FEGAN, J. D.

FEGAN, POTTS, WILKINS

Posted By: Administrator
Date: 10/3/2001 at 21:33:29

From the book "The History of Clinton County Iowa" by L. P. Allen (1879) Pages 669-697
Biographical Sketches of Clinton Residents

J. D. FEGAN, abstracts and dealer in real estate, Fifth avenue; was born in Franklin Co., Penn., July 26, 1831 ; he learned the tailor trade when 18 years of age; he came to Iowa in 1849; after spending a short time in Scott and Jefferson Cos., he came to Clinton Co. June 7, 1850, and located in Elk River Township; engaged as clerk in a Store and worked at his trade. He married, on Aug. 26, 1851, Miss Ann M. Potts, a native of Wisconsin; her parents were among the early settlers, and came here in 1839. Mr. Fegan took up land and made a farm; after two years, removed to Lyons, where he served as Deputy Sheriff and County Assessor; in the spring of 1858, he removed to Wheatland and engaged in the lumber business, and buying and shipping grain; he enlisted in Co. I, 26th I. V. I., and was appointed Sergeant Major; he was appointed Adjutant, was promoted and commissioned Captain of Co. B; afterward, by recommendation of Gen. Charles R. Wood, of the regular army, was promoted to Assistant Adjutant General of the First Brigade, First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, commissioned by President Lincoln; he was in a great many battles; though not wounded, had several narrow escapes; he was mustered out Sept. 19, 1865; after his return, in the fall of 1866, he was elected County Recorder, and held that office four years, and since then has been engaged in abstract business and buying and selling real estate; when he came to this State, he only had one five-franc piece, and his success in life is owing entirely to his own efforts. Mr. and Mrs. Fegan have three children-Charles P., Bessie (now Mrs. Ben C. Wilkins), and Maggie, at home.