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 39
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AMES ANDREWS, a retired farmer and leading citizen of Mitchellville. is numbered among the honored pioneers of lowa. llis history is connected with that of the Terri- torial days of the State, and with interest he has watched its progress year by year until it now oc- eupies a foremost place among the sisterhood of the Union. He has not only an extensive acquaint- ance throughout Polk County, but is widely known in Central Jowa, and we feel that his sketch will be received with interest by many.
He was born in Busti, N. Y., November 29, 1823, and is a son of Enos and Mary Ann (Shepherd) Andrews. His father, a farmer by occupation, was a native of Herkimer County, N. Y .. while his mother was born in Massachusetts, of English an- cestry. When our subject was a babe of six months they started West ward, becoming pioneers of Trum- bull County. Ohio, where Mr. Andrews cleared and developed a farm. Their home was a rude log cabin, and they were forced to undergo many of the hardships of frontier life, but in the course of time a valuable farm was seen in place of the un- broken forest as the result of the father's efforts. Having resided in Trumbull County until 1836, he again came West, this time his destination being
lowa. Ile located in Denmark Township, Lee County, a part of the Black Hawk purchase, built a cabin, planted a crop, and in the fall returned to his family. The following spring accompanied by wife and children. and some friends with their fam- ilies, he again started for Lee County, reaching his destination on the 26th of March, 1837. Some of the party located on the Illinois side of the l'ather of Water ,and Mr. Beach, one of the company, took up his residence in Washington County, his settle- ment being the most western one at that time. Scarcely can the traveler of to-day, viewing lowa in all her brightness, realize the condition of things half a century ago. At the time of the arrival of the Andrews family. the Indians were very numer- ous throughout the State. here and there their wig- wane could be seen through the trees, and even villages were situated on or near the site of many a now flourishing village. The old chief. Black Hawk., and his tribe were still in the neighborhood. and on the 1th of July, 1837, that noted warrior de.
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livered an address to the new comers, in which he related the hardships and wrongs which his people had suffered. and begged that the hatchet should be buried, and peace and happiness reign between them. The following year he was called to the Happy Hunting Grounds. It was not an unfre- quent occurrence when the Indians partook of the hospitality of the Andrews family. for the most fra- ternal feelings existed between them. Enos An- drews carried on his farming operations in Lee County until 1864, when he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who had been a true helpmate to him along life's journey, and had bravely shared with him the disadvantages and ditti- culties which come to all who makes homes on the frontier. He then went to live with our subject. who in the meantime had removed to Mt. Pleasant, and there found a comfortable home. where, sur- rounded by all that could make life pleasant for him. he passed his last days. dying September 22. 1865. He and his wife were life-long members of the Methodist Church. and when the slavery ques- tion divided that denomination, went with the Wesleyan Methodists, and later in life. being at a distance from any Methodist congregation. he united with the Congregational Church. From early life Mr. Andrews was a bitter opponent of human slavery, and many a poor fugitive he as. sister on his way to freedom while residing in lowa.
Our subject. James Andrews, is the only one left lo perpetuate the history of his family. the other members having gone to that land from which no traveler returns. His earlier life was all passed among pioneer scenes. Until fourteen years of age he was reared upon the frontier of Ohio, and in 1837 he found a home on the Black Hawk pur- chase of loxa. Well does he remember the first land sade which occurred in Burlington. and many other incidents of pioneer days are still fresh in his mind. Oftentimes he would sleep in the cabin with half a dozen or more Indians, amt with the old chief Keokuk he became acquainted, and par- tially learned their language. He remained under the parental roof until reaching mature years, and followed farming, working with his father. He he- ing the only child, their interests were one. and they libored on together until Mr. Andrewssought
a home of his own. In 1815, he returned to Trum- bull County, Ohio, and on the Ist of October of that year was joined in wedlock with Miss Mari- etta M. Snyder, who was born and roared in Trum . bull County, and remained at home until our sub- jeet came to claim her as his bride. Her parents were John and Anna ( Crow) Snyder. Her mother died in Trumbull County, Ohio, after which her father sold the old home and removed to Vienna, in the same State, where he died in 1884. Mr. Andrews returned with his young wife to Lee County, Iowa, and in a little log cabin they began their domestic life. Their home was gladdened by the presence of three bright children. but all have been taken away: Cassimer. the eldest. died in Ohio, white the family were visiting at the old home; Emma M. died in Mitchellville, at the age of twenty-four years; Addison G., who was born in Lee County, Iowa. Jatmary 21. 1852, and educated in the schools of Mt. Pleasant, died on the 19th of November. 1881. He was a bright and intelligent young man, full of life and energy. and his untimely death was deeply mourned not only by his parents, but by many friends as well.
Mr. Andrews has made farming his life occupa- tion. and continued the cultivation of his land in Lee County until 1857. when he sold out, and the following year removed to Minneapolis, Minn. In 1860, he went to Des Moines County. Iowa. where he purchased and operated a farm until 1863, when he took up his residence in Mt. Pleasant. continui- ing to make that city his home until 1869. In that year he came to Mitchellville, and after a number of years engaged in milling. but in 1880, bis mill property was burned to the ground causing him a heavy loss. He is now living a retired life, hav- ing acquired a sufficient competence in former years to permit him in the decline of life to rest from all labor. He and his wife have a pleasant home in the village. and are surrounded by all that goes to make life worth the living. Many friends are glad to pay them the respect and esteem due to their advanced years and upright lives. For almost Indf a century they have traveled life's journey to- gether, sharing its joy- mi sorrows. its pleasures and its griefs. Their bote has been made desolate by the loss of their children, but otherwise their
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career has been attended with prosperity and hap- piness. Few bave so long been residents of lowa as Mr. Andrews, who has made his home in this State for fifty -three years. He he watched with interest its growth and progress, aml in every pos- sible way has aided in its advancement and the pro- motion of its interests. He has seen its wild and unbroken prairies transformed into beautiful homes and farms, has seen its villages converted into cities, while other towns of importance have sprung up. He has witnessed the introduction of the rail- road- which now cross and re-cross the State, form- ing a perfect network together with the telegraph and telephone, which permit man to addressa mes- sage or converse with another hundreds of miles away. When we take into consideration these great changes, we cannot Init exelaim "surely the age of wonders is upon us." It is certainly a satisfaction to know that one has been a witness of tus progress, but to be an active participant as Mr. Andrews has been, is certainly an honor of which few can boast.
٤- ERBERT L. STETSON, D. D., President of Des Moines College, was born in Greene. Androscoggin Comity, Me., October 16, 1818. About two hundred and fifty years ago. the founders of the family in America left their English home and crossed the Atlantic to the colony of Mas-achusetts, hut later two of the brother emigrated to Maine. The great-grandfa- ther of our subject acquired a traet of land in the Pine Tree State, which he improved and which is still in the possession of the family. That home- stead was the birthplace of Dr. Stetson, as well as his father and grandfather. His father. Renhen Stetson, followed a serfaring life for thirteen yours. holding the position of mate for a long time. The family consists of four sons.
The subject of this sketch was reared to farm life until twenty years of age. He became a Chris- fian in his fifteenth year. His elementary education was acquired in the district schools, but at the age of oateen yours he entered the Edward Little In- stimte, at Aubmin, Me., and sub aquently attempted
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Monmouth Academy. As he had to depend largely upon his own resources for the means nee- cessary to prosecute his studies, his course was in- terrupted by seasons spent in teaching. In 1868, he entered Colby University, but on account of lack of funds could not complete the course there. Hle removed to Illinois in the spring of 1871, and was ordained at Griggsville on the 16th of the fol- lowing September, and remained in charge of the Baptist Church in that place for three years, during which time he added many to the church and through his instrumentality a meeting house cost- ing $15,000 was built. From 1874 until 1878, he further fitted thimself for his work in Chicago L'niversity and Morgan Park Theological Seminary, from which he was graduated with the degree of B. D. At his graduation he was called to the Baptist Church at Logansport, Ind., where he la- hoved continuously for ten years. His efforts, however, were by no means wholly local. For some five years he was on the editorial staff of the Indiana Baptist, and for three years was a member of the Board of Trustees of Indiana University. In 1886, Dr. Stetson was awarded the degree of A. M., and two years later the degree of D. D., by Franklin College. His residence in Des Moines dates from 1887. when he was called to the pastor- ate of the first Baptist Church, of that city. While serving in that capacity he was placed on the Exe- eutive Committee of Des Moines College, and appointed as teacher of the Scriptures. The accep- tability of his service led to his election to the prosideney of the college. in March, 1859.
A brief history of the institution of which Dr. Stetson now has charge. we feel, will be of interest to our readers. In May. 1855, the Conference of Lutheran Church decided to establish a denomina- tional school to be known as the lowa Central Col- lego, and the city of Des Moines was chosen as the most suitable location in the State. 'The following year they began the erection of a college building on West Pleasant Street, and in 1857, the edifice was put under roof, but lack of funds caused the Work to stop. As early as 1868, the Baptist per- ple of love began to contemplate the establishment of a college in the State and seeing the unfinished.m- ned building above mentioned, thought it would
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be a good idea to secure it if possible. It was as- certained that the property could be bought for $8,000. A consultation in connection with the meeting of the Board of the State Convention was held in January, 1861, but the subject was of such importance it was thought be t to defer it for gen- eral consideration at the State Convention at Cedar Rapids. At that meeting it was resolved to call a mass meeting of the Baptist of the State, Novem- ber 16, 1864. at Des Moines, but on account of the inclement weather there was a very small attend- ance, and it was deemed wise to delay incorpora- tion, but a committee was appointed, consisting of J. A. Nash, J. E. Guill and T. C. Townsend, to negotiate for the purchase of the property. Rev. Luther Stone liberally offered to make the advance payments and assume the property until an organ- ization could be effected. In January, 1865. a meeting was called in commection with the meet- ing of the Board of the State Convention, which adopted articles of incorporation. The follow- ing were the incorporators: d. T. Westover, J. O. Wilson, J. F. Childs, J. A. Nash. S. Il. Mitch- ell. John Williams. O. Wells. and R. M. Tracy. In April, 1866, the school was opened and christened University of Des Moines, but the name has since been changed to Des Moines College. For a num- ber of years the school prospered, but was sadly on the wane when Dr. Stetson took charge of it, but it is now in a prosperous and tliving condition and ranks among the leading educational institu- tions in the State.
e LFRED G. NYE, a retired farmer how residing in Mitchellville, was born in Barn- stalle County, Mass .. on the Ist of Decem- ber, 1818. His parents, Mores and Chloe (Gifford) Dye, were also natives of that State. ! The father was of English descent, and the mother traced her ancestry back to Walter Gifford. who emigrated to this country in 1613, and frame the founder of the family in America. Mores Age followed the sea throughout his life , and for a num- ber of years commanded a vessel. His death of- 1
curred on the water, he having shipped from Phila- che Iphia, and it is supposed that the vessel with all on board were lost. His wife survived until 1861. when she too passed away. They were the parents of four children: Clementina became the wife of John Bagley, a resident of Catskill, N. Y., and died in 1889, at the age of eighty-two years; the second chill died in infancy; and Valentine is also de- ceased.
Our subject is the youngest, and the only sur- viving member of the family. He remained with his mother until twelve years of age, and then spent one year with an uncle, after which he went into the country, and for two years worked as a farm hand. Returning to Massachusetts, he followed various occupations until about eighteen years of age when he went to Hudson, N. Y., where hespent a short time clerking. In 1835, having attained to mature years, he started Westward, and locating in Cincinnati, Ohio, spent three years along the river engaged in speculating. The two succeeding years of his life were passed in Indiana, after which he engaged for three years at hotel keeping in l'e- kin, Ill., and seven years followed milling at that place. He then removed to Burlington, and sold goods through the country until finally, in 1852. he commeneed contracting with the railroad for grading, continuing that business for seven years. Following that timeshe devoted his energies to farming in Jefferson County, Iowa, for ten years, when on the expiration of that decade he sold out. and came to Mitchellville, Polk County, where he built and operated a mill for nine months. That property he then disposed of and purchased a farm of three hundred aeres in Beaver Township, which be improved and made his home for four you's. He has been an industrions and active business man and although he began life withont capital. has steadily worked his way upward until he has now a comfortable competence which enables him to live a retired lite surrounded by all the comforts I and luxuries which make a pleasant home. He was "married to Olivia Loring, mar Danville. BR .. in 1/11. She is a dimghter of the Rev. Daniel Lor- ing a Presbyterian minister, a mudive of Masswall- sett. His wife was Mary Stuart, of New York. On attaining hi- majority, Mr. Nye proudly de-
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posited his Orst Presidential ballot for William Henry Harrison, and continued a supporter of that party until its dissolution, when he joined the Re- publican party. He has held a number of local offices, and has been a candidate for the State Legislature. As the result of his industry, good management and business ability, he is now the owner of eight hun- dred acres of highly improved land constituting four farms. three of which are situated in Pocahon- tas County. and one in Woodbury County. MIr. and Mis. Nye have no children. their only child dying in infancy. but they are surrounded by many warm friends, and are widely known and highly re- spected throughout the community, where they have now resided for more than twenty-one years. Mi-, Nye is a member of the Congregational Church. During the war period, Mr. Nye was a mepiber of a company of Home Guards in Jeffer- son County, and during the same time was Chief Marchal of a detective society organized for the suppression of crime and treason.
JEUT. PETER MILLER, grain dealer of Mitchellville, claims Ohio as the State of his nativity. He was born in Wayne County, that State, on the 22nd of July. 1833, and is the fifth son of Jacob and Sarah ( Waltz) Miller. His parents were married in Maryland but removed to Ohio in en carly day. The paternal grandfather of our subject. Abraham Miller, was one of the
pioneers of the Buckeye State. He was the father of five children. three sons and two daughters- Jacob. Job. Philip, Polly and Sally. all of whom settled in Medina County. All are now deceased. and though Jacob was the eldest of the family he outlived the other members. With on exception adl died in Medint county.
Jacob Miller was a carpenter ant joiner by trade Imt in connection with that occupation followed farming for many years. In the midst of a heavy timbered region in Medina County. Ohio. he devel- apod an excellent farm, which. as the entity round about was more thighly settled. because valuable land. In qualities he was a Democrat, and in relig-
jons belief was a member of the United Brethren Church. He was twice married, his first union be- ing with the mother of our subject. Their family numbered seven children, five of whom are yet liv- ing : Joim P., a merchant of Medina, Ohio; George E., a farmer of Medina County : David A. J., who is also engaged in farming in LaFayette Township, Medina County; Jacob A., who served in the One hundred and Sixty-sixth Ohio Infantry and died in the service at Washington Heights; Peter. of this sketeb: Margaret J .. the wife of George O. Adams. a grocer and resident of Michigan, and. P. L .. the deceased wife of C. C. Bowman, of Mich- igan. The mother of this family died in Medina County. in 1842, after which Mr. Miller wedded Mrs. Elizabeth Dobson nee Lance, by whom he bad four children: James F., a farmer of York Town- ship. Medina County ; Almeda. wife of Orval Nich- ols. a baker of Modina. Ohio; Ella E .. who makes her home with her mother, and Estella, the wife of Walter Bowman of Medina. Mrs. Miller is still living in Medina, Ohio. The death of Mr. Miller occurred in May, 1889, at the ripe old age of eighty-five years. He died. as he had lived, re. spreted by all who knew him, and though in manner he was quiet and unassuming. the county fost one of its best citizens when he was called to his final Test.
Although born in Wayne County. Ohio, Peter Miller was reared in Medina County, where the family removed during his infancy. He remained at home assisting his father in the care and culti- vation of the farm until twenty five years of age, when in company with his brother. J. P., he en- paged in the mercantile business in Whittlesey. Hardly had the echoes of Ft. Sumter's guns died away. however, when leaving the store in charge of his brother he offered his services to the Gov- ernment, enlisting in the first call for troops. He became a member of Company B. Eighth Ohio Volunteers, and on the expiration of his first term of service. in August, 1861, was mustered into the United States service for three years and was as- signed to Company B. Forty -second Ohio Infan- try neder Col. hines A. Carheld. After being equipped for duty in Colunbtes. Ohio. the regiment was ordered to Big Sandy: Ky,, and participated in
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the Kentucky campaign. doing good service under the command of its able leader, who was a personal friend of Mr. Miller. On the 2nd of May, 1862. the troops succeeded in running the blockade at Vicksburg. Our subject had previously been made Second Lieutenant in Kentucky. and after the seige against that city as a reward for meritorious con- duct he was promoted to the rank of First Lieu- tenant. Later he was detailed and served on the staff of Gen, Sheridan. and was afterward transfer- red to Company II, of the Forty-second Ohio Volunteers, where he virtually filled the office of Captain, having entire command of the company. The regiment lost heavily at Grand Gulf and dur- ing the engagement Mr. Miller was wounded in the left hand, which untitted him for duty for a time. As soon as possible, however, he rejoined his com- mand and was ever found at his post. In October. 1861. the Forty second Regiment. having served three years, was mustered out with the exception of Company H. By some accident that company was overlooked. and although engaged in duty was not mustered into the service until two months after the remainder of the regiment. and in conse- quence was not discharged until December.
After three and a half long years. in which he unflinchingly bore the hardships and trials of war. Mr. Miller returned to his home and once more resumed business with his brother, but in .1867 he came to lowa, and Polk County present- ing so favorable an appearance and giving prospect of continued growth and advancement. he deter- mined to here make his future home. After set- tling up his business affairs in Ohio, accompanied by his family, he carried out his resolutions in 1868, and on his arrival purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 36, Beaver Township. The land was then almost wholly unimproved, only a few acres having been broken, while a small frame dwelling was almost the only building which had been created. Having been reared to farm life, Mr. Miller was not mar- quainted with the methods of conducting that huis- iness and soon material changes indicated his labor. The land was cleared, divided into fields, and in course of time abundant harvests were garnered. barns and outbuildings were created. a fine grade
of horses, cattle and hogs were introduced and everything necessary to a well-regulated farm was there found. The boundaries of his land were also extended until he owned in one body three hun- dred and seventy-tive acres and was also the owner of eighty acres and a farm of one hun- dred and twenty arres, both in Jasper County, making an aggregate of four hundred and ninety- five avres. At length he determined to retire from farm life, and in March, 1885. removed to Mitch- ellville, trading a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Jasper County for town property. llis residence in the village is valued at $1.000, and in connection with this he also owns a number of buildings, etc., connected with his business. It was his intention on locating in Mitchellville to wholly retire from business life, but he found this impossible. Indolence or idleness are utterly for- cign to his nature, and not contented that his time should be so unoccupied, in 1887 he bought out the grain business of S. S. Moore & Soa, and has since given his attention to buying and shipping grain. owning an elevator with a capacity of six- teen thousand bushels, and cribs for corn holding twenty thousand bushels. He also has a granary near Santiago, on the Chicago, St. Paul & Kansas City Railroad. He always pays the highest cash price for grain and has won an enviable reputation for his square dealing and bonesty of purpose. He also carries a full line of farming implements and reaps a good income from that branch of his business.
On the 3d of September, 1865. in Media County. Ohio, Mr. Miller was united in marriage with Miss Cornelia V. Childs. a daughter of Charles and Sally ( Abbott) Childs. both of whom were natives of Vermont. Her father died in Medina County, Ohio, in 1873. but her mother is still liv- ing in that county. Seven children have been born of their union: Fred C., born in Medina County, August 21, 1866. wedded Miss Mamie J. Booker. by whom he has one child and is engaged in oper- ating the home farm; Charles E .. born in Polk County, November 20 .1868; Viola B., May 7. 1878; Edith M. April 1, 1875; Almond D. and George E. (twins), born December 29. 1870; the latter died at the age of six month : Alice. the youngest, was born June 5. 1884. As the chil.
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dren have grown up they have been furnished with excellent opportunities for securing an education, such as will fit them for the practical duties of life aud make them useful and respected citizens.
In polities Mr. Miller is a Republican, and a pro- hibitionist in principle and practice. He and his family are members of the Congregational Church, and are numbered among Its earnest workers. The father is now occupying the position of Superin- tendent of the Sunday school and has done manch for the advancement of the cause. le has served in a number of official positions and is now a mem- her of the Village Committee. Socially, he is a Mason and a member of the Warr Post. No. 17, G. A. R., of Mitchellville. As a citizen, none stands higher in the community than Mr. Miller, and it is with pleasure that we present his sketch to the readers of this Army.
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