My Genealogy Hound

Ira D. Cottey, of Hurdland, Mo., was born in Knox County, Mo., March 21, 1856, and is a son of Ira D. Cottey. [See sketch of Hon. L. F. Cottey.] Our subject grew to manhood in his native State, and received his education at the State Normal School, at Kirksville, Mo. He lived upon the farm until the spring of 1882, when he engaged in the lumber business at Knox City, which he successfully conducted until July of the following year, when he removed to Hurdland, and embarked in a similar business, also opening a hardware store, and has since managed both very successfully. He has the only exclusive hardware business in the town, and controls the entire lumber trade in this region. Mr. Cottey has always been a stanch Democrat in politics, and has taken an active interest in local political affairs, but has never aspired to office. On August 11, 1885, he was appointed postmaster of Hurdland, a position he fills in a faithful and efficient manner. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and is recognized as one of Knox County’s enterprising and successful business men.