R. W. Paul
For more than twenty-five years R. W. Paul has been a resident of Crawford county and through his industry, perseverance and sound business judgment he has acquired one of the most attractive farms of Boyer township.
He is a native of Clinton county, Iowa, born September 15, 1865, and is a son of Darius and Charlotte (Cady) Paul. The father was born in New York state and after reaching manhood came to Iowa and took up his residence in Clinton county, where he continued until his death, which occurred in 1895. He was a minister of the Baptist church and a man of marked ability and many sterling traits of character. The mother was also a native of the Empire state and died about one year before the death of her husband.
There were seven children in the family: Fanny, now the wife of Light Demming, of Silverwood, Michigan; Minnie, now Mrs. Lisle Cudney, of Central City, Nebraska; Emma, the wife of Kilmer Barker, of Plainview, Texas; Charlotte, who married Art Reynor, of Central City, Nebraska; R. W., of this review; Julia, the wife of Oarence Barr, of Dewitt, Iowa; and Anna, who married John Clarke, also of Dewitt.
R. W. Paul grew to manhood under the favoring conditions of a happy home and received his early education in the district schools of Clinton county. He began farming in his native county and after arriving at the age of twenty-one years came to Crawford county, locating on land which belonged to his father. Fifteen years ago he purchased the property and has made other accessions so that at the present time he is the owner of five hundred and sixty acres. He has erected two sets of buildings and follows general farming and stock-feeding, sparing no efforts to secure the best results from his work. He is very thorough in everything he undertakes and has one of the model places of the township.
In 1889 Mr. Paul was united in marriage to Miss Almary Davis, of Crawford county, and three children came to bless their union: Darius H., Vera M. ann Viola V., all of whom are at home.
Politically Mr. Paul gives his adherence to the democratic party, but he has never sought the honors of public office, as his interest has been concentrated upon his business. He has served very acceptably as a member of the school board. He and his wife are identified with the Baptist church and earnest workers in its behalf. Fraternally he is connected with the camp of Modern Woodmen of America at Dow City. Mr. and Mrs. Paul have many friends and their home is a welcome gathering place whose generous hospitality is widely acknowledged. Always loyal to his convictions, he ranks high in the estimation of his associates and acquaintances, there being in him a stability of character and a clearness of judgment which command respect wherever he is known.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.