Memorial and biographical record of Iowa, Part 4

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

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In 1889 President Harrison tendered to Mr. Allison the Secretaryship of the Treasury, which however he declined, preferring to re- main a member of the Senate, where he be- lieved he could be of more service to the people of Iowa than as a member of the cabinet.

In bringing to a conclusion this sketch, it seems appropriate to quote from two estimates of Mr. Allison's character and ability, as given by writers from widely different sections of the country. The first is from "Iowa in War . Times," by S. H. M. Byers, one of the most gifted writers of this State. "Senator Allison's great abilities as a statesman, " says he, " have been and are recognized throughout the country. His politics and his policy have been considered from the war times on conservative and safe. He has been an authority on great subjects and a counselor for distinguished statesmen. Mr. Chase himself, the father of the war system of finances, probably possessed no broader views, no profounder knowledge of our money system, than Mr. Allison, and no man in the councils of the nation has a deeper insight into general legislation." .

The other author, one who, perhaps, was as well qualified as any other to pass judgment upon Mr. Allison's ability, if indeed not better, was the late James G. Blaine, long his asso- ciate and warm personal friend. In his "Twenty Years in Congress," this most emi- nent statesman says: "For industry, good judgment, strong common sense and fidelity in every trust, both personal and public, Mr. Allison has established an enviable reputation. He devoted himself to financial questions and soon acquired in the Senate the position of in-

RECORD OF IOWA.

fluence which he had so long held in the House. In both branches of Congress his service has been attended with an exceptional degree of popularity among his associates of both parties."

From the foregoing some idea of the person- ality of Mr. Allison can be gained. His natural powers have been strengthened by an unusual experience and a wide acquaintance with pub- lic men the country over. His friendships are many and warm, and his loyalty to those who trust him is of the absolute kind. " The con- flicts of his life have left no scars upon his memory, and envy and detraction have left unrippled the placid surface of his fame." When the contest fought on party lines is over, no man can be more generous than he, and he does not carry political warfare into private life. In the walks of social life Mr. Allison is always affable and entertaining, and enjoys the popularity which comes to those who have a cordial greeting for all with whom they come in contact from day to day, and who seem to throw around them in consequence so much of the sunshine of life. In the State of Iowa, where for nearly forty years he has made his home, he holds the esteem, admiration and affection of all classes of people, whatever their political proclivities. They take pride in a success which reflects honor upon them- selves.

We are now approaching the time of an- other conflict between the two great political parties of the nation, and Mr. Allison's name is one of those most frequently and promi- nently mentioned as the probable choice of his party for the presidency. Should he be chosen and elected as such, his ability, learning and experience would enable him to reflect as much honor upon that exalted station as its sanctity and dignity. would reflect upon him.

Mr. Allison's first wife, who, as previously mentioned, was the daughter of Daniel Carter, of Ashland, Ohio, died in 1859. In 1872 he married Miss Mary E. Neally, the adopted daughter of Senator Grimes, of Iowa, who died in 1883.

ON. SMITH HENDERSON MAL- LORY .- Probably none of Chari- ton's leading citizens are more closely identified with the growth and prog- ress of Lucas county than the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. He is pre-eminently a self-made inan, and entirely through his own efforts has gained a fortune which he gener- ously shares with his adopted county in its upbuilding and development and in the estab- lishment of business enterprises which add to the material welfare and promote the pros- perity of the community.

Mr. Mallory was born in Yates county, New York, December 2, 1835, and is the eldest son of Hon. Smith L. Mallory, a prominent citi- zen of Yates county and the grandson of Meri- dith Mallory. The family is of English origin; but the mother of our subject, who bore the maiden name of Jane Henderson, was a representative of a Scotch-Irish family. Her father was born in the north of Ireland, of Scotch-Irish parentage, and coming to America served as a teamster in the Revolu- tionary war.

In 1850 Mr. Mallory of this sketch removed from the county of his nativity to Batavia, Illinois, and soon after to St. Charles, that State, where he secured a position as clerk. In 1851 he joined an engineer corps on the Galena & Chicago Union Railroad, which was being built "west from Elgin, Illinois, serving first as axman and soon afterward becoming rodman in the survey of the Chicago, Burling- ton & Quincy Railroad west of Aurora. Soon after the completion of that road to Burling- ton, Iowa, he was appointed its engineer, which position he held until 1857, when he re- signed and went to Fairfield, Iowa, where he engaged in the real-estate business for one year. He was then appointed division engi- neer of that part of the Burlington & Missouri road between Rome and Ottumwa, and a little later was made roadmaster of the line, and re- moved to Burlington. In 1861 he was engi- neer on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy from Chicago to Aurora, having his headquar-

HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL

ters in Chicago. In the fall of 1865 hie con- tracted to build the bridges from Ottumwa to Chariton, and afterward all the bridges on the main line to Plattsmouth, and also on the Nebraska City branch for the same road. Upon the completion of the road to Platts- mouth Mr. Mallory was appointed assistant superintendent and afterward chief engineer of the road, which position he resigned in 1873 to engage in railroad contracting, in which business he was phenomenally success- ful. He has steadily worked his way upward, his ability, skill and fidelity to his employers' interest winning him constant promotion.

In 1867 Mr. Mallory came to Chariton and has since been actively interested in the up- building of the city. Whatever tends to ben- efit the community never seeks his aid in vain, and his support is ever given to worthy enter- prises that promote public progress. He owns extensive landed interests in Lucas county and some valuable city property in Chariton, in- cluding the opera-house which bears his name, a steam elevator and several business houses. The financial interests of the place have been greatly promoted by him, and he is a worthy representative of the financial world. He is president of the First National Bank, one of the solid moneyed institutions of the State. It was organized in 1870, and the first charter, expiring in 1890, was renewed for twenty years. The history of this bank is very closely connected with the best interests of Lucas county, of which it has been the financial agent for a quarter of a century. It has been lenient in extending aid to public enterprises and pri- vate industries, and though millions of dollars have passed over its counters in the trans- action of business, no individual has ever lost a dollar through the institution. Its deposits are heavier than those of any other bank in the State in a city of similar size. Its high stand- ing is due largely to its president, whose per- sonal worth and integrity, which is above question, is a sufficient guarantee of straight- forward, honorable dealing in the First Na- tional. Mr. Mallory is also extensively inter-

ested in banking in Creston, and has large monetary interests at other points along the line of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Rail- road and its branches.

Mr. Mallory married Miss Annie L. Ogden, daughter of Hon. Mordecai Ogden, of Elmira, New York. They have but one child, Jessie O., who is now the wife of D. J. Thayer. She and her husband still reside at her parents' home. Mr. Thayer is a civil engineer by profession and associated with Mr. Mallory in his railroading interests. The home of this family is a palatial country residence, called the Ilion, and is the finest in Lucas county, and few in the State are more commodious and beautiful. Built in a style of modern archi- tecture, with a view to convenience and com- fort as well as beauty, it is certainly an ideal home. The furnishing and surroundings are in keeping with the exterior, and indicate a refined and cultured taste which has secured all the advantages which can be obtained through wealth. Ilion is pleasantly situated adjoining the city limits of Chariton, and, retired from the hurry and rush of the city, Mr. Mallory spends many hours there. He finds one of his chief sources of pleasure in his farmning, for he personally superintends the cultivation of his land and also is engaged in the breeding of fine standard-bred horses. He is a lover of the noble steed and therefore has many fine specimens on his farmn.

Mr. Mallory has always been a stanch Democrat in his political views, and is deeply in- terested in the growth and success of his party, but his many business cares have prevented him from taking a prominent part in politics had he so desired. In 1877, however, he was elected to the Legislature and served for one term, where he indicated his loyalty as an American citizen by faithfully laboring for those measures which he believed best calcula- ted to benefit the greatest number. He has served for some time as a director of the State Agricultural Society and was president of the Iowa Board of Centennial Managers. When the court-house of Lucas

Warren & Doingan

RECORD OF IOWA.

county was completed he generously donated a splendid tower clock, manufactured by the Seth Thomas Clock Company. It stands as a lasting monument to his beneficence and pub- lic spirit, and as the hours pass by tells the tale of his interest in public affairs. The clock is enclosed in a dust-proof case, seven by ten feet, made of heavy plate glass, and the engraved plate upon it bears the inscrip- tion, "Presented to Lucas county by S. H. Mallory, January 1, 1894. Started running May 22, 1894." Mr. Mallory was chairman of the executive committee of the Iowa Com- mission of the World's Fair, in which capacity he served for about a year, devoting his entire time to the work of securing for Iowa a cred- itable exhibit, and his efforts were certainly very successful; for the fine building and its contents were equal to any State building on the grounds. In order to perform his work in a satisfactory manner Mr. Mallory rented a house in Chicago and removing his family to that city spent his entire time there for more than six months. The slight remuneration which he received did not pay his expenses, but he gave his time, energies and money freely in the interest of the State, which well numbers him among its most valued citizens and honored representatives.

In manner Mr. Mallory is pleasant and genial, courteous and agreeable. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, having taken the Knights Templar degree, and also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows. His daughter is connected with the order known as Daughters of the Revolution, and the family are members of the Episcopal Church. Although his life has been a very busy one Mr. Mallory has taken time for pleas- ure and recreation through travel, and accom- panied by his family has visited many points of beauty and interest in this country and abroad. They spent an entire year in Europe among the capitals of the old world, its places of historic interest, and among the mountains and vales which make its scenery so famous.

OLONEL WARREN SCOTT DUN- GAN, Lieutenant Governor of Iowa, lawyer, statesman, orator, patriot, a man honorable and honored, devoted to the public welfare and the private good, has his home in Chariton; but he is a man not of a locality only, for he belongs to the State, and Iowa's people admire and respect him for his unselfish devotion to the best interests of the commonwealth. Prominence has come to him not through fortunate circumstances but through merit and a desire to perform faithfully and well every duty that falls to his lot; and a record without a stain is that of Iowa's Lieu- tenant Governor.

Colonel Dungan is a native of Frankfort Springs, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, born September 12, 1822, of Scotch-Irish ancestry. His parents were David Davis and Isabel (Mc- Farren) Dungan. He is a grandson of Levi and Mary (Davis) Dungan and a great-great- grandson of John Scott, who settled in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, in Colonial days. His grandfather, William McFarren, was an En- sign in the war of the Revolution, in Colonel Birnigh's battalion of Northampton county militia in service at Billingsport, November 5, 1777. His great-grandfather, John Scott, was Commissary General of the Pennsylvania Line in that war.

Mrs. Benjamin Harrison ·was a descendant of John Scott, son of the above, whose brother, Matthew Scott, was one of the ancestors of Mrs. R. B. Hayes. Colonel Dungan was named for Colonel Joseph Warren Scott, late of New Brunswick, New Jersey, who was a grandson of John Scott, the immigrant.

The Dungan family was founded in Amer- ica by ancestors who were of Scotch lineage, but came to this country from the Emerald Isle, about the time William Penn settled in the Keystone State. Levi Dungan, the grand- father, was a native of Philadelphia, Pennsyl- vania, where he was brought up, and married, February 2, 1764. He was the first settler in 1772, of Beaver county, Pennsylvania, where he secured 1,000 acres of land, which property

HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL

has descended through three generations of the family, while the third generation, now holding a part of it, has long since passed the central milestone on life's journey. When Levi Dun- gan secured that property it was on the very border of Western civilization. He took with him from his home in Philadelphia to his new home several slaves which he had formerly owned in the East and set them to work clear- ing up the timber lands and developing a farm. The family at that early day had to endure many hardships and trials, such as are incident to frontier life. The only mode of travel was on horseback over roads "blazed" through the trackless forests. The country was full of wild animals and wilder men, for the Indians still lurked in the forests and their treachery was frequently experienced by the white set- tlers. On the death of his father in 1880 Colonel Dungan inherited a part of the old homestead in his native State.

The record of the life of Colonel Dungan is the history of an active and useful career. His early education was obtained in the academy at Frankfort Springs. His father was a farmer and his family were surrounded by the discom- forts that come to the Western frontiersman. In 1851 Colonel Dungan went to Louisiana and soon afterward to Panola, Mississippi, where, wishing to replenish his somewhat ex- hausted exchequer, he, without previous notice or mention of his purpose, had printed a circu- lar which read as follows:

PANOLA SELECT SCHOOL.

Warren S. Dungan respectfully announces to the citizens of Panola and vicinity that he will open his school on Monday, May the 17th. He proposes teaching a thorough En- glish course, including the Primary branches, the Natural and Moral Sciences and the Higher Mathematics. From his experience in teach- ing, both North and South, he hopes to be able to give general satisfaction to those who favor him with their patronage. Terms per session of five months as follows: For Primary Branches, viz., Orthography, Reading, Writ- ing, English Grammar, Geography and Arith- metic, $10.00; for the Higher Branches, $12.50.

Then followed references as to character, scholarship, etc., written by some very promi- nent persons of that day, and the circular was concluded by the words:

The school will be kept in the school-room belonging to Mr. A. G. Goodwin.

(Dated) Panola, Mississippi, May 15, 1852.

A copy of this little circular is still treasured by Colonel Dungan, a relic of those far-away days when he was a poor young man depend ent upon his own resources. Among his pos- sessions near this old circular lay his first tax receipt, issued by the treasurer of Beaver county, Pennsylvania, June 8, 1855, being for county and State tax, the sum of nineteen cents! In the school Colonel Dungan was very successful, and for three years he re- mained in Mississippi, spending a part of the time in the study of law in the office of Colonel Miller, a very talented attorney.

In 1855 Mr. Dungan returned to his native State and entered the law office of Messrs. Roberts & Quay. The former, a first cousin of our subject, was killed in the battle of Get- tysburg, while leading his regiment-the One Hundred and Fortieth Pennsylvania, of which he was Colonel. The junior partner is well known to the American people as United States Senator and chairman of the national Repub- lican committee. Under the instruction of such able gentlemen Mr. Dungan continued his studies, applying himself closely, and in April, 1856, he was admitted to practice in the court of common pleas of Pennsylvania.

Immediately afterward he removed to Iowa and located in Chariton, where forty years of active and eventful life have been passed, a life that is as an open book, and one that has mer- ited public confidence and the honors that have been conferred upon him. As all who enter prominently into political life, he has had op- ponents and strong opposition to overcome, yet a manly, honorable course has ever char- acterized his record, and even his political ene- mies can truthfully say nothing against his career as an official. He first began practice in Chariton, and it was not long before he be-

RECORD OF IOWA.

came eminent at the bar, gaining a reputation as a successful advocate which brought to him a liberal patronage.

It was while thus engaged that Colonel Dungan was married. On the 3d of April, 1859, he wedded Miss Abby Kingman Procter, a native of Massachusetts and a lady of cul- ture and refinement. Their happy home was blessed with seven children, five of whom are living. The only son, Fayette Procter, was employed on the Chicago Evening Journal, as foreman of the advertising department, but died September 9, 1895. He was born in Chariton, Iowa, February 26, 1860, and through his boyhood as well as his mature years, manifested that kindliness, sympathy and helpfulness which were the most marked traits of his character. Even in childhood, in playing with his sisters, he never manifested the roughness which boys often display. Among his business associates he had the reputation of being the most generous man in their midst. He never heard a call for relief from a needy one to which he did not generously respond. There was nothing selfish or narrow in his na- ture, and the regard which his fellow workmen had for him was shown in the beautiful floral offerings with which they decorated his bier and the way in which they met the funeral ex- penses, not allowing his father to do this, for it was to them a work of love in which they showed forth their love for the comrade that had passed before. In business he was strictly honorable, putting his energetic nature into his work and faithfully performing to the best of his ability every trust reposed in him. Among all his acquaintances not one could be found that did not hold him in the highest esteem for his many excellencies of character. His heart was broad enough for all suffering humanity and the great loss which his family suffered in his death cannot be expressed in words. The daughters of the family-Effie M., Minnie W., Myra B., Mary E. and Myr- tle A .- are under the parental roof, having enjoyed all the educational and social advan- tages which fit them for the intelligent enjoy-

ment of life. On the 21st of September, 1881, the family was called to mourn the loss of the wife and mother, and father and daugh- ters have since lived together, realizing that as the diameter of the family circle diminishes the circumference should grow the stronger.

The service which Mr. Dungan has done for this State is one which cannot be over-es- timated and his official career is one that silences the voice of criticism. In 1861 he was elected to represent the district composed of Lucas and Monroe counties, in the State Senate. At this time the country was just on the threshold of the war of the Rebellion, and love of country and liberty were more to him than official honors. Accordingly he resigned his office and recruited a company for the war, being himself sworn in as a private, although he was soon elected Captain. His company was assigned to the Thirty-fourth Iowa Infan- try, as Company K, and on the 27th of Sep- tember, 1862, he was commissioned Lieuten- ant Colonel, in which capacity he served until May 25, 1865, when he was made brevet Colonel of volunteers, an honor that was con- ferred upon him in recognition of valiant serv- ice at the battle of Fort Blakely, in the rear of Mobile. He participated in the engagements of Chickasaw Bayou, siege of Vicksburg, Fort Esperanza and in all the engagements of that part of Banks' campaign up Red river which occurred in the neighborhood of Alexandria, and his retreat therefrom. He was at the siege and capture of Fort Blakely, the last de- fense of Mobile, besides other battles and numerous skirmishes. During the last six months of his army service he was on the staff . of Major General C. C. Andrews as Inspector General of the Second Division, Thirteenth Army Corps. He was mustered out of service at Houston, Texas, July 15, 1865, an honored veteran who had faithfully defended the old flag and the cause it represented.

Colonel Dungan returned to his home and family in Chariton and resumed his law practice, but was not long permitted to remain in the exclusion of a law office. He has since been

HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL

more or less prominent in official life and pub- lic affairs. In 1880 and again in 1882 he was a member of the Legislature, representing Lucas county, and in 1889 he was chosen Senator from his district. He is known as a competent, careful, painstaking public ser- vant, who puts forth every effort in his power to secure the greatest good to the greatest number. A cool, calm judgment, which does not give way to the impulse of the moment, must sanction every movement to. which he gives his support, and when he determines that any cause is worthy, he becomes a cham- pion that neither fear nor favor could alter in his course. In the legislative halls of the State he demonstrated his ability as a states- man, devoted to the welfare of the common- wealth, and on many important committees he has done a work that has promoted public welfare and advanced the prosperity of Iowa. It was also Colonel Dungan who drafted a bill providing for the removal of the battle flags of the Iowa regiments from the State arsenal and depositing them permanently in hermetically sealed glass cases in the new Capitol. The bill passed both houses of the Twenty-third General Assembly, but did not reach the Gov- ernor. However, it was passed by the Twenty-fourth General Assembly and Gover- nor Jackson designated August 10, 1894, -the thirty-third anniversary of the battle of Wil- son creek,-for carrying the law into effect. Colonel Dungan was chosen to deliver the ad- dress on this occasion. Some 4,000 old gray- haired veterans were present, as well as a very large assemblage of other persons interested. This address was a masterpiece of eloquence and patriotism. The Colonel is a master of the art of rhetoric and his words are fluent and forcible, earnest and convincing. The sparkling truth is adorned but never con- cealed by rhetorical beauty, and his orations, such as on the occasion mentioned, abound in a fervid patriotism which moves his hearers and leaves a deep and lasting impression upon them.

Colonel Dungan's services are in demand

for soldiers' reunions and memorial gatherings of that character, and the strong personality of the man and the eloquence of the orator com- bine to make him ever a favorite with his audi- ences. When the Legislature tendered to the venerable ex-Governor Jones a reception on the occasion of his ninetieth birthday, Colonel Dungan delivered the address of welcome. After a few introductory remarks, in which he referred to the achievements of the venerable statesman and what he had witnessed during his long and useful life, he said:

" A drummer boy in the war of 1812, a sol- dier in the Black Hawk war, the first delegate to Congress from the Territory of Michigan, including what is now the State of Iowa as a part of his district; one who was largely instru- mental in the formation and naming of the great States of Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa; the first Senator in the Congress of the United States from the State of Iowa; a friend and compeer of Webster, Jackson and other states- men of their time; a Minister to the Court of Bogota; coming into life in the very opening years of the nineteenth century, having seen the whole of this grand Northwest transformed from a wilderness, inhabited only by the sav- ages of the forest and the prairie, into grand and prosperous States of the Union, occupied by as intelligent, moral, patriotic and prosper- ous people as dwell upon the face of the earth, himself being a prime actor and a part of this grand development, -to see such an one ac- cepting an invitation to visit the capital of his State on the occasion of his ninetieth birthday, coming all the way from his home in the north- eastern part of the State at this season of the year, standing among us a nonagenarian yet in the vigor of well-preserved manhood, firm of step and clear of intellect, -the eldest and most revered of Iowa's statesmen, it is most fitting that he should receive the plaudits and the most generous welcome of the members of this General Assembly. Heaven has crowned him with its highest earthly blessing, for we read in Holy Writ that ' the hoary head is a crown of glory.' We crown him to-day as the patriarch

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Memorial and biographical record of Iowa, Part 4

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