John Speaker

SPEAKER, COWAN, COLE

Posted By: Diane Wilson (email)
Date: 5/23/2004 at 22:38:41

John Speaker was born in Seneca county, Ohio, on the 8th day of April, 1832. He is a son of John and Sobina (Speaker) Speaker, who were natives of Maryland. He remained in his native county until 1845, when he, in company with his parents, moved to Winnebago county, Illinois. Here he remained until 1865, when he moved to Waverly, Bremer county, Iowa, where he engaged in the hotel business and subsequently, in the grocery trade. In April, 1878, he came to Shell Rock and took the proprietorship of the Central House, and is now its genial landlord. He was married, in 1860, to Miss Mary Jane Cowan, who was born in Canada. Four children have been born to them, three of whom are now living – Orilla, wife of J. F. Cole, who now holds a government position in China; Carrie, and Ralph.
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Source: History of Butler and Bremer Counties, Iowa
Union Publishing Co., Springfield, IL, 1883
Page 710