Residence of Mr. E.J. Murtagh, Algona, IA.
E. J. Murtagh is in every sense of the word a self-made man, as he started out to make his own living when the majority of lads are still in school. His educational advantages were limited to the public schools of Waverly which he attended until he was a youth of fifteen years. He then laid aside his text-books and leaving home came to Algona and took a position as bookkeeper in a creamery. Six years later, he resigned this position and subsequently, in 1892, he went to Burt, Iowa, where he organized the first bank. He was cashier of this institution for five years, and the returned to Algona to become associated in business with Gardner Cowles. They were in partnership for nine years and during that time dealt and invested extensively in local real estate and were also engaged in banking. In 1904, Mr. Murtagh was elected president of the County Savings Bank, and two years later, in 1906, he severed his connections with Mr. Cowles and has ever since devoted his attention to the business affairs of the bank. He is a man of more than average perspicacity and business acumen, as is evidenced by his rapid progress and the success that has attended his efforts, and is ranked as one of the best organizers and promoters in financial circles in this part of the state. Mr. Murtagh is also president of the Burt National Bank, of Burt, Iowa; Lone Rock Bank, of Lone Rock; Farmers Savings Bank, of Fenton; and First National Bank, of Swea City; while he is vice president of the Fenton State Bank, of Fenton; and Farmers & Drovers State Bank, of Germania, Iowa. He is also a stockholder and director of various other banks in this section of the state and is a stockholder and director of the Spurbeck-Lambert Manufacturing Company of this city.
In 1897, Mr. Murtagh was united in marriage to Miss Marie McDonald of Burt, Iowa. ~ History of Kossuth County, pg 620, published 1913 [excerpt]
