CONNER, E. E.

CONNER, GALLAGHER, HUNT

Posted By: Jean Kramer (email)
Date: 5/17/2004 at 09:30:41

Biography reproduced from page 704 of Volume II of the History of Kossuth County written by Benjamin F. Reed and published in 1913:

E. E. Conner, who as cashier of the First National Bank of Algona has much to do with its management and active control and who in his present official capacity is accounted one of the foremost representatives of financial interests in Kossuth county, was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, in 1872. His parents, John C. and Margaret (Gallagher) Conner, came to Iowa from Lexington, Kentucky, in 1861, and settled at Dubuque, but afterward removed to Fort Dodge, where they remained until 1874. They then came to Kossuth county, where the mother died in 1890. Eight years later the father removed to San Antonio, Texas, where he continued to make his home until called to his final rest in August, 1910. He was a lifelong farmer, following agricultural pursuits to provide for his family and secure a competence for old age.

E. E. Conner supplemented public-school advantages by a course of study in the Highland Park College at Des Moines, from which he was graduated Ph. G. in the class of 1895. Immediately afterward he established a drug store in Livermore, Iowa, where he remained for eight years, and then in 1903 came to Algona, where he has since made his home. Here he continued in the drug business for six years with good success but at the end of that time disposed of his interests to the Central Drug Company and in 1909 became vice president of the First National Bank. Later he was chosen for active management in the position of cashier, in which capacity he is now serving. He aids in maintaining a safe and conservative, yet progressive policy, carefully safeguarding the interests of depositors while at the same time he is planning for the expansion of the business which is already large, making this one of the worthy and substantial financial institutions of this part of the state. Aside from his connection with the First National Mr. Conner is also interested in the Algona Manufacturing Company and in other industries of Kossuth county. He has likewise made large investments in Kossuth county farms and other real estate and his sound judgment is shown in the increasing values of his property. He was treasurer of the Algona Telephone Company until January, 1912, and is now treasurer of the Irvington Cement Company. All these concerns are factors in the upbuilding and business development of Algona and Mr. Conner’s connection therewith places him as a foremost business man of the city, his labors constituting an element of public progress as well as of individual success.

In Livermore, Iowa, in February, 1900, Mr. Conner was united in marriage to Miss Vinnie S. Hunt, a daughter of Abilena D. Hunt, of Livermore, who was one of the old settlers of what is now Humboldt county, Iowa. He located there in 1856 when the entire region was a pioneer district. The father died in 1910, having for five years survived his wife, who passed away in 1905. Unto the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Conner have been born four children: Clarence Hunt, born in 1901; Margaret, 1902; Kenneth Tilson, in 1904; and Edward Hyde, in 1911. The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church and Mr. Conner is also connected with the Knights of Columbus, being grand knight. He also belongs to Algona Lodge, No. 174, K. P. , and is master of the exchequer. He has ever been watchful of opportunities pointing to success and has never feared to venture where favoring opportunity has led the way. He has correctly judged of his own capacities and power and of those things which go to make up life’s contacts and experiences and his even-paced energy has carried him into important business relations.