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 25
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Our subject was a lad of eight years when with his parents he left the State of his ne tivity to be- enbeard ident of Wayne County. Ind. where he re. ihned until attstning bis majority. living the life nemal to a farmer lad. He received his eomen- tion in the primitive selvade of that day and then learned the carpenter's and will wright's trade which he followed for some ten years with good seems. At lagth he been fined to try his fortune in the West. believing it would furnish excellent opport- thing of 1. 36. forn i bhar stablis. don bis porent farm which it can see hereliv del ! con-
ONES I. LAWSON. win for the best period of things live yoss has been on- gaged in farming and -nek-raising in this county. now resid con Fection 7. Valley Hiat - of that community. He was Hogy on the 7th of August. Tags, in York ( wenig. Packand is a neddon ath the operation of a saw mill. Simme
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that time he has given his entire attention to farm- ing and stock raising and by his own efforts has become one of the prosperous citizens of the county. He raises thoroughbred cattle and other excellent stock and this branch of the Inusiness as well as that of the cultivation of his land yields him a good income.
On the Cth of October, 1853. Mr. Lawson was united in marriage with Miss Abigail Finwick and they became the parents of eleven children, namely : John Franklin, who was born September S. 1854. and is now living in this county; Mary Melinda, wife of William Glass, of Los Angeles County, . Cal .; Sarah Ann, who died in infancy; Jacob Dalmas, a resident of Northern Oregon; William Alvis, who makes his home in Southern California: Elizabeth Adeline. wife of N. J. Otto, of Valley Township; Henry Edward. at home ; Marelda Ellen, wife of Elmer Root. of Oregon; Minnie Retta. the youngest, who is still with her father. The mother of this family. who was a sincere member of the United Brethren Church. and devoted to the in- terests of her husband and children. died on the 3d of October, 1872. On the 30th of September, 1874. Mr. Lawson welded Christina Schmidt, daughter of JJohn M. and Christina Schmidt. both of whom were natives of Germany. They emi- grated to America in 1835. loeating in Fairfield County, Ohio, where they resided upon a farm until called to their final rest.
As before stated Mr. Lawson has resided in this county for thirty-five years and is universally esteemed as an upright. honoralde gentleman and valued citizen. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and have con- tributed liberally to its support and the caner of Christianity.
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salget retains a remembrance of his great-grand- parents. Hisgrandfather emigrated in an early day from Massachusetts to Vermont. where Amasa Vail was born, Growing to manbood he became a brick and stone mason and was also owner of a farm in the Green Mountain State, where he lived a long an I useful life. dy ing at the advanced age of eighty- nine years. He voted with the Democracy until the organization of the Republican party, when he became one of its stanch supporters. In his na- tive State he married Lavina Williams who was also born in Vermont and the result of their union was a family of twelve children. seven sons and five daughters. but of that number only two are now living -- Edward and Leonard, a Vermont farmer. The parents. though not members of any religions organization, were striet observers of Sunday and lived upright lives.
Edward Perham Vail was the oldest son and third child of his father's family and the only one living in the West. He was reared to farm life and in the district schools received his primary education, which was supplemented by a course in Burr Seminary, of Manchester, Vt. At the age of eighteen years he began teaching and with the means thus secured, continued his studies in the Seminary. Thinking to better his condition on the untried prairies of the West, in 1818, he went to Jo Daviess County. Il .. where he spent six years. his winters bwing devoted to teaching while in the stomer months he worked in the mines. In Coun- cil Hill, Ill., he celebrated Independence Day of . 1º19. by his marriage with Mary A. Ross, who was born in Fulton County, that State. December 22. 1830. Int spent her gittbool days in Jo Davies County. Her parents were Thomas 1 .. and Su-an (Nye) Ross, both of whom were natives of New York. Her father was a hatter by trade and ful. lowed that business in the Empire State until 1521. when he removed with his family to Illinois. His death occurred in 1811. at the age of forty-one sens, after which Mis. Ross married Jolm Wils is. By her first union she had six children, three of whom nos live. the son and to o daughter-ani is In a last marriage had a som. She was a member of 11. Method : Episcopal Church and died in 1sas.
EDWARD PERHAM VAI .. a pioneer Metho- dist minister of Des Moines, was born in Azaf Bennington County. Vt. Novembre : 2. 1922. his parents being Amasa and Lavie ( Wilhams) Vail. His early American anesfor cone in this country from England. The family is noted for longevity as will be indicated by the fact that our p at the advancedage of eighty-three yours.
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Mr. Vail became Que of the carly settlers of Boone County, Jowa, where he located in 1855. and entered one thousand acres of land from the government. Since that time he has been connected with the interests of Iowa. At the age of twenty- five years he was converted under the preaching of Rev. E. S. Grumley, his wife uniting with the church at the same time. Being awakened to the need of more Christian workers, by private study he prepared himself for the ministry, and in March. 1858, was licensed to exhort and in July of the same year became a local preacher. In 1873, he was appointed by Elder M. D. Collins to take charge of the church in Carroll City, Iowa, where he remained for two years. In 1870. he was Ol- dauned as Dencon by Bishop E. S. Janes, and in 1874 was ordained Elder by Bishop Gilbert Haven. Four years later he was admitted to traveling con- nection in the Des Moines Conference and in 1880. to full connection. His Inbors cannot be estimated but they have certainly resulted in good to many. For two years he had charge of the church at Car- roll City, the succeeding year was located in Seran- ton, then became pastor of the church in Waukce where he remained for two years. The three suc- Feeding years were spent in ministerial work in Say- lorville. The following year he was pastor of Asbury Church, of Des Moines, and was then employed in the Des Moines circuit two years. The same length of time he spent as pastor of the church in Swan and the following year had charge of the con- gregations in both Swan and Mitebellville. Since 1880 he has been classed among the superannuated ministers. But though he has retired from pulpit work his interest still continues amt he does much in other lines of the work.
In his younger years Mr. Vail provided for old age and is now the owner of one hundred and sixty- eight acres of land in Dallas County. and two hun- dred and forty aere- in Boone County. While a resident of the latter county he sided in the organ- ization of Union Township and held a mmgber of minor offices, In Dallas County he served as Sup- ervisen and Justice of the Peace, of Sugar Grove Township. He has been a Republican since the nee of that party. but previously supported the Democracy and cast his Brit Presidential blot for
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Polk. A life of uprightness and integrity has won him tương warm friends and has been an important supplementary work to his ministerial labors. With unflagging zeal he continued his efforts for the ssl- vation of the race natil old age forced him to re- tire from work. He seldom if ever missed an appointment to preach. Muddy roads and swollen streams were no barriers to him. but at the cost of his own personal inconvenience, he would make his way to the place of meeting.
Mr. and Mrs. Vail have no children of their own. but have given homes to three friendless little ones. Daniel Baume received from them the care and attention of parents. He served honorably in the late war but soon after his return he met his death by being thrown from a colt. They also reared two children of Mr. Vail's brother-Frank E. and Ella JI .. who are now married and reside in Vermont.
G EORGE W. SHOPE, Cashier of the Grand Avenne Savings Bank of Des Moines and the present Treasurer of the Capital City, is a native of the Keystone State, his birth having oe- eurred in Dauphin County. August 13. 1838. His parents. Abraham and Elizabeth (MeFaden ) Shope, were also natives of Pennsylvania; and were ile- reended from families that were founded in that region prior to the Revolution. On the father's side the original nationality was German and on the mother's side of Irish origin.
George W. Shope was educated in the common schools of his native State and in the select schools of Peoria. Polk County, lowa. His father died in 1.57. Removing two years later to Marion County, Ohio, he there resided until the spring of 1859, when he became a resident of Story County. lowa. The mother survived her husband and diet in 1878. Having become a resident of this State. our subject turned his attention to farming which he followed lot a macher of years. He was this employed at the time of his mariage with Miss Ellen Sessions. which obeurre | December 25. 1861. The lady i- a daughter of Warrin Sessions, She was born in Brattichotough. Vi. and with her parents emi-
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grated to Newton. lowa, in 1851. and thence to i institutions of Polk County. started off with fair Story County. in 1858. The young couple began their domestic life upon a farm in thet community . where were born unto them two sons-Edwin B. and Charles C. In 1868, Mr. Shope brought his family to Polk County, locating in Washington Township. where he continued his farming operations for two years and the family circle was increased by the birth of two other sons- William II. and Albert E.
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In the spring of 1870, Mr. Shope laid aside agri- cultural persuits and removed with his family to Des Moines, where he engaged in the manufacture of school desks, sash, doors and blinds. continuing in that line until the fall of 1871. His next outer- prise was as a grocery dealer and engrossed his en- ergies until the fall of 1877, when he sold out and resumed farming upon land which he owned in Delaware Township. In the spring of Isso, how- over, be again left that pursuit. having been ap- pointed Deputy County Recorder, which office he filled four years, when he once more embarked in the grocery trade. continuing that business until his election to the office of City Treasurer in March. 1886, for the term ending March 17. 1890. In November, 1889, he aided in the organization of : the Grand Avenue Savings Bank, was chosen its | cashier and is still engaged in the discharge of the duties of that office.
Mr. Shope is a Republican in politics and white a resident of Indian Creek Township, Story County. served as Assessor and Constable for several years and while a resident of Washington Township, this county held the office of Justice of the Peace. Ile takes considerable interest in civic societies, belongs to the Independent Order of Red Men. is Treasure; of Keokuk Tribe. No. 13. and the Keeper of Wann- pum of the order for the States of Town and At- braska. He is also Treasurer of the Knights of Labor of Des Moines and a member of Des Moines Lodge, No. 68. K. of P. and Copied Lodge, No. 14. A. O. C. W. He has ever proved a capable and faithful officer in whatever position he has been called upon to fill and i- state to make many friends for the new bank. in which to hold- the responsible position ot cashier.
The Grand Avenue Savings Bank of Des Moha -. although but a recent addition to the list of frentcial
encouragement and counts among its officers and stockholders some of the most substantial business men of the Capital City. The bank was incorpor- ated in November. 1889. with a capital of $50.000 and opened for business on the northwest corner of Grand Avenue and East Fifth Streets. Jannary 6, 1890. Its officers are as follows: President. D. H. Cooker; Vice-President, Wesley Juvenal; Cashier. G. W. Shope: Teller. Linford Fisker. The Board of Directors is composed of Edward Penn. Wesley Juvenal. Linford Fisher, J. M. Mehan. S. N. S. Potts. A. F. Bemis, D. 11. Cooker, Jacob Hartung and A. K. Stewart. Men of ability are at the head of this bank and we see no reason why it should prove otherwise than successful. In fact it has already secured a liberal patronage and has a bright prospect before it.
LONZO S. WILCOXEN. one of the promi . neut real-estate dealers of Des Moines. was born in Seneca Falls, N. Y .. on the 3d of April. 1814, his parents being Alfred and Abigail (Gilbert) Wilcoxen, both of whom were natives of Connecticut. The Willcockson family (as the name was originally spelled) came from England soon after the landing of the Pilgrim Fa- thers anel the establishment of the Plymonth Colony. One branch of the family shortened the name to Wilcox and by others it was transformed to the present mode of spelling. The great-grandfather of our subject served his country in the Revolu- tions War and the grandfather in the War of
Alfred Wilcoxen was born on the old homestead in Commeticut in 1801. but when he was a yomg Ind his parents remover to Madison County. N. Y .. where he was reared to manhoof and married Mi-s Gillot who was some three years nis junior He hetsame a well-to-lo faaner of that cor maturity and one of its respected citizens. He supported the Dementie party in politics, and both le and h. wife was members of the Baptist Church. In ile it fonily were thirteen children, sis sons and >Ver
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daughters, of whom nine are now living. Two of the sons, Gilbert and Newton, graduated from Hamilton College and are able lawyers. The mother died at the age of fifty years and the father passed away in the seventy-sixth year of his age.
The subject of this sketch is the youngest child of the family. His primary education, acquired in the public schools was supplemented by a business course in an academy. which he attended two years. llis father. possessed of the old English idea, caused all his boys to learn some trade and Alonzo served an apprenticeship as a machinist. When his term of service had expired he went to Nashville, Ten., in 1863, and worked for about three months in the government shops, but at the expiration of that time he returned to the State of his nativity and for some three years was employed as a salesman in a wholesale house at Syracuse. The year 1871, wit- nessed his arrival in Des Moines and after a short 1 time spent in working at his tiade he engaged as traveling salesman in the employ of E. M. Ford and continued with the same establishment for thir- teen years although the honse changed hands dur. ing that period. Atlength he determined to engage in business for himself and embarked as a real-estate dealer in Dakota, He platted a part of the original town of Clear Lake, but the following year re- Immed to Des Moines and became a partner in the 1 real-estate business of Lowery W. Goode. This 1 proved a pleasant and profitable partnership and continued until 1889, when the partnership was dis- solved by mutual consent. In 1886, they laid out Englewold, an addition to North Des Moines and made many other important improvements. Mr. Wilcoxen is a member of the exceutive committee and director of the Highland Park Land Company ; he is also largely interested as director in the West- ern White Bronze Company, and the Zoological Park Company and is one of the originators of that. very worthy enterprise-the Highland Park Col- loge.
In 1871, Mr. Wilcoxen was joined in wedlock with Miss Lizzie A. Keeler, a native of New York, born in Penn Yan, Yates County, fle is a member of the Baptist Church and his wife belongs to the Methodist Church, Socially. Mr. Wilcoxen 15 : Knight of Pythia and politically is a Republican.
but has never aspired to official positions. He has been active and liberal in all efforts to advance the interests of Des Moines, and in so doing has also promoted his financial affairs, He began life a poor man but by judicious investments and close atten- tion to business has accumulated good property. and throughout bas borne a high reputation for just and honorable dealing.
OIN 11. GIVEN, who is now living a re- tired life, has made his home in Des Moines since 1851. and has been a resident of the State since 1815. Probably no one has watched the development of Polk County with keener interest than he. Ever contributing as lib- erally as his means would allow to the upbuilding of its many institutions. he deserves no little credit for his share in placing the city in the front rank which it now ocenydes in the State. Mr. Given was born in Braxton County. W. Va .. before the separation of that State from the Old Dominion, October 27, 1820. and is of Irish and English descent. His father. James Given, was a native of Bath County. Va., and for a livelihood followed the occupation of carpentering. He married Eliza- beth Graham. a native of the same county, and a descendant of one of the early Colonial families. At the age of thirty-four years. Mr. Given enlisted in the War of 1×12 and served his country for two years, being stationed the greater part of the time at Norfolk. Va., where he was taken sick and dis- charged. He never recovered his health but was disabled for active work during the remainder of his life. He died in Braxton County, W. Va. at the age of sixty-five years. Socially. he was a member of the Masonic fraternity and a much re- sported citizen. In politics, he was a Jeffersonian Democrat and for many years held the office of Justice of the Peace.
The fedtemat grandfather of out subject. William Given, was born on Jack on River, in Bath Con's. Van where he isved the life of a well tado forever. He was one of the largest slaveholder of that
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section, owning upwards of seventy-five negroes. The maternal grandfather was Christopher Graham, a native of England, who emigrated to this coun- try and settled in the Virginian Colony prior to the Revolutionary War. By occupation he was a farmer. His death took place in Both County. on the Bullpaster River, where he spent the greater part of his life.
As few men in Polk County are more widely or favorably known than John H. Given, we feel that this sketch of his life will be of much interest to many of our readers. His boyhood days were spent in a like manner to those of all farmer lads, performing such part of the farm labor as he could and conning his lessons in the district schools. In 1837, when seventeen years of age, he went to Charleston, Va., now the capital of West Virginia. where he served an apprenticeship of four years to the carriage maker's trade under lames Billings. After the expiration of his term of service he went to Augusta. Ky .. and not content with the limited educational advantages which he had received he pursued a year's course in the college of that place. lle then came to the Territory of Towa. and now for forty-five years has made his home in the Hawkeye State. The first summer was spent in Lee County, and in the autumn he went to Wapello County, settling at Dahlonega. three miles north of Ottumwa, where he opened a carriage shop and also followed general blacksmithing. It was there he really began the battle of life. far from home and kindred, and in a new country where civiliza- tion had made but few advancements he realized that he must depend upon his own resources and make of himself what he desired to be. He spent six years in Dahlonega and on the 3d of May, 1851. reached Des Moines. He at once made preparations for continuing his old busine - and in connection with carriage making and general blacksmithing embarked in the manufacture of agricultural im- plements. His first shop was located at the corner of Third and Vine Streets, where the Windsor Hotel now stands. It may here be mentioned that it was Mr. Given who created the Windsor, which for about twenty years was known as the Given House. Not long after his arrived he formed " partnership with James Senon, which connection ,
continued six years, when in 1857, Mr. Stanton sold his interest to David Skinner. He also re- mained at partner for about the same length of time and at the expiration of the period sold out to Henry Hut-onpiller. Six years later that gentle- man was succeeded by Jeremiah Courson and after an equal period Hon. William L. Carpenter, ex- Mayor of Des Moines, became a partner of Mr. Given, which connection continued until 1888. when they retired from business. Shortly after the partnership was formed they erected a large business building on the corner of Second and Vine Streets, which they occupied until closing out. They had an extensive trade and their business became one of the leading industries of the city. Long experience in that line, fair dealing, cour- teous treatment and good management crowned Mr. Given's efforts with success and secured for him a handsome competence which will enable him to spend the remainder of his day's in quiet, sur- rounded by all the comforts of life.
While a resident of Dahlonega, Mr. Given was united in marriage with Cynthia A. Martin, a na- tive of Jackson County, Ohio. and a daughter of William and Jane (MeClintock ) Martin. who settled in Wapello County before the adinission of Iowa into the Union. Eight children have been born to our subject and his worthy wife, and those whose lives have been spared do honor to their name. Arthur Milton, who was educated in lows College of lowa City. is now a dry-goods merchant of Bishop, Cal. Pauline, a graduate of Grinnell Col- lege. of Grinnell, lowa. is the wife of Albert Swalm, proprietor of the Oskaloosa Herald and does the gi. Ater part of the editorial work for that paper.
Albert died in Des Moines, aged thirteen months. Engene died at the age of twelve years. Eugenia, his twin. a graduate of the Des Moines High School, is the wife of Eugene Bryan. a real-estate dealer of Des Moines, living with her parents. Charles D .. who married Elizabeth Rickard, als remains at home. Kittie is the wife of Dan R. Mills, who owns a large stock farm in Webster Township. She is also a preluate of the Des Moines High School. Mmy P. diel at the age of nineteen years, while a Student of Callanan College of Des Moines.
Mr. Given bas ere: faken an active interest in
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educational matters, giving a practical illustration of this by the advantages which he has anordet his children. All other worthy enterprises have also received his bearty support and co operation and he justly ranks among the enterprising. pro- gres ive and valued citizens of De - Moldes. He cast his first Presidential vote for Henry Clay in 1×11. and supported the Whig party until its die solution, since which time he has east his ballot with the Republican party. He has three times represented the Second Wand in the City Council and for four years has been a member of the School Board. Socially, be is a member of Pioncer Lodge. No. 22, A. F &. A. M. and has filled all the chairs with the exception of Worshipful Master. The cause of temporanee has ever found in him a warm ad- vocate and as a member of the Sons of Temperance and the Independent Order of Good Templars, he does all in his power to advance its interests. Forty years have passed since Mr. Given came to les Moines, and during that long period by no net of his has he ever forfeited the respect which was at once accorded him. His life has been one of the strictest integrity and uprightness, winning him the confidence and high regard of all with whom business or social relations have brought him in contact. He has witnessed the growth of the city from a mere hamlet of two hundred inhabitants. while its houses consisted mostly of log cabins and government buildings. In the changes which have since taken place he has been an active participant. and it affords us great pleasure to record this sketch of John I. Given, the honored pioneer.
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When a child. his father, William Sip-, went to Ohio, and there became acquainted with and mar- sied Mrs. Susan (Evan-) Curran, who was of Welsh descent. Our subject was the only dak born unto them. When he was a babe the parents removed to India, and Lorenzo went to maske lis home with an unele, with whom he remainol until six years of age when he went to live with Henry Bowshier, who was to educate and care for Young Shas until he reached maturity. in return for aid rendered hite in bis farm work. Mr. Sims not only remained with him until he arrived at man's estate but spent another year in his servies. Mr. Bowshier, however, failed to keep his part of the contract in educating him. Without capital and nothing he could call his own. save a horse and its equipanents. he started out in life for him- self at the age of twenty two years. Any employ- ment which offered itself, whereby he might car an honest dollar and gain a livebhood. Mr. Sims accepted. He was young, full of life and energy. and bring willing to jarformu any duty. his servi- ces were always in demand. In 1810, he began work on the Cleveland & Portsmouth Canal as howman. in which capacity he served until 1842.
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