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 42
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sidered one of the solid. financial institutions of
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Des Moines. Possessing excellent business ability, judgment and foresight, our subject has contributed much to the success of the bank.
Mr. Harter was married in Davenport, lowa, on the 13th of June, 1839, when he led to the mar- ringe altar Miss Charlotta C. Howell, a native of the Empire State, and a daughter of Jobn Howell. Her death occurred March 23. 1862. and on the 4th of April, 1866. Mr. Harter was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Louisa Sherell, widow of Elisha Sherell, and a daughter of A. W. Hobson. Mis. Harter was born in Indiana, and came with her parents to Polk County. lowa, in 1817, the family settling in Saylor Township when it con- tained but few inhabitants. Two children, a son and daughter were born of their union-Allen J. and Annie May.
In political sentiment, Mr. Harter is a supporter of the Republican party, and socially is a member of Capital City Lodge. No. 106, 1. O. O. F. Ile is a plain. unassuming man, possessed of good busi- ness ability, great industry and the strictest integ- rity. More than half his life has been passed among the people of Des Moines, and none have known, but to esteem and respect him.
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R EV. HENRY C. ROSENBERGER. pastor of the Congregational Church of Mitchellville, was born in Seneca County. Ohio, August 9, 1816. and is a son of Nicholas and Han- nah (Kropple) Rosenberger. His paternal grand- darents were John and Catherine Rosenberger, who a few years after their marriage removed to Seneca County, Ohio, where Mr. Rosenberger pur- chased a larm near Tiflin. He immediately hogan the work of improvement, and at length. by pa- tient and persevering industry, the once unfruitful fields were made to yield an adequate supply for the large family. So far west were they living that few ministers ever visited that region. and meetings of a religious character were soblom held. At length the minister of the United Brethren Church visited the neighborhood and succeeded in forming a class, at which time Mr. Rosenberger ,
became the subject of saving grace and united with that church. Some time afterward he with many others, under the watchful care of the Rey. John Sounder, were organized into a Methodist Protestant Society. He loved that form of church government, bence the change in his church rela- tions. In 1853, accompanied by more than a score of relatives and friends, he came West and purchased a large tract of land in Iowa County, lowa. Perhaps more than half of the party were Christian people, and they soon appointed a prayer meeting, which they continued until a reg- ular church organization was formed. It was not long before news of this devoted little band of praying people reached others, and soon afterward a Methodist Protestant Society was formed in that part of the county, being organized as the Ohio Class. It constituted a part of the new circuit, and the first quarterly meeting was helt at the home of Father Rosenberger, as he was every- where known. before the completion of their house. Many meetings of interest were held he- neath his roof, which resulted in the conversion of a large number. At length death ended one of the most devoted Christian lives, and it was said that a father in Israel had fallen. His life abounded in good works, deeds of charity and kindness and acts of love. On the Ilth of July, 1876, his body was consigned to its last resting pace. and his spirit returned to him who gave it. Mrs. Rosenberger did not long survive her hus- hand. but on the 3d of October, of that same year, followed him to his long home. The endearing relationship of husband and wife existed between them for more than sixty-one years. To write of the marriage of Mrs. Rosenberger, her removal from Virginia to Ohio, her heroic deeds and labors and sacrifices in opening up their new farm near Tillin. of the large and interesting family she reared and of her church relations in Ohio and also in lowa, would be to rewrite a large part of the noble life of her companion, as their interests were one, and they labored together in the Master's work. In her religions life she was governed more by principle than impulse, more by faith than feeling. She made God's work, her work. and knowing the many hardships and privation-
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which ministers' families were often forced to en- dure on the frontier, no one engaged in that work could ever long remain in the neighborhood with- out her finding out their needs and wants. She always kept a good supply of provisions at her home, and would so delicately place them at the refusal of the minister that he could not but ac- cept them. Her aets of kindness and words of en- couragement have benefited many, Vanity and pride found no place in her heart, but like her Mas- she was incek and lowly in spirit. Her last words were, "Farewell, I am going home; my Saviour smiles and bids me come."
I'nder such influences our subject was reared and he must have indeed been hard-hearted if, with such examples of Christian practice before him, he had failed to accept the salvation offered to all and become a follower of Christ. His parents were also worthy members of the Methodist Prot- estaut Church. In Ohio, his father was reared, and married Hannah Keopple and unto them were born seven children: John, who enlisted in the Jate war, as a member of Company E, Twenty- fourth lowa Infantry, was taken sick with the measles during the service and started to return, but died before reaching home and was buried in the cemetery near Benton Barrreks, St. Louis; Henry C .. of this sketch is the next younger; Re- becca is the wife of Martin Shoull, a farmer of Jowa County, Jowa; Sarah is the widow of Benja- min Franklin, and resides in Taylor. lowa; Rol- lins-is a merchant; Mary is the wife of George Slosser. who is engaged in merchandising in Ladoga. lowa; and Maggie is the wife of William Raw- ley, a commercial traveler, of Omaha. Neb. Mr. Rosenberger followed farming in Seneca County, Ohio, until 1851. when with his family he started westward, and located in lowa Comity. lowa. where he and his wife still reside. Like their parents, they have taken a prominent part in church work, they have endeavored to would their lives according to the divine pattern and have made their religion a part of themselves. Their children they trained to habits of industry. so- briety, integrity and morality, and have done their duty by their follow-men.
We now take up the personal history of our
subject. He was but six years of age when the parents located in lowa County, and his early edu- cation was acquired in the Ohio school, which was organized largely by the Methodist Protestant Church. He pursued his studies during the win- ter months and in the summer season aided his father in the cultivation of the farm, until nine- teen years of age, when he entered the University of lowa City. He there continued his studies for five years, but a few months before his graduation his health failed him, and he was forced to lay aside his books. In the meantime he had deter- mined to devote his life to the cause of the church, and having fitted himself for that work, in 1870. took charge of the Methodist Protestant Church in Peoria, six years, and five years in Colo, Iowa, during which time six hundred were brought to see the light and accept the pardon offered all.
In the same year in which the Rev. Mr. Rosen berber entered upon the work in Peoria and Cole he was united in the holy bonds of matrimon. with Miss Melinda J. Rumple, the wedding taking place on the 3d of November. She was born in Seneca County Ohio. October 6, 1818. and is a daughter of John and Nancy ( Hiser) Rumple. the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Virginia. In his boyhood, her father removed to Ohio, where he became acquainted with and mar- ried Miss Hiser. Later they emigrated to Iowa, and settled on a farm adjoining that on which Nicholas Rosenberger resides. His wife died in 1881. Like her husband she was a consistent member of the Methodist Protestant Church and delighted in doing good. Mr. and Mrs. Rosenber- ger are the parents of seven children: Arthur E., who was born in Story County, lowa, December 12, 1871, died on the FIth of December, 1872; Alta A., who was born in Story County, Febru- ary 22, 1873; hoy O, was born in the same comdy. April 6, 1575; Charlie V. was born in : Story County, May 1. 1877; Edith E. who was born in the same county. May 21, 1550, died Sep- tember 11. 1881; Rollin L. born June 5, 1882; . and Orpha P., June 9, 1885, were born in lowa
Mr. Rosenberger continued in charge of the church in Colo, lowa. until 1881. when he was sent
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to the Millersburg circuit and for some years served in that conference. In Jest, he took charge of the the Congregation Church, in Webster, Keokuk County, acting as supply for a year. and in 1888. went to Cleveland. Lucas County. where he served until called to the pastorate of the Congregational Church in Mitchellville, in 1889. During his min- i-terial labors more than one thousand have been brought to confess the Savior, yet the results of his efforts cannot be measured by numbers, and will only be revealed when the Book of Life is opened. His labors have been ally supplemented by Mrs. Rosenberger, and they ever win a warm place in the hearts of the people.
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HARLES CASS LOOMIS. Sheriff of Polk County. was born in the town of Halifax, Dauphin County, Pa .. on the 6th of No- vember, 1818. and is a son of Anthony Wayne and Mary ( Murray) Loomis. His father was born in New Hampshire, in November, 1806, and was descended from one of the oldest Puritan families of New England. The original American ancestor was Joseph Loomis, who was born and reared in Braintree. Essex County. England. and left Lon- don. on the 11th of April, 1638. on the ship " Ellen and Mary," which arrived in Boston on the 17th of July following. He was accompanied by five sons and three daughters and in the autumn of 1839. settled in Windsor, Conn .. where he carried on the business of a woolen draper. Our subject is descended from Thomas Loomis, the fifth son of the family. who in furn was the father of Capt. Joshna Loomis and the line come on down through Joshua Jr .. Eleazer. Ashbell. Anthony Wayne and Charles Cass.
The father of our subject died in Halifax, Dan- phin County. Pa., on the 6th of August, 1861, but. Mis widow is still a resident of that place. But little is known of her ancestors as her father was left an orphan in early childhood andlost all tra es : of his family except a general knowledge that his His ancestors were of sentch-trich origin.
Charles Casa Loomis received a common-school
education in the State of his nativity, which was largely supplemented by self- instruction. Through his own efforts he became qualified for the position of teacher and for several years was engaged in the prosecution of that profession in the schools of his native town. Later he became a clerk in a bank at llalifax, in which capacity he was employed just prior to his removal to lowa. It was also in his native city, in the month of February. 1876, that he was united in marriage with Miss Laura Lingle, a daughter of Alexander and Lydia Lin- gle. Mrs. Loomis was born in Halifax, Pa .. and is of Scotch and German descent. They have two children, daughters, Mary E. and Laura Effie. She died September 30, 1881. His second marriage was with Mary Quayle, in March, 1884. They nave no children.
In August, 1881, Mr. Loomis came to lowa with his family and located in Des Moines, where he was engaged in the grocery business until November, 1887, when he was elected Sheriff of Polk County. The able and efficient manner in which he dis- charged his official duties led to his re-election in the autumn of 1889, and he is now serving his second term. In political sentiment he is an earn- est Democrat and the fact that he has been twice elected to the important office of Sheriff in a county known to have a decided Republican ma- jority. is the best possible assurance of his high Manding and personal popularity. He has proved an efficient and faithful officer and his re-election was but a fitting expression of public confidence and of satisfaction with his fidelity to the trust re- posed in him. Mr. Loomis is a member of Capital Lodge, No. 110. A. F. & A. M., and has been a number of the order since attaining his majority.
G EORGE LENDREM, who is now living a retired life in East Des Moines, is numbered among the carly settlers of lowa. and since 1862, has been a resident of this city. He was born in the town of Argyle. Washington County. N. Y., on the 31st of July. 1827, and in the Empire State the days of his boyhood and youth were spent.
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His father, George Lendrum, was a native of Seut. land. and in that country learned the trade of a ship builder. He crossed the Atlantic to America. when a young man, and for a few years followed his chosen occupation in New York City. He at length settled in the town of Argyle. Washington - County, receiving the land on which he located as a present from the Duke of Argyle, who founded a Scotch colony in that county, giving to the settlers a title to the land without compensation. Mr. Lendrum, Sr., wedded Miss Mary Robinson, a lady of Scotch descent, and they continued to make their home in the town of Argyle until life ended. Their union was blessed with ten children who grew to mature years, seven sons and three daughters. but only two brothers and two sisters of the fam- ily now survive, namely: George. of this sketch; Archie, who resides near the old homestead in Washington County, N. Y .; Margaret, wife of Thomas MeEachron, a resident of De Kalb County, Ill .; and Mary, wife of David Hor. who for many years lived in De Kalb County, III., but now makes his home in Kansas.
George Lendrum was reared in his native town to the occupation of farming, and remained under the parental roof until his marriage. The lady whom he married was Miss Julia T. Bain, a dangh- ter of Peter and Jane Ann ( MeNeil) Bain. She belongs to one of the early families of the State of New York. her original American ancestor being Hugh Bain, who left his home in Scotland to be- come a citizen of this country prior to the War of the Revolution. His son, James, was the great- grandfather of Mrs. Lendrum, and was one of the pioneer settlers of Washington County. N. Y. In 1851, the parents of this worthy lady removed from New York to Jasper County, Jowa. where they spent their remaining days, the mother dying in 1860, the father in 1878. They bol a family of R ICHARD T. WELLSLAGER, President of the Des Moines National Bank, has been a resident of lowa since 1851. He was born neur Hagerstown. in Washington County, Md .. on the 18th of April. 1831, and is a son of Samuel and Mary ( Welsh) Wellslager. His parents Were also natives of Washington County, but on the paternal side the family is of German origin, twelve children, six sons and six daughters, and of that band live son- and five daughters are yet liv - ing: Dr. Seneca MI. Bain, the ellest son, who is hos a practicing physician of Hall Valley, Ind., Ter .. was graduated from a medical school in New Orleans. La .. and engaged in the practice of the profession in that city until the war broke out, when he was compelled to enter the Confederate service, and ; and on the material of Irish descent. When Richard
for a time commanded a regiment: Hamilton re- sides on the old homestead of his parents in Jasper County, Iowa ; Robert F., who first served his coun- try in the Fifth Jowa Infantry, and later in the Fifth Cavalry, is now a resident of Los Angeles, Cal .; Thomas C .. who was a member of the Fortieth lowa Infantry. now makes his home in Dos Cabezos, Arizona; James G., who enlisted in the service at the age of fourteen years, as a member of the Ninth lowa Cavalry, and served four years, is a resident of Des Moines. Mrs. Lendrum is the eldest of the sisters, three of whom are living in Jasper County, lowa, while Mrs. Abbie Deihl is a resident of Ft. Worth, Tex.
Mr. and Mrs. Lendrin were married and began their domestic life in New York, whence they came to Jowa in 1853, settling in Burlington. They are now parents of three children, a son and two daugh- ters-George, Jennie .J., and Ida May. For the greater part of his business Ite, Mr. Lendrum en- gaged in the foundry business, in which line he continued operation in Burlington during his ear- lier residence in Towa. On his removal to this city in 1862, he again resumed work at that occupation, but is now living a retired life. He was eminently successful in his business pursuits. acquiring a com- petence which now enables him to lay aside the arduous duties and cares of this world. Both he and his wife have long been faithful and consistent members of the Presbyterian Church, and are num- bered among the well known and respected citizens of Des Moines. In 1875 Mr. Lendrum was elected Sheriff of Polk County, and re-elected in 1877, serving four years.
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'I. was two years of age his parents removed to Richland County, Ohio, where he grew to manhotel, receiving his alucation in the common schools. As before stated. he came to lowa in 1851, and located in Oskalooka. where he secured the appointment of Deputy Postimaster. So efficiently did he perform the duties of that position that he received the al- most unanimous indersement of the citizens for the appointment of Postmaster, to which he was com- missioned in 1857, under President Buchanan. and served until the spring of 1861. He then came to Des Moines, and at the opening of the extra session of that year was made Assistant Secretary of t . Senate. When the Legislature adjourned he accepted the position of Cashier in the bank of B. F. Allen, which he filled four years, when he went to New York City and operated on Wall Street for a your and a half, after which he returned to Des Moines and bought a half interest in the book and stationery business owned by Wesley Redhead. That was in 1866, and for nineteen years the firm of Redhead & Well-lager carried on an extensive and prosperous business. At the expiration of that period our subject retired from the firm on account of impaired health and with his family traveled ex- tensively over the country for nearly three years.
In the fall of 1887, Mr. Wellslager entered the Des Moines National Bank as cashier as a prelimi- nary to a higher position and in demmary. 18ss, was elected President, which position he has since hold. When he became the head of the back its report of January 1, 1888. showed a capital stock of $300,- 000; surplus, $28,300 ; undivided profits. $12,091.97 :00 deposits amounting to $229.713.15. The re- port of May 18, 1589, seventeen and a half months later showed. capital stock $300,000 ; surplus fund. $32.100; undivided profits. $28.111.13, and de- posits amounting to $501, 131.61.
A comparison of these figures shows a large in- erense of business, of surplus and undivided profits and a live of deposits more them could the amount. when he became President, all of which speaks very highly to the credit of Mr. Well-lager as a financier, as he has given the business of the bank the benefit of his personal supervision since his con- nection with it. In addition to his connection with the Des Moines Natiored Bank, he is actively iden
tified with several other important financial insti- tutions of the city. He is a Director in the Des Moines Savings Bank. in the Security, Loan and Trust Company, the State Insurance Company, Equitable Life Insurance Company, and the Polk County Loan and Building Association. Of the Equitable Life Insurance Company he is also Treas- urer.
Mr. Wellslager was married in Des Moines on the 26th of October, 1962, the lady of his choice being Miss Anna Beckman,daughter of Harmon Beckman. an early settler of this city of 1851, now a resident of Salina, Kan. The Indy was born in Schoharie County, N. Y., and one child graces their union. a daughter, Emma, who resides with her parents.
In politics, Mr. Wellslager is a Republican but has never sought or held an official position. He is known as an enterprising yet conservative busi- ness man, possessed of superior financial ability and of the strictest integrity.
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OL. NOAH W. MILLS, Commander of the Second lowa Infantry, who gave his life a rtsom for the cause of freedom, was born in Montgomery County, Ind., June 21. 1831. He was liberally educated, completing his school days by a collegiate course in Wabash College. After his graduation he was engaged for a time in civil engineering and subsequently was employed for a year by the American Express Company. Ile de- voted his leisure hours during that period to the study of law which he had determined to make his life work. and after his admission to the bar in the fall of 1856. came to Des Moines. as furnishing .a good field for one in his profession. De here re- sumol his legal pursuits and ako engaged in the book binding and printing business with his brother. F. M. Mills, under the firm name of Mills & Co .. which he continued until his enti-tinent in the lite War.
Col. Mills was one of the first in Polk County to respond to the President's call for troops and en- to read the servier. He became Lieutenant in Capt. Crocker's company, which was organized for en-
Philip Morgan
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Anna lehe hing
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tering the three months' service, but the call living tilled they were made a company in the Second lowa Infantry, at the rendezvous in Keokuk, where Capt. Crocker was promoted to Major, while Lieu- tenant Mills was placed in command of the com- pany. He held the rank of Captain until the 224 of June, when he was made Major. Two days later he was promoted to be Lieutenant Colonel and on the 8th of October, was promoted to the col- oneley of the Second lowa Infantry. He was with his regiment in all its campaigns. Gen. Tuttle re- marked of him . He was the coolest man in battle that I ever saw and his watchfulness and valor were worth a regiment." He was wounded at Corinth in the final charge, which Capt. Stewart described as follows: "In this final charge, Lieut .. Col. Mills was conspicuous. Springing to the front of his regiment, he snatched the tattered battle-tag from the color sergeant and in the very face of the foe cheered his men to the onset. I was in the charge and after the enemy had been routed found that he was wounded. He was shot in the foot by a musket ball which entered at the big toe joint and lodged in the heel. A week afterwards he was attacked by lockjaw and died at sundown on Sunday evening, October 12. 1862."
Col. Mills was a fine scholar and able writer and possessed literary taste of a high order. Ile also displayed excellent business ability and by busi- ness associates. army comrades, and friends of the social cirele, he was held in the highest regard.
IIILIP MORGAN. Among the most con- servative and successful business men of Des Moines, must be classed the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. He is the proprietor of the Hotel Morgan, one of the heading hotels of the Capital City, which he has had leased for several years but is now temporarily operating under his own supervision.
Mr. Morgan was born in Wheeling Creek Town- ship. Belmont County, Ohio, May 1, 1 829. mel is a son of Amos and Catherine (Gettinger) Morgan. The latter was born near Hagerstown, Md. the
father on the 16th of August, 1895, and the mother on the 1th of March, Is03. Their families hap- pered to meet while crossing the mountains on their way from Maryland to Ohio and became acquainted. They settled in the same neighborhood and Mr. Morgan's parents, who were then children, grew up together and were married in January, 1825. Unto them were born two sons and three daughters. all of whom are living at this writing in 1890. Henry, the eldest, is a resident of Harrison County, Ohio; Philip is the next younger; Mrs. Mary A. Logan is now a resident of Jasper County, Iowa; Mrs. Eliza J. Edwards, and Mrs. Martha MI. Edwards, the youngest of the family, are both residents of Harrison County, Ohio. In 1839. the family ro- moved to Harrison County, Ohio, where they fol- lowed agricultural pursuits. The father died in the spring of 1872. at the age of sixty-seven years and his wife died September 23, 1889, at the age of eighty-six years.
Philip was reared to farm life and in his youth attended the public schools. When fifteen years of age be sustained a slight injury to the left knee. He was one day carrying a seythe from the hay- field and the implement came in contact with bis left leg. The eut. while apparently slight, proved serious when not properly treated and brought about a long and painful illness and resulted in a permanent lameness of the limb. On regaining his strength but continuing lame, Philip found him- self unfitted for the arduous labor of the farm and at the age of seventeen years, by his father's ad- vice, became apprenticed, in 1816, to the saddlery and harness trade with William Knox of Cadiz, Ohio. After serving four years be returned home and opened a saddiery and harness shop in George- town. in 1850, near his old home, with a borrowed capital of $150.
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