JOHN ALLEN CASEY

CASEY, PATTERSON, CREEL

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 2/29/2020 at 15:14:12

JOHN ALLEN CASEY—The subject of this biography was born in Adair County, Kentucky, Dec. 16, 1815. He is the first son of Greene Casey, and Jane Patterson, his wife. His father was born in Kentucky, Jan. 8, 1793, his mother was born in Wythe Co., Virginia, April 13, 1793. His ancestors were of Scotch descent. His grandfather Casey was among the pioneers in Kentucky, having located there before the departure of the Indian tribes. In 1830, Mr. Casey, with his parents, went to Sangamon County, Ill. After a residence there of six years, Mr. Casey, with his mother, moved to this county, and located in West Point Township. His father died in Illinois; his mother died in 1852, at Mr. Casey’s house.

When Mr. Casey came to this county, West Point contained only two or three log cabins. There was not a house between there and Salem or Skunk river timber. Immediately on his arrival, he took a claim, which he afterwards entered. The only improvements on it were the foundations of a log cabin, a few logs, and four or five acres of land were broken. Mr. Casey carried on the improvements, and soon had a cabin erected, and some corn planted. In the spring of 1838, he sowed some wheat, and probably got the first crop that was raised in the township. He got his education in the subscription schools of Kentucky and Illinois. The schools of the slave States being inferior to those of the north, Mr. Casey’s early advantages were very few. But he is well prepared for the useful sphere in life which he has filled. Mr. Casey and Mildred Creel were married July 1st, 1847. She was born in Kentucky, Jan. 13, 1824, and came to this State in 1837. Seven children were born; five of whom, three sons and two daughters, are living, and at home. September 27, 1869, Mrs. Casey departed this life. She lived a zealous christian, being a member of the Presbyterian church. Her death left the family in deep bereavement, and cast a sad feeling of sympathy over her large circle of friends. Politically, Mr. Casey has always been a democrat. He has not confined himself to party favor, but has branched off when his good sense showed him that beneficial results would follow. In 1851, he was elected to the Legislature. He has also filled various township offices.

Mr. Casey was obliged to begin life at the bottom of the ladder. Step by step he has worked his way upward, until the present writing. He now lives on a good farm and in comfortable circumstances coming to the country at an early day, he has seen the country grow up from a wild territory to a thriving State. He has been prominent in many of the movements that have aided in this result.

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

Transcription by Mary H. Cochrane, Volunteer