McWHIRTER, Samuel - 1890 Bio (1820-1886)

MCWHIRTER, LOGAN, TREMBLEY, TERNIHAM, LOUDEN

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 8/18/2007 at 10:37:51

Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago
Pages 630-631

Samuel McWHIRTER, deceased, was, to many of our readers, known as a leading and successful farmer of Cedar Township, Jefferson County, as well as a valued citizen, and we therefore take pleasure in presenting unto them a sketch of his life work. He was born in County Antrim, Ireland, in the year 1820, and spent his boyhood days in a manner usual to farmer lads in that country. The occupation to which he was reared continued to be his business until 1849, when he determined to brave the dangers of an ocean voyage and seek his fortune in America. The water was crossed in safety and on the 28th of May that year he arrived in Fairfield with a cash capital of $5, but energy and thrift were among his characteristics, and instead of feeling discouragement at finding himself in an unknown land among strangers he set to work to gain the means of livelihood, and as the result of economy and industry was some time afterward enabled to purchase eighty acres of wild land on section 16, Cedar Township. A little log cabin constituted the improvements at that time, but hard work and good management made many changes and increased his acreage until he was the owner of two hundred and twenty-five acres of good farming land at the time of his death.

Mr. McWHIRTER chose as a companion on life's journey Miss Martha LOGAN, and on the 30th of November, 1849, their union was celebrated. The lady, who was born in County Antrim, Ireland, February 14, 1824, crossed the ocean in the same vessel in which her husband was a passenger. She was the only one of her family who sought a home in the New World, but Mr. McWHIRTER was one of four brothers who came to this country. Both he and his wife were of Scotch-Irish (sic) descent and were reared in the faith of the Scotch (sic) Presbyterian Church. Upon their marriage they began life in the little log cabin before mentioned, which continued to be their home until increased financial resources enabled them to replace it by a more commodious residence. Ten children were born unto them, but four died in infancy. The living are: John, who married Lucinda TREMBLEY and is a farmer of Clay County, Neb.; David A., who wedded Martha TERNIHAM and farms in Lane County, Kan.; Mary, at home; Jennie M., wife of Thomas LOUDEN, a resident farmer of Cedar Township; and Robert L. and William, who are operating the home farm.

The McWHIRTER family has lived in Jefferson County for forty-one years and is one of the substantial and highly esteemed families of Cedar Township. Like the father, the sons are all supporters of Democratic principles. As every true American citizen should be, he was interested in political affairs, but never sought official recognition, content to devote his time and energies to his business, which prospered greatly under his energy and excellent management. He died on the 31st of December, 1886, respected by all who knew him and lamented by many friends. He lived a life of uprightness, and when earth's pilgrimage was ended was ready to enter upon the home prepared for the pure and good of this earth.

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