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 54

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 54

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On the Ist day of February, 1907, he was united in marriage to Miss Clara A. Hickman, who was born at Rockford, Iowa. Her father is a real-estate and in- surance man of Rockford and the family is in line of descent from the Boone family of Kentucky, of which Daniel Boone was chief representative. The ma- ternal grandfather, James E. Ingalls, was a soldier of the Civil war. Mr. Grassly has made a careful study of political problems, and as a result affiliates with the Socialist party. An independent student and thinker in religious questions he has adopted the Unitarian belief as the one that seems to him the most reasonable as applied to our duties in this life and to the hereafter. Socially, he is con- nected with the Knights of Pythias and the Waveland Golf Club. It requires a man of unusual resourcefulness and special qualifications in salesmanship to oc- cupy satisfactorily the position held by Mr. Grassly, but he has attained a most gratifying success and is recognized as being among the brightest and most prom- ising young business men of the capital city.

BARNABAS SCHREINER.

Among the citizens which Germany has contributed to Des Moines probably none are better known than Barnabas Schreiner, who for more than a quarter of a century has taken high rank among the engineers of the city. His birth occurred on the IIth of June, 1843, in Bavaria, of which country his father, John Schreiner, who was a well known wagonmaker, was also a native. Of the early recollections of Barnabas Schreiner probably none are more vivid than the stories related by his father of the great Napoleon and his army at the time of the in- vasion of Russia and the famous retreat from Moscow. John Schreiner was closely attached to the fatherland, where he spent his entire life, passing away at a ripe old age in 1865. The mother survived him sixteen years thereafter. her demise occurring in 1881.

Being reared in the paternal home Barnabas Schreiner obtained his educa- tion in the common and technical schools of his native land. After completing his education he entered the service of the government, being on the staff of the state and highway engineering corps, during which period his advice was often- times sought by the crown on technical matters. Being a most ambitious young man he was dissatisfied with the remuneration, which he was assured was far less than paid in the United States for similar services, so taking passage for America he landed in this country on the 4th of October, 1873.

He first located in Columbus, Ohio, considering that a most excellent field in which to begin his operations. During the first year of his residence he was in the employ of Phillip Schlapp, one of the best known architects in the city. At the expiration of that period, however, he entered the service of Sanson & Berry, continuing to be identified with that firm for two years. Becoming enthusiastic about the west in 1875 he decided to migrate to Iowa, believing that he would find in the younger and more rapidly developing capital of the Hawkeye state a more lucrative field for his activities. Upon his arrival here he accepted a posi- tion with William Foster, which he retained for one year, deciding at the end of that period to engage in business for himself. During the long period, of his career in the capital city Mr. Schreiner has been prominently identified with the building interests, his services having been sought in the erection of many of the finest private and public structures in the city. Among these mention should be

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made of Dr. Priestley's residence, the Schuster and Baker blocks and the Port Huron building, each of them being a lasting tribute to his skill as an engineer. In 1884 he was elected to the office of city engineer, but was compelled to with- draw from this ten years later, owing to the rapidly growing demand for his pirvate services, which made it practically impossible for him to adequately dis- charge his official responsibilities. He has been awarded many outside contracts since residing here, among them being that of the water works at Fort Dodge. Eagle Grove, and also at Clear Lake.

In April, 1872, Mr. Schreiner was united in marriage to Miss Julianna Roll and unto them have been born seven children : William, who was born .in Nurem- berg on the 10th of May, 1873, is now married and the superintendent of water works at Pella, Iowa; Max, whose birth occurred in Columbus, Ohio, on the 28th of May, 1874, died in infancy; Rosie was born at Fort Dodge on the 4th of July, 1875, and passed away on the 2d of June, 1876; Julia, whose birth oc- curred in Des Moines on the 7th of February, 1877, is the wife of R. Quigley, and they have two children, John and Morris; Louis, who is a cigarmaker, was born on the 25th of August, 1878, and married Eva McNut, and they have four chil- dren, Susie, Everett, Richard and Barnabas; Barnabas, who was born on the 6th of June, 1883, in Des Moines, lives in South America ; Harry, whose birth oc- curred on the 5th of August, 1886, married Miss Minnie Webb, they have two children, Ethel and Earl. He is a member of the staff of the Des Moines Capital.

Mr. Schreiner is a member of the Society of Western Engineers, Iowa Engin- eers, Des Moines Engineers Club and the American Contracting Engineers So- ciety. He also affiliates with the Germania Maennerchor, of which organization he is the president.

Ever since acquiring the full rights of citizenship Mr. Schreiner has given his political support to the republican party, and now identifies, himself with the more progressive members of that body. That his technical ability is recognized as being of a very high order is attested by the difficulty he has met with in his effort to live retired from active business pursuits, and enjoy the ample com- petence which he acquired by his capable and faithful discharge of all work entrusted to him.

HOWARD L. BUMP.

Of Scotch-Irish and Swedish ancestry, Howard L. Bump, a leading young attorney of Des Moines, owes a large measure of his success to the sturdy characteristics with which he was fortunately endowed. ] He was born in Mahaska county, Iowa, October 6, 1882, and is a son of Rhinaldo R. and Alice (Walden) Bump. the former of whom was born in Mahaska county and the latter in Missouri. The father was a lumber dealer during the active years of his life and during the last ten years has lived retired at Des Moines. There were five children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Bump, two of whom are now living : Howard L., of this review ; and Lorene. who was born in 1895 and is a student in the Des Moines high school.

Howard L. Bump received his early education in the public schools of Delta, Iowa, and later attended the high school of the same place, graduating in 1901. He was for three years a student at Drake College and studied law in the law department of Drake University, receiving the degree of LL.B. in 1907. He began practice at Des Moines in September of the same year as a member of the firm of Utterback & Bump, the senior partner being Hubert Utterback. After one year the partnership was severed and Mr. Bump has since practiced alone, being now recognized as one of the prominent young attorneys of the Polk

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county bar. Professionally he is an active member of the Polk County Bar Association and the Drake Law Club.

On the 3d of August, 1909, Mr. Bump was married, at Delta, to Miss Mabel Fisher, a daughter of Martin Fisher, who was also born at Delta and is one of the prominent men of Keokuk county. On the paternal side Mrs. Bump is of Scotch and on the maternal side of Swedish ancestry. Mr. Bump is a warm. advocate of the republican party, but not through any desire for political emolu- ments, as he has never sought public office, preferring to give his entire attention to his profession. In religious belief he adheres to the Christian church and fraternally is connected with the Knights of Pythias and Brotherhood of American Yeomen, being at the present time keeper of records and seal and master of finances in the former and foreman and presiding officer in the latter organization. He possesses many attractive traits of character, which greatly endear him to his friends, and socially is a growing factor in the city, being a member of the Grant Club and Hyperion Field and Motor Club.

WILLIAM WALLACE LYONS.

For many years a leader in financial circles of Des Moines William Wallace Lyons has recently been withdrawing from active business affairs and has trans- ferred to younger men the responsibility of managing important interests which. under his direction, became well established. He is a native of Harrison county, Ohio, born October 29. 1843, being a son of David W. and Sarah A. (Wallace) Lyons. The father was a minister of the Presbyterian church and became a pioneer missionary in the state of Iowa. settling in Delaware county in 1848. He continued at his work in this state during the remainder of his life. The mother was a native of Harrison county. Ohio. On the paternal side the an- cestry came from the north of Ireland and settled in Ohio, and on the maternal side the ancestors were Scotch. They settled in Harrison county, Ohio, the great-grandfather organizing the Nottingham church, the first Presbyterian church in Harrison county. Several generations of the family contributed min- isters to the upbuilding of the Presbyterian faith.

William Wallace Lyons came with his parents to Iowa in his early boyhood and received his preliminary education in the country schools of Clayton and Allamakee counties and in the public schools of the town of Hardin. He was a student for one year at the University of Wisconsin and after leaving this in- stitution engaged in teaching for five winters. His first business experience was gained at Pottsville. Iowa, where he became a partner in the firm of Stevenson. Lyons & Company, dealers in general merchandise, grain and stock. After three years at this place he sold out and went to Mason City and engaged in the gen- eral merchandise business on his own account. He was also a partner with a cousin, James A. Lyons, at Guthrie Center, in the same line of business for four years. He disposed of his establishment at Mason City and took up his resi- dence for a time at Brooklyn, where he organized the Poweshiek County Bank in 1873. of which he was sole owner. He conducted this institution success- fully for about eight years and then, in 1881, desiring a wider field, removed to Des Moines. where he has since made his home.

His first connection in this city was with the Valley Bank, of which he was assistant cashier, a position which he filled for two years. In 1883 the bank was reorganized and became a national bank and from that time until his resigna- tion in 1909 he was vice president of the institution and contributed very ma- terially to its prosperity. He served a year as president of the Des Moines Na- tional Bank and four years as president of the Bankers State Bank, also being president of the Capital Insurance Company from 1888 until 1893 and the Mer-

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chants & Bankers Insurance Company from 1900 to 1909. He still retains an interest in several banks and is also a large holder of real estate and farm prop- ertv in Des Moines and Polk county. He owns an entire section of valuable land in Webster township, with interurban railway facilities, which he expects at an early day to subdivide into lots to meet the demand for additional resi- dence property in the suburbs of the city. He has been remarkably energetic and efficient in managing important concerns and his investments have been di- rected with intelligence and judgment, almost invariably yielding profitable re- turns.

On the 23d of December. 1868, Mr. Lyons, at Burroak, Winneshiek county, Iowa, was married to Miss Wilma L. Cromett, a daughter of Nathaniel S. and Emily F. Cromett both of whom were natives of Sebec, Maine. Five children were born to this union : Clifton Ray, who died in 1891 ; Nina Hope, who married Alonzo W. Rollins, of Baltimore, Maryland, and has two children. twins, Dor- othy and Evelyn ; Olin C., of Carpenter, Wyoming, who married, at Eureka Springs, Arkansas, Miss Bessie Squier, of Des Moines, and has one child, Will- iam Squier, who was born August 23, 1906; Lew W., who is engaged in the lumber business at Burns, Wyoming ; and Evanelyn, who died in infancy.

In politics Mr. Lyons has generally given his support to the republican party but he has strong independent proclivities and advocates the exercise of careful judgment in voting, believing that the character of candidates should be prop- erly considered by electors. Religiously he affiliates with the Plymouth Congre- gational church. He is a valued member of the Grant Club. For many years he has given his attention closely to business and by strict fidelity to every ob- ligation and remarkable business sagacity he has attained very high standing and has been instrumental in promoting the permanent welfare of many individuals and upholding the good name of the city. A man of exceptional executive tal- ent, of great activity and energy and with ability to make and keep friends, his name is inseparably associated with business and social life as one of the most valued citizens of Des Moines.

JOHN T. HAMBLETON.

It requires untiring energy, special ability in deciding upon values, and good business sagacity for a man at the present time to attain a fair measure of suc- cess in handling city real estate or farm lands. Competition is keen and only those well adapted to meet the advancing requirements are able to keep at the front. To this class belongs John T. Hambleton, of Des Moines, whose ability to maintain his standing was years ago demonstrated.

He was born in Stark county, Ohio, November 8, 1852, the son of Levi and Mary H. (Hall) .Hambleton, the latter of whom was born in' Chester county. Pennsylvania, in 1821. The father was born in Columbiana county, Ohio. in 1820. He moved to Iowa in 1856 and located in Poweshiek county, where he built up a little town which his wife named Forest Home. He brought men from Ohio to manufacture brick, and also carpenters to do the carpenter work for the town. The home which he built was made of brick manufactured upon the spot and the interior finish of his house was of solid black walnut. The building is still standing and is one of the most substantial structures in the county. Mr. Hambleton engaged in the mercantile business, but his store was destroyed by fire. He then became a stock shipper, prospering greatly and acquiring several well improved farms. Subsequently he moved to Oskaloosa where he again en- tered the mercantile business, but in 1872 his store was again destroyed by fire and from that time on he devoted his attention to the abstract and real-estate business. He was president of the Central Towa Loan & Trust Company for

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thirty years and held that position at the time of his death. There were four children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Hambleton, the eldest of whom died in infancy, while the second passed away in 1872 at the age of twenty-one years. The only surviving members of the family are John T., the subject of this re- view, and A. F. N. Hambleton, who married Josepha Roberts and became quite prominent in politics in Mahaska county, serving as representative in the state legislature. He is now living at Pasadena, California.

John T. Hambleton came with his parents to Iowa at four years of age and received his preliminary education in the schools of Jasper county, later attend- ing Grinnell College and Penn College at Oskaloosa. He received a good men- tal training and was well prepared for contact with the world when he entered the mercantile business, in which he was engaged about twelve years in Linn county. He also handled grain and livestock, and later was identified with the mercantile business at Oskaloosa. He came to Des Moines in May, 1889, soon afterward becoming prominently identified with the abstract, real-estate and loan business, being now widely known in connection with these lines. He handles lands in all parts of the country and does a large exchange business. By diligence and close attention to the wants of his patrons he has attained a most gratifying and well earned measure of success. He is secretary and treasurer of the United States Security Abstract Company, one of the most flourishing con- cerns of the kind in Iowa.

On the 20th day of December, 1876, Mr. Hambleton was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie B. Gritman, a native of New York and a daughter of John F. and Hannah B. Gritman, the former of whom was a farmer. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hambleton: Grace G., now the wife of Clarence Coggeshall, of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Ethel B., who died at the age of eleven years ; Marie H. and Ruth, both of whom are at home.

Mr. Hambleton gives his support to the republican party and affiliates with the Friends' church, accepting its teachings as those most nearly representing the doctrines of the New Testament. He is a member of the Common Brother- hood of America and, as one of his great-grandfathers was in the Revolutionary war, he is eligible to membership in the Sons of the American Revolution. A man of unimpeachable character, gentlemanly address and kindly nature, Mr. Hamble- ton ranks high, not only in business circles, but among people of all classes wher- ever he is known.

CAPTAIN CHENEY C. PROUTY.

In a history of Des Moines it is imperative that mention be made of Cap- tain Cheney C. Prouty, who for many years figured prominently in the business circles of the city as president of the C. C. Prouty Wholesale Grocery Company. He was born in Cumberland, Ohio, on the 6th of August, 1841, and was a son of Russell and Nancy (Dunbar) Prouty. He spent the days of his boyhood and early youth in his native state and in 1858, when a lad of sixteen years, accompanied the family on their removal to Iowa, locating on a farm near Sig- ourney, in Keokuk county, where he lived until the Civil war broke out.

Mr. Prouty with patriotic ardor responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting as a private in Company E, Thirty-third Iowa Infantry. He was ad- vanced to the rank of captain of his company and participated in many notable engagements remaining in the service until hostilities ceased. At the close of the war he received an honorable discharge and was mustered out, returning home with a most creditable military record, for in the face of great danger he was brave and fearless and inspired the men under him with much of his own valor

C. C. PROUTY

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He afterward became a prominent member of the Grand Army of the Republic in Iowa.

When the war was over Captain Prouty took up his abode in Oskaloosa and for a short time was traveling salesman for a boot and shoe house. In 1866 he turned his attention to the retail grocery business in Oskaloosa and continued in that line for about three years. He was afterward connected with the firm of R. F. Bower & Company, wholesale grocers of Keokuk, for a number of years and then came to Des Moines, where he was connected with the wholesale grocery establishment of R. C. Webb & Company for some time. In 1876 he organized the C. C. Prouty Wholesale Grocery Company, of which he-was pres- ident until his death. In this connection he built up the business to large and profitable proportions, always maintaining a high standard in the personnel of the house, in the line of goods carried and in the character of the service ren- dered to the public. His straightforward dealings and progressive business methods soon won him a liberal patronage and he was classed with the success- ful merchants of the city up to the time of his death. He possessed great energy, keen perception, honesty of purpose and a genius for devising the right thing at the right time, and gradually he developed one of the important commercial undertakings of the city. His cooperation and labors were sought in other fields and he became in time a director of the Iowa National Bank, the Des Moines Drug Company and vice president of the Prouty-Bowler Soap Company.

On the 22d of November, 1869, Captain Prouty was united in marriage to Miss Belle Needham, and unto them were born two sons: Harry L., who was born September 1I, 1870, and died January 7, 1901; and Cheney R., who was born July 14, 1882.

Captain Prouty continued a resident of Des Moines until called to his final rest on the 28th of December, 1909, being at that time sixty-eight years of age. The most of his life had been passed in Iowa and to the welfare of his adopted state he was devoted. While he never sought nor desired public office, on many occasions he actively and helpfully cooperated in movements for the general good. His ideas in relation to business affairs were practical and his labors resultant. The wise use which he made of his time and opportunities brought him to a prominent position in business circles and also in the regard of his fellowmen, who entertained for him a kindly feeling and felt a deep regret when he passed away.

W. W. MAPLE, M. D.

In the nineteen years of his practice in Des Moines, Dr. W. W. Maple has mnade continuous progress by reason of his broad experience and wide research, and the consensus of public opinion accords him a prominent position among the representatives of the eclectic school practicing in this city. He is one of the native sons of Des Moines, born September 19, 1864, on Eighth street, between Walnut and Locust, where is now seen the furniture store of Chase & West.

His father, Isaiah Maple, one of the pioneer settlers of Polk county and prominent in social and business activities of this part of the state in early days. was born in Fredericksburg, Wayne county, Ohio, May 18, 1828, and was of Scotch descent on the paternal side and of German lineage on the maternal side. His father was a farmer and live-stock dealer of moderate means, and Isaiah Maple spent his youthful days on the home farm, acquiring such education as the country schools afforded. He had to walk five miles to the little school- house, which was of primitive character, and there he sat upon a rough slab bench, his feet not reaching the floor. The course of instruction was limited but he made the best of his opportunities. At the age of eighteen he was ap-

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prenticed to learn the trade of carriage and wagon ironing, his compensation to be twenty-five dollars for the first year, thirty-five dollars for the second year, and forty-five dollars for the third year, together with his board. The death of his mother, however, necessitated his return to the farm so that he might aid his father in keeping. together the family of fourteen children. After three years he resumed work in the carriage shop, his day to begin at five o'clock in the morning, when he would start the shop fires, afterward his duties were to dress his employer's children and get them ready for breakfast and then be at the shop on time with the sixty men employed therein. In order to earn his clothing he worked at odd jobs after his day's labor of twelve hours was over. He sawed wood or did anything which he could find to do, working until mid- night. He became janitor of a church at a salary of twenty-five dollars per vear, but received little of his salary in that position. Seeking another job, at one time he helped to drive one thousand sheep to Philadelphia, walking the en- tire distance. . In 1854. believing that Iowa presented better opportunities for a young man, he started west by way of Chicago, proceeding by rail to Davenport and by stage to Des Moines, reaching his destination in October. He at once began work at his trade and because of his expert ability found ready employ- ment. although wages were very low. As a matter of economy he slept for three years in the bank of Leas & Harsh, taking his meals at the home of Mar- tin Winter, an early settler. This saved him the expense of renting a room. In the meantime he carefully saved every cent of his earnings possible and in the spring of 1856 formed a partnership with Bartrum Galbraith. They built a shop on Third street between Walnut and Locust streets and two years later purchased the northeast corner of Third and Locust and built another shop. The partners being expert workmen, prompt and fair in their dealing, soon se- cured a liberal patronage, which covered a radius of fifty miles. The business was conducted successfully until 1869, when Mr. Maple severed his partnership with Mr. Galbraith. In the meantime he had made investments in real estate. purchasing a tract of land about nine miles southeast of Des Moines and another large tract in Monona county. On retiring from the shop he removed to his farm at Orillia and there resided until 1890. when he turned the property over to one of his sons and took possession of his land in Monona county, developing it into a valuable estate whereon he resided until June. 1907, when he returned to Des Moines, spending his last days in the home of his son. Dr. W. W. Maple. and there passing away on the 16th of April, 1908. "leaving to his children an unblemished name, to the community an impress of constant effort for the en- noblement of its civic life and to every young man starting on life's journey an inspiration and an exemplary example."

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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 54

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