ALFRED J. McCARN & CO., bankers, established 1874. Alfred J. McCarn was born in Wayne Co., N. Y., March 27, 1838; is a son of James and Margaret Failing, both natives of New York State, and whose ancestors settled in the State near New York City, before the Revolutionary war. The great-grandfather of Alfred J. belonged to the New York militia when the Revolutionary war commenced, and fought for the cause of American independence. In 1856, the family moved to Davenport, Iowa, where Alfred remained until the autumn of 1857, when he came to Platteville and engaged as clerk in the Bank of Grant Co. (which was one of the old State banks), which position he held until 1860, when he bought a small book store, and engaged in the book and stationery business. He enlisted April 21, 1861, in three months' service; the company not being accepted unless for three years, he returned again to business, and again enlisted Aug. 14, 1862, in Co. A, 33d W. V. I., and was appointed Quartermaster Sergeant, in which capacity he served until February, 1865, when he was promoted to Quartermaster of the regiment. He was mustered out with the regiment at Vicksburg, Aug. 9, 1865. He was married in January, 1868, to Olive McGonigal, a native of this county, by whom he has two children - one boy and one girl. His father was born in February, 1801, and died near Animosa, Iowa, October, 1880.

This biography generously submitted by Roxanne Munns.