Biographies, beginning with D, History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882 Transcribed by Sally Scarff and Marlene Chaney for the USGenWeb Archives. Submitted August 2000 by Roxanne Barth , IAGenWeb Allamakee County Coordinator. ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net *********************************************************************** History of Clayton County Iowa 1882 Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Company, 1882 Reprinted by: Monona Historical Society, Monona, Iowa Reproduction by: Unigraphics, Inc., 1401 North Fares Ave, Evansville, Indiana 47711, 1975 D Farmersburg Twp. -- August Dahl, farmer and stock-raiser, is a son of Peter and Anna (Schroeder) Dahl, natives of Mecklenburg, Germany. In 1851 they came to American and located in Garnavillo Township, Clayton County, and now reside in Farmersburg Township. August was born June 10, 1854. He has always engaged in farming and now owns about 200 acres of prairie and timber land, most all under excellent cultivation. He resides on section 32. He was married on March 17, 1882, to Sophia, daughter of Christopher and Mary (Soskey) Hornock, natives of Germany; they came to Clayton County, Ia., about 1857, and still reside here. Mr. Dahl votes the Democratic ticket, and is one of the representative farmers of Clayton County, and a man well respected in the community in which he lives. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 774 Monona Twp. -- Elgin J. Dailey was born in Downers Grove, Du Page County, Ill., Sept. 22, 1844, a son of Emanuel and Mary Dailey, nee Squires; his father was a native of Pennsylvania and his mother of Canada. The subject of this memoir left his home when seventeen years of age, and in the fall of 1863 enlisted in the Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry, Company C. Particpated in the Price Raid through Missouri, and was at Centralia about two hours after the massacre. Their principal fighting was with the guerrillas. He was discharged Dec. 1, 1865. In 1866 he came to Clayton County, and located in Luana in 1869, where he has been engaged in his present business since. On Oct. 12, 1868, he married Charlotte A. daughter of Simeon R. Scott. She was born in Clayton County, in September, 1848. By this union there are six children--Edwin C., Walter Scott, Ella M., Ida May, Cora, Genevieve. Mr. Dailey is W. M. of Clayton County Lodge, No. 70, A. F. and A. M., located at Monona. In politics he is a Republican. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, Monona Township, p. 1039 Millville Twp. -- Lewis Danner, a native of the Kingdom of Wirtemberg, Germany, born in 1806; came to the United States in 1836, landing at New York, thence to Pennsylvania, where he remained until 1852, and then came to Clayton County, Ia. He at once settled on his present farm on section 8, Millville Township, which consists of 120 acres of good land, and finely cultivated. He was married in Pennsylvania in 1840, to Mary Sincely, who was born in Germany, in 1819. Eight children have blessed this union--Catherine, born in 1844; Jacob, in 1846; Sarah, in 1848; Sophia, in 1850; John, in 1852; George, 1854; Hannah, in 1856, and Melinda, in 1860. Mr. Danner is a member of the Lutheran church. Politically he favors the Democratic party. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1011-1012 Mallory Twp. -- George W. Darrow, farmer, P.O. Elkport, was a son of Russell and Deliverance (Eaton) Darrow, natives of Cherry Valley, N.Y. where Russell died. The family afterward came to Ashtabula, Ohio, where Deliverance died. George W. was born in New York on March 3, 1815; he came to Iowa in 1864. In 1838 he married Ellen A., daughter of Andrew and Aurelia (Crandel) Stone, natives of Vermont. Ellen died in New York, and Andrew came to Iowa, where he died. By the above marriage there were thirteen children, of whom Alfred, Urilla, William, Wallace, and George W. (twins), Eliza, Ellen, Nancy, Sylvester, Charles, and Anna are living; Aurilla, Calista, and Amanda Laura are dead. Mrs. Ellen A. Darrow died Nov. 27, 1878, aged fifty-eight years, three months, ten days. Mr. Darrow is a member of the Dunkard church. He votes the Democratic ticket. History of Clayton County Iowa, 1882, p. 716-917 Mallory Twp. -- Frederick Datismann was a son of Michael and Caroline (Hafner) Datismann, natives of Wittenberg, Germany, who came to the United States in 1848, and located at Cherlis Mound, Dubuque County, Iowa where Caroline died. Frederick was born in Wittenberg and educated in Iowa; he now owns 120 acres of fine land on section 32. In 1866 he married Gazena, daughter of Diedrick and Elizabeth (Bierns) Krumpel, natives of Germany, who came to the United States in 1853, and located in Delaware County; Elizabeth died in 1878. Gazena was born in Germany on May 8, 1845. By this marriage there are three children--Emma, born Jan. 9, 1869; George, born March 6, 1873, and Clara (deceased), born March 1, 1875. Mr. Datismann and wife are members of the German Methodist church. He votes the Republican ticket, and has held several of the township offices and discharged his duties to the satisfaction of all. History of Clayton County Iowa, 1882, p. 917 Monona Twp. -- Philip Daubenberger was born in Baden, Germany, Sept. 13, 1837, and received his education in his native country. In 1852 he came to the United States, landing in New York, thence to Albany, N.Y., where he resided two years, then removed to Madison County, Wis., where he spent one year. He then purchased a farm east of LaCrosse, and remained until 1864, when he came to Clayton County, purchasing a large farm in Monona Township, and has resided here since. In 1874 he married Martha Walch, who was born in Austria, Jan. 20, 1850. The fruit of this marriage is three children--Albert H., Vincent E. and Frederick William. Mr. Daubenberger has a farm of 200 acres, valued at $40 per acre. Though coming to this county in limited circumstances, by close application to business has accumulated a fine property and home. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, Monona Township, p. 1039 Sperry Twp. -- Edward C. Daum was born Oct. 7 , 1857, in Sperry Township. He is the son of Frederick Anna (Rottamar) Daum. He passed his early life in school till he was sixteen years of age, since which time he has worked on his father's farm. Mr. Daum is not married, and lives with his father. He is politically a Republican, and religiously he is a member of the Lutheran church. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, Sperry Township, p. 1094 Sperry Twp. -- Fredrick Daum was born in Bavaria, Germany, May 29, 1816. He left his native country for America in 1854, and landed in New York, and from there went to Dubuque, Iowa. Five years later he removed to Cass Township, Clayton County, and rented a farm there two years, then bought ninety-four acres in Sperry Township, which is his present home. He now owns 134 acares of finely cultivated land, and is one of the prosperous farmers of the township. He was united in marriage with Anna Rottammar, in Germany, where she was born April 25, 1832. Their union has been blessed with seven children- John C., born Oct. 8, 1851; Edward C., Oct. 7, 1857; Maggie C., July 31, 1860; Fred M., Nov., 5, 1862; Minnie M., May 5, 1866; John G., June 30, 1868, and Augusta, Sept. 13, 1871. In religious sentiment Mr. Daum is a Lutheran, and politically he is a Republican. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, Sperry Township, p. 1093 Sperry Twp. -- J. C. Daum a native of Bavaria, Germany, was born Oct. 8, 1851. He came to America with his parents in 1854, and located in Dubuque, Iowa. They resided in that place five years, then came to Clayton County, where our subject engaged in farming until his marriage, which occurred April 7, 1874, to Charlotte C. Koehler, who was born in Kendall Couty, Ill., Nov. 16, 1851. To them have been born four children, of whom three are living - Selma A., born April 7, 1876; Louise, May 12, 1878, and Edwin F., Dec. 22, 1881. The oldest died March 16, 1875. Mr. Daum has been engaged in the civil engineering business for the past four yeasr on the C., M. & St. P. R. R. He is located at Thornburg, Keokuk County, Iowa, where he owns a fine city property. He is a member of the Lutheran church, and in politics neutral, voting for principle rather than party. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, Sperry Township, p. 1093-1094 Sperry Twp. -- B. A. E. Davidson was born in Scariopolis, Onondaga County, N.Y., Feb. 12, 1821. In 1836 he went to Ohio, where he lived for eighteen years, and in 1854 settled in Clinton County, Iowa. In 1866 he went to Jackson County, Mich., where he spent two years, then removed to Fayette County, finally locating in Volga City, Sperry Township in 1869. He followed the occupation of a miller and mill-wright some twenty-five years, and is now engaged in the hotel business. He was married to Sarah Jane Wells on March 10, 1844. She is a native of Wayne County, Ohio, born Ja. 8, 1820. To them have been born seven children - W. S., born May 6, 1845; Eunice A., April 27, 1847; Susan F., Aug. 27,1849; Mary H., August. 27, 1852; Benjamin F., March 5, 1855; Olive E., Feb., 15, 1858, and George W., born April 4, 1860. The children are all married except George, who is at home with his parents. In religious sentiment Mr. Davidson is a free thinker, and in political views a Democrat. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, Sperry Township, p. 1094 Mendon Twp. -- Mrs. Mary A. Davies, widow of Lewis Davies (deceased), was born in Whiteoven, Cumberlandshire, England, May 1, 1819, a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Burkhart) Mitchell. She was married on March 21, 1841, to Lewis Davies, who was born in Shopshire, England, Feb. 11, 1806, a son of John and Margaret Davies. In 1845 Mr. Davies came to America, where he remained two years, then returned to England for his family. They embarked for this country in 1847, landed at New Orleans, thence to McGregor, Iowa, settling on a farm in Mendon Township, where they have since resided. Thirteen children blessed this union, eleven of whom lived to maturity. Nine are now living, viz.: Thomas, who married Louisa West; Daniel, who married Lizzie Allen; William, a resident of Montana; James, who married Mary Moore; Lewis, who married Ella West; George, who married Christina Gray; Richard, who resides on the home farm with his mother; Mary and Sarah. When Mr. and Mrs. Davies came to Clayton County, McGregor was a village of six houses, and the prairies round about were in a wild and uncultivated state. Bravely they went to work, and out of the unbroken wilderness produced a finely improved farm. Mr. Davies died Nov. 29, 1875, and in his death Clayton County lost one of her most respected citizens. Mrs. Davies is still residing on the farm, which consists of 300 acres, 170 under cultivation. She is a member of the Congregational church, as was her husband during his lifetime. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 975-976 Monona Twp. -- A. M. Davis, one of the prominent citizens of Monona, was born in Lewiston, Me., on Sept. 22, 1829, and was a son of Stephen and Catherine (Field) Davis, natives of the same State. They were the parents of twelve children, ten living, viz.: Otis F., of Lewiston, Me.; A. M., of Monona; Elizabeth A., wife of Rev. J. K. Greene, of Constantinople, Turkey; Angie S., wife of A. N. Hardie, of Boston, Mass.; Albert F., of Lewiston, Me.; Rodney, was a soldier in the late war, enlisting in the First Maine Cavalry; Emma, wife of M. S. Merrill, of Ft. Atkinson, Iowa; Melvin, of Clayton County; Cornelia W., wife of Frank Baker, of Castalia, Ia.; Frederick L., of Boston, Mass., George K., of Lewiston, Me., and Everett C. (deceased). Mrs. Davis died in 1856, and Mr. Davis is living in Maine at the advanced age of eighty-one years. The subject of this memoir was reared on a farm and received a common school education. In 1851 he left his home for the gold fields of California, where he was engaged in mining and other pursuits until 1864, when he returned to Maine, and the following spring came West and located in Monona Township, Clayton County, Iowa. In 1869 he embarked in the hardware business, which he still follows. In 1857 he married Miss Sarah L. Willard, who was born March 29, 1839. By this union there was a family of two children--Sarah E. and Cornelia M. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, Monona Township, p. 1039-1040 Cass Twp. -- Benjamin Davis was born in Scranton County, Pa., on July 1, 1857, and was a son of John H. Davis. In 1845 Mr. Davis left his home in Pennsylvania and came West, locating in Clayton County. He purchased a farm on section 36, Cass Township which he still owns and resides upon. His farm is under excellent cultivation and contains many valuable improvements. He was married Feb. 22, 1882, to Libbie Jones, in DeKalb County, Ill. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 693-94 Monona Twp. -- Melvin Davis, one of the pioneer farmers of Monona Township, was born in Lewiston, Me., Feb. 16, 1842, a son of Stephen and Catherine Davis, nee Field. Melvin received his education in his native State, and at the age of twenty he entered the Union army, enlisting in the Seventeenth Maine Volunteer Infantry, Company D. The first engagement praticpated in was at Fredericksburg, under General Burnside, and then followed the battles of Chancellorsville and the Wilderness. He was at the surrender of General Lee, serving nearly three years. After the close of the war he returned to Maine, where he remained a short time, and in 1869 came to Clayton County, Ia., where he has followed farming since. On Apr. 25, 1871, he married Esther Olmsted, a daughter of Page P. Olmsted. She was born in this county in 1850. By this union there are four children--Flora E., Clara A., Frank O. and Lizzie E. Mr. Davis owns a fine residence and a farm of 130 acres, all under cultivation, and valued at $50 per acre. In politics he is a Republican. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, Monona Township, p. 1040 Boardman Twp. -- F. W. Dennert, one of the prominant businessmen of Elkader, was born in Lasunchstadt, Germany, Aug. 8, 1842. He was educated in his native country, and when fifteen years of age was apprenticed to the painter's trade, which he learned thoroughly in all its branches. He emiograted to the United States in 1868, landing in New York in April of that year. He located in Dubuque, Iowa, where he worked at his trade until 1874, when he removed to Elkader and established his present business. His marriage occurred in 1869, to Mrs. Caroline Scherr, who was born in Lautzberg, Prussia, in 1836. Their union has been blessed with four children--Frank, Freddie, Emma and Carrie. Mrs. Dennert was the widow of Bernard Scherr, by whom she had four children--Martin Josie, Willie, Albert and Bernard. Mr. Dennert is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Elkader Lodge, No. 72, also of the Bismark Lodge, No. 110, A. O. U. W. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 654-655 Millville Twp. -- J. M. Desotels, is a son of Joseph Desotels, who was born in Canada, May 5, 1808, and from there moved to Chicago, where he resided two years, then went to Galena, Ill. He worked in the mines there fourteen years, and in 1848 came to Guttenberg, Iowa, where he resided two years, then removed to Buena Vista Township and engaged in mining there six years. He now resides on section 23, Millville Township. The subject of this memoir was born in Montreal, Canada, May 11, 1834, and came to Millville Township with his father in 1856. They own a farm of 200 acres of fine land on section 23, and are classed with the representative agriculturists and stock-breeders of Clayton County. He was married on Feb. 7, 1864, to Mary Bronilette, a native of St. Demos, Canada. Twelve children have been born of this union, viz.: Helena, born Feb. 27, 1865; Lucy, April 20, 1866; Emelia, Oct. 18, 1867; Louise, July 2, 1869; Louis, Dec. 22, 1870; Maxime, Jan. 26, 1872; Joseph, April 6, 1873; Josephine, born July 12, 1875, died May 16, 1876; August, born Nov. 17, 1876; William, Sept. 4, 1878; John, June 15, 1880, and Mary, Sept. 7, 1881. Mr. Desotels is a member of the Catholic church, and votes the Democratic ticket. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1012 Jefferson Twp. - John Devlin.—One of the best known among the citizens of Jefferson Township, and one not unknown throughout the county, is John Devlin, who was born in Londonderry, Ireland, Dec. 20, 1821. His father was Patrick Devlin, by trade a shoemaker, but who generally worked a small farm under the tenant-laws of that country. His mother's maiden name was Bridget Henry. John remained at home and worked on the farm until twenty years of age, when he left the paternal roof and went to Scotland and spent one year, when he emigrated to the United States, landing at Baltimore, July 9, 1842. He was without means, and began at once looking about for something to do, and traveled ninety miles in the country on foot before he could obtain work. For a short time he worked on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, then being constructed. He then obtained employment for a time in Mt. Savage, and from there went to Pittsburg, Penn., where he engaged to work on a steamboat. He followed the river until 1852. On the 3d day of July, 1844, he united in marriage with Margaret Monaghan, a native of Scotland, by whom he had seven children, four of whom are now living—John, Mary Ann (now Mrs. Henry), Louis Francis and Willam. Henry James died at sixteen years of age; Charles C., at three years, and Frank, at nine months. Leaving his family in St. Louis, where he had located some years previous, Mr. Devlin, in 1852, went to California, where he spent two years, and from thence to Oregon, where he spent one year. Success attended his efforts for a time, but having the misfortune to be severely injured in the caving in of a mine in which he was at work, he was laid up for months and had to spend all his savings for medical assistance. Returning to St. Louis in 1855 as poor as he went out, he determined to locate in Jefferson Township, Clayton County, on a farm, which he entered in 1849. Success has crowned his efforts here, and he now owns 440 acres of well-improved land, on section 33. Mr. Devlin has been an active man in his township, and although surrounded by those of other nationalities, especially Germans, he enjoys he confidence of all. For eight years he filled the office of Justice of the Peace, but it was his endeavor to effect settlements of controversies, if possible, before bringing the case into court. He is now Notary Public, and has a great deal of business to do in making out and certifying deeds and other duties pertaining to the office. Mr. and Mrs. Devlin are both members of the Catholic church. Politically Mr. Devlin is a Democrat. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 864-865 Cass Twp. -- John H. Deyo, furniture dealer and undertaker, was born in Monroe County, N.Y., June 16, 1828, and was a son of Samuel D. and Mary Deyo, likewise natives of York Sate. He learned the trades of a carpenter and joiner, and cabinet-maker, and in 1852 came to Strawberry Point. He worked at his trade two years, then engaged in the hotel business five years, and since which time has followed his trades and farming, having always engaged in the latter occupation in connection with his other business. He established his present store in December, 1878. He was married in November, 1849, in Milford, Ill. to Ann E. Cole, of New York. To them have been born two children--George B. and Ellery J. In politics he is a Republican. Since embarking in his present business Mr. Deyo has kept up with the demands of the time so that in this line Strawberry Point is not at all behind her sister cities in the West. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 694 Boardman Twp. -- Martin Dittmer, a saloon keeper, Elkader, was born in Hamburg, Germany, on Jan. 19, 1858. His parents, Peter and Magdelena Dittmer, nee Binke were married in Hamburg, and had a family of five children--Annie, Elizabeth, Martin, Herman and Mary. The family emigrated to the United States in 1850 and located in Clayton County. Mr. Dittmer, Sr., rented land a few years, then bought a farm in Cox Creek Township, where he now resides. The subject of this memoir was married in 1881 to Kate Dobrer, who was born in Clayton County in 1861. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. and L. O. O. F. lodges of Elkader. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 654-655 Cox Creek Twp. -- August Dohrer, brother of the preceding, is a native of Prussia, born Dec. 11, 1835. He left the land of his birth for the United States, and chose Clayton County, Ia., for the scene of his future labors. He owns a finely cultivated farm of 300 acres, on section 5, 6 and 7, Cox Creek Township, and is one of our enterprising men. He was married in 1868, to Frederica, daughter of August and Caroline Herman, natives of Germany, where they died. To them have been born nine children, four living--August, born Sept. 24,1871; Henry, Aug. 12, 1873; Charles, Feb. 20, 1875, and Rudolph, Dec. 16, 1878. The deceased are--Augusta, Lena, Mary, Otto, and Hugo (twins). In Politics Mr. Dohrer is a Republican. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 743 Cox Creek Twp. -- Henri Dohrer, one of the prominent farmers of this county, was born Nov. 10, 1832, in Prussia. His parents, Adam H., and Margaret (Schmidt) Dohrer, were likewise natives of Prussia, where they died, the former in 1845, the later in 1877. He learned the cabinet-maker's trade in his native country, and in 1852 came to the United States. He landed in Baltimore, Md., where he worked at his trade two years, then located in Dubuque, Ia. From there he went to Missouri, finally settling in Clayton County in 1857. He bought a farm on section 5, Cox Creek Township, upon which he has resided since. In 1858 he was untied in marriage to Mary Springer, whose parents, William and Agatha Springer, were natives of Prussia, where the latter died in 1853. Her father came to the United States in 1854, and died in Warren County, Mo., in 1872. Mr. and Mrs. Dohrer, have five children-Lena, born Sept. 16, 1859, married Charles Rienhe, of this township; Katherina, born July 27, 1861, now and wife of Martin Dittmer, of Elkader; Henry, born Aug. 3, 1863; Amelia, Aug. 13, 1865, and William, March 26, 1859. Mr. Dohrer votes the Republican ticket. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 742-43 Highland Twp. -- Patrick Donlon was born in County Westmeath, Ireland, Dec. 25, 1830. He was a son of Thomas and Ellen (Keeffe) Donlon. He followed farming in his native country until October, 1847, when he came to America with his parents. They resided in New Jersey one year, then Patrick went to Worcester, Mass., and worked in the sewing machine shops, and in the iron and steel manufactory, where he made guns, etc., for the Governement. He was married to Mary Cullmane, on June 16, 1852. She was born in Waterford, Ireland, and was a daughter of Jeremiah and Ellen (Powers) Cullmane. Of eleven children born of their union, ten are living - Thomas, Malachia, Ellen, John, William, Steven, Mary, Luke, Annastacia and Josie. Mary died in infancy. Mr. Donlon worked at the sewing machine business after his marriage, until April 16, 1864, when he came to Clayton County, and settled in Cox Creek Township. Two years later he settled on his present farm in Highland Township. He owns 465 acres on sections 12 and 13, all under cultivation, except thirty acres of timber. He is one of Clayton County's most prominent and wealthy farmers. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 839-840 Volga Twp. -- James Doren was born in Kilkenny County, Ireland, May 9, 1839, son of Patrick and Catherine (Keep) Doren, who were likewise natives of the Emerald Isle. His father emigrated to America in 1847, and enlisted in the Mexican war, serving until his death, which occurred at Fort Dodge, Texas, Aug. 12, 1850; His mother emigrated to America with her family in 1848, and to Clayton County in 1849. She is still residing here with her son James, aged seventy years. The subject of this sketch was ten years of age when he came to America, and was married here in 1867 to Julia Dooley, who was born in New York in 1852. Their union has been blessed with seven children - Elizabeth, James P., William, Edward H., John C., Francis B. and Catherine (deceased). Mr. Doren owns ninety acres of land in Volga Twonship and three houses and lots in Elkport. He is a member of the Catholic church, and in his political views is a Democrat. History of Clayton County Iowa 1882, p. 1119-1120 Volga Twp. -- Philip J. Dornseif was born in St. Clair County, Ill., March 21, 1856, and was a son of Louis and Christina (Worth) Dornseif, natives of Germany. They came to America in 1852, where the father died in 1880. Mrs. Dornseif is residing in Monticello, Ill. The subject of this memoir was educated in the Fort Wayne, Ind., College, and graduated at the Lutheran Seminary in St. Louis, Mo. His first field of labor was at Benton, Iowa, in charge of the Lutheran church there. He remained one and one-half years; then came to Elkport, and has been pastor of the church here about two and one-half years. He was united in marriage with Mary Guenther in 1880. She was born at Fort Dodge, Iowa, in August, 1861. Their union has been blessed with one child - Clara, born in April, 1881. Mr. Dornseif is a gentleman of high literary attainments and superior mental endowments. History of Clayton County Iowa 1882, p. 1119 Mendon Twp. -- Edmund Douglass was born in Chautauqua County, N. Y., July 9, 1820, son of Gilbert and Elizabeth (Hamilton) Douglass, who were married about 1810, in Rutland, Vt., and soon afterward removed to Chautauqua County, N. Y., where he engaged in farming, and was elected Sheriff of that county a number of years. In 1831 he removed to Jersey County, Ill., where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1837. In 1844 the family removed to Clayton County, Iowa, and settled in Garnavillo Township. The mother died in 1865, in McGregor. Edmund learned the trade of a tanner and currier. He was married to Harriett Curtis, who was born in Washington County, Ohio, Sept. 30, 1820. Eight children blessed this union, seven of whom are living--George, Ellen, Ann, Edward, Reuben N., Cora and Leverett S. Mr. Douglass was engaged in the lead mines at Galena in 1845, and the following year came to Garnavillo, where he was employed as clerk. He afterward purchased a portable saw-mill in company with his brother. They purchased the first steam engine that was ever used in Clayton County. In 1853 he went to California, where he worked in the mines three years, then returned to Iowwa where he has resided since. In 1859 he came to McGregor, and engaged in the sash and blind business. In 1870 he was appointed Deputy Sheriff, which office he held in connection with Deputy U. S. Marshalship until 1880, and has held various offices since. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 976 Boardman Twp. -- John Downie, farmer and stock-raiser, and one of the pioneers of Clayton County, was born in Lower Canada, Jan. 18, 1822, the son of John and Lillie (McPherson) Downie, native of Scotland, who emigrated to Canada in 1822. In 1838 they removed to Clayton County, Iowa, where his father purchased land and made a farm, and remained until his death, which occurred in June, 1866. Mr. Downie, Sr., was a Jacksonian Democrat, and was one of the first County Commissioners. In 1862 changed his politics and voted with the Republican party. John, Jr., came to the county with his parents in 1838, where he has since followed the occupation of a farmer. In 1865 he married Ruth Williams, who was born in Wyoming County, N.Y., Feb. 2, 1833. By this union there are five children--Lillie, born July 24, 1866; Rose, June 27, 1868; Warren, April 9, 1871; Ray, April 27, 1873; and John, Feb. 5, 1878. Mr. Downie was previously married to Zurah Hatch, who died, and he again married, Lura Williamson (also deceased), by whom there was two children, one living--Henry, who was born in April 13, 1860. Mr. Downie has a farm of 217 acres, valued at $25 per acre. He has lived in the county for nearly half a century, and has seen its rapid development from a wild and unbroken prairie to one of the finest counties in the State. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 655 Jefferson Twp. –- John Dubbels, harness-maker, Guttenberg, is the son of Henry Dubbels, who was born in Germany, and came to the United States when a young man; he lived for a time in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was married to Rosa Ribbe, a native of Germany. Henry Dubbels removed from Cincinnati to Burlington, Iowa, and thence to Guttenberg, where he followed the business of carpentering. He died in 1855. His wife now lives in Nebraska. John was born in Guttenberg, in 1850. He learned his trade with his step-father, Fred Schroeder. He established his business here in 1877. He married Anna Schulte. They have four children—Alma, Ida, Rosa and Amelia. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 865 Clayton Twp. -- W. E. Duwe was born in Hanover, Germany, on March 28, 1843. He came with his parents to Clayton County, via New Orleans, his father settling upon a farm. W.E. was married on July 3, 1863, to Mary Ann Osterdock, who was born in the State of Indiana on Dec. 6, 1844. Five children have been born unto them, viz.: George L., born July 12, 1864; Amelia L., Nov. 24, 1865; Anna M., July 5, 1868; Willie H., June 23, 1871; and Elizabeth E. June 2, 1874. On April 26, 1873, Mr. Duwe settled in Clayton City, purchasing the hotel of Fritz Teake, which he has owned and conducted since, and has met with good success. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 721