LOUISA COUNTY, IOWA

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MOSES R. MCKEAN

Transcribed by Beverly Gerdts, submitted June 13, 2017

        Moses R. McKean, one of the self-made men of Louisa county, was born in White county, Indiana, January 28, 1838, and was the third in a family of four children born to James and Susanna (Beauchamp) McKean, the father a native of Maryland, and the mother of Ohio. The paternal grandfather served as a soldier during the War of 1812.

        When seven years of age, James McKean became a resident of Ohio, in which state he became acquainted with and married Susan Beauchamp. In the fall of 1852, he immigrated to Iowa, locating in Iowa City. In the fall of 1865, he came to Louisa county. He settled in section 16, Oakland township where he purchased a farm, making it his home until his death, which occurred April 26, 1879, at the age of eighty-one years. He died from the effects of an injury received from being thrown from a buggy by a run-away team. Mrs. McKean died in February, 1884, at the age of seventy-nine years.

        Moses R. came west with his parents and attended school in Henry county, and later moved to Muscatine county, where he remained for two years.

        On December 27, 1857, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Swank. The young couple began domestic life on a farm in Henry county, but in 1865 moved to Muscatine county, where he made his home for three years, then came to Louisa county, and purchased a farm of 110 acres, upon which was a little log cabin. By his industry and enterprise he soon had 309 acres of fine land, situated on either side of the Iowa river.

        To Mr. and Mrs. McKean were born seven children: Mrs. Jennie Morse, Joseph Albert, Francis Edward, Anna E., (Corbett), William H., Mary Susanna, and Charley Rush.

        Mr. McKean was greatly interested in political affairs, and a strong supporter of the republican party. He assisted in organizing the school districts in his township, for nine years served as school director, and always did everything in his power to advance the cause of education.

        He also served as township trustee for several years, proving an efficient officer,. He witnessed almost the entire growth of both Muscatine and Louisa counties. He saw the wild, uncultivated prairies transformed into beautiful farms and Indian wigwams replaced by fine residences. At the time of his arrival in Louisa county, his nearest market place was Muscatine or Iowa city. There were no railroads to carry produce, and Mr. McKean's mother did the spinning and weaving for the family.

        Francis Edward spent some time in Fredonia. He was united in marriage to Bertha Tucker, daughter of James tucker, and they were the parents of seven children. Elsie, the wife of...

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... Charley Peters, both have passed on; Ralph, was united in marriage to Virgie Fox, and are living in Phoenix, Arizona; Blanche McGreer, resides in Davenport, Iowa; Edwin, whose wife was Ora Shaw, resides near Wapello; Ora passed away in 1955; Lela became the wife of Max Fisher and has passed on; Nela became the wife of Earnest (Jack) Drake and lives in Fredonia and operates the Kingsberry Inn; Marie McKasson resides in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

        Nela Drake is one of our loyal citizens, and has befriended all who seek her aid. She gives generously to our church and local projects. She has been in poor health for some time, but is ever pleasant and a thoroughly likable person.

        She relates a story her mother told her. When a small girl she passed a large elm tree each day, to and from school. She thought it the most beautiful tree she ever saw, and always remarked that when she married, she would marry some one who would build a home by that tree, and that dream came true. Mr. McKean did build a home there.