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 17
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On the 30th of July, 1885, in Osceola, Nebraska, Mr. Riddell wedded Marie Waldt, daughter of Franz and Wilhelmina Waldt. She was born in Hamburg, Germany, April 11, 1863, and was a teacher of German in Drake University from 1898 until 1904. She is a lady of rare gifts and attainments and is now teaching a large adult class in German, giving the proceeds of her teaching to the Women's Club of Des Moines, of which association she is one of the most influential members and of which she is now serving as president:
Mr. Riddell has been a republican since old enough to read the history of the United States. He was a candidate of the party for representative in Har- rison county in 1889 but was defeated in the democratic wave that made Horace Boies governor of Iowa. He is a member of the Prairie, Grant. Schoolmasters, Principals and Commercial Clubs, the National Teachers Association and the State Teachers Association. The intellectual heights to which he has attained give him a broad outlook and an extended view and he finds his most congenial companionship in those circles where problems of the day and questions of significant and vital importance are intelligently discussed. At the same time he is a most genial and approachable gentleman who has the happy faculty of making the most humble as well as the highest at ease in his presence.
JEPTHA DUDLEY WHISENAND.
The position which Jeptha Dudley Whisenand occupies in connention with financial circles is an enviable one not only by reason of the success he has achieved but also owing to the straight-forward and honorable business policy he has ever followed. Readily recognizing favorable opportunity, he has ex- tended the scope of his activities and is now connected with banking and finan- cial interests in several sections of the state outside of Des Moines, while in the capital city he is widely known as the organizer and promoter of the Central State Bank, of which he is now vice president, and as president of the Central Trust Company.
Mr. Whisenand has been a resident of Iowa since April, 1879, and the spirit of enterprise which has ever characterized this section of the country finds ex- pression in his life work. He was born in Monroe county, Indiana, February 9, 1855, his parents being John Marion and Emily (Grimes) Whisenand, who were natives of the Hoosier state. On coming to Iowa they settled on a farm near Chariton. The father is of German lineage and the mother of Irish descent. The former is still living having reached the age of seventy-nine years and the latter died April 18, 1911, at the age of eighty-four. They would have reached the sixtieth anniversary of their marriage on February 1I, 1912. Their family numbers four children ; Katherine, the wife of I. H. Van Hook, who with her husband makes her home with her father in Chariton; Jeptha Dudley, of this re- view ; James S., a farmer of Harvard, Nebraska; and Thomas Irvin, engaged in real-estate business in Victoria, Texas.
In the schools of Monroe county, Indiana, Jeptha D. Whisenand pursued his early education and afterward attended the Indiana State University, from which he was graduated with the class of 1878. He made his entrance into business life as a school teacher, following that profession in Marion county, Indiana, for a period of five months. Subsequently he removed to Chariton, Iowa, and read law in the office and under the direction of Colonel O. A. Bartholomew. He thoroughly mastered many of the principles of jurisprudence and was admitted to practice law in the courts of Lucas county, also in the state supreme court, and in the federal courts about 1880. He engaged actively in the practice of his profession in Chariton until November, 1881, when he came to Des Moines and opened a law office. Here he followed his profession until January, 1892,
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and during that period enjoyed a large and distinctively representative clientage. He turned his attention to the banking business, organizing the Central State Bank, which opened its doors on the Ist of May, 1895, with a capital stock of fifty thousand dollars. The success of the institution is indicated by the fact that it is now capitalized for two hundred thousand dollars and has a large sur- plus, while annually it has paid good dividends. Mr. Whisenand is the vice president of this bank and is also the president of the Central Trust Company of Des Moines, his experience in banking giving him confidence in his ability to successfully manage financial interests. He has extended his efforts in that field and is now president of the First National Bank of Prairie City, Iowa, and president of the Minburn (Iowa) Savings Bank.
Mr. Whisenand is also well known in political circles although he has never held nor desired office. He has ever been much interested in politics, has been a stalwart champion of the republican party since attaining his majority and became one of the charter members of the Grant Club. His labors in behalf of the principles which he supports have been far-reaching and beneficial. He was a member and vice chairmen of the Iowa state central committee from 1901 until 1903 and his plans for the development of party strength have ever been of a most practical character. Socially he is connected with the Golf and Country Club of Des Moines and is also a charter member of the Bankers Club of this city.
On the 18th of April, 1893, Mr. Whisenand was united in marriage to Miss Emma Wellslager, a daughter of R. T. and Anna (Beekman) Wellslager and a native of Des Moines. Her parents, however, were of Holland and German origin and her grandfather was one of the first merchants in Des Moines. Mrs. Whisenand belongs to the Plymouth Congregational church. Mr. Whisenand was reared in the Presbyterian faith and belongs to Central Presbyterian church of Des Moines, of which he has been trustee for a number of years. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias and is well known today as a repre- sentative of financial interests, having made steady progress in a business career that was characterized by successful work at the bar before he entered the field of financial activity. While his business career has none of the spectacular feat- ures of the military or political leader, it is not less important nor none the less successful in the results achieved.
JASPER H. FULLER.
Jasper H. Fuller, a retired agriculturist residing on Fourteenth street and Hull avenue, Des Moines, was successfully identified with farming interests in Lee township throughout his active business career. His birth occurred in Jef- ferson county, New York, on the 24th of September, 1842, his parents being Benjamin and Sylvia Fuller, who were likewise natives of the Empire state. His paternal grandfather participated in the war of 1812 and also took part in several Indian wars of that time. The parents of our subject came to Polk county, Iowa, in 1854, Benjamin Fuller entering eighty acres of land in Lee township. Jasper H. Fuller was one of a family of four children. George, the first in order of birth, is now a resident of East Des Moines. Cornelia is the deceased wife of Albert Nims, who lives in West Des Moines and who served in the Civil war as a member of Company D, Second Iowa Volunteer Infantry. Sarah is the deceased wife of H. A Titus.
Jasper H. Fuller, who was a youth of twelve when he came to this county with his parents, attended the common schools in the acquirement of an educa- tion. General agricultural pursuits claimed his time and energies throughout his entire business career and yielded him a gratifying annual income. When
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he had accumulated a handsome competence he put aside the active work of the fields and for the past three years has lived in honorable retirement at the corner of Fourteenth street and Hull avenue, Des Moines, where he owns three lots. He also has a tract of forty acres of land in Lee township and is num- bered among the substantial and respected citizens of the community.
On the 23d of July, 1874, Mr. Fuller was united in marriage to Miss Eva M. Wagner, a daughter of Charles and Mary Catherine Wagner, who are na- tives of New York and came to Polk county in 1871. Unto them were born seven children, namely: William, who wedded Miss Ella Howell; Floy Belle, who married Walter Marsh ; Frank ; Dana, who wedded Rea Norris ; Walter, who is deceased; Mrs. Fuller; and Mabel, who gave her hand in marriage to Robert Shank. Mr. and Mrs. Fuller also had seven children, as follows: Mary, who is now the wife of Wiley Pitman; Sylvia, the wife of John Smith, a plumber of West Des Moines; Lucia, who wedded Adolph Storm, of Des Moines : Katherine, who is the wife of John Ross and resides in Des Moines; Rose, still at home; Charles J .; and Florence, who has passed away.
In politics Mr. Fuller is a republican, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the First Baptist church. He has been a resident of Polk county for fifty-seven years and is well known to many of its citizens as a man of sterling worth and commendable characteristics.
GEORGE W. BRUSH.
Des Moines has a worthy representative of its business interests in George W. Brush, who today is at the head of the largest manufacturing establishment for pharmical and physician's supplies in this city. He is one of Iowa's native sons, his birth having occurred in Toledo, on the 23d of August, 1858. His father, Peter Brush, was born in Connecticut and was engaged in business as a general merchant, first in his native state and later in Ohio. In 1855 he came to Iowa and for three years engaged in agricultural pursuits, but at the end of that time located in Toledo, where he again conducted a general store, continuing to engage in mercantile pursuits up to the time of his death. He became widely and favorably known in this state and died at Sioux Center, in January, 1903, honored and respected by all who knew him. In early manhood he married Miss Martha A. Free, who was born in Washington, D. C., where her parents resided for a number of years, her father. G. W. Free, being a well known merchant tailor of the capital city and numbering among his patrons some of the most prominent congressmen and senators of his time.
In his native city George W. Brush grew to manhood and acquired his prac- tical education in the high school. Later he turned his attention to pharmacy and opened a drug store of his own, which he conducted for some years. Throughout his business career he has always been connected with that line of business and has steadily prospered until he is now one of the managers of the largest manufactory of pharmical and physician's supplies in Des Moines. He has made his home in this city since 1907 and is today regarded as one of its leading business men.
On the 20th of April. 1885, in Cedar Rapids, Mr. Brush was united in mar- riage to Miss A. M. Bently, a daughter of C. B. Bently, of Tama, Iowa, where the family is well known and highly respected. One child blessed this union, George Byron, who was born August 23, 1889.
Fraternally Mr. Brush is an honored Mason, belonging to Capital Lodge, No. IIO, A. F. & A. M., and Corinthian Chapter, No. 14, R. A. M. He is also con- r.ected with the Knights of the Maccabees and in politics is identified with the democratic party. He is a man of high intelligence and has always conducted
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his affairs on strictly business lines, his success in life being due entirely to this fact. He is a man of good executive ability and sound judgment and usually carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. He is an ar- dent lover of athletic pursuits and enjoys nothing better than a good game of baseball.
CHARLES A. RAWSON.
In all the life record of Charles A. Rawson there is no esoteric phase, and while his father was a prosperous man he also realized the value of thorough training for the son, and it has been through the development of his own inherent powers and talents and the wise use of his opportunities that he has attained the creditable and enviable position which he occupies in business circles as the president and manager of the Iowa Pipe & Tile Company.
Mr. Rawson was born in Des Moines, May 27, 1869. His father, A. Y. Rawson, a native of Vermont, came to this city in 1855 and entered commercial circles here as a general merchant, in which business he continued for some time, but afterward became interested in coal mines and operated extensively along that line, his capable management and wise investment bringing him, in the course of years, considerable wealth. In time he retired from business, but could not content himself in idleness, and in 1881 emerged from his retirement and with a number of others organized the Iowa Pipe & Tile Company, of which he was manager until his death, which occurred in 1895, when he was seventy- two years of age. He was a man of high character, much respected by his contemporaries, colleagues and all who knew him. He was no seeker after pub- lic office but was a stalwart republican in his political views. He ever sought the best interests of the community in which he lived and cooperated in various movements for its welfare and upbuilding. His life record is a notable example of what may be accomplished when one has the will to dare and to do, when determination accompanies effort and when intelligence directs both. His wife who bore the maiden name of Mary Scott, was also a native of the Green Moun- tain state, where they were married. They reared a family of four sons and a daughter, namely : Mary; Charles A .; Joseph Scott, now a resident of Philadel- phia ; and H. A. and H. D., who are residents of Des Moines.
In the schools of the capital city Charles A. Rawson pursued his education until graduated from the West high school, after which he entered Grinnell Col- lege, therein completing his course. Subsequently he became connected with the Iowa Pipe & Tile Company and although his father was manager, parental authority was not exercised to secure him an easy berth. He began at the bottom, working in the factory and was advanced as he displayed ability to ac- complish the tasks assigned him. Gradually, however, he worked his way up- ward and at his father's death became manager, while afterward he was chosen president as well as manager, and now fills the dual position. The business has grown to extensive proportions and is now one of the leading industrial and productive enterprises of Des Moines. Mr. Rawson has given evidence of his business ability in enlarging the business and extending its scope and is today active in control of an enterprise that is of value to the community as well as to the individual stockholders, inasmuch as it furnishes employment to many. He is vice president and treasurer of the Des Moines Brick & Tile Company, a director of the Des Moines National Bank and the Mechanics Saving Bank, and also of the Des Moines Coliseum and the Auditorium Company.
In 1900 occurred the marriage of Mr. Rawson and Miss Carrie Hubbard, a daughter of Dr. Hubbard, of Des Moines. Mrs. Rawson is a member of the local and national boards of the Young Women's Christian Association and is also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Proteus
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Club. The family attend the Plymouth Congregational church and are very prominent socially. Their city residence is at 723 West Fourth street, which is the old homestead where Mr. Rawson was born.
Politically he is identified with the republican party and socially is connected with the Des Moines, Grant, Commercial, Hyperion, Golf and Country Clubs, serving on the board of directors of several of these ; is a member of the Greater Des Moines Committee, and president of the Roadside Settlement House. Being very fond of all branches of outdoor sports, he has served for many years on the Games Committee of the Iowa Colleges, having charge of college athletics and he is also a trustee of Grinnell College. The social side of his nature is well developed and he is a man of cordial spirit and genial disposition. Free from ostentation and display he has the faculty of placing others at ease in his presence, and among his employes from the humblest to the highest he is held in high respect.
GEORGE FARNAM HENRY.
George Farnam Henry, who early in his professional career established a rep- utation for ability and trustworthiness so that he has long occupied high rank among the lawyers of Des Moines, was born in Chicago, Illinois, August 27, 1854. John E. Henry, his father, was a civil engineer by profession and was connected with the construction and early operation of what is now the Rock Island Railroad through Illinois and Iowa. He married Anna Mitchell Howard, a representative of the Howard family of Connecticut and New York, the an- cestral line being traced back to the period of early colonial history.
An alumnus of Griswold College at Davenport, George F. Henry won his Bachelor of Arts degree upon graduation with the class of 1873, and since he has become well established in his profession his alma mater has conferred upon him the LL. D. degree. His preparation for the practice of law was made in the State University of Iowa, from which he was graduated with the LL. B. degree in 1876. He has since practiced as advocate and counselor, and for a quarter of a century he has occupied the position of master in chancery of the United States circuit court for the southern district of Iowa, this appointment coming to him in 1886. Moreover, he is a stockholder in some of the strongest and most im- portant corporations and business enterprises of Des Moines. He has an ex- tensive practice and is counsel in the handling of many large interests, for early in his connection with the bar he became recognized as a lawyer of ability in whom all confidence and trust could be placed.
As master in chancery of the United States circuit court in 1910 the question of the value of the property of the Des Moines Water Company was submitted to him and occupied his attention for many days. A voluminous report was pre- pared by him finding that a regulation ordinance adopted by the city was con- fiscatory in its rates and therefore void. In non-professional as well as profes- sional capacities his activities have covered a wide field and have been of im- portant service to the public. He served as a member of the school board about 1892 and was a member of the city library board from 1900 until 1908.
Mr. Henry has always given his political allegiance to the republican party and in its ranks his influence has been of no restricted order. He became one of the charter members of Grant Club and is now its president, having been re- elected year after year by unanimous vote for a long period. He belongs to the Golf and Country Club, the Commercial Club and is a member of the Prairie Club. He also belongs to the Protestant Episcopal church, is now and for many years has been chancellor of the diocese of Iowa, and for thirty-two years has been a vestryman of St. Paul's parish.
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On the 20th of November, 1879, Mr. Henry was married to Miss Rose Cas- ady, a daughter of Judge P. M. Casady, a Des Moines pioneer. Following her demise he wedded, on the 8th of May, 1895, Miss Nellie Stark, a daughter of Jacob Stark of Des Moines. Mrs. Henry was a student of Wellesley College, a lady of rare attainments in scholarship. Mr. and Mrs. Henry are prominent and valued members of those social circles in which true worth and intelligence are received as passports. He has ever held to high ideals in his profession, in citizenship and in individual relations, and his influence has been an element in the constant progress and advancement of the organizations and movements with which he has long been connected. His fellow townsmen of Des Moines bear testimony to the fact that he stands as man among men.
FRANK L. BAILEY.
A prosperous farmer and stock-raiser of Bloomfield township Frank L. Bailey has a business record of which any man might well be proud. He is a native of Wisconsin and was born in October, 1860, a son of Daniel C. and Susan (Dale) Bailey, the former born in Canada and the latter in the state of Vermont. The father came to Wisconsin in 1855 and purchased forty acres of land, also renting more land, all of which he cultivated until 1872, when he sold out and joined in the movement westward. In Nebraska he took up a homestead and timber claim under the United States government laws, embracing altogether three hundred and twenty acres, which he proceeded to improve by erecting a comfortable house, substantial barns and outbuildings, etc., making his place one of the most desirable in that section. He continued upon his farm until his death, which occurred in May, 1907, the beloved wife and mother being called away in October of the year following. Mr. Bailey was a man of excellent char- acter and industrious habits, who gained the confidence and respect of all with whom he came into contact.
Frank L. Bailey, of this review, was reared in Wisconsin and Nebraska and received his preliminary education in the district schools. He assisted his father in work in the fields as he grew up and early acquired a taste for farm- ing that had an important effect in shaping his career. After completing the course in the public schools he entered Nebraska Wesleyan University at Lin- coln, Nebraska, from which he was graudated in 1895. He engaged in business with his brothers on the home farm for four years after leaving college, and then, having decided to begin upon his own account, came to Iowa and pur- chased eighty acres in Bloomfield township, upon which he has since lived. He has made many improvements upon his farm, which he has developed into one of the attractive properties of the neighborhood. Aside from his agricultural interests he is a stockholder in the Farmers Telephone Company, whose line extends from Valley Junction to Orillia, Iowa.
On the 23d day of March, 1899, Mr. Bailey was united in marriage to Miss Mamie Taskett, a daughter of Henry and Pamelia (Alton) Taskett, both of whom were born in New York. They came to Iowa and settled upon a farm. where they spent the remainder of their lives, the father being called away in 1902. Mr. Taskett was a harnessmaker by trade, but he devoted his entire attention to farming after his arrival in this state. Mrs. Bailey departed this life April 17, 1906, and Mr. Bailey was again married in December, 1909, the lady of his choice being Miss Harriet Moulton. She was born in Wiscon- sin in 1869, a daughter of George H. and Henrietta (Carpenter) Moulton, the father being a native of Canada and the mother of New York state. They were married in Wisconsin and Mr. Moulton entered the ministry. In 1885 they removed to Nebraska, in which state Mr. Moulton preached with general
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acceptance until his death, which occurred November 20, 1910. The mother is still living in Nebraska. Mrs. Bailey is a highly educated lady, having pos- sessed advantages of attendance at the Nebraska Wesleyan University at Lincoln, Nebraska.
Politically, Mr. Bailey is not affiliated with any of the party organizations, as he prefers to cast his ballot for the man and also to take into careful con- sideration the issues at stake when he goes to the polls. He belongs to that large and increasing body of citizens who reserve their decision until the hour of action arrives. In religious belief he and his wife are thoroughly in sympathy with the doctrines of the Methodist church and are stanch supporters of that organization.
He possessed excellent opportunities of education and has been able in the course of his active career to make practical use of the knowledge received from books. He is a close observer, a constant student and an intelligent and pro- gressive citizen, his influence always being in favor of the promotion of the highest interest of the community. He and his wife have many friends in Polk county and they are gladly accorded the hospitality of the best homes in this section.
RAIMUND SEEBURGER.
Raimund Seeburger is one of the most prominent representatives of the German-American element in the citizenship of Des Moines. Careful analyza- tion of his life record indicates conclusively that his success has followed un- tiring effort in legitimate fields of business and has been based upon persever- ' ance and integrity as well as industry. He came to America a poor emigrant boy. He was born in Shremberg, Black Forest, Germany, December 29, 1833, his parents being John and Elizabeth (Bruker) Seeburger. His education was acquired in the schools of Wurtemberg and in his youth the stories which he heard concerning America aroused in him the ambition and determination to make the land of the free his future home. He was twenty years of age when he started for America and after reaching the shores of the new world he pene- trated into the interior of the country as far as Columbus, Ohio.
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