My Genealogy Hound

James Stroup, owning, a farm on sections 21 and 22, New Hope township, is one of the progressive agriculturists of Union county who have contributed to the splendid reputation which Iowa bears as a great agricultural state, leading the entire country in the amount of corn produced and holding almost equally high rank in other respects. Mr. Stroup has three hundred and twenty acres of valuable land which he keeps under a high state of cultivation, and in addition to tilling the soil he also raises and feeds stock. His home place is pleasantly located within three miles of Lorimor and in addition to this property he owns a valuable farm of four hundred and forty acres on section 29 and 32, New Hope township. The extent of his realty holdings, the value of his property and the enterprising methods which he follows make him one of the valued representatives of farm life in this part of Iowa. He is numbered among the old settlers of the state, dating his residence in Union county since 1856.

His life record began in Clinton county, Indiana, March 5, 1853. His father, Reuben Stroup, was a native of Ohio and was married in Indiana to Miss Sarah Jane Wright, who was born in Kentucky but was reared in the Hoosier state. Following his marriage Mr. Stroup engaged in general farming in Indiana for a number of years and during his residence there, four children were born unto him and his wife. In 1856 they removed to Iowa, settling in Union county, where Mr. Stroup entered land from the government, securing eighty acres in New Hope township. There he opened up a farm, performing the arduous labor necessary to breaking the sod and tilling the fields for the first time. Subsequently he bought eighty acres more land and upon that place reared his family and spent his last years. He died here about 1896 and thus passed from the scene of earthly activities one who was known and respected in Union county as a progressive agriculturist and valued pioneer who had contributed in substantial measure to the early development of the county. His widow still survives him and is yet living in this county.

James Stroup was reared upon the homestead farm and pursued his studies in the nearest public school but is largely self-educated, adding to his knowledge through reading, experience and observation since attaining his majority. His school privileges were necessarily somewhat limited from the fact that this was a pioneer district and the school system was not well developed and that his services were needed upon the home farm. After attaining his majority he devoted five to six years to cultivating the old home property and then went west to Montana, where he worked on a ranch for three years. On the expiration of that period he returned to Iowa and engaged in merchandising at Thayer for five years. He next went to Murray, where he opened a store and continued in active business for two years.

Mr. Stroup was married in Thayer, on the 13th of June, 1887, to Miss Millie Neisemier, who was born and reared on the old Neisemier farm near Thayer. She is a daughter of Chris Neisemier and a sister of Fred L. Neisemier, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume.

Mr. Stroup continued in business at Murray until 1893, when he resumed agricultural pursuits, removing to his present farm on sections 21 and 22, New Hope township. This he at once began to cultivate and improve. He has erected a commodious and comfortable residence, built in modern style of architecture, has also put up two large barns and outbuildings, has planted an orchard, has set out a grove of forest trees and has fenced and developed his place until he has made it one of the best farms in the locality, lacking in none of the substantial improvements that go to make up the model farm of the twentieth century. He began here with eighty acres of land but from time to time has added to the property as his financial resources have increased until his home place now covers an entire half section and another farm of four hundred and forty acres is also a visible evidence of his life of thrift and energy.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stroup have been born two sons and three daughters: Fred, Albert, Mary, Sarah and Eva. The mother is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically, Mr. Stroup has been a life-long democrat, active in the local ranks of the party, and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability have called him to office. He has served as assessor for six years, being the present efficient incumbent in that position, and has been road supervisor for six or eight years. He has, however, never sought or desired office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business interests, yet his patriotism has prompted him to respond to the desire of his fellow townsmen that he serve them in positions of public trust. His life record is indeed creditable and commendable. He started out without capital and is today one of the most prosperous farmers of his county, who while promoting his individual success has also contributed to the general prosperity. For fifty-two years he has made his home in this county and is numbered among its honored pioneers. Great changes have been wrought during the period of his residence here. His memory goes back to the time when the homes of the settlers were small and of primitive construction but though the quarters were cramped hospitality reigned supreme in these pioneer dwellings. Much of the land was unclaimed and uncultivated at the time of his arrival here but the settlers broke the sod and persevered in the work that has developed this into a splendid agricultural district. In the early days there was much wild game to be had and for miles one could ride across the prairies without coming to a fence or building to impede his progress. Mr. Stroup rejoices in what has been accomplished and has borne his full share in the county’s development.