Senator Fred M. Molsberry View All Years

F. M. MOLSBERRY

MR. PRESIDENT: Your committee appointed to prepare resolutions commemorating the life, character and public service of F. M. Molsberry of Columbus Junction, Louisa county, Iowa, begs leave to submit the following report:

F. M. Molsberry was born at Plymouth, Iowa, May 22, 1866, being a son of Joseph M. and Jemina Jane (Pitman) Molsberry. His father was a farmer and on the farm the son spent his early life and grew to manhood. After attending the district school, he entered the University at Iowa City, devoting his attention to the study of law, graduating in May, 1892, with the degree of LL.B. Immediately after leaving the University, he began the practice of law in Columbus Junction, Iowa.

On August 15, 1893, he was united in marriage to Miss Cora Oliver of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. One daughter was born to this union, namely, Mrs. H. M. Patton.

His career as a lawyer was a marked success from the beginning and political honors were heaped upon him. He was elected county attorney of Louisa county and filled the office successfully for three terms. In November, 1901, he was elected to represent Louisa and Muscatine counties in the State Senate, and served five years in this connection. During his legislative period, he served on many important committees, among them the judiciary. He was particularly interested in railroad legislation and among the important measures which he sponsored was the Molsberry bill, which related to the indebtedness of railroads.

After his retirement from public office, he returned to Columbus Junction, resuming his practice of law. He became actively identified with the affairs of the community, and at the time of the organization of the local Community Club he was elected president. He was again reelected to this position, holding this office at the time of his death. He also served for a number of years on the town council, and was a member of the park board until his demise. He assisted in the organization of the Cotter Savings Bank and was one of the directors of this institution.

Politically he was affiliated with the Republican party, always being an ardent supporter of Republican principles and a leader in party councils.

Fraternally, Senator Molsberry was a member of the Masonic order, having reached the degree of Shrine. He was also an active member of the Knights of Pythias lodge, which organization he served as Grand Chancellor of Iowa in 1903. He was also identified with the Benevolent Order of Elks.

Senator Molsberry was held in high esteem by those with whom he came in contact and in his passing the community has lost a valuable citizen.

Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved by the Senate of the Forty-third General Assembly of the State of Iowa, That in the death of F. M. Molsberry, the state and community where he lived have suffered the loss of an influential and honorable citizen; and,

Be It Further Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be spread upon the journal of the Senate and that the Secretary be directed to send an engrossed copy thereof to the family of the deceased.

RALPH U. THOMPSON,

D. W. KIMBERLY,

GEO. A. WILSON,

Committee.