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 54
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ESSE W. CHEEK, of Des Moines, is a ti- tive of lowa, his birth having occurred in Fairfield, Jefferson County. February 11. 1811. His father, James P. Check. was : pioneer of Jefferson County, where he for wres year's made his home. Later be removed to Kedden. County and then to Knoxville. Marion Combis. low, and subsequently to Nebraska, where I. .
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now located. A native of Tennessee, he removed thence to Ilinois and as before mentioned came to lowa in an early day. His wife died when Jesse W. was but a small child.
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Thus at an early age our subject was left without a mother's care. His entire life has been spent in this State except when engaged in the service of his country. In 1858. when a lad of fourteen years, he went to reside with a maternal nucle in Mahaska County and two years later visited Des Moines for the first time, but still continued his residence with his relatives in Mahaska County a few years longer. The late war broke out in April of 1861 and in the spring of 1862, Mr. Check, then in his eighteenth year, determined to enter the army in the service of his country and accordingly enlisted at Des Moines. He was assigned to Com- pany G. of the Fifteenth fowa Regiment, and served as a faithful defender of the Union until the close of the war, currying a musket and fighting in the ranks during the whole term of his service. The war record of Mr. Check is the record of the regiment. It has been written of the Fifteenth, " This was one of the noblest regiments that Iowa furnished in the War of the Rebellion and to have been a member of it is bonor enough for any sol- dier. It was organized in February, 1862, mustered into the service on March 14th, and joined Grant's army at Pittsburg Landing in April, where it re- ceived its bloody baptism. Josing in two days one- fourth of its number. Out of seventeen hundred and sixty-three men who belonged to the regiment, ten hundred and Afty-one were killed, died in the service or were crippled for life. It suffered more casualties than any other regiment sent from the State. It carried its battle-flag nearly eight thou- sand miles and it now hangs in the State Arsenal, torn in shreds by leaden hail, a cherished relie of heroic deeds." The following are a few of the battles and expeditions in which Mr. Check engaged, especially the more important: Shiloh. Corinth, Inka. Vicksburg, the Atlanta campaign. Sherman's March to the Sea and the grand review at Wash- ington.
On the close of the war Mr. Check returned to Des Moines and entered the employ of John Me Williams, wholesale grocer of this city, in whose
service he continued for about seven years, his time being divided between the position of head salesman for the house and its representative on the road as traveling salesman. Later he occupied the position as book-keeper for 11. F. Getchell & Sons, lumber merchants, continuing his connection with that firm three years. On the 16th of May, 1877, he was appointed Chief Deputy Collector of In- ternal Revenue for the Fifth District of Iowa. L. 1. Sherman being Collector. On the 4th of July, 1882, Mr. Sherman met with a severe accident, rendering him unfit for duty. Mr. Check was placed in charge of the district, as provided by statute. and continued in the revenue service until October 11. 1886, when by reason of a change of adminis- tration he was superseded by an adherent to the party in power. Since his retirement from official position he has been engaged in the insurance and real-estate business.
On the 31st of January, 1878, Mr. Check was united in marriage with Miss Alice M. Smith, a lady of culture and many accomplishments. She is a singer of superior excellence and acknowledged ability, having a voice of rare sweetness. To Mr. and Mrs. Cheek have been bom one son: Charles E., was born January 1, 1879, and bears the name of his maternal grandfather. The parents are both members of the Presbyterian Church, having been connected with the society for many years. In 1868, Mr. Check became usher in the Central Pres- byterian Church of Des Moines and still serves in that capacity, his services having a continuous period of twenty-two years. As a soldier he de. serves all honor and praise due to the gallant de- fenders of the Union during the Jate war. Though his immediate ancestors were bora in the South, his father being a native of Tennessee. yet he never for a moment Insitated as to his path of duty atl almost from the beginning of the war to the close of the great struggle he was at the front battling bravely for the old flag. His service in the cause of his country has been recognized and he was connected with the military affairs of the State for many years. For two years he was Assistant Ad- jutant General of the Third Brigade lowa National Guards, was also Chief of Gov. Sherman's Statt and served on the staff of Gen. Larrabee, during
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both terms. In 1875 he was a member of the Ex- Story was admitted to the Union, and there resided centive Committee, whose duty it was to make ar- until 1830, when on account of his abolition prin- ciples he found his pro-slavery surrounding- very uncongenial and removed to Huntsville, lud., where he spent the remainder of his days in peace. Mrs. Hamper, the mother of our subject. was born near Guilford Comt House in 1800, and was re- lated to the Stanleys, one of the most prominent families in the State. Her death occurred in Hunts- vilie, Ind., in 1851. rangements to receive the Army of the Tennessee which held its reunion in Des Moines in that year and a special honor was conferred upon him by Secretary of War, Belknap. on that. occasion. Ile had served under the Secretary who, in recognition of his gallantry as a soldier, appointed him Chief Marshal of the officers of the Army of the Ten- nessce on that occasion. Gen. Grant was President of the society at that time and was present at the reunion, as were also Sherman, Pope and many other prominent officers of the Army of the Ten- nessee.
Mr. Check is a charter member of Crocker Post, No. 12, G. A. R., and is a well-known and promi- nent Mason. He is Past Commander of Temple Commandery, No. I. K. T., and was Past, Grand Captain General for the State of Iowa, being elected to that office in 1882. He now holds the office of Grand Representative of the State of Ohio of Knights Templar. A public-spirited and pro- gressive citizen and worthy gentleman he com- mands the respect and confidence of all. In politics Mr. Cheek is a stanch supporter of Republican principles and cast his first vote for Abraham Lin- coln in 1861. in the field at Marietta, Ga. He is an active worker in the interests of his party.
D R. ISAAC A. HAMMER, the present efficient City Clerk of Des Moines, is the son of Isaac and Mary (Stanley ) Hammer. His father was born near Guilford Court House. N. C .. in 1763, of Quaker parentage, was a hatter by trade and died in Huntsville. Madison County, Ind .. in 1837. During the War of the Revolution, although but a lad, he was taken prisoner by the Tories, after re- ceiving a saber eut on the head which marked bim for life. He was released at the urgent solicitation of his mother and on the grounds of belonging to the Society of Friends, who were opposed to war. Soon after bis marriage, Mr. Hammer settled on the Holston River. in Tennessee. Infote that Terri-
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The subject of this sketch was but three years old when his parents removed from Tennessee to Huntsville, Ind. He received his literary educa- tion in the schools of that city and afterward studied medicine with Dr. William F. Paris, an old- school physician. He embarked in practice in Huntsville, Ind., and in 1850 removed to Jowa and opened an office in Lisbon. Linn County, Iowa, where he remained until the spring of 1853, when he returned to the East and took a regular comise of study in the Eclectic Medical College of Cincin- nati, Ohio, from which he was graduated in the class of 1853. He then resumed practice in Lisbon and succeeded in building up a lucrative busines.
On the 15th of January, 1818, in Pendleton, Ind., Dr. Hammer was united in marriage with Miss Cassandra C. West, who was born in Bucks County, Pa., July 1, 1826, and is a danghter of Samuel and Elizabeth West. Six elnidren were born of their union. four sons and two daughters. but only two are now living. Adelia, the oldest. died at the age of four years; Oscar P. at two years; William when sixteen months old, while Willie P. was killed by the cars at the age of twenty-one years. The surviving children, Fannie P. and Edward, reside at home.
While living in Lisbon, Jowa, Dr. Hammer de. voted a portion of his time to the study of law an 1 was admitted to the bar. in Linn County, in Fata. He then removed to Newton, Jasper County. First. where he engaged in the practice of the legal pro fession as a member of the firm of Clark, Sent.ep d. Hammer, which connection was continued totil 1. breaking out of the late war, when Mr. ... .. entered the army. Dr. Hammer. finding : : . . unpropitions for the law business at Now' abandoned it, though with the intention of !
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ing it after a time. At the expiration of a year. however. he again engaged in the practice of med- icine and has never again returned to the law. He continued his residence in Jasper County mitil 1871, when he came to Des Moines, where he con- timed the practice of medicine until 1882. About theedt date his health became so impaired that he was obliged to abandon professional work, since which time he has been connected with the city govern- ment of Des Moines in various capacities; first as Councilman, next as superintendent of the sidewalk department, later as assistant City Clerk, and since Uw spring of 1888 has beld the office of City Clerk ling now upon his second term. In politics. Dr. Hamuer was a Whig in early life. but since the organization of the Republican party has been one of its stalwart supporters. He is the youngest of a family of sixteen children, only one of whom. himself excepted. is now living. In his youth he had the benefit of religious instruction in the faith of the Society of Friends, but on reaching mature Yeats jomed the Methodist Episcopal Church. of which he is now a member. He was made a Mason soon after attaining his majority and is now a mem- ber of Home Lodge, No. 870, A. F. & A. M. He also belongs to Capital Lodge No. 11. 1. 0.1. W., and of Keokuk Tribe, No. 14 of the Order of Red Men. Earnest and indefatigable in the discharge of every duty, Dr. Hammer has proved an efficient and popular city ofliver. Possessing a varied and extensive fund of information, a genial and viva- cious manner and more than ordinary conversa- tional powers, the Doctor wins friends on short acquaintance, who later learn to esteem him also for his many substantial traits of character that challenge respect and invite their sincere regard.
ON. JOHN A. KASSON, a distinguished statesman and diplomat of lowa, who bas residel in the city of Des Moines since 1857, was born in the town of Charlotte. Chitten- den County, Vt., on the 11th of January, 1822. His father. John Steele Kasson, was a native of Connecticut, and of Scotch-Irish descent. The
fanily was established in America in 1721, when Adam Kasson, accompanied by his seven children, all sons, left his native land, crossed the Atlantic, and landed in Boston. Mass. He settled on a tract of land, which proved, on the establishment of the line between Rhode Island and Connecticut, to lie partly in each of those Colonies. John Steele Kas- son, the father of our subject, was a lineal descen- dent of James, a son of the first emigrant. Ile followed agricultural pursuits throughout his entire life, and died in 1828, when John A. was a lad of six years. His wife survived him many years, dy - ing at the home of her daughter, in Troy, N. Y., in 1856.
Deprived of a father's care and support in early childhood, our subject was largely dependent on his own exertions for his advancement and progress in life. Ile received his primary education at the pub. lie schools, and fitted himself for college in a coun- try academy. In 1838, he entered the State Uni- versity of Vermont. situated in Burlington, and after a four years' course, was graduated in the class of 1812. Having decided to become a law- ver, he entered upon a course of study under the direction of his elder brother, Charles D., then a prominent attorney of Vermont, but before com- pleting his legal studies, his pecuniary circumstances demanded an effort in the direction of the replen- ishing of the exchequer. To that end, he went to Virginia, and for a year was employed as a family tutor. On his return to New England, he resumed the study of law with the Hon. Emery Washburne, afterward Governor of Massachusetts, and was ad- mitted to practice in the courts of that State in 1811. One year was spent in the office of Timothy Coffin, a distinguished admiralty lawyer of New Bradford, after which he formed a law partnership with llon. Thomas D. Elliott, of the satne city. who was afterward a member of Congress. That con- nection continued four years, when his ambition to seek a broader field of operation led him to the Mississippi Valley, and in St. Louis, Mo., he formed a connection with Hon. Joseph B. Crockett, of Ken- tucky, afterward Judge of the Supreme Court of California. The firm continued it- connection for a year, when it was interrupted by the withdrawal of Judge Crockett, to accept the position of editor
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of the St. Louis Democrat. Mr. Kassou then took into partnership with him lon. B. Gratz Brown, afterward I'nited States Senator from Missouri. and candidate for the Vice-Presidency on the ticket with Horace Greeley. Success attended the efforts of this firm, but after a few years Mr. Kasson was obliged to leave the large and lucrative practice which he had secured, on account of failing health, and seek relief in a change of climate. Iowa was his chosen destination. and in 1857, he located in Des Moines, where he has made his home continu- ously since. He soon built up an extensive prac- fire in this city, while his talents and earnest Ro- publicanism won him political prominence. In 1858, at the time of the removal of the lowa State capital from lowa City to Des Moines, Mr. Kasson was appointed by Gov. Lowe to the chairmanship of the commission, whose duty it was to investigate the condition of the State offices. He was also a State Director of the State Bank, which was organ- ized about that time.
The Republicans of lowa recognizing the ability of Mr. Kasson elected him Chairman of their State Committee and prior to the Presidential election of 1860, he was sent as delegate to the Republican National Convention of Chicago that nominated Abraham Lincoln for the highest office in our Government. While a member of that historie body. he served on the general and sub-counnittees appointed to frame the party platform and enjoyed the distinguished honor of being credited with the authorship of that document by Horace Greeley, who was also a member of the committee. He spent the entire night in the arduous duty, adding the closing lines just as the sun rose the follow- ing morning. On the recommendation of Senator Grimes of Iowa, Mr. Kasson was appointed by Mr. Lincoln to the position of First Assistant Post- master General of the I'mted States, in March, 1861, which appointment was the second sent by the President to the Senate. During his service in that capacity, he revised all the postal laws of the United States and obtained a reduction of various rates of postage to a uniform rate. and also prepared the plan for the International Postal Conference for simplifying postal relations and reducing the rate of postage between the United States and all for-
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cign countries. In the convention which convened in Paris in 1863, where fourteen National Govern- ments werd represented. he was chosen as the repre- sontative of our country. During that conference principles were laid down for future treaties, which established uniformity of rates of postage, abolished postal accounts, and reduced the cost of corres- pondence. Meanwhile. in 1862, Mr. Kasson was elected to Congress from the southwest district of lowna, which then comprised twenty-three counties, was re-elected and served two consecutive terms. During the period of this service. he was elected an influential member of various important com mittres, including the Ways and Means Committee, the Committee on Appropriations, and the Commit- tee on Coinage, Weights and Measures, which had but just been organized. Of the last named com- mittee he served as Chairman. When it is rement. bered that this was a critical period in the history of the Nation, when the Government was in the midst of a mighty struggle for self-preservation, incurring enormous expense and demanding an en- ergetie and wise administration of affairs, it will be seen that the duties of these committees were most important. Mr. Kasson's patriotic and earnest efforts in the discharge of his duty were not sur- passed by any of his colleagues. At the close of his Congressional term, in March, 1867, he was so- licited by the Postmaster General to visit Europe in the interest of the United States International Postal service. He accepted the mission, and onee more went abroad, where he succeeded in making arrangements on the principles settled in Paris in 1863, with the Governments of Italy. Austria, Germany. Holland, Belgium, Switzerland and Eng- land, for uniform and low rates of postage. and abolishing international posted accounts which had previously resulted in large balances que from the United States. During his absence he was elected a member of the General Assembly of lowa with special reference to the permanent establishment and building of the capitol at Des Moines. He was twice re-elected and served three successive terms. in all six years. During these years he made ex- tended toms through the old world. visiting many countries in Europe, also historie Egypt, and many points of interest in Asia, whence he was recalled
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by his election to the Legislature. In 1872, he was again elected to Congress from his district, which then comprised ten counties. re-elected in 1871. serving two additional terms, during which he was again a member of the Committee on Ways and Means. In 1877. he declined a renomination.
On the accession of R. B. Hayes to the Prest- deney. Mr. Kasson was offered at his option either the Spanish or Austrian mission. Accepting the latter, he went as minister plenipotentiary to the court of Vienna, where he remained four years. During the last year of his absence he was nomina- ted by his party as Representative to the Forty- eighth Congress from the Fifth District of Iowa. which now included seven counties. The district. had previously returned an opposition member, and his constituents demanded his return to recover the district. He was elected in 1880, re-elected in 1852, and served two terms. Just prior to leaving that office, President Arthur nominated him as en- voy and minister to Berlin, where trouble existed in the diplomatie relations between the United States and that Government. Resigning his seat in Congress. he entered upon the duties of the office and succeeded in restoring amicable relations be- tween the two Governments. He also represented the United States in the Congo Conference, which convened in Berlin, where thirteen Governments were represented, and where important work was done for our future relations with Africa. The nomination of Mr. Kasson as minister to Ger- many was made without his knowledge, and was entirely unlooked for by him. In March, 1885, after the accession of Mr. Cleveland to the Presi- deney, he resigned his position as minister to Ber- lin, and gave his attention to the journal of his diplomatie and historical studies, publishing occa- sional articles in the monthly reviews on topics of public interest. On the occasion of the Constitu- tional Centennial celebration by the States of the I'nion at Philadelphia in 1887; he was made Presi- dent of the Interstate Commission. and designed and carried into execution the three days' cere- mony of that historie occasion.
In 1889. soon after the accession of President. Harrison. it became necessary to take up the ques- tion of the Samoan diffientties between the Ameri-
ean, German, and English Governments. which the administration of Mr. Cleveland had failed to sel- de: and President Harrison appointed Mr. Kasson chief of the I'nited states Commission to attend the International Conference in Berlin, which met to discuss that subject. The negotiations were sue- cessfully conducted, and a convention agreed upon and signed in June. 1889. On the conclusion of that important duty. he returned to his home in Des Moines.
Mr. Kasson is a Knight Templar Mason, a mem- ber of Pioneer Lodge, No. 22, A. F. & A. M., and of Des Moines Commandery, No. 1. K. T. He also belongs to the Protestant Episcopal Church. The people of Iowa, regardless of party affiliations. look with pride upon the public record of their distin- guished fellow-citizen. John A. Kasson. a gentle- man possessing talents of a high order. which have been developed and perfected by thorough culture, extensive travel and long continued intercourse with eminent publie men of his own and foreigh countries. He has made many speeches both in Congress and from the platform in many States of the I'nion; he has been employed by State and Na- tional Governments in important legislative and diplomatie service for many years. and has always discharged every trust reposed in him with ability, promptness and fidelity. and to the satisfaction of the Government and his constituents. Asa states- man and diplomat, he is the acknowledged peer of the brightest and ablest of his fellow-citizens of America.
OSEPH W. LASELL is the owner of a fine farm of two hundred and fifty-six acres sit- uated on section 17. Washington Township. It has only been his home for about three years yet he has the entire amount under a high state of cultivation. The latest improved machin- ery is there found together with barns and out- buildings, such as are necessary to a well-regulated farm. while the stock which he raises is of the best grades. His home i- a commodious two story france residence, tastefully furnished,
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Mr. Lasell, who is regarded as one of the repre. sentative citizens of the township. was born in Clay County, Ind. September 6, 1812. and trace his ancestry back to France. His grandfather. Joseph Lasell, for whom he was named. was a dive of that country and came to America dan . the last. part of the eighteenth or the first part of the nine- teenth century. He took part in the War of 1812 and afterward removed to Indiana, where he lived until his death, which occurred in Clay County at the advanced age of one hundred and two years. William Lasell. his son. and the father of our sub- ject, was born in Indiana and is still living in Greene County at the ripe old age of eighty-two years. He married Margaret Trent. a native of the same State. but her parents were born in North Carolina. Of their union were born nine children eight of whom are yet living: Elizabeth, wife of J. H. Cabal. who served in the Twenty-third lowa Infantry, and is now living near Des Moines; Lucy. wife of William Marshall. of Oregon; Priscilla. wife of Hardin Smith, who resides near Marysville. Cal .; Clara. wife of Jacob Burgess. a farmer of Guthrie County. Jowa; Etta, wife of Wash Gas- canaugh, of Clay County. Ind. ; John F .. a farmer of Poweshick County, Jowa : Charles who is also living in that county; James of Des Moines, and Rachel, deceased wife of Jesse Cochrane. of Polk County. The mother of the family died in Guthrie County, Iowa. in 1878. As is her husband. she was a de- voted member of the Baptist Church.
Our subject has spent nearly his entire life in łowa, having in 1817. when a lad of five years, accom. panied his parents to Saylorville, where his father engaged in blacksmithing for twenty-five years. but in 1885 returned to Clay County. Ind .. where he is living, as above stated. In the subscription schools Joseph acquired hi- education, and during his younger days worked in his father's shop. but. when the Rebellion broke out be at once responded to the country's call for aid, enlisting in Company D. Second lowa Infantry for three years' service. lle first went to St. Louis, where he was taken sick with the measles, which then prevailed to an alarm- ing extent. and for three months lay in the hospital. The doctor. thinking him unfit for duty recom- mended his discharge and he was sent home but in
1862 he again enlisted and was assigned to Com- pany (, Twenty-third lowa Infantry. After being mustered in at Davenport, with his command he was ordered to Pilot Knob, where a slight engage- ment occurred. and then on to Springfield. For a year they were engaged in skirmishing with the bushwhackers when they joined the Red River ex- pedition under Gen. Grant but later were sent back to re-enforce Gen. Banks at Vicksburg. The Twenty-third Regiment participated in the entire siege against that city and were afterward engaged in the following battles: Port Gibson, May 13. 1863: Champion Hills. May 16: Black River Bridge, May 17, and the seige of Vicksburg from May 18, until July 4, 1863, when the city surrendered to Gen. Grant. This was followed by the attack and capture of Ft. Esperanza from November 27 to No- vember 30. and the troops also engaged in a three days' seige against Spanish Fort, ending in its sur- render March 30, 1865. Mr. La-ell took part in all the long marches and engagements with his regiment. from August 6, 1862. until July 26. 1865, when he received his discharge. Only once was be of duty, and on that occasion there were only seventy men out of the entire regiment who were able to en- gage in the march, Company C furnishing three of that number. Immediately after his discharge he returned to his home in Saylorville to meet the mother who had anxiously watched and prayed for the safe return of her boy. It was not always upon the field that the greatest heroism was witnessed, and when we land the soldiers who went forth to battle and die if need be for the honor of the coun . try. we should remember with thoughts of love and word- of praise the self-sacrifices of the mother. wives and daughters who. with hearts ahnost break- ing with anxiety, were forced to remain quietly at home and bear the harder part of waiting in silence.
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