A. M. NOFTSGER

A. M. Noftsger, a highly esteemed retired farmer of Bloomington township, where he has resided since 1868, has lived in Iowa since March, 1845, when he came to this state as a child with his parents, Jacob and Elizabeth (Fronk) Noftsger, who were both born in Clermont county, Ohio. Their marriage occurred there, but in 1839 they removed to Bond county, Illinois, where they resided until 1845, in which year they settled near Ottumwa, Wapello county, Iowa. Subsequently they removed to Marion county and in 1856 they came to this county, settling four miles southeast of Decatur City, where the father died at the age of fifty-two years. Later the mother returned to Marion county, but the last eight years of her life were spent with our subject in this county, her death occurring when she was seventy-six years old. The father was a Universalist in religious faith.

A. M. Noftsger, who was born in Clermont county, Ohio, May 17, 1837, accompanied his parent on their various removals, attending school in both Illinois and Iowa. However, his education opportunities were very limted, as his assistance was needed in carrying on the farm work, and he is largely a self-educated man. Following his marriage he rented land, which he operated for a year, after which he purchased a small farm. He worked unremittingly, lived economically and from time to time was able to add to his holdings, becoming at length an extensive landowner. He has given two hundred and forty acres to his children and still holds title to a good farm in Bloomington township, where he resides although he has retired from active work.

In 1867 Mr. Noftsger married Miss Catherine Wion, who was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, in 1839, a daughter of John and Nancy (Sines) Wion. The family resided in Indiana for a decade after leaving the Buckeye state, but in 1854 removed to Decatur county, Iowa, whence about 1870 the parents went to Davies county, Missouri, where the father died at the age of seventy years and the mother when seventy-five years old. The father was a farmer by occupation and met with a gratifying measure of success. Mrs. Noftsger attended the public schools in Indiana and Iowa and grew to womanhood in this county. To the marriage of Mr. And Mrs. Noftsger have been born seven children: B. Henry, of Independence, Missouri; Thomas L, deceased; U. D., a carpenter of Oklahoma City; A. Franklin, a farmer of this county; Mrs. Jennie Johnson, of Oklahoma; and Charles E. and William E., both farmers of Decatur county. There are also eighteen grandchildren.

Mr. Noftsger has voted an independent ticket for the past thirty-five years, and has taken an active part in political affairs. In many elections he has stumped the county and he is known as an effective campaign speaker. For almost five decades he has resided in Decatur county and in that time he has witnessed a remarkable transformation as pioneer conditions have given way before advancing civilization.

In his young manhood, during the Civil war, he spent five years upon the plains freighting and had many interesting experiences which were typical of frontier life. He has thoroughly identified his interests with those of Decatur county and has done much to secure the improvement of conditions. He was one of those who secured the first mail route in this congressional district and no worthy public movement has lacked his hearty cooperation.