Newton J. Roundy, a resident of Washington Township, is an old settler, having come to the county in 1851. He was born in Pike County, Illinois, March 27, 1850, and is the son of Washington and Alvira (Williams) Roundy, being the oldest of a family of eleven children. He remained at home working on his father's farm until he was nineteen years old, when he went to work by the month for another farmer. march 17, 1870, he was married to Miss Anna Kleeb, a daughter of John and Barbara (Spars) Kleeb. She was one of a family of fourteen children, eleven of whom survive. She was born in Fayette County, Iowa, August 17, 1852. Mr. and Mrs. Roundy are the parents of five children - Carrie A., John E., George W., Albert R. and Lorinda B., who died July 25, 1888. Her death was very sad, being caused by her clothing catching fire from matches with which she was playing. Her brother George rode to Panama, three and a half miles distant, and brought back the physician, Dr. Gregg, in thirty minutes. But there was no help for her, and after four days of suffering her soul was released from the tortured little body. For three years after his marriage Mr. Roundy rented land. he then concluded to go to Nebraska, but his father offered to make him a gift of forty acres of land in Shelby County if he would live upon it. He accepted this proposition, and made this place his home for three years. He then sold it to his father and bought eighty acres, which are included in his present farm; it consists of 485 acres, 295 of which are under the plow, 140 in pasture, and fifty in hay land. In 1888 Mr. Roundy erected a fine frame residence at a cost of $2,400. He handles live-stock quite extensively, shipping from 150 to 200 head of hogs each year, and from two to three car loads of cattle. Politically Mr. Roundy is inclined to the principles of the Democratic party. He has served his township as assessor, clerk, trustee, and is the present treasurer. He is a member of Parian Lodge, No. 32, A. F. & A. M.

Sarah Roundy is the daughter of William and Polly (Hedrick) Van Ausdall, natives of Virginia. Mr. Van Ausdall was born February 23, 1788, and died January 1, 1869, in Shelby County, Iowa. His wife was born in November, 1792, and died in November, 1846. They were married in Virginia, and in 1839 they came to Iowa and located in Lee County, where Mrs. Van Ausdall died. They were the parents of twelve children, of whom seven survive - Jane, wife of William Gaugh; Elizabeth (deceased); Mary, wife of Thomas Woodcock; Anna, wife of John Cachran; Malinda (deceased); Margaret Sims (deceased); Cornelius (deceased); Leanah, wife of Chauncey Williamson; Martha, wife of George Oman; Sarah Roundy, the subject of this notice; Susannah (deceased), and William H., residing in San Antonio, California. Mr. Van Ausdall was reared a farmer and followed this occupation successfully through life. He came to Shelby County in 1850, bringing his family with him, settling at Galland's Grove; there he spent the latter part of his life. He figured very prominently in the early political history of the county; he was the first judge of the county, and held some of the township offices. He was an elder in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (reorganized), and took an active interest in the upbuilding of that society. He united with the church in 1832, and clung fast to the faith until his death. He was a man who did whatever he could to promote the welfare of the community. The last seventeen years of his life he spent with his daughter, Mrs. Sarah Roundy. Mrs. Roundy was born in Lawrence County, Ohio, February 22, 1831, and came to Iowa with her parents when she was eight years old. She was married March 22, 1853, to Asahel Roundy, a native of Onondaga County, New York, who was born September 10, 1828. He came to Shelby County in 1850, and there lived the remainder of his days; he died June 6, 1879. His first venture in real estate was a claim of 160 acres in section 20, Grove Township; there he and his wife commenced life together. They struggled through the early history of the county, fearlessly facing the hardships met with by all pioneers. They improved their land and increased their possessions until at the time of Mr. Roundy's death they owned 300 acres, all of which is highly improved. They have done their share in promoting the interests and welfare of the county. Through their many deeds of kindness and hospitality they have become endeared to a large circle of friends. Mr. Roundy was noted for his honorable and square dealing. He had few equals as a neighbor, and as a husband and father he was kind, faithful and true. He held positions of honor and trust among the people, and his death was mourned by a large circle of friends. His place is one that can not easily be filled. Mr. and Mrs. Roundy were the parents of ten children - Mary, wife of J. M. Franklin; Artimicia, at home; Frances, wife of J. C. Hardman; Sophia, at home; William U., residing in Grove Township; Forest Rose and Lillie A., at home; Alma (deceased). The family are members of the reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Sophia and Marthy have been successfully engaged in the profession of teaching.