JOHN W. ADAMSON.

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J. W. Adamson & Family         W. S. Adamson Homestead

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         One of the thoroughly successful farmers of Louisa county is John W. Adamson, who owns a beautiful place in Columbus City township, upon which he has made many improvements so that it is today one of the most attractive farms in that part of the county. He owns his enviable position to his industry which has always been under the safe direction of sound judgment. He is a native son of Iowa, born in Henry county, May 12, 1870, his parents being W. S. and Rebecca A. Adamson, both of whom were natives of Ohio. The father settled on a farm in Iowa, making it his home until his death, which occurred February 19, 1908. The mother is still living and resides at Columbus Junction. In their family were four children, one of whom died in infancy, the others being: Annie, who married L. E. Bush, of Packwood, Iowa; Grant H., of Ottumwa; and John W.

         In the common schools the subject of this review gained the rudiments of an education which he has greatly widened by contact with the world and by reading and study. As a boy he showed special interest in the various details pertaining to farming and at maturity he associated with his brother in renting three hundred and sixty acres of land which he cultivated for one year. He then went to Hancock county where he spent one year, at the end of which time he returned to the old homestead and later purchased ninety acres adjoining, which he cultivated to good advantage. In 1902 he sold his place and purchased one hundred and thirty-eight acres in Columbus City township, to which he made additions as opportunity presented until he is now the owner of three hundred and thirty acres. He has made many valuable improvements, including a handsome two-story house, which is provided with modern comforts and conveniences. The fences on the farm indicate thoughtful attention on the part of the owner and he has also provided himself with the best modern machinery, thus facilitating the work and pro- . . .

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. . . ducing more satisfactory results. He makes a specialty of raising Duroc Jersey hogs, being one of the most successful men in this line in Columbus City township. He is a man of responsibility and high character and has set an example worthy of imitation by old and young.

         On September 5, 1895, Mr. Adamson was married to Miss Rosa Rahmiller, a daughter of Fred and Louisa (Irving) Rahmiller, record of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Adamson are the parents of six children, namely: Edith, who was born July 28, 1896, and is at home; Vern, who was born October 3, 1897, and resides at home; Walter, who was born December 18, 1898, and died December 23, 1909; Flossie, born September 17, 1900; Pearl, born September 5, 1902; and Lela, born December 22, 1905.

         Mr. Adamson has never trusted to luck or accident to work out his financial problems but has bravely set his shoulder to the wheel and by steadfastly keeping in view the object for which he was striving has generally succeeded in the accomplishment of his undertakings. He has been ably seconded by his wife who has proven an admirable counselor and as manager of the household affairs is scarcely excelled in the county. In politics Mr. Adamson favors the republican party but not as a seeker for office as his time is well employed in the business pertaining to his farm. He ranks among the competent and successful men of the county—a man for whom the future apparently holds out still greater achievements than he has yet accomplished.