Clarence Messer was born and raised in Rochester, Vermont, and started his life’s work in education in that state. Messer came from English stock and his parents were among the sturdy pioneers of Vermont.He exhibited the traits of loyalty, integrity, and dependability that made his life what it was. His early education was in the then public schools and he later added to it as occasion permitted. He was a school teacher in Vermont nearly sixty years ago and school methods, practices, and advancement had been his life study.

 

He came to Iowa in 1880, first location in Sac County and was made Principal of the Odeboldt Schools, Early Schools, and was Superintendent of the Sac City schools for four years. In 1890, Clarence Messer came to Humboldt to serve as Principal/Superintendent of the Humboldt schools. In 1890 he was elected to the position of Superintendent of schools in Humboldt County. He would hold this position for 28 years, right up to the time of his death. [1]

 

Clarence Messer was a bridge builder. He found life by losing it in devoted service to his community. Mr. Messer was known as the dean of the Iowa county superintendents and it was always his goal to promote the best school methods and practices.

 

He established the county school library in the old courthouse for the schools of Humboldt County, and he vigorously promoted individual school libraries. He was a remarkable visionary, often moving far ahead of his own time. When the Humboldt Carnegie Library was organized in 1907, he was chosen Board President. [2]

 

Along with being a leading educator, Clarence Messer was a fine family man. His wife was Alice Beaton of Chicago. The couple had two children – a son, Angus, and a daughter, Frances. Regrettably, Angus would die in childhood but a bridge between the generations would be built by Frances who would carry on the fine educational tradition of her father. When she retired in 1964, Frances Messer had served as county superintendent for 28 years – the same number her father held that post. 

 

He died at home in Humboldt December 20, 1927. Funeral services were in charge of the local Masonic Lodge and were held at the Congregational Church, followed by burial at Union Cemetery. The funeral was one of the most largely attended in the history of the community. [3]

Pat Baker

[1] Humboldt Independent, June 7, 1995

[2] Humboldt Independent March 7, 1908

[3] Humboldt Republican, Dec. 27 1927