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 140

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 140

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ISAAC T. MARTIN.

The year 1883 witnessed the arrival of Isaac T. Martin in Des Moines and throughout the remainder of his life he' was a prominent figure in insurance circles in the capital city. He had the initiative spirit so necessary to success in that field and his marked resolution prompted him when one avenue seemed closed to seek out other paths leading to the goal of successful achievement. In time he became widely known among the insurance men of the city and was justly accounted one of the leading representatives of that department of busi- ness. A native of Pennsylvania, he was born in Erie in 1832 and pursued his education at that place and at Painesville, Ohio. His father, John Martin, was a native of Ireland and for many years was connected with agricultural pursuits in Erie, Pennsylvania. He was married in Ireland to Sarah Stubbs and on coming to the United States, first located in Poultney, Vermont, where Mr. Martin was connected with the woolen mills for seven years. Subsequently they made their home in western Pennsylvania until called to their final rest.

The youthful experiences of Isaac T. Martin were those of farm lads, for he early became familiar with the work of the fields, which he aided in culti- vating from the time of early spring planting until crops were harvested in the late autumn. The winter months were devoted to the acquirement of an educa- tion and when a young man he went to New York city, where he engaged in the grocery business for a few years. The broadening opportunities of the middle west, however, attracted him and in 1857 he arrived in Iowa, settling first in Sioux City. There he engaged in teaching, being the first male teacher ever employed in that city. For six years his attention was given to teaching there and in Crawford county, but at length he withdrew from the profession to be- come state representative for the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Com- pany, opening an office in Davenport. He was with that company for eighteen years and had jurisdiction over Iowa and Nebraska, but in 1883 was made super- · intendent of the Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa, of which he re- mained a representative until called to his final rest March 14, 1900. He was considered one of the best insurance men of the state, having intimate and com- prehensive knowledge of the business in principle and detail and so directing his efforts in this field that the clientele of the Equitable Life Insurance Company constantly increased and the business grew to extensive and profitable proportions.

Mr. Martin was married in Onawa, Monona county, Iowa, to Miss Adelia S. Lamb, a native of Wisconsin, who came to Iowa with her father, Curtis Lamb, who in this state followed the occupation of farming. Mrs. Martin was but six years of age at the time of the removal and amid the wild scenes and environment of pioneer life she was reared. She was the first white girl in Sioux City and her father helped to survey that city and lay out the town. By her marriage she became the mother of nine children, but only four are now living: Mrs. Mary L. McVey; Bessie; John C., who is living in Des Moines ; and Truman, who is farming in Polk county.

Mr. Martin was a Methodist, a Mason and a prohibitionist and what further proof could one ask of the nobility of his nature and of the high principles which ruled his conduct. He joined the church when seventeen years of age and was

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ever afterward faithful to his profession, endeavoring daily to exemplify in his life the teachings of the Master. He was also an exemplary representative of the Masonic fraternity, which has its root in the principles of brotherly kind- ness and mutual helpfulness. A stalwart champion of the cause of temperance, he voted the prohibition ticket and in every way did what he could to suppress the drink habit and the crime, evils and misery which grow out of it. He was ever interested in Des Moines and her upbuilding and never hesitated to give active and earnest support to any project of public concern and benefit. His friends -- and they were many-knew that he was ever worthy of trust and con- fidence, for the honorable, upright principles of his life found expression in his daily conduct. He was devoted to the welfare and happiness of his family and his best traits of character were reserved for his own fireside, his family ever finding him a devoted husband and father.

NEWTON W. DIEHL.

One of the most thoroughly cultivated and highly improved farms in Dela- ware township, Polk county, is the property of Newton W. Diehl, who is a na- tive of Henry county, Indiana, his birth occurring on the 27th of September, 1852. His parents, Henry and Mary (Smyser) Diehl, were natives of Pennsyl- vania and on coming to Iowa located on a farm in Buchanan county in 1853. The father was a tanner by trade and followed that occupation in connection with his agricultural pursuits all of his life. He died on the old homestead in 1880 at the age of seventy-four years, but the mother had passed the seventy- seventh milestone on life's journey at the time of her demise in 1884. Seven children were born to this couple but only three are now living, as follows : John, living in Buchanan county, who is married and has a family of ten chil- dren; Henry, who is now living in South Dakota, his wife and children being dead; and Newton W.

Newton W. Diehl was the youngest member of the family, and being but one year of age when they removed to Iowa practically his entire life has been spent in the Hawkeye state. He attended the public schools and assisted his father until he was twenty-one years of age, at which time he left home and traveled through the west for two years. During that period he entered one hundred and sixty acres of land in Nebraska, which he sold later. Upon his return to Iowa he attended school for two more terms and then engaged in farm- ing for himself as a renter. He cultivated leased land for four years. and during that time by close application, perseverance and thrift he was able to accumulate the requisite capital to buy property of his own. He purchased a farm in Wright county, upon which he settled, and after cultivating it for ten years he sold and purchased the place where he now resides. He located upon his present homestead on the Ist of January, 1890, and during the twenty years of his residence has improved the place almost beyond recognition. His resi- dence is one of the best and most thoroughly modern farm houses in the im- mediate locality. He built a house when he first moved upon the place and in 1909 remodeled and enlarged it so that it now contains nine rooms and bath, with ample closet and pantry room. His land is well fenced; he has large and commodious barns and sheds for the shelter of both stock and farming imple- ments ; and his fields are well drained and fertilized. He is progressive in all of his methods and the result is that he harvests abundant crops which com- mand the best prices offered by the markets. Mr. Diehl engages in general farming and stock-raising, in both of which lines he has met with more than moderate success, and has added to his original tract of one hundred and forty

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acres until at the present his farm contains one hundred and seventy-six acres of as valuable land as is to be found in Delaware township.

Mr. Diehl was married November 14, 1875, to Miss Margaret Webb, a daughter of Joseph and Susan (Clow) Webb. Her father was a native of Ire- land but emigrated to the United States in his boyhood, while the mother was born in Pennsylvania. They removed to Iowa and located on a farm in Buchanan county in 1861 and there they both died. To them were born eight children, of whom Mrs. Diehl is the fourth, her birth having occurred on the 2d of June, 1856. Mr. and Mrs. Diehl have become the parents of three chil- dren. Blanche, the eldest, married William A. Luge, of Cherokee county, Iowa, and is now living in Des Moines. Ted E., who was born on the 19th of Octo- ber, 1878, married Elizabeth Wehde, of this county, and they have two children. He lives on a farm in Polk county, upon which in 1904 his father erected a thoroughly modern residence. Lulu, the youngest child, died when small.

The family always attended the services of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which the parents hold membership. Mr. Diehl also belongs to the Ma- sonic fraternity and the Brotherhood of American Yeomen. Ever since acquir- ing the right of suffrage he has supported the democratic party, feeling that the fundamental principles of that organization are best adapted to subserve the interests of the agriculturist. Although he always votes in strict accordance to party dictates at national and state elections, he feels that on local issues it is a matter of the man best qualified to serve the interests of the community at large and casts an independent ballot. During the long period of their resi- dence in this county Mr. and Mrs. Diehl have won the friendship of many people whose regard they still retain, and the hospitality of their comfortable home is always most graciously extended to all.

EDWIN ALLAN PAUL.

Edwin Allan Paul, president of the Jennings Crawford Company, owning and controlling one of the most extensive establishments for the sale of men's furnishing goods in Des Moines, has manifested in his business career the spirit of enterprise and progress which has been the dominant factor in the rapid up- building of the capital city during the past few years. He is yet a young man and the qualities that he has thus far displayed in business seem to promise for him still larger success in the future.

He was born in Keokuk, Iowa, March 25, 1882, a son of Thomas Stephens and Mary (Tigue) Paul. His paternal ancestors came from Scotland and set- tied in Lynn, Massachusetts, about the time of the Revolutionary war, while his maternal ancestors were of English lineage. Thomas S. Paul was a native of Iowa, his father having been one of the pioneer settlers of Keokuk. For many years Thomas S. Paul engaged in the lumber business in Keokuk but at length retired. His wife was born in Yorkshire, England, and came to America with her parents when a maiden of about eight summers, the family settling in Keokuk. The marriage of Thomas S. Paul and Mary Tigue was celebrated in Muscatine, Iowa, although for some years they made their home in Keokuk.

In the public schools of that city Edwin A. Paul pursued his early education. He afterward attended a military academy and the Shattuck school of Fari- bault, Minnesota. and put aside his text-books at the age of twenty years, hav- ing been graduated as valedictorian of the class of 1902. To the business world he then directed his steps, accepting a position with the Collins Heaslip Carpet Company of Keokuk, where he closely applied himself to the duties as- signed him and made his service of such value to the house that in 1906 he was sent to Des Moines to take charge of the firm's business in this city, being made

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manager of the carpet department. He continued with that firm for about three years and then entered upon an independent line, forming a partnership with J. R. Crawford. Buying out F. C. Crowell they established the Jennings Crawford Company, Inc., for the sale of men's furnishing goods at No. 408 Walnut street in 1907. This is among the leading establishments of the kind in the city, having a large and very satisfactory trade. The business is growing year by year under the capable management of Mr. Paul as president and Mr. Crawford as secretary and treasurer. . Both men are typical representatives of the business spirit of the age. Alert and enterprising, they are watchful of every opportunity pointing to success and at all times have conformed their business management to the highest standard of commercial ethics. Mr. Paul has like- wise made investments in property and is now the owner of considerable valu- able farm land in Iowa. It is characteristic of him that he accomplishes what he undertakes. He never falters in the pursuit of a purpose, but with persistent spirit reaches the goal for which he sets out.

On the Ioth of June, 1907, in Des Moines, Mr. Paul was united in marriage to Miss Mary Stevens, a native of Warsaw, Illinois, and a daughter of George and Amelia Stevens, who for the past six years have been residents of Des Moines. Her father is resident manager for Charles Passow & Son, dealers in billiard and pool tables, bar and office fixtures. Mr. and Mrs. Paul have one child, Thomas Stevens, who was born in Des Moines, May 15, 1909.

The parents are members of the Methodist church and Mr. Paul is a popular and valued representative of Hyperion Club and the Commercial Club. He also belongs to the Alpha Kappa Phi fraternity. In politics he is a progressive republican, believing that advancement should characterize political interests as well as business affairs. He does not seek nor desire office but his influence is cast on the side of improvement and he believes that at all times municipal honor should be maintained. In business he has made for himself a creditable record, achieving success not through any fortunate combination of circum- stances or by reason of exceptionally favorable conditions but because he real- ized at the outset of his career that industry, intelligently directed, is the only sure foundation upon which prosperity can be built.

JABEZ CARVER.

Jabez Carver, whose name introduces this record, was the sixth in order township. He worked diligently and persistently in acquiring and equipping his farm and made it one of the valuable properties of the district in which it was located. In all of his business transactions he was strictly honorable and reliable and thus gained the merited confidence, good-will and high regard of his fellow townsmen. Rock county, Wisconsin, numbered him among her native sons, his birth having there occurred on the 23d of May, 1863. He was a direct descendant of one of the Mayflower passengers, the Rev. Carver, and his great-grandfather, Isaac Carver, was a soldier of the Revolutionary war. His father, Jabez Carver, Sr., was born in Pennsylvania in 1823 and settled in Wisconsin during the pioneer epoch in its history. In 1868 he removed to De Kalb county, Illinois, where he followed farming and also worked at the blacksmith's trade. The year 1877 witnessed his arrival in Iowa, at which time he took up his abode in Story county, and after five years removed to Jasper county, where his death occurred in 1886. He married Ellen Jackson, who was also a native of Pennsylvania, and who, surviving him for about eight years, passed away December 2, 1894.

Jabez Carver, whose name introduces this record, was the sixth in order of birth in his father's family of thirteen children. He was reared upon the

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old home farm and attended the public schools of both Illinois and Iowa. When a young man he formed a partnership with his brother and purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land in Clear Creek township, Jasper county, where he carried on stock-raising. After the death of the father the brothers made a home there for the mother and the younger members of the family. Their business relations were maintained until 1893, when they dissolved part- nership and divided the property, Jabez Carver taking as his share one hundred and forty acres. To this he added by purchase from time to time until he owned about three hundred and forty-two acres, which he placed under a high state of cultivation and improvement. In 1903, however, he disposed of a part of this land and removed to Washington township, Polk county, where he invested in two hundred and fifty-three acres. Upon this farm he placed many modern improvements and equipment until his place became one of the finest in his section of the county. He also extended the boundaries of his property until his holdings aggregated three hundred and ninety acres. His entire life was devoted to general agricultural pursuits and a successful career terminated when, on the 29th of October, 1909, he was called to his final rest.

On the IIth of February, 1891, Mr. Carver was united in marriage to Miss Ursula M. Hartung, a daughter of William and Mary (Kopf) Hartung, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father was born near Erfurt, Germany, January 6, 1821, and died March 16, 1911, at the age of ninety years. In 1858 he came to the United States and in the same year settled in Washington town- ship. In 1860 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Kopf, a daughter of John George Kopf, a native of Wurtemberg, who followed farming in that land. Mary Kopf crossed the Atlantic in 1858 and made her way directly to Illinois, whence she came to Iowa in 1859. Mr. and Mrs. Hartung were the parents of six children, as follows : Walter A., living in Aberdeen, Washington ; Anna B., the wife of George V. Mowen, of Washington township, Polk county ; Ursula M., who married Mr. Carver; William J., residing near Maxwell, Iowa; Fred L., also of Aberdeen, Washington; and Mary C., who married Henry Ruifrok, of Des Moines, Iowa. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Carver was blessed with two children, namely: Floyd E., born February 9, 1892, who resides at home and operates the old home farm; and Faith Helen, who was born on the 8th of January, 1901.

The family attend the Evangelical church of Loring, and Mr. Carver con- tributed liberally to its support. His political indorsement was given to the democratic party but he did not seek nor desire office. He served as a school director in Jasper county for a number of years and the cause of education found in him a warm friend. His attention, however, was chiefly devoted to his farming and stock-raising interests and he was particularly successful in the latter department of his business. His life was indeed well spent and gained for him the warm friendship of a great majority of those with whom he came in contact.

LESTER W. BASHAM.

Lester W. Basham, who has acted as office manager and cashier of the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company at Des Moines since 1902, was born in Brayton, Audubon county, Iowa, on the 9th of September, 1870. His father, Joel H. Basham, was one of the early pioneers of Audubon county, coming from Kentucky to this state prior to the Civil war. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Hallock, was the daughter of I. P. Hallock, who took a prominent part in laying out the city of Chicago and also helped drive the

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first stakes for the city of Omaha. Mrs. Sarah Basham was a sister of John Addison Hallock, United States representative in the '70s.

Lester W. Basham obtained his education in the schools of his native county and prepared for the profession of teaching by pursuing a normal course. He taught school in Audubon county during the years 1888 and 1889 and then came to Des Moines, having resided here continuously for twenty-two years. His first position in this city was with the Iowa National Bank, while subse- quently he entered the service of the Mitchell Wagon and J. I. Case Plow Works Company with which he remained for five years, at the expiration of which period he became associated with the firm of Gaar-Scott & Company. In 1902 he became office manager and cashier for the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company and has held the dual position to the present time, having proven himself well qualified to discharge the important duties devolving upon him in this connection.

On the Ist of January, 1898, at Des Moines, Mr. Basham was joined in wedlock to Miss Marie L. Lantz, a daughter of Lloyd Lantz, of Bushnell, Illinois, who participated in the Civil war. Mrs. Marie L. Basham has been a member of the Christian church for twenty-one years. She is very patriotic and charitable and has worked continually and effectively with the Women's Relief Corps, the ladies' auxiliary of the Grand Army of the Republic, serving in all the important offices of Kinsman Corps of Des Moines. She was elected president of the state association of Iowa in 1909 and her administration showed inany excellent results.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Basham has sup- ported the men and measures of the republican party, being convinced that its principles are most conducive to good government. His fraternal relations are with the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a member of the Young Men's Christian Association and attends the Christian Science church. Richly endowed by nature with admirable social qualities, he has, too, the sterling principles which command respect and confidence in every land and clime.

LORAIN G. TOLLES.

Lorain G. Tolles is one of the public-spirited, progressive and influential citizens of Elkhart township, who for many years has been closely associated with the development and improvement of his part of the county. He is one of lowa's native sons, his birth occurring in Mills county on the 9th of March, 1858. His parents, Ceiphas C. and Sylvia (Case) Tolles, were natives of Ohio and New York respectively and came to Iowa about 1846, locating in Mills county. The father, an engineer by trade, was the first county clerk and treas- urer of Mills county, serving in both capacities at the same time. Upon his arrival in that county he opened a gristmill, which he operated for some time, after which he entered land, in the improvement and development of which he was engaged until the time of his death in 1861. For almost a quarter of a century he was survived by his wife, who passed away in 1885.

Shortly after the death of his father Lorain G. Tolles was taken by his widowed mother to Seward county, Nebraska, and there the greater portion of his boyhood was spent upon the claim which his mother had entered. He re- mained with her until fourteen years of age, when he purshased a team of horses and began his business career on a rented tract, operating the farm on shares. In 1878 he returned to Iowa and farmed rented land until 1880, when he purchased forty acres in Washington township, Polk county, which he farmed for two years, and then, disposing of that property, he rented a larger farm, in

MR. AND MRS. L. G. TOLLES

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the operation of which he continued for several years. Subsequently he went to California and was there employed for some time in the lumber districts and Jater engaged in teaming on the timber lands. He remained a resident of the Golden state for two years, and then returned to Nebraska, where he farmed for four years. His next removal took him to Adams county, in the southern part of Iowa, and there he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, to the improvement of which he devoted two years, after which he sold out and again came to Polk county, investing in a tract of eighty acres in Elkhart town- ship. At that time the land was practically unimproved and with characteristic energy he at once began its development and with the passing of the years brought it under a high state of cultivation. In 1905 he invested in another tract of forty acres, so that his farm now consists of one hundred and twenty acres and is one of the valuable and desirable properties in the township. He keeps twelve head of horses and twenty-five head of cattle, and also raises about forty head of hogs annually for the market. Mr. Tolles has recently gone into the stock breeding business and is making a specialty of English shin draft horses. He is a practical business man, utilizing the most improved machinery to cultivate his fields and the most modern methods in the conduct of his affairs, and is justly ranked among the progressive and prosperous farmers of his part of the county.

On the 4th of January, 1877, Mr. Tolles was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Graybeal, a daughter of Peter and Rachel (Rodgers) Graybeal, natives of Vir- ginia and Kentucky respectively. Her father, a farmer by occupation, engaged in that pursuit in Indiana for a time and later removed to Nebraska, where he entered land and upon which he resided until his death. He passed away in 1879, but his wife survived, until 1905. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Tolles have been born four children, as follows: George W., aged thirty-one years, who engages in farming in Polk county; Sarah Estella, the wife of Harvey Satterly, formerly a civil engineer but now a farmer of Franklin township; Pearl, who married John Frederickson, carrying on agricultural pursuits in Douglas township; and Bessie, who at the age of fifteen years is yet attending school.

Mr. Tolles is deeply interested in the public life of the community, is a stanch exponent of progress along all lines and has given his.cooperation to many for- ward movements instituted for the benefit of the district at large. He is a stock- holder in the Farmers Cooperative Produce Company of Des Moines and also in the Bondurant Telephone Company. He gives his political support to the republican party and is now one of the trustees of Elkhart township. He has also served as justice of the peace for years and as school director, and he and his wife are both affiliated with the United Brethren church. He strongly advo- cates all measures which have to do with the material, intellectual or moral de- velopment of the community, and the consensus of public opinion concedes him high place among the prominent and influential citizens of Elkhart township.

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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 140

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