William K. Hardenbrook

page 313

To the superficial observer it often seems that worldly success is the result of some inherited talent which has given an individual the start of mankind or is the result of some adventitious circumstances usually designated as luck, but when studied from the standpoint of universal history the open sesame which unlocks the door of success is found to be nothing more nor less than industry and perseverance, qualities before which the most obstinate obstacles gradually yield and open the road to golden gain. And this rule is exemplified in the case of the subject of this sketch, who, starting with only the knowledge of a trade, has worked himself to a place of prominence in his city.

His father, Isaac Hardenbrook, was born in Ohio, February 22, 1823, and died March 12, 1888; he married Mary A. Kelly, who was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, September 15, 1823, and later came to Morrow county, Ohio, with her parents, where her marriage occurred in 1843. Isaac Hardenbrook was actively engaged in farming during the earlier part of his life and later operated a flouring mill; he disposed of his farm near Albia, Iowa, in 1874, and moved to La Villa, where he ran a flouring mill until 1886, when he retired from active pursuits. After his death his wife made her home in Kansas for three years and then resided in Albia with her daughter until her death, January 13, 1903. Of the nine children born to these parents four are now living.

One of the sons of the above parents was William, who was born in Mount Gilead, Morrow county, Ohio, November 9, 1844. His boyhood was spent on the farm of his birth until he was twelve years old, and on May 8, 1856, he came with his parents to Monroe county, Iowa, and lived on his father’s farm five miles north of Albia. His education was received in the town school of Mount Gilead and in the country schools of Monroe county. William remained with his parents until July, 1862, when the Civil war summoned him into the ranks, and he enlisted in Company D, Twenty-second Iowa Infantry, under Captain R.M. Wilson; he spent nine months in the service and then received an honorable discharge on account of physical disability.

After his return he went to Osceola, Iowa, where three years were spent in learning the harness trade; having thoroughly mastered the business he worked for three years at this trade in Henry county, Illinois; he then spent about a year in Albia and in 1871 went to Minneapolis. On November 1, 1874, Mr. Hardenbrook opened a harness shop on the southeast corner of the square in Albia and since that time has rapidly extended his business and increased his influence in the various affairs of the city until he is now recognized as one of the leaders. He located in his present convenient and commodious store in 1887.

Mr. Hardenbrook has been very influential in the councils of the Republican party; he has been a member of the city council and has been chief of the fire department; in 1897 he was nominated and elected to the office of mayor and such has been the satisfaction with his administration that he is now serving his third term. He is a member of various organizations, the Grand Army of the Republic, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Woodmen of the World, the Ancient Order of the United Workmen and the Elks.

In 1876 Mr. Hardenbrook was married to Julia B. Mount, who was born in West Virginia, June 21, 1854; her parents, John and Mary Mount, became residents of Fairfield, Iowa, and spent their declining days in Albia; John Mount was a cabinet maker by trade and at one time owned a store in Albia. One child, Carrie M., was born to Mr. and Mrs. Hardenbrook, and she resides at home with her parents.