VAN NESS, E. J.

VAN NESS, JONES, YAW

Posted By: Jean Kramer (email)
Date: 7/10/2003 at 21:34:17

Biography reproduced from page 225 of Volume II of the History of Kossuth County written by Benjamin F. Reed and published in 1913:

E. J. Van Ness, who has been a member of the Kossuth County bar since 1903 and is at present county attorney, was born in Cedar county, Iowa, December 25, 1878, his parents being William H. and Ellen A. (Jones) Van Ness. He acquired his education in the country schools and subsequently in the town of Williams, where he was a student for two years. Later he was admitted to Ellsworth College at Iowa Falls and studied there for one year before entering the State Normal School at Cedar Falls, Iowa. After pursuing the course of study offered by that institution he matriculated in the State University of Iowa at Iowa City and was graduated from that institution in 1903. While there he had taken up the study of law and immediately after graduation was admitted to practice at the bar of this state. He started in the active practice of his chosen profession at Whittemore, Iowa, where he continued until 1911. In 1910, however, he had been elected county attorney and on entering upon his duties took up his residence in Algona, the county seat. He has handled a number of cases of considerable importance and has won a high place in the profession. An excellent present and earnest manner, marked strength of character, a thorough grasp of the law and the ability to accurately apply its principles make him an effective and successful advocate. He enlisted for service in the Spanish-American war in the Fifty-second Iowa Volunteer Infantry and served with that regiment.

In 1904 Mr. Van Ness was married to Miss Anna Yaw, a native of Franklin county, Iowa. To their union three children have been born, all of whom are living: Robert G., Katherine and John G. Mr. Van Ness gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He is a member of the Masonic lodge of West Bend and the chapter of Algona. He also holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and both he and his wife are attendants at the Congregational church. As his entire life has been spent in this section of Iowa, he has a wide acquaintance here and is winning recognition in legal, fraternal and social circles.