My Genealogy Hound

VALLENTINE, J. M. grain and lumber Sec. 34, P.O. Rockbridge. Joseph Mead, is a son of James Vallentine, a well-known self-made man of this county. Joseph first beheld the light of day in T 10, R 10. His educational advantages were good; aside from the common schools he attended the high school at Carrollton, and the Iowa State University. Having an inclination to study materia medica, entered Rush Medical College, with the intention of taking a thorough course, but only attended one year, when in consequence of ill health was compelled to relinquish his studies for a time, to return home and recuperate; but was restrained from following out the bent of his inclination, as his father’s health not being good, and having at the time a large amount of business on hand, he importuned Joseph to engage with him in business, and on July 25, 1870, began business with Jas. Vallentine & Co., dealers in general, merchandise, grain and lumber; firm composed of James, John H., George R. and J. M. Vallentine, he continuing with them until November 1, 1871, at which time he withdrew from the partnership, and taking the grain and lumber business as his, then associated himself with another brother, E. S. Vallentine adding the stock trade also. This partnership was of short duration, terminating in April, 1872, by the withdrawal of E. S. Vallentine. The grain business, also the lumber, has since been controlled by him alone. July 1, 1876, he bought his father’s interest in firm of James Vallentine & Co., and the business has since been conducted under the firm name of J. M. & J. H. Vallentine, each being equal partner. March 2, 1871, he formed a matrimonial alliance with Anna Rhodes, born March 26, 1852. She was a daughter of John Rhodes, an old resident of the county. Their association together was short, though very happy, as they had congenial temperaments and were “mated” as well as married; but Joseph was caused to “pass under the rod.” Death, the grim monster, Aug. 14, 1873, invaded his happy home and bore off, on his icy bosom, his first born, named Rhodes, and, not being content with this invasion, Aug. 11, 1874, returned and bore away to the Spirit land his wife, Anna, thus leaving his home desolate indeed. After her death he continued keeping house until 1877, and has since been boarding with Wm. Rhodes. Mr. J. M. is now doing business in the first house building that was erected in the town. He is doing a good business, and well deserving of the high regard and esteem with which he is viewed in the community in which he resides.