BUDLONG, J. J.

BUDLONG, SPICER

Posted By: Jean Kramer (email)
Date: 5/20/2004 at 15:45:57

Biography reproduced from page 78 of Volume II of the History of Kossuth County written by Benjamin F. Reed and published in 1913:

J. J. Budlong, of the firm of J. J. Budlong & Sons, is one of the well known and highly regarded citizens of Titonka, where for more than twenty years he has been engaged in the lumber business, prior to which he was identified with the agricultural interests of the county. A native of Ohio, he was born in the town of Medina, on the 4th of March, 1859, and there passed his boyhood and early youth. He was given the advantages of good schooling, pursuing his education in his native state until 1875, when he joined his brother at Toledo, Iowa. He then turned his attention to teaching in the public schools of Tama county, being identified with this profession until 1881. In the latter year he came to Kossuth county, locating west of Bancroft where he purchased a hundred and sixty acre of land. He assiduously applied himself to the cultivation and improvement of his farm for ten years, at the end of which time he sold his place and removed to Bancroft. Commercial activities, however, seemed to afford better advantages and quicker returns than agricultural pursuits, and this decided him to engage in business. In order to qualify himself for a definite career he entered a local lumberyard, and during the period of his connection became familiar with the various details of the business. Later he located in Wesley, this county, where he bought and for several years conducted a lumberyard. Subsequently disposing of this enterprise he removed to Titonka and established a similar business, the scope of which he later extended by the purchase of two other local yards. As he is thoroughly trustworthy and reliable in his methods, making no promises that he is not able and willing to fulfill, he has prospered in his undertakings and owns a thriving and constantly increasing business. He has recently taken his two sons, Jay and Roy, into business with him under the firm name of J. J. Budlong & Sons.

Mr. Budlong is a man of more than average foresight and sagacity, as is evidenced by his success, and is not only one of the foremost business men of his town but of the county. He owns one of the best residences in town and also owns a well improved farm of two hundred and forty acres in the vicinity of Wesley and another of a hundred and sixty acres near Titonka.

In Tama county in November, 1881, Mr. Budlong was married to Miss Frances Spicer, who was born, reared and educated in that county. They have become the parents of two sons and three daughters, as follows: Jay, who is married and with his brother Roy engaged in business with his father; Edith, who is bookkeeper in the First National Bank; May, who is residing at home; and Hazel, who is teaching in this county.

The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mrs. Budlong and the children are active members, the eldest son, Jay, being superintendent of the Sunday school. The political allegiance of Mr. Budlong is accorded to the republican party, and although he takes an active and helpful interest in all local affairs and at one time served on the town board, he has endeavored to keep out of politics. A man of high standards and upright principles, whose transactions are conducted in such a manner as to win him the confidence and esteem of those with whom he has dealings, he is highly respected in the community and enjoys the regard of a large circle of acquaintances.