For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 728
JAMES C. BLACK....Among the substantial farmers of Muscatine county should be named James C. Black, who has passed his entire life in the county and from his earliest recollection has been identified with the interests of this section. Born in Goshen township, May 11, 1855, he is a son of Arthur and Adaline ( Anderson ) Black, the former of whom was born in Lexington, Kentucky and the latter in Virginia. They were married in this state and soon afterward settled on a farm in Goshen township, upon which they continued for the remainder of their lives. The father died March 22, 1893. He was a thoroughly competent farmer and acquired three hundred and twenty acres of land, which he cultivated to excellent advantage. Four children were born to him and his wife, namely : Marcellus, who died at the age of nine years ; James C., the subject of this review ; George W., of Muscatine county ; Margaret J., now the wife of L. R. Moore, who is living retired at Muscatine.James C. Black acquired his education in the district schools and was reared amidst environment which may be truly regarded as the most favorable that could be desired for an aspiring young man. He remained with his parents until their deaths and then took charge of the homestead, which he cultivated for thirteen years, when he came into possession of one-half of the place. He remained upon his farm until 1907 and then purchased a handsome residence in West Liberty, where he is now living in the enjoyment of a well earned and honorable retirement. By good management in the beginning of his business career and also by making a wise use of opportunities, he, years ago, became recognized as one of the substantial men of the county, and by his honorable business career he has set an example that is well worthy of imitation by young men who desire to gain the respect of those with whom they are associated.
On January 31, 1894, Mr. Black was united in marriage to Miss Isabel Moore, born in Jefferson county, Ohio, November 22, 1863, a daughter of Alexander and Roseanna ( Calhoun ) Moore, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Pennsylvania. They were married in the Keystone state and subsequently lived a short time in Ohio, then coming to Cedar county, Iowa, and later to Muscatine county. After a short experience in the mercantile business, Mr. Moore removed to a farm in Goshen township, which he rented for eight years. Byhis industry and perseverance he acquired the capital necessary to purchase eighty acres, which he cultivated until his retirement and removal to Atalissa in 1888. To Mr. and Mrs. Moore seven children were born, namely ; Mary Alice, now of West Liberty ; Amanda and Ellen, twins, the former now the wife of William Bilby of Oklahoma, and the latter now Mrs. James Henderson of Wayne county,Iowa ; Lydia Ann, the wife of Charles C. Croxen of Atalissa ; Isabel, now Mrs James C. Black ; Adaline, who died at the age of twenty-four years ; and George A., of West Liberty. One child Arthur A., has come to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Black. He was born November 30, 1895, and is now a student in the West Liberty high school.
Politically Mr. Black is identified with the democratic party and fraternally he is a valued member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge of West Liberty. He and his family attend the Presbyterian church. He has been successful from the beginning of his business career, not having been obliged to pass through the fluctuations of fortune that fall to the lot of the majority of men. He possesses soundjudgment, a genial disposition, and many other qualities that attract friends and is greatly esteemed by young and old in a section where his life has been as an open book for over half a century.
Back to Biographical Index Page