Edmundson, James D.

EDMUNDSON

Posted By: Joyce Hickman (email)
Date: 12/16/2008 at 13:49:21

James D. Edmundson

(From the 1883 History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, by J. H. Keatley, p.19, Council Bluffs )
J. D. Edmundson, Council Bluffs. One of the busiest citizens of Council Bluffs is James D. Edmundson, who arrived here in 1856, and form a partnership with D. C. Bloomer in the real estate and insurance business. The office of the firm, until the beginning of 1869, was in the frame building one door west of the block occupied by Metcalf Brothers, on Broadway. At that date, Mr. Edmundson and Mr. Bloomer dissolved partnership, Mr. Edmundson going into business on his own account, in real estate, having his office to the present time on the west side of Main street, between First avenue, and Willow avenue. The large amount of lands owned by the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company passed through his hands as the agent for their sale, in Pottawattamie County, and in addition to that he had a long list of prairie lands, owned and for sale by private parties. Seeing the absolute necessity for an organization in the nature of a loan and building association, at his instance and through his powerful efforts, such an institution was incorporated in 1877, and put in operation. He was made a director of the new corporation, and has acted as Secretary ever since. No movement of any kind inaugurated in the city, has ever had more beneficial results in aiding persons of moderate and limited means to acquire homes for themselves; and the success of the enterprise is in great part due to the energy instilled into it, and the care exercised over its operations, by Mr. Edmundson. When the Citizens' Bank of Council Bluffs was organized and put into operation on July 1, 1882, the directory unanimously chose Mr. Edmundson as its President, and he holds that position now. he was married to Miss Hart, the only daughter of Dr. H. W. Hart, of Council Bluffs. Mr. Edmundson, in addition to having an aptitude for business, is a gentleman of general culture, and has a passion for general literature and science, and is one of the most liberal patrons either has in the city. No man is more highly regarded for his integrity and urbanity than he, and the estem held for him is universal.