Representative John Lockwood Corse View All Years

Compiled Historical Information
Date of Death: 3/19/1868
Birth Place: Dover, Delaware
Party Affiliation: Democrat
Assemblies Served:
House: 2 (1848)
5 (1854)
Home County: Des Moines
John Lockwood Corse
Des Moines County
Worthy citizen and early settler of Burlington, Iowa, was born in Dover, Del., March 5, 1813, and was a son of Hausen and Gertrude (Lockwood) Corse. He was reared in his native State, and on reaching manhood went to the city of Philadelphia, where his marriage with Miss Sarah Murray was celebrated. Mr. Corse was engaged in the manufacture of carriages in Philadelphia for several years. He next took up his residence in Pittsburgh, Pa., subsequently removing to St. Louis, Mo., later to Belleville, Ill., and in 1842 he came to Burlington and engaged in the carriage-making business. Several years later he sold his carriage factory, engaging in the book and stationery trade. Mr. and Mrs. Corse reared a family of four children. He was a Democrat in politics, and was chosen to represent his district in the State Legislature. He was Alderman for three terms, 1844, 1851 and 1852, and served as Mayor during 1845 and 1846 and 1856 and 1857. Mr. Corse was a member of Burlington Lodge No. 20, A. F. & A. M., and served as Junior Warden of the Masonic Grand Lodge of Iowa. For years he served as a member and President of the School Board. He was a zealous friend of the public school system, when that system needed friends, and established it on such a firm and enduring basis that the Independent School District of Burlington to-day ranks as one of the best, not only in Iowa, but throughout the United States.
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