John A. Land (1851-1937)

LAND

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 11/3/2022 at 23:05:13

John Alvin Land
(September 22, 1851 – August 15, 1937)

John A. Land, a well-known grain and stock dealer of Rands, Iowa, is a man whose sound common sense and vigorous able management have been important factors in his success, and with his undoubted integrity of character have given him an honorable position among his fellow men. A native of this state, he was born in Washington County, on the 22nd of September, 1851, and is a son of Mathew and Tabitha (Leeper) Land, the former of whom was a native of Jackson County. Ohio, the latter of Pennsylvania. Mathew Land was left fatherless during infancy. In 1840 he came to Iowa and first settled in Henry County, but later made his home in Washington County. Throughout life he followed the occupation of farming. He died in 1885 at the age of fifty-six years, and his wife passed away shortly afterward. This worthy couple were the parents of nine children, of whom eight are still living, namely: John A., of this review; Sarah, wife of Oliver Hayes, of Rinehart, Missouri; Martha, wife of Solomon Davidson, of Roseland, Nebraska; Caleb, a resident of Bloomheld. Iowa; George, of Oklahoma; Mary A., wife of William Reed, of Frontier County, Nebraska; Frank, of Oklahoma; and Amanda, wife of Allet Van Pelt, of Beatrice. Nebraska. Mr. Land, of this review, was reared and educated in Washington and Henry counties, Iowa, and commenced life for himself as a farmer. In 1881 he removed to Humboldt County, this state, where lie followed that occupation for twelve years, and on the expiration of that period came to Rands, Calhoun County, and embarked in general merchandising, the grain and stock business. He had the second store opened at that place, having purchased a stock of goods invoiced at one hundred and twenty-five dollars, to which he added until he had a large and complete assortment of everything found in a first-class establishment of the kind. On the 1st of May, 1901, he sold his store, but is still engaged in the grain and stock business. On locating in Rands there was not an elevator in the place, but he has been instrumental in securing for the town a large grain trade and for the past two years has had charge of the north elevator. He is a wide-awake, energetic and reliable business man, and the success that has come to him is certainly well deserved, from 1899 to 1901 Mr. Land served as postmaster, and as a public spirited and progressive citizen he has done much to advance the interests of his town and county. On the 8th of March, 1874. Mr. Land was united in marriage with Miss Martha Alice Sheppard, a daughter of William and Sarah (Montgomery) Sheppard, of Washington county, Iowa, who are both now deceased. Of the four children born to them. Zettie, the second in order of birth, is now deceased. Those living are Clayton, who married Minnie Criddle, of Center township, this county, and resides in Rands; Ralph, in school; and Ira B., at home. Besides their own children Mr. and Mrs. Rand are rearing a little girl named Edith. [Source – Biographical Record of Calhoun County, Iowa, by S.J. Clarke, 1902, p.457]