William H. Rule, an enterprising and representative agriculturist of Richland township, owning and operating an excellent farm embracing eighty acres on section 20, is a self made man who owes his present prosperity entirely to his own well directed and untiring labors. His birth occurred in Jo Daviess county, Illinois, on the 10th of August, 1850, his parents being Harry and Mahala (Willitt) Rule, the former a native of England and the latter of Kentucky. Their marriage was celebrated in Jo Daviess county, Illinois, and to them were born three children, namely: Francis and Robert, both of whom are deceased; and William H., of this review.

      The last named, still but a child when his parents died, was thrown upon his own resources at the tender age of eight and has since made his own way in the world. In his youth he obtained a common school education. As the years passed by he worked diligently and persistently and eventually accumulated sufficient capital to purchase his present farm of eighty acres on section  20, Richland township, Delaware county. He cultivates the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and also makes a specialty of stock raising, both branches of his business returning to him a gratifying annual income. His success is all the more creditable by reason of the fact it is source of inspiration and encouragement to others.

      In 1872 Mr. Rule was united in marriage to Miss Isabelle Davison, who was born in Illinois on the 17th of December, 1850, her parents being Robert and Ann (Hutten) Davison, both of whom are deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Rule were born seven children, as follows: David H., who is a resident of Colorado; Jessie, the wife of Wallace Race; William J., living in Lamont, Iowa; Earl, who makes his home in Colorado; Harrison, of Buchanan county, this state; Ethel, the wife of Frank Strong, a resident of Buchanan county; and one who died in infancy. The wife and mother died June 5, 1914, and was laid to rest in the Campton cemetery.

     Mr. Rule gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is now serving in the capacity of trustee, while for sixteen years he held the office of school director. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Baptist church. He enjoys a wide acquaintance in his home community and is admired by all for his sterling traits of character and his honesty in business dealings.