John W. Stocker, grocer and dealer in corn and stock, was born in Caledonia County, Vt., June 2nd, 1835; moved with parents to Lowell, Mass., in 1843; thence to McHenry County, Ill., in 1854 and engaged in farming; thence to Henry County, Ia., and engaged in setting up woolen mills; thence to Buchanan County in 1857 and engaged in farming one year; then moved to Little Sioux. He enlisted in Co. C., 29th Ia. Inft.; was in a number of important battles; was regimental quartermaster and commanded his company the last year and a half of his service; was some time in Rio Grande, Tex., and returned home Sept. 2nd, 1865; moved to Woodbine and bought an interest in the woolen mill there; after six months sold out and removed to Magnolia, then the County seat, and was elected clerk of the courts in 1866 and re-elected in 1868. In 1876 he located in Logan and engaged in the stock and grain buying business and added the grocery business in 1879. He is a member of the Masonic, I.O.O.F., and I.O.G.T. orders. He married Susan B. Bonney, in 1862. They have three daughters.