many improvements. Politically he gave his support to the democratic party and fraternally he was connected with the Masonic order. Mrs. McConnell was a stanch believer in the authority and inspiration of the Bible and a woman of many beautiful traits of character. She departed this life in April, 1882.
Squire McConnell in his early years attended school in a pioneer log schoolhouse and there acquired the rudiments of an education which has been greatly broadened by reading, observation and experience. At the age of twenty-one years he began cultivating rented land on his own account and kept bachelor's hall until his marriage, when he brought his wife to the farm which has since been their home. He is the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of good land on section 18, Collins township, and, being thrifty and energetic, he has acquired a handsome competence and is now well fortified against material want.
On the 4th of August, 1884, Mr. McConnell was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca J. John, a daughter of William Tipton John and a grand-daughter of Bowen W. John, one of the early settlers of Story county, mention of whom is made in the sketch of John W. John. To Mr. and Mrs. McConnell two children have been born: Mabel Belle, deceased; and Hester A.
Mr. McConnell has been a useful citizen, performing his duties to the best of his ability, and he is ever ready to extend a helping hand to a deserving fellowman. He plainly is entitled to an honorable place among the substantial citizens of Story county. Since arriving at man's estate he has been affiliated with the democratic party but he has never sought public office, prefering to devote his attention to his private affairs. Mrs. McConnell has been a most valued assistant to her husband and is an earnest member of the Presbyterian church.
GEORGE W. BALDWIN.
Reared under highly favorable conditions for a successful business career and with practical experience, without which the best training could scarcely avail, George W. Baldwin is now recognized as one of the successful merchants of Story county. Energy and firm purpose have constituted the salient elements in his career. He was born in Iowa Center, Story county, April 22, 1874, a son of Frank M. and Mary (Maxwell) Baldwin. The father, who was one of the best known business men in central Iowa, was born in Onondaga county, New York, November 10, 1829, a son of Wallace and Mary (Burnett) Baldwin, natives respectively of Connecticut and Vermont. The grandfather was a well known salt manufacturer. Frank M. Baldwin was reared in his native state and received his education in the public schools. In 1849 he came west to Chicago, arriving in that city about the same time that