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Allen R. Loomis |
Allen R.
Loomis, whose life closed on July 28, 1897, was a pioneer
citizen of Delaware county and one of its most successful,
influential and best known residents. He was born in Milton,
Chittenden county, Vermont, on the 28th of June, 1823, a son of
Rubin and Rhoda (Johnson) Loomis. The father died a short time
prior to the birth of the subject of this review. Allen R. Loomis
acquired only a common-school education and early put aside his
text-books to make his own way in the world. As was a common
practice for the energetic young man of that period and section,
he secured a small stock of goods and started out as a "Yankee
peddler" traveling for some years in his own and adjoining
states. By industry, thrift and economy he gradually accumulated
some money and in 1851 came to the west, settling first in De
Kalb county, Illinois, where he purchased a large farm and
resided thereon for two and a half years.
His arrival in Delaware county was on the 8th of July,
1853. He brought with him a number of Mexican war land
warrants which he located in different sections of the
county, taking up several hundred acres. He took up his
abode near the old Quaker mill north of the present
town of Manchester and there opened a small store. One year
later he removed to the site of the new town of Manchester,
erected the first dwelling there and established one of the
first stores. After a few years H. M. and E. R. |
Conger became associated with
him, but later Mr. Loomis was again alone in business. From the
time of his arrival in Iowa he became a heavy investor in real
estate and in the course of years became the largest owner of
realty in the county. His investments were always judiciously
made, displaying sound judgment and keen sagacity. He was also
extensively interested in real estate in southern California,
particularly in Los Angeles, where he operated from 1874 until
1885, his investments there yielding him large profits. Moreover,
he was the pioneer banker of Manchester and he assisted in
organizing the First National Bank of Dubuque, becoming a member
of its board of directors. He was an early stockholder in the
Delaware County State Bank in Manchester and at two different
times owned and conducted a private bank in this city. He was
likewise the organizer of the First National Bank of Manchester
in 1890 and served as its president until his death. He also
assisted in organizing the First National Bank at Dell Rapids,
South Dakota. He was familiar with every phase of the banking
business, formulated his plans carefully and was determined in
their execution. His energy and ability brought to him constantly
growing success and the integrity of his methods won him high
regard and honor.
Mr. Loomis was married on November
23, 1845, to Miss Phedora H. Parmalee, a daughter of Rufus
Parmalee, of Colchester, Vermont. Mrs. Loomis survived her
husband until January 18, 1913, when she passed away at the age
of ninety two years. Five children were born to them, as follows:
Etna, who married Hiram Hoyt and died in Manchester; Lora A., who
gave her hand in marriage to S. C. Hubbell and resides in Los
Angeles, California; Alma L., who wedded Dr. H. G. Brainerd and
is now deceased; Jennie P., who is the widow of Hon. Millard F.
LeRoy and resides in Manchester; and Loring R., deceased.
While Mr. Loomis was a very active business
man, his interests making heavy demands upon his time and
energies, he always found the opportunity to aid in promoting
public progress and cooperated in many movements for the general
good. He was the first mayor of Manchester, being elected to that
position in 1866 upon the organization of the town. He served for
two terms and aided largely in shaping the destiny and molding
the policy of the new municipality. His life was indeed one of
worth and value to Delaware county and his memory is cherished by
all who knew him, for during the long period of his residence
here he gained many friends and enjoyed in the fullest degree the
warm regard, confidence and goodwill of those who knew him. |
