My Genealogy Hound

A. J. Friday, living on section 22, New Hope township, where he carries on general farming and stock-raising, his place comprising three hundred and twenty acres of land that is neat and thrifty in appearance, was born in Clarke county, Iowa, July 17, 1865. His father, Ferdinand Friday, was a native of Germany, born in 1833, and was there reared. He came to America in 1854, when about twenty-one years of age, and spent two years in Illinois, after which he removed to Iowa in 1856, settling in Clarke county. There he opened up a farm and reared his family. For many years he successfully carried on general agricultural pursuits there and won a comfortable competence that now enables him to live retired, his home being in Murray.

A. J. Friday, whose name introduces this review, was reared in Clarke county and educated in the common schools, also attending the Murray high school: He remained with his father through the period of his minority, aiding in carrying on the home farm, so that he early became familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He made preparation for having a home of his own by his marriage in Murray, on the 26th of September, 1895, to Miss Mina Christy, who was born in Ohio but was reared in Clarke county, Iowa. Her father, George Christy, for some years identified with agricultural interests in Clarke county, is now living retired in Murray. Following their marriage the young couple began their domestic life upon the farm which is now their home. At that time, however, only one hundred and sixty acres were comprised within its borders but as he has prospered in his undertakings Mr. Friday has added to his possessions and is now the owner of a valuable property comprising an entire half section. He has fenced his place, built a large new barn and has a good house upon his farm. A fine grove of maple trees also adds to the value and attractive appearance of the place and he has likewise set out a good orchard which is just coming into bearing, together with much small fruit. His farm is pleasantly and conveniently located within two miles of Lorimor, so that he has a good market nearby, and with the work of tilling the soil he also raises and feeds hogs and cattle, having on hand a large number each year. His farm is thoroughly equipped with all modern conveniences and accessories, including stock scales and a windpump.

Mr. and Mrs. Friday have become the parents of four children: Vera L., Lloyd R., Lyle A. and Mildred L. Politically Mr. Friday is a democrat where national issues are involved but votes independently at local elections. The cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion and he has done effective service in its behalf as a member of the school board. He and his wife are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Lorimor and he is identified with the Mutual Benefit Association and the Fraternal Insurance order. He is widely recognized in this community as a man of good business ability, a successful farmer and stock-raiser, whose sterling traits of character have gained him an enviable position in the regard of his many friends and neighbors.