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 134

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 134

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Richard Rollins, our subject's father, was a contractor and builder, being identified with that business until he removed to Des Moines in 1857, following which he practically lived retired. The city contained but twenty-five hundred inhabitants at that time and the first residence of the family was situated on Ninth street. Mr. and Mrs. Rollins were the parents of seven children, five of whom survive: John F., who was formerly engaged in the wholesale paper business in Des Moines, now living retired; Sarah E., the widow of John R. Rollins, living with a son in this city; Fannie H., the wife of B. H. Corning, a retired shoe manufacturer, also a resident of this city; Henry Martyn, of this review ; and George A., a retired capitalist of Chicago. Two sons, Alonzo W. and William A., are deceased. Like their parents Mr. and Mrs. Rollins both lived to a ripe old age. The mother's death occurred on the 28th of May, 1882, at the age of eighty, while her husband was nearly ninety-six when he died, on the IIth of May, 1896.

Henry Martyn Rollins was a youth of sixteen years when his parents located in Iowa, so had practically completed the course of the public schools, but con- tinued to pursue his studies for a time. after his arrival in Des Moines. His first business venture was in 1860, at which time he and his brother, John F., established a drug store at the corner of Court avenue and Second street, which they successfully conducted for three years. At the expiration of that period they, with their brothers William and Alonzo, engaged in the paper manufactur- ing business, erecting a small mill which they began operating. This was a most discouraging undertaking and it required their united efforts, sustained by all the determination and perseverance they had inherited from their Pilgrim forefathers, to carry them through. The severe strain of this nerve-taxing ordeal proved too much for Henry Martyn Rollins, however, and owing to the state of his health he was forced to withdraw from the business at the end of two years. Going to Chicago he obtained a position as traveling salesman with Stearns & Forsyth, wholesale grocers, remaining on the road for two years. At the end of that period, his health being restored, he returned to Maine and for two years thereafter was engaged with his brother in the operation of a vest factory at Sanford. Deciding that he preferred the west, he returned to Chicago and became associated with a brother in the dry-goods commission business conducted under the firm name of A. W. Rollins & Company. They continued in this until the 9th of October, 1871, at which time they lost every-

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thing by the great fire and Mr. Rollins subsequently returned to Des Moines. In the following January he embarked in the real-estate business, devoting the greater part of his attention to the erection and sale of residences on speculation. He followed this until 1875, when he returned to Chicago to assume the man- agement of the business of A. W. Rollins & Company, which firm was well established and thriving, having resumed activities shortly after the fire. Mr. Rollins continued with his brother for three years, then again returned to Des Moines and engaged in the real-estate business, dealing very largely in farm lands. In the meantime he had become largely interested in the Des Moines Hosiery Mills, of which company he became president. On the death of James Callanan he was made one of the executors of his estate and devoted the follow- ing three years to its management, at the end of which time he resigned to assume the active management of the hosiery mill business, with which he has since been continuously identified. The greater part of the stock is now owned by him and his sons, who are associated with him in the business, and although Mr. Rollins does not devote all of his time to the mills, now living practically retired, they are operated under his direction. The plant is located at Twenty- eighth street and Dean avenue and running full force gives employment to three hundred people, besides which they have eighteen men on the road, who cover the entire territory from Ohio to the Pacific coast. They deal with the retail trade only, and the quality of their goods, together with their reliable business methods, has been the means of their securing an excellent patronage. It is one of the largest and most profitable enterprises of the city and the scope of its activities is constantly extending. A branch factory has been established at Boone, Iowa, which gives employment to sixty people.

In Sanford, Maine, Mr. Rollins met Miss Ellen F. Tebbets, whom he mar- ried on the 26th of April, 1869. She is a native of Lowell, Massachusetts, but removed to Sanford with her parents, Samuel D. and Elizabeth Tebbets, who ever afterward continued to make that their home, the father being engaged in the hotel business. Two sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Rollins: Harry T., the vice president of the Des Moines Hosiery Mills, who married Miss Glendora McCord and is living at 1701 Arlington avenue; and Ralph E., the secretary of the company, who resides with his parents. They have a summer residence at Okoboji Lake, Iowa.

The family attend the services of the Plymouth Congregational church and Mr. Rollins is a member of the Grant Club. He has always taken an active and helpful interest in all civic affairs, as did his father before him, who was an alderman during the early history of the city, in which capacity the son served in his ward for three terms. The men and measures of the republican party generally receive his support, as he has ever been a strong advocate of the principles of that body, his first vote being cast for Abraham Lincoln. Characteristic of Mr. Rollins' public life is the estimate of him by a veteran newspaper writer, who for twenty years reported the proceedings of the Des Moines city council. Though of opposite political faith, the reporter, who had ample time and opportunity to gauge his public record, once publicly stated that Henry Rollins was one of the relatively few councilmen who had the moral fiber and the sturdy honesty to decline the temptation of a bribe of thousands of dollars as a consideration for his support of a measure then pending before the council. Favorable action by the body meant huge profits to the corporation and a fleecing of the people of a corresponding sum. Mr. Rollins refused to consider the proposition and the tempter turned his attentions to another member of the council-now dead-with similar results. The outcome was that the would-be briber gave up the attempt to debauch the council, the measure was beaten and the citizens of Des Moines at this time, years later, are reaping the benefits incident to the unfaltering loyalty and sturdy integrity of Mr. Rollins in refusing to barter away for fifteen thousand dollars the best interests of the

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citizens .. Though thrice a member of the city council and as often the head of important committees that had much to do with awarding profitable contracts, no hint of stain ever attached to the action of Mr. Rollins. Many times since he might have attained to more eminent honors in public affairs had he con- sented to have accepted them, but upon his retirement, about ten years ago, he steadily declined to reenter politics. He was a faithful public servant, is a man of capacity and a citizen who has been faithful to every trust reposed in him. He has met with success during his career and is now regarded as one of the affluent citizens of Des Moines. In addition to his interest in the hosiery mills and various other enterprises he has extensive realty holdings and is also a stockholder and director in both the Valley National Bank and the Iowa Loan & Trust Company, both of this city. A self-made man in every sense of the word, he has attained the position he holds in the commercial and financial world through his own perseverance and unflinching determination. His way has been won step by step, although he has met with experiences which to many would have meant defeat, but only served to strengthen his purpose, ultimately enabling him to realize his ambition. Although success has rewarded his efforts it has never been won at the cost of another's loss and the regard and esteem which he is generally accorded is a worthy tribute to a well spent life.

JAMES C. WITMER.

One of the well tilled and capably supervised farms of Polk county is that of James C. Witmer, who engages in general farming and stock-raising upon one hundred and sixty acres of land in Webster township. He was born in Crocker township, Polk county, on the 31st of July, 1878, a son of Jacob E. and Mary E. (O'Bleness) Witmer, natives of Pennsylvania and Iowa, respec- tively. The father, who was a carpenter by trade, upon locating in Polk county engaged in farming. During the first two years of his residence he cultivated rented land but at the end of that period he bought one hundred acres in Crocker township, in the cultivation of which he is still engaged.

The early years of James C. Witmer did not differ in particular from those of the majority of lads reared in the more sparsely settled communities. He remained at home, attending first the district school and later Highland Park College, where he continued for three years. War with Spain having been declared at the end of that time, he enlisted in Company A, Fifty-first Iowa Volunteers and went to the front, where he remained until hostilities ceased. Returning home at the close of the war he rented a farm, which he cultivated for two years, and during that time, by careful management and rigid economy, he acquired the means to buy his present homestead. The place was somewhat run down when he purchased it but during his ownership he has erected a fine barn forty by sixty-two feet and other outbuildings, while the fields are now under a high state of cultivation. Although he is engaged in general farming, Mr. Witmer devotes a great deal of attention to the breeding and raising of, stock. He usually keeps about one hundred head of cattle and seventeen horses, while he raises about one hundred and fifty hogs for the market each year.

On the 19th of December, 1900, Mr. Witmer married Miss Edith Parmenter, a daughter of Edward and Eliza (Porter) Parmenter, the father a native of New Hampshire and the mother of. Ohio. Mr. Parmenter, who was a black- smith, located in Des Moines in 1854, where he worked at his trade for eight years, and then settled upon a farm in Polk county, in the operation of which he was engaged until he passed away on the 3Ist of July, 1897. Mrs. Par- menter, who is now sixty-nine years of age, makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Witmer. Three children have come to gladden the home of Mr. and Mrs.

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Witmer : Edward J., born August I, 1902; Roy I., who was born August I, 1907; and one who died in infancy.

The church affiliation of the family is with the Methodist Episcopal denom- ination. Fraternally Mr. Witmer is identified with Lodge No. 106, I. O. O. F., of Des Moines, and also Lodge No. 109 of the Eagles, of Des Moines, while he maintains relationship with his war comrades by means of membership in the Spanish-American War Veterans. The men and measures of the republican party are accorded Mr. Witmer's political support, although as he is not an aspirant to public honors or the emoluments of office he does not actively engage in public affairs. Progressive in his ideas, he is ever ready to adopt all modern scientific methods advanced for the benefit of the agriculturist or stockman and as a result he is making a success of his vocation.

JOHN J. SMITH.

In the business circles of Des Moines the name of John J. Smith is well known for he has made for himself an enviable position as a member of The Smith Brothers, Plumbing & Heating Engineers. He was born at West Point, Lee county, Iowa, September 17, 1870. His father, Jacob H. Smith, was a native of Bavaria, Germany, and came to America when fifteen years of age, at which time he located in Hamilton county, Ohio. He there worked for his father as a weaver until 1849, when he went to Lee county, Iowa, settling at West Point. There he established a carriage and wagon manufacturing com- pany and carried on the business until the time of the Civil war, when he joined an engineering corps and was in active service until the close of hostilities. During that period he built bridges and did much other important work for his department, which was the Army of the Tennessee, under command of General Hooker. He also assisted in rebuilding Fort Donelson, having charge of the work at that time. He married Katherine Schadd, who was born on the Rhinefals, Germany, and came to this country about 1856, settling at Franklin Center, Iowa. The paternal grandparents of Mr. Smith were Peter and Mary Smith. The latter died in Germany, while the former died in Lee county, Iowa, in 1865. The maternal grandparents were Mr. and Mrs. Peter Schadd, both of whom died in Germany.

In the public schools of Osceola, Iowa, John J. Smith pursued his education and afterward spent three years in the grocery business in Omaha, Nebraska. On the IIth of March, 1888, he became a salesman for English Brothers, whole- sale grocers and commission merchants, and later devoted six years to learning the piumbing business. He served his apprenticeship in Omaha, later' going to Chicago, where he worked on the buildings at the World's Columbian Exposi- tion, and in 1896 came to Des Moines, at which time he opened a shop at 819 Grand avenue, under the name of Haller & Smith. After continuing the busi- ness for a year and a half Mr. Haller sold his interest to W. A. Cochrane and the enterprise was then carried on under the name of Smith & Cochrane. An increase in the business caused a removal to the Dr. Turner building, where they remained for five years. On the IIth of January, 1904, Mr. Smith sold his interest to W. A. Cochrane and spent two years as foreman of the Rich- mond Heating & Plumbing Company. He then started in business on his own account at No. 516 Grand avenue, where he remained until, associated with his brother, Daniel C. Smith, he purchased the Cochrane Heating & Plumbing Company and, consolidating the two interests, removed to No. 913 Grand avenue. The business is now a large and growing one and success has con- tinuously attended the undertaking. His one fad is the breeding of fancy chick- ens, to which he devotes his leisure time.

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On the IIth of September, 1891, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Sylvia E. Fuller, of Des Moines, a daughter of J. H. and Eva (Wagner) Fuller, who were married in Polk county and are still living. Her maternal grandparents were early settlers, of Iowa and also survive. They are Charles and Catherine (La Core) Wagner, who were married in Pennsylvania. They were very early settlers and for some years the grandfather of Mrs. Smith was connected with the oil business. The father of Mrs. Smith was J. H. Fuller, who was born in Watertown, New York, and removed at the age of twelve years with his parents to Polk county, becoming well known as a farmer and stock-raiser. His father had come here at an early day, driving across the country with a wagon from Chicago. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith: Daniel Fuller, who was born December 6, 1902, and is now a student of the Jordan school; Sylvia Louise, born November 12, 1904; and Horace Tilden, born October 23, 1908.

Mr. Smith is a member of the Masonic fraternity and also of the Baptist church. Politically he gives his allegiance to the republican party and while he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day he does not seek nor desire office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon business affairs, which are making heavier and heavier demands upon his time as his trade increases.

ANDREW KEAN.

One of the early settlers of Polk county who has been identified with agri- cultural interests for a period of more than forty years is Andrew Kean, who is living on a well cultivated farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Webster township. Mr. Kean was born in Champlain, New York, in September, 1845, a son of Michael L. and Winifred (Kinsley) Kean, natives of Ireland. The parents removed from New York to Illinois at a very early day and later to Nebraska, where they located upon a quarter section of land twenty miles west of Omaha, which they bought for one dollar and a quarter per acre. The father engaged in the cultivation of his homestead until he passed away in 1865, twenty-seven years prior to his wife, whose demise occurred in 1892.

The schooling of Andrew Kean was limited and of a somewhat indifferent character, owing to the scarcity of educational facilities afforded the children of pioneers in his boyhood, particularly in the more western states. However, being thrown upon his own resources at an early age and assuming the responsi- bilities of a man at eighteen, this tended to sharpen his faculties and gave him an excellent understanding of human nature and equipped him with a fund of practical knowledge which has proven invaluable to him in the battle of life. He remained a member of the paternal household until 1863, at which time he left to become a freighter on the prairies, following that occupation for two years, at the end of which period he engaged with the Union Pacific Railroad Company as a contractor on grade work. Coming to Iowa in 1867, he located in Polk county and accepted a position as foreman of the Martin Flynn farm, which contained seventeen hundred acres. During the ten years he remained there he accumulated the capital necessary to purchase a farm of his own, and in 1877 he located on his present homestead. Mr. Kean has wrought many changes in the place during the long period of his occupancy, having built a nice residence, barns and outbuildings, besides which he has added many minor improvements, which, though insignificant in themselves, greatly enhance the appearance and value of the property. . He has met with more than moderate success in his farming and stock-raising and as a result has acquired three hundred and twenty acres of fine land in Minnesota and residence property in

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Des Moines. He was one of the organizers and a stockholder in the Farmers Savings Bank of Grimes but has since disposed of his interests in that institu- tion as well as the stock he formerly owned in the Grimes Canning & Preserving Company.

In January, 1873, Mr. Kean married Miss Mary Ellen Cullen, a daughter of James and Miranda (Donnelly) Cullen, natives of Ireland and Ohio, respec- tively. Her parents came to Iowa in 1853, locating upon a farm which Mr. Cullen bought and cultivated until 1856, at which time Mrs. Cullen passed away. Following this the father located in Stacyville, Iowa, where he opened a general store, which he conducted until he died in 1890. Five children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Kean: Edward M., who is married and living in Los Angeles, California; Joseph A., also married, who is a well contractor in Grimes ; Ellen W., the wife of George Proctor, who is engaged with Joseph A., in well drilling at Grimes; Mary A., the wife of H. P. Hoff, a hardware dealer of Grimes; and Andrew J., who was born in September, 1894, and is attending high school.

The family are communicants of the Roman Catholic church. His political support Mr. Kean accords the republican party. He takes an active and helpful interest in public affairs and is the present trustee of Webster township, of which office he has been the incumbent for six years. He also served on the board of school directors for ten consecutive years. During the long period of his residence in Polk county he has proven himself a public-spirited, progres- sive citizen, trustworthy business man and stanch friend, which qualities justly entitle him to the esteem of those who know him.

CHESTER H. ATHERTON.

Starting on a small scale and expanding gradually as the patronage increased, the Centaur Wire & Iron Works gives promise of becoming one of the im- portant manufacturing concerns of Des Moines. This establishment was founded by Chester H. Atherton whose name stands at the head of this sketch. He has applied his talents admirably and the success of the enterprise has demonstrated the practical ability of its management. He was born at Marshalltown, Iowa, May 2, 1876. The father, Arthur C. Atherton, was born at Anderson, Indiana, and the mother, whose maiden name was Gertrude Cole, was born in Kentucky, a daughter of Hon. Chester C. Cole, an ex-chief justice of Iowa. Mr. Atherton Sr., engaged in the railroad business and became a superintendent upon the Burlington system. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Atherton : Ches- ter, of this review; Alice, the wife of George Chapman, of Kansas City; and Donald M., who is married and lives in Des Moines.

Chester H. Atherton after receiving his preliminary training matriculated at Notre Dame University, Indiana, and graduated with the civil and mechanical engineering class in 1900. After leaving the university he became connected with the Des Moines Bridge and Iron Company and continued for three years with this organization. Being ambitious to engage in business on his own ac- count, he started on a modest scale in a shop in this city, doing all work by hand until he acquired sufficient capital to install machinery, The business has developed to such an extent that during the busy season employment is given to twenty men. Ornamental iron work of various kinds is manufactured, including elevator enclosures, light iron structures, fire escapes, etc., also lawn settees, wire arches, etc. The factory is located at Second street and Grand avenue and the name of the Centaur Wire & Iron Works is steadily coming into promi- nence. Judging by what has been accomplished up to the present time the future is exceedingly bright for this enterprise.

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On the Ist day of January, 1902, Mr. Atherton was united in marriage to Miss Adelia C. White, a daughter of W. L. and Ella (Clapp) White. The father is a well known shoe merchant of Des Moines. At the time of the Civil war he was in his boyhood, but he ran away from home and succeeded in gain- ing admission to the army, serving with high credit from the state of Iowa. One son, Billy, has come to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Atherton, his natal day being July 27, 1904.

Mr. Atherton from the beginning of his business career possessed the ele- ments of success-grit, ambition and willingness to labor patiently and faith- fully. When these principles are combined with clear judgment it is seldom indeed that the fortunate possessor does not forge to the front. Politically he is identified with the republican party. In religious belief he gives his adherence to the Presbyterian church and socially is a valued member of the local lodge of Elks.

ALVIN CHESTER MOSIER.

Agricultural pursuits engage the attention of Alvin Chester Mosier, who is engaged in the cultivation of one of the fine farms of Jefferson township. The . entire period of his life has been spent in Polk county, his birth having occurred in Madison township in September, 1872: His parents were Eli and Clarkey (Crumm) Mosier, the father a native of Pennsylvania and the mother of Indiana. Eli Mosier was one of the pioneer settlers of Polk county, having entered government land upon which he located when Des Moines was only a village. After engaging in the cultivation of this for some time he sold it and removed to Madison township, where he bought one hundred and sixty acres, which he improved and operated until his demise, in 1884, just four years after the death of the mother of our subject.

Alvin Chester Mosier was reared in Madison and Jefferson townships, ob- taining his education in the district schools. On starting out in life for himself he worked by the month as a farm hand for two seasons and then engaged in cooperative farming with Miles Stanford of Jefferson township. This arrange- ment lasted for ten years, at the expiration of which time Mr. Stanford died and the farm, which consisted of one hundred and sixty-two acres, was purchased from the heirs jointly by Mrs. Stanford and Mr. Mosier. He also owns in- dividually eighty acres across the road from the home place and twenty-five acres in Madison township. He has wrought many improvements on his farm since he has been in possession of it, the property now being regarded as one of the most valuable in the township. Although engaged in general farming he devotes a great deal of time and attention to the raising and feeding of stock. He raises about one hundred hogs annually and keeps ten horses and about forty head of cattle. Success has abundantly rewarded the well directed efforts of Mr. Mosier, who is regarded as one of the substantial farmers of the community.

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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 134

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