THOMAS LANCASTER, farmer, Sec. 29; P. O. Argyle; born in York, England, April 24, 1838; came to America in 1850, direct to Milwaukee; remained there two and a half years; then went to Council Hill, Ill., and worked in the mines; then to Wiota, Wis; then to Wayne; then to Mud Branch, Argyle, where he now owns 140 acres of land, with a fine spring of water.  He enlisted in the 31st W. V. L., Co. E, in 1862, and was mustered out in 1865; was with Gen. Sherman through to the sea.  His wife, Maria Cook, was born in Lincolnshire, England, May 1844; came to America in 1849, they were married in 1861, and have had nine children – Thomas H. , born April 26, 1861; Wesley, born Oct. 1, 1866; Charlie, born July 1, 1868; James, born August 28, 1870; Maggie, August 30, 1872; John, born October 1, 1874; Gracie, born September 23, 1877; twins, deceased.  In politics, Republican; in religion, Methodist.  Has been Class leader, Steward, and Superintendent of Sunday school, and was licensed to preach; has held the office of School Clerk.  His father and mother are old settlers of this community, and now reside in Plymouth Co., Iowa.  Mrs. Lancaster’s father died in this county; her mother is now living at LeMars, Iowa, at the age of 62, in good health and looks quite young for one of her age; she has lived to see they youngest son a prosperous business man of LeMars and City Librarian;  Mr. Lancaster’s father was an active worker in the M.E. Church, and a charitable Christian man.

Photograph of Maria Cook Lancaster

Photo of Charles F. & wife Mary (Collins) Lancaster