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 136

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 136

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).

From an early age Mr. Pugh was interested in newspaper work, which led to considerable local correspondence for various papers. He actively entered the newspaper field in April, 1887, when he purchased the Dexter (Iowa) Senti- nel, which he conducted with marked success until May, 1889. He then sold that paper and removed to Adair, Iowa, where he purchased the News, which he published until November, 1891. He then once more sold out and repurchased the Sentinel, returning to Dexter at the close of 1891 to take editorial charge. Subsequent to this time he became connected with the Dallas County News at Adel with Senator Hotchkiss. He seems to have much natural ability as a jour- nalist and such papers as the Iowa State Register, the Daily Iowa Capital and Keokuk Gate City have given him the credit of being one of the best writers on the press of central Iowa. He has been correspondent for a number of Iowa journals, and political letters which he has written have been published in Chi- cago papers as well.

On the 28th of September, 1887, Mr. Pugh was united in marriage to Miss Mabel A. McOmber, at Menlo, Iowa. She is the eldest daughter of David and Lucy C. McOmber and was born in La Salle county, Illinois, April 27, 1867. Mr. and Mrs. Pugh became parents of three children, but the youngest, Grace V., born July 30, 1893, died in infancy. The elder daughter, Ramona, born De- cember 5, 1889, is at home. The son, William Chester, born August 25, 1891, is married and is in business with his father having active charge of the real-estate office of Pugh & Son in the Good block.

For a considerable period Mr. Pugh has figured prominently in political cir- cles, having adhered strictly to the principles of the republican party not only since attaining his majority, but also for a period long prior to that time. He has several times been a delegate to the republican state convention and to the county

C. C. PUGH

1159

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

conventions, was several times chairman of the Dallas county convention and has done considerable campaign speaking. He held the office of clerk of the district court in Dallas county for six years, beginning in 1896, and later was postmaster at Adel, Iowa, for a term of years. He also served as a member of the school board of Dexter for three years and in March, 1894, was elected mayor of that town, declining a reelection at the end of his term. He is now concen- trating his attention largely upon his real-estate business, handling southern .and western lands, yet he finds time to conduct a syndicate letter each week in a number of papers and expects within a few years to actively enter the newspaper field again. He owned and edited the Mail and Times in Des Moines for two years prior to 1907.

ALEXANDER B. ELLIOTT.

Alexander B. Elliott, one of the leading and most public-spirited citizens of Des Moines, is conducting a successful and constantly growing business under the name of A. B. Elliott & Son. He is numbered among the worthy native sons of Polk county, his birth having occurred in the town of Berwick on the 8th of September, 1861. His parents were F. E. and M. (Brazleton) Elliott. The paternal grandfather, a native of England, emigrated to the United States and settled in North Carolina. F. E. Elliott, the father of our subject, arrived in the state of Iowa on the 4th of July, 1847, and took up a tract of government land in Polk county. He is now deceased, having passed away January 18, 1899. His wife died March 29, 19II.

Alexander B. Elliott supplemented his preliminary education, obtained in the common schools, by two years' attendance at Ackworth Academy. On attaining his majority he came to Des Moines and entered the American Savings Bank as errand boy, remaining with that institution for thirteen years. On the expiration of that period he resigned the position of assistant cashier in order to make the race for city treasurer, to which office he was elected on the republican ticket in 1896 and again in 1898. The many practical methods which he introduced during his incumbency proved so effective that his successors have adopted them. In 1898, while still a public official, he purchased a half interest in the furniture establishment of Whinery & Anderson, the firm style being changed to the Elliott-Anderson Company. In I911 he purchased his partner's interest and is now the sole proprietor of the business, which is now conducted under the name of A. B. Elliott & Son. A man of excellent execu- tive ability, sound judgment and unfaltering integrity, he well merits the gratify- ing trade which is accorded him. He owns a farm of two hundred acres in Polk county and also has considerable east side residence and business property.

In August, 1885, Mr. Elliott was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Leichty, the daughter of a Polk county agriculturist. Unto them have been born four children, namely: Arthur M., and Oliver W., who are high school graduates; Roy L .; and Blanche M.

Mr. Elliott is a member of the school board and is justly proud of the fact that he received the largest vote ever given a candidate for that office, the citizens of his community thus showing their appreciation of his long, active and useful career among them. He has succeeded in making Des Moines one school district and it was largely due to his efforts, while president of the East Des Moines Commercial League, that an appropriation of four hundred thousand dollars was secured for the erection of the East high school. He was likewise instrumental in inaugurating the Saturday night open air concerts, which are greatly enjoyed during the summer months. He is a strong advocate of civil service reform in municipal government and at all times throws his influence

1160

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

on the side of progress and improvement. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons and the Knights of Pythias, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Friends church. He has never courted publicity yet the qualities he has displayed in his business and public career have called him to the attention of his fellow citizens and the nature of his service has gained for him their commendation and respect.

WILLIAM POWELL.

One of Polk county's native sons who is meeting with success in agricultural pursuits is William Powell, who was born in Four Mile township on the 12th of May, 1871. He is a son of John and Margaret (Williams) Powell, natives of England, who emigrated to the United States and located in Polk county in early days. He at length acquired three hundred and twenty acres of land in Jefferson township, which he had previously rented for seven years, and has ever since continued to make that his home. The mother passed away in May, 1908.

Having been born and reared in the country, William Powell was well adapted to engage in agricultural pursuits when he had completed his education, which was acquired in the district schools of Polk county. He remained at home with his parents until his marriage, following which he settled on a forty acre tract that he had previously purchased. This he cultivated, in connection with some land he rented from his father, for several years, but he has since leased his farm to his brother-in-law and is now operating his father's home- stead. In addition to the cultivation of his fields he raises about one hundred hogs per year and keeps about fifty head of cattle and sixteen horses.

Mr. Powell was married on the 11th of April, 1901, to Miss Maude Belgarde, a daughter of John and Kate (Muzzy) Belgarde, natives of Iowa. Her father engaged in farming in Guthrie county for a good many years and removed from there to Polk county, where he remained for three years. At the expiration of that period he went to Warren county but after a short time returned to Polk. After residing here for six years he went to Greene county, locating on the farm on which he and his wife are now living. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Powell: Helen A., who is now six years of age; and Lucille K., who is four.

Fraternally Mr. Powell is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being identified with the lodge at Polk City, and both he and his wife hold membership in the Presbyterian church. In politics he is a republican and is the present clerk of Jefferson township, while he served two terms as assessor. In the conduct of his affairs Mr. Powell has always given evidence of possessing the discretion and sagacity which bespeak good business ability, while the appear- ance of his farm attests his skill as an agriculturist.

JAMES IRVIN HERROLD.

One of the successful stockmen of Jefferson township is James Irwin Her- rold, who is engaged in the cultivation of two hundred and eighty acres of land. Mr. Herrold is one of Polk county's sons, his natal day being the 19th of May, 1870. He is a son of Joseph and Lavina (Hartman) Herrold, natives of Indiana, from which state they came to Iowa, locating in Polk county in early days. Here Mr. Herrold, who has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits, bought government land, which he cleared and improved and has ever since

1161

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

continued to cultivate, although both he and his wife have arrived at the age when the majority of people think of retiring.

Reared on the homestead where he was born James Irvin Herrold acquired his education in the district schools, remaining a member of the paternal house- hold and assisting with the work of the farm until he was seventeen years of age. In 1889 he left home to begin life for himself, doing farm work for three years, during which time he saved sufficient money to enable him to engage in farming as a renter. He is now operating two hundred and eighty acres of land, eighty of which belong to his father. Being an energetic and persevering man he has met with success in his ventures and is rapidly becoming recognized as one of the most capable agriculturists in the township. He makes a specialty of raising and feeding cattle and hogs for the market, feeding one hundred hogs annually, while he keeps about fifty head of cattle and thirty horses and muies.

In November, 1893, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Herrold and Miss Elizabeth Powell, a daughter of John and Margaret (Williams) Powell. Her parents were both natives of England, emigrating from there in a very early day and settling in Des Moines. Later Mr. Powell bought a farm in Jefferson township, which he cleared and improved and in the cultivation of which he is still engaged. He has always followed agricultural pursuits since locating in this state, having farmed as a renter for seven years before purchasing his homestead. Mrs. Powell passed away in May, 1908. Six children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Herrold, in order of birth as follows: Esther M., who is seventeen years of age; Edith G., sixteen; Iva M., fourteen; Emma E., twelve; Powell I., ten; and Anna L., seven.

The religious faith of the family is manifested through their affiliation with the Christian church. Fraternally Mr. Herrold belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Polk City, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Owls. He takes much interest in public affairs, giving his support to the candi- dates of the republican party, and has for many years been a school director in his township, and at the present time he is also serving as a trustee. Mr. Herrold has met with more than a moderate degree of success in his vocation and it must be attributed almost entirely to his tireless energy and well and capabiy directed efforts.

JAMES A. BROWN.

One of those who have been actively and successfully associated with the agricultural development of Polk county is James A. Brown, who lives on a well improved farm of one hundred acres in Webster township. He is a son of Alexander and Agnes (Lundy) Brown, natives of Ireland but of Scotch descent, and his birth occurred in Troy, New York, on the 6th of July, 1856. Alexander Brown was born on the Emerald isle in 1814, and there he continued to reside until he had reached the age of twenty-four years, when he emigrated to the United States. Upon his arrival in this country he located in Troy, New York, where he obtained employment as a horticulturist, the duties of which he was most capably fitted to discharge owing to his preparation and practice in his native land. After thirty-one years residence in the Empire state he came to Iowa, locating in Des Moines, where he engaged in gardening until 1871, when he bought a farm just over the line in Dallas county. Although he immediately engaged in improving and cultivating this property he and his family continued to reside in Des Moines until 1879, at which time they settled upon the farm. From that time until his demise on the 29th of December, 1897, Mr. Brown continued to cultivate the place, upon which he made exten- sive improvements, erecting a house and barns as well as other outbuildings,

1162

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

which, together with the well developed state of the land, made it one of the valuable farms of the locality. Mrs. Brown passed away fifteen years before her husband, her death occurring in September, 1882.

James A. Brown acquired his education in the public schools of Troy and Des Moines, graduating from the high school of the latter place, after which he assisted his father in the cultivation of the home farm. He remained with his parents until he was twenty-two years of age, during which time, under the wise and competent direction of his father, he became a skilled and capable agriculturist. Leaving home in 1878 he began farming for himself, continuing to cultivate rented land for five years, at the end of which time he engaged with his brother, W. L. Brown of Des Moines, in the coal business under the name of the Eureka Coal Company. He continued to be identified with that business for seven years, during which time he invested in one hundred acres of land in Webster township, upon which he now lives. Withdrawing from commercial pursuits in 1895 he settled upon his farm, in the cultivation of which he has ever since been engaged. He has made extensive improvements upon his property, having planted a four acre orchard and erected some build- ings, besides various minor changes which have added vastly to the appearance of the place. In addition to his own holdings Mr. Brown rents eighty acres which he cultivates. Until the last year he devoted more attention to the breed- ing of stock than to his agricultural pursuits, raising from forty to fifty head of cattle and about twice that many hogs for the market each year. Owing to the state of his health, which is not so good as formerly, he is lessening his responsibilities and is doing little else than cultivate his fields. He has always been successful in his undertakings and has acquired a competence which makes it possible for him to live less strenuously during his later years.

On the 14th of February, 1884, Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Elva Robertson, a daughter of George L. and Emily (Johnson) Robertson, natives of Tennessee. Her father came to Iowa in pioneer days and settled on a farm in Dallas county, which he continued to cultivate until his death, in 1908, at the venerable age of ninety-two years. His wife had died forty years previously, in 1868. To Mr. and Mrs. Brown were born the following children : Agnes, born in 1886, and Edna, born in 1888, both died in 1891. Marion, born July 12, 1891, is now attending the normal college at Shenandoah, Iowa. John L., born January 18, 1894, and James K., born October 16, 1895, are both attending the high school at Grimes, while Ruth, who was born March 20, 1897, is pursuing her studies in the grammar school of Grimes.

The family attend the Presbyterian church, of which the parents are mem- bers, and Mr. Brown is a charter member of the Royal Arcanum lodge at Des Moines and is also identified with the Odd Fellows lodge at Grimes. His polit- ical support he gives to the republican party, and he has several times been elected to the offices of township supervisor and school director. He is a public-spirited man and is ever willing to do all within his power to advance any measure he considers to be for the general good of the community, thus showing himself worthy of the esteem accorded him by his fellow citizens.

NICHOLAS BEUCHER.

Among the active and successful citizens of Des Moines Nicholas Beucher occupies an honorable place not only on account of his business ability but because of his acknowledged integrity and progressiveness. He comes of good German ancestry and was born in the Rhine Province, Germany, January 20, 1864, a son of John and Rosa (Erc) Beucher. The father was also born in the Rhine Province, June 24, 1824, and for many years engaged in business as

1163

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

a wine merchant, becoming wine commissioner for the crown. He was one of the responsible men of his locality and departed this life December 18, 1868, when his son Nicholas was four years of age. His wife was born January 7, 1826, and they were married in 1851. She died in 1886, at the age of sixty years. There were three children in the family: Nicholas, the subject of this review ; Conrad, who is now living in Chicago and has four children, John, Louis, Frank and Conrad, Jr .; and Mary, who still lives in Germany and is now Mrs. Math. Kribs and the mother of five children, Joseph, Edward, Mary, John and Hilda.

Nicholas Beucher was educated in the provincial schools and after arriving at the proper age was apprenticed to learn the cooper's trade. Having served for three years, he was pronounced by his employer as a thoroughly competent journeyman. Believing from what he had heard and read of America that a young man of good habits and worthy ambition could secure a competence much more readily in this country than in the fatherland, he decided to seek his fortune among strangers. Accordingly, at twenty years of age he landed and made his way direct to Chicago, where he readily found employment at the cooper's trade. He continued in that city during the greater part of the time for ten years. Subsequently he went to St. Louis and obtained work in the breweries of that city, coming to Des Moines in 1903. Soon after his arrival here he established the Des Moines Hide & Tallow Company, of which he is sole proprietor. The company under his supervision has developed into a paying concern with a substantial reputation for thoroughly reliable and up-to- date methods. The business has been well managed and yields a handsome income.

On the Ioth of March, 1901, Mr. Beucher was united in marriage at Mil- waukee, Wisconsin, to Miss Amelia M. Ginta, and in his wife he has found indeed a loving and faithful companion. Socially Mr. Beucher is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has many friends whom he has made by his genial nature and a spirit of helpfulness, which is one of the prominent traits of his character. He early evinced a courage and independence which enabled him to make a way for himself among strangers. While he is modest and unassuming, all who know him speak of him in terms of praise. Politically he gives his support to the democratic party but he has never aspired to public office, as his ambition is along other lines.

HARRY P. HOFF.

Among the recent acquisitions to the commercial life of Grimes is Harry P. Hoff, who since 1909 has been identified with the hardware business here. A native son of Iowa, he was born in Dallas county on the 16th of March, 1881, his parents being Powell and Mary (Weems) Hoff, both natives of Ohio. Powell Hoff, the father of our subject, was reared and practically educated in Illinois but attended the district school for a time after locating in Polk county. During pioneer days there were no school houses, and whenever a teacher could be obtained those who were desirous of further education collected at the home of one of their members where the school sessions were held, and one winter the kitchen of the Hoff home served this purpose. Powell Hoff remained at home assisting in the cultivation of the farm until he was twenty-one years of age, when he went to Des Moines, where he learned the carpenter's trade. After three years residence in the capital city he decided to go farther west where, at that time, such exorbitant wages were being paid to skilled workmen. He took the overland route to Montana in 1866, where he received twelve dollars per day for carpentry work, remaining there for seven years. At the end of

1164

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

that period he returned to Iowa, buying one hundred and thirty-two acres of fine farm land in Dallas county, which he cleared and cultivated until 1905 During the long period of his residence there he wrought many improvements upon his homestead, which at the time of his retirement was one of the best farms in that section.

Powell Hoff chose for his wife Miss Mary Weems, to whom he was married in March, 1873. She was a daughter of David and Alice Weems, natives of Kentucky and pioneers of Iowa. Seven children were born of this union: Albert, deceased; Francis L .; Alfred J .; Harry P .; Ernest G .; Howard O .; and Ray L. The parents have always affiliated with the Christian church, while his political support Mr. Hoff accords the prohibition party, thus voicing his sentiments on the liquor question. Upon their retirement from the farm in 1905 they removed to Grimes, where they continue to reside.

Harry P. Hoff's boyhood and youth differed in no particulars from those of the majority of boys who are reared upon a farm. He attended the district schools of Dallas county in the acquirement of his education, and remained at home until he was twenty years of age, when he engaged in farming for one year as a renter. Following this he took a trip through the southwest and spent one year in Texas and Mexico, where he was engaged in various pursuits. Returning to Dallas county at the expiration of that time he farmed until 1907, at which time he removed to Polk county, following the same occupation for a year. In 1909 he bought out a hardware business in Grimes, with which he continues to be identified. He carries a good stock of well selected hardware and cutlery, as well as tin and granite ware, all of reliable brands. A gracious and accommodating manner when combined with unfailing courtesy must ever bring patrons to a neat and attractive store and ultimately make of them per- manent customers ; thus Mr. Hoff reasons and the wisdom of his judgment is attested by his constantly increasing business.

On the 10th of April, 1906, Mr. Hoff and Miss Mary A. Kean, a daughter of Andrew J. and Mary (Cullen) Kean, were united in marriage. Her father is a native of New York and her mother of Ohio, the former being reared in the west, however, going to Nebraska with his parents in 1852. He engaged in railroading and in various other lines of activity until 1872, at which time he purchased a farm in Webster township, Polk county, which he still continues to cultivate. Two children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Hoff : . Ray J., who is two years of age and an infant not yet named.

Mrs. Hoff is a communicant of the Roman Catholic church, while he affiliates with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America, the guiding principles of which fraternities direct his life. Politically he supports the republican party, by which he was elected to the office of con- stable in the fall of 1910, but as he did not desire the office refused to qualify, feeling that he must concentrate all his energy and attention toward the develop- ment of his business. He is well regarded in Grimes, although he has been a resident of the place but a short time, and is looked upon as one of the promising young business men, whose future seems to be assured.

JOHANN KEEFNER.

Johann Keefner, one of Des Moines' pioneer citizens, was a native of Bavaria, Germany, and on coming to the United States in 1849 first located in New Orleans, Louisiana. There he contracted yellow fever and upon his recovery removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he married Miss Barbara Gegner in June, 1851. In 1855 he came to Des Moines, bought some lots at Second and Walnut streets, but then remained here only a short time, returning again

1165

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

to Cincinnati. In 1856 he brought his family to this city, arriving here on the 4th of July. He erected a building on Second and Walnut streets, which was used both as a residence and as a bakery, Mr. Keefner being a baker by trade. He continued to follow that occupation for eleven years, and meeting with success, he invested his capital in land at McDivitt's Grove. On his retirement from business he settled upon his farm and to its cultivation and improvement he devoted his energies until two years prior to his demise. In 1887 he returned to Des Moines, where he passed away in 1889 at the age of sixty-nine years, having survived his wife two years. In their family were eleven children but only the following are now living: Deitrich, a farmer at McDivitt's Grove; Julius, engaged in agricultural pursuits in South Dakota; Mrs. Barbara New- man; and John F. Keefner, of Des Moines.

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.

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 136

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