1914 Delaware County History pgs. 222-225
Irvin A. McGee
Irvin A.
McGee was a prominent and successful farmer and large landowner of Delaware township,
and his life, with the exception of seven years passed in New Hartford, was
spent in Delaware county. He was born on a farm in Coffins Grove township, January 21, 1863, a son of Isaac and Sarah (Smart)
McGee. The father was a native of Canada, and the mother, who was a native
of Ireland, emigrated to the Province of
Ontario, Canada, with her parents when she was an infant, and it was in the
latter country that she met and married Isaac McGee.
In 1855 the
family home was established upon a farm in Coffins Grove township, Delaware county, Iowa, and here the father was identified
with farming throughout the remainder of his active life. Both he and his wife
passed away on the farm which was so long their home, the father having reached
the very advanced age of over ninety-one years. Their family numbered ten
children, but only two of the number are now living.
Irvin A.
McGee was reared to manhood on the old homestead and obtained his education in
the district school near his father's home. On starting out upon an independent
business venture he chose the occupation to which he had been reared, and which
he followed until ill health compelled his retirement from active business. He
was ever interested in the progress of his locality along agricultural lines
and did not a little
toward the improvement of conditions in his section.
Mr. McGee
was married on the 24th of February, 1886, to Miss Clara V. Harris, who was
born in Illinois, a daughter of Charles and Betsey (Sheldon) Harris, who
were likewise natives of Illinois, but they came to Delaware county in
1866, locating in Manchester, where both passed away. In their
family were seven children. To Mr. and Mrs. McGee were born three daughters and
one son: Bessie M., who is the wife of Harold Dunham and has one child, Jean
Elizabeth; Mildred H., Eleanor M. and Guy Harris, all three at home.
Mr. McGee
passed away February 20, 1913, at the comparatively early age of
fifty years, and he was laid to rest in Oakland cemetery at Manchester. In his political views and affiliations
he was a republican. He was a prominent Mason, having attained the Knight
Templar degree in that order, while both he and his wife were members of the
Eastern Star. No man was ever more respected and no man ever more fully enjoyed
the confidence of the people or more justly deserved the esteem in which he was
held. In his lifetime the people of Delaware county rejoiced
in his advancement and in the honors to which he attained, and since his death
they have cherished his memory.
Back
to Biographies
Back to Main Page
Back to Iowa AHGP
Back to AHGP