George Menagh
George Menagh, one of the most prosperous, enterprising and respected citizens of Denison, conducts an extensive business as a general merchant and miller. He is a native of County Down, Ireland, his parents being Hugh and Ann Menagh, who were likewise born in that country.
The father, who was employed as an engineer by the Northern Counties Railroad in Ireland, crossed the Atlantic to the Untied States in 1869, coming direct to Denison, Iowa. On arriving in this county he turned his attention to farming in East Boyer township, first purchasing a tract of eighty acres and later buying forty acres more. It was all raw prairie when it came into his possession, but he set resolutely to work and soon transformed the property into a rich and productive farm.
Since about 1882 he has made his home in Denison, being one of the well known and highly esteemed residents of the community. His wife was called to her final rest in August, 1902. They were Baptists in early life but later joined the Holiness Band. Unto them were born five children, as follows: George, of this review; Charles; Anna, the wife of A D Randall; Hugh; and Sarah, the widow of a Mr Chesney.
George Menagh spent the first seventeen years of his life in the land of his nativity and there acquired his education. After putting aside his text-books he worked for some time as a cabinet maker but after emigrating to the new wold became identified with general agricultural pursuits, following farming in Crawford county, Iowa, until 1880. In that year he took up his abode in Denison but continued breaking prairie for the farmers of the vicinity.
In 1883 he began buying grain in association with his brother Charles, the partnership being maintained for several years or until he purchased his brother's interest. He still deals in grain, coal, hay and all kinds of mill feeds and enjoys an extensive trade along those lines.
On the 2d of July, 1903, he established a grocery business in Denison, which he has developed into a general store, opening on two streets and having both south and west fronts. He manufactures harness and sells dry goods, meats, groceries and notions. His sons and daughter are associated with him in business and assist in the conduct of the extensive establishment, in which a large number of clerks are employed.
Mr Menagh was united in marriage to Miss Isabella Henderson, a native of County Antrim, Ireland. Her father died when she was an infant and her mother when she was fourteen years old, leaving her an orphan living with her uncle Thomas Luney.
Unto our subject and his wife were born four sons and one daughter, namely: Elizabeth; Charles William, who wedded Miss Sadie Bohart and has one son, George; James; David; and John.
Mr Menagh gives his political allegiance to the republican party, believing that its principles are most conducive to good government. Throughout his business life he has been watchful of indications pointing to success, has utilized his opportunities to the best advantage and has been upright and honorable in all his dealings. Though born across the water, he is throughly American in spirit and interests and the town of Denison numbers him among its leading and valued residents.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.
Submitted by Norm Prince