James Hirst, farmer, Section 18, P. O. Barclay, was born in Belmont county, Ohio, in March, 1830. Is a son of Thomas and Ann Raley Hirst. His grandparents were David Hirst and Ann Smith, James Raley and Rachael Steer. He was brought up on a farm, receiving such education as the common schools and the Friends Seminary afforded. In 1855 he moved to Cedar County, Iowa, where he remained until 1871, when he came to this State and settled in Lyons County, and five years later settled in Barclay Township, where he owns a good farm. Mr. Hirst has been twice married. In Morgan County, Ohio, in August, 1854, to Miss Rachael, daughter of Abram Plummer. She died in 1855. He was again married in Cedar County, Iowa, March 18, 1858, to Anna M., daughter of Amos and Ann Maul Steer. He has six children - Elizabeth P., born September 12, 1855; Mary E., born May 16, 1859; Charles T., born September 4, 1861; Lewis T., born June 15, 1866; Clarisa D., born October 10, 1871, and Harriet J., born March 14, 1879. Mr. Hirst is a member of the Society of Friends.