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         S. C. WOLFORD, a farmer residing on section 3, Oakland Township, was born in Alleghany County, Md., in 1842. His parents, Benjamin and Elsie (Davison) Wolford, had a family of thirteen children, of whom he was the sixth in order of birth. His father was a native of Bedford County, Pa., while his mother was born in Alleghany County, Md., where their union was celebrated. Benjamin Wolford spent his entire life in farming. In 1855, accompanied by his family, he emigrated to Ohio, settling in Coshocton County, where he bought and improved a farm, upon which he made his home until his death, in the fall of 1865, at the age of fifty-nine years. His excellent wife still survives, and now makes her home with one of her sons. She is now seventy-three years of age, and is in good health.

The boyhood days of our subject were spent upon a farm, and his education was received in the district schools of Maryland and Ohio. He enlisted, Aug. 5, 1862, in defense of the Union, becoming a member of Company H, 95th Ohio Infantry. He was mustered into service at Camp Zanesville, Ohio, whence he proceeded to the front. He participated in the battles of Stone River, Missionary Ridge, Atlanta, was with Sherman on the march to the sea, the battles of Franklin and Nashville. After three years’ service he was honorably discharged at Columbus, Ohio, June 21, 1865. Being mustered out of service he returned to Coshocton County, Ohio, and thence removed to Iowa, settling in Oakland Township, Louisa County, in 1865, where he secured employment as a farm laborer by the month.

On the 9th of January, 1868, in Muscatine, Iowa, Mr. Wolford led to the marriage altar Miss Lizzie Van Horn, who was born in Pennsylvania, and is a daughter of Samuel and Nancy (Baughman) Van Horn, who were also natives of the Keystone State. The father was a farmer by occupation, and in 1850 removed to Muskingum County, Ohio, making that his home until coming to Iowa, in the spring of 1865. He located on section 23, Oakland Township, there residing until his death, which occurred Sept. 18, 1874, at the advanced age of seventy-five years. His wife, who is a most estimable lady, makes her home with our subject, and is now eighty-six years of age.

Mr. and Mrs. Wolford are the parents of six children: William H., Edwin C., Anna Laura, Dora Belle, Charles Francis and Essa May, all at home. After his marriage Mr. Wolford settled upon the farm where he now resides. With his brother he bought 160 acres of raw prairie, and immediately began its development. Many improvements have since been made, and the land now comprises one . . .

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. . . of the best farms in the township. It is pleasantly situated about five miles from Conesville, and ten miles from Columbus Junction, and is well stocked with a good grade of Durham cattle and Poland-China hogs. Politically, Mr. Wolford is a Democrat. He has held various offices of trust, served as Township Trustee for nine years, and is now serving as Justice of the Peace. He assisted in organizing some of the school districts of his township, and takes great interest in promoting all enterprises for the public benefit. He ranks among the highly respected and enterprising farmers of Louisa County.