Wiley S. Fall

Wiley S. Fall, the efficient Postmaster of Albia, Iowa, is also a member of the firm of Elbert & Fall, breeders of registered shorthorn cattle, and proprietors of the Hazelhurst farm, which adjoins the city of Albia, and comprises 320 acres of choice land under a high state of cultivation. Upon it are two very extensive cattle barns, furnishing ample accommodations for their large herd of fine cattle, numbering 150 head of registered stock. This is the largest and most select herd in the State of Iowa, and the members of the firm are the recognized leaders in their line of business in this section of the country. The senior partner is one among the noted cattle men of the State, and to this line of business has given his attention for the past twenty-five years.

The junior member is also a practical stock dealer, having been trained to the business since his boyhood. He was born in Pleasant township, Monroe county, Iowa, May 31, 1860, and is a son of Michael W. and Elizabeth (Forsher) Fall. The father was a native of Preble county, Ohio, his birth having occurred in Eaton on the 6th of May, 1811. His parents were Christian and Margaret (De Witt) Fall, the former a native of Germany and the latter of English descent. In the spring of 1847 Michael W. Fall removed with his family from Putnam county, Indiana, to Monroe county, Iowa, and located on a claim of 160 acres, which he afterward entered from the Government and thoroughly improved. He placed the wild tract under a high state of cultivation and gave his attention to general farming and stock-raising, which he continued until 1864, when he began the breeding of shorthorn cattle. He was the first to introduce fine cattle in Monroe county, and did more to raise the standard of stock in an early day than any other citizen of this locality. His neighbors thought that their grades of stock were good enough and it was some little time before they could enter with him into this work of improvement; but he demonstrated the advisability and the practicality of raising superior cattle, and after a number of years had passed he was doing an excellent business and became one of the leading stock-men of the State. In the city of Albia Mr. Fall and his wife are still living, and these worthy pioneer people of Monroe county are respected by all who know them.

The gentleman whose name introduces this sketch is the youngest of their twelve children,--six sons and six daughters,--all of whom reached years of maturity, while seven are still living. The days of his childhood and youth were passed on the home farm, and he acquired his education in the district schools of the neighborhood, pursuing his studies in the winter season, while in the summer months he aided in the cultivation of the fields. As his father gave his attention more and more to the stock business, Wiley also became interested in this work, and such was the skill and judgment that he showed that he was offered a partnership by Mr. Elbert. The connection was formed, and has continued up to the present day with mutual pleasure and profit. At the head of their fine herd of cattle are such noted animals as Airdrie, Duke of Hazelhurst, officially registered in volume 40, American Short Horn Herd Book. In 1889 this farm placed on exhibition at the Fat Stock Show in Chicago the noted two-year old steer, Rigdon, weighing 1,900 pounds, and took the grand sweepstakes. Each year the firm has one or two stock sales which are very highly attended, for they have become noted throughout the United States.

In March, 1888, Mr. Fall was united in marriage with Miss Ida Campbell, of Fremont, Nebraska, the third daughter of John Campbell, and they have two children: Grace and Ruth. In November, 1893, Mr. Fall was appointed Postmaster of Albia by Grover Cleveland, and since December of that year has had charge of the office. Fraternally he is a member of Astor Lodge, No. 505, F & A.M., and of Troy Lodge, No. 31, Knights of Pythias.