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 52
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When no longer able to aid his country, Mr. Cottrell returned to Polk County and after some- what regaining his health again engaged in farm- ing on the shares for a year, after which he purchased a patent and manufactured riding culti- vators for about twelve months. Subsequently purchasing eighty acres of land in Rising Sun, he followed farming for about five years, when he rented his land and went to Missouri. After a year he returned, sold his place and removed to Story Conty. lowa, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits for about eight years when once more he came to Polk County, and purchased the farm upon which he yet resides. It contains one hundred and thirty acres and at the time of his arrival was wholly unimproved. He erected a little cabin, which he has since replaced with a commodious residence and began the work of cultivating and developing his land, which now forms one of the most fertile and valuable farms in the township. There may found all the necessary improvements together with a good grade of stock and the latest improved machinery. The entire surroundings in- dicate thrift and enterprise, which are characteris- tie of the owner.
Since attaining his majority, Mr. Cottrell has been a supporter of Republican principles and so- ciadly, is a member of Warr Post, No. 17. G. A. R. Both he and his wife are members of the Christian Church and are well known and respected through- out the community.
The marriage of this worthy couple took place on the 21th of September, 1861, the lady's maiden name being Annie E. Barlow. By their union were born ten children, tive of whom are yet living and are still with their fairents, namely: Ada May,
James II., Ilattie B., Chellie D. and Louie A. Those deceased are Martha E., Mary, Charlie, Otis and Lutie.
LEWIS BARLOW, deceased, the father of Mrs. Cottrell, is numbered among the honored pio- neers of Polk County, where he located prior to the departure of the redmen for their west- ern reservation. Unlike a great many others, he always showed to the Indians the greatest kind- ness and in return was treated by them in a like manner and to him they gave the name of "True White Man." He was a native of Kentucky. born and reared on a farm and with his parents re- moved in a very early day to Shelby County, Ind., where he became acquainted with and married Miss Ruth Bishop, a native of that county and a dangh- ter of Stephen and Margaret (Adams) Bishop. Af- ter residing for a time in Indiana, they started for the wild West in 1818, making the trip From Shelby County to Polk County in an old covered wagon or "prairie schooner." At length reaching their destimition, Mr. Barlow settled near what is now the village of Rising Sun; Four Mile Township, where he entered land and also purchased two claims. Hle opened a general mercantile store in that place, the first establishment of the kind in Rising Sun, and made his home in that community until his death, which occurred in 1856. Many . were the hardships and trials borne by this worthy man his estimable wife. The place was difficult of access and as travel was accomplished by stage or private conveyance there was little intercourse with the outside world. After the death of Mr. Barlow his widow became the wife of Samuel Oliver, who is now also deceased, and removed with him to Kansas, where she died and was buried in 1861.
By the union of Lewis Barlow and Ruth Bishop there were born two sons and three daughters. Henry, the eklest, went to California in an early day and served in the First California Regiment during the late war. and is now a resident of Em- metsburg, lowa; Stephen, who was a member of the Fourth lowa Infantry and was honorably dis- charged at the expiration of three years is now en- gaged in merchandising in Dawson, Kan. ; Ama E.
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is the wife of Benjamin F. Cottrell ; Margaret . is the deceased wife of James W. Rooker, of Beaver Township, who served three years in the late war and then veteranized. remaining with his command until wounded in the eye, which caused total blindness: Alice, the wife of Robert Skinner, re- sides in Emmetsburg.
We take pleasure in recording this sketch of Mr. Barlow. for he was one of the first of the pio- neers and was an honored citizen of Polk County. Of the fraternal feeling which existed between him and the Indians we have already spoken. His up- right, honorable life won him the confidence of all with whom he came in contact and he was held in the highest regard by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. His home was the abode of hospi- tality, the latch-string was always out and a hearty greeting welcomed each guest. Many of those traveling across the country in 1819, to the gokl field of California regarded his home as a haven where they might rest from their weary journey. Those who came to make settlements in the county he was ever ready to aid in securing locations and to the poor and needy he was a special friend. Hle took great interest in the moral and educational advancement of the community and both he and his wife were devoted members of the Christian Church.
C HARLES HI. MUNN, one of the substantial liverymen of Des Moines, is a native of Illinois, born in the town of Freeport, De- cember 1, 1845. His father, O. B. Munn, is a na- tive of New York, and when a young man emi- grated to Illinois, where he married Ellen W. Van Dyke and reared a family of four children, three sons and one daughter. The brothers of our sub- jeet are J. O. of this city and E. W., a dentist of Dubuque, lowa. The sister is the wife of Dr. C. W. Leigh of Chicago. The father resided upon a faim for a number of years and then removed to Freeport, where he and his wife still make their home. Both are zealous workers in the Presbyter- ian Church and Mr. Munn was one of the organ- izers of the first church of that denomination in
Freeport. He has been quite prominently identified with the insurance business for many years, being adjuster for the American Fire Insurance Company of Chicago. In politics he gives his support to the Republican party.
The early life of Charles HI. Munn was passed uneventfully in the usual manner of farmer lads. Having received his primary education in the com- mon schools he attended the Freeport High School and later became a student in the Commercial Col- lege, where he acquired a first-class business edu- cation. Having attained to matine years he formed a matrimonial alliance with Miss Annie Ramsey, the wedding being celebrated in Williamsport, Pa., of which State the lady is a native. Having re- turned with his bride to the West, he located on a farm and for some years engaged in agricultural pursuits. His first purchase of land consisted of eighty arres which he bought of his father, to be paid for within fourteen years, but at the expira- tion of three years he had so prospered that he was able to pay every dollar upon the place. That was his first real estate and he still hokls it. In 1881, Mr. Munn took up his residence in Grundy County, lowa, and opened a livery stable in Grundy Con- ter, where he continued, doing a good business, un- til 1884, which year witnessed his arrival in Des Moines, starting a new livery which he has since increased until he now has a first-class stable, run- ning thirty-five horses and a fine livery and hack line in the finest location in the city.
Mr. Munn has never connected himself with any organization. his only affiliation being politically and that with the Republican party. His wife and daughter Etlie, their only child, are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Muun has carved out his own fortunes and his financial career has been a successful one.
OLOMON STETSMAN, City Marshal and Chief of Police of Des Moines, and a pio- neer of lowa, of 1816, was born in Elk hart. County, Ind., June 10, 1810. His parents were Conrad and Hanmah (Clery) Statsman, ma-
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Fives of Pennsylvania, and the family is of theman descent. In 1516, when a lot of six summers, car subject accompanied his parents to lima. the fem- ily settling in Madison Township. Bob's Courts. then a wilderness which was just becoming inhab- ited by the white race. His early boy hood was passed on the farm among the wild scenes of pioneer life. where Indians were more plenty than the pen- ple of his color. In 1852 the family removed to Des Moines, where the father, assisted by his sons. built the Des Moines House, one of the earliest of the better class of hotels in the city.
Solomon, in his youth, learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for a livelihood for twenty years. He has been an extensive contractor and builder and has erected a mimber of the finest resi- deners in the city. besides business blocks. school houses and other public buildings. He was a con- tractor of acknowledged merit as is indicated by the above. On the 19th of May. 1859. he joined an expedition bound for Colorado with a train composed of wagons drawn by ox teams. lie crossed the plains and spent the winter of 1859-60 in New Mexico, returning to Des Moines the fol- lowing autumn. In 1861. he made a second trip to the mountains. driving a freight team and on again reaching this city enlisted in Capt. John Mitelwell's Company for the Indian war. then threat- ening in the Northwest. The troops marched to Northwestern lowa, where they had some skittishes with the red skins, when the trouble being onled. they returned. On the 4th of January. 1864, Mr. Stutsman entered the service for the Jate war as a member of the First lowa Battery.and was appointed a non-commissioned officer. He remained with his command in all its service from January I until the close of the war and was mustered out in Daven- port on the 5th of July. 1865.
On the 1-t of Angust. sucereding his return from the South, Mr. Statsman was joined in wedlock with Miss Bromma Bishard. the ceremony bring por- formel in this city. The lady was born in Gtern- .
bey County. Ohio, and came with her parents. John . C. and Charlotte Bi-led. Jo Des Moines, in 1-59. She is o mend op of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a most estimable lady. By their union they have become the parents of two son- and three
daughters: O'to, the oldest. now twenty-four years of age. is a carpenter and johner by trade; Charles aged twenty-two, made choice of the printer's trade; Etto, the eldest daughter. graduated from the Des Moines High School in 1890; Blanche and Pearl are still with their parents.
Mr. Stuteman is a member of Kinsman Post. No. 7. G. A. R., and is the officer of the day. He also belongs to Onosa Tribe of the Independent Order of Red Men. of which he is Sachem. In politics, Mr. Stutsman is a radical Republican and has been honored with a number of official positions. He served for four years as Assessor of Capital Park and on the 7th of April, 1890, was elected to the position which he now holds, that of City Marshal and Chief of Police. He has but just entered upon the duties of the office. but being well qualified for the position and conscientions in the discharge of every trust reposed in him, is sure to prove a competent and popular officer.
UGH BRENNAN. the present City Solic- itor of Des Moines, is a native of Monohan County. Ireland, where he was born March 12. 1815. llis father. Owen Brennan, emi- grated with his family to the United States when our subject was about five years of age, and settled near Philadelphia, whence they removed to Pitts- burg, Pa. On coming to lowa. they chose Polk County as a favorable location, and here Owen Brennan continued to reside until his death, which occurred in 1873. His wife still survives him and makes her home in this city.
Hugh Brennan had attained to manhood before his emigration to lowa. and in Pittsburg had mar- ried Miss Jane Burnett, a hely of Scotch descent. He received a good Beglich education, but bad not turned his attention to the study of a profes- Sing. However, he was industrious and enterprise ing. possessed good natural ability, and was tun earnest s'talent. He had long contemplated the pur- suit of the legal profession. lost his limited means and the necessite of these depending upon him for
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support, rendered it necessary that he should daily perform manual labor to provide for their mainte- Dance, and it was not until 1871. that he was en -. alled to devote any considerable portion of his time to the study of law. He then entered the law office of Smith & Bayles, a prominent legal firm of Des Moines, lle was admitted to the bar after thorough research into the standard works regard- ing his chosen profession, in February. 1878. and for some time after Mr. Bayles had withdrawn from the firm. continued with Mr. Smith in the regu- lar practice of his profession. In 1886 he was ap- pointed Assistant City Solicitor of Des Moines, un- der James Il. Detrick, Esq., and began at once to make a special study of municipal law. devoting his whole time and attention to the faithful discharge of the duties of his office. Ilis services were so efficient and acceptable to the public. that he bo- came the regular nominee on the Republican ticket for City Solicitor in 1890, and at the election held on the 7th of April of that year he was elected by a large majority over the opposing candidate. Ilis election at that time was an especial compliment to his ability and integrity, as it was the first election of the city officers after the consolidation of the city and suburban towns, which largely increased the responsibility of the City Solicitor. Mr. Bren- nan qualified himself for the position by his own unaided efforts, and by so doing overcame adverse circumstances which would discourage many an- other. The confidence imposed in him by his fel- low-citizens, is evidence of a just appreciation of his worth and ability. In his political sentiment he is a Republican. and has ever labored for the in- terests and success of that party.
B ENJAMIN BARLOW, a highly respected citizen of Des Moines, whose residence cov - ers a period of thirty-one years, is a native of Kentucky, his birth having occurred in Washington County. on the 28th of June, 1819. His parents were Jacob and Rebecca ( Pile) Barlow. The father when a small lad, was taken by his par- ents to Kentucky, where he was rested to manhood
and married Miss File. By their nation were born thirteen children. eight of whom grew to adult age. while four are living at this writing in 1890. Henry. the oldest surviving member of the family. is a resi- dent of Jasper County, Ind .; Benjamin of this sketch. is the next younger; John is living in John- son County. Ind .; and William resides in Shelby County. that State. About 1821 the family removed to Bartholomew County, Ind., where the father and his sons cleared and developed a farm in the midst of a heavily timbered region. They there continued to reside for many years. the mother dy- ing on the old homestead. The death of Mr. Bar- low occurred in Jolmson County, Ind. In carly life he cast his ballot with the Whig party, but later became an advocate of Republican principles.
Our subject spent the days of his hoyhood and youth upon his father's farm, and when his time was not occupied with farm labor, attended the dis- triet schools of the neighborhood. In 1812. he was joined in wedlock with Miss Sarah Mills, a daughter of Willis and Elizabeth Mills, and a na- tive of Kentucky. In 1857. having followed farm- ing in Indiana until that time, Mr. Barlow emi- grated to lowa, and being pleased with Polk County and its future prospects, purchased a farmi near Rising Sun. For two years he continued the cultivation of his land. but in 1859 abandoned the farm, and moved to the city, where he engaged in carpentering and various other pursuits.
By the nuion of Benjamin Barlow and Sarah Mills, a family of three children were born. but none are now living: James, the ellest, enlisted as a soldier in the late war, and died in Utah. Sep- tember 26. 1883, in the thirty-eighth year of his age: Mary died at the age of sixteen years ; and the third child died in infancy. The mother of this family has also been called to her final rest, dying on the 29th of April, 1881. She was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was held in high esteem for her many excellencies of character and upright life.
Mr. Barlow is now living in retirement. an hon- ored and respected citizen of Des Moines. ile is numbered among the early settlers of the county, a third of a century having passed since he took up his residence within its borders. He has wit-
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nessed its rapid growth and development. has seen the transformation of the village into the metro- polis of the State. and the introduction of its manu- facturies. industries, etc. He has felt a just pride in the progress of the county, and has borne no in- considerable part in the work of its opbuilding.
ESSE PEARSON, one of the substantial farmers and stock-raisers in Beaver Town- ship, residing on section 24. has for many years resided in this county, dating his res- idence from 1855. Here he has struggled against the disadvantages of limited circumstances and won a position among the well-to-do citizens as a re- sult of his industry, enterprise, good managment and fair dealing. He is now the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and forty-six acres. eighty of which is under a good state of cultivation and well improved. An excellent grade of stock can there be found, together with good barns and outbuild- ings and all the latest improved machinery, while as a whole the farm at once indicates to the pass- erby that the owner is a man of thrift and energy.
Moines; Jesse of this sketch; Amos who is living in Nebraska; and Smith, a resident of Beaver Township. The father of this family, after the death of his first wife, in 1859, wedded Mrs. Re- becea Smith. widow of William Smith of Morgan County, Ohio. Her death occurred about the year 1877.
The days of his boyhood and youth. Jesse Pear. son spent in the county of his nativity, where he was reared to farm life and nequired such education as could be obtained in the district schools of the neighborhood. Like a dutiful son he assisted his father nntil attaining his majority, when he pur- chased a half interest in an old threshing machine and began business for himself. For three years he operated that machine during the season and spent the remainder of the year in farming on the shares. With the family he came to lowa in 1851. and four years later removed from Warren to Polk County, where with the capital which he had ae- quired be purchased eighty acres of prairie land- the farm on which he now resides-together with forty acres of timber land in Washington Town- ship, Jasper County. In the spring of 1856, he erected a frame house and after seeing his family comfortably settled began the work of improve- ment which he has still continued. He brought with him to this county the old chaff piler and with it engaged in threshing until 1860, when he purchased a machine of more modern make. Ile operated the first thresher in this part of the county and continued work in that line throughout all the surrounding country for twenty-five years. Al- though he met with some drawbacks in his labors and encountered a number of obstacles in his path to snecess. his prosperity has been greater than his misfortune and has before stated he is numbered among the substantial citizens of Beaver Town- ship.
Mr. Pearson was born in Morgan County, Ohio, on the 5th of October, 1833, and is a son of Wil- liam and Catherine (Broek) Pearson, the former a native of Pennsylvania, born of Welsh parentage, the latter is of English descent. Having followed farming in Morgan County, Ohio, until 1851, Wil- liam Pearson removed to Warren County, Iowa, where he purchased a farm of three hundred and twenty acres, already improved. paying $6.66 per acre. There he continued to make his home un- til his death, which occurred on the 18th of April. 1883, at the advanced age of ninety-one years. His remains were laid to rest in the cemetery near the Quaker Church in Palmyra Township. Warren On the 22nd day of February, 1855. Mr. Pearson was married to Miss Hannah J. Hibbs, and unto them have been born five children -- William W., the enterprising hardware dealer of Mitchellville who is associated in business with his brother, the second in order of birth, is the wife of Nathan County, and his death was the occasion of deepte- gret on the part of many warm friends. His wife had passed away long previons, dying in 1846. Their family mimbered nine children, but three are now deceased- William, Enoch and Stephen. Those . David K., the third child of the family. Martha E., still living are Benjamin: Mary Ann, widow of Loren Bartlett of Des Moines; David W. of Des | W. Lee. a farmer of Jasper County; Sarah .I., is
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the wife of Thomas a. Lee, of Beaver Township: and Smith G., the youngest, aids his father in the operation of the old home farm. The children were provided with good educational opportunities such as would fit them for the practical duties of life and have become useful men and women in the world.
As regards his political sentiments, Mr. Pearson is a Republican, having supported that party since the time when he cast his first Presidential vote for John C. Fremont. He takes an active interest in po- litical affairs, and keeps himself well informed on the leading issues of the day, both political and other- wise. Ile has served both as Road Supervisor and School Director. As an early settler of the county he has watched its growth and development from the days when its cities were unimportant villages, its prairies yet unbroken and deer and other kinds of wild game still found in abundance, until it has become the chiefest among the counties of this great commonwealth. containing the capital which is also the metropolis of the State. and a number of other thriving cities and villages.
A short sketch of the parents of Mrs. Pearson would not be inappropriately added. Her father. William V. Hlibbs. was a native of Virginia and was of Scotch-Irish descent. He remained in his native State until sixteen years of age, when he went to Ohio, where, after having attained to ma- ture years, he wedded Miss Sarah Hollett, who was born in the Buckeye State and was of Welsh descent. They began their domestic life on a farm in Ohio where they resided until 1853. when with the desite of bettering their financial condition they emigrated to Jasper County. lowa, and entered a fan of three hundred and sixty acres, where they spent the remainder of their days. The death of Mr. Hibbs occurred on the 2nd of April, 1888. and his wife passed away in August. ESSA. They were laid side by side in Mitchellville cometery. Eight of their family are now living-Valentine. who is engaged in farming in Dalle County, lowa: William .L., a farmer of this county : George. who is engaged in the same pursuit in Jasper County; Hannah J., wife of Mi. Pearson; Sarah A., widow of Andrew J. Snelson of Calhoun County, Jowa; James L., who is engaged in farming in the same
county; Benjamin who is operating a farm in Beaver Township; and Rhoda T .. wife of Smith Pearson of Beaver Township. Mr. and Mrs. Hibbs were both members of the Society of Friends and by all who knew them were held in high regard for their upright lives and Christian character.
W W. FINK is an honored pioneer and lead- ing business man of Des Moines, and we feel assured that his sketch will be received with interest by many. His priternal grandfather, a sturdy Virginian farmer, emigrated to Kentucky when forests and Indians were the chief things of which that State could boast. There the Rev. V. P. Fink the father of our subject, was born Feb- ruary 27. 1805. When quite a young lad, his par- ents died, and he was reared by an older brother. who resided in Ohio. In carly manhood he began life's battle with the world. Seized with the spirit of adventure, ho first returned to Kentucky, then went to Baltimore, Md., and finally wended his way to Texas before that. State was admitted to the Union, Entering upon the work of the ministry, he for a time acted as missionary to the Creek and Cherokee Indians, but subsequently changed his field of operation to Southern Missouri, where he traveled for a number of years as an itinerant preacher. In Potosi. Washington County, Mo., he was united in marriage in 1835, with Louisa P. Wescott. a native of Philadelphia, Pa .. born in 1816, who in her girlhood removed with her par- ents to Missouri.
In 1816, the Rev. V. P. Fink went with his fam- ily to Van Buren County. Iowa, where he engaged in preaching and teaching school. Two yours Inter he took up a claim in Warren County, and devoted bis energies to its development. until his removal to Polk County. in 1850, when he purchased a large tract of land on which he farmed and grew fruit for seventeen years, at the end of which period he became a resident of Des Moines. He is now an old man of eighty -five years, but in looking back over the long period of the past, he has the satis- faction of knowing that it has not been spent for
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