Israel McWilliams, farmer and stock-grower, section 30, was born in Fayette County, Pa., on the 22d day of June, 1819. His parents, Samuel G. and Sarah (Huston) McWilliams, were natives of Fayette County, Pa., and were of Scotch descent. They were married in Fayette County, where a family of seven children was born--six sons and one daughter--Huston, Izard, Samuel K., Evans, Israel C., Brown and Ellazana. His father was a farmer, which he followed until his death, which occurred on June 22, 1834. The mother died Jan. 11, 1879. The subject of this memoir when fifteen years of age was apprenticed to the blacksmith's trade, serving three years. In 1851 he came to Clayton County, locating in the southern part of the county, near Colesburg, where he remained some years, then sold out, and purchased property near National. In 1858 he came to his present place. On Jan. 2, 1844, he married Margaret Flenniken, who was born in Greene County, Pa., May 12, 1821. Four children blessed this union--Lewis C., Mary F., wife of Alexander Fraser, and Ella. Mr. McWilliams has 230 acres of land, valued at $40 per acre. He makes a specialty of bee-raising, having some 500 swarms, the honey from which is made from excellent white clover. source: History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1051-1052 |