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 51
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By the union of Mr. Walker and Miss Johnson a family of six children was born, and with the ex- ception of one, who died in infancy, all are vet living, namely: Thyehnan O., a resident of Bloom- field, Davis County. Iowa; Odillion, a farmer of Beaver Township; Addie A., wife of George Me- Collister, of Hastings, Neb .; Lizzie E. at home ; and Mott D., who operates the old home farm in Franklin Township.
The parents of Mrs. Walker, Palmer and Polly ( Bunnel) Johnson, were both natives of Connecti- eut and of English descent. During the greater part of his life Mr. Johnson followed farming in Claremont, N. H. He lived to the advanced age of eighty-four years, and his wife, who survived him some ten years, died at the age of eighty-two. Of their family of ten children. seven are yet liv- ing, as follows: Gilbert, who makes his home in Red Wing, Min .; Mary, widow of James O'llars, of Enfield, N. IL .; Esther, wife of Samuel II.
Walker; Amos D. is also living in Claremont, N. I .: Emma, wife of Stephen Heath, of Akworth, N. H .: Martha. wife of Caleb Smith. of Farming- ten. Minn .; Sarah, widow of A. Spearin, of Duluth, Minn. Those deceased are Clarissa, Job and Ma- hala. The father of this family was a Whig in early life and later supported the Republican party. Both he and his wife were members of the Congre- gational Church and highly respected in the com- munity where they made their home.
E NOS P. MARMON. editor and proprietor of the Mitchellville Inder. and one of the lead- ing citizens of that thriving village, is a na- tive of Ohio. He was born in Zanestield, Logan County. on the 6th of November, 1833, and is of French descent. His ancestors, who belonged to the religious zeet known as Huguenots, were ex- pelled from France in the sixteenth century and crossed the Atlantic to America during the carly history of this country. settling in North Carolina. where many of the name still reside. At the age uf eleven years Mr. Marmon entered upon his busi- ness career as a farm band. his father having died three years previous and thus necessitating his earning his own living. When a lad of fourteen, he went to work in a worden factory in East Lib- erty, Ohio, and afterward was engaged in the same capacity near West Liberty and Rielwoud, Ohio, and in Madison. Ind. It was while in the latter place that he gained his fist knowledge of the printing business, bring employed in the Courier office of Madison in the winter of 1872.
In his native city, on the 29th of April. 1675, Mr. Marmon was united in marriage with Mis- Maggie Worth, and immediately thereafter removed to Richwood. Ohio, where be resided for three years. Going to Carthage. Mo. in 1878, he was employed on the staff of the Carthage Republican for two years when be removed to Bellefontaine. Ohio, in 1880, and was connected with the Index of that place in the capacity of foreman until July. ISSY. Believing that Mitchellville furnished a favorable opening for one in his business. he came to this
Peter Lombert
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village and on the 18th of August, of that year. issued the first number of the Mitchellville Inder. his brother, N. C. Marmon, being associated with him. In March, 1883, be purchased his brother's interest in the paper and has since been sole pro- prictor. He makes it his chief and only care to furnish to his patrons a paper of interest and his success is indicated by the steadily increasing pat- ronage which he receives. The Latter is a light. newsy sheet, published weekly, and in addition to all local matters of poneral interest. discusses impir- tially all the leading issues of the day together with the current events.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Marmon has been blessed with three children. but Ed fie Thomas. their first-born, who was born March 21, 1877, died of scarlet fever on the 1st of April, 1883; Asa James was born January 12. 1881, and Charlie Worth, July 13, 1881.
Mr. Marmon performs his duties of citizenship in a quiet. unassuming manner. yet is a public- spirited and progressive citizen. who feels a deep interest in all that pertains to the general welfare. In political sentiment, he is a Republican, yet has never sought or desired public office, preferring to devote his entire attention to his business, his only ambition being to make a good local newspaper and in this he has succeeded.
P ETER LAMBERT, Superintendent of Wood- land Cemetery, of Des Moines, ha- bell that position since April 19, 1882. He was bom in Trier, Prussia. August 21, 1635, and is a son of Nicholas and Taxera (Kreis) Lubbert. The attended the public schools of his native county until fourteen years of age, taal received institute tion from his father in floriculture and landscape gardening. At the above age he went to Melz. France, where he served a regular apprenticeship to the trade of a florist and landscape gardener, his term covering a period of two and one-half years, at a cost of two hundred frames per ambito premium. He was obliged to work from, das light until after dark, but in that time became familiar
with the business in its many branches. On com- ploting his term of service he returned to his home. ant in 1853 emigrated to America, reaching his destination on the 28th of November of that year. After several months spent in Astoria, N. Y., in 1EST he joined an expedition under Gen. Harney against the Indians, and was with him at Ash Hol- low. He spent that year in Wyoming, and the next few years in traveling in the West. The following winter he passed in Minnesota, and in 1857 located in Keokuk, lowa. In December, 1859, he was united in marriage. in Summerville, lowa, near Keokuk, with Miss Lucy Compton, a native of Hancock County, IN .. and a daughter of Samuel Compton. She is a member of the Bap- tist Church and a most estimable lady.
On the 12th of August. 1862. Mr. Lambert en- listed in Company A, Nineteenth lowa Infantry, and served until August 1, 1865. He was mus- tered out in Mobile, Ala., July 10. 1865, and dis- charged at Davenport on the Ist of August following. He participated in the battles of Prai- rie Grove and Stony Point. A.k., in the battle of Van Buren and the capture of Spanish Fort. Dur- ing a part of . 1863 he served on detached duty, carrying dispatches between Ft. Scott and Ft. Gibson, and other points, and in 1864 was post gardener at Brownville, Tex.
On returning hom the war Mr. Lambert located in Krokek, where he made his home until October, 1867, when he went to Europe. He attended the Paris Exposition of that season, and from France went to his old home in Germany, returning to the I niter Sister on the 11th of April, 1868. Since September of that your he has been a resident of Des Moines. On coming to this city he was em- played at his trok, that of a lotist and lawel-cape gardener, and soen had a good garden and green- house of his own. In April, 18%2. he was ap- pointed Superintendent of Woodland Cemetery. which jarition he continues to hold. being nos in his ninth year in that office. He has proved a proficient and faithful officer and is deservedly popular.
Mr. and Mrs. Lambert have seven children liv- ing. six sous and a daughter. and have lost one son, Charles their first-born, who was accidentally
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shot when four years of age; William N. is the urat younger, and is followed by Oscar, George F., John T., Rudolph, Theresa and Fraifk. In political sentiment Mr. Lambert is an independent Republican, and socially, is a member of Jonathan Lodge, No. 137, 1. O. O. F., of which he is a Past Grand. He is also Past Chief Priest of the camp and is a Master Mason, a member of Capital Lodge. No. 110. A. F. & A. M .. and of Crocker Post, No. 12. G. A. R. He is one of the charter members sad originators of " The Association of American Superintendents of Cemeteries, "which was organi- and in 1886. Mr. Lambert is a man of sterling integrity, good executive ability and is highly es- tex med by all with whom he has had business or social relations. When in future ages it shall be sled who was the founder of the family in Amer- iva, the interrogator can be referred to this volume, and will turn to the sketch of Peter Lambert. where he will find the record of the founder, whose memory will be worthy of perpetuation in this or any other biographical work.
HARLES SEIBERLING is the Vice-Presi- dent of the Mitchellville Savings Bank, and is also engaged in farming and stock-raising on section 18. Beaver Township. his home being pleasantly situated about a mile from the village. Few, if any, in this part of the county, have done more for the advancement of its interests than he, and for this reason, if for no other, our subject would be worthy a representation in the history of his adopted county. but he is numbered among the representative business men of Mitchellville, is an enterprising farmer, and is one of the promi- nent citizens of the community. The history of his life is as follows:
He is a native of Ohio, his birth having oc- eurred in Summit County on the 8th of March, Isto. His parents, Natleem and Catherine ( Peters) Seiberling, were both natives of Pennsylvania, but removed to Summit County, Ohio. at an early day, the father there following farming until his death, which occurred in October, 1889, at the age
of seventy-nine years. His remains were interred in the cemetery at Wadsworth, Ohio. His wife is still living. at the age of seventy-six years, and re. sides on the oldl homestead. Like her husband she is a member of the Lutheran Church, and is highly esteemed for her many excellences of char- after. Their children, eight in number, are as follows: John F., a resident of Akron. Ohio; James H., who is living in Doylestown, Ohio; Mon- roe, of Kokomo, Ind .; Charles, our subject; Co- lumbus and Milton A., who live in Summit County, Ohio; Augustus, who is living on the old homestead; and Sarah, wife of Jacob Harter, who resides near the old homestead.
Charles Seiberling has made farming his life occu- pation. He was born and reared on a farm. and as soon as old enough to handle the plow. assisted his father in that work. In the common schools of the neighborhood he familiarized himself with the English branches, but did not end his study on leaving his schoolroom. He has always kept him- self well informed on matters of general interest, especially on questions of State and National im- portance, and has gained a wide practical knowl- edge by close observance of men and their methods, which has been of much use to him in his business career. At the age of eighteen years he responded to his country's call for troops, enlisting on the 4th of January, 1861, as a member of Company 1, One Hundred and Third Ohio Infantry. under Capt. Redway. Being equipped for duty in Cleve- land, Ohio, with his command he was sent imme- diately to Knoxville, Tenu. The first engagement in which he participated was the battle of Resaca, Ga., after which he was with the army of Sherman until after the siege and capture of Atlanta, whou Company 1 was sent back to Chattanooga, and subsequently went with the Twenty-third Corps to North Carolina, where he did guard duty until the close of the war.
In July. 1865, Mr. Seiberling was honorably discharged at Salisbury, N. C., as a man who had unflinchingly done his duty. He then returned to his home in Summit County, Ohio, and once more resumed work at the plow, continuing his old life on the fann to which his parents doubtless feared he might never return. Two years longer he aided
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his father, until in the spring of 1867, having at- tained to matine years, he thought it time that he labored in his own interests, and left his native State to seek a home beyond the Mississippi. Coming to Polk County. he made purchase of one hundred and sixty acres of land in Beaver Town- ship, upon which he now resides. In appearance, however, there is a great difference, for the once wild and uncultivated tract has been transformed into one of the finest aud most valuable farms of the county, and many improvements have been added.
As a helpmate on his life's journey. Mr. Seiber- ling chose Miss Jerusha C. Betz, their union being celebrated October 26, 1866. Her parents were Alvin D. and Sarah A. ( Deshler) Betz, both na- tives of Pennsylvania. They are now living in Summit County, Ohio, where the father is un- gaged in farming. Unto them were born twelve children, ten of whom are yet living-Sarah .I. Jerusha, Mary S., Charles J., Ira D., Clara E .. Archie O., Hazwell A., Alvin E. and Laura E. The parents are now well advanced in years. sikl will doubtless spend the remaining years of their lives on the old homestead in the Buckeye State. Both have been members of the Methodist Church for many years, and are held in high regard by all who know them.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Seiberling has also been blessed with a family of twelve children, and with one exception all are yet living, maunely : John F., Clara M .. Altba L., Sarah C., Harry G., Ettie M., Charles G., Nellie V., Walter E., Gyles , and Robert M. Nathan A. is deceased. The home of this family is a handsome two-story resi- dence, tastefully furnished and surrounded by all the comforts of life. It is situated in the midst of a fine farm of three hundred and eighteen aeres all of which is under a high state of cultivation excepting ten acres of timber land. Excellent barns and outbuildings have been erected, store houses for grain, sheds for the stock, and every- thing necessary to a well-regulated farm. The latest-improved machinery is there also found, nothing is wanting which could add to its conve- nience or usefulness. Having been prospered in worklly affairs, 3. Seiberling has not selfishly de-
voted his wealth only to his own interest, but has contributed liberally to the support of all public enterprises looking to the growth and advancement of the community which has so long been his home. He has aided in the upbuilding of churches and schools, and while serving in various official capa- cities has been instrumental in advancing the best interests of the township. He served as Township Treasurer for several years, was Assessor Three years, School Director seven years, and is now serving his second term as Township Trustee. Politically, he is a staneb advocate of the Repub- liean party, and socially, is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, while in religious belief both he and his wife are Congregationalists, and take an active part in church work.
AMES II. WINDSOR. In recording the life work of this gentleman we present to the readers of the Anni y the history of one of the most prominent citizens and leading business men of Des Moines, where he has resided since August. 1878. During the seventeen years of his residence in the city he has been largely con- nected with its packing interests and has now a half.interest in the Liverpool & Des Moines Pack- ing Company, associated with Edwin Whitworth, a prominent merchant of Liverpool. England. The headquarters of the company are in the two cities above mentioned. In 1873 the firm of J. 11. Wind- sor & Co. succeeded the Stowers Packing Company and three years later the business took the name of the Des Moines Packing Company, with J. H. Windsor as one of the chief members of the firm and manager of the business. The present title was assumed in November, 1889.
Mr. Windsor is a native of the Empire State having been born in the town of Pike, Wyoming County, then a part of Allegany County, April 16. 1829. The family is of English origin but for several genera- tions has resided in this country. Samuel Windsor, the father of our subject, was a native of Obsego County, N. Y., but when a young man removed to the western part of the State, which at that time
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was thought to be almost on the borders of civili- zation, and kested in Pike, where he became se- quainted with and married Miss bliza Grover, a representative of one of the prominent and well- i known families of Western New York. several of its members having attained to eminence in the political history of that portion of the Empire State. Mi. Windsor was a tinsmith by trade and followved that occupation in connection with the hardware business for many years. He died in the villageof Dike in 1857, at the comparatively early age of fifty five years. The family, however, is somewhat. remarkable for longevity. several of its members having attained to a very advanced age. Two paternal uncles of the subject of this notice are still living, one a resident of Allegany County, N. Y .. was born in 1800, and another residing in Catta- raugus County, was born in 1812. The wife of Samuel Windsor survived her husband for many years, rising in Buffalo, N. Y., at the home of ber Somget som, in 1986. This worthy couple were the parents of four children, three sons and a daughter. The latter is now Mis. E. C. Chapin. widow of Dr. Willard Chapin. of Perry, N. Y. ; she is the second of the family. The brothers of our subject, Joseph C. and Millard F .. are engaged in the live stock business in Buffalo.
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James I. Windsor received his education in the schools of his native village and served an appren- tiveship of four years to the trade of a tinsmith with his father. But he did not follow, that busj- ne. In 1853 he went to Ellicottville, Cattaran- gus County, and for a time engaged in the doug wool grocery trade, but in the winter of 1851-55 come West, locating in Wankegan. Ill., where he was appointed Deputy Clerk of the Circuit Court. serving in that capacity until the death of his father in 1807, when he was called home to settle up the business and provide for the mother and somger children. After five years spent in New York, in 1862, he again left his native village. and going tu Buffalo entered the employ of J. H. Metcalfe, proprietor of a stock yend of that city. A year later he hecame associated with his employers in the live stock business. the 'nin becoming Metcalfe & Wind- For, but after a year's association with Mr. Metcalto as proprietor of the Elk Street Drovers' Yards. of
Buffalo, he disposed of his interest and went to the city of New York. where he remained but a short time. In letl he located in Chicago, where he engaged in the live-stock and commission business until his removal to Des Moines in 1878.
In Chicago, on the 29th of March. 1885, Mr. Windsor was joined in wedlock with Mrs. Mary ( More) Lewis, daughter of D. T. More, of West Albany. N. Y .. but she was only permitted to en- joy her Des Moines home for a short time. She died in Perry, Wyoming County, N. Y., ou the sth of March, ISTI, leaving a husband and three children. a son and two daughters. to mourn their loss. Mary. the oldest child is now the wife of Fred C. Hubbell. of this city; Leland is next younger: and Ruth completes the family. On the 16th of November, 1875. Mr. Windsor was again married, his seemed union being with Miss Hattie B. Me- Manus, a native of Eddyville, Iowa. Her father was a pioneer of Henry County, and for some time engaged in the drug business in Eddy ville, where bis death occurred a number of years ago. One child has been born to our subject and his worthy wife. a son. Jaines Raymond.
Mr. Windsor is one of the well-known. enterpris- ing and progressive business men of Des Moines. Hle takes a commendable interest in whatever tends to promote the welfare and advancement of the city and county and has added materially in the progress and upbuilding of Des Moines. A suc- cessful business man and a social favorite, he com- marks the respect and esteem of all with whom public or private relations have brought han in . contact.
12 ELSON E. BARBER. Superintendent of the Zon, was both in Jefferson County, N. Y., December 5, 18 12. atal is a son of William B. and Bettie ( Butterfield) Barber, both of whom Were also natives of New York. Our subject was pared in his native State and educated in the com- mon schools. ma grath he learned the carpenter's trade, which on upation be lost med for some years. On the 50th of October. 16GB. he was united in marriage with Miss Ellen Bailey, a native of St.
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Lawrence County. N. Y .. and a daughter of E. P. Bailey. The chiare heleen For mato them. Mall and Mand. The former married Freof Goods. of Newman. Jowa. They have two children, Fred and Fennimore C.
In 1870, Mr. Barber removed from New York to La Salle County. Ill .. locating at Marseilles. where for the next thirteen years he was engaged as travel- ing salesman of the Marseilles Manufacturing Company. In 1883. he came to Des Monas, Iowa. and for two years was salesman in a wholesale es- tablishment. He then returned to his obl trade and for the next four years engaged in contracting and building. In August. 1889, he was appointed to his present position. Mr. Berber is a member of the United Workmen in Marseilles, IL .. being a chat- ter member of Lodge No. 170. Religiously, he is a member of the Congregational Church, of which body his wife is also a member. Politically. he is a Republican.
The Zoo, of which Mr. Barber is Superintendent, was incorporated July 27. 1889, with a capital of $200.000. Sixty-five acres of land was purchased and improved for the use of the association. W. W. Fink is President; George C. Newman. Secretary ; A. S. Wilcoxen, Treasurer. The company have now on exhibition four liones-es, one tiger.one leop- ard, one elephant. several monkeys. three kanga- roos, a wolf, fox, bison. six elks and a number of birds, including sandhill cranes and wild geese. The lake is well stocked with fish and a small -teamer is run upon the lake during the sonner sea-on. Over forty small boats are in general use. The animal building is 40x80 teet, well ventilated and lighted. A restaurant has lately been opened and many improvements are being made at the present writing, in the spring of 1800,
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man parentage. while the mother was of Scotch docent. By trade Jos ply Cottrell was a carpenter, and followed that business for many years. but tomand the close of his life be devoted his energies to farming and was engaged in that pursuit in Cass County. Ind., at the time of his death. which we eurred in 1866, at the age of fifty- five years. His wife died some the previous, being called to her final rest in 1819. at the age of thirty-seven years. They were parents of six children. If only two are now living -- Benjamin F .. of this sketch; and his brother. John G .. who is the elder and resides in the State of Washington. After the death of his first wife Mr. Cottrell married Mary Williamson in 1857, and by their union one child was born. The mother is still living in Ca-s County. Ind.
When a babe of a year Benjamin Cottrell was taker by luis parents to Miami County, Ind., where the days of his boyhood and youth were spent. His early life passed meventfully. his time being occu- pied by farm labor and attendance at the district schools of the neighborhood. At the age of eigh- teen yours, believing it time that he made his own way in the world, he left the parental roof and started out in life for himself. He has made farming his principal occupation and began his business career in that line. After working as a farin hand for a year he operated a farm on the shares for a few years, when, in 1855. he left Indi- ana and started westward. Locating in Howard County, Iowa, he engaged in staging for a time carving passengers between NewOregon and Usage. The following season he broke prairie and in the autumn went to Kansas, where he was engaged in various occupations for about eighteen months. Returning to lowa in the fall of 1858, be located in Rising Sun. Polk County. and the following year rented a farm, which he operated on the strires for two years. when other matters attracted his atten- tion. The Civil War had now been in progress several months and the people were becoming awakened in the fact that it was a question not to be settled by a battle of two, that the South was pre- pared and determined to resist mutil coercion was accomplished if possible. The President is uela call for troops to serve three years and in Aute Ist.
B ENJAMIN F. COTTRELL, a goniend farmer and stock-raiser residing on section 11. Beaver Township, ne- born in Montgomery County. Ohio, May 29, Trascend isa son of Joseph and Mary (Halkdan Cottrell, both of whom are natives of Ohio. the father horn of Ger- . 1.1. Mr. Cottrell responded. enlisting in Company
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1). Second Towa Cavalry under Capt. Graves. The company reported at St. Louis where they were equipped for duty and drilled at Bouton Barracks until the following spring when they were ordered to Bird's Point. thener to Bartran and on to Ft. Pillow, where they remained two weeks. They were next ordered to Hamburg Landing. where they did active service for some time. Mr. Cottrell partici- pated in a member of skirmishes and at length suf- fered an injury which caused his discharge in 1863, on account of disability.
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