Berth, who married Rinert Pierson and lives in Union township ; Phillip, at home; Silas, a railroad man living at Woodbine, Iowa; and Albert and Cora, both at home.
The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church, in which the parents hold membership. Ever since acquiring the full rights of citizenship Mr. Kalsem has cast his vote with the republican party, its principles best conforming to his conception of the highest form of government. He has never aspired to political honors or public office but meets the requirements of good citizenship by casting his ballot on election day. He is one of the pioneer citizens of Story county and has watched the growth and development of the country from the days when Ames contained but a few frame dwellings and the country was largely wild prairie. He tells many entertaining reminiscences of the hardships and privations of the early days which can hardly be credited by the present generation. He was for some years the president of the Grange and Farmers Alliance. Mr. Kalsem owns his own home, which is located on one of the older streets of the town, and is highly regarded in the community.
WALTER HENRY THOMPSON.
The career of Walter Henry Thompson, cashier and manager of the Bank of Collins, is a record of worthy ambition under direction of sound and intelligent judgment. The responsible place he holds is the result of executive force and clear discrimination and it also calls for successful management and business talents of a high order, with all of which qualities he is fortunately endowed. He was born in Jasper county, Iowa; November 3, 1866, son of John and Ann E. (Angelo) Thompson, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume.
Mr. Thompson received his early education in the district schools and not being especially attracted to agricultural pursuits, became associated with his father at nineteen years of age in the grocery business at Collins, having the management of the business. Four years later a stock of dry goods was added, making the concern one of the important mercantile establishments of that part of the county. It was conducted under the title of Thompson & Son until 1891, when the junior partner came into possession of the entire business and the title was changed to W. H.' Thompson, so continuing until 1896, when the business was disposed of. In 1895 Mr. Thompson and his father organized the Bank of Collins, of which they were sole owners, the subject of this review being cashier and manager. He has devoted his entire attention to the banking business since 1896 with most gratifying results, the institution being now recognized as one of the flourishing financial concerns of the county.