The history of Polk County, Iowa : containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, &c., biographical sketches of its citizens, war record of its volunteers in the late rebellion, general and local statistics, portraits of early settlers and prominent men, Part 93

Author: Union Historical Company, Des Moines, pub
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Des Moines, Iowa : Union Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 1074

USA > Iowa > Polk County > The history of Polk County, Iowa : containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, &c., biographical sketches of its citizens, war record of its volunteers in the late rebellion, general and local statistics, portraits of early settlers and prominent men > Part 93

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).

764

BIOGRAPHICAL.

spect of the best people among whom he resided. He left a record such as falls to few men. The children of General Ankeny residing in Polk county are Dr. J. F. Ankeny and Capt. P. D. Ankeny, General Rollin V. Ankeny, Mrs. John R. Barcroft, and Miss Hattie L. Ankeny at home with their mother, corner of Tenth and Locust streets. Capt. Henry G. Ankeny resides in Adams county, Iowa, and Mary E., now Mrs. Clark, at Hartford, Conn.

ANKENY, GEN. ROLLIN V .- Was born in Somerset county, Penn- sylvania, May 22, 1830. While yet a child his parents removed to Mil- lersburg, Ohio, and his time during youth and early manhood was chiefly spent in the mercantile house of his father. In 1852 he engaged in the drug business at Millersburg, in which he continued about four years. In 1855 he removed to Freeport, Illinois, where he engaged in farming. He was one of the originators of the Stephenson County Agricultural Society and Farmers' Club, of which society he was the honored president and sec- retary for more than four years. He followed the occupation of farmer till the breaking out of the late war. During the first months after the beginning of the war he was engaged in "stumping" his own and adjoining counties, persuading his friends to enlist; by their ener- getic course of action he was instrumental in raising more re- cruits for the army than any other one man in the county. After having done much effective work in recruiting volunteers, himself volunteered in August, 1861, in company B, Forty-sixth infantry, as a private soldier, became orderly sergeant, first lieutenant, and then cap- tain of his company, and in September, following, was in the first organi- zation of the Army of the Tennessee, participating in the first campaign, and up to the capture of Vicksburg, when he was acting under confidential orders, until July, 1864. During the month last named he was engaged in recruiting the One Hundred and Forty-second regiment of Illinois infantry, and went to the front as colonel of said regiment, and was soon promoted to the command of the brigade, which position he held till the close of the war. In 1865 he was promoted to the rank of brigadier general for gallant and efficient conduct. At the close of the war he returned to his former home and became connected with the Freeport Journal, and was connected with that paper about a year; was elector on the Republican ticket in Illinois during the campaign which resulted in Grant's first election; he was also chairman of the Stephenson county Republican central commit- tee. He resumed the occupation of farming in 1866, which he followed till 1870, when he removed to Polk county. He was engaged in the lumber business at Winterset during 1872, '73. He disposed of the business in Winterset and returned to Des Moines, and was appointed deputy United States Marshal, which office he held until 1878, when he was severely injured in an accident on the Sioux City & Pacific Railroad, and was thereby unfitted for active business for the time being. After having spent about one year in Colorado recruiting his health he returned to Iowa. In 1879 he received an appointment in the Department of the Interior, and was engaged in the discharge of his duties chiefly in Florida and Illinois. In July, 1880, he was sent on duty to Oregon. He was married August 4, 1853, to Miss Sarah Irvine. She was the daughter of Dr. J. S. Irvine, of Millersburg, Ohio; she was raised and educated at the latter place, and was a lady of fine education and rare personal accomplishments. She died

765

DES MOINES.

January 12, 1879, leaving a family of four children; they are named Irvine S., Hattie L. (wife of J. W. Conger, of Dexter), Rollin V., and Mary E.

ARISS, THOMAS-Of the firm of Kahler & Co., dealers in boots and shoes. Was born in Canada, on the 23d of June, 1842, and there was raised and educated. While young he learned his present business and fol- lowed it in that country until July, 1863, when he came to this city. Was admitted into the firm and is now successfully carrying on business under the firm name of Kahler & Co. He was married in this city April 7, 1880, to Miss Bryan, daughter of A. J. Bryan.

ASH, ELI-Among the early settlers of Polk county who have been identified with its growth and development none deserves a more extensive notice than Eli Ash, who was born in Wood county, Virginia, June 4, 1817. While yet an infant his parents removed to Ohio and located near Gallipolis, where young Ash was raised and educated. When eighteen years of age he learned the brickmaking trade, which he followed three years; his health becoming impaired he concluded to change his occupa- tion, and soon after learned the cabinet trade, which he followed until 1842, when he engaged in school teaching and building by times. In November, 1845, he came to this State, and located in Van Buren county, and to this county April 21, 1848, and bought a claim of Dr. Jas. Campbell on sec- tion 34, township 39, which he still owns, being a valuable tract of seventy-five acres, adjoining the city limits, and is destined to become the chosen loca- tion for residences of the capital city. After locating here Mr. Ash followed building principally until 1872, when he partially retired from the more laborious occupation of his life to enjoy a well-earned competency. In man- ners Mr. Ash is unostentatious and reserved, yet social and courteous. In business affairs he possesses rare judgment and extensive practical knowl- edge, and his wise counsel is often sought by those more actively engaged. September 3, 1843, he married Miss Surrepta Campbell, of Scotch-Irish origin. They have seven children living: Elizabeth (wife of C. D. Pul- ford, of Clinton, Ia.), James M., George T., John A., Eli F., Eliza J. (wife of Mark Skinner), and Josephine; have lost three: Charles, Burt, and Ida Rozatha.

ATHERTON, A. C .- Of the firm of Robinson & Atherton, steam heat- ing and plumbing business, was born in Anderson, Madison county, Indi- ana, August 3, 1850, where he resided until fifteen years of age, when he entered the telegraph department of the Chicago & Cincinnati Air Line Railroad. He was shortly promoted to train dispatcher and superinten- dent of telegraph, where he remained until 1869, when he became connected with the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company as train dispatcher, which position he held until February, 1873, when he received the appointment of master of transportation and superintendent of telegraph of the International & Great Northern Railroad of Texas. The yellow fever becoming epidemic in the South, he resigned and returned North against the earnest protest of Mr. Hoxie, general manager. He then assumed his former position on the C., R. I. & P. R. R. In February, 1876, he was ap- pointed general purchasing agent and master of transportation of the Cen- tral Iowa Railroad Company, which he resigned January 1, 1878, and re- turned to Des Moines. He soon after formed a partnership with Mr. Hiram Robinson, in the steam heating and plumbing business. The business of the firm extends widely over the State, especially that of steam heating apparatus for public buildings. Mr. Atherton, or " Cliff," as he is familiarly

766

BIOGRAPHICAL.

called, is a man of sterling business qualities, quick perception, clear judg- ment and possessing a high sense of honor. He was united in marriage to Gertrude, eldest daughter of Hon. Chester C. Cole, December 10, 1874. By this union they have two children: Chester and Alice L.

ATKINSON, M. A .- Of the firm of Atkinson Bros., photographers, was born in Ohio, on the 5th of July, 1851, and, when seven years of age, moved with his parents to this city. Here he learned his trade and has since continued his business, now having a very nice gallery. The firm al- so have a wholesale and retail stationery store on Court Avenue, at which they are doing a good business. Mr. Atkinson was married in California, November 29, 1877, to Miss Elizabeth Hoariet. By this union they have one child, Edna M., born August 21, 1878.

AULMANN, WILLIAM-Of Aulmann's brewery, born near Burlington, Iowa, April 19, 1852. The enterprise with which Mr. A. is connected was established by his father in 1866, and is probably one of the largest brew- eries in this portion of the State. His father came to the United States from Germany when he was twenty-seven years of age. At the outbreak of the war between the United States and Mexico he volunteered his servi- ces, and served until discharged on account of wounds. In 1866 he removed from Burlington to Des Moines and became extensively engaged in the brewing busines, which he followed until his demise, December 31, 1874.

AYERS, G. K .- Is the oldest son of W. F. Ayers, who came to Fort Des Moines from Ohio, in October, 1845, and settled here by permission of Captain Allen, now deceased, and is one of the oldest settlers now living in this city. Young Ayers was employed in improving a claim on section 9, which belonged to his father. This land has since been known as Hoxie's addition to Des Moines. At the age of twenty-two years he entered into partnership with his father, put up a steam saw mill on the west side of the river-it being the first circular saw mill in the county-and in the fall of 1856 they built a steam flouring mill. This mill was burned in 1861, and since that time Mr. Ayers has divided his time between milling and agricultural pur- suits. In the winter of 1879-80, in connection with several enterprising gentlemen, he built the guclose works in this city, Mr. Ayers taking charge of the milling part of the enterprise. On the 5th of July, 1857, he was married to Miss Eliza Raling, a native of Ohio. They have three children living: Allie M. (wife of G. W. Penn), Anna F. and Lillie. Have lost one son, Harry L.'

AYRES, SAMUEL A .- Dealer in chinaware and crockery, was born March 12, 1835, in Lee county, near Ft. Madison. His father had settled there in 1833, and our subject was amongst the first white children born at that place. He was raised on a farm and received a common school education. When fifteen years of age he went to Musca- tine and was engaged as a clerk in a general store. There he remained about four years and then went to St. Louis, graduating from the Jones Commercial College. From that city he went to Kansas City; remained one year and then came to Des Moines, in December, 1854, when he took a position as clerk in a real estate office, continuing therein for two years. He went west to Council Bluffs and Sioux City and remained about two years. After his return he enlisted in company D, Second Iowa, in April, 1861. Was out about one year and then left his regiment at Pittsburg Landing, being discharged on account of disability. On his return from the army he was book-keeper for about three years in the State Auditor's

767

DES MOINES.

office, under Cattell, and was then appointed Deputy Auditor, serving under Elliott for six years, and under Russell for four years. He com- menced his present business in April, 1878. He was married in Henry ; county, this State, in December, 1866, to Miss Minnie Menifee, a native of Virginia. He has the honor of being the first male child born in the, Territory of Iowa. They have two sons and two daughters: Mary Y., Edgar S., Minnie, and Samuel N.

AYRES, L. E .- Book-keeper in State Auditor's office; born in Lee, county, Iowa, in 1844, November 4th, where he was raised and educated; residing there until January, 1863, when he removed to Des Moines, where, with the exception of a few years, he has since resided. During the war he served in the Fourth Iowa cavalry, company G, enlisting November 16, 1861, and serving until October, 9th, 1862, when he was discharged on account of disabilities. December 26, 1872, he accepted his present posi- tion in the State Auditor's office, which position he has since occupied. He was joined in marriage May 31, 1865, to Miss Emmna Strathern, a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Have three children living: Emma D., George E., and Harry S; have buried two: Willie E., and Freddie.

B ADGER, B. H .- This gentleman is the general agent of the Babcock and Chemical engine, and dealer in fire department supplies. He first saw the light in New York City September 17, 1840. He had a good education, and in 1853 was clerk in a banking house in Louisville, Kentucky. In '58 he returned to New York as book-keeper in a wholesale house. In '61 was among the first to enlist under the three-months call for troops, and enters company 9, Thirteenth New York State militia. The regiment was disbanded at the end of the three months, but most of its members promptly re-enlisted, still retaining the name of the Thirteenth. Young Badger enlisted in the same and was soon promoted, taking all the grades to second lieutenant. He resigned his commission in December, 1862. He then came to Chicago and was in the brokerage business until 1865, meeting with heavy financial reverses."He then accepted a position in a grocery house, and afterward represented a clothing house of Rochester, New York. In 1876 he became general agent of the Babcock Extinguisher Company, since merged in the consolidated Fire Extinguisher Company, of Chicago, with headquarters at Des Moines. Miss Harriet M. Hutchinson, a lady of rare personal attraction, became his wife December 14, 1863. Their family consists of Anna B., Grace H., John H., James M., and Lucy C., having lost one infant daughter.

BAKER, N. B .- (Deceased.) Adjutant-General of Iowa from July 25, 1861, to September 13, 1876. Was born September 29, 1818, in Henni- ker, Merrimac county (then Hillsborough), New Hampshire. He was pre- pared for college by Dr. Abbott, of Phillips Academy, and was graduated at Cambridge, in class of 1839. After leaving college he studied law with Franklin Pierce, Judge Fowler, and Gen. Peaslee. He was admitted to the bar in 1842, but soon connected himself with the secular press. In 1845 he was appointed clerk of the court of common pleas, and in 1846 clerk of the Supreme Court of Judicature for Merrimac county. In 1852 he resigned his clerkship and went into the practice of law. In 1850 and 1851 he was representative from Concord, and Speaker of the House both, years. In 1854 he was elected Governor of New Hampshire, and his ad- ministration was characterized with his usual promptness and energy. In 1856 he removed to Iowa, and settled at Clinton, where he followed his

768

BIOGRAPHICAL.

profession until 1860. He was elected to the State Lesgislature in 1859, and served as representative of Clinton county in 1860 and the extra ses- sion of 1861. On the 25th of July, 1861, he was appointed by Governor Kirkwood Adjutant-General of Iowa, and retained his place until his death, which occurred on the 13th of September, 1876. Among the mul- titude of things good and noble performed by Gen. Baker, none are more worthy of notice than the following: In 1872 the northwestern portion of Iowa was devastated by immense swarms of grasshoppers, completely de- stroying the crops, and bringing a great majority of the settlers to a sad degree of impoverishment and want. The want of the people became known, and General Baker at once and by common and universal consent took charge of the relief movement. He made known the wants of " his people," and public confidence in him being thoroughly hearty, were all more than met. To his prompt and efficient labors thousands of worthy men, women and children owe much, for he originated the charity that brought to many of them not only the necessaries of life, but saved them from actual starvation.

BAKER, GEORGE C .- Of the firm of Geo. C. Baker & Co., hardware dealers, and manufacturers and jobbers of tinware. Among the prominent business men of this city may be mentioned the above named gentleman, who was born in Cook county, Illinois, December 21, 1844, and raised as a farmer's boy, and when eleven years of age he came with his parents to this county. In August, 1862, being but seven- teen years old, he enlisted in company B, Twenty-third Iowa infantry, and participated in the following battles: Vicksburg, Milliken's Bend, Fort Esperanza, Fort Blakesley, Port Gibson, Champions' Hill, Black River, and Jackson, Mississippi, being mustered out in September, 1865. After his return from the army he engaged in the mercantile business in Polk City, where he continued until 1873, when he was elected County Auditor, and was re-elected in 1875. He commenced his present business in April, 1877, and has succeeded in building up a large and constantly increasing trade. His private life and public record are alike untarnished. He was married in 1867 to Miss Mary, daughter of George and Mary Robinson; she is a native of Pennsylvania. Their family circle are George W. and Charles K. Have lost one son, Clyde E.

BALDWIN, C. M .- Proprietor of the Capital City Art Gallery, cor- ner East Walnut and Fifth streets. Mr. B. is a native of Indiana, having been born in Grant county, that State, January 27, 1848. There he resided until he was 17 years of age when his father removed to Michigan, where he resided some two years, when he came to Iowa, locating in Marshall county. During the time he resided in that county he was engaged in agri- cultural pursuits. In 1874 he came to Des Moines, and for some four years was in the employ of M. C. Lewis. In October, 1878, he bought Mr. Lewis out and has since been conducting the business, having large and commo- dious rooms on the northeast corner of East Walnut and Fifth. He was united in marriage to Mrs. L. J. Atkinson, a native of Ohio, December 25, 1876. Have buried two children: Ella and Stella.

BALDWIN, G. W .- Was born in Lewis county, New York, on the 22d of August, 1808, and there was raised and educated. His father, Elijah Baldwin, and family, were the first settlers of Martinsburgh, Lewis county, and young Baldwin was there employed in farming. For nine years he was deputy sheriff of his county, and in 1840 embarked in the mercantile busi-

769

DES MOINES.

ness, which he followed until 1846, when he removed to Rome, N. Y. For seven years he was superintendent on the Erie canal. He built a mill for grinding plaster, and engaged in the manufacture of saleratus at Rome, in 1862. In 1865 he came to this city and for three years was employed as steward of the Savery House. He was overseer of the poor farm six years and supervisor for the same length of time. In 1876 he became engaged in a file factory, which he still owns and operates. His marriage was on the 29th of August, 1833, to Miss Malinda, daughter of David Waters, a prominent citizen of Martinsburgh, N. Y. They have three children living: Charles W., Florence A. (wife of John G. Bissell, of Rome), and Julia A. (at home).

BARTLETT, J. W .- Of the firm of Mitchell, Bartlett & Crain, whole- sale druggists, was born in Ohio, February 19, 1846, and when five years of age emigrated with his parents to Clarke county, Iowa, and there he was raised and educated. He was engaged in clerking until 1864, when he enlisted in company H, Forty-sixth Iowa infantry and served four months, then being honorably discharged. He removed to Winterset and engaged in the drug business, continuing it one year, when he read law with John Leonard, Esq., and in the fall of 1868 was admitted to the bar. Was then employed as a book-keeper and assistant cashier, and in the spring of 1874 he came to this city and went into the National State Bank, and, one year later, into the Valley Bank. He was married in Winterset to Miss Josephine Philbrick. They have three children living: Frederick W., Byram L. and an infant. Have lost two: Edith M. and Harry.

BARTLETT, BEN. J .- Architect, was born in New Hampshire, on the 17th day of July, 1834, and removed from this place to Newburyport, Massachusetts. He received his architectural education in Boston, Mass., and had the advantages of the best instruction in the State, combined with practical experience. In 1855 he went to Illinois. During the late war he enlisted in the Forty-fifth Massachusetts infantry, afterward merged in the Fourth heavy artillery. After he was mustered out of the U. S. service he returned to Illinois, settled in Chicago, and had a wide experience in his profession. He came to this city in 1876, and has made a specialty of school-houses and churches, and his designs may be seen from Wellington, Ohio, to Colorado, west, and Texas, south. He was married to Miss Ruth K. Fitch, of Plainfield, N. H., in 1854. By this union they have two chil- dren: Anna B. and Ben. W. A.

BEANER, JACOB-Carpenter and builder, was born in Pennsylvania on the 19th of June, 1839, and remained there until after he was educated. He then commenced farming and followed the same until the spring of 1859, when he learned the carpenter's trade. This he continued till Au- gust, 1862, when he enlisted in company I, One Hundred and Twenty-second Pennsylvania volunteers and served for nine months, when he was honorably discharged, then returned to his place of birth, continuing his trade, and in May, 1867, he came to this city and has since resided here, doing a good business. He has, on an average, six men employed daily. He was mar- ried in Pennsylvania, April 18, 1867, to Miss Mary N. Lefevere. Their fam- ily consists of six children: Anna, Emma L., Frederick H., Mary L., Jacob D. and Charles C.

BECKWITH, JOHN-Postmaster, is a native of Livingston county, New York, and was born on the 11th day of August, 1837. He lived in his native place until nineteen years of age, and was raised with a mercan- tile experience. In 1861 he enlisted in the One Hundred and Fourth New

770

BIOGRAPHICAL.

York infantry, and, after serving thirteen months, was discharged on ac- count of disability, and for two years was in the employ of the government in Tennessee. He came to this county in December, 1866, and in April, 1867, became connected with the post-office as mailing clerk, and, after vari- ous promotions, had charge of the office. In 1879, when Mr. Clarkson re- signed the position of postmaster, on his recommendation Mr. Beckwith received the appointment. He married Miss A. C. Nelson in 1868. She is- a native of Iowa. They have a family of two children: William and Jessie .. Lost one son, Andrew N.

BENNETT, R. D .- Coal dealer, East Des Moines, was born in Oneida county, New York, November 15, 1831, where he was raised, and resided on a farm until he came to Des Moines, in 1865. Since residing in the city he has been principally engaged in the retail coal trade on the East Side, and for the past several years has had charge of the street sprinkling for that side of the river. He served some six years as township trustee for Lee township, during which time he was overseer of the poor for the Seventh ward, and in 1879 he was appointed to the same position for the entire township, which position he is at present filling. He was united in marriage, in 1860, to Margaret Larkin, a native of Canada. Have four children: Elva, Ros- coe C., Ernest and Estella.

BIRD, REV. THOMPSON-Rev. Thompson Bird, or "Father Bird," as he was familiarly and reverently called by all who knew him, was born. in Caswell county, North Carolina, January 7, 1804. He lived with his parents until he was twelve years of age, when he entered a store as a cler k. Possessed of an ardent thirst for knowledge, he remained but five years in a store. He prepared for college at a private academy, and entered the University of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, from which he graduated in 1827. He then returned to his native town, where he became a tutor in the academy, filling three terms; thence he served three terms as tutor in. his alma mater; while there he resolved to enter the Christian min- istry. With him to resolve was to do. He went to Andover and entered the Theological Seminary, where he remained three years, a classmate of Prof. Caleb Mills, of Wabash College, and other eminent scholars. His broad catholic mind could not but contrast the condition of the two sections of country-the South, dwarfed and degenerated by her peculiar institu- tion; the North, with her free schools, intelligent, progressive masses, and energy of character, at once awakened his attention and fixed his purpose. He returned to North Carolina and entered the missionary field on Dan, River, along the borders of North Carolina and Virginia. December 18, 1838, he married Miss Anna Parkhurst Knowlton, a native of Hartford, Vermont, a woman of rare culture, and possessing all the attributes of true womanhood. She went to Fayettville, North Carolina, in 1836, where she taught school about one year; thence she removed to Raleigh, where she was engaged in teaching, when she formed the acquaintance of Mr. Bird; they were married in Sussex county, Virginia. In 1840 Mr. Bird removed to Thornton, Indiana, where he remained until 1847, when he came to Iowa, stopping a few months at Red Rock; thence to Des Moines, which was then but a small hamlet. In October, of that year, he began his labors as a missionary of Des Moines Presbytery for Polk and adjoining counties, which embraced a wide extent of territory, Polk county alone covering nearly all of the State north and west of Des Moines. His first work was to form a nucleus around which to labor. He organized the Central Pres-

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.

The history of Polk County, Iowa : containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, &c., biographical sketches of its citizens, war record of its volunteers in the late rebellion, general and local statistics, portraits of early settlers and prominent men, Part 93

Author: Union Historical Company, Des Moines, pub Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Des Moines, Iowa : Union Historical Co. Number of Pages: 1074

Author: Union Historical Company, Des Moines, pub
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Des Moines, Iowa : Union Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 1074