WILLIAM S. ISETT.

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         William S. Isett, a successful lumberman and manufacturer of Wapello, operates a large lumberyard and planing-mill at that place and also has two sawmills in Arkansas. His birth occurred in Wapello, Louisa county, Iowa, on the 28th of May, 1851, his parents being Edward B. and Mary (Oliver) Isett, both of whom were natives of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. They came to this county in 1841, Mr. Isett here embarking in the mercantile business. Subsequently, in association with his brother, J. W. Isett, he erected a packing house and engaged in the packing business. They likewise owned a steamboat and shipped their pork to St. Louis and the south. Edward B. Isett passed away in 1861, his wife surviving him until 1905, when she was called to her final rest at the age of eighty-six years. They were the parents of ten children, as follows: J. O., who is a resident of Wapello; William S., of this review; G. M., also living in Wapello; and seven who are deceased.

         William S. Isett was educated in the common schools and spent the period of his minority under the parental roof. After attaining his majority he began work at the carpenter’s trade, being engaged in building and contracting until 1908. In that year he embarked in the lumber business, purchasing a large tract of timber land in Arkansas, where he and his son operate two sawmills. He likewise operates a large lumberyard and planing-mill in Wapello, Iowa, and his undertakings in this connection have been attended with a gratifying measure of prosperity. He has earned for himself an enviable reputation as a careful man of business and in his dealings is known for his prompt and honorable methods, which have won him the deserved and unbounded confidence of his fellowmen. Mr. Isett owns a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of land in Dakota.

         In 1881 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Isett and Miss Mary McPartland, a daughter of J. B. and Jane (Drewer) McPartland, both of whom were . . .

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. . . natives of Ireland. They emigrated to America in 1842, locating at Burlington, Iowa, and both are now deceased. Unto them were born ten children, five of whom are yet living. Mr. and Mrs. Isett have two children. Edward B. married Miss Agnes Severs and has three children: Donald S., Margaret L. and Edward S. Mary S. Isett, who has displayed special talent in both vocal and instrumental music, is now a college student at Rock Island, Illinois.

         Mr. Isett is a democrat in politics but has never sought office as a reward for his party fealty. He was reared in the faith of the Presbyterian church and his wife was reared in the Catholic faith. Mr. Isett has remained a resident of Wapello from his birth to the present time and that his life has ever been upright and honorable is indicated by the fact that the associates of his boyhood and youth are still numbered among his stanch friends and admirers.