The United States biographical dictionary and portrait gallery of eminent and self made men, Iowa volume, Part 25

Author: American biographical publishing company, pub
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Chicago, New York, American biographical publishing company
Number of Pages: 954

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survey it. In a caricature that was published at that time Mr. Babbitt was represented as holding to a long string attached to a railroad car, which he was pulling westward, while four other stalwart members were represented as pulling a car from Keokuk to Dubuque.

As among the local offices which he has held, it may be stated that he has been twice mayor of his city, and served some nine different terms as alder- man. In 1859 he was candidate for lieutenant- governor, opposed to Mr. Rush, of Davenport, and ran ahead of his ticket about twelve hundred votes. General Dodge was then candidate on the same ticket for governor. In 1867 he was elected to the state legislature on the democratic ticket, defeating his opponent by one hundred and thirty-nine votes in Pottawattamie county, where at the previous elec- tion there was a republican majority of two hundred and fifty. Although he was never an abolitionist, he was always opposed to the extension of slavery, and now that the negroes are free, believes in qualifying them for citizenship. At the presidential election of 1876 he supported Mr. Tilden, believing that the great political issues were dead, and that the condition of our governmental affairs demanded a change of administration.

Mr. Babbitt is a married man and has one son living, who is now (1877) employed in the general land office at Washington.

WILLIAM H. GABBERT,

DAVENPORT.

MONG the successful young men of Iowa may A fairly be placed the name of William H. Gabbert. It will be generally found that similar cases lead to like results in whatever branch of human activity a man's genius and enterprise may be employed. The essentials of success are cour- age, patience and perseverance. Success brings honor in every honest occupation, and when it is achieved by a young man it adds new pleasure.

The subject of this sketch was born at Blue Grass, Scott county, Iowa, on the 12th of October, 1849, and is the son of Henry and Eliza J. Gabbert née McGarvey. His father was one of the pioneer settlers of Scott county, having gone there in 1835, when there were few inhabitants and but little ex- pectation that Davenport would be what it now is.

He was originally from Tennessee, and was identi- fied with the old school of democrats, to whose principles he is still an adherent. He is eminently connected with the earlier history of the country, and participated in its early struggles. His ances- tors were among the early settlers of the United States, and participated in the revolutionary war, also in the war of 1812.

William's early life was that of a farm boy. His education was gained in the common schools; he early developed a taste for study and the acquire- ment of knowledge. After leaving school he com- menced the study of law, in the meantime teach- ing school two or more winters. His ambition led him early to choose law for his profession, and to this end commenced his studies at twenty years of

With asterk

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age with W. A. Foster, a prominent criminal law- yer, of Davenport, Iowa, being admitted to the bar in November, 1870. He formed a partnership with W. A. Foster under the style of Foster and Gab- bert, remaining a partner until the Ist of April, 1874, when they dissolved, he continuing the practice. He met with much success, and was building up a fine business when he was elected clerk of the district and circuit courts, in October, 1874, which office he has held since, greatly to his own credit and the satisfaction of his constituents. He is a member of the A.O.U.W. He is not connected with any church, but a believer in the fundamental

rules of Christianity. He was brought up a demo- crat, and was elected to his present position by a majority of five hundred over his own ticket.

Mr. Gabbert was married on the 6th of February, 1873, to Miss Addie Gabbert, eldest daughter of Captain W. H. Gabbert, of Davenport, a prominent citizen and an old settler. She died on the 13th of October, 1874, regretted by an unusually large circle of friends and acquaintances.

Mr. Gabbert is known as a man of sterling in- tegrity, decided character and untiring energy, and has every promise of a prosperous and honorable career.

JOHN T. BALDWIN,

COUNCIL BLUFFS.

T "HE subject of this brief biography stands prom- inent among the influential business men of his part of the State of Iowa. Beginning life in com- parative obscurity, and without capital other than his own native talents and a resolute purpose to suc- ceed, he has been, in a true sense of the word, "the architect of his own fortune," and risen gradually to a high social and business standing among his fel- low-citizens. A native American, he was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, on the 12th of October, 1820. He passed his early life on his father's farm, enjoying such educational advantages as were afforded by the common schools. About the time that he attained his majority he engaged in mercantile pursuits in the village of Washington, Pennsylvania, and in the year 1844 removed to the west and settled at Fairfield, Iowa. During the next three years he was engaged in farming in that locality, and at the expiration of that time removed to Ottumwa, where he employed the next six years in mercantile pursuits. As showing the newness of the country at the time when Mr. Baldwin settled at Fairfield, it may be stated that Iowa was then a ter- ritory, with a population of thirty-six thousand, and that there was no post-office in Jefferson county. The mail was then carried on horseback and was received once in two weeks, and was so small that "Tom Graham," who acted as postmaster, could carry it all in his hat.

In 1853 Mr. Baldwin closed out his business in- terests in Ottumwa and removed to Council Bluffs, which then had a population of about five thousand,

composed principally of Mormons. Resuming his mercantile pursuits, he continued the same with good success during the next three years.

In 1856 he established a land agency, and also to some extent engaged in banking, and since that time has continued the same, together with various other business operations. While engaged in his land agency, from 1856 to 1869 he was associated with General G. M. Dodge, under the firm name of Baldwin and Dodge. During this last named year he organized the Pacific National Bank, and became a director, vice-president and general manager of the same. Heartily sympathizing with all local public improvements, he has lent his cooperation to many worthy enterprises. In March, 1877, as principal owner, he organized the street railway running to the depot of the Northern Pacific railroad and to the Burlington and St. Joseph depots. He also owns a large flouring-mill, which is doing a prosper- ous business.

As a business man, Mr. Baldwin has established a wide and honorable reputation. He is known for his promptness and decision, and has the happy fac- ulty of seizing opportunities and turning them to good account.

In politics, he was formerly a whig, but upon the organization of the republican party he became identified with it and took a somewhat active part in its workings.

Although his business life has been one of unu- sual activity, he has been able to gratify the wishes of his friends and accept at their hands various

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positions of honor and responsibility. In 1854 he was elected a member of the state legislature on the republican ticket, and during his term of office ren- dered efficient service. When Council Bluffs first became incorporated he was elected a member of the city council, and in March, 1877, was elected to the office of mayor. In 1876 he was sent as a dele-

gate to the republican convention held in Cincin- nati, Ohio.

Mr. Baldwin was married in August, 1843, to Miss Jane Hunter, of Washington, Pennsylvania, and by her has three daughters.

In his religious communion, he is identified with the Presbyterian church.

HON. HANS R. CLAUSSEN,

DAVENPORT.

H ANS REIMER CLAUSSEN was born in the province of Schleswig Holstein, Germany, on the 23d of February, 1804. He received a col- lege education at Meldorf, and studied law at the University of Kiel. In 1830 he was admitted to the bar, and commenced the practice of his profession first at Heide and afterward, in 1834, removed to Kiel, the principal place in the province and the seat of the supreme court and state university. In 1840 he was elected a member of the legislature for Holstein, and was repeatedly reelected until 1851, when he was exiled and emigrated to the United States. The establishment of a republic in France, in 1848, created throughout Germany great political excitement. The revolution was victorious; in. Ber- lin and Vienna the people were clamorous for a united Germany, a German parliament, liberty of the press, and such a bill of rights as is secured to the American people. The kings had to yield and give consent to a German parliament, which con- vened at Frankfort-on-the-Main in May, 1848, and in which Mr. Claussen, elected from Holstein, was a member. The assembly was a kind of constitu- tional convention; it framed a constitution for Ger- many, which did not take effect, the kings refus- ing to accept it. 'The present constitution con- tains, however, very essential parts of that consti- tution so framed. Schleswig Holstein belonged to the king of Denmark till 1864, though the inhab- itants were nearly all Germans and were always dissatisfied with the Danish government, which was tyrannical, oppressive and very burdensome by un- just and heavy taxation. They cherished a hope to be released from the Danish government by the death of the ruling king, Friedrich VII, since his successor, Christian IX, had no right to the govern- ment in Schleswig Holstein and for Denmark, in a similar manner as in Hanover and England. The

Danish king had, however, made several efforts to change the laws of succession so as to make it uni- form for all parts of the Danish monarchy, and thus to keep Schleswig Holstein united with Denmark. This policy of the Danish king had created a fever- ish excitement, and was the means of very bitter controversies between the Danish king, his German subjects and their representatives. In 1848, when nearly the whole of Germany was in arms against their rulers, the Germans in Schleswig Holstein also took up arms against the Danish king to conquer and gain their independence. The legislature, how- ever, sent previously a delegation of five of their members to Copenhagen to present their grievances to the king of Denmark. Mr. Claussen was one of these five members. On their arrival they were in great danger of their lives, the excited Danes in- tending to mob them. The hotel where they lodged was surrounded by thousands, who in their excite- ment called them traitors and disloyal to their king. When they drove to the palace of the king the streets were densely crowded with excited men, who attempted to overthrow the coaches and mob them. The better educated Danes, and particularly the stu- dents, made strenuous and successful efforts to save their lives. The king received them courteously, but refused to grant their petitions. When they re- turned they found the people in arms, and a provin- cial government established, which sent Claussen to Berlin to obtain aid from the Prussian government. In this mission he was successful. A Prussian army entered Schleswig Holstein, drove out the Danish army and occupied that province. The Schleswig Holstein army maintained the government of the Germans against Denmark up to 1851, when Prussia and Austria resolved, by an army entering Schleswig Holstein, to compel the people thereof to subjection and obedience to their Danish king. After the res-

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toration of the Danish power, a general annesty was granted to the king's disloyal subjects, excepting about twenty persons, and Claussen among them, who were exiled from their native country.

He emigrated in 1851 to the United States, es- tablished his residence at Davenport, studied the English language and law, and was admitted to the bar in Iowa about two years after his arrival to the United States. In 1855 he built a steam grist mill in Lyons, Clinton county, Iowa, where he resided about three years. He was not successful, and lost almost all of his means. In 1858 he sold his mill and returned to Davenport, and again commenced practicing his profession. Here he met with much success, as more than one-third of the population of Scott county are Germans, who prefer a German lawyer to do their business for them, and his known ability as an attorney made him very successful. In 1858 he was elected, and in 1860 reelected, a justice of the peace; and, as his legal business was grow- ing, in 1862 he took in his son, Ernest Claussen, as partner in the law business. In 1869 he was elected a senator for four years from Scott county. In May, 1871, he retired from the practice of law, leaving it to his son.

In the summer of 1871 he visited his fatherland, and his native Schleswig Holstein, where the Danes had ceased to rule; the decree of exile against him had ceased to be operative since 1866, when it was under the rule of Prussia, and he was once more

allowed to view the scenes of his boyhood, and visit once more his old friends. The dreams of his life were realized, and he witnessed united Germany as he had struggled for it in his early days. Going to Ber- lin, he visited the German parliament and heard that greatest statesman of our age (Bismarck) speak in regard to the administration of the government in Alsace and Lorraine.

Always an enemy of slavery in any form, he has been a staunch republican since the organization of that party. In various ways he has done great good, both by legislative and home influence, and there is not a more popular or more loved and esteemed man among his constituents than Mr. Claussen. .

In religious matters he is liberal, though baptized and educated in the Protestant Lutheran church.

He was married in May, 1832 ; his wife, Annine, formerly a daughter of a Danish officer, is still living to bless his old age.

It is seldom we are called upon to review the record of a man so prominent in two continents as Mr. Claussen. The great benefits accrued to the United States by the immigration of such men are well known. While making constant use of his natural powers, he has never wasted or weakened them, hence he is still in possession of much of his native vigor and strength. At over threescore and ten his step is still firm, his form erect, his counte- nance cheerful, and he bids fair to see a mellow, ripe old age.

HON. CALEB BALDWIN,

COUNCIL BLUFFS.

O F those whose names are inscribed upon the roll of Iowa's honored men, none deserves a more honorable mention than he whose biography is briefly given in this sketch. Through many years of active life he was closely identified with various public interests, and the impress of his noble character is indelibly stamped upon the work with which he had to do.

Beginning life in adverse circumstances, he boldly and persistently pushed his way onward and up- ward, allowing no obstacle to check his progress, and by his very force of character and native power, made for himself a name and fame that shall long live, cherished with fondest remembrance by the many who were honored with his acquaintance.

Caleb Baldwin was a native of Washington coun- ty, Pennsylvania, and was born on the 3d of April, 1824. His early life differed little from that of ordi- nary youth. He enjoyed the advantages of a good primary education, and early disclosed a fondness for study and literary pursuits. After completing his preparatory studies he entered Washington Col- lege, in his native state, and graduated from the same with honor in the class of 1842. During his early life he maintained a high character, and rigid- ly adhered to those principles of honorable dealing which so signally characterized all of his subse- quent life. After finishing his course in college he turned his attention to the study of law, and in the year 1846, being then twenty-two years of age, re-

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moved to Fairfield, Iowa, and established himself in the practice of his profession. Iowa was then a territory, and during the early years of his resi- dence there he was subjected to the many incon- veniences and privations incident to a new country. He was a man, however, of dauntless courage and determined purpose, and a will-power that yielded to no obstacle, and, toiling steadily on, established a worthy and growing reputation. His business grad- ually increased from year to year, and he grew in favor and popularity with the people, who, recog- nizing his talents and peculiar fitness for official positions, elected him to the office of prosecuting attorney, to which he was afterward twice reelected.

In 1855 he was appointed by Governor Grimes judge of the district court, to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of Hon. W. H. Severs. Closing up his interests in Fairfield, he, in 1857, settled in Council Bluffs, where he continued to reside during the remainder of his life. Two years later, in 1859, he was elected a judge of the supreme court of Iowa, it being at the first election held under the revised constitution, which provided for the election

of judges by the people. In 1862 he became chief justice of the State of Iowa, by virtue of seniority in office. Wearied with the cares and responsi- bilities of public life, and preferring the quiet prac- tice of his profession, he, in 1864, declined a re- election to the bench and resumed the practice of law. In the following year, however, he was ap- pointed, by President Lincoln, United States dis- trict attorney for the district of Iowa. His last official position was that of judge of the court of commissioners for the settlement of the Alabama claims, to which he was appointed in 1874.

As a man, Judge Baldwin possessed those ster- ling qualities which attract and hold the admiration and confidence of men. He was esteemed for what he was, and at the time of his death, which occurred in the winter of 1876, had attained to a standing among his fellow-men which fairly illustrates what one may acquire by the persistent cultivation of his native powers. Though he himself has passed over into the unseen, his work remains, and stands as a lasting and worthy memorial of the purity and nobleness of his manhood.

JOHN C. ATLEE, FORT MADISON.

JOHN C. ATLEE, a native of Maryland, was J

born on the 22d of March, 1816, the son of Samuel J. and Martha Atlee. Several years prior to his birth his parents had removed from Lancas- ter county, Pennsylvania. Upon the death of his mother, which occurred when he was only a few weeks old, he was left to the care of his grand- mother, who lived at the old home of his parents in Pennsylvania. There he remained until he at- tained his twelfth year; and after the death of his grandmother he lived first with his uncle, Henry Stickler, and afterward with an elder brother, Will- iam A Atlee. At the age of sixteen he was ap- prenticed to his brother, Jacob C. Atlee, to learn the carpenter's trade. He continued thus employed during the next two years, and at the expiration of that time, his brother retiring from business, he went to Philadelphia to finish his trade. Soon afterward, in 1835, he went to New York, and there worked one year at his trade. In 1836 he went by sea to Mobile, Alabama, and thence by Lake Pontchartrain to New Orleans. He did not like the south, how-

ever, as he had anticipated, and leaving New Or- leans he went up the Mississippi to St. Louis, and finally settled for a short time at Quincy, Illinois. In 1837 he spent a few months at Fort Madison, and was so thoroughly pleased with the place that he determined to make it his future home.

Going to Quincy he was there married to Miss Emeline S. Brooks, and, immediately returning to Fort Madison, established himself at his trade, and continued it with good success for six years. Hav- ing accumulated from his hard-earned savings a sufficient capital, he purchased a farm within a few miles of town, and for several years employed him- self in agricultural pursuits. Returning to Fort Madison in 1852, he formed a copartnership with his brother, Isaac R. Atlee, and during the next two years carried on a successful lumber trade. Extend- ing his operations in 1854, he, in company with Na- thaniel Bennett, built the first steam saw-mill that was erected at Fort Madison, and was doing a very prosperous business until 1856-7, when they became somewhat involved and embarrassed in the financial

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crisis that swept over the country during those years. However, by close attention to business, and a course of economy and strict integrity, they avoided the serious consequences which befell many business men. Mr. Atlee afterward purchased the interest of his partner, and associated with himself his son, Samuel, and from that time until the pres- ent (1877) the business has been conducted under the firm name of S. and J. C. Atlee. The business tact, cool judgment and clear foresight of Mr. Atlee is best attested by the growth of his business. The mill, in all its appointments, is inferior to none on the Mississippi river. At the time when the son became asssociated in the business it was producing about fifteen thousand feet of lumber per day; at the present time the mill has a capacity of fifty-

five thousand feet of lumber per day, and of twenty millions of shingles and four millions of lath per year, and employs one hundred and fifty men.

In local enterprises Mr. Atlee has been somewhat active, and heartily cooperates in all matters per- taining to the growth and prosperity of his city.

Personally and socially, he is a man of excellent qualities, and throughout his life has maintained an adherence to those principles of honor and fair dealing that have secured to him the confidence and esteem of all with whom he has had to do. He has accumulated a handsome fortune, and lives in the enjoyment of a happy home.

He has four children : Samuel J., mentioned above; William H., who is book-keeper for the firm, and Martha and Maggie.

SETH H. CRAIG, M.D.,

FORT MADISON.

D' R. SETH H. CRAIG, a native of Millersburg, Holmes county, Ohio, was born on the 14th of February, 1825, the son of James Craig and Mar- garet née Slater. His parents had formerly resided in Washington county, Pennsylvania. They were of Scotch origin, and of sturdy, long-lived families, the father dying at the age of eighty-two years, and the mother at the age of sixty-five. The doctor re- ceived a good education in the public schools of his native place, and in 1843, with his parents, removed to Iowa and settled at Farmington, in Van Buren county, at that time one of the most prosperous towns in the state. Residing with his parents until 1847, he at that time went to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and on the 4th of July was sworn into the volunteer service for the Mexican war. His battal- ion was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Powell, of Missouri. He served one year in the army, and, returning to Fort Leavenworth, was mustered out in November, 1848.

Returning thence to Farmington, he turned his attention to the study of medicine. He attended medical lectures at Rock Island, Illinois, and Daven- port, Iowa, graduating at the last-named place in the spring of 1850. During the next two years he was engaged in the practice of his profession at Farm- ington, Iowa, and at St. Francisville, Missouri, and was achieving considerable success, when, in the spring of 1852, the "gold fever " of California lured

him from his profession. Going thither by the over- land route, he engaged in mining at Smith's Flat, about ten miles from Downersville. Remaining there one year, he then returned home via Nica- rangua, and soon after resumed his profession at Keokuk, Iowa, associating himself with Dr. Sanford, of that place.

In 1855 he removed to Council Bluffs, and two years later was elected city treasurer. In 1859 he was appointed sheriff of Pottawattamie county, to fill a vacancy, and in 1860 was elected to that office, which, however, he resigned in 1861, and entered the United States service as captain in the 4th regiment Iowa Infantry. Resigning his commission in 1863, he returned to Farmington, Iowa, and from that time until 1868 was constantly traveling from New York to Montana, Idaho, Nevada and Colorado, speculating in gold and silver mines and other claims in those territories, which were then just beginning to be developed.

In 1868 he was elected from Van Buren county to the twelfth general assembly of Iowa, and was an influential member of that body. During the follow- ing year he again settled at Council Bluffs, and there became connected with the St. Louis, Chillicothe and Council Bluffs railroad, acting as general agent in Iowa. He retained this office until 1872, when he was elected, by the general assembly of the state, warden of the state penitentiary, located at Fort

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The United States biographical dictionary and portrait gallery of eminent and self made men, Iowa volume, Part 25

Author: American biographical publishing company, pub Publication date: 1878 Publisher: Chicago, New York, American biographical publishing company Number of Pages: 954

Author: American biographical publishing company, pub
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Chicago, New York, American biographical publishing company
Number of Pages: 954