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George Detrick

George Detrick is the owner of one of the finest farms in Fayette County. A commodious and pleasant home is situated in the midst of three hundred and twenty acres of fine prairie land on section 2, that yields to him a golden tribute for his care and cultivation. A maple grove surrounds his home and the many improvements upon the place denote the thrift and enterprise of the owner. Mr. Detrick was born in Monroe County, Pa., September 8, 1833, and his grandfather lived and died in the same county. His father was there born in 1800 and during his youth learned the trade of carpentering, becoming a skilled mechanic. In Monroe County he married Miss Catherine Smith, also a native of Pennsylvania, and after working awhile at his trade turned his attention to farming, which he continued to follow in that county until his death in 1877. His wife died the previous year. They were faithful and zealous Baptists and took an active part in church work. He supported the Democratic party, but never sought public office and was a successful and enterprising business man and a good citizen. They had a large family of children, including the following: Charles, who served in the late war and died in Pennsylvania; William, a merchant of Raymond, Iowa; Samuel, who is living in Monroe County, Pa.; Mary, who died in the Keystone State; Martin, of Pennsylvania; George, of this sketch; Reuben, who is living in Parkersburg, Black Hawk County, Iowa; Joseph, whose home is in York County, Neb.; Amanda, of Pennsylvania; and Franklin, of Cerro Gordo County, Iowa. The father of this family attended school not a single day, but through his own efforts became a well informed man, and his eldest son served as the first County Superintendent under the free school system in Pennsylvania.

Our subject acquired a limited education in the district schools and remained under the parental roof until he attained his majority, when he began life for himself. Emigrating westward in 1856, he located in Delaware County, Iowa, where he spent one year and then removed to Spirit Lake the spring following the Indian massacre at that place. Entering a claim he made it his home for three years. So wild was the country at that time and such little progress had been made that there were no settlers within thirty miles of him. When the late war broke out he enlisted, in 1861, in Company D, First Iowa Cavalry, and saw service in Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee and Mississippi. The regiment was engaged principally in fighting guerrillas and took part in the engagements at Silver Creek, Black River and Prairie Grove, where it lost heavily. Mr. Detrick was always found at his post of duty, faithfully serving his country, and after four years and four months was honorably discharged.

By remaining away from his claim for so long a time he had to forfeit ownership and at the close of the war he went to Manchester, Delaware County where he spent two years. In 1866 he came to Fayette County and purchased a portion of his present farm that now comprises three hundred and twenty acres. He is regarded by all who know him as one of the leading and enterprising farmers of the community and is accounted one of the best citizens of Scott Township. He has given the greater part of his time and attention to his business, caring little to become mixed up in political affairs, but cheerfully gives his support and material aid to any interest or enterprise calculated to up-build the community or promote the general welfare. He and his family are members of the United Brethren Church and give liberally to its support. In connection with general farming he is now engaged in the dairy business and the income which he has received from his farm has now become a handsome competence.

In Manchester, in February, 1866, Mr. Detrick was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary Luckingbill, who was born in Pennsylvania but brought up in Iowa. They have six children, namely: Mrs. Amanda B. Platt, who resides near Greely, Delaware County; Minnie Viola, wife of William Haxton of Putnam Township; Jay, at home; Effie, deceased; Nora Grace and Lora May.