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 36
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In 1867, Mr. Senteny went to Chicago. Il .. where he engaged in the wholesale saddlery. leather and hardware business with the firm of Grant & Mclean until the disastrous fire of 1871 occurred - which burned their entire store with all its contents. in fact consumed everything but the clothing which they 'wore. It was during a business trip to Des Moines that he met Miss Lyon. to whom he was married in November, 1872. Five years later he located permanently in this city, since which time he has been connected with the Hawkeye Insurance Company, covering a period of eleven years. He is a competent business man as evinced by the fact that he has so long remained with one company. Socially, he is a member of the Ancient Order of { prospered, acte after were was cleared, plowed and
United Workmen, and in politics is independent. voting not for the party but for the man who he thinks will best discharge the duties of the office and care for the interests of the people.
AMBERT STERNBERG, deceased, was for many years a promment and influential citi- zen of Polk County. and is therefore well worthy of representation in this volume. He was born in the Empire State. in the month of June. 1800, and was the son of Marquis and Nancy (Mabce) Sternberg. The Sternberg family is of Holland origin but the mother of our subject was born of German parents. The early life of our subject passed uneventfully but his later years were ones of industry. enterprise and business activity. He made farming his life occupation and in connection with that business dealt extensively in stock. After following farming in his native State, in 1853 he purchased a store which he man- aged until March, 1855. when he placed it in charge of his son and emigrated to lowa, coming to this State for the purpose of loaning money and buying land warrants. As it seemed a favorable opening he returned to New York the same fall and made preparations for permanent location in Iowa, which he carried into effect the following spring. ile purchased one thousand acres of land in Beaver Township, Polk County, and in 1857, was joined by his family, they becoming early settlers of this part of the State. Upon his land stood an old building. part of the structure being frame, while the remainder was made of logs. This the family took possession of and their new life in the far West commenced. Mr. Sternberg and his sons gave their attention to the development and im- provement of a farm. while the mother and daugh- ters attended to the waits and comforts of weary travelers. their home being a station on the stage line and being the principal traveled road to Des Moines, during the first winter, when the Inws Legislature was in session, they cleated $1.000 as the result of their labors. The outdoor work also
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planted and in the course of time yielded abundant harvests. Thrift and enterprise was everywhere manifest, and by the joint efforts of parents and child en a handsome competence was acquired and they became numbered among the substantial citi- zens of Polk County.
Mrs. Sternberg's maiden name was Rubina Stern- berg, but she and her husband were not related. Their marriage was celebrated in 1821 and unto them was born a family of nine children, seven of whom are yet living : Jane resides with her mother in Mitchellville; Mary is the wife of Charles Reed, of Huron, S. Dak .; Rebecca is the widow of Jacob Crouse and resides in Los Angeles, Cal .; Marquis is the next younger; De Kalb is engaged in agri- cultural pursuits in Colorado; Jay is a miller of the same State; and Lambert is a farmer of Beaver Township, this county. The oldest and youngest of the family are deceased.
Mr. Sternberg was widely known throughout this community and was one of the representative farm- ers of the county. He lived a life of uprightness in accordance with the teachings of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he was long a faithful member. Politically, he was an advocate of Demo- cratie principles. He died at his home in December. 1970. respected by all who knew him, and his loss occasioned deep regret on the part of many. Mrs. Sternberg, a most estimable lady, still survives her husband and although she has reached the advanced age of eighty-four years is still in the enjoyment of a good degree of health. She and her daughter Jane are now residing in Mitchellville, where they have a beautiful! home, surrounded by all the com- forts and many of the luxuries of life.
OL. EDWARD MARTINDALE is an al- toney and counselor-at-law and one of the well-known citizens of Des Moines. He was born in Sandy Hill. Washington County. N. Y., in 1817, and is a son of Heury C. Martindale. llis father was a native of Massachusetts, a lawyer by profession, and a man of marked ability and the strictest integrity. He was descended from an early
New England family, well known in the Colonial history of Massachusetts, and was a worthy repre- sentative of his illustrious ancestors. In political sentiment he was an old-time Whig, who exerted inneh influence in the councils of his party, and for twelve years was a member of Congress from the State of New York. He was twice married, his first union being with Minerva Hitchcock, who also belonged to one of the early New York families. She died when our subject was a mere child, after which Mr. Martindale married Miss Olivia F. Ewell, a daughter of Dr. James Ewell, and cousin of the noted Gen. Ewell, of the Confederate Army. Of the first marriage were born eight children, live of whom, two sons and three daughters, attained to manhood and womanhood. Edward is the younger of the brothers. The elder, John Henry, became Gen. Martindale, and attained honor and distinct- ion in the War of the Rebellion. He was born in Sandy Hill, N. Y., March 20, 1815, graduated sec- ond in his class in the United States Military Acad- emy of West Point. in 1835, and was appointed to the engineers, but resigned in 1836, and soon aft- erward entered upon the study of law. In 1838 he located in Batavia, N. Y., where he engaged in the practice of his profession until 1851, when he re- moved to Rochester, N. Y., and continued practice in that city until 1861. In August, of that year, Mr. Martindale was appointed Brigadier General of volunteers, and commanded a brigade in Porter's Corps during the Peninsular campaign of 1862, under Gen. MeClellan. He fought gallantly and we'll in nearly all the battles of the famous cam- paign, and severely censured the commanding gen- cial, as did other leading officers, for not advancing on Richmond after the battle of Malvern Hill, where the Confederates were severely defeated and badly demoralized. For this critician he was called to account. but his course was vindicated, and in November. of the same year. he was made Military Governor of the District of Columbia, where he continued until the opening of the final campaign. In May. 1561. he joined the Eighteenth Army Corps, which became united with the Army of the Peloise. and fought under Gen. Grant in the ter- rille battle of Cold labor, on the first three days of June, 1881. and was engaged in the siege of Pe-
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tersburg. He first commanded a division, and later succeeded to the command of the Eighteenth Corps. but resigned owing to impaired health, on the 13th of September, 1861. returning to his home in Ro- chester, N. Y.
The subject of this sketch, Edward Martindale. was reared to manhood in his native village. At the age of seventeen years he entered I'nion Col- lege, from which he was graduated three years Jater. He then became a student of law in his father's office, where he remained three years, after which he spent one year in the office of the lon. David L. Seymour, of Troy, N. Y. He was admit- ted to the bar in 1839, and in 1810 went to the city of New York, where he engaged in the practice of his chosen profession until the breaking out of the War of the Rebellion. He entered the army as Cap. tain and C. S., and was attached to the staff of Gen. William F. Smith.commanding the Second Division. Sixth Army Corps. He participated in all the prin- cipal engagements of the Peninsular campaign in 1862. and was always found with his command at the front, encouraging his men by his daring spirit and bravery. He continued with his original command until immediately after the battle of Fredericksburg. which occurred in December, 1862, when he obtained leave of absence from staff duty. and was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel of the Twenty-sixth New Jersey Regiment, and attached to the Second Brigade of his former division, doing duty until the last of June, 1861, when his regiment's ferin of servier ex- pired. While in the latter command he was also constantly engaged in active service in the field. and at the battle of Chancellorsville wa- command- ing ollicer of the regiment. Nine months having passed since it entered the army, the Twenty sixth Regiment was ordered home and Col. Martindale mustered it out of the service. He was then ar- dered to the department of the Gulf, and reported to Gen. Banks, and was sent by that officer to Baton Rouge, in charge of the Commissary Depart- ment. Col. Martindale had occupied his new Boldl but a short time when he unexpectedly received a commission as Colonel of the United States Col- oreal Infantry. and was assigned to the com- mand of the Eighty-third Regiment of colored troops, after which he at once reported for duty !
to the commander at Port Hudson. and was placed in charge of that regiment. Not long after- ward, however, a re-organization occurred, and he was given command of the Eighty-first Regi- ment, remaining at Port Hudson and at Morganzia for a few months, when. by virtue of a special order from the War Department to the commander of the Army of the James, he was ordered to report to Gen. B. F. Butler, and was placed by him in command of a colored regiment which had just been recruited. As soon as the regiment was armed and equipped it was ordered into the breastworks in front of Bermuda Hundreds and Richmond. Col. Martindale was soon after, by special order. assigned by Gen. Butler to the command of a bri- gade in the Twenty-fifth Army Corps in the Army of the James, and at once entered upon the dis- charge of his new duties at the front, where he served until just prior to the fall of Petersburg and Richmond, when he reported for duty at Norfolk. and with Gen. Gordon, Admiral Farragut and other officers, started up the James to the vicinity of Richmond, and entered that city the day after the flight of JJeff Davis. The war was now vir- tually ended, and all absent officers were ordered to their commands. Our subject, however, was ordered to report to Gen. Hartsuff, at Petersburg, and was at once placed in command of the city of Petersburg, Here he remained in command until his resignation was accepted late in the summer of 1865.
When hostilities ceased and peace was declared. Col. Martindale returned to the city of New York. and resmined the practice of law, where he contin- ved until 1883, when he came to Des Moines, and now attends to a special practice in this city.
The Colonel was married in the city of Brook- lyn. on the Ilth of July. 1817. his union being with Miss Mary M. Blake, daughter of Anson Blake. The lady was born in New York City. .Inly 13, 1826, and by their union the Colonel and his wife have become the parents of one son. Dr. lobn H. Martindale. now of Minneapolis, Min He was born in New York City. in 1860, and is a graduate of the New York Medical College.
Col. Martindale is a gentleman of liberal culture and possesses a large fund of information acquired
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by reading and experience. His conversational powers are far in advance of the average. and be is an entertaining and instructive talker. Four years of his life he gave to the service of Lis country, and like his lamented brother was a brave and faithful sohlier. flo possesses in a high degree the esteem of all who know him, and it affords us great pleasure to present this brief sketch of his life to the readers of the Aim y. In politics he is a Re- publican, and in religious belief an Episcopalian.
E LIIAN L. MAIIN, one of the highly re- spected citizens of Des Moines. was born in 2 Fleming County, Ky., January 28, 1823, and is a son of George W. Mahin. His father was born in Virginia. March It. 1784. but was reared in Kentucky, and during the war of 1812, served mmler Gen. William lemy Harrison, participating in the battle of Tippecanoe. On the Sth of Fel- quary, 1820, he married Nancy Lewman, who was born June 11, 1802. in Maryland, and was a danghter of Elijah Lewman, and unto them was born a numerous family, numbering eleven chil- dien. William, the eldest, born January 1, 1821, died December 31, 1815: Elijah is the second in order of birth; John, born February 4, 1825, died August 1, 1863; Margaret. bom April 17, 1827; Thomas Y., born August 5. 1829, died March 23. 1815: Elizabeth, born October 17, 1831, died Feb- mary 11, 1859; Ann. born November 11. 1833. died February 13. 1885: James K., born February 5, 1836; George W. born May 10, 1838, enlisted in the late war as a member of the Thirty-sixth lowa Infantry, but was discharged on account of disability ; Charity dane, born January 6, 1811. died June 20, 1859; Samuel D .. born November 28. 1813, was a soldier in the late war, and died from exposure in Helena, Ark., in April. 1863. Mr. Mahin, the father of this family, was a Whig in early life, and was a man well informed on all puldie affairs, whether political or otherwise. When the Republican party was formol he was among the first to exponer it- principles, but died ere it accomplished it's great work of freeing the slaves.
his death occurring November 19. 1857. His wife. who survived him several years, died February 27, 1864, at the age of sixty-one years, eight months and sixteen days.
Elijah L. Mahin was reared on a farm, and ac- quired his education in the subscription schools; In 1847. while the Mexican War was still in pro- gress, he enlisted in the Third Kentucky Infantry. After being mustered into the United States ser- vice in Louisville, the troops were sent by boat to New Orleans and across the gulf to Vera Cruz, landing shortly after the battle which occurred at that place. They then marched to the city of Mexico, and about six months after their arrival the terms of peace were dietated, and in conse- quence they returned to Louisville, where they were mustered out at the close of the war. In 1819, Mr. Mahin accompanied his parents to Iowa, and in 1550. attracted by the discovery of gold in California, started with a party for that far away land, driving an ox team. After a long and weary journey across the plains, where danger threatened on every side, he reached his destina- tion and remained for six years in the mines near Placerville, whence he went to Portland, Ore., and subsequently to Vancouver City, Wash .; from there he went up the Columbia River to Ft. Dalls. Returning to San Francisco, he embarked on a steamer for home by way of Panama and New York, to Monroe County, Iowa. near Albia, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits again. remaining in that business for twenty one years, with the exception of two years, one of which he spent in Albia, and one in Mt. Pleasant. engaged in the grocery business. From the latter place he moved back to the farm in Monroe County, and from there to another farm near Red Oak, Mont- pomery County. Iowa, where he remained five years, and then removed to Des Moines, where he now lives.
On the 9th of October, 1862, Mr. Mahin led to the marriage altar Miss Frankie Spencer, a most estimable lady and a daughter of William and Nancy Spencer, both of whom were natives of Kentucky. In 1852, accompanied by his family, ha father emigrated to Monroe County, lova, where for a time he engaged in agricultural pil-
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suits, when he removed to Albia and embatked in the mercantile business. Later he engaged in the same line for a short time in Mt. Pleasant, and in 1878, removed to Smith County, Kan .. and thence to the city of Wichita. where he died on the 15th of March, 1890, a respected and estermed citizen. Mrs. Spencer departed this life July 5. 1888. Unto them were born the following children: Mi- randa, wife of Joseph Muldy, of Wichita; Frankie. wife of our subject; Ollie, who died in June, 1879; and Mary, wife of Ehner Maddy. of Wichita, Kan.
Mr. and Mrs. Mahin began their domestic life upon a farm in Monroe County, but afterward re- moved to Mt. Pleasant. where our subject engaged in the mercantile business in company with his father-in-law. He also spent a short time in Red Oak Junction, where he followed the same pursuit, and in 1886, came to Des Moines, where he has since lived a retired life. By the exercise of cor- roet business principles, fair dealing and good management, he has acquired a competence which enables him now to rest from all labor. He cer- tainly deserves no little credit for his success, and is well worthy the prosperity which has attended his efforts.
Mr. and Mrs. Mahin are the parents of two sons: William S., who was born September 26, 1801: and Walter T., born on the 13th of June. 1869. The parents are both members of the Methodist Church. and have lived lives of uprightness which have won for them the confidence and goodwill of all with whom they have come m contact, and surrounded them with many warm friends.
OUN R. SHAFFER. Secretary of the lown State Agricultural Society, is a native of Zadosville, Ohio, born on the 30th of Au- gust, 1895. His parents wen William and Ann (Ruth) Shaffer, both of whom were natives of Washington County. Pa,, and were of German descent. The father was born in Is10. and the mother in 1815, and their marriage was celebrated in their native county. after which they removed
to Zanesville, Ohio, in 1832. Mr. Shaffer there embarked in the harness-making business, which he continued until 1861, when the family emi- grated to Iowa. settling in Fairfield. Jefferson County, where his death occurred in 1871. llis wife still survives him and is living in Fairfield.
The subject of this sketch received a common- school education, and with his father served a seven years' apprenticeship to the harness- maker's trade. Coming to Iowa in 1856. he located in Fairfield, where. in connection with George How- dll. he opened a harness shop, doing business under the firm name of Howell & Shaffer. That connec- tion was continued for five years, when Mr. Shaffer sold out to his partner and engaged in business alone until 1870, when he turned his attention to the insurance business, which he carried on in Fairfieldl until 1875. In the meantime, in January, 1873, he was elected Secretary of the lowa State Agricultural Society, and took possession of the office on the Ist of April, 1873. He has been unanimously re-elected to the position at each sue- veeding election to the present, making a continu- ous period of service amounting to seventeen years.
In Fairfickl, lowa, on the 20th of May. 1862, Mr. Shaffer was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary E. Thompson, daughter of Col. James and Mary Thompson. The lady was born in Harlem, Car- toll County. Ohio, and came to this State in 1816. A family of six children. three sons and three daughters, were born of their union-William E .. the eldest, died at the age of twenty-four years; Clara A. is now the wife of M. M. Baker, of ot- tuinwa. lowa; and the younger members of the family are: Genevieve. J. Rollin. Frederick and Helen Lonise. Mrs. Shaffer and her ellest daugh- ter are members of the Episcopal Church.
In judities. Mr. Shaffer is a Democrat and a supporter of Prohibition principles, but has never sought political prominence. preferring to devote his entire attention to his business interests. He was identified with the Western Mutual Aid .si- ciation as Secretary for several years, or until the time of its going out of business. He has presided in Des Moines only since 1886, but in that time he has won the high esteem of adl with whom he has
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con e in contact. The fact that he has been unan- imously elected for seventeen successive years as Secretary of the lowa State Agricultural Society, is a distinguished mark of respect and confidence on the part of the members of that organization. to which he is justly entitled for the faithful and efficient manner in which he has discharged the duties of the office. Courteous and genial hy na- ture and gentlemanly in deportment, Mr. Shaffer has won hosts of friends throughout the State. where he is so widely known.
AMES E. STOUT, Superintendent of the J. M. Christy Coal Mining Company, is a na- tive of Ohio, having been born in Trumbull County, September 21, 1819. His parents, Jasper and Mary ( Urinson) Stout, were natives of England. the former born in Northumberland, the latter in Lancastershire. Mr. Stout Sr. was also connected with the mines and engaged in that busi- ness prior to his emigration to America. When a young man he crossed the Atlantie and settled in Mercer County, Pa., where he became acquainted with Mies Urmson, whom he woord and won. They became parents of five children -- Mary Ann, wife of James Taylor of Youngstown, Ohio; City Jane, wife of William Madge of Mercer County, Pa .; Esther, wife of Alonzo Hunter of Mercer County ; Abbie R. of the same county ; and James E. of this sketch. The father of this family died in Mercer County. in 1858. He was quiet and reserved, caring little for public life but devoting himself exclu- sively to his family, for whose happiness and wel- fare he could not do too much. Mes. Stout after- ward became the wife of Samuel Siddall and they now reside in Meren County. They have one child, a son. Samuel U. who is telegraph operator at Wal - rea. Ohio. The mother has for many years been a member of the Methodist Church and lives a con- sistent Christian life.
It is said that each person is fitted for a certain work and that if they engage in that pursuit they will meet with success. If that be the natural ie- sult of ruch a course we would say that Mr. Stout
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has found that work for which he was destined. Few so well understand mining in all its details or have met with better success than, he as will be shown further on in this sketch. At the age of seven years he entered the coal mines with his fa- ther, and in consequence was cut off from all school privileges such as are commonly afforded young lads. In order to counteract that disadvantage he attended night school and gave his leisure hours to study and reflection, thus fitting himself for the useful positions which he has held in different States. Ile is truly one of the self-made men of the county. He continued to reside in Mercer County, Pa., until 1876, but during that time operated mines in Ohio, Indiana and the Keystone State, acquainting himself with all the details of the business.
Mr. Stout was married October 9, 1871, to Miss Margaret L. Hitcchew, a native of Allegheny County, Pa., and a daughter of John and Margaret ( Wills) Hitecbew, who were also born in the same State. Their union has been blessed with four in- teresting children, Mary L., who was born in Mercer County, Pa., June 3, 1873; William, born in Greene County, Iowa, May 17, 1878, died February 2, 1880; John D. was born March 14. 1880. in Greene County; Jasper U. was born May 9, 1885, in the same county. Having himself suffered from the lack of an education, Mr. Stout resolved that his children should not have the same disadvantage to undergo and has provided them with liberal school privileges.
In 1876, leaving Pennsylvania, Mr. Stout settled in Greene County. Jowa. where he engaged in min- ing for two years, when in 1878. in company with J. M. Markham and Isaac Jones, he opened a mine and the Keystone Mining Company was organized. For some time they were quite successful but after- ward through the failure of one of the partners they lost heavily. In consequence Mr. Stout dis- posed of his interest in fey5. and on the 1st of June, 1886, was appointed by Gov. Larrabee as State Inspector of Mines and removed to Des Moines, which has since been his home In 1888. he was reappointed to the same position, but resigned in November, 1889. 10 become Superintendent of the Christy Coal Mining Company, which had been or-
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ganized a short time previous. In August he sunk a shaft and in the short time which has elapsed. the mine has become a paying enterprise. The firm employs sixty - three men in digging the dusky diamonds and has one of the finest equipped plants in the county, having an engine of seventy horse power. He is a miner of much ability. his methods are characterized by practicability and for this reason the important position of State Inspector of Mines was tendered him. True to every trust im- posed in him he discharged the duties of that office with fidelity and continued to serve until by his own choice he resigned. He takes an active part in public affairs, is an enterprising and progressive citizen and has the respect and confidence of all with whom he has come in contact. He has sup- ported the Republican party since attaining his majority and while a resident of Greene County, Iowa, was elected Justice of the Peace, which office he held three years, Socially. he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Knights of Pythins and Modern Woodmen of America. He has a pleasant home at No. 1223. Buchanan Street, East Des Moines, his household is noted for its hospitality and the members of the family are held m high regard.
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