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John Henry Grafft
Born September 3, 1853 |
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| John Henry Grafft, a hard working farmer of simple tastes, a born agriculturist and a good citizen, is one of the native-born sons of Jones county, Iowa, having come into the world one mile north of his present home in Jackson township, September 3, 1853. He has spent his life in that township and makes his home on his well improved farm of three hundred and eighty acres, which he has secured through his own individual efforts. He is a son of David W. and Christine (Byerly) Grafft, natives of Ohio, who came to Iowa in the '40s. Their married life was spent in Jackson township, where David Grafft entered land, eventually becoming the owner of about seven hundred acres. Nine children came to them, as follows: William S., who lives at Central City, Iowa; John Henry; Mary Katherine, who married Frank Blayney, of Jackson township; Martha Ann, who married Louis Porter, of Cherokee county, Iowa; James Albert, who lives in California; David Edward, who lives in Lyon county, Iowa; Della Jane, who married Robert McMurn, of Cherokee county; Frank, who lives in Rome township; and Elizabeth Ellen, who married William Lust, of Cherokee county.
John Henry Grafft has one of the best farms in Jackson township and has made his own improvements. He carries on general farming and stock raising, and, recognizing the value of blooded stock, makes a specialty of high grade Durham cattle. He has inaugurated many new methods of farming and has his three hundred and eighty acres under a high state of cultivation. This farm lies on sections 28 and 29, Jackson township, with the exception of eight acres in Rome township.
In 1874, Mr. Grafft married Amanda Jane Gilmore, who was born in Rome township, July 4, 1858, a daughter of George and Amanda Gilmore, natives of Ohio, who were married in Iowa. Both died in Jones county. Mr. and Mrs. Grafft have had a family of seven children, as follows: William Edward, who lives in Rome township; Essa May, who is the wife of Howard Miller, of Anamosa; Francis Delbert, who was killed at the a-e of thirty by a horse; Stacy Clyde, who lives in South Dakota; Bertha Pearl, who married Raleigh Shoop, of Rome township; and Clarence Ray and Jessie, who are at home.
The Grafft family are widely known and much respected. Nearly all bearing the name are connected with agricultural pursuits. And as the farmers of Iowa and other western states are fast becoming the most important citizens, being in comfortable circumstances and interested in advancing their communities. John Henry Grafft is a democrat in political faith and Supports the candidates of his party with steadfast fidelity.
Source: History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p 375.
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