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 84

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 84

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Vol. II-35

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of the Iowa Mutual Tornado Insurance Association and also as vice president of the Mechanics Savings Bank.

In 1895 Mr. Gross was married to Miss Jennie K. Layman, a daughter of Captain Estes H. and Margaret Elizabeth (Cornelius) Layman and a repre- sentative of an old pioneer family, Albert G. Layman having come to the county in 1851. Mr. and Mrs. Gross have one son, Harry L., born in 1896. Mr. Gross belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias and other fraternal organizations and also to the Hyperion Club. He is a man of enterprising spirit and of firm purpose who cannot be swerved from a course that he believes to be right. His loyalty in citizenship is above question and it is well known that he would sacrifice individual interests at any time for the public good.

JOHN J. MANBECK.

John J. Manbeck, one of the enterprising and successful business men of Des Moines, enjoys an extensive patronage as the proprietor of a livery, feed and sales stable at Nos. 413 and 415 Fourth street. His birth occurred in Indi- ana on the 24th of January, 1855, his parents being David and Sophia (Winters) Manbeck, both of whom were born in Ohio. The father followed general agri- cultural pursuits in Ohio for several years and then removed to Indiana, where he purchased a tract of eighty acres and began clearing and improving the property, operating it for several years. Subsequently he traded the farm for two hundred and twenty acres of land (sight unseen) in Allen township, Polk county, Iowa, and also entered four hundred acres on the present site of the army post, paying a dollar and a quarter an acre for the property. To the operation of both of these places he devoted his attention until 1882, erecting a house worth ten thousand dollars on his farm of two hundred and twenty acres. In 1882 he sold he property at fifty dollars an acre and took up his abode near Oak Hollow, South Dakota, where he purchased two thousand acres and began the work of improvement, buying two steam plows at eighteen hun- dred dollars each to break up the land. He erected a house, barns and other outbuildings and also fenced the fields, but at the end of five years was con- vinced that he could not make a success of farming in South Dakota and re- turned to Polk county. Here he re-purchased part of his old home place and thereon discovered a vein of coal, which he disposed of for eight thousand dollars. Subsequently he sold all his land except forty acres and removed to Carlisle, Iowa, where he resided for six years on a six-acre tract, when he disposed of the place and went to Roseburg, Oregon. In that state he took up a timber claim and also bought twenty acres of land for one thousand dollars. Eventually, however, he disposed of the property and took up his abode in Roseburg, where he lived in honorable retirement until called to his final rest on the 10th of February, 19II. Both he and his wife were buried in' the cemetery of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Roseburg, Oregon, Mrs. Manbeck passing away in March, 1909.

John J. Manbeck was reared in Polk county and obtained his early education in the district schools, while later he attended Simpson College at Indianola, Iowa, and after leaving that institution pursued a course of study in Ames Agricultural College, at Ames, Iowa. After putting aside his text-books he went to Pueblo, Colorado, where for a short time he was employed in the drug store of Dr. Snyder. On returning to Polk county he purchased eighty acres of land from his father in Bloomfield township and began improving the property, operating the same for two years. At the end of that time he sold the farm for thirty-two hundred dollars and bought another tract of eighty acres, culti-

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vating the same for five years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Dallas Center, Iowa, where for one season he was engaged in the elevator business in association with his brother-in-law. He next came to Des Moines and secured a position with the McCormick Machine Company, settling up their outside business. The following spring he took up his abode on his father's farm, cleared the timber from sixty acres and operated the same for five years, paying an annual rent of five hundred and forty dollars. On leav- ing the farm he came to Des Moines in order that his children might benefit by the educational privileges to be enjoyed here. In this city he opened a livery, feed and sales stable at Nos. 212, 214 and 216 Grand avenue, remaining at that location for twenty-two years and paying seventeen thousand dollars rent to the Polk and Hubbell estate. In October, 1908, he removed to his present location on Fourth street, where he has since conducted a splendidly equipped livery stable and enjoys a large patronage. He keeps only first class. vehicles and also handles fast horses, owning four which he intends to enter for the races in the present year. He owns a fine home at No. 1707 West Eighth street, where he has resided for the past twenty-four years, having also owned several other pieces of property in the city.

On the 26th of September, 1876, Mr. Manbeck was united in marriage to Miss Barbara S. Geil, a daughter of Noah M. and Sophia (Beery) Geil, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. They came to Iowa at an early day and began farming in Norwalk. Subsequently Mr. Geil took up his abode in Bloom- field township and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land near where the army post now stands, cultivating the same until he had attained the age of sixty years. He then leased the property to his sons and spent the remainder of his life in honorable retirement at Norwalk, passing away in March, 1907. He lost his first wife in 1894 and was married a second time. Unto our subject and his wife were born six children, namely: Rosie, who died in 1881, when four years of age; Ora M., thirty-two years of age, who is with the Iowa Bridge Company : Rolland, a young man of thirty, proprietor of the Ideal Dress Club at the university; Dorothy, who is the wife of Ralph McCaughan and resides on a farm seven miles south of Des Moines; Earl, a young married man of twenty-four years, who is manager of the National Biscuit Company at Sioux City, Iowa; and John G., eighteen years old, who is at home. The wife and mother was called to her final rest on the 22d of February, 1896, passing away after an illness of three years.

Mr. Manbeck gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has served as school director and road supervisor of Bloomfield township. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the United Brethren church, while fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Loyal Americans and the Knights and Ladies of Security. He likewise be- longs to the Woodmen of the World and has served as treasurer of the organ- ization for ten years. The circle of his friends is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances and all who know him entertain for him the warmest esteem and regard.

WILLIAM S. SIMPSON.

William S. Simpson, a well known and enterprising farmer and stockman of Elkhart township, buys and sells cattle and hogs on an extensive scale. His birth occurred in Marion county, Iowa, on the 4th of January, 1869, his parents being John and Mary (Payton) Simpson, both natives of Indiana. The father, an agriculturist by occupation, operated a farm in the Hoosier state for some time. He came to Iowa about 1862 and purchased a farm in Marion county,

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clearing and improving the place and operating it for about fifteen years. On the expiration of that period he disposed of the property and came to Polk county, purchasing and improving a tract of eighty acres in Elkhart township, which he cultivated for twelve years. At the end of that time he put aside the active work of the fields and took up his abode in Cambridge, Iowa, where he has since enjoyed the fruits of his former toil in well earned ease. He has attained the age of sixty-nine, while his wife is sixty-four years old.

William S. Simpson was reared in Marion and Polk counties and attended the district schools in pursuit of an education. He remained under the parental roof until nineteen years of age, when he was married and started out as an agriculturist on his own account, beginning the operation of a rented farm. He has cultivated rented land to the present time and now operates a farm of six hundred and twenty acres. In the conduct of his agricultural interests he follows practical and progressive methods and the well tilled fields annually yield golden harvests. In 1910 he purchased a well improved farm of one hun- dred and thirty acres in Elkhart township, which he leases. In connection with the tilling of the soil he devotes considerable attention to stock, now feeding two hundred and fifty head of cattle. He buys and sells cattle and hogs and keeps from two to six hundred head of hogs and nineteen head of horses. He is a stockholder in the Citizens State Bank of Cambridge, Iowa.

On the 16th of August, 1888, Mr. Simpson was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Bundy, a daughter of Chris and Maggie (Clark) Bundy, both of whom were natives of Indiana. The father, who followed farming in that state, came to Iowa in 1874, locating in Elkhart township, Polk county, where he purchased and improved a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, operating the place for twenty-nine years. In 1903 he disposed of the property and took up his abode in Cambridge, Iowa, where he is now living retired at the age of seventy-three years. His wife was called to her final rest in June, 1908, when sixty-nine years old. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Simpson were born ten children, as follows : Clarence A .; Arthur A .; Gertie, who passed away on the 17th of July, 1892, and Guy, twin of Gertie, who died on the 10th of September, 1892; Lola N .; Cecil K .; Maggie K .; Marie E .; Florence M .; and Annie M.

Mr. Simpson is a republican in politics and has served as school director of Elkhart township. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the United Brethren church. In all of his business dealings he has been thoroughly reliable and straightforward and his influence is at all times in favor of those movements, measures and beliefs which uplift and benefit humanity.

BENJAMIN F. PRUNTY.

Among the successful men of Des Moines is numbered Benjamin F. Prunty, whose ability has carried him into important relations. He was connected with Illinois and Iowa. during the pioneer epochs in their history, and, taking advan- tage of the natural resources here offered, he has worked his way upward, prov- ing his worth in various connections. He is still one of the extensive Iandown- ers of Polk county and for many years ranked with its leading agriculturists, while at the present time he occupies a prominent position in financial circles as president of the University State Bank.

Mr. Prunty was born in Morgan county, Illinois, April 15, 1841. His father, Elias Prunty, was a native of Scott county, Kentucky, born on the 9th of May, 1809. He became one of the early settlers of Illinois, taking up his abode in Morgan county, Illinois, in 1832. He married Harriet Cassel, who was born in Lexington, Kentucky, and whose parents also removed to Morgan county,

BENJAMIN F. PRUNTY

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Illinois, in 1832. It was a frontier district in which many of the hardships and experiences of pioneer life were to be met, but these proved no obstacles to the course of true love and in 1835 Elias Prunty and Harriet Cassel were married. The former was of Irish lineage and the latter of German descent. Early rep- resentatives of both families in this country were soldiers of the Revolutionary war. The Pruntys lived in Virginia, and Pruntytown, of that state, was named in their honor. The Cassel family, however, was established at Lexington, Ken- tucky, but lived for some time in Morgan county, Illinois. Elias Prunty, remov- ing with his family to Marion county, Iowa, settled near Red Rock in 1843. In 1845 he took up his abode in Jasper county upon the Polk county line and was one of the pioneer settlers of that region. His remaining days were there passed, his time and energies being devoted to farming, which was his life work. He passed away in the fall of 1895, while his wife died in 1876. At the time of his death forty-seven of his fifty-two grandchildren were living and attended his funeral.

He was the father of thirteen children, nine of whom reached adult age and 1 eared families. David M., George and Robert Prunty were three of the sons. Elizabeth is now the widow of Dr. Robert Putman and a resident of Spokane, Washington. She had nine children, eight of whom are still living in or near there. One daughter, Josie Putnam, was killed by an outlaw near Spokane, where she had been teaching school. Mary B. became the wife of J. E. Mc- Millen, who was a soldier of Company E, Fourteenth Iowa Infantry. Both are now deceased and were laid to rest in a Des Moines cemetery. They had eight children, seven of whom survive. Sally, the next member of the family, was the wife of Charles Norris and died, being interred at Prairie City, Iowa. They had two children. Jane Prunty is the deceased wife of Abija Mckinney, of Cherokee county, and they had four children who are now living at Cleghorn, Cherokee county, Iowa. Emma is the wife of David Adkins, formerly of Prairie City, Iowa, but now of Corning, California. They have three daughters.

Benjamin F. Prunty was reared amid pioneer conditions and environment. His education was acquired in a log schoolhouse of Jasper county, the building having been erected from logs secured in Polk county. He had to walk two miles to school and had the privilege of attending for only about six months in a year. He went to school until about eighteen years of age and then concen- trated his energies upon the work of the farm, to which he had given his atten- tion from early youth. In September, 1861, however, he put aside the work of the fields and joined Company E of the Fourteenth Iowa Infantry, with which he served for three years and two months, participating in the battles of Fort Donelson, Corinth and Jackson. At Shiloh the regiment was captured but Mr. Prunty was at that time in the hospital and therefore escaped being made a prisoner. Neither was he ever wounded and with a creditable military record he was mustered out after three years of faithful service, in November, 1864.

Following his return to the north Mr. Prunty devoted his attention to farm- ing, stock raising and feeding in Polk county and was thus closely associated with agricultural life until 1895, when he removed to Des Moines. He was one of the most prominent, influential and successful farmers of this part of the state, owning and cultivating twelve hundred acres of land in Franklin and Doug- las townships, which he and his family still own and which returns them a very gratifying financial income. In all of his farm work his methods were practical as well as progressive, and he set the standard for much that has been accom- plished in the district in which he lived. Following his removal to the city he became identified with the University Bank and was chosen its president, filling the position continuously since. In March, 1905, this institution, which was a private bank, was merged into the University State Bank and incorporated, Mr. Prunty retaining the presidency. He has made it a strong financial institution and is very capable in its management.

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In politics he is a republican, interested in the success of the party, but has never been ambitious for office. However, he served as city councilman, hav- ing been elected to fill out an unexpired term and reelected for one term so that he remained in the position from 1892 until 1895 inclusive. The cause of educa- tion, however, finds in him a warm friend and he is now vice chairman of the board of directors of Drake University. He maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in the Grand Army of the Re- public and expresses his religious faith through his membership with the Dis- ciples of Christ, serving as elder in the University Christian church since 1900.

Mr. Prunty has been twice married. On the IIth of October, 1868, he wed- ded Miss Susan Ingle, who was born on the 14th of June, 1843. In the fall of 1861 Mrs. Prunty came to Polk county from Kansas with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Nealy Ingle, the former a native of Logan county, Illinois. By her mar- riage to Mr. Prunty she became the mother of seven children. The eldest, Charles O., was born in Polk county on the 28th of July, 1869, and is now liv- ing on the old homestead, engaged in farming. He married Miss Addie Web- ster, who is now deceased, by whom he had three children. In January, 1911, he married Miss Evalyne Smith, of St. Louis, Missouri. Abby A., born in Polk county, October 17, 1870, married Stadley W. Hartsook, of this county, and they have four children. Sadie E., also a native of Polk county, her birth oc- curring on the 7th of August. 1872, wedded Charles Johnson, a farmer of this county, and they have one child. Bertie S., born in Polk county on the 25th of April, 1875, married Miss Lilly Druery, by whom he has five children. He was formerly a hardware and lumber merchant but is now filling the position of manager of the Crown Optical Company, of Des Moines. Harriet S. Prunty, who was born in this county, April 5, 1878, is the wife of Charles Munsell, a resident of Plain View, Texas, and their family consists of two children. Ben- jamin Franklin Prunty was born in Polk county on the 20th of May, 1883, and has been cashier of the University State Bank since its organization. He mar- ried Miss Bessie Snyder, of this county, and they have one child. The youngest member of the Prunty family passed away in infancy. For his second wife Mr. Prunty chose Mrs. Maude (Miller) Corbin, the wedding ceremony occurring on the 21st of September, 1904. A native of Ohio, she was a daughter of Er- vin and Angeline Miller, of that state. Mr. Prunty has sixteen living grand- children.

The life record of Mr. Prunty is evidence of what may be accomplished through energy and determination, intelligently directed. He has never sought success at the sacrifice of other men's interests but won his prosperity through close application and honorable dealing. He seems to have no difficulty in read- ily solving intricate business problems and by the faithful performance of each day's duties has found strength and inspiration for the labors of the succeed- ing day. His example may well serve to encourage others, for it proves that success may be attained through individual effort and that prosperity and an honored name may be won simultaneously.

FRANK L. WILSON.

Ever since his boyhood Frank L. Wilson, of Camp township, has been con- nected with agricultural and stock-raising interests and he thus early gained practical experience, which is even more valuable than lessons learned from books. He now enjoys a handsome annual income as the result of his industry and good judgment.

He was born in Washington county, Iowa, September 28, 1874, a son of William and Eliza (Farrier) Wilson, the former a native of Ohio and the

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latter of Illinois. The father came to Iowa when he was twenty-two years of age and taught school in Washington township for several years. He was married in that county to Miss Eliza Farrier and purchased a farm of one hun- dred and sixty acres which he partly improved during a period of three years, when he disposed of it and bought another farm of one hundred and twenty acres in the same county. He continued upon this place until his death, which occurred in 1878. The mother subsequently sold the farm and went to Rooks county, Kansas, where she purchased land but after three years sold out and in 1890 came to Polk county, Iowa, and bought the farm upon which she now lives.

Frank L. Wilson received his education in the district schools of Washing- ton county, Iowa, and Rooks county, Kansas. He came with his mother to Polk county and at the age of fifteen took charge of her farm. Notwithstanding his youth he succeeded admirably and still continues to manage the farm, also owning seventy-one acres adjoining his mother's place which he cultivates to excellent advantage. He raises about fifty head of hogs each year and keeps about thirty head of cattle and twelve head of horses.

On the 20th of October, 1897, Mr. Wilson was married to Miss Lilly Patter- son, a daughter of Joseph and Ellen (Gill) Patterson, both of whom were born in England. The father was a coal miner in his native country. He came to America in 1880 and was employed in the coal mines of Pennsylvania, remov- ing westward to Polk county, Iowa, in 1885, where he continued as a miner. He was also a preacher and a man of considerable talent as a public speaker. He died in 1893 but the mother is still living at the age of fifty-eight years. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, the eldest of whom is twelve and the youngest two years of age. Their names are Frederick L., Georgia M., Leonard J. and Mark H.

In politics Mr. Wilson adheres to the democracy and he is now serving as township trustee, a position for which he is well qualified, being thoroughly acquainted with the needs of the township. He is also a member of the school board. Fraternally he is connected with the Yeomen of Runnells and the Grange, with whose principles of fellowship he is in hearty accord. He and his family affiliate with the Congregational church. Being wide-awake, progres- sive and efficient in business, he has made steady advancement and is recog- nized as one of the substantial citizens of Camp township.

J. REED HURLBUT.

It is well known that the development of a city depends not upon its ma- chinery of government or even upon the men who occupy its public offices as largely as upon the men who are in control of its business enterprises. To that class the city looks when there is a public project under way. Support for any public movement is gained from the merchants and manufacturers and those who represent industrial and professional lines. It is well known that J. Reed Hurlbut took a most active and helpful interest in matters pertaining to the welfare and progress of Des Moines, and that he ranked for a number of years as one of the best known business men of the city, conducting a drug store at the corner of Fifth and Walnut streets. He was found thoroughly reliable and progressive in business and his energy and intuitive spirit enabled him to form plans which he carried forward to successful completion.

Mr. Hurlbut was born in Chicago on the 30th of October, 1860, and, after completing his education in the military school in Chester, Pennsylvania, he returned to his native city where he became connected with the wholesale drug. business as an employe of his father, who was conducting an establishment of

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that character. Later the father became interested in the house of Mitchell & Company, wholesale druggists of Des Moines, and J. Reed Hurlbut came to this city to look after his father's interests. It was not long afterward that his father gave to him the majority of stock and he became an owner and active participant in the management and control of the business. He soon demon- strated his business qualifications in the capable and sensible manner in which he managed the business that now came under his active control. He quickly recognized the possibilities of the trade and later organized the wholesale drug firm of Hurlbut, Ward & Company, which carried on business for several years. The trade of the house grew and the enterprise became an important factor in commercial circles of the city.

At length, however, Mr. Hurlbut sold out to the Des Moines Drug Company and established a retail store under the name of J. R. Hurlbut & Company, located at the corner of Fifth and Walnut streets, and now conducted by Mrs. Hurlbut. There he had a well appointed store, neat and tastefully arranged, and he carried a large and well selected line of everything to be found in a first class city drug store. His business methods, too, commended him to the con- fidence of patrons and colleagues. Thoroughly reliable at all times, his worth was recognized as one in which dependence could be placed.

On the 14th of April, 1886, Mr. Hurlbut was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Cole, a daughter of Judge Chester C. Cole, at one time a member of the supreme court and still an honored and distinguished citizen of Des Moines, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Hurlbut have one son.

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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 84

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