In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1874
From History of Madison County, Iowa, and its people (1915)
FRED F. MARDIS.
Fred F. Mardis, who is successfully engaged in dealing in coal, lime and cement and who is also a general contractor of Winterset, was born here on the 25th of September, 1874, a son of Thomas F. Mardis, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. The subject of this review received excellent educational advantages in his youth and after completing the public-school course he entered the high school of Winterset and supplemented the knowledge there acquired by one year of study in a commercial college at Des Moines. He learned the brickmason's trade under his father and with his brother John worked in Des Moines at that trade for about ten years. Upon returning to Winterset he. engaged in contracting in partnership with his father until the latter's death in 1908. They established a coalyard in 1901, which is now one of the leading establishments of that character in the city. Fred F. Mardis is conducting the business alone and has a good trade. His business dealings are always above question and it is known that he gives good value for money received. As a contractor he has taken high rank in Winterset and its vicinity and has erected a number of excellent buildings here.
On the lath of April, 1897, Mr. Mardis married Miss Jessie Snyder, of Winterset, a daughter of Samuel Snyder, a pioneer grocer of this city, who was engaged in business here for a half century. Mr. and Mrs. Mardis have two daughters, both at home, namely: Josephine and Helen.
Mr. Mardis is a republican and has done not a little to secure the success of his party in many local elections. Fraternally he is connected with Evening Star Lodge, No. 43, A. F. & A. M.; Lebanon Chapter, Xo. ii, R. A. M., of Winterset; and the commandery, consistory and Shrine of Des Moines. His wife is a member of the Methodist church and he attends the services of that church. He has been successful in his business undertakings and has many excellent qualities of character, which have won for him the warm regard of his friends.
As printed in History of Madison County, Iowa, and its people (1915). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1915. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.