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 38
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Abrahan Bly was reared on a farm in his native
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county, and in the primitive schools of a sparsely settled, and undeveloped country. he obtained the rudiments of his education. When seventeen years of age. he, with his parents. emigrated to Mont- gomery County, Ind., which locality at that time was thinly settled and unimproved. Confronted with the task of clearing and improving a farm in a wooded country, young Abraham's health and strength made him an important acquisition to the working force of the family, and inculcated in him habits of industry and perseverance that became strong characteristics of the man in his after life. His marriage with Mary A. Carman, was the incen- tive for greater efforts on the part of both, and to- gether they nobly set to work carving out a home and fortune. Purchasing one hundred acres of heavy timbered land, near Ladoga, Montgomery County. Ind., he erected a house, and began to clear and improve his farm.
In this work he was ably assisted by his devoted wife, who, to him, ever proved a faithful and help- ful companion. On this place, the scene of their early toil and privation. they passed many happy years in the enjoyment of the fruits of their labor. and in the companionship of their children. The death of Mrs. Bly ocenrred January 28, 1861, at the age of fifty years. She was an exemplary mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Clmich, and a con- sistent Christian woman. who imparted her share of the religious zeal that characterizes the lives of her children. of whom there are twelve. At this writing ( 1890), only six are living, to whom brief mention is accorded: James T., the oldest son, mar- ried Margaret Staten. He entered the ministry of the Christian Church, without especial preparation. and hecame eminently successful. I possessed talent as an evangelist, and during his ministerist career was instrumental in the conversion of many. Cogent in utterance. logical in reasoning, and pos- sessing the courage of his convictions, he stood forth an able representative of that class of preach- ers, who. withont theological training. have dis- tinguished themselves for carnesness and power. At present he resides in the State of Washington. Rebecca married Milton Harrison, and reside in Sac County, lowa; Nancy married CompbeH Chuk. and resides in Dalla- County. lowa: Mary A. mar- !
ried A. P. Kindred. and resides in Bloomfield Town- ship: John W., the second son and third child. has been twice married. Mary Miller, his first wife, is deceased. His second marriage was celebrated with Lydia Miller. He resides at Adel, Iowa, where he is engaged in business. He was elected to the shrievalty of Dallas County. and proved himself an efficient publie officer, and is prominent in local affairs.
Hattie S., the youngest of the living members of this family was educated in the Des Moines Col lege. She chose teaching as an occupation and has successfully taught in the schools of Polk and Dallas Counties.
J. Martin was the sixth child and third son. and was united in marriage with Annie Peacock. When scarcely nineteen years old he enlisted in the service of his country and received an honora- Ile discharge. After his return he entered De Pauw I'niversity, from which he graduated and was im- mediately afterwards ordained for the ministry. his first charge being in Des Moines. Auled by active and efficient workers, be built Centenary Church. which remains a monument to his zeal and enthu- sinum. He was appointed to Webster City, where he remained one year, and then in response to a lengthy petition from Sioux City. he was assigned to that charge, where be was eminently successful. but soon afterward died from injuries received in a railroad disaster, at the early age of twenty-seven. No one who ever beenme acquainted with Mr. Bly, could help loving him. He had a tenderness of heart. a gentleness of manner, and a genial, confid- ing spirit, which melted down all coldness and dis- tance in all who came truly to know him, and there was nothing left for them to do lat love him for his goodness, and few pass from this life leasing su many to mourn their loss, and to love, admite and revereure their memory. Not only in Jowa, but chewhere, where his eloquence and writings hed won him fame. his loss was most keonly felt. Those who knew his worth anticipated that he would rise to eminence among It's brethren. even to the bishopric, the highest position within the gift of the church. He had a wonderful personal magnetism that attracted people to him, and he var as much beloved by people of other denomin-
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ations as by his own, and his influence was great. particularly with young people. Boys loved. not feared him. for in him they found a friend. His cloquence was such that he could sway the mmulti- tude at will, appealing to the mind and heart. touch- ing the sympathies and always inspiring to nobler deeds and aims. Scholarly and profound, his ser- mons furnished ideas for after reflection, and no one listened to him but felt the better for it. Asa student he was diligent, systematie and thorough; as a gentleman. he was urbane in deportment, cour- teous in expression and steadfast in friendship; as a Christian he was truly pious, and as a minister of of the Gospel, conscientious, eloquent and success- ful. His wife was a most congenial companion in every respect and a highly cultured and accom- plished lady. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bly were thor- ough scholars in the Latin. Greek, French. and Ger- man languages, both had literary aspirations. being regular contributors to leading Eastern journals, and their poems and newspaper articles evince great literary merit. Both were good vocalists, and Mrs. Bly still ranks among the leading organists in the country. They were famous for their devotion and perfect sympathy with each other's aims. and it is not strange that two such talented individuals should be blessed with a daughter who combines all the noblest qualities of each parent. Left an infant at her father's decrease, Birdie Bly has been given by her mother every advantage of travel and education. and though but yet in her teens, is a young lady of rare talent and accomplishment. As a pianist and violinist her fame is known on two continents, and in the musical world she is an acknowledged star of the first magnitude. Her maternal ancestry traves back through several con- turies. They are of good birth and descended from some of the best and most aristocratie funil ies of the English nobility. Birdie has a pale face of almost idyllic purity. and soft, silly blonde hair. Reporters at her concerts have styled her the "American St. Cecelia," and painters say it is a " Madoana face." She is an artist of rare ability and stands second to none in her art. One can surely believe it possible that a slight. girlich form can contain the fire and passion of genius. She appeared in concert in Chicago y lon but five
Years of age. and at eleven made her debut in Paris and London at orchestral concerts. She played from memory, concertos, conatus, and other compo- sitions by the world's most renowned authors, and even at that early age could play the whole clavi- chord without notes and transpose to every key. She has studied under the direction of ahlest com- posers at Paris, London and Germany. She has been the recipient of attention from the most dis- tinguished people of the old world. and even roy - alty deigned to listen to the sweet-faced little maiden. Birdie is fond of painting, and at Gros- venor gallery where she studied. was said to pos- sess marked talent and was advised to devote herself to it. Several of her paintings have been exhibited and sold at remarkable prices. The last three years Miss Bly has spent in New York, where she took part in upwards of two hundred concerts. musicales, etc. Her repertoire is marvelous for one of her age, including piano concertos of Chopin, Liszt. Beethoven, Weber, Rubenstein, Hanselt, Schubert. Schumann, Mozart, Mendelsohn, Scar- latti, Joseffy, Neupert, Bach, etc.
Following are the names of the remaining de- ceased children of Abraham and Mary ( Carman) Bly : Benjamin, aged seven years ; Isane, aged eight- cen years; David, aged eighteen years: Frances, aged twelve years; Harvey W. died in infancy.
In 1861, subsequent to the death of his wife, Mr. Bly removed to Warren County, Iowa, where he resided until 1860, at which time he located on forty acres of land in Bloomfield Township that he had previously purchased, and which became his permanent home. In 1869 he consummated a sce- ond marriage, uniting with Elizabeth. widow of James Hancock, and daughter of John and Cath- wine Spry, who settled in Iowa in 1853. Their mion resulted in the birth of one child -- Herbert, who died at the age of four years. Mr. Bly was a man of strong chruacter. of high moral courage and greed firmness of purpose. His unquestionalde in- tegrity and rugged honesty commanded the respect and esteem of all with whom he came in contact. He was conservative in words and manners, and while quick to conerive, he proceeded with mode. tation. if not hesitaney, in the exception of his plans. Possessing a drie-the nature, his relations
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with his family were of the most affectionate kind. and no man more thoroughly had the hearts of his family than Mr. Bly. He was temperate in all things. and by deed and example he left the record of a life everyway worthy of imitation, as no act of his life reflects the least discredit upon his or his family's honor.
His charity extended to all people, and his generosity knew no bounds. Upon questions in- volving honest difference of opinions he invariably respected the views of an opponent. but as between right and wrong he was never known to compro- mise. From his means he gave liberally to the support of the church, and although for nearly sixty years a member of the Methodist Episcopal persuasion, he charitably aided all denominations, and to all Christian people of whatever seet, he en- tertained a feeling of brotherly love and interest. lle read extensively on religious topics, and was well informed on leading issues, taking an active interest in whatever tended to promote the growth and welfare of the public good.
To his Bible he was devotedly attached. and his daily reading of that book proved his greatest source of consolation. For several years previous to his death his perusal of the sacred volume was almost incessant. Right times, in four years, he read it from Genesis to Revelations, and while on the ninth time, at the seventh chapter of Second Chronicles, he was stricken with his last sickness, and on the 17th of February, 1886. he peacefully passed away, fully relying upon the promises of the Savior. that the just shall inherit eternal life.
ARVEY OSCAR BREEDEN, A. M. pastor of the Central Church of Christ. of Des Moines, was born in Mason County, BL., April 18. 1857. His ancestors were among the early and substantial settlers of Virginia. Fammi- ily tradition says that two brothers of the name of Breeden emigrated from England to this country and that the one from which this branch of the family sprang settled in the Old Dominion. One of
his descendants emigrated to Kentucky and Mr. Breaden's paternal grandfather, Lewis Breeden, was a Kentucky planter, who afterward made a home in Pike County. IL .. in the pioneer days.
In that county, Dr. John Il. Broeden, the father of our subject, grew to manhood. By private study and a course of training in Rush Medical College, of Chicago, be equipped himself for the practice of medicine, which he has made his life work. Ere he left Pike County, Ill., he wedded Miss Sarah Stoner. a native of Ohio, of German descent, he- longing to one of the prominent families of that county. The Doctor and his wife have been life long members of the Christian Church, and for many years he has gratituously performed the labors of the ministry. His family numbered three children. Miss Dollie now in college; Lewis C., editor of the Lewiston (III.) News; and II. O., the well- known pastor of the Central Church, of Des Moines. The Doctor took great pains to educate his children, thereby fitting them for the practical duties of life.
HI. O. Breeden, after attending the common schools until fifteen years of age, entered Abingdon College of Abingdon, Ill., then one of the first schools in point of merit of the brotherhood. Hav. ing spent two years at college, he was then engaged in general merchandising with his father in Sum- mim. H.about a year and a half, but the walls of the store-room were too narrow for his aspiring mind. hence we find him enrolled as a student of Eureka College, from which he was graduated in 187>, with the degree of A. B. Three years later he deliv- cred a master's oration and received the degree of A.M. At the age of fifteen years. bwe confessed his faith in Christ and took his stand with the people of the Christian Church. At the time of his grad- nation he had not selected a profession but had given some consideration to the question of making teaching his life work. Circumstances. however led him to choose otherwise. On New Year's Day 1877 be delivered a religions address to the people of his home church which was greatly appreciated. While at college a young minister invited Mr. Breeden to go out and fill his appointment, which he did. Having made un-necessful efforts to re- care a shitable position as instructor, he was asked Is a college friend to pay him a visit and ini-
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dently to preach for the church at Tallala. Il .. then without a pastor. On arriving who should he there find but his oldl professor. Dr. J. M. Allen. It was arranged that the Doctor should preach in the morning and Mr. Broeden in the evening. So ac- ceptable was the light he shed even after the ser- mon of the learned Doctor, that he was urgently requested to accept the pastorate of that Church, which he did after due consideration and with many inisgivings. Ilis ministry began on the Ist of Sep- tember, 1878, at a stated salary of $700 per year. The youthful pastor's trepidation can well be im- agined, for that pulpit had been filled by the ablest preachers of the brotherhood, such as President R. 11. Johnson, D. R. Lucas of Indianapolis, W. D. Owen member of Congress, and others; the terms of the contract required him to preach two sermons wnich Sunday, whereas he had but two in the "barrel", one of which he had delivered on the occasion above mentioned. But the work prospered. the church grew in numbers and influence, missions were established, and in the three and a half years he labored in Tallula, the church took a place in the first rank of the congregations of the State.
On the 21st of October. 1879, Mr. Breeden was joined in wedlock with Miss Florence E. Myers, a native of Eureka. Il .. horn Febuary 11, 1857. This union has been happy in the extreme, blessed as it is with the birth of a son. Bernard M., who first opened his eyes to the light of day January 30, 1882.
In the mouth of March of the same year, Mr. Breeden accepted the call from the Central Church of Christ, Terre Haute, Ind., as successor to George W. Sweeney, where he labored faithfully four years, a period cherished alike by pastor and people. His meetings were attended by large audiences and with splendid results. one of the fruits of his labor being a large and flourishing mis-jon in the south- eastern part of the city. Eudried to the Church in Terre Haute. it was with great reluctance that they permitted him to leave for a larger field of usefulness. Aside from his pastoral work. he gave some time to literary studies, delivering lectures on historie and literary topics before the Terre Haute Literary Club, which was composed of such eminent men as Charles O. Thompson, President of the Rose Polytechnic School, Judge William Mack., Col. R.
W. Thompson, the "silver-tongued orator of the Wabash" and others. In December, 1885, he took charge of the Central Church of Christ in Des Moines, which had also been blessed with talented Teachers such as A. I. Hobbs, Prof. B. J. Radford and others searcely less eminent.
Soon Mr. Breeden will have served this people five years. When he began his labors, the Disei- ples had but the one Church on the west side with serreely three hundred and fifty members, and from the Central has branched University Chapel, with a membership of about live hundred and fifty, white the main church has still a membership of six hun- dred. The old church house having become too small for the large congregations, they have now in process of erection on Ninth and Pleasant streets, the finest church edifice in the city. The financial, as well as the munerical strength of the church has marvelously increased; since 1885, a heavy debt has been lifted and funds raised for the new edifice, which with the lot on which it stands is valued at $80.000. The success of the church in this line is due in no small degree to the fact that the official board consisted of some of the most competent business men of the city. During the ministry of Mr. Breeden in Des Moines, he had the satisfaction of seeing nearly eight hundred souls come to Christ. His strength as a minister lies chiefly in two facts, his ability to present the gospel in its simplicity and attractiveness, and his taet in organizing of- forts, inducing each to do his part. He is possessed of characteristics that make him beloved in what- ever community he is called to labor. Socially, he has a warm grasp of the band, a cheerful greeting for all, and in the pulpit. his thought is clear and logical, his manner dignified and carnest. All his sermons are interwoven with the divine thread of love. In truth. he makes love the pivotal center around which should revolve all the affairs of social, church and home life.
0). WHITING S. CLARK, a lawyer of Des Mojnes, was born in the town of Sanger ville, Piscataqui- County, Mr., November 28. 1837. and belongs to a branch of the Clark family
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that was founded in America in 1640. by Hugh Clark, who left his English home and became a resident of Watertown. Mass. Representatives of the family were also numbered among the early settlers of Maine. The grandfather of our subject was born in York County, that State, where was also the birthplace of William G. Clark, father of the Colonel. The father was reared to manhood in York County and in that community married Miss Elizabeth W. Stevens, daughter of Dr. Whiting Stevens, for more than forty years a distinguished physician in York County, Me. He followed the profession of law in Sangerville, and was one of the influential and representative citizens of the com- munity in which he made his home. He served for a considerable time as Secretary of the Senate of the State of Maine and filled other important public offices. His death occurred in 1857, but his wife sur- vived until October, 1884, dying in Algona. Iowa. where several of ber children are now living. The family numbered nine sons and two daughters. of whom Whiting S., is the eldest. Col. Charles A. a resident of Cedar Rapids and a distinguished Dem- ocrat and lawyer, was the first man to respond to the country's call for troops in Piscataquis County, Me. He entered the service as a non-commissioned of- ficer in the Sixth Maine Regiment, afterward was made Second Lieutenant, then promoted to be First Lieutenant, and Adjutant, and in 1861 was Captain and Assistant Adjutant General on the staff of Brig. Gen. Hiram Burnham; Frank A., who has been clerk in the Second Auditor's office since 1879 and makes his home in Webster City. Iowa. was a mem- ber and First Lieutenant of the First Maine Heavy Artillery, and was wounded at Hatcher's Run in the fall of 1861; George E. is a lawyer in Algona, Jowa, and for more than ten years past the attorney for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Company: Mary, the only surviving daughter, re- sides in Algona; Eugene 1. is an attorney of the same city ; William G .. the youngest of the fam- ily, is also a lawyer by profession and resides in Kansas City; James W., who is deceased. was also one of the boys in blue ; he first served as a member of the Second New Hampshire Infantry. which regiment was attached to the command of Gen. do. Hooker's fighting brigade. He contimmed
in that command until after the second battle of Bull Run, when he was made First Lieutenant, and later Adjutant of the First Maine Heavy Artillery. He was fatally wounded in the assault on Peters- burg. June 18. 1861. and died on the 30th of July, following. Alonzo, a twin brother of Frank. died at the age of fourteen years; Abbie, a twin sister of George, and Edgar both died in childhood. As will have been seen four of the Clark brothers were soldiers in the Civil War. All were wounded and one fatally so. They made a record of which they may well be proud.
Whiting S. Chuk passed his early life in his na- tive State. He pursued a preparatory course in Foxeroft and Bloomfieldl Academies and in 1862 was graduated from Colby University, Waterville, Me. He paid his own way through college by teaching school winters, and the perseverance and determined energy which characterized his carly life have been marked features in his business ca- reer. When he completed his studies, the war of the Rebellion had been in progress for more than a year, and yielding to his patriotie impulses Mr. Clark determined to enter the army. He raised a company which was organized as Company E, of the First Maine Heavy Artillery, and was commis- sioned its Captain. "For gallant conduct in the battle of Spottsylvania" he was brevetted Major; "for mer- itorious conduct in the battles of North Anna and Cold Harbor" he was brevetled Lieutenant Colonel. and his undaunted course and able efforts before Petersbarg won the recognition of the war officials who brevetted him to the rank of Colonel "for gallant conduct in the action before Petersburg from June 15 to June 18, 1861, and particularly in the action of the Isth." He participated in some of the most hotly contested battles of the war. At Spotsylvania, on the 19th of May, 1861, his com- mand lost seventy-one men of the one hundred and forty that went forth to battle. and in the assault on Petersburg, which continued from the 15th to the Path of June. the regiment lost six hundred and thirty of the nine hundred gallant soldiers that 16- sponded to the roll-call before the battle. Their loss wasgreater than tird suffered by any other regiment in a single battle, and during the entire service the number of killed and wounded in the First Artill-
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ery was a greater per cent. than that in any other regiment. Col. Clark continued in the service until Novouder 26. 1861, when he was honorably dis- changed for disability, resulting from wounds re- ceived at Petersbug, and returned to his home. Ile had received in the assault on Petersburg, June 18. 1864. severe gunshot wounds through the left aun and side and still carries the rebel lead in his left arm pit.
Mr. Clark began the study of law at Bangor. Me., shortly after his return from the war, and was almitted to the bar in the spring of 1866. He then entered upon the practice of his profession, stead- ily working his way upward to a position of prom- incure among his professional brethren. For five vests he served as Andge of the Municipal Court, und was Assistant Secretary of the Legislature of Maine during the year 1866. He began practice in Des Moinesin September. 1880, and his career in this city has been alike honorable. He has received a liberal patronage from the beginning and from the first has been accorded a prominent place by his brethren at the bar. A successful lawyer, a gallant soldier in the late war, and a worthy and valued citizen, he merits the high esteem in which he is hold and well deserves a representation in this volume where are recorded the lives of Polk County's prominent citizens.
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Mr. Clark was married, in Maine, to Miss Luella Bradbury, a native of Bangor and a daughter of S. P. Bradbury, who for many years has been Super- intendent of the schools of that city. Mrs. Clark is a lady of fine education and superior literary attainments, and devotes much of her time to instructing classes in literature, art and general history. Their union has been blessed with three children : Rufus B., who was born in 1867, is en- caged with .1. 1., Queal, a haber merchant of Sioux City. Iowa: Alice L. born in 1868, has in- herited her mother's literary tastes. She received liberal educational advantages and is now a mem- hat of the editorial staff of the Youll's Companion. and has contributed several stories of much merit to Harper's Wody Florence, who was born in 1971. is now a student in the Des Moines High School.
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