D. W. McCOSKEY

D. W. McCroskey, one of the substantial agriculturists and representative citizens of Cedar county, Iowa, is a native of Ohio, born November 6, 1839, in Clark county, five miles southwest of Springfield. His parents were Joseph and Christiana (Anderson) McCroskey, both of whom were born in Rockbridge county, Virginia, the former on the 7th of June, 1806, and the latter March 10, 1810. They were reared and educated in their native state, remaining there until after their marriage, and in 1830 they removed to Ohio, where they made their home for seventeen years. It was on the 27th of September, 1847, that they arrived in Cedar county, Iowa, which continued to be their home throughout the remainder of their lives. Here the father purchased land for six dollars an acre and from time to time added to this property as his financial resources increased until he owned five hundred and ten acres of very valuable land. He was a hard-working and energetic man and to his own unaided efforts was attributed his success. He died on the old homestead, September 11, 1865, and his wife passed away on the 28th of January, 1880. Unto this worthy couple were born the following children: Mary, the wife of Harvey Leach; Martha, the wife of William Kyle; Robert; Joseph, who died in childhood in Ohio; Esterline; Aaron, who was killed at the age of sixteen years; D. W., of this review, who is the only one of the family now living; William, who died at the age of sixteen years; Harvey, who died at the age of four years, and John, deceased. Three of the sons and two of the daughters lived to maturity and were married. During the Civil war Robert enlisted from Cedar county in the Twenty-fourth Iowa Regiment and was taken ill at Memphis after two years’ service and died in the hospital at St. Louis, leaving a widow but no children.

D. W. McCroskey spent the first eight years of his life in his native state and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Cedar county, Iowa. They traveled across the country and were three weeks in making the trip. Arriving in this state, they located on the farm where our subject now resides and here he has made his home continuously since. When old enough to be of any assistance he began to aid in the work of the farm and as time passed he became thoroughly familiar with the duties which fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He eventually came into possessionof the old homestead, comprising five hundred and ten acres, but has since disposed of some of this and now owns two hundred and twelve and one-half acres on section 21, Center township. He still occupies the residence erected by his father but has made many improvements on the place, which is today known as the “Blue Grass Stock Farm,” In connection with general farming he devotes considerable attention to the raising of roan shorthorn cattle and Poland China and Duroc Jersey hogs. He also raises peacocks and pea hens, of which he has a large flock, and at one time gave considerable attention to the raising of fine horses but at present is not interested in that business.

On the 1st of November, 1859, Mr. McCroskey was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Gay, who was born in Virginia, December 14, 1835, and came with her parents, George and Susan Gay, to this state in early life. She died on the 13th of May, 1888. Of the five children born of this union: William is now a resident of Center township; Eva L. died at the age of three years; Andrew H., who was born February 8, 1868, died at the age of one year; Lucy C. is the wife of Charles Wright, of Atalissa, Iowa, and George W. is a resident of Rochester township, this county.

Mr. McCroskey was again married October 25, 1888, his second union being with Hattie L. McQuillen, whose birth occurred in Inland township, this county, October 20, 1864, her parents being Cyrus and Susan (Pentico) McQuillen who were early settlers of this locality, coming here from Pennsylvania. Her father, who was born October 8, 1832 died April 17, 1875, but her mother is still living, and resides on the old home farm. Mr. McCroskey’s second marriage has been blessed by two children, namely; Pyra Ethellinn and Harry E., both at home.

By his ballot Mr. McCroskey supports the men and measures of the democratic party, which has always found in him a stanch supporter of its principles. He has been called upon to fill various township and school offices, the duties of which he has most faithfully and conscientiously performed. He is one of the leading citizens of his community and is a man honored and esteemed wherever known.