John G. Hempel was born to Charles F. and Dorothy (Newman) Hempel on December 9, 1860, in Giard township, Clayton County, Iowa. He attended school at Giard township schools and at the age of twenty became a clerk at the general store in Giard. Within a few years, Hempel became the store manager. He moved to McGregor, Iowa, and worked for several businesses. He later returned to Giard and bought the store in which he had previously been employed. He became treasurer of the Farmer's Creamery Association, secretary of the township school board, and secretary of the Clayton County Fair Association. In 1895, Hempel sold his store and moved to Elkader, Iowa, where he opened a retail clothing and furnishings store.

Hempel proved to be such a successful and popular businessman that he caught the eye of members of the Republican party. Hempel was nominated for Clayton County Recorder in 1894, and although he was unsuccessful in his first nomination, he was encouraged to run for Clayton County Auditor in 1896. He won the election in 1896 and served as the auditor of Clayton County for the next eight years. Hempel was elected to two terms as a member of the Republican State Central Committee for the Fourth Congressional District and appointed by Governor Albert B. Cummins as a member of the state voting machine commission. He was also appointed Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms for the 1904 Republican National Convention held in Minneapolis.

Hempel continued to play an active role in the Republican party in state and congressional politics. He assisted Governor Cummins in his bid for United States Senator from Iowa and was an important organizer and leader for the Republican party in Clayton County for local, state, and national elections. Hempel's personal political career culminated when he was elected to the Iowa House of Representatives in 1922, 1924 and 1926.

John G. Hempel married Emma J. Bickel of Giard in 1887. They had three children: Iowa H., Kathleen, and Johneyette G. John Hempel died on October 2, 1945.

This collection (1881-1948, undated) contains biographical information, correspondence, and political memorabilia. The correspondence consists mostly of letters to and from constituents while Hempel was serving in the Iowa House of Representatives and as Clayton County Auditor. The collection also includes correspondence received from Iowa Governor and U.S. Senator Albert B. Cummins regarding Hempel's assistance in his political campaigns. The collection also contains programs and materials from various events: the Iowa State Fair, Republican State Conventions, the Republican National Convention, and State of Iowa Inaugural Ceremonies.

Of particular interest in this collection is the assortment of political memorabilia. Items include senate campaign pins for Albert B. Cummins, a blue plastic ribbon for the Benjamin Harrison presidential campaign, and an umbrella for the William McKinley presidential campaign. The collection also contains two posters: one for the 1936 Landon/Knox presidential campaign and a memorial poster of William McKinley after his assassination.

The collection is listed in alphabetical order.