C. W. Sutton C. W. Sutton, a prominent and influential citizen of Odebolt, Iowa, is a member of the firm, C.W. Sutton & Son, hardware merchants. This business was established in the city, June 1873, (an error - he did not come to Odebolt until 1879) in a small store in the same location, occupied by the firm ever since. When they began business the stock was very small, but now they carry a very large assortment of goods in their line, consisting of hardware, stoves, tinware, pumps, oils, a full line of farming implements, Cooper and Old's wagons; wagons from D.M. Secler, of Moline, Moline Buggy Company Works, and the Hadock Buggy Works, of Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1892 the firm erected a fine two-story implement building, 100 x 26, which is one of the finest in the county. Under this is a basement. This building was built for buggies, implements, hardware and cutlery, and a room in the rear accommodates the tin shop. Another room, 26 x 70 feet, contains the paints, oils, pumps, etc. The stock is valued from $12,000 to $15,000. C. W. Sutton, the senior member of this firm, was born in Wayne county, New York, July 17, 1835, son of Charles C.H. and Rosella (Bishop) Sutton, natives of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, respectively, although of English extraction. Our subject was reared in his native State, and educated at the high school of his native place. At the age of twenty he came West to Iowa locating in James [*Jones?] county, where he engaged in farming for several years, when in 1875 he engaged in the hardware business, which he pursued until coming to Odebolt in 1879, where he established the above mentioned firm. Mr. Sutton is practically a self-made man, and has accumulated his present wealth by his own persistent effort. Mr. Sutton was married, in 1858, to Miss Fannie Hause, who died in 1868, after bearing her husband four children, namely: George, member of the firm of Sutton & Son; Rosella, wife of Allen Duke of James [Jones?] county, Iowa; Florence, wife of West McDaniel, of James [Jones?] county, Iowa; and Edith, wife of W.S. Faiker, of Iowa, is a graduate of Barton Conservatory of Music. Mr. Sutton was married in Odebolt, in 1882, February, to Lucinda Taylor, and four children have been born of this union, namely: Lula, Nora, Charles, and Alice. Politically, Mr. Sutton is a Republican, and has held the office of Justice of the Peace for several years. He also held the position of Mayor of the city of Odebolt, and at the present time is a member of the School Board. Socially, Mr. Sutton is a member of the Masonic fraternity, being connected with Wheeler Lodge, No. 398. He is one of the most active members, as well as Trustee of the Methodist Church, and is highly esteemed in that body. Transcribed by B. Horak, November 2002

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