In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
From History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time (1911)
HARRY J. MANCHESTER
Harry J. Manchester, an employe of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company at Cedar Rapids, was born in Lisbon, this county, and is a son of John M. and Elmira (Withem) Manchester. The mother is now deceased. The father, who is a carpenter by trade, came from Pennsylvania to Iowa when a young man and here began work at carpentering. For a long period he was actively identified with building operations here, but is now living retired and makes his home with his son, Harrv J. Manchester.
At the usual ape. Harry J. Manchester began his education in the public schools, but his opportunities in that direction were somewhat limited for when a youth of twelve years he went to work with horses and was employed in that way for a number of years. lie. has been identified with railroad interests much of" the time since 1894, in which year he became a fireman occupying that position for about live years. He was afterward with the Sinclair Packing Company for a time and later entered the service of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company, with which he is now connected.
On the 30th of August, 1900. Mr. Manchester was united in marriage to Miss Ida Fawcett. a daughter of Jonas and Angeline (Parmer) Fawcett. The father came to Iowa when a young man from his old home in Belmont, Ohio, lie had learned the carpenter's trade and here turned his attention to contracting. Mr. Manchester and his wife are members of the Lutheran Evangelical church and take a very prominent and active part in the various lines of church work. He also belongs to the Knights of Pythias lodge and to the Switchmen's Union. He is deeply interested in affairs relating to the progress and improvement of the city and he believes in upholding those measures which are equitable to all alike. He does not believe in class distinction in the eyes of the law, but seeks at all times to further general good.
As printed in History of Linn County Iowa : from its earliest settlement to the present time (1911). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
Named in this biography: John S. Ely (b. 1853)
The printed record stops around 1911. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.