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         J. W. CRADDOCK, residing on section 5, Port Louisa Township, on Muscatine Island, was born in Ypsilanti, Washtenaw Co., Mich. in 1838, and was the second in a family of eight children born to Abraham and Mary (Watling) Craddock. The parents were natives of England, and after their migration to America settled in Ypsilanti, where the father engaged in the boot and shoe business. While residing there he became quite wealthy, being the owner of a number of buildings in the city, but in 1849 incurred a serious loss by fire, after which he went to California, remaining five years. On the 22d of November, 1856, he landed in Louisa County, Iowa, settling on the island, where he purchased sixty acres of land, though afterward increasing his farm, and giving great care to its cultivation. His death occurred in 1871, but his wife is still living, and resides on the old homestead.

Our subject received his education in the graded schools of Ypsilanti, and remained in his native State until nineteen years of age, when with his parents he came to Louisa County, Iowa, and engaged in farming. On the 16th of June, 1862, he enlisted in the War for the Union at Muscatine, and was assigned to Company E, 18th Iowa Infantry, being mustered in at Clinton. He was engaged in many skirmishes, but left the regiment at Sedalia, and was discharged at Jefferson City in December, 1863, on account of disability. After his discharge he was confined in the hospital for some time, but later returned to his home.

On the 22d of November, 1866, in Louisa County, Iowa, the marriage of J. W. Craddock and Sarah Wamsley, a native of Muscatine County, was celebrated. The lady is a daughter of Abraham and Catherine (Carder) Wamsley, both of whom were born in Virginia, and came to Iowa at an early day, settling in Muscatine County, where the father died some years ago, aged thirty-five years. Her mother is still living, and is now the wife of Elisha Beatty. Mr. and Mrs. Craddock are the parents of two children, Arthur and Jesse, both at home. The farm of our subject is pleasantly situated about three miles from Fruitland, on the island, and seven miles from the city of Muscatine, and comprises 100 acres of fine, arable land, all highly cultivated and improved. Though not an office-seeker, Mr. Craddock takes great interest in political affairs, and is a stanch supporter of the Republican party, while socially, he is a member of William Vaile Post No. 447, G. A. R., at Fruitland. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and his wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. He came to Muscatine Island when it contained but a few settlers, and for over thirty years has been one of its prominent and progressive citizens, ever ready to aid in public enterprises, and is highly esteemed by all.