Biographies, beginning with L, History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882

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History of Clayton County Iowa 1882
Chicago:  Inter-State Publishing Company, 1882
Reprinted by:  Monona Historical Society, Monona, Iowa
Reproduction by:  Unigraphics, Inc., 1401 North Fares Ave, Evansville, Indiana 
47711, 1975

L

Boardman Twp. -- Arbogast Lamm (deceased) was a native of the grand duchy of 
Baden, Germany.  He emigrated to the United States in 1832, locating in New York 
State.  In 1853 he came to Clayton County and settled on a farm in Wagner 
Township, where he resided until his death, which occurred when he was in his 
seventy-first year.  He left a wife and nine children to mourn his loss.  He was 
a man who had experienced many of the adversities of life, but by an indomitable 
will and energy had succeeed in overcoming all obstacles, and had accumulated an 
ample competency.  In his death Clayton County lost one of her most prominent 
and respected citizens.  History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 662

Boardman Twp. -- Joseph Lamm.--Among the prominent buisness men and 
respresentative citizens of Elkader may fairly be mentioned the subject of this 
sketch.  He embarked in the mercantile business in Elkader in 1878, and has met 
with good success.  He carries a complete stock of general merchandise, valued 
at $12,000.  Mr. Lamm was born in Erie County, N.Y., Mar. 17, 1848, and was a 
son of Arbogast and Mary Ann Lamm, of German birth, who emigrated to the United 
States in an early day.  Joseph was reared on a farm and is chiefly self-
educated.  At the early age of thirteen years he left home to make his own way 
in the world, engaging as clerk in a mercantile store at Elkader.  From there he 
went to Mederville, where he remained until 1869, then returned to Elkader.  He 
was employed in the postoffice here three years, then was appointed mail agent 
on the I.E.R.R., holding that poisition until he embarked in his present 
business.  He was married in 1880 to Ella S. Packer, who was born in Connecticut 
and was a daughter of James and Mary A. Packer, likewise natives of that State.  
In politics Mr. Lamm is a Republican.  History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 
661-662

Monona Township – C. C. Lang, one of the prominent and enterprising farmers of 
Clayton County, was born in the Western Reserve, Loraine County, Ohio, Jan. 25, 
1832, and was a son of William and Abrella (Swearingen) Lang, father of Scotch 
and mother of German descent.  There was a family of eleven children, eight 
living—Nicholas, William, John, David, C.C., Abigail, Nancy and Sarah.  In early 
life William Lang learned the trade of a blacksmith, and in 1856 he emigrated to 
Clayton County, Iowa, where he is still living.  Mrs. Lang died in 1840.  He 
again married, Sybil Buckley, a widow of Medad Buckley.  C. C. was educated in 
his native State, attending two terms at Oberlin College.  When eighteen years 
of age he learned the trade of a carriage-maker, which he followed for sixteen 
years.  In 1856 he built the wagon shops in National, Clayton County, in company 
with O. D. Pettitt, and the business was conducted under the firm name of Lang & 
Pettitt.  He afterward sold his interest to Mr. Pettitt and went to Monona, 
where he remained two years, then returned to National and embarked in the 
mercantile business.  In 1880 he closed out his business and came to Monona 
Township, where he has since been engaged in farming.  On March 8, 1860, he 
married Ann E., daughter of John Shaw; she was born in Pennsylvania in 1841.  
Mr. and Mrs. Lang are the parents of four children—John A., Carrie J. Charles B. 
and Frank S.  Mr. Lang owns 180 acres of land in Clayton County, 250 in Cerro 
Gordo County, 29 in Allamakee County, 160 in Minnesota and 80 in Osceola County, 
Iowa, making a total of 707 acres, valued at $12,380.  History of Clayton 
County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1046-1047.

Mendon Twp. -- Frank Larabee was born in New London, Conn., on the 10th day of 
September, 1834.  In 1855 he came to Clayton County, where he has been actively 
identified with its business interests since.  History of Clayton County, Iowa, 
1882, p. 993

Mendon Twp. -- John H. Larson, proprietor of Larson' s boot and shoe store, 
McGregor, was born in Wagner Township, Clayton County, Iowa, Oct. 19, 1853, a 
son of Holga and Sarah (Halverson) Larson.  His parents settled in Clayton 
County in 1848, and now reside in McGregor.  They are members of the Lutheran 
church, and have had a family of four children, three boys and one girl; the 
oldest son is dead.  John resided on the farm, attending school, until eleven 
years of age, when he went to Elkader, Iowa, and clerked for Snedeger & Stearns 
one year; then went to school at Decorah two years.  He returned to Elkader and 
clerked for A.T. Jones & Co.  One year; then clerked for their successors, R. C. 
Place & Bro., until 1869, when he came to McGregor, and clerked for Jarrett & 
Wilson until 1875, when he bought out A. T. & T. O. Jones' boot and shoe store, 
and has remained in the business since.  He has the leading boot and shoe store 
of the city, occupies a building 70 x 25 feet, two stories and a basement, and 
carries a fine stock of imported and domestic boots and shoes.  He is a member 
of the Iowa Legion of Honor, and in politics a Republican.  He was elected 
President of the Republican Club of McGregor in the fall of 1881, and still 
holds this office.  History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 994

Wagner Twp. -- John Larson was born April 7, 1841, in Norway, son of Peter and 
Betsey Larson. When eight years old he emigrated with his parents to America. 
After a year spent in Wisconsin they removed to Clayton County, and settled in 
Farmersburg Township.  There were but very few houses in the county at that 
date, and but three or four Norwegians had settled here.  He was educated in the 
district schools and worked on his father's farm until he was twenty-five years 
old.  He was married in 1866 to Nettie Christianson, born in Norway.  They have 
six children, viz.: Bertha O., Mary H., Willie H., Oliver H., Louie T., and 
Alice.  In 1877 he bought a farm of 230 acres in Wagner Township, on section 25.  
In September, 1881, in partnership with Mr. Embertson, he started a creamery at 
St. Olaf, which is now doing a good business.  They have a new building for this 
purpose in process of construction, which will be supplied with all the modern 
apparatus for carrying on the business.  He now holds the office of Town 
Trustee.  Mr. Larson is considered one of the best and most enterprising 
citizens of this section, and is much esteemed as a man and a neighbor.  Mr. and 
Mrs. Larson are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church.  In politics, 
Republican.  History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1136

Sperry Twp. -- A. T. Lawrence, of Sperry Township, was born in Jefferson County, 
N. Y., Dec. 3, 1836.  His father, Daniel T. Lawrence, was born on the coast of 
Massachusetts, July 16, 1803. When he was five years old he removed to Jefferson 
County, N. Y. while that section was still a wilderness.  Here he grew to 
manhood, and at the age of twenty-four years married Almera Brown.  He was a 
shoemaker by trade, which business he followed until 1837, when he again 
emigrated, this time as far as Ohio.  In that State he raised his family, which 
consisisted of one son - our subject - and six daughters.  His wife died April 
28, 1852.  In 1854 he removed with his family to Clayton County, settling in 
Sperry Township, where he engaged in farming. At present he is in a feeble state 
of health, and has given up his business mostly to his son.  The latter, whose 
name heads this sketch, and whose portrait appears in this work was educated in 
the common schools of Ohio.  He was but seventeen years old when his father came 
to Clayton County.  Here he assisted on his father's farm.  He was married March 
9, 1873, to Miss Mary C. Gill, of Jefferson County, N.Y. About a year since Mr. 
Lawrence started a creamery on his farm, in which he is now doing a good 
business. Politically he is a Greenbacker.  He has been an active politician, 
and is a representative member of his party.  He called the first Greenback 
convention ever held in Clayton County.  He is well-known in all parts of the 
county, and is much respected by all. Postoffice address, Volga City.  History 
of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1099

Boardman Twp. -- Charles Leibrock, merchant, was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 
May, 1833, where he was educated.  In 1853, thinking to better his condition in 
a free country, he emigrated to America, landing in New Orleans, and thence by 
river to St. Claire County, Ill., where he worked on a farm a short time; he 
then came to Elkader, where he has resided since.  After arriving in Elkader he 
was employed as a laborer in the Elkader Mill, and afterward became purchasing 
agent.  In 1857, he married E. F. Christ, a native of Ohio.  By this union there 
are five children, viz.: Ella S., Frank G., Hattie S., Lizzie M. and Charles L.  
Mr. Leibrock is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Elkader Lodge, No. 72; also 
of Bismark Lodge, No. 110,  A.O.U.W.  He came to the county a poor man, but by 
close attention to business and good judgment has accumulated a fine property, 
and is one of the prosperous business men of the village.  History of Clayton 
County, Iowa, 1882, p.662

Sperry Twp. -- John Lendman was born in Austria, Dec. 27, 1839.  In 1856 he came 
to America, landing in New Orleans. From there he went to Chicago, where he 
remained two years, then went to Freeport, Ill.  Four years later he came to 
Clayton County, and has been engaged in improving and selling farms here since.  
He now owns a fine farm of 210 acres in Sperry Township, of cultivated land and 
abundantly stocked.  He was married in this county Dec. 29, 1865, to Anna Kerr, 
who was born in Ireland in 1842. Four children have been born to them, viz.: 
Anna Maria, Thomas K., Mary Jane and William John.  In politics Mr. Lendman is a 
Republican.  History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1099

Boardman Twp. -- John Leonard, one of the enterprising farmers of Clayton 
County, was born in County Dublin, Ireland, in 1831, and was a son of Richard 
and Julie (Dunn) Leonard.  In 1842 Richard Leonard emigrated to America with his 
family, and located in Fall River, Mass., where he embarked in the dairy 
business, remaining until 1855, when he removed to Clayton County, Ia., where he 
purchased a farm, remaining until his death, which occurred in 1858, his wife 
following two years later.  The subject of this memoir when seventeen years of 
age learned the trade of machinist and went to New York, where he was employed 
in the Singer Sewing Machine Company's shops for twenty-five years.  In 1875 he 
came to Clayton County, purchasing the farm, where he has resided since.  In 
1851 he married a Miss Holan, who was born in County Meath, Ireland, in 1836. 
Ten children blessed this union; seven are living, viz.:  Willie H., born July 
10, 1853; Richard, Jan. 28, 1857; Alice, July 22, 1860; Sarah, Dec. 26, 1862; 
Charles, Oct. 5,1868; Joseph, May 17, 1870; Freddie, Nov. Nov. 16, 1874.  Mr. 
Leonard has a farm of 500 acres, valued at $40 per acre, a fine residence and 
home, and is one of the well-to-do farmers of the county.  History of Clayton 
County, Iowa, 1882, p. 662-663

Elk Twp. -- A. G. Lewis , farmer, P.O., Elkport, son of Samuel and Sarah 
(Florow) Lewis, natives of Pennsylvania.  They came to Missouri at an early day 
and lived some years, when they came to Sangamon County, Ill., where they lived 
some sixteen years, when in 1845 they located in Delaware County, Ia.  They both 
died in that county; Sarah died in 1847, aged sixty-five years; Samuel lived 
till he was 100 years five months and twenty-two days old; he died in delaware 
County. A. G. was born in Missouri, March 6, 1826; he was educated in Illinois, 
and has followed farming.  In 1860 he bought his present farm of 148 acres on 
secion 22 and 23, on Elk Creek bottom; previous to his present purchase he 
bought and sold several fine farms in Clayton County, where he located in 1847; 
he is one of the oldest settlers of Elk Township; his farm is one of the best 
and best cultivated of any in the county.  On Sept. 3, 1846, he married Mary 
Ann, daughter of Jacob and Plezzy (Allcut) Walter, natives of Ohio; they came to 
Clayton County, where they died.  By this union there are eight children -
Plezzy, wife of Levi W. Fishel; Allen B., A.G., Jr., Solomon W. and William, are 
living; three are dead.  Mr. Lewis is a member of the I.O. of O. F. lodge at 
Elkport.  He votes the republican ticket.  Mrs. Lewis gave birth to the first 
white child born in Elk Township, June 15, 1847, named John; he died in 1849.  
Mr. Lewis was one of the first white men who settled in Elk Township, when 
Indians, bear, deer, etc., abounded.  History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 
761

Volga Twp. -- J. M. Lewis, M. D., was born in Dundee, Ill., Feb. 19, 1857, and 
was a son of William and Agnes Lewis, nee Sloan.  His father was a native of 
Scotland, and emigrated to America in 1844, locating in Dundee, Ill.  In 1857 he 
removed to Highland Township, Clayton County, and engaged in farming.  Dr. Lewis 
received his early education in the district schools, and afterward entered the 
Iowa State University, from the medical department of which he graduated in 
1879.  He then engaged in the practice of medicine in Elkport, and has ever been 
a faithful worker in the profession whcih he has chosen for his life work, 
meeting with the success he so well deserves.  He was married in 1881 to Emma 
Luers, who was born in Clayton County, and was a daughter of H.H. and Dora 
Luers, residents of Cummina Colony.  Dr. Lewis is a member of I.O.O.F. lodge, 
and in politics is a Republican.  History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1124

Volga Twp. -- John S. Lewis, farmer and inventor of several machines for which 
he has patents, was born in Gallatin County, Ky., Sept. 21, 1818, son of 
Craddock and Clarisa Lewis, who were also natives of Kentucky.  His father died 
when he was three years of age, and his mother again married, and he was brought 
up under the care and instruction of his step-father until eighteen years of 
age, when he started out in life for himself, going to Montgomery, Ray County, 
Mo., and there engaged in mining for four years, and in 1842 came to Clayton 
County, entering 600 acres of land.  He was married in 1844, to Clarisa Wultse, 
who was born in Canada.  They have a family of five children, four living--
Graham, John, Mary and Martha.  Mrs. Clarisa Lewis died and he was again married 
in 1853, to Cynthia M. Amsdon, a native of Illinois.  By this union there were 
eleven children, seven now living--Lyman, Craddock, Irla, Joel, India, Birdie 
and Archie Violet.  Mr. Lewis has his farm under excellent cultivation, and is 
classed with the prominent farmers and stock-raisers of the county.  History of 
Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1123-1124

Highland Twp. -- William Lewis was born in the village of Drumalbin, 
Lanarkshire, Scotland, Feb. 17, 1822.  His parents were Thomas and Margaret 
(Cleland) Lewis.  He attended school until he was fifteen years old, when he 
engaged as clerk in a hardware store in Lenark.  He followed that occupation two 
years, then learned the carpenter's trade.  He was married to Agnes Sloan on 
Jan. 14, 1848.  She was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, and was a daughter of David 
and Ellen (Johnston) Sloan.  In May, 1849 Mr. and Mrs. Lewis came to America.  
They landed in New York, and from there went to Elgin, Kane County, Ill., where 
he followed the carpenter's trade until the spring of 1857, when he came to 
Iowa, and settled on a farm on section 19, Highland Township.  He owns 160 acres 
in this township and ninety in Fayette County, all under fine cultivation except 
ten acres of timber.  Mr. and Mrs. Lewis have had twelve children, nine living--
Thomas, who married Emma Doan; William C., an attorney at Elkader, married Effie 
J. Bachtell; James, engaged in the drug business in Canton, Dak. Ter.; John M., 
married Emma Luers, and is engaged in practicing medicine in Elkport; David, 
teaching school in this township; Hellen, Alfred, Margaret and Arthur.  Mr. 
Lewis is one of the enterprising and energetic citizens of Clayton County, and 
has always been ready to assist in any movement to advance her interests.  In 
politics he is independent.  History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p.842-845

Marion Twp. -- E. E. Lien, formerly a member of the firm of Lien & Thoma, has 
retired from the mercantile business on account of failing health, and is now 
engaged in managing his farm in Marion Township.  It is situated on section 15, 
and consists of 355 acres of finely cultivated land.  His health has improved 
greatly since his residence upon the farm, he having gained twenty-five pounds 
in one month.  He is a native of Norway, and was born June 20, 1836.  He came to 
America July 4, 1857.  Prior to forming a partnership with Mr. Thoma, Mr. Lien 
engaged in the mercantile business alone at Elgin.  He was married to Carrie 
Olson on March 8, 1866.  She was born in Norway, Dec. 29, 1845.  Of seven 
children born of this union four are living - Ole, born June 24, 1869; Emil, 
Oct. 5, 1871; Emma Julia, Sept. 10, 1878.  The deceased are Emil, Emma and 
Louie.  Mr. Lien is now acting as Justice of the Peace, also Township Trustee.  
He is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran Church, and in politics is a 
Republican.  History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 933

Monona Twp. -- William C. Linton, one of the pioneers of Clayton County,was born 
in Breckenridge County, Ky., on the 7th day of October, 1815.  His parents, 
Benjamin and Lucy (Crewdson) Linton, were married in the State of Kentucky, 
where a family of twelve children was born, eight sons and four daughters.  His 
father was by trade a tanner and currier, which he followed in connection with 
farming.  He died in Kentucky in 1866.  The subject of this memoir was reared on 
a farm, and received a common-school education.  In May, 1842, he left Kentucky 
for Iowa, and located in what is now Allamakee, then Clayton County.  In the 
fall of 1844 he entered a claim in Farmersburg Township, where he afterward made 
a farm and resided until 1882, when he disposed of it and moved to Monona 
Township, where he still lives.  In 1849 he married Jennette Phillips, a widow 
of D. M. Barber, one of the early settlers of Clayton County.  She was born in 
Chautauqua County, N.Y., April 14, 1825.  Mr. and Mrs. Linton are the parents of 
three children--John, Millard F. and Mattie S.  Mr. Linton came to the county 
when it was one vast wilderness, and has lived to see it transformed from a 
wild, uncultivated State to one of the wealthiest counties in Iowa.  Mr. and 
Mrs. Linton are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.  He was a soldier in 
the Mexican war.  History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1047

Volga Twp. -- O. D. Loft, M. D., son of George and Almina Laft, nee Matson, was 
born in Fulton County, O., June 20, 1848.  His primary education was received in 
the common schools of that county.  He also attended Cornell College at Mt. 
Vernon three yeras; afterward worked with his father in the manufacture of 
cooperate.  They came to Iowa and located in Manchester, Delaware County, where 
they remained two years; then came to Clayton County.  Dr. Laft studied medicine 
with Dr. J. M. Lanning during the winter of 1870, and in the fall of 1871 
attended a course of lectures at Rush Medical College, Chicago, Ill.  He then 
went to St. Louis and attended the Missouri Mecdical College one term, and again 
studied under Dr. Lanning.  In the fall of 1872 he matriculted in the Iowa 
Medical College at Iowa City, from which he graduated in 1873.  Since that time 
he has engaged in practice in Elkport.  He was married in November, 1876, to 
Martha A. Garber, who was born in Clayton County, and was a daughter of Martin 
and Lucy Garber.  They have two children--Grace Irene, and Martin G.  Dr. Laft 
is a member of I. O.  O. F. and A. O. U. W. lodges.  In politics he affiliates 
with the Republcian party.  History of Clayton County Iowa 1882, p. 1123

Grand Meadow Twp. -- Jacob Loui is a native of Switzerland, born May 1, 1820.  
He came to America in 1849, landed at New York, thence to Cleveland, O.  In 1854 
he came to Clayton County, and settled on section 14, Grand Meadow Township, 
where he now resides.  He owns 365 acres of fine land, mostly under good 
cultivation.  He is quite an extensive farmer and stock-raiser.  He has been 
married three times, first on Mar. 20, 1853, to Persis Lathrop.  His second 
marriage occurred Nov. 17, 1855, to Susanna Shield, who was born in France in 
October, 1820.  Three children were born of this union--William, Mary and 
Caroline.  He married his present wife, Anna Heirigs, Apr. 21, 1842.  They have 
had five children--John H., born Feb. 3, 1864; August L., Sept. 28, 1865; 
Elizabeth C. and Anna H. (twins), born Mar. 14, 1869, and Catherine Josephine, 
born Apr. 7, 1880.  Mr. Loui is a member of the Lutheran church, and in politics 
votes for the best man.  History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 829-830

Elk Twp. -- Appleton Lovett , one of the pioneer children, and now 
representative citizens of Clayton County, was born in Elk Township, Sept. 28, 
1850.  He was reared and educated in this county, and has followed farming since 
he was old enough to handle a plow.  On Dec. 7, 1873, Appleton Lovett and 
Margaret Hansel, were united in marriage. She was born in Clayton County, Jan. 
11, 1853. To them have been born three children--Bertha, born Sept. 1, 1874, and 
Hephsa, June 17, 1880; one child, Alma, is dead.  Mr. Lovett was reared in the 
Republican school of politics, and still adheres to the principles of that 
party.  History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 762

Elk Twp. -- Mark W. Lovett  is a native of Bucks County, Pa., born June 25,1817.  
He emigrated to Warren County, O., with his father in 1835, remaining there 
thirteen years, then came to Clayton County.  He entered one-half of secion 12, 
in what is now Elk Township, and has resided on the place since.  He owns 800 
acres of as fine land as there is in this section of the State, which is all 
under excellent cultivation, except 160 acres, and thoroughly stocked.  He is a 
miller by trade, having served an apprenticeship in Pennsylvania, and was 
engaged in that business three years in Clayton County.  He erected a cabin in 
1848, using a log of bass, or linwood as it is sometimes called, for a ground 
log. As this wood rots easily it is a somewhat remarkable fact that this 
particular log has stood the test of summer and winter storms all these years, 
without decaying. Judge John Garber lent a helping hand when this cabin was 
built.  Mr. Lovett was married in Green County, O., on June 23, 1840, to Hannah 
Appleton, who was born in Bucks County, Pa., Nov. 19, 1814. Of six children born 
of this union, four are living--Mercy, born Aug. 19, 1842, is now Mrs. Aaron 
Bowman; Phoebe, born May 28, 1848, married W. H. Appleton; Appleton, born Sept. 
28, 1850, and Mark W., Jr., Oct. 3, 1853.  Mr. Lovett owns three fine orchards, 
all containing 1,200 trees.  He also has a grove of over 10,000 maple-sugar 
trees, which are tapped every spring.  He held the office of School Treasurer 
for ten years.  In politics he is a Republican, and is a man who is held in high 
esteem by his fellow citizens.  History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 761-
762

Monona Twp. -- John Lowcock, farmer, section 16, one of the enterprising farmers 
of the county, was born in Yorkshire, England, Nov. 15, 1823.  In 1849 he left 
England for the United States, where he worked as a laborer for a few years, and 
in 1853 purchased the farm on which he now resides.  In 1855 he married Mary 
Carr, who was born in Northumberland, England, Aug. 8, 1823.  By this union 
there is one child--Mary E., born June 17, 1856.  Mr. Lowcock has a fine farm of 
200 acres, valued at $40 per acre.  Mr. Lowcock came to the country poor, but by 
his own exertions has accumulated a competency and is one of the well-to-do 
farmers of the county.  In politics he is a liberal, voting for the best man.  
Mr. and Mrs. Lowcock are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.  History of 
Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1047-1048

Sperry Twp. -- David Lowe was born in Rock County, Wis., March 10, 1844.  He 
came to this county in 1847 with his father, James Lowe, who bought a claim on 
section 4, Sperry Township, of 160 acres, for which he paid $1.25 an acre. James 
Lowe met with an accident in the year 1880, which resulted in his death. While 
hitching up his team, they became frightened and ran over him, killing him 
almost instantly.  His wife died two years prior to that time.  They were among 
the first settlers of Sperry Township and their death was universally mourned 
throughout the community.  The subject of this record resides on the old 
homestead, having purchased the claims of most of the other heirs.  He was 
married to Elizabeth Dempster, Dec. 12, 1867. She was born Sept. 8, 1846, in 
Michigan.  They have two children - Margaret E., born in 1869, and Daniel E., 
born in 1873. Of late years Mr. Lowe has turned his attention principally to the 
dairy business and raising hogs, and intends making that his business 
exclusively.  History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1100

Sperry Twp. -- John W. Lowe is a native of the State of Ohio, born near 
Stubenville, April 29, 1837.  He came to Clayton County, Ia., with his father in 
1847, and settled on section 4, Sperry Township. When he was fourteen years of 
age he left home and went to Galena, Ill., and obtained work on the Illinois 
Central Railroad. From therehe went to Minnesota, thence to Nebraska City, 
Kansas City, Mo., Salt Lake City, Pike's Peak, Col. and in the fall of 1860 he 
enlisted in the First Iowa Cavalry. Owing to his being afflicted with white 
swelling, which unfitted him for riding, he was not mustered into the service on 
the cavalry corps.  He again enlisted, in the Twenty-first Iowa Infantry, and 
served three years, participating in the skirmish at Bear's Creek, Mo., where he 
was taken prisoner by Marmaduke.  He was exchanged at St. Louis, Mo., Jan. 1, 
1863; afterward went to Rolla, thence to West Plains, Iron Mountain, Mo., Cairo, 
New Orleans, where he joined his regiment; thence to Mettagorda, Fortress 
Monroe, thence through the tamarack swamps, where they had to build twenty-four 
miles of corduroy road, in order to get through to the Spanish fort.  They 
besieged the rebels four weeks, then took possession of the fort, and soon after 
went to Mobile, Ala., thence to Magnolia Hill.  Mr. Lowe was mustered out 
shortly afterward, and returned to Iowa.  He engaged in the butcher business in 
Elkader one year, then returned to Sperry Township.  He was married here in 
November, 1867, to Ellen E. Parsons, who was born in New York.  They have two 
children - Willie, born in 1872; Vesta, in 1878, and an adopted child, Effie, 
born in 1865.  Mr. Lowe has been extensively engaged in bulding railroads in 
Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Missouri, and is now engaged in farming and 
stock-raising.  He has held the office of Trustee six years; also that of Road 
Supervisor and School Director.  History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1099-
1100

Marion Twp. -- P. M. Lown was born in Columbia County, N.Y., Oct. 15, 1817.  He 
was educated there and in 1838 left that place and went to New Orleans, 
traveling by railroad, canal, stage and steamboat.  From New Orleans he went to 
a point on the Mississippi River a short distance from there and worked one 
season making cypress shingles.  He then went to Louisville, Ky., thence to New 
Albany, Ind., where he worked one summer on the turnpikes.  In 1839 he returned 
to New Orleans.  He followed the river trade six years, then went to Galena, 
Ill., where he worked a while, then came to Farmersburg, Clayton County, and 
with the exception of one winter, which he spent in the pineries of Wisconsin, 
he has resided here since.  He owns 300 acres of good land on sections 1 and 36.  
He was married to Margery Barber, Dec. 26, 1850.  She was born in Scott County, 
Ill., Feb. 22, 1826.  They are the parents of the following named children - 
Philip M., born June 22, 1854; Mary E., July 10, 1858; Lilian M., Sept. 12, 
1861, and Nellie B., Dec. 28, 1864.  Mr. Lown has held the offices of Township 
Trustee and Supervisor.  In religious sentiment he is a Methodist.  In politics 
a Democrat.  History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 933

Marion Twp. -- Philip M. Lown was born in Farmersburg Township, Clayton County, 
Ia., on June 22, 1854.  He was the recipient of a good education, having 
attended school in Marion Township, and one year in Fayette County.  Mr. Lown 
has always followed farming, and now owns 140 acres of good land on section 1, 
this township.  He was married on Nov. 27, 1879, to Maggie McKeller, who was 
born in Farmersburg Township, Clayton County, April 13, 1859.  Mr. Lown was 
educated in the Democratic school of politics and has always adhered to the 
principles of that party.  He has held the office of Township Clerk for the past 
two years.  He has always taken an interest in any enterprise tending to the 
advancement of Clayton County's interests, and is one of her popular men.  
History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 933-934

Cox Creek Township -- Herman Luers, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of 
Hanover, Germany, born March 6, 1822.  His parents, Herman and B. M. (Deken) 
Luers, were natives of Hanover, where they died.  He learned the trade of a 
carriage-maker, and in 1851 came to the United States, locating in Cincinnati, 
O.  He worked there five years, then came to Clayton County, intending to 
establish himself in that business. Finding the country too new for work of that 
kind, he purchased a farm in Volga Township, upon which he resided nine years.  
He then disposed of that farm and removed to Cox Creek Township and bought 240 
acres of excellent land, which he now has under a fine state of cultivation.  He 
was married in 1848 to D. S. Schirmer, whose parents, Wilhelm and Sophia 
Schirmer, were natives of Germany.  Their union has been blessed with ten 
children—Herman, born Feb. 21, 1849, is married and resides in Minnesota; 
Sophia, born May 2, 1850; Marguerite, Feb. 19, 1852, is now the wife of Louis 
Venus; Minna, born Jan. 2, 1854; Henry, Oct. 16, 1857; Dorathea, Apr. 10, 1862; 
John and Emma (twins), Feb. 6, 1865, Emma married Dr. John Lewis, of Elkport; 
George, born Jan. 6, 1867, died Oct. 4, 1881, and Laura, born Jan. 11, 1868.  
The family are members of the Lutheran church.  Mr. Luers votes the Republican 
ticket.  History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 747

Monona Twp. --George Lytle, one of the prominent and well-to-do farmers of 
Clayton County, was born in Erie County, N.Y., Jan. 17, 1832, a son of Matthew 
S. and Jane (Nicholson) Lytle.  George was reared on a farm and received a 
common-school education.  When twenty-two years of age, in company with his 
brother, J. N., he came to Clayton County, where he has been identified since.  
In 1865 he married Rosa, daughter of Thomas Glass, who was born in Glasgow, 
Scotland, Feb. 18, 1803, and when a young man came to the United States and 
located at Pittsburg, Pa.  While there he became acquainted with Jane Gray, who 
was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, May 20, 1811.  They were married in Pittsburg, 
May 5, 1835.  Ten children were born of this union, six of whom are living--Rosa 
A., William H., Jennie, John, Robert and Isabel.  In 1842 he left Pittsburg and 
went to Monroe County, Ohio, where he remained ten years, then returned to 
Pittsburg, and in 1855 came to Clayton County, where Mr. Glass entered a large 
tract of land and accumulated a fine property.  He died Dec. 24, 1875.  Mrs. 
Glass died in June, 1876.  He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and had 
held several local offices of trust.  Mr. and Mrs. Lytle are the parents of two 
children--Jennie Bell, born April 15, 1866, and George Ivy, June 22, 1871.  Mr. 
Lytle has a farm of 320 acres of land in a beautiful farming country, under a 
high state of cultivation, and valued at $50 per acre.  In politics he was an 
old-line Whig, but at the time of the organization of the Republican party, 
joined them, and has affilitated with them since.  History of Clayton County, 
Iowa, 1882, p. 1049

Monona Twp. -- Captain John Lytle, the great-grandfather, a soldier of the 
Revolutionary war, who was in command of Fort Freeland on the west branch of the 
Susquehanna, which was taken by the British and Indians under Captain McDonald, 
June 30, 1779, and all the prisoners, including Captain Lytle, were taken to 
Tioga River, thence into the Genesee country, and from there to Niagara and 
Lower Canada.  The country through which they passed was one vast wilderness, 
and they did not see a white man's dwelling after they left Lycoming Creek until 
they arrived at Fort Niagara.  A little beef without salt, roasted on the end of 
a stick, was their chief article of food.  In about two years Captain Lytle 
succeeded in making his escape by strategy.  History of Clayton County, Iowa, 
1882, p. 1048-1049

Monona Twp. --John Lytle, Jr., the grandfather of John N. and George Lytle, 
emigrated from the Susquehanna Valley to Waterford, Erie County, Pa., 1796, and 
soon became a prominent citizen of that new country.  In 1802 he was elected to 
the Legislature by the five counties which then constituted that district.  He 
was unfortunately killed in 1816 by his horse becoming unmanageable upon a 
bridge, throwing him upon the ice fifteen feet below.  History of Clayton 
County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1048

Monona Twp. -- John N. Lytle, one of the enterprising farmers of Clayton County, 
was born in Erie County, Pa., Oct. 14, 1828, a son of Mathew S. and Jane 
(Nicholson) Lytle.  They were married in Erie County Pa., in 1827, where a 
family of six children was born, five living--John N., Isabell E. (wife of W. P. 
Eno), George, Mathew S. and William H.  In the spring of 1854 Jonn N. and George 
Lytle left their home in Pennsylvania and came to Clayton County, when it was 
yet in its infancy.  Being pleased with the country, they located in what is now 
Monona Township.  The following year their parents immigrated to Clayton County, 
where they spent their last days, the father dying here July 31, 1871, and the 
mother Aug. 11, 1868.  The subject of this memoir was reared on a farm and 
received a common-school education.  On June 4, 1868 he married Jennie 
Woodmansee, a daughter of David Woodmansee, of Howard County.  She was born in 
Geauga County, O., April 7, 1839.  Mr. and Mrs. Lytle have been blessed with 
three children, two living--Jay, born June 10, 1871, and Clarice, May 27, 1876.  
Mr. Lytle has a beautiful farm of 230 acres under cultivation, valued at $50 per 
acre.  Mr. Lytle has been identified with the county for a quarter of a century 
and lived to see the wild prairies transformed into beautiful farms and homes.  
In politics he is a Republican, and cast his first vote for old Zachariah 
Taylor.  History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1048