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 148
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The parents and children affiliate with the Episcopal church, while his politi- cal support Mr. Hethershaw accords the democratic party, as he considers that its principles are best adapted to serve the interests of the majority. During the long period of his residence here, despite the discouragement and misfortune he has some times encountered, Mr. Hethershaw has never regretted transfer- ring his allegiance to the United States. He has applied himself faithfully and energetically to whatever he has undertaken and has met with moderate suc- cess in his efforts, and now owns in addition to his fine farm a residence and five lots at Commerce, Iowa.
GEORGE A. DISSMORE.
It is a generally accepted opinion that the commercial sense and the artistic temperament are not usually combined in one person, but George A. Dissmore possesses both and each has found expression in successful accomplishment for he is prominent in banking circles of Des Moines, with which he has been connected for more than a third of a century, and at the same time he is well known for his musical talent which, however, is used merely for his own pleasure and that of his friends.
Mr. Dissmore was born August 3, 1848, in Kendall county, Illinois, and represents an old American family long represented in New England, his great- grandfather having been born at Londonderry, New Hampshire. He was a sea captain and sailed from Salem, Massachusetts, on a merchant sailing vessel for the East Indies. His son, Abraham Dissmore, the grandfather of George A. Dissmore, was born at Londonderry in 1786 and when twelve years of age went on his father's vessel as cabin boy, gradually working his way upward until he succeeded his father as captain when but twenty-one years of age. He was taken prisoner during the war of 1812 and was confined in Dartmouth prison, England, for three years, his cargo being confiscated at the time of his capture. At the close of the war he came home with this vessel and continued sailing for some years. His death occurred in Michigan in 1837. Thomas Dissmore, the father, was born in Londonderry, New Hampshire, in 1822 and died in Colorado in 1894. He wedded Mary E. Hallock, a daughter of Isaac P. Hallock, who traces a direct relationship with Fitz Greene Halleck, the poet, and General Halleck, who at one time during the Civil war was commander in chief of the Federal armies. The spelling of the family name became changed many years ago.
George A. Dissmore acquired his education in the public schools of Earlville, Illinois, and then entered business life as a clerk in a store, while later he was em- ployed in the postoffice at Earlville in 1864-5. In 1866 he came to Iowa and the following year taught school in Audubon county. In 1868 he came to Des Moines and was employed as clerk in the store of H. R. Lovejoy on Second street. He was afterward connected with the store of Isaac Kuhn and then with the B. F. Allen Bank, where he remained until 1875. He was acting as book- keeper of the gas company when the explosion took place at the plant on Second street in 1874. The following year he assisted George H. Maish and H. K. Love in organizing the Iowa National Bank, of which he became the first
GEORGE A. DISSMORE
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bookkeeper, while subsequently he was made teller and later cashier. His active identification with the banking interests of Des Moines covers thirty-six years. In 1901 he organized the Iowa State Bank, of which he became and still con- tinues cashier. His long experience, his comprehensive knowledge of the busi- ness and the high ideals to which he holds in the conduct of the institution have all been factors in the success of what is today one of the strong financial enter- prises of the city. Mr. Dissmore, however, is not wholly concerned in financial interests but has a well developed artistic and literary nature and is the author of a volume on the violin called the Violin Gallery, which treats of violin con- struction and is an aid to old violin connoisseurship. The book has met with a large sale not only in this country but in England. Mr. Dissmore frequently spends his evenings and other leisure hours in violin construction, having manu- factured several fine instruments, using the same kind of woods that were used by the old Italian masters, while the varnish is of his own composition. He has long figured prominently as a factor in musical circles in the capital city, having been leader of an orchestra and band for several years, while his evening hours at home are frequently devoted to violin and piano music.
On the 27th of April, 1886, at Ottumwa, Iowa, Mr. Dissmore was married to Miss Mollie Millisack, daughter of Isaac and Elmina Millisack, and a grand- daughter of Jacob Millisack, a coworker with Henry Lloyd Garrison, Wendell Phillips and other noted leaders of the abolition movement. She is also a granddaughter of Daniel Zollars, whose family furnished a soldier to the Rev- olutionary war, another to the war of 1812, while in the Mexican war Daniel Zollars was a captain and in the Civil war T. J. Zollars held a captain's com- mission. In the Spanish-American war C. O. Zollars entered active service and is now a captain in the regular army, so that the family has been repre- sented in each one of the important wars in which America has become involved. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Dissmore have been born a daughter and son, Evelyn and James Eddy. The former, although but nineteen years of age, is a composer of vocal and piano music of recognized merit. Mr. Dissmore and his family are members of the Christian Science, church and his political opinions are in accord with the principles of the republican party. He belongs to the Golf and Country Club and is well known socially in this city, his musical talent combining with a cordial disposition to render him popular in a large circle of friends and acquaintances.
ROBERT O. BRENNAN.
Robert O. Brennan, city solicitor and one of the instructors in law in Drake University, was born in Des Moines, December 20, 1872, a son of Hugh and Jane Crawford Brennan. The mother, a native of Scotland, died at Des Moines, December 13, 1905, after a residence of thirty-eight years in this city. The father, a distinguished and honored member of the legal profession, has been judge of the district court of the ninth judicial district since 1903.
Robert O. Brennan, following in the professional footsteps of his father, prepared for the bar as a student in the law department of Drake University, from which he was graduated with the LL. B. degree in May, 1894. In June, 1908, the university conferred upon him the Masters degree. In 1895 he became a partner of his father in the practice of law and was associated with him for seven years in the conduct of much important litigation, after which he was appointed assistant county attorney, so serving from the 4th of July, 1902, until September, 1907. For a short period in the early part of 1907, he filled the office of county attorney by appointment of the board of supervisors and on the 8th of April, 1908, he was elected by the mayor and the council as city
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solicitor under the commission plan of government. His two years' service received indorsement in his reelection on the Ist of April, 1910, and in this connection he is bending his efforts to the protection of the legal interests of Des Moines. He is widely recognized as a strong, forceful lawyer and able counselor who has comprehensive knowledge of the principles of jurisprudence and whose application thereof shows careful analysis of his cases and thorough understanding of every phase of the litigation. Since 1907 he has been instructor in the law of torts and public corporations at Drake University.
On the 26th of June, 1901, in Chicago, Illinois, Mr. Brennan was married to Miss Rose A. Cochran, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. P. H. Cochran, who were pioneer residents of Des Moines and died in this city a number of years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Brennan have four children, Madeline, Louise, Frances and Robert. The parents are communicants of the Roman Catholic church and Mr. Brennan holds membership with the Knights of Columbus and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. In more strictly social lines he is connected with the Waveland Golf Club, and his political allegiance is given to the republican party. He cooperates with its progressive element in efforts to bring about the whole- some and purifying reforms which have been gradually growing up in political and social life of the city. He stands for advancement and improvement in all things, and though yet a young man he is accorded a leading place among attorneys of the capital.
CHARLES C. McCORMICK.
Among the younger business men of Des Moines Charles C. McCormick occupies an enviable position. Well educated, genial, courteous and obliging he has made a host of friends, although only recently established in this city. He was born in Terre Haute, Indiana, and is the son of Bertise and Catherine (Whitlock) McCormick. The father is a native of the United States, his parents coming from Ireland sometime before the middle of the nineteenth cen- tury. He is now cashier of the First National Bank at Terre Haute, Indiana.
Charles C. McCormick attended the public schools of Terre Haute, and also took a course in civil engineering at Rose Polytechnic Institute, spending six- teen years in securing his education. He began his active career in the engin- eering department of the Illinois Central Railroad Company at Fort Dodge, Iowa, later going to Missouri upon drainage work for the United States gov- ernment, his duties also calling him to Arkansas. In 1904, he began on his own account in the sand and material business at Terre Haute, but after two years accepted a position in special work with the engineering department of the Evansville & Terre Haute Railroad. Again entering the employ of the government, he went to Arkansas, but the climate proving too severe for his health he remained only a short time. In 1907 he undertook to make a map of the Union Stock Yards at Chicago for the Chicago Junction Railroad. This work required nine and a half months and was brought to a successful comple- tion, the map now being used by all engineers operating at the stock yards. In 1909, Mr. McCormick came to Des Moines and associated with Leon Good- man in handling contractors supplies. The business has prospered from the outset, and the firm is now one of the well established concerns of the city.
Out the 24th day of October, 1905, Mr. McCormick was united in marriage at Terre Haute, Indiana, to Miss Gertrude Theobold, daughter of John and Joyce Theobold. The parents are natives of France and came to America in 1865, Mr. Theobold now serving as general counsel at Terre Haute for the Van- dalia Railroad.
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Mr. McCormick is a stanch Methodist, while his wife is equally sincere in her devotion to the Catholic church. He is also identified with the Young Men's Christian Association and the Grant Club. Politically, he is independent, pre- ferring to cast his vote for the man rather than the party. He is fond of athletics and outdoor sports and was noted as a football player in college. A constant reader of the best books he is well informed as to the world's doings and has not lost his love for literature or the classics. He is endowed with a laudable ambition to advance both in business and the social world, and the suc- cess he has already attained may be regarded as a fair prophecy of brilliant achievements in years to come.
JOSEPH H. JONES.
Joseph H. Jones, who has been for twenty-five years a practicing attorney of Des Moines, was born in Pike county, Illinois, February 19, 1854. His birth occurred in a humble log cabin, the home of a large family presided over by Thomas J. and Martha A. (Freeman) Jones. The father was a native of Vir- ginia, a pioneer Methodist preacher and circuit rider, and took up his home in the wilds of Illinois about 1820, his death occurring in Pike county, in 1865. The mother was a native of Tennessee and a daughter of William Freeman who moved from Virginia to Tennessee and engaged as a planter. The paternal ancestors on the father's side came to America from Wales.
Joseph H. Jones possessed very limited advantages of education in the schools of Pike county and as a small boy attended school for three months in winter, being obliged to travel three miles through the snow to reach the school- house. However, he acquired sufficient education to become a school-teacher and taught for five years in the district schools of Pike county, at the same time studying industriously and thus laying the foundation for a liberal educa- tion. He attended the Gem City Commercial College at Quincy, Illinois, from which he was graduated, becoming a member of the faculty and principal of bookkeeping, commercial law and advanced arithmetic. After two years in this position he served as principal of the Ellington public school of Quincy for a period of two years, also studying law in the office of Colonel W. W. Berry In 1881 he removed to Atlantic, Cass county, Iowa, and was admitted to prac- tice in this state by Judge Joseph R. Reed. After practicing for five years at Cherokee he came to Des Moines in 1886 and soon gained recognition as an in- telligent and successful attorney. He has practiced with various firms, but is now practicing alone, and is highly esteemed by his professional brethren of the Bar Association.
On the 23d of August, 1909, he was united in marriage to Miss Ethel L. Gibson, a native of Des Moines and a member of one of the old families of the city. By a former marriage he has a son, Joseph D., who was born August 29, 1894, and is now living in Des Moines. Politically he belongs to the progressive element of the republican party but has never been a politician, as his interest has always centered in his profession rather than in politics. He has for many years been connected with the Knights of Pythias and was one of the organizers of Xenophon Lodge of Cherokee, Iowa, filling all of the chairs in the lodge and also serving on several occasions as representative to the grand lodge. He formerly held membership in the Grant Club.
He was a poor boy and very early received his introduction to hard work. His father was twice thrown from his horse while making missionary tours; the last accident leaving him a permanent cripple. This occurred about the time of the opening of the Civil war and four of the older sons of the family went into the army, leaving Joseph, then a lad of about eight years, to attend to the work
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of the farm and also to raise sufficient food to provide for the family which consisted of the father, mother, four sisters and himself. He remembers that he could hardly reach to the horses' mouths when he attempted to put on their bridles, nor was he tall enough without great exertion to hold the handles of the plow. Two of his brothers lost their lives in the war and on the return of the surviving brothers he had a quarrel with one of them and ran away from home, walking for many miles until, finally reaching the Mississippi river, he remembered an old friend of his father who lived at Clarksville, Missouri, and this friend had often expressed a desire for Joseph as his son. He prevailed upon a kind-hearted farmer to convey him across the river to his old friend, where he remained for several weeks and then returned to his mother and was finally forgiven for his unexpected departure. He passed through many vicissi- tudes, especially in the earlier years of his life, and no man more keenly appre- ciates a happy home and the congenial associations of family or friends. He has gained a fair share of prosperity in his profession and can claim a host of friends in Des Moines and Iowa who are pleased to give to him their unreserved confidence and profound respect.
FRED W. SWANSON.
Although a young man and just fairly launched on his business career, Fred W. Swanson gives evidence of attaining a prominent place in the well established business circles of Des Moines. He was born at Mason City, Iowa, October. IO, 1886, a son of J. A. and Lena Jacobson (Jorgen) Swanson, the former of whom was born in Sweden and the latter in Norway. The father came to America in boyhood and for a number of years was employed as a locomotive engineer. There were six children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Swanson, namely : John, Oscar, Ida, Ernest, Mabel and Fred W. Our subject's grand- father, Andrew Jorgen, was a soldier of the Civil war, enlisting from Wisconsin. He served during the siege of Vicksburg and participated in many other impor- tant battles and movements of the war. Ernest Swanson is now an officer of the United States navy, holding the rank of lieutenant commander, in charge of the torpedo fleet of the Pacific squadron.
Fred W. Swanson received his early education in the public schools of Mason City, graduating from the high school in 1903. Subsequently he became a stu- dent at Drake University, from which he was graduated in 1907 with the degree of A. B. Having also undertaken the study of law, he entered the law depart- ment of the same institution and was graduated in 1908 with the degree of LL.B. Upon leaving college, however, instead of devoting himself to the profession of law he associated with D. H. Buxton in the Globe Machinery & Supply Company and on January I, 1909, was made general manager of the company, also being the junior partner. This concern is one of the largest of the kind in Iowa and manufactures boilers, engines, steam pumps and engineers', mill, mining and fac- tory supplies upon a very extensive scale. It maintains a general office and store room on West Court avenue, while the factory and shops are located on South- west Seventh street, and as business is conducted upon up-to-date principles the firm has acquired a high standing in the community.
On the 17th of June, 1908, Mr. Swanson was united in marriage to Miss Beatrice Olive Buxton, a daughter of D. H. Buxton, a record of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Swanson have two children: Beatrice Marie, who was born April 24, 1909; Fred W., Jr., born July 19, 1911.
Mr. Swanson is a supporter of the republican party and holds membership in the Christian church. Fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order and socially with different clubs of the city. By his intelligent application he has
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gained a thorough knowledge of the business with which his name is connected and is an active factor in a large and growing enterprise. He represents the type of educated young men who are appearing on the stage of the business world and taking their places at the helm. That he will score a brilliant success is the opinion of those who best know him.
WILLIAM E. MOYER.
William E. Moyer, the proprietor of a handsomely equipped garage at No. 1118 Locust street in Des Moines, is successfully engaged in business as a deale: in automobiles. His birth occurred in Jones county, Iowa, on the 19th of April, 1876, his parents being John Harvey and Susan (Byerly) Moyer. The father was born in Jones county on the 12th of September, 1848, while the mother's birth occurred in Linn county, this state, in July, 1850. John H. Moyer is a carpenter by trade. Unto him and his wife were born five children, as follows: William E., of this review; Fred, who is married and resides in Des Moines ; Clinton, living in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Beulah, at home; and Harl, who also resides in Cedar Rapids. Two brothers of John H. Moyer participated in the Civil war, enlisting from Iowa.
William E. Moyer obtained his early education in the common schools of his native county and afterwards attended Coe College at Cedar Rapids, being graduated therefrom with the class of 1903. He then entered the employ of the Chandler Pump Company at Cedar Rapids and won steady promotion in recogni- tion of his ability and fidelity, holding the important position of assistant man- ager at the time he severed his connection with the concern. Subsequently he became identified with the automobile business in Davenport, serving as manager of the Buck Auto Company for one year. On the expiration of that period he came to Des Moines and undertook the duties devolving upon him as manager of the Sears Auto Company. In July, 1910, he embarked in business on his own account, opening handsome quarters at No. 1118 Locust street, where he has since enjoyed a gratifying patronage as a dealer in motor cars.
On the 10th of April, 1903, Mr. Moyer was united in marriage to Miss Edith Belle Magee, of Marion, Iowa, her parents being John and Margaret (Beck) Magee. Her father, who is now deceased, was at one time a lumberman in the south. Mr. Moyer is a republican in politics and a Methodist in religious faith. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias and is likewise a member of the Commercial Club. Improving the advantages that have come to him, he has made steady progress in the business world and is now one of the prosperous residents of Des Moines.
LOUIS C. KURTZ.
For forty-four years Louis C. Kurtz has been a resident of Des Moines and has been a witness to the wonderful changes that have taken place, making the capital city one of the most beautiful and flourishing centers on the continent. He has been from the commencement of his active career closely identified with the business interests and has shared in the prosperity now visible on every hand. Born November 28, 1867, he is the son of Louis H. Kurtz, of this city, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work.
Louis C. Kurtz grew to manhood under highly favorable conditions and after receiving his preliminary education in the Des Moines schools, pursued a business course in a college at Atchison, Kansas. He then became identified
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with his father in the hardware and sheet metal business. After working for three years, during which time he learned the trade, he entered the hardware store of which his father was the head and has ever since been connected with that line.
The Kurtz firm has long been prominent in the plumbing and heating line and have equipped many of Iowa's finest public and business structures. Later departments devoted to the wholesaling of plumbing and heating supplies were added and they were the' first jobbers of plumbing supplies in this city. The business was incorporated in 1902, as the L. H. Kurtz Hardware Company, our subject becoming the first secretary and manager of the concern. Under capable management the business has grown to large proportions and is now the most important enterprise of the kind in Des Moines. Our subject is also presi- dent and director of the Des Moines Sheet Metal Company and a director of the German Savings Bank.
On the 23d of June, 1896, Mr. Kurtz was united in marriage to Miss Alice E. McDonnell, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. N. S. McDonnell. The father is the head of the McDonnell Boiler & Iron Works of Des Moines and is one of the well known and highly respected citizens. Mrs. McDonnell passed away June 15, 1876. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Kurtz has been brightened by the ar- rival of three children: Clarence N., Louis Henry, and Bernard N.
Mr. and Mrs. Kurtz are devoted members of the Catholic church, and she is an active worker in the Des Moines Women's Club and the Literary Club. Politically Mr. Kurtz is a strong believer in the principles of the republican party and gives its candidates his hearty support. On May 1, 19II, upon the recom- mendation of Senator Albert B. Cummins, he was appointed postmaster of Des Moines and assumed charge of the office the Ist day of the following June.
Outside of his business activities Mr. Kurtz has given liberally of his time and energies to service to the public and every movement looking to the civic betterment of his native city has had his hearty cooperation. He served for eight years as member of the school board and was three times selected as its presi- dent. He was a member during the period of consolidation of the various school districts and to his labors are due in no small degree the present high efficiency of the public-school system. He was one of the pioneers in the agitation for the river front improvements and was one of the early members of the Greater Des Moines Committee, and also served for four years as chairman of the execu- tive committee of the Auditorium board.
Socially Mr. Kurtz is connected with the Knights of Columbus, the Elks, and the Grant, New Des Moines, Hyperion and Commercial Clubs. He is built upon a liberal and progressive scale, which sees hope where another, less discerning, might perceive nothing but disappointment. He is sociable, energetic and open to the truth from whatsoever source it may come, and by application of correct principles, he has attained merited success. The family residence is at 963 Twenty-first street.
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