JAMES LUSK
LUSK, PADEN, DUNLAP, HOLLAND, RICKETTS, EVANS
Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 3/7/2020 at 13:59:46
JAMES LUSK, - The subject of this biography was born in York Co., Pennsylvania, on the 8th day of July, in the year 1799, and is consequently, seventy-four years of age. He was the first son and second child of Patrick Lusk, and Martha Paden, his wife. His ancestors, back about three generations, were from Ireland, coming to this country before the revolutionary period. In 1801, when Mr. Lusk was but two years of age, his parents moved from York Co., Penn., his native place, into Fairfield Co., Ohio. Mr. Lusk remained there until 1853, when he came to this State. He selected Lee County as his future home, and located in Marion township, near Clay Grove, where he now resides.
Coming to Ohio at an early day, and his father’s family being large, Mr. Lusk’s opportunities for getting an education were very limited. Three months spent in school fitted him for entering on the active duties of his future life. While at home, he spent his few spare hours in study, but his experience in business gave him by far the more valuable part of his education. This has enabled him to cope successfully in the great struggle of life.
He followed farming until he was nineteen years of age; he then entered the tanning business. This he successfully followed until 1853, when poor health obliged him to give it up. He then came to this State. His early efforts were crowned with success, so that at the age of twenty-four he had accumulated about one thousand dollars. About this time in his life, he was engaged in shipping goods, on a flatboat, down the Ohio river. During one of these trips, his little fortune was stolen from him by a dishonest partner, and he was obliged to begin his financial life again. When Mr. Lusk came to this State, the country was very thickly settled, yet there were very few improvements, compared with the present time. In the many changes that have taken place, Mr. Lusk has taken a prominent part, and has identified himself with this rapid progress. In 1829, Mr. Lusk and Margaret Dunlap were united in marriage. But two years had passed when his beloved wife departed this life. She lived an earnest Christian and her death was lamented by all who knew her. By this marriage one child, Clarissa, was born. She is the wife of William Holland, now living in Virginia City, Nevada Territory.
In 1834, Aug. 5, Mr. Lusk was married to Nancy Ricketts. She was born in Fairfield Co., Ohio, July 22, 1809. By this marriage, three children have been born, one son and two daughters. One daughter, Helen J., is the wife of Dr. Evans, of West Point. The other daughter, Emma, and the son, James H., who is married, are living at home. He now has the management of the farm. In politics, Mr. Lusk is a radical Democrat, of the Jackson school. His first vote for President as polled for Andrew Jackson, at his first election; and since that time he has always voted the straight ticket. In Mr. Lusk his opponents have always found a strong opposition in the political field. He has served his township in several different positions. Beginning life in poor circumstances, he has given to the youth of our land an example of what perseverance and industry can accomplish. He now has a good farm, containing about three hundred and twenty acres, all of which is under cultivation. Beside which he has about one hundred acres located in other tracts. His home farm is ornamented with a fine house, and surroundings that make life enjoyable. A view is given in another part of this work.
Source:
Illustrated Historical ATLAS of Lee County, IOWA
A. T. Andreas
Chicago, ILL.
1874Transcription by Mary H. Cochrane, Volunteer
Lusk Residence Illustration
Lee Biographies maintained by Sherri Turner.
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