Biographical Sketch of Sanford Peter Maring

SKETCH:  Sanford Peter Maring - SKETCH

Source: History of Appanoose County, Iowa; Volume II

S. J. Clarke Publishing Company; Chicago, Illinois 1913

Sanford P. Maring has been identified with the growth and development of Exline for many years and his work has been a force in advancement, since he has steadily promoted and built up enterprises which directly affect growth, by furthering commercial, industrial and financial activity. Since the organization of the Bradley Savings Bank in 1905 he has been its cashier and has attained a place of prominence and influence in local banking circles.

He is a native son of the county, born in Caldwell Township October 23, 1858, his father being Samuel Maring, a native of Monroe County, Ohio. In that district the father of our subject grew to manhood and there married Alma Hall. About 1850 he and his wife moved to Iowa, among the earliest pioneers in the state, and located in Caldwell Township, Appanoose County, where Samuel Maring filed on one hundred and sixty acres of land and after proving his title opened up a farm. He gradually became well known and prosperous, engaging beside agricultural lines in buying and selling of land. His first wife passed away during his period of residence here and he later married Mrs. Julia Van Dyke, a native of Virginia, who was reared and educated in that state. Samuel Maring died upon the home farm July 11, 1901, having survived his wife since 1881.

Sanford P. Maring was reared at home and at an early age acquired familiarity with the best methods of farm operation. He aided his father with the work of the fields until his marriage, which occurred in 1880, in which year he and his wife commenced their domestic life upon the Maring homestead, which the subject of this review rented from his father. He later purchased one hundred and eighty acres and still owns this property, upon which he has erected a fine residence, a good barn and convenient outbuildings and installed the necessary farm equipment. The property is made especially valuable on account of the rich deposits of coal with which a part of it is underlaid. The Iowa Block Coal Company has sunk a shaft upon the land and has touched a rich vein from which for the past eight or ten years they have taken out large quantities of fine coal.

After he had lived upon his farm for some time Mr. Maring became interested in the town of Exline, recognizing in its growing prosperity and expansion a good business opportunity. He purchased a tract of land just adjoining the town, plotted it as a subdivision, laid out streets and walks, surveyed lots and put them up for sale. In his promotion of this enterprise he showed his fine business ability and executive force, for he carried it forward to successful completion, his addition being now an integral part of the town.

He has built and sold several fine residences and has eight dwellings rented to tenants, owning besides valuable residence and business property. When the Bradley Savings Bank was organized in 1905 Mr. Maring was one of the leading figures in the promotion of the enterprise, of which he was made manager and cashier. He is thoroughly conversant with the banking business in principle and in detail and his capable control of the Bradley Savings Bank is manifested in its growing prosperity It is one of the reliable financial institutions in this part of the state and conducts all kinds of banking business.

Mr. Maring has been twice married. On October 10, 1880, he wedded Miss Ella Hollenbeck, a native of Pennsylvania, who afterward came to Appanoose County. She passed away on January 26, 1907, leaving three children: Nadie, the wife of T. C. Kline, of Exline; John L.; and Claude S. On the 14th of September, 1907, Mr. Maring was again married, his second wife being Miss Kate Kinkaid, who was born in Monroe County, Ohio, but who was educated in Exline and Centerville. Previous to her marriage she was a teacher in the public schools of Appanoose County and was well known in local educational circles.

Mr. Maring gives his political allegiance to the Democratic party, with which he has been affiliated since casting his first vote. He has been elected to a number of important local positions of trust and honor, in all of which he has served capably and conscientiously, bending his energies to the promotion of projects which affect the public growth. He is a member of Exline Lodge, No. 726, I.O.O.F., and he and his wife belong to the Rebekahs. Both are members of the Christian Church and are well known in the community, their home being the center of a charming circle of friends. Mr. Maring gives his influence and aid to progressive public measures and is a stanch supporter of the business, social and political institutions of the community which he has done so much to upbuild.

Provided by Betty Latta Kitchen -- e-mail: Betty Kitchen

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