For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 564
JAMES H. VAN CAMP. James H. Van Camp was born on the farm where he now resides, on section 4, Sweetland township, June 20, 1860. The father, Kiple Van Camp, was a native of Huntington county, New Jersey, born September 15, 1822. He lost his parents in his infancy and was reared in the family of David Armstrong, of New Jersey. At twenty-seven years of age, in December, 1849, he was married to Miss Anna Maria Little, and May 16, 1850, they came to Muscatine, Iowa, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 4, Sweetland township, where Mr. Van Camp lived for fifty-three years, passing away November 23, 1903. He built the family residence out of rough lumber made from trees which grew on the homestead and, being an industrious man, he succeeded as a farmer and acquired three hundred and twenty acres in one of the best farming districts of the state. He was public-spirited and enterprising and held a number of township offices. For many years he was an active member of the Methodist church, serving as steward and trustee and also as chairman of the board. Politically he was in thorough accord with the republican party.James H. Van Camp was sixth in order of birth in a family of ten children, eight of whom are now living. He received his preliminary education in the district school and later was a student for one year at Wilton Academy. After completing his school training he returned to the home farm and is now the owner of one hundred and seventy-six acres, everything about the place giving evidence of progressiveness and enterprise which are marked characteristics of Mr. Van Camp. His success has been due to indefatigable industry and rightly directed methods. Each year increases his financial resources owing to the abundant crops which he raises.
On May 16, 1886, Mr. Van Camp was united in marriage to Miss Edith L. Mesick, a daughter of Jacob S. and Phoebe (Dorman) Mesick. Her father is still living and is a farmer of South Dakota, Mrs. Van Camp being the third child in a family of four children. To Mr. and Mrs. Van Camp have been born five children, three of whom are now living: Alfred Earl, Harry Laverne and Jacob Drew. Grace and Walter died in infancy.
Mr. Van Camp is a supporter of the republican party and his voice is often heard in the councils of its leaders in Muscatine county. For fourteen years past he has served as a member of the county committee. He filled the office of township assessor for six years and for many years was president of the school board, being secretary of that body at the present time. He is connected with the Sweetland Methodist Episcopal church, and is a member of the board of trustees and treasurer. He has for twenty-seven years past been identified with the Masonic fraternity, at present being a member of Lodge No. 2 of Muscatine. He is also a member of Camp No. 106, M. W. A., and for three years past has filled the office of master of Sweetland Grange. He is a man of broad outlook and one who has assisted very materially in advancing the interests of the township where he has spent his entire life. He is recognized as a man of strict integrity who never allows selfish considerations to color his opinions or to induce him to waver in his allegiance to any cause he has espoused. He is devoted to his family and his friends and stands very high in the regard of all who know him.
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