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 47
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El Robertson
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his hearty support and co-operation, and by all he is regarded as a worthy and valued citizen. In carly years he was a supporter of the Whig party. and cast his first Presidential vote for William Henry Harrison, but on the organization of the Republican party he joined its ranks and has since been one of its warmest advocates. Socially, he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in rolig- ions faith both he and his wife are Baptists, they having been charter members of the First Baptist Church of Des Moines.
Mrs. Hays. a most estimable lady, was in her maidenhood Miss Martha A. Saylor, a daughter of Benjamin and Corilla ( Evans) Saylor. Their mar- ringe was celebrated in the month of June, 1848. and unto them were born six children, but two died in infancy. Those living are: Mary E., wife of J. L. Barnes, a resident of Hot Springs, Ark .; William A., who is living on the old homestead ; John F., a shipping clerk in the employ of the Des Moines Saddlery Company, of Des Moines; and Charles F., who also makes his home in the Capital City.
AMUEL A. ROBERTSON, an early settler and one of the successful business men of Des Moines, was born near Dayton, Preble County, Ohio. December 23, 1835. Ilis parents were Samuel and Susan (Van Winkle) Robertson. His father, who was commonly known as Maj. Robertson, was born in New Jersey about the year 1788, and won his title in the War of 1812. Before the war he removed to P'roble County, Ohio, in 1810, being among the carliest settlers in that vicinity. He was a contractor and builder by trade and carried on the business on an extensive scale, making a specialty of the erection of public buildings. Many churches and court houses of Ohio stands as monuments of his handiwork and others of but little less importance were also built by him. One of them is a church with a date built in the wall. of blue-glazed brick. 1812. He did a large amount of contract work on the Ohio canal. Ile was an enthusiastic Democrat in politics and a warm supporter of Andrew Jackson. While not
ambitious of political preferment he was honored with various official positions and was a recognized leader of the party in Western Ohio. His death occurred in 1875. Mrs. Robertson, an estimable lady, survived her husband until 1882. aged eighty- three years.
The subject of this sketch attended the district schools in chil thood and later was a student in the Dayton schools. At the age of fourteen years he was apprenticed to the bricklayer's trade at which he served a full term and then embarked in busi- ness for himself although he had not yet attained to mature years. He displayed business ability in early life and won the respeet of those with whom he came in contact. In 1856, before twenty-one years of age, he came to Des Moines and without the aid of capital or friendly influence, soon became prominent as a contractor and builder. For some time before coming West he was employed in rail- road work, in charge of the construction of build- ings, bridges, etc. When the United States post- office building was erected in Des Moines he was the Superintendent chosen, and the work was per- formed in so admirable a manner that it won even the commendation of the critical Government en- gineers. From 1851 to 1884 he was continuously engaged in building in Des Moines. The Kirk- wood was created by him in 1856-37. the new Savery in 1887, and the First Methodist Episco- pal Church. Besides these he has built many business blocks and private residences in the Capital City, and all were constructed in a manner that reflects credit, and won for him the confidence of the peu- ple whom he served. Mr. Robert-on purchased and operated an extensive limestone quarry in Madison County. lowa, on the line of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad. He also engaged extensively in the manufacture of Time and brick. which industry he has carried on for many years in connection with contracting and building busi- ness. Ilis force of employes has been large. rang- ing from one hundred to three hundred men.
A wedding ceremony performed in Des Moines on the 24th of March, 1857. united the destinies of Mr. Robertson and Margaret Porter, a native of Ripley. Ohio, and a daughter of Charles Porter. Nine children were born unto them. of whom one
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son and five daughters are living, three having died young. John. the only son, is a contractor and builder. now residing in Denver, Col .: Suda Bell is the wife of Tient. C. J. T. Clark, of the I'nited States Army. now stationed at New York Harbor: Elith C. is the wife of J. W. Campbell, of Des Moines; Emma 1. married .I. K. Rogers, of Albany. N. Y .; and Bertha and Margaret are at home. Those deceased are Libbie, Lonnie and Bessie.
In politics Mr. Robertson is a Democrat and one of the old guard who has stood by the party in stem and sunshine. when nothing was to be hoped from an adherence to Democratie principles and much to he endured from the prejudice of a pow- erful majority against him. He was for three terms a member of the City Council, where his practical knowledge in relation to public improve- ments exerted a powerful influence. especially in scouring a permanent and improved system of sewers. The system of intercepting sewers was adopted by the Council on his advice and has proved eminently satisfactory in their use. The system was then a new one in the West, but has since been adopted by the Chicago City Council. As evidence of the important service which Mr.
Robertson rendered Des Moines, we quote from the Fora Sathe Register of March 3, 1850: "We can- not, as a paper of the public as well as of a party, refrain from giving to Mr. Robertson a hearty tribute of praise which is due to him for hisgreat work done for Des Moines, present and future. The sewer system for which the city so long has waited. was introduced by him through his uneras- ing energy, and the city had in that the benefit of hi- united skill as a builder. That we have a sewer system today and that it is projected on the wise scale that it is, is largely due to Mr. Robertson, and the people who have the good of the city and it- future interests at heart can never too gratefully remember him for this and many other good works the Council. This is an usual thing for a Republican paper to say of a Democrat and a Democratic official, but as it is in an unusual emer- gency and of an unusual man, we will take the . and respected citizen.
privilege and find a pleasure in saying it."
life as he did at the foot of the ladder, he has by indomitable energy push and enterprise won sub- stantial results in useful work accomplished and in accumulated wealth. Ilis course in life, of thirty- four years passed among the citizens of Des Moines, has been characterized by the exercise of correct business principles and an honorable dis- chimge of every obligation. Every worthy public enterprise or undertaking that promised to benefit the city has received from him a cordial and carnest support that has aided materially in placing the capital city in the lead among the important cities of the Hawkeye State. He has made Des Moines his home since his arrival in Iowa, and now owns and occupies one of the finest residences in the city at. No. 1,409 West Pleasant Street.
ANIEL II. CROSS, one of the pioneer pho. tographers of lowa, and the proprietor of one of the most popular art studios of the Capital City, is a native of the Green Mountain State. He was born in Shaftesbury, Bennington County. Vt .. February 2. 1836, and is the grandson of Maj. Elihu Cross, who won distinction in the Revolutionary War and in recognition of his ser- vices was promoted to the rank of Major. David Cross the father of our subject, was born in Ver- mont in 1790, and in the State of his nativity was "reared to manhood. He was three times married. By the first union were born two sons and a daugh- tor. His second wife. Eneinda Sloan, who was born in New York. in 1801, and was the daughter of a wealthy gardener. died in 1851. leaving four children. three sous send a daughter. No children were born of the last marriage. Mr. Cross was a farmer by occupation and was reared under the auspices of the Society of Friends, but afterwards united with the Baptist Church, as did the mother of our subject. Having lived to the advanced age of eighty-three years, he passed away, an honored
On the oll homestead in Vermont. Daniel H. Cross was feared to manhood. He received excel-
Mr. Robertson is a fair type of the enterprising and successful western business man. Starting in ; lent educational advantages, considering the oppor-
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tunities afforded in those days, his early school training being supplemented by several terms at- tendance at an academy. He started out in life for himself at the age of seventeen years, and what. ever sueress he has met with and whatever pros- perity has crowned his efforts is due to himself alone. He entered upon his business career as an employe in a jeweler's store, but after a year and a half, his health failing bim, he was compelled to turn his attention to other pursuits. In 1855, he came to the village of Des Moines, where he learned the daguerreotype process of taking pictures and soon after took up ambrotyping, being one of the first in the State to practice that method. In 1857. he returned to Vermont, where during the next few years he watched with growing interest affairs in the South. His zed and anger were kindled by the hostility of the rebellious States and immedi- ately after the firing upon of Ft. Sumter,-he of- fered his services to the Government and became a member of the Second Vermont Regimental Band, in which he served until such bands were discharged as an unnecessary expense. From that time until the close of the war he continued with the army as a photographer. On the close of hostilities he lo- cated in Bennington, V1., where he established and carried on a photograph gallery for six years.
On New Year's Day of 1866, in Brattleboro, Vt., Mr. Cross was united in marriage with Miss Lizzie A. Newman, a native of Newfane Township, Wind- ham County. Vt., born March 18, 1811. The New- man family springs from one of three brothers who emigrated to this country from England during the days of our carly history. Mrs. Cross is a daughter of John and Betsy ( Miller) Newman, the former a native of the Green Mountain State, the latter of New Hampshire. Her father died when she was a small child, but her mother, who passed away in Des Moines, reached the ripe ofdl age of seventy-six years. They were parents of two sons and a daughter. but the eller of the brothers is now deceased.
In 1871. Mr. Cross became a resident of Chicago. where he followed his profession for seven years. In 1879, be located in Indimole, lowa. and in con- nection with the management of a gallery he en- gagod in the manufacture of dy gelatine plates
until January, 1880, when he removed to Des Moines, and carried on both lines of business until 1880, since which time he has devoted himself ex- clusively to the latter branch. For thirty-five years he has been connected with photography and it is needless to say has met with success in that line for had he not prospered he would necessarily have been forced to devote his energies to other interests. Politically, Mr. Cross is a Republican, and is a member of the society known as the Des Moines Secular Union, of which he had the honor of being the first President.
To Mr. and Mrs. Cross were born four children, hut only two are now living-Arthur, the eldest, died in childhood ; George S. is associated with his father in business; Clarence M. was killed in a railroad accident when six years of age; and Brain- ard C. completes the family.
AMES B. SWEARINGEN, stock-dealer of Des Moines, was born in Hancock County. W. Va., June 21, 1812, and is a son of Ben and Margaret ( Morrow) Swearingen. Of Ger- man descent. the family was founded in America at an early day, by cmigrants from that country, who crossed the Atlantic and settled in Maryland, where the grandfather of our subject was born and reared. Having attained to mature years he re- moved to Hancock County, W. Va., where the birth of his son Ben. occurred. Mrs. Swearingen WAS A native of Hancock County, and her father served in the War of 1812. After their marriage Mr. Swearingen and his wife began their domestic life on a farm, and he became one of the substan- tial farmers and stock-dealers of the community. Politically, he was a Whig in early life. and al- though reared in a Southern State. was a strong anti-slavery man. As a proof of his principles he joined the Republican party formed to prevent the further extension of slavery, on its organization. He died in the prime of life, passing away at the age of forty five years, 1865. Ilis widow, who is a member of the Presbyterian Church, Still resides in West Virginia, and is now sixty-six years of
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age. They were the parents of thirteen children. seven of whom yet abide. Two, Robert and James B .. are residents of Des Moines ; Alexander served two years as a soldier during the late war.
Our subject is the oldest of the surviving chil- dien. As soon as he was old enough to handle the How, he began work upon his father's farm and became early inured to hard labor. He received only such educational advantages as the district schools of the neighborhood afforded, and was then permitted to attend only through the winter sea- son, when his services were not needed upon the farm. On the 12th of August. 1862, though only twenty years of age, he responded to his country's call for troops and enlisted among the boys in blue of Company 1. Twelfth West Virginia Infantry. and served until July 17, 1865, when he received en honorable discharge at Trenton, N. J. He was in a great many engagements, but was fortunate enough to escape without injury. The most im- portant contests in which he participated were the three battles fought at Winchester, the battle of Cedar Creek, where Sheridan made his famous rido.
At the close of the war, Mr. Swearingen located in Licking County, Ohio, and embarked in farm- ing. He chose for himself a companion. Miss Emma Thrap, daughter of Nathan C. and Lydia (Miller) Thrap, and on the Sth of February, 1867, they were united in the holy bonds of matrimony. The lady was born in Licking County, September 26. 1850. Her father was a man of excellent qual- ifications and character. and his upright life won him the regard of all with whom he came in con- tact. lis faults were few, his virtues many, and his carnest labors in the Master's vineyard were the outcome of a true. Christian life. He was a school teacher by profession, but for a number of years was a preacher in the Christian Church. 11e died December 6. 1850, in the full strength of manhood, being only thirty five years of age when called to his final test. His wife, who was always a ready helper in every good work, lived to the age of fifty-nine years, dying October 3, 1871. His wife was left a widow with three dinldren. whom she reared and educated. At the present time two are living. viz .: Eunice, who reside in Lick-
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ing County, Ohio, and Mrs. Swearingen. Sarah died at the age of thirty-even years. Mrs. Thrap was devoted to her children. She was an exem- plary Christian woman, a kind and affectionate mother, whose memory is saered to her children. Grandfather Thrap was also a minister of the Chris- tinn Church, though all his people were Metho- dists.
Mr. Swearingen followed farming in the Back- eye State until 1881, when accompanied by his family, he came to lowa, and the following year took up his residence in Des Moines. For two years he operated a meat market. after which he turned his attention to stock-dealing, continuing that business until 1885, when he built a corn and feed mill at the corner of East Sixth and Court Aventie. To the carrying on of that enterprise he devoted his time and attention until February. 1890. since which time he has engaged in hand- ling stock.
To Mr. and Mrs. Swearingen were bom five chil- dren : Ben R .. Mary M., Fiber J., Louie D., who died in infancy: and Bessie. The mother is a member of the Church of Christ and a most estim- able lady. The father is an uncompromising Repub- lican in politics, but has never sought honor or profit from his political affiliations. He has met with good success in his business ventures, and all his possessions are the result of his own efforts. He is a worthy citizen and an honored member of Kinsman Post, No. 7, G. A. R.
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ILLIAM JOHNSON, who for many years was one of the prominent business men of Des Moines, but is now living a retired life, dates his residence in this city from 1856. A little hamlet composed of a few residences and soy- eral stores, but with little general trade, marked the site of the present metropolis at the time of his arrival. With its growth and changes he has been identified, has been a participant in its transforma- tion. mul has aided not a little in its development. and progress. To the pioneers the prosperity and advanced position of the city is due, and it is there-
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fore but meet that William Johnson be represented , few improvements, and indeed little prospect of in this voline. He was born in Chester County. the wonderful growth which it has attained. The Inture was unknown, and even the most far- sighted probably never dreamed of its present brightness. In all enterprises calculated to advance the best interests of the community, Mr. Johnson has been found in the front rank, and has taken a just pride in the growth of his adopted city, whose manufac- turies, industries, large mercantile establishments, churches, institutions of learning and palatial resi- dences would grace the older cities of the East. Pa., near Philadelphia, March 11. 1830, and his parents, William and Lydia ( MeMin) Johnson. are also natives of the same State. He received his education in the common schools, and at the age of seventeen was apprentice to the mill- wright's trade, serving a term of four years. He continued in that business in his native State until 1852, when, believing that the West furnished better opportunities for young men. he bade good- by to his okl home and started out to seck his fortune on its broad prairies. flis efforts have indeed been crowned with success. He continued his journey until reaching lowa, when. after spend- ing about a year in the southern part of the State, he came to Des Moines. in 1858, and has since made this city his home. In company with two gentle- men, Messrs. Prince and Miller, be purchased a sawmill, which he operated two years, and then worked at his chosen occupation. Some of the best mills in the State stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise, and many others he has re- modeled. Continuing business in that line until 1876, he then, in company with Mr. Jarrett, opened a mill furnishing establishment under the firm name of Johnson & Jarrett, and did an extensive business in that line, furnishing mill machinery in nearly every State in the South and West. When the roller process came into vogue he remodeled many of the mills. The firm of Johnson & Jarrett continned operations until 1881. when the senior partner retired. He is a man of good business qualifications, fair and upright in all bis dealings. and, although he began life a poor boy, he aren- inulated a comfortable property, which enables him to spend his remaining days in rest and quiet.
In 1859 Mr. Johnson was united in marriage with Miss Julia Bertin. a native of Pensylvania. and a daughter of Elias Bertin. Two children have been born of their union, a son and a daugh- ter-Clara A. and Horatio S.
In politics, Mr. Johnson is an ardent supporter of Jeffersonian principles, but has never sought of desired publie office. He is truly one of the pio- neers of Des Moines. He came to Polk County when it was almost an unsettled wilderness. with
REDERICK V. STOWE, one of the self- made men of the county, resides on section 2, Jefferson Township, and is engaged in stock-raising. He is a native of Massachusetts, having been born in Middlesex County, June 21. 1850, and a son of F. V. and Elizabeth W. ( Win- ship) Stowe. who were also natives of the Day State. The family is of New England origin. and shared in the hardships and glory of the Revolu- tionary War. and also had its representatives in the War of 1812. The father of our subject did an extensive business in the line of buying hides. fur, wool, etc .. and became a wealthy citizen. On leaving his native State, he settled in Kentucky, later was a resident of Arkansas, and in 1861, ac- companied by his family, located in the capital city of fowa, where he carried on operations in the same line of business on an extensive seale until called from this life to his final rest. Of the seven children born to F. V. and Elizabeth Stowe. the eldl- est, Fammie. is How the wife of A. Il. Waite. a prominent banker of Storin Lake. this State; Enima and Hattie are residents of Des Moines ;. Charles. a prominent wholesale merchant of Massachusetts. died in that State in 1880; Ed E. is a partner of of our subject in the business of stock feeding and selling ; and Will, who completes the family. died in yout!i.
In his childhood. Frederick V. Stowe was afforded ample opportunity for securing a good literary and business education. On arriving at mands estate, he embarked in the business in which his father was
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engaged, carrying on the same successfully for a. [mtiod of twenty years. He then purchasela fann of seven hundred and forty aeres in Jefferson Township, and in partnership with his brother has since been engaged in buying and feeding stock, constantly increasing their business from the be- ginning. until they now keep on hand from one hundred and fifty to two hundred head of cattle, together with a fine herd of draft and driving lares. The farm is one of the best in the State. mal under the able management of the brothers, is yielding satisfactory results. Corn is their princi- pod product, and in 1889, about fifteen thousand bushels were gathered as the result of their labor. Both are widely and favorably known, not only in this comity. but in business cireles throughout the entire State, and in politics they are stalwart Re- publicans, having been lifelong advocates of that panty. Their generous hospitality and cordial giveting to all friends has especially endeared them to the entire community, and they rank high in the social world.
AMUEL J. OLDFIELD, one of the early settlers of Polk County and the Cashier of the Citizen's Bank of Mitchellville, was born in Richland County, Ohio, on the Ith of July, 1850. He is a son of David P. and Cath- urine (Creighton) Oldfield, both of whom were also natives of the Buckeye State, though the father was of German descent and his wife of Irish origin. By occupation David Oldfield was a taxider, and followed that business during the eretter part of his life. He continued his agricul. turd pursuits in Ohio until 1856, when with his family he removed to Jasper County, lowa, and catered one hundred and sixty agres of land, which he made his home until 1870. During that time he succeeded in transforming the once wild and banen land into a rich and fertile farm. which yielded Him a golden tribute as the reward of his care and cultivation. In 1870, he sold out and removed to Mitchellville, but for three years con- tinned the operation of a forty -acre tract, which he
owned just outside the city limits. At the end of that time he retired to private life, and has since lested from all labor, enjoying the fruits of former toil. He has a wide acquaintance throughout the county, and is held in high regard by all who know hồm.
In 1853 Mr. Oldfield was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died in Belleville, Ohio, leaving three children: Sylvanus, a farmer and Stuck raiser of Denver, Col .; Samuel J., of this sketch; and Catherine E., wife of C. A. Lafferty, of Belleville, Ohio. The mother was a lady possess- ing many excellent traits of character, and was beloved by all who knew her. Mr. Oldfield was again married, his second wife being Mrs. Mary (Drew) Cross, a widow lady, who died in Mitchell- ville. in 1887. By her former marriage she had one daughter, who is now the wife of William Mitchell, a farmer and stock-raiser of Eunis, Mad- ison County, Mont., and a nephew of Uncle Tom Mitchell, the pioneer of Polk County.
Samuel J. Oldfield, whose name heads this sketch, has resided in lowa since his sixth year, when he was brought by his father to Jasper County. He was reared to farm life, and in the district schools received his early education, which was supplemented by a course in Hazel Dell Acad- emy. of Newton, Jowa. Immediately after the completion of his school life he engaged in teach- ing, which profession he followed three terms, when with his parents he came to Mitchellville, in 1870. and secured a position as salesman in a general mercantile establishment. For five years he re- mained with one employer, and ouly severed his connection on being appointed to the office of Postmaster July 1, 1875. After receiving the ap- pointment he erected a frame building suitable for the office, and later removed it to its present loca- tion. He proved a popular and able official, and remained in office about eleven years, when by the change of administration he was super ceded. For a time, in connection with the discharge of his publie duties, he carried on a book and stationery store, and on selling out that stock, opened a jew- elry store and engaged in repairing in that line. That business he still continues, and being a profi- cient workman and carrying an excellent stock, he
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