Twice-A-Week News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa
June 12, 1896

Among those whose unwavering allegiance to his home town prompts him to constant efforts in her behalf, and who always says "nothing is too good for Mt. Ayr," we note the name of Ezra McMASTER. Mr. McMASTER came with his parents from Canada in 1871. Locating in Jefferson township, he farmed and taught school for several years.

A western trip next varied the monotony of his life, but after short stays in various point, he again anchored in Ringgold county, teaching and farming until 1876. He then located in Mt. Ayr, opened a law, loan, land and insurance office and to use his own characteristic expression "has been hammering away ever since."

He bought business lots after the big south-side fire and erected thereon in 1886 his present office. He purchased lots near the southwest corner of the square, and thereon has built a beautiful residence and place many other elegant improvements. His real estate in the county has been enlarged and improved until it now [portion of article missing]. He owns the lot at the southwest corner of the square, where [illegible] to be the most desired business location in town, and contemplates erecting thereon a two-story brick business building.

In his office, Mr. McMASTER has the very best and most convenient equipments. His safe, the largest in the county, weights 7,000 pounds and was built on plans furnished by Mr. McMASTER to meet the demands of his business.

NOTE: Ezra C. McMASTER was born in 1847, and died in 1943. Elizabeth McMASTER was born in 1856, and died in 1909. They are interred at Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr, Iowa.

Submission by Mike Avitt
Transcription and note by Sharon R. Becker, September of 2010