Lust, Alfred

LUST, FENDER, MERCER, TROUT, EARP

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 9/19/2009 at 17:18:29

Lust, Alfred

Without searching for lineage in musty tomes or the less satisfactory authority of tradition, it suffices to state in writing this brief sketch of a practical man and a master of his craft, that his progenitors were in the broadest sense high and their influence salutary and whose characters and sterling worth have been reproduced on their descendants. Alfred Lust, farmer of Elk Creek Township, Jasper County, has shown himself to be ready at all times to encourage and aid all laudable measures and enterprises for the general good. By a life consistent in motive and because of his many good qualities he has earned the sincere regard of all who know him, and his success while yet a young man bespeaks for him continued advancements and a higher sphere of usefulness.

Mr. Lust was born on the place where he still resides in this Township, on March 30, 1876, and here he has been content to spend his life. He is the son of Riley and Amanda (Fender) Lust, a well-known pioneer family of this locality. The father was born in Ohio and the mother in Indiana. The paternal grandparents were natives of Germany. Riley Lust is one of the best-known and most substantial farmers in Jasper County, besides being one of our most extensive landowners. He is deserving of a great deal of credit for what he has accomplished, having hewn out his own fortune without depending on anyone for aid; however, he is very modest regarding his achievements, being a plain, unassuming gentleman, content to be an unobtrusive citizen of what he considers one of the very foremost localities of our great sisterhood of states. He is largely interested in a great number of investments and enterprises aside from his extensive farm holdings, among others being the implement business in the town of Reasnor, in which his son, Elmer, is a partner. He is also a stockholder and director in the Reasnor Savings Bank, and has at all times stood ready to serve his Township in any capacity. At the present writing he is leading a practically retired life in his beautiful and modernly furnished residence in Reasnor. He has the confidence and esteem of all who know him and his character has ever been above cavil.

To Mr. and Mrs. Riley Lust ten children have been born, all still living, namely: Fred E., born July 22, 1874; Alfred T., subject of this sketch; John W., born June 20, 1878; Arthur J., born July 4, 1885; Mamie J., born September 19, 1887, is the wife of Elmer Mercer, a farmer of Jasper County; Katherine S., born March 5, 1890, is the wife of Carl Trout, a banker residing in West Grove, Iowa; Myrtle M. born August 19, 1893, is living at home; Carl M., born May 31, 1896, also lives at home; Elmer B., born February 18, 1883, is engaged in the implement business at Reasnor, this County.

Alfred Lust grew up on the home farm and assisted with the general work about the place, attending the Sand Point district schools in the winter months. At the age of twenty-one he began renting land of his father, of whom he has been renting four hundred acres ever since and operating the same in a most successful manner. In connection with general farming he carries on stock raising. He feeds cattle every year, making a specialty of raising Herefords.

Politically, Mr. Lust is a Republican and fraternally he belongs to the Woodmen of the World and the blue lodge of Masons. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Reasnor.

Mr. Lust was married on June 27, 1900, to Martha Earp, who was born in Elk Creek Township, this County, and here she grew up and was educated. She is the daughter of Walter Earp, an early settler in Jasper County.

To the subject and wife three children have been born, Edith, Mildred and Lester R. Past and Present of Jasper County Iowa B. F. Bowden & Company, Indianapolis, IN, 1912 Page 715