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 76

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 76

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).

In Des Moines on the 15th of November, 1905, Mr. Anderson was united in marriage to Miss Lucille Carr, a daughter of B. F. Carr. His political al- legiance Mr. Anderson has always accorded the republican party ever since being granted the right of franchise, and while he takes an interest in all mu- nicipal affairs he has been too absorbed in his practice to participate extensively in civic activities.

T. EDWARD DYSON.

One of Des Moines' enterprising automobile men is T. Edward Dyson, who is the local representative of some of the best companies in the country. He is a native of Illinois, his birth occurring on the family homestead in White- side county on the 4th of September, 1864, his parents being James and Rachel (Mounts) Dyson. The father, who was born in Indiana in 1836, when a very small boy removed with his parents, Hesekiah and Mackadoo Dyson, to Illinois. They were among the pioneer settlers of the state and in going to their desti- nation passed through Chicago, which was then little more than a village. The grandfather, who spent the remainder of his life in Illinois, always engaged in agricultural pursuits, which was likewise the vocation of the son, James Dyson, who passed away while still a very young man. The mother, who is still living and makes her home at Manilla, Iowa, is also a native of Indiana. She is a woman who always takes an active interest in the social life of the community where she resides and is well and favorably known in the vicinity of her home.

Being reared upon a farm T. Edward Dyson acquired his elementary educa- tion in the district schools of the county where he was born, following which he attended college for a time. After completing his education he worked for two years as an engineer on a steamboat. At the expiration of that period, however, he resolved to adopt the vocation of his father and grandfather and coming to Crawford county he located upon a farm, in the cultivation of which he engaged for ten years. He then withdrew from agricultural pursuits and went into the mercantile business in Manilla, continuing to be identified with that vocation until 1909, when he came to Des Moines and engaged in the auto-

644

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

mobile business. He handles a high class of machines, among them being the Westcott, which are displayed in an attractive salesroom, and is receiving a most gratifying patronage, his being recognized as one of the best establishments in the city.

Mr. Dyson was united in marriage in Manilla in January, 1890, to Miss Agnes Barber, a daughter of John P. and Emma Barber. The parents, who were natives of Vermont, came to Iowa in 1885, locating upon a farm, in the culti- vation of which the father has ever since been interested. Three children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Dyson: James Everett, who was born in Manilla on the 16th of September, 1891, now a student at Drake University; Ralph, whose birth occurred in the same place in December, 1906; and Mildred, the only daughter, who was born in September, 1902, and passed away at the age of about two years. The religious views of the family coincide with the prin- ciples of the Methodist Episcopal denomination, in which they hold membership. Fraternally Mr. Dyson affiliates with the Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen of America and the Brotherhood of American Yeomen. He is also a member of the Automobile Club.

Although Mr. Dyson's political views accord with the principles of the republican party, he always avails himself of the privilege of casting an inde- pendent ballot at municipal elections. He is one of the best known men in his line of business in the city and, owing to his pleasing personality, gracious manner to patrons and progressive ideas, has built up a most excellent patronage in the brief period of his residence here.

ANDREW W. CARLSON, JR.

Andrew W. Carlson, Jr., prominently associated with the development of the coal fields of Iowa, entered, it is true, upon a business already established, but he has displayed marked energy and ability in enlarging and controlling his interests as one of the coal operators of the state. He is secretary of the Dela- ware Coal Company and High Bridge Coal Company, and as such occupies a very prominent position in business circles in Des Moines. He was born May 8, 1884, in the capital city, his parents being Andrew W. and Julia A. (Gustafson) Carlson. His father, a native of Sweden, is a coal mine operator of Polk county, long actively associated with the business. The mother was born in Webster county, Iowa.

In the public schools of East Des Moines Andrew W. Carlson, Jr., pur- sued his education until he had completed the high-school course with the class of 1903. He also spent two years as a student in Grinnell College and then turned his attention to the development of coal interests of the country, joining his father in the Delaware Coal Company, of which he was made secretary. He has since filled the position and in addition to discharging the duties which de- volve upon him in an executive capacity he has also devoted a part of his time to the supervision of the output of the mines. He is also connected with the Zimbleman Coal Company of Boone, Iowa, and the High Bridge Coal Company of Madrid, Iowa. In the three mines over four hundred and fifty men are employed on an average and the output is twelve hundred and fifty tons daily. Mr. Carlson is also financially interested in the Dewelbackman Lumber Com- pany of Madrid, of which he is a director, and the Scandia Brick & Tile Company of Madrid, of which he is likewise serving as a director. He thus has voice in the management of a number of important industrial and commercial enter- prises which are prominent elements in the business activity of the different localities in which they are located.

645

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

On the 26th of June, 1907, Mr. Carlson was married to Miss Elizabeth Alexander, a daughter of I. Alexander, and a native of Grinnell, where her people settled at an early day. They now have one child, Andrew Alexander, who was born in Des Moines, February 13, 1909.

Mr. Carlson is fond of all manly outdoor sports and athletics and belongs to the Grand View Golf Club, and the Hyperion Field and Motor Club. He is also identified with several fraternal orders, including the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Homesteaders. In politics he is a progressive republican. The family attend the Congregational church and in his life Mr. Carlson exemplifies many of the sterling traits of character for which the people of Swedish birth and lineage have ever been noted. Added to this is the enterprising American spirit which has constituted the foundation of the country's commercial great- ness. He early recognized the fact that diligence and determination constitute the basic elements of success and along those lines he is seeking to expand the business interests of the various companies with which he is connected.

COLONEL HUGH BOYD HEDGE.

The study of success is always of widespread interest. It has in it something of the appeal of battle as it is imbued with the spirit of valor and bravery, for the man who enters business life must fight his way courageously and with much determination if he would win victory in commercial, industrial or professional life. With energy and enterprise Colonel Hedge has worked for success until he has attained a prominent position in business circles of Des Moines. His birth occurred in Greene county, Pennsylvania, on the 29th of October, 1839, his parents being William and Isabelle (Boyd) Hedge, who were of English and Irish descent respectively. The parents of William Hedge came from England about one hundred and twenty-five years ago, settling in Fayette county, Penn- sylvania, while the maternal grandparents of our subject came from the vicinity of Belfast, Ireland, about one hundred and fifteen years ago. William Hedge, the father of Colonel Hedge, was an agriculturist by occupation.

In the acquirement of an education Hugh B. Hedge attended the common schools of Greene and Washington counties, Pennsylvania. General agricultural pursuits afterward claimed his attention until he enlisted for service in the Union army as a young man of twenty-one years. He had planted his first crop but left it when war was declared and joined the army as a private, enlist- ing for three years in the first cavalry company, mustered into the United States service for three years, which was known as the Ringgold Cavalry. Soon after- ward he was appointed a non-commissioned officer, holding that office until he was honorably discharged. During the course of the war he participated in more than fifty battles, including those at Cedar Creek, Fisher's Hill, Gettys- burg, Pennsylvania ; Romney, West Virginia; Red House, West Virginia, two at Winchester and others of lesser importance. He was captured at one time but was freed after being deprived of his horse and arms. At Romney his horse was shot from under him in a skirmish but he fortunately escaped in- jury and in fact was never once wounded though an active participant in over fifty engagements. Colonel Hedge saw enough of war to firmly believe in Sherman's definition of it. He served on the staff of Governor Cummins for seven years and for two years on that of Governor Carroll, by whom he had been reappointed. He was again appointed to the same office for a two years' term and is still serving. For one year, 1898, he acted as commander of Crocker Post, G. A. R.

646

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

In the spring of 1866 Colonel Hedge came from Pennsylvania to Pella and from there to Des Moines in a stage coach, there being still no railroads here. For five years he devoted his attention to farming and stock-raising, residing about sixteen miles northwest of Des Moines. Subsequently he embarked in business as a general merchant in association with George C. Baker, conducting a store at Polk City for about five years. On the expiration of that period he entered the hardware trade at Des Moines, successfully conducting an establish- ment of that character until 1878. In that year, in partnership with G. C. Baker, he formed The Baker Barbed Wire Company, serving first as vice president of the concern and becoming its president in 1891. The following year he was chosen vice president of the Kratzer Carriage Company and is still serving in that capacity. This is one of the most extensive manufacturing concerns in the west, about twenty thousand high-class vehicles being sent out annually. In 1892 Colonel Hedge assisted in the organization and was elected president of the Flint Brick Company of Des Moines. In 1895 he assisted in the or- ganization of the Central State Bank and afterward served as its president for about six years. The wonderful success which has attended the institution is largely attributable to the splendid business ability and keen discernment of the management. Colonel Hedge is now vice president of the bank and like- wise a director of the Central Trust Company. His business life has been one of intense and unwearied industry, bringing him into close touch with the manu- facturing and moneyed interests of the state, and those with whom he is as- sociated recognize in him a man of high purposes as well as of marked business enterprise and activity.

On the 2d of October, 1870, at Polk City, Colonel Hedge was united in mar- riage to Miss Sue E. Robinson, a daughter of George and Mary (Onstott) Robinson. The father, who at one time served as sheriff of Beaver county, Pennsylvania, came to Iowa about 1858 and followed farming first near Rising Sun and later near Polk City.

In politics Colonel Hedge is a progressive republican, advocating such policies as championed by Senator Cummins. On the 8th of October, 1910, he was com- missioned United States pension agent for a term of four years. In 1887 he was elected president of the Iowa State Traveling Men's Association and was reelected in 1888 and 1889 and again reelected in 1903 and 1904, the latter being for two years, as the bylaws at that time had been changed to a term of two years instead of one as formerly. He is a valued member of the Grant Club, the Golf Club and the Country Club and also belongs to the Plymouth Congre- gational Association. His nature is social and his disposition cordial and, while he has at all times commanded the respect and admiration of his business col- leagues and associates, he has also enjoyed the warm friendship of those who have come within the closer circle of his acquaintance.

EUGENE W. WATERBURY.

To have been one of the Rough Riders under Colonel Roosevelt in Cuba would alone entitle one to honorable mention, but in the quieter walks of life Mr. Waterbury has perhaps done equally valuable if less spectacular service, being now secretary and treasurer of the Waterbury Chemical Company, pro- prietors of an extensive pharmaceutical business in Des Moines.

He was born in Muskegon, Michigan, May 23, 1872, a son of Stephen and Lydia E. (Overman) Waterbury. Investigation into the annals of the family show that his first American ancestors were among those who came to the new world on the second trip of the Mayflower and settled in the state of New York. On the paternal side there is mingled Scotch and German strains. While on the

EUGENE W. WATERBURY

649

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

maternal side the ancestry cannot be traced back to as remote a period, it is well known that the Overmans were among the pioneer residents of Iowa. Mrs. Waterbury was born in Muscatine and her father, J. M. Overman, was one of the first settlers of Black Hawk county and the first mayor of the city. He and his three brothers married the four daughters of Isaac Cooper, who was a nephew of James Fenimore Cooper. He came to Iowa in 1842 and was among the '49ers that went to California after the discovery of gold in that state. The first piano that was brought to Iowa was owned by him and is now in posses- sion of Eugene W. Waterbury. The death of Stephen Waterbury occurred April 14, 1881, while his wife survived until September 20, 1901. . In their family were five children: F. C., M. O. and E. W. Waterbury ; Fannie J., who became the wife of Clark O. Hoagland; and Addie, the wife of Merton H. Wick.

Eugene W. Waterbury was educated in the public schools of Cedar Falls, continuing his course until graduated from the high school with the class of 1891. His early experience in business life came to him as clerk in drug stores and in hotels in Iowa and Arizona. After the outbreak of the Spanish Ameri- can war, however, his method of life was materially changed for he offered his service to the government and joined the First United States Volunteer Cav- alry under Colonel Theodore Roosevelt. He assisted in organizing the regiment and was the last of the troops to be mustered out. The history of this regiment is too well known to need repetition here. The very mention of the words El Caney and Santiago at once conjure up a period of heroic military effort and brilliant victory wherein the Rough Riders inscribed their name indelibly upon the pages of American history devoted to military achievement. After receiving an honorable discharge Mr. Waterbury returned home and joined his brother in the conduct of a pharmaceutical business in Des Moines, of which he is secretary and treasurer. This undertaking has been crowned with success and the busi- ness has grown steadily along substantial lines until its trade interests cover a wide territory, while its sales have reached a large annual figure.

Mr. Waterbury was married in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1901, to Miss Arrita E. Gwin, a daughter of Thomas Gwin, of Iowa county, and on the 22d of August, 1903, there was born unto them twins, Theodore Eugene and Helen Belle Waterbury.

The parents hold membership in the Presbyterian church and Mr. Water- bury belongs also to the Knights of Pythias fraternity, the Grant Club, the Com- mercial Club and the East Des Moines Commercial Club. He has been iden- tified with that movement which has sought for the capital city a higher form of government and a more businesslike administration of municipal affairs, and he cooperates at all times in the movement for the general good. He is a progressive republican of the Roosevelt type and for two years served as alder- man, filling the position in 1906 and 1907. He cannot be said to be an office seeker, however, yet he is ever neglectful of his duties of citizenship and de- sires continuous advancement along the lines that tend toward progress, reform and improvement.

OLIVER LORENZ.

Oliver Lorenz, who has been identified with the commercial circles of Des Moines during the entire period of his active career, is a native of this city, his birth having occurred on the 6th of June, 1877. The parents, August and Marie (Bredemus) Lorenz, are both of German extraction, the father having been born in the Fatherland in 1842, while the mother is a native of Luxemburg, which at that time was under the French rule. Mr. Lorenz, who is a retired

Vol. II-32

650

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

real-estate man and the owner of considerable property which he is renting in this city, was a baker's apprentice in Keokuk at the time of the war and made hard-tack for the soldiers. Nine children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Lorenz, the following of whom are living: Augusta, the wife of F. C. Lindenmayer, Marengo, Iowa; Josephine, the wife of T. A. Hafner, Des Moines ; Jerome and Oswald who are both married and are residents of this city; Oliver, the sub- ject of this review ; Saraphine, also married and residing in this city ; and Leona, the wife of Otis Jones, of Des Moines.

After the completion of his education, which was acquired in the public schools of this city, Oliver Lorenz entered the employ of a patent medicine company. He only continued in this position for a brief time and then engaged in the book and stationery business, with which he was identified until 1909. Subsequently thereto he had formed a partnership with K. H. Guthrie and L. E. McMillen in the flower and seed business, which they had established at 420 Sixth avenue. They are now located at the corner of Seventh and Grand, where they have a large double store, and in addition to their former stock they now handle incubators, brooders and poultry supplies. They have built up a good patronage, which is constantly increasing, and are enjoying a business which gives assurance of most gratifying returns in its future development.

In Washington, D. C., on the Ist of June, 1905, was solemnized the mar- riage of Mr. Lorenz and Miss Halla Vernon, also a native of the Capital city and a daughter of W. S. Vernon, a mining prospector living near Joplin, Missouri.

Mr. Lorenz affiliates with the Iowa State Traveling Men's Association and votes the republican ticket. As he is too much absorbed in his private interests to have political aspirations he never actively participates in civic affairs, how- ever, devoting his entire attention to his business.

R. L. PARKER, M. D.

Tribute must ever be paid to the man whose determination of purpose en- ables him through his own unaided effort to overcome all obstacles in the way of the realization of his ambition. Such a man is Dr. R. L. Parker, who six years ago established an office in Highland Park, where he has built up an excellent practice when regarded from either a professional or financial point of view. One of Iowa's native sons, his birth occurred in Harrison county on the 14th of December, 1876, his parents being R. D. and Sarah (Sample) Parker, na- tives of Ohio and Indiana respectively. The father was a lad of six years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Iowa, locating in Har- rison county in 1856, where he is now living retired at a venerable age.

Being reared upon a farm the preliminary education of Dr. Parker was ob- tained in the common schools of Harrison county, following which he took a course at the Woodbine Normal, thus equipping himself for the vocation of teaching. He later entered the department of pharmacy at Highland Park Col- lege, from which he graduated in 1899. The pursuit of this course only tended to make him desirous of further study along similar lines and he resolved to become a physician. It was impossible for him to realize this ambition unless he could acquire the means through his own efforts, so remaining at Highland Park as a teacher he earned the money necessary to enable him to continue his studies in the medical department of Drake University. Necessarily his course was subject to interruption under the circumstances and he did not acquire his degree until 1906. Immediately thereupon he opened an office in Highland Park, where he was known to many of the residents who admired his per- sistency and firmness of purpose, recognizing in those traits the qualities which make for success in any vocation of life. As his practice developed and his

651

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

reputation as a physician became known Dr. Parker extended the field of his activities, and opened an office in the Fleming building in Des Moines. Here he is also being awarded the returns which his efforts and abilities justly merit. That his skill and comprehensive knowledge of the science which he is prac- ticing is recognized by the profession as well as the laity is evidenced by his being assigned the chair of materia medica and therapeutics at his alma mater. In June, 1902, was solemnized the marriage of Dr. Parker, and Miss Nellie Martin, who at that time was a student in the academic department of Highland Park College. Three sons have been born of this union: Wendell. Raymond and Robert. The religious views of Dr. and Mrs. Parker are manifested. in their membership in the Unitarian church. Dr. Parker is a Mason, having attained high rank in that order, his local identification being with Auburn lodge, of Highland Park, while he also affiliates with the Consistory and the Za-Ga-Zig Shrine at Des Moines. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Through the medium of the Polk County Medical Society, the State Medical Society, and the National Medical Association, as well as the Des Moines Pathological Society, he keeps in touch with the progress of his profession and his fellow practitioners.

To his personal worth and merit and gracious personality all credit must be given for Dr. Parker's advancement in his profession as well as skill in the sick room and at the surgical table. He possesses keen powers of perception, which enable him to recognize with wonderful accuracy the oftentimes baffling and mysterious symptoms of disease, to which fact can be attributed his repu- tation as a diagnostician.

WILLIAM S. HAZARD, JR.

William S. Hazard, Jr., came to Des Moines twelve years ago and soon be- came prominent in business circles, being now one of the active and highly suc- cessful men of the city, with a reputation extending far beyond the borders of the state. He was born on a farm in Johnson county, Iowa, April 8, 1871, and is a son of William S. and Mary (True) Hazard, the former of whom was born in Mississippi, December 29, 1840, and the latter in Maine, July 1, 1842. The father came to Iowa with his parents when he was five years of age and has since made his home in this state, being now a resident of Des Moines, where he located in 1900. The paternal grandfather of our subject was one of the early preachers of Iowa and was the second minister of the Presbyterian faith to assume charge at Iowa City. The ancestors on both sides of the house came from England, the Hazards being represented by three brothers, William, Thomas and Robert, who arrived in America early in the eighteenth century and set- tled in the New England colonies.

William S. Hazard, Jr., attended the country schools of Johnson and Grundy counties, Iowa, and also was a student during parts of three seasons at the Teachers State College of Cedar Falls, Iowa. He left school at nineteen and engaged in farming for two years, after which he went to St. Paul, Minnesota, and engaged in the hay and grain business, largely in the southern part of the state, for three years. He then disposed of his interest and became identified ·with the insurance and real-estate business at Osage, Iowa, but after a short time, in 1899, he came to Des Moines, believing this to be a more favorable center, and assisted in organizing the Des Moines Mutual Hail & Cyclone In- surance Association, of which he was made secretary, the president being O. G. Chesley. The business has developed upon an extensive scale and now ex- tends over six western states. The company maintains a large and well qual-

652

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

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 76

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