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.
Born 1812
From History of Johnson County, Iowa, containing a history of the county, and its townships, cities and villages from 1836 to 1882. Together with biographical sketches .. (1883)
JOSEPH RAYNER, farmer, post-office. River Junction; was born in Yorkshire, England, January, 1812, where he spent his early life until 1852; he came to America and stopped one winter at Altoona, Pennsylvania; then came to Iowa and settled in Johnson county, where he has since lived, and followed farming, and buying and shipping stock; he owns 240 acres of land. He was married in England to Elizabeth Raw, who is still living. They have five children, viz.: Joseph, Elizabeth, now Mrs. J. D. Musser; William, Frank, and George. Mr. Rayner is a member of the Reform Church at Lone Tree.
As printed in History of Johnson County, Iowa, containing a history of the county, and its townships, cities and villages from 1836 to 1882. Together with biographical sketches .. (1883). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1883. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.