creator:

Hempel, John G. (1860-1945)

title:

Papers

dates:

1881-1948, n.d.

extent:

0.84 linear ft.  (2 document boxes, 1 map case folder)

collection number:

MS 680

repository:

Special Collections Department, Iowa State University.

access:

Open for research

publication rights:

Consult Head, Special Collections Department

preferred citation:

John G. Hemple Papers, MS 680, Special Collections Department, Iowa State University Library.

Biographical note

John G. Hempel was born to Charles F. and Dorothy (Newman) Hempel on December 9, 1860, in Giard township, Clayton County, Iowa. He attended school at Giard township schools and at the age of twenty became a clerk at the general store in Giard. Within a few years, Hempel became the store manager. He moved to McGregor, Iowa, and worked for several businesses. He later returned to Giard and bought the store in which he had previously been employed. He became treasurer of the Farmer's Creamery Association, secretary of the township school board, and secretary of the Clayton County Fair Association. In 1895, Hempel sold his store and moved to Elkader, Iowa, where he opened a retail clothing and furnishings store.

Hempel proved to be such a successful and popular businessman that he caught the eye of members of the Republican party. Hempel was nominated for Clayton County Recorder in 1894, and although he was unsuccessful in his first nomination, he was encouraged to run for Clayton County Auditor in 1896. He won the election in 1896 and served as the auditor of Clayton County for the next eight years. Hempel was elected to two terms as a member of the Republican State Central Committee for the Fourth Congressional District and appointed by Governor Albert B. Cummins as a member of the state voting machine commission. He was also appointed Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms for the 1904 Republican National Convention held in Minneapolis.

Hempel continued to play an active role in the Republican party in state and congressional politics. He assisted Governor Cummins in his bid for United States Senator from Iowa and was an important organizer and leader for the Republican party in Clayton County for local, state, and national elections. Hempel's personal political career culminated when he was elected to the Iowa House of Representatives in 1922, 1924 and 1926.

John G. Hempel married Emma J. Bickel of Giard in 1887. They had three children: Iowa H., Kathleen, and Johneyette G. John Hempel died on October 2, 1945.

Collection description

This collection (1881-1948, n.d.) contains biographical information, correspondence, and political memorabilia.  The correspondence consists mostly of letters to and from constituents while Hempel was serving in the Iowa House of Representatives and as Clayton County Auditor.  The collection also includes correspondence received from Iowa Governor and U.S. Senator Albert B. Cummins regarding Hempel's assistance in his political campaigns.  The collection also contains programs and materials from various events: the Iowa State Fair, Republican State Conventions, the Republican National Convention, and State of Iowa Inaugural Ceremonies.

Organization

The collection is listed in alphabetical order.

1

1

Biographical information (1 3x5 B&W and 1 5x7 B&W photographs)

1916-1947

1

2

Broadsheet for Hempel and Klotzbach clothing store

n.d.

1

3

Business receipts and correspondence

1890-1937

Map case

C406 D05

Certificates (includes 1927 certificate of election to the House of Representatives, State of Iowa)

1896-1927

1

4

Correspondence received from Albert B. Cummins

1899-1920

1

5

Correspondence received from American Surety Company while serving as Clayton County Auditor

1902-1903

1

6

Correspondence with constituents: Clayton County Auditor

1897-1902

1

7-9

Correspondence with constituents: Iowa State Representative

1923

2

1-2

Correspondence with constituents: Iowa State Representative

1924

2

3

Correspondence: personal

ca. 1891-1924

2

4

Correspondence: political

1894-1902

2

5

Holiday notes and greeting to Kathleen Hempel

n.d.

2

6

Ink blotters

n.d.

2

7

Iowa State Fair: guest pass, tickets, and program

1897-1926

Map case

C406 D05

Memorial resolution

ca. 1945

2

8

Miscellaneous programs, tickets, and invitations

1881-1937, n.d.

Artifact Collection

Political memorabilia: Albert B. Cummins senatorial campaign buttons (Artifact 2005-195)

ca. 1908

Artifact Collection

Political memorabilia: Benjamin Harrison presidential campaign blue plastic ribbon (Artifact 2005-195)

ca. 1892

Artifact Collection

Political memorabilia: Pins for W. N. Tinsley (Artifact 2005-195)

n.d.

Artifact Collection

Political memorabilia: William McKinley presidential campaign umbrella (Artifact 2005-195)

ca. 1896

2

9

Postcards: three postcards with U.S. Marines imagery

n.d.

Map case

C406 D05

Poster: Alf Landon and Frank Knox presidential campaign poster

ca. 1936

Map case

C406 D05

Poster: William McKinley memorial poster

ca. 1901

2

10

Republican National Convention: tickets and appointment documentation to Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms for convention

1892-1904

2

11

Republican State Convention: admission tickets and correspondence

1903-1910

Artifact Collection

Road Makers Medal (Artifact 2005-195)

n.d.

2

12

State of Iowa Inaugural Ceremony programs

1925-1927