p. 207

            James Stapleton, farmer, section 5, Clyde Township, is the owner of 199 acres of land, on which he has been a resident since 1858, and which became his property by purchase four years earlier.  He was born Feb. 28, 1830, at Earl’s Eaton, Yorkshire, England: is the son of William and Susan Stapleton, of whom a biographical sketch appears on other pages.  He was 11 years of age when his parents came from their native country with their family to America, locating first at Paterson, N.J.  Soon afterwards they went to Jersey City.  When he was 16 years old he entered the carpet factory of Shepherd, Sines & Co., of Jersey City, to learn the method of weaving ingrain carpet, and spent two years in the accomplishment of his purpose.  He went from Jersey City to Haverstraw on the Hudson River, located near Sing Sing, where he obtained a situation in the extensive establishment of Higgins & Co.  He was employed by that firm for five years.  He went next to Franklin. N.J., and was there five years.  In 1858 he came to Clyde Township and took possession of the farm on which he has since resided, and which his brother secured for him in 1854.  He was unmarried and made his home as convenience or opportunity served, and June 29, 1861, he was married to Sarah J. Simpson.  Two children have been born to them, - George B., born July 24, 1864, and John V., Sept. 25, 1867.  Mrs. Stapleton is the daughter of Israel and Jane (Huston) Simpson.  Her parents were natives of New Jersey and were of New England origin, in nationality representing the English, Dutch and Scotch from whom they were descended.  They were farmers in their native country, where they spent their entire lives.  The death of the father took place in 1865, at the age of 75 years.  The mother died in 1870, when she was 74 years old.  Mrs. Stapleton was born May 4, 1835, in Franklin, Essex Co., N.J., and she is the seventh of nine children born to her parents.  She was educated in the public schools and lived in the place of her nativity until she came West after marriage.

            The farm on which Mr. and Mrs. Stapleton began their wedded life had been somewhat improved and is now in excellent agricultural condition with good residence and farm buildings and a large and valuable orchard.

            Politically, Mr. Stapleton is a Republican.