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 16
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Mr. Flynn belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and also holds membership with the Modern Woodmen, the Knights of Pythias and the Knights of Columbus. He belongs to the Roman Catholic church and in social relations is connected with the Grant, Golf and Country and Hyperion Clubs. In politics he is a progressive republican. His only official service has been that of school treasurer, which position he filled for one term of two years. He is an excellent example of the wide-awake, energetic and alert young busi- ness man of the present day and he is proving his worth in the control and man- agement of important business interests.
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GEORGE B. HIPPEE.
Business interests are constantly becoming more complex, and in this age where competition is rife it requires the keenest discernment and most clear- headed judgment to successfully manipulate, develop and control extensive and important business concerns. Adequate to the demands of the time in business affairs, George B. Hippee is now president of the Des Moines City Railway Company, general manager of the Interurban Railway Company and also an official in other corporate interests, the success of which is due in no small meas- ure to his ready solution of intricate and involved business problems. He had been one of the prime factors in the development of the present street car sys- tem of Des Moines, unsurpassed in a city of this size anywhere throughout the country, and also in the establishment of the only interurban railway system of Polk county. Des Moines is proud of his record as that of one of her native sons. He was born on the Ist of January, 1860, a son of G. M. and Eliza ( Page) Hippee, who are mentioned elsewhere in this volume.
At the usual age George B. Hippee became a pupil in the public schools and when he had largely mastered the courses of public instruction here he went to Wooster, Ohio, to become a student in the university of that city. Through- out much of his life he has been identified with banking, his initial business ex- perience coming to him as clerk in the Valley National Bank of Des Moines. In 1883 he joined with Simon Casady in the conduct of the Des Moines Bank, of which he became cashier, and later he was cashier of the Des Moines Savings Bank, which represented the consolidation of the Des Moines Bank and the Union Savings Bank. He left the Des Moines Savings Bank, however, in 1889, when he became interested in the Des Moines Street Railroad Company as gen- eral manager, in which connection he has been a prime mover in the development of the street railway interests of Des Moines and the transformation of the old
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horse-car line to the present electric-equipped modern system. He has studied the question of urban transportation in every phase, has watched what has been done in city railway building and equipment elsewhere and has been quick to suggest the adoption of any feasible plan for the benefit and development of the system in Des Moines. He continued as general manager until January, 1908, when he was elected to the presidency of the Des Moines City Railway Company. He is also general manager of the Interurban Railway Company which with Des Moines as a radiating center is extending its lines in every direction, bring- ing surrounding towns and cities into close connection with the capital. This is the only interurban road operated in Polk county, but the residents of this part of the state feel no need for another as the work of the Interurban Railway Com- pany is being steadily and rapidly pushed forward, lines being built to many cities and towns fifty or more miles away. Mr. Hippee is also secretary and treasurer of the Union Improvement Company and president of the Union Securities Company, and is thus operating in the financial and real-estate circles of the city.
On the 16th of March, 1887, in Des Moines, Mr. Hipple was married to Miss Mildred Polk, a daughter of Jefferson S. Polk, of whom extended mention is made on another page of this volume. Their children are: George Polk, who married Ruth Easton and is a resident of Des Moines; Herndon Page; Mildred ; and Mary.
Mr. Hippee is recognized as a leader in the ranks of the republican party in Des Moines, his stalwart support thereof indicating his firm belief that the prin- ciples of the party will best conserve the welfare of state and nation. He be- longs to the Masonic fraternity in which he has attained the Knight Templar degree, and he has also passed through all the chairs of the Knights of Pythias lodge. He holds membership in Grant Club, the Hyperion Field Club and in the Golf and Country Club, and while an extremely busy man yet finds time for those social interests which are factors in the development of every well balanced life. Forceful and resourceful, he has long wielded a wide influence in business circles and his successful accomplishment of his projects has been an element in the city's growth and improvement as well as in his individual prosperity.
MORTON E. WELDY.
Of the younger members of the legal profession in Des Moines probably none are better known than Morton E. Weldy, who for a period of seven years has been successfully engaged in the practice of law in this city. A native of Iowa, his birth occurred in Oskaloosa on the 18th of March, 1878, his parents being David M. and Dora C. (Knapp) Weldy. The father, who was a Civil war veteran, was a carpenter by trade and for many years engaged in contract- ing but during the later days of his life he followed agricultural pursuits. The maternal ancestry of Mr. Weldy can be traced back to the Pilgrim Fathers, some of the Knapp family having come over in the Mayflower.
Reared at home, the preliminary education of Morton E. Weldy was ac- quired in the district schools but after completing the usual course he entered the high school at New Sharon, Iowa, from which he was graduated in 1892. The following autumn he matriculated at the Iowa State Normal School but later entered the Iowa State University, from which he was graduated with the de- gree of B. A., in the class of 1899. Subsequently he taught English and Greek for three years, but having decided to adopt the legal profession for his voca- tion he later entered the Harvard Law School, being given his degree in 1904. Immediately following his admission to the bar Mr. Weldy came to Des Moines, becoming a junior member of the firm of Bowen & Brockett, who had offices
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in the Youngerman block. He withdrew from this partnership at the expira- tion of three years, engaging in practice by himself. From 1908 to 1910 he was dean of the law department of Highland Park College, a rather unusual dis- tinction to be conferred upon a man of his years and experience.
On the 16th of May, 1905, Mr. Weldy married Miss Helen Longswell, a daughter of President O. H. Longswell of Highland Park College, and unto them have been born two children: Margaret A. and Morton E., Jr. They both hold membership in Plymouth Congregational church and are enthusiastic workers. Formerly Mr. Weldy was a deacon in the church and is now the superintendent of the Sunday school, while his wife assists in the work of the various societies and the Sunday school. She is also identified with the Wom- en's Club of Des Moines as well as the North Side and History and Literature Clubs. Fraternally Mr. Weldy affiliates with the Young Men's Christian Asso- ciation, the Harvard Club, University Club, Hyperion Field and Auto Club, Des Moines Law Club, Commercial Club, Ad Men's Club and the Congrega- tional Club of Des Moines. He is also a member of the State and Polk County Bar Associations. In addition to his many professional and social duties Mr. Weldy finds time to contribute to the columns of several legal journals, and he is also president of the Huntwell Publishing Company.
His political support Mr. Weldy always accords the republican party and that he stands high in the esteem of the local organization is attested by the fact of his being secretary of the Polk county central committee. Although the period of his residence in Des Moines has been comparatively brief, it has nevertheless, been of sufficient length to convincingly demonstrate to those who have come in contact with him that he is a man of high principles, trustworthy and loyal in his obligations both to his clients and the public.
WILLIAM H. MITCHELL.
Few residents of Polk county have begun life under more favorable condi- tions than William H. Mitchell, whose name introduces this sketch, and few have more highly prospered. He is now the owner of a valuable farm in Bloom- field township and is recognized as one of the substantial citizens who give strength and stability to the community. He was born in Des Moines county, Iowa, September 15, 1859, a son of Daniel R., and Sarah J. (Miller) Mitchell, record of which appears elsewhere in this work.
Educated in the district schools of Bloomfield township, William H. Mitchell grew up under the favorable conditions of a happy home, and. as a boy evinced an interest in agricultural pursuits that has continued with him during all the years that have elapsed. He continued working under his father until he was twenty-five years of age, and then began upon his own account by renting the home farm of six hundred and forty acres, which he cultivated with a goodly measure of success for four years. In 1888 he bought eighty acres of his father, which he improved by erecting thereon a handsome residence and substantial buildings, and developing the productiveness of the land by proper rotation of crops until it became much more valuable than it was originally. In 1908 he sold his farm to his brother, John C., and bought eighty acres across the road from his former place. He has also improved this property and has acquired more land, being at the present time the owner of two hundred and sixty acres, which under his skilful management is becoming one of the most valuable posess- sions of its size in this part of the county. He carries on general farming and usually keeps about fifty head of cattle, fifteen head of horses and sixty head of hogs. As his stock is all of good grade he generally receives the best prices quoted in the market for what he has to sell.
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On the 24th of February, 1885, Mr. Mitchell was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Youtz, daughter of Reuben J., and Harriett (Miller) Youtz, record of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell, namely : Morton L., who attended college at Indianola, Iowa, and is now twenty-two years of age; Daniel R., now twenty years of age and living at home ; Elmer R. and Ella R., twins, who are eighteen years of age and attend- ing high school at Indianola; and William Hoyt, who is living at home and is ten years of age.
Mr. Mitchell and his family are stanch believers in Christianity and are affil- iated with the Methodist church. Politically he has given his support to the republican party ever since arriving at the age of manhood. He has never sought the emoluments or honors of public office, but as a patriotic citizen, who assists to the extent of his ability in advancing the interests of his township and county, he has served as member of the school board and also for ten years as township trustee. He is well and favorably known in various sections of the county as a man of excellent traits of character, whose life has won for him the respect of all with whom he has come into contact.
JOHN LLOYD RENDALL.
Among the practitioners of Christian Science in Iowa it is doubtful if any one stands higher than John Lloyd Rendall who for nine years past has made' his home in Des Moines. He is a native of Devonshire, England, born April 29, 1868, a son of James and Mary (Lloyd) Rendall. The father was a commercial traveler in England, representing a lace firm of Nottingham, and continued in the same business in America. He arrived in Toronto, Canada, in 1881, and two years later he located in Detroit, Michigan. He is now deceased, but the mother is living at Great Bend, Kansas. Our subject's great-grandfather on the maternal side, Abijah Jackson, was a bridge builder in Pennsylvania and built the first bridge across the Susquehanna river.
John L. Rendall was thirteen years of age when he came to the new world and he received his early education in the public schools of England and Canada. In 1885 he went to Kansas City, Missouri, and became connected with the mer- cantile business, making a specialty of rugs and draperies. After four years he removed to Denver, Colorado, and continued in the same line of business. going to Salt Lake City in 1893 as manager of the drapery department of Walker Brothers, a large department store of that city. In 1895 he came to Des Moines and took charge of the rug and drapery department of Chase & West, continu- ing with this firm for eight years.
In the meantime, however, he had become interested in the study of Christian Science and made such advancement that he was elected second reader of the Christian Science church in Des Moines, and subsequently became first reader of the church, continuing as reader until 1902, when he resigned. He was ap- pointed a member of the state publication committee for the Christian Science denomination in Iowa in 1899, in which position he is now serving. In 1902 he was called to the Massachusetts Metaphysical College at Boston, of which Mary Baker Eddy was founder and president. He took the regular normal course at the college and was graduated with the degree of C. S. B. His work on the publication committee consists in answering the criticisms against Christian Science and in writing articles on the subject of Christian Science for publica- tion. He recently prepared an article for the Illustrated Review of Chicago, giving a highly interesting account of the history and development of Christian Science in Iowa. This is the most comprehensive article upon the subject that has up to the present time been written.
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In 1889 Mr. Rendall was united in marriage to Miss May S. Elder, a daugh- ter of David L. and Mary H. (Jackson) Elder. The father served in an Ohio regiment for three years in the Civil war and is now living in Kansas City. The mother is deceased. Four children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Rendall: Edna May, John Leonard, Mary Louise and Willard James.
Politically Mr. Rendall is a supporter of the republican party. He is a prac- titioner and teacher of Christian Science in Iowa. A man of irreproachable character, pleasing address and unwearying activity, he is eminently qualified for the responsible position he fills and it is hardly necessary to say that the circle of his influence is constantly widening.
RICHARD M. J. COLEMAN.
Among the well known residents of Des Moines must be numbered Richard M. J. Coleman, who for a period of nearly twenty years was engaged in plaster contracting in Polk county. A native of Pennsylvania, although of English descent, his birth occurred in Reading, Berks county in 1848, his parents being Henry and Emma (Gieger) Coleman. The family removed to Ohio in 1859. where the father, who was a plasterer, continued to follow his trade.
Being reared at home, Richard M. J. Coleman acquired his education in the public schools of Pennsylvania and Ohio. Upon completing his education he felt he had sufficient knowledge to enable him to assume the heavier responsibili- ties of life and he went to work for his father in order to learn the plasterer's trade. About the time he finished his apprenticeship, being no longer able to suppress his patriotic zeal, he enlisted in Company K, of the One Hundred and Thirteenth Ohio Infantry, and went to the front, joining Sherman at Sa- vannah. He served during the few remaining months of the war, after which he returned to Columbus, being mustered out at Todd's Barracks. From there he went to Springfield, where he took a course in artistic and mechanical drawing, in order to better equip himself for the work of ornamental plastering. After completing this he located at Indianapolis, Indiana, where he remained for sev- eral years following his vocation. He was employed in New York, Chicago, St. Louis and several other large cities after leaving Indiana, during which period he worked on some of the finest buildings under construction.
Always having been a reader of the Scientific American, through the columns of which he learned of the rapid development of Iowa, and particularly of Des Moines, he decided to take a trip through the Hawkeye state. Coming to the capital city during the latter part of 1881 he was so well pleased with it that he decided to remain. He was given charge of the ornamental plaster work of the capitol and after its completion he engaged in business for himself. He was ever a capable and efficient as well as thoroughly reliable and competent workman, so he soon had all the work he could do, each patron usually being the means of bringing another. His work can be seen in many of the leading pub- lic and business blocks of Des Moines, the last contract he executed himself being that of the Equitable building. He made all of the moulds for the orna- mental work required in the execution of that contract and upon their com- pletion placed the casts in position himself.
In 1872 Mr. Coleman was united in marriage to Miss Hatty A. Baker of Rushville, Indiana. Mr. Coleman's fraternal relations are confined to mem- bership in the Masonic order, in which he has attained high rank. In 1886 he was elected to the office of secretary of Home Lodge, No. 370. A. F. & A. M .. which position he still retains. He was also high priest of the Chapter for four years and secretary for fourteen, while in 1895 he was elected secretary of the Consistory, which office he continues to fill, while three years later he was made
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secretary of the council, continually filling this latter position ever since, with the exception of one year when he was president. Mr. Coleman keeps in touch with his war comrades through his membership in the G. A. R.
In matters politic Mr. Coleman gives his support to the candidates of the democratic party. Not aspiring to public honors or the emoluments of office, however, he never takes an active part in local affairs of a governmental nature, but meets the requirements of good citizenship, nevertheless, by casting a ballot on election day. A man of unobtrusive manner and quiet demeanor, yet pos- sessing such high ideals, upright principles and sound integrity that the weight of his personality is ever felt in the advancement of every movement for the betterment of humanity whether in private or public life, he is a citizen who would be a welcome acquisition to any community.
SHELBY A. KINGMAN.
The spirit of enterprise which has ever been the dominant factor in the up- building of the middle west was manifest in the life and work of Shelby A. Kingman, who for a considerable period operated in real estate in Des Moines. Always quick in recognizing possibilities and taking advantage of the opportuni- ties that were offered, he worked his way upward and his belief in the city and its improvement found expression in his operations in real estate. He was a native of Tazewell county, Illinois, where he acquired his early education, which was supplemented by study in Eureka College. He was reared to farm life, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agricul- turist. In early manhood he not only followed farming, but also engaged in teaching school. Desiring a business career of a more strictly commercial nature, he went to Peoria, Illinois, where for a time he was engaged in the drug busi- ness. In 1872 he came to Iowa, where he turned his attention to the lumber, grain and coal trade, which he followed successfully for some years, or until his removal to Des Moines in 1890. Becoming interested in the city and believing that it had a successful future before it, Mr. Kingman established his home in Des Moines and, in connection with his brother Frank, began to buy and sell real estate. They owned and opened up the Meyerly addition and other im- portant tracts here and became very active and successful as real-estate agents and operators. They thoroughly informed themselves concerning property values, recognizing the possibility of increase and diminution in land values, and by their investments on their own behalf proved the soundness of their judgment in their chosen field of business.
In Farmington, Illinois, March 17, 1872, Mr. Kingman was united in mar- riage to Miss Mary M. Leeper, a native of Bloomington, Illinois, whose people were connected with farming interests in McLean and Fulton counties, that state. Two children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Kingman: Mary Maude; and Shelby, now deceased. The daughter was married October 22, 1902, to En- nis K. Eberhart, a native of Lyons, Iowa, and they have one son: Ennis King- man, born October 31, 1905.
Mr. Kingman died September II, 1900, while on his way home from Europe. His loss was keenly felt in the church, of which he was an active member, in business circles, where his activity was leaving a deep impress, and most of all in his home, where he exemplified the traits of a loving and devoted husband and father. He was always an earnest and faithful member of the Methodist church, and while living in Peoria served for a number of years as superintend- ent of the Sunday school and in various church offices. After his removal to Des Moines he did not accept office in the church, but always remained one of its active members and generous supporters. He was likewise greatly inter-
S.
S. A. KINGMAN
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ested in the Young Men's Christian Association, believing that there should be thrown around boys and young men such influences as will aid them to de- velop in the highest degree of perfection possible the physical, mental and moral nature, that life may count for its utmost. He was ever ready to speak an en- couraging word, and his greeting was most cheery. Hope and purpose domi- nated in his life, and in his church work, as in his business, he realized that the accomplishment of one task should serve as a starting point toward the ac- complishment of others. His memory is cherished by those who knew him, for his admirable qualities bound him to those with whom he came in contact by ties of strong friendship.
WILLIAM OTIS RIDDELL.
Though modestly laying no claim to high standing, it is a matter of general knowledge that in the National Educational Association and in other educational bodies, William Otis Riddell ranks high, and is accounted one of the progressive . educators of the country. The profession in Iowa has accorded him the high- est honor within its gift, electing him president of the State Teachers Associa- tion. Since 1904 he has occupied the position of superintendent of schools of Des Moines and all conversant with the history of public instruction would recognize the fact that substantial advance has been made by the schools dur- ing his administration.
Mr. Riddell was born February 7, 1858, at Postville, Allamakee county, Iowa, a son of William Bell and Anna Mary (Provines) Riddell. The father was born on the Western Reserve in Ohio, in 1824, and in 1845 removed to Bluffton, Indiana. He was married in 1850 and the same year went to Alla- makee county, Iowa, where he resided until 1859, when he removed to Harri- son county, Iowa, of which he remained a resident for forty-seven years, his death occurring at Logan, in September, 1906. His wife was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, in 1832, and became a resident of Warren, Indiana, about 1844, there remaining until she gave her hand in marriage to William B. Riddell in 1850. They were pioneer settlers of western Iowa, meeting the usual experi- ences of life on the frontier, and for eleven years there was no house within three miles of their home.
William O. Riddell attended the rural schools of Harrison county, Iowa, and the high school of Missouri Valley, but still his thirst for knowledge was not satisfied and he became a student in the University of Nebraska, where he spent three years. He was afterward for one year in Knox College at Gales- burg, Illinois, and spent a part of a year at Purdue University. He won the degree of Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts from Bellevue College and for a year studied abroad. His entire life has been spent in school work. After teaching in the rural schools in Harrison county, Iowa, for a time, he be- came superintendent of Schools at Andrews, Indiana, and later was appointed principal of the high school at Missouri Valley, Iowa. He served successively as principal of the schools at Magnolia, Iowa, Woodbine (Iowa) Normal school and the West high school of Des Moines, and in 1904 was chosen superintendent of schools in the capital city. The steps of an orderly progres- sion in his career are easily discernible. The gradual unfolding and develop- ment of his talents and powers have brought him to a prominent and creditable position in the ranks of the profession which he has chosen as a life work. His labors have not been confined to the particular school with which he has been associated, for his influence has gone out as a factor in that steady progress which has given Iowa first rank among the states in connection with the system of public education.
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