USA > Iowa > Des Moines County > History of Des Moines County, Iowa, Volume II > Part 30
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45
James T. Wootten was educated in the south, and afterward learned the carpenter's trade with his father, with whom he re- mained until the outbreak of the Civil war. He was never sworn into service but was with an engineering corps and worked for the Southern army as a bridge builder from 1862 until the close of the war. Upon the close of the war he came north and chose Burlington as his place of residence. After coming to this city he was employed by Hiram Roberts, a carpenter-contractor, and by other old-time contractors and builders of that early period. He worked at his trade for a number of years as a journeyman and afterward was em- ployed for several years by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Rail-
355
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
road Company as a builder. For twenty-three years he was in the employ of the Murray Iron Works and thus was closely associated with industrial activity in Burlington and Des Moines county. About 1871 he removed to his present place of residence, having thirty-one acres of land, and there he carried on farming in addition to car- pentering. Since 1892 he has remained continuously at No. 1525 Haskell street, and is now living retired.
In October, 1870, Mr. Wootten was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Worrell, who was born in Burlington, Iowa, in 1851, a daughter of B. Q. and Catherine (Leebrick) Worrell. Her father was born October 17, 1816, and in 1850 came to Burlington, where he worked as a contractor and house builder, while in later life he was in the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company. He voted with the republican party and was a very quiet and unostentatious man, but possessed many sterling traits of · character, so that his honesty and genuine worth gained for him the respect and friendship of those with whom he came in contact. He was ever industrious and retained physical powers that enabled him to work until a short time prior to his death. He passed away in January, 1905, and was laid to rest in Aspen Grove cemetery. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Catherine Leebrick, was born near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in 1811 and died in 1877. She came to Burlington with her brother, Samuel Leebrick, in the winter of 1833, thus becoming one of the pioneers of this city at a period when Indians roamed the streets. Mr. and Mrs. Worrell had but one child, Mrs. Wootten. The mother had been previously married, however, her first husband heing Enoch Wade, by whom she had three daugh- ters, one of whom is now living, Mrs. Carrie Deal, of California. Mrs. Worrell died in 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Worrell were both mem- bers of the Methodist church and their sterling worth was greatly appreciated by their many friends.
To Mr. and Mrs. Wootten have been born eight children, all natives of Des Moines county, and the family circle yet remains un- broken by the hand of death. Katherine M., the eldest, born in May, 1873, is now the wife of Marion Webster, of Peoria, Illinois. Ben- jamin Worrell, born in November, 1875, is a molder by trade and resides in Brooklyn, New York. Josephine G., born in September, 1877, is a graduate of the Burlington high school and Normal Train- ing school. She has taught in the John M. Corse school, better known as the West Hill school, and is popular in educational circles, while throughout the community she has many friends. James T., born in March, 1880, is a carpenter of California. He married Miss Lottie
356
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
Beck and they have three children, Norma, Phyllis and Gertrude. Merrill Leebrick, born in April, 1884, is mentioned elsewhere in this volume. Frank D., born in October, 1887, now resides in Omaha, Nebraska, where he is buyer for the Charles Morton hardware store. Mr. Morton is an old Burlington man, being the son of James Morton, of the firm of Nelson & Morton. The business is con- ducted at Omaha under the name of the James Morton & Son Com- pany. Frank D. Wootten married Miss Jessie Brown and has one son, Frank Jr., aged three years. Glenn H., born in June, 1893, is at home with his parents. Paul, born in August, 1896, is assisting in the development and improvement of the home place.
Mr. Wootten built his present residence in 1870, or in that year erected a cottage, which he has since converted into a two story resi- dence, making it a comfortable and commodious home. While it was farm property at the time of his purchase it is now within the city limits. In fraternal relations Mr. Wootten is well known as an Odd Fellow, belonging to Washington Lodge. He is a fine looking man, well preserved, and is highly regarded by his friends and neighbors, who speak of him as one of the best citizens of Burlington. For a half century he has here resided and is widely known. He has led a lite of industry and uprightness and his salient characteristics have ever commended him to the confidence, goodwill and high regard of those with whom he has been brought in contact, his career being that of an earnest and sincere gentleman.
C. P. SQUIRES.
The business life of Burlington received a lasting impetus from the activities of C. P. Squires, who for many years was at the head of important interests in this city. He was not only well known in com- mercial circles but was connected with the railroad development of this section of the state. Mr. Squires was born in Bennington, Ver- mont, March 29, 1827, and passed away in Burlington, April 18, 1903, in his seventy-seventh year. He came to the latter city in 1857. there engaging in the drug business as a member of the drug firm of Squires & Bloss. It was due to his sound business policy and high business principles that the concern became the leading one in the city and throughout various changes Mr. Squires continued as the head and soul of the business until 1890, when it was merged with the Churchill Drug Company and Mr. Squires retired from active
357
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
affairs, although he retained a financial interest in this company. His store was always "the" drug store of Burlington and a number of suc- cessful business men of that city graduated from this establishment into the business world and served their apprenticeship under the direction of our subject.
Mr. Squires had many other interests and was associated with a number of projects that greatly affected the growth of the city. He was a director of the old Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Rail- road and became a director of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific when the former was absorbed by the latter. He was also for many years a director of the old narrow gauge line and did efficient work in making the operation of this road a success. He was connected with this system until it became a part of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. From 1895 Mr. Squires was a director of the German-American Savings Bank and in 1901 was elected vice presi- dent of that institution. He proved a man of more than ordinary ability in all his business transactions and success came to him on account of his superior qualities of character and intellect.
In 1860 Mr. Squires was united in marriage to Mrs. Frances Dana, who died July 3, 1884. On April 12, 1888, he married Anna Battell Hedge, of Burlington, a daughter of Thomas and Eliza Burr (Eldridge) Hedge. In his long and distinguished career Mr. Squires gave a true example of American citizenship. He was a man of rare business acumen who exerted himself not only for his indi- vidual success but readily rendered service in the interest of the com- munity. He was a man of fine character and had a host of friends, who esteemed him more for himself than for his achievements. Mr. Squires was a devoted and consistent member of Christ Episcopal church, which organization he morally and materially supported. His memory is venerated as that of a pioneer who did much for the development of his city and as that of a man who combined business ability with kindness of heart.
AUGUST H. JOHNSON.
August H. Johnson, engaged in the manufacture of tile in Medi- apolis, in which connection he conducts one of the important produc- tive industries of the city, was born in Sweden, December 9, 1847, a son of John and Helena (Olson) Johnson, who spent their entire lives upon a farm in Sweden. The father died when their son August was
358
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
but seven years of age, after which the mother continued to conduct the farm with the aid of her elder sons. In the family were four boys and four girls. Three of the number came to the United States: Charles; August H .; and Matilda, the wife of Erland Norman, of Mediapolis.
It was in 1868 that August H. Johnson crossed the Atlantic. He arrived in Burlington on the Ist of September of that year and has since resided in this county, covering a period of almost a half cen- tury. He had learned the stonemason's trade in his native land and he followed that pursuit after his arrival in Iowa, devoting about · twenty years to the business. In 1886 he built his present tile factory and has since been engaged in the manufacture of tile, conducting one of the important business interests of his town. He started in a small way with one kiln but now has three kilns and the output is six hun- dred thousand tile annually. The plant includes a dry house twenty- four by seventy feet and three stories in height, which was erected in 1911. The old part of the dry house has twelve thousand seven hun- dred and forty-four square feet of floor space. In 1910 Mr. Johnson admitted his sons to a partnership. They manufacture all sizes of tile up to twelve inches and sell mostly to the local trade. Their busi- ness has now reached gratifying proportions and its success is attrib- utable to the close application, careful management and sound business judgment of its founder and promoter.
In 1899 Mr. Johnson personally erected a brick residence in Mediapolis from brick which he had manufactured, so that he is literally the builder of his own home. He owns twenty-five acres within the corporation limits of the town. He has erected a number of dwellings, from which he derives a good rental and he is now en- gaged in building another brick house. He is also a stockholder in both banks of Mediapolis and is regarded as a representative business man.
In Burlington, on the 14th of March, 1873, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Augusta Nelson, who was born in Sweden in 1851 and was brought to Iowa in 1868 by her parents, Magnus and Christina Nelson, who settled in Huron township, Des Moines county, and spent their remaining days upon their farm in that local- ity. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have become the parents of five children : Ellen, who is now in Chicago; Amanda, the wife of F. H. Liker, of Sigourney, Iowa; Esther, at home; and Martin and Emanuel, who are partners of their father in the tile-manufacturing business.
Mr. Johnson is a republican, voting always for the men and meas- ures of the party because he believes that its principles contain the
359
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
best elements of good government. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church. At different times he has served as a member of the school board until his connection therewith covers many years and at the present time he is one of the incumbents in that office. He came to this county empty-handed, actuated by a desire to utilize and enjoy broader business opportunities, and by reason of his persistency of purpose and well formulated plans he has gained a creditable place in manufacturing circles and in the conduct of his business affairs has contributed also to the material upbuilding of the community in which he lives.
R. F. KARNEY, M. D.
Dr. R. F. Karney, who was vice president of the Des Moines County Medical Society in 1914, and who is a physician and surgeon whose position of prominence has been established by the consensus of public opinion and the regard of his professional brethren, was born at Brodhead, Wisconsin, August 14, 1882, a son of Marion and Eva (Davis) Karney. The father is engaged in the insurance busi- ness and he and his wife reside at Brodhead, Wisconsin.
At the usual age Dr. Karney entered the public schools and passed through consecutive grades until graduated from the high school of Brodhead. Wishing to become a member of the medical profession, he then entered the medical department of the North- western University at Chicago and was graduated with the class of 1907. He afterward spent eighteen months as interne in St. Anthony's Hospital of Chicago, gaining broad experience through his hospital work. He then located in Galesburg, Illinois, where he engaged in general practice for a year, and on the ist of January, 1911, he came to Burlington. Here he has since engaged in general practice and is also the examining physician for the Chicago, Bur- lington & Quincy Railroad. Although one of the younger representa- tives of the profession, he is well established and it is well known that he keeps in touch with the most advanced thought and methods of the day and, moreover, his naturally keen perception and logical mind enable him to carefully analyze his cases so that he is seldom if ever at fault in diagnosis. He is a member of the Burlington Medical Society, was vice president of the Des Moines County Medical Society in 1914 and is a member of the Iowa State Medical Associa- tion and the American Medical Association.
360
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
On the 7th of September, 1910, Dr. Karney was united in mar- riage to Miss Mildred Kurtz, of Brodhead, Wisconsin, and they have gained many friends during the period of their residence in Bur- lington. Dr. Karney holds membership with the Masons and the Elks and in his political views is a republican, but the honors and emoluments of office have no attraction for him, as he prefers to con- centrate his energies upon his professional duties. He is making steady advance in his practice and at all times is actuated in his work by a sense of conscientious obligation.
ROLLIN J. COWLES.
Advancing step by step in the employ of the Chittenden & East- man Company, furniture manufacturers and jobbers of Burlington, Rollin J. Cowles is now one of the stockholders and directors in the business and is thoroughly acquainted with every phase of the trade. He was born in Cordova, Illinois, in 1860, a son of James M. and Louisa (Fuller) Cowles, who in the year 1865 brought their family to Burlington. During the early period of his residence here the father was connected with the flour mill owned by the firm of Putnam & Olmstead and later he established the first steam laundry in Bur- lington on Front street. At a still later period he was connected with the grain trade in the city and so continued until his death.
In the public schools of Burlington Rollin J. Cowles pursued his studies and thus qualified for the duties of a business career. On starting out he learned the carriage painter's trade, which he followed for two years, and at the end of that time he entered the employ of the firm of Pollock, Granger & Chittenden on the Ist of May, 1881. He has been with that firm and its successors continuously since, or for a third of a century, and has filled various positions in connec- tion with the business. For nineteen years he traveled as a representa- tive of the house, covering northern Iowa and South Dakota, and for the past thirteen years he has been in the office in Burlington. He has acted as buyer and also had charge of the sales department, but during the past few years he has been credit manager, also acting as buyer He is now one of the stockholders and directors of this com- pany, which is an important manufacturing concern of the city, con- tributing in large measure to the business development of Burlington, and the largest of its kind in the United States.
361
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
On the 27th of December, 1889, Mr. Cowles was united in mar- riage to Miss Emma M. King, who was a teacher in the public schools of this city and a daughter of William King, one of the early settlers of Burlington. They became the parents of two children, Velma and Rollin. The latter is a well known athlete, having gained a wide reputation as such.
Mrs. Cowles and her daughter are members of the Presbyterian church and in politics Mr. Cowles is an independent republican. His social nature finds expression in various membership relations, as he belongs to the Elks, the Golf Club, the Launch Club and the Car- thage Lake Club. While upon the road he early learned the value of good nature, of kindliness and courtesy and, never lacking in these qualities, they have made for his present popularity. He, moreover, gained many warm friends wherever he went and high regard is entertained for him wherever he is known.
A. J. COCKRELL.
A. J. Cockrell, commissioner of public improvements, also secre- tary and treasurer of the Cooperative Supply Company, was born in Burlington on the 7th of May, 1874. His father, James Cockrell, was a native of England, born in 1845, and when a young man he crossed the Atlantic to the new world, settling first in Canada, where he en- gaged in the lumber business. In 1871 he arrived in Burlington, where he continued to make his home until his death, which occurred March 11, 1885. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary Belles and was born in England, October 20, 1846, while her death occurred April 13, 1912. Two sisters of A. J. Cockrell are yet living: Mrs. Edgar Honnam, of Burlington; and Mrs. Fred C. Smallcombe, of Los Angeles, California.
Mr. Cockrell of this review acquired his education in the public schools but his opportunities were somewhat limited owing to the fact that he found it necessary to earn his living when but ten years of age. He first worked in a grocery store and remained in that busi- ness until 1902. He was industrious, energetic and faithful and thus he "as advanced from time to time, his earnings increasing pro- portionately. Carefully saving his money, he was at length enabled to embark in the transfer business, in which he is still engaged. He has always used his opportunities to good advantage and has con- stantly been alert for chances to broaden the scope of his labors.
362
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
He joined with his brothers in organizing the Cooperative Supply Company, of which he became the secretary and treasurer, and in this connection he still continues. He was elected commissioner of public improvements in April, 1914, and in that position has charge of all street improvements, sewers, etc. In the discharge of his duties he is displaying a practical knowledge of the work under his direc- tion together with a zealous devotion to the public good.
Mr. Cockrell was united in marriage to Miss Katie Ortell, of Dubuque, Iowa, who acquired a thorough education in the schools of her home city. Mr. Cockrell holds membership with the Eagles and the Moose. His political views are in accord with the princi- ples of the socialist party and his religious faith is that of the Epis- copal church. He may truly be called a self-made man and he deserves all the praise which that term implies for, starting out in life for himself at the age of ten years, he has worked his way stead- ily upward, wisely utilizing his time and talents and carving out for himself opportunities where none previously existed. His record is a most creditable one and he commands the confidence, respect and goodwill of all with whom he is associated.
SIMEON RUSSELL.
Among the early and successful citizens of Des Moines county may be mentioned Simeon Russell, who was an able and competent contractor in Burlington for over forty years, having erected many of the finest buildings in the city. Mr. Russell was born in Newcastle county, near Wilmington, Delaware, January 25, 1825, being the seventh and youngest son of Christopher and Jane ( Bowman) Rus- sell. Christopher Russell was born in Pickering, Yorkshire, Eng- land, July 10, 1786. He came to Delaware in early pioneer times and spent the greater part of his life on a farm and passed away on the 12th of April, 1847. Jane (Bowman) Russell was born in Pickering, Yorkshire, England, in 1797, and died in Wilmington, Delaware, March 14, 1827. Of the seven sons born to Mr. and Mrs. Russell, all have passed away.
Simeon Russell remained on his father's farm until sixteen years of age, when he went to Maysville, Mason county, Kentucky, to reside with his brother, Christopher Russell, with whom he spent four years in learning the brick mason's trade. During the following four years he worked at his trade in Delaware and then returned to Maysville,
363
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
Kentucky, and Cincinnati, Ohio, where he remained for two years. In 1851, thinking there was a good opening for young men in the west, Mr. Russell decided to come to Iowa and chose the city of Burling- ton as the scene of his future home. The erection of the North Hill school was in progress at this time and Mr. Russell at once secured employment on this building. His ability as an expert mason was at once discovered and his wages increased accordingly. In the spring of 1852, Mr. Russell began contracting for himself and erected many of the finest buildings of the city, among which may be mentioned : South Hill school, 1852; Cumberland Presbyterian church, 1855; St. Paul's church, 1856; South Boundary school, 1861; Germania school, 1866; Hibernia school, 1875; Prospect Hill school, 1879. In 1891. he superintended the erection of the Saunderson and the present Sunnyside schools. In 1885, Mr. Russell had associated with him in business Mr. Frank Orm, now deceased, and during this time they built the German American Savings Bank block. The first brick paving laid in Burlington was that done by Mr. Russell in alley No. +, between Arch and High streets, and it is still one of the best pieces of paving in the city. His motto all through life was: "What is worth doing at all is worth doing well." Many of the prominent and well-to-do citizens were proud to say they received their early train- ing under Mr. Russell or worked for him later in life.
On the 19th of September, 1854, Mr. Russell and Miss Elizabeth Whitaker were united in marriage at the home of her parents on the borders of Canaan township, Henry county, Iowa. Mrs. Russell was born in Leeds, Yorkshire, England, November 23, 1832, and was a daughter of George and Jane (Wood) Whitaker. Mr. Whitaker was born November 20, 1808; Jane (Wood) Whitaker, July 31, 1808; both in Leeds, Yorkshire, England. They came to America in 1849 and to the city of Burlington on the 3d of March, 1850. They resided on a farm in Henry county, Iowa, for several years and then took up their abode in Franklin township, Des Moines county, where they were successful farmers until 1868, when they removed to the city of Burlington to spend the remainder of their lives. Mr. Whitaker passed away March 26, 1887, while the death of his wife occurred four weeks later, April 23, 1887. Their remains were interred in the Aspen Grove cemetery. To Mr. and Mrs. Russell were born seven children: Angela W., who died on her first birthday; George S .; Emma J .; William C .; Clara E .; S. Lillian; and John .Byron who died at the age of thirteen months. Mrs. Russell was a devoted mem- ber of the First Baptist church of Burlington for fifty-eight years, having joined the same in February, 1854.
364
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
Politically Mr. Russell was a democrat and, though never solicit- ing office, his skill and qualifications won for him the position of city building commissioner during the years of 1885 and 1886. Mr. Rus- sell was held in the highest esteem in all the various walks of life. He was kind and benevolent, held to his convictions and had the happy faculty of differing from others and yet not antagonizing them. He was broad and liberal-minded, always progressive and greatly inter- ested in educational matters. On account of ill health, he was forced to retire from active business early in life. His pleasant and happy home was at No. 521 North Seventh street where he and his devoted wife lived for over fifty years and where his daughters, Emma J., Clara E. and S. Lillian Russell, still reside. On the 21st of Novem- ber, 1906, Mr. Russell entered upon his final rest. Mrs. Russell, who was a true and typical helpmate and one greatly admired for her · many sterling qualities of heart and hand, departed this life after a number of years of invalidism on the 23d of July, 1912. Mr. and Mrs. Russell are both buried in the beautiful cemetery known as Aspen Grove.
W. A. BAUM.
W. A. Baum is the efficient manager of the Iowa Biscuit Com- pany. He is a self-made man who has worked his way upward from a farmer boy to his present responsible position. Power and ability grow through the exercise of effort and it has been along that line that he has reached a place where important interests are now under his control and where the leading business men of the city recognize him as an honored colleague. He was born in Waterloo, Iowa, on the 4th of January, 1863, and is a son of Samuel and Amelia (Van Schoick) Baum, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Vermont. They were married, however, in La Porte City, Iowa, where the father worked at the trades of plasterer and stonemason. In an early day he removed to Waterloo, where he resided until his death, and was there closely connected with the industrial activity of the city.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.