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C. E. ILIFF.
For an extended period C. E. Iliff has been connected with the real estate business in Independence and at different
times has also been associated with other business affairs which have featured as factors in the steady growth
and improvement of Independence and Buchanan county. He was born in Fayette county, Iowa, on the 8th of April,
1870, his parents being J. N. and Rachel (George) Iliff, both of whom were natives of Green county, Wisconsin,
the former born on the 27th of August, 1846, and the latter in 1850.
J. N. Iliff came to Iowa in September, 1849, and in the acquirement of his education he supplemented a public school
course by study in Western College. From pioneer times he was identified with agricultural pursuits until after
the outbreak of the Civil war. In 1863 he joined the army, becoming a member of Company E, Ninth Iowa Cavalry,
with which he served for two years and eight months. He campaigned in the south especially. against General Sterling
Price. When the war was over he took up his abode in Fayette county, this state, and there remained until 1870,
when hem removed to Spirit Lake. Even then the stockades were standing that had been used at the time of the Spirit
Lake massacre, when the Indians put to death so many of the early settlers of that district. Mr. Iliff took up
land in Dickinson county and after proving up his claim sold out and removed to Buchanan county. He also lived
for a time in Jesup, where he was engaged in the lumber and grain business and in surveying. In 1880 he was appointed
county surveyor and for sixteen consecutive years filled that office in a most capable and commendable manner.
Besides being surveyor he filled the position of county sheriff from 1888 until 1892, having been elected on the
republican ticket. Neither fear nor favor swerved him in the discharge of his duties and the record which he made
in public office, as well as his business activity, placed him among the leading and valued citizens of his community.
He has been a lifelong member of the Methodist church, active and earnest in its work. He is now living retired,
making his home in Independence with his son, C. E. Iliff.
In the public schools of Jesup, C. E. Iliff largely acquired his education and when a youth of but fourteen years
began working as a farm hand, being thus employed for three years. He then entered the sheriff's office, acting
as deputy under his father through his term of four years. After a year's absence he returned to the sheriff's
office as deputy under E. O. Craig and served in that capacity until 1896, when he was elected sheriff and was
continued in the position for six years, or until 1902, making an excellent record by the prompt and faithful manner
in which he discharged his duties. In 1902 he became associated with J. M. Chappell in the real estate business,
in which he has since been engaged, and from that time he has also conducted other business enterprises, having
become proprietor of these as the result of trades. He is now owner of a livery barn in Independence. He has become
thoroughly acquainted with property values, knows the land that is upon the market and has gained a good elientage.
He is also a stockholder in the Independence Cement & Tile Company.
Mr. Iliff was united in marriage to Miss Ellen McDonald, who was born in Buchanan county, a daughter of John and
Ellen (Maddigan) McDonald, both of whom were natives of Ireland, born in 1842 and 1847 respectively. On leaving
the Emerald isle John McDonald made his way direct to Dubuque, Iowa, and thence came to Buchanan county. He is
now living in Independence and is the owner of good land in the county. Mr. and Mrs Iliff have become the parents
of three children : Mildred Bernice, Margaret Rachel and Edgar Everett.
Mr. and Mrs. Iliff hold membership in the Methodist church, and he is a prominent Mason, belonging to the lodge,
chapter and commander. He is also identified with the Knights of Pythias and has been chancellor commander in that
organization. He may truly be called a self made man, for he started out in life on his own account when a youth
of but fourteen years and has since been dependent entirely upon his own resources for the success which he has
achieved. Activity and energy have been the salient features in his career, gaining for him a place among the substantial
business men of Independence.
From:
History of Bachanan County, Iowa
And its People
By Harry Church and Katharyn J. Chappell
Vol II
The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co.
Chicago 1914
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