Stephen Popham is an extensive landowner residing in Richland township and devotes much of his time to the operation of his farming property in this county, although he also gives considerable attention to his landed interests in other states. He was born in North Fork township, Delaware county, on the 19th of May, 1859, a son of Edwin and Sarah (Wall) Popham, natives of England. In the early '50s they came to this country and located in Delaware county, where they began farming. Both passed away in this county, mourned by many loyal friends. They were the parents of nine children, three of whom are living, those besides the subject of this review being Phoebe and Henry. Stephen Popham remained at .home until his marriage, which occurred in 1882. He then removed to the western part of Iowa, where he engaged in farming and stock-raising for about eight years, after which he went to South Dakota, there remaining for the same length of time upon the Yankton reservation. He took up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres, which made his total holdings three hundred and twenty acres. In 1891 he returned to Delaware county and purchased a farm in Prairie township, where he lived for two years. He then sold that place and moved to Manchester, which remained his home for one year. He next bought and moved upon the farm where he now lives, which is known as the Campton farm and is located on section 19, Richland township. It comprises one hundred and sixty acres and is well improved. He also owns eighty acres in Buchanan county, this state, which is likewise under a high state of cultivation. His sons own one hundred and sixty acres in Tripp county, South Dakota, on what was formerly the Rosebud reservation.
      In 1882 Mr. Popham was united in marriage to Miss Rosa Duckett, a native of England and a daughter of William and Elizabeth Duckett, who in 1880 came to America and located on a farm in North Fork township, this county. Both of her parents are deceased. Their family numbered two children but Mrs. Popham is the only one living. By her marriage she had five children, namely: Arthur C.; Frank S., deceased; Clarence H., who is a graduate of a business college in Washington, D. C., and is now operating the home farm, giving special attention to the raising of Aberdeen cattle; one who died in infancy; and Sarah E.
     The parents attend the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Popham is a republican in his political belief and has served as justice of the peace and school director. He has made valuable contributions to the agricultural development of Delaware county and has at the same time won for himself individual prosperity which no one grudges him as it is the reward of well directed labor.