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 62
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the Interurban Railroad Company and also the Des Moines City Railroad Com- pany in the publicity and passenger department. In 1908 he was elected secre- tary of the Commercial Club and has since discharged the duties devolving upon him in this connection in a highly satisfactory and commendable manner.
On the 6th of September, 1899, in Des Moines, Mr. Botsford was united in marriage to Miss Estella E. Van Pelt, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Van Pelt, who were pioneer settlers of .Warren county. Her paternal grandfather came to Iowa in 1849, locating at Indianola, Warren county.
Politically Mr. Botsford prefers to be known as a mugwump, taking an in- dependent stand on all public questions and issues. His religious faith is in- dicated by his membership in the Episcopal church, while his wife is a member of the Baptist church. They are well known socially here and have a large circle of warm friends who esteem them for their many excellent traits of char- acter as well as for their hospitality and kindly spirit.
GEORGE WILLIAM MARQUARDT.
George William Marquardt, merchant, banker, capitalist, churchman, philan- thropist and prominent citizen of Des Moines, is a native of Germany. He was born February 9, 1832, a son of George William and Mary (Bracht) Marquardt, the former of French and the latter of German lineage. The genealogy of the Marquardt family can be traced back to 1620, and in one of the old German homes the tenth generation of the family is now living. The parents spent their entire lives in Germany, where the father was engaged in farming.
The eldest of six children, George W. Marquardt remained a member of the paternal household through the period of his minority, attending the public schools until fourteen years of age, when he entered upon a four years' appren- ticeship to the jeweler's trade. Following the completion of his term of inden- ture he was employed for two years as a journeyman but, hearing of the better opportunities afforded in America, he took passage for the United States in 1852. Soon after his arrival he came to Iowa, settling in Iowa City, which was then the state capital. Within a short time he engaged in the jewelry business on his own account. His skill as a watchmaker and his capacity as a business man soon brought to the new undertaking a gratifying measure of success. Con- tinuing in that field of labor until 1880, he then sought the broader opportunities of a larger city and came to Des Moines. In connection with his sons he founded the house of G. W. Marquardt & Sons, wholesale jewelers. The venture was immediately successful and was continued until 1896, when Mr. Marquardt with- drew from the presidency, turning the management of the business over to his sons, who removed to Chicago, where they have met with enviable success. In other than commercial fields Mr. Marquardt displayed his aptitude for success- ful management and investment. With implicit faith in the future of Des Moines he early began investing in city real estate, the remarkable advance in values in recent years proving the soundness of his judgment. He has always been ready with his means and influence in promoting any project that meant a step forward to the commercial interests of the city or state and has been active in the promo- tion of various manufacturing industries. He has likewise been prominently identified with banking, serving on the directorate of local financial institutions. He was the founder of the Marquardt Savings Bank and served at its presi- dent for fifteen years. He is still interested as a stockholder in banks in several different states and his opinions have carried weight in directors' meetings owing to the recognized soundness of his judgment. Among the many buildings with which he has improved his real-estate holdings is the Marquardt building, erected
GEORGE W. MARQUARDT
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in 1901, and his operations in the real-estate field have been an element in the architectural adornment of his adopted city.
In. 1859 Mr. Marquardt was married to Miss Kate Kauffman, a daughter of Christian and Esther ( Witmer ) Kauffman. The ancestors of the Kauffman fam- ily in America came to the new world in 1681, settling at Germantown, now a part of Philadelphia. Representatives of the name were conspicuous participants in the Revolutionary war and have been more or less active in public affairs in va- rious localities since that day. The Witmer ancestors, who were Huguenots, on coming to America settled in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1720. They joined the Mennonite church, but when the Methodist church was organized Mrs. Marquardt's grandfather became one of the pioneer ministers. Mrs. Marquardt is one of a family of fourteen children, the youngest of whom died at the age of sixty years. By her marriage she became the mother of seven children. The eldest, George William, Jr., is an alumniis of the Iowa Wesleyan College and the father of another George William, who is of the fourth generation bearing that name and the third still living. C. Grant, the second son, a graduate of the Iowa State University, is also married. Effa is the wife of W. F. Elliott, a son of Judge Elliott, of Indianapolis. Lillian is the widow of Crayke Priestley. Harry graduated from Harvard, and entered the law department of Columbia University, where he completed his course, then returned home and became iden- tified with his father's bank, in which he continued two years, or until his death, which occurred in 1893. Delia is the wife of Harry Cockshell. One child of the family died in infancy.
Politically Mr. Marquardt is a Republican but has never taken an active in- terest in political affairs. Fraternally he is a Knights Templar Mason of long standing. Despite important and varied business activities, few men have been more liberal with their time and means toward the various religious, charitable and educational institutions of Des Moines than Mr. Marquardt, who has, in- deed, taken an active and helpful interest in movements and projects of that character. For over thirty-five years he has been identified with the Iowa Wes- leyan College at Mount Pleasant, serving much of that period as treasurer and as a member of its board of trustees and at the same time becoming one of its chief financial supporters. He has been a liberal contributor to the Methodist Episcopal church in Des Moines and to the Methodist Hospital of this city. He served for years as a member and is now president of the board of trustees and was chairman of the building committee during the erection of the new Methodist Episcopal church, one of the finest in the west. Three times he has been chosen a delegate to the general conference of the church. He is one of the sturdy characters who have been largely responsible for the commercial and civic development of Des Moines, giving his hearty cooperation and financial support to any project looking toward advancement. Alert, clear headed, with the cour- age of his convictions, his Teutonic frankness, genial temperament and rugged honesty have won for him the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens.
MILO W. WARD.
Milo W. Ward, who for many; years has been known prominently in Des Moines and is one of its most popular citizens, was born at Lycoming, New York, November 21, 1845. He is the son of Reverend Horatio G. and Mary Warner (Ladd) Ward. The ancestors of the Ward family belonged to the nobility of England and the American line has been definitely traced to Richard Ward, of Homersfield, Suffolk county, England. The first member of the fam- ily to land in America was Andrew Warde, of the colony of Connecticut, who named the town of Wettersfield and founded Stamford. He died at Fairfield. Vol. II-26
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Connecticut, having gained a position as one of the most eminent men of the colony. Many noted Americans have belonged to this family, among them Henry Ward Beecher and General Joseph Wheeler. In 1905 descendants of the family formed an organized union as the Andrew Ward Association, which is now in active existence and includes names from all parts of the Union.
Grandfather John Ward was born at Bergen, Genesee county. New York. June II, 1769, and died in September, 1859, at the age of ninety years. He was twice married, his first wife being Lucinda Clark and his second Mrs. Polly Warner. Horatio Gates Ward, the father of our subject, was born December 17, 1808, and died September 24, 1852. He became quite prominent in the min- istry in New York state. Mrs. Ward, the mother of our subject, was born October 15, 1815, and received unusual opportunities of education for a woman in the early half of the nineteenth century, being graduated from Oberlin Col- lege. She was a woman of great intelligence and the possessor of many rare qualities. Her death occurred at Pasadena, California, February 26, 1909, when in her ninety-fourth year.
Milo W. Ward was educated in the public schools and grew up under the favoring influences of a happy home which assisted very materially in shaping his future career. Even before reaching the age of manhood, he was introduced to the stern realities of life, having enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Illinois Infantry, in which he served for six months, doing a great deal of guard duty and also assisting in the suppression of guerrilla warfare. At seventeen years of age he wore the stripes of a corporal. After leaving mil- itary service Mr. Ward resumed his studies, matriculating in the University of Illinois in the class of 1872. He left the university before completing the course owing to the death of his stepfather, the services of the son being needed for the support of the family. For six months he served as United States commis- sioner in northern Mississippi and then, having heard of the possibilities of de- velopment in Iowa, he resigned and went to Winterset, where he purchased a drug store and remained for four years. Removing to Des Moines he engaged in the same line of business for a time and then went to Montezuma, Iowa, and assisted in organizing the Bank of Montezuma, of which he became vice president.
In 1879 he once more took up his residence in Des Moines and entered the wholesale drug business with his brother, C. H. Ward. Later they consolidated with the Hulbert-Hess Drug Company, under the incorporate name of the Hul- bert-Ward Drug Company, and Mr. Ward continued with this concern until 1897 when he retired, having been elected secretary of the Commercial Club of Des Moines, a position which he held for eleven years and in the course of which time he was largely instrumental in placing the club upon a permanent financial basis. At the time he took the office the club was heavily in debt, but when he resigned it had a large surplus in the treasury and all obligations had been wiped out. He was a member of the Greater Des Moines Committee for the first three years of its organization. He is now connected with the Inter- State Advertising Company of which he was one of the organizers. He is also a director of the Iowa State Traveling Men's Association and was secretary of the Auditorium Company for a number of years.
On the 17th day of January, 1873, Mr. Ward was united in marriage to Miss Susan Wright Drake, a daughter of Rev. George C. Drake, a well known Episco- pal clergyman of Lycoming, New York, and a niece of Colonel H. J. B. Cum- mings. of Winterset, Iowa. Three children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Ward: Clara Louisa, who was born April 17, 1876; George H., who was born December 1, 1878, and is now associated with his father in business; and Helen Mary, who was born in June, 1882.
Mr. Ward is a valued member of the Masonic order, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Brother- hood of American Yeomen, and Kinsman Post, G. A. R., serving at the present
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time as commander of the post. He is a prime favorite of the old soldiers and was secretary of the general committee of the Thirty-sixth Annual Encampment. Department of Iowa, G. A. R., which was held at Des Moines in June, 1910. Politically he is in hearty sympathy with the republican party and socially he is connected with the Grant, Grand View and Friday Clubs. He is a firm believer in the Bible and a regular attendant at St. Mark's Episcopal church. The career of Mr. Ward has been one of untiring industry. Starting out at an early age upon his own responsibility, he soon demonstrated his worth and he has, in an unusual degree gained and retained the confidence and respect of all with whom he has come in contact. Today he is recognized as one of the most useful citizens of Des Moines-a position he has earned by many years of unselfish service. Mr. and Mrs. Ward have a large circle of friends and their hospitable home is a favorite gathering place for them at all times.
REV. FRANK F. FITCH.
Rev. Frank F. Fitch, the general secretary of the Iowa Sunday School Asso- ciation, is a prominent and respected resident of Des Moines. His birth oc- curred in Ohio on the 22d of October, 1873. his parents being William S. and Anna M. (Lecky) Fitch. The father is a direct descendant of Rev. James Fitch, who came from England to America in 1622, being the first missionary sent to the Indians in the Connecticut valley. He was also the first pastor of the Congregational church at Norwich, Connecticut. Rev. John Fitch, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was born at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1812, and joined the old Cincinnati Methodist Episcopal Conference in 1833, being in the same class with R. S. Foster and W. P. Strickland, who was a member of the general conference book committee. He is descended from Colonel Elisha Fitch, who participated in the Revolutionary war, belonging to the Connecticut line of the Continental army, also Thomas Fitch, who was the first governor of Connecticut and had a son who took part in the war for independence.
William S. Fitch, the father of Frank F. Fitch, enlisted for service in the Civil war as a member of the Tenth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, Twentieth Corps of the Army of the Cumberland. He sustained a slight wound in the battle of Atlanta and also took part in the engagements at Nashville, Lookout Moun- tain and Goldsboro, North Carolina, the last named encounter taking place just prior to Lee's surrender. After being mustered out at Washington, D. C., he returned home, having to his credit a military record of more than three years' duration. In 1871 he joined the Northern Ohio Conference. His wife, who born the maiden name of Anna M. Lecky, was of Scotch Irish descent, the family settling in Pennsylvania in 1732. Her great-grandfather on the maternal side was Jeremiah Kendall, who became a colonel under Mad Anthony Wayne. Another of her relatives, Colonel William Sprague, came to the United States as an officer in the British army but, sympathizing with the colonists, joined Washington's forces and was given the rank of colonel, participating in the conflict as a drillmaster. He was among the landed gentry of England and his estate was confiscated by the English government.
After completing the high school course Frank F. Fitch entered the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, where he won the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1896. He then went to Boston and pursued a course in theology. graduating with the class of 1898. Returning to Ohio Wesleyan University. that institution conferred upon him the degree of Master of Arts in 1900. In 1898 he was made an elder in the Methodist Episcopal church and was sent to take charge of a congregation at Tontogany, Ohio, where he was ordained a minister by Bishop John N. Walden in 1901. In 1902 he was transferred to
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Marshall, Texas, as pastor of the First Methodist Episcopal church. In 1904 he was transferred to St. James, Minnesota, remaining as pastor there until September. 1907. On the expiration of that period he came to Des Moines, Iowa, and was made general secretary of Iowa Sunday School Association. In addition to his duties in this connection he likewise edits the State Sunday School Helper. He finds recreation in the raising of fancy poultry and has won many premiums. At the State Poultry Show in 1910 his Golden Barred Ply- mouth Rocks were awarded the first prize.
In 1896 Rev. Fitch was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Clark, a daughter of William N. Clark, an agriculturist of Caledonia, Ohio. It is believed that she is a descendant of Captain Thomas Clark, the first mate on the Mayflower. Unto Rev. and Mrs. Fitch have been born three children: Francis William, Fin- ley Thomas and Margaret Elizabeth.
Politically Rev. Fitch is a republican with strong prohibition tendencies. Fra- ternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to Capital Lodge. No. 110, at Des Moines, and to the chapter at St. James, Minnesota. He is also a mem- ber of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias at St. James. His wife is serving as secretary of the State Sunday School Teach- ers Training Association. The influence of the Rev. Fitch has been a potent element in the moral advancement of the communities in which he has labored and will undoubtedly grow steadily stronger with the passing of the years.
AMOS W. HARDING.
Although four years have elapsed since the passing away of Amos W. Hard- ing the impress of his personality is still felt in the community where he resided for so many years. He was born in Herkimer county, New York, on the 21st of June, 1853, and was a son of Nathan G. and Caroline (Burgess) Harding, the former a native of New York state and the latter of Connecticut. The par- ents removed to Illinois during pioneer days, locating upon a farm near Mon- mouth, which the father cultivated for many years, and he acquired two farms of eighty acres each. About 1865 he removed to Monmouth and embarked in the lumber business, continuing in that for three years, during which time he was admitted to the bar, but owing to trouble with his eyes he never practiced very much. Coming to Polk county, Iowa, in 1878, he settled on four hundred acres of land which he purchased in Webster township, being engaged in its cultivation until a few years prior to his death, when he removed to Des Moines. He returned to the farm, after a year's residence in the capital city, and there he passed away in December, 1905, having attained the venerable age of eighty-seven years. His wife's demise occurred on the 21st of July, 1901, at which time she was in her eighty-first year.
Amos W. Harding was reared at home, acquiring his preliminary education in the district schools of New York state, this being supplemented, after the re- moval to Monmouth, Illinois, by a collegiate course. After completing his edu- cation he accepted a position as cashier in the Monmouth National Bank, which he resigned at the end of three years, owing to the state of his health. Remov- ing to Iowa, he located on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres which he bought in Polk county, later increasing his holdings until they aggregated three hundred and twenty acres, which he cultivated until 1887. Removing to Des Moines he engaged in the dairy and ice cream business, with which he continued to be identified for nineteen years, and then disposed of his interests because of failing health. Returning to the farm, he engaged in its cultivation until he passed away on the 14th of February, 1907.
AMOS W. HARDING
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On the 8th of April, 1882, Mr. Harding married Miss Alma J. Marlett, a daughter of George S. and Emma J. (Baker) Marlett, natives of the Empire state. Her father, who was also engaged in agricultural pursuits, passed away in 1873, his death being caused by an accident with which he met while plowing. Her mother is still living at the age of seventy-three years and continues to make her home in New York state. Mrs. Harding acquired her education in the dis- trict schools of her native state and, being an only daughter and her mother an invalid, she remained at home until her marriage. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Harding: Carrie E., who is now the wife of F. A. Carson and they reside at No. 810 Buchanan street, Des Moines. Charles H., born September 10, 1886, was married February 22, 1911, to Frances Caroline Bau- man, of Webster township, Polk county, and they now reside in Dallas county, Iowa. Jessie E., who was born in 1887, died at the age of four years. Robert A., born May 2, 1893, is at home with his mother.
The religious views of the family accord with those of the Christian denomi- nation, of which Mr. Harding was a member as well as his wife. In politics he always supported the men and measures of the republican party and took an active interest in public affairs, serving as justice of the peace for four years, during which time he discharged the duties of that office to the entire satis- faction of all concerned. Being quite successful in his business ventures, in addition to his fine farm he left what is known as the Harding Block at No. 762 Ninth street, Des Moines. This property Mrs. Harding has recently traded for a half section of land in Hyde county, South Dakota. Among her highly prized possessions is a steel print of the famous Grant family, which is a rarity as it is one of less than a dozen now in existence.
JACOB G. BECK.
Jacob G. Beck, a well known coal dealer conducting business at Eighth and Tuttle streets in Des Moines, is also the general manager and a stockholder of the Globe Coal Company. His birth occurred in Boone, Iowa, on the 21st of August, 1868, his parents being Thomas and Elizabeth ( Bates) Beck, both natives of England. The father was born in Durham county on the 27th of February. 1844, while the mother's natal year was 1846. Thomas Beck, a miner and mill man, crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 1864. He is thoroughly familiar with mining in all its branches and is now a mine owner of Polk county, having resided here continuously since 1868. Unto him and his wife were born nine children, seven of whom are yet living, as follows: Ralph, who is married and lives in Des Moines; Jacob G., of this review ; Fremont L. and John T., who are also married and reside in Des Moines; William H., who is a resident of Des Moines; Alvin J., who is married and makes his home in Des Moines; and Arthur, at home.
Jacob G. Beck acquired his education in the public schools of Des Moines and after putting aside his text-books became identified with mining interests. which have claimed his attention to the present time. He is now the general manager of the Globe Coal Company and also a stockholder in the concern. Their largest supply of coal is obtained from the mines at Runnells, Iowa, while bituminous coal shipments are received from Maine, Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois. Their anthracite coal is shipped from Pennsylvania. Mr. Beck is care- ful in formulating plans, is determined in their execution and displays keen foresight in managing his interests.
On the 25th of August, 1886, Mr. Beck was united in marriage to Miss Eliz- abeth Spencer, who was born in Des Moines on the 15th of August, 1870, her parents being David and Caroline Spencer. Our subject and his wife now have
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five children, namely : Walter Arlie, whose natal day was August 9, 1888, and who is now married : Irene, at home; Tom, Fern and Edward, all of whom are attending school. Mr. Beck gives his political allegiance to the republican party, while fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Red Men, the Owls and the Eagles. He is also a member of the Turners Society. He has resided. in Polk county throughout practically his entire life and has long been numbered among its most substantial and esteemed citizens.
GEORGE S. MACREES.
George S. Macrees, the proprietor of the Des Moines Floral Company, was born in Athens, Greece, on the 13th of June, 1880, his parents being Sateros M. and Mary P. (Ķeros) 'Macrees, who are likewise natives of that country. Both are still residents of Greece, the father having now attained the age of seventy -. eight years, while the mother is sixty-five years old. Sateros M. Macrees, who was engaged in the grocery business throughout his active business career, is now enjoying honorable retirement.
George S. Macrees was reared in the city of his nativity and attended the grammar and high schools in the acquirement of an education. Having heard many favorable reports concerning the opportunities and advantages of the new world, he determined to try his fortune on this side of the Atlantic and accordingly emigrated to the United States, locating in New York city. There he remained for four years, working as a florist. Subsequently he removed to Chicago, Illi- nois, and there continued to reside for eight years, being employed at the florist's trade and also being engaged in business on his own account. On leaving the western metropolis he came to Des Moines in 1895, here securing employment with Lozier, the florist, in whose employ he remained for four years. At the expiration of that period he bought out the Rush Floral Company, conducting the business until he disposed of it in 1909. In December, 1910, he again estab- lished himself in business at the corner of Sixth and Locust streets, where he is now conducting the Des Moines Floral Company in a manner that insures the continued growth and success of the enterprise.
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