LUTHER H. BUSSELLE

 

     Luther H. Busselle, prominently connected with financial interests of Chariton as cashier of the Lucas County national Bank and of the Lucas County Trust & Savings Bank, was born in Otter Creek township, this county, on the 8th of February, 1865.  He is a son of William W. and Tansen Ann (Reece) Busselle, the former a native of Indiana, born in 1831, and the latter of Illinois.  Their marriage occurred in Clarke county, Iowa, and from there they came to Otter Creek township, Lucas county, and located on a farm.  The father engaged in agricultural pursuits in that locality for many years but is now living retired at Marengo.  He survives his wife who passed away in Chariton in July, 1901.  In their family were the following children:  Mrs. Flora B. Thompson, who resides in Washington, D. C., where her husband has served as solicitor of the United States Treasury since he was appointed to that position by President Taft; P. O., who resides in Wichita, Kansas, as general manager of the International Harvester Company, a position which he has occupied for the past twenty-eight years, beginning with the old McCormick Harvester Company; Luther H., of this review; A. S., engaged in the real-estate and loan business in Tacoma, Washington; Charles, who has passed away; and Mrs. Effie B. Henderson, the wife of Dr. E. B. Henderson of Marengo.  All of these children were born in Otter Creek township and all supplemented a public-school education by a course in Simpson College at Indianola.

     Luther H. Busselle spent is boyhood upon his father’s farm and his early experiences were those which generally fall to the lot of the farm lad.  After attending Simpson College he settled in Chariton and in 1894 turned his attention to the hardware business, forming a partnership with N. B. Hollinger, with whom he continued for two years.  At the end of that time the firm became L. H. Busselle & Company, and the business was afterwards conducted by Mr. Busselle alone.  He secured a large patronage and continued active in its conduct until 1907 when he became interested in the organization of the Lucas County National Bank of which he was elected cashier.  This responsible position he still holds and his work has been a helpful factor in making the bank the sound and conservative institution which it is today.  Mr. Busselle also aided in the organization of the Lucas County Trust & Savings Bank, which opened its doors on the 11th of August, 1913, and he is cashier of this institution also.  He is a director in both the banks and recognized as one of the leaders in the financial life of the community.

     On the 22nd of February, 1911, Mr. Busselle married Miss Eloise Copeland, who was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, a daughter of Elijah and Amanda (Baker) Copeland, residents of Chariton.  Mr. Busselle is connected fraternally with Chariton Lodge, No. 64, A. F. & A. M., and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.  He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is interested in public affairs although not active as an office seeker.  In addition to his connection with the two banks above mentioned, he is also identified with various other important corporate interests of the city and he is an extensive land owner, holding in partnership with Mr. Eikenberry, eight hundred and fifty-seven acres of the old Mallory estate in Lincoln.  This is the location of the famous Ilion, the former residence of the Mallory’s.  Mr. and Mrs. Busselle live in Chariton and are numbered among the most highly respected and esteemed residents of the city.

 

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