J. W. YOTTER.

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         The entire life of J. W. Yotter, who is engaged in general farming in Elliott township, has been devoted to agricultural pursuits. Born in the state of New York, Mr. Yotter’s natal day was the 12th of January, 1855. His parents were Christ and Catherine (Byers) Yotter. The father, who was a native of Germany, emigrated to the United States at the age of seventeen years, landing in New York, in which state he was later married. In 1858 he and his wife removed to Iowa, settling on a farm in Lee county, and there the mother passed away in 1860. Mr. Yotter continued to reside on his homestead for eleven years thereafter, but in 1871 he came to Louisa county, where he remained for five years. At the expiration of that period he returned to Lee county, where he continues to make his home. Two children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Yotter, a son and a daughter. The latter, who is the younger, became the wife of Christ Elenberger, a resident of Lee county, Iowa.

         J. W. Yotter, of this review, who was reared at home and educated in the district schools, remained a member of his father’s household assisting in the cultivation of the homestead until he was twenty-one. He subsequently rented a farm in Louisa county, which he operated for twenty-one years, during which time he saved sufficient capital to enable him to acquire property of his own. In 1901 he bought forty acres of land on section 30, Elliott township, in which he has wrought many improvements, having erected some fine buildings and brought the land into a high state of cultivation. In addition to his homestead Mr. Yotter owns twenty acres on section 19, of the same township, which he purchased in 1903.

         Mr. Yotter was married April 29, 1880, to Miss Margaret F. Bowers, a daughter of Veit and Dora (Miller) Bowers, natives of Germany, whence they came to America. Here the father died and the mother, who still survives, resides in Oakville, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Yotter are the parents of four children, as follows: William H.; Edward L.; Sadie A., who is a dressmaker; and Lenna M., who is engaged in teaching. All four are still at home with the parents.

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         The family manifest their religious views through their membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mr. Yotter gives his political support to the men and measures of the republican party. A public-spirited citizen, Mr. Yotter renders such service as he is able in the administration of the township government, and is now serving as trustee. He is an ex-member of the school board. Mr. Yotter is a man of energy and perseverance and has met with a fair degree of success in his vocation, being the owner of one of the good farms of the township.