John P Currier

John P. Currier. There is probably in all Monroe county no citizen who is held in higher regard than this gentleman, a well known farmer and grain dealer of Melrose. A well spent life has gained him the esteem of all, of young and old, rich and poor. The life record of such a man can not fail to prove of interest and it is with pleasure therefore that we present this sketch to our readers.

A native of the old Granite State, he was born in Rockingham county, New Hampshire, on the 19th of December, 1820, a son of George and Elizabeth (Pillsbury) Currier, both of whom were natives of Rockingham county. The father was a farmer by occupation, and on the old homestead there reared his four children, who in order of birth were named as follows: John P., of this sketch; Martha A., wife of James M. Goodwin, a resident of Haverhill, Massachusetts; Polly J., widow of Jeremiah W. Eaton, a resident of Lawrence, Massachusetts; and James M., who died leaving a wife and three children.

John P. Currier, whose name introduces this review, acquired his education in the State of his nativity, and there followed farming until 1838, when he turned his attention to railroading, and was thus engaged until 1856, working in various capacities—as contractor, civil engineer, etc. He was principally employed in the States of Maine and Kentucky, but a portion of his contracting was done in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Since 1856 he has been resident of Melrose Iowa, and is numbered among the honored pioneers of Monroe county. When he located here there was but one house in the town, and much of the surrounding land was still wild and uncultivated. He erected the first saw and grist mill in the western part of the county, but followed farming during the greater part of the time for about ten years. In 1866-7 he was engaged in constructing eight miles for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad in Monroe county, and when all the terms of the contract had been complied with and his task was completed he began dealing in grain¸ being the only grain dealer at this place. He now owns good elevators here and is the owner of 350 acres of land,--his possessions being the just reward of his own labors.

Mr. Currier has been twice married. In Massachusetts, May 24, 1849, he wedded Miss Martha A. cox, a native of the Bay State, born July 4, 1824. She died in Kentucky, July 11, 1853, leaving one son, George C., who was born April 12, 1850, and who resides in Malden, Massachusetts, where he is employed as city engineer. On the 24th of May, 1855, Mr. Currier led to the marriage altar Miss Lydia A. Prindle, and their union has been blessed with seven children: John F., who was born August 14, 1857, married Rilla Whaley, and resides in Monroe county; Ida, born October 17, 1859, died August 25, 1860; Eddie, born October 27, 1878, died the same day; Alice E., born December 14, 1868, died September 18, 1876; Charles A., born April 10, 1866, married Miss Maud Kinmoth, and living in Monroe county, Iowa; Elmer H., born November 24, 1870, is at home; and Mabel F., born March 27, 1880, is also under the parental roof.

Mr. and Mrs. Currier hold membership with the Methodist Church, and take an active interest in its work and upbuilding. In politics he is a Republican, and has served as County Surveyor. Following closely in the path of duty and right, his career, both and private, has been above reproach.