schools, and finished his education with a short course in the high school of Flagg Center, Ill. In 1861, at the age of twenty years, he commenced life for himself, without means, and all his property has been accumulated since that time by his own honest toil and exertion. He was married, on February 19, 1865, to Miss Sarah A. Brunson, an intelligent lady, born in Ohio, but reared in Illinois, receiving a good education in the common schools of the latter State. Four children have blessed this union: Martha B., John A George R. and Sarah A. On July 18, 1861, Mr. Hem-stock enlisted, at Rochelle, Ill., in Company A, Second Regiment Illinois Cavalry, and was assigned to the Seventeenth Army Corps, Third Division, and served until August 11, 1864, at that time being honorably discharged at Baton Rouge, La. During this time he participated in the following battles: Belmont, Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Pittsburg Landing, siege of Corinth, Black River, Champion's Hill, Edward Station, Grand Gulf, Port Gibson and siege of Vicksburg, and was on the Red River expedition under Gen. Banks. After receiving his discharge he returned to his home, and for some time was occupied in carpenter work, but the following year (1865) he immigrated to Iowa, and purchased his present property in Story County. The country was then in its virgin state, and he has seen its conversion from a low, wet, overflown, sloughy county to one of the richest farming sections in the State. During the terrible tornado of June 17, 1882, so well known as the Grinnell tornado, his home was entirely swept away, and he and wife were both severely injured. He was obliged to use crutches, being disabled for life, and she was confined to her bed for eight months. Their property was damaged to the extent of $2,500, and although they are now comfortably located in one of the most beautiful farm residences in town, they have never fully recovered from the effects of this terrible visitation. They are both liberal contributors to all worthy enterprises, and uphold all religious principles. Mr. Hemstock holds membership in Nevada Lodge No. 99, A. F. & A. M., of which order he has been a prominent member for twenty-two years, and also belongs to Jason D. Ferguson Post No. 31, G. A. R. This post numbers fifty members in good standing. In politics he has ever identified himself with the Republican party, and always upholds sound Republican principles, casting his first vote for Abraham Lincoln during the first administration. He has been justice of the peace for three terms and is now serving as trustee, which position he has held for nine years.
John P. Hesson, agent for the St. Paul & Kansas City Grain Company, at McCallsburg, Iowa, and one of the wide-awake and thoroughgoing business men of the place, was originally from Maryland, and a son of Abraham and Annie (Waybright) Hesson, of Maryland, who were of English descent. John P. Hesson left Maryland at the age of nineteen years, locating in Story County, and as he had been trained to the arduous duties of the farm, he continued this as his principal calling. He is now the owner of 160 acres of land on Section 4, Richland Township, and is also the owner of an elevator in town. He engaged in buying grain in 1886, and is the only man who handles live stock in the town. He is an energetic and enterprising man of business, being thoroughly reliable and upright in his relations, and will make a success of whatever he takes in hand. He chose for his companion in life Miss Mella Harris, daughter of W. C. Harris, of Warren Township, and was married to her in 1886. Both are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Hesson resides in town, and also