Wakeman, Frank 1858-1941

WAKEMAN, HOYT

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 5/31/2014 at 10:07:26

PIONEER SETTLER AND BANKER CALLED BY DEATH SUNDAY

Frank Wakeman Had Been Akron Resident Over Thirty Years

Frank Wakeman, one of the early pioneer settlers in this section of the Big Sioux valley and a resident of Akron for more than thirty years, passed away at his home in this city Sunday morning, May 11, 1941, aged 83 years and 17 days. While Mr. Wakeman had been slightly indisposed during the past few months, he had been feeling much better recently, being down town and also making an auto trip into the country Saturday. He became suddenly ill at his home Sunday morning and soon passed away.

Frank Wakeman was born at Wolcotville, Fairfield County, Connecticut, April 24, 1858, the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Lester Wakeman. In May, 1866 he came west with his parents by railroad to St. Joseph, Missouri, from where they came, by steamboat on the Missouri river to Council Bluffs, Iowa, and from that point they came, by ox-team and a prairie schooner, to settle on a homestead on the raw prairie in Union County, Dakota Territory, six miles north of what is now Akron, Iowa. There they erected a rude log cabin, the roof of which was made of brush covered with sod, and established a home. They, were among the very earliest settlers of this region, their nearest neighbor being a mile or more distant. Mr. Wakeman's early education was obtained in the country schools of that neighborhood. During his young manhood he taught several terms of school in Union County. He also assisted his father in, the improvement and development of the home place. On May 13, 1884, he was united in marriage with Miss Josephine Hoyt, also of Union county, and they began housekeeping on a one hundred and fifty-nine acre farm he had bought adjoining his father's place. One daughter, Mildred, was born to them. They continued farming there until 1898, when they moved to Chatsworth, Iowa, where for ten years he operated a grain business and was a, director in the Chatsworth Savings Bank. In 1908 he and his family moved to Akron and this has since remained the family home. Mr. Wakeman became a stockholder and director in the First National Bank of Akron

(Continued on inside page)

PIONEERT SETTLER-BANKER IS CALLED BY DEATH (Continued from first page)

upon its organization in 1904, During the number of years the First National was a member of the Toy system of banks and Jas. F. Toy, of Sioux City, its president, Mr. Wakeman served as its vice president. Since the bank was acquired by local people a few years ago, he has served as president of the First National Bank of Akron, a position he held at the time of his death. Mr. Wakeman was an extensive land owner. He was a careful and conservative business man, upright and honorable in his dealings. On January 9, 1927, he was baptized and joined the First Baptist church, of Akron, since which time he has been a loyal and consistent member.

Mr. Wakeman was preceded in death by his wife on April 29, 1926. He is survived by his daughter, Mildred Wakeman; also by one brother, George Wakeman, north of Akron, and sixteen nieces and nephews. One half-sister, Mrs. D.K. Bennett, of Chatsworth, Iowa, preceded him in death on August 5, 1937. The entire community tenders its sympathy to the bereaved daughter, brother and other near relatives.

Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon, at 2 o'clock in the First Baptist church, conducted by the pastor, Rev. John S, Meyer. Homer Jacoby sang and Mrs. H. Shoulberg presided at the organ. The pallbearers were H. Shoulherg, H.H. Wetzeler, W.E. Mellon, C.F, Metz, Orin Harris, T.L. Burnight, Dr. Geo. Mattison and Henry Dirks. Interment was in Riverside cemetery. As a mark of respect, local business houses closed during the funeral hour.

[Source: The Akron Register Tribune, Akron, Plymouth County, Iowa, USA; Thursday, May 15, 1941; Volume 54, Number 40, Pages 1 & 5]