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         ROBERT C. DRYDEN, a prominent farmer and pioneer residing on section 17, Morning Sun Township, was born in Washington County, Pa., March 23, 1827, and is a son of John and Catherine (Carey) Dryden, both of whom were also native of the same county. There their union was celebrated, and to them were born seven children in that county. About the year 1829 the parents removed to Harrison County, Ohio, where two other children were born. There the father improved a farm, upon which he resided until his death, which occurred in 1835. Mrs. Dryden died in Morning Sun, March 2, 1862. To all church work he lent his earnest support, and both he and his wife were members of the Seceder Presbyterian Church for many years. Not only in church work, but in any enterprise for the public good he aided largely. His honesty and integrity won for him many friends, and he received the highest respect of all with whom he came in contact.

The following are the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Dryden: James C., who died in Ohio; John, Jr., who was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, died in Kansas about the year 1884; Jane wedded Moses Lakin, and died Nov. 19, 1887; Mary A. became the wife of James K. Brown, both of whom have passed to their final rest; Elizabeth M., widow of James Martin, is a resident of Wilson County, Kan.; Samuel has made his home in the Western States for twenty years; our subject, who is sixth in order of birth; William K., now a resident farmer of Wilson County, Kan., and Sarah M., who is the wife of Frank Jarvis, also a farmer of Wilson County, Kan.

Robert C. Dryden, the subject of this sketch, received his education in the schools of Harrison County, Ohio, attending during the winter months, and working upon the farm during the summer time. In that county all the children grew to maturity. Remaining there until 1848, Mr. Dryden then emigrated to Des Moines County, Iowa, settling in Danville Township, where he rented a farm for eighteen months. In 1850 he removed with his mother to Louisa County, where she entered 160 acres of land on section 17, Morning Sun Township, which Robert C. subsequently purchased. For almost forty years he has there made his home, and in that time transformed the wild land of which he took possession into one of the most highly cultivated farms of the county. On his arrival not even a furrow had been turned, not a tree or shrub had been planted, not a fence built. Within three months after the warrant had been laid a small cabin, 16x16 feet, had been erected, and into that the family moved, beginning life in true pioneer style. The trials and hardships which come to all who first make homes in a new country were cheerfully endured by Mr. Dryden and his mother, and . . .

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. . . their patience and labor at length received their reward. Starting in life with but a cash capital of $140, with which he purchased his farm, by his energy, enterprise and good management he has steadily increased it until he now has a comfortable competency. From time to time he has added to his land, until now 307 broad acres in Louisa County pay tribute to his care and cultivation. He is also the owner of 120 acres of fine land in Cerro Gordo County.

On the 4th of December, 1851, Mr. Dryden was united in marriage with Miss Mary Mickey, a native of Richland County, Ohio, and the only daughter of John R. Mickey, who came to Des Moines County, Iowa, in an early day, and shortly afterward became a resident of Louisa County. In 1849 he was called to his final home, and his widow later became the wife of David Blake, a farmer of Marion County, Kan. (see sketch on another page).

Nine children grace the union of Mr. and Mrs. Dryden: Sarah A. became the wife of Edson Munshower, a resident farmer of Morning Sun Township; Clarissa C., wife of Francis M. Curran, a farmer of Harrison County, Iowa; Laura O. and George Harlan are both residing at home; John C., born April 11, 1865, died Dec. 1, 1871; Glenn, born Oct. 23, 1873, died July 28, 1875; Minnie I., born March 19, 1870, died Nov. 12, 1871; Rhoda A., born Feb. 18, 1868, died when about eighteen months old; Mary J., born Feb. 24, 1857, died Oct. 6, 1858. Mr. and Mrs. Dryden have given their children good educations, thereby fitting them for useful positions in life, and by their own example have taught them sobriety and truth. They are both members of the United Presbyterian Church, and are earnest workers in their Master’s vineyard. To all foreign and home missionary societies Mr. Dryden is a liberal contributor, and to any who need assistance he is always ready to lend a helping hand. His integrity is undoubted, and his word is as good as his bond.

On one of the pleasantest farms of the county, surrounded by a loving wife and happy children, Mr. Dryden has passed almost forty years of his life. His residence, which is a fine two-story frame building, 36x32 feet, with five large rooms in the lower story and four above, is the abode of one of the happiest families in the county. Evergreens and other towering trees cast their shade around the home, where every convenience which makes life enjoyable is found. Beautiful flowers gladden the eye, and delicious fruits in their season tempt the appetite of the most fastidious. Two miles of hedge fence, evenly trimmed and nicely kept, has been set out. The home farm is divided into three 40-acre fields, and another forty is subdivided into three fields, and all are finely fenced. The farm is stocked with a good grade of cattle and horses, and the barns and out-buildings are models of convenience. We are pleased to record the sketches of these worthy pioneers who have witnessed the development and growth of the county, and have aided largely in its progress and civilization. To Mr. and Mrs. Dryden the highest praise is due for their aid in placing Louisa County in the front rank in the great State of Iowa, and to them the respect of the whole community is given.