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Howard B. Brutsman
Born June 14, 1868 |
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| Howard B. Brutsman, whose well tilled fields and substantial buildings are indicative of his success in his chosen vocation, that of an agriculturist and dairyman, and of the prosperity which distinguishes Madison township, was born in Lee county, Illinois, June 14, 1868. His parents were Frank and Eliza beth (Short) Brutsman, who came to Iowa from Illinois in 1870. They located first in Madison township, Jones county, and then removed to Jasper, where Mr. Brutsman lived for about fifteen years. Since the end of that period he has made his home with different members of his family.
Howard B. Brutsman was reared at home, under the careful guidance of his parents, until nine years of age, when he went to live with Mr. and Mrs. Craven. He attended the common schools of his township, deriving from them a substantial training in the rudimentary branches of English education. In 1890 he married and began agricultural pursuits for himself, working first as a farm hand and then, after a year, renting a tract of land. After an experience of four years as a tenant, in 1895, he was able to purchase one hundred and twenty acres of the farm on which he now lives, adding to it seven years later forty acres adjoining, so that he is now possessed of a fine tract of one hundred and sixty acres. Since he has assumed the ownership of the place he has greatly improved it, bringing it up to a high standard of productiveness as regards the soil, and erecting buildings for the accommodation of his stock, that are in accordance with the most advanced ideas in that line of farm industry. To dairying he has devoted the greater amount of his attention, milking from fifteen to twenty cows and finding that it is as profitable as the cultivation of cereals, to which a large part of his farm is given over.
In 1890, Mr. Brutsman was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Fox, of Monmouth, Jackson county, Iowa, and their union has been blessed with six children: Pearl, Bessie, Gladys, Hazel, Leila and Edna. Since he has been of an age to exercise the franchise right of an American citizen, Mr. Brutsman has staunchly given his support to the democratic party, believing in the value of the principles enunciated in its platform. He is at present secretary of the school board, but he cannot be called an office seeker in any sense of the word, although he is always interested in public affairs, especially in the welfare of his fellow citizens. His voice is ever raised on the side of justice and progress, qualities which have distinguished his administration of his own affairs, which have placed him in the front rank of those who till the soil in Madison township. He belongs to the Wyoming Camp, No. 183, M. W. A., and is active in the interests of his fraternal brothers and in the work of the society.
Source: History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 383. |
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