William Crain & Son, farmers, Sperry Township, reside on section 11. Wm. Crain was born in Willingham, Cambridgeshire, England, Sept. 1, 1818. He was married in 1839 to Ruth Tew, and by this union was one son - James Crain. The family bid adieu to England Feb. 15, 1852, and after a voyage of over a month arrived at Lockport, Niagara Coutny, N.Y. March 29 he engaged to work on a farm at $15 per month, boarding himself. Remaining here two years, he started west April 10, 1854, and arrived at Volga City April 21, 1854. He bought eight acres of land, on which he now lives, and hired out by the day, receiving 75 cents per day. He had five acres of his farm broken the first year. The year following he broke fifteen acres and commenced farming. He has bought more land from time to time, and in partnership with his son James now owns 853 acares. Mrs. Ruth Crain died June 30, 1880, aged sixty-one years. James Crain was married Feb. 1, 1859, to Harriet Thurlburn. They have had two children - Emma, born May 23, 1860, and Clara, born July 26, 1865. Mrs. Harriet Crain died July 20, 1870. James Crain was again married Aug. 3, 1871, to Miss Jane Broker. They have had two children - Willie, born July 29, 1874, and died Feb. 27, 1875, and Delos, born July 31, 1879. Miss Emma Crain was married May 12, 1880, to Charles S. Adams, of Dubuque, Iowa. They had one child - Harriet Ruth Crain Adams, born July 8, 1881, and died Aug. 5 of the same year. Messrs. Crain & Son are men of sterling worth, and by prudence and industry they have accummulated a good property. Their business integrity and their eminent social and neighborly qualities cause them to be highly respected by all who know them. source: History of Clayton
County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1092-1093 |