Erwin E. McCloud still owns four hundred and eighty acres of land in Adams township and an entire section of land in Minnesota, but is not actively engaged in the cultivation of any of his land as he lived retired in Ryan. He also owns an interest in the local creamery. He was born the 12th of November, 1851, in Kane county, Illinois, a son of Noah B. and Tabitha Maria (Parker) McCloud. The father was a native of Vermont and the mother of Massachusetts and their marriage occurred in Bennington, Vermont. In 1847 they removed to Illinois and settled upon a farm in Kane county, near Elgin, where they remained until the spring of 1855, when they came to Delaware county, Iowa, and purchased land in Prairie township. They were the first settlers in that township and were well known in the early days of the county. To them were born three children, but the subject of this review is the only one surviving. One died in infancy and Harrison died in 1868. The father died in December, 1860, and was laid to rest in the Manchester cemetery. The mother subsequently removed to Manchester and lived there for some time. She later married John Buce and they resided in Adams township. She died in 1892 and is also buried in the Manchester cemetery. Mr. Buce survived her for a number of years.
    Erwin E. McCloud received his education in the public schools of this county and when he reached mature years began farming, an occupation which he followed for many years. He received but little help from home and the marked measure of success which he attained is due mainly to his own initiative, industry, and excellent manage ment. While actively engaged in agriculture he bought and shipped stock on quite an extensive scale as well as cultivated his fields. He owns four hundred and eighty acres in Adams township and six hundred and forty acres, or a full section of land, in Minnesota and his annual income from this property is considerable. He also owns his com fortable residence in Ryan and a third interest in the Ryan Creamery Company, which concern is in a flourishing condition. His farm in Adams township is but two miles from Ryan and its favorable location adds not a little to its value.
     Mr. McCloud was married on the 17th of February, 1870, to Miss Sarah Baxter, a daughter of George and Elizabeth (Robinson) Baxter. Mrs. McCloud was born in Ireland in 1848, and when a child of four years, was brought by her parents to this country, the family home being maintained at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for some time. In 1857 they removed to this county and settled upon a farm four miles west of Ryan. Her father died in 1872 and her mother subsequently took up her residence in Manchester, where she passed away in 1877. Both were buried in the Silver Creek cemetery in Adams township. To Mr. and Mrs. McCloud were born four children, three of whom survive, namely: Austin P., a resident of Alberta, Canada; Edgar E., living in Adams township; and Ida May, who married Anthony Swindell, of Tacoma, Washington.
     Mr. McCloud is a republican and is loyal in his support of that party. For four years he served as mayor of Ryan, giving the municipality an honest and businesslike administration. He has also acceptably filled a number of township offices. His fraternal allegiance is given to the Masonic order as he holds membership in Manchester Lodge, No. 165, A. F. & A. M. He is one of the well-to-do residents of Ryan and as it is no longer necessary for him to devote his energies to the gaining of a competence he gives a great deal of time and thought to promoting the public welfare, manifesting a creditable civic spirit.