John Vertner Adkins
ADKINS, John Vertner, the subject of this sketch, like most of those in middle life in our western country, did not come from wealthy parents. On the contrary he was born in a log cabin, near Plymouth, in Schuyler county, 111. Again, like most of them, he has made for himself a place in the business world that has grown up around him, and all of us, where he can command the best that is going in the way of living and education for his children. He is well situated in business circles, and commands the respect and confidence of his acquaintances. He was born November 15, 1851, as stated above, and now lives at Paullina, Iowa. His father was a native of Connecticut, and consequently a Yankee, as we rate Yankees, but was also a sturdy Scotchman, being descended from ancestors, who came from Scotland in an early day. He was born December 5, 1824, at Litchfield, Conn., and died June 5, 1897, at Newton, Iowa. His mother's maiden name was Lydia Ann Vertner and she was of German descent. Mr. Adkins was educated in the district schools of Illinois and this, with a wide field of reading, constituted the bulk of his educational qualifications, so he cannot boast of a college education. He settled in Iowa in March, 1865, at Prairie City, and worked in a general store for twelve years.
He went to Paullina, O'Brien county, in October, 1883, going into business with his brother in the general merchandise business; sold out in 1886, in the month of July; went into the Bank of Paullina as bookkeeper August 1, 1886, which position he held until July, 1892, when he took the position of cashier, which he now holds. He has always voted the republican ticket but never held any office, or sought one.
He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, being admitted to membership at Prairie City in 1873, Blue Lodge; is also a member of the Hawarden chapter, Crusade Com- mandery of Cherokee, and El Kahir Shrine of Cedar Rapids. He has never belonged to any church organization, but favors the work being done by all churches.
He was married to Miss A. B. White, daughter of Rev. J. C. White. They have two children, Harry C., aged 18, attending school at Drake university, and Leigh W., aged 11.
Source: Biographies and portraits of the progressive men of Iowa, Benjamin F. Gue, Published by Conaway & Shaw, 1899, p. 372
