Representative Frederick Hancock View All Years
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Frederick Hancock
Van Buren County
Born December 13, 1814, in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. In 1838, he moved to Van Buren County and settled near what is currently Bentonsport where he lived for the rest of his life. Mr. Hancock was a member of the 7th and 8th Territorial Legislatures. At the age of 21, he married Anna Penrose Collins on October 11, 1835. The couple had six children. During his life, he was a farmer and a mercantile merchant. Mr. Hancock was also a Captain in the Civil War. He was a staunch supporter of the Republican Party and of President Lincoln. Captain Hancock was stationed at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and remained there as a Captain throughout the Civil War. Mrs. Collins passed away on January 9, 1863. On May 1, 1873, Mr. Hancock married Martha Brown of Bentonsport. Mrs. Brown took care of Hancock in his declining years. Throughout his life, he was a loyal member of the Congregational Church. He eventually passed away on October 4, 1903, as one of the last remaining living members of the Territorial Legislature. Throughout his life, Mr. Hancock was a well-respected member of society who was seen as a morally upright man. In his sixty years as an Iowan, he was able to see Iowa transform into a flourishing state, in many parts, thanks to his determination and responsibility to his constituents.