RAY G. WHISLER.

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         A well tilled farm of one hundred and forty acres in Marshall township pays tribute to the skill and supervision of Ray G. Whisler, who was born in this township on the 11th of August, 1876. He is a son of Francis and Mary Ann (Grismore) Whisler, natives of Ohio, who removed to Iowa soon after their marriage. They arrived in Burlington, Des Moines county, on the 31st of December, 1862, and the following day they came to Louisa county. For the first three years the father rented land which he cultivated but subsequently purchased the farm upon which their son Ray G. is now residing. His original holding was but seventy-six acres which he cultivated until February, 1901, when he retired and removed to Wapello, where he and his wife now live. The thrift and industry of their youth now makes it possible for them to enjoy in the evening of life all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Whisler were born three children: Agnes, the wife of J. Christman, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Arthur, who is living in Louisa county; and Ray G.

         After the completion of his preliminary education, in the acquirement of which he attended the common schools of his native county, Ray G. Whisler spent two years in college. He decided to adopt agriculture for his vocation, preferring the independence and freedom of life in the open to the confinement and exactions of either a business or professional career. In 1909 he purchased from his father the old homestead and there he is now engaging in general farming, in connection with which he is also raising stock.

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         On the 15th of November, 1900, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Whisler and Miss Mabel Fitzsimons, a daughter of William and Eva (Morgan) Fitzsimons, whose other children were: Olive, the wife of C. A. Blanchard, of Louisa county; Earl, who is a resident of Louisa county; Mary, who married Lloyd Patterson, of Louisa county; Myrtle and Walter, who are living at home. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Whisler have been born two children: Nina V., whose birth occurred on the 14th of February, 1903; and one who died in infancy.

         Fraternally Mr. Whisler affiliates with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Modern Woodmen of America, and the Modern Brotherhood of America. He has always voted for the candidates of the republican party since attaining his majority and has held various township offices, now serving his third term as clerk. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which organization they take an active interest. Mr. Whisler is one of the well informed and intelligent agriculturists of his township and in the pursuit of his vocation adopts the more modern and scientific methods.