Des Moines, the pioneer of municipal progress and reform of the middle West, together with the history of Polk County, Iowa, the largest, most populous and most prosperous county in the state of Iowa; Volume II, Part 109

Author: Brigham, Johnson, 1846-1936; Clarke (S.J.) Publishing Company, Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1911
Publisher: Chicago, The S. J. Clarke publishing company
Number of Pages: 1464

USA > Iowa > Polk County > Des Moines > Des Moines, the pioneer of municipal progress and reform of the middle West, together with the history of Polk County, Iowa, the largest, most populous and most prosperous county in the state of Iowa; Volume II > Part 109

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Unto Mr. and Mrs. Alexander were born ten children and the father was ever a liberal provider for his family. The sons and daughters of the house- hold are: Frank, a farmer of Clay township; Mary; Daniel, who lives in Des Moines; Jesse. who follows farming near Rising Sun; Eva; Stella; Lauretta ; Lenna ; Hallie; and Agnes. ` About three years ago Mrs. Alexander removed

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with her family to Des Moines, where she now makes her home. This was after the death of Mr. Alexander, which occurred on the 14th of November, 1906, when he was sixty-eight years of age. He was a member of the Meth- odist church, and his life was in harmony with its principles and teachings. His political allegiance was for many years given to the republican party, but in later life he became an independent democrat. He never desired office, preferring that others should fill public positions who cared for them, while he devoted his attention to his farming interests. It was his ambition to pro- vide a comfortable home for his family and the opportunities that should well equip his children for life and in this be succeeded.

CHARLES SING DENMAN.

Well known among the progressive and prosperous business men of Des Moines is Charles Sing Denman, the general manager of the Des Moines Water Company. His birth occurred in New York city, at No. 327 West Twentieth street, his natal day being March 29, 1862. His parents, Augustus N. and Mary (Holmes) Denman, were representatives of well known English families who came to this country prior to the Revolutionary war. The father, a banker of New York, came to Des Moines after the failure of B. F. Allen, a prominent Iowa banker, in 1875.

Charles S. Denman obtained his education in the common schools of New York and Des Moines, putting aside his text-books when he was about nineteen years of age. At that time he became identified with the loan business and sub- sequently with other lines of activity, going to Kansas City, Missouri, to enter the service of the Lombard Investment Company in 1886. In 1892 he resigned his position to become vice president of the Franco-American Trust Company, with headquarters in London, England, where, owing to the financial depression in 1893. he remained for only one year. Returning to this city, he became gen- eral manager of the Des Moines Water Company and has since ably discharged the important duties devolving upon him in this connection.

On the 12th of June, 1888, in Kansas City, Missouri. Mr. Denman was united in marriage to Miss Anna Simmons, a daughter of Milton F. Simmons of that place. They have two children, Mary Simmons and Milton Simmons, who are twenty-one and nineteen years of age respectively.

In politics Mr. Denman is a republican, while fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to all the bodies of the order. He is also a member of the Golf and Country Club, the Des Moines Club and the Grant Club. He is likewise a member of the vestry of St. Paul's church, of which he has served as treasurer for a number of years. In business life he has displayed that close application and unremitting diligence which constitute a safe basis upon which to build the superstructure of success.

WILLIAM A. JAEGER.

William A. Jaeger, who ranks as one of Des Moines' successful and well- to-do merchants, was born December 25, 1865, in Burlington, Iowa. His parents were both natives of Germany, his father's birth having occurred in Wurtemberg in 18II. from which place he emigrated to the United States in 1847. Deciding to locate in the middle west, he took up his residence in Bur- lington, of which city he was one of the pioneers and where he engaged in manufacturing shoes. One of the incidents of his life, to which he was always

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fond of referring, was his voyage to this country, which was made with many hardships and lasted ninety-three days. He married Miss Frances Fitter, who came to this country when a young girl, eventually locating in Burlington, where their wedding took place. Both Mr. and Mrs. Jaeger always had the respect of their many friends and acquaintances throughout life, the former dying in 1888, and the latter passing away in 1892.

At an early age William A. Jaeger was sent to the public schools to obtain an education, but, as in many other similar instances, he was obliged to assist in the maintenance of the family, and when fourteen years old obtained em- ployed in a furniture factory. He decided to follow this line of business and continued with his employers for the ensuing four years, learning the details of the trade. He then came to Des Moines, where he entered the employ of L. Harbach, a furniture manufacturer, with whom he remained for eight years. In 1900 he became associated with A. M. Anderson, who was at that time manufacturing fixtures and show cases in a little shop in East Des Moines, employing five helpers. This partnership continued for three years, during which time, by diligence, unremitting labor and self-denial, he was enabled to purchase his partner's interest in the business. He at once demolished the old structure, which was a building fifty by sixty feet, and erected a large two- story and basement structure, equipped with all modern improvements and occupying one-fourth of a city block. Of this he is the sole proprietor and such has been his success that it is now necessary to employ sixty-five experi- enced workmen to operate the plant.

On February 12, 1889, Mr. Jaeger was married to Miss Susan Joan, and they are the parents of the following children: William, who was born Novem- ber 20, 1890, in Burlington, Iowa, and is now learning the trade under his father's instructions; Lydia, who was born in 1892, in Burlington, where she is now employed; Albert, whose birth occurred in 1893 in Des Moines and who is now assisting his father in the office; Carl, who was born December 29, 1899, in Des Moines, and is attending the Webster school; Louisa, who was born in September, 1903; and Richard, who was born in Des Moines in 1907.

Mr. Jaeger does not take issue with any political party, preferring to cast his vote for the man whom he thinks most worthy of it. Socially he is a member of the Commercial Club and the East Des Moines Commercial League, and fraternally is affiliated with Lodge No. 243, A. O. U. W .; Capital Lodge of Yeomen ; and the Elks of Des Moines. Mr. Jaeger has numerous interests connected with his home city and has a reputation not only here but through- out the country as a business man of the strictest integrity, honorable in all his dealings and highly respected by all who know him. He is an enthusiastic exponent of Izaak Walton's art and it is said that he never returns from a fishing trip empty-handed.

J. WALTER ARMSTRONG, M. D.

Whatever may be said to the contrary, success in professional life mainly depends upon the ability of the individual. A highly desirable element in the attainment of success is talent and when it is backed by a good education and the candidate for high position possesses courage and perseverance it is seldom, indeed, that he fails to reach a commanding position. Judging by what he has accomplished since he established in the practice of medicine in Des Moines eight years ago, Dr. J. Walter Armstrong may be regarded as one of the favored sons of fortune. He has attracted a lucrative clientage and each year the circle of his influence is widening. He comes on both sides of the family of Scotch ancestry, the early arrivals in America on the paternal side settling

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in Ohio and those on the maternal side in New Jersey. He was born at St. Charles, Iowa, September 12, 1879, and is a son of George W. and Etta J. (Woods) Armstrong, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of New Jer- sey. The father learned the trade of carpenter and plasterer and is now a resident of Des Moines.

J. Walter Armstrong attended the public schools and later entered the St. Charles high school, graduating in 1897, at the age of eighteen years. He taught school two years in Madison county, Iowa, and then, having decided to devote his life to the practice of medicine, matriculated in the medical col- lege of Drake University, from which he was graduated in 1903, with the de- grec of M. D. Ever since leaving college he has practiced in Des Moines. Being a man of genial temperament, he readily made acquaintances and has met with a favor which is the reward of conscientious application and thorough acquaintance with the principles of a trying profession. Many who have gained great success have required much more time in which to secure the same patronage that now comes to Dr. Armstrong and among his patrons are many of the leading families of the city. He is interested in all oragnizations aiming to promote efficiency in the healing art and is an active member of the Polk County and Iowa State Medical Associations.

On May 14, 1907, at Osceola, Iowa, Dr. Armstrong was married to Miss Pearl Kruger, a native of Mason City, Iowa. In politics he adheres to the republican party and is in hearty sympathy with the progressive element of that organization. Religiously he affiliates with the Methodist church, of which he is a liberal supporter. He is an active worker in fraternal organizations, hold- ing membership in the Independent Order of Foresters, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Owls and the Eagles, serving four years as physician for the last named order. He has succeeded through natural adaptability in his pro- fession and a practical knowledge acquired by years of study and accurate observation. Moreover, he is intelligent, wide-awake and progressive and well deserves the hearty recognition which he receives.

JOHN BAKER GIBSON.

Coal mining is one of the great industries of England and from that country have come many of the most capable miners and mine managers America has known: They assisted in opening the mining districts of the east and in the west have been equally successful, their ability, energy and good judgment con- tributing especially to the development of the valuable coal deposits of Iowa. In the list of the leaders of this industry in Iowa stands the name of John Baker Gibson, of Des Moines. He was born at Botsford, England, February 4, 1841, and is a son of John and Margaret Gibson, both of whom were natives of the British isles.

Over forty years ago John B. Gibson came to Polk county and, beginning as a pioneer in the coal-mining industry, he has been continuously identified with it to the present time. He is president and general manager of the Gibson Coal Mining Company, one of the important organizations of the state, its properties having yielded highly gratifying returns. Its management has been liberal and progressive and its patrons are among the largest coal buyers in Iowa. In addition to his mining interests Mr. Gibson is owner of the Gibson block, treasurer of the Iowa Auto & Supply Company and a member of the board of directors of the Mechanics Savings Bank. He is an able representative of the calling to which he has devoted the principal years of his life, and he has met with deserved reward.

JOHN B. GIBSON

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On the 7th of January, 1868, at East Palestine, Ohio, Mr. Gibson was mar- ried to Miss Mary Ann Cunnington, a daughter of Henry and Lydia Cunning- ton, and to this union six children have been born; John H .; Daisy I .; Mae A .; Rose, who is the wife of Eugene VanDyck; William R., who married Emma Campbell; and F. W., who wedded Maud Trotter.

In politics Mr. Gibson supports the republican party, believing that its prin- ciples of protection are essential to the prosperity of the country. Fraternally he is identified with Capital Lodge, No. 106, I. O. O. F., of East Des Moines, and in religious belief he is a stanch adherent of the Methodist church. As a business man, citizen and head of a promising family, he has won and merited the confidence of those who know him, and the high esteem in which he is held after many years of residence in Des Moines. is evidence of his sterling worth. He is easily today one of its foremost citizens. Mr. and Mrs. Gibson are prominent social factors on account of their generous hospitality and genial personal characteristics.

ALBERT BAIRD CUMMINS.

In a contemplation of the history of Albert Baird Cummins in his association with political affairs and his leadership in the progressive wing of the republi- can party, one is reminded of the words of Abraham Lincoln : "You may fool all of the people some of the time and some of the people all of the time but you can't fool all of the people all of the time." History in the republican party is still in the making, and among those who are molding its destinies Albert Baird Cummins is prominent. The American public has aroused to the fact of an almost monarchical dominion in politics and under the guidance of Cummins, Dolliver, Beveridge and others is taking a firm stand against machine rule and in favor of party power as the expression of the opinions and wishes of the great majority. No one questions the fearlessness nor the sagacity of A. B. Cummins in the attitude which he has taken in support of his convictions. Even those opposed to him politically respect him for his loyalty to the course which he believes to be right and the record of an honest man is ever a credit to his state. The name of Mr. Cummins has been indelibly written upon the pages of Iowa's history as well as on the national annals in the last decade or more.

Pennsylvania claims him as a native son, his birth having occurred in Greene county, that state, February 15, 1850. After attending the common schools he continued his education in Waynesburg College until his graduation therefrom with the class of 1869. Thrown upon his own resources at an early age, he has had to carve out the path that has brought him eventually to distinction and suc- cess. He was a youth of nineteen when he sought the broadening opportunities of the growing west, coming to Iowa in 1869. For a time he was at El Kader, Clayton county, and for a period held the position of clerk in the office of the county recorder. He afterward went to Indiana, where he became division engineer and later assistant chief engineer on the construction of the Cincinnati, Richmond & Fort Wayne Railroad. In 1872, in Michigan, he assisted in locating and con- structing the railway line between Janesville and Lansing, known as the North- ern Central Michigan Railroad, and during a portion of the time acted as chief engineer. While he never failed to improve every opportunity in that direction, it was his desire to enter the legal profession and, determining to carry out this purpose, he became a student in the law office of McClellan & Hodges of Chi- cago, his preparatory reading being followed by admission to the bar at Spring- field, Illinois, on the Ist of January, 1875. He began practice in that city, where he remained for about three years, and in January, 1878, removed to Des Moines and here formed a partnership with his brother, J. C. Cummins, the

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association being maintained for two years, when the latter retired on account of ill health. In November, 1881, A. B. Cummins became associated with Judge G. C. Wright and his sons, Thomas S. and Carroll Wright. This firm became famous as one of the most able and leading law firms of the city and was ac- corded a patronage second, perhaps, to none in the capital. In 1883 Judge Wright withdrew and in 1886 Thomas S. Wright removed to Chicago to become general counsel for the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad, after which Mr. Cum- mins and Carroll Wright formed the firm of Cummins & Wright, a relation that was maintained for a few years, when the junior partner retired to devote his time to the legal business of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Com- pany. At that time the firm of Cummins, Hewitt & Wright was formed. Dur- ing these years Mr. Cummins had become recognized as a leading attorney of the city and state and his standing in the profession is indicated by the fact that his professional associates elected him president of the Polk County Bar Asso- ciation. For many years he was general counsel and also one of the directors and officers of the Des Moines Union Railway Company, the Des Moines & Northern, the Des Moines Northern & Western and other railway companies. He has proved himself a strong factor in the solution of intricate and involved problems of railway management. Moreover, he has been attorney for some of the most important interests of state and nation, specializing in corporation law. One of the most important cases with which he was connected was the legal fight to break the barbed wire monopoly, and after a battle of five years an important victory was won for the public.

In the meantime Mr. Cummins had been constantly forging to the front in the field of politics because of an ability that naturally led to his selection for the duties and honors of office. When he was nominated for governor he withdrew from the firm in which he was practicing and Carroll Wright assumed his place therein. Few if any have contributed more to party success in Iowa. Always in demand as a speaker, for he is fluent, earnest, logical and interesting, he has addressed public gatherings in all parts of the state and in other sections of the `country as well. His time and talents have been devoted to the success of his party because of a firm belief in the principles for which it has stood and is standing. Yet it is well kown that Mr. Cummins will never follow the party beyond his convictions and the public and the political organization have gen- erally come to see with him, accepting his ideas, but whether they have done so or not, they have recognized the honesty and courage with which he has defended his views. He was made temporary chairman of the republican state convention in March, 1892, and his speech to the convention was such a moving piece of ora- tory in its discussion of vital questions that it was with difficulty that he pre- vented the convention from making him a delegate at large and only did so by consenting to become alternate at large, to which position he was unanimously chosen. In 1894 he was presented by the seventh congressional district as can- didate for United States senator to succeed James F. Wilson. After a hard- fought contest John F. Gear was elected. In the contest, however, he made many friends and six years later he was named the candidate to succeed Senator Gear and entered upon a notable campaign, but the interests of other prospective can- didates were such that their influence was used for Gear and the latter won by a narrow margin. He was nominated for governor on the first ballot by the re- publican state convention at Cedar Rapids August 7, 1901. His record as chief executive has become a part of the history of the state. He was chosen United States senator in 1908 to fill out Senator Allison's unexpired term and the fol- lowing winter was elected United States senator for a term of six years, and with Senator Dolliver has taken an active part in the work that has been done by the progressive element of the party.

In 1874 Mr. Cummins was married to Miss Ida L. Gallery, of Eaton Rapids, Michigan, and they have one daughter, Kate, now the wife of Hollis

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Rawson. It is said that only in the perspective of the years can the measure of a man's real worth be taken. There is no question, however, of the vital significance of the labors, position and leadership of Albert Baird Cummins, whose record is indeed an honor to the state that has honored him.

DAVID G. EDMUNDSON.

David G. Edmundson is a successful business man. His father, David Ed- mundson, who was a native of Kentucky and a representative of an old Virginian family, came to Iowa in 1836, when this state was still a part of the territory of Wisconsin, settling at Burlington. There he engaged in farming and also took some part in public affairs in pioneer times. He became the first sheriff of Jas- per county, Iowa, and for a number of years served as county judge. He died in Jasper county, Iowa, in 1895, at the venerable age of eighty-four years. The maiden name of Mr. Edmundson's mother was Temperance Gordon, a lady of Scotch descent and a native of Pennsylvania. She died in 1910 at the age of eighty-nine years.

David G. Edmundson, who was born in 1850, obtained his education at Grin- nell and Iowa City and came to Des Moines in 1877, since which time he has been engaged in financial enterprises. During all of his connection with the business activities of Des Moines he has been associated with the Security Loan & Trust Company. His judgment is sound and his advancement has been continuous.

In 1879 Mr. Edmundson was married to Elizabeth McClelland, a native of Ohio, who was educated at Oberlin College. They have one daughter, Ruth E., now Mrs. Philip H. Bradley. In politics Mr. Edmundson is a republican but without ambition for office. He is, however, interested in the welfare of Des Moines and has through his business connections furnished money to many thou- sands of people in the city and state to assist them in building and improving their homes.

EDWARD A. SAYRE.

Well known among those identified with the mining interests of Polk county is Edward A. Sayre, the general manager of the Eagle Coal Mining Company. He was born in York, Nebraska, on the 28th of October, 1879, his parents being David E. and Laura (Atkins) Sayre. The father, whose birth occurred in Ohio, was a son of William Sayre, a Baptist minister originally from Pennsylvania, who migrated to Ohio a few years after his marriage. In 1862 David E. Sayre en- listed in the Union Army, remaining at the front for three and a half years. Though only a youth of seventeen years when he entered the service, he took part in many notable conflicts and went with Sherman on his famous march to the sea. He was in both the cavalry and infantry and was mustered out at Washing- ton, D. C., at the close of hostilities. At the end of the war he removed to Iowa, where he met Miss Laura Atkins, whom he married in Osceola, this state. Shortly after their marriage they moved to York, Nebraska, where Mr. Sayre engaged in the banking business. In 1889 the family moved to the south, where they remained for four years, residing in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Atlanta, Georgia. Returning to Des Moines in 1893, Mr. Sayre has lived here continu- ously since that time with the exception of four years when engaged in business at Perry, Iowa. Mr. Sayre is now interested with his sons in the mining busi- ness. Four sons have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sayre: Charles E. and Clin- ton V., also identified with the Eagle Coal Mining Company; Edward A., of this review ; and Herbert A., who recently resigned his position as instructor in man-

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ual training at the West Des Moines high school to engage actively in the min- ing business with his brothers.

Edward A. Sayre attended the public schools of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Atlanta, Georgia, where he acquired his preliminary education. After the re- turn of the family to Iowa, he was graduated from West Des Moines high school and later entered the Iowa State College at Ames, receiving his bachelor's degree from the mining engineering department with the class of 1906. Following his profession of mining engineer, he came to Des Moines, organized the Eagle Coal Mining Company and purchased the old Eagle mine on Twentieth street. A year later he sunk a new mine just west of Chautauqua park and is meeting with marked success in the venture, as the development of the mine has revealed a coal vein of exceptional thickness and quality. Not content with this one suc- cess, the company is now opening the Eagle No. 3 mine in Highland park. In June, 1911, his alma mater conferred upon Mr. Sayre the full professional de- gree of Engineer of Mines.

On the Ist of June, 1907, Mr. Sayre was married to Miss Audrey Vale, a daughter of A. W. Vale, a wealthy retired farmer and extensive landowner resid- ing on Kingman boulevard. Mrs. Sayre is a woman of unusual charm. For three years she was a student at Drake University in the Conservatory of Music. Later she attended the Cummings School of Art and has developed exceptional talent in oil painting. Mr. Sayre belongs to the Masonic order. He is also identified with the Waveland Park Golf Club. He has always been fond of sports, taking a prominent part in college athletics, while he is still a golf and tennis enthu- siast. While in college he was greatly interested in debating activities, represent- ing Ames in one of its intercollegiate debates and being a member of Delta Sigma Rho, the national forensic fraternity.

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Des Moines, the pioneer of municipal progress and reform of the middle West, together with the history of Polk County, Iowa, the largest, most populous and most prosperous county in the state of Iowa; Volume II, Part 109

Author: Brigham, Johnson, 1846-1936; Clarke (S.J.) Publishing Company, Chicago, pub Publication date: 1911 Publisher: Chicago, The S. J. Clarke publishing company Number of Pages: 1464

Author: Brigham, Johnson, 1846-1936; Clarke (S.J.) Publishing Company, Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1911
Publisher: Chicago, The S. J. Clarke publishing company
Number of Pages: 1464