Willis H. Wiggins
One of the energetic and progressive business men of Dow City is Willis H. Wiggins, a native of this county, having been born in Union township on the 12th of May, 1872. The parents, M. G. and Sarah (Hayes) Wiggins. are still living and also make their home in Dow City.
Mr. Wiggins acquired his education in the public schools of his native town, which he attended off and on until 1890. When old enough to begin working for himself he entered a mill, remaining there until he had thoroughly mastered the trade, at which time he left in order to assist his father in his business. Two years later he opened a place of business of his own. His first venture was a lunch counter, which he most successfully conducted for nine years, and then put in a line of groceries. He has since added general furnishings and shoes, so that he is now handling a general merchandise stock. He has met with most gratifying success in his various undertakings and has quite extensive real-estate interests in Dow City, owning the building in which his store is located as well as two brick business blocks.
On the 19th of February, 1901, Mr. Wiggins was united in marriage to Miss Kate E. Griffin, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Griffin, living near Buck Grove, and they have become the parents of two children: John and Martin.
Mr. Wiggins was reared in the Methodist Episcopal faith but Mrs. Wiggins is a communicant of the Roman Catholic church. Fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America, his local affiliation being with the lodge of Dow City. Ever since attaining his majority Mr. Wiggins has actively participated in all local political matters, always giving his support to the candidates of the republican party. He is held in high regard and served as township treasurer for eight or ten years, which fact indicates his satisfactory discharge of the duties of the office.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.