Representative Hugo Grotius Van Meter View All Years
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Hugo Grotius Van Meter
Dallas County
Born November 15, 1831, in Bartholomew county, Indiana. His ancestry were early emigrants from Europe and having obtained grants of land on the south branch of the Potomac River, settled a colony, and still resided on the land during the revolution. Young Van Meter was educated in the schools of Indiana, before the inauguration of the present efficient system of common schools. In 1852, he moved to Iowa, and settled near DeSoto, in Dallas county. In company with his brother Jacob R., they purchased and located a farm of 820 acres, on which they began their career in the development of the resources of Iowa. In 1857 he sold a part of the farm and moved to Adel, the county seat, and began merchandizing. In 1859 be sold his store, and in 1860 began the erection of a flouring mill, north of De Soto, on the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Rail· road. His brother, J. R., had an equal interest in the milling enterprise, until December 1863, when J. J. Van Meter, another brother, purchased his interest. In 1868 he sold out and Hugo became the sole owner. In 1871 he was elected to the Legislature, and served through the session of 1872, and the adjourned session of 1878. He served on five committees, including public buildings, ways and means, etc. Active, industrious and energetic, with an indomitable will and unimpeachable integrity, he moved in the legislative halls as one whose conscience was unclouded by any menial services, or by any unworthy word or deed. He was a man among men worthy of the good opinion he enjoys as a loyal and desirable citizen, neighbor and friend.
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