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 5

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 5

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His own home relations have largely been of an ideal character. In 1863 he married Miss Nannie Cantwell, of Kenton, Ohio. They traveled life's jour- ney happily together for forty-five years but were separated by the death of the wife on the 19th of April, 1909. They were the parents of three sons and two daughters: Henry C., now business manager of Wallace's Farmer; Jose- phine, who is managing the household affairs; Harriet, the wife of Hon. N. B. Ashby ; John P., who is connected with Wallace's Farmer; and Daniel A., who is editor of the Farmer of St. Paul, Minnesota.

From President Roosevelt came the appointment to Mr. Wallace entirely unsolicited to the Country Life Commission and to that work he devoted four months. He has been honored with various degrees, receiving that of Ph. D. from Lenox College; LL. D. from Geneva Hall; and LL. D. from Washing- ton and Jefferson College.

Perhaps the best analyzation and explanation of Mr. Wallace and his life work is found in his own words. On one occasion when questioned he said "Money making has at no time been in my thoughts or purposes. I have labored merely for the good I might do to others. If I have succeeded it has not been because I set out with the thought of winning this or that success. This is all I have striven to do. I have tried to do each day's work well as it came to me to do; no more, no less. I felt that if today's work were done well, I could do tomorrow's well without worrying about it tomorrow. I would say to young men who are ambitious to get on in the world: Give no thought to your yesterdays; they are gone you can't help them by worrying :about them. Give no thought to the tomorrows; they are not here and you

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

can't help them by worrying about them. Give thought only to today and the work of today and strive to do today's work well; it is here, at your hand, waiting for you. Live simply, eat plain foods and always a little less than you could comfortably eat. Get plenty of fresh air, day and night. Get all the sleep you can. Don't worry and take a hopeful view of life, always, and you may live long and be happy.'

JAMES H. WINDSOR.

Few citizens of Des Moines have ever been awarded the profound respect granted to James H. Windsor. For thirty-five years prominently connected with the business interests of the city, he was at all times an active and efficient worker in its behalf, so that of him it may truly be said: "He lived not for him- self but for others;" and his name stands among those who left the world better for having lived in it. He was born in Pike, Allegany county, New York, April 16, 1829, a son of Samuel and Eliza (Grover) Windsor. The father died in 1857. The Windsors came of English ancestry and were a family of distinc- tion in the mother country, their name having been connected with the owner- ship of Windsor Castle in days gone by.

Educated in the common schools, James H. Windsor learned the tinner's trade and at the age of nineteen began his business career, turning over his earnings to his father. Subsequently he served for three years as deputy post- master of his native town. In 1852 he removed to Ellicottville, New York, and for two years engaged in the drug business. Desiring to see the country, he traveled for six months in various parts of the west and in 1856 went to Wau- kegan, Illinois, where he engaged as deputy clerk of the circuit court for two years, then returning to New York to settle his father's estate. He next en- gaged for three years in agricultural pursuits and stock-dealing, at the end of which time he associated with J. H. Metcalf at Buffalo, New York, in the stock business, but later sold his interests and moved to Chicago, where he became yardmaster in the hog department of the Union Stock Yards Company. In this capacity he showed an ability indicating unusual talent in business affairs and accordingly he was sent to Des Moines by capitalists of Chicago to negotiate for packing plants then in operation in this city. Two small plants were in existence in 1873 when Mr. Windsor first came to Des Moines. One of these plants was in charge of General Tuttle and the other was known as the Stowers plant. Mr. Windsor secured an option on both concerns and the Chicago cap- italists not being willing to accept the terms that were offered, he decided to avail himself of the opportunity and accordingly he completed the purchase, having Messrs. Jones and Raymond of Chicago as partners. He had the entire management of the business, which earned good profits for himself and partners and became an ever increasing factor in Des Moines commercial life by giving steady employment to hundreds of men. Later Mr. Windsor bought the entire business and as long as he managed it, it proved profitable, but wearying of the strenuous life it forced upon him, in 1889 he consolidated with the Ellsworth Packing Company under the title of the Liverpool & Des Moines Company and retired froni active management. Five years later he closed out his interest with the company.

Mr. Windsor was identified with various lines of business, all of which proved highly lucrative. He was one of the organizers of the State Insurance Company, becoming its president. He owned several business blocks in the city, among which is that occupied by the Des Moines Drug Company, the Willner Clothing Store, the Purity Candy Company, etc. . He was a prominent stockholder of the Security Loan & Trust Company and at the time of his

J. H. WINDSOR

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

death he was a member of the board of directors of the Des Moines Savings Bank. In his business affairs he displayed remarkably clear and correct judg- ment, being an acknowledged leader whose opinions concerning an investment were by many regarded as conclusive. Liberal, public-spirited and progressive, he represented the best type of business man-one whose influence and example was always exerted in behalf of the permanent welfare of the community. Pos- sessing a strong purpose and an unfaltering determination, he overcame what to others might have been insurmountable difficulties and achieved fortune not only for himself but for those with whom he was associated.

Mr. Windsor was twice married, his first wife being Mrs. Minnie G. Moore, of West Albany, New York, to whom he was united March 29, 1865. She de- parted this life in 1874, leaving three children: Mary, Leland and Ruth. On November 16, 1875, he was married to Miss Harriet B. McManus, a member of a well known family of Eddyville, Iowa. One son, James Raymond, came to bless this union.

Mr. Windsor was a man of fine social instincts, a lover of his home and family and a friend who could always be depended upon in times of emergency. He was called away January II, 1907, at the age of seventy-seven years, eight months and twenty-five days, nearly half of his lifetime having been passed in Des Moines. His death was deeply regretted by all who knew him, for lie had won for himself the favorable regard of his business associates and the warm friendship of those with whom he had been brought in contact in social relations.

HON. GEORGE H. CARR.

Hon. George H. Carr, who has not only won wide reputation as a successful practitioner of law but also as a member of the state legislature has aided in framing the laws of this commonwealth, has made his home in Des Moines since 1894 and since January, 1908, has practiced as the senior member of the firm of Carr, Carr & Evans. He was born in Whitehall, New York, November 23, 1852, a son of William Henry and Elizabeth (Armstrong) Carr. The father, a farmer by occupation, was of English and French lineage, while the mother was of Scotch-Irish ancestry.

The removal of the family from the Empire state to . Sandwich, Illinois, during the early boyhood of George H. Carr enabled him to pursue his early education in the public schools of that city, while later he became a student in Jennings Seminary at Aurora, Illinois. He next entered. Beloit College at Beloit, Wisconsin, and subsequently matriculated in the Iowa State University, from which he was graduated in the class of 1877, having completed the law course. He immediately located for practice at Emmetsburg, Iowa, where he followed his profession continuously for ten years, or until 1887, when he was elected to the district court bench, serving as district judge until he resigned on October 12, 1894, to become a resident of Des Moines. In the preparation of his cases as a trial lawyer he had displayed great thoroughness, careful discrimination and comprehensive knowledge of the principles of law and his forceful presentation of his cause won for him many notable verdicts. The ability which he displayed in private practice led to his selection for judicial honors and his course upon the bench was in harmony with his record as a man and citizen, distinguished by the utmost loyalty and by the careful and correct solution of every problem presented to the court. He retired from the bench with the high regard of all the members practicing in the fourteenth Judicial district and was not unknown professionally in Des Moines when he came to this city in 1894. Here he was first associated with A. C. Parker, which partnership continued until Governor

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

Cummins was first elected as chief executive of the state. Mr. Carr then became one of the members of the law firm with which Governor Cummins had been associated, forming the firm of Carr, Hewitt, Parker & Wright. He practiced in that relation until January, 1908, when he withdrew from that firm and estab- lished the firm of Carr, Carr & Evans, the junior members being Fred P. Carr and W. D. Evans, Jr. They are accorded a large and distinctively representative clientage, connecting them with much important litigation heard in the courts of the capital city.

On the 15th of June, 1876, Judge Carr was married in Detroit, Michigan, to Miss Emma E. Parker, a native of New York. Their children are: Maude, the wife of John C. Miley, a resident of Chicago; and Fred P., who married Agnes Cram, a native of Des Moines, and is now engaged with his father in the prac- tice of law.

Judge Carr is a republican of the progressive type but not an insurgent. He is as firm a believer in advancement and improvement in political lines as in other departments of life and his influence is ever an element in those move- ments where the best interests of the community are concerned. A recognized leader in party ranks, he was elected and served for two terms as mayor of Emmetsburg during the early 'Sos and has twice been a member of the state legislature, serving during the twenty-seventh and twenty-eighth general assem- blies. He was made a member of a number of important committees and every question which came up for settlement received his earnest consideration and stalwart support or strong opposition as he deemed it to be beneficial or detri- mental to the commonwealth at large. He holds membership in the Grant Club, one of the leading political organizations of the state, and also in the Des Moines Club and the Prairie Club while his fraternal relations are with the Masons and the Elks. In the former body he has attained the Knight Templar degree and is also a Noble of the Mystic Shrine. His attention, however, is chiefly concentrated upon his profession and he is regarded as a faithful and conscientious minister in the temple of justice, who gives to his client the service of great talent, unwearied industry and wide learning, yet never forgets that there are certain things due to the court, to his own self respect and above all to justice and a righteous administration of the law, which neither the zeal of an advocate nor the pleasure of success would permit him to disregard.

DAVID B. MOTT.

The soldiers of the Civil war who fought to uphold the stars and stripes are worthy of respect and honor and will ever be so regarded by all friends of lib- erty. Many of these valiant men are yet with us and among them is David B. Mott of Walnut township, whose name introduces this sketch. He was born in Knox county, Ohio, April 3, 1847, a son of Joseph and Mary (Blanchard ) Mott, both of whom were natives of New York state. The father removed to Iowa in 1851 and located in Walnut township, where he purchased four hundred acres of land at four dollars and fifty cents per acre, and entered upon a successful career as a farmer. He was highly practical in his work and developed his place from the raw prairie until it became a beautiful and productive farm. He was called away in 1888, his wife having died thirty years before.

David B. Mott was reared and educated in the district schools of Polk county and continued at home until 1864, when he enlisted in Company F, Forty-seventh Iowa Infantry, and continued in service until the close of the Civil war. After receiving his honorable discharge he returned to Polk county and assisted his father upon the home farm, also filling the position of post- master at Valley Junction for four years. In 1874 he bought the homestead

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

of eighty acres, which he has improved with modern buildings, the latest im- provement being a fine large barn. There is a coal mine on the farm which greatly adds to its value. He is a man of thrifty, industrious habits and he has been able to lay up a competence, so that as the years draw apace he finds himself fortified against material want.

In March, 1873, Mr. Mott was united in marriage to Miss Julia Houston, a daughter of Warnick and Mary Houston, both of whom were born in Indiana. The father came to Iowa at an early day and engaged in the furniture business at Des Moines for a number of years. Subsequently he sold out and, in 1873, removed to Kansas and spent the remainder of his life upon a farm. One son, Carl W., was born to Mr. and Mrs. Mott. He is now twenty-seven years of age and is a clerk of the postoffice of Des Moines.

Politically Mr. Mott gives his support to the democratic party. He has served as trustee and township clerk and for thirty years past has been assessor of Walnut township. The confidence in which he is held by his neighbors is indicated by the responsible position he occupies. Few men in Iowa or any other state have ever held the office of assessor for as long a period. He is recognized as thoroughly honest and conscientious in the performance of every duty and all who know him are his friends.

GEORGE W. HAINES.

Prominent for many years in business circles of Des Moines, George W. Haines, now retired, has gained high standing as one of the substantial men of the community, whose interests he has in numberless ways assisted in advancing. He was born in Warren county, Ohio, November 21, 1842, a son of John T. and Maria (Hampton) Haines, both of whom were natives of England. The father was brought in infancy to this country by his parents, who located in New Jer- sey. He became a ship carpenter and worked in the shipyards at Philadelphia, continuing to work at his trade until he has forty-two years of age, when he removed to Miami county, Indiana, and purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which he cleared and improved. Here he spent the remainder of his days, passing away August 12, 1855, his wife departing this life March 23, 1863. In her younger days she attended school with Abraham Lincoln, and as she grew up passed through many of the trying experiences of pioneer life.

George W. Haines received his early education in the common schools, and after the death of his father took charge of the home farm, upon which he con- tinued until nineteen years of age. On the 17th of April, 1861, in response to the call of President Lincoln for defenders of the Union, he enlisted in Company I, Eighth Indiana Infantry, and served during the entire war, receiving his hon- orable discharge August 28, 1865. He was a brave soldier and was wounded three times while fighting for his country but recovered in each instance and re- turned to his regiment. The lessons which he learned in the army of endurance under difficulties and perseverance in the face of great obstacles have proven of incalculable value to him in the years that have elapsed since the memorable period of that great conflict. On his return to his old home he resumed peaceful pursuits and hired out as a farm hand, being thus engaged for about three years. Finally he decided to give up agricultural pursuits as not being adapted to his taste, and on the 23d of April, 1869, he came to Des Moines and found employ- ment with the wholesale grocery house of R. C. Webb & Son. Later in the same year he assisted in the erection of the Murphy-Schisler packing house, which still, stands. Subsequently he entered the employment of that firm and learned the packing business thoroughly, continuing for twenty-one years. At the end of that time he retired and has since lived at ease in a beautful home which was

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

erected under his supervision. He also owns four acres of valuable property in- side the city limits. He was one of the organizers of two of the early building and loan associations of Des Moines, and for many years occupied a prominent place in business circles of the city, attaining recognition as one of the substan- tial and progressive men of the community.

On the 12th of March, 1868, at Wabash, Indiana, Mr. Haines was united in marriage to Miss Hannah J. Case, a daughter of William and Lavina (Personett) Case, the former being a native of North Carolina and the latter of Virginia. The father was a well known farmer in Indiana, where he lived until October 17, 1859, when he was called to his reward. The mother died April 12, 1868. Mr. and Mrs. Haines never having any children of their own, adopted one child, Narcissa, who grew to womanhood and is now married and living at Brunswick, Nebraska.

Mr. Haines was a charter member of Eureka Club, one of the earlier social organizations of Des Moines, which has now passed out of existence. He is con- nected with the Odd Fellows and the Grand Army of the Republic and polit- ically gives his support to the republican party. Religiously he and his wife are adherents of the Christian church, of which he is an ordained elder. He is known as a just and honorable man, who has attempted throughout life to per- form his duty, and who by his own exertions has fairly attained a worthy posi- tion among his fellowmen. He is now nearing his sixty-ninth birthday and has attained a greater age than any other member of the family as the next oldest was sixty-two.

GILBERT S. GILBERTSON.

The political and business activity of Gilbert S. Gilbertson is such that he needs no introduction to the readers of this volume. He is one of the prom- inent representatives of banking interests in Iowa and at the same time has been a leader in politics, in which connection high honors have been conferred upon him, while his official record is one which has reflected credit and honor upon the state.

He was born at Spring Grove, Minnesota, October 17, 1863. Fortune did not watch over him at the outset of his career. His advantages were only such as most boys enjoy and, an early recognition of the fact that "There is no ex- cellence without labor," has been a salient feature in his later progress. After several terms spent as a student in the common schools he pursued a course in the business college at Janesville, Wisconsin, and in 1879, when a youth of six- teen years, went to Worth county, Iowa, where he worked upon a farm belong- ing to his father, who. in 1878 had sold his small landed possessions in Houston county, Minnesota.

After leaving the farm Gilbert S. Gilbertson secured a position as book- keeper and salesman with an agricultural implement house at Forest City, Iowa, and was there employed until September, 1885, when he entered the service of J. S. Olson & Son, who were engaged in general merchandising at Forest City. He filled that position until January, 1889, when he became clerk of the district court of Winnebago county, having been elected to the office in 1888. The abil- ity which he displayed in that position caused him to be reelected in 1890, 1892, and again in 1894. He resigned in 1896 because of his election to the office of state senator from the forty-first district comprising Mitchell, Worth and Win- nebago counties. His prominence in that connection led to his selection for still higher honors, for in 1900 he was chosen state treasurer on the republican ticket, serving in that position for six years. He cast his first presidential ballot in 1884 for James G. Blaine and has since been an active worker for the party.

G. S. GILBERTSON

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

In various minor offices he gave proof of his loyalty to the public trust, serving as city treasurer of Forest City, Iowa, for ten years and as secretary of the board of education for seven years. In 1891 he was made chairman of the republican central committee of Winnebago county and so served in 1892, 1896 and 1900. In the latter year when made the nominee of his party for state treasurer he was elected by a majority of one hundred thousand and proved a most capable custodian of the funds of the state, his administration of the du- ties of the office being characterized by the same promptness, dispatch and abil- ity which have marked his operations in financial circles in behalf of individual interests.

Mr. Gilbertson is today one of the best known representatives of banking interests in Iowa.' In 1895 he organized the Forest City National Bank, of which he was cashier for a number of years and is now its president. In the same year he aided in forming the Forest City Loan & Abstract Company, of which he was chosen secretary. Recognizing and improving favorable oppor- tunities, he has extended his efforts as a banker into various fields. For a num- ber of years he was president of the Buffalo Central State Bank; was also a director of the First National Bank of Thompson; vice president of the First National Bank of Lake Mills; president of the Crystal Lake State Bank; and president of the First National Bank of Hanley Falls, Minnesota. He was like- wise proprietor and publisher of the Winnebago Summit of Forest City. He is now vice president of the Iowa Trust & Savings Bank of Des Moines, presi- dent of the Interstate Business Men's Accident Association and president and general manager of the Northwestern Land & Colonization Company. A few years ago this company purchased twelve townships in Mercer county, North Dakota, comprising one hundred thousand acres, and through colonization they have sold all but about six thousand acres, eighty per cent of the settlers being Germans. This extensive business has been almost entirely conducted from the Des Moines office and the success is due wholly to the untiring efforts and able management of Mr. Gilbertson. He is also officially connected with other finan- cial institutions which place him in a foremost position in the moneyed circles of the state. The intricate problems of finance find ready solution with him because of his long experience in this field and his close study of banking questions.

On the 29th of August, 1889, Mr. Gilbertson was married to Miss Belle D. Whitney, and they have two children, Iva and Gladys. Fraternally Mr. Gilbert- son is connected with the Masons, the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, but while loyal to the teachings of those orders he has concentrated his energies chiefly upon banking and political activity and in both connections has gained honor and fame. His business record has been marked by an orderly pro- gression which indicates the fact that he has not feared to venture where favor- ing opportunity has led the way. His plans are carefully formulated and promptly executed and his actions bear the impress of sound judgment and keen business discrimination.

HON. JAMES ROBERT HANNA.

Hon. James Robert Hanna, who in the spring of 1910 was elected mayor of Des Moines, is classed with those men who have taken a stand on "the far flung battle line" in opposition to misrule in political affairs and in an advocacy of the recently instituted and aggressive movement to make the party serve the people rather than be the tool of the few, and to secure the adoption of measures leaning to wholesome, purifying reforms in the political management of muni- Vol. II-3

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

cipal interests. His life history is another proof of the fact that it is under the pressure of adversity and the stimulus of opposition that the strongest and best in man is brought out and developed. Years of struggle prefaced his suc- cess and, thrown upon his own resources at the early age of thirteen years, he has made for himself an honored name and become a potent force in movements promoting the general welfare.

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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 5

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