Writer Jay Sigmund: Iowa Time Machine December 11, 1885

Iowa Time Machine ⏰: On December 11, 1885, influential Iowa author Jay G. Sigmund was born on the bank of the Wapsipinicon in Waubeek, Iowa. Known for his poems and short stories focused on the Wapsi Valley, Sigmund influenced the later work of artist Grant Wood and Iowa Writers’ Workshop founder Peter Engle.

After growing up northeast of Cedar Rapids and attending Central City High School, Sigmund relocated to the seat of Linn County to take a job in the insurance business. Rising to Vice President of the Cedar Rapids Life Insurance Company, Sigmund went on to operate the Minnesota Mutual Life Insurance Company in Cedar Rapids with his son James.

Although insurance paid the bills, Sigmund shone as a poet and writer of short stories. Early publications in local papers led to his first book of poetry in 1922. Eventually, his work was published in leading magazines and literary journals, including John T. Frederick’s “The Midland.” Known for a direct style that captured the depth of rural experience, Sigmund’s work endures, offering insights into Iowa’s past.

In the early 1920s, he struck up a lifelong friendship with Paul Engle after the then-high school student published several pieces that caught Sigmund’s attention. Later in life, Sigmund befriended Wood and gained credit for helping influence the artist’s interest in regional subjects. Dead from a gunshot wound from a hunting accident at only 51, Engle’s work faded from the consciousness of many. However, in 2018, Barbara Feller published a book, “Road to Waubeek: Discovering Jay G. Sigmund,” chronicling the importance of Sigmund of Wood, Engle, and Iowa culture broadly. #Iowa #OTD #History #Writer #Poet