J. Linn Hoopes

As printed in 1911

JOSEPH LINN HOOPES.

J. Linn Hoopes, although he has not attempted to figure prominently in public affairs, has always stood as an advocate of those interests and measures which are of the most value in upholding the legal, political and moral states of a community. For a considerable period he was identified with agricultural pursuits in this county and is now devoting his energies largely to the real-estate, loan and insurance business, in the three departments of which he has secured a good clientage. The city numbers him among her native sons. He was born on the 15th of September, 1841, of the marriage of Joseph J. and Amanda (McGinnis) Hoopes, the former a native of West Chester, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Covington, Kentucky. His paternal grandfather, Isaac Hoopes, also lived in West Chester and was of Welsh descent. He married Hannah Jones and they remained residents of Pennsylvania until called to their final rest. Their family numbered twelve children. The maternal grandfather, James McGinnis, was a native of Ireland. He married a Miss Carey, an aunt of Alice and Phoebe Carey, whose poetical writings have brought pleasure and comfort to many a heart. Mr. and Mrs. McGinnis made their home in Columbus, Ohio, where both passed away at an advanced age. Their family numbered five children, namely: John, James, Ellen, Amanda and Minerva.

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph J. Hoopes were also residents of Columbus, Ohio, for a number of years. The former was a carpenter by trade and about 1839 or 1840 removed with his family to Iowa, settling in Muscatine, where he was largely engaged in building operations in the early days. At that time all flooring, windows, sash and doors were made by hand. He possessed a strong and rugged constitution and remained in remarkably good health up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1893, when he was eighty-five years of age. His wife died in April, 1889, at the age of seventy-seven years. Mr. Hoopes held several city offices and was a prominent and influential factor in the early development and progress of the community. Unto him and his wife were born four children: J. Linn, of this review; Ellen E., the wife of R. R. Lawther, of Dallas, Texas; Fannie L., who became the wife of C. A. Stith, of Galveston, Texas, but is now deceased; and Rebecca, of Muscatine.

No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of life for J. Linn Hoopes in his boyhood and youth. He remained in his parents' home and at the usual age was sent to the public schools, where he passed through consecutive grades, mastering the lessons that usually constitute a public-school curriculum. Later he had the benefit of instruction in the State University of Iowa and after putting aside his text-books he entered business life as a clerk in a general store. Soon, however, he turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits and spent twenty years on a farm in Lake township, comprising three hundred and forty acres, which he afterward sold. While following farming he won a substantial measure of success, owing to his close application and unfaltering industry. Since 1891 he has lived in Muscatine, where he has been engaged in the real-estate, loan and insurance business. Here he has negotiated a number of important realty transfers and is thoroughly familiar with the value of property and the opportunity for sale or purchase.

On the 17th of December, 1874, Mr. Hoopes was united in marriage to Miss Emma Worsham, who was born in Muscatine, January 22, 1852, and is a daughter of Green and Rebecca (Marmon) Worsham. Her father's birth occurred in Kentucky, while her mother was a native of North Carolina. They became pioneer settlers of Richmond, Indiana, and afterward removed to Muscatine, Iowa, during an early epoch in the development of this city where they continued to reside until called to their final rest. They had one son and three daughters, who grew to maturity, David, Einma, Mary and Ella. The eldest daughter became the wife of Mr. Hoopes and they are well known in the social circles of Muscatine, where they have an extensive circle of fnaids. Their home is at No. 411 West Third street.

Mr. Hoopes gives his political support to the democratic party but does not seek nor desire office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs, which he has always regarded as abundantly worthy of his best efforts. He is one of the oldest among the native sons of Muscatine, having for sixty-nine years been a witness of the growth, upbuilding and progress of the city. Events which are to others matters of history are to him matters of personal knowledge or experience. He has always felt a commendable pride in what has been accomplished here and his labors and influence have been an element in the general progress and improvement.

As printed in History of Muscatine County, Iowa, from the earliest settlements to the present time; (1911). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.