For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 262
THOMAS McINTIRE. For fifty-five years a resident of Muscatine county and during a large part of that time a man of wide influence, Thomas McIntire, now deceased, assisted in a marked degree in the upbuilding of the county. At all times actuated by worthy principles, his name became a synonym for integrity and honor and is a heritage even more to be prized than riches. He was born in Holmes county, Ohio, February 13, 1833, and was a son of William and Eleanor (Aiken) McIntire. There were ten children in their family, one of whom is now living---Sarah, the wife of Isaac Shop, of Ohio. Those deceased are: Anne, John T., Mary A., James, Samuel, Jane, Thomas, Dorothy and William.Thomas McIntire was reared in Ohio and being an ambitious young man, came west at twenty-two years of age and took up his residence in Goshen township, Muscatine county, Iowa. Soon after his arrival he rented land near Atalissa and devoted his attention to farming with such energy that in 1860 he was able to purchase an unimproved tract of one hundred and sixty acres in Pike township. Having developed this land until it was capable of high cultivation, he disposed of it and in 1868 purchased four hundred acres of raw prairie in Goshen township, which he also proceeded to develop. As his means increased he bought more land until he acquired two hundred acres on section 29, Goshen township, and five hundred and twenty acres on section 30, Wapsinonoc township, making a total of seven hundred and twenty acres, which is now the family homestead and is one of the most productive farms in the region. Being a man of unusual energy and perseverance, Mr. McIntire was highly successful in his chosen calling, gaining a handsome fortune as the result of his good judgement and untiring industry and at the same time winning the respect of a host of friends in Muscatine county.
On July 10, 1857, Mr. McIntire was united in marriage to Miss Mary Parry, a daughter of David and Lydia (Hollingsworth) Parry, both of whom were natives of Delaware and became residents of Muscatine county. There were five children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Parry, namely: Phoebe H., now deceased; Mary, now Mrs. McIntire; Luellen, deceased; Sarah, of Keokuk, Iowa, who became the wife of Robert Jewett, now deceased; and John A., of Goshen township. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. McIntire: John T.; Caleb L.; Annie May, deceased; Abraham L.; Sarah Eleanor, the wife of Orrin Martin, of Muscatine county; Elmer; Thomas, Jr.; and Hannah L., now the wife of Melvin Brown, of Muscatine county.
Mr. McIntire was identified with the republican party whose principles he heartily espoused and as a patriotic citizen he assisted to the extent of his ability in forwarding the interests of its candidates. He was reared in the faith of the Presbyterian church but after going west never identified himself with any religious denomination, being friendly toward them all. He passed away March 21, 1910, having arrived at the venerable age of seventy-seven years. He was a man of many estimable qualities, entirely free from ostentation, generous in his friendships and willing at all times to assist those less fortunate than himself. He was a lover of his family, regarding no sacrifice too great if it added to the comfort of his wife or children. He will long be remembered not only as one of Muscatine county's most successful farmers, but also as a worthy representative of the early settlers who fearlessly braved the dangers and inconveniences of the wilderness in order to obtain a home, thus adding to the strength and stability of the state and nation.
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