RANEY, JOSEPH

RANEY, GOOTEE, JOHNSON, DOWN, FISHER, GILMORE, RAZER, CLARK

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 10/13/2004 at 13:13:51

Biography reproduced from page 539 of the History of Kossuth and Humboldt Counties, Iowa published in 1884:

Joseph Raney came to this township in 1856, and pre-empted a claim of 160 acres on section 18, where he now lives.

Joseph Raney, son of Joseph and Ciccla Raney, was born July 14, 1824, in Martin Co., Ind. In 1854 he came to Iowa, stopping first in Muscatine county, where he engaged in farming for two years. He then came to Kossuth county, and located in Irvington township, pre-empting 160 acres of land on section 18. Irvington township was since been divided, placing Mr. Raney in Sherman township, where he now owns 176 acre of land, all under cultivation, and where he raises a large amount of sheep, horses, hogs, cattle, etc. Mr. Raney has been married twice. First, Jan. 31, 1847, to Polly Gootee, daughter of Thomas and Nancy Gootee. The result of this union was nine children, six of whom are now living—Virginia, wife of William Johnson; they moved to Lower California where he died; she then married A. J. Down; Walter W., who married Cora M. Fisher, and lives in Cresco township; Sheldon, who married Isabella Gilmore, and lives in California; John; Caroline, wife of John R. Razer, living in Cresco township; and Joseph F. Sheldon and Virginia have taught school. Sheldon now teaches in California. Mrs. Raney died in March, 1862. In May, 1863, Mr. Raney married Mary, daughter of Addison and Martha Fisher, of Massachusetts. They had twelve children, eleven of whom are living—Mary A., wife of E. C. Clark, living in Cresco township; Phoebe O., William H., Cora M., Charles A., David E., Carrie I., Adolphus J., Martha E., George S. and Robert F. Mr. Raney at different times has held the offices of school trustee, school director, township assessor, treasurer and road commissioner. He is now township trustee. Politically he is a republican.