WILLIAM O. SYPHRIT.

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         A well improved farm of one hundred and eighteen acres on section 26, Wapello township, gives evidence of the success which William O. Syphrit has attained in life, for he started out in the humble capacity of a farm hand but by hard work and economy has gained a substantial place among the citizens of Louisa county. He was born in Grand View, Louisa county, August 22, 1866, a son of Joseph B. and Harriet (McNattan) Syphrit, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. They came to the west in an early day, settling first in Grand View but later removing to a farm in Wapello township. The mother died there in 1893. She had eight children, of whom two are deceased. In 1898 the father was again married, his second union being with Miss Elizabeth Helverson.

         William O. Syphrit remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority and in the meantime he acquired his education in the district schools near his father’s home. He then began working by the month as a farm hand for T. G. Jamison. He carefully saved his earnings and in due course of time was enabled to begin farming on his own account, renting the land which he today owns, comprising one hundred and eighteen acres in Wapello township. He has made some improvements on the place, which is now one of the valuable . . .

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. . . properties of his section of the county. He gives his time and attention to general farming and each year gathers good harvests as a result of his earnest labors.

         It was on the 25th of February, 1892, that Mr. Syphrit married Miss Ada M. Hamilton, who was born in Louisa county, January 15, 1869, a daughter of Alexander and Susanna Hamilton, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Syphrit have been born a daughter and son: Elma H., who is a high-school student; and Charles H.

         The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mr. Syphrit is a republican in his political views. His fraternal relations connect him with the Odd Fellows’ Lodge, No. 19, at Wapello. Having spent their entire lives in Louisa county, Mr. and Mrs. Syphrit are well known here and the hospitality of their own pleasant home is greatly enjoyed by their many friends and acquaintances.