-610- ABRAHAM WARD, a leading farmer and stock-raiser of Afton Township, has been identified with the interests of Cherokee County since 1872. He is a native of Canada, and was born twelve miles west of Toronto, near Lake Ontario, February 11, 1834. He is the second child and oldest son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Jenkinson) Ward, who were natives of the County of Wicklow, Ireland; they came with their parents to Canada when children, and there they were reared, married and had eight children. Mr. Ward received a common-school education, and resided with his parent until his majority. He was married October 20, 1859, to Miss Laura Van Horn, a native of Canada and a daughter of Frederick and Jerusha (Champman) Van Horn, the father being a native of Canada, and the mother of the State of Ohio. In 1866 Mr. Ward removed to Marshall County and purchased a farm of 200 acres of wild land, which he began the task of improving. The present advance standing of the State of Iowa is due to the indomitable courage of those hardy pioneers who so bravely made the way for those who have come afterward. Our subject resided in Marshall County until October, 1873, when he came to Cherokee County, as before stated. He bought 240 acres of wild land, and again set about the work of claiming from Nature the heritage of man. He has improved this land until he has one of the best farms in the township. Mr. and Mrs. Ward are the parents of three children: Ida Elizabeth, Minerva Jerusha and Mabel Novenia. They are active and consistent members Methodist Episcopal Church, Mr. Ward having held the office of steward in the Afton Township church since its organization. He has served as school director, as township treasurer, and has filled other local offices of trust and responsibility with much credit to himself and the entire satisfaction of the public. Politically he affiliates with the Republican party. Mr. Ward is a self-made man, and by industry and his own exertions he has accumulated a good property, which he uses to the best advantage in surrounding his family with all the necessary comforts of life; he has donated liberally to the support of the church, and has given his children a good, practical education. JAMES C. FARR, a reliable farmer of Diamond Township, was born at Alderman Plains, Canada, October 21, 1838. His parents were George W. and Martha (Blackburn) Farr, both of whom were born near London, England, where they were married. They came to this continent and settled in Canada in 1834, and in 1840 came to the United States and settled in Dodge County, Wisconsin. There they took out -611- Government land, and the father now resides on the place originally settled near Beaver Dam, at the age of eighty years. The mother died in August, 1885, at the age of seventy-three years. They reared a family of eight children, of J. C. is the third. They are: Charlotte, wife of Joseph Clark; Henry, Edwin, Daniel, Mary Ann, who was married and died at the age of twenty-four years; Martha, wife of Albert Baker, and Ellen, who also died at the age of twenty-four years. J. C. remained at home until he was twenty-two years old, when he enlisted in Company K, Twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, for three months, but the most of that time he was kept at Carroll, Illinois. After returning home he enlisted in Company K, Eleventh Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered in at Milwaukee in the fall of 1862. His service continued until the close of the war when he was discharged in Alabama, at Mobile, September 4, 1865. He took part in the battles of Magnolia church, Raymond, Champion Hill, Vicksburg and Jackson. He held the position of Sergeant under First Lieutenant Clark S. Gilbert. Mr. Farr was united in marriage May 7, 1866, to Miss Catherine A. Stone. She was born in Lewis County, New York, January 2, 1842, and is a daughter of Curtis and Alida (Van Norman) Stone. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Farr settled in Martin County, Minnesota, where they remained until 1880, when they removed to Iowa and settled in Diamond Township, Cherokee County. They now own a farm of 160 acres of finely located land, well improved. Their family consists of Alvin Curtis, Mary A., Charlotte Belle and Kittie Leone. Thomas Farr, the son of a brother, was adopted into the family at the age of nine years, and Mabel Burns, a little girl of five years, a daughter of John Burns, has made her home with the family of Mr. Farr since she was two years old, and will continue to live under the generous and hospitable roof. Mr. Farr is a member of the Masonic fraternity. In politics he supports the issues of the Republican party. The Government has rewarded his services during the late Civil War by paying him a pension of $8 per month. J. A. SANBORN, farmer and stock-raiser of Afton Township, has been prominently identified with the interests of Cherokee County since the fall of 1869. He was born in Dorchester, Grafton County, New Hampshire, November 21, 1832, and is the third son of Josiah and Lucinda (Holt) Sanborn, natives of New Hampshire, of Puritan stock. J. A. was reared on a farm and received a common-school education. His father died when he was six years old, leaving three sons to the care of his bereaved mother. As she had but limited means, J. A. found a home with his grandfather and an uncle until he was twenty-one years old; he then went to Boston and worked in a grocery store for three years. The following three years he he spent of the old homestead in New Hampshire. He was married November 4, 1856, to Miss Susan Blake, a native of New Hampshire, and the oldest daughter of Charles D. and Jerusha (Flanders) Blake. After their marriage they removed to Laconia, New Hampshire, and there Mr. Sanborn found work in the woolen mills until the breaking out of the late Civil War. Leaving his wife and child he enlisted in Company H, Twelfth New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry, going into camp the following day. He soon went to Washington, District of Columbia, and thence to Arlington Heights. where he was detailed to load freight and army supplies. -612- While engaged in this work an accident occurred which came near costing Mr. Sanborn his life. A heavy box slipped from the top of a load and struck him in the side, breaking three ribs. This was just before the battle of Harper's Ferry, and for more than a quarter of a century he has suffered from the effects of this accident. He was removed to Corwin Hospital, and after a time was honorably discharged, after which he returned to his home. He obtained employment in the Belknap Carpet Woolen Mills in Laconia, New Hampshire, and remained there for six years. At the end of that time his wound became so troublesome that he was compelled to give up work for six months. He returned to his old employers at Ashland, New Hampshire, and took charge of two rooms in the mills. He afterward purchased an interest in a stock of general merchandise, the firm name being Weeks & Sanborn; this partnership continued one year, when he sold his stock and came West to settle. Some time previous he had made a visit to Wisconsin, but decided to locate in Iowa. For a short time he lived in Tama County, and then came to Cherokee County, and entered eight acres of Government land. By means of a prairie schooner he brought his family from Tama County to Cherokee County. On the journey the met with a serious accident; in making a descent near the present town of Cherokee the pole strap broke, causing the team to run away. One valuable horse was killed and the wagon and provision were destroyed. They first moved into a small log cabin belonging to Albert Phipps. Mr. Sanborn built a house, and began the task of improving his farm; he broke out a large area with ox-teams. Their farm contains 200 acres in a high state of cultivation, and is considered one of the best in the township. Mr. Sanborn in a member of the Masonic order, and of the General Custer Post, No. 25, G.A.R. He and his wife have two children: Jennie H., wife of Murray F. Molyneux, and Frank D. Mr. Sanborn affiliates with the Republican party. ROBERT MENEFEE, of Afton Township, was born in Fanquier County, Virginia, August 28, 1822, and is the third of a family of ten children, seven boys and three girls. All of the family, excepting three, are living in Virginia. His parents were Thomas Kenley and Emily (Finnel) Menefee, natives of Virginia. Kenley Menefee, the grandfather of Robert, was in the War of the Revolution, and Thomas, his father, was a soldier in the War of 1812; his father died in West Virginia in 1848. Robert was reared in his native State and learned the trade of stone-cutting, which he followed seven years in West Virginia and Ohio. He remained under the parental roof until past the age of twenty-five, when he removed to Preston County, West Virginia, and engaged in farming, which he continued for sixteen years. In the year 1861 he enlisted in Preston County, West Virginia, in Mulligan's Brigade, in the Sixth Virginia Infantry. He took part in seven regular battles: Webscot, Phillipi, Houstonville, Beverly, Green Briar Mountain, Staunton, and Manassas Gap. He was honorably discharged at Grafton. He and one brother, James, fought in the Northern Army, and the other brothers were in the Confederate Army. His own kin at one time offered a reward of $10,000 for his life, and by the advice of Mulligan he removed to Ohio, and lived there for seven years. He then removed to Madison County, Iowa, and in the spring of 1877 he came to Cherokee County and bought eighty acres of land, since which time he has [page 613 ] been engaged in raising stock and grain; he is a successful breeder of Norman horses. He has added to his first purchase of land, and now owns 120 acres of land. Politically, he affiliates with the Republican party. He was married in Monongalia County, West Virginia, September 17, 1846, to Miss Elizabeth Paulson, who was born in West Virginia, February 14, 1834. Mr. and Mrs. Menefee are the parents of five children: John W., Joseph Aretas (died in infancy), Benjamin Clark, Lydia Irene, wife of C. S. Wilson, and Franklin L. Mr. and Mrs. Menefee have been consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for forty-five years. -613- JOHN MILLER, who is in many respects the principal figure of Grand Meadow Township, is a man of wide acquaintance and has many friends wherever he is known. Few men in the county of Cherokee are held in higher estimation than he. John Miller was born in the Buckeye State, Muskingum County, April 3, 1840. His parents, Jacob and Mary (Shufle) Miller, emigrated from Würtemberg, Germany, to this country about 1832; they had six children: Isabel (died at the age of thirty years), Malcolm, John, Jacob, George, and Kate, wife of Fred Schaller. The family settled in Clayton, Iowa, in 1856; the father was a shoe maker by trade, and made that his business until after he came to Iowa. He died in October, 1883, aged eighty-six years, having survived his wife only six months. John remained at home until the outbreak of the Rebellion, when he enlisted in Company E, Twenty-seventh Iowa Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Thomas G. Drips, and served three years. His command was first sent to Minnesota to quell the Sioux Indians, and he was in the actions at New Ulm and Mankato, and afterward had the satisfaction of witnessing the execution of thirty-eight Sioux Indians at Mankato, in December, 1862. After this matter was settled the regiment was sent to the South. Mr. Miller participated in the capture of Vicksburg and Little Rock; was with Sheridan on his raid through Mississippi; was with General Banks up the Red River, and in the action of Pleasant Hill and Shreveport; after taking part in the Knoxville and Tupelo battles he was sent to follow Price through Missouri, going as far as Kansas City. After his return to St. Louis he was sent to Nashville to join General Thomas; soon after he reached New Orleans he was sent to Mobile, and assisted in its capture. He reached home August 9, 1865. At the taking of Little Rock his blood became overheated, and every summer he has suffered from the effects. For a year and a half he was detailed as headquarters dispatch carrier for General A. J. Smith. After his return home he resumed farming, and remained in Clayton County for five years. Thence he removed to Fayette County, where he resided ten years. In the fall of 1880 he came to Cherokee County, and after renting land for two years he bought his present farm of 240 acres. Mr. Miller was married December 29, 1865, to MIss Jane R. Spickelmier, a daughter of Jesse and Sarah (Veach) Spickelmier. She was born in Hendricks County, Indiana, July 18,1 842. Seven children have been born of this marriage: Homer Clarence, Justus Asa, David Jacob, Hattie Ann, George B., Benjamin Mack and Freddie Schaller. Homer is a student at Shenandoah Normal School, and Justus is a clerk in the bank at Washta. Mr. Miller affiliates with the Republican party; he has served as township assessor, and is now justice of the peace for [page 614 ] Grand Meadow Township; he is also the present secretary of the School Board. He is a man of broad views, and lends a supporting hand to ever moral and intellectual work, being one of the ablest and most liberal men of the community. -614- JAMES D. PARKINSON.—One of the careful, enterprising business men of Grand Meadow Township is he whose name heads this review. Few farmers of Cherokee County have been more successful financially, have a wider acquaintance, or stand higher in the estimation of the people of their communities than does Mr. Parkinson. HIs beautiful farm of 400 acres is as nicely located as any in the county, and is well improved; it shows careful attention in its arrangement, and is well adapted both to grain and live-stock. It is to such gentlemen as Mr. Parkinson that we must look to find the minds that have controlled the affairs, both business and political, that have placed Cherokee County in the front rank in Iowa. James D. Parkinson was born in La Fayette County, Wisconsin, July 20, 1848, and is the eldest of a family of five, all of whom are now living; they are: Addie, Charles, Malinda C. and William. Addie and William still resided at home in Wisconsin; Charles is a merchant in Deuel County, Dakota, and Malinda is the wife of a second cousin whose name is also Parkinson. William Parkinson is the father of family, and the mother's maiden name was Nancy T. Padon; they are both natives of Madison County, Illinois. The Parkinsons were among the pioneer settlers of Wisconsin, Daniel M., father of William, having settled there in 1827, while it was still a Territory; he was prominent in the Black Hawk War, being Colonel of a regiment sent out by Governor Dodge, first Territorial Governor of Wisconsin. The parents of our subject are still living in Iowa County, Wisconsin, where they carry on a large farm. Mr. Parkinson remained at home until he was twenty-three years old; he attended the common schools, and worked on the farm. In March, 1878, he came to Cherokee County and purchased his present place; it contains 400 acres in one body, and is in an advanced state of cultivation. He devotes himself to raising grain and live-stock, feeding from one to two car-loads annually. He had very little capital in the beginning beside pluck and energy, but these have served him a good turn, and he is to-day in independent circumstances. Mr. Parkinson was married in Iowa County, Wisconsin, December 31, 1873, to Miss Mary Chenhall, who was born March 6, 1855. she is a daughter of Stephen and Jane (Truing) Chenhall, natives of Cornwall, England. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Parkinson: Azalia, Albert and Florence. Mr. Parkinson is a prominent Democrat, frequently representing his township in conventions, and serving as chairman of the district committee. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge, No. 473, at Correctionville. He has met with one very serious misfortune, and that is the loss of his right eye, the accident occurring while he was feeding flax in a threshing machine. He has rented his farm and is going to the Pacific Coast, expecting to make his home there. DAVID SCOTT, a successful farmer of Afton Township, has been a resident of Cherokee County for nineteen years. He was born near Dunville, Ontario, April 7, 1834, and lived in the land of his nativity [page 615 ] until he was twenty-two years of age, following boating as a business. In 1856 he removed to Winneshiek County, Iowa, and settled near Frankville; for six years he engaged in farming, and then came to Cherokee County and entered eighty-six acres of land, on which his residence now stands. He was prosperous in his business, and from time to time added to his first purchase of land until he now owns 256 acres of as fine land as lies in Cherokee County. He has built a good dwelling, commodious barns and sheds, and has planted a fine grove of trees. During his residence in Cherokee County Mr. Scott devoted himself to raising grain and live-stock, and his efforts have met with uniform success. David Scott is the son of Samuel and Ann (Tate) Scott, of Irish birth. He was married January 28, 1865, to Mary Ackerson, a native of New York, and a daughter of Cornelius and Eliza (Furdman) Ackerson, of Dutch origin. Mr. and Mrs. Scott are the parents of ten children, eight of whom are living: John Henry, George Albert, James Jefferson, Winfield, Anna Eliza, Emma Ida, Eugene and Clara. Since his residence in Cherokee County Mr. Scott has held several local offices of trust and responsibility, to the entire satisfaction of the public. His political affiliations are with the Republican party. He has given his children a good common-school education, and is a liberal supporter of all efforts to advance the standing of the community. -615- REV. D. R. STANFORD is one of the prominent pioneers of Cedar Township. He came to the county in 1869, and located on a a homestead of Government land of 160 acres, which he has since improved and made his home. He was born in Bershire, Massachusetts, May 12, 1819, and is a son of Ebenezer and Mary (Hawks) Stanford. They were the parents of five daughters and seven sons, of whom our subject was the oldest. Mr. Stanford was united in marriage, May 9, 1843, to Miss Martha Peck, a native of Massachusetts, and a daughter of Obed and Lydia (Allen) Peck. In 1868 he removed to Dane County, Wisconsin, and in 1869 to Cherokee County, Iowa, as before stated. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Stanford: Leroy, Margaret (died aged sixteen), Susan, James H., Moses A., Mary Amna, Abbie and Corrinna. Mr. Stanford has been an ordained minister in the Wesleyan Methodist Church for the past forty years, and has done faithful work in his Master's cause. His neighbors and friends have displayed the confidence which they have in him by calling him to fill most of the township offices, the duties of which he has discharged with unfailing energy and integrity. His children have received a good education, and most of them have been successful teachers, and a credit to their parents' training and teaching. JAMES H. STANFORD, a resident of Spring Township, represents a business still in its infancy in this section of country, and capable of great developments. He has the most extensive apiary within the limits of Cherokee County, and his success in this line proves future possibilities, and paves the way for much wider work in the same direction. His apiary consists at present of about fifty stands of bees; three years ago he began with two stands. His bee products for the year of 1889 exceeds 3,000 pounds of excellent honey, which finds a ready market at good prices. His success has been of such magnitude that he expects to engage much [page 616 ] more extensively in the same line. He will start two other apiaries at other points in the county, considering that plan better than to keep too many colonies in the same community. Mr. Stanford was born in Franklin County, Massachusetts, April 15, 1851. A sketch of his father will be found elsewhere in this work. He remained with his father until his twenty-fifth year, when he entered a homestead in Osceola County, Iowa, which he sold in 1879 and removed to Cherokee County. His present farm lies mainly in the fertile bottom of the Little Sioux, and he has control of about 700 acres of pasture land which is well fenced. Mr. Stanford has not seen fit to take unto himself a life companion, and consequently seeks enjoyment in travel. In order to escape the rigorous climate of this latitude he goes South during the winter, and remains there until the appearance of spring. Politically he is a Greenbacker, and is proud of the title. He is a man well read on topics of general interest and such subjects as relate to his business. JOHN F. SIEGELwas born in Würtemberg, Germany, February 25, 1836, and is a son of Jacob F. and Barbara (Jakly) Siegel. This family is from the same stock as that of General Franz Siegel. When John F. was fifteen years old the family crossed the waters to the strange shores of America. The first five years they lived in the State of New York, and then pushed farther west, and settled in Outagamie County, Wisconsin, in 1856. There the father continued to reside until his death, which occurred in 1887, at the age of eighty-four years. His widow still lives in Wisconsin, at the age of seventy-six years. There were fourteen children in the family, and with the exception of one they grew to maturity, and twelve of them are now living. One sister, Sophronia, wife of Daniel Ferguson, resides in Cherokee, and Barbara, wife of Frank Jones, lives in Dallas County, Iowa; Alexander is in Washington Territory, and the rest, excepting George, who lives in Ohio, are in Wisconsin. When John F. had arrived at his majority he began work by the month, but made his home for one year with his father. From this time until he was thirty-two years old he was engaged in the lumber regions, first working by the month, and afterward contracting to get out logs. Making some money in this way he determined to buy a farm, and before 1879 he had improved two timbered farms, which he disposed of, when he came to Cherokee County, which presented a more favorable outlook for agricultural purposes than the timber country of Wisconsin. He at first secured eight acres, and now owns 240 acres of excellent land. His business has been lucrative, and he has made quite a successful farmer. His place is considered one of the neatest and best in the vicinity, and all his surroundings indicate thrift and the guidance of a master hand. Mr. Siegel's military career is something out of the ordinary. He enlisted in the Third Wisconsin Cavalry, but was rejected, not being considered fit for military duty. A few months later after he was drafted, and placed in Company A, Eighteenth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. His command was sent to Tennessee, where he did guard duty until a865, when they were ordered to North Carolina. After being quartered at Raleigh sometime, they were sent to Washington, District of Columbia, and there he marched in the grand review. His discharge bears date of July, 1865. He participated in but one regular battle, that of Kingston. Mr. Siegel was married in May, 1862, to Miss Christina Dexter, who died in April, [page 617 ] 1870, leaving him two little boys, Albert and Ransford. He was married a second time, September 8, 1870, to Miss Regina Fuller. They have four children: Alice, Stephen, Willie and Lydia. H. A. MORRISON is an intelligent and enterprising citizen of Cedar Township. He was born in Essex County, New York, in 1847, and is a son of Bradley and Betsey (Hilliard) Morrison, natives of Vermont. Young Morrison was reared in his native State, in Clinton County. At an early age he was intrusted with the responsibility of operating a stationary engine. At the age of twenty-four years, desiring to see the West, he started on a tour which did not stop until the Pacific Coast had been reached. He first went to Lake Superior, and embarked in the coal business, and in 1875 he removed to Wyoming Territory continuing the same occupation for one year. He then went to Southern Utah, and thence traveled to California, where he was still engaged in the coal business. After leaving California he settled in Leadville, Colorado, where he devoted his time to the coal trade. From Leadville he came to Cherokee County, where he was engaged in the agricultural implement business for one year. He then bought his farm, which consisted of 240 acres of well-improved land. The improvements were commenced by Mr. Nettleton, but most of them have been carried out by Mr. Morrison. He has a substantial residence, erected at a cost of $1,600, a good barn, sheds, and feed lots, presenting a neat, thrifty appearance. Mr. Morrison was united in marriage in May, 1883, at Leadville, Colorado, to Miss Ruth Ann Evans, of Johnson County, Kansas, a daughter of Andrew F. Evans, a member of the Society of Friends, who was one of the first settlers of Johnson County. Andrew F. Evans was born in North Carolina, and lived form many years in Hamilton County, Indiana. His wife was Abigail Willson, who was also a native of North Carolina. Mr. and Mrs. Morrison are the parents of two children: Harry Wilmot and Betsey Elizabeth. Mr. Morrison is a member of Speculative Lodge, No. 307, A.F. & A.M.; of Burning Bush Chapter, No. 90, R.A.M.; and of Crusade Commandery, No. 39, K.T. Politically he affiliates with the Republican party. By strict habits of honesty and industry he has gained an enviable standing in the community. HENRY GRUNDY was born in Lancashire, England, July 21, 1838. His father, Joseph Grundy, deceased, was one of the early settlers of Cedar Township. He was born, reared and married in England. His wife was Margaret Cross, and they were the parents of eleven children, nine sons and two daughters. They lived for many years on the same farm in Cedar Township where the widow still resides. Henry Grundy, the subject of this brief biography, was married in his native land, in May, 1862, to Miss Mary Ann Kniveton, a native of Lancashire, England, and a daughter of John and Mary (Mather) Kniveton. In 1871 Mr. Grundy became a resident of Cherokee County; he settled on wild land in Cedar Township, and has since been a valued member of that farming community. He now owns 160 acres of land which he has brought to an advanced state of cultivation. He has a comfortable house, a good barn, and has further added to the beauty and value of his place by planting a grove of forest trees. Mr. Grundy devotes his time exclusively to farming and stock-raising, [page 618 ] and his been attended with success, and all his efforts in this direction. Six children have been born to Mr. Grundy and wife: Mary Alice, the wife of Frederick Lowell, of Cedar Township; Ann, wife of Jabez Corry, resides in California; Dan, Julia, Edith and Ella. In politics Mr. Grundy gives his support to the Republican party. He is a man well informed upon general topics, is genial in disposition, and is numbered among the leading farmers of Cedar Township. THOMAS JEFFERSON WHITE, one of the leading farmers of Grand Meadow Township, was born in La Fayette County, Wisconsin, October 1, 1843, and is a son of Joseph and Mary (Hodges) White. Joseph White was born about the year 1812, and settled in Wisconsin in 1834 or 1835; his capital at that time consisted of an old gun, but at the end of seven years he owned a farm. He was married in 1838, and died February 6, 1875. His family consists of eight children: Andrew J., Thomas Jefferson, George W., Mary, Franklin P., James B., Martha, wife of Jesse E. Mills, and Stephen B. Our subject was reared to the occupation of a farmer, and for several years prior to his father's death had charge of the home farm, which consisted of 700 acres. He had built a grist-mill at Calamine, in which his brother Andrew had a half interest; he operated this mill for three years, and then traded his interest for 520 acres of land in Grand Meadow Township; his brother traded for land in Buena Vista County. This was in 1875, and in 1876 Mr. White came to Cherokee County and began the improvement of his land. He now owns all of section 11, and has it all under cultivation; he keeps two men, and devotes his time largely to stock-raising; he keeps 100 head of cattle, feeding a car-load annually; he also feeds from 125 to 150 head of hogs of the best grades. Mr. White has placed the best improvements on his farm, and has been successful in all his operations since coming to the county. Mr. White was married in La Fayette County, Wisconsin, to Miss Julia M. Olmstead, a daughter of Nathan and Magdalene (Tenich) Olmstead. Mrs. White was born May 26, 1847, and died June 1, 1888, leaving four children: Nathan, Magdalene, Charles Thomas and Bessie, who was only eight days old; one child, Rosa, died at the age of four months. Mr. White's sister Mary, wife of John C. Cosgrove, has been his housekeeper for a number of years, as his wife was an invalid for a long time previous to her death. Mrs. Cosgrove has three children: John C., Mary Edith and Maggie. JOSEPH BIERMAN, a leading farmer and stock-raiser of Tilden Township, has been identified with the interests of Cherokee County since the year 1873. He did not emigrate from another State or country, but was born in the Hawkeye State, Clinton County, September 3, 1855, and is a son of Frank and Elizabeth Bierman, natives of Germany. Joseph is the second of a family of six children, and during his early life he attended school, and worked during the vacations in a factory. At the age of eighteen he began life for himself, going to Cherokee County, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits. He worked by the months for six years, and at the end of that time he purchased a tract of raw prairie in Tilden Township where he founded a home, and where he has since resided. He has improved the place with good buildings, and has planted [page 691 ] a fine grove of five acres, all the surroundings indicating thrift and prosperity. Although a young man Mr. Bierman has attained an advanced position in business circles and is thoroughly deserving of the esteem in which he is held. His entire time and attention are occupied with farming and stock-raising, and he has been very successful in these enterprises. He is a firm adherent to the principles of the Democratic party. Mr. Bierman was married February 14, 1882, to Miss Emma O'Neal, a daughter of Peter and Debbie O'Neal. She was born in Livingston County, Illinois, October 16, 1862. Four children have been born of this union: Vennie, John, Roy and Harry. Mrs. Bierman is an acceptable member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. It is indeed a pleasure to witness the realization of hopes and worthy ambitions; in attaining his present position Mr. Bierman has been dependent on his own resources, but has been successful in all his efforts. I. C. COOK was born in Wayne County, Illinois, July 8, 1833, and is the son of James and Elizabeth (Clark) Cook, natives of the State of Kentucky. He is the youngest and only one of a family of six children living. His mother died when he was between three and four years old, and he was thus early deprived of that tender love and care such as only a mother can give. He was brought up on a farm, and received a very limited education in the common schools; however, by close observation he has acquired a fund of information that enables him to attend to any business in practical life. He continued to reside with his father until his twentieth year, when the father died. He then removed to Carroll County, Illinois, where he spent two years, and in 1855 he came to Iowa, and settled in Jackson County; at that time he was engaged in drilling artesian wells, and remained there until 1860, when he went to St. Joe, Missouri, and there joined the John Deeds wagon train, and made an overland trip to California. He remained in that State until 1866, engaged in mining and wood chopping. He then returned as far east as Jackson County, Iowa, and there he resided until he came to Cherokee County, with the exception of one year spent in Clinton County, Iowa. In 1871 he came to Cherokee County, and bought 160 acres of railroad land in Amherst Township, paying $6 per acre; he then went back to Jackson County, and did not return to Cherokee County until 1873, when he brought his family, consisting of his wife and one child. He first erected a small building which served as a temporary residence; as soon as something better could be provided the first one was deserted, and now serves as a store-house for tools and farming implements. The stable was constructed of railroad ties, with a roof of hay. With these primitive buildings they began life in the new country, but from time to time have improved or replaced the old structures, and now have one of the best improved farms in the county. Mr. Cook has planted five acres of grove which surrounds his buildings, and presents a most attractive picture. It is really difficult to realize that only a few short years ago the Indian's camp kettle smoked where there is now a beautiful lawn, and that his wigwam was stretched where the comfortable, cheery dwelling of a white man now stands. Mr. Cook has done much toward the upbuilding of this portion of the county and well deserves the respect and esteem in which he is held, and he has not stood alone in these labors but has been cheered and encouraged by a faithful [page 620 ] wife. He was married December 5, 1866, to Miss Kate Guenther, a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Yond) Guenther, natives of Germany and Pennsylvania respectively. Mrs. Cook was born in Lycoming County, Pennsylvanai, July 16, 1839. The result of this union has been two children: Lizzie, born September 10, 1870, and Katie, born July 1, 1876. The parents are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically Mr. Cook is a stanch Republican, and has held the office of township trustee for thirteen years. He is a member of the I.O.O.F., Lodge No. 359, being one of the charter members; he was the first N. G., and has held the same position several times.

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