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 89

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 89

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On the 10th of March, 1859. Mr. Van Horn was married to Miss Sarah Krill, a daughter of William and Ann Maria (Decker) Krill. who were both born in Pennsylvania. The father engaged in farming in his native state, but in his later years moved to Indiana. He died in 1847, the mother passing away in 1866. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Van Horn, namely :

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Charles, who is now engaged in farming in Camp township; Cora, who married Emily Ware and also lives in Camp township; Edgar, a farmer of Clay town- ship; Oliver, who is engaged in banking at Runnells; Stella, who is married and lives in Four Mile township; Fred, who lives at home; Henry, who died January 1, 1880, when sixteen years of age; Nettie, who died in April, 1888, when about six years of age; and one who died in infancy.

In religious belief Mr. Van Horn and his wife affiliate with the Church of Christ. Fraternally he is a valued member of the Masonic order and politically he gives his allegiance to, the republican party. As a patriotic and public-spirited citizen he takes a lively interest in the affairs of the township and county and has served as constable, township trustee, and for a number of years as president of the school board. For over fifty years he has been engaged in agriculture and stock-raising and now, at the age of seventy-five, he enjoys the confidence and also the genuine regard of his neighbors and many acquaintances with whom he has been brought into contact during a life which has been marked by fidelity to duty and worthy ideals.

EDWARD SWEENEY.

The life record of Edward Sweeney stands forth as a shining example of what may be accomplished by dogged perseverance, combined with a steadfast purpose to attain an independent place in the world of industry. Born in Lon- don, England, February 15, 1867, he is a son of Dennis and Honora Sweeney, both of the parents being natives of County Cork, Ireland. The father emi- grated to the United States in 1865 and located in Monongahela, Pennsylvania, where he engaged in coal mining, working in the various districts throughout Pennsylvania and Ohio for the ensuing nine years. About 1880 he went to Oska- loosa, Iowa, and was there employed in the mines of the Excelsior Company until his removal to Des Moines, where his death occurred February 24, 1900.

Edward Sweeney was denied the advantages of an early literary education but being of an ambitious and industrious nature, he amply supplied any de- ficiency in this respect by the knowledge he acquired in the great school of experience, of which, as shown by the results, he may be justly proud. At the age of nine years he was laboring in the mines with his father as a breaker boy and contributing his meager earnings to the support of the family. In 1880 he accompanied his father to Iowa and worked in the Excelsior and the Cedar & Swan mines for a while, then went to Roselin, Washington, where he re- mained for one year. Returning to Iowa he was employed in the Flagler mines at Flagler, Iowa, having determined in the meantime to make the study of mining his chosen profession in life, and by dint of hard labor, unceasing study and never ending diligence he finally succeeded in acquiring sufficient technical knowledge to be classed as a mine expert. One of his accomplishments, result- ing from his thrift and keen judgment, was the locating of the Swan coal mine, which he owned and operated for two years. He then disposed of his interests and entered the hardware business, in which he continued for ten years. About this time his ability as a mining expert was brought to the attention of Gov- ernor Cummins, who appointed him inspector of mines for the second district of Iowa, a position he retained for a year and a half, when he was removed to the third district with headquarters at the State House. In this office he is the present incumbent.

Mr. Sweeney was, on September 5. 1890. united in marriage to Miss Malissa Miller, a native of Des Moines. In politics he has always adhered to the pre- cepts of the republican party. In his religious relations he is a devout Catholic and follows strictly the teachings of that church. He is in every way a self-

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inade man, as the world defines one who has won his way to success through his own personal efforts, asking no favors and receiving the just due that comes to anyone who is willing to work for it. His many friends honor him for his business integrity and his numerous excellent traits of character.

JOHN E. BROWN.

The memory of John E. Brown, of Camp township, often reverts to pioneer days in Iowa and the hardships and inconveniences of the years before the Civil war as contrasted with the comforts which are comparatively easy to acquire at the present time. He was born in Champaign county, Ohio, August 18, 1844, and is a son of Edward H. and Eliza (Spry) Brown, natives of Virginia and Ohio, respectively. His father came to Iowa with his family in 1848 and entered land in Van Buren county, which he cleared and improved. He sold his farm in 1855 and removed to Mahaska county, where he rented land for several years. In 1863 he arrived in Polk county and purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Camp township, which he developed into a valuable farm. Here he continued until his death, May 12, 1886, and was survived by his wife for twenty years, she passing away July 24, 1906. They had eight children, three daughters and five sons, two of whom are now deceased, while the others reside in Polk and Jasper counties, Iowa.

John E. Brown received his early education in the district schools of Van Buren, Mahaska and Polk counties and later attended the public schools of Des Moines in 1863 and 1864. After leaving school he worked as a farm hand by the month for two years and then he and his brother Calvin, having saved their wages, purchased a threshing outfit, which they operated until 1875. He also engaged in farming upon rented land in partnership with his brothers, and in 1873 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Camp township upon his own account. In order to acquire the place he incurred a debt of three thou- sand, five hundred dollars, but such was his industry and good judgment that in five years he discharged the entire obligation. He has bought more land and is now the owner of five hundred and sixty acres, which he has transformed into one of the best improved farms in the county. He raises one hundred head of hogs each year and keeps twenty-five head of horses, everything about the place indicating a high degree of prosperity.

On the Ist of January, 1873, Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Frances A. Andrews, a daughter of Nathan and Mary M. (Hammon) Andrews, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. The mother died in 1860 and nine years later the father came with his children to Iowa, locating upon a farm which he purchased near Mitchellville. He disposed of his farm in 1877 and removed to Kansas, where he continued as a farmer and stock-raiser until his death, in 1907. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Brown, namely : Mary Grace, who is now the wife of Fred W. Stuart, lives in Des Moines. Amy E. is the wife of Ira E. Wagner, a farmer of Polk county. John Emery, who is in charge of his father's farm, married Alberta Halsey and has one son, Elbert Halsey. Anna M. is the wife of Roy Huntoon, of Des Moines, who manages and owns a half interest in the Fulton market, and they have two children, Homer H. and Dorothy. Edna E. is the wife of Harry G. Pine, of Billings, Montana. Charles Homer Potter, a resident of Des Moines, married Ada Sterling and has two children, Hugh and Helen.

After Mr. and Mrs. Brown had traveled life's pathway together for thirty- five years death intervened and the wife passed away March 6, 1908, her death being deeply mourned by the entire community. Mr. Brown has been sustained in his affliction by promises of Holy Writ, in which he places implicit reliance.

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He is a valued member of the Methodist church and fraternally is identified with the Odd Fellows lodge at Des Moines. Politically he supports the candi- dates and principles of the republican party. He remembers seeing Governors Grimes and Colfax, although young at the time, and is also well informed as to the history and progress of the state in which he feels the deepest interest. He has witnessed much of the development of the agricultural resources of Polk county and has contributed materially to the upbuilding of the section where he makes his home.

AMOS G. LANDE.

Amos G. Lande, one of Norway's industrious sons, is numbered among the respected and valued residents of Lincoln township, Polk county, who in the wise utilization of the opportunities offered in this state are meeting with success along agricultural lines. He was born in Norway on the Ioth of Sep- tember, 1864, his parents being George G. and Christine (Lande) Lande, also natives of that country.

The parents came to America in 1866 and at once made their way to Iowa, locating on a farm in Elkhart township, Polk county. That remained their home for one year, after which they went to Story county, where they resided for three years, and in 1870 the father purchased forty acres of land in Lincoln township. Later he became the owner of forty acres in Elkhart township and another tract of eighty acres in Lincoln township, all of which he improved and brought under a good state of cultivation. He was one of the earliest settlers in this portion of the county, his nearest neighbor on the south being five miles away. He continued to engage in agricultural pursuits throughout his remain- ing days, his death occurring in February, 1901. His wife still survives at the ripe old age of eighty-five years and now makes her home with her son.

Amos G. Lande was a little lad of two years when brought to the United States by his parents, and in the district schools of Polk county he acquired his early education, supplemented by one year at Willmar Seminary, Willmar, Minnesota. Fortunate in being reared to rural life, he early acquired good habits and learned many lessons concerning the value of industry, perseverance and integrity. He remained with his parents until he was twenty-five years of age, after which he rented the old homestead and also purchased a tract of one hundred and sixty acres in Sioux county. To the operation of these two farms he has since given his entire attention and prosperity in large measure has at- tended his efforts. He applies himself closely to the conduct of his affairs, possesses good business ability and sound judgment and is practical in the man- agement of his interests. He raises about sixty head of hogs annually and keeps about forty head of cattle and six head of horses on his farm, and is also a stockholder in the Farmers Cooperative Creamery Company of Huxley, Iowa.

As Mr. Lande has never married the duties of his household are carefully and capably performed by his two sisters, while the mother has also made her home with her son since the death of her husband. The family is well known in this locality, being popular with neighbors and friends, and all enjoy the re- gard and esteem of the entire community. Mr. Lande gives his political al- legiance to the republican party and has served as justice of the peace of Lincoln township and also as school director. He belongs to the Lutheran church and wherever known is respected for his unfaltering allegiance to the principles of honorable manhood as manifest in his business and social relations. Coming to the new world in early childhood, he has acquired that enterprising spirit which has constituted the foundations of America's wonderful progress, and

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added to this he has in large measure, through inheritance, those sterling char- acteristics for which the people of Norwegian birth and lineage have ever been noted-a combination which makes for successful achievement and valuable citizenship.

SAMUEL B. TUTTLE.

Samuel B. Tuttle is one of the few pioneers of forty years ago yet residing in Des Moines. He was born in Ohio on the 19th of February, 1829, and when five years of age accompanied his parents to Indiana, where he worked upon his father's farm and attended the district school until reaching his majority. The great-grandfather of Samuel B. Tuttle came from England and settled in Maine. The grandfather, James Tuttle, was born in Maine and educated for the ministry which he followed throughout his life.

The father, also James Tuttle, was born in Maine in 1797. When a young man he removed from Maine to Monroe county, Ohio. In 1834 he went to Fayette county, Indiana, where he lived for some time and then removed to Oxford, Ohio. In the early fall of 1860 he came to Des Moines and entered into the grocery business with his son Martin in which he continued until his death, which occurred May 13, 1867.

James Tuttle married Esther Crow and unto this union ten children were born : James M. ; Martin ; Martha; Samuel B., of this review ; Adaline ; Stephen ; Clara ; Joel; Celeste, and Mary, widow of Thomas Wright. Samuel B., Martha, Celeste and Mary are still living. Mr. Tuttle's mother was of German descent, her ancestors having emigrated from the fatherland and settled in Pennsylvania on land purchased of William Penn.

In 1850 Samuel B. Tuttle traveled westward and spent the summer in Des Moines, where he worked in the saw mill of a Mr. Dean. In the fall he returned to Indiana, and engaged in operating the old homestead until 1858, when he again came to Iowa and purchased a tract of land near Farmington. Some three years later he removed into the town, where he made his home for four- teen years, during which time he served as mayor one term, and when the battle of Athens was fought he was an active participant.

In April, 1876, Mr. Tuttle took up his residence in Des Moines, and shortly after purchased a half interest in the Iron Stone Pipe Works. Subsequently he purchased his partner's interest, becoming sole proprietor. He continued in this business until about ten years ago when he retired, during and since which time he has dealt in real estate to quite an extent. Possessing excellent business ability he met with uncommon success and in addition to his manufacturing establishment was interested in several other strong financial institutions. He was for many years a director in the Polk County Savings Bank, the Valley National Bank, the Valley Savings Bank and the Security Loan & Trust Company. His accumulations, aside from three hundred dollars recieved from his father, are the result of close application to business and sagacious investment. His busi- ness career was marked by the strictest integrity and uprightness and is most worthy of emulation.

In the month of January. 1860, Mr. Tuttle was united in marriage to Almira Kelley, a native of Putnam county, New York. Mrs. Tuttle was a daughter of Ira and Annis (Cole) Kelley, both of whom were born in Putnam county, New York. On the maternal side the ancestry is of Holland Dutch descent and were early settlers in Pennsylvania, while the paternal side were of a Scotch-Irish line. Three children were born to bless this union: Frederick, who died at the age of eleven years; Lynn J., a prominent bridge contractor and a partner in the N. M. Stark Company of Des Moines ; and Albert, a well known merchant of this city.

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Politically Mr. Tuttle was an old time whig until the organization of the republican party, with which he has always been affiliated. His first presidential vote was cast for General Fremont. In 1882 he was appointed a member of the county board of supervisors, and served continuously until 1890, having been twice elected to that position. As a public servant his acts stand without re- proach and his name without a blemish. His affiliations with social orders are confined to the Masonic fraternity. He and his wife attend the Congrega- tional church. He is a man of retiring manner to whom a quiet business career and an enjoyable home are far more desirable than the honors of public life. His undertakings have always been marked with precision and determination and have been of a nature that add much to the stability of the community in which he lives.

Mr. and Mrs. Tuttle have traveled quite extensively, having spent several winters in San Antonio, Texas, two seasons in southern California, and made trips to Cuba and many other places.

KATHRYN BITTINGER RIDGWAY, D. O.

One of the well known women of Des Moines is Dr. Kathryn Bittinger Ridgway, who has been engaged in the practice of osteopathy in this city for the past eight years, during which period she has secured a very satisfactory fol- lowing. She is a native of Fort Scott, Kansas, and a daughter of John M. and Maria J. (Harvey) Bittinger, of Franklin county, Pennsylvania, the father's natal day being the 4th of March, 1833. Mr. Bittinger was always identified with agricultural pursuits until 1875 when he removed to this city and became interested in the operation of coal mines. Enlisting in Company I, Fourth Illi- nois Volunteer Infantry, Mr. Bittinger went to the front in the Civil war and there he remained until mustered out at the close of hostilities. During his period of service he participated in the following battles: Prairie Grove, Ar- kansas, Van Buren, the same state, Yazoo City, Mississippi, Brownsville, Texas, Atchafalayla, Louisiana, and Fort Morgan and Spanish Fort, Alabama. He was also in a skirmish near East Pascagoula, Mississippi, and the siege of Vicks- burg. Mr. Bittinger's death occurred April 26, 1906. He was of pure German extraction, as the name would indicate, but his wife is of English and Scotch descent, her paternal ancestry being traced back in an unbroken line to Dr. William Harvey, the discoverer of the circulation of the blood. Mrs. Bittinger's people migrated to the United States before the Revolutionary war, her great-grand- father having been a member of the Colonial army during that time. Four chil- dren were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Bittinger, those beside Dr. Ridgway being : Emma, the widow of H. A. Cunningham, residing in Des Moines; Stella, the wife of W. J. Brinegar, also living in Des Moines; and John Kirkwood, who is married and is a resident of Omaha.

Being but a child when her parents removed to Des Moines Dr. Ridgway acquired her education in the public schools of this city, graduating from the high school on the west side, following which she attended the University at Iowa City. After terminating her course of study in the latter institution she matriculated at the S. S. Still College of Osteopathy, being awarded her degree in 1903. She immediately opened an office in the Good block and began practic- ing. later removed to the Flynn building and is now occupying a very pleasant and appropriately appointed suite of rooms in the Securities building.

Albert Mills Ridgway, Dr. Ridgway's husband, passed away in this city on the 18th of February, 1907. He was of Quaker extraction, his ancestors having come to America with William Penn. He was a member of the Masonic fra- ternity, his local identification being with Capital Lodge, No. 110, A. F. & A. M.

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Dr. Ridgway belongs to the Presbyterian church and the Young Women's Christian Association, as well as Des Moines Chapter, No. 89, of the Order of the Eastern Star. She has been secretary of the latter for the past four years and. in 1904 was worthy matron, and she is also a member of the Rebekah Lodge and Brotherhood of American Yeomen. In 1904 she was president of the Women's Relief Corps, with which she is still identified, besides which she be- longs to the Des Moines Women's Club and the Political Equality Club. She keeps in touch with the members of her profession through the medium of the American, State, Seventh District and Polk County Osteopathic Associations ; was president of the latter in 1910 and is now vice president of the District Association.

Dr. Ridgway is a woman of progressive and helpful ideas, always doing everything in her power to influence all with whom she comes in contact to aspire to a higher and better standard of life, which fact in itself would make hers a most worthy nature, well meriting the regard she is accorded.

CHARLES HENRY HUTSONPILLER.

The enterprising and honorable methods which Charles Henry Hutsonpiller has pursued in the attainment of success would alone entitle him to mention as a 'representative citizen of Polk county, but there is in his life other elements as commendable and attractive as are his business qualifications. In fact, while living a quiet, unassuming life, he has held to high ideals and with strong integrity and sterling principles of character, is leaving his impress upon the community with which he has long been identified.

He was born in Des Moines, September 16, 1854, a son of Henry and Amelia C. (Ritchhart) Hutsonpiller. In the pursuit of his education he at- tended the Bryant School, the high school, and also the Iowa Business College, and when he had put aside his text-books he tested his theoretical training in practical service by entering the banking house of I. N. Thomas, of East Des Moines. He remained there for a year and a half, but the close confinement undermined his health and he turned his attention to outdoor life, taking up agricultural pursuits on his own account. He has since been closely associated with farming interests and his efforts in that direction have continuously broad- ened, making him one of the leading agriculturists of central Iowa.

He owns a farm of two hundred acres at Grimes, eighty acres of which his father entered from the United States government, and it has since been in possession of the family. He has also purchased and still retains the ownership of several other farms in both Iowa and Missouri, and is engaged in diversified farming. He also has large realty possessions in valuable acreage in the north- eastern section of the city. The homestead of about nineteen acres he cultivates himself, but his other farms are all rented. Careful in leasing his property, he has upon his different places reliable tenants and from his farms therefore de- rives a good income. He also owns several tracts of timberland, one of which is the primeval forest, and regarded as one of the best timbered sections in all Towa. In business maters his sagacity and enterprise have overcome the difficul- ties and carried him constantly forward to the goal of success.

A matter of interest to all students of psychic manifestation will be found in the fact that Mr. Hutsonpiller has dreamed of almost every large business transaction in which he has entered into, even before he had any knowledge or intimation that he would become connected with such a transaction. For exam- ple he has dreamed of buying a farm of a certain description, even before he knew that such a farm existed. Many other events of his life have thus been

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foreseen in his dreams. In manner he is a very quiet, unassuming man, very capable and well read.

On the 16th of October, 1906, Mr. Hutsonpiller was united in marriage to Miss Lillian Davis, a daughter of Thomas and Melvina (Johnson) Davis, both of whom were pioneers of Greene county, Iowa. The father in early days was a leading farmer and dealer in real estate. About 1895 he removed with his family to Des Moines, where he was extensively engaged in the real-estate busi- ness until his death, which occurred on the 13th of October, 1901. His widow survived him for about eight years, passing away April 22, 1909. Mr. Davis was one of the veterans of the Civil war, having joined Company D, Seventy- seventh Illinois Infantry, with which he served for three and a half years. He was a brave and loyal soldier, honorably discharged at the close of hostilities, and for his valor he was awarded a medal of honor. He took an active part in politics and held a number of the more important offices in Greene county, Iowa, to which he was elected on the republican ticket. . He was also a leading mem- ber of the Knights of Pythias society and held offices in that organization.

Mr. Hutsonpiller gave his political allegiance to the democracy until Major William McKinley became the presidential candidate. He now votes with the republican party at state and national elections but believes in the local commis- sion form of government and casts an independent local ballot. He holds to the Presbyterian faith but believes in the unity of church and that the purpose for which all stand should bring them into closer harmony. The Northeast Im- provement League finds him a worthy and valued member and he is now serving as chairman of the boulevard committee for the northeast city. He has never tasted intoxicants in all his life and is an advocate of the temperance cause. A thorough gentleman, strong in character and strong in integrity, his life in its varied phases has commanded the respect and confidence of his fellowmen and his worth is acknowledged by all who know him. His ability in business is pro- nounced and as the years have gone by increasing success has awarded his efforts.

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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 89

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