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 12
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JOHN D. SEEBERGER
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Here he purchased the interest of the senior partner in the firm of Childs & Howell, hardware merchants of this city, and the business was then contin- ued under the firm style of Howell & Seeberger. They conducted a retail hard- ware store until 1870, when they extended the scope of their enterprise by estab- lishing a jobbing and wholesale business. The firm of Howell & Seeberger maintained its existence until 1872, when Mr. Seeberger purchased his partner's interest and was afterward sole proprietor to the time of his death, April 19, 1901, although when called from this life he was planning to organize a joint stock company for the further conduct of the business. When he embarked in the wholesale trade in 1870 the business was comparatively small but through his judicious management, careful control and wisely formulated plans it in- creased in volume until his sales amounted to hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. In 1890 the business of the house had reached a half million dollars and was still growing. This became one of the most important wholesale enter- prises of the state, its trade interests covering a wide territory. The name of Seeberger came to be recognized for promptness and reliability and in unquali- fied measure he enjoyed the confidence, trust and good-will of colleagues and contemporaries.
On the 13th of November, 1866, in Chicago Mr. Seeberger was united in marriage to Miss Mariette B. Cooper, a daughter of Hugh Cooper and a native of Mount Vernon, Ohio. She was ever a most true and faithful helpmate to her husband and is a woman of most kindly and charitable spirit, again and again extending a helping hand where aid is needed. Mr. Seeberger, too, was most benevolent and wherever opportunity offered he gave his assistance to aid not only those in extreme want but also to encourage those who were attempting to work their way upward as he had done. Young men profited by his advice, counsel and substantial aid and when his advice was sought it was given freely, proving an element of worth in the successful conduct of the business interests of others.
Politically Mr. Seeberger was a democrat and while firm in his faith in the party he never sought office. Both he and his wife held membership in St. Paul's Episcopal church. There was in his life a sunny side to his nature known best to his family and intimate friends-a kindly spirit that was manifest in gra- cious acts, in ready sympathy, in generous impulses and in genial companion- ship. He was respected and honored wherever known but those who knew him best loved him most.
HENRY SCHOLTE NOLLEN.
Henry Scholte Nollen, director and secretary of the Bankers Life Asso- ciation of Des Moines, and director of the Hawkeye and Des Moines Insur- ance Companies, the Central State Bank and the Central Trust Company, has by the simple weight of his character and ability gained a position among the foremost representatives of insurance and financial interests in Des Moines. No vaulting ambition to attain something especially great or famous actuated him at the outset of his career, but his intellect early grasped the eternal truth that industry wins and industry became the beacon light of his life. He has never feared to venture where favoring opportunity has led the way and each forward step has brought him a wider outlook.
Mr. Nollen is one of Iowa's native sons, his birth having occurred Septem- ber 26, 1866. His parents were John and Sara Johanna S. (Scholte) Nollen. The former was born in Holland, April 4, 1828, and his parents were Hendrikus and Zwaantje (Jongbloed) Nollen, who were likewise natives of Holland, born February 6, 1798, and July 24, 1801, respectively. Sara Johanna S. Scholte
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was born in Holland June 3, 1842, and her parents were the Rev. Hendrik Peter and Sara Maria (Brandt) Scholte, born September 25, 1805, and in 1810 respectively. John Nollen settled in Pella, Iowa, June 13, 1854. About seven years previous to this time, on the 29th of July, 1847, the lady whom he later made his wife had come to this state with her father, the Rev. Hendrik P. Scholte, who founded and located the Holland colony at Pella. John Nollen engaged in editorial work on the Pella Gazette and also became associated in the banking business with Rev. H. P. Scholte and Dr. E. H. Grant, a cousin of General U. S. Grant. He has been continuously engaged in the banking business since 1858 and is accounted one of the leading financiers of his part of the state. His ability and resourcefulness have also been manifest in various other lines wherein the public welfare and progress have been conserved. He has filled the office of mayor of Pella, served on the school board of that city and for many years has been a trustee of Central University, contributing largely to its support.
In his youthful days Henry S. Nollen was associated with his father and later was graduated from Central University at Pella in the class of 1885, with the B. S. degree. His initial business training was received as a bank clerk, which position he occupied from 1882 until 1884. In 1886 and 1887 he was professor of mathematics at Central University, and from 1888 until 1892 he was engaged in banking and other business interests in Des Moines. In May of the latter year he became traveling auditor for the United Gas Improve- ment Company of Philadelphia and so continued until February, 1893. On the Ist of March of that year he entered the service of the Bankers Life Asso- ciation, acting as auditor from December, 1893, until April 2, 1895, when he was made assistant secretary and since August 9, 1902, has been secretary of the company. He was chosen a director April 17, 1900, and is also a director of the Hawkeye Insurance Company, of the Central Trust Company of Des Moines, and of the Central State Bank. The years have marked a gradual un- folding of his powers and talents with a grasp of business problems that has made him a potent factor in the successful conduct and management of im- portant insurance and financial interests. Few men are more thoroughly in- formed concerning every phase of the insurance business and he has delivered lectures on insurance in the Iowa College at Grinnell and in the State University of Indiana at Bloomington.
On the 17th of May, 1892, at Pella, Iowa, Mr. Nollen was married to Miss Bessie Sara Snow, a daughter of Charles E. and Sara M. Snow, who were early settlers of Keokuk, Iowa, whence they removed to Pella. Mrs. Nolle- died August 14, 1905, and her death was deeply regretted by many who warmly valued her friendship. Mr. Nollen belongs to the Protestant Episcopal church and has been a member of the vestry since 1894. He also holds membership with the Masonic fraternity and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. His political allegiance has been given to the republican party since age con- ferred upon him the right of franchise and he is a prominent member of Grant Club of Des Moines, of which he was formerly secretary, while for the past ten years he has served as one of its directors. He likewise belongs to thè Golf and Country Club, of which he was a director and to the Prairie Club, of which he was formerly secretary from May, 1895. to May, 1897, and from May, 1900, to May, 1901, and president from May, 1901, to May, 1902. He also holds membership in Hyperion Club, and the Roadside Settlement House Association, of which he has been a director for several years, while for one term he filled the office of president. Broad humanitarianism prompts his efforts in connection with the latter organization and his appreciation for the social amenities of life is proved in his membership with the leading clubs in the city. He took an active part in the organization and support of the Art Institute of Des Moines, has served as its treasurer and member of the executive
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committee, and was one of the directors of the University Club and its president in 1910. His ability has found expression in the discharge of enlarged re- sponsibilities which have come to him in his business career, making him today a well known factor in insurance circles in the capital.
MACK OLSEN.
Mack Olsen, one of the leading and influential citizens of Des Moines, is well known as a successful real-estate dealer of the city. His birth occurred in Monroe, Wisconsin, on the 26th of September, 1873, his parents being K. G. and Marie Henrietta (Lund) Olsen, both natives of Norway. His paternal ancestors were old landowners and for several generations one of the family held an office equivalent to that of sheriff in this country. Our subject has a chest which has been in possession of the oldest son in the family since 1419. His maternal ancestors were of the old nobility and came originally from Nor- mandy, France. The parents of Mack Olsen emigrated to America about 1860, the father being engaged in business as a hardware merchant of Monroe, Wis- consin, for a number of years. He is now the president of a large depart- ment store at Stoughton, Wisconsin. Unto him and his wife were born five children, as follows: Mack, of this review; Clarence, a mine owner of Alaska ; Arthur, who is in his father's store; Kenneth, a school teacher of La Crosse, Wisconsin; and Harold, a practicing attorney of Milwaukee.
Mack Olsen obtained his early education in the schools of Monroe and Stoughton, Wisconsin, and subsequently was appointed to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, as a member of the class of 1895. He attended the institution for four years but did not graduate, as a career in the navy seemed to hold out few prospects of advancement. Tendering his resignation, he came west and accepted a position as traveling salesman with a Milwaukee firm selling stoves and sheet metal. He was afterward made sales manager of the Agar Packing Company, with headquarters at St. Louis, re- maining in the service of that concern from 1900 until 1904. In that year he came to Des Moines and embarked in the real-estate business, having since dealt extensively in Des Moines city property, of which he owns considerable. He helped organize and has been the president of the Des Moines Real Estate Ex- change. Aside from his interests as a real-estate dealer he owns stock in a number of local insurance companies.
On the 2nd of November, 1898, at Grinnell, Iowa, Mr. Olsen was united in marriage to Miss Anna A. Miller, a daughter of C. E. and Hulda E. (Rowe) Miller, both of whom were born in Belleville, Ontario, Canada.
In the local ranks of the republican party Mr. Olsen is a prominent factor, being now president of the Iowa State Republican League. An honor of which he feels justly proud is his appointment by President Taft as a member of the board of. visitors to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis for the year 1911. This board is appointed by the president to visit the academy, make a complete examination of everything in connection therewith and report to the president, secretary of the navy and congress. He was a member of the committee of twenty-five that originated and put in force the Des Moines plan of city government and is also one of the committee of twenty-five ap- pointed to settle the street car controversy. He is the vice president of the Taft Republican Club, an organization composed of fifteen hundred young re- publicans. At the primaries of 1910 he was a mayoralty candidate, while for two terms he was a director of the Commercial Club. He originated and in- stalled the electrolier system of street lighting, which is conceded to be the finest system of street lighting in the United States, Des Moines having the
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reputation of being the best lighted city in the country. He was the organizer and for two years the president of the Norwegian Club of Des Moines. The Grant Club also numbers him among its valued members and he is a life mem- ber of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and a member of the Knights of Pythias. In religious faith he is a Universalist, while his wife be- longs to the Episcopal church. He is a man of undoubted integrity in business, of progressive spirit and marked enterprise, whose popularity and prosperity have been won through his many good qualities and his well directed effort.
GILGER E. MACKINNON.
Gilger E. Mackinnon, determined and purposeful, his acts resultant, oc- cupies the position of president in the Mechanics Savings Bank. While he is applying himself closely to business and accomplishing what he undertakes. he yet finds time and opportunity for cooperation in measures and movements for the public good and was one of the most active supporters of the com- mission plan of Des Moines. His birth occurred in Norway, Iowa, January 15, 1872. His father, Peter Mackinnon, was born at Buchlyvie, Scotland, while his mother was a native of Ontario, Canada. In the year 1852 Peter Mackinnon came to Iowa with his father, William Mackinnon, who settled near Cedar Rapids. He was reared to the occupation of farming and made it his life work until 1891, when he put aside agricultural pursuits to engage in the grain busi- ness, to which he devoted his energies until 1903. In connection with his son Gilger he then organized the Polk City Savings Bank, of which he is the cashier.
Spending his youthful days in his parents' home, G. E. Mackinnon com- pleted his education in the Cherokee high school and afterward took up the profession of teaching. He had to forego his desire for a college education because of a lack of necessary funds but the school of experience has trained him well for the practical and responsible duties that have since devolved upon him. He became principal of the Laurens high school and afterward accepted the position of assistant cashier in the First National Bank, of Laurens, where he remained until 1895. This gave him broad practical experience in banking and on coming to Des Moines he accepted the position of bookkeeper in the Citizens National Bank. Promotion followed and in 1898 he became paying teller in the Des Moines Savings Bank, thus serving until 1900, when he was made assistant cashier of the Central State Bank, becoming cashier in 1901. and so continued until May, 1904, when he joined with other prominent business men of the city and organized the Mechanics Savings Bank, of which he was made cashier and managing officer. In 1907, he was elected vice president. which office he held until he was elected president, May 15, 19II. The bank has started upon an era of growth and prosperity which promises well for the future, and the broad experience of Mr. Mackinnon well qualifies him for the active control of an institution of this character. He marches with the van- guard in the progressive movement which is manifest in methods of banking as well as in other business lines and the spirit of advancement actuates him in all of his undertakings.
Mr. Mackinnon has become a valued factor in public interests of the city. He was one of the organizers of the Greater Des Moines Committee and a very active and effective worker for the commission plan of government. He believes in a clean, business-like administration of city affairs and with him to believe in a project is to earnestly support it. He holds membership with Capital Lodge, A. F. & A. M. and other fraternal organizations and societies. is a member of Grant Club, of which he was secretary for six years, Hyperion Club, of which he was treasurer for seven years, and the Golf and Country Club.
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His political indorsement is given to the republican party. He stands as an uncompromising defender of what he believes to be right and yet he is always open to conviction if fact and argument can prove the fallacy of his position.
In 1894 Mr. Mackinnon was married to Miss Julia Riddle, a native of Marshalltown, and they have two children, Ranald M. and Katheryn Jean. The parents are members of St. Paul's Episcopal church. Mr. Mackinnon is a splendid type of the self-made man and an able financier. Without capital but with latent ability he came to Des Moines. He sought the opportunity that enabled him to develop his powers and has improved every advantage that has come to him. He is alert and energetic. His social qualities as well as his business ability have made him popular among his fellowmen and he enjoys the unqualified confidence of all with whom he has been associated. His success and that of the institution of which he was one of the founders is due to his ability, determination and close application.
CHARLES HENRY MARTIN.
The business advancement which has its root in firm purpose and laudable ambition has come to Charles Henry Martin, a prominent representative of banking and real-estate interests in Des Moines. From humble bank clerking he has worked his way gradually upward and occupies today a leading position in social as well as business circles by reason of those sterling qualities which ever win confidence and regard. He is a believer in the aristocracy of worth and not of wealth, and his life is the exposition of the purposes to which he has at all times pinned his faith. He was born in Kirkwood, Illinois, August 28, 1863, a son of James H. and Mary (Talbott) Martin, both of whom were natives of Indiana. He is descended in the paternal and maternal lines from Scotch-Irish ancestry, the early representatives of the Talbott family in America having settled in South Carolina, whence a removal was later made to Indiana. James H. Martin in early manhood took up the study of law and for many years was recognized as an able and successful practitioner and also as a prominent instructor in law. He died March 3, 1878, Mrs. Martin sur- viving until January, 1900, when she passed away in Des Moines.
The public schools of Kirkwood, Illinois, afforded Charles H. Martin his educational privileges and later he continued his education in Monmouth (Ill.) College and in Knox College at Galesburg, Illinois, attending school until he reached the age of eighteen years. In 1881 he entered the employ of the Northwestern Bank of Missouri at Burlington Junction, where he remained until 1885, filling various positions as his ability qualified him to take up larger responsibilities. He then removed to Dodge City, Kansas, and established the Bank of Dodge City, of which he became cashier, largely managing the affairs of the bank as the incumbent of that position until 1890. In that year Mr. Mar- tin arrived in Des Moines and soon afterwards, associated with Martin Flynn, organized the Peoples Savings Bank, becoming its first cashier and the prac- tical head of the institution, which position he filled until 1904, when he was elected vice president, and in 1906 was chosen to the presidency. Under his able management this institution is one of the strongest financial enterprises of the city and is a monument to his business enterprise and comprehensive under- standing of banking. His entire life has been given to the line in which he is now engaged yet he is also interested in various other enterprises including the insurance business and real estate, being a large landower of Iowa prop- erty. The regard entertained for him and the confidence reposed in his business ability by the bankers of this city is indicated by the fact that he was elected president of the Des Moines Clearing House Association. He is also a director
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of the Des Moines Fire Insurance Company, vice president and director of the Bankers Accident Insurance Company and a director of the Mutual Tele- phone Company. It is a recognized fact that in matters of business his judg- ment is sound and his discrimination keen. He looks beyond the exigencies of the moment to the possibilities of the future and labors not only for the success of today but also for the upbuilding of substantial enterprises for the morrow.
On the 24th of December, 1885, in Des Moines, Mr. Martin was married to Miss Jennie Dickey, a daughter of Adam Dickey, one of the pioneer settlers of this city. They have become parents of one son, Manning, who was born in Dodge City, Kansas, March 3, 1887, and is now a resident of Tacoma, Wash- ington. The parents hold membership in the Episcopal church and many of the works done in the name of charity and religion have received the indorse- ment and substantial support of Mr. Martin, who is now a director and the treasurer of the Associated Charities of Des Moines, in which connection he has done much for the relief of suffering mankind, largely devoting his time as well as his means to the cause of charity. His liberal philanthropy is well known although he is entirely unostentatious in his giving. Because of his recognized beneficent spirit there is large demand made upon him for assistance and to each call he responds to the extent of his ability. The poor, indeed, have in him a friend and one who is ever willing to extend a helping hand that the hard conditions of life for the unfortunate may be ameliorated.
For the past ten years Mr. Martin has served on the board of education in Des Moines and is a stalwart champion of the cause of public schools. Fra- ternally he is connected with the Masons and is well known in club circles as president of the Golf and Country Club and as a member and treasurer of the Des Moines Club. Ever courteous and pleasant in manner, he is at all times approachable and the accumulation of wealth has been in no way allowed to affect his relations toward his fellowmen. No one is more appreciative of true worth which can always win his regard.
CYRUS B. OSBORNE.
Cyrus B. Osborne, one of the prominent and successful residents of Run- nells, has long been actively identified with business interests here as a general merchant and is also serving as mayor and postmaster of the town. His birth occurred in Des Moines, Iowa, on the 3d of July, 1868, his parents being Will- iam A. and Ruth ( Billingsley) Osborne, both of whom were natives of Ohio. The father, who followed general agricultural pursuits in the Buckeye state for several years, came to Des Moines in 1866 and worked at various occupa- tions for a time. Subsequently he purchased and located on a tract of eighty acres in Camp township, clearing and improving the land and being success- fully engaged in its cultivation for about twenty years. On the expiration of that period he disposed of the farm and went to Louisiana, where he pur- chased land and devoted his attention to the raising of rice until called to his final rest in 1901. His widow, who has now attained the age of sixty-six years, resides with our subject.
Cyrus B. Osborne attended the public schools in the acquirement of an education and also pursued a course in the Iowa Business College, being grad- uated from that institution with the class of 1888. Afterward he entered a general store at Runnells, being there employed for five years. On the ex- piration of that period he embarked in business on his own account and has since built up an extensive and profitable trade as the proprietor of a general mercantile establishment. He owns a fine store building and carries a large
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and well selected stock of goods. He has a handsome residence and ten acres of land in Runnells and also owns a tract of one hundred and sixty-seven acres adjoining the town.
On the 27th of January, 1891, Mr. Osborne was united in marriage to Miss Hallie E. Person, a daughter of James G. and Jane (McCollum) Person, who are natives of Ohio and Iowa respectively. James G. Person came to Polk county, Iowa, in April, 1856, locating on a farm in Camp township, which he operated until 1890. For the past six years he has worked in the store of his son-in-law, Cyrus B. Osborne. His wife is also still living. Unto our sub- ject and his wife have been born two children, namely : Dessa E., who is fifteen years of age, and is attending school; and Winifred A., five years of age.
In politics Mr. Osborne is a republican and his fellow townsmen, recog- nizing his worth and ability, have chosen him for positions of public trust. He has served as justice of the peace for two terms and is now the capable incum- bent in the office of postmaster. He is also serving as mayor of Runnells, exer- cising his official prerogatives in support of many measures of reform and im- provement. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Congre- gational church, to which his wife also belongs. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons. He has resided in Polk county from his birth to the present time and is widely recognized as one of its most respected and substantial citizens.
BLANCHARD BEAVER VORSE.
Blanchard Beaver Vorse, cashier of the Century Savings Bank of Des Moines, is a young man whose name is associated with progress along business and financial lines. At the beginning of his active career he showed an earnest- ness and capability that gave prophecy of gratifying results and the assurance has not been in vain. Today he is recognized as possessing energy, enterprise and sound judgment-three highly important elements in the attainment of success in business affairs.
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