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 43
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On the 8th of November. 1553. Mr. Morgan was married in Wellsville. Ohio, to Miss Martha Ann Wiley. a daughter of Joseph Wiley. and a mative of Harrison County. born on the Isth of Jamurry, 1:31. Two children were born unto them, a som and daughter. The latter, Flora () .. was born March 1, le55. in Georgetown. Harrison County. and is now the wife of Jolm N. Heure. of Dis Moines. The son. Philip Wiley . was born in Athia.
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Monroe County. lowa, July 6, 1860. He grew to be a bright, intelligent lad of great promise. but died September 23, 1870, when little more than ton years of age. On the 25th of February, 1887. Mrs. Morgan died after being an invalid for twenty years, during the greater part of which time she had required and received constant medical care and unusual attention.
Mr. Morgan continued business in Georgetown until the month of March, 1856, when he sold out. and then emigrated with $386, his wife and infant daughter to Jowa, locating in Albia. Monroe County, where he bought into a business, but soon after- ward he purchased a small house in Albia, where he carried on harness and saddlery and dealing in hides and leather, from 1856 until 1861. Toward the commencement of the late war he bought and shipped cattle and sold in the Chicago market until November. 1861. In December, Isol, he came to Des Moines and opened a store on Second Street, where he dealt in shoe leather and hides, beginning with a capital of $1,020, and four years later added saddlery hardware. In 1875, he bought the old Pacific Ilouse, a two-story hotel, and in 1876 built the addition in the rear which is now a part of the Morgan, a brick structure, 32×80 feet and three stories in height. Leasing the hotel, Mr. Morgan continued his former business and in 1878 formed a partnership with N. W. Hunter, under the firm name of Morgan & Hunter. That connection con- tinued until July, 1879, when Mr. Morgan sold out to his partner. He then took charge of his hotel. operating it until the spring of 1881 without change. He then began the erection of the front part of the Hotel Morgan and on the 7th of Janu- ary, 1882, completed it as it stands to-day, and he opened it for business January 1, 1882. The front is 66x53 feet and is four stories high with Mansard roof. It contains sixty-six rooms. exclusive of parlors, wash rooms and offices. The house is well furnished, complete in its appointments and is classed as one of the popular hotels of the Capital City. He leased the hotel from December 15, 1582 to January 1, 1889, and traveled extensively through the United States from February 1883 to October, 1888.
On the 21st of September, 1887, in Rariton, N.J ..
Mr. Morgan wedded Mrs. Ama De Hart Thomp- son, widow of Robert Thompson, journalist and postmaster of Memphis, Tenn., and a daughter of J. V. N. De lait, of New Jersey. Mrs. Morgan Was born in Franklin Township, Somerset County. N. J., as were also her parents who were descended from old New Jersey families. The mother died when Mrs. Morgan was eleven years of age, but the father is still living in his native State. Mrs. Mor- gan received a thorough education and was reared under the auspices of the Reformed Lutheran Church. Her former husband was proprietor and editor of the Memphis Acalanche; a Democrat in polities and an active and influential member of political circles. lle was postmaster of Memphis during one of those scourges of yellow fever that periodically visit that city, and fell a victim to the disease. Ilis widow succeeded to the office made vacant by her husband's death and completed the term for which he was appointed. She proved competent and faithful in the discharge of the duties of the office and retired with a clear record. After the close of her official career she traveled extensively for two years in Europe and became the wife of Mr. Morgan several months after ber return to the United State -.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Morgan went to California, where they remained until February, 1888, when they came to Des Moines. The fol. lowing summer and autumn were spent by them among the watering places of Wisconsin. Return- ing to Des Moines Mr. Morgan took possession of his hotel, January 1. 1889, which he has since carried on successfully.
In polities Mr. Morgan was a Republican until within a few years, since which time he has to some extent supported the Democracy. He has been a successful business man, energetic and en- terprising, yet conservative. He has always acted on the principle that he who would succeed must. be in earnest and never allow his attention to be diverted from the end in view. Upright and hon orable in his intercourse with the world and always ready and willing to meet every honest claim in full, he. like most men of his character, looks well to the merits of a trade and is disposed to be exacting of his just dues. Ile has been a keen observer of
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mankind and is quick to detect and understand motives in those with whom he has dealings. hi- dependent and self-reliant, he has achieved success and has neither feared opposition or courted favors.
AMES K. MOLLER, banker and one of the leading business men of Mitchellville, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, on the 21th of October, 1839, and is a son of John and Margaret (Harkins) Moller. the former a native of Pennsylvania, of German origin, the latter a native of Stark County, Ohio, of Irish descent. Their mar- ringe was celebrated in Wayne County, where they lived the quiet and unostentatious life of farming people until called to their final rest. Both were members of the Presbyterian Church and their up- right lives wou them the respect of all. Mr. Mol- ler died in 1845, his wife the succeeding year. Their family numbered nine children. but two dicd in childhood, Thomas and Nancy, and only four are now living: William, who resides in South Bend, Ind .; Eleanor, widow of Adam Bear, of Marshallville. Ohio; Eliza, wife of David B. Myers, of Akron, Ohio: and James K.
Although left an orphan at the early age of seven years and deprived of the care and counsel of lov- ing parents. Mr. Moller has lived a life of upright- ness that numbers him among the leading citizens of the community in which he makes his home and no douht has been an important factor in his business success. He began his school life in Stark County, Ohio, and afterwards attended the I'nion School in Canal Futton, Ohio, and Greensburg College. of Greensburg. Ohio, completing his education in Henderson College of Mendota, III. He is studious by nature and being ambitions to acquire an cdu- cation, he allowed no obstacle to deter him from that purpose. Although he had no money with which to pay his expenses, he would work during the vacation and frequently had to lay aside his books during a school term in order to replenish his exchequer, but pushing steadily forward he at length completed a classical course and was gradu- ated in 1860. He then engaged in teaching in
Mendota with the intention of continuing his ef- forts in that line. but in 1861, at the breaking out of the great rebellion, he put aside all thoughts of himself and responded to the country's call, enlist- ing in Company C, Seventh Illinois Cavalry, for three years service. One of the first engagements in which his regiment took part was the battle of New Madrid, followed by the battle of Island No. 10. Going to Hamburg. they joined Gen. Pope's army and with him marched to Corinth, the regi- ment being stationed on the left. They then pur- sued Beauregard who proceeded southward to Booneville, and afterward served on guard duty on Memphis & Charleston Railroad for a time. This was followed by the battle of Juka and the capture of the city by Gen. Grant, when they started in pursuit of Gen. Price and met the enemy in the second battle of Corinth in October, 1862. After the engagement, the Seventh Cavalry was sent to La Grange. Tenn., where it remained on duty dur- ing the winter of 1862-63. The following spring it followed Gen. Grierson to Baton Rouge and join- ing Grant's army in the fall of 1863. started south for Holly Springs. They drove Gen. Price from that place to Coffeeville, Miss., where a hard fought engagement was brought on and skirmishing con- tinued all the way to Tupelo, where another battle occurred. The Seventh Cavalry then made forced marches in order to buru and destroy the bridges, thus cutting off the Confederates from Chattanooga. Thence they marched to Colliersville, where they were attacked by Jackson and Chalmers. The Seventh was driven out of camp but afterwards re- captured the place. They again went into winter quarters at La Grange and in the spring of 1861 marched down to Memphis, where they were sur- prised in the early morning by Gen. Forrest. The Seventh, however, immediately mounted and did valiant service, liberating some of the One hundred and Thirty-seventh Illinois Infantry that had been captured. This was followed by an expedition to Guntown, and on their return to Memphis they were ordered to Colliersville. Not long after the term of service of the Seventh Cavalry expired, and it was ordered to Springfield, HL., and dis- charged after three years and two months service. In all that period, Mr. Moller was never missing
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from roll call, and in every engagement in which the regiment took part, he was found at his post of duty. Returning to La Salle County. Il., he again resumed teaching, but the following spring joined his old division at Eastport. Miss .. where he servedl as clerk in the Quartermaster's department. where he continued until 1865. In August of that year. I. R. Kendall, the Quartermaster, was sent to St. Louis, and left Mr. Moller to close up the business. which he did, and then again returned to La Salle County, where he followed his old profession dur- ing the succeeding winter.
On the 6th of March, 1866, Mr. Moller was united in marriage with Miss Letitia C. Porter, a native of Stark County, Ohio, and a danghter of John A. and Amn (Lachaw) Porter. Three children have been born unto them, all born in La Salle County. Ill., namely: Albert R., born January 7, 1869; Harry L., September 2, 1876; and Amic L., No- vember 25, 1879.
In the spring of 1866, Mr. Moller, accompanied by his wife, went to Springfield, Il., where he was engaged in the Pension Department, collecting bounties for the soldiers. In the autumn he re- turned to La Salle and look charge of the Fifth Ward school, and continued to serve in that capa- city for fourteen years. His long service in one position is certainly a high testimonial of his abil- ity as an educator, and the confidence which the people placed in him. He spent the summer of 1881 in recreation, traveling through California, and then joining his family at Clear Lake, Iowa. where a pleasant month was passed. As the school year drew near, he repaired to Mendota, and at the close of the term of 1882, removed to Penora, lowa, with the intention of making that place his home. but on the urgent solicitation of leading business men of Morris, Ill., he changed his plans, and in that city engaged in the manufacture of hard-wood refrigerators and church forniture, until the spring of 1885. when he closed out his business, and re- moved to Des Moines, In the capital city he en- gaged in the transfer business until March 15, 1886, when he was sent by the Merchants National Bank to take charge of their bank in Mitchellville, but in a short time the company sold out. atel in July of the same year, Mr. Moller organized a State Savings
Bank, with a capital of $10,000. Later he purchased the Mitehellville Bank of O. J. Dutton. He is now doing a general banking business, and by his hon- est, upright manner has won the entire confidence and respect of those with whom he has had business dealings. Mr. Moller may truly be called a self. made man, and deserves no little credit for his suc- cess in life. Both he and his wife are members of the Congregational Church, and in the social work are held in high regard. He takes considerable iu- terest in civic societies ; is a member of the Masonic fraternity of Mitchellville, and the Chapter and Commandery of Peru, Ill. He also belongs to the Ancient Order of I'nited Workmen, the Modern Woodmen of America, and Warr Post. No. 17. G. A. R., of this place. In politics, he is a stalwart Republican, and is now Treasurer of the village. For many years Mr. Moller ranked among the lead- ing educators of Illinois, and is now at the head of one of the solid financial institutions of Polk County.
OIIN BAILEY, one of the leading contrac- tors and builders of Des Moines, who is also numbered among its representative citizens. is a native of Staffordshire, England. Ile was born September 16, 1816, and is a son of John and Martha ( Manwaring ) Bailey. His father was a miner and lost his life by an accident in the mines when his son, John Jr., was about nineteen years of age. The mother is yet living and still makes her home in her native land. Our subject was the eldest of a family of four sons. Alfred, the next younger also lost his life in the mines, dying De- couber 13, 1866, when nineteen years of age. The other two sous died in early childhood. It will thus be seen that John is the only surviving child of the family and therefore it devolves upon him to perpetuate their record. He also engaged in mining until about seventeen years of age, but the dangers attending that life doubtless induced him to change his occupation and at the time above stated he became apprenticed to the trade of a ma- son, obtaining a thorough knowledge of the busi- ness, Ere he left his native land he was joined in
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weillock with Miss Theresa Brereton, a native of Staffordshire, England, and a daughter of William Brereton. Their marriage was celebrated on the Ist day of May. 1867, and on the 7th of July, 1868, Mr. Bailey, accompanied by his wife and their first-born child. set sail from Liverpool for New York, reaching their destination in due time. Going directly to Sharpsville, Pa., he engaged in work at his trade for about three months and then removed to Mineral Point. Wis., where some friends of his wife were living.
Almost a year elapsed and than Mr. Bailey took up his residence in Des Moines, where he entered at once upon work at his trade of masonry. He was first employed by Samuel O. Colvin for some months but in the fall of the year worked for Lewis Highland, another of Des Moines early contractors and lmilders, and for Francis Geneser. At length he entered the employ of S. A. Robertson, with whom he continued six years, when he embarked in business for himself. In 1883, he engaged in the manufacture of brick which became an 'impor- tant branch of his business and together he yet continues the two lines of work.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bailey were born six dangh- ters, but only three are now living-Annetta Bertha, Minnie L. and Therza E. They have been deeply afflicted in the loss of their other children, who died from diphtheria. On the night of De- cember 16, 1881, their eldest daughter, Agnes, whom they had brought from England and who had attained the age of fourteen years, and Frances Clarinda, nine years of age, passed from this life to the better land. victims of that dread disease. They also lost another daughter. Martha E., in in- fancy. With the exception of the ellest, all their children were born in Des Moines.
Mr. Bailey may truly be called a self-made man for beginning life without capital he has steadily worked his way upward until he is now munbered among the substantial citizens of Des Moines. be- ing at the head of one of the leading industries of the city, while the other branch of his business also yields bim a good income. He is numbered with the valued and respected citizens of Des Moines, is esteemed for his integrity and force of character and both he and his wife are numbered among the
devoted and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of East Des Moines. They have made it their daily endeavor to live in harmony with their professions and following as nearly as possible in the footsteps of the Master they have won the respect and high regard of all with whom they have been brought in contact.
EREMIAI CANFIELD, deceased, was num- bered among the honored and respected pioneers of Polk County. He lived a life of uprightness and honesty and his example is well worthy of emulation. The history of his life is as follows: He was born in Susquehanna Couny, Pa., April 3, 1830, and when a small lad removed with his parents, Harvey and Abigail Canfield, to Bradford County, Pa., where he was educated and grew to mature years. His boyhood days passed uneventfully. he spending his tine in discharging the duties of farm life and in attendance at the com- mon schools.
It was in Bradford County that. Mr. Canfield formed the acquaintance of Miss Jane Gregory whom he led to the marriage altar on September 20. 1853. They traveled life's journey together for al- most a quarter of a century, sharing with each other its prosperity and adversity, its joys and its sorrows, its pleasures and its pains, and to the loving wife the loss of a husband came like an almost imbear- able affliction. In Bradford County, Mr. Canfield owned a large farm, but in 1856, following the course of emigration westward he came direct to Polk County. After a few years he made a pur- chase of forty acres on section 22, Beaver Township. This was wild undeveloped prairie land, upon which no improvements had been made. He immediately erected a small frame house which still stands as a monument to the thrift and industry of thi- honored pioneer. As time passed on, prosperity. the com- panion of industry and enterprise, followed in his footstep and he began to add to his first purchase. but when the war broke out he laid asile every other consideration to discharge the duty resting upon him as a loyal American citizen and offered
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his services in defense of the stars and stripes that now float so proudly over the land made free by the brave men who went forth to battle. and to die if need be, for the right.
Mr. Canfield enlisted in Company D, Second Jowa Cavalry and for three years and sixty-two days bravely and nobly fought for freedom, never shirking any duty he was called upon to perform. Sickness was the only thing which kept him from his place in the ranks and he remained with the reg- iment until the close of the war when he was honor- ably discharged from the service. He then returned to his wife and children who had watched and waited for his coming, fearing each day that news would reach them that he would never again return. Soon after his return from the war he went back to Pennsylvania, and sold the old homestead. then oc- cupied by his father, and bringing his father to Iowa with him, invested the money in land on see- tion 27, where the family now resides.
Mr. Canfield again took up the old plow and fol- lowed successfully his chosen occupation until his death, his labor being rewarded by a handsome in- come. The boundaries of his farm were extended until it comprised three hundred and ninety acres of arable land which paid a golden tribute to his good management. Idleness was utterly foreign to his nature and he labored untiringly for the inter- ests of bis family, content that their happiness and comfort was secured. Ile managed his business interests with the same fidelity and promptness which characterized his military career, but on the 13th of May, 1876, he was called upon to answer to the roll call of the Great Commander of the uni- verse, His body was consigned to its last resting place in the Canfield Cemetery amid the tears and heartfelt regret of the family, friends and comrades. and each year on the day set apart in memory of the gallant soldier dead, his grave is strewn with lovely flowers as a token of the esteem and love in which he was held. In early life he confessed his faith in the Savior and united with the Methodist Church and ever afterward manifested a deep in- terest in both Sunday-school and church work. Ile had filled various township offices of trust, and in polities was an ardent supporter of the Republican party and as a citizen none stood higher in the com-
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munity. It was his greatest desire to live such a life that others might be profited by his example and he left to his children a priceless heritage, an untarnished name. Upright and honest in all his dealings he won the confidence and respect of his fellow-men and the lasting esteem of all with whom he came in contact.
A wife and five children were left to mourn the loss of a tender and loving husband and father. Eight children had been born of the union of Jere- miah Canfield and Jane Gregory, but three of the number died in infancy. Those living are Wallace A. the eldest. who was born in Bradford County. Pa., Angust 6, 1851. a farmer of Calhoun County, lowa; Charles M. is a farmer of Polk County, where he was born. February 1, 1857; Martha A., born March 10, 1859, is the wife of Rev. Olin Baker, a Methodist minister; William, born June 25, 1869, has charge of the home farm. and Oscar, born March 28, 1871, is still with his mother. Mrs. Can- field since the death of her husband, has had the entire management of the farm and business inter- ests, assisted by her son William, and has displayed excellent ability in her care of the same. The family is well known throughout the county and in tlu social world is held in high regard.
R. GEORGE W. FULLER, one of the well-known citizens of Des Moines, who has been identified with the growth and progress of the city since its early infancy, also takes rank among the leading dentists, having been engaged in the practice of that profession since 1861. when was formed the firm of Hallett & Fuller, whose reputation is second to none in the county.
The history of the Doctor's career is as follows: He was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., on the 27th of Inne, 1838, and is a son of Benjamin and (Sylvia (Lacore) Fuller. His father was born in Loinesboro. N. H., May 20, 1810, while his mother was a native of the Empire State, born March 13, 1817. The paternal ancestry were among the car- liest settlers of New England, the family as the
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historical records show. having been founded in America by Andrew Fuller, who came over in the Mayflower in 1620. or immediately subsequent to that event. Members of the Fuller family were prominently connected with the carly history of the Massachusetts Colony and in later years have become leading citizens of the various communi- ties in which they reside.
Benjamin Fuller was reared to agricultural pur- suits which formed his life work. After his mar- riage he settled on a farm in Jefferson County, N. Y., Int in 1853, emigrated with his family to Polk County, lowa, locating on land in Bloomfield Township, where his death occurred on the 19th of April, 1878. He was then sixty-eight years of age. llis wife survived him until February 27, 1890. when she too was called away. Three of the four children who graced the union of that worthy comple are living, namely: Dr. George W .; Mis. Cornelia E. Nims, of Bloomfield Township; and Jasper Il .. who operates the old home farm. One daughter. Sarah, died after having attained to woman- hood. Benjamin Fuller was numbered among the prominent and influential citizens of Polk County. He inherited the marked characteristics of his Puri- tan ancestors, stern integrity and strong religious convictions, and was an earnest and sincere Christ- ian gentleman, belonging to the Baptist Church, in which he filled the office of deacon for many years. In his political affiliations he was a Whig in the old time and later supported the Republican party. lle ever performed the duties of a citizen, consci- - entiously and well. and is worthy a place in the permanent record of Polk County's representative early citizens. He left behind him an unsullied name as an inheritance to his posterity.
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Dr. Fuller was a lad of about fifteen years when the family left the State of his nativity and emi- grated to Polk County. He had pursued an acade- mie course of study in the East and his education was continued in the schools of Des Moines where he thoroughly qualified himself for teaching. in which profession he successfully engaged during the greater part of five years. His services in that line were always in demand and he never failed to retain the respect of his employers. He began preparation for the practice of dentistry in the
office of his partner, Dr. Hallett, in 1863, and the following year joined him in business. It would he superfinous to make any statement as to the business standing and success that has been realized by this firm as the gentlemen are too well known to make such a course necessary. It is sufficient. to say that Dr. Fuller, like his partner, is a gradu- ate of the dental department of the Iowa State I'niversity, where he received his degree in 1883, and the people will acknowledge his ability. The firm of Hallett & Fuller has ever enjoyed the con- licence of the public to the greatest extent, both as to the character of the work they perform and as to their perfect integrity in all business transac- tions.
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