Layne - James T.
Source: Wapello Co Iowa History
James T. Layne, one of the early
settlers of Iowa is pleasantly located in Adams Twp on Sec 15 where he
is enjoying his later days in that comfort and quiet which are the just
rewards of industry, economy and enterprise. Mr. Layne was born in
MontgomeryCounty, Indiana Oct 31, 1835 and is the son of Jarlton (Tarlton) and
Sarah EASLEY Layne, both natives of Ky, who emigrated to Iowa while it
was a territory, locating first in Montgomery Co. Their marriage occurred
in Indiana and they became the parents of 7 children one of whom is
deceased: James T. of our sketch was the eldest born; Franklin M. lives
in Turner County, Dak; Walter H. is the sherrif of Cherokee County, KS; Joseph
S; Hayman D. and Nancy A (Mrs. William Gailey (sic - GALEY?) who lives
in this county.
In 1849 the father of our subject removed with his
family from Montgomery to Wappello County, and with the assistance of
his sons opened up a farm in Polk Twp, where he passed the remainder
of his days. Mrs. Sarah Layne departedt this life in 1842, greatly
mourned by her husband and surviving children. Mr. Layne is still
living at the advanced age of 75. He is a Democrat in politics and in
his younger years held the various offices of his township. With his
wife he was connected with the Baptist Church.
His second wife was
Miss Sarah EDGEMAN and they became the parents of four children, 3 of
whom are living. After the death of this lady, he was again married to
Mrs. Delilah McDOLE, who is still living.
James T. Layne of this
biography received his education in the log school house of his native
county and remained under the parental roof until attained the years of
manhood. He was then married Nov. 1856 to Miss Sarah DOGGETT a
native of his own state and they became the parents of George W. (now
living in KS) and Franklin M. of this county. Mrs. Sarah Layne
departed this life in 1861 having lived a worthy and useful life and
greatly esteemed by her family and friends; she was a member in good
standing of the Baptist Church. Mr. Layne was married a second time to
Miss Minerva DRUMMOND, a native of Clark Co VA and to this union was
born the following children: Elizabeth, Mrs. Anderson now lives in
Monroe Co Iowa; Fannie became the wife of Asa Hepler of Adair Co Iowa;
Irvine; Liva; Joseph; Maude and Lloyd are at home. Mr. Layne came to
Wapello County in 1849 when the country was thinly settled and wild
game abounded in plenty. In 1876 he purchased his present farm of 293
acres which he has industriously cultivated and improved and now has
one of the most attractive homes in this section of the county. The
farm residence is a model of conveniece and comfort and the barns and
outbuildings are of first-class description. The possessions of our
subject are the result of his own industry and enterprise, as he came
here comparatively poor and has received no assistance legacies or
influential friends. He has held the various local offices of his
township and takes an interest in local and general matters keeping
himself well posted in regard as to what is going on around him in the
world. -