F. J. Sessions Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. Surnames: Sessions, Fisher, McDowell. F. J. Sessions, who since 1904 has capably served as superintendent of the Iowa Soldiers' Orphans' Home at Davenport, was born in Fairview township, Jones county, Iowa, on the 18th of February, 1853. His parents, C. M. and Mary J. (Armstrong) Sessions, are both natives of Cortland county, New York. In the year 1851 the father took up his abode in Jones county, Iowa, and there preached the gospel as a minister of the Methodist church until 1889, his labors proving an important element in the moral development of the community in pioneer times. He now makes his home at Mount Vernon, Iowa, and, though past the eighty-second milestone on life's journey, he is still hale and hearty. F. J. Sessions supplemented his preliminary education, obtained in the public schools, by a course of study in Cornell College at Mount Vernon, where he won the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He was then prominently identified with educational interests for a period of twenty years and has held many important offices in that connection. He began his school work as principal of the Mount Vernon schools, later was at Springville, and subsequently he served as county superintendent of Linn county for four years. He was in charge of the educational exhibit at the St. Louis Exposition and in the same year was elected superintendent of the Iowa Orphan's Home and has since discharged the duties devolving upon him in this connection in a highly creditable and satisfactory manner, being well qualified for the office. On the 26th of June 1879, Mr. Sessions was united in marriage to Miss Clara Fisher, a native of Illinois. They became the parents of four children, as follows: Alma, who is the wife of Dr. W. O. McDowell, of Grundy Center; T. W., who is engaged in the lumber business at Canton, Illinois; Charles, who is in the employ of the Bettendorf Car Company; and Harriet, who is pursuing a library course at the Pratt Institute of Brooklyn. Mr. Sessions is a worthy member of the Masonic fraternity, exemplifying the teachings of the craft in his daily life. He is a gentleman of wide experience and information and one whose geniality and deference for the opinions of others have gained him an extensive circle of warm friends. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES