For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 397
A. L. DICE. The gratifying success that has attended the efforts of A. L. Dice to establish himself in the business world is good evidence of his ability in a business which constantly calls for decision and clear judgment. He is today at the head of one of the leading firms of West Liberty and increasing patronage speaks in no uncertain terms as to the future. Born near Coggon, Linn county, Iowa, November 25, 1872, he is the son of Ira J. and Margaret (Smith) Dice. The mother is a native of New Castle, Pennsylvania, and is now living in West Liberty. The father, who was born near Cleveland, Ohio, became a farmer and, seeking more favorable opportunities than were presented in the older states, came to Iowa and took up his residence in Linn county, subsequently removing to Cedar county. In 1900 he located at West Liberty, where he continued until his death, which occurred in 1904. He was for over fifty years a resident of Iowa and was known as a good farmer, a kind neighbor and a man of many estimable qualities. There were nine children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Dice, namely: Jennie, now the wife of A. E. Ross of Rupert, Idaho; Lilly, the wife of C. E. Smith of Euphrates, Washington; Lucy, at home; A. L., of this review; Clinton, who is now living in Cedar county; Clifford, of Portland, Oregon; Winnie, now Mrs. M. J. Bridger of Mediapolis, Iowa; Edwin, who died in 1910; and Harland, of Muscatine, Iowa. The father of these children was twice married, the maiden name of his first wife being Julia McWilliams. One child, Harry, was born of that union and he is now living at Center Junction, Iowa.A. L. Dice was educated in the district schools of Linn county and continued with his parents until twenty-one years of age, after which he operated a farm for three years on his own account, and then was connected for five years with the Manchester Lumber Company, of Riverside, Washington county, Iowa. In March, 1900, he became associated in business with his father and after the death of the latter the mother assumed the father's interest, the firm being known as A. L. Dice & Company, dealers in lumber, coal, cement, lime and building material of all kinds. The firm manufactures concrete building blocks, for which there is a constantly increasing demand, and also enjoys a goodly share of patronage from contractors and private individuals extending for many miles around West Liberty. Mr. Dice is the owner, moreover, of the comfortable home in which he lives.
In 1901 he was united in marriage at Tipton, Iowa, to Miss Myrtle E. Duncan, and they have two children: Margaret, seven years of age; and Dorothy, aged five. Poltically Mr. Dice is identified with the republican party and may always be found in its ranks, assisting to the extent of his ability in forwarding its interests. For four years past he has served most acceptably as a member of the board of aldermen of West Liberty. Socially he is affiliated with the Masons and the Knights of Pythias, and he heartily accepts the principles of brotherhood upon which those orders are founded. He and his wife are valued members of the Methodist church, and to those who know them, it is not necessary to add that theirs is a faith that endures to the end.
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