John L. Safford, since 1860 a farmer in Plainview township, was born in Allegheny county, New York; received a common-school education somewhat limited on account of the illness of his father. In 1845 the family removed to Walworth county, Wisconsin.
In 1860 young Safford, then in his twenty-sixth year, came to Wabasha county and settled on the southeast quarter of section 16. He offered his services to the government in August, 1862, and became a private in Co. C, of the 10th Minn. Inf.; was honorably discharged as a corporal August 21, 1865.
He returned to Plainview, and on the 30th of the following month was married to Rose C. Jolly, of Plainview, a native of Indiana and stepdaughter of Mr. William Boatman, a pioneer of Plainview township. He erected a house on his farm and resided there until 1873, when he sold this place and bought another of eighty acres, in section 14, where he now resides. Mr. Safford is giving some attention to dairy farming. Is a member of the Grange, No. 41. The family are members of the Christian church. Mr. Safford is republican in politics. His children are: Mary A., born August 26, 1866, and Leonard, born March 6, 1869.