HAMMER, Ray A.

HAMMER, HINKLE, TILTON, WILKINSON, DANIELSON, MARTIN

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 1/28/2014 at 10:15:01

History of Decatur County Iowa and Its People
Illustrated, Volumne II.

Prof. J. M. Howell and Heman C. Smith
Supervising Editors

The S.J. Clarke Publishing Company. Pp. 362-64. Chicago. 1915.

RAY A. HAMMER

Ray A. Hammer, one of the leading young business men of Lamoni, is a member of the firm of the Radius Rod Company, exclusive distributors for the H. & H. Ford specialties, in which they have built up a large trade. He was born in Lamoni on the 28th of March, 1888, a son of Louis F. Hammer, an early settler of this city. The father was born in Mount Pleasant, Hardin county, Iowa, February 21, 1855, a son of Charles Jacob F. Hammer, whose birth occurred in Rumpus Housen, Germany. In his youth he crossed the ocean to America and first settled in Virginia, whence he removed to Linn county, Iowa, where he remained for a short time, after which he took up his residence in Hardin county, Iowa, about 1851. He was a weaver and dyer bv trade but after locating in Iowa gave his attention to agricultural pursuits. He entered forty acres of land in this state and subsequently purchased a quarter section in Hardin county, where he resided until about two decades ago, when he removed to South Dakota, where he died in 1905 at the venerable age of ninety-two years. His father, who was at one time an officer in the Russian army, died at Lisbon, Linn county, Iowa, at the remarkable old age of ninety-eight years. Charles Jaeob F. Hammer was a member of the Lutheran church, while his wife adhered to the Catholic church. Her maiden name was Mary Ann Hinkle and she was born in Holland but died in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, in 1803. To their union were born seven children, of whom the second in order of birth died in infancy, the others being: Joseph, who passed away about twenty years ago; Charles, of Seattle, Washington; John, residing in South Dakota; Louis F.; Cornelius, of Creston, Iowa; and Mrs. Rose Tilton, of Logan, North Dakota.

Louis F. Hammer received his education in Hardin county, this state, but in 1877, when twenty-two years of age, he removed to Worth county, Missouri, where he engaged in the mercantile business for about seven years and where his marriage ocotn-red. Upon leav- ing that place he located in Lamoni, Decatur county, Iowa, and followed the painting and carpentering trades, which he had learned in Hardin county Iowa, and in Missouri. He became well known as an excellent workman and was very active in his lines of work for many years but is now living practically retired. He has resided in Lamoni for over three decades, having arrived here shortly after the town was founded, and he has always been willing to cooperate in movements seeking the community advancement. His wife was in her maidenhood Miss Sylvia Wilkinson, who was born in Jo Daviess county, Illinois, in 1860. Her parents resided in Illinois for some time, whence they removed to Worth county, Missouri, where both passed away. Her father was a farmer by occupation and met with a large measure of success in his business. Her mother was a native of New York. To Mr. and Mrs. Louis F. Hammer were born five children: Forrest, a postal clerk of Des Moines; Ray A., of this review; Herbert W., who is associated in business with his brother, Ray A.; and Veta Venore and Wanda Wave, both attending the local high school. Mr. Hammer is a democrat and fraternally belongs to the Modern Woodmen and Odd Fellows lodges at Lamoni. For a number of years he was extensively engaged in the poultry business at Lamoni in addition to his work as a carpenter and painter but has now disposed of his interests in that line.

Ray A. Hammer was reared in Lamoni and after completing his course in the public schools entered Graceland College, from which he was graduated with the class of 1908. He then entered the coal business and still owns a coal elevator, which is the only one in Lamoni and which is modernly equipped throughout. He is also associated with his brother, Herbert W. Hammer, under the name of the Hammer Remedy Company, in the manufacture of chicken medicines. The concern was organized in 1914 and has already gained a gratifying measure of success. The greater part of Mr. Hammer's time and energies, however, is given to the management of the business of the Radius Rod Company of Lamoni. His partner is J. C. Danielson and since 1914, in which year the company was organized, they have built up a business of extensive proportions. They are exclusive distributors for the H. & M. Ford specialties, which include the H. & M. radiator support, the H. & M. truss rod, the H. & H. fender and running board brace and the H. & M. extra radius rod. As these Specialties are designed in accordance with known principles of mechanics, are made of good materials and are reasonable in price there is every reason to believe that the volume of sales will steadily increase as they become more widely known.

Mr. Hammer married Miss Ruth Martin, a daughter of James H. Martin, of Bloomington township, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. They have one son, Max, who was born August 26, 1914. Mr. Hammer is a republican but has never had time to take an active part in politics, his business affairs demanding his undivided attention. He is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Lamoni and has many warm friends both within and without that organization. His wife holds membership in the Reorganized Church of Latter Day Saints. Mr. Hammer has manifested unusual initiative and aggressiveness and has gained signal success in the business world for one of his years. There has never been any question as to his integrity and probity and the fairness of his business dealings is a factor that makes for his continued prosperity.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, January of 2014