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 26
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in the meantime Mr. Sims cast his first vote. He had been reared in the Democratic faith, but consideration and reflection determined him to op. pose the Free Trade movement and be resolved to support William Henry Harrison, the Whig candi. date for the Presidency. A belly, in Pickaway County. learning of his determination thought to make young Sims vote the Democratic ticket by force. All day long he followed him about with insults, wishing to bring about a fight. but our salget determined. if possible, to have no trouble. In every honorable was he tried to Keep out of the fight. but at length was comp lied to defend him-
ORENZO D. SIMS, who resides on section 6. Cine 'Township. is numbere I among the I self, and soon kno cked his antagonist out. Beaten honored pioneer- of Polk County. lowa, and cowed. the bully left him the hero of the or- ccion, and he was carried by the admining crowd 1 to the polls, where he cast his first vote for Gen. Harrison. dating his resid Je . from October, Isis. He was hạm on the Pichawig Plains jo Ohio. september 22. 1816. and comes hom a loyal and perioto. family. of Seuich Mich origin. His patented grand- father served in the Revolutionary War and his father in the War of 1812. while he him off ha- been a soldier in both the Mexican I Civil War
The following year. on the 21st day of Dealer, I. H. Mesine sar beited in wenige with Mis (Inistina Bow Line a het tem Pirseway County, and : daught a of Andemy Bow-hire, a souber of
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the War of 1512. He continued his work on the in the autumn used the first cradle. in harvesting his crop. ever in the county. In August of that year. during a thunder storm lightning struck and killed his other horse. The loss of his team at that time, when he had so little of this world's goods proved a greater loss to him than in after years, when he was cheated out of $10,400 by a rascal who had won the confidence of the people of Bulk County. His team gone, he invested his last money, $35, in a yoke of oxen, and began to gather his corn. The crop was fairly good. he gathered one hundred and fifty bushels, which he sohl to Alex Bowers, for twenty-five cents per bushel. With the money thus obtained he bought tood and clothing for his family, and pro- vided other necessaries. canal until 1812. after which he followed various pursuits until 1817, when he went to Columbus. . Ohio, and enlisted in Company E. Fourth Ohio Regiment. under Capt. Lilly. for the Mexican War. He was mustered in at Cincinnati, and thence was ordered to New Orleans. after which he was sent to Matamoras. later he shippol to Vera Cruz, but a short time afterwards was taken with the yellow fever and sent to the hospital. where he remained a month. He then returned to New Orleans, where, on the surgeon's certificate of disa- bility. he was honorably discharged March 9, 1818. On again reaching Pickaway County. he spent the summer in his old home. and in the autumn started to seek a location in the West, being accompanied by his wife and three children. The journey was Shortly after his arrival in the county. Mr. Sims made a claim on section 18. Bloomfield Township. upon which, in the fall of 1819, be built a log cabin. His family moved into their new home February 20. 1850, when it was minus both floor and four. No chinmey had been built and the apertures between the logs had not then been filled up. Mr. Sims hung his wagon cover at the northwest corner of the cabin to keep the snow from Mowing in upon his children, and frequently bad to place the wagon bed over them for the same purpose. So intense was the cold that winter that they often had to remain in bed all day to keep from freezing. but at length spring came bringing with it renewed hope. Mr, Sims accomplished a great amount of labor that season. He planted sixteen acres of corn. eut and split rails to fence thirty aeres and worked out for a month for fifty cents per day, walking seven iniles to and from his work caet morning and evening. In the fall of 1850 he old bis oxen for $55, taking in payment a note with 6 per cent. interest. This with an additional so he gave for two yoke of oxen in the spring. but let his half-brother, Mr. Corran, take the oxen in exchange for horses, which be used in planting of hours and with them accomplished touch more than he would otherwise. De labored both carly and late. fast at length has farm began to yield a good return for his work. In 1856. he replaced the pinative calin by a lowed log house of for made in a wagon. He had not yet determined where to locate on leaving Ohio, but on reaching Covington, Fountain County, Ind., he stopped with his mother one week, and in that time re- solved to seck a home in Polk County, Jowa. where he arrived October 28, 1818. Obtaining employment with Poter Newcomer, he established his family in a workshop belonging to that gentle- man, where the household furniture consisted of a pine box for a dining table and benches for chains. For his labor he received fifty cents per day. doing such work as husking corn, etc. 'The following December he removed to the farm now owned by Lester Perkins, where he worked upon the shares. He gathered ten acres of corn. receiving one-half, which provided for their expenses until aming came. That winter the show was about three fort deep, and many hardships were on hered by our subject and his family. It will re sily be seen that few luxuries were found in then home on oll their table. bat will game, such as her and tu- key, was plentiful and furnished many a meal. In the spring of 1819. Mr. Sinn began work in carn- est. but just when starting out hast the misfortune to meet with what was then a heavy loss. When ' his erops. In the fail he traded his oxen for a town hitching up his team for plos ing out of the hotses sir kened and died, which proved a great detriment to him in his labor. That spring In planted ten acres of corp. sixteen were of sad corn and five acres of wheat on 'T hours Handuron's formand ;
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rooms, Aided by his wife he did all the work tim. the cabin, with the exception of putting in the doors and farming the rafters. He afterward Had his farm, which contained three hundred and sixty arte. for $8.500. and started with his family ing a visit to his old home, where he spent the winter of 1856-57. In the spring he decided to Imate in Kansas, and made his way to him County. Mo., where he left his family while Le walk on a tour of inspection. On his return he fennel his wife and children in tears. They did ient wish to cross the Missouri River, but begged to return to Des Moines, and he acceded to their wishes. The first day they traveled fifty miles. the second crossed the lowa line and on the 7th of May. 1857. again reached Polk County. Mr. sims found that spring work had not yet begun so he rented a house and resumed farm work. In the summer of 1857, he had a chance to go to Kansas. but soon afterwards returned and was content to make his home in this county, He found his wife sick with chills and fever. She gradually gree Borse, and on the 11th of August, 1857. passed away, leaving a loving husband and eight children. the eldest of whom was twelve years of age, to mourn her loss.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Sims are: George O., who was born July 28. 1841, served four yours in Company E. Fourth Towa Infantry and is now County Recorder of Polk County; Sarah E., twin sister of George, is now the wife of Harvey Mor- gan. of Des Moines: Marian, hora October 25. 1516, in Pickaway County. died in 1858; Au- thony, bern in Polk County, January 80, 1849, is a farmer io Font Mile Township: Matilda A .. born December 8, 1850, is the widow of Juity Winteroud, who was drowned while attempting to rescue his brother; Lucinda, In October 21. 1.52. i. the widow of Walter Short; Minerva. bon January 20, 1855, is the vite of Z. T. Woot- ard; Lorenzo D. the youngest, born in Pickaway Comty. Olio. December 8. 1856, nos has charge of the home farm. He wedded Miss Emily Fredsi- 331. who died in 1889. They leel three children. viz: George, and two who died in infancy. Lo- kaza is ranked among the leading young fermer- of Grunt Township, and is an energetic business
man. lle supports the Republican party and takes an active interest in political affairs, especially in the politics of the county and State. He held the office of Road Supervisor for six years, and for the ste length of time served on the School Board. After the death of the mother. Mr. Sin, Sr., found a home for his children where they could all be together. It was his wife's last request that they should not be separated and as soon as possible he purchased a farm, and in the fall of 1858. gathered the little ones around him, his second daughter, Marian, then taking charge of the domestic affairs. As far as possible she filled her mother's place in the household and tenderly looked after the inter. ests of the younger children until January 27. 1559. when she was called to meet the loved one gone before. Sarah then took charge of the home and the children remained with their father until, having attained to matine years, they left the pa- rental roof for homes of thir owo. They all re- ceived sich colucational advantages as the school- of the county afforded, and are now honored citi- zens of the community where they reside.
When Mr. Sims purchased his present farm it was in a wild. uncultivated state. but with charge- teristic energy he began its development, and as the result of his timely efforts now has one of the best homes in Grant Township. He has made all the modern improvements, and one hundred and thirty -se ven arres pay tribute to the care and labor which he Inestows on it. His path of life has by no mean bruch a smooth one. Obstacles, which at first seeme l almost jusurmountable. have hindered bis progress but he overcame them, gaining strength by the effort. sund at length has won a place among the well-to-do citizens. Honorable airl upnight in all his dealings he has won the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens. and has made a record of which his children and friends may well be proud. Oftentimes he has been called upon to serve in official positions and for many years was connected with the school Board. So- cially, he is a member of the Independent Opfer of Odd Fellows. aud in politics is independent. He has given filerally to the advancement of all puldie enterprises, having denated $1000 to the the jo ation of the State Fair grounds, and bass also
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made generous contributions for the promotion of educational interests. He was instrumental in building the first schoolhouse in Grant Park, and in many other ways has identified himself with the county's history. As a citizen be stands second to none in the respect of his acquaintances, and we feel that this record of his life work will be re- ceived with interest by his many friends.
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HARLES P. REINIG. who is numbered among the early settlers of Des Moines of 1855, was born on the 10th of July. 1839, in Baden, Germany. and is one of a family of seven children, five sons and two daughters. In 1852, his father, John M. Reinig. emigrated to America and with his family settled in Lancaster, Ohio, where for three years he made his home, he then come to Des Moines and on the site of the Gateh Block erected a two-story brick residence. He was so far advanced in life at the time of his emigration to America that he never became familiar with the English language. He also partially lost his bear- ing while crossing the ocean which facts combined to determine him to not learn the tongue of his adopted country, but nevertheless be formed many acquaintances and to quote the language of another, "every man was his friend." He lived a life worthy the respect and confidence of all and died in 1880 at the advanced age of eighty-five years. His wife having survived him three years. ' sel away in 1883. The seven children who ace . u- ied their parents to Amerien, with one eve ; "on, are all living: Fred. the ellest. is a robbed of Des Moines; Pauline is the wife of Gange Sover of this city ; Mrs. Otiflis Sinn. is the next younger: Chanh - P. is the fourth in order of birth, Louis O. died at his home in Cass County. Iowa, in Febru- ary, 18$2, leaving a wife tori three sons: Augustus is in the unplug of the U pitot Stades Express Com- pany ; Adolph W. has been Auditor for the adde company many years and makes his home in be- Moines.
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Charle. I. Remig, whose name beads thi seethe ;
was about fourteen Years of age when with his parents be crossed the Atlantic to America and was a lad of sixteen years when he took up his residence in Des Moines. More than a third of a century has since elapsed, during which period he has witnessed the growth and progress of the city, has aided in its upbuilding and bore no inconsid- erable part in the promotion of its enterprises. Having arrived at years of maturity he was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary Huglin, daughter of J. Huglin, and a native of Germany. She has resided in this country since her childhood, having been brought to America by her parents. Their union has been blessed with four children. two sons and two daughters: Charles E. is the present Teller of the Des Moines Savings Bank; William F. is eh- gaged in the drug business in Kanesville. Mo. : Ida is the wife of Era K. Paiter; and Ettie, who com- plotes the family, is at home.
In his political affiliations, Mr. Reinig is a Demo- erat though like his respected father he supported the Republican party until a change in his views led him to adopt the principles of the Democracy. Ile is highly respected for his integrity of character and for his upright and honorable record as a citi- zen. He and his family have a pleasant home in the capital city. where he has now resided contin :- ously for thirty-six years and have a wi le cirele of friends and acquaintances. Mr. Reinig is a mem- ber of the Old Settlers' Society of Polk County, lowa. and is much interested in it: affairs.
Fag ACHARIAI COOK. father of Mrs. Joshua Z! Il. Hatch. was born on the 15th of April. 1800. in Virginia. His early life pas-ed aneventfully. his time being spent in the nemal manner of boys in that period and State. in his carly manhood he learned the bade of a carpenter mailder. which he followed in pursuit of fortune throughout life.
Having turived at years of maturity. Mr. Cook we waited in mariage with Mix. Parhagy Location, slo a native of the Old Dominion, Jon March zi. ist. Toy brand the parents of eight chichen
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who lived to manhoed and womanhout. the record of the family being as follows: James M. the all- est. diel in California. September 19. FEST ; George W. is engaged in carpentering in Rock Island. Ill .; Jongh is a miner of Salt Lake, Wyoming County. Viah Tel .: Mary E. is the wife of C. R. Ains. westh. of Moline IN. : Martha is the widow of P. A. Wiettaker. of Denver. Colo. ; Samuel S. is a re. thed farmer of Montana: Hattie is the wife of Otis Finnick, a prominent citizen of Moline. Il .: and Salih A. is the widow of lon. Joshua Hatch of D. . Moines.
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Having resided in Virginia until 1830. Mr. Cook. following the course of human emigration which was steadily flowing westward, made his way to Ilinois and taking up his residence in Rock Island, resumed his trade as a contractor and Bilder. which he continued until his death. Conscientious in the discharge of every obligation and expert as a workman. he found little difficulty in securing employment and aided not a little to the material up mikling of the city in which he made his home. After residing in Rock Island for thirty-five years. he departed this life on the 29th of January. 1865. His wife, who long survived him, died at her home in Moline. Ill. March 31, 1887, aged eighty-six years and the last one of the charter members of the church to which she belonged. This worthy couple were both members of the Baptist Church and, living carvest, consistent Christian lives won the respect of all who knew them and stood high in the community.
ILLIAM FRAIZER is engaged in farming and stock-raising on section a. Jefferson Township. where he has a pleasant home surrounded by many of the comforts of life. The Fraizer family has been connected with the agri- ental interests of this country for several gente- ations, and for some time part carried on farming in the State of Temeste. Cli Fraizer. the father of our subject. was a native of that State, but the ; : Young man removed to Greene County. This. where he became acquainted with and married
Mane Mcfarland, who was born in Pennsylvania. Shortly afterward they became residents of Wayne County, led., where Mr. Fraizer made purchase of one hundred and sixty acres of unimproved land. and developed a farm. He afterward purchased a farma in Henry County, Ind .. where he spent his last days in peace and quiet. He was a participant in the Way of 1812, as were two of his brothers, who with himself were honored and respected citi- zens in the community in which they lived.
The early life of our subject passed unevent- fully, the days of bis boyhood and youth being spent on his father's farm, and in attendance at the public schools, where he acquired a good English colocation. It was in 1852 that he left Indiana. and emigrated to Polk County, where he has since made his home. His first purchase of land consisted of two hundred and forty acres, which. after improv- ing and cultivating for some years. he sold and bought three hundred and twenty acres of raw prai- rie land. With the assistance of his sons. Mr. Fraizer soon succeeded in transforming that tract into a well-developed farm, which yielded him a good income for the care and labor which he had bestowed upon it. He erected a number of sub- stantial and tasty buildings, but at length exchanged it for bis present home in Jefferson Township.
Mr. Fraizer has been twice married. On the 28th of July, 1836, he was joined in wedlock with Eliza Bunday, daughter of Willians and Elizabeth Bun- day, both of whom were natives of North Carolina. Of this marriage were born three children, but only one is now Eving-Tiram B .. who is married and resides with his family on a farm in Southern Kan- ; Eli and Miles diel in South. The second : Pomiage of Mr. Fraizer wy . lebrated February 98. 1813, v hon Eliza Carol. @came his wife. The lady is a daughter of Hugh and Susanna Carroll. Her father was a native of England, and a relative of the Carroll who signe I the Declaration of Inde- prudence. He was an extensive manufacturer. and a man of considerable importance in the content. nity where he will his home. He became a resi- Best of this country when a young ne, setting Connecticut, where he neuried Stran Sabin. a nitive of the' Sede. Living in the days of the Wesleys. Mr. and Mrs. Carroll accepted the faith
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which they taught. euduring the stigma and prase- cution that members of that religious society were subject to in the early day.
The marriage of William and Eliza Fraizer wa- blessed with seven children, two of whom are now deceased- Amanda B., the third in order of birth; and Isane B., the youngest. Mary Jane, the oldest ; advocate of abolition principles, and immediately of the family is now the wife of Jacob Fees a rep- Presentative farmer of Jefferson Township; Joseph is a farmer and merchant of Lincoln. lowa: James is an extensive farmer and stock-raiser, owning land which adjoins the old homestead; Sarah E. is I kept himself well informed on the leading issues of
the wife of Dr. Albert Sbeidler, a prominent prac- fitioner of Guthrie County. lowa; and J. E., an energetic and successful business man of Granger. where he is conducting a butcher shop and meat market. He married Dora Van Dorn. an estimable lady, who departed this life in 1859. leving one child. a bright and beautiful little daughter of ten summers, who is the idol of her grandparents, with waom she is now living.
William Fraizer and his family are well worthy of mention in this volume, for they are numbered among the best citizens of the county, and justly merit the high respect and esteem in which they are held throughout the community. The parents are consistent members of the Christian Church. and take an active interest in its advancement. Mr. Fraizer is a member of the Farmers' Alliance, and in politics is a stalwart Republican, having sup- ported that party since its organization.
NDREW 2. RICKS. a retired farmer ! siding in Rising Sun. takes rank ami the prominent citizens of the county. 11. is a native of Butter County. Ohio, born February 22, 1829, and on both the paternal and maternal side is of German descent. Both fam- ilies, however, settled in America prior to the Revolutionary War. His parents were Levi and Elizabeth (Dill) Ride, the father a native of Guil- ford County. N. C. and the mother of Moat. gomery County, Ohio. When a youth Leri Bicis went with his family to Ohio, when he homme
Acquainted with Mi -- Dill. By occupation he was a farmer, and followed that business in the Buck- eve State until 1&1. when he removed to Henry County, Ind .. where in connection with the cultiva- tion of his land. he engaged in stock-raising. Al- though barn in a slave State, he was a strong after the organization of the Republican party, which was formed to prevent the further cxten- sim of slavery. I joined it- ranks. He always manifested a deep interest in political affairs. and the day. Both he and his wife wore members of the I'nited Brethren Church, and the church edifice in which they worshiped was created on land donated by Mr. Ricks for the purpose. The fam- ily of this worthy couple numbered ten children. of whom our subject is the eldest; Peter is en- paged in farming in Grant County. Ind .; Avenath is the deceased wife of James Pratt: Julia A. is the wife of William Radler, a farmer of Appanosse County, lowa: Mary Ellen nemlied a Mr. Russell. of Grant County. Ind .; Mercer, who was a mem- ber of the Thirty-sixth Infantry. died in the ser- vice near Richmond. Ky .; Levi is a farmer of Hemy County. Ind .; Phe be is the wife of David Hutchinson. of Grant County. Ind .: John is a farmer of Champlain County. Il .; and Rhoda is the wife of J. H Back, of Henry County. Ind. Both parents died in that county. the father at the age of eighty years, the mother in her seventy- fifth year.
In the common schools of Ohio and Henry County. Ind. Heury Ricks expired bis education. His boyhood days were spent under the parental loof, but on reaching maturit, he went to Kings- ton, Ind .. where he les and the carpenters trade which he followed for a number of years. In 1850 he went to findistati, where he worked at tit occupation for a year. when he went to Palle County, Ohio. Then proved an important step in Is life. for in thea reusity he become acquaint. if with and wedded Mi. Elizabeth Goodwit. the welding taking place on the 25th of August. 1802. The lady was team in Pret l. Cons y. and > both of whom we; endivesof Davi- County. N. C.
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although they were married in Ohio. The young couple began their domestic life in the Buckeye State, but on the Ist of March. 185 1. took up their residence in Harrison Township. Jemy County. Ind .. where Mr. Ricks purchased a farm of two hundred acres, paying $12.50 per acre. In 1sos he sold for $75 per acre and came to the West. where be made purchase of eight hundred and twenty , known and none are held in higher regard than Mr.
teres of land located in Camp and Beaver Town- ships. Polk County. That farm continued to be his home until 1881, when having acemoulated a sufficient capital to enable him to live a retired life, he removed to Rising sun, where we now find him. His entire possessions have been acquired by his own efforts. He started out in life with nothing save a young man's bright hope of the future and a determination to succeed, but full of life and energy, he did whatever presented itself. With Gen. Garfield he believed that things do not turn up in this world unless some one turns them up and made the most of every opportunity. Ilis life has been a busy one, eventful and interesting. and has brought its own reward. When farming he believed in keeping gond material on hand, and his stock was of the best grades. During the fourteen years he was engaged in buying and shipping he never purchased poor cattle. horses or hogs, believing that the finest grades paid better in the end. He still owns in Camp and Beaver Townships five hundred and sixty-six acres of rich and fertile land, highly improved, and has shipped on an average five car-loads of rattle per annum and two car-loads of Poland-China hogs.
and later a Republican. having supported that party since its organization. For a number of years he served as Justice of the peace, and for many years he has been a member of the Christian Church, giving liberally of his means to its sup- port, and inall possible waysaiding in its advance- ment. Few men in the county que more widely Rieks, who takes rank among the public-spirited and progressive citizens of the community.
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