John Quincy Adams Megrath 1825-1910

MEGRATH, GUERNSEY, MOORE

Posted By: Volunteer-Karen DaPra
Date: 10/8/2002 at 09:59:21

J. Q. A. MEGRATH

Another pioneer has been called to the great beyond. The ranks are thinning, as one by one they pass over into the Silent Land. Soon the question may well be asked, "The fathers, where are they"? Mr. J. Q. A. Megrath was born in the village of Felchville, Vermont, on March 4th 1825, the day of the inauguration of the 6th President of the United States, John Quincy Adams, after whom he was named, with John C. Calhoun as vice Pres. He died at the home of his son, Mr. Ed Megrath near Lebanon, on April 13th, 1910.

Removing in an early day from his native state, when but a young man he selected Iowa as his future home, settling in Van Buren County, which was then a wild region of untamed nature.

With true Yankee pluck and perseverance and ingenuity he cleared out for himself a farm, which has since been his home. The spirit of the "Green Mountain boys" is seen in the unflinching heroism with which he faced the difficulties and dangers of that early period.

He was married to Elizabeth E. Guernsey on May 31st 1848. To this union were born three children, two sons and one daughter who are still living to mourn the loss of a kind father, Mrs. J. J. Moore, of Milton, Henry who resides in Keosauqua, and Ed the youngest of the family living near Lebanon.

Mr. Megrath's wife died on Mar. 24th 1896 in the 68th year of her age. After her death he has made his home alternately with his children.

He was a man of public spirit, being identified with the progressive development of the country. A man of great intelligence, always interested in every movement which affected the welfare of his country. He was an upright citizen, honored and respected by all his friends and neighbors.

(Photocopy of this obit is located on page 139 of Obit Book A found in the Van Buren County, IA Genealogical Society's collection at the Keosauqua Public Library in Oct 2000. Name of newspaper and date of obit not given.)

I am NOT related and am posting this obit for those who may find this person in their family history.

[Original Post 01 Dec 2000]