Boiler, Chester D.

BOILER

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 3/29/2010 at 01:31:38

Chester D. Boiler, a capitalist of Walnut, whose intense and well directed activity is manifest in his successful control of invested interests, was born in Muscatine, Iowa, January 23, 1875, his parents being Joseph and Julia (Dickinson) Boiler. The father, a native of Piketon, Ohio, was born December 10, 1834, and was reared to farm life, acquiring his education in the common schools. He remained at home until he attained his majority, He then engaged in farming on his own account and early in the '60s he went west with three brothers to Montana, traveling from Muscatine county, Iowa, with ox teams, In Montana they were engaged in mining gold. They were associated in their mining operations for about one year, but not meeting with the success they had anticipated they separated, each starting out for himself. Joseph Boiler afterward discovered a paying placer mine, which he sold to good advantage. He then returned to Iowa, after three years spent in Montana, and settled in Muscatine county, this state, where he carried on agricultural pursuits.

In 1874 he came to Pottawattamie county and in company with his father purchased land in Wright township, after which he brought his family to Walnut in 1875. At the time of the building of the railroad through the town, he purchased a section of land in Shelby county, near the proposed line of the road and from this time on he continued to deal in farm lands, which he purchased at a low price, holding them until his death. They greatly appreciated in value owing to the settlement of this section of the state and the improvements made upon the farms, and thus through his operations in country property Mr. Boiler became a wealthy man. He had faith in the future of Iowa and with wonderful sagacity foresaw the rapid growth of the state and the splendid business development which would follow. His investments were extensive, including lands in Cass, Cherokee, Pocahontas and Pottawattamie counties, and thus at the time of his death he was enabled to leave his family a very valuable estate. Moreover, during his entire business life he was honorable and reliable, never taking advantage of the necessities of his fellowmen in any business transaction. He died on the 24th of June, 1900, and thus the county lost one of its prominent and honored citizens.

In politics he was a sound money democrat, but was without desire or aspiration for public office. He was a consistent member of the Presbyterian church. Though his business interests were extensive, he was preeminently a man of domestic taste, whose interest centered in his family. He loved his home, was devoted to the welfare of his wife and children, and his best traits of character were reserved for his own fireside. Mrs. Boiler still survives her husband and is yet living in Walnut. They were the parents of four children: Nettie, now the wife of H. M. Wilson, of Spencer, Iowa; Nora, the wife of E. H. Carey, of Le Mars, Iowa; Ada, at home; and Chester D.

The only son spent his boyhood days in his parents' home and supplemented his preliminary education by study in the Iowa College at Grinnell, from which he was graduated with the class of 1896, when the degree of bachelor of arts was conferred upon him. Following his graduation he returned home and was connected with his father in the management of his landed properties up to his death. Later, Chester D. Boiler purchased an interest in the Exchange State Bank and for four years was assistant cashier of that institution. In 1904 he resigned his position in the bank but still retained his stock therein and is a member of the board of directors. Since leaving the bank he has given his entire time to the management of his own and his mother's business interests.

On the 26th of April, 1899, Mr. Boiler was married to Miss June Mosher, daughter of Orris Mosher, cashier of the Exchange State Bank of
Walnut. They occupy a very enviable position in social circles and are greatly esteemed throughout the community. Mr. Boiler has no political ambitions but exercises his right of franchise at the ballot box in support of men and measures of the republican party. He belongs to the Presbyterian church and for a number of years has been one of its trustees. His interests are thoroughly identified with those of western Iowa, and at all times he is ready to lend his aid and co-operation to any movements calculated to benefit this section of the country or advance its wonderful development.