BACON, JOSHUA C.—Chester Twp—pg 933-4. Farmer and stock-raiser, section 10, P.O. Chester Center. Was born in Orange county, Vermont, on the 9^th of October, 1830, where he was brought up and educated, and remained until he was about thirty-three years of age, during which time he spent three years in Indiana, where he was engaged in the railroad business as a baggage-master and ticket agent at night, in which capacity he continued to labor for thirty-three months, and the longest time he had for sleeping at any one time was two hours and forty minutes. He returned to Vermont and engaged in agricultural pursuits, which business he had always followed before he became engaged in railroading. After about seven years he removed to Iowa and settled two and a half miles southeast of Grinnell, where he lived about two years, and removed to this township in the year 1868, where he has since resided. His farm consists of 240 acres of fine land all in cultivation, and is well improved with good fences and buildings. Was married, in 1857, to Miss Mary Jane Humphrey, who is still living, and is a lady of refined tastes and superior culture. By this union they have eight children: Etta F., Fred H., Ida A., William D., Albert H., Hiram J., Hattie, Eda M. The eldest of these, Etta F. (who is now Mrs. Adilbert Dears), before her marriage was a school teacher, having, however, had no advantages of any high schools. She was one of the finest English scholars in the county. Mr. Bacon was injured while in the railroad business by the falling of a water-spout which struck him on the back of the head, fracturing his skull and rendering him unfit for duty for a long time. He has held several offices of trust in the township where he lives, and enjoys the entire confidence of his neighbors.

HAFKEY, WM. C.—Chester Twp—pg 934. Section 10, P.O. Chester Center. Was born in Mecklenberg, Germany, in 1842. His parents removed to America in 1851, and came immediately to Iowa, settling in Scott county. Here Mr. Hafkey was brought up on the farm and educated in the schools of Davenport and LeClaire. He continued to make his home in Scott county for twenty-four years, with the exception of three years while he was in the army. In the year 1862 he enlisted in company K, Twentieth Iowa infantry volunteers, which regiment was mustered into the United States service at Clinton, Iowa, in August of the above mentioned year, and went immediately south, via Davenport and St. Louis; from St. Louis to Rolla and Springfield, Missouri. Their first engagement was at Prairie Grove, Arkansas, from whence they went to Vicksburg, where they were engaged in the siege, and was one of the first regiments to enter the city when it surrendered on the fourth of July, 1863. From here they went to New Orleans and to Brownsville, Texas, and after some unimportant maneuvering returned to New Orleans; thence to Fort Morgan, where they participated in the siege; thence to Pensacola, Florida, and Fort Blakely, where they participated in the siege of and charge on that Fort. They were mustered out and honorably discharged on the 25^th of July, 1865, at Clinton, Iowa. He was married, in 1865, to Miss E. Lumbach of Scott county, Iowa, who is still living, and by whom he has six children, whose names are: William F., Charles A., Frank F., Matilda A., George F. and Louis. He has a fine eighty acre farm about one mile from Chester Center, all of which is improved.

HODGDON, C.G.—Chester Twp—pg 934. Section 12, P.O. Sonora. Was born in Grafton county, New Hampshire, on the 7^th day of April, 1853, where he was brought up, and educated partly in the common schools of the country and partly in New Hampton Academy. He was brought up to labor on the farm. When he was nineteen years of age he removed to Iowa and settled in Grinnell where he attended Iowa College one term and then taught school in Chester township. In the spring of 1874 he purchased the farm which he now owns and occupies. His farm consists of 280 acres of fine land in a fine state of cultivation; has good buildings, and has his farm well stocked with horses, cattle and hogs.

HOLMES, JOHN—Chester Twp—pg 934-5. Section 2, P.O. Sonora. The subject of this sketch was born in New York on the 24^th of June, 1820, where he was brought up, educated and became a farmer, which business he followed until the war broke out. In December, 1861, he enlisted, in company H, Seventy-eighth New York volunteer infantry, being mustered into the service at Buffalo on the 16^th of December, from whence his regiment was sent to Washington, D.C., but owing to his failing health he was discharged as being unfit for duty. He was married, in 1846, to Miss Ann Utly, who is still living, and by whom he has six children, whose names are: Emma S., Lola E., Fremont A., David E., Lottie J., Leonard F. Mr. Holmes removed to this county in the year 1863, where he has resided ever since and has made for himself and family a comfortable home.

LIGHTNER, JOHN—Chester Twp—pg 935. Farmer, section 4, P.O. Chester Center. Was born in Pennsylvania on the 16^th of March, 1827, and was educated there and followed farming until 1855, when he removed to Jasper county, Iowa, and continued his chosen calling until 1860. Then came to Poweshiek county, and now owns a farm of 135 acres well improved, his residence being surrounded by evergreens and ornamental tress to the number of 600. He is at present making the breeding of Holstein cattle a specialty, some of these animals having received first premium at the State Fair. Mr. L. was married in Trumbull county, Ohio, March 28, 1855; to Miss Cynthia M. Maltbie. By this union they have had three children: Albert H. (born February 22, 1856; died March 22, 1861), Carrie M., (born March 18, 1859; died June 8, 1861) and Fred L. (born July 28, 1863). Mr. L. is a member of the Congregational Church.

MANN, J.H.—Chester Twp—pg 935-6. Farmer and stock-raiser, section 34, P.O. Grinnell. Was born in the State of New York, on the 30^th day of July, 1820. He was brought up and educated in the schools of New York, attending the common schools in his younger days and afterward the high school at Homer. After finishing his education he taught school during the winter season and farmed during the summer until 1871, when he removed to Iowa and settled at Iowa City. There became engaged in the real estate business, building and improving city property. After remaining here some three years he removed to the place which he now occupies. He was married, in the year 1845, to Miss Susan J. Willis, of Oswego, New York, who died in the year 1872, at Iowa City, by whom he had six children, three sons and three daughters: John E., Hannah M., Willis P., Mary L and Ella C., living, and one deceased. John E., the eldest son, is now an accountant and book-keeper in Cleveland, Ohio. Willis P. is at home with his father on the farm. Hannah is a school-teacher of the first grade, having been thoroughly educated at Oswego, New York, and at the training school at Iowa City. Mary is now attending the high school in the city of Grinnell and Ella is at home with her parents. He was married to his present wife, who was Miss Hattie E. Lester, of New York, in January, 1873. She was educated at Ithica and Genoa academies, New York. Mr. Mann was for three years Assistant Assessor of Internal Revenue in New York; was twelve years on the Board of Supervisors in that State. Has been trustee of the township in which he now resides and was one of the corps of enumerators in 1880, taking the census of Chester township. He has been a member of the M.E. Church for twenty-five years before coming West. Was a member of the Patrons of Husbandry and is now a member of the Farmers’ Alliance.

ROTH, GEO. N.—Chester Twp—pg 936. Farmer and stock-raiser, section 1, P.O. Panora. Born on the 26^th day of October, 1818, in Memmelsdorf, in Bavaria, Germany. He was brought up in his native city and acquired a most thorough education, having attended school for the full period of thirteen years. He remained in his native country until he was twenty-one years of age, when he came to America, settling in Juniata county, Pennsylvania, where he became engaged as a home missionary for the American Tract Society. For a period of eight or ten years he continued to labor in Pennsylvania, and for eight years following this period he labored as a blacksmith and conducted his farm, besides preaching every Sabbath. He came to Iowa in the year 1857, landing at Davenport on the 16^th day of September. He engaged in the missionary work in Scott county for a period of eighteen months and removed to this county in the fall of 1857, his son having preceded him six months. The township at that time was very new and but little improvement to be seen anywhere. He had many hardships to undergo such as are incident to the settlement of all new countries. The lumber of his house had to be brought from Davenport. Mr. Roth proved a very valuable acquisition to the infant settlement as he was the only minister within its bounds. He organized the first Sabbath-school and labored with the people for their good. He drew the first load of stone for the M.E. Church in the township, which is such a fine monument of the energy and enterprise of this people. Mr. Roth has always been first in all good works and is highly esteemed in his neighborhood. He was married, on the 15^th of August, 1841, to Miss Sophia Backer, of Union county, Pennsylvania, who is still living, and who has ever since shared the hardships of life with him. By his union they have six children: Joseph B., John, Catharine B., Maria M., Pauline H. and Martin F.

SHERMAN, WILLIAM—Chester Twp—pg 936-7. Retired farmer and loan agent, section 16, P.O. Chester Center. Was born on the 25^th of December, 1801, and is a native of Sullivan county, New Hampshire. There obtained his education and followed farming until 1849, when he went to Illinois, there continuing his former occupation. In the fall of 1854 he moved to Clinton county, this State, and ten years later came to this county, where he now owns a farm of thirty acres. He has been engaged in the loan business for sixteen years and has been successful. Is respected by the citizens of this community; is a member of the Congregational Church and has several times been deacon in that denomination. He, together with Mr. S. Stockwell, entered the first land in Chester township in 1854, taking about four sections for the finest and most fertile of the township. Mr. Sherman has been twice married; first, in Croydon, of this union has five children: Jasen W. (born August 26, 1826), Luke N. (born October 20, 1828), Wilson (born August 7, 1830), Henry (born September 10, 1832) and Cynthia M. (born August 1, 1836). Was married the second time, September 8, 1880, at Grinnell, to Mrs. Sarah B. Blaisdell.

SHERMAN, WILSON—Chester Twp—pg 937. Farmer, stock-raiser and dairyman, section 10, P.O. Chester Center. Was born August 7, 1830, in Croydon, New Hampshire, and after leaving school followed farming until 1840, when he removed to Hancock county, Illinois, engaging in his former occupation till 1855. He then came to Iowa, locating in Lyons, and in 1859 changed his residence to this county. He is the owner of a farm of 140 acres, and has an orchard of 230 trees. Is engaged in stock-raising and the dairy business to some extent, and is well qualified for that position. Belongs to and is a consistent worker in the Congregational Church. Has held numerous offices of the township from its earliest settlement. Mr. Sherman has been twice married; first, in Illinois, March 9, 1854, to Miss S.A. Carter. She died November 27, 1866, leaving four children: Edgar W. (born February 25, 1855; died December 3, 1863), Charles C. (born June 5, 1860), Albert W. (born November 9, 1861) and Edward M. (born September 9, 1866). His second marriage was in Illinois, October 7, 1867, to Miss Louisa N. Morrison. They have two children: Arthur M. (born August 17, 1869) and Wilbur W. (born October 7, 1874).

SHERMAN, J.W.—Chester Twp—pg 937-8. Farmer and stock-dealer, section 16, P.O. Chester Center. Was born in Croydon, New Hampshire, August 26, 1826, and was there raised and educated. He engaged in farming until 1852, when he went to California and followed mining until 1855, then returning to his native place. Was there married, after which he came to Lyons, in this State, and after remaining until August, 1856, came to Poweshiek county, being the first man to settle in Chester township. His farm consists of 320 acres, his residence being surrounded by shade trees; also has an orchard of 300 trees. Mr. Sherman has taken quite an interest in the raising of, and deals extensively in, stock. He is interested in the cheese factory of Chester, which is doing a large business. He was elected to the office of County Supervisor, being one of the first members of the board. Since then he has held numerous township offices, to the entire satisfaction of all parties. He has been twice married; first, in Croydon, New Hampshire December 20, 1855, to Miss Angenette C. Blanchard, who died December 25, 1863, leaving two children: Sarah F. (born November 19, 1857, the first white child born in this township; died January 20, 1864) and George Walter (born January 10, 1862). His second marriage was in this township, October 13, 1864, to Miss Laura Jane Wheelock. By this union they have three children: Luella A. (born July 5, 1866), Edna M. (born June 30, 1869) and Myron W. (born March 10, 1872). Mr. Sherman is a member of the Congregational Church.

SHERMAN, HENRY—Chester Twp—pg 938. Farmer and stock-raiser, section 10, P.O. Chester Center. Was born in Croydon, New Hampshire, September 10, 1832, and there remained until 1849, when he removed to Illinois, settling in Carthage. There his education was completed, after which he engaged in farming till 1853, then moving to Lyons, this State. There he continued farming and school teaching for some time and in 1857 again moved, this time coming to Poweshiek county. He is one of the oldest settlers in Chester township, being the second person to locate here. Is a man of fine business qualifications and stands high in the esteem of his neighbors; is the owner of a farm of 217 acres, and his residence is surrounded by a grove of maples; has an orchard of 250 trees. Mr. Sherman has held numerous offices in this township and county, having once been elected County Supervisor. He is also engaged in the loan business to quite an extent. His marriage was at Newport, New Hampshire, March 24, 1857, to Miss Elmira Dudley. They have two children living: Fannie Hall (now attending Iowa College) and Ralph. One deceased, Elmer H. Mr. Sherman is a member of the Congregational Church.

STOCKWELL, B.F.—Chester Twp—pg 938-9. Farmer and stock-raiser, section 9, P.O. Chester Center. Was born in Croydon, New Hampshire, November 27^th, 1835, and there received a part of his education. In 1851 he came to Iowa, settling in Clinton county, where he resided until 1862, then coming to this county. Has since made this his home and now owns eighty-four acres of well cultivated land; his barn is one of the best in the township and his cottage is entirely surrounded by shade trees; also has an orchard of 400 bearing trees. Mr. Stockwell is an extensive breeder of thorough-bred Holstein cattle, receiving first premium and sweepstakes on some of them at the State Fair (1880). He has held the office of constable for twelve years, filling said office to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. Is a member of Chester Grange, No. 127, but this is, for the present, suspended. He belongs to the Congregational Church, and has great influence as a Christian worker. He was married, October 14, 1857, to Miss B.A. Cocking, in Clinton county, Iowa. By this union they had two children: Harry and Luella, both of whom are deceased.

STOCKWELL, WINCHESTER—Chester Twp—pg 939. Farmer, section 15, P.O. Chester Center. Was born in Croydon, New Hampshire, March 30, 1834, and was there educated. He followed farming until 1852, when he removed to Iowa, settling in Clinton county, and engaged in school teaching until 1853. Again commenced farming and in 1862 came to this county, where he now owns a farm of 160 acres, upon which is an orchard of 400 apple trees. Has held various township offices. Is a member of the Congregational Church and stands high in the esteem of all. His marriage was in Clinton county, Iowa, to Miss Margaret Sullivan. Their family consists of five children: Frank E., Arthur, Laura, Fred and John D.