Search Surnames

History of Story County, Iowa Vol 2 by William O. Payne, 1911

Story Co. Home Page
Page 106 of 507

munity in other ways and his life became a potent force in the moral progress of the community. He left to his family not only a comfortable competence, but also the priceless heritage of an untarnished name and a memory that remains as a blessed benediction to all who knew him.


JAMES H. CLEVERLEY.

That the life history of James H. Cleverley is a record of success is due to the persistent effort and intelligently directed industry which he has displayed through the years of his connection with agricultural interests of Story county. Born in Allamakee county, Iowa, on the 13th of July, 1871, he is a representative of one of the well known and highly honored families of central Iowa, his parents being Jonathan and Elizabeth J. (Owen) Cleverley, the former a native of London and the latter of Coventry, England. Jonathan Cleverley, whose birth occurred in the world's metropolis on the 12th of April, 1836, is a son of William and Ann (Lovett) Cleverley. The mother passed away in England and later the father brought his family of four children, a son and three daughters, to the United States. He arrived here in 1847 and took up his abode in Herkimer county, New York, where he made his home until 1860, in which year he came to Iowa and remained with his son until his death in 1878 at the age of seventy-five years.

Jonathan Cleverley, the only son of Mr. and Mrs. William Cleverley, was eleven years of age when brought to the United States and the year following his arrival he began working in a lumberyard. Later he was engaged in a mill for a while and then began lumbering in the woods, altogether being connected with the lumber business for seven years. In 1854 he came west to Iowa, locating in Allamakee county, and was there variously occupied for some time, giving his attention principally, however, to farming. In 1859 he purchased a farm of eighty acres, upon which he made his home until 1876, in which year he removed to Jasper county, there investing in one hundred and sixty acres, which tract is still .in his possession. This remained his home until 1906, when he withdrew from active work and became a resident of Collins, where he is now living in well earned retirement. That he was ambitious, industrious and persevering and possessed good business ability is indicated by the fact that when he first came to this country he began working for one dollar per week, while his father received seventy-five cents per day, the combined sum going for the support of the family. Today he is numbered among the most substantial and well-to-do men of Collins, having acquired a competency which makes it possible for him to enjoy all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. He is one of the prominent and influential men of the community in which he lives and gives stalwart support to

Page 106 of 507

© 2006–2024 Mark Christian
[Search Surnames] [Introduction] [Story Co. Home Page ] [Table of Contents]