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 160

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 160

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

On the 31st day of January, 1894, he was united in marriage to Miss Amy Loosley, a daughter of Henry and Mary (Breed) Loosley, the latter of whom

1356

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

was born in Connecticut. Mr. Loosley came to Illinois from England in 1830, and subsequently served as agent for the Rock Island railroad at Iowa City, Iowa. He passed away in 1904. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Wetherell has been bright- ened by the arrival of one child, Edwin Henry, who was born January 2, 1895, and is now a student in the high school.

Mr. Wetherell is a systematic and persistent worker, and has the grit and cour- age necessary for the attainment of a large measure of success. He is original in his designs, prompt in execution, and has gained a reputation for efficiency which is a most important factor in any business or professional career. He is a valued member of the Episcopal church, and politically is identified with the re- publican party. Socially, he is quite prominent, holding membership in the Elks and also in the Grant and Hyperion Clubs.

ALBERT D. HOTCHKISS.

Upon his homestead, which contains one hundred and twenty acres of Jef- ferson township's fertile land, Albert D. Hotchkiss is engaged in general farm- ing and stock-raising. He was born in the state of New York, near Homer, Cortland county, in the month of April, 1847, and is a son of Carlos and Rebecca (Miles) Hotchkiss, also natives of the Empire state. The father, who was a carpenter, came to Iowa in a very early day, locating in Dubuque county, and for some time thereafter he followed the trades of a carpenter and mason in Ep- worth. With his accumulated savings he was later able to buy a small farm in the vicinity of the village which his son Albert D. operated, while he continued to work at his trades. They remained in Epworth until after the Civil war, when they removed to Delaware county, where they bought another farm which the son cultivated while the father continued at his trade. After residing there about five years they spent one year in Missouri and then came to Polk county, buying one hundred and sixty acres of land in Jefferson township. The father then withdrew from his trade and devoted his entire attention to the operation of his farm, adding to his original tract from time to time as he was able until he owned three hundred and twenty acres. He continued to cultivate his homestead until the death of his wife, which occurred on the 23d of October, 1898, since which time he has been living with his children, living first with one, then another. He has attained the venerable age of ninety years, having been born in 1821.

Albert D. Hotchkiss was a very small lad when his parents removed to Iowa and acquired his education in the public schools of Epworth. After completing his schooling he remained at home assisting his father in the cultivation of the farm until such time as he was able to assume the entire management. He re- mained a member of the parental household until he was twenty-one, when he went to Missouri and there he farmed as a renter for about three years. When he returned to Iowa he invested his savings with those of his father in one hundred and sixty acres of land in Jefferson township. This property was later divided, the son receiving for his share sixty-one acres, to which he has since made additions until he now owns one hundred and twenty acres of fine farming land. He has wrought many improvements on his place, which is one of the valuable properties of the township. Much of Mr. Hotchkiss' time is devoted to his stock interests, as he raises fifty head of hogs per year and keeps twenty- five head of cattle and eight horses.

Mr. Hotchkiss was married in April, 1874, to Miss Elizabeth Weaver, a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Shank) Weaver, natives of Virginia. The mother passed away on the 22d of February, 1856, and the father died in July, IgII, at the age of eighty years. He resided in Jasper county, Missouri, where for many years he was identified with agricultural pursuits. Four children have

1359

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Hotchkiss as follows: Isadore B., born February 8, 1875, who married Edward Clark, of South Dakota; Agnes May, born May 4, 1879, who is the wife of John Wright, a butcher at Granger, Iowa; Frank W. born in November, 1885, who lives at home; and Leslie Earl, born May 24, 1888, who passed away September 29, 1908, death being caused by a kick from a horse.

The political preferment of Mr. Hotchkiss is for the republican party, for whose candidates he casts his ballot, although not being an office seeker he does not actively participate in township affairs. He and his family are all affiliated with the Congregational church, in the work of which organization they take an earnest interest and among whose members they have many friends.

W. L. HINDS.

Although Des Moines cannot claim a population equal to that of many other cities of the United States, it can safely claim the most completely appointed warehouse in the west if not in the country. This great building is largely the result of the labors of W. L. Hinds, president of the Merchants' Transfer and Storage Company, and recognized as one of the leading warehouse men in Amer- ica. The enviable position he holds was gained through years of close attention to a strictly modern business which in Des Moines has shown remarkable prog- ress and is growing with rapid strides. Mr. Hinds was born at Pittston, Penn- sylvania, February 23, 1858, the son of William and Asenath (Linton) Hinds, the latter of whom was born at Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1831, and departed this life in 1907, at the age of seventy-six years. The father was born at Benton Falls, Maine, in 1818. He engaged in the lumber and log business in the Pine Tree State. Subsequently he moved to Pennsylvania where he put up the first machinery for breaking anthracite coal and became well known as a railroad con- tractor. At the time of the Civil war he furnished the money for organizing a company for the defense of the city of Washington but was never enlisted in the service himself. At one time before the period of railroad building he proved to be a stanch friend of Jay Gould, presenting bail for the latter in one of his early troubles in the courts. Mr. Hinds, Sr., was a man of many admirable charac- teristics and contributed his part toward the advancement of the permanent in- terests of his adopted state. He lived to an advanced age, being called away in 1900.

W. L. Hinds was educated at Peter Cooper Union school in New York city and became thoroughly qualified as a civil and mining engineer. After following his profession ten years he went to California where he engaged in the real-estate business for eighteen months. Being attracted to Iowa, he was identified with agricultural interests for three years and finally located in Des Moines where he found a more congenial occupation in the transfer business. When he assumed charge in this city the concern required only five horses to meet the demands of its patrons. The first warehouse was in the second story of the old Speeth Plow Works, occupying a room twenty by forty feet in floor space. But under compe- tent management the business developed by leaps and bounds and is now known as the Merchants' Transfer and Storage Company, handling in a single year one million five hundred thousand dollars worth of commodities arriving from points outside of Des Moines. Through the efforts of Mr. Hinds and his associates the uniform warehouse receipt bill was passed by the state legislature, being the first act of the kind adopted by any general assembly of the United States. It is now in use in almost all the states of the Union, the warehouse receipts being recog- nized by banks generally. The Merchants' Transfer and Storage plant is located at Ninth and Mulberry streets and covers a quarter of a block, occupying seven

1360

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

stories and including more than one hundred and thirty-five thousand square feet of floor space. The building is absolutely fireproof, being constructed en- tirely of steel, concrete, terra cotta and asbestos. The doors and windows shut automatically and every precaution against fire that is known to science was used in the construction of this building. The features that attract special attention are the safety deposit vaults for valuables, the cold storage room for furs and fabrics, the automatically heated piano and picture rooms and the separately locked fire and germ-proof rooms for furniture. The safety deposit vault is sec- ond to none in Iowa, the door alone weighing eight tons and being operated by three time locks. In addition to those precautions against burglary there are three miles of wire in the walls and any attempt to drill through the walls would sound an alarm in the American District Telegraph office. Large elevators are pro- vided capable of moving a loaded van to any floor, thus saving time and expense in handling. The sixth and seventh floors are divided into one hundred and thirty separate rooms and five large rooms for the accommodation of those wish- ing separate storage. It is the intention of the company to place a roof garden on the building for the accommodation of patrons during the heated months, thus furnishing facilities scarcely equalled in any other city of the United States.

On the 23d day of June, 1883, Mr. Hinds was happily united in marriage to Miss Anna S. Smith, a native of Westchester county, New York, and a daughter of David W. and Hannah (Field) Smith. The father grew up as a farmer and has filled the position of drainage inspector for the custom house for the past twenty-five years.

Mr. Hinds votes the republican ticket nationally, but in local affairs casts his ballot for the individual regardless of his political affiliations. He is a member of many business and social organizations, among which may be named the Ameri- can Warehouse Association, the Chicago and New York Furniture Warehouse Associations, the Central Warehouse Men's Association, the Traffic Club of Chicago, (the largest traffic club in the United States), and the National Team Owners' Association, being a member of the board of directors of this organiza- tion. He is also connected with the Des Moines Business Men's Club and the Grant Club. He is a man of marvelous force of character and business judg- ment, whose ability is recognized not only in Des Moines but throughout a large part of the country. He is a successful organizer and is equally successful as a manager, being a power in the community in which he is an acknowledged leader. He has now reached the prime of an active and useful life and his friends pro- phesy for him in the years to come still further achievements in the business world.

JAMES M. PARKER.

James M. Parker, a widely known and honored resident of Des Moines, is now living practically retired, enjoying the evening of life in well earned ease. His birth occurred in Fulton county, Illinois, on the Ist of December, 1837, his parents being John and Sophia E. (Weyer) Parker, both of whom were natives of Highland county, Ohio. The father, who was an agriculturist by occupation, followed farming in Ohio for a number of years. In 1836 he re- moved to Illinois, locating in Fulton county, where he purchased a farm, devot- ing his attention to its operation until 1852. In that year he took up his abode in Van Buren county, Iowa. there following farming until 1855, when he went to Lee county. In 1863 he came to Polk county, here operating a rented farm for a number of years. Subsequently he took up his abode in the vicinity of Des Moines and was engaged in truck gardening until within a few years of his demise, which occurred in 1891. His wife was called to her final rest in

1361

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

1894 and thus the community lost two of its most substantial and respected residents.

James M. Parker was reared in his native county and obtained his early education in the district schools, while later he attended the public schools at Canton, Illinois. After putting aside his text-books he worked on his father's farm until the time of the outbreak of the Civil war, when his patriotic spirit prompted his enlistment in Company B, Fifteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He served with that command until the close of hostilities, being mustered out at Davenport, Iowa, on the 3d of August, 1865. After returning home he secured a position with a brick concern and remained in that employ until 1881, when he embarked in business on his own account, forming a partnership with Joseph Gifford. The relation was maintained with mutual pleasure and profit until 1886, when Mr. Parker sold out. Subsequently he was appointed bailiff of the district court, holding that position for four years, while later he served as deputy sheriff. He also served as constable for one term and held the office of justice of the peace for a similar period. In 1896 he was prevailed upon by the board of education to look after several school buildings and this he has done continuously since. He owns an attractive home at the southwest corner of Seventh street and Pleasant View avenue, having erected the dwelling in 1876. He also has two acres of ground planted in fruit, known as the Berry Place, which yields abundantly.

On the 3Ist of December, 1865, Mr. Parker was united in marriage to Miss Asenath Hamilton, a daughter of George W. and Mary Ann (Owings) Hamil- ton, both of whom were natives of Indiana. Her father, an agriculturist by occupation, came to Iowa at an early day and in 1863 removed to Illinois, where he carried on general farming throughout the remainder of his life. His demise occurred in 1901, while his wife passed away in 1903. Mr. and Mrs. Parker were the parents of nine children, namely: Charles C., who was drowned in the Coon river in 1886; Lilly May, who is married and resides in Washington, D. C .; Anna S., who is married and makes her home on a farm near Adel, Iowa; Bertha B., who is married and lives in Washington, D. C .; James A., an undertaker of Des Moines; Stella Grace, at home; LeRoy E., who is serving in the United States navy; William Albert, twin brother of James A., who passed away in 1873; and Della A., whose demise occurred in 1877. The wife and mother was called to her final rest on the 20th of June, 1907, passing away after an operation at the Methodist Hospital.

In politics Mr. Parker is a republican, loyally supporting the party which was the defense of the Union during the dark days of the Civil war. He is a devoted member of the Christian church and also belongs to Lodge No. 18 of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He still maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in Crocker Post, No. 12, G. A. R., and the Society of the Army of the Tennessee. His life has been most honorable and upright in its varied relations, and his fellow citizens in- stinctively pay deference to him because of what he has accomplished and the principles which have governed his conduct in every relation.

ABRAHAM L. PEACOCK, M. D.

A man who is not content with an inferior position in life, constantly aspir- ing to something higher which through sheer determination and perseverance he finally attains, must ever command our respect. Such a one is Dr. Abraham L. Peacock, who for seventeen years has been engaged in the practice of medi- cine in Grimes. He was born in Howard county, Indiana, on the 27th of November, 1854, his parents being Ellwood and Naomi (Jones) Peacock, the

1362

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

father a native of Indiana and the mother of Ohio. The parents migrated from Indiana, where the father had always followed agricultural pursuits, to Missouri in 1868, locating upon a farm which he cultivated for eight years, and at the end of that time they came to Iowa renting a farm in Madison county, upon which they lived four years. In 1880 Mr. Peacock bought forty acres of land in Dallas county, which he continued to cultivate until his demise in December, 1897. The mother survived him five years but in 1902 she, too, passed away.

The first fourteen years of his life Dr. Peacock spent in Indiana, in the district schools of which he was educated. Removing to Missouri with his parents, he remained at home, assisting his father in the cultivation of the farm, until he was old enough to begin work for himself, at which time he also en- gaged in agriculture. He continued to follow farming until 1882, when he went to Unionville, Missouri, to work at the carpenter's trade, with which occupation he was identified for two years. Withdrawing from this he entered the employ of Ketchum Brothers of Mendota, Missouri, for whom he bought ties and bridge timber until 1886, when he accepted a position as salesman with A. J. Bennett, a dealer in monuments and tombstones. After following this for eight months he went to Wichita, Kansas, where he spent the summer work- ing at the carpenter's trade. In the autumn he came to Des Moines, where he later entered the Iowa Eclectic Medical School, from which institution he ob- tained his degree of M. D. with the class of 1893. Having no means of support save his trade it was necessary for Dr. Peacock to work his way through col- lege and although at times it seemed well nigh impossible for him to achieve his ambition, something always materialized at the darkest hour to stimulate his courage and goad him on to victory. He was thirty-four years of age when he obtained his certificate enabling him to practice, too old many think to begin a vocation, but the success awarded him in his profession is the strongest refuta- tion of such an argument. He first located at Kelly, Iowa, where he remained three months, and then came to Grimes. After practicing here for three years he entered the medical department of Drake University for further study, graduating in 1896, and then returned to Grimes. He has built up a nice prac- tice during his residence here, standing high in the regard not only of the com- munity but his fellow practitioners. .

On the 4th of April, 1874, Dr. Peacock was united in marriage to Miss Elvira Ford, a daughter of Stephen S. and Lourina (Moore) Ford, natives of Delaware. Her father, who always engaged in farming, was also a butcher and bought and sold cattle. One child was born unto Dr. and Mrs. Peacock, Carrie M., who is now twenty-seven years of age and is the wife of Warren Cunning- ham, of Des Moines. Mrs. Peacock passed away in 1888 and eleven years afterward Dr. Peacock married Miss Grace A. Rittgers, on the 21st of June, 1899, and they have become the parents of one child, Charlotte A., who is now five years of age. Mrs. Peacock is a daughter of George W. and Mary A. Rittgers, natives of Ohio. Her father came to Iowa with his parents when a lad of six years and as soon as he was old enough engaged in farming, which vocation he continues to follow at the age of sixty years. Mrs. Rittgers is also living and has passed the fifty-seventh anniversary of her birth.

Dr. Peacock is the health officer of Jefferson township, which position he also held in Grimes for sixteen years and then resigned. Fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Royal Neighbors, which is the ladies auxillary of the former organization, while he keeps in touch with the members of his profession through his connection with the Polk County Medical Society, Iowa State Medical Association, Iowa State Pathological Association and the American Medical Association. Although he was born and reared in the Quaker faith, of which his parents were always strong adher- ents, Dr. and Mrs. Peacock hold membership in the Presbyterian church. In matters politic he gives his support to the republican party, although aside from

1363

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

those offices which pertain to his profession he has never actively participated in local affairs of a governmental nature.

Dr. Peacock has met with more than moderate success in the practice of his profession. He holds stock in the Grimes Canning and Preserving Com- pany and the Iowa State Zoo and Amusement Company of Des Moines, while he is both a stockholder and director of the Oklahoma Lightning Arrester and Electric Company. He also owns the residence where he and his family are now living and the hospitality of which is accorded the best families in the community.

HORACE S. HOLLINGSWORTH.

Horace S. Hollingsworth, who for nearly twenty years was connected with the Valley National Bank and for many years past prominently identified with philan- thropic work, was born at Coal Creek, Keokuk county, Iowa, February 19, 1868. He is a son of Louis and Hannah (Fawcett) Hollingsworth, the former of whom was born at East Fairfield, Ohio, March 5, 1831, and the latter at Salem, Ohio, November 10, 1834. The father came to Iowa in the early '60s and lived for a time in Cedar county, later moving to Keokuk county. He entered a land grant in this state and was connected with the farming interests, also becoming quite prominent in political affairs. In 1862 he became a member of the state legis- lature and was present at both sessions, assisting in the passage of many important bills necessitated by the exigencies of the Civil war. He was later elected to a county office and after retiring from public life engaged with marked success in banking. In the earlier years of his manhood he was one of the organizers of the Ohio underground railroad and assisted many escaping slaves on their way through the Buckeye state to Canada. He passed away at Des Moines, December 27, 1908, being then seventy-seven years of age. The mother is still living and makes her home with her daughter in Salem, Ohio.

The genealogy of the Hollingsworth family traces the ancestry to Valentine Hollingsworth, Sr., a member of the Society of Friends, who it is believed, was born in Cheshire, England, about 1630. He married Catherine Cornish, a daugh- ter of Henry Cornish, high sheriff of London during the reign of King James II. Valentine Hollingsworth, Jr., came to America with William Penn in 1682 and settled with his family in Newcastle county, Delaware. He filled many prominent positions in the colony and was still living in 1710. The maiden name of his wife was Ann Calvert and from this couple nearly all of the Hollingsworths in the United States have. descended. Valentine Hollingsworth, Sr., also came to America and in 1682 obtained a patent of nine hundred and eighty-six acres of land in Brandywine Hundred, Newcastle county, Delaware. He disposed of his property before his death, receiving from his sons an annuity. He was a mem- ber of the general assembly of Delaware in 1683, 1687 and 1695 and also served as justice of the peace of Newcastle county.

Horace S. Hollingsworth removed with his parents to Sigourney, Iowa, in 1870, and received his preliminary education in the public schools, clerking as opportunity permitted in the store of H. A. Seamans, whom he gratefully re- members as a business man of the highest honor. After leaving the public schools at Sigourney he entered the Iowa City Commercial College and Academy, later becoming a student of the State University of Iowa, from which he was graduated with honors in 1892 with the degree of A. B. While at the university he took an active part in the Zethagathian Literary Society and in the Young Men's Christian Association. He also became deeply interested in sociological and philosophical studies under the inspiring influence of Professor Patrick, head of the department of philosophy, selecting as the subject for his thesis in the

1364

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

senior year Outdoor Relief of Johnson County. He was so deeply interested in these studies that he had almost decided upon a post-graduate course along the same lines, when his parents moved to Des Moines, requiring a change of plans. In 1892 he began his active career as remittance clerk in the Valley National Bank. By industry and conscientious effort he advanced through various grades to assistant cashier, discharging his duties with fidelity that has met with the heartiest approval of the officers of the bank.

On the 30th of January, 1901, Mr. Hollingsworth was united in marriage to Miss Jessie Swope, a daughter of Henry H. and Melissa (Simmons) Swope. The father was a pioneer of Iowa and served during the Civil war in Captain Hull's company, of Iowa Volunteers. He became well known in business circles of Des Moines, departing this life April 4, 1906. Mr. Hollingsworth politically is identi- fied with the republican party. He is a firm believer in the Bible and is a stanch member of the Methodist church. Soon after taking up his residence in Des Moines he turned his attention to organized charity work and was elected to membership on the board of Associated Charities, which is conducted upon the principle of "helping men to help themselves" and lending them "not alms but a friend." After serving for a number of years as recording secretary of the organi- zation Mr. Hollingsworth was elected vice president and from January 1907 to Jan- uary 19II served as president of that body. He receives the assistance of a board of twenty-five members, all acting harmoniously and enthusiastically for the ad- vancement of a work which has proven highly successful. Mr. Hollingsworth has been instrumental in presenting the needs of the organization to liberal hearted people of the city in such a way that ample financial assistance has been forth- coming and it is estimated that the Associated Charities has effected a saving to Polk county of six thousand dollars per year. Able and conscientious in every- thing he undertakes, Mr. Hollingsworth justly occupies a high place in the estima- tion of the people of Des Moines. By his unselfish labors in behalf of the un- fortunate he has accomplished a great work, whose beneficial effects are to be seen in brightened lives and happy homes.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

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 160

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