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 3
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ATTS BROS. This firm is composed of two of the young business men of De
July 26. Isar, and the lite on the 5th of Bis). 142. This polaralan Watts, wara . I. Her
gade. a dagghter of an Methodist Epis gel mini. ter. The top truly yours in i charm of the church
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of the sons are now engaged as salesmen in Rock- ford. I., while the other two. as before stated, are residents of Des Moines.
Charles S. Watts, in his youth. learned the trade of carriage trimming, which business he followed for a livelihood until 1855. when he joined his brother in their present enterprise. D. I. Watts engaged in farming for several years. but though be devoted his energies to the pursuit. his thoughts we're with art, for which he had a great love. Hav- ing worked tor a time with pastel and crayon. at the age of eighteen years. as a student he entored the studio of L. Walkup, the inventor of the air brush system. Having continued operations in that line for three years in his native city. he joined his brother, and in 1885, they established business in Des Moines, where they have built up an excellent trade. They have the best display of any one in the city. and their is the only ait buch rok dove in Des Moines. Both are artists of ability and their work has been favorably received by the pub- lie. It can now be found in England. Scotland. Sweden and other foreign countries, and in nearly every Siste in the Union. They devote thehi : :- tention exclusively to their art. working a sparkdiy of portrait work, and are meeting with excellent success, now employing several representatives on the road. Both brothers are supporter of the Re publican party, but have never taken in tortive part in political affairs,
Charles Watt- is married, the lady of his choice being Mis Nettie Koons, whom he wedded in Ne braska.
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LBERT B. CUMMINS. Pomiincat among those who occupy the front renk of the bar of Pets County is Allen. B. Commin . of the firm of Cummb a Maloht. He Inte been a resident of Des Moines . January. 1 - 78, when he Được to this city in mu tan, with his brother. J. C. Cummins, and formel . p. hima co partnership for the practice of hi protection. This paterhip o stinied . bout two year. when the brothertined Inte de practiced + woning to the fact that der application to the dati. . et in
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Wijgl and Carroll Will. under the firm bor of Wright, Ciaomins & Wright. Da Jamas 1. INGS. Judge Wright retired from the firm, but if fri name con.inned as before until 1886. when Thomas S. Wright also withdrew. since which time the Grin mine has been Conmius & Wright.
Mr. Cummoins is a native of fireche Conny. l'a. where he was born February 15, 1850. He par- sned a college course at Waynesburg, where he was graduated in the class of 189. He was then a youth of but nineteen years, and was thrown upon his own resources, with his way to make in the world. In the anton of the year in which he completed his college course he came to lowa, and for a thne made his home in Eliveler. Clayton County. where he secured a slikship in the County Recorder's office. He also worked as # carpenter, and this to some extent replenished hi- lin ited financial resources. Not content with these occupations he decided to make a change. and go - ing to Indiana secured the position of division and afterwards assistant chief engineer in the con time. tion of the Cincimoti, Richmond & Ft. Wayne Railroad. He remained in the Howvier State until January, 1872. when he assisted in locating and constructing a railroad between Jonesville, Miel ... and Losing. called the Northern Central Michi gomn Railroadl. A portion of the time, while thu- engaged. he acted s- chief engineer. Mr. Commins had now fully resolved to enter the logal profes- sion and, abandoning the occupation of an engineer. become a student in the law office of MeChem it Hodges, of Chicago. He was admitted to the bar ately thereafter heges practice in Chicago, why
in Michigan, with His- Ida I. Call ofcare. com Foton County. that Said at Par m.
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general counsel of the Des Moines and Northern Railway Company, and a Director and general embed of the Des Moines & Northwestern. and Des Moines Union Railway Company. and has been identified with other enterprises which have proved beneficial to the city's growth and up- building. He was elected to the Legislature of lowa. asan independent candidate. in fast. and dis- dleirged the duties of the office with much ability. The eminent success in his business life is due to hi- natural aptitude and persistent energy in carry- ing forward whatever he undertakes. Asa lawyer. a business man and citizen be occupies a high posi- tion in the esteem and regard of all. A portrait of Mr. Cummins appears on the opposite page.
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ON. MARTIN D. M. HENRY. late Receiver of the United States Land Office of Des Moines. is widely known throughout lowa. and well deserves representation in this volume. He is a native of Kentucky. and was born in Washington County. September 21. 1806. His parents were the Rev. Barnabas and Sarah ( Harden) Mellenry. The father was a well-known Method- ist preacher of Kentucky. of a hundred years ago. and the mother was a daughter of Cod. John Har- den. of Revolutionary fame, who served as Live- tenant in Gen. Morgan's rifle cups during the Way for Independence, was Lieutenant Colonel of the Kentucky militia in the fight with the Mami In- dians under Gen. Hamer, and was finally killed in Onin. in 1702. by the Redskins, while advancing under a flag of truce. He was born in Fauquier Cesty. Va .. October 1, 1:53. and was a prominent Istorie chanter of the power days of Kentucky.
Judge Meileury & parents were born in With- Atom County. Van and Removed to Ko taky sont 1700, at the time of the first per siento Home in the region. Their son Mantin was usedin the old benestad farm and theted by a private tutor. When Twenty years of the me Lo. . Je tedy of Les with a Profit. not show Green Deputy Clerk of the county, and was Sinhod to the lar in November 1997 Bin
tored upon the pestice of his profession in his me- tive county. where he continued entil 1835, when be removed to Shelly ville. Shelby County. where he established himself in practice, and was after- ward appointed District Attorney of the virenit embracing the capital of the State. In 1511 he was elected to represent his district in the State Sonate. Previous to this time he was twice elected to the House of Representatives. In 1519 he was ap- pointed by the Governor as Judge of the Circuit Court. and served on the beach for several youts. Ilis residence in Des Modus dados from the autumn of 1856. Not long after his arrival be was adinit- ted to the ber of Polk County, and at oner entered upon the practice of his profession. soon winning a prominent place muong his brethren of the legal fraternity.
Judge Mellepry has been thrice married. His present wife whom he welded in January, 1811. was Miss Amelia D Merriwether. of Shelbyville, Ky. a member of the Meriwether family of Jel- ferson Courty. one of the oldest and want promi- nent families of that State. Ten children were born of their union. thing sons and seven daughters: Barnabas, the elde i. is a railroad engineer; Martin D., Jr .. was a lawyer of Des Moines, and died on the last of May. 15>>. Of the daughters. four are living: Rosa. wife of Col. Albert G. Brackett, of the United states Army. in command at It. Men- lush, Tex .; Mary F. wife of Pierer Bodley, of Louisville. Kv .: Saly and Jentb HL at home.
In August. 18:a Judge Mellemry was appointed Receiver of the Filed States Land Office of Des Meines, 1g, Presstet () seler, and serve until March, 1890. In randy Vie Le salvocted the prin- ejobs tragi by Deary { av. val voted with 11. Wir party until its di ation. since which tita Je hos brown indig mlente with strong inclination to meet the berry es. In September. 1225. br ja .. Lthe Methodis Episcop ! Plerch. of which his parents bed brow candies cine Ge fine setti- tott with that de posination over sh se covering " priiol of sixty fr. vous Dity of which he !
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Judge Mellemry has been an earnest worker in the . England in THIS, and in 1670 inved the dan . is cause of temperance, and has achieved promi- of the broad Ati ntie to become a citizen of Aner- iva. He settled in Boston. Massa but after ::: 1 removed to Roxbury, in the same State, where It's death occurred in 1731. Qui subjeet is of the fifth generation. nence in that direction. He was at one time the chief officer of the National Lodge of the Souls of Temperance, and on coming to lowa. in 18.6. organized the order in this State. While he was brought up in direct contact with African slavery. and for many years was a slave owner, he has a record in that direction which would put to shame many a loud-mouthed advocate of abolition who was willing to sacrifice the property of others while he had nothing to lose. The Judge liberated his twelve slaves, some of whom he brought with him to Des Moines, and they are still living in this city.
The Rev. Barnabas Mellenry, father of our sub- ject. was born in Washington County, Va .. Docom- her 10, 1707. and removed to Kentucky about 1790. lle and his wife, two daughters and a grand- daughter. died in June, 1833. of Asiatic cholera within a few hours of each other. Judge MeHenry was some miles distant from home at the time. but in company with a brother-in-law hurried back. ar riving in time to witness the closing stenes of the awful tragedy. and to bury their dead.
The Judge is now in his eighty-fourth year. tall and creet in form. with mental farulties well preserved, and still lively and able to do busi- ness. He is a fair type of the old-school Kentucky gentleman, of cultured mind. courteous manner, brave and warm-hearted.
OSEPH M. DORR, one of the well-known citizens of Des Moines dates hi- residenen in Polk County from December Ists, Fry men in Central Iowa are more wally le auen and none receive the esteem of their friend- in a gicater degree.
The hi tory of the life of this worthy gentle than is as follows: be was bom in Ath i Conuty. Ohio. August 18. 1823, and is a son of Brauch and Phoebe ( Ward; Davr, bet, ative- of the Fi pin State. the former barn in 1 .09. the Heter in Its. , of Valy santos. ... .. Tla that American ancestor of Da Dair family was briwend Don, who we buy in the Wayof the Dayde i fach
Baruch Dorr and wife were parents of twelve children of wlado nine. five sons and four daughters. grew to manhood and womanhood, while of these. four are living at this writing ( Iso0), namely : Mrs. Helena Winsock. a resident of Indiana; Jons int I. Joseph Mi .. and Jonas W. These of the family who passed away after reaching nature years wie Russell. Edward. Belinda, Julia and Levina. In 1835 the jaren's removed to Better County. 1 1 .. where they continu I to reside until endled freen this life. The father died Mech 1. 1911, at the age of sixty - three years, but the mother survive ? him for a long period. dying : the advanc.i . of eighty-nine years.
Up to his sixth year Joseph M. Pont, whose assist beads this sketch, resided in his native county. han from that time until eighteen years of age he spent his days upon his father's farm in Porter County. Ind. The olucational advent ges which he bel hitherto received were only such as the common schools at that time afforded. As be nearel a.m .- hood he began to realize that his lack of education would prove a divulvantage to him and he deter. mined to pursue a more extended comfy of study. but his father, Ie ving a large family depoulet upon him. for support, could not resist bin and therefore young Dor was obliged to the pend ry ... his own resources. Going to Million ( ty L.
I've fitted hing If lot for li . what he chte ha ? in that purser. Having del dimen auchelle logy of indianapolis From which the
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Fre he had long been in the city be rat and ability wie recognized by a film na pada. ale he continued to enjoy for many your help he removed with his family to Colonplo spadne. Code., where he engaged in the protection of the head procession until Jest. His health & hin hin. he was compelled to retire and sold out a huge practice to Judge Joseph M. Helm. for Supo. . instive of Colorado. Mr. Dar ley he wrote fort- mitte in his investments in real estate in Colgando. On his removal to the West he purchase tose han- died and sixty weres of land, which then adivided Colorado Springs but is now in the heart of the city. and in consequence las greatly inerused in value. The investment las indeed proved & profit- able one. It shows the excellent foresight of the owner send was the means of making him a worthy meg. He is now practicaly living at the life, set continues to devote musklerall time to look- ing after his valuable landed interests in Crimede and lowa. alternating bety won the two She's.
Just print to his admission to the La. Mr. Do.r was united in marriage with Miss Julieta B. Key- mode, daughter of Levi and Branch Repe Me. the former a native of North Carolina and the Ister of Teme-se. They were mean ings of the Sights of Friends of Workers and possessed the chan dis te virtues of that worthy people. They left their rative States when young with their respective families and settled near Richmond. Ind. hat after- ward remove I to the northern part of the white. where they reirdued unt !! e Hed Home.
Mr and Mrs. Dort have five children Mak I ... a to-Ment of Colourlo Spinge; John W resten- Sve farmer and stock dader of Walunosship. '201. 0f Enver. Com . Ilward, with was el
was at this chatier have received liberal : 1. Water in that direction. He and his wife ale ene dis essemal by a wide circle of friends and
HARLAN IBERSOL.E. proprietor of one of the leading wrest medlate of Des Moines. Was born in Catturanque County. N. Y .. Jure 15, Isth, and is a son of Peter JI. and Carrie (Handlewert Eberek. His father was born in Germany and in early life mum to the country, where be Femme sequdited with and married Miss Hazeswort. an American by birth. Having resided in New York until about the time of the breaking out of the late war, they removed to Cancela, when they ral their home unt! 1571. Con me to Polk Consti ir that year. they located not Be! City. when they will reside. By ocen- patienta ruler is scary over and has made that his bemess throughout live. They are the parents of ten living chil low fat boy and six daughters. and have wife som and a derefter deceased.
"The subject of the sketch & the third in orde" of birth in the fame's. The educational auly: n- types which he received in his youth were limited. and at the sme of six con he beg m bite for himself. simre win the times he bes mele his way in the world unidad. Having wo ked the summer at the car- pentes the le he. I've gotine Garfield. donc house on the towerath. This at lust was a land life for a ie, lett oftentimes be wankl have to drive das and ight through the: it without slech or rest. For is years he rent i in the employ of . In.
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After the expense of the journey ware inet. In found that he had only fifty cent- remaining. A stranger in a strange city. without money or friends. he was forced to accept the first position which offered itself. At length he sneers led in seeming a position with a butcher for $20 per month. but this seemed very low wages in comparison with what he had been previously receiving. Having worked for others in that Imsiness until 18 2. he opened a shop for himself at his prosent lo ation and took as a partner his brother, George W .. which connection continued until the death of the latter in 1989. Since that time Mr. Eleisole has been sole proprietor. He has one of the best markets in the city and is liberally patronized. Por fom- teen years he has been in this line of business and it is generally conceded that no one in the city keeps a better market or better prepared meats.
In Des Moines. on the 18th of Angust. 1887. Mr. Ebersole was united in marriage with Mrs. Lizzie Brewer. Iler maiden name was Foley. ard by her first marriage she had one daughter. Mr. Ehersole is a Republican in politics, but has never sought office.
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AMES WILLIAM ADAMS, a leading phy- sician of Des Moines. Towa, was born on the 26th of December. 1810. in Hendricks Comity. Ind. His father. Alevan ter Adams. who is now a resident of Indianapolis, was one of the pioneer of Hendricks County. The Doctor is the only one of three brothers whenlopd a pro- fession al career. He attended what is 2. w. Rather University, and was a sindent in that restitution when the late war broke out. Feelit . that he could no longer quietly porene Me ordic . De Majd aside his books and doesn't de ble mish in 1861. as a member of Company B. S. a. diana Infantry. After-nie to yeux# ## 8- commissioned offer he was promoted to the Full of lieutenant, and in that capsi's sensie & with his regiment quel theal of the war. With command he's wird in the Art of Vo Foarte and took part in many of the quest log det hat-
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thes of the war. He fought at Winchester under Grat Shields, participated in the second battle of Bull Run. Fredericksharp. Chancellorsville, An- ficam, South Mountain. Gettysburg and the bloody battle of the Wilderness, which laster several days. He also took part in the sige of Petersburg under tien. Grant. participating in the severe battle which resulted in the capture of the Welden Bail- road, and the immediate evarnation of Petersburg by the Confederates. On the close of the war he vas honoraldy di- barge. having faithfully de- fended his condry's honor through four long years, in which he underwent many of the hard- ships and trials of war.
Inanediately after his return home. Dr. Adams entered upon the study of medicine in Danville, the commy seat of Hendrick. County. Il., his je- ceptor being Dr. Lockhart. Later he read medi- eine in the office of Dr. Henry Cox, and was graduated from the medical department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor. In 1807. In 1881. the Doctor tool a course of lectures in Rush Medical College of Chicago, and by reading and research has become one of the best informed members of the medien? fraternity of Polk County. Soon after his graduation from the University of Michigan. he located in Prairie City, Jasper County, lowa. where he remained until his re- moval to Des Moines, in 1891.
The Doctor was married, in Juliana. to Mi- Mary 1. Cox. Banghier of Dr. Henry Cos, why is mentioned in this sketch. Unto them have bet .. lien two children. Kat and Lawnne. Dr. Adams is a skillful physician and surg. on and is Makes. He served his conting faithfully ml well during four bene years of the kte ( ix i Want and decrees all the price due to a legal mail.
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Indiana. his birth having occurred in Lawrence Comty. on the Ith of October. 1831. He is one of a family of seven children born unto John and Howuna (MeMannis) Sims. Leonard. the oldest. is now residing in Colorado; Emily is the wife of Josiah Free, a farmer of Keokuk County, lowa; Thomas J. died in Keokuk County. in 1856: W. S. is the next younger ; Alfred died in Indiana in 18 10; Samuel i. departed this life while a resident of La- hette County. Kan .; Ellington 7. is a resident of Wyandotte. Kan. In ; 1sad, the Sims family re- moved from Indiana to Keokuk County, Iowa, where the father purchased a farm of eighty acres, upon which be made his home until the breaking out of the Rebellion. In early days he was a stanch supporter of the Whig party, and although it had not been mode a political isone, was a stanch advo- vate of the cause of freedom. When the Republi- can party was formed to prevent the further ex- tension of slavery he at once joined its ranks and when the country became involved in war concern- ing that subject, although an old man, he deter- mined to do what he could for the oppressed being in the South and enlisted in the Thirty-seventh lowa Infantis. The regiment was known as the Iowa Grayheards, being formed of men too old to enter the regular service and mostly engaged in guard duty. Their service. however, was by no means an easy one and from the exposure and hardships which he endured. the death of Mr. Sims orenned. Both be and his wife were devoted memu- Ings of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He laid down his life in defaire of his country in March. 2MM, and in April of the same your his wife was called to meet the loved one gone before.
Mid play and works. the boy hood days of our subject web spent upon his father's faur, and in the common schede of the neighborhood he ac- quired his education. Thing of the mondany of fanie life. however be determined to engage in some other pap ill and on attaining his majority harnel the serpent's trade which he followed in hetians until its new oved with be- parents to lowa in 1856. He then rosaand work in that line and was going a of Isine . when the war broke out. Mr. Sim share in His father's slotition principles and when the phone of Et Sunter's gnas were heard
throughout the land. his patriotic impulses were kindled and he at once offered his services to the Government. He enlisted at the first call for troops for three months, becoming a member of Company 1. Second lowa Infantry. the regiment. however, was mustered in as three years' men and after being equipped and drilled for service was sent to Cairo, where it remained until November. 1861. when it was ordered back to St. Louis. On the 15th of February. 1862. at the battle of Ft. Donelson the Second lowa regiment made the charge and was first inside the works. The command was afterward sent to Pittsburg Landing, where for two days the Second Regiment with the brigade of which it was part. held in cheek the enemy at the Hornet's Nest. About this time Mr. Sims was taken sick and cont to the hospital at Cincinnati. Shortly afterward he received a leave of absence but subsequently rejoined his command at Corinth, Miss,, and par- ticipited in the stige against the city. In Derem- ber, 1863, he was put on detached service in the pioneer corps, then engaged in repairing and build- ing bridges, and continued to serve in that line of duty until March, 1861, when he rejoined his regi- ment at Huntsville, Ala. He marched with Sher- man on the celebrated March to the Sea and on reaching Kingston, Ga., was ordered to be mustered out of service May 28. 1861. He was sent to l'u- laski where he was discharged and received his pay in Louisville, Ky. Three long years he had spent on the bloody battle fields of the South aiding in the struggle of his country for its preservation and the liberation of its slaves.
Mr. Sims immediately returned to his home in Keokuk County. Jowa but no more resumed the ocupation of carpenter e. He embarked in farm- ing and after making sie + preparations for a home. on the 11th of October, Is88, was unite lin mar- ringe with Miss Snah Barley. a native of Tazewell County. Il .. and a daughter of William and Mary (States ) Bosley. Her parents are both now do. con ed Her mother died when she was about two vens old an I her father some years I fer. Mi. and Mrs. Sims began their domestic life in Kakak County, where They remained util 1874, when they came to Polk County. They purchased th ir prevent comfortable home on stetiva 89, Delawen.
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Township. in 1878. The land was then in a com- paratively uncultivated condition and few improve ments of any importnec had been in ale. Int they have now a pleasant residence, surrounded by beautiful shade and ornamental trees, planted and tended by their own hands and their fruit form is , one of the best in the county. Mr. Sims began setting out small fruit in 1875. and now devotes his entire time and attention to its culture. He has made it a profitable business and as he raises the finest fruits, finds a ready sale for his products. He is at sagacious and enterprising business man and by his own efforts has acquired the possessions which rank him among the prosperous farmers of the community. In politics. M. Sumos is a stalwart Republican and has been elected to various town- ship offices. the duties of which he has ever dix- charged in a faithful and able mannes. He has ever taken an active interest in educational matters and has been a member of the School Board for many years.
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By the union of Mr. and Mrs, Shus three chil- dren have been born, two sons and a daughter -- William O .. who was born in Keokuk County. Iowa. June 29th, 1869; Mary born in Polk County. April 17, 1873. and John S. also born in this county. June 29. 1882. Both parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and have lov worthy and upright lives.
weil his death. Previous to that time he had fol- lowed railroading in Vermont. New York, and Pennsylvania.
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