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 127
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120 | Part 121 | Part 122 | Part 123 | Part 124 | Part 125 | Part 126 | Part 127 | Part 128 | Part 129 | Part 130 | Part 131 | Part 132 | Part 133 | Part 134 | Part 135 | Part 136 | Part 137 | Part 138 | Part 139 | Part 140 | Part 141 | Part 142 | Part 143 | Part 144 | Part 145 | Part 146 | Part 147 | Part 148 | Part 149 | Part 150 | Part 151 | Part 152 | Part 153 | Part 154 | Part 155 | Part 156 | Part 157 | Part 158 | Part 159 | Part 160 | Part 161 | Part 162 | Part 163 | Part 164 | Part 165 | Part 166 | Part 167 | Part 168 | Part 169 | Part 170 | Part 171
In 1866 Mr. Cornick was united in marriage to Miss Anna Brown, a daugh- ter of George and Jennie (Story) Brown, early settlers of Iowa. The father was of French and the mother of Scotch-Irish descent. Her grandfather Brown was a general in the French army and came to America in 1809. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Cornick: Lulu May and L. R., the latter of whom married Miss Celia Burgess in 1903 and is now a capitalist of Des Moines. The daughter became the wife of Philip C. Hanna, who was appointed United States consul to Venezuela by President Harrison and on account of political purposes was removed by President Cleveland. He has served as consul gen-
1081
CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY
eral at Monterey, Mexico, since 1899, having been appointed by President McKinley and reappointed by Presidents Roosevelt and Taft. He passed through three South American revolutions and became conspicuous on account of being backed on several occasions by the United States navy. His efforts to protect American interests in Venezuela incurred the enmity of the Venezuelan government and United States was asked to recall him. Secretary Blaine replied that he was satisfactory to the United States and would remain until the close of the revolution and Admiral Walker, with the White Squadron, was sent to support this position, landing marines at the port of Caracas until peace was restored. Mrs. Lulu May Hanna died at El Paso, Texas, August 17, 1909, and is buried in Laurel Hill cemetery at Des Moines.
Mr. Cornick, as an intelligent and patriotic citizen, takes an interest in public affairs but has never sought public office. By systematic industry and good judgment in investments he laid the foundation for a competency and now enjoys the fruits of his labors. Governed through life by worthy ideals, he is today one of the highly respected members of the community in which he has been a familiar figure for more than half a century. As a Civil war veteran he holds membership in the Grand Army of the Republic.
MILAN J. HIBBS.
In the roll of respected citizens of Polk county, now deceased, is the name of Milan J. Hibbs, who was suddenly called from family and friends when he was only thirty-nine years of age and in the midst of an active and useful life. He was a native of Camp township, born October 21, 1872, a son of William J. and Lucia E. (Carey) Hibbs, the former of whom was born in Ohio and the latter in Vermont. The father came west and purchased a farm in Jasper county, Iowa, which he partially developed and then sold. Selecting Polk county as his permanent home, he bought land in Camp township and became the owner of two hundred and forty acres. He died in January, 1907, his wife having been called away August 1, 1902.
Reared on the home farm Milan J. Hibbs received his preliminary educa- tion in the district schools and later attended Simpson College at Indianola, Iowa. Upon leaving college he returned home and engaged in agriculture and stock-raising upon his father's farm. After the death of both parents the family estate passed into the possession of three children, two sons and a daughter, and Mr. Hibbs of this review purchased the interests of the other heirs, becom- ing the owner of the entire property. He was intelligent, wide-awake and pro- gressive in his business and prospered highly as a farmer, this being an occupa- tion with which he was thoroughly acquainted. His life was one of constant advancement and won for him in a very high degree the respect and confidence of those with whom he came into contact.
On the 29th of June, 1892, Mr. Hibbs was united in marriage to Miss Althea L. Seiberling, a daughter of Charles and Jerusha C. (Betz) Seiberling, both natives of Ohio. The father engaged in farming in the Buckeye state, but later came to Iowa and purchased a farm in Beaver township, Polk county. He retired from active labor in 1905 and he and his wife are now living at Mitchellville. Mr. Seiberling is sixty-five years of age, while his wife is two years his junior. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hibbs: Earl L., born August 1, 1893 ; Helen, born June 25, 1896; Harry J., born July 31, 1898; Elsie, born November 10, 1900; Doris, born March 30, 1903; Karl W., born May 16, 1906; Robert M., born May 30, 1908; and Leland C., who was born February 24, 1910. The eldest daughter is now a student in the high school and all of the children have been given excellent educational advantages.
1082
CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY
The death of Mr. Hibbs resulted from an explosion while he was mixing blasting powder, February 3, 1911, and the people of the county for many miles around sincerely regretted the untimely departure of one of the most esteemed citizens of Camp township. Politically he was a republican. He served as school director and at the time of his death was a member of the board of trustees of the township, also holding membership in the Odd Fellows Lodge at Mitchellville. He attended the Congregational church, of which he was a liberal supporter and of which Mrs. Hibbs is a member. She has bravely taken up her responsibilities as the head of a large family and is nobly performing her duty, having a host of friends in a section where she has been most highly esteemed and favorably known for many years.
D. CADY McMARTIN.
D. Cady McMartin was at one time a leading attorney of Des Moines, to whom intricate legal problems were of ready solution because of his compre- hensive knowledge of the law and his ability to accurately apply its principles. His birth occurred in Johnstown, New York, in 1853, his parents being Duncan and Margaret (Cady) McMartin, of Scotch ancestry. His mother was a daughter of Judge Daniel Cady and a sister of Elizabeth Cady Stanton. On the paternal side our subject's great-grandfather, Peter McMartin, was a gradu- ate of the University of Edinburgh and came to America early in life, locating near Johnstown, New York, where the grandfather, Peter McMartin, Jr., was born and spent his entire life. Duncan McMartin, the father of our subject, was also born in Johnstown and became a prominent attorney, practicing for a time in New York city and also in Albany.
At the usual age D. Cady McMartin began his education in Johnstown Academy and, when he had mastered the branches taught therein went to Phillips-Exeter and then to Howard University, from which latter institution he was graduated in 1876. He then turned his attention to the study of law, preparing for the profession as a life work. He mastered many of the principles of jurisprudence and, successfully passing the required examination, was ad- mitted to the bar.
In his practice before the courts of Des Moines Mr. McMartin made a creditable record. becoming recognized as a leading attorney. At one time he was in partnership. with Mr. Detrick, who at that time was city attorney. He also filled the office of justice of the peace and could have received the nomina- tion, which was virtually an election, to the office of district judge, but he was a man of resourceful nature and did not desire political fame, even when office holding was in the path of his profession. He preferred to concentrate his energies upon the private practice of law and was regarded as an able and conscientious minister in the temple of justice. He never sought to win his cases by subterfuge or concealment but won his successes, which were many, and met his defeats, which were few. in the open field face to face with his foe. He was strong in argument, logical in deduction, and his clear and cogent reasoning constituted a strong element in his success. A few years prior to his death he invested quite largely in land in Texas and realized a comfortable fortune therefrom.
Mr. McMartin was married in Des Moines in 1882 to Miss Mary Cole, a daughter of Judge Cole, of this city, whose sketch appears on another page of this volume. They became the parents of four children, namely: Flora, who was born in 1883 and died at the age of thirteen years; Mary, born in 1885. and D. Cole. born in 1887, both at home;' and Peter, who was born in 1889 and now lives in Chicago. Since her husband's death Mrs. McMartin has
1083
CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY
continuously resided in Des Moines, where she has an extensive circle of warm friends.
Mr. McMartin passed away August 10, 1895, upon his farm near Beaman, Grundy county, Iowa, when only forty-two years of age. He was a cultured gentleman, of genial disposition, and a man of many sterling qualities. He always valued friendship highly and was ever true to any trust reposed in him. Death claimed him when it seemed that many more years of usefulness should be allotted him, for he had demonstrated his ability and power not only in the practice of law but in the successful management of business affairs.
JOHN L. BLEAKLY.
Des Moines, the seat of state government, draws to it in those who have been elected to office many citizens of substantial worth, among which number stands John L. Bleakly, now auditor of state. He was born in County Fermanagh, Ireland, on the 17th of February, 1857. His parents were also natives of that country and on coming to the United States made their way to Rock Island, Illinois, where they settled in October, 1863. Nine years later they removed to Linn county, Iowa, becoming residents of that district in March, 1872.
John L. Bleakly was a youth of but six years when the family crossed the Atlantic. He pursued his education in the public schools of Illinois and Iowa and in the Cedar Rapids Business College, and afterward engaged in teaching school for several years in Linn county, proving a capable educator in his clear and forceful impartation of his knowledge to those who came under his instruc- tion. In 1882 he removed to Ida Grove, where he became bookkeeper for the banking house of Baxter & Rule. He filled the position for three years and then turned his attention to merchandising at Ida Grove, where he continued in bus- iness until 1900, when ill health obliged him to retire from active business con- nections.
His fellow townsmen, appreciative of his worth and his progressive citizen- ship, elected him as their representative in the state senate in 1903. He served during the thirtieth, thirty-first and thirty-second sessions of the general as- sembly from the forty-sixth district and was connected with much important legislation that found its way to the statute books of the state. During the session of the thirty-first general assembly an act was passed providing for the appointment of a commission, consisting of five members of the legislature, three from the house and two from the senate, for the purpose of investigating the subject of insurance within the state. This commission was to report its find- ings, together with recommendations for such changes as might be found neces- sary to the better control of insurance matters to the thirty-second general as- sembly. Mr. Bleakly was chosen one of the senate members of the commission and his work in connection therewith, together with his identification with cer- tain insurance measures enacted during the subsequent session of the general assembly, brought him prominently before the people of the state and he was looked upon as a suitable man to assume the duties of auditor of state and to have supervision over the insurance affairs of Iowa. His work received public endorsement, when, on the 3d of November, 1908, he was elected to the po- sition of state auditor, which he is now filling. He has always been an earnest republican, believing firmly in the platform and ultimate triumph of the prin- ciples of the party.
On the 24th of March, 1886, Mr. Bleakly was married to Miss Adda Mel- vina Clark, a daughter of C. N. and Mary (Weeks) Clark, editor of the Maple Valley Era and postmaster at Ida Grove. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bleakly have
1084
CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY
been born five children: Adda Margaret; Charles Homer; Bessie Little; Leslie Shaw; and John Russell.
Fraternally Mr. Bleakly is a Mason and has attained the Knight Templar degree in that order. He also belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. He was a lay delegate from the Northwest Iowa conference to the general conference of the Methodist Episcopal church, which met in Baltimore in May, 1908. During his incumbency in public office he has won the favorable regard and warm friendship of many who are leaders in the political activities of the state, and wherever he is known commands the respect of his fellowmen, while in his home city he enjoys that warm regard that indicates close and enduring friendship.
LOUIS H. KURTZ.
Romance and reality are often strangely blended and sometimes even what appears to be an overwhelming disaster in the life of an individual may serve to imbue him with strength with which he is enabled to overcome the gravest difficulties. The career of Louis H. Kurtz, of Des Moines, is proof of this statement. Coming to America as a boy, a member of a family of eleven chil- dren, he lost both parents from cholera within twenty-four hours while the party was journeying toward Iowa in the hope of establishing a home. Thrown upon his own resources, the lad bravely took up the burden and in the years that have passed has ably demonstrated his ability and his enduring qualities, being now one of the leading merchants of Des Moines, in possession of a for- tune which he has accumulated by his own efforts.
Louis H. Kurtz was born at Voelklingen, Prussia, Germany, December 14, 1840, a son of Peter and Katherine E. (Minges) Kurtz. He is of French de- scent on both sides of the house, the district where he was born having belonged to France until 1812, when it was acquired in war by Prussia. In 1854 the family came to America, stopping for a short time at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and then proceeding westward. His parents died near Keokuk. Left an orphan at four- teen years of age, Louis H. Kurtz worked for several years upon a farm and then associated with three older brothers in renting land which they cultivated in partnership. Subsequently he removed to Van Buren county and there learned the tinner's trade. In 1861 he came to Des Moines and worked at his trade until 1866, when he embarked in business on his own account, starting with a cash capital of less than three hundred and fifty dollars. Today he is the oldest merchant actively engaged in business in Des Moines and is at the head of the L. H. Kurtz Company, the largest retail hardware and wholesale plumbing and heating establishment in the city. He is interested in other lines and is a member of the board of directors of the German Savings Bank. He is recognized as one of the highly efficient and progressive citizens of Des Moines -- a man who by an upright and useful life has reflected honor upon himself and his adopted city.
On the 5th of June, 1864, at Des Moines, Mr. Kurtz was united in marriage to Miss Annie M. Kula, a native of Bohemia, Austria, who came to America about the same time as himself. Three children have blessed this union: Emma, now the wife of Walter L. Seeburger, of Des Moines; Louis C., engaged in business with his father, who married Miss Alice McDonald and has two chil- dren, Clarence M. and Bernard; and Mary A., the wife of Joseph R. Schuster, of Des Moines, and the mother of one son, Joseph A.
Mr. Kurtz has arrived at an age when most men think of retiring from the cares of business, but he is still in the midst of the battle and gives little evi-
L. H. KURTZ
1087
CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY
dence in his appearance or manner of the inroads of years. He easily occupies a place as one of the most successful members of a large and growing com- munity. As a patriotic citizen he has performed his part in bringing about the present prosperous condition in Des Moines. Politically he prefers to be in- dependent, casting his ballot for the man rather than in support of any political organization. In religious belief he is affiliated with the Catholic church. He has never devoted much time to secret societies, but is a valued member of the Knights of Columbus.
MILLARD A. OLMSTED.
A well cultivated tract of one hundred and twenty-three acres in Webster township reflects credit upon the agricultural ability of Millard A. Olmsted, who engages in general farming and stock-raising. A native of Polk county, his birth occurred at the family homestead in the township where he now resides, on the 29th of February, 1868. His parents, Leander and Charlotte (Horton) Olmsted, came from New York, the state of their birth, to Iowa, locating in Polk county in 1867. Three years prior to their change of residence Mr. Olmsted had purchased eighty acres of land in Webster township, upon which he erected a house, barn and outbuildings preparatory to settling upon it. Meeting with success in the cultivation of his. farm, he added to his tract from time to time until he had acquired two hundred and forty acres, which he continued to cultivate until 1898. Since that he has practically lived retired, spending his summers with his son, Millard A. and the winters in a warmer climate. He is now seventy-one years of age, while Mrs. Olmsted has passed her sixty-eighth year.
The preliminary education of Millard A. Olmsted was obtained in the district schools of Webster township. Later this was supplemented by a course at Drake University, from which institution he was graduated with the class of 1889. Following this he engaged in mercantile business on Cottage Grove ave- nue, Des Moines, for a period of four years, at the end of which time he dis- posed of his interest, going to Marshalltown to become a partner of his brother who was in the same business. Withdrawing from commercial pursuits at the end of three years, he returned to Polk county and bought one hundred and twenty acres of partially improved land adjoining his father's property. Here he engages in general farming and stock-raising, in both of which undertak- ings he has met with success, having added to his holdings and greatly improved the property. Mr. Olmsted devotes considerable attention to the breeding and raising of stock, always keeping about forty head of cattle and nine of horses. Together with his father and brother he owns four hundred and thirty-three acres of land in Webster township, all under a high state of cultivation.
In June, 1902, Mr. Olmsted married Miss Olive Stuart, a daughter of Jo- seph G. and. Martha (Hoskins) Stuart, the father a native of North Carolina and the mother of Iowa. Mr. Stuart came to Iowa in 1857, at the age of twelve years, locating in Keokuk county, where he worked upon a farm. Later he rented land which he cultivated until 1882, at which time he removed to a farm he had bought in Polk county. He has since added to his original tract until he now owns three hundred and ninety-five acres, all of which he rents with the exception of eighty acres near Urbandale. Here he and his wife, both of them sixty-six years of age, continue to reside, while he engages in agricul- tural pursuits. Four children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Olmsted as follows: Laura, six years of age; Blanche M., four; Martha C., two; and Ruth, who is just one. Vol. II-53
1088
CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY
They affiliate with the Methodist Episcopal church, while fraternally Mr. Olmsted is identified with the Woodmen of the World. In matters politic he loyally adheres to the principles and policy of the democratic party, for the candidates of which body he always casts his ballot. He never actively par- ticipates in public affairs, however, as he does not aspire to public honors or the emoluments of office. A thoroughly practical agriculturist, progressive in his ideas, Mr. Olmsted is becoming recognized as one of the able farmers in his township.
CASPER SCHENK.
Casper Schenk, practicing at the Des Moines bar, was born on a farm in Black Hawk county, Iowa, April 19, 1878. His father, Joseph Schenk, em- igrated to the United States from Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1854. After two years spent in the state of New York he removed westward to Burlington, Iowa, remaining in that neighborhood during the period of the Lincoln-Douglas debates. Attracted by the discovery of gold, he crossed the plains with an ox team in 1859. He was overtaken on the way by Horace Greeley, who was then making the trip which inspired his famous injunction "Go west young man and grow up with the country." Joseph Schenk remained in California four years and then returned to his native land, where he married Marie Gaiser. Later they became residents of Black Hawk county, Iowa, where they still reside, and there they have reared a family of nine children, all of whom are living, the subject of this sketch being the seventh in order of birth.
Casper Schenk began his education in the country schools of Black Hawk county and later attended the Iowa State Teachers College at Cedar Falls, where he won an M. Di degree in 1899. He afterward matriculated in the State University of Iowa, which conferred upon him the degree of Bachelor of Phil- osophy in 1903. He was for a time a student in Chicago University, and grad- uated from the Harvard Law School, which conferred upon him the LL. B. degree in 1906.
Farming occupied his attention in his youthful days, and the periods of vaca- tion were spent at work in the fields. Later he became a newspaper reporter, and subsequently engaged in teaching school. In fact he did what all country boys do until opportunity came to attend the law school. His newspaper ex- perience was received in connection with the Waterloo Reporter, and in the teacher's profession he served as principal of the schools of Little Rock, Iowa, for three years. Following his graduation from Harvard, he opened an office in Des Moines in connection with James G. Berryhill, Jr., under the firm name of Schenk & Berryhill. and has since continued actively in the practice of law, wherein his advancement has logically followed his ability and close application to his profession. He is now general counsel of the Des Moines Life Insurance Company and is also a member of the faculty of the Drake Law School, the sub- ject of his teaching being "Private Corporations."
Mr. Schenk is well known in military circles, having in 1910 been elected captain of Company F. Fifty-fifth Infantry Regiment of the Iowa National Guard. He is a republican of independent views, having much of the "insur- gent" spirit, and while a "party man" he is opposed to any blind following of party leadership or the adoption of unprogressive measures. He believes in continuous advancement in this as in every other direction. Since 1897 he has been a member of the Methodist church, and his social relations are with the Grant Club. Law Club, Harvard Club. and the Iowa Historical Society. He has been affiliated with such local organizations as the Committee of Three Hundred, the City Club and the Laymen's League of Des Moines, all of which
1089
CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY
indicates that he is vitally interested in important questions relating to municipal advancement, the welfare of the individual, and to political and moral progress and reform. He is enthusiastic in his support of Iowa, its resources and its prospects. He believes in simple living and high thinking, and he is making felt the impress of his individuality upon the advancement and progress of the city along many important lines.
On the 9th of June, 1911, Mr. Schenk was united in marriage to Miss Beulah Long, of Manson, Iowa, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. T. D. Long, pioneer residents of Calhoun county, her father having been for years one of the pub- lishers of the Manson Journal and postmaster at that place. At the time of her marriage and for three years preceding Mrs. Schenk was an associate pro- fessor on the faculty of Drake University at Des Moines and at the head of the domestic science department of that institution, in which capacity she met with unusual success. She prepared for her work at the State Teachers College in Cedar Falls; at Rockford, Illinois; and under Miss Jeanette Hill, of Boston, Massachusetts. She is a young woman of talent and enthusiasm, who has the admiration and good-will of a multitude of friends. She is a member of the Eastern Star, of the Daughters of the King and of several college sororities. Mr. and Mrs. Schenk now resides at No. 2419 Cottage Grove avenue, Des Moines.
CHRISTOPHER HATFIELD.
One of lowa's native sons who is identified with the business activities of Grimes is Christopher Hatfield, manager of the Neola Elevator Company. His birth occurred in Clinton county on the 21st of May, 1872, his parents being Thomas and Sarah M. (Hall) Hatfield, the father a native of England and the mother of Shelby county, Ohio. Thomas Hatfield came to Iowa in pioneer days, locating in Clinton county, where he entered land and later added to his tract by purchase until he had acquired nine hundred and twenty acres, which he had brought to such a high state of cultivation that at the time of his demise in 1873 it was regarded as one of the most valuable farms in the county. His first wife, who was the mother of eight children, died in 1869. The second Mrs. Hatfield, who was mother of our subject, removed to Fontanelle shortly following the death of her husband, where she was residing when she passed away in December, 1885.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.