WALTER F. MARSDEN.

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         It speaks well for any section of the country when ambitious and enterprising young men continue to make their home at the place of their birth, feeling that it would be difficult to find a more favorable location. Such has been the experience of Walter F. Marsden, who continues to reside on the old home farm. . .

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. . . of two hundred and seventy-eight acres in Columbus City township. He was born October 22, 1878, a son of W. P. and Julia E. (Baker) Marsden. The father was a successful farmer of this township and in 1903 retired with his wife at Columbus City where they are now living. There were six children in their family: Charles, Nellie and Harry, all of whom died in infancy; Maud, who is married and lives in Columbus City; William Archie, who lives at Seattle, Washington; and Walter F., our subject.

         Mr. Marsden whose name stands at the head of this sketch attended the common schools and as he grew to manhood was instructed by his father in the various details pertaining to agriculture and stock-raising. After the retirement of his father from active labor the son assumed management of the farm and has succeeded admirably as is indicated by the prosperous appearance of everything pertaining to the place. He raises cereals and makes a specialty of Shropshire sheep and graded cattle and hogs, receiving handsome returns for his labors.

         On January 22, 1902, Mr. Marsden was married to Miss Nellie McRoberts, a daughter of David and May (Smith) McRoberts. Mrs. Marsden was the eldest of seven children, the others being: Walter, who lives in Louisa county; Robert, of Kansas; Hilt, who is a veterinary surgeon at the State Agricultural College at Ames, Iowa; Alice, who is married and lives in Louisa county; Elsie, the widow of William McFadden, of Washington county; and Ernest, at home. Mr. and Mrs. Marsden are the parents of two children: Harry, who was born April 17, 1905; and Hilda, born October 30, 1906.

         Few men in Louisa county are better acquainted with the natural resources and capabilities of this section than Mr. Marsden and he has been able to make use of his knowledge so as to produce very satisfactory results. He is practical and progressive in his methods and is ever willing to assist in forwarding the permanent welfare of the community. Politically he is a republican and firmly believes that this party is founded upon principles which are essential to the preservation of the Union. In religious belief he is a Methodist. Mrs. Marsden is a woman of many attractive characteristics and unites with her husband in making their home a welcome gathering place for a wide circle of friends and acquaintances.