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 30
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the superior conris, his high character for integrity and learning, and the general aptitude he had dis- played for the beach, singled him out as the proper person to fill a vacancy in the Supreme Court, which occurred before his term as Circuit Judge had expired.
Accordingly at the Republican State Convention held in Des Moines in August. 1870, Judge Miller was nominated with scarcely any opposition, as the Republican candidate to fill the vacancy occasioned Is the resignation of the lon. John F. Dillon. who had been re-elected Supreme Judge to fill the term beginning January, 1870. but who had declined to qualify because appointed by the President one of the new Circuit Judges of the United States. In view of his nomination Judge Miller was appointed by the Governor, and at the ensuing October elec- tion was chosen by the people for the office of Supreme Judge, his torm expiring in January, 1876. In accordance with a provision of the con- stitution requiring the judge having the shortest teun to act as Chief Justice. Judge Miller dis- charged the duties of that position from January 1. 1871. to the expiration of his term. In the spring of 1871 he became connected with the Law De Partment of the State University as the successor of Judge Wright, and served until June, 1875. when he resigned, lecturing at stated intervals dur- ing each cause on the topics of criminal law, ageney. the law of partnerships and of private cor- porations.
While not engaged in more important official duties. Judge Miller has Hardly ever been allowed to rest from the cares of local office, which pro- claims the catcom in which his neighbors hold him. He was for three years a member of the municipal government of Iowa City. having been elected a member of the City Council from the Second Wand in 1851 and 1856, and from the Fourth Wird in | 1807. He has adway - taken a deepinterest in pub- he enterprises, especially of an educational char- after. and it was by his exertions mainly. while eting in the capacity of Alderman and & Clair- man of the committee on selabs. in 1800, that the ; first three school Buildings in Iowa City wer se. Fred, at a time when she lead no chool buildings of any kind.
In the spring of 1873, for the convenience of having easy access to the archives of the Supreme Court and to the State Library, whose volumes must often he consulted by the Supreme Judges. he removed with his family to Des Moines. At the expiration of his term of office on the Supreme Bench he returned to the practice of law in this city, and enjoyed a liberal patronage until the fall of 1883, when having become seriously afflicted with deafness. he was compelled to abandon the legal profession. In the spring of 1881, he re- moved from Des Moines to his farm in Story County, but the work resulted in a serious illness, which entirely disabled him for any manual labor, and in the spring of 1886 he returned to this city, where he has since resided, having exchanged his farm for Des Moines real estate. Since his return he has been connected with the Western Mutual Aid Society, an assessment life insurance company until February, 1890, when it was consolidated with another company.
Judge Miller early adopted his father's religions views, and remains to this day a consistent. sincere and working member of the Methodist Church, and according to his ability, has always had as open and full a palm for the worthy poor as any Christian brother, while his benevolent disposition is also attested by his long connection with the great orders of Free Masons and Odd-Fellows. He was initiated into the mysteries of Masonry in Jowa City Lodge, No. 1. September 5. 1802, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on the 9th of the stone month. He was exalted in Iowa City Royal Arch Chapter, No. 2. January 15. 1870, and Knighted on the 4th of March following in Palestine Commandery.
In stature Judge Miller is five feet six inches, in weight one hundred and seventy pounds. His hair is black. with an inclination to curl. his com- plexion dark, his eyes clear gray. In his constitu. lion the temperaments are nicely blended. with a slight prodominance of the sanguine. yielding a disposition of singular evenness and gentleness. As might be inferred. hi- prominent elenaeleri-ties her firmantes and per-vendre. In promet he i. cheerful and urban, willing to liter of alle to falk, rather disposed to gravity them gaiety. In
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the war, Judge Miller proved himself a brave and judicious commander. looking to the welfare and comfort of those under him rather than to his own. As a judge, patient in investigation, dis criminating in judgment, compassionate in sentence. his decisions were accepted as final and just. = we follow him to the fireside or to the social cirele. we find the traits of character distinguishing him in official position still ascendent, but tempered to the occasion. As friend, husband, parent. son or brother. he more than fulfills every obligation of duty. As a citizen, a civic functionary or a mili- tary officer, duty has been the pivot on which every action turned.
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HARBACH, proprietor of the Capital City Bottling Works and a resident of Des Moines since 1857, was bom in Michel- bach. Nassau. Prussia, on the Ist of October, 1831. and is a son of William and Wilhelmina (Miller) Harbach. His paternal grandfather was the man- ager of an extensive foundry and machine shop. and lived to the advanced age of eighty-two years. while his wife reached the age of eighty years. Four sons and three daughters comprised the fan !- ily, and two of their sons married sisters of the Miller family. By one of those marriages our sub- jeet was born, while Louis Harbach, one of the most prominent business men of Des Moines, was born of the other.
William Harbach was born in Prussia in 1sug, and in early life learned the shoemaker's trade. It which he afterwards did an extensive business. and in addition, was the owner of constable red. .. tate. From 1822 until 1856 he held the position of County Trensmer, being succeeded in office by his son, who still hold- the position. He died in 1870. and seven years later his wife, who was born in 1-05. passed away. Both were member of the Lutheran Church and highly respected people.
leaving a wife and children to mourn his loss. Hay- ing attended school until fontteen years of age. F. Harbach then learned the shoemaker's trade in his father's shop. where he served an apprenticeship of three years. Having then mastered the business. be went to Frankfort-on the Main, where he worked at his chosen occupation until 1854. The time drew near for enlistments into the army, but as he was a high number. it was evident that he would not have to serve. and the same year, therefore. ac- companied by his cousin. Louis, before referred to. he sailed for the United States. Janding in Mobile. Ala. He spent a period of seven months in that city, working at his trade, and afterwards was employed in a like manner in Louisville. Ky .. from which place he made his way to St. Louis, Mo. Only a short time elap-ed, however, ere he resumed his journey. and in July, 1857. ar- lived in Des Moines. After working at the bench for a short time, he became foreman in the employ of Charles Corning, and continued working for others outil 1861. when he opened a shop for him- self, and two years later admitted into partnership Fred HInddenlocher. In 1864 they started for Virginia City, Mont .. with $3,000. and at the ex- piration of nineteen months returned with $9,000. After the capital was divided. in 1566. in company with Philip Nan. Mr. Harbach embarked in the to- bacro business. the first establishment of the khul in the city. After six months, he bought out bis partner, and in 1867 formed a connection with his brother, Charles Haibach. the partnership continu- ing until the death of the latter, in the year 1882. They did an extensive business, but the same year Mr. Harbach sold out and purchased prop- arty in the year of Nos. 512 and 511 West Walnut Street, where he establi hed the Capital City Bot- thing Works
I: Des Moines, on the 20th of August. 1-60. Mr. Harbach was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary Schneider, a native of Marklisse, Plus-in. She came with her parents to America when a mailen of thirteen statuts. Both her parents have now passed away: the father died in Des Moines, at the age of eighty-fem Seara sa fer mother when seventy-eight years of age. T . M.
Our sideet is one of seven children, but, with the exception of one brother. has been the only representative of the family in America. Charles- crossed the ocean in 1861. and died in Des Moines., and Mrs. Harbach have Fun fun fve chiteen -
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Anna, Frank. Agnes. Minnie and George. The mother is a member of the Catholic Church, but. the children belong to the Lutheran Church. L'util 1884 Mr. Harbach supported the Republican party. casting his first Presidential vote for Abra- ham Lincoln. but since that time has been an ad- vocate of the Democracy. Socially. he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and Turner Society, and has the honor of having. in 1857. organized the first Turner Society in Des Moines, He is also the organizer of Myrtle Lodge. No. 9, K. of P., in 1871, and is Treasurer of both societies. For a third of a century he has made this city his home, and is well known as a prudent. straightfor- ward business man, well worthy of the esteem of all.
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NDREW ANDERSON. proprietor of the East Side planing-mill. well deserves rep- resentation in this volume, as he is num- bered among the leading business men and representative citizens of Des Moines. His hirth ocenrrel near Christiana. Norway. November 25. 1825, his parents being Andrew and Anna (Jon- seud) Anderson. both of whom were natives of Norway, where they spent their entire lives. Hlis father was a carpenter and wheelwright by trade, and owned a small farm near Christiana, where his nine children were born and reared. Seven of the family are now living. aud five of the number be- came residents of America.
At ap carly age the subject of this sketch en- tered his father's shop. where he learned the car- peuter's trade; and his educational tolvantage were : therefore limited. being confined to such opportu- tunities as the common school afforded. At the age of twenty-two he was drafted into the army, ' and while serving his Government he was also ! serving himself a good turn by spending hi lejeni hours in study and reflection, thus lean ing a well -informed man. Owing to his exellent con- duet soul studions habits he was given a lot com- . missione office, and after crying for ment five years intitioned fi a diselenge that he paglit come to the United States, which was greatful.
On the 25th of March, 1852, Mr. Anderson wedded Marie Eid, a native of Norway, and in April they sailed for America. Locating in Medi- son, Wis .. he worked for several years by the day until the breaking out of the Civil War, when he was offered a commission as Lieutenant in a Wis. consin regiment, but having a family of small chil- dren dependent upon him for support, declined the proffered honor. In 1867 he began contracting as the leading member of the firm of Anderson. David- son & Co., which built the Insane Asylum at Madi- son, and in 1868 erected the Blind Asylum at Janesville. He removed to the latter city, and in connection with his work as a contractor operated a planing-mill under the firm name of Anderson, Harvey & Co., for some time. Having sold out. he turned his attention to architecture for a mim- her of yeats, during which time he furnished the plans for the rebuilding of the institute for the blind at Janes ville and other important works. In 1876 he visited the Centennial Exposition in Phila- delphia, and also visited his old home and native land. On his return he spent some time in Ben- trice, Neb., engaged in architectural work, after which he came to Des Moines. in 1880, but as business was dull in that line. he entered into part- nership with two of his countrymen in the opera- tion of a planing-mill, which after two years he sold out. He then made purchase of a lot, and huilt his present will, which is one of the best in the city and furnishes employment for some twenty hands. He also takes contracts for building, and in both branches of his industry has gained a wide reputation.
In 1871 Mr. Anderson was called upon to moni the loss of his wife, who died in slaneville, Wi ... December 10, Paving -ix children, namely: 11- bert. Martin A .. Bertha A .. Carl A .. Isaac mal Marie. While in Beatrice, Neb .. he was again married, Jolruna Giinde becoming his wife, in 1879. They have had three children-Benjamin O., who died at the age of three years; Margaret and Alice JI. The parents are both members of the Lutheran Church, and take on active part in the promotion of its interests. Mr. Andersen is a member of the Board of The'vesamiof the Building Conduitter of the Lutheran Colleges bereich.
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LA Mark
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Iowa, and in politics is a Republicm. He is com. fortally supplied with this world's goods, and has the satisfaction of knowing that his possessions have resulted from his own industry and the care- ful hushanding of his resources. As a citizen, ho is public-spirited and progressive. in business deal- ings he is upright and honorable, and hi- lin has been such as that all who know him tender bim their high regard, combined with expressions of good-will.
OIIN A. NASI, D.D., a distinguished pio- neer Baptist minister of Central Jowa. and an eminent educator, was born in the town of Sherburne. Chenango County, N. Y .. on the 11th of July, 1815. He is a son of John and Elizabeth (Peck) Nach. The family from which he is descended was founded in America in 1619. by Edward Nash, who came from Strafford. Eng- land, and settled near Norwalk, Conn. The pater- nal grandfather of our subject was born near that city, and died in the same house where his birth occurred, at the unusual age of nearly one hundred years. John Nash, father of our subject, was born in Norwalk, Conn., in July. 1780, was a farmer by occupation and married Miss Elizabeth Peck. His death, which occurred July 2, 1820, resulted from the bite of a small spider. He left a widow and eight children, three sons and five daughters. John, Jr. was the sixth child, and was but five years of age at the time of his father's death. In each generation, from Edward Nach to the present. there bas been a son John. our subject being the seventh. On the mother's side. the Reds were from New Jersey, and originally resided in New England.
After the death of his father. the Boy. Mr. Nach went to reside with an aunt in theen County, where he was reared on a farm, receiving the edu- cational advantages of a country school and the benefit of early religious instruction. He united with the Baptist Church when twenty three gore of age, and in 1836, when a young nem of twenty- one, entered the preparatory department of the
Madison I'niversity, at that time a leading Baptist school of the State. He was graduated from the University in 1812, and from the Theological Seminary in 1814. In August of that latter year he was ordained, and was assigned to the pastorate of the Baptist Church at Watertown, N. Y., where he served six years. In the meantime, on the 9th of July, 1816, he wedded Mass Christiana 1. Cal- houn, who was born near Rochester. N. Y., in 1823. and belonged to an early New Hampshire family. Her father was distantly related to the distinguished John C. Calhoun, of South Carolina. The Indy was an invalid at the time of her marriage, and with the hope of improving her health by a change of air, Mr. Nash brought her to lowa, in the autumn of 1850, and settled in Des Moines, Janu- ary 3, 1851. His wife, who was suffering from consumption, died the following February.
Mr. Nash came to lowa under the auspiers of the American Baptist Home Mission Society, and up to the time of his wife's death was engaged in mission work. On his arrival in Des Moines he proceeded to organize a Baptist society, which he perfected at a meeting held in the court-honse on the 18th of February . 1851. He was elected Pastor with a salary of $150 per annum, the church to pay $50 of thet amount. The best thing necessary was to provide a place of worship. Efforts were at once made to erect a church, but the society was weak and many difficulties arose. For six years W. Nash strove to complete the meeting house. h. hanling the material and doing the manual work, at the same time encouraging offers to do their ntinost. After a severe struggle the church was completed, and dedicated March 16, 1856.
In the meantime Mr. Nach succeeded in another " Important enterprise. He was married in Augusta. Lee County, on the 15th of March, 1855, to Mis Mary E. Hepouru. a daughter of James Hepburn. She was born in Oken. N. Y .. and is a lady of cul ture and retirement. Her father was a native of Pennsylvania, and big mother, where meiden name var Roxanna Simmons, sa- of Canadaiqua, N. Y. Sim came to love with her parents in 1850. Syn after the completion of the church. the fund . of 1857 sol in. and it was all the members of the little congregation at Des Moines could do to pro
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vide for their families without paying a salary to the minister. In Je5%, with the assistance of his wife. Mr. Nash opened a little private school, where hoth acted as teachers, and the tuitions received, though small, helped out, with Mr. Nash's meagic salary. to provide for their modest wants. When the salary failed the future looked dark, but with true Christian fortitude they did not lose heart. It was settled that by their united efforts the church and Sunday-school should go on the same as usual. About this time. when there seemed lit- the to brighten the future. a few of the parishioners proposed that Mr. Nash teach twelve of then sons for $50 each. thus giving him an income of $600 a year. The welcome proposition came like a flood of sunshine after a storm. The arrangement was perfected and the school opened. From this pro- vidential beginning grew the Forest Home Semi- nary, which ultimately resulted in the establishment of the I'niversity of Des Moines, an institution of : learning which is conducted under the auspices of the Baptists of lowa, and of which Dr. Nash was the financial head some four years during its in- fancy. He was President for three years conse- eutively, and was again elected in 1877. and served about two years. From the time the Doctor and his wife established the Forest Home Seminary until his retirement from active work as instructor in the university, covers a period of thirty years. During the earlier years he was ably assisted by bis talented wife.
In addition to his educationat work. Dr. Nash was also active in the discharge of his ministerial duties. While the country was now be seen- plished a large amount of mission work. which in- cluded the organization of some thirty elmehr in Central and Western lowa. He served in ne av of " them, saul his constant labor as pastor of the First Baptist Church of Des Moines continual fifteen years. from 1851 mutil 1866, when he n signed. For the last three years of his life he served as pastor of the Forest Avenue Baptist Church. br- side performing much outside duty, at futterais nud weddings.
l'hiver-ity, studied law and is now a practicing attorney of Audubon, lowa, married Miss Ger- trude Russell, of that place, by whom he has two children-Beatrice, born ,June 11, 1881, and Gret- chen, August 25, 1883; Jennie C., the eldest daughter, boin April 7, 1856, is the wife of the Rev. C. J. Rose, of Oberlin. Obio, and they have two children-Jolm A .. born July 6, 1881, and Marion, May 6, 1889; Netta M., born Jane 14. 1858, is now the wife of John MacVicar, of Des Moines, and the mother of two children- Mary, born July 27, 1855, and Marjorie, August 21, 1887; Harriet M., the youngest of the family, is ummarried and resides at home. All the chil- dren were born in Des Moines, and were educated at the I'niversity.
Dr. Nash was a Whig in emily life, but being imbued with the broad spirit of human liberty. his sympathies were with the anti-slavery agita- tors from the start, and on the formation of the Republican party he attached himself to that organization. From early boyhood he had taken a firm stand in favor of the cause of temperance. and has been an active worker in that cause con- tinuously since, both in New York and lowa. and of late years has been identified with the National Prohibition party. He was persuaded to accept the nomination for Congress in 1884, but his party being in the minority he was defeated. although he received more than his party vote. Prior to that time he was elected and served one term is Super- intendent of the Polk County Schools. closing his term of office January 1. 1871. In 1812 the Columbus University conferred the degree of A. B. on Mr. Nash; in 1815 he received the degree of A.M. from the Madison University; and in 1870, the degree of D.D. from the Chiesgo University. In this brief sketch it is not possible to do justice to the mummy virtuies and successful life work of this worthy laborer in the Lout's vineyard. He has made one continuous effort in the interest of education, religion sud temperance. Gifted with an carrest. vigorous mental force. a good com- mand of language and & deep and abiding piety. he was well adapted to the work that fell to his lol. He has been a student all his life, as well as
The Doctor and Mrs. Nach bad for chil Ire 1. 1 som and three daughters Jolm A .. Ir. who was born May 9. 1851. eduded in the De Montes ! a teacher and divine, and possessed of culture of
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a high order and fine literary ability. Cordial. courteous and unassuming. he has candlepred him- self to his fellow-citizens, regardless of political views or religions faith to a degree that reflects the highest honor upon him as a man. a teacher and a clergyman.
Since the above was written the Rev. Dr. Nash has crossed the dark river and is forever at rest. His death was the result of a serious accident that befell him, November 11, 1889, at Polk City. While attempting to board a moving train he was knocked from the platform, sustaining a fracture of the thigh bone of the right leg near the hip. He was brought to his home in Des Moines, where he lay motionless for twelve weeks, exhibiting the most remarkable fortitude and cheerfulness. At his advanced age the long strain upon his vitality was too great, and he quietly passed away on the evening of February 11. 1890. in his seventy-fifth year. His funeral occurred the following Sabbath. and was very largely attended by as sincere a body of mourners as ever followed the dead to their last resting place. All felt that they had lost a per- sonal friend. To many he bore the relation of pastor and instructor. but all knew him as a sin- cere Christian, a true friend and an honest and pure man.
HARLES A. RYDEN. shipping clerk of the Department of Secretary of State. was born in Ryda Parish, in Southwestern Sweden. on the !th of March, 1836, and is a son of Anders Anderson. The days of his boyhond and south were spent mpon his father's farm. and in carly life he received a liberal education. Having attained to mature years. in 1937. he emigrated to America, and for a thue engaged in farming near Pimceton. Il. On the breaking out of the late war he was among the first to respond to the call of his adopted country for aid card enlisted in defence of the Union on the Isth of April. Istt. only five days after the living upon of Ft. som er. He was sworn into the United States service as a three months' volunteer, and asigned to company 1 ; he is a member of Kingum Post. No. 7, 6. A. R.,
Twelfth Regiment Hinois Infantis. No sooner had the first term expired than he enlisted in the same company and regiment for three years' ser- vive, and on the 1st of January, 1861, he veteran- ized with the other members of the company, and remained as a defender of the stars and stripes un- til the war was ended and the country once more at peace. He was in active service from the begin- ning, and participated in some of the most impor- tant campaigns of the war. He took part in the capture of Ft. Donelson, in the battles of Shiloh and Corinth, and in the Atlanta campaign, includ- ing Sherman's celebrated march to the sea, and ending with the engagement at Bentonville. N. C., the last regular battle of the war. le met with no serions accident, but was twice slightly wounded. Ile was mustered out on the 10th of July, 1865, in Louisville, Ky., having served four years and three months. Never was he known to shick a task im- posed upon him, but was always found at his post faithful to his duty.
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