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         GEORGE SIVERLY, residing on section 9, Oakland Township, is a pioneer, and of him it may be said what is true of but few others of his age, he was born in Louisa County, in 1844. His early life was passed in an almost unsettled wilderness, the prairies were uncultivated, all kinds of wild game abounded, and the Indian wigwams might be seen scattered irregularly over the country. His parents, E. W. and Nancy (Jordan) Siverly, had a family of fifteen children, of whom our subject was the fifth in order of birth. When a young man, the father removed to Ohio, but afterward returned to Pennsylvania, where he engaged in the lumber business. At one time, while floating a raft of lumber down the river, he formed the acquaintance of Miss Nancy Jordan, a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, and their marriage was subsequently celebrated. In the spring of 1839 they came West, locating in Morning Sun Township, Louisa Co., Iowa. Mr. Siverly purchased the land at the Burlington land sales, and improved a farm, but later removed to Wapello Township, where, with his wife, he yet resides.

The boyhood days of our subject were spent upon . . .

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. . . a farm, and his education was received in the district schools of Wapello Township. He commenced farming for himself in this county, and as soon as he had attained sufficient age to be permitted to enlist, he responded to his country’s call for troops, entering the service in 1864, as one of the 100-days men of Company H, 45th Iowa Infantry. He was mustered into service at Keokuk, and later sent to Memphis, Tenn., where he was kept on garrison duty. He was honorably discharged at Keokuk, Oct. 11, 1864, after which he returned to his home in Louisa County.

In 1866 Mr. Siverly was united in marriage with Miss Mary Furnas, their union being celebrated in Grand View, in the month of October. The lady is a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Wilkinson and Maria (Booher) Furnas, who were also born in that State, and came to Iowa in 1854, locating in Grand View Township, where they both yet reside on a finely cultivated farm. The young couple began their domestic life upon a farm in Marshall Township, where they resided until 1872, at which time they removed to section 9, Oakland Township. He there purchased forty acres of raw prairie land, to which he has since added until he now owns 170 acres, comprising one of the best farms in the township. The work of improvement and cultivation was immediately begun, a good barn and nice dwelling have been erected, a fine orchard, and many beautiful shade trees have been set out. A good grade of stock will be found upon the farm, and everything denotes the thrift and enterprise of the owner.

Mr. and Mrs. Siverly are the parents of five children—Della M., Olive, Edward, Maud and Isabel—all at home. They also have two adopted children—Emma Ramer and Charlie Neal. Mr. Siverly is giving his children all good educations, such as will fit them for the practical duties of life. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church. Politically, he is an ardent supporter of the principles of the Republican party, and does all in his power to advance its interests. For the past ten years he has been a member of the County Central Committee of the Republican party ,and has held many offices of public trust, in fact has served in every official position in the township with the exception of Clerk. An honored pioneer and citizen he receives the respect and confidence of all who know him, and we are pleased to record his sketch in the history of Louisa County.