 | Joseph A. Fitchpatrick was born on October 17, 1840, in Washington County, Virginia, to William and Sarah Fitchpatrick. Joseph was two years old when the family located in Clinton County, Indiana. In 1854 they arrived in Iowa and located first in Boone County and moved to Ames in 1857. Joseph A. worked on the farm in boyhood days and later taught school. When the call for war came, he enlisted in May 1861, under the command of Captain (later Colonel) John Scott of Company E of the 3rd Iowa Infantry. With a portion of his regiment, he was captured during the Battle of Shiloh and held prisoner for over 10 weeks. He was exchanged for Confederate prisoners and rejoined his regiment in January 1863. On July 22, 1864, he was again captured, this time at the Battle of Atlanta. He was sent to Andersonville Prison where he spent three months. Treatment in this camp was most inhumane and the prisoners suffered greatly. Following his release from Andersonville, he enjoyed a furlough and regained his strength. He rejoined his regiment in time to be mustered out in May 1865. A year after returning home from the service, he married Miss Harriet V. Pierce of Ames on August 16, 1866. Harriet was born January 18, 1842. She was a beloved wife and mother. Four children were born to the Fitchpatricks. Freddie was born June 10, 1873, and died July 21, 1873. Their other children were a son, William Pierce, and two daughters, Mrs. Viva Waters and Mrs. Edward M. McCall. He was elected Clerk of District Court, serving eleven years. This position necessitated him moving to Nevada and this was his home until his death. During his service as clerk, he was admitted to the bar to practice law in the year 1877. He formed a law partnership with Mr. George W. Dyer. In 1878, he was licensed to practice law before the Iowa Supreme Court. The partnership between Mr. Dyer and Mr. Fitchpatrick dissolved in 1885. Edward M. McCall joined his father-in-law under the name Fitchpatrick and McCall. They had a large clientele connecting them with some of the most important litigation held in the courts of the district. Mr. Fitchpatrick also invested heavily in real estate and owned valuable property in Nevada and Story County. He then turned his attention to the abstract and loan business. He merged his interest into the Fitchpatrick Investment Company of which he was president until the last year of his life. Mr. Fitchpatrick was connected with First National Bank as a stockholder and director since shortly after its organization. At the time of his death, he was serving that institution as president. Jospeh A. Fitchpatrick held a high degree in Masonry, was a charter member of Samson Lodge #77 Knights of Pythias, and a charter member of the Odd Fellows Lodge. He held membership in Lodge #99 AF and AM and Excalibur Commandry #13 KT of Boone. He also belonged to Grand Army of the Republic. He was a long time member of Central Presbyterian Church, holding many positions and offices. Mr. Fitchpatrick’s life is closely identified with the advancement of Nevada and Story County both in business and public affairs. Joseph died February 5, 1922. Hattie died September 13, 1906. |
Pioneer Families >