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Andrew J. Fairley

ANDREW J. FAIRLEY has been a resident of Fayette County since October, 1855, and is a pioneer of Iowa, of October 1853. He was born in Jefferson Township, Lawrence County, Ind., September 2, 1833, and is a son of John and Mary (Smith) Fairley. His father was born in Ireland, January 23, 1779, and died in Indiana, May 4, 1842. His mother was born in Lancaster County, Pa., February 4, 1796, and was called to her final rest December 24, 1879. They were the parents of thirteen children, nine sons and four daughters, all of whom lived to mature years except one son who died in infancy, and four sons and two daughters are living at this writing in 1891. The subject of our sketch is the eleventh child and youngest son. He was reared to manhood on the farm, and when twenty years of age emigrated to Iowa in the fall of 1853. The first two years were spent in Jones County, and as before stated he came to this county in October, 1855, locating on a farm which he still owns and occupies, a part of which he entered from the Government. He was married in Jefferson Township, Fayette county, to Miss Catherine I. Sayles, daughter of Pliny and Nancy Sayles, the wedding taking place on the 11th of December, 1856. She was born in Onondaga County N. Y., November 20, 1837, and accompanied her parents on their emigration to the West in 1842, the family settling in McHenry County, Ill., whence they come to this county in 1854. Her mother died July 27, 1860, and her father on the 5th of June 1871. In their family were twelve children, five sons and seven daughters, of whom all are now living except on son. Mr. and Mrs. Fairley have two children, Daughters; Eleanor, who was born September 30, 1857, is now the wife of Robert Hanna, of Scott Township, and they have one son Royal W., who was born December 6, 1888; Adrienna, who was born November 10, 1860, was the wife of George Barnes, and died on the 10th of September, 1886, leaving one child, a son, George A., who was born August 4, 1886, and is being brought up by his grandparents. In politics, Mr. Fairley is a supporter of the Democratic party, and has held various local offices. He has served as Township Trustee of Jefferson Township for twenty years, Road Supervisor for seven years, School Treasurer for the township for five years, and Director for five years. His long terms of service in the various positions he had held are high testimonials of his efficiency and faithfulness to duty. He is a member of Columbus Lodge, No. 83, A.O.U.W., of Oelwein. In connection with general farming, he is a member of the Oelwein Horse Breeding Company of this county, in which he is associated with Messrs. Henry Martin, George Jamison, Benjamin Twelvetree, Lone Snider, John Ridler, Jack Miller, William Davis, Fred Huff, A. C. Dickinson, E. E. Day and Frank Brownell. Mr. Fairley is the owner of a valuable farm comprising one hundred and sixty-seven acres situated on section 25, Jefferson Township, on a portion of which he holds the original patent from the Government. His post-office is Oelwein. Mr. Fairley is one of the few survivors of the early settlers of Jefferson Township that are left to tell the story of pioneer life in Fayette County. He has watched its entire growth and done his part in its up building, and is recognized as a thorough farmer and valued citizen, who has won and retains the high respect of all with whom he has come in contact.

~transcribed & contributed by Charmaine Keith