H. P. MAY.

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         For more than forty years H. P. May was a resident of Columbus City township and although he is no longer to be seen in his accustomed place, having been summoned from the view of mortal eyes, his memory is deeply revered and the kindly acts of his life will not soon be forgotten. He was a native of Indiana, born December 27, 1831, a son of Stephen and Malinda (Harper) May, both of whom were born in Kentucky. The parents were married in their native state and soon afterward moved to Indiana, where they continued until 1842 when the father brought his family to Iowa. He entered government land in Louisa county and engaged in farming and the nursery business though he was a carpenter by trade. His death occurred in 1854. There were six children in his family only one of whom is now living.

         H. P. May came with his parents to Iowa at the age of eleven years and grew to manhood in Louisa county. He continued at home until after the death of his father and subsequently embarked in the nursery business on his own account upon a place which he owned on section 25, Columbus City township. He continued there until 1866 and then took up his residence on a farm near the limits of Columbus City which became the family homestead. He was successful in his business and was greatly respected by his neighbors and friends on account of his genial disposition.

         On December 30, 1855, Mr. May was married to Miss Lydia Jeffreys, who was born in Union county, Pennsylvania, February 24, 1835, a daughter of Miflin and Jane Jeffreys, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state. Mr. Jeffreys came with his family to Louisa county in 1854, and he and his wife continued here during the remainder of their lives. In their family were ten children, all of whom are now deceased except Mrs. May. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. May, namely: H. S., who makes his home in Louisa county; Eva, who is the wife of W. L. Ayers, of Columbus Junction, where he is engaged in the jewelry business; Clara, who became the wife of Charles Whitney, of Clinton, Iowa; John, a resident of Columbus City; H. L., at home; and three deceased.

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         Mr. May died June 22, 1895, being then in his sixty-fourth year. He was a man of unexceptionable character, straightforward, energetic and efficient in all his undertakings and a worthy descendant of pioneer ancestry. In religious belief he adhered to the Christian church, of which his widow is also a valued member. He was of a kindly and sympathetic nature and made many friends who were attracted by his manly characteristics and his desire to promote the happiness of others.

         H. L. May was born on the old homestead in Louisa county and received excellent advantages of education in the public schools. From his boyhood he showed special adaptability to agricultural pursuits and he has continued upon the home farm, eighty acres of which is within the corporate limits of Columbus City. He also has fifteen acres which is utilized as a nursery and in this line of business he has been highly successful. On November 22, 1898, he was married to Miss Frona Koos, who was born at Odin, Illinois and they have four children: Cecilia G., Lydia G., Francis L. and Alitha. Mr. May is a member of Lodge No. 3145, M.W.A., of Columbus Junction, and is recognized as one of the substantial men of the community.