Malvern H. Kepler
Liberal educational opportunities prepared Malvern H. Kepler for admission to the bar and since entering upon practice in 1896 his course has been characterized by continuous progress as his ability has developed through the exercise of effort. He is most careful and painstaking in the preparation of his cases and is seldom, if ever, at fault in the application of a legal principle. Moreover, he has ever made it his purpose to secure justice and not to enshroud his cause in any sentimental garb or illusion, and these qualities have won for him the admiration of the public and the respect of his professional colleagues. He has resided continuously in Northwood since 1898.
Iowa numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred in Scott county, near Davenport, April 14, 1870. His parents were John and Ann (Douglass) Kepler, the former, a native of Lee county, Pennsylvania, born near Philadelphia, while the latter was born in Cambria county, Pennsylvania. They were married in the latter county, where Mr. Kepler engaged in merchandising for a time, and subsequently they removed westward to Scott county, Iowa, taking up their abode in Le Claire township about 1854. Mr. Kepler afterward engaged in merchandising in Scott county and eventually purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Lincoln township, that county. He then concentrated his efforts and attention upon the development and cultivation of his land, which he continued to operate and improve until 1882. He afterward engaged in the live stock business and made his home with his children, and while on a trip to Chicago in connection with a shipment of cattle, he passed away in 1893 at the age of sixty-two years. For a considerable period he had survived his wife, who died in February, 1877, when forty-four years of age. He was a very energetic and enterprising business man, continuing active up to the time of his death. He belonged to the Ancient Order of United Workmen and his religious faith was that of the Presbyterian church. In politics he was a republican. He took an interest in all that pertained to the welfare and upbuilding of the community in which he lived and his cooperation could always be counted upon to further any measure for the public good.
Malvern H. Kepler, whose name introduces this review, spent his boyhood days upon the old homestead farm in Lincoln township, Scott county, Iowa, and when not busy with the work of the fields concentrated his attention upon the acquirement of a district school education. He also spent one winter in study in the district schools of Tama county, Iowa, and in 1887 he attended Western College of Toledo, from which he was graduated in 1892. In 1894 he became a student in the State University of Iowa, where he pursued his law course, being graduated with the class of 1896. He was admitted to the bar and entered upon the active practice of his profession in Toledo, where he carried on practice in connection with his brother, Richard P., until June, 1898. At that date he removed to Northwood, where he formed a law partnership with Ivar Boe, with whom he continued until May, 1900. He then bought out the law practice of M. A. Zollinger and is still occupying that office. He has a liberal clientage that has connected him with many important cases tried in the courts of the district. Earnest effort, close application and the exercise of his native talents have won him prestige as a lawyer at a bar that has numbered many most capable men. He industriously prepares his cases, recognizing the importance of minute preparation, and his course in the courtroom is characterized by a calmness and dignity that indicate reserve strength.
In 1898 Mr. Kepler was united in marriage to Miss Minnie E. Muckler, a daughter of H. D. and Jennie (McAllister) Muckler, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of Iowa. Mrs. Kepler was also born in Toledo, Iowa, and by her marriage has become the mother of two children, Harrison D. and Donald M.
In fraternal circles Mr. Kepler is widely known. He has membership with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Modern Woodmen of America and with Northern Light Lodge, No. 266, A. F. & A. M., of Northwood. He is likewise identified with the Order of the Eastern Star. In politics he is a republican and for eight years he acceptably filled the position of county attorney. He has also been a member of the school board for fifteen years and has done effective work in behalf of education. His interest centers wherever progress is to be advanced and patriotism promoted, and he cooperates heartily in all well defined plans and measures that tend to upbuild the community or advance its civic standards.
SOURCE: HISTORY OF MITCHELL AND WORTH COUNTIES, IOWA, 1918, VOL. II; Pages 76 & 77
Transcription by Gordon Felland, 9/3/2006