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 40
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MOS ROTHTROCK, one of the represent - tive farmers of this county. residing on section 10. Beaver Township. is a native of the Keystone State. He was born in Lan- caster County, January 12, 1834, and his parents. Samuel and Margaret ( Eschbach ) Rothtrock, were born in Berks County. The family is of German origin. The father was reared in his native county. where he married the lady above mentioned, after which they removed to Lancaster County, where Mr. Rothtrock followed farming for some time. At length be removed to Stark County. Ohio, later became a resident of Summit County and after- wards of Hancock County , that State, where he ro- sided until 1966. The year witnessed his arrival in lowa. He made his home with om subject from that time until his death, which occurred in 1879. His wife, who preceded him to the final home some years, died in Hancock County, Ohio. Unto them was born a large family, numbering lifteen chi !- dren, but only three are now living --- Joseph. a farmer of Hancock County: Levi, a minister. of Wood County, Oblo; and Amos. of this Jich. Light of the mumber died in childhood, while the ]
remaining three grew to mature years, but are now deceased. Sammel died in Summit County, Ohio, leaving a large family of children: Hannah, wife of Jacob Klingaman. died at her home in Akron, Ohio; and Mary died in Stark County, Ohio, at the age of thirty years.
Our subject spent only a few years of his life in his native county, having removed when a young lad to Stark County, Ohio, whence he went with his parents, in 1853, to Summit County. Attaining to man's estate in that county, he was joined in wed- lock, on the 5th of February, 1856. with Miss Mary Ann Harsh, of Wayne County. a daughter of Joseph and Catherine ( Yohe ) Harsh, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. Her father died in Wayne County, after which her mother became a resident of Beaver Township, Polk County, where slie passed to her last rest.
Mr. and Mrs. Rothtrock began their married life in Summit County, Ohio, whence they removed to Wayne County, in 1860, and two years later be- came residents of Hancock County. It was during their stay in that county that Mr. Rothtrock left home to enlist in the late war. In the spring of 1861 he joined Company A, One Hundred and Thirty-third Ohio Infantry, one hundred day men and served with that regiment for the enlisted time, participating in all its skirmishes and engage- ments from that time. At the expiration of his tenn of service he was mustered out and received his discharge in Columbus, Ohio. He then returned to his family and in the spring of 1865 came to Polk County. For a short time he made his home in Mitchellvilk and then operated a farm belong- ing to Mi -. Rothtrock's mother for two years. In 1869 be purchased eighty seres of land on section 10, Beaver Township, then in a wild and Queulti- Vated condition, and after erecting a comfortable story and a half residence into which the family at once moved, he gave his attention to the im- provement of his Fun. creating all the necessary building; for a well-regulated farmand placing the entire acreage under a high state of cultivation.
Mr. and Mrs. Rothtrock have been the parents of four children- - Elmira. who for ten years has bren munkered among the successful teaches of the public sebools of this county; Ada, who is en-
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Exuguale
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aged in dressmaking: Benjamin F. ; and Mary, ho is still at home. Their only son was born in Hancock County. Ohio, April 10. 1861. and is a oung man of more than ordinary ability. His rimary education was supplemented by a course a the lowa Business College. Previously he was a tudent at Ames College one year, and he now folds the position of Assistant Cashier and book- teeper in the Citizens' Bank, of Mitchellsville, Ilis position is one of importance and is ally tilled. He vas appointed Enumerator of Beaver Township, for he census of 1890.
Since coming to Polk County, Mr. Rothtrock has dentified himself with all its best interests pertain- ng to its improvement and the advancement of the general welfare. In politics he has always sup- ported the principles of the Republican party and has been called upon to fill a number of local of- fices, the duties of which he ever discharged with promptness and fidelity. Socially, he is a member of Warr Post, No. 17, G. A. R., of Mitchellville, and he and his wife hold membership in the I'ni- versalist Church, of which they are liberal sup- porters.
E BENEZER JARED INGERSOLL, President of the Hawkeye Insurance Company of Des Moines, is a native of New York, born in Oswego County, March 17, 1828, He traces his ancestry back to England, the first of the name coming to America prior to the Revolutionary War, and settling in the western part of Connectient, where Ebenezer Ingersoll was born August 5, 1793. lle was of a family that has given to the world men and women of great ability, eminent for scholar- ship, occupying positions of trust, and who have been honored as ministers, lawyers and statesmen. In his boyhood Ebenezer Ingersoll moved to Ut- sego County, N. Y., and later. married Miss Sallie Rich, then moved to Oswego County, in the same State, where he entered into active business pur- suits, and where he reared his family. of which Ebenezer JJared Ingersoll was fourth in order of birth.
Young Ingersoll remained with his parents until
after attaining his majority, receiving in his youth a thorough academie education. He commenced the study of law in the office of Judge Huntington, of Pulaski, N. Y., and then entered the United States Law School at Balston Spa, from which in- stitution he graduated in 1852, with the degree of Bachelor of Law. After being admitted to practice in the several courts of the State, he commenced the active pursuit of his profession in Adams, N. Y., where he built up a successful and lucrative practice. In the fall of 1858 he removed from Adams. N. Y .. to Des Moines, Iowa, where he re- sumed the practice of his profession in which he took high rank, meeting with the same uniformly good snecess attained in New York.
Some three years after coming to Des Moines, Mr. Ingersoll returned to his old home in Adams, N. Y., and on the 10th of January, 1861, was there united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Whitcomb, and at once brought his young bride to her western home, where she resided until her death February 15, 1882. On the 21st of August, 1888, Mir. Inger- soll was again married, Mrs. Fannie Varina Knight becoming his wife, at the home of her parents in Newburyport, Mass.
During his residence in Des Moines of almost a third of a century, Mr. Ingersoll has not confined himself alone to the practice of his professien, but bas actively engaged in other pursuits, always tak- ing a special interest in whatever tended to the building up of his adopted city. For three years he was President of the Board of Trade of the city, during which time he did much to encourage the establishment of business enterprises in Des Moines, and throughout Central lowa. In 1865, he was the principal mover and organizer of the Hawkeye In- surance Company, and was elected its first Presi- dent, which position he has since continuously lilled. Ilis ability as a manager has contributed largely in making this one of the most important insurance companies of the State, and in making Des Moines the "Hatford" of lowa. In addition to his other important business enterprises, Mi. Ingersoll owns and operates several extensive farms, where he has gratified his taste in the breed- ing and raising of fine blooled stock, and in the course of his farming operations he has done much
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to improve and raise to a higher standard the live Stock of Central lowa. Energy and force of char- acter. directed by correct business principles, have characterized his course in life. and won for him a substantial success. Possessing a tender and sym- pathe tie nature. he is free bearted and liberal where bis sympathies are touched. Independent in thought and action, he is a man who naturally has some op. ponents, while his friends are of those who never falter in the earnestness of their attachment.
F OEL OSGOOD, who for the past ten years has been living a retired life, was born in the village of Elmira. N. Y., June 21, 1805, and is now the oldest living citizen of Mitchellville, having long since passed the allotted three-score-and-ten years. However. he still enjoys a good degree of health for one of his age, and we join his many friends in wishing that he may be spared for some time to come. His parents, Thomas and Abigail (Ingalls) Osgood, were also natives of the Empire State. . The father was born and reared on the banks of Lake Champlain, and in 1512 started for the war to supply the place of a friend who had been drafted, but hostilities ceased ere he entered into active service. In 1833 the family removed to Wood County, Ohio, where the parents passed to their long rest. In their funily were six children. as follows: James. who died in Pennsylvania, where he was living at the time: Joel. of this sketch: Catherine became the wife of Benjamin Judson. and both died in World County. Ohio; Sally is the deceased wife of Mr. Ilusted; Amanda was the wife of Mr. Wolf, but her death has long since occurred;and Abi- gail is the wife of Martin Patterson, of Lenawee County. Mich.
Our subject was educated in the common schools of his native town, now one of the most important cities of the Empire State, but when he left tor Ohio its population was so limited that he could claim an acquaintance with all the inhabitants. Ili- boy hood days were spent in a manner similar to that in which all farmer lads spend their time
and with his father's family. He removed to Wood County. Ohio. in 1833. Just previous to bis emigration Westward he was united in marriage with Miss Annie Odell, a native of Orange County, N. Y., born January 20, 1810. It was Mr. Os- good's desire to engage extensively in stock-rais- ing, and he believed that in the West he would have a better opportunity for carrying out his wishes, so with his young wife he started for the Buckeye State, where they continued to make their home until 1818. The unhealthfulness of that part of the State caused him to remove with his family to Lenawee County, Mich., locating near Adrian. He once more resumed farming, and also engaged extensively in the dairy business. The product of his dairy found such favor with the publie that he could always obtain the highest market prices, and yet could hardly supply the demand. He purchased four hundred acres of land in Michigan, and as heretofore was eminently successful in his farming operations. In 1863 he sold his property for $8,000 and removed to las- per County. lowa, where he purchased a farm of two hundred and sixteen aeres, for which he paid $1.000. Little improvement had then been made, but with characteristic energy Mr. Osgood began the development of his land, which he fenced, created good buildings. and on selling out received an advance of $1,000 on the purchase price.
Unto Joel and Annie Osgood were born cight children, of whom these are yet living-Lyman, who was born in Wood County. Ohio. is engaged in farming near Adrian, Mich. ; Bennett, born in the same county, is a well-to-do farmer of Black- burn County. Neb. In all probability his farm will soon become of great value, for a village has been platted upon his land, while a court-house has already been built; Perry, who was born in Wood County. Ohio. is now living on the old home farm in Jasper County. lowa; Clara, widow of Elijah Elliott, is a resident of Humboldt County, lowa. As the children attained to a sufficient ago they were provided with good educational ad- vantages, such as would lit them for the practical dutiesof life, and when they left the parental roof for homes of their own, the father gave to cach some portion of his goons. Remembering his
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own youth. be determined that they should not. have to contend against the disadvantages of poverty as le had done. Thus starting out with a mother's blessing and the material all of the father. they have become useful men and women. and respected citizens of the various communities in which they reside.
In 1880. Mr. Osgood decided to lay aside the busy cares of life and, remove to Mitchellville. where he purchased a lot and erected a comfor- table home. In 1888 a shadow darkened the house- hold, Mrs. Osgood being called to her Inst rest on the 26th of July, that . year. They had traveled life's journey together for sixty years, and the blow which separated them was a sudden and un- expected one. At 9 o'clock one evening Mrs. Os- good retired to rest, apparently in her usual health, and an hour later her husband hearing her moan. Lastened to her side, but death had already set his seal upon her. She lingered only a few days and then passed away. She was a devoted Christian woman, a member of the Christian Church, and was beloved by all who knew her.
Mr. Osgood was again married, January 17. 1889, to Mrs. Sarah J. Mason, widow of Ephraim F. Mason, who was a native of Berkshire County. Mass. Her maiden name was Newell. and her marriage to Mr. Mason was celebrated on the 8th of April, 1841, in Elbridge. Onondaga County. N. Y. In 1865 they came to Iowa, residing the first season upon the Osgood farm. The death of the husband occurred in Polk County. Novem- ber 29, 1881, and his renmins were interted in the cemetery of Mitchellville. Mr. and Mrs. Mason were the parents of three children-Martha, wife of A. G. Tigner, was born in New York. and is now living in Platt County. Neb .: DeWitt C .. who was born in Fairfield. Mich., in 1857, is now engaged in farming in Beaver Town-bip: and George M. who was born in Fairfield, Mich .. in 1859. died in Omaha, Neh., in Isst.
toil now enable him to spend his declining years in rest, surrounded by all the comforts which money can procure. He has been prominent in the pro- motion of all that could advance the best interests of the community, and no church struggling for existence has ever appealed to him for aid that he did not respond. Education has also found in him a true friend, and the schools of the various com- munities in which he has resided are greatly in- debted to him for his interest in their behalf. To such enterprises he gives not sparingly or grudg- ingly but with a bounteous hand, which shows that his entire sympathies are with the work. Hle cast his first Presidential vote for William Henry Harrison, but for many years has been a supporter of the Democracy.
D AVID STREETT, one of the highly respected citizens of Mitchellville, Polk County, who las resided in Central Jowa from an early day. was born in Harford County, Md .. April 1, 1815. and is of English descent, though the family lins resided in this country for several generations. His parents. Benjamin and Martha (Grafton) Streett. were also natives of Haiford County. His father was a soldier in the War of 1812, and served on guard duty in Baltimore. By occupation he was a farmer and followed that business through- out his life. Both he and his wife remained in their native county widtil death. In their family were six children, two sons and four daughters, but our subject is the only surviving member. Eliza- beth. the oldest. became the wife of Dr. Abram Streett, who is also deceased. and died in Hurford County, leaving a family of children; Sarah and , Corbin also passed away in that county; David is the next in order of birth: Jemima was the wife of Spencer Webb, a farmer of Fremont County, lowa; and Lorensea became the wife of Lane Street and both died in Harford County.
Considered from both the business and social point of view, the life of Mr. O-good has been eminently successful. With no capital save a young man's bright bojes of the future an la de- As Mis Streett died when our subject was a lad of only six years. the family was separated, termination to succeed. he began life and steadily pressed forward to the goal. The fruits of former . finding homes with various relatives. At the age
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of twelve he went to live with an unele with whom he remained four years, when in 1831, le was bound out to Samuel Fowler to learn the carpen- ter's trade. For four long years hoe toiled for his board and clothes, both of which were meagre and at the expiration of his term of service he left Bal timore emjay-handed but with a complete knowl- edge of his business. Going to Lancaster, l'a., he secured work as a journeyman but wages were very low. He was first employed in Philadelphia. The first week he worked to establish himself and at the end of six days was promised $11 per month. lle spent two years in that city, during which time his wages were increased to $20. In 1837. we find him in Springfield, Ohio, and the following year he started for Wayne County. Ind., where he re- sumed work at huis trade.
In that county Mr. Streett formed the acquaint- ance of Miss Amanda Tont, and on the 7th day of April. 1837. was married to her. She was born in Lancaster County. Pa .. in 1822, and is a danghter of Joseph and Fannie (MeMurray) Tout, who were also natives of Lancaster County and removed to Wayne County. in 1831. where they spent the remainder of their lives. They were parents of the following children, most of whom are living-Mary, wife of Michael Swope, of Indiana; Caroline. wife of Sam Bundy, of Terre Haute. Ind. ; Samuel. who was a musician of more than ordinary ability although deprived of his sight for twenty five years, died in Nebraska; Jacob, a resident of Lan- easter County. Neb .; Francina, wife of John Foun- tain, a luimber merchant of Dublin. Wayne County, Ind .; Joseph, a professor of music, resid- ing in Terre Haute. Ind .; Vashti. deceased wife of John Binkley ; Melissa. who died in infancy ; John, a druggist. of Wymore. Neb. ; Tham, who died in Wayne County, lad .; Volney, an accomplished musician. Seattle. Wash. ; Ephraim, who died in in- fancy; and Robert, a carpenter and builder of In- dianapoli .. Ind.
After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Streett resided in Cambridge. Ind., until 1817, when they removed 10 Baltimore, Md .. where they spent two vers. From 1819 umil 1831. they again resided in Cambridge, and in the latter year purchased a small farm in Wayne County which they sold in
1855, and removed to Greencastle, Jasper County, Iowa. Mr. Streett shortly afterward purchased one hundred acres of wild prairie land but for a short time after his arrival worked at his trade. Ile then gave his attention to agricultural pursuits and at length developed a beautiful farm which yielded a golden tribute to the care and labor which he be- stowed upon it. Prosperity, however, did not come to him at once but was the result of long and con- tinned labor. The family endured many hardships and trials such as are common to pioneer life. They lived in a wagon in which the journey was accom- plished until a log cabin could be erected. As soon as the building was up and roofed they moved in even before the floor was laid or windows put in. A piece of carpet was hung up across the door- way Imt was very insufficient protection against stories and against a more terrible enemy of man- kind, spakes, which were quite mummerous in and around the settlement at that carly day. At one time. Mrs. Streett happening to glance around, saw a huge rattlesnake coiled under the enpboard. but without delay she soon dispatched the reptile. She has been an important factor in the success which has attended her husband, the handsome compe- teney which now enables them to lived in retired life, having been acquired by their united efforts. In 1875, they left their home in Jasper County. and purchased seven acres of land adjoining the village of Mitchellville, where they erected a hand- some story and a half frame residence.
Of the children who have been born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Streett-Martha, died at the age of two and a half years; William, born in Wayne County, Ind .. November 9. 1812, is a resi . dent of Colfax, lowa; Mary, a native of the same county, is the wife of William Wilson. of Wy more. Neb .; James B .. who was a member of the Forty - cisth lowa Infantry, died during the service at Rock Island. J .. in 1861; Viola became the wife of William McConnell, and both are now deceased; Joseph T. is Superintendent of the leela Mining Company of Norwood, Mont .; Fannie B. is a sten- ograplur in the office of W. L. Read, of Des Moines; and Minnie is a successful teacher of Jasper and Polk Counties. Mr. and Mrs. Street have a grand- danghter, Linna MeConnell, who is employed as a
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type-setter in the Index office of Mitchellville. Fred, a brother of Laura, died in 1880, aged six years.
I'mtil within a few years Mr. Streett has been a Republican, but favoring free-trade principles, for some time past he has supported the Democracy. He started in life with a strong arm and determina- tion tosneceed. as his only capital, but whatever he has undertaken he has accomplished by industry and perseverance. While engaged in carpentering he did the best of work and thus won the confidence and secured the patronage of many. As a farmer he carried on his business with neatness and dis- patch, and one looking abroad over his home would at a glance see that the owner was a man of thrift and activity. De is an honored citizen. a man of sterling worth and one who has gained many friends by his upright career.
APT. WILLIAM L. CLARK, who faithfully served his country during the late war and is now engaged in general farming on section 1, Camp Township, was born in Guernsey Conty, Ohio, December 21, 1837. His father. John 11. Clark, was born in Frederick County. Va., January 7, 1811. and on the maternal side is of Irish de- scent. His father died when he was a lad and thus left him dependent upon his own resources. For many years he engaged in mercantile pursuits but for the past thirty years has devoted his attention to farming. Ile remained in Virginia until 1827. when at the age of sixteen years he went to Guern- sey County. Ohio, and in 1835 married Margaret Lane. After engaging in merchandising until 1850. he followed boating on the Miami Conal for ton years. In 1960 be removed with his family to Greene County, Ill. where he operated a farm for six years, when he sold out and came to Polk County, seftling in Camp Township. Both parents are still living with their only chill, our subjeet. They had two children who died in infancy Olivia and Jolm.
Capt. Clark when a Irche of a year was taken by his parents to Guernsey County. Ohio, and in the
schools of that community be acquired his educa- cation. In 1852 he left the parental roof. and go- ing to Urbana, Ohio, was engaged as a clerk in a dry-goods and boot and shoe establishment. one of the large mercantile houses in that place, but in 1853 he changed his pursuit, embarking in civil engineering on the Grand Rapids & Indiana Rail- road. of which Caleb B. smith was President. But ill health forced him to abandon that work. and the following winter be taught school near Delphos. Ohio, In the spring of 1851. going to Indiana. he was employed as civil engineer on a branch of the Cincinnati & Chicago Air Line Road. but his health remaining poor. and wages being so small, he was compelled to abandon that profession which he had hoped to make his life work. He was also strug- gling to obtain a college education. but he could not collect his earning- and he was also forced to ahandon that plan. He then removed to Piqua, Miami County, Ohio, and for a time was engaged as a salesman in a general merchandising store, after which he spent some time in Dayton. In the fall of 1856 he determined to try the West, believ- ing that it would furnish a better field of labor, and the same year we find him behind the counter of a book and stationery establishment of Quiney, Ill., where he continued until 1858. He then again spent a short time in school, but the financial panie of the preceding year made times so hard that he had to engage in manual labor and secured a position as brakesman on the road. In 1860. an unele of his came West, to Greene County. Il. and pur- chased a farm of two thousand acres upon which we Bod Mr. Clook at the breaking out of the Rebellion. aiding his uncle in the operation of the land, but when the President issued his first call for troups he at oner laid aside the plow and went to slack- sonville.
On the 10th of May. JS61. Capt. Clark was miis- tered into the United states service as a private of Company D. Fourteenth Minois Infantry . this be- ing the first regiment of three years' men raised in the State. He served for about eight months as duty sergeant and was then detailed to get as quar- termaster sergeant. At Shiloh he was promoted to the position of commissary servent and later was made First Lieutenant and quartermaster.
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