SCOTT S. KESSLER

For nearly a quarter of a century Scott S. Kessler has been identified with the business interests of Bennett. At present, he is living upon a portion of his estate of seven hundred and four acres, all of which he acquired through diligent effort and splendid business management. He was born March 12, 1856, in Blair county, Pennsylvania, his parents being John S. and Sarah Ann (Barnical) Kessler. His father was born January 11, 1818, in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, and passed away in Cedar county, Iowa, February 7, 1892. When he came to this county in 1856, he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Inland township and for two years farmed that place and made extensive improvements thereon. In 1858 he disposed of it to a decided advantage and for the following eleven years operated rented land. Then he again purchased property, securing one hundred and sixty-five acres, upon which place he made his home until his death. He was a republican in politics and always took an active part in the conduct of township and county affairs. Both he and his wife were members of the Methodist church and were estimable citizens. She was a native of Clearfield county, Pennsylvania, born June 28, 1826, and passed away in Cedar county, May 12, 1903. They were married at Williamsburg, Pennsylvania, and became the parents of twelve children, nine sons and three daughters: Miles Benner, born November 23, 1846, died October 8, 1859. Henrietta, died in infancy. James Crawford, born April 1, 1849, is a farmer living in Oskaloosa, Iowa. John Blair, born July 10, 1851, is a physician of Iowa City. Jacob L. died in infancy. Mary Elizabeth, born March 3, 1854, is the wife of George Blair, a farmer of Bennett. Scott S., is the next in order of birth. Smith died in infancy. Sarah Ann, born October 12, 1859, is the wife of J. R. Hanna of Superior, Wisconsin. William, born August 1, 1861, was states attorney at Langdon, North Dakota, and died November 22, 1895. Grant, born November 29, 1865, died October 4, 1884. Jesse R., born August 22, 1866, lives at Green Mountain, Iowa.

Scott S. Kessler attended the common schools of Inland township and worked upon the home farm. At the age of twenty-one, he learned the carpenter’s trade, which he followed for three years, and then engaged in the hardware and implement business in Bennett for seventeen years. Tiring of the confining work in his store, he traded his business for a half section of land in Kossuth county, Iowa. Some time later he again embarked in the implement business in Bennett and continued in that line for six years. Trading for eighty acres of land adjoining Bennett, he retired from the store and has since made his home upon this farm. In addition to this property he owns two hundred and twenty-four acres lying a half mile north of Bennett and recently purchased eighty acres which adjoin his home place.

Mr. Kessler was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Jane Hostler, a daughter of Daniel and Delilah (Fleck) Hostler, natives of Blair county, Pennsylvania, who came to Cedar county, Iowa, in 1867. The parents farmed in Inland township until they passed away, the father, June 27, 1895, and the mother, January 2, 1904. Mrs. Kessler is one of a family of nine children, seven of whom grew to manhood and womanhood, while two died in infancy. They are: Mary Frances, born August 18, 1852; Laura May, born August 28, 1857; Abraham Lawrence, born January 12, 1859; Catharine J., now Mrs. Kessler; William Thomas born August 4, 1862, who died February 7, 1905; John Montgomery, born September 20, 1864; and Alfred Blair, born September 1, 1867. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kessler were born two children, namely: Bessie, born April 14, 1887, is now the wife of Fred C. Franco and the mother of one daughter, Dorothy Helen; and Miles Scott, born February 7, 1894, lives at home with his parents.

Mr. Kessler in a republican and has served the village and township in several capacities. For two terms he has been mayor of Bennett, the citizens twice electing him to that office. For nine years he has attended to the duties which all citizens owe the public schools and for six years was the president of the school board. He is interested in the First Bennett Savings Bank, of which he was formerly director and assistant cashier. He has served as treasurer of the cemetery association for a number of years and is a member of the brotherhood of Yeomen.