A. J. House (1847-1928)
HOUSE, MILLARD, BAILEY, COWAN
Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 7/27/2012 at 11:47:25
Jackson Sentinel, September 7, 1928
JUDGE A. J. HOUSE, PROMINENT JURIST, CALLED BY DEATH
Overcame serious handicap to win high honor on the judicial bench
Although not unexpected, the death of Judge A. J. House, prominent citizen, attorney and jurist, which occurred at ten o'clock last Thursday evening, came as a shock to the many friends of His Honor. Several months before his retirement from the judicial bench about two years ago, his health had been failing although he had not been confined to his bed, but a few days prior to the end.
Judge Allen J. House was born January 12, 1847, near Brantford, Ontario, Canada. The family was large and the small Canadian farm could scarcely supply the needs of all, and he determined to start out by himself. Accordingly, at the age of 14, with an empty pocket, but a heart full of courage, he left the home to seek his fortune elsewhere.
He came to Maquoketa in 1863, and engaged himself to do farm work, attending the public school during the winter. Being naturally of a studious nature, he spent all his spare time studying and reading. He thus gained much useful information that stood him in good stead, when, 1n 1866, he lost his arm in a mowing machine. He spent the school year in 1867 in the State University of Iowa, and afterwards taught school for four years. He also studied law during this time in the office of C. M. Dunbar, known then as one of Maquoketa's keenest lawyers, and in 1870 he was admitted to the bar. In 1871 he was elected to the position of superintendent of public schools of Jackson County and served for two years. For the next four years he served as county auditor.
From 1878 to 1892, he was associated with Levi Keck in the law and abstract business here, and also served during that time as city of attorney of Maquoketa. His association with Mr. Keck and his family was more than a business one, the friendly relation being also most important . Indeed he came to depend upon the sons of his partner almost as if they were of his own family.
In May, 1892 he was appointed by Governor Boice to fill the position of district judge in the Seventh District and has held that honored position ever since, having been re-elected on a non-partisan ticket, although he has always been a Democrat in political faith. During that time he has held court in Jackson, Scott, Clinton and Muscatine counties, bearing a reputation for keen knowledge of the law and a clear and unprejudiced opinion.
In September, 1872, he was united in marriage with Miss Emma Millard, who passed away two years ago. Two daughters, Mrs. Anna Bailey of Cedar Falls and Mrs. Carrie Cowan of Waterloo and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, survive him.
He had been in failing health for some time, and his weakness was aggravated by a fall which he suffered on June 17, at the court house, and from which he has not been able to rally.
Judge Allen J. House grave
Jackson Obituaries maintained by Nettie Mae Lucas.
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