CHAMBERLAIN, Rev. J.M.—Grinnell Twp—pg 890. Treasurer of the Iowa College, of Grinnell. Is a native of Wooster county, Massachusetts; he was there reared and educated at Dartmouth College; he graduated in 1855, and in 1858 at the Theological Seminary, at Andover. He took charge of the Congregational Church at Des Moines in 1859, where he continued for six years; he was then appointed agent of the American Missionary Association for the Northwest, traveling most of the time for three years, and part of the time was agent for the Iowa College; he was then pastor of the Congregational Church at Eddyville, Iowa, for one year. He came here in 1868, and accepted his present position which he has since filled with satisfaction to all.

CHAFEE, M.—Grinnell Twp—pg 890-1. Justice of the peace, and manufacturer of the Hawkeye Fanning Mill. Is a native of Springfield, Erie county, New York. Was born on October 18, 1821. Was raised a farmer boy, and received the advantages of a good academical education, and at the age of seventeen years he commenced teaching school, which occupation he followed until he was twenty-seven years of age, his health then failing, he had to give up his school. He then learned the trade of carpenter and joiner. In 1855 he removed to Walworth county, Wisconsin, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits, working at his trade, and manufacturing fanning mills. In December, 1868, he came to Grinnell, since which time has been one of Grinnell’s most honored citizens. Mr. C. has succeeded in working up a large reputation and trade for his fanning mill, and it is conceded by good judges to be the best mill now in use. Mr. Chafee has been chosen by his friends to numerous office of trust, and has been one of the pillars and treasurers of the Congregational Church for eight years. He was married, to Miss Caroline E. Miner, October 24, 1847, at Springfield, New York. By this union they have one son and two daughters: Addie G. (wife of John C. Walker), Charles M. and Susie Mabel.

CHILD, J. & SON—Grinnell Twp—pg 891. Proprietors of livery and feed stable, Grinnell. This firm is composed of J. and A.W. Child. The former was born in Bath, New Hampshire, February 10, 1821, and was there raised and educated. He engaged in farming until the spring of 1868, when he came to this county, located at Grinnell, and commenced the livery business, which he has since followed. His marriage was in Bath, March 4, 1846, to Miss Martha H. Walker. They have four children: Chloe W., Aldace W., Arthur L. and Hattie M. Aldace W. Child, the junior member of this firm, was born in New Hampshire, January 11, 1852, where he was educated. At the age of sixteen years, he removed with his parents to this city, and is now engaged with his father in the livery business. He was married in New Hampshire, September 7, 1875, to Miss Alice B. Weeks. They have one child: Clinton C. (born July 4, 1876).

CHILDS, C.F.—Grinnell Twp—pg 891. Farmer, section 22, P.O. Grinnell. Was born in Madison county, Ohio, September 8, 1838, and there attended school. After finishing his education, he commenced teaching, and farming, and was thus employed until the spring of 1863, when he went to Benzonia, Michigan. There resumed his former occupation, and in the fall of 1867 he came to Iowa, settled in Cedar county, where he remained until the spring of 1876. Then came to this county, and now owns a farm of 192 acres, well improved. Mr. Childs was married in Medina county, Ohio, April 12, 1863, to Miss Mary J. Chapin. Their family consists of five children, four of whom are living: Ella V., Arthur C., Mary E. and Thomas E. Lost one son, Charles H.

CHRISTIAN, GEORGE M.—Grinnell Twp—pg 891-2. Proprietor of the Chapin House. This gentleman was born in Chicago, Illinois, on the 19^th day of June, 1847. When a lad he learned the business of telegraphy, which occupation he followed more or less very successfully until 1870; that year he was selected by the C., R.I.&P.R.R. Company; three months later he resigned his position to engage in the hotel business; he was mine host of the Grinnell House until 1878. On the first day of March, 1877, he bought the Snyder House, which had been built but three months. He then changed the name to its present name (Chapin House). As a hotel man Mr. Christian is a perfect success, as hundreds of his patrons and friends can testify; this social qualities give him pre-eminent fitness to preside over a public house, and he had succeeded in building up an enviable reputation. He was united in marriage, to Miss Maggie Rowse, of Davenport, Iowa, September 3, 1869. By this union they have three children: Bertie, Jessie and Alma.

COAKLEY, W.W.—Grinnell Twp—pg 892. Was born in Lebanon, New York, September 9, 1841; was there raised until he attained the age of nineteen years. His father was J.T. Coakley, of that place. W.W. resided in New York until September, 1862, when he enlisted in company G, One-hundred and Fourteenth New York, participating in many of the notable events of the Rebellion, among which was the Port Hudson engagement, where he was for forty-two days under fire, was in the Shenandoah Valley and others, was slightly wounded at the battle of Cedar Creek. Was honorably discharged June 19, 1865. After a residence in Elmira, New York and other points, he drifted westward in the spring of 1880, locating at Grinnell.

COOPER, SAMUEL F.—Grinnell Twp—pg 892. The subject of this brief notice was born in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, on the nineteenth of December, 1826. He attended the Oberlin College, Oberlin Ohio, graduating from that institution in the class of 1851. Five years later, in 1856, he removed to Grinnell, Iowa, and that same year was admitted to the bar. In 1858 was honored by the people by being elected a member of the State Board of Education, under the new constitution; was re-elected in 1860, and had a large share in framing the present school law of the State. Mr. Cooper enlisted as a private in company E, Fourth Iowa cavalry; was mustered out of the service at the close of the war as lieutenant colonel of the Fortieth Iowa infantry. Served as clerk of the United States District Court for Arkansas for three years; during this same period he was Collector of Internal Revenue and United States Commissioner. He returned home to Grinnell in 1868, and for several years was the publisher and editor of the Grinnell Herald. In 1876 Mr. Cooper was appointed United States Consul at Glasgow, Scotland, and served four years, when he was recalled and is now in private life. His marriage was to Miss Margaret J. Loughridge, of Mansfield, Ohio, whom he married on the twenty-eighth of August, 1851.

CRAVATH, Dr. S.A.—Grinnell Twp—pg 892-3. Grinnell, senior editor of the Grinnell Herald. Was born in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, September 26, 1836, and was left an orphan when very young. He was but seven months old when his father died, and at the age of eight years lost the best friend on earth, his mother. The subject of this sketch was reared in Gainsville, Wyoming county, New York, by his grandfather on the mother’s side. In 1852 he entered Oberlin College and graduated from that institution in 1858. After graduating he was honored with the principalship of the Madison Seminary, Lake county, Ohio, which position he filled about three years, when he accepted the position of superintendent of the public schools of Marion, Ohio, in the meantime reading medicine. After due course of study he took a course of lectures at the Sterling Medical College of Columbus, Ohio, and graduated from the Cincinnati Medical College in 1864. He commenced the practice of his profession in Springfield, Ohio. Three years later he moved to Mitchell county, Iowa, where he continued to practice, also publishing and editing the Mitchell County News until 1872, when he sold his paper and came to Grinnell and bought an interest in the Herald. (See history of Herald elsewhere). Since coming to Grinnell the Doctor has given up medicine and has devoted himself entirely to his favorite calling, journalism, for which he is eminently fitted. He was married in Philadelphia on the 11^th day of July, 1860, to Miss Mary Raley, by the Rev. Dr. Albert Barnes, author of Barnes’ Notes, a most estimable woman, possessing those graces of mind and heart which endear her to a wide extended circle of friends. One son and one daughter constitute the family circle: Elazan B. and James R. They have lost two daughters.

CRAVER, Hon. CHARLES F.—Grinnell Twp—pg 893. Of the firm of Craver & Steele, manufacturers of the The Randolph Header. Was born September 3, 1844. Comparatively speaking a young man, but of large business experience. He has spent more than half of his years in Poweshiek county. Here his esteemed parents died but a few years since. The late war deeply enlisted the patriotism of this family, two of the sons entering the service as privates, one of whom was buried with all the honors of war on the enemy’s soil. The surviving brother, returning, at the close of the war, came to Grinnell, engaged in the lumber business, having as active or silent partners Messrs. J.M. Wells and Alonzo Steele, who set their capital against the energy and capacity of the junior partner, who now heads the firm of Craver & Steele, the lumber business being put aside for the manufacture of grain headers. This establishment requires a large force of men. The city schools have long enjoyed the services of this gentleman. He is also a member of the M.E. Church. In 1876 his county made him a representative to the Legislature. Such, in brief, is the history of one of Grinnell’s best business men. He was married, June 21, 1866, to Miss Angetine Hambleton. His family consists of two children: Arthur H. (born June 4, 1870) and Frank S. (born August 6, 1877).

DeCAMP, E.—Grinnell Twp—pg 893-4. Farmer and stock-dealer, section 3, P.O. Grinnell. Was born in Pennsylvania, November 3, 1845, and at the age of seven years removed with his parents to Davenport, Scott county, this State, where his education was obtained. He engaged in farming there until the spring of 1877, when he came to this county and is now the owner of 338 acres of well improved land. Is one of the largest stock-dealers in the county, having 107 head of cattle on his farm. Also has a good residence. In 1865 he enlisted in the government service as teamster, and served until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged. On the 22d day of February, 1871, Miss Anna Benson of Moline, Rock Island county, Illinois, became his wife. The fruits of this union are three children: George, Ida and Nellie.

DAVIS, Miss EDNA—Grinnell Twp—pg 894. School teacher, Grinnell, Iowa. Was born in Sweetland Center, Muscatine county, Iowa, on the 23d of April, 1850. While she was yet very young her parents removed to Muscatine, where they remained only one year, and removed to this county and settled in the city of Grinnell, where she has been principally raised and educated in the excellent schools of this city, graduating from the high school in the year 1877. After graduating she took a normal course at the State Normal School at Cedar Falls, Iowa, since which time she has been engaged in teaching, having taught four terms in this county. She also taught one term in Cass county, this State. She intends to enter Iowa College this winter term, and continue her studies. Miss Davis is a fine teacher and deserves to succeed in the profession which she has labored so hard to prepare for.

EATON, W.J.—Grinnell Twp—pg 894. Dealer in butter, eggs, and poultry, Grinnell. Was born in Connecticut, April 15, 1847, and when ten years of age removed with his parents to this State and settled in Grinnell, where his education was obtained at the Iowa College. He graduated from that institution in 1871, and became engaged as a railroad contractor, which he continued until 1873, and in 1874 commenced his present business. He has a large and flourishing trade. During the late war he enlisted, in the spring of 1864, in company B, Forty-sixth Iowa volunteers, and served about four months, when he was honorably discharged.

EDSON, Rev. HENRY K., A.M.—Grinnell Twp—pg 895. Professor of the history and practice of teaching, in Iowa College; residence on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Broad Street, Grinnell, Iowa. The subject of our sketch was born October 5, 1822, in Hadley, Massachusetts. He received his early education while living at home. He fitted for college at Hopkins Academy and entered Amherst College at the age of eighteen. He graduated with honor in 1844 and was immediately called to the principalship of Hopkins Academy and remained at the head of this school till 1849. He had chosen the Christian ministry for his profession and in pursuance of that end entered Union Theological Seminary, New York, in the fall of 1849. From ill health was obliged to discontinue study there for the year. Afterward spent two years in Andover and East Windsor theological seminaries. He, however, finished his studies at Union Theological Seminary of New York. He then preached a short time in 1852, at West Hampton, Massachusetts, but was soon called to Denmark, Iowa, where he took charge of the academy striving for influence in that place. With unusual energy and tact Prof. Edson built up the school and gained for it a great name. During the twenty-six years of his administration over 2,400 students passed under his care, and as a reward for well-done service he can now find hundreds of his former pupils in professions and other useful avocations. His untiring labors prostrated his health and he was compelled to take a year’s recreation in Europe. When he returned he was called to his present position in Iowa College. He married Mrs. Celestia K. Maynard at Utica, New York, on the 30^th of August, 1852. Carrie M. Edson, an adopted daughter, is the other member of their household. Prof. Edson has a fine residence and is surrounded with well-earned comforts in his professional career.

FORBES, DARWIN—Grinnell Twp—pg 895. Money loaner and dealer in real estate, Grinnell. Was born in the town of Hill, in Grafton county, New Hampshire, in the year 1800, in which country he was brought up and educated. He became engaged in the mercantile business quite early in life and followed it for about forty years in one place. He was successful as a merchant and accumulated a considerable fortune and in the year 1869 he removed to Iowa and settled on a farm in this township, where he lived three or four years and removed to this city, where he has ever since resided. He was married about 1833, to Miss Emeline Cass, who is a lady of refined tastes and who is still living. This union has been blessed with two children: Proctor and Mary. Both of whom are now dead.

FREE, ALBERT T.—Grinnell Twp—pg 895-6. Superintendent of the schools of Grinnell. Was born in the city of Columbus, Ohio, on the 18^th day of June, 1851, and while very young his parents removed to Westerville, Franklin county, and after a residence of but one year removed to Iowa and settled on a farm in Tama county, where he continued to live until 1865. He attended the high school of Toledo and graduated at the age of sixteen years, after which he was engaged for two years with his brother, who was a dry good merchant, most of the time as a clerk in the store. In 1869 he entered the Iowa State University at Iowa City as a representative of Tama county, at which time he attended one year and one term, and then taught one term at Downey in the winter of 1870-1, and during the entire year of 1871 he attended the University and engaged as a teacher in one of the ward schools of Iowa City. During 1872-3 he attended the University and finished a course in civil engineering and was one of the party of engineers who surveyed the old Chicago, Omaha and St. Louis Railroad from Clinton to Oskaloosa. In 1874 he was elected principal of the grammar school in Iowa City, which position he held for one year, when he resigned to enter Oberlin College, Ohio, to prepare for his present profession, after studying the Latin and Greek languages one year. During the summer and fall of 1876, for the purpose of resting from his studies, he visited in the southern and eastern States and returned home to enter the land, loan and insurance business, which he continued to follow for one year, when he was elected principal of the schools of Brooklyn, Iowa, which position he ably filled for one year and was elected principal of the schools of Victor. He remained there one year and was elected to the superintendency of the schools of this city, where he is now in his second year. Mr. Free is an able teacher and is fast gaining a State acquaintance and reputation. He is a thorough student and scholar, very energetic, and determined to succeed in any and every undertaking. He has taken a thorough normal training under Professor Fellows and Miss Loughridge, of Iowa City.

FRISBIE, Dr. D.G.—Grinnell Twp—pg 896-7. Grinnell. Was born in Delaware county, New York, October 4, 1822; was there reared until eleven years of age, when he, with his parents, moved into Onondaga county. Here he resided until 1851; received the advantages of a good academic education and also graduated from the Geneva Medical College. He commenced the practice of his profession in Onondaga county. In 1851 he removed to Rock county, Wisconsin, where he remained until 1854, when he came to Iowa, crossing the Mississippi River on the day James W. Grimes was elected Governor of Iowa. He located in Mitchell county, and here continued successfully in practice and represented Mitchell and Howard counties in the Legislature in the Ninth General Assembly. He came to this county in the fall of 1874 and located on a farm near the city limits of Grinnell, since which time he has given his attention principally to agricultural pursuits. Is now justice of the peace. Was married in Onondaga county, New York, to Miss Mary E. Bulfinch, November 12, 1845. They have one son, Oren T.

GOODRICH, A.—Grinnell Twp—pg 898-99. Farmer, section 23, P.O. Grinnell. Was born in Vermont, October 1, 1822, and after leaving school he became engaged in the wholesale gunpowder business, supplying and filling contracts for blasting purposes, to the railroads throughout all the New England States. In this he continued until the spring of 1849 when he went into the Middlesex Corporation and was engaged in running a stationary engine for about a year. Thence to California where he commenced gold mining and continued this until the spring of 1853, then returning to his place of birth. He was employed in farming with the exception of one year, until the spring of 1864, when he came to this county and now owns a farm of ninety acres; is well located, being but two and one-half miles from Grinnell. He was married, in the State of New Hampshire, April 24, 1854, to Miss Harriet Cass. By this union they had three children, of whom Joseph C. is living. Two are deceased: Neal M. and May E.

GRINNELL, Hon. J.B.—Grinnell Twp—897-98. Was born in New Haven, Vermont, in 1821. His paternal ancestors were Huguenots who immigrated to Rhode Island in 1710, his grandfather was from Scotland, and ,as a soldier, was wounded at the battle of Plattsburgh. Mr. Grinnell was an orphan at ten years; a school teacher at sixteen; a college graduate at twenty-one, with the honorary degree of A.M. at twenty-three; a graduate in theology, at Auburn, New York, at twenty-five; first preaching in Union Village, New York, three years; one year at Washington City, preaching the first sermon heard in that city against slavery; then three years in New York, leaving on account of throat trouble to come to Iowa in 1854, taking up 6,000 acres of land and planting, with others, the town of Grinnell for temperance, education and religion. The deed of lots and public sentiment have prevented the sale of alcoholic drinks openly for twenty-five years. The giving of town lots for Grinnell University, of which Grinnell was president, and passing all to Iowa College, secured its removal to Grinnell from Davenport, greatly increasing its endowment. The finest stone church in the New West, and largest Protestant membership in Iowa, is found here, a part of the plan, and a success. As a public man Mr. Grinnell was State Senator in 1858, securing the first free school law; then regent of the State University, urging and securing co-education of the sexes; a delegate to the National Republican Convention of 1860; holding appointments from President Lincoln as Special Mail Agent for the Northwest for two year; then member of Congress for four years; Commissioner, in 1868, of the Treasury Department, to classify wools under the tariff at the port of New York; referee, in 1869, to settle claims, and author of supplemental treaty for Cherokees in Kansas, involving millions of dollars; director of the Rock Island Railroad—being influential in securing its location at Grinnell; was first president of the Central Railroad; and later, receiver under Judge Dillon, and after bitter litigation finds peace and his policy adopted; and as president of the Grinnell and Montezuma Railroad and an extension to State Center, turns over the road to the Central. He has laid out a number of towns in Iowa and Kansas; managing several farms upon which he has placed stock, leading at one time in sheep, and now in heavy draft horses. At present president of the Iowa Fine Stock Breeders’ Association and mayor of the city of Grinnell; occasionally practicing in the State and Federal Courts—coming to the bar in 1858; quite out of politics, and once lacking but a few votes of an election as U.S. Senator; now the admirer of Garfield—once the devoted friend of Greeley. Mr. Grinnell was from the first politically a friend to the bondman, and all persons coming to him in need have found a friend. His tireless energies have never flagged, but, as a most indefatigable business man, has accomplished more than a score of ordinary men. He is a strong reasoner and fluent speaker on all questions of public interest. He was married, February 5, 1852, to Miss Julia A. Chapin, of Springfield, Massachusetts. They have two daughters: Mary Chapin and Carrie Holmes (one a graduate of, the other a senior in, Iowa College). They celebrated their silver wedding February 5, 1877, and a large concourse of friends gathered, not only from Grinnell, but from all parts of the State, making in all near 1,000 guests. Speeches, poems, toasts, responses and a gorgeous banquet were among the evening festivities. Silver testimonials were given the worthy pair, costly and profiles. From among the many richly deserved compliments we select the following "Voluntary Toast," sent by John W. Cheshire, Esq., of Montezuma: "Here is to the citizen that gave a town for education, ground for a college green and cemetery for the dead; a preacher without pay; a university and bank president without salary; president of the State Society of Wool Growers, with the honors of a competitive sheep-shearer at the festival, and paying the awards; of the State Horticultural Society, chief officer, gathering, by proxy, the fruits of the orchard, securing the National Medal and Award for Iowa, and meeting the bills; a lawyer, waiving fees to make settlements and friends of litigants; lecturer and occasional orator, as a merry pastime; projector and president of railroads—only reward given, cheers, resolutions, and occasional walking-cane; spurning combinations to gain entrance to the National Senate or a Governor’s chair; a liberal orthodox in church; an enigma in politics; a devotee to pure blood in animals; a pardonable weakness for the Fair, and a teetotaler in habits. From silver goblets, on this silver wedding day, here’s to your health in the cloud-distilled, fashionable beverage of Grinnell!" Our brief sketch fails to do justice to his noble Christian character and large-hearted generosity, which will be a lasting monument to his numerous friends. His elegant residence stands on the east side, facing the park, near the union depot. Mr. Grinnell may well feel an honest pride in Iowa College, in the growing city and warm place he holds in the hearts of his neighbors.

GRINNELL, E.H.—Grinnell Twp—pg 899. United States Express agent, was born in New Haven, Addison county, Vermont, February 27, 1825, where he was raised and educated. In 1844 he came west locating in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he resided two years, after which he returned to Vermont and after a short sojourn went to Washington county, New York, where he remained four years. In 1851 he removed to New York City where he resided five years. From New York he came to Grinnell, arriving here November 28, 1856; the town had been located two years previous and named after his brother J.B. E.H. tendered his services to his country June 22d, 1861, enlisting in the Fourth Iowa infantry as musician; was honorably discharged in 1862 and returned to his home where he has since resided. Mr. Grinnell has been twice married; first, May 14, 1844, to Miss Sarah L. Hermace, of Nassau, New York. She died September 25, 1860. Was again married, November 27, 1862, to Miss Carrie L. Yest. By his first wife he had two children: Cornie (now Mrs. Dillon), F.B. (killed on the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad). By his second marriage two children: Minnie E. and Kate Y. For a number of years Mr. Grinnell was agent for the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad. Has been express agent for the past eleven years. With the exception of some years in Kansas he has been a resident of Grinnell. Being one of the pioneers he has seen all of its growth and prosperity.

GRINNELL, L.P—Grinnell Twp—pg 899-900. Farmer, section 9, P.O. Grinnell. Was born in New Haven, Addison county, Vermont, where he was educated and raised. After completing his schooling he engaged in farming until the spring of 1856 when he came to Iowa, settling at Grinnell. He resumed farming and now owns eighty acres of well improved land. On the 8^th of February, 1862, he took for the partner of his joys and the sharer of his ills Miss Harriet Knight. They were married in New Hampshire. Their family consists of two children living: Josiah B. and Harriet P. Have lost two: Lucy R. and George W.