Crosley, Varick C.

CROSLEY, WHITLEY, CALL

Posted By: Janelle Martin (email)
Date: 5/17/2009 at 21:31:47

History of Hamilton County Iowa, Vol. II 1912 p. 6

VARICK C. CROSLEY.

Varick C. Crosley was born in Webster City on November 11, 1875, and is a son of Col. and Mrs. G. W. Crosley. His father is one of the prominent and well known residents of this city and is an honored veteran of the Civil war. More extended mention of Col. Crosley is made in the preceding sketch. The subject of this sketch was educated in the public schools of his native city and in 1884 upon the election of his father to the office of warden of the Iowa Penitentiary at Fort Madison he removed with his parents to that city where he remained until the spring of 1890, pursuing his studies in the public schools during that time. He returned to Webster City and in 1894 entered the R. N. Woodworth Abstract, Real Estate & Loan office where he remained until the latter part of the year 1898 when he was employed by Hon. J. A. Fitchpatrick who was engaged in the same line of business in Nevada, Iowa. Having received a thorough education in his chosen line of activity Mr. Crosley determined to establish himself in business in his home city. Accordingly he returned to Webster City in the spring of 1900 and at once opened an office. Since then he has by the exercise of honorable business methods and persistent industry secured a large and constantly growing clientage and has well earned his reputation as a substantial and reliable business man. His transactions are not confined to Hamilton County alone, but extend into the adjoining counties and he has established a wide acquaintance throughout the state. His business connections are of the best and highest character. He has attained prosperity by reason of his experience, industry and centralized activity. His investments have been made judiciously and he is now the owner of a highly productive farm of two hundred and forty acres, located about five miles west of Webster City. He also owns much desirable real estate in the community in which he resides and has a pleasant and comfortable home at No. 732 First street. He is one of the stockholders and a member of the board of directors of the Farmers' National Bank and is widely known as a promoter of progressive public enterprises.

He is well known in fraternal circles, holding membership in Acacia Lodge. No. 176, A. F. & A. M.. of which organization he is past master. He belongs to the Royal Arch Masons and the Knights Templar of Webster City and is prominent in the affairs of the Za- Ga-Zig Shrine Temple of Des Moines. He belongs to the Webster City Outing Club and holds membership by inheritance from his father in the military order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. He joined the First Congregational church of Webster City at the age of sixteen and still retains his membership. In politics he has affiliated with the republican party since he attained his majority, but is very tolerant toward those who hold different political views from his own. While taking an active interest in local, state and national affairs he has never sought nor held any public office.

On September 15, 1906, Mr. Crosley was united in marriage to Miss Gladys Call Whitley, a daughter of Dr. F. E. and Cora (Call) Whitley, and a granddaughter of Rev. and Mrs. L. N. Call. Mrs. Crosley was born at Traer, Iowa, on October 29, 1883. and is a graduate of the Webster City high schools and of the State University at Iowa City. Mr. and Mrs. Crosley have one daughter, Mary Eleanor, who was born on October 24, 1908. Our subject and his wife occupy a prominent position in the social and intellectual life of their community and their pleasant home is noted for its hospitality not only among their friends in Webster City but among guests from other towns and cities in the state.