R. M. POMEROY

R. M. POMEROY was born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, March 24, 1849. He is a son of William and Elizabeth (McClay) Pomeroy, both natives of Pennsylvania. The father was of Scotch-Irish ancestry. He was reared in his native county, and received his education in the public schools and an academy. At the age of eighteen he engaged in the mercantile business, which he followed until he came to Iowa in 1872. He settled at Morning Sun, and engaged in the mercantile business until 1875; he then came to Shelby and formed a partnership with J. W. Campbell, a well-known business man of the town. They established a mercantile business, which continued four years, when Mr. Pomeroy sold his interest to his partner and went into business alone. He built his present storehouse and continued alone for four years; at the end of that time taking a partner, George D. Price. This partnership existed until the spring of 1888, when Mr. Pomeroy bought out his partner's interest. His store is one of the leading mercantile houses in the town; he carries a stock of $6,000 and transacts an annual business of $20,000. His long experience in the business, together with his good judgment, has been the foundation of his success. He has also been extensively engaged in stock-raising and feeding; he owns a fine farm of 400 acres near Shelby. It is well improved, having a fine dwelling and good barns; he also owns a good residence in Shelby. Mr. Pomeroy is a Republican, and has served four years as county treasurer with credit to himself and the best interests of Shelby County. He was elected to this office in the fall of 1881. He was married November 2, 1876, to Miss Mary McClurkin, of Louisa County, Iowa. By this union four children were born-Elizabeth N ., William H., Loren M. and Mary C. Mr. Pomeroy is a member of the I. O.O. F., Canopy Lodge, No. 401, of Shelby. He is one of the active and working members of the Presbyterian church, and has been since its organization. He is a man yet in the prime of life; he is easy in his manner, jovial in his disposition, cordial to all. He is honorable in business, and has made many friends in the county. He has always taken an active interest in religion, and all educational enterprises have found a liberal supporter in him.

Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 386-387. Transcribed and submitted by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs