JAMES SLIGH.

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          James Sligh, who for many years was engaged in general farming and stock-raising in this county, but is now living retired in Morning Sun, was born in Northumberland county, England, on the 9th of August, 1834. The parents, who were natives of Scotland migrated to America in 1950, locating in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where they passed away. They were the parents of six children: Archibald, who is deceased; Helen, the wife of John Porter, of Westmoreland county; James, our subject; two, who died in England, and one whose death occurred in Scotland.

          After the acquirement of a common school education, James Sligh worked as a farm hand until he was twenty-five years of age, then rented eighty acres, in the cultivation of which he engaged for five years. At the expiration of that period he rented one hundred and seventy acres, which he cultivated for three years, then removed to Louisa county, Iowa. Upon his arrival in this county in 1868 he rented sixty-three acres, but subsequently purchased eighty acres in Marshall township. In 1883 he increased his holdings by the addition of another eighty acre tract, which he still owns. He has made all of the improvements upon his homestead, which is well cultivated and recognized as one of the valuable properties of the township. There Mr. Sligh engaged in general farming and stock-raising until 1892, at which time he retired to Morning Sun where he owns a pleasant residence.

          Mr. Sligh married Miss Eliza Reed on the 17th of March, 1864. Mrs. Sligh, who is deceased, was the eldest child of Robert and Martha (Barr) Reed, natives of Pennsylvania, and the parents of seven children as follows: Eliza and William, twins, both deceased; James, also deceased; Margaret, who . . .

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. . . is living in Pennsylvania; and Mary Jane, John and Samuel, all deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Sligh were born three children: Martha Alice, who is at home; Harry Reed, who is living in Wapello; and Helen Margaret, who died in infancy.

          Mr. Sligh is affiliated with the Presbyterian church with which his wife was also identified. His right of franchise he exercises in support of the candidates of the democratic party, but has never held any office save that of school director. The measure of success awarded the endeavors of Mr. Sligh has been the result of his own well directed activities, sustained by good judgment and sound integrity.