RANEY, HUGH

RANEY, FISHER, FOXWELL, GARDNER

Posted By: Jean Kramer (email)
Date: 9/25/2003 at 12:54:01

Biography reproduced from page 209 of Volume II of the History of Kossuth County written by Benjamin F. Reed and published in 1913:

Hugh Raney, who is successfully engaged in the grocery business in Algona, was born in Riverdale township, six miles south of that city, February 3, 1883. He is a son of W. W. and Cora M. (Fisher) Raney, both of whom are now living in Algona. The father is a native of Indiana and when one year old was brought to Iowa by his parents, who settled in Muscatine county, and when seven years of age was brought to this county, where he was reared and later engaged in farming. In his family are eight children, as follows: Hugh, of this review; Clayton, who is a resident of Anoka, Minnesota; Mabel, the wife of Wilbur Foxwell, of Algona, Iowa; Harry, living in Algona; Glenn and Gertie, twins, at home; and Ralph and Hattie, who are also still under the parental roof.

Hugh Raney was educated in the common schools of his home township and remained with his parents until he was twenty-one years of age. He then engaged in farming, in which work he continued for five years in Riverdale township. For two years he was employed in selling medicine and later purchased the Spitler grocery store, taking into partnership his cousin, J. A. Raney. They handle a full time of groceries and are now carrying on an extensive business. They are also owners of real estate.

In politics Mr. Raney is a republican and fraternally he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. He attends and supports the local churches. His interest in community affairs is manifested by his active cooperation in many movements for the public good and he is a very successful and well liked merchant.

Mr. Raney was married June 11, 1912, to Miss Lora Gardner, of Algona, a daughter of R. M. Gardner, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume.