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Ezra L. Rowland

A man deserving mention in this history of Fayette county is Ezra Rowland, the subject of this sketch, for he was born and raised in Dover township of this county and during his life has been actively engaged in a progressive and enterprising manner in furthering the interests of the community by a careful and intelligent development of his own land, for it is a well recognized principle that where a man does extremely well with his own interests, the public, as well as himself, is benefited.

Ezra L. Rowland, the son of P. L. Rowland, of Dover township, was born on December 6, 1874. His education was acquired at the township schools. After completing his school course, he resided with his parents, assisting his father in caring for the home farm. His mother passed beyond on January 29, 1890, but he and his father made their home together until November 21, 1903, when his father joined the mother in the other world.

Mr. Rowland continued to live on the home farm and has managed it most successfully and economically. Upon coming into his inheritance the tract consisted of one hundred and twenty-six acres, and to these he has since added forty-eight acres. In 1906 and 1908 he erected two fine new barns, excellently built and equipped, which were erected with a view to the better conducting of his general farming business, but also for the purpose of caring for the stock which he takes great pride and interest in breeding. His two specialties in stock raising are the very best high-grade Norman horses and pure bred Poland-China hogs. To these two specialties he has given all the time and attention he can spare from his general farming industry with such excellent results that he is widely known for the grade of stock which he raises, and for which there is a demand, often from distant points.

On December 12, 1902, Mr. Rowland was united in marriage with Emilia Vasby, and their union was blessed with a daughter, Elvira Rachel. Mrs. Rowland passed away on February 24, 1905. Mr. Rowland remained a widower until December 20, 1906, when he married Bertha E. Wirz and to them have been born two daughters, named Matilda Evon and Mildred Isabel.

Mr. Rowland is a Republican, but has not been active in politics other than furthering in a quiet way whenever possible the interests of his party locally. He is actively interested in educational affairs in this community, being a member of the school board, of which he has been president for the last three years; he was also treasurer of the board for some years.

Mr. and Mrs. Rowland are members of the Evangelical church, in the work of which they take a practical interest."