West Liberty History 1838-1938

Source: One Hundred Years of History
* Commemorating a Century of Progress in the West Liberty Community * WEST LIBERTY, IOWA
THOMAS BIRKETT

Thomas Birkett, son of Robert and Mary ( Sailor ) Brikett, a pioneer of the South Prairie community, was born in Lancanshire, England in 1829. He came to the United States in 1850 and was employed as a dry goods clerk in New York and Philadelphia until 1852 when, attracted by the possibilities of the California gold fields, he declined an offer of a government position as auditor for the army post at Columbus, Ohio, and went to the Pacific coast by way of the Isthmus of Panama, crossing the Isthmus on foot. He mined for gold with success for three years and while in California he heard of a rich farming country called Iowa. Returning to the east he stopped at Fort Des Moines and Iowa City, then the capitol, and purchased land one mile south of the old state road and four miles west of West Liberty for $10.00 per acre.

He was married in New Jersey in 1856 to Miss Lucy Hargraves and they established a home on this farm, building a small house and prairie stables, the latter covered with prairie grass. They had two children, Charles E., deceased, and Lucy M. ( Mrs. J. I. Nichols ) West Liberty. Mrs. Birkett died Apr. 1, 1859 and hers was the first burial in Oakridge cemetery, West Liberty.

In 1861 Mr. Birkett married Miss Susannah Hargraves and the home was continued on the farm until 1895 when they retired to West Liberty. Mrs. Birkette died Mar. 4, 1896. They were the parents of seven children, Lila, ( Mrs. Ed Fitzgerald ), West Liberty ; Edith (Mrs. Charles Mosher) deceased; Leslie, Deceased; Bertha ( Mrs. Walter Mosher ) West Liberty; Vincent H., West Liberty; Lindley L., West Liberty ; Fred T., deceased.

Mr. Birkett held many offices of trust and responsibility in the community and county, serving as County Commissioner ( Supervisor ) from 1875 to 1883, serving as chairman six of these years. He was President of the Peoples State Bank; also an active supporter of the West Liberty Fair, and his advice and counsel were sought by younger men in his declining years.

At the present time there are 75 children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren living, mostly in the West Liberty community.

He passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Walter Mosher, in West Liberty, Dec. 6, 1920 at the age of 91 years.

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