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 36

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 36

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Growing tired of the exacting and strenuous life of the farm he retired to Des Moines but at the end of a year returned to the homestead, where he remained until his demise on the 6th of June, 1902. Mrs. Farr is still living and resides on the home farm.

The preliminary education of Stephen Farr, Jr., was obtained in the district schools of Bloomfield township but after completing the work there he took a course in the Iowa Business College at Des Moines. He remained at home with his parents, giving such aid as he could in the cultivation of the farm, until he had attained the age of twenty years, at which time he rented eighty acres of land from his father and engaged in the dairy business. In addition to this he also rented eighty acres of an adjoining farm, which he cultivated in connection with his dairy business for nine years. In the autumn of 1910 he disposed of his stock and on the 6th of October he and his brother purchased the grocery stock of J. B. Young, but his brother remained with him only a short time how- ever. When they took possession the stock was low and the patronage poor, but being energetic and progressive young men they immediately replenished and in- creased the stock, which they displayed in a most attractive manner after re- pairing and renovating the building. Fine horses and nice delivery wagons did much to attract patrons, while the courteous attention and kindly consideration shown to all who called made of them permanent customers. Although this was a most unusual departure their good judgment, tact and gracious manner of striving to please every one was the means of enabling them to build up an excellent business within a remarkably brief time.

Mr. Farr was united in marriage on the 19th of March, 1901, to Miss Han- nah Williams, a daughter of Thomas E. and Elma (Bentz) Williams, both na- tives of the Hawkeye state. The father owned a large farm in South Des Moines, which he operated until 1890, when he disposed of it, and removing to Warren

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county bought an eighty acre tract at eight dollars per acre, which he improved and cultivated up to the time of his demise in October, 1910. Mrs. Williams, who is still surviving, makes her home on the Warren county farm. One child has been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Farr, Thelma G., who is now eight years of age.

Mr. and Mrs. Farr are identified with the Christian church, and his political support is given to the republican party, although he does not actively participate in public affairs, preferring to concentrate his entire time and energy upon the development of his personal interests, which necessarily are somewhat extensive as in addition to his business he continues his agricultural pursuits.

ISAAC T. JONES.

Although one of the more recent additions to the Des Moines bar, Isaac T. Jones in the three years of his residence in the capital city has proven his worth and ability in the practice of law. He has not concentrated his energies upon a particular department but has continued in general practice and has conducted many and varied cases to successful completion. He was born in Winchester, Van Buren county, Iowa, April 29, 1871. His father, Dr. Wiley A. Jones, was a physician of Cantril, Iowa, for a considerable period. He represented one of the old families of North Carolina, the great-grandfather of our subject having come from Wales to the new world about 1790, at which time he settled in the old North state. Dr. Jones, having arrived at years of maturity, wedded Altha Miller, who is a native of Iowa and of German lineage. Both are still living, their home being in Cantril.

Isaac T. Jones devoted his youth largely to the acquirement of an education in the public schools of Cantril and in the high school of Fairfield, Iowa, from which he was graduated with the class of 1888. He also attended Parsons College of Fairfield, and pursued a law course in the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, where he was graduated with the class of 1894, receiving at that time the LL. B. degree. Removing to Memphis, Missouri, he there opened an office and was becoming fast established in a successful practice when illness obliged him to seek a change of climate and he went to Colorado Springs, where he lived for ten years. During that period he practiced his profession and later he was for four years a resident of South Dakota and a representative of its bar. In May, 1908, he arrived in Des Moines, where he opened a law office and has since engaged in general practice. He has secured a large and distinctively represen- tative clientage and in the trial of important cases has won many verdicts favor- able to his clients. While a resident of Colorado Springs, he served for a year and a half, beginning in 1907, as assistant postmaster there and while in Bone- steel, South Dakota, filled the office of city attorney.

Since age conferred upon Mr. Jones the right of franchise he has been a stalwart advocate of democratic principles and at present is an active worker in the interests of the party. In 1910 he had entire charge of the literary bureau of the democratic state central committee for the state campaign. His opinions carry weight in the councils of his party and he is widely known among the leading representatives of democracy in Iowa.

On the 25th of February, 1908, in Villisca, Iowa, Mr. Jones was married to Miss Blanche Farquhar, a native of this city, and a daughter of George and Lizzie Farquhar. Two children have been born to them: Elizabeth, born in Des Moines, October 17, 1909; and Wilma, on the 25th of August, 1910. The par- ents are members of the Christian church and Mr. Jones is well known as an exemplary representative of the blue lodge of Masons, the Odd Fellows, Elks and Knights of Pythias lodges. He is also connected with the Modern Woodmen

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of America, with a Greek letter fraternity and with the Waveland and Press Clubs. He finds his greatest enjoyment in taking trips into the mountains and roaming at will far from the haunts of men. He loads a burro with provisions and necessary implements and spends three or four months in tramping over the mountain sides, fishing and hunting when taste inclines him to those pursuits, and finding in close contact with nature the source of health and strength. He is likewise a lover of all manly outdoor sports and is a most congenial companion at the campfire as well as in social circles of the city.

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN KAUFFMAN, SR.

Many of Des Moines' most successful professional men have passed away during recent years. Among these Benjamin Franklin Kauffman will long be remembered not only as a most able lawyer but also as a remarkable. financier. He was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, December 12, 1846, and was of German lineage. The original American ancestor of the family came from Ger- many at an early period in the development of the new world, settling first in Pennsylvania. The first authentic record of an American ancestor is of Michael Kauffman, who was born in 1723, and from him the line of descent is traced down through Michael Kauffman, Jr., who was born in 1764; Christian Kauffman, born in 1796; and Daniel W. Kauffman, born in 1819, to Benjamin F. Kauffman, of this review. His father, grandfather and great-grandfather were all natives of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. When Benjamin F. Kauffman was still an infant his parents removed to St. Louis, Missouri, but owing to the cholera which was epidemic there at that time they remained for only a short time, going thence to Muscatine, Iowa. It was there the mother died in 1849. The father married again and took up his residence at Keosauqua, Van Buren county, where he engaged in business as a horticulturist.

Benjamin F. Kauffman assisted his father in the nursery and attended the free schools of Keosauqua, finally succeeding through his perseverance in preparing for college. In 1863 he became a student in the Iowa State University but at the end of a year, on account of financial reverses was obliged to discontinue his attendance. He was a young man of determination, however, and employed every means possible to equip himself for the practice of law which he had determined to make his life work. He became a law student in the office of Judge Charles C. Nourse and at the same time assisted in the office work, thus adding practical experience to the knowledge which he gained through his reading. In 1865 he became one of a class of thirteen students in the Iowa Law School which was es- tablished in that year and from which institution he was graduated on the 3d of December, 1866, with the degree of LL.B. At the time of his graduation, how- ever, he had not attained his majority and under the laws of Iowa could not prac- tice. He therefore taught school until 1868, when he became associated in law practice with Judge Nourse, his former preceptor, continuing in that relation for nearly twenty years. They practiced under the name of Nourse & Kauffman and this became one of the leading law firms of the state. Later another partner was admitted under the style of Nourse, Kauffman & Guernsey, and upon the dissolu- tion of that connection, when Judge Nourse withdrew, to form a partnership with his nephew, the name of the firm became Kauffman & Guernsey. As an at- torney Mr. Kauffman soon took high rank. In his legal capacity he represented several railroad companies and drafted the franchise for the Des Moines Street Railway Company, which is a perpetual one and has stood the test cases in all of the courts of the state.

B. F. KAUFFMAN, SR.

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In 1883 Mr. Kauffman was elected vice president of the Des Moines Savings Bank and continued in that office until his death. It was in May of that year that the Union Savings Bank was organized and several months later purchased the Des Moines Bank, which was organized in 1875 by Judge P. M. Casady and C. H. and E. S. Gatch, and changed the name to the Des Moines Savings Bank, on October II, 1884, as required by the fifteenth general assembly. The officers chosen were: P. M. Casady, president; B. F. Kauffman, vice president; J. G. Berryhill, second vice president; Joseph W. Geneser, cashier ; and Samuel Mer- rill, P. M. Casady, Louis Harbach, H. L. Whitman, James Callanan, J. G. Berry- hill, B. F. Kauffman and Moses Strauss, as trustees. The business became one of the strongest institutions of the state and Mr. Kauffman remained in active connection therewith until his death. In 1886 he became vice president of the Marquardt Savings Bank, to which he gave the full measure of his genius for business for some time. In 1891 he was elected president of the Iowa National Bank, remaining as the chief executive in that institution until his demise. He was likewise president of two insurance companies. In all that he undertook he seemed to display an aptitude for successful management and quick recognition of opportunities and a ready adaptability that enabled him to meet the demands and utilize the advantages of the situation.

Mr. Kauffman gave his political allegiance to the republican party and his religious faith was manifest in his loyal adherence to the Methodist church. He was likewise a member of the Commercial Club and was honored with election to its presidency in 1890. He belonged to that type of men who become leaders in whatever field they may be found, and his influence was always on behalf of the public good. On the 3d of December, 1893, he was called to his final rest and there passed from the scene of earthly activity one who throughout Des Moines was recognized as a man of great force of character, of untiring industry, of broad mental grasp, strong analytical mind and great forensic ability. His temperament was sanguine and he was always hopeful, optimistic, ardent, ac- tive, energetic and persevering.

In connection with his professional and business career it has been said: "As a lawyer none stood higher in the estimation of the courts and judges than did Mr. Kauffman. He regarded the law as did Lord Mansfield and as taught by his beloved and venerable instructor, George G. Wright, as 'the logical deductions of the human mind as applied to business and social relations of man' that was founded in justice and equity. As a business man the financial institutions seemed to covet his probity, energy, ability and services. Socially he was genial, affable, courteous at all times and under all circumstances ; companionable, public-spirited, actively interested himself in every movement to uplift the moral, social and civic condition of the community, gave liberally to all worthy charitable objects and in the midst of a busy career found the necessary time to serve the public as president of that potential factor in the progress of Des Moines, The Commercial Club, his son, B. F. Kauffman, Jr., having been elected to the same office just twenty years later."

The resolutions passed by the Polk County Bar Association, which read as follows, were unanimously adopted: "The members of the Polk County Bar Association unanimously resolve that in the death of Benjamin F. Kauffman we have lost from our membership one who was devotedly attached to the interests of the association, who ardently sought to extend its influence and increase its usefulness, who as a member was zealous and untiring, and as its chief officer added dignity to the office and honor to the organization.

"That in the yet wider field of the profession we have lost a brother who embodied whatsoever is excellent in the practice of law. He was honest, true, earnest, learned and capable. He brought to the discharge of all his duties pro- found conviction that he was a responsible instrument in the administration of justice. His deep pervading sense of right, his loyalty to the cause in which he

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was engaged, his appreciation of the gravity of judicial proceedings, were the sources of the splendid earnestness and impressive seriousness which so con- spicuously adorned his professional life. Thus equipped with the moral weapons of the profession he also brought to the discharge of his duties a mind richly stored with those treasures that industry alone can accumulate. His analysis was keen and perspicuous, his judgment sound and comprehensive, his reasoning strong and convincing, his language copious but clear, simple but eloquent. His life was a striking illustration to the power of integrity and industry to close a career in the highest honor, however humble its beginning.

"That in the more sacred and tenderer region of friendship we have lost one whose place must ever remain vacant, and the memory of his pure and upright life, his encouraging word, his helpful hand, shall rest like a benediction upon us all.

"That as a citizen the best can be said of him that can be said of any man. The world is better for his life. He knew the relations he held toward his fel- lowmen, and perceiving his obligations, discharged them with conscience and fidelity.

"That although we dare not speak of the grief of a home bereft of husband and father, we bring to a sorrowing family our heartfelt sympathy for their infinite loss."

· Of Mr. Kauffman it may be said that he was one of those who pass on

"To join the choir invisible Of those immortal dead who live again In lives made better by their presence."

ELIZABETH J. SHEETS.

One of the best known and most successful artists of Des Moines is Miss Elizabeth J. Sheets, whose medallions and work on china have brought her much more than local fame. She is one of the eight children born unto George F. and Martha A. (Waits) Sheets, retired farmers of Van Meter, Iowa. who recently celebrated their golden wedding.

The early years of Elizabeth Sheets were as barren and void of the beautiful and artistic as that of the average girl born and reared in the more sparsely settled districts. She early evinced a strong artistic temperament and marked ability, which characteristics she inherited from her paternal grandmother, but her talent was looked upon with disfavor by her family, who were practical, hardworking American people. Her education was acquired in the public schools and there she found little to foster or encourage her abilities. Never- theless, she never relinquished her dream, which was to some day become an artist. Every newspaper or magazine article which bore any reference to art or artists was eagerly absorbed by this girl, whose determination to attain her ambition was but strengthened with the passing years. She had reached the age of twenty-five years before the opportunity for study had presented itself. Realizing at that time if she were ever to accomplish her purpose it must be then she left home, and through her own unaided efforts accomplished her ambition.

Her first instructor was Miss Hattie Williams of Carthage, Missouri, under whom she took water colors and flower painting on china. Following that she went to Des Moines, where she entered the class of Maud McPherson with whom she studied for two years. She then went to Chicago and studied under Profes- sor Aulich, probably the finest flower painter on china in the world. She also studied flower painting under Blanche Snyder and conventional work under

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Mrs. Beechy. Later she had conventional work under Mrs. Frazee, of Chicago, and figures under Professor Franz J. Schwarz, of Chicago, and Professor Otto Punsch, of Richmond, Indiana, and Mrs. Catherine Cherry, of St. Louis, while pastel she studied under Professor Frisch, of Chicago. Some estimate of the thoroughness of her preparation can be obtained fromn the list of her instructors, as they are all people of recognized merit, not only among the profession, but the world at large. Feeling that she was fully qualified to open a studio and style herself a professional Miss Sheets came to Des Moines in 1901 and estab- lished a studio. That she is a capable instructor as well as artist is attested by the fact that two of her pupils are now teachers of ability. Miss Lydia Jones is meeting with marked success in Cheyenne, Wyoming, where she has a studio, while Miss Edna Hull is the head of the art department of Simpson College at Indianola, Iowa.

Although the greater part of her time and energy is devoted to her classes, which have become very large, Miss Sheets fills many private orders and on two different occasions has exhibited her work at state fairs. A medallion portrait of Mrs. Thomas Neal, of Indianola, took the blue ribbon the first time, while her second prize winner was a medallion called "The Nursing Baby," exhibited in 1910. Miss Sheets devotes much attention to figure work and undoubtedly her greatest ability lies in this direction, as many of her medallions are to be found in the best homes of Des Moines people. Her talents are not alone con- fined to her chosen field of work, as is demonstrated by the beautiful home she erected on Ingersoll avenue in 1907, which was built and decorated in accord- ance with her own design. It combines both the artistic and the practical, her woman's knowledge of the requirements and demands of a home doubtless as- sisting her in the latter respect, but the former must be entirely attributed to her wonderful knowledge of proportion, symmetry and harmony. It is orig- inal, without being incongruous, artistic, but not odd, nor is it too much at variance with its surroundings to make it pronouncedly conspicuous. Those of her friends who have since built homes have paid her the highest compliment in their power by asking her permission to copy her plan.

Miss Sheets' marked success in her vocation most clearly demonstrates that though an ambition may be long deferred in its realization, it need not neces- sarily be relinquished. She is a member of the Rebekah Lodge and the Metho- dist Episcopal church, while to her efforts Des Moines is largely indebted for the founding of the Keramic Art League, which has done much to promote artistic interests in the city.

CLAYTON VERLING STANLEY.

It is doubtful whether any insurance man in Iowa has gained more rapidly in reputation during the last few years than Clayton Verling Stanley of Des Moines. He owes his advancement and present high standing entirely to his own individual efforts.

He is a native of Lynnville, Jasper county, Iowa, and was born June 22, 1873, a son of Michael and Lydia Jane (Bell) Stanley. The father was born at Spice- land, Henry county, Indiana, March 1, 1829, and the mother at Newcastle, Indi- ana, June 15, 1836. Mr. Stanley, Sr., was a farmer, except for a few years which he devoted to the mercantile business at Lynnville. In the pioneer days, he and his father, Aaron Stanley, made a trip by wagon from Indiana to North Carolina and back, in the course of which they passed through many thrilling experiences, of which the present generation has but little conception. The jour- ney required three months. The roads were treacherous and bridges few, the travelers sleeping at night in the open air, and subsisting mainly on game killed

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by themselves on the way. This is in striking contrast with the comforts avail- able today, when a trip over the same territory can be accomplished in a Pullman sleeper with comparatively little inconvenience. The progenitors of the family in America came from England to North Carolina about 1819, and representatives of the Stanleys may not be found in many parts of the United States. Mr. Stan- ley the father of our subject, came with his family to Iowa, in 1858, and passed the remainder of his life at Lynnville, where he died May II, 1904. The beloved mother had been called away August 30, 1894.

Clayton Verling Stanley received his preliminary education in the public schools, graduating from the Lynnville high school in 1892. He carried his studies further at Penn College, Oskaloosa, and after leaving this institute began his active career as a farmer, giving variety to his occupation by teaching school in winter. However, he felt strongly attracted to business pursuits, and accordingly he came to Des Moines, and after taking a course in the Capital City Commercial College, entered the employ of the Farm Property Mutual Insur- ance Association of Iowa, and became bookkeeper for The Mutual Hailstorm Insurance Association of Iowa. He showed special adaptability in this new line of work, and, in 1908, was elected secretary of the company, succeeding O. L. F. Browne. Since his accession to this position the company has prospered as never before, and today is one of the most flourishing concerns of the kind in the west.

On the 21st day of March, 1897, Mr. Stanley was married to Miss Effie El- dora Reeves, of Searsboro, Iowa, a daughter of Alfred R. and Katherine (Cralle) Reeves, the latter having been married to Mr. Reeves at Rock Island, Illinois. The father has devoted the principal years of his life to farming. He is a veteran of the Civil war, in which he participated as a member of an Illinois regiment. He now makes his home with the subject of this review. Mr. and Mrs. Stanley are the parents of four children, namely: Adrin Loring, who was born May 8, 1899, and is now attending the Given school; Harold Michael, who was born April 16, 1904; Alfred Reeves, who was born April 9, 1907; and Walter Joseph, born February 22, 19II.

Mr. Stanley has been identified with the republican party ever since arriving at years of manhood, and is a hearty supporter of its candidates. In religious belief he is in full accord with the Society of Friends, with whose teachings he has been familiar ever since boyhood. He is public-spirited and progressive in citizenship, faithful to his family and friends and reliable in business. He has never sought to advance himself at the expense of others, but has through life been governed by a sense of justice and honor, which is recognized as one of his most prominent characteristics.

FRANK P. McKAY.

It has been through close attention to business and the application of prin- ciples of honesty and integrity that Frank P. Mckay owes his position as one of the highly successful druggists of Des Moines. He has been identified with the drug business of this city ever since the beginning of his active career and few men in his line have a more thorough knowledge of the calling.

Born at Indianola, Iowa, June 1, 1869, he comes of good American stock on both sides of the family, his parents being Charles and Hannah (Noble) McKay, the latter of whom was born in Indiana in 1837 and passed away in 188I. The father was born at Taylorsville, Kentucky, in 1827, and engaged in the banking and dry goods business, serving two terms as county treasurer of Warren county, Iowa. In 1879 he entered the office of the postmaster general at Washington, D. C., where he continued for twenty-nine years. Since 1908 he has lived retired at Indianola and has now reached the age of eighty-four

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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 36

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