A well improved farm on section 11, Honey Creek township, is the property of R. M. C. Way, and he stands as an exponent of all that is most progressive in agricultural methods. He was born in Pennsylvania, May 17, 1853, and is a son of Elias and Sarah (Wolfe) Way, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state. Removing westward, they settled in Delaware county, Iowa, taking up their abode at Colesburg, where the father, who had learned blacksmithing in the east, worked at his trade. He was thus employed for a number of years, and he is now a resident of Cass county, Iowa. He has reached the advanced age of eighty five years, but his wife has passed away.
     R. M. C. Way was one of a family of eight children, of whom four yet survive. Born in the east, he came with his parents to Iowa and has since been identified with the interests of Delaware county. He worked in the fields upon the old homestead until he attained his majority and acquired his education by attendance at the public schools. He later purchased land and eventually bought the farm whereon he now resides. Many changes in the appearance of the place have been wrought since it came into his possession. He has erected good buildings and all the modern equipments and accessories of a model farm are there found.
     In 1876 Mr. Way was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Smith, a native of this county and a daughter of Jacob and Mary (Knapp) Smith, the former a native of Illinois and the latter of New York. Coming to Iowa in the '40s, they settled in Delaware county, where their remaining days were passed. Mrs. Way was one of a family of five children, of whom three are yet living. By her marriage she has become the mother of five children: Frank M. C.; Blanch, the wife of C. T. Hurd; Leora and Lee, twins, at home; and Bertie, deceased.
    Mr. Way exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party and has served as a school director, but has held no political positions. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and to the Modern Woodmen of America, and both he and his wife hold membership in the Christian church. Sterling traits of character are manifest in all their relations and Mr. Way is accounted one of the substantial business men and progressive farmers of his township a man whose business affairs have won him trust and confidence and whose well spent life has gained for him high regard.