LITTLE, Joseph R. - 1914

LITTLE, ROGERS, WHITEHOUSE, WARBURTON, BEDFORD

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 7/7/2009 at 01:41:12

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

JOSEPH R. LITTLE.

From 1888 until 1908 Joseph R. Little was connected in an important manner with farming interests of Silver township and, having followed always the most practical and straightforward methods In the conduct of his interests, is now able to live in retirement, enjoying the rest which rewards honorable and faithful labor. He makes his home in Cherokee, where he is well known in community affairs and is recognized as a publicspirited and representative citizen. He was born in Towanda, Bradford county, Pennsylvania, May 23, 1856, and is a son of William P. and Rebecca (Rogers) Little, the former a native of New Jersey and the latter of Sullivan county, Pennsylvania. The father was a farmer by occupation and in 1868 came west to Iowa, settling in Pilot township, this county, where he took up a homestead claim of eighty acres. Upon this he resided for many years thereafter, dying on the property August 18, 1886. He had survived his wife several years, her death occurring on the 4th of December, 1878. The father was well known in religious circles, being a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he was also class leader and trustee. He was a republican in his political beliefs and especially interested in the cause of education, serving in a capable and progressive way as school director for a number of years. He and his wife had nine children: Albert, Sarah R., Ezra, Lambert and Harriett, who have passed away; Emma, the wife of E. H. Whitehouse, of Canora, Canada; Ellen, deceased; Martin, of Pilot township; and Joseph R., of this review.

The last named acquired his education in the public schools of Pilot township and at the age of eighteen took charge of his fathers farm, which he operated for a number of years thereafter. In 1888 he moved into Silver township and purchased a farm of eighty acres,, which he afterward increased to one hundred and sixty. Upon this fine property, which his well directed efforts made valuable and productive, he engaged in general farming and stockraising for many years, success coming as a natural result of his energy and enterprise. In 1908 he retired from active life and moved into Cherokee, where he has since resided.

On the 25th of November, 1880, Mr. Little married Miss Laura Warburton, who was born August 24, 1861, in Sullivan county, Pennsylvania. She was a daughter of James and Sarah (Bedford) Warburton, residents of Pilot township, where their daughter acquired her education. The parents were natives of England and after emigrating to America settled in Pennsylvania, where they resided until 1869. In that year they moved to Cherokee county, this state, where the father engaged in farming and sawmilling until his death, which occurred in August, 1905. He was a member of the Wesleyan Methodist church and served also as trustee, Sunday school superintendent and class leader. He gave his political allegiance to the prohibition party, being a firm advocate of its principles, and he was altogether an exceptionally worthy and representative citizen. His wife survives him and makes her home in Pilot township. Mrs. Little passed away April 15, 1909. She and her, husband had five children: Carl, at home; Ray, a resident of Canora, Canada; Guy, at home; Lura, who was born August 18. 1895, and who died November 18, 1896; and Mae, at home.

Mr. Little is a trustee in the Wesleyan Methodist church and is a prohibitionist in his political beliefs. He has been honored by various positions of trust and responsibility, having served as township trustee, justice of the peace and school director, proving a capable and efficient public servant. In all relations of life he has been honorable and straightforward andhe holds the esteem and confidence of all who know him.