Jesse Elias Hester

HESTER, HOCKETT, HOLIDAY, NEWLIN

Posted By: Judy Wight Branson (email)
Date: 8/6/2004 at 18:32:55

Jesse E. Hester, who is farming and raising high grade stock on sections 2 and 3, Penn township, was born in Edgar county, Illinois, on the 24th of January, 1869, a son of Thomas C. and Emeline (Newlin) Hester, both natives of Vermilion county, that state. The father, who was a farmer by occupation, went to Edgar county when but a boy and subsequently bought land there, which he improved and operated until he sold the place and moved back to Vermilion county, where he died. For twenty years he also bought and shipped stock. He passed away in August, 1908, and is survived by his wife, who resides in Parke county, Indiana.

Jesse E. Hester is indebted for his education to the public schools of Edgar and Vermilion counties, Illinois, and to his father's training for his early knowledge of agricultural work. He remained at home with his parents until he was twenty-five years of age and for a number of years of that time farmed and bought stock in partnership with his father. Upon beginning his independent business career he rented land in Vermilion county, which he operated for three years, after which he purchased land in Edgar county and cultivated it for a like period of time. He then came to Madison county, Iowa, and bought one hundred and fifty-four acres of land on section 2, Penn township. He concentrated his energies upon its improvement and as he prospered bought more land until he acquired title to two hundred and sixty-five acres, which he has operated for fourteen years. He devotes some of his attention to the raising of stock, specializing in thoroughbred Duroc Jersey hogs. He feeds about two carloads of cattle per year and his stock-raising activities yield him a good income.

Mr. Hester was married in June, 1894, to Miss Anna Holaday, and they had three children: Ethel, who is teaching school in Illinois; and Thomas and Ralph, both attending school. Mrs. Hester passed away in March, 1900, after a short illness. In August, 1904, Mr. Hester was again married, Miss Olive M. Hockett becoming his wife. Her parents, James and Mary Hockett, were pioneers of Madison county. The father makes his home in Earlham but the mother is deceased. To Mr. Hester's second union four children have been born: Russell and Wilma, who are attending school; Chalmers, aged five years; and Herschel, who is in his second year.

Mr. Hester is a republican as he is convinced of the validity of the position of the party on the various issues in our national political life. His religious faith is that of the Friends church, of which he is a member, and his splendid qualities of character have gained him the unqualified respect of those who have come in contact with him either in business or in a social way.

Taken from the book, "The History of Madison County, Iowa, 1915"