Warren J. Latta is conducting a blacksmith shop at Davis City and has built up a large business by excellent workmanship and fair dealing. He was born in Akron, Missouri, April 16, 1858, a son of Calvin and Rachel (Jenkins) Latta, natives respectively of Ohio and Pennsylvania. The father was taken to Indiana by his parents when that state was still a frontier region and there grew to manhood. He turned his attention to farming and after following agricultural pursuits in the Hoosier state for several years moved to Muscatine, Iowa, where he engaged in teaming for some time. About 1855 he went to Akron, Missouri, where he farmed until 1866, when he came to Decatur county and purchased land in New Buda township. His farm, which comprised three hundred and thirteen acres, was well improved, and he derived therefrom a gratifying annual income. He passed away in February, 1892, but was survived by his widow for four years.
Warren J. Latta was reared and educated in Missouri and New Buda township, this county, and continued to reside with his parents until they were called by death. He and four brothers farmed the place in partnership until 1905, when they divided the land, his share being eighty acres. From 1905 until 1914 he farmed independently but in march of the latter year he sold forty acres and removed to Davis City, where he established a blacksmith shop, the only smithy in the town. While still living upon the farm he had for fifteen years done blacksmithing and had gained a reputation for excellent work in that line. He has met with gratifying success since coming to Davis City and derives a good income from his trade. He also owns a brick business building, two stories and basement, and holds title to his comfortable residence.
Mr. Latta was married on the 19th of March, 1890, to Miss Harriet Robbins, a daughter of John and Rachel (Davis) Robbins, natives respectively of Indiana and Ohio. The father, who was one of the pioneers of Decatur county, Iowa, bought land in Burrell township in an early day and gave the remainder of his life to the operation of his farm. He passed away in November, 1913, and his wife died in 1893. To Mr. And Mrs. Latta were born twelve children, five of whom died in infancy, the others being: Perry and James, who are in partnership with their father and who also conduct a garage and machine shop; Martha B., the wife of Clarence Vandall, who is operating land belonging to our subject; Maude, who married Otho Wishon, a resident of Harrison county, Missouri; Alice W., who is keeping house for her father; and Charles and George, who are attending school. Mrs. Latta passed away July 9, 1913, after a prolonged illness, and her demise was the occasion of much sincere grief, for she had many warm friends.
Mr. Latta is a democrat and has at all ties performed his duties as a citizen conscientiously. While actively engaged in agricultural pursuits he was recognized as a successful farmer and stock-raiser and gave particular attention to breeding thoroughbred Percheron horses. Since his removal to Davis City he has won a place among the town's prosperous residents and is highly esteemed here.
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"Down One Hundred Years"
L. Dale Ahern
Latta, Warren--born 1858, Missouri; parents Calvin and Rachel; came to Decatur County 1866; wife Harriet Robbins; children Perry, James, Bell, Maude, Alice, Charles and George; occupation farmer and blacksmith; died 1931.