USA > Iowa > Polk County > Portrait and biographical album of Polk County, Iowa, containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county > Part 11
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OIN BREWBAKER, who is engaged in farming on section 1, Saylor Township. was born on the 2d of December, 1831. in Frank- Hin County. Pa., of German parentage, al- though for several generations the family had resided in the Keystone State. His piterbal grand- father was a native of Lancaster County, and his father, Peter Brewbaker, was born in Franklin Comity, January 23, 1801. He made blacksmith- ing his life occupation, following that trade until sixty-seven years of age. His entire life was spent in his native county, where be ranked among the respectol citizens. In politics he was at first a Whig. Inter a Republican and in religious beliet sul seribed to the principles of the German Reformi Char b. of which he was a member thirty-five yours. He took quite an active part in the work of the church and lived a faithful. consisteut Christian bife. In 1821, in Franklin County, he married Rachel Beltz, who was born February 27, 1799, and was a daughter of Adam Beltz, a native of Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, who crossed the Atlanthe ad settled in Frankha County in an early day. His death occurred in 1819. To Mr. and Mrs. Bo wiaka were born ten children. all of whom fivel to mature yass with the exception of Samuel whose death resulted from the kick of a
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horse. The father died in 1875, and the mother. who was also a member of the German Reform Church. departed this life in 1868.
John Brewbaker, whose name heads this sketch, spent the days of his boyhood and youth in his native county, where he learned the blacksmith's trade with his father and acquired the rudiments of an education. laving arrived at years of maturity. he emigrated in September. 1852, to Newcastle. Ind., and after working for a time entered the Righ School, where he pursued a fifteen months' course. Ile has been a resident of Polk County during the greater part of the time since June, 1856. and has therefore been a witness of almost its entire growth. During the first three years after his arrival he worked at bis trade in Corydon. and in 1850, went to California. He spent two and a half years in blacksmithing in the town of Rough and Ready and for a short time engaged in mining in that place. The journey was made with an ox-team to Salt Lake City, where be sold that feain and pur- chased a span of mules. In the fall of 1862, he returned to this county, and, renting a farm a mile north of Polk City, engaged in its cultivation two years. He then spent four years in operating a rented farm in Crocker Township. after which he purchased land on section 1, Saylor Township. where he has made his home since 1870. It was all wild prairie land, suitable for agricultural pur- poses and is now one of the best cultivated farms in the community. Until within the past seven years he also worked at his trade during the winter season and in that way tulded not a little to his income.
On the 11th of December. 1862. Mr. Brewl . kor married Minerva A. Mercur. who wa horn war Xonia, Greene County. Ohio, October 2. 18 15. : d is a dangliter of fame A. and Beulah (Jay ) Merver. who were also natives of the same counts. Mrs. Mereer's grandparents. James and demtima Jay. emigrated from their native State, South Carolina. to Olio. Iler parents were Alexander and! Nan'y (Spears) Jay. Her peteri'd great-grandparent -. Aaron and Elizabeth Mercer, were natives of Vir- ginia. Her grandparents were Edward and Eliza- beth (Iliel man) Mercer. the former a native of Virginia, the latter of Pensylvania. The father
of Miss Hickman served through the Revolutionary War and afterwards emigrated to Ohio. Having incurred the hostility of the Indians they doter. mined to burn him at the stake but ere they con!d carry out their barbarous intention he was shot by a white man who was living with the Indians and who came near losing his life for the act. but he conld not beat the sight of seeing a fellow being so tortured. James Mercer, the father of Mrs. Brewbaker, followed carpentering in his younger day's but afterwards engaged in farming. He came to Polk County in the spring of 1855, locating in Corydon ou the 4th of May. where he established himself in the manufacture of lumber which he followed for six years. He then sold out and ic- turned to carpentering, but afterwards embarked in farming on a small scale. In 1883, he removed to Greene County, where he makes his home with his son Edward A. Tle took a great interest in educa- tional matters, provided his children with the best advantages possible and is a worthy citizen. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and to them were born nine children, five of whom grew to mature years.
To Mr. and Mrs. Brewbaker were also born nine children, three of whom are now deceased, oue having died in infancy; Henrietta, twin of the first, died November 8, 1888; and Edward E. died September 18, 1885. Those still living are Oris O., Jennie F., Mary E., Nellie J., John M. and James R.
In political sentiment Mt. Brewbaker is a Repub- lican. He has served as Assessor of his town and in 187%, was elected Trustee, which position he still he'ds. He became a member of Fidelity Lodge. No. 69. 1. O. O. F., of Newcastle, Ind., in 1859. being one of the oldest members in the State. Both he mai his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church maul are earnest workers for its interest, be having held the office of Steward. (Jas- Leader and Superintendent of the Sunday- school, all for a member of years. The life of Mr. Bics baker has bech an eventful one end one of the greatest uprightne- and integrity. He has shared rot only the hand hips and friends of pioneer life. but on the 18th of August, 1842, met with a very exciting and perilous alventure. He was then
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near the Crowfoot River in Idaho Tendory and . which is located on Ehn between Second and was returning to his home when he was attacked lo a Land of thout forty Indians. He succeeded in wounding five of the number although he himself was shut through the right lung. and for four hours succeeded in keeping them at bay, but then had to fee for safety. The Indians pursued him for two miles when he succeeded in making his escape, but in the encounter he lost two horses and nearly all his baggage. At length he met with a party of emigran :. after he had ridden a distance of four- teen miles, and a physician who chancel to belong to the company extracted the hall.
WILLIAM AHLMANN. a leading citizen of Des Moines, is a native of Burlington. lowa. and a representative of one of the pioneer families of the State. His father, Adam Aulinann, was born in the city of Mub!in Nassau, Germany, December 11, 1821. and resided in his native country until 1821. when he came to the I'mited States. The Mexican War began not long afterward, and going to St. Louis he enlisted in Company A. First Missouri Light Artillery. Dar- ing an engagement he was quite severely wounded in the right ankle, and it was thought for a time that the wound would necessitate amputation. It healed, however, but forced his discharge just be- fore the close of the war. In 1847. as soon as he was alde to travel, he returned to Germany, where he married Theodora Pulch, and with his wife im- mediately returned to the T'aited Ande . This was in 1>30. Ile located in Burlin con. Iowa. and for a the devoted his attention to ( cultivation of a form near that city. Later he sar engaged in business in Burlington until the spring of 1801. when he removed to Ottumwa. I leedne a portement resident of Des Moines of the Slate January. Isde, bat the year previous. a . parser of Meses Heil & Matter. he penchant I the brev- ery property located on the corner of Seventhan i he .. If he interest to Mi. putter- and purchased the city of the present Atlanter bee very property
Third Streets. In 1972 he created a part of the Intilding, completing it in 1871, but he had scarcely begun his work, when his death occurred. On the Sist of December, 1871. he was called to his final rest. He was a worthy and respected citizen, and over regarded as an upright, honorable man. In his political affiliations he was a Republican from the organization of that party to his death. During the war he was a strong Union man, and had it not been for physiend disability as the result of his service in the Mexican War, would again have en- listed under the old flag. At a meeting of the veterans of the war with Mexico, hell in the office of Gen. Given on Friday, January 1, 1875, the following resolutions and preamble were adopted :
.WHEREAS: It has pleased Divine Providence to call from our number our comrade. A. Aulmann, who died peacefully at his residence in Des Moines, December 31. 1871; he it
"Resplend, That in the death of Commande Anl- mann the country has Just a brave and faithful soldier. a good citizen and true friend. the family a most excellent husband and father. and we deeply sympathize with them in this their hour of bereave- ment.
" Resolved, As a further mark of respect to our deceased comrade. that we will attend his funeral in s body and wear the badge of mourning for thirty days."
Mrs. Auhamm still survives her husband, and since October, INST, has resided in California with her son Carl, but expects soon to return to Des Moines The family numbers six children. four sons and two daughters -- Jemnic, the eldest. is the wife of I. C. Bachro M. of Des Moines; William, var name heads the sketch, is the next younger; Less is the wife of Onto Remipano, and resides in New York; Carl me as his home in California; Lorenz i- Superintendent of the Eagle Iron Works of Des Moines; and George W. is also a resident of 1 - Moines.
William Aulmonn as- born in Burlington. Jon: . April 2.5. 1852, and remained under the parentd conf until his father's death Sin . that sal esca! Te la hong the owner of the brewery property at : conducted the logice . for many your. It . w. - in 1981 Pont Mr. Autmann was anited in the
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holy bonds of matrimony with Miss Lucy Wel- tin V. B., who is also living in the Keystone Mate. come, of Keokuk. lowa. Their union has been : The family is remarkable from the fact that no blessed with a family of three interesting children. death occurrel until after all bad attained to ma- inre years. one son and two daughters, as follows: Bertha. Flora and William Grover.
Mr. Aufmann has made many improvements in the property which he now owns, since the death of his father. His residence in Des Moines covers a period of almost a quarter of a century, and his acquaintance is an extensive one. lle is widely known throughout the community. and is respected as a worthy citizen.
Edwin Oaks, whose name heads this sketch, be- gan work at the carpenter's trade when but a boy. with his father, and has followed that business dur- ing the greater part of his life. He was married in Cambria County. Pa .. on the 27th of October, 1858. to Miss Mary Ann Gifford. the ceremony be- ing performed at the home of her parents. Isane and Martha ( Lowell) Gifford. Her father was a native of Huntington County. Pa .. but her grand- father was born in New Jersey. In 1861, Mr. and Mrs. Gifford came to lowa, settling in Polk County. hnt the wife was not long permitted to enjoy her new home. for on the 19th of April. 1862. less than a year after their arrival in Towa, her death occur- red. The husband is still living at this writing, in 1800, having attained to the advanced age of binety years. This worthy couple were parents of eight children. who grew to adult age. three sons and five daughters, and three others died in in- fancy. Six are yet living, namely: Benjamin, a resident of Arkansas; Mary A .. wife of oursubject: Mrs. Sarah Miller. of Cambria County. Pa. ; Joseph of Polk County; Mrs. Jemima Fronk. of Indiana County. Pa .; and lenac. of Des Moines. The de- ceased are Mrs. Hannah Heimbach. and Mrs. Mar- garet Wilson.
EDWIN OAKS. a contractor of Des Moines, was born near Bangor, Me., July 12. 1827. His paternal grandfather, Abel Oaks. in carly life settled near Mooschead Inke. and con- tinued to make his home in the Pine Tree State un- til his death. There Stephen L. Oaks, father of our subject was born, and having attained to ma- ture years, wedded Sarah Jane Ames. He was a carpenter and millwright by trade, and a superior workman. In 1837. when Edwin was a lad of ten years. his father removed with the family to Blairs- ville, Pa., but after a short time took up his re-i- dence in Cambria County, where he and his wife spent the most of the remainder of their days, the On the 1 1th of November. 1851, Mr. and Mrs. Oaks arrive in Poll: Comity. They are nombored among its honored pioneers, and during the long Years of their residence in the community have borne a reputation for aprightiss, that has won them inany warm frisk is. They Best located in All , Township, but after a year and a half. set- the m Bloomfield Township. and share that this Have lived in or adjacent to the city of Des Moines. Mr. Ook- has de voted the greater prat of his life to contracting and building. and has aided materi- diy in the frogs - made by the county in the link, but other ent soins, which afforded him no permiary pont, lewealso served his support enel cooperation, and in hos say I dagge is the erat !! indebted to him for l's m.fring blog, in he. Io father dying in Jefferson County, at the age of seventy-nine years, and his wife at the age of eighty years. They were the parents of nine children. six sons and three daughters, and the family all attained to mature yesus, while all are yet livhr , with the exception of the youngest son and daughter-Und- son S, and Mrs. Sarah Jane Hileman. the finner died in Clearfield, Pa., leaving a family. and Mrs. Hileman died at her home in do Davies County, BHI. The surviving members of the family are: Mrs. Elizabeth A. Douglas, who resides in Indiana County. Pas: Stephen, a resident of Brookville. Jefferson County, Pa .: Calvin, who is living in Adair County, lova: Edwin of the catch; Mr. Cordelia . Westover, of Clearfield County. Par; George W. of Plymouth County. lowse and Mar- , half. In cours it has fuciledd hana vendor alle
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home and here he has found opportunity to ac- quire the means which rank him among the sub- stantial citizens of the community.
Mr. and Mis. Oaks have two adopted children, a a son and daughter: Francis Marion and Nancy Belle, wife of A. B. West. both residents of Des Moines, Mr. Oaks has ever been an industrious and enterprising man, and in his business enter prises his been generally successful. In proportion as he bas prospered, he has given to the poor and woody. and liberally aided the Christian Church, of which both he and his wife are faithful members. Ile is also a friend to whatever tends to elevate the moral and religious standard of the people, and an implacable foc to all social evils. In consequence he is a Prohibitionist-an uncompromising enemy to the liquor traffic in all its forms.
R. MARY D. FREDERICK, who is engaged in the practice of medicine in Des Moines; enjoys the distinction which probably none other in the city does. She is a native of Iowa, having been born, in Burlington. on the 1th of May, 1842. The State was then under Territorial Government and the city of her birth was a mere hamlet or landing on the bank of the Mississippi. Her father, Jacob Hodgen, was born in Louisville. Ky., in 1817, and when a lad accompanied his par- ents to Sangamon County. Il .. where he became acquainted with and married Miss Elizabeth Comhs. who was born in Elizabethtown, Va .. in 1823. and when a young girl also accompanied her family to that county. Their wedding journey consis: d of a trip to Burlington, Jowa. where they included making their home. They subsequently travved to Texas, but soon afterward returned to this State. 1 where they remained until the breaking out of the late war when they again became residents of San- Jamon County. Il. The death of the father oreur- 1 med in lowa in ISGi, he having come to this Site Mr. and Mrs. Frederick leave an interesting from- ily of three children. namely : Ida M .. who is now the wife of John Scopnedim; Willion Ens tel- "gate operator of New Hartford, Jona; and to look after his farming interests. His wife is still hviog in Hiinois and. lilo her husband. ise faith- ful member of the Christian ( Inmuch. The father of Mi. ilodgen organized the first Christian ( Inch in . Clarence I is a jeweler of Parkersburg, Insa.
Burlington, Iowa, and his cousin. Dr. John Hodgen was the father of the practice of transfusion of blood.
In the family of Jacob and Elizabeth Hodgen were twelve children, of whom seven. four sons and three daughters. are yet living. One of the sous. P. O. Hodgen, entered the service of his country during the late war as a member of an Ill- inois regiment, and being captured was confined for nine months in the loathsome Andersonvilk Prison. His discharge was secured by his mother, who made a personal appeal to President Lincoln with whom she was intimately acquainted. Her petition was signed by the President on the day of his assassination.
Mrs. Mary D. Frederick, whose name heads this sketch, has spent her entire life in her native State. The greater part of her education was received in the public schools of Decatur County. lowa, after which she completed a course in the Leon High School and for one term was a student in Oskaloosa College. While prosecuting her High School studies she hoarded in the family of Dr. J. H. McClelland, and there became possessed of the desire to study medi- cine, which wish she later carried out. It was while in Leon. on the Gth of January, 1858, that she became the wife of Joseph Frederick. a native of Tusca- ranwas County. Chio, born December 14, 1836. He is a millwright by trade and is engaged in that business in this city. The year 1874 witnessed their arrived in Des Moines. where soon afterward Mrs. Frederick embarked in practice. In 1888 she was graduated from the College of Physicians ind Sur- geons of Keokuk, and since that time has received a liberal patronage. It has now been twelve years since she took upon herself the duties of the medi- ent profesion and during that time she has acquired . a reputation which many others might well envy. She does a general practice although she hus mrole a special study of the diseases of women and chil- dren and contemplates the founding of a home for the treatment of the same.
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Their second son. Charles Ex is now decesed. Ile was drowned while bathing in the Des Moines River, at the age of seventeen years. Both Mr. Frederick and his wife are members of the Chris- tian Church and are held in high regard in the community where they make their home. Dr. Frederick is a member of both the Polk County and State Medical Societies.
OL. MARTIN T. V. BOWMAN. one of the well-known citizens of Des Moines and Cien- eral Agent of the Washington Life Insur- ance Company, for lowa, was born in Waterville, Me., July 6, 1838, and is a son of Thomas and Nancy (Cottle) Bowman. On his father's side he is of English origin, the first American ancestor having emigrated from England and settled at Martha's Vineyard in the early days of the American Colonies. The maternal ancestors of the Colonel came from Scotland long prior to the Revolution and also settleel at. Martha's Vineyard. l'or several generations the Bowman family were serfaring people but finally abandoned that mode of life, settled in Kennebec County, Me .. and de- voted their attention to other pursuits.
Thomas Bowman, father of our subject. was a wheelwright by trade but owned a large farm which was operated by hired help while he pursued his trade. He removed with his family during the infancy of our subject to Sidney. Me , but he died a few years later leaving the mother with eight young children, Eve sons and three daughters. Soon after the death of her husband Mrs. Bowman returned with her family to Waterville. Me. She kept her children together until they were able to provide for themselves and afforded them excellent educational advantages, Several have become em- inent in professional life and do home to their pa- tente. The oldest son. Dr. Jeremiah Bowman, was a physician of much ability. He practiced for a number of years in Chio and Virginia and finally settled in Flera. H. where he died a number of years ago. Rev. Augustus Bowman was a Bapti -! clergy man and spent his entire life in Mame. dying
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in Hartland some years ago. Rev. C. C., the next younger, is a Free-Will Baptist clergyman, residing in Manchester. Me. Joseph J., a farmer by oren- pation, resides in Hallowell, Mes, and the Colonel is the youngest of the brothers. The oldest daughter, Julia Ann, is now the wife of Nelson Bowman and resides at the oldl home in Sidney. Me. Adda Aun, twin sister of Julia, died at the age of eight- cen years. Mrs. Christania Marshall, now a widow. is living in Auburn. Me.
It is with plensure that we turn to the immediate history of our subject for we know that in present- ing this sketch to the people in Polk County we will afford pleasure to many of our readers. He received his education in the Waterville and Hallo- well Academies and in his seventeenth year. left his home and native State, going to Sistersville, V'a. where his eldest brother was then engaged in the practice of medicine, Having taught two forms of school he was called to Sardis. Ohio, where he pursued the same profession until having decided to further extend hi- knowledge he entered Grand- ville College, now Dennison University. where he remained for a year. At the expiration of that time he returned to Maine and continued his stud- ies in the Maine State Seminary for a short period. Having received a favorable proposition from his former fell of labor in Virginia. he decided to re- turn, and in 1859, accompanied by his mother and sisters, who desired to visit friends in that State, he again located in the Old Dominion and restined the profession of teaching, his school being of a poi- vate aeulemie character and attended by the sons and daughters of Virginia planters. But the War of the Rebellion was at hand and the mutterings that presaget the coming form could already be heard. The celebrated maid of John Brown at Harper's Ferry which weenered soon after Vr. Bowiem had returned to Virginia. served to inter- sify the feeling of hatred toward the North and he decided to again sock a home in his wvive Sade and when the way broke out he was engaged in teaching the gra amar school at Hall mell, Je.
Mr. Bowman promptly . fend his services in the defense of the Government. en I entered the army as a Corpomed in the Ph- Maine Cavaliy, but My- sous deinchef a- Regin, sel Chentermaster Set-
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geant, and on the Ist of May. 1862, was appointed . in scouting enterprises and never shrank from duty Regimental Commissary Sergeant. In December. 1863, he re-enlisted and was commissioned First Lientenant and Regimental Commissary, on the 9th of February, 1861; was mustered into the I'mited States servire on the 22nd of the same month. He was detailed as Commissary of the Third Brigade, Second Division, of Gen. Sheridan's Cavalry Corps. October 9. 1sat, and on March 26, 1>65, was ordered to take charge of the reserve supply train, which position he occupied until Gen. Lee's surrender to Gen. Grant at Appomattox. By order of Brevet-Gen. (. 11. Smith he took charge of the commissary department of the sub-district of the Appomattox, relieving Capt. M. A. Richard- son. C. S .. June 15, 1865. He remained in that ca- pacity issuing rations to the soldiers and desti- tate citizens, until he was mustered out on the Ist of August, 1865, in Petersburg. Va. Col. Bowman was engaged in active duty during the entire time that he was enrolled in the service and though con- weeted with the commissary department his duties were both arduous and dangerous and his position a most responsible one. His first important service was at the battle of Winchester. May 25. 1862. This was followed by the engagement at Cedar Mountain; the second battle of Ball Run on An- gust 20 and 30, 1802; Fredericksburg. December 12. 1862: Rappahannock Station, April 14. 1863; Brandy Station. June 2. Aldie, Inne 17. Middle- burg. June 19, Gettysburg. July 1, 2 and 3, Shep. herdstown. July 16. 1863, and in the fortifiestions before Richmond, March 1. 1861. On the 7th and sth of May, 1861, an engagement occurred at Told's Tavern, which was followed by the battle of Cold Harbor on the 2nd of June; Reams. Tion. August 23. 1861 . Farmer's Cross Roads. April5, 1865. and many others down to Appuntiox Court House and the surrender of Gen. Lovon the 9th of April. 1865. With his command Col. Bu- man was them ordered to re-cuforce Sherman ai? send to North Carolina with that object in view but Johnston had sureemployed to Gen. Sharman all the war was over.
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