Kansas native Charles Edwin Strickland (1892 -- 1973) was a graduate of the University of Kansas, receiving his B.A. in 1914. That same year he began his banking career as a clerk in a Kansas bank. When he returned home after serving in the military during W.W.I, he accepted a position as vice-president of the Farmers and Merchants State Bank in Colby, Kansas. In 1924 he moved to Denver, where he was the vice-president of the Broadway National Bank. Two years later he went to work for an investment banking firm based in Cleveland and Chicago. In 1930, Strickland entered the utilities field as vice-president of the United Light and Power Company in Chicago.

Moving to Mason City, Iowa, in 1936, Mr. Strickland continued his banking and utilities career while adding new business ventures. Over a period of years he became president of the People's Gas and Electric Company, the Clear Lake Railroad, Mason City Brick and Tile Co., and Rolfe Products Co. He was also director of the Mutual Federal Savings and Loan Association, the First National Bank of Mason City, and the Iowa Terminal Railroad

Strickland was active in both professional and civil organizations. At one time or another he served as president of the Iowa Utilities Association, the Missouri Valley Electricity Association, and the Iowa Manufacturers Association. He was a national councilor of the Chamber of Commerce of the United States as well as a director of the Mason City Chamber of Commerce. At home in Mason City, Strickland belonged to the American Legion, the Rotary, the Shrine, and the Masons. Mr. Strickland also took an active interest in Republican politics in Iowa.