Charles Stratton, one of the enterprising farmers of Clayton County, was born in Essex County, N.Y., April 28, 1822, and was a son of Benjamin and Polly (Mansfield) Stratton. He remained on his father's farm until he was six years old, when he was forced to work out and support himself. In 1846 he went to Washington County, Wis., where he worked as a farm hand and in the pineries. In January, 1849, he married Hannah VanAuken, who was born in Albany County, N.Y., July 27, 1832. Of twelve children born of this union, eight are living-- Melissa L., Mary, Charles A., David E., Carrie E., Andrew G. and Maud I. In April, 1856, Mr. Stratton came to Clayton and located in Wagoner Township, where he purchased land and opened up a farm, since which time he has entered and improved five othe farms. In 1862 he enlisted in the Twenty-seventh Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and served nearly three years. After the war closed he returned to Clayton County, and settled on his present farm in Monona Township. He owns 160 acres, valued at $40 per acre. Mr. Staratton came to the county a poor man, but by industry has accumulated a fine property and home, and is one of the well-to-do farmers of the county. source: History of Clayton
County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1063 |