PHILLIP ALLER, a pioneer citizen, moved to Clarke County with his family in 180. Mr. Aller married Sophia Messenger in 1853. To this union were born: John C., Ada Murray, Mary Davis, Joe, and Ida May. After many years living on a farm, Mr. and Mrs. Aller moved into Murray and spent their remaining years. They joined the Baptist Church soon after their arrival here. Their grandson, H. G. Aller, still resides in our community.

STEPHEN C. MESSENGER, came to Iowa in the fall of 1859. He was a successful and enterprising farmer and stock raiser, residing in Troy Township. He served in the Civil War, enlisting in Co. B. Eighteenth Iowa Infantry, but only served five months, being sick most of his term. He was married in 1854 to Bethina Truex. Eight children were born to this union. William married Mina Axtel, Mary Ellen married Walter Moffitt, and John N.

JOHN STIFFLER came to Clarke County with his parents in 1868. He taught school for three terms beginning in 1881. His principal occupation was farming, which he followed until 1886 when he moved to Murray and served as deputy post master. Mr. Stiffler was married in 1883 to Samantha Hindes. They had one daughter—Mable.

Other names that will be remembered as being associated with the beginning of the community are — Edens, Dufurs, Christys, Deweys, Clarks, Addis, Axtels, Badgers, Bragdons, Forbes, Carrs, Hailers, Howards, Flinns, Onions, Hindes, Lochries, Roberts, Hermance, Cochran, Henderson, Lindley, Sefrit, Stone, Simpson, and. Woods.

William Ries Farm

Dr. Geo. Armitage and Jim Burchett —1909 Buick