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 95

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 95

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James F. Powers was reared in Missouri until he was nine years of age. Up to that time he had little opportunity of education, as the excitement preceding the Civil war and during the years of the Rebellion interfered seriously with the educational system of the state. After the family returned to Indiana he attended the public schools and a seminary at Crawfordsville. At the age of thirteen he went to work by the month as a farm hand and continued for two years at six dollars per month. Afterwards he received a higher wage and at twenty-two years of age came to Polk county, Iowa, where his wife inherited a farm of Washington Warren, which he cultivated for sixteen years. He then sold his place and spent four years in Colorado. Returning to Iowa, he pur- chased another farm in Camp township which he also sold after ten years and then bought forty acres, upon which he has since lived.

In October, 1877, Mr. Powers was united in marriage in Polk county to Miss Louisa Warren, a daughter of Washington and Sarah (Boatwright) War- ren, the former of whom was born in Kentucky and the latter in Virginia. The father came to Iowa in 1851 and entered one hundred and sixty acres of govern- ment land in Camp township, Polk county, and also bought one hundred and sixty acres which another man had entered a short time previously. He cleared and improved his farm, making it one of the valuable properties in the town- ship. He died in March, 1890, at the age of seventy-seven years, his wife hav- ing been called away in October, 1871, at the age of fifty-one years.

Six children came to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Powers, one of whom died in infancy. The others were: Sarah M., who married C. M. Underwood, of Des Moines ; Ada E., now Mrs. Clarence Alexander, of Camp township; Bertha S., who married Walter Ferguson, a farmer of Camp township; Georgie, who

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married C. R. McAdoo and died in 1906; and James Roy who is married and engages in teaming at Runnells.

Mr. Powers has ever since his boyhood been closely identified with farm- ing. He early learned the importance of applying himself earnestly to every- thing his hands found to do. He has ever been controlled by a spirit of fair- ness and justice in his dealings. Politically he is a republican and in religious belief he and his wife are connected with the Church of Christ at Camp Center. He has served with general acceptance as school director of Camp township. Fraternally he holds membership in the Masonic order, whose teachings of brotherhood he heartily indorses.

G. A. HOLLAND.

One of the well known insurance representatives of Des Moines is G. A. Holland, who is secretary of the Anchor Insurance Company. A son of R. A. and Susannah D. (Church) Holland, he was born in Henry county, Iowa, on the 30th of October, 1876. The father was a native of Ohio, his birth occurring there on the 28th of February, 1844. At the age of twelve years he came to Iowa with his father, Zachariah Holland, locating on a farm near New London. Here R. A. Holland, who was an agriculturist, cultivated his land until 1877 at which time he engaged in mercantile pursuits. He continued in business for thir- ty years, retiring in 1907, with full assurance of all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. He is a prominent member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having filled all of the chairs in the local organization. He is a highly respected man in the community where he has resided for so many years, his sterling principles of life having been exemplified in all of his daily transactions. Mrs. Holland, who was a native of Des Moines county, Iowa, passed away in 1893.

Reared in the paternal home G. A. Holland acquired his education in the common schools of Conway, Iowa, later taking a commercial course at the Western Normal at Shenandoah to better equip him for business activities. After receivng his degree he took the post-graduate work of that department and spent three years in an elective course. Upon leaving school he taught for one year, following which he was made principal of a business college at Pittsburg, Kansas, which position he retained for two years. In 1898 he came to Des Moines to become policy writer for the Anchor Insurance Company. He liked the work and determined to make it his life vocation, and with this end in view he won advancement through the various departments, mastering the de- tails of each, until in 1902 he was made auditor. A few years later he was made superintendent of agencies and in 1907 he was elected vice president. He continued to be identified with the latter office until 1910, when he was appointed secretary and is associated in the management with Mr. Ellis, the president. In addition to his duties in the home office he is a member of the local agency of Ellis, Holland & Sowers, and is secretary and treasurer of the Iowa Re- insurance Association, which is comprised of nine of the leading Iowa Fire Insurance Companies. He is likewise an officer and director of the Iowa Adjust- ment Company and secretary and treasurer of the Anchor Investment Company in addition to his interests in various other local enterprises.

Mr. Holland was married on the 19th of June, 1907, to Miss Helen M. Barrett, a native of Des Moines and daughter of W. E. and Letta (Galbraith) Barrett, the father having for many years been identified with the banking interests of the city. Mrs. Holland holds membership in the Presbyterian church. Fraternally Mr. Holland is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order

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of Elks and Capital Lodge, No. 110, A. F. & A. M. He is also a member of the Hyperion Club and Grant Club.

Mr. Holland's advancement has been rapid but highly merited, as during his identification with the insurance interests of the state he has shown himself to be thoroughly conversant with every branch of the business. He is well regarded in the community and has ofttimes been urged to become a candidate for office, but although he takes an active interest in municipal affairs he feels that his personal affairs require his entire attention. He always appears at the polls on election day, however, where he casts a ballot in support of the men and measures of the democratic party.

WILLIAM C. ENFIELD.

William C. Enfield, the owner of a rich and productive farm of eighty- three acres in Washington township, is widely recognized as a progressive and enterprising agriculturist. His birth occurred in Johnson county, Iowa, on the 20th of September, 1865, his parents being William and Catherine (Schrock) Enfield, natives of Somerset county, Pennsylvania. When a youth of fourteen, the father removed to Johnson county, Iowa, with his parents. After reach- ing man's estate he started out as an agriculturist on his own account, pur- chasing forty acres of land which he improved. At the time of the out- break of the Civil war he sold the property and removed to Iowa county but after a brief period returned to Johnson county, where he bought eighty acres of land that was practically covered with hazel brush. After clearing and improving the place he there carried on agricultural pursuits for two years. On the expiration of that period he disposed of the property and came to Polk county, buying a tract of eighty acres in Washington township. This land, which he procured for five dollars an acre, is now worth two hundred dollars an acre. Mr. Enfield improved the farm and was busily engaged in its operation until about 1901, when he sold out and retired, having since made his home with our subject. He has now attained the age of seventy-one years, while his wife is eighty-five years old.

William C. Enfield attended the district schools of Polk county in the ac- quirement of an education and remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority. Subsequently he devoted his attention to the operation of a rented farm for eight years. At the end of that time he purchased the old homestead place in Washington township, the further cultivation and improve- ment of which has since claimed his attention. The property embraces eighty- three acres of land and constitutes one of the model farms of the community. At one time Mr. Enfield owned and conducted a hardware store at Maxwell, Iowa. He is now a stockholder in the Farmers Grain Company at that place.

On the 24th of September, 1893, Mr. Enfield was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie Reitz, a daughter of Conrad C. and Elizabeth (Keller) Reitz, who are natives of Somerset county, Pennsylvania. The father, a blacksmith by trade, worked at that occupation in the Keystone state and also for several years after removing to Illinois. Subsequently he took up his abode in Boone county, Iowa, where he purchased and improved a farm of three hundred and twenty acres, operating the same until 1889. In that year he disposed of the property and went to Maxwell, Story county, where he conducted a mercantile establishment until 1896 and then sold out. Since that time he has enjoyed honorable retirement and is still living in Maxwell at the age of seventy years. His wife has attained the age of seventy-two years. Mr. and Mrs. Enfield have three children, namely : Richard B., Morris C. and Galen W., who are fifteen, seven and five years of age respectively.

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Mr. Enfield is a republican in politics and has served as school director of Washington township, the cause of education ever finding in him a stanch champion. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Church of Brethren, to which his wife also belongs. They are much esteemed in the community and their own home is justly noted for its gracious and warm- hearted hospitality.

CHARLES LEWIS FRANKLIN, M. D.

Des Moines' professional registry has been enriched during the past few years by the names of several clever and most promising young physicians among whom must be included Dr. Charles Lewis Franklin, who for the past few years has maintained an office in the Equitable Life building. He was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, on the 16th of September, 1884, and is an only son of Henry J. and Catherine (Fenlon) Franklin, the father a native of Circleville, Ohio, and the mother of Ireland. The parents removed to Lincoln, Nebraska, where the father engaged in the laundry business until 1896, at which time they returned to Des Moines where they have ever since resided.

Dr. Charles Lewis Franklin was reared at home acquiring his education in the schools of Lincoln and Des Moines, graduating from St. Ambrose with the class of 1901. Having decided that he would like to be a dentist after leaving school he entered the office of Dr. Deverreaux of Fort Dodge, but after a year's study of the science concluded that he preferred medicine, so returning home matriculated in the medical department of Drake University. He was awarded the degree of M. D. from the latter institution with the class of 1908, following which he spent about eighteen months as interne in Mercy Hospital. At the expiration of that time, feeling sufficient confidence in his own ability to warrant his assuming the responsibility of a private practice, he at once engaged offices where he is now located. He has built up a lucrative practice, winning the con- fidence of all who employ him by his solicitous and conscientious regard for the comfort of his patients. Progressive in his ideas, he is most desirous of advanc- ing in his profession and with that end in view keeps in touch with the theories of the great scientists through the medium of the medical journals and records, which he most carefully studies.

Dr. Franklin is a communicant of the Catholic church and a member of the Knights of Columbus. On April 26, 1911, Dr. Franklin was united in mar- riage to Miss Helen Richardson, of Chicago, a daughter of Frederick and Mar- garet (McTight) Richardson. Her father died in Chicago about eighteen years ago. Dr. Franklin accords his political support to the republican party but not an aspirant to public honors or the emoluments of office he does not actively participate in matters of government, other than the casting of a ballot on elec- tion days. Gauging his future prospects by his record thus far the career of Dr. Franklin would seem to be a most satisfactory one, and is so regarded by the many who are interested in his success.

WILLIAM A. HIGGS.

William A. Higgs, one of the representative and successful agriculturists of Washington township, is operating a well improved farm of one hundred and forty acres and in connection with the tilling of the soil devotes considerable attention to stock. His birth occurred in Ogle county, Illinois, on the 3d of September, 1868, his parents being Thomas H. and Elizabeth (Nalley) Higgs, both

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of whom were natives of Maryland. The father, who removed to Illinois at an early day, operated a farm in that state for several years. In 1872 he came to Polk county, Iowa, purchased a tract of eighty acres in Washington township and began its improvement. After operating the place for twelve years he sold out and purchased the farm of one hundred and forty acres which is now in possession of our subject. The cultivation and improvement of that property claimed his attention for eleven years, on the expiration of which period he took up his abode at Maxwell, Iowa, where he resided until called to his final rest on the 10th of June, 1903, at the age of sixty-eight years. His wife, who still makes her home at Maxwell, has now attained the age of sixty-eight.

William A. Higgs acquired his education in the district schools of Polk county and remained under the parental roof until he had attained his .majority. He then began earning his own livelihood and for a period of four years was employed at Maxwell. Returning to the old home farm, he has been busily engaged in its operation to the present time. In addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he feeds a car load of cattle and raises fifty head of hogs annually and also keeps twelve head of horses. His undertak- ings as an agriculturist have been attended with a gratifying measure of pros- perity and have won him recognition among the substantial and enterprising citizens of the community. He is likewise a stockholder in the Farmers Grain Company of Maxwell, Iowa, and a stockholder in the Farmers Cooperative Produce Company.

On the 23d of April, 1891, Mr. Higgs was united in marriage to Miss Christina Kopf, a daughter of Johannes and Catherine (Schelea) Kopf, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father emigrated to the United States in May, 1869, and located in Washington township, Polk county, here purchasing and improving a farm which he operated for several years. Disposing of the property, he removed to Arkansas and there carried on general agricultural pursuits for one year. After returning to this state he purchased and improved a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Story county, near Maxwell, operat- ing the same for seven years. On the expiration of that period he sold the property and went to California, remaining in that state for a year and a half. He then returned to Maxwell, Iowa, which town remained his home until the death of his wife in September, 1910. Since that time he has resided with our subject. He is now seventy-four years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Higgs have three children, namely: Vern E., Merritt W. and Anna Irene, who are seventeen, eleven and six years of age respectively.

Mr. Higgs is a republican in politics and has served as constable of Wash- ington township for six years, while for two years he acted as a school director. Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias at Maxwell, the Masons, the Yeomen and the Mystic Workers. He and his family attend the Evangelical church. He is a man of exemplary habits and strict integrity, in manner unas- suming, and all who know him entertain for him the highest regard and esteem.

H. C. WILLETT, M. D.

A large and constantly growing practice pays tribute to the medical and surgical skill of Dr. H. C. Willett, who for eight years has been engaged in the practice of his profession in Des Moines. He was born in Rochester, Peoria county, Illinois, on the 8th of October, 1870, his parents being E. L. and Sophia (Moss) Willett, the father a native of Indiana and the mother of London, Eng- land. E. L. Willett came to Iowa with his wife and family in 1890, locating in Warren county, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits until he retired to Norwalk, where he is now residing.

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The first twenty years of Dr. Willett's life were spent in his native state, his preliminary education being acquired in the district schools of Peoria county. After locating in Warren county he entered Drake University, where he re- mained until old enough to begin the study of medicine, having early decided to become a physician. Later he matriculated at Rush Medical College, Chicago, where he pursued his professional course until 1894, at which time he was graduated with the degree of M. D. Immediately following the completion of · his studies he came to Whitten, Iowa, where he opened an office, continuing in practice there for nine years. In 1903 he removed to Des Moines and during the period of his residence here has succeeded in establishing a very good general practice. He possesses the essential attributes of a physician which combined with his thorough preparation and close study of medical and surgical journals, unite in making him a most capable and creditable representative of his chosen profession. Conscientious and loyal to his patients he is seemingly tireless in his efforts to relieve the pain of the suffering , always cheerfully responding to the oftentimes needless and exacting demands of all who seek his services. Pro- gressive in his ideas he is constantly striving to maintain and improve the standard of his profession, always readily laying aside an old and well tried method if assured of the efficacy of a more recent and modern treatment. His skill as a surgeon is fully equal to his ability as a physician and he is constantly paying more attention to the growing demands of this portion of his practice.

Dr. Willett was married to Miss Lula C. Roney, a native of Ohio, in Feb- ruary, 1895, and unto them have been born three children: Winifred, Vivian and Wendell. The family affiliate with the University Christian church, and frater- nally Dr. Willett is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. He maintains close relations with the members of his profession through his connection with the local, state and national medical societies and associations. Although the period of his residence here has been comparatively brief Dr. Willett is well established in practice and is becoming recognized as an able and reliable physician.

HENRY H. ROSECRANTS.

Henry H. Rosecrans, owning and operating a highly improved and valu- able farm of two hundred acres in Walnut township, was born in Dallas county, Iowa, on the 13th of February, 1850, his parents being Hiram and Han- nah (Bennett) Rosecrants, who were natives of New York and Kentucky re- spectively. . They came to Iowa in 1848 and took up their abode in Polk county but at the end of a year removed to Dallas county, purchasing and locating on a farm of one hundred and twenty acres. Mr. Rosecrants cleared and im- proved the property and operated the place until 1857, when he disposed of it and went to Kansas. There he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, paying three hundred dollars for the property, in the cultivation and im- provement of which he was busily engaged until called to his final rest in Au- gust. 1860. His wife survived him but two days.

Henry H. Rosecrants was reared and educated in Polk county, attending the district schools. He was left an orphan at the early age of ten years and went to live with an uncle, Calvin Bennett, in whose household he remained until he had attained his majority. He then, in partnership with W. S. Bennett, rented his uncle's farm of five hundred acres, operating the same for four years. On the expiration of that period he purchased one hundred and fifteen acres of land in Walnut township and set himself resolutely to the task of clearing and improving the property. After residing thereon for about ten years he disposed of the place and bought the quarter section of land which has remained

MR. AND MRS. H. H. ROSECRANTS

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in his possession continuously ever since and which he has brought under a high state of cultivation and improvement. He has extended the boundaries of his farm by an additional purchase of forty acres, so that it now embraces two hundred acres of rich and productive land, which he recently tiled, utilizing three carloads of tile. In his undertakings as an agriculturist he has won a gratifying measure of prosperity by reason of his well directed energy and cap- able business management.

In April, 1876, Mr. Rosecrants was united in marriage to Miss Florence Wilson, a daughter of Isaiah M. and Eliza Jane Wilson, who were natives of Virginia and Missouri respectively. The father came to Polk county, Iowa, in 1833, locating in Walnut township, where he devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career. He has now at- tained the venerable age of ninety-two years and makes his home with our sub- ject. The demise of his wife occurred in 1885. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Rosecrants were born five children, as follows: Jeanetta, who is at home; Janie, who passed away in 1880; Bessie F., who is married and follows the profession of teaching in South Dakota; Lucy Mary, who is married and resides in Greene county, Iowa; and Jessie R., aged seventeen years, who is also at home. The wife and mother was called to her final rest on the 2d of November, 1896.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Rosecrants has cast his ballot in support of the men and measures of the republican party. He has served as township trustee for nine years and also acted as road supervisor for five years, ever discharging his official duties in a most prompt and capable manner. In religious faith he is a Methodist. He has spent practically his en- tire life in this part of the state and the favorable regard entertained for him by his fellow townsmen is proof that his life record has been an honorable one.

GEORGE CULLEN, M. D.

A most excellent practice pays tribute to the skill of Dr. George Cullen, who during his five years residence in Des Moines has come to be recognized as one of the leading young surgeons and physicians in the city. One of Wiscon- sin's sons, his. birth occurred in Fond du Lac on the 21st of November, 1874, his parents being Edward J. and Mary B. (Gaffron) Cullen. The father, who was also a native of the Badger state, was born on the 26th of November, 1848, and passed away on the 3Ist of October, 1905. He was of Irish extraction his people having emigrated from the Emerald isle to Wisconsin during the earliest days of its history. Mr. Cullen was for many years identified with the Sechler Buggy Company, of Moline, Illinois, being their general sales manager during the latter period of his activity. Mrs. Cullen, who was born in New York state on the 14th of June, 1852, died in September, 1906, having survived her husband almost a year. She was of German descent, her people coming from Berlin to New York, in which state they settled prior to the Civil War.

The boyhood and youth of Dr. George Cullen were very largely spent in Lincoln, Nebraska, where the public schools provided him with his preliminary education. After the completion of his high school course he entered the State University, where he remained until in his junior year. He was most desirous of studying medicine, but knew if he realized his ambition he must earn the means to pay for his tuition. So he took the civil service examination and obtained a position as clerk in the postoffice at Lincoln, continuing in that capacity until 1896. Having saved sufficient money to enable him to take up his professional studies he withdrew from the government employ at that time and going to Chicago he matriculated in the Northwestern Medical School, being awarded his degree with the class of 1900. Surgery had always appealed more strongly to Vol. II-40

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him than the pure science of medicine and feeling the need of a broader under- standing of the former he accepted a position as assistant surgeon in the Santa Fe Hospital at Topeka, Kansas. From there he returned to Chicago, where he remained for several years, during which period he served as interne in a num- ber of the larger hospitals, following which he became surgeon for the Illinois Steel Company. Having spent five years in practical work under some of the best physicians and surgeons in the United States, Dr. Cullen felt in 1905 that he was fully and ably qualified to enter upon a private practice, so coming to Des Moines established an office. The confidence and assurance, as well as the skill and thorough understanding of his profession that he had acquired during the long period of his tyrociny, made a most favorable impression upon those who employed him, and he rapidly became recognized as a surgeon of more than average ability. Dr. Cullen, however, is not the type of man who is satisfied to rest upon the laurels he has already won and is constantly studying and endeavoring to raise his work, and that of the profession he so ably repre- sents, to a higher standard. Very shortly after his arrival here he was appointed to the chair of surgical pathology in Drake University, which he still continues to fill. Although he prefers surgery, as he has specialized in that line, he has a very large general practice and is considered most efficient.

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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 95

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