William F. Edmondson

EDMONDSON, MCCUTCHAN, WILLIAMSON

Posted By: Fran Hunt, Volunteer
Date: 10/2/2001 at 15:27:52

From the "Portrait and Biographical Album of Jeff. and Van Buren Counties Iowa" 1890

EDMONDSON, WILLIAM F.
William F. Edmondson, Cashier of the Citizens’ Bank of Milton, and an early settler of Van Buren County Iowa, was born in Henry County Indiana, September 16, 1845, his parents being William and Mary McCutchan Edmondson. During his infancy, in the spring of 1846, the family removed to Van Buren County, Iowa, and on his father’s farm in Jackson Township, he was reared to manhood, spending his time in the usual manner of farmer lads. In the schools of the neighborhood he acquired a good English education and like a dutiful son, he assisted his father until the latter’s death. From that time until 1880, he continued with his brother, John C. on the farm, when he went to California. He spent about a year and a half in Windsor, a part of the time in mercantile business. He then spent about 7 months in San Francisco. At the expiration of that period he returned to Iowa, locating in Milton, where he has since resided.
Mr. Edmondson on May 9, 1872, in Van Buren County, was united in wedlock with Miss Clara Williamson, daughter of Joseph and Hannah Williamson, and a native of Davis County Iowa, she being born on April 25, 1854. Her parents were among the early pioneers of Van Buren County, and her father helped to build the first house in Farmington. Mr. and Mrs. Edmondson are the parents of two children, Gilbert M. and William G. The first named was born in Oak Point Iowa, March 23, 1873, and is now a student in Parsons College, of Fairfield Iowa. He has been assistant Postmaster and clerk in the Milton office for four years; also assistant Postmaster at Manitou Springs Colorado, for a year, and won much praise for his courteous and prompt discharge of duty. He is an earnest Republican and for so young a man, remarkably well informed concerning the political history of the country. During the late campaign he made several political speeches, which were well received and his friends are justly proud of his success and hope much for his future. William G., the younger son, was born in Oak Point, November 30, 1875, and is the present assistant to his mother who is Postmistress of Milton, and is deservedly popular for his faithful discharge of duty.
On his return from California, Mr. Edmondson spent the succeeding three years in the employ of the Milton Creamery, as their engineer and bookkeeper. On February 1, 1886, he was appointed Postmaster of that city, under President Cleveland’s administration, which position he held until April 1889, proving an efficient and faithful officer and at the expiration of that time was succeeded by his wife who is a pronounced Republican in her political views and whose efficient service, while assisting her husband during his term of office, had won the warm interest of the best citizens of Milton. It is said that this lady’s petition was generally signed and the appointment given her before the politicians, who were engineering the appointment of one of their number, knew what was going on. It is probably the only case on record in the State where a Republican wife succeeded as Democratic husband in the post office. Mrs. Edmondson’s administration of the affairs of the office has been such as to commend her to the good wishes of those representing the postal department, and to win the confident opinion of her fellow citizens that theirs is one of the best managed offices in the State.
On September 1, 1889, Mr. Edmondson was appointed Cashier of the Citizens’ Bank of Milton, which position he now holds. His conservative and careful management of the affairs of the bank commands the respect and confidence of its proprietors and patrons. The citizens of Jackson Township have elected Mr. Edmondson to the office of Township Clerk seven times, five of which were in succession. In their religious views he and his wife are Methodists, are consistent members of that church and their sons have been reared in the same belief. The family holds a high position in the social world and is widely known.
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I am not related, and am posting this biography for those who may find this person in their family history.