Burroughs, Alfred

BURROUGHS, BREEDEN, HEDGES

Posted By: Gary Norris (email)
Date: 12/1/2012 at 16:32:27

Meeting all the requirements of the successful lawyer in his comprehensive knowledge of the principles of jurisprudence, his ability to accurately apply its principles and his devotion to the interests of his clients, Alfred Burroughs is now well established as a member of the firm of Norris & Burroughs, conducting a law and loan office. He makes his home in Grinnell, where he has a wide and favorable acquaintance. He was born at Moores Hill, Indiana, September 16, 1858, in a little story and a half log house which was built by his father William Burroughs. The latter was born near Baltimore, Maryland, in 1809, and when a mere boy the care and support of his mother, brothers and sisters largely devolved upon him, owing to the death of the husband and father. He became a pioneer settler both of Indiana and of Iowa, removing to the latter state with his family in 1865. He secured a homestead claim at Hickory Grove, ten miles northwest of Grinnell, and with earnest, persistent purpose began the development of his farm, which he converted into a good property. He married Priscilla Breeden, who was born in the Shenandoah valley of Virginia in 1829, and is now living in Grinnell. Although she is now eighty-two years of age she has only fairly begun to turn gray and is also well preserved in other ways. Her life has always been a potent force for moral and religious development and her influence has had marked effect upon the lives of her children.
Alfred Burroughs attended the public schools of Grinnell and also Iowa College. His early years were spent upon the home farm, passing many hours in the saddle in herding and rounding up the cattle and horses, which then roamed over the prairies unchecked by fences. Here and there a tract of land had been converted into fields for the growing of crops and there were just enough of such fields to make a boy's life in keeping the cattle and horses away from the grain too strenuous for comfort.
In 1876 Mr. Burroughs came to Grinnell to attend the public schools and later became a student in the academy of this city, remaining here until the time of the memorable cyclone in 1882. He afterward spent two seasons teaching in the country schools and the remainder of the time was devoted to aiding in the care and cultivation of the home farm in Hickory Grove until February, 1889, when he found opportunity for carrying out his wish to prepare for the bar. At the time he began work for Norris & Preston in their law and loan office. Mr. Preston withdrew from the partnership soon after Mr. Burroughs entered the office and the latter became associated with David W. Norris, and later with Norris & Norris, until the death of the father in May, 1907. About the 1st of June of that year he formed a partnership with the son and the firm of Norris & Burroughs has since engaged in the practice of law, having high standing as a representative firm at Grinnell.
On the 31st of December, 1890, at the home of the bride on High street, Mr. Burroughs was united in marriage to Miss Mary Louisa Hedges, the ceremony being performed by Professor S. A. Barnes, of Iowa College. Her father Dr. T. M. Hedges is one of the pioneer physicians of Grinnell, having located here soon after the Civil war. During the long term of successful practice Dr. Hedges has also conducted a drug store, either in a partnership or as sole owner, so that his business relations with Grinnell were close and constant until March, 1909, when he removed to California, where two of his daughters are engaged in the drug business. Mrs. Burroughs was born and educated in Grinnell and spent much of her time before her marriage in her father's drug store. She has presided graciously over her own home and has made it an attractive resort to their many friends.
In early life Mr. Burroughs joined the United Brethren church, to which his people belonged and for which they had a liberal share in providing and maintaining a house of worship near the old homestead at Hickory grove. Alfred Burroughs has held a number of offices in the church, doing any service that was needed. Following his removal to Grinnell he became a member of Congregational church, to which his wife and older children also belong, and at the same time he assists in the maintenance of worship at the church of his youth. He is now serving as deacon in the Congregational church and has had much to do with Sunday school work in the township, city and county, including his labors in connection with a mission school of Grinnell for three years. Modest and unassuming, free from ostentation and display, his good qualities are nevertheless recognized by his fellow townsmen, who appreciate his worth and the ability that has led him to make steady advancement since he started out in business on his own account.

History of Poweshiek County Iowa
- A Record of Settlement, Organizations, Progress and Achievement, Vol. II
written by Prof. L. F. Parker.
Published by The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., in 1911
Pages 529-531