POWER, Scott Alva - 1912 Bio (1869-1925)

POWER, WILSON, GILMORE, HOLLAWAY, DAVISON

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 9/26/2007 at 14:45:05

History of Jefferson County, Iowa -- A Record of Settlement, Organization, Progress and Achievement, Vol. II, Published 1912, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago
Pages 321-323

Scott A. POWER, engaged in the coal and wood business, was born in Davis county, Iowa, December 9, 1869; a son of Albert and Angeline (WILSON) POWER, natives of Ohio and Indiana, respectively. The mother removed to Davis county, Iowa, during her childhood days, and it was about 1840 that Albert took up his abode there. They were married in that county and still make their home within its borders, Mr. POWER having for many years been identified with its agricultural interests, but, at the present time, he is living retired in the town of Bloomfield. Unto him and his wife were born four children: Scott A.; Mrs. Fannie M. GILMORE, the wife of Rev. W. F. GILMORE, residing in Bloomfield; Howard W., residing in Davenport, Iowa; and Mary, the wife of Hollis H. HOLLAWAY, of Sheridan, Montana.

The youthful days of Scott A. POWER were spent in the usual manner of farm lads, at the old homestead in Davis county. He attended the rural school and afterward was graduated from the Southern Normal School at Bloomfield, Iowa, with the class of 1888. He then engaged in teaching for a brief time, and, later, entered the Iowa Wesleyan University at Mount Pleasant from which he was graduated in 1893. Again he took up the profession of teaching which he followed continuously until 1909. In the fall of 1895, he came to Fairfield and secured a position in the public schools. He had previously been superintendent of the schools of Colfax for a year, and of Coon Rapds for four years. He occupied the position of high school principal from 1894 until 1899; and for six years, from 1903 until 1909, was superintendent of the schools of Fairfield, which, under his guidance, made substantial and satisfactory progress. He had the ability to inspire teachers and pupils with much of his own zeal, enthusiasm and interest in the work; moreover, his methods were at once practical and progressive. In 1909, however, he withdrew from professional connections to enter commercial circles, establishing a coal and wood business in Fairfield. Gradually his patronage has increased until he is now at the head of a profitable enterprise. He has become quite well known as a poultry fancier, taking considerable interest in the breeding and raising of high grade poultry, in which undertaking his son, Earl D., has been associated with him.

In 1895, Mr. POWER was married to Miss Fannie B. DAVISON, who was born in Des Moines county, Iowa; a daughter of John G. DAVISON. Their children are: Earl D., Emma K., Helen B., Ruth A. and George W., all still at home. Mr. POWER is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Methodist Episcopal church; associations which indicate much of the nature of his interests and the principles which he has made the guiding rule of his life. His political allegiance is given to the republican party, but the honors and emoluments of office have had no attraction for him. However, he is never remiss in the duties of citizenship and has, at all times, given his aid to projects for the general welfare. He is president of the Fairfield Commercial Club, in which connection he has done much to stimulate trade interests; and, until a year ago, he was secretary and director of the Chautauqua Association which each year has held an assembly, bringing to the city many attractive and uplifting entertainments, while upon its lecture course have appeared men and women of national reputation. Mr. POWER gives his influence on the side of advancement and has done much to further social, intellectual and moral progress in the community.

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