Frank P. Huff (1867-1919)

HUFF

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 9/23/2022 at 22:53:55

Frank Pierce Huff
(June 21, 1867 – November 18, 1929)

F. P. Huff is well known in financial circles in Calhoun County and is the cashier of the First National Bank at Rockwell City.
The success of this institution is due in no small degree to his efforts, for he is a mart of keen discernment and of strong purpose, and has ever followed conservative methods. His work therefore has commended him to the confidence of his fellow men and
his labors have brought to the bank an unassailable reputation and liberal patronage which has contributed largely to its prosperity.
Mr. Huff was born in Buchanan County, Iowa, June 21, 1867, his parents being E. C. and Lucinda (Pierce) Huff. His father was a native of Bedford County, Pennsylvania, while the mother was born in Delaware County. Ohio. Leaving the Keystone state E. C. Huff took up his abode in Ohio, where he wedded Miss Pierce and subsequently he removed with his family to Iowa, settling in Buchanan County, where
he followed his trade of wagon-making until his business career was crowned with a well merited rest. In March, 1883, the family arrived in Rockwell City, where the father died January 4, 1902, at the age of seventy vears, his wife having died here in 1890 at the age of fifty-three. This worthy couple became the parents of eight children, of whom two died in early childhood. The family record is as follows: Esther married H. C. Unbehaun, of Winthrop, Iowa; Jennie became the wife of J. C. Kershner, of Independence, Iowa; Emma B. is the wife of A. L. Riseley, sheriff of Calhoun County and a resident of Rockwell City; John died at the age of twenty-eight years; F. P. is the next younger; and Charles A. is a merchant
of Rockwell City. In his native county F. P. Huff was reared until sixteen years of age, when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Rockwell City and in the common schools he pursued his education, attending both before and after the removal. However, he
did not continue his studies in this place except for about three months, for during the first year of his residence in Calhoun County he worked upon a farm. In February, 1884 he secured a clerical position in the office of the county treasurer, and county
auditor, where he was employed until July, 1885. He afterward entered the employ of the Farmers Bank in the capacity of cashier, and during the last few years of his connection with this institution he had entire charge of the business for his employer, Mr. Lewis, was in failing health and left the duties of the bank entirely to Mr. Huff. The Farmers Bank was in operation for only one year before Mr. Huff became associated with it. In May, 1899, Mr. Lewis sold his interest in the First National Bank of Rockwell City, which was incorporated in March previous with E. A. Richards, of Manson, Iowa, as president; J. C. Kerr, as vice-president; and Charles D. Case, as assistant cashier. At a meeting of the board of directors of the First National Bank on May I, 1899. the following officers were elected: E. A. Richards, president; J. C. Kerr, vice-
president; F. P. Huff, second vice-president; and Charles D. Case, cashier. Mr. Huff closed up the business of the old bank and entered upon his duties in relation to the new. On the 1st of November, 1899, he became its cashier, and the present officers were then elected: E. A. Richards, president; J. C. Kerr, vice-president; F. P. Huff, cashier; J. F. Hutchinson, assistant cashier. Our subject is a man of resourceful business ability, whose efforts have not been confined alone to one line. He is treasurer of the Rockwell City Electric Light & Power Company, and is a gentleman of keen discrimination and sound business judgment, who forms his plans readily and is determined in their execution.
In 1888 Mr. Huff was united in marriage to Miss Clara E. Gregg, of Rockwell City, and unto them have been born five children,
namely: Grace, Harn, Irene, Clara and Frank. Mr. Huff belongs to the Masonic fraternity, his membership being in Twin Lakes Lodge, No. 478, F. & A. M., in which he is junior warden. For the past ten years he has been school treasurer of Rockwell City and for about five years was city treasurer. He is also treasurer of the Business Men's Association, and, as many interests are thus intrusted to him, it is a mark of the confidence reposed in him by the public. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is serving on the Board of stewards. Viewed in a personal light, he is a strong man. His actions have been honorable, his purpose sincere, his conduct manly and in the county of his adoption he occupies a high position in public esteem. [Source – Biographical Record of Calhoun County, Iowa, by S. J. Clarke, 1902, p.345]