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         DAVID FETTERMAN, a farmer residing on section 26, Elm Grove Township, was born in Indiana County, Pa., Nov. 20, 1820, and is a son of Michael and Catherine (Mixwell) Fetterman, who were natives of Pennsylvania. The name of Fetterman is of German origin, and the family was founded in America by three brothers, who came to this country prior to the Revolutionary War, in which they fought and one of them was killed. Our subject was the tenth in order of birth in a family of eleven children, of whom two others are yet living: Emanuel, and Catherine, wife of Emanuel Olwaller, of Pennsylvania. The father died in 1845, and the mother departed this life the year following. They were both members of the Church of God, and trained their children, who are now Christian men and women, in the teachings of the Bible.

David received his education in the common schools of Pennsylvania, but has gained much of his knowledge by observation. In his native State he followed thrashing, using the old-fashioned implements which were then the only ones to be obtained. He trashed with the flail, and was an expert in handling the cradle in that day. In 1842 Mr. Fetterman was united in marriage with Miss Mary Tyson, a native of Indiana County, Pa., and in 1856, accompanied by his family, he came to Iowa, locating near Dodgeville, Des Moines County, where for three years he was employed as a day laborer. In 1859 he removed to a farm in Pleasant Grove Township of the same county, which he rented until 1874, when he removed to this county, and in 1878 purchased eighty-three and one-half acres of land on section 26, Elm Grove Township. It was then worn out, but he immediately began its cultivation and improvement, has planted a fine hedge fence, and now has one of the best farms in the township. He has always taken an active part in the development of the county, and is an energetic, enterprising citizen.

By the union of Mr. and Mrs. Fetterman seven children were born, but all have passed away with the exception of two: John M., who now resides in Ft. Scott, Kan.; and Sarah J., wife of Adam Heflingher, a railroad employe. In 1865 the death of Mrs. Fetterman occurred. She was a member of the Church of God, a sincere Christian lady, and was highly esteemed for her many excellencies of character. In 1866 Mr. Fetterman was again married, becoming the husband of Mrs. Flagel, widow of Jacob Flagel, who enlisted in the service of his country, and now sleeps on a Southern battle-field. By that union she had four children: Jennie, wife of Rev. Cyrus Wilson; George, a mechanic of Winfield; Jacob, who is living in Gordon City, Kan.; and Mary, wife of Frank Paxton, a farmer of Elm Grove Township. Mr. and Mrs. Fetterman are members of the Evangelical Church, and are devoted Christian people, ever ready to aid in the promotion of the cause of Christianity. In his political sentiments he is a Republican, and as a citizen he ranks among the highest.