Hakes, Albert W., 1875-1920

HAKES, UPHAM

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 10/10/2016 at 20:31:10

From the Rock Valley Bee, December 3, 1920:

A. W. HAKES DEAD

A. W. Hakes, a former resident of Rock Valley died in a hospital in Chicago on December 1. We have not been able to get particulars concerning his death. He visited here last May and at that time he was not well but thought he was getting better.

Mr. Hakes resided at Rock Valley for a number of years. For two years or more he was pastor of the M. E. Church. He resigned his position on account of failing health. Later he was appointed post master at Rock Valley and served in this capacity for a term of four years. Then he took up rail road work and was located as agent at Lohrville for some time. He resided there at the time of his death.

It was reported here last week that Willard Hakes was dead. This was a mistake and it was A. W. Hakes instead.

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From the Rock Valley Bee, December 17, 1920:

OBITUARY OF A. W. HAKES
(From Lohrville Enterprise)

Albert W. Hakes was born in Adams, New York, August 9, 1875, and died very suddenly at his office in Chicago at 3:45 p.m., Dec. 1, 1920. The immediate cause of his death was apoplexy.

Mr. Hakes came to Iowa in 1891 and settled at Paullina. He was married Dec. 13, 1894, to D. Edna Upham. To this union were born four children, Mrs. Joyce Schroeder of Webb, Iowa, Willard, Thurston and Kenneth of Lohrville. He also leaves one sister, Mrs. Bessie McNichols, of Denver, Colorado; one brother, A. J. Hakes, of St. Cloud, Minn.; and one grandson, Robert Schroeder.

Mr. Hakes was converted and united with the Methodist church at Paullina in 1891. He preached his first sermon when he was only seventeen years old. His first regular work was in the South Dakota conference when but nineteen years of age. He also served churches in northwest Iowa conference and other paces. Two years ago, when duty called, he joined the Panora Presbyterian church and served as pastor about six months. He also served the Livermore Presbyterian church three months. He preferred the ministry but had to give up church work on account of ill health.

Twenty-two years ago he learned the railroad business to fill in when he was unable to preach. He served the Omaha and Milwaukee railroads in various capacities, namely: operator, agent, roadmaster's clerk, train dispatcher, traveling auditor and express agent. He belonged to the order of Railroad Telegraphers for a great many years. A year ago he was appointed one of the three members on the schedule committee for the Milwaukee System, having also served in 1905-6. Less than two years ago he was elected general chairman of the telegraphers of the Milwaukee system, the highest position that could be tendered him by his fellow employees.

Mr. Hakes was a member of Golden Sheaf Lodge No. 605 A.F. and A.M. of Rock Valley, Iowa, and served as master two years. He was also a member and served as worthy patron of Panora Hope Chapter 190 of the Eastern Star.

His life seemed almost indispensable to his loved ones and friends. It is said his last act was a deed of kindness. He, like the Master he followed so closely, spent his life in helping others.

The funeral services were held in Lohrville Methodist church, December 6, 1920. Rev. F. F. Travis of the First Methodist church at Boone, a very dear friend of the family, officiated. The songs, "Abide With Me," "Lead Kindly Light," and "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere" were beautifully rendered by the male quartette of which he had been a member. The pallbearers were railroad men, who were his co-workers in Chicago.

The friends from a distance who attended the funeral were N. L. Upham of Boone, T. E. Upham of Council Bluffs, brothers of Mrs. Hakes; Mrs. Kirtley of Sac City, Mrs. Maning of Irwin, Iowa, Ivan Knodel of Jefferson, Mr. and Mrs. Case of Adel, C. J. Zehr of Boone; J. F. Maddick, H. M. Pentecost, W. G. Bailey, Hugh Gilbert, John Butler of Panora; Mr. Brown, vice president of the O.R.T., E. R. Derrickson, general secretary and treasurer, O.R.T.; O. A. Millard, Ralph Latourelle, and A. C. Coleman, all of Chicago, and others.

(Followed by a resolution of sympathy from the members of Rock Valley camp of the M.W.A. [Modern Woodmen of America].)