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 12
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however responsible or perilons. It would be in- possible in a biographical sketch of this character to enter fully into all the details of his army expe- perience, but the following account from the pub- lished history of the First Maine Cavalry illustrates his gallantry and coolness in the hour of danger. This is but one of the many thrilling experiences that he underwent during his army life. and is re- corded in Gen. Polk's campaign in 1502; "On the night of August 22, 1862, Sergeant Bowman, then Commissary Sergeant and subsequently Lieutenant and Commissary was at Catlett's Station, where he was in consultation with the brigade commissary and quartermaster, with reference to taking rations to the front on the following morning, when and- denly. to the surprise of every one, for there was no apprehension of danger, the train was attacked by Gen. Stuart's cavalry which had swung round the Union Army and was making a rapid raid at this point, a raid well remembered by Gen, Polk's forces. The attack we so furious and so well fol- lowed up that there was no time to harness the teams and barely time for these officers and a third one to secure their horses and mount, which they did though surrounded and amid a shower of bul- lets. They escaped capture by plunging into the woods with the bullet- whistling around them in a lively mander. Then come a will ride through the wood- in the darkness, dodging among the branches of trees and going they knew not whither. Finally. thinking it best to know what had taken place br- fore they went farther, Sergeant Bowman consented to return and ascertain. the other officers to wait for him four hours. He had but started when a ter- rifie thunder storm b sen, but this proved to be to his advantage as the dishes of lightning helped him on his way. Riding until he heard the sound- of the enemy he left his horse and advanced on foot until he could see the for busily breaking oper boxes, for whatever they could find. Soon he had time vemment in his rear and the same instant w. orderel to hult ; but not choosing to obey, a bullet was sent after kind to enforce the order. He cluded his for found his house and was up and away. : It tik pendant is the enemy. He reached hi-
As stated. Col. Bosseur's service w. - an impor- isn't and ingaations one. He was fi quently ap pointed by the general in commoan I to tede part in , waiting friend- but the en iny was close To hind.
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he and his friends were forced to flee. and finally escaped unharmed. remaining concealed until day- light. and then finding their way to the Union forces." The Colonel was a gallant soldier and served his country faithfully and well until the end of the struggle.
At the close of the war Col. Bowman returned with his regiment to Maine and was mastered out in Augusta. going thenee to Boston, Mass., where be conducted a market until the spring of 1866. when he came to lowa. loeating in Newton, Jasper County. For a time he engaged in the hardware business and in the spring of 1867, was appointed a special agent for the Washington Life Insurance Company, which position be held until the spring of 1870. when he resigned and accepted the gen- eral ageney of the Brooklyn Life Insurance Com- pany, of New York, for lowa. After working for that company eleven mouths and sending them a large amount of new business, he accepted the gen- oral agency of his former company and removed to Des Moines, in June, 1870, opening an office and has held that position for the State of lown continuously since. After his arrival in Iowa, he was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel on the staff of Govs. Gear and Sherman.
On the Ist of January, 1861, Col. Bowman was married in Charleston. (now a part of Boston) Mass., to Miss Josephine Webber. a native of Maine, who died in November. 1881. Of the eight children born of their marriage, three died in in- fancy. There still living are Leona. De Forrest. Harold M. Hernon 'T. and Josephine Beatrice. The Colonel was a second time married in Chicago. January. 18. 1886. his second union being with Miss Hattie b. Stanard, and on their fourth wal- ding anniversary. he was again bereft by death of a loved wife. Two children were born of this marriage -Bean Cottle and Hattie Corinne. From a biographical sketch published soon after the death of the wife and mother. the following facts are likea: . Mrs. Hattie 1. Lowman. wife of Col. M. T. V. Bowman, was born in Chirion. Bureau County. Hi. April >1. 1852. She received most excellent moral and religions training from her parents and mited with The Bagdist Church at the age of twelve years. When fourteen years
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of age the entered the State School at Normal. Ill., where for two years she was preparing for the the work of teaching, and at the age of sixteen years began her labors in that direction in Charles- ton. Ill. During her second year at Charleston. she was tendered and accepted a situation in Little Rock, Aik .. where she remained nearly three years. when she came to Des Moines where she taught for one year. The greater part of her work as a teacher, however, was in Omaha, Neb., where she taught for ten years, and during the last seven years of that time was principal of the South school. The sum- mer of 1875, she spent in traveling in Europe. going abroad as a representative of the School Journal. She visited England and Scotland and also spent some time on the continent. She pos- sessed fine executive ability, was enthusiastic and conscientious and consequently was most successful in her work. Sovere labor tending to impair her health she resigned her position in Omaha and in company with her brother, il. A. Stanard, spent about two years on a farm which she had pre- viously bought. near Madison. Neb. She brought to the home of her husband the graces of a cultured mind. refined tastes and a devoted Christian char- acter. Her death was an irreparable loss to hier husband and family and to all who knew her a source of sincere sorrow."
Col. Bowman has been very successful as a bus- iness mun having been connected with numerous im- portant business enterprises of Des Moines. During 1881 and 1882. he held the First Vice- Presidency of the lowa Baptist State Convention, and during 1885 and 1881. was the President of that organiza- tion. was re-elected in 18%. luft resigned. when I. W. Burdette. of Burlington. Jowa, was chosen in his stead. He has been a Director of the Iowa Na- tional Bank since its organization, and for eleven years Was a member of the Committee on Loans and Discounts. He is the First Vice-President of the Des Moines fee Company, a Director of the Clifton Heights Land Company. also Director of the first Electric Railroad of Des Moines, and he has been prominently connected with other business center. points. He is a charter member of Cincher Post, served as it- second Commander and is a member of the lowa Commandery of the order of the Legal
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Legion of the United States. He has been a meme y and developed a farm of six hundred acres which ber of the order of Masoury for many years and is ; he still owns. Both he and his wife are yet living a prominent Knight Templar. In educational matter- the Colonel has always taken a lively inter. terest. having been a member of the Executive Brand of Des Moines University (now Des Moines College) for eleven years. and was President of the general board one year. when he resigned. and their record is ahnost without a parallel, they having traveled life's journey together as man and wife for more than sixty-five years. They have witnessed almost the entire growth of the State of Indiana, having shared in the hardships and trials of pioneer life. but overcoming those disadvan Col. Bowman has made his way in life unaided. and he has won the respect and confidence of his follow citizens, by whom he is estcemed for his in- tegrity and uprightness of character. Politically he is a Republican, and religiously is a member of the First Baptist Church of Des Moines. tages have met with prosperity and in their old age have a competence which enables them to live a retired life enjoying the fruits of former toil. Their pioneer record would, were it written in detail. form a story of thrilling interest but space forbids us to mention more than a few particulars of their manner of living at that time. The land F which Mr. Hendricks secured was originally cov- ered with a dense growth of trees and shrubs which had to be cleared away cre planting could begin. The deer were so numerous that in order to keep them from cating up the first erop of corn. the mother would take her spinning wheel into the coin field, where, sitting on a stump. she would frighten the deer away, spinning mal singing the while. Their nearest neighbor was a brother of Mr. Hendricks who lived some three miles away and the city of Franklin was composed of only two houses.
EACON WILLIAM IL. HENDRICKS, one of the prominent early settlers of the Capital City, and one who is well worthy of representation in this volume, whose mis- sion is to record the lives of those who have been identified with its history. was born in Shelby County. Ind., on the 21st of October. 1827, and is of German descent. His great-grandfather, Joseph Hendricks. emigrated from Germany to America in at early day, settling in Maryland, where Peter Hendricks. the grandfather. was born. He became one of the early settlers of Kentucky and later of Indiana. removing to the latter State when there wore fewer white men than Indians within it- bor- det. The homes of the settlers were block houses. mo Ventetantially built in order to protect them against the depredations of the reli a. Petry . in Franklin, Ind .; Amanda is the wife of Gorge Hendricks saved in the War of Isle die Gon. Harrison.
In the family were ten children. seven sons and three daughters, the eldlest of whom was our sub- ject, William IL .; James II. died June 21, 1852; S. B. is living in Franklin. Ind .; Mary J., died September 2.1. 1887 ; Thomas resides in Johnson County. Il .; John G. served in the Seventeenth Indiana Regiment four years. and makes his home Balywine of Franklin. Ind. ; George W .. who en- 1: tel in the Fif reuth Indiana Battery serving four Brus. is now a resident of Spokane Falls, Wash .: Martha is the wife of Joseph Earlywine. of Madi- son County, Ind: and Willis takes his house in Brown County. Ind. Mr. and Mrs. Hendrick- have been life-long members of the Baptist Church and are held in the highest regard by the people of the community where they have so long resided.
The father of our subject, Landon N. Hendricks. w :- born in Kentucky in 1802, and in his native State worlded Druvilla Hardesty, who was born Or- tolna 23. 1807. and belonged to one of the earliest finalies of that State. In 1826, they removed to SI loy Comity. hol .. locating on a small form. but on sent of the sickmass of the family were forced to Have that region :and Treated in ala som County. Williten Hendricks whose name hende thi Hat, where Mr. Hendricks Has made His permanent . sketch, was de red in the wild of Indiana, amil Ima. With the assistance of his pone he defeated the hard hip, incident to pioneer hie. This stade ..
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months he spent in assisting his father in the labors of the farm, while in the winter he attended the district schools. His educational course was begun in a rude log schoolhouse, with puncheon floor and mud and stick chimney. The windows were formed by cutting ont a portion of the log and over the aperture pasting oiled paper. However he received the training of Christian parents and their teachings have never been forgotten. The lessons of moral- ity, sobriety and honesty early instilled into his mind have remained with him as safeguards against the temptations of life and have made him an honored man among the many. Having arrived at years of maturity. he was united in marriage on the 13th of June, 1852. with Miss Martha Mills, who was born in Kentucky, November 28, 1819, and is a daughter of Willis and Elizabeth Mills. who were natives of the same State.
The previous year Mr. Hendricks had visited Des Moines, then an insignificant village, giving little promise of its present greatness and prosper- ity. He crossed the Des Moines River on a float- ing bridge but after viewing the town decided to wait some time ore he made a location. In the spring of 1857, however. he came with his family to Polk County and located on a farmi near Rising Sun, whence he afterwards removel to Adair County. There were only a few settlers in the county at that time. He afterward- assisted in its organization, became the Second Assessor and also held the offices of Justice of the Peace and School Treasurer. His residence in Des Moines dates from 1869, covering the continuous period of twenty-one years. He has been engaged in the stock bosiness and also in the greery trade but is now Having a retired life in the enjoy ment of the fruits of former tail.
At the age of sixteen years Mr. Hendricks was converted and became a member of the Baptist Church. He was one of the organisers of the church of that denomination on the east side and served as a member of the Building Committed during the creation of the prosent house of worship. He was also one of its first Trustees and has served as Dracon for the past fifteen year. Ilis wife is a consistent member of the Methodist Church. Both have lived earnest. upright Chertian lives, doing
all in theh power for the advancement of the Mas- ter's cause and sustaining each other by their co- operation in the work. To the poor and needy they are ever ready to extend a helping hand. doing it for Him to whom is due all glory, both here and above.
OTTLIEB F. SPIETH. junior member of the firm of Platt & Spieth, manufacturers of plows, was born in Wurtemburg. Ger- many, September 27, 1813, and is a son of John and Louisa ( Bentel) Spieth, both of whom were born and lived throughout life in that same Province. The father was a farmer and owner of a large vineyard. His family consisted of a wife and four children, but our subject is the only one who ever Jeft his native land.
As soon as he was old enough. when not in school. Gottlieb assisted his father in tilling the farm and dressing the vineyard. He received a good cducation in the German language, and since his arrival in this country has become conversant with the English. In 1866 he left his home and na- tive land to become the founder of a family in the New World. Having spent one year in Ohio, he came to Des Moines in 1867. and in this city learned the blacksmith's trade. The next year he began working for C. D. Pratt. father of his pres- ent partner, who was engaged in the manufacture of plows in Des Moines from a very early day. He remained with his employer until 1876, when, in company with his present partner. they purchased the establishment, which they have since owned and controlled. They do the most extensive busi- hess in their line in the city and have a wide ropy- tation.
In 1876 Mr. Spieth was united in marriage with Miss Maggie Bowman, a native of Ohio, miel unto them have been born two children, John W. and Florence. Mr. Spieth takes considerable in. torest in Jord politics and is a stanch supporter of Republican principles. He is now numbered trong the old settler of Des Moines and is one of it . representative citizens. Although It came to this country in linated chemn-tiers, he let by in.
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. dustry and close application to business become the proprietor of one of the leading industries of the Capital City, as well as having secured for himself and family a comfortable home.
G EORGE C. JEFFRIES, one of the most worthy citizens of Des Moines, passed away on the H4th of December. 1881. His death was a source of deep regret to many, and well may it have been, for he was ever prominent in public affairs and made friends wherever he went. He was born in Grayson County, Ky .. on the 5th of August. 1819, and was a son of William and Susan (Keller) Jeffries, who emigrated with their family to Coles County. Ill. Jane 1, 1830. George was then eleven years of age. After a short time. how- ever, he removed to Galena. Il .. and thence went to Burlington. lowa, ere the Territory had been transformed into a State. In that city he became acquainted with and married Mary Cady. their union being celebrated on the 6th of March, 1845. The lady, a native of Warren County, Ohio, was born March 12, 1826, and is a daughter of Charles and Mary Cady. both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. She was the eldest of seven chil- dren, six of whoin lived to adult age; David, the next younger. served as a soldier in the Mexican War and died of cholera in St. Louis while on his way home; Sibilena is the wife of S. J. Eads. of Burlington. Iowa; William L. who served with honor through the Rebellion and was in the front ranks at the times of the capture of Ft. Donc-on and Corinth; Charles, a resident of Des Moines. also served in the lie war: Thomas 11. mokes bis home in this city and is the youngest of the fan- ily. Mr. and Mrs. Cady were among the early set- there of this city. In 1810 they removed to Henry County. Jowa. loesting on land near New London. where they made for theuzelves a home. there con- tinuing their residence until called from this life. The death of Mr. Cady occurred in Isto, and hi. wife died on the Ist of January. 1817.
The first ten years of their married life Mr. and Mis. Jeffries spent in Burlington, lowa, and in
1855 cine to this city. East Des Moines had not vet sprang into existence a wilderness marking the site of that present beautiful and populous portion of the Capital City. Both took an active interest in such cuterprises as tended to promote the general welfare. and in 1856, with five others, or- ganized the first Methodist Church on the East side and scented the Rev. W. H. Flemings as pastor. In political sentiment Mr. Jeffries was first a Whig and afterwards a Republican. He was also a mem- ber of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. served as Past Grand and several times repre- sented his lodge in the Grand Lodge.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Jeffries was blessed with ten children, as follows: Charles W., who served his country in the late war, is now a resi- dent of Denver, Colo .; David T. is living in Grimes, lowa; Mary S. is the wife of Orville Row- ley, of Crawford Conuty. Iowa: George C. makes his home in Audubon County, Jowa: Sybil C .. a teacher of much ability. is employed as principal of one of the public schools of Des Moines; Sarah A., a widow, is also engaged in teaching in this city; Simeon J. is a resident of Deuver, Colo .: Elizabeth J .. a widow. is the family manager of the Industrial School in Mitehellville, Jowa; John J. makes his home in Denver, Colo. : aod Henty T.
Mr. Jeffries, father of this family. lived a useful and upright life and was one of the representative citizens of Des Moines. A true and devoted In- band and father, an accommodating friend, a loyal citizen and a consistent Christian. he won the re- gard and high esteem of all with whom he came in contact. Mrs. Jeffries still makes her home in De- Moines, where she has a large circk of friends and acquaintances.
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G LORGE U. LEWIS. President of the Lewis Investinget Company and senior partner in the law firm of Lewis & Royal. has been a resident of Des Moines since 1871. He was both in New Britain. Hartford County, Conn .. in 1632. and is the son of George Lewis, who belonged to one of the carly fumbles of Connectient. Our suh.
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jeet passed the days of his hoyhooland youth in Ins native State and early in life began a prepara- tory college comse at Ellington. Conn., which he later continued at Williston Seminary, in East Hampton, Mass, The war of the Rebellion. how- over, came on and in September, 1862. before he had finished his preparatory course. he land aside his school-books and donned the blue, entering the aring as a member of Company F. Fourteenth Connecticut Infantry. The first battle in which he was engaged was that of Antietam on the 17th of September. 1862. In this contest. one of the se- verest engagements of the war. he was severely wounded in the left shoulder and confined to the hospital for a considerable length of time. He re- joined his regiment a week previous to the battle of Fredericksburg, where the Union troops under command of Gen. Burnside, were repulsed by the Confederates, who occupied an almost impregnable position. In this battle the Fourteenth Commeti- ent took a most important part, making the fa- mous charge at Mary's Height -. In this charge Mr. Lewis was permanently disabled, receiving a severe wound in his left kuce which disabled bim for further duty and in the fall of 1868 he left the service.
Returning to his native State. Mr. Lewis com- pleted his preparation for college and entered Yale in IS61, graduating from that celebrated institu- tion with high honor in the class of Ists. For a year following his graduation he was engaged in teaching near New Haven. The year 1869 wit- messed his arrival in lowa and for two years he held the position of principal of the preparatory department of the Lowa College. af himmel. It he had long before decided to enter pon the pur- fession of law and engaged in the big only as a temporary pursuit. However, he was a most successful educator and his popularity in (himall' is indicated by the fact that the Lewis Literary 9. viety, of that institution, was named in bi- lommer after he had severed his connection with the col- lee. As already stated. Mr. Lewis come to Des Moins in 1871. and the following year formed a las portionship with Calucha Parsons. a well -known. lawyer of D. - Moines, which connection cont till about eight years. The lav mhmm Levis & Ragad
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was formed in 1842. As its members are both alle legal practitioners, only a short time was necessary to secure to the firio a liberal patronage which it still refrains, but of later years the senior partner has been devoting considerable attention to other lines of work. In the fall of 1881. the firm of George Il. Lewis & Co .. was organized to carry on the business of loaning on real estate and dealing in bonds and other negotiable securities. In 1886 the Lewis Investment Company was incorporated with Mr. Lewis as President, as successor to the above firm, a position which he still holds. With such an able bus- iness man at its hend its success was almost assured from the first, but it has even prospered more than was anticipated by its incorporators. The business done by the company is large and forms one of the leading enterprises of the city.
In the Empire State, in the autumn of 1869, Mr. Lewis was united in marriage with Miss Elmina Buel, a native of the town of Sherburne, Che- mango County. N. Y .. and three children grace their union-Anna Newton, Harry Buell and Lucy Gager.
Mr. Lewis is one of the representative citizens of Des Moines and ever prominent in whatever tends to promote the best interests of the city. In his political sentiments he is a supporter of the Repub- fican party, but has never aspired to public office, preferring to devote his entire attention to his bu -- inte interests. However, he for two years served as Allerman at large for the west side and was in- Dential in promoting many needed improvement- while occupying that position. He and his wife and thive chillien wie members of the Congrega- tional Church.
FOIN BRIAR LOUGHRAN. promaster of the foundry o. First and Wet LogistSheets. Was born in Wheeling, W. Va .. November 1. Was & motive of Animal. Province of Fler. conopschool educ sim. Arush ling 1la gren , seat of Garnit " during the middle age , and then
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King Alfred of England received his literary training. Mr. Loughran resided not far from the city, but ere he was old enough to attend college he emigrated to America. His father died when he was an infant, and in 1818 his mother, accom- Fanied by three sons and a daughter. came to this country, Jocating in Wheeling, W. Va .. where Ed- mund learned the monkler's trade and was feared to manhood. In February, 1551. he married Sarah A. Briar, who was also born near Armah, Ireland, atel was some two years her husband's junior. In F:56 they removed to New York City, and the following year Mr. Loughran came to Des Moines. where he was joined by his family in 1859. For many years he followed his trade, but is now deal- ing in agricultural implements in Ames. Iowa. During the late war he served nearly two years in the First lowa Battery, going with Sherman from Chattanooga to Atlanta, and after the capture of that city joined Thomas at Nashville. Ten. He is a Republican in politics, a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and a zealous worker in the United Presbyterian Church, as is also his wife. Their family consists of eight children. one having died, and in the order of birth are as follows: Jolm B .. Sarah 3 .. Edmund J .. Stephen L., Thomas ., Jane E., William B. and Mary 31.
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