IRA A. OATS.

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         The breeding of fine stock is one of the most important branches known in connection with farming and Ira A. Oats, of Louisa county, deserves great credit for what he is accomplishing in this direction. He was born in this county, May 18, 1872, a son of John W. and Isabel (Duncan) Oats, the former having been born in Indiana and the latter in Iowa. The father of our subject was for many years engaged in farming in Iowa. He retired at Columbus Junction in 1902 and died at that place in November, 1908. Mrs. Oats is still living and makes her home at Columbus Junction. There were six children in their family, two of whom died in infancy, the others being: Maggie, who became the wife of Alba McBride, a farmer of Louisa county; Ira, of this review; Ada, who married J. D. Hamil, of Washington county; and Arnold D., who is now in attendance at the academy at Iowa City, Iowa.

         Ira A. Oats possessed good advantages of education in the schools and later attended the high school, thus becoming well prepared for the responsibilities of an active and useful life. He assisted his father upon the home farm until twenty-two years of age and then began upon his own account by renting one hundred and eighty acres, which he cultivated to good advantage for seven years. About this time his father retired from active labor and the son moved to the home place and for five years was in charge of one hundred and ninety acres. He then assumed control of his father-in-law’s place of one hundred and ten acres, but after one year he purchased one hundred and seventy-two . . .

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. . . acres in Columbus City township, upon which he has made his home for the past three years. He is a fancier of fine stock and has given considerable attention to the breeding and raising of pure blooded animals. He makes a specialty of raising Shropshire sheep and full blooded Duroc Jersey hogs. He is now changing from shorthorn cattle to Hereford cattle, as he prefers the latter breed. By the application of keen discrimination and good judgment he has acquired a reputation as one of the reliable breeders of the county and there is a steady and increasing demand for animals from his farm.

         On the 12th of December, 1894, Mr. Oats was married to Miss Gertrude Smyley, a daughter of Joseph Taylor and Ella (Orris) Smyley. Mr. and Mrs. Smyley were the parents of two children: Gertrude, now Mrs. Ira A. Oats; and Robert, of Louisa county. Three children have come to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Oats: Reuben A., who was born September 7, 1895; June V., born September 7, 1898; and Ruth V., born December 31, 1905.

         Mr. Oats is a supporter of the democratic party and has served to the general satisfaction of the taxpayers as township clerk. Fraternally he is connected with the Odd Fellows and is also a valued member of the Dutch Reformed church. He has earned a place as one of the useful citizens of Louisa county. His life is controlled very largely by the desire to enhance the happiness of those with whom he is associated, and he therefore possesses in an unusual degree their confidence and respect.