James A. Morse, a well known agriculturist and esteemed citizen of Coffins Grove township, has for more than four decades resided on his farm of one hundred and sixty three acres on section 25. His birth occurred in Vermont on the 2d of April, 1839, his parents being E. P. and Rachel (Kimpton) Morse, who were likewise natives of that state. They came to Iowa in 1853 and located in Jackson county, where they passed away on the 12th of August, 1954, within a half hour of each other. Although the father entered land in Delaware county he never resided here. They had four children, three of whom still survive, as follows: Albert D., who is a resident of Adel, Iowa; James A., of this review; and Alpheus A., living in Florida.       James A. Morse attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education and when a youth of fourteen began working as a farm hand. Subsequently he cultivated rented land for two years and then embarked in the livery business at Manchester, Iowa,

conducting an enterprise of that character for eight years. On the expiration of that period, he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty three acres on section 25, Coffins Grove township, which he has improved by the erection of excellent buildings and which he has operated continuously and successfully since. He has made a specialty of dairying and has won a gratifying measure of prosperity in both branches of his business. He and his wife took first premium on butter at the State Dairymen's Association, November 2, 1887.

       On the 16th of March 1862, Mr. Morse was united in marriage to Miss Angeline A. Roe, who was born in Michigan on the 31st of January, 1844, her parents being Lawson A. and Susan (Knight) Roe, natives of Indiana and Vermont Respectively. They came to this county in 1852, settling on a farm in Honey Creek township and subsequently removing to Manchester, where Mr. Roe conducted a furniture store for some time. Later he again took up his abode on a farm, and both he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives thereon.  They were the parents of five children, three of whom still survive. To Mr. and Mrs. Morse have been born three children, namely: Luella is at home, Lorena is the wife of I. W. Lampman, of Manchester, Iowa, by who she had three children. Mildred A., deceased. Joseph Alfred and Carlton Webster; Howard is deceased.

        Mr. Morse gives his political allegiance to the prohibition party and has always served in the capacity of supervisor and also as a member of the school board. His religious faith is that of the Christian church, to which his wife also belongs.  He has now passed the seventy fifth milestone on life's journey and enjoys the respect and veneration which should ever be accorded one who has traveled thus far on this earthly pilgrimage and whose career has been at all times upright and honorable.