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 14
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! ALBOTT CHAMBERS DEXTER, Super- intendent of the Dexter Manufacturing Company, was born in Len. JUL .. on the 20th of April, 1856. and i- a son of Withom P. and Amts B. (Chambers) Dexter. His father was rand in Cancela, but on tracking manhood went : Ohio, where he married Mi - Chambers, a na. Hive of the. Incluye State. Not long aftersand Hay removed to tialenn. H., where Mr. Chambers
carried on the furniture business in the same build- ing in which Gen. Grant's father had formerly done business. In 1839 be removed to Pulk City. lowa. and after a three years' residence in that place came to Des Moines. In this city he also engaged in the manufacture of furniture, and worked at his trade until within three days of his death. which occurred in 1857, at the advanced age of eighty-one years. He was an industrions and energetic citizen. and labored untiringly for the interests of his family. In politics, he was a sup- porter of the Republican party. His widow, who still survives him, is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
The subject of this sketch was the fourth in order of birth in a family of five children, consisting of three sons and two daughters. He attended the public schools until twelve years of age, after which he was employed by a dairyman for a year. The snecceding three years he was engaged in the press room of the Iowa State Register, and for the continuons period of seventeen years was pressman of the Jourspaper Union of Des Moines. serving as foreman of the press room for the last three years. In 1880 he invented the Dexter folding machine. which he has greatly improved since. His long experience with the publishing business has made him familiar with its needs, and his invention sup- pied a long-felt want. The same year a company was formed of some of the most substantial boisi- ness men of Des Moines and Known as the Dexter Manufacturing Company, of which Mr. Dester was made Superintendent. That position he has since continued to hold, and the business has grown until it requires a force of twenty-five hands. In view of the fact that the most of their folders are soll in the Last it has been thought best to remove the plant to Fulton. N. Y .. where the business will be continued under the style of the Dexter Folder Company.
On the 21st of May. 1979, in this city, Mir. Dex- 1. was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary I. Hall. daughter of Joseph Hall. one of the early settler of Polk County, where Mrs. Dexter was born October 17, 1858. They are parents of three children. twee nos living - hiwi Hl. end Myrtle. Pay, their -er- and child. died at the age of three years. Mr.
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Devier and his wife are members of the Proms. With Church, in political sentiment he is a Repub- lien, and socially. is a member of the Ancient Order of l'unted Workmen. For the long period of twenty-eight years he has been a resident of Des Moines, and regarded as one of its prominent and representative business men, and his departure is a loss to the community, both on account of his en- terprise and his worth as a citizen.
ESSE B. CTRL, the enterprising foreman of Carter's & Hussey's Bindery has through long years of experience become master of the business in which he is engaged and is fully competent to ocenpy his important position. The confidence reposed in him by his employers is shown by his long continued service with that firm.
Mr. Curl is a native of Ohio, born in Bellefon- taine, on the 7th of June, 1811. When ten years of age, he accompanied his parents. Ephraim and Between (Sheets) Carl. to Oxford. Ind., where he acquired his education in the common schools. Going to Watseka. Il .. when a young man, he studied pharmacy under George W. Richards of that place, and later engaged in the drug business | in Milford. Ill., whence he came to Des Moines in 1863. Having resolved to engage in some other line of business, he entered the bindery of Carter d Hussey, where he remained two years. when in 1843. he went to Chicago in order to perfect him- self in that line of work. Returning in Der. he again obtained & po jon with the firm hy . auch he was formerly enghoved, and for seven vous re- mained in their establishment in Des Moines until 1:71. when he was sent to Topeka. Kan, to take cherge of a branch establishment of the bindery in the city. After a year. in company with (. 1. Hamilton. he einhacked in business for himself IS a Tember of the firm of Hamilton & Carl, who operada painting office, doing job work. furnishing offre met leriness supplies and manfacetiming Hand books. They soon scented a large patronage. the it trade extending into Texas. Colorado and
New Mexico, and continued business in that line until 1883. when on account of failing health. M. Curl was obliged to sell out. With the hope of being benefited by the braving airs of Colorado, he spent two years in that State, during which time be held the position as Secretary of a mining company of which he was one of the organizers. In 1885. he once more returned to the capital city of Iowa and has since served as foreman of the hindery of Carter & Hussey. Altogether Mr. Curl's business career has been a successful one and he riks among the enterprising citizens of lowa. He isalso the patentee of several valuable inventions.
In Des Moines. in May. 1869, Mr. Curl was united in marriage with Miss Amma, daughter of John Poling. She was born and reared in Ohio, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They are parents of four children, one son and three daughters, three of whom are living -- Jennie, Fred and Alice. One daughter. Jessie, died at the age of two and a half years. In politiet soutiment. Mr. Curl is a Republiem, having supported that party since the time when he east his first Presi- dential vote for Abraham Lincoln. He is a member of the Masonie fraternity. having been initiated into the mysteries of Masonry in a pioneer lodge at Des Moines. He also belongs to Lincoln Camp of Modern Woodmen.
FERNST W. BERGSTROM, of the Son of Rollinson & Bergstrom. forist and market gardeners of Des Moines, is of Swedish Lich. His father. @fof Borg-trom was a sailor by conpation ang followed the sea for many year -. During the latter part of his career he was Captain of a swedish vassel and lost his life at wa when his son Frast was but three years of age. Our sub- jeet was born in 1862, and when a lad of fourtren years through the influence of lis magle, A. Sa der- son. he eross, 1 the Atlantic to America and at ware proceeded to the home of his relative where he to. mained for two and a half years. Thinking it aine that he pequaint him If with some letness. whereby he might cam a livelihood he pim to
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Chicago and engaged in floral culture in the ser- vive of Miller & Hunt, prominent theorists in that city. with whom he continued three years. There be obtained a thorough knowledge of the culture of plants and flowers and after there you- experience returned to this city. The first work in which he engaged after his return was the build- ing of the fine conservatory of C. C. Cole of which he had charge about five years, when the present partnership of Rollinson & Bergstrom wa- formed. These gentlemen began in a modest way but have steadily increased their business until it has assumed extensive proportions. Their conservatory is one of the finest in the city and is under the immediate sup- ervision of Mr. Bergstrom. while Mr. Bolliason conducts the horticultural department of their business. Our subject i- familiar with all depart- ments of floral culture but has made a special study of roses. He gave that flower his greatest attention while in Chicago and eveels in its cul- ture. A visit to the beautiful conservatory is con- vincing evidence that Mr. Bergsfrom is thoroughly sequainted with his business and the horticultural department of the work is also ably managed.
On the 19th day of April, 1881, Mr. Bergstrom was united in marriage with Miss Eugenia Pearson. a native of Sweden who came to this country with her parents in childhood. Her father was drowned a manber of years ago in Swan Lake, Emmet! County. lowa, where the family resided. Two children have been born to our subject and his worthy wife-Auna May and Eugenia.
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hood in that city and in the fall of Isaf came to Uns county. as before stated. The family settled in Saylorville, but the following year removed to a farm near Peoria City, where he reurdined. as- sisting his father in the lahors of the farm. until the 18th of October. 1861. The country was then engaged in one of the most perilous wars known to history and, feeling that his duty was at the front, he donned the blue, becoming a member of Com- pimy E, Thirteenth Iowa Regiment. He enlisted as a private but ros succesively through the va rions tanks to that of Second Lientenant. Ilis service was an arduous one and he fought in many of the most important engagements of the war, in- eluding the battles of Shiloh. Corinth. luka, the siege of Vicksburg, the battle of Jackson, Miss., and Kenesaw Mountain and the battle of Atlanta, Ga., which occurred on the 21st and 22nd of July, 1861. During the first day of the engagement Mr. Penn received a gunshot wound, the ball entering his right side and coming out at the left hip. This necessitated his remaining in the hospital for eleven long months, but on the 22ad of June. 1865. he rejoined his command. Soon afterward the war closed and on the 21st of July he was musterel out of service.
On his return from the army Mr. Penn became a student in the Iowa Wesleyan University. where he remained one year. and then spent the two sue- ceeding years in the employ of his uncle. Edward 1. Penn. On the 21th of February, 1869. he was mited in marriage with Miss Clementine E. Mut tin, daughter of Joh L. and Carrie B. Martin. The lady is a native of Pottsville. Pa .. and their union has been blessed with three children-Es- tella, Carrie and W. Harry. They also lost two children. Pearl K .. who died at the age of thistren years, and Myrtle, who died at the age of eight years.
ILLIAM IL. PENN. one of the stirring and enterprising citizens of Des Moines, hohls the responsible position of chief clerk of De tallway mail service in love. Since Isso he After 14- marriage Mi. Poun removed to Des Momies, but a year byfer returnol to the farm which le opereed until the 1st of January. 1878. form which date he les been a continuous resident of the capital city. In October of that same year he the ( hrozda West Likely R. P. O. and cortin- not to serve it. that equity until the ist of April. Its been a resident of Polk County and la uni- fondy identified himself with its best interests. He was born in Pickaway County , Ohio, on the faith of April, 1%12. and with his guents, Jour and Bar. Con deadly Penn, whose clutch appen on an Ventiel mail service alway portal er un "tar ghee of this work, went to Lafayette, il. He was then at land of nine yours. He grew to um-
Saul Vancleve
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isso, when he was appointed to his present posi- tion as chief clerk of the railway mail service in lowa. He now has charge of most of the important Ine in the State, particularly those connected with Des Moines. Seventeen years has he been connected with the mail service. His fidelity to every trust. the promptness displayed in the dispatch of his duties and his excellent business ability have won him the high regard and confidence of the Post- office Department, as well as all with whom he has come in contact. A man of sterling worth, he is regarded as one of the leading citizens of Des Moines, and he hasa wide circle of friends through- ont Central lowa.
In political sentiment. Mr. Penn is a Republican, and during the Fourteenth General Assembly served as door-keeper of the Senate. Socially, he is a member of Capital Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and of Crocker Post. No. 12. G. A. R., and also belongs to the First Methodist Church. of Des Moines.
ANDEL VAN CLEVE, deceased, is num bered among the honored pioneers of Des Moines, and was long one of its leading and influential citizens. In various public capacities, he served the people of Iowa's capital and by his upright. honorable career won their high regard and lasting friendship. We feel that a sketch of his life will be received with interest by many, and it therefore affords us great pleasure in presenting it to our readers.
section of the State. A man of more than average ability. devoting his energies to the best interests of the people, he lived a life well worthy of emula- tion, and undoubtedly has reaped the reward pre- pared for the righteous. He would accept no com- pensation for his ministerial labors. but. maintained himself and family by farm work. He died in Knox County. Ohio, in 1822. As a citizen he was loyal: as a husband and father, kind and affection- ate, and as a Christian. true and faithful. His wife, an estimable lady, survived him many years, dying in 1855, aged eighty-one years.
In the fall of 1855 Mr. and Mrs. Van Cleve came to Polk County, and the following year took up their residence in the city. where for a time the husband worked at contracting and building. As before stated he held a number of important posi- tions, and was a prominent though modest promoter of the progress attained by Des Moines. He had acquired a good English education. and seemed specially fitted for the duties which devolved upon him, both while a member of the City Council and when in charge of public works. Some time after the establishment of the Water Works, and when their efficiency was marred by ill management, he was made Superintendent. The charge was a ditli- cult and laborions one. mol required much mental and physical lahor to bring order out of the pre- vailing confusion. but he succeeded, and for some years the city was supplied with water from Coon River, having the purest and best public supply in the United States. The exposure to which he was subjected for a time in the management of the works, seriously undermined his constitution, yet notwithstanding he continued to lead an active life to the last. After leaving the Water Works he was Superintendent of the Government buildings. and also superintended the paving of many of the poldiestreet. His whole career was an open and honorable one, and his fidelity and the conscien- tions manner in which he discharged his dutie - led to his long retention in the service of the public.
Mr. Van Cleve was born in Bedford& unity. Pa .. October 1. 1525, and is a son of Willis and Anın (Welt) Van Cleve When he was a dad of six Some. his parents removed to the Was a Reserve in Ohio, where he was reared to manhood, reedis- in : his education in the schools of Wayne County. On the 19th day of May. 1850, he was joined in wollock with Miss Ruth L. Cook. daughter of the Three children were born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Van Cleve, but two are now deceased: William I ... the only son. died at the age of three that is the wife of David Bingolf. of Des Math. .. Roy. John and Bastel ( Brysony fool. Her father wat a native of New Jersey, but nestled in Mar la A prior to his mu gration to Know Candy. Chic, y gens: Lillie die in infancy: Marie Louise. The He was one of the first Baptist minutter- in that
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In polities. Mr. Van Cleve was a Democrat, and in religious sentiment he was a supporter of the the Christian Church. with which he united in Ohio, in [8]]. His death occurred in JENG. No- vember 19th. Mrs. Van Cleve is still living and is a true Christian woman, winning many friends by her excellencies of character. Hur connection with the Christian Church. as one of its members. covers a period of fifty-seven years. In 1864. 3Ir. Van Cleve, in company with others, went to Mon- tana on a prospecting tonr, and while there for eighteen months, thoroughly traversed the terri- terry of Montana. penetrating far into the interior of the Yellowstone country. The company when in that remote region Imilt a fleet of boats, of which Mr. Van Cleve was elected captain, and fol- lowed the Yellowstone River to its junction with the Missouri River. The spirit of exploration was strongly developed in Mr. Van Cleve, and on him devolved the entire responsibility of conducting a large company through the dangers of the Rocky Mountain fastnesses.
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OSEPHI BUFFON STEWART, an honored pioneer of lowa. and an old-time resident and prominent business man of Des Moines, was born near St. Charles, Mo., on the 2d of August, 1821. Ilis father, Dr. Ahram Stewart. was a surgeon of the United States Army. and was born in Vermont in 1781. On his father's side he was of Scotch origin, on the mother's side of French descent, and the family was one of the oldest in New England. Dr. Stewart emigrated to Missouri as early as 1 86. Having entered the regular army as surgeon he served in the War of 1-12, and was wounded by the Indians, a party of brave- handed by Black Hawk, at Rock Island. in IS14. In 1816 he was married, in Missouri. to Mis: Emaily Ayer -. and continued a resident of that State until his death, which occurred in Hormibal, on the 11th of October, 1531. Mrs. Stewart was born in Marie tti. Ohio. Jamimy 22. 1795. Her preis vore natives of Competiout. and were de carled hour the early Poritan Colonists of that commonwealth het 1
mother belonging to the widely known Davenport family. She survived her husband many years. dying on the loth of July, 1879. at the age of eighty-four.
Joseph B. Stewart received his early education in the log school house of pioneer days, one in which the floor, desks and seats were made of puncheon or slabs, which had been split from hewn logs, while the light was admitted through sheets of oiled paper stretched on frames like sash. Later he had the benefit of more modern conveniences and better instructors. In October. 1835, when fourteen years of age, he came to Jowa, then a part of Michigan Territory. and with his mother settled at Ft. Madison, on what was then the Black Hawk purchase, a strip of laud lying along the Missis- sippi River. which had been purchased a short time previous by the Government from the Indians. All the territory, which comprises a large part of what is now the State of Iowa, lying west of that strip, was known as Indian land. Mr. Stewart saw more Indians in those days than white people. and at one time, in July, 1837. sat at a table with Black Hawk. "the great brave," and listened to him while be made a speech. U'ntil 1846 Mr. Stewart was engaged in farming. He then began merchandis- ing, which he carried on until 1853, when he came to Des Moines to accept a place in the United States land office. After serving one year as clerk in the Receiver's office, he engaged in the real- estate business, during which time he platted a tract of three hundred and sixty-two acres, in September. 1857. which was recorded as Stewart': Addition to Des Moines, and which is now a popttous and wealthy district of the city.
1. the 30th of October, 1861. Mr. Stewart wa- nabol in marriage with Miss Dora Adell MeKay. a move of Warsaw. Wyoming County. N. Y., and s daughter of F. C. D. and Angelina J. (Judd) Me- Kay. She was of Puritan origin and her aneste. first settled in Cambridge, Mass, in 1632. Four children were born to our subject and his wife. three daughters and on ; on all born in Des Moines munchy : Mary. Ceel MeHay. Por, and Fialy. Mary was educated at W Besley ft linge. where her younger sister i now a student.
My Stewart has contin al business in Des Main -
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tff the present time. and still has extensive prop- 1 arty interests here, although since October. 1885, 1 be has resided in Cambridge, Mass. However, he stays spends severed months of the year in the Capital City of lowa, which seems more like home ter lim than any other place in the Union. It is here where he finds his warmest friends, among those who have known him during the past thirty- seven years, and have learned to esteem him for his many kindly deeds and the pirity of his life. While his business operations have been extensive and important. he has never been found severe of ex- acting, and has always proved himself just. upright and honorable in his intercourse with his fellow- men. In politics. Mr. Stewart has been a Repub. lican since the formation of that party, but has never coveted political preferment or distinction. He is a man of quiet, unassuming ways, who dis- likes ostentation and display. preferring the con- seriousness of well doing, and the facit approbation of friends. to the noisy demonstrations of the po- litical arena.
11. KING, a member of the Board of Pub- lie Works and a prominent member of the City Conneil for fifteen years, is a native of County Cavan. Ireland, where he was born December 23, 1837. His parents were Hugh and Margaret (MeCanley ) King. both of whom were also natives of the same county. In 1812 his father emigrated to America and made his home in Phonixville, Pa .. and in 1817 his wife, accompanied by the children, joined her hustrun! in the New World.
services to Alexander Seett, who was conducting a general business, operating stow-mills, handling con]. etc. In 1837 Mr. King began business for himself as general merchant, but continued in that fine only a year or so. when he was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace of Lee Township. Polk County. From that time forward he has taken an active part in politics. He was re-elected and served two terms as Justice, served two terms as a member of the County Board of Supervisors and was elected a member of the City Council. His faithful dis- charge of duty led to his re-election again and again. and he held the office altogether for fifteen years. For one term he served as City Clerk and was once elected Police Judge, bat was counted out. He was appointed a member of the Board of of Public Works for three years and entered on his duties in April. 1889.
Mr. King is a prominent contractor on public works and in railroading. Since 18, 2 he has oper- ated as a contractor on railroad construction in łowa, Nebraska. Kansas, Missouri. Wisconsin and Illinois.
On the 28th of September, 1860. in Ottumwa, lowa. Mr. King was united in marriage with Miss Rose Ann Casady, who was born in County Mona- ghan. Ireland, and came to America with her par- ents in childhood. Her father was Patrick Casady. of Warren County, Iowa. Mr. and Mis. King are the parents of ten children, eight of whom are liv- ing. six daughters and two sons. namely: Hugh Vincent. Mary Frances. Rose Ann. Margaret II., Michael. Jr .. Alice Agnes, Katie and Stella. Three are graduates of the Sisters' schools at Lyons and Des Moines, lowa. The sons have been educated in the city schools. Margaret is an artist of Ac- knowledged talent and skill and her works won ton premiums in the art exhibit at the State Fair in ISSS and 1889; Roce is a fine singer, ml Mary a skillful instrumental musician.
Durante et was then a lad of ten years. Hat- tired a school near Harrisburg. P ., which was tonight by a son of Gov. Shank. In 1 30. the fam- is removed to Blairsville of the same State and : lunat that time he was indieted into the mysteries Mr. King was a Republican for many years, at tend d conventions and took an active part in pub- lis attairs, but is now halependent in politics. He is a prominent member of the Land League of lowas an I was one of the first to aid in the or ghi- of mercantile business while serving as merchant's cik to William Matiker & Co .. of Salt-berg. bear Bur-ville. He removed from the latter city in 1-20, migrating to Des Moines, Jota. when he. og ata- book-keeper for R. W. Chak a merchant , zation of the League in this State. He attended H. of the city and after a short time transferred his Buffalo Convention and was active in bringing
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about the visit of Parnell to Des Moines. At The meeting of the League in Des Moines in 1880. be head the honor of introducing Gov. Gear to the andlience. Ile is opposed to violence in the con- duet of Irish affairs and is a believer in Parnell's policy of political agitation and is . great admirer of Gladstone. He enjoys an extensive arquaint- ance throughout the ' West. both politically and in business circles and is highly respected by all. His life has been an active and useful one, and he has made his own way in the world by his energy. intelligence and natural ability. Quick to grup and comprehend the most important point- of in- terest in political events, be was always in the lead in matters of party management and exerted a strong influence in that direction. In municipal affairs he has for many years been a recognized leader and has done much by his effort to encour- age public improvement and all enterprises that have proved of substantial advantage to the city. Mr. King and family are earnest members of the Catholic Church.
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