Cherokee County 1914 Header

Divider image

Home image Index Next

Divider image

-27-

ALBERT E. HOOK

  Dr. Albert E. Hook, a successful osteopath of Cherokee, has here followed his profession continuously since 1900 and has won an enviable reputation in that connection. His birth occurred near Memphis, Missouri, on the 4th of May, 1857, his parents being James Henry and Sarah (Morris) Hook, both of whom were natives of Kentucky and were born in the years 1826 and 1830 respectively. James H. Hook followed general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career. Both he and his wife have passed away.
   Albert E. Hook, who was eighth in order of birth in a family of sixteen children, acquired his early education in the public schools of his native state and subsequently attended the State Normal School at Kirksville, Missouri. He then took up the profession of teaching and was engaged as an instructor for twenty-three years, imparting clearly and readily to others the knowledge that he had acquired. In 1898 he entered the AMerican School of Osteopathy at Kirksville, Missouri, and following his graduation from that institution in 1900, located for practice at Chreokee, Iowa, which has remained the scene of his professional labors to the present time. His practice has steadily grown as he has demonstrated his skill and ability in the line of his chosen calling, and he is widely recognized as an able representative of the profession. In 1905 he pursued a post-graduate course of study in the American School of Osteopathy, and for a period of three years he also read law. He is now serving for the second term as first vice president of the Iowa State Osteopathic Association.
   On the 5th of May, 1878, Dr. Hook was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary C. Smart, a daughter of William H. and Catherine (Zuck) Smart, of Green City, Missouri. They have three children, as follows: Stella M., who is the wife

-28-

of Dr. Glenn Hendrickson, of Prineville, Oregon; Rolla, a practicing physician of Logan, Iowa; and Hazel, at home.
   Dr. Hook gives his political allegiance to the republican party and on that ticket was elected to the office of associate examiner of teachers of Morton county, Kansas. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Christian church, in which he serves as elder, while fraternally he is identified with the Ancient Order of Workmen. Both he and his wife are widely and favorably known throughout Cherokee, having won the unqualified confidence and regard of all with whom they have come in contact throughout the period of their residence here.


Divider image

-28-

SIMON B. CHAMPION

   Simon B. Champion, filling the office of county supervisor of Cherokee county, was born in New York state on the 25th of December, 1852. He is a son of James A. and Olive D. (Lake) Champion, also natives of the Empire state, where the father was a minister in the Methodist church and engaged also in operating woolen and flour mills. He remained in New York until 1861 and then moved to Linn county, Iowa, renting a farm near Cedar Rapids, which he operated for two years. At the end of that time he moved to the vicinity of Waubeek, in the same county, and there purchased and improved a farm, upon which he continued to reside for eighteen or twenty years thereafter. His wife died in 1883 and he afterward made made his home with his son J. A. Champion, at whose residence he died in December, 1904, when he was ninety-one years of age.
   Simon B. Champion was reared and educated in Linn county, Iowa, and remained with his parents until his marriage. He then began his independent career, renting a farm in Linn county, which he operated for two years. In 1881 he came to Cherokee county and assumed the management of a large dairy, conducting this enterprise for one year, during which time he also pursued his education, studying nights. He afterward moved into Cherokee and began his public career, serving as street commissioner for two years. When he went out of office he secured a position in a local hardware store and at the end of twelve years engaged in the retail oil business. When he abandoned this he purchased business property in Cherokee and engaged in buying and selling new and second-hand furniture. After conducting this enterprise successfully for six years he moved onto a farm, which he had previously purchased, and he concentrated his attention upon agricultural pursuits until February, 1900. He then moved to Cherokee and since that time has lived retired, owning a comfortable home at 628 North Roosevelt avenue. He was elected in November, 1912, supervisor of Cherokee county and took office in January, 1913. He has already proved a capable and farsighted public official and discharges his duties to the satisfaction of all concerned.
   On the 28th of December, 1878, Mr. Champion married Miss Electa Willmott, a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Sidery) Willmott, natives of England. The parents came to America and located in Linn county, Iowa, in 1854, and there the father purchased land, operating this until his death in 1896, he having

-29-

survived his wife three years. Mr. and Mrs. Champion became the parents of seven children: Agnes and Olive, who died in infancy; Howard, who is engaged in farming in South Dakota; Gladys, the wife of Beach Ridenour, a druggist, by whom she has one daughter, Grace Arlene; and Harry, Glenn and Grace, who are attending school.
   Mr. champion is a member of the Methodist church and is connected fraternally with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Yeomen. He is a republican in his political beliefs and interested in public affairs, cooperating heartily in all movements and measures for the general good. In the office which he now holds he has made a creditable and worthy record and is accounted among the most public-spirited and progressive citizens of the city where he makes his home.


Divider image

-29-

ALEXANDER FRASER

   Alexander Fraser, prominently identified with various corporate, business and political interests of Aurelia, has during the thirty-eight years he has lived in the city made the weight of his influence felt upon various phases of its advancement and progress and has gained for himself a high place among men of marked ability and substantial worth. He is now serving his third term as mayor and he has undoubtedly been one of the greatest individual forces in directing the general progress of this part of the county. He was born in Wisconsin in 1848 and is a son of J. W. and Isabel (McMullen) Fraser, both of Scotch parentage and natives of Nova Scotia. The parents came to the United States in 1844 and settled in Wisconsin, where the father took up government land, upon which he followed farming until 1858. In that year he came to Iowa and settled in Clayton county, where he again purchased a farm, although he did not immediately take up his home on it. For a few years he conducted a mercantile establishment at McGregor but eventually moved upon his land which he operated until he retired from active life in 1900. He afterward made his home in Peterson until his death, which occurred in the same year, his wife passing away two years afterward. The following sons were born to their union: Alexander, of this review; John, of Missouri; Charles and George, residents of South Dakota; and Hugh, William, James and Henry, all of whom have passed away.
   Alexander Fraser acquired his education in the public schools of Clayton county, this state, and in the Upper Iowa University. He came to Cherokee county in 1871 and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land near Aurelia, upon which he followed farming for four years. At the end of that time he sold his property and built an elevator at Aurelia, operating this for a number of years. He has since that time conducted elevator and grain concerns in this city and others and his interests have extended also to many different fields. He conducted a mercantile establishment at Aurelia for a few years and was one of the organizers of the first bank in the town, serving as its vice president. This afterward became the Farmers National Bank and in the new institution Mr. Fraser is now a director and stockholder. He operates in connection with his son the Fraser Elevator and has extensive property interests.

-30-

   On the 24th of January, 1869, Mr. Fraser married Miss Mary McWilliams, who was born in Iowa, a daughter of Israel and Margaret McWilliams, both of whom passed away in Aurelia. To their union were born four children: Jane, deceased; L. C., of Aurelia; Mary, the wife of the subject of this review; and Ella, who married Louis Walter, of George, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Fraser became the parents of six children. Zelda is the widow of George Chamberlain, formerly a merchant in Aurelia. Arthur is connected with the elevator business in association with his father. Of the other children Earl L. and Imo, are at home; Alexander G., died at the age of five; and Avo, passed away at the age of thirteen.
   Mr. Fraser is a progressive republican in his political beliefs. He is now serving his third term as mayor and his administration has been marked by the accomplishment of a great deal of constructive and progressive work in the best interests of the city. He stands high in the regard of all who know him and his acquaintance covers a wide territory because of the extent of his business interests and the importance of his political relations.


Divider image

-30-

JACOB HELLER

   Jacob Heller, a retired farmer living in Cherokee, was born in Germany on the 16th of November, 1835, a son of John and Mary (Schmidt) Heller, natives of that country. The father engaged in farming there until his death in 1842 and the mother came afterward to America, passing away in Wisconsin in 1898.
   Jacob Heller was reared and educated in Germany and remained there until he was twenty-two years of age. He then crossed the Atlantic to America, locating at Galena, Illinois, where he worked by the month as a farm hand for five years. At the end of that time he moved to Grant county, Wisconsin, and purchased a farm which he operated and improved for eighteen years thereafter. He sold it in 1880 and came to Cherokee county, buying a tract of land in Rock township. With characteristic energy he began improving and developing this property and he carried forward the work of its cultivation for many years. His efforts were rewarded by success and in 1909 he retired from active life and moved into Cherokee, purchasing a comfortable home at No. 434 West Cedar street.
   In Grant county, Wisconsin, on the 15th of September, 1863, Mr. Heller married Miss Mary Rupp, a daughter of John and Mary (Fecht) Rupp, natives of Germany. The parents came to America in their early years and located in Pennsylvania, whence after two years they moved to Grant county, Wisconsin. The father bought land there and operated it during the remainder of his life, dying in 1885. His wife survived him only a few months, her death having occurred in the winter of the same year. Mr. and Mrs. Heller became the parents of twelve children: Gertrude, the wife of John Werdle, of Cherokee; Henry, whose death occurred in 1909; Joseph, who makes his home in Helena, Montana; Frank, of Cherokee; Peter, a resident of South Dakota; Anthony, of Berkeley, California; Lizzie, who married Peter Kohns, of Cherokee county; Jacob, a farmer in this county; Theodore, who makes his home in Cherokee; Annie, the

-31-

wife of Harry Swensen, a real-estate dealer of Cherokee; Katie, who died August 4, 1908; and Benjamin, a shoe dealer in Decorah, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Heller celebrated their golden wedding September 15, 1913.
   Mr. Heller is a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic church and he gives his political allegiance to the democratic party. He has held various positions of trust and responsibility, serving as school director and road supervisor. During the thirty-three years he has resided in this county the weight of his influence has always been on the side of right and advancement and he has proved himself a worthy citizen as well as a substantial and progressive business man.


Divider image

-31-

WILSON M. HAMILTON

   Wilson M. Hamilton is head of the firm of W. M. Hamilton & Son, printers and publishers of the Marcus News, and he is one of the best known journalists in this part of Iowa, having been connected with the profession since 1888. He was born in Laporte county, Indiana, March 24, 1850, and is a son of David S. and Hannah (Linn) Hamilton, natives of Ohio. The father went to Indiana at an early age and farmed in that state until 1854, when he moved to Greene county, Iowa, and purchased land. He operated this for a number of years and served also during that time as postmaster, the postoffice, which was called Northfield, being located upon his property. He also engaged in mercantile pursuits and held a number of other public positions of trust and responsibility. He died in November, 1882, and was survived by his wife until 1906.
   Wilson M. Hamilton was reared upon his father's farm and acquired his education in the country schools and in the public schools of Jefferson, Iowa. At the age of fifteen he began carrying the mail from Jefferson to Sac City, a distance of fifty miles, and he also operated a stage line between those two points, the fare being five dollars. When he had completed his education he taught for twenty terms in Greene, Carroll, Guthrie and Crawford counties, and at the end of that time became connected with journalism, established a weekly paper called The Lake View Resort, at Lake View, in 1888. He conducted this enterprise for twenty years thereafter and became known as a progressive and able newpaper man. A few months after he sold the paper at Lake View he came to Marcus and purchased The New, a weekly journal now in the thirty-second year of its existence. Mr. Hamilton conducted it alone for some years and then became associated with his son under the firm name of W. M. Hamilton & Son. the paper is one of the most important in the county and its circulation of eleven hundred copies makes it a valuable news and advertising medium. Mr. Hamilton is largely responsible for its success, for he has directed its policies for years and through his able management has made it important as a director of public thought and opinion. The firm owns its own plant, a modern two-story building located at the corner of Main and Pine streets.
   On the 4th of September, 1882, Mr. Hamilton was united in marriage to Miss Ella A. Croswell, a daughter of Thomas H. and Mary J. (Butler) Croswell, natives of New York. The parents moved to Crawford county, Iowa, and the father purchased land there, engaging in agricultural pursuits for twenty years

-32-

thereafter. He then moved to Minnesota and bought land in Rock county which he developed until he retired from active life. He is now making his home in Garden City, Blue Earth county, Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton have become the parents of five children. Frank C., aged twenty-seven, is junior member of the firm W. M. Hamilton & Son. May W., aged twenty-five, is local editor of the Reflex at Rodundo [Redondo?] Beach, California. Floyd H., aged twenty-two, is foreman of the printing shop of W. M. Hamilton & Son. In January, 1912, he was appointed justice of the peace and notary for this township and it is claimed that he is the youngest man to hold these offices in the state of Iowa. The other children born to Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton are: Ruth A., aged nineteen; and Fayette L., aged thirteen.
   Mr. Hamilton is a charter member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias at Lake View. He belongs to the Congregational church and is a republican in his political views. He served as postmaster of Lake View under President Harrison for four years and has always been interested and active in public affairs. With the leverage of his paper he has for many years made the weight of his influence felt on many phases of community development and has won for himself the respect and confidence of all who are associated with him.


Divider image

-32-

WILLIAM MULVANEY

 Full Size
William Mulvaney ca 1914
   William Mulvaney, a representative of the Cherokee bar since 1891, is accorded a large and distinctively representative clientage. He has been city attorney for several years and in addition has been accorded a large private practice, connecting him with much important litigation held in the district. He was born in Princeton, Illinois, on the 19th of October, 1862, and is a son of Patrick and Ellen (Savage) Mulvaney, both of whom were natives of Ireland but came to the United States in early life and were married in Illinois. there the father engaged in farming for a number of years but eventually brought his family to Iowa, settling in Cherokee county in 1884. Previously he had purchased a farm, upon which he established his family, and thereafter gave his time and attention to agricultural pursuits in this state, his life's labors being ended in death in June, 1909. For a little more than sixteen years he had survived his wife, who passed away January 4, 1893.
   At the usual age William Mulvaney became a public-school pupil and after completing this course he took up the study of the law. He came to Iowa in the year 1885 and later continued his law reading in this state and afterward in MInnesota, where he was admitted to the bar in March, 1887. Two years later he was admitted to practice in the courts of Iowa. In the meantime he had engaged in teaching school in this state and followed that profession until March, 1891, since which time he has concentrated his attention and energies upon his profession. He prepares his cases with great thoroughness and care, is earnest and able in their presentation, logical in his deductions and clear in his reasoning.

-35-

   Mr. Mulvaney is identified with several fraternal organizations, holding membership with the Modern Woodmen of America, the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Order of Foresters. His political allegiance has been given to the democratic party and aside from serving as city attorney he was the nominee for congress in 1900 and the nominee for the office of district judge in 1906, but though he polled a good vote he could not overcome the strong republican majority which Cherokee always gives. His friends—and they are many—are found among all parties and where best known he is best liked—a fact that indicates a well spent and honorable life.


Divider image

-35-

THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK

   There is probably no institution of a business nature in Cherokee or Cherokee county, Iowa, which has had a greater influence upon the development either agricultural or industrial of the district than The First National Bank of Cherokee. For over forty years this establishment has been in operation and during all of the time has done its part toward promoting the growth and expansion of the region. Not only has it taken care of the savings and earnings of its customers but it has helped along agricultural development and industrial growth by wisely extending credit where such credit was needed and deserved. The First National Bank, while ever careful in its investments and considering first the safety of its depositors, has on the other hand always been progressive and has therefore been a strong force in promoting general interests. It was established in 1872 and in 1883 its national charter was granted, so that it now has been a national institution for over thirty years. In 1903 the national charter was renewed, having expired by limitation on the 11th day of August of that year, and from that date is now in force for another period of twenty years. The bank was started in 1872 by Mr. Fred R. Fulton, who was most successful in its launching and who died in Chicago a few years ago. His partner was Mr. R. H. Scribner and the name of the firm was Fulton & Scribner, Bankers, the location then being in a small frame building on the present site of the Lewis Hotel. Mr. Scribner remained in connection with the bank and was cashier of the institution up to the time of his death, August 8, 1913. He was an able and farsighted financier and had ever at heart the highest interest in the interests of the establishment. In 1875 the present banking house on the opposite corner from the Lewis Hotel was erected. In 1873 Mr. Fulton had sold his interest in the business to N. T. Burroughs and Corbett & Whitmore, and in 21874 Mr. Burroughs acquired the interest of Corbett & Whitmore, the firm name being changed to Scribner, Burroughs & Company. W. A. Sanford joined the establishment in 1876 and Cornelius Sullivan in 1881. The former now is president of of the institution, bending his abilities to executive control. In 1883 the private bank gave way to a national institution, being organized under United States supervision, with N. T. Burroughs as president; W. A. Sanford as vice president; R. H. Scribner, cashier; and Cornelius Sullivan, assistant cashier.
   The roll of honor of the national banks of the United States is a table prepared by the New York Financier from statements made by the comptroller of

-36-

the currency. To secure a place on the roll of honor a bank's surplus and undivided profits must be equal to or in excess of its capital stock. A bank's numerical order on the roll is based on its percentage of surplus and profits to capital. According to the last annual report of the comptroller of the currency, there were seven thousand three hundred and ninety-seven banks in operation under national charters. Of these only one thousand four hundred and seventy-two are entitled to places on the roll. This means that less than twenty banks out of every hundred are roll-of-honor banks. The First National Bank of Cherokee, Iowa, stands the four hundred and tenth bank on the roll of honor. It is the fifth bank in the state on the roll, and the first in Cherokee county.
   For twenty-nine years after the bank had become one of the great chains of national institutions there was no change in the official staff and but one change on the board of directors. the bank has even kept abreast with the growth and development in the great agricultural state in which it is situated, or, more truly it may be said, has been one of the leading institutions to bring abut that growth. It has at all times lent its aid and encouragement to this development and its officers have ever been ready to assist any legitimate enterprises which would make for the upbuilding of the community. Its policy has always been to care first for its customers and this method has made for it many true and lasting friends. The first person to come into the bank and start an account when it opened for business in 1872 was David Laton, (Rockey), who continued his relations with the institution up to the time of his death or over thirty years, after which time his estate continued the account, which now stands in the name of his son. Therefore this account has been active on the books of the bank for more than forty years.
   The confidence reposed in the First National Bank of Cherokee and those who represent it is unbounded and justified by its many years of conservative yet progressive management. Its men are of the most substantial worth and in themselves pillars of strength in the life of the community. The present officers of the bank are: W. A. Sanford, president; Cornelius Sullivan, cashier; R. G. Rodman, assistant cashier; N. T. Burroughs; James F. Weart; and Carlton Corbett.


Divider image

-36-

CLIFTON A. SMITH

   Among the residents of Washta whose well directed energies and intelligently applied labors have won for them a high place in business circles is Clifton A. Smith, a member of the firm of Snidecor & Company, dealers in furniture, implements and hardware. He was born in Galva, Illinois, August 30, 1862, and is a son of George S. and Laura S. (Fifield) Smith, the former a native of Long Island and the latter of New Hampshire. The father went to Illinois in 1856 and there worked at the carpenter's trade until his health failed, after which he became identified with the sewing machine and piano business, continuing in this line of occupation until 1881. In that year he came to Cherokee county and bought a tract of land in Sheridan township, which he operated and improved

-37-

during the remainder of his life. He passed away at Cleghorn, Iowa, in 1896, and is survived by his wife, who makes her home in that city.
   Clifton A. Smith was reared and educated in Galva, Illinois, and afterward worked with his father at the carpentering trade. He came to Cherokee county with his parents in 1881 and afterward remained upon the farm for five years. He then moved into Cherokee, where for four seasons he worked in the employ of Hall Brothers, continuing thus until 1889, when he became connected with the Illinois Central Railroad Company as fireman. Shortly afterward he was promoted to the position of engineer and he held this for ten years, after which he turned his attention to farming. At the end of one year he moved to Nebraska and from there returned to Iowa, settling in Washta, where he aided in the organization of the firm of Snidecor & Company, dealers in furniture, hardware and implements. His influence has since been a helpful factor in the building up of the large business which this firm controls today, for he is a progressive, reliable and resourceful business man capable of forming plans readily and of carrying them forward to successful completion.
   On May 22, 1895, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Ada E. Page, a daughter of Daniel and Elcta (Smith) Page, natives of New York. The father came to Iowa in 1848 and operated a farm in this state during the remainder of his life, dying in September, 1911. His wife survives him and makes her home with the subject of this review. Mr. and Mrs Smith have become the parents of a daughter, Dorothy, aged fifteen.
   Mr. Smith is connected fraternally with the Masonic lodge of Washta and the chapter at Cherokee. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers of Fort Dodge. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is now in the third year of his able service as county supervisor. He has made a host of friends since coming to Washta and has become one of hte substantial and prosperous business men of the city.


Divider image

AHGP and USGenNet logo
This nonprofit research site is an independent affiliate of the American History and Genealogy Project (AHGP), and proud to be hosted by USGenNet, a nonprofit historical and genealogical Safe-Site Server™ solely supported by tax-deductible contributions. No claim is made to the copyrights of individual submitters, and this site complies fully with USGenNet's Nonprofit Conditions of Use.



www.memoriallibrary.com
Mardos Memorial Library



Remember 9-11-2001


Copyright © 2000 - 2002 D. J. Coover
All Rights Reserved
Webmaster: D. J. Coover - ustphistor@usgennet.org