Pg 203

         OLIVER P. MICKEY, one of the prominent and well-to-do farmers, and an honored pioneer of Louisa County, residing on section 26, Wapello Township, was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., Dec. 13, 1822, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Gearhart) Mickey. His father was born in Westmoreland County, and his mother in Lancaster County, but their marriage was celebrated in the former. To them was born a family of four children: Olive P., of this sketch; Mary, wife of Benjamin Custer, died in 1885, but Mr. Custer is still living in Custer, Washington Co., Iowa; Jane, who wedded John Esly, and after his death married a Mr. Farmer, who is now living in Washington County, Iowa; John is now living in Osceola, Polk Co., Neb. Mr. Mickey was a man of more than ordinary ability, and in political sentiment was a Democrat. He learned the trade of a hatter, and did an extensive business in that line in his day. He died in 1830, and shortly after Mrs. Mickey removed with her family to the West, and died in Henry County, Iowa, in 1882. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church, a kind friend and neighbor, a loving wife and mother, and a sincere Christian lady.

The boyhood days of our subject were spent in his native State, where he received his education in the common schools, and at the age of fourteen he went to Shelbyville, Ind., where he resided until 1836, when he came to Iowa, making his home with his uncle, Stephen Gearhart, for nine years. In the autumn of 1844 he wedded Miss Betsy Davison, a sister of Mark Davison, and a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1825. After his marriage Mr. Mickey settled upon a farm in Des Moines County, and there engaged in its cultivation until 1847, when he removed to Louisa County, renting the farm were David Dotson now lives. The following year he purchased land on section 26, Wapello Township, began its improvement, and for forty years has there continued to reside. The pioneer home was gladdened by the presence of nine children, namely: John, who became a soldier in the late Rebellion, serving two and one-half years as a member of the 8th Iowa Cavalry, and is now living in Polk County, Neb.; George, who died in Polk county; Adeline, wife of Leander Blake, of Des Moines County, Iowa; Albert P., who is living in Polk County, Neb.; Weston, who died in childhood; Bazzle, a resident farmer of Louisa County; Thomas, who was drowned in the Iowa River when twenty-two years of age; Iona, wife of Isaac Jamison; and William who is at home.

On coming to this county Mr. Mickey was in limited circumstances, but by hard labor, economical living and fair dealing, he has gained a com- . . .

Pg 204

. . . fortable property, and his fine farm, consisting of 288 acres of well-cultivated land, is one of the best in the township. In politics, in early life, he was a Democrat, but when Abraham Lincoln was the candidate of the Republican party for the second time, he cast his vote for him, and has since been a firm supporter of the Republican party, though is not what could be termed a politician, as he has never sought for or desired public office. He and his wife are members of the Protestant Methodist Church, of Wapello Township, and are numbered among the honored pioneers of Louisa County. For over half a century Mr. Mickey has made his home in this great commonwealth, during which time he has gained the good-will, love and esteem of a large circle of friends and acquaintances.