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 31

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 31

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pression of the best that there is in a man. A man ought to have ideals and he ought to give his business character."

Mr. Mandelbaum's life has been the exposition of his own theories and beliefs as expressed above and he trained his sons to become his helpers and succes- sors. He has always been a believer in boys and he early made of his sons com- panions and confidants. They themselves tell of their delight in the days, when the stores were closed, and they walked into the country or into the wooded parks with their father and there sat down with him to talk about things in business and outside of it. Those were the talks of friend to friend, tinged with the counsel of a good father and one wise in the ways of the world. As the boys grew older they were given responsibilities to bear, being intrusted with this or that duty which they were asked to faithfully perform, and thus when they came to manhood they were ready for admission to partnership in the business. The house of J. Mandelbaum & Sons is today not only the oldest, but through- out the years has maintained its position as one of the most prominent business establishments of Des Moines, and as success has come to him Julius Mandel- baum has made large and extensive investments in realty and in bank and other stocks.

On the 3Ist of August, 1868, in Albany, New York, Mr. Mandelbaum was married to Miss Mina Mann, who died June 13, 1899, leaving four children : Morris, who is associated with his father in business; Lillian, the wife of Moses Cohen, of Des Moines; Carrie, the wife of I. J. Wallerstein, of Richmond, Vir- ginia ; and Sidney, who married Estelle Wilchinski and is also a member of the firm of J. Mandelbaum & Sons. The father was formerly the honored president of Congregation Benai Yeshurum. He likewise belongs to Capital City B. B. Lodge, a national Jewish organization founded upon benevolent principles. In politics he is a republican but has never sought to figure prominently in public affairs. He is a modest, unassuming man, whose time has been devoted to the welfare of his family and his business. He is, however, an interesting man per- sonally, and one who has well learned life's lessons and put them to practical account. His house is the expression of himself, his ideals, his character and his quiet. persistent industry and ability.

CHARLES D. HUTCHINSON.

· Charles D. Hutchinson, who for sixteen years has been successfully engaged in gardening in South Des Moines, is a native of England, his birth having oc- curred on the 30th of October, 1859. The parents, Daniel and Sarah (Ogden) Hutchinson, were also natives of the mother country. The father was born April 24, 1831, and the mother January 10, 1833. Daniel Hutchinson was a candle maker by trade, but for a period of more than fifty years was employed in a wholesale grocery store. He died in his native land on the 7th of January. IgII, at the age of eighty years.

The first thirteen years in the life of Charles D. Hutchinson were spent in his birthplace, in the common schools of which he obtained his education. At the end of that time, however, he hired out as a farm hand by the month, con- tinuing in that occupation until he had attained his twenty-third year, when he decided that America afforded much better possibilities to industrious young men than the more conservative mother country, so took passage for the United States. Upon his arrival here he first located at Darlington, Wisconsin, where he worked as a farm hand four months and then again started westward. On the 30th of October, 1882, he came to Des Moines and procured employment with Rollinson Brothers, on their truck farm, remaining in their service for nine years. The spare time he was not able to work at farming during that period

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he devoted to learning the carpenter's trade, which he followed for five years thereafter. Prior to engaging in the latter occupation he had invested his ac- cumulated savings in ten acres of land in South Des Moines, upon which, when he withdrew from carpentering, he erected several greenhousss, which he began operating in 1895 in connection with a truck garden. He has been very success- ful in his venture and has greatly improved his place during the period of his occupancy, having erected a nice residence and barns as well as having enlarged his hothouses. He is not now engaging so extensively in truck farming and has disposed of all but three acres of his original tract.

On the 28th of June, 1893, Mr. Hutchinson was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Marie Larsen, a daughter of Ole S. and Anna C. Larsen, natives of Den- mark, who emigrated to America and located in Nevada, Iowa, on the 5th of May, 1867. There they purchased some town property, upon which they first settled, but soon removed to a farm which they rented and cultivated for ten years. In 1868 they went to Hamilton county where they had acquired a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which they immediately began clearing and improving. There they engaged in general farming and stock-raising in which they met with success, as was evidenced by the erection of a good residence. substantial barns and many minor improvements which were made during the passing years. Mr. Larsen disposed of his homestead in 1901 and went to Mc- Callsburg where he and his wife enjoyed for eight years the ease and comfort awarded their long period of hard work and self denial. On the 17th of Sep- tember, 1909, Mrs. Larsen passed away, after which the husband left his home and resided with Mrs. Hutchinson for a time but is now living at New Hart- ford, this state, where, not long ago, he passed the seventy-second anniversary of his birth. But one child has been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Hutchinson, Harold L., a youth of fifteen years now in school.

The family attend the Presbyterian church, while fraternally Mr. Hutchin- son affiliates with the American Yeomen. In matters political Mr. Hutchinson has always given his support to the republican party. He does not take a par- ticularly active interest in matters pertaining to local government, however, not being an aspirant to office or public honors. As he has met with more than average success during the period of his residence in America, Mr. Hutchinson has never regretted the transference of his citizenship. At all times he is most loyal in his allegiance to the United States.

C. A. ASHWORTH.

C. A. Ashworth, a prominent and prosperous agriculturist of Walnut town- ship, is the owner of four hundred and ninety acres of rich and arable land in Polk and Dallas counties. He is numbered among the worthy native sons of this county, his birth having here occurred on the 7th of March, 1869.

His father, Abraham Ashworth, was born on the 27th of December, 1836, in Lancastershire, England, in which country the family had lived for eight centuries. When in his tenth year he accompanied his parents on their emi- gration to the United States, the family arriving in New York city on the 13th of May, 1846. They eventually settled in Salem, New Hampshire, where Abra- ham Ashworth attended school for a few years, or until his parents removed to Waterville, Vermont. That town remained their home until 1851, when they came to Polk county, Iowa. In 1859 Abraham Ashworth started for Cal- ifornia with a party of gold seekers, reaching his destination, after many weary months of travel, on the 8th of October following. He located in the town of Eureka, about forty miles from the Oregon line, and engaged in mining until 1861. when he returned home by way of the Panama route. In 1862 he en-

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listed for service in the Civil war as a private of Company E, Twenty-third Iowa Infantry, and the first engagement in which he participated was at Port Gibson, Mississippi, where the Union soldiers encountered and defeated a por- tion of General Pemberton's forces. He was mustered out at Harrisburg, Texas, on the 25th of July, 1865, and in August following was honorably dis- charged at Davenport, Iowa. When hostilities had ceased he returned home and worked on his father's farm until the time of his marriage, which was cele- brated on the 4th of November, 1866, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary Ellen Mott. She was a native of New York and a daughter of Joseph H. and Mary (Blanchard) Mott, who were likewise born in the Empire state. Mr. Ashworth's first purchase of land consisted of one hundred and sixty acres on section 8, Walnut township. He bought grain at Ashwa for fourteen years and was long numbered among the substantial agriculturists and representative citizens of the community. His demise occurred on the 26th of April, 1891, while his wife was called to her final rest on the 12th of February, 1892.

C. A. Ashworth obtained his early education in Walnut township and sub- sequently attended the college at Ames, from which institution he was gradu- ated with the class of 1889. He has always remained on the home farm and when his parents died the property came into his possession. The operation of the place has claimed his time and energies continuously since and the well tilled fields annually yield abundant harvests as a reward for the care and labor which he bestows upon them. His property holdings embrace four hun- dred and ninety acres of valuable land in Polk and Dallas counties and he also owns a brick business block at Valley Junction. He is likewise a director of the First National Bank at that place.

Mr. Ashworth has been married twice. On the 14th of March, 1894, he wedded Miss Mintie Fidler, a daughter of Daniel and Mary J. Fidler, natives of Ohio. She passed away, however, on the 2d of November, 1896, leaving a daughter, Mildred H., who is now fourteen years of age. On the 17th of, August, 1902, Mr. Ashworth was again married, his second union being with Miss Belle Morfoot, a daughter of Fred Morfoot, who was a native of England. He came to Iowa at an early day and here followed farming throughout the remainder of his life.

In politics Mr. Ashworth is a democrat, while fraternally he is identified with the Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Wood- men of America. His wife is a devoted and consistent member of the Metho- dist church. His entire life has been spent in Polk county and he enjoys a wide and favorable acquaintance within its borders, his genuine personal worth and many sterling traits of character having won him the confidence and regard of all with whom he has come in contact.

THOMAS BOYD.

Coming to Des Moines in 1850, Thomas Boyd was thereafter to the time of his death a prominent and valued resident of the city. He figured for many years as a factor in leading real-estate circles and his efforts were an important element in the substantial growth and prosperity here. His success was such that in his later years he was enabled to live retired and to leave to his family a very handsome estate. The accumulation of wealth, however, was never allowed to warp his kindly nature or effect him in his relations to his fellowmen and his splendid traits of character everywhere commanded the good-will and high esteem of those with whom he came in contact.

He was born in the town of Connersville, Fayette county, Indiana, in 1826. His father, James Boyd, was a native of Virginia and spent his boyhood days

MR. AND MRS. THOMAS BOYD

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in that state, where he married Martilla Harp. Soon afterward they sought a home in the middle west, becoming pioneer residents of Indiana. James Boyd had served his country as a soldier in the second war with England and took part in the famous battle of New Orleans under General Jackson, where the iosses of the American troops, entrenched behind breastworks formed by bales of cotton, were so slight that this was termed the "tearless battle." After living for some time in Indiana, Mr. Boyd removed with his family to Scott county, Illinois, where he resided for many years, but spent his last days in Pike county, Illinois. His wife long survived him. In their family were six children, namely : Mrs. Elizabeth L. Kellogg, Thomas, John B., Overton, Ander- son and William.

Thomas Boyd was a resident of Indiana through the first ten years of his life and then accompanied his parents to Scott county, Illinois. He was six- teen years of age at the time of his father's death and was practically thrown upon his own resources at that time. Whatever success came to him in later years was attributable entirely to his own labors and careful management. In 1849, accompanied by his mother and youngest brother, he came to Iowa and in the following spring established his home in Des Moines, where with the excep- tion of a brief period of two years he continued to live until his life's labors were ended in death. The discovery of gold in California, however, attracted him to the far west and with the hope of winning a fortune on the Pacific slope he traveled to the mines. In the spring of 1850 his brother William started from his home in Illinois to California, and it was also in that year that Thomas Boyd took the long trip across the plains to the newly discovered goldfields. Neither knew of the intention of the other and when by accident they met in the mining regions of California, the meeting was a most joyous surprise. They spent two years in the mining camps of that state and together returned by way of the isthmus route. They made their way at once to Polk county, Iowa, where the other members of the family had located in the meantime. For a brief period they resided upon a farm but in 1853 both brothers became . residents of the capital city, where William engaged in the harness and sad- dlery business, while Thomas Boyd turned his attention to the trade of a carpen- ter and joiner. He was connected with industrial interests for only a brief period, however, when he took up the real-estate business, and few men have done more for the upbuilding and beautifying of the city than Mr. Boyd, who put forth every effort to promote the upbuilding of the capital along substantial and permanent lines. He not only bought and sold for himself and others but as a speculative builder added much to the appearance of the place, erecting many residences and other buildings. From time to time he made investment in real estate until his property holdings were extensive and thus he left his family in very comfortable circumstances.

It was on the 2d of January, 1856, that Mr. Boyd was joined in wedlock to Mrs. Nancy Homan, who was born in Franklin county, Ohio, and was a daughter of Henry J. and Lucy (Locket) Johnson, who were natives of the Blue Grass state. The mother died during the infancy of her daughter and the father passed away when Mrs. Boyd was but seven years of age. With an uncle, John Provolt, she came to Des Moines in 1852 and has since been a resident of this city, covering a period of almost fifty-nine years. A few years prior to his death, Mr. Boyd retired from active business life, giving his atten- tion to the supervision of his property. He had erected buildings on Second, Third and Fourth streets and as far as Thirteenth street on the west side, and the upbuilding of that section of the city is largely attributable to him. Aside from business he took an active and helpful interest in everything pertaining to the welfare and progress of the city, cooperating in many measures which were elements in public progress. For over a half century he affiliated with the Masonic fraternity, becoming a member of the Scottish Rite. In his political

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views he was a republican, supporting that party until his death, which occurred September 7, 1905, when he was seventy-nine years of age. He was one of nature's nobleman, to whom anything sordid or common was alien. Progress and improvement were the keynote of his character and were not only mani- fest in material things but also in his social relations and intellectual advance- ment. Mrs. Boyd still makes her home in Des Moines and with the assistance of her nephew, Thomas N. Howard, is now giving her attention to the manage- ment and supervision of her property.

MILES S. ODLE.

Not only in the more common work of the profession of law has Miles S. Odle won for himself a creditable name and position, but also as the legal cham- pion of the cause of temperance. In this branch of law he has gained a posi- tion which has won for him the respect, indorsement and honor of all who admit the evils of intemperance and seek to suppress the use of intoxicants. Mr. Odle is known as a stalwart champion of the cause of temperance, and is an opponent feared by all who do not hold themselves amenable to the law in this connection.

A native of eastern Illinois he was born on the 2d of November, 1878, a son of Miles Odle, a native of Indiana. The father engaged in farming, in the grain business and in merchandising. Following the Civil war he removed from In- diana to Illinois, where he still makes his home, but during the period of hostilities he served for three years and three months as a member of Company A, Fif- teenth Indiana Infantry. In this connection he participated in many important battles, taking part in a number of hotly contested engagements, which led up to the final victory that crowned the Union arms. Since the organization of the party he has always been a stalwart advocate of republican principles, and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and public spirit, have frequently called him to office. He has served as supervisor for a number of years and in other positions, the duties of which he has discharged with promptness and fidelity. His wife who bore the' maiden name of Sarah E. Hunter is also a native of Indiana.

In the public schools of Illinois Miles S. Odle began his education and con- tinued his studies in Greer College at Hoopeston, Illinois, gaining a liberal lit- erary education to serve as the foundation upon which to rear the superstructure of his professional learning. He took up the study of law in Drake University at Des Moines, and was graduated with the class of 1907. He then opened an office in this city and practiced alone until September, 1910, when he formed a partner- ship with Edgar T. Fee, under the firm name of Odle & Fee. Since the Ist of September, 1907, Mr. Odle has occupied the position of state attorney for the Anti-Saloon League. He was always a strong temperance advocate, as his father has also been, and from early manhood has been numbered among the most active workers in the cause of temperance, doing much to reduce the number of saloons. In his legal capacity he has prosecuted many saloon keepers, and has been instrumental in causing them to leave various districts, thus promoting law and order. He has likewise delivered lectures in churches and other public places touching upon the temperance question in its legal and practical aspects. thus arousing interest in the work that is being done by the league.

In 1901 Mr. Odle was united in marriage to Miss Anna Bingham, a native of Illinois, born near Bloomington. They have two children: Geneva Portia, born January I, 1902; and N. Marlow, born September 20, 1907. Mr. Odle belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen and to the Yeomen, while his religious faith is that of the Christian church, believing that religious belief should find its expression in every day life and that the work of the church deals as well with the

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practical affairs of the individual and not merely with the preparation for the life to come. He has taken a firm stand in support of all measures which tend to advance humanity, reform and righteousness, and he finds in his profession an avenue for great activity in those directions.

FRANCIS R. KORNS.

Francis R. Korns is a successful lawyer, but more than that, he is a citizen whose worth is widely acknowledged, a champion of progress and improvement. a practical worker for reform and advancement. He was one of those who labored untiringly and persistently for the adoption of the Des Moines plan of government and his work has been of equal worth in other fields wherein the welfare of the individual and the community are at stake. A native of Illinois. Mr. Korns was born in Dixon, January 1, 1873, his parents being Joseph and Martha (Moore) Korns. The former, a farmer by occupation, is now living retired. He is descended from German ancestry and at an early day his people settled in Holmes county, Ohio, where he was born. He now makes his home in Dixon, Illinois. In early manhood he wedded Martha Moore, also a repre- sentative of an early family of Holmes county. Her death occurred November 15, 1895.

Francis R. Korns pursued his education in the public schools of Dixon, spend- ing three years as a high-school student, after which he pursued a commercial course in Steinman University, devoting his time to bookkeeping and commercial mathematics. Later he pursued a scientific course in the Northern Illinois Nor- mal, also at Dixon, and was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science in the class of 1894. In preparation for the duties of an active professional career he read law for three years in the office and under the direction of E. E. Win- gert, at Dixon, and was also a student under Sol H. Bethea, who was afterward United States district attorney and began the prosecution of the beef trust. He was also a resident of Dixon, but is now deceased. Subsequently Mr. Korns be- came a student in Drake University at Des Moines and was graduated LL. B. in the class of 1899. The same year he was admitted to practice in the courts of this state and, opening an office in the capital city has since been recognized as an able and influential member of the Des Moines bar. In 1900 he formed a part- nership with Roy P. Clark, which association was continued until 1905. In the intervening period of six years Mr. Korns has practiced alone, specializing in in- surance law. His pronounced ability in this field has gained for him a large clien- tage and he is accounted one of the leading lawyers of Des Moines, devoted to the interests of his clients, yet never forgetting that he owes a still higher allegi- ance to the majesty of the law.

In matters of citizenship Mr. Korns has ever taken a deep and helpful interest cooperating in all the projects and movements tending to benefit and upbuild municipal interests. He was the first secretary of the committee working for the Des Moines plan of government, and he was later made secretary of the commit- tee of fifty having in charge the petition to submit the adoption of the plan to the voters of the city. His labors in behalf of what is now known throughout the country as the Des Moines plan of government were practical and effective forces in its support. Many of his ideas were embodied therein and he labored un- ceasingly for the adoption of what he believed and what time has proven to be an ideal form of municipal government. He was made chairman of the executive campaign committee of three who planned the campaign toward securing the adoption of the Des Moines plan, which was voted on June 20, 1907. In poli- tics he has always been a progressive republican but not an insurgent. He has assisted in political work in a number of the national campaigns and he believes

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most earnestly in advancement and improvement in politics as in the other rela- tions of life. Indeed, in every relation Mr. Korns has held to high ideals and has sought the adoption of practical methods in their accomplishment. Fraternall. he is connected with U. S. Grant Camp, No. 108, M. W. A., and is now head banker of the Modern Woodmen of America, which is the largest beneficiary society of the world. The greater part of the time he has the entire funds of the organization, amounting to five million dollars, deposited in his own name. He is a past consul of the local camp and is also well known in Masonic circles being now an official of the Scottish Rite bodies in Des Moines. He has lectured in behalf of these different fraternal organizations and no man is more familiar with their workings, their objects and the basic principles which govern them. He is likewise connected with the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Brotherhood of America and the Brotherhood of American Yeomen, being chairman of the law committee of the last named. He belongs to the Hyperion Club and the Grant Club, two of the leading organizations of the city, and is a trustee of the Drake University. His interests are thus broad and varied, touching many activities which bear directly upon the welfare and progress of the city and the individual.

On the 3Ist of August, 1899, in Washington, Illinois, Mr. Korns was mar- ried to Miss Luella Cress, a daughter of Payton Cress, who was born in that city, where the family is very prominent and influential. Mr. and Mrs. Korns now have one son, Richard Francis, who was born in Des Moines, January 12, 1909. The family are members of the Christian church and are prominent in the social life of the capital. Mr. Korns is a man of determined purpose, who accomplishes what he undertakes, and his methods are such as at all times will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny. His genuine worth commends him to the confidence and high regard of all who know him and his ability and in- fluence have made him a power in those fields of activity where progress is en- couraged and public good is promoted.

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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 31

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