Willis G. Haskell

HASKELL, WILLIAMS

Posted By: S. Ferrall (email)
Date: 12/29/2003 at 07:42:07

WILLIS G. HASKELL
Senator from the twenty-ninth district, composed of Linn county, was born June 5, 1857, in Bradford, Chickasaw county, Iowa. Some three weeks before the session of the forty-second general assembly closed he was taken ill of influenza but continued his duties until about a week before the session closed, when he became worse and was confined to his bed. He failed to rally and his death took place April 17, 1927, at Des Moines. Senator Haskell's education was secured in the grade schools of Cedar Falls, Charles City and Independence. As a young man he was employed as telegrapher, station agent and traveling freight and passenger agent. In 1893 he entered the wholesale and retail coal business in which he was engaged at the time of his death. He was also interested in the manufacturing business and real estate business. Was a director of the Merchants national bank of Cedar Rapids for a number of years. Served as alderman of Vinton and of Cedar Rapids. Was chairman of the park commission of Cedar Rapids, member of the republican state central committee, president of the Cedar Rapids Commercial club and postmaster there from 1909 to 1913. Was married June 15, 1881, to Mae E. Williams and had four children, two boys and two girls. Was a member of the Masonic Knights of Pythias and B.P.O.E. lodges. Elected senator in 1916, 1920 and 1924.

Iowa Official Register 1927-1928 - Biographies of State Senators, pg. 231-232