Eli Messinger, a retired farmer residing in Menlo, is one of the native sons of Indiana, his birth having occured in the hoosier state, July 26, 1841. His parents were Michael and Susan (Meliza) Messinger, who were both natives of Pennsylvania. The father died when his son was but seventeen years of age, and Eli Messinger, who had acquired his education in the schools of Indiana, continued a resident of that state until 1871, when he crossed the Mississippi into Iowa, settling in Polk county where he began farming. There he lived for ten years and in 1881 he came to Guthrie county, establishing his home in Beaver township. Here he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he broke and improved, bringing the fields under a high state of cultivation and adding many evidences of modern and model farming. Upon that place he lived for twenty-two years, carrying on the work of tilling the soil and raising stock. Four years ago he sold the property to Alec Wilkins and removed to a farm west of Menlo, where he lived for a time. A year ago he purchased a home in Menlo and took up his abode in the village, where he now resides. He still owns forty acres in Beaver township and derives a good income from this property. Mr. Messinger was married in Indiana in 1860 to Miss Martha Barrett, who died in 1906. They were the parents of fourteen children, of whom one died in infancy. The thirteen are: Susie, Philip, William, George, Cora, Sally, Princie, Ada, Michel, Mattie, Charles, Blanche and Grover. Susie who married J. M. Tendroy, died January 25, 1907, leaving her husband and four children. Mr. Messinger was married in September 1906, to Mrs. Jane McLaughlin. Mr. Messinger has served as road supervisor, but has never been very active in seeking office. He votes with the democracy and is a believer in its principles as most conducive to good government. He formerly held membership in the Church of God, but in later years has joined the United Brethren church.
