F.M. MOLSBERRY 1866-after 1902

MOLSBERRY, PITMAN

Posted By: Connie Street, volunteer
Date: 10/21/2004 at 23:04:10

F.M. MOLSBERRY IS CALLED BY DEATH.

Stricken While In Court At Wapello, Funeral Saturday

F.M. Molsberry, a successful attorney and highly regarded citizen of this community for nearly 40 years died at his home on South Hill at one' o'-clock this Thursday morning.

Mr. Molsberry was stricken a few weeks ago while arguing a case in court at Wapello and was brought to his home in this city, but within a few days he regained much of his former strength and seemed to be improving steadily in health. The past week he attended regularly the sessions of the district court at Wapello and while he confided to friends that he did not feel as strong as he would like to, he maintained an active interest in his business affairs and Tuesday evening of this week, presided with his customary interest at the February meeting of the Community Club.

He left his office in Columbus Junction about nine o'clock Wednesday morning and drove to Wapello where he spent the day in court. The jury had been dismissed and the day spent largely in hearings before four o'clock and Mr. Molsberry with others was preparing to leave the courtroom. It was at this time that a Attorneys Springer and Newell who were standing a short distance away, noticed him raise his hand and rubbed his head several times as though in pain. They started to him but be-fore they could reach his side he sank to the floor and lost consciousness. Medical aid was hastily summoned and in a short the Richie ambulance was called from this city and he was brought home about six o'clock. Dr. Weaver from Muscatine was called to consult with local physicians but he did not regain consciousness and passed away about one o'clock.

Fred M. Molsberry was born at Plymouth, Iowa, May 22, 1866. He was a son of Joseph M. and Jemina Jane (Pitman) Molsberry. The father was a successful farmer and here it was that the son spent his early life and grew to manhood. After attending the district school he decided to devote his attention to the law as a profession and matriculated in the State University at Iowa City where he graduated in May 1892, with the degree L.L.B.

Immediately after leaving the university he came to Columbus Junction and began the practice of law. He displayed from the start an ability that gave assurance of success and, soon afterward he was honored by the electors of the county with the office of county attorney, an of-fice he filled successfully for three terms.

In November 1901 he was elected to represent Louisa and Muscatine counties in the state senate. He entered upon his duties in connection with his office January 1, 1902 and served five years a change in the laws to the biennial election lengthening the term to five years.

ln the legislature Mr. Molsberry served as a member of the judiciary and other important committees and soon became one of the leaders of the senate. He was particularly inter-ested in railroad legislation and sponsored what became for a number of years the target of much criticism a bill known as the Molsberry bill. This was just at the time when Mr. Cummins was coming to the front and legislation which seemed in any way to favor public utilities was decidedly unpopular. However Mr. Molsberry pushed his measure vigorously and although it was at that time defeated he lived long enough to see the same railroads given much more favor by the man who had op-posed him the most actively in what is now known as the Cummins-Each bill.

Following his legislative service Molsberry returned to his law Columbus Junction built up a large practice. He also took an active part in all community activities. He assisted in the organization of the Cotter Savings bank and at the time of his death was a member of the board of directors, a position he held for many years.

At the time of the organization of the local community club he was chosen president, a position for which he was reelected a few months ago. He attended regularly and was present the evening before his death at which time he took the opportunity to commend the success of the Boy Scout troop of this city and vigorously gave his approval to the plans the women of the town have made to beautify some of our unsightly banks. He also served for a number of years on the local town council and at the time of his death was a member of the local park board. He had a part in all movements looking toward the improvement of the community in which he lived.

He was also interested in farming and at various times invested in real estate.

August 15, 1893 he was united in marriage to Miss Cora Oliver of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and they soon afterward went to housekeep-ing in this city.

Fraternally Mr. Molsberry was identified with the Masonic order progressing to the Shrine degrees. He was also very active for a num-ber years in the Knights of Pythias which organization he served as grand chancellor of Iowa in 1903. He was also a member of the B.P.O.E.

Religiously, he was not identified with any church organization but was a regular attendant particularly in recent years at the Methodist Episcopal church in this city and contributed liberally of his means and his ability to further the work of the church.

Mr. Molsberry excelled particularly in that practice of law devoted to pleading an argument. He was possessed with a ready wit, was a keen judge of human nature and was perhaps without peer in southeastern Iowa in making a plea to a jury. He was also an orator of considerable ability and in recent years devoted considerable time to the preparation of an address on the constitution in which he defended with characteristic vigor the foundation principles upon which our country is blessed.

He is survived by his wife and one daughter, Mrs. H.M. Patton and by two brothers, Charles and Frank Molsberry of Plymouth, Iowa, besides a number of other relatives and a wide circle of friends.

Funeral services will be held at two o'clock Saturday afternoon at the Methodist church in this city conducted by Rev. J. W. Zerbe. Interment at Columbus City cemetery.

From the collection of Arnold Cutcomp. Newspaper unknown.