SAMUEL T. MCCORMICK.

Samuel Taylor McCormick was also one of the founders of the township, and for years before his death in 1883 was actively concerned in its development, both agriculturally and civilly. He was of Scotch-Irish descent and born in Morgan county, Ill., on the old family homestead near the city of Jacksonville. He was the oldest of the children, and, upon the death of his father in 1864, when he was twenty-four years old, he and the family, of which he was the virtual head, removed to Mason county, that State. In 1869, while in search of a better location, he found land which suited him near Whitneyville, and in the spring of the following year, in company with his brothers, James and John, opened a farm on section 8. With twelve others Mr. McCormick organized the township of Massena, being elected one of its first trustees and constables, and for the remaining years of his life continued to be one of the most influential men in its affairs.

John Q. A. McCormick, the brother of Samuel T., also became quite prominent, his homestead being on the north half of section 8.

From "Compendium and History of Cass County, Iowa." Chicago: Henry and Taylor & Co., 1906, pg. 187.