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 66

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 66

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).

DR. L. DRAKELY ROOD

557

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

years, after which he returned to Vermont, where he followed his profession until 1890. In that year he came to Des Moines and opened an office in the Utica building, where he continued until his death, having a well appointed suite of rooms, equipped with many of the latest devices of value to the physi- cian in his important work of restoring health. He never regretted coming to the middle west, for he was successful from the beginning. While he con- tinued in the general practice of medicine, he more and more largely in his later years specialized in the field of tuberculosis, devoting much time and at- tention to the study of that disease. His practice in that connection was at- tended with remarkable success in both the city and throughout the state to points to which he was called for professional service. He became largely recognized as an authority upon tuberculosis and his investigations and re- searches were proving not only an element for good in his own practice but were also a force in the practice of others, as he disseminated the knowledge that came to him through study and experience.

Dr. Rood was married in Burlington, Vermont, in 1883, to Miss Bertha Allen, a native of that place. Following his removal to Des Moines he erected a beautiful home on Grand avenue, the finest residence street in the city. His death occurred August 8, 1910, when he was forty-nine years of age. The profession and the community at large as well as his immediate household suffered a great loss in his passing. He was public spirited and always took a deep interest in the welfare of the city and its progress. He is quoted as hav- ing been the most desirable man who ever served on the board of pension examiners, of which he was secretary for several years. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Episcopal church. He was ever a broad reader, keeping in touch with the best thinking men of the age in the discus- sion of vital questions, while his reading also compassed a wide literary range as well as professional literature. He was one who wisely used time and talents for the benefit of others as well as the promotion of his own interests, and his worth was uniformly acknowledged by all who knew him.

ABRAM L. BEBINGER.

Abram L. Bebinger, who enjoys a large patronage as a florist of Des Moines, was born in Moores Hill, Indiana, on the 15th of July, 1861. His parents were Abraham and Martha J. (Hartley) Bebinger, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Pennsylvania. The father, who was an agriculturist by occu- pation, crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 1848 and located in Indiana, where he purchased, cleared and improved a farm, being successfully engaged in its operation until called to his final rest in 1888. His wife passed away in 1894.

Abram L. Bebinger was reared in the state of his nativity and obtained his education in the district and public schools. He remained under the parental roof until nineteen years of age and then began hauling lumber, being thus em- ployed for two years. On the expiration of that period he went to Omaha, Nebraska, and at the end of a year removed to Madison, that state, where he followed general agricultural pursuits for three years. Subsequently he re- turned to South Omaha and worked at teaming for three years, while during the following six years he fired a boiler. In 1897 he came to Des Moines, Iowa, and entered the service of the firm of C. L. Percival & Company, acting in the capacity of foreman for twelve years. At the end of that time he purchased twelve city lots at Eighteenth and East Walnut streets and embarked in business as the proprietor of a greenhouse, also erecting five residences on the site, which

558

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

he now rents. As a florist he has built up an extensive and profitable trade, handling an excellent variety of hothouse plants and flowers.

In November, 1884, Mr. Bebinger was united in marriage to Miss Trena L. Daughters, a daughter of William T. and Sarah E. (Heaton) Daughters, both of whom were natives of Indiana. The father was employed as a railroad engineer for a number of years and subsequently became identified with general agricultural pursuits, operating a farm in Kansas for some time. He is now living retired at Sandpoint, Idaho, and has attained the venerable age of eighty years. His wife was called to her final rest in 1906 when sixty-five years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Bebinger have six children, namely: Charles W., a young man of twenty-five years; Cora Pearl, who is married and lives in Des Moines ; Vira L. and Vera T., twins, who are twenty-one years old; Clarence V., a youth of sixteen; and Ruthella M., a little maiden of eight.

In politics Mr. Bebinger is a republican, while fraternally he is identified with the Masons, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Modern Wood- men of America. In religious faith both he and his wife are Methodists. In his business life he is found to be thoroughly reliable as well as enterprising and his success is therefore well merited.

WALTER A. RUTLEDGE.

Eighteen years ago Walter A. Rutledge became connected with the insur- ance business, as organizer of the Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Association of Iowa, a concern which has steadily grown until it now carries about five mil- lion dollars' worth of insurance in the state and is known as one of the most successful organizations of the kind in the entire country. The success of this company is, in a great measure, due to Mr. Rutledge, who has from the begin- ning been its secretary and manager. He is descended from Irish and German ancestry and was born in Scott county, Iowa, August 20, 1861, being the son of Foster and Caroline (Hart) Rutledge. The father, who was a native of Can- ada, removed to Scott county, Iowa, in 1856 and there spent four or five years, after which he removed to Clinton county and several years later to Sac county, where his widow still resides. He made farming his life occupation.

Walter A. Rutledge, of this review grew up on his father's farm and as a boy attended the schools of Clinton and Carroll counties. Later he was a student for two years at the Carroll high school. He taught school in Carroll and Sac counties for eleven years, devoting his attention to teaching in the winter and farming during the summer months. In 1893 he organized the Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Association of Iowa, and on November 1, 1894, established the headquarters of the company at Des Moines, where they have since continued. The president of the company is Scott Rutledge, of Sac county, and the treas- urer is J. A. Benson of Sheldon, Iowa. The company was organized upon sound business principles, which met with the approval of the farmers of Iowa, and its growth has been indeed remarkable, its financial standing being very high. Mr. Rutledge has made fortunate investments in lands and owns several promising tracts in Canada.

On the 25th of October, 1885, in Carroll county, Mr. Rutledge was married to Miss Jessie M. Soper, who was born at Denver, Colorado, a daughter of O. J. Soper, who settled in Carroll county. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Rutledge, namely : Foster O., who was born January 5, 1887; Carrie Ethel, who is the wife of Charles H. Thornton of Des Maines ; Charles W .; Perry Carl ; Walter Scott; and Paul J.

In religious faith Mr. Rutledge adheres to the Baptist church, in which he is an active worker. A progressive republican in politics, he keeps well informed

559

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

concerning the vital questions of the day and votes intelligently, using wide latitude in the selection of his choice of candidates, especially in local elections. He is greatly interested in fraternal orders and holds membership in the Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Modern Brotherhood of America, American Nobles, Homesteaders and Brotherhood of American Yeomen. He was presi- dent of the Brotherhood of American Yeomen from March, 1898, to July, 1901, assuming the responsibility at a time when the organization was practically bank- rupt, having less than a thousand members and with an indebtedness of over eight thousand dollars. At the close of his administration, which extended over a period of a little more than three years, the order included a membership of twenty-three thousand, and had in its treasury over one hundred and sixty-five thousand dollars. This speaks more emphatically than mere words as to the judgment and business ability of the subject of this review. He resigned from the presidency of the order on account of overwork and ill health. He has since, fortunately, regained his health and strength.

CLIFFORD W. LOSH, M. D.

Dr. Clifford W. Losh is one of the younger members of the medical frater- nity, in which connection pronounced ability and careful preparation are bring- ing to him substantial success.

Born in Des Moines on the 2d of September, 1883, Clifford W. Losh is a son of David F. and Frances (Huff) Losh. His ancestors in both the paternal and maternal lines came from Germany. The father was born in Pennsylvania and, in 1875, came to Des Moines, where he has lived continuously since. Here he married Frances Huff, who was born in this city June 9, 1858, and is a daughter of Frank Huff, who came from Germany to the United States with his parents and settled in New York. He was then about eight years of age and in 1850 he removed westward to Des Moines, casting in his lot with the early settlers of Polk county. For a time he followed farming in this county, but later turned his attention to the retail grocery business as one of the early merchants of the city, his location being on West Second street. He had the largest retail grocery store in Des Moines at that time and occupied a prominent position among the business men of the capital. He met with a tragic death in 1884, being murdered while on his way home from his store one night. Unto Mr. and Mrs. David F. Losh were born four children: Clifford, of this review ; Clyde, who was born in Des Moines and is now deceased; Frances, who was born in Wichita, Kansas; and David, who was born in Des Moines and has passed away.

In the public and high schools of this city Clifford W. Losh pursued his early education and later entered Drake University, from which he was graduated with the M. D. degree in the class of 1905, when twenty-one years of age, being the youngest member of the class. Immediately afterward he located for prac- tice in Bevington, Iowa, opening an office there in June. He remained at that place until May, 1906, when he returned to Des Moines and was appointed as- sistant city physician, which office he filled for two years. At the same time he conducted a private practice and in the intervening years has built up a large business, being regarded today as one of the leading young physicians of the city. He now has offices at No. 317 Utica building, well equipped with all the modern appliances which are accessory to the successful practice of medicine and surgery. From 1908 until 1910 he served as city physician and health officer, retiring from the office on the Ist of June, 1910.

Between 1904 and 1908 Dr. Losh had military training, being for two years a member of the signal corps and for two years a member of the hospital corps

560

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

of the Fifty-fourth Regiment of the Iowa National Guard. In politics he is a progressive republican, believing that advancement and improvement should be as strongly manifest in political connections as in private life or in business af- fairs. He holds membership with the Presbyterian church, and also with the Waveland, Golf and Country Club. In more strictly professional lines he is con- nected with the Polk County Medical Society, the Iowa State Medical Society and the American Medical Association, and thus keeps in touch with the advanced thought of the profession. He holds to high ideals in his practice and conforms his work at all times most closely to the ethics of the profession.

DANIEL W. McCORD.

Daniel W. McCord is one of the younger members of the legal fraternity of Des Moines, occupying, however, a position of responsibility as manager of the commercial department of the firm of Dudley & Coffin. Iowa claims him as a native son, his birth having occurred in Colfax, on the 8th of June, 1886. In his ancestry is a mingled strain of Scotch, Irish and English. The McCords came from England, the first of the family in the new world having sailed on the Mayflower. Three of the ancestors of Daniel W. McCord in the paternal line were soldiers of the American army in the Revolutionary war. His father, William A. McCord, a native of Wisconsin, came to Iowa in the early '6os and is still a resident of Des Moines, his business connection, however, being that of traveling representative for the American Book Company of Chicago. He mar- ried Victoria Webb, a native of Louisiana and of Scotch-Irish lineage, her peo- ple having come to the new world at an early period in its colonization.

The public schools of Polk county. afforded Daniel W. McCord his early edu- cational privileges and he continued his studies at Ames and also in Drake Uni- versity, where he completed the law course by graduation with the class of 1909. Immediately afterward he became connected with Dudley & Coffin, one of the oldest and best established law firms in the city, receiving appointment as mana- ger of their commercial department, which position he still fills. His association with this firm is a stepping stone to success and prominence, and the intellectual powers with which nature endowed him further qualify him for rapid advance- ment. He is also commissioner of garnishments, a county office, to which he was appointed by the district court.

Mr. McCord is a republican of the Roosevelt type, believing in an aggressive and progressive policy which does not accept a course in politics simply because it has been followed for years, but seeks out new methods and measures that will produce results, valuable in civic and national affairs. Fraternally he is connected with the Pioneer Lodge of Masons. He belongs also to the Christian Science church and to the University Club of Des Moines, and his social quali- ties render him a favorite in an extensive circle of acquaintances.

AUGUST F. BILZ.

One of the successful and popular advertising men of Des Moines is August F. Bilz, who was born in Saxony, Germany, on the 6th of March, 1871. He is a son of August F. and Clementine (Hide) Bilz, both natives of the father- land, in which country they spent their entire lives. The father, who was a draftsman and designer of machinery, passed away in 1871, but the mother sur- vived until 1886.

561

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

August F. Bilz attended the schools of his native land until he had attained the age of fourteen years, at which time he came to the United States, locating in Des Moines in 1885. After his arrival here he entered the public school in order to obtain a better understanding of the English language, and later he took a night course at the Capital City Commercial College, that he might acquire a a more practical knowledge of business methods. After spending ten years in this city, during which time he has been identified with various enterprises, he decided to return to his native land, and going to Munich he entered the Royal Academy, where he pursued art for three years, studying under such artists as Karl Mahr, Frederick Fehr and Azhé. Returning to Des Moines at the expira- tion of that period he engaged in the advertising business, with which he has ever since been most successfully identified. Close application, untiring energy and original methods have been the means of enabling him to establish a busi- ness which is second to none in the city. He is generally recognized as an energetic, capable and thoroughly reliable man, who well deserves the success with which his efforts have been rewarded.

In London, England, on the 5th of April, 1896, occurred the marriage of Mr. Bilz and Miss Nora Maude Crawley, a daughter of John M. and Nora M. Craw- ley. The father was a well known railroad man, having been for many years as- sistant general manager of the Union Pacific Railroad at Los Angeles. Mr. and Mrs. Bilz have two children: Jack and August M. The religious views of Mr. Bilz coincide with those. of the Lutheran denomination, with which he affiliates. He is a member of the Commercial Club of Des Moines and an ardent advocate of republicanism, giving his political support to the candidates of that party.

Mr. Bilz is well regarded in the city of his adoption and has many friends here, not only among the circles in which he moves socially, but among the poor and unfortunate, as he is a man who not only contributes liberally to all charity organizations, but ever takes a kindly interest in those with whom fate has dealt less generously.

ROY M. HUNTOON.

Roy M. Huntoon, conducting the Fulton Market Company of Des Moines in partnership with Charles Ebersole, has built up quite an extensive business as a wholesale and retail dealer in meat. His birth occurred in Atlantic, Iowa, on the 5th of June, 1879, his parents being E. A. and Emma (Morrison) Huntoon, the former a native of Unity, New Hampshire, and the latter of Gilmanton, that state. The father was born in 1839, while the mother's natal year was 1846. E. A. Huntoon, who worked as an electrician throughout his active business career, served as a Union soldier in the Civil war for four years. Unto him and his wife were born four children, as follows: George, who is married and resides at Riverside, California; Joseph C., who is married and makes his home at Omaha, Nebraska; Roy M., the subject of this review; and Anna, the wife of Tyne Buck, living in East Des Moines.

Roy M. Huntoon was educated in the graded and high schools of Des Moines and subsequently pursued a course of study in the Capital City Commercial Col- lege. After putting aside his text-books he entered the employ of the Risser Dry Goods Company, remaining with that concern for two years. On the ex- piration of that period he entered the wholesale meat establishment of T. M. Sinclair, in whose service he continued for seven years, becoming thoroughly familiar with the business in every department. He next acted as a traveling salesman for the Agar Packing Company for two years and then spent four years in the employ of the Boston Market as city salesman. On the Ist of January, 1909. in partnership with Charles Ebersole, he formed a corporation known as

562

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

the Fulton Market Company for the conduct of a wholesale and retail meat market. This is among the leading establishments of this character in Des Moines, catering to the first-class trade. Ten people are employed in the con- duct of the business, which is carried on in a most progressive and up-to-date manner. Mr. Huntoon and his partner have succeeded beyond their expectations and enjoy an enviable reputation for business integrity and enterprise.

On the 5th of June, 1900, Mr. Huntoon was united in marriage to Miss Anna Brown, who was born near Mitchellville, Iowa, her parents being John E. and Frances Brown. Her father, an agriculturist by occupation, operated the same farm for a period of thirty-nine years. Mr. and Mrs. Huntoon have two children, namely: Homer, whose birth occurred in March, 1902; and Dorothy, who was born in February, 1904.

In politics Mr. Huntoon is a republican, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Christian church. He is now serving as an officer in the Grant Park church and is also at the head of a young men's class. His life is exemplary in all respects and he has ever supported those interests which are calculated to uplift and benefit humanity, while his own high moral worth is de- serving of highest commendation.

EZRA B. FAGEN.

Coming to Des Moines in 1848, Ezra B. Fagen has been not only an observer of many of the changes that have been wrought in this city and in Polk county but as an active and enterprising citizen has assisted in no small degree in bringing about the present desirable condition. Born in Parke county, Indiana, September 20, 1845, he was the son of Hezekiah and Sarah (Neil) Fagen. His mother was born November 17, 1818, in Ohio, married to Hezekiah Fagen in 1844, and died in Des Moines, October 17, 1902, at the age of eighty-four years. His father, a native of Center county, Pennsylvania, was born November I, 18II, and lived until November 8, 1865. Reared as a farmer, he came west before the time of railroads with his family and located May 10, 1848, on a farm of five hundred and sixty acres on University avenue, now one of the best residence districts of Des Moines. He also owned and operated one of the first gristmills in Polk county, furnishing flour to the Twenty-third and Twenty-ninth Regiments camped at Des Moines at the time of the Rebellion. Mr. and Mrs. Fagen were both twice married and were the parents of sixteen children, Ezra B. being one of a family of seven. He was the eldest of the five of those who grew to maturity. The others were: Victoria T., now de- ceased, who married H. H. Robinson and who was the mother of four sons ; William P., now living in Texas, the father of four sons and two daughters; Monroe E., living at Perry, Iowa, who has a family of six sons and four daughters ; and Morton A., the father of two daughters. He makes his home in Canada.

Ezra B. Fagen received his education in the early schools of this city and about the time he laid his books aside enlisted in Company F, Forty-seventh Iowa Volunteers, serving with great credit in behalf of the Union. One of his half brothers, J. 'E. Fagen, and another, E. P. Ashford, were members of Company A, Twenty-third Iowa Infantry, for three years. After returning from the army Mr. Fagen devoted his attention to farming and stock-raising in Polk and Dallas counties, becoming very successful in a business to which he was well adapted by inclination and experience. He also engaged extensively in the grain business but during recent years has been prominent in Des Moines real-estate circles. He is the owner of a highly improved place in northwest Des Moines, where he now resides.

E. B. FAGEN

565

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK. COUNTY.

Mr. Fagen is president of the Urbandale Improvement Association, which consists of a number of citizens banded together to build up the part of the city in which they live. This organization proposes that all shall work together for the common good, eliminating party sentiment and laboring only for the best interests of the members and of the community. Active membership in the association is limited to those financially interested, but associate members may be accepted though they have no voting power or voice in the management of the affairs of the organization. Homes are now in progress of erection, a city schoolhouse has been built, Beaver avenue has been paved to the city limits and numerous other valuable improvements are completed or under way. The progress of this community will be awaited with considerable interest as it is founded on somewhat original lines and already gives evidence of being a pronounced success.

Or: the 3d of February, 1875, Mr. Fagen was united in marriage to Miss Ella Perkins, a daughter of Rev. Lester Perkins, who died January 29, 19II. He was a well-known Methodist minister, coming to Des Moines in August, 1868, and being connected after that time with the Northwestern Life Insurance Company and later with the firm of Perkins & Perkins. Four children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Fagen: Jennie Clare, now the wife of Rev. William J. Lockhart; Grace, now the wife of Dr. C. E. Clark; Lester Perkins, who married Alice J. Sander ; and Hazel.

Mr. Fagen early learned the value of education and although he has never aspired to public office, he served while living in the country as a member of the schoolboard and since coming to Des Moines filled a similar position for three years on the school board of this city. Religiously he is identified with the Grace Methodist Episcopal church of Des Moines, being on the official board of that church since very early in its history. He is a valued member of the Grand Army of the Republic and politically is identified with the repub- lican party. That he is a lover of his country was demonstrated when he donned the uniform of the blue, and in all the years that have passed he has adhered to worthy ideals and by word and example has contributed to the happiness and permanent welfare of those with whom he has associated.

FRED LLOYD WELLS, M. D.

Successfully conducting a large private practice and also during the period of his residence in Des Moines doing much important municipal work, Dr. Fred Lloyd Wells is now well known as one of the leading physicians of the capital city. He was born at Port Jervis, New York, April 20, 1868. His father, Edgar A. Wells, of Scotch-Welsh descent, was born in Milford, Pike county, Pennsyl- vania, in 1830, and devoted much of his life to the service of railroad and express companies but retired a number of years ago. He still makes his home in Port Jervis. In early manhood he wedded Emma Grenell, who was born in New Jersey, in 1837, and is descended from one of the old Huguenot families. Mr. Wells has passed the eighty-first milestone on life's journey and his wife has reached the age of seventy-four. Both are members of families which were represented in the patriot army of the Revolutionary war.

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 66

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