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 129

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 129

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Mr. Hogan has always been a republican and belongs to the progressive wing of the party. In March, 1908. he was elected treasurer of the independent school district of Des Moines, which office he still fills, having been reelected in March, 1910, without opposition. His religious faith is that of the Roman Catholic church and his fraternal relations are with the Knights of Columbus and Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. Mr. Hogan is vice president of the Clearing House Association of Des Moines Banks. He has a social and genial nature that renders him popular as a member of the Grant Club, The Hyperion Field and Motor Club, The Bankers Club, the Ad. Men's Club, and the Com- mercial Club, and he is interested in the movements of those organizations toward the accomplishment of their especial aims, but particulary in the efforts of the Commercial Club to exploit the advantages of Des Moines and promote its business connections.

JOHN P. COOK.

A native son of Polk county, John P. Cook has spent his entire life in this county and is intimately acquainted with its development for fifty years past. He is closely identified with the agricultural interests and is also well known. politically, having filled the office of county recorder and other important posi- tions to the general satisfaction of the voters. He was born in a house at the corner of Eighth and Walnut streets, Des Moines, January 4, 1856, son of J. S., and Catherine Ann (Peters) Cook, both of whom were born in New York. The father came to Des Moines in 1855 and entered the coal mining business but later was attracted to Colorado, where he engaged in gold and silver mining. In 1861 he enlisted in the army in Colorado and served the Union until the close of the war. After receiving his discharge he returned to Colorado and resumed the mining business. He was accidentally killed by the overturning of a stage coach. The mother of our subject passed away in 1878.

John P. Cook made his home in Des Moines until 1869, when the family removed to a farm which had been acquired in Walnut township. He was educated in the public schools and after the death of his mother took charge of the home farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which he cultivated until 1904. In 1898 he was elected, county recorder of Polk county and continued in that office for four years, at the end of which time he returned to his farm. Having disposed of the old home place in 1904 he bought one hundred and

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forty acres in Walnut township, which was well improved and is provided with a fine residence, large barns and outbuildings and every desirable facility for modern farming. He is also the one-half owner of two hundred and seventy- six acres in Missouri. He formerly owned land where the Rock Island shops stand in Valley Junction and erected the second building in the town.

On September 19, 1878, Mr. Cook was united in marriage to Miss Ella Jordan, daughter of James C. and Cynthia (Adams) Jordan, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of New York. Mr. Jordan came to Iowa and located in Polk county in 1846, continuing here during the remainder of his life. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Cook, namely: Jehiel S., who died in 1901. Emma A. is the wife of Stephen W. Sanders, a resident of Bir- mingham, Alabama, and they have one daughter, Blanche. John C., a resident of Valley Junction, married Zola McAvoy, and they have two children, Ella Belle and a baby girl. Fred G. married Maude Kratzer, a daughter of H. L. Kratzer, of Walnut township, and they live on the father's farm.

Mr. Cook was called upon September 3, 1909, to mourn the loss of his beloved companion, who was to him a true and helpful wife and to her children a loving and self-sacrificing mother. She was a woman of many excellent traits of character and the general expression of regret at her death gave proof of the esteem in which she was held by the entire community.

Since reaching manhood Mr. Cook has given his support to the republican party. In addition to the office of county recorder he has served as school director, township trustee and county supervisor, displaying an ability and interest in the discharge of his duties that redounded greatly to his credit. He is a valued member of Knights of Pythias Lodge at Valley Junction, and in religious belief adheres to the Presbyterian church.

JOHN EDGAR TUSANT.

Des Moines is justly noted among the cities of the west for the style and beauty of its buildings, public and private, its well paved and shaded streets and the general air of prosperity which prevails throughout its limits. It is essen- tially an up-to-date municipality, showing a progressiveness which is in marked contrast with many other American cities of comparatively the same size which are lacking in public spirit and the collective desire of citizens in behalf of public improvements. To bring about the present favorable condition enabling the city to take the lead in important movements which have marked the first decade of the twentieth century has required the assistance of men of sagacity and force of character, among whom may be named John Edgar Tusant, who is promi- nently identified in Des Moines with the contracting business. He was born in Jefferson county, New York, January 13, 1858, a son of William H. and Kathryn (Hare) Tusant, the latter of whom died in 1870, when our subject was twelve years of age. The father was born in Dundas, Canada, October 26, 1816. He was reared as a farmer and after reaching manhood went to Jefferson county, New York, enlisting at the time of the Civil war as a soldier in behalf of the Union. After leaving the army he lived for a number of years in Illinois. Sub- sequently he came to Iowa and now makes his home with his son in Des Moines.

John Edgar. Tusant received his education in the district schools of his na- tive county, coming with his parents to Illinois, where he assisted upon the home farm until after arriving at maturity. He learned the carpenter's trade, but, be- ing attracted to railway service, became a fireman on the Illinois Central Railroad, later serving for several years as engineer on lines of the Union Pacific Railway in Texas and Indian Territory. Retiring from the railroad business in 1884, he took up his residence in Des Moines and for the first three years worked for

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wages. Since 1887 he has engaged in contracting, attaining distinct success in that line, and for years has been recognized as a prominent factor in the com- munity. He is the owner of valuable properties in the city and in other parts of the state.

On the 17th of September, 1885, Mr. Tusant was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Hannaphin. They have one son, William Edgar, who was born June 22, 1887. He is now identified with his father in business. Mr. Tusant gives his adherence to the republican party and fraternally affiliates with the Masonic order, being a member of various branches of that organization, including the Commandery and Shrine. He is also connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Yeomen of the World, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He is also a member of the Commercial Club, the Boosters Committee and the Builders Exchange. He has devoted his attention closely to his business and has gained the reward which is almost in- variably the result of well directed industry. He years ago acquired a reputa- tion as being thoroughly trustworthy in word and deed and no man stands higher in the estimation of friends and associates. The secret of his success may be designated as persistent application and honorable purpose -- two important es- sentials that may always be depended upon to win the prize.

CHARLES W. HUFFORD.

An attractive homestead of two hundred acres in Jefferson township is owned and cultivated by Charles W. Hufford, who engages in general farming and stock-raising. A native of Polk county, he was born on the 21st of Sep- tember, 1872, his parents being John and Lusina (Smith) Hufford. The mother was also a native of this county. The father was born in Indiana but was only a babe of two years when his parents located in Polk county in 1848. His edu- cation was acquired in the district schools in the vicinity of his home, after the completion of which he engaged in agricultural pursuits, having decided to make that his life vocation. When he had acquired the means he purchased a farm in Saylor township, a portion of which is now incorporated in the town of An- keny. He improved and cultivated that property for several years and on dis- posing of it purchased two hundred acres near Grimes in Webster township. The latter place he cultivated until 1891, when he sold it and bought a farm in Dal- las county, in the cultivation of which he engaged for eight years. At the ex- piration of that period he withdrew from farming and going to Grimes opened a grocery store and meat market, which he conducted for six years. He is still identified with commercial activities and is now engaged in the furniture busi- ness in Grimes at the age of sixty-five years. His wife is fifty-eight.

Charles W. Hufford was reared on a farm, his education being obtained in the district schools of Polk county. Having decided to follow the vocation of his father, when he had acquired sufficient knowledge to enable him to begin the real work of his life, he laid aside his school books and assisted more ex- tensively in the cultivation of the farm. He remained a member of the paternal household until he was twenty years of age, at which time he rented a farm for two years. At the expiration of that period he returned home, working for his father by the month about a year or until his marriage. Subsequent to this event he again leased land, which he cultivated for nine years, and then bought his present farm of two hundred acres in Jefferson township. He has effected many improvements in the property during his occupancy and it is now one of the very valuable places in the township. Mr. Hufford is devoting considerable

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attention to stock-raising and keeps about fifty head of cattle and eight horses, while he raises about one hundred and fifty hogs annually.

In February, 1896, he was united in marriage to Miss Mattie Shaffer, a daughter of Herman and Augusta (Hotchkiss) Shaffer, the father a native of Ohio and the mother of New York. Mr. Shaffer came to Iowa and located in Polk county in the pioneer days, buying the farm which is now owned by Mr. Hufford. Here he continued to reside, engaging in the cultivation of his land, until his demise in September, 1892. Mrs. Shaffer, who is now sixty-one years . of age, makes her home in Granger, Dallas county. Of the four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Hufford three are living, the eldest having died in infancy. In order of birth they are as follows: Cleo A., born in August, 1902; Doris L., born in March, 1906; and Pauline, born in October, 1910.

Mrs. Hufford is a member of the Presbyterian church of Grimes and fra- ternally Mr. Hufford is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of the same town. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the candidates of the democratic party, taking an active interest in township affairs, although he has never held any office save that of treasurer of the school district. Both he and his wife are well known and highly regarded in the community in which they reside and have many friends.

JOSHUA H. KERN, M. D.

Dr. Joshua H. Kern, a successful practicing physician of Runnells, is a na- tive of Ohio, although he has spent the greater part of his life in Iowa. He was born near Fairfield, Ohio, June 21, 1860, a son of Adam and Louisa (Seas) Kern, both of whom were born in the Buckeye state. The father, who was a minister of the Methodist church, came to Iowa with his family about 1862 and was pastor at Boone for a number of years, going from that place to Norwalk. He bought a farm near Boone, which he owned until recently, when he disposed of it and took up his residence at Maryville, Missouri, where he is now living retired, having reached the age of seventy-five years. The mother of our sub- ject departed this life in 1869.

Joshua H. Kern received his preliminary education in the public schools of Boone, Norwalk, Mormontown and Holloville, Iowa. As he approached man- hood he decided to devote his life to the practice of medicine and became a stu- dent under Dr. Welty, a well known physician of Norwalk, continuing under his instruction for four years. He practiced in various places for six years and in 1890 entered the Eclectic Medical College of Des Moines, graduating from that institution with the degree of M. D. in 1891. After leaving college he practiced at Audubon, Iowa, and then went to the Indian Territory, where he continued for two and one-half years. In 1902 he arrived at Runnells, where he has since lived. He enjoys a large clientage and has been highly successful in a calling for which he is eminently fitted. He owns a beautiful home and three lots at Palmyra, Iowa, and also three hundred and twenty acres of land in Meade county, South Dakota, which his two daughters are now proving up as it is entered land.

On the 24th of May, 1883, Dr. Kern was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Huglin, a daughter of Yokum and Sarah A. (Hattel) Huglin, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Pennsylvania. Her father was a farmer and miller, and on coming to Iowa located near Bevington, where he engaged in farming and also operated.a flour mill. After a number of years he entered the drug business at Bevington and later removed to Hoskins, Nebraska, where he also engaged in the drug business. He finally disposed of his store and is now, at the age of sev- enty-six, proving up a land claim in Kansas. His wife died in 1876. Seven chil- dren have been born to Dr. and Mrs. Kern, one of whom died in infancy, the others

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being : Vernon, born in 1884, died in 1910; Maude, born in 1886, and Bernice, born in 1888, are living on a land claim in South Dakota ; De Witt, born in 1890, is also living in South Dakota ; Stella, born in 1892, is at home; and Bryan, born in 1897, is attending school.

Dr. Kern held membership in the American Eclectic Medical Association and has become widely known among his professional brethren in Iowa. In politics he gives his support to the democratic party, and he has served very acceptably as city physician of Runnells. Socially he is a valued member of the Knights of Pythias, the Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a stanch believer in the Bible and affiliates with the Christian church, while his family are identified with the Congregational church. In the course of a life devoted intelligently to the amelioration of the ills of mankind he has conscientiously attempted to perform his duty and he richly merits the esteem in which he is held by the people of Runnells and vicinity.

ANDREW A. RICHARDSON.

A model farm of one hundred and seventy-six acres in Elkhart township stands as the visible evidence of a life of industry, perseverance and thrift on the part of Andrew A. Richardson who, although born across the waters, is proving a loyal and public-spirited citizen of his adopted country. He is a native of Norway. where he was born on the 5th of September, 1852, a son of Anfen and Sarah (Wdager) Richardson. The parents were also natives of Norway, and with their son came to the United States in 1869, the family home being established in Story county, Iowa. While a resident of the old country the father engaged in the car- penter's and shipbuilder's trades, but on coming to this country became identified with farming pursuits, renting a place which he operated for four years, after which he purchased eighty acres in Elkhart township, Polk county. For a time he concentrated his energies upon the operation of that farm, and then purchased another tract of eighty acres, which he operated until 1899. In that year he with- drew from business life and moved to Huxley, Iowa, where he is now living in honorable retirement at the ripe old age of eighty-two years. His wife passed away in 1899.

Andrew A. Richardson was a youth of seventeen years when he left the land of the midnight sun and came with his parents to the United States, and his educa- tion, which had been begun in his native country, was completed in the schools of Iowa. After his arrival in this state he assisted his father for the first two years, after which he accepted employment as a farm hand, working by the month for five years. Then, feeling that his experience and capital would permit of such a venture, he began farming independently, renting a farm which he continued to operate for six years, after which he purchased forty acres in Story county, near Cambridge. That farm he brought under a high state of cultivation and later in- vested in an additional tract of sixty-seven acres, working the entire farm until 1907. In that year he sold his property in Story county and came to Polk county, buying from his father the old homestead farm of one hundred and seventy-six acres, and thereon he has since made his home. Since the property came into his possession he has greatly developed it, expending about two thousand dollars to- wards its improvement, and none of the accessories and conveniences of a model farm of the twentieth century are lacking. He is a practical farmer, employing modern machinery and progressive methods in the conduct of his enterprise, and in addition to tilling the soil he also handles some stock, being the owner of about one hundred head of hogs, twelve head of cattle and nine head of horses. His farm, which is one of the finely improved and valuable properties of the locality. is ample evidence of the success which has come to him as the years have gone by.

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On the 12th of January; 1875, Mr. Richardson was married to Miss Annie Hill, a daughter of John and Sydness (Walbor) Hill, both natives of Norway, who came to the United States in 1856, locating first in Kendall county, Illinois. There the father engaged in agricultural pursuits for a time, and later came to Polk county, Iowa, here investing in a tract of eighty acres, which he operated for a number of years. Subsequently he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Story county, and thereon he resided until his death, which occurred in 1898. His wife passed away in 1908, surviving her husband for just a decade. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Richardson have been born seven children, as follows: Sadie, who is now the wife of Anfen Richardson, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; John D., who was born June 15, 1886, and is now living in Minneapolis, Minnesota ; Anfen T., born October 24, 1889 ; William R., born June 18, 1891; Maurice Louis, who was born in March, 1893, and died May 24, 1894 ; Maude C., born January 16, 1895 ; and Lilly C., born July 16, 1897. With the exception of the two eldest the others are all at home.

Mr. Richardson and his family affiliate with the Lutheran church and polit- ically he gives his support to the republican party. He served as road supervisor for nine years during his residence in Story county, and has also acted as school director of Elkhart township, and has been one of the foremost exponents of. progress in local affairs. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Cooperative Creamery Company of Huxley, Iowa, also in the Farmers Elevator Company of Huxley and of Alleman and Des Moines Junction, and is a stockholder in the Farmers Savings Bank of Alleman, Iowa, connections which indicate some- thing of the extent of his interests. No worthy public movement lacks his support, and his name is written large on the list of Elkhart township's most progressive. influential and aggressive citizens.

CHARLES V. AND REUBEN S. KEITH.

The manufacturing interests of Des Moines have attracted many bright men, who have assisted very materially in the growth of the city and also in advancing the permanent welfare of the state. Among the number may be named Charles V. and Reuben S. Keith, manufacturers of furnaces, who have gained a wide reputa- tion on account of the marked ability they have displayed in a field where they have successfully met competition for many years.

Charles V. Keith was born in Cedar county, Iowa, May 15, 1855. a son of Albert F. and Eliza (Johnson) Keith. The father, who was born in Ohio in 1824, came to Iowa in the early '50s and was identified for some time with the agricul- tural interests of Cedar county but subsequently engaged in the milling business for fourteen years. In 1879 he removed to Creston, Iowa, where he conducted a hardware store for five years and in 1884 embarked in the hardware and furnace business in Des Moines, becoming quite successful in those lines. He died in this city on the 20th of March, 1910, at the age of eighty-six years, after a long and useful career. His father was Alexander Keith, a native of Columbiana county. Ohio, and his mother, who bore the maiden name of Ball, was also a native of that state. They came to Iowa in the early 'zos and located in Muscatine county where they spent the remainder of their lives.

Charles V. Keith received his education in the public schools of Iowa, and after laying aside his text books entered into partnership with his brother Reuben S. in the stove and tinware business at West Liberty, Iowa. Later he was connected with his father and brother in the hardware business at Creston, and in 1884 ac- companied the family on their removal to Des Moines. In connection with his father he engaged in the hardware and furnace business here until 1887, but after the retirement of the latter disposed of the hardware in order to give more at-

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tention to the sale of furnaces, joining his brother Reuben S. in that business in 1892. Two years later they began the manufacture of furnaces on a large scale and Charles V. is now in charge of the retail and repair departments which, under his management, have yielded satisfactory returns. In June, 1878, Charles V. Keith was united in marriage at West Liberty, Iowa, to Miss Fannie F. Lewis and to them two children have been born: Miriam, now Mrs. William H. Brecht, and the mother of one child, Justin Lorraine; and Roger, a student in the department of mining engineering at the State Agricultural College at Ames.

Reuben S. Keith was born in Ohio, December 22, 1850, and in infancy was brought to Iowa by his parents. He acquired his education in the public schools of West Liberty, continuing in school from 1856 until his graduation, in 1869. Being of a mechanical turn of mind he was apprenticed to the tinner's trade un- der McElravy & McDonald, of West Liberty, continuing with that firm for three years. In 1872, having completed his apprenticeship, he worked out by the day for six months and then embarked in the stove and tinware business at West Liberty. Later he was connected with his father in the hardware business and, in 1879, opened a hardware store in Creston where he carried on business until 1892 when he sold out and came to Des Moines. Here he engaged in the fur- nace business with his brother Charles V. and, in 1894, they embarked in the manufacture of furnaces. For the past fifteen years he has been in charge of the factory, showing an energy and progressiveness that have established the business upon a permanent and substantial financial basis.

On the 26th of February, 1893, he was married in Chicago, Illinois, to Miss Cora E. Hawk, and they now have two children: Eleanor, who was born in October, 1896; and Francis R., born in May, 1898. Mr. Keith is an advocate of relaxation from the strain of business life and each summer spends a vaca- tion of two months on the lakes of Wisconsin. He is a member of the Unitarian church and is independent in politics.

The success of the Keith brothers may be ascribed to well directed energy in an honorable vocation which calls for mechanical skill and also good selling ca- pacity. While advancing their personal interests they have not been unmindful of the welfare of the city and state and they have contributed their share toward the public good. As years have passed they have gained many friends by their uniform cordiality and good-will, and the firm justly ranks as one of the sub- stantial concerns of the city.

JOHN GIVIN.

John Givin, now deceased, was well known in railway circles in Iowa, where his faithfulness and worth won him promotion to the responsible position of superintendent of the Iowa division of the Rock Island Railroad. He was born in Lisconin, County Antrim, Ireland, on the 8th of July, 1832, and pursued his education in that country, coming as a young man to America, at which time he located in Philadelphia. He was well qualified by liberal education, experience and native talents for a responsible position, which he secured as bookkeeper in a wholesale grocery house, where he remained for four and a half years.

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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 129

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