Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1889

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album, Muscatine County, Iowa, 1889, page 486
MICHAEL G. RESLEY, is one of the well known citizens and early settlers of Muscatine County, who dates his residence in this community back to 1850, when his father, Henry Rensley, came with his family to Iowa. The father was born in Virginia on the 20th day of February, 1795, and was of German descent, though the family had lived in that State during several generations. In early life he learned the trade of milling, which he followed for a livelihood, but when the War of 1812 broke out he abandoned business pursuits and entered into military service. He was united in marriage with Esther Stalle, who was born near Hagerstown, Md., July 8, 1798, and they removed from Virginia to Knox County, Ohio, shortly after their marriage. In that county they were numbered among the pioneers, and there Mr. Resley in the midst of the forest, clearing away the timber, developed a farm, making it his home until the fall of 1850, when, in company with his family, he emigrated to Iowa. The winter following their arrival the family spent in the house of Nathaniel Tobin, in Goshen Township, and the succeeding spring removed to the farm, on which our subject now resides. Purchasing 146 acres of land the father engaged in its cultivation until his death, which occurred May 28, 1874, he surviving his wife several years, her death having occurred on the 9th of September, 1857.

They were the parents of seven children who grew to man and womanhood, all of whom are living with the exception of James, the eldest, who was killed in Ohio many years ago ; Michael is the second in order of birth ; Christie Ann is the widow of L. L. Ireland ; Esther Ann, is living on the old homestead with our subject ; Sarah, married Carlos Bratt, and now resides in California ; John, who served in the War of the Rebellion as a member of Company I, 11th Iowa Infantry, removed from this county to Polk County, where he resided until his removal to Dakota in 1883 ; Ellen wedded Dr. David Wesson, and is living in Cherokee County, Kan.

Michael G. Resley, our subject, who resides on section 8, Moscow Township, was born in Knox County, Ohio, Feb. 27, 1827. With his brother-in-law, L. L. Ireland, he emigrated to Muscatine County in 1849, being the first of the family to visit Iowa. Returning to his home the same year he made preparations toward permanently locating in the State, and in 1850, accompanied by his father's family, again came to this county, where he has since continued to reside. He is now the owner of a fine farm of 200 acres, together with a pleasant home, and with him resides his sister Esther.

Mr. Resley served his country as a soldier during the late war, gallantly fighting for the preservation of the Union. He was assigned to Co. I, of the 11th regimentof Iowa Volunteers, and with the command marched to Atlanta Ga., whence he proceeded with Sherman on the celebrated march to the sea. He took part in the grand review at Washington City, the greatest military pageant ever seen on the Western Continent, after which he returned to his home. Mr. Resley is one of the sunstantial and well-known citizens of Muscatine County, and is a worthy representative of the grand old pioneer element which is fast passing away. He is a supporter of the Republican party, and is a member of Atalissa Post, G.A.R. A portrait of this honored gentleman is given on another page.

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