George T. Carrington

BOYLE, BYERLY, CARRINGTON, GRAHAM, MILLER

Posted By: Judy Wight Branson (email)
Date: 6/29/2006 at 13:06:17

G. T. Carrington, one of the prosperous farmers of Penn township, where he owns a quarter section of fine land, was born in Putnam county, Indiana, on the 24th of April, 1849, of the marriage of Edmund and Sarah E. (Byerly) Carrington. The father, who was born in Kentucky, removed with his parents to Indiana when about fourteen years of age, and upon attaining years of maturity farmed in that state for some time, after which he removed to Monroe county, Iowa, where he bought and improved land. After living there for a decade he returned to Indiana, where he resided for a year, after which he went to Vermilion county, Illinois. He continued to farm there during the remainder of his life, passing away on the 24th of January, 1874. His wife, who was born in North Carolina, died in March, 1896, having survived her husband for twenty-two years.

G. T. Carrington was reared and educated in Monroe county, Iowa, Indiana, and Vermilion county, Illinois. He remained with his parents while they lived and then removed to Union county, Iowa, where he farmed a quarter section of land belonging to his wife for nine years. At the end of that time they sold out and he rented land there for seven years, after which he came to this county and operated leased land for two years. At the end of that time his financial circumstances were such that he was able to purchase a quarter section of excellent land on section 14, Penn township, which he is still operating. He has made it one of the well developed farms of the county and spares neither time nor money in further improving it. His crops are abundant, and bring a high price upon the market and he also feeds a carload of cattle annually.

On Christmas Day, 1877, Mr. Carrington married Miss Louisa Graham, a daughter of Samuel and Mary C. (Miller) Graham, natives of Pennsylvania. The father was a school teacher in his early life, but later turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. He farmed in Ohio for a number of years, but eventually removed to Vermilion county, Illinois, where he cultivated land until his demise, which occurred in 1863. His widow was called to her reward twenty-two years later, in March, 1885. Mr. and Mrs. Carrington have three children: Claude, who is farming near Central City, Nebraska; Millie, the wife of Irvin Boyle, a farmer of Penn township; and George, who is assisting his father in the operation of the home place.

Mr. Carrington is a republican and has served as justice of the peace of Penn township, discharging his duties with strict impartiality. The Methodist church and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows find in him a loyal member, and his life is conformed to the highest standard of ethics. He and his son are meeting with gratifying success in agricultural work and take especial pride in their high grade cattle, which are of the Jersey breed. Since coming to Madison county he has contributed to the public welfare in every way possible and is a valued resident of his locality.

Taken from the book, “The History of Madison County, Iowa, 1915,” by Herman Mueller.