Saunders, James A.

SAUNDERS, SANDERS, CHURCHILL, ADELL

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 11/21/2012 at 11:02:29

1880 History of Poweshiek County Iowa

LINCOLN TOWNSHIP

Page 759-60

SAUNDERS, JAMES A.--Section 33, P.O. Deep River. His ancestors, on both sides, were, remotely, from Scotland, but settled many years ago near Belfast, Ireland. They were of the class of people known as the "Scotch Presbyterian Descendants." His father, Robert Saunders, was born August 23, 1806, near Belfast, Ireland, where he was raised and educated, followed his trade as weaver, and married. He immigrated with his wife and two children to Canada in 1840; where, for the next thirteen years, he farmed in summer and worked at his trade during the winter. He then moved to Morrow county, Ohio, where he farmed until the spring of 1869, when he immigrated to this county; his wife having died February 14, 1869, he came out alone. He is now making his home with his son James, with whom he has lived ever since the death of his wife. The subject of this sketch was born September 10, 1841, in Beauharnais, Lower Canada. When twelve years old he moved with his father to Ohio, where he was raised on a farm and educated. He preceded his father to this county one year, and engaged in the merchantile business at Dresden with Mr. Jesse Axtell, at which he continued three years. He then sold out to his partner and bought his present place. Mr. Saunders married in Dresden, December 22, 1870, Miss Martha E. Sanders, daughter of George E. Sanders. She was born September 13, 1850, in Harrison county, Ohio. This lady bore him: Elmer Warren (born November 27, 1872; died May 12, 1877). He re-married in Montezuma, November 27, 1878, Mrs. C.P. Churchill, whose maiden name was Mary Adell; she was born in Delaware county, Ohio, December 3, 1846. She has one child by her first husband: William Lorain (born November 24, 1872). The fruit of this union is one child: Josie Alma (born July 19, 1880). Mr. Saunders owns 320 acres of excellent farming land, besides five acres of timber. His farm is in good condition, well stocked and unembarrassed. He is at present entering into preparations for extensive sheep raising. He is a member of the Board of County Supervisors, and takes an active interest in local and general politics. He is very popular, and a gentleman of remarkable force of character and broad influence.