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 25

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 25

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William G. Hale acquired his education at Creston, Iowa, being graduated from the high school with the class of 1896. After putting aside his text-books he became identified with journalistic interests as a newspaper reporter for the old Creston Daily News, later the Creston Morning American, while subsequently he edited the Omaha Trade Exhibit. He next became a member of the staff of the Des Moines Daily News and has held every editorial position on the paper, serving successfully as cub reporter, news editor, telegraph editor, city editor, managing editor and editor in chief. In the last named capacity he has proven himself familiar with the most modern methods of journalism, and that the News enjoys public support and approval is indicated by its large subscription list and extensive advertising patronage. Mr. Hale has a clear idea of the kind of sheet that is needed in his field and ably meets the demand. For a short time he also acted as telegraph editor of the Des Moines Leader.

At Des Moines, Mr. Hale was united in marriage to Miss Florence Allen, a daughter of J. C. Allen, who was for many years before his death manager of the Capital City Woolen Mills. He is independent in politics and is an Epis- copalian in religious faith. Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, while socially he is connected with the Hyperion, Field and Motor, and the Waveland Golf and. Press Clubs.

THOMAS J. GUTHRIE.

It should be a matter of interest to every individual that all public offices are filled by men of incorruptible integrity as well as particular fitness for the duties which they are called upon to discharge. No service, however, is perhaps more important than that which the county attorney is called upon to perform, as he stands as the safeguard of the legal interests of the community, protecting at all points the interests of the people as a whole. To this re- sponsible position Thomas J. Guthrie has been called and his fellow townsmen find him a worthy incumbent in the office. He was born in Elkhart, Polk county, Iowa, April 19. 1877, a son of John and Mary E. (Markham) Guthrie. The father was born in Ireland. December 14, 1821, and came to America in 1849. He settled first at Rockford, Illinois, and in 1852 removed to Iowa,

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following the occupation of farming in this state. He remained for many years a valued resident of Polk county and passed away on the old homestead August 14, 1891. His widow, who is still living at the old home place, was born in Ohio, June 2, 1848. Her father was of Irish lineage, while her mother was of Scotch descent.

After attending the public schools of Elkhart Thomas J. Guthrie continued his education in Drake University. until graduated with the class of 1903, on which occasion the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Master of Law were conferred upon him. Following his graduation he was admitted to the bar and at once began practice in Des Moines. Before and while attending college he was studying law in the office of Cummins, Hewitt & Wright, well known attorneys of this city, and after his admission to the bar he occupied offices with the firm of Hewitt & Wright, whose interest in the young man was man- ifested in many helpful suggestions. In 1908 he was appointed assistant county attorney and so continued until January 1, 1910, when he was appointed county attorney, which office he now fills, being elected to that office in the fall of 1910. He also has a very satisfactory individual practice and is well versed in the various departments of law. He possesses the forceful character, un- daunted purpose and laudable ambition which would insure success in any connection.

In politics Mr. Guthrie is a republican and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Roman Catholic church. He belongs also to the Knights of Columbus, to Taimah Tribe, No. 2, I. O. R. M., and to Camp Gus Smith of the Modern Woodmen of America. He is likewise a member of Hype- rion and the Press Clubs and he has a wide and favorable acquaintance not only in Des Moines but throughout Polk county, within the borders of which his entire life has been passed, so that his history is a familiar one and an open book to his fellow townsmen. There are no esoteric chapters in his life record and his many friends rejoice in the success that he has already achieved and believe that the future holds still better things in store for him.

SIMEON LAFAYETTE TAYLOR, A. B., D. O., M. D.

One of the more recent acquisitions to the medical profession of Des Moines is Dr. Simeon Lafayette Taylor, president of Still College and surgeon in chief to the Des Moines General Hospital. He was born on a farm near Princeton, Kentucky, March 12, 1872, and is the son of George W. and Ada F. (Scott) Taylor. Dr. Taylor's father came from North Carolina to Kentucky. There is a combination of Scotch and English blood in his family lineage, having among his immediate ancestors such names as Taylor, Wolf, Scott, Stallard, Collins, Rogers and Glass.

The paternal great-great-grandfather, Bony Glass, fought in the Revolu- tionary war, taking part in several conflicts, the most notable one being the battle of Cowpens. The maternal ancestors afforded a line of preachers. The great-grandfather was formerly a "Hardshell" Baptist preacher, but later be- came a Universalist preacher and preached that faith the remainder of his days. The grandfather, Marcus Scott, was also a Universalist preacher and was well known throughout the state of Kentucky. Inconsistent as it may seem this branch of the family lineage owned slaves.

Mrs. Taylor's paternal ancestors came from Scotland in the early part of the eighteenth century and located in Virginia, but some years thereafter the branch of the family of which she is a direct descendant removed to Kentucky but afterward moved to Jacksonville, Illinois. Her grandfather moved to Swan creek, Illinois, where her father, Joseph Sylvester Ratekin, now lives.

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The boyhood and youth of Dr. Taylor were not unlike that of the average American boy who was reared on a farm. He acquired his preliminary educa- tion in the public schools, attending high school and later taught two years in the public schools of Caldwell county. Then he went to Lombard College, Gales- burg, Illinois, where he remained in school for five years and was graduated, attaining the A. B. degree. He then came to Des Moines and entered Still College of Osteopathy, completing the professional course in two and one-half years, after which he entered the medical department of the University of Nebraska, where he remained for three years. At the expiration of that period he matriculated at the medical department of Johns Hopkins University at Baltimore, following which he became an interne in the St. Agnes Hospital of that city. In 1909, feeling that his long period of study, supplemented by the practical work in the hospital, had quite adequately equipped him to take up the active practice of his profession he accepted the position of surgeon in chief in Still College and Hospital of Osteopathy, his alma mater, at Des Moines. His comprehensive and thorough knowledge of anatomy combined with his rare powers of organization and executive ability enabled Dr. Taylor to fill. a long felt want in this institution, and his powers quickly gaining recognition on the 18th of January, 1911, he was promoted to the presidency. Here he has had still further opportunity to reveal his strength and ability not only as a man but as a practitioner, and although he has held the governing chair but for the brief period of twelve months, he has made his personality felt and un- doubtedly he will do much to advance the interests of the institution over which he is presiding. Always a student, Dr. Taylor continues his work along gen- eral medical lines and has built up a large practice in surgery his chosen field.

Dr. Taylor was married in 1898 to Miss Lola D. Ratekin, of Swan Creek, Illinois. Both he and Mrs. Taylor affiliate with the Universalist church, while fraternally the Doctor is identified with the Masonic order, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. He keeps in touch with his professional brethren through the medium of the Polk County Osteopathy Association and the American Osteopathy Association. Always having been very largely engrossed in his vocation Dr. Taylor has never taken an active part in politics but does not accept the dictation of any party, always casting an independent ballot, feeling that the time and the exigencies of the situation must always be taken into consideration, being of more moment than party principles or platform.

C. B. PARK, M. D.

While in the later years of his life C. B. Park gave his attention to the bro- kerage business in Des Moines, various interests claimed his attention at different points in his career and in every connection he displayed those qualities which indicate genuine personal worth and a conformity to high standards. The regard of his friends so uniformly given him was therefore well merited and all who knew him were glad to call him friend. His life is the story of New England thrift and business sagacity supplemented by western energy and enterprise. It is true he did not have the humble origin or experience the early privations of some men who have achieved success, but on the other hand not one in a thou- sand who have enjoyed his modest advantages have turned them to such ex- cellent account.

He was born in Grafton, Vermont, December 14, 1834, representing one of the old New England families. His great-grandfather was a soldier of the Con- tinental army during the Revolutionary war and his grandfather was a pioneer settler of Vermont, removing to that state when it was almost covered with

C. B. PARK

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virgin forest. Previous to that day the family had been represented in Con- necticut since the first of the name sought a home in the new world. The par- ents of Dr. Park were C. B. and Elzina (Tenney) Park, the former a farmer and merchant who wisely gave his son opportunity to indulge his love of educa- tion and study. He early gave manifestation of a literary taste and delved deep into the best writings of the day. He finally completed his literary education at Chester Academy in Vermont and then turned to the "learned professions" for a life work. Deciding upon the practice of medicine he pursued a course of reading in the office and under the direction of Dr. L. G. Whiting, of Chester, Vermont, while later Professor James H. Armsby, of Albany, New York, was his preceptor. When nineteen years of age he entered the Albany Medical College, pursuing three years of lectures there and still another course in the University of New York city, from which he was graduated with the class of 1856.

In the same year-on the 3d of July-Dr. Park was married to Miss Nancy D. Carlton, of Andover, Vermont, and on the succeeding day the young couple started for the west and spent one year at Darlington, Lafayette county, Wis- consin, but not being satisfied with that location proceeded to St. Ansgar, Mitchell county, Iowa. For four years Dr. Park was there engaged in practice, after which he returned to Vermont and followed his profession in Grafton until the year 1862.

At that time he responded to the country's call for aid by joining the Union army as surgeon of the Sixteenth Vermont Infantry. He was on duty with that regiment for several months, after which, at the solicitation of Governor Hol- brook, he accepted the position of surgeon of the Eleventh Vermont Heavy Artillery and so continued until he was mustered out. Aldace F. Walker, lieu- tenant colonel of the regiment, afterward published a volume entitled The Vermont Brigade in the Shenandoah Valley, in which he says: "Among all the faithful soldiers of the brigade the one who will longest be remembered with affection by the greatest number and with the greatest reason is Castanus B. Park, of the Eleventh Regiment, the brigade surgeon. As a worker Dr. Park was indefatigable and his skill was equal to the requirements of his position. Of all its medical staff the brigade were justly proud, the assistant surgeons as well as the surgeons being always found at their post and shrinking from no labor that might benefit their men on the march, in the camp or in battle. Their duties were often extremely arduous for in case of an engagement the work of the surgeons was just begun when ours was over. At and after the battle of Cedar Creek Dr. Park was at his table for forty-eight hours consecutively and during this campaign it was his duty to perform all the capital operations re- quired in the brigade. The number of amputations which he performed was exceedingly large, but he traced with care the after history of each patient and in no single instance did one fail of recovery. This fact speaks equally well for the physique of the men and the science of the Doctor."

A manifestation of the regard entertained for Dr. Park by his comrades in arms is indicated by the following letter :

Townsend, Vt., Sept. 24, 1863.

Dr. C. B. Park,

Dear Sir :

Your visible connection with our regiment as its surgeon has ceased but the remembrance of your fidelity, energy and unceasing care will linger long in the hearts of its individual members. In the first place you won our confidence by manifesting a skill in the art of healing which few possess; then by untiring diligence and continued watchfulness you almost robbed disease of its terrors and death of its victims. But this is not all. Your whole intercourse with us was characterized by gentlemanly deportment and kindly consideration. Neither Vol. II-11

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the annoyance of dealing with unpleasant subjects nor the necessary incon- veniences of camp life induced neglect or sourness. In order to manifest our appreciation of your services the accompanying silverware has been selected and I have the honor of presenting it to you in behalf of the enlisted men of the Sixteenth Vermont Regiment. Accept it not for its intrinsic worth but for the memories which cluster around it. Receive it as an expression of grateful remembrance from hearts which have been quickened to nobler emotions to the principles of freedom and humanity. I am,

Yours respectfully,

Lyman E. Knapp.

To this Dr. Park made reply as follows :

Grafton, Oct. 12, 1863.

Capt. L. E. Knapp, Dear Sir :

I have received a very valuable present of silverware from you, in behalf of the enlisted men of the Sixteenth Vermont Regiment, and with it the above letter. In receiving a present from such men, at a time when my relations as their regimental surgeon had ceased, as a testimonial of my services rendered them during our campaign, fills my heart with gratitude which words are power- less to convey. Their patriotism, courage and fidelity are too well known to the world to be mentioned here. If my duty was as well performed as theirs I am satisfied. In accepting the present, not for its intrinsic worth but as a monumental record of a regiment of brave and intelligent men who were willing to sacrifice the comforts of home and friends and, if need be, to sacrifice their lives in fighting for justice, freedom and constitutional liberty, I tender through you to the donors my sincere thanks.

I am, Sir, yours truly, C. B. Park, Jr.

When the country no longer needed his aid at the front Dr. Park resumed the practice of medicine in Vermont but in the spring of 1867 again sought a home in Iowa and at that date purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land near Grinnell in Poweshiek county. He then largely retired from the practice of his profession and gave his attention to agricultural interests. Two years later he removed to Grand Junction, the town being established in that year. He there erected a residence, established a lumberyard and iater engaged in the hardware business. He also devoted a part of his attention to the im- provement of a large farm of four hundred and twenty acres, on which he set out extensive and beautiful groves, and he was also one of the first in the state to engage in the raising of blooded cattle. He was very successful in his stock-raising, and his fine farm attracted the attention of all on account of the excellent taste he displayed in laying out the grounds surrounding his home, groves and shrubbery all having the appearance of receiving the most careful and scientific attention.

In business affairs Dr. Park displayed a keen discrimination and sound judgment, carrying forward to successful completion whatever he undertook. In time, therefore, he became the possessor of a handsome competence. While still engaged in farming and stock-raising he opened a bank in Grand Junction in partnership with his brother, B. A. Park, but was the active head and manager of the enterprise. Some time afterward he disposed of his farm and having purchased his brother's interest in the bank at the end of two years, he con- ducted it in his own name for a number of years, when he sold out to O. J. Dutton. Removing to Des Moines, Dr. Park engaged in the brokerage busi- ness, which claimed his attention up to the time of his death.

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One of the most severe trials which came to him in all of his life was the death of his only son, William L., on the 14th of June, 1886. He passed away near Douglas, Wyoming, when twenty-five years of age. He had been af- forded good educational opportunities and it seemed that a bright future was before him. The Doctor ever manifested the keenest concern in his welfare, in his interests and all that made up his life, and his demise was a crushing blow to the father and other members of the family. Another child had died in infancy, leaving Jennie May as the only surviving representative of the Park family at the present time, for the father died in Des Moines, September 1, 1891, and the mother, after surviving him for about sixteen years, passed away on the 16th of November, 1907.

At his death a local paper of Grand Junction said: "There was no citizen during the eighteen years Dr. Park lived in Grand Junction who was more highly esteemed. His advice was sought by all and his opinions respected. His influence was always good. He was a matter-of-fact man who was always candid and took a practical view of both public and private affairs. He was often honored by his neighbors and fellow citizens for his sterling worth and excellent business qualifications, being elected four times as member of the Greene county board of supervisors and serving three terms as chairman of that body. He lived a most exemplary life and in his home, surrounded by his family, he was most happy."

Dr. Park was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and was ever in- terested in the welfare of his comrades. He has been spoken of as "the per- fect husband and the perfect father." All who knew him recognized his loyalty and progressiveness in citizenship as well as his faithfulness in friendship. His life was upright and his nobility of character commended him to the highest regard of all who knew him. In politics he was a republican with whig ante- cedents and in his fraternal relations was connected with the Masons.

FRANKLIN G. DAVIS.

Franklin G. Davis, who devotes his attention to that work which George Washington designated as "the most useful as well as the most honorable oc- cupation of man," is numbered among the successful and enterprising agricul- turists of Walnut township. His birth occurred in Des Moines, Iowa, on the 6th of October, 1864, his parents being William and Louisa (Lewis) Davis, na- tives of England. The father, whose natal day was October 20, 1831, was a son of Richard and Catherine (James) Davis, who were born in Wales and passed away in England. The paternal grandfather of our subject was actively engaged in general agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business career.

William Davis, the father of Franklin G. Davis, was reared and educated in his native land and remained under the parental roof until he had attained the age of nineteen years. At that time he crossed the Atlantic to the United States, locating in Cleveland, Ohio, where he fell a victim to typhoid fever and was ill about four months. He resided in Cleveland for about three years, where he operated a truck farm. After selling the property he came to Des Moines in 1856, and began teaming, hauling merchandise across country from river towns prior to the era of railroad transportation. At the end of nine years he abandoned teaming and again turned his attention to agricultural pur- suits, operating a rented farm for six years. At the expiration of that period he purchased a tract of eighty acres in Polk county, cultivating the place until he disposed of it about seven years later. He next bought a well improved farm of one hundred and sixty-three acres in Walnut township and was success- fully engaged in its operation until he put aside the active work of the fields

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in March, 1906, since which time he has lived in honorable retirement at Valley Junction, owning a fine home at No. 410 Sixth street. He also owns three other residences in the town, which he rents, and is still in possession of his farm in Walnut township.

In November, 1850, he wedded Miss Louisa Lewis, a daughter of Posthumus M. and Mary (Morgan) Lewis, who spent their entire lives in England. This union was blessed with seven children, as follows: William and Wilfred M., both of whom died in infancy; Thomas R., who passed away at the age of three years and nine months; Albert, who died when a lad of nine years, being thrown from a horse and breaking his neck; Franklin G., of this review; Arthur G., who lives with his brother, Franklin G .; and Mrs. Louisa Day, a resident of Valley Junction. William Davis gives his political allegiance to the democracy and has served as school director, while for twenty-two years he held the office of treasurer of Walnut township. His religious faith is indicated by his mem- bership in the Methodist church, to which his wife also belongs. The period of their residence in Polk county covers fifty-five years and they enjoy a wide and favorable acquaintance within its borders. Mr. Davis is now in the eightieth year of his age and receives the veneration and respect which should ever be accorded one who has traveled thus far on life's journey and whose career has been at all times upright and honorable.

Franklin G. Davis, whose name introduces this review, obtained his edu- cation in the district schools of Walnut township and the public schools of Des Moines and also attended Drake University for one year. He remained under the parental roof until 1906, when his father retired and took up his abode in Valley Junction. Although Mr. Davis lived with his father he operated a sep- arate farm. At the time of his father's retirement, however, he, in connection with his brother, Arthur G., took charge of the old home place of one hundred and sixty acres, which he has since cultivated in addition to his own tract of sixty acres. In association with his brother he owns two finely improved farms of three hundred and twenty acres in, Dallas county. His undertakings as an agriculturist have been attended with a gratifying measure of prosperity and he has long held a place among the substantial and representative citizens of his native county.

On the 17th of February, 1909, Mr. Davis was united in marriage to Miss Goldie Barnett, a daughter of Carlton and Rosanna (Swallow) Barnett, both of whom are natives of Indiana. Mr. Barnett came to Iowa in 1861, locating in Dallas county, where he became identified with agricultural pursuits. At the present time he and his wife are living on a farm in Walnut township, Polk county.

Mr. Davis is a democrat in politics. Fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America at Valley Junction, Iowa. Mrs. Davis is affiliated with the Methodist church. The cooperation of Mr. Davis has never been sought in vain in support of progressive public movements and his worth as a citizen is widely acknowledged.

RAYMOND B. ALBERSON.

Raymond B. Alberson, engaged in the general practice of law as a mem- ber of the firm of Bowen & Alberson, in which connection he has secured a very satisfactory clientage, was born in Washington, Iowa, October II, 1875, a son of Amos Norris and Sarah (Hebener) Alberson, who are residents of Washington, where the father is engaged in merchandising. The Albersons came of Dutch ancestry, although the family has been represented in this coun-

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try since 1752, when settlement was made on Long Island. The maternal an- cestors were also early residents.

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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 25

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