Biographies
For
Muscatine County Iowa
1889



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album, Muscatine County, Iowa, 1889, page 498

HON. ELMUS. DAY, residing on section 23, Sweetland Township, has been a resident of Muscatune County since 1865. He is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Washington County, Nov. 23, 1821, and is ths son of Samuel and Hannah ( Cooper ) Day, who were natives of New Jersey. His father was engaged in milling in connection with farming until about 1841. On the old home-farm, Elmus grew to manhood, assisting in the farm work from the time he was old enough to follow the plow. On the 12th day of April he was united in marriage with Miss Rachel D. Conkey, a native of Greene Co., Pa., and a daughter of John and Mary Conkey. Their marriage was celebrated in Greene County, Pa. Six children were born of this union : Levisa M., born April 13, 1850, died May 3, 1853 ;Elizabeth A., born Jan, 22, 1852, became the wife of L. M. Mann, and now resides in Des Moines, Iowa ; John W., born August 12, 1854, is engaged in the retail grocery trade at Prescott, Iowa ; Hannah B., born Jan. 29, 1856, is now Mrs. James Gardner, and resides in Greene Co., Pa.; Alice J., born June 18, 1858, is at home ; Samuel M., born May 14, 1860, died July 22, 1888.

Mrs. Day was called to her final rest Jan.14, 1861. She was a good and true woman, a loving wife and mother, and her death was sincerely mourned by family and friends. Mr. Day was again married, the ceremony taking place Dec. 30, !862, Miss Susannah Kelley of Fayette County, Pa., becoming his wife. By this union three children were born : Laura F., born Nov. 12, 1863, died Sept. 19, 1864 ; Ida M., born Sept. 5, 1866, and George L., born March 23, 1870, are still at home.

Death once more entered this family, Mrs. Day dying March 23, 1870. While a resident of Sweetland Township but five short years, she yet endeared herself to many friends, who with the family hold her memory in tender affection.

On coming to this county. Mr. Day purchased the farm on which he yet resides, consisting of 350 acres of land which is under excellent cultivation, and which under his wise management has, almost without exception, each year yielded an abundant harvest.

Politically Mr. Day is a Democrat, who has from childhood advocated the principles of the party so ably enunciated by Jefferson, Jackson and Douglas. While not a politician, in the generally accepted use of that term, he has always manifested an interest in political matters, and on several occasions he has been called upon to fill local offices of honor and trust. In 1871, he received the nomination from his party for the office of Representative of the 14th General Assembly, and while at that time the county was overwhelmingly Republican, generally giving 700 to 800 majority for the candidate for that party, he entered upon the canvass and was elected by a small majority. In his own township, which usually gave a majority of ninety for the Republican ticket, he received a majority of eighteen over his opponent, showing that his personal popularity was very great among those who best knew him. No higher Testimonial of his honesty and integrity should be asked. During his term of service he carefully considered all questions that came before the House, and his course during that time received the highest approval of his constituents.

Religiously Mr. Day for thirty-two years has been identified with the Presbyterian Church, and almost from the beginning, he has served as an Elder. The cause of the Master finds in him one who is ever ready to do and to sacrifice for the good of the cause. As a citizen, he is modest and unassuming, and is held in the very highest respect by all with whom he has been brought in contact.


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