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John F. Hatcher, one of the leading citizens of Poweshiek county, is a retired agriculturist of Brooklyn and
a prominent factor in financial circles as the president of the Poweshiek County Savings Bank. His birth occurred
in Belmont county, Ohio, on the 21st of April, 1842, his parents being Elijah and Jane (Craig) Hatcher, both of
whom were natives of Loudoun county, Virginia, the former born on the 15th of August, 1796, and the latter on the
15th of August, 1806. Elijah Hatcher, a farmer by occupation, was one of the earliest settlers of Ohio, making
his way to that state from Virginia on horseback. He cleared his ground of the timber, erected a log cabin and
then returned to the Old Dominion for his bride, driving back to the Buckeye state in a wagon. There he continued
to reside until called to his final rest at the age of eighty three years. His wife was also eighty three years
old when she passed away.
John F. Hatcher remained on the home farm until twenty one years of age, obtaining his education in the district
school and the seminary at Lloydsville, Ohio. After attaining his majority he removed to Illinois, where he had
a sister living. In the meantime his father had entered three hundred and twenty acres of land near Webster City,
Iowa, and had sent money to pay the taxes but, in spite of the fact that he received receipts, the land was sold
for taxes. Our subject then came to. Iowa with the receipts and regained possession of the property. He was married
after returning to Illinois and in 1864 purchased and located on the old Bates farm of one hundred and sixty acres
in Malcom township, Poweshiek county, Iowa, being successfully engaged in its further cultivation and improvement
until 1902, when he put aside the active work of the fields and took up his abode in Brooklyn. While residing on
the old homestead in Malcom township, he purchased four farms, aggregating four hundred and eighty acres of land,
all of which he leases at the present time. The home place has been sold.
In 1904 Mr. Hatcher was elected a member of the board of directors of the Poweshiek County Bank of Brooklyn, Iowa,
serving in that capacity until 1908, when the institution was organized as the Poweshiek County Savings Bank. He
has been chosen president of the bank pust prior to the change and retained his position as chief executive officer
of the new organization. A man of splendid executive ability and sound judgment, his efforts have been a potent
factor in the continued growth and success of the institution. He is likewise the president of the Brooklyn Heating
& Lighting Company and a large stockholder in the Brooklyn Grain & Lumber Company.
Mr. Hatcher has been married twice. On the 15th of November, 1864, he wedded Miss Mary J. Hoge, a daughter of Isaac
and Caroline (Holderman) Hoge, who were natives of Virginia and from that state removed to Illinois. By his first
wife. Mr. Hatcher had two sons. Isaac F., a retired agriculturist of Morris, Illinois, married Miss Cora Palmer,
by whom he had two children, Carrie and Paul. Charles E. Hatcher, a retired farmer living in Marshalltown, Iowa,
married Lizzie Ballisberger. Mrs. Mary J. Hatcher passed away on the home farm in Malcom township on the r8th of
January, 1879, and on the 14th of June, 1883, Mr. Hatcher was again married, his second union being with Miss Clara
L. Brown, a daughter of William H. and Martha J. (Pancoast) Brown, who were natives of Loudoun county, Virginia,
and spent their entire lives in the Old Dominion. Mr. Brown, who followed general agricultural pursuits throughout
his active business career, died on the 21st of January, 1898, while his wife was called to her final rest on the
23d of January, 1893.
In politics Mr. Hatcher is independent, supporting men and measures rather than party. For twelve years he served
as trustee and for eight years as school treasurer of Malcom township, ever discharging his official duties in
a most prompt and capable manner. For many terms he was also a member of the school board of district No. 5, Malcom
township. Both he and his wife are members of the Goose Creek church of Quakers of Loudoun county, Virginia. Mr.
Hatcher has resided in Poweshiek county for almost a half century and enjoys a very wide and favorable acquaintance
within its borders, being honored and respected by all by reason of the commendable policy he has followed in an
active business career and also owing to the excellent traits of character which he has displayed in, all lifes
relations.
From:
History of Poweshiek County, Iowa
A Record of settlement, organization
progress and achievement
By: Prof. L. F. Parker
The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co.
Chiago 1911
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