M. J. McCORMICK.

Pg 452

         Prominent among the younger generation of business men in Grand View township is M. J. McCormick who, although he has not yet attained the quarter of a century mark, is serving as assistant cashier at the Citizens Savings Bank of Letts and as treasurer of the village of Letts. He was born at Columbus Junction, Iowa, in December, 1887, a son of William M. and Elizabeth (Runer) McCormick. His parents were natives of Harrison county, Ohio, and Washington county, Iowa, respectively, but they were united in marriage in Columbus City. The father, who had been employed as a clerk in a general merchandise store for five years previous to his marriage, later became identified with the mercantile business on his own account, establishing a general store in Columbus Junction. After conducting that enterprise for five years he sold it and came to Letts, where he assumed the management of the Cooperative Store until the organization of the Citizens Savings Bank in 1894. In that year he was elected cashier of that institution, to which office he was later succeeded by his son E. R. McCormick. His connection with the bank continued until his demise, which occurred in October, 1905. His wife still survives, however, and at the age of fifty-two years makes her home in Letts. Their family consists of two sons, E. R. and M. J., both of whom are identified with the bank of which their father was a valued factor for so many years.

         At the usual age M. J. McCormick entered the public schools, passing through consecutive grades until his graduation from high school in due course of time. He was but fifteen years of age when he took his initial step in business life becoming at that time clerk in the Citizens Savings Bank of Letts. He was thus employed until 1909, when he was promoted to the position of assistant cashier, having barely attained his majority. He has ever since been iden- . . .

Pg 453

. . . tified with the institution in that capacity and is proving a most popular official, being prompt, faithful and efficient in the conduct of his work.

         Mr. McCormick was married on the 24th of December, 1910, to Miss Edna H. Baker, who was born at Nichols, Iowa, a daughter of W. S. and Emma (Smith) Baker, who were born in New York but were married in Muscatine county, Iowa. The father operated a general mercantile business at Nichols until the organization of the Nichols bank in 1899, when he was appointed cashier of that enterprise, thus remaining until his retirement in 1909. In that year he removed to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where he yet makes his home, having reached the age of fifty-five years. His first wife passed away in 1905, and in 1910 he was again married. Unto his first union were born three children as follows: Earl S., of Wichita, Kansas; Bessie M., the wife of Dr. T. L. Eland, of Letts; and Edna H., the wife of our subject. The latter is a high school graduate and also had the benefit of a course in music at the Northwestern University at Evanston, Illinois.

         Mr. McCormick belongs to the Masonic order, holding membership in Triangular Lodge, A.F. & A.M., of Letts, in Composite Chapter, R.A.M., at Columbus Junction, and De Molay Commandery of Knights Templar at Muscatine, Iowa. He likewise belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of Muscatine, Iowa. In politics he is a republican but has never sought nor desired office, although his fellow citizens have evidenced their trust and confidence in him by electing him to the office of city treasurer. He is proving a most capable incumbent, bringing to bear in the discharge of his duties the same qualities which he manifests in his business capacity. To few of his age have been instructed the responsibilities which now devolve upon him in both of these important connections. Youthful ambition is just unfolding to him the story of what may be accomplished, and already, in this, the formative period of his career, he is exhibiting qualities which can have none other than successful accomplishment.