John G. Filer, a well known and enterprising agriculturist residing on section 31, Milo township, is the owner of an excellent farm embracing seventy three acres. His birth occurred in Jones county, Iowa, on the 27th of September, 1857, his parents being Alanson and Mary (Hastie) Filer, the former a native of New York and the latter of Scotland. Their marriage was celebrated in the Empire state in 1856 and the same year they made their way west to Jones county, Iowa, there residing on a farm for two years. On the expiration of that period they removed to Linn county, this state, locating on a farm near Nugents Grove, and in 1865 they came to Delaware county, the father here cultivating rented land. In 1870 he purchased a tract of seventy three acres in Milo township and the following year took up his abode thereon, continuing its operation throughout the remainder of his life. His demise occurred in 1913, while his wife was called to her final rest in 1887. The period of his residence in Delaware county covered nearly a half century and in his passing the community lost one of its substantial agriculturists and esteemed citizens.

     John G. Filer, the only child of his parents, was a lad of eight years when the family home was established in this county. In the acquirement of an education he attended the district school and also spent one year as a student in the school in North Manchester. In 1873, when a youth of sixteen, he went to Chicago and in that city was employed as shipping clerk by H. L. McNamara for five years. On the expiration of that period, in 1878, he returned to the old homestead farm in Milo township, Delaware county, whereon he has remained throughout the intervening thirty six years, being actively engaged in its operation. Success has attended his undertakings as an agriculturist, and he has won and maintained an enviable reputation as a prosperous and respected citizen of his community.