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 28
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(Milley ) Harlech, both of whom were natives of the same country. He was reared and educated in in his native land. being sixteen years of age when in the fall of 1854. he emigrated to America, in company with his brother Christian. On arriving in the United States. Louis made his home in Mo- bile. Ala., for a period of one year. He then went to Louisville. Ky., where he spent two years as an apprentice to the saddler and harness maker's trade, after which he came to Des Moines in June, 1857. For the succeeding two years he was employed at his trady as a journeyman. and in the fall of 1859. went to Cincinnati, Ohio. to learn upholstering. It took six months to perfect himself in that line of imlustry. after which he returned to this city, and in 1860, joined his brother Chistian in the furni- ture business, which the former had started in a small way in 1856. They commenced operations under the name of C. Harbach & Brother. but the .tyle was afterward changed to C. & L. Marbach. When they began. they operated only a sinall band shop, situated on West Second Street. between Court Avenue and Walnut Street, and employed but four workugn. By the exercise of diligence and goof judgment in the management of their affairs, their business was rapidly increased. neces- sitating more commodious quarters. A retail store was built on Third Street. a brick structure. 41x182 feet and four stories high. with basement, which is now nsed as the wholesale mantel and under- taking department and upholstering shops. Their factory is situated on West Locust. between First and Second Sheets, and i- a brick structure, sixty- six feet square, three stories high, and a basement. The present wholesale base is situated on West. Second Street, and that building which is con- structed of brick and stone, five stories high with basement, coulis 14x 139 1 et. is always well stocked. The present retail ods' lishment was elected in is-F. and beteenden West Wadi of Street, at Nes. 412 and 111. P., building, which is constructed of brien and forv. measure- 11x132 fect. and i- even stories bih with a becomeut. the entire imight be'ns Ios feet. If i hadh in the most -ph- sim the ban dele ger menes and is the finest com-
OUIS HARBACH. the leading manufacturer and wholesale dealer of furniture in Iowa. take- rank amning the prominent business men of the West. He is propriete of the oblet mercantile house in Des Moines, which he he oui ducted continuously einer 1860. Mr. Halach Na- : born in the Province of Nassau, Germany, Novem- Vanrid Friday in Iowa. The front i constran with : vues to secure the finest po sible sheet of
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architectural beauty. and the result is such as to charm the eye of an artist. The interior is divided into rooms the full width of the building. sod the whole is finished in the most elegant and attractive manner. The cost of construction was $55,000. and the Imtilding is one of which the owner and the citizens of Des Moines live reason to be proud. Lonis Harbach purchased his brother's interest in the business, November 30. 1878, since which time he has been sole proprietor. He continued the land shop until 1582. when he put in steam power. and otherwise increased his facilities for business. The steady growth of the retail trade has in cight years compelled the use of four, and sometimes five delivery wagons instead of one as formerly. The total number of employes in the different depart- ments is one hundred, which at times is increased to one hundred and ten. while the annual business Dow amounts to upwards of $100.000. The fine finishing of the State House. the lesling hotels and churches of the city. and many of the finest resi- dences attests the excellence of Mr. Harbach's work. He boys only from the best factories in the country, and has established a wide reputation for turning out only the finest finished and most sul- stantial class of goods to be had in the market. Ilis trade extends throughout the West and South- west in numerous States. and Territories to the Pa- citic C'oa-1.
Mr. Harbach was married in Des Moines, on the 15th of September, 1562, to Miss Sarah Harker. ? native of Northumberland County. England. who came to America when but two years of age. They have eight children living. four sons and ferr daughters, and have lost one son. Lovis F. their first born. dying October 16, 1875. : red eight V ...... The living are Mary Jeanette, wife of Dr. WIX to .1. Latte, of Des Moines; Elizabeth Helen, with of C. D. Ives. of Cedar Rapids; William (. why is his father's shle assi. wat in the mo nascent of las extensive besine : Leonard Edward, who is man ager of the while de department; George lety. mond, Wild Arthur, svarte May. and 3. 11 Sarah. completed the famille.
Mr. Holachica Deacest in politics, but Ja never sought public office. Het a bright Ton- plar Mason, a member of the Capital City Lodge.
No. 110. A. T. & A. M .; Corinthian Chapter. No. 11. R. A. M .; and Temple Commandery. No. 4. K. T. He is also a member of Myrtle Lodge. No. 9. Knights of Pythias, and is a Director of the Des Moines Savings Bank. In 1879, he erected his palatial residence, which is situated nem the corner of Fifth and Center Streets, at a cost of $25,000. The inside finish is in native hard woods, and is done in Mr. Harbach's best style of workmanship. The same house could not be built in these times for less than $35,000. and it is acknowledged to be one of the finest residences in Town.
The history of the business career of our subject covers a period of thirty years, and the capital city of Iowa has been the scene of his successfu! efforts. He was poor and of necessity began business in a limited marmer. Indomitable energy. superior busi- ness capacity, and strict integrity. have been his most striking characteristics. The result of such a combination is shown in the production of the ex- tensive manufacturing plant. the commodious ware- room, and his palatial retail establishment. Mr. Harbach's share in the growth and development of Des Moines, has been a liberal one, and the employ- 1 ment he has furnished to the many whose names : appear on his pay rolls. has helped to build homes, and add to the material wealth of the city.
Mr. Horbach's brother Christian, who was one of the pioneers of Des Moines, and who was an active partner in the business during its earlier existence. was never in active business after selling out to his brother Louis in November, 1878. He lived a re- tired life. making D. . Moines his home until hi- death. He died. however. in New Orleans in Jan- umy. 1852. where he had gone for his health.
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DAM BBCKEY. of the firm of Randall a: Dickey. haplemeni dealers of Des Moines. is prominently commented with the history of Polk County. Of the harly pinares tell serin the thrilling stories of land mps. pita gutes gros a mound are the only sentinel mething
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their last resting place, but the great State of Iowa. developed in its varied resources, proclaims the usefulness of their lives and the nobility of their aspirations. As such an one, a sketch of Mr. . Dickey cannot but be of interest to the readers of this Any. and we feel that the work would be incomplete without it.
His paternal grandfather. a Presbyterian eligy. man, accompanied by two brothers. emigrated from Scotland and settled in Vermont. Ilis son, Adan. a native of Londonderry. Vt .. was a Metho- dist minister and married a Miss Styles, a lady of Canadian birth. During the War of 1812 he was drafted into the British Navy, and after its close settled in Ohio. The year 1886 witnessed his arrival in the almost unsettled Territory of Iowa. where he died at the advanced age of seventy- seven years. llis son Joseph, the father of our subject, was born near Queensville, Canada. in 1812, but was reared in Lawrence County. Ohio. where he became acquainted with and married a Miss Payne, who was born in the Buckeye State. She died in that county, leaving two children. one of whom departed this life in childhood. After the death of his wife Joseph Dickey went to Cin- cimati, Ohio, and engaged in the transfer business. In that city be married his second wife, and in 1837 came to Iowa, making the journey by boat to Ft. Madison, where he landed on the Ist of May. Locating in Farmington he became an extensive business taan. Ilis gains, however were not used for selfish ends. but to every enterprise for the public good he was a liberal supporter. In politi- val sentiment he was a Whig mudtil the dissolution of that party. when he became a stanch advert of Republican principles. At the breaking vs' of the late war he was made Captain of the .S . h- ern Border Brigade." organized to protect the southern portion of lowa from the robust cross the line. At the battle of Athens, while bading hi- command. he was wounded, though not seriously. 1
Having served two years he returned to his Irque and business, and in 1672 departed this lite, dying with faith unshaken in the Method & Raching -.
vember 20, 1832, and was therefore not yet five years of age when he came with his parents to Jowa. The for educational advantages he enjoyed were such as could be obtained in the old style Ing schoolhouse of that early day. When a lad of fifteen years he began the battle of life for himself. and has fought it bravely and well. Having learned the cooper's trade, he followed that business for five years, and then went to California. paying $50 for the privilege of driving an ox-team. During the four years in which he remained in that far Western State he was engaged in hotel-keeping in Sacramento and a short time in San Francisco. On his return to Towa, in 1856, he engaged in business with his father under the firm name of J. Dickey & Son, and they did an extensive business, running a store, mill, pork-packing establishment and a bank. On a certain night in May, 1858, the bank safe was blown open and robbed of $15.000, none of which was ever recovered. Thus the accumula- tions of years went in an hour. In 1870 Mr. Diekey came to Des Moines, and for nine years engaged in the grocery and provision trade. when he withdrew and joine ! Mr. Randall in the firm of Randall & Dickey. dealers in agricultural impde. ments.
On the 17th of November. 1857. in Van Buren County, lowa. Mr. Dickey was united in marriage with Miss Emmy Wuming, who was born in Jeffer- son County, Ohio, Derember 27. 1837. They be- came parents of six children -- Ella became the wife of Odell Reed, and died leaving a danghter. Ella O .; the second child died in infancy ; Laura is the wife of R. E. Anderson: Jennie is the wife of Charles Il. Martin: Jospin died at the age of three vers; and Buona. the youngest. completes the family.
Mr. Dickey and his wife are members of the Central Presbyterian Church, and take an active interest in its welfare. De cast his fist Musi- dential vote for Gen. Scott, and since the organi- ention of the Republican party has hesa one of its faithful adhérents, but not withstanding he Sis often laen trusted oficial positive. he won't " ver accept public office, preferring an utest !-
Adam Dickey, whose mitge fond this shekel .. i. the only living member of this breach of the fame , tiene botines life. When the war was in pier ... ils. He were born in Lawrence County. Ohio Sor gho apartir de mal war deted Captain of 1
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"Farmington Home Guards." and was one of the loyal supporters of the Government during those perilous times. For twenty your, Mr. Dickey was a member of the Odd Fellows fraternity. but of late years his time has been so occupied with busi- ness interests is not to permit him to affiliate with any social order. Fifty-three years have passed since he set foot on Iowa soll. He has become an- quainted with all phases of Western life. an I has been identified with many kaoling business inter- ests of the State. He can remember in the carly days when his father went to Quincy for four. paying $20 per barrel. In common with the fam- ily he shared in the hardships and trial incident to pioneer life. but like the country. be ha- prospered, and as it has become an important factor in the I'nion. so has he won a leading place in business circles in its Capital City.
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B ENJAMIN T. GILLETT, merchant tailor of Des Moines. established business in this city in 1876. and is now located at No. 509 East Locust Street. He is a native of Ing- land, his birth having occurred in Bridgewater. Somersetshire, on the 19th of July, 1841. 1lis parents were Alfred John and Sarah B. (Tozwell) Gillett, and the ancestry belonged to the French Hugomets who were forced from France ou ac- count of their religious opinions in the sisteenth century.
Our subject at the age of thirteen years began learning the thor's trade and arvel a appren- ticeship of seven years. afterwards worked as a journey man. principally in London. till 1>66. Having metered the lavines, at the expiration of that period to bude good-by to his old home and in May of that year he Brat out loo' on As. sieon soil in Quelle. He located in Toronto, where foi some time he worked as a journeymen. In INGS. we find his in New York and her is curid on busines in Burlington. Vi. His Best pla of residence was in sloan . Gal tung un'ot ] in the largest establishment & untuk and for o.
year In engaged in that capacity in Washington. D. C. He spent the year 1871 as cutter in the employ of J. H. Dykeman. of Des Moines, after which he was engaged in business in St. Louis, Mo .. Bonfalo, N. Y .. and other cities. He has traveled through thirty-two States and Territories of the Union, but in 1876 returned to Des Moines. where he has been engaged in business continuously since, covering a period of fourteen years.
On the 15th of February, 1875. neat Toronto, Canada, Mr. Gillett was united in marriage with Miss E. A. MeAlpine, daughter of Gilbert Me.Al- pine who is of Scottish descent. By their union have been born four children, but one, Frederick William, the eldest. was killed by a train when thirteen years of age. Those living are Granville Maleohin. Leslie Alexander and Ralph Priestly. Mr. Gillett is a member of the Baptist Church and his wife of the Presbyterian. In politics, he is a warm supporter of Republican principles, but his never sought public offire, and is an honored mem- ber of the Masonic fraternity. He belongs to Home Lodge. No. 370, A. F. & A. M., Antioch Chapter, No. 110. R. A. M., and Temple Com- manderv. No. 1, K. T. He is the founder of his family in America and in future generations when it shall be asked who was the original ancestor, his descendants can point with pride to him as one when was an upright and honored citizen of his adopted land. A life-long experience in his busi- ness has placed him in the front rank among the merchant tailors of the city and his establishment has found favor with the puldie as manifested by a liberal patronage.
G & BORGE A. CARTER. senior member of the firm of Carter Bros, manufacturers mal deder in windmills. pange, etc., was born m Achim | Cheaty . Olio. November 26. 1850. Ili- father. Mica Cutter. was born and 1 rue I in Ohio and in that some welded dane b. Boite, who ami- graded fren Pametivania to the Barleye Store will bur peren . et an call, day. Ahmad 1851.
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Milton Carter and his family removed to Bureau Comoty. IN .. where he engaged in farming until 1862. which year witnessed his removal to Prince. ton, the county sent of Bureau County. He there ' engaged in mercantile pursuits, hamlling wind- mills, pumps and their appartenance, of which be hecame quite an extensive manufacturer. In 1882 he moved to Jefferson, lowa, and three years liter to Des Moines, where he and his wife still weside and at the age of sixty-two and fifty-seven years respectively. Both are members of the Congrega- tional Church. In their family were live children, four sons and a daughter: Perry S. is a dealer in windmills and pumps at Princeton, Il. and the other sons. R. B .. J. C. and G. A. are associated in business in this city under the firm name of Carter Bros.
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George A. Carter, whose name heads this sketch. is the eldest of his father's family. Having atten- ded the common schools until fifteen years of age he then spent two years as a clerk in a drug store, - after which he assisted his father in business eight years. In early life it was manifest that he pos- R ICHARD M. L. COLEMAN, one of the well known citizens of Des Moines. was born in Berks County, Pa .. in 1838. His father, Heury Coleman. is a native of the same county, and belonged to one of the early families of that fort of Pennsylvania. of English origin. In his youth he learned the trade of a plasterer, and it has been his chief occupation through life, yickl- ing him a good income. He married Miss Broma Geiger, a lady of German descent. and in 1859 re- moved with his family to Champaign County, Ohio, where he and his wife still make their home. Dar subject is the clone of fifteen chil lyon, and. with one exception. as are living. lant he is the only member of the bonily who has lo sted in lowa. 'Toward the flow of the War of the Re bellion he had attained to an age when his son jeux sessed inventive genius which took form. in 1872. in an improvement on the Halladay Windmill. for which be was granted a patent. and the following year he invented and patented a hog weterer. In 1875. the Carter Windmill was constructed by him- self and father, and a patent secured. The same year Mr. Carter started in business for himself, manufacturing windmills and pumps and running a general repair shop. In 1879, he commeneed to make the Carter Windmill and ha- added improve .. ment after improvement until it is now one of the best on the market. Recently he has also patry 'd a regulator jaanp. to be usel when it is desire :to deliver water at a distance and which i an impor tant improvement in petent pumps. 'The result of Mr. Carter's labors has been to give farmers and stock -raisers an easy and cheap method of fresh . would be accepted as as eller, and wishing to aid water supply. Having operated his manifo bning establishment in Princeton until 1859, he then ar. eopted the position of Superintendent of the gas works of that city, of which he had chrade four vous. when in 1981. Le come to Des Moines and 1 ismened the manufacture of windmills, junge. ite. being joined in business by his brother . in Dest.
They do an extensive trade and find sale for their manufacture throughout the Western States.
In September, 1875, Mr. Carter was joined in wedlock with Mary E. Banister. a native of Pitts- feld. Mass .. who emigrated to linois in early life. Their marriage was celebrated in Princeton, III., but after ten years, the wife was called to her long home, dying in Des Moines. January 10, 1886, She was a consistent member of the Congregational Church, to which Mr. Carter also belongs. He is a Republican in politics and a warm supporter of the party principles, but has never sought office or distinction. For twenty-two years he has been en- gaged in his present line of business. Beginning life withont a dollar he now stands at the head of one of the most extensive concerns in the city as the restilt of a life of industry, well-directed ener- gies and the exercise of correct Insiness principles.
his com/try. he accordingly offeret his aid to the Government, and was assigned to Campany K. Our Hundred an 1 Tuisteenth Ohio Regiment. He enlisted Panny 28. 18th, and remained with bi- comment stil the class of the war. In the be- timing of that year his regiment was bre ching themen Georgia with Gen. Sherum, and in com-
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pany with many other newly-enlisted men he went then tried by a jury, which decided in favor of his opponent. Mr. Coleman is a Democrat in political sentiment. and takes an active interest in the sue- cess of his party. He is a prominent member of a down the Atlantic coast. joining the army at . Holly Springs. N. C. For some tane he served on detached duty at Charleston. S. C., and also at Wilmington, N. C. While en route to join his . number of civic societies, including Kinsman Post, regiment he learned of the assassination of Presi- G. A. R., and the Masonic fraternity, being's Knight Templar Mason. For five years he has held the position of Secretary of the Royal Arch Chapter, and has taken the degree of the Mystic Shrine, and also belongs to the Knights of Pythias. Mr. Cole- man is a gentleman of culture, and possesses the confidence and respect of his fellow-citizens. dent Lincoln, but in common with his fellow sol- diers disbelieved the tragic story, which was too soon fully confirmed. Marching northward with his regiment, he took part in the Grand Review in Washington, and was discharged in Louisville, Ky .. July 10, 1865. soon after which he was mus- tered out in Springfield. Ohio. On the close of his military service he located in Springfield. and en- gaged in business as a plasterer, which trade he had learned with his father. After Fume time he re- moved to Indiana, locating in Indiapolis.
In the latter city. in 1872, Mr. Coleman was united in marriage with Miss Hattie A. Baker. a native of Rushville. Ruch County. Ind., and a daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth Baker. The services of Mr. Coleman as a plasterer soon won recognition by a liberal patronage, and for a num- ber of years he was engaged in superintending the plastering of public and other important buildings in various large cities, including Indianapolis. Chi- eago, St. Louis and New York. He came to Des Moines from the latter city, and was employed as foreman on the ornamental wort. of the State Cap! tol. then in process of construction. Since the completion of that work he has been engaged the greater poort of the time as contract plasterer. He stands in the front rank among these engaged in his line of business, and has a high reputation as a man of unimpeachable business integrity. He takes an netive interest in the progress of public affairs, as I lay never refused to respond when his aid was solicited for the advancement of any wal- the enterprise. In the fall of 1280 In accepted the nomination as a member of the Board of Suport- visors. and was declared elected by four majority. His opponent. however, by virtue of an allesol tried error in the election. appealed from the dressing of the board, and the cus we tried before the Board of Girdet . which de Me l Mr. Coleman dettol and ordered a contiene of deltion isted.
ARAU . SPRINGER. M.D .. who is en. gager in the practice of medicine in Des Moines, is numbered among the residents of this city who claim Ohio as the State of their nativity. She was born in Senecaville. Guern- sey County, on the 22nd of July, 1814. and is a daughter of William and Elizabeth (James) Porter. ller paternal grandfather, James Porter, a native of Ireland, in early life left the Emerald Ile and crossed the Atlantic to America. He settled in Pennsylvania. where he married and reared a fam- ily. His son. James Porter, married Elizabeth Piper, a typied Welsh lady. and emigrated to Muskingumn County. Olo, where was born unto them a family of fifteen children, of whom fomteen lived to adult age. The father died when the children were ye' young and thus npon the widowed mother devolved the care of supporting and educating her family. She did everything in her power to advance their interests and had reason to be proud of them. while they in turn had every reason to be grateful to her for the saer fees which she made in their behalf. Dr. Joseph R. Portes so widely known in politics and legislative balls as a champion of the Prohi- bition cause is one of that family and William Por- fer. father of our subject. is another. The Futer was born January 0. 1811. in Muskingum County. Chio, en 1 by occupation wasa former. He was a prom'hent and influential man in local affairs and took an active port in promoting abolition senti ment. He first supported the Whip party but he-
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lieving the question of slavery paramount to all others, he became an Abolitionist and on the organ- imation of the Republican party joined its rants. Ilis home was a station on the famous Emder- ground Railroad and many a negro has reason to bless him for his ready assistance to them in their efforts to secure freedom by escaping to Canada. In his native county he married Miss James. A DA- tive of Allegheny County. Pa., born March 13. 1822. Her father died when she was five years of age and two years later her mother was called home. She was then taken by a maiden aunt. with whom she removed to Ohio. William Porter and his wife were earnest Christian people and exerted a wide interest for good. In 1859, they located in Scott County, lowa, and two years later removed to Guthrie County, where both died, the bushand on the 20th of May, 1883, and his wife on the 14th of August, following. They were parents of ten chil- dren, of whom one son and four daughters are yet living. Two of the number chose the medical pro- fession as their life work- our subject and Dr. J. L. Porter, who died at the age of thirty-five years.
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