Representative Charles Escher View All Years

HON. CHARLES ESCHER, JR.

MR. SPEAKER: We, your committee appointed to draft suitable resolutions concerning the life and public service of Hon. Charles Escher, Jr., member of the Thirty-fourth General Assembly, beg leave to submit the following report:

On Monday night, August 10th, 1925, occurred the death of Charles Escher, Jr., at his home, Long Branch Stock Farm, near Botna, Shelby county, Iowa. He was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Escher, Sr., born in Iowa county, Iowa, September 4th, 1872, moving to Shelby county with his parents when four years of age and continuing a resident of said county until his death. His educational training consisted of the country schools, local high school courses and a year and a half at Cornell College. He was married to Myrtle Ryan, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Ryan, of Irwin, Iowa, November 21st, 1894, who alone survives him. Burial was made Wednesday, August 12th, 1925, in the Botna cemetery under the auspices of Masonic Sardius Lodge, A. F. and A. M., of which he was a member.

The above brief sketch marks the head lines in the career of one of Iowa's greatest exponents of agriculture, as the curtain of life's drama rolled down for the last time.

“Mighty Oaks from Little Acorns Grow.” Charles Escher, as he was familiarly known to the live stock fraternity of America, dedicated his life to the upbuilding of agriculture, more especially the live stock end of it. It was a privilege to be his friend. It was an inspiration to know him. Generous to a fault, he held a keen insight into the future, and may well be regarded as one of the greatest students on agricultural economics this country has produced. Conservative in his judgment, sympathetic by nature, he stood ready at all times to render his fellow man valuable counsel and advice from his bountiful store of experience. It can truthfully be stated his greatest ambition was to render service to humanity in general, and agriculture in particular. Achievement heaped upon achievement filled his cup of success to overflowing. This brief eulogy would not be complete if it did not take into consideration the inspiration given to this great man's ambition as it developed into continued successful accomplishment, without giving due credit to the unstinted service, advice and sacrifice rendered by his faithful wife.

Someone has said, “By Their Fruits Ye Shall Know Them.” As a community builder at home, Charlie Escher was always in the front rank. He was a member of the democratic party, served as a member of the board of supervisors and represented his people in the Thirty-fourth General Assembly. While a member of this body, he introduced the bill creating an appropriation for the Iowa beef producers association, and acted as president of that organization for years.

He was appointed by Governor Shaw in 1901 and reappointed by Governor Cummins in 1905 to represent Iowa at the National Live Stock Association held at Fort Worth, Texas. He also served on two separate occasions as a director on the board of National Aberdeen Angus Breeders Association.

As a farmer, Charles Escher, Jr., developed one of Iowa's largest farming enterprises, known to the world as Lone Branch Stock Farm, the home of countless champions among the Aberdeen Angus breed of cattle. He was a natural cattle man, knew cattle by instinct as well as study and served as a judge of his favorite breed at all of America's leading live stock exhibitions. His herd in the heyday of its development was considered the largest and best in the world. It comprised the best in Iowa, America and Scotland, and it can truthfully be stated Charlie Escher imported more and better Aberdeen Angus cattle to America than any other living man. He was one of the earliest to recognize the beef making possibilities of this great breed and demonstrated his confidence by fitting carload after carload of fat bullocks for the International Live Stock Show for a period of fourteen years. During this time he was associated in business with his brother-in-law, Mr. Earl Ryan. The perfection attained can better be appreciated when it is shown they never won lower than second place on carlots and in 1911 and 1913 they not only produced the Grand Champion Load but Reserve Champion Load as well, a record achieved by no other firm in America. The records made on “Abredeen Angus breeding cattle” by this firm are equally great, this herd being considered the fountain head for America of this breed. Breeders fought with each other for the surplus from this outstanding herd. Price records were established at their annual sales only to be broken and higher values recorded at each succeeding event until the climax was reached when they sold their 1919 International Grand Champion winning bull for $36,000.00, the record price paid for an Aberdeen Angus bull in America for all time.

Thus, cut down by the great “Scepter of Death” just in the prime of life, God in his infinite wisdom has seen fit to take from Iowa one of her greatest and most able exponents of agriculture. May his soul rest in peace.

Therefore, Be It Resolved, That in the passing of the Hon. Charles Escher, Jr., that the state has lost a valuable and honored citizen, a man of strong character and sterling worth and the House would tender by this resolution its sympathy to the widow who survives.

Be It Further Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be spread upon the Journal of the House as an expression of the life and worth of the deceased and an enrolled copy thereof be transmitted to the widow of the deceased.

GEO. E. MILLER,

D. FULTON RICE,

THEO. MARTIN,

Committee.

Unanimously adopted April 6, 1927.