the republican party although he has never sought nor desired public office. He has, however, been a leader in Masonic circles in Maxwell, being considered the best posted Mason in this section of the state. He is also one of the oldest, having joined the order in Winneshiek county forty-three years ago. He assisted in organizing and was a member of Herald Lodge, No. 455, A. F. & A. M., at Maxwell. He is likewise a charter member of Fervent Lodge, No. 513, A. F. & A. M., at Collins, and was its first master, serving in that office for five years. He and his wife both hold membership in the Order of the Eastern Star. Jonathan Cleverley was married on the 27th of July, 1862, to Miss Jane Elizabeth Owen, who was born in Coventry, England, and came with an uncle to the United States when nineteen years of age, settlement being made in Allamakee county, Iowa. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cleverley were born eight children but only four now survive, namely : Mary, the wife of William Kimberly, a farmer of Jasper county, Iowa; Maria, who wedded William Clapper, of Oklahoma; James H.; and Frank E., operating the old home farm.
James H. Cleverley whose name introduces this review, was reared in his parents' home, no event of special importance coming to vary the routine of life for him during the period of his boyhood and youth. In the public schools he acquired a good education, passing throughout consecutive grades to his graduation from the Collins high school in due course of time. He remained under the parental roof until attaining his majority; when he laid the foundation for a happy home of his own by his marriage, on the 4th of November, 1894, to Miss Orlena A. Crabb, of Collins. She is a daughter of Vincent and Hester (Wells) Crabb, who came to Story county from Indiana in 1877. The father was a veteran of the Civil war and passed away in 1879 as a result of disease contracted during his term of service. The mother still survives and makes her home in Collins.
After his marriage James H. Cleverley started out independently in the business world, engaging in farming in Jasper county as a renter for three years. At the end of that period he purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section 24, Indian Creek township, known as the old Strickler farm. That remained the scene of his business activity for four years, when he purchased the Andrew J. Marshall place, upon which he now makes his home. When it came into his possession it consisted of one hundred and sixty acres constituting the northwest quarter of section 23, Indian Creek township. He did not dispose of his property on section 24, however, until three years later. In 1906 he became the owner of eighty acres adjoining his place, so that his farm now consists of two hundred and forty acres. Under his direction it has been greatly developed and improved, for he has made a careful study of agriculture, employs the most modern and progressive methods and, moreover, has a capacity for wise management and sound business ability. He receives a good annual