Biographies, beginning with M, 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 M Mendon Twp. -- George W. Madden, carpenter, was born in Windom County, Vt., Jan. 7, 1828, a son of Michael and Electa (Johnson) Madden; the former, a native of Ireland, served on a man-of-war ship during the war of 1812. There was a family of fifteen children, eleven of whom lived to be adults. The subject of this memoir, the seventh son, was reared on a farm until sixteen years of age, when he was apprenticed to the trade of wagon-maker; not liking the business he afterward learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner. On the 12th day of April, 1861, the day the "Star of the West" was fired upon, he was the first to give his services to Uncle Sam in Clayton County, enlisting in the Third Iowa Volunteer Infantry, Company C, for three months. Word being received from the War Department to enlist men for three years only he changed his enlistment at that time, at the expiration of which he re-enlisted in the same company, serving four years and three months altogether. Some of the principal engagements he participated in were those of Pittsburg Landing, siege of Corinth, siege of Vicksburg, Jackson, Miss., Atlanta, and was with Sherman on his march to the sea. During the march he was taken sick at Goldsborough, N.C., and was sent to the hospital at Troy, N.Y., thence to Bedelo Island, City Point, Va.; thence to Louisville, Ky., where he joined his regiment and was discharged at Davenport, Ia., July 20, 1865. In 1863 he married Martha Thompson, of Delaware County, Ohio, where she was born April 8, 1840. By this union there are three daughters--A. Lillian, Effie M. and Cora B. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 994-995 Lodomillo Twp. -- Francis C. Madison, farmer, section 34, Lodomillo Township, was born in Todd County, Ky., March 12, 1822, and was the son of Reuben C. and Winnifred (Cotts) Madison, both of Virginia. Mrs. Madison was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. They had eight children, of whom five are living. Francis C. was the seventh child and third son. At the age of eight years, he removed with his parents to Fulton County, Ill., settling at Lewiston. His father died in 1834, his mother in 1838, at which time Francis was sixteen years old. After a year and a half he began work as an apprentice at the mason's trade, working with John Tompkins three years. He then worked for farmers in summer, and at a mill in winter, till he was twenty-one. Then he came to Ead's Geove, Delaware County, Iowa, in company with Isaac Preston and Horace Bemis and families. The following April he came to Lodomillo Township. Remaining with Isaac Preston four years, he was married to Elizabeth Purdy, in November, 1848; one child, Ervin C., was the result of this marriage. January, 1849, he settled on section 34, where he has since lived. Mrs. Madison died June 16, 1850. In December, 1852, Mr. Madison married Maria Willard, of Wisconsin, daughter of Edward and Louisa Willard. She died in 1855, and he married Julia A. Crawford, July 31, 1856. They have five children--Wilbor C., at school at Fayette; Motier C., studying law at Elkader; Curtis B., Eliza M. and Harriet M. Mr. Madison owns 160 acres of land, about ninety under cultivation. Has been Constable, Justice of the Peace and Trustee, and has held various local offices of trust and honor. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Madison and four of their children are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 895-896 Highland Twp. -- Patrick Malary, one of Clayton County's prominent farmers, was born in County Roscommon, Ireland, in August, 1820, and was a son of John and Anna Malary, nee Rowley. He was reared and educated in the town of Ballakincline, and in 1847 came to the United States. He worked on a railroad in Orange, N.Y., eighteen months, then went to Kentucky. Five years later he went to Utica, N.Y., and in 1857 came to Clayton County, and entered his present farm. He then spent four years in Kentucky and Illinois and at the expiration of that time returned to his farm here, where he has resided since. He was married to Mary Welch in the spring of 1859. She is of Irish birth and was a daughter of Andrew and Margaret (Gleason) Welch. Two children have blessed this union, one living--John, who resides on the old homstead with his parents. Mr. Malary owns a fine farm of 265 acres in all, mostly under cultivation. In politics he is a Democrat, and is one of the popular men of the county. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 845 Sperry Twp. -- E. W. Marble is a native of Genesee County, N.Y., and was born June 9, 1832. He located in Clayton County in the fall of 1853 near Guttenberg, where he reisded four years, then removed to Grant County, Wis. In the fall of 1862 he enlisted in Company C, Twentieth Regiment Wisconsin Infantry. The regiment went to St. Louis, Mo., thence to Rolla, Springfiled, Mo., and Cross Hollow, where a battle was fought; thence to Prairie Grove, Ark., where a skirmish with the rebels took place, and from there to Little Rock, Ark. He was taken sick there and sent to the hospital at Rolla. Six months later he enlisted in General Elliott's Maine Brigade, and was discharged nine months afterward. He re-enlistd in the Sixth Michigan Heavy Artillery, and remained until the close of the war. He then returned to his home and worked at his trade of mason and plasterer until 1872, when he went to Chicago and helped rebuild the city, after the great fire. In 1876 he came to Clayton County, where he has resided since. He is engaged in running a flour and feed mill in Sperry Township, and also works at his trade. He was married on March 6, 1851, to Mary Barber who was born in Greenbush, Rensselaer County, N.Y., May 10, 1832. They have had six chldren - Ella, Alice, Fremonth, George, Martha and Oscar. Ella and Alice are married. In politics Mr. Marble is a Republican. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1101 Millville Twp. -- J. C. Marshall was born in Franklin Square, Columbiana County, O., Aug. 13, 1850, and was the eldest of eight children. His parents settled in Millville Township, Clayton County, when he was but nine years old, and here he was reared and educated. In the spring of 1871 he went to Kansas, returning to Delaware County, Ia., the same year. He resided there two years, then went to Nebraska and sold machines for McCormick two years, and afterward went with a freight outfit from Norfolk to Deadwood, and from there to what is known as the Ponca agency, and helped to move the Spotted Tail tribe of Indians to the Rosebud agency and freighted for them six months. He spent the following winter in Nebraska, and in the spring began steamboating on the Missouri River. In 1879 he settled in Millville Township, where he has operated a saw-mill since. On Oct. 17, 1880, he was united in marriage with Mary Ray, who was born in Millville Township, on May 27, 1858. They have one child--Elsie, born Aug. 21, 1881. Mr. Marshall votes the Republican ticket. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p.1017 Giard Twp. -- M. L. Marsh, farmer and stock-grower, was born in Genesee County, N.Y., Jan. 28, 1828, and was a son of Jonathan and Clarisa (Shumway) Marsh, who had a family of eight children. M. L. by occupation is a mechanic, and when twenty-one years of age was employed in a shop, manufacturing separators for thrashing machines, where he remained until 1853, when he came to Clayton County and engaged in the milling business in company with his brother, on Bloody Run. In 1855, he spent one year in the machine shops at Dubuque, and in 1866 moved on to his present farm. In 1867 he married Adelaide R. Burnham, of Vermont, widow of Jason M. Marsh, by whom she had three children--Julia, Eugenia, Jason Everett and Addie. By this union there were seven children, five of whom are lving, viz.: Clara, Dexter, Bennie, Blanche and Marian. Mr. Marsh has always taken an active interest in the Republican party, and was one of the original signers of a petition for the organization of the same. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 821-822 Lodomillo Twp. -- Christian S. Maxson, farmer, P. O. Edgewood, son of Ephraim and Mary (Smith) Maxson, natives of Virginia. They moved to Ohio and lived there many years. In 1852 they moved to Clayton County, Ia., and Ephraim died here in 1859. Christian was born in Indiana, Oct. 18, 1842. He was educated in Iowa, and has followed farming, with the exception of about three years at carpenter's work. He now owns 204 acres of land, a part in Clayton County, on section 33, and a part where he lives, across the line in Delaware County. In 1865 he married Clarrissa Fisher. There were three children by this union, one living--Mary Matilda. On Nov. 3, 1872, Clarrissa died, and in 1877 he married Mrs. Lorana Newman, nee Bush, widow of J. Wesley Newman, of this county. There was one child by this marriage--Mary Elmira, born in 1869. Since her marriage to Mr. Maxson there have been two children--Clara Bell and Daisy. Mrs. M. is a member of the Congregationalist church. Mr. M. votes the Republican ticket. Mr. Maxson enlisted in the Twenty-first Iowa Infantry Volunteers, Company B, Captain Crook. He served three years, and was in seven of the hard-fought battles--Port Gibson, Champion Hill, Big Black, Vicksburg and several others. He was discharged at New Orleans in 1865, and although where bullets flew thick he was not wounded. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 896-897 Lodomillo Twp. -- Samuel N. May, one of Clayton County's most enterprising and representative men, was born in Burlington, Otsego County, N.Y., March 9, 1821. He was a son of Harmon May, of Connecticut, and Sarah, nee Monroe, of New York. He assisted on the farm and attended school until twenty-one years of age, when he became self-supporting. He engaged in merchandising until his marriage to Emily Brayton, which occurred Feb. 2, 1848. She was born in Herkimer County, N.Y., and was a daughter of Jonathan and Eunice (Allen) Brayton. Mr. May followed merchandising after his marriage until 1867, when he came to Clayton County, and settled on his present farm in Lodomillo Township. It consists of 160 acres, 120 under cultivation and well stocked. Mrs. Emily May died Dec. 2, 1871, having been the mother of four children--Herbert B.; Nettie C., wife of V. G. Beach; Frank H., married Bertha Armbruster, and Ida C., who died in infancy. Mr. May was again married Aug. 11, 1873, to Mrs. Orinda Noble, nee Randall, who was born in Norridge, N.Y., and was a daughter of Abraham and Betsey (Merrihew) Randall. She has two children--Evelon L., and Ira F. Noble. In politics Mr. May is a Rebublican. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 896 Sperry Twp. -- William McCabe was born in Ohio, Jan. 11, 1822. In 1850 he left Ohio and went to Michigan, where he spent four years, and in 1854 came to Clayton County, and settle in Sperry Township, where he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits since. He enlisted in Company E, Ninth Iowa Infantry, Sept. 9, 1861, and served four years. He participated in the battles of Pea Ridge, Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, Ringold, Buzzard Roost, Resaca, Calhoun, Kingston, Kennesaw Mountain, Lost Mountain and many others, being about twenty-one in all. Was at the siege and surrender of Vicksburg, and with Sherman on his march to the sea. Was wounded at the battle Pea Ridge, Ark., March 7, 1862. Was present at the surrender of the armies of Johnston and Lee, and was mustered out at Louisville, Ky., and returned to Clayton County. He as married to Mable Tremain, March 22, 1843, in Ohio. She was born in New York, Jan. 23, 1824. They have one child - Emily, born March 4, 1844, married William Maxwell, and resides with her parents. Mr. McCabe is a Democrat in his political views. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1101 Monona Twp. -- Percival W. McClelland, Monona, Ia., was born in Licking County, Ohio, on Oct. 14, 1846, son of Rev. E.J. and Miranda (Wescot) McClelland, natives of New York. Mr. and Mrs. McClelland were the parents of three children, two sons and one daughter--Frank W., Celestia B. (deceased), and Percival W. Percival W. was educated at the State University of Iowa, graduating in 1873; from that time up to 1877 he taught school, when he was elected as Superintendent of the schools of Clayton County, holding the office for four years. In 1880 he married Miss Mary Ann Winkley, a daughter of Alonzo Winkley, a prominent citizen of Monona. She was born in Meriden, N.H., March 21, 1860. Mr. and Mrs. McClelland are the parents of one child. Mr. McClelland is a member of the I.O.O.F., Elkader Lodge, No. 103. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1049-1050 Sperry Twp. -- James McCrae, a native of New Comstock, Scotland, was born June 15, 1825. He emigrated to America in 1850, landed at New York, and from there went to Pittsburg, Pa. After a five years' residence in that place he came to Iowa, and entered 320 acres of land in Highland Township. He then returned to Pittsburg, coming again to Iowa in 1857, which has been his home since. He owns 200 acres of finely improved land on sections 9 and 10, Sperry Township, which he cultivated until 1882, when he retned it to his son George. Mr.McCrae followed the avocation of an engineer until he was twenty-one years old, when he obtained employment in a rolling mill in Scotland. He also worked in the rolling mills at Pittsburg, and has worked in all the branches of the manufacture of iron and steel. He was married to Mario Muir in 1846, in Scotland. They have had six children - Gordon, born in Scotland in 1853; Mary, now Mrs. S. Gilson; George, James, Jeannette, now Mrs. Chas. Bentley, and William Thomas. Mr. McCrae has held the office of School Director. He is a member of the Presbyterian church. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1102 Volga Twp. -- James McDonald, one of the pioneers of Volga Township, is a native of Scotland, born in Dumfrieshire on Dec. 25, 1793, and was a son of Allen and Mary (Goorley)McDonald, who were of Scottish birth, and now deceased. He was reared on the farm in his native shire and then received a practical education. He was married in 1821 to Jeannette Hunter, who was born in Dumfrieshire in September, 1802. Of twelve children born of this union, ten are living--John, Allen, Robert, James, Irwin, George, Alexander, Jane, Julia and Jeannette. Of the number seven are married. Mary and Ann are deceased. In the spring of 1859 Mr. McDonald emigrated to America with his family, and located in Clayton County on May 10 of that year. He purchased a farm in Volga Township upon which he now resides, and manages with the assistance of his sons--Irwin and James. He is now in his eighty-ninth year, and is still hale and hearty, having always enjoyed excellent health. His wife although quite aged performs her household duties without any assistance. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1124 Elk Twp. -- John N. McEvers - Among the brave pioneers who have helped to bring Clayton County to its present prosperous condition, none deserves more honorable mention then he, a brief sketch of whose life we give below. He was born in Athens County, O., Sept. 10, 1815, and in 1827 removed to Illinois with his father settling in Pike County. He lived in that vicinity twenty years, and in 1847 came to Clayton County, and settled in waht is now Elk Towhship, he being one of the organizers of that township. He owns seventy acres of fine land on section 22. Mr. McEvers has been twice married; first in 1840 to Samantha L. Chamberlain, who died in 1859, having been the mother of ten children, four living--John N. Jr.; Eveline, who married Stephen Shaw, and resided in Wisconsin; Rose Ann, now Mrs. William Pratt, of this county, and Isaac. His second marriage occurred on Dec. 20, 1864, to Mrs. Matilda Sprague, nee Aspinwall, who was born in Chautauqua County, N.Y., June 18, 1820. She was married to her first husband, Francis Sprague, Nov. 26, 1837; he died Dec. 9, 1861. By that union there were twelve children, three living - Inette, now Mrs. Aaron Vanbuskirk; Charles F. and F.M. who was born in Stephenson County, Ill, Aug. 13, 1857, and came to Clayton County in 1870. He was married to Josephine E. Hook Sept. 29, 1879. She was born in Colesburg, Ia. June 26, 1860. They have one child -Sheldon B., born June 1, 1880. The subject ofthis memior enlisted in the Third Missouri Regiment, Oct. 24, 1861, and was mustered into the service on Dec. 17, of that year. He participated in the battles of Cotton Hill, Arkansas Post, where he received seven balls in his hat; was present during the siege of Vicksburg, and was wounded on May 22, under General Steele's grand charge on that city. He was discharged at St. Louis, Mo., on Nov. 17, 1864. He was the first Constable elected in Elk Township, and served six years; also the President of the first School Board. He has served one year as Justice of the Peace and ten years as Township Trustee. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 762-763 Monona Twp. -- Charles L. McGonigle was born in Junaitta County, Pa., on the 11th day of February, 1836, a son of Bartimeus and Catherine (McDonald) McGonigle, who married about 1831, and were the parents of nine children, five living--Charles L., Clamanda C., John H., William A. and Amanda M. In 1839 the family emigrated to Linn County, Ia., and located near Center Point, being among the pioneers of that place. In 1847 they came to Clayton County and located on section 11, Monona Township, where Mr. McGonigle entered land and engaged extensively in farming. In 1853 he went to California, where he was engaged in mining, and remained there until his death, which occurred in 1868. Mrs. McGonigle is still living in Elkader, Ia. Mr. McGonigle was active in politics in an early day, and was elected as one of the first County Commissioners of Linn County; he was also a candidate for the Legislature. The subject of this memoir was reared on his father's farm and received a liberal education. At the age of twenty-four he commenced teaching school, which he followed a number of years. In June, 1864, he married Helen Barnes, a daughter of Isaac and Harriet (Churchill) Barnes. She was born June 30, 1846. By this union there are four children--Effie L., Mc B., Linnie C. and Bart C., who died Febrary 21, 1867. In the spring of 1867, Mr. McGonigle embarked in the mercantile business in company with Silas Egbort, which occupation he followed until 1876, when he was elected County Recorder. Mr. McGonigle has sixty-five acres of beautiful land adjoining Monona, valued at $60 per acre. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1050 Monona Twp. -- William A. McGonigle was born in Linn County, Ia., on the 8th day of May, 1846, and was a son of Bartimeus and Catherine McGonigle. He was reared on a farm and received a liberal education. When twenty-three years of age he engaged in school-teaching, and was afterward employed as a clerk in a drug store at Postville and Winthrop, where he received a thorough knowledge of the business. In 1874 was employed in the graded schools of Monona, two years. He served as Deputy Recorder of Clayton County for a short time, when he returned to Monona and was again employed in the schools. In April, 1881, he went to Rock Rapids, Lyons County, Ia., where he took charge of the schools in that place, and remained a short time. In 1878 he married Ella Egbert, a daughter of Daniel and Catherine Egbert. She was born in St. Joseph County, Ind., April 15, 1855. Mr. and Mrs. McGonigle are the parents of one child--Bessie K., who was born Jan. 1, 1880. Mr. McGonigle is a member of the A.O.U.W., Monona Lodge, No. 172, and the V.A.S. Lodge, No. 51. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1050-1051 Mendon Twp. -- Gregor McGregor, wholesale and retail hardware merchant, McGregor, Iowa, was born at Prairie du Chien, Wis., Aug. 23, 1845. When two years old he moved with his parents across the river to the Iowa side, where his father located the present city of McGregor. Gregor attended the public and select schools here until 1859, when he went East and attended the Fort Edwards Institute at Fort Edwards, N.Y., until 1864. He then read law in the office of Judge Stephen E. Brown, at Glenn's Falls, Warren County, N.Y., one year, when he returned to McGregor and engaged in general commission business, and one year later he established his present wholesale and retail hardware business. He now occupies a fine two story-brick building with a basement one hundred feet deep by fifty wide, and carries a full and complete stock of heavy and shelf hardware, valued at $60,000. This is one of the leading business houses of the city. Mr. McGregor is one of the "pioneer children" of McGregor, where he has been identified all his life. In 1878 he was elected a Republican Representative to the Iowa Legislature, and re-elected in 1880. He was also elected Mayor of McGregor in 1871 and re-elected in 1874, and is at present a member of the city council. He has always taken an active interst in the schools, or any thing that promises progression to the city. Mr. McGregor resides with his mother, who is now in the seventieth year of her age. She has but two children living, viz.: Gregor, subject of this sketch, and Gardner, who is engaged in farming at Monona. He married Emma Turk, of Troy, N.Y. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p.995 Monona Twp. -- Gardner McGregor was born in McGregor, Clayton County, Ia., March 14, 1848, and was a son of Alex. and Ann (Gardner) McGregor. In May, 1869, he married Emma Lurck, a daughter of Jeremiah and Caroline Lurck, of Hudson, N.Y. She was born in Rensselaer County, N.Y., May 10, 1846. Mr. and Mrs. McGregor have been blessed with one child--Eloise, born in Troy, N.Y., April 14, 1870. Mrs. McGregor is a member of the Baptist church. He owns a finely cultivated farm of 168 acres, valued at $50 per acre, and is one of the prominent citizens of Monona Township. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1051 Clayton Twp. -- James McGuire is a native of Ireland, born May 1, 1828. He immigrated with his parents to the United States in 1836, landed at New York, where he remained two years, then removed to Luzerne County, Penn. In 1854 he came to Clayton County reaching Clayton on Oct. 14, of that year. He worked at the carpenter's and millwright's trade five years, then settled on his present farm. It consists of 260 acres of fine land, containing many excellent improvements. Mr. McGuire has held the offices of School Director and Township Trustee, serving creditably in both instances. He was married in January, 1853, to Margaret Depew, who was born in Pennsylvania, Oct. 23, 1834. They have twelve children-Francis, born Aug. 21, 1854; James, June 22, 1857; John, July 6, 1859; Alfred, Feb. 27, 1861; Mary, Feb. 16, 1863; Rachael, Oct. 17, 1864; Catherine, Oct. 14, 1866; Edward, Feb. 26, 1868; Margaret, May 9, 1870; Caroline, Jan. 25, 1872; Jane Sept. 18, 1873; and Alice May, Jan. 9, 1876. Rebecca Depew, the mother of Mrs. McGuire, was born June 25, 1800, in Wayne County, Penn. Her husband, Abraham Depew died in the State in 1843. She resides with her daughter, Mrs. McGuire. The subject of this memoir has been a member of the I. O. O. F. fraternity since Jan. 15, 1853. He also belongs to the Garnavillo lodge A. F. & A. M., having joined that order Dec. 26, 1865. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 723-724 Monona Twp. -- Archibald McKellar, one of Clayton County's prominent farmers, was born in County Lanark, Scotland, Dec. 24, 1832. He was one of a family of five children, he being the only surviving one. Mrs. McKellar died in Scotland in 1838. In 1848 Mr. McKellar emigrated to the United States, locating in Farmerburg Township in 1851. He again married, Mrs. Jane Havens, a widow of John Havens. One child was born of this union--Duncan, of Richardson County, Neb. Archibald received his early education in his native country, coming to this county with his father in 1848. He went to Minnesota soon after and engaged in the lumber trade, where he remained five years. In 1858 he married Christine Nelson. She was born in Sweden in 1839. Five children blessed this union--Margaret J., Peter D., Alice J., Laura A. and John F. Mr. McKellar owns a farm of 142 acres, under cultivation, and valued at $40 per acre. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Luana. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1051 Grand Meadow Twp. -- James McKinley was born in Ireland on March 25, 1834. He emingrated to America in May, 1852, and located in Connecticut. In 1857 he went to California, returning to Connecticut in 1862. His marriage with Mary NcNamara occurred on Sept. 15, 1862. She was born in Ireland in 1836. Their union has been blessed with six children--James, born June 21, 1864; John A., May 26, 1868; Michael A., Aug. 3, 1870; Mary H., March 31, 1872; Archibald, Aug. 18, 1874, and May C., May 17, 1881. Mr McKinley settled in Grand Meadow Township, this county, in 1862. He owns 187 acres of finely cultivated land on section 28, and is one of the well-to-do-farmers of the township. He made a second trip to California in 1863, remaining there four years. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 830 Grand Meadow Twp. -- John F. McKinley was born in Ireland in 1839, and came to America in 1857. He was living at Meriden, Conn., when the war broke out and he enlisted in Comapny E, Third Connecticut Infantry, and served three months, participating in the battles of Bull Run and Fairfax Court House. He went to California in the fall of 1861 and remained on the Pacific coast seven years. He came to Clayton County in 1868. He owns a finely cultivated farm of 200 acres in section 21, Grand Meadow Township. He was married Oct. 11, 1869, to Ellen Fleming, who was born in New York, March 14, 1845. They hae had nine children--Mary Ann, born Oct. 19, 1870; Lizzie, Nov. 9, 1871; Rosa, June 29, 1872; Nellie, Aug. 16, 1873; Katie, June 16, 1874; John, Nov. 26, 1875, and died the same day; John A., Nov. 17, 1877; James, Jan. 18, 1879, and Emily, May 13, 1881. Mr. McKinley is a member of the Catholic church. He votes the Democratic ticket. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 830 Grand Meadow Twp. -- R. J. McLelland was born in Saratoga County, N.Y., June 3, 1802. In 1804 his parents moved to Herkimer County, N.Y., and from there to Niagara County, in 1822. Our subject was married in 1822 to Anna Newland, who was born in Oneida County, N.Y., in 1803. Of six children born of this union three are living-Stephen, now of Kansas City; Charles, of Chicago, and Webster, engaged in farming with his father. One son, Seward, died in 1879. Mr. McLelland has been a resident of Clayton County since 1856. The first year of his residence here was spent on the farm now owned by Judge Williams. His father, who had come here with him from New York, died on that farm, Nov. 2, 1856, being over eighty years old. In 1857 Mr. McLelland purchased his present farm consisting of the northeast quarter of section 16. He has been County Surveyor for the past twenty years. He served as Justice of the Peace in New York, fourteen years, and in this county twenty-four years. In politics he adheres to the principles of the Republican party. He has been active in every movement tending to the improvement of Clayton County, and is one of her most prominent and popular citizens. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 830- 831 Grand Meadow Twp. -- Hannah A. McMasters, nee Russell, was born in the State of Vermont on June 8, 1806. She was married to Melvin McMasters March 13, 1825. He was born in Fairfax, Vt., Oct. 26, 1799. Their married life was blessed with six children--Moses Y., born Oct. 5, 1827, married, lives in Postville; Amanda, Aug. 22, 1829, married Julius C. Oliver, living in West Charleston, Vt.; Ellen, born July 15, 1831, lives in Grand Meadow Township; Charlotte, July 14, 1834 (now deceased); Harry J., Dec. 14, 1836, married, living in Northwood, Worth County, Iowa, and Josephine (deceased), born Sept. 9, 1839. Mr. and Mrs. McMasters came to Iowa in March, 1867, and settled on the farm where she now resides, on section 12, Grand Meadow Township. Mr. McMasters died Aug. 29, 1874. He was a kind and indulgent father and a generous, free-hearted man. In his death Clayton County lost one of her most respected citizens. The subject of this memoir owns 111 acres of good land and highly cultivated. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 831 Mendon Twp. -- A. & T. McMichael, grain merchants of McGregor, established their business here in the fall of 1880, and are two of the leading grain merchants of the county. They have an elevator in McGregor where they clean their grain for the market also have grain elevators in Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin, and ship annually over 1,000,000 bushels of grain. A. & T. McMichael started in the grain business at Brownsville, Minnesota, in 1860, and moved to Dubuque in 1878, and from there to McGregor. They are natives of Scotland and sons of William and Rachel (Proudfoot) McMichael. They came with their parents to Canada in 1853, remained there until 1860 when they removed to Minnesota. Thomas was born July 15, 1837. He married Harriet Powlesland, Jan. 3, 1861, at Dubuque, Iowa. She was born in England, and was a daughter of William and Harriet (Bodley) Powlesland; he was a farmer and tanner and currier. Mr. and Mrs. McMichael are members of the Presbyterian church; they have had six children, five living-- William, Harriet, Thomas, Rachel and Florence. Mr. McMichael is a member of the Masonic lodge and demitted member of Hokah Chapter, No. 16, at Hokah, Minn., also of Couer du Leon Commandery, No. 3, Winona, Minn. In politics he is a Democrat. Alexander McMichael was born July 16, 1831. In 1862 he married Margaret De Lormier, of Dubuque, Iowa. She was a daughter of Peter and Margaret De Lormier. Mr. McMichael resides in Lansing, Iowa; he and wife are members of the Presbyterian church. They have had four children, three living--Alexander, Bertha and baby. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 995-996 Mallory Twp. -- Lawrence McNamee, son of Lawrence McNamee, Sr. and Ruth, nee Marvin, natives of Ireland and Connecticut respectively, was born in New York on Dec. 29, 1805. He was educated in his native State, and in 1842 came to Iowa, locating in Delaware Coutny, whre he now resides. He owns 240 acres of fine land lying partly in Clayton and partly in Delaware County, his residence being on the line. He also owns 240 acres in another locality. In 1829 he married Errelia, daugher of Luther and Andria Cole, nee Chase, natives of New York, the former dying in Missouri in 1833, the latter in Delaware County, Ia. In 1862. By this union there were ten children, of whom C.L., born March 13, 1831, is married and resides in Allamakee County; Mary E., Jan. 31, 1835, married Isaac Otis, of Elk Township; E. Luther born July 22, 1836, is married and lives on the old homestead; Sarah E., born April 20, 1842, is the wife of Robert Fitch ; H. Medora, born April 2, 1844, married George E. Lang ; and Eva, born July 1, 1845, are living. The deceased are Eliza Jane, Martha S., Truman, and Laura. Mrs. Errelia McNamee died Feb. 8, 1856, and on Dec. 11, 1856, Mr. McNamee married Mrs. Sebrah Clark, sister of his first wife, and widow of Samuel Clark, by whom she had five children; Harriet C., widow of P. G. Bailey ; Norman L., who died in Idaho; Henry G., of Monroe County, Wis.; Benjamin A. and Samuel C. Mr. McNamee has held the office of County Commissioner, Township Assessor, Justice of the Peace, and many other public positions of trust, discharging his duties with honor and ability. He votes the Republican ticket. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 921-922 Monona Twp. -- Israel McWilliams, farmer and stock-grower, section 30, was born in Fayette County, Pa., on the 22d day of June, 1819. His parents, Samuel G. and Sarah (Huston) McWilliams, were natives of Fayette County, Pa., and were of Scotch descent. They were married in Fayette County, where a family of seven children was born--six sons and one daughter--Huston, Izard, Samuel K., Evans, Israel C., Brown and Ellazana. His father was a farmer, which he followed until his death, which occurred on June 22, 1834. The mother died Jan. 11, 1879. The subject of this memoir when fifteen years of age was apprenticed to the blacksmith's trade, serving three years. In 1851 he came to Clayton County, locating in the southern part of the county, near Colesburg, where he remained some years, then sold out, and purchased property near National. In 1858 he came to his present place. On Jan. 2, 1844, he married Margaret Flenniken, who was born in Greene County, Pa., May 12, 1821. Four children blessed this union- -Lewis C., Mary F., wife of Alexander Fraser, and Ella. Mr. McWilliams has 230 acres of land, valued at $40 per acre. He makes a specialty of bee-raising, having some 500 swarms, the honey from which is made from excellent white clover. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1051-1052 Clayton Twp. -- F. H. Meder was born in Meclenburg-Schwerin, Germany, Oct. 22, 1821, and immigrated to America in July, 1853, being a member of the colony of Communia, now the city of Elkader, Ia. He purchased eighty acres of land in Cox Creek Towhship, upon which he resided thirteen years, and still owns; but in 1866 he bought 220 acres in Clayton Township, which he has cultivated since 1867. He has a United States patent for the original eighty acres, signed by Franklin Pierce. He was married Sept. 15, 1853, to Albertina Gade, who was born in Germany, and died in April 1877, in this country, having been the mother of one child-Edwin, who was born March 9, 1856, and was married Feb. 1, 1882, to Mary Grouney, a native of Pennsylvania, born Feb. 1, 1858. F H. Meader held the office of Towhship Trustee of Cox Creek Towhship, and since his residence here has been elected to the office of School Treasurer of Eagle District. He is a member of the Lutheran church, and in politics votes with the Democratic party. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 724 Cox Creek Township -- Henry Meder, farmer and miller, was born in Mecklenburg, Schwerin, Germany, Jan. 24, 1834, and was a son of Louis and Frederica (Sourbier) Meder. They were the parents of ten children, nine living. He emigrated to the United States in 1853, and came at once to Clayton County. He obtained employment as a farm laborer, but soon after engaged in stone quarrying and house building. He followed that business four years, and in 1859 was married to Dorothy Brockman, who was born in Mecklenburg, Schwerin, Germany, and was a daughter of William and Mary Brockman. Of thirteen children born of this union, ten are living—Bernhardt, is married and resides in Mederville; Louis, Emma, Lena, Albert, Clara, Rosa, Ida and Charles. Henry, August and an infant are deceased. After his marriage Mr. Meder located on his present farm in Cox Creek Township. In 1867 he built the saw and flouring mill, which he still runs, and in 1868 he platted the town of Mederville. He has been very successful financially, both as a farmer and miller, and has accumulated a fine property. He has held many of the important city and township offices, and is a member of the United Workingmen. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 747- 748 Garnavillo Twp. -- H. William Meier, one of the prominent citizens of Garnavillo Township, was born in Prussia, Germany, in 1836. In 1865 he emigrated to the United States and located in Clayton County, which has been his home most of the time since. He purchased his present farm in 1867 of H. Custer. It consists of 220 acres of fine farming land, well improved. He married Amelia Custer. Their union has been blessed with six children--five sons and one daughter. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 806 Boardman Twp. -- Ernst Meisner, son of Fred and Dorothea (Liebskind) Meisner, was born in Aldenburg, Saxony, Germany, on May 10, 1828. His father was a wagon-maker by trade, and after Ernst had received a good common-school education, he also learned that business, and in 1852 came alone to the United States. He followed his trade in Detroit, Mich., six weeks; in Barnesburg, O., two years, and in Chicago, Ill., three months. He was married there to Christina Schmidt, on Sept. 11, 1854. She was born in Trabnitz, Saxony, Germany, and was a daughter of George F. and Dorothea (Schuman) Schmidt. Their union has been blessed with ten children, six living--Louis, Charles, Rynhold, Frank, Clara and William. After Mr. and Mrs. Meisner were married they moved to Batavia, Ill., and in the fall of 1855 came to Elkader, Ia. He worked at his trade there six years, and in October, 1860, settled on the farm he now owns on section 18, Boardman Township. He owns 100 acres in this township and 120 in Highland Township, all under good cultivation, except twenty acres of timber. In politics Mr. Meisner is a Republican. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 663 Cox Creek Township -- Charles Mentzel was born in Germany, July 26, 1831, and was a son of Charles and Johanna (Leonard) Mentzel, of German nativity. His father died in 1846, his mother in 1880. Charles emigrated to America in 1853, and spent the first of his residence in this county in Chicago, Ill. From there he came to Clayton County, and worked at the mason's trade in Garnavillo four years, then purchased a farm in sections 10 and 11, Cox Creek Township, where he now resides. It consists of 160 acres of fertile land well improved, and is one of the finest farms in the great grain-producing State of Iowa. Mr. Mentzel was married in 1855, to Dinah Zahrndt. Her parents, John and Wilhelmina Zahrndt, were natives of Germany, and came to America in 1853. She died here in 1873. He resides with the subject of this sketch. Mr. and Mrs. Mentzel have had three children—Julia, born Sept. 15, 1856, married Henry Keohn of Boardman Township; Martha, born July 15, 1864, is engaged in teaching school; and Alma, born July 4, 1867. Since his residence here Mr. Mentzel has shown himself eminently fitted to hold public positions of honor and trust, and has served in nearly all the township offices. He represented his district two years in the Legislature, and is at present Secretary of the Farmer's Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Communia, Iowa. He has ever been active in politics, and has given the Republican party his support. He is a member of A.O.U.W. lodge at Elkader. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 748 Buena Vista Twp. -- Ernst Merkle was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, July 7, 1832. He came to America in 1854, landed at New York. He went at once to Cincinnati, Ohio; remained there one year, then to St. Louis, Mo., and one year later came to Clayton County, this being in 1856. He settled on section 22, Buena Vista Township, where he has lived most of his time since. He has 200 acres of good land well improved. He is the present School Secretary, and has held the offices of School Director and Township Clerk, and various other offices. He is a Catholic in his religious views. He votes the Republican ticket. He was married to Magdalena Southeimer, April 16, 1857. She was born in Germany, July 2, 1829. They have no children of their own, but have adopted two--John and Lizzie. Mr. Merkle is also running a lumber yard, and has been for over ten years, and is doing a good business. He is one of the representative citizens of the township. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 680 Mallory Twp. -- L. Merrill, proprietor of a saw-mill at Osterdock was born in New Hampshire on Apr. 27, 1827. His parents, W. S. Merrill and Nancy, nee Walker, were likewise natives of the Granite State, where they died. He has engaged chiefly in the lumber and milling business, and came to Clayton County in 1859, locating at Turkey River. Prior to settling in Clayton County he spent four years in Dubuque, Ia., manufacturing barbed wire. Five years ago he came to Osterdock, and built his present steam saw-mill, where he does a large and profitable business. He was married in 1877 to Elizabeth, daugher of George and Elizabeth Friedlein, nee Grush, natives of Germany. They came to the United States in 1852, and now live in Millville Township. By this union there are two children-Libby born Apr. 3, 1877, and Ella, born Mar. 21, 1879. Mr. Merrill votes the Republican ticket; he has been a successful milller and is no doing a splendid business. He also owns and runs the saw-mill in Elkport, which is doing a good business. He is building a portable saw-mill, which will soon be in operaton; this he will move about through the timber, and cut logs which are hard to get to his other mills. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 922 Buena Vista Twp. -- Eugene Meuth is a native of Bavaria, Germany, born Sept. 25, 1835. He emigrated to America in 1854, landed at New York, and from there went to Belleville, Ill. where he resided until the sprint of 1857, when he came to Clayton County. He was one of the first Republicans in the State of Illinois. Upon coming to Clayton County he engaged in a general merchandise business with his brother, R. Meuth, Buena Vista. He was Postmaster there from 1870 to 1878, and then resigned in favor of his brother, and went to Volga City, engaging in the mercantile business there until the spring of 1882, when he returned to Buena Vista. During 1862 he acted as recruiting officer for the township, there being over fifty per cent, of the men in the army. While in Volga City in 1879 he was nominated for the General Assembly, and re-nominated in 1880 and 1881 to the Republican State Convention. R. Meuth served in the Board of Supervisors from 1863 to 1864. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 681 Buena Vista Twp. -- R. Meuth was born in Bavaria, Germany, July 15, 1830, and came to America in 1850, landing at New York, where he remained one year, then went to Philadelphia, Pa. In 1853 he removed to Pittsburg, Pa., thence to St. Louis, Mo., and from thence of St. Clair County, Ill., locating in Belleville. Two years afterward he went to Cassville, Wis., where he lived two years, then settled in Buena Vista Township, Clayton County, where he has since resided, engaged in the mercantile business, in partnership with his brother, Eugene Meuth. They were the recipients of a good trade, and are yet known through out the county as men of irreproachable business integrity. T. Meuth owns 1,300 acres of fine farming land in this township. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 680-81 Farmersburg Twp. -- August F. Meyer, blacksmith; P.O., Farmersburg; was a son of Frederick and Caroline (Groth) Meyer, natives of Germany. They came to the United States in 1853, and located in Guttenberg, then moved to Volga Township, where Frederick died in 1870. August was born in Volga Township, June 5, 1855, where he was educated. He learned his trade in Garnavillo, and in 1879 located in Farmersburg, wher he is now doing a good business. In 1880 he married Clara, daughter of John and Anna Barney, natives of England. They came to the United States in 1855, and now live in Garnavillo Township. By this union there is one child - Florence, born March 4m 1881. Mrs. Meyer is a member of the Congregational church. Mr. Meyer deals in agricultural implements, having all the best machines, plows, etc., in market. He also manufactures wagons, buggies, etc., and is one of the well-respected citizens of Farmersburg Township. He votes for the man - not the party. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 778-779 Cox Creek Township -- George Meyer, merchant, Communia, was born in Germany, Nov. 23, 1841. He came with his parents, R. E. and Katrina Meyer, nee Rankin, to the United States in 1853. They resided in Toledo, O., three years, then came to Clayton County, and settled on a farm in Cox Creek Township. The father died here in 1863. George followed farming until 1867, when he embarked in the mercantile business, which he has successfully followed since. He was married on Feb. 6, 1878, to Mrs. Mary Craft, a daughter of Joseph and Christina Venus, and the widow of Edward Craft, by whom she had one child—Amelia, born Aug. 30, 1864. Her parents were natives of Germany, and emigrated to the United States and were married here. Joseph died in February, 1880; his wife on Aug. 6, 1874. Mr. and Mrs. Meyer have had six children—Joseph, born Oct. 1, 1867; Augusta, Aug. 14, 1869; Louis (deceased), born June 7, 1871; Max, July 28, 1874; Louisa, March 23, 1877, and Edward, Dec. 6, 1879. The subject of this memoir enlisted in 1864, in Company F, Fourth Iowa Infantry, and served one year. He participated in several engagements, and was honorably discharged at Davenport, Ia., in 1865. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 749 Boardman Twp. -- John F. Meyer, farmer, P.O. Elkader, was a son of Renke E. and Katherina (Geriets) Meyer, natives of Germany. They came to the United States in 1854. Renke E., Sr., died in Clayton County in 1865. The subject of this notice was born in Germany, March 1, 1844. He came to the United States with his parents and lived in Toledo, O., three years, where he attended school. He came to Clayton County in 1857, locating on a farm in Cox Creek Township, section 4. He was married April 29, 1860, to Mary, daughter of Fred and Dorothea (Gardner) Peick. After his marriage Mr. Meyer lived at Littleport some three years, then opened a saloon in Elkader, of which he made a financial success. He disposed of it in a few years and bought his present farm of 190 acres, on sections 33 and 34, Boardman Township, where he now lives. Mr. and Mrs. Meyer have been blessed with eight children--Sophia, born Jan. 29, 1869, died in 1872; Dorothea, born Sept. 21, 1870; Fred, born April 5, 1872, died 1873; William, born Dec. 24, 1874; Christian, born Dec. 3, 1875; Minnie, born Dec. 31, 1877; Ernst, born March 20, 1880; Augusta, born Feb. 23, 1882. Mr. Meyer is one of the pioneers and representative men of Clayton County, and affiliates with the Republican party. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 663-664 Garnavillo Twp. -- Louis Meyer is a native of Prussia, Germany, born in 1834. He came to Clayton County in 1854, and in 1862 purchased his present farm of 220 acres, lying partly in Farmerburg and partly in Garnavillo Townships. He has made many excellent improvements on his land, and in 1870 erected a fine brick residence. It is one of the most beautiful locations in the townships. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Henry Moellering. To them have been born five children--three sons and two daughters. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 806 Cox Creek Township -- Renke E. Meyer, farmer and stock-raiser, P.O. Osborne Station, was a son of Renke E. and Katherina (Geriets) Meyer, natives of Germany. They came to the United States in 1854. His father died in Clayton county, Iowa, in 1865. The subject of this notice was born Dec. 3, 1835, in Germany, where he was educated. In 1854 he came to the United States, and located in Toledo, Ohio, where he followed teaming until 1857, when he came to Clayton County, where he has followed farming since. He owns 200 acres of good land on section 4, this township, under excellent cultivation. He was married in 1861, to Anna, daughter of George and Hannah (Halbor) Trumbull, natives of Germany. They came to the United States in 1849. George died in Clayton County, 1860, and Hannah in 1871. By the above union there were eleven children-—George, born Feb. 2, 1862; August, born April 1, 1864; Elizabeth, Dec. 2, 1865 (deceased); Renke E., born Feb. 21, 1867; Anna, Dec. 28, 1868; Herman, Aug. 7, 1869; Emma, March 27, 1871; John, Nov. 3, 1872; Carl, July 17, 1874; Mary, Oct. 7, 1876; Matilda, June 11, 1878; William, July 17, 1880. The family are members of the Lutheran church. Mr. Meyers votes the Republican ticket, and is one of the well-to-do farmers of this district. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 748-749 Jefferson Twp. -- W. H. Meyer, dealer in sewing machines, Guttenberg, was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1852. He emigrated to the United States in 1868, and came directly to Clayton County. He attended school a Garnavillo for about two years, then went to Dubuque, where he remained for a short time, and thence to Southern Illinois, where he worked on railroad for ten months. He then returned to Guttenberg, where he has been engaged in the sewing-machine business since 1873. He sells the Victor, the Home and the Howe machines; he retails about 125 machines per year. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 870 Mallory Twp. -- G. H. Miller, son of Conrad and Elizabeth Miller, nee Kibler, natives of Pennsylvania, was born in the State of Ohio, May 8, 1822. His father died in 1877 in that State, where the family have resided many years. In 1856 he came to Clayton County, and entered his present farm of 160 acres on section 24, and located upon it eight years later. His marriage occured in 1854, to Delila, daughter of Conrad and Mary (Smith) Franks, natives of Pennsylvania. Eight children have been born to them, viz.: Eliza Jane (deceased) born Apr. 27, 1854; Marion C., Feb. 10, 1856; Mary A., Aug. 17, 1858, is the wife of Robert Gull, living in Mallory Township; Sarah B., born Oct. 30, 1860; Ezra M., and Esther E. (twins), born Feb. 26, 1863; John P. (deceased), born Nov. 24, 1865; and Aquilla W., born Apr. 8, 1868. Mrs. M. is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Miller has held several of the township offices, the duties of which he has faithfully discharged. He votes the Democratic ticket. He is very fond of hunting and has killed many bears, deer, wild turkeys, etc. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 922-923 Farmersburg Twp. -- Jacob Miller, Sr., farmer and stock-raiser, son of Matthew Miller, a native of Germany, was born in that country in 1795. He came to the United States, and located in Ohio, where he lived three years, thence to Clayton County, Ia., and bought the farm he now occupies of 160 acres on section 5, which he has under a fine state of cultivation. He married Mary, daughter of John and Maria Shivel. By this marriage there are five children - Melchior, John, Jacob, George and Catherine. Mr. Miller and family are members of the Lutheran church. He has retired from active business, and his son, Jacob, has charge of the farm. Mr. Miller votes the Republican ticket. His son, George, has bought a fine farm of eighty acres on section 5, adjoining his fatherís. He is giving much attention to raising fine stock, and now has some of the best in the county, including some of the finest imported breeds. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 779 Mendon Twp. -- V. R. Miller, one of the early settlers and prominent citizens of McGregor, was born in North Hero, Vt., on the 20th day of September, 1827. His parents were William and Chloe (Howard) Miller natives of Clinton County, N.Y. His grandfather on his mother's side was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and was wounded at Camden, S.C., taken prisoner and held for several months on a man-of-war ship. They were given the choice to enlist in the British service or be held as prisoners. Himself with several others consented to enlist thinking their chances better to escape but was held thirteen years, when he deserted and joined the American army, serving in all twenty-six years. Mr. and Mrs. Miller were the parents of eight children, six living--Herman, V. R., Alexander, Aurilla, Silas A. and Edward. In the spring of 1848 Mr. Miller emigrated to Clayton County, and located in Farmersburg Township, and the same year V. R. came through with the family. This being before railroad times, they traveled by canal from Whitehall to Buffalo, thence by steamer to Milwaukee and thence by teams to Prairie du Chien. The snow commenced falling on the 2d day of November, and the ground was covered with eighteen inches of snow. V. R. left the family and crossed the river, where he found Alex. McGregor, John Gould, John Stewart and H.D. Evans all living in one house. He proceeded to Farmerburg on foot, through the deep snow, taking him all day to make the journey, reaching his destination tired and nearly worn out. The following morning his father started with teams for the family. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are now living at Lime Springs, Ia. In 1850 the subject of this sketch married Marietta Bass, a daughter of Lyman Bass, of Long Island. Four children blessed this union, three living--Theodore, Fannie M. and Mary E. Mrs. Miller died in 1862. He again married, Elizabeth Boynton, widow of C.S. Boynton. Mr. and Mrs. Boynton were the parents of four children--Emily, Francis, Oscar D. and C.S. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 996-997 Boardman Twp. -- D. R. Mills, of the firm of Carter & Mills, merchants, Elkader, became a partner in the above firm in October, 1870. The business was established in 1855 by Carter & Co., and prior to the succession of the present owners had changed hand several times. They carry a full and complete stock of general merchandise, valued at $16,000, and are doing a prosperous business. The subject of this memoir was born in Medina County, Ohio, on Nov. 3, 1835, and was a son of R. E. Mills and Ora Ann, nee Carter, the former a native of Vermont, the latter of Connecticut. His father died when he was a mere lad, and he remained with his mother, attending school and assisting to support the family until 1854, when he came to Clayton County. In 1855 he accepted a situation as clerk in the store in which he is now a partner. He went to Nebraska in 1861, where he purchased land and remained until 1869; then returned to Elkader. He was married in 1861 to S.F. Mathews, a native of New York. They have two children--E. V. and Charles D. Mr. Mills is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Elkader Lodge, No. 72, of Harmony Chapter, No. 41, and of the A.O.U.W., Elkader Lodge, No. 44. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p.664 Lodomillo Twp. -- A. L. Minkler was born in Lake County, O., in January, 1822. His father, John Minkler, was born in 1780, in Vermont, where he was married to Asenath Call, and in 1816 settled in Ohio. The subject of this memoir was educated in the common school, and assisted on the farm until his marriage to Elizabeth Minkler, which occurred April 16, 1843. She was born in Geauga County, O. Of seven children born of this union four are living--Violette, wife of Amos Perry; Mortimer W., who married Ann Demill; Ferdinand L., who married Eva Peet, and Burr C., who married Katy Gilchrist. Mr. Minkler farmed in Ohio until the spring of 1854, when he came to Iowa, settling first in Delaware County, where he remained until the fall of 1868, when he purchased his present farm in Lodomillo Township. He owns 140 acres of valuable land, 100 under excellent cultivation, and well stocked. In politics he is a Republican, and has held several township offices. He is one of the representative men of Clayton County. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 897 Highland Twp. -- David Moats, a native of Granklin County, Pa., was born Nov. 29, 1818. His parents, Simon and Tena (Fry) Moats, were also Pennsylvanians. He removed with his parents to Wayne County, O., when he was about nine years old, and was there educated and learned the carpenter and joiner's trade. On the 25th of Septmeber, 1843, he was married to Lydia A. Clapper, who was born in Stark County, O., July 21, 1825, and was a daughter of John and Katherine Clapper, nee Hesser. Their married life has been blessed with fourteen children, twelve surviving - Ambrose P., who married Ada Helms; Mary J., wife of Oliver Turnbull; John S., married Sarah Goodwin; Austin R., married Minnie Moore; James C., an attorney, married Alta Dean; Margaret E., now Mrs. Clark Moore; Lyman, attending the Iowa Law School; Eliza E., wife of Thomas Kerr; Mary C., now Mrs. J.C. Miller; Hattie, Abraham and Charles. Mr. Moats followed hi trade until May, 1851, when he bought his present farm in Highland Township. He owns 250 acres on sections 8 and 17, 185 under fine cultivation. He is a Republican in politics, and has done much for the advancement of the interests of Clayton County. He has been especially active in Sunday-school work, and helped to organize the first Sunday-school in the township. He is one of the oldest settlers now living in Highland Township. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 846 Garnavillo Twp. -- J. H. Moellering, one of the early settlers of Clayton County, was born in Prussia, Germany, in 1818. He learned the carpenter's trade in his native country, and in the summer of 1846 came to the United States. He resided in St. Louis, Mo., until the following spring, when he came to Clayton County and purchased a farm in Jefferson Township. In 1849 he bought a farm of eighty acres in Garnavillo Township, upon which he still resides. He has added to his original purchase until he now owns 260 acres of fine improved land. He was married in his native country to Margaret Petering. They have five children--Eliza, Mary, Henry, William and Margaret. Like many others of the pioneers of Clayton County, Mr. Moellering was in very limited circumstances when he came here, but by steady application to business and fair dealing has accumulated an ample competence. His brother, H.H. Moellering, was a soldier under Napoleon I. and served four years, participating in many of the important campaigns of the great warrior. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 806 Mendon Twp. -- William H. Moncrief, retired, was born in Washington County, N. Y., Apr. 20, 1820, and was a son of James Moncrief and Mary, nee Stevens, likewise natives of the Empire State. When two years of age he went to live with his cousin, Andrew Foster, with whom he remained attending school and assisting on the farm, until seventeen years of age, when he went to Quincy, Ill., and followed farming in that vicinity until Mch. 10, 1844, when he was married to Mary Featherly, who was born in Chautauqua County, N. Y., and was a daughter of Tyler D. and Betsey (Wheeler) Featherly. After his marriage Mr. Moncrief engaged in mining in Wisconsin four years, and kept hotel and followed the mercantile buisness in Muscoda, that State, until 1857, when he came to North McGregor, Ia. Sicne his arrival here he has contracted for railroads extensivley, and has followed farming to some extent. He had charge of the contractor's store at McGregor fourteen months, and was employed as station agent at several stations in this vicinity. In the fall of 1865 he obtained a situation as clerk in a mercantile store in North McGregor, which he retained eighteen months, then embarked in that business for himself. In 1870, in company with L. Hankey, he graded the C., M. and S. P. R. R. from McGregor to Yellow River. He afterward went to Texas, returning to North McGregor in four months, where he has since resided. He is a member of the A. F. and A. M., Bezer Lodge, No. 135, Chapter 28, and Honorius Commandery, No. 8. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party, and by them has been elected to the offices of Township Trustee and Assessor, a position he still holds. Mr. and Mrs. Moncrief have had ten children, five living - William, proprietor of a billiard hall in North McGregor; Mary; Frank, engineer on the P. and B. R. R.; Fannie, now Mrs. Dwight Wells, and Valenda. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 997 Wagner Twp. -- Charles Monlux was born Nov. 16, 1846, in Delaware County, Ohio, son of Ezra and Susannah (Wagner) Monlux. When our subject was nine years old his parents removed to Clayton County and settled on section 18, Wagner Township. He attended the district schools and assisted on his father's farm until twenty-two years old, when he went to Lyon County and pre-empted some land, also bought a piece of land in Cherokee County. He returned, and in 1869 went again to Lyon County, and remained one year. He then farmed his father's place until 1877, when he went to California and up the coast, returning through Montana, and stopping at Diamond City six weeks. He returned to Clayton County the same summer, and bought a farm of 120 acres in Marion Township. He was married June 7, 1874, to Miss Abbie L. Burnham, daughter of Benj. P. Burnham of Farmersburg Township. She was born Oct. 16, 1849, in Vermont. She was educated in Farmersburg Township, where her parents removed when she was three years old. She taught thirteen terms of school in different parts of the county, and thus formed many pleasant associations and lasting friendships. They had one child, who died in infancy, named Ezra Raymond. Mrs.Monlux died Aug. 9, 1879. Thus was his little family taken suddenly from him, and the home he had so dearly loved broken up. Mrs. Monlux was one who deserved and won the respect of all who knew her, being kind, forgiving and generous. She made many warm friends, who mourned at her untimely death, which occurred at a time when life promised so much happiness for her. Mr. Monlux now resides with his father on the old homestead. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1137-38 Wagner Twp. -- Ezra Monlux, son of William and Margaret (Drum) Monlux, was born April 24, 1808, in West Liberty, Va. When two years old, his father moved to Ohio near Zanesville, where he worked at farming and at his trade of shoemaker. Our subject was educated in common schools of that place. When twenty-one he left home and worked on the turnpikes in Ohio three years; then purchased a tract of 100 acres of timber-land, which, by hard labor, he converted into a farm with a good house and outbuildings. In 1856 he sold this place and bought 240 acres of land on sections 7 and 18, Wagner Township. He erected a house, where he still lives, on section 18. His farm is well improved and is one of the finest in this section of Wagner Township. Mr. Monlux was married Jan. 5, 1832, in Ohio, to Miss Susannah Wagner, a native of Pennsylvania, born Aug. 16, 1810. This union was blessed with ten children, seven living - Margaret, William, John, George, Charles, Ezra and Eliza. Mrs. Monlux died Aug. 11, 1879. He lives on the old homestead with his youngest daughter, Eliza. Mr. M. was County Supervisor seven years, Justice of the Peace ten years, Township Trustee several terms, and held other offices of trust in his township. He is well and favorably known in the community in which he lives, as a man of integrity and worth and a representative citizen of Clayton County. In politics he is a Republican. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1136-37 Wagner Twp. -- William Monlux, son of Ezra and Susannah (Wagner) Monlux, was born Dec. 6, 1833, at Delaware, Ohio. Was educated in the common schools of Ohio. When twenty-two years of age came with his father to Clayton County, settling in Wagner township. He followed farming until 1862, when he enlisted in Company D, Twenty-first Iowa Volunteers. He participated in all the battles of his regiment until the great charge on Vicksburg, May 22, 1863. He had been promoted to Sergeant and again to Color-Bearer, which position he was filling at this battle, when he was wounded in the leg. He lay for sixty-four hours without aid, and was then taken to the hospital, where he remained seven months. He was discharged on account of his wound in November, 1863. He has since lived on his farm on section 18. He was married June 19, 1864, to Priscilla Forney, born in Monroe, Wis., Oct. 18, 1845. They have had eight children, seven living - Cary E., Laura M., Mary E., Charles W., Delos D., William and Katie A. Hattie died when an infant. Mr. Monlux has 200 acres of good land, well improved. He has held the offices of Township Trustee, Justice of the Peace, Assessor, and has been Town Clerk over fifteen years. He is a Republican. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1137 Millville Twp. -- John Moore, general merchant and Postmaster, Turkey River Station, was born in 1847, in Ireland, and immigrated to this country with his parents when quite young. They landed in Quebec, and from there went to Indiana, thence in 1856 to Dubuque, Ia. In 1869 he came to Turkey River Station, where he has since resided, and engaged in his present business. His marriage to Anna Tinney occurred in December, 1869. She was born in 1847. Five children have been born of this union--Maggi R., born Jan. 1, 1873; Emma E., July 18, 1875; Nellie V., June 26, 1878; John W., May 16, 1880, and Hannah E., Dec. 4, 1881. Mr. Moore is the present Township Trustee, and has held the offices of Justice of the Peace, School Director and Trustee. He is also connected with a ferry running from Turkey River across the Mississippi. He owns 670 acres of choice land, and has one of the finest farms in this section. In his religious faith he is a Catholic, and in politics a Democrat. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1018 Sperry Twp. -- Salem Morse, farmer, was born in Trafalga, Upper Canada, Feb. 28, 1836. He was the son of William and Lavina (Smith) Morse, who were born in Canada, but were American citizens. His father was a mechanic by trade, and Salem early learned his father's trade. When he was fifteen years old he removed with his parents to Winnebago County, Ill., where they resided until 1856. The family then removed to West Union, Fayette County, where our subject worked at this trade until 1863, when he enlisted in theSeventh Iowa Volunteer Cavalry, Company F. Mr. Morse was promoted for gallantry to a Second Lieutenancy, and was mustered out after a service of three years and four months. He returned to West Union and worked at his trade for two years, when he removed to his present farm on west half southwest quarter section 1, Sperry Township. Mr.Morse was married May 15, 1859, to Catherine Tenney, a native of New York. They have had three children - Eva (died in 1871), William Salem and Ernest Lund, both at home. Mr. Morse is a Democrat in politics, and has held several local offices of trust. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1102 Farmersburg Twp. -- Joseph M. Mott, one of the prominent farmers of Clayton County, was a son of Mathias and Louisa (Potes) Mott, natives of Lichenstein and Mechlenburg-schwerein, Germany, respectively. They came to the United States in 1852, and located in Clayton County, Ia., where Louisa died in 1879. Our subject was born in Jefferson Township, Clayton County, Ia., April 15, 1855, where he was educated. He has always followed farming, and now owns 200 acres on section 3, mostly under fine cultivation. In 1876 he married Mary, daughter of Theodore and Mary Barns, natives of Prussia, who came to Jefferson Township many years ago. Theodore died in 1878. By this marriage there are three children - Anna, born Nov. 1, 1877; Theodore, April 20, 1879; and William, Jan. 17, 1881. Mr. Mott and wife are members of the Roman Catholic church. He votes the Republican ticket. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 779 Sperry Twp. -- Fred Muller is a native of Mecklenburg, Germany, born Nov. 15, 1830. On May 1, 1873, he left his native land for America, landed in New York, and from there came to Clayton County, Ia. He has been engaged in farming and breding stock since coming here. He was married to Dorcas Ostman in Germany, in October, 1862. Four children have been born to them, viz.: Fred, born June 28, 1864; Charles, Dec. 1, 1866; Ida, Mch. 15, 1870, and Agnes, June 21, 1877. They were all born in Germany except Agnes, who is a native of Clayton County. In religious sentiment Mr. Muller is a Lutheran, and in politics a Republican. He has his farm under good cultivation, and is one of the well-to-do farmers of Sperry Township. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1102-1103 Boardman Twp. -- James Munger was born in the town of Warsaw, Wyoming County, N.Y., Jan. 22, 1823, son of Ebenezer and Dorcas (Truesdall) Munger, his father a native of Connecticut and his mother of Vermont. Mr. and Mrs. Munger were the parents of ten children, eight sons and two daughters. In 1843 the family emigrated to Crawford County, Pa., where the parents both died. The subject of this memoir was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. On April 12, 1849, he married Cordelia Armstrong, a daughter of Wm. and Hannah Armstrong. She was born in Cayuga County, N.Y., Feb. 28, 1827. The fruit of this union was eight children, six living--Julia, Delilah, Isabell, Agnes, Minnie and Ernest C. In 1867 Mr. Munger emigrated to Clayton County, Iowa, and located in Read Township, where he remained until 1881, when he removed to his present place, a farm of eighty acres, valued at $3,000. In politics he is a Democrat. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 664-665 Monona Twp. -- Edward Murphy, farmer, section 15, was born in Lancaster County, Pa., on the 11th day of April, 1813. His parents, Patrick and Nancy Murphy, had a family of ten children, seven living--Ann, James, Edward, Hiram, Jane, Thomas and William. Mr. Murphy by occupation was a contractor and builder, which he followed in his native State until his death, which occurred May 8, 1835. The mother died about 1856. Edward was educated in his native State, and when eighteen years of age learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner with his father, working with him until he reached man's estate. In 1843 he married Mathilda, daughter of Burgess French. She was born in Virginia, July 9, 1820. By this union there were eleven children, five of whom are living--William H., Marcellus F., Alice (wife of Theodore Sherman), Nancy J. and Edna. In the spring of 1838 Mr. Murphy left Lancaster and went to Tazewell County, Ill., where he remained until 1844; then spent one year in Knox County, Ill. In 1845 he went to St. Joseph County, Ind., where he remained until 1860; then came to Clayton County, and located on the place where he now resides. He owns sixty acres of beautiful land, valued at $50 per acre. Mrs. Murphy died in October, 1878. In 1850 Mr. Murphy crossed the plains to California, via the overland route, and remained there one year, engaged in mining. History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p.1052 Monona Twp. -- Thomas Murphy, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Lancaster County, Pa., Feb. 5, 1827, a son of Patrick and Nancy Murphy. There was a family of ten children, eight of whom lived to be adults. The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools of Pennsylvania, and when sixteen years old was apprenticed to the trade of a wagon maker. In 1855 he married Mary Jane Rettew, by whom he had one child, which died in infancy. Mrs. Murphy died in Chester, Pa., in 1859. He again married, Sarah Foreman, of Berks County, Pa. In 1859 he left Pennsylvania, and located in LaPorte County, Ind., where he followed his trade a few years; then removed to Morgan County, Ill. In 1862 he went to Prairie du Chien, Wis., where he followed his trade for seven years; thence to Clayton County, Ia., and located on the place where he now resides. He owns a farm of 145 acres, under a high state of cultivation, and valued at $60 per acre. Mrs. Sarah Murphy died in January, 1869, and for his third wife he married Mary Walk, of Clayton County, History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1052-1053