numberless ways contributed to the welfare of his fellowmen. For almost fifty years he was a member of the Presbyterian church and was seldom absent from religious service when circumstances made it possible for him to attend. He became an Odd Fellow in 1853, joining the order' at Des Moines and representing it a number of times in the Grand Lodge of the state. He was also a valued member of the Grand Army of the Republic and was one of the best friends the old soldiers of Story county have known. The death of Mr. McCall deprived the community of one of its most loved and respected citizens, one who was eminently successful in his efforts to make the world better and whose memory will long be revered by those who knew him.
CLARK CHAMBERS.
Among the business men of Collins, Clark Chambers occupies an honorable place, having won his way through many obstacles. Today he is recognized as one of the thoroughly substantial citizens of the community and has the satisfaction of knowing that he has gained his present position through his own unremitting diligence and sound judgment. He was born near Decatur, Illinois, November 15, 1873, a son of James A. and Mary (Clark) Chambers. The parents were both born in Ohio and were married in that state, subsequently removing to Illinois. The mother passed away in 1878 and the father has since been twice' married. His present wife was Miss Caroline Smith, whom he married in Guernsey county, Ohio, and they are now living upon a farm in Tuscarawas county, that state.
At fifteen years of age Clark Chambers began his battle with the world. Going to Bloomington, Illinois, he worked as a farm laborer for a year and then returned to Ohio, where he was employed for two years in a sawmill. Once more starting westward, he reached Collins, Iowa, where for four years and four months he was employed by Charles Fish, an extensive stock feeder of this section. Not having seen enough of the world, Mr. Chambers decided to visit the great west and accordingly he took a trip through the Dakotas, Idaho, Utah and the Pacific northwest, working at various occupations as opportunity presented. He was absent for two years and in February, 1902, returned to Collins, with a mind richly supplied with experience which has been to him of inestimable value. Soon after reaching Collins he became connected with the meat and provision business, with which he has ever since been identified, being now a member of the firm of George W. Baldwin & Company, general merchants, also handling meat and provisions upon a large scale.
On the 20th of May, 1902, Mr. Chambers was united in marriage to Miss Mary Wood, of Des Moines, and by this union five children have been