Buena Vista County, IA
USGenWeb Project

Morrissey, Patrick, is well known as a breeder of pure-blooded cattle, and is one of the extensive and successful stock-dealers of Nokomis township. He makes his hoe on section22, where he has one hundred and twenty acres of good land that is well improved. The farm is neat and attractive in appearance and is pleasantly situated about a mile from Alta. Mr. Morrissey was born in Dubuque county, Iowa, March 25, 1862, and is a son of James Morrissey, a native of Ireland, who was reared and married in that country. He afterward emigrated to the new world, settling in Dubuque county, Iowa, among its pioneer residents. In 1871 he removed to Alta and near by purchased land, which he improved, just across the road from the present home of his son. He owned one hundred and sixty acres of land but lived in town and his sons operated the farm. He was also the first section boss to locate at Alta and filled that position for a number of years. After losing his wife he returned to his native country in order to visit his friends in the old world and still lives in Ireland. His family numbered three sons and three daughters, namely: James, who is now living in Minnesota; Michael, of South Dakota; Patrick, of this review; Marie, residing in Alta; Mrs. Jessie Wilkinson, also of Alta; and Mrs. A. C. Rader, of the same place.

Patrick Morrissey was reared to manhood in Alta, and was a pupil in the public schools, acquiring there the education which fitted him for life's practical and responsible duties. In the periods of vacation he assisted in carrying on the home farm and after leaving school he engaged in clerking for a time. Later he was appointed postmaster of Alta under President Cleveland's first term and filled the position for four years, capably controlling the affairs of the office and discharging his duties with promptness and fidelity. He has also filled other public offices, serving in the town council while a resident at Alta, and also becoming officially connected with schools, acting as president of the school board of the independent district. He is now township clerk and has been a delegate to the numerous conventions of his party.

Mr. Morrissey was married in Alta, in 1895, to Miss Kittie Evans, who was born in Illinois and was reared and educated there, coming to Iowa when a young lady. Following his marriage Mr. Morrissey bought land and located on his farm about 1901. He has since rebuilt and remodeled the house, has put up a good barn, has fenced the place and has brought the fields under a high state of cultivation. In connection with the raising of cereals best adapted to soil and climate he has also made a specialty of raising polled Durham cattle, having a number of registered stock. He now has a fine herd of thirteen head with an imported male, and has quite extensively engaged in breeding. He makes exhibits at the county fairs and has received first premiums on his stock. He also raises thoroughbred Chester White hogs and this branch of his business has also proven profitable. He was one of the originators of the Farmers Elevator Company and its first president. He also assisted in the organization of the Creamery Company, in which he is a stockholder.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Morrissey have been born four daughters: Maud, Millicent, Lola and Helen, and three of them are students in the Alta schools. Mr. Morrissey is a member of the Masonic fraternity, has passed through all of the chairs in the local lodge, serving as its treasurer, and is also past master. He is likewise a member of the fraternal insurance order. He has been a director of the Fair Association for fifteen years, and is interested in all that pertains to the welfare and progress of the community along lines of material, social, intellectual and moral development. His success is due entirely to his own labors, and his energy and diligence have constituted the strong features in his prosperity.