Washington Eisenhour

EISENHOUR, WEISER, MCCLURE, HAINES

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 11/11/2011 at 15:23:25

WASHINGTON EISENHOUR, who follows farming on section 30, Lincoln Township, Grundy County, claims Pennsylvania as the state of his nativity. He was born in York County in 1829, and is one of a family of nine sons and five daughters whose parents were George and Lena (Weiser) Eisenhour. The father was also born in the Keystone State, and was of German descent. The paternal grandfather was one of the heroes of the Revolution. The father was reared upon a farm near Halifax, Pa., and in his youth he learned the blacksmith’s trade, which he followed for some time. He also operated as a small farmer in York County, Pa., where he spent his last days, passing away at the advanced age of eighty-four years. He was never prominent in public affairs, but his life was an honorable one, gaining him universal confidence and esteem.

As his parents were in limited circumstances, and as he was one of a large family, Washington Eisenhour was early thrown upon his own resources. At the age of ten years, he began working by the month, and until twenty-two years of age he gave his earning to his father. He worked on farms, and when a youth of fourteen went to Lancaster County, Pa.

While in Lancaster County, our subject was united in marriage with Miss Margaret McClure, daughter of James and Elizabeth (Haines) McClure. She was born in the Keystone State, as were her parents, who were of Irish descent.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Eisenhour were born fourteen children, but four died in childhood. Those still living are: Elizabeth, Emma, Amanda, Margaret, Jessie, Andrew, Henry, Amos, Edward and Willis. James, Alice and Pearl died in early life, and Paris died at the age of sixteen years.

Mr. Eisenhour had made a study of the anatomy of horses, their ailments and a cure for the same, and for a few years after his marriage he engaged in the practice of veterinary surgery. Later, he decided to make a home in the west, and removed to Carroll County, Ill., where for six years he engaged in the operation of a rented farm. In 1881, he came to Grundy County and purchased the eighty-acre farm on which he now resides and to the further development of which he has since devoted his energies with good success. He and his wife hold membership with the Methodist Episcopal Church and take a warm interest in its growth. In politics he is a supporter of the Republican party. Our subject is a self-made man, for since the early age of ten years he has made his own way in the world. Whatever success he has achieved is due to his efforts, and his example of determination, industry and enterprise is one well worthy to be followed.

Source:
Portrait and Biographical Record
of Jasper, Marshall and Grundy Counties, Iowa
1894