Joseph H. Revell

REVELL, RHAMES, DAVEY

Posted By: Gordon Felland (email)
Date: 7/4/2006 at 10:21:11

Winnebago county has been signally fortunate in the class of men who have occupied her public offices, for on the whole they have been progressive citizens, putting forth earnest effort to protect the best interests of the community. On the list of capable officials here appears the name of Joseph H. Revell, who is now county sheriff and who makes his home at Forest City. He was born in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, January 31, 1859, a son of John and Mary (Rhames) Revell, who in 1861 became residents of Mitchell county, Iowa, where the father engaged in farming. There the mother passed away and later Mr. Revell removed to North Dakota, where his remaining days were spent.

Joseph H. Revell acquired a public school education and in the year 1875 he became a resident of. Lake Mills, Iowa, where he worked for four years in the employ of George Thomas. He afterward spent one year in Mitchell county, this state, and then returned to Lake Mills, where for a year he was employed by S. D. Wadsworth. On the expiration of that period he removed to Fort Dodge, Iowa, where he continued for eight years. Once more he became a resident of Lake Mills and was employed in the implement store of Eckert & Williams. In 1910, however, he was called to public office, being nominated and elected to the position of sheriff of Winnebago county. The faithfulness and capability which he displayed during his first term led to his reelection and he is now serving for the fourth term in that position, proving a most faithful custodian of the rights and liberties of the individual under the law.

In October, 1901, Mr. Revell was married to Mrs. Villie Davey, of Lake Mills. Her father was one of the pioneer settlers of that part of the county. By a former marriage Mr. Revell had five children and by his second marriage has one. In politics he has ever been an earnest republican since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with the Yeomen. He has become widely known in Winnebago county, where he first took up his abode in 1875, and his reliability and progressive spirit have made him a valued citizen, well worthy of the confidence which is accorded him.

Source: History of Winnebago and Hancock Countires, Iowa, 1917, Vol. II, page 543.