HOPKINS, C. W.

HOPKINS, ROE, LOUNSBURY, GALBRAITH, ANDERSON, COX, LANE

Posted By: Jean Kramer (email)
Date: 3/22/2004 at 13:14:23

Biography reproduced from page 343 of Volume II of the History of Kossuth County written by Benjamin F. Reed and published in 1913:

C. W. Hopkins, who is now living retired in Algona, was for more than thirty years successfully identified with the agricultural interests of Kossuth county. He was born in the vicinity of Polk City, Iowa, on the 17th of December, 1858, and is a son of Robert and Catherine (Roe) Hopkins. The father was born in Indiana, whence he removed to Missouri, later becoming a resident of Polk county, this state. His family were among the very early pioneers in that section, and one of his brothers, Josiah Hopkins, for many years owned and conducted what was known as the “Twenty Mile House,” located between Des Moines and Boone. During the early days, Robert Hopkins was a freighter, hauling merchandise from Keokuk through Des Moines to Polk City, where two of his brothers were engaged in business. Afterward he engaged in farming and subsequently conducted a store at Madrid, Iowa. He passed away in 1897 and was buried in the Hopkins Grove cemetery, south of Madrid. He went to the front during the latter part of the Rebellion, remaining in the service until the close of hostilities. His brother, Josiah, was a major in the Union army and served during the entire war. Another brother, George, was also in the service and while at the front his home at Fort Scott, Kansas, was destroyed by a band of guerillas. The Hopkins family are of southern extraction and originally came from Kentucky. The mother of our subject is supposed to have been a native of Ohio, but she was married in Iowa and here she passed away in 1883.

The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hopkins, as follows: Adolphus, who is deceased; Mary, the wife of George Lounsbury, of Canada; Nancy, deceased; C. W., our subject; John, a resident of La Veta, Colorado; Alice and Laura, both of whom are deceased; twins, who also died in infancy; Luella, the wife of W. J. Galbraith, residing near Algona; and Bertha, who married J. C. Anderson, of Albert Lea, Minnesota.

C. W. Hopkins was educated in the public schools of this state, remaining at home until he was twenty-one years of age. In common with the majority of young men the west had a strong attraction for him and he went to Colorado, being for two years engaged in ranching a hundred miles west of Colorado Springs. At the expiration of that period he returned to Polk county, where he farmed for a year, and then came to Kossuth county. He located on a farm three miles northeast of Algona, which he assiduously cultivated for five years, meeting with very good success. During that period he acquired sufficient means to enable him to purchase a farm in Plum Creek township, but after operating this for a brief period, he disposed of it and bought another place elsewhere in the same township. He continued to reside upon the latter place until 1910, and during the intervening years he made extensive improvements in his property, making it one of the most attractive and valuable farms in that section of the county. He erected new barns and outbuildings, built substantial fences, tiled his fields and installed various modern appliances about his house and barns consistent with the spirit of progress he has at all times manifested. His holding embraces one hundred and sixty acres, the great portion of which has been brought to a high state of productivity. In addition to his fine farm, Mr. Hopkins owns a very pleasant and comfortable residence in Algona, located on McGregor street directly east of the Northwestern tracks, where he and his family now reside.

In 1883, Mr. Hopkins was united in marriage to Miss Laura Cox, a daughter of Solomon and Louisa (Lane) Cox, who were among the early settlers of Polk county. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins, as follows: Edward and Clarence, who are living on the homestead; Lee, who is a resident of Colorado; and Bessie, Fay, Ada and Marie, all of whom are at home.

The family are connected with the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mr. Hopkins is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, while Mrs. Hopkins belong to the Yeomen. He is a republican in his political views and has held several township offices. He can always be depended upon to give his assistance and cooperation to further any movements for the public welfare.