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 2

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 2

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In his beautiful oration Dr. J. 'A. Wirt said: "Mr. Polk stands out pre- eminently as Des Moines' benefactor. He had faith in the city and believed in her future. His liberal hands, though often covered, caused the charitable institutions of the city to pulsate with new life. He was a friend alike to the rich and poor. I would not attempt to fathom the depth of his mental capacity. In him were combined the profound thinker, the strong writer, the close reasoner. He was stamped with a pronounced individuality, rugged, simple, honest. He was quick to recognize a sham and as quick to condemn it. He acknowledged real worth and showed his appreciation of it, which is manifest in the long service of many of his employes.

"He was characterized by that southern chivalry that always respected an honest and open adversary. He was a student in the truest sense, not only of books, for he found sermons in brooks and stones and trees. He was æsthetic in his taste, a lover of the beautiful, and the art gallery had for him great attractions. The Bible was one of his principal text-books. He enjoyed the study of the Word which bore particularly upon childhood and had compiled from the Scriptures a Bible for children. He loved children and appreciated that book which contained the truth that would bless childhood. He was firm but kind. Those who knew him best loved him most.

"The purpose of life is to afford opportunities for physical, mental and spiritual development. These opportunities slip away from the sluggard. They tauntingly play before the dreamer but they surrender to the individual with high purpose, undaunted courage and indefatigable determination. He who will take the time, make the application and industriously set himself to solve the problems, gets out of life its sweetest honey. Mr. Polk as a boy fought a good fight when amidst difficulties and reverses he continued at school where he laid the foundation for his future usefulness. His record is an inspiration to every young man who will honestly endeavor to solve the problem of life.

"He believed that God set the solitary in families. He honored and held sacred the family relations. It was here that Mr. Polk was at his best as all good men are. The dearest place to him on earth was the place he called home, and it was in Herndon Hall that he was his true self. His conception of a home as described in the Shadows and Memories of Herndon Hall is exquisitely poetic. 'The architect may build a house and shelter you from the storms without, but the home is made by its occupants of human love and human sym- pathy. Take from the house these necessary ingredients and it ceases to be a home.' His attachment to his children is expressed in these words: 'While Herndon Hall stands overlooking Des Moines, the beautiful city of our adop- tion, it is deserted by all save an aged father and mother who look and long and weep for the return of their children without the consolation vouchsafed by the Lord to Rachel. Home must sooner or later become to the aged an oratorio of the memory, singing to all our after life melodies and harmonies of old remembered joys.'" The influence of such a life as that of Jefferson Scott Polk can never die. His work was of stupendous magnitude in its rela-

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

tion to material progress. His record was an inspiring example of justice, charity and consideration for those in his employ; of humanitarianism as expressed in generous assistance where need was manifest; in citizenship where his patriotism and devotion to the city of his adoption knew no bounds; and most of all in his home. It were well if all who knew and honored him while he was yet an active factor in life would hold to the high ideals concerning home which he expressed to his family: "Love, by dear ones, begets love. As you love your children so they will love you. Get, I beseech you, in close touch with your little ones. Get your arms around them, press their dear little hearts up to yours, and keep them there. Do not let business or other pleasures cause you to neglect this duty. Your children's love for you is worth more to you than gold or diamonds, and your love to and for them is the greatest legacy you can leave them. These memories, these shadows, these dreams of loved father. mother and home will do more to make of your children good men and women, good citizens and good Christians than all other influences combined."

ERIC HELSTROM.

The manufacturing interests of Des Moines are represented by some of the most capable and substantial citizens, among whom may be named Eric Hel- strom. The position of responsibility he occupies at the head of a growing concern did not come by chance. It is the result of a worthy desire, which early gained permanent lodgement in his mind, that he should aim to secure financial independence. By indefatigable industry, untiring patience and the exercise of sound judgment, he has built up a business which yields a handsome yearly income, and is a credit to himself and the city of his adoption. He was born at Ostana Ofvanaker, Sweden, January 14, 1866, being the son of Person and Christina Helstrom, the latter of whom is now deceased, having died in 1890. The father is still living in Sweden, being a wagon-maker and farmer.

Eric Helstrom was educated in the public schools of his native land, and after arriving at early manhood, learned the cabinet-maker's trade, showing such proficiency that he was granted a full diploma. This would indicate that he gave close attention to his work and showed special ability in its execution, Sweden being the home of some of the best cabinet-makers in the world. After completing his trade and being a young man of ambition and courage, he bade farewell to his parents and friends and went aboard a ship bound for America. About 1888, he reached Marshalltown, Iowa, where he worked for a time in a furniture factory, and became acquainted with the customs and manners of the people in that new country in which he had decided to make his permanent home.

His first venture on his own account was as a manufacturer of furniture at Madrid, Iowa. This business he disposed of, subsequently taking charge of a factory at Marshalltown. In 1898, he again embarked in business on his own account, selecting Marshalltown as his field of operation. This venture having failed on account of lack of capital or experience, he entered for a time the employ of Carr, Adams & Company. Finally, not in the least discouraged by previous experiences, but fully determined to win in the great battle of life, he began in Des Moines in 1907, and became established in the manufacture of furniture at his present location, No. 216-218 East Court avenue. Here he has developed an excellent business, the work of his factory being highly prized by all who are familiar with its qualities. Beginning on a modest scale, he de- voted to the enterprise his best thought and energy, and the result is seen in the ample revenue he now receives.

In September, 1890, Mr. Helstrom was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Olsen, and to this union five children have been born: Clifford, who was born

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

in 1892; Alma, in 1896; Harold, in 1902; Wilma, in 1906; and Helen, in 1908. Clifford is in the employ of the United States Express Company, and is making a fair start in a successful career.

In political views Mr. Helstrom is a republican, and a stanch upholder of its principles, although not an aspirant for public office as he prefers to devote his energy to his private interests. He is a member of the Lutheran church, and fraternally is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America, being an earnest believer in its generous teachings of brotherhood. He owns a com- fortable residence at No. 1308 East Seventh street, and also other city property, showing that he has prospered financially, an evidence of well directed applica- tion and sound business capacity.

FRANK D. JACKSON.

A large portion of the active life of Frank D. Jackson has been spent in the public service, during which time he has held the highest offices of the state, having at one time been the choice of the people of Iowa for the gubernatorial chair, which he most ably and capably filled. He is a native of New York, his birth occurring in Arcadia, Wyoming county, on the 26th of January, 1854. This was also the birthplace of his father, Hiram W. Jackson, who was born in 1818 and passed away about 1890. In his early manhood the latter taught school, giving such excellent service that he was later made superintendent of education in Wyoming county, but during the latter part of his life he held a government position in the war department at Washington. When the call came for troops in 1861 he was one of the first to respond, enlisting in the Seventy- eighth New York Infantry and going to the front in April as lieutenant of Com- pany G. His regiment participated in some of the most severe as well as notable encounters on the southern battlefields among them being that at Antietam, the second Bull Run, which resulted in such heavy losses on the Union side, and the campaign in the Shenandoah Valley. For his wife Mr. Jackson chose Miss Marian B. Jenks, whom he had always known, her birth occurring in Arcadia, New York, in 1827. They became the parents of two daughters, Belle and Flo- rence, both of whom are now deceased, and one son. The first named became the wife of W. H. Patrick and the mother of five children; while the latter mar- ried Michael McNett, by whom she had three children.

Frank D. Jackson pursued his early education in the public schools of Arca- dia, New York, and Jessup, Iowa, and later attended the Agricultural College (now the State College) at Ames. He then took a law course at the State Uni- versity at Iowa City, receiving his degree with the class of 1874, but before en- tering upon the practice of his profession, however, he took a post-graduate course of one year, thus obtaining a more comprehensive knowledge of the prin- ciples of jurisprudence. He began practice at Independence, Iowa, in which city he established an office in 1876. After maintaining this for four years he removed to Butler county, where he resided for a similar period, during which time he acted as secretary of the senate during the nineteenth and twentieth general assemblies. In 1884 he was nominated and elected on the republican ticket to the office of secretary of the state, serving in that capacity for six years. It was at this time he, together with others, organized the Royal Union Insurance Company, of which he was made president at the expiration of his term of office. Three years later he was nominated by his party for governor and being the suc- cessful candidate he withdrew from private life to assume the administration of the affairs of the state. He only served for one term, most emphatically de- clining at the expiration of that time to enter public life again. After the close of his period of service to the state Mr. Jackson again became identified with

FRANK D. JACKSON

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

the direction of the Royal Union Insurance Company, in the affairs of which he has ever since concentrated his entire time and energy.

In November, 1877, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Jackson and Miss Anna F. Brock, who was born in Canada in 1856. She is a daughter of Francis Brock, a farmer who died in her early childhood, and Jane (Taylor) Brock, who is still living. Four sons were born of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Jack- son : Graydon, Ernest and Frank, all of whom are married and are engaged in the land and banking business in Dallas, South Dakota, where they are pro- moting town sites along the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad; and Lewis, who is attending the State University at Iowa City, where he is pursuing the second year in his law course.

The family attend the services of the Presbyterian church, while Mr. Jackson affiliates with the Masonic order, having taken the thirty-two degrees of the Scottish Rite, his local identification being with the Des Moines Consistory. He also belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, and by means of his membership in the Grant and Country Clubs as well as the Greater Des Moines Committee he keeps in touch with the social and commercial life of the city. Mr. Jackson traces his ancestry back to colonial days on the maternal side, being made eligible to the sons of the American Revolution through his great-great-grandfather, Timothy Lewis, having partici- pated in the struggle for independence, and he is also affiliated with the Loyal Legion. The greatest honor ever paid to his immediate family, however, Mr. Jackson feels to have been the appointment of his father as officer of the guard over the remains of the Great Emancipator when he lay in state in the capitol at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

The career of Mr. Jackson has been a brilliant and successful one, as not to many men is it granted to assume the highest position in the state at the age of thirty-nine years. He has always discharged all trusts, both private and pub- lic, in a manner highly creditable to him as a citizen and a man, and is highly regarded and respected not only in the city where he has resided so long, but throughout the state which he so loyally served.

JOHN B. LUCAS.

John B. Lucas, who for fourteen years has been active in public life in Des Moines, in which connection a most creditable record has won him the con- fidence and support of a large majority of his fellow citizens, is now occupying the position of city treasurer, to which he was appointed in 1906, his incumbency to continue until the Ist of April, 1912. Previous to this he was chief clerk of the board of public works for three years and for six years city auditor. He was born in the village of Clay, Shelby county, Kentucky, August 7, 1867, a son of John M. and Kate (Bean) Lucas, both of whom are now deceased. The father devoted much of his life to merchandising. The ancestral record of the Lucas family has been written by Eleanor Lexington, as follows :

"It is an open question from what Lucas is derived. Various theories have been advanced. The name appears in classic records. Lucas is the Latin name for a grove, or wood, dedicated to a god; a temple, a cloister in a wood. Lucas is easily derived from Lucus, also Luke, and St. Luke's Latin name was Lucas. Then there is the Latin name lux-light-and its variation, or genitive, lucis. It is possible, by the exercise of a little imagination, to evolve Lucas from lux, and what is life worth without a little imagination to lighten dark places. The name Lucasta is directly from lux castachaste light. However, we shall get lost if we wander too far afield in search of the origin of Lucas. One last word,

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

though, about this; the name may be from the old Tuscan town Lucca, also spelled Luca.

"The family of Lucas began early to make history. To go no further back than the thirteenth century, when Lucas of Tuy lived, a Spanish chronicler. Lucas of Leyden, two centuries later, was an artist, who at twelve years of age painted the Legend of St. Hubert, for which he received as many florins as he numbered years. His grandson was painter of Henry IV of France. We are forgetting Sir Lucan, sometimes called Sir Lucas, one of the knights of King Arthur's round table.

"For centuries the Lucas family has been one of prominence in Great Britain, where they have estates at Berwick-on-Tweed, in Norfolk, Essex, Durham, Cam- bridge and Cornwall. Mathias Lucas of Kent was lord mayor of London, 1827. The family of Derbyshire dates back to Thomas Lucas, who purchased property there about 1700. Lowestoft, Suffolk, is now the seat of one branch of the fam- ily. The writer, Edward V. Lucas, who has recently published 'The Gentlest Art' and who is the author of a 'Life of Charles Lamb,' lives in Kent. Samuel Lucas of the Surrey branch married Margaret, sister of John Bright. At St. Gile's church, Colchester, may be seen tombs of many of the Lucas family- nearly all distinguished in the military, literary or artistic world. Sir Charles Lucas, who commanded the cavalry at the siege of Colchester, was one of the king's best soldiers, very brave in his person and in a day of battle a gallant man to look upon and follow. Another eulogy : 'Wherever loyalty and obedience shall have the reputation of virtues, there shall the names of Lucas and Lisle be ever honored.' His portrait is now in possession of Lord Lyttleton. Sir Charles wrote the 'Arts of War' but in cipher, and therefore it was never published.

"Henry Lucas was the founder of the Lucasian professorship at Cambridge and Newton was the second one to hold the professorship. The barony of Lucas was created in 1663. Margaret, daughter of Thomas Lucas of Col- chester, was maid of honor to Queen Henrietta Maria, and afterwards Duchess of Newcastle, when she kept a bevy of maids of honor, who were to be ready at all hours to write down her Grace's dictation. Walpole speaks of her love of writing. Her life of her husband is entitled 'Life of the Thrice Noble, High and Puissant Prince William Cavendish, Duke, Marquis and Earl of Newcastle.'

"Gules, one of the colors of the Lucas coat-of-arms, is appropriate, for the family enrolls many a hero. The first recipient of the Victoria Cross was Rear Admiral Charles Lucas, who served in the Baltic. Colonel Thomas Lucas has the queen's medal, with a clasp, the king's medal, with two clasps, and the Khedive's star and two clasps. Major Frederick George Lucas was decorated for bravery.

"Frederick Lucas was one of Napoleon's soldiers. After the battle of Wat- erloo he settled in Maryland and his son, a western pioneer, was a soldier in the Mexican war. Victory has often perched upon the banners of the house of Lucas in the new as well as in the old world.

" 'Heitman's Officers of the American Revolution' gives the names of the following members of the Lucas family: Captain Thomas of New York; Lieu- tenant Thomas of Pennsylvania, killed at Germantown; Lieutenant James of Delaware; Captain Barton of Maryland; Ensign Nathaniel and Captain James of Virginia ; and Captain John of Georgia. The family were doubtless represented in the Indian wars, for they came over to New Jersey about 1682.

"One family came from Normandy and another from La Rochelle. The family has also been represented in New York since early days. They spelled the name Lucas and lived at, or near Albany, and intermarried with the Van Vechtens. John Baptiste Lucas, member of the Pennsylvania legislature, was born in France, 1762. Robert Lucas, statesman, born 1781, in Virginia, was a descendant of William Penn. His father was a captain in the revolution and

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

he was in the war of 1812, governor of Ohio and the first territorial governor of Iowa.

"In New England the family has lived since the beginning of history there. Samuel Lucas was a member of the Plymouth colony, 1697, and a Mr. Lucas had an estate of four hundred pounds in New Haven, 1643.

"The Pilgrim father of the Lucas family of South Carolina was Jonathan, who settled at Charleston, 1785. He was the son of John Lucas of Cumberland county, England, and his wife Ann Noble. The Nobles went to England with the Conqueror and were extensive mill owners. Soon after coming here Jona- than Lucas invented rice mills as they exist today. His son Jonathan improved his devices and a patent, issued to him July 13, 1808, now in possession of a grandson, is signed by Jefferson and Madison as secretary of state. Jona- than, Jr., at invitation of Great Britain, established mills in England and in Egypt. Having a monopoly of the rice business, he amassed a large fortune for these days. His sons returned to this country but his daughters remained in England.

"Among marriage connections of the Lucas family in the south may be named the Uptons, Moores and Fauntleroys. The will of Captain Francis Slaughter, 1656, mentions his wife Elizabeth and his mother-in-law, Margaret Upton, who was a Lucas. They were of Virginia. Another marriage connec- tion was with the family of David Lewis of Albemarle county, Virginia, and later of North Carolina.

"The coat-of-arms reproduced is blazoned in 'Burke's Peerage' Argent. a fesse, between six annulets, gules. Crest: out of ducal coronet, or, demi-griffin wings expanded, gules. Motto: Veritas Vincit-truth conquers. Regarding the symbolism of this coat armor the fesse is a military belt or girdle of honor, annulets or rings symbolize fidelity ; the Romans wore rings as a sign of knight- hood, and one is always used at coronation ceremonies ; the griffin, popular both in heraldry and romance, is an emblem of vigilance. The griffin of story and fable lived in Bactria and guarded the gold. It was in defense of this that he

Through the wilderness Pursued the Arimaspian.

"As to the colors: argent (silver) denotes sincerity and peace ; gules (red) military fortitude, courage, bravery and magnanimity, or (gold), generosity and elevation of mind."

John B. Lucas was a pupil in the public schools of Shelbyville, Kentucky. to the age of eighteen years, after which he engaged in merchandising with his father until the time of the latter's death in 1886. Thinking that he might benefit by a change of residence, which would perhaps bring him better opportunities in a business way, he came to Iowa on the 5th of January, 1891, and first settled in Des Moines. Here he engaged with the dry-goods house of Reed & Traversy, with whom he remained continuously until 1897, when he was appointed chief clerk to the board of public works and filled that position through the three succeeding years. In 1900 he was elected city auditor and held the office for six years, after which he was elected in 1906 to the position of city treasurer, in which capacity he has since served, his term of office to continue until the Ist of April, 1912. Indorsement of previous public service came in his selec- tion for the present position, the duties of which he discharges with business- like dispatch and promptness. The affairs of the office are most systematically and carefully managed and the official record of Mr. Lucas is one that reflects credit and honor not only upon himself, but upon those who have recognized his fitness for the positions he has filled.

On the 24th of May, 1887, at Clayton, Indiana, Mr. Lucas was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Rynerson, a daughter of John C. Rynerson and a rep-

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

resentative of one of the oldest families of Clayton, her father having been a resident there for seventy-six years. Mr. and Mrs. Lucas have two children, Noble and Chester. The former, a resident of Chicago, married Gladys Fisher and they have one child.

In his political views Mr. Lucas is a stalwart republican, belonging to the progressive wing of the party. He has always been much interested in political questions and has long been an active, earnest and effective worker for the party. He keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day and is well able to support his position by intelligent argument. His religious faith is indi- cated by his membership in the Church of Christ and he belongs to various fraternal and benevolent organizations, including the Elks lodge, the Modern Woodmen camp, the Woodmen of the World, the Mutual Benefit Association, the Homesteaders and the Yeomen. During the twenty years of his residence in Des Moines Mr. Lucas has demonstrated his right to be classed with the rep- resentative men of the city, for in public service he has proven his loyalty to all that is for the best interests of the municipality, while his attractive social quali- ties and personal worth are recognized by all who know him.

JOHN M. COGGESHALL.

In the list of the honored dead of Des Moines stands the name of John M. Coggeshall, who was summoned from earthly scenes November 27, 1889. He was for twenty-five years well known in Des Moines business circles and be- came one of its leading citizens, his influence at all times being exerted in behalf of the permanent welfare of the community. He was born in North Carolina, a son of Tristram and Millicent Coggeshall. He went with his parents to In- diana at the age of five years, there being quite a movement at that time from the south to the states north of the Ohio river.

Educated in the common schools he prepared himself for the active duties of life by learning the saddler's trade at Milton, Indiana, but he never followed his trade, as his inclination and talents attracted him in other directions. Shortly after the close of the Civil war he came to Des Moines with Joseph Schissler and William Jones, the three associating in the management of a clothing store on Third street. Subsequently Mr. Coggeshall and Mr. Schissler engaged as partners in the same line of business, the relationship continuing for several years. Mr. Coggeshall, however, became interested in the manufacture of pot- tery and established a business of this nature in Des Moines, which, under his capable management, became highly lucrative.

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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 2

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