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 77

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 77

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ified force in the field and is one of the substantial and growing organizations of Iowa.

Mr. Hazard is also identified with various other busines concerns. He is a member of the firm of Hazard & Chesley, general agents of the Central National Fire Insurance Company of Chicago, controlling the business of the company in fire and hail insurance in a number of western states. He is also vice president of the Emigration Land Company, and a director of the Anchor Fire Insurance Company. He is a large landholder and owns land in Iowa, Texas, Colorado, South Dakota and Canada, being a firm believer in the future growth of land values throughout the west and northwest.

On the Ioth of December, 1902, Mr. Hazard was married, at Des Moines, to Miss Charlotte Price, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. S. Price, natives of West Virginia. To this union one child, William Kenneth, has been born, his natal day being January 31, 1904. Politically Mr. Hazard is identified with the republican party, but he has never taken an active part in politics and has no ambition to hold public office. Fraternally he is prominent in the Masonic order and holds membership in Pioneer Lodge of Des Moines, the consistory and shrine. He is also a member of Lodge No. 98, B. P. O. E., of this city, and of the Grant and Golf and Country Clubs. His wife is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Hazard gives his hearty cooperation to move- ments for the public good and has gained deserved recognition as one of the leaders in business in Des Moines.

EDWARD R. CUNNINGHAM.

An engineer of Des Moines whose powers have been accorded more than local recognition is Edward R. Cunningham, the superintendent of the electrical department of the City Railway Company. He was born in Jackson, Michigan, on the 5th of March, 1868, and is a son of Robert and Mary Jane Cunningham, also natives of Michigan, the father having been born in 1844, and the mother in 1846. Robert Cunningham, who was a successful agriculturist and stockman, went to Jackson when a young man and by his own perseverance and energy acquired the means to become a property owner. He continued to reside there until he passed away in 1898. His wife survived until 1910. her demise oc- curring on the 28th of December.

The preliminary education of Edward R. Cunningham was obtained in the common schools of his native state, after which he attended Spring Arbor Seminary, from which he graduated in 1887. Subsequently he entered Albion College, from which institution he was granted the degree of Ph. B. with the class of 1890. Having decided upon electrical engineering for his life vocation he later matriculated in the technical department of the University of Michigan, being awarded his degree in 1893. Immediately following the completion of his course he was offered a position in the plant of the Jackson Light Power Company, which he accepted, remaining in charge there for two years. With- drawing at the expiration of that time he went to Fort Dodge, Iowa, to become superintendent of the light and power company in that town. He continued in that capacity for seven years, during which time he installed the Arnold electric power station. In 1902 the Des Moines City Railway Company having recognized his worth and ability asked him to become superintendent of their electrical department, which position he continues to fill in a manner highly satisfactory to the officials of the company.

Mr. Cunningham is a man of much more than average ability and has in- vented several electric appliances. upon which he has been granted patents, that are going to prove of practical value and general utility. As a writer upon

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electrical subjects he is both forceful and comprehensive, his articles being readily accepted by many of the leading journals. He is an indefatigable student, and despite the fact that he is widely recognized as an authority among the members of his profession is constantly striving to acquire a better under- standing of electricity, which science he feels is still in its elementary form, so far as man's knowledge and understanding of it is concerned.

In Jackson, Michigan, in October, 1894, Mr. Cunningham was united in mar- riage to Miss Mary J. Satterthwaite, whose parents were among the pioneer settlers of Michigan. Two children have been born of this union: Thelma May, whose birth occurred in 1898, and Marion C., who was born in 1900. -

The religious faith of Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham is evidenced by their membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, while fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order, through the medium of Ashley Lodge, No. III, A. F. & A. M., the Elks, Modern Woodmen of America and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Fort Dodge. He is also a member of the American In- stitute of Electrical Engineers, which enables him to maintain active relation- ship with the fellow members of his profession. While he has always been too absorbed in his work to devote much attention to politics Mr. Cunningham takes an interest in all civic affairs and gives his support to the candidates of the republican party.

HARRY ELLSWORTH RUNYON.

The commercial interests of Des Moines find a worthy representative in Harry Ellsworth Runyon, the treasurer of the C. C. Prouty Company, wholesale grocers. A spirit of enterprise characterizes him in all of his undertakings in the mercantile world and his business ability, executive force and unfaltering diligence have been the points which have brought him from a humble position to the prominent place which he now occupies. He was born in Oskaloosa, Iowa, August 12, 1864, a son of James H. and Anna (Stephenson) Runyon. The father who was born in Champaign county, Ohio, devoted his life to the live-stock business and died July 14, 1896, having for about twenty-four years survived his wife, who was a native of Ohio and died in 1872.

Harry E. Runyon was a pupil in the public schools of Oskaloosa to the age of fifteen years, passing through consecutive grades, so that constantly broad- ening knowledge well qualified him for the practical duties of business life. His first position was that of clerk in the retail grocery store owned by A. Ken- dig at Oskaloosa, with whom he remained for two years, his experience during that period qualifying him for the larger responsibilities which came to him when he entered the employ of the H. L. Spencer Company, wholesale grocers of that city. He there thoroughly acquainted himself with the different branches of the wholesale grocery business, continuing with the firm for fourteen years. Promotion came to him from time to time as his capability increased but he sought broader opportunities in the larger city of Des Moines and, resigning his position with the Spencer Company, came to the capital, where he entered into active connections with the C. C. Prouty Company. He has been associated with this house for thirteen years, becoming a member of the firm on the Ist of Jan- uary, 1901. He was soon afterward elected secretary and in January, 1909, was chosen treasurer of the company. Throughout the period of his connection with the house his labors have been an effective element in the development and growth of the business. He studies along the lines of progress in mercantile affairs and has been active in promptly executing well defined plans of his own devising and those made by his fellow officers in the business organization.

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On the 23d of May, 1888, Mr. Runyon was married to Miss Edith A. Eby, a daughter of William W. Eby, a native of Indiana. They have three children, as follows: Erma, whose birth occurred on the 3d of October, 1892; Eola, who first opened her eyes to the light of day on the 28th of January, 1895; and Leta, whose natal day was January 29, 1897. All were born at Oskaloosa, Iowa. The family are members of the Presbyterian church and are well known socially in the city. In his political views Mr. Runyon is a republican and in politics, as in other relations of life, manifests a progressive spirit that is never content with existing conditions but seeks broader avenues of activity and use- fulness. In his business career he has never regarded any position as final but rather as the starting point for further advancement.

HORATIO FREDERIC DALE.

Horatio Frederic Dale, a prominent leader of the democratic party in Des Moines and a strong and able member of the capital city bar, practicing as senior member of the firm of Dale & Harvison, was born in London, England, May 8, 1849. His father, Henry Ridley Dale, a merchant of London, never came to the new world. Both he and his wife, who bore the maiden name of Mar- garet Barnett, were of English and Scotch descent. .

Horatio F. Dale was educated in the schools of London, under private tutors and in classes of the London University College, in which he pursued his studies to the age of twenty-one years. He embarked at Liverpool for America on the 12th of October, 1870, and after traveling through Canada made his way direct to Dubuque, Iowa, where he began teaching in the district schools of Dubuque county. While thus engaged he devoted his leisure time to reading law, reading a part of the time in the office of Wilson & O'Donnell, and in the spring of 1872 was admitted to the bar. In 1874 he removed to Adams county, Iowa, where he pursued his profession for eighteen years, and then, seeking a broader field of labor, came to Des Moines in 1892. While in Adams county he was a partner of Hon. Thomas L. Maxwell, now judge of the district court of Iowa, under the firm style of Maxwell & Dale, and later was associated with Burg Brown in the firm of Dale & Brown, which association they continued for five years after Mr. Dale's removal to Des Moines. Mr. Dale next entered into partnership relations with Silas B. Allen and the firm of Dale & Allen enjoyed a liberal clientage for several years. In 1903 he entered into his present part- nership relations, being joined by William G. Harvison under the firm style of Dale & Harvison. This is recognized as one of the leading law firms of the city. From 1903 until 1909 he was a member of the law faculty of Drake Uni- versity, which has conferred upon him the degrees of LL. B. and LL. M. A man of well balanced intellect, thoroughly familiar with the law and practice and of comprehensive general information, Mr. Dale possesses an analytical mind that enables him to recognize the relative value of every point in his case and at the same time he presents his cause in a clear and forcible manner that leaves no doubt as to the logic of his position or of the law applicable thereto.

He has been prominent in the public life of the state and is recognized as one of the democratic leaders of Iowa. From 1894 until 1896 he was a mem- ber of the commission to revise the code of Iowa, which commission was formed of five members, two elected by the house, one by the senate and two selected by the supreme court, Mr. Dale being one of the two chosen by the supreme court. In 1892 he was a democratic nominee for presidential elector for the eighth district and the following year was the democratic nominee for the state senate in the district composed of Adams and Taylor counties. In 1894 he was made his party's nominee for secretary of state and in 1910 was nominated

CITY OF DES MOINES AND POLK COUNTY

by the democrats for judge of the district court in the ninth judicial district of Iowa. His frequent selection for candidacy to some important office indi- cates his high standing in his party and he has always polled a strong vote, in- dicating his personal popularity and the confidence reposed in his ability by his fellow citizens. He belongs to the Polk County Bar Association, the Iowa State Bar Association and the American Bar Association, and his fellow members of the profession recognize in him one of the strong representatives of the Iowa bar.

Mr. Dale was married in Corning, Iowa, in September, 1883, to Miss Elsie J. McCune, a daughter of Pardon C. McCune, whose ancestors came from Ire- land. Mrs. Dale was born in Ohio and by her marriage has become the mother of five children, Horace R., Hylton F., Harold W., H. Cecil and Elsie Nina, all natives of Corning and all yet at home.

Mr. Dale is a Knight Templar and a Noble of the Mystic Shrine and has attained the thirty-third degree in the Scottish Rite. He has served as worship- ful master of two blue lodges, including Pioneer Lodge, No. 22, of Des Moines. For two years he was Wise Master of Emanuel Chapter of Rose Croix, No. 3. He was likewise commander in chief of Des Moines Consistory, No. 3, for two years, and previously filled a number of minor offices. He ranks high in Masonry as an exemplary representative of the craft and one whose service has been an effective element in promoting the growth and work of the order. He is a man of social, genial nature, highly respected by all, and during the period of his residence in Des Moines has been recognized as a factor in the city's legal and commercial development.

JOSEPH L. KRATZ.

Joseph L. Kratz was during the last eight years of his life a resident of Des Moines and in that period endeared himself to many of his fellow townsmen by reason of those sterling qualities of character which in every land and clime awaken confidence and regard. He was born July 23, 1867, at Sterling, Illinois, a ·son of John Kratz, formerly a farmer of Whiteside county, Illinois, but now living retired in Sterling. He wedded Mary Loux, who is also still living.

Spending his boyhood days under the parental roof, Joseph L. Kratz pursued his education in the public schools and also attended a business college, his commercial training well qualifying him for the position of bookkeeper in the First National Bank at Sterling, to which he was appointed soon after leaving school. He acted in that capacity for a number of years, after which he be- came bookkeeper for the Sterling Manufacturing Company at Kock Falls, Illi- nois. A few years later he engaged in the conduct of a grain elevator business at Amboy, but eventually sold out to turn his attention to merchandising at Paw- paw, Illinois, where he carried on business for six years. This brought him to the year 1901, at which time he came to Des Moines as the Iowa representative of the Sterling Manufacturing Company. He was for three years a resident of the capital city, at the end of which time he went to Columbus, Ohio, for the same company, which he represented there for a year. He was next sent to Council Bluffs on expert work for the company and remained in that city for a year. He then returned to Des Moines, severing his connection with the Sterling company to accept the position of representative for the Sandwich Manufacturing Company of this city. Still later he engaged as bookkeeper for the Des Moines Implement Company and was filling that position at the time of his death, which occurred on the 31st of August, 1909. His long association with different houses is proof positive of his ability and fidelity. What he undertook he always accomplished and determination and energy were crowning

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points in his career. He was splendidly qualified for his chosen line of work and this enabled him at all times to command remunerative positions, while in all business relations he enjoyed the confidence and respect of his fellowmen.

On the 14th of January, 1891, Mr. Kratz was united in marriage, at Ster- ling, Illinois, to Miss Idelia John, who was born in that place and is a daughter of George B. and Mary A. John, who were farming people and pioneer settlers of Whiteside county Illinois. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kratz were born four chil- dren : Ella V., George J., Pearl V. and Lowell B.

In his political views Mr. Kratz was a republican and a public-spirited cit- izen, whose indorsement could always be counted upon when matters of public moment were up for consideration. He was loyal to the teachings of the Ma- sonic fraternity and a faithful member of the Modern Woodmen camp. The basic principles of his life, however, were found in his religious faith, which was in accord with the teachings of the Methodist denomination, his member- ship being in Capital Park Methodist Episcopal church. At all times honorable and upright, there was much in the life of Joseph L. Kratz to awaken the kindly regard and warm friendship of his fellowmen.

DAVID S. McQUISTON.

David S. McQuiston, now living retired at Des Moines and widely known in Polk county as one of its most worthy and patriotic citizens, was born in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, November II, 1834. He received his early edu- cation in his native state and there grew to manhood, having in the meantime learned the carpenter's trade. In 1856 he came to Des Moines, which was then a small village, mainly of log houses, and presenting little evidence that it would ever become the beautiful city which it is today. After working at his trade for some time Mr. McQuiston located land in Saylor township, where he built a home, but, having taken unto himself a wife, he began his domestic life upon the home place of his father-in-law.

In 1862 he enlisted in the Twenty-third Iowa Volunteers and served in the Army of the West until August 27, 1865, when he received his honorable dis- charge in Texas. During the entire period of his enlistment he was never absent from his regiment and was present at every engagement in which it par- ticipated. He was greatly praised by his officers for his faithful performance of every duty. After returning from the war he continued actively engaged in farming until 1874, when he rented the farm and moved to Des Moines to educate his children. Here he worked at his trade for a number of years and also filled the position of deputy county auditor under his son, continuing in that office for two years after the son retired. During recent years Mr. Mc- Quiston has devoted his attention to looking after his private interests and, having acquired a competence, he is enjoying the results of well directed ap- plication.

In 1858 Mr. McQuiston was united in marriage, in Saylor township, to Miss Avis Saylor, who was born in Van Buren county, Iowa, in 1837, a daughter of John B. and Mary (Howard) Saylor, the latter of whom was born near Dayton, Ohio, in 1811. The father was born in Boone county, Indiana, in 1807, and came to Van Buren county, Iowa, in 1836, being one of the pioneers of the county. He entered land on the Des Moines river, upon which he took up his residence, engaging as a stock-raiser and farmer. The noted Indian chief, Black Hawk, lived in a cabin on this farm and became a warm friend of Mr. Saylor, many other Indians in the region also being attracted by the white man's friendly attitude. In 1845 Mr. Saylor secured a contract to furnish the garrison at Fort Des Moines with beef and provisions. Accordingly he purchased

MR. AND MRS. DAVID S. McQUISTON

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three hundred acres of land six miles north of Des Moines, in what is now Saylor township, and established himself in a large home, which was for many years the family residence. He improved his farm by the erection of buildings, fences, planting of orchards, etc., making it one of the most valuable places in the county. In 1863, having been selected as sutler of the Twenty- third Iowa Regiment, he went into the field with the command and died while doing service in the south. His remains were afterward brought to Polk county by Mr. McQuiston and were deposited amidst the scenes with which he was familiar. He will be remembered as one of the prominent factors in the development of Polk county and also as a man of unusual determination, energy and personal worth. The town of Saylorville is located upon a part of the farm which Mr. Saylor owned and was named in his honor.

Mrs. Saylor continued to live upon the home farm after her husband's death, but in 1878 she came to Des Moines and spent the remainder of her life with her daughter. She was a stanch friend of the early immigrants and pioneers and no labor or sacrifice was to her too great if expended in their behalf. She often invited the wives and children of immigrants to spend the night at her home, and when the travelers resumed the journey the next day she liberally supplied them with provisions. She was a constant and un- wearied friend of the sick and unfortunate, often sitting up all night at the bedside of the suffering neighbor, and also supplying food and medicines when necessary. She justly deserves a place as one of the remarkable women among the pioneers of Iowa. She was the mother of eight children, namely : Thomas J., who served through the war in the Twenty-third Iowa Infantry and is now living near Des Moines; Austin W., deceased, who served also in the war; James, deceased, who served in the Twenty-third Iowa Infantry ; William and Albin, both deceased; John, a member of the Twenty-third Iowa Infantry who died in 1868; George, now living in Texas; and Avis, who mar- ried David S. McQuiston.

To Mr. and Mrs. McQuiston eleven children were born: John, who served as county auditor of Polk county three terms and is now located in Idaho, being the father of one child, Roy; Edward, deceased; Martha, now Mrs. William. Spry; Carrie, the wife of F. M. Snyder, of Idaho; and Addie, at home. The other children all died young.

Mr. McQuiston by an energetic and useful life has greatly endeared himself to those who know him. He has spent his life in Iowa since 1856, with the ex- ception of three years, when he served as a loyal soldier of the Union during the Civil war, and has been an eye witness of the marvelous changes which have taken place from the log cabin to the magnificent modern home, and to all the recent appliances and appointments of civilization. In his affairs he has always been controlled by principles of honor and integrity, and his services to the county and his fellowmen fully entitle him to recognition as one of the sub- stantial citizens of Iowa.

WALTER IRISH.

The distinction of being the oldest member of the staff of the Polk county courthouse belongs to Walter Irish, who for twenty-four years has been court reporter. One of Iowa's sons Mr. Irish was born in Van Buren county on the 8th of October, 1863. The father, James D. Irish, was born in Licking county, Ohio, on the 10th of November, 1825, migrating from that state to Indiana, where he resided for several years, then removing to Iowa and engaging in agricultural and mercantile pursuits. He was twice married, four children be- ing born of each union. His second wife was Cecelia Dahlberg, who was born

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in Brantivik, Sweden, on the 15th of November, 1827. They were the parents of the following children: Curtis F., Walter, Sherman and Charles T., all married and residents of this city. The father passed away on the IIth of November, 1909.

Walter Irish was reared at home, acquiring his education in the public schools of his native county, after the completion of which he came to Des Moines to take a position in the office of his mother's brother, Mr. Dahlberg, who was a lawyer and court reporter. In order to increase his speed in shorthand he had his nephew read legal documents to him. In this way Mr. Irish became interested in the work and decided that he, too, would become a reporter. He took time during the early period of his reporting to study law and in 1899 was awarded his degree from Drake University. In addition to his court work Mr. Irish has also reported at the legislative assemblies and political conven- tions. He became a resident of Des Moines in 1883, being at that time twenty years of age, and has lived here ever since with the exception of two years when he was identified with the legal department of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad at Burlington.

Mr. Irish was married on the 6th of September, 1886, to Miss Mary E. Duffield, a native of Keosauqua, and a daughter of J. H. and Melissa (Stanard) Duffield. Her parents resided at Jerseyville, Illinois, where the father was engaged in the grain business. He died July 30, 1904, and the mother passed away May 8, 1911. Mrs. Irish belongs to one of the old American families, her ancestors having settled in this country before the Revolution, in which war some of them participated.

Mr. Irish belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the Royal Arcanum, while his political support has always been accorded to the candidates of the republi- can party. That he is a most competent representative of his profession is evidenced by his long period of connection with the court of Polk county, the length of his service paying the greatest possible tribute to his ability.

LENNA L. MEANES, M. D.

In no field of professional activity in which women compete with men have they made more rapid or successful progress than in that of medicine, for the practice of which science they are most ably adapted by nature. One of the prominent women physicians of Des Moines is Dr. Lenna L. Meanes, who for a period of fourteen years has been engaged in the practice of her profession in this city. She was born in Jasper county, this state, her parents being T. L. and Louisa C. (Creighton) Meanes. The father, who was a native of North Carolina, came to Iowa when a boy, locating in Mitchellville during pioneer days. He was one of the well known and successful farmers and stock-raisers of that section. A man of more than average intellect and business acumen he was highly respected in the community where he resided.

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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 77

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