Home > Records > History Main > 1904 Expo Album

S. W.W. STRAIGHT, Justice of the Peace, Atlantic, Iowa, was born in Medina County, Ohio, April 15, 1842, and went with his parents to DeKalb County, Indiana, in 1842, and in 1845 came with them to Iowa, locating at Marshalltown. In the spring of 1869 he came to Atlantic and engaged in the hotel business, operating the Pocific hotel at the corner of Walnut and Fourth streets, now known as the Commercial house. He remained in the hotel business several years, then read law, and afterward engaged in the drug business, both on Chestnut and Walnut streets. For several years he was in the real estate and insurance business. He has been Justice of the Peace most of the time for ten years and holds that office at the present time. He belongs to the Blue lodge, Chapter and Commandery, and is a thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason, is a member of the subordinate lodge and Camp, I. O. O. F. and is a Modern Woodman. "Whip", as he is known to his friends, is an exemplary citizen, progressive and enterprising and ready at all times to aid in the advancement of the community's welfare.

James S. PRESSNALL, Justice of the Peace, Atlantic, Iowa, was born in Noblesville, Indiana, May 15, 1839, and remained there until the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted July 7, 1862, and served until July 3, 1865. He was promoted to first lieutenant of Company F. Third Indiana infantry. At the close of the war he came to Marshall County, Iowa, and April 24, 1869, came to Atlantic. He was in the harness business two years, then deputy sheriff under E. E. HERBERT for two years. He was then elected sheriff and re-elected twice, serving six years in all. He was also a member of the Board of Supervisors for three years. He engaged in the insurance, real estate and loan business and afterwards was elected Justice of Peace and now holds that office and is also pension attorney. He is a good citizen, and exceptionally good Justice of the Peace, and is popular with all classes. He believes in deeds as well as words and has always done his share in the advancement of the material interests of the city and county.

From: Exposition Souvenir Album, published by Democrat Publishing Company, Atlantic, Iowa, 1904. Transcribed by Brenda Magee, June, 2010.