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 97

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 97

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On the 18th of July, 1878, in Des Moines, Mr. Elliott was united in mar- riage to Miss Minnie Mills, a daughter of Colonel and Mrs. N. W. Mills. Col- onel Mills was wounded at the battle of Corinth, Mississippi, and died one week later, when twenty-eight years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Elliott have three children, as follows: Webb Mills, who wedded Miss Florence White; John Alexander, who married Miss Mildred Hager; and Ralph Adams, who made Miss Jessie Roberts his wife.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Elliott has been a stanch supporter of the republican party. He is a valued member of the Commercial and Des Moines Clubs, the Golf and Country Club and the West End Club. Those whom he meets socially find him cordial and kindly in spirit and at all times he is a courteous, genial gentleman-worthy of success and the high regard in which he is uniformly held.

ISAAC GUTMANN.

Des Moines is probably more largely indebted to Germany than any other country in Europe for those business men of foreign birth who have been suc- cessfully and prominently identified with the city's commercial development. One of the best known of these is Isaac Gutmann, the vice president and treasurer of the N. L. Goldstone Company, which is the largest and oldest wholesale dry- goods house in the city. His birth occurred in the Fatherland on the 24th of May, 1858, his parents being Islein and Mary (Goldstone) Gutmann. He can scarcely remember his mother as she passed away in 1860 but the father, who was a dealer in live stock, survived until December, 1875. Neither of them ever came to America.

The first twenty-seven years of his life Isaac Gutmann spent in the land of his birth, in the common schools of which he acquired his education. He laid aside his text-books at the age of fifteen years and began working for himself, but in 1885, feeling convinced that he could never realize his aspirations in the old country, he determined to become a citizen of the United States, so took pas- sage for America. He immediately made his way westward to Des Moines and entered the employ of the N. L. Goldstone Company as general utility man. Being unfamiliar with the language and customs of the country he had to begin at a very small salary, but energy and thrift, the salient characteristics of the Teuton, soon enabled him to acquire a knowledge of both. Concentration, strong commercial proclivities and good business acumen enabled him during the course of four years to become general sales manager of the company, following which he went upon the road as a traveling salesman. He continued in this capacity for twelve years. Returning to the house in 1900 he filled the position of buyer and general salesman until December, 1902. The thrift and ambition which characterizes his race is particularly noticeable in Mr. Gutmann, who has always carefully saved the greater portion of his salary in order that he might some day acquire a business of his own. His aspiration was largely realized in March, 1903, when he bought an interest in the company with which he had so long been identified. He was made vice president and treasurer of the firm at that time and has ever since most efficiently discharged the responsibilities of these offices. There is much to admire as well as emulate in the career of Isaac Gut- inann. He arrived in this country with most limited means but possessing a wealth of energy, perseverance and determination he has through his own un- .

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aided efforts attained the position he holds today. His has not been a selfish life, as he has done much for charity ever having been a generous contributor toward those societies organized to alleviate suffering among his people. No worthy or deserving Hebrew or Gentile ever came to Mr. Gutmann for aid which they did not receive, while he has always befriended and assisted in every way possible all ambitious young men who have been associated with him in business.

He is a member of the Benai Yeshurum congregation and is unmarried. His political support is always accorded the candidate he considers best adapted for the office. He takes an interest in the civic affairs but his participation in gov- ernmental matters is practically limited to the casting of a ballot on election day. During the twenty-five years of his residence in the capital city Mr. Gut- mann has made and retained the friendship of many with whom he has come in contact, and who apprecite the sterling qualities and business ability he has ever manifested in all of his transactions.

C. A. WEBB, D.D.S.

A large and constantly growing practice pays tribute to Dr. C. A. Webb, who has been identified with the profession of dentistry in Des Moines for more than a decade. A native of the capital city his birth occurred on the 17th of July, 1874, his parents being Samuel and Belle (Huntington) Webb, the father a na- tive of Beardstown, Illinois, and the mother of Massachusetts. Mr. Webb came to Iowa early in the '60s and for many years was in the employ of the Warfield, Pratt & Howell Company. As he and Mrs. Webb grew older they felt they preferred to reside in a milder climate so removed to California, where Mr. Webb is still actively engaged in business, although he has passed his seventieth anniversary. Six children were born of this union, three of whom are living.

The early years of Dr. Webb were spent amid the environments of a good home, his education being acquired in the common schools of his native city. Having elected to make dentistry his life work, following his graduation from the high school he entered the dental college of the Northwestern University, at Chicago. He was awarded his degree with the class of 1908, whereupon he re- turned to Des Moines and opened an office. He possesses the mechanical skill, deft hand and gracious manner so essential in his profession, and these qualities, together with his thorough understanding of the science he represents, has enabled him to build up an excellent practice.

In 1901 Dr. Webb was united in marriage to Miss Vivian Robinson, a native of South Dakota, and unto them have been born two daughters: Rachel and Marcela. The family affiliate with the Unitarian church, and Dr. Webb main- tains relations with the fellow members of his profession by means of his membership in the District and State Dental Associations. His ability as a den- tist and worth as a man are recognized by all who come in contact with him, and he has an extensive circle of friends who accord him the highest regard.

FRANKLIN RUNNELS.

Although Franklin Runnels spent a large part of his life in the east, he caught the active and progressive spirit of the west and has for more than a third of a century been identified with the development of Polk county. He is a native of New York, born December 25, 1830, and has, therefore, arrived at the advanced age of eighty years. His parents were Sewall and Melinda (Wil- ley) Runnels, the former of whom was born in New Hampshire and the latter

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in Vermont. The father engaged in farming in New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin and died in Calumet county, Wisconsin, in 1877. The mother passed away in 1856.

Franklin Runnels received his early education in the district schools of Ohio and as he grew up assisted his father in farm work. He purchased land in Wisconsin and made his home there for twenty-seven years, all of which time he devoted to agriculture and stock-raising. In 1878, yielding to the lure of the west, he came to Polk county, Iowa, and bought two hundred acres in Camp township, which he developed into a thoroughly modern and highly productive property. His business has been wisely managed and sales from the farm have yielded substantial returns. The home is a model of comfort and convenience and the barns and outbuildings are substantial, giving ample shelter- for grain and stock. In addition to his farm he owns a valuable residence in Des Moines.

In November, 1861, Mr. Runnels was married to Miss Lenora Blood, a daughter of Nathan and Harriet (Lesan) Blood, a record of whom appears else- where in this work. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Runnels: William, a farmer now living in Missouri, who is married and has three children; Mary L., who married Jerry Burnett and lives in Alabama; and Herbert S., Seth Albert, Caddie E. and Maude J., all of whom are living at home.

The life record of Mr. Runnels demonstrates that success does not depend upon genius, but is generally the result of indefatigable application and good judgment. In the course of many years he has not only promoted his own wel- fare but has contributed to the progress of the community. He has served as township trustee, road supervisor and member of the school board, in all of these positions showing an interest and zeal which resulted in benefit to the public. In religious faith he is broad and tolerant, granting to others the same freedom of conscience he asks for himself. Politically he adheres to the re- publican party whose principles he has supported ever since the party was organ- ized. By a life characterized by honor and integrity he has acquired a reputation of which his children may truly be proud, and he ranks as one of the highly re- spected citizens of Polk county.

HOMER A. MILLER.

The history of Homer A. Miller's upward career is the story of a life char- acterized by an orderly progression, under the steady hand of one who is a con- sistent master of himself and whose organism is harmonious and well balanced. He is widely known as the president of the Iowa National Bank and also has many and various other important business connections. He was born in La- porte, Indiana, November 13, 1860, a son of Benjamin F. and Rebecca (Whit- lock) Miller. On the paternal side he comes of German ancestry. The Miller family were early settlers in the Shenandoah valley of Virginia, where the birth of Benjamin F. Miller occurred. The maternal ancestors settled in Indiana at an early day and are supposed to have been of English lineage. Rebecca (Whit- lock) Miller was born in Laporte county, near South Bend. On leaving La- porte Benjamin F. Miller removed with his family to Hamilton county, Iowa, and in 1867 organized the first bank in the county, at Webster City, the county seat. He continued in business successfully until his death, which occurred May 30, 1896, and was one of the prominent and influential business men and financiers of that locality. He is still survived by his widow and their two children, the son, the subject of this sketch, and Grace, the wife of Walter S. Brown, of the Brown-Camp Hardware Company, of Des Moines.

Homer A. Miller was a lad of six years at the time of the removal to Webster City and in the graded schools and high school of that place he acquired his

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education. Later he took up the study of law, spending two years in the office of Wesley Martin, an attorney of Webster City. He planned also to devote two years to the study of law in the State University of Michigan but, changing his plans, entered his father's bank. He familiarized himself with every de- partment of the banking business, serving in every position from porter up to cashier. He was actively connected with the bank until 1882, when he removed to Eagle Grove, Iowa, where he opened a private bank under the firm style of B. F. Miller & Son. In 1886 the institution was reorganized under the name of the First National Bank, with Homer A. Miller as president. At that time he was the youngest national bank president in the United States. He continued as the head of that institution until January, 1899, when he resigned the presidency, though still retaining his financial interest in the bank.

Removing to the state capital in 1899, he accepted the position of cashier in the Des Moines Savings Bank. He was soon recognized as one of the leading bankers in the city and state. In 1907 the Des Moines Savings Bank was con- solidated with the Iowa National Bank, retaining the name Iowa National, at which time he was chosen to the presidency of the consolidated bank and made its chief executive officer.

Mr. Miller's natural aptitude and long experience in banking thoroughly qualify him for the capable conduct of the important and growing interests entrusted to him. He forms his plans readily, is prompt and determined in their execution and his sound judgment and the wisdom of his course are manifest in the excellent success which has attended the institutions over which he has presided.

From January, 1893, until 1899 Mr. Miller was bank examiner of the state of Iowa and it would be difficult to find one who has a more intimate knowledge of the banking business in every detail. In 1898 he was named by many of the leading journals of Iowa for the office of auditor of state and many of his friends urged him to "make the race," but, having little taste for practical politics and unusual aptitude for business, he disappointed his friends by firmly but kindly refusing their proffered support.

Banking does not cover the scope of Mr. Miller's activities, however, for he is also a director of the Brown-Camp Hardware Company, a director of the Northwest Mutual Life Insurance Company, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and a director of the Chicago & Northwestern Railway Company.

In May, 1884, in Humboldt, Iowa, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Lola Brown, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Brown, of that place. They have three children: Lucelia, born January 6, 1892, at Eagle Grove; Walter Homer, born at Eagle Grove, October 21, 1897; and Evelyn, born in Des Moines, June 9, 1899.

Mr. Miller gives his political allegiance to the republican party, but, while keeping well informed on the issues of the day, has never sought nor desired office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon business affairs of growing impor- tance, which have won him classification with the representative and leading financiers and business men of the state and country. He has been a member of the Masonic fraternity since attaining his majority, holding membership with the blue lodge, chapter and commandery. His church association is with the Unitarians and in more specifically social lines he is connected with the Grant Club and the Golf and Country Club. He is a man of powerful build and greatly enjoys a game of golf and all athletic and outdoor sports. He realizes the fact that recreation is a necessity in every life, proving a needed balance to intensive business activity. Starting out in life without any vaulting ambition to attain something especially great or famous, he has followed the lead of his opportunities, doing as best he could what came to hand and seizing legitimate advantages as they arose. He has never hesitated to take a forward step when the way has opened. Th migh content with what he attained as he went along

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he was always ready to make an advance. Fortunate in possessing ability and character that inspire confidence in others, the simple weight of his character and ability has carried him into important relations with large interests. Sev- eral tempting offers have come to him from banking institutions in the large cities but his love for his adopted state and his many pleasant relations with the people of the capital city, coupled with his belief in the splendid future of Des Moines and Iowa, and desire to participate in that future, have made it com- paratively easy for him to decline every such offer.

GEORGE W. FOWLER.

One of the promising members of the Des Moines' younger business circles is George W. Fowler, who ever since the beginning of his career has been identified with a position of trust and responsibility. He is a son of Charles W. and Sarah M. (Simmons) Fowler, natives of Illinois, his birth occurring in Rock Island, Illinois, on the third of August, 1878. The parents removed to Des Moines in the early '80s where the father engaged in business until 1900, at which time he disposed of his interests, migrating to Colorado four years later. They have more recently located in Oklahoma City, where they continue to reside.

The early years of George W. Fowler were very similar to those of the average American youth who is reared at home. Being but a child when his parents lo- cated in Des Moines, practically his entire life has been spent in this city, in the public schools of which he acquired his education. Being ambitious and ·ener- getic he was most anxious to assume the heavier responsibilities of life so laid aside his text-books when he had finished high school in order to begin his career. In November, 1897, being at the time but nineteen years of age, he accepted a position as assistant treasurer with the Security Loan & Trust Com- pany. Being alert, trustworthy and thoroughly competent he was later pro- moted to the position of treasurer, his identification with that company con- tinuing for ten years. At the expiration of that period he severed his connection with that firm in order to enter the service of the Bankers Life Association. Recognition of his ability and merits here were the means of his promotion to the position of assistant secretary of this company in July, 1909, in which capacity he continues to be retained.

It was on the 3Ist of July, 1905, that the marriage of Mr. Fowler and Miss Adeline L. Brecht, a native of Des Moines, occurred. Mrs. Fowler is a daugh- ter of the late William L. and Johanna (Armburst) Brecht, who came to this city from the state of New York in the early '8os. Mr. Brecht was for many years engaged in the brick industry here, having been during his latter days the president of the Flint Brick Company. One child has been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Fowler, a daughter, Evelyn, who has now reached the interesting age of two and a half years. Mr. Fowler affiliates with both the Grant and Country Clubs. He is recognized as a capable young man whose future, as gauged by his past, has every assurance of being a successful one.

FRANCIS PIKE.

Francis Pike, one of the representative agriculturists and respected citizens of Washington township, has here made his home for more than four decades. His birth occurred in Pennsylvania in March, 1833, his parents being David and Eliza (Ives) Pike, who spent their entire lives in the Keystone state. The

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father, an agriculturist by occupation, worked as a farm hand throughout prac- tically his entire business career, though he had a small tract of land of his own. His demise occurred in 1896, while his wife was called to her final rest in 1891.

Francis Pike was reared and educated in the state of his nativity and re- mained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority. In 1854 he removed to Illinois, where for three years he was employed as a farm hand. On the expiration of that period he rented a tract of land, devoting his attention to its operation until 1870, which year witnessed his arrival in Iowa. Purchasing eighty acres of land in Washington township, Polk county, he began the im- provement of the property and has remained thereon continuously since, the well tilled fields annually yielding rich crops as a reward for the care and labor which be bestows upon them. He also bought an additional tract of eighty acres but disposed of the place about five years later.

In September, 1857, Mr. Pike was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Nally, a daughter of Solomon and Mary (Mosburg) Nally, both of whom were natives of Maryland. The father removed to Illinois at an early day and purchased a farm of eighty acres, the further cultivation and improvement of which claimed his time and energies throughout the remainder of his life. He passed away in 1896, while the demise of his wife occurred on the 4th of January, 1870. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Pike were born five children, as follows: Mary C., living in Wash- ington township, the widow of Lyman Turner, who died in 1907; Louise I., liv- ing in Jackson county, Oregon, the widow of Lorenzo Minear, who passed away in 1908; Emma M., who is the wife of William Funk and resides near Mitchell- ville ; Albertus, a resident of Rhodes, Iowa ; and Susan E., whose demise occurred in 1863.

Mr. Pike gives his political allegiance to the democracy and has served as school director of Washington township for a number of years. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Church of the Brethren, to which his wife also belongs. He has now passed the seventy-eighth milestone on this i earthly pilgrimage and has so lived that he can look back upon the past without regret and forward to the future without fear.

FRANK JACOB KOCH.

Frank Jacob Koch, secretary-treasurer of Koch Brothers Printing Company of Des Moines, has been prominently connected with the business interests of the city since 1900 and is recognized as one of its enterprising and progressive men. The name of the family is well known in Iowa on account of the energy and abil- ity of its members and their high standing in business and fraternal affairs. Mr. Koch, of this review, comes of German ancestry on both branches of the house and was born at Sebringville, Ontario, Canada, in September, 1870, a son of Christian Gottlieb and Louisa (Gerling) Koch. The father was born at Engel- thal, Hesse, Germany, July 13, 1841, a son of Frank Jacob and Caroline (Men- ning) Koch, the former being one of the leaders and organizers of the Amana Society, formerly located at Buffalo, New York, but now in Iowa county, Iowa.

Mr. Koch, the father of our subject, received his early education in a school conducted by the Amana Society at Buffalo and learned the trade of harness- making under the same auspices. He left the society in 1865 to marry Miss Lou- isa Gerling, a daughter of George Gerling, of Sebringville, Ontario, and con- ducted harness stores at Sebringville, London and Elmira, Ontario. In 1880 he came west to Des Moines and during his residence in this city acted as travel- ing salesman or auditor for the Des Moines Glucose Company, the Ellsworth Packing Company and the Liverpool & Des Moines Packing Company. He

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was also engaged for several years with A. L. Goodrich in the manufacture and sale of stock foods. He died in 1895, after spending five years in retirement from active labor. He was a prominent member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and was also a consistent adherent of the Congregational church. There were five children in the family, namely: George, who married Louisa Machetanz and is now deceased; Louisa, also deceased; Ella; William, who be- came prominent in the printing business and is now president of the Brotherhood of American Yeomen with headquarters in Des Moines; and Frank J., of this review.

After receiving his preliminary education in the public schools of Sebring- ville Frank J. Koch entered the Collegiate Institute at Stratford, Ontario, of which he was a student for two years. He became a lithographic. artist and studied at Kansas City, Buffalo and St. Louis, acquiring excellent proficiency in this line. In 1900, after the death of his brother George, he became actively con- nected with Koch Brothers Printing Company Company of this city, in which he was previously interested as a stockholder, and has since served as secretary- treasurer of the company, which is one of the important printing establishments of the west. He is also a member of the board of directors of the Altoona Sav- ings Bank of Altoona, Iowa, and secretary and treasurer of Des Moines Type- setting Company.

On the 8th of February, 1911, at Des Moines, Mr. Koch was united in mar- riage to Miss Ella Burt. He takes a great interest in the Masonic order and is a member of the blue lodge, chapter, commandery and shrine. Socially he is identified with the Grant and the Hyperion Field and Motor Clubs, being a mem- ber of the board of directors of the latter organization. A man of superior business ability, quick to perceive opportunities as they arise and prompt in the execution of anything he undertakes, he has been highly successful, and wher- ever he is known commands the confidence and esteem accorded only the possessor of unquestioned integrity.

JOHN WESLEY ASH.

The opportunities presented by public office in America attract many ambitious and capable men, who, having served apprenticeships in business affairs, prove well adapted to manage larger responsibilities. John Wesley Ash, who for several years very acceptably filled the office of commissioner under the first commission plan and is now a member of the city council of Des Moines, demon- strated an ability highly gratifying to his constituents and productive of many benefits to the community. He is a native of Camp township, Polk county, Iowa, born December II, 1870, and is a son of John William and Susanna Margret (Dollar) Ash. The father was born in Virginia, April 6, 1831, and the mother at Shelbyville, Tennessee, November 25, 1829. Mr. Ash, Sr., came to Iowa in 1852, driving an ox team, and settled in Camp township, with which he was identified until his death, at the age of sixty years, on April 5, 1891.

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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 97

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