Archibald Bayard Chamberlain

CAMPBELL, CHAMBERLAIN, CLEMMER, CURTIS, KNOX, WRAY

Posted By: Judy Wight Branson (email)
Date: 9/10/2004 at 09:14:22

A. B. Chamberlain, who owns and operates a quarter section of excellent land on section 9, Douglas township, is a native of Coudersport, Potter county, Pennsylvania, born on the 9th of February, 1857, of the marriage of D. W. and Eliza (Campbell) Chamberlain. The father was born in New York on the 6th of January, 1836, and is now living at Scotland, South Dakota, but the mother whose birth occurred in Virgil, New York, April 14, 1837, passed away on the 10th of September, 1888. D. W. Chamberlain was a Methodist Episcopal minister and also devoted some attention to farming. In 1863 he removed from Pennsylvania to Nora, Illinois, where he concentrated his attention upon the cultivation of the fields. He next went to Pontiac, Michigan, where he remained for a year, but in 1865 became a resident of Raymond, Black Hawk county Iowa, and for seven years followed agricultural pursuits. During that time he helped to organize the Methodist Episcopal church at Raymond and was also quite active in public affairs. In 1872 he sold his land and removed to Emmetsburg this state, where for three years he engaged in general merchandising. In 1875 he severed his connection with that business and entered the Methodist Episcopal conference, thereafter holding pastorates in various places in South Dakota including Vermillion and Scotland. In 1904 he retired from active church work and has since engaged in the agricultural implement business in Scotland. His political allegiance has been given to the republican party since its organization and in ante-bellum days, while living in Pennsylvania, he was prominently connected with the underground railway and had some exciting experiences while aiding refugee slaves to Canada and freedom. A love of justice and courage which he manifested in that trying time has characterized his deeds throughout his entire life and has gained him the sincere respect of his fellowmen.

A. B. Chamberlain received his early education in the district schools and later attended the Methodist Episcopal College at Algona, Iowa, for a year. When twelve years of age he earned some money by working as a chore boy and for a number of years was in the employ of others. One year was spent in Colorado and there he worked in mines, sawmills and on railroads, seeing much of the country and gaining much valuable experience. In 1876 he began farming for himself in Jones county, Iowa, and resided there for ten years, but in 1886 removed to the vicinity of Manchester, Delaware county. He owned land there which he cultivated until 1893, when he returned to Jones county. Seven years later he removed to Douglas township, this county, where he has since lived He owns a one hundred and sixty acre tract of fine land on section 9 and his residence is an attractive and commodious home. His methods of farming are practical and as he is energetic and efficient in the management of his business interests his capital is increasing from year to year. He does general farming and also takes considerable interest in the raising of fine horses.

Mr. Chamberlain was married on the 20th of December, 1881 to Miss Florence Curtis, a native of Monticello, Jones county, Iowa, and a daughter of George W. and Catharine (Clemmer) Curtis, both of whom were natives of Antwerp, Paulding county, Ohio. The father was born on the 7th of July 1820 and died on the 2d of March, 1913, while the mother, whose birth occurred on the 26th of December, 1831, died March 1, 1902. Mr. Curtis was engaged in the mercantile business in Antwerp with his father and also operated a large farm which he owned. In 1855 he migrated to Jones county, Iowa, purchasing land near Monticello, on which he lived for over fifty years. His farm comprised two hundred acres and he derived a handsome income from its operation. In 1885 he retired from farming and engaged in the grocery business in Monticello for three years, but in 1888 he retired from that line of activity as well and at the time of his death was residing in Monticello. To him and his wife were born nine children, of whom Mrs. Chamberlain is the fourth. She has become the mother of three children. Clyde C., a farmer of Douglas township, married Miss Lois Knox, a daughter of J. H. Knox, who has resided in this county since 1879. Two children have been born to that union, Florence and Olive Ernest, whose birth occurred in 1887, died in 1912. Catharine is the wife of Glenn Wray, a farmer of Douglas township. Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlain are also rearing three other children, giving them a good home and education, namely, Lyle Sturtevant and Ruth and John Curtis.

Mrs. Chamberlain is very active in church and Sunday-school work and is a leader in the Ladies' Aid Society of the Worthington Methodist Episcopal church. Her son Clyde C. and daughter Catharine are also active m church circles. Mr. Chamberlain is a republican and for the last six years has served acceptably as township trustee. Fraternally he belongs to the Mystic Workers of the World. He has gained success and at the same time has won an honored name and the esteem of his fellowmen, as he has depended upon his own work and good management to win prosperity and has never taken unjust advantage in a business transaction.

Taken from the book, “The History of Madison County, Iowa, 1915”