CHAMBERS, Frank W.

CHAMBERS, CLARK, WRIGHT, EDSON

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 2/2/2014 at 12:28:39

HISTORY of CERRO GORDO COUNTY, IOWA
WHEELER, J.H. Vol. II. Pp. 684-85. Lewis Pub. Co. Chicago. 1910

BIOGRAPHY ~ FRANK W. CHAMBERS

One of the most prominent and successful attorneys at Mason City, Iowa, is Frank W. Chambers, formerly a member of the law firm of Clark & Chambers, who were established in business for several years and dissolved partnership in April, 1907, when J. J. Clark was elected district judge. Since this time Mr. Chambers has been engaged in practice alone and has built up a good clientele. He stands in his profession and has won a reputation for honesty and uprightness of purpose.

Mr. Chambers is a native of Osage, Iowa, born December 12, 1866, son of Rev. W. A. and Sarah M. (Wright) Chambers, both now deceased. Rev. W. A. Chambers was a minister in the Methodist Episcopal church for fifty-three years, having been one of the pioneer preachers in Iowa. He located at Mason City about 1875, having moved west in 1866. He was active in his profession until his death, at Garner, Iowa, in 1890, at the age of seventy-three years. He was a native of New York state, educated at Oberlin College, and adopted the ministry as his life work. His wife was born at Utica, Michigan, where her father had large holdings of land and owned considerable property. Mr. Wright owned a tannery in New York, which he sold and transported the money (in gold) to Michigan for investment. He was a wealthy man for those days. Mrs. Chambers died at Mason City in 1897, at the age of about seventy-one years. Besides Frank W. she and her husband had children as follows: H. J., an attorney of Council Bluffs; Mrs. J. J. Clark, of Mason City; and others who died in infancy.

Frank W. Chambers was educated at Simpson and Cornell Colleges, then became deputy clerk of the court at Council Bluffs, Iowa. He spent two years in the law office of Stanbery & Clark, and was admitted to the bar in 1897, since which time he has been continuously engaged in practice at Mason City. He served as justice of the peace from 1896 until 1906. He has taken an active interest in political affairs and has supported the principles and issues of the Republican party.

Mr. Chambers married, September 10, 1902, Miss Grace E. Edson, of Mason City, daughter of R. P. Edson, superintendent of the Black Hills division of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad. Two children have blessed their union: Margaret R. Chambers and Robert B. Chambers.

Socially Mr. Chambers is a member of the Masonic order, including the Commandery at Mason City and the Shrine at Cedar Rapids. He also belongs to the B. P. 0. E., of Mason City, the M. W. A., and M. B. A., and both he and his wife are members of the O. E. S. In religious views he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and his wife of the Episcopal church. They reside at 324 West Tenth street. Both are popular socially and have many friends.

NOTE: Frank W. Chambers died in 1940. Grace E. (Edson) Chambers was born in 1880 and died in 1930. They were interred at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery, Mason City IA.

Transcription and note by Sharon R. Becker, January of 2014