AUGUSTUS R. BIXLER

Augustus R. Bixler, who is called Gus by his numerous friends, is one of the well know farmers and stock-feeders of Dayton township, whose farm comprises two hundred and seventeen acres of good land on section 22, Dayton township. A part of this lies within the corporation limits of Clarence and the remainder adjoins the boundaries of the village. It was in this township that his birth occurred on the 4th of April, 1865, his parents being John Austin and Amanda (Speelman) Bixler, both of whom were natives of Ohio, where they remained until after their marriage. They came to Cedar county among its early settlers and here reared their family. The father, however, died in 1876 at the age of thirty-six years, but the mother still survives and now makes her home in Clinton.

Augustus R. Bixler spent his youthful days on the home farm and at the usual age entered the public schools, wherein he mastered the elementary branches of English learning. He afterward devoted two winter terms to study in Clarence high school and after arriving at years of maturity he worked by the month at farm labor for a few years. He was ambitious, however, to own a farm of his own, and utilized the opportunities that led in that direction. He also early realized the fact that untiring labor is the strongest element in success and his life therefore has been one of industry and perseverance.

On the 19th of February, 1890, Mr. Bixler was married in Clarence to Miss Ella Wilkin, who was born in Cedar county and was educated in the public schools. Her father, Noah Wilkin, is a native of England and in early manhood came to the new world, while some time later he established his home in Cedar county. Following his marriage Mr. Bixler rented the old home farm for a time and afterward purchased from his mother the place upon which he now resides, constituting a tract of one hundred and sixty acres. Afterward he extended the boundaries of his place until it now comprises two hundred and seventeen acres and upon the farm he has put up good buildings and otherwise has greatly improved the place in accordance with the modern methods of agriculture. For fifteen or sixteen years he has engaged in buying and feeding stock, sending from fifty to sixty carloads of fat cattle, hogs and sheep each year to market. Owing to the excellent condition of his stock he finds a ready sale upon the market and this constitutes a profitable source of income to Mr. Bixler.

To Mr. and Mrs. Bixler have been born two children: Clarence H., who assists in the cultivation of the farm; and Alta, who is now pursuing her education in the town of Clarence. Politically a republican, Mr. Bixler has never been an office seeker but was elected and is now serving as township trustee. He and his wife attend the Methodist church of Clarence, although they are not members. His has been a well spent life and his business enterprise and integrity are well known to all. He is one of the largest stock feeders and shippers of Cedar county and the careful management of his extensive business interests has given him a place among the substantial citizens of this part of the state.