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 65

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 65

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

WILLIAM BOWEN.

Each day holds its opportunity and William Bowen was numbered among those men who in an active life improve each opportunity that is presented. His preliminary education was gained in the public schools and in the high school at Fort Wayne, Indiana, from which he graduated at the age of seventeen years. He afterward studied law in the offices of Coons, Miller & Bell, of Fort Wayne, for one year. Starting in life without any special advantages at the outset of his business career, he made for himself a creditable name and position in busi- ness circles and at all times remained an active factor in the public life of the community in which he was located, being ever interested in matters of progres- sive citizenship and contributing in large measure to all movements and pro- jects which he believed would stimulate and promote the business activity or advance the municipal welfare.

He was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1853, and was a son of William Bowen, Sr., a native of New York, who on his removal westward settled at Fort Wayne where he engaged in the wholesale saddlery business. In the city of his nativity his son and namesake was reared and educated and, having arrived at years of maturity, he was married, in Brooklyn, New York, to Miss Emma M. Clegg, of Dayton, Ohio, a daughter of D. W. and Mary Anna (Newcome) Clegg and a granddaughter of Colonel Newcome who was the first settler of Dayton, Ohio, and was also senator, congressman, and a representative of the state legislature.

Soon after his marriage William Bowen removed to the far west, settling at Santa Barbara, California, where he engaged in the drug business for some time. Subsequently he sold out and returned to Fort Wayne, where he established a wholesale millinery business. He continued in that line for a time and then disposed of his stock and accepted a position with the Jenney Electric Company of Fort Wayne, later known as the Woods Electric Company. He was a sales- man for the firm and in that connection he established the electric plant at Peoria, Illinois, and subsequently installed the plant of the Edison Electric Company. In fact, he became extensively engaged in the promotion of electric plants in various parts of the country and was the builder of the one at Oskaloosa, Iowa. He went there in 1884, purchased an interest in the gas and water works and rebuilt the same, installing an electric plant. In 1889 he located at Davenport, Iowa, where he organized the Hawkeye Electric Company, of which he re- mained the superintendent for five years.

He came to Des Moines in 1892 and took charge of the Auburn Heights Land Company and did much toward promoting the welfare of the city, in ex- ploiting its resources and advancing its interests. His work in this connection was of great value in connection with the city's vital growth and progress and too much praise cannot be given him in connection with what he accomplished in that direction. Later he engaged in the accident insurance business, organizing

547

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

a company for its conduct, and in 1900 he became associated with the Strom- berg-Carlson Company as state agent, selling equipments for large telephone plants, many of which were installed in the principal towns of the state. He was a very able man, active, determined and persevering, and his labors were at all times rich in results. He accomplished what he undertook and when one avenue of opportunity seemed closed he sought out another path by which to reach the desired goal. His labors were not only a source of benefit to himself, but also to the companies with which he was connected and to the communities in which he operated.

During the twenty years of his residence in Des Moines Mr. Bowen became most widely and favorably known and his family were prominent in the social circles of the city. Unto him and his wife were born three children: William, Jr., who is now living in Des Moines, Iowa; Marshall R., a resident of Arizona; and Ruth A. In his political views Mr. Bowen was always a progressive re- publican, active and earnest in support of the party in which he had considerable influence, yet he never sought nor desired office for himself. He belonged to the Pioneer Lodge of Masons and enjoyed the high regard of his brethren of the fraternity. He was also a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, his grandfather, Calvin Bowen, having enlisted from Broome county, New York. His social qualities and his sterling worth made him popular and all who knew him were glad to call him friend. His many admirable characteristics won him high esteem and deep regret was felt throughout the city when on November 9, 1910, he was called to his final rest.

FRANK V. DOLE.

Frank V. Dole, the treasurer and manager of the Carbon Coal Company of Des Moines, was born in Jefferson county, Iowa, on the 26th of September, 1875, his parents being Oscar and Martha (Teeter) Dole. The father, whose birth occurred in Ohio in 1846, followed farming in early manhood, but is now an engineer of Denver, Colorado. His children were eight in number, five of whom are yet living, as follows: Frank V., of this review; James R., who is a resident of St. Louis, Missouri; Lulu, the wife of C. W. Smith, of Portland, Oregon; Margaret, the wife of L. T. Roberts, of Denver, Colorado; and Cor- inne, the widow of Irvin Thomas.

Frank V. Dole obtained his education in the common schools of Jefferson and Marion counties, after which he became identified with general agricultural pursuits, following farming for a short time. Susequently he entered the mines, becoming thoroughly familiar with the business of coal mining in every depart- ment. He served in the capacity of weighman for about four years, then taking charge of the books in the office, and afterward acted as general superintendent of the mines. He was engaged next with a local concern for five years and upon the expiration of that period organized the Carbon Coal Company in associa- tion with B. C. Holm. The officers of the company are now as follows : John Shuler, president; B. C. Holm, vice president; H. M. Shuler, secretary, and Frank V. Dole, treasurer. . As wholesale and retail dealers in coal they enjoy an extensive and profitable trade. Mr. Dole justly merits the proud American title of a self-made man, his present enviable success being attributable entirely to his own well directed labors and indefatigable energy.

On the 3d of May, 1905, Mr. Dole was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Billings, a native of Des Moines and a daughter of William and Ellen (Taylor) Billings, both of whom are now deceased. William Billings participated in the Civil war as a Union soldier enlisting from Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Dole have one daughter, Margaret, whose natal day was June 16, 1906.

548

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

In politics Mr. Dole is a republican, while fraternally he is identified with the Masons. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Christian church, in which he is serving as a deacon and also as financial secretary. In every relation of life he has commanded the trust and confidence of his fellow- men, and is possessed of those sterling traits of character which in every land and clime win recognition and regard.

THOMAS F. KELLEHER, M. D.

Dr. Thomas F. Kelleher is one of the leading members of the medical pro- fession now engaged in practice in Des Moines. He comes from the New England states, for he was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, on the 5th of February, 1855, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Ludgate) Kelleher, who removed with their family to Iowa in 1868 and located in Iowa City. The doctor was about thirteen years of age when he accompanied his parents on their re- moval to this state and after attending the common schools entered the Univer- sity of Iowa, where he pursued his medical studies and was graduated from the medical department in the class of 1878. He first opened an office at Bevington, Iowa, and later removed to Fonda, this state, where he remained until 1885, which year witnessed his arrival in Des Moines. Since then he has been en- gaged in active practice in this city and has become one of its most popular and successful physicians. He has succeeded in building up a large practice and not only has the confidence and regard of his patients, but is also held in the highest esteem by his professional brethren. He is a member of all the medical societies and in this way keeps in close touch with all the improvements and the advance- ment made along the lines of medical science. He is medical director for the American Life Insurance Company and the Inter-State Business Men's Accident Association.

In May, 1886, Dr. Kelleher was united in marriage to Miss Anna Cunning- ham, a daughter of John Cunningham, of Madison county, Iowa, where she was born, her parents being pioneers of that locality. The Doctor and his wife have five children, namely: John J., now a student at Ames Agricultural Col- lege; Marie, a graduate of the Des Moines high school and Sacred Heart Acad- emy; Thomas and Lewis, both attending high school; and Anna, a student at St. Ambrose Academy. The family are communicants of the Catholic church and are held in the highest esteem by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. In his political affiliations Dr. Kelleher is a democrat, and as a public-spirited and progressive citizen takes a commendable interest in public affairs.

MATHEW MENEOUGH.

The late Mathew Meneough, who was one of the substantial and successful agriculturists of Jefferson township, was born in Polk county on the 27th of April, 1861, his parents being John and Bridget (Meloy) Meneough, natives of Ireland. The father emigrated to the United States in early manhood, locat- ing in Des Moines in 1858. Having no trade he engaged in various occupa- tions until 1874. when he removed with his wife and family to Webster town- ship, where he bought a farm in the improvement and cultivation of which he engaged until his death, which occurred in 1878. His wife, however, survived until 1903.

Mathew Meneough was reared and educated in Des Moines and Webster township, and after the completion of his schooling he remained at home, as-

MATHEW MENEOUGH

551

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

sisting his father in the cultivation of the farm, until he was twenty-six years of age, when he removed to Jefferson township. There he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, which formed the nucleus of his homestead, and in the cultivation of which he successfully engaged until his demise January 24, 1903. At different times as he was able he added to his realty holdings until his farm contained two hundred acres, in addition to which he owned a half section of land in the vicinity of Mitchell, South Dakota.

Mr. Meneough was married to Miss Elizabeth Braniff on the 8th of January, 1890. Mrs. Meneough is a daughter of Henry and Mary (Kinsella) Braniff, natives of Canada, the father having emigrated to the United States after he attained his majority and the mother coming with her parents in her infancy. Mr. Braniff first located in Dubuque county, Iowa, where he rented a farm, which he operated for three years. At the end of that period he removed to Dallas county and bought some unimproved prairie land, upon which he erected a iog house, clearing and improving his land as rapidly as possible. A little later he erected a frame house, which superseded the log cabin, and also built a barn and outbuildings. He continued to reside upon this farm until his death, which occurred on the 5th of October, 1894. Mrs. Braniff, who still survives her husband, is now sixty-six years of age and makes her home in Granger, Iowa. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Meneough was blessed with the advent of four children, two sons and two daughters: Mary E., who is an assistant in the postoffice in Grimes ; Henry M., who is operating the homestead for his mother ; Frances B., who is attending school at Grimes; and Edward M., who has passed his tenth year.

The family all affiliate with the Roman Catholic church, of which Mr. J'eneough was also a communicant. He was also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Brotherhood of American Yeomen, while both he and Mrs. Meneough belonged to the Royal Neighbors, the ladies auxillary of the Modern Woodmen. An ardent democrat, Mr. Meneough gave his support to the men and measures of that party, but as his personal interests demanded the greater part of his time and attention he never was an office seeker. A kind neighbor and considerate husband and father, he was deeply mourned not only in the family circle but in the community where he was well known and highly regarded.

MALCOLM ALLEN ROYAL, M. D.

One of the promising younger members of the medical profession in Des Moines is Dr. 'Malcolm Allen Royal, who for the past six years has been asso- ciated in practice with his father, Dr. George Royal, one of the well known and successful physicians of the city. He was born in Rockville, Connecticut, on the 5th of March, 1882, his parents being Dr. George and Ella J. (Kingsbury ) Royal. the latter a native of Connecticut and the father of Alford, Massachusetts, where he was born July 15, 1853. Dr. and Mrs. Royal migrated to Iowa in 1883, locat- ing in Des Moines, where he immediately engaged in the practice of his profes- sion, in which he has been most successful, being regarded as one of the city's leading physicians.

The greater part of Dr. Malcolm A. Royal's life has been spent in this city, in the public and high schools of which he acquired his preliminary education, graduating in 1900. In the autumn following he entered the State University at Iowa City, taking up a seven year combination course. In 1904 the degree of Bachelor of Science was conferred upon him. Having decided upon the medical profession as his life work, he at once entered the College of Homeo- pathic Medicine, a branch of Hahnemann Medical College, and immediately fol-

552

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

lowing the completion of his collegiate course, in 1906, was granted his degree of M. D., his alma mater conferring upon him an M. S. at the same time. He then returned to Iowa City, where he accepted an interneship in the hospital, re- maining there for one year. In the mean time his father's practice had in- creased so rapidly that it was with great difficulty he found it possible to meet all of the demands made upon him, so coming back to Des Moines his son became his assistant. Although he is very young he is recognized as a man possessing unusual ability and is meeting with marked success in his profession. and is constantly winning practice because of his personal merits rather than because of his association with his father.

Dr. Royal was married on the 18th of January, 1908, to Miss Mabel King, of Des Moines, a daughter of A. S. King, a native of New York. They affiliate with the Congregational church. Fraternally Dr. Royal is identified with Capital Lodge, No. 110, A. F. & A. M., and Des Moines Lodge, No. 18, A. O. U. W. He is also the medical examiner of the latter organization. He is a member of the Hyperion Club, and through the medium of the Polk County Homeopathic Society, the State Homeopathic Association and the American Institute of Homeopathy, he maintains relationship with the members of his profession. He also belongs to the Hahnemann Medical Association of Iowa, of which he has been the treasurer for the past four years.

Judged by the marked success with which Dr. Royal has met during the brief period of his practice, and considered from both a professional and business point of view, the outlook for the future seems most promising. He is not so absorbed in the advancement of his private interests as to neglect his duties as a citizen, and always takes an active and helpful part in all local matters, his political support being accorded to the republican party and its candidates. He is a public-spirited, progressive man, and considered from either a civic or profes- sional aspect would be an acquisition to any community.

LEON WOOD AINSWORTH.

Leon Wood Ainsworth, for six years past manager of the Western Union Telegraph Company at Des Moines and one of the highly esteemed business men of the city, was born at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, September 17, 1876. He is a son of George W. and Mary (Carmont) Ainsworth, the former of whom was descended on his mother's side from Abinah Wood, who was a privateer in the Revolutionary war. The father was also possessed of a patriotic spirit and served four years during the Civil war in a Pennsylvania regiment.

Leon W. Ainsworth secured his early education in the public schools of Pittsburg and later attended the Baptist College at Des Moines. His introduc- tion to business life was as a messenger boy for the Western Union Telegraph Company at Pittsburg in 1888, when he was twelve years of age. He became an expert telegrapher and in 1894 arrived in Des Moines, where he has since made his home. He was appointed chief operator in the Des Moines office in 1902, but a year later left the company and engaged in the grain business. However, in 1905, he returned to the employ of the Western Union Telegraph Company as its manager at Des Moines, also being manager of the American District Telegraph Company in this city. Possessing a genial address and attractive manner, he has won many friends in Des Moines and has been instrumental in greatly improving the facilities and increasing the business of the company. Hav- ing devoted the most of his life to telegraphy in its various departments, he understands his calling thoroughly and has gained acknowledged standing throughout the west in his chosen specialty.

553

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

On the 26th of October, 1903, Mr. Ainsworth was united in marriage to Miss Callie Isabelle McCornack, a daughter of Peter and Jane (Galt) McCornack, of Des Moines. The father was born in Illinois and settled in Tama county, Iowa, in 1867. The mother was a native of Scotland. She came to Iowa in 1852 and made her home in Tama county. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ainsworth, Peter McCornack and David Galt.

Politically Mr. Ainsworth gives enthusiastic allegiance to the republican party, and religiously he is identified with the United Presbyterian church. He is a valued member of the Masonic lodge and also of the Elks, the Commercial Club and the Press Club of Des Moines. At the time of the Spanish-American war he offered his services to the government and was connected with the Twelfth United States Volunteer Signal Corps in Cuba during the winter of 1898-9. In February, 1908, he was appointed chief signal officer of the state of Iowa with the rank of colonel and was reappointed lieutenant colonel and chief signal officer in September, 1909, a position which he now holds. He is thor- oughly efficient in everything he undertakes and, therefore, he is successful in business and in all relations of life highly popular.

ADONIRAM J. MATHIS.

Adoniram J. Mathis, a successful and extensive realty dealer of Des Moines, conducting business under the name of the Mathis Realty Company, was born in Des Moines county, Iowa, on the 26th of November, 1844. His parents, William and Elizabeth (Duke) Mathis, were both natives of Kentucky, the former born on the 28th of November, 1808, and the latter on the 20th of April, 1807. Will- iam Mathis followed farming throughout his active business career. Unto him and his wife were born ten children, the record of whom is as follows: David and William, both of whom are deceased; James H., who enlisted for service in the Civil war as a member of Company B, Fifteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and who died while in the army ; John T., who has also passed away ; George W., who is married and resides in Douglas township, Polk county; Adoniram J., of this review; and four who died in childhood and were buried in Danville, Iowa.

Adoniram J. Mathis obtained his education in the public schools of Des Moines and Polk counties, coming to this county in May, 1855. After putting aside his text-books he began work on a farm and subsequently engaged in the live stock business until 1882, when he came to Des Moines, arriving here on the 13th of October. In this city he has made his home throughout the intervening years and has given his attention to the real-estate business. He deals in city real estate, handling his own property and also transacting business on a com- mission basis. He has made it his purpose to fully acquaint himself with realty values and has negotiated many important property transfers, so that many sales and purchases are entrusted to him.

Mr. Mathis has been married twice. On the 21st of March, 1865, he wedded Miss Amanda P. Carr, whose birth occurred in Lawrence county, Indiana, on the 28th of November, 1841, her parents being Lindsey and Nellie (Chambers) Carr, the former a farmer by occupation. By this union there were two chil- dren : Frank A., who married Miss Alice Dietz, by whom he has two children, Fritz D. and Marjorie; and Whitney H., who wedded Miss Agatha Veeser. The wife and mother was called to her final rest on the 27th of November, 1907, and on the 8th of July, 1908, Mr. Mathis was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Eliza Ferguson, a sister of his former wife.

In politics Mr. Mathis is a democrat and on that ticket was elected judge of the police court, serving in that capacity for four years or from 1904 until 1908. In the latter year he was chosen mayor of Des Moines, holding the office

554

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

for two years or until May, 1910. His important official duties were discharged in a most commendable and praiseworthy manner, showing that the confidence of his constituents was not misplaced. In religious faith he is a Baptist, while fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the An- cient Order of United Workmen, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Woodmen of the World. He is also a valued member of the East Des Moines Commercial League. The period of his residence in Polk county covers fifty- six years and he has gained a host of friends within its borders.

J. N. PARKER.

J. N. Parker, who has represented the Queal Lumber Company as manager of the Des Moines yards for the past twenty-four years, is one of the well known and substantial business men of the city. His birth occurred in Somerset, Pennsyl- vania, on the 8th of May, 1858, his parents being John W. and Ellen (Neff) Par- ker, who were likewise natives of that place and were born in the years 1831 and 1830 respectively. The father was successfully engaged in the hotel business throughout his active career. Our subject is one of the six survivors of a family of eight children.

J. N. Parker obtained his education in the schools of his native town, after which he was connected with the grain business for eight years. On the expira- tion of that period he entered the service of the Queal Lumber Company, with which concern he has been identified continuously since, or for a period of twenty- eight years. He represented the company as manager at Ireton, Sioux county, Iowa, for four years and for the past twenty-four years has been manager of the Des Moines yards. The Queal Lumber Company maintains its headquarters at Minneapolis and has about one hundred yards throughout the country, the Des Moines branch being conducted on a wholesale and retail basis. Mr. Parker pos- sesses untiring energy, is quick of perception, forms his plans readily and is deter- mined in their execution, and his close application to business and his excellent management have brought to the concern with which he is connected a large de- gree of success.

Mr. Parker belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and is also a member of the Commercial Club. In matters of citizenship he is progres- sive, desiring the welfare and upbuilding of the community to the extent not only of indorsing public measures but of cooperating in all movements for the general good.

L. DRAKELY ROOD, M. D.

Death often removes from our midst those whom we can ill afford to lose and with feelings of deep sorrow and regret on every hand the news of the demise of L. Drakely Rood was received. He had endeared himself to his fellow townsmen not only by reason of his professional skill, which was of a high order, but also by the sterling worth of his character as a man and citizen. He was born in Milton, Chittenden county, Vermont, January 20, 1861, a son of Thomas and Eliza M. (Meers) Rood, the former a farmer of the Green Mountain state.

Dr. Rood supplemented his public-school education by study in Vermont University, from which he was graduated in 1880. He had also acted as the assistant of Dr. Phelps, a noted surgeon of New York, and his training in that connection was invaluable. He entered upon the practice of his profession at Meriden, Connecticut, and remained in general practice there for a few

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

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 65

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