A. B. Akin
Among the early settlers and the progressive and valued residents of
Butler county is numbered H. B. Akin, engaged in agricultural pursuits
upon a fine tract of land adjoining the town of Dumont. For many years
he was closely and prominently connected with educational interests of
this section of the state and he was for two terms county
superintendent of schools, a position which he filled with credit and
ability. He was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, December 15, 1857, and
there remained until he was six years of age, when the family removed
to Greene County, Indiana. Five years later they came to Iowa, locating
in Clarksville, this county, in 1868. He supplemented a primary-
school education by a course in the Epworth Seminary and by one year in
the State Normal School, after which he turned his attention to
teaching. After teaching for ten years in the country schools he tanght
for two years in Dumont and then served for four years as county
superintendent, being located in Allison and discharging the duties of
that position in a manner which reflected credit upon his ability,
energy and public spirit. After his term of service as county
superintendent Mr. Akin resumed his teaching in the Dumont school and
for some years thereafter was closely connected with educational work
as president of the Dumont school board, for a number of years
past he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits and is now the owner
of a small farm adjoining the city of Dumont.
On the 16th of November, 1898, Mr. Akin was united in marriage to Miss
Anna Brown, a daughter of the Hon. H. C. Brown, of whom further mention
is made elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Akin are the parents of
three children, Raymond B., Homer B. and Floy B.
Mr. Akin give his political allegiance to the republican party and has
always been interested and active in public affairs, holding various
positions of trust and responsibility. He served for four years as
township clerk and has also been president of the republican township
committee and a member of the county committee. On numerous occasions
he was a delegate to county and congressional conventions and is always
to be found among the leaders in the promotion of any worthy public
project. Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, having served through all the chairs of the local lodge, which
he has also represented in the grand lodge of the state. He served
three years as district deputy. He is also connected with the Rebekahs,
the Yeomen and the Mystic Workers. He is one of the best known men in
his part of Butler county, where he has resided since his childhood and
where his many excellent qualities of mind and character have gained
him the respect and esteem of all who have been in any way associated
with him.
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