OLLIE H. HEMPHILL

HEMPHILL, HUMPHREYS, BLOOMFIELD, MADISON

Posted By: Norma Nielson (email)
Date: 8/19/2004 at 13:33:55

Ollie H. Hemphill owns and cultivates eighty acres of land on section 30, Prussia township, comprising one of the most attractive and highly improved farms in the county. His birth occurred in Lincoln county, Missouri, on the 1st of September, 1874, his parents being James and Mary (Humphreys) Hemphill, who were likewise natives of that state. They made their way to Adair county, Iowa, in 1874, the father here devoting his attention to general agricultural pursuits throughout the remainder of his active business career. His last days were spent in honorable retirement at Fontanelle, where he passed away in September, 1906, at the age of sixty-nine years, his death being the occasion of deep and widespread regret throughout the community. His widow, who has now attained the age of seventy-six years, still makes her home in Fontanelle and enjoys an extensive and favorable acquaintance here. James Hemphill served for six months of the Civil war as a member of a Missouri regiment.
Ollie H. Hemphill was brought to this county in his infancy and has remained within its borders continuously ever since. He was reared and educated in Prussia township and remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority, after which he started out as an agriculturist on his own account, cultivated rented land for ten years. On the expiration of that period he purchased an eighty-acre tract on section 30, Prussia township, but leased the place for seven years before taking up his abode thereon, so that the farm has been his home only for the past three years. He has improved the property until it is now one of the best in the county and in its operation is meeting with excellent success. He devotes considerable attention to the raising of thoroughbred Poland China hogs, finding this branch of his business quite profitable.
On the 8th of February, 1899, Mr. Hemphill was united in marriage to Miss Georgia Bloomfield, a daughter of Henry and Fanny (Madison) Bloomfield, who were natives of Ohio and Indiana respectively. The father, an agriculturist by occupation, came to Adair county, Iowa, in 1871, purchasing a tract of land in Eureka township which he improved and cultivated during the remainder of his life. He died on the 4th of October, 1913, as a result of a runaway accident, and his widow now makes her home in Fontanelle. Mr. and Mrs. Hemphill have one child, Lole V., who is fourteen years of age.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Hemphill has supported the men and measures of the republican party and for five years he served as school director, being ever a stanch friend of the cause of education. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, while his religious faith is that of the Methodist Church. He and his estimable wife have many warm friends, who recognize in them the elements that contribute most to the upbuilding of the best interests of the community.
Source: The "History of Adair County Iowa and its People," Volume II. (Chicago, The Pioneer Publishing Company) 1915.