For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 238
WALTER C. WINDUS. Walter C. Windus, the owner of a tract of one hundred and sixty acres on sections 27 and 28, Wapsinonoc township, has resided on this farm from his birth to the present time, his natal day being October 17, 1871. His parents were Thomas G. and Orpha A ( Drew ) Windus, the former a native of England and the latter of New York. The father emigrated to the United States in 1850, first locating in the Empire state, where he secured employment in a shoe shop. He was there married in 1851 and continued to reside in New York until 1864, which year witnessed his arrival in Muscatine county, Iowa. Here he purchased the farm which is now in possession of our subject, being successfully engaged in its operation throughout the remainder of his active business career. His demise, which occurred at West Liberty in 1902, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret, for he had won many friends during his long residence in this county. His widow still survives and makes her home in West Liberty. They had eight children, six of whom are yet living.Walter C. Windus was reared under the parental roof and when twenty years of age started out as an agriculturist on his own account by renting the old homestead farm. In 1902 he purchased the property, which embraces one hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land on sections 27 and 28, Wapsinonoc township, and in the further cultivation and improvement of which he has since been busily engaged. He keeps abreast with the most advanced ideas of modern farming and his labors are attended with gratifying results.
On the 17th of February, 1897, Mr. Windus was united in marriage to Miss Lucinda N. Metcalf, a native of Muscatine county and a daughter of Lafayette and Alice E. (Wood ) Matcalf, who were born in Ohio and Indiana respectively. They came to this country in the '50's, the mother of Mrs. Windus being brought here by her parents. In 1883 Mr. and Mrs. Metcalf removed to Nebraska, where the former passed away in 1892 and the latter in 1887. Mr. Metcalf served in the Civil war for three years as a member of Company D, Thirty-fifth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and participated in many hot contested engagements but fortunately escaped injury of any kind. Unto him and his wife were born seven children, five of whom still survive. Mr. and Mrs Windus have two children: Blanche Estelle, whose birth occurred on the 16th of June, 1907: and Martin Clay, born January 23, 1911. They are also rearing an adopted son, Harold E., who was born on the 28th of December, 1906.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Windus has supported republican principles but has never sought office as a reward for his party Fealty. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church, of which his wife is also a member and in the work of which she is deeply and helpfully interested. In his agricultural interests Mr. Windus has ever followed progressive and enterprising methods and is recognized as a prosperous and public-spirited citizen of the community.
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