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 22
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sulting in almost the entire suppression of that evil in the Territory and bids fair to remove it entirely in the near future.
Col. Godfrey has been twice married. In ISG7. he wedded Miss Carrie Corning, a most estimable lady and a daughter of Charles Coming, now of Pa- latka. Fla. Her death occurred in 1879. The present Mrs Godfrey was formerly Mis- Ella Fisher, a na- tive of Mt. Pleasant. Iowa. and a most excellent and worthy lady. Five children were born of the first marriage, sons-William Sherman, Charles A .. Walter, George and Eilward. the two last named, are now deceased, and two daughters by the second marriage, Anna and Bell.
Col. Godfrey is an honored member of the Mili- tary Order of Loyal Legion. and of the United Workmen. having served as Grand Master of the lodge, Ilis family and friends may indeed be proud of his record and his sketch will be an honor to this work. His public and private life are alike alove reproach and the respect which is tendered him is Inuit his just. due.
ROF. NORMAN DENSHEE, A. M., who occupies the chair of Ancient Languages in Drake I'niversity, is one of the veterans in the cause of education. lle is a native of Cuyahoga County. Ohio. where his birth occurred January 21, 1822. The Dunshee family was founded in America by a gentleman of that name horn of Scotch and Irish patentage. The Profes- for springs from a line of farmers. both grande- thers having followed that pursuit in Addi on County. Vi., where his parents were born. Ilts father. William Douchee, was born in 1791. and on arriving at man's estate led to the marriage alla Laura Turner, who was born in 1500. About 1519. they removel to Cuyahoga County. Ohio, where they spent the reminder of their lives. In their carlier yours they advocated the doctrine of the Methodist Episcopal Church but on the rise of the (hnistian Church united with that depomination. Into then. vas borg a family of eight librep. but only three are now living, a brother and sister
beside our subject-Harrison is now engaged in farming in Ohio: while Mrs. Laura Norris is living in Cleveland, that State.
Like many other great educators of this country. Prof. Danshee followed the plow in his earlier days, though not to the neglect of his education. Having attended the common schools until seven- teen years of age, he entered Twinsburg Acolomy. there to prepare for college. The academy at that time was under the management of Rev. Samuel Bissell, a graduate of Yale College, and a man of splendid attainments. Leaving the academy, he entered the Western Reserve College, at Hudson, Ohio, which still exists as Adelbert College of the Western Reserve I'niversity of Cleveland. Though Mr. Danshee could not attend school during two terms of the regular course. he applied himself with such diligence to his studies that he graduated with his class, numbering thirteen students. in 1815. He then spent two seasons at his Alna Ma- ter, further pursuing the study of Greek Hebrew and theology. The snreceding five years of his life were then spent in teaching in Twinsburg. En- elid and Mantua. Ohio, and in 1851. he accepted a call to the chair of mathematics in Hiram College, where he labored eight years. His instruction, however, was not confined exclusively to mathe- maties. but extended to Greek and Latin, as well. Among those who recited to him was a young man. lofty of purpose, vigorous in mind and body and untiring in application. That youth developed into the college president. the oretor and the state man. and at length. James A. Garfield. for he it was, was placed in the executive chair of the Nation. Gen. Garfield, speaking of his student life at Him. mentions Prof. Donshee as one of his able fustige-
In addition to his college work, Mr. Danshee preached occasionally for the Christian Church He st vered his connection with Hirom College in 1-9. and went to Ateli-on. Kan .. where he taught for two years, and for an equal patel filled the office of County Superintendent of Public Schools. He :- engaged in ministerial verk and carried on farming. In ! 71 he was chosen professor of Quages in Oskaloosa College. if ( balones Town
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but after six years of satisfactory work lett that field for a position in Abingdon College of Abing. dom, Il. Such was the reputation that he has gained as an educator, that on the opening of Drake University in 1881, he was tendered the chair of Ancient Languages which he has since ally till :- d.
In Suffivan. Ashland County, Ohio. Prof. Dun She was united in marriage with Miss Calista (). Carlton, a lady of culture, who had been a student Loth of Hiram and Oberlin Colleges. They became parents of there children, two of whom are now living-Mrs. Dr. E. C. Scott and Mrs. R. T. An- drows.
Prof. Danshee has been engaged in training the minds and characters of young men and women for thirty-five years. and among his pupils of note are numbered Prof. B. Il. Hinsdale, of Michigan Uni- versity ; Prof. A. Atwater. of Indiana State Cui- versity : Prof. John Atwater. of Garfield l'niversity ; and several of the distinguished faculty of Drake I'mversity. Though the Professor is now well and- vanred in years, he is still young in thought and action. His unecasing and tireless effort has been to improve his fellow-men intellectually, socially and morally. and the impress of his own worth upon those with whom he has lahored will be traus- mitted to thousands who have never met him per- somally.
GIN ECKLES JOHNSON, a prominent farmer and stock-mai-er of Clay Township, residing on section 30, is a native of Mont- gomery County. Ohio. The birth & surred on the 2rds of June. 1820, and he is the call of Jesse and Frances (Swallow) Johnson. The family was fomoled in America at an carly day and it- members are now residents of many States of the !'ion alesse Julmon was a native of South Cm- ! mina. burn of English parentage and in the Way of 1:12. proved himself a faithful soldier. He served under the command of Gen. Hall and was When prisoner at his surinder. He was after- " cley banged anlat length um. ten I off with at howord.le war record. His occupation was thet
of a wheelwright and wood worker in general and to those branches of business industry be devoted a greater part of his manhood years, When a young man he emigrated to Montgomery County. Ohio, where he became acquainted with and married Miss Johnson, a native of the State of North Carolina, born of English parentage. The result of their union was the birth of six sons and one daughter. The oldest, Levi. is a resident of Jay County. Ind. : Henderson died in 1881, amt his remains were interred in a cemetery of Johnson County, Kan .; Isave C. is an eminent divine of the New Light Church and resides in Denison, Craw- ford County, lowa; William is a graduate of the medical department of the State University of Michigan, locating at Ann Arbor, where he resides and practices his profession; Wiley is a well-to-do farmer of Polk County, Neb .; Mary is a widow of Samuel Skinner and resides in Miami County Ind.
The father of this family while en route from lowa to Indiana, departed this life and was buried at Stillwater. Mrs. Johnson continued with her children to their destination and passed the re- mainder of her days in day Conoty. where she died at the age of fifty years.
The subject of this sketch resided in the county of his nativity until fourteen years of age and oh- tained his education in the schools such as were common at that early day. The building was a hewed log schoolhouse with puncheon floor, slab seats and oiled paper for windows. At the age above mentioned he accompanied his mother to Jay County. Ind .. where ke entered one Indred acres of unimproved land, upon which he resided for the greater part of ten years. Game bing abmulant in that region at that time. he de- ved a considerable portion of his time to hunting and trapping. by which means he contributed largely to the support of his widowed mother and the fondy. Afterwards removing to Miami County, Ind. he purchased eighty acres of heavily timberel land in what was known as the Eel River Country, and imme liately began placing it in con- dition for agricultural purposes. His efforts were re- unded with sug ges and after continuing the work of improvement and development for some time he sold that fine to a good advantage and moved
H. S. Whitman
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to a place about five miles south, where he pur- chased one hundred and sixty acres of virgin land and cleared one hundred acres of the amount with his own hands. That farm he disposed of in 1856 for $3,000, with which he purchased a half section of land. slightly improved. in Jasper Corrmty. lowa. During the year in which he there made his home. he broke one hundred and forty arres. frneed the entire amount and made some other small improve- ments. but about this time the country became in- volved in a financial panie and having bo means with which to continue his labors. Mr. Johnson was obliged to dispose of his possessions at a sarri- Gce. His next place of residence was near Rising Sun, Towa, where for three years he lived upon a rented farm. Having increased his resources somewhat in the meantime. he then bought two hundred and sixty acres of l'niversity land. con-ti- tuting his present farm. At the time of his par- chase it was in its natmal state, but by energy and industry he has succeeded in placing it under su- perior cultivation. dividing it into fields which are now well-tilled and yield abundant barvests as the reward for the care and labor which he has he- stowed upon them. He also erected a comfortable home together with good barns and other necessary outhuildings.
While a resident of Miami County. Ind .. on the 5th of November. 1838, Mr. Johnson was joined in wedlock with Mary Cox and by their wuion they have become parents of the following children: Lo- rinda. the eldest. died in infancy: Teresa En. a grad- tale of Oskaloosa College of Okalors .. lowa. is now engaged in the profession of teaching: Fre- mont resides on a farm in Camp Township; Vitura died in infancy: E. Goodwin is at home; Sinhalt Frances is a successful teacher and accomplished musician and is the youngest of the family.
politics, voting for men rather them party. Ile never aspired to office, much preferting the enjoy - ment of home life to the turmoils of politics. For thirty-four long yours Mr. Johnson has watched the rapid development of his adopted county has witnessed the introduction of railroads and nem- facturing establislouents and the building up of the vity and county in general. He has many warm friends in the community, by whom he is highly esteemed for his hospitality and sterling worth.
1. WHITMAN. A.M .. M.D., deceased, WAS born in West Hartford. Conn., December 30, 1814, and was the eldest son of Samuel and Elizabeth ( Howard) Whitman. The Whitman family was founded in America by John Whitman, a native of England, who crossed the Atlantic on the ship "Confidence," landing on the bleak and inhospitable shores of New England in December. 1638, settling at Weymonth. Mass. The carly life of Dr. Whitman was spent on the farm till in his seventeenth year, receiving his rudimentary education in the district schools. after which, by reciting to the Rev. Dr. C. L. Houry. and attending East Hartford Academy, he fitted himself to enter Amherst College. from which he
was graduated in 1839. Being endowed with an ambitious spirit. he immediately started for the West. his objective point being Tennessee, in which State for one year he engaged in teaching. after which he traveled to Missouri, then on the border of civilization, where he was similarly employed for the period of a year. acquiring shrews and proficiency as an eine for. Returning to Wehr- field. in his native State, he liegen the study of medicine under the direction of Dr. Welche an comment physician who was his predator during hi- preparatory come of reading. Subsequently be matriculated at the Jefferson Medie Colle ( of Polloleiphin, from which he was zadusted with honors in the spring of 1815.
Mr. Johnson manifest- great interest in the ad- vancement of the cause of education and has en- devoted to afend his family the best opportunities in that direction. He is a zealons member and a liberal supporter of the Christian ( bares to which his wife and children also be long and since the or- Hi- experience sad observation during the four your he passed in the West, determined fin to ganization of the Republican jour'y wasan carnest advocate of its principles until 1879, since which time he has held conservative sicas in regard to ; and selecting Irregent. The as a koration he beg.
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tin practice of his profession, where for two years he was Imsily employed. About that time Du- buque. Jowa, became the "Mecca" to which hun- they were attracted In the expectation of realiz- ing welth from the lead mines, and thither the Doctor went, where he passed five years in labor- ings practice. At the expiration of that time (in 1853) he removed to Des Moines, where he opened an office and actively engaged in the prac- fire of medicine. Des Moines at that time was a wy pied prairie town of about seven hundred and fifty inhabitants, and the surrounding country hal but few settlers. In all new countries the physi- cian's labors are greatly augmented by the driving of long distances over almost impassable roads to see patients. This, taken in connection with his large city practice, the hours he devoted to study al literary work, one can hardly conceive of how Dr. Whitman fouil time to accomplish so much. He was a regular contributor to leading medical journals, and was an acknowledged authority upon everything pertaining to Materia Medien. He was on hopored member of the Poll. County Medical Society, of which he was the originator, and for several years was ifs President. He was also a member of the American Medical Association, and the lowa State Medical Society. He took great interest in the honor and standing of the regular profession, and his denunciation of charlatani-m in all its forms, was so unmistakably pronounced as to leave no doubt of his meaning. In all he was a model representative of educated physicians, a honor to Ins profession, a gentleman of sterling worth and of unblemished reputation, one whose memory will long be cherished in the Wateris and minds of a people be long and faith in't served. Aside from his professional labors he asser of the care of his business interests, which were numerou- and vared.
Dr. Whitman always took a lively interest in all thot partained to the well-being and it provement of the city. In its sanitary condition Is- wa- es- pe cially interested, and his suggestions were always tran by and invaluable to the people, vivre health was odway . his first consideration. Although never o spent for political preferent. har rop-ented tom candidacy for place on the Board of 3ldet
men : also on the Board of Health, to both of which he was elected. Being enterprising and public- spirited. be contributed to every needed improve-
He was elected a director of the Citizens' Na- tional Bank of Des Moines at its last organiza- tion, and was officially connected with the institution till his death. In early life the Doctor was, in politics. what is known as a Whig, and when that party was merged into the Republican party he not only accepted, but espoused its prin- ciples. To slavery he was unalterably opposed, and during the long and ceaseless agitation of that question. previous to the opening of hostilities. he as fearlessly advocated the emancipation of the enslaved rare at the most pronounced Abolitionist of anti-slavery days. After the clash of arms came. much suffering and want was necessarily felt by the families of the men who had gone forth to light their country's battles, and for their relief the pure and unselfish patriotism of Dr. Whitman was made manitest by his generous deeds and acts, During the entire war he never failed to respond professionally to the calls made upon bim by the families of soldiers, and for his valaable services he refused all compensation.
Hi- marriage with Miss Llen Thompson was cole- listed at Ellington. Conm., in 1865. Three chit- dren were born of their union, viz .: Ellen West, Mary Elizabeth and Laura Thompson, Mrs. Whit- man is a daughter of Samuel and Mary ( Ellsworth) Thompson, of Ellington, Coun., of which state both were natives, and cach was a representative of prominent and oldl New England families. Iler maternal grandfather. Daniel Ellsworth, emigrated to Western Pennsylvania in the carly settlement of that put of the state. taking with him a stock of gorral merchandi .. He located at Presque Isle (now Ering, where he built the first frame house. After his death hi vides with her children To turned to Comnetient. the journey of apping fre weeks.
Ten years prior in his death, Dr. White re- thed from active practice, and de voted himself to literary well and dire matigen out of MS aFair In the mall of November jest. his head. fl . mond in faly tera he traveled north hepb.
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thereby to be benefited. At Duluth he contracted a severe cold. from which arose complications that baffled the skiff of physicians, and at last worn out nature succumbed to the inevitable, and he passed away on the 17th of August. Is>5. His death pro. dueed profound sorrow throughout the city and State, and numerous letters of condolence and sym- pathy were received by lus family. expressing in tender words the love and respect in which he was hold. Convened in special session, August 18, 1885, the Polk County Medical Society passed the following resolutions:
WHEREAs: Our highly esteemed brother, 11. L. Whitman, A.M., M.D., has been removed by death ; therefore be it
Resolved, That in this afflictive dispensation we realize most keenly that death comes alike to the physician and his patient.
Resolved, That during the entire existence of this society, Dr. Whitman was an esteemed and useful member, and that his life was one of success- ful lahor in his profession; that his attendance at the meetings of the society was a constant sollte of pleasure and profit so us, that his ripe experience and deliberate judgment were always helpful to us, and that in his professional intercourse he was the soul of honor.
Resolved, That, as a member of the American Medical Association, the lowa State Medical So- ciety and the Polk County Medical Society (of which he was the first President). as well as the community at large. we commend his professional work and integrity. his devotion to principle and honor, his eminent qualities as a publie-spirited citizen, and his irreproachable moral character. as most worthy of emulation.
Resolved. That we tender to the family and friends of the deceased our most heartfelt sympathy. feeling their loss is ours as well as that of th en- tire community.
Resolved, That. as a tribute of respect for the memory of our deceased brother. the membres. of the Polk County Medical Society afiend the olen. quies in a body.
Resolved, That this memorial be placed upon the records of our society, that a copy hereof be fur- wished to the first Sight Medical Reporter for puls- liestion, and that a copy be presented to the family of the deceased.
C. E. Crapmr. la.wis Sepoola 1 :. Committee.
Dr. Whitman possessed scholastic at tainment of a high classical order. From his youth he Was a close student. his reading covering almost the entire range of liman knowledge. Possessing a retentive memory and extraordinary conversational powers, he was an instructive and entertaining com- panion. Modest and unobtrusive, without affecta- tion or faulty habits, he stood the personification of an ideal manhood to every relation of life. 11 is said by Dr. Ward, "that no man more thoroughly had the hearts of the people than Dr. Whitman." In words as well as methods he was conservative. yet in emergencies he was quick to conceive and prompt to act. Of strong feelings. he was natu- rally a positive man, and in times of hardest trial the courage of his convictions never failed him. A stern moralist himself, he never exeused the immoral acts of other-, and rigidly excluded all such from his intimney and friendship: but to those who conformed to his standard of measurement he was, as a friend, steadfast and true.
Early in life he joined the Congregational Church, of which for many years he was an exem- plary member. After locating in Des Moines be connected himself with the Presbyterian Church. of which the Rev. Thompson Bird was pastor. After the organization of the Congregational Church at this place ho resumed membership with that body. Between Father Bird and Dr. Whitman a clore intimacy existed. Greatness, in the attrili- utes of character. predominated in both. and strong was the bond that bound them to each other. and which death alone did sever. Endowed with a deeply religious nature. he was a Christian in all that the term can imply, endeavoring to do, hi- full duty to his God, to his fellow-man, to his family and to himself.
OSEPH W. GENESER, Cashier of the Sab Savings Bank of Des Moines, was left, in Albany. N. Y .. on the 16th of March. 1:53. and is a son of Francis and May (Noin) Conten a sketch of whom apports desloge me this volume. Dar subject was a elend ilver sons 1
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of age when his parents emigrated to lowa. locat. ing in this city. He was educated in the public schools, a graduate of Des Moines High School. and when old enough to to be of service was em- Hoyed about his father's brick-yards. afterward be- coming foreman. He learned the mason's trade and worked at that business two years. after which. in in 1872. he became connected with the banking interests of this city as collection clerk for the Cit- izens National Bank, which position he retained until he was promoted to personal book-keeper. fle afterward became general book-keeper and served in that capacity until January. 1853. when he resigned to accept the cashiership of the Union Savings Bank, which was afterward merged into the Des Moines Savings Bank. He acceptably filled that position until the Ist of March, 1887. when he resigned to become Cashier of the State Savings Bank. That position was tendered him and accepted on the organization of the bank and he has held it continuously since. The bank was started in modest quarters on Fifth Street and for the first eleven months, Mr. Geneser did all the work, laboring from early in the morning mitil late at night over his books. As the business in . creased it was moved to its present commodions !
quarters in the Good Block. in 1888. and the result shows an increased business to a very flattering ox- tent. On the Ist of March, 1890, the books showed a line of deposits to the amount of $3 19,- !
000. The Cashier has been its chief executive officer from the beginning and to his superior finan- cial ability and faithful and ardnous service its success is largely attributed.
Savings Bank. A wide awake and energetic young business man, be occupies a prominent place in bus- iness circles and has done much to place the bank on the firm financial footing where it stands to-day.
E RNEST B. GASTON, who resides at Fini- versity Place. Polk County. is proprietor and editor of the Suburban Advocate, a seven column quarto, published in the interest of the north and west suburbs of Des Moines. The Adrocut was first established in May, 1887. by J. D. Bottenfiekl, who sold out to Charles MeCanon in October, 1887. He continued the publication of the paper until August 20, 1889, when Mr. Gaston became its editor and proprietor. The paper is independent in politics. is rapidly increasing in influence and circulation.
Ernest B. Gaston is a native of Ilinois, having been born in Knox County. November 21. 1861. His parents. James E. and Catherine E. (Estep) Gaston, were both natives of Pennsylvania. whence they emigrated to Illinois, where they made their home until their removal to Des Moines in 1865. The death of the father occurred at his home in this city. June 1, 1888, but the mother still sur- vives and makes her home in Des Moines.
Our subject began his school life in the capital city and completed his education in the Drake University. graduating from the commercial de- partment in 1887. with the honors of his class. On leaving schoof he entered upon his business career as a real estate dealer in University Place. where he built a number of houses.
Mr. Geneser was married in Des Moines. for the ! 11th of september, 1891, the lady of his choice be- mg Miss Mary J. Jennings daughter of Patrick On the 21th of November, 1887, Mr. Gaston led to the marriage altar Miss Claa Mershon. a native of JJones County. lowa. and a daughter of C. Il. Mershow, of Des Moines. Their unica was cel- brated in Des Moines, and has been blessed with one child, a daughter. France- i. The parents are both metabers of the Christian Church and 1: ke an setive part in forwarding it . internete. In politics Mr. Gas- it is a Republican having supported that paly since attaining his majority. He has been honered and Mary (O'Neil) Jennings, and a nefive of the Empire State, born near They. They have two chillen. daughters. Cora E. and Franco-, The pt. rente are members of St. Ambrose Catholic ( Finch, and in politics, Mr. Center is a Dennetid. >> cially, he is a member of the order of Catholic Knights of Ameries, and is the Treasurer of the Des Moines Branch of that fraternity. He is slow Treasurer of the Capital City Oat Meal Company. and is a large tack holder and bryter in the Side x with a meaning of local offices, served the letha.
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