— Submitted photo. Diane Claude retired from abstracting this past Thursday.

By DIANE CLAUDE

Special to the Daily Freeman-Journal

Editor’s Note: Last Thursday, Diane Claude retired from more than a half-century of working within the abstracting business. Claude had not only been in the business, but also owned Hamilton County Abstracting Services, Inc. for more than 30 years.

The following story is her career of five and a half decades, in her own words.

I moved to Webster City in 1968 as a young bride, marrying Kenneth Gordon, newly returned home from a two-year Vietnam tour with the U.S. Marine Corps.

My first job interview in Webster City was with William Miller, owner of Security Title & Loan Company, an abstract office, and President of Webster City Federal Savings and Loan Association. The abstract office was looking for a typist.

I worked for Security Title & Loan Company until 1985 when Donald Cook, a long time employee, purchased the abstract office and established Security Title & Abstract, Inc. at Will Miller’s retirement. Donald, also at the same time, purchased the former Crosley & Foster, Inc. abstract offices.

There was an abstract monopoly in Webster City.

Donald and I worked in the new office, originally located in the former Dr. Latella building, later moving to the 730 Second St. location in Webster City.

During this time, Ken and I raised three boys, Tom, Ryan and Matt. Ken died of esophageal cancer at age 41 in 1989, when my youngest son, Matt, was only nine years old.

In 1991, I married Marlin Claude, a farmer from Woolstock.

Marlin, the father of three children, Suzanne, Doreen and Andrew, all high school graduates, either attending college or just venturing out into the workforce. So, now we are a combined family of six kids.

In early 1993, Marlin and I took a giant step of independence, establishing my own abstracting office — Hamilton County Abstracting Services, Inc., starting out in the lower level of the Seamonds Insurance building on Superior St., and later moving to our present location at 1919 Superior St., Webster City.

In 2018, our office purchased the assets of Security Title & Abstract, Inc. from Tim Neuroth, who was ready to retire. Once again, there was an abstract monopoly in Hamilton County.

In the past 55 cumulative years of working in the abstract business, I have enjoyed going to work every day, meeting and dealing with the people who came into the office — people who are buying, selling, trading houses and businesses in the community.

I have enjoyed doing the abstract research — setting out the histories of the properties of this County, every tract of land has a story to tell.

Throughout the years, I have met and talked with bankers, attorneys, realtors, county and state employees who have helped me, advised me, encouraged me and worked with me to make me and my office be the best it could be.

So many very kind, generous and outstanding individuals who have made my dreams possible, exceeding all of my expectations.

Today, I came to the conclusion that it is my time in life to step back and pass it on to the next generation.

It is my time to say goodbye, farewell and thanks so much for the memories.

Last Thursday (June 1), Hamilton County Abstracting Services, Inc. had been sold to Abstracting Associates, Inc. of Fort Dodge.

The new company will continue with the abstract business in Hamilton County, under the name of Abstract Associates of Iowa Inc d/b/a Hamilton County Abstracting Services, and operating at the same office, located at 1919 Superior St. office in Webster City.

When you stop at the office in Webster City to either visit or bring in your abstract, the friendly faces of Amanda Groth, 10-year employee, and Katie Segar, five-year employee, will greet you.

The newly formed company, Abstract Associates of Iowa Inc d/b/a Hamilton County Abstracting Services, promises to continue to provide the same quality service reputation built in over the past 30-plus years by Hamilton County Abstracting Services, Inc.

Furthermore, the parent company of Abstract Associates of Iowa assures you their “fast, accurate and friendly service” reputation will continue for years to come.

Again, my thanks to all of you who made my life so fulfilling.