HINKLE, James M. - 1890 Bio (1852-1920)

HINKLE, DAY, YOUNG

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 8/9/2007 at 21:35:25

Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago
Pages 229-230

James M. HINKLE of the law firm of Wilson & HINKLE, of Fairfield, and Mayor of the city, is a native of Indiana. His father was born in Jackson County, that State, and his mother, whose maiden name was Nancy DAY, was a native of Mississippi. The family came to Jefferson County, Iowa, in 1853, and settled in Round Prairie Township, where Mr. HINKLE, Sr. engaged in farming until 1887, when, retiring to private life, he became a resident of Fairfield. The following year he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife who died on the 8th of December. In 1888, he removed to Wayne County, Mo., where he is now living.

The subject of this sketch was born in Jackson County, Ind., December 21, 1852, and was therefore but a small child when brought by his parents to Iowa. Thus we see that almost his entire life has been spent in Jefferson County. Many of his fellow citizens have known him from boyhood, have witnessed the progress which he has made, and becoming familiar with his merits and ability they have honored him with the highest office within their power. His education was acquired at Fairfield University and Parsons College, and on the completion of his school life he engaged in teaching. In fact, he began his career as a teacher at the early age of sixteen years and continued that line of work for sixteen terms with most excellent success, during which time he has occupied a number of important positions. With the desire of engaging in law practice, after the duties of the school room were over, he devoted his time to the perusal of text books on that subject, his reading being directed by Messrs. Wilson & Rutherford, with whom he remained two years. He was admitted to the bar in 1879 and soon afterwards formed the existing partnership with Mr. Wilson. Two years later he was admitted to practice in the Supreme Courts of Iowa and in 1887 to the Federal Courts.

Mr. HINKLE, in Fairfield, on the 31st of October, 1882, was united in marriage with Miss Alma Belle YOUNG, a daughter of William YOUNG, and a native of Jefferson County. Her parents, emigrating from Indiana, settled in Jefferson County in an early day. Two children have been born of their union, Clara Dell and Fred Raymond.

In the spring of 1887 on receiving the election returns, it was found that Mr. HINKLE was elected to the office of Mayor of Fairfield by a handsome majority, and so well pleased were the people with his administration, that on his renomination in 1889 only seven votes were cast against him and he will therefore continue to hold the office until 1891. Socially, he is a member of Clinton Lodge, No. 15, A. F. & A. M.; Jefferson Lodge, No. 4. I. O. O. F.; Forest City Lodge, No. 37, K. P.; Fairfield Camp. No. 146, M. W. A.; and Fairfield Lodge, No. 52, A. O. U. W. It will thus be seen from the fact that he is connected with so many organizations, that Mr. HINKLE is greatly interested in civic societies and in the orders with which he holds membership he has held many important positions. Mr. HINKLE has made a very popular mayor and the city of Fairfield has been materially improved, financially and otherwise, under his administration of the office. The fact that only seven votes were cast against him at the last election, speaks volumes as to public sentiment and is a compliment to his popularity of which he may well be proud. The law firm of which he is a member, is one of the live law firms of the State and has already won prominence in the ranks of the profession.

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.