Archibald McMULLEN, one of the oldest residents and a prominent citizen of Ringgold county, Iowa, for many years, was born May 18, 1822, in Coshocton county, Ohio, and was married in 1844 to Miss Susan McCLAIN, who was born in the same county, November 6, 1822. A sister of Mr. McMULLEN, Mrs. Margaret McBRIDE, lived about half a mile east of his place and die there at an early day. Her son, Charlie McBRIDE, lived with her. He also had another sister, Miss Rachel McMULLEN, who made her home with the family for some time, returning later to her former home in Ohio, where she died. And there was a brother, Alex McMULLEN, whose home was in Ohio. There may have been other brothers and sisters, but these were the only ones of whom we have any record.

Mr. and Mrs. McMULLEN were the parents of nine children. With their family they came to Ringgold county, Iowa in 1858, shortly after the county was organized, and located in Section 22, Monroe township, four miles north of where Kellerton now stands. The oxen as well as horses were used in hauling the heavy loads across the prairies to the new home. And for some time afterwards, the oxen were used in the work about the farm. In the course of time, the necessary buildings were erected, the virgin soil produced abundant crops, and the family prospered. Neighbors were few and far between, and the population of the entire county at that time was probably less than 2,000. For some time after coming here, their nearest trading point was Osceola, about 35 miles to the northeast, to which place they went by wagon to buy their dry goods, groceries, etc., and to have their grain ground into flour and meal. Having been reared to agricultural pursuits, they continued this business of farming and stock raising during their active life, and at one time were the owners of between 1,100 and 1,200 acres of Iowa land. In the pioneer days when lodging houses were far apart, travelers as well as neighbors always found a hearty welcome at the hospitable home of "Uncle Archie and Aunt Susan."

As the children grew to maturity, they left the old home place to establish homes of their own. One son, Levi C., never married, but remained with his parents and took charge of the work on the farm after his father became too old to look after it himself.

In December, 1898, the 240-acre home farm was sold and the family moved to Kellerton to spend their declining years and purchased a residence property in the north part of town. Early in January of the following year, Levi bought Charley POWERS' meat market, but was destined not to continue long in the business. About a year later he was taken sick, and died February 14, 1900. Three years later, Mr. and Mrs. McMULLEN left Kellerton to make their home with their daughter, Mrs. Abe ROBERTS, of near Ellston, where Mr. McMULLEN died September 6, 1907. Mrs. McMULLEN died in Tingley, in October or November, 1913. Both are buried in the Oliver Cemetery.

Submission by Bill Adams