RANEY, Henry Clay - 1890 Bio (1855-1903)

RANEY, LOOMIS, BOGLE

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 8/22/2007 at 16:13:30

Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago
Pages 366-367

Henry Clay RANEY, attorney-at-law, of Fairfield, was born in Cedar Township, Jefferson County, on the 11th of December, 1855, and has spent the greater part of his life in this county, where he is widely known as a promising young lawyer and enterprising citizen. His parents are William and Hannah M. (LOOMIS) RANEY. His father, a native of Berkeley County, Va., first came to Iowa on a prospecting tour in 1844, and two years later located in the new State, making a settlement in Van Buren County, whence he removed to Jefferson County in 1851. He here met and married Mrs. RANEY, who came with her parents to the county in 1839. Her father, Nathaniel LOOMIS, was a native of New York, but previous to his emigration to Iowa had been a resident of Holmes County, Ohio. Both Mr. and Mrs. RANEY are still living and make their home on a farm, where they settled in 1851.

The subject of this sketch, Henry Clay RANEY, spent his boyhood days in the usual manner of farmer lads, and until he had attained his majority remained at home, aiding his father in the cultivation of the land. He pursued a collegiate course after attaining his majority, graduating with the first class form Parsons College, June 16, 1880. Previously he had attended the academy at Birmingham during several winter seasons, but on the return of summer he would again be found following the plough. However, he resolved to enter upon some other occupation or profession as his life work, and made choice of the law. After completing his college courses, he began fitting himself for legal practice in the office of Leggett & McKemey. In August, 1882, he was admitted to the District and Circuit Courts of the State, and four years later, in October, 1886, was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of the State, and in the United States Circuit and District Courts. He continued with the firm of Leggett & McKemey until December 4, 1883, and then began practice in his present office, where he has now carried on business for seven years. He is also connected with one of the leading industries of Fairfield, being a partner in the Drain and Tile Works, in which he purchased an interest in October, 1886.

On the 8th of February, 1883, in Birmingham, Iowa, Mr. RANEY was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary M. BOGLE, a daughter of Samuel BOGLE, of that place, and a native of Lick Creek Township, Van Buren County. Unto them were born four children, two of whom are now living -- William Alex, the eldest, died at the age of one month; Franklin Clay was born August 8, 1886; Ralph Bogle died at the age of one year; and Elery Murray was born March 11, 1890.

Mr. and Mrs. RANEY are members of the Presbyterian Church, and in the social world are held in high regard, having many warm friends throughout the community. In politics he is a supporter of Republican principles and has served as City Solicitor of Fairfield for four years, proving a capable and efficient officer. He possesses energy and determination, and his success in life is assured if he continues his present course.

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