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 50
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teria and microbes, and the results of his study by an ingenious arrangement. illustrated and described in Photographie Mosaics for 1890 are photographed and kept for future comparison and study. In a financial, as well as in a professional way, the Doctor has been successful. His own business interests led him to study low, and he was graduated from the law department of Simpson Centenary College, and was admitted to the bar in 1879.
On the 7th of May, 1877. Dr. Field was united in marriage with Hattie Weatherby, a native of Chesterville, Ohio, born October 1. 1816. They had three children, but Dalton A. is the only sur- viving one. The other two died in infancy. Dr. Field and wife are members of the Congregational Church. Politically, he is a Republican, though he has never sought officialpositions, having never held public office, with the exception of two years spent as Mayor of the city of North Des Moines. Hle is among the old practitioners of Des Moines, having followed bis profession forty -two years. For several years he has devoted his time to a scien- tifie study of medicine, the result of his labors hav- ing been given to the public and the profession. through journals and lectures at medical gather- ings. He is widely known throughout this and ad- joining States, and has gained rank among the well-informed men of the medical fraternity.
P. KINDRED, was born near Lexington. Ky., in 1887, from which place he removed to Montgomery County. Ind. He served three years in an Indiana regiment during the war of the Rebellion. He removed to Pulk County. Iowa, in 1866, locating on a tract com- prising twenty arres of land on which he now re- sides. He is by trade a carpenter, a vocation he has followed principally through life to the present. Mr. Kindred is prominent in local affairs, having as a delegate represented his township in conven- tion numerous times. In educational affairs he takes considerable interest, and upon all leading lopies he is well informed.
His marriage with Mary A., daughter of A. Bly,
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has resulted in the birth of two children, one of whom, Retta, is deceased. aged sixteen years, her death occurring May 1, 1882. She was east in the Intellectual mould, and for one of her years. gave unusual promise of a bright and useful career. Barthold is the name of the surviving child. Po- litically Mr. Kindred is a Republican. Socially. he is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of Crocker Post, G. A. R, and religiously he and his wife are members of the Christian Church.
R T. C. LORD, a real-estate dealer of Des Moines, is accounted one of the leading citi- zens of Polk County. He was born on the 29th of April. 1831, in Kent County, Del .. and is descended from good old Revolutionary stock, bis paternal grandfather having been a soldier in the War for Independence. His parents. Andrew and Letitia (Reed) Lord. were also natives of Del- aware, the former horn in 1792, and the latter in 1793. Both were members of the Methodist Epis- copal Chinch in early life. but the mother afer the death of the father united with the Christian Church. By occupation Andrew Lord was a far- mer, and followed that business throughout his en- tire life. He supported the Whig party and died in 1831, in the prime of manhood, being only forty- five years of age. He left at his death a family of nine children, five sons and four daughters, six of whom are living. Not long after the death of her husband, Mrs. Lord removed with her family to Ohio, settling in Hamilton County, but after three years went to Rush County. Ind, where she spont her remaining days, dying in her eighty-third year.
The subject of this sketch was the youngest of the family and is the only one living in Iowa. He was but six years of age when his mother located in Indiana, and in the primitive schools of Rush County he pursued the common branches of learn- ing. His early life was not an easy one. for as soon as he was old enough to handle the plow he was forced to assist in the farm labor and sid in the support of the family. Like a dutiful son he re-
mained at home until twenty-one years of age, giving such assistance as he could to his widowed mother and then began farming for himself.
Not long after he had attained to mature years, Mr. Lord was united in marriage with Eliza J. Davis, the wedding ceremony being performed on the 11th of August. 1856. The lady was born in Rush County. Ind., April 1, 1838, and is a daugh- ter of William S. and Nancy ( Zumwalt) Davis, the former a native of Kentucky, born in 1796, and the latter born in Ohio, in 1802. That worthy couple were married in the Buckeye State and were among the pioneers of Indiana. Mr. Davis was a farmer of more than average intelligence and abil- ity. and he took an active interest in the affairs of his country. Both he and his wife were members of the Christian Church and lived earnest, consist- ent lives. They became residents of Polk County. Iowa, in 1856, where the father died at the age of seventy-nine years, his wife passing away in the eighty-third year of her age. E'nto them was born a large family of fourteen children, six sons and eight daughters, of whom eleven are yet living.
Mr. and Mrs. Lord began their domestic life in Indiana, but in 1860 came to Iowa. locating in Jas- per County, where he followed farming for eight years. He then spent a year in Oskaloosa College, after which he engaged in business in Oskaloosa as a grocer and coal dealer, continuing operations in that line for twelve years. For about four years of that time he personally superintended the mines and under his direction they proved quite product- ive. The real estate and insurance business next engrossed his attention and yielded him a good in- come until 1880, when he removed to Des Moines. Ile then resumed operations as a real-estate dealer, which has since been his chief business, although in connection he has carried on a grocery store and done a drug business, having as high as three drug stores at one time. For six years he has been handling land for the Missouri, Pacific & Tron Mountain Railway Company, carefully looking after its interests. In whatever community resid- ing. Mr. Lord has taken an active pitt in its pro- gress and development. and has aided considerably in the upbuilding of this city. He assisted in laying off Barlow & Lord's Addition to Des Moines and
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has created a number of buildings. He owns farm lands in lowa and adjoining States and by his own eforts has become one of the wall to-do citizens of Polk County. While a resident of O-kalogsa. for twelve years he served as a Trustee of Oskaloosa College, and for eight years was its Treasurer. He took an active part in organizing Drake University. and since its establishment hu- also been a Trustee. The cause of education finds no truer friend than Mr. Lord or none who gives more liberally for its support. In political sentiment he is a Republican. srl socially is a member of the Legion of Honor. Both he and his wife bold membership in the Christian Church. where for some thirty years he has filled the office of Descon. The anties and re- sponsibilities devolving upon him throughout his business career have been many, but he has ever pursued the even tenor of his honest way, and by his upright life has won many warm friends, who hold him in the highest regard.
Leves
TEPHEN BROOKS, who is now living in Warren County, Iowa, was for a number of years a resident of this county, and is the father of Mrs. Bondurant. He was born in Ohio and is of Scotch descent. He was reated to farm life and has made that his principal occupation. although he has devoted some attention to mercantile pursuits. In his native State he wedded Miss Mary E. Mitchell, who was probably born in Indiana, and continued there to make bis lome until 1852, when he came to this county. The following year after his arrival he engaged in fuming and thence removed to the village of Say- Forville, where he resided for about two years. en- gazed in the mercantile business. After selling out he became a resident of Polk City. where he con- tinued in the same line of trade for one year. Dur- ing that time he was called upon to momin the loss of his wife. who died on the 5th of May. 1855. After her death be close si out his store and removed to a farm near Rising Sun. where he continued to make his home for a number of years, Leaving this county, he then lived in various places and on-
gaged in varied business pursuits until at length be settled in Warren Coonty. Iowa, where he has since resided. He there ovn- a small farm. well improved.
Mr. and Mrs. Brooks were the parents of eight children. namely: Enos, now deceased: Elizabeth, wife of Frank Kimball. a farmer residing in North Des Moines: Catherine S., wife of Austin Saylor, of Saylorville, Polk County: Stephen M .. who is living in Chicago; Margaret M. was born in Mont- gomery County, Ind .. in February, 18M. and is now the wife of Alexander C. Bondurant. a prom- inent citizen of this county, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work: Benjamin now deceased; James, a resident farmer of Jefferson Township, and Anna, wife of Clark Reader. who is living in Carroll County. lowa.
Mr. Brooks, as was his wife, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and takes an active interest in church work. Politically. he was a Re- publican until of late years. but now casts his bal- lot with the Greenback party. Socially, he is member of the Masonie fraternity. As a citizen he is publie-spirited and progressive and manifests a deep interest in all that pertains to the welfare of the community in which he makes his home. He is well informed on all the leading issues of the day, is a great reader, and therefore an intelligent and entertaining conversationalist.
OWARD D. SHACKELFORD. Among the able business men of Des Moines is the Secretary and Treasurer of the Northwest Suspender Company-he whose name beads this sketch. The family to which he belongs is one of Sentich origin and was founded in America in an emily day, its founders settling in Virginia. Sub- sequently they removed to Kentucky. where the grandfather of H. D. was born. Gen. Shackelford. why captured Morgan on his northern raid, was of the same fandly. His father was born near Har- rodsburg. Ky .. on the Ist of January. 1812. and on attaining to mature years wedded Neney Burks.
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who was born in the same State in 1813. Soon after their marriage, about 1:35, they removed to Putman County. Ind .. and theuve to Hendricks County, where they resided until 1818, which year witnessed their arrival in towa. They located in Davis County. whenes they removed to De- catur and in 1862 came to Des Moines. Again changing their place of residence, in 1881. they removed to Kansas, where the death of Mr. Shack- elford occurred in June. 1888. He was a very muscular man and was remarkably well preserved for one of his age. His widow still survives him and makes her home with her children, live in num- ber, three sons and two daughters. Two others of the family have departed this life. On the organi- zation of the Christian Church they were among the first to nuite with that body and were long faithful members of that congregation to which they belonged. Their sons are well established in business, William T. being a farmer of lowa; white Robert is roadmaster at Des Moines, employed by the Rock Island Railroad. The third son is also prominently identified with the business interests of this city. He was born in Hendricks County, Ind., May 17. 1842. andl was therefore only six years of age when his parents came to this State. Dis educational facilities were very meagre owing to the undeveloped condition of the schools at that time and the demand for his services at home. lle assisted his father until October 22, 1561. when feeling that he could no longer quietly remain at home while his country was involved in one of the most perilous wars known to history, he offered his services to the government, enlisting in Company M, Third łowa Cavalry. He participated in the battle of Pea Ridge and Little Rock and Ins com- mand was largely engaged on outpost duty. After the battle of Little Rock he was made Sergeant and after veteranizing in hunmary, 1861, was pro- moted to be Orderly. His regiment was stationed in Memphis. Tenn., to operate against N. B. Forrest. one of the most astutte, brave yet cool cavalrymen of the Confederey. Having been transferred to Con. Wilson's Cavalry Corps they made a trip from Eastport, Miss, to Atlanda Chat, and added in the capture of Schna and Mmsgonnty. At Atlanta. Mr. Shackelford was commissioned Captain and
transfered to the command of Company F, United States Colored Infantry. After a long service of four years and three months he was honorably dis- cheged January 10, 1866, During the entire period he was neither wounded nor taken prisoner, nor did he spend a day in the hospital.
When hostilities ceased and peace was restored, Mr. Shackelford returned to Winterset. lowa, where he engaged in merchandising for two years. In that time, on the Ist of September, 1867, in the Christian Church which now forms a part of the Wabash depot, he was united in marriage with Leonora Alley, a native of Marion County, Iowa. She is a lady of enfture and refinement. who after completing her education in Pleasant Hill Seminary, of Virginia, came to Des Moines, where she was employed as one of the early teachers in the public schools. Euto them were born two children, How- ard A. and Manta, but the latter died at the age of two years.
In 1867, Mr. Shackelford removed to Corning, lowa, where he engaged in the livery business until 1871, when he went to Jewel County. Kan., and entered a claim adjoining Jewel City. He kept the first stage station in that county and also built the first hotel in Jewel City. In July, 1875. he com- meneed traveling for the old Fairbanks Seale Com- pany as their salesman in Iowa, Missouri and Kausas and for eight years remained with that firm, a trusted employe. He then engaged in mercham- dising for a year in Oneida. Kan., and for two Years followed the same business in Garnet. In 1866, he came to Des Moines and in the following April purchased an interest in the Northwestern Suspender Company and was made its Secretary, which position he still holds. Largely through his influence, the business has grown in three years to an importance that others have not reached in ten years. The goods of this company are sold to the best jobbers of Chicago, St. Louis, Kansas City, Ourdia and Minneapolis; in fact their trade reaches from Minois to the Pacific coast. Mr. Shackelford is peculiarly fitted for the business which he oven- pies for he wears the same pleasant and cheerful de mentor that characterzies him in the social circle. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Repub- lie and in political sentiment is a Republican, sup-
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porting that party in opposition to the views of his father and brothers who have adhered to the De- mocracy. He and his wife are members of the Church of Christ and are useful workers in the same, Though comparatively a young man MIr. Shackelford is ripe in business experience. From the age of twelve years he has not only made his own way in the world but has assisted in the main- tenance of his parents. He now represents one of the most important manufacturing enterprises of Des Moines and his sketch is well worthy a place in this volume where is recorded the life work of the representative and prominent citizens of Polk County.
THOMAS DENCAN, who is living a retired life in Mitchellville, has been a resident of Polk County for the long period of thirty- five years. He was born in Glasgow, Scotland, April 28, 1817, and is a son of William and Mar- garet (Smith) Dunean, who were also natives of the same country. His father was a representative business man of Glasgow, and in that city engaged in the wholesale grocery trade until 1820, when he bade good-by to his native land and with his fam- ily sailed for America. He located wear Granby. Shefford County, in the Province of Quebec, where he purchased land and engaged in farming until advanced age forced him to lay aside all bus- iness cares, when he removed to Granby and there lived a retired life until his death. which occurred several years ago. His wife, the mother of our subject, died some twenty years previous, after which he was a second time married. By the first union ning children were born. six of whom are living at this writing in 1890 -- Margaret, widow of John Parker, resides in Granby, Canada ; Thomas is the next younger; John also makes his home in Granby; William is a citizen of Atlantic, lowa; Janet is the wife of W. Hale of Granby; and James is also living in Atlantic.
Our subject spent but three years of his life in his native city when he was brought by his parents to the province of Quebec, then Lower Canada. Dur-
ing his youth he received a common-school educa- tion and at the age of twenty years left home to . begin the battle of life for himself. Making his way to Vermont he secured a position as a farm hand, receiving $13 per month as a compensation for his services. Continuing to reside a greater part of the time in that State until 1855, he then followed the course of emigration westward and became a resident of Polk County, lowa. A wild and unsettled region was that which his eye first rested upon. The greater part of the prairie land was still undeveloped, forests were still standing in their primitive grandeur, the Capital City was then a mere village and many of the lesser cities and towns had not yet sprung into existence. Wolves often made the night hideous with their howling, deer were still seen roaming over the prairie and smaller wild game was found in ahun- dance. Such was the condition of things Mr. Dun- cam found on his arrival. In common with the other early settlers he shared in the hardships and difficulties of frontier life but with them has now the honor of being numbered among the founders of the principal county in this vast com- monwealth. He purchased fifty- two acres of wild land on section 22, Beaver Township, and after erecting a log cabin began the work of developing and improving a farm. After a number of years he sold and purchased a one hundred and sixty acre tract in the same township.on which he resided until March. 1890, when he leased bis land and reinov- ing to Mitchelville, retired to private life. In a pleasant home, furnished with the comforts and many of the luxuries of life, he and his wife expect to spend the remainder of their days.
The 2nd of May. 1812, witnessed the celebration of the mariage of Thomas Duncan and Sarah Todd, who have now traveled life's journey together for more than forty-eight years. Mrs. Duncan is the daughter of Simon and Anna (Wood) Todd, the former a native of New York, and the latter of Canada, both of English parentage. By occupa- tion, her father was a farmer and followed that business in Shefford County, Canada, until his death. Mrs. Todd survived her husband a nmust- ber of years, passing to her final rest about 1868. In their family were twelve children, eight of whom
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are now living-James. Caroline. Peter, Lydia. Sophia. Esther .. Robert L. and Sarah.
Mr. and Mrs. Duncan are the parents of eight children-Elizabeth, wife of Alexander C. Tigner. a farmer of Howard County. Neb .; Robert, a far- mer of Sac County, lowa; Margaret, wife of J. C. Garret, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Camp Township. this county; Mary, deceased; Thomas II. who makes his home in Sao County; Sarah A., at home; William C. a resident of Cal- houn County, Jowa; and one child who died in infancy.
Mr. Duncan has ever been an industrious and enterprising man and his possessions have all been acquired through his own efforts. supplemented by the able assistance of his wife. Although he began life with nothing but a strong right arm and a de- termination to succeed. he has steadily worked his way upward until now he is the owner of a highly improved and valuable farm in Beaver Township besides some property in Mitchellville. In politi- cal sentiment he is a Republican, having supported that party since its organization and is a member of the Old Settlers Association of Polk County. llis wife holds membership in the Methodist Epis- copal Church and to its support Mr. Duncan con- tributes liberally, although he himself is not a member.
AMUEL D. WALKER. who has now retired from farm life and is living in Mitchell- ville, was born on the 23d of February. 1820. in the Granite State. and is descended from one of the early New England families. His father, Amassa Wadker, was born in Massachusetts, August 31, 1797, and was of English descent. Throughout his life he followed the mason's trade, doing a good business in that line. During the early days of his manhood he removed to New Hampshire, where he became acquainted with and married Ethana Baldwin, a native of Claremont, that State, born in 1809 of hish parentage. Their union was blessed with six children, four of whom are yet living, and with the exception of our sub-
jeet, the eklest of the family, all are yot residents of New Hampshire. They are William. Jane and George A. The two now deceased are Emily and Mary Ann. Mr. Walker, the father of this family, was a prominent and influential citizen in the com- munity in which he made his home, and the fam- ily was held in high regard. Politically, he re- mained a stanch supporter of Democratie principles until his death, which occurred December 12, 1888, at the advanced age of ninety-one years. His wife, who departed this life a number of years previous, died September 21, 1881.
In the common schools of his native State Sam- ucl Walker acquired his education, and with his father learned the mason's trade, working with him until twenty years of age, when he started out in life for himself. He earned his first money after leaving home, as a farm hand, receiving $12 per month, and after working two years in that fine was united in marriage, on the 26th of April, 1812. with Miss Esther Johnson. The young couple began their domestic life on a rented farm. but after two years Mr. Walker resumed work at the mason's trade, at which he did an extensive busi- ness until 1857. The favorable reports which he had heard of the West and its rapid growth in- duced him to try his fortune on its broad prai- ries, and leaving his family behind until he should lind where opportunities were such as were rep- resented, he made his way to Polk County, traveling by rail to Iowa City and thence by stage to Ft. Des Moines, which he found to be a small village giving little promise of its present prosper- ity and advanced position. After working three months at his trade in that place. he came to Mit- chelville, and shortly afterward was employed to do the masonry work on the house of "I'nele Tom Mitchell," the pioneer of this region and one of the most honored of its citizens. His skill and ability in the line of his business soon won recog- nition by a liberal patronage, and believing it for the best interests of his family. he returned to New Hampshire in February, 1858, and the following spring brought his wife and children to Polk County. Two years before he had purchased forty acres of land in Franklin Township and built thereon a little frame house, in which his family
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took up their abode while he gave his attention to the development and improvement of a farm, His efforts were successful in that line. and after seven years he added to his first purchase an eighty- sere tract, constituting a fine farm of one laundred and twenty aeres, all in one body. Year by year saw added improvements, by the rotation of crops the fields were made to yield abundant harvests, and success attended the efforts of the owner, who continued his farming operations until the spring of 1889, when having acquired a comfortable com- petence. he retired from active life and removed with his family to Mitchellville, purchasing there a nice residence, in which he and his wife expect to spend the remainder of their days. Mr. Walker may truly be called a self-made man, for his pos- sessions have all been acquired as the result of hard labor, good management and business ability, His farm is now operated by his son.
As a citizen, Mr. Walker is publie-spirited and progressive, taking a deep interest in the county's welfare and giving liberally to the support of such worthy enterprises as are calculated to advance the general welfare. He has ever been a supporter of Democratie principles, and has held the offices of School Director of Franklin Township and Justice of the Peace.
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