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         JAMES McMANEMON, a farmer residing on section 3, Oakland Township, was born in County Leitrim, Ireland, in 1818, and was the third in a family of nine children who were born to Thomas and Bridget (Kelley) McManemon, who were natives of the same country. The father spent his entire life in farming. In 1850, with his family, he embarked from Sligo in a sailing-vessel, the “David Clinton”, and after a fair voyage of thirty days landed at New York, where he remained for a year. At the expiration of that time he removed to Wayne County, Ind., there making his home for two years, and in 1854, followed the westward course of emigration, settled in Muscatine County, Iowa, where his death occurred in 1864. His wife had preceded him to her final rest several years.

James was reared to farm life, and received his education in the schools of his native land. With his parents he came to America, and while residing in Wayne County, Ind., was united in marriage, in 1852, with Miss Mary Freal, a native of Ireland, and the daughter of Patrick and Bridget (Brauir) Freal. In 1850, with two sisters, she left her home and came to this country, making her home in the State of Indiana. Her parents remained in Ireland, where both died several years ago. After their marriage the young couple began their domestic life upon a farm in Wayne County, Ind., where they made their home until 1854, at which time they removed to Muscatine County, Iowa, where Mr. McManemon rented land. In 1862 he came to Louisa County, settling in Oakland Township, renting a farm until 1865, when he made his first purchase, consisting of eighty acres of raw prairie land. He immediately began its improvement and cultivation, and built a little log cabin into which the family moved, though it has long since given place to a more commodious residence. As time has passed, by frugality, industry and good management, he has been enabled to add to his original purchase until he is now the owner of 160 acres in Louisa County, and eighty acres in Johnson County, most of which is under cultivation. He also raises a good grade of stock, including Durham cattle.

Mr. and Mrs. McManemon are the parents of six children, though only three are now living: John is married, and resides in Greene County, Iowa; Michael is at home; Anna died in 1863, at the age of six years; Ellen died in 1863, are the age of four years; James died in 1880, when eighteen years of age; and Maggie is still with her parents. Politically, Mr. McManemon is a Democrat. He has assisted in organizing the school districts of his township, and he and his wife are members of the Catholic Church at Lone Tree, Johnson County. He is one of Louisa County’s most worthy citizens, and is highly esteemed by many warm friends.