J. R. CLANEY

View Portrait of James Claney

J. R. Claney needs no introduction to the readers of this volume, for he has a wide acquaintance in Dayton township and Cedar county, having lived in this section of the state since 1869. Forty-one years have wrought many changes here and during that period Mr. Claney has borne his full share in the work of general progress and improvement, while specializing along agricultural lines his efforts have been most effective. He is busily engaged in the cultivation of a farm of two hundred and twenty acres on section 8, which he owns.

Born in Holmes county, Ohio, his natal day was September 4, 1866. His parents were James and Harriet (Korns) Claney. The father was a native of Holmes county, Ohio, born in1831, and his youthful experiences were those that fell to the lot of farm lads during pioneer days in that state. When he had reached adult age he sought a companion and helpmate for life’s journey and married Miss Korns, who was also born and reared in Holmes county, Ohio. For some years thereafter he devoted his time and energies to farming in the Buckeye state and during that period five children were born unto him and his wife. In 1869, however, he came to Iowa, establishing his home in Cedar county, where he rented land which he cultivated for a few years. He then bought eighty acres of the present farm and at once began to till the fields. Ambitious to own a larger tract, however, he soon invested in one hundred and ten acres, constituting one of the best farms in that locality. Upon this place are good buildings and all the accessories and equipment of a modern farm. The addition which he made to the house has converted it into a comfortable modern residence. He also built barns, sheds and cribs, set out an orchard and fenced the entire place. He continued to develop and improve the property until his death, which occurred March 5, 1910, when he had reached the age of seventy-nine years. He had long survived his wife, who died in the fall of 1869. They had two sons, the brother of our subject being Frank Claney, now a resident of Cedar Rapids. The daughters of the household are: Ella, who is acting as housekeeper for her brother, J. R. Claney, and owns a part of the farm; and Orpha, the wife of A. W. Berryhill, of Gresham, Nebraska.

J. R. Claney spent his youthful days on the home farm, was educated in the schools near by and remained with his father until the latter’s death. He and his sister Ella afterward purchased the interest of the other heirs to the property and now own the place. J. R. Claney took charge of and carried on the farm for ten years prior to his father’s death, and its excellent condition is largely due to his efforts. He has made the needed repairs, has fenced the land, has built a machine house and remodeled the barn. He not only raises grain but also high grade stock and fattens and feeds about one hundred and fifty head of hogs each year for the market. He also feeds some cattle and is recognized as a man of good business ability and keen discernment, meeting with success in what he undertakes.

In his political views Mr. Claney is a democrat and his sister is a member of St. John’s church. For forty-one years he has been a resident of this county and has well established himself in an enviable position among the representative agriculturists and valued citizens of this part of the state.