ROBERT J. REANEY.

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         Robert J. Reaney, who is engaged in the lumber and coal business at Columbus Junction and is one of its most respected citizens, is a native of County Tyrone, Ireland, born July 21, 1856. He is a son of Joseph and Eliza (Turkington) Reaney, both of whom were born in Ireland. The father emigrated to America with his family in 1862 and took up his residence at Chester, Pennsylvania. In 1871 he arrived in Louisa county, Iowa, and settled on a farm where he continued until his death, which occurred in 1888. The mother is still living, having arrived at the advanced age of seventy-eight years, and makes her home with her children. In the family were eight children, namely: Robert J., of this review; Thomas, who lives at Waterloo, Iowa; Samuel, whose home is in South Dakota; Mary, who is the wife of Michael Blankinhorn, of Louisa county; Joseph L., also of Waterloo; Sadie, who is the wife of Rev. J. W. Poole, of Ottumwa; William L., a resident of Waterloo; and Elizabeth Ellen, deceased, who was the wife of Edward Thompson.

         At the age of six years Robert J. Reaney came to America with his parents and since the age of fifteen has made his home in Louisa county. He received his early education in the district schools and after laying his text-books aside learned the carpenter’s trade, which he followed for thirteen years. After his marriage he engaged in farming for two years and then entered the clothing business at Columbus Junction. After three years he sold out and went into the lumber business, buying out Eckman & Baldwin. Later he formed a copartnership with his brother-in-law, Charles Eliason, under the name of Reaney & Eliason, which has become one of the leading concerns of the kind in the county. The firm handles lumber, coal, sewerpipe, lime, cement and wall plaster. The house possesses the confidence of the public on account of its fair dealing and its reputation and success are well deserved.

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         In January, 1877, Mr. Reaney was married to Miss Belle Eliason, who was born near Letts in Muscatine county, Iowa, a daughter of Levi and Mary (Epperly) Eliason. Mr. Eliason was a native of Indiana and was one of the early settlers of Muscatine county, arriving there when there were few white inhabitants in that region and the land was subject to entry. He became one of the successful farmers of the county and is now deceased. Mrs. Eliason is still living and has arrived at the age of eighty-two years. In their family there were eight children, six of whom survive. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Reaney: Elsie M., who is at home; James E., now a student of the State University at Iowa City; Roy W., deceased; Agnes B., who is attending high school; and Louisa E.

         Politically Mr. Reaney gives his support to the republican party. He has taken an active part in securing the success of his party in Louisa county and served as representative to the thirty-second and thirty-third general assemblies. He has also most acceptably filled the office of mayor of Columbus Junction and now occupies a chair in the city council. He is a sincere friend of education and for several terms was a member of the school board. Fraternally he is connected with Lodge No. 245, A.F. & A.M.; Lodge No. 22, K.P.; and Lodge No. 365, I.O.O.F., all of Columbus Junction. He has taken special interest in the Odd Fellows Lodge and has filled all the chairs in the local organization of that order. Mr. Reaney is a man of large public spirit and has not hesitated to accept responsibility when called upon to do so. He has served as president of the fair association and also as president of the local Chautauqua Association, and has discharged all his duties promptly and effectively, thus gaining the confidence and esteem of the people throughout the entire section tributary to Columbus Junction.