W. H. P. BRISTOL

The merchants of Colesburg have done much for the development of the town and W. H. P. Bristol has been among the first to introduce new methods in retail selling and has always kept his stock up-to-date and of pleasing variety. He was born in Orange county, New York, August 25, 1838, a son of John D. and Mary (Decker) Bristol, also natives of the Empire state. In 1855 the family migrated west and located in Clayton county, Iowa, where the parents resided until called to their reward. The father was a carpenter by trade but previous to coming to this state was for some time a railroad man.

W. H. P. Bristol was one of a family of six children, five of whom survive, and he remained at home until he attained his majority. He began clerking in Colesburg, being so engaged for ten years, after which he started a store of his own, which he has since conducted. In 1909 he entered into partnership with J. C. Bolsinger and the firm name is now Bristol & Bolsinger. Their patronage is drawn from the country around Colesburg as well as from the town itself and the volume of business conducted annually is steadily increasing, as the excellence of their goods and the courtesy with which all customers are treated cause those who have bought of them once to return again and these same qualities attract new customers.

In 1891 Mr. Bristol was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Moreland, who was in this county, a daughter of B. F. and Catherine (Glynn) Moreland. Her father was a native of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, and her mother of Ireland. They had ten children, eight of whom survive. The family home was established in Clayton county, Iowa, in the early '40s, when the state was still largely an undeveloped territory, and later a removal was made to Delaware county. Mr. Moreland engaged in mercantile business in Colesburg for a number of years and was highly respected in the community. He and his wife both passed away in this county.

Mr. and Mrs. Bristol are members of the Congregational church and its teachings guide and mold their lives. He is a republican in his political views and stanchly upholds the principles of that party. Fraternally he belongs to Colony Lodge, No. 50, I. O. O. P., at Colesburg, and is a past grand, having filled all the chairs.  In addition to his store he owns three lots and buildings in Colesburg.  He is one of the prosperous citizens of the community and in winning material success has conformed his life so closely to the highest standards both of personal and business ethics that he has the full confidence and the highest respect of those who know him.

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