HON. JOSEPH E. DOZE
Probably none of the native sons of Iowa has
accomplished more vital and far-reaching work in the public
service than the Hon. Joseph E. Doze, state representative on
the democratic ticket. His
worth and fidelity in positions of public trust is indicated
by the results which have followed his work in various
official capacities and by his definite accomplishment along
constructive lines of progress and reform. He was born in
Decatur county, Iowa, within twelve miles of his present home,
November 18, 1854, and is a son of Francis K. and Cena
(Phipps) Doze, the former of whom was born in France in 1826
and the latter in Indiana in 1830. When Joseph E. Doze was still a child
his parents moved to Missouri and remained in that state for
five years, after which they returned to Iowa. Later the family
went to Decatur county and there remained until 1874, when
they moved to Page county.
From there in 1877 they went to Ringgold county and
remained residents of that section until 1890. The father died in
Mahaska county, this state, in 1862 and the mother’s death
occurred in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1909. She and her husband
were the parents of three children: Joseph E., of this review; Mrs. May
Doze, a resident of Alberta, Canada; and Mrs. Iowa V.
Sargeant, whose birth occurred in Mahaska county and who is
now residing in Minneapolis.
The Hon. Joseph E. Doze was eight years of age when his
father died and he accompanied the other members of the family
in their various removals.
From 1877 to 1890 he was a resident of Ringgold county
and while there began his public life. He was twice
elected county auditor on the democratic ticket and his
victory was a significant tribute to the force of his
personality and to the principles for which he stood, because
the normal republican majority was about seven hundred. In 1890 he removed
to Humeston and has resided here since that time. For the past ten
years he has been in the real-estate business and controls
valuable holdings in this section and in other parts of the
country, his fair dealing, comprehensive knowledge and strict
integrity constituting the salient elements in his success. During the last
five years he has been interested also in the automobile
business and has an excellent repairing department.
Mr. Doze has been three times married. On March 18, 1878,
he wedded Miss Luella Conley, who passed away, leaving a
daughter, Mrs. Laura P. Clark.
She was born February 17, 1879, and was graduated from
the Humeston high school with the class of 1898. She is at present
residing in Corydon, where her husband is a well known
merchant tailor. Mr.
Doze’s second union was with Miss Lucille Keller, who was born
in Ringgold county, Iowa, and who died at Mount Ayr. To this union were
born two sons. The
elder, Lynn Keller Doze, was born April 6, 1889, and in 1907
was graduated from the Humeston high school. He began his
business career as clerk in the mercantile establishment of F.
T. McKibben, of Humeston, and later held the position of
bookkeeper for the Hawkeye Lumber Company at Centerville. He afterwards did
similar work in the interests of J. L. Humphrey & Company
of Humeston and resigned this position in order to become
assistant cashier of the Home State Bank. Joseph Dean Doze,
the younger son, was born in Humeston, October 15, 1891. He was graduated
from the Humeston high school with the class of 1909 and is
now assisting his father in the conduct of the automobile
business. After
the death of his second wife Mr. Doze was again married,
wedding in 1892 Miss Elizabeth Davis, a native of Van Buren
county, Iowa, born January 28, 1872. She is a daughter of Jefferson and
Elizabeth (Baird) Davis, both of whom have passed away, the
father dying in Ringgold county and the mother in Mount Ayr in
1882.
Mr. Doze’s interest in public affairs is of that vital
and forceful kind which constitutes a potent element in the
general advancement. All
of those activities which affect the municipal welfare, the
intellectual and moral progress receive his indorsement and
hearty support and his active labor in their promotion. He was for two
terms a member of the city council and was mayor of Humeston
for three years, giving to his fellow citizens prompt,
businesslike and efficient service and accomplishing during
his administration much valuable work along lines of civic
expansion. He
was the successful candidate of his party for nomination to
the state legislature in the June primaries and at the
election on November 5, 1912, was chosen over his republican
opponent, Mr. Fry, of Corydon, by a decision majority. This affords him a
wider field for the exercise of that ability in government
which he so signally displayed in municipal affairs.
Mr. Doze is one of the best known men in Humeston at
the present time and aside from his business and public
interests has important fraternal affiliations. He is a member of
Fidelity Lodge, No. 228, F. & A. M., of Humeston, and
belongs to Salem Chapter, No. 75, R. A. M. at Mount Ayr, of
which organization he is a past master. Besides his well
equipped garage he owns also a beautiful home in Humeston. He has a successful
career in municipal politics behind him and before him
splendid prospects for continued advancement in state affairs. He is well equipped
for the work, being loyal to his ideals, consistent in his
principles and conduct and incorruptible in his high
integrity.