opened a shop of his own at Stockbridge, Wisconsin, which he conducted for six years. In the spring of 1876 he was allured by the mines to Deadwood, South Dakota, remaining in the Black Hills for four years, a large part of which time he spent eagerly searching for the yellow metal. He was moderately successful in his quest but not finding a fortune he returned to Wisconsin, where he was married, and in May, 1881, he came to Nevada, Iowa, and entered the employment of William Gates. Having decided to make this place his prominent home, he purchased a shop that stood on the corner now occupied by the Peoples Saving Bank, and, his work prospering, he built the shop which he. has since owned and which is located a few doors north of the spot of his original establishment. By close attention to his business he has secured a large patronage and now enjoys a prosperity, which is the result of many years of applied energy.
In 1881 Mr. Simser was united in marriage to Miss Etta B. Miller, who was born near Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, May 14, 1861. Two children have blessed this union : Jay Adam, who was born March 8, 1888, and is now telephone manager at Roland, Iowa; and Erma B., who was born May 3, 1895, and is attending school.
Mr. Simser is identified with the Masonic order and the Knights of Pythias, having been a charter member of Samson Lodge, No. 77, Nevada, of the latter organization. Politically he gives his support to the republican party and is an ardent advocate of its principles. As a patriotic citizen he attempts to perform his duty to the community and is now serving most acceptably as member of the city council. He is essentially a self-made man. Starting as a poor boy he has climbed from the bottom of the ladder financially and has, now attained a position of independence. Recognizing the difficulties that lie in the way of young men who have the desire to advance, he is always ready to extend a helping hand to every worthy aspirant, and it is safe to say that no man in this region has a greater number of true friends than the subject of this review.
HENRY F. WOODRUFF.
Henry F. Woodruff is one of the extensive landowners of Story county, although for the past two years he has made his home in Ames, from which point he has superintended his agricultural interests. In the management of his affairs he displays keen judgment, strong purpose and laudable ambition, carrying forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. He was born in Seneca county, New York, March 8, 1849, his parents being Benjamin and Ruth (Fuller) Woodruff, both of whom were also natives of the Empire state. The mother died when her son was but six weeks old, and in 1853 the father removed to Lenawee county, Michigan, where he resided for ten years, when he went to Ann Arbor, Michigan.