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W.H. Durin

W. H. Durin, a prominent business man of Brush Creek, dealer in stock, lumber, and grain, was born in Lee County, Ill., August 7, 1857, and is a son of G. E. Durin, a native of Vermont. The family is of English descent and was established in America at an early day. The father of our subject learned the trade of wagon making and when about thirty years of age emigrated westward, locating in Lee County, Ill., during the pioneer days of that State, where he has resided for more than forty years. In Lee County, he was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Norris, who went to that county when a maiden of seven years and has there made her home for a half century. After coming west, Mr. Durin embarked in farming, which occupation he followed until 1876, when he sold his land and removed to the town of Steward, Ill., where he has since lived in retirement enjoying a competence acquired by a successful business life through an honorable career. In manner he is quiet and unassuming but a valued citizen, and though he does not take an active part in political affairs he has been a warm supporter of Republican principles since the foundation of the party. Unto G. E. and Catherine Durin were born three children, two of whom are yet living - Mary died at the age of seven years; W. H. is the second in order of birth; and James M. resides at home where he is engaged in the practice of medicine. He was educated and graduated from from the High School of Rochelle, Ill., and was also graduated from Hahnemann Medical College, of Chicago.

The subject of this sketch spent the days of his boyhood and youth upon his father's farm in Lee County, and supplemented his early education, acquired in the district schools, by a three years course in the Rochelle High School. On the completion of his literary training in 1876, he came to Iowa, locating in Cedar Rapids, where for a year and a half he was in the employ of his cousin, who dealt in agricultural implements at that place. In 1878, he came to Brush Creek and for two years had charge of the yard of the Dubuque Lumber Company. When he had mastered the business and laid by some capital, he bought out his employers in 1880, and has since carried on operations under his own name. He has also dealt in grain since 1884 and does a business in these lines of $25,000 annually.

In 1880, Mr. Durin was united in marriage with Miss Edith M. Little, the wedding being celebrated in this place. The lady was born and reared in Brush Creek and is a daughter of B. F. Little, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. Unto them have been born one child, a son Alfred E., who is nine years of age. Socially, Mr. Durin is a member of Alpha Lodge, No. 157, K. P., and politically is an active supporter of the Republican party. Though not an office seeker he has filled the position of township trustee and was elected Mayor of Brush Creek for three consecutive years, ending in March, 1888. He proved himself a capable and faithful official and is an enterprising business man, successful, energetic and public spirited.