J. A. Hart

As printed in 1901

[This passage is too damaged in the scanned book to reproduce. See the original book.]

In April, 1855, Jacob Hart, father of our subject, left Maryland, accompanied by his family, consisting of his wife, two sons and three daughters, and came to Linn county, Iowa. Tbey purchased a farm south of Cedar Rapids, Init after residing there for a short time sold the place and removed to Cedar Rapids, where they bought property. The father died October 25, 1857. Of their children only two are now living, these being Mrs. Frederick Kehne, who lives in Rapids township, this county; and Mrs. Sarah Morris, who lives at the Otter Creek settlement. The son, Casper J., who was in business with our subject for many years, served three years in the Twentieth Iowa Regiment during the Civil war, and died in Cedar Rapids in January, 1892.

[This passage is too damaged in the scanned book to reproduce. See the original book.]

After their marriage Mr. Hart brought his bride to the home be bad prepared for her in Cedar Rapids. They left Frederick on Alonday evening and arrived here the following Sunday morning. At that time Cedar Rapids was a mere village and their bouse stood practically alone, but it is now in a densely populated district. On first locating here Mr. Hart found employment in, the Ely & Angle Nlills, and later was with the Washburn Lumber Company, of Minneapolis, in their yard at this place. Subsequently he was agent for the Lambs of Clinton, Iowa, having charge of the lumber yard in Cedar Rapids, which he and his brother Casper J. purchased after a few years, and which they conducted under the firm name of Hart Brothers for many years, the business being closed out soon after the death of the junior partner, Casper J. Our subject was a good bookkeeper and excellent manager, and by giving close attention to his business affairs was very successful. In a few years the business of the firm had assumed extensive proportions, and they invested largely in real estate. In partnership the brothers owned a farm in Kenwood, which a year previous to our subject's death was subdivided, and is now under the control of the Hart Land Company, composed of Mrs. Eleanor L. Hart and 01i\er and Jacob A., the two sons of Casper J. Hart. In connection with his lumber business our subject was also interested in the coal business, and in that as in his other undertakings he was eminently successful, owing to his industrious habits and indomitable perseverance. His fellow citizens placed in him the utmost confidence as to his business ability and strict integrity, and he was often called upon to settle up states and look after the property of other people. He was also a stockholder and director in the Ogden Plow Company and the woolen mills.

In politics Mr. Hart was first a Whig and later a Democrat, but was not strictly partisan and at local elections voted for the men whom he believed best qualified for office regardless of party lines. For one term he was a prominent and influential member of the city council, and was a liberal supporter of ah enterprises which he believed would benefit the city. During the days of the volunteer fire department he was an enthusiastic member of the Independent Hose Company, in fact, he was one of the originators of the company, and was a member of it until the fire department was merged into a paid system.

It was probably through his church relations that Mr. Hart's influence was most widely felt. Although his business was large and varied it was never permitted to come between him and his church. He was a man of great energy and strong determination in all things, as was shown by his religious work. It was through the influence of himself and estimable wife that the first English Lutheran church of Cedar Rapids wat organized, and the first meeting was held in their house. He also paid for the first hall in which services were held, and the first minister of the denomination in the city was interested through his efforts. At length it was decided to build a church, and Mr. Hart was a member of the building committee. On Sunday the resolution was passed; the following day ground was leased on the corner of Third avenue and Third street; and on Tuesday the masons began to work on the foundation for the structure. Mr. Hart always took a just pride in his church, and always attended all of his meetings. He and his wife were among the charter members of the church, and he was always officially connected with the same, serving as treasurer and elder at the time of his death, while both took an active part in Sunday-school work. The beautiful organ which furnishes the First Lutheran church with sweet music witnesses his liberality It was given in memory of his beloved daughters, who had passed on before. Mr. Hart was also a liberal supporter of all charitable enterprises; was an active worker in the Young Men's Christian Association; and a member of its board of managers. In all church work he was ably seconded by his wife, and it was through her influence, with a few others, that the Woman's Llome and Ft)reign Missionary Society was organized at Cedar Rapids, it being the first enduring society of the kind in the United States synod of the English Lutheran church. At his death the following resolutions were passed:

Whereas, in the Providence of God our brother and fellow laborer in the councils of this church has been removed from the scenes of life on earth to those in glory.

We, his co-laborers in the council of the

Biographical record

First Lutheran church of Cedar Rapids. Iowa, will miss his wise and good counsel and intense interest in the welfare of thi church.

'e further desire to place on record our very high appreciation of his life in the Lord's house, and shall pledge ourselves anew to labor more faithfully for the Lord's cause because of the noble example our Brother J. A. Hart has left us; and while we humbly pass under the rod we pray for a new baptism of the Holy Spirit upon our every endeavor in His name.

We desire also to express our hearty sympathy to his family in their sure personal bereavement and pray the blessing of Almighty God upon them all. In His name,

C. W. Maggart,

Pastor and President. H. J. Rap.

Secretary.

By order of the council First Lutheran church, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, June 6, 1900.

Whereas, in the Providence of God, our school has been bereft of one of its charter members. Brother J. A. Hart, who has been faithful and true to the last, be it

Resolved, that we place on record our very high appreciation of his worth and helpfulness during all the years of the school's existence. We make ami record this Avork of love and memory and bow humbly and submissively to the will of our Heavenly Father, knowing that while we sustain a great loss, our deceased brother has made a great gain.

We desire also to express our sincerest sympathy to all his family in their sore personal grief.

(Action in Sunday-school, June 3, 1900.)

As printed in Biographical records of Linn County, Iowa .. (1901). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.