Peter J. Klinker
For eight years past Peter J. Klinker has served as county attorney of Crawford county, performing his duties so acceptably as to meet with the general commendation of his constituents.
He was born in Wester Ohrsted, Germany, January 9, 1877, a son of Hans H. and Anna M. (Michaelsen) Klinker, both natives of Germany. The father was a farmer and fine stock-raiser, attaining quite a reputation as a breeder, and was identified for many years with fairs and fancy stock shows. He departed this life in 1881.
Mrs. Klinker came to America in June, 1882, and settled at Denison, where she is still living. After her arrival in this state she married Nicolaus Schroeder, a retired farmer, who is now deceased. There were four children by her first marriage, three of whom are now living: Hans H., of Seattle, Washington; Margaret, the widow of Philip Lochmiller, of Denison; and Peter J., the subject of this review. One daughter, Lavina M., was born to Mr. and Mrs. Schroeder. She is now a nurse in the Masonic Home at Plattsmouth, Nebraska.
Peter J. Klinker came to America with his mother at five years of age and secured his early education in the public schools, graduating from the Denison high school in 1895. Having evinced a decided inclination for a literary or professional career, he matriculated in the State University at Iowa City, taking a full course of four years and graduating in 1900 with the degree of Ph. B. A year later he graduated from the legal department of the university with the degree of LL. B. He was at once admitted to the bar and began practice at Denison, showing an adaptability to the profession which gave bright promise as to the future. In the fall of 1902 he was elected on the republican ticket as county attorney and has since been reelected to the same office every two years and is now serving in his fifth term.
Mr. Klinker gives thorough consideration to each case as it comes forward and stands fearlessly for what he believes to be right according to the law and for the best interests of the people. He has proved a most capable and efficient county attorney, possessing a readiness of resource and an adaptability to emergencies which have carried him through many difficulties. A constant student, he has a mind well stored with legal knowledge and as he is a clear and logical speaker, he never fails to gain an attentive and respectful hearing. He ranks today as one of the most promising attorneys of Crawford county.
Endowed with genial social qualities, he can claim a host of friends throughout a wide section in this part of the state. His religious belief is that of the Lutheran church. He is a prominent worker in fraternal orders, being identified with Sylvan Lodge, No. 507, A. F. & A. M., of Iowa City; Chapter No.2, R. A. M.; Palestine Commandery No.2, K. T.; and Za-ga-zig Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He is also connected with the Order of the Eastern Star, Dowdall Lodge, No. 90. K. P., and Ute Tribe, No. 92, I. O. R. M.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.