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 24
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Prof. Davis has a wide reputation among the educators of the I'nited States and ranks deservedly high in his profession as a chemist, metallurgist and mining engineer. Besides his professorship he holds other positions worthy of mention. In 1888 he was chosen non-resident Professor of Assaving and Metallurgy in the Wisconsin State University, and was also appointed State Chemist of lowa. Prof. Davis is a member of the American Institute of Mining Engineers and a member of the Wiscon- sin Acotemy of Science. Arts and Letters.
Prof. Davis has written some very able, instruct- ive and useful article on various scientide and technical toples. the following being sons of the ti- the: "Imaginary D'unchions, " "The March of the." "The Systems of Amalgamation' "Natural tras," "Prin val Evolution. or Development of the bath
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before the Introduction of Life," Impurities in Wa- ter and their Relation to Disease." "Potable Water." etc., etc. He has also written a valuable treatise entitled "An Elementary Handbook on Potable Water," which is one of the most complete diseus- sions of the subject yet published. With a mind well trained and stored with useful knowlege, with an experience broad for one of his years, Prof. Davis is well qualified to fill the positions which he now holds.
The wife of Prof. Davis was in her maidenhood Miss Elizabeth Edwards, a native of Skaneateles, N. Y .; their marriage was celebrated in Ithaca, N. Y., on the 21st of December, 1882, and has been blessed with two children-Ralph Emerson and Sidney lugh.
EV. AUGUST WILHELM STARK, pastor of the Swedish Lutheran Church of East Des Moines, is a native of Sweden. lle was born on the 2d of November, 1854, and is a son of John G. and Martha (Stark) Johnson, but as the name Johnson is so very common among the people of his nationality, he assumed his mother's name, as did also his brother. In early life Mr. Johnson learned the car- penter's trade, which be has made his dependence for a livelihood, and becoming an expert workman, it has proved an ample provision for his wants, In 1875, accompanied by his family. he come to the United States, and located in Pennsylvania, but af- ter twelve years, removed to Rockfo: 1. 1 .. where he and his wife still reside. Their far By consi, and of seven children. six sons and a dan ter. but che daughter is now deceased. Three of the sons have given their lives to the ministry. F. M. Johnson having charge of a church in Rockford, JUL .. while G. K. Stark is preparing for the same calling. It is remarkable that the three sons should have given their lives to Christian work in view of the fact. that they were not reared under Christian home in- fluences.
Our subject grew up a stranger to affluence. As soon as he was old enough to be of any assistance.
he was called upon to lend a hand in gaining a liv- ing. Ile attended the parochial schools until four- teen years of age, and from that time until the emigration of the family to the I'nited States la- bored at any employment whereby he might earn an honest dollar. In 1873, through the influence of a brother and sister who had already come to this country, he was induced to leave his Father- leend and cross the Atlantic. Reaching Tidlionte. Pa., he performed manual labor for a time. but soon after his arrival in America. he was converted. joining the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church, and believing his duty called him to the ministry, he began a thorough preparation for that work. In 1878, he entered Augustana College, from which he was graduated in 1883, with the degree of A. B. On the day of commencement, Mr. Stark delivered the oration in the Swedish language. In 1885. he was graduated from the Theological Seminary at the same place, ranking among the first of his class. While acquiring his education. he largely supported himself by teaching school and preaching. Chicago being one of his appointments. He was ordained in Rockford, Ill .. in 1885, having received calls to four different charges, accepting one near Round Rock, Tex.
In Chicago, ou the 14th of January, 1856, Mr. Stark was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Miss Wilhelmina Peterson. an estimable lady, with whom he had become acquainted while preach- ing in the city. She was born in Chicago. Novem- ber 5, 1862. and is the daughter of O. P. and Carrie ( Anderson ) Peterson. both of whom were natives of Sweden. They have two children, Minute E. an l Carl F. E.
O. P. Peterson. father of Mrs. Stark. served as a soldier in the Union Army. enlisting when the sea. ond call was made, and served until the close of the war. He had previously been engaged in the boot and show business in Chicago, which ha-inn. he resutped after the win. His death occurred in Chicago in 1877. Mrs. Peterson isstill living. am! resides in Chicago.
In 18NG. Mr. Stark was called to the partone of the Swedish Lutheran Church of Best Des Mains .. which he has filled very acceptably since. It is one of the leading elenches in the chs, having a Meal
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bership of nine hundred and fifty-tive, with five hun- dred and thirty two communicants. The house of worship is a large bick edifice with a starting capa- city of one thousand, and was built at a cost of some 830,000. The yearly expenditures amount to over $5,000, including the current expenses. charities, etc. Though Mr. Stal. preaches in his native language. he has good command of the Eng- lish tonguc. Both he and his wife are carnest workers in the church, and are greatly beloved hy All.
HARLES E. CURRIE, M. D., who is en. gage in the practice of his profession in Des Moines, was born in Jo Daviess County. IN .. JJanuary 27. 1859, and is a son of Jamies and Louisa (Fairbanks) Currie. The family was founded in America by the great-grandfather of our subject, who was a native of England and a British soldier, serving in India. Later in life he emigrated to Canada, where was born the grandfa- ther of the Doctor, and in his native land he was reared to manhood, learning in his youth the trade of a ship carpenter. lo later life he became a resi- dent of Sandusky. Ohio, where he carried on oper- ations at his chosen occupation. He married and by his union was born James Currie, who also learned the carpenter's trote, and having attained to mature years wedded Miss Lonisa Fairbanks, a . native of Watertown. N. Y. Their marriage was celebrated in Minois, whither they had removed in childhood with their respective families and where they made their homes until about 1872, since which time they have been residents of Deit- ware County. lowa. Then family originally con- sisted of six child & but only threeare now having -- Charles E., Frank. 1., and Albert La a dentist by profession.
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Rush Medical College of Chicago, graduating from that institution in the class of 18-2. Ppon com- petitive examination be made the highest grades which entitled bim ton position in the Cook County Hospital as one of the resident physicians. His practice in Des Moines covers a period of seven years. dating from 1853, and in that time he has won a rank of which many an older practitioner might well be proud. Socially he is a member of of the Knights of Pythias fraternity and also be- Jongs to the American Medical Association and the Polk County Medical Society, of which he has served as Secretary and is now President.
On the 18th of December. 1888. Dr. Currie Jed to the marriage altar Miss Hattie Hagler, a native of Milton. Jowa. and a most estimable lady. Their union has been blessed with one daughter. Telen. Dr. Currie is a self made man in the fullest sense of the word and. though comparatively young in his profession, has been accorded a liberad share of the patronage of the city.
S. H. MATTHEWS, M. D., is the present County Physician of Polk County, and also the Des Moines City Physician, He was elected to the former office in January, 1889, and re-elected in January. 1890. and to the office of City Physician in March of the same year, and is the first person who has lead the honor of occupy- ing both offices at the same time. The Doctor also fills the chair of Genito Urinary Surgery and Der- matology in the College of Physicians and Surgeon- of the city, and is also surgeon for the Chicago, Burlington de Quincy Railroad at Des Moines.
Carsubject is a native of Akron. Summit County, Ohio. 16- bitth having occurred in that city of the 25th of January. 1<60. His father, Willard >. Matthew . died infore his son was born, and his mother worried for her second husband William Douglas. The family removed to Town in 1971. and settled in Altrows, Polk County. hat are now residents of De. Maises. The Doctor is the only child of his parents. He was duede ] in the High
Dr. Curie received his Jimary training in the public schools of La S.dk, Di .. and having mn ab. choice of the me live profession as his life would be bogate labor in order to procure the means to pro- erute a cruise of study. Having good morning for three your with Dr. S. Ha king of Fallville, I. he attended three cour ts of lecture. If the School of this city and began the study of his
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chosen profession in 1880. in the office of Dr. F. I. English, of Altoona. The same year he came to Des Moines and further continued his studies under the direction of Dr. Kennedy, and later graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons. in 1686. He had pursued a three years' course in that institution and graduated with the highest honor.
Dr. Matthews is one of the younger members of the medical fraternity of Des Moines, but has al- ready won a reputation that would do honor 1. much older members of the profession. That his ability and merits are appreciated is indicated by the several responsible position- which he holds. and by the ever increasing general practice with which he is favored.
In January. 1889. the Doctor led to the marriage akar Miss Rosa D. Skidmore, one of the accom- plished and cultured young ladies et Des Moines. who like her laisband has many friends in the city and holds an enviable position in the social world.
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ONRAD STUTSMAN, deceased. is num- bered among the pioneer settlers of Poll: County, who in the early days of its his- tory settled within its borders, and during his resi- dence took an active part in its advancement an i progress and the promotion of its worthy interests. Ile was born in Cambria County. Pa .. in 1803. and was of German origin. although the family for a number of generations Lod re-ided | this country. When Conrad was but three yes - of age his father. Dani, 1 B. Sto -man. runinto the his fo - ily to Ohio, settling year the city of ' sim. where they remained until 1834, at wli i time 3 became residents of Elthat Counts. Ind., Where the parents continued to reside until death. The family numbered for sons and there muchites, who grow to mature years, but all have new passed away.
this subject posed but a short period of life in his native State. being taken. : - 1 200 stated. by his parents to Offer sl n he was left three year of age He was nama I in the Hi
eye State to Miss Harrah Stateman, who. although of the same name, was no relation. She was also a native of Pennsylvania, born in the same year as her husband and removed to Ohio with her parents when a chill of fourteen years.
Conrad Statsman was one of the carliest settlers of Polk County. . In 1816 he left his home in Indiana, and with his family emigrated to lowa. settling in what is now Madison Township. where he continued to reside about three years when he removed to Polk City and created a sawmill. However, about two years later he removed to Fl. Des Moines, and on the corner of First and Walnut Streets erected what was known as the Des Moines House, where he engaged in hotel keeping sbont three years. At the expiration of that period he sold out and purchased property on East Fifth Street, where he made bis bome until the spring of 1864, when. accompanied by his son Noah and others, he again traveled westward to the Terri- fory of Idabo. In Jantes. Inds. they returned and together father and son built a residence on Pennsylvania Avenue, bear the northern limits of the original town of East Des Moines. There his death occurred in 1809. His wife, who survived her husband many years, died in 1885. They were worthy. industrious people, and were highly esteemed by those who krev them. Consistent members of the German Baptist Church for many years, they lived lives of uprightness and honesty. such as might well be emplated to the profit of all. On attaining his majority. Mr. Stutsman cast his bellot with the Democratic party. but later berun a Whig and when the Republican party was formed he joined that a ganization. to where prin- ciplus he ever remaine ! me.
Mr. and Mrs. Statens were the parents of four pot and two daughters and with the exception of the daughter who died in infancy, all grew to an- tur vests: Jonathan. the oldest, is a resident of D - Modige; Noch is the next in order of forth ; Valuta is the wife of A. N. Overnem, of Tis Solon am also of Des Montes, is the Best of the foi. ..
Ninh Spent w . han in It. Han. in 12:1. and was the delete it is thetruth year when he
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eine with his parents to lowa. He learned the trade of a carpenter and builder and has made that occupation his chief business through life, but has traveled extensively over the West. In 1859, he went to the mines of Colorado and after an absence of five years returned. in January, 1861. but in the following May, he accompanied his father on a trip to Idaho. as already mentioned. After their return some years elapsed, in which he devoted his attention to his business, but. in 1879, he went to Leadville, returning in September. 1880. He is a good workman and has received a liberal patronage, whereby he has accumulated a comfortable competency. becoming one of the sub- stantial citizens of Des Moines.
Mr. Stutsman was married in Des Moines to Miss Mary Warrington, a native of Ohio, and unto them has been born one son, Forest, who was born in this city, May 23, 1881.
HARLES A. DUDLEY, Attorney-at law, and a member of the firm of Mitchell & Dudley, one of the leading law firms of Des Moines, is a native of Ohio. He was born in Portage County, on the 11th of November, 1839. His parents, Charles and Sarah ( Leet) Dudley. were natives of Berkshire County, Mass., and were of English descent. The father was born in 1813. and the mother, who was a lincal descendant of Gov. Leet. of Guilford. Com., was born in 1816. Iler ancestors were among the conlie-t and mest prominent of the Colonial settles of New Eng- land.
came a resident of Des Moines. During the follow- ing antman he was admitted to the bar of Polk County, and in 1869 formed a law partnership with Levi J. Brown, under the firm name of Brown . & Dudley, which convection continued until the death of his partner. in IS$3. Mr. Dudley shortly afterward formed the existing partnership with John Mitchell, Jate Judge of the Circuit Court, and together they have carried on a successful business. On the 15th of April, 1871. in this city, Charles A. Dudley was married to Miss Sarah A. Washburne, a daughter of Lieut. Gustavus Wash- burne. Her native city was Montpelier, Vt., but. in her early childhood she came with her parents to Des Moines, which has since been her home. A family of six children, four sons and two daugh- ters, was born of their union. but only two sons and one daughter are now living, namely : Corn May. Frank and Plimmon II. The others died in infancy. The parents are members of the Presby- terian Church.
Mr. Dudley has ever been regarded as one of the leading and enterprising business men of the Capi- tal City, and has done not a little towards the promotion of its enterprises and interests. In Janu- ary. 1883, he was one of the incorporators of the lowa Loan & Trust Company, the most import ant financial institution in the State, and has been connected with it officially since its organization, as a director, counsel and trustee, holding the first. two named offices continually and the latter since 1880. The lowa Loan & Trust Company has a working capital of half a million dollars. and has four and a half millions of dollars of loans in force at this date. February, 1:30. The total amount of business done by the company to date aggregates ¥15,000,000.
Associated with Mr. Dudley, as trustees of the above-mentioned company, are Mesers. George M. Hippel and Ira Cook, and the importance and it- somsibility of their trust may be inferred from the fact that they are the custodians of all the se- critics for the debentures of the company amount ing to upward- of $ 1.000.000.
When a youth. our subject cutere? the common : chools, there preparing himself for reaching, which profession las followed for a time. Not content with the educational advantage which he had it. ceived. after acquiring sufficient means, he entered the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. from which institution he was eradusted with honor in the class of Ba. Immediately thereafter he entered Mr. Dudley Icado that an active interest in racional meters and has served on the De upon the study of lay in Ravenne, Ohio Where he remained until the spring of 1-67. when he by . Moines School Brand for eleven years, from 1871
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until 1982, and for seven years of that the . was President of the Board. His ofarts in directing and aiding the management of the city schools l'e- sulted in placing them on a level with the best city schools in lowa. As a lawyer, Mr. Dudley stands : deservedly high He is painstaking aud studious, and is noted for his thorough preparation of cases. their strong presentation in court and a conscien- tious devotion to the interests of his clients. In all his relations in life, his course has been char- acterized by the strictest integrity and a fim sense of honor. Those who know him respect him, and all speak of him in the highest terms.
ACOR KNADLER, an honored pioneer of Polk County, Jowa, who is now living a re- tired life in Des Moines, was born in York County, Pa., December 16. 1812. and is a son of Joseph and Magdalena ( Hidler) Knadler, llis father was a butcher by trade and his mother was a daughter of Dr. Hidler, of Abbotstown, Pa .. one of the leading and influential citizens of the community. Mr. Knadler died at the age of sev- enty-five years, and his wife was called to her final rest when eighty-two years of age. A family of ten children was born unto them, five of whom grew to manhood and womanhood: Julia became the wife of a Mr. Glassmyer, and Polly married a brother of that gentleman. The sons who reached maturity were Joseph, George and Jacob,
would conting at the work until he had mastered the trade, but at length decided to employ him. Young Kuadler, However, had determined to make something of himself in life and resolved to master that business. He served an apprenticeship of several years and then after working as an employe for Mr. MeCury for a year was admitted to partner- ship the business. Their connection continued with good success until 1836. when it was dissolved. Mr. Knadler selling his interest prior to his removal to Wayne County. Ind. He settled in German- town, that State, where he established a pimp fac- tory, carrying on business for himself.
On the 20th of March, 1835, Mr. Kuadler mar- ried Miss Annie Miller, who was horn in October 1814, in York. Pa .. and a daughter of George Mil. ler, of German origin. Mr. Knadler continued to engage in the manufacture of pumps for a number of years, and then selling out Lecame express, freight and teket agent on the railroad from Day- ton to Indianapolis. Ind. His upright manner and faithfulness to duty won him the respect of the company whe regarded him as one of their most trusted employes. He continued to make his home in Germantown until 1856, when he closed his affairs in that city and emigrated to Jasper County, Iowa. where he owned a farm of four hundred and eighty seres. The same year he purchased a one hundred- and sixty-acre traet of land in Polk County, and in the spring of 1856, removed to that purchase. At the time but twenty acres of the entire amount had been broken and a small cabin constituted almost the only improvement, but from the wild praarit Mr. Koadler developed a most beautiful hotte and a farin which compared favoraldy with any in the county. His operations as an agricultmist were remarkably successful and thereby he won the com- petence which now enables him to live in retire- inent.
Our subject is the only one of the family left to perpetuate their history. As his father died when he was quite young he was thrown upon his own te- sources, and from a very tender age he has made his own way in the world. Many hardships and difficulties were encountered by him but he came off conqueror in the end. possessing a courage and determination which have carried him through life He laid aside idl business cares in 1878. and. with his estimable wife, who has proved a true helpmade to him. removed to East Des Moines, where they now have a pleasant home at No. 831. Des Meines Street. This worthy couple are member- of the English Lutheran Church. with which Mrs. Khadbe united soy fer- ago. nul are devo'od and made him respected by all men. At the age of eleven years he began learning the jeweler's trade and afterward learned the trade of a melder in his native city. When a young man of eighteen years he went to one John Melhory. a pump manufa t- orer, to whom he expressed the desire of learning that business. The gentleman did not think he , Christian people. The 16th of March. 15%, wit-
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nesed the celebration of theit pr Her wedding. i half-century had passed since they pledged them- selves to remain faithful. one to the other. unul death. Many relatives and friends gathered at their home in commemoration of the happy event. bringing with them golden token of their love and esteem. The day was passed in congratulations and good cheer. and will long be remembered by the participants on that occasion,
The union of Jacob Knadler and Anni Millet has been blessed with a family of seven children: Mary A .. their eldest. who was born in German- town. Ind., and came with her parents to Polk County, wedded Jonathan M. Hewitt, who is now living on Grand Avenue. Des Moines. but she bas now passed away: Louis died in Germantown at the age of two years: Manuel M. weshed Henrietta Wolf and is now an extensive stock-raiser of Mon- tara: Rebecca, widow of William Harvey. is living in Delaware Township, this county : Henry, who was born in Wayne County. Ind. is also a mich- man of Montana: Louisa M. the youngest. is the wife of Ezra J. Sclover, who is wigaged in the an- dertaking business at No. 630 Fast Grand Avenue. East Des Moines. He is a practical ind practiced ombalmer, thoroughly understanding the work in all its departments. Jacob, Jr. died at the age of two year -.
Thirty-five years have passed since Mr. Knadler came to Polk County. An enterprising and useful citizen, he identified himself with the best interests of the community and did all in his power for their progress. In polities he is a stif prater of the Det.o. cratic party, and by bis honest. upright life and manner of dealing with his fe How -toen. he has won the confidence and respect of all.
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son of Jacob M. and Elizabeth (Hart) Lawson. both of whom were also natives of the Keystone State. His father was an extensive and influential farmer and Jock-taiser and accompanied by his family. removed from Pensylvania to Wayne County. Ind., in 1836. where he followed that pur- suit for about sixteen years, when in 1851. he came to Fowa. Choosing Polk County as a favorable location he purchased two hundred and seventy acres of land in Valley Township, and afterwards became owner of one hundred and sixty aeres in Jefferson Township. upon which farm he and his wife spent twenty-seven years of their life. They were both highly respected people. members of the I'mited Brethren Church and lived to celebrate their fifty-ninth wedding anniversary. Mr. Lawson died at the advanced age of eighty-four years and his wife in the eighty second your of her age. This worthy couple were parents of eight children. as follows: Daniel, who died at the age of eighteen years; Moses, whose mune leads this sketch ; Mary. wife of J. B. Lewis, of Polk County. Now: Jere- minh, who died in Couse Conty. Ore Jolm. a resident of Story County, lowa: Elizabeth, de- evared wife of D. J. Graham. of this county; Jacobs. who served four years in the Rebellion, one year as a member of the Second lowe Cavalry. after which I was discharged for disability and calisted in the Eighteenth lowa Infantry, in which he served until the close of the war and was discharged with an honorable recond: Catherine, the youngest of the family. become the wife of Jacob Shirbonne. and died in this county.
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