefit to the state in general and his constituency in particular. There is great credit due Mr Doran for what he ahs achieved as he has attained the substantial position which he now occupies entirely through is own efforts.
He was born in Niagara county, New York, August 8, 1850 and is a son of Patrick and Catherine (Keeley) Doran, both natives of County Carlow, Ireland. The father in early life operated a flour mill in the Emerald isle. He and his wife came to America on board the ship Richard Cobden, and they experienced the most perilous passage, the boat almost being wrecked. They landed in New York, February 1, 1849, and thence went by packet boat by way of the Erie canal to Reynolds Basin, in Niagara county, New York, where they made their home for four years. Being attracted by the promising west, they then removed to Ottawa, Illinois, where the father worked as a farm hand for a few years. Their next change of residence brought them to Livingston county, in the same state, and there Mr Doran bought a farm, to the cultivation of which he devoted himself until his death, which occurred on November 25, 1865. His wife passed away in La Salle county, Illinois about ten years previously, August 25, 1855. They were the parents of eight children: Edward, a well to do farmer of Polk county, Iowa, Ellen the widow of C Harvey, residing in Grand Junction , Iowa, Miss Mary also of that city, Thomas H a lumber dealer and stock raiser of Burwell, Nebraska, Justin R who farms near Bradshaw, Nebraska and two who died in infancy.
Justin R Doran was left an orphan of fifteen years of age and at that period embarked upon an independent career, earning his living by doing chores while attending school in Livingston county. Having completed his education, he hired out as a farm hand for some time and after having gained valuable experience operated the old homestead in partnership with his brothers until 1874. IN 1872, however, he and a brother purchased a corn threshing outfit and they operated the same in Benton county, Iowa until July of the same year, when they returned to Illinois. At the end of that time Mr Doran sold the home place and then removed to Boone county, Iowa, where he acquired 370 acres of his present farm, situated on section 5, Beaver township. He was the first settler on the four sections with conformed the school district No 3 and has added to his holdings grow time to time until he now holds title to 3000 acres of the best improved land to be found in the neighborhood. Nearly all of the farm is located in Beaver township. Judicious management, incessant labor and modern and up to date methods have been the means by which Mr Doran has attained prosperity, His place is in a most excellent condition, and his buildings are substantial and modernly equipped. Mr Doran has always been a leader in agricultural affairs, and has greatly contributed toward raising the farming standards of his section. He has been one of those men who have been successfully copied by others anyhow have been the backbone of the agricultural prosperity of the state.
Mr Doran married Miss Olive F Blanshan, a daughter of Jacob and Maria Blanshan, natives of Auburn, New York. The parents removed to Wisconsin in 1848, and resided in that state until 1874, when they came to Iowa. In Wisconsin and this state the father followed agricultural labors throughout his life. He was prominent politically, serving in the Wisconsin state legislature, and was also a member of the board of county supervisors for a number of years. He died in 1890, and his wife passed away in February 1902. To Mr and Mrs Doran thirteen children were born: Lester G, Alfred T who died at the age of one year, Alexander R, Eugene B, Benjamin B, Oliver E, Lucia S, Maud H, Laut H , Mamie C, Milo T, Daisy E, and John Keeley, who died at the age of two and one half years.
Mr Doran has always given his allegiance to the republican party and has been a most prominent factor in his affairs in the state. He is not only a leader in agricultural mattes, but deeply interested in other fields of progress. He was a state legislator for four long sessions and two short ones and during this time was one of the foremost men in the assembly in committee rooms as well as on the floor. His views of life are those of a broad minded man, who has delved deep into the questions of vital importance and who has proven himself a master of those affairs which make up life’s experiences. For many years he has serves as trustee of Beaver downspin in this capacity has exerted and influence as important to his township as his services were to the state. He is a member of the Masonic lodge at Grand Junction and belongs to the lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows as Ogden. He ahs been adjuster of the Boone County Farmers Mutual Insurance Company for six years, acting in that capacity for all the territory west of the Des Moines river in Boone and adjoining counties. Mr Doran is a courteous, affable and approachable gentleman, ever ready to do a kindness to those who need his services. He ahs many friends in Boone county in business, social and political circles. He is conversant with the leading issues and questions of the day and all affairs which particularly affect his locality. As a citizen he stand high as an agriculturist he is a leader and as a man he is respected highly for what he has achieved and the principles which have guided his conduct.

1914 Boone County History Book