RANDALL, McKendree S. - 1912 Bio (1860-1927)

RANDALL, SMITH, MORGAN

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 9/26/2007 at 15:57:21

History of Jefferson County, Iowa -- A Record of Settlement, Organization, Progress and Achievement, Vol II, Published 1912, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago
Pages 227-228

M. S. RANDALL has the distinction of being what the public calls a self-made man, for at the age of twelve years he was left an orphan and from that time forward has had to make his own way in the world. He had lost his mother when but two years of age and thus was deprived not only of many advantages but also of much of the home care which most children enjoy. The simple weight of his character and ability, however, have brought him into important relations with the public interests of Jefferson county, where he is now filling the position of county recorder. His birth occurred in Vermillion county, Indiana, in 1860, his parents being Jonathan and Evelyn (SMITH) RANDALL, both of whom were natives of Indiana, where they spent their entire lives. The SMITH family were very early settlers there and the parents of Mrs. RANDALL died on the farm which they had entered as a claim from the government. Like the RANDALL family they removed from Virginia to the Hoosier state and all followed the occupation of farming. Jonathan RANDALL had four children by a former marriage and two by his second union.

M. S. RANDALL spent the days of his boyhood and youth in Indiana and after being thrown upon his own resources, worked for his board and clothing, with the opportunity of attending school. He had no advantages beyond those offered by the common schools and had to work hard to get that. He continued a resident of his native state until 1887, when he removed to Keokuk, Iowa, where he spent eighteen months. On the expiration of that period he came to Fairfield and for twenty years engaged in farming east of the county seat, devoting his time and labors to the work of the fields until 1909, when he removed to the city. His energy and diligence were the factors that ever kept his farm in good condition. The soil was naturally rich and the labor which he bestowed upon the fields brought forth good harvests. Moreover, his ambition prompted him to keep everything about the farm in good condition and the buildings in good repair. Thus year by year his efforts brought him substantial returns and with a comfortable competence he retired from farm life. In November, 1910, he was elected to the office of county recorder on the republican ticket and is now the incumbent in that position, the duties of which he has discharged with the same promptness and fidelity that have characterized him in every relation of life.

Mr. RANDALL really had a home of his own for the first time since his early boyhood, when in 1881 he was united in marriage to Miss Tabitha MORGAN, a native of Keokuk county, Iowa, and a daughter of William MORGAN. As the years have passed four children have been added to the household, Loren C., Elsie G., Neil M. and Harold M. Mr. RANDALL holds membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the motive power of his life and principles is found in his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. Those who know him recognize in him an upright man and public-spirited citizen whose influence is always found on the side of right, truth and progress.

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