My Genealogy Hound

PINKERTON, SAMUEL, farmer and stock raiser and proprietor of coal banks, section 27, P. O. Clarinda; born in Antrim county, Ireland, September 1, 1825. He there grew to manhood and lived until 1836. In the spring of that year he emigrated to America, made his first settlement in Washington county, New York, where he remained for about two years. From there he came to this county in 1847 and settled on his present farm in 1848. He was married February 8, 1838, to Miss Margaret J. Smith. She is also a native of Ireland. They have six children living: Samuel J., Martha, Robert W., Wm. A., Margaret J. and Rachel and one deceased, his oldest son James. Mr. and Mrs. Pinkerton and the five oldest children are members of the Reformed Presbyterian church, as was also his deceased son. Mr. Pinkerton and his good wife have both realized the full meaning of the word “Pioneer.” When they started here they did so without means and were compelled to work in and out of season to obtain means to buy and improve their farm. He hauled a part of his lumber from Ottumwa to build his house. By industry, honesty and economy he has acquired a good farm of 440 acres; is energetic and venturesome and stands among the respected men of the township. He is entitled to great credit for his efforts in sinking a coal shaft on his place. He is now down some 400 feet and is still at work delving in coal. As an energetic and industrious man he has few equals, always planning some public or private improvements and never resting until he sees his plan completed.