James W. Claver

page 255

The name of James W. Claver is inseparably interwoven with the history of Monroe county. He is one of its honored pioneers and most esteemed and worthy farmers. His birth, however, occurred in the old Hoosier state, in Putnam county, where he first opened his eyes to the light of day on the 28^th of August, 1845. When nine years of age, in 1854, he accompanied his parents on their removal to Iowa, the family locating where our subject now resides, and with the exception of his term of one year in charge of the county farm this locality has since continued to be his home. When the Civil war was inaugurated for the preservation of the Union, Mr. Claver nobly offered his services to his native country, enlisting in June, 1863, in Company C, Eighth Iowa Cavalry, under Colonel J. B. Dorr. His military record was indeed an honorable one and when the war had closed and the country no longer needed his services he was mustered out at Clinton, Iowa.

Returning thence to his home, he remained under the paternal roof until his twenty-second year, when he was married to Eliza Hilliard, a native of Van Burn county, Iowa. They became the parents of five children, three of whom still survive: Ervin E., Nellie and Bert F., all of whom are married, and Ervin E. and Nellie have each two children. The first born in this family died at the age of two years, and another passed away in infancy. The wife and mother also passed into eternal rest, and in 1888 Mr. Claver was united in marriage to Loretta Bucher, by whom he has one son, Frank W.

After his first marriage Mr. Claver settled down to farm life on the old homestead, which is located about seven miles north of Albia, in Bluff Creek township, and the many improvements here inaugurated by the father have been carried out by the son, and it is now one of the valuable homesteads of the locality. The fellow townsmen of our subject, who have recognized his worth and ability, have called him to many public offices, and among the many local positions which he has held may be mentioned that of township trustee, while for many years he was also a member of the school board. He has, since casting his first vote, continued to uphold the principles of the old Republican party. The family attend the services of the Methodist Episcopal church. As the years have passed by Mr. Claver has acquired a handsome competence. He possesses the sterling qualities of the sturdy pioneers who have bravely faced the trials and hardships of life on the plains in order to make homes for their families, and thus aided in laying the foundation for the present prosperity and progress of this portion of the state.