JASPER W. SPARGUR

Jasper W. Spargur, a prosperous and wideawake farmer of Hamilton township, this county, was born in Highland county, Ohio, November 25, 1863, a son of A. W. and Julia (Upp) Spargur. The father was born in that county, on the 26^th of August, 1838, of the marriage of John and Nancy (Beavers) Spargur, both natives of the Buckeye state. John Spargur was a miller by trade and passed away in Ohio in 1883, when eighty-four years of age. His wife died in 1878, at the age of eighty years. A. W. Spargur was reared and educated in his native state and in his youth learned the wagon maker’s and shoemaker’s trades, which he followed for several years. He also gave some time to agricultural pursuits, working as a hired hand for about three months, after which he operated the homestead until the spring of 1870, when he removed to Montgomery, Iowa, and thence to Holt county, Missouri. Subsequently he went to Wayne county, Iowa, but after residing there for three years he came to Decatur county, purchasing land in Hamilton township, which he operated for twenty years. At the end of that time he sold out and purchased the Graves farm in the same township. Four years later, however, he sold that place also and bought the Carter farm of eighty acres on section 10, Hamilton township, which he at once began improving and operating. He still owns the property but since 1907 has lived practically retired, leaving the work of the farm to our subject.

On the 18^th of November, 1862, A. W. Spargur married Miss Julia Upp, a daughter of John and Nellie Upp, natives of Ohio, where the father followed agricultural pursuits. He died December 15, 1860, but was survived by his wife until April 15, 1899. To Mr. And Mrs. Spargur have been born eleven children, namely: Jasper W., of this review; Newton, deceased, who was born October 9, 1865; Calvin, born August 9, 1867, who is now living in Colorado; Joseph, who was born July 3, 1869, and died October 9, 1870; Minnie, who was born April 5, 1871, and died August 13, 1873; Emma, who was born August 20, 1873, and died April 2, 1882; Cora, who was born October 7, 1875, and died December 11, 1881; Charles, whose birth occurred October 19, 1877, and who is living in Colorado; Henry, born October 6, 1879, who is farming in this county; Lucy, born September 20, 1881, who married William Henderson, of Davis City, Iowa; and Mary, who was born July 23, 1885, and who married Floyd Kirk, of Colorado Springs.

Jasper W. Spargur was reared under the parental roof and acquired his education in the public schools. For many years he operated the homestead in partnership with his father but since 1907 has had the entire management of the farm. He is thoroughly familiar with practical methods of agriculture and at the same time is always willing to adopt new ideas that promise to increase the efficiency of the farmer. He is prompt and energetic in his work and the sale of the grain and stock which he raises yields him a good annual income.

Mr. Spargur was married on the22d of February, 1894, to Miss Allie Acton, a daughter of William and Jane (Bledsoe) Acton, pioneers of this count where the father farmed for many years. He is now living retired and resides in Davis City. To Mr. And Mrs. Spargur were born two children: May, who was born March 5, 1895, and is the wife of Frank Hollister, a farmer of this township; and Edith, whose natal day was September 9, 1896. The wife and mother died on the 26^th of September, 1896, leaving many friends who sincerely mourned her loss.

Mr. Spargur is a socialist, believing that many of the evils of modern life are due to the existing social order and that the adoption of the socialistic regime will secure better living conditions for the great majority of people. He takes keen interest in local public affairs and has served as school director and as road superintendent of his township. The Spargur family has been connected with the agricultural development of Decatur county for many years and the name is held in high honor as its representatives have been industrious and efficient and at all times have conformed their lives to high standards of conduct.