Asahel Read

JONES, READ

Posted By: Judy Wight Branson (email)
Date: 10/11/2005 at 14:04:47

Among the native sons of Madison county who have been so well pleased with conditions that they have continued to reside here is Asahel Read, who was born on a farm on sections 21 and 22, Scott township, where he now resides. He was reared under the parental roof and was given the usual educational advantages of the time, attending the public schools and thus mastering the fundamental branches of learning. As soon as old and strong enough he began to help his father in the cultivation of the fields, the care of the crops and the feeding of the stock. The training thus received was such that upon reaching maturity he was an efficient agriculturist and after his marriage he rented land for two years in Scott township. He then bought one hundred and thirty-two acres of E. J. Spurgin, which he operated for two years and at the end of that time he sold it at a handsome profit. He then returned to the homestead and has since operated it. In 1909 he purchased one hundred and twenty acres thereof from his father and had previously bought a forty acre tract, and after fencing, tiling and improving the same he now owns one of the best stock farms in the locality. Mr. Read is progressive, alert and businesslike and manages his affairs so that his resources are constantly increasing.

In 1905 Mr. Read was united in marriage with Miss Mary Jane Jones, a native of this county and a daughter of Elijah Jones, who is a retired farmer residing in Winterset. This union has been blessed with four children, Nelson, Dwight, Catherine and Raymond.

Mr. Read is a republican but is entirely without political aspirations as his business affairs demand his undivided attention. In addition to the cultivation of his fields he buys and sells horses and cattle quite extensively and finds that branch of his business especially profitable. In promoting his individual success he has also contributed to the agricultural development of his county and his has made many warm friends honorable business methods, energy and efficiency have gained him the respect of those who have had dealings with him, while his personality is such that he has made many warm friends.

Taken from the book, “The History of Madison County, Iowa, 1915,” by Herman Mueller.