Buena Vista County, IA
USGenWeb Project

James Givens Meredith, a prosperous and enterprising farmer and stockman residing in Lincoln township, was born in Howell county, Missouri, February 8, 1871.  His father, John M. Meredith, a native of Kentucky, removed to Howell county, Missouri, in 1858, and has there since resided, devoting his time and energies to farming and stockraising [sic].  His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Perkins, was a native of Effingham county, Illinois, and in early girlhood accompanied her parents on their removal to Oregon county.  John M. Meredith is a republican in his political views and belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, while his wife is a devoted member of the Christian church.  The record of their children is as follows, James Givens, of this review; Martha, who is the widow of Benjamin England and makes her home in Howell county. Missouri; W. M., who follows agricultural pursuits in the same state; Dilla, deceased; and Thomas F., who is engaged in farming in Oklahoma.

James Givens Meredith attended the district schools of his native county until eighteen years of age and then returned home to assist his father in the work of the farm.  Removing to Hunt county. Texas, he was there engaged in the operation of rented farms for some time and subsequently took up his abode in Piatt county, Illinois.  On the 1st of January, 1902, he was united in marriage to Miss Elsie M. Walrath, whose birth occurred in Illinois, September 5, 1885.  Unto them have been born three children, namely:  Velma M., Vesta P., and Nellie M., all at home.

The year 1902 witnessed Mr. Meredith's arrival in Buena Vista county, Iowa, and he has since been successfully engaged in farming a rich tract of land of three hundred and twenty acres and in the raising of Poland China hogs.  Energetic, enterprising and progressive, he has met with a gratifying measure of prosperity in his undertakings and is numbered among the substantial and public-spirited citizens of his community.

Mr. Meredith is a stalwart republican in his political views and while residing in Newell county held the offices of deputy sheriff and constable.  He is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America and his wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which she is actively and helpfully interested.  Both Mr. and Mrs. Meredith are well and favorably known throughout the locality in which they reside and have gained the kindly regard and esteem of all with whom they have been associated.