Representative Earl W. Vincent View All Years

EARL W. VINCENT

MR. SPEAKER: Your committee, appointed to prepare a suitable resolution commemorating the life, character and public service of the late Honorable Earl W. Vincent, begs leave to submit the following memorial:

Earl W. Vincent was born at Keota, Iowa, on March 27, 1886. He passed away at Guthrie Center, Iowa, on May 22, 1953.

His parents were industrious, thrifty, Iowa farmers and faithful members of the United Presbyterian Church. The early training and teaching acquired in his good home and church instilled in him those traits of character which led him to success as a lawyer, legislator and judge.

His early education was received in the rural schools and the Keota High School. After graduation from high school, he attended Monmouth College where he received degrees of A.B. and A.M. He later attended the University of Iowa law school, graduating in 1912 with a degree of LL.B. He passed the state bar and was admitted to the practice of law in the summer of 1912. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Phi, and Sigma Delta Phi fraternities.

He located in Guthrie Center, forming a partnership with Seth B. Weeks, and Seth’s father, E. W. Weeks, where he worked until the fall of 1918.

He was married on June 8, 1916 to Madge Lee. They established their home in Guthrie Center, Iowa, where Mrs. Vincent now resides. To this union was born one daughter, Marjorie Lee, now Mrs. Robert Y. Taylor of Guthrie Center, Iowa. The Vincent home was a center of influence in the social, church, and civic affairs of the community. The sincere hospitality radiated in this home extended a warm welcome to all visitors. When Mr. Vincent located in Guthrie Center, Iowa, he transferred his church membership to the First Presbyterian Church of Guthrie Center, where he served as elder, trustee, and lay delegate to the District Presbytery, as a faithful and loyal member.

In November, 1918, he formed a partnership with J. E. Batschelet in Guthrie Center for the practice of law, which partnership continued until February, 1945, when he was appointed as judge of the district court to act as judge of the Fifth Judicial District of Iowa to fill the vacancy caused by the death of E. W. Dingwell. He was elected as judge at the next election and continued as such until the time of his death.

He served as county attorney of Guthrie County for two terms, from 1919 to 1923. He was elected as Representative from Guthrie County to the State Legislature and served in the Fortieth, Fortieth Extra, and Forty-first General Assemblies.

In 1928 he was elected Congressman from the Ninth Congressional District and served through the winter sessions of 1928 and 1929.

He was an active member of the Guthrie County Bar Association and served as its president. He was a member of the District Bar Association of the Fifth Judicial District of Iowa, State Bar Association, and the American Bar Association.

He was a charter member of the Lions Club of Guthrie Center and continued as an active member until his death. He served one year as district governor of Lions International.

Judge Vincent was recognized as a lawyer of high integrity, honesty, and ability. He served his profession capably and faithfully. He made an excellent record as judge and was held in high esteem by all associates.

Therefore, Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of the Fifty-sixth General Assembly of Iowa: That in the passing of the Honorable Earl W. Vincent, the state has lost an honored citizen, a hospitable friend, an able lawyer and judge, and a faithful, useful public servant and the House, by this resolution, would express its appreciation of his service, and tender its sympathy to the members of his family.

Be It Further Resolved: That a copy of this resolution be spread upon the Journal of the House and that the Chief Clerk be directed to forward an enrolled copy to the family of the deceased.

FRANK R. THOMPSON,

SCOTT SWISHER,

CONWAY E. MORRIS,

Committee.