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 37
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years. His mother lived to the advanced age of one hundred and six years and a brother to the age of ninety-nine years. Another brother served as the first county judge of Polk county. The Noble family was prominent in Indiana in the early days and included Governor Noble who was one of the distinguished executives of that state. Grandfather Noble was an ardent abolitionist and was one of the men who assisted in operating the "underground railway," thus arous- ing great antipathy on the part of southern sympathizers so that at one time a reward of three thousand dollars was offered for his apprehension.
The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Charles Mckay : Walter N., who married Miss Louise Richie, of Indianapolis, and is now living in Des Moines; O'Neil and Cora, at home; Dr. William T., who married Miss Kate Adams and is one of the successful practitioners of Arkansas City, Kansas ; Charles A., of Houston, Texas; Frank P., subject of this review; and one who died in infancy.
After receiving his preliminary education in the public schools of Indianola Mr. McKay, of this review, went to Chicago and took a course in the Chicago School of Pharmacy. Returning to Des Moines, he gained a practical knowledge of the drug business under A. H. Miles, whose store was at Sixth and Locust streets. Atter an experience of three years Mr. Mckay became connected with the Savery Drug Store, which was run by W. F. Crawford. He continued under Mr. Crawford for seven years, at the end of which time, having saved his mone: and deciding to go into business on his own account, he purchased the store which he has since conducted under the firm name of the F. P. Mckay Com- pany. He gives special attention to prescriptions and now finds himself at the head of one of the most popular drug stores in the city. By conscientious atten- tion to the wants of patrons and a thorough knowledge of the business he has gained a large and lucrative patronage and also enjoys in an unusual degree the confidence of the medical practitioners. He is also president of the Meek & Rob- ertson Dry Goods Company of Indianola.
In 1889 Mr. Mckay was united in marriage to Miss Clara Meek, a native of Indianola and a daughter of Joseph T. and Louisa J. (Pressley) Meek. Her father is engaged in the real-estate business in Indianola. Mr. and Mrs. McKay have one child, Noble Meek, born August 8, 1892. He is a graduate of the North high school and is now a student of the University of Missouri.
Mr. McKay has not found time to devote much attention to politics, but is identified with the republican party whose principles he thoroughly indorses. He is a valued member of the Presbyterian church and socially is connected with the Grant Club. He has made use of a remarkable tenacity and good judgment in his business affairs and is therefore regarded as one of the substantial men of the city. While attaining prominence in business he has also won for himself a high social position and the sincere regard of all who enjoy his acquaintance.
EDWARD T. MORRIS.
As the years pass on and events take their true relative position in history, the country more and more realizes how great is the debt which she owes the soldiers who defended the Union cause in the dark days of the Civil war.
Among this number was Edward T. Morris, who was but a boy in years when he offered his services to the government, remaining at the front until victory crowned the Union arms. He then resumed his interrupted education and, after preparing for the bar, opened an office in Des Moines, where for thirty-seven years he has occupied a prominent position in the ranks of the legal fraternity and, moreover, has been recognized as one of the most public-spirited citizens of the capital.
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He was born in New Jersey, January 25, 1844, a son of George and Hattie (Hand) Morris, who were likewise natives of New Jersey. The father was a sea captain and followed that pursuit until he came to Illinois in 1852, settling in Sangamon county, where he lived until 1863, when he removed to Jasper county, Iowa, where he engaged in farming. For many years he remained a valued and representative resident there, continuing his home in Jasper county until 1903, when he passed away at the age of ninety-five years, his birth having occurred in 1808. His wife, who was born in 1824, survived him for about a year and died in 1904.
Edward T. Morris was the second in order of birth in their family of five children of whom four are yet living. He was a little lad of eight years when the family came to Illinois and his education was continued in the public schools of Sangamon county and afterward in Central University at Pella, Iowa. At the time of the outbreak of the Civil war, however, he responded to the country's call for aid, enlisting, in 1861, as a member of Company D, Twenty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until 1865. He participated in all the engagements of his regiment; which at different times was attached to the com- mands of Grant and Sherman. His service was of a very active and arduous character and he never missed an engagement in which his regiment took part, was never wounded and was never ill. He enlisted as a private and was mus- tered out as a corporal.
When the war was over he returned home and resumed his education. His more specifically literary course completed, he was graduated from the law de- partment of Iowa State University at Iowa City with the class of 1872. He then came to Des Moines and opened an office in 1873. Here he has been engaged in practice continuously ever since and has long occupied a prominent position at the Des Moines bar. For twenty years he was associated with H. Y. Smith, under the firm name of Smith & Morris, but since 1894 has been alone in practice, his partner having died in that year. He is regarded as one of the strong and able members of the Des Moines bar. His arguments are logical and convincing, his application of legal principles correct, and he never fails to prepare for attack as well as for defense.
Mr. Morris maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in Crocker Post, G. A. R. He also belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and to the Knights of Pythias fraternity. In his political views he has ever been a stalwart republican, but never an office seeker, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his professional interests. His devo- tion to his clients is proverbial and at all times he is regarded as an able minister in the temple of justice.
WARD CASADY HENRY.
The name of Henry has long figured prominently in connection with the bar of Iowa and, although one of the younger representatives of the legal profession in Des Moines. Ward Casady Henry has maintained the excellent reputation which has always been associated with the name. He was born in this city June 6, 1883, a son of George F. and Rose (Casady) Henry, his father an eminent lawyer whose record reflects credit and honor upon the judicial history of the state.
The son was a pupil in the public schools of Des Moines until he had com- pleted a three years' high-school course. Subsequently he spent three years in the State University at Iowa City and was graduated with the class of 1902. He was afterward for one year a student in the law deparment of Harvard University. and was graduated with the class of 1903. He also spent two years as a law
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student in Drake University, completing his course in 1906. The State Univer- sity of Iowa and Harvard University had conferred upon him the B. A. degree and Drake, the degree of Bachelor of Law. Following his graduation he was admitted to the bar in June, 1906, and in December of that year became a part- ner of his father under the firm style of Henry & Henry. He is fortunate in that he began practice in association with one of the eminent representatives of the bar and yet to be the son of a distinguished father means that one must live up to a reputation associated with a name, which is often more difficult than carving out a name and place for one's self in the professional or business world. Ward C. Henry, however, is proving that his talents have been well developed and that increasing powers are enabling him to cope with intricate and involved legal problems. He is now a member of both the Polk County Bar Association and the Iowa State Bar Association.
On the 19th of December, 1908, Mr. Henry was married in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Miss Florence Megee, a daughter of Charles T. Megee, a native of Delaware. Mr. Henry is fond of all manly outdoor sports and when time and opportunity permit he greatly enjoys canoeing and tennis. He belongs to the Golf and Country Club, to the Grant Club and to the Masonic fraternity, while his political allegiance is given to the republican party. His personal popularity as well as his professional skill entitles him to mention among the younger of the representative citizens of Des Moines.
A. A. MCLAUGHLIN.
A young lawyer who at the outset is well prepared for his profession and conscientiously applies himself, not permitting any other interests to attract him from systematic study, generally succeeds in acquiring a good practice. Such has been the course pursued by A. A. Mclaughlin of the Des Moines bar, and he has no reason to regret the time devoted to his books, for he is recognized as one of the well established members of the legal profession, his reputation extend- ing far beyond the boundaries of Des Moines. He was born in Hamilton county, Iowa, May 13, 1868, a son of Angus and Catherine (Sells) Mclaughlin. The father came to Iowa with his father, James McLaughlin, in 1856, and the family settled upon a farm in Hamilton county. Mr. Mclaughlin is now living, but his wife was called away February 22, 1909, at the age of seventy years.
A. A. McLaughlin received his preliminary education in the public schools of Hamilton county, and later became a student of Iowa State College at Ames, from which he was graduated with a degree of B. Sc., in 1889. He matriculated in the law department of the University of Michigan, and was graduated from that celebrated institution with a degree of LL.B., in 1892. Coming to Des Moines he began the practice of law, and after four years associated with How- ard Clark, under the title of Clark & Mclaughlin, so continuing until 1907, when the firm was dissolved. Since 1903 he has represented the Chicago and North- western Railway Company, and for the last four years has devoted his entire time as attorney for this company. His success in his profession has been due to earnest application and a thorough knowledge, not only of the statutes, but of court practice and of human character. He is a clear and forcible speaker and never leaves any stone unturned in a case which involves the rights of his clients.
Mr. McLaughlin was married on the 23d of December, 1895, to Miss Sadie Bennetto, a native of Wisconsin, and daughter of John Bennetto, who is now liv- ing in North Dakota. She came with her parents to Hamilton county, Iowa. when she was a child, and was reared and educated in this state. The union of Mr. and Mrs. McLaughlin has been blessed by one child, Margaret, born Janu- ary 3, 1900.
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Politically, Mr. Mclaughlin gives his support to the republican party, and fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias and other organizations. He is well known in social circles and is a valued member of the Grant, Hyperion and Des Moines Clubs. Mr. Mclaughlin is now the president of the Des Moines Bar Association and is also a member of the Iowa State Bar Association. In a profession in which advancement depends upon the personal qualifications of the individual, his force of mind and knowledge of principles involved, Mr. Mc- Laughlin has attained a high standing and is thoroughly respected as a promi- nent and useful member of the community. He has justly gained a goodly meas- ure of professional and financial success.
LEVI JESSE WELLS.
Among the men who established successful business enterprises in Des Moines, which are now flourishing, although the founders have passed away, should be named Levi Jesse Wells, one of the most energetic and capable business men the city has known. He came of a long line of good American ancestry, dating from early colonial times. He was born near Dimock, Susquehanna county, Pennsyl- vania, January 28, 1831, a son of Levi and Mary (Baird) Wells, and was sev- enth in direct descent from Hugh Wells, who lived in Colchester, England, in 1590. The American progenitor of the family was Thomas Wells, who arrived in Massachusetts in 1620. The great-grandparents of our subject on the pater- nal side were residents of Wyoming valley, Pennsylvania, and the head of the household was killed in the Wyoming massacre, the wife, with a babe in her arms, escaping to a place of safety. The names of this couple appear on a mon- ument erected in the valley as a memorial to those who died in defense of their homes. The grandfathers on both sides of the family were members of the pa- triot army in the Revolutionary war, our subject's grandfather Baird serving with the rank of captain. Levi Wells, Sr., was a native of the Keystone state. He established a farm in the midst of a forest, which he developed into valuable property, planting a fine orchard and erecting substantial buildings, some of which are still standing. He was called away in the prime of life at the age of forty-seven years. There were five children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Wells, four of whom grew to maturity : William D., Guy P., Levi J. and Lucretia (Wells) Stone.
Levi Jesse Wells possessed limited opportunities of education, as he was obliged to begin work in the fields when he was eleven years of age, receiving four dollars a month and his dinner. However, he attended the district schools for a few terms and was a student at an academy for one year. At the age of fifteen years he was apprenticed to the carpenter's trade, his wages being sixty dollars per year and his board. After spending five and one-half years in learn- ing the trade, he undertook a contract to build twenty houses for miners for the Jessup & Millard Coal Company, and after completing this work came to Polk county, Iowa. In 1856 he purchased two lots in East Des Moines, upon which he later erected buildings, also becoming identified with building operations around Capitol Square, and in other parts of the growing city. Soon after ar- riving in Des Moines he was employed as foreman in the construction of a dam across the Des Moines river, and also in the construction of a mill, showing an ability which gave him good standing as a practical builder. He was for eight months proprietor of the old Grout House, but in 1870, he found the vocation to which he was eminently adapted, entering the livery business and continuing in that line with increasing success during the remainder of his life. He built the largest and most complete stables in the city, one of them being located at No. 119 Fourth street, and the other at No. 818 Mulberry street, and he also operated
L. J. WELLS
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a bus and baggage line, carrying the mail and meeting fifty-five trains a day. His business became the most important of its kind in the city, if not in the entire west, and through close application and good judgment he accumulated a hand- some fortune. Upon the reorganization of the German Savings Bank in 1900 he was chosen president and served in that capacity until his death in 1902.
In 1852 Mr. Wells was united in marriage to Miss Mary Brown, a native of Bradford county, Pennsylvania, and to them two children were born: William B., now deceased, and Jesse O., who is now in charge of the business established by his father. The mother of these children departed this life in 1860, and Mr. Wells was again married in 1861, the lady of his choice being Miss Sarah Bailey, a native of Maryland, who was reared in Ohio and is now living at the family home in this city.
Politically Mr. Wells gave his support to the republican party, and was an earnest advocate of its candidates and principles. He took an active part in politics, not as an office seeker but as "a sentinel on the tower," whereby he ex- erted a powerful influence for the betterment of civic affairs. He was genial, affable, kind-hearted and generous, a good story teller, and few men of Des Moines enjoyed to a greater degree the affection and esteem of their fellow citi- zens. A man of powerful physique and great force of character, he was never lukewarm in anything that aroused his interest, but gave to whatever he under- took his earnest and undivided attention, thus accomplishing very satisfactory results. Generally at the front, he was keenly alive to the possibilities of Des Moines, as a business and commercial center, and he proved an acknowledged factor in its development. He passed away February 15, 1902, and his remains were interred in Woodland cemetery, but the memory of his many kind acts will long be cherished in the minds of all with whom he was associated.
ISAAC C. BALTHIS.
One of the early residents of Des Moines is Isaac C. Balthis, who first located here with his parents over forty years ago. He was born in Licking county, Ohio, on the 8th of May, 1852, being a son of George Washington and Ellen C. (Revell) Balthis, the father a native of Germany and the mother of Virginia. The parents migrated to Iowa in 1867 where the father, who was a merchant tailor, pursued his trade until he passed away in 1903.
The preliminary education of Isaac C. Balthis was obtained in the common schools of Ohio and Iowa, following which he attended Simpson College for a brief period, after which he took a commercial course in a Des Moines business college to better equip himself for a practical business career. When he had ac- quired such knowledge as he deemed essential to enable him to assume the heav- ier responsibilities of life he laid aside his books and entered the dry goods store of W. K. Bird in order that he might thoroughly familiarize himself with every phase of the business, having decided upon the vocation of a merchant as his life's work. He remained identified with this concern for eight years, at the ex- piration of which period he went to Colfax, Iowa, to embark in business for himself. He was very successful in his venture and continued to reside there for twenty-two years. Disposing of his interests in 1892 he returned to Des Moines, accepting the position of cashier with the Des Moines Water Company, with which position he has ever since been identified.
Mr. Balthis' arrangements and desire for a home had their culmination in his marriage in 1877 to Miss Dora Keffer, a daughter of S. B. Keffer, who was engaged in shoemaking in Des Moines in the pioneer days. Five children were born of this union as follows : Frank, who is the horticulturist at the state normal school at De Kalb, Illinois ; Russell, who is in the American forestry service in Vol. II-16
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New Mexico ; Marion, who is married to Carl W. Gregg, of Des Moines; George A., who is a florist at Union Park; and Helen, who is still at home. The family always attend the services of the Methodist church, in which denomination the parents hold membership. Fraternally Mr. Balthis is affiliated with the Masonic order, his local identification being with Pioneer Lodge, No. 22, A. F. & A. M., of which he is a past. master, and Consistory No. 3, of the Scottish rite. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Brotherhood of Amer- ican Yeomen, the Homesteaders, Modern Woodmen of America and the Mystic Toilers.
His political support Mr. Balthis always accords the republican party, as he considers that the principles of that body are best adapted to subserve the in- terests of the majority. He has never been an aspirant for public honors or the emoluments of office, however, and so does not actively participate in civic affairs.
A. B. SCHUETZ.
Although he has tested his abilities with a gratifying measure of success in other pursuits. A. B. Schuetz, of Des Moines, has found the legal profession more to his taste than any other occupation and he is now well established as a practitioner of the Polk county bar. Born at Polk City, Iowa, October 5, 1874. he is the son of William H. and Elizabeth (Schoolp) Schuetz, both of whom were natives of Germany.
Mr. Schuetz, father of A. B., came to America in 1855 and made his home for ten years in Pennsylvania, where he studied theology and entered the min- istry of the Methodist church. In 1865, at the close of the Civil war, he was assigned to Muscatine county, Iowa, where he remained for one year and then spent two years in Jasper county. In 1868 he took up his residence in Polk City where he continued his ministrations for many years, his death occurring in Feb- ruary, 1904, at the age of seventy-nine years. The beloved wife and mother de- parted this life in January, 1908, being then sixty-nine years of age. There were eleven children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Schuetz, nine of whom are now living.
A. B. Schuetz received his preliminary education in the public schools and later attended Simpson College. After leaving this institution he was made principal of the Polk City high school and continued in that position for five years, from 1897 to 1902, discharging his duties in such a way as to greatly please the patrons of the school. Having decided to devote his attention to the law, he matriculated in the law department of Drake University and was grad- uated with the degree of LL. B. in 1904. Immediately after leaving the university he became associated with his brother, E. S. Schuetz in practice at Des Moines. and they continued together for three years, during which time they gained a fair share of the legal business in this city.
In 1907 Mr. Schuetz went to Wyoming and for two years was identified with the banking business. However, he was again attracted to his native state and he returned to Des Moines and took charge of the Philip Graeber estate. On October 1, 1910, he resumed the practice of law, in which he has since been continuously engaged.
On June 3, 1906, Mr. Schuetz was united in marriage at Des Moines to Miss Pearl Benedict, a native of this city, and a daughter of Fenton E. Benedict. They have one son, Merrill, his natal day being August 2. 1908.
A. B. Schuetz, whose name stands at the head of this review, is prominent in Masonic circles and is a member of the various bodies, including Operative Lodge, No. 308, A. F. & A. M., of Polk City, Corinthian Chapter, R. A. M .. of Des Moines, and Wyoming Consistory. He is also a valued member of the
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Knights of the Maccabees. He gives conscientious attention to his profession and ranks as one of the energetic and successful practitioners in the principal legal center of the state, his clients being found among the leading citizens and business firms of Des Moines. He is a clear and logical speaker and gains the close attention of a jury or audience by the sincerity and earnestness with which he approaches any subject in which he is interested. His life has been one of unusual activity and as he has from the beginning of his business career been controlled by principles of honor and integrity, the future is for him bright and the promise of increasing usefulness.
E. S. Schuetz, the brother of our subject and also a lawyer in successful practice at Des Moines, was born in Jasper county, Iowa, April 8, 1867. He received his preliminary education in the public schools and later matriculated in the law department of Drake University, graduating in the same class with his brother, in 1904, and receiving the degree of LL.B. The brothers engaged in practice until 1907 under the title of Schuetz & Schuetz, and since this time E. S. Schuetz has practiced alone and has gained general recognition as one of the able lawyers of Iowa by his purposeful life and strict integrity. He is inde- pendent in politics, preferring to reserve his decision until the time of casting his ballot, but is a patriotic citizen and uses his influence in such a way as in his opinion will best advance the interests of the state and nation. He was married January 13, 1892, in Polk county, to Miss Sadie Hawks, a native of Story county, Iowa, and two children have brightened their home-Edna and Guy M.
FRANK SCHLAMPP.
Of sturdy Teutonic parentage Frank Schlampp, the widely known jewelry- man of Des Moines, inherited many of the characteristics of his ancestors and forged his way to the front, notwithstanding the gravest obstacles. He is now comparatively independent financially, although hardly past the middle of a career which gives promise of largely increasing opportunities for usefulness in the years to come. Born at Burlington, Iowa, August 8, 1869, he is the son of John and Barbara (Pflauz) Schlampp. The father was born in Germany Sep- tember II, 1823, and by trade was a cabinet-maker. Mrs. Schlampp was also a native of Germany and was born in 1836. She was the mother of seven chil- dren, four of whom are now living, namely: Oscar, who is married and makes his home at Burlington, Iowa; Charles, of St. Paul, Minnesota; Tillie, the wife of C. E. Mesmer, of Des Moines ; and Frank, the subject of this review.
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