Christopher Stanger, one of the pioneers of Delaware county, was born in Germany, December 14, 1814. When a lad of seventeen years he came to America and after spending some time in the eastern states located in Chicago in 1832, which city was then a small country village. While living in Illinois he married Margaret Trier. Together with other gold seekers he went to California in 1852, going by way of the Isthmus of Panama, which he crossed on foot. Returning he migrated with his family to Delaware county, locating in Union township in the fall of 1854. The family went through the usual hardships of the early settlers, when neighbors were scarce and Dubuque the nearest market place.
      There were eight children. Rebecca died in early childhood. Mary Elizabeth and Ezra died shortly after coming to this county as a result of eating wild parsnips. John C., who died in 1894, drove across the plains in 1863 and spent his life in the gold fields of Nevada. Joseph E, came with the family to this county in 1854 and is now living in Hopkinton. Solomon is a resident of Sebeka, Minnesota. Asa O., formerly county superintendent of schools, is living at Manchester. Levi B., who was prominent in church and local affairs, died in 1908 of pneumonia.
      The family continued to live on the farm in Union township for more than fifty years, or until the death of the parents. Mrs. Stanger died in 1890 and her husband in 1904. They were highly esteemed in the vicinity in which they lived for their uprightness and integrity. They were liberal supporters of the Methodist church and lived their profession of religion in every day life.