A prominent Iowa family has turned over the personal diaries and businessdocuments of one of Iowa’s richest men. F.M. Hubbell arrived in Des Moinesin 1855 with five-dollars in his pocket, and went on to found a majorinsurance company, railroads and other businesses. Iowa Department ofCultural Affairs director Dan Hunter says the Hubbell diaries and documentstake up two-hundred cubic feet.The Hubbell family is donating 400-thousand dollars to restore and preservethe collection. Hunter says it’s an exciting project.Hunter says Hubbell was involved in every major development in Iowa in thelate 19th and early 20th century.A ceremony was held at the State Historical Building yesterday to accept thecollection. Hubbell’s descendant, Jim Hubbell, spoke on the family’sbehalf.Hubbell, who died in 1930 at the age of 91, founded Equitable of Iowa. Hespent most of his career in Des Moines, but briefly lived in Sioux Citywhere at age 18 he was acting clerk of court and a real estate speculator.
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