EDWARD COURTRIGHT

COURTRIGHT, RICKETTS, POWELL, SPAHR, JACKSON

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 2/29/2020 at 14:50:34

EDWARD COURTRIGHT, the second son and third child of Richard Courtright and Sarah Ricketts, his wife, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, March 9th, 1811. His ancestors on his father’s side were of Dutch descent, and his grandfather, Courtright, was a native of Holland. In 1831, his father died at the age of fifty-two, and in 1843, his mother died in her fifty-ninth year.

In 1853, Mr. Courtright left Ohio and came to this State, and located at his present place of residence in Marion Township.

Like most of our prominent men, he obtained his education in the common schools of his native State; his father being a farmer, young Edward was obliged to spend his summers in working on the farm, and attended school during the winter months. Although not a finished scholar, yet he has an education that fits him well as a business man.

In 1832, March 22, Mr. Courtright and Mary Powell were joined in marriage; by this union six children were born, five daughters and one son; only three are now living, two daughters and one son. In 1863, September 11th, his first wife departed this life, loved by all who knew her. May 11th, 1871, Mr. Courtright was married to Mrs. Emily R. Spahr.

In politics, Mr. Courtright’s father was an “Old Line Whig,” but through some inbred principle he was born and has always been a Democrat, his first vote being polled for Andrew Jackson at his second nomination. He has always been a strong party man, and has deviated from his course only when he saw it would benefit himself and countrymen generally. He has been a prominent and active worker, and at the same time can not be ranked with the class known as “politicians.” His highest aim in politics has been to benefit his country; while residing in Ohio, he was elected Representative to the State Legislature; in 1870, he was elected County Supervisor for his county; besides this, he has filled several township offices, both in this State and Ohio.

When Mr. Courtright began life, he had a small amount of money; with this invested, and by close attention to his business, he has obtained a good farm of about three hundred acres, on which he now resides; this is ornamented with a good house and surroundings, a view of which is in this book.

Source:
Illustrated Historical ATLAS of Lee County, IOWA
A. T. Andreas
Chicago, ILL.
1874

Transcription by Mary H. Cochrane, Volunteer