Benjamin I. Salinger, attorney at law, and one of the leading and influential citizens of Manning, was born in the province of Posen, Germany, May 14, 1860, a son of Louis and Rosalie Salinger. The family crossed the ocean in 1871, landing at New York August 30, and from there came directly to Iowa, locating at Waverly. The parents are now making their home in Butler County, Iowa. Benjamin I., the subject of this sketch, received liberal educational advantages in his youth. He commenced his law studies in the office of Gray, Doherty & Gibson, at Waverly, and subsequently entered the law office of Chase & Covill, at Webster City, Iowa. During his law studies at Webster City, in order to meet expenditures, he engaged in teaching school, and after leaving the office of Chase & Covill was engaged one year in the public schools of Fort Dodge. Before reaching an age allowing him to be admitted to the bar he opened an office at Spencer, the county seat of Clay County, which he closed a few months later. He was admitted to the bar in this district before Judge Loofbourow, at Audubon, in 1881.

Mr. Salinger was united in marriage in Cherokee County June 5, 1880, to Miss Lucy M. Boylan, who was born at Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, December 29, 1865, and to this union have been born three children: Daisy R., Benjamin I., Jr., and Louis H. (twins). Mr. Salinger was one of the first settlers of Manning, and was the first principal of the public schools of this place, and has ever since been one of the active and public-spirited citizens. He is now associated with L.P. Brigham in the insurance business, and they are also largely engaged in the real estate business, buying and selling land in Carroll, Audubon, Shelby and Crawford counties, and in these same counties they are general agents of the Council Bluffs Insurance Company, and are also representing eight leading Eastern mercantile companies. The loans placed through their office aggregate close upon $100,000 per annum. Mr. Salinger owns and occupies one of the finest residences in Manning. He has been the architect of his own fortunes.

With an energy rarely found among young men, he prosecuted his studies and fitted himself for an active business life almost unaided by money or influence. In all business he has been found true to the trusts of his patrons, and has gained their confidence and esteem by his fair and honorable dealings. He has never lost his interest in the public schools, and is now a member of the school board. In politics he is a Republican.

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