Richard Laity, Sr., who has been successfully engaged in general agricultural pursuits in Delaware county for nearly a half century, is now the owner of a valuable farm comprising four hundred and forty acres on sections 3 and 10, Richland township. His birth occurred in England on the 18th of July, 1844, his parents being Richard and Harriett Laity, who were likewise natives of that country. They emigrated to the United States in 1844 and first located in Pennsylvania, while subsequently they took up their abode in Jo Daviess county, Illinois, there spending the remainder of their lives. They were the parents of nine children. Richard Laity, Sr., attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education and remained under the parental roof until twenty two years of age, when he came to Delaware county, Iowa. Here he purchased a farm and has devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits continuously since, being now the owner of four hundred and forty acres of rich and productive land on sections 3 and 10, Richland township. He makes a specialty of stock raising in connection with farming and has won success in both branches of his business. The prosperity which he now enjoys is attributable entirely to his own well directed efforts and he may truly be called a self made man.
     In 1870 Mr. Laity was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth A. Hebron, a native of England and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Hebron, both of whom are deceased. To our subject and his wife were born nine children, as follows: Richard, Jr.; Clara, who is deceased; Mary, the wife of Net Donohue; Zetta, the wife of Albert Kash of Richland township; Zella, who is a twin sister of Zetta and gave her hand in marriage to Joseph Gladman of Clayton county, Iowa; Arbert and Herbert, twins, at home; and Jennie and Jay, twins. The wife and mother died in August, 1913, and was laid to rest in the cemetery at Strawberry Point.
    In his political views Mr. Laity is a republican, staunchly supporting the men and measures of that party. He has done able service as a member of the school board. Fraternally he is identified with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He has become widely and favorably known throughout the community in which he has so long resided, and his personal characteristics have gained him the esteem and confidence of his neighbors and friends.