Ledlie, James D.

LEDLIE

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 6/23/2021 at 11:42:01

Source: History of Warren County, Iowa, by Gerard Schultz and Don L. Berry, The Record and Tribune Co., Indianola, Iowa, 1953, p.318

JAMES D. LEDLIE
James D. Ledlie, farmer of R.F.D.[Rural Free Delivery post office] No. 3, Des Moines, was born on Scotch Ridge in the northern part of Warren County May 16, 1875. He was the son of Thomas and Mary (Lindsay) Ledlie, who came to Warren County from Ireland in 1868. After going to country school at Scotch Ridge, he attended Monmouth college and Simpson college.
Jan. 28, 1903, James D. Ledlie married Lydia Bell Sheriff, daughter of Alexander and Janet (Hastie) Sheriff. Alexander Sheriff came to Warren County from Scotland in 1853. His wife was also born in Scotland. Although Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Sheriff lived in Polk county, they were always members of the Scotch Ridge church and both are buried in the Scotch Ridge cemetery.
Mr. and Mrs. James D. Ledlie had 10 children, nine of whom are still living: Frances Jeanett, Dec. 23, 1903; Edna Lucile, Feb. 8, 1905; Thomas Alexander, Dec. 26, 1906; Alice Marie, Dec. 15, 1908; Dorothy Elizabeth, Feb. 19, 1911 (died Nov. 19, 1918); James Ralph, Sept. 10, 1913; Isabel Lydia, Dec. 28, 1915; John Pershing, born on Gen. Pershing's birthday, Sept. 13, 1918; Lyle Howard, March 13, 1921; Lois Velma, Sept. 28, 1924.
Mr. Ledlie was president of the Hartford-Carlisle bank from 1932 to the time of his death on Dec. 17, 1949. He was president of the Polk County Farm Bureau for two years, and for several years he was director of 4-H club work. He was for years treasurer and director of the Elm Grove school board, and Mrs. Ledlie served as a member of this board 21 years. Mr. and Mrs. Ledlie have always supported the Republican Party.
Mr. and Mrs. Ledlie were members of the Scotch Ridge United Presbyterian church from the time they were baptized there as infants. Mr. Ledlie was Sunday school teacher and superintendent, and for 40 years he was an elder of the church. All the children were baptized in this church as infants, and all of the nine living children were members of this church. Alex and Ralph are still active members, but the others have established homes elsewhere. John and Lyle served in the armed forces during World War II - John for six years and Lyle for two years. Four of Mrs. Ledlie's sons-in-law were also in the service.