Durham, Hiram F.

DURHAM

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 14:34:31

HIRAM F. DURHAM
born June 3, 1835, Ohio

H. F. Durham is a worthy representative of the agricultural interests of Iowa, and after a well spent life is now living retired in a pretty home in the midst of a fine farm of Warren county. A native of the Buckeye State, he was born in Bloomfield township, Morgan county, June 3, 1835, and since 1838 has been a resident of Iowa. His father, David Durham, was born in Belfast, Maine, July 7, 1792, and was a son of Talford Durham, who was born in the north of Ireland. Suffering persecution during a religious war, the latter fled with his family to Scotland, where he took refuge for a time and then crossed the Atlantic to America, accompanied by two brothers. He located in Belfast, Maine and in this country found freedom from persecution so wrongly inflicted. There is nothing so justifies the republican form of government of the United States, with its political, and religious liberty, as the fact that the oppressed of other lands may here find homes and release from the tyranny of monarchical rule, develop their latent talents and energies, becoming worthy and valued citizens of their adopted land. Talford Durham spent his remaining years in Maine, where was born his son David, who emigrated to Iowa in 1838, many years before a railroad had crossed the State. He married Nancy Clements, who was born February 13, 1798, in Somersworth, New Hampshire. They became the parents of nine children: Charles H., born March 16, 1819, died in Monroe, Waldo county, Maine, March 30, 1822; David T., born February 26, 1821, resides near Durham, Marion county, Iowa; Margaret, born February 17, 1823, became the wife of James M. Arnold, and died in Lucas county, January 3, 1893; Charles H., born July 30, 1825, resides in Marion county, and is one of its most prominent citizens, the town of Durham, having been named in his honor; Eliza J., born April 20, 1828, is the wife of D. D. Miller, a farmer of Marion county; Foster E., born July 22, 1830, in Morgan county, Ohio, died in Marion county, Iowa, June 4, 1892; Sarah A., born September 6, 1832, in Morgan county, Ohio, died in Marion county, Iowa in 1870; Hiram F., is the subject of this review; George W., born February 22, 1838, is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Lucas county, Iowa. Upon his arrival in this State, David Durham settled on a claim of the Black Hawk purchase in Jefferson county, and resided upon the farm for five years, during which time he lost his wife, who died April 13, 1839. She was a member of the Freewill Baptist Church, and her loss was deeply mourned by her family and many friends. Mr. Durham was a second time married, August 4, 1850, in Marion county, Iowa, his union being with Mrs. Joan Evertt Silvers, who died in that county May 8, 1873. While living in Ohio, David Durham operated extensive salt works. In Marion county he became the owner of a ferry on the Des Moines river, which he conducted for many years. In politics he was a Democrat and was honored by an appointment as Justice of the Peace by the Territorial Governor, Henry Dodge, of Wisconsin, for at that time Iowa was embraced within the boundaries of the Badger State. As an honored pioneer he was widely known, and in the history of Iowa bore a very important part in the early days. He passed away March 15, 1866, and a monument marks his last resting place in Eureka cemetery, of Clay township. H. F. Durham, whose name introduces this sketch, attended the public schools of Jefferson county and the subscription schools of Marion county, Iowa. D.T. Durham taught the first school in Clay township and was also the first Treasurer of Marion county. As a member of the Republican party he was sent to the State Legislature and was an important factor in molding the early policies of Iowa. The father was one of the first Commissioners of Marion county and located the county seat at Knoxville. His support of that contested point won him considerable opposition but neither fear nor favor could turn him from his course in support of what he believed to be right. H.F. Durham in his youth aided in operating the old ferry and to farm work largely devoted his time and attention. On the 10th of November, 1861, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Lee, a native of Indiana, and a daughter of John Lee. Four children have been born to them: William B., who was born in Marion County, August 28, 1862, and is now living on the home farm, in Belmont township, Warren county; Nancy Jane, who was born July 26, 1864, and is the wife of W. F. Neymer, a farmer of Adair county; Annie M., born December 15, 1865, is the wife of A. D. Talbott, a farmer of Belmont township; David R., who was born October 27, 1871, carries on agricultural pursuits on section 25, Belmont township.
On the last day of February, 1882, Mr. Durham came to Warren county, and has since lived at his pretty home on section 26, Belmont township. He owns 284 acres of rich land, and the fine farm is a monument to his enterprise and good business ability. His honorable dealing in all business transactions and his irreproachable character in private life have gained him the confidence and esteem of his large circle of warm friends and of the general public as well. He is now living retired at his home. The deserved reward of a well spent life is an honored retirement from business in which to enjoy the fruits of former toil. Today, after a useful business career, Mr. Durham is quietly living on his excellent farm, surrounded with the comfort that earnest labor has brought to him. In politics he has been a stalwart Democrat since casting his first presidential vote, for James Buchanan, and, though never seeking office, has served as Trustee of Belmont township, Warren county. He is also the secretary of the Warren County Farmers Mutual Fire & Lightning Insurance Association. Source: A Memorial and Biographical Record of Iowa, Lewis Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois, 1896, vol.1, p.282