Derrough, John H.

DERROUGH

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 6/28/2021 at 23:51:29

History of Warren County, Iowa from Its Earliest Settlement to 1908, by Rev. W. C. Martin, Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois, 1908, p.618

JOHN H. DERROUGH
John H. Derrough, one of Warren County's prominent citizens, is a leading factor in financial circles, filling the position of cashier of the Warren County State Bank at Indianola. He was born in Brown County, Ohio, March 16 1847, and his parents, Gordon and Nancy (Dixon) Derrough, were natives of Adams and Brown Counties Ohio, respectively. The father was a farmer by occupation and was reared, educated and married in his native state. In 1856 he removed westward to Warren County, Iowa, traveling for six weeks with a party that had a train of nine wagons. He settled three miles west of Palmyra, where he engaged in the cultivation of a rented farm for one year and then removed to BelmontTownship, where he owned a farm upon which he lived several years. He spent his remaining days on his farm in Otter Township. He was born in the year 1817 and passed away in 1885. His political support was first given to the Whig party, while later he became a staunch advocate of the Republican Party. His family numbered nine children: Mary, the wife of William Silcott; Francis M.; Alice J., the wife of William C. Howe; John H. of this review; Mrs. Georgians Shaver; Jemima F., who married H. P. Spence and is now deceased; Sarah Ellen, who is now Mrs. Judkins; George W.; and William C., who o died in infancy.
In the public schools of Ohio John H. Derrough began his education and afterward attended Simpson College at Indianola. Much of his life has been devoted to educational work for he taught school for twenty terms. He proved both a capable instructor and disciplinarian and the interest of the schools of the locality was largely promoted through his efforts. Following his marriage he accepted a clerkship in a store at Hammondsburg. He was also employed in a similar manner at Milo and in 1882 removed to Indianola, where for four years he filled the position of deputy county clerk. He was clerk of the district court for six years and discharged the duties of both positions in a most prompt and capable manner. He afterward engaged in the furniture and undertaking business as senior partner of the firm of Derrough & Proudfoot but subsequently he sold his interests to J. H. Dyke. He next became assistant cashier in the Warren County State Bank and has been cashier since 1905, while he also is serving as one of its directors. During the years of his residence here, through his connection with official, mercantile and financial interests, he has maintained an unassailable reputation, enjoying to the fullest extent the confidence and good will of all with whom he has been associated.
On the 17th of October, 1874, Mr. Derrough was married to Miss Lue A. Kinsley, a native of Marion County, Indiana, and a daughter of Robert and Ruth (Hollingsworth) Kinsley, both of whom were natives of the Hoosier state. The father was a farmer by occupation and in 1856 came to Iowa, driving across the country and casting in his lot with the pioneer settlers who aided in reclaiming this region for the purpose of development and civilization. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kinsley were born nine children: Mrs. Derrough, George W., Robert L., John C., Eliza E., deceased; William F., deceased; Alwilda and Appolis, also deceased, and Melvin. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Derrough have been born six children, of whom four are now living: Fred 0., Nora E., Harry E., and Maude. Their second child, Roy, died at the age of four and one-half years and their last daughter, Nellie, is also deceased.
Mr. Derrough gives his political allegiance to the Republican Party but, while he is deeply interested in its success and has been faithful in the discharge of public duties he cannot be said to be a politician in the sense of office seeking. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons, Odd Fellows and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Long a resident of the county his life history is largely familiar to his fellow townsmen who find in his record naught that does not command re­spect and confidence, so that he is classed with the representative and valued citizens of the community.