J. JAY STAPP.

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         The presence of young men in positions of importance calling for the exercise of sound judgment is one of the notable features of modern life and in no business is it more readily to be observed than in that of farming. Although he is only twenty-four years of age J. Jay Stapp, of Louisa county, is now in charge of a large farm and is also rapidly coming into prominence as a breeder of fine stock. He possessed rare opportunities of home and school training and as a result is making a success of his vocation.

         He was born in Louisa county January 20, 1887, a son of J. J. and Flora (Ogier) Stapp, both of whom were natives of this county. In their family were six children, namely: H. Roy, who is living at Toledo, Ohio; Elsie, who is the wife of Frank B. Letts, of Clarendon, Texas; Nancy, who married H. R. Owens, of Longmont, Colorado; J. Jay; and Mona and Mary, both of whom are at home.

         J. Jay Stapp was reared upon the parental homestead and attended the district schools, later preparing for college at high school. He then matriculated at the State Agricultural College of Ames, Iowa, where he continued for two and one-half years. After leaving college he received an appointment as government stock inspector and spent six months in New Mexico and Arizona, discharging his duties in such a way as to meet the approval of the officials at Washington. . . .

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. . . Returning to his old home in Louisa county, he assumed charge of three hundred and sixty acres of land owned by his father. He is thoroughly up-to-date in his work and his efforts are meeting with gratifying results. He engages in general farming and also feeds stock upon an extensive scale for the market, making a specialty of pure bred shorthorn cattle.

         Mr. Stapp was married August 23, 1911, to Margaret Mary Donovan, of Longwood, Colorado. In politics he supports the democratic party, believing that that organization is best adapted to direct the ship of state, and in religious belief he adheres to the Reformed Lutheran faith. He is also a member of the Masonic order and the Elks. He has made it a principle of his life to perform to the very best of his ability whatever he undertakes to do, and spares no time or labor in becoming thoroughly acquainted with the improved methods pertaining to his calling. It is safe to prophesy for him increasing usefulness and honor in a business for which he seems remarkably well adapted.