Harvey John Felkey, 1849-1917

FELKEY BROOKS, GODFREY, MATHEWS, BURKHEAD

Posted By: Emmet County IAGenWeb Coordinator (email)
Date: 12/11/2014 at 19:13:12

Harvey J. [John] Felkey, who is living practically retired in Armstrong, Emmet county, has been a factor in both the agricultural and commercial development of the county and is still financially interested in a number of local business concerns. He was born in Livingston county, Illinois, December 27, 1849 [per gravestone December 3], and is a son of Daniel and Florinda (Brooks) Felkey, natives, respectively, of Ohio and of Pennsylvania. They became early settlers of Livingston county, Illinois, and the father purchased land there which he farmed until 1862, when removal was made to Mitchell county, Iowa. After cultivating land there for several years he went to South Dakota, where he farmed for five years. He then came to Emmet county, Iowa, and bought land here, to the operation of which he devoted his time and attention until he removed to Armstrong, where he conducted a store during the remainder of his life, passing away in October, 1910. He was survived by his widow for only a short time, as her death occurred in February, 1911.

Harvey J. Felkey grew to manhood in Mitchell county, Iowa, and attended the public schools there in the acquirement of his education. After becoming of age he engaged in farming for two years in Mitchell county and in 187 he arrived in Emmet county, Iowa, and purchase a farm in Armstrong Grove township. For more than a quarter of a century he engaged in the raising of grain and stock upon that place, but in March, 1900, removed to Armstrong and engaged in the clothing business there. After three years he disposed of that business and has since lived practically retired. He is, however, treasurer of the Farmers’ Elevator Company and of the Armstrong Cement Company and is a director of the First National Bank of Armstrong.

On New Year’s Day, 1872, Mr. Felkey was married to Miss Rebecca Godfrey, whose parents, Samuel and Matilda (Dickson) Godfrey, were natives, respectively of Scotland and Ireland. They emigrated to America many years ago and after living for a time in New York went to Wisconsin, where the father purchased land from the government. In 1864 he went to Mitchell county, Iowa, and there resided until his death in 1880. The mother passed away three years later. Mr. and Mrs. Felkey have become the parents of four children: one who died in infancy; Lelah, who became the wife of C.A. Mathews and died February 29, 1916, at the age of thirty-nine years and ten months, leaving three children, Grace, Milo and Maynard; Roy B., who is farming in Armstrong Grove township; and Florence, the wife of J.V. Burkhead, a merchant of Armstrong.

Mr. Felkey is a trustee of Orange Grove township and has served in that capacity for twelve years, his long continuance in the office indicating the efficiency with which he discharges his duties. He has also held the office of school director. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and his religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church, while fraternally he belongs to the Masonic order and the Eastern Star. He is a man of unusual energy and ability and is recognized as a leader in his community.

Source: History of Emmet County and Dickinson County, Iowa; Pioneer Publishing Company, Chicago, 1917