John P.
Brookshier, a courageous veteran of the Civil
War and well known citizen of Clayton County, Iowa, was
born in Clark County, Ky., November 12, 1836. He is the
son of William and Judy (Louis) Brookshier, who were also
natives of Clark County. The father was born in 1799 and
departed this life in 1839. The mother of our subject was
born in 1797, and passed away in 1861. They were the
parents of six children, Elizabeth, Cradock, John P. (
our subject ), Clearcy, Martha and Mary. The father of
our subject was a prominent farmer of Kentucky, where he
made his home until his death, which was caused by
accidental drowning. The mother of John P. emigrated to
Clayton County, Iowa, where she remained until her death,
making her home with her brother.
Our subject was cast out into the world to “paddle
his own canoe” at a very early age. He chose the
occupation of farmer, working early and late, in seed
time and harvest, and grew up a thoroughly practical
farmer, well versed in every duty of farm life. In 1861
he enlisted in Company E, Forty-first Regiment of
Kentucky Volunteers. For two years he was a brave and
faithful soldier, but in battle he received a serious
wound which disabled him from further duty, and in 1863
was honorably discharged. He then came to Clayton County,
Iowa, and purchased a small farm consisting of forty
acres of land, on which he built a log cabin and settled
down to his old occupation of farming. He has become very
successful in this occupation and now owns two hundred
and fifteen acres of land. He has a fine farm, plenty of
stock and all the latest improved machinery.
December 9, 1863, Mr. Brookshier was united in marriage
with Miss Mary Andrews. She was born in 1837 and was one
of twelve children, of whom William and Ruth Andrews were
the parents. The latter were natives of England and
emigrated to America in 1830. Our subject and wife are
the parents of six children: William, who is Township
Clerk, Carrie B., Minnie, Ida M., Mamie and Stella, four
of whom are deceased. Mr. Brookshier intends giving his
two remaining children a first-class education
He and his estimable wife are valued members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, and are ever ready to aid in
the good work and enterprises of their denomination.
Politically he is a staunch Republican. He has filled
many offices of honor and trust, serving as Constable and
Supervisor for a number of years. He is very intelligent
and clever and is proud of his old Kentucky home and the
scar which he received in the late Civil War. He has by a
life of strict integrity and faithful attention to duty
won the confidence of all who know him.
~source: Portrait and Biographical Record
of Dubuque, Jones and Clayton Counties; Chicago: Chapman
Pub. Co., 1894; pg 448
~transcribed by Suzanne Terrell
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