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 9
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60
The subject of this sketch received a good Eng- lish education, and at the age of twenty -one years entered upon the study of dentistry. After com- pleteing his preparations. he embarked in the prac- tice of his profession in St. Clairesville, Ohio, but about this three the South rebelled against the gov- : ernment, and Dr. Thomas determined to enter the service in defense of his country. He enlisted early in ING1. in response to President Lincoln's first call for troops, as a member of Company K. Seven- teenth Regiment Ohio Volunteers, and served four months. although the call was made only for three months service. In that time he became familiar with the usages of war. and the hardships to be met. Jet this did not deter him from re-enlisting. His country's honor was at stake, and he felt that all patriotic citizen- should be willing to strike a blow in her behalf. In August, 1862. he became a member of Company G. Ninety-eighth Ohio Infan- try and served until the close of the war. He was made orderly sergeant soon after the organization of his company, and post ded to Second Lieuten- ant April 8. 1864, serving in that capacity antil May 25, 1961. when he was made Fret Lintement. and on the 10th of November, of the same you. promoted to the rank of Captain. He bod. how- ever, virtually had the command of his company from the ting he was mannisioned Second Lieu- tenant. Heparticipated in many of the me . im- portant battle- sun campat us, including the en.y . Werde at Peasville. Chil antigua. Medioray Budge. I want Maintain and all the encounte; Atten liny the Atlanta compagn. He woche ly it!
Edwin Libretto
197
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Sherman to the sea, and thenve to Washington. taking part in the Grand Review in thet city. He then returned to his home in Ohio in 1985.
Shortly after his return. Dr. Thomas led to the marriage altar Miss Mary J. Forker. a native of the Buckeye State. and with his young bride started for Musentine County. where he engaged in the practice of his profession for two years, going thence to Nebraska City, Neb. For a period of ten years he did a lucrative business in the line of dentistry in that city, at the end of which time be : located in Des Moines. He is a skillful dental sur- geon who keeps well abreast of the progress and improvements made in his profession. and enjoysa large practice. He has recently introduced the "Porcelain Dental Art" into his practice, which consists of the new process of restoring decayed and defective teeth to their original appearance in shape, size and color. In the application of porce- lain to operative and mechanical dentistry. he nes Dr. C. 11. Land's Compound Gas or Gasoline Fur- nace. This is a most wonderful triumph of art. In disposition the Doctor is cordial and genial. and in his dealings fair and honorable. He was a gal. lant soldier in the war for the Union. and is a worthy and respected citizen.
Dr. Thomas and his wife have two children. a son and daughter -- Carrie B., born in 1866. and Harry F., born in 1870.
E . DWIN F. DICKS, one of the carly settlers of the count, and the owner of one of the most pleasant farms in Say lor Township. re- sides on section 21. about two and one-half miles from the Capitol bulbiines of Des Moines. He was born in Leroy. Gene-ce County, N. Y. August 2. 1820 and is the son of Jesse S. and Alerta C. (Richmond) Dicks. His father, who was born in Chester County. Pa .. . June 27. 150. cigrdted in
jagten County, was united in maribre with Miss Elect .. C. Richmond. a native of Heitbeer County. contractor and builder, and in connection with that .
business owned and operated a foundry. In 1St be returned to his native county and the following year removed to Greencastle, Putnam County, Ind., where he was engaged in the manufacture of furniture until 3818, when, in company with our subject, he visited lowa. The country and it- fu- ture prospects were pleasing to him, and he deter- mined to try his fortune in this State. In accord- ance with that resolution, in 1819. accompaniel by his family. be located in Ottumwa. Before leaving Greencastle. he purchased a stock of goods. which he disposed of along the road. He reached Des Moines in the latter part of 1819, and for a time lived in an old Government log house, which which was the best accommodation the town then afforded. Soon afterward Mr. Dicks opened a stove and finware store, which he conducted until 1856. when he disposed of the business and embarked in the retail grocery line, which he continued for about four years. Again, in 1863. he engaged in the stove and tiuware business in connection with his son. Alonzo F., who still curies on the same. being one of the oldest merchants in the city of Des Moines, In 1870 the father withdrew from business and removed to his farm in Dallas County. His wife died some years previous. on the 5th of April, 1862. His death occurred on the 14th of September, 1875, in Philadelphia, while on a visit. but hi- remains were brought back and interred in the Woodland Cemetery. this county. In early life he was a member of the Universalist Church. but afterward united with the Christian Church. of which his wife was a life-long member. Politically. he was a Democrat. He was a man emlowed with sterling qualities of faith head and heart. and is spotter of in grateful remembrance by those who know lip.
Of the seven children born to Jesse and Elerty Dicks, only three are now living our subject bump the oldest of that number. His life has been spent in various parts of the country, he having tras- eled from the Atlantic to the Pacific Coast. When an early day to New York and in Caledonia. Ley- a boy he accompanied his parents to the State of Indiana. where, in the canton school ami in the Asbury N'aiversity, of Groenea-te. I pe- quied le education pudding his studies in 1. letter institution for three years In the youth h.
£
-
498
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
Jearned the cabinetmaker's trade in his father's fre- tory, and on coming to Des Moines. hogan the manufacture of furniture in a log builling belong - ing to the Government, which was situated at the corner of Front and Vine Streets. The spirit of adventure seizing upon him, and longing to ar- quire wealth more rapidly, with three companions he stated for California. not long after the dis- covery of gold in that State. After many months of weary travel and exposure to the weather and In- dian ferocity, they reached the Pacific coast. Mr. Dicks having traveled across the American conti- nent. from ocean to ocean, in a wagon before he was twenty-one years of age. After mining for a short time, he engaged in the manufacture of fur- niture in Sacramento, and had built up a good business when the great fire came. sweeping away nearly everything he had and leaving bim heavily in debt. A boatload of furniture that had just a- rived was floated down the river to San Francisco to escape the fire, and with this he again embarked in business. He bent every energy to retrieving his lost possessions, and ere long every obligation was paid dollar for dollar.
While a resident of San Francisco, on the 11th of May, 1854, Mr. Dicks was united in marriage with Miss Martha De Mark, who was born Octo- ber G. 1835. and is a daughter of William and Marie (Muke) De Mark, both of whom were of French birth. They came to California in an early day. and passed away in that State when their daughter was a small child. To Mr. and Mrs. Dicks was born one daughter. Eleanor. who died at the age of three years. In 1857 they left Calfornia and settled in Des Moines, where for about two years our subject engaged in clerking. He then, in 1859, removed to his farm on section 21. Say- lor Township, where he has since made his home. D war then entirely unimproved. but is now under a good state of cultivation, having all the necessary farm buildings, and is well stocked with an excel. isnt grade of horses and every cattle.
Mr. Dicks is a supporter of the Democratic party, and i- a I niversalist in religions behof. Ilis Lenily consists of himself. wife and one daughter. Bood. They have a pleasant home, conveniently Situated on the edge of the city funds, where they
live a peaceful life, enjoying the freedom of the country as well as the benefits of the city. The farin comprises two hundred and eighty-five seres and has been acquired by the unaided efforts of the owner, who is also the possessor of some valuable city property.
OLLAND RAPEARE PERSINGER, ed- itor and half owner of the Mail and Times. of Des Moines, was born in Xenia, Greene County, Ohio. on the 9th of June, 1852, and is the son of John M. and Mary M. (Irving) Persinger. The subject of this sketch spent his boyhood days in his native State and Indiana, com- pleting his education in Battleground College, of Battleground. Ind. When ready to enter upon his senior year he left college to embark upon a jour- nolistic career. We find him, in 1877. in Central City, Neb., where he was employed several months as editor of the Courier. From there be removed to Bloomington. Il., in 1878, and established the Sunday Eye, but the following year came to Des Moines and started a paper called the Mail Car, which he sold to J. E. Clarey, in April, 1882. The following year, October 7, 1883. he established the Des Moines Times, which he conducted until April, 1888, when he joined Mr. Whiteotab in the con- solidation of the Times with the Mail into a paper called the Mail and Times, now the leading liter .. ary and society paper of the State. There was an interval of a year and a half between the sale of the Mail Car and the establishment of the Times, during which 31. Persinger was employed as love !! editor; for the first half of the time he was engaged on the Des Moines Louder, and the latter on the Iowa State Register. Ever since leaving college he has devote I hi. time exclusively to journalism, and is known as a talented and Ruent writer. 11- enecess in the clinical management of the Mail and Time ime bern marked by a steady growth in its circulation. and the ju-ils acquired popular- ity of that journal. The Mail and The er le attained a high schooland in the e fination of the more infelles tired and refused people of the commu-
459
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
nity, on account not only of its real merits ana literary paper. Unt for the purity of its columns and its high moral tone.
Mr. Persinger's father was born at Covington. Va., and is descended from German ancestry. His mother was born at Dayton, Ohio, and omes of an old American family. Both are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are now residents of Des Moines, making their home with their son Holland R.
P ETER C. TERHUNE, an carly and honored pioneer of Polk County, was born in Shelby County, Ky., on the Ist of January. 1820. and is a son of Isaac and Anna (Canine) Terhune. The family is of English origin and the first American ancestor of the subject of this sketch emigrated from England to Holland and from that country came to America during the Colonial days. taking up his residence in New Jersey. Some of his descendants removed to Shelby County, Ky., in an early day, and engaged in agricultural pursuits in that community. From this branch Peter C. Terbune is descended. He was reared to farm life, and in the neighborhood received a common-school edu- cation. In 1835. when fifteen years of age, he went to Montgomery County. Ind. and on reach- ing man's estate there engaged in farming. lle was married in that county. on the 16th of Novem- ber, 1$15, to Miss Martha Beard. a daughter of John and Maria ( Burroughs) Beard. The lady was born in Montgomery County. December 6, 1821, and is descended from an early North Carolina family, in which Stade her father was born in 1795. Her people belonged to the Society of Friends
In the spring of 1:53. accompani. 1 by his fam- ily, Mr. Terhune started for lowa in the emigrant style. traveling by from across the country, an lar- rived in Polk County in April, of that year. The previous year he purchased a large farm in what is now Walunt Township. where hi- Quaily still resides The farm, which at present embrace two hundred acres of valuthe land, is one of the findet in Poll. County being well improved and highly cultivated. Mr. Terhand continued to en
gale in stock-raising. and the operation of his land at his new home, up to the time of his death. He diet in the prime of life. on the 18th of February. 1802. at the early age of forty-two years. leaving a wife and seven children to mourn his untimely loss. The family consisted of four sons and three daughters all of whom are at home except one son. who resides in Montana. Claiborne W. and Charles V., the elder brothers. are unmarried, and carry on the farm; John B. wedded Miss Rose Downing. and resides in Great Falls, Mont .; Mary E., wife of Joseph E. Fagan, die l October 17. 1886: Emma L .. Edgar and Jennie, the younger members of the family. are unmarried.
Mr. Terhune was a man of superior intelligence, and sterling integrity. He was unassuming in man- . ner. and had no sympathy with ostentation and shallow pretention. He impressed those with whom business or social relations brought him in contact, with a feeling of utmost confidence in his sound judgment and perfect reliability. His family rela tions were of the happiest, and the most enduring monument to his memory is found in the deep vous eration and strong love of wife and children. Mr. Terhume was a member of Ft. Des Moines Lodge. I. O. O. F. was a Repuldiem in politics, and a stanch supporter of its principles. He was a Pres- bytorian in religious belief. in his carly manhood ; after settling in lowa, he joined the Methodist Episcopal Church. of which he died a consistent member.
EATON LAMB je a prominent farmer re- siding ep section 17. Grant Township. 'The 1. helary of Poll: County would be incomplete
1. without ats sketch for he is numbered among the worthy pioncer and is a representative of one of it- bio. Homilie. He was born in Wayne County. Inl .. on the 11th of August, Is18. all is a son of fivem Benbog ( wany. Ky .. the latter of Virginia. The Least fumble is of scottish origin and was es- Tablish Wie And Find finally after the cio-of th. . Revolutionary War by the crowdtales of our anh-
500
PORTRAIT AND MOGRAPHICAL ALBUM
=
jeet. Jants Lanh, who we- born in Pathshite. Scotland, July 22. 1756. Settling in Chester County. " Pa. ho was there united in marriage with Miss Hannah Boone own cousin of Daniel Boone. the famous Kentucky explorer, whose history i- fan iliar 1 to every school boy. They afterward emigrated to Bourbon County, Ky . where they entered land and made a home. Their last days, however, wele spent in Wayne County. Ind. James Luigh was a soldier in the Indian War under Anthony Wayne.
Reared to manhood monong the wild scenes of frontier life. William Lamb was fitted for the work which he afterward undertook in this State. The date of his arrival in Polk County is 1843, Having gained the permission of Capt. Allen.then in charge of the United States troops stationed at F1. Des Moines, to farm and raise corn and other products for the use of the soldiers of the garrison. he came to Iowa, becoming one of the first two settlers of Polk County. The other gentleman who ventured into the wills of Central lowa at that carly day was a Mr. Scott, who has long since pa- ol to bis final real. The land which Mr. Lainh claimed was of course still in its primitive condition and em. braces the site on which the Des Moines Starch Factory is now located. During the winter of 1813-14. their only neighbors were the Istas. nor did they have any means of communication with their friends in the East. Little did they imagine that upon the land on which they were then en- gaged in farming a city was to be built. becoming the metropolis of the State and the emp ited of the commonwealth. The citizen of to dayare in lebt to the lauth family in no bitte degree. for they opened the county and paved the way for the in- coming of others. At length the bushe id of far- they were called from the Grey scenes of the life to the rest beyond the grove dying in Le franty. : lowa. in 1856. It was in 1949. Dpd the busily ch- de was first broken. the gold excitement of 4 :1- temi attracting some of its moment. for the' ! r defant Nats. I'm long other- were con jed. the parents were called home and the little band to nos siddy sonttered, but the proph of 15 County should by : hold then in artefakt you later
:
Fannie Lamb, che died in infancy. Lot chich te
still living- Betsy, who welded Fra. Hlin Merk ant after his death became the wife of John Young. who is also devrasel. resides in Jefferson County. lowa: James is living in Clare County. Cal .: Almadan, resides in Oregon; Rosanna is the wife ot Peter Newcomer. who came to Polk County. in 1815. obtaining board from Capt. Allen, then in charge of the garrison at Ft. Des Moines, upon which he resided until the past three years, shining which period he has made his home in Jomings County. La .: Wallace is a resident of California: Martha is the wife of William Cooper of California; Jackson is a ranchman of Dakota , Larkin resides in Oregon: smith is a farmer of Lee County. Jowa. and Catherine, who first wedded a Mr. Ballwin is now the wife of Marion Peters, and resides in Stockton. Cal.
We will now take up the personal history of our subject. Hi- education was obtained in a primitive log schoolhouse in Wayne County, Ind., in the day- when the teacher's salary was made up of voluntary en bibelous from ile terivers of the neighborhood. More than sixty Je is aftermand. in 1-83. he re- turned to his native county and visited the old play grounds but the sehen Thouse was torn away. Many familiar landmarks yet remained however, and the old spring on the hillside was still bubbling a- mer- lily as ever. The greatest change of af was in the scholars. Few of the old schoolmates were to be found in the weigl. borhood, many having re- moved to different St tes, while others had gone to the launnl whence po traveler returns. One of his 1mgher , however. br oined and is yet living in the withbothwood. As soon as he was old enough Mr. Toab Legm work npo his father's form and throughout his onthe life has engaged in agricul- fui pursuit. On the 4th of February. Isil, in Wayne County. Indl .. he was joined in wedlock with Mit Cardine Even of Wayne County. I l. a daughter of Henry at Harriet ( Very) Ex.en. of English descent. Shally aftersand the young couple wanted for los a making their first les ion m denton County, where Mr. Leads pauschal right Feres of band He come to Pull: County. in
501
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.
lowa for public improvements to be made on the Des Moines River. In those days the Indians were Ha more numerous than the white settlers ated In was acquainted with many of the noted chiefs of the northwest, including Black Hawk and Wapelle. In iSIG, he built a hewel leg house. 18x27 feet. a portion of which is still standing. one of the few landmarks of the pioneer days that now remains. The family shared in all the hardships and trials incident to pioneer life but nevertheless prosperity attended their eforts and the wild, undeveloped land, as the result of their cultivation and improve ment, became a productive farm, yielding them a good ineome.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Lamb, has been blessed with fourteen children, nine of whom are yet living. Harriet, the eldest. who was born in Jefferson County, lowa, January 8, 1842. is the wife of James A. Garrett of Ferndale, Humbublt County, 1 Cal .: lames, who was born in April, 1813, and is engaged in farming in Lincoln County. S. Dak .. wedded Miss Rebecca Stockdale, who died Decem- cer 8, 1889, leaving eight children; Elizabeth E .. who was born in Jefferson County, Iowa, May 20. 1815, died on the 15th day of August following; Casper L., born in Polk County, May 26. 1846, wedded Laura L. Matthew. now decessed. and is living in Idaho: Henry, born May 3, 1819. wedded Miss Flora Brinkerhoff, by whom he has seven children and is living in Kellogg. Idaho; William. , has non passed the all offel three-score years and ton born September 24, 1851, died September 14. 1252; and is Still hale and hearty and many years may yet mal he can look back wit . no regret for the years that I ve come and gone. He has all the comforts and warmte deres i. tweeti Park, viel ling him an excellent income which provides him with every thing that In many wish. Ira, born August 13. 1851. wedded Miss Sadie ! clapse drehe passes away. His life has been well spent Yergey, and is now principal of the schools of Atkinson. Nel: Fannie, bora July 3. 18, is the wife of John D. Finch. a farmer of Grass Town- . nece fy to happiness. his the fun of two hundred ship: Orrin. Com Augen1 1. This is a pair of Kellogg, Idaho; Rosanna and bliza. tv. were horn January 29, la01. the latter died in which. and Rosin . since her mother's death Is taken. charge of the domestic aflahis of the obl home: John Very. For March 19. 1568, died on the 24th of September following: Florence, born NowerTher 20, 1864. is the wife of Wallace Mariebe who has REDLAICK I. ELLIOTT, who weide on contigo. De lavere Township, i numbered charge of the home farm; burn, horn Deergeben 1. 1 1:47, died April 3. 1968. The mother of Cd- Rom- ily we called to her last rest An - 5. [s ]
knew her. Her deeds of i udness and acts of charity won her many friends and in the family circle her place can never be supplie 1. Her daughter. Rosanna. assumed the management of the domestic affairs on the death of the mother. laying aside the duties of the school for that purpose.
The Lamb family is remarkable in many respects. Eleven of the children of William Lamb are still living and their average height is six feet. They are noted for the jollity of their dispositions. their bespitality and their honor in all business relations. Our subjeet shares the characteristics of his brothers and sisters. Ilis home is always open to his friends. he delights in congenial company, is jovial in dis- position and has the politeness and courtesy of the old school without its formality. His reminiscences of the early days of the county are both interesting and instructive and if written out in full would make a volume of thrilling interest. Besides many relies of his life on the frontier he has in his posses- sion the Vevey Bible which is more than one hit- dred years offl, a cup and saucer which was brought from Scotland by his grandfather, and an old lace cap. which by his children is the most valned of all because it was worn by Mr. Lamb in his babyhood. Ile is surrounded by nine children, thirty grand- children and he has one great-grandchill, and all delight to do him honor, giving him every care and attention due from the young to the aged. He
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHRAAL ALBUM.
cated. proeming the same through a Mexican hand watrant. he is still living.
The birth of Mr. Elliott occurred in Perquinar County. N. C. September 6. 1525, his parents be- ing Fester and Penning I (Boyce) Elliott, who were also natives of the sinde St: te. Their family nam- bezed site children. live of whom were born in Notth Carolina. The father was a shoemaker by trade, but in the latter years of his life became an overseer on a large cotton plantation Accompan- icd by his family, in 1828, he left North Carolina for the West. A short time was spent in Ohio, and the following year the party prece led on their way to Vermilion County. HL .. where Mr. Elliott. Sr .. prichased a farm. In connection with the opera- tion of his land Le also carried on a tonning busi- ness, and from the leather which he manufactured made shoes. Continuing his residence in Illinois until 1817. he then loaded his household efects into wagons drawn be os-tomme and started for lowa, reaching his destination efter three weeks travel. The same journey could nos bommade in twenty-four hours. which gives some idea of the wonderful progress made in the past third of veen- tory. Few indeed were the settlers who had sought homes in Polk County at that the. Many were the hardships and trials to be endured. the disse vantages to be overcome and arduous were the tack- to be performed. Chicago was the nearest main market. and after bouling theh wheat that distance. one hundred and twenty miles. it brought only from thirty to fifty cents per lalal. Mr. Ellie't entered two hundred and forty were of land on section 5, Delaware Towa ship. fre . si the the to death. he had developed a good mana. ali wife we . lied to be Read post in 1-5%, and of the 2nd bonne of the redeemed. Their warst Chef tim I've were soll worthy of discution, and the ir matyw -
loenship.
The children of the family work - father.
1
Mary. wife of Benjamin Davis, came with her huis- band to Polk County in 1817. but both are now deceased: Rachel is the deceased wife of Jeseph Thompson. a former of Saylor Township: Nancy. willow of Dillon Hayworth. is living in Lawrence County. Ma .: Frederick E. is the next younger: John accompanied the family to this State. but after a short time returned to Ilinois and died in Cham- Jaigu County : Dempsey, who removed to Kan-as in 1957, died in Cowley County, that State, in lenr. 185%: Stephen, a Congregational minister, has charge of the church in Aurora, Mo .; Alfred is a farmer of Lawrence County. o.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.