J. M. Kingsley is now living retired in Delaware, enjoying well earned ease after many years devoted to agricultural pursuits in this county. His birth occurred in New York on the 8th of December, 1841, his parents being Amos D. and Sophia (Lee) Kingsley, the former a native of Massachusetts and the latter of New York. Amos D. Kingsley passed away in the Empire state, while the demise of his wife occurred at Strawberry Point, Iowa. To them were born nine children, three of whom survive.

      J. M. Kingsley acquired his education in the common schools and the Homer Academy at Homer, New York. He remained under the parental roof until the time of his enlistment for service in the Union army, joining Company I, Third New York Artillery, with which command he continued until the cession of hostilities between the north and the south. He was mustered out at Syracuse, New York, and returned home with a creditable record as a brave and loyal soldier. In 1867 he left the Empire state and came to Delaware county, Iowa, settling on a farm in Oneida township which he operated for three years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Fayette county, this state, but at the end of seven years returned to his farm in this county. He was successfully engaged in its operation during the next eight years and then aside the active work of the fields, taking up his abode in Delaware, where he has since enjoyed honorable retirement from business life. He owns a handsome residence and thirty seven lots in the village and is widely recognized as one of the prosperous and esteemed citizens of the community.

     On the 2d of March, 1862, Mr. Kingsley was united in marriage to Miss Martha E. Clarke, who was born in New York, January 21, 1842, her parents being Martin L. and Carolina (Howland) Clarke, natives of Massachusetts and New York respectively. The father died while fighting for his country, and the mother passed away while a resident of Delaware county, Iowa. They had two children children, namely: Mrs. Martha E. Kingsley; and Mary C., who is decreased. Mr. and Mrs. Kingsley were the parents of nine children, as follows: Robert F., who is a resident of California;  Martin L., deceased; Mattie C., who gave her hand in marriage to Isaac Williams of Connect; Amos, deceased; H. D. the wife of J. W. Meader of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; M. Olive, the wife of U. G. Chadeayne of New York; Ella M., who has passed away; one who died in infancy; and Marlborough C., also deceased.

      Mr. Kingsley gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has served as school director. Fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America, and his wife is a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church. The period of his residence in this part of the state covers forty seven years, and he is widely and favorably known here, the number of his friends having steadily grown as the circle of his acquaintance has broadened.