Biographies: Center Twp. , Clinton County, Iowa Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Annette Lucas ClintonRoots@aol.com ************************************************************************ 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 *********************************************************************** CENTER TOWNSHIP. J. D. AHRENS, farmer, Sec. 13; P. O. Bryant; owns 200 acres of land; he was born in Germany, Aug. 29, 1834, where he was educated; in 1852, he emigrated to this country and settled in Lee Co., Ill.; remained two years, then removed to Clinton Co., Iowa, on the property now owned by him; has been Township Trustee, Township School Director and Road Supervisor; he is a conservative Republican. He married Katie Naeve, a native of Germany, in Clinton Co., March 15, 1860 she was a daughter of John and Katie Naeve, of Elk River Township; he had nine children, five are living-Detleff, Melie, John, Alvenie and an infant; liberal in his religious views; he started with no capital, but by hard labor and economy, has built a handsome homestead and amassed a fortune of about $15,000. H. ANDERSON, merchant, Sec. 2; P. O. Bryant; he was born in Schleswig, Germany, May 8, 1825; in 1867, he emigrated to the United States and immediately settled in Iowa, where he has lived since; he has been a stanch Democrat since becoming a naturalized citizen of the United States. He married Charlotte Williche, a native of Holstein, Germany, in that country, March 18, 1847, and has four children-Elizabeth, who married Herman Grouth, of Jackson Co.; Charles Theodore, who married Emma Stalenberg, of Bryant; Mathilde, who married Marenus Van Tull, of Crawford Co.; Adolph G., who married Caroline Voss, of Clinton Co. Members of the German Lutheran Church. He started in Clinton Co. with but a limited capital, working as a laborer for six months; then started in merchandise, which he has kept up, keeping the same stand, known as the "Ten Mile House," for the past twelve years, and amassing a fortune of from $15,000 to $20,000. JOSEPH BAIR, farmer; P. O. Elvira. He lives on Section 3, and owns 160 acres of land. He was born in Westmoreland Co., Penn., July 29, 1842, where he was educated. In 1863, he removed to Clinton Co., Iowa, and has lived there ever since, except the time he was in the army. He first enlisted in Company H, 168th Pennsylvania Volunteers, for nine months; came to Iowa and enlisted in Company F, 11th Iowa, where he remained until the close of the war. During his residence, he has been Road Supervisor for several years. He married Mary Elmira Kelly, a native of Iowa, in Dunleith, Ill., May 26, 1869, and has six children- Elsie Adella, Ora Myrtle, John Torrence, Frankie Bell, Robert Clifton and Adam Kelly. He and his family are members of the United Presbyterian Church of Elvira. When he first commenced in Iowa, he was poor and without capital, has now a fine homestead and a fortune of from $20,000 to $25,000. He a life time Republican. N. E. BROOKS, Postmaster, Elvira; born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., Sept. 29, 1834. Removed to Iowa in 1850, and located at Camanche; came to Elvira in 1869. Married Eliza N. Welsh, of Indiana; has two children-Laura E. and Mary Elizabeth. Is not a member of any Church, but attends the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Moved to Tama Co. in spring of 1800, but, finding no place like his old home, returned in the fall of 1862. WILLIAM WORK BEATTY, farmer, Sec. 24 and 25; P. O. Elvira. He owns 170 acres of land. He was born in Crawford Co., Penn., Oct. 29, 1811; was educated there. In May, 1846, he removed and located in Kane Co., Ill., where he remained until the spring of 1852, when he removed to Clinton Co., Center Township, where he now resides. He held for several years the offices of Justice of the Peace, Township Clerk, Township School Director and Road Supervisor. He was very active in the war of the rebellion, and sent four sons to battle for their country, one of whom was killed at the battle of Peach Tree Creek. He married Eleanor H. Stuart, in Crawford Co., Penn., on the 24th day of September, 1833, and have twelve children-Finlaw, John S., Montelius Murry, Joseph Henry, William Emmett, Mary Ann S., Rebecca J., Annis M., Hattie E., Emma I., Carrie F., Eva Ella. He and most of his family are members of the United Presbyterian Church of Elvira. When he arrived in the West, he had the sum of 25 cents to begin life with; and, as the fruits of industry and economy, he has now a beautiful residence finely improved, and a fortune variously estimated at from $25,000 to $50,000. C. N. CHRISTIANSON, farmer; P. O. Elvira; he lives in Sec. 30, and owns 715 acres of land. He was born in Schleswig, Germany, Jan. 4, 1820, where he was educated; in 1852, he emigrated to this country; came to Iowa and settled in Clinton County, where he has lived since. He landed in New Orleans June 29, 1852, after a hard and stormy passage of seventy-one days from Liverpool. He married Seckoe Piason in Schleswig, Germany, Jan. 7, 1840; had nine children; five are living-Anna (married H. Schroeder, of Clinton County); Hans Peter (who married Emma Weise, of Clinton County); Martin Henry, Charles Julius and Carstan Nicoli. All members of the German Lutheran Church. Has been Township School Director and Road Supervisor; he is a Republican. On Mr. C's trip from the old country, two of his daughters died of ship fever, caused by poor accommodations, poor food, no medicines and no physicians. When he first located in Clinton County he had but a scanty capital, which he immediately invested in a small farm, which he rapidly improved and enlarged, until now he has a good homestead and a fortune estimated at from $50,000 to $60,000. besides having given homes to all of his children, who all live around him. PAT CLARKE, farmer, Sec. 21; P. O. Elvira; owns 310 acres of land; he was born in County Mayo, Ireland, April 29, 1803, where he was educated; in 1864, he emigrated to this country and located in Clinton County, Iowa, where he has lived ever since. He married his first wife, Margaret Rooney, in Ireland, in 1820, and had six children, one only now living-Mary, wife of James Dolan, of Clinton County. His second wife, Mary Dolan, he married in Ireland in 1839, and had ten children, eight now living-Margaret, Ellen, Bridget, Ann, Patrick, Mike, John and Jim all members of the Roman Catholic Church. He has always been a stanch Democrat. He first commenced life by dealing in stock in Ireland, and, having some success, he came to this country and invested his money in lands and located as a farmer in Clinton County, on the property mentioned above. GEORGE CRONE, farmer, Section 3, Township 82, Range 5 east; P. O. Elvira; he owns 240 acres of land; born in Franklin Co., Penn., Dec. 5, 1824, where he lived until he was 5 years old, when his family moved to Richland Co., Ohio, where he was educated; in 1856, he left Ohio and located in Camanche Township, where he lived for seven years, when he moved to Center Township, where he has resided ever since; since his residence he has held for several years the offices of Justice of the Peace, Township Trustee and Township School Director. He is a true Democrat of the Jacksonian stamp, and has always been an expounder of "Old Hickory" principles. He married Zeruiah McBride, of Richland Co., Ohio, Oct. 21, 1847, and had six children; four are living-Emily Ann, Archibald, Thomas J. and George W.; Emily and Archibald are married. He and his family are members of the United Presbyterian Church of Elvira. When he first commenced, in Clinton County he had no means whatever, but by hard work and economy he has been able to comfortably provide for all his children, erect a beautiful homestead, and amass a fortune of from $25,000 to $30,000. WILLIAM W. CRONE, farmer, Section 4; P. O. Elvira; was born in Clinton Co. Aug. 16, 1855, and has lived there all his life. He married Myrtie I. Allison, of Clinton Co., March 15, 1877; has one child-Myrtie Ethel. He is a Republican of the old stamp. He and his family are all members of the Baptist Church. CHARLES CROSSBY, blacksmith; P. O. Elvira; he owns four town lots in Elvira; he was born in Lincolnshire, Eng., April 10, 1833, where he was educated; in 1857, he left his native country and settled in Center Township, Clinton Co., Iowa, where he lives at present, and works at his trade. Democrat ever since he became a naturalized citizen of the United States. He married Martha Fatchitt, a native of Lincolnshire, Eng., May 28, 1859; had five children three still living- Sarah Ann, Helen and Hannah, all members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. He was a very poor man When he began life in Clinton Co., but by perseverance and hard work has a homestead and a fortune of about $5,000 to $7,000. THOMAS EAST, farmer, Sec. 34; P. O. Elvira; he owns 120 acres of land; he was born in Lincolnshire, England, Dec. 23, 1803, where he was educated; on the 8th of April, 1852, he emigrated to this country, and has resided ever since in Center Township; for several years he has been Township Road Supervisor; he has been a Democrat since he was naturalized. He married his first wife, Mary Evison, in Cadney, Lincolnshire, England, in 1827, and had six children; one is living-Henry. He married his second wife, Ann Evison, April 25, 1848, in Brigg, Lincolnshire England, and had six children, three now living-Thomas, Jr., John and Almy Jane. Thomas East, Sr., and his family were originally members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, but, a few years back, changed their belief and united themselves with the United Presbyterian Church of Elvira, of which they are now members. During the war, he had two sons who joined the Union army and went out to battle for their country. When he commenced in Center Township, he had but small capital, and since his residence here he has built a beautiful residence, given his children homes, and has a fortune of from $8,000 to $10,000. Mr. East's second wife, Ann Evison, was a widow when he married her; she was the relict of Joseph Evison, of Lincoln-shire, England, and had five children, three of whom are living-Emily, who married J. S. Dannatt, of Camanche Township; Clark, who is married and lives in Crawford Co., and Robert, who is also married and resides in Crawford Co. JOHN ENGLER, hotel-keeper; P. O. Elvira; he owns eighty-two acres of land; born on the river Rhine, in Prussia, Sept. 2, 1827, where he was educated; in 1852, he came to this country, and after spending some years in the States of New York, Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois, he moved to Dubuque, Iowa, in 1856, and in 1862, to the property now owned by him in Elvira. He married Eva Polser, a native of Prussia, in Dubuque, Iowa, Jan. 24, 1858, and had eight children, five now living-Kate, Lizzie, John, Regina, Adam; all members of the Catholic Church; democrat. R. J. GIBSON, farmer; P. O. Elvira; he lives on Sec. 32, and owns eighty acres of land; he was born in Butler Co., Penn., Feb. 10, 1844. where he lived until he was 8 years old, when his parents moved to Jackson Co., Iowa, where he received his education; in 1876, he removed and located on the property now owned by him, leaving his father and mother in Jackson Co.,; he has always advocated the principles of Republicanism. He married Melissa Hamilton, a native of Mercer Co., Penn., Out. 10, 1872, in Jackson Co., Iowa, and had two children, one of whom survives-William Bruce; he and his family are members of the United Presbyterian Church of Elvira. REV. G. W. HAMILTON, Pastor of the United Presbyterian Church of Elvira; he was born in Mercer Co., Penn., March 1, 1848, and when but 6 years old, his family removed to Jackson Co., Iowa; he was educated at Monmouth, Ill.; he received his theological education in Zenia, Ohio, and the Presbyterian University of Chicago. He married Anna Young, of Center Township; has always been a stanch Republican. A. B. HAMMOND, farmer, Sec. 24; P. O. Lyons; owns 250 acres of land he was born in Tompkins Co, N. Y., June 26, 1818, where he lived until he was 14 years old, when his family emigrated to Oakland Co., Mich.; resided until 1850, when he removed to Center Township, on the property where he now resides. He has been School Director and Road Supervisor. He is an old and tried Jacksonian Democrat, which, also, are his family for several generations. He married Caroline Ryman, of Saxony, Germany, April 23, 1860, in Center Township, Clinton Co., Iowa; had three children, two still living-Charles R. and Earl Willis. He and his family are attendants of the Presbyterian Church. When he started in Clinton Co. he had a capital of about $300, which has been increased by economy and hard work to from $15,000 to $20,000. OLUF JANSEN, firmer, Sec. 29; P. O. Elvira; owns 120 acres of land; he was born in Schleswig, Germany, April 24, 1836, where he was educated; in 1859, he emigrated to Clinton Co., Iowa, where he has lived ever since, except a short absence in 1865, when he returned to his native country, and married Caroline Nickelsen, returning with his bride during June, 1865; they have had five children, four now living- Ulrich, Annie, Charley and Julius. he has always been a Republican. He and his family are members of the German Lutheran Church. When he first started in Clinton Co., he had but little capital, and, by bard work and economy, he has earned a beautiful home, and has a fortune of from 48,000 to $10,000. Before Mr. Jansen concluded to make Clinton Co. his home, he went to California, and was a sailor on the Pacific Coast for about three years, during which time he made his first start in life, and enabled him to buy a small place to begin with in Clinton Co., which he has continually improved, with the above result. ADAM KELLY, farmer, Sec. 3; P. O. Elvira; owns 160 acres of land; was born in Westmoreland Co., Penn., in 1814; in 1851, removed to this township, where he has lived since. He married Elizabeth Sagar, of Westmoreland Co., Penn., in 1839; had six children-Robert, Richard Gaily, Albert Merchant, Samuel, Mary Margaret and Mary. He was formerly an Old-Line Whig, but latterly a stanch Republican. He and all his family are members of the United Presbyterian Church, of Elvira. he started in Iowa with a capital of $400; since has accumulated a fortune of from $65,000 to $75,000. LUTHER KELLOGG, farmer, Sec. 35; P. O. Elvira; owns 400 acres of land; he was born Feb. 25, 1825, in Hadley, Hampshire Co., Mass., where he lived until 1835, when his family removed to Kenton, Hardin Co., Ohio; December, 1851, he started out on his own account, and settled in Camanche Township, Clinton Co., where he remained until 1854, when he removed to Center Township, where he lives at the, present time; he landed in Center Township without any means, but, by industry and economy, he has 400 of the finest acres of land in the county, a fine house and a fortune ranging from $15,000 to $18,000. He has held the offices of Township Trustee School Director and Road Supervisor; Republican since the decline of the Old-Line Whig party. He married Deborah E. Shear, of Westmoreland Co., Penn. Oct. 3, 1854; have eight children- Joseph I., John Edwin, Charles Elmer, Albert Boss, Chester W., Mary Abbie, Rosaline W., Nelly J. He and his family are all members of the United Presbyterian Church of Elvira. JOHN KINKAID, farmer, Sec. 2; P. O. Elvira; owns 160 acres of land; he was born in Cumberland Co., Penn., Jan. 9,1826: he removed, in 1848,to Scott Co., Iowa, remained four years, then removed to Center Township, Clinton Co., where be now lives. He has held the offices of Justice of the Peace, Constable, Township Trustee and School Director. He married Mary Burneyham, of Queen's County, Ireland, in Center Township, March 7,1858; have six children-John H., David A., Kate I., Elizabeth B., Mary V. and Francis A. During the war, he was a member of Company K, 14th Iowa V. He is a stanch old Jacksonian Democrat; always has voted a Democratic ticket since he reached his majority. He and his family are all attendants of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Elvira. ROBERT LEE, mechanic. Elvira; he was born in Lincolnshire. England, Oct. 23, 1819; June 6,1856, he emigrated to this country and settled in the town of Elvira, in Center Township, where he has lived ever since. During the war, he was drafted, but not being a naturalized citizen, was honorably discharged. During his residence, he has filled various offices in the county and township, such as Constable, Road Supervisor and Justice of the Peace, which latter office he holds at present. He was the first resident of the town of Elvira who was awarded the contract of carrying the United States mail between Low Moor and his own town. This was a work of pure right and justice on the part of Mr. Lee, as a former contract had been badly abused, and his interest was awakened to the fact that the citizens must and should have their mails regularly. He married Sarah Croft, of Binbrooke, England, Nov. 20, 1847; had eleven children, eight still living-Mary Elizabeth, John Thomas, Louisa, Henry, Lewis Eugene, Almy Jane, Ella Belle and Robert Westfield. He and his family are attendants upon the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Elvira. RICHARD A. LYONS, farmer, residence Sec. 34; P.O. Elvira; he owns 600 acres; he was born in Inverness, Scotland, Nov. 26,1822; in 1833, he emigrated to Boston, Mass.; he was educated at Inverness, Scotland, Greenwich, England, and Portland, Me. After leading a seaman's life for eighteen years, he removed, in 1848, to Camanche, where he lived till 1862, when he removed to Center Township, Clinton Co., where he lives at present. He was a man of only fair means, when he reached Elvira, and, by hard work and economy, has amassed a fortune of about $75,000. He is a life-long Democrat, and, although many county and township offices have been offered him, he persistently refused them all. He is a widower, and lives alone with his two children, a son and a daughter-Charles A, and Hannah B.; his wife died on Feb. 22, 1879. He was brought up in the Scotch, or Old School Presbyterian Church, which his family all attend. J. C. McCONNELL, farmer; P. O. Elvira; he lives on Sec. 1, and owns 104 acres of land; he was born in Richland Co., Ohio, March 13, 1835, where he was educated. He removed to Iowa in 1856, and located in Clinton Co., where he has since resided. In the fall of 1865, he left Clinton Co. and located in Boone Co., where he lived for seven years, when he returned to Clinton Co. and took up his permanent residence. He held the position of Township School Director for one year. He has always been a stanch Republican, casting his first vote for Fremont. He married Catherine Hobart Feb. 9,1859 ; she was the daughter of Jacob and Susan Bohart, of Clinton Co., and was born in Hardin Co., Ohio, April 12,1840; they have one child- Susan Elizabeth. The family are members of' the United Presbyterian Church of Elvira. He was a poor man when he started in Clinton Co., now he has a homestead and a fortune, estimated at from $15,000 to $20,000. Have a son, adopted when 5 years old-Harry S. McConnell. THOMAS J. McGuire, farmer. Sec. 31; P. O. Elvira; owns 310 acres of land; he was born in the city of New York Nov. 7, 1838, where he lived until 5 years of age, when his parents removed to Upper Canada, near Hamilton, where he was educated. In 1851, he removed to Scott Co., Iowa, where he resided until 1873, when he removed and permanently located in Clinton Co., where he has lived since. Served one term as Road Supervisor. He is a Democrat. He married Mary Cassady, a native of Ireland, in De Witt, Iowa, Nov. 26, 1865; has five children-Ann Genevieve, Mary Philomena, Josephine Rozella, Thomas Francis, Bridget Clara, and an adopted son, Michael Brown, all members of the Roman Catholic Church. When he commenced labor in Clinton Co., he had limited capital, and has, by hard labor, industry and economy, built a good homestead and amassed a fortune of about $20,000. GEORGE MAHAN, farmer, Sec. 26; P. O. Elvira; owns 567 acres of land; he was born on the 10th of May, 1821, in County Wicklow, Ireland; in 1847, he emigrated to this country and located in Columbiana Co., Ohio, where he remained for two years, when he removed to Clinton Co., Iowa., and located upon the land which he now owns; he has held for several years the offices of Township School Director and Road Supervisor. He married Mary Smith, of Center Township, Iowa, on the 5th of May, 1862, and have five children, one boy and four girls-Roger, Maria, Luella, Minnie and Katie. He and his family are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, of Elvira. When he landed in America, he was a poor man and had nothing; but, by hard work, has a beautiful homestead and a fortune aggregating from $40,000 to $50,000. DANIEL MANLEY, farmer, Sec. 27; P. O. Elvira. Owns 280 acres of land. Born at North Bridgewater, Mass., March 4,1831, and educated there. In the spring of 1855, he removed to Center Township, where he has lived ever since. When he reached Iowa, he had just enough money to purchase his land and a team, and thus began the battle of life, which has proved a success, as he has a beautiful homestead, and can now be said to be worth from $12,000 to $15,000, thus showing the fruits of honest industry and economy. He has served for several years in various county and township offices, Township School Director, Road Supervisor, Justice of the Peace and Road Supervisor. During the war, he went into service, but was honorably discharged on account of disabilities. He married Fanny F. Spear, of West Randolph, Vt., June 17, 1855, who died on Oct. 2,1872. He married again on the 1st of December, 1874, Charlotte Einwichter, a native of Boston, England. He has six children-Cassius M., Daniel, Solomon, Charlotte I., Lizzie N., Fanny Alice. He and his family are regular attendants of the United Presbyterian Church of Elvira. JACOB MAIER, farmer, P. O. Lyons. He lives in Sec. 26, and owns 280 acres of land. He was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, Feb. 2, 1823, where he was educated. In 1854, he came to the United States, settled immediately in Clinton Co., where he has lived since. He is a Democrat of the conservative stamp, always voting for the best man in local elections, but, in Presidential or Gubernatorial, standing by the nominations of the Democratic Party. He married Lizzie Ammer in Wurtemberg, Germany, April 2, 1850, and had eight children, seven are living. His wife died Sept. 27, 1877. His children are- Jacob, Frank, John, Barbara, Dora, Lizzie and Mathilda. Family are attendants of the German Lutheran Church. He had but small capital when he first started in this country; and now, by hard work and economy, he has a fine homestead, and a fortune estimated at from $25,000 to $30,000. In addition to the property owned by Mr. Maier in Clinton Co., he owns 640 acres of fine land in Crawford Co., Iowa; this property is valued at about $20 per acre. E. D. MOREY, farmer, Sec. 6; P. O. De Witt. Owns 360 acres of land. He was born in Berkshire Co., Mass., July 22, 1830, where he lived until 7 years old, when his parents removed to Ashtabula Co., Ohio. In 1853, he removed to Clinton Co., where he has hived since. He has served as Clerk. Justice of the Peace, School Director and Township Trustee. He is a stanch Jacksonian Democrat. He married Charlotte J. Mathar, a native of Ohio, in 1848, and had nine children, five are hiving- Nathan Monroe, Emma Anna, Edward A., William Albert and Minnie Francis. His family are inclined to the Baptist belief. He was very poor when he started in Iowa, end has by industry secured a fine homestead and a fortune of from $35,000 to $40,000. In 1855, the second year of his stay in Clinton Co., he lost nearly everything he had by a prairie fire which swept over an area of the county ten miles long, and about two miles wide, carrying everything before it. Nothing daunted by his loss, he immediately commenced work, and in a short time had everything in as flourishing condition as before. NICHOLAS NAEVE, farmer; P. O. Lyons. He lives in Sec. 24, and owns 400 acres of land, 160 in Clinton Co., and 240 in Crawford Co. He was born in Shleswig, Germany, Aug. 23, 1831, where he was educated. In 1849, he emigrated to this country and located at Davenport, where he lived for twelve years, when he removed to Clinton Co., where he has lived ever since. He has been a Republican since he took out his papers as a naturalized citizen of the United States. He married Elizabeth Hoenecke, of Schleswig, Germany, Oct. 10, 1854, and has eleven children, all living-William (who married Mary Schneider, a native of Germany), Henry, Mary (who married Peter Bodhold, of Cedar Falls, Black Hawk Co., Iowa), Louisa, Frederick, Christian, Annie, Nicholas, John, Caroline and Albert. Family all members of the German Lutheran Church. When he first started in Clinton Co., be was very poor, without capital, but, by hard work and economy, he has built a beautiful homestead, and amassed a fortune of about $15,000. HENRY PAYSON, farmer, Sec. 30; P.O. Elvira; owns 118 acres of land, he was born in Schleswig, Germany, Feb. 10,1837; in 1860, he emigrated to the United States and settled in Clinton Co., where he has lived since. He has served his township as Road Supervisor. He has always been a stanch Republican. He married Mary Katherine Peters, a native of Schleswig, Germany, in Clinton Co., November 6,1866, and has one son, Peter Martin, born in Clinton Co., Jan. 4, 1869; came to this country with no capital; hired out as a laborer, saving his earning and putting it into a little farm, which he has yearly increased until he has a fine homestead and a fortune of from $8,000 to $10,000. JOHN C. RICE, farmer, Sec. 35; P. O. Elvira; owns 160 acres of land; born in Center Township, Indiana Co., Penn., May 11, 1817; brought up and educated there; removed in 1849, and located in Scott Co., Iowa, in 1850, after looking over the county for a few months, but becoming dissatisfied, moved to Clinton Co., and located in Lyons, now Hampshire Township, where he lived for three years, when he bought the property on which he lives at the present time. He has held for several years the offices of Township Assessor, Township School Director and Road Supervisor. He married Elizabeth Kinkaid, of Cumberland Co., Penn., on the 19th of October, 1864, and, not having any children, adopted a son and a daughter, Francis Xavier Albert and Mary A. Shambaugh. He and his whole family are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Elvira. When Mr. Rice landed at Davenport, on his first arrival in the State, he had only 50 cents, and, by strict economy and hard work, he has succeeded in making a fine home and amassing a fortune of $5,000. JOHN F. RICE, farmer, Sec. 35; P. O. Elvira; owns eighty acres of land; he was born in Indiana Co., Penn., on the 15th of September, 1825; be was educated there; he removed from his old home and located in Center Township, where he now lives, on the 4th of March, 1863. When he landed, he had only enough money to buy a team and some farm implements, when he rented and went to farming, since which time he has bought the tract on which he lives, built a good homestead and is worth about $8,000 to $10,000. He has held for several years the offices of Township School Director and Road Supervisor. He married Eliza Hice, of Indiana Co., Penn., on the 13th of February, 1851, and had six children, four boys and two girls-George C., William S., Harry S., Albert E., Maria C. and Mary J.; he and his whole family are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Elvira. WILLIAM F. RICE, farmer, Sec. 36; P. O. Elvira; owns eighty acres of land; born in Indiana Co., Penn., March 15, 1833, and educated there; in 1854,he removed to Freeport, Ill., and located, but in 1856, becoming dissatisfied, he removed to Center Township, where he has lived ever since. He has held during his residence, for several years. the offices of Township Trustee, Township Assessor and Road Supervisor. During the war, he was a stanch Union man, and assisted in raising several companies who went out and battled for the Union. He always voted the Republican ticket. He married Maria A. Schott, of Indiana Co., Penn., on the 5th of February, 1863, and had three children-John C., Mary C. and Bella M. He and his family are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Elvira. When he first came to the county, he had not a dollar, but by perseverance and energy, he managed to buy the place he now lives upon, and has also accumulated about $25,000. CHARLES C. SCHRADER, farmer, Sec. 21, Center Township; P. O. Charlotte; born in Holstein, Germany, in 1836; he came to the United States in 1862; he first purchased a farm in Sec. 19, Center Township; settled on his present farm about 1865. His present wife was Charlotte Schrader; he has four children by a former marriage. He has 200 acres of land. Mr. Schrader has just completed a house at a cost of about $3,000. A. A. SCHWARTZ, farmer; P. O. Elvira; lives in Sec. 23, Township 82, Range 5 east; he owns 240 acres of land; was born in Prussia Feb. 24, 1825; removed to Iowa and settled in Center Township in 1856. He married Louisa Studeman, in Prussia, Feb. 17, 1850; had five children-William F., Henry, Robert J., Bertha L. and Rosa J.; members of the German Lutheran Church. He was a poor man when he came to Clinton Co., but by hard work and strict economy has an elegant home and a fortune of from $20,000 to $25,000. JOHN SHAMBAUGH, farmer, Sec. 26; P. O. Elvira; owns 720 acres land; born in Cumberland Co., Penn., Feb. 17, 1830, and educated there; removed to Iowa in 1853 and settled on the property owned by him at present. During his residence he has held the office of Township Trustee for eight years, School Director for ten years, Township School Treasurer for five years, and served on the County Board of Supervisors for three years. Married Eva Ann Ressler, of Cumberland Co., Penn., March 10, 1853, and have seven children, five boys and two girls-Samuel R., Charles A., Herbert, George, Benjamin F., Anna Margaret, Edith Ella; his daughter Margaret married a farmer living near them-Valentine Bohart. Although a God-fearing man, he is not a member of any church, yet his family are all either members or regular attendants of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Came to the country poor, and by dint of industry accumulated a good fortune, and owns one of the finest and largest places in Center Township.; he commenced labor on his own account at the age of 17, without a dollar, working for $5 a month through the summer months, saving his money, and paying his own schooling through the winter months. Owns a large number of cattle, horses, hogs, etc., while his good wife keeps one of the finest poultry yards in the county. FREDERICKA STUDEMAN, widow of Frederick Studeman, Sec. 24; P. O. Lyons; owns 280 acres of land; she was born in Prussia Feb. 17, 1832; March 28, 1854, married Frederick Studeman, and, May 17, 1854, emigrated to this country, and, within two months after handing, made their home in Center Township, where they have lived ever since; her husband died Aug. 27. 1867; she has two children-Ida (married Louis A. Pohlman, a druggist of Carroll City, Iowa); Albert Henry is living with his mother, managing her farm. All members of the German Lutheran Church. When her husband began work in Clinton County he was a very poor man, but on his death left his widow and children a handsome fortune of from $25,000 to $30,000. WILLIAM L. THOMAS, farmer; P.O. Elvira: owns seventy-seven acres of land; he was born in South Wales, Great Britain, in 1809, and, in 1835, after being educated, emigrated to this country; after spending some time in Louisiana, Missouri and New York, he removed to Center Township, Clinton County, Iowa, in 1859, where he has lived ever since. Has been Road Supervisor of the township. He married Ann Morgan, of Gloucestershire, England, in Lyons, April 6,1869; he has three children by a former marriage-John E., Sarah and Mary, all married. He and his family are all members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Elvira. He was a poor man when he started, and now has a fortune of from $8,000 to $10,000; he is also a retired merchant of Elvira. Republican. CYRUS TRAVER, farmer, P. O. Elvira; he lives in Sec. 36, and owns ninety-five acres of land; he was born in Dutchess Co., N. Y., on the Hudson River, Nov. 21, 1825, where he was educated; in the spring of 1857, he moved to Iowa and settled upon the property now owned by him. He has filled the offices of Township School Director and Road Supervisor. He is an old and tried Republican. He married Abby Moorehouse in Livingston Co., N. Y.. Jan. 1,1855; she is daughter of Ezra and Marietta Moorehouse, and was born in Hartford, Conn., Nov. 6, 1824 ; they had four children ; three are living-Charles Henry, Edgar Moorehouse and Elmer Ezra. Family all members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Elvira. When be first started in the county he had no capital, but by dint of perseverance, economy and hard work, has a very pretty homestead and a fortune estimated at from $8,000 to $10,000. RUFUS A TRAVER, farmer, Section 2; P. O. Elvira; he owns 160 acres of hand; he was born in Dutchess Co., N. V., Nov. 6, 1831, and, in the winter of 1855, removed to Whiteside Co., Ill.; resided for one year, then removed to Center Township, where he now lives. Has held for several years the offices of Assessor, Justice of the Peace, member of the County Board of Supervisors, Township Trustee, Township School Director and Road Supervisor. Republican. He married Mary J. Valentine, of Hardin Co. Ohio, Oct. 021, 1858; has four children-Mary Ellen, William Rufus, Daisy Agnes and Roy L. Members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, of Elvira. When he first started farming in Clinton Co. he had a capital of about $2,000, and, by hard work and strict economy, he has managed to erect a beautiful homestead, and has amassed a fortune of from $25,000 to $30,000. JOSEPH W. WINTERS, farmer; P. O. Elvira; lives in Section 5, and owns 520 acres of hand; he was born in Philadelphia, Penn., March 19, 1839; his family removed to Pittsburgh, where be lived until he was 7 years old, when his family removed again to Washington Co., Penn., and, in 1850, he moved to Clinton Co., and is now residing upon the old family homestead, which was entered by his father in 1851; he is the oldest son of Henry and Mary Winters, both natives of Ireland; emigrated to this country when quite young, and married in Philadelphia; had fifteen children; ten now living-Ellen, Catherine, Joseph W., Michael, Mary Ann, Patrick Henry, Hugh, Rosanna, Clara and Caroline (twins). Mr. Winters has never married. Since his residence he has filled the office of Township Trustee. He follows in the footsteps of his ancestors, and is a true blue Jacksonian Democrat. He resides upon the homestead with four of his sisters, who keep house for him, and render his old-bachelor days pleasant and comfortable. Family are all Catholics. When his father died he left no will, and, consequently, he had to buy in the old homestead, as well as the lands mentioned above; he has accumulated by industry, economy and hard labor, a handsome competency, and is worth from $35,000 to $40,000. TREVER WILLIAMS, farmer, Section 33; ~. 0. Elvira; owns 320 acres of land in Clinton Co., and 1,680 in Cherokee Co., Iowa; he was born in Lincolnshire, Eng., April 15, 1820, where he was educated; in 1854, he emigrated to the United States and settled in Clinton Co., where he has lived since. He married Charlotte Shepherd, a native of Nottinghamshire, but lived and was educated in Lincolnshire, Eng. Their marriage was on June 29, 1844; they had seventeen children; ten are living-Rachael, Job Shepherd, John, George, Esther Anna, Harriet, Thomas, Charles, Mary Elizabeth and Mary Ann. They have four children married and ten grandchildren. Be was for several years Road Supervisor. Always has been a stanch Jacksonian Democrat. Members of ,the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Elvira. Aug. 7, 1870, he was at work in the field when he was prostrated by sun stroke, from which he lost his hearing, which he has never recovered. When he first landed in the State of Iowa, he had not a shilling in the world, and went out upon a farm as a laborer at $200 a year; he has now a pleasant homestead, and a fortune estimated at about $75,000. MICHAEL WINTERS, farmer; P. O. Elvira; he hives on Section 4, and owns 160 acres of land; he was born in Washington Co., Penn., Oct. 31, 1840, where he lived until 11 years old, when he removed to Iowa and settled in Clinton Co., where he has lived ever since. Since his residence he has held the offices of Township School Director, Secretary of the School Board and Justice of the Peace. He is a Democrat. He married Kate Clinton, a native of Montgomery Co., Penn., in Chicago, Nov. 20, 1874, and has three children-Mary Augusta, Frances Lillian and Louis Clinton. All members of Catholic Church. He was a poor man when he started, and is now the possessor of a fine homestead, and a fortune estimated at from $15,000 to $20,000. JOHN A. YOUNG, farmer, Sec. 35; P. O. Elvira; born in Orange Co., N.Y., June 8, 1815; family removed to Pennsylvania in 1815, where he was educated; in 1848, he moved to Oakland Co., Mich., where he remained for eight years, when he moved to Iowa and located at Elvira, where he has lived ever since; owns 160 acres of land. He was elected to the 16th and 17th Assembly of Iowa as Representative. on the Democratic ticket, where he served his country faithfully for four years; he was elected, in 1860, to the office of County Supervisor, which he held for six years. He married Martha Ann Cox, of Pennsylvania; they have eight children, four boys and four girls- John C.,. James W., Edward E., Charles A., Martha A., Anna C., Sarah L. and Hattie Irene; three of his daughters are married; one the wife of the Rev. G. W. Hamilton, Pastor of the United Presbyterian Church of Elvira, and the other two marrying farmers. He and his family belong to the United Presbyterian Church. Capt. Young, while in his 25th year, was elected Captain of the Shippensburg Troop, an old cavalry company which had served in the war of 1812, and during the time of his captaincy volunteered for the Mexican war; the Captain, although now in his 64th year, is still a member of the 17th Assembly of Iowa, which office he will hold until January, 1880; he was Collector of taxes of his township, Township Clerk and President of the Township School Board for several years.