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 37
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ORYDON E. FULLER, late President of the lowa Loan and Trust Company. was born in Chardon. Geanga County, Ohio, on the 24 of November. 1:30, and is a son of Edson and Celira (Canfield) Fuller. His mother was a descendant on the maternal side from the Sher- mans. who were prominent in National affairs in an early day, and signed the Declaration of Inde- pendence. His father was a native of Cazenovia. N. Y.
When a lad of fifteen years. our subject accom- panied his parents to Grand Rapids. Mich., where he attended the Grand Rapids Academy. Franklin Everett being one of his teachers. He was studions and ambitions, and when seventeen years of age. lead quedified himself for a toichi in the district schools. After following that profession for three
years. he entered the Western Reserve Eclectic In- stitute of Ohio. now known as Hiram College, where he became a classmate and intimate friend of James A. Garfield. with whom he corresponded until the President's death. Before his graduation. however. on account of failing health. he was forced to leave college. This was the cause of much re- gret on his part. as he was a great lover of learning. and desired to improve every advantage afforded him. His mother was a poetess of some note, and Mr. Fuller was a poetical and prose writer of much merit. He taught school a portion of the winter while at Hirmm College, and during the vacation worked at carpenter work with Gen. Garfield. Later he went to New York, where he taught school for about a year and a half. and then returned to Grand Rapids.
On the 1st of January, 1855, in Butler, Wayne County. N. Y .. Mr. Fuller wedded Miss Mary P. Watson, daughter of Joseph and Rosie (Fowler) Watson. Her father was born in Worchester, Mass., October 8, 1771. and her mother was a native of Bethlehem, Conn .. and a daughter of a Revolution- ary soldier, Maj. Daniel Fowler, who enlisted as a private at an early age, was taken prisoner by the British. and after his release returning to the ranks, was commissioned Major.though only twenty years of age. He established the first school in Hudson, and among his-pupils was Martin Van Bu- ren, while be numbered among his intimite friends Alexander Hamilton. He was a prominent and in- fluential citizen of the community in which he to- sided. and did much for the advancement of its educational interests.
Mrs. Fuller was born and reared on a farm near Butler. Wayne County, Ind. Shortly after their marriage. they located in Grand Rapids, but in his than a year returned to her native State, where Mr. Fuller engaged in business with his father-in-law. from 1856 until the spring of 1857. when accol- primied by his wife. he went to Arkansas, Miss .. where he spent a year and a half. Returning to Indiana. he there made his home until the spring of 1859. when he tool. up his residence in Leonard, now Big Rapide, Mich. In the succeeding .unter his wife taught the first school in that for a, which was situated in the pine forests of the northern
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peninsular. Mr. Fuller taught the same school during the winter term, while his wife, in Novem- ber of that year returned to Wayne County. Ind. In February. 1861, he went to New York on Inisi- ness for his father, and on his return purchased a newspaper, which he edited for some time. Later, in company with Gen. Garfield. he purchased the Rochester Chronicle, of Rochester, Ind .. which he conducted until the winter of 1863-64. when he sold out. and in January, of that latter year, took up his residence in Washington City. He had pre- visuely served as Collector of Internal Revenue, und was now employed as clerk in the Internal Revenue Bureau, filling that position until the close of the war, when he was given a place in the Treas- ury Department. He was in the capital city at the time of the assassination of President Lincoln, was a witness of the military review at the close of the war, and continued to serve in the Treasury De- partment until the last of October, 1865, when he returned to Michigan, locating in Berlin. After a short time however, he went to South Bend, Ind., where he purchased the St. Joseph Valley, Register, of that city, conducting the paper until December. 1867, when he came to Des Moines, and continued in the newspaper business for some time.
In the spring of 1869. be purchased an interest in the pioneer abstract business with Lewis 3. Brown, with whom he continued until 1871, when he became associated in business with James B. Hintwell and U. A. Coffe. under the firm name of Fuller, Hartwell & Coffe. A year later. in 1872. he was one of the organizers of the Loan and Trust Company, of which he was made Treasurer, and filled that office until his election as President. In that office he continued to serve until his death. which occurred on the 12th of November, IssG.
In political sentiment, Mr. Fuller was a Repub- livan, and in religious belief advocated the doctrine of the Christian Church He ever manifested the deepest interest in church work and did much for the advancement of the cause, giving liberadly to its support, and in many other ways aiding in its progress. He was one of the leading Eller- and workers in the church, and served as clock for the long period of twenty years. He also served as Our subject wa reared in Marysville, Ohio. and Treasurer of the State Missionary Society for nine . for six years resided in the family of Judge Strong.
years, and was one of the founders of Drake I'ni- versity, an institution of which every citizen of Des Moines is proud. He also took an active part in temperance work. as a member of the Indepen- dent Order of Good Templars, the Sons of Temper- ance, and the Temperance Alliance, Charitable and benevolent, he was ever ready to extend a helping hand to the poor and needy, and many have rea- son to gratefully remember him for his kindness and generosity in their time of need. His faults were few, his virtues many , and his life was in har- mony with bis Christian professions.
APT. JAMES C. GREGG, East Des Moines. was born in Fleming County. Ky., on the 25th of October. 1817, and is of Scotch and Irish descent. His parents were William and Mary (Goldsbeary) Gregg, the former a native of Mary- land. the latter of Virginia. They were married in the Old Dominion and shortly afterward emigrated to Kentucky, being among the first settlers of Flem- ing County. In 1822, they removed to Ross County, Ohio, where Mr. Gregg purchased land and de- veloped a farm. Seven years later they became residents of Marysville. I'nion County. Ohio, which at that time contained but two houses. There the death of both parents occurred. Their family numbered seven children, thicc sons and four daughters-Edward who served in three different wats in which our country has been engaged, mak- ing in all a period of thirteen years, is now living in Logan County, Ohio; Isabel died in Mitchell- ville, lowa; William is living in Indiana; James is the next younger; Cynthia 1. is the widow of Benjamin Grubb who was killed in the Rebellion; Name is the widow of William Wells, who also died in the army: Mary died in Champaign County. Ohio, The father of this family served in the War of 1812 under Gen. Harrison. He was reared in the faith of the Society of Friends but six months after li- marriage. he was converted and became a member of the Methodist Church.
Thomas Milenste
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When he arrived at man's estate, on the 7th of September, 1836. he was joined in wedlock with Miss Anna E. Bear, who was left an orphan when a mere child. In the following May they removed to Carroll, Ky .. where he engaged in farming untit 1816, when he entered the First Kentucky Cavalry for the Mexican War. . With his regiment he par- ticipated in the battle of Buena Vista and followel the enemy sixty- five miles on forced march. He re- turned to Kentucky in May, 1817, and subsequently removed to Logan County, Ohio, where he engaged in farming until April. 1851. The opportunities of the West attracted him and with his family he emigrated to Iowa, settling in Oskaloosa, where he engaged in mercantile pursuits for five years. In 1856, he took up his residence in Saylorville, Polk County, where he remained until the breaking out of the late war, when in 1861, he enlisted in Capt. John Mitchell's Company, serving until the follow- ing autumn. He then returned home and raised a company which was mustered in as Company C, of the Twenty-third Iowa Infantry, with Mr. Gregg as Captain. They were ordered to St. Louis, where they did provost duty for a time, then participated in the engagement at Pilot Knob and also at Ar- lington. On account of ill health, he was forced to resign his position in January, 1862. but after somewhat regaining his strength he again entered the service as a private in the First lowa Battery. lle participated in the battle of Reseca and in all the engagements before Atlanta. being under fire during that siege for one hundred and eight days. After the capture of the city the battery was sent to Nashville, where it remained until the close of the war.
Capt. Gregg received his discharge in Daven- port. Iowa, in June. 1865, and at once returned to his home in Saylorville. In September, 1867, he came to Des Moines where he has since resided. His attention has been devoted to various lines of busi- ness but he is now practically living a retired life. In polities, he affiliates with the Democratic party and religiously is a member of the United Brethren Church. For forty-seven years be was a Methodist but in 1886 joined the former church. and is now serving as local preacher.
Mr. and Mrs. Grogg are parents of eight chul- |
dren-William who died of cholera in Burlington, Iowa, at the age of nineteen years; Lawrence who served as postmaster of the regiment, was killed during the service at Belmont. Mo .; Mary. wife of Oliver Ishell of Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Alphous served in place of his brother Lawrence and is now en- gaged in the grain business. Belle is the wife of Jolin Harley of Des Moines; Jennie is the deceased wife of Hon. David Secure of Winnebago County. lowa, who twice served in the lowa Legislature; John died of cholera in Oskaloosa, and Eliza is the wife of David Kirk of Adair County. The mother died of cholera in Oskaloosa in 1855, and Mr. Gregg wedded Mrs. Polly Porter. daughter of Hamilton and Prudence ( Wait) Cree. By ber first husband. Watson Porter, who died of consumption many years ago, she had three children, but only que is now living -- Nellie, wife of George Carson of Des Moines, To Mr. and Mrs. Gregg have been born one child. John, who is still living in this city.
Mr. Gregg is a man of more than ordinary abil- ity. Studious and possessing a retentive memory, he keeps himself well posted on all public affairs and is a valued citizen of the community in which he makes his home. Ile was also a loyal soldier during the late war and the same fidelity displayed to the cause of freedom marks his every day inter- course with his fellow-men.
ON. THOMAS MITCHELL. who reside on section 1. Beaver Township, has long been a resident of lowa. The history of Polk County would be incomplete without this sketch. fot he has not only been identified with the growth and progress but has been connected with the transformation and advancement of the State as well. Noue bave done more for the interests of this community and. although we owe him a debt of gratitude which em never be repaid, we can ever holdt hin in grateful remembrance for what he has done for the county, and perpetuate his memory by written record so that those of future generation- will know of him as the founder of many of the enterprises which do honor to the
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
State. Forty six yours has he made his home in Bwover Township, while his residence in lowa covers half a century. On the 8th of March, Es 10. he first set foot on lowa soil and on the 11th of April. Hall, reached what is now Polk County. parsing on his way by Keokuk, which then con- tained but two houses. The beautiful little city of Oskaloosa was unmarked by a single building, and the foot of the white man had never trod upon anie after aere of what is now comprised within the fertile farms in this State.
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The honored citizen of whom we write, and who is known throughout all the country round as "I'nele Tom," was born in Claremont, Sullivan County, N. H., March 3. 1816, and is a son of William and Dolly ( Mitchell) Mitchell. His mother's maiden name was Blake, and the first became the wife of Thomas Mitchell, who though of the sune umine was no relation to her second husband. William Mitchell had also been pre- viously married, his first wife being Louise Ather- ton, by whom he bad cleven children, all now deceased. Mrs. Mitchell and her first husband had four children who have also passed away, but there are three children living born of the union of William and Dolly Mitchell. Our subject is the oldest of that number; Henry B. is a resident of Fairfield, Jowa, and with him resides the only sister. Mary A. The father of this family made farming his life occupation. and died in Clare- inont, N. Il., in October 1832. at the age of sixty- four years. llis wife passed to her final rest iu the same place. lle was a Whig in politics and a strong advocate of abolition principles although he did not live to see the day when slavery was banished from this land. He lived a quiet mint unassuming life. but was regarded as one of the leading citizens of Sullivan County, and died in the faith of the Episcopal Church, of which he was long a member.
Ipon the old home farm Thomas Mitchell spent the days of his boyhood and youth, receiving such educational advantages as the common schools of that day afforded. He was but sixteen years of ago when the death of his father occurred. This thrown upon his own resources, with no home and without capital with which be night prepare him-
self for life's battle, he was cast forth to the mer- cies of a cold and cruel world. le at onee sought and obtained employment as a farm hand, and for his services received &11 per month the first year and four months schooling. The second year his wages were increased to $11 per month, a part of which he laid by. However this was only a short time previous to the financial panic of 1837 and money was hard to get. In 1836, be engaged work in a paper mill in Claremont, N. H., where it was soon found that he was a faithful and hon- est employe. and his wages were increased to $1 per week. In 1837, he went to Springfield. Vi .. where he worked in the same line for about a year. receiving SI per week and eight cents per hour for every extra hour worked. Although twelve hours then constituted the working day, he managed to put in extra time and increase his wages to $5 per weck. In 1838 he started upon the road, selling books and paper for the Springfield Paper Com- pany, and also followed that business for a year. With the hope of bettering his financial condition. he at length determined to come West, and on the 2nd of November, 1839, after bidding good-by to his old home, he started for the Mississippi valley, reaching St. Louis just one month later. He spent the remainder of that winter in St. Charles County. Mo., working as a farm hand at $15 per month:, and on the 6th of March, 1840. resumed his journey, reaching Keosatiqua after two days travel. The succeeding suimmer he worked at any employ- ment whereby be might carn an honest dollar, con- sidering no service too humble which would provide him his daily bread. About the same time he also entered a claim in Jefferson County, upon which his brother now lives, who after casting his vote fon William Heury Harri oon. in New Hampshire. started for Jefferson County. lowa. where he las since made his home, an honored and respected citizen of that community.
Having resided in Jefferson County until 1811. Thomas Mitchell came to Polk County. ant on Camp Creek erected three log cabins cach 18x29 Foot, which were open for the entertainment of all emigrants. He obtained permission to carry out that plan from Capt. Allen, who then had charge of the garrison in Ft. De Moines. These were
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the only houses, outside of the fort, then in Folk & lands between the two rivers, and on the 1st of County, and one of the trio is yet standing, a his- January. 1816. when the State was admitted, the boundary was fixed as he had sod. Little did the most far-sighted or imaginative person even dream that the unimportant little fort would one day be transformed into the capital city of the State, with a population of sixty thousand people, or that it would become one of the leading commercial cen- fers beyond the Mississippi. toric monument of pioneer days. After keeping tavern for two years, in 1816. he removed to what was called Apple Grove, where he entered one thousand and eighty acres of land, the patents being signed by Presidents Pierce and Fillmore. and later by President Polk for whom the county was named. At the time the land all belonged to the Government and in consequence was entirely un- Not unaided was Mr. Mitchell in all the ardnous labors of pioneer life. In August, 1811, in Thed- ford, Vi. he was united in marriage with Miss Elmira Swift, who proved a true helpmate to him. She was a native of Thedford, and a daughter of Benjamin Swift. With great willingness and for- titude she bore the trials and difficulties of frontier life. For three months after she came to the county she did not see a white woman, with the exception of the girl who accompanied her. Her life ended in June, 1860, when she was called to her reward, leaving a bu-band and four children to mourn her loss: Orrin, the chest, who enlisted as a member of the Eighth lowa Cavalry during the Inte war. died in Waverly. Tenn., from exposure while in the service. and his remains were brought back and interred in the cemetery at Mitchellville; Mary A., who was born in January, 1841. in Jef- ferson County, is the wife of M. R. Hoxie, now of Taylor, Tex .; Charles M. was born in Polk County. in 1850. married Miss Lizzie De Long, and is living in Taylor, Tex. ; Walter A. died in Texas, in 1881, at the age of twenty-two years. and was laid to rest in the cemetery in Mitchell- ville. There was one other child of the family, Allie. the fourth in order of birth, who died in improved. Mr. Mitchell, however, developed a tine farm in what is now Beaver Township, and altogether entered and improved more than a thousand acres in this county. He has done more than any other man for the interests of the county in that line and, although others aided in laying the foundation for the present prosperity. he was the principal builder and to him great honor is due. At the time when the soldiers left Des Moines. in 1845, be was personally acquainted with every white man in the county. He was also present when the treaty was formed with the Indians. pro- viding that they should give up their homes here and journey further westward. At that time there was from one to two thousand red men in the neighborhood, and the Indian wigwams marked the site where now stands many a beautiful farm residence. There was an Indian village just west of Colfax, on the Skunk River, where lived Powe- shiek, the chief of the Fox tribe, with whom Mr. Mitchell was well acquainted. In fact the most fra- ternal relations existed between him and the red men and for a time they farmed upon his land. Fair- field. Iowa, was then considered the western limit 1 of the territory. and the site of that city was com- prised within the tract of land which Mr. Mitchell infancy. prior to the death of the mother. In June. Isil. Mr. Mitchell was again married, his second union being with Miss Aun C. Mattorn. a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of David 1. and Barbera Mattern. both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. A short history of her parents is given in the sketch of Jeremiah Swift. on another page of this work. To Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell have been born four children, three of whom are vet living: Allie died at the age of eight months ; Henry 1 .. Monde and John are still with then parent- entered. In Isto, no white man had made a loca- tion more than seven miles west of Fairfield, and in Isla, when Gen. A. C. Dodge, who was then a delegate to Congress from the territory, visited Polk County to ascertain the viers of the peo- ple in regard to making lowa a State, in con- versition with Mr. Mitchell, he said that in all probability the western boundary line would be but a few miles west of the fort. net said that the hand beyond was a part of the Auction Desert. Mi. Mitchell, however, insisted on including all
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Mr. Mitchell has resided upon his present farm on section 1, Beaver Township, since April. 1857. and in connection with the cultivation of his land devotes considerable attention to stock raising. He may truly be called one of the self-made meu of the county. We have seen, bow at an early age he was thrown upon his own resources without. capital, yet undaunted he has steadily worked his way upward. overcoming all disadvantages, sur- mounting all obstacles until he has now gained a position of wealth and affluence. But it is not to his own interests that a greater part of his labors have been devoted. He has served in public life as an honored and faithful representative of the people. He first advocated the principles of the Whig party, and later was one of the first to espouse the cause of the Republican party. of which he has since been one of the leading and in- duential members, of lowa. The first official po- sition which he was called upon to fill was that of Sherin of the county, to which he was elected in April, 1816, and he made the first arrest, the culprit being James Hart, a fugitive from justice. Ue held that office two years to the entire satisfac- tion of all concerned. In 1855, he was elected a member of the General Assembly fora term of two years, and in 1860, was elected County Commis-
sioner, serving six years, He also held the same office in Jefferson County, but resigned, in: 1812, on his removal to this county. In 1873, he was again called from private life and honored with the office of State Senator which he held two terms. Ile proved a wise legislator, laboring for the inter- ests of the people in general, and was recognized as a leading member in both sessions. Such was his official record. but the true character of the man is manifested in those acts of kindness. of charity. benevolence and love, which, although performed in a quiet and uno-tentations mamer. have won him friends without number and the lasting gratitude of those who have benefited by bis generosity. Remembering his own youth. he las made it a special object of his life to aid in every possible way, all young men who are simi- lady situated. The poor and ready have found in limi a true friend, yet bis bounty has heep so beloved that it did not lessen their self respect.
while it won their love. Another outcome of his noble life is the Jowa Industrial School for girls, one of the greatest reformatory institutions of the State. In June. 1867, he founded the pleasant village of Mitchellville, which was named in his honor. He resolved to make it a place in which parents could bring up their children, unsur- rounded by the evil influences of intemperance, and has steadily refused to sell lots to any one wishing to engage in the liquor business. No saloon has ever been opened in the place. Churches and schools have also been greatly benefited by his aid. and both he and his wife have long been members of the Universalist Church. Thus we close the sketch of Hon. Thomas Mitchell, the prominent citizen, the enterprising farmer, the honored pioneer and the benefactor of many.
BRAIIAM BLY, deceased, was born in Mer- ver County, Ky .. October 31, 1810, and was a son of lobn Bly, who was a son of David, the founder of the family in Amer- ien. and who according to tradition, was of English birth. John Bly's settlement in Kentucky was con- temporaneous with Daniel Boone. Ile married Charity Adams, who bore him ten children, viz: David. Martin. Susan. Henrietta. Abraham, John, Nancy, Millie, William, and Bryant. He (John) died in Montgomery County, Ind., at the age of sixty years. Charity, his wife, departed this life at the age of seventy-five years. Both were members of the Methodist Church.
The subject of this sketch was united in mar- ringe with Mary A. daughter of haar and Mary (Hughes ) Carm: 5. by birth Kentuckians, I-ase's father was among the first to settle in the wilds of Kentucky. He was murdered by linlians. Isaac Car- man and family removed to Montgomery County, Ind., in 1833, where he died in 1810. He and his wife were Baptists in religion belief. To them were born the following named children: Joseph. Walter Benjamin. Rebecca. Hughes. Mary, Eliza- Leth. Isaac. Barbary. and William.
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