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 4
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Our subject was a lal of seventeen years when be accompanied his parents to the United States. Ile corned his first money in this country by haul- ing water to the railroad employes working between Vermont and Troy, N. Y .. for which he received twenty-five cents per day. He afterward followed teaming. and as a compensation for his services in that time received from $10 to $12 per month. from which amount be paid bis board. Later he was em- ployed by a dairyman in Washington County. N. Y .. for five years, and while thus engaged, was united in marriage with I canora Barrett, a native of County Cork. Ircloud. in which county her par- ents. Robert and Catherine ( Hogan) Barrett, were also horn. Her grandparents were William and Ella (Sullivan ) Barrett. also of County Cork. Pre- vious to that marriage however, Mr. Flyun had married Bridget. Welch. a native of County Water- ford. Ireland, who died in 1861. Unto them were born three sous: Joseph, who married Anna Cor- nell. and is now general freight and ticket agent. and general manager of the Missouri & Pacific Railroad, with office at Denver, Colo. Formerly he was agent for the Santa Fe at Cincinnati, Ohio. later was transferred to In Junita, from which place he went to Denver as general Western agent of the Missouri & Pacific Railroad Company. ilis connection with the railroad companies began at the age of fifteen. he becoming an operator in Poun- sylvania. and from that position has risen to the important office which he now holds, John. why was formerly general look-keeper and paymasterat for the Missouri & Pacific Railroad. under the su- pervision of his brother Joseph; Mallory i the
OHN FLYNN. a prominent farmer. and one of the most extensive land owners of the county, is a native of County Waterford. . Deaver, now hold- ( office of contracting agent Inland. His father. Martin I'm. vos al-a born in that county, and was by exemp ting a fur- mer. He resides on the Emerald Isle unt 1 1: 17. when accompanied by his family. Le min ced the After having the dairy bringss. J dy lisi. Atlantic and made a home in An gios. He mat- out subject of employees Growth fon ya vous. Le Bury . Med ran on the construction todosved by frontem years quintas rendant .. . Til Catherine Croty. a untive of Country Wide ford, and unto them were born five suns and there " the Salat till Baileund in Pennsylvania. The wa daughters. all of when grow to member and ..... manhood, About IS15. Martin High com . low and -offled in Imes County, close to per- claude hand and of aged in agreed and gon it-
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tim of a tumalou 1 At hive & Topeka Rul Buckley: Bartholomew. he resides Har I'mlage. read. 'That occupied he thay for fifteen months. Wis; Jelendet who became the wife of Michael Coughlin and died in Chicago; James of this sketch : Margaret. wife of Philip Lawley of Chicago. and he then went to laying track for U'r same road. but after a brief period returned to the employ of his brother. After two years he began railroad contracting for lineelf. being fistemployed ! y tho Des Moines Valley Road. He was next engaged in work on the Northwestern in Dakota for about eight months. after which he spent two years in lowa. and was then again engaged in grading i Ne braska. He first wade a settlement in Des Moita -. in 1879, at which time he purchased ninety-three acres of improved lad. He was very successful as a contractor, and did an extensive business in that line, but during the past two years he has de- voted his attention exclusively to farming.
Our subject acquitted his oquestion in his native lanet and when a youth of isteen summers in com- pay with two sisters and a brother. crossed the At- lentie to America. Te loade his first location in Dutchess County. N. Y .. where for three years he engaged in farming. after which he followed the same pursuit in Noble Conny. Ind. His next place of residence wa in Living ton County, Ill., sub- sequent to which he hemoved to lowa. making his house in Scott County. A year later, however, he removed to Mahaska County, where he spent one year. when he came to Des Moines. With the cap- Mr Flyna is a Loyal American citizen. and takes a d ep interest in the welfare of his adoptel conn. try. although he naturally retains a deep love for the land of his birth. He cast his first Presidential vote for Jaines Buchman in 1856. and has since been a stanch supgatter of the Democracy. Both he and his wife are members of the Catholic Church of Des Moines. ital arquirol as the result of three years spent in training, he purchased eighty seres of wild land in Warren Comty, but afterward sold and parchased one hundred and thirty teres constituting a part of his present hond. Surces has attended the + fort- of Mr. Hidey in a marked degree and his own In- bor has been the means used in bringing about that result. He has added at diferent times to the farm upon which he nox resides until it comprises eleven hundred apre -. the greater part of which was in its primitive condition at the time of his par- chase, but by the labor of his own hands has been GAMES HANLEY reside on section 32. Jef- ferson Township. In presenting the sketch of this gentleman to the repless of the AL- it's, ve record the life work of one of the most enterprising and pro- perons citizens of the and stuck raisers. Few min of the community ale more widely and fear valdy known. his Lage la-i- which li godal iadrie mil ight litt transform into warm friends. brought under a high state of cultivation and mute to yield a good income. Buying and feeding rattle ha- also been an important launch of his business and to other the ranch-bend stack he at o devotes considerable attention. The business which en- county. also one of B's most extensive landowners I grosse- bi- attention summe Iup in a fost world- i- :- follow : 'He cultivation of seventeen Manfred Hopes of land. the pet titeof about three hundred swine per your art a huge number of hope . His con chupavas wasSent is thousand bushels per grat Ban ale exclut centive ability.
Mr. Hanley sa bora in County Lig eric k. Ire- Hunley. His father and get in Bro mid fran (X. fammive seale in the land of ! text . shete Le and His wife spent More Ste JNE. BO Wer den consisted of Mary, sorry ed enf Demi-
Mrs R. Daily
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In 1855, Mr. Hanley married Anna Callahan. a native of County Waterford, helind, but she lived only four months after their marriage and was buried in the Catholic Cemetery. Three years later in 1861. he wedded Mary Keyes, who was born in County Limerick. Ireland. Four children graved their union, but two have now passed away -- John. the eldest was drowned at the age of twelve years. and Patrick, the third in order of birth. died at the age of six years. James and George P. who are still at home are educated, genth mandy young inch. materially assisting their father in his extensive and profitable farming and stock raising enterprises. The home of this family is conveniently situated and is one of the most pleasant in the township. During the carlier years of their residence in the county, a hewed log house furnished protection from the summer heat and winter's coll, but it has long since been replaced by a commodious and tasty two-story frame residence, which is situated on a natural building site in the midst of a beauti ful grove of trees which at once shelters. heantilles and protects it.
The present wife of Mr. Hanley was formerly Miss Hannah Donahue, who was born in County Limerick. Ireland, in 1531. and came to America in 1856. Their marriage was celebrated in 1879. With the exception of a brother living in New Jer- sey, she is the only one of the family residing in this country. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hanley are mem- bers of the Catholic Church and contribute liberally to its support. Of a genial and social temperament fair and upright in all dealmugs, Mr. Hanley is uni- versally esteemed throughout the community. He is a stanch supporter of the Demuertey. Laving cast his ballet with that party since attaining hi- trajor- ity.
OSEPH P. DAY. a leading farmer of Saylor Tosship. reiding on section 22. was bom in New Castle Comty. Del .. Angot 25. 1837. an lis of land li ht and German de vent. The family was forgalmi in Americaat an early des. The patented "en father of our ulighed wa- : Iso both in New Castle County, and in the War
of IS12 faithfully served his country. He married Helen Aldred. a native of England, who came to Arerien when two years of age, and the young coli- ple began their domestic life in his native county. where was born unto them in 1814, William M. Day, the father of our subject. William Day was related to manhood in New Castle County, and in connection with farming. carried on cabinet-mak- ing. Ile came to Polk County in the spring of 1857, and for two years worked at his trade in Des Moines at the corner of Fifth and Walnut Streets. In 1850, le took up his residence upon a farm on section 16, Saylor Township. which he operated eight years, and then returned to Des Moines. Af- ter serving six years as Justice of the Peace of the city, he retired to private life. Ile married Emo- line Ford, of Philadelphia. Pa. a daughter of Pavil and Catherine ( Freshmett) Ford, the former a native of New Castle County, Del .. the latter of Philadelphia, Pa. Unto Mi. and Mrs. Day were born four sons and four daughters, and with the exception of one daughter, all grew to mature years. Both parents were members of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church. The mother died in 1861.
The only life of our subject was not unlike that of any other farmer boy. He was reared to man- hood under the parental roof, and received such educational advantages as the common schools afforded. He was a young man of nineteen years when the family came to Polk County, since which time he has made his home in this community. For two years after his arrival he assisted his father at the cabinet-maker's trade, and then began farm- ing operations for himself. which he has still con- tiun J. He is the owner of a good farm of foity Note on section 22. Saylor Township, and as he these rady understands his busines, and is an in- dustric is cool correctie mar. he is meding with sneves in his undertaking.
On the 24th of October, 1960, Mr. Das Kitty does marriage altar Miss Minerva A. Daily. SEGive of Frank hin Comity. Opho, who was born meer the Giy of Columbus. December 2], 15 12. Hier par-
but after the your samme to Pul Chase. Nr. Daily laying claims to three hundred wat det
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neres of land in Sayhe Toys hip, where he made hi- home until his death, which occmited in June. 1818. His wife, who is still in ing. i a member of the Methodis! Episcopal Church. A sketch of her life is given below. Mr. and Mrs. Day hagan their domestic life upon the farm. and unto themn has been born a family of nine children. but three chied in infancy. Those living ale Helen, wife of John Bowen, a farmer of Saylor Township; L. Newton is an Evangelical minister ; he married Adelit Lar- son, and resides in Kingsley. Plymouth County. lowa; Clara, wife of Groupe Kimball, a resident former of Saylor Township: James E .. Edith and George W. are at home.
Mr. Day takes an active interest in all public affairs, and in politics is a supporter of the Repub- lican party. He was elected and served for ten years as Justice of the Pesce, and for the long period of twenty years was School Dirction. He frets a deup interest in educational mitters, and lus done much for the advancement of schools in this community.
Mrs. Rebecca (Needel) Daily well deserves more extended mention in this volume, as she is mmm- bered among the pioneer settlers of the county. Her birth occurred near the city of Columbus, Ohio; on the 19th of November. 1818. It is thought that her father, Philemon Negels, was born in Mary- land, March 21. 1781. It is certainly known how- ever. that he emigrated from the Dust to Franklin County. Ohio, plan a young man, and for the city of Columbus malea claim of one hur Ireland sixty acres of land. which by arduon- Ihor he cleareland desloped into a confortable hope. He married Sandy Collin . sim- Kort April 20 teared a family of sight children. logga who with- hood and womenhood, but some of the mother have mar passed away. DE. Need de get the re- the allowed there sour person I ten. If's death ·med April 6. 1851. Beste maleof the For No dels acquired her adriatica
leaving home to become the wife of George Daily, a native of New York, born December 22. 1818. Their marriage was edebrated February 1. 1811. and in Is11 they emigrated to Ray County. Mo., but after a short time removed to Phile County. where they also remained only a brief period. Lowa then became their home, and in 1816. they settled in Polk County. Mt. Daily purchasing a claim of three hundred and sixty aeres in Saylor Township. for which he pat 1 8200. He had scaredy begun the work of impuwing and developing his farn. ere death entered the happy home chiming him for its victim. He died on the 220 of June, 1815. He was a Whig in politice. a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a highly respected citizen.
By the union of Mr. and Mrs. Daily. four chil- dren were born: Melissa J., the cFlest. die lin Platte County. Mo .; Minerva A. is the wife of Joseph P. Day. a well-known farmer of Saylor Township: Lewis N. enlisted in the Twenty-third Lowa Infan- tis, in the spring of latif, and died the following August in Hospital No. 2. Vicksburg, Miss .: Jame. I. is the youngest of the family.
Mrs. Daily has continued to resile upon the farm where she and her hushed settled ahnost balf a century ago. Fey persons have so long been resi- dents of the county. or have been witnesses of so much of its growth. As far as possible she had aidol in the advancement of its best interest .. and was one of the prime factors in the building of the Hi Wand Park College, contributing twenty aires of land toward- its con truction. She united with the Mothralist Clutch when right in years of age, and Has since been one of it- faithful members. wie stly htboth; for the solvancement of the
varion capacities borg for theted with the
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(James) Beck, were also ratives of the same county. Ilis father made mining his life orenpofion. apl met his death by falling down a shaft some two hundred and sixteen feet deep. which killed him mi- stantly.
Following in the footsteps of his father, Mr. Beck began work in the mines of his native land at the early age of eight years, and step by step steal- ily rose until he mastered the business in all its de- tails. Between the ages of fourteen and seventeen years he worked for the company at carpentering. Having mined in England until 1863, he sailed for America, being the first of the family to seek a home in this country. Later three brothers fol. lowed him: Joseph, who is engaged in mining; John, who follows the occupation of farming; and another Inother. Jacob Beck, who was killed in a mine in this eity. Our subject made his first home in Salinesville. Columbiana County, Ohio, and : fter- ward resisted in Pennsylvania and Ilinois. He has followed no other occupation than that to which he was rearch, and by long experience has become so familiar with the business, that he is recognized OLEN B. SCHUSTER. President of the Cap- ital City Oat Med Company, was born in Wurtembirg. Germany. November. 5, 1950, and is a son of Joseph and Frances (Hum- mell) Schuster, both of whom were natives of the some province and there made their homes through- out life. Ilis father was a substantial fame and highly esteemed citizen of that community. Their family consisted of four children. two sons and two daughter, of whom three come to the United Reiner : miał John B. as an expert miner. le came to bara in 1867, and after working a short time in the town of Mongonia, located in this city in the year 1808. where he and his brother sunk a shaft. called the Eclipse Mine, where the coal was handed with horses. They sold out to T. D. Youman, and in company with that gentleman. Mr. Beck soon after- ward opened a shaft on Barlow Granger's place, the Grit shaft on that side of the city. He also opened a mine bear Swan, and organized the Cen- ; States, namely; Louis. Walburga. wife of Joseph tril Coal Company of lowa. and shout the sige . time opened another : t Reynolds: after a yim be The subject of this sketch ve the oldest of the family. Her vived Lut limited con ational : 1:20 opened a alne one mile cat of the capld. which aftery rd barone the property of the at war Coal Company, later re-opened a wine for the l'. i. nix Coal Mine Congony, and in 1x :1. sunk a shaft !i- father in the cultivation of the fam until he mar this city, and organized the Con Valley Coal was front of years of age. when he out red a Los. and Mining Company, of which In his sine hon Director snel Manager. Understanding the Lei. avond spending un copil length of thee in the air news in all in details. he so ably images it. hell the mine i- mode to yield about four hundred top -
In Mongolia, Mr. Beck vas mit & in mente with Chiz Leth Bates, who was bar within ais mail .
of the birthplace of her husband, and came to this country only a short time after his arrival. Their union has been blessed with pine children, seven of whom are living-Ralph. Jacob, Fremont, John William. Alvin, and Arthur: Sarah, third in order of birth, die l at the age of eighteen months; and Arthur, the sixth of the futuily, died aged four years: Jarob is an assistant in his father's office: a.d Ralph is an engineer in the mines,
Mr. Beck takes considerable interest in civic so- cieties, holding membership with the Odd Fellows. the Masons, United Werkenen, Red Men, Sons of St. George, and the Patriotic Circle, He is a Re- publicin, in politics, and has served both as Treas. urer and Councilman of Sevastopol. Both he and his wife are members of the Episcopal Church. and by their many friends are held in high regard.
mr . livio
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and worked for August Mate mel 2076, In flot year. in partnership with Vil ran Artisan. he is- taldished the Union Brewery, but carta enpt of the prohibitory las they was forced to close out the business, and in July. 1888. in company with two others, he organized The Des Moines Oat Meal Company, which proves a valid addition to the manufacturing interests of Des Moines.
In this city on the 28th of November. 1876, Mr. Selmeter and Mies Margaret Geneser were united in marriage. The body is a native of Germany and a daughter of Jacob Genes rand a nice of Francis Geneser one of the carly settlers of Des Moines. Their union has been blessed with five children- Francis, Joseph, Lonis. Mattie and Annie. Mr. Schuster and his family are all members of St. Mary's Catholic Church. He my truly be called one of the sulfanele men of the city for by his own efforts he has acquired the comp fonte which all- bers him among the substantial residents of Des Moines. Hvis a public pinto die Bant by the who know him is held in high upand.
ATHAN ANDREWS, an off and how nel pi meer of the county now engaged in fun- ing and stock-writing on section 10. Jelei- son Township, was born near Roche-ty", N. Y., on the 1st of December. 1813. and la som of Wil- liam Andrews a netive of Birme Iland. who is a prominent farmer and seka: 0. Leaving lis : native Sinte. be removed to Bre Yes whit of subject was born ald in 1918, Le sunt " resident of vomity of ti oil home to lines firm 1;
before Stated, Mr. Andrews is numbered wuong the finger sellers of Bulk Seventy. Rating his ar- mivel fram 1500. He preoccupied land in the county ani from time to face he added to bis porsjons until he owned more than fifteen hundred acres, a part of which he has site conveyed to his child- ren, int . til retain about seven hundred acres of mable land. well haprovel and highly cultivated. In fact everything neverseny to a model farm is then found. The latest improved machinery, ex- cellent barns and cutimillings and the last grades of stock, including thoroughbred cattle. He takes great pride in keeping abreast of the tions and although he is now seventy-four years of age bas the entire management of his farm.
When a young man of twenty two years Mr. Andrew, was joined in wedlock with Maria Cun. ninghun. who died in 1802. By their mariage ven horn thọ chillin. Sarah, who học nhất thế wife of Sullivan Daten and died in Tipp came County. Ja .; and found, who died in falenty. On the 9th of November, Ist. 3Ir. Andreas was again naaried. his seeon la lon being with Sarale M. Lyons and they beendeg ments of seven chil. dren -- William. an extensive farmer, married Jennie Loomis: Letta. now deceased: Ley, who die in infancy : Am. wife of Dougles Cummingl : 10: 50 extensive faller of Jefferson Township; George. who is aby engaged in agricultural por-pits in Jeferson Township: Ylove, wife of Amber Hurst. a farmer of the same to waship; and One. the youngest. with the Boy at home. Mrs. Andrews died in December. 1958. leaving bile her im- mediate family. many warm friends to mouth. her
Forty yere have prosince Mr. Anders - care to Poli to my. Hele hem Met & with i- gott of Ne Er ith val development. Lavit . son 1. ren Contraction & Des Moines from a lande ttoun. 15 Prever toma liberal contributor
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHRAL ALBUM
cially it is a member of the Farmer's Alliance and in politics is independent, voting for men and measures regardless of party. Hospitable and gen- ial in his disposition, upright and honorable in lis dealings he occupies an enviable porition in the community. Whatever success he has achieved in life is due to his own efforts and bushass sagacity .
APOLEON B. COOLEY, one of the carly settlers of the county, now resides on see- tion 5. Grant Township. He is a native of Washington County. Ind., barn September 9. 1820. and a son of John and Jane (Haft) Cooley. both of whom were born in Delaware County, N. Y. The Cooley family is of Scotch descent. By trade the father of our subject was a netweight and car- penter and followed the branches of business in pursuit of fortune for a number of years. His death occurred in Cinch! ati. Ohio. in 1.51, after which Mrs. Cooley came to Jowa and made ber home with our subject until she too passed away on the Ist of Jammery, 1888. They were parents of two children- Napoleon. of this sketch; and La Fayette, who died in Butler County. Ohio, at the age of ten years.
Our subject spent the days of his boyhood and youth in Butler County, Ohio, and during that time engaged in farm labor or assi tel his father at the carpenter's trade. On attaining his majority he started ont in bfe for himself. The first enterprise in which he embarked was im rising brown coll. which he manufactured i'm brooms and shipped to Cincinnati. Hecopii med that bu-jan- mail 1811, when he remmer work at the expertis trade. It was while full of its that progit thet M. Cooley was married to Mi- Wiethat Way. Excel- ding being coldlasted out the 12th of February.
Wray. the father & Infive of Therising. In. th
Apie last days in Oxford. Chi, both hisit called to Uni bet 1.5. Mr. Com ...
rated in Oxford, Ohio, and was a schoolmate of Mrs. Benjamin Harrison. with whom she was quite intimate. Gen. Harrison . he attended the Miami University of Oxford at the same time.
After their marriage. our subject and his wife Look up their residence on a rented form new Ox- ford and in connection with the cultivation of that land he engaged in the manufacture of brooms an- til 1851. and on the death of his father. ho re- moved to the old homesteel and attended to the business of settling up the estate. The task com- plated, he began work at brick making with Mr. Wray, which he continued until the autumn of 1855, when he started for the West. Believing that he might better his Goancial condition in one of the new and growing States, he decided upon Polk County as a favorable location and on the 5th of October. 1855, arrived at Des Moines. East Des Moines at that time contained but fom of five dwellings, to which number Mr. Cooley added the spring following and there lagen the manufacture of Trick. He sall the fist kiln to Capt. Herry Griffith and it was used in the creation of the Capital City Hotel on Capital Avenue between Fourth and Fifth Streets. Each year since that time he has turned out from six hmotred thousand to one million five hundred thousand bricks, many of which have been used in the construction of the city buildings and tine residences in Das Mine. With admirable foreight Mr. Cooley determined npon Des Moines as a favorable place of location believing that it would becarne a city of much importance, but his expectation have been more than realized. Like every resident of Iowa. De feer a just pride in the patti which it to day or mies in the West. and Varevent. He bic. . If1. . 2 me not a little fer i- molding. In achten to the establi bien come of thet Ung in to'da of the city he par
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