Memorial and biographical record of Iowa, Part 2

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

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About this time the war broke out, and he was known as a war or Douglas Democrat, and subsequently, in February, 1864, as such, was appointed Judge of the Supreme Court by Gvoernor William M. Stone, and was twice elected afterward. He resigned his position as Chief Justice, and returned to the practice of law, which he still continues. His three terms of service on the bench indicate his fidelity to the public interests. Having a thorough knowledge of the law and a mind particularly free from bias, he was one of the inost able men that has ever served in that position. The language of his decisions was always plain, simple and clear, vigorous and pointed. The decisions themselves were models of perspicuity and judicial soundness. In 1892 he was made Dean of the Iowa College of Law, a department of Drake University.

On the 25th of June, 1848, Judge Cole married Miss Amanda M. Bennett, a daughter of Egbert and Gertrude (Richtmyer) Bennett.

They had seven children, -four sons and three daughters: Calvin S. died in early childhood; William Watson, who married Frances Josephine Chapin, and had three children, -Amanda M., Rachel and William W.,-was formerly a law- yer in Des Moines, and in 1888 removed to Portland, Oregon, where he engaged in the legal profession, and also in the lumber busi- ness on the Columbia river, between Portland and Astoria; he died there, November 17, 1894, leaving a wife and three children, but the youngest child died May 12, 1895; Gertrude Alice is the wife of A. C. Atherton, of Lewis- town, Illinois, who occupies the position of general superintendent of a railroad in Illinois, and they have three children, -Chester, Alce and Donald; Mary E. is the wife of D. C. McMartin, a lawyer of Des Moines, and their children are Flora, Mary; Cole and Peter; the next of the family, Chester C., died in early childhood; Frank B. married Ella Jenkins and resides in Havana, Illinois, where he is engaged in railroading; they have two chil- dren, -Chester Cicero and Carrie; and Carrie Stone is the wife of J. R. Hurlbut, who is at the head of the wholesale drug house of Hurl- but, Ward & Company, of Des Moines; their only child is Horace A.

Ever since their youth Judge Cole and his wife have been members of the Presbyterian Church; he served as Elder for many years, as did two of his brothers, -Spencer and Will- iam. Since 1849 he has been a Master Ma- son, and for a number of years was connected with the Knights of Pythias, and served as Chancellor of the Des Moines Lodge. About the time of the war he identified himself with the Republican party, from which party he received his appointment as Judge, and has ever since been an ardent advocate of its principles. He is a man of broad general in- formation and ripe scholarship, a flnent and forcible speaker and a correct and attractive writer.

For a time he was interested in farming and farm lands, but has now disposed of all his farm property. He owns a fine residence

RECORD OF IOWA.

at the corner of Cottage Grove avenue and Twenty-ninth street, where he now lives. He also owns Cole's Block, at the corner of Fifth street and Court avenue, and other property, including the old home where he reared his family, known as Colchester Place, on Fourth street, just north of the Savery Hotel. He lived there for twenty-five years, and the place is rendered memorable by the liberality with which he always entertained his friends there. One of the receptions which he gave was attended by over 900 guests, includ- ing members of the Legislature, Supreme Court and other dignitaries. He possesses the hospitable spirit of the Southern gentleman, the dignity and cordiality of the Easterner and the progressiveness and advanced ideas of the Western man.

EN. FRANCIS MARION DRAKE was born in Rushville, Schuyler coun- ty, Illinois, December 30, 1830. He was the second son of John Adams and Harriet Jane (O'Neal) Drake, natives of Nash county, North Carolina. The father was of English descent, and traced his rela- tionship back to Sir Francis Drake, as also to the distinguished Adams family. He learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed until 1830, when having acquired sufficient capital he entered mercantile business, afterward engaging in that of banking, which he followed to the close of his life, with much credit and success.

He removed from Rushville to Fort Madi- son, Iowa, in 1837, and within his nine years' residence there he was elected and served as Probate Judge of Lee county. Again in 1846 he removed to Davis county of the same State, where he founded the thriving and substantial village of Drakeville, established a general store, and, associated with his two sons, John Hamilton and Francis Marion, built up a large mercantile, packing and milling business, which was continued for many years and was quite successful. He commenced the banking business at Drakeville in 1866 and ten years later

removed to Centerville in Appanoose county, where, while president of the Centerville Na- tional Bank, he died in May, 1880, at the age of seventy-eight years. He was a member of the Iowa State Legislature, representing Davis county in the session of 1852-3, elected on the Whig ticket. He was a friend of the famous Alexander Campbell, was one among the early reformers and died in the Christian faith. His wife was a woman of superior in- telligence and Christian character. She was the devoted mother of a large family of chil- dren, one of whom, William Henry Harrison Drake, was killed in the battle of Fort Donel- son in the charge of the Second Iowa Regi- ment. She died in Centerville, December 5, 1885, at the age of seventy-six years.

Francis Marion Drake, the subject of this sketch, received a good business education and has led an active and successful business life. At the age of sixteen he entered his father's store as a clerk, in which employment he con- tinued until he became of age, when, during the gold excitement in California, he decided to work out his own fortune. He crossed the plains to Sacramento in 1852, with an ox train, taking with him two ox teams and five men. After crossing the Missouri river, in flatboats, at Kanesville (now Council Bluffs), he organized a small train called the Drakeville train, of which he was chosen captain. At the crossing of Shell creek, Nebraska, in command of twenty men he had a severe engagement with about 300 Pawnee Indians, defeating them and inflicting upon them heavy loss in killed and wounded. His venture in California proving quite successful, he again crossed the plains in 1854, taking with him a drove of cattle and some horses and oxen, reaching Sacramento with them in excellent condition and with a small percentage of loss. On his last return from California, he was a passenger on the ill-fated steamer, Yankee Blade, which was wrecked and totally lost on the Pacific ocean, September 30, 1854, off Point Aguilla. He narrowly escaped and was picked up on a barren coast five days later.

HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL

On his return home Mr. Drake entered into the mercantile business with his father and his brother, John Hamilton, under the firin name of Drake & Sons, in which he successfully con- tinued until January 1, 1858, when he drew out, taking in part as his assets the milling in- terests of the firm. He continued in the mill- ing business until the fall of 1859, when, hav- ing succeeded in putting the property on a paying basis, he disposed of it and established a general mercantile and stock business at the village of Unionville in the adjoining.county of Appanoose, which he profitably continued un- til the outbreak of the Civil war. In 1861 he enlisted and was commissioned Captain of a company, which was organized into Colonel Edward's Independent Iowa Regiment, of which he was elected Major, and with this command served through the critical times of 1861 in Missouri, driving the forces under General Patton from the northern part of the State. He was assigned by General Prentiss to the command of St. Joseph, holding the position at the time of Colonel Mulligan's sur- render to General Price at Lexington and de- fending the attack on St. Joseph soon after- ward.

At the organization of the Thirty-sixth Iowa Infantry, in 1862, Mr. Drake was made Lieu- tenant Colonel and in the military history of the three years' hard and efficient service of that regiment, his name stands conspicuous. He took prominent part in the campaign of General Steele fromn Little Rock to re-enforce General Banks on his Red river expedition in Louisiana in 1864, and rendered important service. His gallant defense at Elkin's Ford on the Little Missouri river, while in command of a detachment of 500 men, against General Marmaduke's division of 3,000, resulting in holding the ford after a severe engagement lasting from early daylight until noon, was highly commended by his superior officers and he was soon afteward placed in command of his brigade. On the 25th of April, 1864, at the bloody battle of Mark's Mills, while in command of his brigade of less than 1, 500

men and arrayed against the combined cavalry forces of Kirby Smith, about 6,000, com- manded by Major General Fagan, he was se- verely wounded in the left thigh and fell into the hands of the enemy. The wound was pronounced mortal, the thigh bone being slightly fractured by a Belgian ball weighing one and a half ounces, the bone splitting the ball and the pieces being after- ward extracted from different parts of the body, excepting about a drachm of lead buried in the bone, where it still remains. Owing to the severity of the wound he was not held a prisoner and after a confinement of nearly six months, his wounds being sufficiently healed, he in October following, by the aid of crutches, rejoined his command at Little Rock. . He was soon afterward recommended for promo- tion on account of special gallantry and hard and efficient service, and was brevetted Briga- dier General of United States Volunteers and assigned for duty commensurate with his rank. He relieved General Thayer of his command at St. Charles on White river and later com- manded a brigade in the division of General Shaler and the post of Duvall's Bluffs, Ar- kansas, until his muster out of service, in 1865.

After the war General Drake resumed the mercantile business, but by reason of his wounds was unable to give it his active per- sonal attention and became associated in the practice of law with Judge Amos Harris, with whom, and afterward with General A. J. Baker, he successfully practiced the legal pro- fession for about six years. He acquired the reputation of being a good criminal lawyer, and, though retired from practice, was pre- vailed upon in 1879 to engage with General Baker in defense of the notorious Bill Young of Missouri, who was accused of murdering the Spencer family and who after acquittal was lynched by the infuriated citizens who be- lieved him guilty.

For the past twenty-five years General Drake has been engaged in the railroad and banking business; has projected and constructed

RECORD OF IOWA.

and put in operation five railroads. He is president of the Indiana, Illinois & Iowa Rail- road, and Albia & Centerville Railroad Com- panies; a director of the Keokuk & Western Railroad Company; and president of the Cen- terville National Bank. He is also president of the board of trustees of Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa, which bears his name as one of its founders and its most liberal bene- factor. He has also been a liberal contributor to other educational institutions, to the build- ing of scores of churches, to the missionary societies and the church extension fund of the Christian or Disciple Church, with which he stands prominently connected, and is now serv- ing his eighth yearly term as president of the Iowa State Board. He has been honored with the presidency of the National Board for the term of one year. In the spirit of public enter- prise and improvement in his town, county and State, he has not only been a leader but one of the most liberal contributors. He is kind-hearted and a true friend to the poor, the afflicted and the persecuted.

On the 10th of July, 1895, General Drake re- ceived the nomination by the Republican party and was on the 5th day of November, elected Governor of the State of Iowa by an over- whelming majority, which exalted position he now holds.

General Drake has been an Odd Fellow since 1854, is a past Noble Grand and a mem- ber of the encampment. He has been a Mason since 1859, ranks as Sir Knight, and is a mem- ber of the Mystic Shrine. In Odd Fellowship and Masonry he is held as an honorary mem- ber, exempted from dues in the lodges to which he belongs because of his liberal benefactions in freeing them from indebtedness incurred in the building of their halls. In politics he is a Republican and has been honored as a delegate from Iowa to three Republican national con- ventions, and as many more national conven- tions of the Republican League.

General Drake was married December 24, 1855, to Mary Jane Lord, of Ohio, a native of New Brunswick, Canada. She died at Center-

ville, Iowa, June 22, 1883. Mrs. Drake was a woman of superior intelligence, a leader in society and in the church. Her character for sincerity was especially marked, as were also her kindness and liberality, and she was loved and admired by her associates. She was the mother of seven children, six of whom are now living, George Hamilton having died at the age of twenty-two months in 1870. The surviving members of the family are: Frank Elsworth, John Adams, Amelia, Jennie, Eva and Mary. Frank resides in Centerville, is president of the Centerville Coal Company, and is extensively engaged in dealing in bituminous coal. He was married to Flora Bissett at Momence, Illinois, in 1883, and has one son, Francis, about seven years of age (1895). John, a resident of Chi- cago, is the secretary and treasurer of the In- diana, Illinois & Iowa Railroad Company, and was married on the 26th of January, 1893, to Dula Heisel Rae, the adopted daughter of Colonel Robert Rae, of Chicago. Amelia is the wife of T. P. Shonts, of Chicago, general manager of the Indiana, Illinois & Iowa Rail- road. They were married in 1881 and have two daughters, Marguerite and Mary Theodora, aged respectively ten and eight years. Jennie is the wife of Dr. J. L. Sawyers, an eminent physician and surgeon of Centerville. They were married in 1883, and have two daughters and one son: Mary and Hygiene, aged respect- ively ten and seven years, and Francis Lazelle, aged four months. Eva is the wife of Henry Goss, a boot and shoe merchant of Centerville. They have one son, Joseph Marion, nine years of age. Mary is the youngest child and makes her home with her father in Centerville, Iowa.

0 R. CHARLES HAMILTON RAW- SON, deceased .- When one passes from the scene of life's action to eter- nity the world questions what has been his work, his career. What example has he left worthy of emulation, and why do those who still remain honor his memory? The answer to this question involves the story of a

HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL

well spent life. Prominent in professional cir- cles, in politics and in the social world, Dr. Rawson lived so as to merit the high regard of all and won eminence by a true ability that quietly commanded recognition. Charitable and benevolent, broad-minded and liberal, true to every trust of both public and private life, his integrity and fidelity above question, he had the unqualified respect of all who knew him.

Dr. Rawson was born in Orleans county, Vermont, July 16, 1828, and was a' son of Elijah and Susan (Allen) Rawson. From early boyhood he had a desire to enter the medical profession and at the age of twenty entered the office of Dr. A. P. Barber, under whose capa- ble direction he studied for some time. He was graduated at Woodstock, Vermont, and entered upon his professional career in Canada, where he spent two years. Desiring to further perfect himself in the science of medicine he then attended lectures in the New York College of Physicians and Surgeons, and was graduated with high honor at that institution. His ability won him the position of house surgeon in Belle- vue Hospital, and his eighteen-months expe- rience in that institution rounded out his theoretical knowledge and made him competent to take rank with the foreniost of the profession. Among his first cases were some smallpox patients, and in his treatment of this disease he was quite successful. The discovery of gold in California-led to a change in his residence. In 1849, when many were flocking to the gold fields on the Pacific coast, he secured the posi- tion of surgeon on the steamer S. S. Lewis, which made trips around the cape to San Juan, and thence to San Francisco. He served in that capacity until the steamer was wrecked near Acapulco, when he went into the Marine Hospital at San Francisco as surgeon. Five years passed and he then returned to his native State on a visit, and by friends was influenced to locate in Iowa, and decided to make Des Moines his future home, and here began the practice of his profession.

The capital city of Iowa gained one of its

most valued citizens in October, 1856, when Doctor Rawson came to the West and here opened an office. "Though an avenue of life seems to be crowded there is always room at the top." It does not take long for one of superior ability to secure public recognition and gain a deserved patronage, and Dr. Raw- son had been numbered among the physicians of Des Moines only a short time when his busi- ness was all that he could attend to. He suc- cessfully prosecuted his chosen profession until the breaking out of the war, but could not then content himself to remain at home. He was among the first to respond to the call for troops, and, enlisting in the Fifth Iowa Infantry, was appointed Regimental Surgeon. Soon after- ward he was commissioned Brigade Surgeon, and participated in many of the most important battles of the Western army, but at length, worn out through watching and almost constant labor, he was forced to resign, being no longer able to attend to his duties. " The battles fought without guns " were often more arduous than those in which shot and shell made such havoc. Immediately after his return from the war, Dr. Rawson admitted to partnership Dr. W. H. Ward, which connection continued until 1881, when it was dissolved by mutual consent. During those many years of hard work and suc- cessful practice not a single circuinstance ever occurred to cause an unfriendly word or feeling.

Dr. Rawson's health remained impaired for. some time after his return from the South, but when he had once more gained sufficient strength he resumed the practice of medicine, and mnet with a success that comes only to those who occupy the most prominent places in the fraternity. Of him one of the papers of Des Moines in giving an account of his death said : "During his professional career in this city, extending over a period of twenty-five years, it is said by his associate physicians, that beyond a doubt, either in his own practice or in consultation, Dr. Rawson has visited every family in this city. Was there a case demanding the most consummate skill and profound knowledge procurable, his assist-

RECORD OF IOWA.

ance was sought. Upon numberless occa- sions has he been called upon to make final decisions in consultation at which the most prominent members of the profession of the State were assembled. All this may be said with a trueness that will be warmly acknowl- edged by the eminent physicians of this city, who survive to maintain the nobility of the calling which was his and continues theirs." His practice embraced not only Polk county but extended to many adjoining counties. Upon the establishment of the Pension Bureau, Dr. Rawson was appointed president of the board, which position he held for about twen- ty years. It was ofttimes his desire to resign, but he was repeatedly urged to continue in the office, which he held until death called him hence.

Though he may have been prominent in public life a man's true character is best known in his home. That the Doctor was all that goes to make up a devoted husband and father his family and friends well knew. He considered no personal sacrifice too great that would proinote the welfare or enhance the happiness of his wife and children. He was married November 17, 1863, to Miss Mary E. Blake, a native of Swanton, Vermont, and a daughter of Hon. William H. Blake, deceased, who resided in Franklin county, that State, and was one of its most prominent citizens, whose influence in public affairs was widely felt. Eight children graced the union of the Doctor and his wife, of whom three are yet living. William B., the eldest, born Septem- ber 17, 1864, died while a student in Ames College, May 11, 1882, at the age of seventeen years and eight months. He was a young man of excellent ability, making rapid progress in his studies and the bereavemet fell heavily upon his parents. Lizzie, born August 19, 1866, died October 28, 1869. Carrie, born July 24, 1872, died February 22, 1879. John, born April 11, 1877, died September 9, 1879. Anna B., born June 4, 1867, is the wife of Charles L. Woodbury, and resides in Burling- ton, Vermont. Frank B., born May 30, 1869,

died May 16, 1892, Nellie M., born Novem- ber 7, 1875, and Laura H., born February 27, 1880, are still under the parental roof.

In his social relations Dr. Rawson was a Mason, and in politics was an ardent advocate of Republican principles, but the demands of his practice made it impossible for him to hold office had he so desired. He was never too busy, however, to lend his support and influ- ence for the promotion of any object calculated to advance the general welfare and aid in the upbuilding of the city with which he became identified during its pioneer days when it con- . tained only a few log cabins and fewer frame buildings. The experience of the pioneer phy- sician was his in those early days, and many times he rode for miles over bleak and desolate prairies that he might relieve the suffering of one of his fellow creatures. It made no differ- ence whether a call came from rich or poor; it was answered with equal readiness, and those in need often received more substantial aid than the medicine which he gave. He was sympathetic and tender in his ministrations and his professional duties were attended with a kindliness that arose from a sincere and deep interest in his fellow men.

In manner Dr. Rawson was quiet and un- obtrusive, but his nobility of character was recognized by a host of warm friends who hon- ored him for his upright life. He was firm in his convictions and accorded to others the right of opinion. One of his most marked and commendable characteristics was that he never spoke reproachfully or critically of the methods or means employed by other physicians, a fact which is known through his once partner and life-time friend, Dr. Ward. His professional course was always straightforward, allowable of no misconstructions or misconceptions, and it is seldom that one has been so honored by members of opposing schools as Dr. Rawson. About six weeks previous to his death he la- bored almost incessantly, for at that time many of the physicians of Des Moines were in attendance at the American Medical Associa- tion in Washington. His arduous labors un-

HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL

dermined his health and he who had so long faithfully ministered to others now needed the care of those whom he had served. He was forced to take to his bed, and from the first hour of his illness Drs. Ward, Hanawalt and Swift remained at his side. Back of the high skill which those gentlemen lent the case there was a warm and profound fellow love which urged them on to still greater endeavors than perhaps ever were put forth by them before. Probably every physician in the city.called at Dr. Rawson's home during his illness with kind · inquiries and expressions of regret, for he was equally loved and respected by his professional associates. At length he who had come off conqueror in contest with disease and death many times, ended the struggle by quietly passing away on the 27th of June, 1884. The city, his professional brethren, his social asso- ciates all mourned the loss of one who had endeared himself to them, while his family suffered a bereavement which only time can heal.

Mrs. Rawson and her children still reside in Des Moines, in the pleasant home which was left to them. The lady is most highly es- teemed, for her many excellencies of character have gained her the confidence and regard of many friends. In social circles she and her children occupy an enviable position and the Rawson family is to-day one of the most prominent of Des Moines.

EV. WILLIAM EDWIN HOWE, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Guthrie Center, Iowa, is a native of Clarion county, Pennsyl- vania, born in West Freedom, August 30, 1849. His early years were spent in his native county and when a youth of sixteen he came with his parents to Muscatine, Iowa, where he soon after- ward secured a position as deputy in the post- office, and served as such four years. During the time he served in the post-office he made up two years' preparatory study in Greek and Latin, and in 1876 he entered Garrett Biblical

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Memorial and biographical record of Iowa, Part 2

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