USA > Iowa > Polk County > Pioneers of Polk County, Iowa, and reminiscences of early days, Vol. I > Part 5
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stones, and built the city, and the day of its greatness in its coming finds these pioneers and builders not yet past the meridian of life.
"Among those who thronged the mansion, the most delighted of all, were the scores of old-settlers who were his neighbors in the days when the aristocracy of the city lived in log houses, and called a candy-pulling so elegant as not to be sneezed at. While others enjoyed the social pleasures and bounteous hospitalities of the even- ing, these old settlers appreciated it with a zest and pride no others could feel. For a young town, away out here on the prairie sea, to eclipse good old Cincinnati, ambitious Chicago, and aristocratic St. Louis was no light honor. Few men have two hundred and fifty thousand dollars to spend in fitting up themselves a home, and Des Moines is the only city in the West that has done it.
"In addition to Des Moines friends, large parties were in attend- ance from Chicago and the river cities of the state. Among the notables from Chicago were L. L. Colburn, R. A. Ketchum, W. F. Brackett, J. B. Raymond, W. B. Walker, James Wood, Charles J. Connell, accompanied by Miss Cobb, Miss Matteson, Miss Rose- crans, Miss Rice, Miss Doty, and W. W. Boyington, the celebrated architect, his wife and son. The Chicago press was represented by the Tribune, Republican and Times, and the Indianapolis Mirror also had a representative. Among the distinguished men of our own state were Governor Merrill, Secretary of State General Ed Wright, Auditor of State John A. Elliott, Treasurer of State Samuel E. Rankin, several Judges of the Supreme Court, Con- gressman-elect Frank W. Palmer, ex-Congressman John A. Kasson, General N. B. Baker, General George W. Clark. Many other dis- tinguished persons were also present.
"The large company found no discomfort in this palace home. There was room in abundance, and ladies could promenade free from fear of the blundering footfalls of awkward men disturbing their sweeping trains. The toilettes of the ladies far exceeded all expectation. In richness, elegance and exquisiteness of attire, they excited universal admiration. In tastefulness of dress, grace of manner, intelligence of bearing, culture of mind, and beauty of person, the ladies of our young city are celebrated, and on this gala day they were brighter and sweeter than ever. We can only say
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that we were proud of them-a pride which was increased by the cordial and flattering compliments bestowed by the visitors from abroad. The evening was passed in an abandon of intelligent pleas- ure. The night outside was bad and boisterous, but within all was merry and bright. On every side were bright flowers which were very grateful to the eyes which have looked upon snow and Winter for several months. Some idea may be gained of their profusion by the statement that two thousand dollars' worth were used in decorations-the one bouquet gracing the center table costing seven hundred dollars. The supper of itself was of royal excellence- some six thousand dollars being expended in its supply, for which, to John Wright, the famous Chicago caterer, was given a carte blanche commission, which culminated in a table display of the seven hundred dollar bouquet in the center, boned turkey at each end, smothered in port-colored jelly ; three baskets of natural fruit ; two Charlotte Russe fountains; two Nouget Pyramids, trimmed with vintage grapes and oranges; two pyramids of wine jelly; two fruit cakes weighing twenty-five pounds; a large basket of ice cream, trimmed with iced fruits; one statuette of Washington in lemon ice cream ; one lion in vanilla ice cream; one basket contain- ing a mammoth strawberry in ice cream; foreign nuts, oysters, comfits, confections, and substantials, with lemonade, tea, coffee, and chocolate served in china and silverware.
"The grand piano, first under the masterly touch of William H. Lehman, and afterward of the almost perfect hands of Professor Apel, gave out entrancing melody. Miss Kitty Allen, Miss Mate Newton, and Major Studor each favored the company with a superbly rendered solo. Messrs. Thomas Hatton and Joseph P. Sharman sang one of their splendid duets.
"Although a crystal wedding, and no presents were expected, it being so announced, Mrs. James C. Savery took the privilege of presenting a complete set of glassware, the main piece of which bore the eloquent inspiration, 'Dieu vous Garde'-God protect you, thus mirroring the wish of every person present."
That the present generation may know how their grandmothers dressed on this occasion, I give the report of W. E. Campbell, who represented the Chicago Republican, and who was more au fait in such things than the rest of us :-
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"Mrs. Allen, the hostess, was elegantly attired in a rich, black velvet robe, made plain, her dark hair decked with roses. She wel- comed all her guests with grace and dignity of nature's gentle- woman and accomplished lady ; her bright face wreathed in happy smiles and cordiality of manner, betokening the pleasure felt in the pleasure thus bestowed upon others.
"Miss Kitty Allen, a very pretty and charming young lady of only fourteen years, most ably assisted her mother in the reception and entertainment of the guests, and throughout the evening, like a graceful fawn, flitted from room to room, her bright presence always welcomed. She was attired in a short pink dress, the skirt trimmed with blue flounces of the same material, half panier puffed waist and white kid gaiters.
"Miss Florence Mckay was attired in a lavender silk, square neck and long train ; hair crimped and adorned with roses.
"Mrs. Major William Ragan wore a white alpaca, with white satin crystal bead trimmings, square neck, flowing sleeves and train.
"Mrs. George C. Tichenor, a handsome lady, wore a handsome blue silk, with white lace overskirt, trimmed with white satin and looped with pink roses.
"Mrs. R. T. Wellslager wore a rich black silk, with black satin and lace trimmings.
"Mrs. Colonel Stewart, a tall, graceful lady, wore a checked black and white silk, with long train, square neck and satin trimmings.
"Miss Susie Wilson, a very pretty and fascinating blonde, was most becomingly attired in a white grenadine with a white puffed flounce on the skirt, puffed upper-waist, the dress trimmed with pink satin, hair curled and ornamented with a wreath of white roses.
"Mrs. W. S. Pritchard, a handsome lady, was dressed in a purple silk with white lace overskirt, looped with buff roses, low neck and short sleeves.
"Mrs. J. B. Stewart wore a lavender silk, square neck and long train, trimmed with white point lace and lavender silk-a very pretty costume.
"Mrs. E. F. Hooker wore a light tinted water silk with white chenile trimmings, square neck and long train.
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"Mrs. E. H. Gillette was becomingly dressed in a handsome white silk, corsage waist, train flowing sleeves, dress trimmed with white satin-an elegant dress.
"Mrs. C. C. Howell wore a short brown silk with lace overskirt looped with roses.
"Mrs. Judge John Mitchell, a bright and pretty brunette, wore a drab and striped silk, square neck and long train, with white fringe and bead trimmings.
"Miss Ella Keane, a pretty young lady, wore a green silk dress, with train ; green satin trimmings.
"Miss Nettie West, a pretty and sprightly little miss of seven summers, was very tastefully dressed in buff alpaca with blue silk trimmings.
"Mrs. L. F. Andrews, a white alpaca, train, square neck, with pink satin overskirt.
"Mrs. Governor Merrill wore a handsome dark purple silk, long train, purple satin and fringe trimmings-a rich costume.
"Miss Jeanette Russell wore a rich green silk, long train, with white lace overskirt looped with roses, white puffed lace waist-a pretty young lady and a tasteful dress.
"Miss Kitty Johnson, a pretty young lady, was modestly attired in a short drab alpaca, scarlet opera cloak.
"Mrs. Add Hepburn wore a rich green silk dress, made plain; a very handsome lady.
"Miss Mollie Rommell, a very pretty young lady, was attired in white alpaca, puffed waist and long train.
"Mrs. A. C. Talbott was becomingly attired in plain white book muslin with double skirt looped with roses.
"The Misses Le Bousquet, a couple of bright and pretty sisters, were similarly attired in dress of white Swiss muslin, long trains, puffed waists and pink sashes, dark hair ornamented.
"Miss Mattie Whitledge, a very pretty lady, wore a light blue silk, long train and flowing sleeves, dark hair decked with roses.
"Miss Hattie Ankeny, a pretty brunette, was dressed in a buff alpaca, square neck, flowing sleeves and long train; black hair trimmed with roses.
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"Mrs. William Foster wore a pink satin with broad flounce, white point lace overskirt, with white puffed waist, low neck and short sleeves.
"Mrs. E. J. Ingersoll was dressed in a lilac silk, square neck, flowing sleeves and train ; waist trimmed with white point lace and lilac satin.
"Miss Kellogg wore a white alpaca, long train, puffed waist, with white satin trimmings, hair decked with roses.
"Miss Mata Newton wore a buff alpaca, square neck and long train with white satin fringe.
"Mrs. J. D. Seeberger was attired in a light drab satin with white lace sleeves bound with scarlet satin.
"Mrs. J. C. Savery wore a rich and costly black satin robe de Paris, ornamented with white beaded lace.
"Mrs. Charles Spofford, a pretty lady, wore a white lace dress trimmed with white satin.
"Miss Sadie Washburn, a pretty blonde, was attired in a white alpaca, long train, square neck, heavy purple satin trimmings.
"Mrs. William H. Quick wore a light drab silk, made plain, with white lace and satin trimmings.
"Mrs. John Knight was beautifully attired in a blue watered silk, white point lace overskirt, square neck, flowing sleeves, and long train.
"Miss Maggie Lyon, a very pretty young lady, wore a pink alpaca, made plain, waist trimmed with satin fringe.
"Mrs. Tac. Hussey, white organdie, baby waist and full skirt, pink roses in hair; a trim and vivacious little lady."
In 1871, Mr. Allen provided one of the most valuable benefac- tions for the city, in organizing the Des Moines Water Company, with three hundred thousand dollars capital. The works were built where they now are. Subsequently they passed to Polk & Hubbell, then to a stock company.
In 1874, some evil genius induced him to go to Chicago. To become a Napoleon of finance was an honorable ambition. There unconscionable bank sharks unloaded on him the Cook County National Bank. He at once applied all his skill and means to bring it to the front, but soon discovered it to be a sepulchre of
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rottenness. He dumped into it all the resources he could command, and, draining day by day the receipts of the bank here-it was like pouring water into a rat-hole-it had no bottom, and in 1876 it collapsed, swallowing in the wreck all he possessed, together with the thousands of hard earnings of plain working people and busi- ness men who had entrusted their money to his custody. The crash created great excitement. There were deep mutterings of personal vengeance. Public meetings were held, and a committee selected, through which an assignee was chosen, to whom he turned over all his property, but the litigation and expenses following left little or nothing for creditors, especially small depositors least able to bear the loss.
From that time, misfortune, like an avenging Nemesis, dogged his steps. Try as he would to get on his feet, he failed. Added to this, his wife, grief-stricken and broken-hearted, in January, went to her final rest. He went West, and is now, I believe, in San Dimas, California, engaged in fruit raising.
Despite the great loss and misfortune his collapse entailed upon the city, it can be truly said that from 1858 to 1876 he controlled the financial and monetary affairs of this community. If money was wanted for any legitimate business, a merchant or business man required means to tide over a hard spot, a church or society needed help, or a young, industrious man wanted to buy a lot and build a home, it was only necessary to go to Frank Allen and get it; of course, ten per cent interest and mortgage security being understood, for it was never believed he was doing business for his health, yet he was never oppressive, was generous with gifts to worthy objects, and helpful to the city in many ways.
June Fifth, 1904.
VOL. I-(5).
HOYT SHERMAN
HOYT SHERMAN
F EW men have been better known at home and abroad than Hoyt Sherman. From the beginning to the end of his days he was loyal to the city of his adoption, and gave to it the full benefit of his business talent, excellent judgment, conservatism and wise counsel. He was a man for emergencies. Many times he was called to fiduciary posts, local, state and national, where integrity and fidelity were fully tested. Courteous, affable, social, he was very popular.
He came to Des Moines from a printing office in Ohio, in May, 1848, and entered the office of Thomas McMullen, School Fund Commissioner, then selling school lands granted the state by an Act of Congress. Soon after he became Deputy Postmaster under R. L. Tidrick, the office being in the office of Casady & Tidrick, on Second Street, near Vine. In the Spring of 1849, Tidrick resigned and he was appointed to the vacancy by President Taylor, the office then being designated "Raccoon River" by the Postal Depart- ment. He held the office until 1853. Soon after his appointment, he built an office on the east side of Second Street near Vine, and moved the office from the old barrack building thereto, it being the first exclusive post office building in the city.
It is a coincidence that he built the second building used as a post office, called the Sherman Block, corner of Third Street and Court Avenue, also the third post office, a two-story frame on Third Street in the rear of the Sherman Block, and disbursed the govern- ment funds for building the present post office. The identical safe used by him in his first post office is still doing business in the post office, and "Jim" Miller says it is as good as ever, but it hasn't any time lock nor fancy combination tumblers.
At the May term of the District Court, 1849, Sherman was admitted to the Bar, and became one of the prominent attorneys before the court.
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In 1850, he began to give attention to real estate. The well- known and extensive Pursely Estate was to be settled, the realty divided into five-acre lots and sold by order of the court. Sherman wanted one of the lots, but he had only one hundred dollars to invest. The sale was to be at auction. On the day fixed, he was there and was offered five dollars to act as clerk of the sale, which he accepted. When the tract he wanted was offered, it soon devel- oped that others wanted it. Bids ran up to the limit of his pile and halted for a time, when he added the five dollars-his day's compensation-and got it. There he subsequently built the fine residence where he lived until his death, January Fifth, 1904. The property is probably worth fifty thousand dollars.
In 1852, he was elected Clerk of the District Court and admin- istrator of the estate of Judge Burbridge.
In 1853, was built the Sherman Block, at the northeast corner of Third Street and Court Avenue, three stories high. The corner was designed for a bank, the second floor for offices, the third an amusement hall. Subsequently, the second and third floors were used for several years as county and city offices, until the rookery on Locust Street was built.
In 1854, the demand for better facilities for handling the mone- tary transactions consequent upon the immense land sales, most of which was done by speculators and land sharps with wild-cat money of little or no value and doubtful parentage, became apparent and a necessity. The bank of Hoyt Sherman & Company was organized to do a legitimate banking and exchange business. The known integrity and character of the company at once brought it success, and it was largely instrumental in driving out the worthless notes of the Agricultural Bank of Tennessee.
Sherman was not a politician nor a place-seeker, but in 1855 the Whigs persuaded him to become a candidate for Sheriff, with fair prospect of success, being exceedingly popular. The Democrats got scared. They agreed that Hoyt was a hard man to beat. His opponent was D. B. Spaulding, from Big Creek Settlement, up in Madison Township. Barlow Granger, who was chief engineer of the Democratic machine, put his wits at work. Something must be done. The glory of the party must be maintained. A Whig
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in the fattest office in the county must not be permitted. A secret conclave was held in Barlow's office two days before the election. When the election returns came in, they showed Sherman's election by a small majority, and the Whigs were joyful. But a day or two after, a fellow came in from an outlying, forgotten precinct up in the northwest corner of the county, with votes enough to give the majority to Spaulding. The Whigs always charged the defeat to Barlow, but the ways of politics are past finding out. Spaulding served the term and was reelected.
In 1856, during the State House scrimmage between the "East Siders" and The Fort, Sherman took an active part. To give aid and comfort to the "West Siders," and put the State House on Grimmel's Hill, he subscribed three thousand dollars to the "war fund."
In 1858, when, under the new Constitution authorizing banks of issue, the State Bank of Iowa was organized, Sherman was elected Cashier of the Des Moines Branch, and the bank of Hoyt Sherman & Company merged into it. It had ample capital, its notes were kept at par and redeemed on presentation. It continued in business until Uncle Sam's national banking system went into operation.
In 1861, he was appointed Paymaster in the Army, with the rank of Major, and served through the Civil War. He disbursed millions of dollars, without the discrepancy of a penny. In this, as in all his business transactions, he was the personification of exactness.
In January, 1867, the Equitable Life Insurance Company, now one of the leading companies of the kind in the West, was organized and he was elected Actuary; in February following, Secretary; in January, 1874, President, holding the office fourteen years.
In 1868, he was elected Corresponding Secretary of the Old Settlers' Association, and held the place several years.
In 1871, he became one of those who formed the Des Moines Water Company and laid the foundation of the present system of water supply, and the only like system in the United States supply- ing a city of like area and population.
Early in 1876, the Iowa Industrial Exposition Company was organized, with Sherman President. The object was the erection
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of a building for the permanent exhibit of specimens of arts and industries of the state. A fine three-story brick, one hundred and thirty-two feet square, was erected, a large organ put in, and the interior arranged for exhibits. In September, a formal opening was had of a very creditable display. After several years, public interest in it waned, receipts fell below expenses, stockholders became dissatisfied, and it was sold to Mills & Company, who ocen- pied it for their large publishing and printing business until 1881, when they retired from business and sold the building to a com- pany who transformed it to the present Iliad Block.
On the failure of Allen, at a mass meeting of citizens and credit- ors, Sherman was selected by an unanimous vote for assignee to settle the immense tangled affairs of the estate, and make distribu- tion of the property, a service which, for several years, required the exercise of sterling business capacity, diplomacy and sound judg- ment. It was a constant, vigorous contest with lawyers and litigants in the courts, and at the end little was left for anybody.
In social life, Sherman was of courtly, dignified mien-the young maidens in the very early days used to say at their social gatherings, "He is a nice young man, but too dignified." The young people in those days enjoyed life to the full extent of their exuber- ant natures, with very few conventionalities. There was ample time and space for pleasure seeking. There were no classified clubs. As late as 1876 was to be seen an old, low, dilapidated building, part log and part frame, at the southeast corner of Twelfth and Walnut streets, around which cluster many pleasant memories among old- timers. It was built originally of hewn logs by T. B. Hoxie, in 1848, and considered the finest house in the whole county, which then embraced a large expanse of territory. In 1849, it passed to S. G. Keene. It was the headquarters for social functions. In summer-time, in the shade of the stately trees around it, were many happy, joyous gatherings. Mrs. Keene was never more delighted than when surrounded with a lot of hilarious young people. There were but two other houses in sight then, the residence of Mrs. Grimmel, north on the hill, and another where now is the corner of Third and Vine streets, later on a part of the old Monitor House. After the decease of her husband, Mrs. Keene married Mr. Sypher,
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and her residence on Fourth Street, where the Elliott Hotel and Brinsmaid's store are, became the Mecca of socialities .*
June Twelfth, 1904.
*Died June Twenty-fifth, 1904.
DR. T. K. BROOKS
DOCTOR T. K. BROOKS
F EW, if any, of the first settlers here were better or more inti- mately known than Doctor Thomas K. Brooks, whose pro- fession led him into the homes and confidence of the settlers. His genial, jolly, sympathetic nature made him very popular. Though an excellent physician, his presence was often more bene- ficial than his medicine.
He came to The Fort in September, 1845, and for a time made his home with John Beach, the Indian Agent, about half a mile east of Capitol Hill, on what was known as the "Four Mile" or "State Road."
The next year was a busy one. He purchased the claim rights of Phelps & Company, the fur traders, near where the packing houses are, and in the Spring began to cultivate a farm. He also floated brick down the 'Coon during high water, and in the Fall erected, not far from Beach's residence, the first brick dwelling- house on the East Side, in which he lived several years. Near it was a pretty little body of water known as Brooks' Lake.
In April, a weekly mail with Keokuk was established. The first bag was sent by a special messenger. On opening the bag, a com- mission was found appointing the Doctor Postmaster. He duly qualified, removed the office to his residence, and next year resigned as it interfered too much with his practice.
In this year agitation arose respecting the removal of the Capi- tal from Iowa City to a more central point in the state. In January, a bill was before the Legislature to organize Polk County. Imme- diately, effort was made to secure the location of its county-seat. The Doctor, who had proved an indifferent farmer, and Jerry Church, laid out their claims into towns-on paper-and Brooklyn, Dudley, and Jerico became rivals of The Fort. Each had a strong lobby at Iowa City to get the Legislature to fix the county-seat, and after a spirited contest, it finally decided to send a Commission to
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locate it within two miles of Raccoon Forks. There was then a lively scrimmage between Brooklyn and The Fort, but the latter had the most population, the greatest prestige, and the Commis- sioners located it there. Politics also had much to do with it. The Fort was on the west side of the river, and its voters mostly Demo- crats. The Doctor was a Whig and an East Sider. The first county election was held in April. There was considerable talk of sharp practice. A. D. Jones, who surveyed the original town of Fort Des Moines, and a man named Woodward were candidates for Surveyor.
Woodward was a Brooklyn supporter; Jones was a West Sider, with "expectations" if The Fort won. He spent the whole election day at the polls in Camp Precinct and did not get a vote. When the votes were returned, there were one hundred and five for Wood- ward from Camp and Allen precincts, and seventy for Jones from The Fort. By some peculiar method of addition, division and silence, the election was given to Jones. That was the beginning of the feud between the East and West sides, which for ten years was more or less furious, coming to a climax in the contest for the location of the State House. It left a rankling which still exists, a fact apparent in every city divided by a river.
After the county-seat question was settled, the Doctor devoted his time to his practice, with real estate as a side line. He was an active member of the Settlers' Claim Club, organized to protect settlers against claim jumpers and land sharks. He was an ardent Whig, a good speaker, and took an active part in politics, not as a place-seeker, but to prevent some Democrat from getting one.
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