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         DARIUS KEY, a general farmer and stock-raiser, who is residing on section 3, Marshall Township, is an honored pioneer of Louisa County, of 1838. He was born in Montgomery County, Ind., July 16, 1833, and is a son of George and Rebecca (Minton) Key, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Pennsylvania. In early life George Key settled in the eastern part of Ohio, where his marriage was celebrated, but later removed to the western part of the same State, and afterward emigrated to Montgomery County, Ind., making his home in LaFayette. He was a blacksmith by trade, which he carried on in connection with farming.

Leaving his family in Indiana, Mr. Key, in 1836, came to Iowa, and made a claim of 240 acres of land on section 9, Marshall Township, where W. C. Hunt now lives. He remained during the summer, planting and harvesting a crop, after which he returned to his family, working at his trade in Indiana during the following winter. In the spring of 1837 he again came to Louisa County, raised another crop, and returned in the autumn. Having prepared a home for his family he brought them to this county in the spring of 1838. He was a pioneer of Ohio, Indiana and Iowa. He loved frontier life, and greatly enjoyed the hunting and other sports of pioneers. Wild game of all kinds was plentiful, and oftentimes he would start out with his gun in the early morning and return before breakfast with a fine deer. Though enjoying those sports he never let his pleasure interfere with his business, but gave his whole attention to his duties until they were completed. At one time he owned in Louisa County over 2,000 acres of land, which he secured by his own efforts.

Mr. Key was a man strong in his likes and dislikes, and if he pretended to be the friend of any one his friendship was indeed sincere. Never idle himself, he could not endure to see that failing in anyone else, but if a man showed himself to be industrious and willing to work, Mr. Key was ready to divide with him his last cent. This honored pioneer made his home in Louisa County until about the year 1861, when he went to Galveston, Tex., to visit his son Ambrose, and while there his death occurred. He and his wife were both devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, always taking an active part in the church work. They were the parents of sixteen children, and fifteen of that number grew to man and womanhood. Those now living are: Hannah, widow of Peter Ritter, and a resident of Michigan; Jane, widow of Edward Mincher, who now makes her home in Wapello, Iowa; Ambrose, a farmer residing near Kansas City; Hattie, wife of James Jones, a resident farmer of Southern Kansas; Alvin and Joseph. The mother died in 1860.

Darius Key, the subject of this sketch, came to Iowa with his parents in 1838, when about four years of age. He received his education in the log school-house so common in that day, with its puncheon floor, slab seats and huge fireplace. He has always been a close observer, and has gained much practical knowledge in later years. The life of Mr. Key has always been that of a farmer. He worked upon his father’s land until twenty-two years of age and in 1857 purchased of his father a 160-acre tract, for which he paid $800. This land was in an entirely uncultivated state, and covered with a thick growth of underbrush, but he immediately began to clear it, grubbing and plowing, often working until midnight. He has continued to make that farm his home.

On the 17th of April, 1860, Mr. Key was united in marriage with Maria Lyman, a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Charles and Evaline (Edgecomb) Lyman. She came to Iowa with her sister, and was a teacher in the public schools. Her father died in the spring of 1888, and her mother is yet a resident of Wapello. Mr. and Mrs. Key are . . .

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. . . the parents of seven children, though three died in infancy—Edward, Mary, and one unnamed. Those living are Nora, Bessie, Rebecca and Marion.

Mr. Key has ever been an active, energetic and progressive farmer, and by his industry and economy has added to his original purchase, until he now owns, in Marshall and Wapello Townships, 1,200 acres of land, all under a high state of cultivation. In connection with his farming interests he gives considerable attention to the raising of Polled-Angus cattle, and now owns sixty-three head; he also has a good grade of horses and hogs. His land is divided into three farms, which are among the best in the county. That upon which he resides comprises 360 acres, and contains all the improvements necessary to a well-regulated farm. He has always taken great interest in the promotion of any enterprise for the welfare of the community, has held various township offices, and is at present Treasurer of the School Board. He believes that the best educational advantages which can be provided should be obtained, and has given his children all good educations. He has ever identified himself with the Democratic party, but is not bitterly partisan, believing that each person has a right to his views. An ardent temperance man, he advocates the entire abolition of the liquor traffic. Candid in his opinions, plain and outspoken in his manner, honorable and upright in his dealings, during the fifty years of his residence in this county Mr. Key has won the entire confidence and respect of the community. We are pleased to record his sketch among those of the honored pioneers of Louisa County.