JORDAN, W. E.

JORDAN, KEPLER

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/8/2005 at 13:59:14

Biography reproduced from page 483 of the History of Kossuth and Humboldt Counties, Iowa published in 1884:

W. E. Jordan is the most prominent grain dealer in the community, and stands as high in the estimation of his fellow townsmen as is possible. He has done much to develop the resources of this village, and is liked and respected by all. He commenced the purchase of grain in the spring of 1883, having purchased the warehouse of P. A. McGuire, at that time.

W. E. Jordan, son of Frederick and Adeline Jordan, was born in Linn county, near Mt. Vernon, Iowa, Aug. 17, 1848. Mr. Jordan was engaged in farming until 1881, when he came to Bancroft, Kossuth county, and engaged in the lumber business, also handling coal and wood. This was the first lumber yard started in Bancroft. In October, 1882, he sold out to McGregor Bros., of Chicago, Ill., and purchased grain interests of P. A. McGuire, which business he still follows. Mr. Jordan was married in 1870, to Mary Kepler, daughter of Henry and Emirine Kepler, of Mt. Vernon, Iowa. They have five children—Edith V., Floeta S., Maggie D., Fred H. and Leo P. Mr. Jordan owns 240 acres of land in Greenwood township, 160 acres within four miles of Bancroft. He also owns fine residence property. He also owns the Phoenix Hotel, which is the second hotel built by him in Bancroft, the first one being burned, when nearly completed, in October, 1882. Mr. Jordan was one of the first men to come to Bancroft, and has been largely instrumental in building up the town, for which he deserves great credit.