Charles M Crank

CRANK

Posted By: County Coordinator (email)
Date: 5/27/2010 at 16:50:42

Charles M Crank is connected with busies interests of Woodward, Iowa, where he conducts a jewelry tore, and also handles violins, chinaware, cut glass and similar articles. As a merchant he enjoys the highest reputation and his customers are many and of the best class of citizens. He was born in Polk City, Polk county, Iowa, September 10, 1874, a son of George W and Catherine (Kirscher) Crank, prominent residents of Madrid, who are mentioned elsewhere in this work. He attended the public schools and after coming with his parents to Madrid on May 17, 1891, completed his education here. He subsequently learned the jeweler’s trade under his father , and latter being one of the most renowned and successful men along that line in the state. On December 7, 1896, he began his businesses for himself in Woodward, where he has continued to the present day. When he began business on his own account his sole capital consisted of two dollars and a ½, but by strong determination. Honesty and industry he ahs succeeded in building up a trade which is a credit to is efforts. He now carries one of the best selected and most complete jewelry stocks to be found in Dallas county, having also a large trade from Boone county. He does efficient work at most reasonable prices.
On March 17, 1897, in Polk City, Iowa, Mr Crank married Miss Ada M Richards, who was born I Des Moines, January 17, 1873. She attended the public schools there and also took a course at Simpson College, Indianola. Her father, Rollin Richards, was a soldier in the Union army during the Civil war, being a member of the Sixty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Her mother I now residing in Polk City. Mr and Mrs Crank have become the parents of five children, all born in Woodward, Viva whose birth occurred December 29, 1897, Velma born March 13, 1899, one who died in infancy, Julia Marie born July 3, 1906, and Charles Dean born October 8, 1908. The children are attending the public school in Woodward.
Mr Crank has always given his allegiance to the republican party and from 1911 to 1913 served as mayor of Woodward, promoting a number of valuable measures which have been of great benefit to the city. He is a member of the board of education ad both he and his wife belong to the Church of Christ. Fraternally he is identified with Modern Woodmen of America. The family resides in a handsome home in Woodward, where they received their many friends, being popular in society. Mr Crank has always interested himself in any forward movement and has often contributed to worthy enterprises. He is a self made man and has every reason to be proud to his success.

1914 Boone County History Book