Judge Charles Mullan Bio, Waterloo, Iowa

 

Charles Mullan
Biography

 

BIO of CHARLES W. MULLAN

"Known everywhere as a gentleman of genial temperament and sterling qualities, a fluent public speaker and thoroughly familiar with the development and needs of this section, Judge Mullan is, in all matters of public enterprise, a valuable acquisition to the citizenship of Waterloo. As a jurist, legislator and professional man, he has reflected credit on the state, district and city.

The Mullan family was among the first six settlers in Black Hawk county, moving here in 1846 from Wayne county Illinois. Charles W. Mullan, son of Charles and America Virden Mullan, was only six months old when the family arrived here. He has seen the growth of the county from its earliest days to the present and has had a share in practically all of its growth and development.

He attended public school in Black Hawk county and then entered Upper Iowa University at Fayette.. Enlisted direct from the University during the civil war he served until the end of hostilities and then returned to Fayette where he finished his course, graduating in 1866. Following his graduation he returned to Waterloo and read law with Judge Oran Miller and was admitted to the bar in 1870. In 1872 he married Emma L. Hammond of Waterloo. The union has been blessed with four children, two boys and two girls, all of whom, with the exception of the younger son, are married and settled in life.

After his admission to the bar, Judge Mullan formed a partnership with Judge Miller, under the firm name of Miller & Mullan. Later he became the associate of Joe Elwell in the firm entitled Mullan & Elwell. Following the dissolution of the latter firm the partnership of Mullan & Hoff was formed and existed two years at the end of which time Mr. Hoff passed away and Judge Mullan practiced alone until 1890 when he joined issues with Charles E. Pickett under the firm name of Mullan & Pickett. In 1913, the tenth judicial district, comprising the counties of Delaware, Buchanan, Grundy and Black Hawk, showed such a volume of district court-business that the necessity for another judge became apparent and Mr. Mullan was appointed to the position.

Judge Mullan has served the township, city, county and state in various political positions, having been a member of the school board of Waterloo Township; city attorney for six years, county attorney six years, state senator from 1897 to 1900, and attorney general of Iowa from 1901 to 1907. He is a member of the G. A.R., Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade, director of the Manufacturer’s Insurance company, and vice-president of the Iowa Life Insurance company. The Mullan family is prominent in Waterloo’s social life and resides at 516 West First avenue.

Ripe in years and in experience, possessing the highest sense of honor and of duty, Judge Mullan is an honor to the legal profession, a decided credit to the bench and a positive benefit to the community."

[Charles W. Mullan married EMMA LUCY HAMMOND on 06 NOV 1872 in Waterloo, Black Hawk County, WI. Emma Lucy Hammond born 15 DEC 1851 in Paris, Oneida County, NY, daughter of William HAMMOND and FRANCES CHESBRO BABCOCK. Emma Lucy Hammond’s mother descends from the famous Chesebros of England. The HAMMOND family moved from Paris, Oneida County, NY to Waterloo, Black Hawk County, IA in 1855. Her father, William Hammond, established the first bank and real estate office in Waterloo, and the second bank of the State. "Frances Chesbro Babcock was a woman of rare beauty and grace of character. She was a gentle woman of the old type, who painted in water colors, did exquisite needle work and read carefully selected literature. She was descended from the historic PERRY family.

Matthew Calbraith Perry, the American naval officer, who opened commerce with Japan, was her grandfather’s brother, as was also Commodore Oliver H. Perry, who defeated the British in the battle of Lake Erie." Frances Chesbro Babcock Hammond died in 1876 in Waterloo, Black Hawk County, IA.]

Source: Waterloo Times-Tribune, Waterloo, Iowa: Sunday, March 1, 1914, Pg. 32