Biographies, beginning with L, 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 L Boardman Twp. -- Arbogast Lamm (deceased) was a native of the grand duchy of Baden, Germany. He emigrated to the United States in 1832, locating in New York State. In 1853 he came to Clayton County and settled on a farm in Wagner Township, where he resided until his death, which occurred when he was in his seventy-first year. He left a wife and nine children to mourn his loss. He was a man who had experienced many of the adversities of life, but by an indomitable will and energy had succeeed in overcoming all obstacles, and had accumulated an ample competency. In his death Clayton County lost one of her most prominent and respected citizens. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 662 Boardman Twp. -- Joseph Lamm.--Among the prominent buisness men and respresentative citizens of Elkader may fairly be mentioned the subject of this sketch. He embarked in the mercantile business in Elkader in 1878, and has met with good success. He carries a complete stock of general merchandise, valued at $12,000. Mr. Lamm was born in Erie County, N.Y., Mar. 17, 1848, and was a son of Arbogast and Mary Ann Lamm, of German birth, who emigrated to the United States in an early day. Joseph was reared on a farm and is chiefly self- educated. At the early age of thirteen years he left home to make his own way in the world, engaging as clerk in a mercantile store at Elkader. From there he went to Mederville, where he remained until 1869, then returned to Elkader. He was employed in the postoffice here three years, then was appointed mail agent on the I.E.R.R., holding that poisition until he embarked in his present business. He was married in 1880 to Ella S. Packer, who was born in Connecticut and was a daughter of James and Mary A. Packer, likewise natives of that State. In politics Mr. Lamm is a Republican. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 661-662 Monona Township – C. C. Lang, one of the prominent and enterprising farmers of Clayton County, was born in the Western Reserve, Loraine County, Ohio, Jan. 25, 1832, and was a son of William and Abrella (Swearingen) Lang, father of Scotch and mother of German descent. There was a family of eleven children, eight living—Nicholas, William, John, David, C.C., Abigail, Nancy and Sarah. In early life William Lang learned the trade of a blacksmith, and in 1856 he emigrated to Clayton County, Iowa, where he is still living. Mrs. Lang died in 1840. He again married, Sybil Buckley, a widow of Medad Buckley. C. C. was educated in his native State, attending two terms at Oberlin College. When eighteen years of age he learned the trade of a carriage-maker, which he followed for sixteen years. In 1856 he built the wagon shops in National, Clayton County, in company with O. D. Pettitt, and the business was conducted under the firm name of Lang & Pettitt. He afterward sold his interest to Mr. Pettitt and went to Monona, where he remained two years, then returned to National and embarked in the mercantile business. In 1880 he closed out his business and came to Monona Township, where he has since been engaged in farming. On March 8, 1860, he married Ann E., daughter of John Shaw; she was born in Pennsylvania in 1841. Mr. and Mrs. Lang are the parents of four children—John A., Carrie J. Charles B. and Frank S. Mr. Lang owns 180 acres of land in Clayton County, 250 in Cerro Gordo County, 29 in Allamakee County, 160 in Minnesota and 80 in Osceola County, Iowa, making a total of 707 acres, valued at $12,380. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1046-1047. Mendon Twp. -- Frank Larabee was born in New London, Conn., on the 10th day of September, 1834. In 1855 he came to Clayton County, where he has been actively identified with its business interests since. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 993 Mendon Twp. -- John H. Larson, proprietor of Larson' s boot and shoe store, McGregor, was born in Wagner Township, Clayton County, Iowa, Oct. 19, 1853, a son of Holga and Sarah (Halverson) Larson. His parents settled in Clayton County in 1848, and now reside in McGregor. They are members of the Lutheran church, and have had a family of four children, three boys and one girl; the oldest son is dead. John resided on the farm, attending school, until eleven years of age, when he went to Elkader, Iowa, and clerked for Snedeger & Stearns one year; then went to school at Decorah two years. He returned to Elkader and clerked for A.T. Jones & Co. One year; then clerked for their successors, R. C. Place & Bro., until 1869, when he came to McGregor, and clerked for Jarrett & Wilson until 1875, when he bought out A. T. & T. O. Jones' boot and shoe store, and has remained in the business since. He has the leading boot and shoe store of the city, occupies a building 70 x 25 feet, two stories and a basement, and carries a fine stock of imported and domestic boots and shoes. He is a member of the Iowa Legion of Honor, and in politics a Republican. He was elected President of the Republican Club of McGregor in the fall of 1881, and still holds this office. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 994 Wagner Twp. -- John Larson was born April 7, 1841, in Norway, son of Peter and Betsey Larson. When eight years old he emigrated with his parents to America. After a year spent in Wisconsin they removed to Clayton County, and settled in Farmersburg Township. There were but very few houses in the county at that date, and but three or four Norwegians had settled here. He was educated in the district schools and worked on his father's farm until he was twenty-five years old. He was married in 1866 to Nettie Christianson, born in Norway. They have six children, viz.: Bertha O., Mary H., Willie H., Oliver H., Louie T., and Alice. In 1877 he bought a farm of 230 acres in Wagner Township, on section 25. In September, 1881, in partnership with Mr. Embertson, he started a creamery at St. Olaf, which is now doing a good business. They have a new building for this purpose in process of construction, which will be supplied with all the modern apparatus for carrying on the business. He now holds the office of Town Trustee. Mr. Larson is considered one of the best and most enterprising citizens of this section, and is much esteemed as a man and a neighbor. Mr. and Mrs. Larson are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church. In politics, Republican. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1136 Sperry Twp. -- A. T. Lawrence, of Sperry Township, was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., Dec. 3, 1836. His father, Daniel T. Lawrence, was born on the coast of Massachusetts, July 16, 1803. When he was five years old he removed to Jefferson County, N. Y. while that section was still a wilderness. Here he grew to manhood, and at the age of twenty-four years married Almera Brown. He was a shoemaker by trade, which business he followed until 1837, when he again emigrated, this time as far as Ohio. In that State he raised his family, which consisisted of one son - our subject - and six daughters. His wife died April 28, 1852. In 1854 he removed with his family to Clayton County, settling in Sperry Township, where he engaged in farming. At present he is in a feeble state of health, and has given up his business mostly to his son. The latter, whose name heads this sketch, and whose portrait appears in this work was educated in the common schools of Ohio. He was but seventeen years old when his father came to Clayton County. Here he assisted on his father's farm. He was married March 9, 1873, to Miss Mary C. Gill, of Jefferson County, N.Y. About a year since Mr. Lawrence started a creamery on his farm, in which he is now doing a good business. Politically he is a Greenbacker. He has been an active politician, and is a representative member of his party. He called the first Greenback convention ever held in Clayton County. He is well-known in all parts of the county, and is much respected by all. Postoffice address, Volga City. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1099 Boardman Twp. -- Charles Leibrock, merchant, was born in Bavaria, Germany, in May, 1833, where he was educated. In 1853, thinking to better his condition in a free country, he emigrated to America, landing in New Orleans, and thence by river to St. Claire County, Ill., where he worked on a farm a short time; he then came to Elkader, where he has resided since. After arriving in Elkader he was employed as a laborer in the Elkader Mill, and afterward became purchasing agent. In 1857, he married E. F. Christ, a native of Ohio. By this union there are five children, viz.: Ella S., Frank G., Hattie S., Lizzie M. and Charles L. Mr. Leibrock is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Elkader Lodge, No. 72; also of Bismark Lodge, No. 110, A.O.U.W. He came to the county a poor man, but by close attention to business and good judgment has accumulated a fine property, and is one of the prosperous business men of the village. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p.662 Sperry Twp. -- John Lendman was born in Austria, Dec. 27, 1839. In 1856 he came to America, landing in New Orleans. From there he went to Chicago, where he remained two years, then went to Freeport, Ill. Four years later he came to Clayton County, and has been engaged in improving and selling farms here since. He now owns a fine farm of 210 acres in Sperry Township, of cultivated land and abundantly stocked. He was married in this county Dec. 29, 1865, to Anna Kerr, who was born in Ireland in 1842. Four children have been born to them, viz.: Anna Maria, Thomas K., Mary Jane and William John. In politics Mr. Lendman is a Republican. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1099 Boardman Twp. -- John Leonard, one of the enterprising farmers of Clayton County, was born in County Dublin, Ireland, in 1831, and was a son of Richard and Julie (Dunn) Leonard. In 1842 Richard Leonard emigrated to America with his family, and located in Fall River, Mass., where he embarked in the dairy business, remaining until 1855, when he removed to Clayton County, Ia., where he purchased a farm, remaining until his death, which occurred in 1858, his wife following two years later. The subject of this memoir when seventeen years of age learned the trade of machinist and went to New York, where he was employed in the Singer Sewing Machine Company's shops for twenty-five years. In 1875 he came to Clayton County, purchasing the farm, where he has resided since. In 1851 he married a Miss Holan, who was born in County Meath, Ireland, in 1836. Ten children blessed this union; seven are living, viz.: Willie H., born July 10, 1853; Richard, Jan. 28, 1857; Alice, July 22, 1860; Sarah, Dec. 26, 1862; Charles, Oct. 5,1868; Joseph, May 17, 1870; Freddie, Nov. Nov. 16, 1874. Mr. Leonard has a farm of 500 acres, valued at $40 per acre, a fine residence and home, and is one of the well-to-do farmers of the county. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 662-663 Elk Twp. -- A. G. Lewis , farmer, P.O., Elkport, son of Samuel and Sarah (Florow) Lewis, natives of Pennsylvania. They came to Missouri at an early day and lived some years, when they came to Sangamon County, Ill., where they lived some sixteen years, when in 1845 they located in Delaware County, Ia. They both died in that county; Sarah died in 1847, aged sixty-five years; Samuel lived till he was 100 years five months and twenty-two days old; he died in delaware County. A. G. was born in Missouri, March 6, 1826; he was educated in Illinois, and has followed farming. In 1860 he bought his present farm of 148 acres on secion 22 and 23, on Elk Creek bottom; previous to his present purchase he bought and sold several fine farms in Clayton County, where he located in 1847; he is one of the oldest settlers of Elk Township; his farm is one of the best and best cultivated of any in the county. On Sept. 3, 1846, he married Mary Ann, daughter of Jacob and Plezzy (Allcut) Walter, natives of Ohio; they came to Clayton County, where they died. By this union there are eight children - Plezzy, wife of Levi W. Fishel; Allen B., A.G., Jr., Solomon W. and William, are living; three are dead. Mr. Lewis is a member of the I.O. of O. F. lodge at Elkport. He votes the republican ticket. Mrs. Lewis gave birth to the first white child born in Elk Township, June 15, 1847, named John; he died in 1849. Mr. Lewis was one of the first white men who settled in Elk Township, when Indians, bear, deer, etc., abounded. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 761 Volga Twp. -- J. M. Lewis, M. D., was born in Dundee, Ill., Feb. 19, 1857, and was a son of William and Agnes Lewis, nee Sloan. His father was a native of Scotland, and emigrated to America in 1844, locating in Dundee, Ill. In 1857 he removed to Highland Township, Clayton County, and engaged in farming. Dr. Lewis received his early education in the district schools, and afterward entered the Iowa State University, from the medical department of which he graduated in 1879. He then engaged in the practice of medicine in Elkport, and has ever been a faithful worker in the profession whcih he has chosen for his life work, meeting with the success he so well deserves. He was married in 1881 to Emma Luers, who was born in Clayton County, and was a daughter of H.H. and Dora Luers, residents of Cummina Colony. Dr. Lewis is a member of I.O.O.F. lodge, and in politics is a Republican. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1124 Volga Twp. -- John S. Lewis, farmer and inventor of several machines for which he has patents, was born in Gallatin County, Ky., Sept. 21, 1818, son of Craddock and Clarisa Lewis, who were also natives of Kentucky. His father died when he was three years of age, and his mother again married, and he was brought up under the care and instruction of his step-father until eighteen years of age, when he started out in life for himself, going to Montgomery, Ray County, Mo., and there engaged in mining for four years, and in 1842 came to Clayton County, entering 600 acres of land. He was married in 1844, to Clarisa Wultse, who was born in Canada. They have a family of five children, four living-- Graham, John, Mary and Martha. Mrs. Clarisa Lewis died and he was again married in 1853, to Cynthia M. Amsdon, a native of Illinois. By this union there were eleven children, seven now living--Lyman, Craddock, Irla, Joel, India, Birdie and Archie Violet. Mr. Lewis has his farm under excellent cultivation, and is classed with the prominent farmers and stock-raisers of the county. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1123-1124 Highland Twp. -- William Lewis was born in the village of Drumalbin, Lanarkshire, Scotland, Feb. 17, 1822. His parents were Thomas and Margaret (Cleland) Lewis. He attended school until he was fifteen years old, when he engaged as clerk in a hardware store in Lenark. He followed that occupation two years, then learned the carpenter's trade. He was married to Agnes Sloan on Jan. 14, 1848. She was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, and was a daughter of David and Ellen (Johnston) Sloan. In May, 1849 Mr. and Mrs. Lewis came to America. They landed in New York, and from there went to Elgin, Kane County, Ill., where he followed the carpenter's trade until the spring of 1857, when he came to Iowa, and settled on a farm on section 19, Highland Township. He owns 160 acres in this township and ninety in Fayette County, all under fine cultivation except ten acres of timber. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis have had twelve children, nine living-- Thomas, who married Emma Doan; William C., an attorney at Elkader, married Effie J. Bachtell; James, engaged in the drug business in Canton, Dak. Ter.; John M., married Emma Luers, and is engaged in practicing medicine in Elkport; David, teaching school in this township; Hellen, Alfred, Margaret and Arthur. Mr. Lewis is one of the enterprising and energetic citizens of Clayton County, and has always been ready to assist in any movement to advance her interests. In politics he is independent. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p.842-845 Marion Twp. -- E. E. Lien, formerly a member of the firm of Lien & Thoma, has retired from the mercantile business on account of failing health, and is now engaged in managing his farm in Marion Township. It is situated on section 15, and consists of 355 acres of finely cultivated land. His health has improved greatly since his residence upon the farm, he having gained twenty-five pounds in one month. He is a native of Norway, and was born June 20, 1836. He came to America July 4, 1857. Prior to forming a partnership with Mr. Thoma, Mr. Lien engaged in the mercantile business alone at Elgin. He was married to Carrie Olson on March 8, 1866. She was born in Norway, Dec. 29, 1845. Of seven children born of this union four are living - Ole, born June 24, 1869; Emil, Oct. 5, 1871; Emma Julia, Sept. 10, 1878. The deceased are Emil, Emma and Louie. Mr. Lien is now acting as Justice of the Peace, also Township Trustee. He is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran Church, and in politics is a Republican. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 933 Monona Twp. -- William C. Linton, one of the pioneers of Clayton County,was born in Breckenridge County, Ky., on the 7th day of October, 1815. His parents, Benjamin and Lucy (Crewdson) Linton, were married in the State of Kentucky, where a family of twelve children was born, eight sons and four daughters. His father was by trade a tanner and currier, which he followed in connection with farming. He died in Kentucky in 1866. The subject of this memoir was reared on a farm, and received a common-school education. In May, 1842, he left Kentucky for Iowa, and located in what is now Allamakee, then Clayton County. In the fall of 1844 he entered a claim in Farmersburg Township, where he afterward made a farm and resided until 1882, when he disposed of it and moved to Monona Township, where he still lives. In 1849 he married Jennette Phillips, a widow of D. M. Barber, one of the early settlers of Clayton County. She was born in Chautauqua County, N.Y., April 14, 1825. Mr. and Mrs. Linton are the parents of three children--John, Millard F. and Mattie S. Mr. Linton came to the county when it was one vast wilderness, and has lived to see it transformed from a wild, uncultivated State to one of the wealthiest counties in Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Linton are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was a soldier in the Mexican war. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1047 Volga Twp. -- O. D. Loft, M. D., son of George and Almina Laft, nee Matson, was born in Fulton County, O., June 20, 1848. His primary education was received in the common schools of that county. He also attended Cornell College at Mt. Vernon three yeras; afterward worked with his father in the manufacture of cooperate. They came to Iowa and located in Manchester, Delaware County, where they remained two years; then came to Clayton County. Dr. Laft studied medicine with Dr. J. M. Lanning during the winter of 1870, and in the fall of 1871 attended a course of lectures at Rush Medical College, Chicago, Ill. He then went to St. Louis and attended the Missouri Mecdical College one term, and again studied under Dr. Lanning. In the fall of 1872 he matriculted in the Iowa Medical College at Iowa City, from which he graduated in 1873. Since that time he has engaged in practice in Elkport. He was married in November, 1876, to Martha A. Garber, who was born in Clayton County, and was a daughter of Martin and Lucy Garber. They have two children--Grace Irene, and Martin G. Dr. Laft is a member of I. O. O. F. and A. O. U. W. lodges. In politics he affiliates with the Republcian party. History of Clayton County Iowa 1882, p. 1123 Grand Meadow Twp. -- Jacob Loui is a native of Switzerland, born May 1, 1820. He came to America in 1849, landed at New York, thence to Cleveland, O. In 1854 he came to Clayton County, and settled on section 14, Grand Meadow Township, where he now resides. He owns 365 acres of fine land, mostly under good cultivation. He is quite an extensive farmer and stock-raiser. He has been married three times, first on Mar. 20, 1853, to Persis Lathrop. His second marriage occurred Nov. 17, 1855, to Susanna Shield, who was born in France in October, 1820. Three children were born of this union--William, Mary and Caroline. He married his present wife, Anna Heirigs, Apr. 21, 1842. They have had five children--John H., born Feb. 3, 1864; August L., Sept. 28, 1865; Elizabeth C. and Anna H. (twins), born Mar. 14, 1869, and Catherine Josephine, born Apr. 7, 1880. Mr. Loui is a member of the Lutheran church, and in politics votes for the best man. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 829-830 Elk Twp. -- Appleton Lovett , one of the pioneer children, and now representative citizens of Clayton County, was born in Elk Township, Sept. 28, 1850. He was reared and educated in this county, and has followed farming since he was old enough to handle a plow. On Dec. 7, 1873, Appleton Lovett and Margaret Hansel, were united in marriage. She was born in Clayton County, Jan. 11, 1853. To them have been born three children--Bertha, born Sept. 1, 1874, and Hephsa, June 17, 1880; one child, Alma, is dead. Mr. Lovett was reared in the Republican school of politics, and still adheres to the principles of that party. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 762 Elk Twp. -- Mark W. Lovett is a native of Bucks County, Pa., born June 25,1817. He emigrated to Warren County, O., with his father in 1835, remaining there thirteen years, then came to Clayton County. He entered one-half of secion 12, in what is now Elk Township, and has resided on the place since. He owns 800 acres of as fine land as there is in this section of the State, which is all under excellent cultivation, except 160 acres, and thoroughly stocked. He is a miller by trade, having served an apprenticeship in Pennsylvania, and was engaged in that business three years in Clayton County. He erected a cabin in 1848, using a log of bass, or linwood as it is sometimes called, for a ground log. As this wood rots easily it is a somewhat remarkable fact that this particular log has stood the test of summer and winter storms all these years, without decaying. Judge John Garber lent a helping hand when this cabin was built. Mr. Lovett was married in Green County, O., on June 23, 1840, to Hannah Appleton, who was born in Bucks County, Pa., Nov. 19, 1814. Of six children born of this union, four are living--Mercy, born Aug. 19, 1842, is now Mrs. Aaron Bowman; Phoebe, born May 28, 1848, married W. H. Appleton; Appleton, born Sept. 28, 1850, and Mark W., Jr., Oct. 3, 1853. Mr. Lovett owns three fine orchards, all containing 1,200 trees. He also has a grove of over 10,000 maple-sugar trees, which are tapped every spring. He held the office of School Treasurer for ten years. In politics he is a Republican, and is a man who is held in high esteem by his fellow citizens. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 761- 762 Monona Twp. -- John Lowcock, farmer, section 16, one of the enterprising farmers of the county, was born in Yorkshire, England, Nov. 15, 1823. In 1849 he left England for the United States, where he worked as a laborer for a few years, and in 1853 purchased the farm on which he now resides. In 1855 he married Mary Carr, who was born in Northumberland, England, Aug. 8, 1823. By this union there is one child--Mary E., born June 17, 1856. Mr. Lowcock has a fine farm of 200 acres, valued at $40 per acre. Mr. Lowcock came to the country poor, but by his own exertions has accumulated a competency and is one of the well-to-do farmers of the county. In politics he is a liberal, voting for the best man. Mr. and Mrs. Lowcock are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1047-1048 Sperry Twp. -- David Lowe was born in Rock County, Wis., March 10, 1844. He came to this county in 1847 with his father, James Lowe, who bought a claim on section 4, Sperry Township, of 160 acres, for which he paid $1.25 an acre. James Lowe met with an accident in the year 1880, which resulted in his death. While hitching up his team, they became frightened and ran over him, killing him almost instantly. His wife died two years prior to that time. They were among the first settlers of Sperry Township and their death was universally mourned throughout the community. The subject of this record resides on the old homestead, having purchased the claims of most of the other heirs. He was married to Elizabeth Dempster, Dec. 12, 1867. She was born Sept. 8, 1846, in Michigan. They have two children - Margaret E., born in 1869, and Daniel E., born in 1873. Of late years Mr. Lowe has turned his attention principally to the dairy business and raising hogs, and intends making that his business exclusively. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1100 Sperry Twp. -- John W. Lowe is a native of the State of Ohio, born near Stubenville, April 29, 1837. He came to Clayton County, Ia., with his father in 1847, and settled on section 4, Sperry Township. When he was fourteen years of age he left home and went to Galena, Ill., and obtained work on the Illinois Central Railroad. From therehe went to Minnesota, thence to Nebraska City, Kansas City, Mo., Salt Lake City, Pike's Peak, Col. and in the fall of 1860 he enlisted in the First Iowa Cavalry. Owing to his being afflicted with white swelling, which unfitted him for riding, he was not mustered into the service on the cavalry corps. He again enlisted, in the Twenty-first Iowa Infantry, and served three years, participating in the skirmish at Bear's Creek, Mo., where he was taken prisoner by Marmaduke. He was exchanged at St. Louis, Mo., Jan. 1, 1863; afterward went to Rolla, thence to West Plains, Iron Mountain, Mo., Cairo, New Orleans, where he joined his regiment; thence to Mettagorda, Fortress Monroe, thence through the tamarack swamps, where they had to build twenty-four miles of corduroy road, in order to get through to the Spanish fort. They besieged the rebels four weeks, then took possession of the fort, and soon after went to Mobile, Ala., thence to Magnolia Hill. Mr. Lowe was mustered out shortly afterward, and returned to Iowa. He engaged in the butcher business in Elkader one year, then returned to Sperry Township. He was married here in November, 1867, to Ellen E. Parsons, who was born in New York. They have two children - Willie, born in 1872; Vesta, in 1878, and an adopted child, Effie, born in 1865. Mr. Lowe has been extensively engaged in bulding railroads in Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Missouri, and is now engaged in farming and stock-raising. He has held the office of Trustee six years; also that of Road Supervisor and School Director. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1099- 1100 Marion Twp. -- P. M. Lown was born in Columbia County, N.Y., Oct. 15, 1817. He was educated there and in 1838 left that place and went to New Orleans, traveling by railroad, canal, stage and steamboat. From New Orleans he went to a point on the Mississippi River a short distance from there and worked one season making cypress shingles. He then went to Louisville, Ky., thence to New Albany, Ind., where he worked one summer on the turnpikes. In 1839 he returned to New Orleans. He followed the river trade six years, then went to Galena, Ill., where he worked a while, then came to Farmersburg, Clayton County, and with the exception of one winter, which he spent in the pineries of Wisconsin, he has resided here since. He owns 300 acres of good land on sections 1 and 36. He was married to Margery Barber, Dec. 26, 1850. She was born in Scott County, Ill., Feb. 22, 1826. They are the parents of the following named children - Philip M., born June 22, 1854; Mary E., July 10, 1858; Lilian M., Sept. 12, 1861, and Nellie B., Dec. 28, 1864. Mr. Lown has held the offices of Township Trustee and Supervisor. In religious sentiment he is a Methodist. In politics a Democrat. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 933 Marion Twp. -- Philip M. Lown was born in Farmersburg Township, Clayton County, Ia., on June 22, 1854. He was the recipient of a good education, having attended school in Marion Township, and one year in Fayette County. Mr. Lown has always followed farming, and now owns 140 acres of good land on section 1, this township. He was married on Nov. 27, 1879, to Maggie McKeller, who was born in Farmersburg Township, Clayton County, April 13, 1859. Mr. Lown was educated in the Democratic school of politics and has always adhered to the principles of that party. He has held the office of Township Clerk for the past two years. He has always taken an interest in any enterprise tending to the advancement of Clayton County's interests, and is one of her popular men. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 933-934 Cox Creek Township -- Herman Luers, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Hanover, Germany, born March 6, 1822. His parents, Herman and B. M. (Deken) Luers, were natives of Hanover, where they died. He learned the trade of a carriage-maker, and in 1851 came to the United States, locating in Cincinnati, O. He worked there five years, then came to Clayton County, intending to establish himself in that business. Finding the country too new for work of that kind, he purchased a farm in Volga Township, upon which he resided nine years. He then disposed of that farm and removed to Cox Creek Township and bought 240 acres of excellent land, which he now has under a fine state of cultivation. He was married in 1848 to D. S. Schirmer, whose parents, Wilhelm and Sophia Schirmer, were natives of Germany. Their union has been blessed with ten children—Herman, born Feb. 21, 1849, is married and resides in Minnesota; Sophia, born May 2, 1850; Marguerite, Feb. 19, 1852, is now the wife of Louis Venus; Minna, born Jan. 2, 1854; Henry, Oct. 16, 1857; Dorathea, Apr. 10, 1862; John and Emma (twins), Feb. 6, 1865, Emma married Dr. John Lewis, of Elkport; George, born Jan. 6, 1867, died Oct. 4, 1881, and Laura, born Jan. 11, 1868. The family are members of the Lutheran church. Mr. Luers votes the Republican ticket. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 747 Monona Twp. --George Lytle, one of the prominent and well-to-do farmers of Clayton County, was born in Erie County, N.Y., Jan. 17, 1832, a son of Matthew S. and Jane (Nicholson) Lytle. George was reared on a farm and received a common-school education. When twenty-two years of age, in company with his brother, J. N., he came to Clayton County, where he has been identified since. In 1865 he married Rosa, daughter of Thomas Glass, who was born in Glasgow, Scotland, Feb. 18, 1803, and when a young man came to the United States and located at Pittsburg, Pa. While there he became acquainted with Jane Gray, who was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, May 20, 1811. They were married in Pittsburg, May 5, 1835. Ten children were born of this union, six of whom are living--Rosa A., William H., Jennie, John, Robert and Isabel. In 1842 he left Pittsburg and went to Monroe County, Ohio, where he remained ten years, then returned to Pittsburg, and in 1855 came to Clayton County, where Mr. Glass entered a large tract of land and accumulated a fine property. He died Dec. 24, 1875. Mrs. Glass died in June, 1876. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and had held several local offices of trust. Mr. and Mrs. Lytle are the parents of two children--Jennie Bell, born April 15, 1866, and George Ivy, June 22, 1871. Mr. Lytle has a farm of 320 acres of land in a beautiful farming country, under a high state of cultivation, and valued at $50 per acre. In politics he was an old-line Whig, but at the time of the organization of the Republican party, joined them, and has affilitated with them since. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1049 Monona Twp. -- Captain John Lytle, the great-grandfather, a soldier of the Revolutionary war, who was in command of Fort Freeland on the west branch of the Susquehanna, which was taken by the British and Indians under Captain McDonald, June 30, 1779, and all the prisoners, including Captain Lytle, were taken to Tioga River, thence into the Genesee country, and from there to Niagara and Lower Canada. The country through which they passed was one vast wilderness, and they did not see a white man's dwelling after they left Lycoming Creek until they arrived at Fort Niagara. A little beef without salt, roasted on the end of a stick, was their chief article of food. In about two years Captain Lytle succeeded in making his escape by strategy. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1048-1049 Monona Twp. --John Lytle, Jr., the grandfather of John N. and George Lytle, emigrated from the Susquehanna Valley to Waterford, Erie County, Pa., 1796, and soon became a prominent citizen of that new country. In 1802 he was elected to the Legislature by the five counties which then constituted that district. He was unfortunately killed in 1816 by his horse becoming unmanageable upon a bridge, throwing him upon the ice fifteen feet below. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1048 Monona Twp. -- John N. Lytle, one of the enterprising farmers of Clayton County, was born in Erie County, Pa., Oct. 14, 1828, a son of Mathew S. and Jane (Nicholson) Lytle. They were married in Erie County Pa., in 1827, where a family of six children was born, five living--John N., Isabell E. (wife of W. P. Eno), George, Mathew S. and William H. In the spring of 1854 Jonn N. and George Lytle left their home in Pennsylvania and came to Clayton County, when it was yet in its infancy. Being pleased with the country, they located in what is now Monona Township. The following year their parents immigrated to Clayton County, where they spent their last days, the father dying here July 31, 1871, and the mother Aug. 11, 1868. The subject of this memoir was reared on a farm and received a common-school education. On June 4, 1868 he married Jennie Woodmansee, a daughter of David Woodmansee, of Howard County. She was born in Geauga County, O., April 7, 1839. Mr. and Mrs. Lytle have been blessed with three children, two living--Jay, born June 10, 1871, and Clarice, May 27, 1876. Mr. Lytle has a beautiful farm of 230 acres under cultivation, valued at $50 per acre. Mr. Lytle has been identified with the county for a quarter of a century and lived to see the wild prairies transformed into beautiful farms and homes. In politics he is a Republican, and cast his first vote for old Zachariah Taylor. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1048