Alva E. Sands

As printed in 1909

A. E. SANDS.

The financial interests of Ainsworth find a worthy and valued representative in A. E. Sands, one of the stockholders and cashier of the Ainsworth bank. He is also interested in one of the leading mercantile enterprises of the city and in the management of his affairs displays keen discernment combined with the ability to so utilize the means at hand that substantial success results. He is one of the county's native sons, his birth having occurred in Oregon township, December 7, 1879. His parents were John W. and Martha (Shaw) Sands. The father is now a retired farmer living in Ainsworth. hut tor many years was connected with the agricultural interests of this county. A native of Tennessee, he was born in Monroe county, March 22, 1839, and his parents were Benjamin R. and Rosanna (Henderson ) Sands. Benjamin R. Sands was born in Washington county. Tennessee, and was of Scotch-Irish descent. In the Aear 1835 he wedded Miss Rosanna Henderson of Monroe county, Tennessee, who was born, however, in I'.count county, that state. She was of Irish lineage. Following their marriage they began their domestic life in the state of their nativity and resided there until 1851, when they removed to Washington county, Iowa. Mr. Sands entered one hundred and sixty acres of unimproved land and at once began the development of a farm, upon which he resided until 1880. He then removed to Ainsworth, where he lived retired, enjoying the fruits of his former toil. His wife died June 20, 1887, and he survived until some years later. Unto Benjamin and Rosanna Sands were born a number of children, including John W., the father of our subject; Margaret, the wife of J. F. R. Leonard; Joseph P.; Samuel A.; James; and Nancy J. The last named is now deceased.

John W. Sands came to Washington county, Iowa, with his parents in 1851, being then a lad of twelve years. He was educated in the common schools and through the periods of vacation worked on the farm, having devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business career with the exception of three years spent as a soldier of the Civil war. It was in September, 1861, that he responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting as a member of Company C, Eleventh Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He participated in the battle of Shiloh, in the first and second engagements at Corinth, in the battle of Vicksburg, in the Atlanta campaign and in various minor engagements and military movements and at length was mustered out at Galesville, Alabama, where he also received an honorable discharge.

On the expiration of his term of service John W. Sands returned to Iowa and began farming on his own account, in which work he won gratifying success. Year by year he carefully tilled the fields and as time went by he won a measure of ])prosperity which was the merited reward of his labors.

It was in Louisa county. Iowa, in 1864, that J. W. Sands was married to Miss Martha A. Shaw, a daughter of Samuel Shaw, who came to Iowa in 1834. Mrs. Sands was born in Monroe county, Tennessee, November 23, 1843, ynd by her marriage has become the mother of four children: Eva J., Samuel B. Francis C. and Alva E. The parents are members of the United Presbyterian church, to which their children also belong and Mr. Sands gives his political support to the republican party on which ticket he has been elected to several township offices, including that of trustee. His life has been an upright and honorable one characterized by the sterling qualities of manhood, which in every land and clime awaken respect and regard. Now at the age of seventy years he is living retired and his rest is well merited, for through a long period he was a most active representative of farming interests in this county.

A. E. Sands pursued his education in the schools of Ainsworth and afterward worked for three years in a blacksmith shop. He then became identified with mercantile interests, joining; his brother, Francis G., in the conduct of a store in which he still owns a half interest. Three years ago, however, he accepted the position of cashier in the Ainsworth Bank, in which he is a stockholder and is now the chief executive head of that institution, managing its affairs with marked ability and with a thorough understanding of banking interests in every department.

In June. 1901, Mr. Sands was married to Miss Maud Morrison, a resident of this county and they now have two children, Dorothy and Neal. Their home is justly celebrated for its warm-hearted hospitality and is a favorite resort with their many friends. In his political views Mr. Sands is a stalwart republican and at the present writing, 1909, is filling the office of city treasurer. He is interested in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community and cooperates largely in measures for the public good. He belongs to the United Presbyterian church, of which his wife is also a member and in the work of which they are actively and helpfully interested, Mr. Sands serving at the present time as one of the church trustees. His enterprise in business and his activity in municipal affairs have made him a valued resident of the community.

As printed in History of Washington County, Iowa from the first white settlements to 1908. Also biographical sketches of some prominent citizens of the county (1909). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.