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 53
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selfish ends. His beloved companion, who for fifty years traveled by his side on life's journey, en- couraging and aiding him in all his efforts, was eadled to the better land December 25, 1885, Like her husband, she was an earnest worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and did much good in the world. The political principles which Mr. Fink has advocated are embodied in the three words, Whig. Abolitionist, Republican. The family born to this worthy couple consisted of four chil- dren : Robert H. who was a member of Company E, Twenty-third lowa Infantry, and was killed in the battle of. Milliken's Bend, La .; John F .. who died in the hospital at Mound City. Mo., while en- rolled as a defender of the old flag; Mary C .. wife of J. J. Caldwell, of Waukee, lowa: and W. W. of this sketch.
As will have been seen. our subject is the young- est of the family. He was born on the 8th of No- vember, 1811, in Lewis County. Mo., and spent his early life in assisting his father on the farm, and in attendance of the district school-, but in August, 1862, he bade good-by to his parents and home, and offered his services to his country. He enlisted in Company E, Twenty-third Towa Infantry, and served three years as a private and non-commis- sioned officer, participating in the following battles; Port Gibson, Champion Hill. Black River Bridge. Milliken's Bend. Vicksburg. Jackson. Ft. Esperanza and Spanish Fort. He was always found at his post of duty, and was honorably discharged at. Davenport, Iowa, in August. 1865.
Soon after his return home, Mr. Fink entered the lowa Wesleyan University, from which he was graduated in 1870, with the degree of A. B. Hav- ing now completed his studies, on the 21st of Feb- ruary, 1871, he united his destiny with that of Mis. Eliza C. Allena daughter of Reuben Allen. of Des Moines. The lady is a native of Mt. Pleasant. lowa, and was graduated from the lowa Wesleyan I'niversity, in the Class of '69. Unto them have been two children, but the eller. Flora L., died in infancy; Louise, the other daughter. is still with her parents.
In 1872, Mr. Fink embarked in the coal business in Des Moines, which he carried on successfully for six years, when he went to Omaha. Neb., as an ac-
countant in the Union Pacific Railroad office, where he remained four years. At the expiration of that time he returned to this city, where he has since dealt largely in real estate. handling only his own property. He has taken an active part in ex- tending and improving the city : platted Fink's sub- division: is a Director in the Oak Park Land Company; Director and Secretary in the Highland Park Company; Director and Secretary of the Oak and Highland Park improvement Company: and President of the Zoological Patk Company. He helped organize North Des Moines, and is one of its councilmen. He is an honored member of Crocker Post, G. A. R., and a communicant and Treasurer of Prospect Park Methodist Episcopal Church, to which his wife also belongs, Mr. Fink has been very successful in his business undertak- ings, but it is in the field of literature he has gained his greatest distinction. For several years he was a contributor, both in prose and verse, to such standard magazines as the Century. Harper's and St. Nicholas, and also to leading papers. Within the past few years, however, business cares have so crowded upon him that he has been compelled to lay aside literary work for the present. Though a young man, Mr. Fink is spoken of as old settler from the fact that Des Moines has practically been his home since 1848.
D .. WILLS, proprietor of the White Line Transfer Company, Des Moines, established C his present business in this city in 1880. under the firm name of Jones & Mills, his partner being C. B. Jones. After continuing operations for three years the business, was incor- porated, with Mr. Mills as President and I. O. Par- vin. Secretary and Treasurer. However. Mr. Mills is now sole proprietor of the business, which has grown to important proportions. and forni-hes employment to some twenty-five men. .
Our subject is a native of the Capital City. his birth having here occurred on the 6th of July. 1857. Ilis parents were Col. N. Webster and Sarah A. (Hackleman) Mills, who are mentioned
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further on. Young Mills attended the public schools of this city until 1875, when he became a student in the Stantord Military Institute of Stan- ford, Conn. In 1876 the school was removed to North Granville, N. Y .. but. Mr. Mills continued with it until completing a three years' course, when he was graduated in the class of '78. He then entered upon his business career, obtaining a position on the road in the passenger service of the Chicago. Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Com- piny. Later he entered the ticket agent depart- ment of that company in Des Moines, and subse- quently was employed in the freight depot, but abandoned that position in December. 1880, to en- gage in his present business. He has been very successful, and the White Line Transfer has gained a wide reputation and yields him a good income. lle is a young man of good business ability, and the prosperity which has attended him is due entirely to his own efforts.
On the 8th of November, 1882. Mr. Mills was united in marriage with Miss Annie M. Easton. a daughter of A. S. Easton, of Dell Center, lown. The lady is a native of Cleveland, Ohio. and by their union has been born one child, a daughter, Margaret. Mrs. Mills is a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, and socially, Mr. Mills is a member of the Knights of Py thias fraternity, be- longing to Myrtie Lodge, K. P., of Des Moines. In politics, he is a supporter of the Republican party. Both he and his wife are held in high regard by those who know them, and their circle of friends and acquaintances is an extensive one.
COL. N. WEBSTER MILLS, father of P. J., was a native of Indiana. born in Crawfordsville in 1833, and was a son of Daniel Mills. The family originally emigrated from Virginia to the West. The early life of our subject passed uneventfully. In his youth he acquired a common-school educa- tion and learned the printer's trade, which he fol- lowed for a number of years in his native State. At length, having arrived at mature years, he made choice of a companion on life's journey. and in 1856 was united in marriage with Miss Sarah .1. Backleman, who was born in Brookville, Ind., and is a daughter of Gen. P. A. Hackleman, of that
Stat .. Their union was celebrated in Rushville. Ind., and shortly afterward they came to Des Moines, where they began their domestic life. Three children were born unto them, one son and two daughters-Pleasant J., who wedded Miss Ammie M. Easton, and is now proprietor of the White Line Transfer Company, of Des Moines; Minnie, who became the wife of Harry A. Elliott, of this city: and Katie, who died at the age of three years.
Long prior to the late war Col. Mills was known to be a firm advocate of abolition, and when the war broke out determined to strike a blow for free- dom and the honor of his country. In 1861 he responded to the call for troops and enlisted in the second lowa Infantry. He enlisted May 4, 1861, and served under Cols. Samuel R. Curtis and 1. M. Tuttle, both of whom rose to the rank of Major-General. Col. Mills was Second-Lieutenant of Company D. at time of enlistment, but was pro- noted to the Captainey of the company June 1, 1861. to be Lieutenant- Colonel June 22. 1862. and to be Colonel October 8. 1862. He was wounded at Corinth. October 4, from which wounds he died October 12, 1862.
The widow of Col. Mills, April 20, 1871, be- came the wife of E. R. Clapp, and is now living in Des Moines.
OIIN LEWIS. Bailiff of room 2, Court-house of Des Moines, is a native of Henry County, Ind., born JJuly 21, 1810. When a bale of three years he was brought by his parents to Washington County, lowa, but a year later they returned to Indiana, where they remained until 1818. Once more his father determined to try his fortune in this State, and took a claim eight miles west of Des Moines. He afterward spent another Year in Washington County. when he again came to Polk County.
Young Lewis recived his education in the com- mon school, and remained at home engaged in farm labor until July 1. 1861. when he enlisted in Company E, Fourth lowa Infantry, and was made
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Third Corporal. He took part in many important engagements and hard-fought battles, but remained uninjured. At Pea Ridge the regiment went into battle four hundred strong. and at the roll call in the evening one hundred and sixty-five failed to re- spond to their names. The troops then marched five hundred miles to Helena, Ark., later participating in the battle of Chickasaw Bayou and the capture of Arkansas Post. They then returned to Vicks- ling, where Mr. Lewis was taken sick and remained in the hospital for a time. With his regiment un. der Gen. Steele he then participated in the battle near Vicksburg, fighting all the way for sixty miles from the city. Going to Vicksbing they ran the Mlockade at Grand Gulf. and afterward took part. in the battles of Jackson and Black River Bridge. For forty days during the siege of Vicksburg the Fourth lowa was under fire, and on the 22d of June charged the breastworks. After the surren . der of the city the troops followed Johnson to Jackson. Miss,, where a hard-fought battle occur- red, followed by engagements at Corinth and luka. With five thousand infantry they fought the cay- alry troops of Gen. Forrest until the enemy surren- dered. They then marched through Tennessee, participated in the battle of Chattanooga and in the charge at Lookout Mountain. The following day the battle of Missionmuy Ridge occurred, when five thousand prisoners were captured. His term of service having expired, in February, 1861, Mr. Lewis veteranized, and was granted a forty-days furlough. returning to his home. While in Des Moines, on the 224 of March, 1861. he was united in marriage with Lucy A. Wood. Imit a few days Inter left his young bride and rejoined his regiment. which was then attached to Sherman's Army, and took part in the siege and capture of Atlanta. and the celebrated march to the sea, also in the siege of Savannah, Ga .; and the battle of Jonesboro, Md., where Mr. Lewis shot a rebel through on skinnish line. Shortly afterward Lee surrendered, and the war was brought to a close. Proceeding to Wash- ington with his regiment he participated in the Grand Review, and in Davenport, Iowa,, was dis- charged in September, 1865. Mr. Lewis then re- turned to his young wife. Mrs. Lewis had been previously married, and by her first union had Que
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daughter, who is now the wife of W. G. Thompson. of Des Moines. She is a native of Preble County, Ohio, and her father was John Wood. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis have an adopted son. Harry Calvin.
For a time after his return from the war Mr. Lewis was engaged in farming. He then turned his attention to coal mining, which he followed until 1881, when he went on to the police force, serving in that capacity for four years and two months. In January. 1887, he was made Bailiff under Sheriff Loomer, and now has charge of Court Room No. 2, of Des Moines. Socially, he is a member of Crocker Post, No. 12, G. A. R., of this city. He is a competent officer, and his genial courteous manner has won him friends among all with whom he has come in contact.
D R. THOMAS A. HALLETT. of the dental firm of Hallett & Fuller. outranks all his brethren of the profession in Des Moines as " , to the time of his location in the city and die num- ber of years he has here engaged in practice. Ile first opened an office in Des Moines in April. 1863, hence his professional labors cover a period of twenty-seven years. Dr. Hallett is a native of Con- nertient, having been born in New London County, October 21, 1835, and is descended from an early New England family. The chronological history of the Hallett family in America records that there brothers of that name left their home in England and emigrated to this country in the early history of the American colonies. One sut- tled in Connecticut and from him the branch of the family to which our subject belongs has descended. The Doctor can also boast of Revolutionary line- age. his patemal grandfather having been a soldier in the war for independence.
His father, Henry Hallett, who was also a native of New London County. was twire married. his see. and wife" whose maiden name was Julia Ann Bri- ley. being the mother of the subject of this notice. Ten children called Henry Hallett father, three of whom were born of the first marriage and seven of the second union. Of that once utmerons family
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only the Doctor and a half-brother, William. of East Des Moines, are now living. the greater part of the family having fallen victims of a pul- monary disease, which was apparently hereditary.
Dr. Hallett, has, however, attained to the age of fifty-five years, and no evidence of the disease, which has proved so fatal to other members of his family, has shown in him any sign of development. On the contrary he possesses a splendid physique. a robust constitution and more than an average de- dree of vitality. This entire exemption from phys- ival ailment, either inherited or acquired is, without doubt, due to the strict observance of the laws of health, which has characterized him through life. Temperate in all things from his youth up. he has undergone a physical training that included abund- ant and appropriate exercise which has endowed him with a constitution much beyond the average in strength and endurance.
Dr. Hallett received an excellent education in his youth, of an academic character. and was for some time a student in the Normal School of Nor- wich, Conn., where he received special instruction in the art of teaching. De had already had some experience in the practice of that profession, and possessing good scholarly attainments, he entered the Normal at an advanced stage in the course, which he completed in much less than the usual time required, graduating in 1856. Having finished his studies in that institution, he resumed teaching. his field of labor being in New Jersey. The spring of 1857 witnessed his arrival in Des Moines. Ilis brother William, already mentioned as a resident of this city, bad preceded him and it was this fact, perhaps. that induced our subject to make Des Moines bis objective point in his first trip to the West. Soon after his arrival he obtained a posi- tion as teacher and successfully engaged in that line of work for several terms. But he had not yet fully decided to make Des Moines his perma- pent abiding place, and in the spring of 1860 re- turned to his Connecticut home. resuming his old profession. But he had already acquired the West- ern fever, which a residence of one year in the State of his nativity failed to eme. and in 1861 he again came to Polk County, which has since been his home. After teaching a term of school in Valley
Township he entered the dental office of Dr. Brown- well. one of the pioneer dentists of Des Moines and with the exception of a winter term spent in teach- ing, there remained 'until April. 1863, when he bought out his preceptor and began business for himself. In November, ES6t. the present partner- ship was formed, which has continued for the long period of twenty-six years. being in all probability without a parallel in the dental profession in the State. That he might keep fully abreast of the progress made in the science of dental surgery he took a conise of study in the branch of the lowa State I'niversity which is devoted to his profession, and graduated therefrom in 1881.
Dr. Hallett was married in Des Moines on the 18th of April. 1862. to Miss Minerva Jones, daugh- ter of W. W. Jones of Des Moines, now deceased. They are the parents of six children, three sons and three daughters: George E., an architect and builder now of Colorado; James G., Charles II., Julia A .. Nellie C. and Minnie. Professionally, Dr. Hallett orempies a place in the front rank of Polk County's corps of dental surgeons, which fact is attested by the liberal patronage which the firm of Hallett & Fuller has ever received. As a citizen he is respected and esteemed and is ever in favor of whatever enterprises tend to promote the best interests of the community. Having been well educated and devoting a considerable time to in- truction, he has never lost his interest in educa- tional progress and his influence has been a potent force in promoting the best interests of our schools. Dr. Hallett possesses a mathematical mind, being perhaps one of the most skillful mathematicians of this city. The quality of his mind is illustrated in his fondness for the game of chess, which those who have tested his ability in that direction will readily admit.
OIN FRANKLIN MASON, Secretary of the Des Moines Cotton Mills Company. is well worthy of representation in this volume. in which is recorded the life work of the most prominent of Polk County's citizens. He was
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born in Cattaraugus County, N. Y., on the 10th of Septen her. 1818, and when nine years of age enne with his parents to lowa. the family settling in Van Buren County. In his boy hood be displayed the greatest activity and energy, caring little to ho confined in the schoolroom, and there traits of character have remained with him, proving impor- tant factor- in business his success. Between the ages of fourteen and nineteen years he engaged in the livery business and then turned his attention to the manufacture of tinware, which he paddled by wagon over the country. in 1863. he came to Des Moines, where he resumed business in the same line on Sixth Street. From a small beginning, with an income of only a few hundred dollars per year. he steadily worked his way upward, enlarging his fa- cilities with the increasing demand until his yearly sales amounted to $100.000. In 1882 he di-posed of the business and became the leading spirit in organizing the Merchants Union Barb Wire Com- pany, composed largely of merchants over the State who had formerly been his patrons in the hardware business. Mr. Mason was made manager and his brother E. R. clected Treasurer. The purpose of the organization was to fight the great barb wire mo- nopoly, which was manipulated by the Washburn & Moen Manufacturing Company of Worcester. Mass, Every one who attempted to manufacture the wire was prosecuted for infringement and closed out. The Merchants' I'nion was the first to get a decis- ion against the company, which was rendered by Judge G. W. MeCrarey. Machinists were afraid to put up machines for the Merchants' U'nion lest they should become legally responsible, and it was bee- essary, therefore. for the company to manufacture their machines as well as their wire, In isst the company sold patents to the monopoly to the value of $21.000, but continued operations until 1888, when they disposed of the business.
In 1885. Mr. Mason organized the Domestic Soup Company, composed of some of the most in- fluential men of Des Moines. and served as Director for a time when he parted with his interest. Be also re-organized and was a Director in the Daily lowa Capital Company. In January. 1857. he and Ince others purebased a cotton-mill in Jonesville. Mich., but the following year, through certain par-
ties of Des Moines, they were induced by promises (which, however, have not been fulfilled) to remove their mill to this city. They have a fine plant. their establishment is a two-story brick, 220x74 fort. they give employment to about one hundred hands and turn out some five thousand yards of cloth per day. Mr. Mason is familiar with and looks after every detail of the business. His son, Charles I. is Superintendent and his brother, Edward R., President, but he has the general management.
In Davis County, Jowa. on the 19th of February, 1879. Mr. Mason led to the marriage altar Miss Annie Montague, a native of Grandville, Ohio, and a graduate of Grandville College. They were the parents of four children : Charles F. ; Kate A., who died at the age of sixteen years; Harriet N. and Frances C. The death of the mother occurred on the 11th of January, 1885, and in February, 1886, Mr. Mason welded Jennie B. Rogers, a native of Illinois and a member of the Uniterian Church. Their union has been blessed with one son. Gil- bert R.
Mr. Mason is an unswerving Republican in poli- lies, and socially, is a member of the Masonic order. In all his Inisiness enterprises he has been associated with his brother, Edward R. For the past twenty- one years, never has a Saturday night passed with- out their having a pay-roll. Close application and fair dealing have won for them success ig business and friends among those with whom they have had business or social relations.
AMES M. COLBURN, one of the most ex- tensive stock dealers of Central lowa. re- siding on section 20. Washington Township. is a native of the Empire State. 'Ile was born May 11. 181 in Chenango County, and is a son of Orrin Colburn, who was born and reared in the same county. There were two children in the family, our subject and a brother, Orrin, Jr., who is engaged in the mercantile business in Eureka. Kan.
James Colburn began his school life in his na- tive county but completed his education in Lom-
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bard University, of Galesburg, III , to which State his parents had previously removed. settling in Bureau County. He attended that school in 1857 and 1858, and then returned to bis home and en- barked in the stock business, which he has since continued with splendid success. Hle first bought horses for the Government. This he continued four years, when he engaged in operations for his own interests. purchasing in April, 1861. sixty-one head of horses and seven head of mules which be drove across the country to California, five months being consumed in making the journey from the Missouri River to his destination. He then placed his stock on pasture and as opportunity offered, sold, receiving his pay in gold, which he carried back to New York and disposed of at a premium of sixty-five cents on the dollar. Hle then again bought stock for the Government until the close of the war when he reversed his tactics and sold for the Government. which no longer bad use for the stock. Many car-loads which he shipped to the South he after re-soll through lowa and Illinois. Hle then returned to Bureau County, HIL., where in 1865 and 1866, he bought stock for the market. and 1867 was engaged in buying and shipping stock in Pott Byron, Rock Island County. The following year he went to Lanark, Carroll County. Ill., where he erected a steam elevator, the first in that part of the State and handled grain and stock, doing a general commission business. Later he pursued the same vocation in Racine and Milwau- kee, Wis., and also engaged in shipping cattle and hogs. At length he sold out his entire business and came West.
Taking up his residence in Polk County, in 1868. Mr. Colburn purchased four hundred acres of land in Washington Township and then resumed opera- tions in the stock business, which he carried on both in Nevada and Colorado in connection with dealing in real estate. In 1871, he sold out in those places and has since given his entire attention to his business interests in this county. His landed possessions aggregate twelve hundred acres, three quarter sections located near Garfield. Mead County, Kan., while the remaining seven hundred and twenty are in this county, six hundred being comprised within the farm in Washington Town-
ship. on which Mr. Colburn now resides. He makes stock dealing his sole business, and is one of the most extensive stock dealers in this part of the State and the heaviest taxpayer in his township. When he first came to the county the land which be purchased was wild and unbroken but it was soon placed under the plow and a crop of wheat planted, which when harvested was taken to mar- ket to Altoona. The roads at the time were new and often in such a poor condition that when about half way he would have to unbitch his team and carry the wheat the remainder of the distance on horseback. Wild hay could be cut almost any place in the surrounding country and no trees were to he seen .. A person could ride for sixteen miles from Mr. Colburn's home across the prairies. with no house or fence to intercept his progress. Such was the condition of things twenty-five years ago, but to-day one could hardly recognize the place after an absence of that length of time. So rapid and wonderful has been the growth and progress.
Mr. Colburn has succeeded beyond his expecta- tions in his business operations. The farmers look to him as their market for corn. he using such an immense amount in feeding. He keeps on hand about two hundred and fifty head of cattle and three hundred head of hogs and has had as many as eight hundred head of cattle on his farm at one time, The county is greatly indebted to him for intro- ducing such excellent grades of stock, he raising only the best and these he is constantly improving. His horses are fine Englishshire, he making a spe- cialty of that breed. In politics. Mi. Colburn is a stalwart Republican and ranks among the enter- prising citizens of Washington Township.
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