-------------------------------
biography from Portrait & Biographical Album of Mahaska Co., Iowa, 1887
JAMES LOUGURIDGE, of Spring Creek Township, was born in Huron County, Ohio, Feb. 1, 1834, and is a son of Poultney and Maria A. (Mitchell) Loughridge. The former was a native of Pennsylvania, and died in this township, the latter is still living, and resides in the city of Oskaloosa. Poultney Loughridge was quite a prominent man in all public affairs in this county, and while in Ohio was frequently sent to the Legislature as a lobby member to look after our special interests, and was equally prominent, active and influential in all matters or the church in which he was a member, and in the neighborhood in which he resided. He was an old-time Abolitionist, and never hesitated to act as well as talk, in relation to the abolitiou of slavery, never hesitating to aid the negroes substantially on their way to freedom. He came from Ohio to Iowa in 1841, and was one of the very earliest of the pioneers of this part of the State. He erected the first log cabin in Spring Creek Township, on what is now known as section 15, and it is presumed to be the first dwelling of any kind built in the county. It was built the day the Indians vacated the lands of what was then called the New Purchase. He staked out his claim long before the time when the Indians were to vacate, and lived with them until the whites were allowed to occupy their claims. The first election held in this township was at his cabin, and this was before the lands of the township had been surveyed. To Father Loughridge and wife were born nine children John M., Joseph J., Emily J., James, Thomas, Mary, Eliza (deceased), Eddie, and one who died in infancy. The subject of this sketch, James Loughridge, enlisted in July, 1862, in Co. K, 32d Iowa Vol. Inf.,aud went into camp at Oskaloosa. In the fall of that year the regiment was ordered to St. Louis, Mo., and thence to Helena, Ark. he was Orderly Sergeant of the company, and was soon after promoted First Lieutenant, and participated with his command in all the engagements of the regiment except the battle of Saline River or Jenkins' Ferry. The most notable of his engagements were the batties of Helena and Little Rock, and the environment of Mobile, Ala. During the engagement at Saline River he was absent on recruiting service, but remained with the command until its muster out and final discharge from the service, when he returned home. Mr. Loughridge has an ample farm of 176 acres on sections 10 and 11 of this township, and forty-five acres on section 16, all under cultivation. The improvements, such as the house, barns and other auxiliaries, are first-class and in good repair. In addition to farming Mr. Loughridge has for many years run a sawmill on his place, which is operated by a twenty-horse-power steam-engine, by means of which the native lumber required in that section of the county has been supplied for use. He also has a hay-press, and bales and ships large quantities of both wild and tame hay. Mr. Loughridge is a prominent member of the United Presbyterian Church, and politically is a Republican, holding a prominent position in the councils of that party. Active and energetic and an excellent manager, he has been very successful in his business undertakings. Personally he is a gentlemen of the strictest integrity, most honorable in all his transactions, and greatly esteemed by a host of friends and acquaintances.
Portrait & Biographical Album of Mahaska Co., Iowa, 1887
Mahaska County, Iowa Genealogy