JOHN WESLEY LIPE

 

      A farm of eighty acres of choice land located in Otter Creek township gives evidence of the prosperity of John Wesley Lipe, a native of this township, born January 17, 1869, and a son of John and Mahala (Davidson) Lipe, the former a native of Randolph county, North Carolina, born January 9, 1829, and the latter a native of Indiana.  The father, in 1832, was brought to Indiana but subsequently came to Iowa, where he died in Otter Creek township, April 29, 1910.  The mother also died in that township, preceding her husband in death by nearly forty years, her demise occurring in December, 1871.  Both were early settlers of Lucas county, coming to Otter Creek township in the fall of 1861.  The father had a military record to his credit, having done duty in the Union army with Company C., Fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry during the Civil war.  Mr. and Mrs. John Lipe had five children, of whom three are living.  William, the eldest, who was born April 3, 1862, has since passed away.  Phoebe Ann, born August 2, 1863, is also deceased.  Mrs. Martha Ellen Pfrimmer, born July 7, 1866, resides in Otter Creek township.  Mrs. Sarah Frances Eaton was born in December, 1870, and is also a resident of that township.  The other member of the family is John W., our subject, who was the fourth in order of birth.  The father subsequently married again, of this second union being born the following children:  Mrs. Addie Harvey, a resident of Otter Creek township; Mrs. Alvie Lovina Baker, also of that township; and Winfred LeRoy and Wilford, twins, both deceased.

     John W. Lipe was reared under the parental roof, losing his mother when only about three years of age.  In the acquirement of his education he attended the schools of the neighborhood and subsequently assisted his father in the work of the farm.  He has since become the owner of eighty acres of choice land on sections 13 and 14, Otter Creek township, which are under a high state of cultivation.  His improvements are in excellent condition and his home is comfortable and well and modernly equipped.  Besides general farming Mr. Lipe specializes in stock raising, deriving a gratifying income from both lines of endeavor.

     John W. Lipe was married to Sarah G. McClane and of this union were born two daughters, Isyl and Opal.  Politically he is a socialist and in religious matters a member of the Latter Day Saints church of Otter Creek.  Fraternally he affiliates with Senna Lodge, No. 344, A. F. & A. M., of Liberty Center, Iowa.  A public-spirited man of progressive tendencies, Mr. Lipe by his individual efforts has largely contributed to the general agricultural advancement and wherever known is highly regarded and esteemed.

 

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