BURKHART, John George - 1890 Bio (1834-1896)

BURKHART, MILLER, BLACK, GLASGOW

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 7/29/2007 at 13:14:09

Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago
Pages 300-301

John George BURKHART, a farmer and stockraiser of Locust Grove Township, residing on section 25, came to Jefferson County in 1857, and therefore ranks among her early settlers. He was born in New York City in 1834, being the third in a family of six children born of the union of J. G. BURKHART and Rosina E. MILLER. His father was a New York farmer and spent his entire life in that State, as did also his mother.

Our subject was reared to manhood in New York, remaining under the parental roof until his removal to the West, and was educated in the schools of his native county. In 1857, while still single, he bade good-by to his old home and cast his lot with the early settlers of Iowa. He has never had occasion to regret the step he has taken, for in this western country he has prospered financially, and has formed many warm friendships which bind him closely to the community. For twenty years after his arrival in Iowa he was engaged as a bridge builder in the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company, working mostly between Omaha and Burlington. In the latter city and in Fairfield he made his home during that time. His long service with one company indicates his faithfullness to duty and the efficiency displayed in work, also the trust reposed in him by his employers. He is worthy of their regard, for every task was conscientiously performed and would bear the closest inspection.

In 1861, in Jefferson County, Mr. BURKHART was united in marriage with Miss Rhoda M. BLACK, a native of Ohio and daughter of Moses and Nancy (GLASGOW) BLACK, whose birthplaces were also in the Buckeye State, whence they removed to this county in 1844, locating in Des Moines Township. Her father served as the first County Judge of Jefferson County, and was an influential and honored citizen. His death occurred in 1868, but his wife survived until 1882.

Mr. and Mrs. BURKHART began their domestic life in Fairfield, but afterward removed to Burlington. In 1875 he purchased an improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres, but continued with the railroad company for some time longer. It was not until 1879 that he gave his entire attention to agricultural pursuits, but in that year he removed to his present home on section 25, Locust Grove Township, where he owns a good farm. The original boundary has been extended until it embraces two hundred and seventy-six acres, all of which is under a high state of cultivation and greatly improved. A man of energy and indomitable will, Mr. BURKHART accomplishes everything he undertakes if the end can be reached by honorable means. He is a valued citizen of the community and takes an active interest in everything for the upbuilding of town and county. He has served on the School Board in his home district, has labored for the interests of education and provided his children with good advantages. He served as a bridge contractor for Jefferson County for some nine years. In his political affiliations he is a Republican and one who in a quiet way, without seeking preferment for himself, labors for the success and welfare of his party. Both he and his wife are members of the Baptist Church, of Fairfield, and in the social world are held in high regard.

Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. BURKHART, but two of the number are deceased -- Katie E., who died at the age of five years; and Moses T. F., who died when three months old. The living are: William G., who is married and resides in Locust Grove Township; Anna M. at home; and Benjamin and Joseph, who are yet with their parents.

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.