Representative John Killen View All Years

Compiled Historical Information
Date of Death: 11/7/1926
Party Affiliation: Democrat
Assemblies Served:
House: 20 (1884) - 21 (1886)
Home County: Clayton
John Killen
Clayton County

HON. JOHN KILLEN

MR. SPEAKER: Your committee appointed to prepare resolutions commemorating the life and services of the Honorable John Killen, former member of the House of Representatives from Clayton County, Iowa, beg leave to report the following memorial:

Honorable John Killen, who represented Clayton county in the Twentieth and Twenty-first General Assemblies, was born in Monona Township, Clayton County, Iowa, December 20, 1851, the son of Robert and Margaret Killen. Here on a farm he grew to manhood, receiving his education in the country school and Monona school. He then taught school in Farmersburg Township, after which he came to Monona to clerk in the store of his uncle, T. A. Killen. After some experience here he engaged in business for himself, and for forty years was one of Monona's energetic and loyal business men. Early in his business career he established a private bank in connection with his mercantile business. This was continued until 1913 when he sold his banking interests to the Citizens State Bank. He continued in this new organization as an officer and was for a number of years its president. In 1919 he retired from active business.

During all these years he was deeply interested in community and political affairs. Twice he was Mayor of the town, being the first Mayor of Monona. He was treasurer of the Monona school board for many years, besides serving as treasurer of other organizations.

He was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in the Monona chapter of Masonry on June 17, 1876, and on the 17th of June, 1926, was issued by the local lodge the certificate of a Gold Star Mason, an honorable recognition bestowed upon one who has been a worthy member of the lodge for fifty years. For many years he was the treasurer of the lodge. He was also a Knight Templar, being a member and one of the oldest of Honorius Commandery No. 8 of McGregor, Iowa. He was also a member of Modern Woodmen Lodge.

Along with these activities he always found time and disposition to support the religious interests of the community. He was raised in a home of very active Methodists, and throughout his life affiliated with the Monona Methodist Church.

He was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Buehner of Monona on November 27, 1879. Their home was blessed with two daughters, Mrs. Jessie Kinsley, of McGregor, Iowa, and Miss Margaret, of Monona, Iowa. Mr. Killen passed away Nov. 7, 1926.

Therefore, Be It Resolved, That the House of Representatives of the state of Iowa, takes this occasion to express its appreciation of the character and service of the deceased and at the same time to extend sympathy to the family.

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be printed in the Journal of the House and that the Chief Clerk be directed to forward to the family of the deceased an enrolled copy.

J. G. HEMPEL,

J. H. HAGER,

JOHN RYDER,

Committee.

Unanimously adopted April 6, 1927.

Sources:
House District 64
Committees
20th GA (1884)
Legislation Sponsored
20th GA (1884)