BURWELL, A. D.

BURWELL, SNIDER, DAY, GREEN, HOPKINS, WHITMORE, BEERS, OKELLY, CLAPP, CONWELL, SHELDON, HALLEY

Posted By: Nettie Mae
Date: 1/18/2003 at 23:26:35

Source: The 1901 Biographical Record of Clinton Co., Iowa, Illustrated published: Chicago : S. J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1901.

A. D. BURWELL.

A. D. Burwell, better known as Abe, is one of the well-to-do and progressive
Farmers of Sharon township, Clinton county, Iowa, where he first opened his eyes to the light of day, March 17, 1859. His parents, Jacob and Catherine (Snider) Burwell were natives of Ashland county, Ohio. The father was on the 22d of February, 1818, and continued to make his home in his native state until 1855, when he came to Clinton county, Iowa, and settled on the farm where our subject now resides. At that time a log cabin constituted the only improvement upon the place, but he erected good and substantial buildings and converted it into a most desirable farm. He continued the operation of his land until 1890, when he removed to Maquoketa, Jackson county, Iowa, and lived retired until his death, which occurred February 17, 1901. He served as justice of the peace in Clinton county, and was always recognized as one of the leading citizens of his community. He was four times married, his first wife being Rachel A. Day, who died July 13, 1849, and to them were born four children: James H., now a resident of Washington; Elizabeth A., wife of Albert Green, of Olin, Iowa; William H., a resident of Boonsboro, Iowa; and Rachel L., who died August 13, 1849. On the 10th of July, 1851, the father married Catherine Snider, who died Jun 13, 1861, and by that union he had five children: John, a resident of Shelby county, Iowa; Sarah, deceased; Jane, wife of William Hopkins, of Palo Alto county, Iowa; Abe D., our subject; and Jacob Whitmore, a resident of Montana. For his third wife Mr. Burwell wedded Malissa Beers, who departed this life February 28, 1884. Unto them were also born five children, namely: Katie, deceased; Ella S., wife of Lafayette O’Kelly, of Colorado; Amy V., wife of Howard Clapp, of Palo Alto county, Iowa; one who died in infancy; and Hattie T., who passed away July r, 1901, was wife of Horace Conwell, of Cedar county, Iowa. The fourth wife was Mary C. Sheldon, who died October 14, 1898. There were no children by that union.

Abe D. Burwell passed his boyhood and youth upon the home farm and acquired his education in the district schools of Sharon township. On starting out in life for himself he was first engaged in farming in Sioux county, Iowa, for five years, and then removed to Jones county, locating on a farm near his present home, where he continued following agricultural pursuits for one year. From there he removed to Cedar county, where he resided three years. He then took charge of the old homestead in Clinton county, and now owns one hundred and forty four acres of fine farming land on section 18, Sharon township, upon which he is successfully engaged in general farming and stock raising.

In 1890 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Burwell and Miss Mary E. Halley, who was born in Jackson county, Iowa, September 19, 1869. Her father, John Halley, a farmer of that county, died when she was young. Mr. and Mrs. Burwell have five children: Alta, born March 3, 1891; Grace, born April 16, 1893; Andy, born March 26, 1895; Clara, born March 9, 1897; and Lillian B., born January 23, 1899. Mr. Burwell supports the men and measures of the Republican party, but has never cared for political preferment. In business affairs he is prompt, energetic and notably reliable, and he commands the respect and confidence of all with whom he comes in contact.