Burgess, Joseph A.

BURGESS

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 6/28/2021 at 23:12:00

History of Warren County, Iowa from Its Earliest Settlement to 1908, by Rev. W. C. Martin, Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois, 1908, p.963

JOSEPH A. BURGESS
Joseph A. Burgess, successfully conducting a general mercantile store at Medora, Warren County, was born in Ackworth, Warren County, Iowa, October 10, 1859. His father, Samuel Burgess, born in Ohio, September 18, 1819, was married in that state, and in 1857 came to Iowa locating at Palmyra, Warren County. He was a gunsmith by trade but in 1869 or 1870 engaged in merchan­dising at Sandyville, removing the store to Ackworth in 1873. In 1886 he became connected with the mercantile interests of Medora and thus continued as an active factor in business circles until the time of his death, which there occurred on the 2d of December, 1902. Owing to his straightforward deal­ing, reasonable prices and well selected line of goods, he met with a gratify­ing measure of success and was recognized as a man of good business ability and keen discrimination. He was originally a Quaker but later became identified with the Methodist Church. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary E. Irion, was born in Ohio, September 24, 1837, and still makes her home in Medora, but at present is on a visit to Oregon. She became the mother of seven children, six of whom still survive: Frances, who resides with her mother in Medora; Joseph A., of this review; J. P., of Medora; Arthur, a graduate of the Iowa City Medical College, who is now practicing medicine at Iowa Falls; C. E., the wife of E. C. Armstrong, of Salem, Oregon; T. F., also of Medora ; and one who died in childhood.
Joseph A. Burgess has spent his entire life in Warren County and since 1890 has conducted his present mercantile enterprise, being a partner of his father until the latter's death, since which time he has been alone in business. He possesses untiring energy, is quick of perception, forms his plans readily and is determined in their execution, and his close application to business and his excellent management have brought to him the prosperity which he now enjoys.
At Ackworth occurred the marriage of Mr. Burgess and Miss H. E. Hayworth, a native of that place and a daughter of Jeremiah and Elizabeth (Ginder) Hayworth, both deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Burgess were born two children who died in infancy.
In his political views Mr. Burgess is a staunch Republican and for two terms has served as township clerk. He was likewise postmaster of Medora until four years ago, when the rural free delivery caused the office to be discon­tinued. Both he and his wife are devoted and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is serving as trustee. Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America, and during his residence here of almost a half century he has gained an extensive circle of warm friends, who esteem him for his commendable personal traits of character as well as for his success as a business man.