[page 655] Edward Pike, one of the leading farmers of Buchanan Township, has been a resident of Page County since 1868. He is a son of Abner Pike, a native of Erie County, New York, who married Matilda Warren. To them were born eleven children: Stafford, Louisa, Jane, Franklin, Alfred, Philinda, Edward, Henrietta, Charles, Wesley and Horace. The father was a carpenter and joiner by trade, and was a fine workman in his line. He died in Illinois in 1856, having almost attained the three score years and ten allotted to man. He was an honest, industrious man, and brought his family to be an honor to their father's memory.

Edward Pike, the subject of this notice, was born in 1830, and received a common-school education; he was trained to the oc-[page 656]cupation which his father had followed all his days. In 1853 he crossed the plains to California and on the journey met with many of the hardships which then befell so many travelers; the party was troubled with Indians, and had some horses stolen, but escaped themselves uninjured. On reaching California Mr Pike engaged in mining in Yuba River and was quite successful. But after three years of life on the Pacific coast, one having been spent at work in a steam sawmill, he returned to Sterling, Illinois. In 1850 he had been united in marriage to Caroline Claypole, and to them were born eight children: Eva M., wife of Japhthah Grove; Nettie, wife of Daniel Hall; Jane, wife of Jacob F. Hoop; Henry, Frank, Ovilla, wife of D.N. Crosby; Edward and Luella.

After his return from California Mr Pike bought a farm near Sterling, Illinois, and resided there until 1868, when he emigrated to Iowa, and settled on his present farm of 120 acres. It was then wild prairie, but by perseverance and industry it has been converted into a fine, fertile farm. He had many hard experiences in his first settlement here and endured many privations, and his descendants may well be proud of his success. Mrs Pike died July 24, 1888.