HEMMING, Albert L.

HEMMING, ROLLER, CANNON, CADWELL, CHASE

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 2/5/2014 at 14:40:16

HISTORY of CERRO GORDO COUNTY, IOWA
WHEELER, J.H. Vol. II. Pp. 643-44. Lewis Pub. Co. Chicago. 1910

BIOGRAPHY ~ ALBERT L. HEMMING

Albert L. Hemming, one of Pleasant Valley township's progressive farmers, is a native of the Buckeye state having been born in Seneca county, Ohio, December 16, 1860. His parents, George and Lucinda (Roller) Hemming, were also Ohioans, the father born January 5, 1821, and dying March 26, 1893, in Franklin county, Iowa, the mother surviving until April, 1904, her age at the time of her demise being seventy-five years. They were the parents of eight children, the following five of whom are living: Madison T., of Kansas; Mr. Hemming, of this review; Roller, residing in Rockwell; Emily, wife of John Cannon of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Addie, wife of Hugh Cadwell, of Missouri.

Mr. Hemming inherits his inclinations for farming, for his father was reared upon a farm and followed this estimable calling all his life. In 1861 he moved by team to Franklin county, Iowa, being a fortnight upon the way. Locating in Richland township he purchased forty acres of wild land upon which he erected a log house, which was occupied by the family for about sixteen years, or until Mr. Hemming was almost a young man. They lived the life of the pioneer and met difficulties in the way of subduing the new country which would nowadays be called impossible. At that time Cedar Falls was the nearest market. The father added to his holdings from time to time and lived there until his death.

Albert L. Hemming attended the district school and became solidly grounded in the three R's, and has since supplemented this early training with study of his own. When he was twenty-one years of age he rented land and began farming for himself. In the year of his marriage, 1888, he bought two hundred and forty acres of raw prairie land in section 31, Pleasant Valley township, paying fifteen dollars an acre. He has added to this and now possesses a tract of four hundred acres, which he has improved in every way, his home and farm being thoroughly modern and up-to-date. He has successfully engaged in stock raising and feeding and for a number of years has been interested in the breeding and raising of Percheron horses. He owns a stallion of this breed which was imported when he was sixteen months old. He purchased him when he was twenty months old and has now had him seventeen years. During that time he has driven him five thousand miles.

Mr. Hemming is a life-long Republican and he has ably filled several offices. He was school director for six years; township secretary for six years; and school treasurer for six years. He and his family are members of the Methodist church at Thornton.

Mr. Hemming was married, January 5, 1888, to Miss Julia Chase, born in Wisconsin August 20, 1870. She is a daughter of Hiram Chase, and both he and his wife are living in Thornton. Mr. and Mrs. Hemming are the parents of four children, Roy, Cora, James and Floyd, all of whom are at home.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, February of 2014