George Crawford Duffield

This is the drover, whose 1866 diary of the cattle drive from San Antonio to Sedalia, Missouri, was the basis for the television show, Rawhide. Served as a scout for the 3d Iowa Cavalry. Farmer and stock-raiser; P.O. Pittsburg; owns about 500 acres of land, valued at $25 per acre; son of James and Margaretta (Bierly) Duffield; his father was a native of Maryland, and his mother of Pennsylvania; they were married in Franklin Co., Penn., in 1815; move to Jefferson Co., the same year; he was born in that county May 13, 1824; in the fall of 1834, moved to Fulton Co., Ill.; his father and brother John, in December, 1836, made claims of land in Van Buren Tp.; the following spring, moved on the claim; their wagon-track was the first west of the Des Moines River in this township; when young, Mr. Duffield spent some time in Louisiana; in St. Paul, Minn., then a small trading-post, in 1849, assisted in unloading the first printing press brought to that place; in 1849, went to California; in the spring of 1853, returned; has been engaged in the stock business extensively; went to Texas, purchased 1,500 head of cattle, and drove them to market; has been Superintendent of the stock, hog and sheep department for the State Agricultural Society for twelve years, and one of the Directors the last three years. Served as a scout for the 3d Iowa Cavalry, about one year. Married Zervia Stannard April 17, 1856; she died March 4, 1857; was married again to Addie Stidger, March 18, 1867; she was born Jan. 4, 1843, in this county; have three children living--Glenn S., Mary C. and Ada E.; lost one -- Howe H. Mr. Duffield's father died Jan. 20, 1875; his mother is living at his brother James'; she is in her 84th year. Republican.