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 141
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THOMAS W. SIMMONS.
Thomas W. Simmons, who is engaged in the livery business in Fort Des Moines, was born in Warren county, Iowa, on the 16th of August, 1866, a son of Bart and Harriet (Hughes) Simmons. The father was a native of Kentucky and the mother of Ohio but they came to Iowa about 1850 and located in War- ren county, where they were later married. Bart Simmons lived with an uncle until the breaking out of the Civil war, when he enlisted and went to the front with the Thirty-fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. At the end of eight months service he returned home, having been discharged on account of disability. As soon as his health was restored he bought a farm in Warren county, which he
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began to clear and improve, increasing his holdings as he was able until he had quite an extensive tract. He continued to reside there, engaged in agricultural pursuits, until he passed away in 1886. His wife still survives and makes her home in Des Moines.
Thomas W. Simmons acquired his education in the district schools of War- ren county prior to the age of thirteen years as at that time he left the parental roof in order to begin work. ' The first seven years after leaving home he was employed as a farm hand but at the end of that period he began farming as a renter. After cultivating leased land for three years he had amassed sufficient capital to enable him to buy forty-seven acres of land, which he cultivated for one year, and then went to Oklahoma. He remained in that state for eight months and then returned to Iowa, where he farmed for two years, after which he went to Springhill, there engaging in the hotel and livery business. He dis- posed of his interests there at the end of seven years and removed to Fort Des Moines, where he owns an excellent stable which is well equipped with good horses and nice vehicles. He has a good patronage and is meeting with marked success in his undertaking, as in addition to his barn and residence he owns three dwellings which he rents and four residence lots in Fort Des Moines.
In October, 1888, Mr. Simmons married Miss Laura Thomas, a daughter of Alonzo and Louisa (Tucker) Thomas. Her parents, who were natives of Illinois, came to Iowa in pioneer days and bought eighty acres of land near Cummings. After cultivating this for several years they removed to Missouri and later went to Kansas, where the mother passed away. The father then re- turned to Iowa, where he continued to live until his demise in 1907. Mr. and Mrs. Simmons have become the parents of two children: Connard J., who has attained his majority ; and Allen A., now in his fourteenth year.
They affiliate with the Christian denomination in their church relationship and fraternally Mr. Simmons is identified with Lodge No. 25, I. O. O. F., and No. 223, of the American Yeomen. Politically he has never affiliated with any party, always casting his ballot for the men and measures he feels are best adapted to subserve the interests of the general public.
JACOB F. SEID.
A well cultivated farm of eighty acres in Bloomfield township pays tribute to the agricultural ability of Jacob F. Seid, whose birth occurred in the prov- ince of Wurtemberg, Germany, on the 21st of August, 1854. His parents, Will- iam F. and Dorothy (Laishtner) Seid, emigrated to the United States and lo- cated in Allen township, Polk county, Iowa, in 1864, where they bought forty acres of unimproved land, which they cleared and cultivated. There the mother passed away on the 18th of November, 1872, but the father survived her until the 22d of July, 1889, continuing to make his home on the farm.
Although but a lad of ten years when he came to the United States Jacob F. Seid had already attended the common schools of his native land for three years, the knowledge he had acquired there being further supplemented by study in the district schools of Polk county. He remained at home with his parents until he was twenty-two years of age, at which time he commenced farming for himself on an eighty acre tract which he rented for ten years. Dur- ing that period by close application, careful management and economy he was able to accumulate the capital necessary to buy the property. Since purchasing his present homestead Mr. Seid has planted a large orchard, erected some out- buildings, remodeled and built an addition to the house and made many lesser improvements, all of which have added to the appearance as well as the value of the property. Everything about the place conveys a suggestion of thrift and
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prosperity, the outgrowth of capable supervision and a careful regard for details.
On the 28th of May, 1885, Mr. Seid married Miss Pauline Eilbert a daughter of Lewis and Fredericka Eilbert, natives of Germany, who located in Polk county about 1883. The father had been a wagon-maker in the fatherland but never followed his trade in this country, always devoting his attention to the cultivation of the farm upon which he' settled when he first arrived. He passed away in Warren county in August, 1905, and the mother survived him until the 2Ist of November, 1907. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Seid: Minnie Louise, who is now nineteen years of age; and Harry Lewis, seventeen years of age. Mrs. Seid passed away on the 16th of November, 1906. She held membership in the German Lutheran church, of which denomination her hus- band and children are communicants.
Mr. Seid is an ardent advocate of the principles of the republican party, always casting his ballot for the support of its candidates. That he is highly regarded by his fellow citizens is indicated in the fact of his election at various times to the different township offices. At present he is trustee of Bloomfield township.
HENRY J. HEMMINGSON.
Elkhart township contains many beautiful country homes and well developed farms, and no more neat nor well developed property can be found in this locality than that of Henry J. Hemmingson, one of the prosperous and progres- sive agriculturists of Polk county. He was born in Lincoln township, this county, on the 2d of February, 1870, a son of John and Elizabeth (Houge) Hemmingson, both of whom were natives of Norway. In the land of the midnight sun the parents were reared and married, and in the '50s they came to the United States, establishing the family home in Polk county, Iowa. The father's first purchase of property here made him the owner of sixty acres in Lincoln township, while by a later purchase he added to his original holdings eighty-five acres adjoining his home place. On that tract of one hundred and forty-five acres he spent his remaining days, his death occurring on the 17th of May, 1889. His wife, who still survives at the age of seventy-eight years, resides in Sioux county, Iowa.
Henry J. Hemmingson, whose entire life has been spent within the borders of Polk county, received his education in the district schools and after complet- ing his studies assisted his father in the work of the home farm until attaining his majority. He then entered the business world on his own account, his initial step being in the capacity of a farm hand, in which he continued for two years. He then rented a farm and began agricultural pursuits independently, operating rented farms for about ten years. At the expiration of that period he invested in one hundred and forty-five acres, eighty-five of which lie in Elk- hart township, while the balance is across the road in Lincoln township. Upon this tract Mr. Hemmingson has recently completed a beautiful new dwelling, equipped with all modern conveniences, while at the rear stand substantial barns and outbuildings. The fields are all enclosed with neat fences and the place is ever kept in a well ordered condition, evidencing the careful and thrifty methods of its owner. It is one of the well improved and valuable properties of this locality and in its cultivation Mr. Hemmingson is meeting with substan- tial and enviable success. He is also a stockholder in the Farmers Cooperative Creamery Company of Huxley, Iowa, and a stockholder in the Farmers Grain Company, also of that city, of Alleman and of Des Moines Junction.
On the 18th of April, 1895, Mr. Hemmingson was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Lande, a daughter of Thor and Sarah (Sydnes) Lande, both of
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whom were born in Fjeldberg, Sydnes, Norway, and at an early day crossed the Atlantic to America. At the outbreak of the Civil war the father enlisted for service in the Union army, serving throughout the entire war as a member of Company E, Ninety-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Later he came to Polk county and was married. Here he invested in a farm in Elkhart township, and that remained the scene of his activities until 1902, when he retired from business and removed to Huxley, Iowa, where he now makes his home. His wife passed away on the 6th of May, 191I.
Mr. and Mrs. Hemmingson are loyal and active members of the Lutheran church, in the work of which they are deeply interested, and in political affairs he gives his support to the republican party. While his life has been quietly passed, his record, nevertheless, contains lessons of value, for it shows what can be accomplished by determined and persistent spirit and honorable dealing. He occupies a position among the prosperous citizens of Polk county and the most envious cannot grudge him his success, so worthily has it been won.
FRANK M. GEIL.
Frank M. Geil, who is now living retired on a forty acre farm in Bloom- field township, is a native of Polk county, having been born in the township where he now resides in October, 1864. He is a son of Noah M. and Sophia Geil, of Pennsylvania, who emigrated to Iowa from Ohio and located in this county about 1857. The father, who was a tanner, had always followed his trade until he came here, at which time he began farming, he and his brother- in-law buying a half section of land three miles north of Saylorville. Later he located on forty acres which he bought near Norwalk, this state. After culti- vating that property for several years he disposed of it and came to Bloomfield township, where he purchased one hundred and eighty acres of prairie land. He cleared and improved this, continuing to cultivate it until 1902, when he sold eighty acres and then retired to Norwalk, where he passed away in January, 1907, having survived his wife for eighteen years, her demise occurring in 1889.
The early years in the life of Frank M. Geil were not particularly different from those of other lads who are reared in the country. His education was acquired in the district schools of this county, and he assisted his father in the cultivation of the home farm until he had attained his majority, at which time he rented eighty acres of land and began farming for himself. He operated this place for three years, during which period he accumulated the necessary capital to buy it. He has improved the place very extensively during the long period of his residence, having erected a fine house and barns as well as out- buildings and fences. For many years he devoted a large proportion of his time to the development of a dairy but has not engaged in agricultural pursuits to any extent for several years. He sold forty acres of his land for three hundred and fifty dollars per acre, which together with a comfortable compe- tence he had already acquired, yields him an income which provides him with all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.
Mr. Geil was united in marriage in February, 1887, to Miss Carrie Lowe, a daughter of Thomas and Julia Lowe, who were natives of Ireland and Scot- land respectively, and for many years were identified with the agricultural in- terests of Iowa. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Geil: Thomas Earl, who has attained his majority, and is living in Polk county; Joseph Roy, eighteen years of age. living at home; and Anna Evelyn, who has passed the seventh anniversary of her birth. On the 26th. of May, 1907, Mrs. Geil passed away and Mr. Geil was married the second time on the 15th of August, 1908. this union being with Miss Katherine Handley, a daughter of Christian and
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Mary K. (Gasser) Handley. Her parents were natives of Germany, who located in Eddyville, Iowa, in pioneer days and there the father was identified with the butcher business for ten years. At the end of that period they removed to Marion county, settling upon a farm which he disposed of in about ten years and then went to Ainsworth, Nebraska, where he again opened a meat market. After conducting this for a time he removed to Norfolk, the same state, where he continued to follow the meat business until his retirement. Mrs. Handley passed away in 1895 but her husband still survives at the vener- able age of eighty-one years and makes his home in Norfolk.
Mr. and Mrs. Geil affiliate with the Christian church. His political views conform to those of the republican party, for whose candidates he always casts his ballot. Although he has never been a man who sought public honors, at the same time he has always given his support to every measure which meant the advancing or protection of the interests of the community where he resided, which fact in itself would make him a desirable citizen in any locality.
MARTIN FLYNN.
At the time of his death Martin Flynn was president of the People's Savings Bank of Des Moines. He had come to America at the age of eleven years with two older brothers and was first employed as water boy in connection with the construction of the Pennsylvania Railroad. It was a far reach to the presidency of a large city bank but through the steps of orderly progression Mr. Flynn reached that position, his record being at all times creditable and inspiring. His history is another proof of the fact that the door of opportunity will open to the demand of intelligently directed industry. His name indicates his nativity, his birth having occurred in County Waterford, Ireland, in 1840.
His father, Martin Flynn, Sr., believing that America afforded greater oppor- tunities than could be secured on the Emerald isle, decided in 1851 to send his two older sons to the United States to learn something of the country and report concerning its advantages. At that time Martin Flynn, eleven years of age, begged so hard to be allowed to accompany his brothers that permission was granted him and in due course of time John, Thomas and Martin Flynn landed at New York city. They made their way to Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Railroad was then being constructed
across the country and gave the eldest brother his opportunity of securing a position as construction foreman. The second brother, Thomas, worked under him and Martin began carrying water for the workmen. A short time afterward John Flynn secured a contract and with the aid of his two brothers began to break stone. About five years later the parents joined their children in the new world and the family removed to Dubuque, Iowa. The sons decided to turn their attention to railroad contracting, at which time the parents took up their abode on a farm near Ottumwa.
Martin Flynn took his first contract when eighteen years of age and aided in the construction of the old Dubuque & Southwestern Railroad and was paid off by the railroad company with a small amount of cash and many due bills together with a number of town lots in the old town of Monticello, Iowa, which property eventually proved to be quite valuable although for many years Mr. Flynn realized no profit therefrom. In 1861 he secured one of his most im- portant contracts when he began the actual building of the Union Pacific Railroad and for four months had sole charge of the preliminary construction work until Indians drove them from the field of operation. He was only twenty-one years of age at that time.
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It was while thus engaged that Mr. Flynn formed the acquaintance of the lady who afterward became his wife and who bore the maiden name of Ellen Keane. She was one of the pioneer school teachers of Douglas county, Nebraska. Her father, Michael Keane, was one of the early settlers of Elkhorn Station, eighteen miles west of Omaha, and there he and his wife, Winifred Keane, lived when the entire surrounding section was an undeveloped district. On the 14th of December, 1864, Martin Flynn and Ellen Keane drove to Omaha, where their marriage was celebrated.
In 1861 Mr. Flynn began the construction of the Northwestern Railway and completed the work to Omaha. He afterward built the Colfax and Kellogg line for the Rock Island Railroad Company and in 1869 built eighty miles of road for the Rock Island Company from Des Moines to Fort Dodge. In 1871 he built the Cincinnati & Southern Railroad from Washington to Sigourney and later the Eastern Tennessee Railroad, tunneling through the mountains of eastern Tennessee, this being one of his largest and most difficult under- takings for many years.
In the meantime Mr. Flynn became interested in other business enterprises and determined to devote at least a part of his time to the raising of cattle. In 1867 he purchased six hundred and forty acres of land about eight miles west of Des Moines from E. R. Clapp and brought from Kentucky to Iowa the first shorthorn cattle in the state. Not willing to settle down upon the farm at that time, however, he went to Wisconsin and built forty miles of the Wisconsin Central Railroad. The profits of that undertaking he then invested in lands. In 1878, continuing his contract work, he built the famous Ratou tunnel for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad in New Mexico. As the years passed he carefully saved his earnings and made further investments in real estate until his land holdings embraced seventeen hundred acres, constituting a very valuable and productive property. He also built the Flynn block at the corner of Seventh and Locust streets in Des Moines in 1884. This is now being improved at a cost of one hundred thousand dollars. He became a factor in banking circles when in 1890 he and C. H. Martin were the principal organizers of the Peoples Savings Bank, of which he was president at the time of his death. He was also at one time connected with the Polk County Savings Bank and he likewise aided in organizing the Des Moines Brick Manufacturing Com- pany. He organized the Flynn Sheep Company at Douglas, Wyoming, where two of his sons are now engaged in caring for about twenty-two thousand sheep. The various undertakings which claimed his attention grew and pros- pered and the years chronicled his substantial success, making him in time one of the foremost business men not only of Des Moines but of this state.
For some years Mr. Flynn suffered from nervous strain and, accompanied by his wife and daughter, traveled extensively in the hope of regaining his health, but after the death of his daughter Nellie his decline was rapid and he passed away on the 18th of July, 1906. In his family were five sons and five daughters, of whom all of the sons and three of the daughters are still living, namely: Thomas F .; Katharine, who married James Bryce, of Des Moines ; John M .. who is on the sheep ranch ; Mary E., the wife of C. F. Miley, of Des Moines; F. P .; W. V., who has charge of the Flynn farm; Winifred, who died at the age of sixteen years; Nellie, who died at the age of twenty- two; Edward J., who is also on the sheep ranch; and Anna Bell, at home.
Mr. Flynn started out for himself a poor boy and one of his chief aims in life was to help others who began as he did without capital. At the time of his death many testimonials on this subject came to his family. What he accomplished represented the fit utilization of his innate talents and powers. He seemed to have accomplished at any one point of his career the possibility for successful accomplishment at that point. He neglected not an opportunity, lost sight of no advantage and his determination and energy enabled him to
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continue steadily forward until he had reached the goal for which he was striv- ing. His example may well serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to others, showing what may be accomplished when one has the will to dare and to do.
FRANK DE FORD.
Among the residents of Valley Junction who wore the blue through those long, perilous days on the southern battlefields, none achieved a more brilliant career than Frank De Ford. He is a native of Illinois, having been born in Bureau county, that state, on the 17th of November, 1845, and a son of William and Elizabeth (Robinson) De Ford. The parents were natives of Ohio but migrated to Illinois in a very early day and settled in Bureau county, where the father engaged in blacksmithing. After some years residence there they again started westward and on the 4th of June, 1846, located in Des Moines, Iowa, the father continuing to follow his trade. He was a progressive, public-spirited man and during the period of his residence in the capital city organized the first brass band in the town. In 1856 he served as mayor and most capably discharged the duties of that office. In 1872 he disposed of his business and shortly there- after he removed to Lexington, Nebraska, where he again pursued blacksmith- ing, continuing in that business until his death in 1892. His wife had passed away in 1853, while they were living in Des Moines.
Frank De Ford obtained his education in the public schools of Des Moines, remaining under the parental roof until he was seventeen years of age, when he responded to the call of his country and enlisted in Company A, Seventh Iowa Cavalry. He immediately went to the front and engaged in active service. He proved to be an alert and capable man and on the 16th of April, 1865, was made eighth corporal, and on the 25th of the following November he was promoted to first sergeant and before he was twenty years of age had been commissioned first lieutenant, receiving his appointment on the 14th of April,
1866. For three years and three months he did military service, faithfully and competently discharging his duties; showing himself to be far more capable on the battlefield than many a man of twice his years. On the 17th of May, 1866, he was mustered out at Fort Leavenworth and, returning to his home, again entered school but remained only about three months. Eighteen months after receiving his discharge he reenlisted in the army and went with General Custer and his brave men into the Black Hills to fight the Indians. He was wounded and returned to Des Moines and as soon as he had recovered he entered a tailor shop to learn the trade. At the end of his period of apprenticeship he removed to Stuart, Iowa, and opened a tailoring establishment, which he con- ducted for eighteen years. He then disposed of his business and located in Valley Junction, engaging in the same line of work. In addition to his tailoring he is the operator of a fine truck farm of twenty acres, which he hires a man to cultivate under his supervision.
Mr. De Ford was united in marriage on the Ist of October, 1876, to Miss Jane I. Clark, a daughter of Alexander and Margaret Clark, the father a native of Virginia and the mother of Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. De Ford have become the parents of five children: Etta M., who is married and lives in Brooklyn, New York; Gerald O., a barber, who is also married and lives in Des Moines ; Judson, who is married and engaged in business with his father; Earl H., studying law at Drake University, Des Moines; and Max F., who died in 1880.
The family attend the services of the Methodist Episcopal church of which the parents are identified by membership. Mr. De Ford is a member of the Knights of Pythias and keeps in touch with his comrades of the war by means
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of his connection with the Grand Army of the Republic. Ever since he attained his majority he has cast his ballot for the candidates of the republican party. He is an ardent champion of the policies of that body and takes an active interest in municipal politics. He has the distinction of having been the first justice of the peace of Valley Junction and is the present incumbent of that office. The discharge of his various duties and his decisions in matters brought before him have met with the general approval of the community as is evi- denced by his continuation in the office.
REV. LESTER PERKINS.
In the death of Rev. Lester Perkins, on the 29th of January, 1911, Des Moines lost a worthy citizen who for forty years had been active in her religious and business circles, his influence in both fields being a force for betterment and advancement.
A native of Jefferson county, New York, he was born November 27, 1828, being in his eighty-third year when called to his final rest. His father, Dr. Solo- mon Perkins, was born in the state of New York, April 2, 1805, and in early manhood took up the study of medicine. He was married January 20, 1825, to Miss Lovina Campbell, who was born March 9, 1808, in the Empire state. Five years after their marriage they removed to Erie county, Pennsylvania, where Dr. Perkins engaged in the practice of medicine and at the same time improved a heavily timbered farm. In politics he was a whig and both he and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mrs. Perkins passed away on the 18th of November, 1854, while Dr. Perkins survived until March 25, 1863.
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