R. F. EDMONDSON.

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         R. F. Edmondson, a progressive and prosperous farmer and stockman of Columbus City township, Louisa county, is one of Iowa’s eastern-born residents, his birth occurring in Blount county, Tennessee, on the 9th of June, 1855. His parents, William and Mary (Walker) Edmondson, also natives of that state, came to Louisa county in 1856 and here the father purchased land, upon which they resided throughout their remaining days. The mother passed away on the 22d of May, 1874, but the father survived until 1887, his death occurring in the month of June. In their family were ten children, but only four are now living, namely: Eliza J., the widow of S. D. Johnston, of Columbus Junction; Margaret J., the widow of G. W. Duncan; Carolina, of Louisa county; and R. F., of this review.

         The last named acquired his education in the district schools near his home, while his practical training was received in the work of the fields under the careful direction of his father. He early became familiar with the best methods of caring for land and stock, and so, upon attaining his twenty-first year, he was well equipped to carry on an independent agricultural enterprise. Leaving home, he rented a farm for a time and later purchased one hundred and eighty acres, located on sections 8 and 9, Columbus City township, in the operation of which he has since been engaged. He not only gives much attention to the cultivation of the soil, practicing rotation of crops and carefully studying the cereals best adapted to soil and climate, but also engages in the raising and breeding of stock. He is a man of good business faculties and the methods which he has pursued in the conduct of both branches of his interests are both progressive and honorable. His salient characteristics are industry, energy and perseverance—qualities which are indispensable in the attainment of success in any avenue of activity—and today he occupies a prominent place among the substantial and representative agriculturists of the community.

         Mr. Edmondson has been twice married. In 1880 he wedded Miss Etta Duncan, who was born in Louisa county in 1857, a daughter of F. A. Duncan, now deceased. On the 8th of November, 1898, the wife and mother was called to her final rest, being survived by her four children, as follows: Mary, the wife of Ed Shellabarger, of Columbus Junction; Nellie, who married S. L. Olson, of North Dakota; William F., at home; and Dale D., a student at the high school. On the . . .

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. . . 26th of February, 1902, Mr. Edmondson was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Alice Lupton, of Columbus Junction, Iowa, a daughter of James S. and Sarah Pearson, natives of England. The parents came to America in 1845, first locating in Virginia where they remained for three years, after which they came west to Missouri, settling in St. Louis. That remained their home until 1854, in which year they arrived in Louisa county, Iowa, the father here purchasing school land for a dollar and a quarter per acre. That remained their home until the latter’s death in November, 1881, when the mother removed to Columbus Junction, where she passed away in January, 1902. Of their family of eleven children but six are now living, as follows: Emily, the wife of R. Barnard, of Kansas; John and William, both residents of Davenport, Iowa; James, of Missouri; Carrie E., the wife of Hugh Roden, of Dexter, Iowa; and Mrs. Edmondson. The last named, who had a good education, taught school for about ten years previous to her marriage, and for a similar period was also engaged in clerking.

         The religious faith of Mr. Edmondson is indicated by his membership in the United Presbyterian church, while in politics he is a republican. He served for some time as assessor of the township and also as township clerk, and was a member of the school board for several years. He has ever held a deep interest in the public life of the community in which he resides, and has done all in his power to further its growth and development along material, political, intellectual and moral lines. With him perseverance, diligence and integrity have constituted the guiding posts of life, bringing him to the honorable position which he now occupies in the opinion of his fellow citizens, among whom he has long lived and labored.