52 Ancestors – Week 10: Bachelor Uncle – Albert J. Hork

This is my second year working on this year-long prompt, hosted by Amy Johnson Crow. I will write each week in one of my two blogs, either Mam-ma’s Southern Family or at My Trails Into the Past. I have enjoyed writing about my children’s ancestors in new and exciting ways.

Albert Joseph Hork, the fourth child of Johan Anton Hork and Julia Ann Sievert, was born 2 August 1879 in Aurora, Kane County, Illinois.[1] He was an older brother of my grandfather, William Cyril Hork.

As a young man, he was of medium height and build, and had gray eyes and light colored hair.[2] His parents were of Germanic heritage, so most of their children had light or blond hair.

Albert worked many different jobs in his lifetime. In the early 1900s he worked as a bartender at the Hotel Hamilton and Saloon, run by Henry S. Page.[3]

Later he worked at the Western News newspaper as foreman.[4]

In 1907, he was the Deputy County Clerk and Recorder, working at the Court House.[5] He lived at home with his mother, Julia.[6] In 1908, his monthly salary was $90.60.[7]

Albert also played baseball. In 1910 he played left field for the “Yannigans.” On 26 December, they played on the ice rink.[8] In 1913, he played shortstop for the courthouse team while his brother, Tony played pitcher.[9]

By 1911, Albert was the County Clerk and Recorder and his brother, Tony was the Deputy County Clerk.[10] An article in the Daily Missoulian described his election:

“Two years ago Albert J. Hork, who had served as deputy under Clerk and Recorder G.A. Reese, was elected on the republican ticket, to succeed Mr. Reese with one of the largest pluralities ever received by a candidate in the county. After two years of efficient service in that office Mr. Hork received the nomination again, this time at the hands of the progressive party. Many contended that “Joe” Hork was down and out politically, arguing that his affiliation with the Bull Moose had put him in the scrap heap. Hork smiled and kept on recording deeds, making periodic visits among his friends and their friends, and when the votes were all in “Joe” Hork was way out in front of a scattered field, with about 25 more votes than he received when he made his sensational run two years before. If you have occasion to file a deed or mortgage, to register, to transact any other business in his office for the next two years, you will find Mr. Hork or one of his deputies there to wait on you. Mr. Hork will retain Fred Robbins and Tony Hork, his two capable and obliging assistants.”[11]

His brother, Anthony, succeeded him in November 1914, and remained the county clerk and recorder for over 50 years.[12]

In January of 1914, Albert went to the Mayo Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota for some surgery.[13]

He was a member of the Masons, holding an office of Secretary in 1909.[14]

He then worked at the Brunswick Pool and Billiards.[15] Later he purchased the business located in the 100 block of Main Street from William H. Grimes.[16] For a photo of the interior of the parlor, see this link, page 2.

Later he worked as a haberdasher at a clothing store.[17] He went into partnership with George Murray in the Regal Clothing Company, located at the 200 block of Main Street, and in 1921, he purchased the half interest. Albert and R.C. Parmenter then conducted business together.[18]

Albert died on 8 July 1939 at the age of 59 of cardiac dilatation caused from acute alcoholism.[19] A masonic service was held for him.[20] He was buried at Riverview Cemetery beside the grave of his mother.[21]

An obituary gave a synopsis of his life:

“Hork worked first as a printer on the Western News force. Prior to that time he had been with the Missoulian during the two years the Horks resided there. Later he was deputized in the office of county clerk and recorder, serving with the late George A. Reese. He became clerk at the end of Mr. Reese’s time and served four years.

“After his term as a county official Mr. Hork was owner of the Brunswick business until its sale July 6, 1921, to G.R. Fisk and C.A. Smithey. later he became a partner with R.C. Parmenter in the Regal Clothing Company and he had continued to be an active business figure, serving with the firm until his death.

“Mr. Hork was a member of Ionic Lodge No. 38, A.F. & A.M., royal arch Masons, the Cammandery and Bagdad Shrine at Butte.”[22]

 Albert never married. It’s unfortunate that I have no photo of him.

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[1] 1880 U.S. census, Kane County, Illinois, pop. sched., Aurora, ED 73, p 43c (penned), p. 79a (stamped), dwelling 280, family 392, Antone Hark, digital image, Ancestry (http://ancestry.com), citing NARA T9, roll 217. Albert’s age was 10/12 and his month of birth was August. See also Hork Family Bible, Heilige Schrist,  (Philadelphia: John E. Potter and Company, n.d., privately held by Alice Irene McGee, [address for private use], Lexington, Kentucky, Geburten page, Albert. Color scans were emailed to author.

[2] World War I Draft card, Ravalli Co, Montana, Albert Joseph Hork.

[3] Missoula and Hamilton City Directory, R.L. Polk & Co, 1901, p 293, Albert Hork.

[4] Missoula and Hamilton City Directory, R.L. Polk & Co, 1905, p 351, Albert Hork.

[5] Missoula and Hamilton City Directory, R.L. Polk & Co, 1907, p 367, Albert Hork.

[6] 1910 U.S. census, Ravalli Co, Montana, Hamilton, ED 86, sht 19b, dwelling 370, fam 425, Julia A Hork, roll 833, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com).

[7] “Many Matters Occupy Commissioners’ Attention,” Western News, 16 Sep 1908, p. 2.

[8] "Lineups for Game Announced," The Missoulian, 25 Dec 1910, p 2, col 2, Al Hork; digital image, Chronicling America (http://www.chroniclingamerica.loc.gov : accessed 9 Nov 2014).

[9] “Courthouse Players Are Practicing Hard,” The Missoulian,I 25 Jun 1913, p. 3

[10] Missoula and Hamilton City Directory, R.L. Polk & Co, 1911, p 377, Albert J Hork.

[11] “Ravalli County Officers,” Daily Missoulian, 15 Dec 1912, p. 11.

[12] "Old timer Dies," Daily Inter Late, Jun 8, 1966, p 12, col 4.

[13] “Albert Hork Here From Mayo Hospital,” The Missoulian, 23 Jan 1914.

[14] “Masons and Families To Hold Banquet,” Western News, 22 Dec 1909, p. 5.

[15] Missoula and Hamilton City Directory, R.L. Polk & Co, 1915, p 401, Albert J Hork. See also “Change of Ownership,” Ravalli Republic, p. 1.

[16] “A.J. Hork in Business,” Ravalli Republic, p. 8.

[17] 1930 U.S. census, Ravalli Co, Montana, Hamilton, ED 41-4, sht 3a, dwelling 60, family 72, Albert Hork, digital image, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com), citing NARA T626, roll 1260.

[18] “Change of Ownership,” Ravalli Republic, p. 1.

[19] "Montana, County Births and Deaths, 1830-2011," Death > Ravalli > 1933-1941, no. 2779, Albert Joseph Hork, database and images, Ancestry  (http://www.ancestry.com : ), citing Montana, County Births and Deaths, 1830-2011. Montana State Historical Society, Helena, Montana..

[20] "Hork Funeral to be Conducted Tuesday," Billings Gazette, Jul 11, 1939, col 2. 

[21] “Hork Services to be Held Tuesday,” The Missoulian, 10 Jul 1939, p. 2.

[22] “Albert Hork Dies,” Ravalli Republic, 13 Jul 1939, p. 1.

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