The Gazette
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
19 Feb 1894, Mon • Page 3

AN OLD PIONEER. DEATH OF HON. JOHN M'ARTHUR, SATURDAY NIGHT.
A Prominent Farmer and Citizen of Linn County Passes Away at His Home in Monroe Township. He Served in the Iowa Legislature. Sketch of a Busy Life.

Hon. John Mc Arthur, an old pioneer of Linn county, and wealthy farmer, died Saturday night at his home In Monroe township, four miles north of Cedar Rapids. He served In the legislature and has been identified with many public projects. About eight years ago he received a stroke of palsy, which was the cause of death.

John McArthur was born in Ross county, Ohio, March 22, 1827. He was the son of John and Sarah (Parrett) McArthur, natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia respectively. The former was born in 1786 and served in the war of 1812, as first lieutenant under Col. Mc-Daniel, who was stationed with his regiment at Ft. Gratiot, Mich. Just how long he served Is not known, but his widow some years after his death, which occurred Jan. 1, 1840, in Philadelphia, received a land warrant for his services. Mr. McArthur came with his mother and family to this county in 1846, entering land in Monroe township. His wife's family were also early pioneers, coming here as early as 1851. He laid out many of the roads in the county, being a surveyor. The McArthur family for generations were pioneers, living on the border. The father of the deceased was a provision dealer and supplied provisions to the surveyors of the Virginia military reservation.

Mr. McArthur owned 60 acres of good land and was engaged In feeding and shipping cattle. In 1876 he erected a fine brick dwelling house and was recognized as one of the best and most practical farmers in the county. At the age of 19 he commenced surveying, which he followed for some seven years, having laid out some of the towns In this county. In 1852 he was elected to the legislature on the whig ticket and had the pleasure of meeting and doing business with Senator James W. Grimes. Mr. McArthur was In the house when an attempt was made to amend the constitution of the state. He served one term of two years. He introduced the bill which was passed creating the county of Vinton, which was subsequently changed to Benton. This was the last of the whig party and after that time Mr. McArthur affiliated with the democracy. He assisted in the carrying on of the war and aided many a poor soldier by supplying his wants while in the field, and was a going union man. He was a member of the Presbyterian church.

Deceased is survived by his wife and ten children: Mrs Alice J Mills, Cherry county, Neb. ; Mrs. Laura L. Van Ott, Arthur D., Mrs. Henrietta Pulsiver, Oscar E., now in Dakota; John P., in Nebraska; Wm A., Fred C, in Dakota; Chester L. and an adopted son, E. B., of Republic, Kan. The funeral will be held at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning from the family home In Monroe township.
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13 Children including
Eliza McArthur (1864-1864)