Representative R.E. Lee Aldrich View All Years

R. E. LEE ALDRICH

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

R. E. Lee Aldrich was born June 13, 1867, at Hickory Corners, Michigan. He passed away at Belmond, Iowa, October 21, 1953, at the age of 86. He was the son of Frederick and Mary Auten Aldrich, natives of New York. In 1873 he went, with his family, by covered wagon to the State of Kansas. After three years they moved back to Buchanan County, Iowa, where they lived for two years.

As a boy of 11, be came to Wright County with his parents and resided on a farm in Iowa township for two years. In 1880 his parents moved to a farm a short distance southwest of Belmond, where Mr. Aldrich made his home for the last 70 years of his life.

He received his education in the country schools of Iowa township until he was 16 years of age. He attended Clarion High School for two years, after which he attended Northern Iowa Normal College at Algona for a year and Highland Park College at Des Moines for two years.

Following his school days, Mr. Aldrich taught school.

He was elected State Representative from Wright County and served in the Forty-fifth and Forty-fifth Extra sessions of the Assembly.

On June 16, 1894, he was married in Belmond to Laurette Rowan, daughter of Joseph and Georgia Rowan and granddaughter of Robert Rowan, founder of the Town of Rowan. Four sons were born to them: Nathan, George, R. E. Lee, Jr., and Fred. Mrs. Aldrich and two of his sons, George and Fred, preceded him in death.

Mr. Aldrich is survived by the other two sons, Nathan of Percival, and R. E. Lee, Jr., who resides on the home farm. He also leaves eight grandchildren.

Therefore, Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of Fifty-sixth General Assembly of Iowa: That in the passing of the Honorable R. E. Lee Aldrich, the state has lost an honored citizen 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 the Chief Clerk be directed to forward an enrolled copy to the family of the deceased.

CLARK H. MCNEAL,

W. E. DARRINGTON,

WENDELL PENDLETON,

Committee.