of a large circle of patrons. The high personal worth of the brothers has been widely recognized among their fellowmen, who hold them in unqualified respect and esteem, and the honorable and manly principles which have governed their private as well as their business life make them desirable and honored citizens of the community.
J. T. HANDSAKER.
Among the large landowners of Sherman township should be named J. T. Handsaker, who has spent his entire life in this county, attaining marked success both in agriculture and stock-raising. Upon his farm is to be seen the only steam plow in Story county and in other respects he is fully abreast of the times, making use of the best modern facilities and applying up-to-date methods, thus producing the most satisfactory results. He was born in Richland township, December 18, 1859, a son of William and Emily (Wyatt) Handsaker, the former born in Staffordshire, England, April 6, 1828, and the latter in Indiana, August 7, 1838. The father emigrated to America in 1854, landing at the port of New York, and soon afterward he came west to Illinois. Not satisfied, however, with the conditions as he found them east of the Mississippi river, he started in 1855 for Story county, Iowa, walking from the river with George Hyden, who took up his residence in Richland township. Mr. Handsaker engaged in farming in this county until 1893, when he retired and removed to Nevada. He passed away March 31, 1907, but his wife is still living and has arrived at the age of seventy-two years. There were eight children in their family, namely: J. T., the subject of this review; Sabina, now Mrs. Day; and Nona, now Mrs. Hynes, both living five miles south of Nevada; W. H., of Grant township ; H. G., now living on the old homestead ; J. H., a farmer of Richland township; D. P., who died in 1894 at the age of twenty-eight years, leaving a wife and two children; and Mary Ellen, who died in infancy.
J. T. Handsaker received his early education in the common schools and became so proficient in the text-books that he taught school very successfully for eight terms. He learned the carpenter's trade and while in the employ of D. B. Paddleford assisted in the erection of the Lutheran church at Johnson's Grove in 1880. This building has since been removed to Fernald. Subsequently he engaged in the tiling business. In 1883 he settled upon his present farm in Sherman township and for many years devoted his attention closely to various branches of farming, becoming recognized as one of the most successful agriculturists in the county. Recently he retired from active labors, leaving the work of the farm to his sons. Father and sons have gained a wide reputation as breeders of red polled cattle and Poland China hogs. They have also engaged quite