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         JAMES TURKINGTON, a farmer residing on section 10, Concord Township, was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1846. His parents, James and Margaret Ann (Courtney) Turkington, who were natives of Ireland, had a family of five children, of whom he was the youngest. His father was a farmer by occupation, and died in Ireland when our subject was about two years of age. In 1855 James came with his mother to America, they making the trip in a sailing-vessel, starting from Liverpool, and were forty-five days on the water. After landing at New York, he came directly to Louisa County, settling on the same section where he yet resides. His mother, who is now seventy-six years of age, still finds with him a happy home, and two brothers and two sisters of the family are also living in this country: Eliza, now Mrs. Reany; Sarah, wife of Samuel Reany, a resident of Concord Township; Christopher, who resides in Elm Grove Township; and Samuel, whose home is in Washington County. James was reared to farm life, and received his education in the district schools of Louisa County. In 1874, in Muscatine County, Iowa, he was united in marriage with Caroline Melissa Griffin, who was born in that county, and is a daughter of Henry and Emily (Garrett) Griffin, the former a native of New York and the latter of Kentucky. Her paternal grandparents were also natives of New York. Henry S. Griffin was a Corporal in Company C, 4th Indiana Infantry, under command of Capt. M. L. Payne, during the war with Mexico. He was enrolled May 8, 1847, and discharged July 20, 1848. For his services in that war he now receives a pension from the General Government. With his family he emigrated to Iowa at an early day, and here engaged in farming. He had also learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner, and worked at cabinet-making for several years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Griffin are yet living, and reside in Cedar Township, Muscatine County, Mr. Griffin being sixty-three years of age.

After his marriage Mr. Turkington brought his young bride to the home in which they yet reside. He is now the owner of a fine farm on section 10, Concord Township, comprising 203 acres of land, and also has some timber land in Muscatine County. His land is highly cultivated, and in 1882 he built a good residence, and his barns and out-buildings are all built on the most convenient plan. He raises considerable stock, which is all of a good grade, raising Durham cattle and Clyde horses. He has one stallion, “Prince of Lester Path,” which cost $1,800, and took the first prize at the Iowa State Fair. He also raises brood mares, and intends making a specialty of raising colts for the market, having already sold some very fine ones, one colt having brought $600. Mr. Turkington takes great interest in political affairs, and casts his ballot for the Republican party. He has served as Township Trustee, and has held other offices of public trust. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at Fredonia, in which he has served as Trustee and Steward.

Mr. and Mrs. Turkington are the parents of four children—Samuel H., Edward Clyde, Effie Bell and Nellie May, all at home. Mr. Turkington has given his children all good educational advantages, such as will fit them for the practical duties of life. His home is centrally situated, about four miles . . .

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. . . from Columbus Junction, five miles from Letts, and three miles from Fredonia. He is practically a self-made man. Commencing life without financial aid, he has by industry, frugality and good management, secured a comfortable competency, and is one of the respected citizens of the township.