Hopkins, William A.

HOPKINS, HORNER, HUDSON, SMITH, CLUM

Posted By: Mary H. Cochrane, Volunteer
Date: 7/18/2019 at 08:02:14

Obituary ~ William Alexander Hopkins

History of Decatur County, Iowa and Its People
Prof. J.M. Howell & Heman C. Smith. S.J. Clarke Publ. Co. p. 198. ca. Chicago. 1915.

William A. Hopkins, who is president of the State Savings Bank of Lamoni, was born in Alameda county, California, on the 21st of June, 1867, a son of William and Elizabeth E. (Horner) Hopkins, both natives of Monmouth county, New Jersey. The father, who farmed in his native state, removed to California in 1851 and continued to follow agricultural pursuits there. In the spring of 1872, however, he returned east and settled in Decatur county, Iowa, where he engaged in farming until his demise, which occurred on the 1st of October, 1890. He was sixty-one years of age, as his birth occurred on the 16th of February, 1829. His wife, who was born October 22, 1826, is still living and is a member of the Latter Day Saints church, as was her husband. They were the parents of the following children. Alfred died in infancy. Clara A., born March 27, 1853, was married on the 28th of January, 1877, and passed away on the 9th of February, 1879. John F., born January 1, 1855, married Miss Ada A. Hudson. Joseph A., born August 22, 1860, was married on the 4th of March, 1880, to Miss Fannie L. Smith and died April 17, 1889. William A. is the subject of this review.

William A. Hopkins attended the district schools of Decatur county, being only five years of age when brought to this county by his parents, and he continued his studies in the Lamoni high school. When a boy he worked on the home farm and when seventeen years of age entered into partnership with his brother under the firm name of Hopkins Brothers, who were dealers in agricultural implements and furniture and also conducted an undertaking business. The partnership was dissolved in 1885 and our subject became a partner of J. O. Moon, the firm being Hopkins & Moon. That connection continued until 1886, when Mr. Moon sold his interest in the business to O.O. Hudson and from that time until 1893 the name was Hopkins & Hudson. This partnership being dissolved in 1893, Mr. Hopkins was alone in business until 1900, when he disposed of his furniture and undertaking establishment. In 1897 he organized the Lamoni Telephone Company and on the 1st of July of the following year organized the State Savings bank of Lamoni, serving as cashier of that institution until 1912, when he was elected president. As executive head of the bank he has demonstrated his knowledge of business conditions and of sound principles of banking; and his judgment has been seldom if ever at fault. This financial concern now has over five hundred thousand dollars in assets, and larger deposits than any other bank in Decatur county. Mr. Hopkins also deals quite extensively in real estate and is president of the Lamoni Land & Loan Company. He likewise organized and is the president of the corporation which built the Lamoni Coliseum, of which the town is justly proud. As the first president of the Lamoni Commercial Club Mr. Hopkins has much to do with defining the field of work of that organization and in promoting a spirit of co-operation among its membership.

On the 7th of November, 1886, Mr. Hopkins married Miss Julia E. Clum, who was born on the 9th of June, 1867. Their children are: Avis, who was born August 30, 1889, and was married on the 7th of August, 1912, to G.L. Smith; H. Horner, born November 7, 1894; and Viola L., whose natal day was the 2d of August, 1904.

Mr. Hopkins is stanch in his adherence to the republican party and takes great interest in matters pertaining to local government, although he has never desired to hold office. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Church of Latter Day Saints. His power of initiative, business ability and energy have been factors of importance in the up building of Lamoni and he is highly respected and esteemed by his fellow citizens. In March, 1911, Mr. Hopkins assisted in organizing the St. Paul, Des Moines, St. Joseph & Interstate Trail Association, which established a route for automobilists and of which he is now the president.

Transcription for IAGenWeb Decatur County