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 46
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On the 30th of June, 1880, in Sigourney, Iowa, Mr. Van Slyke was married to Miss Eva E. Paull, a daughter of J. G. Paull, who became one of the pioneer residents of this state, in which Mrs. Van Slyke was born. Two children blessed this union. Paul B., born February 18, 1888, in Dubuque, Iowa, is now en- gaged in the real-estate and fire insurance business in Des Moines. He mar- ried Hester Martin, a native of this city. The daughter, Edith C. Van Slyke, is the wife of Carl Weeks, a chemist and pharmacist, who is now engaged in the proprietary medicine business in Des Moines. They have two children. Charles Van Slyke Weeks and William C. Weeks, both of whom were born in Des Moines, the latter on the 24th of September, 1910.
Such in brief is the life history of Charles Barent Van Slyke, to whom oppor- tunity has meant the open door to success. Wisely using the advantages which have come to him and creating them when none have seemed apparent, he has steadily pushed forward toward the goal of prosperity and has won his ad- vancement in those lines which contribute to business activity and, therefore. to the commercial stability of the county.
GEORGE V. HARRİTT.
The life record of George V. Harritt, assistant cashier of the Peoples Sav- ings Bank of Des Moines, does not cover a long period, but it indicates an honorable purpose which has been carried through to a goodly measure of success.
He was born at Des Moines, July 19, 1880, a son of Harry S. and Mary (Geneser) Harritt. The father was an early settler of Des Moines and became well known in the wholesale tobacco business, later organizing the Hawkeye Oatmeal Mills, in which he still retains an interest, although now retired from
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active business affairs. The mother was born in New York state and came to Des Moines, where she was married to Mr. Harritt. Grandfather Francis Geneser is a native of Germany and came to Iowa many years ago. He is now living in Des Moines. The grandmother Anna Marie Geneser, passed away at an advanced age in 1900.
George V. Harritt was educated at St. Francis College at Quincy, Illinois, graduating from that institution in 1894. He early gave promise of a useful career by his close application to his studies and his respect for those in authority. After leaving college he at once entered the German Savings Bank as mes- senger, soon working his way up to a position of larger responsibility. In 1897 he became connected with the Peoples Savings Bank, of which he is now as- sistant cashier. By his pleasing manners and general efficiency he has con- tributed in an important degree to the prosperity of the institution and is justly regarded as one of the popular and growing factors in financial circles of the city. He is identified also with other interests, and now fills the office of assistant treasurer of the Iowa State Fair Association.
On the 26th of December, 1898, Mr. Harritt was united in marriage at Des Moines to Miss Bird Lawson, a daughter of Samuel and Martha (Pugh) Law- son, the former of whom is a well known farmer of Menlo, Iowa, now living retired. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Harritt, namely: Al- phonso; Harry, Joseph, Ruth and Robert, all of whom, with the exception of Robert, are now attending St. John's Parochial School.
Mr. Harritt gives his allegiance to the republican party and is a stanch member of the Catholic church. Socially he is identified with the Knights of Columbus and the Owls, being treasurer of the latter organization. He has many warm friends in Des Moines and his personal worth and fidelity to every responsibility entrusted to his care meet with merited recognition.
JUDGE JOHN MITCHELL.
Judge John Mitchell, whose name graces the history of Iowa's judiciary and who through his active connection with the bar was regarded as the peer of the ablest members who have practiced in the courts of this state or have served upon the bench, was born in Claremont, Sullivan county, New Hampshire, on the 28th of February, 1830. After mastering the elementary branches of learn- ing as a pupil in the public schools his preparatory course was pursued at Kim- ball Union Academy in Meriden, New Hampshire, subsequent to which time he entered Dartmouth College, where he took a three year course and was granted the degree of Bachelor of Arts.
On account of the condition of his health, however, he was compelled to seek a change of climate and traveled westward. It may have seemed a hard- ship for him at that time to leave New England but Des Moines gained thereby a valued citizen and he found here the opportunities, which led to substantial advancement in his professional career. On the 20th of June, 1856, he took up his abode in the capital city. He had previously devoted some time to the study of law in his native state and in Des Moines continued his reading in the office and under the direction of Finch & Crocker, well known attorneys, until ad- mitted to the bar in August, 1856. He began practicing on his own account in the following year and devoted his attention to his growing professional duties until the 17th of July, 1861, when he was commissioned captain of a company of cavalry in the state service and fought against the Indians in northwestern Iowa for three months. His position as a loyal and progressive citizen led to his election in the fall of 1861 to the state legislature and he did splendid ser- vice in the sessions that were held during the period of the Civil war when man-
JOHN MITCHELL
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hood and courage were so much needed by those who were framing the laws of the state. He served as chairman of the judiciary committee and on other im- portant committees. At different times in his life he was called to local office, becoming a member of the city council, serving as first chairman of the county board of supervisors and filling various other offices of public trust until the 30th of May, 1867, when he was appointed register of bankruptcy for the fifth con- gressional district. Again popular election showed that he was the choice of the people for high honors and large responsibilities, for in November, 1868, he was chosen judge of the fifth district circuit court. He entered upon the duties of his position in January, 1869, for a four years' term and was twice reelected without opposition. His honesty as a man and his ability as a jurist were of the highest order. His decisions indicated strong mentality, careful analysis, a thor- ough knowledge of the law and an unbiased judgment. The judge on the bench fails more frequently, perhaps, from a deficiency in that broad mindedness which not only comprehends the details of a situation quickly and that insures a com- plete self-control under even the most exasperating conditions than from any other cause; and the judge who makes a success in the discharge of his multi- tudinous delicate duties is a man of well rounded character, finely balanced mind and of splendid intellectual attainments. That Judge Mitchell was re- garded as such a jurist is a uniformly accepted fact.
Following his retirement from the bench in 1881, Judge Mitchell resumed the practice of law, in which he continued alone until August, 1883, when C. A. Dudley joined him in a partnership under the firm style of Mitchell & Dudley and so continued until the death of Judge Mitchell on the 29th of December, 1890. In the meantime he extended his efforts into the field of business, be- coming vice president of the Iowa Loan & Trust Company, a director of the Des Moines National Bank and a director and counselor of the Central Loan & Trust Company.
On the 29th of December, 1868, Judge Mitchell was married at Moundsville, West Virginia, to Rebecca Anshutz and throughout the period of their married life they continued to occupy the home in which they began housekeeping. They had two daughters but the younger, Lizzie, is deceased. Their surviving daugh- ter is Mrs. Caroline M., the wife of W. H. Given, superintendent on the Rock Island Railroad, living in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Judge Mitchell held membership in St. Paul's Episcopal church. He was by nature kindly yet somewhat reserved in manner. Like all who walk through life on a higher plane than the majority of their associates, the circle of his friends was select rather than large, yet he lives in the memory of his contemporaries, enshrined in the halo of a gracious presence, strong intellectuality and unfailing courtesy. He was regarded by many as an ideal follower of his calling and his record through three terms' service as judge of the circuit court may well serve as a standard for those who are called to judicial responsibilities and honors.
ENOS B. HUNT.
Forty years ago when Enos B. Hunt, whose name heads this review, first came to Des Moines he saw a flourishing little city of about twelve thousand inhabitants. After carefully looking over the situation he resolved to make his permanent home at this place, and later, foreseeing the possibilities of de- velopment, became connected with the real-estate business, with which he has ever since been identified. In years of experience he is one of the oldest real- estate men in the city and he has assisted very materially in promoting the remarkable improvements now visible on every hand.
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He was born in Jefferson county, New York, July 3, 1845, son of Enos B., and Mary (Irons) Hunt, both of whom were natives of New York state. He was the only child of his parents and lost his father in infancy and his mother was called away when he was five years of age. He then took up his home with an uncle, Stephen Irons, a boat builder. When not attending school the lad spent his time in his uncle's office, and after laying his books aside assisted his uncle until 1866, when he associated with J. M. Simpson at New London. New York, in the mercantile business.
However, the call of the west could not be disregarded by an ambitious young man who was desirous of accomplishing something worthy in life, and accord- ingly, in 1870, he came to Des Moines, where he took up his permanent resi- dence. Soon after arriving in the city he was appointed deputy county treasurer of Polk county, and for nine years he filled this office, discharging its duties with a fidelity and efficiency that met with the hearty approval of the tax- payers. In 1880, having relinquished public office, he formed a partnership with J. M. Coggshell in the real-estate business, this association continuing for about five years, since which time Mr. Hunt has engaged in general real estate upon his own account. Being a man of pleasing address and fine business ability he has met with marked success and has gained a deserved competency which he has earned by conscientious application.
In 1869 Mr. Hunt was united in marriage to Miss Huldah N. Simpson, a na- tive of Oneida county, New York, daughter of J. M. and Olive (Clark) Simpson. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hunt, namely: Mary Isabel, now an artist in Chicago; William O., who married Nellie Cramer and is now living in Des Moines; James L., also of Des Moines, who married Katherine Ryder and has one daughter; and Enos B. Jr., who is engaged in the postcard business.
Mr. Hunt is well known in the ranks of the Masonic fraternity being a mem- ber of the blue lodge, chapter and commandery, and has for many years been an active worker in that organization. Politically, he is in sympathy with the republican party and has strong faith in the ability of its leaders to safeguard the country against any dangers that may arise. He is a firm believer in the Bible and he and his family attend the Plymouth Congregational church. As a citizen he is patriotic and public spirited and fully alive to the importance of maintaining high ideals in public as well as in private life. His acquaintance is not limited to Des Moines or Polk county, as his business has brought him into contact with men from all parts of the state and from many other states, and he retains in a high degree the confidence and respect of all.
EDWIN CLARKE BUDLONG.
A descendant of Roger Williams and of Revolutionary ancestry on both sides of the house, Edwin Clarke Budlong, of Des Moines, inherited qualities of self- confidence, courage and aggressiveness backed by persistence and keen judgment of human nature, and as a result is highly successful in his business. As vice president and agency manager of the Bankers Accident Insurance Company he has been largely instrumental during the last five years in more than doubling the amount of insurance carried by the company, thus making it one of the important concerns of the west.
He was born at Providence, Rhode Island, November 17, 1870, and is a son of Edwin C. and Maria L. Budlong, the mother being a daughter of Edward Sanders, a well known merchant of Warren, Rhode Island. Mr. Budlong's father was engaged in woolen manufacturing. The family was one of the oldest
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in Rhode Island, settling in the colony early in the seventeenth century, and members of the family are now to be found in the principal states of the Union.
After receiving his early education in the public schools of Providence Mr. Budlong, the subject of this review, entered the fire insurance offices of Stark- weather & Shepley at Providence, probably the leading fire insurance agency in America, and here he gained a knowledge of the insurance business which assisted him very greatly as the years advanced. In 1889, being then nineteen years of age, he came west to Denver, Colorado, and secured employment in the German National Bank of that city, in which occupation he continued for six years. After leaving the bank he entered the general insurance business to which he devoted his attention closely for nine years, going to Minneapolis, Minnesota, to take charge of the agency of the Bankers Accident Insurance Company in that city. He managed its affairs with such good judgment that he was invited to Des Moines as superintendent of agents in 1904 and two years later was made vice president and agency manager, both of which positions he has since continuously filled.
On the 30th of November, 1893, at Denver, Colorado, Mr. Budlong was married to Miss Martha Hansen, a daughter of Julius Hansen, a furniture dealer of Denver. To this union four children have been born; Theodore War- ren, Richard Clarke, Robert Davol and Roger Williams. In religious belief Mr. Budlong is identified with Greenwood Congregational church, and fraternally he is connected with Capital Lodge, No. 110, A. F. & A. M. He possesses strong social proclivities and is an active member of the Grant, Des Moines. and Golf and Country Clubs. Depending upon his own capabilities ever since boy- hood, he has steadily advanced in business responsibility and is recognized as one of the thoroughly capable insurance managers of the country. The ability with which he fills his position is demonstrated by the remarkable success during recent years of the Bankers Accident Company, and he has received the sub- stantial reward of wisely directed effort.
ALBERT HENRY COREY.
Fraternal insurance has been a growing force in the business of this country for a number of years. It is founded upon a substantial basis that looks to the benefit of the many rather than to the few and has, therefore, received the co- operation and indorsement of many patrons. Among the strong and growing organizations of this character in Iowa is that known as the Homesteaders, of which Albert H. Corey is now the supreme secretary, giving his attention ex- clusively to the upbuilding of the order.
He was born in Galesburg, Michigan, March 30, 1869, and his youthful ex- periences to the age of thirteen years were such as usually fall to the lot of boys who are reared upon farms. His parents were Truman C. and Katherine M. (Klice) Corey, both of whom are now deceased. The family consisted of five children, of whom Albert H. Corey was the fourth in order of birth. The family is of Scotch-English lineage on the paternal side. Three brothers of the name came to America at an early period in the colonization of the new world and settled in Rhode Island. Representatives of the family were also numbered among the patriots of the Revolutionary army. The mother's people were of German extraction and originally settled in New York.
After leaving the farm, when a lad of thirteen, Albert H. Corey spent two years as a student in the public schools of Linneus, Missouri, devoting a part of that time to the mastery of the branches of learning taught in the high school. The necessity of providing for his own support, however, seemed dominant and putting aside his text-books. he was apprenticed to learn telegraphy and for ten
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years thereafter gave his attention to the profession, being employed during a part of the time as train dispatcher on the Burlington system.' He was located during that period at Moulton and at Keokuk, Iowa, and remained in the service of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company until 1896. In the latter year he became connected with the banking business at New Cambria. Macon county, Missouri, as cashier and director of the New Cambria State Bank, with which he was associated until 1903. He then took charge of the Moulton State Savings Bank and while there organized the Exline Savings Bank of Exline, Iowa, of which he became vice president and director, continuing in official connection with the banking business until 1908. He still remains a stockholder in both banks, but is not active in the management at the present time. In 1906 he came to Des Moines to accept the position of supreme secre- tary of the Homesteaders, a fraternal insurance organization which had just been formed. This position he has since filled, bending his best energies toward the growth and development of the business.
On the 2Ist of October, 1890, at Moulton, Iowa, Mr. Corey was united in marriage to Miss Matilda M. Singley, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George W. Singley, who were among the early settlers of Moulton and prominent in the public life and social affairs of that community. Mr. and Mrs. Corey have one daughter, Mary Christine, who was born in New Cambria, in January, 1895. The parents are members of the Presbyterian church, in the work of which they take active and helpful interest. Mr. Corey has been superintendent of the Sunday school and was state vice president of the International Sunday School Association of Missouri. He was also county superintendent of the Sunday School Association of Macon county, Missouri, for several years and township superintendent of Moulton for a number of years. He is now super- intendent of the Sunday school in Des Moines and is one of the elders of the church. His labors are untiringly in behalf of his denomination and constitute a strong element in the growth and upbuilding of the church.
While living in New Cambria he served as mayor of the city in 1898 and 1899 and gave to the city a public-spirited and beneficial administration. In politics he is a progressive republican but not of the insurgent class. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons of Moulton, Iowa, also the Odd Fellows lodge of that place, with the Improved Order of Red Men of Des Moines, the Mod- ern Woodmen of America, the Woodmen of the World, the Modern Brother- hood of America, the Yeomen and the Homesteaders, all of Des Moines. His life has been one of untiring activity, largely devoted to organization work in connection with financial enterprises, secret societies or the church. He started out in life a poor boy, being dependent upon his own resources from the age of fifteen years. At one time he was the youngest telegraph operator in the coun- try. His advancement is attributable entirely to his own labors, his close applica- tion and fidelity, and the real secret of his success is found in the fact that intelligent industry has been directed by the most straightforward and honorable principles.
FRANK W. BERG.
By applying himself industriously to his business and by taking a wise ad- vantage of circumstances as they were presented Frank W. Berg has forged his way to a responsible position as secretatry and treasurer of the Bolton Transfer Company, one of the well established concerns of Des Moines. He is a native of this city, born October 9, 1875, and a son of John and Celia Berg, both of whom were born in Sweden. After their marriage they migrated to the new world in 1866 and spent several years at Galesburg, Illinois, where Mr. Berg engaged in the tailoring business. He then went to Independence, Iowa, and
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continued at his trade, subsequently arriving in Des Moines. Here he found em- ployment at railroad work, and later with the Redhead Coal Company, con- tinuing with that concern for eight years. He served for one year as janitor of the statehouse and then became a member of the police force, upon which he remained for twelve and one-half years. Retiring from this position, he entered the saloon business, in which occupation he is now engaged. The mother is also living.
Frank W. Berg was reared in this city and possessed the advantages of at- tendance at the public school. Upon leaving school he entered the employ of the Des Moines Soap Company and continued with various departments of that company for ten years. He then accepted a position with the Bolton Transfer Company and in this business found a congenial occupation, to which he has ever since given his attention. On April 1, 1911, he associated with Edward Crawford in the purchase of the business, the headquarters being located on East Fifth street, between Locust street and Grand avenue. The company is incorporated and Mr. Berg is its secretary and treasurer, this being one of the most important transfer companies of Des Moines.
On the 23d day of October, 1905, he was married to Miss Mayme E. Mc- Nerney, a daughter of Patrick McNerney, who came to America from Ireland and located in Des Moines in 1865. He followed the railroad business for forty- five years and died November 25, 1908. Mrs. McNerney was called away in' 1881. One child, John Francis, who is now five years of age, has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Berg. In religious faith he gives his adherence to the Lutheran church, while his wife is a sincere member of the Catholic church, in which faith she was reared. Politically he supports the republican party. Mr. Berg has from his early years been active and efficient in everything his hands found to do, and his success is largely to be ascribed to this fact. Judging by what he has accomplished, his friends are confident that there is in store for him a bright future in the business world.
WAYLAND C. BALLARD.
Wayland C. Ballard, one of the most prominent and successful insurance men of Des Moines, was born at Cleveland, Ohio, October 25, 1858, and for nearly thirty years has been a resident of this city. He is a son of C. J. and Janet (Morrison) Ballard, the former a native of New York and the latter of Scotland. The father passed a large part of his life at Cleveland, Ohio, and attained considerable prominence in that city. He engaged in the fire insurance business, and after the organization of the republican party was one of its active promoters in northern Ohio.
He was appointed collector of customs at Cleveland prior to the Civil war. At that time it was customary for the collectors to carry the government money to Washington and there deposit it in the national treasury. The subject of this review, then a small boy, accompanied his father on one of these trips. He has a remarkably clear recollection of President Lincoln and of the president patting him upon the head and giving him some money with which to buy candy. He recalls his impressions of the martyred president with just pride. Mr. Bal- lard, Sr., came to Des Moines in 1881 as adjuster for a number of large fire insurance companies and remained in this city for five years. He was a well educated man and before entering the fire insurance business engaged in teach- ing, serving as principal of the first high school at Chicago in 1844.
Mr. Ballard, of this review, attended the public schools of Cleveland and Chicago and was also a student of Lake Forest University. On account of the ill health of members of the family he accompanied them to central Kansas,
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where he spent several years. In 1882 he arrived in Des Moines and entered the fire insurance business as cashier of the State Insurance Company. Subsequently he organized the Polk County Building & Loan Association, of which he was elected secretary. This concern became so large that he gave up his position with the insurance company to devote his entire time to the building and loan association. It was a great success and assisted very materially in the develop- ment of Des Moines. In 1905 he took up local agency work in Des Moines and has since represented many of the leading fire insurance companies of the world. He has been very active in promoting insurance interests and in 1909 was elected secretary of the local association of fire insurance agents of Iowa, being elected president of the association in 1910. He has also been for fifteen years past secretary and treasurer of the Capital City Investment Company.
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