Early Citizens of Council Bluffs - William H. M. Pusey

 

William Henry Mills Pusey was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania in 1826. He graduated from college in 1847 and then studied law in Pittsburg and Springfield, IL.

In 1849 William married Sarah Ellen Officer. Sarah was the sister of Thomas Officer who would later become William's business partner in Council Bluffs.

In 1856 the Pusey and Officer families arrived in Council Bluffs. William Pusey had passed the bar exam in Illinois but he never practiced law in Iowa. Instead he turned to business and politics. William Pusey and Thomas Officer opened a banking house called Officer and Pusey.

In 1858 William Pusey was elected to the Iowa State Senate. He served on the Council Bluffs City Council from 1871-1872. In 1882 he served as the U. S. Congressman from ninth district, he only served one term.

William and Sarah Pusey had 6 children, three of whom survived to adulthood. Ellen, who married Charles H. Pinney; Frank who married Eleanor Dodge and Katherine who married John E. F. McGee.

The Pusey's made their home at 527 Willow Avenue. This later became the site for the Council Bluffs Free Public Library. The Pusey's enjoyed Council Bluffs society and traveled often.

William H. M. Pusey passed away on November 15, 1900. Sarah Pusey passed away on November 25, 1919. They are both buried in Walnut Hill Cemetery.

Click HERE for more information on Council Bluffs History.

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Mary Carpenter
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