Robert J. Hurd, a leading farmer and stockman of Jackson county, is a native of that county, born on a farm in Garfield township, January 2, 1884. He is a son of W. J. Hurd, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. Robert J. Hurd received his early education in the public schools of Jackson county and graduated from the Holton High School in the class of 1900. He then entered Campbell University where he was graduated in the class of 1904, with a degree of Bachelor of Science. After completing school he engaged in farming and stock raising in Garfield township. He is one of the largest cattle feeders of the county and has fed hundreds of cattle for the market. His farm consists of 640 acres, all well improved. His place is equipped with large, modern barns, two substantial silos, and a fine modern residence. In 1903, he engaged in breeding pure blood Hereford cattle, and he now has a herd of twenty-one head, as fine as can be found in the State. He is also an extensive hog raiser. Mr. Hurd was married March 20, 1906, to Miss Ruth E. Rafter, a daughter of E. E. Rafter, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. Mrs. Hurd was born in Holton and educated in the public schools of Holton, and Campbell University, graduating in the class of 1901. She specialized in music and after finishing at Campbell University, attended George Washington University, Washington, D. C., where she studied music two years. She then attended the Linsborg College of Music, Linsborg, Kans. To Mr. and Mrs. Hurd have been born two children: Elizabeth Rafter Hurd, born October 1, 1908, and Nathan Rafter Hurd, born February 11, 1913.