extensively in the dairy business and are now regularly shipping one hundred and twenty pounds of high grade butter per week to New York and Brooklyn.
On the 11th of March, 1882, Mr. Handsaker was united in marriage in Richland township to Margaret Lawman, who was born in Canada, April 17, 1864, a daughter of John and Violet (Elliott) Lawman. Her parents came to America in 1858 and were married in New York state. After several removals they settled in Richland township, Story county, where they have lived for the last thirty-seven years. Four children came to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Handsaker, namely : Ethel M., born February 9, 1885, was educated in the common schools and in the School of Music at Ames, and is now living at home. E. Ralph, also on the home farm, was born November 30, 1886, and was educated in the common schools, also taking a course in engineering at Charles City, Iowa. John W., born October 25, 1887, is now living on the old homestead. Thomas L., born November 25, 1892, is also living at home.
Mr. Handsaker, ever since reaching his majority has given his support to the republican party. He has not sought the emoluments of office but has served with great acceptance as township clerk and secretary of the school board for sixteen years and as township trustee for eight years. He is a man of unusual intelligence and keeps fully informed on the progress of everything pertaining to his calling, to which he has applied with great success the best efforts of his life. He has witnessed many changes in Story county. Land when his father came to this county was being sold by the government at one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre. As late as 1880 Mr. Handsaker of this review bought one hundred and sixty acres in this county for seventeen hundred dollars, being a little over ten dollars and fifty cents per acre. The same land now commands one hundred and fifty dollars per acre, and the tendency in price is still upward. A worthy representative of a family which has performed an important part in the development of the county, Mr. Handsaker now enjoys in comfort and ease the results of his wisely directed efforts and at the same time is accorded the confidence and respect of the entire community.
DR. SEAMAN A. Knapp.
Dr. Seaman A. Knapp, who passed away at Washington, D. C., on the 1st of April, 1911, was the second president of the Iowa State College at Ames. He was born at Schroon, Essex county, New York, December 16, 1833, and was graduated from Union College in 1856, Phi Beta Kappa. He was granted six honorary degrees by the Iowa State College and other colleges and universities, was vice president of Fort Edward Collegiate Institute from 1856 until 1863, and associate manager of Ripley Female