David M. HUDLER, a resident of Fredonia, Iowa, now engaged in the insurance business, was born in North Carolina, in 1837, and is a son of Lemuel and Mary A. (DEBHRULE) HUDLER. His paternal grandfather was born in North Carolina in 1749, of English parentage, and was a farmer by occupation. He served in the Revolutionary War, gallantly defending the Colonies, and was a man of prominence in the community where he resided. His death occurred in New Berne, Craven Co., N. C., in 1836. The maternal grandfather of our subject was Edward C. DEBHRULE, and, though born in North Carolina, was of German and French descent. He wedded Frances CALVIN, who was also of German origin, and to them was born a family of twelve children. Lemuel HUDLER, the father of our subject, was born in Craven County, N. C., in 1801, and remained at home until the age of twenty-two. He then engaged as an overseer on a plantation until 1838, when he was united in marriage with Mary A. DEBHRULE. He then engaged quite extensively in farming, owning and operating 1,700 acres of land. In 1855, with his family, he emigrated to Louisa County, Iowa, settling in Concord Township, where he purchased 160 acres of partly improved land, which he made his home for six years. Selling out, he then bought 100 acres of land adjoining Fredonia, and also some property in the town, and made his home upon the farm until his death, which occurred in 1878. Mr. and Mrs. HUDLER were the parents of thirteen children, three of whom died in childhood. D. M., of this sketch, is the eldest: Frederick is located at Hermitage, Mo.; Caroline is the wife of D. C. MAXON, of Fredonia; Charles L. resides in Hevmitage, Mo.; Frank M. is living in Willon Junction, Iowa; Leonidas makes his home in Audubon City, Iowa; Adrian W. is a resident of Eldon, Iowa; Mary A., wife of Ira WILLIAMSON, is now living at Mt. Ayr, Iowa; Elizabeth wedded A. K. STONE, a resident of Creston, Iowa, and Cordelia B. is the wife of John MALVIN, who is a resident of Winona, Minn. After the death of Mr. HUDLER Mrs. HUDLER made her home with her son D. M.

The boyhood days of our subject were spent upon his father's farm, and in attendance at the district schools. As soon as he had attained sufficient age he aided his father in the farm labors, and in 1855 emigrated with his parents to Iowa. For five years longer he remained under the parental roof, but at the age of twenty-four went to a home of his own. He was united in marriage with Christiana RIGGS, daughter of Daniel and Magdalene RIGGS, who were former residents of Muscatine County, and established her as its mistress. For five years he rented a farm in Concord Township, after which he purchased 120 acres of hind in the same township, making it his home until 1884, when he sold out and removed to Fredonia, since which time he has been engaged in the life insurance business. Religiously, Mr. HUDLER is a strong advocate of the views advanced by the Restitutionists. He has lectured and debated upon tbe subject, and by his clear argument and eloquence has won many to his way of thinking. Before the war he affiliated witli the Democratic party, but left it at that time, afterward voting for the man whom he thought would best fill the office, but is now a supporter of the Greenback party.

To Mr. and Mrs. HUDLER has been born a family of eight children: Emma J., who is engaged in dressmaking in Creston, Iowa; Carry L., who is traveling for a publishing company; Mary N., wife of William W. WAGNER, of Louisa County; Cora B., who is at home; C. L., a railroad employee, with headquarters at St. Joseph, Mo.; Anna B., William A. and Earl S., who are yet with their parents. This family holds a high position in the social world, and its members are respected by all who know them.

SOURCE: FAIRBAIRN, Robert Herd Portrait and Biographical Album of Louisa County, Iowa Vol. I. Chapter 19. Pp. 547-48. S.J. Clarke Publ. Co. Chicago. 1919.

Transcription and note by Sharon R. Becker, May of 2009