Dick R. Spieker

SPIEKER, HUSINGA, GRAHAM, SINN

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 8/20/2010 at 13:06:25

DICK R. SPIEKER, cashier of the Peoples Savings Bank of Nevada and recognized as one of the most progressive young business men of the city, was born in Grundy county, Iowa, September 17, 1880. He is a son of John and Hattie (Husinga) Spieker, both natives of Germany. The father came to this country with his parents in infancy, the family locating in Hardin county, Iowa, in 1852. Our subject's Grandfather Spieker did not possess a liberal amount of this world's goods when he established his home in the country of his adoption, but he was industrious, frugal and persevering and succeeded even beyond his expectations. As an indication of his character it may be stated that he walked from his farm, a distance of one hundred miles, to Des Moines to file his land entry papers. The father of our subject was reared on the home farm and has devoted his entire life to agriculture and stock-raising. He is the owner of five hundred acres of land, which he acquired through his industry and good management, and is recognized as one of the substantial and influential citizens of the state. He is a member of the board of directors of the Farmers Savings Bank of Aplington, Butler county, Iowa. Politically he gives his support to the republican party but has never sought public office, his attention being mainly devoted to his private interests. The mother of our subject was born in Germany in 1850 and came to the United States with her parents about 1865.

There were eight children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. John Spieker, namely: Matilda, now the wife of Charles Wilke, a contractor and cement block and tile manufacturer of Aplington; one who died in infancy; Dick R., our subject; Claude, further mention of whom is made below; and Tena, Anna, Lena and John, all at home. Claude Spieker, who was born in Grundy county, Iowa, in 1882, received his education in the district schools, after which he attended the State Normal School, the Capital City Commercial College and Drake University, taking the commercial law course in the latter. Since leaving the university he has been engaged in the banking business at Des Moines, Aplington and Nevada, now being associated with his brother as assistant cashier of the Peoples Savings Bank.

Dick R. Spieker grew to manhood upon the home farm and early gave indications that his tastes lay in other directions than those of agricultural pursuits. He became a student of the State Normal School at seventeen years of age and after teaching for two years took a course in the Capital City Commercial College, graduation in 1903. Seeking practical experience in a well established banking institution, he became connected with the Des Moines National Bank, where he continued for three years. In 1905 he assisted in organizing the Farmers Savings Bank at Aplington and became its cashier, holding that position for three years and building up the business until the institution became recognized as one of the reliable concerns of the county. In May, 1909, he came to Nevada as cashier of the Peoples Savings Bank, which office he now holds. He and his brother are large stockholders in this bank and it has shown a remarkable growth under their management.

In March, 1909, Mr. Spieker was united in marriage to Miss Myrtle A. Graham, who was born in Des Moines, in 1884, a daughter of David and Augusta (Sinn) Graham, the father being a well known contractor. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Spieker one child, Roy, was born April 5, 1910.

Mr. Spieker is an active member of the American Bankers Association and also of the Iowa Bankers Association and keeps thoroughly informed on all important movements in financial affairs. He gives his support to the republican party and his religious belief is indicated by membership in the Baptist church. Mrs. Spieker is a member of the Christian church. Since taking up his residence in Nevada Mr. Spieker has erected a beautiful modern residence, which is a credit to his taste and an ornament to the city. Although living here comparatively a short time, he has made many friends and has shown a capability as a business man and financier which gives brilliant promise for his future.

Source:
History of Story County Iowa
by W. O. Payne
1911