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 15

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 15

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William Watt, having arrived at years of maturity, wedded Miss Helen Kerr, whose parents, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Kerr, came to America from Glasgow, Scotland. Mr. Kerr was a carpenter and builder. His wife was well trained in the household arts and Mr. Watt of this review well remembered his grand- mother spinning at a high wheel and running back with the thread. Practically all the garments worn by the family at that time were homespun. He also remembered his grandfather Kerr making agricultural implements, plows and other machinery needed on the farm.

Until thirteen years of age James Watt was a pupil in the schools of Val- cartier, Quebec, after which the family removed to Canada West, settling on a farm in Huron county near Goeri. For some years thereafter his time was largely devoted to the arduous work of the farm, which was hewed out of heavy timber in the "Queen's Bush." He drove oxen and did all kinds of farm work for seven years. At night he would study by the pine fire and at length managed to obtain a third class certificate for teaching school. He would do the chores at home and then walk two miles to the school, which had an average of forty pupils, though in winter, when the older children of the family could attend, his school often numbered seventy-five. Every available moment he used in study and at the end of three years won a first class certificate-this being the highest grade. It was one of the happiest moments of his life when that certificate was granted. It represented not only the accomplishment of a purpose but seemed to him to open a broader field of labor and opportunity. He then left Canada for the United States, at length arriving in Milwaukee. He decided that winter to attend Spencer's Commercial College but left before the time of graduation, in the spring of 1867. It was his desire to become a civil engineer and he started for the west, hoping that his ambition might some day be accomplished. He landed from a stage coach at Fort Dodge, Iowa, and registered at a hotel. The cuisine was not extensive, for they ground wheat by hand and about the only meat furnished was prairie chicken.

Mr. Watt started at once to find work, for when he reached his destination his cash capital had been reduced to forty dollars. He went to the courthouse to see the surveyor, who, however, was out at work, but a brother of Governor Carpenter was in one of the offices and treated Mr. Watt very kindly until the engineer, Mr. Killam, came in. The latter told Mr. Watt that he had no place for him but Mr. Watt replied that he was anxious to learn the business and that if Mr. Killam would board him he would work for him and pay four dollars a week. The proposition was favorably received and he accompanied Mr. Killam home. The large family, mostly girls, made his life there very interesting. That his service was satisfactory to his employer is indicated by the fact that after four weeks he was told that he need not pay any more board. While with Mr. Killam he aided in laying out a cemetery, the one in which the remains of Sena- tor Dolliver were recently interred. Mr. Watt realized that his employer was not well educated and was getting the benefit of his trigonometry and Euclid. Learning that a new railroad was to be built into Des Moines, he took the stage coach and made his way to the capital city, arriving on the 4th of July, 1865. On that day there was a balloon ascension at the capital square but the balloon was caught in the tree tops as it arose. The method of aerial navigation at that day was in marked contrast to what is being accomplished at present.

The Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific were just laying tracks into Des Moines and Mr. Watt sought work of the engineer, who, though very kind, told him that there was no place for him. His funds were so nearly exhausted that he gladly accepted employment with the street commissioner, who placed him with a gang of shovelers, with whom he worked for a month, cutting down a street east of the capital. Under a burning August sun this was the hardest work which he ever did and ever afterward he had the greatest sympathy for men engaged in that kind of labor. About that time Mr. Watt's father came to Des Moines with

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the intention of locating on a farm. He did not have much money but said if his son James would carry on a little grocery store he would put in all the capital he had. The proposition was accepted and James Watt went to Chicago, where he purchased the stock. Mr. Watt managed to pay him at the end of two years and though it was difficult to keep going for a time, prosperity at length crowned his industry, determination and perseverance. He carried on business as senior partner of the firm of Watt & Cochran, which was succeeded by Watt, Cochran & Sperry, later Sperry, Watt & Garver and in time was incorporated as the War- field, Howell, Watt Company. Thus passed a period of thirty years, in which Mr. Watt made steady progress in business, the scope of his trade being con- stantly extended until he was recognized as one of the largest and most pros- perous merchants of the city. Three decades having been thus passed, he spent a year in forwarding supplies, on a commission, to concentradoes during the Spanish-American war, after which he turned his attention to banking and for over ten years, or for the remainder of his life, was connected with the German Savings Bank of Des Moines. As president of this institution he followed a policy that commended the bank to the confidence and patronage of the public, for his progressiveness was tempered by a safe conservatism and his judgment in financial as well as in mercantile circles was found to be seldom, if ever, at fault. His cooperation was sought along many other business lines and many corporate interests felt the stimulus and benefited by the cooperation of one who was recognized as a most strong and forceful factor in business circles. Aside from the presidency of the German Savings Bank he was chosen president of the Farm Property Mutual Insurance Company, the Iowa Mutual Hail Insurance Company, the Farmers Bank of Carlisle and the Bevington Bank. He was like- wise vice president of the Des Moines Ice & Cold Storage Company and the Century Lumber Company and was treasurer of the Great Western Accident Company.

Mr. Watt was united in marriage to Miss Mary C. Kirkman, a daughter of the Rev. Karl Frederick Kirkman, a Methodist minister, who engaged in preach- ing in both German and English. Her mother is still living at Monroe, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Watt were in entire sympathy in their benevolent and charitable work. Mrs. Watt is an active member of the board of the Business Women's Club in this city and also devotes much time to the Home for the Aged and other charitable institutions. Mr. Watt was president of the Iowa Humane Society and secretary of the Home for the Aged. He was reared in the Presby- terian faith and instructed in both the longer and shorter catechism. After his marriage he was for many years an active member of the Methodist church but was not affiliated with any denomination at the time of his demise. The last sermon which he heard was in Westminister Abbey in London, in 1909, when he saw the splendid statue erected to the man that he was always proud to claim as an ancestor, James Watt, the inventor of the steam engine. He became a charter member of Des Moines Lodge, No. 29, K. P., but was not active in the organization for some time prior to his death. He was a republican in politics and was a member of the Grant Club. He also belonged to the Commercial Club and served as president of that organization. It is well known that his cooper- ation could always be counted upon to further movements for the benefit and upbuilding of Des Moines and for the furtherance of charitable and benevolent work. His sympathy reached out to all mankind but more especially to those upon whom an untoward fate seemed to have laid heavy burdens. In his own business career he proved that it is under the stimulus of adversity and the weight of necessity that the strongest and best in men is brought out and developed.

The April, 1911, number of the Midwestern Magazine said :

"As the Midwestern goes to press, word has just reached us of the sudden passing away of one of the bravest, sweetest, truest souls that we have ever known, James Watt, president of the German Savings Bank. Here was a man in the

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great sense of the word. He was so true to the best in himself, so regardful of others, so beautiful in spirit, so great in carrying out big schemes for the good of others, that all who knew him did him honor in their hearts. In business, his name stood for absolute fidelity, for good judgment, for big fairness and generous dealing. In his home life, he was ideal, the protection and strength of his dear ones. Some years ago, at the death of James Callanan, he was elected president of the Iowa Humane Society and has held the office continuously since his elec- tion. It was here that the real man shone forth. He loved the work. He gave generously to it of his time and his money. In every emergency he was ready with personal aid. No detail of the work was too small for his attention and his heart went out to every suffering creature, whether human or beast.

"He had the simplicity and sweetness that belongs to all great spirits. His horses loved him. The boys at the bank held him in honor and affection. Every business man trusted him entirely. And in humble homes all over the city there were tears shed at the departure of the best friend these poor people had ever known.

"Such a spirit can never be lost to the world and must have stepped into a greater, more beautiful life when the door closed upon him and shut him from mortal vision. But such a friend, so dear, so loyal, so great-hearted, can never be replaced to us. Blessed be his memory .- Carolyn M. Ogilvie."

BERNHARDT J. NESS.

On the roster of county officials appears the name of Bernhardt J. Ness, who is now filling the position of sheriff of Polk county, and the prompt, fearless and impartial manner in which he discharges his duties has made him a most worthy official in that office. He was born in Story City, Iowa, January 17, 1877, and is a son of John Ness, a native of Norway, who came to the United States in the early '6os, and settled in Story City, Iowa, where he followed the shoe- maker's trade. He died in 1879, leaving his son to the care of the widowed mother, Mrs. Lena Ness.

In the public schools of his native city Bernhardt J. Ness pursued his educa- tion until eleven years of age, when in 1888 the family removed to Des Moines, where he again attended school for a short time, but at the early age of twelve years he was obliged to lay aside his text-books and enter business life. He turned his attention to the printer's trade, at which he worked until after the outbreak of the Spanish-American war, when he enlisted in the Fifty-first Iowa Infantry, as a member of Company A. With that command he went to the Phil- ippines and served until the 2d of November, 1899, when he was mustered out. having met the usual hardships and experiences of campaigning in the tropics. On his return to Des Moines he entered the employ of the Iowa Telephone Com- pany until Colonel Loper, under whom he had served in the Philippines, was elected sheriff, and Mr. Ness entered his office in the capacity of deputy, which position he filled for five years. His experience and training in that connection well qualified him for the office which he is now filling, and to which he was elected in 1908. He is an active, popular and trustworthy official, standing fearlessly in defense of law and order.

On the 30th of November, 1899, Mr. Ness was married to Miss Ella P. Mil- ler, a native of Washington, D. C., and unto them has been born a son Delmer N., born November 6, 1901. Mr. Ness is prominent in masonic circles, belong- ing to Home Lodge, No. 370, A. F. & A. M .; Antioch Chapter, No. IIO. R. A. M .; Asylum Temple, No. 4, K. T .; and Des Moines Consistory, No. 2, S. P. R. S. He likewise belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias and other societies, and is a prominent and valued mem-

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ber of the Grant, Hyperion, Waveland and Grand View Clubs. His social qualities render him popular in these organizations, for he is a man of genial nature and cordial disposition, who easily wins friends, while his many good qualities enable him to retain the high regard once gained.

NORMAN DENSMORE.

The business record of Norman Densmore is such as any man might be proud to possess, for he has never made engagements that he has not kept nor incurred obligations that he has not met. He enjoys in unusual degree the con- fidence and respect of his colleagues and contemporaries. He has now passed the eighty-first milestone on life's journey yet still remains an active factor in the world's work. Old age need not necessarily suggest idleness or want of occupation. There is an old age which grows stronger and brighter as the years pass and gives out of its rich stores of wisdom and experience for the benefit of others. Such is the record of Norman Densmore, who in 1906 was elected to the presidency of the Iowa Mutual Tornado Insurance Association and has since made his home in Des Moines.

He was born in the state of New York, September 19, 1829. His father, Orrin Densmore, and his mother, Elizabeth (Fowler) Densmore, removed with their family to Wisconsin in 1846 and in 1856 became residents of Minnesota, where the father remained until his death. At one time he was extensively in- terested in the lumber industry there but the later years of his life were de- voted to educational work, during which period he served as assistant state superintendent of public instruction. He passed away in 1878, and his wife died in Minnesota in 1896.

Norman Densmore began his education in the public schools of New York and continued his studies in Wisconsin, after which he engaged in farming and also followed the profession of school teaching for several terms. In early man- hood he was likewise engaged on the construction work of the Chicago & North- western Railroad and was present at the laying of the first rail and also when the last rail of the division was laid at Mason City, Iowa. Industry and diligence have ever been numbered among his chief characteristics and have been the salient features in the consecutive progress which he has made. In 1877 he removed to Cerro Gordo county, Iowa, where to took up the occupation of farming and was thus identified with agricultural pursuits until 1892, when he retired from active work, although he is still financially interested in farming and is the owner of large landed possessions. His integrity as well as his diligence in business affairs constituted an element in his splendid success. Moreover, it has been characteristic of Mr. Densmore that he has carried forward to successful comple- tion whatever he has undertaken. In 1892 he entered the insurance business in Mason City and found this also a profitable field of labor. He bent his energies to a thorough mastery of the business, familiarizing himself with insurance in every department. In 1906 he came to Des Moines and accepted the presi- dency of the Iowa Mutual Tornado Insurance Association and is now the chief executive officer of a corporation which has made for itself a substantial name and place in the insurance circles of the country.

In 1853 Mr. Densmore was married to Miss Delia Webster, a native of New York, the marriage having been celebrated in Illinois. They now have four living children: Ray, chief clerk with the American Bridge Company of Chicago; Mrs. Elsie Joyner, of St. Paul; Ora A., a practicing physician of Ma- son City, Iowa ; and C. Webb, a lieutenant in the United States navy. A son, Ellis, died in Alabama at the age of twenty-two years and a daughter, Iva, passed away in Wisconsin at the age of five years.

NORMAN DENSMORE

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In politics, since the organization of the party, Mr. Densmore has been an active republican and a leader in the party ranks. He served in the twentieth and twenty-first general assemblies of Iowa and left the impress of his individ- uality upon the legislation enacted during those sessions. He is usually found where the intelligent men are gathered in the discussion of questions of vital im- portance to the public and, as few men of his years do, keeps in close touch with the questions of the day and the trend of modern thought and progress. He was a promoter of the first successful cooperative elevator insurance com- pany in Iowa, being the founder of the Rockwell Farmers Cooperative Society and the principles used by all successful organizations of that kind. When com- mission men in the great grain markets of Chicago and Iowa shipping points refused to handle grain shipped to them by cooperative societies, Mr. Densmore called together the cooperative men of Iowa. About seventy of them met at Rockwell and formed the Iowa Farmers Cooperative Grain Dealers Associa- tion, now numbering twenty-five hundred members. Now every commission merchant in the country is only too glad to get cooperative grain. At the last annual meeting of the association, Mr. Densmore was present and addressed the meeting. He was greeted with loud applause when he came into the hall, for the farmers appreciate what he has done for them.

JAMES B. GREEN.

The name of Green has been prominently identified with Des Moines in con- nection with the foundry business for fifty years or more, the subject of this review representing the second generation of the family and being now at the head of one of the leading establishments of the kind in the city. He is a na- tive of Des Moines, born November 10, 1867, a son of Samuel and Jennie Green. The father came to Des Moines in 1857 and is, now living retired after. many years of activity, in the course of which he acquired an honorable reputation ·on account of his sterling character and his sound business ability.

He began in this city entirely without financial resources, turning his hand to anything he could find to do in order to provide the absolute necessities of life and he is, therefore, truly the architect of his own fortune, also being the first foundryman in Des Moines. One of the first employments which he found was in making repairs upon the old Groat House, which stood on Court avenue. southwest of the state house. It was one of the fashionable hostelries of the town in the early days and headquarters of the state officers and members of the legislature. Later he secured employment as foreman, molder, melter, pattern- maker and general utility man under H. M. Hemmenway, who was at the head of a small foundry on East Walnut street between First and Second streets.

In 1859 Mr. Green put together the first reaper that was seen in Polk county, and he soon gained an enviable reputation on account of his mechanical ability. In 1867, although having very limited resources, he decided to embark in busi- ness upon his own account and accordingly leased a lot at the corner of Third and Vine streets, where he built a foundry at an expense of two hundred dol- lars. After the first blast was turned out, however, the books showed a loss of seven hundred dollars. This was highly discouraging but, encouraged by his wife, he took hold with renewed energy and by industry, economy and good judgment he soon caused a turn of the tide and it became necessary to move into larger quarters. Accordingly he purchased ground on Second street, oc- cupied by the Dippert harness shop, the old Frank Allen Bank building and also a structure containing the law office of Judge Casady. After tearing down these buildings he erected a two-story brick structure, later developing the plant Vol. II-7

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upon an extensive scale and attracting a large patronage. After taking his sons into partnership he retired in 1904 and is now enjoying a well earned leisure.

Politically he has always been a thoroughgoing republican, although his father and his brothers were radical democrats. He has never sought public office, although frequently urged to assume responsible positions, and when he entered into partnership with his sons he exacted a pledge that no member of the firm should be connected with political office, a pledge that has been rigidly observed. He has been greatly interested in educational, religious and tem- perance movements and has been an active member of the Good Templars and a conscientious supporter of the cause of labor. He is a member of Capital Lodge, No. 106, I. O. O. F., and has served as treasurer of that organization, being also identified with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Religiously he gives his adherence to the Methodist church.

The first home which he and his family occupied in Des Moines was a build- ing of one and one-half stories, with four rooms, on the river front opposite the present city library. The shingles and sidings of this house were of black walnut, Mr. Green paying one dollar and a half per hundred feet for the lum- ber. After living in this house for four years he built another on East Second and Locust streets, where he made his home for twelve years, removing to 71I East Locust street, where he lived for sixteen years, and thence to the beautiful residence at Fourteenth street and Capital avenue, which he now occupies.

James B. Green gained his early education in the public schools, receiving his business training under his father, with whose plans and ideas he early became imbued. Since the retirement of his father Mr. Green has been the owner and manager of the Des Moines Stove Repair Company, to which con- cern he has devoted his attention closely and with highly satisfactory results. He is recognized among his associates as a clear-headed business man, whose ad- vice it is safe to follow and whose financial success is the certain evidence of his ability.

June 14, 1894, Mr. Green was united in marriage to Miss Fannie Chase. a daughter of Colonel and Mrs. R. L. Chase, of Des Moines, and they are the parents of three children : Samuel C., who was born May 25, 1895, and is now a student in the high school; Frederick R., born May 23, 1897, also attending the high school, and Doris, born April 7, 1903. Mr. Green is socially promi- nent and is identified with the New Des Moines, Country, Grant, Commercial. and Hyperion Field and Motor Clubs. He is an ardent advocate of outdoor amusements as a relaxation from the cares of business and takes special interest in motoring. He is accounted one of the strong factors in the industrial devel- opment of Des Moines and is justly accorded a high place in the estimation of the best citizens.

FRANK P. FLYNN.

The name of Flynn has long been an honored one in Des Moines where it has been recognized for many years as a synonym for development and ad- vancement in business and for initiative spirit resulting in the establishment and control of important business and financial concerns. Des Moines is the native city of Frank P. Flynn, his birth having here occurred on the 22d of Novem- ber, 1873. He is a son of Martin and Ellen (Keane) Flynn, the former a splen- did type of the self-made man who, believing that better opportunities could be secured in America than in his native Ireland, came to the new world, and although empty-handed at the time, worked his way steadily upward until he reached the heights of prominence and affluence. He was well known as a railroad contractor and builder for many years, was the pioneer in the introduc-

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tion of shorthorned cattle into Iowa and in time dealt extensively in farm lands as well as city property. He also became a factor in banking circles and in manufacturing enterprises as organizer of the Des Moines Brick Manufactur- ing Company.

In his business career Frank P. Flynn has proved himself a worthy successor of his father. Not forced by circumstances to take the initiative as his father did, he has nevertheless given evidence of power and force in business man- agement and control. His education was acquired in St. Ambrose school of Des Moines `and in the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, where he devoted three years to the scientific course and was graduated with the commercial class of 1889. Soon after putting aside his text-books he entered the Peoples Sav- ings Bank on the Ist of June, 1890, in the humble capacity of bank collector, but after a brief period his ability won him promotion and through intermediate positions he has progressed, step by step, to the position of vice president, which he is now filling, and is also interested with his brother in the ownership of an extensive sheep ranch in Wyoming and other business enterprises.

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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 15

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