dred and twenty acres on section 27, inside of the corporate limits of Cambridge, making the aggregate of his real-estate holdings amount to three hundred and sixty acres. His home farm is one of the best in the township, the fields are well tilled, the improvements modern and kept in repair and the stock of a good breed and well cared for. In fact everything about the place bespeaks thrift, capable management and careful attention to details.
In 1882 Mr. Griffith established a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Carrie C. Chamberlain, a native of Union township and a daughter of Oliver Chamberlain, who came to Story county from Ohio about 1856, being one of the pioneers of Union township. He is now deceased. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Griffith : Genevieve, Carrie B. and John M.
Mr. Griffith is identified with the Masonic fraternity, holding membership in Tabernacle Lodge, No. 452, A. F. & A. M., while he and his wife belong to the Order of the Eastern Star. While he has never actively participated in politics he casts a vote at all elections for the republican candidates, as he considers the fundamental principles of that party are best adapted to serve the majority. He has been very successful as a farmer, which can undoubtedly be largely attributed to his careful management, discretion and progressive ideas and is considered to be one of the substantial citizens of Union township, where during his long residence he has made many friends, whose respect and esteem he has retained.
STEPHEN PARKER O'BRIEN.
The name of Stephen Parker O'Brien deserves to be placed high on the roll of Story county's honored citizens inasmuch as he is a veteran of the Mexican war and of the Civil war and has ever been a loyal and progressive resident of Iowa, cooperating in all measures and movements calculated to benefit his home community or the state. In official service and in private life his course has ever commended him to the confidence and respect of his fellowmen as he is today one of the most honored as well as one of the most venerable citizens of Story county.
Mr. O'Brien was born in Union township, Brown county, Ohio, December 24, 1825, a son of Enoch and Naomi (Parker) O'Brien. The father was probably born in Adams county, Ohio, in 1800, and the mother's birth occurred in Virginia, October 22, 1798. In the winter seasons Enoch O'Brien followed the profession of school teaching and in the summer months worked at the stone-cutter's trade. He was married in the Buckeye state to Naomi Parker, who had removed with her parents from Virginia. In October, 1831, Enoch and Naomi (Parker) O'Brien took their family to Hancock county, Indiana, where his remaining days were passed,