James Egan JR

James Egan, Jr., an active and progressive farmer, who is association with his two brothers owns and operates three hundred and twenty acres of choice land in Linton township, was born upon this property, February 9, 1860, and is a son of James and Catherine (O'Brien) Egan, natives of Ireland, the former born in County Galway in 1828 and the latter in County Cork in 1838. The father followed the shoemaking trade and continued at this occupation during practically all his active life. He crossed the Atlantic in 1843 and for a time worked at his trade in Boston, Massachusetts, whence he moved to Galena, Illinois, and then to Iowa, arriving in this state about the year 1850. Although he bought land in Allamakee county he had it operated by others and he himself continued to follow his trade, in which he is still active to some extent. He resides upon the farm which he acquired in pioneer times and is well known and favorably regarded in this section of the state. For some time he was active in local politics and held the office of township trustee for several terms. He and his wife became the parents of ten children, six of whom are living: James, the subject of this review; Margaret, the wife of Daniel Maloney, of Esmond, North Dakota; Catherine, who married Michael Johnston, of Linton township; Jane, who married James Brennan, of Dorchester; and Frank and Timothy who are operating the home farm in association with the subject of this review.

James Egan was reared upon his father's farm in this township and early became familiar with the details of farm operation. For five years he worked in the employ of others and in 1889 went to Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, where he secured a position with a grain dealer. He worked also in a wholesale flour and feed store, where he was employed for five years, after which he returned to the homestead. He and his brothers now control this property which comprises three hundred and twenty acres of fine land upon which they engage in general farming and stock raising, their well directed efforts being rewarded with a gratifying measure of success.

Mr. Egan is a member of the Cherry Mound Roman Catholic church and is a democrat in his political beliefs, taking an active interest in community affairs and cooperating heartily in measures to advance the permanent interests of the township. For the past ten years he has been serving as assessor and he still holds this position, discharging his duties in a capable, far-sighted and progressive way. He is a man of many sterling traits of character, able in business, progressive in citizenship and at all times true to high and noble standards, so that he has won the confidence and esteem of all who are associated with him.

-source: Past & Present of Allamakee County; by Ellery M. Hancock; S. J. Clarke Pub. Co.; 1913
-transcribed by Cathy Joynt-Labath

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