Memorial and biographical record of Iowa, Part 181

Author:
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1360

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Dr. Gethman belongs to the Hahnemann Medical Society of Iowa, and holds a member- ship in the I. O. O. F., the Knights of Pyth- ias; M. W. of A., and the A. O. U. W. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Church.

The Doctor possesses strong social pro-

clivities and is hailed among men as a mnost genial companion. His friends are legion. Among the young and the old he is a welcome guest. Despite his youth and the six years spent in continual study, he has managed his business so skillfully, so that already he stands at the doorway of opulence, through which he will enter ere long.

a HARLES D. WILLIAMS, proprietor of a general jobbing and carriage shop in Tama, Iowa, and a representative business man, was born in North- ampton, Hampshire county, Massachusetts, July 15, 1848, and is a son of Dewey and Sarah (Hayden) Williams, also natives of the Bay State, and now residents of Williamsburg, Massachusetts, the father having reached the advanced age of seventy-seven years, while the mother is ten years his junior. They had six children, four of whom are now living, namely: Fred S., Harry D., Gertie C. and Charles D., all now married. Harry is general manager of the Extracting and Assaying Company of Denver, Colorado; Fred is a constable and auctioneer, of Holyoke, Massachusetts; and the daughter is living in Hayden, Massachusetts. The father of this family was a mechanic, but is now living retired. The paternal ancestors, including the grandfather of our subject, were natives of England. His mother's people have lived in America from early Colonial days.

Charles D. Williams acquired his education in the common schools, and at the age of eighteen years was apprenticed to the wagon- making trade, under the provisions of the Smith Charities of Northampton, Massachu- setts. Some years previous, Oliver Smith, a well-known philanthropist, had died, leaving a large sum of money which was to be used in aiding young men in starting out in business. All young men who would serve a regular term of apprenticeship until twenty-one years of age, maintaining a good character during that time, should receive $500 in cash on reaching man's estate, if he would pay six per cent interest on

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the money until he attained his twenty-sixth year. Of seven who-entered at the time Mr. Williams began his apprenticeship, only two fulfilled the conditions.

With the $500 received from this source Mr. Williams came to the West and entered upon his active business career in Iowa. He first located at Manchester, Delaware county, where he followed his trade for about seven years. He then came to Tama, and for seven years was a trusted and faithful employee of the Union Plow Company. On the expiration of that period he began business on his own account in 1887, and does all kinds of general jobbing and repair work, together with all kinds of wood-work, and at present his time is mostly devoted to making scroll-work for house finishings.

On the 28th of March, 1870, in Whitting- ham, Vermont, Mr. Williams married Miss Fannie E. Hicks, a native of Massachusetts and a daughter of Rev. Warren J. Hicks, a minister of the Universalist Church. They have one child, Alta L., now the wife of E. B. Fitzgerald, a photographer of Rhoades, Iowa.

The family are Universalists in religious belief, and in politics Mr. Williams is an un- swerving Republican. His life has been a busy and useful one, and whatever success he has achieved is due entirely to his own efforts. He now has the high regard of many friends.

ILLIAM W. PHILLIPS is a name that stands conspicuously high on the roll of Iowa's lawyers. The gentleman who bears it is the senior member of the law firm of Phillips & Brennan, of Des Moines, a man of strong mentality and force of character, who occupies a command- ing position as a member of the bar of the cap- ital city.

He was born in Cadiz, Ohio, on the 13th of March, 1840, and is a son of Albert and Catherine (Devall) Phillips, -the former a native of the same place, while the latter was

born in Maryland. In early life the father learned and followed the shoemaker's trade, and afterward became a dealer in boots and shoes. Subsequently he devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits, thus spending his last years. His death occurred in 1876, in Find- lay, Ohio, where, for some time, he had made his home. He was then in his sixty-eighth year. His wife is still living, in Findlay. In their family were four sons.

The gentleman whose name honors the introduction of this sketch was the third of the children, and when eight years of age was taken by his parents to Findlay, Ohio, on their removal to that place, where he was reared to manhood and acquired his education in the common schools. While he was attending the high school there the hydra-headed monster Rebellion made its appearance in the land, and the patriotism of the student was awakened into active life. He laid aside the ball bat for the rifle, exchanged the playground for the battle-field, and the school-boy became a soldier. He served in Company D, Ninety- ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, commanded by Colonel Langworth. This regiment was at- tached to the Army of the Tennessee and par- ticipated in the battles of Stone River, Chan- cellorsville, Lookout Mountain, Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, Peach Tree Creek, Franklin and Nashville, ---- all severe engagements; and after a long and faithful service was mustered out, in August, 1865, at Camp Dennison, ---- four months after the surrender of Lee and the virtual close of the war.

Returning to Findlay, Ohio, Mr. Phillips continued his residence there until the follow- ing February, when he came to Iowa, locating first in Oscaloosa. He became a resident of Des Moines in 1867, at which time he entered the law school, where he was graduated the following year. Opening an office at East Des Moines, he has since practiced his chosen pro- fession; and close application, earnest and con- scientious effort, devotion to his clients' inter- ests and the exercise of his abilities, natural and acquired, have given him a standing in the

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profession which is indeed enviable and is most highly deserved. For a time he was associated in partnership with W. F. Conrad, the con- nection continuing until the latter was elected district judge. His son Frank W. afterward became his partner until elected Police Judge of Des Moines. His present business associate is Hugh Brennan, and the firm is widely known as one of great legal strength. In 1887 Mr. Phillips was elected County Attorney and served one term in a most creditable manner. In connection with his legal work, as a means of recreation, as well as profit, he carries on a fine fruit farm of eleven acres, located in the eastern part of the city.

In August, 1865, Mr. Phillips was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary M. Taylor, of Find- lay, Ohio, a daughter of Thomas H. and Nancy Taylor. They have four children, namely: Harry T., a fariner; Frank W., Police Judge of Des Moines; William W., Jr .; and Carl. The family is one of worth, its members occupying a high place in social cir- cles. In his view of national questions Mr. Phillips is a Republican, but has no desire for public office and takes little part in political affairs. His time is mostly given to his busi- ness, but his many warm personal friends know him as a genial, companionable gentle- man, in whose acquaintance they delight, knowing his genuine worth.

ERRIT VAN GINKEL .- Among the men who have established homes in Des Moines and exerted a widely felt influence on the community and the business world in general, he whose name heads this sketch is among the most noted. He has reached the position of prominence which he now holds in commercial circles through his force of character and indomitable perseverance. As a business manager he has always shown remarkable tact and wisdom. Clear-headed, far-sighted, reasonably conserv- ative and deliberate in his judgment, he has so directed his business interests as to suffer few

losses, merit success and gain a handsome property. In all his relations he is controlled by a high sense of honor, and is known for his promptness, integrity and manly bearing.

The founder of the family in America was A. Van Ginkel, father of our subject, who was born in Holland, and was twice married. In 1857 he sailed with his family for the United States, and entered upon his business career as a farmer near Pella, Iowa. By his first marriage he had six children, and by the sec- ond union were born three sons and three daughters. His second wife died near Pella a few years ago, after which Mr. Van Ginkel went to Kansas, where he spent his remaining days. A son of the second marriage, Gerrit Van Ginkel, was born December 11, 1849, and early in life was thrown upon his own resources. Having to earn his living, he could not con- tinue the common-school course, but in the school of experience he learned many valuable and practical lessons. He became an employee in a printing-office and his work there neces- sarily added to his knowledge. When only eleven years of age he entered the employ of Henry Hospers, and for thirteen years was en- gaged in newspaper work. He was always thorough and mastered every detail of the business. When only eighteen years of age he established the Pella Gazette, printed in Pella, Iowa, and successfully continued its publication for two years, when failing health caused him to seek other employment and he found a needed change in outdoor life. He engaged in gardening and shipping vegetables in large quantities, and in connection with his brother John has since carried on operations in that field of labor. In the winter he still followed the printer's trade, but in the summer worked in the garden, following in the outdoor life and exercise that tonic that was needed for his impaired strength.

Later Mr. Van Ginkel extended his opera- tions and became connected with some of the most important industries of Des Moines. He is a man of broad capabilities, of unbounded energy, and as his capital has increased he has

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made judicious investments that have materi- ally promoted his own welfare and that of his adopted city. The establishment of street railways has called into action his business tal- ents, and he was largely instrumental in build- ing the Des Moines and Sevastopol line of rail- road, which was attended with such success that the company determined to build a road in the city, thus competing with the old Des Moines Street Railway Company. The al- ready established company at once fought the measure, and, when at length Mr. Van Ginkel and his associates after a hard struggle had succeeded in getting a charter, the old com- pany, having the exclusive right to use horse cars, filed an injunction, which was sustained; but resolute purpose was not deterred in this way, and the new company decided to and did adopt the electric-street-railroad system, es- tablishing it in advance of many cities of the West. The success of this enterprise is largely due to the persistent labors of Mr. Van Ginkel. In 1889 he sold his interest, but has since taken stock in the Des Moines Electric Street Rail- road Company, and feels a just pride in its success. He also owns an electric street rail- road in Springfield, Illinois, and is also a stockholder in a line in South Bend, Indiana.

In 1882 Mr. Van Ginkel established the Van Ginkel Coal Company, owning a mine at Sevastopol, with a daily capacity of 250 tons of lump coal, while from 75 to 125 men are engaged in working the property. In connec- tion with this there is a large brick-yard, where millions of brick are produced annually. He is president of the Van Ginkel Coal & Mining Company of Des Moines, aiding in its organ- ization in 1890, from which time he has served in the office which he now occupies. He owns the greater amount of the stock. He aided in the establishment of the celebrated Iowa Min- eral & Ochre Paint Works of Des Moines, is a stockholder and director in the German Savings Bank, of Des Moines, and also of the Savings Bank of Iowa. He has considerable valuable city and farming property, and has done much to enlarge and beautify Sevastopol, having

erected there some thirty houses and several brick blocks. The various business concerns with which he has been connected have done much to advance the material prosperity of Des Moines and Polk county, and he is widely recognized as an important factor in her up- building.

Mr. Van Ginkel gives his political support to the Republican party, and socially is con- nected with the Odd Fellows society. He was reared in the faith of the Dutch Reformed Church, and his wife is a member of the Bap- tist Church. The lady who now bears the name of Mrs. Van Ginkel was in her maiden- hood Miss Catherine Ten Hagen, a native of Des Moines. Her parents emigrated to this country from Holland, but her father is of French extraction. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Van Ginkel was celebrated in Pella, Iowa, December 13, 1867, and has been blessed with eight children: Gerrit C .; Katie, who died at the age of four years; Ada, Samuel, Julia, Charlotte, Nancy and Katie.

RANK W. PHILLIPS is a native son of the city of Des Moines, and by those among whom he was reared he was honored with an election to the office of Police Judge of the city, in which ca- pacity he is now serving, his administration of affairs being one that commands respect and confidence. He is numbered among the more prominent young men of the city, and should he continue in political life or engage in the . practice of law, for which he has prepared himself, he will undoubtedly have a successful career, for he possesses the ability which leads to success in any line. His father is W. W. Phillips, a leading attorney and the senior member of the firm of Phillips & Brannan, of Des Moines.

Our subject was born on the 20th of Octo- ber, 1869, and the greater part of his boyhood was spent in his native city, while its public schools afforded him his earlier educational privileges. He also pursued his studies for a

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time in Drake University, of Des Moines, and was graduated at Alleghany College at Mead- ville, Pennsylvania. Returning to the parental home he entered into partnership with his father under the firm style of Phillips & Phil- lips, and in 1889 he was admitted to the bar. He then engaged in practice until the spring of 1894 and was rapidly winning a place among the skilled and able attorneys of the city.

Mr. Phillips was then called to public of- fice. His election to the position of Police Judge of the city of Des Moines on the Repub- lican ticket for a term of two years was cer- tainly a compliment, but though young in years he has the qualifications which have in- sured capable service. His inind is judicial in its cast, analytical and keen, and he is a man of unimpeachable integrity, so that in the dis- charge of the duties of the office he has won admiration and respect.

The Judge was one of the six organizers of the National Guards, of Des Moines, and was appointed First Lieutenant of Company H, Iowa National Guards. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity. He is a very affa- ble gentleman, easy of approach even by the humblest citizen, direct and clear in his con- versation, and in his dealings always pursues that course which a man of honesty and sym- pathy would naturally expect.

In February, 1895, was celebrated the mar- riage of Judge Phillips and Miss Mary E. Jenkins, a refined and intelligent lady of Chi- cago, Illinois, previously of Louisville, Ken- tucky.

ARDY C. HARRIS, senior member of the firm of the Harris-Emery Company, proprietors of a general department store on the corner of Seventh and Walnut streets, Des Moines, was born in Brattleboro, Vermont, in 1844, the son of Charles and Harriet (Butterfield) Har- ris. His father, a farmer by occupation, was a native of Vermont, but resided the most of his life in the Dominion of Canada. 72

The gentleman whose name heads this sketch passed his early school days in Brattle- boro, excepting a short time at a seminary elsewhere; but he left school when compara- tively young in order to engage in business pursuits and obtain what education he could that was required by the practical duties of life. In the commercial world his first posi- tion was that of clerk in a dry-goods store for two years. In 1865 he came to Des Moines and entered the employ of Ankeny Brothers, with whom he remained a year. Next he was employed by George R. Osgood, of Des Moines, who subsequently admitted as a part- ner a merchant named Wyman, and after that again Mr. Harris, of this sketch, when the firm name became Osgood, Harris & Company, there being by this time a third partner. After a number of years of successful business our subject sold out his interest to Osgood, Risser & Company, and formed a partnership under the firm name of H. C. Harris & Company, engaging in the dry-goods trade, and this rela- tion continued until 1892, when the present firm was organized, under the title of the Har- ris-Emery Company.

Their store-rooms are large and well occu- pied by merchandise and the conveniences of business. Besides dry goods proper and cloth- ing, the company carries a large stock of mil- linery, draperies, wall-paper, furniture, etc. There are altogether in the various depart- ments about one hundred salesmen. For the filling of mail orders there is a separate depart- ment for town and country.

Mr. Harris is a director of the Iron-Pipe and Tile Company, of Des Moines.

As to the fraternal orders and benevolent societies, Mr. Harris is a member of several. He is prominent in Masonry, being a Knight Templar, a member of the commandery at Des Moines.

For his wife Mr. Harris chose Miss Letta Crandall, a lady of fine mental qualities, resid- ing in Northwood, Iowa. She is a daughter of Captain T. A. Crandall, a retired banker of that place. Mr. and Mrs. Harris have two

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interesting children, namely: Hardy C., Jr., and Marcia C. The family have a good resi- dence at the corner of Ingersoll and Park ave- nues. Mr. and Mrs. Harris are members of the Plymouth Congregational Church, of which he is Deacon. For the past ten years he has also been the treasurer of the Young Men's Christian Association.

B EV. CHARLES W. LYON, B. S., M. S., president of Ellsworth College, of Iowa Falls, Iowa, was born April 2, 1851. His grandfather, the Rev. Richard Lyon, who emigrated from England and settled in New Jersey, was an itinerant preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and devoted his life to the cause. His son, Edmond Burke Lyon, and father of our sub- ject, was born in Camden, New Jersey, in 1818. In 1843 he removed to Clayton county, Iowa, and became a pioneer. Here he met and married Harriet Sisson, March 1, 1843. The Sisson family were also natives of Cam- den, New Jersey. Mrs. Lyon's father, Hol- den Sisson, settled in Cook county, Illinois, where he became one of the first County Com- missioners appointed there. He also served as Captain in the Black Hawk war, and his family with others were obliged to seek the shelter of Fort Dearborn during the trouble with the Indians. The inimediate family of our subject consisted of ten sons and four daughters, all of whom except one attained to years of maturity. Their names were: Will- iam Penn, Clarissa Emily, Edmond and Ed- win, twins, Andrew Jackson, Charles Wesley, George Monroe, Lucy Anna, Frank Watson, Lewis Sisson, Wallace Weightman, Hattie and Mary, twins, and Milford Hall. William, Clarissa, Lewis and Mary are deceased. Mil- ford is a Congregational minister in Chicago, and was formerly a partner of Charles, our subject, in Ellsworth College. George is an attorney at Atlanta, Iowa. All the family, except William, who died at thirteen years of

age, were teachers in various schools, -- some professionally, others temporarily. Wallace is now a dentist at Humboldt, Iowa, where the parents now reside. Mr. Charles Lyon removed with his parents from Clayton county, and subsequently to Allamakee county, where he remained until eighteen years of age. He then entered Clifford Academy at Vinton, he and his brother George being the first gradu- ates at that institution. He then entered Cornell College at Mount Vernon, and was graduated there in 1878 with the degree of B. S. Three years later he received the de- gree of M. S. He accepted the princi- palship of the public school at New Hart- ford, Butler county, Iowa, and later the same position at Gilman, Marshall county; Fair- mont, Nebraska; Webster, South Dakota; and in 1890, at Ellsworth College. At the latter place he first occupied a subordinate position on a salary, but in 1892 he and his brother Milford purchased the building and grounds, and in August, 1894, our subject bought out his brother's interest. This property is now worth about $40,000. The building is of brick. 155 x 50 feet, has three stories and base- ment, is furnished throughout, and is capable of accommodating 150 students. It is beauti- fully located in one of the most flourishing towns in Iowa. The total average attendance for the first three years was 400 per year. The curriculum includes normal, academic and business courses. The normal is a four-years course, the academic three years, and the busi- ness three years. The sphere of instruction includes also music and elocution.

Professor Lyon was married July 7, 1880, in Butler county, Iowa, to Miss Idell Converse, a daughter of Judge Alonzo and Mrs. Polly Converse. Judge Converse has represented his district in both houses of the Iowa State Legislature and filled the office of District Judge besides filling several positions of minor importance. Mrs. Lyon was educated in the Pontiac (Illinois) high school and the Iowa State Normal school at Cedar Rapids. Since her marriage she has filled a position in the

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schoolroom every year except two, and is now teaching in her husband's college.

Professor and Mrs. Lyon have five chil- dren: Mildred Lillian, Myrtie Irene, Julia May, Chalmer Herman and Aubrey Cartie. Miss Mildred is an exceptionally bright scholar and possesses marked talent as an elocutionist. Although but in early 'teens, she has mastered the classical course of studies in the college under her father's tuition .. The other chil- dren, though younger, are bright and studious, and will, no doubt, do themselves credit on reaching maturity.

In addition to his college duties, Professor Lyon frequently fills the pulpit of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, of Iowa Falls, where he and his wife are members; and he also preaches at various other points through- out the State. In politics, Professor Lyon is independent, though with Republican tenden- cies. He takes no active part in elections, but uses his vote and influence to further the elec- tion of the best men. He has been a member of the Masonic fraternity since 1869, and is a most useful and influential member of the society, genial and companionable among all classes.

a LYSSES GRANT PENICK owns and occupies a good farm on section 22, Warren township, Lucas county, Iowa, and is numbered among the prosperous and representative agriculturists of the community. He is one of the native sons of Iowa, his family having been identified with the State since early days. He was born in Wapello county and is a son of J. F. and Diana (Wirtfall) Penick. His father was born in Tus- carawas county, Ohio, and for many years was one of the prominent and influential citizens of Lucas county, Iowa, where he acquired a large amount of valuable property, of which he still retains possession. He is now living retired, enjoying a well earned rest, and for the past four years has made his home in Ore-

gon. His wife, the mother of our subject, was born near Burlington, Iowa, and is a daughter of L. D. Wirtfall, one of the well- known pioneers of Warren township, Lucas county. Mr. and Mrs. Penick had three chil- dren, two of whom are living: U. G., of this review; and W. H., a railroad man now liv- ing in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Ulysses Grant Penick spent the first twelve years of his life in the county of his nativity and then accompanied his parents on their re- moval to Warren township, Lucas county, where he was reared to manhood, passing the days of his boyhood and youth in a manner similar to that of all farmers' sons in the neigh- borhood. The labors of the fields claimed his attention through the summer months and in the winter season he attended the public schools near his home. Later, however, he went to Valparaiso, Indiana, where he pursued a commercial course of study and was gradu- ated in 1887. The same year he returned to Iowa and since 1891 has been located upon his present farm. He is the owner of 160 acres of the rich land for which Iowa is so justly noted, and with the exception of a twelve-acre tract of timber all is under culti- vation or used. as pasture land for his stock, of which he keeps on hand excellent grades. His home is a pretty, attractive and pleasant country residence, two stories in height, and built in a modern style of architecture, while its tasteful furnishing makes it a comfortable abode. It is noted for its hospitality and is a favorite resort . with the many friends of the family.

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Memorial and biographical record of Iowa, Part 181

Author: Publication date: 1896 Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1360

Author:
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1360