John Randall

RANDALL

Posted By: Gordon Felland (email)
Date: 3/5/2008 at 10:06:51

John Randall was born Feb. 19, 1839, in Orkney Islands, Scotland. In 1858 he came to America. Landing at Quebec, he proceeded at once to Worth Co., Iowa. He made this his home until enlisting in company B., 32d Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He was wounded and taken prisoner of war at the battle of Pleasant Hill, Louisiana. April 9, 1864. A musket ball struck him below the knee. He was in several severe battles. He was honorably discharged, July 10, 1865, at Davenport, Iowa. He returned to Hartland township and commenced improving a farm of 160 acres he bought at the close of the war, boarding with his parents until 1871. He taught school for eight months after his discharge. He married Almeda Overholt, of Allamakee county, Feb. 25, 1871. She was born in Eastwood, Canada West, June 13, 1850. They have two children— McKercher J., born May 17, 1872, and Claus J., born Oct. 4, 1882. They are members of the Presbyterian Church. In September, 1873, they moved to Hamilton Co., Neb., and were among the first settlers. He remained six years, engaged in farming and stock raising. During that time he experienced two grasshopper raids and all difficulties incident to pioneer life. Possessing a farm in Worth county, he returned to it in 1879. He has 160 acres on section 18, Hartland township, all well improved and stocked. He is an energetic, enterprising farmer. He is building a line residence, which he expects to make his future home.

Source: History of Mitchell and Worth Counties, Iowa, 1883, page 791.