My Genealogy Hound

Ralph W. Stream, an auctioneer and liveryman of Creston, was born in Linn county, Iowa, December 29, 1875, his parents being Samuel and Elizabeth M. (Nesbitt) Stream, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. The public schools afforded him his educational privileges and he was reared to manhood upon a farm in Adair county, Iowa, whither his parents removed in 1879 when he was but four years of age. The duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist early became familiar to him and he remained at home, assisting in the work of the farm until he had attained his majority, when he started out in business life on his own account as a farmer. Three years later he sold his interest in the farm to his brother and removed to Creston, where he has since made his home. For seven years he has been engaged in auctioneering in Union and adjoining counties and is considered one of the best representatives of this line of business in the state. For two years he was engaged in the livery business and then sold out but in May, 1907, again entered that field of activity as a member of the firm of Stream Brothers, but since March, 1908, he has been alone. He conducts a well equipped livery barn, keeping a fine line of rigs and giving prompt and attentive service, which is securing a constantly growing patronage.

On the 14th of December, 1899, Mr. Stream was united in marriage to Miss Cloa May Bowen, who was born in Mahaska county, Iowa, a daughter of George and Amelia Bowen, who are residents of Adair county. In his political views Mr. Stream is a republican, thoroughly in sympathy with the principles of the party, but has never sought nor desired office. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America. He has a wide acquaintance in Union and adjoining counties by reason of his auctioneering business and a genial, jovial manner and disposition have made him a man of many friends.