Dale, James M.

DALE, JOHNSON, TOWNSEND, DAVIS, DUNHAM, BUDD

Posted By: Mary H. Cochrane, Volunteer
Date: 6/29/2019 at 12:36:52

Biographical and Historical Record of Ringgold and Decatur Counties, Iowa, (Lewis Publishing Company (1887)), pp. 597-98:

"JAMES M. DALE, one of the old and honored pioneers of Decatur County, and a successful farmer and stock-raiser of Hamilton Township, where he lives on section 11, was born in Hamilton County, Indiana, July 12, 1820, a son of John and Rebecca (Johnson) Dale, the father having been a soldier in the war of 1812. They were married in Woodford County, Kentucky, and a few years later removed to Indiana. They were the parents of six children -- Fleming, James M., Mary Ann, Minerva, Ambrose Dudley and Meredith. Our subject was reared on a farm, receiving a limited education in the subscription schools of pioneer days. He was married at the age of twenty-four years, to Miss Eveline Townsend, of Hamilton County, a daughter of Peter Townsend, and to this union was born one child -- Calvin F., who died, aged three months. Mrs. Dale died two years after her marriage, and February 24, 1848, Mr. Dale was again married to Miss Barbara Davis, a native of Hamilton County, Indiana, who died March 10, 1856, leaving six children -- William J., Albert C., Mary E. (died July 12, 1876), John A., Samuel A. and James H. In 1855 Mr. Dale came to Iowa by team being on the way from May 19 till July 6. He was married to his present wife November 30, 1856, her name before marriage being Eunice Dunham. She was born in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Justice and Elizabeth (Budd) Dunham, the family coming to Decatur County, Iowa, in 1856. By his last marriage Mr. Dale has had seven children -- Joseph B., Laura Ann, Barbara, Sherman, Flora E., Willard and Ambrose Dudley, of whom Barbara was burned to death at the age of sixteen months. After coming to Decatur County Mr. Dale bought 240 acres of partially-improved land, where he has since lived. He has gradually added to his original purchase till his farm contains 580 acres of land, which is all well improved. He has a large two-story residence, and his barn and out-buildings are commodious and convenient. Mr. and Mrs. Dale are worthy and earnest members of the Missionary Baptist church. He is always active in the support of any movement calculated to promote the cause of education or religion, and has gained the confidence and esteem of all who know him."

(Submitted to the Decatur County GenWeb site by Christy Jay, email: Jaygenie@aol.com)