ADSIT, Ray - 1914

ADSIT, ALLISON, TOWNSEND

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 7/6/2009 at 03:38:07

HISTORY OF
Cherokee County
IOWA
VOLUME II
ILLUSTRATED
CHICAGO
THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING COMPANY
1914
by Thomas McCulla

On the roster of county officials in Cherokee county appears the name of Ray Adsit, who has ably discharged the duties devolving upon him as treasurer for the past eight years. He owns and resides upon a farm adjoining the city of Cherokee. His birth occurred in Decorah, Winneshiek county, Iowa, on the 8th of January, 1871, his parents being William C. and Sarah (Allison) Adsit, the former a native of West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, and the latter of Canisteo, New York. William C. Adsit, an agriculturist by occupation, removed to De corah, Iowa, and was there elected county surveyor. In 1876 he came to Cherokee and embarked in the mercantile business. Here he likewise served in the capacity of county surveyor for six years and for a similar period held the position of county auditor, proving a capable and trustworthy public official. He also owned and operated a farm for a time but is now living retired, spending the evening of life in well earned ease. Both he and his wife have resided in Cherokee county continuously for the past thirtyseven years and are well known and highly esteemed within its borders. Mr. Adsit is a republican in his political views and a Congregationalist in religious faith, while fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His children were as follows: Lottie, who is a resident of Massachusetts; Louis, living in Los Angeles, Cali fonia; Addie, who is deceased; William, of Cherokee, Iowa; Ray, of this review; Ruth who makes her home in Laramie. Wyoming; and Charles, of Huron, South Dakota.

Ray Adsit obtained his early education in the public schools of Cherokee and later pursued a commercial course at Omaha, Nebraska. He subsequently spent four years on his fathers ranch in that state and then resided on a homestead claim in South Dakota for two years. On the expiration of that period he returned to Cherokee and on the ist of January, 1895, began his duties as deputy auditor under his father. On the ist of January, 1905, he was elected county treasurer and has held this office throughout the intervening eight years, his services in that connection being highly satisfactory and efficient.

As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Adsit chose Miss Mary Edna Townsend, a daughter of David W. and Mary Townsend, of Cherokee, Iowa. They have one daughter, Helene, at home. Mr. Adsit gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has fraternal relations with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In all of his dealings he has been thoroughly reliable and straightforward and, moreover, his influence is at all times in favor of those projects and measures which promote general progress, improvement and growth.