R. D. Graham of Manchester is filling the office of county clerk to the satisfaction of the public and is recognized as a man of ability and integrity. He was born on the 3d of August, 1865, in this county, a son of Daniel Graham, a native of Nova Scotia. The latter was a farmer by occupation and in 1856 came to Delaware county, where he resided until death called him in 1869. His wife, who was in her maidenhood Miss Helen McIvor, was born in Nova Scotia and died in 1900, surviving her husband for many years. To their union were born the following children: Jennie, the widow of E. L. Westfall of Strawberry Point, Iowa; J. F., a retired farmer living in Manchester; Mary, the wife of D. A. Davis of Pasadena, California; W. E., who lives in Florida; Jessie, the widow of E. P. Fogg, residing at Epworth, this state; Margaret, a resident of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Isabel, the deceased wife of S. W. Stookey, dean of Coe College of Cedar Rapids; and R. D., of this review.
      The last named, after completing the course in the common schools of Delaware county, entered Albion Seminary at Albion, this state, from which institution he was graduated in 1886. He then began the study of pharmacy and graduated from the College of Pharmacy in Chicago in 1889. The following year he went into the drug business for himself at Greeley, Iowa, and remained there for about eight years, after which he removed to a farm near Greeley and devoted his time to agriculture until 1905, when he came to Manchester. He entered the county clerk's office as deputy and held that position for four years, after which he was for about two years secretary of the Delaware County Telephone Company. At the end of that time, or in 1910, he was elected county clerk, taking office the following year. He is now serving his second term and has been nominated for the third term. He understands thoroughly all details of the work of the office and is prompt and systematic in the discharge of the duties devolving upon him.
     Mr. Graham was married in 1892 to Miss Belle Noble, of Greeley, who was born October 4, 1868, a daughter of T. and Susan (Jones) Noble. Her father was a farmer by occupation and both he and his wife have passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Graham have become parents of two children, Helen M. and Margaret, both at home.