Hotham, George

HOTHAM, ROUNDELL

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, Plym. CC (email)
Date: 3/19/2005 at 11:42:56

George Hotham

The character of a community is determined in a large measure by the lives of a comparatively few of its members. If its moral and intellectual status be good; if in a social way it is a good place in which to reside; if its reputation for the integrity of its citizens has extended into other localities, it will be found that the standards set by the leading men have been high and their influence such as to mould the characters and shape the lives of those with whom they mingle. In placing George Hotham, of Le Mars, in the front rank of such men, justice is rendered a biographical fact recognized throughout this locality by those who have come in contact with him during his residence here since the early pioneer days.

George Hotham was born in Scarboro, Yorkshire, England, April 14, 1862. He is a son of John and Mary (Roundell) Hotham, both natives of England. The father was an army man and was captain of horse artillery in the British army for many years, finally retiring and locating on his estate, "Scaftworth," near Scarboro, where his death occurred in 1882 at the age of seventy years, his widow surviving until 1898, she reaching the age of seventy-two years. They were members of the Church of England. One of their sons is Admiral Sir Charles F. Hotham, G. C. B., K. C., V. O. He entered the English navy when thirteen years old, became a distinguished officer and retired in March, 1914, with the rank of admiral. He is now living in London. His brother, Col. John Hotham, of the horse artillery of the British army, has been a member of the same since he was twenty years old, and is now in the service in Cairo, Egypt. Another brother, Major William Hotham, is a member of the One Hundred and Seventh Infantry, having spent his life in the service, and is now (1916), at the front with the army in Europe. George Hotham, the subject of this sketch, was the next child in order of birth. The only daughter, Mary Hotham, is the youngest of the family, and is living in London.

George Hotham grew to manhood at Scarboro, England, and was given an excellent education, attending school at Rugby, also at Coblentz, Germany, and at Oxford University, from the latter of which he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He has continued a student all his life and is an exceptionally well-informed man, not only with reference to the world's best literature but on the current topics of the times; however, he is a plain, unassuming gentleman, with no desire for public leadership or the plaudits of his fellow men. Upon leaving the university Mr. Hotham came to the United States, proceeding on out to Iowa and locating on a farm ten miles south of Le Mars, where he engaged in general farming and stock raising successfully until he sold the place in 1886. He is now living in a beautiful and well-appointed modern house at 1306 Eagle street, in Le Mars.

On May 6, 1896, George Hotham was married to Louise Neumeister, who was born in Plymouth township, this county, where she grew to womanhood and attended school. She is a daughter of John C. and Caroline (Long) Neumeister, both natives of Germany, from which country they came to America and became pioneers in Plymouth county, engaging in farming here until they retired from active life some time ago. John C. Neumeister is now living in Sioux City, his wife being deceased. They had seven children, namely: William, who is farming in Washington state; Caroline, the widow of Sam Callfas and lives in Le Mars; Anna, who married Walter Bolton and lives in South Dakota; Mary, who married Gus Schultz and is now deceased; Louise, wife of the subject of this sketch; George, who lives in Idaho; and Walter, who lives in Sioux city, Iowa.

To Mr. and Mrs. Hotham one son has been born, George Edward Hotham, whose birth occurred on March 20, 1906. Mr. Hotham is a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. His wife belongs to the German Methodist Church.

BOOK SOURCE:
History of Plymouth County, Iowa
Indianapolis, Ind.: B. F. Bowen, 1917