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 28

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 28

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a machinist of rare talents, who is generally able to solve any problem in his specialty that makes its appearance. He is also a good salesman and a man of many fine social characteristics.

On the 23d day of December, 1896, Mr. Brewer was united in marriage to Miss Sophia Melissa Hare, a daughter of Michael Hare, who for many years was engaged in farming at Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, and since 1893 has been living retired at Richland Center, Wisconsin. Two children have been born of this union: Vera, who was born April 9, 1898, and now a student at the Greenwood school; and Freda, born January 30, 1900, and also attending school.

Mr. Brewer gives his support to the republican party and in religious be- lief is identified with the Methodist church. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and the United Commercial Travelers. On account of his genial qualities he attracts friends wherever he is known and as a business man he ranks among the best in the community. He is an ad- vocate of baseball, football, hunting, fishing and outdoor life, but his greatest happiness is found at his own fireside, in the midst of his family. He is in- deed a patriotic, progressive and energetic citizen whose aim it is to advance the permanent welfare of all with whom he is associated.

JUDGE JAMES PETER HEWITT.

Judge James Peter Hewitt, appointed fifth judge of the Polk county district on the 28th of March, 1911, was born January 2, 1864, in Jefferson, Greene county, Pennsylvania. His parents were William G. and Amanda (Taylor) Hewitt. The father was reared on a farm, but later became a carpenter and builder and followed that pursuit in the Keystone state until the early boyhood of his son James, when he left Pennsylvania and went with his family to Wis- consin, where they resided for two or three years and then removed to War- ren county, Iowa, the father continuing his active connection with building oper- ations in that district. The family numbered three children, as follows: James P., of this review; Louie Elizabeth, who died at the age of seven years; and Mrs. J. F. Cromley, who is now a resident of Lamar, Missouri.

James P. Hewitt, accompanying his parents on their various removals, pur- sued his early education in the public schools of Indianola, Warren county, and afterward attended Simpson College of that place, where he mastered the work of a more specifically literary course. He then entered Drake University of Des Moines for the study of law and was graduated on the 13th of June, 1895. with the LL. B. degree. In 1890 his parents had removed to the capital city and before taking up his law course James P. Hewitt had been employed here as bookkeeper for Charles Hewitt, a wholesale grocer, and later had served in a similar capacity with the State Insurance Company of Des Moines. About the time he entered Drake University he began reading law with the firm of Cum- mins & Wright, with whom he also studied while pursuing his university course. Admitted to practice in 1895, upon examination before the supreme court of Iowa, he began practice as a member of the firm of Cummins, Hewitt & Wright. which connection was maintained until the senior partner was elected governor of Iowa. A change in the personnel of the firm then led to the adoption of the style of Wright, Hewitt & Wright in 1901, and later changes in partnershin changed the firm name to Carr, Hewitt, Parker & Wright. This was continued for five years, or until 1908, when Judge Carr retired and the firm name of Parker. Hewitt & Wright was resumed. In 1909 this became Hewitt & Wright and in 1910 the firm of Hewitt, Miller & Wallingford was formed. Mr. Hewitt's legal learning, his analytical mind, the readiness with which he grasped

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the points in an argument, all combined to make him one of the strongest law- years at the Des Moines bar. He is devotedly attached to his profession and few lawyers have made a more lasting impression upon the bar of the capital city, both for legal ability of a high order and for the individuality of a personal character which impresses itself upon a community. While he continued in the general practice of law he specialized to a large extent in corporation jaw and was retained as counsel by many important business interests of this city. He is a director of the National Life Insurance Association of Des Moines.

On the 28th of November, 1901, in Allerton, Iowa, Mr. Hewitt was married to Miss Ida Nan Shields, a daughter of Samuel and Emma M. Shields, the former an Iowa farmer now living retired. Mrs. Hewitt was one of a family of twelve children and by her marriage has become the mother of four chil- dren : Ruth Georgene, Elizabeth Nan, James Randolph and Edwin Shields.

The parents are members of the Presbyterian church and Mr. Hewitt be- longs to the Masonic fraternity, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias fraternity. He is also a member of the Grant Club and gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He is a vigilant and attentive observer of men and measures and thus casts an independent ballot in support of principles or candidates. He has never himself sought office. but his influence has always been on the side of good government and progress in political affairs as well as in private life. In his practice when he appeared before the court his opinions showed a thorough mastery of the questions in- volved, a rare simplicity of style and an admirable terseness and clearness in the statement of the principles and points of law upon which he based his case. On the 28th of March, 1911, however, Mr. Hewitt was called upon to put aside the duties of private law practice in order to take his seat upon the beach, hav- ing been appointed by Governor Carroll to the fifth judgeship of Polk county. This appointment seemed to occasion uniform satisfaction, for on all hands were heard such expressions as this: "Mr. Hewitt is a man of rare ability and is without doubt the man for the position. He is quiet, agreeable and efficient and has an enviable reputation among members of the legal profession in Polk county." The following paragraph appeared in one of the local papers : "There is nothing but commendation in Des Moines of the governor's appointment of a fifth judge. Mr. Hewitt is a scholar of the law, a successful lawyer, an in- dependent and incorruptible man. He has both the temperament and the talent to be one of the best trial judges in the state. We doubt if a better selection could have been made."

WILLIAM ANDREW FULLER.

William Andrew Fuller, a prosperous and progressive agriculturist of Wal- nut township, owns a valuable farm of one hundred and forty-seven acres and also operates a rented tract of two hundred and forty acres. His birth occurred in Warren county, Iowa, on the 7th of November, 1872, his parents being Nelson and Lusina (Bringham) Fuller, who were natives of Ohio and Iowa respectively. The father, after serving for three years as a soldier in the Union army, came to Iowa in 1865 and operated a rented farm of two hundred acres near Des Moines until 1880. In that year he purchased a tract of forty- five acres in Walnut township, cleared and improved the property and there carried on his agricultural interests until 1893, when he took up his abode in Elkhart, Iowa. At the end of a year he removed to Altoona, this state, and in 1895 purchased and located upon an improved farm of eighty acres, in the operation of which he has been busily engaged to the present time. He is now sixty-four years of age and is widely recognized as one of the respected citizens

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and substantial agriculturists of the community. His wife was called to her final rest on the 2d of April, 1910.

William Andrew Fuller was reared and educated in Polk county, attending the country schools and also the public schools of Clarkson, Iowa. He remained under the parental roof until he was eighteen years of age and then went to work as a farm hand for L. P. Bennett, continuing in that gentleman's employ for about four years. On the expiration of that period he was married and began the operation of his wife's farm of eighty-seven acres in Walnut town- ship, the further cultivation and improvement of which has claimed his atten- tion continuously since. In 1895 he extended the boundaries of the place by an additional purchase of sixty acres, so that it now embraces one hundred and forty-seven acres of rich and productive land. In addition to this property he also operates a rented tract of two hundred and forty acres. He has made many substantial improvements on his place and has recently completed a fine large barn. His fields annually return golden harvests as a reward for the care and labor he bestows upon them, while the neat and thrifty appearance of his farm gives evidence of his practical methods and careful supervision.

On the 13th of February, 1894, Mr. Fuller was united in marriage to Miss Musetta A. Bennett, a daughter of Pressly T. and Susan C. (Rollins) Bennett, who were natives of Kentucky and Maine respectively. The father came to Iowa in 1848 and throughout the remainder of his life was successfully iden- tified with general agricultural pursuits here, accumulating five hundred acres of valuable land. His success was all the more creditable by reason of the fact that it was attributable entirely to his own efforts for he started out in life empty handed and unaided. His demise occurred on his farm near Valley Junction, on the 9th of June, 1885, when he had attained the age of fifty-eight years, while his wife was called to her final rest on the 21st of May, 1908, being at that time sixty-three years of age. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Fuller have been born four children, as follows: Harold L., who was born November 11, 1895; Oliver P., born March 26, 1897; Lillian C., born February 1, 1903; and Mabel M., who died on the 9th of September, 1901.

Mr. Fuller is a republican in politics and is now serving as a school director of Walnut township. He was formerly connected with the order of Eagles. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his wife and children also belong. His entire life has been spent in this part of the state and he is widely known as an esteemed and rep- resentative citizen.

JAMES GUEST BERRYHILL.

James Guest Berryhill, the father of the "Des Moines Plan," whose record as a member of the general assembly marked him as one of the public-spirited citizens of Iowa, actively and helpfully interested in movements relative to the general good, is, moreover, well known in Des Moines as an active, enterpris- ing business man of many interests, including banking, real estate and farming. His varied activities have brought him into close touch with the people, their desires and their needs, and thus it was that he was able to intelligently discuss many legislative questions having direct bearing upon the welfare of the com- monwealth. He was born in Iowa City, November 5, 1852.

His father, Charles H. Berryhill, one of the pioneers of this state, was born in Harrisburg. Pennsylvania, in 1818, and was of English descent, represent- ing a family that was founded in the Keystone state in colonial days. In the year 1838, the father journeyed westward, settling in Iowa when it was still under territorial rule. He engaged in merchandising and in the real-estate business

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in Iowa City, and became a prominent factor in the history of the territory. His well directed efforts in business and his unfaltering energy enabled him to- accumulate what was considered a large fortune in those days, and his ability well fitted him for the position of leadership which he so long occupied in com- munity affairs.

James Guest Berryhill was educated in the schools of Iowa City and in the University of Iowa, from which he was graduated with honors in the class of 1873. He determined to make the practice of law his life work, and to that end pursued a course in the law department of the State University until his graduation in 1876. The following year he began practice in Des Moines, and shortly afterward formed a partnership with George F. Henry under the firm style of Berryhill & Henry. This became one of the leading firms in the state, being connected with much important litigation. From time to time Mr. Berry- hill extended his efforts into other fields, becoming in the course of years an active, enterprising and progressive factor in business circles. Aside from his profession he has many interests in banking, real estate and farming, and these and other financial investments occupy his time and attention. His judgment is sound, his discrimination keen and his industry unfaltering. What he plans he executes ; what he purposes to do he accomplishes; and the methods which he employs are in harmony with the spirit of modern progress and a high standard of commercial ethics.

Mr. Berryhill is an ardent republican and has long taken an active and help- ful interest in the work of the party, which, recognizing his ability, has called him to positions of leadership. He was elected to the general assembly from Polk county in 1885 and his record as a member of the state legislature is one which conferred honor and credit upon the district which honored him. He was made chairman of the committee on appropriations and in this connection, because of his business ability and his public spirit, he saved the state some hun- dreds of thousands of dollars. He also paid off a floating debt of over one million dollars and put the state on a sound financial basis, which was the result of constant effort on the part of Mr. Berryhill. He has always been the champion of the whole people and their rights rather than of the few, and has ever occupied a firm stand against extravagance, graft and misuse of public funds. That his legislative record received public indorsement is indicated by the fact that he was reelected at the close of his first term, and in the ensuing ses- sions of the legislature he did much to regulate railway affairs and to secure the adoption of satisfactory railway laws for the state. In the twenty-first general assembly Mr. Berryhill was the prime mover in the work which gave the state its railroad legislation and the practical solution of problems of administration resultant thereunder. This was a most important work and, undertaken at any other time and by any one else, would have met with defeat. Mr. Berryhill was the lawyer who made careful examination of the constitutional points involved in the proposed legislation. Familiar with the decisions of the state and federal courts in relation to fixing rates, he so framed the bill that unquestioned prin- ciples of constitutional law were back of every part of the statute. The railroads. were so firmly convinced of the constitutionality of the legislation that they never permitted the controversy to go to the supreme court of the United States.

James G. Berryhill was the acknowledged organizer and leader in the house of representatives during the twenty-first and twenty-second general assemblies, from 1886 until 1888. "The twenty-second general assembly will be long re- membered for the inestimable service rendered to the people in the framing and enactment of laws controlling railroads which have proved to be wise, just and beneficial."

In 1896 Mr. Berryhill was a candidate for congress and made a strong, clean fight for the office, but was defeated. In the fall of 1905 he visited the city of Galveston, Texas, for information regarding the commission plan of gov-

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ernment in operation at that place. Upon his return a meeting was called November 17, 1905, by the leading citizens of Des Moines to listen to a lengthy address of explanation of this pian of city government by Mr. Berryhill. He was made chairman of the legislative commission to prepare a bill for the general assembly so that the cities of Iowa could adopt the commission form of government. The measure failed of passage in the assembly of 1906. In January, 1907, another public meeting was held in the Shrine Temple and was addressed by Mr. Berryhill. A committee of three hundred citizens was ap- pointed to support the movement. A legislative committee was appointed with Mr. Berryhill as chairman and this committee prepared the present famous "Des Moines Plan," based on the original draft submitted to the assembly in 1906. The bill was enacted and made a law March 29, 1907, and is known as Chapter 48-Acts of the Thirty-eighth General Assembly of Iowa. The act has been sustained and is known all over the United States and Canada as the Des Moines plan of municipal government. It has been successfully adopted by over one hundred cities in the United States. Mr. Berryhill has been called upon to address the citizens in over one hundred cities regarding this plan and has been rightfully termed "the father of the Des Moines plan.'

In 1881 Mr. Berryhill was married to iviss Virginia J. Slagle, daughter of Christian W. Slagle of Fairfield, Iowa, a pioneer settler, lawyer and legislator, well known in connection with the history of the state. He was graduated from Washington College of Pennsylvania and was closely associated with educational interests in Iowa, acting for many years as a regent of the state university and as its president in 1877-8. Mrs. Berryhill graduated from the department of liberal arts of the State University in 1877, and in Des Moines is a leader in many good works wherein the interests of humanity are promoted. Both Mr. and Mrs. Berryhill cast their influence on the side of intellectual and moral progress, of social and political integrity and of reform and improvement. In his legislative career as well as in professional and business circles Mr. Berryhill has left an impress for good upon the history of Iowa.

CHARLES S. VORSE.

Although called from earthly scenes at thirty-six years of age Charles S. Vorse, on account of his many noble qualities, will long be remembered by those who knew him. A man of scholarly attainments, he possessed the ability to gain an honorable place in any calling had he enjoyed the necessary health and strength. His constitution, unfortunately, was impaired by over applica- tion to study in his youth and early manhood. Therefore he was obliged to forego the satisfaction of a professional career for which he had thoroughly prepared.

He was born at Sidney, Fremont county, Iowa, September 24, 1854, a son of Norman T. and Elizabeth M. (Searle) Vorse. Mr. Vorse, Sr., was born in Harrison county, Ohio, December 13, 1821, his father, the grandfather of our subject, having emigrated to the Buckeye state from New York shortly after the war of 1812.

Norman T. Vorse received his education in the early schools of his native county and in 1849, came to Des Moines, where he spent four years and be- came prominently identified with the business interests of Polk county. Re- turning to Ohio, he took unto himself a wife, and after resuming his residence in Des Moines he associated with his brother, Addison S. Vorse, in the manu- facture and sale of agricultural implements. Subsequently the brother retired and Mr. Vorse continued the business alone until his death, which occurred May 18, 1877. In earlier years he became a large holder of land, two hundred

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acres of which is now known as the Easton place. It was entered by Mr. Vorse soon after his arrival in the state and was platted and divided into city lots by his sons, Charles S. and Frank W. Vorse, the latter of whom is now living in Des Moines. Easton place is now one of the valuable residence portions of the city.

Charles S. Vorse grew up under the most favorable conditions, being given every opportunity of education that could be desired. On account of impaired health he went to Europe, traveling extensively through various countries, and also living for a number of months at Berlin, where he resumed his studies. Soon after returning home he matriculated in the law department of the State University of Iowa, graduating in 1876 with the degree of LL. B. After leav- ing the university he assisted his father in his extensive business and never undertook the active practice of law, his attention being taken up. with his extensive real-estate interests. On December 26, 1899, he left for the Pacific coast, accompanied by his mother, and while at Santa Cruz, California, was seized with a fatal illness, passing away February 2, 1890.

He was a member of the Knights of Pythias and of a genial, social nature, readily winning friends and always retaining them. In his business life he was uniformly courteous and obliging, never seeking to advance his own fortune to the injury of others. A patriotic, intelligent and progressive citizen, he evinced a lively interest in the welfare of the city and contributed to the extent of his ability to its permanent advancement.

On August 27, 1878, Mr. Vorse was united in marriage to Miss Augusta Terrell of Kentucky, and five children were born to them: Norman T .; Flor- ence; Charles Searle, deceased; Carl C .; and Mabel. Mrs. Vorse still makes her home in Des Moines, where she is widely known and has many warm personal friends.

JOSEPH H. BYRNES.

Throughout much of his life Joseph H. Byrnes has occupied public office, the duties of which he has discharged with such promptness and fidelity that his record will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny and has won for him warm commendation and high respect. He was born April 8, 1868, in Free- port, Illinois, a son of Patrick and Sarah E. (McCrossin) Byrnes. The father, who was born in Cork, Ireland, March 17, 1819, died October 15, 1903, and the mother, whose birth occurred in Racine, Wisconsin, March 17, 1838, passed away on the 15th of September, 1900. The removal of the family from Illinois to Waverly, Iowa, led to Joseph H. Byrnes becoming a pupil in the public schools of that place, and after putting aside his text-books he was appointed to the position of assistant postmaster of Waverly, serving as such for three years. At the expiration of that period he went to Cedar Falls, Iowa, where he occupied the position of assistant postmaster for twelve years, his capability and fidelity being plainly indicated by the length of his service. He afterward took up his residence in Waterloo, Iowa, as head bookkeeper and cashier for the whole- sale grocery firm of the Smith, Lichty, Hillman Company, with whom he con- tinued until the Ist day of January, 1903, when recognition of his ability for official service came to him in his appointment by B. F. Carroll, auditor of the state, to a position in the Iowa insurance department. He served in that capacity for six years and in 1909 was appointed by John L. Bleakly, auditor of state, to the position of deputy, in which capacity he is now serving. He has ever taken an earnest part in the welfare of the republican party, doing all in his power to further its interests, promote its growth and insure its suc-

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cess. He is prominently known among the leaders of the party and his opinions have always carried weight in its councils.

On the 14th of September, 1894, in Floris, Iowa, Mr. Byrnes was united in marriage to Miss Minnie L. Davies, a daughter of Patrick and W. L. Davies. Her parents devoted thirty-two years of their lives to the management of a general store in Floris, but in the year 1902 disposed of their interests and re- tired from business life, removing to Monrovia, California, where they are now residing in the enjoyment of well earned rest in the midst of that semi-tropical country. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Byrnes have been born two sons: Leo Patrick, who was born in Cedar Falls, Iowa, December 24, 1895, and died at Monrovia, California, April II, 1904, his remains being there interred; and Robert Ed- ward, who was born in Waterloo, Iowa, August 19, 1900, and is a student in the Lucas School in Des Moines.

The parents are communicants of the Roman Catholic church and Mr. Byrnes is connected with a number of fraternal and social organizations, holding mem- bership with the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Order of Foresters, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Iowa State Traveling Men's Association and the Waterloo Traveling Men's Association. His social qualities render him popular and he has won many friends in the various localities in which he has lived. His worth and fidelity in office have long since been demonstrated and he has well merited the posi- tions of distinction which have come to him in public service.

JOHN A. BENSON.

Sweden has contributed to America many of her most promising sons, who have established homes under the stars and stripes and contributed nobly toward the upbuilding of the nation. Among this number may be named John A. Ben- son, a prominent contractor and builder of Des Moines, being the president of the firm of Benson & Marxer, general contractors. He was born in the province of Halland, Sweden, May 21, 1857, and is the son of Bengt Martenson and Louise Anderson. The father was a farmer in his native country and con- tinued in the same pursuit until his death, which occurred in 1857. The mother died in 1868.

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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 28

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