JAMES M. SAMUELS
Page 198

Mr. Samuels was born in the State of Virginia, July 27, 1809; emigrated to Kentucky at the age of six years, and from there to Mason county, in 1834. In 1838 he married Miss Matilda Taylor, daughter of John Taylor, an old resident of Cass county, Illinois. His business since his marriage has been farming; before that time he followed the trade of a plasterer. Mr. Samuels' practical business abilities have made all his undertakings and investments so many successes, and his broad acres in the central part of Mason county, will fully corroborate this statement. From times long past his neighbors have kept him in the office of justice of the peace, school and township officer; and there is little hope of his release. A few years ago he laid out the town of Easton, in the central part of the county, about equal distances between Havana and Mason City. It is pleasantly situated, in the richest agricultural region in the world, and is very rapidly improving. It is no narrow policy in its proprietor that has been the cause of its success, but the reverse. A stranger visiting Easton is first impressed by the fine class of buildings of which it is composed. There is now in process of construction a fine school edifice, of which the citizens may be justly proud. It is an excellent grain market, has excellent facilities for handling grain, and large amounts are brought and shipped from that point. There are several stores doing a lucrative business in this prosperous town; also a number of first-class mechanics. Mr. Samuels, as will be seen by the date of his arrival, was one of the very first settlers, and space prohibits those interesting details so full in the life of all our pioneers. Mr. S. is yet a healthy, robust man, and good for many years of his characteristic usefulness in the community where he resides.

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