For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 724
JOHN D. NASH. John D. Nash will be remembered by his friends in Muscatine county as one of its substantial citizens, whose life was largely controlled by a desire to advance the comfort and happiness of others. He was actively connected with farming interests for nearly twenty-five years and in the midst of his usefulness was called away June 18, 1898, having then reached the age of forty-four years. He was born in Licking county, Ohio, April 7, 1854, a son of Isaac S. and Elizabeth (O'Neal) Nash. The father was a native of Vermont and the mother of Ohio. They came to Iowa in 1856 and Mr. Nash engaged actively in farming until his retirement at West Chester, Washington county. He departed this life July 3, 1901, his wife dying seven years later. They were the parents of five children, namely: Vincent B., now deceased; John D., our subject; one who died in infancy; Laura A., the wife of Anson Brinton, of Brighton, Washington county, Iowa; and Isaac N., of Florida.John D. Nash was brought to Iowa by his parents in his infancy. He grew to manhood in this state and was educated in the public schools, continuing at home until he was twenty-three years of age. After teaching school for one year he began farming and subsequently purchased one hundred and twenty acres, upon which he established his home, and when his resources permitted bought sixty acres of timber land. He was industrious and enterprising, applying himself with an intelligence and zeal that enabled him to accomplish successfully whatever he undertook. He made a close study of his work and conducted his affairs on practical principles, acquiring a competence and building up an enviable reputation as a first-class farmer. After his death his widow continued to live upon the farm for ten years. She then purchased a commodious residence in Nichols, where she has since made her home.
The marriage of Mr. Nash was celebrated August 5, 1877, the lady of his choice being Miss Ida O. Brockway, a native of Muscatine county and a daughter of Albert J. and Mary (Nichols) Brockway. The father came from Pennsylvania to Muscatine county and began farming here in 1844. He was highly successful, becoming the owner of six hundred acres of well improved land. He was married December 7, 1856, to Miss Mary E. Nichols, by whom he had two children, Myrten W. and Ida O., now Mrs. Nash. His first wife died March 19, 1861, and on the 4th of June, 1863, he married Elizabeth Nichols. Of the children born of this union, four are now living: Allie M., the wife of Marion Parmelee, of Montana; Alice G., the wife of Charles McCormick, of Columbus Junction, Iowa; Marcus L., now living on the old homestead; and Laura B., who married Glenn Eberly, of Letts, Iowa.
Twelve children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Nash, nine of whom are now living: Laura I., a fine scholar, who taught school for eight years and is the possessor of unusual musical talent; Leroy M., who received a high-school education and is now living on the old homestead; Albert J., of Nichols, also educated in the high school; Frederick A., who is pursuing a course in dentistry at the State University; Edgar Newton, a graduate of the high school, now at home; Mary A., also at home and a graduate of the high school; and John V., Reuben Nichols and Ila Olive, all attending the high school.
Mr. Nash was a stanch friend of education, as is Mrs. Nash, the truth of the statement being proven by the excellent advantages given their children, who have shown unusual capacity in their studies. The family is identified with the Methodist Episcopal church and works actively in its behalf. Mr. Nash was a valued member of the Masonic lodge and camp of Modern Woodmen of America at Nichols and the Odd Fellows lodge at West Liberty, Iowa. He had many friends in those organizations and also throughout the region where he lived and labored until the last summons came. Mrs. Nash is a lady of many estimable qualities and presides over a home that is a center of hospitality and good-will.
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