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         JAMES SEMPLE, miller, of Wapello, was born in Preble County, Ohio, Nov. 6, 1824, and is a son of David and Sarah (Sterrett) Semple. His father was a native of Ireland, and emigrated to America in early life; his mother was born in Pennsylvania. Our subject was reared on a farm, and was united in marriage in his native county, May 31, 1846, to Miss Derexa Huls, a native of Butler County, Ohio, and a daughter of Anthony Huls.

In 1850 Mr. Semple came to Iowa, locating at Wapello, Louisa County, where he helped build the gristmill with which he has been connected more . . .

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. . . or less ever since, and which he now operates alone. The mill is run by water power, and manufactures corn-meal and feed. In its palmy days the Wapello Mills did an extensive flouring business. Mr. and Mrs. Semple are members of the Presbyterian Church at Wapello. He is a Republican in political sentiment, and has always been an earnest supporter of that party. On the 18th of September, 1850, he was initiated into the I. O. O. F., Louisa Lodge No. 19, of Wapello, Iowa, of which he has been a zealous member ever since. He is one of the oldest members left of that lodge, and for many years has been the leader in the order in that institution. Much of the prosperity and success of the lodge is due to his watchful care of its interests, and zeal in promoting its advancement. Mr. Semple is a whole-souled, big-hearted man, upright and honorable, and is held in high esteem by his fellow-citizens.