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         BENJAMIN F. SPAFFORD, one of the soldiers of the late war, and a pioneer of Louisa County, now residing in Morning sun, was born near Madison, Ind., June 5, 1836, and is a son of Orlando O. and Jane (Patton) Spafford, the former a native of New York and the latter of North Carolina. In their youth both parents removed to Jefferson County, Ind., where they became acquainted and were married. Mr. Spafford served as a soldier during the War of 1812, participating in the battle of Plattsburg. He had a family of ten children, and four of his sons served in the late Rebellion, as did also a grandson, who made his home with him. The children were: Cordelia, widow of Samuel Warren, who now resides in Pierce County, Wis.; Matthew W., who served in the Mexican War, died from disease contracted while at Jalapa; Charlotte, wife of Zadok Jarvis, whose sketch appears in this work; Andrew J. enlisted in the 25th Iowa Infantry, and died at Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, from disease contracted in the service; Alvira is the wife of Jesse Phillips, of Columbus City, Louisa County; Caroline died at the age of twenty; Benjamin F., of this sketch, is the next in order of birth; Julius F., a member of the 5th Iowa Infantry, Company C., now lives at Elsworth, Wis.; William H. H., of the 8th Iowa Infantry, Company K, served throughout the entire war, and is now living at Winona, Wis.; and two children died in infancy, Harriet and one unnamed. The grandson, James W. Spafford, who served in the war, was a member of the 5th Iowa Infantry, enlisted in 1862, and served until the close of hostilities.

Orlando Spafford was an old-line Whig, politically, was a great reader, and was always well informed on every subject of general interest. In 1842 he emigrated with his family to Louisa County, Iowa, settling in Morning Sun Township, and being a carpenter by trade, he erected many of the residences of the early settlers. He was an energetic business man, and his work was always done in a first-class manner. His death occurred in this county, Sept. 21, 1882. Thus one by one the pioneers are passing away, until now but few are left to tell the story of the hardships and trials, the privations and difficulties of the early days of the county. Mrs. Spafford died in 1871. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a most estimable lady, loved and respected by all.

When six years old our subject came to Louisa County with his parents, and here received his education in the common schools. He was reared upon a farm, and after attaining his majority commenced farming for himself. In 1858 he was united in marriage with Miss Mary J. Brown, daughter of Thomas and Sarah Brown. While on his way to Iowa, in 1851, her father was attacked with the cholera, and died at St. Louis. The stricken wife took her family to Dubuque County, and there labored for their support, keeping her children all together, and ably performing the arduous duties which devolved upon her. She is now residing in Cascade, Dubuque Co., Iowa, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. and Mrs. Spafford are the parents of seven living children: Sarah, wife of Henry Rouse, of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; Milo, a farmer residing near Blandinsville, Ill.; Hattie, wife of Henry Swanson, of Cheyenne County, Neb.; Anna is still at home; Alzina, wife of Milo Robertson, of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; Lorin, who is living in Cheyenne County, Neb.; and Nora, who is at home.

In 1862 Mr. Spafford responded to his country’s call for volunteers, becoming a member of Company F, 25th Iowa Infantry, and was mustered in at Mt. Pleasant, in Camp McKean, under Col. Stone; the regiment remained at Mt. Pleasant for about three months, after which it was sent to St. Louis.

While performing guard duty at the last-named city, Mr. Spafford received injuries which have disabled him for life. He lay in the hospital for about three months, and when discharged could . . .

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. . . not walk. After returning to his home it was some time before he was able to perform any labor, and the care of the family devolved upon his wife. Those indeed were dark days in his history, but he has now somewhat recovered from his injuries, and also receives a pension from the Government of $24 a month. For over forty-five years he has been a resident of Louisa County, during which time he has not only witnessed, but has participated and aided in the great changes which have placed Louisa County in the front rank in this great commonwealth. We are pleased to record the sketch of this worthy pioneer in the history of his adopted county, for as a citizen he is true and worthy, and receives the respect of all.