For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 386
JOSEPH A. HEATH....A the age of twenty years Joseph A. Heath, now living retired at West Liberty, started out to meet the world on his own account and by diligence and perseverance he has made a success of his affairs. His life is evidence that a young man governed by right principles may, under the protection of the American republic, hope to attain any reasonable desire. Born in Indiana, February 4, 1857, he is the son of Peter B. and Susan ( Gibson ) Heath. The father was born in New Jersey but removed to Ohio in his boyhood and to Iowa in 1846. He located near Nichols, Muscatine county, and after working for the farmers in the neighborhood for several years, started the first store in West Liberty and became the first postmaster of the town. He returned to his old home in New Jersey after living for several years in this state but was not satisfied with the conditions he found there and soon again took up his residence in Muscatine county, purchasing a farm three and one-half miles west of West Liberty, where he lived until 1855, later farming on North Prairie and South Prairie. He engaged in mercantile business at West Liberty with his son from 1885 to 1887, returning to his farm in the latter year. He departed this life in 1889. The mother of our subject was a native of Ohio, and was married in that state to Mr. Heath. She passed away in West Liberty, March 3, 1903. There were ten children in their family, of whom Flora, William, Hattie, Martha, and George are deceased. The others are Mary, now Mrs. H. L. Metcalf, living near Nichols, Iowa ; Joseph A., the subject of this review ; Henry, of West Liberty ; Charlie, of Johnson county ; and John, who also lives near Nichols.Joseph E. Heath received his early education in the district schools, applying himself with a diligence that gave bright promise for the future. He continued with his parents until he arrived at maturity and then followed farming in Muscatine county until 1909, with the exception of two years, during which time he was engaged with his father in mercantile business. Since 1909 he has made his home at West Liberty, where he owns a beautiful residence. He is also the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of land in Muscatine county, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation. He ranks as one of the prosperous and progressive farmers of the county whose judgment in all matters pertaining to the calling is considered as good as that of any man living in this section.
In 1895 Mr. Heath was united in marriage to Miss Maggie Yenter, a resident of Johnson county and a native of Virginia City, Nevada. He exercises the right to vote as his judgment dictates and casts his ballot independently, supporting the man rather than the party. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and of the Merchants Life Association of Burlington, Iowa, and in religious views is an adherent of the Christian church, being a liberal contributor to that organization. He is known as a good citizen, a true friend, and he and his estimable wife by their helpfulness to others have made many friends in Muscatine county.
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