Through the steps of orderly progression William W. Little has made continuous advancement in the business world until he now occupies the honorable and honored position of president of the Farmers & Merchants Savings Bank of Tipton. Widely known in this locality, his history cannot fail to prove of interest to many readers of this volume and, moreover, it indicates clearly what may be accomplished when determination, adaptability and unfaltering industry are the strong characteristics of the individual.
Mr. Little was born upon a farm in the vicinity of Princeton, Bureau county, Illinois, January 27, 1865, and was but four years of age when, in the spring of 1869, he was brought to Cedar county by his parents, Frank F. and Katherine (Creps) Little, who were natives of Bedford county, Pennsylvania, where they were reared and married. Soon after their marriage they removed to Illinois and in 1869 came to Cedar county, where for a long period Mr. Little was identified with general farming but has retired from active life and both he and his wife are living in Tipton. He has ever manifested a helpful support in relation to public affairs and has borne his part in the work of general improvement and advancement. He has ever been a wide reader, keeping thoroughly informed on the leading questions and issues of the day, and is recognized in this county as a high type of American manhood and chivalry. Unto him and his wife were born seven children: Laura, the wife of J. W. Gray, of West Branch, Iowa; Edward E., of Tipton; Mrs. Anna Boone; William W.; Elmer, living in Clarkston, Washington; Charles A., of Red Oak township; and Mrs. Bertha Pearson, whose home is in the vicinity of West Branch in Springdale township.
There were no railroads in this part of the country when the Little family arrived, completing the journey by hack. The father secured a tract of land in Red Oak township and upon the old homestead farm William W. Little was reared, there remaining until he had attained his majority. He acquired his early education in the country schools and afterward attended the Tipton high school. He has resided in Tipton continuously since 1890 and, entering mercantile circles, was first engaged in the furniture and undertaking business, which he conducted under his own name until 1896. He then sold out and was elected deputy clerk of the district court, in which capacity he served for six years. He was next elected clerk of the district court and filled the position for two terms or for four years.
On the expiration of that period he purchased the Northwestern elevator and engaged in the grain and seed business, in which connection he has built up an extensive trade that he yet enjoys. He now owns the elevator and in July, 1909, purchased a feed mill, which he operates in connection with his grain trade. About that time he admitted A. Duncan to a partnership in the business and he has had the active management of the elevator and feed mill, which are conducted under the firm style of Little & Duncan. They buy and ship grain and all kinds of field seeds, and the business is now one of large proportions, their annual sales netting for them a very substantial income. Mr. Little was also one of the original stockholders and directors of the Farmers & Merchants Savings Bank of Tipton, which was organized in 1905. In January, 1909, he was made president of the bank, which position he yet fills. The greater part of his time and attention are given to its management and a general banking business is conducted along safe and conservative lines, while progress also constitutes a feature in the management of the undertaking.
On the 4th of March, 1891, Mr. Little was married to Miss Louise Williams, who was born in Red Oak township, June 21, 1865, and is a daughter of Elias and Jane (Sleater) Little, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Ireland. They became early settlers of Red Oak township but both are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Little have had one child, Cecil Edward, who was born January 9, 1892, and died March 23, 1907.
In his political views Mr. Little has been a lifelong republican, taking an active part in public affairs and serving as chairman of the county central committee for several years. He is now filling a position on the board of education for the sixth consecutive year and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart and effective champion. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church and is chairman of its board of trustees. He likewise belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, his membership being in Manitou Lodge, No. 8, of Tipton, of which he is a past grand. He may well be called a self-made man for his parents were in limited financial circumstances when they came here and he received no financial assistance when he started out in life for himself. He has held to high ideals, however, has worked persistently to accomplish the task to which he has set himself and is recognized as an energetic, industrious and persevering business man who has won a creditable position in commercial and financial circles of Cedar county.
