Well known representatives of farming and stock raising interests in this county, the Carrothers brothers enjoy the respect and goodwill of those with whom they have come in contact and their circle of friends is an extensive one. They have always lived in the county, have been identified with its agricultural interests and have so directed their labors that success has come to them in larger and larger measure. They were born on the farm in Prairie township upon which they now reside, the natal day of William L. being May 13, 1871, and of Thomas H. the 13th of May, 1874, there being exactly three years difference in their ages. They are sons of Christopher and Annie (Johnston) Carrothers, who were highly esteemed citizens of Prairie township, widely known throughout the county. Mention of them is made on another page of this volume.
       William L. Carrothers was reared upon the home farm with the usual experiences that fall to the lot of the farm lad. He was educated in the district schools, in the University of Iowa and in the Waterloo Business College. He then returned to the old home farm and in partnership with his brother, Thomas H.. has devoted his attention and energies to farming and stock raising from that time to the present. The result of his labors is seen in the splendid appearance of his place and in the excellent crops which are annually garnered.
       William L. Carrothers has been active in community affairs, filling the office of township clerk, while in 1912 he was the republican candidate for county treasurer. He is a stanch advocate of the party and its principles and his opinions have had considerable influence in party councils. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and has filled a number of offices in the organization. He is likewise a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has passed all the chairs in the local lodge, being now a past grand.
       Thomas H. Carrothers supplemented his district school training by study in the Upper Iowa University and in Drake University at Des Moines completing a course in the business department of that institution with the class of 1898. He has served as president of the Farmers' Institute for two years and has ever been on the side of progress and improvement in relation to agricultural as well as other affairs. He is also secretary of the organization known as the Corn Belt Meat Producers' Association.
      The brothers are both enterprising, energetic business men and their career has been marked by continuous advancement along the well defined lines of labor that lead to success. They are widely known as breeders of pure bred horses and cattle and upon their farm can always be found some as fine specimens of live stock as are to be seen anywhere in the state. Moreover, their business as feeders and shippers is carried on most extensively. They make one or two large shipments yearly of about two hundred steers and they bear a well earned and well merited reputation as enterprising, sagacious and thoroughly reliable business men. They are well equipped to raise and feed large herds of stock, for they have an extensive and fertile farm, giving them excellent pasture land. They have added one hundred and twenty acres to the original four hundred and eighty acres of the old homestead and theirs is one of the fine farm properties of the county. It is equipped with good buildings furnishing ample shelter for grain and stock and their place is lacking in none of the accessories and equipments of the model farm of the twentieth century. Whatever they undertake they carry forward to successful completion and their well defined plans result in the attainment of substantial and gratifying success.
      Both brothers are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and they are widely and favorably known, their many sterling traits of character gaining for them high regard in both business and social circles. Men who have had dealings with them speak of them in terms of confidence and esteem, and as native sons of the county their record has reflected credit upon the district in which they have always lived.