Probably none of the native sons of Iowa has accomplished more vital and far-reaching work in the public service than the Hon. Joseph E. DOZE, state representative on the democratic ticket His worth and fidelity in positions of public trust is indicated by the results which have followed his work in various official capacities and by his definite accomplishment along constructive lines of progress and reform. He was born in Decatur county, Iowa, within twelve miles of his present home, November 18, 1854, and is a son of Francis K. and Cena (PHIPPS) DOZE, the former of whom was born in France in 1826 and the latter in Indiana in 1830. When Joseph E. DOZE was still a child his parents moved to Missouri and remained in that state for five years, after which they returned to Iowa. Later the family went to Decatur county and there remained until 1874, when they moved to Page county. From there in 1877 they went to Ringgold county and remained residents of that section until 1890. The father died in Mahaska county, this state, in 1862 and the mother's death occurred in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1909. She and her husband were the parents of three children: Joseph E., of this review; Mrs. May DOZE, a resident of Alberta, Canada; and Mrs. Iowa V. SARGEANT, whose birth occurred in Mahaska county and who is now residing in Minneapolis.

The Hon. Joseph E. DOZE was eight years of age when his father died and he accompanied the other members of the family in their various removals. From 1877 to 1890 he was a resident of Ringgold county and while there began his public life. He taught in the schools of Page and Ringgold Counties and was once nominated for superintendent of Ringgold County schools. He was twice elected Ringgold County auditor on the democratic ticket and his victory was a significant tribute to the force of his personality and to the principles for which he stood, because the normal republican majority was about seven hundred.

In 1890 he removed to Humeston and has resided here since that time. For the past ten years he has been in the real-estate business and controls valuable holdings in this section and in other parts of the country, his fair dealing, comprehensive knowledge and strict integrity constituting the salient elements in his success. During the last five years he has been interested also in the automobile business and has an excellent repairing department. He has been a member of the town council and Mayor of Humeston for several terms.

Mr DOZE was elected as an Iowa State Representative in 1912, and was re-elected in 1914.

Mr. DOZE has been three times married. On March 18, 1878, he wedded Miss Luella CONLEY, who passed away, leaving a daughter, Mrs. Laura P. CLARK. She was born February 17, 1879, and was graduated from the Humeston high school with the class of 1898. She is at present residing in Corydon, where her husband is a well known merchant tailor. Mr. DOZE's second union was with Miss Lucille KELLER, who was born in Ringgold county, Iowa, and who died at Mount Ayr. To this union were born two sons. The elder, Lynn Keller DOZE, was born April 6, 1889, and in 1907 was graduated from the Humeston high school. He began his business career as clerk in the mercantile establishment of F. T. McKIBBEN, of Humeston, and later held the position of bookkeeper for the Hawkeye Lumber Company at Centerville. He afterward did similar work in the interests of J. L. HUMPHREY & Company of Humeston and resigned this position in order to become assistant cashier of the Home State Bank. Joseph Dean DOZE, the younger son, was born in Humeston, October 15, 1891. He was graduated from the Humeston high school with the class of 1909 and is now assisting his father in the conduct of the automobile business. After the death of his second wife Mr. DOZE was again married, wedding in 1892 Miss Elizabeth DAVIS, a native of Van Buren county, Iowa, born January 28, 1872. She is a daughter of Jefferson and Elizabeth (BAIRD) DAVIS, both of whom have passed away, the father dying in Ringgold county and the mother in Mount Ayr in 1882.

Mr. DOZE's interest in public affairs is of that vital and forceful kind which constitutes a potent element in the general advancement. All of those activities which affect the municipal welfare, the intellectual and moral progress receive his indorsement and hearty support and his active labor in their promotion. He was for two terms a member of the city council and was mayor of Humeston for three years, giving to his fellow citizens prompt, businesslike and efficient service and accomplishing during his administration much valuable work along lines of civic expansion. He was the successful candidate of his party for nomination to the state legislature in the June primaries and at the election on November 5, 1912, was chosen over his republican opponent, Mr. FRY, of Corydon, by a decisive majority. This affords him a wider field for the exercise of that ability in government which he so signally displayed in municipal affairs.

Mr. DOZE is one of the best known men in Humeston at the present time and aside from his business and public interests has important fraternal affiliations. He is a member of Fidelity Lodge, No. 228, P. & A. M., of Humeston, and belongs to Salem Chapter, No. 75, R. A. M. at Mount Ayr, of which organization he is a past master. Besides his well equipped garage he owns also a beautiful home in Humeston. He has a successful career in municipal politics behind him and before him splendid prospects for continued advancement in state affairs. He is well equipped for the work, being loyal to his ideals, consistent in his principles and conduct and incorruptible in his high integrity.

SOURCES: Past and Present of Lucas and Wayne Counties Vol. II., 3rd Series Pp. 86-87. S.J. Clarke Publ. Co. Chicago. 1912.
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Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, June of 2009