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 41
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60
716
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
While at home on a furlough he was given a letter from Col. Hall, then commander of the Fourteenth Illinois, to Gov. Yates, Chief Magistrate of Illi- nois at the time, in which he was recommended for quartermaster of the Fourteenth. The Governor ordered him to report to his regiment at LaFayette, Tenn .. for duty as quartermaster, but for some case the position was afterward given to another and he was made chief clerk of the department, serving as such until he was made First Lieuten- ant and regiment quartermaster. In the fall of 1863 he was ordered to report to Gen. Ransom at Natchez. and given the position of First Lieutenant and regiment quartermaster of the Fifty-eighth United States Colored Infantry in which position he served until December. 1865. when his faithful and meritorious service was rewarded by promotion to the captaincy of Company G, of that regiment. At Jackson, Miss .. he was detailed as Commissary and moved all the stores from that place to Vicksburg. On the 10th of May, 1866. he was mustered out and returned to Greene County, Ill., having faith- fully served his country from the first call to arms until the last regiment was discharged.
Capt. Clark remained in Greene County until 1866, when he came to his present home, having purchased the farm while in the service of I'nele Sam. He gave his attention to the cultivation of the wild land and soon had the entire amount, one hundred and eighty-three agres on section 1, Camp Township, under a good state of cultivation and also had erected a comfortable two-story residence. llaving now provided the home, he chose a com- panion to share with him its comforts, and on the 6th of April, 1869, wedded Miss Amaryllis %. Botsford, a native of Illinois and a daughter of T. E. Botsford, one of the honored pioneers of Pella, lowa. Unto them were born two children: William E., born January 23. 1870, and John A., February 1, 1572. The latter, a young man of much promise. died December 3, 1889, at the age of seventeen years and ten months.
Capt. Clark is numbered among the representa- tive and influential citizens of Polk County, and in all public affairs takes a deep interest. Both be and his wife are members of the Methodist Episco. pal Chinch, and he is a prominent member of the
Masonie Order. having united with Crystal Lodge. No. 218. A. F. & A. M. at its organization. For two years he occupied the Chair of Worshipful Master. and is a member of both Chapter and Commandery. He also belongs to MeCray Post, No. 27, G. A. R.
R. CHAUNCEY E. WIHTTEN, celectic physician and surgeon of Des Moines, joined the medical fraternity of Polk County, in March, 1889. at which time he took up his residence in Des Moines. The record of his life is as follows: lle is a native of Ohio, born near the city of Toledo. in 1851, and is a son of Randall L. and Mary ( Walker) Whitten. His father was born in Orleans County, N. Y .; his mother in Genesee County. of the same State, and in childhood hoth removed with their parents to Ohio, where they grew to mature years, became acquainted and were married. Their residence in the Buckeye State continued until 1855, when Mr. Whitten, accompanied by his family, followed the tide of human emigration that was steadily flowing westward, and became a resident of Lucas County, lowa, where he still makes his home. devoting his energies to agricultural pursuits. In the family were three sons and one daughter, of whom the Doctor is the eldest; Archie. the next in age, is a farmer of Lucas County; Asa is editor and pro- prietor of the Pella, lowa, Republican; Clara, the only sister, is at home.
The subject of this sketch was but four years of age when he was brought by his parents to lowa, and under the parental roof he was reared to man- hood. He acquired his literary education in Simp- son College, Indianola. Jowa, and having deter- mined to make the practice of medicine his life work, he began preparations to that end in 1871. in the office of Dr. 1. A. Mekleveen. of Chariton. Lucas County, under whose direction he con- timed his studies two years. In the winter of 1873-7t he attended lectures at Bennett Medical College. of Chicago, after which he openel au office and began practice in Lee County. IL., where
717
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
he remained for five years. The ten succeeding years of his life were spent in active practice in Marion County, Jowa. and at the expiration of that time he came to Des Moines. Only a year has clapped since his arrival in this city, but the people have already recognized his ability and skill by a liberal patronage. Ile makes a specialty of the treatment of rheumatism in his practice, and in that line is exceptionally successful, having per- formed some marvelous enres,
The Doctor's wife was formerly Miss Augusta Perry, a native of Mansfield, Ohio, and they have traveled life's journey together since 1874.
children: Elizabeth, wife of Amassa De Long. a farmer of Beaver Township: George W., who is also engaged in farming in that township; Louisa, wife of William Il. Noman, of Colorado; John, a resident farmer of Beaver Township: Joseph, of the same township; and Margaret, wife of Sam- uel Crawford, of Mitchellville. Mrs. Rooker's death occurred in the year 1857, after which Mr. Rooker wedded Mrs. Hayes. They have two chil- dren: Franklin, deceased; and Amanda wife of George Burgett. Mr. Rooker is still living in Beaver Township at the ripe old age of eighty-two years, and ranks among the honored citizens of the community .
Since his sixth year, our subject, William D. Rooker, has been a resident of lowa, having ac- companied his parents to this State in 1813. His education was acquired in a primitive log school- house of Keokuk County, and he was reared to farm life, which he has made his principal occupa- tion. He remained at home until 1859, when hav- ing attained his majority. he made a trip to Colo- rado on a gold hunting expedition, but not meeting with the success he anticipated, returned the fol- lowing autumn and resumed farm work. He was thus engaged in following the plow, when the late war broke out, but soon he abandoned his home duties to discharge the greater duty toward the Government. He enlisted on the 24 of August, 1861. in Company D. Second Jowa Cavalry. for three years. and was equipped and mustered into the United States service in Davenport, lowa, whence the troops were ordered to St. Louis, where the regiment remained until March. 1862. In the spring of that year the Second Cavalry participated in the battles of New Madrid and Ft. Pillow, and afterward marched to Pittsburg Landing. which was followed by the battle of Corinth, Miss, and Booneville. Later the troops took part in the see- ond battle of Corinth, and fought under Gen. Grant at Holly Springs, which was succeeded by the battles at Memphis. Tenn .. and La Grange. There they went into winter quarters, and during the following summer, engaged in scouting expedi- tions and many skirmishes. From White Station they went to Pulaski, where for three weeks the
ILLIAM D. ROOKER, a farmer and stock- raiser, the owner of a fine farm on section 24, Beaver Township, has been a resident of the county for thirty-nine years. He was born in Tippecanoe County, Ind., on the Ist of March, 1838, and is a son of James and Elizabeth ( Downs) Rooker. The Rooker family is of German descent, and was founded in America at an early day. Throughout life he has followed the occupation of - farming, and is a leading representative of that class of people which forms the bone and sinew of our country. He has been three times married, and by his first wife had five children. two of whom are now living: William D. of this sketch. and James W., an honored farmer of Beaver Township, who served during the late war. and in the battle of Nashville was wounded, the ball passing through his right eye, and coming out near the left car. It instantly blinded him, causing total loss of sight. The mother died about 1818, in Keokuk County. Iowa, whither the family had removed five years previous. In that county James Rooker entered from the Government a fraet of land which he transformed into a good farm, and made his home until 1851, when he came to Polk County, settling near Rising Sun, in Four Mile Township. He there purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, and engaged extensively in farming. He was a second tobe married while living in Keokuk County, to Margaret. Oglerie. by whom he had six .; Second Cavalry held the army of Hood in check.
718
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
For sixty-five days they were without their tents, and had to sleep unprotected while their food they obtained by foraging. At length they reached Nashville, where they found tents and supplies awaiting them. On the 15th and 16th of Decem- ber the cavalry was dismounted, and every fourth man detailed to take care of the horses, while the remainder of the regiment went forth into battle. For two long days the engagement at Nashville continued. On the 15th Mr. Rooker was wounded by a piece of shell which struck him on the right check, fracturing the bone. He was then sent to the hospital and granted a furlough of thirty days, which he spent at home, rejoining his command at Fastport. Miss. In the meantime the three years had expired, and he had veteranized. continuing in the service until the 9th of September, 1865. more than four years. He was then honorably dis- charged as one who had faithfully done his duty at all times and in all places. With the exception of the time when wounded, he took part in every en- gagement in which his regiment participated, and made for himself an honorable record.
Returning to his home when the war was over. Mr. Rooker at once resumed his farming opera- tions. In January, 1866, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Phoebe A. Barlow, and removed to his pre- sent farm in Beaver Township, which at that time con- sisted of two hundred and twenty-eight acres. The wild prairie land he has since placed under an ex- cellent state of cultivation, and as the result of his labors reaps abundant harvests. He has made all the necessary improvements, including the erection of good barns and outbuildings, and has extended the boundaries of his land until now three hundred and fifty-four acres pay tribute to the care and labor which he bestows upon it. His home. a tasty resi- denee. is surrounded by beautiful shade and orna- mented trees, planted and tended by his hand. and adtogether his farm is considered one of the finest in the county.
Mr. and Mrs. Rooker are the parents of six chit- dren: Charles P. and James C. at home; Mamie, wife of Frederick Miller, a farmer of Beaver Town- ship; Louisa V .. Amy and Robert W. Mr. Rooker has been one of the leading agriculturalists of the county for the long period of thirty-nine years,and --
an eyewitness and active participant in the many great changes, the progress and advancement, which has taken place in that time. In polities he is a stalwart advocate of Republican principles. He is a worthy member of the Grand Army Post of Mitchellville, and as a citizen none stands higher in the community. Both Mr. and Mrs. Rooker are members of the Christian Church, and take an ac- tive part in any interest which will materially ad- vance the cause.
OIN F. CONRAD, one of the younger men . bers of the bar of Des Moines, yet a worthy representative of the legal profession, has been engaged in practice in this city since the Ist of January, 1887. Hle is a native of lowa. having been born near Burlington, Des Moines County, May 10, 1862. His father, R. B. Conrad, is a farmer by occupation, and now resides in Lu- cas County, Iowa. Ile married Maria Canterbury, daughter of Isaac Canterbury, a pioneer of Des Moines County, of 1831. Her father was reared on a farm in Sangamon County, Ill., and there married Eliza Morgan, after which he operated a rented farm until his emigration to the Territory of lowa, in the year above mentioned. Hle rented a farm of Government land about three miles south of the present city of Burlington, then known as Flint Hills, but in 1837, sold out and removed 10 Danville Township, locating near Middletown, where he entered land and developed a fine farm. De added to his possessions until he owned a val- uable tract of four hundred aeres, upon which he resided until his death, which occurred April 21, 1818, at the early age of thirty-eight years. Itis widow still survives him, and makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Conrad, in Lucas County. That worthy couple were the parents of six chil- dren, as follows: Matilda, wife of William Wood- ard, of Decatur County. Iowa, a lawyer by pro- fession: Carlisle, who resides in Pleasant Grove Town-bip. Des Moines County; Margaret. widow of Henry N. Jackson. of Marion County, lowa; Maria, wite of R. B. Comrad, and the mother of
93 C. While
721
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBI'M.
our subject : John, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Fremont County; and Cynthia, the youngest, who is now the wife of Frederick Lea- hart, a resident of Lucas County.
-
John F. Conrad, the subject of this sketch. dur- ing his boyhood days accompanied his parents from Des Moines County to Mahaska County, and subsequently removed with them to Lucas County. lle received his primary education in the public schools, and after its completion pursued a classical course of study in Simpson College, of Indianola, He then looked about for some trade or profession which he desired to make his life work, and having made choice of the law, in 1881. he entered the office of Judge W. F. Conrad, of Des Moines, un- der whose direction he continued his studies until January, 1887, when, as before stated. he opened an office in the eastern part of the city, and has since devoted his energies to practice, Mr. Conrad is a gentleman of culture. and an earnest student of his profession, and though one of the youngest members of the bar of Polk County. is held in high esteem by his professional brethren who have the pleasure of his acquaintance. There are two other members of his father's family, he being a brother of Fred C. Conrad and of Mrs. Emma Gray, both of Lueas County.
3 ENJAMIN CLAYTON WHITE, deceased. who for many years was connected with the milling interests of Des Moines, was born in Lancaster County, Pa. December 23. 1823. His parents, Job and Phoebe (Kinsey) White, were both natives of Pennsylvania. whose ancestors belonged to the Society of Friends. Froth the Keystone State they removed to Richmond, Ind., where the husband died. Mis. White spout her last days in Des Moines with her son reaching the advanced age of ninety-four years. They hul six children. of whom our subject was fifth in order of birth.
winter. while in the summer time he worked at the machinist's trade, which he partially learned in his unele's shop during his boyhood. Subsequently he completed his trade in Philadelphia, but imme. diately after his return home he carried on a store. Later he was employed as a machinist in Chicago and Indianapolis, and on going to Richmond, Ind .. was in the gas works with James M. Starr, who established the gas works in Des Moines. Mr. White located in this city in 1865, in which year he built the old Capital Mills at the foot of West Third and Elm Streets, which he operated success- fully for more than fifteen years, when in 1882 he beemme a member of the firm of White, Murphy d. Pickering, that built the Capital Roller Mill and did an extensive business.
In 1866 Mr. White returned to his native State, and in Port Carbon, Schuylkill County, on the Ist of November, was united in marriage with Miss Lititia Fleming, a native of Columbia. Lan- caster County, and a danghter of Solemn and Eliza J. (Fisler) Fleming, both of whom were born in Chester County, Pa., the former Jannary 23, 1811, and the latter October 7, 1820. Their marriage took place on the 9th of August, 1842. Mr. Fleming was one of the first locomotive engineers in the United States. He was a carpenter by trade. but wages for such labor being very poor, he ob- tained a position as fireman on the old Pennsylva- nia Railroad. running from Columbia to Philadel- phia, and after a short time, in July. 1835. was given charge of an engine. He later became Superintendent of the Mine Hill Railroad. and served in that capacity for other roads, also hold- ing other responsible positions at different places. He et one time had charge of the Union Depot in Indianapolis. Ind., was general freight agent for the Rock Hard Road at Chicago, and both ticket and freight agent in Gonesco. Il. While making his hon in that city. the death of his wife occurred while on a visit to old friends in Pennsylvania. Mr. Fleming is now living with his daughter. Mrs. White, and has attained the ripe old age of sex- enty-nine years. It is doubtful whether anyone living con got die his experience as a locomotive engreet. He has lived an umpretention- life,
Benjamin C. White acquired sofficient education to teach school, and for several years during his carly manhood followed that vocation in the I though me crowded with varied and interesting
722
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
experiences, and has won the high regard of all by whom he is known. Ms. White, his only daugh- ter, and two sons constitute the family.
I'pon his marriage Mr. White brought his bride to Des Moines, where she has since continued to reside. By their union were born four children- George F., a progressive young artist; Grace M .; Benjamin F .. who died at the age of two years; and Pearl 1.
For twenty-three years Mr. White was connected with the milling interests of Des Moines, and his dealings were marked by honesty and justice, as will be attested by the many farmers who were his patrons. Few were better known in the county. and none more universally esteemed. He was un- swerving in the faith of the Society of Friends, and politically, was a strong Prohibition-Repub- lican. On the 11th of April, 1888. he was called from his earthly toils. The integrity and purity of his life are worthy of imitation.
ILAS P. OLDFIELD, an enterprising farmer residing on section 9, Beaver Town- ship, is a native of Ohio. He was born in Richland County, May 23, 1814, and is a son of Richard and Elmina (Phelps) Oldfield. Ilis father was a native of New York, born of Seoteli- Irish parentage and by occupation was a farmer. In his youth be removed to Pickaway County. Ohio, where he grew to manhood and on reaching ma- turity went to Richland County, where he married Miss Phelps. a native of New Hampshire. Ile owned a large tract of land in that county and was extensively engaged in farming until his death in 1873, in the seventy- fourth year of his age. His wife yet resides in Richland County, and has at- tained the advanced age of eighty-five years. In early life Mr. Oldfield was a Whig, but on the or- ganization of the Republican party joined its ranks and continued to fight under its banner until his death. He filled a number of local offices of trust and was manbered among the honored citizens of the community in which he made Ins home, Our
subject is one of a family of eleven children, five sons and six daughters-David P .. a resident of Mitchellville: Annie, wife of Wyman Andrews of Belleville, Ohio; Matilda wife of Daniel Garber, who resides near Independence, Ohio; James T., who served in the late war and died on the old home- stend; Cordelia, wife of Daniel Loose. of Indepen- dence, Ohio; Reuben, who died in the Buckeye State, at the age of seventeen years: Elizabeth. now Mrs. Sappington; Martha, wife of Jasper Gaddis of Knox County, Ohio; William, who was a mem- ber of the Thirty-Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, died from disease contracted in the service and is now sleeping in the National cemetery, near Mari- etta, Gia., grave 114, section C; he died at Rome, Ga., in 1861; Mary, wife of Aaron B. Leedy, who resides near the old homestead in Richland County, Ohio; and Silas P. of this sketeh.
Our subject spent the days of his boyhood and youth upon his father's farm and attended school in the neighborhood until the breaking out of the great Rebellion, when he laid aside his books and on the 19th of August, 1862, enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Second Ohio Volunteer In- fantry for three years' service. The regiment was was organized, equipped and drilled at Camp Mansfield and then sent to Covington, Ky., where it joined the command of Gen. Lew Wallace. driv- ing Kirby Smith from the State. Taking steamer for Louisville. Ky., they were then put under com- mand of Gen. Buell and followed in pursuit of Gen. Bragg to Perryville. Ky., where a severe engage- ment was brought on and had the forees done their duty, the entire rebel army would have doubtless been captured. However, as it was, they drove Gen. Bragg to Cumberland Gap and then returned to Bowling Green, where they were placed under the command of Gen. Rosecrans, where they re- mained until the fall of 1861. During the greater part of the time that year they did guard duty, guarding the railroad between Chattanooga and Nashville, Tenn. At the battle of Athens. Ala. half of the One Hundred and Second Regiment was captured by Gen. Forrest while making a raid on that place. Our subject was on picket duty at the time and escaped. The men were placed in prison and many of them died in those horribh:
723
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
rebel dens. The remainder of the regiment was placed on garrison duty at Decatur. Ala .. during the winter of 1861-65. On the 29th of October. 1861. they were attacked by Gen. Hood who con- tinned the seige four days, but the lays in blue, being well fortified. bravely held the city and cap- tured about one hundred and thirty of the enemy. From Decatur they were sent to Nashville, where the regiment was discharged July, 1865.
Mr. Oldfield served his country for three long years and participated in many of the important engagements of the war. On its close he again re- turned to his native county and gave his attention to the tilling of the soil. February 3, 1867, he was united in marriage with Samantha Traxler, a native of Richland County. Ohio, and s daughter of Philip and Prudence Traxler, who were born in the Empire State. Her parents are both now deceased.
Mr. Oldfield continued his farming operations in Richland County until 1870, when he moved with his family to Elmwood. Peoria County, III .. and embarked in the railroad hotel business which he continued with excellent success nutil 1876. In the spring of that year he sold out his interest and he and his wife spent the summer and antum seasons in viewing the battle-fields of the South which Mr. Oldfield had once trod, together with a number of places of interest in the East and the Centennial at Philadelphia. Pa. On the Ist of January, 1877, we find them in Mitchellville for the purpose of selecting a location in this county. At length Mr. Oldfield purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land on section 9. Beaver Township, where he has since made his home. He has identified himself with the best interests of the township and county and is numbered among the representative citizens. He is one of the ! self-made men of the community, having begun life without capital and worked his way upward until he is now numbered among the substantial farmers in the neighborhood. In politics, he is a stalwart Republican, and in 1887 was the nominee of his party for Representative but by an under- handed election scheme he was defeated by a small , for, who has since successfully filled the position. majority. Socially he is a member of the Masonic ' The bank: has had a prosperous career and is con- Order and War Post. No. 17, G. A. R. of Mitch-
elville, and both he and his wife are members of the Congregational Church. For the past there years he has been one of the leading members of the Farmer's Alliance, an organization formed for the purpose of protecting the interests of the pro- ducer and was selected to amend and revise the hy- laws of the order. As a citizen none stands higher in the community and it is with pleasure that we record his sketch in this volume.
E BEN SUTLIFE HARTER. President of the American Savings Bank of Des Moines, and one of the leading financiers of the State. is a native of Ohio. He was born in Mansfield, Rich- land County. on the 30th of July, 1821, and is a representative of one of the respected pioncer fam- ilies of Polk County, his parents, John W. and Cordelia (Sutliff) Harter, having located near Des Moines at an early day. In 1835, they removed from Richland to Lucas County, Ohio, settling on a farm, where our subject was reared to manhood. He received bis education in the common district schools of the neighborhood, and made farming his principal occupation. In 1852, he went to Cali- fornia, where he engaged successfully in mining for two years. On the return voyage. the steamer on which he sailed ( the "Winfield Scott" ) was wrecked on the rocks opposite Santa Barbara,and he remained on an island with the other passengers, for eight days. In February, 1551. he arrived in Des Moines. Iowa, and purchased a farm in Saylor township. Polk County. although he made his home in the city. where he has since resided. From 1857 until 1873, Mr. Haiter was successfully engaged in the retail provery business; but selling out in the latter year, tinned his attention to real estate and bank - ing. in which he yet carries on operations. In 188H. in company with others. he incorporated the Amer- jean Savings Bank. with a paid capital of $50.000. At the first election James Garrity was made Pre- ident, but in Jest. he was succeeded by Mr. Har-
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.