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 35
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Mr. Grefe is a native of Hanover, Germany. his birth having occurred on the 28th of October, 1822. His father, Andrew Grefe, died when the son was but eight years of age, after which his widow was again married. becoming the wife of Mr. Hvise. In 1848 she came to the United States accompanied by her husband and several of their children. She Several years before emigrating to the United States. Mr. Grefe was united in marriage with Miss Wilhelmine Appenrodt. also a native of llanoyer, and a daughter of Andrew Appenrodt, who was for many years engaged in the banking business. She is the only member of her father's family who ever came to America. Mr. and Mrs. Grefe are the par- ents of six children, four sons and two daughters: Angusta. the eldest, is the wife of William Davis, of Des Moines; Eda, the youngest member of the fumnily is still at home. did not long survive her removal. however, but died of cholera in Pittsburg. I'm., in 1819, about a year after her arrival in this country. She was the mother of eight children, seven of whom are living in 1890. Of that family, Albert, whose name head- this sketch. is the eldlest: Charles. the second in or- der of birth. resided with his family in New Ulm. Mion .. when the Indian massacre occurred at that place. He and his family escaped the savages and eine to Polk County. where they are now living. but his wife's father was slain by the Indians on William, the eldest son. and the second of the family in order of birth. is now engage l in the liv- cry business in this city. He was born in Hanover, Germans. in 1819, and was but a few months old that occasion. Augusta, the eldest daughter. died in Des Moines a number of years ago, leaving a family: Louise removed in 1851. with her husband to California, where she still lives. The remaining . when his parents emigrated to America. He re-
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mained in Pennsylvania, at the home of an uncle for a year after the remainder of the family comme to lowa. He was then a land of but right years of age, and alone made the journey from Pittsburg to this city on a steamer called the ".Des Moines City," being the only through passenger on the boat. The days of his boyhood and youth were here spent. and as soon as he was old enough, he began assist- ing his father in the ice business, which he continued until his father retired. William buying the busi- ness, which be continued for about four years. In 1881, he began making cement walks, which pur- suit engaged his attention until 1886, when he em- baked in the livery business. His wife was form- vily Miss Mary Hast, a native of Germany.
Albert. or "Al" as he is commonly called. is one of the leading grocery merchants of Des Moines. The town of his nativity is Brownsville, Fayette County, Pa., and the date of his birth is June 28. 1851. He was thus about four years of age when the family came to this city, where be too spent his carly life. acquiring his education in the public schools. He has been engaged in the grocery trade since 1869. at which time he became a salesman in the employ of Grefe & Weaver, the senior partner being his father, whom he represented in the bnsi- ness until 1875. when Mr. Weaver retired from the firm, and he and his father became associated. which partnership continued until 1880, since which time he has been alone. In connection with Hugo I'mfred, he also has a branch store on the enmier of Sixth and School Streets, while his main store is located on the corner of Seventh and Loenst Streets. The business was started on Third Street. where it was conducted four years, when it was removed to No. 312 Walnut Street. Seventeen years were spent at that stand, and at the expiration of that time it was removed to the present location. AlGrele was joined in wedlock with Miss Lena Widmann, of Ft. Atkinson, Jefferson County. Wis; and unto them have been born two daughters. Ruth and Bernice.
Charles Grefe, the third son of the family, is Superintendent of the First Division of the Des Moines Electric Street Railway. He was born in Brownsville. Pa., April 29, 1853. and though only three years of age at the those of the emigration of his parents to lowa, recalls many incidents of the
journey which was made by water from Pittsburg to Keokuk, and thence in covered wagons to Des Moines, reaching this city in March, 1856, Like his brothers, he was educated in the public schools of the capital city, which has been his home con- tinuously since, with the exception of one year spent in New I'hm, Min., soon after the massacre at that place. His assistance was required by his father in the iee business, which he continued until 1879, when he established a livery stable, carrying on the same until 1882, when he sold out to G. W. Messenger, after which he engaged for a consider- able time in speculating, buying building lots and erecting dwellings thereon. Between 1882 and 1886, he erceted and sold twenty-seven residences. In March of the latter year he once more resumed the livery business, but disposed of it in August fol- lowing, in order to assume the duties of Superin- tendent of the Des Moines Street Railway, to which position he had been appointed. His services were so effective and satisfactory, that when the electric system was substituted for the old method, he was retained as superintendent of the new system. This was certainly a well-merited compliment, and the success that attends his labors in the new field, at- tests the wisdom that dictated his retention as su- perintendent. On the 6th of May. 1873, Charles Grefe wedded Miss Rosetta Sovereign, daughter of Solomon Sovereign. She died July 20, 1880, and he then wedded Miss Kate Barger, daughter of Ja- cob Barger. of Des Moines. By his first marriage he has five children-Nellie, Eddie, Harry, Maud. and Rose, and by the second union a little daugh- ter. Elsie. He and his wife also lost a son, Charles, who died March 1, 1884, at the age of one year.
Theodore F., the youngest son of Albert and Wilhelmine Grefe. is the Superintendent of Agen- cies of the State Assurance Company. He was born in Brownsville. Pa. July 31, 1856, and on the completion of his literary education in the public schools, catered his father's store as a clerk. He afterward -pent two years in the machine shops of brooks. Wilson & Stein, now Wilson & Stein. after which lu resumed work in his father's store. He embarked in business for himself in Avoen Iowa. as a mereleunit. which he continued about a year when in November. 1878, he entered the employ of
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the State Assurance Company. with which he hits since been connected, covering a period of twelve years. He began at the lowest round of the lad- der. as it were, and by close application to business and strict integrity. has attained to his present ro- sponsible position. He led to the marriage altar Miss Melissa A. Miller, a native of Illinois, and a daughter of Ithamer Miller. Four children have blessed this union, three of whom are living, two daughters, and a son, Wilma, whose name is an abreviation of the grandmother's; Fred and Letha. They lost their third child, Elliott, who died at the age of a year and a half.
The four sons whose sketch we have given above. with the exception of their earliest childhood years. have spent their entire lives in Des Moines. Here they were reared to manhood, and have become successful business men and worthy and respected citizens. Their lives have been upright and honor- able, winning them the respect of all men. The father and mother are passing the evening of life in their pleasant home in Des Moines. in the enjoy- ment of the fruits of the industry and toil of former years. They and their family are well worthy a record in this volume, for they take rank among the best citizens of the community. and are num- bered among the honored pioneers.
ILL, II. JOHNSON, A. B., pastor of the Fast Side Church of Christ. was born in Bridgewater, Vt .. . Inly 11, 1861, and is a son of Richard J. and Susan (Smith) John-on. a sketch of whom we give below. When he was a lad of five years his parents left New England for the West, becoming residents of Tallula. B., where he remained until 1878, at which time he came to lowa. His primary education was received in the public schools. He possesses a stadions nature, and soon mastering the radiments of knowledge, at the age of fifteen years he entered the preparatory de- partment of the O-kalbos College, from which Institution he was graduated with the degree of A. B., in the class of 1886. Daring the last two years. in addition to the studies of the prescribed
course, be devoted himself to the study of theology, with the purpose of entering the ministry. About the time of entering college he became obedient to the faith and united with the Christian Church. Ilis early aspirations trended toward the legal pro. fession, but in riper years he decided to make the ministry his life work, and upon his graduation took charge of two congregations. respectively in Cantrill and Milton. Jowa. A year later he re- signed to accept a call from the church in Tal- lula, Ill., his old home-a pulpit that had been filled by some of the ablest theologians connected with that denomiation. After remaining in charge of the congregation for nearly two years, he re- signed to necept his present position, in January, 1888. Under his ministry the church has had a healthy growth, both financially and numerically, the membership having increased more than a hun- dred, now numbering about three hundred and fifty. Mr. Johnson has won the love of his congregation and the respect of all Christian people.
R. 11. Johnson, father of the above, was born in Washington. Ill., on the 20 of March, 1835. and was one of a family of seven children, whose par- ents were John and Martha ( McCorkle) JJohnson, the former a native of Ohio, the latter of Kentucky. The early life of our subject was spent in the usual manner of farmer lads, assisting in the cultivation of the home farm and attending the district schools of the neighborhood. His primary education was supplemented by a course in Eureka College, which he entered at the age of eighteen years. Subse- quently he became a student in Bethany College. and celebrated Independence Day. of 1859, by his graduation from that institution. Returning home he accepted a professorship in Eureka College. where he remained for three years.
About that time, on the 11th of August, 1862. Mr. Jam won was united in marriage with Sust S. Smith. a native of Bridgewater. Vt. In 1861 be removed with his young wife to Williamsville. N. Y .. where he served as Principal of the Will- iamsville Chesteal Institute for three years. The snevoeding three years of his life were spent in Luckhaven. Pas. as pastor of the Christian Church He then again cause West, and was employed a pastor of the Christian ( fourth in Tallula and Meta-
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mora, Ill., until the spring of 1878. when. removing to Oskaloosa, he took charge of that congregation in January, 1880. In the autumn of 1881 he ac- exped the Profesorship of Oskaloosa College. and in 1883 was elected President. serving until 1888. He takes rank among the leading educators of the State, and under his charge Oskaloosa College gained a wide reputation.
Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have four children, two sons and two daughters -- W. IL., G. H., Belle and Corroll.
W ILLIAM PORTER, journalist, is the oblest. newspaper man in Des Moines, having been connected with that profession for thirty- five years. In 1855, he came to the city and be- came editor and proprietor of the Nak smith, suc- ressor to the Star, the first paper published in the city, which he edited until 1860.
Mr. Porter was born in Hanging Rock, Lawrence County, Ohio, on the 22d of January, 1835, and is a son of Charles and Isabel (Courtney) Porter. His father was born in Fayette County. Pay, in 1797, and his mother, born in 1800, was a native of Nicholas County. Ky. The family is of Scotch- Irish descent, and several of the ancestry served in the Revolutionary War. In his youth our subjee! received an academic equeation,and began the study of law in Ripley. Ohio, completing the course of reading in Bluffton. He wasonly twenty-one years of age when admitted to the bar. and thinking him- self then too young to engage in practice, gave his attention to other pursuits. Previous to this time, in 1818. he began learning the printer's trade in Ripley, Ohio. completing his apprenticeship in Cin- cinnati, after which, and subsequent to his admnis- sion to the bar. he went to Vicksburg. and took charge of the Vicksburg Whig. conducting that pa- per until the spring of 1855.
and real estate dealing, but still retained his con- nection with journalism, in fact. has never entirely abandoned that pursuit. For fifteen years he was special correspondent of the Chicago Times, and has been connected with a number of other lending papers in the same capacity. In politics, Mr. Por. ter is a stanch Democrat, and takes a deep interest in the success and welfare of his party, but has never sought or desired political distinction. Dur- ing bis carlier residence in this city. he was once prevailed upon to accept the office of Justice of the Peace. but resigned. For a year he was Register of the United States land office in Des Moines, but though engaged in other pursuits, has never wholly laid aside his journalistie work, having been con- timvously connected with the leading newspapers of the country, either editorially or as a corres- pondent. Ile was a reporter in the Iowa Legisla- tune for many years, during which time he formed an extensive acquaintance with many of the lead- ing statesmen and legislators.
On the 18th of June. 1857. in Des Moines, Mr. Porter wedded Miss Harriet M. Haskell, daughter of Noah D. and Nancy Haskell. She was born in Boston, Mass, and on her father's side is descended from an oldl New England family of Puritan origin, while on her mother's side she is of French descent. Three children, one son and two daughters, have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Porter: Harry C., the eldest. married Anna Wheaton. and is now residing in Chicago; Mary is the wife of Albert Vasey. a large stock dealer of Grundy County ; and Edna, who is twenty years younger than her sister. com- pletes the family. Mr. Porter is a member of the Presbyterian Church. with which his people bave been connected for many generations past.
0 TTO NELSON, of Des Moines, is the State binder and manager of the Swedish paper Brithind. the only paper in lowa published traditional same given to a part of Asia Minor and Central Sweden. The paper known by that naine was established in 1×83, by our subject. Attempt-
On the Ith of May, of that year, Mr. Porter reached Des Moines, and purchasing the paper, , in the Swedish language. The name Seithiod is a changed the name to Fare State Jo raad, conduct- ing it under that name for three or four years. On selling out, he gave his attention to law geneticef
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had been made in Burlington, Sheld m and especi- ally in Sioux City. to establish an organ for the Swedish population in their own Imguage in the State, bat up to that time noattempt had been sue- cessful. The Seither was a six column folio until February 1. 1889, when it was enlarged to eight pages, the columns seventeen inches long. Its founder organized a company known as the Swed- ish Publishing Company of Des Moines, which was incorporated October 25, 1886, and continued the publication of the paper to the present time. The officers and Board of Directors were C. 1. Dahl- berg. President; John A. Rustan. Vice-President ; E. P. Frisk, Secretary ; Lewis Stohlgren, Treasurer: Otto Nelson, Manager, and Gus Newlen, George Hanson and P. M. Dahlgren. Directors. The com- pany extended the length of the columns to twenty inches December 23, 1886, but continued it as an eight page paper. Since the foundation of the Srithiod five persons have been employed as editors none. however, owned shares or were financially interested in the paper. This accounts in part for the many changes, but the principal reason was that the editors differed from the manager as to true Republican principles. Mr. Nelson has proved an able manager and the success of the paper is largely due to him. He has not only performed the duties of his office, but has filled almost every position connected with it that the paper might be published on time and be complete in every part. It fills a long felt want and is rapidly increasing in circula- tion.
Otto Nelson. the manager, is deserving of more extended mention in this volume. lle was born in Karr. Ulrika. Sweden. on the 1 1th of November. 1813, and is a son of Nils Johan and Katarina Margueritta (AAbratran-on) Nelson. Ho was eon- cated in the military school in his attive country and served six years in the Swedish Army. In 18GT, he emigrated to America and made his home for a time in Swedesburg. Henry County. lowa. In 1850, he came to Des Moines and learned the book bind- er's trade with Cartet & Hussey. in the employ of which Grm he remained thirteen year -. In 1858. he established the Swelich paper. Seitl'a, as before mentioned and has continued its management until the present time. He was elected Slade binder in
1888, and in 1890 was re-elected. Ile is a stanch Republican in politics and white a resident of Swedesburg, Henry County, helped to secure the establishment of a post-office at that place in 1x6 ?. and served as deputy postmaster.
On the 20th of December, 1871. in Des Moines. Mr. Nelson was joined in wedlock with Miss Al- frida Jonson. a daughter of Jonas Jonson, and a na- tive of Sweden. She came to America in 1869, and died at her home in this city, January 4, 1881. leaving . two children, daughters-Jennie Amelia. and Selma Katarina. Mr. Nelson is a court? o gentleman and a successful journalist.
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ICHARD L. STUART, M.D., is a native of Jowa, and is now one of the leading prac- titioners of her Capital City. He was born in Ft. Madison on the 10th of May, 1855, and his father, Dr. James Stuart, was a pioneer physician of Lee County. He was born in Ken- tucky. but in his youth removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he received his medieal training in the Physio-Medical College of that city. He was mar- ried in Ohio after which he emigrated to Lee County. Iowa in 1850, where he engaged in the practice of his profession until his deccase. After practicing for many years, desiring to keep pace with the progress made in the science of medicine. in 1858, he returned to Cincinnati to attend lectures and while there was prostrated with sickness which sud- denly terminated his life. He left at death a wife and three children, two sons and a daughter. Henry Clay, the oldest. is now general manager of the Toronto (Canada) Insurance Company, and makes his home in Des Moines. The daughter. Lucia. who is the youngest of the family. is the wife of Mr. James Welch of this city.
The subject of this sketch has made his own way in the world since the age of thirteen yomis. at which time he entered the office of the Oskaloosa How'd as an apprentice to the trade of a printer. He continued in that office for about two and a half years and in the meantime had decided to I qualify himself for the medical profession. In fact,
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he had even entered on a conse of reading with that object in view. When his term of apprentice- ship as a printer had expired. be went to Keokuk. lowa, where for three and a half years he was a stu- dent in the College of Physicians and Surgeons in that city, his first preceptor being Dr. J. C. Hughes, while later he continued his studies under the di- rection of Dr. M. J. Augier of Ft. Madison. Ho was awarded the degree of M.D. by the College of Physicians and Surgeons and soon after his gradu- ation located in Solon, Johnson County, where he engaged in practice for about a year. at the end of which time he opened an office in Ft. Madison, After practicing for a time in his native city, he believed that he might better his condition by a re- moval further westward and located in Denver, Col .. where he remained until 1881. During two years of that time he was connected with the medi- val department of the county hospital.
On the 5th of September, 1888, Dr. Stuart was united in marriage with Miss Paulina D. Sinn, daughter of Frederick Sinn, one of the carly settlers of Polk County. They now have a little daughter, Corinne. The Doctor's residence in Des Moines dates from 1884, and in the short period of time which has since elapsed he has succeeded in secur- 1 ing a liberal practice. His office is located on Cot- tage (Grove A venue where he has purchased valuable property and be is now permanently connected with the medical fraternity of Polk County. Dr. Stuart is a gentleman of culture, a snecessful and popular physician and an energetic and progressive citizen. He is a member of both the State and National Medical Associations, and is also an hon- ored member of the Order of the Ancient Free and Accepted Macon.
ARRISON LYON, dow ased, one of the early settlers of East Des Moines, was born in Madison. Ind .. on the 16th of October, 1811. his parents having croissatel from Pennsylvania to the State in an early day. He received only such educationd advantages as the ,
common schools at that time afforded. but through- out life he was a constant reader and always kept himself well informed on the leading issues of the day, taking an active interest in public affairs. Having attained to mature years, Mr. Lyon, in Morgan County. Ind., in 1812, led to the marriage altar Miss Sarah N. Bonner.
While a resident of his native State, Mr. Lyon engaged in milling and farming, but in 1850, he came with his family to the West for the purpose of making a home in Iowa. The journey to this State was made in a carriage and consumed many days. In 1852, he came to this city and purchased a large tract of land which comprises the greater part of the site of East Des Moines. His first home was a one-story frame house built on Capitol Hill, where the capitol now stands. No man according to his means did more for the upbuilding of the city and received less credit for it than Mr. Lyon. He donated almost one-half of the capitol grounds, with his own means built the first schoolhouse in East Des Moines, was largely instrumental in lo- cating the capitol on the east side and favored every worthy enterprise calenlated to npbuild the city and promote its welfare. Lyon's Addition to Des Moines was platted by him in 1856 and the street running through that addition bears his name. When the Methodist Society of East Des Moines was to build a house of worship, he furnished the lot and gave liberally of his means toward the en- terprise. His time was spent in the management of his city and farm property, which was quite ex- tensive. He supported the Democratic party but took no active part in political affairs.
In 1861. Mr. Lyons was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 14th of No- vember of that year. She united with the Wesley Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church at its organi- zation and continued one of its faithful members until her death. Mr. Lyon survived his wife many years, dying on the 20th of March, 1885. In their family were seven children-Thomas B .: Eliza .I .; Margaret E .. wife of D. C. Senteny : Amanda, who died at the age of twenty two; Franklin who died at the age of thirty -ning; John, a resident farmer of this comity. and isdaard, who died in infancy.
Mr. Lyon was a loan of marked indiviladig. un .
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LAMBERT STERNBERG.
MRS. RUVINA STERNBERG.
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swerving in his defense of the right and unceasing in his opposition to wrong. He had the respect of all who knew him and did much for the city's in- terest, but has never received due credit for his Ja- bors.
Henry Clay Senteny, son-in-law of Mr. Lyon and one of the leading business men of Des Moines. is a native of Ohio. He was born in the Grant neighborhood of Clermont County, on the 2th of May, 1830, and spent the days of his boyhood and youth in the Buckeye State. Having attended the common schools until the age of sixteen years he then entered Shelbyville College. but not long afterward the school broke up in confusion and he went to Louisville, Ky., where he obtained a posi- tion as clerk, continuing to serve in that capacity until 1853, when he opened a book store. Ill health forced him to sell ont and he went to Indiana, but in 1858, returned to Kentucky. Three years later, at the beginning of the war, he enlisted in Com- pany A. Twenty-eighth Kentucky Regiment and on its organization was placed on the regimental staff as Sergeant Major, but during the last two years of his service was Acting Adjutant. For some time he was engaged in guard duty in Kon- tucky and Tennessee, but Inter participated in the battle of Chattanooga, all the engagements of the Atlanta campaign and a number of others of im- portance. Fortunately he escaped without injuries and at the close of the war was honorably dis- charged, having faithfully performed his duty through four Jong years of service.
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