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 56
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June following. In 1895 he was elected to the faculty of the medical depart- ment of Drake University, which position he has ever since retained, while in 1898-99 he was also secretary of the department. He received the appointment of city physician in 1901-2, being in office at the time of the smallpox epidemic, during which period he made twenty-five hundred visits. Dr. Schiltz has a large practice which has been acquired through recognition of his conscientious meth- ods and skill.
In Keokuk county in 1891 Dr. Schiltz and Miss Magdalena Salm were united in marriage and unto them have been born three children: Thomas Clifford, Mary Geneva and Ralph Winfred. Dr. Schiltz's fraternal relations are confined to membership in the Knights of Columbus, while he keeps in touch with the members of his profession through the medium of the Polk County Medical Society, Iowa State Medical Society and National Medical Association. He served as president of the county medical society in 1908. He is a member of the staff of Mercy Hospital and is examining physician of the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, the Homesteaders and several minor companies, while in 1902-3 he was one of the medical directors of the Chicago Life Insurance Company.
Dr. Schiltz's success is very largely attributable to his progressive ideas and studious habits. He is constantly striving to bring up the standard of his work as well as that of the profession at large, and to that end is ever ready to accept and adopt any new drug or method, either in therapeutics or surgery, the efficacy of which he feels has been established. He has the personality, address and firm. but gentle manner so essential in the sick room, and these qualities, when united with his skill as a diagnostician, explain his popularity in the community.
BYRON S. HENRY.
The power of the American nation lies in the strength of its self-made men. Those rugged characters whose tireless energy, close application and determina- tion of purpose have enabled them to attain the heights to which they aspired, and yet in so doing to retain the respect of all those with whom they came in contact. Iowa numbers many such among her citizens, one of whom is Byron S. Henry, the junior partner of the Schmitt & Henry Manufacturing Company of Des Moines. Mr. Henry was born in Crawfordsville; Pennsylvania, on the 7th of January, 1860, his parents being Job and Mary Jane (Stanley ) Henry. The father, who was also a native of the Keystone state, was of German extrac- tion, his ancestors having located in that state upon their arrival in this country. but the mother, whose birth occurred in southern Iowa, was of English descent. Mr. Henry, who was a carpenter by trade, came to Iowa in 1875, locating in Brooklyn, where he continued to reside until he passed away on the 12th of May, 1890. His wife survived fifteen years thereafter, her demise occurring in September, 1905.
The education of Byron S. Henry was acquired in the common schools of Brooklyn, Iowa, which he continued to attend until he attained the age of seven- teen years at which time he graduated from the high school. The income of the family being very limited and the son being an ambitious and industrious youth he occupied all his spare time outside of school in any employment he could obtain. thus becoming self-supporting long before his school-days were over. His first position was in the retail furniture house of Tanner & Parker, of Brooklyn, whose service he entered on the 18th of September. 1874. After the completion of his education he was permanently employed by this firm, with whom he was identified for three years, and one of the greatest treasures now in Mr. Henry's possession is a letter of recommendation received from this company bearing the signature
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of E. O. Parker, under the date of January 13, 1877. During the period of his service there he carefully acquainted himself with every detail of the furniture business and in 1881 he invested his very limited capital in a stock of goods and established a business of his own. He continued thus for two years, meeting with a fair degree of success, and then removed to Oskaloosa, continuing in the re- tail furniture business for six years.
On Christmas eve, 1886, just three years after Mr. Henry opened his store in Oskaloosa, his place was entirely destroyed by fire. This meant a very heavy loss to him, as he carried but a small amount of insurance and was just becoming well established. The officials of the Mahaska County Bank having learned of the situation, at a meeting of its directors issued a letter, which they presented to him, recommending that he be granted credit for any amount he might require. A greater tribute could hardly be paid to the honor and integrity. of any man than this paper which bears the date of December 29, 1886, and is one of the valued possessions of Mr. Henry. Three years later he disposed of his interests at Oska- loosa and removed to Des Moines, where he purchased the interest of Joseph L. Carmen of the Carmen & Schmitt Manufacturing Company, which thereafter was operated under the firmn name of Schmitt & Henry. This is one of the largest furniture manufacturing companies in the state and does business in all parts of the United States. They employ a large number of skilled workmen, besides which they keep an extensive office force. Ever since entering the company Mr. Henry has acted as secretary and treasurer, and thus upon him devolves the greater share of the work connected with the sales department. The same char- acteristics displayed by the youth and young man are readily recognized in this man of, extensive interests, whose honorable dealings and high regard for his moral obligations has awarded him that priceless asset-the absolute trust and confidence of all with whom he has ever had dealings.
In Iowa City, on the 19th of May, 1881, Mr. Henry was united in marriage to Miss Anna L. Gaynor, a native of Fayette, Iowa. Mrs. Henry's parents, who were among the pioneer settlers of Fayette, are both deceased. One child has been born of this union, Norman C., whose birth occurred on the 30th of April. 1895. The family are communicants of the Episcopal church, while fraternally Mr. Henry is identified with the Masonic order, in which he has attained high rank, having passed the thirty-second degree of the Scottish rite, and the Mod- ern Woodmen of America, his local affiliation with the latter being through Grant Camp, No. 108. He is also a member of the Commercial Club.
His political support Mr. Henry accords to the republican candidates, his views coinciding with the principles of the progressive faction of that body. Largely contrary to the ideas generally prevalent today Mr. Henry maintains that suc- cess in business can only be attained through strict adherence to the highest prin- ciples of integrity and absolute regard for the rights of others, and stronger proof of the efficacy of such methods could hardly be given than his honorable and pros- perous career.
ELY SIMONDS HUNN.
Ely Simonds Hunn has been closely identified with the growth and prosperity of the city of Des Moines, Iowa. He was born in Batavia, New York, August 15, 1856. His ancestors settled in America early, being of English stock, and he is a direct descendant in the ninth generation of Elder Brewster, who came to America on the Mayflower. His father, Hiram Selden Hunn, was a native of the Empire state and came to Iowa, October 1, 1874, settling near Perry, in Boone county, where he followed agricultural pursuits for thirteen years. On October 1, 1887, he removed to the city of Des Moines, retired from active
ELY S. HUNN
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business and spent his remaining days in the enjoyment of well earned rest. He was a man of high ideals, unblemished character, honest and prompt in all business transactions, possessed of a strong sympathy for his fellowmen, in whom he had a deep interest. He died at his home in Des Moines, March I. 1905, at the age of seventy-eight years, and was survived by his wife, who died January 7, 1910. Her maiden name was Patience E. Simonds and she was born in Batavia, New York. She was a woman of liberal culture, widely read and deeply interested and active in all educational and religious work.
Ely Simonds Hunn was born and reared on the home farm in New York and was educated in the Genesee and Wyoming Seminary. On coming to Des Moines he engaged in the general real-estate business, first investing in city property and later in Iowa farm lands, believing in the great resources of Iowa, and that it has a splendid future and doing all in his power to advance and pro- mote its interests along the lines of substantial development and improvement.
In 1882 Mr. Hunn was united in marriage to Louie Bonine, a native of Boone county, Iowa, and a representative of one of the old pioneer families. They have one daughter, Florence Ely Hunn, who has given much time to the study of the languages and art in Munich, Germany, and was graduated from the University of Chicago.
In politics Mr. Hunn is a republican, active in advancing political conditions but without seeking personal political preferment. He is also a strong advo- cate of higher education and moral reform, devoting time and money to that end. He has been a life-long member of the Baptist church but is interested in all religious, educational and moral activities.
CONRAD YOUNGERMAN.
Conrad Youngerman was one who found that business advancement and high principles of honor were not incompatible elements. He came to Des Moines at an early period in the development of the city and was closely asso- ciated with its growth and progress throughout the ensuing years to the time of his death. In all that extended period his course was ever open and above board. winning for him the confidence and good will of his fellowmen and constituting an example that others may well follow. He never made engagements that he did not keep nor incur obligations that he did not meet, and his word was as good as any bond ever solemnized by signature or seal.
A native of Germany, Mr. Youngerman was born December 15, 1833, and came to America in early life, settling in Lorain county, Ohio, where he followed the stone-cutter's trade, which he had previously learned in the fatherland. In 1856 he removed to Des Moines. His cash capital was limited, but he possessed what were even more substantial elements in success-energy, determination and definite aim. The country was then experiencing a period of "hard times," and building operations were largely suspended so that it was impossible for him to get work at the mason's trade. He scorned no honest employment, however, and did whatever he could get to do. His first work was in laying brick and stone in connection with the erection of the first building in Des Moines to be ex- clusively used as a store. It was erected by H. M. Hippe, at the corner of Court avenue and Second street. His financial condition improved, Mr. Youngerman made advancement in business circles and began contracting. Whether his con- tracts were made verbally or in writing it was all the same, for his word was as good as the bond of the best fidelity surety company. His energy, industry and honesty soon brought him to the front as the leading builder of the city and evi- dences of his skill and handiwork can be seen on nearly all of the leading thor- oughfares of Des Moines in its fine business blocks, its churches, hospitals, schools,
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residences, and public buildings. He became recognized as one of the foremost contractors of central Iowa and to him was accorded an extensive and gratifying patronage. He enjoyed at all times the full confidence and respect of the general public as well as his colleagues and contemporaries, owing to the fact that his integrity in business affairs was above question while his work was an exposition of all that is highest and best in architecture.
As a citizen, too, Mr. Youngerman stood among the foremost in aid of all progressive public measures. He ever recognized the duties and obligations as well as the privileges of citizenship and sought at all times to further the up- building and promote the intellectual, political, social and moral welfare. He was no politician nor office seeker but, recognizing his business qualifications and large property interests, public sentiment pressed him into service as a member of the city council at a time when extensive improvements were being estab- lished, especially in the development of sewer, paving and lighting systems. He was an important factor in directing plans for public improvement. It is said : "He stood like rock against speculations, schemes and grabs, and demanded that all municipal affairs be conducted on strictly business principles." There was no vacillation about him. He was a man of few words but each word counted. He was independent in thought and action and never employed a useless compl :- ment or flattery, yet his friends-and they were many-found him genial and social and his many admirable qualities made him popular. In the course of an active life he not only won a goodly fortune for himself but generously con- tributed to the upbuilding and betterment of the city. As time passed on and he saw opportunity for judicious investment he became the owner of considerable valuable property and there stand as monuments to his business ability, his skill in the line of his trade and his spirit of enterprise, two of the finest business blocks of Des Moines, including the Crocker building, at the corner of Locust and Fifth streets, and the Youngerman block, on Fifth and Mulberry streets. After the completion of the Crocker building he practically retired from business, his properties returning to him a most gratifying annual income.
Conrad Youngerman was married to Miss Miene Stark, who was born in Germany, July 27, 1836, and died April 26, 1905. For about four years she had survived her husband, who passed away on the 10th of September, 1901. In his death Des Moines lost one whom it had long since come to regard with honor and respect. He stood as a high type of American manhood and citizen- ship, a believer in individual worth and a supporter of all those practical interests and movements which tend to uplift the individual and the community at large. His record stands in incontrovertible proof of the fact that prosperity and an honored name may be won simultaneously.
In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Youngerman were seven children, five of whom are yet living: George H., who is engaged in the general contracting business in Des Moines; Carl F., who is acting as superintendent for his brother George ; August, a jeweler of Davenport, Iowa; Frank and Minnie, the wife of Frank P. Mattes, manager for the Des Moines Brewing Company. 1
REV. ROBERT B. H. BELL.
One of the most formidable and persistent agitators in the moral reform which has called universal attention to Des Moines during the past two years is the Rev. Robert B. H. Bell, the present rector of St. Paul's Episcopal church. A native of Canada, his birth occurred in Ontario on the 2d of April, 1872, his parents being William and Margaret (Hare) Bell, the father of English and the mother of Irish extraction. The father, who is a lumberman, mer- chant and farmer in Canada, was born in 1850, the son of William Bell, who
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migrated from England in 1840, engaging in the lumber and transportation business in Bytown, now Ottawa.
Being reared in the paternal home Robert B. H. Bell acquired his preliminary education in the common schools. After completing the course of the high school at Ottawa, however, he entered Trinity University, at Toronto, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts with the class of 1895. Fol- lowing this he entered the divinity school, being awarded his degree three years later, while he won his M. A. in 1900. In 1898, following his graduation, he was ordained by Bishop Swetman, now deceased, and continued in the service of the Church of England four years thereafter. At the expiration of that time he became curate of St. Mark's at Seattle, Washington, under the Rev. J. P. D. Lluyd, but at the end of a year received the appointment as rector of the Church of the Good Shepherd at Omaha, Nebraska. He found a rather discouraging state of affairs upon his arrival there, as the parish was badly run down and in debt, while the church was much in need of repair and the at- tendance irregular and lacking in enthusiasm. During the six and one-half years of his pastorate, however, he wrought a marvelous change in condi- tions. A new organ was installed, the parish debt cleared, and the buildings put into good condition, and all was attributable to the new spirit he had in- fused which had doubled the number of communicants.
In 1908 he was assigned to St. Paul's, but before leaving Omaha was made a canon of Trinity Cathedral. He found in Des Moines conditions similar to those in Omaha, but in a much less degree. However, everything is now run on a thoroughly systematic plan and the various departments of the church and parish work are in excellent condition. Although Mr. Bell is a man of in- tellectual and scholarly instincts, he is not a recluse and devotes a great deal of time and attention to the social side of his work, believing that the church should be the secular as well as religious center of the parish. He has organ- ized a club among the boys and youths, and also the men who affiliate with the church. They are both popular organizations and are fulfilling the purposes which he intended they should fill.
Despite the heavy and exacting duties of his charge, Mr. Bell finds time to devote much thought and attention to those unfortunate men and women of the underworld. The commiserating, kindly spirit of this man prompts him to reach out a helping hand to every fellow being in recognition of the divine brotherhood. He is now responsible to the authorities for twelve men and women and several boys and girls, all of whom are valiantly and successfully struggling toward victory. His all abiding faith in their possession of that divine spark which will enable them to win the goal is the source of the in- spiration that gives them the much-needed confidence in their own power to win. He always keeps in close touch with both the juvenile and criminal court, being ever ready to administer to the morally sick, which oftentimes need be no more than a pleasant smile or kindly word indicative of human sympathy or understanding. During the period of his residence in Iowa he has framed a bill, which was adopted by the legislature in 1909, giving power to the board of parole to parole first offenders. As this right has never been exercised by the board, another bill has been recently passed upon making it possible for the judge to parole after passing sentence. It was Mr. Bell who caused the inves- tigation to be made at the Mitchellville Industrial School for Girls, and as a result he has been much vilified for his officiousness. His ever ready sympathy for the women and children who must ever pay for the man's sin has caused him to put before the legislature another bill designed to compel fathers to support their illegitimate children.
In 1905 Mr. Bell was united in marriage to Miss Helen Peck, a daughter of Edward Porter Peck, the president of the Pevee Elevator Company of Omaha, and unto them two children have been born: Barbara and Elizabeth. Mrs. Bell
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has been of inestimable assistance to her husband in church work, as she is a musi- cian and singer of more than average ability and always graciously gives her services wherever needed. She also teaches in the Sunday school and holds membership in the Fortnightly Club, a musical and social organization of Des Moines.
During the period of his residence in Des Moines Mr. Bell has shown him- self to be a public-spirited, progressive and helpful citizen, charitable and lenient in his judgment of offenders, but inexorable in his condemnation of sin. A close and careful student of social conditions he is a strong advocate of moral reform, directing much of his energy in rescue work, at the same time con- centrating considerable attention upon the development of conditions which will make such work less necessary.
B. S. BLAKE.
Ever since locating in Des Moines, in 1895, B. S. Blake has been engaged in the practice of law. He is a native of Iowa, having been born in Palmyra. Warren county, Iowa, on the 20th of August, 1872, his parents being Dr. James D. and Hannah L. Blake. Dr. Blake was born and reared in Noble county. Ohio, and after the completion of his collegiate course at Marietta, Ohio, he matriculated at the Starling Medical College at Columbus. After finishing his professional studies he engaged in practice in Ohio for several years, removing from there to Palmyra in 1870, where he has ever since resided, continuing to be successfully identified with the medical fraternity of Warren county.
B. S. Blake was reared in his native town, in the public schools of which he obtained his education. Having early decided to adopt the legal profession for his life vocation he came to Des Moines and entered the law department of Drake University, being awarded his degree with the class of 1895. He then established an office in this city, which he continues to maintain and has succeeded in building up a very nice practice. Being of studious habits Mr. Blake has ever devoted the greater part of his leisure to reading, and although not a college bred man has acquired a broad and comprehensive knowl- edge of historical and scientific subjects. He has always showed a preference for the entertainment provided by good books to that afforded by society, and as a result has not very extensively identified himself with either social or fra- ternal organizations. His political support Mr. Blake always accords the can- didates of the republican party, his views coinciding with the progressive faction of that body. He does not participate prominently in civic activities, never having aspired tó public honors or the emoluments of office, although he meets the requirements of good citizenship by casting his ballot at all elections. Mr. Blake is unmarried and devotes his entire time and energy to his profession and his favorite recreation, literary pursuits.
E. L. BLAKE.
In 1888 E. L. Blake, who is the senior partner of the law firm of Blake & Blake, first became identified with the legal fraternity of Des Moines. A native of Ohio, he was born in Lowell, Washington county, on the 23d of July, 1864. being a son of Dr. James D. and Hannah L. Blake. The father is a well known and successful physician of Palmyra, Warren county, Iowa, where he has resided since 1870, at which time he migrated from Ohio. Dr. Blake is also a native of the Buckeye state, his birth having occurred in Noble county.
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where he was also reared and acquired his preliminary education. After the completion of a primary education in the common schools he pursued an academic course at Marietta, Ohio, from which college he obtained the degree of B. A He subsequently entered the Starling Medical College at Columbus and after receiving his degree practiced for a time in Washington county, that state, and then removed to Iowa, where he has ever since continued to live.
E. L. Blake was a lad of six years when his people settled at Palmyra, Iowa. He attended the law school of the State University at Iowa City, receiving the degree of LL. B. with the class of 1886. He first engaged in practice in Indianola. remaining there until 1888 when he removed to Des Moines, where in 1895 he was joined by his younger brother, Byron S. Blake, since which time they have worked under the firm name of Blake & Blake.
On the 15th of June, 1895, Mr. Blake was married to Miss Nan MI. Craig, of Warren county, and unto them has been born one child, Anna Bell, whose birth occurred in Des Moines on the 21st of February, 1898, and who is at present a student of the Grant School. The family affiliate with the Presbyterian church, in the work of which Mr. Blake takes an active and helpful interest, now serving as one of the trustees. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Commercial Club, while his political support is given to the republican party.
J. BROWN REEVE.
As a result of intelligent and highly directed effort J. Brown Reeve, for ten years past in the real-estate business in Des Moines, has acquired a position as one of the successful and progressive men of the city. He is a self-made man, his prosperity being the result of his own labors. He was born in Franklin county, Iowa, September 15, 1859, a son of Colonel Arthur T., and Lavinia (Soper) Reeve, the latter of whom was born in St. Lawrence county, New York. September 18, 1839.
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