r "*)""*«ti<«lJLi'; ■0F AND PESyV\OINES CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY BOUGHT WITH THE INCOME OF THE SAGE ENDOWMENT FUND GIVEN IN 189I BY HENRY WILLIAMS SAGE Cornell University Library F 627P7 P84 Annals of Polk county, Iowa, and city of olln 3 1924 028 914 351 The original of tiiis book is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924028914351 WILL PORTER. ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY, IOWA, AND CITY OF DES MOINES BY WILI. PORTER. "And this volume, dedicated to its people, sets forth in attractive style all the facts and incidents that go to make up the history of which all citizens are justly proud." — Major Hoyt Sherman. Geo. a. Miller Printing Company, PRINTER.S AND Publishers, Des Moines, Iowa, 1898. Wo. ' ' h \i A .'»<■' f\72^^/ ^'-"Z / ■»-. / /k I Copyright 1896 BY WILI^ PORTER. All Rights Reserved, MAJOR HOYT SHERMAN. INTRODUCTORY PREFACE. BY HOYT SHERMAN. In su/bmiittdng to the public such a work as this, treating of so many subjects of interest and informatiion to the people of both dty and county, a word of explanation is due for the benefit of the editor as well as the publishers of this volume. It treats of local history, and very properly all the mechanical and artistic work is the product of local laibor and skill— the engraving, the composition, the stereotyping, the press work, the bindiing and all the varied industries needed to build up amd complete a modern book, are the product of Des Moines skill and meohanioal labor. For all this the publisheris are entitled tO' full credit, amd will doubtless receive a Saiiv return in the sale of the work. And whale granting to the publishers their full share of credit, the serious,' long-continued labors of the editor must noit be lost sight of. With no army of skilled craftsmen at his command to aid in his share of the work of oompilatioin, alone he began and contiinued tO' the end the tedious task of gathering together facts and incidents which go to make up history. For while it is nominally a history of Polk county and the city of Des Moines alone, it is aJ'SO to a very large degree the hiisitory of Centrail amd Western Iowa. It covers a period of a half cen- tury of 'time-^really inore than that — for then it was in process of set- tlement by the whites; before then the Sac and Fox Indians were in fuU possession of the lands embraced im this county, and an account of their occupation and habits before removal westward, is also included in its pages. The real task of the editor of this volume was a formidable one. Twice before this attempts were made to gather together hisitorieal facts and incidents of Polk county, and referring to these with a proper char- ity, they were simply failures. Fifty-three years ago the whole territory now included within the limits of Polk county was in a state of nature as lefit by the Indian, and the elk, and other denizens of the great un- explored, unsettled west. The exceptions to this condition of things were a few whites who, In one way or another, were' by grant from the General Government, permitted to become temporary residents con-! 6 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY nected eitlier wit'h the Indian agency, trading-poists, or military attaches. These formed thie nucleus of the first white settlement at the Raccoon Forks. With their acts as individuals, and in a neighborhood capacity, began the Msitory of Central towa, of which the City of Des Moines and County of Polli have already formed sp large a portion. With this period in the history as a stalrting point, the historian of this booli be- gins his interesting and remarijable story of growth iu every possible line of oivilization. The little bands of settlers then grouped around the already historic point of "Baccoon Forlcs" began the work of improve- ment in building and farming, and invited new-comers from all points to aid them in the development of the rich country around them,and the half century just past shows how well they performed their task. The author of this book has gathered together the miaterial for his history very largely from official sources, partly from books of account of business transactions, and so'me, a small sihare, from the individual recollections of early settlers. Wherever possible the narrations and other inform'ation relative to growth have been verified from highest known authorities, and may be relied upon as accurate and truthful.. Every possible effort has been made to gain information on all points needed to m.alie the work of the editor complete, and to afford to the reader a history not only full and reliable as to growth in 'all materiaJ points, buit to include all incidenrts of a pleasant character occurring in the early settlement of a new country, including biographieal sketches of the settlers who took part in them. ' As started above, beginning at the commencement of its settlement by the whites, the growth and progress of agricultural interests, of mer- cantile and manufacturing, of population both in city and county, in schools and churches, in other educational insititutions, in the splendid record made by its sons and daughters from the beginning to the end of the civil war, in its roads and railroads, in its intelligent and wide-awake people, in every branch of business and society that tends tO' the highest civilization, this Polk county, with its capital the City of Des Moines, has made more substantial progress in all respects than any other county in the state. And this volume, dedicated to' its people, sets fortli in at- tractive style all the facts and incidents that go to make up the history, of which all citizens are justly proud. PUBLISHERS' STATEMENT. The, publication of this booli was undertaken by a publisher who unclerestimated the scope of the work or labor and expense involved. The mechanical work was done by the present publishers as contractors under instructions by the publisher who finally alsandoned the work. . By force of circumstances we became the publishers. As the work was too far advanced to allow of any material changes from the original plan, we were compelled to follow it to the end. There have been delays unavoidable, but we have worked steadily to make the book as complete as possible and a credit, not only to ourselves, but to the city and county. The labor and cost has 'been nearly double the original estimate, but we have confidence in the book itself and in the intelligence, public spirit and liberality of the people of the city and county. The Annals are now before the people, and we hope their appreciation will be shown thi-ough its wide sale and circulation. GEO. A. MILLER FEINTING GO. AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. TABLE OF CONTENTS. CHAPTER 1. The First of Iowa — Its Discovery an.l First Seitlement — Tlie Missis- sippi — Tlie Des Jloiimeis. Kiver— Louisiania Pureliase — Louis- iana Territory — Micliigan Territory — Wisconsin Territory — Iowa Territory and State of Iowa Pages 33-39 CHAPTER 2. Des Jloines—Its Xame and Origin — Conflicting Tlieories — Mar- quette and Jollet— Bancroft— Negroes— Fatlier Keuiplier— Ful- tou— Frencli Probably First Wliite Men at the Raccoon Forks —About Middle of Last Century Pages 40-47 CHAPTER 3. The Ceding of the Lands — How the Government Acquired Title to Lands in Iowa— A Full Account of All the Indian Treaties for Iowa Lands— Official from the Records of the United States General Land Office— Lands in Polk County Ceded by the Treaty of 1842 With the Sac and Fox Tribes— "S^'hat That Treaty AVas— Fort Des Moines Created Under That Treaty. Pages 48-60 CHAPTER 4. Noted Indian Chiefs— Black Hawk— His War— Keokuk— Sketch of These Two Chiefs— The Musquakies— The Last of the Indians in Iowa— Johnny Green— etc., etc Pages Ql-7o CHAPTER 5. The First Fort Des Moines— Established in 1834— On the Missis- sippi, Xear the Mouth of the Des Moines River— Official History of the Post— Recounoisance by Col. Kearney— He Inspects the Raccoon Forks— Unfavorable Report— The First Fort Des Moines Abandoned— Colonels Kearney, Mason and Roberts Pages 76-92 10 ANNAL8 OF POLK COUNTY CHAPTER 6. The Second Fort Des Moines— Post Establislied at tlie Raccoon Forks -Treaty of 1842— Captain Allen in Command— Building of the Caljins- Official Plat— Company of Dragoons— Captain Allen Names the Post "Fort Raccoon"— Gen. Scott Rejects This'— Makes the Name Fort Des Moines— Life ait the Fort— The Scotts— Roster of Officers and Men Pages 93-114 CHAPTER 7. Soldiers and First Settlers— Where the Settlers Came From— First Irishman— The Jndians— Keokuk and Agency Prairies— The Trading Posts — Swing, Phelps, Bryant, and Others — Names of Some of the First Settlers— The Scotts, Lambs, Mitchell, Brooks, Thrift, Ayers, Newcomer, Parmlee, etc.— Keeping Intruders Out— After Troops Left, etc Pages 115-134 CHAPTER 8. Town and County in the '40s— The Troops to Leave— Settlers Come Crowding In— Indian Title Expires, October 11, 1845— Taking TJp of Claims— County Organized, April, 1846— Fort Reserva- tion Given to the County— Names of All Residents of the Town in August, 1846— Sale of Town Lots— Growth up to 1850— Miscellaneous Items — Newspapers . — Land Surveys — First Land Entries— Claim Clubs, etc Pages 135-166 CHAPTER 9. Town and County from 1850 to 1855—185 Votes Polled in Township of Des Moines in 1850— The Town of Fort Des Moines Organ- ized in 1851-^3 Votes Then Cast— The First Mayor, Rev. Thompson Bird— Floods of 1851— United States Land Office Located Here— The First Brick House— "The Point"— Dixon's View — Gold Excitement — Going to California— Stages — The Last Coach— Etc Pages 167-185 CHAPTER 10. From 1855 to 1860— New Settlers Rushing In— New Additions to the Town— Demand for Land and Lots— Flush Times— Hun- dreds of Buildings Erected— The Bast Side— Brick Buildings — Incorporated as the City of Des Moines— City Population in 1857, 3,563— Location of the State Capital— Temporary Build- ing—List of Business Men— Panic of 1857— New. Court House AND TEE CITY OF DE8 MOINES. 11 Commenced— First Session of General Assembly— Indian Scare— Banii Failures— State Bank Establislied^NeTjraslia Money and City Script, etc Pages 186-204 CHAPTER 11. 1860 to 1865— This Was the War Period— Many Companies Recruited in. Polk County— Two Regiments Organized Here- Many Improvements During This Periodicity and County Grew Rapidly in Population and Wealth— The Anderson Scare— The Draft— For Relief of Soldiers' Families— Con- certs, etc Pages 205-212 CHAPTER 12. y I'olk County in the War— Nearly Fifty Per Cent of Voters Went as Soldiers — Company D, Secon-d Regiment, First to Go — Quickly Followed by Others— The First Dead— Their Bodies Brought Home — History of Company D— Its Roster— Company E, Fourth Iowa— Its History— Griflath's Battery— Company D, Second Cavalry — Companies in Tenth Infantry — Fifteenth Infantry — Sixteenth — Seventeenth — Eighteenth — Twenty- Third Infantry— Organized in Des Moines— Largely a Polk County Regiment— Thirty-Ninth Infantry— Organized Here — Many Polk County Soldiers in It— One Hundred Day Men— Forty-Fourth and Forty-Seventh— Enlisted Men in Other Regiments— First Colored— Eighth Cavalry— Sixth Cavalry- Recapitulation Pages 213-324 CHAPTER 13. HJrand Army of tie Republic— Its Objects and Aims— The Posts in Polk County- A C'oiaplete Roster of the Members, as Com- . piled by the Officers— The Brave Dead— A Historical Record. Pages 325-359 CHAPTER 14. Notes on Various Topics — Items of Gener'al anid Special Interest- Wood and Coal- Two Negro Slaves Held Here— Nellie San- ford's Early Sketches— Judge Joe Williams— Ase-po-lo— Dr. Say lor— Taylor Pierce, etc., etc Pages 360-369 CHAPTER 15. •Social Remimiisoenoes- By Mrs. Binia M. Wyman— Dr. Peet— Col. SpofiCord— George O'Kell— Billy Woodwell- The Swans— Dra- 12 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY matic— Fancy Dress Party— "Bleeding Kansas"— Cards — The Allen Reception— Many Died and Others Moved Away. Pages 370-380-. CHAPTER 16. County and City. 1865 to 1875— The Coming of the Railroads— Rapid Growth in Population, Business and Wealth — Public Build- ing's—Adjutant General Nat. B. Baker — Brief Slietch of His Life— Bridges— The "Grangers"— Woman SufCrage— Financ:al Troubles in the '70s — Reunton lof Army of the Tenneisisee— President Gr;mt's Visit, etc Pages 380-400- CHAPTER 17. The Saloon — First "Grocery" — License Fee Then $25 Per Annum — Now $1,200— First Prohibitory La.w— "County Grocery"— Wine and Beer Clause— Many Saloons— Constitutional Amendment —Second. Prohibitory Law— Attempts to Enforce It— Searches and Seizures— Heavy Costs— Riots and Troubles— The New Mulct Law^Notes — Some Old-Timers Among the Saloon- keepers — Drug Stores, etc , Pages 401-421 CHAPTER 18. Odds and Ends — Judges McKay, Oasady and McFarland — Frank M. Mills — Lost on Prairies — B. Galbraith — Steamer Morgan — Squire AV. M. Day — P. H. Buzzard — Adarn Hafner — Bridges — Ed. H. Brown — Brax. Thomas— Ohas. Shafer— Valuation of Real Estate in City and County, etc Pages 422-43& CHAPTER 19. Court,?- The First District Court — Judge Joe Williams— First Grand Jury— First Attorneys— Judges Oarleton and William McKay— Judge Casady— Judge McFarland— His Noted Pecul- iarities and Actions— Judge Stone— John H. Gray Becomes Judge— .Judge Nourse— Hugh W. Maxwell Succeeds Him— Judges Leonard, McHenry, Mitchell, Given, and Their Suc- cessors Pages 437-455- CHAPTER 20. City and County, 1875 to 1885— Current Events— Suicides, Drown- ings and Other Deaths— Army of the Tennessee— Mrs. TUpper —Centennial Fourth— Exposition Building— Webb T. Dart- Gen. Baker's Death— Sewering and Paving Commenced— Free AND THE CITY OF DE8 MOINES. 13 Bridges— Drake University— Big Disllllery- Burning of Clapp Block— Constiitutional ProhilDition Ivilled— Auditor Brown Ousted— City Improvements, etc Pages 456-480 CHAPTER 21. Current Events, from 1885 to 1896— The Liquor Raids— Extraor- dinary State of AfCairs— Many New and Large Buildings- Leader Office Burned— Death of H. M. Hoxie and Others- New Savery- Constable Logan Killed— Independents Win- Leader Office Again Destroyed by Fire— Governor Indicted —First Seni-Om-Sed Celebration— Brick Plant— Pierce Killed Wishapt— Other Killings and Suicides— Many Prominent Cit- izens Die Pages 481-503 CHAPTER 22. Crimes of Early Days— The Reeves Mob— Killing at Lafayette— Fonts Kills His Wife— The Hamlins— 'Squire Meaeham's Ar- rests—Early Justice— Murder and Suicide— Curious Fatality- Killing of Smith— A "Trusty" Murderer— 'Squire Morris' Story— Marsh Kills King— Peaceable Negro Killed— Turbulent Negro Killed— The Disappearance of Jack Hiner Pages 504-529 CHAPTER 23. Crimes Continued— Train Robbery— The Johnson Murder Excite- ment-Conviction of Howard— Hung to a Lamp Post— Other Parties— Kirkman Mob — The Ella Barrett Murder— Intense Feeling— AiTest of Henry Red, Andy Smith and Archy Brown, All Colored— Red Convicted and Sentenced to Penitentiary for Life— Smith Also Convicted- Brown Acquitted— Mailand Killed and Robbed— The Murderer Never Found Pages 530-552 CHAPTER 24. Crimes Continued— Jack Jones Shot Down— Yard Acquitted— Smith Also— John Little— His Crimes — Henry Osborn Kills His Wife -Sentenced to Be Hung— New Trial- Sent Up for Life— Kill- ing of Henry Scribner— Munda Murdered— George Kills Eijps —Horse Stealing — Crane Kills Bleeckmaa — Dead Body Pound— Smith Shoots Reynolds— Smith Suicides— Killing of Young Kemi)— Michael Smith Poisoned— Trials and Convic- tions—Killing of Conductor Ridpath— Conviction of Weems and Hamil. • • • • • Pages 553-569 14 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY OHAPTBR 25. The Capitol— Old and New— Remoyed to Des Moines— How Brought About— Location of the Capitol Grounds— The Local Excite- ment-East Side Wins— The Temporary Capitol— Constitu- ' tional Provision— The Vote — Later Agitation for New Building —A Long Struggle Pages 570-581 CHAPTER 27. New Capitol Fought and Won— Account Written by Hon. John A. Kasson— He Was a Leading Member of the House— Parlia- mentary Manouvers— Petitions For and Against- Try Again in Twelfth General Assembly — A Long Oontest— Delay — The Final Vote— The Final Victory— The; Commissioners- Changes — The Work Pushed Steadily Forward to Completion. Pages 582-599 CHAPTER 27. Newspapers— The First One — Barlow Granger— The Star— Second, The Gazette— L. P. Sherman— Curtis Bates— The Statesman- Will Tomlinson— The Journal— Will Porter— Previous Whig Journal— Peter Myers, W. W. Williamson— The Citizen- John Teesdale— Register— F. W. Palmer, Frank M. Mills— J. M. Dixon— The Clarkson Brothers Get the Register and Hold It — The Statesman and Col. Merritt— Many Changes— W. W. Witmer Establishes the Daily Leader— Commonwealth- Changes in Loader— Strauss & Dawson — Bulletin — Jooimal — Iowa Homestead— Staatz Anzeiger— Conrad Beck— Col. Jos. Eiboeck— Plain Talk— Other Publications— Daily News— Wil- son, Painter and McCracken Pages 600-633 CHAPTER 28. Court Houses and Jails— The First Court House--How and Where Built— The Second Court House— The Troubles and Delays .Incident to Its Erection— Judge Napier— Isaac Cooper— Orig- inal Cost— Bonds— Additions— The First Jail— Built of Logs —The Present Nuiisaince^Need of a New Jail Pages 634-639 CHAPTER 29. Early Politics and Politicians— Whigs and Democrats— Know Noth- ings — Republicans — Congressional Election — That Mormon Vote— P. M. Oasaidy— L. W. Babbitt— Tiiois. Bakein— A. Y. Hull— J. C. Jordan— Dr. W. P. DavJs— H. M. Hoxie— Mayors of Town and City, etc Pages 640-651 AJ)[D THE CITY OF DE8 MOINES. 15 CHAPTEK 30. Organizatian of Townships— The First Created— Many Changes Made from Year to Year— Official Records- Present Town- ships: Allen, Beaver, Bioomfield, Camp, Clay, Crocker, Dela- ware, Douglas, Elkhart, Franklin, Four Mile, JefEerson, Lin- coln, Madison, Saylor, Walnut, Washington, Webster, Des Moines and Lee Pages 652-657 CHAPTER 31. Early Settlers' Association— When and How Organized— Its First Annual Reunion— Later Ones— Its Officers— An Imperfect List of Early Settlers— Taken from Association Books— Years They Came Pages 65S-667 CHAPTER 32. Ferries and Brldges^How Licensed— Rates of Toll— The First Bridge Over Des Moines River— A Float One— First at Court Avenue and Market Street— ^O'ther Bridges Followed — Number of Railroad Bridges— All Finally Made Free Pages 668-671 CHAPTER 33. Sewers, Paving, etc.— Condition of Streets in Early Days— Some- times Almost Impassable— Urging Sewering and Paving- Hard to Make a Start- Sewer System Adopted— Wood Paving — Improved by Bricli Paving— Large Amount Done in City- Miles of Sewers and Paving Now — Over a Hundred Miles Now. Pages 672-677 CHAPTER 34. Woman Suffrage Society — History of Movement in This City and County— By Mrs. M. J. Ooggeshall— The Twenty-First Anni- versary, etc Pages 678-681 CHAPTER 35. Early Settlers— Sketches and Stories of Them— A. D. Jones— W. W. Clapp— Thos. McMuUin, Dr. Grimmell, James Campbell, R. W. Sypher— Benjamin F. Allen— William F. Ayers— John B. Saylor— Ben. Saylor— Franklin Nagle Pages 682-694 16 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY. CHAPTER 36. Unltecl States Land Office— Opened in 1852— Did a Large Business —Great Help to the Town— Tlie Rusli of 1855-56— List of Reg- isters and Receivers— United Staters Pension Office— Immense Amount of Money Now Paid Out— List of Agents Pages 695-700 CHAPTER 37. County Organization— First Election— First Board— First County .Judge— Notices of Various County Officers- Byron Rice- Barlow Granger— T. H. Napier— J H. McClelland— W. G. Bentley— John G. Weeks— John B. Miller-:-Oounty Auditors- Baker, Bristow, Jones, Brandt, McQuiston Pages 701-707 CHAPTER 38. Federal, State, County and City Officials— A Complete List for the Benefit of Readers — Senators — Ministers and Constils — Repre- sentatives — Postmasters — State Officers — State Senators- Members of House — Mayors of Des Moines — County Treas- urers — Sheriffs — Attorneys — Recorders — Superintendents —Surveyors— Coroners, etc Pages 708-725 CHAPTER 89. Sunday Schools of City and County- The First One — First Suuday School Celebration— D. C. Martz at Polk City— Nursery of Churches— County Conventions— N. B. Collins— Growth of School-s^Bible Teachers— Hoai,se Visitatiionis— Great Sunday School Convention, etc Pages 726-732 CHAPTER 40. ■Churches- First Ones— Methodists— First Organization— Growth- Presbyterian — Rev. Thompson Bird — First Presbyterian— Cen- tral— The Baptist— Rev. John A. Nash— Catholic— Rev. John F. Brazill- Father Flavin, and Nugent— German Catholic— Episcopal— Rev. Edward W. Peet— Congregational— Rev. A. L. Frisble— Luthei'an— Gea-mam— Rev. Weiser— Chri^bian— The Central— Rev. Dr. Breeden— Hebrews— Rabbis— Unitarian Church— Sketch by Hon. B. F. Gue-^Seventh Day Adventists —United Presbyterian— Rev. Young— Y. M. C. A.— Other Churches and Organizations Pages 733-782 AND THE CITY OF DE8 MOINES. 17 CHAPTER 41. Public Seliools— First Beginning in Fort Building— Miss Davis— Eice and Stevens— Mrs. Anna Bird— Rev. J. A. Nasli— First Graded School— Growth of Same— Catholic Schools— Lutheran —Female Seminary— Rev. Pomeroy— James Callanan^Schools Now in City and County— Hundreds of Teachers and Many Thousands of Pupils Pages 783-790 CHAPTER 42. Polk County Bar— Names of Pioneer Attorneys— A Host of Bright Men— Grovcth of the Bar— Bates, Finch, Crocker, Broven, Polk, Nourse, Ingersoll, McHenry, Kasson, Cole, Withrow, Seward Smith, Thos. Wright, and a Number of Others— List of Names "Now on Bar Docket Pages 791-796 CHAPTER 43. Physicians— The First Ones^Kirl£l>ride, Brooks, Fagan— The Grim- mels— Courtney— Shaw, Ward, Whitman, Say lor, Overman,' Davis, Tisdale, Russell, Allen— Those Who Followed— Dickin- son, Rawson, McGorrisk, Steele, Grimes, Patchen, Windle, Molesworth, LJjlie— Dr. Armstrong— Dr. Mather— Dr. Pence— And Others Pages 797-803 CHAPTER 44. Banking in Polk County— By Hoyt Sherman— The First Banking- Dealers in Land Warrants and Money— Entering Lands— "Wild Cat" Money— Bank of Tennessee — A. J. Stevens- Nebraska Banks — New Constitution — Banking Permitted ' —State Bank— Des Moines Branch— Present Banking— Banks Now Doing Business in Des Moines— Statements Showing Financial Oondition., etc Pages 804-818 CHAPTER 45. Towns of the County — Valley Junction- By Emery H. English— Who Founded It — Railroad Town— Centralizing Railroad Shops— Mitchellville— Founded by Worthy Pioneer, Thomas Mitchell- Good Town— Early Troubles— Industrial School- Newspapers, etc Pages 819-824 18 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY CHAPTER 46. Semi-Oentennial Oelebration— 1896— Fifty Years State of Iowa— At Union Park— A Great Parade— Land and Water— Musquakie Indians Present— Addresses from Grand Stand toy Men of Iowa Birtti- Tlie Old Stage Goaqh— The Cyclone of '96— Da-wson-Seott Tragedy— Breweries and Distilleries— Odds and Ends Pages 825-836 CHAPTER 47. Insurance Companies of Des Moines— Grown to Immense Propor- tions—The State— Hawkeye-DeiS' M'dines— Caipital— Fidelity— Iowa— Mutual Companies- First Fire Insurance Agency- Life Insurance Companies- The Old Reliable Iowa Equitable — Royal Union— BamkeiTS' Life— Des Moineis Life— Farmers' Live Stock— Nopthwestern—Masonie— Odd Fellows, etc., etc. Pages 837-844 CHAPTER 48. Hotels— Martin X. Tucker— B. F. Hosie— W. F. Marvin and B. F. Luce — Savery — Morris — Stutsman — Spofford — Warner— Barter- Savery House— Kirkwood—Maeartney— John Hays— The McAtees— Given House— The Graefe— The Aborn- Gold- etone — Morgan — Sabin — New Savery— Ca^pital-Nelson, etc. Pages 845-852 CHAPTER 49. LigM and Water Oompainies — Railroads- Firsit Gas Compamy— The Capiitall Oirty Gas light Company- First Waiter Company- Street Railways— Dr. M. P. Turner- Meetcdc^-JefC. S. Polk— Consiolldation— Great Improvements— Ralilroads in City and County- Valley Roajd First- Rock Islaind— Ames— Northwest- ern— O., B. & Q.— Wabajsti— Des Moines Noi'tli.eriii and Western -Great Western, etc Pages 853-859 CHAPTER 50. Ooileges— -Des Moines— Drake University- Highland Park— Danisib College— Business Colleges— Iowa— Oairital City Pages 860-865 AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 19 CHAPTER 51. Hospiita/ls^Cottage— Tlie Tracey Home— Mercy Hospttal— Care of Injured and Sick Pages 866-868 CHAPTER 52. Secre/t Societies— Fnatemal— The Masons^Large Number of Odd Feillows— Good Templats land. Sons of Temperance— Hiber- niaais— Red Men— Knigjhts of Pythias— Woodmen— Blfcs— Other Societies-T-Trade Organiizations. Pages 869-871 CHAPTER 53. Additdonal Account of Newspapers— Capiitai-Mail and Times- Wesitern Economist— Spirit of the West— Review— Globe- Wallaces' Earmor and Dairyman— Farmers' Tribune— By- stander— News Changes, etc Pages 872-878 CHAPTER 54. Polk County Towns— Avon — ^Altoona— SheldaJil- Peoria City — Polk City— Towns in Madison and Jefferson Townships— Camp Townsiliip Towns — Ankeny — Grimes — Elkhart — Sevastopol — Sayloryille-^ltondurant— etc '. Pages 879-892 CHAPTER 55. Items Old and New— Tucker— First Things— "Western Dandies" — , Jtidge Byron Rice— President Grant's Speech— Early Butchers --Town of Lafayette, etc. Pages 893-897 ': CHAPTER 56. MiseeBaneous^One Manufacturing Comijany— The Firsit Israelite Merchant- Letter from Hdm— Coal Mining in Polk County— ReUgion Among the Pioneers— Our Colored Citizens— Their Growth, Improvement and Prosperity Pages 898-906 CHAPTER 57. Current Events— 1895— Mayor HlUis— Sale of Leader- Consent Peti- tion Knocked Out— Cora Smith Pleads Guilty— Deputy Clerk Walker Killed— State Fair- Dead of Year— 1896— Robbing of 20 ' ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY Graves— Pioneer Law Makers— Pearson Kill-ed— Harbaeli Fire —Sam Masti— First White Child Boini— George Frank Killed— Other rtems^Dead of Year- Poiili'cal Excitement— Many Changes— 1897— Ex'tra Session to Work on New Code— Investi- galtionis — Fdre in Bice Building — Cail Laveke Killed — Gov. Di-ake Hurt— State Fair- Seni-Om-Sed— Dead of Year— 1898— Killing of Frank KaMer— Suicide of Larson- Pioneer Law Makers— Betsy Smith— Exciting City Election — Deaths of Prominent Citizens — Additions to Towns of the County Pages 907-925 CHAPTER 58. War With Spain— Governor Calls Out State Troops— Catnp MeKin- ley Established- Organization of Companies and Regiments- Departure of Troops — Two Compandes from. Des Moines — A and H of Fifty-first Regiment— Complete Roster of Officers ana Men— Ofiicers Appointed from County^, etc., etc Pages 926-929 AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 21 PORTRAITS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. Page. Ankeny, Gen. K. V 956 Ashworth, Charles H 1040 Berrylaill, James G 970 Berryliill, Virginia J 971 Boehler, Charles A .1055 Bowmai^ M. T. V 959 Brandt, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac 1019 Casady, P. M 933 Cheshire, Thos. A 998 Clark, James S 983 Clark, Geli. Geo. W 984 Cole, C. C 989 Conrad, W. F 1009 Crocker, Gen. M. M 1011 Cummins, A. B -. 964 Davis, Prof. Floyd 1037 DicTiinson, Dr. W. H 996 Eastbridge, Mrs. Chloe Black 1045 Eiboeck, Joseph 954 Ewing, David R 1028 Fuller, Dr. Geo. W 952 Gatch, Gol. C. H 976 Granger, Barlow 937 Green, Samuel 992 Hanawalt, George P 1033 Harris, Hardy C 1026 Hargis, Henry C. 1046 Hepburn, J. Add 949 Hepburn, Anna E 950 22 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY '■ Howell, Adam ; ^48 Hughs, Geo. S 1008 Hull, J. A. T 966 Hunter, Ed. H 979 Hussey, Tacitus 1061 111, Lorenz .1054 Lowery, Austin P 1013 MacVicar, John ' 1031 Mason, Ed. K 994 Mattes, Mr. and Mrs. Paul 1035 Matthews, William 1049 Martin, L. M 962 McGarraugh, Mr. and Mrs. J. D 1044 McVey, A. H 968 Miller, Anthony M 1048 Miller, George A 1057 Miller, Mark 986 Nelson, David 1054 Park, W. A 1000 Phillips, W. W 1002 Phillip's, William 1004 Polk, Jefferson S 102-1 Porter, Will 1063 Priebe, William 1054 Redhead, Wesley 948 Reinking, O. D 939 Riegelman, Henry lOlu Rice, Byron 981 Roljertson, S. A 1006 Sherman, Hoyt 93.") Sims, George 1017 Stewart, J. B 941 Van Ginkel, G 1050 Williamson, Gen. J. A 945 Wright, George G 973 youngerman, Conrad IO42 AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 23 NOTES. Gen. Georg-e W. Clark, after a brief illness, died in Washington, D. C, May 22, 1898. He was buried in Arling-ton Cemetery May 2Sth, with distinguished honors, and sleeps his last sleep near many others who fought bravely and well for the preservation and perpetuation of the Union of these United States. The plat of the Post of Fort Des Moines, printed on pages 77 and 78, should have been printed at the commencement of Chapter VI, page 93, where it properly belongs. AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 25 THE WRITER'S PREFACE. A short preface to this book, telling something of its own history, may not be out of place. More than three years ago this work was undertaken, and the writing. of the Annals commenced. The announce- ment was then made that the book would run to 500 or 600 pages, and would be a "straight history of the county of Polk and city of Des Moines." This object has been kept steadily in view, although the num- ber of pages have been almost doubled, the cost largely added to, while the subscription price has not been changed from the original figures given. While the original subscribers and others will be the gainers by the delay in publication, yet, in justice to the writer and others, the cause of this delay should be briefly explained. The first contract with the publishers was an unfortunate one. They had not suflicient capital to successfully carry out their original contract. This and other causes resulted in vexatious delays and disappointments, finally resulting in legal suits which dragged their slow length through the courts. The writer was not a party to or in those suits, but he was much hampered and not a little discouraged by and through them. At last the Gbokgb A. Miller Printing Company became the publishers, a new contract was made, the work pushed to completion, and now to the public is presented the finished Annals of Polk County and City of Des . Moines. The work speaks for itself. The compilation of this work has caused the writer much more research and labor than he anticipated when commencing it, though he then realized it would be no light task Which he had undertaken. He has endeavored to do his work as thoroughly and conscientiously as possible, and it is now before the people of the city and county for their approval or condemnation. It is almost entirely his own work. He nor the publishers have so far had any help, pecuniary or otherwise, offi- cially from the city or county, although many good citizens think a few hundreds of dollars of public moneys would be well expended in per- petuating and making the people familiar with the true history of the city and county of the state. This work has cost the writer and the publishers more than double the amount first estimated, and as a com- 26 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY mereial speculation it may not be a desirable one; yet we trust the Intelligent and liberal citizens of Des Moines and Polk county will see to it that we are secured from less and' in the end receive a fair com- pensation for our labors. No claim is made that this work is perfect, or that it could not be bettered in many ways, but we trust its errors- will be overlooked and it will be pronounced by all to be the first and only nearly complete history of the city and county ever published. In concluding, allow me to return my personal thanks to those of my friends, and they are not few, who have so greatly aided and encouraged me in this work. They will always be held in grateful remembrance by Yours truly, WILL, PORTER. 28 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY S^ 2 ^S H il s> ?! o AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 29 CHAPTER I. THE FIRST OF IOWA. THE State of Iowa is a portion of what is known as the "Louisiana Purchase." This vast tract of terri- tory, extending from the mouth of the Mississippi, in the Gulf of Mexico, along the general line of that river to Canada and the British Northwest territory, and west to the old line of Mexico, was originally claimed by France, under the right of discovery, a little more than two hundred years ago. The Spaniards had, for nearly a hundred years previous to this, navigated the Gulf of Mex- ico, and had made large conquests of countries bordering upon the Gulf, but, strangely as it now seems, overlooked the mouth of the great Mississippi Elver. They do not seem to have known of the existence of this — the largest river upon the continent. The discovery was to be made from the north and not from the south. When the French occupied the Canadas they pushed their soldiers, priests, traders and trappers rapidly to the west and southwest. These Frenchmen were the first to discover and navigate the great lakes. They pushed down upon the headwaters of the Ohio and established Fort Duquesne, now Pitts- burg. They were on the Wabash Eiver early in the last century, and planted the town of Vincennes, Indiana. The}' kept on west and established forts and villages at Kaskaskia and other points in Illinois, and also made set- tlements at St. Louis and other points in the state of Mis- souri. The French explorer, La Salle, had pushed his discov- eries from Canada along the great lakes, and it is said 3i ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY that he, towards the latter part of the seventeenth cen- tury, exphjred the Illinois and finally found his wa,y to the banks of tlie upper Mississippi Eiver. And it is claimed that he reached the mouth of the Mississippi in the year 1691. Iberville founded his first colony on the lower Mis- sissippi, in what is now the state of Louisiana, in 1G99, but no firm settlement was made until the year 1717, when the city of Xew Orleans was founded. Prior to this, in 1712, Louis XIV, of France, had granted to M. Crazant a charter to this whole immense territory, which, in honor of the king, was named Louisiana. Four years later one of the greatest financial and real estate "booms'' known in his- tory was started by the notorious John Law and his asso- ciates. A company was formed in Paris, chartered as the "Mississippi Company,'' in 1716, which nominally pur- chased the territory from the crown. A period of wild inflation followed. Princes, nobles, merchants and peas- ants fought and scrambled for the privilege of purchasing the stock and bonds of the company. The women became as wild as the men in this mad rush for supposed wealth, and a wild frenzy of speculation spread from Paris all over France, and even to England and other countries. For a time John Law virtually outranked, in public esti- mation, all emperors and kings. But the end soon came. "The Mississippi Bubble," as it has since been generall.y called, suddenly burst, causing financial loss, ruin and even death to many thousands of people of all classes. Thei'e may have since been wild speculations, flush times and "booms" of all sorts in the Mississippi Valley, but Law's first and original speculative bubble has never been equalled for splendid recklessness, credulity and financial wildness. After the collapse of this bubble company, Louisiana was resumed by the crown and the commerce of the Mississippi declared free. AND THE CITY OF DE>S ilOINES. 35 The French retained possession until 1TG2, Avhen the Avliole country was ceded to Spain, giving to the latter the territory north to the headwaters of the Mississippi River, and west to the Rocky Mountains. The Spaniards held control of this great territoi-y until 1800, and, as seems natural to them, did but little towards settling up or de- veloping the most fertile and productive region of the entire continent, if not of the world. Xapoleon Bonaparte was then coming into poAver in France, and his genius saw at once the value of the heretofore neglected territory, and he brought such a pressure to bear upon Spain that the latter ceded it back to France, and the Spanish rule was forever ended in 1800. Prior to the cession by Spain to France, and while the former held possession, there had been much trouble between United States citizens and the Spanish authorities, over the navigation of the Mississippi River. The we.stern and southern territories of the United States were being rapidly settled by a hardy, enterprising race of people, who could illy brook the Spanish claim of the exclusive right of navigation on the lower Mississippi. These enterprising Americans claimed the river as the natural outlet and inlet for their produce and goods, and demanded that it should be free for them. The haughty and overbearing Spaniards re- plied by erecting forts along the river, demanding duties on imports and establishing vexatious, irritating and ex- pensive regulations relative to river commerce. This brought on a threatening state of affairs between the two countries, forecasting much trouble, if not open war. Finalh^, however, a treaty was signed October 20, 1795, by which Spain conceded to the United States free naviga- tion of the river from its source to the Gulf, and also the free use of the Port of New Orleans for three years, as a port of deposit. This treaty had a quieting effect for a 36 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY time but more trouble came, and in 1802, during tlie ad- ministration of President Jefferson ttiere were apprehen- sions of war over the river and southwestern boundary difficulties. In the year mentioned, however, a sudden change came in the situation. It was learned that, by a secret treaty made in 1800, two years previous, between France and Spain, the latter had ceded Louisiana again to France. It was at first supposed this cession included the Floridas, then in the possession of Spain. In Ms message to con- gress, in 1802, President Jefferson mentioned this cession to France, and congress promptly passed resolutions de- claring the right of the citizens of the United States to the free navigation of the Mississippi River and a free port of entry and deposit. President Jefferson had long seen the absolute necessitj' that this countrj^ should, at the earliest possible day, secure the absolute and undisputed control of this valuable territory. He had previously in- structed the American minister to France, Mr. Living- ston, and in January, 1803, he appointed James Monroe, with orders to proceed to Paris and act in this matter in conjunction with Mr. Livingston. The instructions only asked for the cession of the City of New Orleans and the Floridas, with the free navigation of the Mississippi. Bonaparte was then in power in France as First Consul, and was preparing for a serious war with England. He knew that when the war came he could not hold the mouth of the Mississip]3i or New Orleans against the Eng- lish. He promptly informed the American ministers that he would not cede New Orleans alone, but Avould cede all of Louisiana to the United States, upon favorable terms and conditions. This offer to cede so vast a region of country, with the largest river in North America, Avas more than the American ministers were authorized to ask AND THE CITY OF DES MOIXES. 37 for or accept. They had asked for a small town and an insignificant amount of territorj^, and were met bj' the offer of a mighty territorial empire. The times were critical. There were grave dangers in delay. The ministers wisely decided, as it were, to over- step their limited powers. Bonaparte urged the negoti- ations forward, and a treaty was concluded on the thir- tieth of April, 1803, and a few days later signed by the respective ministers. The United States was to pay for this vast territory only |15, 000,000. In the congratula- tions over the treaty Bonaparte made a remark which showed his keen insight into the future, and one of his guiding reasons for making the sale. He said: "This accession of territorj^ strengthens forever the power of the United States, and I have given to England a mara- time rival that will sooner or later humble her pride." Spain demurred for a time to the treaty, but finally waived all objections, and in October, 1803, the United States senate ratified the treaty by twenty-four votes for to seven against. The country ceded by this treaty was at the time esti- mated to exceed in extent a million square, miles, all occupied more or less by Indians, except a few sparse settlements, aggregating less than 100,000 inhabitants, all told, and of these about 40,000 were negro slaves. The whites were mostly French, or of that descent, with a sprinkling of Spaniards and a few thousand natives of the United States who had penetrated the country from bor- dering states and territories. The "Louisiana Purchase" embraced not only the present state of Louisiana, but all the vast region of countrj' between the Mississippi Eiver and the Eocky Mountains, running as far north as the British Possessions. The states of Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, 38 AXYALS OF POLE COUNTY Idaho, the two Dakotas, and the greater part of Minne- sota, were carred from this cheaply acquired territory. This newly acquired territory was, by act of Congress, October 1, 1804, divided as follows: All south of the 33d parallel of north latitude was called the Territory of Or- leans, and all north of this line the District of Louisiana, the latter being placed, for the time being, under the jurisdiction of the officers of the then Indian Territory. .July 4, 1805, the Territory of Louisiana was given a terri- torial government of its own. In 1812 the Territory of Louisiana became the state of Louisiana, and the terri- torial name changed to that of Missouri. July 4, 1814, Missouri Territory was divided — that part now compris- ing the State of Arkansas and west of it Avas made the Territory of Arkansas. In March, 1821, a part of Missouri Territory was organized as the State of Missouri, and admitted into the Union. June 28, 1834, the territory west of the Mississippi IJiver and north of Missouri, em- bracing Iowa, was made a part of the Territory of Michi- gan, and so continued until July 4, 183G, when Wisconsin Territory was organized. This embraced within its limits the present states of Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota. An act of Congress, approved June 12, 1838, created the Terri- tory of Iowa, embracing not only the area of our present state, but covering much of Minnesota, and extending north to the British Possessions. In December, 184G, Iowa, with her present limits, was admitted into the LTnion as a sovereign state. To briefly sum up Iowa: 1st. Belonged to France by right of discoverv. 2d. Was transferred bv France to Spain. 3d. Transferred back to France by Spain. 4th. Sold by France to the United States 5th. Made part of the Province of Louisiana. 6th. Temporarily attached to Indiana Territory 7th. Made part of Louisiana Territory. AND THE CITY OF DES MOIXES. 39 8th. Became a portion of the Territory of Missouri. Otli. Attached to the Territory of Michigan. 10th. Annexed to Wisconsin Territory. 11th. Made the Territory of Iowa. 12th. Became the State of Iowa. It has been under the rule of: 1st. Indians. 2d. French. 3d. Spaniards. 4th. Frencli. 5th. United States. And all these changes ex- cept the first two have been made in the lifetime of men now living! CHAPTER II. NAME AND ITS ORIGIN. DES MOINES was naturally named from the river up- on whose banks it was located. As to the derivation of the name of the river, several theories have been advanced. The most generally accepted is that its true meaning is the River of the Monks, or, in French, Riviere des Moines. This is supposed to have originated from the presence of Catholic Monks at a very early day, at, or near, the mouth of the river. In fact, it is known that many years ago Trappist Monks — Moines de la Trappe — resided on or near the mounds on the American bottom in Illinois, not very far south of the mouth of the Des Moines River. These monks no doubt made excursions to this point, and perhaps traveled some distance up the river in their self- denying and successful religious work among the Indians of that time. According to Nicollet, the name Des Moines is a corruption of an Indian word, signifying, "at the road," which became in later times by the inhabitants associated with the name of the Trappist Monlvs before mentioned. But, if the account of Marquette and Joliet is to be trusted, there is no doubt the original Indian name of the river was Moning-guines, and on the ancient French map it appears as Moingona. This is a French corruption of the Algonquin word, Milconang, signifying "the road." Ful- ton, in his history of "The Red Men of Iowa," states this, and adds: "When the French first established trading posts on the Mississippi, they applied the name Moin to the AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 43 Indians who resided on the river called Des Moines, and in speaking of that river would say, 'la riviere des Moines," or 'the River of the Moin.' Long after this, in some way, the name became associated with that of the Trappist Monks {Moines de la Trappe), a people who were living with the Indians on what was known as the 'American Bottom' in Illinois. After this the idea prevailed that the true reading of the 'riviere des Moin,' was 'riviere des Moines,' or 'Eiver of the Monks,' And so the name Des Moines began to appear on modern maps. The first part of the name, des, is clearlj^ French, while the latter part has been cor- rupted from the original Moin to the orthography of the French word Moines, the pronunciation of which is the same." Father Kempker, in his "History of the Catholic Church in Iowa," says: "In the spring of the year, 1720, the Capuchin Pere Le Grand drafted for the Capuchin monastary at Dijon a ter- restrial globe, which is now preserved in the public library in Dijon, in France, on which the Mississippi, Missouri, Illinois, Des Moines and St. Peter rivers are plainly marked, and special prominence is given to the Des Moines River, which there has the name of 'B. des Moingona' — River of the Moingonas. From this Indian tribe the pres- ent name of the river has its derivation, and not, as some have presumed, from 'R. des Moines' — River of the Monks. The Indian tribe, set forth on this, in Iowa and Minnesota are the lowas, Pawnees, Otoes, Pottawatta- mies, Omahas, Sioux, Tintons, Esamps, Mandans, with Iowa, Kickapoo and Moingona rivers, and Sioux Lake. "Tradition speaks of the Indian custom, from ages im- memorial, of using a path from the Des Moines Rapids on the Mississippi, westward, and the very name of the people of this river has reference to the Indian highway, the Moingona, signifying 'The People by the Way.' When the early settlers took possession of the land they could yet see plain evidences of this Indian trail leading to the Des Moines and beyond it to the west. It must have been at some former period a great thoroughfare, as it was worn in many places on level grovxnd for miles six inches in depth." U ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY The Dakota or Sioux name of the Des Moines Elver was hiyan-sha-sha-icatpa, or 'Bedstone River.' This name was formed from the Dakota words inyan, stone; slia-sha, red, and loatpa, river. The Sacs and Foxes, tribes which belonged to the Al- gonquin race, and spoke a language quite different from that of the Sioux, called the river Ke-sauh-sepo, or Ke-sauk-kee-sepo, after the national name of the Sauk-kee or Sac tribe. This name is interpreted as meaning "The River of the 8auk-kee" the termination sepo meaning a river or stream in the Algonquin language. At the begin- ning of the present century the Sacs had a village near the mouth of the river and hence the name Kee-sauk-kee- sepo. The late Hon. Charles Negus, of Fairfield, an early set- tler and close observer and student of all pertaining to Iowa and especially her early history, contended that the river was named from the number of pre-historic mounds found along or near to the valley of the river. That its true meaning should be: "The River of the Mounds." Some years ago he wrote sO' eloquently and truly of the river, that we will quote a few paragraphs : "Nearly every state has some one particular river which especially attracts the attention of its citizens, on which their minds delight to dwell, about which they bestow their praise. Iowa has the beautiful river Des Moines on which her citizens delight to bestoAV their eulogies. More has been done, said and thought about this river than all the other rivers in the state. In beauty of native scenery, in productiveness of soil, in mineral wealth, and in the many things which attract attention and add to the comfort of man, the valley of the Des Moines is not surpassed by any locality in the world. "The banks of this great water course and the surround- ing country, bear the marks of having been the home of a numerous people, centuries in the past, and that this people were possessed of many of the arts of civilized life. AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 45 But of what race of people they were, and of the acts and scenes which have taken place in the beautiful valley, we may imagine, but probably never know. Of their habits and customs they have left some marks; but still there is wrapped around these evidences of their doings — a mys- tery that is hard to solve." In this connection it may be well to quote something from the great historian, Bancroft, in relation to the first white discoverers of the river and its name. He says : "Marquette and Joliet Avere the first white men to set foot on the soil of Iowa, and that this occurred on June 25, 1673, some 222 years ago. On this day these two ex- plorers were floating down the Mississippi Eiver, having reached it from Lake Michigan, by the Fox and Wisconsin rivers. They traveled in two birch bark canoes." The historian continued his history as follows : "They entered happily the great river, with a joy that could not be expressed; and the two birch bark canoes, raising their happy sails under new skies and to unknown breezes, floated down the calm magnificence of the ocean stream, over the broad, clear sandbars, the resort of nu- merous waterfowl — gliding past islets that swelled from the bosom of the stream, with their tufts of massive thick- ets, and between the wide plains of Illinois and Iowa, all garlanded with majestic forests, or checkered by is- land groves and the open vastness of the prairie. "About sixty leagues below the mouth of the Wiscon- sin, the western bank of the Mississippi bore on its sands the trail of men; a little footpath was discerned leading into a beautiful prairie; and, leaving the canoes, Joliet and Marquette resolved alone to brave a meeting with the savages. After walking six miles they beheld a village on the banks of the river, and two others on the slope, at a distance of a mile and a half from the first. The river was the Mou-in-gou-e-na, or Moingona, from which we have corrupted the name Des Moines. Marquette and Joliet were the first white men who trod the soil of Iowa. Cora- mending themselves to God, they uttered a loud cry. The Indians hear; four old men advance slowly to meet them, bearing the peacepipe, brilliant with many colored 46 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY plumes. 'We are Illinois/ said they — tliat is, when trans- lated — 'We are men;' and they offered the calumet An aged chief received them at his cabin with upraised hands, exclaiming, 'How beautiful is the sun, Frenchmen, Avhen thou comest to> visit us! Our whole village awaits thee; thou shalt enter in peace into all our dwellings.' And the pilgrims were followed by the devouring gaze of an astonished crowd. "At the great council Marquette published to them the one true God, their creator. He spoke also of the great captain of the French, the governor of Canada, who had chastised the five nations and commanded peace; and he questioned them respecting the Mississippi and the tribes that possessed its banks. For the messengers, who an- nounced the subjection of the Iroquois, a magnificent fes- tival was prepared of hominy and fish, and the choicest viands from the prairies. \ "After six days' delay, and invitations to new visits, the chieftain of the tribe, with hundreds of warriors, attended the strangers to their canoes; and selecting a peacepipe embellished with the head and neck of brilliant birds, and all feathered over with plumage of various hues, they hung around Marquette, the mysterious arbiter of peace and war, the sacred calumet, a safeguard among the na- tions." A somewhat singular fact in history is that stated hy our deceased fellow townsman, A. E. Fulton, in his admir- able history, "The Eed Men of Iowa," published in 1882, in Des Moines. Mr. Fulton says : "While the whites on the borders of Pennsylvania and Virginia were subject to all the horrors of a merciless In- dian war, some two thousand people of European descent were living in comparative safety among the tribes; so far to the west, that to the people of the provinces east of the Alleghenies, it was a strange and unknown region. Even before Pennsylvania was settled by white men, the daring Norman Jesuit, La Salle, had built a fort in the country of the Illinois, and long before the end of the eighteenth century the black robe of the Jesuit mission- ary was known in every Indian village throughout the vast region, from the Miami to the Mississippi, and from the lakes to the Ohio. The principal white settlements AND THE CITY OF DE8 MOINES. 47 in this region at the date of the Pontiac War — 1763-5 — were at Kaskaskia, Cahokia and Fort Chartres, now in Illinois, and Vincennes, now in Indiana." Being so near at so early a date, and remaining for so many years, it is not improbable, but rather most proba- ble, these early French settlers and explorers, not far from the middle of the last centurj^, visited the Valley of the Des Moines, and extended their explorations along the same up to if not north of the present site of the City of Des Moines. There is little doubt some of these French- men were the first white settlers in this section, though there is no written history to prove what can be safely regarded as a fact. CHAPTER III. THE CEDING OF THE LAND. THE following facts in regard to, the various Indian tribes, at one time occupying the territory now em- braced within the limits of the state of Iowa, have been kindly furnished specially for this history, by Hon. D. M. Browning, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, under date of Washington, July 15, 1895. He, at the same time, furnished the diagram of the state of Iowa, showing the lands claimed by the several bands of Indians, as well as the cessions made by them. To Commissioner Browning our readers are much indebted for this valuable informa- tion, much of which is now for the first time published in such a complete and corrected form : The tract of country comprised within the present lim- its of the state of Iowa, was once claimed and inhabited hj the lowas, the Pottawattamies, certain bands of Sioux and the Sac and Fox nation of Indians. By the first article of the treaty of August 4, 1824, (7 Stats., p. 229,) with the Sac and Fox Indians, the small tract of country lying between the Des Moines and the Mississippi, was set apart for the use of the half-breeds belonging to the said Sac and Fox nations, holding it by the same title and in the same manner that other Indian titles were held, but by act of June 30, 1834, the United States relinquished the reversionary interest of the United States therein. (4 Stats., p. 740.) By an act approved March 3, 1843, (5 Stats., p. 622,) Congress authorized the northern line of the above tract set apart for the half-breeds to be surveyed. By a subse- AND THE CITY OF DE8 MOINES. 49 quent act, however, approved June 15, 1844, (5 Stats., p. 666,) the act of 1843 was repealed and the line as run by Jenifer S. Sprigg, in 1832 and in 1833, under contract with William Clark, Superintendent of Indian Affairs, was rat- ified, approved and established as the correct northern boundary of said reservation. A copy of the plat and field notes of survey of this tract, containing 119,088.27 acres of land, are on file in this office, and a full history of said "half-breed tract" may be found in a pamphlet of forty- four pages by Orion Clemens, entitled, "City of Keokuk in 1856," published at Keokuk by O. Clemens, book and job printer, 52 Main street, 1856. By the treaty of August 19, 1825, (7 Stats., p. 272), with the Sioux, Sacs and Foxes, lowas, Pottawattamies and other tribes, certain boundary lines were established be- tween the several tribes, parties to said treaty. The line dividing the Sioux from the Sac and Fox Nations is as follows, viz: "Commencing at the mouth of the upper Iowa Eiver, on the west bank of the Mississippi, and ascending the said Iowa Eiver, to its left fork; thence up that fork to its source; thence crossing the fork of Eed Cedar Eiver, in a direct line to the second or upper fork of the Des Moines Eiver; and thence in a direct line to the lower fork of the Calumet (Big Sioux) Eiver; and down that river to its juncture with the Missouri Eiver." By the first article of the treaty of July 15, 1830, (7 Stats., p. 328,) with the Sacs and Foxes, the Medawakan- ton, . Wahpacoota, Wahpeton and Sisseton bands of Sioux, lowas and other tribes, a cession to the United States of all their right in and to the lands lying within the following boundaries was made, viz : "Beginning at the upper fork of the Demoine Eiver, and passing the sources of the Little Sioux and Floyd rivers, to the fork of the first creek which falls into the Big Sioux 50 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY or Calumet on the east side; thence, down said creek, and Calumet Eiver to the Missouri River; thence down said Missouri River to the Missouri state line, above the Kan- sas ; thence along said line to the northwest corner of the said state, thence to the high lands between the waters falling into the Missouri and Des Moines, passing to said high lands along the dividing ridge between the forks of the Grand River; thence along said high lands or ridge separating the waters of the Missouri from those of the Demoine to a point opposite the source of Boyer River, and thence in a direct line to the upper fork of the De- moine, the place of beginning." By the second article of the same treaty, the Sac and Fox Indians cede to the United States a tract of country twenty miles in width, from the Mississippi to the Des Moines, situated south, and adjoining the line between the said confederated tribes of Sacs and Foxes and the Sioux above defined. In April, 1832, certain lawless and desperate leaders of a formidable band, constituting a large portion of the Sac and Fox Nation, left their country, in violation of treaty, and commenced an unprovoked war upon the white citizens. When subdued, these Indians made an- other treaty, September 21, 1832, (7 Stats., p. 374) wherebv they ceded to the United States all the lands to Avhich said tribes had title or claim included within the following boundaries, viz: "Beginning on the Mississippi River, at the point where the Sac and Fox northern boundary line, as established by the Second Article of the treaty of Prairie dil Chien of the fifteenth of July, one thousand eight hundred and thirty, strikes said river; thence up said boundary line to a point fifty miles from the Mississippi, measured on said line; thence in a right line to the nearest point on the Red Cedar of the loway, forty miles from the Mississippi River; thence in a right line to a point in the northern AIID THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 51 boundary line of the state of Missouri, fifty miles, measur- ed on safd boundary, from the Mississippi Eiver, thence by the last mentioned boundary to the Mississippi Eiver, and by the western shore of said river to the place of begin- ning." The Indians agreed to remove from this tract of coun- try on or before the first of June, 1833, and the United States agreed out of this cession to establish a reservation for these Indians, containing four hundred square miles, to be laid off under the direction of the President, in such manner "that nearly an equal portion of the reservation may be on both sides of said (Iowa) River, and extending downwards so as to include Keokuk's principal village on its right bank, which village is about twelve miles from the Mississippi River." By a subsequent treaty made with the Sac and Fox Indians, September 28, 1836, (7 Stats., p. 517,) they ceded to the United States the aforesaid reser- vation of four hundred sections or square miles, which had been surveyed and laid off by the order of the Presi- dent, from which they agreed to emigrate by the first of November, 1836. By the treaty of October 21, 1837, (7 Stats., p. 540,) the Sac and Fox Indians made to the United States the fol- lowing cession: "First. Of a tract of country containing 1,250,000 (one million two hundred and fifty thousand) acres lying west aiirl adjoining the tract conveyed by them to the United States in the treaty of September 21, 1832. It is under- stood that the points of termination for the present ces- sion shall be the northern and southern points of said tract as fixed by the survey made under the authority of the United States, and that a line shall be drawn between them, so as to intersect a line extended westwardly from the angle of said tract nearly opposite to Rock Island as laid down in the above survey, so far as may be necessarj to include the number of acres hereby ceded, which last 52 ANNALt< OF POLK COUNTY mentioued Hue it is estimated will be about tweut,y-llve miles. "vSecoud. Of all right or iuterest iu the land ceded by said confederated tribes ou the 15th of July, 1830, which might be claimed by them under the phraseology of the first article of said treaty." The Sacs and Foxes agreed to remove from the tract ceded, with the exception of Keokuk's village, possession of which might be retained for two years, within eight months from the ratification of the treaty, (February 21, 1838). The vSac and Fox Indians of the Missouri, by a treaty made the same day, October 21, 1837, (7 Stats., p. 543,) made the following cessions to the United States : "First. Of all right or interest in the country between the Missouri and Mississippi rivers and the boundary line between the Sac and Fox and the Sioux Indians, described in the second article of the treaty made with these and other tribes on the 19th of August, 1825, to the full extent to which said claim was recognized in the third article of said treaty; and of all interest or claim by virtue of the provisions of any treaties since made by the United States with the Sacs and Foxes. "Second. Of all the right to locate, for hunting or other purposes, on the land ceded in the first article of the treaty of July 15, 1830." By the treaty of October 11, 1842, (7 Stats., p. 59(i,( the Confederated tribes of Sacs and Foxes cede to the United States, forever, all the lands west of the Mississippi Eiver, to which they had any claim or title, or in Avhich they had any interest whatever; reserving, however, a right to occupy, for three years, all that part of the land so ceded situated "west of a line running due north and south from the painted or red rocks on the White Breast fork of the Des Moines River, which rocks will be found about eight AND TEE CITY OF DES MOINES. 53 miles, when reduced to a straight line, from the junction of the White Breast with the Des Moines." In another article of this treat.y it was agreed that there should be assigned "a tract of land suitable and, convenient for In- dian purposes, to the Sacs and Foxes for a permanent and perpetual residence for them and their descendants, which tract of land shall be upon the Missouri Eiver, or some of its waters." By the treatj^ of 1S42, the Sacs and Foxes ceded all the lands then remaining to them in Iowa, agreeing to remove therefrom hj the 11th of October, 1815. During the inter- val the United States was to select a home for them upon the Missouri or some of its waters. This was done, and before the last day of September, 1845, the Sacs had departed from Iowa. On the 8th of October the Foxes began their march, so by the 11th of that month the en- tire nation, except about 100, had actually left their for- mer home, and settled upon the lands selected for their new home in Kansas, situated upon the Kansas River, in contact upon two sides with lauds of partially civilized Indians, the Shawnees and Chippewas, in townships 16, 17 and 18, S., ranges 13 to 18, E., inclusive. The Sacs and Foxes of the Missouri had previously removed from Iowa to a tract of land assigned them, with the Iowa tribe of In- dians, by the 2d article of the treaty of September 17, 1836, (7 Stats., p. 513,) it being the small strip of land in Kansas and Nebraska on the south side of the Missouri River, lying between the Kickapoo northern boundary line and the great Xemalia River, and extending from the Mis- souri back and westerly with the said Kickapoo line and the great Nemaha, making four hundred sections; to be divided between the lowas and the Missouri band of Sacs and Foxes, the lower half to the Sacs and Foxes, the upper 54 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY half to the lowas. This branch of the Sac aud Fox Nation continues to occupy a portion of this I'eservation, and its members liave had lauds alloted in severalty. The other branch of the Sac and Fox Indians have since sold their lands in Kansas and are now residing in what was known as the Sac and Fox reservation in Oklahoma Ter- ritory, where they have been assigned lands in severalty, for which patents have been issued. There is a band of this latter branch of Indians located in Tama County, Iowa, Avho have purchased lauds amounting to nearly three thousand acres, the title of which is in the Governor of the state, in trust for said baud of Indians. The census of the Sacs aud Foxes of the Missouri in 1894 was ST persons; that of the Sacs and Foxes of the Mississippi, in 1894, in Oklahoma, was 512, aud in Iowa, 392. So much for the Sacs and Foxes. With respect to the Iowa tribe of Indians, it was agreed to and understood that the loAvas had a just claim to a portion of the country between the boundary line defined in the 2d article of the treaty of August 19, 1825, (7 Stats., p. 272,) hereinbefore described, between the Mis- souri and the Mississippi, to be held and peaceably occu- pied b.y said Nations of Indians until some satisfactory arrangement could be madebetween them for a division of their respective claims to the countr,y. Although no divis- ion appears to have been definitely arranged, so far as I have beeu able to examine, yet on a map of Iowa, pub- lished in "Tanner's Atlas of the United States," by Gary & Hart, Philadelphia, in 1843, the divisional boundary be- tween the lowas aud the Sacs aud Foxes is designated as the Des Moines River and the Raccoon River, a branch of the Des Moines, the Sacand Foxesretaining the laud north and east, aud the loAvas that south and west of said bound- AXD THE CITY OF DBS MOINES. 55 ary. Be this as it may, the matter was finally disposed of when the lowas and the Sac and Fox Nation of Indians, with others, by the treaty of July 15, 1830, (7 Stats., p. 32S,) heretofore referred to and quoted, ceded and relin- quished to the United States forever, all their right and title to the lands lying west of the ridge dividing the wa- ters of the Des Moines and Grand rivers, and more particu- larly described on page 3 of this letter; and also by the treaty of November 23, 1837, (7 Stats., p. 547,) whereby the Iowa Indians ceded to the United States all their right and interest in the land ceded by the treaty- concluded with them and other tribes on the 15th of July, 1830, which they might be entitled to claim by virtue of the phraseology employed in the second article of said treaty; and by the treaty of October 19, 1838, (7 Stats., p. 568,) whereby the Iowa tribe of Indians cede to the United States : "All right or interest in the country between the Mis- souri and Mississippi rivers, and the boundary betAveen the Sacs and Foxes and Sioux, described in the second article of the treaty made with these and other tribes, on the 19th of August, 1825, to the full extent to which said claim is recognized in the third article of said treaty, and all interest or claim by virtue of the provisions of any treaties once made by the United States with the Sacs and Foxes of the Mississippi.'' By the third article of the treaty of September 17, 1836, (7 Stats., p. 512,) the United States assigned to the lowas, at the same time they assigned land to the Sacs and Foxes of the Missouri, the tract of country (to which they then removed) south of the Missouri Eiver and the great Ne- maha Eiver, hereinbefore referred to, the upper half being assigned to the lowas. Here the lowas, 179 in number in 1891, still reside, their lands having been alloted to them in severalty'. 56 ANNAL^S OF POLK COUNTY When the Pottawattamie Indians, Avitli other tribes, by the treaty of September- 26, 1S33, (7 Stats., p. 431,) ceded to the United States all their land along the west- ern shore of Lake Michigan, and between this lake and the land ceded to the United States by the Winnebago treaty of September 15, 1832, the United States in part consid- eration of said cession agreed to grant to said Indians, parties to said treaty, a tract of country west of the Mis- sissippi, to be located as follows, viz: "Beginning at the mouth of Boyer's Biver on the east side of the Missouri Biver, thence down the said river to the mouth of Naudoway Biver, thence due east to the west line of the state of Missouri, thence along the said state line to the northwest corner of the state, thence east along the said state line to the point where it is intersected by the western boimdary line of the Sacs and Foxes, thence north along the said line of the Sacs and Foxes, so far as that when a straight line shall be run therefrom to the mouth of Boyer's Biver (the place of beginning) it shall in- clude five millions of acres." By the treaty of June 5 and 17, 1846, (9 Stats., p. 853), the Pottawattamies and other Indians known as the Pot- tawattamie Xation, ceded to the United States: "All the lands to which they had claim of any kind whatsoever, and especially the tracts or parcels of land ceded to them by the treaty of Chicago, and siibsequently thereto, and now, in whole or in part, possessed by their people, lying and being north of the Biver Missouri, and embraced in the limits of the territory of Iowa." By this same treaty the United States agreed to grant possession and title to said Nation to a tract or parcel of land in Kansas, containing 576,000 acres, being thirty miles square, and being the eastern part of the lands ceded to the United States by the treaty of January 14, 1846, lying adjoining the Shawnees on the south, and the AXD TEE CEfY OF DHti MOIXE^. 57 DeliiAvares and Hhawnees on the east, cm both sides of the Kansas River. These Indians have since disposed of their lands in Kansas by sale or allotment in severalty, (except a portion held in common by the Prairie band), and snch as did not remain on allotments, etc., removed to the thirty-mile square tract in Oklahoma territory, which has been allotted in severalty and patents issued, and the remainder of the land sold. The census of the Pottawattamies in 1894, iu Okla- homa, is 627, and of the Prairie band in Kansas is 554. The Otoes, now in Oklahoma Territory, made claim to a portion of land upon the Missouri east and south of the Sioux and Sac and Fox boundary line, which was recog- nized by the 4th article of the treaty of August 19, 1825, which right they subsequently ceded to the United States by the treaty of July 15, 1830, (7 Stats., p. 328). The remainder of the state north of the boundary line between the Sioux and the Sac and Foxes detiued in the treat};' of August 19, 1825, (Stats., p. 272), was then claimed and occupied by the Medawakantou, Wahpa- coota, Wahpeton and Sisseton bands of Sioux Indians, wdio, by the 4th article of the treaty of July 15, 1830, (7 Stats., p. 329,) ceded to the United States forever a tract of country twentj^ miles in width, from the Mississippi to the Des Moines rivers, situated north and adjoining the aforesaid boundary line, and by the treatj'^ of August 5, 1851, (10 Stats., p 954,) ceded all their lands and all their right, title and claim to any lands whatever, in the ter- ritory of Minnesota, or in the state of Iowa. The tract of country, twenty miles in width ceded to the United States by the Sac and Fox Indians described in the 2d Article, and a similar tract of countrj^ twenty 58 AXXALS OF FOLK COUNTY miles in widtli, adjacent to the above, ceded to tlie United States by the Medawakanton and other bands of Sioux, described in the 3d Article of the treaty of Jnly 15, 1830 (7 Stats., p. 329) was known and designated as the "Neutral Ground." In 1831-32 some of the Winnebago Indians then east of the Mississippi, unwisel.y connected themselves with the Black Hawk War. At its close, which Avas exclusively on Winnebago ground, they were compelled to cede all their remaining lands in Wisconsin lying south of the \Msconsin and Fox rivers and to accept in lieu thereof lands west of the Mississippi in Iowa, being a portion of said "Neutral Ground." t^A§> By the 2d Article of the treaty of September 15, 1832 (7 Stats., p. 370) the United States in exchange for their land in AVisconsin granted them so much of the "Neutral Ground" as was embraced within the following described limits, viz: "Beginning on the west bank of the Mississippi liiver, twenty miles above the mouth of the upper loway Kiver, Avliere the lines of the lands purchased of the Sioux Indians, as described in the tliird article of the treaty of Prairie du (3hieu, of tlie fifteenth day of July, one thous- AXD THE CITY OF DEt< MOINES. 59 and eight hundred and thirt}', begins; theuee with said line, as surveyed and marked, to the eastern branch of the lied Cedar Creek; thence down said creek fortj- miles, in a straight line, but following its windings, to the line of purchase, made of the Sac and Fox tribes of Indians as designated in the second article of the above recited treaty; and thence along the southern line of said last mentioned purchase to the Mississippi, at the point marked by the surveyor, appointed by the President of the United States, on the margin of said river; and thence up said river to the place of beginning."' The Winnebagoes, though stipulating to remove to the west of the Mississippi in the summer of 1833, they re- mained in Wisconsin, until 1837, Avhen they again entered into treaty stipulations to remove west and by their treaty of November 1, 1837 (7 Stats., Si-l) they relinquished their right to occupy, except for hunting, that portion of the "Neutral Ground" held by them, lying between the Mis- sissippi River and a line drawn from a point twenty miles distant therefrom on the southerly boundary of the "Neu- tral Ground" to a point equi-clistant from the river on the northern boundary thereof. In October, 1839, the Governor of Iowa reported that an exploring i:)arty of AViunebago Indians had arrived in that territory that spring to the great alarm of Keokuk, the head Sac Chief, who complained of the movement and requested that the Winnebagoes be sent south of the Mis- souri. The Winnebagoes themselves were averse to re- moval either to the "Neutral Ground" or to the South, and their emigration in 1840 had to be enforced by General Atkinson, who eventuall,y extended the time to the spring of 1841. In 1846, the removal of the Winnebagoes to a tract of country north of the St. Peter River on the upper Missis- sippi was set on foot, and by the 2d Article of the treaty 00 ANNALhi OF POLK COUNTY of October 13, 1846 (9 8tats., p. 878), the Wiuneba^oes ceded aud sold to the United States all their title, claim and privilege, to all lands Avherever situated then or here- tofore occupied or claimed by them within the states and territories of the United vStates, especially the "Neutral Ground" AA'hich had been assigned them by the treaty of September 15, 1832; the United States agreeing by the 3rd Article of the said treaty of 1846, to purchase and give to the "Winnebagoes, as their home, a tract of country not less than 800,000 acres north of the St. Peter and west of the Mississippi, the Indians agreeing to remove thence within one year after the ratification of the treaty (which was proclaimed February 4, 1847). CHAPTER IV. NOTED INDIAN CHIEFS. THE most distinguished Indian chief connected with tlie liistory of Iowa, no doubt, was Black Hawlc. The ancestors of the generation of Sacs and Foxes, which were contemporaneous with Blacli Hawk, had far back in the past exchanged a comparatively inhospitable region for a more congenial home where they fondly hoped to remain undisturbed by the pale-face intruders. They had maintained successful war against the allied tribes of the Illinois country; against the haughtj^ and warlike Sioux; had conquered the lowas and defied the power of the Osages. They looked with distrust upon the advances of the white men, and when in 1804, at St. Louis, some four or five of their chiefs and braves sold a large portion of their richest lands they were much dis- satisfied. In 1805 the country was explored by Lieuten- ant Pike, and a few years later Fort Edwards and Fort Madison, in Iowa, were established. Fort Armstrong- was located in Rock Island in 1816 and whites soon began to make their appearance on Rock River, in Illinois. A few miles from the new fort was situated the village of Black Hawk and his band. Though not a chief hj heredi- tary right as a brave he had acquired much influence over a (-(msiderable portion of the Sac tribe, avIio adhered to him in the determination to yield their country to the whites. The Government sold a few tracts of land near Black Hawk's village and the removal of the Indians west of the Mississippi was demanded, although this was not in accordance with the terms of the treatv. The Indians 62 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY bad a right to remain in possession of and hunt upon the lands not sold to settlers by the Government. There were a number of other causes leading up to the late war and the white men were not blameless. An adopted son of Black Hawk was wantonly murdered in ISIJ: on the east side of the river not far from Fort Madi- son. This greatly exasperated Black Hawk, and gather- ing a band of some thirty braves he sought revenge. They killed several whites and were subsequently de- feated with a detachment of U. S. rangers from Fort How- ard. Black Hawk and the survivors of his band then re- turned to their village, and though peace was declared between the United States and Great Britain in 1815, this baud continued restless and aggressive. Black Hawk assisted in the capture of Prairie du Chien in ISIG, and also led an attack against men and boats ascending the Mississippi, in which several were killed and Avounded. Soon after this Black Hawk with others went to St. Louis and entered into another treaty with the United States. Other grievances occurred, but Keokuk and other chiefs made an agreement to move to the west side of the river, and most of the Sacs and Foxes made a new home on the Iowa Elver. Black Hawk, however, refused to move and used all his influence to keep his peojile upon the east side. He denounced Keokuk and his folloAvers as cowards. This trouble was continued for several years, until finally in 1831 open hostilities came. Gen. Gaines, commanding the U. S. troops, on June 7, after a council, informed the Indians they must remove or he would use force. In June 1,G00 Illinois militia came to Rock Island to assist the regulars. On June 30, a treaty was signed by which Black Hawk agreed to move to the west side of the river and not return without permission. Black Hawk removed as agreed upon, but continued rest- AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 03 less. Other troubles occurred. In the spring of 1832 in expectation of help from the British and other Indians, Black Hawk assembled his warriors and again crossed to the east side. Gen. Atkinson ordered him to return and he refused, and Gov. Reynolds again called out the Illinois militia. The first collision occurred some thirty miles up Rock River, where a fight occurred between the Indians and the militia under Major Stillman, the latter retreat- ing. War was now on, and there was great excitement. A number of frontier families were massacred and several taken captive. By July Black Hawk had a force esti- mated at 700 or 800 warriors, and proceeded towards the Wisconsin River. On July 21 they were overtaken by the troops of Gen. Atkinson, under the immediate com- mand of Gen. Dodge. A battle followed and the Indians were defeated and scattered, having more than one hun- dred killed, drowned and wounded. This virtually ended the war. Black Hawk saw all was lost and sought, with his band, to reach the Mississippi River. They reached it, but before crossing were again attacked by Gen. Dodge's troops and about 150 of them killed. Black Hawk made his escape, but in a few days was captured by some Win- nebagoes and on August 27 was delivered to Gen. Street, the Indian agent at Prairie du Chien The prisoners were placed in custody of Col. Zachary Tajdor and in Septem- ber Black Hawk and a few others were taken to Jefferson Barracks, near St Louis. So ended the Black Hawk war, which cost the lives of between four hundred and five hundred Indians, including men, women and children, nearly two hundred whites, and the United States about two millions of dollars. Under the treaty of 1832 Black Hawk, his two sons, his lieutenant, Ne-o-pope (Soup), and Wobokieshick were to be held as hostages at the pleasure of the President. They 64 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY were first held at Jefferson Barracks, and in April, 1833, were taken to Washington, where thej- had an interview with President Jackson. April 26 they were taken to For- tress Monroe, where they were held nntil June 4, when they were ordered liberated. Under the escort of Major John Garland, of the U. S. army, they were taken to Nor- folk, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, Albany, Buffalo and other cities, in each of which quite an ovation was given "Gen. Black Hawk." They finally reached Fort Armstrong, at Kock Island. Messengers were sent out and at the appointed time Keokuk and all the chiefs and warriorsassembledthere to meet their great deposed chief. A great council was held and the message of the President given that hereafter Keokuk wcmld be regarded as the principal chief, and he wished Black Hawk to confirm the mandate. This stung Black Hawk, who angrily replied, but subsequently, through Keokuk, made a half apology for his words. For a time he made his home near Keo- kuk's village on the Iowa River. In 1837, by courtesy and not as a delegate, he was permitted to accompany Keokuk and other chiefs to Washington and through many of the cities of the East, Upon his return Black Hawk with his family settled in Lee county, and in the spring of 1838 moved to the vicinity of the villages of the other chiefs of the Sacs and Foxes on the Des Moines Eiver, near lowa- ville. Here he had a comfortable cabin, furnished in imitation of the whites, and cultivated some acres of ground. Unlike other chiefs of his tribe he never had but one wife. He died at this home of fever October 3, 1838, at about the age of seventy-two. His body Avas buried near the Des Moines River in Davis county. He was dressed in the full military uniform pre- sented him by President Jackson, and upon his breast was placed three silver medals which had been given to AND THE CITY OF DBS MOINES. 65 him. At his feet a flagstaff! was placed, from which floated a beautiful silk American flag. It was hoped the remains of the aged chief would here repose in peace. But it was not toi be. A scoundrely doctor living near, stole the bodj' and afterwards took it to Quincy, Illinois. Complaint was made by the widow and through the efforts of Grovernor Lucas the bones were returned to Burling- ton, the then capital of the territory. Later the building in which they were was destroyed by fire and the bones of Black Hawk were totally consumed — destroyed and scattered to the winds as have been his people. KEOKUK. As Keokuk, the head chief of the Sacs and Foxes, is connected to more extent with the early history of Polk county, it will not be out of place to here give a brief sketch of his life and character. This name Keokuk meant the Watchful Fox. He was of the Sac tribe and was born about the year 1780 near Eock River, Illinois. He was less renowned as a warrior than Black Hawk, but as an orator and diplomatist excelled him or any other of his tribe. He was not a hereditary chief, but attained his elevation by the early manifestation of those qualities which commanded the admiration of his people. Though imputations may have been cast upon his bravery by envi- ous and ambitious rivals and foes, there is is no doubt he was free from cowardice. In his early career he perform- ed several striking warlike deeds which brought him a great reputation among his people. Without bravery he never could have reached the rank he did among his friends and foes. He also showed on several occasions much military skill in battles with Indians hostile to his tribe or nation. In the contest between the United States and Black C6 ANNALS OF POLE COUNTY Hawk and a portion of his tribe, Keokuk, with a majority of Sacs and Foxes, held aloof, though every possible ef- fort was made by Black Hawk and others to induce them to join in the hostilities. Emissaries were sent among Keokuk's adherents to induce them to take ipart in the war, and at one time it seemed almost impossible for Keo- kuk, with all his eloquence and influence, to restrain them from entering upon the war path. Black Hawk's mes- sengers spoke of the blood which had been shed; of the injustice of the whites in driving them fi'om their hunting grounds, and of the injuries repeatedly inflicted upon their Indians; referred to the easy vengeance which might be inflicted upon a sparsely settled frontier, and of the rich booty which might be obtained. These appeals were not Avithout effect. They began to paint and pre- pare for war. The chief sympathized with his people, but he clearl}^ saw what would be the ultimate result of such action. In a speech to his assembled warriors he said: "Braves: I am your chief; it is my duty to rule you as a father at home, and lead you to war if you are deter- mined to go, but in this war there is no middle course. The United States is a great power, and unless we conquer that great nation we must perish. I will lead you against the whites on one condition; that is, that Ave shall flrst put all our Avomen and children to death, and then resolve that having ci'ossed the Mississippi Ave shall never return, but perish among the graves of our fathers rather than yield to the Avhite man." These words, and the desperation of Keokuk's proposal, forced his people to take a true vieAv of the situation. Their passions were allayed. The authority and influ- ence of Keokuk Avas restored, and Black Hawk's emis- saries failed in his purpose. Keokuk's men took no part in that Avar, Avhich ended so disastrously to Black HaAvk and his bands. AND THE CITY OF DBS MOINES. 67 Keokuk avoided another trouble with the whites in 1832. Five of his men, one of them his nepliew, murdered a man named Martin in Illinois. The authorities de- manded the}' be delivered up for trial, but they were be- yond his reach. He called a council of his head men to determine what should be done. If satisfaction was not made the whites would send an army. Four young men of the tribe then volunteered tO' go in tlhe places of the absent guilty ones. They were duly delivered up. When the trial came Keokuk was himself present and testified that the prisoners were not the guilty ones, but had vol- untarily taken their places. As a matter of course they were acquitted. After the Black Hawk war it was reported the Sacs and Foxes were dissatisfied and disposed to renew hostilities. Keokuk was then well up the Des Moines valley when he heard the rumor, and dictated a letter and had it forward- ed to Governor Reynolds, of Illinois, stating there was no truth in the report; that thej^ were friendly to the whites; that "the tomahawk was buried so deep that it never again will be raised against the whites." This letter was dated: "Raccoon Fork of Des Moines River (now city of Des Moines), November 30, 1832." This was some ten years prior to the establishment of a military post here, and shows this to have been for many years a fa- vorite camping and hunting ground for the Indians and especially of the Sacs and Foxes. Keokuk, with a deputation of Sac and Fox chiefs and warriors, visited Washington in the autumn of 1837. There they met a delegation of Sioux chiefs, and the Sec- retary of War endeavored to effect a reconciliation be- tween these long time enemies, and a nominal truce was established, after eloquent and somewhat bitter speeches 08 ANNALS OF FOLK COUNTY had been made by Keokuk and others of the Indians. Keokuk and his band then made an extended tour of northern and eastern cities, where they were shown much attention by prominent oflicials and citizens. At Boston they were received with great ceremony by the Governor of the state and the city officials. Keokuk was the main spokesman of the party and won much praise for his eloquence and dignity. Throughout his entire visit Keokuk preserved the gravity and dignity of manner be- coming his high position and won the respect and admira- tion of all who saw him. Under the treaty of 1832, commonly known as the "Black Hawk Purchase," a tract of four hundred square miles on the Iowa River was reserved for the use and oc- cupancy of the Indians. This reserve included Keokuk's village and was known as "Keokuk's Eeserve." The vil- lage was situated on the border of Keokuk Lake, and about six miles below the present city of Muscatine. In 1836 this was ceded to the United States, and the Indians removed to the Des Moines River, Keokuk fixing his resi- dence near the trading post at lowaville. Years after the remains of the earthen embankment which had been thrown up around Keokuk's lodge was visible. The enclosure was elliptical in form, with an opening, or gate- way, on the south side towards the river. It was ninety feet north and south, by one hundred and sixty feet long- east and west. These dimensions indicate that the lodge of the great chief of the Sacs and Foxes was no insignifi- cant affair. Here one of Keokuk's sons, about nineteen years of age, died while his father was in Washington, and was buried with the usual Indian rites. His death was a sore grief to the father. A year or two afterwards Keo- kuk removed his principal village further up the river AiYZ) THE CITY OF DEti MOINES. 69 to near the mouth of Sugar Creek, not far from the site of the present city of Ottumwa. AYhile in this village Keokuk received an invitation to visit Nauvoo, from Joseph Smith, the Mormon prophet, Avho was then building up that famous "City of the Saints." Keokuk was addressed as the "King of the Sacs and Foxes" by Smith. Keokuk concluded to accept the invitation, and accordingly proceeded to Nauvoo, attend- ed hj many of his chiefs and braves, all mounted on isonies in grand style. They were given an audience in the Mor- mon Temple. The prophet made a speech in which he referred to the children of Israel and the lost tribes, en- deavoring to impress upon the mind of Keokuk the idea that the Indians were the identical lost tribes, and that such was the fact that had been revealed to him. Keo- kuk listened attentively and then shrewdly replied: "If my brother is commissioned by the Great Spirit to collect our lost tribes together and lead them into a land flov/ing with milk and honey it is his duty to do so. But I wish to ask about some particulars that my brother has omitted. They are of great importance to my people. The Ked Man is not much used to milk. They prefer streams of water, and in the country where they live there is a good supply of honey. The points which we wish to inquire about are whether the new government will pay large annuities, and whether there will be plenty of whisky?" This plain talk broke off all further negotiations be- tween the "Prophet of the Lord" and the "King of the Sacs and Foxes," and the latter returned to their villages on the l")es Moines. The last move made in Iowa by Keokuk was the location of his lodge and village on the west side of the river, some ten miles below the present city of Des Moines, and near 70 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY the mouth of North River. This is now kno^Yn as Keo- kuk Prairie, and here the now aging chief had his habita- tion until his final removal to Kansas. As it was known that this was to be only a temporary resting place prior to their final removal from the territory their village was not as well built as had previously been their custom. Keo- kuk himself was a frequent visitor at the agency and trad- ing posts then located here, and it is said became more than ever addicted to the intemperate use of intoxicating liquors. He, however, continued to hold his place and much of his influence with his people, though he had bit- ter enemies among those left of Black Hawk's special friends and what was known as the "British Band." Keokuk led his people west to Kansas in 1845, where he died three years later. In June, 1848, the St. Louis papers announced his death, stating he died from the ef- fects of poison administered by one of his tribe. The Indian who committed the deed was apprehended, con- fessed his guilt, and was shot. Keokuk left a son who arose to some prominence in the tribe. Some years ago Dr. T. K. Brooks, who for years was a highly esteemed resident of this county, town and city, told the writer he was present at a council held at the agency, at which Keokuk and a number of other Indians were present. Major Beach, the agent, pursuant to or- ders from Washington, made a speech in which he told how good the Great Father at Washington was to his In- dian children, and to aid theiu in living happily had sent to them as presents a number of plows, harrows, hoes, etc., to be used in the cultivation of the land. He urged them to plant and soav that they might reap, etc. The agent knew tlie character and habits of the Indians too well to suppose they Avould feel in the least grateful for such AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 71 presents and advice, and whispered to the doctor to listen and see how the Indians would speak and act. After a wait of some time in silence Keokuk arose and made a speech which in eloquence and dignity the doctor consid- ered seldom equalled by the greatest of white orators. He said in substance: "Our people once owned all this beautiful land, free to hunt and go wherever 'they might will. They were happy. And then the whites came and forced them from place to place, took all their lauds, and now, the great White Father wants them to dig like moles in the ground.'' It is hardly necessary to say this council was not a success, and the Indians failed to show any gratitude whatever foi* the presents so ostentatiously given. They were not the kind of presents desired. MUSQUAKIE. There is a band of Indians yet lingering in Iowa whose history is to some extent connected with that of Polk county. They are a remnant of the Sacs and Foxes and now own and occupy something less than one thousand acres of valuable land on the Iowa Eiver in Iowa county. They are generally called Musquakies, and for many years have made occasional visits to Des Moines and camped, to fish and hunt along the streams of Polk couut3^ In fact they are the only Indians ever seen by perhaps nine-tenths of the present citizens of the countj'. Before the whites came the favorite home and hunting ground of the Mus- quakies was along the Iowa River. When the main body of the Sacs and Foxes were removed to their new home west of the Missouri Eiver these Musquakies accompanied the balance of the tribe. As early as 1850 a small band, mostly Pottawattamies, under the leadership of Che- 72 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY meuse (Johnny Green) had wandered back and took up their abode on the Iowa Kiver, not far from the present Musquakie village. They were again removed under military escort, but persisted in returning in small bands as before. It was not long until a portion of the Fox (Musquakie) branch of the Sac and Fox nation became dis- satisfied with their Kansas home. They claimed the cli- mate did not agree with them and that many of their peo- ple had sickened and died. At the time of the allotment of lands in severalty to the Sacs and Foxes some of them, headed by the chief, Mow- me-wah-ne-kah, were bitterly opposed to it. They refus- ed to be enrolled and for this the chief was deposed. He induced five or six lodges to follow and left Kansas for their old home in Iowa. He was subsequently joined by other members of his tribe and with them came also some Pottawattamies to join their friends under Chemeuse. Their pro rata share of the government annuity was with- held from them because of their disobedience, and they received no aid whatever from the Government. They were wretchedly poor, and eked out a bare subsistence cultivating where they could get that privilege from white men a few small patches of land, by fishing, hunting and trapping in winter and by begging. They suffered much but clung tenaciously to their old home. Finally attention was called to their suffering condition and in 1867 Congress passed a bill granting them their annuities "so long as they are peaceful and have the assent of the government of Iowa to reside in that state." The Gen- eral Assembly of Iowa promptly gave the required assent. Under the act of Congress a special agent Avas appoint- ed to look after their welfare, and at their own request .'if2,000 of their money was devoted to the purchase of a AND THE CITY OF DES J/O/XE'.s'. 73 small tract of land in Tama county, avMcIi has subsequent- ly been largely added to. These lands on the Iowa River bottom are now quite valuable and are on the line of the Chicago and Northwestern railway. They cultivate a portion of this land, and rear considerable stock, especi- ally horses. They are much attached to their Iowa home, and in the summer go in small par-ties hunting and fish- ing along the Iowa, Skunk, Des Moines andRaccoon rivers. They are very peaceable and seldom have any trouble with the whites. In a few instances they have complain- ed to their agent of trespass by some of the whites. Ef- forts have been made to educate them, but these have not been very successful, though some of the younger have learned to read and write. Most of the men still retain in part the Indian costume of their ancestors, the blanket being indispensable, winter and summer. They prefer the primitive moccasin, but a few of them wear shoes and hats, the latter usually decorated with a feather, indica- tive of the warrior's standing as a brave or as a hunter. About the village the women generally dress in petticoats and sacks, but always take their blankets when they visit the neighboring towns. On such occasions they gener- ally ride their ponies and take their pappooses (babies) along if they have anj. In this case the pappoose is strap- ped in a basket to the back of an extra pony. Several families usually live together, occupying the same wig- wam. As families they maintain amiable relations, and deny the practice of polygamy. The women are exem- plary in their deportment, modest and chaste. The chil- dren are kept under good discipline, and brought iq) to do strictly right according to their views. If a child disobeys its parents it is punished by fasting, and not by the rod, as the exercise of such physical force by the strong over the weak would not only degrade the child but 74 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY the parent also. They take good care of the sick, the aged, crippled and blind. The Musquakies still maintain the ancient rites, cere- monies and superstitions of their race, and strictly follow the traditions handed doAvn from their forefathers. They are very proud of their race, independent in feeling and tenacious of their liberty. On March 21), 1880, Kes-co, an aged Musquakie woman died in camp near Mitchellville in this county, at the age, it is claimed, of 101. She w^as buried with the usual In- dian care and rites near where she died. The principal chief of the Musquakies, Maw-mo-wah- ne-kah, died July 3, 1881, aged about forty-five years and was succeeded by Maw-taw-a-qua and Wau-co-mo. Although not a Musquakie, perhaps no Indian has been better known among the whites of Iowa of later days than the old chief Chemeuse, or "Johnny Green," as he was generally called by whites. He was an Indian of full blood, but of Pottawattamie and Chippewa parentage, his mother being of the latter tribe. He first came to Iowa from Wisconsin in 1838, with five or six families of mixed Pottawattamies, a remnant of whom still reside on the Iowa Eiver in the vicinity of the Musquakie village. While the Pottawattamies occupied southwestern Iowa and the Winnebagoes the "Neutral Ground," Johnny Green generally had a large following, but after the re- moval of those tribes his band dwindled to a small rem- nant which he left on the banks of the Iowa River, iu Marshall county. Long before the Musquakies had re- turned to Iowa Johnny Green had wandered back with his followers. Living iu the vicinity of the Musquakie village, and the two remnants of distinct tribes being much together, Johnny Green was erroneously called by AND THE CITY OF DE^i MOINES. 75 the white people the "Old Musquakie Chief." We know little of his early history, but many people throughout central Iowa still remember the pleasant, kindly face of the old chief Avho led a nomadic life, encamping with his little band along the various streams during the hunt- ing season. He was always the white man's friend and had no enemies among them. One of his daughters is married to a Musquakie and lives in Tama county. He died near Marshalltown about Christmas, 1868, and was supposed to be about seventy-three years of age. Fulton, in his Histoiy of the Eed Men of Iowa, says of this old chief: "We know not what heroic acts of his are unrecorded, or what generous and noble impulses may have nerved him to action in behalf of his nation or tribe. The dust of thousands of nameless heroes enrich the soil up- on which we tread. 'Johnny Green' was doubtless wise enough to foresee the inevitable destiny that awaited his race, and we know he was gxeat enough to lead his exiled people back to their favorite land. We know, too, that he was great enough to assist in securing to them that con- cession from the whites by which the}^ yet retain a home in Iowa." CHAPTER V. THE FIRST FORT DES MOINES. A UNITED States frontier Post, located on the Right bank OF THE Mississippi River, at the Mouth of the Des Moines, Near the Site of what is now the Town of Keokuk, iowa. THE establishment of a military post at this point was an outcome of the Act of Congress (1833) which provides for the better defense of the frontier, hj the raising of a regiment of dragoons to scout the country' west of the Mississippi. This movement is outlined in the report of Secretary Cass, dated November 29, 1833, accompanying the President's Annual Message. He says : "The act for the better defense of the frontier by rais- ing a regiment of dragoons, is in the process of execution. About six hundred men have been enlisted and most of the officers ,ap]3ointed, and five of the companies have been ordered to proceed to Fort Gibson, upon the Arkan- sas, where they will be stationed during the winter. The remainder of the regiment will be concentrated at Jeffer- son Barracks this season, and it is intended in the spring to order the whole to proceed through the extensive In- dian regions between the western boundaries of Missouri and Arkansas and the Eocky Mountains. It is deemed indispensable to the peace and securitj^ of the frontier that a respectable force should be displayed in that quar- ter, and that the wandering and restless tribes who roam through it should be impressed with the power of the United States by the exhibition of a cor]:)s so well qualified to excite their respect. These Indians are beyond the reach of a mere infantry force. Without stationary resi- dences, and possessing an abundant supply of horses, and with habits admirably adapted to their use, they can be held in check only by a similar force, and bv occasional ^ffiP^''^ PLAT OF FT. DES MOINES, FURNISHED BY THE WAR DEPARTMENT FROM OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS ON FILE AT WASHINGTON, D. C. 1. Flagstaff. 2. Officers' Quarters. 3. Soldiers' Barracks. 4. Stables. 5. Hospital. 6. Guard House. 7. Corrals and Hay Yards. 8. Gardens. g. Government Road, 10. Scott's Farm House. 11. Lower Ford, or Ferry. 12. Upper Ford. Ewing's Trading House was on east side at the Upper Ford. Phelps' Trading House was east of River, near extreme lower left hand corner of plit. AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 79 display among them. Almost every year has witnessed some outrage committed by them upon our citizens, and, as many of the Indian tribes from the country this side of the Mississippi have removed and are removing to that region, we may anticipate their exposure to these preda- tory incursions, unless vigorous measures are adopted to repel them. We owe protection to the emigrants, and it has been solemnly promised to them; and this duty can only be fulfilled by repressing and punishing every at- tempt to disturb the general tranquility. Policj' and humanity equally dictate this course; and there is reason to hope that the display of this force will itself render unnecessary its hostile employment." In the execution of this project. Col. Henry Dodge, with nine companies of the regiment of dragoons, left Fort Gib- son on the 15th of June, 1834, and entered upon the fated expedition to the Pawnee country which resulted in the death of Gen. Leavenworth and so large a number of his officers and men from sickness incident to the climatic changes, that reorganization of the regiment was render- ed necessary, as well as its transfer to more northern lati- tudes. Accordingly^ on the return of the expedition to Fort Gibson, four companies under Col. Dodge were marched to Fort Leavenworth on the Missouri; three un- der Major Mason, to a point on the Arkansas about eighty miles above Fort Gibson, and the remainder, under Lieu- tenant Colonel Kearney to the region of the Des Moines. By orders from the War Department, dated May 19, 1834, the regiment of dragoons were ordered "to take up their winter quarters in the following positions : "Lieutenant Colonel Kearney, with three companies, viz: Sumner's, Boone's and Browne's on the right bank of the Mississippi, Avithin the Indian country near the mouth of the Des Moines." A short rest at Gibson pending the convalescence of the 80 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY sick list, delaj^ed the movements of Colonel Kearney, until the season had been well advanced, although a quarter- master's force had left Jefferson Barracks early in the summer to select the site and lay the foundation for the buildings. On September 2, he writes from Camp Caring- ton, near Fort Gibson, "I shall leave here to-morrow with Companies B, H and I, U. S. dragoons for the Des Moines, crossing the Missouri River at Booneville (Missouri)," ad- ding, "I have to request that a name be given for the new post at the Des Moines, and that it may be considered as a double ration one." The force which left Fort Gibson on the 3rd of September, 1834, for the Des Moines, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Stephen W. Kearney, consisting of Company B, of the regiment dragoons, Cap- tain E. V. Sumner and Second Lieutenant J. H. K. Berg- win; Company H, Avhich owing to the absence of Ca])tain Boone and Lieutenant Schaumburgh, who had been left sick at (ribson, was also commanded by Captain Sumner; Company I, Captain J. B. Browne and Brevet Second Lieutenant A. G. Edward, together with an aggregate of 107 non-commissioned officers, musicians and privates. First Lieutenant George H. Grossman, of the Sixth In- fantry, accompanied the command 'as assistant quarter- master, while the duties of adjutant and commissary were performed by Lieutenant Burgwin. On the 26th of September, Lieutenant Colonel Kearney, writing from Camp Des Moines, reports his arrival, which occurred late the previous evening. "The quarters for the officers and soldiers," he complains, "are not as far ad- vanced as 1 had expected, and not a log is yet laid for stables for our horses. We shall, on the 28th, go to Avork with all our disposable force, and I hope by the close of next month we may complete the buildings, though they Al^D THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 81 will be less comfortable and of meaner appearance than those occupied b}' anjr other portion of the army." He is yet uncertain as to the purposes for which he has been sent to this most isolated spot "I should like to know," he says, "if it is contemplated that we are to occupy this post after the ensuing winter, and I wish to know whether I am authorzied to keep away settlers from here, and how far I may proceed in doing so; also what is required of this command while stationed here." The winter of 1834-5 was one of unusual severity in that section, and it appears from Col. Kearney's frequent com- plaints that the command experienced no little suffering from uncomfortable quarters and insufficient supplies. Captain Boone joined his company during the winter, but Lieutenant Grossman having been recalled to St. Louis, all the administrative duty of the garrison devolved upon Lieutenant Burgwin. On the 1st of February, 1835, we find Col. Kearney again urging upon the War Depart- ment that a name be given to the post, which up to that time he had designated as merely "The Detachment Headquarters of the Eegiment of Dragoons, at Camp Des Moines, Michigan Territory." On the back of this appeal we find in the familiar handwriting of Mr. Secretary Cass: "Let the post be called 'Fort Des Moines,' and let it be a double ration post." The date and authority for the naming of the river from which the fort takes its name in turn is involved in much obscurity. On the map made by Pere Marquette in 1681, first found in Charlevoix's narrative published in 1743, a river corresponding with this is marked "le reviere des Moingonina," which Charlevoix refers to as Moingona, but there is nothing in the narrative of either of these 82 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY eai-ly explorers to indicate the aiitliority for attacliing the name to this particular stream. Joliet and Marquette, as well as most of the early roi/ageiirs along the Mississippi, owed their tirst allegiance to the church; a controlling cause which has had the effect of tingeingmany of its laud- marks with names and titles of sacred subjects. If to this circumstance is added the probability recently advanced by a Canadian writer, that the Illinois country had been visited prior to the voyage of Joliet and Marquette, by two priests, it affords a satisfactory solution of the diffi- culty, La riviere f/e.s' Moines — ^the river of the monks, and not des Dioynes, as written by Wilkinson and Pike at the beginning of the present century. The War Department at no time intended the ]K)St at the nioutli of the Des Moines to be a permanent one, but rather as a point for the winter quai'ters of the Dragoon regiment, which was to operate in the country to the Avest- ward, working graduall}' to the northwest limit of our ter- ritory, where it was contemplated to erect a permanent fort. On the 11th of April, Col. Kearney reports the arri- val of seventy-nine recruits, increasing his force to an ag- gregate of 157, and urges upon the Department the desira- bility of keeping his command employed in the field as a means of discipline and instruction, of which they were sadlj' in need. Before the receipt of this, however, instruc- tions Avere already on their Avay, which combined all the purposes of Col. Kearnej^'s communication. Drders of the 9th of March, 1835, from the Adjutant Creneral's office, directed that : "The tliree companies under command of Lieutenant Colonel Kearney Avill proceed uj) the river Des Moines to the Eaccoon fork, there halt and reconnoiter the position Avith a view to the selection of a site for the establishment of a military post in that vicinity; on Avhich subject Lien- ■AND THE CITY OF DE^ MOIXEH. 88 tenant Col. Kearney will report on his retnrn to his winter quarters at Fort Des Moines. After having- made this reconnoissance, Lieutenant Colonel Kearney will proceed with his command to the Sioux villages near the high- lands on the Mississippi about the 4:4th of north latitiule, thence taking a direction to the westward, return to his original position at the mouth of the Des Moines, passing by the right bank of that river." Colonel Kearney writes on the 5th in acknowledgement of these orders: "I shall leave here," he says, "on the 7th, to execute the duties pointed out for me in Orders No. 12. I shall take about 150 men — Company B, com- manded by Brevet Second Lieutenant Turner; Company H, by Captain Bof)ne, and Company I, by Second Lieuten- ant Lea. Assistant Surgeon Wright goes with us. The above and myself are all the officers for the march. You Avill see I have no staff officer. Lieutenant Burgwin I leave here to provide forage for the ensuing winter, and Captain Brown is too unwell to start with us I hope to return by the middle of August." As this expedition was charged with the duty of select- ing a fort, which afterwards succeeded to the name and honors of the post at the mouth of the river, so much of the report of Colonel Kearney as relates to his visit to the new site is subjoined. He says : "On the 8th (of August, 1835,) we reached the mouth of the Raccoon, Avhere I halted to reconnoiter the country with a view to the selection of a site for a militiiry post in that vicinity as directed by you. "After riding over a considerable portion of the country myself, and sending off officers in different directions with a view to the same object, I could neither see nor hear of any place that possessed the necessary advantages, nor in my opinion was suitable for the estaljlishment of a military post. The point of land, in the fork, at tlie junc- tion of the Baccoon with the Des Moines, Avould probably S4 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY answer as well as auy other place in that vicinity. It is about eight feet above high water mark — a narrow strip of prairie commences here, but widens out as the two riv- ers recede. On the opposite side of the Des Moines, which is there about 360 feet wide and 3^- deep, being a good ford, is a great abundance of timber, oak, walnut, elm, ash, linn and Cottonwood, which would answer for building and fire- wood. We saw no springs near the place; wells, how- ever, could be dug. About a mile up the Des Moines is a bluft" containing stone, coal, and a small quantity of silic- ious limestone, but apparently not ^ nough for the neces- sary chimneys of a small post, nor do 1 believe it can be burned into lime. If a post should be established there, I think stone and lime must be brought to it from near the mouth of the north fork, a distance by land of about forty-five miles, and sixty by water. It is by land 150 miles from Fort Des Moines, and 2Gfi by water to the mouth of the Des Moines River. "I caused a canoe to be made, in which Lieutenant Lea, with a few soldiers, descended the Des Moines, to its mouth, to examine the practicability of navigating it, and the means by which supplies could be obtained there. I send you his report: 'Unless some obstmctions are I'e- moved, the navigation of the Des Moines to the Eaccoon, by boats sufticiently large to carry stores, etc., for a mili- tary post, I am convinced will be at all times uncertain, and but for a very small portion of the year, practicable.' Lieutenant Lea thinks there are positions near the mouth of Cedar (ninety-six miles by water below the Raccoon) offering more advantages for a militai-}' post, such as springs, limestone, and less diificulty in navigating the river, than any we saw above. "If a post is established in that section of country, the officer commanding the party sent for that purpose should of course have discretionary power to select such place as may appear to him most favorable within such limits to distance as may be deemed uecessarj' to restrict him. "With the views of the Department as to the object to be obtained by the establishment of a military post at the Raccoon, I am unacquainted, but I can imagine nothing to make it necessary or advisable. If it is intended as a barrier between the Sac and Sioux, and AND THE CITY OF DE8 MOINES. 85 thereby, put a stop to their predatory excursions against each other, it is unneccessary, the 'former Indians from what I have myself seen and heard, and by information gained from persons acquainted witli them, I know to be inclined to a permanent peace, which can be easily secured by some restraints imposed upon the latter. These we now have within striking distance, and they know and feel it. Their two villages on the Des Moines (Keokuk and Openousas,) containing the leading men of the nation, are within fifty-five and seventy-five miles from Fort Des Moines. On my return, I marched with my command through both of them , thus making a road from them to this post, convincing them they are not inaccessable to us, and that we can reach them when we think proper so to do. The Secretary of War is well acquainted with the Indian character, and he knows that mild measures will not restrain an Indian from gratifying his passions when provoked, or prevent him from distinction, by the taking of a scalp when a fair opportunity offers. If a permanent peace between the above nations of Indians is an object of much importance with the Department, I can easily effect it, if I can be authorized to repeat to them what in 1830, by order of the then Secretary of War, they were told by Colonel Morgan, one of the commissioners of the treaty held at Prairie du Chien, and if I can be further authorized upon the first infraction of the peace to pursue the offen- ders and punish them. "If it is not deemed expedient to grant the above au- thority, but a military post between the two nations still thought necessary, then a post at the Raccoon is not suffi- ciently advanced. It should be about 100 miles above there, viz., at the upper fork of the Des Moines, which is the neutral ground (a strip of forty miles) which separates them. "If a post is required on the Des Moines to protect the frontiers of Missouri, one at the Raccoon would be alto- gether too far advanced. "To conclude, all the Sauk Indians, (and there were many), who spoke to me of the probability of a military post being established near the Raccoon, were strongly and most decidedly opposed to it, giving as one of their 86 AXXALS OF POLK COUNTY objections that the whites would drive off the little game that is left in their conntry." From an inspection report of Colonel George Croghan, who visited the post on the 3d of December, 1835, we are enabled to catch a glimpse of the condition of the work at that time. At the time of his visit the garrison, under command of Lieutenant Colonel Kearney, consisted of Company B, Dragoons, Captain Sumner, rank and tile 59, with 72 animals; Captain Boone, 49 rank and file, with 68 animals, and Company I, Captain Brown, 5() rank and file, with 65 animals, making a total strength of 184 oftl- cers and men, with 205 horses and mules. "The quarters," he reports, "are of a temporary char- acter, hastil,y constructed and of round logs. They are now more comfortable than they were last winter; the men since their return from the summer campaign having made in them some material and essential alterations. The roofs of several of the buildings are bad and leaky." Concerning the health of the garrison, which he regards as unnecessarily bad, and the hospital facilities, he says: "The building is comfortable, though too small to ac- commodate more than six or eight patients, and as there is but one ward, they must all be together. Its location, too, is bad, being near a creek, on the (tpposite side of which is a bottom, subject to overflow whenever the Mis- sissippi rises much above its ordinary level." On the 6th of June, 1836, Captain Sumner, with all the available tro(jps, left the post for the usual summer cam- paign, leaving the post in command of Lieutenant B. S. Roberts, of the Dragoon regiment, who had recently joined from the Military Academy. At this date the gar- rison had reached its greatest strength and efficiency. Its ofiftcers were Captains E. Y. Sumner, X. Boone and J. B. BroAvne, commanding tht^ir respective companies; First Lieutenant J. H. K. Burgwiii, of E cc»mpany, acting quar- AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 87 termaster and commissary; Second Lientenant A. M. Lea, of I Company, and J. W. Scliaumburg, of H; Brevet Sec- ond Lieutenant J. H. Hanly, of B company, and B. S. Rob- erts, of n, the latter acting as post adjutant and Assistant Surgeon S. P. Moore with an aggregate ranlv and file of 184. The resignation of Colonel Dodge, in the spring of 1836, promoted Lieutenant Colonel Kearney to the command of the regiment of Dragoons which took him to Fort Leaven- worth, the headquarters of the regiment, and the command of Fort Des Moines devolved upon Captain E. V. Sumner, pending the arrival of Lieutenant Colonel Mason, who had succeeded to the vacancy. The history of the fort up to this period, and in fact during its whole career, was uneventful. The site in every military sense had been badly chosen, its locality unhealthy, and to reach the country through which the command was expected to scout, involved long and tedious marches. That the post had been maintained so long at this point was the result of the delay and irresolution of the authorities in deciding upon the site of a point farther up the Des Moines and nearer the frontier, the details of which are more fully reported in the history of Fort Des Moines, No. 2. Be- yond this, the post was experiencing the inevitable diffi- culty that has accompanied the career of most of our frontier posts, the rapacity of land agents and the contin- uous encroachments of settlers upon the lands surround- ing the gaiTison. On the 18th of September, 1830, Colonel Mason writes the War Department: "A town has been laid off at this place and lots sold, which takes in ai part of our garrison. This town has been laid off on a tract of land which I am told was 88 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY granted on a grant confirmed by Congress to the heirs of one 'Reddick.' I have none of the acts of Congress by me and cannot therefore more particularly point the act confirming the grant. You will at once perceive, under the circumstances, how certain it is that we must come in collision with the citizens of this town, who have already commenced to build. "I see by a letter of Colonel Kearney's to the Honorable Secretary of War, dated September 27, 1835, and his an- swer thereto, that some steps were about to be taken to have a reserve of two miles out from this post for military purposes. This reserve is absolutely necessary to the con- venience and well being of the garrison. Independent of the town there are other parties putting np buildings within the two miles, and their object is to sell Avhiskey to the Indians and soldiers. All thisi within the country given to the half-breed Sacs and Foxes. I shall be glad to receive specific instructions for my government, in rela- tion to the town and the individuals erecting buildings within the 'two miles' proposed as a reservation for this post." On the receipt of this it was immediately determined to abandon the post without delay, rather than encounter the conflict with the land-grasping element in the western section, with whom the Department had already had a sufficient and unpleasant experience. As a result of this policy. General Orders No. 71, from the Adjutant Gener- al's office, dated 20 October, 1836, directed that: "The Dragoon post of Fort Des Moines will be broken up without delay, and the squadron immediately proceed to join the headquarters of the regiment at Fort Leaven- worth. The Quartermaster's department will receive and make the proper disposition of the stores and public property pertaining to the post when evacuated." It was not, however, until the following summer that the arrangements necessary to an evacuation of the post were fully completed. Colonel Mason, who was absent on detached duty at St. Louis and elsewhere, remained away A^W TEE CITY OF DE^ MOINES. 89 during the entire winter, the post being under the com- mand of Captain J. B. Brown, with Lieutenant Koberts as adjutant. Colonel Croghan again visited the post on the 26th of November, 1836, and his report affords lis the last glimpse of the inner history of the fort. "There has been a good deal of sickness here this sea- son," he remarks, "chiefly cases of intermittent fever, but the number on the sick reports are lessening daily. Were a garrison to be continued here much longer (and I hope it may not) a hospital sihould be erected, the one now occu- pied being inconveniently arranged, too small by one-half, and moreover badly located, near the bank of a miry creek, which is stagnant during the warm months." The store-houses he finds are not only too small, but are in bad repair, open in places, and everywhere 'full of chinks and unsafe.' In concluding he refers to the matter already alluded to in the monthly report. "The company under orders to proceed to Fort Leaven- worth, is filled exclusively by selection from the entire command, of such soldiersi as have not less than twelve months to serve. It having departed, the garrison will then consist of the Lieutenant Colonel commandant, a cap- tain and a subaltern, with scarcely men enough to attend to the stable duties, as there will be many surplus horses requiring their care. And what will be the strength of this command by or before the close of next April? Eigh- teen rank and file, every other enlistment will by that time have terminated, and of the officers, it is believed that the lieutenant colonel alone will be willing to remain in the service after the commencement of the spring." The breaking-up process commenced on the 30th of Oc- tober, 1836, when B company left the post under the com- mand of Captain Sumner for Fort Leavenworth. This movement was not in accordance with the War Department order, but the carrying out of a project of the 90 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY departineiit coiiiinauder, Geueral Atkiuson "for the bet- ter protection of the frontier." "i^till," writes General Kearney to Colonel Mason, "I do not think Company B will retnru to Fort Des Moines, and therefore what public property it may require and cannot bring with it you will order to be sent to St. Louis without delay, to be for- warded to this post (Leavenworth). In reporting- the departure of Sumner's company Colo- nel Mason adds : "In making the transfer ordered by the colonel, it has taken every man from Companies H and I, who had more than one year to serve, that was off the sick report, to fill up Companj' B. There is now left belonging to this post but seventy-six men, one of whom is absent in confine- ment, fifty-eight of Avhom will be discharged during the winter and early part of the spring, so that by the 15th of May next, there will be only eighteen enlisted men iu the two companies which garrison the post." Immediateh' on the receipt of this letter at the War Department, it was decided, in view of the situation set forth by Colonel Mason, which was supplemented a few days later by a report from the commandant at Fort Leavenworth, that the quarters at the latter post ■\A'eie in- snfticieut to accommodate the Fort Des Moines garrison, that the latter had better remain at that post during the winter should its commaudant not have already com- plied with General Orders No. 71. Orders suspending that nn^vement were accordingly sent to Colonel Mason, reaching him before he had concluded his arrangements to evacuate the post. During the most of this winter the absence of Colonel Mason devolved the command upon Captain Jesse B. Browne, of I company. Concerning this officer but little is known at the \\'ar Department. He entered the service AND THE CITY OF DE^S MOINES. 91 as a captain of IJangers in 1832, was transferred to tlie Dragoon regiment npon its organization, and accompan- ied lii.s regiment to Des Moines, where all of liis service in tlie army was perform c-^d, lie resigning his commission the 30th of Jnne, 1837, immediately after the abandonment of the post, in order to engage in civil jinrsuits. Nothing is known regarding his subsequent whereabouts. Early in the spring of 1837, Colonel Mason returned to the post, and on the 30th of March he addressed the War Department for information as to the probable duration of the post, in order that he may regulate his requisitions for the needed supplies. In this letter he remarks: "The town which I mentioned to you in my letter as hav- ing been laid out and taking in part of this post, has been abandoned, the title of the proprietors proving not to be good." Before the receipt of this letter, however, and as thei'e no longer existed any necessity for the keeping up of an establishment at this site, instructions had already been sent to the commanding offlcer at Jefferson Barracks to carry into effect the General Order No. 71, of 1836. "All the public propert.y, Quartermaster and Commissary stores will be left in charge of the Qnai'termaster's depart- ment, anpen the lands to settlement, and every possible pressure was being made upon the autJiorities at 96 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY Washington to remove the Indians and occupy their terri- tory. In 1841 the encroacliments on the Indian domain had become so frequent and determined that it became apparent to the Government thatpro^ision must be made to recognize the inexorable demand of civilization which had crowded the red man from the shores of the Atlantic to beyond the Mississippi within half a century, and which was destined to continue its onward march until restrained alone by the waters of the Pacific. Negotiations were accordingly opened with the chiefs of the tribes, and on the 11th October, 1842, purchase of the reservation was finally effected. Still, so reluctant were they to leave the lands that were attached to them by the traditions of centuries that it was stipulated that they might remain yet another three years, and that in the meantime no white man should be allowed to settle on their reservation. To protect them in this stipulation, and to enable the Government to carry out its part of the treaty, it was decided by General Scott to locate a detach- ment of troops directly on the reservation within a few miles of the agency buildings, then on the Des Moines, about three miles below the Raccoon fork. The selection of this particuler site was the result of a visit to the spot by Captain James Allen, of the Dragoon regiment, whose company had for several years been sta- tioned between Leavenworth and Gibson, and who was familiar with the locality. In a letter to the War Depart- ment, dated Fort Sandford, Iowa, December 30, 1842, in referring to the expediency of protecting the Indians in their treaty rights, by stationing troops within their reser- vation, he says : "I went up, as you know, last month, as high as the mouth of the Eaccoon River, and had in view at the time to AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 97 look out a suitable point for the stationing of troops for the time required. And I did select, with a view to recom- mend it, the point made by the junction of the Eaccoon with the Des Moines. "My reasons for selecting that point are these: "The soil is rich ; and wood, stone, water and grass are all at hand. It Avill be high enough up the river to protect these Indians against the Sioux, and is in the heart of the best part of their new country, where the greatest effort will be made hj the squatters to get in. It is about equi- distant from the Missouri and Mississippi rivers, and offers a good route to both, the direct route to the Missoui-i passing around the heads of many ugly branches of Grand River. It will be twenty-five miles within the new line, about the right distance from the settlements, and, above all, of the Indian villages and trading houses (all of the Sacs have determined to make their villages on a larger prairie bottom that commences about two miles below, and the traders have selected their sites there also). It will also be about the head of keel bo^t naviga- tion on the Des Moines. I think it better than any point farther up, because it Avill be harder to get supplies farther up, and no point or post that may be established on this river need be kept up more than three years, or until these Indians shall leave. A post for the northern boundary of future loway will go far above the sources of the Des Moines. "Now, as to the process of establishing this post. I do not seek the job, but I am willing to undertake it, if my suggestions for that puii)ose shall be approved. I would build but common log cabins, or huts, for both men and officers, giving them good floors, windows and doors, stables, very common, but close and roomy, pickets, block houses, and such like not at all. The buildings to be placed in relations of comfort, convenience and good taste; and of defense, so far as the same may comply with the first rule. "Ten mechanics and five laborers and four yoke of oxen and tools and implements, and the small material, ought to be furnished by the quarternvaster's department. All 98 ANNALS OF POLE COUNTY to be reaclj^ to go up and begin early in the spring. Pine lumber for 'tlie most necessary parts of the buildings ought to be sent up in keel boats in the spring rise of the river. Provisions and corn, etc., may be sent up at the same time. "With such means, and the force of my company, I could make a good, comfortable establishment at the mouth of the Raccoon during the next summer; and, in the meantime give to the Indians all necessary protection. One of their agents has told me that the American Fur company would probably send up a steamboat to Rac- coon on the spring rise. If they do, it will be a good time to send up army supplies. "I could easily have corn raised for me in that country if I could now contract for it, and permit a person to open a farm there. Such is the desire of the people to get a foot- ing in this country, that I believe that now I could hire corn to be raised there next summer, for 25 cents a bushel. I could get lumber on as good terms by allowing some one to build a mill. In short, there Avill be no difficulty in establishing and maintaining a post there, if notice of such a design shall be given in time. But I hope it will not be required of my company, that they shall build this new post without tlie assistance of the hired labor that I have suggested. I have not the necessary mechanics for the purpose; and if I had, it would be requiring too much of them. It is not competent for dragoons to build their quarters and stables; and get their wood and do their duty as soldiers. "I have but little to add to Avhat is contained in the foregoing extract of my letter to the colonel. The new post will be so purely temporary that this character of it ought to be Icept in view in its construction. According to the plan and method that I have recommended, this post may be built ajid established for one company of dragoons for about twenty-five hundred dollars. "If a. company of infantry could also be sent to this new post, it would be well, although it would increase some what the expense of its establishment. Of the propriety of such an arrangement the Department Avill best judge. "Rut I will respectfully urge upon the Department the ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY 99 necessity for a speedy decision on the subject of tliis new post, that if it is to be established, early measures may be taken to secure the timely transportation of the neces- sary materials and supplies. The rise of the Des Moines will occur in March. "In regard to the point recommended for the new post, I may remark that I have seen much of the territory of lowaj', and particularly of the valley of tlie Des Moines, having, in addition to uiy observations from there to the mouth of the Eaccoon, crossed the territory with my com- pany last summer, on a direct route from Fort Leaven- worth to Fort Atkinson, crossing the Des Moines above Raccoon, and from all that I have seen and learned, I would recommend the point that I have designated as the most suitable for the post in question. "All of this is predicted on the supposition that the late treaty with the Sac and Fox Indians will be approved and ratified, but this treaty is so very favorable and advan tageous to the United States that I feel no apprehensions for its fate." Captain Allen's company of dragoons at that time was stationed at Fort Sanford, on the Des Moines, at a point sixty-five nules west from Fort Madison, tAventy-five north of the Missouri boundary, and about four miles Avest of the Sac and Fox agency (his nearest postoffice being at Fairfield, now the county seat of Jefferson county); or as near as maj'' be, at what is now the site of the toAvn of OttumAva, in Wapello county, Avhere it remained during the Aviuter of 1842-3. The captain's recommendations had met the approval of General Scott and the War I>e])art- ment, and Colonel Ivearne}', then commanding the Third District, at St. Louis, AA'as directed to cause the post to be established. It Avas not, hoAvever, until the following spring, during Avhich the treaty had hung fire in the Senate for so long a time that fears were entertained that it would not be ratified, that it was fully determined to move the troops from the agency to Raccoon fork. 100 AXNALS OF POLK COUNTY By orders Xo. 6, dated Headquarters Third Militarj' Department, Jefferson Barracks, February 20tli, 1843, it was ordered, that: "A temporary post will be established at as early a period as the weather will permit on the Kiver Des Moines, at or near the junction of the Eaccoon, for the protection of the tSac and Fox Indians and the interests of the Govern- ment on that frontier. "The troops designated for the garrison of the neAV post are Captain Allen's company of the First Dragoons, at present stationed near the Sac and Fox agency, and a companj' of the First Infantrj', now stationed at Fort Crawford, to be selected by the lieutenant-colonel com- manding the regiment. "The site of the post will be determined upon by Cap-, tain Allen, and he will also have charge of the erection of the requisite buildings for the accommodation of the command; which will be constructed with as strict a regard for economy as may be consistent with the health of the trooj^s, and conformably to the instructions for- warded from this office, or such order as he may hereafter receive from proper authority." Captain Allen left Sandford with a small detachment of dragoons on the 29th of April for the new station, whither a steamboat with supplies had been dispatched from St. Louis, arriving in time to receive and land them. Leaving his men to guard the stores, he returned to the agency to bring up the balance of his company, from whence, on the 10th of May, he dispatched a report of his movement to tlie War Department. "I have located the post," he writes, "on the point I selected for it last fall, the point made by the junction of the Eaccoon with the Des Moines. I have delayed taking up my horses or removing my whole company because of the lateiu'ss of the spring aiul the consequent scarcity of grass. It is too ex]xmsive now to take up full rations of AND TEE CITY OF DES MOINES. 101 corn, and the Des Moines Elver being low, I could not induce the steamboat that took up the corn and quarter- master's stores to make anotlier trip at reasonable rates. I am using a small keel boat and wagons, all public, for transportation of corn and some other stores, and will move, with my company, on the IStli instant. Fairfield, loAvay Territory, will be raj first convenient postoffice, until another shall be established in the new territory just vacated by the Indians." It may jiossibly be an item of historical interest to the good people of the capital of Avhat is now one of the largest and most prosperous states of the Union to learn how nearly their city escaped the burden of a ridiculous name, and to what fortuitous incident is due the one that now attaches to it. "I have named the new post,'' writes Captain Allen at this time, "Fort Raccoon, to which I respectfully ask the sanction of the Secretary of War. ... I have recommended this name because the place has already a great notoriety under such designation for a great distance ar(nind it, as 'Raccoon River,' 'Raccoon Forks,' 'Raccoon,' etc., etc., by all of which it is known as perhaps the most conspicuous point in this territorj'^, and no other name will so well designate the position of the new i)ost.'' It is not surprising that this suggestion did not strike the authorities at Washington with the same force as it did the more practical mind of its worthj^ com mandant. "Fort Iowa would be a \'ery good name,'' en- dorses Adjutant General Jones on the papers, which he submits to General Scott, "but 'Raccoon' would be shock- ing; at least in very bad taste.'' It is probable that Gen- eral Scott agreed with this vieAV of the case, for a foAV days later he informs Captain Allen that the word "Raccoon" 102 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY is uot considered a proper designation for a military post, and that nntil otlierwise directed, he will call the post "Fort Des Moines." Captain Allen does uot give up his point without a struggle. "I am afraid," he writes later, "that the latter designation for the post will divert much of our mails and supplies to the late post of this name on the Mississippi, the recollection of which is yet in tlie minds of many of the postmasters and public carriers. I know that at Fort Atkinson, last year, most of my letters and papers came to me by the way of the old post of that name in Wisconsin, and with great delay. I will therefore respectfuUj', sug- gest and recommend that some name be given to this post to which this inconvenience may not attach." If Captain Allen had limited the commnuication to that subject alone, it is quite probable that his latter ob- jection would have been sustained, and some new name have been given to his post. But, unfortunately for him, if providential to the fort, he raised a point in that letter regarding the right of the post to "double rations" which at tlie tiine was a matter of contest between the War and Treasury departments, with the result that his letter was buried in some forgotten pigeon hole about the desk of the commanding general, from which it Avas not extracted until nearly two years afterwards. By that date the lapse of time liad carried with it the main objection of Captain Allen, and the name of Des Moines had so long attached to the fort, that equal objection would have forbidden a change. To this trifling circumstance, the mislaying of a document, the present capital city of Iowa undoubt- .edly owes its name. On the afternoon of the 20th of May, Captain Allen with his company of dragoons, four officers and forty-eight men. AXD THE CITY OF DES MOJXES. 103 landed at the new site, and went into camp, where they were joined on the 21st by Captain J. E.B.Gardenier's com- pany "F," ft' th^^ l^t Infantry, two officers and forty-four men. The handing was made at the point where the Court Avenue bridge now stands, the camp being laid out along the west bank of the Des Moines at the edge of the belt of timber that extended along the river front, and about the present line of Second street. First Lieutenant John H. King of the 1st Infantry (who subsequently reached high rank in the army and was retired as colonel of the 9th Infantrj') was appointed adjutant of the post, and Second Lieutenant C. F. Ruff, of the Dragoons, quartermaster and commissary. Captain Allen being in command of th*^ post, the command of his company devolved upon First Lieutenant William N. Greer, who was retired fortj' years later as colonel of the Third Cavalry; that of the Infantry company being under the charge of its captain, J. E. B. Gardenier, who died in 1850, while still in command of this company. These, with Dr. John S. Griffin, the sur- geon of the post, constituted the first roster of Fort Des Moines. The command immediately fell to work erecting quar- ters and laying out its gardens, building first a tempo- rary wharf at the "Point" so often mentioned hj Captain Allen, at the convergence of the two s,treams. The first building erected was the public storehouse, at a point some^flfty yards from the north bank of the Raccoon. This was first completed, followed by the hospital at the north- ern boundary of the camp about three hundred yards from the west bank of the Des Moines, which was first occupied about the twentieth of June. The companj' quarters, built of logs, one story in height, -ndth puncheon floors, and capable of comfortably quartering ten men each, were next 104 AKNALS OF POLK COUNTY <'ommenced at the northwest of the storehouse; and still fiu-ther to the west, the stables for the dragoons, behind which were the corrals, and beyond, following down the north bank of the Raccoon, the company gardens. In the fall, the quarters for the officers were begun, to the I'ight of the storehouse along the west bank of the Des Moines, and another garden laid out, across the Raccoon, in the angle formed by the south bank of the latter and the west bank of the Des Moines. The conunanding officer's quarters stood on the site now occupied by the Des Moines & Fort Dodge railway station, and the front of the officers' quarters, along the line of Second sitreet near the track of the Keokuk and Des Moines railroad. One of the first acts of the council of administration was the selection of Mr. Robert A. Kinzie as post trader, who immediatelj^ proceeded to erect his store and dwelling at a point to the northwest of the flag- staff, where now stands the Sherman block, at the corner of Third street and Court avenue. Permits to cultivate patches of land in the vicinity of the post in order that they miglit purvey for the garrison, were granted Benj. B. Bi-yant, John Sturtevant and Alexander Turner. J. M. Thrift, a discharged soldier, was given a room in the quarters to open a tailor shop, and Charles Weatherford to build a blacksmith shop. These people, together with Dr. T. K. Brooks, James Drake and J. B. Scott, all attaches of the garrison, formed the first (-(Jony of Fort Des Moines. By the time the winter of 1843-44 had fairly set in, all the buildings Avere under roof, and the command abandon- ing their tentsi, moved in and made themselves as ann- fortable as the circumstances of their isolated position would permit. The contractor for supplying the post AXD THE CITY OF DES MOTXES. 105 with forage aud beef, Mr. J. B. Bcott, of Fairfield, had erected and that winter occupied, tlie largest and most comfortable house on the reserTation. By the terms of liis contract, dated April 18, 1843, it was agreed by tlie United States that: "The said J. B. Scott .shall be permitted to open and cultivate a farm in the Indian country to embrace at least one section of land of 64:0 acres, the said farm to be selected by the said Scott at any place not nearer than one mile of the said military post from any single body of land not appro])riated to the purposes of the said military post, or for the Indian villages or the licensed trading houses in the country. The said Scott to enjoj' the use 'and the benefit of the said farm until the time that the Indians shall have left the country agree- ably to their late treaty with the United States to remove south of the Missouri Elver; provided that the said Scott shall from time to time faithfully execute all his agree- ments of this contract and provided further that he shall not violate any law of the United States regulating trade and intercourse in the Indian country nor any proper regulation of the said military post or order of the com- manding oiflcer." Under this agreement Mr. Scott had selected a section of land on the o^jposite or east bank of the Des Moines; the center of his western boundary line being opposite the ferry, and liis residence, built at the noi*thwestern corner of his farm, directly opposite the site of the officers' quar- ters at the fort. Adjoining Scott's farm to the north, a half section had been assigned to the Messrs. (xeorge Washington and Washington George Ewiug, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, who had been granted trading i)erniits. The log house built by the Ewing brothers, was the first dwelling house raised on the east bank. Adjoining the southern boundary of the Scott farm was a thick growth of timber, sometw^o miles in width, at the eastern edge of which was the residence and farm of the Phelps brothers, 106 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY who were trading Avith the Indians under a permit from their agent, Mr. John Beach. Next to the Phelps farm was the residence and buildings of the Indian agent, the latter being about four miles in a direct east line from the flagstaff of the fort. These parties were all occupy- ing their premises during the first winter of the new post. With the opening of spring their numbers were largely in- creased by white settlers, who hoped to pre-empt the lands in advance of tlie treaty, and their importunities and fre- quent overt act.5, caiised no little annoyance to Captain Allen and his officers, as none of them were permitted to settle on the premises. They, however, hovered about the vicinity, ekiug out a precarious living in various ways, to await the expiration of the three years. The necessity of watching these vagabond speculators, and at the same time endeavoring to restrain the restless instincts of his more particular charges, the Sacs and Foxes, afforded the commandant of the fort sufficient employment for his meagre force. The settlements all about them had the consequent re- sult of tempting the Indians to depredations and trespass, and wlien restrained from these acts, to war upon their neighbors, the Sioux. In February, 1844:, upon the requi- sition of the Governor of the territory. Captain Allen left the fort with an officer and twenty-nine men, to find a party of these trespassing Indians and remove them back to the reservation. He accomplished this; task without much trouble, returning to the fort within a few weeks, but was called upon to repeat the work at intervals during the whole period of his occupancy. These tribes do not u]> pear at any time to have been other than mischievous, no serious offense being laid to tlieir cliarge. During this season Lieutenant King left the post on an AND TEE CITY OF DES MOIXES. 107 extended leave of absence, and was succeeded in the ad- jutancy by Brevet Second Lieutenant Joseph H. Potter, and later by First Lienteuant Robert S. Granger, both of whom a few years later were brevetted for distinguished services in the war with Mexico, and subsequently reach- ed the highest grade in their profession. As the time drew nearer for the termination of the treaty, the duties of the garrison increased. Hundreds of settlers were "squatting" along the boundaries ready to pounce upon the lands the moment they were evacuated by the Indians, and their frequent incursions over the line, which were usually accompanied by the shooting of one or more of the Indians, followed by acts of reprisal, required all the good judgment and discretion of the commandant to maintain the peace. Nor Avas this the least difficult of his duties. It became evident as the time drew nearer, that so strong was the disinclination of the tribes to leave their country, that many of them would not go, until removed by force. So trying was the situation during the summer of 1845, that Captain Allen with his dragoons, was almost constantly in the field; being aided in this patrol of the district by Captain Sumner's company from Fort Atkin- son. On the 29th of August, 1845, he writes the Department in regard to the situation, and in strong disapproval of the assumed intention of the Government to abandon the post at the expiration of the treaty : "I think the post ought not to be abandoned until after the Indians shall have, left the country and gone to their new^ home south of the Missouri Eiver. This they will not do before the time mentioned in their late treaty — October 12, 1845 — and I fear that many of them will not go until they shall be forced to do so. "If then they are to be removed by troops, this garrison will be the most convenient for the purpose. Moreover, lOS ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY after the 12tli of October, it Avill be too late to remove the l)nblic stores to another post -n'ithout expense aud iucon- veuieuce; and the contract for forage and other supplies being- let for the Avinter, and much of them delivered, the THE CITY OF DE8 MOINES. 119 came the bustling haunt of white soldiers, of traders and pioneers. Soon after the arrival of the troops a trading post was established on the east side of the river. In fact, accord- ing to the memorandum of Benjamin Bryant, the traders were a few days in advance of the steamer lone and the soldiers. This says: "May 3, 1843, the Ewings landed a keelboat at the water's edge on the east side of the Des Moines Ifiver, laden with goods, corn, some provisions, and tools with which to build a trading house." The Ewings also built a log cabin to be used as a dwelling, the first in the future city. These Indian traders, George W. and Washington G. Ewing, were from Fort Wayne, Indiana. They had first traded with the Miamis on the Wabash, and afterwards extended their operations to numerous other Indian tribes throughout a vast stretch of country, and had previously dealt with the Sacs and Foxes. They had the exclusive right to this trade at this point, though it also appears that hj an arrangement between the parties Phelps & Co., of Fulton, 111., a branch of the American Fur company had the right of dealing with the Indians for furs, etc. This firm built their trad- ing house farther down the river, near the present site of the packing houses. The agency buildings were also placed on the east side situated near the elegant residence subsequently built by the late Wesley Bedhead. These agency buildings remained standing for a number of years. The wife of the son of the writer was born in this old agency building. While the Indians remained, here lived Major Beach, the Indian agent, and with him was generally to be found Joseph vSmart, the interpreter. Major Beach was a gradu- 120 ANNALS OF FOLK COUNTY ate of West Point, had served in the United States army, and several years before had resigned liis commission. He married the daughter of Gen. Street, the noted Indian commissioner and agent, and upon his death was ap- pointed government agent for the Sacs and Foxes. He Avas an honorable, upright man, faithful to his trust, and highly respected alike by Indian.s and whites. Smart, the interpreter, was a valuable assistant to hiui, and made liis services indispensable to both whites and Indians, he being popular with Indians, soldiers and civilians. The first merchant of Des Moines was Robert A. Kin- zie, who held the position of sutler to the post. He had his store room near where the Prouty Avholesale grocery now is, east of the Roclv Island depot. He was not allowed to trade with the Indians, and confined liis sales to the soldiers and the few others then in and around the post. No white man was allowed in tlie limits of this ter- ritory until after the expiration of the Indian title, except by special permission of the Indian agent or the military authorities. Among the few who obtained these special permits and aftei'wards made claims were: John B. Scott, Wilson Alexander Scott, traders and farmers; James Drake, blacksmith and gunsmith; John Sturte- vant, ^Vlexander Turner and William Lamb, were permit- ted to open claims and raise corn for the agency troops. •Tosepli M. Tlirift was tlie tailor, and did the making and patching of the clothes of soldiers and civilians, while Charles Worthington and a man named Baker looked after tlie shoeing of the horses. These were the first mechanics of the future great city. Dr. Griftin, surgeon of the post, attended to the health of soldiers and citizens, and was soon assisted and followed by Dr. Thomas K. Brooks, Avho was for years a prominent, popular and use- AXD THE CITY OF DEi^ MOIXES. 121 ful citizen of the city and county. Peter Newcomer, in February, 1844:, obtained permission of Captain Allen to make a claim on agency prairie east of the capitol, if he woukV build a bridge oyer Four Mile Creek on the road leading to the southeast. The bridge was built and Peter made his yaluable claim and held it for many years. Thomas Mitchell, so prominent in the history of the county and so universally esteemed by all, came into the county in April, 1844, and was giyen permission to make a claim on Camp Creek, in the eastern portion of the county, if he would build a bridge oyer that stream. This was on the road both to Iowa City and Keokuk, and oyer the latter were hauled most of the supplies for the gar- rison and settlers. Mr. Mitchell built the bridge, and as the travel increased when the lands were opened to white settlers he opened a hotel at his place, Apple Grove. He was virtually forced into this, as travelers would stop with him, tavern or no tavern, and he was too hospitable and kind-hearted to^ turn them away. For fifteen or twenty years the fame of Tom Mitchell's hostelry Avas abroad in the land. There the weary traveler or emi- grant was certain of clean, wholesome food, good beds and a hospitable welcome. The main traveled roads from Iowa City and Oskaloosa came together a short distance east of Mitchell's and all coming from the east had to pass his house, and soon few there were who did not stop with him for a time. Hungry and discontented travelers, by coach, private conveyance or on foot, would grumble at tlie accommodations at other places and then brighten up with the cheerful thought or remark: "Wait until we get to Tom Mitchell's, and then we will be all riglit." The only blacl^smith shop, operated hy Worthington and Baker, was within the limits of the Fort on the west 122 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY side of the rivei-, and their principal work was shoeing the horses of the dragoons. The coal they used is said to have been procured from the banks along the river, and some of it from the exposed vein at Rattlesnake Bend. The first coal shaft and stone quarry is said to have been opened in 1843 by Captain Allen and A. K Hays. The stone was not of the best quality, and the coal being taken from the first ^ein was not of the superior quality of that mined later and taken from the lower veins. Then there Avas not much demand for coal as the abundant timber along the rivers and streams near by made wood conveni- ent and cheap for use as fuel. In fact it was not until years after that coal became so much of an object and the mining of it was carried on Avith skill and success. See chapter on coal. Frojn the data Ave have gleaned we find Des Moines in the first year of her growth to sum up a toAvn as f oIIoavs : The garrison, consisting of from one hundred to one hun- dred and twenty officers and enlisted men; Kinzie, the sut- ler; Worthington and Baker, blacksmiths; Dr. Griflin, the surgeon; Joseph M. Thrift, the tailor; the Scott, Lamb and Turner families; Indian Agent Beach and Interpreter Joseph Smart; the E wings trading store; Sturtevant »&: Drake, gunsmiths; Phelps & Co., fur dealers; Benjamin Bryant, and a feAV other attaches of the traders and the post. These were all the white people Avithin a radius of one mile of Eaccoon Forks, now included Avithin the city of Des Moines, which according to the census of 1895, con- tains a population of 56,359, and will approximate over 100,000 at the close of the century, now only five years distant. All these changes have been made in a period of fifty-two years. The navigation of the Des Moines River Avas precarious, AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 123 to say the least, aud steamboats could make the trip only during the high water of the spring and earl 3' summer, and at that time there were no great inducements for boats to often make this dangerous and tedious trip. One boat could in one trip carrj^ goods and provisions enough to sup- ply for many months the wants of the few and scattered settlers then living one hundred or more miles above the mouth of the river. At that time the natural tendency of trade was toward the Mississippi Elver and on to St. Louis. Chicago was then aud for years afterward, comparatively unknown. Hence the first roads opened were in a southeasterly direction to reach the mills toward the mouth of the river for flour and corn meal and to obtain supplies of dry goods, groceries, etc., from St. Louis by way of Keokuk and Burlington. Thus we find Captain Allen, in the first year of his occupancy of the post of Fort Des Moines, planning and laying out a military road from his post to Tool's Point, now Monroe, in Jasper county. There a connection could be made with a road leading on to Oska- loosa, Eddyville, Ottumwa, the old Agency, and then on either to Burlington or Keokuk. It should be remem- bered that in 1843 Eddyville was the first town onthe river below the Fort, and between these two small villages there Avere no settlements; nothing but an uninhabited country of prairie and timber. Eddjwille was settled in June, 1813, and that year had less than a dozen families. Ottumwa was settled about the same time and shortly after had many more inhabitants, not counting the soldiers, than had Des Moines. To open this road, so important to these early settlers. Captain Allen, commandant of the Fort and Major Beach, the Indian agent, gave permission, as previously stated, to Peter Newcomer, to make a claim if he would build a 124 ANNALf^ OF POLK COUNTY bridjie over Four Mile Creek, and the privilege was given Thomas Mitchell for a bridge over Camp Creek, and other inducements were held out to others to improve or make passable this much-needed road, over which the most of their necessary supplies must be transported. And it was not expected to make of it one of the improved high- ways of the present day; if it could only be made passable by bridging some of the worst streams, this would be suf- ficient. The travelers along the road must do the rest. Until the erection of a grist mill on Middle Kiver by (!'ap- taiu Allen and John D. Parmelee, tlie settlers were com- pelled to go from fifty to more than one hundred miles below for the flour and meal they used. They were com- pelled to take their "grist"' as far as Bentonsport, Fairfield, and a few other distant mills, and later on to Oskaloosa and other mills later built farther up the river. They were compelled to haul their grain these long distances over rough and unimproved and often unbridged roads, more trails than highways, in all kinds of weather, and then per- haps be compelled to wait days at the mill before their "grist was ground," or they could exchange their grain for flour and meal. And not unfrequently, when flour and meal were gone, they and their families were compelled for days and weeks to use as a substitute for flour and meal, cracked wheat and corn and hominy. And yet with all these hardships and privations they managed to extract no little enjoyment out of tliis frontier life, and certainly were, if we are to believe the testimony of many of them, as healthy, happy and content as at any other period of their lives. Their sons and daughters of to-day, sur- rounded as tliey are with all the appliances and luxuries of civilization, nmy Avonder at tliese statements of the early settlers, and yet their truth is beyond dispute. AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 125 The object in keepiiii; the United States troops liere was primarily to Iveep tlie peace betAveen the Sioux and Sacs and Foxes, wlif» were, and liad been for many years, sworn foes to each otlier, and liad often met in deadly conflict. The Sionx then overrun northwestern Iowa, but seldom came as low down as the Raccoon Forks. They, however, controlled all the country around the headwaters of the Des Moines River and the two up2:)er forks thereof. As stated previously, there was a strip fort_y miles wide pass- ing from the east in a soutlnvesterly direction between Fort Des Moines and Fort Dodge, which was designated as "Neutral Ground," and was intended to keep the Sioux and the Sacs and Foxes, lowas, etc., as far apart as possi- ble, and prevent collisions between these inveterate foes. Several alarms were given that the Si. Savior settle()])s. He nunh' the first setf lenient in the J)es Moines valley north of the city. An unmarried man by the name of (1. I>. (Mark, in 1844, was permitted to make a idaim in what is now Allen township, and there bnilt two cabins. He was drowned a year or two after^\ard in the ri\ er, near XeAVconu^r's Point. Isaac Cooper, a former well known citizen, settled on Four ^lile in-Anynst, 1845. John I>. Parmelee settled near the pres- ent town of Carlisle, now in Warren county, in 1843, and in connection Avitli Captain Allen, operated the first saw mill, and in the following year the first grist mill, in this section. Dr. Tlnnnas K. Brooks came in 1845, a short time previous to the removal of the troops. William F. Ayers was also here at that time. William Mason, afterward for many years a citizen of Warren county, made shingles for the Fort buildings, and afterwards assisted in erecting the Parmelee mill. October 11, 1845, was the date fixed when the Indian occupancy of these lands Avas to expire, and the fame of their beauty, extent and fertility bad spread east and south into other states, and many liomediunters made their arrangements for settling upon anES ]f(>fXES. 141 18J:(J to 1847 a .i;ain of less than six liiuidred appears to have been made in the jtopuhitiou of the eounty. Then it became move rapid, ami in 1850, less than five yeai's after tlie Indians luu'i left, the total jiopnlation of the county had jnmjied from 1,301 to 4,513. A. ]>. Jones, Avho ])]atted as a sur\'eyor the original town of Fort l)es Moini^s, in his reminiscences before the Early Settlers" Association, gi\-es the names of the prin- cipal citizens of the new town in An<;nst, 184(). They were : Ezra Kathbnn, father, two young ladies and two young men; 1). Bolenberger and wife, W. W. (lapp and wife, James Campbell, wife and two or three children; Mr. Thorp and several children, Mr. Morris, wife and children, Sam Vanalter, wife and children; B. T. Hoxie, wife and children; Martin Tuclcer, Avife and several children; Col- onel Thomas Baker, wife and several children; Mr. Ca- vee, wife and two children; William Wai'd and wife. Perry Wear and wife, William F. Ayers, wife and chil- dren; Addison Michael, wife and child; Colonel John Rose, wife and children; Mr. Crowe and wife. Perry L. Crossman, wife and child; Joseph Thrift and family; John Ehle, wife and child; Mr. Busick, wife and children. The following names of young ladies are given: Misses Mary Thorp and sister, Melissa Hoxie, Letitia Tucker, Miss Kirkbide and Jemima Scott. Of the unmarried gentlemen there were: George A. Michael, Dr. Kirkbride, Thomas McMullen, P. M. Casady, L. McHenry, Louis Whitten, Major William 'McKay and Jonathan and Levi Rath- bun. During the ])eriod, from 1845 to 1850, the town of Fort Des Moines continued to increase in iiopulation, but not with the rapidity of after years. In some respects it was 142 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY of slow growth during these five years. The town was not then incorporated, thongh the town had been officially declared the county seat in 1846, and in June of the same year A. I). Jf»nes, county surveyor, had been ordered to plat the town. The grounds occupied by and reserved as the military post, had by act of Congress been granted to the county for the purpose of a county seat, and one hundred and forty-three and one-third acres entered in the names of the county commissioners under the pre-emp- tion laws of the liuited States. Surveyor Jones com- pleted the platting of the original town, and on July 8, 1846, B. Saylor and W. H. Meachem, county commision- ers, executed a deed of dedication of the streets, alleys, public grounds, etc., and made an official filing of the original plat. It was ordered that the lots be sold at pub- lic auction on Juh^ 15, 1846, and that notice of this sale be published in the Iowa City Reporter, Burlington Ilawkeye and Keosauf|ua Democrat. Then Des Moines had no newspaper, and now it has more population, ranch more, than all three of the cities mentioned, and news- papers by the score. These lots were sold on the following terms: "One-sixth cash in hand, the balance in three equal installments, in six, twelve and eighteen months.'" The sale was' well attended for that day, but only a com- paratively small portion of the lots Avere then sold. Lots were then and afterAvardsi:>urchased for less than one hnn- dr(-d dollars, ^Ahich have since sold for nmu}' thousands of dollars. The lots not sold at public sale were subse- ipiently all sold by the county to private purchasers', and in a year or two were all disjiosed of. The lots lying toAvards "The Point" on Second Street, commanded the highest ])rice, the lot on the corner of Second and Market bringing .|106. The high priced Walnut street lots of today were then about the lowest in price. AND TJIE CITY OF DEf< MOINES. US The first "grocery" permits granted by the board of commissioners were to W. W. Clapp and Addison Mich- ael, who paid twenty-five dollars a year for the privilege of selling intoxicating liquors. They were among the first of the dealers in groceries, dry goods, etc. Benjamin T. IToxie was also one of the first, if not the first, to open a general store for the sale of goods. James Campbell was also one of the first, with a general store, and also sold licinors. For a number of years he "\^'as a leading mer chant, and is now a well known resident of tlie city. Chap- man & Thompson, general store; B. F. Allen and Sam Y. Keene, general store; William Krauss, clothing, etc. ; A. Xewton, general store; L. D. Winchester, drugs; D. P. W. Day, dry goods, etc.; Jesse Dicks, hardware; Charles Good, drugs; W. W. Moore, drugs, and afterwards gen- eral store; John Tyler, Peter Myers, and Wiley C. Moore, clerks and dealers; C. D. Reinking, furniture; William Deford, blacksmith; William F. Ayers and Joseph M. Thrift, tailors; Martin Monshun, livery, hack line and mail carrier. In Januarj^, 1S47, the board of commissioners decided upon building a court house for the county and asked for plans for the same, but not until the following October were plans adopted. October 7, it was ordered that a court house be built upon lot 7, in block 7, in the original town of Fort Des Moines. This is where the Wabash and Des Moines Union railroad depot now stands, south of the present court house. It was ordered: "vSaid house shall be twentj'- four feet by thirty-six feet, two stories high." Plans Avere ordered drawn for this by John C. Jones. Subsequently, November, 1847, this plan was rejected, and another adopted, providing for a temporary court house. "The size of said court house shall be 26x52 feet. 144 AXXALH OF POLK COUNTY the foundation to be of stoue, extending eighteen inches belo'O' and twelve inches above tlie surface of the ground; wall to be made of l»rick and to be tAvo stories liigh; loAver oi- basement story to be nine feet high, and the thickness of the wall in the lower story to be eighteen inches; upper story to be eight feet high, and the thitdvuess of the wall in said story to be hfteen inches." And Louis Whitten \>'as "allnwod" to i>rocnre a draft and specitications of the foregoing plan, and it A\as oi-dored that a contract be let at tlie follo'\\-iug January term. January *>, 1S48, there appeared tliree bids; \\'. A. Scott, -f 4,9!t9.99; W. W.Jones and W. II. dose, |2,!)00; John Saylor, .f 1,950.50. Some alterations were mad'' in the plans and the cy OF POLK COUNTY Assemblj appointed Thomas M. Hughes, of Johusou, M. Z. Williams, (if Mahaska, and Giles M. Pinneo, of Scott connty, to make the location. It may seem strange to us of this day, but the fact was there Avas doubt for a time as to which of the competing towns would be the winner. The commissioners were slow in organizing and getting to work, and local excitement ran high. It is mentioned as a historical fact that Dr. Fagan, Thos. Mitchell and two others went to Iowa Cit}' (then no pleasant journey in the winter time), to lobby in the General Assembly, and by their efforts secured the passage of an act transferring the four northern townships of Warren coimty to Polk county. This threw Fort Des Moines more in tlie center of the county, added to her friends and helped secure finally the county seat. Thf)se townships were a few years later returned to Warren connty, where they really belonged. They were only borrftwed for a little time on a special occasion. This county seat trouble was finally and let us all hope, forever settled by the action of the commissioners who selected Fort Des Moines as the place. After a little grumbling this action of the com- missioners was cheerfully acquiesced in by all the inter- ested parties, and Brooklyn disappeared with many another once ambitious but now dead and forgotten town of Iowa. The commissioners traveled over ,the county for more than one week looking at proposed county seats, among others taking a look at Uncle Jerry (Jhurch's new town of Dudley, some two miles east of the present town of Carlisle, in Warren county, but, much to Uncle Jerry's chagrin, ])ronounced it too low and subject to overtlow. However, when a year or two later the waters of the Des Moines covered all his town site he was forced to admit the commissioners were not without good judgment. On AXD THE CITY OF DE^^ MOINES. 149 May 25, 1846, the people of Fort Des Moines aud their friends had a grand jollification over the action of the commissioners, firing log and other guns, giving a big din- ner, and closing with speeches, music and dancing. They were happy; Fort Des Moines was the county seat of Polk county! Mr. Jones states: "March 1, 1846, the first marriage was solemnized between John Beard and Mary Jane Wel- man, by Jle\. Mr. Post. The license was procured fr(jm Marion County." A. D. Jones' opponent for county surveyor got more votes than he did on the face of the returns, but Joues contested and secured the office, aud by virtue of it com- menced the survey of the town of Fort Des Moines on June 4. 1846. Among the items of interest given by Mr. Jones in his letter are the following: "Martin Tucker started the first hotel. The first preacher of Polk county was Ezra llathbun, Methodist, and about the smartest preacher we ever had in the county. Besides that he was a gentleman, and not to disparage others of his profession, he was every way their superior. "On Jnne 10, 1846, the first marriage license in the county was issued to Benjamin Bryant and Barbara Elvira Birge. "We celebrated the Fourth of July, 1846, with Tom Baker, orator; Major McKay, reader of Declaration of Independence; Messrs. Winchester, France and iricott, marshals, and myself acting as president of the day. Toasts were read and cheered. About two hnndred peo- ple were in attendance. The day was very warm. Din- ner, one dollar per couple. A dance was hehl at night. Take the day through it was a pleasant and jolly gath- ering. "The lawyers in town July 23, 1846, were: Thos. 150 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY Baker, W. D. Frazee, P. M. Casadj', L. D. Winchester and William McKay. Phj'siciaus: Dr. Fagan, a graduate of St. Louis, aud Dr. Kirkbride. "One store, assessed at $1,500, kept by B. T. Hoxie, one dry goods and grocery store, by A. Michael, a grocery and provision store, by W. W. Clapp, a grocery (saloon) and place of amusement, by J. Campbell, a tavern by M. Tucker, an apothecary shop, by L. D. Winchester, a turner and chair factory, by Mr. Van Matlang, wagon maker and carpenter, D. Solenberger, millwright, John Ehle, and W. F. Ayers, tailor, A. Michael, justice of the peace, and Jesse I\. Miller, constable. Methodist church with two ministers, Ezra Eathbun aud father, and a, Baptist church. "July 23, 181G, I made it my business to take the census. There were eleven young ladies and thirteen young gen- tlemen, who were proper subjects for matrimonv- "A very perceptible difference formerly was noticed in reference to the waters of the Des Moines and 'Coon rivers, the former being much the warmer at the same hour." On the original site of Des Moines Avere several mounds, the principal ones being where W. W. Moore's buildings and Wonderland Museum now stand, corner f>f Fourth and Walnut streets, and also on the court house square. It is claimed by some that they were i)rehistoric work, and the Indians knew nothing of their origin. A. D. Jones, the surveyor, however, claims they were nothing but the debris and accumulations around the fallen resi- dences of Indians formerly inhabiting this region. He contends they were not graves, though it is claimed the early settlers found in them human bones and other relics. W. W. Moore l)ouglit the bhxdc mentioned in 1852 for .f (300, and lived with his family for several years in a neat frame cottage perched high above the present grade. He yet owns most of the block which is now Avorth much more than one hundred times what he paid for it something over forty years ago. AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 151 W. W. Moore says the first Sunday after he arrived in Fort Des Moines there was a horse race, attended by many pef>ple, and stores were open as usuah He dis- played goods in front of Lyon & Allen's store the same as npon other days. The original Indian race track ran diagonally from abont where the Kirkwood Honse stands towards and Avest of the conrt honse sqnare, passing over the ground where the Methodist church once stood, and where now is the large Iowa Loan and Trust building. There were many exciting races over the track in the early days. Later there was a race track further west, aaid in 1855 Dr. James Campbell and others arranged a race track on the bottom south of "Coon River. These were generally running races, a single dash of one-quarter of a mile, and mone^' was often freely staked upon them in considerable amounts. Watches and other personal property were also frequently staked upon the results, and in a few instances it is said town lots, then not as val- uable as now, were wagered ou a horse race. Foot races were also common. The Indians were very fond of rac- ing, and always had ponies they would run, and many of them were inveterate gamesters. They were generally what was termed "square gamblers," and paid their losses Avithout grumbling, though they not unfrequently werewinners from the Avliites. The latter were also fond of die sport and excitement and races were of frequent oc- currence. Later on, in 1855, shortly after his arrival here, the Avriter Avas induced to Avager .|40 on tAvo foot races, and quickly lost it all. The Avinning runner in one of these races has recently been running* as a canvasser for this History. The writer not long afterwards had the sat- isfaction of defeating an Indian in a foot race and thus recouped a portion of the money he had lost. 152 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY The lirst drug store was opened by Dr. F. C. Grimmell, who, Avith his wife and five children, came from Perry county, Ohio. From their old to their new home they came OA^erland with teams, and brought not only household goods, but also a stock of drugs, arriving in Fort Des Moines on October 15, 1846. The only vacant house they could find for immediate use was the old square house of the garrison, two rooms about fourteen feet square, with small ircju-barred windows. Two sides of the rooms were filled with the drugs, etc., and the remainder occu- pied by the famil}' and goods. In the spring of 1847 Dr. Grimmell made a claim on eighty acres of land lying uorth from Grand avenue to School street, east to Fourth and west to Eighth street. At that time this valuable tract was covered with oak grubs and hazel brush, and in places it was difficult for a man to pass through it. The same spring the Doctor erected a log cabin where tlie large Catholic church now stands, and a stable on the lot where n((w reside the Sisters of Charity. Shortly after he erected a frame dwelling in front of the log cabin, and was much delayed in finishing the same because of the scarcity of finishing lumber and lime. In this building in June, 1848, the Doctor's daughter, Augusta, was married to P. M. Casady, and in this same house some years after, Cliarles L. Kahler, our well known business man, was also married. In 1850-7 Dr. Grimmell erected the fine brick mansion on the brow of the hill on the large lot on the east side of Sixth avenue, between Chestnut and Park streets. It was at the time, and for several years after, the largest and best residence in the city. Dr. F. C. Grimmell died, much lamented by the many who knew him, in February, 1862. Subsequently Gen. J. M. Tuttle purchased this residence and Avith his family lived in it for a number of years. HON. PHINEAS M. CASSADY. AND THE CITY OF DE,S MOIXE^S. 153 From 1845 to 1850 farms were beint;- rapidly opened and settlements made in different portions of tlie county. And as was to be expected, many towns sprung up, some of which have lived and enjoyed various degrees of pros- perity up to this day, while others have entirely disap- peared and are now only a memory of the past, Saylor- ville was laid out August 10, 1850, by John Baylor, and James Ewing built the first frame house there. Polk City was platted in November, 1850, by George Beebe, who built another mill, opened up a stock of dry goods and groceries, sold lots and generally pushed the town. John Houser laid out the rival town of Montacute a few miles south, and had there a general store, post office, etc., but in a few years the town practically ceased to exist. The town of Coiydon, on the river, was started later, in 1853, and flourished moderately for a time. In the latter part of 1849 Dr. A. Y. Hull and his associates became interested in the town of Lafayette, previously started by Charles Freely, on the Des Moines River, in Camp township. There was a public sale of lots January 12, 1850, they selling at a low price with the understanding the pur- chaser would build upon the same. The result was a number of houses, generally small, were soon erected in the town. The settlement of the town actually com- menced in 1848, though the public sale of lots was not had until two years later. The town of Adelphi, a fe^v miles above, Avas also named and settled at a later date, by Val- erius Young, in 1850. Jerry Church's town of Dudley, in Allen township, was also located by him at an early day and he had high hopes of its future prosperity, but these were all drowned out by the floods of 1851 and the high waters of subsequent years. Other towns may have died natural deaths, but the floods swept Uncle Jerry's away. 154 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY By the bei;iuiiiiig of 1850 farms Avere opened in every portion of the county, though these settlements were then frequently some miles apart, and there were in the county broad stretches of prairie Avhere not a single house C(nild be seen. In those days the new settler thought he must settle, if possible, in or near timber, and because of this the rich open prairie lands, now the best, were then avoided. A large portion of these prairie lands were then unenteieil and remained unsold by the Government. In fact it wa-i nearly ten years thereafter before all the available government lands in. the county were entered either for settlement or speculation. During the '4(ls the town of Fort Des Moines was small, but it was growing, and its citizens, as much as to-day,, were alive to its future possibilities. These possibilities were by many of them regarded as probabilities, and they endeavored to bring them into the field of certainties. It was generally understood that Iowa City was only to be the temporary capital of the state, and that it would in tinu' be removed farther west to a more central loca- tion. In 1848-0 the General Assembly had appointed a commission to select the capital, and this commission had chosen a location on the prairie divide between the waters of the Des Moines and tr^knuk rivers, near the present town of Monroe, Jasper county. There was not even a settle- ment within four miles of the location chosen. But a sec- tion of land was laid out in lots for a future city, and many of them sold at good prices. The selection was ridiculed, the commissioners cliarged with being fo(dish or corrupt, and the General Asseuibly would not approve. That ])ro- ject was a dead failure. But even in the '40s, as pre- viously stated, the citizens and friends of Fort Des Moines were at work and then started the project of removal AND THE CITY OF DE& MOTNES. 155 which only a few .years later resulted in making Des Moines the permanent capital of the state of Iowa. Then there was no "divisive strife" — they all worlced harmoni- ously together for the common good. During these first years tliere were no bridges over the rivers, but ^V. A. Scott maintained boat ferries over both the Des Moines and liaccoon rivers, and these accommo- dated the public when the waters were too high for safe fording. In glancing over a copy of the Iowa Star, printed in November, 1849, we find in its advertising columns the names of the following business and professional men then in Fort Des Moines: Lawyers: John M. Perry, Lewis Whitten — Perry & Whitten; P. M. Casady, P. L. Tidrick— Casady & Tidrick; Aemilius T. Kejmolds, Barlow Granger, C. P. Jones; also the cards of Lysander W. Babbitt, attorney at Knoxville, and William T. Smith, attorney at Oskaloosa. The lat- ter is now a well-known resident of Des Moines. Physicians: E. T. Col left, I). V. Cole, J. M. Vaughn. Dry goods and groceries: Lyon & Allen, E. Wise & Co., James Campbell, P. W. Sypher, and the German store, clothing and dry goods of Saner >t Co., and D. V. Cole & Co., advertise the opening of a new drug store. Miscellaneous: Barlow Granger, general land agent; A. B. Fuller, blacksmith; J. H. Posegate, gunsmith; Philip Johns, boot and shoe maker; John Butler, fashion- able tailor; Elias Feller, boot and shoe maker. The card of Curtis Bates, attorney at Iowa City, also appears. He soon after became one of the prominent citizens of Des Moines. The same paper also contains a notice of the first sale of lots, December 10, in Indianola, 156 anxal;>! of polk county the new county seat of Warren coimtj'. An advertise- ment of George B. Warden & Co., dealers in dry goods and groceries at Adel, also appears. The only hotel card of tlie town appearing is that of the Marvin House, corner of Third and Walnut sti'eets, kept by Benjamin Luce and William T. Marvin. B. F. Allen gives notice that he has lost a promissory note for .fl,000, signed by T. McMul- liu, and Andrew J. Stevens, secretary, publislies a school notice. A somewhat lengthy notice is given of a railroad meeting held at Winterset, and which urged the building of Avhat is now the Rock Island railroad. Evidently it was then hoped the main line of this road would pass through or near the then new town of Winterset. The Star in this issue gives an illustxatiou of how at that early day they all labored together in building up their town and county. They allowed no petty jealous- ies or selfish schemes to stand in the way. The Star was to have a comi^etitor or rival in its held, another news- paper, the Gazette, was to be established here by Lampson P. Sherman, and Col. Barlow Granger kindly and courteously gave it a welcome, saying: "We shall welcome the Gazette and hope the publisher will realize his most sanguine expectations. It tells well for the prosperity of this town — only a three-year-old — that two papers can be established with even a Inipe of being sustained. A little liberality from the different parties towards each other and both papers can be Avell kept up and assist in making knoAvu our superior ad- vantages." One J. P>. Newhall published, in the year named, in Chicago, a. book entitled, "A (Himpse of Iowa in ISKi." In this work he places the population of Polk county at 1,301, but adds: "It is believed now (July, 1S4G), the pop- ulation will reach 1,000. Number of perscms paying ])oll AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 157 tax this spriuy, 354. Voters in April, 190." Of tlie town of Fort Des Moiues tlie boolv says: "Tlie dragoons left ou the Sth and 10th of March, 1840, and after they left the permanent settlers consisted of four families, making all together abont twenty souls. It is thought there would have been more had there been accommodations for them." The book then giA'es the following: "For-t Des Moines Directory: Dry goods and groceries, B. T. Hoxie, A. Michael; hotel, Des Moines House, Martin Tucker; lawyers, Col. Baker, W. D. Frazee, William Mc- Kay; jihysicians, Dottors Fagan and Kirkbride; churches, two regularly organized, Methodist and Baptist, and one resident minister. Key. E. Rathbun; two groceries, one carpenter shop, one wagon maker, one blacksmith, one cabinet maker, one plasterer, bricklayer, etc.'' How would this brief directory compare with the large and voluminous Des Moines Business Directory of fifty years later— 1896? LAND SURVEYS. While to some the government plan of land surveys is familiar, yet by many it is not fully understood, and this brief explanation which we find in a former history, may not be out of place in this volume. The government system of land surveys provides for the division of the countrj' into small square portions of uni- form size, varying from that sha])e only when large rivers or lakes make it necessary. To begin such a division of lands there must be some fixed points to measure from. The first lines started from such points are of two kinds: Principal meridian, running north and south, and base lines, running east and west. The first lines were com- menceS' JilOIXES. 187 The Sherman building, on the corner of Court avenue and Second street, was erected in 1856, by Hoyt Sherman, P. M. Casady and E. L. Tidrick, and was when completed the best building of its day in the city. The corner room on the first floor was occupied by the banking house of brahch of the State Bank of Iowa. The next room was the Hoyt Sherman & Co.; and aftenv'ards by the Des Moines postoffice and book store of Wesley Redhead, and the east room was a dry goods store of John Tieruan. Law and land offices occupied the second floor, while the hall on the third floor was used for public entertainments and meet- ings, and at various times for theatrical and concert pur- poses. A year or two later the county offices were mostly moved into the building and the hall was used as a court room, the adjoining i^oms being utilized for the clerk's office and jury rooms. These were occupied by the county until in the '60s the present court house was ready for occupancy. Then most of the city offices and council chamber were in the Sherman building for a number of years. Thus it will be seen the Sherman building was prominent in the early history of city and county. In 1856-7, Captain F. E. West erected on the corner of Fourth and Court avenue what is now so well known as the Eegister building. It was a substantial and well built double-front, three-story building, and the first to move into it was Will Porter, with his State Journal printing office, which occupied the third floor. The corner room on the first floor was occupied by the banking house of B. F. Allen, and so occupied until his unfortunate failure some fifteen years thereafter. Keyes & Crawford and after- wards E. A. Knight & Co., occupied the east room and part of the upper floors with their large dry goods store, and in the rear of Allen's bank was located the U. S. land office. 188 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY For a time the present Plymouth Congregational church used a room on the second floor as a place of meeting and the other rooms were used as law and land offices. About this time or a little later, Dr. Wm. Baker & Co. built a brick three-story building on the southeast corner of Court avenue and Third street, to be occupied by their large drug store, and this building stands to-day substan- tially as it was originally built, and though Dr. Baker, one of the pioneer druggists of the citj^, has been dead for several years, the old firm name is yet retained. Soon after this was erected, Frank M. Mills & Co. built another three- story brick immediately east of the Baker building and occupied it entirely with their large book and job printing house, which ultimately grew to be the largest in the state and fully equal to the best in Chicago or the west In 1856, Cook, Sargent & Cook, of which firm Ira Cook was the resident member, built a brick building, on Wal- nut street, next to the alley between Third and Fourth streets. This was occupied by this banking house for a few years, and then became the property of Carter & Hussey, printers and binders. They added largely to the capacity of the building and have occupied it for many years with their large establishment. The commencement of the erection of the Savery House in 18.56 aided greatly in drawing business and trade from Second street to Walnut and bringing it "up town" as it was then termed. James C. Savery Avas the originator and prime mover of the project, and without his indomita- ble energy and shrewdness the Savery would never have been built. But of this further details are given in the chapter on hotels. One of the first brick buildings on Walnut street was a two-story one, built by Dr. H. C. Grimmell, near the south- AND THE CITY OF DE8 MOINES. 189 east corner of Fifth, and occupied by him with a drug store on the first and a physician's office on the second floor. This was torn down a few years after being built. A small brick dwelling where the Keinldng block now stands, near the corner of Eighth and Walnut, was among the first to be built in the town. D. P. W. Day, along in 1855-6, built a small brick dwelling house in what was then known as Jonathan Lyon's addition. And it must not be forgotten that Kev. Nash's Baptist church built a brick house for their use in 1855-6 on Mulberry street north of the present court house, and but a few years later the Christian church put up the brick building at the cor- ner of Mulberry and Seventh streets, a portion of which yet remains standing. The years 1854-5-6 were very prosperous years for both city and county. The immigration into both was heavy and of an excellent class of people. New farms were being opened and good farm dwellings built in every sec- tion of the county, while the town was rapidly increasing in population and wealth. All was bustle and activity; land and town lots were in active demand and rapidly increasing in price. The town soon swelled beyond its first limited corporation lines, and new additions were platted on every side and these lots sold with astounding rapidity. The new town on the east side of the river had a remarkable growth during these three years and became to some extent a rival of the West Side, or original town. This, together with the location of the capitol on the Bast Side, more fully alluded to in the chapter on the capitol, brought about much local feeling which, for a time, engen- dered the animosities common to such local rivalries. In fact, not content with the state capitol, many of the East Side people had hopes of ultimately obtaining the county 190 /INNALS OF POLK COUNTY capitol or court house for their side of the river, and ' hence many of them were bitterly opposed to the erection of a new court house on the ground originally set aside for that purpose upon the West Side. To placate the peo- ple of the East Side in 1857 the county judge had made the new township of Lee on that side of the river, and the Postofflce authorities at Washington were induced to give them the post-office of East Des Moines. This, however, was discontinued in a year or two. In the winter of 1856-7 some of the best citizens on each side concluded it would be better for all to have a union of these somewhat discordant elements. Accordingly a new charter for a city covering the territory both east and west was carefully prepared. It gave the West Side ^'ight and the East Side six aldermen, and had other pro- visions for protecting the interests of the East Side from the majority on the West Side, and extended the bound- aries so as to make the limits extend about four miles east and west and two miles north and south. At that time not a few regarded these limits as covering entirely too much territory, that would not be filled for scores of years. And yet in a comparatively few years the population did spread away beyond these then wide limits and in the last few years the corporation boundaries had to be again much more widely extended to bring them within the con- trol of the city. It was also decided by thisnewchartertodropforeverthe name of "town of Fort Des Moines," and adopt in lieu thereof the name as it now stands — "The City of Des Moines." This charter was sent to Iowa City, passed the General Assembly, was approved by Governor Grimes January 28, and took effect February 16, 1857. The first election under it was held on the first Monday in March, 1857. AiYD THE CITY OF DE8 MOINES. 191 The financial panic and troubles of 1857 were severely felt in Des Moines and Polk county, as they were all over the country. A check was at once placed on all specula- tion in lots and lands, though building continued in the new city and the farms of the county were continuously improved and many new ones opened up. Yet, compared with former prosperity and confidence, *to use the common phrase, "times were dull and money scarce." It was sev- eral years before "flush times" again visited the city and county, and yet both continued to grow and prosper. There had been in 1855-6 too much inflation in western lands and enterprises, and this was one of the causes assigned for the financial troubles of that time, and this check was perhaps needed to bring all back to a proper and substan- tial level. But be that as it may Des Moines had natural and acquired advantages, and Polk county had the rich and fertile lands, which made their future safe after these temporary troubles had been met and conquered. And succeeding years showed these resources were a safe capi- tal to rely upon. Early in the year 1857, J. B. Bausman & Co made an excellent map of Des Moines and also completed a census of the city which was regarded as correct. The popula- tion as then given was as follows: c INHABITANTS. East Side 978 West Side 2,585 Total city population 3,563 It will be of interest to the reader to know the business men and houses of that day and we copy the list in full as then given by Bausman & Co., early in the year 1857. 192 ANNALS OF POLE COUNTY Practicing Attorneys — Finch, Crocker & Mitchell, Wil- liamson & Gray, Barlow Granger, John A. Grow, Brown & Elwood, J. E. Jewett, S. Reynolds, W. J. Gatling, B. P. Stanbury, Madison Yonng, J. C. Graves, F. M. Hubbell, J. S. Polk, C. W. Nash. Bates & Phillips, Samuel Elbert. Ambrotype and Photograph Room — Reynolds & Rider. Architect — Dyer H. Young. Bankers — Hoyt Sherman, Greene, Weare, Rice & Co., Lovell White, A. J. Stevens, B. F. Allen, Cook, Sargent & Cook, Leas & Harsh. Merchants — Including wholesale and retail dry goods, groceries, etc., Woodward & Hepburn, Ten Eyck & Hol- comb, Lovejoy, Thompson & Co., W. W. Moore, N. Jero- laman, R. W. Sypher, J. W. & A. J. Dunkle, Campbell, Jones & Co., Newton & Keene, Chandler & Bell, J. H. Hatch, Beekman & Prindar, Omer Tousey, E. H. Hart, W. W. Francis, Little, Garrison & Co., A. Mills & Co. Grocers, Wholesale and Retail — Laird Bros. & Co., Cavenor & Williamson, W. F. Burgett, H. M. Bush, F. W. Longworth, J. H. Thode, Journey & Wear, McCormic & Garretty, Yerger & McKee, Kappes & Reinig, M. Schot- tenfels, John McWilliams. Hardware and Stove Dealers — Galbraith & Latshaw, E. Sanford & Co., C. P. Luse & Co., Comstock & Co., Daniel Lord & Co. Furniture — J. M. Reicheneker, E. Tarbell, A. Alex- ander. Clothing and Furnishing, Wholesale and Retail — J. & L Kuhn, Morris & Downer, Strauss, Simon & Billstein. Boot, Shoe and Leather Stores — Stacy Johns & Co., Kuhn, Morris & Co., Frank M. Mills, James F. Kemp, W. S. Terry. AXn THE CITY OF DE^'< 2I0IXES. 193 Drugfiists — G. M. Ilippee & Co., F. C. Grimmell, W. Baker & Co., C. Good. Jewelry — J. N. Newell, T\\ P. Andrews, Joseph Eogg, O. II. Baker. Newspapers — Htate Journal, Will Porter, Editor and Proprietor; State IJegister, John Teesdale, Editor and Proprietor. As before stated the first bridge across the Des Moines Piver was what is termed a "float bridge." This was placed in snccessfnl use in 1855 near what is now Grand avejiue, and some year or two later more permanent bridges were built at Court avenue and by W. A. Scott at Market street. These were wooden bridges and at that time were regarded as strong and durable structures, though both broke down within a few years. These were followed by a wooden bridge over the Paccoon River at "Tlie Pf.int." In 1S5S came the agitaticm over the erection of the main portion of the new court house. For local and other reasons previousl}' stated the commencement of this much needed building was violenth^ opposed, especially by many on the east side of the river. Public meetings were held and the excitement for a time ran high. All kinds of charges were made and bandied about. Hon. Thomas H. Napier, then the county judge, stood firm during all the clamor and more determined the building should be erected. The contract for the erection of the building was let to Isaac Cooper, by a contract dated June 22, 1858. The sum to be paid to him was .|(i4,300. On May 23, 1859, a ])roposition was submitted to the voters of the c(mnty to issue bonds to the amount of i|f30,000 to aid in the con- struction of the new court house. This proposition car- ried after a sharp contest by the decisive vote of yt^as 1,017, 194 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY nays 790. This was a virtual endorsemeut of the action of the county judge, and work proceeded on the building, though at a slow rate, owing to financial and other troubles, and the building was not ready for occupancy until 1862. Further details about the court house of the county may be found in a separate chapter under that heading. The first brick house on the East Side was erected in 1854-5 by Dr. T. K. Brooks, at the head of what was then called agncy prairie, not far from the old agency bxiild- ing. Part of the brick was floated from Coon bottom during the flood of that year, and the biiilding was com- pleted that fall, and for several years was the hospitable residence of the Doctor and his estimable wife and family. In 1855 W. A. Scott built a residence on Market street, East Side, and then and later several other brick store rooms and other buildings. John Slatten also about that time put up a large brick opposite Scott's residence. The first large brick building for business puri)oses on the East Side was built by Joseph M. and Harry H. Grifliths, on Locust street, east of Fourth street, which was subse- quently remodeled and fitted up as the Jones House, and occujiied as a hotel for a number of years. This building, though several times much changed, is yet standing. One of the first large business buildings on East Fifth street was a double front two-story frame built by Noah D. Haskell in 1856-7. This stood about half way between Walnut and Locust streets, on the east side of Fifth. Opposite was a two-story frame building used as a hotel, and known as the Cooley House and later as the Loper House. On the East Side, morever, a number of business houses and a large number of dwellings, some of the latter large and costly, were erected during the period from 1855 to 18G0. AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 195 The temporary capitol, located on the lot south of the capitol where the Soldier's Monument now stands in all its beauty, was built in 1856 and completed the follow- ing year. It was a three-storj^ brick and Avell adajDted for the purposes for which it Avas intended, and for many years was occupied by the state. It was not, however, built by the state, but by enterprising citizens, mostly of the East Side. Among these were W. A. Scott, Joseph M. and Harry H. Griffiths, Dr. T. K. Brooks, James A. Williamson, Dr. Alexander Shaw, Harrison and Alfred M. Lyon and others. Some of these gentlemen financially embarrassed themselves in erecting this state building. Subsequently the state assumed a small portion of the liabilities incurred. In 1857 the state archives, etc., were removed from Iowa City to Des Moines and late in that year all the state offices and officers were located in the temporary building. Governor Grimes then issued a pro- clamation stating that Des Moines was the state capital and directing the General Assembly to there meet and hold its next session. This first meeting of the General Assembly was a great event for Des Moines. The accommodations at hotels and boarding houses were not extensive, but the citizens hos- pitably came to the rescue and private houses were freely thrown open for the accommodation of members. Among others W. A. Scott and wife opened their large residence on the East Side, and entertained members and others in a most lavish manner and at great expense to them- selves. Others did the same. All were well taken care of, and it was a common saying aftenvard among old members that they were never entertained so royally as at the first session of the General Assembly in Des Moines, which convened in January, 1858. It was something new, and the citizens of Des Moines took pride in showing forth 196 ANNALH OF POLK VOUNTY their liberal bdspitalitv and geuerons good will. While yet hospitable to all, years have made them more familiar and more accustomed to the visits and temporary presence in the city of Iowa legislators. They have now liad them for nearly forty years. During the years embraced Avithin this period there were more steamboat arrivals at the port of Des Moines than during any other period, and they were a great help to the merchants in I'eceiving and shipping the large amount of freight necessary for their large and rapidly expanding trade. As a general rule the stage of water in the Des Moines IJiver was favorable for steaniDoat navi- gation during the spring and early summer months and boat captains and owners Avere anxious to engage in this lucrative trade. It is stated on good authority that at one time during this period as many as six steamboats were in one day lying at the port, near the junction of the Des Moines and Kaccoon rivers, receiving and dis- charging freight and passengers. More of steamboats and river navigation will be found in another chapter. In the spring of 1857, a few days after the Spirit Lake massacre, there was much excitement in Des Moines and north of this point, over the report that the Sioux Indians were marching in this direction, with the intention of mak- ing a raid upcni the new ca])ital. In those days there were no telegraphs or railroads in this portion of the state, and the mail facilities were slow and uncertain. When these reports came in, how and from where not clearly stated, there naturally was much alarm. The able-bodied men were at once called out by Mayor A^'. H. Mc Henry, and placed under the command of Captain John V. Booth, a West Point graduate, who had served in the regular army. All kinds of arnis were hunted and hasty preparations AXD THE CITY OF DE>S 2IOINES. 197 made for defense. To ascertain soniethin<^ as to the truths of these reports W. A. Scott, Jeff. S. Polk, Brax. D. Thomas and others volunteered as scouts and immediately started north towards Boonsboro. They made a rapid ride and found there was little or no basis for the reports and that It was doubtful if a single Sioux warrior was then within the borders of the state of Iowa. They returned home and reported, and the excitement at once subsided. This was the last Indian scare here, though there were several more of them in the northwestern counties during the jears of the civil war. In May, 1857, owing to the heavy immigration of the previous .year and the lateness of the spring, corn, wheat, potatoes, etc., became very scarce and high in price. In that month it is reported prices ran as high as, corn two dollars per bushel, potatoes three dollars, and flour |6.75 per hundred. The supply grown the previous year was almost completely exhausted. In November, 1S.56, the ITnited States Express company established an office in Des Moines, and has continued the same contiuuousl}' up to this time, their business in the city steadily increasing with the groAvth of the city. Dur- ing the first ten years they utilized stage coaches and wagons, where thej'^ now use the railroads. William H. Quick was then in the employ of this company, was local agent in Des Moines, and for many years he has been superintendent of the division, with headquarters in this city. The popular local agent, E. L. Smith, has also filled this p(jsitiou since 18()5, having been with the company from the time it first opened lines in Iowa. The total valuation of taxable property in Polk count}' for 1,S5(), was -14, 057, 693, and this was an increase in three years of over three millions of dollars. 198 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY The spring- and summer of 1858 were very wet and back- ward, there being much rain in May, June and July, delay- ing planting and in many instances drowning out what had been planted, and altogether causing much delay and loss to the farmers, who at the same .time were suffering under the financial troubles which had recently come u])on tiiem. The roads were for months in a horrible con- dition, and it was with much difficulty the stages could get through with mails and passengers. There being no rail- roads tlieu in central Iowa it was with much difficulty and at heavy expense that goods could be hauled along the miry roads. Even when the harvest time came, in many fields, o-w'ing to the softness of the ground, reapers and other machines could not be used. Taken as a whole the year 1858 was a bad one for the farmers, and also as a matter of course a bad one for all the other people of the state. While not as bad as the floods of 1851 yet there were in 1858 many more people in Iowa to suffer from the excessive amount of rain which fell during the latter year. In 1859 broke out what was then termed "The Pike's Peak craze." This continued for two or three years and drew hundreds from the city and county, who started for Colorado in a search for gold and silver. Many of these returned, some in a few months and others in a few years, and again settled down here, but many of them remained and became permanent citizens of Colorado or of other western territories. This large Colorado or western emi- gration was a heavy draft upon Iowa, and Polk county and Des Moines suffered their full share therefrom. Kan- sas and Nebraska also drew heavily upon Iowa during the latter por-tion of the 50s, taking from the latter many good and enterprising citizens, and thereby much retard- ing the growth and prosperity of this state, and especially AND THE CITY OF DE^ MOINES. 199 of this city and county. Yet the gains were much greater than the losses from these sources and the city and county continued to grow in wealth and population in spite of the hundreds, running up into thousands, attracted as stated, to other states and territories. And it has been often remarked that during the past fifty years so many men have left tlie city and county, determined to stay awaj^, but in the course of a j'ear or more have returned to again take up their abode here. They could not remain away with satisfaction to themselves and families. Des Moines and Polk county almost invariably win the lasting affections of those who reside within their borders for any leng-th of time. Money, or its representative in bank bills, had an import- ant part to play in the business affairs of the people here during the years previous to and immediately following the breaking out of the war. Under the first constitution no banks of issue were permitted to be ei^tablished in the state, and hence the bank bills of other states and terri- tories were thrown into Iowa, and formed the larger por- tion of the circulating medium used in the transaction of business. Bankers and others in Iowa became iter- ested in or owned charters of banks of issue outside of the state, and brought their notes here for crculation among the people of this state. The territory of Nebraska at this time was a new and fertile field for the organization of banks, nominally located in that territory, but really con- trolled, owned and operated by Iowa men, who circulated the notes of these banks in this state. The principal one among these many banks was the "Bank of Nebraska," nominally located at Omaha, but controlled and oper- ated through the banking house of B. F. Allen in Des Moines. For several years these notes were in general 200 AMNALH OF FOLK VOFNTY firculation in this city and county and tlirougliout central Iowa. No special reliance was placed upon the bank itself, but tlie notes were sustained and kei)t afloat by and through the endorsement of B. F. Allen and his bank- ing house in Des Moines, he and his banlv at tliat time hav- ing the almost unlimited confidence of the people in this l^ortion of the state. Hundreds of thousands of dollars of these Bank of Nebraska notes were placed in circula- tion and it is only justice to state they were all finally redeemed by Mr. Allen without loss to the people. Among the early settlers of Des Moines was Andrew J. Stevens. He came from New York where he had read law in the office of Hon. William H. Seward, and was a bright, intelligent man, and was elected state auditor in 1854. He resigned this office in 185.5, engaged in the business of buying and selling lands, etc., and finally became a banker under the name of A. J. Stevens & (V). He pur- chased (jr had under his centred tlie "Agricultural Bank of Tennessee," and nominally located in and operated under the laws of that state. Manj^ thousands of dollars of these iiot(*s were brought here and placed in circuhition by A. J. Stevens. The people knew little and cared less about the solvency' of the bank itself. They relied wholly upon the responsibility of Stevens Avho placed them in circula- tion and redeemed them with current notes at his banking house in Des Moines. In this city and cf)unty and in the adjacent country many thousands of dollars of these notes were thus circulated and a large business was transacted for several years at tlie banking house of A. J. Stevens t!t Co. But when the panic of 1857 came this banking house was forced to succumb to the pressure. Its failure made the notes of the "Agricultural Bank of Tennessee" entirely worthless, and the loss in the aggregate was heavy, AXD THE CITY OF DEi^ ilOIXEK. 201 tlioujili so widely scattered that individual losses were not very large. There was mnch excitement over the failure, and Stevens left the city, for a time, althougli many sym- pathized with him and charges were made that hi.s down- fall was mainly due to the jealousy and rivalry of other banks and bankers. The fact, however, became apparent that the banking house of A. J. Stevens i!t Co., like unto liis Tennessee bank, had been doing too much business (ui too little capital. When the pinch came they had to botli go down together. Under the new constitution of tlie state, adopted in 1857, the State Bank of Iowa was organized, and a branch of the same was established at Des Moines, ccnnmencing business on January 1, 1859. This bank was located in the Sherman block, in the ro(jms previously occupied by* the banking Iiouse of Hoyt Sherman & Co. The lii'st i)res- ident of the bank was Captain F. If. West, and Hoyt Sherman was cashier, while P. M. (Jasady, K. L. Tidrick, B. F. Allen, L. P. Sherman and others Avere directors or interested in the institution. It was the first bank issuing notes in Des Moines, and was conducted on safe, conserva- tive lines, and during its entire existence its notes were alwaj's at par and always promptl.y redeemed upon pres- entation at the bank. During the financial troubles which preceded the war, when banks all over the country were closing their doors, or their notes could only be cir- culated at a discount, (jften a very heavy one, the notes of the State Bank of Iowa remained at par, and were eagerly sought for as safe funds to hold. This bank remained in existence for some six j-ears, when the national system of banking having been devised during the war and placed in operation, this bank was finally merged into the Na- tional State bank in May, 1865. 202 AYXAL,^ OF FOLK COUNTY Those doing- business about 1860 will remember the annoyance and losses caused by the banks and bank notes of those days, when a bank note detector or bulletin had to be consulted continuously to learn whether bank notes presented were par, at a discount, or entirely worthless. The merchant as well as his customers were afraid to hold these bank notes any length of time for fear they would become worthless while in their posession, and they has- tened to deposit them in banks or j)aj them out to others. Many debts were promptly paid, not perhaps through a desire to get out of debt as much as it was through fear the notes would become of less or no value while in the possession of the debtor. Gold and silver a man might hold on to, but at that time most bank notes were a dan- gerous commodity, unsafe to hold for any length of time, and to be passed into other hands as quickly as possible. During these times, however, the notes of the State bank stood par all the time on their own merits, and those of the Bank of Nebraska were kept up and in circulation here through the name and influence of B. F. Allen. Here it may not be out of place to cori'ect a somewhat prevalent error. Of late years public speakers and others have told in moving terms of the losses suffered by the people who held the notes of Iowa banks. These losses are purely imaginary'. There may have been some such losses iu Iowa Territorial days, but under the first constitution of the state of Iowa no banks of issue were permitted in the state. Hence as no Iowa bank could issue bank notes or currency, there were none issued, and consequently there were no losses on this account. The present constitution of Iowa was adopted in 1857, and under it the only bank issuing notes created under it were the State bank and branches. These Iowa State banks issued many thou- AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 203 sauds of dollars in notes, but all these notes were promptly redeemed when presented and at no time were below par in the state. Hence there never were any losses to the people because of Iowa bank note issues. The losses the people suffered on this respect came from banks of issue located in and operating under the laws of other states and territories. During the years 1857-8 the city council of Des Moines for the first and last time in its history, issued what was termed "City Script" for the two-fold purpose of paying- debts and at the same time furnishing a circulating me- dium. After much discussion this plan was agreed upon, and to carry it out a set of bank notes were engraved and printed, being Is, 2s, 3s and 5s. These bills made a rather handsome appearance, and for a year or two were in more or less general circulation in the city, taken for goods at the stores, etc., but were not looked upon with much favor outside of the city. They were almost purely a local currency, and while answering to some extent the Ijurpose for which they were issued, never became verj- current or popular. The}- were finallj' withdrawn from circulation, without much loss or gaiu to the city or citizens. Those five years marked a ]3eriod of much growth and prosperity for Des Moines and Polk countj^ and in those years came many men and women as settlers who after- ward became prominent in the history of the city and county. Take the rolls of the Early Settlers' association and it will be found that more of its members became res- ident during these five years than during any other period in its history. The financial troubles of 1857-8 could check but could not stop the growth of the city and county, and in fact the pressure of hard times caused many in town 204 ANXAL>^ OF FOLK COUNTY to turn their attention to a^rieultural pursuits and niauv of them not only became for the time being farmers, but remained sncli, and not a few of them became the most progressive and best farmers in the county. In 1860 tlie population of the county was 11,(>25, and of the City of Des Moines, 3,9G5. OLII STA'l'E CAl'ITOL AFTER THE FIRE. CHAPTER XI. i860 TO 1865. Tlllt^ may be termed the war period of the city and ronnty as it Avas of tlie entire couuti-y. As tlie chapter devoted to military liistory sliows, the call for soldiers and the hearty and liberal resjionse tliereto was a heavy draft upon T)(>s Moines and Polk county. It drew from the active jtursuits of civil life hundreds of youuii iiieu and placed them in the field as soldiers — as destr(jyers rather than creators of wealth and prosjierity — and yet durini;" these five years of almost continuous destructive war the county and city steadily increased in both population and wealth. In 1860 the population was: county, 11,G25; city, 3,905; 1803, county, 12,925; city, 4,419; 1805, county, 15,244; city, 5,722. Thus it will be seen there was a steady and even rajnd gain in pctpula- tiou durinsi' the entire years of the war, in spite of the heavy drafts made for soldiers in the field. One cause of this was no doubt that the locaticm of city and county were far away from the scene of active hostili- ties. It was some 100 miles to the northern boundary of Missouri, and save only in one or two instances were there any alarms as to apprehended fighting or trouble within the limits of city and county. Of one of these we may as well make a note here. One of the noted lead- ers of a band of rebel guerrillas or busliwuackers in Mis- souri was one Bill Anderson who frequently in the war period appeared in northern Missoul'i and sometimes ])er- haps came near to but it is not certain that he ever crossed 20(] ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY the Iowa line. In 1864 in some way a wild rumor was started that the noted Bill, with a formidable band had crossed the Iowa line, and was headed straight for the capital of Iowa, intent upon pillage and slaughter". This alarm started in the southern tier of counties and soon spread to this county and city. And while some may have laughed, others were much alarmed, and a few may have begun to pray. The city was virtually defenseless so far as any organized force was concerned, and as messengers and rumors kept coming in that the redoutable Bill was approaching the alarm became general. B. F. Allen and some of the other bankers took the precaution to place their current funds beyond the reach of Bill and his gang. There were two pieces of artillery in town and they were placed in charge of a volunteer company, six horses has- tily procured and hitched to each, and the two guns taken with some difficulty to the state capitol, there to make a stand. Captain H. H. Griffith, Col. James A. Williamson and other officers who happened to be home on furlough, assumed direction of the defense and hasty preparations were made to give the Missouri Bill a hostile reception. But much to the relief of all it was in a short time learned that the bold invader was a hundred miles or more away, and was at that time more intent upon saving himself and band from capture by the Union soldiers than he Avas on capturing Des Moines or any other city or town in Iowa. This little war excitement soon passed away and the ordi- nary pursuits of civil life Avere quickly resumed in this city and county. When the great civil war commenced there was natur- ally stagnation and dullness in all kinds of business, biit as it progressed money became more plenty, prices advanced, and labor was in demand. The result was that AND THE CITY OF DES MOIXES. 207 in many ways the people here and elsewhere in the coun- try during the later years of the war period enjoyed what irt called "good" or "flush times." Not only did new people come in with the intention of becoming permanent citi- zens, but many new business enterprises were initiated, new buildings projected and built, new farms opened, and on every hand were seen the evidences of growth and pros- perity. Both town and county rapidly improved during the closing years of this wai\ It may seem strange that this should be the case when the greatest civil war of mod- ern times was wasting thousands of lives and hundreds of millions of property, and yet it is a fact known to all who were then residents of this county. That war may have been a great injury to other states and people but it certainly did greatly help Iowa and add largely to her wealth and population. During this period of 1860-5 there were many material improvements made in the city and county. The then new court house was completed and occupied by the county offices. The Savery House was finished and duly opened as the leading hotel of the city and state. A large number of business houses, many of them large and substantial brick structures, were erected, as were scores of ncAV dwelling houses, not a few of which were large and handsome homes for the more enterprising citizens. Many of the necessaries as well as the luxuries of life had largelj' risen in price and the cost of living had been mate- rially increased, but wages had more than correspondingly increased in amount and demand, and hence the mechanic or laboring man enjoyed the same prosperity as did the merchant, the trader or the speculator. Eeal estate, the lots in town and the farming lauds in the country, also rapidly advanced in value during this war period. The 208 ANNALH OF FOLK COUNTY East Side as well as the West Side of the city felt this boom and competed with each other in improvement and business. And during these times the man who wanted work found little if any difticulty in procuring all he desired at a liberal rate of remuneration. So the close of this war period found Des Moines and Polk county growing and prosperous. During the later years of the war Des Moines was made the headquarters of the Fifth (Congressional district, for the (-ni-ollment of persons liable to military service, and their drafting into the army and also for the enlistment of volunteers. The district then embraced twenty-three counties, extending to the Missouri Kiver on the west and the state line on the south, including nearly all of south Avest(n'n Iowa. 8. (\ BroAvnell, then a prominent citizen of Des Moines and one of the first dentists located here, \'\ as a])pointed ca])tain and V. S. proA'ost marshal. Dr. J. I', h^'inley, of Decatur county, surgeon, and t'ol. Cornish and aftenvards (V)l. Hedges, of Fremont county, enrolling commissioners. These gentlemen constituted the U. S. enrolling board, and had their rooms in the Turner build- ing on Court avenue next to the alley east of the liegister ottice. During portions of 18()4:-5 this was a very busy place. In anticipation of the draft the wards of the city and the townships of the county made heroic efforts to till their (juotas and thus escape the draft. Money Avas freely subsci-ibed and expended and many other induce- ments held out to volunteers. The entire city, Avith the exception of the First Avard, finally ]uanage THE CITY OF DE8 MOINES. 223 Bird, William K., discharged August 9, 18G1. Browne, Jolin II., discharged to accept commission as second lieutenant, Seveuteentli inf antrj-, March 13, 1802. *Brown, Harvej', wounded at Corinth, October 4, 18<)2. Bnrbridge, James W. Callender, William. / Childs, George H., discharged December 19, 1861. *Christy, Wm. D., promoted to quarter-master sergeant. *Cooper, Joseph, wounded at Fort Donelson, February 15, 18G2. Davis, Ephriam P., promoted to hospital-steward; trans- ferred to same position in Tentli infantry. *Davis, W'illiam L., promoted to eighth corporal, October 3, 1861; to fourth sergeant, July 1, 1862; veteran- ized as second lieutenant. Davis, James. Dickerson, John A., promoted to iirst corporal, July 16, 1861. Dreher, Peter, wounded at Donelson, February 15, 1862. Estle, William, discharged, October 0, 1861. Fales, Philetus. Fenn Dwight E., mustered out November 22, 1862. *Ferguson, John N.; veteranized as third corporal. Fleming, John A. *Gillett, Philander D., promoted to third corporal, Octo- ber 3, 1861; to third sergeant, September 1, 1862; veteran- ized as first sergeant. Goodrich, Arthur; wounded at Corinth, October 3, 1862. Gordnier, John, promoted to second corporal, October 3, 1861; wounded at Donelson, February 15, 1862. Greene, George W., discharged April 23, 1863. *Veteranizecl December 23, 1863. 224 ANXALi^ OF FOLK COUNTY Hayden, Joseph S., wounded at Douelson, February 15, 1862; discharged for wouuds, June 28, 1862. Haskell, Joseph, discharged, April 2, 1862. Houghton, Douglas S., discharged as minor by United States district court, September 15, 1861. Hoxie, W. H., promoted to captain, Seventeenth in- fantry, March 25, 1862. Jones, Asbury C, discharged May 4, 1862. Jones, Tarpley T. *Kinsey, William A. Lamoi'eaux, Charles H. LoAve, Carlton, transferred to Second United States artillery as second lieutenant, November 13, 1861. Looby, John H., discharged for promotion, September 22, 1862. Lyon, George W., promoted to hospital-steward, May 1, 1862. Lynde, John, promoted to fifth corporal, July 16, 1862; to commissarjf-sergeant, May 1, 1862; to second lieutenant, June 23, 1862; served also as chief of ambulance corps, second division, Sixteenth Army Corps; resigned May 26, 1864. Mattern, Jacob H., discharged March 5, 1863. McKelvogue, John (reported also Hugh), discharged February 6^ 1862. *McCollam, Isaac, veteranized as fourth corporal. *Mason, William B., killed at Atlanta, August 15, 1864. Moles, Jacob M., promoted to sixth corporal, March 1, 1862; killed at Corinth October 4, 1862. Morehead, Jacob. Nagle, John N., wounded at Donelson, February 15, 1862; discharged for wounds, July 11, 1862. ^Veteranized December 23, 18()3. AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 225 Nims, Albert H., wounded at Donelsou, February 15, 1862. Painter, Joshua C. *Price, John. Eagan, William, promoted to third corporal, July 16, 1862; to fifth sergeant, March 1, 1862; discharged for promotion, September 26, 1862; wounded at Donelsou, February 15, 1862. *Riddle, William, wounded at Corinth, October 3, 1862; transferred to United States navy. Rush, Austin B., transferred to regular army for promo- tion. * Veteranized December 23, 1863. Bobbins, James. Scott, Erastus, discharged April 18, 1862. Smith, Philander, wounded at Corinth, October 4, 1862, discharged April 3, 1863. Stewart, Calvin C, discharged June 3, 1862. *Swem, William A. Warnock, Newton. Watson, John H., transferred to Company D, Thirteenth infantry, November 7, 1861. Wheeler, John, discharged February 1, 1862. Whitmer, Samuel, promoted to fifth cori;>oral, March 1, 1862; to fifth sergeant, September 3, 1862. Wylie, William D., discharged April 30, 1862; sub- sequently appointed hospital-steward. United States army. Yant, David, wounded at Donelson, February 15, 1862. Yount, Enoch, J., discharged July 29, 1862. Young, Armin, discharged August 19, 1861. *Zelle, Godfrey, veteranized as second corporal. 'Veteranized December 23, 1863. ■4 226 ANNALS OF FOLK COUNTY ADDITIONAL ENLISTMENTS, 1861. Bnibaker, Jolin C, November 21; discharged December 3, 1862. Brady, Casper S., November 21; wounded at Douelsou, February 18 ; died of v^^ounds ou the Des Moines Kiver April 30, 1SG2. Birch, Thomas 8., November 23; died August 8, 1862. *Ohrystal, Benjamin F., December 10. Cree, Theodore G., wounded at Donelson, February 16, 18G2; discharged for wounds, June 13, 1862. *Chrystal, James A., December 16; captured at Corinth October 4; 1862; veteranized as wagoner. (ireene, AMlliam B., August 1; discharged, December 19, 1861. Houston, William L., November 20; discharged, July 29, 1862. Lott, W., November 20. Lasell, William J., November 27; discharged, February 1, 1862. *Nagle, Thomas, November 20; veteranized as second sergeant. Sharp, John, November 20; discharged NoA^ember, 1862. Williams, John Z., wounded at Donelson, February 15, 1862; discharged October 19, 1862. Weeks, Theodore G., killed at Donelson, Febrimry 15, 1862. ADDITIONAL TO VETERANS, 1864. Cassius, Joseph, January 21. Cassius, James, January 21. Cole, Henry, Januarj^ 16, 1865; comi)any unknown. Gray, George B., September 29. •Veteranized December 23, 1863. AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 227 Hunt, Zacchens, December 23, 18G3. Read, Andrew W., December 21, 1SG3. Jones, Anderson, Jamiary 21, 1SG5; company unknoATn. COMPANY K. Clark, David H., May G, ISGl; discharged October 13, 1SG2. FOURTH INFANTRY. Company E, Fourth Iowa infantry, was tlie second com- pany enlisted in Polk county, in June and July, 18G1. Tliis was an excellent company in a noted regiment, whirh from lirst to last engaged in mauj^ battles, made many long and weary marches, and was always to be relied upon as faith- ful and true. The regiment arrived at Benton barracks, !-!t. Louis, August 9, 18G1, and on August 21 was sent to Kolla, Mo. In January, 18G2, the Fourth was assigned to the ar-my of the Southwest, under Gen. Curtis, and for the thirtj^ mouths following was in continuous active service. It was never assigned to i^ort duty. It was in the tierce battle of Pea Ridge, when under tlie command of its noted colonel, Granville M. Dodge, it greath^ distinguished itself. Arriving at Helena in July, 18G2, it remained there until December |22, when it was transferred to ('hickasaAv Bayou, where it took a prominent part in the battles of 28 and 29. It was also at Arkansas Post, January 10 and 11, 18()3, and then returned to Young's Point, opposite Yicksbnrg, where it remained until Ai)ril 2, when it moved 150 miles up the river to Greenville; thence on the Deer Creek Valley raid; thence back to Milliken's Bend, from whence it started on the active campaign against Yicks- bnrg, on May 2, via Jackson, arriving at A'icksbnrg ilay 18, and at once engaging in the memorable siege. 228 ANNALS OF POLE COUNTY After the surrender of Vicksburg, the Fourth partici- pated in the battle at Jackson, July 16, and remained in the rear of Vicksburg until September, when it Avas re- moved to Memphis, and at once set out for Chattanooga, arriving at that noted point after a tedious and weary march, November 23. It next took part in the famous "Battle in the Clouds" at Lookout moutain, was the first to plant our flag on that mountain crest, and was at Mis- sionary Ridge on the 25th, and fought again at Einggold on November 27. The Fourth was at Bridgeport and Wood- ville until February 26, when the regiment was permitted to return home to Iowa on veteran furlough. Returning to the field in April, 1864, it was hotly engaged in the campaign against Atlanta. After the surrender of the lat- ter place the Fourth engaged in the pursuit of Hood, and then followed Gen. Sherman in the "March to the Sea." In the Carolina campaign it was in the battles at Columbia and Bentonville. After Johnson's surrender the Fourth was sent to Riehmoiul and Washington, and was in the last grand review at the capital. From Washington the Fourth was sent to Louisville, Ky., where it performed provost duty until July 23, when it was mustered out, sent CO Davenport, Iowa, and discharged September 3, 1865. When the Fourth was mustered in it numbered the full one thousand men. Three hundred recruits were added. When mustered out there were less than four hundred. The regiment fought in over thirty battles, and met the enemy in eight different rebel states, and never was re- pulsed. It marched over five thousand miles. A glance at the record shows the Fourth Iowa to have been a glorious old regiment. The casualties were: Officers — Killed, 3; died, 5; discharged, 1; wounded, 16; resigned, 34; transferred, 5. AND THE CITY OF DBS MOINEf^. 229 Privates — Killed in action, 57; died, 290; discharged, 298, wounded, 322; transferred, 32. The Polk county. Company E, from its organization to its muster out had 141 names on its roll. Ten were killed in battle or died of wounds ; twenty-eight were wounded in battle; one drowned; two accidentally killed; thirteen died of disease, three while prisoners; nineteen were discharged for disability and three for wounds; eight were mustered out under general orders, and fourteen at the end of their three years term; seven deserted; ten were transferred, four to veteran reserve corps, one to regimental staff, one to marine brigade, four to commissions in other depart- ment, from first to last, thus leaving but forty-eight men to be mustered out. Captain Simmons was the only original officer who remained with the company from muster in to muster out, and one of four only who were with the regi- ment from first to last. Polk county was represented on the staff as follows: James A. Williamson,colonel; Alex- ander Shaw, assistant surgeon; Washington G. Dunan, commissary-sergeant; David Beach, assistant surgeon; John E. Sells, adjutant. COMPANY E.** *Henr3^ H. Griffiths, captain; transferred May 14, 1862, to command First Iowa battery. *Wilmer S. Simmons, first lieutenant; promoted captain May 15, 18C2. Isaac Whicher, second lieutenant; resigned October 16, 1862. *John E. Sells, first sergeant; commissioned captain, but declined; promoted first lieutenant May 15, 1862; to ad- jutant September 12, 1862; mustered out April 6, 1865. *Enlistecl July 15, 1861, unless otherwise stated. **Veteranized January 1, 18(54. 230 ANNAL^S OF POLK COUXTY Charles S. i>tark, second sergeant. Edward \y. Baruuni, third sergeant; killed at Pea Ridge Marc-h 7, 1862. *She]d(;in C. Treat, fourth sergeant; promoted to ftrst sergeant Ma,y 15, 1862; to second lieutenant, (October Ki, 1862; veteranized as first lieutenant January 4, 1861. James A. Moore, fifth sergeant; drowned August 21, 1861, at Hannibal, Mo. Washington (}. Dunan, first corporal; appointed com- missary-sergeant October 16, 1861. James AA'. Wilson, second ctn^poral; promoted to third sergeant March 8, 1862; wounded May 10, 1863, at Vicks- burg; transferred to veteran reserve corps January, 18(il. John C. Jameson, fourth corporal; promoted to third corporal October 10, 1861. *Richard W. Ross, fifth cor])oral; promoted to fourth corjioral October 10, 1861; to third corjjoral May 15, 18()2; to fifth sergeant iSeptember 20, 1862; veteranized as sec()u<1 lieutenant January 1, 1864. William A. Hunt, sixth corporal; wounded November 25, 1863 at Missionary Ridge, Ga.; discharged January — , 1864. PRIVATES. Alderman, Josei)h 1'. Barcns, Ira, discharged September 20, 1861. *I>arlow, Stephen C. Beck, James, wounded at Pea Ridge March 7, 1862. Bell, Jeptha W., wounded at Pea Ridge March 7, 1862; died of wounds Marcli 0, 1862. <_'ase, (iirard M. ('., died July 1, 1862, at Jacksonport, Ark., of accidental ^^'ounds. ■\'cti'i-:uii/,('il .l;niiiar\' 1, l^ii4 AXn THE CITY OF DES MOTXE.S. 231 < 'lary, Isaac, wounded at Pea Ridge March 7, 1SG2. ('lar.v, Vacliiel. *(,'ai-tei', John A., veteranized as corporal January 1, 1S(M. Cornish Hiram D., Icilled at Pea Ridge Marcli 7, 1SG2. *Crow, Benjamin, captured at Claysville, Ala., March 14, 18()1; died September 10, ISGl, in Andersouville prison. Castelin, Thomas (Costello), captured at Gaines' Land- ing, Miss., December 24, 1S()2. Danforth, Andrew J. *Davis, Andrew S., yeteranized as corporal January 1, 1864. Dixon, John, discharged November 24, 1SG2. *Dril 28, 1861. Lawrence, Perry, September 16, 1862. Moore, Andei'son, Sei)tember 16, 18()2; wounded Decem- ber 20, 18()2, af (liickasaw Bayou, Miss.; discharged June l(i 1863. Osborn, Philip, September 16, 1862; died February 22, 1863, at Young's Point, La. Kay, Isaac, September 16, 1862. Scott, John W., September 16, 1862; died March 10, 1863, at Young's Point, La. Widener, James, September 15, 18()2. vStewart, James ^^^, January 1(), 1865. Stewart, John e:l, and were not mustered out until September 19, 18(15, at Selnia, Ala. The casualties were: Otticers — Killed, 1; died, 3; discharged, 2; wounded, 12; resign(-d, 25; dismissed, 5; transferred, 5. Privates — Killed, 40; died, 222; discharged, lO'.); wounded, ICd; missing, 10; transferred, 37. 236 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY COMPANY B. Isaiah W. Wilson, private, enlisted July 30, 1861; died at St. Louis May 12, 1862. COMPANY D.** *George C. Graves captain mustered in August 30 ; dis- charged October 3, 1864. Gustavus Washburn, first lieutenant; resigned July 27, 1861. Joseph E. Jewett, second lieutenant; promoted to major Fourth cavalry October 14, 1861; resigned June 3, 1862. Samuel Noel, enlisted August 1, first sergeant; promoted to second lieutenant October 29, 1861; resigned June 3, 1862. *Samuel J. Dangler, quartermaster-sergeant, August 1; promoted to first sergeant June 4, 1862; to first lieutenant September 5, 1863; to brevet captain United States veter- ans April 2, 1865. Henry H. Helton, second sergeant; wounded at Boone- ville June 9, 1862; discharged August 22, 1862. *Francis M. Griffith, third sergeant; promoted to second sergeant August 2, 1862; to first sergeant February 2, 1864; to captain July 4, 1865. Thomas H. Townsend, fourth sergeant; reduced to fifth sergeant; promoted to quartermaster-sergeant June 4, 1862. Junius E. Wharton, fifth sergeant; i^romoted to fourth sergeant; discharged September 10, 1862. W^illiam Edwards, first corporal; iDromoted to third ser- geant October 1, 1862. Daniel Hall, second corporal; promoted to first sergeant *Veteriuiized March, 1864. **Enlisted August 2, 1862, unless otherwise stated. AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 237 December 23, 1861; to second lieutenant June 4, 1862; dis- missed February 1, 1864; wounded at Blacklaud, Miss., June 8, 1862. William Duncan, promoted to second coi-poral ; to com- missary sergeant corporal October 1, 1862. George Lum, fourth corporal; promoted to third cor- poral; to first October 1, 1862. * James McMerdo, sixth corporal; promoted to fifth cor- poral; to sixth sergeant October 15, 1862; ^younded at West Point, Miss., Februaiy 20, 1864. ■*John N. Butler, seventh coi'poral; promoted to sixth corporal; to fifth sergeant October 1,5, 1862. Daniel W. Jones, bugler; discharged September 30, 1862. William W. Hume, farrier. Henry H. Doughit, saddler, August 2; wounded April 26 and May 9 at Farmington Miss.; died of wounds May 29, 1862, at Hamburg, Tenn. Orine M. Hall, saddler. PRIVATES. Barnett, Moses F., discharged October 23, 1861. Barlow, Bird K., August 2. Burk, Doctor F., promoted to eighth corporal January 8, 1863. *Barrickman, Robert E., wounded at Prairie Station, Miss., February 20, 1864. Cotterell, Benjamin F., discharged November 10, 1861. Canfield, Jeremiah. Canfield, Gilford B., promoted to sixth corporal C)ct()ber 15, 1862. Chaffee, Jesse M., promoted to saddler October 15, 1862. *Veteranized March. 1862. 238 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY Crockershaw, David M. died at St. Louis January 17, 18G2. Duncan, Cliapin, died at St. Louis March 5, 18G2. Early, William. *Hayes, Martin Van B. *Hnmplire3^s, William T. Howard, Israel, drowned from steamboat at Cairo, 111. April 22, 18()2. *HatliaAvay, Perry. Johnson, Delanah. Kemp, Thomas G. J. Lee, Thomas. Lewis, Thomas, C. ' *Mosler, James M. Mosler, William IL, captured, place unknown. *Polk, Ira L., promoted to seventh corporal October 15, 1862. *Ring-, Edward. *Eickerbau8h, Perry, died at Memphis, April 23, ISGl. *Rooker, William D., wounded at Nashville, Tennessee, December 15, 1864. *Rooker, James W., wounded at Little Ilarpeth, Tenn., December, 1861; discharged June 21, 1865. Smith, Matthew F. Smith, Hardin. Sisley, Simon vS., discharged October 15, 1862; died on his way home. *S]awter, James, wounded at Farmington, Miss., May 9, 1862; ca]rtnred July 16, 1863; place unknown. * Stewart, George W. Thimis, Augustus J., died at Benton Barricks, January 2, 1862. ^V'etLTanized ^Murcli, J8fi4. AND THE CITY OF DES MOIXES. 239 Tipton, John J., promoted to fifth corporal October 1, 18(32. Tliatcher, Henry. Walker, Epliraim, died at St. Louis January S, 18(12. ADDITIONAL ENLISTMENTS. Alexander, Charles A., February 3, 1865. Catthern, Arthur S., October 11; prcunoted to eiglith cor- poral December 23, 1861. Dippert, William W., October 11; promoted to saddler October 11, 1861. Eankins, Robert, October 11. Johnson, Zadoc J., July 29, 1861. Moon, Joseph H., Januarj' 20, 1861; killed at Lyunville, Tenn., November 24, 1861. Needham, Melvin I., (J), September 1, 1862; wounded at Oxioid, M'ss December 5, 1862, and died of wounds. Bennett, Joshiui S., enlisted January 1, 1861; company unknown. Camel, John, enlisted January 4, 1864; companj- nn- knoAv. Hiirst, enlisted December 31, 1863; company unknown. Monroe, Samuel, enlisted January 4, 1864; cctnipany unknown. Preston, Alonzo C, enlisted December 28; 1863; com- pany unknown. Anderson, Charles, enlisted September 3, 1864; com- pany unknown. Baldwin, Jesse, enlisted September 3, 1864; company unknown. Barton, Edward, enlisted May 19, 1864; company un- known. 240 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY ■ Parker, William, enlisted March 11, 1864; company un- known. TENTH INFANTRY. Polk county had many representatives in the gallant regiment, volunteers from this county being in Companies A, B, D, F, G, H and K, and v^^ell represented among the staff and field officers. The Tenth was organized at Camp Fremont, Iowa City, in August, 1861, mustered into the United States seiwice September 6, sent to St. Louis, ar- riving on the 23rd, and was there armed, clothed and equipped. For several months it was at Cape Girardeau and other points in Missouri, and took an active part in the capture of New Madrid, and in the movements which re- sulted in the capture of a large force of rebels at Island No. 10. In April the Tenth was sent to Pittsburg Land- ing and took part in the siege and capture of Corinth and the pursuit of the enemy to Boonville. It was in the dis- astrous pursuit of General Price at luka in September, and participated in the bloody battles in and around Cor- inth October 3 and 4. In November and December came more marching and fighting, and in March joined the Yazoo Pass expedition. Subsequently it joined the Vicksburg forces, and was at the battles of Port Gibson, Eaymond and Jackson. At the battle of Champion Hill, May IG, the Tenth was on the left of the brigade, and suf- fered heavily, having 34 killed and 124 wounded. The regiment was on the Black River most of the time until the surrender of Vicksburg, and was then sent in pursuit of Johnson. In September the Tenth was sent to Memphis to join General Sherman in his march to Chat- tanooga, arriving there after a march of thirty-two days, and, on October 25, was with the column which so gallant- Iv stormed Mission Ridge. This and tlie battle at Cliam- AND THE CITY OF DEH MOIXE.S. 241 pion Hill are counted as the two hardest battles in which the regiment was engaged, and in both the Tenth covered itself with glory. February -1, 18G4, the regiment re-en- listed as veterans, and Avas subsequently sent north on veteran furlough. In July it returned to the front, and ^diile at Kingston, (la., was transferred to the Second brigade, and in September the non-veterans were muster- ed out, the ranks again partly filled, and the Tenth joined in Sherman's march to the sea. January 19, 1865, the reg- iment was moved from Savannah into South Carolina and Avas on the expedition to Columbia and tlience to Goldsboro, entering the latter city after severe fightings having marched five hundred miles from Savannah in an inclement season, with many of the men nearly naked and without shoes. The regiment traveled 8,175 miles and fought in eighteen pitched battles besides numerous skir- mishes. Up to the battle of Mission Ridge not a man of the Tenth had been taken prisoner on a battle field. The regiment was mustered oiit at Little Eock, Arkansas, August 15, 1805, having served months beyond their term of enlistment, and for which they received high commen- dation from the department. The following were the casualties of the Tenth: Ofticers — Killed, 0; wounded, l(i; discharged, 1; resign- ed, 32; transferred, 1. Privates — Killed, 57; died, 170; wounded, 201; dis- charged, 252. Polk county was represented on the field and staff as follows: Nathaniel McCalla, major, promoted from cap- tain Company A; J. O. Skinner, assistant surgeon, com- missioned August 19, 1802; William J. Hanger, drum- major, promoted from private Company A; William H. Purdy, chief musician, mustered out at Bird's Point, Feb- 15' 242 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY ruary 26, 1862; Samuel Noble, chief musician, mustered out at Bird's Point February 26, 1862; A. C. Bansman, third musician, mustered out Februaiy 26, 1862; John W. Warner, third musician, mustered out February 26, 1862; Frank Estabrook, third musician, mustered out Feb- ruaiy 26, 1862. Frank M. Miles, of Des Moines, at the request of the authorities, voluntarily took a veiy active part in the en- listment and organization of the Tenth, giving freely his labor, time and money for this pui'pose, and would have went to the front with the regiment had it been possible for him to do' so at that time. COMPANY A.* Nathaniel McCalla, captain; promoted to major Janu- ary 25, 1862; wounded at Mission Ridge November 25, 1863; commissioned lieutenant colonel, August 20, 1864; commission revoked by the Governor, January 25, 1865; mustered out as major, December 27, 1864. Charles J. Clark, first lieutenant; resigned December 3, 1861. Josiah Hopkins, second lieutenant; resigned June 27, 1862. Hezekiah VanDom, first sergeant; promoted to first lieutenant July 1, 1862; mustered out January 16, 1865. William J. Harvey, second sergeant. John 0. Sullivan, third sergeant. John Y. Hanna, fourth sergeant; promoted to first lieu- tenant December 4, 1861; resigned June 26, 1862. Ebenezer E. Howe, promoted to first lieutenant January 17, 1865; commissioned captain August 7, 1865; mustered out as first lieutenant, veteranized as sergeant. •Enlisted August 21, 1861, unless otherwise stated. AND THE CITY OF DBS MOINES. 213 John D. Kellison, first corporal; wounded October 4, 1862, at Corinth, Mississippi. Edward W. Burley, second corporal. Jonathan J. Wright, third corporal; wounded at Cox Bridge, North Carolina, March 20, 1865; veteranized as corporal. Thomas Spencer, foiirth corporal; veteranized as cor- poral. Peter B. Mishler, fifth corporal; discharged at expira- tion of term; died at Baltimore, Md., on his way home. John Eutherford, sixth corporal; veteranized as cor- poral. George Bader, eighth corporal; wounded at Vicksburg May 22, 1863; veteranized as corporal. William J. Hanger, musician; promoted to drum-major; discharged March 20, 1863. Theodore B. Smith, musician; veteranized as musician. PRIVATES. Baker, John, wounded May 22, 1863, at Vicksburg. *Bard, George W. Bean, Stephen S., promoted to corporal; killed at Cham- pion's Hill May 16, 1863. Byram, Adam. Courtney, George W., died August 1, 1862, at Clear Creek, Missouri. *Corey, Cassius M. C. D. Crabtree, Matthew, discharged March 25, 1863. *Cox, Clark. Dinwiddle, Simon E., died July 19, 1862, at Farmington, Mississippi. *Downs, Frederick, wounded at luka September 19,. 1862. •Veteranized Februarj' 1, 1864. 244 ANNALS OF FOLK COUNTY Elliott, Abraham. ■^English, Arthui-. Fletcher, Gideon E., died May 20, 18(32, at Polk City, Iowa. HaAAkins, Andrew J. Hader, Henry. *IIanimond, John 11., wounded May 22, lS(i3, at ^'icks- burg. Hammond, Amos F., wounded May 22, 18(i2, at Farming- ton, Miss. *Hellnms, Frank M. Henderson, Joshua, discharged January 2(i, 1802. Horner, William. Ingersoll, Daniel AV. Jones, David. Lewis, James, died January 3, 18()3, at Columbus, Ken- tucky. McDowell, Elliott, wounded May 22, 18<;3, at A'icks- burg. *Meekins, William P., promoted to fourth sergeant Sep- tember (i, 1801; to second lieutenant July 1, 1802; wounded at Champion's Hill May K!, 18(>3; mustered out December 2G, 18(;4. *Miller, Jonathan K., discharged June 28, 1865. Murray Caswell, died February 10, 1802, at Brooklyn, Iowa. Murray, Thomas, killed at Vicksburg May 31, 1803. Murray, Andrew, wounded at Chami)ion's Hill May 10, 1803 ; died May 22, 1803, of wounds. Nussbaum, Martin \., discharged February 25, 18(i3. Nussbaum, Isaac J., killed May l(i, 18(i3, at Champion's Hill. *A'eterani/.ecl I-'ebruarv 1, l«ii4. AND THE CITY OF DEH MOINES. 245 Nussbaum, Johu L. • ' Palmer, Lewis H. Patterson, Thomas. Pierce, Thomas J., (Tischarged XoA'ember 15, 1S63. Pierce, Elijah L., discharged December 5, 1862. Pollock Robert R. *Eichardson, Edwin. *Kicliards, Davis. lieed, Simon. l\oe, John. Eohr, Eobert H., wounded at Yicksbnrg May 22, 1863. Rule, John T., captured at Brownsville, Mississippi, Oc- tober 9, 1863; died in Andersonville prison May 7, 1861. *Russell, John. Smith, John E., promoted to fife-major; reduced to ranks November 1, 1861; discharged April 14, 1862. Stephen, John. Spencer, Wm., died at Cape Girardeau, Missouri, No- vember 23, 1861. *Swim, William G., veteranized as first sergeant; dis- cliarged as first lieutenant. Terrill, Lemuel, wounded at Gorinth, October 4, 1862; died October, 1863, in Polk County. Townsend, Caleb, discharged August 13, 1862. *Wheeler, Thomas. *Wright, John W., discharged May 22, 1863; re-enlisted as veteran in Company B. ADDITIONAL ENLISTMENTS. McDowell, Palmer, October 1; from First MisS(niri cavalry. Murray, Wm., November 30. Cockeral, Frank, December 1. *Veteranized Februurv 1, 1864. 246 ANNALS OF POLE COUNTY Hosier, Cross O., December 10; captured at Browns- ville, Mississippi, October 9, 1863. Curl, Hiram F. (T.), December 17, transferred to invalid corps August 1, 1863. *Hanna, Simon B., veteranized as sergeant. Fletcher, Isaac, December 12; killed at Champion's Hill May 16, 1863. *Mercer, Edward W., December 10. Hanman, Wm. W., discharged September 8, 1862. *Bunyan, Wm. T. Eohr, Jacob, September 11, 1862. Bard, John, September 17, 1862; wounded at Vicksburg May 22, 1863; died August 7, 1863. Murray, Larkin, September 11, 1862. Edwards, Edward, September 11, 1862. Hoy, Thomas H., September 12, 1862; wounded at Cham- pion's Hill May 16, 1863; transferred to invalid corps De- cember 29, 1863. Fosdick, Leroy, September 12, 1862. Harvey, Geo. W., September 11, 1865; died November 1, 1862, at Davenport. Elliott, William, February 27, 1864. Skidmore, George, December 1, 1863; died October 4, 1864, at Kingston, Georgia. COMPANY B.** Bentley, Geo. M., first lieutenant; resigned April 26, 1862. *McClure, O. John, third corporal; veteranized as fourth sergeant February 1, 1864. *Wright, John W., fourth corporal; promoted to second lieutenant February 24, 1863; wounded at Champion's *Veteriinized Fehniiiry 1, 186-1. **Enlistefl August 23, 186), unless otherwise stated. AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 247 Hill May 16, 1863; captured a.t Missionary Ridge Noyem- ber 25, 1863; mustered out January 13, 1865. Pierson, Eiihraim, fifth corporal. PRIVATES. Boyd, Robert H., discharged December 27. 1862. *Case, William. Davis, Jacob K., wounded at Champion's Hill May 16, 1863; died June 13, 1863, of wounds. Fink, John F., died at Mound City, Illinois, October 27, 1861. *Hargis, Stephen M., veteranized as corporal. *Kenworthy, Steele, veteranized as first lieutenant. Keeney, John (Kenney), died May 23, 1863, at Milliken's Bend, Louisiana. Manbeck, Isaiah. Reed, Thomas H., promoted to corporal; killed at Cor- inth October 4, 1862. Spence, Absalom, died December 11, 1861, at Mound City, Illinois. Hanton, Wm. H., died December 25, 1861, at Bird's Point, Missouri. Shepherd, Robert H. Steele, William, discharged October 1, 1862. Taylor, John (Jehu), C, discharged January 5, 1863. Updegraph, Jerome, wounded at Champion's Hill May 16, 1863; died July 19, 1863, of wounds, at Memphis. ADDITIONAL ENLISTMENTS. Fisher, Isaac, discharged June 7, 1862. Kenworthy, Bruce, joined from Company K. Lang, Daniel R., joined from Company K; discharged March 11, 1863. ♦Veteranized February 1, 1864. 2-t8 ANNALt^ OF POLK COUNTY Means, James M., discliai^ged October 25, 1862. Watts, John, joined from Company K; discharged June 14, 18G2. Moore, Daniel, September 1, 1802. Dooley, Silas, Jannai-y 10, 1S65. Deets, Noah, January 13, 1865. COMPANY D.** *Benj. (). Hanger, musician. ■; PRIVATES. Fuller, John J., January 23, 1862; discharged January 22, 1863. White, Elijah M (or A.), wounded at Corinth October 4, 1862. Becket, Luke, January 11, 1865. Gossard, 'W^m. A., April 1, 1862; wounded at Cham- pion's Hill May 16, 1863. McKinney, Wm. B., February 11, 1862; wounded at Champion's Hill May 16, 1863. Stone (Stine), 'Xoah F., September 3, 1862; died at Vicksburg August 24, 1863. Rhodes, Hiram, September 3, 1862. Pike, Andrew 11., September 3, 1862. Wiley, IJobert, September 3, 1862; wounded at Cham- pion's Hill May 16, 1863. Guthrie, James H., January 19, 1865. : Harlow, Wm. H., January 14, 1865. Rhoades, Hugh, January 16, 1865. Sharp, John, January 16, 1865. Todd, William. *Veteriinized February 1, J 864. **Enlisted in ISGl, unless otherwise stated. AND THE CITY OF DES .MOINES. 249 COMPANY F. Freel, John W., March 10, 1862; captured at Browns- ville, Mississippi, October 12, 1863; died at Anderson- ville prison September 3, 1864. Lj-ncli, Andrew J., March 17, 1862; Avonnded at Mcks- burg May 22, 1863. Moore, Thomas R. (K), March 17, 1862; wounded at Missionary Ridge November 25, 1863. Renuff, Benjamin, March 18, 1862; died at Milliken's Bend, Louisiana, August 11, 1863. ^^llliams, Albin, February 10, 1862; (also reported Allen W.) COMPANY G. Reed, Donivan, March 10, 1862; (reported also Doni- than, R,); wounded at Corinth October 4, 1862; died No- vember 4, 1862, at Mound City, of wounds. Fox, Jacob, September 1, 1862; died September 3, 1863, on steamer City of Memphis. Miles, Josiah, March 10, 1862; discharged September 12, 1862. Thomas, Charles N., February 10, 1862. Ranney, Franklin E., September 1, 1862. Price, Henry N., September 1, 1862; drowned at Milli- ken's Bend April 23, 1863. Miller, Henry A., September 1, 1862. Bean, Michael C, August 23, 1862. Drake, Oliver, August 25, 1862; discharged June 1, 1865. Kavanaugh, Ira, September 1, 1862; wounded at Cham- pion's Hill May 16, 1863. Reed, William, August 25, 1862; wounded at Cham- pion's Hill May 16, 1863. Shafer, James W., March 30, 1864. Shafer, John M., March 30, 1864. 250 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY COMPANY K.** *Robert Liisby, captain; wounded at Champion's Hill May 16, 1863; promoted to major August i20, 1863; not mustered; captain and acting adjutant-general July 21, 1864; died at Fort Sumner, New Mexico, February 20, 1865. *Julian Bausman, first sergeant; promoted to first lieu- tenant September 4, 1862; promoted to captain January,. 1864; not mustered; mustered out as first lieutenant De- cember 19, 1864. Wm. H. Dunkle, first corporal; discharged October 25,. 1862. * William Eahm, veteranized as first lieutenant; pro- moted to captain January 4, 1865. Jacob Horuer, wagoner; discharged February 13, 1862. PRIVATES. Anfenson, Ole. Brand, Martin V. Bruner, Wm. C, wounded at Corinth October 4, 1862; transferred to invalid corps September 15, 1863. *Baylies, Wm. C, veteranized as sergeant. Bell, Wm. A., wounded at Chattanooga November 2o„ 1863. Brown, Wm. C. (or F.), discharged April 23, 1862. Dinwiddle, Lewis F. Gill, John W. Long, Daniel E., transferred to Company B September 28, 1861; discharged March 11, 1863. Rommel, Henry A. Scudder, John M., discharged September 17, 1862. 'Veteranized .Tanuary 1, 18(U. **Enlistecl October 1, 1861, unless otherwise stated. A^^D THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 251 Watts, John, transferred to Company B September 28,, 1861; discharged June 11, 1862. ADDITIONAL ENLISTMENTS. Hallsworth, Andrew, December 19; killed at Corinth October 4, 1862. Samples, Jesse, December 19. Iglan, Henry, December 18; died September 12, 1863,, at St Louis. Ivers, Joseph, December 19; wounded at Champion's^ Hill May 16, 1863; discharged August 11, 1863. Solon, Charles, December 4. Adams, Allington, February 10, 1862. Dillman, David B., February 18, 1862; discharged July 6, 1863. *McRoberts, John, March 10, 1862. *Stevenson, Eeuben B., March 6, 1862. Van Brunt, Henry M., February 10, 1862; captured at Chattanooga November 25, 1863; died March 3, 1864, in rebel prison at Richmond, Va. Whittaker, Burton M., February 10, 1862, (reported alsO' Purtiamond M.); died at Davenport June 25, 1864. Weekley, Merritt, February 22, 1862; died March 25, 1863, at Goldsboro, North Carolina. Surber, Christopher C, August 29, 1862; killed at ( liam- piou's Hill May 16, 1863. Riordon, Michael, April 15, 1861; wounded at Cham- pion's Hill May 18, 1862. Williams, Jonathan, September 11, 1862; died October 25 ,1862, at Davenport Dearinger, Jared, July 23, 1864; company unknown. ♦Veteranized January 1, lS6i. 252 AXXALS OF POLK COUNTY THIRTEENTH INFANTRY. The Thirteenth Infauti-y Avas organized in October, 1802, and its first colonel was Marcellns M. Crocker, of Des Moines, who was promoted from lieutenant colonel of the Second Infantry, and who started in as captain of the famous ( 'ompany D. He was in command of the reg- iment a comparatively short time before he was made a brigadier general. In that time, however, he and the Thirteenth were in two hard fought battles, Shiloh and Corinth. At Corinth he commanded the noted Iowa bri- gade composed of the Eleventh, Thirteenth, Fifteenth and Sixteenth. He was a bold and able leader and as a division commander had few if any superiors. A more extended notice of this gallant officer appears elsewhere. The Thirteenth had its baptism of blood at Shiloh, where it was under tire for ten hours, sustaining a loss of twenty- four killed, one hundred and thirty-nine wounded and nine missing. Becoming a part of the famous Iowa bri- gade, its history is merged into the brilliant history of that tighting brigade, and it participated in most of the noted battles, marches and campaigns of the war. It was in the three unparalleled marches under General Sherman: from Dalton to Atlanta, from Atlanta to Savannah, from Savannah to (ioldsboro and Washington. The total casual- ties (if the regiment were .542 enlisted men and forty-nine officers, or the largest in officers of any Iowa regiment except the Second, Sixth and Seventh. The Thirteenth was mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, July 21, 1S()5. COMPANY D. Watson, John 11., May 1, IStil; transferred from Com- pany I), Second infantry, N(n'ember 7, 18(il; promoted quai-ternnister-sergeant February, 18(52; jiromoted to tirst lieutenant, Comjiany F, September 12, 18fi2. AND THE CITY OF DE^ MOINES. 253 COMPANY E.* Baird, Btepheu B., October 21. Hoss, Jacob V., October 15. Lamb, James H., October 10. Lamb, John H., October l(i. Penor, Wm. H., October 16. Stewart, John, October 29. COMPANY F.* Watson, John H., second lieutenant, from quartermas- ter-sergeant; transferred from Company I); wounded or Shiloli April (>, liS(>2; died at Pittsburg Landing April 9, 1802. FIFTEENTH INFANTRY. In tliis gallant regiment I'olk county was re])resented in ('ompanie.s B, F and G. The Fifteenth was organized in February, 1802, mustered into I". S. service March 14, and was at Pittsburg Landing in April, where in its first fight it lost in two days over one-fourth of its numl>er. Its gallant history is thus summed up: I. Pittsburg Landing — Battle of Shiloh. II. Siege of Corinth — Summer and fall of 1802 — B(di- var—Iuka— Battle of Corinth, October 3d and 1th— Pur- suit of Rebels to Eipley — Keturn to Corinth October 13th. III. Winter Campaign, 1802 — Grand Junction — Holly Springs — Oxford — Abbeville — Yockena Station — -Keturn to Lafayette — Memphis — Front of Vicksburg — Milliken's Bend — Providence — Canal digging to ((uinect the Missis- sippi with bayous Macon and Tensas. IV. Vicksburg Campaign — Milliken's Bend — Holmes' Plantation — Grand Gulf — Haines' Bluff — "SA'arrenton — *Enlisted lS(il, unless otherwise stated. 254 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY Mechanicsville Expedition — Rear of Vicksburg — Black River Expedition — Messenger's Ferry — Jackson — Return to Vicksburg. V. Fall and Winter, 1863-4 — Expedition to Monroe, La., in August; to Jackson in October; to Redbone in De- cember; Meridian in February, 1864; Veteran furlough in March and April; thence to Huntsville, Alabama. VI. Summer Campaign of 1864 — Huntsville — Decatur — Rome — Ackworth — Sherman's March — Battles of Big Shanty, Noonday Ci'eek, Brushy Mountain, Kenesaw, Nick-a-Jack Creek, Atlanta, July 20 to 28 — Jonesboro — Lovejoy — Atlanta. VII. Fall Campaign of 1864 — Reconnoisance to Pow- der Springs — Pursuit of Hood to Reseca — Gaylesville — Marietta — March to the Sea — Savannah, November and December, 1864. VIII. Winter Campaign through the Carolinas — Beaufort — Battles of Garden Corner and Poctaligo, Jan. 14th; Salkahatchie, Feb. 3d; Orangeburg Feb. 12th; Colum- bus, Feb. 13th; Fayette, March 11th; Bentonsville, March 20th; on to Goldsboro. This was one of the most arduous campaigns in the history of the regiment. Its marches by night through swamps for hours, waist deep, amongst dense forests and snags, will never be forgotten. For its promptness and heroism it received the special com- mendation of commanding officers. IX. Closing Campaign — Northward to "finish the job" — Raleigh — Review by Gen. Grant April 23d, Jones' Sta- tion — Surrender of Johnson — March to Petersburg — Richmond — Washington — Louisville — Muster out July 24, 1865 — Home again at Davenport July 29th. Out of 1,763 men who were members of the regiment AND THE CITY OF DE8 MOINES. 255 during its organization, 1,051 were absent, killed, died or crippled for life; proof of valor, patriotism, and love of country. It is said to have suffered more casualties than any regiment sent from the state. It carried its battle flag 7,898 miles, and it now hangs in the State capitol. The regiment had three colonels: Hugh T. Keid, W. W. Belknap, promoted to brigadier-general, and J. M. Hed- rick, promoted to brigadier-general by brevet General Belknap subsequently became Secretary of War. The casualties Avere: Officers killed in action, 6; died of wounds, 2; of disease, 1; wounded, 27; discharged, 3; resigned, 27; enlisted men killed, 52; died of wounds, 78; died of disease, 194; discharged, 302; wounded, 394; cap- tured, 78. Polk County was represented in Companies B and F, and on the staff to-wit: James H. Flint, quar- ter-master, Lucius Boudinot. COMPANY B.** Wilson T. Smith, captain, August 2G. Adolphus G. Studer, first lieutenant; wounded at Shiloh, April 6, 1862; promoted captain May 24, 1862; resigned Jan. 18, 1863. *Christian E. Landstrum, second lieutenant; promoted to first lieutenant May 24, 1862; to captain Jan. 19, 1863; mustered out May 16, 1865. Henry Moreland, first sergeant; wounded at Shiloh, April 6, 1862; discharged November 1, 1862. William Stanberry, fifth sergeant; died at Corinth July 5, 1862. L. Jacob Kelsey, September 26; third corporal; pro- moted to second corporal July 9, 1862; captured at Corinth. 'Veteranized January 19, 1863. **Enlisted in 1861, unless otherwise stated. 256 ANNALH OF POLK COUNTY Kees Wilkiiis, fourth corporal, November 1; promoted to second sergeaut March 27, 1S62; to second lieutenant May 24, 1SG2; resigned December KJ; (also rep(}LK COUNTY Jdliii A. T. Hull, first licniteiiant, July 24; promoted to captain Xovember 2(>, 18(;2. Beiijamiii JeimingS; second lieutenant, Aug'ust 7; pro- moted to first lieutenant January 1, 18G3; to ca])tain. November 0, 1S63. AMlliam H. DoAvns, first sergeant, August 0; j»romoted to second lieutenant January 1, 18G3; killed at Milliken's IJend June 7, 1S<;3. I)a\id AA'. Johnson, third sergeant, August 0. William Kysar, fourth sergeant August 1; pi-onioted to second sergeant October 4 18(i2; died at St. Louis July ]G 18G3. Francis M. Howard, fifth sergeant August 1; i»ronn)ted to fourth sergeant October 4, 18G2; discharged June IG, 18(;3. James ()T>leness, first corpoi-al, August 1; pronniled to third sergeant; killed at Milliken's Bend June 7, 18G3. H. Spotts, second corjMtral, August 1. Jeremiah D. Williams, third corporal, August 7; dis- charged February 25, 18G3. Austin Warnick, fourth corjioral, August 7; wounded at Milliken's Bend Jun<' 7, 18G3. Iiol)ert H(.)war(l, fifth corporal, .Vugust 'J. Joseph ^\^ Lasell, sixth coi'])oral ^Vugust (!; reduced to i-anks September 2!), 1SG2. Eupiirates Tuthill, seventh corporal August 9; promoted to sixth corporal Seiitend)er 2!l, 18G2. Benjamin P. West, eightli corjioral August 1; prcuuoled to seventh c(jrporal Sei»tend)er 2!), 1SG2; died at Patterson, Mo., November 25, 18G2. James P. Orawsliaw, musician, August 1; promoted to fife-major S(-pteniber P.), 1SG2. AXD THE CITY OF DE^ MOIXE>^. 279 PRIVATES. Angeli), Samuel IT., August .9 I'lill, Jdliii T., August 7; died at Vau Buveu H<>s])ital, Louisiaiui, Juue 14, 1S()3. Itull, A'S'illiam, August 9; wouuded at Black Kiver Bridge, Mississip])i, May 17, 18()3; died of Avouuds at Memphis Juue 21, 1S(!3. Bird, Em])soii, August 9; discharged April 14, ISfJS. Butler, AMUiani B., August 9; promoted to tiftli ser- geant October 4, lS(i2; discharged Jauuary 2, ISlio. Butler, Cliarles A., August 9; wouiuled at Black Ri^'er Bi'idge, Mississippi, Mar 17, 18(33. Birch, Francis A., August 1; ti-ansferred to invalid corps. Belts, Sliepherd W., August 9; distdiarged March (>, 1803. Brown, Joy P., August 9; discharged May (!, 18(>3. Baile.y, (^uary, August 9. Brown, John, August 9; died at St. Louis February 25, 1803. Cliristy, A\'illiam, August 1. Crystal, John, August 1; discharged July 24, 1805. Conison, Lemuel M. (Carlson), August !); wounded at Black River Bridge May 17, 1803; died of wounds May 20, 1803. Calial, James H., August 7. Collins, Elisha, August 9; discharged Mandi 0, 1803. Collins, Hiram, August 9. Campbell, Frederick, T., August 9. Couch, William S., August 9. Dewey, Robert II., August 9; promoted to commissary- sergeant September 19. Deaton, James R. (K.), August 7; discharged March 23, 1803. :280 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY Dean, William M., August 9. Dean, James H., August 9. Darling, Porter N., August 9; died at New Orleans November 14, 1863. Evans, William M., August 7; wounded at Black River Bridge May 17, 1863. Frederick, Corwin B., August 9. Ganett, Lyle A., August 9. Gregory, William, August 6. Howard, Francis A., August 7; discharged June 16, 1863. Huggins, David, August 1. Harvey, William, August 3 ; killed at Black River Bridge May 17, 1863. Halterman, Jackson, August 9; discharged January 9, 1863. Harrison, John J., August 1. Howard, W. H., August 9; wounded at Black River Bridge May 17, 1863. Juvenall, John M., August 9; died at Patterson, Mo., November 25, 1862. Jones, Charles L., August 9. Leonard, Newton, G., August 9. Little, John S., August 9. Laughlin, Robert, August 9; discharged November 17, 1862. Lang, Lewis, August 5. McDowell, Michael (McDonnell), August 9; discharged January 31, 1863. Miller, John L., August 1; discharged April 14, 1863. Mattern, William H., August 9. Nelson, David, August 9; died at St. Louis February 25, 1863. AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 281 Owens, Henry, Angnst 8; discharged April 1, 1865. Pricer, William, August 1. Ramsey, Martin K., August 7. Robinson, Hubert S., August 1; (reported also Stewart S. Robinson as wounded at Black River Bridge May 17, 1863.) Robinson, Smith C, August 9; died at Ironton, Mo., December 2, 1862. Rison, Bailey, August 7; transferred to invalid corps July 1, 1864 Stuart, Bazil, August 9. Stuart, John W., August 9; promoted to eighth corporal September 29, 1862; to seventh corporal November 25, 1862; wounded at Black River Bridge M:ay 17, 1863. Smith, Hardin, August 1. Sherill, John W. August 1. Sherill, Elisha C, August 1; died near Sayloiwille, March 27, 1865. Sherill, William H., August 1. Stark, Benjamin P., August 9. Swift, Jeremiah, August 9; wounded at Black River Bridge May 17, 1863. Scarbrough, James, August 9; wounded at Black River Bridge May 17, 1863; died at Memphis July 11, 1863, of wounds. Stockdale, Richmond, August 7; transferred to invalid corps. Saylor, John Q. A., August 1; discharged February 28, 1863. Shirts, Roscius, August 6. Taft, Joel, August 7. Thrailkill, Joseph, August 9; discharged January 26, 1863. 282 AXXALS OF POLK COUXTY Vice, IToni'T, August 9; died at A'ii-ksburg July 28, 1853. West, b>ainue] X., August 1. West, Ilenrv ('., August 1; died at Yirksburg August 5, 18G3. A^'itnier, George M'., August 1. ^^'ebb, Jehu a., August 1; killed at I'oit Gibsi.u May 1, 1803. Webb, James K., August 7. AValsb, Thomas, August U. AMlcox James K., August 1); wouuded at IMack Ifiver Bridge May 17, lS(i3. ^^'oodro^v, William 11., August U; A^'ouuderporal, July 18; prc.imoted to scn^enth corporal September 8, 1802; killed at Milliken's FSend June 7, 1803. David S. Mc(juiston, musician, August 1. PRIVATES. Asliworth, Abraham, August 13. Belts, Matliijis, August 11; discharged February 7, 1803. Eetts, James W., August 12; transferred to marine brigade January 1, 18(i3; died at Keokuk September 1, 1SG3. P>nzick, William C, August 12. Cottle, Elias, August 1; wounded at Spanish Fort, Alabanui, March 28, 1805. wa regiments, and sustained this rank through AXD THE CITY OF DE>; MOIXES. 287 the march to the sea and imtil its final mnstev out of the service. Polk comity was represented in Companies B, E, F, I and K, and on the statf by: Joseph M. Griffith, of Des Moines, major, commissioned !-!epteniber Ki, 1861; wounded at Parker's Cross Roads De- cember 31, 18(!2; promoted to lieutenant colonel October 6, 18G4; to colonel May 12, 1805; mustere. Ken worthy, second sergeant, August 17. Elisha F. Russell, third sergeant; captured at iShadj' Grove, Tennessee, December 30, 18G2. Franklin R. Thurber, fourth sergeant, August 15; pro- moted to first lieutenant January 1, 18(i5. Robert F. Ward, fifth sergeant, August 12; wounded at Calhoun, Georgia, May 10, 18G1; died of Avounds at Resaca May 18, 18G1. Thomas J. Kinnej^, first corporal, August 12; captured at Allatoona, Georgia, October 5, 1804. Joseph Gifford, third corporal, August 12; captured at Shady Grove, Tennessee, December 30, 1802. *Enlistecl in 18(32. unless otherwise stated 288 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY Alanson Harrison, fourth corporal, August 15; dis- charged June 2, 1863. George M. McClure, fifth corporal, August 15. Cyrus Cave, seventh corporal, August 12. William B. Harr, musician, August 12. Edwin C. Russell, musician, August 15. Harry' Williams, wagoner, August 8; discharged Decem- ber 12, 1863. PRIVATES. Armstrong, Samuel, August 15. Baker, William J., August 12; captured at Shady Grove December 30, 1862; wounded at Resaca, Georgia, May 16, 1861. Bates,01iver D., August 22. Brown, Zachariah A., July 25. Bunce (Banco), James E., August 12; discharged June 5, 1863. Barnes, Owen, August 12. Case, Isaac, August 14. Carder, Frederick, August 12; wounded at Allatoona, Georgia, October 5, 1864. Cefley, Andrew, August 22; died at Chattanooga June 27, 1864. Coffey, William G., August 17. Coffej^, George A., August 12; captured at Shady Grove December 30, 1862. Chamberlain, William H., August 11; wounded at Park- er's Cross Roads December 31, 1862; died at Jackson Janu- ary 9, 1863, of wounds. Crandall, Caleb, August 12; captured at Shady Grove December 30, 1862; discharged February 28, 1S63. Daily, Patrick, August 12. Elliott, Henry H., August 5; captured at Shady Grove AND THE CITY OF DBS MOIXES. 289 December 30, 1862; wounded at Calhoun, Georgia, May, 16, 1864; died at Chattanooga June 3, 1864, of wounds. Gaddis, Cornelius B., August 12; discharged May 11, 1862. Groom, A. S. R., August 12. Harrison, Hudson, August 12; died at Corinth, Missis- sippi, February 12, 1863. Hendricks, S. D., August 15. Holbrook, Carlisle D., August 15; captured at Shady Grove December 30, 1862; discharged November 5, 1863. Holcombe, Jacob, August 15; captured at Allatoona, Georgia, October 5, 1864. Holcombe, Asher W., August 14; captured at Red Mound, Tenn., December 31, 1862. Hoover, Henry S., August 12; discharged February 23, 1863. Hurd, William P., August 12; captui'ed at Allatoona October 5, 1864. Jessup, Byron, August 6; captured at Shady Grove De- cember 30, 1862. Johnson, John W., August 20. Johnson, Benj. (T.) F., August 11; discharged February 19, 1863. Keeney, John W., August 12. Keeney, Joseph W., August 12; captured at Shady Grove December 30, 1862. Keeney, Daniel T., August 12; killed at Calhoun, Ga., May 16, 1864. Kulpin, Wilson (also Kemplin), August 15. Krewson, Amos, August 12; captured at Shady Grove December 30, 1862. Licking-teller, Jonathan, August 21. Love, William, August 11. i8 290 ANNALS OF POLE COUNTY Manbeck, Henry, August 12; captured at Shady Grove December 30, 18G2; wounded at Allatoona, Georgia, Octo- ber 5, 1SG4. Manbeck, Elijah, August 12; captured at Shadj^ Grove December 30, 18C2. Markham, Simon, August 12. Mills, James W., August 12; captured at Shady Grove December 30, 1862. Mills, John E., August 13; captured at Shady Grove December 30, 1862; wounded at Allatoona October 5, 1864; died at Nashville January 12, 1865. Eush, William D., August 22. Simmons, Amos, August 14. Simmons, Nicholas W., August 22; died at Corinth Feb- ruary 8, 1863. Starkey, Marion B., August 14; captured at Shady Grove December 30, 1862. Sullivan, James O., August 12. Taylor, Henry, August 12. Taylor, Thomas O., August 12; died at Jackson Tennes- see, March 14, 1863. Vannamon, William J., August 11. Warren, Henry F., August 14. Wheaton, Jeremiah S., August 14 ; discharged November 1, 1863. Wright, Thomas, August 12. COMPANY D.* Dutton, Charles A., January 4. Laporte, Thomas C, January 2; wounded, date and place unknown ; died March 6, 1865, in New York harbor. Norton, Daniel D., January 4. *Enllstecl in 1864. AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 291 Whitecrof t, John, January 2. Watson, Charles A. B., January 2. COMPANY E.* John C. Preston, musician, August 22 ; reduced to ranks ; captured at Shady Grove December 30, 1862; captured at Allatoona October 5, 1864.. William Anderson, musician, August 2; reduced to ranks; captured at Allatoona October 5, 1864. Emng, DeWilton M., August 22. Morgan, Thomas, August 22. Smith, Richard, August 21; captured at Shady Grove December 30, 1862. Cole, Charles J., August 22. ADDITIONAL ENLISTMENTS. Hutson, John W., December 28, 1863. Maulsby, Levi B., August 31, 1864; wounded at Alla- toona October 5, 1864. COMPANY F. Brooks, James F., enlisted August 17. COMPANY I.** Augustus Yerger, first lieutenant, August 22; promoted to captain January 1, 1863 ; resigned November 11, 1864. Robert C. Hunter, second lieutenant, August 16; pro- moted to first lieutenant January 1, 1863. John Finan, first sergeant, August 15 ; captured at Par- ker's Cross Roads, December 30, 1862. William L. Keaggy, second sergeant, August 13; cap- tured at Parker's Cross Roads December 30, 1862. *Enlisted in 1864. **Enlisted in 1862, unless otherwise stated. 292 ANKALS OF POLK COUXTY John Sliauly, third sergeant, August 22. Palestine Jones, fifth sergeant, August 9. Charles Leftwick, first corporal, August 12; wounded at Allatoona October 5, 1864. William McQueen, second corporal, August IG. Sireno S. Farrington, third corporal, August 15. Erastus Scott, fourth corporal, August 22. Andrew J. Melvin, fifth corporal, August 11; discharged August 22, 1S63. Thomas R. Leonard, sixth cfirporal, August (>; dis- charged February 23, 1861. Elias Holladay, seventh corporal, August 13; dis- charged September 20, 1863. Andrew J. Wilder, eighth corporal, August 22. Thomas II. Nichols, musician, August 22; captured at Parker's Cross Roads December 31, 1862; discharged May 21, 1863. David Edwards, wagoner, August 22. PRIVATES. Admonson (Adamson), Joshua, August 22; killed at Atlanta October 5, 1864. Adair, Joseph, August 15. BoatM'right, Daniel B., August 12; discharged Decem- ber 8, 1864. Bragord, Richard T., August 22. Bowles, John, August 14. > Bowles, Joseph, August 22. , , Clark, Tally, August 22. Cole, Samuel D., August 22; captured at Allatoona, Georgia, October 5, 1864. Eckhart, Lewis C, August 14; captured at Parker's Cross Roads December 30, 1862. Edmondson, Henrv, August 4. AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 293 Fenwick, William A., August 15. Foster, John, August 22; captured at Parker's Cross Roads December 30, 1862. Foster, George W., August 12; captured at Parker's Cross Eoads December 30, 1862; discharged May 12, 1863. Green, Luther T., August 16; discharged September 20, 1863. Johnson, George, August 22. Leonard, James G., August 6; died at Corinth February 2, 1863. Lee, John N., August 1.5. Lewis, James, August 14. Miller, IsaaC, August 8; died at Benton Barracks, Mis- souri, December 11, 1863. Myers, Isaac, August 12; captured .at Parker's Cross Roads December 30, 1862. Myers, Andrew J., August 12. McBee, Charles M., August 22. McBee, James H., August 22. Morris, Perry, August 7. Morris, John, August 8. Martin, James, August 22; captured at Parker's Cross Roads December 30, 1862. Perry, John, August 15; discharged January 21, 1863. Runyan, Charles F., August 12. Runyan, John E., August 12. ' Runyan, Orison J., August 12. Sharp, William, August 12; wounded at Allatoona October 5, 1864; died of wounds at Rome, Georgia, Octo- ber 26, 1864. Smith, Eli, August 15. ' Smith, Joseph, August 13; wounded at Allatoona Octo- ber 5, 1864. Sanford, William B., August 22. 294 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY Sanford, George A., August 12. Sumter, Bluford, August 12. Teesdale, Benjamin, August 22. Turner, Parmenas, August 15. Warren, Alfred, August 15; captured at Parker's Cross Koads December 30, 1862. Wicker, Samuel, August 15. . Williams, Jacob J., August 6. Wallace, David S., August 7. Wallace, George W., August 13. ADDITIONAL ENLISTMENTS. Ball, Aaron, August 22; died at Davenport November 9, 1862. Bradford, Isaac V., January 25, 1864; captured at Alla- toona October 5, 1864. COMPANY K.** Burdan, Alfred, August 20. Treel, Charles, September 10. ... Kennedy, Thomas J., August 4. *Grimes, Nathaniel, September 12, 1864. *Hendricks, Martin B., February 29, 1864. *Howell, Jesse, October 17, 1864. *Hays, Jacob E., May 3, 1864. *Leftwick, Cornelius B., March 21, 1864. . *McCurdo, Alfred, May 3, 1864. *Woldrige, James A., September 15, 1864. FORTY-FOURTH INFANTRY. This regiment w^as organized under a proclamation of the President, April 21, 1864, calling for 100,000 men to **Enlisted in 1862, unless otherwise stated. ' 'Company unknown. AND THE CITY OF DE8 MOINES. 295 serve for one hundred days in fortifications, or wherever their service might be required. This was to relieve the veteran troops so they might all be sent to the front. The Governor of Iowa called for 10,000 men to enlist under the call, and it was promptly responded to. Polk county was especially promjit and active and was largely repre- sented in the Forty-fourth, Forty-seventh, and Forty- eighth regiments, raised under this call. The Forty- fourth was mustered July 13, 1864, and mustered out the following October 21. Polk county was represented on the staff by: Josiah Hopkins, major; Lucius Boudinot, hospital steward; William Merrill, principal musician. COMPANY H.* Josiah Hopkins, captain; promoted to major June 1. William Van Dorn, second lieutenant; promoted to first lieutenant, June 1, 1864. William H. Minnick, third sergeant. Thomas J. Pierce, fifth sergeant; promoted to first ser- geant June 3, 1864. Elijah L. Pierce, second corporal; promoted to first .cor- poral June 10, 1864. Adoniram J. Beals, third corporal; promoted to second corporal June 10, 1864. Emery Merrill, musician. William Merrill, musician; promoted to principal musician June 1, 1864. PRIVATES. Burt, George W. Braunt, Horatio. Bishop, John E. *Enlisted May 11. 296 ANNALS OF POLE COUNTY Baker, Elisha, Brooks, James E. T. Baker, Francis M. Beason, Albert. Curl, George. Casebier, Elijah. Dickej^ James A. Erlick, Samuel S. Filmer, Edward. Grant, George W. Hopkins, Silas W. Hopkins, Robert. Highland, John W. Kenaston, James A., promoted to eighth cori^oral July 10, 1864. Moore, William R. Merrill, Emery. Pierce, William B. Rutgers, Reuben R. Richards, Jonathan. Ruttgers, Peter M. Ruttgers, John H., died at Davenport September 15, 1864. Stephens, Charles. Shewey, James M. . ' ■ Wheelhouse, John N. FORTY-SEVENTH. (ONE HUNDRED DAYS.) This regiment was one of the ten tendered by the Gov- ernment to the War Department, under the call for 85,000 men, for aid to General Sherman in his campaign of 1S64. The offer was accepted, and at the close of the term of 100 days, President Lincoln, in a special manner. AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 297 returned thanks to the regiment for the eiScient service rendered in the brilliant victories over Hood and Johnston in Georgia. The regiment was mustered into the United States service June 4, 1864. Polk county was represented in Companies A, F, II and I. COMPANY A. Laudaker, Josephus, enlisted May 24, 1864. COMPANY F.* David J. Pattee, captain. Welden England, first lieutenant. Josiah M. Vale, second lieutenant. Edward A. Lewis, first sergeant. Samuel S. Etheridge, second sergeant. Hiram Smith, third sergeant. Lionel Foster, fourth sergeant. (Jharles F. Whitney, first corporal. William H. Turner, second corporal. Ripley N. Baylies, third corporal. , , Leander Bolton, fifth corporal. Horace B. Baker, sixth corporal. Charles T. P. Bass, seventh corporal. Alvin J. McCrary, eighth corporaL Welcome C. Geer, musician. PRIVATES. Barlow, James M. Blair, John G. Blodgett, Charles W. Bolton, Homer. Bolton, Lewis E. "Mustered in June 4, 186i. 298 ANNALS OF POLE COUNTY Brooks, Benjamin A. ■ ■ Brown, Leonard. " Bryan, Samuel H. • ' ' Chenoweth, Simon M. ■ ■ Couch, Joseplius. Crow, Edward. \ Crow, William M. Dailej', James J. Day, Edwin W. . '< \ Evans, Ira T. Fagan, Ezra B. Flemming, Edwin S. Frazier, George S. Gaston, William H. Hague, Joseph. Holliday, Solomon B. Hunter, David J. Hyland, Edmund. Jeffries, Charles W. Johnson, Arthur W. Jones, George W. Jones, James W. Kimmons, John. Koozer, Daniel. Little, George M. Martin, David. Mattern, Miles D., died at Helena August 27, 1864. Mitchell, Henry S. Mitchell, Wm. B. Mott, David B. Morgan, Frank P. McCain, George D. McConnell, Benjamin I. McConnell, Oscar. . , AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 299' McDonald, Michael. McCurdj^, John L., died at Helena, Arkansas, August 1, 1864. McDowell, John B. Nicholas, John W. Peet, Edward W. . . , ■ Peet, Henry J. Eollins, Millard F., died at Helena, Arkansas, July 16, 1864. Eobinson, Lorenzo L. Kutherford, John. . Sampson, William C. , , . , Scarbrough, Martin. .. Shaw, Thomas. Sleckman, John. Smith, William H. M. Smith, William H. Smith, Scott. Stone, George T. • Tarbell, Edward. Ward, Y/illiam H. Weeks, A. W. C. ... .... ; Wilshirt, John. . Wright, Michael. COMPANY H. McCarthy, Felix, enlisted May 16, 1864. '■ COMPANY 1. Low, Madison, enlisted August 23. Mason, Oscar B., enlisted August 23. Stone, George, enlisted August 24. 300 ANNALS OF POLE COUNTY FORTY-EIGHTH INFANTRY. Polk County was represented in this one-hundred-day regiment as follows: . Cunningham, William H. H., fifth sergeant; enlisted June 10, 1864, Company B. Devin, George, enlisted Company B, June 20, 1864. McCrady, William L., sixth corporal; promoted to fifth corporal; re-enlisted September 5, 1864. MISCELLANEOUS. The following is a list of the Polk County men who served in other regiments, but in which there were not a separate company from the county. This list is no doubt imperfect and incomplete, and does not include all the Polk County men who singly or in small parties joined other Iowa regiments. It is also known that not a few residents. of the city and county enlisted in regiments from other states and also in the regular army. Here, however, are gathered all the names obtainable after much research: FIRST. Brooks, McKenny, Company B, enlisted Apr'l 18, 1861. THIRD. Woods, John S., Company E, enlisted May 2±, 1861; Avounded at'Shiloh April 6, 1862; died of "wounds A^jril 9, 1862. Draper, Martin V. B., Company E, enlisted -June 1, 1861. McCready, Wm. L., enlisted July 1, 1861; discharged ^September 14, 1861. SEVENTH. Evans, Joseph Bedford, company F; killed at Belmont November 7, 1861. Gregg, Hayden A., company C, enlisted November, 1861. AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 301 . , , EIGHTH. Griffith, Albert L., company C, enlisted January 21, 1865. Metcalf, Elisha X., pri^^ate, company D, enlisted March 21, 1865. Wilkinson, Edward C, priyate, company H, enlisted Jan- uary 27, 1865. FOURTEENTH. Lindsley, Robert, company E; died of disease at Macon,. Georgia, August 22, 1862. McGarraugh, Joseph D., enlisted September 28, 1861, company E; captured at Shiloh April 6, 1862; discharged Noyember, 1861. McGarraugh, John T., enlisted September 28, 1861, com- pan.y E. Milton, John L., enlisted September 28, 1861, company E; died September 19, 1862, at Mound City, Illinois. Woodward, Robert, company E, enlisted August 5, 1861^ died June 12, 1863, at St. Louis, of disease. Rutherford, James W., enlisted September 28, 1861, company E. Van Horn, Phineas, enlisted October 10, 1861, company E. Edwards, Charles, enlisted December 1, 1863, company G. THIRTY-SECOND. Elias Modlin, company K, enlisted August 22, 1862; pro- moted to third corporal January 23, 1863; killed at Pleas- ant Hill, Louisiana, April 9, 1861. Isaac N. Alderman, company K, enlisted August 22,, 1862; promoted to eighth corporal January 23, 1863;, 302 ANNAL8 OF POLK COUNTY wounded and captured at Pleasant Hill, Louisiana, April 9, 1864; discharged June 21, 1865. Luellen, Francis, private, company K, enlisted August 15, 1862; wounded and captured at Pleasant Hill April 9, 1864; died of wounds April 22, 1864. Pearson, Nathan H., private, company K, enlisted Aug- ust 22, 1862. Pearson, Samuel H., private, company K, enlisted Aug- ust 22, 1862; captured at Pleasant Hill April 9, 1864. THIRTY-THIRD. Charles H. vSharman, companj^ G, enlisted September 4, 1862, fifth sergeant; promoted to second lieutenant Febru- ary 25, 1863; wounded at Helena July 4, 1863; promoted to first lieutenant June 19, 1864; to adjutant January 6, 1865. THIRTY-FOURTH. John S. Davis, private, company D, enlisted August 13, 1862; promoted to hospital steward October 15, 1862; died at Chicago January 11, 1863. Herrin, Thomas, private, company H, enlisted August 19, 1862. FORTY-FIRST. Stevens, Ed. J. M., company B, enlisted November 1, 1861. FIRST COLORED (6oTH U- S. INFANTRY).* John W. Clifton, fifth sergeant, company D, August 19. Peter Calahan, first corporal, company D, August 19; died at Helena April 10, 1864. James Saylor, second corporal, company D, August 19. Gabriel Eobinson, sixth corporal, company D, August 22; died at Keokuk November 10, 1863. *Enlisted in 1863, unless otherwise stated. AA^Z) THE CITY OF DBS MOINES. 303 William Newburn, musician, company D, August 2G. Wilford Arnold, company D, August 19; died at Helena July 23, 1SG4. Washington Bell, company D, August 24; died at Benton Barracks March 3, 1864. John Bell, company D, August 24. Eobert Beverly, company D, August 24. Oscar Blue, company D, August 20. William Clay, company D, August 20. Frederick Douglass, company D, August 21; died at Helena, Arkansas, January 13, 1865. Solomon Holmes, company D, August 24. William R. Key, company D, August 26. Alfred Pratt, company D, August 20; died at Helena January 11, 1865. Walter White, company D, August 20. William R. ey, first sergeant, company I, October 9. Charles Richardson, company I, October 2. James Brown, January 9, 1865; company unknown. Lilburn Walden, March 4, 1865 ; company unknown. MISSOURI REGIMENTS. Adoneram J. Merritt, captain company K, Missouri engi- neer regiment of the West, enlisted September 17, 1861. George E. Spencer, Twenty-first regiment; killed at Mobile April 9, 1865. Oliver P. Brown, company E, Twenty-fifth regiment, enlisted February 17, 1862. MISCELLANEOUS. Lyon, H. H., Second Colorado; promoted to first lieuten- ant; discharged at cdose of war. Lyon, Jonathan, Second Nebraska; sergeant; discharged at close of war. . , 304 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY McClaiu, William A., company G, Second Nebraska ; died from exposure. FOURTH CAVALRY. Vt'arv, William, enlisted October 11, 18G1; discharged August 9, 1862. Keeves, Elza A., enlisted September 5, 1864. COMPANY C. Charles Graham, enlisted December 20, 1861; joined from company G; promoted to battalion saddler's ser- geaiii .^prin,2, 1862 COMPANY G. Charles Graham,private; enlisted December 20, 1861; transferred to company C February 21, 1862. COMPANY L. William Henry Sells,first lieutenant; enlisted Novem- ber 19, 1861; promoted to paymaster United States na's^'^ January 9, 1862. SEVENTH CAVALRY. This regiment was organized at Davenport in the early spring of 1863, and six companies of it were sent to the west to protect the settlers of Nebraska, Minnesota and the Dakotas from the Indians, who at that time were hostile and threatening. Their first experience in the field was a march across the state of Iowa from Davenport to Omaha, Nebraska, and from the latter place they were sent to vari- ous parts in that then territoiy. In September the two remaining comjjanies were sent to Omaha, and from that time the entire service of the regiment was spent upon the frontier, at diflerent places in that then vast stretch of country, then almost uninhabited by whites, west of the A.YD THE CITY OF DEtl MOIXES. 305 Missouri Kiver aud extending to the Rocky Mfinntains. There they were occupied in keeping the Indians in clieck, sometimes flghtiug and chasing them and performing most arduous duties. The regiment was scatttered in detach- ments, which took part in nearly every Indian ex])edition from IS()3 to the fall of 18(15, and fought in the battles of White fiUmc Hill, Tahkahokutah, P.ad Lands, Little Blue, •Inlesbnrg, ^lud Springs anlue Kiver August 12, 18(>4, fighting from 11 o'clock iu the morning until 7 o'clock in the evening, with the loss of only two men. The distance traveled from the (u-ganization to February, 1865, was 5,300 miles. Company D was engaged with the Indians on February S at Mud Springs, and on the 9th at Rock Springs, Indian Territory, losing one man killed and two wounded. June 11, 18(i5 the company, with a small detachment from A and B, in all 135 men, were detailed to escort about 2,000 Sioux to Julesbnrg, with their familes aud lodges. On the morning of the lltli the Indians revolted, and (_'ai)tain Fonts was shot and his body stripped and mutikited. The Indians finally fled to the hills and bluffs, leaving their lodges and loose plunder. Part of the regiment remained in active- service after their term of enlistment had expired, and received special thanks of the department. The regiment was mustered out in detachments. It had, in fact, lost its regimental organi- zation some time previous, its colonel liaving been mus- ter ed out many months before the men were. The casual- ties were: Killed, 45; died, 101; discharged, 21< OF I'OLK ('()( WTY Owen F. Mitchell, cominaudiuji' serij;e;uit, formerly in Oomi:iaiiy I, Tliird U. 8. Cavalry. COMPANY M* ^^'illiaTll 11. Iloxie, captain; formerly cai)tain Company P>, Se^'enteentll infantry; wonnded at Newman, (Jeoryia, July 30, 1804; dismissed March 11, 1805. Henry Moreland, first lientenant; formerly first ser- i^eant Company B, Fifteenth Infantry; cajitured at New- man, Geori;ia, -Juh' ?,(), ISOl; jiromoted to caiitain March 12, 180.5. James ]{. FIdridge, .second lieutenant, formerly Com- panies (t aud H, Ninth Infantry; resii^ned July !», 180-1. Eli Keeler, f|uartermaster-sergeant, June 22; from reg imental commissary sergeant. Frank P. Phel])s, commissary-sergeant, .Tune 1. Warren Metcalf, second sergeant; formerly in Company H, Eleventh U. S. Infantry. Daniel C. I'ishard, fourth sergeant; discharged May 25, 180.5. Thomas O. Strange, sixth sergeant, .Tnne 1; wonndi'd and captured at Newman, Georgia, Jnly ;>0, 1S(;1. Enoch J. Yount, third cori>oral, August 20; formerly in Company K, P^ighth Infantry. Aaron Pugh, fourth corporal, July 1 George B. Leonard, fifth cor]K)ral, June 1; formerly in Company (!, Ele^'enth Infantry. James II. Miller, sixth cor])oi-al, Jnne 28. Thonuis McClelland, seventh cori)oral, Jnly 8; wounih'il at Cassville, Georgia, May !), 1804; died May 21, 1804, or June 2, of Avoun(Ls at Cassville. William W. Derrickson, eighth cor]»oral, July 20. Scott Boone, trumpeter, Jnne 24. *Enlislr(l in lS(i3, unless o1 licrwisc staled AND THE CITY OF DBS MO/XE^. 309 James D. Thompson, farrier, August 25. James M. Vanscoyne, farrier, June 1; formerlj' in Com- pany B, Eleventh Infantry and in na^al service. Francis Bradley, Avagoner, August 10; died at Kings- ton, Georgia, September 24, 1804. PRIVATES. Adamson, Samuel, July 15. Acres, Nathaniel, August 10. Ashley, James W., July 2. Alfred, Anderson, July 17. Boone, Pinkee, June 24. Barkhurst, Geo. W., June 24. Berry, George, August 10. Calahan, Thomas W., July 8. Crosthwait, Thos. P., July 15. Oleavinger, Wm., Jul,y 15. Chambers, Samuel, July 25. Davis, James W., July 8. Doran, Geo. W., July 9. Elliott, Beujauun, .July 1. Foust, Heury, June 25; transferred to Infantry c()r])s, Alay 1, 1804. Goss, Swinford, July 15. Garrett, Cyrus W., July 18. Hick, Alfred, July 15. Houk, James, Jul3' 7. Iludnos, ^Ym. T., June 15; ca])tured at Newman, Geor- gia, July 30, 1864. Heady, Wni. ■!., July 8; captured at Florence, Tenn- essee, December 17, 1804. Ilughart, John A., July 15. llughart, John B., July 15; died at Louisville, Ken- tucky, March 17, 1705. 310 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY Horton, James H., August 20. Johnson, Jonathan, July 5. Johnson, Iven, July 5. Jones, Jacob H., July 15. Jones, George W., July 15. Krowser, Moses W. (T.), July 1; killed at Macon, Geor- gia, April 15, 1865. Kelly, John B., July 4; captured near Franklin, Tenn- essee; date unknown. Knight, James T., August 20; wounded near Cassville, Georgia, May 9, 18G4. Lee, Marshall, August 10. Martin, William, July 15. Mountain, Weslej', June 28; Captured at Newman, Georgia, July 3, 1864. McCall, Thomas H., July 15; captured at Tilton, Geor- gia, May 15, 1864; died at Andersonville prison March 17, 1865. Mattern, Winfleld S., June 20; captured at Newuan, Georgia, July 30, 1864. Nicholson, William, July 3. Newell, Isaiah, July 6. Parker, William, June 1. Rhoades, John W., July 2; discharged July 10, 1865. Robinson, Thomas T., July 3. Shellhart, Valentine, July 15. Stiles, Geo. W., June 1. Stephen, Itharman, July 8. Tilton, William B., June 15. Train, Francis M., June 20. Vanscoyoc, Silas, June 25. West, Sumner B., July 20. Wilfong, David, June 25. Wooten, -Jonathan, June 25. i Williams, Joseph W., August 1. AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 311 NINTH CAVALRY. Polk County had a few men in this regiment, among them being Edgar T. Ensign, of Des Moines, who had been an original member of Company D, Second Infantry, and had greatly distinguished himself at Fort Douelson and in other engagements. He was made major of the Eighth and won more honors for himself by his military skill and unflinching bravery. In this regiment also served Joseph W.Haskell, a young man mostly reared in Des Moines. He served in the gallant Second Iowa Infantry, and was at Fort Donnelson and other battles. Discharged for disability, as soon as his health was partly restored he enlisted with his friend. Col. Trumbull, in the Ninth. The other members of the regiment from Polk County were: Edgar T. Ensign, major, from Company D, Second Infantry. COMPANY A. Haskell, -Joseph W., enlisted September 23, 1863. COMPANY H. Eobert Fryon, fifth sergeant; from Company E, Fourth Infantry. David Groves, trumpeter; enlisted October 18, 1863. PRIVATES. Cooley, George W., enlisted October 8, 1863. Owens, Thomas J. COMPANY L. West, Isaac J., private; enlisted August 16, 1863. FIRST IOWA BATTERY. The First Iowa Battery was organized in August, 1861,, and mustered out at Davenport July 1, 1865. Its first 312 ANNALi^ OF POLK COUNTY eiigageinent was at Pea Kidge, March 24, 18(32, where it fired the first shot and suffered severelj^ After this bat- tle the First Battery was placed under the ccniimaiid of Captaiu Henry H. Griffiths, of Des Moines, who had entered the service as captain of Company E, Fourtli Iowa Infantry. Under his charge the Battery was completely reorganized and strengthened, and he soon made it one of the very best batteries in the service. It joined in Gen. Hovey's unsuccessful attempt to capture Arkansas Post; thence, in December, with Gen. Steel's division, took part in the fight at Chickasaw Bayou; thence back again to Arkansas Post and the final capture of the same. It was in the hottest of the fight of Jackson, and was busily engaged during the siege of Vicdisburg. After this it was sent to Tuscumbin, having a five days fight on the Avay at Cherokee Station. Pushed on to Chattanooga on the morning of Xovember 25, it opened fire at Lookout Mountain and received special commendation for its gal- lant work from Gen. Hooker. Here it exchanged its worn out guns for new 10-]>ound Parrots. It was througli the Atlanta eampaign and its guns Avere heard almost daily. Although it was in so many of the hard fougiit battles of the war, it never lost a gun nor the least of its equipments to the enem}', but its escape Avas several tiuies arcom- plished only through the skill and bravery of its com- mander and the bold and determined courage of the men c-omposing the battery, Avho Avc^re ahvays proud of their organization and ready to lay down their lives if need be to save their guns and punish the enemy. Tlie battery casualties Avere: Killed, 7; died, .">4; dis- charged, .■^(i; Avounded, 29. I'olk <'ounty Avas rei)resented in this battery as folloAvs: Henry II. Gi'ifflths, captain, from Company E, Fourth Infantry; mustered out August 17, 1804. AND THE CITY OF DBS MOJXEi^. 313 PRIVATES. Skivinki, Edward, September 1, 1861; wounded at Pea Kidge Mar-eh 7, 1802. ADDITIONAL ENLISTMENTS. Allen, Charles, December IS, 1803; wounded at Yicks- bnrg August 18, 18G4. Allen, Fletcher, December 18, 18G3. Crabtree, George W., January 5. Callendar, John D., December 23; killed at Atlanta August 23, 18G4. Coffeen, Henry, January 4, 18G4. Callendar, Wm. H., January 4, 18G4; died at Chatta- nooga, Tennessee, July 10, 18G4. Crockerham, Joseph F., January 1. Dyer, John, January 2, 18G4. Elliott, Thomas, January 4, 18(;4; discharged May 9, 18G5. Fox, Franklin, January 4, 1S(;4. FeuAvick, James p]., January 4, 18(>4. Gregg, James C., December 2G, 1SG3. Hawkins, Thomas L., January 3, 18G4. Howard, John, January 1, 1S(!4. Ilobb, Joshua, December 30, 18G3. Henderson, Jam<^s M., January 4, 1SG4. Hoake, Hermon C., January 4, 18G4. Hyatt, Elmer, December 2.j, 1SG3. llainmon, William W., January 5, 18()4. Howard, George, January '->, 18G4; died at Woodville, Alabama, February 22, 1SG4. Johnson, John, January 4, 18(>4; died at Ivome, Georgia, August 18, 1804. James, Elisha K., January 4, 18G3. 314 ANNAL8 OF POLK COUNTY Jones, Wm. II., January 30, 1863; died at Davenport February 18, 1863. Kurtz, Gotlieb, January 4, 1864. Kirby, Charles, January 4, 1864. Kesler, William, January 4. 1864. Loughran, Edmond, January 2, 1864. Leggett, John W., January 4, 1864. Marrs, John W., December 26, 1863; wounded; date and place unknown. Mack, Talbert t^., December 29, 1863. Madison, Bartie M., December 28, 1863. McMichael, William, December 23, 1863; killed at At- lanta July 20, 1864. Myerkoflf, Herman T., December 29, 1863. McKelvoge, Hugh, January 4. Murphy, James, January 4, 1864. Nagle, Webster, December 31, 1863. Parker, Madison, January 4, 1864. Payne, James P., December 22, 1863. Stutsman, Solomon, January 4, 1864. Simmonds, Wm. V., December 26, 1863. Stemper, William H., January 4, 1864. Titus, Selah H., January 2, 1864. West, Thomas C, December 23, 1863. Thaeker, Fielding T., January 4, 1864. Terro, Henry, January 1, 1864. Wright, William, December 29, 1803. Baker, Lewis P., March 12, 1864. Bishard, John F., March 11, 1864. Curran, James R., January 26, 1864. Cooper, Charles B., March 8, 1864. Harmison, Andrew, August 20, 1864. Reeder, Pvobert F., March 21, 1864; died at Jefferson- Adlle, Indiana, January 22, 1865. AiYD THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 315 Scott, Andrew, August 20, 18Gi. Young, John, January 26, 18G4. SECOND BATTERY. Lewis Keynolds, first sergeant ; enlisted August 11. John Burke, third corporal, August 1. Thomas Foley, artificer, August 1. PRIVATES. Alderman, Juo. V., enlisted August 1. Buttolph, Jno. R., August 1. Buttolph, Romulus, August 1; died at St. Louis, De- cember 9, 18G1. Cluie, Squire G., August 1. Davis, Oliver P., August 1; promoted to second corporal July 24, 1862. Ingraham, Joseph, August 1. Phillip, Lewis F., August 1. Sunsteim, Wm., August 1; discharged October 16, 1862. Stobaugh, Samuel, August 1. Whittaker, Deacon J., August 1. ADDITIONAL ENLISTMENTS. Bowman, Thomas, enlisted September 5, 1864:. Burke, James S., September 5, 1864. Campbell, Wilson M., August 14, 1864. Coburn, Francis, August 29, 1864. Oilman, Milan A., March 21, 1864. Groves, Eli, August 29, 1864. nines Peter, February 2.5, 1864. Jones, James M., March 30, 1864. Jones, John, February 19, 1864; died at Davenport April 17, 1864. Johnson, Joel, Febraury 19, 1864. 316 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY Kiii'tz, Joliii, September 5, 18()4; died at iSelina, Ala- bama, July 7, 1S65. I.ee, II. reter, February 19, 18()4; died at Memphis :\rarcli 25, ISCS. Heed, Samuel, February 19, HSG4. IJeed, William, February 16, 18(U. lluus, Audrew J., August 20, 1864. Steplieusou, Geo. II., March 30, 1862. Simmons, P>aily 11., September 5, 1864. P.liler, Franklin F., November 10, 1862. Doak, \Ym., October 1, 1862. Xelson, James, October 17, 1862. Uai-ris, George N., October 2(;, 1862. (^'rowe, John F., Sei)tember 25, 1862. 1 )azey, Charles P. , October 17, 1 862. lioberts, Abel W., October 1, 1862. Webber, John T., September 20, 1864. MISCELLANEOUS CAVALRY REGIMENTS. FIRST. George P. UausloAV, ('om])auy (}; enlisted August 26, 1862; discharged November 30, 1864. John i>. McClelland, ('om]»any M; enlisted September 1, ]S(;i; died November 18, 18()2, at St. Louis. \\'iiliam McGuire, cauy unknown. Stewart ^ladisou, enlisted Mar(4i 30, 1864; com])auy un- known. AXfJ THE CITY OF DE,s MUIXES. 317 James A. Weak, enlisted !>e])teiuber 24, IS^U; cniu- pauy 111) known. FOURTH. I'uriton, J.evi'is A., (.'(Uiipany I; enlisted December 2(>, l.S(;:>. SIXTH. (larrett, James M., private, ( '()n)])any B; enlisted Xd- vember l.", 1802. Stickney, (.xaluslia A., i»ri'>al('. Company F; enlisted Se])tembeT 15, 18(i2. Jones, John ^^'., jirivate, ('om])any II; enlisted OctcdM^- 2, lS(i2. Brady, Edward, i»i-ivate, (Jompauy M; enlisted October 27, 1S62. DODGE'S BRIGADE BAND. Edmnnd X. Cni-1, enlisted October 1(1, 1SG2. RECAPITULATION. I'cdk Connty may well be prond of her war record. Her soldiers were the bravest of the brave, abnndantly evi- denced by the rajiidity of promotion. t>hc was r<^i)re- sented in tliirty-live regimental organizaticnis ami fnr- uislied largely in excess of her quota. The nnniber of commissioned officers was as follows: lirigadier-genei'als, 3; colonels, 5; li(mteuant-colonels, (>; majors, 10; snrgeons, 7; adjntants, (i; qnartermasters, 2; ca]itains, 10; first lientenants, 5(>; second lieutenants. 4.3. FIELD AND STAFF. INFANTRY REGIMENTS. Noah "\\'. Mills, c(donel. Second Infantry . Marcellns M. ('roid^er, colonel Seeond Infantry. 318 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY Noe W. Mills, lieutenant-colonel, Second Infantry. Marcellus M. Crocker, major, Second Infantry. George L. Godfrey, adjutant. Second Infantry. Edward L. Marsh, sergeant-major. Second Infantry. Samuel H. Lunt, sergeant-major, Second Infantry. Jared Warner, commissary-sergeant, Secontl Infantry. John Lynde, commissary-sergeant. Second Infantry. Ephriam P. Davis, hospital steward, Second Infantry. George F. Lyon, hospital steward. Second Infantry. Charles H. Eawson, surgeon, Fifth Infautrj-. Nathaniel McCalla, major. Tenth Infantry. John C. Bennett, major, Tenth Infantry. Wm. P. Davis, surgeon. Tenth Infantry. J. O. Skinner, assistant-surgeon. Tenth Infantry. Wm. J. Hanger, drum-major. Tenth Infantry. John E. Smith, fife-major. Tenth Infantrj'. Wm. J. Purdy, chief musician, Tenth Infantry. Chas. Fox, first musician, Tenth Infantry. Samuel Noble, second musician. Tenth Infantry. Adam C. Bausman, third musician. Tenth Infantry. John W. Warner, third musician. Tenth Infantry. Edward J. McGorrisk, surgeon, Ninth Infantry. James A. Williamson, colonel, Fourth Infantry. James A. Williamson, lieutenant-colonel, Fourth In- fantry. Alex. Shaw, assistant-surgeon. Fourth Infantr3^ David Beach, assistant-surgeon, Fourth Infantry. James A. Wiliamson, adjutant. Fourth Infantry. John E. Sells, adjutant. Fourth Infantry. Marcellus M. Crocker, colonel, Thirteenth Infantry. James H. Flynt, quartermaster-sergeant. Fifteenth In- fantry. Louis Boudinot, hospital steward. Fifteenth Infantry. AND THE CITY OF DES iMOINES. 319 Edward J. McGorrisk, assistant-surgeon, Seventeenth infantry. William Eagan, major, Eighteenth infantry. Charles J. Clark, lieutenant-colonel, Twenty-third in- fantry. Charles J. Clark, major, Twenty-third infantry. Leonard B. Houston, major. Twenty-third infantry. W. II. Ward, assistant-surgeon. Twenty-third infautr}-. Matthew C. Brown, adjutant, Twenty-third infantry. Robert C. Cross, quarter-master, Twenty-third infantry. William Merrill, quartermaster. Twenty-third infantry. Arthur J. Barton, chaplain. Twenty-third infantry. Charles S. Hepburn, hospital steward, Twentj^-third in- fantry. James R. Crenshaw, fife-major. Twenty-third infantry. Charles H. Sharman, adjutant. Thirty-third infantry. Francis M. Slusser, chaplain. Thirty-third infantry. John S. Davis, hospital steward. Thirty-fourth infantry. Joseph M. Griffiths, colonel. Thirty-ninth infantry. Joseph M. Griffiths, lieutenant-colonel, Thirty-nith in- fantry. George C. Tichenor, adjutant. Thirty-ninth infantry. Josiah Hopkins, major. Forty-fourth infantry. George J. North, major. Forty-seventh infantry. James P. Roach, chaplain. Forty-seventh infantry. CAVALRY REGIMENTS. P. H. Van Slyck, quartermaster-sergeant. Third cavalry. Joseph E. Jewett, major, Fourth cavalrj^ Charles Graham, second battalion saddler-sergeant. Fourth cavalry. Orren F. Mitchell, commissary-sergeant. Eighth cav- alry. Edgar T. Ensign, major, Ninth cavalry. 320 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY CAPTAINS- INFANTRY REGIMENTS. Xoali V\'. Mills, i()mi)aii.Y D, Weeoud infantry. Edgar T. Ensi<>n, companv D, Second infantry. Nathaniel McCalla, company A, Tenth infantry. vSamnel J. Daui;ler, United States Veterans. Henry 11. (iriftlths, r(!ni])any E, Fonrth infantry. A'N'ilnier S. Simmons, company E, Fonrth infantry. Nathaniel McCalla, company A, Tenth infantry. Ebenezer E. Howe, company A, Tenth infantry. K(d_)ert Lnsby, comi)any K, Tenth infantry. Jnlien Bansman, companj^ K, Tenth infantry. "SA'illiam Rahm, company K, Tenth infantry. T\'ilson T. Smith, company B, Fifteenth infantry. Adophns G. Stndor, company B, Fifteenth infantry. Christopher E. Tjanstrmm, c-ompany B, Fifteenth in- fantry. William II. (Joodrell, company B, Fifteenth infantry. AVilliam 11. Iloxie, eompany B, Seventeenth infantry. John H. Browne, company F, Seyenteenth infantry. John 11. Looby, cmnpany G, Eighteenth infantry. Le(mard B. Honston, company A, Twenty-third infan- try. Theodore G. Cree, company A, Twenty-third infantry Charles J. Clark, company B, Twenty-third infantry. Joel M. Walker, company B, Twenty-third infantry. James C. Gregg, company C, Twenty-third infantry. John A. T. Hnll, company C, Twenty-third infantry. Benjamin Jeiniings, company C, Twenty-tliird infantry. Robert W. Cross, company G, Twenty-third infantry. Robert W. Cross, company H, Twenty-third infantry. Andrew T. Blodgett, company B, Thirty-ninth infantry. Angnstns Yerger, company I, Thirty-ninth infantry. AND TEE CITY OF DES MOINES. 321 Eobert C. Hunter, company I, Thirty-ninth infantry. Josiah Hopkins, company H, Forty-fourth infantry. David J. Pattee, company F, Forty-seventh infantry. Adoniram J. Merritt, company K, engineer regiment of the west. CAVALRY REGIMENTS. George C. Graves, company D, Second cavalry. | Francis M. Griftith, company D, Second cavalry. William H. Hoxie, company M, Eighth cavalry. Henry Moreland, company M, Eighth cavalry. LIGHT ARTILLERY. Henry H. Griffiths, First battery. Melville C. Wright, Third battery. FIRST LIEUTENANTS. INFANTRY REGIMENTS. Norton L. Dykeman, company D, Second infantry. Samuel H. Lunt, company D, Second infantry. Edgar T. Ensign, company D, Second infantry. George L. Godfrey, company D, Second infantry. Edward L. Marsh, company D, Second infantry. Wiliam L. Davis (veteran), company D, Second infantry. Charles J. Clark, company A, Tenth infantry. John J. Hanna, company A, Tenth infantry. Hezekiah Van Dorn, company A, Tenth infantry. Ebenezer E. Howe, company A, Tenth infantry'. William G. Swim, company A, Tenth infantry. Wilmer S. Simmons, company E, Fourth infantry. John E. Sells, company E, Fourth infantry. Sheldon C. Treat, company E, Fourth infantry. Emerson S. Bramholl, company E, Fourth infantry. 322 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY Geoi'f^e M. Bentley, Company B, Tenth infantry. Hteel Kenwortliy, Company B, Tenth infantry. Jnlien Bausmau, Company K, Tenth infantry. ^A'illiam Ralini, Company K, Tentli infantry. William C. Baylies, Company K, Tenth infantry. Christopher PI Lanstrnm, Company B, Tentli infantry. David Kinj;-, Company B, Tenth infantry. William Goodrell, Company F, Fifteenth infantry. John H. Browne, Companj' F., Seventeenth infantr;\. John A. Fullerton, Company K, Seventeenth infantry. William Ragan, Company I, Eighteenth infantry. Charles M. Condon, Company I, Eighteenth infantry. Joel M. Walker, Compan};- B, Twenty-third infantry. Stephen Waterbury, Company B, Twenty-thii'd infantry. MattheAV C Brown, Company B, Twenty-third infantry. Henry Crabtree, Company B, Twenty-third infantiw. John A. T. llnll. Company C, Twenty-third infantry. Benamin Jennings, Company C, Twenty-third infantry. Lyle A. Garrett, Company C, Twenty-third infantry. William E. Houston, Company E, Twenty-third infantry. William Merrill, Company E, Twenty-third infantry. Charles H. vSharman, Company G, Thirty-third infantry. Andrew T. Blodgett, Company B, Thirty-ninth infantry. Franklin R. Thurber, Compan}- B, Thirty-ninth infantry. Angnstus Yerger, Company I, Thirty-ninth infantry. Robert C. Hunter, Company I, Thirty-ninth infantry. Erastus Scott, Companj' I, Thirty-ninth infantry. William Van Horn, Company H, Forty-fonrth infantry. Welden England, Company F, Forty-seventh infantry. ' ' CAVALRY REGIMENTS. Gnstavns Washburn, Company D, Seeond cavalry. Samuel J. Dangler, (^.'onipany D, Second cavalry. AND THE CITY OF DE8 MOINES. 323 Frankliu Deford, Company A, Seventh cavalry. Henry Morelancl, Comi^any M, Eighth cavah'v. LIGHT ARTILLERY. Selah H. Titus, First battery. John Burli, Second batterj-. SECOND LIEUTENANTS. INFANTRY REGIMENTS- Noali ^^^ Mills, ('oiupaiiy L), Second infantry. Edgar T. Ensign, Company D, Second infantry, (ieorge L. Godfrey, Company D, Second infantry. Edward L. Marsli, Compau}- D, Second infantry. Jolm Lynde, Company D, Second infantry. Augustus R. Robinson, Second United States volunteers. Josiah Hophins, Company A, Tenth infantry. ^Villiam P. Meekins, Company A, Tenth infantry. Isaac Whicher, Company E, Fourth infantry. Sheldon C. Treat, Company E, Fourth infantry. Richard W. Ross, Company E, Fourth infantry. Felix T. Gandy, Company E, Fourth infantrjr. Josiah Hopkins, Company A, Fourth infantry. William P. Meekins, Company A, Fourth infantry. Jonathan J. Wright, Comi^any A, Fourth infantry. John W; Wright, Company B, Fourth infantry. John H. Watson, Company F, Thirteenth infantry. 'Chris E. Lanstrum, Ccjmpanj^ B, Fifteenth infantry. Reese Wilkins, Company B, Fifteentli infantry. John S. Green, Companj- B, Fifteenth infantry. David King, Company B, Fifteenth infantry. Robert Lyon, Company B, Fifteenth infantry. Samuel T. Reese, Company B, Seventeenth infantry. John II. Browne, Company F, Seventeenth infantry. 324 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY John H. Loobj^, Company G, Eighteenth infantrj^. Charles M. Condon, Company I, Eighteenth infantry. Theodore Cree, Companj^ A, Twentj^-third infantrj^ Stephen A. Waterbury, Company B, Twenty-third in- fantry. Chauncey A. Williams, Company B, Twenty-third in- fantry. Francis Weitman, Company B, Twenty -third infantry. Benjamin Jennings, Company C, Twenty-third infantry. William H. Downs, Company C, Twenty-third infantry. William E. Houston, Company E, Twenty-third infantry. Charles H. Sharman, Company G, Thirty-third infantry. Eobert C. Hunter, Companj' I, Thirty-ninth infantry. William Van Dorn, Company H, Forty-fourth infantry. Josiah M. Yale, Company F, Forty-seventh infantry. CAVALRY REGIMENTS. Daniel Hall, Company D, Second cavalry. Francis M. Griffith, Company D, Second infantry. Eli Keeler, Company M, Eighth cavalry. Joseph E. Jewett, Company D, Second cavalry. Samuel Noel, Company D, Second cavalry. CHAPTER Xlll. GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. OBJECTS. THE objects to be accomplished by this organization are as follow, thns set forth in the Constitution and J'.y-Laws of the Grand Army of the Republic: I. To preserve and strengthen those kind and fraternal feelings which bind together the soldiers, sailors and ma- rines w ho united to suppress the late rebellion, and to per- petuate the memory and history of the dead. II. To assist such former comrades in arms as need help and protection, and to extend needful aid to the widows and orphans of those who have fallen. III. To maintain true allegiance to the United States of America, based upon the paramount respect for, and fidelity to the National Constitution and laws; to discon- tinuance whatever tends to weaken loyalty, incites to in- surrection, treason or rebellion, or in any manner impairs the efficiency and permanency of our free institutions; and encourage the spread of universal liberty, equal rights and justice to all men. Crocker Post, No. 12, Department of Iowa, Grand Army of the Republic, which is now the largest post in the State, A\as organized March 11, 1879, with twentj^-two charter members. The post was named after Major General Marcellus M. Crocker, who entered the service of his country from Des Moines as captain of Company D, Second Iowa Infantry, 326 ANNALS OF POLE COUNTY and tlirough bravery and meritorious service won his way up to tlie proud position of major general of volunteers before the close of the war. (A-ocker Post has, from the time of its organization, had a steady, constant and healthful growth, both from orig- inal applications and by transfers from other posts in the State and nation; and in the year 1888, Joe Hooker Post, Xo. 21, Iiaving surrendered its charter, the majority of its members joined Crocker by transfer. The total enrollment of Crocker Post is six hundred and tifly-one members ((151), nearly every loyal State being- represented, as will be seen b,y the folloAving classilica- ti(.>n of CROCKER POST MEMBERSHIP BY STATES. Maine 5 New Hampshire 3 Vermont 5 Massachusetts 11 Connecticut t> Ehode Island 1 New York 32 Ml ryland 1 Pennsylvania 33 Delaware 1 West Virginia 3 Ohio n9 Indiana 15 Michigan K; Wisconsin 27 Illinois 79 Minnesota (I Iowa 250 Kansas 1 Nebraska 3 Colorado 2 California 3 Kentucky 1 AND THE CITY OF DE^ MOIXES. 327 Missouri 10 United States Colored Troo^js 13 Taiited States Anny 9 Ignited States Na^-y 3 District of Columbia 1 And its present membership in good standing is. . . . 41(1 Its present membership comprises, not only men of proved patriotism and good citizenship, bnt a goodly per cent of Des Moines' most progressive and pnblic-si)irited professional and business men will be found ou the rolls of Crocker Post. Having from principle seiTed their country when its very existence was in peril, they take a warm interest in their comrades, in the affairs of the post, and in preserving and perpetuating the principles that they and their com- rades maintained in the war at such terrible and priceless sacrifice. Crocker Post has always been foremost in pati'iotic work of every description. In addition to the thousands of dol- lars raised and expended in assisting worthy comrades winy were in distress in the city and State, it sent a handsome amount to the sufferers by fire, in Charleston, S. C, most of whom were confederates; to the flood sufferers, Johns- town, I'a.; to the flood sufferers of Sioux City and Chero- kee, Iowa ; to the cyclone sufferers, Pomeroy, Iowa, and to the drouth stricken section of Nebraska. It has also been a consistent and persistent teacher of patriotism, having during the construction of the new High School building in Des Moines, presented the school with a beautiful silk flag to be preserved in the main audi- ence room, where an artistic marble shield, permanently built into the wall, commemorates the occasion. The post has since presented each school in West, North and South Des Moines with an elegant flag to float over their re- 328 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY spective buildings, including also the Des Moines Pnblic Library. Crocker Post took the initiatory steps that resulted in the location of the Department Headquarters in our beau- tiful State Capitol — Iowa being among the first to thus recognize and honor the Grand Army of the Eepublic. On Washington's birthday (by action of the G. A. E. called Flag Day) and on Memorial Day, Crocker Post uni- formly appoints committees, sufficient to visit each school building, who assist in the patriotic exercises of the day, intended to inspire the young with patriotic teaching, the comrades always emphasizing the sentiment of "One covm- try and one flag, with malice towards none, with charity for all." The following have been post commanders since its or- ganization : Josiah Given 1S79 M. T. V. Bowman 1880 William Merrill 1881 M. C. Christy 1882 W. A. Abbett 1883 W. H. Sallada 1884 F. Olmstead 1885 F. J. Cressey 1886 J. G. Rounds 1887 J. W. Muffly 1888 H. M. Pickell 1889 Lewis Schooler, M. D 1890 A. Masser 1891 M. L. Leonard 1892 J. H. McCord 1893 E. E. LTutchins . .1891 T. B. Eobinson 1895 POST OFFICERS FOR 1895. Post Commander — T. B. Eobinson. Senior Vice Commander — Fred Babcock. AND THE CITY OF DE8 MOINES. 329 Junior Vice Commander — H. C Murjjhy. Adjutant — H. C. Bachrodt. Quartermaster — J. S. Ring. Surgeon — Dr. C. Thomas. Chaplain — J. S. Plumley. Officer of the Day— M. T. Scanlan. Officer of the Guard— A. L. Griffith. Sergeant Major — J. J. Stuckey. Quartermaster Sergeant — W. H. Balier. Guards — H. Lucas, W. M. Howell. Color Bearers — S. W. Maltbie, E. N. Dahlburg. Trustees — A. L. Smith, H. B. Hedge, J. G. Rounds. The following is a roster of National and Department officers and appointments held by members of the post: Department Commander — P. V. Carey, 1881; J. M. Tut- tle, 1887. Junior Vice Department Commander — W. H. Sallada, 1885. Department Chaplain- D. R. Lucas, 1880, 1881, 1882. Medical Director— E. R, Hutching, 1880; G. P. Hanna- walt, 1886. Assistant Adjutant General— J. W. Muffly, 1887, 1888; M. L. Leonard, 1892, 1893. Judge Advocate — J. Given, 1895. Department Mustering Officer — F. Olmstead, 1879; W. W. Fink, 1879. Chief of Staff— E. R. Hutchins, 1893. Department Inspector — P. V. Carey, 1880. Council of Administration— J. Given, 1880; M. T. Rus- sell, 1880; William Merrill, 1881; P. V. Carey, 1882, 1883, 1884, 1885; M. T. V. Bowman, 1882; W. A. Abbett, 1891. Assistant Mustering Officer — W. H. Sallada. Assistant Inspector— W. A. Abbett, 1881; J. W. Mufflv, 1886, 1891; M. T. Scanlan, 1891. Aid de Camp to Department Commander — W. H. Sal- lada, 1881 to 1886; W. W. Fink, 1881; Jacob Beaner, 1881; M. T. V. Bowman, 1882; W. D. Lncas, 1882; George E. Grif- fith, 1884; E. R. Hutchins, 1885, 1886, 1887, 1888, 1890; L. Schooler, 1887; H. M. Pickell, 1887; Jesse Cheek, 1890; W. A. Abbett, 1890; J. H. Campbell, 1890; J. W. Muffly, 1890; M. T. Russell, 1890; W. E. Da\is, 1891; C. S. Wilson, 1892. 330 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY < V)iiimittee on Soldiers' Home — J. (riven, 1886. Committee on Military History— W. W. Fink, 1881. Escort to ( ieneral Grant on his retnrn from trip around the world— E. K. Hutehins, AV. W. Fink, P. A\ Carey, M. T. V. P>oAvman, G. L. Godfrey, and W. L. Alexander. Delei^ates to National Encampment — J. Given, 1880, 1880, 1888; W. A. Abbett, 1881, 1893; W. H. Sallada, 1883; H. M. Pickell, 1888; T. B. Robinson, 1892; W. A. Abbett, 1893. National Council of Administration — P. X. Carey, 1881; H. M. Pickell, 1889. Aide-de-Canm to Commander-in-Chief — E. K. Hutchins, 1880, 1888, 1889, 1891, 1892, 1893; F. J. Ci-essey, 1886; W. H. Sallada, 1884; J. Given, 1888; H. M. Pickell, 1888; J. H. Caui]»bell, 1888, 1890; H. L. Swords, 1890; Lewis Schooler, 1892; W. A. Abbett, 1892. ROSTER OF MEMBERS Alexander, W. L., captain, 30th Iowa Infantry. Abbett, W. A., captain, 79th Indiana Infantrv. *****Ankeney, P. I). *Anderson, J. S., quartermaster sergeant, 19th Iowa In- fantry. Andrews, George, private, 90th Ohio Infantry. Adams, Dr. J. W., second lieutenant, Tth Indiana In- fantry. Anderson, Ira W., private, 45tli Iowa Infantry. Allabach, E. W., private, 52nd Pennsylvania Infantry. Ankeny, K. V., col. bvt. bg. gen., lJ:2nd Illinois Infantry. Allen lieuben, private, 45th Illinois Infantry. **Anfenson, Die, private, 10th Iowa Infantry. ** Archer, E. W., corporal, 9tli New Hampshire Infantry. Ashford, E. P., sergeant, 23rd Iowa Infantry. Anderson, Milton, corporal, 115th Illinois Infantrv. Allen, John II., private, 60t]i U. S. C. T. Anderson, James, private, 43rd Illinois Infantry. Ames, H. S., private, 11th Michigan Infantry. Ainsworth, James S., ])rivate, 6th ^''ermont Infantry. ♦Died. **Transfen-pcl. *****Mexic.in war and honorary. AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 331 Adams, John Q., second lieutenant U. S. Signal Corps; private, 88th Ohio Volunteers. Addison, F. M., private, 46th Wisconsin ^'olnnteers. **Bristow, (leorge W., private, Iowa Infantry; sergeant W. Eng. Co.; major, 9th U. S. Vt. In. Bowman, M. T. X., first lieutenant, 1st Maine Cavalry, brigade comma nder. Bristow, P. II., corporal, 45th Iowa Infantry. **Bitting, W. II., private, 2nd Iowa Infantry. Baylies, R. N., corporal, 47th Iowa Infantry. Bushnell, J. P., private, 44th Iowa Infantry. Blake, J. S., sergt. major, 2nd Wisconsin Cavalrv. *****Barcroft, K. L. Belknap, David, private, 29th Iowa Infantry. Baker, W. II., private, 17th Ohio Infantry. *Bro,yhill, Martin, ord. sergeant, 108th Illinois Infantry. *Baker, CJeorge C, corporal, 23rd Iowa Infantry. **Baird, R. B., 1st lieut., Q. M., 35th Iowa Infantry. Babcock, Fred, Q. M. S., 14th Illinois Cavalry. Brewer, J. A., ca^jtain, 23rd Missouri Infantry. Bausman, Julian, 1st lieutenant, 10th Iowa Infantiy. Brown, J. W., corporal, 26tli Iowa Infantry. Bacon, George S., captain, 29th Iowa Infantry. Bryan, P. Gad, lieut. col., 1st Iowa Infantry. Becker, A., private, 129th Illinois Infantry. Beerbower, Eli, private, 3rd Iowa Infantry. Bird, W. K., private, 2nd Iowa Infantry. Beckwith, John, private, 104th New Yf)rk Infantry. Barger, R. W., private, 1st Battery, Cavalry M. M. Br. Bliss, Alvin, private, 3rd Massachusetts II. A. Blake, Henry W., private, 11th Wisconsin Infantry. **Bliss, James, sergeant, 47th Illinois Infantry. Beaner, Jacob, private, 122nd Pennsylvania Infantry. Bachrodt, II. C, private, 19th Wisconsin Infantry. Briggs, Moore, adjutant, 31st Iowa Infantry. Blair, R. L., sergt. major, 20tli Iowa Infantry. *Blair, John G., private, 47th Iowa Infantry. Bailey, W^allace, private, 4th Massachusetts II. A. Barnett, John M., private, 2nd Iowa Infantry. *I)iecl. ** Transferred. *****Mexican war and honorary. 332 ANNALS OF FOLK COUNTY Balliet, kS. F., private, ITtli Illinois Cavalry. Bradshaw, L. H., private, 2ud Illinois Cavalry. *Beaner, Fred, private, 50th Pennsylvania Infantry. Bradley, Frank, 1st Nebraska Cavalry. Bruce, Robert, private, 11th U. S. Infantry. Brown, J. W., sergeant, 3rd New York Cavalry. Barton, T. E., sergeant, 110th U. S. Cavalry. Bromley, Owen, private, 2nd Iowa Infantry. Bishop, J. F., captain, 4th Iowa Infantry. Boyd, William R., private, 22nd Iowa Infantry. Buck, William, private, 151st Indiana Infantrj'. Burt, E. O., 1st sergeant, 19th Indiana Infantry. Bennett, Joshua S., private, 2nd Iowa Cavalry. Butin, A. J., private, 40th Iowa Infantry. Brownfield, John A., private, 1st Wisconsin H. A. Beard, EdAvin, private, 2nd U. S. Y. Yol., 2nd Minnesota Infantry. Bibbins, M. W., private, 5th Michigan Cavalry. Belvel, Henrj^ M., private, 34th Iowa Infantry. Bagley, William, chaplain, 35th Iowa Infantry. Burgess, James F., corporal, 15tli Massachusetts Infan- try. Burgin, Edward S., private, 1st Maine L. A. Brown, W. IT. H., private, 31st Iowa Infantry. Booth, W. E., com. sergeant, 41st Ohio Infantry. Boyle, F. AV., private, 4th Ohio Cavaliy. Blatner, Jacob, private, 4t]i Iowa Infantry. Berger, Benedict, private, 51st Pennsylvania Yolnnteers. Benedict, Don A., 20th Wisconsin Yolunteers. Bittinger, John M., 94th Illinois Volunteers. Byers, S. IT. M., 1st lieut. 5th Iowa Yolunteers. Brow)ie, Oliver L. F., captain, 149tli N. Y. Yolunteers. Burger, F. W., private, 15th Iowa Yolunteers. Clarkson, R. P., sergeant, 12th Iowa Infantry. Cheek, J. \Y., private, 15th loAva Infantrv. Cressey, F. J., captain, lltli U. S. C. Infantry. r'hristy, M. C., corporal, Sth Iowa Cavalry. Collins, Frank, private, 3rd Iowa Cavalry. Caldwell, J. J., private, 23rd Iowa Infantrv. *****Cressey, Mrs. J. G. *Died. ***Mexiean war and honorary. AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 33a Chiklers, Frauk X., private, Totli Indiana lufantiy. *Catlett, A\'. O., i^rivate, 9J:tli Illinois Infantry. Childs, A. M., private, Gth Iowa Cavalry. Connor, William, private, 13tli jS'ew York CaAalry. Cowgill, F., hospital stew., STth Illinois Infantry. **Cain, Kev. W. A., private, 39tli Iowa Infantry. *Crandale, Dr. W. H. H., captain, Q. M. D., 107th Penn- sylvania Infantry. Christy, W. D., Q. M. sergt., 2nd Iowa Infantry. **Croswait, Dr. P. R., 1st sergt., 1st Iowa Cavalry. • Clark, J. y., captain, 31th Iowa Infantry. Chambers, E. ^A^, private, ISTtli Ohio Infantry. Chapin, "\\'. E., private, 29th Wisconsin Infantry. Cole, C. W., corporal, 105th Illinois Infantry. Clifford, 8. K., private, 3rd Iowa Cavalry. Chapman, John, private, 27th Iowa Infantry. *Craig-, Josiah, private, 2nd Iowa Cavalry. Castell, John, captain, 13th Ohio Infantry. Chauey, J. II., sergeant, 24th Ohio Artillery. Case, J. W., private, 9th Missouri Cavalry. Carey, P. V., captain, 14th New York 11. A. Cozier, Rev. B. F. W., chaplain, 3rd Ohio Infantry. Camp, W. M., lieutenant, 1st Ohio L. A. Chapman, L. O., private, 9th Michigan Infantry. Campbell, Wilson M., private, 2nd Iowa Battery. *Clark, William T., captain A. A. C, 1st Nebraska lu- fantrj-. Cunw, N. G., private, 4th Iowa Infantry. Carpenter, W^. L., adjutant, 32nd Iowa Infantry. , Canine, Cornelius, private, 33rd Iowa Infantry. *Carothers, William, private, 13th Iowa Infantry. Campbell, John H., private, 30th Ohio Infantry. Conner, W. A., private, 2nd Minnesota Cavalry. CuUem, Patrick. *Crill, C. ^Y., 8th Iowa Volunteers. *Cooper, W^. A., private, 8th Iowa Infantry. *Curtis, M. J., private, 8th Illinois Cavalry. Crandale, George A., private, 22nd New York Infantry. Childress, H. J., private, 28th Iowa Infantry. *Clark, Whiting S., captain, 18th Maine Infantry. Cassidy, Lawrence, private, 5th Iowa Cavalry. *Diea. , ' . ' . 384 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY (Au'ter, A., private, 100th Illinois Infantry. Cameron, Robert, seryeaut, 3r(l New York CaA'alry. Cnlver, D. F., private, 38th Iowa Infantry. (Jliue, George, private, 95th Illinois Infautrj-. Cliase, John W., private, 145th Illinois Infantry. Collins, Ephraim, ijrivate, 40th Indiana Infantry. ( 'arpeuter, (ieorge W., private, 9Gth Illinois Infantry. Cooper, Charles, private, S9th Illinois Infantry. Callender, \\^illiani, private, 2nd Iowa Infautrj'. Chambers, John W., 1st sergt., 5th Indiana Infantry. Camp, Henry C, private, 58th Illinois Infantry. Cowan, Eichard, private, 1st Illinois Cavalry. Classon, Warren, 1st lieiit., 144th Indiana Infantry. (4ark, Thomas A., private, 41st Illinois Infantry. Cooper, 8. A., sergeant, 5th Iowa Infantrv; captain, 50th U. 8. C. Campbell, Frank T., captain, 40tli Iowa Infantry. Cliai»man, I\. U., coiq)oral, 24tli Ohio Infantry. CoAvnum, D. F., private, 83rd Illinois Infantry. CraAvford, J. L., private, 3rd Iowa Infantry; 2nd Iowa Infantry. Clnre, Joseph, private, 22nd Iowa Volnnteers. i Conger, E. II., bvt. major, 102nd Illinois 'S'olnnteers. Crenshaw, II. R., sergeant, 28th loAva A'olnnteers. Creighton, James II., 1st lient., 18th Iowa A'olnnteero. Cook, Friend, private, 145tli Pennsylvania ^"olnnteers. Campbell, Thomas W., private, 59th Ohio Volunteers. Cline, C. E., private, Ttli Illinois Y(dunteers. Davis, W. L., 1st lient., 2nd Iowa Infantry. Dimuiitt, G. M., private, 44th Iowa Infantry. Drady, M., ])rivate, 2nd Iowa Infantry. Day, James G., captain, 15th Iowa Infantry. Dnnlap, 8. M., private, 8th Iowa Infantry. Dalrymple, I). W., sergeant, l(3th Wisconsin Infantry. Drown, D. B., private, 106th Illinois Infantrv. Davis, W. L., captain, 35th loAva Infantry; s'oth U. S. Dysart, John T., corporal, 3rd Ohio Infantrv. Dockstader, Ezra, ])rivate, 2(;th Iowa Infantry. Davis, William E., ]irivate, 20th Iowa Infantry. Davis, A. S., corpoi-al, 4th Iowa Infantry. Dixon, Lnther, private, 33r(l Illinois Infantry. Davis, E. C, sergeant, lltli Missonri Cavalry. AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 335 D()wiiin<;-, A. G., lltli Iowa Infantry. De(Joui'se,Y, James L., private, 5(Jtli Peiiusylvania In- fantry. *Davis, Joseph B., private, 1st Iowa Infantry. *DeVault, James G, private, 16th Iowa Infantry. Dewey, E., sergeant, UOth AN'isconsin Infantry. Davenj^ort, W. S., private, 5th Wisconsin Batter^'. *I)oyIe, F. J., private, 4()th Indiana Infantry. Denny, Elza M., private, 81st Indiana Infantry. *DeLung Fenton L., private, 15th loAva Infantry'. Dahlbery, li. N., private, 2nd Iowa Infantry. Dixon, (iec^rge W., private, Slst Ohio A'olnnteers. Dawson, (i. A., priA'ate, 9th Indiana Volunteers. Dunning, Dj-er D., sergeant, 8th Illinois Gavalrv. *--***Evans,Mrs!8.J. Evens, George H., 1st sergt., 2nd Michigan Infantry. Ellis, M. J., private, 21)tli Wisconsin Volunteers. "Englebert, J. Lee, cai)tain, 3rd Penns^dvania Cavalry, brevet colonel. **Els()n, E. T., musician, 10th Iowa Infantry. *Elliott, Henry, private, 21st Illinois Infantry; 75th Illinois Infantry. Eberliart, A. G., private, 3rd Iowa Infantry. Eaton, II. G, private, 7th Indiaua Infantry. Eatinger, Richard, i>rivate, 7th Kansas Gavalry. Fink, W. W., private, 23rd Iowa Infantry. Foster, A. M., i)i'ivate, 23rd Iowa Infantry. Funk, vS. G., private, 10th Iowa Infantry. Frazier, George S., private, 22nd Ohio Infantry. Frisbie, Kev. A. L., chaplain, 20th Connecticut Infantrv. **Ford, David A., cori)oral, 21th U. S. Infantry. Fuller, If. E., private, 75th Illinois Infantry. **Forbes, W. A., sergeant, 57th Massachusetts Infantry. Fenn, E. D., private, 2nd Iowa Infantry. *Forgy, John D., private, 46th Indiana Infantry. Erase,' B. B., McLaughlin; Q. M. S., 16th Ohio Infantrv. Field, B. R., private, 11th New York H. A. Forgrave, John H., musician, 2nd Iowa Infantry. Flynn, Robert Y., private, 1th Iowa Cavalry. Ferree, W. D., private, 89tli Indiana Infantry. *Diecl. **Traiisferred. 336 ANNALS OF POLE COUNTY Fagan, J. E., coi*poral, 23rd Iowa Infantry. Fike, D. M., musician, llTtli Illinois Infantry. Fitzgerald, J. H., private, 11th Pennsjdvania Infantry. Fox, I). M., colonel, 27tli Michigan Infantry. Fickell, Joel, private, 6Tth Ohio Infantry. Foley, Thomas, airtiflcer, 2nd Iowa L. A. FaiTington, S. !S., corporal, 39th Iowa Infantry. Given, Josiah, captain, 21th Ohio Infantry; brev. brig. Griffith, George E., Q. M. 8., 37th Illinois V. V. *(iriffiths, H. H., captain, 1st Battery Iowa Artillery. *Grauis, John D., private, 115th N. Y. Infantry. *****Githins, Mrs. K. *****Grifflths, I. W. Grigsby, L. M., i)rivate, 11th Kansas Cavalry. Goodwin, G. W., captain, 1st Missouri Cavalry. Griffith, B. L., private, 31st Illinois Infantry. Gatchell, T. F., 1st sergt., 5th Maryland Infantry. Gough, John B., private, 192nd Pennsjdvania Infantry. Gatch, C. H., lieut. col., 133rd Ohio Infantry. Godfrey, G. L., lieut. col., 1st Alabama Cavalry. **Gurnsey, Dr. M. A., corporal, 33rd Wisconsin Infantry. Gray, John L., private, 24th Iowa Infantry. Garberich, Dr. E. W., 1st lieut., 48th Pennsylvania In- fantry. **Gates, J. A., 2nd lieut., 1st Battery, 13th U. Green, Charles W., musician, 4th Iowa Infantry. (Jarber, Peter, private, 24th Iowa Infantry. Garret, W. A., Q. M. S., 15th New York Cavalry. Gonden, Louis N., 1st lieut., 2nd Maryland Infantry. Games, John M., private, 19th Iowa Infantry. Graham, Alexander, private, 2nd Iowa Infantry. *Garret, Eeuben, private, 1st Missouri L. A. Gaston, W. J., 2ncl lieut., 23rd Iowa Infantiw. Griffith, C. W., corporal, 4th Maryland. Gaston, W. H., private, 47th Iowa Infantry. Griffith, A. L., private, 8th Iowa Infantry. Gore, John, private, 13th Ohio Cavalry; 10th Kentucky Cavalry. Gross, Solamon L., private, 36th' Indiana Infantry. *Died. • ■ "♦Transferred. *****Mexican war and honorary. AND THE CITY OF DES 3I0INES. 337 Gammon, Wan-en, private, 52nd Illinois Infautiy. Garritt, W. H. H., private, 1st California Infantry. Gill, Seymour T., private, 7th Ohio Infantiy. Gammon, M. W., private, 52nd Illinois Infantry. Graham, William, private, 9th Ohio Cavalry. Goss, James G., private, 40th Iowa Volunteers. Greenleaf, Moses, private, 9th Minnesota Volunteers. Hanawalt, Dr. G. P., A. A. Surgeon, U. S. A. Hotchkiss, J. C, private, 4th Michigan Infantry. **Hawkins, B. E., sergeant, 15th Iowa Infantry. Hanger, William, musician, 10th Iowa Infantry. Hitchcock, C. H., private, 14th Vermont Infantry. Holland, A., private, 45th Indiana Infantry. **Harrisou, John P., private, 47th Wisconsin Infantry. Hedge, H. B., com. sergt., Ringgold Cavalry. Hershe, B. F., 2nd lieut., 35th Iowa Infantry. Hunt, Timoth}', sergeant, 26th Illinois Infantiy. Hills, M. A., 1st lieut., 3rd Iowa Infantry. Herbert, S. C, private, 3rd Iowa Cavaliy. Hahn, J. F., sergeant, 8th Iowa Cavalry. Heywood, W^. T., private, 44th Massachusetts Infantry. Harding, W. F., private, 3rd Colorado Cavalry. Harrison, Henry, private, 60th U. S. C. Infautrj'. Hess, A. T., private, 193rd Ohio Infantry. **Haworth, George W., private, 50th Illinois Infantry. Hutchins, Dr. E. R., private, U. S. Navy; surgeon, 11th Massachusetts Infantry. *Hanna, Samuel F., 179th Ohio; musician, 135th O. N. G. *Hetherington, J. E., private, 16th Pennsylvania Cav- alry. Hastings, Horace A., musician, 19th Massachusetts In- fantry. Hobbs, J. W., 17th Indiana Artillery. *Hunting, Rev. S. S., chaplain, 27th Michigan Infantry. *Hesse, Franklin, private, 7th Iowa Infantry. *Hannon, Edward, private, 1st Iowa Cavalry. Hoyt, George, corporal, 44th Wisconsin Infantry. Hanger, B. O., private, 10th Iowa Infantry. Holmes, J. S. private, 19th Michigan Infantry. Hibler, S. W., private, 40th Indiana Infantry. ■ *Dieci. **Transferred. 338 A'NNALS OF POLK COUNTY Hadley, E. D., lieutenant, 14tli New Hampshire Infan- try; brev. capt. Hill, J. G., private, 6Sth Illinois Infantry. Harding, Tyler, j)rivate, 1st Massachusetts Infantry. Hai-vey, K. W., private, 1st Illinois Artilleiy. Handy, Stephen, i^rivate, 93rd Illinois Infantry. Horton, Alfred M., musician, 59th Illinois Infantry. Hoover, William C, musician, 148th Indiana Infantry. Hervey, William, private, 12(jth Ohio Infantry. Harbison, Robert, sergeant, 3rd Iowa Infantry. Harrelsou, John W., private, 28th Illinois Infantry; 1st M. B. M. Cavalry. *Hahnen, Jacob F. W., i^rivate, 2nd Iowa Cavalry. Hatton, J. B., 1st lieut., 31th Iowa Infantry. Harter, Edwin F., private, 19th Ohio Infantry. Hogan, Martin, private, 2nd Iowa Cavahy. Harris, Frederick, luivate, 1st Nebraska Infantry. Howell, W. M., private, 179th New York Infantry. Ilurlburt, E. T. M., private, 21th New York Artillery. Uimes, James W., private, 175th Ohio Infantry. Harrison, F. M., private, 15th Connecticut Infantry. Hazen, E. H., private, 2nd Michigan. House, A. D., private, 22nd West Virginia Infantry. Hockett, Jefferson L., private, 15th Iowa Infantry. Howe, J. G., private 39th Iowa Infantry. *Hunt, William A., private, 4th Iowa Infantry. Humphrey, Benjamin, private, 63rd Ohio Infantry. Head, Albert, captain, 10th Iowa Volunteers. IloUiday, John C, private, 28th Illinois Volunteers. Ivers, Joseph, private, 10th Iowa Infantr}^ ** Johnson, T. L., surgeon's stew., IT. S. Navy. James, A. D., private, 1st Colorado Cavalry. Johnson, J. M., private, 14tli Iowa Infantry. * Jennings, Samuel T., private, 99th N. Y. Infantry. Jeffries, Benjamin, 191st Pennsylvania Infantr3^ Jones, Palestine, private, 39tli Iowa. Johnson, V. P., cor|iOKil, 157th Pennsylvania Infantry. *Jenkins, J. W., private, 5th Ohio Cavalry. John, Edward D., private, 3rd Iowa Infantry. Jordan, W. H., captain, 11th Michigan Cavalry. *Diecl. **Transferred. AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 339 Jones, George C, private, 3rd U. S. Cavalry. Joyns, Daniel, private, 3rd Maryland Infantry; 9th Mary- land Infantry. Jackman, Moses A., private, 12th Illinois Infantry. Jay, Thomas, private, Sttth Ohio Volunteers. Jones, J. B., private, 39th Wisconsin Volunteers. Jones, Isaac, private, 3rd Iowa Cavalry. Kiehle, Jonas, jjrivate, 39th Wisconsin Infantry. **King, Charles H., private, lIGth Illinois V. V. **Kelso, William, corporal, 64th Ohio Infantry. Knox, James II., captiiin, 2Ith Iowa Infautry. Kivits, A. P., private, 23rd Missouri Infantry. Kahly, Henrj', private, 93rd Illinois Infantry. Kirk, Cyrus, corporal, Purnell, L. M. V. Kindred, A. P., corporal, 54tli Indiana Infantry. Kruger, Ludwig W., corporal, 18th Iowa Infautry. Kiehl, J. M., corporal, 22nd Pennsylvania Cavalry. Keazy, Samuel H., 1st sergt., 19th Michigan Infantry. Kuhn, J., private, 3rd Connecticut Artillery. Keables, C. F., private, ISth Connecticut Volunteers. Kinkead, Lemuel, corporal, Sth Iowa Volunteers. *Long, J. IL, private, 7th Iowa Infantry. Leonard, M. L., 1st lieut., 29th Connecticut Infantry. Looby, J. IL, major, G2nd U. S. C. *Laverty, J. E., sergeant, 105th Pennsylvania Infantry. *Lucas, W. D., captain, Sth New York Cavalry. Ltichte, W. L., 1st sergt., 1st Kansas Infantry. Lucas, Eld. D. R., chaplain, 99th Indiana Infantry. Lovelace, Brinton, corporal, 39th Iowa Infantry. Lehman, W. H., musician, 17th Ohio Infantry. Lewis, George H., sergeant, 14th Connecticut Infantry. *Livermore, Rev. L. S., chaplain, 16th Wisconsin In- fantry. Lucas, H. S., private, 40th Indiana Infantry. **Laverty, L. F., private, 34th Iowa Infantry. Layman, John P., 1st lieut., 149th Indiana Infantry-. Layman, Estes H., captain, 149th Indiana Infantry. Luzader, James, private, 46tli Indiana Infantry. Lambert, Peter, 19th Iowa Infantry. Lewis, John, corporal, 4th Iowa Infantry. *Died. ♦♦Transferred. 340 AIIl^ALS OF POLK COUNTY Longshore, David, 1st Iowa Battery. Lynch, M., private, 148th Illinois Infantry. '■'Ludlow, J. H., private, 1st California Infantry. *Luse, M. R., private, 14th Iowa Infantry. Lee, Frank C, musician, Sth U. S. Volunteers; 13th Illi- nois Infantry. Langan, Thomas M., private, 16Gth Ohio Infantry. Lawson, Jacob, private, 2nd Iowa. Lowery, Austin I*., private, Gth Iowa Infantry. Lucas, A. G., sergeant, 12th Pennsylvania Infantry. Likes, E. B., private, 33rd Iowa Infantry. Lynch, T. W., private, 22nd Pennsylvania Cavalry. Locke, James B., sergeant, 47th Iowa Volunteers. Lucas, Joseph, i^rivate, 19th Indiana Volunteers. Lockwood, F. G., private, 13th Iowa Volunteers. Merrill, William, 1st lieut. Q. M., 23rd Iowa Infantry. Murphjr, H. G, com. sergt., S4th Indiana Infantry. McFadden, M. K., private, 74th Ohio Infantry. Morgan, Thomas, private, 7th Iowa Infantry. Moore, W. Wiley, 1st lieut., 9th Iowa Cavalry. Merrill, Samuel, colonel, 21st Iowa Infantry. Martin, V. S., sergeant, 23rd Iowa Infantry. Mullen, John, private, 23rd Iowa Infantry. *Merritt,W. H., lieut. col., col. on staff, 1st Iowa Infantry. McDonald, H. J., lieut. col., 11th Connecticut Infantry. Muffly, J. W., adjutant, 148th Pennsylvania Infantry. ' Mason, D. B., sergeant, 1st N. M. Brig. McCord, J. H., Q. M. S., 1st Iowa Cavalry. Masser, A., artificer, 2nd Indiana Battery. Miller James, corporal, 133rd Illinois Infantry. Marsh, E. L., captain, 2nd Iowa Infantry. Morris, E. T., corporal, 2Rth Illinois Infantry. McGorrisk, E. J., div. surgeon, 9th Iowa Infantry. Merrill, John H., captain, 88th Illinois Infantiy. *Mann, Charles, private, 142nd New York Infantry. Morland, I. N., private, 1st IT. S. Marine. Moorp, W. S., private, 2nd Iowa Infantry. Miller, Aua\, private, 1st Iowa Infantrv. ***Mav, Mrs. Ella. *Metzler, F. F., private, 2nd Iowa Tnfantr3^ *Died. ***Hnnorarv members. AND THE CITY OF DE^ MOINES. 341 Mitchell, W. F., private, 83rd Illinois Infantry. Milligan, T. G., 2nd lieut., 34tli Iowa Infantry. Mason, E. R., corporal, 47th Iowa Infantry. **Maxwell, T. S., private, 189th New York Infantry. Moore, J. H., private, 2nd Illinois Cavalry. McDonald, James R., private, 17th Illinois Cavalry. McA^ey, Alf H., private, 79th Ohio Infantry. McAntee, Charles 8., hvt. lient. col., 43rd N. Y. A^ol. Martindale, Edward, colonel, U. S. C. Infantry. Maltbie, S. W., captain, 4th U. IS. Infantry. McCarthj^, D. F., lieutenant, 10th Minnesota Infantry. Moore, J. W., corporal, 23rd Iowa Infantry. Miller, C. D., hospital stew., 53rd Illinois Volunteers. McDunn, Ezra, act. ensign, U. S. Navy. *Mosher, H. B., private, 3rd Massachusetts Infantry. Montgomery, L. O., private, 2nd Iowa Infantry. Mitchell, Charles B., 9th Indiana Infantry. McFarland, H. M., private, 28th Iowa Infantry. Millaird, B. D., sergeant, 41st Ohio Infantr3^ Miller, George A., private, 103rd Pennsylvania Infantry. Merrill, John H., private, 15th Iowa Infantry. Macy, Seth, private, 12th Iowa Infantry. Matthews, O. J., private, 40th Iowa Infantry. Mesler, William, private, 2nd Iowa Cavalry. McAninch, William S., corporal, 18th Indiana Batterj^. Moffett, F. G., 1st sergt., 34th Iowa InfantrJ^ Martin, D. G., private, 33rd New York Infantry. McClain, Alonzo, private, 9th Illinois Infantry. Mershon, Jason L., sergeant, 3rd Michigan Infantry. Mummert, Jacob, private, 7th Iowa Infantry. McCormack, J. T., private, 27th Wisconsin Infantry. McDonaldson, Levi, private, 5th U. S. C. T. Miller, Paul H., fireman, U. S. NaA^ "Avenger." McKee, R. J., private, 70th Ohio Volunteers. McKenzie, Charles, adjutant, 9th Iowa Volunteers. Milliken, F. M., private, 63rd Indiana Volunteers. Marion, John P., private, 6th Ohio Volunteers. Moss, David W., private, 149th Pennsylvania Volunteers. McKenzie, James, private, 30th U. S. Infantry; 1st Bat- talion U. S. *Diecl. **Transferrecl. 342 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY Martin, Andrew P., 157tli Ohio N. G. Newhouse, Morris, 2nd lieut., 13tli Connecticut Infantry. Newell, Dr. W. H., asst. surgeon, 12tli Illinois Infantry. *Noble, Samuel, private, lOth Iowa Infantry. Noel, Samuel, lieutenant, 2nd Iowa Cavalry. Newby, William, private, 23rd Iowa Infantry. Noel, Charles R., private, 11.5th Indiana lufantrj-. Newcomb, S. P., private, 42nd Ohio Volunteers. Nugent, William, private, 13th New York S. M. ****01mstead, F., captain, 22nd Ohio; lieut. col., 59th Ohio Infantry. Owen, Dr. J. W., private, 1st M. M. Brig. ***Orwig, Mary E. Orwig, T. Gr., captain, 1st Pennsjdvania, L. A. Overton, F. C, private, 15th Iowa Infantry. Oliphant, Joel, private, 98th Pennsylvania Infantrj^ Oliver, C. N., private, 14th Illinois Cavalry. Orr, Charles A., private, 1st Iowa Cavalry. Plumly, J. S., sergeant, 33rd Iowa Infantry. Penn, W. H., 1st lieut., 13th Iowa Infantry. Pickell, H. M., 1st lieut., 4th Iowa Cavalry. **Palmer, J. A., 1st sergt., 54th Massachusetts Infantry. Prouty, C. C, captain, 33rd Iowa Infantry. Philbrook, D. W. Plumb, Henry, 1st lieut., N. Y. ; brev. capt. 59t.h Veteran Volunteers. Patton, J. N., 1st lieut., com. capt., 36th Ohio Infantrj'. Porter, John, private, 23rd Iowa Infantry. Porter, A. N., private, 138th New York Infantry. Perrin, J. O., private, 6th Michigan Infantry. *Parker, W. H., private, 1st Vermont Cavalry. *Parrish, John C., 1st lieut., Q. M., 4th Arkansas Cavalry. Price, Henry, private, 119th Illinois Infantry. **Phillips, P. O. H., private, 65th Illinois Infantiw. *Park, C. B., surgeon, 1st Vermont H. A. Pettit, Thomas T., private, 55th Ohio Infantry. Parker, James M., coi'poral, 15t]i Iowa Infantry. Poor, John M., private, 112th Illinois Infantry. Porter A. N., private, 138th Ohio Infantry. *Died. **Transf erred. ***Honorary members. ****Mexican war. , AND THE CITY OF DE^ MOINES. 343 Price, John, sergeant, 21st Iowa Infantry. Pence, Oliver P., priyate, lltli Indiana Infantry. • Prirae, Jolm R., priyate, 27th Iowa Infantry. Purdy, William H., private, 10th Iowa Infantry; mu- sician, 109th New York Infantry. Patrick, J. P., private, 3rd Iowa Volunteers; 2nd lieut., 2nd U. S. Artillery. Purcell, Dennis, private, 4Tth Pennsylvania Volunteers. Rounds, J. G., sergeant, 12th Maine Infantry. **Rhoades, D. G., chaplain, 42nd Pennsylvania Infantry. Russell, M. T., captain, 51st Indiana Infantry. , **Randleman, W. H. *Rawson, Dr. C. H., sui'geon, 5th loAva Infantry. *Rommell, II. A., private, 10th Iowa Infantry. *Ryan, W. H., private, 8th Illinois Infantry. Rounds, C. B. ord. sergt., 5th U. S. Infantry. Ray, W. R., private, 11th Indiana Infantiy. Rabbitt, James B., private, 1st Iowa Cavalry. **Rowe, F. E., private, 9th New York H. A. Reed, J. W., captain, 52nd Kentucky, M. Infantry. Ring, J. S., private, 24th Iowa Infantry. Robinson, T. B., corporal, 10th Illinois Cavalry. Robinson, nii^ani, 4th Massachusetts Infantry. , Robbins, T. M. Rollins, R. A., private, 17th Iowa Infantry. Ray, W. C, 2nd lieut, 151st Pennsylvania V. R. C. Ramey, William, private, 18th Iowa Infantry. Richardson, Charles, private, 60th U. S. C. Infantry. Ritchey, J. C, private, 1st Iowa Cavalry. Re^'^nolds, Silas W., private, 40th Iowa Infantry. Robinson, L. F., private, 16th Wisconsin Infantry. Riordan, Michael, private, 10th Iowa Infantrs'. Reynolds, Lucien, private, 33rd Iowa Infantry. Russell, John L., private, 1st Iowa Cavalry. Roberts, S. T., private, 61st Massachusetts Infantry. Reed, George M., private, 42nd Ohio Infantry. Ragsdale, George H., private, 13th Iowa Volunteers. **Sallada, W. H., staff ord., 57th Pennsylvania Infantry. Smith, C. W. *Died. **Transf erred. 344 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY *****Sims, David. **Smith, J. M. Smith, A. L., sergeant, 123rd Ohio Infantry. St. Clair, A., 2nd lieut, 43rd U. S. C. Sample, George W., corporal, 1st Missouri L. A. Sweeney, C. H., captain, 119th Illinois Infantry. Sloan, J. W., private, 24th Iowa Infantry. **Smith, W. T., captain, 15th Iowa Infantry. Smith, M. H., private, 97th New York Infantry. Swan, Robert G., private, 3rd Ohio Infantry. **Scott, J. W., private, 8th Iowa Cavalry. Simons, Henry, dmm major, 4th Iowa Infantry. Shearer, John R., private, 16th Iowa Infantry. Shelladay, J. A., private, 5th Iowa Infantrj^ Shankland, J. M., 1st sergt., 161st Ohio Infantry. Sheldon, G. W., 1st lieut., 68th Indiana Infantry. Swords, H. L., major, 57th Massachusetts Infantry. Scanlen, M. T., private, 12th U. S. Infantry. Spencer, E. K., corporal, 88th Ohio Infantry. Simonton, Dr. A. C, 2nd lieut., 118th Indiana Infantry. Shannon, John D., 1st lieut., 15th Iowa Infantry. Shugart, Robert F., private, 21st Illinois Infantry. Sherman, Hoyt, major, U. S. A. P. M. Smith, Ed C, sergeant, 68th Indiana Infantrj^ **Stateler, T. K., private, 4th Misouri Cavalry. Stafford, T. J., sergeant, 17th Iowa Infantry. *Stillwell, J. R., chaplain, 79th Ohio Infantry. Smith, W. II. M., private, 47th Iowa Infantiy. Smith, Philander, private, 2nd Iowa Infantry. Sharp, William, private, 5th Ohio Battalion. Summers, J. B., private, 6th Iowa Infantry. Schooler, Lewis, coi-poral, 14,5th Indiana Infantry. Skinner, William, private, 13th loAva Infantry. Stuckey, J. J., private, 14th Illinois Infantry. Stuart, Richard, private, 26th New York Infantry. Saum, S. A., private, 28th Iowa Infantry. Sturgis, Henry B., captain, D. C. U. S. V. Studer, Adolph G., captain, 15th Iowa Infantry. Starbuck, Thomas J., private, 7th Iowa Infantry. *Died. **Transf erred. *****Mexican war and honorai-y. AiVD THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 345 Stark, Alfred E., private, Sth Rhode Island Infantry. Sehell, W. J., private, 1st Iowa Infantry. Seller, Daniel, sergeant, llth Iowa Infantry. '•Smith, Eli, private, 39th Iowa Infantry. Stevenson, Grandson F., private, 36th Iowa Infantry. Spencer, George M., private, 10th Connecticut Infantry. Still, C. C, private, 5th Kansas Cavalry. Scott, E. J., private, 24th Iowa Infantry. Spencer, John A., private, 2nd Wisconsin Cavalry. Severine, John, private, llth Iowa Infantry. Sidener, Jospeh E., private, 113th Ohio Infantry. Satchell, William, private, 73rd Ohio Infantr3^ Smith, J. D. K., sergeant, 92nd Ohio Infantry. Sheeley, J. R., musician, 46th Iowa Infantry. Snyder, A. L., private, 12th Wisconsin Infantry. Scott, Thomas, 29th U. S. C. T. Spellman, A. G., private, 93rd Illinois Vohiuteers. Stiindring, John T., captain, 5th New York H. A. Sickels, H. H., sergeant, 19th Illinois Volunteers. Steadman, George, private, 31st Iowa Volunteers; 17th Iowa Volunteers. Swanagan,W. S., private, 46th Pennsylvania Volunteers. Snyder, H. W., sergeant, 19th Iowa Volunteers. Thomas, Dr. C, private, 17th Ohio; captain, 98th Ohio Infantry. **Toll, S. L., sergeant, 2nd Iowa Infantry. *Tuttle, J. M., brig, gen., 2nd Iowa Infantry. *Thomas, Dr. M. W., surgeon, 13th Iowa Infantry. Tinsley, W. H., private, Chicago Board of Trade Battery Artillery. Tinsley, T. A., lieutenant, 102nd New York S. N. Turner, James, private, 22nd, Ohio Infantry. Taylor, R. B., private, 105th Illinois Infantry. Taylor, J. C, private, 10th Iowa Infantry. Thompson, R. M., private, 42nd Ohio Infantry. Thomas, G. D., private, 4th West Virginia Cavalry. Tregea, Leonard, 1st lieut., 35th Wisconsin Infantry. Tuttle, Lewis F., private, 2nd Iowa Infantry. Trude, G. W., private, 8th Wisconsin Infantry. Tilden, H. W., private, llth Maine Infantrj^. *Died. **Transf erred. 346 ANNALf< OF POLK COUNTY Toms, George W., private, .37th Wisconsin Infantry. Ufford, T. C, private, lltli Iowa Infantry. Vanliook, M. S., private, Stli Iowa Infantry. A'igren, Carl Peterson, private,. 1st Minnesota Infantry. Vanderburgh, John W., private, 9th N. Y. Volunteers. Waers, W. H., private, 195th Ohio Infantry. Witmer, J. W., sergeant, 36th Pennsylvania Infantry. ** Walker, J. S., private, 23rd Iowa Infantry. Whiting, F. S., captain, 4th Iowa Cavalry. "Wilson, C. S. **Wingate, C. E., P. M. Clerk, 3rd Missouri. W^right, W. II., x)rivate, 34th Illinois Infantry'. Woriv, W. A., 1st lieut., 162nd Ohio Infantry. Wessel, Andrew, corporal, 28th Iowa Infantry. Weaver, J. B., private, 2nd Iowa lufantiy, brig. gen. W^ebster, G. A., private, 4th Massachusetts lufantrv. W^ork, W. G., lieutenant, 19th U. S. C. T. Wheeler, D. P., private, 126th Ohio Infantry. Webster, I. N., private, llGth Ohio Infantry. W^right, Thomas S., adjutant, 3rd Iowa Cavalry. Williams, .John E., private, 36th Illinois Infantry. Wetmore, Ira P., corporal, 13th Illinois Cavalry. Ward, Julius, private, 72nd Indiana Infantry. *Wood, Benjamin F., saddler, 1st New York L. A. Wasson, James E., private, 34tli Iowa Infantry. Wasson, -J. C. S., 1st lieut., 34th Iowa Infantry. W^alker, H. P., private, 47th Illinois Infantry. *Willett, Charles, private, 18th U. S. C. Infantry. Watrous, C. L., captain, 76th New Y'ork Infantry. Walker, James A., corporal, 4th Iowa Cavalry. Walker, Martin, private, 6tli Iowa Cavalry. Windsor, H. C, private, 1st New York Dragoons. *Winters, William S., ord. sergt., 15th Iowa Infantry. Wilson, John A., 1st sergt., 24th low^a Infantry. Woods, W. D. Williams, S. N., private, 22nd Wisconsin Infantry. Wright, George W., private, 16tli Iowa Infantr}^ W^ilcox, Walter, private, 4th Wisconsin Infantry. Worrell, Barney, private, 27th Iowa Infantry. Wagoner, Henry D., private, 6th Iowa Cavalry. *Diecl. * '"Transferred. A.VD THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 34T Wilkens, Benjamin, wagoner, 9th Michigan Cavalry. Wilson, H. W., private, 7th California Infantrv. Wilcox, George S., private, 11th Wisconsin Infantrv. White, Henry H., private, 23rd New York Infantry. Waers, J. G., private, 1st Pennsylvania Artillery; 20th Ohio Artillery. Wells, Lewis W., private, 17th Ohio Infautiy ; lieutenant 85th Indiana Infantry. Webb, Samuel, coi-poral, 145th Illinois Infantry. Wilcox, W. v., bugler, 8th Iowa Cavalry. Wertz, Elias, private, 9th Indiana Infantry. Walker, A. M., private. Cole's Ind. Battery. Wilcox, Stephen C, private, 1st Michigan Artillery. Weaver, James H., private, 8th New York N. G. Woodin, D. W., private, 3rd Michigan Cavalry. Ward, B. C, 1st lieut., 2nd Vermont Volunteers. Young, M. E., private, 40th Iowa Infantry. Young, Amos, corporal, 4th Indiana Batterj'. Yoder, S. C, private, 101st Pennsylvania Infantry. Yeoman, A. L., private, 128th Illinois Infantry. York, W. J., private, 40th Iowa Infantry. Zelle, Godfrey, sergeant, 2nd Iowa Infantry. Zinn, E. E., private, 4th West Virginia Cavalry. Total, 651 members. ROLL OF HONOR. The following have died since the organization of the post: James H. Long, July 24, 1880. Dr. C. H. Eawson, June 27, 1884. William H. Eyan, November 11, 1884. H. H. Griffiths, July 20, 1885. W. O. Catlett, September 26, 1886. John D. Forgy, May 19, 1887. Josiah Craig, July 25, 1887. J. R. Stillwell, September 8, 1887. Dr. W. M. Thomas, October 17, 1887. W. H. Parker, July 1, 1888. J. Lee Englebert, December 22, 1888. Henrv Elliott, December 28, 1888. Joseph B. Davis, June 24, 1889. 348 ANNALS OP POLK COUNTY F. F. Metzler, August 6, 1889. Henrjr Eummell, April, 1890. , C. W. Grill, May 3, 1890. Edward Hannon, June 30, 1890. W. T. Clark, August 16, 1890. J. C. Parrish, September 26, 1890. Franklin C. Hesse, November 28, 1890. William S. Winters, .July 24, 1891. Eli Smith, February 7, 1891. Whiting S. Clark, April 26, 1891. C. B. Park, August 22, 1891. Samuel F. Hanna, October 4, 1891. Charles E. Mann, October 14, 1891. ' James C. De Vault, December 11, 1891. M. Jay Curtis, January 28, 1892. Farmer J. Doyle, March 4, 1892. Eeuben Garrett, March 20, 1892. James W. Jenkins, June 11, 1892. Fenton L. DeLoug, June 27, 1892. Marvin E. Luse, July 7, 1892. W. D. Lucas, August 1.5, 1892. *James M. Tuttle, October 24, 1892. Jacob F. Hahnen, December 15, 1892. Fred Beaner, August, 1893. Charles B. Mitchell, August 10, 1893. William A. Hunt, September 27, 1893. H. B. Mosher, December, 1893. John G. Blair, December 23, 1894. George C. Baker, March 23, 1894. Eev. S. S. Hunting, June 2, 1894. Eobert G. Swan, June 2, 1894. Samuel Noble, September 13, 1894. Carl Peterson Vigren, December 12, 1894. J. H. Ludlow, April, 1895. . - ., B. F. Woods, May, 1895. J. E. Hetherington, May, 1895. - H. P. Walker, June 23, 1895. James H. Weaver, November 10, 1895. *Past Department Commander. AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 349 WARR POST G. A. R. Muster roll of members of Warr Post at Mitchellvillf, Polk county, Iowa. MUSTER ROLL. T. Seems, M. D., commander, Mitcliellville, physician and surgeon, June 1, 1861, private, Company B, 5tli Pennsyl- vania Infantry. Charles Serberley, senior vice commander, Mitchellville,, farmer, June 1, 1864, private, Company E, 18.3rd Ohio In- fantry. George W. Eosenberger, junior vice commander, Mitch- ellville, retired farmer, August 13, 1862, private, Company E, 24th Iowa Infantry. James Walter, chaplain, Mitchellville, retired farmer, August 30, 1861, private, Company G, 2nd Iowa Cavalry. Samuel Hedrick, officer of day, Mitchellville, August 17, 18(51, private, Company A, 23rd Missouri Infantry. G. S. Larimer, surgeon, Mitchellville, blacksmith, Sep- tember 24, 1861, sergeant, Company C, 30th Indiana In- fantrj^ J. W. Rumple, adjutant, Mitchellville, retired farmer,, September 30, 1861, private. Company B, 55th Ohio. George Heninger, Mitchellville, farmer, February 25, 1865, Company C, 9th Illinois Cavalry. C. H. Keeley, Q. M., Mitchellville, retired farmer, August 12, 1861, 2nd lieut.. Company F, 1st Missouri Cavalry. D. W. Fogg, sergt. major., Mitchellville, harness maker, May 25, 1861, private, Company E, ITth Illinois Infantry. Abel Carson, Mitchellville, cabinet shop. May 13, 1864, corporal, Company K, 170th Ohio N. G. B. F. Cottrell, Rolfe, la., farmer, August 30, 1861, private. Company D, 2nd Iowa Cavalry. J. W. Hoffman, Bondurant, farmei', July 25, 1862, cor- poral, Company B, 68th Indiana Volunteers. J. H. Jones, Mitchellville, merchant, June 21, 1863, pri- vate. Company M, 8th Iowa Cavalry. J. W. Jones, Mitchellville, stock dealer. May 28, 1865, private. Company F, 47th Iowa Infantry. J. W. Molone, Santiago, farmer, February 28, 1865, Com- pany C, 9th Illinois Cavalry. 350 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY S. P. Oldfield, Q. M. S., Mitchellville, traveling man, Au- gust 19, 1862, private, Companv E, 102u(;l Oliio Infantry. D. C. Eussell, Mitcliellville, clerk, April 30, 1864, private. Company H, 132n(l Indiana Infantry. Asa Turner, Oldfield, farmer, January 11, 1864, 4tli sergt.. Company I, Sth Iowa Infantry. George Spader, offlcer of guard, Mitchellville, August 17, 1861, private. Company N, 2Stli Pennsylvania Infantry. David Wilfong, Mitchellville, farmer, July 15, 1863, pri- vate. Company M, Sth Iowa Cavalry. Henry Voss, Mitchellville, farmer. May 14, 1861, private. Company G, 1st Iowa Infantry. Jacob Zeek, Mitchellville, laborer, December 10, 1861, private. Company B, 5Ttli Indiana Infantry. B. F. Johnson, Bondurant, farmer, August 11, 1862, Company B, 39th Iowa Infantry. William Berthroy, Mitchellville, farmer, August 30, 1862, private. Company F, 50th N. Y. Eng. KINSMAN POST, NO. 7, G. A. R. This large and flourishing post was organized on Febru- ary 15, 1878, and named in lionor of Colonel Kinsman, com- manding the Twenty-third Iowa Infantry, who led the his- toric charge at Black River Bridge, Mississippi, and died on the field of battle. This post is the second largest in tlie state, and carries on its rolls the names of many of the citizens of the city, county and state. It has its regu- lar meetings on the East Side, coimer of Sixth and Grand avenue. The post is noted for its lead in all good works, and especialy for its generous help to all needy and deserv- ing old soldiers. PAST COMMANDERS^ C. W. Nelson 1878 W. F. Conrad 1879 J. A. Boyer 1 880 A. H. Botkin 1881 W. W. Phillips 1882 Sam V. West 1883 B. L. Chnse 1884 Georce H. Nichols 1885 W. T. Wilkinson 1886 AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 351 J. A. T. Hull 1S87 A. W. Guthrie 1888 Park 0. Wilsou 1889 G. W. Beall 18U0 T. J. Doane 1891 A. S. Carper 18!)2 G. C. Sims 1893 V. P. Twombly 1894 OFFICERS OF 1895. Commander — J. J. Moore. Senior Vice Commander — William Brown. Junior Vice Commander — F. F. Blvler. Chaplain— W. W. Phillips. Surgeon — J. O. Skinner. Adjutant— W. O. Waldron. Quartermaster — J. F. Lane. Officer of Day— C. E. Stader. Officer of Guard — David Groves. Sergeant Major — D. S. McQuiston. Quartermaster Sergeant — John Shaffer. Sentinel — Robert McNulty. ROSTER OF MEMBERS. Atmore, E. W., 15th Iowa Infantry. Akers, John, 7th Iowa Infantry. Atchly, George W., 31th Ohio infantry. Anderson, John, 15th Wisconsin Infantry. Bolton, Leander, 47tli Iowa Infantry. Barrack, Joseph, 1st Iowa Infantry. Bryan, P. L., 34th Iowa Infantry. Beal, George W., 30th Iowa Infantry. Burns, John, Steamer Flambeau, U. S. N. Brown, William, 22nd Pennsylvania Infantrv. Botkin, A. H., 79th Ohio Infantry. Barrett, Alex., 60th Ohio Infantry. Blyler, F. P., 2nd Iowa Battery. Butterfield, O. W., 184th New York Infantry. Barcus, Samuel, 120th Indiana Infantry. Bunce, Dansforth, 71st Illinois Infantry. Burt, G. S., 2nd Iowa Cavalry. 852 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY Bennett, H. J., 2ncl Iowa Cavalry. Betts, Shepard, 23rd Iowa Infantry. Briggs, Moore, 31st Iowa Infantry. Brown, P. W., 14th Iowa Inf antrj-. Brown, Z. A., 39tli Iowa Infantry. Brown, Benjamin, 42nd Ohio Infantry. Boatwright, David, 5th Iowa Cavalry. Blakesley, Joseph, 31st Iowa Infantry. Brockway, N. P., 19th Iowa Infantry. Burdick, George L., 33rd Iowa Infantry. Budd, C. W., 27tli Iowa Infantry. Boyle, William, 34th Iowa Infantrj^ Chase, K. L., 3rd NeAv York Cavalry. Carper, A. S., 50th Illinois Infantry. Cady, Charles, 19th Iowa Infantrj-. Clampitt, R. M., 39th Iowa Infantry. Conrad, W. F., 25th Iowa Infantiy. Crumhaker, J. W., 11th Illinois Cavalry. Carter, W. H., 93rd Illinois Infantry. " Cox, James H., 30th Iowa Infantry. Cunningham, H., 48th Indiana Infantry. Clinkenbeard, J. W., 9th Iowa Cavalry. Crawshaw, J. R., 23rd Iowa Infantry. Crosbie, Simon, 10th Iowa Infantry. Coleman, R. M. J., 113th Ohio Infantry. Coon, J. H., 1st Michigan Infantry. Chapman, Amasa, 23rd Iowa Infantry. Chapman, Carlos, 14th Iowa Infantry. Cox, Jacob H., 34t]i Iowa Infantry. Conrad, Edwin, 10th Michigan Cavalry. Christy, William, 23rd Iowa Infantry. Crystal, James A., 2nd Iowa Infantry. Cooper, C. H., 4th Illinois Cavalry. Corigan, Thomas, 88th Illinois Infantry. Colwell, Lafayette, 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry. Cavana, Lewis, 19th Wisconsin Infantry. Cochran, Jesse F., 1st Iowa Battery. Chrisman, L. V., 16th Iowa Infantry. Clements, James H., 29th Indiana Infantry. Christian, , 2nd Ohio Cavalry. Donovan, J. W., 13th Iowa Infantry. Deakin, J. E., 14th low^a Infantry. AND THE CITY OF DE8 MOINES. 353 Davis, Samuel, 68th U. S. C. Infantry. Davis, J. B., 34tli Iowa Infantry. Dell, Moses, 1st Pennsylvania L. A. Dean, J. H., 23rd Iowa Infantry. Devore, David, IStli Iowa Infantry. Dickens, E. S., 60th U. S. C. Infantry. Downing, J. P., 173rd Ohio Infautrj'. Dilworth, Charles H., 124th Pennsylvania Infantry. Douglas, Clinton, 6th Massachusetts Infantry. Daily, J. I., 47th Iowa Infantry. Duulap, kS. M., 8th Iowa Infantry. David, Joshua, 107th Illinois Infantry. Dockstader, C. B., 9th Iowa Infantry. Deemer, Joseijh,, 10th Iowa lufautrv. Elwell, J. O., 123rd Illinois Infantry' Edniondson, Chris, 64th Illinois Infantry. Ellis, J. C, 16Sth Ohio Infantry. ' : i Elliott, S. M., 3rd Iowa Infantry. Fisher, ^y. H., 1st New York Eng. Cor^js. Fisher, Linford, 25th Ohio Infantry. Foster, J. C, 1st Kansas Infantry. Fahnestock, B. J., 15th Pennsylvania Infantry. ; Ferree, J. M., 130th Indiana Infantry. Fagan, Ezra B., 47th Iowa Infantry. Ford, R. E., 44th Indiana Infantry. Gordon, T. F., 139th Indiana Infantry. Green, A., 19th Iowa Infantry. '^ Guthrie, A. W., 13th Iowa Infantry. Good, Samuel, 4th Iowa Cavalry. ] Groves, David, 9th Iowa Cavalry. Gregg, J. G, 23rd Iowa Infantry. Gari'ett, J. C, 18th Iowa Infantry. Graj^, H. O., 35th Missouri Infantry. i Gardner, W. A., 124th Illinois Infantry. Gross, C. H., 9th Iowa Cavalrj^ Gilchrist, John F., 9th Illinois Cavalry. Grace, J. L., 14th Illinois Infantry. Humphrey, W. T. K., 44th Iowa Infantry. Hague, Joseph, 47th Iowa Infantry. Hawkins, S. E., 15th Iowa Infantry. Hartman, Orlando, 24th Iowa Infantry. Hiatt, Amos, 33rd Iowa Infantry. '. iM 354 ANNALS OF POLE COUNTY Havens, Jasper, 4tli Illinois CaA'alry. Hoopes, T. J., 120th Ohio Infantry. Hull, J. A. T., 23rd Iowa Infantry. Howard, F. A., 23rd Iowa Infantrj^. Henry, Charles W., 88th U. S. C. Infantry. Hawk, L. S., 35th Iowa Infantry. Howard, F. M., 23rd Iowa Infantry. Herring, Milton, 34th Iowa Infantry. Houseman, Isaiah, 100th Pennsylvania Infantry. Hall, A. C, 1st Illinois L. A. Houseman, W. H., 14th Indiana Infantry. Hussey, F. D., Signal Corps, U. S. A. Hammer, G. B., 12th Pennsylvania Cavali-y. Hollis, E. B., musician, 20th Illinois Infantry. Haines, George W., 8th Indiana Infantry. Haines, Jesse, 98th Ohio Infantry. Hushman, Emanuel, 147th Indiana Infantry. Halstead, Samuel, 3rd Maryland Infantry. Hubbard, R. G, 116th New York Infantrj^ Houseman, J. W., 18th Iowa Infantry. Haulman, Harry, 21st Pennsylvania Infantry. Hanah, C. E., 39th Illinois Infantry. Hammer, Elisha, 7th Iowa Cavalry. I , Hockett, I. L., 2nd Indiana Cavalry. Hammer, John H., 7th Iowa Cavalr3^ Hayward, D. L., 2nd Ohio Artillery. j I Iseminger, H. G., 7th Indiana Cavalry. I i Isham,^. M., 1st U. S. S. i i Jennings, Benjamin, 23rd Iowa Infantry. Jones, C. T., 2nd Iowa Infantry. Johnson, A. S., 27th Pennsylvania Cavalrv. Johnson, J. W., 60th Ohio Infantry. Jones, A. J., 23rd Iowa Infantry. Johnson, Lewis H., 92nd Ohio Infantry. Kelley, Joseph, 12th Michigan Infantry. Keuhner, Frank, 35th Indiana Infantry. ■■ ■ Kennedy, J. F., surgeon, U. S. A. Koons, J. H., 1st Indiana Artillery. Ivirkpatrick, I. G., 2nd Iowa Cavalry. Kimes, Jacob, 19th Iowa Infantry. ' , Ivuble, Frank, 98th New York Infantry. Kostenbader, E., 93rd Illinois Infantry. AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 355 Kidd, Thomas C, 9tli Illinois Infantry. Lane, James F., IGitli Oliio Infantry. Lacy, T. A., 168tli Ohio Infantry. Luter, John, 116th New York Infantry. Litton, John N., 53rd Ohio Infantiy. Lemon, John M., 135th Pennsylvania Infantry. Lynch, M., 148th Illinois Infantry. Lee, Joseph, 45th Wisconsin Infantry. Lamme}^, W. N., 149th Illinois Infantry. Lewis, James, 4th Iowa Infantry. * Lutter, George, 4th U. S. Artillery. Martin, S. E., SGth Illinois Infantry. Martin, G. W., tTh Iowa Infantry. Martin, E. A., 14th Wisconsin Infantry. McCauley, C. H., 23rd Iowa Infantry. McGarraugh, J. D., 14th Iowa Infantry. McNulty, Kobert, 4tli Iowa Infantry. Mcl^uiston, D. S., 23rd Iowa Infantiy. Martindale, W. S., 92nd New York Infantry. Minelows, George, 93rd Illinois Infantrj'-. Markham, L. H., 49th New York lufantrj-. Manbeck, E., 39th low^a Infantry. Mead, Orson, 93rd Illinois Infantry. Moore, J. J., 9th low^a Infantrj^ Myers, R. R., 30th Indiana Infantry. Moorehead, James A., 9th Iowa Cavahy. Mock, Henry, 84th Indiana Infantry. Mitchell, F. T., 3Gth Illinois Infantry. Manbeck, Isaiah, 10th Iowa Infantry. Mattoon, L. B., 1st New York Artillery. , Mills, J. W., 39th Iowa Infantry. McMillan, J. E., 14th Iowa Infantry. Monnett, H. V., SGth Ohio Infantry. Nelson, George B., 104th Ohio Infantry. Novinger, Isaac, 30tli Iowa Infantr3^ Neidig, Samuel, 24th Iowa Infantrj^ Nagle, Webster, 1st Iowa Infantrj^ Noble, William, 23rd Iowa Infantrj\ Nelson, Frank, 4th U. S. Artillery. Oxberger, Irvin, 112th Illinois Infantry. Oder, Frederick, 19th Wisconsin Infantry. Olsen, Ole, 82nd Illinois Infantry. 356 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY Phillips, W. W., 99th Ohio Infantry. Painter, J. C, 2nd Iowa InfantiT. Pickett, G. D., 50th Illinois Infantry. Pointer, W. L., 83rd Illinois Infantry. Preston, Shandler, 36th Illinois Infantry. Plummer, B. F., 16th Kansas Infantry. Paul, J. M., 3rd Iowa Infantry. Plummer, Hiram, 112th Illinois Infantry. Plantz, A'. A., i6th Illinois Infantry. Plummer, A. L., Ith Iowa Infantry. Payne, J. J., Sth Pennsylvania Cavalry. Pray, A. L., 23rd Iowa Infantry. Pease, G. A., S3rd Illinois Infantry. Eyden, C. A., 12th Illinois Infantry. Reel, Charles, 11th Missouri Infantry. Eeigart, E. H., surgeon, 35th Iowa Infantry. Rozelle, N. W., 123rd Indiana Infantry. Riddle, William, 2nd loAva Infantry. Robinson, Adam, lUth Iowa Infantry. Reeves, J. II., 92nd Ohio Infantry. Ring, T. R., 83rd Pennsj'lvauia Infantry. Reigart, C. K., 11th Iowa lufantiy. Reeves, Lafayette, 110th Oliio Infantry. Rej'ger, Thomas, 15th Iowa Infantry. Riddle, O. C, 20th Illinois Infantry.' Ross, George W., 139th Illinois Infantry. Rice, Peter, 16th Ohio Infantry. Rocbj', M. C, 33rd Iowa Infantry. Sims, George G, 1th Iowa Infantry. Swearinger, J. B., 12th West Virginia Infantry. Sharp, David, 18th Iowa Infantry. Steadman, George O., 31st Iowa Infantry. Shaffer, J. I-T., 112nd Pennsylvania Infantry. St-aves, M. C, lltli Iowa Infantry. Stader, C. E., 1st Louisiana Infantry. Stevenson, J. P., 19tli Iowa Infantry. Strickland, Perry, 9th Illinois Cavalry. Stutsman, Sol, 1st Iowa Batterj'. Swope, H. H., 23rd Iowa Infantry. Southwick, A. H., 11th Iowa Infantry. , Sat;e, J. R., 121st New York Infantrv.' Shanly, John, 39th Iowa Infantry.' AND THE CITY OF DE8 MOINES. 357 Skinner, J. O., surgeon, lOth Iowa Infantry. Smith, Andrew, 4th Illinois Cavalry. Shimer, A. M., 4th Iowa Cavalry. Scott, Martin, 11th Indiana lufantiy. Scott, A. W., 46th Wisconsin Infantry. Scholes, A. J., 43rd Indiana Infantry. Smith, Charles P., 54th Ohio Infantry. Stuart, Brazil, 23rd Iowa Infantry. Stuart, John W., 23rd Iowa Infantry. Sajdor, Thomas J., 23rd Iowa Infantry. Swift, Fremont E., 8th Illinois Infantry. Swick, P. D., 1st Illinois Artillery. Shea, John E., 35th Iowa Infantrj^ Sims, F. W., 92nd Illinois Infantry. Shipley, William, Battery. Springer, O. H. P., 9th Iowa Infantry. Swiggert, Philip, 57th Illinois Infantrw. Tyron, S. W., 14th Illinois Infantry. Tliompson, Hiram, 45th Iowa Infantry. Trout, H. C, 11th Pennsylvania Infantry. Thurber, Frank, 39th Iowa Infantry. Taft, Joel, 23rd Iowa Infantry. Tolliver, Henry, 60th U. S. C. infantry. Twombly, V. P., 2nd Iowa Infantry. Thonuis, William, 7th Missouri Infantry. Tweed, N. S., 170th Ohio Infantiy. Updyke, Charles E., 9th Ohio Infantry. A'angundy, Lafayette, 14th Iowa Infantry. Ahorse, Mahlon, 26th Indiana Infantry. Walker, J. S., 23rd Iowa Infantry. Weems, George W., 40th Iowa Infantry. Worthington, C. B., 0th Wisconsin Battery. Wuest, Jacob, 95th New York Infantry. Walker, M. K., 40th Iowa Infantry. West, S. v., 23rd Iowa Infantry. Wicks, B. D., 17th Iowa Infantry. Weston, A. C, 36th Wisconsin Infantry. Wilkins, J. E., 112th Illinois Infantry.' Wilkinson, W. T., 1st West Virginia Cavalry. Wilkinson, J. S., 15th West Virginia Infantry. Waldron, W. O., 14th Iowa Infantry. Witter, W. L., 4th Iowa Cavalry. 358 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY Waller, E., 172nd Ohio Infantry. Wright, Ed, major 24th Iowa Infantrj'. Williams, J. D., 23rd Iowa Infantry. Wagoner, Gideon, 34th Iowa Infantry. Waltz, H. E., 1st Wisconsin Cavalry. Webster, George P., 13th Illinois Infantry. Wilson, Charles, 48th Iowa Infantry. Wilkins, Kesin, 15th Iowa Infantry. Ward, Milo W., 139th Illinois Infantry. Williams, Shadrack, 63rd Pennsylvania Infantry. Winters, Isaac, 39th Iowa Infantry'. West, Joseph M., 40th Iowa Infantry. Walters, John, 40th Ohio InfantrJ^ Williams, James, 11th Ohio Cavalry. Walker, Aug. D., 23rd Iowa Infantry. Wagner, H. D., 6th Iowa Infantry. HONORED DEAD. Brown, A. T., 13th Iowa Infantry. Berry, G. L., 8th Iowa Cavalry. Burch, F. A., 23rd Iowa Infantiy. Cully, Albert, 147th Indiana Infantry. Cooper, S. A., 88th Ohio Infantry. Carpenter, E. M., 106th New York Infantry. Day, William, 6th Wisconsin Infantry. Donner, T. J., 70th Indiana Infantry. DeWitt, K. M., 9th New York Artillery. Dodd, Albert, 45th Iowa Infantiy. Emmert, Jacob M., 34th Illinois Infantrj'. Ensminger, H. C, 71st Indiana Infantry. Fram, Eandolph, 70th Ohio Infantrj-. Foote, W. D., 9th New York Cavalry. Fuller, S. L., 30th Wisconsin Infantry. Fleming, Samuel, 15th Iowa Infantry. Griffith, F. M., 2nd Iowa Cavalr3^ Gunder, Joseph, 1st Pennsylvania Cavalrv. Griffith, E., 139th Ohio Infantry. Hamilton, R. W., 129th Ohio Infantry. Holmes, G. B., 1st Wisconsin Cavalrv. Hatfield, G. D., 58th Illinois Infantry. Howe, W. B., 14th Indiana Infantrv. Hall, Levi M., 22nd Iowa Infantry.' AND THE CITY OF DBS MOINE^"^. 359 Hunter, Joseph, 211th Pennsylvania Infantry. Hedge, George E., 44th Iowa Infantry. Havens, Jasper, 4th Illinois Cavalry. Luddington, W. W., Sth Indiana Infantry. McNutt, Rober-t, surgeon, 38th Iowa Infantry. Miller, R. K., 14th Iowa Infantry. Mills, Levi W., 45th Pennsylvania Infantry. McCall, G. W., 6th Iowa Infantry. Norris, T. M., 40th Iowa Infantry. Reed, W. N., 10th Iowa Infantry. Roach, J. B., 23rd Iowa Infantry. Spry, G. W., 34th Iowa Infantry. Smith, J. A., 58th Illinois Infantry. Shober, Paul F., 15th New York Artillery. Sorrell, Nelson, Sth Pennsylvania Cavaliy. Wolf, J. W., 47th Iowa Infantry. Wilson, Park C., 30th Iowa Infantry. Whinery, Columbus, 16th Ohio Infantry. Wheaton, J. S., 39th Iowa Infantry. CHAPTER XIV. NOTES ON VARIOUS TOPICS. IN 1846 the first regular tax was levied and collected in Polk County. The total amount of this tax was |375.14. The tax levy of Polk County in 1894 was |1,041,155.95. In 1857, Will Porter was paid .pTS.SO for publishing the list of delinquent taxes of that year. In 1894, Lafe Young was paid .fl,583.80 for publishing the deliquent tax list of that year. Among the first constables of Des Moines townships were Samuel Dilley and Thaddeus Williams, who were appointed in January, 1847. The first dealer in ice in Des Moines was E. E. Clapp, and he was followed by George R. and Charles Cranston. Albert Grefe followed the Cranstons, and afterwards with his sons enlarged the business and successfully conducted it for a number of years. A. B. Fuller and P. H. Burrows claim to have made the first plow and first wagon manufactured in the county. The first drayman in Des Moines was Michael Kennedy, who settled here in 1855. lie followed the business for years, and is yet living, an honored and well to do citizen. The first steam power was used in the mill built by Charles C. Van in 1848, and the first steam power applied to a printing press was by John Teesdale in the Eegister office in 1859. AND THE CITY OF DES MOIXE^. 361 The first stove store was opened by Jesse S. Dicks, wlio came to Des Moines in 1849. His son and tjTandson are engaged in the same business in Des Moines today. The senior Dicks was at times given the soubriquet of "Buggy"' Dicks, we learn, because he was tlie first man at his former home in Indiana to purchase and use one of these now gen- erally used vehicles. The first power press brought to Des Moines was an old- fashioned Guernsey, run by hand, and the hands operating it considered it a back-breaker. It was brought by T. H. Sypherd and used in the Citizen, now the Register office. Eev. Spurlock was a noted character in the early days. He was a preacher of the Methodist Church, but it is al- leged loved not only chickens, but also horses and money. It was time and again charged that he made or handled counterfeit money, and was more or less connected with horse thieves. But he was shrewd and could never be con- victed, because of the lack of evidence against him. According to the court record P. M. Casady was the sec- ond attornej^ admitted to the bar of Polk County. William D. Frazee was the first. William McKay and Thomas Baker were practicing attorneys before this, having been admitted in other counties. When Thomas Mitchell settled at Apple Grove there was a vast stretch of prairie to the east, and on what was afterwards the Iowa Gitj road not a dwelling house until the travelers came to Bear Grove, not far from the present town of Marengo. And this was only a little over fifty years ago! 362 ANNALS OF POLE COUNTY In the early days the County Board did not propose en- couraging the bringing of charges against persons before the Grand Jury, especially when they were of a frivolous character, and perhaps inspired more by malice than a desire for justice. Hence, under date of October 10, 1850, we find the following: "Ordered, that the Board, upon < mature deliberation, consider that no fees should be al- lowed to any person for serving as witness before the Grand Jury." This might be a good order now. The County seal, adopted by the County Commissioners April 13, 1846, was the eagle side of a half dollar. In 1851 one, Robbins, was allowed flS.OO out of the lot fund for a new county seal. April 7, 1846, the District Court ordered that the seal of the court should be the eagle side of a twenty-five cent piece, American coinage. The Board of Supervisors for a time used the same kind of a seal. The first apple and peach orchard in Polk County, it is claimed, was set out by Eli Mosier in 1848 on what was aft- erwards called the Burnham Farm, now in the northwest portion of the city. Heavy crops of peaches were produced in 1855 and 1856, but the trees were killed bj^ the severe cold weather of January, 1857. It is related that the noted pomologist, James Smith, when he settled at an earlj' daj^ in what is now Douglas Township, made a temporary home for himself and son by excavating a hole in the side of a hill on his land, and mak- ing a slab door. There the father and son lived for some time, very snugly and not very uncomfortablj'. Near this they started the first nursery of frviit trees in Polk County. At the first sale of lots in Fort Des Moines the highest AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. S63 price paid — 1160 — was paid hj W. W. Clapp for the lot nearest "the point," corner of First and Elm streets. The lowest price paid for a lot was -flO. At first wood was more used than coal in town and county, but after a time coal came into more general use, though it was years before it was used to any extent for the puriDOse of cooking. In April, 1847, A. D. Jones pre- sented a bill for eightj-eight bushels of coal furnished the clerk's office, but the Board refused to allow it, and he had to appeal to the District Court for relief. This was one of the earliest coal deals, though it is known the soldiers dug and used considerable coal while here. This they obtained near where the dam was afterwards built, but it is stated their best coal was found near the corner of Barlow Granger's place, south of 'Coon. The first regular venire for petit jurors included the fol- lowing named persons, brought into court September 29,. 1846: Samuel Dille, Aaron Coppick, G. B. Clark, James White, John Parrot, Thomas Morris, George Rivers, Eli Smithson, Alfred Bowman, Benjamin Frederick, Simeon Ballard and John Eoop. On the same day the first jury trial in Polk County was had with eleven jurors, Benjamin Frederick being unwell. William Lamb is credited with having built one of, if not the first, dwelling houses in the county. It was located on Agency Prairie, not far from the presentpacking houses. During the administration of Byron Rice as County Judge, he organized the counties of Hardin and Story. The former he divided into two townships, Washinton and Kos- 36Jt ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY vsutli, and the latter into two, named Scott and Pierce, after the then tAvo candidates for President. In 1852 Polk . F. Allen. This brick building was torn clown and upon t]ie lots was erected tlie large and spacious brick building since so widelj' known as the Aborn House. Dr. Aborn yet owns this valuable property, and has recently refitted and refur- nished the same in a most complete and tasteful manner, and under his supervision it uoav holds its rank as one of the best of the leading hotels of the citj'. Early in the seventies B. F. Allen, the banker, then con- sidered the most wealthy man in the county, if not in the State, commenced the erection of a magnificent residence in the Avestern part of the city. This was, when completed, much the finest residence in the city, and equal if not su- perior to any in the State. Considerably more than •1100,000 was expended upon and in it. An opening party A^D THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 395 was giveu, wliirli sui-passed all previous social events in this citv. There Avere hundreds of guests present and they were entertained in a most lavish and hospitable manner. For a short time Mr. and Mrs. Allen dispensed many hos- pitalities at this fine residence, and it was an attractive social center until Mr. Allen's removal to Chicago. Some time after his financial failure and much litigation, it be- came the property of Fred M. Hubbell. There for years Mr. and Mrs. Hubbell and family liaA'e had their delightfxil home, and have not been behind in their hospitable enter- tainment of many of their old and new friends. The reunion of the Anny of the Tennessee was held in Des Moines on September 29-30, 1S75. Among the distin- guislied veterans present were President Grant, Secretary of War Belknap, Gen. W. T. Sherman and daughters, to- gether Avith a large number of other prominent officers of the army. Elaborate preparation had been made and a warm welcome Avas given b}^ the citizens to their guests. Arches trimmed with flags and cA^ergreens were erected across ATalnut and Fourth streets and Court aA^enue. Pub- lic buildings and many residences were profnselA^ decor- ated and brilliantly illuminated at niglit in honor of the occasion. The residence and extensive grounds of Maj. Hoyt vSherman were beautif nil}'- decorated and illuminated, and there Gen. Sherman was the welcome guest of his brother. President Grant AA^as the guest of Hon. C. C. Cole, at his spacious residence on Fourth street, which was also profusely decorated and illuminated. On the second day the children of the public schools, by invitation, assem- bled at the Opera House and there President Grant deliv- ered a short address which was quickl.y distributed OA'er the country, attracting much attention and eliciting many comments. The reunion was a A'ery sucecssful one, and ANNALS OF POLE COUNTY the visiting members of tlie Army of the Tennessee gave mucli praise to the citizens of Des Moines for the hearty welcome and hospitalities so liberally and freely showered uj)on them. The original capitol building had been erected at a day when it was difficult or impossible to jjrocure the best of material, and it was necessarily somewhat hastily con- structed. In the course of a few years it became apjiarent that a new capitol or state house must be built. From the first this had been anticipated, and the original building had been designed and intended as only a temporary capi- tol. The increase in population of the State also increased the work to be done in the State offices, and, the result was the old building soon became crowded and uncom- fortable for those who were compelled to be or transact business there. Then when the General Assembly met it was worse. The iialls were illy heated and ventilated, and this caiised much sickness, if not several deaths. Added to the discomfort was the more than suspicion that the build- ing was not entirely safe, and many entertained fears that a hori'ible accident or catastroplie might at any time occur, by or through the collapse of the building. In the latter part of the sixties agitation was commenced in favor of the building of a new capitol upon the magnificent grounds originally set apart for that purpose and then belonging to the State. Of the struggle over this question — the com meucement of the erection of a new capitol building — more will be said in another chapter. After preliminary work at previous sessions this battle was fought to a finish in tlie General Assembly at the session of 1870. After a pro- longed and earnest fight the friends of the new capitol were finally successful. The bill passed both houses, was promptly approved by the Governor, and steps were taken AND THE CITY OF DBS EIOINES. 397 to at once commence the work which in some ten years after culminated in the completion of the magnificent building which now graces Capitol Hill, and sheds honor upon all those connected with it and upon the State. The commencement and carrying on of this great work ma- terially helped the county and city, and was of special benefit to the East Side. It settled for many years to come the site of the capitol, and made many other matters fixed and certain, and was eminently satisfactory, not only to the people of this city and county, but also generally to the people of the State. During the period embraced in this chapter a number of bridges were erected over the Des Moines and Kaccoon Elvers in the city, and also a number of good bridges over streams in the county, among the latter being a new and costly one over the Skunk Elver. Not onlj^ were many of these public improvements made, but also old roads were much improved, and many new ones laid out and worked more or less. A few new towns were located in the county, and the older ones were much improved witli new buildings and other evidence of material prosperity. As previously stated many new farms were opened up and old farms en- larged, new buildings erected, and the farmers generally invested heavily in all the latest improved agricultural implements. Great improvement was also made in the character and quality of farm live stock. Choice herds of blooded cattle were to be found in every township, and hundreds of fine horses, for the road or farm, or heavy drafts, were reared in the county, while much attention was given to the rearing of improved breeds of swine. Corn and hogs have been from the first almost a specialty with the farmers of the county, and through these much lias been added to the wealth and consequent prosperity of the 398 ANNALS OF POLE COUNTY people, especiall}' the farmers. Timber culture was also eutered into extensive!}^, uotwithstandiug the more thau average amount of native timber in the county. Much attention was also paid to farmers' houses, barns and other outbuildings, and many of these country homes were beau- tified with shrubbery, trees, orchards and grassj^ lawns. The value of farms and farm lands steadily advanced in prices, and this advance, though not as rapid as the ad- vance sometimes made in other property, was steady and healthj', and this advance has continued up to the Y>resent time, when a Polk County farm is generallj^ considered a most valuable property to hold. It is noticeable that when financial panics or "hard times" come upon a community many of the town people retire to the country and become farmers. And it is further noticeable that a large major- ity of these former town people become attached to a farm life and remain farmers on to the end. Some of them, too, make the verj' best of progressiA^e, successful farmers. One fact is woi-thy of making a special note of in connec- tion with county affairs during this period. This is, that in the years 1872 and 1873, the county was entirely out of debt. Fortunately for Polk County there never was any heavy bonded indebtedness hanging over the taxpayers. Back in the fifties the county, like unto other counties then in existence, anxious to secure railroad connection with the rest of the world, by a vote of the people agreed to give its bonds to the amount of .|300,000 to the old Mississippi and Missouri, now the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad Company. But fortunately, perhaps, for the county that railroad company did not comply with the conditions imposed, tlie bonds were not issued, and the vote was subsequently rescinded. Thus, in the years after the war, when other counties and cities in Iowa were being AND THE CITY OF DBS MOINES. 399 sued in the United States courts, upon railroad and other bonds issued by them, and heavy judgments were being- obtained against them, the County of Polk and City of Des iloines were not harassed in this way. And while there may have been at times needless expenditure of county funds, yet upon the whole the finances of Polk County have been well managed. During the ten years embraced in this chapter Polk County more than doubled its population, jumping from 15,2U in 1865 to 31,.55S in 1875. The City of Des Moines also nearly tripled its population in the same time — the census of 18G5 showing a total population of only 5,722, while the census of 1875 gave the city 14,443 inhabitants. In 1865 there were in the county 3,135 voters, and 1,419 voters in the city. In 1875 there were 41,842 voters in the county, over 2,000 of whom were in the City of Des Moines. October 8, 18G7, a vote was taken in the county upon the proposition to restrain sheep and hogs from running at large and was defeated by the following vote: Yeas, 851; najj-s, 1,144. But two years later, October 12, 1869, the same proposition was submitted and carried by a large majority: Yeas, 2,066; naj^s, 930. October 12, 1875, came a vote upon the question, shall stock be restricted from running at large? This proposition was defeated by a vote of: Yeas, 1,747; nays, 2,500. Two years later the same proposition was again defeated, but in 1880 it carried by a majority of 853. For several years this same question caused more or less agitation in the city. It was an easy matter to pass an ordinance requiring horses and hogs to be restrained from running at large, though for several years the hogs were allowed to make free raids upon the gardens of the citi- zens, but when it came to restraining cows that was an- 400 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY other matter. In the early days a coav was considered a necessarjr adjunct to every well regulated family, and when the City Council attempted to pass or enforce an ordinance compelling the owner.s to keep their cows in stables or pastures the indignation of many men and women was aroused at once and they proceeded without delay to "make it warm" for the offending aldermen. At that time, too, there were vacant lots and parcels of land in and about The city where, in the season, the cows could find an abun- dance ot good grazing, and when they desired a change of diet they could make raids upon the gardens or lands of the citizens. In the winter time the cows picked up much sustenance from the wagons and sleds of the farmers in tlie streets of the city, and they were not at all particular as to what they took therefrom. Finally, this nuisance became so great that the Council at last passed a cow ordi- nance, and had the courage to enforce it, and this now meets the approbation of a large majority of the citizens. To a great extent the milkman has taken the place of the family cow, while the market gardener supplies what was formerly procured from the family vegetable garden. Bnt seldom now we find the irate family man, armed with a bean pole, frantically chasing an invading cow from his lot, swearing vengeance upon both cow and owner. The cow has about disappeared, save a few that the boys drive to and fro, or herd during the day and stable at night, and the family vegetable gardens are only to be found now out- side of the more densely settled portions of the city. Many of the old-time fences have also disappeared, and fine laAvns, shrubbery and flowers are unenclosed and open to the street. The restraining ordinance protects them more safely than did the fences of an earlier day. CHAPTER XVII. . 'J '' ' *■' ■' • " THE SALOON. ' ■ ^ 'S - THE sale of iutoxicatiug liquors aucl the regulatioL or prohibition of the same has always played a more or less prominent part in the political and social liistory of every city and county, e,sx>ecially in Iowa. So this question lias in the history of Des Moines and Polk County. Wliile the United States troops were here the sale of intoxicating- liquors, especially to the Indians, was strictly prohibited, and the soldiers used prompt and summai'y measures to prevent the sale and punish the sellers. And yet, notwithstanding this military vigilance, the settlers, soldiers and Indians, managed lime and time again to procure intoxicating liquors of \'arious kinds. Tlie sale, purchase and use of iutoxicatiug liquors from the beginning up to this time has never been entirely suppressed in this city and county, no matter hoAV strin- gent the laws may have been and h()A\'ever 7>ealous the officers in the enforcement of the same. Tliis is a fact of history that cannot be denied truthfully. The County of Polk was organized by election on April (5, ISIti. The first Board of County t'ommissioucu's met April 13, and organized. Tlie following day aluiost the first business transacted was granting a license to Wal- lace W.Clapp, and also to Addison Michael, allowing eacli of these persons to keep a grocei'y wlierein intoxicating liquors w^ere to be sold. Tlie license fee tlien was very low compared with the .f 1,200 now paid, being only .$0.25 per quarter, or .f25 for each year. A number of such licenses were granted by the Board prior to the enactment 402 AiVi\^AL*S' OF FOLK COUNTY of the tirst t^tate prohibitory hiw. There was occasional trouble over the sale of liquors, and some prosecutions, but they were comparatively few in number, and those licensed "groceries" w ere allowed to conduct this business with but little molestation from the officers of the law. The theory of kState prohibition of the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors had taken a strong hold upon the people East and West in the early fifties. Many en- thusiasts saAV in tliis the means of finally banishing intem- perance from the land. vSeveral of the States about this time adopted what was called the "Maine law," that state having been among the first to adopt prohibition in its entirety. The first prohibitory law of Iowa w^as adopted or passed by the General Assenrbly in 1855, and was sub- mitted to a vote of the people at tlie April election of that year. The vote upon it was not large and the majority were in favor of the adoption of the law. By its jirovisious the law went into effect July i, 1855, and being sustained by the courts became the law of the State. This law legally (dosed all the saloons or groceries in the State, although as a fact in many localities the law was not enforced. In Des Moines and Polk County it was enforced with more or less strictness, yet at no time was it impossible or even very difficult for those who desired to obtain intoxicating beverages. The drug* stores, tlien, as now, sold more or less of liquors, and what are called "lioles in the wall" were in existence even in those early days. There were, how- ever, no open saloons in Di's Moines for a short time after the law went into effect, and tlie town and county officers of that day had not discovered the mine of wealth, snbse- quently discovered by their successors, which existed in the searches after violators of tlie law and the seizure and confiscation of their iirohibited goods. Yet there were AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 403 some seizures, one of the most notable being the seizure and the destruction of some forty barrels of high wine and other liquors belonging to Charles Good. In 1856, if not before, there were again several open saloons in the town, one or two of them being finely fitted up, and they were not much troubled by the law or its officers. By the provisions of this law we had for a year or two what was called "The County Grocery.'' Under the law the County Judge appointed an agent, Dr. D. V. Cole, who bought for the county an excellent stock of lirpiors and sold the same for "medical, mechanical and culinary pur- poses." This "County Grocery'" was located on the south side of Court avenue, between Second and Third streets, where G. Munzenmaier's saloon now is. Dr. Cole and J. Fleisliman, his assistant, tried to live up to the law, but liaving to take the word of the purchasers for the truth, their sales became large and frequent, and it is at least doubtful about the liquors purchased being generally ap- plied for the purposes prescribed by the law. In fact, it is not improbable that not a few "good drunks" were had by the early settlers of that day from or upon the liquors purchased at the "County Grocery." The T\Titer has a dis- tinct recollection of one of the enterprising citizens of that day who, purchasing his stock at the agency, made the rounds of stores, offices and shops, peddling out the liquors by the drink. He was well knoAvu and took the title of "Doctor" from his calling, and was generally given a hearty welcome by the thirsty. lie did a prosperous busi- ness for a time. One of the official duties of the Grand Jury was to in- spect the stock, books, etc., of the "County Grocery," and it is needless to say this duty was never neglected. Tlie writer on one occasion was appointed by Judge McFarland 404 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY special bailiff of the Grand Jury for this duty and no other, and in his official capacity marched the jury down to the "County Grocery" to make this examination. The Grand Jury was then composed of fifteen men, and the jovial Dr. T. K. Brooks was the foreman. Several hours was occu- pied in this work, the most of the time being spent in test- ing the quality and purity of the liquors. The law re- quired the liquors to be pure and unadulterated, and Dr. Brooks said that they must be thorough and general in their tests. The tests were duly made, in fact any number of tests, and the jury finally returned to their room full of the subject of their investigation — so full they immediately adjourned for the day. Thereupon the bailiff was summar- ily called before the Judge, who eagerly enquired, "Did you leave anything for me?" Upon being informed a two- gallon jug of the best whisky was in the sheriff's office, the Judge thanked and discharged the bailiff' from further duty, adjourned the court for a time, and hastened with some of the attorneys to the sheriff's room, and in a short time there was a sound of approaching emptiness in that jug. The "County Grocery" became unpopular, or too popular with some, and the General Assembly in ] S56-57 abol- ished that feature of the law. Thereupon Polk County sold out the stock on hand and retired from the saloon or groc- ery trade. There had also arisen much complaint among the people about the law and manj^ urged its repeal. Tlie immigration into the State was then large, and among them had been many Germans, and many more were about ready to follow, but they wanted to have the beer and the wine they had always been accustomed to in their old and also their new home. They cared little about whisky and the other strong drinks, but they must have their beer and AND THE CITY OF DBS MOINES. 405 wine. At that time the two main political parties were struggling for supremacy in the State, and the German voter was an important factor. These Germans held the balance of power. The newly formed Republican party could not antagonize them and hold political power. The Germans were opposed to the sweeping prohibitory law. A compromise was effected. To retain the native prohibi- tionists the prohibitory law in its general features was re- tained, and to placate the Germans the law was amended so as to allow towns and cities to license the sale of beer and wine. This is why the celebrated "beer and wine clause" came to be engrafted upon the so-called prohibitory laws of Iowa. Efforts were made time and again to repeal this clause, but it remained the law of the State until the prohibitory constitutional amendment was adopted in 1882 and the subsequent enactment of a more stringent prohib- itory law by the General Assembly in 1884. Not long after the adoption of the "wine and beer clause" the City Council of Des Moines licensed the sale of beer and wine at first placing the annual license fee to be paid at •f200. The number of saloons increased as rapidly, if not more so, than the growth of the city in population. There were a few saloons in the outlying towns of the county, but there were not many of them, and their careers were gener- ally short and full of trouble. In the city few, if any, of these saloons confined themselves to the sale of wine and beer. They all sold more or less whisky and other strong liquors in violation of the law. In fact it was expected they would sell strong liquors, as they could not confine their sales to the legal drinks and pay the amount charged by the city for license. This amount was from time to time increased from |300 to $500, to $800, and finally to $1,000, and even this latter large sum was being jjaid about 1882 406 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY hj more tliau fifty saloon keepers in the City of Des Moines. Bnt with all their payments to the City of Des Moines these saloon keepers had their legal troubles, and many of them. They were continually violating the Stliysieiau8 of Polk County met to- gether ill the Court House and formed themselves into a Medical fc^ociety. Dr. A. Y. Hull read an ad- dress. The doctor afterwards dropped medicine and took up law and newspaper work. One of the first of many Irishmen to settle in Des Moines was generous, good hearted Michael McTighe, so well re- membered by older citizens. He died a few years ago. He was for years a prominent working Democrat and member of the City Council. He also owned and, for years, with his good wife, conducted the well known Shamrock House, on Second, between Vine and Market streets. From 1854 to 1850 tlie number of voters in Polk County was more than doubled. In the early days Skunk Bottom was the "holy terror" of travelers, stage drivers, teamsters and emigrants. It was frequently blocked by high water, and when the ^^•ater was low it was muddy, boggy and treacherous. This Skunk has been the cause of more verbal damning than all the rivers of the State combined. The State Register would have been named the State .Journal by John Teesdale, had it not been for the fact that the writer had previously purchased the Statesman and changed it to the State Journal. Mr. Teesdale liad for a time been connected with the Ohio State Journal, and AXD THE CITY OF DEH MOIXES. 423 liked the uame. He liad to make a second choice and tliat was State Eeiiister. The first piano was brouglit here by Capt. F. E. West in 1853, and furnished tlie nmsic at tlie marriage of liis dangliter, Aretliusa, to B. F. Allen in 1854. Keokuk, the Indian chief, had two residences or wig- wams a short distance from where the town of Avon is now located. The one in the timber for winter nse, wliile the other on the prairie was his summer residence. The tepees, or wigivams, of his encampment were A'isible in 181G, but soon totally disappeared. Judge William McKa.Y held his last term of court in March, 1854. P. M. Gasady was elected his successor, but resigned before holding a temi of court. Governor Hemp- stead appointed G. J. McFarland to fill the vacancy, and the latter held his first term in September, 1854. Dan O. Finch, it was generally expected, would be Judge Gasady's successor, but McFarland lived in Boone Gounty, in the Northern Gongressional District, and GoA^ernor Hemp- stead lived in that district and had congressional aspira- tions. Hence McFarland's appointment. In August, 1857, when the present Gonstitution of the State Avas being voted upon a separate vote was taken on striking out the word "white," so as to permit negroes to vote, and have other civil rights. The vote in Polk Gounty upon this was: Yeas, 65; nays, 557. Twenty -three years later, November, 1880, the same proposition was submitted and the vote showed an immense change in public sentiment in Polk Gounty, the vote being: Yeas, 3,052; nays, 678. When the first vote was taken negro 424 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY slavery existed in many of the States of the Union. When the last YOte was taken slavery was abolished and dead. Up to 1857 there had been forty-four additions made to the original town, thirty-four on the West and ten on the East Side. There are now within the city limits 573 ad- ditions and subdivisions, and 109 offlcial plats, making a total of 682 plats. Frank M. Mills started at printing and book publishing in Des Moines in 1856, and is yet the chief of the Mills Publishing Company. From the first he has been the head of the company or firm, and for years they conducted the largest printing and publishing house west of Chicago. For a long time they employed at one time from 150 to 200 men, some of whom received high wages — 130 to |50 per week. The books show that Frank M. Mills and the companies with which he has been connected have paid out here in Des Moines, as wages alone, during these forty years more than two and one-half million dollars! In 1853, while J. C. Savery was keeping the Everett House on Third street, a young man came to Des Moines and stopped a day or two at this hotel, looking for an opportunity to teach a school. Seeing no opening here and hearing of Fort Dodge, and being short of money, the young man shouldered his carpet bag and started on foot for that .place, more than eighty miles from this town. This young man was Qi'^rus C. Carpenter, afterwards for four years Governor of the State of Iowa. In 1856 an allowance was made for the keeping of an insane boy, Jesse Weise. He was subsequently sent to the poor farm and now an aged man, yet remains there. A^W THE CITY OF DES MOINES^. 425 For over forty years lie has been taken care of by the ■county. In the early days when farm houses were few and scat- tered, it was of frequent occurrence for men to get lost while traveling over these wide prairies. If the weather was mild no s^oecial damage occurred, bej^ond fright, hun- ger and inconvenience. But in the winter time to be lost on one of these bleak prairies was no trifling matter. Loss of limbs or death might be the result. A number of per- sons lost their lives in this manner in the early days of this countjf and section of the State. Even as late as the winter of 1870, we find an account of how in February of that year, four men lost their way in Carroll County, and were frozen to death within a few miles of their homes. Two were found dead under the sleigh, and the bodies of the other two were found but a short distance away. During those winters many men suffered the loss of fingers and toes, and too frequently lost hands and feet. Many thrill- ing stories were told of men, and women, and children, who were unfortunately caught out on the open prairie b}^ a snow or sleet storm, and experienced great suffering iind danger. In November, 1859, Bartrum Galbraith located his blacksmith shop on the northeast corner of Third and Locust streets. It has remained at this locality, now in the heart of the city, continuously up to this time, a i^eriod of more than thirty-six years. And during all this time he has himself wielded the hammer and industriously fol- lowed his trade. Who can beat this? The firm of Stacy, Johns & Co., boots and shoes, com- menced business in Des Moines in 1855, and continued 4-21] ANNALi< OF POLK COUNTY in business without any cliaufie in the style of the tirni until 1893, thirty-eight years. This is a long time in a new and eyer changing city. October 2, 1857, the County Judge "ordered that S. A. Robertson be alloy\'ed |10 for drawing plan of jail and house for the county." That jail and house has neyer been built, although much needed. Truth of history compels the statement that the Polk County jail lias been for years and is now a disgrace to the county and the good citizens thereof. August 30, 1851, W. W. Moore was allowed |15 for act- ing as deputy clerk. The following order is found upon the county records: "December 9, 1851, ordered, that Thompson Bird be al- lowed for ink furnished for the use of the county offices the sum of .f 0.50." Ed E. Clapp was the first ice man in Des Moines, and under date of Noyember 18, 1850, the County Judge "or- dered, that Ed R, Clapp be allowed |8 for ice furnished the August term of the District Court." The first county warrant drawn by and against Polk County was in favor of Thomas McMullin, for services as clerk at April election, 184(1. In 1840 a Territorial tax (same as State) was levied of only three-fourths of one mill. Tlu^ county tax was fifty cents on every -f 100 of taxable i)ro]»erty. The iioll tax was fifty cents. AND THE CITY OF DES MOINE.S. 427 Tlip first assessor of Polk Oonnty was (Iveen B. Clark. He afterwards removed to Marion County and became prominent there — liaAin"!- been several times elected a member of the Iowa General Assemblv. The steamer Colonel Morj;an was once owned and con- trolled by a syndicate of Des Moines merchants, and for one or more seasons plied between Keokuk and Des Moines. For a time Peter Myers, of Des Moines, acted as captain. From all accounts this venture of the citizens was not altogether successful, and the Colonel Morgan passed into the ownership of others. This boat was en- gaged in the Des Moines River trade during the season of 1857, and having lingered too long on the upper river was caught by low water and compelled to stay at Des Moines until the spring of 1858. On February 9th, of that year, this boat gave an excursion from here, the river being clear and higii enough for her to travel a number of miles on the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers. On March 10, 1858, the rivers here were about clear of ice and navi- gation could be resumed. t-i Among the many improvements made along in 1856-57 was the erection on Front and Vine, East Side, of a very fine flouring mill. This mill was erected by Stanton and Zeigler, and liad all the latest improvements known at that time, and turned out a very fine grade of flour. But on February 3, 1858, this valuable mill Avas totally de- stroyed by fire, entailing a loss of some |15,000. It was insured for some -f 10,000. This was a great loss, not only to the proprietors, but also to the city. July 5, 1855, one day after the first prohibitory law went into force, it was ordered by the County Judge that Dr. 428 ANNALS OF FOLK COUNTY D. V. Cole be paid the sum of .fl,000 with which he, as liquor agent, was to purchase a stock of liquors for the county, to be sold by him at an advance of 25 per cent above cost for medical, mechanical and sacramental pur- poses only, and he was instructed to procure a supply of liquors for such purj^oses as soon as practicable, and he was also authorized if possible to purchase a supply of liquors in Fort Des Moines sufficient to meet the necessary demand until he could procure them elsewhere. It will be seen by this there was no delay in establishing the "county grocery" after the prohibitory law took effect. The thirsty did not have to wait very long. May 21, 1857, it was "ordered that John Railing be allowed the sum of .fill.55 for plowing, sowing and harrow- ing Avheat in the public square." A destructive fire swept over the prairie north of Al- toona as late as 1868, destroying much proi^erty. Among the county records the following order was found entered under date of October 8, 1858: "Ordered, that James Stanton be allowed |17.35 constable fees for prose- cuting, draying, stowing, handling, beheading and burning forty barrels (of Eed Eye) whisky belonging to the Des Moines, Polk County, Vinegar Association." Latter-day constables would have made hundreds of dollars in the shape of fees out of that much whisky. Tlie number of soldiers engaged in the late war and en- lisred in Polk County cannot be exactly given, but it is I'Stimated they numbered at least 2,000. This would be uKu-e than one-half the legal votes of the county in 1862. AVhat a record of patriotism aud bravery this is. AIVZ) THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 4'29 November 17, 1872, Governor Carpenter ordered the Crocker Veteran Gnards and the Olmstead Guards, two military companies of Des Moines, to go to Council Bluffs to stop a proposed prize fight between Tom Allen of St. Louis and Hogan of Omaha. The fighters were forced to go to Nebraska, and the troops had a jolly time. J. P. Day of Saylor Township came to Des Moines from the State of Delaware in 1857 with his father. Squire AA'. M. Day, wlio was a resident of East Des Moines for many years and died there recently. Before leaving Delaware they were 1 old hj a man named John Chandler that he had been a United States soldier at Fort Des Moines, and not satisfied with the seiwice he and a fellow soldier deserted. Tliey one night got into a canoe at the mouth of what is uoAv Bird's Run and quietly floating by the fort j^roceeded down the river a number of miles. The,y then took to the brush and after many hardships finally got safely awaj'. Chandler reached his home in Delaware with very ragged clothes and in a generally used up condition. His descrip- tion of the country around the fort was found to be accur- ate by Mr. Day when he came here, and he has no doubt the story told by the ex-soldier was true. The soldiers of the gallant Second Iowa Infantry are touchy over any attempt to rob them of the glory justly belonging to them for their heroic and successful charge at Fort Donelson. They led that charge and won it alone. Gen. Lew Wallace, the romancer, tells a romance of Gen. P. F. Smith having led it. Gen. Smith was a brave and gallant officer, but he did not lead that charge. It Avas led by Gen. Tuttle, then colonel of the regiment. Gen. Smith was not. in it. 430 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY V. H. Buzzard of Saj'lor Township will be remembered by many of the early settlers. He Avas a rather eccentric character, but was a good man and citizen, and at one time owned valuable farms and lands. He was for j^ears a Mormon, but a brief residence in Utah Territory weak- cjied his faith. He objected strenuously to the church tithe of one-tenth of the income and property'' of a disciple. He left the Mormons, and after residing some time in Webster Countj^ finally removed to Spokane Falls, Wash., Avhere he was living well advanced in years when last heard Ironi. AY. D. Christy tells a characteristic story of (^len. Crocker. At the battle of Shiloh he was Colonel of the Thirteenth Iowa Infantry. When the wearied but un daunted troo]>s had formed their last line late in the day Crocker rode up to Gen. Tuttle and said loud enough for the men to hear: "Buell has come to our relief." Tuttle was doubtful and asked: "Is that true?" Crocker re])lied in a low ione: "No, but we must encourage the boys." The first railroad locomotive to cross the Des Moines Eiver was one belonging to what is now the Northwest- ern Railroad Company, and this made the crossing iu Boone County on April 20th, ISGG. Des Moines and Polk County have always had theii- full complement of dogs, good, bad and indifferent. In 18GG the rieneral Assembly ])assed a law taxing all dogs -fl annually per head. Tliis dog tax was so generally unpop- ular the next General jVssembly hastened to repeal it. Tlie amount c)f swamp lands patented to Polk County was about 7,000 acres. AND TEE CEFY OF DE^ MOINEH. 431 The first insurance company organized in l)es Moines was the Iowa Central Insurance Company, in Februarj^, 1S64, witli J. B. Tiffin, president; E. J. Ingersoll, vice pres- ident, and A. O. Mattison, secretary. Then followed the t^tate, and shortly afterwards the Hawkeye. The Central in a year or two was merged into one of the other com- panies. The State and Hawkeye have continued their prosperous existence up to this time, and are solid and wealthy institutions, which promise to continue iu busi- ness for many j-ears to come. Among the former police officers of Des Moines, Adam Ilafner should not be forgotten. He was appointed on the force in July, 1869, and from that time put in eighteen years of faithful service. During this time he served i^\'t^ years as Chief of Police, and four 3 ears as City Marshal, lie was ahvays an honest, efficient and brave officer, and liis record is an honor to himself, the police force, and to the city. Ho has also served with credit as a member of tlie City Council, having been the alderman from the Fourth Ward for the past two years. As chairman of the city purchasing committee he has shown his strict honesty and good business judgment, saving to the city many hun- dreds of dollars. Alderman Hafner was alwa.ys a good man, officer and citizen. George E. Spencer, of New York, was for a short time a resident of Des Moines, and then for a year or two made his home at Newton. He was one term secretary of tlie State Senate, and subsequently operated speculative schemes iu Northwestern Iowa. After the war he was for some years a "Cai^pet-Bag" United States Senator from Georgia. 432 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY New Year's Day, 1864, was one of the noted cold days : Iowa, the thennometer showing froi below zero for some twenty -four hours. of Iowa, the thennometer showing from 15 to 30 degrees Captain John Browne, of Des Moines, was a private in Gen. Crocker's comi^any at the beginning of the war, and afterwards partly through Crocker's influence was made captain in the Seventeenth Iowa Infantry. In the opera- tions around Jackson, Mississippi, Captain Browne, through carelessness, permitted several of his men to be captured by the Confederates. The young captain was scared; he saw the straps disappearing from his shoulders; and finally mustered up courage to go to Gen. Crocker, then commanding a division, and tell him the trutli. Then Crocker did give it to him ; told him he had disgraced him- self and his friends and should by rights be dismissed the service. Browne said nothing in reply, and after a while, Crocker said: "Here, John, take a drink. Now tomorrow we will have a fight; it may be hard one. Go in, do your duty, and if you get through all right you can report your men missing during that fight." John saw the point, fol- lowed the advice, and thus saved his shoulder straps. As an instance, showing the zeal of the politicians of these early days the following is given : In Janiiaiy, 1857, the writer in company with some friends were on their way to attend a Democratic State Convention, to be held at Iowa City. They left Newton Saturday morning and managed in the afternoon after much difliculty to reach the little village of Westfield, a few miles south of Grin- nell. There they came to what was then called the "Eigli- teen Mile Prairie," and the storm had become so severe and the cold so piercing that they concluded to spend the night at the hotel in Westfield. True, the hotel was new, AND THE CITY OF DES MOINEti. 433 built of native lumber and unplastered, but even these dis- comforts vs'ere better than venturing out upon that storm- tossed snowy prairie on such a night. Big fires and buffalo robes permitted the party to pass the night without being frozen. The next morning ushered in the celebrated cold Sunday, when the thermometer dropped down to anywhere between thirty and forty degrees below. Fortunately the winds had quieted down and the party started on their journey. Out in the middle of the wild prairie they saw at a distance a man on horseback coming up the road from the south; curiosity compelled them to stop, and when the traveler came up he was interrogated. He good naturedly replied that he was from one of the extreme southwestern counties of Iowa, and was on his way to attend as a dele- gate the Democratic State Convention at Iowa City. Here he was traveling in the midst of one of the most severe winters ever known in Iowa on horseback over two hun- dred miles to attend the Democratic Convention. Neither was he a candidate nor aspirant for any office. Verily, his political faith was strong. The folloAving biidges over the Des Moines and Eac- coon Rivers have been, by the County Board of Super- visors, ordered built in the last few years: April 16, 1889, Commerce bridge of Walnut Township, across the Rac- coon River, ordered built at a cost of |9,300; April Ifi, 1889, Corydon bridge, of Madison Township, ordered built across the Des Moines River at a cost of |10,200; February 2, 1891, Ball's Ford bridge of Four Mile Township (for- merly Grant), ordered built at a cost of $18,500; July 3, 1894, Valley Junction bridge of Walnut Township, ordered built at a cost of |9,000. P. M. Casady, C. D. Reinking, Hoyt Sherman and L. V. 434 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY Sherman were iiieiiibers of tlie first town conncil of Des Moines in 1851, and are all yet living and well known and liiglily respected citizens of the city they aided in starting npon the right road. As late as 1858 bonnties were allowed by the County Judge for killing wild cats in Polk County, to Isaac Case, •Joseph S. Fagau, Jacob Byers and Claborn Brazleton. The first justices of tlie peace in Polk County were: Joseph De Ford, W. II. Meacham, Addison Mitchell, Ben- jamin Bryant and Thomas II. Napier. All of them are now dead and gone. Among the active and energetic young men of Des Moines from 1855 to the early (lOs mention should be made (if Ed. n. Brown. Born in Maine, reared in Michigan, a tinner by trade, he came here in 1855, and soon took an active part in affairs. He became a republican upon the formation of that party, and was an able and indefatigable worker among the people and at the jiolls. He was a hustler, and also a clever, pojuilar young man. He mar- ried Eleanor, daughter of that pioneer citizen, W. F. Ayers. About 18(!0 he made a trip to Colorado, or "Pike's Peak," as that new state was then termed, and early in the ad- ministration of President Lincoln, through the infiuence of Hon. John A. Kasson, whom he had materially helped in his political aspiratious, was nmde postmaster at <,'eiitral City, Cohirado, where he also became prominent in polit- ical affairs. Later on he became interested in railroad l>uilding and romoved to south-wc^stern Missouri. He re- mained ill (Carthage several years until his railroad and other interests required a residence in Kansas, at Girard, where he now has his home and is largelv interested in AXD THE CITY OF DES MOIXES. 435 railroads, mining- and farming-, and is a man of wealtli, prominence and inflnence. lie continnes to talce an active j)art in politics, and has been three times elected a mem- ber of the Kansas legislature, the last time, 1894, over- coming an opposition majority of more than one thousand. He remains, as the 3'ears go by, the same jovial, good fel- low lie was in liis younger days. Brax D. Thomas, a printer, who came here from Mary- land early in 1855, was for scweral years known by almost everybody in the city and county, lie was city recorai- of I'olk County, and they also attended to the greater jiart of tlie legal business arising in the adjoining counties.. AND THE CITY OF DEt^ MOINEH. WS- But the supply of attoruevs has more tlian kept up with the progress of the county, rapid as this has heeu, aud uoAV the Bar of Polk Couuty embraces a long list of prac- ticing attorneys, running up in the hundreds and taking no count of many engaged in otlier business pursuits, or removed to otlier localities. At the same time it is but legal justice to state that in this now long list can be found a number of as able and learned lawyers as have ever graced the bar of any county or state. Former mem- bers (jf the Polk County Bar can at this day be found practicing their high professi(m in all parts of the country — on the Atlantic border and on the Pacific Coast. Judge McKay held the office of district judge for four years, his district embracing P(dk and a number of other newly created counties of this section of the State. In politics he was a AVhig. lie was a candidate for re-election in 1854:, and had as his opponent Phineas M. Casad3^ The election, which was held in April, was a spirited one, both the candidates canvassing the district. P. M. Casady, how- ever, was the nnire popular man and Avas elected. About the same time he was also ap])ointed by the President register of the United States land office at Fort Des Moines. As this latter office was worth at least three times as much in the way of salary and was in many other respects a much more desirable office to hold. Judge Casady shortly after qualifying as judge resigned the latter f)ffice, mucli to the regret of his many friends, who were confident he would have made an able, honest anauized he was promoted to major. lie served with his regiment in Missouri and was wounded at Blue Mills, one among the first battles of tlie war. He was afterwards made colonel of the Twenty-second Iowa Infantry, and with his regiment did good service in the Yicksburg and other cam- paigns. In 1S(I3 he was nominated for Governor by the Republicans, and being elected at the October election of that year he was inaugurated Governor in January, 1804, succeeding the famous "War Governor," Samuel J. Kirk- wood. Governor Stone was re-elected in 18()5, serving four years. He then returned to the practice of law, making ■ las home at Knoxville and for a short time residing in Des Moines. He continued to take an active part in ])olitics, and in 1889 was appointed by President Harrison assistant commissioner of the United States Land Office, and was for a time commissioner. Some time after the inaugura- tion of President Cleveland he left tliis position and was making arrangements to go into business in Oklahoma TeiTitory, when, after a sliort illness, death closed his earthly career. "Bill' Stone, as he was familiarly called, played a ]irominent i»art in tlie early and later history of this portion of Iowa and his memory should -live for years to come. John 11. Gray was tlie first district judge undei* the new constitution of Iowa, adopted in 1857. He came Avith his wife to Des Moines early in 1855, a young hnvyer who had studied and practiced for a brief ]>eriod at Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was born in Maryland ami liad graduated at Alleghany ( 'ollege in 1853. He had married Miss Maria Freeman, of Massachusetts, a sliort time previous to his lenagrating west. He had but little means, but was full AND THE CITY OF DE^ MOINES. 447 of hope and energy. To help along- he and his wife tanglit a select school for a time. Before he had long been a resi- dent the Eepnblicans nominated him for prosecuting at- torney, and after a Avarm canvass he Avas elected. This gave him the start needed, and in 18.58 he secured the Re- publican nomination for district judge, lie was elected in October, 1858. He made an excellent judge, and was always popular AAitli the people. He was re-elected in lSr)2 for anotlier four years. But his health failed before he had reached the ordinary ]»rime of life and after lingering for some time died on October 11, 1805. His death was much regretted by his many friends in this and adjoining coun- ties, who knew and loved and respected this pleasant gentleman and honest and upright judge. The death of Judge (iray left a vacancy on the bench, which was prf)mptly filled by the appointment by the Go^^- ernor of Charles C. Xourse, of Des Moines. He was a]i- pointed October 16, 18(15. Judge Nourse Avas a native of Kentucky and settled in Keosauqua in the early fifties, re- moving a few years later to Des Moines. He had been chief clerk of the Iowa House of Kepresentatives and twice Attorney General of the State. As a lawyer he then took the highest rank in the profession. He served as judge only some ten months, resigning August 1, 18()0. There is no doubt he would have been nominated by his i)arty with practical unanimity and been elected, and there adorned the bench, but it happened that in 1860 there was a bitter fight in the Eepublican party over the Congress- man for the district. Judge Nourse could not ktn^p entirely aloof from this. He was and is a man of decided opinions and preferen<-es; and let it be known he was o]»pose(l to the re-election to Congress of II(m. John A. Kasson. In the convention Mr. Kasson was defeated and Gen. G. 'SI. 448 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY Dodge, of Council Bluffs, nominated. The judicial conven- tion came but a day or two after. The friends of Kasson were in a large majority in the conA'^enteion. They were bitterly angry and Judge Nourse was the victim of their wrath. His eminent ability and fitness for the position was admitted by all, but he had not shown himself a friend of Mr. Kasson and he must be punished. The convention set Judge Nourse aside and nominated Hugh W. Maxwell, then of Warren County. Thereupon Judge Nourse promptly resigned as judge and returned to the practice of law, in which he has since been eminently successful. His retirement from the bench was certainly a great gain to him in a financial way, and perhaps in many other respects. Hugh W. Maxwell was among the early settlers of War- ren County, and immediately previous to his appointment as judge on August 1, 1866, had served for several years as prosecuting attorney of the district. In the October election following he was elected judge, and was re-elected to the same position October 8, 1870. He thus served as judge nearly eight and one-half years — 1866-75. He was a man of ability, Avith a good knowledge of law and very firm and decided in most of his opinions. He was a strong prohibitionist, and relentlessly used his judicial powers for the total suppression of the illegal sale of intoxicating liquors. He had little mercy upon saloon keepers, and when possible visited them with heavy fines and other punishments. And yet it is a matter of history that more money, comparatively, was then made in this county through the sale of intoxicating liquors then ever before or since ! Judge Maxwell was upon the bench during many exciting times in the history of the city and county, and one of his very last judicial acts was the sentencing of A2VZ) THE CITY OF DE^ MOINE;s. 449 Howard to imprisonment for life for tlie murder of Jolin- sou. And while Judge Maxwell was being entertained by the Bar at a farewell supper, a mob of passionate and determined men were making preparations which a few hours later culminated in Howard's dead body hanging suspended to a lamp-post at the corner of the Court House square. After his retirement from the bench Judge Max- well continued for a time in legal practice in Indian- ola and Des Moines. He then removed to the South, re- maining for a time in Southwestern Missouri, and finally spent a few years in Arizona. Some three years ago he returned to Iowa and had but recently opened a laAv office in Des Moines, when he was suddenly stricken down and after lingering for a time died on October 12, 1S94. Jolin Leonard, of Madison County, succeeded Judge Max- ^■ell as district judge, having been elected to this positioii in October, 1874. He was then and is now a resident of Winterset, where he had and has resided many years, and was previously for one term of four year district attorney. He was a good lawyer, and as judge gained a good repu- tation as an administrator of the law. He served only four years, being defeated for re-election. William H. McHenry followed Judge Leonard on the bench, defeating the latter in the election of October S, 1S7S. Judge McHenry was one of the early settlers of the county, first settling on Beaver Creek and afterwards re- moving to Des Moines. He was of pioneer stock, and thougli in liis youth lie had not had the educational ad- vantages now so common all over the country, he, in youtli and manhood, embraced every opportunity for the acquisi tiou of legal and other knowledge. In his early days in' was surveyor of the county, and served one term as sheriff, being elected in 1 S53. A few vears after he devoted himsidf 450 ANNALS OF FOLK COUNTY almost entirely to the practice of the law and built np a large and extensive clientage. He was an ardent Demo- crat, and generally took an active part in all political cam- paigns, and his many and original speeches were listened to and enjoyed by many thousands of his fellow citizens. In many respects he was original and unique, and he was always strong with the people. He was generally present at all gatherings of the early settlers, and his presence is now sadly missed. He seiwed several terms in the City Council, and was the first mayor of the city under its new charter and enlarged limits in 1857. For twenty years or more there had not been a Democratic judge in the dis- trict, and when in 1878 McHenry became a candidate for the high position but few thought his election was i^ossi- ble. But he was well known and popular in everj^ county, and he was elected by a good majority. And at the close of hi^ term in 1882 he was re-elected. The lawyers and others might criticise him, but evidently he had a strong- hold upon the people generally. His great sympathy for all men and women and his kind heart, prevented him from being a severe judge in the administering of punish- ment to those found guilty of violating the law. He always desired to temper justice with mercy, and desired the reformation more than the j)unishment of the criminal. After retiring from the bench Judge McHenry returned to the practice with his sons, William H. and Walter Mc- HenrJ^ Their clients were many. Judge McHenry died in 1893, his death causing heartfelt grief to his thousands of friends in the county in which he had lived and labored so long and successfully. In 18GS a new Circuit Court, having civil and probate jurisdiction, was created by act of the General Asselnbly. John Mitchell, of Des Moines, was elected the first judge AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 451 of the circuit in the same year, and was twice re-elected, serving a continuous term of twelve years, the longest ofti- cial term eA^er held in the county. Judge Mitchell was born in New Hampshire in 1830, and was a nephew of Thomas Mitchell, one of the first pioneers of the county. Acquiring an excellent education in his native State and reading law for a time, he came to Des Moines in 1856 and com- pleted his preliminary legal studies in the office of Finch and Crocker, and was admitted to the bar in August, 1850. He at once commenced practice of his profession. In 1861 he was commissioned captain of a company of cavalry in the State service, and served several mouths upon the northern border. The same year he was elected a member of the House and served for two years in the General As- sembly during these days of the war and general excite- ment. He was also a member of the City Council and member and chainnan of the County Board of Supervisors, and for some time was United States register in bank- ruptcy for this Congressional district. As before stated, in 1868, he was elected Circuit Judge and twice re-elected, A'irtually without opposition. He was married in 1858 to Kebecca Anshultz, a native of Virginia. After his long term as judge he returned to the practice, and in connec- tion with Dudley & Brown established a large and lucrative legal business. But Judge Mitchell in the prime, as it were, of his power for work and general usefulness, was stricken by disease and died in 1890. He was a good lawyer, judge, husband, father and citizen, and the record of years made by him in the county was clean and stainless. Josiah Given succeeded Judge Mitchell as Circuit Judge, being elected to the position in November, 1880, and after- wards re-elected. Judge Given was born in Pennsylvania in 1828, of Irish parents, who, in 18.38, removed to Holmes 4:52 ANNAL^S OF FOLK COUNTY Count}', Ohio. The future judge was dependent upon his own efforts for au education, and for a time worked Avitli his father in a country blaclisniith shop. At the commence- ment of the war with Mexico lie enlisted as a .drummer in recruiting service, and after being rejected on account of his 3'outh, finall}' mustered into the Fourth Ohio Infantry, under Col. Brough, and was appointed a corj)oral. He went with the regiment and served until the close of the war. Returning home he commenced reading law in the oflice of his brotlu^r and J. IJ. Bancroft, noAV f>f this city. He was admitted to the bar in 1850, ujjon motion of Edwin M. Stanton, afterwards the famous war secretary. He was subse(pieutly prosecuting attorney of the county for two terms and won much legal distinction. In 1S5G he removed to Cosliocton, Ohio, and practiced tliere until the breaking out f)f the C'ivil A^'ar. He immediately thrcAV aside his law books, organized Company K, TAveuty-fourth Ohio Infantry, and entered the service as ca]itain. S(n'ved first in A\'estern ^"ii'giiiia and \A'as promoted li(Mitcuant colonel of Eighteenth Ohio, and was iu si^'eral severe battles with this regiment. Snbse(piently 1h^ was made coloncd of the Seventy-fourth Oliio, succeeding Oraiivilh' ilondy, the "figlitiiig ])arsoii." lie went thi-ougli th(^ Atlanta cam- ■jjaigii and a ])orfion of the time was in cuinmand of a bri- gade. Being com]>letely disabled and I he war drawing to a close, he resigned and returned home. Afterwards he s(^rve(l two y(^ars as jxistmaster of the llonse of Kcpresen- tati\cs at A\'ashington. lietnrning home as soon as he could settle u]) his business lie detei-minc^il to cari'y out a long considered desire of becoming a ciliz(ui of Iowa, lie came lo I >es Moines May 1st, ISfiS, and beg;in the jiractice of hn\'. In ISd!) he Avas a]ipointed a Cnited States (le])uty commissioner of in(ei-nal re\"enue, lia\'ing charge of the division of spirits and fermented li(inors. lie resigned AND THE CITY OF IJIJS MOIXJJS. 4ri3 tliis i>nsitioii at Wasliiiif^'ton in ISTl t(i iiccept the iKiiniiiu- tiou (it prosecutiii}^' attonie.y of tliis district, and beinj^' elected commenced the discharge of the duties of tlie oftice in January, 1872, serviug three years. He then returned to tlie practice until elected Circ-uit Judge. He was elected District Judge in 188(), and in 1889 was appointed one of the judges of the Supreme Court to fill a vacancy, and was subsequently elected for a full term. He Avas re-elected to the Supx'eme bench in 1895, wliere he now diligentlj- and faithfully serves the State. In 1882 the General Assembly gave an additional judge to the district, and in November, of that year AYilliam Connor was elected as said judge. The new judge was a native of New York and had served gallantly as a volun- teer during the Avar. A short time after its close he emi- grated west and made a new home in Des Moines. He served for a time as justice of the peace, and was always a close student of the law. Though comparatiA^ely a young man he ranked high as a judge, bringing to the bench as he did his habit of close investigation and thorough research. Judge Connor remained upon tlie bench until September, 1885, Avhen he resigned to become a member of the Avell known laAv firm of (xatch, Connor & Weaver, of AvliicU he is now and has been for the past ten years a leading part- ner, in practice before the District and Su])reme Courts of Iowa and the United States. Kipley N. Baylies was appointed by the GoA^ernor and served for a short time as the successor of Judge (I'onnor. He is a lawyer of ability, who came to this county with his father from Louisiana when the war br(dtate. The originating and mov- ing spirit in this enterprise was Webb T. Dart. The cap- ital stock of the company Avas placed at •|50,0()0, paid-u]) capital. The officers selected were: President, Major Hoyt Sherman; vice president, ex-Governor Samuel Mer- rill; secretary, L. M. Saiiford; treasurer, Alex. C. Talbott; superintendent, W. T. Dart; directors, Samuel Merrill, Hoyt Sherman, Oeorge II. Maish, C. II. Catch, ^^^ T. Dart, A. ('. Talbott and L. M. Sandfoi-d. K. L. Tidrick also be- came interested and prominent in the work. A hanartially realized. Webb T. Dart, the main originator, cann^ to Des Moines about 1860 from Oslialoosa, wliVre he had been reareil. For a number of years he was a pushing, enterprising merchant of the citv, ami was \\id(dy known among our 462 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY people. He subsequently made his headquarters at Col- fax, and did much to advance the interests of that well known resort, and aided materially in extending the fame of its mineral waters. Webb Dart died several years ago, a comparatively young man. Among the dead of this year were: Gen. N. B. Baker, the noted Adjutant General of Iowa, a generous, noble- hearted man ; Jeremiah Canfield, an early settler and prom- inent farmer in Bloomfield Township; J. H. Swope, Pre- siding Elder of M. E. Church; William Youngerman, an early settler and good citizen of Walnut Township. The streets of the city had up to this period remained nothing but what might be termed "dirt roads." True, many thousands of dollars had been expended in cut- ting and filling, grading them up or down, as the sur- face of the ground required, and many miles of side- walks had been built. But no "attempt had yet been made at paving, and at times in certain seasons of the year, some of the principal streets of the city were almost im- passable. It was in those times no infrequent sight to note teams stalled in the mud on Walnut and other of the main business streets and alleys, and the lots thereto adjoining. As the city grew in extent and population every citizen became convinced that something must be done, and that without delay, to remedy the evils so much complained of. The city was getting a bad name, and citizens of other towns made sport of this unfortunate condition of affairs in Des Moines. The evil was apparent to every one — business, conven- ience and health demanded a speedy change for the bet- ter — but how this change was to be brought aboiit was the question. After much talk and several years' agi- tation of the question a good beginning was made AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 463 in 1878 and 1879 by the City Council inviting a noted civil engineer of Chicago to A'isit this city, make an ex- amination, and recommend some system of sewerage and paving, which Avas practicable and wovild make the streets of the city what they should be. This engineer, Mr. Chesebrough, came and spent some time in looking over the city, and then suggested a comprehensive plan for the sewerage of the entire city. The magnitude of the Avork and the cost of the same startled and alarmed some of the citizens — some of whom had grown rich off the rise in value of their city lots, and who heretofore had been lightly touched in pocket through special assess- ment — but to the credit of the City Council be it said the plans recommended by the engineer were finally adopted and work promptly commenced under the same. Main intercepting sewers were constructed and the street sewers to connect therewith were rapidly extended, and the original plan was extended in the course of a few years, and much improved upon. Then followed street paving, and this has been steadily pushed forward up to this time, when all the main business streets and alleys and many of the residence streets are now well sewered and paved. At first wood, .or cedar block, paving was the most popular, but this paving not proving as good or durable as was at first expected, within the past ten years hard brick paving has replaced much of the first wood, and all of the new paving has been of brick manufactured here at home. Of sewering and paving more will be found in another chapter. Here it only remains to say that this marked a distinct advance in the city of Des Moines, and has not only added to the convenience, comfort and health of the citizens, but has also added to the good name and to the population of the city, and the citizens i'U ANNAL^'i OF POLK COUNTY generally are euthusiastically iu favor of continuiiiii on in this good work. BoA". Graves, the negro who had been convicted of the nuirder of Ella Barrett, died on New Year's Daj, 1879, in the penitentiary. Before his death he confessed his gnilt, hnt claims he was not as guilty as some others. At the same time he claimed Smith, who had also been con- victed, was not guilty. The newspapers stated that over one hundred thousand hogs were killed in the packing hovises of Des Moines in 1S78, and it was also stated the public and private build- ing and improvement in the city during the year 187!) ran up to considerably over one million of dollars. Among the dead of bS7!l were: George P. llussell, an able young attorney; George B. Brown, landlord of the Aboru and other hotels; Curtis Bates, an early settler, able lawyer and for years jtrominent in State and local affairs, having been the Democratic candidate for Gov- ernor in 1854; Pati-ick McAttee, landlord and owner of the Mf)nitor House; Rev. Ezra Rathbun, one of the first Meth- odist preachers of the county; John R. Henry, a well known ex]iress agent; Charles Gray, of the noted firm of Terkius & tira.y. On February 18, 1880, Henry Osborne, a coal digger, brutally beat his wife to death with a stone on the public streets. This murder caused much excitement, and for a time lynch law was threatened. Osborne was subse- quently tried and finally sentenced to the penitenliary for life. Mar'ch 1, the celebrated Irishman, Parnell, with his friends, John Dillon, John Murdoch and others visited Des Moines, and were given a nmst hearty recepti(ni. AiYZ) THE CITY OF DE8 3I0INE8. 465 In April Andrew Sneddon was fatally cut and stabbed by one Bond in an affray in a saloon. Sneddon died a few days after the affray and Bond was indicted and held for trial in the District Court. There was an extraordinary fall of rain on July 7th and Sth, and much damage was done in the city and county. T. W. Eichelberger, the bright and popular city editor of the Register, died in March, causing much sorrow to his many friends in this city and throughout the State. In September, in an affray, one Wallace shot King. The latter died a month or two later and Wallace was ar- rested. For a number of years the question of having more and better bridges over the Des Moines River, and having the same free to the public was more or less agitated among the people of both city and county. Toll bridges were generally considered a nuisance, and better bridges and more of them were needed. Those in the city also claimed that it would be but fair for the whole county,, instead of the city alone, to bear the expense of erecting and keeping in repair these bridges, which were for the- accommodation of the people of the county, as well as: those of the city. Besides it was alleged tax;es collected in the city were expended in the erection and maintenance of bridges in the county outside of the corporate limits of the city. October 9, 1877, this proposition was sub- mitted to a vote of the people of the county: "Shall there be a three mill levy for eight years to pay city bridge bonds, their indebtedness for the building of four bridges across the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers, and make them free for public travel?" This was voted down; yeas,, 2,326; nays, 3,371. The following year another vote was 466 ATrohibition- ists and of what was termed "tlie whisky trust." It was generally understood the distillery passed into the con- trol of the "whisky ti'ust," and Avas not operated for sev- eral years. Then it was partly used as a malt house. It is now said to be under the control of Mr. Woolner, of Peoria, Illinois, who, it is announced, will change it into a large modern brewery should the Iowa General As- AND THE CITY OF DES MOIXE.S. 471 sembl,y pass a law permitting the manufacture of sucli liquors. Another important enterprise commencing in ISSl was the building of the large Gilbert Starch Works. These were located a little east and north of the distillery. A. very large and complete building was erected and filled all the latest machinery and appliances used in the manu- facture of the best quality of starch. These starch works emploj^ed a large number of men and women, and around them was soon built up the thriving suburban town of Chesterfield. These works were successfully operated for several years, when unfortunately they were destroyed by fire. Some years after this the present new and en- larged Avorks were erected. In January, 1SS2, two children, aged eleven and two years, named Harr^^ and Willie Cleer, were burned to death in the home of their parents in the city. On the night of January 11, 1882, occurred a most de- structive fire. This was the burning of the Clapp Block, on the corner of Fifth and Walnut streets. The loss at the time was estimated at over |100,000, with insurance of about 160,000. The main block was almost destroyed, though the vaults and rooms of the Citizens' National Bank partly escaped. In the stores below and rooms above much valuable property was lost. The Masons, who occupied a suite of rooms on the top floor, lost some |5,000 more than was covered by insurance. Morris & Humphrey, merchants, were also heavy losers. After the fire it was reported the bank had bought the prop- erty, but this trade fell through and the proprietor, E. R. Clapp, a pioneer citizen, soon cleared away the rub- bish and rebuilt the l)uilding, higher and more handsome 4:72 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY than ever. The Forster building on the west, was also much damaged, but was promptly rebuilt. On the night of April 14, 1882, R. W. Stubbs, a prom- inent citizen and mayor of Polk City, was shot and killed in his home by one or more persons whom it is supposed had entered the house for burglarious purposes. This murder caused much excitement throughout the couutrj', and several persons were arrested on suspicion of having perpetrated or knowing who were the perpetrators of the crime. But these all escaped conviction, and this mur- der yet remains an unsolved mystery. July 1, George Crane shot fatally Herman Bleckman in Bloomfield Township, the wounded man dying from the effects of the ball fired. The two young men had been in town celebrating the Fourth and the difficulty which re- sulted so fatally occurred at the gate leading to Bleck- man's home. Crane was arrested and acquitted by a jury in the District Court. A brutal assault was made by one Harris upon J. B. James, a quiet, peaceable man and grocer, in the western part of the city. Harris beat his victim unmercifully with an iron fish plate and no certain cause could be assigned for the brutal attack. For a time it was thought James would die, and the citizens were terribly aroused. A large mob of excited people endeavored to take Harris from the ofiicers, and if they had captured him at the time he would almost certainly have been hanged. For safety the sheriff quietly took his prisoner to Winterset. James recovered, though he never became the healthy man he was before the assault, and Harris was tried, convicted and sentenced to twenty years in the penitentiary. About this time the Register noted the fact that Mrs. Mary Freel, who came to the county in 1850, was then AJsW THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 473 living in Camp Township, in compai*ative good health, at the greatly advanced age of one hundred and two years. In October, Thomas C. Hedges, son of Col. N. G. Hedges, a jjrominent citizen, acidentally shot himself at his home with a pistol and died in a short time. He was an ex- cellent young man, whose untimely end was much de- plored. November 6, the first through passenger train on the Wabash Railroad reached Des Moines from St. Louis. Among the deaths of 1882 were: John Browne, for many years agent of the Des Moines River Company; Moses W. Robinson, a noted farmer and stockman, who was a member from Des Moines County of the conven- tion which framed the present Constitution of the State; Mrs. E. J. IngersoU, a pleasant gifted lady; Dr. B. L. Steete, an early settler, noted physician and politician, and one of the most liberal and kindest of men; Thomas Hattou, Sr., an old and esteemed citizen; J. B. Bausman, an early settler, engineer and also at one time a newspaper writer and publisher; Mrs. Stewart Goodrell, an early settler, estimable lady and widow of Hon. Stewart Goodrell; Mrs. Thomas Hatton, Jr., a lady loved for her high social and musical gifts. The statistics for 1882 of the Citj of Des Moines show the total building and improvements of the year to have reached the large sum of |2,86.3,705; number of dwelling houses erected, 436; business houses built, 58; churches, 5; school houses, 4. In the Supreme Court, January IS, 1883, Judge Seevers delivered the opinion of the Supreme Court, holding that the prohibitory constitutional amendment, carried by a 474 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY vote of the people in the June preceding, liad not been constitutionally agreed to by the General Assembly, and was therefore void and of no effect. This decision cre- ated more excitement than any other decision ever ren- dered by that court, and eventually, though wrongfully caused the retirement from the court of Chief Justice Day, who had been upon the bench for many years. The decision, however, proved to be the death of constitu- tional prohibition in Iowa, as it has never again been submitted to a vote of the people, though efforts have been coiitinuously made to revive this amendment. In -January a disastrous fire occurred in the Clapp Block, damaging the building to the amount of |40,000, and causing a total loss of more than -|100,000. One W. A. Cline was arrested, charged with complicity in the murder of Stubbs at Polk City. After a long in- vestigation, his discharge and rearrest, he was finally re- leased on bail, and some months afterwards was shot and killed in Jasper County by his brother-in-law, John Cool. In September, at a boarding house on Chestnut street, during the holding of the State Fair, N. H. Lewis, a har- ness maker, stabbed and killed Arthur Fagan, a harness salesman. Both the men worked in the harness house of N. W. Hunter. Lewis was arrested and afterwards re- leased on bail. After a trial some months later in the District Court he was acquitted on the grounds of self- defense. At the November term of the District Court Charles Wilcox was tried for complicity in the Stubbs murder at Polk City, the jury failed to agree, eleven being in favor of rendering a verdict of guilty. At another trial in the folloAving year upon the suggestion of the prosecuting AND THE CITY OF DBS MOINES. 475 attorney the jury returned a verdict of not guilty, and Wilcox was discharged a free man. During 1883 some veiy fine business buildings and residences were erected, among these being the Des Moines National Bank building, corner of Sixth and Wal- nut, the Mills, Weitz, Mottes buildings on Fourth street, the Stephenson-Dicks building, corner of Fourth and Wal- nut, the Harding residence in the western portion of the city, and many others. May 11, the Register in announcing the acquittal of George Crane, for the killing of Bleckman, said: "Four murders have been committed in Polk County in a year and not a murderer has been convicted." In May, Jay Gould and several other railroad and finan- cial magnates made a visit to Des Moines. At that time Mr. Gould was much interested in the extension of the Wabash Railroad to Des Moines. In June, Governor Boynton, of Georgia, Col. Howell and a number of other gentlemen and a few ladies from the South, visited tlie capital of Iowa and were given a most hospitable wel- come. In Jul,y, Frank Chapman was drowned in the Raccoon and A. J. Kuefner in the Des Moines River. In the same month the contract was awarded for the grading of the Diagonal, now Great Western Railroad, from Marshalltown to Des Moines, the grading to be com- pleted in ninety days. About 9 o'clock on the evening of July 10 two men came to the store and postoffice in Polk City, as the post- master and his clerk were closing for the night, and after a few words had been- spoken commenced firing at Post- master R. L. Clingau, who soon fell mortal!}^ wounded 476 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY and died in a short time. No attempt was made at rob- bery, and the murderers at once fled. Tlie alarm was given and a hunt commenced for the criminals. A short time after two men were pursued by citizens in Shelby County, and a fight ensued, in which one of the fleeing men was killed and the other captured. Before this, how- ever, they shot and wounded several of the posse of cit- izens, one fatally. The captured man, William Hardy, was afterwards taken from the jail by a mob of citizens and hanged. It was claimed by some these were the two men who murdered Postmaster Clingan at Polk City. In August, the City Council fixed the license for saloons at $1,200 per annum. This the saloon owners claimed was too high a rate, and for a week or two kept their sa- loons tightly closed. The City Council, however, remained firm and insisted upon the high license, and finally the saloon men paid the price and opened their saloons. In August, there were fifty-two licensed saloons in the city, with a prospect of more by the time the State Fair was held. April 19, Capt. F. R. West and wife celebrated tlieir golden wedding, having been married fift_y years, over thirty of which had been spent in Des Moines. Among the dead of 1883 were: L. J. Brown, a prom- inent attorney; J. M. Dixon, tlie noted "Blind Editor"; Chris. Harbach, an early settler, furniture maker and dealer, and older brotlier of Louis Harbach; Mrs. Maria Grimmel], an early settler and notable woman, widow of Dr. F. C. Grimmell; Joseph Shisler, a prominent business man; Mrs. John Wyman, a much esteemed lady; Silas W. Russell, an old time and much respected printer; Mrs. J. P. Foster, beloved wife of ex-Ma,yor Foster; Lee R. Seaton, for several years a practicing attorney in this county. AND THE CITY OF DEH MOINES. 477 The buildinjis and improvements in the city during tlie year 1883 were placed at tlie large figures of 13,868,472. In Februar}', Frank Huff, an early settler, was found dead under the lower Coon bridge. It was supposed he fell off the bridge on the previous night while on his way to his home in South Des Moines. Peter Johnson, whose home was on the East Side, in March shot and killed his wife and then killed himself. The supposed cause was insane jealousy. In April, some fifteen prisoners in the county jail made an opening and Avalked forth in temporary freedom. Scott E. Smith in May committed suicide by shooting himself in the head with a pistol at his home in the city. Some time previously he had shot and fatally wounded James Reynolds. The latter died not long after the shoot- ing. Smith was arrested and subsequently tried. Tlie jurj returned a verdict finding him guilty of manslaugh- ter. He was out on bail and had good hopes of a new trial, but the killing and the trial so preyed upon his mind that his health was impaired and no doubt led him to kill himself. In September, the noted Gen. B. F. Butler, then a can- didate for President, visited Des Moines and addressed large crowds of people. Among the dead of 1884 were: Mrs. Gen. J. A. Wil- liamson, one of the most handsome and amiable of ladies, whose husband at the time was Commissioner of the United States General Land Ofiice at Washington; Dr. Charles H. Rawson, an early settler and noted physician and surgeon. ' ■ . The annual report places the buildings and improve- ments in the city for the year 1884 at |3,348,646; manu- factures, 115,387,920; wholesale trade, |34,445,900. 478 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY In Jauuarj^, a large Prohibition State Convention was held in Des Moines, many prominent men taking part, and resolutions were adopted endorsing the prohibitory laws enacted by the last General Assembly and demand- ing their rigid enforcement. In March there was much local and State excitement caused by the removal from office of State Auditor Brown by Governor Slierman, and the appointment of J. W. Cat- tell as temporary State Aiiditor. Brown refused to give up possession of the oifice to Mr. Cattell, and after some friiitless negotiations the Governor called upon Adju- tant General Alexander to oust Brown from the audit- or's office. This the general proceeded to do with the assistance of a few of the Iowa National Guards. Sub- sequently State Auditor Brown was impeached by the House, and being tried by the Senate was acquitted. It was stated at the time that there was more cold weather during the winter of 1881-85 than had been knoAvn in Iowa for a period of forty-seven j'^ears. In March, the Supreme Court upheld the prohibitory laws passed by the General Assembly the previous year, deciding the same to be in all its features constitutional and valid. Tliis sweeping decision settled judicially many questions upon which lawyers widely disagreed. In April, Harry Wolfe accused his wife of having mur- dered and robbed a man some time previously on the East Side. Mrs. Wolfe Avas arrested and placed in jail, and liiiall}' discharged for lack of proof of her guilt. She claimed to be innocent and alleged the charges made were only the ravings of her drunken husband. In May, Bentley F. Osborne, a citizen of Altoona, com- mitted suicide, and two j'oung men of the city, Alexan- AiVZ> THE CITY OF DBS MOINES. 479 der Stevast and John Van ISTiewport, were drowned in the Des Moines River. During the j^ear there were a number of suicides in the city and county, among them being: James S. Conklin, on the East Side; Mrs. Minnie Sliiles, on the West Side; Miss Nellie Warren, Mrs. J. P. Empfield, Charles Cooper, Frank Rebuchadus. And in December Albert Clegg ac- cidentally shot and killed himself near the home of Charles H. Ashworth, a few miles west of the city. Among the dead of 1885 were: Mrs. H. C. Harris, daughter of A. Y. Rawson; Sumner F. Spofford, for years landlord of the Des Moines House, mayor, a liberal and noble-hearted citizen, beloved by all; Father John F. Boa- rill, for many years pastor of St. Ambrose Church, a noted and beloved priest and citizen; Levi Frantz, a hotel land- lord for manj^ years, and much esteemed; Mrs. Bowen, a charming ladj^, wife of Attorney Crom. Bowen. The Register, in a review of the improvements made in the city during the year 1885, made the following showing: Public improvements | 530,505 City improvements 217,9()3 Residences 1,237,251 Business houses and factories 719,905 Suburban additions 395,525 Making total for year 13,101,209 This gives an indication of the rapid march of improve- ment during the ten years embraced in this chapter. This was not confined to the city alone, as during these years hundreds of farms were enlarged and much improved, new dwellings, barns, etc., erected. New towns Avere located, and nearly all the other towns and villages of the county gained largely in population and wealth. Ac- 480 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY cording to the census of 1885 the total population of the County of Polk was 51,907, of which the City of Des Moines had 32,469. The total number of voters in the county was 11,094. CHAPTER XXI. 1885 TO 1896. DURING the first few years of this period the sheriff aud constables were making daily, almost hourly, raids upon places where intoxicating liquors were charged with being sold, and each day the daily news- l)apers had accounts of from one to a dozen or more of these raids. It was a time when Des Moines was noted throughout the entire country for the number and fre- quency of these "searches and seizures," and also a time when, with strange incousistencj', the friends of prohi- bition pointed with pride to "Des Moines, the largest city in the world without a saloon." No saloons, and yet daily raids made upon from one to a dozen or more of them! Not only were these "searches and seizures" made, but many of the offenders were brought before the courts and fined or imprisoned. Not only this, but the courts issued scores of injunctions preventing persons named therein from selling or certain places from being- used for the sale of intoxicating liquors. This injunction method was an old legal process which had been invoked against saloons and their keepers, and was designed and intended to do away with jury trials in this class of cases. Its constitutionality had been doubted by some of the best legal minds, but the Supreme Court upheld it as a legal procedure — when applied to the sale of intoxicat- ing liquors. Many are the stories told of these times in Des Moines, and while true seem even now strange to those familiar with them, and will appear more strange to others in the 482 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY coming years. They will wonder how snch a state of affairs could have been allowed to exist in a civilized city, making claims to enlightenment, law, order and common sense. During the prevalence of these liquor raids there were many exciting occurrences, unfortunately in one or two cases resulting in death and in others in wounds and bloodshed. On several occasions feeling ran so high that it was difficult for a time to prevent mob law from getting the upper hand. All that prevented this was the sober good sense of the people. And during all this time the illegal sale of intoxicating liquors went on, and it was seldom veiy difficult for any citizen to pro- cure all the liquors he wanted, if he had the money to pay for it. True, the traffic was to a certain extent driven from the public streets, and forced to more quiet places, but the traffic continued, and unfortunately was more confined to the stronger and more intoxicating liquors, the latter being more portable and more easily hidden from the eyes of the searchers. In 18SG Louis Harbach erected the large and fine build- ing on Walnut street, immediately west of the Kirkwood House, Avhich he has since used as retail salesrooms for his immense furniture trade. This was only one of a number of buildings erected by Louis Harbach in Des Moines, before and since that year. Among these were several large brick buildings on Second street, on Third street, on Locust, and large wai"ehouses near the railroad tracks. And some years ago he built one of the best residences in the city on the corner of Fifth and Center streets. In 1887 the Iowa Loan and Tinist Company, which in a few years under able management had become one of the largest and strongest financial institutions of the State, AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 483 erected what was then the largest and best building in the city, on Fifth street, on the original Methodist Church lot. This six-story building — 66x132 — was thoroughly 2)lanned and thoroughly built, and since its erection has been filled from basement to roof with business tenants, besides giving to the company plenty of rooms for the transaction of their large and continuously growing busi- ness. This 3'^ear also marked the permanent location of State fair grounds in this city. The liberal citizens of Des Moines subscribed some $50,000 for the purchase of grounds for the purpose, and some three hundred acres were secured about one mile or more east of the State (Japitol. These grounds were diversified, with hill and level plain, and early in the year 1886 Avork was com- menced in erecting buildings, arranging tracks and road- ways, and making other permanent improvements, so as to be ready for the annual fair in the following Septem- ber. The State made an appropriation for this purpose, and the fair was duly held, the first one ever held on the Agricultural Society's own grounds. In 1886 William Slater, a well known business man, member of the firm of Mennig & Slater, accidentally fell in an elevator shaft at his place of business, and was fatally injured, dying in a few days thereafter. His death was much deplored. Tuesday morning. May 25, 1886, the Daily Leader office was almost totally destroyed by fii*e, entailing a loss to the proprietors of about $25,000, only partially covered by insurance. At that time the Leader was publislied in the brick building on the north side of Court avenue, between Third and Fourth streets. With the Leader Avas also mostly destroyed a large job and lithographing estab- 484 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY lishment. Notwitlistaudiug- the lieavy loss the Leader was promptly issued the following day and continued its regular publication. This same year came the trial of impeachment of kState Auditor Brown before the State Senate. After a hearing of some forty days Auditor Brown was acquitted. Herbert M. Hoxie died this year and was buried in. AVoodland Cemetery. He had been reared in this county, coming here at an early day with his father, and lived for several years with liis relative, Thomas Mitchell. He had been clerk of courts for the county, United States mar- slial during the war, was one of the builders of the Union Pacific Railroad, and became a prominent railroad official and manager. He died at St. Louis. The improvements in the way of building, paving, etc., in the City of Des Monies during the year 1886 are given by the Eegister at $3,420,500. The business transactions of tlie year are placed at |(i8,474,89G. Marcli 1, 1SS7, Ed R. Clapp, a well known citizen, cele- brated the completion of fifty years residence in Iowa by giving an (dd-fasliioned dinner at his home to a number of the early settlers. Tlie numerous compajij"^ heartily enjoyed this reunion. Mr. Clapp can now celebrate his fifty years of continuous I'esidence in Polk County, lie having made Des Moines liis home in February, 184G. About LS87 h'uburbau real estate was "booming," and continued to "boom" for several years. Numerous tracts of land, esiiecially to tiie north and west of the city were laid out in lots, rapidly sold and generally built upon. These buildings were mostly residences, and many of these were large, handsome and costly. In August of tliis vear T^rake TTniversitv sold at auction a number of AND THE CITY OF DES MOINE^S. 485 lots in that then yiUage, realizing some .|25,000 on the sales of one day. New towns and villages in a few years completely surrounded the city, having local governments of their own- and vieing with each other in growth and advancement. They were all later on included in the cor- porate limits of the enlarged city. Among those most active in the laying out of these additions were: Lowry W. Goode, Dr. Likes, Ilatton & Percival, Polk & Ilubbell, and a host of others. For some years the land agents and real estate operators were as thick on Fifth street as tliey were in the early da,ys on Second and Walnut streets, when the rush was on for government lands; and in these latter times Tom Cox daily "wrote them up for the news- papers." In April, 1887, Foster's elegant new opera house was partially destroyed by fire, but was soon rebuilt larger, better and more handsome than ever. In May fire de- sti*03'ed the home of James Stanton, an early settler, liv- ing in Bloomfield Townshi]), a few miles south of the city. The new Saverj^ House, corner of Fourth and Locust sti'eets, Avas built in 1887, at a cost of considerably over 1100,000. The citizens purchased and donated the lots, and Eastern capitalists furnished the money for the erec- tion of this large and elegant modern hotel. The raids of the searchers and prosecutions under the l>rohibitory law continued this year in full vigor, and early in the year, March 10, B. E. Logan, a constable, was shot and almost instantly killed by Joseph Row, a team- ster in the employ of Hurlbut, Ward & Co. This shooting occurred in the ware rooms of the finn mentioned and caused much excitement. The coroner's jurj'^ decided Row had acted in self-defence, but he was subsequently in- 486 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY dieted, convicted, and sentenced to imprisonment for a few years. By this time many of tlie citizens of the city and county had become thoroughly disgusted with the prohibitory law and especially the manner of its attempted enforce- ment. This resulted in many Republicans, some of whom then and afterwai'ds were leaders in that party, making a temporary break away and uniting with Democrats and others in an independent political movement. They nom- inated a legislative and county ticket, and after a vigor- ous campaign were partially successful, securing the elec- tion of A. B. Cummins to the General Assembly and also of Sheriff Loomis. This was a hard blow at the then pre- vailing "searches and seizures," and, though continued for several years more, they began rapidly to lose public approval and favor until thej^ were finally abandoned. The Court House flowing well, which has proven such a convenience and comfort to so many, by reason of its cold, clear but highly impregnated waters, was drilled in 1887. It goes to a depth of 380 feet. In 1887 Constables Potts and Hamilton were indicted for assault, with intent to kill, but after a few months' delay, Avhen placed on trial, were acquitted. In 1887 B. F. Jaquith and the Des Moines Saddlery Companjr erected the large building on the north side of Court avenue, between Third and Fourth streets, now oc- cupied bj^ these large wholesale establishments. About this time there was considerable excitement in the city and county over the supposed discovery of res- eiwoirs of natural gas, and many were the speculations indulged in on the subject. Some lands were bought or leased and several holes bored, but no large permanerit AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 487 supplj' of gas could be found, and these speculations were soon abandoned. The building and other improvements in 1887 are given in the newspapers as follows: Business houses and residences, .12,967,988; other improvements, including public buildings, paving, etc., -f 1,552,800; total volume of business, $61,891,207. This was a considerable improve- ment over 1886. The constables continued their work during most of the year 1888, but the tables were turned and they were occasionally themselves arrested, charged with crimes and misdemeanors. Pierce was arrested for bribery or accepting bribes, and being vigorously prosecuted by County Attorney Phillips, was convicted in the District Court. He appealed and finally the Supreme Court set aside his conviction. Potts and Hamilton, constables, were also charged with the same offense and Potts was convicted in the lower court, but the Supreme CoTirt finally came to his relief. At the March election, 1888, Caii^enter, Democrat and Populist, defeated Finkbine, the Eepublican nominee for mayor, by a majority of 636 votes. On March 11 of the same year T. B. Cockerham, of Sa,vlor Township, committed suicide by shooting himself with a shotgun, and in the following July Daniel Bart- ruff, a prominent farmer of the same township, was killed by being thrown from his wagon. On April 27, the Leader printing office was again de- stroyed by fire, entailing a loss of some $25,000, only par- tially covered by insurance. Zeigler & Olsen were then the managers of the newspaper. The Homestead office also suffered a heavy loss, it being in the Leader building. 488 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY Both newspapers contiuued publication with little if any interruption. During this year the platting of new additions and sub- divisions continued unabated, and among the companies formed was what was termed the "Vermont Syndicate/' which handled the Kingman Place and made of it a very valuable addition to the city. In December Edward Slavin was mortallj^ injured in an affray with some Italians, and died in a short time afterwards. Subsequently Augustine Di Pompa, an Ital- ian, was indicted for the killing of Slavin, and after a trial in the District Court, was convicted of manslaughter. He wts, however, granted a new trial and finally acquitted. During the year 188S two former well known citizens of Des Moines died, Webb T. Dart in Colorado, and Eev. Thomas O. Rice, for years pastor of the Central Presby- terian Church, in Massachusetts. In 1889 Governor William Larrabee was indicted by a Polk County grand jury for criminal libel, growing out of the somewhat noted Chester Turuej^ case. The Gov- (M'nor demanded a speedy trial, and this being had, was promptly acquitted. This was the first time in the his- tory (jf the State that the Governor was called upon To defend himself from a criminal charge in court, and this prosecution had little if any foundation in fact. In March the Leader Printing Company made an as- signment to Phil S. Kell, giving liabilities of over .|18,000. The assignee continued publication of the Daily and Weekly Leader for some time or until the entire concern was sold to Henry Stivers, who continued its proprietor and editor until 1895. Some time previous a number of gentlemen had formed a new street railway company and laid some miles of AND THE CITY OF DBS MOINES. 489 track. Litigation liad ensued between the new and the ohl company, and the Supreme Court decided that the ohl company had an exclusive right to the streets of the city for this purpose. This was a hard blow to the new broad guage companjr, but upon a reliearing the Court modified this exclusive right to horse cars. This let in electric and steam cars. At once an electric company was formed, to run cars by electricity in different parts of the city, while Dr. Likes and others started the construction of what was termed the "Belt Line," the cars to be propelled by steam. The City Council promptly gave charters or permits, and in 1889 was started the first of the electric lines which now penetrate eveiy portion of the city. Of these mention is made more fully in another chapter. In June Callanan College was injured by fire to the ex- tent of some $6,000. A few weeks previous Miss Belle Bennett, of Ottumwa, a scholar of Drake University, was drowned in the Des Moines river by the upsetting of a boat. Public improvements, such as paving, sewering, etc., were carried on extensively during this year, one of the newspapers stating that in August more than eleven hundred men Avere then employed upon city Avork. And the improA'enients by the citizens were many and large. In September, 1889, during the State Fair, came the first of the noted Seni om Sed celebrations, which for a few years were noted throughout the countr,y. They were grand affairs. The main streets of the city were illum- inated by innumerable gas and electric lights, and on Tuesday night of the first week of vSeptember came the grand procession, with its floats, tableaux and many varied displays. It was a long and brilliant line. The busi- ness men and women of Des Moines had taken hold in a 490 ' ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY generous and vigorous manner, and made it the most cele- brated display in the annals of the city. In December the notorious constables, Potts and Ham- ilton, in arresting a man beat him brutally with their clubs. This becoming generally known and perhaps magnified, that evening when the constables came upon the street they were pursued and hustled by an angry mob of men. They finally managed to escape from tlie angry people into a clothing store, and were temporarily placed in a vault for safe keeping. It was with difficulty the entire avail- able police force could protect these obnoxious constables from tlie excited people, but finally the,y were carried off and held in the custody of the police until the excitement had somewhat abated. The building and otlier improvements, by the city and many private individuals during tlie year 1889, were placet found until some time after their elyel, who was old and weak and not able to properly defend himself. No special action was taken by the senate in the matter, and the senator was allowed to go unpim- ished. In Marcli, Jeannette Allen, a notorious woman of the town, was conyicted in the District Court, under a. recent seyere law, of keeping a bawdy liouse, and sentenced to eighteen months confinement in the penitentiaiy. She seryed her term and then returned to Des Moines and for a time re-entered her old business. In April, James Cockerham, living near the poor farm,, went to a house where his divorced wife, Nancy, lived, and with little warning shot dead W. S. Davis, who was in the house, and while his wife was endeavoring to escape shot and killed her. He then went a short distance and killed himself. Jealousy and hatred were the supposed causes of the tragedy. In April, Prank Pierce had liis trial for the killing of Officer Wishart, before the Warren County court. He was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to four and (me- half years in the penitentiary. He appealed, but the Su- preme Court affirmed the judgment and he is now serving out his sentence. In May, Fred Crafton shot and killed Mabel Swartz, a handsome but wayward young girl. It was claimed tlie shooting was accidental, but the coroner's jury held differ- ent. Crafton was subsequently tried and found guilty of the crime, and sentenced to a term in the penitentiary. He was subsequently pardoned by the governor, through sym- AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 497 pathy for his aged mother and his young wife, and doubts as to his criminal intent in shooting the girl. In May, Ed. Sheridan died from the effects of a gun- shot wound, but how it was received and by whom fired was never clearly ascertained. A stir was made over the indictment and trial in the United States Court, of J. C. Newton, President of the Des Moines & Kansas City Eailroad Company, charged with an attempt to defraud the government in the weight of mails carried by his road. After a long and exciting trial he was acquitted. Among the dead of 1892 were: Newton Lamb, a much esteemed old settler who came to the county and opened the farm upon which he died, in 1845; J. P. Casady, a brother of P. M. Casady, a former resident here and after- wards a distinguished citizen of Council Bluffs; George W. Baldwin, a much esteemed citizen; James Smith, the first nurseryman in the county, an eccentric but valuable citizen; Mrs. Charles Aldrich, an estimable lady, wife of the curator of the State Historical Department; Leopold Hirsch, a popular clothing merchant. In December, 1892, Peter Sutter, an old and wealthy res- ident of the county, who had recently taken up his resi- dence in the city, in a fit of passion murdered his wife, by beating her to death with a chair or club. She was his second wife, and had previously been Mrs. Squires. At the time of the tragedy they were living in West Des Moines. Sutter was arrested, but while in jail committed suicide by cutting his throat. The improvements made by the city in 1892 was figured at 1533,704, the buildings, etc., erected and improvements made by individuals at |2,860,190, and the real estate transfers amounted to more than eight millions of dollars. 498 ANNALS OF POLE COUNTY In February, 1893, the Spencer block, in which was lo- cated the Daily News office, was badly injured by fire, and the proprietors of the News suffered a heavy loss. The publication of the News was, however, continued without interruption. Sam King was fatally shot by Police Officer Seidler and died from the effects of the wound. The coroner's jury in their verdict justified the officer and he was not prose- cuted. In May, Dan Stewart, a horse trainer, near the Fair Grounds, assaulted Mrs. O. Webb Noon. He drugged her and afterwards poisoned himself and was found dead. Mrs. Noon recovered. In July, Frank Le Roy was shot and killed while being pursued by Detective Bain and Police Officer Reich. The officers were exonerated by the authorities. In July, came the tornado at Pomeroy, Iowa, Avhich caused the loss of so many lives and the destruction of so much property. The citizens of Des Moines at once organ- ized relief committees and donated liberally of cash and goods to help the sufferers. Many thousands of dollars in money and goods were i^romptly sent from this city. The Des Moines Insurance Companj^ of this city, had tornado risks on much of the property destroyed, and promptly ad- justed and paid their losses in cash, paying out between •130,000 and .|I0,000 for this purpose, and doing much to help the distressed people of that unfortunate town and neighborhood. In July, Alexander McGarraugh and wife of Camp town- ship, celebrated the fifty-second anniversary of their mar- riage. They came to Polk county in 1849, and always ranked among the best of the early settlers. A2VZ) THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 499 Among the dead of 1893 were: Thomas F. Withrow, General Solicitor of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific E. R. Company, formerly of Des Moines, bnt during the later years of his life a resident of Cliicago; Nicholas Baylies, an early settler and member of the General Assembly for I'olk County; Ben F. Kauffman, a leading attorney; C. D. Sprague, for j^ears agent here for the Rock Island Railroad ; W. H. McHenry, an early settler, sheriff, attorney, and for eight years judge of the district court; William A. Hunt, one of the early blacksmiths, and Avho had lost his arm at the battle of Pea Ridge, while a soldier in the gallant Fourth Iowa Infantrj^ In December Governor Boies pardoned G. W. Potts, one of the constables of search and seizure notoriety, who had been convicted of perjury, and he was released from the penitentiarj'. In January, 1894, two little children, Sadie and Zoda Ilobson, were burned to death in a fire at the dwelling house of their parents. Risser's large stock of diy goods in his store on the East Side was greatly injured by fire in Febiaiary, the loss foot- ing up some 140,000 with ,|35,000 insurance. The Register figured up that the salaries paid the county and city officers, school teachers, etc., in Des Moines, and Polk county, reached in one year fully |500,000, or more than one-half million dollars. These are large figures for a town and count}-, neither of which had been in existence fifty years. John Hopewell, a well known restaurant keeper, in Feb- ruary committed suicide on account of financial troiibles. His wife attempted suicide at the same time but was saved by timely help. About this time or during some three 500 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY mouths thereabouts, a suicidal epidemic appeared to pre- vail iu city aud couuty. Not a week passed Avithout there was reported one or more cases of suicide or attempt at the same. Iu the latter part of April came one of the most strange sights and experiences ever seen or felt in the county. This was the coming of Captain Kelly and his army of "com- mon-wealers." They had entered Iowa at Council Bluffs, and being refused free transportation by the railroad, de- termined to march across the State. Their progress ou the way to Des Moines attracted much attention, and caused no little excitement. When they arrived at Des Moines there were more thau one thousand men and a few women in their ranks. They were almost destitute and had to be taken care of. An arrangement was made hj Avhich they marched through the city, and finally encamped on the East Side in buildings originally designed for stove works. Under the circumstances the soldiers in the army behaved very well. The city, aided by citizens in town and couuty, made liberal provisions for feeding this not very Avelcouie army, but wanted to have them move on as soon as possi- ble. No arrangements for their transportation could be made with the railroad companies, and finally a scheme was originated of transporting them b.y boats down the Des Moines river. This new-old idea was acted upon, and a number of roughly built flat boats were constructed at this point, and after a delay of ten days or two weeks, Kelly's "common-wealers" started May 9 upon their voyage to the Mississippi by way of the Des Moines river. The citizens hailed their arrival with curiosity and witnessed their de- parture with pleasure. They had had enough of them. The "common-wealers," after manj^ vicissitudes and the drowning of a few and the ducking of many, reached the AlfD THE CITY OF DE8 EIOINES. 501 Mississippi river and afterwards the Ohio, but few of them ever got through to their original destination — Washing- ton. It is noted that Kelly's army departed by boats from here on the anniversary of the first arrival of troops at the new Fort Des Moines, by steamboat. May 9, 1843. On April 24th Michael Smith, an old railroad man, died suddenly and in such a manner as to arouse the suspic- ions of physicians and others that all was not right. Sub- sequently Mrs. Smith's sister accused Mrs. Smith of having caused the death of Michael by administering jjoison to him. Mrs. Smith was arrested, indicted and upon trial Avas adjudged guilty and sentenced to imprisonment for life. Subsequently her daughter, Cora, step-daughter of the murdered Smith, confessed that she herself had admin- istered poison to her step-father, and that this poisoning by her aunt and herself was for the two-fold purpose of putting Smith out of the way and also to procure what was left of his savings and the proceeds of his insurance poli- cies. The daughter was sent to join her mother in the Anamosa penitentiary. The Supreme Court having affirmed the sentence against him in the Warren connty court, in May Frank Pierce, the notorious constable, was again arrested by the sheriff and taken to Fort Madison penitentiary to serve his sentence of four and one-half years. It is reported that Pierce has become an expert chairmaker in that institution, and be- having himself will reduce his term to a little over three years. Great excitement was caused by the shooting and kill- ing of Conductor Ridpath of the Great Western Railroad, on Third street by two young foot-pads. This murder is treated of more fully in the chapter on crime. In July there was some excitement in Des Moines and 502 ANNALS OF FOLK COUNTY much in other parts of the country over the great railroad strike, which affected several of the roads leading into Des Moines. The strikers made several demonstrations here and at times the excitement ran high, but foi'tunately there was little violence to mar the fair fame of the railroad men and the city. In August there was some excitement over the applica- tions for injunction against a number of the mulct saloons which had been in peaceful operation in the city for several mouths. After much litigation Judge Spurrier decided that the "petition of consent" was not exactly legal or suf- ficient. This closed the saloons for a few weeks, and to some extent revived the old order of things. But the sa- loon-men by systematic effort soon procured a new peti- tion of consent signed by more than a majority of the legal voters of the city, and this being satisfactory even to the ojjponent of the saloons the latter were again opened for business. In August was the celebration of what was termed "Bat- tle Flag Day,'' when the old torn and tattered flags of the Iowa regiments were removed from the old arsenal to the State eapitol, there to be deposited and preserved. There were some four thousand old soldiers in line that day. And on September Gtli the laying of the corner stone of the State Sohliers and Sailors monument was appropriately celebrated. In September George Browne was fatally craslied by a switch engine in the yards. He was a son of John Browiie, so well known for many years as the agent of the owners of what are termed the Des Moines river lands. Among the dead of 1894 were: George C. Baker, an old soldier, county auditor, barbed wire manufacturer and distinguished inventor; Rev. S. S. Hunting, an able Unitar- AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 503 ian minister; Dr. Hobbs, Cliristian minister and professor in Drake University; Tliomas Mitchell, one of the earliest and best loved of the early settlers; Thomas S. Wright, an able attorney and general solicitor of the Rock Island Railroad, son of Geo. G. Wright, and born in Iowa; N. B. Collins, for years a well known and active bnsiness man and farmer; Stephen Brooks, one of the early sellers and long a resident of Delaware township. In September came a most severe wind and rain storm, doing much damage in the city and country. CHAPTER XXII. CRIMES. DUEING the first years of the history of the section of country now comprising Polli county, there may have been some murders or at least manslaughters com- mitted, by or among the Indians, but of these we have no record, nor were any of them taken notice of judicially by the courts. At first military Law was supreme and there was little appeal from the summary judgment of the U. S. officer in command of the post. There were then no writ of habeas corpus or jury trials. The legal machinery of courts, attorneys, sheriffs, etc., were not at first in oper- ation in this county, and after they were established the people themselves were sometimes prone to administer in their own summary manner what they regarded as justice if not law. THE REEVES MOB. In the early days of the country occurred what was known as "the Reeves mob," and caused considerable ex- citement in town and country. A family by the name of Reeves had settled at Linn Grove on North River, and were soon suspected and afterwards openly charged with being connected with horse thieves and other criminals, who more or less disturbed a peaceful and generally honest community at that early day. The settlers may not have had legal proof of the guilt of the Reeves familj^, but they became fully satisfied as to their bad character, and they promptly decided to drive them from the community in which their presence was not desired. Accordingly a AND THE CITY OF DEfi MOINES. 505 large number of the settlers gathered together aud going to the ReeA'^es home ordered the obnoxious family to leave the country forthwith, and also stating that a failure upon their part to depart as told would bring upon them certain and severe punishment. The Reeves understood this gen- tle hint, and immediately left, but to the dissatisfaction of the settlers located in Fort Des Moines, where the citizens, much as thej^ desired an increase in population, did not give them a very hearty reception. The male portion of the Reeves family consisted of two old men and several grown sons. Not long after settling in Des Moines one of the young Reeves managed to get into a difficulty with and shot and seriously wounded a man named Phipps. Reeves was arrested, examined, held to the district court, and for safe keeping placed in the jail at Oskaloosa, there being no jail in Polk County at that time. This again aroused the ire of the settlers on North river and thereabouts, and they became satisfied that the safety of themselves and their property required that the. whole Reeves brood should not only be driven from the county, but also from the State. These settlers made up a company of some sixty men, all armed, and detemiined to march upon Des Moines aud there capture and finally dispose of the Reeves family. Some idle threats may have been made at the people at the Fort for having harbored the Reeves family, and a few of the citizens became somewhat alarmed upon hearing it was the intention of the North river army to "clean out the town." Colonel Baker and a few other citizens were alarmed at the wild reports of the saA^age intentions of the people of North river, and they started out to muster up enough fighting men to save the Fort from "capture, sack and pillage." Scouts were sent out to reconnoitre the foe 506 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY and other war like i^reparations were made. But manT of tlie citizens were not alarmed at all of this bluster. They were well acquainted with the North river settlers, and knew they had no such sanguinary intentions as wild rumor charged them with. It was known the Eeeves fam- ily were the only ones that Avere in any danger, and they were not loved while present and would not be mourned when absent. In about one week after the reports had commenced to circulate, and the morning after the shooting of Phipps, theXorth river men appeared in the timber near the mouth of the Racco(jn river. They sent two men across to find out exactly where the Reeves family were domiciled, and also to ascertain if the citizens of the Fort would make any resistance. These scouts located the sought for Reeves in a house on the outskirts of the town and reported that Colonel Baker and his command were about to lay down their arms while they ate their dinners, and the citizens generally cared little what they done with the Reeves family. They didn't claim them or want them and would not ])rotect them. Forward was the order and the North river troops fording the 'Coon dashed through the town in single file on a gallop, and in a few minutes had the Reeves home sui'rounded. One of them, Presly, seeing the armed horsemen coming, sought safety in flight across the fields and through the "jimson," but he was soon headed off and captured. The entire family was notified they must leave the State this time, and not stand upon the order of their going, but go at once. Their team was soon hitched to the wagon, their household goods piled in the latter, and the line of march was soon taken towards the south. Tliere was no resistance save in talk on the part of the Reeves family, Colonel Baker's force, or the citizens gener- AND THE CITY OF DE>S MOINEti. 507 ally. The thus exiled family was escorted by some of the rangers many miles on the way to Missouri, and there left with orders to get within the boundaries of the State as soon as possible. These orders were obeyed, and Iowa lost and Missouri gained not a very desirable but numerous family. Cameron Eeeres, who shot Phipps, remained in jail at Oskaloosa for some time. Then Judge George G. Wright,, then of Keosauqua, but for many years a prominent resi- dent of Des Moines, was employed by Reeves to defend him from the charge made. P. M. Casadj' was the prose- cuting attorney, through whose cool judgment and prompt action Reeves had been saved from summary punishment in the court of judge lynch. Phipps having made an as- sault upon Reeves with a big stone prior to the shooting, it was more than probable the shooting could be justified un- der the plea of self-defence, and all the other members of the Reeves family having been banished, Mr. Casady under the circumstances wisely determined to make no resistance to the discharge under the writ of habeas corpus of Cam- eron Reeves, provided the latter would bind himself to never return to Polk County. The pledge was cheerfully given, and Reeves was released. These Reeves were de- scended from a noted Virginian family of that name. This brancli had run down, biit afterwards nuide advances in the right direction. They all had ability. The trouble was to give it the right direction. In later years this same Cameron Reeves became a prominent citizen of Omaha, and was slieriff of the county for several years. A. I). Jones, who laid out the original town of Fort Des Moines, married his sister. EARLY KILLING AT LAFAYETTE. One of the earl}' murders occurring in the county hap- 508 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY pened near the small village of Lafayette in May, 1852, and for a time caused much excitement among the early set- tlers. Two men living in that neighborhood, by the names of Collins and Atkins, excited by a too free indulgence in the whisky of that da.y, got into a fight. Collins threw Atkins to tlie ground and then beat him so severelj^ with his fists that he, Atkins, died in a few hours thereafter. Collins was aiTested for his criminal act, but in some way not explained managed to escape from custody and fled the country. What finally became of him is not known to the historian. . . FOUTS KILLS HIS WIFE. The first murder in the countj', of which we have any judicial record, occurred in August, 1854, and that was the worst of all murders — that of a wife by her husband. Pleasant Fonts and his wife for some time previous had lived on a farm of their own in Jefferson township, in this county. They had a family of several children. There had been more or less trouble between the husband and wife, and finallj^ a separation was agreed upon — Fonts to go further west and there remain. He went according to the agreement, and remained away for some time, but be- coming dissatisfied returned to his former home and be- sought his wife to again live with him. To this she finally consented. Before going west the house had been rented, and Fonts could not again obtain possession imtil the ten- ant's term Avas out, and it would be some time before this would occur. In the meantime, he and his wife made their home in a tent a short distance from their house. From some cause their former troubles must have been renewed, for on the evening of August 9, 1851, Fonts returned shortly after dark to the tent where his wife was busily engaged in the ordinary household work, and rushing upon, seized AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 509^ and stabbed her with a knife. She screamed, and brealving awaj' from her murderous husband, sought safety and help from tlie house near by. She rushed against the door, bursting it open, and fell to the floor. Fouts soon aji- peared there, cdaiming he had been attracted by the cries of his wife, and tliat he had ruslied to her defense, and was admitted. He came in stained with her blood, and witli the knife in his hand. No sooner had he gained admission than he again attacked his Avouuded wife with bloody fieudishness, and before he could be prevented, finally cut her throat. The poor woman died in a short time in the care of the horror-stricken women of the house. After the completion of his horrible work, Fouts fled from the scene, in an effort to escape the consequences of his crime. But in a short time he was arrested, and in the custody of W. H. McHenry, subsequently district judge, and then sheriff of the county. He was taken to the log jail at Des Moines, and strongly guarded to prevent his es- cape and also to prevent the shocked and indignant people from taking the law into their own hands, and executing" swift judgment upon the guilty wretch. He employed three leaders of the bar in his defense. Attorneys Parish, Bates and Finch, and when arraigned for trial before Judge McFarland in October, 1854, entered a plea of not guilty. To save him from the death penalty his attorneys applied for and obtained a change of venue to Jasper County. When the cause was called there his attorneys, fearful of the judicial wrath of Judge McFarland, asked for another change of venue to Warren County, which was then in an- other judicial district, presided over by Judge Townsend. This change was granted. At the follo-nang term of court in Warren County, Fouts was placed on trial for his life. The prosecution was in the hands of Barlow Granger, Pros- 510 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY ecuting Attorney of Polk County, and Lewis Todhuuter, of Warren. The attorneys for the defense, able and alert, tried everj^ resoiirce to save the life of their client, but after a lengthy and exciting trial, the jury returned a verdict of murder in the first degree. Judge Townsend j^romptly overruled a motion for a new trial, holding that the finding of the jury was full.y sus- tained by the facts proven, and dulj^ sentenced Fonts "to be hung hj the neck until he was dead, and that the exe- cution of the said defendant take place at some public and convenient place within one mile of the town of Indiauola, within the county of Warren, on the 15th day of De- cember, 1854, at 1 o'clock, p. m., of said day." The convicted murderer was remanded to the custody of Sheriff McHeniy, and his attorney appealed his cause to the Supreme Court, and this court finally decided that he could not be convicted of murder under the indictment. Several other errors were pointed out but at last by agree- ment, Fonts was convicted of miirder in the second de- gree, and sentenced to imprisonment for life. Sheriff Mc- Heurjr had charge of Fonts from the time of his arrest, and in illustration of the manner in which the death pen- alty and imprisonment for life are regarded by murderers, says that while in the coach on his way to Iowa City, then the capitol, during all the fun and jollity then so prevalent ill a coach load of passengers. Fonts never smiled or in any degree relaxed in his solemnity of face and manner. He then was under sentence of death. In the coach from Iowa City to Fort Madison, Fonts was apparently the jolliest and most happy man in the coach. Then the sentence of death had been commuted and he was on his way to the lienitentiary where he was to be imprisoned during the re- mainder of his life. AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 511 The first convicted murderer of Polk County remained in tlie penitentiary until some time about the year 1877, when death released him from all earthly imprisonment, after J laving been in confinement for a long period of twenty- three years. After his death, his two daughters, who were then living in the vState of Kansas, applied for a settlement of his estate. During all this time it had been in the honest hands of William Ashworth, and this gentleman, under order of court, made a final settlement and remitterane, a well known pioneer mer- chant and farmer, came to town with Emil Bleeckman, a son of a neighbor. After spending some time in the city, during which time it is said Crane drank more or less liquor, while Bleeckman remained sober, the two young men started on their way home. In some man- ner a quarrel arose between them, and culminated at the gate near the home of Bleeckman. After a short altercation there Crane drew a pistol, which he carried, and fired at Bleeckman. The wound was of such a na- ture that after lingering a day or two the wounded man died. There was much excitement over the tragedv, but 562 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY the law was allowed to take its course. Crane was ar- rested, indicted by the grand jury and tried in the Dis- trict Court, Judge W. H. McHenry presiding. After au exciting legal contest Crane was acquitted and set free. DEAD BODY FOUND. In February, 1884, the dead body of an unknown man was found one morning lying in an alley south of Court avenue, between First and Second streets. Subsequent information gave the name of the man as Williams, a traveler from an Eastern State. The body was buried in Woodland Cemetery, and although the police had suspicions of some of the inmates of disorderlji' houses then existing in the neighborhood no proof could be found, and the murder was being forgotten. In March, 1885, a sensation was caused by one Harry Wolfe having his wife, Carrie, arrested for adultery. They were both hard characters, and on trial before the justice, Carrie was discharged. This excited the wrath of Harry, and then he charged that at the time of the murder of Will- iams, more than a year previous, he and his wife were keeping a house of ill-fame on Court avenue; that the night of his death Williams came to their house, and went into a room with his, Wolfe's wife. Later he heard a, shot, rushed in and found his wife, with a pistol in her hand, standing over the dead body of Williams; that he and his wife took some eight dollars in money from the body, and then carried it out and placed it where it was found the next morning. He also stated Williams had some three thousand dollars in money, which his wife got hold of before the shooting, and which she had se- creted. This was the substance of the story told by Harry W^olfe. They were both arrested. Carrie Wolfe vehfementJy denied the story, and alleged that Harry AND THE CITY OF DE8 MOINES. 563 liad been drinking excessively for so long a time that lie had become crazy, and did not know what he was talking about; that he had imagined the whole story in regard to her committing the murder; that she knew nothing about it. Wolfe and his wife were placed in jail for a time, and the officers made further investigation. But they were without avail, so far as obtaining legal proof, and finally Wolfe and his wife were let go free. The murder of Williams was then allowed to take its place in the too large list of undiscovered and unexplained crimes of the countj^ SMITH SHOOTS REYNOLDS. In 1883 Scott Smith shot James Reynolds, and in about one week thereafter Rejmolds died from the effects of the wounds. Smith Avas a j^oung man, Avho had been mostly reared in this city, and was an expert gunsmith. He had a fair rei^utation, though he would occasionally drink more than a temperate man should. Reynolds was also a young man, who had lived for years in Des Moines, but was regarded as being inclined to go with a crowd of not very reputable citizens. On the night of the shoot- ing Smith was in an alley south of Walnut street, be- tween Sixth and Seventh, when he was approached by Reynolds, who demanded from him money with which to purchase whiskj^ or for some other purpose. Smith refused to be thus "held up" for this or anj^ other pur- pose, and upon being approached by Reynolds in a threat- ening manner, drew a pistol and fired. As before stated Reynolds was mortally wounded and some days after died. Smith was promptlj^ arrested, and after the death of Reynolds was indicted for murder and subsequently stood his trial in the District Court. There he was con- victed of manslaughter. He appealed and gave bonds, 564 AiViVAL.S' OF POLK COUNTY yet he continually brooded over this and perhaps other matters, and finally some time thereafter ended all his earthly troubles by puttinji' an end to his own life. KILLING OF YOUNG KEMP. June 17, 1891, a difficulty occurred among some young men and boys at the Holiness Camp meeting held in the northern portion of Des Moines. John A. Jones, a son of an early settler of the same name, made an attack upon James F. Kemj), son of T. G. J. Kemp, and in- flicted mortal wounds upon him with a razor. It was charged he caught Kemp by the head and with the razor made a fearful wound, cutting the Jugular vein and into the spinal column. Young Kemp was immediately cared for, but despite the skill of the surgeons he died some fifteen hours after the wounds had been inflicted. He was only seventeen years of age, while Jones was in his twenty-first year. Jones was arrested, and after a trial in the District Court tbe following year the jury failed to agree. Some time after this another trial was had, and after a proti'acted legal fight the jury returned a ver- dict finding young Jones guilty of murder in the second degree. Judge Holmes then sentenced him to confine- ment in the penitentiaiw for the term of fifteen years. The Supreme Court affirmed this sentence and Jones is now serving his allotted term in the State penitentiary. SMITH POISONED. In April, 1894, Michael Smitli, a well known railroad engineer, died in Des Moines very suddenly, although he had been more or less unwell for some time. Smith was a married man, having a wife, Betsey Smith, who had children by a former husband. Some months before his death. Smith had been shot at night while in bed with AND THE CITY OF DE^ MOIXES. 565 his wife. This shot had made him blind. At the time of the shootiug it was suspected, if not directly charged, that Mrs. Smith, his wife, had fired the shot, though she claimed it had been fired by some strange man who had entered their room at night, and whom she did not know. And again it was claimed that Smith had been shot be- cause he had been too intimate with another man's wife. After Smith's death the suspicions of foul play were fully aroused, and taking the circumstances surrounding the case it was more than suspected death had been caused by the administration of poison; that Mrs. Smith was anxious to become free from a now blind and almost helpless husband, and at the same time secure what little might be left of his savings and also a few thousand dol- lars of insurance then upon his life. A post mort-em ex- amination was had and an analysis showed the presence of enough of the poison, "Rough on Rats," to have killed more than one healthj^ man. Mrs. Smith was arrested, and after some delay indicted, and was put on ti-ial in the District Court in June, 1894. There were in the Smith family at the time of his death Mrs. Betsy Smith, her daughter Cora and her sister, Mrs. Scoville or Lederer. The latter was nominally the keeper of the boarding house, and among the other boarders was George Belaire, an intimate associate of Mrs. Smith and to whom she had given considerable amounts of her husband's money with which to carry on a saloon. On the trial Mrs. Scoville, her sister, was the only one who testified to the giving of the poison to Smith by his wife. This witness testified she had seen her sister ad- minister the poison to her husband several times, but was forced to admit she had sworn falsely on a previous oc- casion. A number of other witnesses testified to the 566 ANNALS OF FOLK COUNTY shameless neglect of her blind and sick husband, and that on the night of his death she prevented the calling of a physician until it was too late to save his life. County Attorney Davis prosecuted the case with zeal and ability, while the defense was mainly in the hands of F. B. lluckstep, an able attorney of this city, assisted by U. F. Dale. The former's address to the jury is spoken of as one of the most able legal efforts in the history of the couri. He unmercifully flayed some of the witnesses for the ])ro>jecution, and was especially severe upon the man ])eJaire, who after wronging the dead man had ac- cepted money and other favors from Betsy Smith, pre- tended to be her best friend, and then sought to convict her of a heinous crime with j)erjured testimony. But the eloquence, ability and zeal of Attorney Huckstep could not save Betsy Smith. The jury found her guilty of mur- der, and she was sentenced to imprisonment for life in the Anauiosa i^enitentiary, where she now is. Attorneys lluckstep and Dale, however, perfected an appeal to the Supreme ("nurt, and are confident that the higher court will reverse and set aside the verdict against Betsy Smith. Then in a few months followed the strangest part of this tragedy. Cora, tlie daughter of Betsy Smith, and stepdaughter of Michael Smith, vohmtarily comes for- ward and confesses that she herself did adminster poison to her stepfather, and that her aunt, Mrs. Lederer or Sco- ville, did also administer to him poison, and from the effects of the same he died. But she solemnly swears that her mother never did administer poison to him or have anything to do with its administration. Cora, a young Avoman, about twenty years of age, upon her own voluntary confession, was found guilty of murder, and AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 567 sentenced to the penitentiary for life. She is now with her mother at Anamosa penitentiary. The sister of Betsy Smitli is reported as again married and removed from the State. KILLED ON PUBLIC STREET. A mnrder of recent date is jet fresh in the minds of most of the citizens of the county. On the night of the 19th of May, 1894=, Lucius Blake Eidpath, a conductor on the Great Western Railroad, who was then residing with his familj' on Third street, Des Moines, while on his way fi'oni his home to the railroad station to take charge of his train, was assaulted, shot and killed by two, then un- known, highwaymen. This murder, so sudden and un- provoked, caused much excitement among the citizens generallj^, and especialh^ among the hundreds of railroad men in the city. Fortunately the police officers were enabled to soon lay their hands upon the perpetrators of the crime. On the following day John Hamil and John Kroiit were arrested charged with the crime, and upon the following day George Weems was also arrested as one of the guilty parties. It was soon learned beyond a doubt that the proper persons had been secured, and John Krout was anxious to tell all he knew about the tragedy. After the arrest of these men, they being young fellows of about the age of twenty years, the excitement became more in- tense, and threats of lynch law were freely made. A large crowd gathered at or near the police station, many of whom were wild with excitement, and for a time it looked as if swift punishment would follow the crime at the hands of exasperated railroad men and other cit- izens. Fortunately, through persuasion and the prompt action of the police and sheriff's officers, and the lack of 568 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY oroanization among- the people present, the prisoners were protected from violence. They were committed withont hail, hut when the officers Avith their prisoners reached the vicinity of the county jail the,y found another large throng- of maddened citizens there gathered. With some trouble and a determined show of force the pris- oners were finall.y lodged in jail. But as the crowd lin- gered around the jail for hours, and appearances indicated a probable more determined attempt to reach and injure the prisoners, the sheriff wisely determined to place them out of the reach of the mob. Accordingly the deputies disguised the prisoners and themselves and quietly slipped out of the jail and hurried them to a safe place outside of the city. There they were kept until the excitement had somewhat abated, when they were returned to tlie county jail. Hamil and Weems were promptlj' indicted, and Krout, who was regarded as the least guilty of tlie three, was used as a witness for the Btate, and Anally let go free. A strong effort was made by the defence to obtain a change of venue to another county, on accoimt of the excitement and alleged prejudice against the defendants in city and county, but these motions were promptly over-ruled by Judge Balliet, who presided in the District Court, and at the folloAving July term they were each tried separ- ately upon the charge of murder in tlie first degree. Weems was first placed on trial, and the jury prcnnptly returned a verdict of guilty, fixing death as the punish- ment. Hamil's trial followed, and he, too, was convicted and the death penalty fixed. During the tri,al John Krout, one of the defendants, testified that he, Krout, Weems and Hamil were together for several hours immediately prior to the murder of Ridpath; that they visited several AND THE CITY OF DE>i M01NE>S. 569 saloons and houses of ill repute; that they then started out for the purpose of holding some one up; that the,y met Ridpath on Third street, and Weems and Hamil- crossed the street; that he heard a shot tired and saw the men run away; that he then crossed the street to where the murdered man lay. Also, that he afterwards met Weems and llamil and asked the latter Avhat he had done with his revolver, and Hamil said he had "planted it;" that this night was the first time he had ever met Weems or Hamil. Other witnesses testified that Hamil, Weems and Krout were together on the night of the inurder of Kidpath. The convicted murderers, Weems and Hamil, were sen- tenced to be hanged by the neck imtil dead, and in ac- cordance with the laws of the State they were sent to the penitentiary at Fort Madison to await the cariyiug out of the sentence, and the results of the appeals taken to the Supreme Court in both cases. The Supreme Court some months ago affirmed the judgment of the lower court. A motion, however, for a rehearing has been filed, and this motion remains undisposed of at this A\T:'iting. Should the Supreme Court reaffirm its former decision it will devolve upon the Governor to fix the time when these two young convicted murderers shall be hanged in accordance with the original sentence in the District Court. The Governor or the General Assembly may par- don or commute the sentence, although, as far as known, no steps in the latter direction have been taken by the friends of the murderers. CHAPTER XXV. THE CAPITOL-OLD AND NEW. FEOM the first Des Moines was by not a few Iowa men looked npon as the future capital of the State. The first Territorial capital had been located at Burlington, but this then town being located near the southeast corner of the Territory it was not expected it would continue as the capital many years. This ex- pectation was realized. In a few years, sanctioned by Congress, the ca])ital was estabMshed at Iowa City and a fine stone building, for that day, was there erected at the expense of the general government. At that time nearly all tlie organized counties, towns and settlements were along the Mississippi River, or within one hundred miles of tlie same. Iowa City was well located, so far as the north and south lines of the new State were con- cerned, and also as to the then population, but by the acute minds of the pioneers it was seen that its location was too far east to make it the permanent capital of the State, especially when the boundaries of the latter had been exended to the Missouri River. As the central and western portions of the State became more populous and more thickly settled, it was evident the State capital must, Avitli the emigration, move further west. This was conceded at an early day. In fact only a year or two after the territory became a State the General Assembly ap- pointed commissioners to locate a site for a new capital more to the west and more near the geographical center of tlie State. This commission in due time selected a sec- tion of land near what was then called Toole's Point, on AND THE CITY OF DEi< MOINEH. 571 the divide between the Des Moines and Slinnlv Rivers, near the present town of Monroe, Jasper County. That was then a wild open prairie, with but few settlers within many nailes. But the commissioners proceeded to la^^ off lots by the hundreds for the accommodation of the com- ing inhabitants of a future capital city, and for a time many of these lots were sold and some speculation had in them. But the next General Assembly refused to en- dorse this action of the commissioners and that capital city "died abornin." As before stated, however, the citizens of the then Fort Des Moines had their eyes directed towards the coveted capital, and thejr never relaxed their efforts in this di- rection until success crowned these efforts. At every session of the General Assembly held at loAva City the question of the removal of the capital to Des Moines was talked over, men from the latter were there ready to set forth in glowing terms the advantages of their future city, and they were materially aided especially by influ- ential men whose homes were in the lower portion of the Des Moines Valley. Hon. P. M. Casadj^, when a State Senator, did much toward creating a favorable sentiment in this direction, and he was heartil,y backed by the in- fluential citizens of that that day. Dr. A. Y. Hull, Hon. James C. Jordan, Dr. W. P. Davis, Hon. Alfred M. Lyon, as members of the General Assembly, also worked zeal- ously and shrewdly to bring about this removal, while Col. Barlow Granger, Major Hoyt Sherman, Col. JoseiiJi M. Griffiths, Thomas Mitchell, and a number of other Polk County men, gave freely of their time, money and personal influence to bring about this much desired change of the capital location. In fact all the citizens of the town and county unitedl.y pulled altogether at this time, and 572 ANNALS OF FOLK COUNTY they finally succeeded. At the session of the General As- sembly held in the winter of 1854-55 the following act was passed: Section 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the vState of Iowa, That five commissioners, a majority of Avhom are hereby empowered to act, sliall be appointed by the Governor to relocate the seat of government of tliis State. Provided, Tliat the site selected by them be within two (2) miles of the junction of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers, Polk County, and Provided further, That the Governor, before issuing his proclamation herein provided for, shall approve of the site selected and of the proceedings of the commissioners, or a majoritj' of them. It was a short law, of not many words, but it meaut much to the City of Des Moines and to Polk County. Governor Grimes was friendly to the passage of this act, and promptly approved it. As commissioners, provided for by the law, he appointed Htewart Goodrell, of Wash- ington County; J. II. I). Street, of Wapello; Benjamin R. Pegram, of Pottawattamie; Guy Wells, of Lee; and John A. L. Crookham, of Mahaska, who all promptly ac- cepted. Originally the town of Fort Des Moines was all located on the west side of the river, and for several years after the failure of the town of Brooklyn no attempt was made to build up a town on the East Side. But in 1853-54 an- other effort was made in this direction. W. A. Scott, John S. Dean, Dr. T. K. Brooks, Harrison Lyon, and a few others were the original proprietors, and along in 1854 Joseph M. and Harry H. Griffiths purchased a tract of sixty or more acres now in the heart of the business por- tion of the East Side. Scott and Dean laid off lots along AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 573 the river, and the Griffiths made their addition on the higlier ground, wliile Lyon and BrooliS also followed with their additions. Gen. James A. Williamson, Dr. Alex- ander Shaw, Ed Hall, M. D. McHenrv, Alfred M. Lyon, the Bai'lows, E. W. Clark, Dr. Henry Courtney, Isaac Brandt, G. W. Connor, Samuel Gray, Will Tomlinson, Col. Thomas A. Walker, and a number of others, man}' of them influential men, became interested in the building up of a town on the East Side, and in 1854-55-5(3 they caused that side to haye Ayhat might in these later days be called a "boom." They were alsf) shrewd managers and they managed to get some of the most influential political and financial managers of the State interested in East Side real estate. And then the East Side set up as a rival of the West Side, and much to the chagrin of the latter made a bold strike for the location of the capitol. The West Side had for a time looked on the new East Side movement with indifference, but soon to its surprise found itself face t<^ face with a young but vigorous and ambitious rival, seek- ing to capture a prize for which the original town had fought so long and now supposed to be safely in its pos- session. It will be seen by reading the act the only limit placed upon the action of the commissioners was: "That the site selected by them shall be within Uvo miles of the junction of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers." This had been inserted in the law by the shrewd managers of the East Side interests, and left the commission free to select a sight on either side of the river. All the citizens had been together in getting the removal bill passed, but when it came to the question of actual location there was diversity of personal, pecuniary and local interests. Wlien 574 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY the commissioners first came to the tOAvn in 1855 the ex- citement became intense and at times very bitter. They examined a number of proposed sites on botli the East and West Sides, and man}'' public, and not a few private, interviews were held hy and with them. Talk of bribery and corruption was of course current, and the friends of proposed sites held meetings, discussed matters, and per- haps provided ways and means which they hoped might lead to success. It was a time of great excitement in the community. But owing to the legal hindrances and other causes, the commission finally decided to postpone final action until the following year, though somehow the impression got abroad that in the end the East Side would be the winner. The commission met again in Des Moines in April, 1S5G, and on the evening of April 21 it was decided to locate the capitol on the East Side, on the ground where the magnificent building now stands. This final decision was publicly announced on the next day. This was a great disappointment to the West Side, though not un- expected, and of corresponding elation on the part of those interested on the East Side. All sorts of charges were made of corrupt influences having been brought to bear upon the commissioners — that they had been bought with a price, etc. And at a subsequent session of the General Assembly an investigation was had, but like many other legislative investigations the result was hardly worth the time and money invested in it. The truth of history, however, compels the statement that it was generally understood and believed at the time that at least some of the commissioners made a very good thing, financially considered, by their votes and actions in locating the new capitol. And it must also be said AND THE CITY OF DE8 MOINES. 575 that this was not regarded at that time as a very venial offense, except by those who did not get what they wanted. In those days many county seats were to be located, and in these cases it was generally considered right and proper for the locating commissioners to "make something" for their own private pockets. If this rnle was good when applied to the location of county seats, why should it not be also good when applied to the location of a State cap- itol? In the course of time this local feeling subsided and iu a few years nearly all united in the conclusion that the commisson had made a wise choice in location. The capitol grounds are naturally sightly and beautiful, and in addition to these grounds the owners of land on the East Side also donated a fine square to the State upon which to, at some future day, erect a Governor's man- sion. This has not yet been built, though talked of for many years. To secure the location the property owners interested had agreed to erect a temporary capitol for the use of the General Assembly and the State officers, without ex- pense to) the St-ate. Immediately after the final location was made a company was organized, money raised and work commenced upon the new building. Among the stockholders in this capitol company were W. A. Scott, James A. Williamson, A. M. Lyon, T. K. Brooks, Alex- ander Shaw, Joseph M. and Henry H. Grifiiths, and a number of other prominent men of the East Side. Capt. John C. Booth was superintendent, and John Bryan was the master carpenter. William Lowry, John Hj'de, H. H. Rich, and others took an active part in the construc- tion of the building. It was built of brick, three stories in height, Avithout much ornamentation, and considering the early times and the difficulty in procuring proper ma- 576 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY terial, was au excellent and substantial building. The two lower floors were arranged for the Supreme Court, vState library, and State officers, while on the upper floor were the Senate chamber, hall of the House, with lobby, postoffice, etc. Subsequently under contract with the State, S. A. Kobertson placed a uoav foundation and base- ment under the entire building — a delicate and danger- ous work, skillfully and successfully executed. For twenty years or more, during the most exciting and critical times in the history of the State, this build- ing was occupied by the State officers, the Supreme Court, and by the General Assembly, in regular or special ses- sions. Many old memories cling around that building, which was the scene of so many exciting and noteworthy events. When abandoned for the new capitol, it was allowed to go to wreck and ruin, and finally it was left an unsightly wreck by fire. Then this debris was removed and the grounds cleared for the erection of the soldiers' monument, which now stands upon the site of the build- ing which was for many years the capitol of the State of loAva. One happening about the location of the capitol grounds might here be mentioned. As before stated most of the citizens on the West Side were maddened and disgusted with the location as made, and a short time afterwards a meeting was held at the banking house of B. F. Allen to take some action in regard to it. P. M. Casady, fearful of rash and injudicious action on the part of these offended citizens, attended the meeting in company with Dan O. Finch. The latter made a speech, urging patience and moderation, but his remarks were coldly received. On the other hand, wlien Dr. W. P. Davis spoke bitterly of the commissioners and their action, and introduced reso- A^W THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 577 lutions deuounciiif;' them in rather violent terms, the men present manifested their hearty apj)roYal. P. M. Casady then diplomatically sviggested that as only a portion of the property owners interested were present, it might be better to adjonrn this meeting to another time and place Avhen a full rei)resentation conld be had from all inter- ested. This suggestion was finally approved hj a major- ity of those present, and that meeting adjourned with- out action. The resolutions of censure were not adopted and the proposed next meeting was never held. Mr. Cas- ady carried his point, and afterwards most of the West Side citizens, having cooled off, thought it more wise to let the matter drop. And wlien, two years after, the leg- islative investigating committee sought to obtain these resolutions tliey could not be found and they were in- formed they had never been adopted. The friends of Des Moines had secured the insertion of a provision in the new Constitution of the State of Iowa permanently locating the capitol at Des Moines and making it the fixed seat of government of the State. The convention which framed this Constitution met in Iowa City in January, 1857, and a number of Des Moines men were there for some time looking after the interests of their city. The writer was there and knew how zealously and shrewdly they worked to place the capitol location at Des Moines upon a sure and permanent basis. They were mucli aided by friends from other parts of the Sfcite and especially by those from Lee and Des Moines Coun- ties, and from other counties in the south and southeast- ern part of the State. Hon. J. C. Hal-l, of Burlington, a great lawyer and great man, was naturally a leader in the convention, and he was always a steady and influ- ential friend of Des Moines. There were others also de- 578 ANNALS OF POLE COUNTY serviug of special notice. To placate tlie friends of Iowa City there was coupled witli the permanent location of the capitol at Des Moines a x)rovision permanently lo- cating the State University at Iowa City and setting apart for its use the State grounds and buildings in that city. This was a very substantial gain to Iowa City, as she had lost the capitol any way, and now gained in many respects a better institution. The new Consti- tution was submitted to a vote of the people in August, 1857. The Democrats of the State were generally op- posed to it on account of its banking and other features, and not all the Republicans favored it. The capital lo- cation clause, however, controlled the votes in many of the counties. Marshall and Story Counties were near tlie geographical center of the State and had hopes of some day securing the capital. Hence, they voted heavily against the new Constitution. Mahaska County went the same way, for the reason that Oskaloosa had not yet abandoned hope of successful rivalry with Des Moines. But these opposition votes were fuUj^ offset b}- the almost solid vote of Polk and some of the counties adjacent in favor of adoption, while many hundreds of Democrats in Lee, Des Moines and other counties, voted for the new Constittition, because it did permanently locate the cap- ital at Des Moines. These votes saved the new Constitu- tion, a considerable majority of the voters of the State voting in favor of its adoption. The temporary capitol building being about completed late in the fall of 1857, Governor Grimes issued a procla- mation declaring Des Moines to be the capital of Iowa, ordered the State officers to remove their books, papers, ■etc., there, and notified the next General Assembly to meet at Des Moines. As all the State archives, etc., had AND THE CITY OF DES MOINE,"^. 579 to be hauled by teams from Iowa Citj', there then being- no railroad west of that citj', this removal was a tedious and troublesome work. In fact, it is stated the safe of the state treasurer had to be left for a time in the mud and mire of Skunk Elver, from which after a long rest it was finally rescued. Late in the year 1857 the State officers, with their records, books, etc., were domiciled in their new quarters, and Des Moines became de jure and eople of the State. Some few close econ- omists suggested the erection of a building which would cost only two hundred thousand or three hundred thou- sa nd dollars, but to the credit of the Btate be it said these nwm were in a minority. The majority were firmly in the belief that if a new building was to be erected it should be one which would stand as an honor to the State; that it should not only be large and handsome, but also substantial, fireproof and adapted to the sup- ply of the needs of the State for many years to come. Then there were other cities and localities that had once had hopes of the capitol being f)laced in or near them, and they were not ready as yet to abandon all hope in this direction. They knew that the erection of a new capitol building would settle for all time the question of location, and they were uot ready for this. Again the City of Des Moines was gaining rapidly in wealth and population, was forging ahead of other cities aud bid- ding fair to, in a fcAV years, lead them all in size and importance. This naturally created more or less jeal- ousy on the part of other cities. All these causes com- bined a strojig and obstinate opposition in the General Assembly to the passage of a law which would commit the State to the erection of the desired large and costly building. And this opposition had in its ranks some able leaders — men of ability, good speakers and workers — Avlio going into the fight became deeply interested in it, ajid fought to the end with energy, strength and too often with bitterness. They fought it with desperation, and left no means untried to defeat the measure, and they came very near accomplishing their jjurpose. CHAPTER XXVI. NEW CAPITOL BATTLE FOUGHT AND WON. BY HON. JOHN A. KASSON. THE famous contest for the erection of our present State capitol began in 1868, in tlie Twelftli Gen- eral Assembly, and continued through the Thir- teenth and Fourteenth assemblies, covering a period of five years. The Fifth General Assembly had authorized a com- mission to select a site for the permanent capitol within a radius of twO' miles from the junction of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers; and, according to the unjust prac- tice of the time, thej"^ were to receive from private per- sons gifts and grants to the State in consideration of such location. A few of the land owners of Des Moines granted something over twenty acres of valuable land and lots, most of it on an elevated site overlooking tlie two beautiful rivers, which here unite their waters. They were further required by the act to erect at their own cost, for the legislature, a temporary State house, and until this should be done without charge to the State the capitol was to remain at Iowa City. This house was built as cheaply as possible and in haste, and the Twelftli Assembly was the first to occupy it, in 1858. The usual disappointment to local investors followed. They had expected to recoup themselves by a rapid advance in prices of land and lots around the new capitol. But these prices did not advance as expected. The financial crisis of 18.57 also intervened. The town was still distant from railroads, whose progress had been suspended hj em- AND TEE CITY OF DES MOIXE.S. 583 barrassments in the finanaces of tlie couutry. Town lots, which had been almost as good as legal tender, were abundant and unsaleable. Money was scarce, and the times depressing. Nearly all the donators to the State were mined in purse and credit. The Legislature, ses- sion after session, assembled in the hastily erected build- ing which they had received from a few citizens as a sort of forced loan, and took no steps toward a new building. As years went by and the Civil War was ended and money became plenty, and yet no appropriations were expended by the State to utilize or improve the donated property, while the city and county were perpetually deprived of even the right to subject it to taxes, the x)eo- ple grew impatient and resolved to call on the State gov- ernment to execute their part of the obligation, which was to improve the property which had been ceded to it on that implied condition. There was also among^our people some apprehension that if the Legislature should continue too long in the small, inconvenient and decay- ing building put up by the efforts of men now bankrupt dissatisfaction would open the way for reviewing the whole question of the permanent location of the capitol. There was an interest along the line of the Northwestern Railroad quite ready for a campaign having that object. Such was the condition when the Twelfth General As- sembly met at Des Moines. Jonathan Cattell was then Polk County's Senator, in the second half of his term. At the time of the fall election in 1867 I was far away, seeking rest and recreation after several years of hard, public labors, when notice came to me that I had been elected to the House of the Twelfth General Assembly, with J. H. Hatch for my colleague. On my return they told me of the special object of Polk County sending me to the Legislature. 584 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY John Eiissell, of Jones County, was elected speaker. The hastily erected structure in which the Assembly was convened had already suffered from the ravages of time and weather, and had become really insecure as well as inadequate to the wants of the State. The Senate promptljr passed a concurrent resolution and sent it to the House proposing a joint committee to examine the building and report on its sufficienc,y for the ceremonies of the inauguration, which usually attracted to it a large crowd of people. But this committee reported it safe for all who could be accommodated within its limited area. We had the good fortune to secure a friendly committee on public buildings, of which my colleague, Mr. Hatch, was chairman, with that most excellent and intelligent member, Burnett, of Muscatine, for his second. On the first of February that committee reported "an act to provide for the erection of a State house," limiting tlie cost to one million and a half dollars. When the bill was taken \\i> on March .3rd, Dudley, of Wapello, offered a dilatory substitute which was antagonized by all the friends of the bill. An amendment was offered by Ord- way limiting the cost to one million dollars, and author- izing tlie census board to obtain plans and specifications to be reported to the Thirteenth General Assembly. Ord- way's amendment was defeated by a vote of 05 to 20, and Dudley's substitute was rejected by q, vote of GO to 33. This vote was very encouraging to the friends of the measure. But the next day the fight was renewed by another effort to limit the cost to a million, and again to six hundred thousand dollars. On the smaller amount the yeas were only 17, and the nays 73. But on the cpies- tion of a one million limit our canvass indicated to us the expediency of compromising on that sum for the present, AXD THE CITY OF DBS MOIXES. 5S5 and it was carried by a vote of (32 yeas to 20 nays. On Mareli otli the tire of amendments continued all along the line, and some which were embarrassing were adopted; but none which defeated the main object of the bill, which was to actiially begin the Avork and engage the State for its prosecution. After many amendments of detail, including a remark- able and purely selfish one from Clinton County, that no contract for stone or lime should be made until a reason- ably direct railroad transportation could be had between the NorthAvestern Eailroad and Des Moines, the bill was (u-dered to be engrossed and read a third time the next day. On March 7, after the bill had been engrossed, an effort was made by Stuart, of Jackson, to kill the bill by its indefinite postponement, which was defeated. It was read a third time aiid passed the House on that day by a vote of 55 to 36. In the Senate tlie auspices changed. A feAv memorials had been presented there against the commencement of the Avork, notably from Buchanan and Webster Counties. The House bill reached the Senate on the day of its pass- age by the House, and AA'ent to the proper Senate com- mittee, of AA'hich Griffith, of Warren, AA^as chairman. It was favorabl.y reported back on March 14 and made a special order for March 19. A substitute for the bill was offered by Mej^er, of Jasper, but defeated. Walden moA'ed to table it, and failed by a A'ote of 25 to 20. The Senator from Buchanan tried to liaA^e it indefinitely postponed, and lacked only two votes (22 to 23) of success. Then began a running fire of amendments, one of Avhich pre- vailed, striking out tlie building committees of the two liouses from the board of commissioners on plans. With tliis encouragement its enemies rushed other amendments 586 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY forT\'ard, and some of them endangering the fate of the bill were adopted. The opponents of the bill soon found themselves on top in the fight. They pressed their ad- vantage like good soldiers until Cattell could only rally votes enough to postpone its further consideration to March 25, and print the bill which had been much cut up by the various changes introduced. The bill and its friends in the Senate were alike demoralized. It -was almost a rout. On March 26th an amendment in the na- ture of a substitute, to merely authorize an advertise- ment for plans fur a new capitol and providing for the repair of the (dd State house was offered by Senator Ben- nett, and ado])ted by a vote of 27 to 20. Then under the leadership of Seiuitor Tuttle this amendment was recon- sidered by a vote of 26 to 22, and the bill and amendments were referred back to the committee on public buildings. All tills indicated a lack of organization on either side. The committee reported on March 30th a substitute on the lines of Bennett's amendment calling for plans in- stead of authorizing the work, and appropriating for re- pairs of the old State house. This was so amended as to call also for a plan of a building to cost $2,000,000. The substitute as then amended was adopted on April 3rd by a vote of 39 to 7. It seemed the only thing then to be accomplished in the Senate. The bill came back to the House in its new form at so late a day that the only course open to the friends of the capitol was to accept it. It Avas passed there on the same daj^ by a A^ote of 59 to 6. At the end of the Twelfth General Assembly the ncAV capitol, instead of being really born, was only author- ized to be born in case the next General Assembly should permit it. We had lost our first positiou, had fallen back on our second line, and waited and hoped for a reinforce- AND THE CITY OF DEH MOIXES. 587 ment in the future report of the commissioners on build- ing plans to be adopted. We foresaw a greater fight to come. We had perhaps gained some advantage in lia^'- ing aroused the attention of the State to the question. To the next General Assembly Polk County sent B. F. Allen in the Senate. He was then a prosperous and in- fluential banker, widely knoAvn in the State, and an old settler. He was no speaker, but perhaps on that account better adapted to conciliate the Senate by his pleasant manners and practical good sense. His effective work there fully justified our confidence in him. To the House the county sent George W. Jones, who like Senator Allen, was not a speaker, but Avas known to be a good worker among his associates on the floor. They also returned me for the second time to the House. Of our old and irreconcilable enemies, Traer, of Ben- ton; Dudlej', of Wapello; Brown, of Van Buren; were all back again, and were now strongly reinforced hj a new and able leader, Cutts, of Mahaska, who loved op- position and a fight for its own sake and for the fun of it. He was argumentative, sarcastic, bold in statement and persistent, refusing all concessions, and proof against conviction. He far more loved to attack than defend any cause. On our side many old friends of the measure were returned, and notably among them John P. Irish, of Johnson, who was ready, eloquent and strong in debate. My good friend Pat Gibbons, of Keokuk, was also there to aid us with his lips sparkling with Irish humor. Many other strong friends of ours were content to be silent voters. But in the consideration of the capitol bill i)rinciples were abandoned bj' nearly one-fourth of the members of 588 ANNALS OF FOLK COUNTY tlie House, whose votes were yuided by their fears aud not by their deliberate judgment, as the result will show. We kneAv by personal conversation that the honest con- victions of a large majority of the members were favor- able to beginning then this important public work. There was also another interest adverse to us. Our State institutions were widely scattered over the State. Every representative of a county where one of these was situated was eager for a large appropriation for his par- ticular institution and feared that an annual appropria- tion for a new capitol would reduce the amount of State funds on which he could draw. The combination of these local interests was a powerful one, and very threatening, and it was employed for its full effect. This element of opposition was also reinforced by the customary appeals to outside jealousy of the capitol. Such was the condition in the Ilousi' when the new bill was taken up for discussion. A. R. t'otton, of Clinton, was speaker, and Murdock, of (,'layton, was chairman of the building committee. In the Twelfth Assembly we had introduced the cap- itol bill first in the House, ])ass(^d it by a good majority, and sent it to the Senate, where it Avas sadly mutilated, aud then slaughtered. In tlie Thirt(n^nth, Ave reversed this process and had the bill first acted on in tlie Senate, where Grifiith, of Warren, was again chairman of the building committee. This committee, having mnv before them the ])lans and s]»ecifications authorized by the pre- vious Assembly, re])ortentest. Every day was a day of anxiety to its friends. It was destined to be the longest continued and the toughest parliamentary battle I ever fought in either capitol, at Des Moines or at Washington. The bill was received from the Senate on Februaiw 7, and upon the customary motion to refer it to the regular House committee tlie fight began. Traer, who was our op])onent from the beginning, jumped to his feet to op- ])ose even the usual reference to a committee. Cutts wanted at once to indefinitely post]»one it, while Dudley AvantcHl it to come up s]ieedily to be killed. Mills of Du- bnqu(% and others besides myself demanded the usual fair treatment for the bill. On my motion to refer, its enemies further resisted by the demand, unusual on such occasions, for the yeas and nays, but the reference ^A'as 590 ANNALf< OF POLK COUNTY carried by a vote of 53 to 39. Several of these votes were of the timid class, and could not be counted ou for its final passage. As a preliminary skirmish the showing of votes was a discouragement to us. But I seized upon the expressed desire of its enemies for early action to se- cure tlie adoption of a motion maldug it a special order for an early day after the impending recess. When the day arrived the committee had not reported. Its chair- man was absent, and we were compelled to ask a post- ponement of the special order to March. Again Dudley and Gutts fought the proposition, even as a courtesy, aud demanded yeas and nays on the motion. This time they were badlj^ beaten by a vote of 62 to IS. But this inci- dent proved to us that the tight was to be a desperate one to the end, and all along the line without quarter. On the 8th of March, after a preliminarj'- skirmish over an amendment, the most exciting debate of all the ses- sions came on, and still it remained for me to take ui:» the debate in support of the bill. « * « * * * . After the second speech of Cutts and Irish I took the floor for a fiual and measured reply to all its opponents, and an appeal to members to vote according to their hon- est convictions; and then demanded the previous question in order to get a vote before the adjournment on tliat dav. Cutts and all the enemies of the bill voted acainst the previous question, but it was carried by the small majority of 47 to 45, and on the main question of en- grossment, it carried by only 49 votes to 48. It was un- comfortably close, and indicated the necessity of more time to canvass the members for the two additional votes necessary to its adoption. We did not dare at that time to take the final vote on its passage. I promptly made AND THE CITY OF DES MOIXES. 591 the motion for the acljourument of the House, and felt greatly relieved when it was adopted. The next day tlie committee reported it duly engrossed; but for weeks we (lid not dare to call it up for a third reading, for we could not assure to our side the 51 votes necessary to pass it. The intimidating tactics of our leading enemies had been too effective. We knew by our canvass that the honest judgment of a decided majority was with us. Yet they were afraid to vote their conviction. It was an anxious month of waiting for the friends of the new capitol. In the meantime both sides were vigilant and active. The enemies of the measure created some further intimi- dation by throwing out intimations of attempted bribery. Its friends denounced and ridiculed them, and challenged the proof. There were also some hostile remonsti'ances and some favorable petitions; and other home influences over members were specially provided in the meantime, and forwarded to the cajjitol. At last it was certified to us that if we would admit a couple of riders on the third reading we could secure the additional votes re- quired. The situation was so very critical that we ac- cepted, though with great reluctance, on laj part, the loroposed amendments. Both sides rallied all their forces for the final trial, and we on our side resolved to call up the bill for its third reading on the morning of April 8, which was four weeks after its engrossment. As I left my house on the morning of that day I stopped at the hotel to see that no dilatory friend of the bill should be lingering there. At that moment a citizen hastened to tell me that , of County, whose vote we counted on, had just been seen going into a drinking saloon near by. I sent him to look for this member, and received the report that he 592 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY had slipped out the back door. I kue'n' he loved the bot- tle and I suspected mischief. I learned that he had been beset by some anti-capitol members the night before who had drugged him with whisky, piit him iu his room and locked his door, thinking he would not awake in time for the Tote. I despatched a Avagon instantly for my good friend, Father Brazill, whose influence oyer this member I knew, with an urgent request that he follow him and bring him to tlie State house as soon as i>osible. I then ju'oceeded to tlie Htate house witli increased anxiety, not knowing whether that one absent yote might not defeat our bill at the yery crisis of its fate. A short time before the voting began, lioAvever, I discovered the absentee en- tering the House, f(dl(nved closely to his seat by tlui good ]>riest, who took his post behind his chair, and did not let him out of his sight until the voting was over. He found tlie absent member on the lonely bank of the Coon river, sitting solitary on a log, like a. man either in manly shame of himself, f)r having a racking over-night head- ache. But when Father Brazill said, "come with me," he wcjit. The two rider amendments were adopted without a. division, and tlie roll call began. Every member was ])resent except three. Hall and galleries were crowded to overflowing, as they had been throughout the debate. Many members had roll calls in their hands keeping count as the call proceeded, myself among them. Tlie silence was intense — not a sound was heard, save tlie clerk's monotonous call of names and the answer aye or no. The phonographic report of that session prints the figure "20" after my name on the roll call. This will i-emind some of you of a laughable incident that occurred at tlie time. If we had fifty-one ayes (no matter about the nays) the bill became a laAV, and I was therefore oidy counting tlie ayes. At the moment the clerk called my ' AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 593 name, I was writing the nnmber of ayes and iuadyer- tently answered the call bv shouting "twenty" at the top of my voice. It brolce the silent tension of feeling, and for nearl.y two minutes the roll call ceased, while the whole House and audience were convulsed with laughter. I do not know that the mistake made any votes for us, but it certainly put our ox)poneuts into a more amiable humor. The official count gave us one solitary vote to spare, 52 t(i 4G, with only two absentees. The immense audience shook the frail walls of the old building with their ap- plause. There was the usual motion to reconsider and to lay on the table, u]K)n Avhich GO members voted with our friends, and only 31 voted against them. Two-thirds of the House indirectly befriended the measure. This vote probably represented the real judgment of the House, certainly much more than the vote on its passage. The Senate promptly concurred in the amendments, and the new capitol was finally authorized by law. Of course there was joy in the capital city of Des Moines. The peo^de of Polk County expressed their satisfaction by a procession headed by music and bearing to my door a gold-headed cane, which I have handed over to Mr. Al- drich as a souvenir of the event, to be deposited in that capitol museum which does so much honor to its founder and to the State. The selection of the commissioners of the building was not left, as it should have been, to the responsibility id the Governor, nor even to the earnest friends of the new capitol. Two of them selected at large, were forced into the bill by the rider on its third reading, as an alleged condition for votes. Six others were nominated by Con- gressional districts, and elected in joint legislative con- vention. My earnest request for a n(in-])artisan board was oOi ANNALS OF POLE COUNTY not granted. The commission was too large, and the choice in most instances were dictated by par-tisan and personal considerations. We feared the result; and the result was bad. Under their direction the foundation was laid, but the work and materials were so defective that public rumor indicated the probability of another legislative fight in tlie next Assembly over the whole question of the capitol. It might even endanger the en- tire project. The appropriation had been granted for only one term. It was required for the successful progress of the work that there sliould be a. continuous annual ap- propriation. It was determined to make a fight for this in connection with the new bill, which seemed to have become necessary. In aid of this purpose, Polk County sent me back for the third time — to the Fourteenth Gen- eral Assembly — with Gen. Tuttle for my colleague, Mr. Allen being happily still in the Senate. The Senate was unusally strong in its membersliip. It embraced Larrabee, Beardsley, Fairall, Lowery, Dysart, McNutt, Bemis, J. H. Merrill, Richards, Vail, Willett and other good and able men. The House also included many strong men and good debaters. Among tliem may be mentioned Ainsworth, Buncombe, Hall, Gear, Rohlfs, Irish, Mills, of Dubuque; Newbold, O'Donnell, Pratt and AMlliams. A political assembly likes notliing better than an in- vestigation for fraud or other misconduct. The Senate had now some reason for its fears, and started early on tills lineto discover whatever was wrong in the suspected fdundation and supicious contracts for materials. They passed a concurrent resolution for the appointment of a joint committee of investigation, and also appointed a special committee of their own body on the new capitol, AlfD THE CITY OF DES MOIXES. 595 in addition to their o^Yn standing committee on public buildings. The house agreed to the joint investigating committee. Their report condemned the foundation and the quality of the stone. In the meantime a new bill was reported in both House and Senate. That of the Senate was not acted upon and was indefinitely postponed after the House bill reached the Senate. The third and last important contest over the erection of the new capitol was now inaugiirated upon the report of the Hoxise committee on public buildings. The amen- datory act was reported on February 27, 1872, and its consideration was postponed from time to time until April 2, because of delay in the report of the investigating com- mittee. On that date it was taken up and I moved that the names of John G. Foote, of Burlington; Maturin L. Fisher, of Clayton County; Robert S. Finkbine and Peter A. Dey, of Johnson Coimty; two Eepublicans and two Democrats, all of whom bore the highest character, should be inserted in the bill as commissioners in charge of the building. The Governor was ex-officio chairman of the board. The old board was summarily abolished. After a hard struggle with the representatives of the institu- tional counties, a permanent annual appropriation of $125,000 was secured, thus enabling the commission to proceed with necessary contracts for future delivery, and leaving to futiire Legislatures only the question of ad- ditional grants of money to hasten the work of construc- tion, as the condition of the treasury might allow. Many amendments were offered to limit the total cost of the eapitol. Ainsworth, a formidable antagonist, who par- tially undertook the former role of Cutis, moved a limit of cost to .|750,000. This was defeated by 09 votes to 11. A proposition for a limit of $1,000,000 was also defeated. 596 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY Duncombe moved a limit of |1,000,000, which was lost by a vote of 55 to 31. Another member proposed au ab- solute limit of .f 1,500,000, which was also lost by 50 votes to 27. NeA'ertlieless the judgment of the House, seemed to concentrate, rather indefinitely, upou a cost of about one and one-half millions, for when an amendment was offered that the commission should change the plan .if they found the cost would exceed that sum, it was barely defeated by a vote of 42 to 11. Another similar amend- ment was lost by 11 to 10. Finally, an amendment, in effect instructing the comniission to keep in view a cost of 11,500,000, which was offered by Hall, of Burlington, was carried by a vote of 53 to 31, our friends accepting it. A provision offered by Ainsworth like that of 1870, giving preference to all other appropriations over this for the capitol, which cunningly appealed to the self-in- terest of the instituticmal counties, were adopted, our friends believing that it would be eliminated in the Sen- ate. It was a provision wholly impracticable in admin- istration. The bill was then engrossed and iiassed by the large vote of 03 to 21. The bill reached the Senate the next day and was promptly taken up on motion of Senator Fairall on April 5. The second section was amended as we hoped, by striking out the obnoxious provision which postponed this ap]iropriation till all others were satisfied. The bill was then engrossed and passed immediately by 31 votes to 9 in tlie Senate. On tlie following day tlie Scuiate amendment, whicli was now the only point (tf difference between the two houses, was called u]), and on my motion to concur there Avere 1!) votes in its fn\'or to 10 against it. Again, avc lacked two vofes to nuH4 tlie constitutional re(|uirement. A^D THE CITY OF iJEfi MOINES. 597 We were very near the end for which we had so long- toiled and fonght, and yet the constitntional clause re- cjuiring 51 affirmative votes to every law stood between ns and victory. We actively busied ourselves among the members and obtained a reconsideration of the vote. The same afternoon the repeated vote upon the question of concurrence with the Senate was raised to 53 to 38; and so, at last, the act became the law of the State. Under this act the work went on smoothlj^ to completion. The long iight for a capitol worthy of the State, pro- tracted through three General Assemblies, and covering a period of five years, Avas now finished. The question whether we should have a fitting and dignified home for our State sovereignty, legislative, executive and judicial, and a safe depository for our State archives, was at last settled in the afflrmative. The new commissioners be- gan with the foundation, replacing the bad material with gond. The names of the eight commissioners on the cor- ner stone, Avhich would have perpetuated their failure with their names, disappeared from view. From this time onward the three active commissioners manifested the greatest care, and a most wise discretion in every detail of the work. Never was a corrupt or misspent dollar charged to their account. That prime principle of hon- esty in the expenditure of public money which requires a dollar's worth for every dollar spent was their constant guide. Thanks to their unusual fidelity to this obliga- tion, and to their wise tact in procedure, the Senators and Representatives trusted them session after session with amounts largely in excess of the original estimates until the cost of the finished structure has amounted to f2,871, 682.05. Instead of grumbling and dissatisfaction on the part of the people over the cost, there was universal 598 ANNAL^S OF POLK COUNTY pride in the noble building. When I had the honor to deliver the inaugural addi'ess by invitation of the Twen- tieth General Assembly in 1884, there was both legislative and popular satisfaction with the great enterprise. Every farmer and mechanic, every merchant and patriotic citi- zen of Iowa, as he views the grandeur of its i^roportious, the massive, time-defying walls, the splendid legislative chambers, the beautiful library, the fireproof vaults, the large and convenient executive offices, the ample com- mittee rooms, and its general adaptation to the wants of an intelligent and advancing state, feels and expresses satisfaction over this home of his State government. It is his constant boast that there is not a dishonest dollar from the base course to the crown of the dome. Even now, twelve yeajs from its inauguration, the wants of the State have so grown as to occupy all its vast accommodations. The names of John G. Foote, Peter A. Dey, Robert S. Finkbine and Maturin L. Fisher should be remembered as names of men who executed their duties faithfully and well, and who were above the sordid temptation to make private profit out of a public trust, under which so many men elsewhere have fallen. This, gentlemen, is the story of the building of Iowa's capitol which your committee iu-s'ited me to relate. Some of its opponents at the first session, like Senators Donuan and Bennett, changed at the second to its support. None of its friends suffered because of their advocacj"^ of it. None of its enemies seemed to have gained popularity by their hostility to it. Indeed, I was appealed to soon after the act was passed to go into the district of its lead- ing opponent in the Thirteenth Assembly to help him in his struggle as a candidate for Congress. None of its supporters, so far as I heard, suffered reproach for their AND THE CITY OF DES MOIXES. 599 honest votes. I mar safely affirm that there is not today a patriotic lowan between the two great rivers — not on(^ in all this beaiitifnl Mesapotamia of ours — who either condemns or regrets the execution of this grand under- taking. CHAPTER XXVII. NEWSPAPERS. TEIE first uewspaper published in Des Moines was the Iowa Star. The first number was issued in July, 1849. In 1848, A. W. Blair issued a circular announcing to the people of Polk County and Central Iowa that he would soon engage in the publication of a weekly newspaper at Fort Des M(jiues. Mr. Blair came from Indiana to Iowa in 1845, and had located at Sigour- ney, Keokuk County. He there engaged in the practice of law, but upon the breaking out of the Mexican war, enlisted as a soldier. At the close of the war lie returned to Iowa, and at the suggestion of Curtis Bates he deter- mined to establish a newspaper in Des Moines, and is- sued the prospectus mentioned. He had some difficulty in procuring the necessary material, and before his ar- rangements were fully completed he was seized with the then prevalent California gold fever, and abandoning his newspaper project emigrated to California and became a successful citizen of that State. Some time afterwards Barlow Granger visited Iowa City and meeting Judge Bates the latter, who knew Granger to be a jiractical printer, proposed to him to take up and caiT-y out this newspaper enterprise. The latter becoming impressed with the proposal found the mate- rial and fixtures for a complete printing oiflce for sale in that city and purchased the same on time, Judge Bates being surety fV>r j^ayment. Granger then returned to Des Moines and sent Charley Winkley, a printer, and Jonathan Rathbun, teamster, to bring the material from AND THE CITY OF DE^i MOINEH. 601 Iowa City to Des Moines. These two, after getting tlie press and otlier printing material on tlieir wagons, with mucli difiiculty, especially at Sknnk River, managed at last to get safely through with their freight. The press, type and fixtures were placed in a double log cabin on what was known then as "Coon Row," one of the old fort buildings, and there the office remained for some time. This building w^is where the old Aulman brewery build- ing now stands. Subsequently the office was removed and remained for several years in a frame two-story build- ing, fronting south on the public grounds at "the point" where the Raccoon River empties into the Des Moines. Here it was wdien the writer arrived in the city in 1855. The Star was a seven-column folio sheet, published weekly at -12, theoretically in advance, but practically at the pleasure of the subscriber, and when jiaid it was not always in coin or current funds, but in countiy produce, etc. The first name on Col. Granger's subscription list was that of Lewis Jones, and the first money on subscrip- tion was paid by Thomas Mitchell. Col. Granger con- ducted the Star with marked success from that day for a year or two, running its circulation up to eight hundred, and then disjjosed of his interest in the concern. He did this for the purpose of devoting his time to his large and increasing legal and land business, Avhich demanded all of liis time and attention. Judge Curtis Bates then became the proprietor of the Star, and had a young man named Johnson take charge generally of the office and paper. This arrangement was broken by the death of Johnson, who fearing smallpox at the for-t, Avhere there were a few cases, went to his old home at Iowa City to be vaccinated, took a severe cold and died. Then for a time Dr. A. Y. Hull was in editorial 602 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY charge, to be followed by Daniel O. Finch and others, Judge Bates all the time, as the old phrase is, being left to hold the bag. Finally, in the winter of 1854-55 the oftice was purcliased for Will Tomliuson, a then noted and erratic newspaper man. Tomlinson took charge of the Star office early in 1855, and at once changed its name to the Iowa Statesman. For a time Dr. W. H. Farner was associated witli him in editing and managing the paper. B. D. Thomas and the writer were emjiloyed in the office in 1855. Tond'iison and Farner were both men of much more than ordinary ability and both peculiar men. Tom- linson had tlie faculty of getting into more difficulties than almost any other man, was impulsive and hot- headed, and prone to be very abusive of his opponents, both inside and (.)utside of his newspaper. He was gen- erally in a row with somebody; that apparentlj' being his normal condition. Dr. Farner was of a different tem- perament; took things easily, and in fact never troubled himself mucli about the care of himself and his family, or anything else. It was all riglit as long as he had plenty Lo eat and drink — especially the latter. Under this man- agement the Statesman occasionally made things rather lively iu town and county. Before long Farner retired and with ease and facility transferred his pen and brains to the service of the Republican party, being for a time the editor of the local organ of that party, the then Cit- izen. A year or two later the doctor managed to reacli Colorado, and flourished in and about DeuA^er for some time. When the war broke out he was for a time strongly Union, but not getting what he 'thought he ought to have from that side, with the easy facility of his character joined the rebel forces, became, it is said, a surgeon of one of tlieir regiments, and when they were driven out of Colorado and New Mexico, the doctor followed them AXD THE CITY OF DES J/O/XL^s'. 603 to Texas, where he settled down aud lived quietly until his death a few rears ago. Tomlinson, who had from the first been what was then termed "an East Bide man,'' in the fall of 1S5G removed the Statesman office to the east side of the river, where it remained until it was purchased from Tomlinson l)y Will. Porter in January, 1S57, Avhen it was removed back to the West Side aud the name changed to State Jourual. Subsequentlj' Tomlinson attempted to revive the States- man on the East Side, and published a paper under this name irregularly for a few months and then it died. Tom- linson remained in Des Moines a year or two, was justic-e of the peace, alderman, street commissioner, etc., but in 1859 returned to his former home in Ohio. He was there when the Civil War broke out, and subsequently became a strong Union man, publishing at Riplej', Ohio, a news- paper called the "Loyal Scout," supporting Brough fnr Governor and the Republican ticket. There he had his last row on earth. lie came in contact with a young Kentuckian named Mitchell, who was visiting the town, and denounced him wrongfully as a "rebel," traitor,'' etc. Mitchell endeavored to avoid a difficulty, but Tomlinson followed him up, and finally kicked or struck him. Then Mitchell shot his assailant. Tomlinson lingered a day or two and died. After the excitement abated Mitchell offered to surrender himself to the Ohio authorities, but as the grand jury declined to indict Mitchell the prose- cution was dropped. As before stated, Will. Porter assumed control of the Statesman in January, 1857, and in the February fol- lowing issued the first number of the Iowa State Journal. He continued in control of the Journal for nearly three years, making a successful newspaper from the begin- H04 ANNALS OF FOLK COUNTY iiiug and in JaniiarT, 1S60, sold the paper aud material to Stilson Ilutcliins. The second newspaper in Fort Des Moines, was the (xazette. Lampson P. Sherman, a brother of James and Iloyt Sherman, then residents of Des Moines, had learned the printer's art, and as boy and man had been for many years in the Gazette othce, in Cincinnati. He was a thor- ongh master of the bnsiness in a large city printing oftice, bnt had no experience of the workings of a small coun- .try newspaper oftice. Yet he thought it time for him to leave the city and strike out on his own account — "to go West and grow up with the country." The Whigs of Polk County were anxious to haA'e a newspaper of their own to compete with the Democratic Star, and were, as is usual in such cases, liberal in their promises of future support. The two Sherman brothers then here would, of course, be glad to have their brother with them. The result was that Lfimpsou P. Sherinan purchased a neAVS- ] taper outfit in Cincinnati and shipped this with himself and other goods by the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to Keokulc. This was in December, 1849, aud on January 11, 1850, the first number of the Fort Des Moines Gazette was issued by L. P. Sherman. It was Whig in politics, but devoted mostly to State and local affairs. It is stated tlie building first occupied was a small frame one, situated not far from the present w^elhknowu Sherman building, one of the first large brick edifices in the then young city. Mr. vSherman did his part as printer and editor, but the -^'enture did not prove a successful one. The State aud county patronage was then small and the Whigs being generally in the miuorit}^ but little of this found its way to the Gazette. At that time the California gold craze Al^B THE CITY OF DBS MOINES. 605 was at its height, aud many of the ^A'liig patrons of tlie ottiee followed the flowiner for that day. Finally, however, he was compelled to sus})end publication of the Gazette, and he himself embarked in the real estate busi- ness, in connection with his brother I-loyt. He was after- ■wards connected with the old State Bank, was for years United States collectnr (if internal revenue, held offices of city treasurer, alderman, etc., proving himself an able and efficient officer in every position held by him, and ahvays mucli liked and liopular among his fellow citi- zens. He now lives quietly in retirement in the city in which he always took so mucli pride and in Avhich lu' has spent so manj- years of his useful life. Some time after the death of the Gazette the material was again used for the publication of another Whig news- paper, called tlie Journal. This was ])ublished by Peter Myers & Co., and for a. time was edited by C. Ben Dar- win, afterwards a prominent attornej' of Burlington and one of the code commissioners of 1860. W. W. William- son was also editor of the Journal for some time. Ik- was an early settler of Des Moines, an attorney, and in 1S55 the Whig candidate for District Judge. He was declared elected by the canvassing board, but this being contested b,y his opponent, the noted C. J. McFarland, the latter finall.y secured the idace. Judge Williamson for a time engaged in mercantile pursuits, but subsequently returned to the practice of law, was city attorney, and held other positions. He was an excellent man and cit- 606 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY izen, deservedly popular. He went to the Territory of Oklahoma, soon after its opening, and securing a valu- able tract of land near its capital, resided there until his death some two years ago. The life of the Journal was uot long extended, and its material was afterwards merged with that of the Demo- cratic newspaper. The Journal was the last distinctly Whig newspaper published in Des Moines. Until the winter of 1855-56 the Star, or Statesman, had this held entirely to itself. Then came Thomas H. Sypherd, who, aided by Andrew J. Stevens and others, com- menced the publication of the Citizen, a Free Soil or Ee- publicau paper, iu February, 1856. Mr. Sj'pherd re- juained in control of the Citizen until the following year, when becoming financially embarrassed, he removed to the Territory of Kansas. He afterwards secured a posi- tion in one of the departments of Washington and was there a number of years. The Citizeu then fell into the hands of Andrew J. Stevens, James C. Savery and others, and for a time was under the editorial control of Dr. W. H. Farner, who had previously been one of the editors of the Democratic Statesman. The lamented J. M. Dixon, afterwards so well known as the blind editor, was also for some time connected with the Citizen. Tac Hussey, a well known early settler, for years a member of the old established firm of printers and binders. Carter & Hus- sey, also worked for a j^ear or two in this office. In December, 1857, John Teesdale, who had been a prominent Ohio editor and had been at Iowa City for a short time, purchased the Citizen and took charge of the same, retaining J. M. Dixon as assistant editor. Mr. Teesdale at one time had been the editor of the Ohio State Journal, and would have been pleased to adopt AKID THE CITY OF DEfi MOIl^E^. 607 that name for his paper here, but as Will. Porter had previously preempted the uame for the Democratic paper, he was forced to adopt that of the State Eegister. Mr. Teesdale was also State printer, aud the emoluments of tliat office aided him materially in the publication of his newspaper. Being defeated for a re-election as State printer in 18G0, he not long afterwards sold the news- jiaper to the new State printer, Frank W. Palmer, for- merly of Xew York State, but then of Dubuque. Palmer tdok charge of the office in 1S60, aud in 18G1 Mr. Tees- dale was appointed ijostmaster at Des Moines by Pres- ident Lincoln. At the expiration of his term Mr. Tees- dale became more or less connected with several news- papers at different places, and was mostly absent from Des Moines for several years. lie subsequently returned here with his family and died here. On Maj' 8, 1860, Frank W. Palmer assumed control of the State Register, and at once enlarged and improA^ed the paper. Up to January 12, 1862, the Eegister was published onlj' weekly, as all the papers jDreviously pub lished in Des Moines had been, with the exception of during the sessions of the General Assembly in 1858 and 1860, daily issues had been printed, which were mostly filled Avith legislative reports and items. The Eegister was the first regular daily issued at the date above given, and has been issued as a dailj^ from that date to the present, and will probablj' be issued every morning for many years to come. Telegraph lines had been extended to Des Moines a year or two previously, and its news by telegraph had been a great feature of the Register from the beginning. During the stormy and stirring times of the war the Register under the control of Mr. Palmer was an ardent Republican party pa])er, 608 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY and Hliowed little mercy to those of opposite political faitli. Thomas F. Withrow, then an attorney' of this city, and afterwards i^eneral solicitor of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad Company, a leading Repnblican and strong partisan, contributed much edit- orial matter. SeAvard lr^mith and other pronunent Re- publicans were also frequent contributors. During the six years of Mr. Palmer's managenu-nt of the Register tliere were many exciting contests, not oidy between members of the opposing pcditical parties, but also of bitter (piarrels and tierce and protracted fights in th<' Repnldican party. One of these may as well be mentioned here. lion. John. A. Kasson, admitted by all to be one of the most able men and politicians of Iowa, came to Des Moines in 1858 and commenced the practice of law. He was an educated and accomplished gentleman and good lawyer. He soon took an active part in politics as a Republican, and Avas a delegate to the Chicago National CouA-ention Avhicli nominated Abraham Lincoln for President. He AA'as made a member of the committee on res(dutions, and was credited AA'ith liaA'ing himself AA'ritten much of that noAA' historical platform. After the inauguration of President Lincoln, Mr. Kasson Avas appointed first as- sistant postmaster general, and achieA'ed much reputa- tion in this i)osition. Under the census of 18(iO, and the apportionment thereunder, instead of Iavo, as preA^ously, loAA'a AA'as giA'en six members of the National House. Des Moines AA'as thrown into the Fifth Congressional Dis- trict, which embraced tAA'enty-three counties, AA'est and south of Polk County. Tlunnas IT. Benton, Jr., then Ha'- ing in Council Pduff's, AA'as a camlidate for the Rei)ub- lican nomination, and it was generally thought AA'ould AND THE CITY OF DE^ MOINES. 60'J be the nominee. But Mr. Kasson also appeared as a candidate, and at a convention held at Wiuterset, after a warm struggle, was nominated and elected in October, 1SG2. He was re-elected in 1864 without much opx)Osi- tion. In 18G8, however, Messrs. Palmer, Withrow and other leaders of the party were against him, and one of the fiercest fights ever known in the partj' was the re- sult. This fight aroused the enmities which survived for years, and even to this day are not entirely extinct. The final result was that Mr. Kasson was defeated for renom- iuation, and Gen. G. M. Dodge, of Council Bluffs, was made the nominee and elected. Mr. Kasson retired from Congress, but was the same year, 1867, made a member of the General Assembly and re-elected in 1869 and 1871. He was then re-elected to Congress and afterwards was minister to Spain and also Austria, besides represent- ing the government abroad in several other important capacities. He now resides most of the time in Wash- ington, where, it is said, he is engaged in the preparation of an important historical work. In 1866, Mr. Palmer sold the Register to Mills & Co.— Frank M. and Jacob W. Mills, with the agreement that he was to remain as editor for a year or two. He was nominally the editor until his election to Congress in 1868. His election was brought about by a previous un- derstanding, and by the fact that Gen. Dodge had no fancy for congressional life, and one term was sufficient for him. Mr. Palmer was re-elected in 1870, and not long after the close of his congressional term he removed to Chicago and again became connected with newspaper work. For a time he was with the Inter Ocean and then with a leading trade paper. He was also postmaster al Chicago for a number of years. Soon after the inaugur 38 " GIO ANNALS OF POLE COUNTY ation of President Harrison lie was appointed public printer at Wasliinglon, and served as snoli some four or five years. He tlien became connected with a daily news- paper at Syracuse, New York, but it is understood has returned to Chicago. The Mills Brothers before purchasing the Register were owners and managers of the largest book and job print- ing establishment in the State, and they immediately en- larged and improved the Register in many respects. They Avere enterprising and liberal and spared no expense or labor in their determination to make the Register the leading newspaper of the State. While conducting the ohice in this liberal manner they found a young printer in their employ, "working at the case," who in an emer- gency could write a local item with point and skill, and soon appreciating his ability, they transferred him to the editorial rooms. This j'oung man was James S. Clarkson, or "Ret," as he was more familiarly termed. After doing- local news and general Avork, he became the chief editorial writer. Tlie business of the Mills Brothers became so extensive that in the fourth year of their control, they offered to sell the Register to good parties. Making this known to young Clarkson he at once went to Grundy County to consult his father, Hon. Coker F. Clarkson, and his brother, Richard P. Clarkson. The father had for 3'ears been the editor and publisher of a leading coun- try newspaper in Indiana, and both the younger men were practical printers. Arrangements were finally made, the deal arranged and on December 6, 1870, the Clarksons assumed the ownership and control of the Register. In a few months thereafter the father sold or relinquished all his financial interest in the office, and Richard P. and James S. Clarkson became the sole owners and managers, AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 611 the first taking the financial and the latter the editorial management. The history of the Register dnring the twenty-five years of its control by the Clarksons is a part of the liis- tory of the city, county and State. They worked liard, were never discouraged or disheartened, had their full share of good and ill luck, but fortunately, most of the former, had pluck and perseverance, and the result is they built up one of the most influential and best paying- newspapers in Iowa or in the entire coimtry. In 1889 James S. Clarkson accepted under President Harrison the appointment of first assistant postmaster general, and sub- sequently sold his one-half interest in the Register to his brother, Richard P., for a large sum of money. Resign- ing his place as assistant postmaster general, James S. Clarkson was for a time chairman of the Republican Na- tional Committee, of which he has been a member from Iowa for manj' years. lie continues to take an active and influential part in political aft'airs, and is re- garded as one of the national leaders of the Republican partj'. While having his famih' in the East during the most of the past few years and engaged himself there frequently in large financial operations, Mr. Clarkson always regards Des Moines and Iowa, for both of which he has done much, as his permanent home. Nor can a history of the newspaper press of Des Moines be truly written without mention of J. M. Dixon, in his later years known throughout the State as the "blind editor." Born in Ohio he had managed through many difliculties to acquire an excellent education. Arriving at manhood, several years of his life was devoted to teach- ing, with, for a time, thoughts of the ministry. Along in 1850 he came to Des Moines and did his first Iowa news- 612 AiAWAL»s' OF POLK COUNTY paper work on the Citizen. A year or two later he had charge of a newspaper at Indianola. Quitting this he returned to Des Moines, and for some ten j'ears or more he was local and editorial writer on the Eegister, and there won much reputation. He liad trouble with his ej'^es, whicli finally ended in blindness. He was a singu- lar man, possessing peculiar gifts, and in his writings mixed sarcasm, pathos and hard hits all together. Aud yet he was a man of good lieart and impulses. While he may have made enemies lie also made many friends, aud even his enemies could not long retain ill-will agaiust him. In many things he was as simple as a child. He had no gift for making or saying money. His later years were burdened with afflictions aud sorrows. While blind he often dictated articles for the press, and in 1870 dic- tated and published the Centennial History of Polk County, a work of much merit and to which this history is much indebted. A few years after this he died in Des Moines after a long and painful illness. Many Avarm friends mourn his loss. Here we will continue the interrupted history of the Democratic newspaper. As previously stated. Will. Porter, early in 1860, sold the State Journal to Stilsou Hutchins. The latter was editor and proprietor for some two years, part of the time in connection with George M. Todd. He then sold the Journal and went to Du- buqiK^, and afterwards, in connectiou with others, es- tablished the Daily Times at St. Louis. There he made a great success in the newspaper and political way, and for a time Avas prominent in Missouri affairs. Some years after this he went to the City of Washington and there became editor and proprietor of the Post, and be- came again a wealthv man. He also became interested AND THE CITY OF DE8 MOINES. 613 in a leading Democratic newspaper in New Hampshire, and after disposing of tlie Post, now divides liis time between Washington and New Hampshire. George M. Todd continued the Journal for a time and then retired. He came to Des Moines from New York in 1856, and in connection with his brother and others erected a large building above the dam, and filled it with costly machinery for iron and wood work. The brothers came of a wealthy New York family, but their large in- vestment of money was unfortunate and resulted in the loss of many thousands of dollars. George M. Todd, an active politician, drifted into newspaper work, and after leaving the Journal here removed to Burlington, where lie became one of the proprietors of the Gazette. There he remained for a number of years, being fairly success- ful in his newspaper work. He later sold his interest in the Gazette and engaged in the furniture trade, build- ing up a flourishing business. Subsequently he left the State, and it is said settled in St. Joseph, Missouri. In 1860, Andrew J. Stevens, whose failure as a banker a few years previous, had caused much excitement and considerable loss in the community, in connection with his brother-in-law, William H. Hoxie, established the Commonwealth, as an independent Republican news- paper. This enterjirise met with fair success for a year or two. A. J. Stevens came to Des Moines early in the fifties from New York, where for a time he had read law in the office of William H. Seward. During his first years here he taught school aud worked his way along as best he could. He then became a land agent, and later de- veloped into a private banker with an excellent business under the firm name of Andrew J. Stevens & Co. He was also elected State auditor in 1854, and resigned the office 614 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY in 1855. As was somewhat the custom in those days when no banks of issue were permitted to exist in Iowa he secured control of a bank charter in Tennessee, called the Agricultural Bank, and issued many thousands of dollars of its bills. As the Des Moines bank of A. J. Stevens & Co. stood ready to always redeem these Ten- nessee bills in other currency they passed current in this city and county, and for perhaps fifty or one hundred miles around, though they were never entirely free from suspicion of unsoundness. Occasionally reports to their discredit would be in circulation, but A. J. Stevens & Co. upheld them until early in 1857 the crash came. The banks here threw all their Agricultural Bank bills out, and the banking house of A. J. Stevens & Co. could not redeem them, and was itself forced to suspend. The loss on the bills was comparatively heavy and total. The creditors of the Stevens Bank itself, however, were gen- erally protected, as James Callanan and Schuj'ler R. Ing- ham, who had recently purchased an interest in the same, were sound financially. Stevens himself was bankrupt. He had saved little or nothing. By the advice of friends he left the city and did not return until the excitement abated. When he returned and endeavored to again re- cover his fortune he was for a time editor of a School Journal, established by Mills & Co., and he and Hoxie, as stated, established the Commonwealth. After the in- auguration of President Lincoln, Secretary Seward se- cured his appointment as consul to a port in Canada, and there Stevens remained for several years. Returning to Des Moines he removed to Nebraska, and for a time was again successful as a land agent and banker in that Stiite. But he afterwards met with financial and family troubles and lastly found himself in California broken in health and fortune. He there died several years ago. In 1857, AXD THE CITY OF BE^i MOIXES. 615 Mr. Stevens was married to Miss Rose Hoxie, a dauglitei- of oue of the pioneer settlers of Des Moines. Tlie Commonwealtli passed into the Iiands of J. B. Bansman and S. W. Rnssell — the former an early sur- "veyor and the latter an old-time printer of Des Moines. And' not long thereafter this paper and the Journal were consolidated into the Times. For a time Dr. D. V. Cole also held a controlling interest. Dr. Cole came to Des Moines at an early day, and for a number of years was engaged successfully in the practice of medicine. In 1855-56 he was the countj^ agent for the sale of intox- icating liquors; or, as it was then commonly termed, "kept the County Grocery." Some years ago he removed to Southern Kansas, where he has been verj' successful in his profession and business. S. W. Russell, or "Squire'' as he was generally termed, worked in the Register office for many years and died a few years ago. J. B. Bausman removed to Minneapolis years ago, and is reported to have been successful there as a surveyor and land agent, but is now dead. Late in 1863, Col. William H. Merritt purchased the material of the suspended Commonwealth and Times, and revived the Statesman, and soon made it take rank among the leading newspapers of the State. He continued in charge of it until 1867 when he sold out. Col. Merritt was born in the City of New York, September 12, 1820, educated at the Genessee Wesleyan University, and en- gaging as a youth in mercantile pursuits came to Rock Island, Illinois, and was sent by his employer in 1839 to take charge of a branch store in Linn County, in Iowa Territory. His principal customers were the Sac and Fox Indians. He managed this store for two years, and dviriug the winter of 1840-41 received the appointment 616 ANNALS OF POLE COUNTY of enrolling clerk of the Territorial council, then in ses- sion in the old Methodist Church at Burlington. He then returned to his father at Buffalo, New York, but in 1847 again returned to Iowa, locating at Dubuque, where he took charge of the Miners' Express. He sold out this after two years' work, and engaged in the surv^ej'' of govern- ment lands in Northern Iowa. He went to California in 1849 hj way of the Isthmus and returned in March, 1851. The same year he again became one of the proprietors of the Dubuque Miners' Express, and at the end of two years united with the Herald. In 1852 he was appointed surveyor of the port of Dubuque, and in 1855 register of the newly created United States land office at Fort Dodge. He held this office two years, selling about two million acres of land in that short time, and then resigned to go into the banking business with George and William Greene at Cedar Kapids. When the Civil War broke out he was commissioned lieutenant colonel of the First Iowa Infantry, and at once went into the field. He was with the regiment all through its Missouri campaign, and owing to the sickness of Col. Bates, was in command of the First at the battle of Wilson's Creek. He won much credit for his coolness, skill and bravery, and was only a few feet from Gen. L.yon when that gallant officer was mortally wounded. When his regiment was mustered out Col. Merritt was appointed on the staff of Gen. Mc- Clellan, with the rank of colonel of cavalry, and for a time stationed at Fort Leavenworth. Late in 1803 he resigned and left the service, coming home to loAva. Locating at Des Moines, as previously stated, Col. Mer- ritt purchased the material and re-established the States- man. He conducted it until 18G7, when he sold out, and for several years thereafter was principally engaged in AND THE CITY OF DE^S MOINEi<. 017 the construction of railroads in other States. In 1880 he was elected ma^'or of Des Moines and seryed two years. He was subsequently appointed by Presi- dent Cleveland postmaster at Des Moines and served in this office a term of four years. In a few months after his retirement from the postofQce his health failed and death soon closed his active and useful life. From Col. Merritt the Statesman passed into the hands of Staub & Jenkins, who, for a time, made a number of improvements. But it failed to make good returns on the money invested, and thej^ transferred the office to G. AV. Snow, a young Pennsylvanian and fine writer. He conducted it for a time, but his health failed and his death soon followed. For a time the publication of the paper was suspended. lu 1870, W. W. Witmer came from Muscatine and for himself and the Barnhart Brothers purchased the plant, greatly added to it, and at once commenced the publication of a Democratic daily evening newspaper, under the name of the Leader. Mr. Witmer was earnest and untiring in his labors and through many difiiculties in the course of time he placed the Leader upon a substantial and paying basis. Connected with him at various times was his brother, Joel W. Witmer, W. II. Andrews, Jno. C. Kelly, Phil S. Kell, John Olsen, Charles Painter, Henry Philpot, G. W. Parker, George McCracken and others, but to W. W. Witmer can be ascribed the main credit for the success of the Leader. After ten years of unremitting toil, brightened by a fair measure of suc- cess, W. W. Witmer sold his interest in the Leader, and since has been one of the most successful business men of the city, devoting himself mostly to real estate and loans. For a time Lowrj^ W. Goode had the management of 618 ANNALS OF FOLK COUNTY the Leader, and he made a brilliant newspaper of it, en larging and improYing it in everv direction. But tlie receipts would hardly meet the expenditures, and in a year or two Mr. Goode retired from newspaper work to make one or two fortunes in real estate and other finan- cial operations. Then Frank Garrity assumed charge and sunk, it is said, considerable money in the effort to make a successful morning newspaper of it. He haA'ing failed W. H. Welch, W. W. Witmer, John Watts and a few others formed a company, purchased and rehabili- tated the Leader, and published a most excellent news- paper, being the first in Des Moines to publish a paper every da}' in the week. But misfortune seemed to come upon them through no fault of their own. They had removed the office into a large brick building on the north side of Court avenue, between Third and Fourth streets, and in connection with the newspaper had a large book and job plant. One night fire came upon them and in a short time the building was gutted and nearly all the material was ruined or totally destroyed. They pluck ily continued the publication of the Leader without in- terruption, and in a short time had a new and complete office in the building now occupied by the Leader. In- side of a year came another fire, and again was the office wrecked. William Welch and his partners again reso- lutely set to work, and the loss was at once replaced with new material. But these lieaAW and successive losses crippled the newspaper, they being far more heavy than the insurance money collected. Not long after this Watts retired, and new arrangements being made, finally John F. Olsen and A. F. H. Zeigler took control. An effort was made to organize a strong stock company and for a time Judge Kinne, now a member of the Supreme Court of the State, had editorial charge. The proposed AND THE CITY OF DES MOIXE.S. 6111 stock company was a failure, and at last Zeigler and Olsen were forced to make an assignment for the benefit of the creditors of the concern. Phil S. Kell was the assignee, and for some months the Leader was published under his charge. At the assignee sale Henry Stivers became the pur- chaser of the entire plant. He was proprietor and editor of the Leader five years with varying success, tie made from time to time various improvements, increasing its telegraphic and other news facilities, put in an improved fast press, and in other wajs sought to keep the Leader fully abreast of the times. He had many difficulties to face, and he courageously met them. He labored hard for success and partially won it, and deserved even more success than he achieved. Tu April, 1895, having an offer made him which, under the circumstances, he could ac- cept, he then sold the Leader and all its belongings and retired to a splendid farm which he owned in Clarke County, where he now resides, busily engaged with his crops and stock. The new proprietors of the Leader are Samuel Strauss, a young man of literary tastes and business ability, born and reared in Des Moines, and a son of Moses Strauss, of the well known wholesale millinery house of Lederer & Strauss. Allen Dawson, his partner, has had an ex- tended newspaper and editorial experience upon some of the leading newspapers of the State, such as the Sioux City Journal and Tribune, and brought to his new posi- tion both ability and experience. The new firm at once began making many improvements in the material and management of the office. They increased the force in the editorial rooms, and at once ordered a number of the latest improved Mergenthaler typesetting machines, and 620 ANNALS OF FOLK COUNTY now have them iu successful operation. They made other extensive and expensive improvements with more to fol- low, and have been encouraged by the much more than expected rapid increase in the business of the Leader. Assured of the success now certain to follow they will continue contemplated improvements until they have made the Leader a real leader among newspapers of Iowa and the West. After many troubles and vicissi- tudes the Leader is now safely on a firm and sure foun- dation. The Bulletin, a daily evening paper, was established by E. G. Orwig, the first number being issued March 11, 1869. It was Independent Republican, and a very bright and lively newspaper, and made for a time matters lively for its friends and enemies. It managed to survive a year or more with varying fortunes, and finallj'' sus- pended, the material going to Mills & Co. R. G. Orwig for a time was prominent in this city and State. He came from Pennsylvania to Des Moines during the war days, and though a newcomer managed to receive the position of private secretary to Governor Stone. He was bright and pushing, and made many friends. While in that office there was much scandal and some excitement over the handling of certain swamp land indemnity funds, ])aid by the general government to the State. Many thousands of dollars in drafts were sent to the Governor, though the indemnity really belonged to various counties. A number of these drafts were endorsed Avith the Gov- ernor's name and the proceeds used for supecTilative and other purposes. An exposure came and with it much excitement. A legislative investigation virtually cleared the Governor of all wrong doing except gross careless- ness, and Orwig was pronounced the most guilty one, AND THE CITY OF DEH MOINES. 621 though certain others were implicated in the various deals. Orwig made good a portion of the loss, and the kState reimbursed the counties and commenced a long term of litigation with Orwig over certain valuable prop erty. This suit was finally compromised. Orwig, after the suspension of the Bulletin, engaged in other business, though occasionally having a connection with some news- paper or publishing business, with his usual buoyant hopefulness until a few years ago, when he removed to a wider field in Chicago. There he is said to have had more or less connection with newspapers, and is also dab- bling to some extent in real estate. In December, 1S70, Messrs. Stewart, Waterman & Speed started another newspaper under the name of the Review, and in 1872 a company organized as the Kepub- licau Printing Company and having taken in the Review on May 18th of that year the first number of the Daily Republican was issued. As its name indicated it was Republican in politics and sought to be a rival of the Register inside that party. And the fight between the two often grew warm and personal. The next year a cor- poration was formed under the name of State Printing Company, mainly for the i:>urpose of printing and furnish- ing "ready printed" paper to the countrj^ newspapers. This company in October, 1873, took control of the Re- publican and changed the name to the State Journal. In April, 1874, the Journal passed into the hands of G. W. Edwards, and on the following October was sold to J. C. Williams, John G. Blair and R. G. Pierson, who con- tinued the daily until October 22, 1875, when its publi- cation was finally suspended. The material passed into the possession of John G. Blair, who continued the pub lication of the Weeklj' Journal for several years, his 622 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY iather-in-law, Stephen J. Loughran, being editor. This publication was stopped several years ago. Of those connected with the Keview, Republican and Journal, at least a brief mention should be made. Geo. W. Edwards was connected with several Iowa news- papers outside of Des Moines, and was State printer for one or two temis. After leaving Des Moines he again formed connections with newspapers, and died a year or two ago. George A. Stewart had served in the late war with credit, reaching the rank of colonel, was a lawyer and fond of newspaper work. After his experience here in this work he received an appointment to a position in one of the departments of the government at Washing- ton and held it until his death several years ago. His fam- ily yet reside in Washington, the son holding a responsi- ble position in the United States Senate. J. E. Williams was for years in the United States railroad mail service, losing a hand in a collision or accident, and is now en- gaged in busniess at Muscatine. John G. Blair became the owner and manager of a large book and job printing office in Des Moines and continued it up to a few years ago, when he retired in broken health. He died in 1893. One of the oldest newspapers in Des Moines is the Iowa Homestead, a weekly agricultural newspaper. Away back in the fifties Gen. William Duane Wilson was publishing a small agricultural newspaper monthly at Mt. Pleasant. In the winter of 1858-59 he removed his I)aper to Des Moines, and commenced the publication of the Weekly Iowa Farmer. Not long afterwards he sold out to Hiram Torrey, who changed the name to the Pioneer Farmer. He did not succeed as well as he ex- pected and soon turned the Farmer over to W. S. Sim- mons. The latter could not make it profitable and sold Alsm THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 623 to Mark Miller, then of Dubuque, a well known and suc- cessful agricultural writer and editor, wlio was then pub- lishing the Northwestern Farmer at that place. He brought material from Dubuque, his son, Geo. A., now the head of the large Geo. A. Miller printing house, driving the wagon containing the same. Mr. Miller adopted the name as it yet remains, Iowa Homestead. A few years after he sold the paper to H. W. Pettitt, remaining as agricultural editor, while Pettitt, a peculiar genius, made the Homestead bright and interesting in other directions. Early in 18G6 Pettitt died after a brief illness, and the paper soon after became the property of Mills & Co. They afterwards resold to Wilson, and he again became editor and proprietor. In 1873 it was purchased by Dr. G. W. vSprague, and it remained under his management until ISSO, when it came under the control of Benjamin F. Gue. He had this control and pushed its business for several years, when it, through several changes, passed into the possession of the Homestead Company now own- ing it. The principal men of this company are James M. Pierce, Henry Wallace and S. F. Stewart. During the past year Mr. Wallace has retired from the editorial charge of the paper. Under the management of this company in the past ten years the Homestead has been very successful. Its circulation has reached many thou- sands, and its advertising and other business has devel- oped wonderfully. A large and elegant building was erected for its exclusive use on the corner of Locust and Third streets, and its type, presses and machinery placed therein are of the latest and best. The Homestead has become one of the leading agricultural newspapers of the country. Mark Miller, at an early day purchased some forty acres 624 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY of land tlieu uear to and now iucorporated in the city, and there made a home for himself and family. Here he devoted his spare time to his favorite pursuits, jjlowed and planted, and cultivated fruits, etc. Aud here he re- mained until his death in 1874. Gen. W. Duaue Wilson, years before coming to Des Moines, owned an interest in the Chicago Tribune, though it was not then the great neAVspaper it afterwards be- came. He came to Iowa at an early da.y and with his tall form, flowing beard and courtly manners soon attracted much notice in public and social circles. For a time Iowa had a. bureau of agriculture at the capital and Gen. Wilson was placed in charge of the same. He was also for some time in the agTicultural bureau at Wash- ington. Returning to Des Moines he died at an advanced age several j'ears ago. Dr. Sprague, who was long a prominent resident of Northern Iowa and prominent in agricultural and otlier affairs, after his few j^ears' resi- dence in Des Moines, removed to Chicago. Benjamin F. Gue was an early settler in Iowa and represented Scott County in the General Assemblj''. He was afterwards elected Lieutenant Governor and pre- sided over the Senate with much credit. Subsequently he removed to Fort Dodge, and there edited and pub- lished the Messenger for several years, making it under his management a leading Republican newspaper. He then was appointed United States pension agent at Des Moines, and held this responsible office for a term of four years. After his retirement from the Homestead he de- voted his time to farming and other pursuits. For a few years past he has been connected with the State His- torical Department, where his services are most valu- able. For a number of vears Mr. Gue has devoted much AND THE CITY OF DE8 MOINES. 625 of his time to the collection of material and the prepara- tion of a complete standard history of Iowa, political and otheiT^ase. His keenness of perception and unvary- ing honesty of pur-pose, with his untiring energy, and especially acquired knowledge upon this subject and his long identification and familiarity with the people of the State, eminentlj' fit him for the responsible task of writ- ing an honest and reliable history of Iowa. Such a work is needed, and its appearance from the pen of Governor Gue will be hailed with delighted appreciation by all the intelligent citizens of the State. W. S. Simmons, who for a time controlled the Home- stead, was for several years a working printer in Des Moines, coming here from Columbus, Ohio. Early in 1861 he enlisted in Company E, Fourth Iowa Infantry, and was made a lieutenant. The following year he succeeded Captain Griffiths, who was transferred to the artillery service. Captain Simmons rendered faithful service until the regiment was mustered out at the close of the war. He subsequently returned to and remained in his old home in Ohio. On October 7, 1871, Conrad Beck issued the first Ger- man newspaper ever published in Des Moines, the State Anzeiger. Mr. Beck, in connection with others, published this paper for some three j'ears, when he retired to en- gage in other pursuits. For many years he has been and is now engaged in the United States railway mail sendee, where he sustains an excellent reputation for honesty and efficiency. On February 14, 1874, Col. Joseph Eiboeck, who had been reared in Dubuque and published newspapers in Clayton County, became the editor and proprietor of the State Anzeiger, and for some twenty-two years has con ^9 026 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY tinned in sole charge of this office. Under his able and energetic management the Anzeiger has Avidely extended and increased its circnlatiou and business, and has for years been one of the most influential newspapers in Iowa. During the time Col. Eiboeck has been in charge he has also at different times, and when an important political crisis was at hand, published newspapers in the English language. Among these the Herald of Liberty and In- dependent reached large circulation, and while published wielded a large influence. Col. Eiboeck is a clever, cour- teous gentleman, who has done much for Des Moines, and who has a veiy large number of friends in all parts of the State. The Anzeiger has always been indepen- dent, though generalljr it has been in accord with the Democratic party, and at all times and under all circum- stances has been a strong opponent of prohibition and prohibitory laws in relation to the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors and in favor of regulating and licensing the same. In 1870, H. M. Bishax'd established a weekly newspaper, the Plain Talk, on the East Side. He made it a lively and interesting sheet. He died several years ago, and the publication of the Plain Talk has been continued by his sons, in connection with book and job j)riuting. From 1872 for a number of years Thomas G. Orwdg regularly published the Industrial Motor, in connection Avith his extensive patent right business. Mr. Orwig was the first patent solicitor in Des Moines, and has contin- ued at the head of his profession. A number of temperance or i^rohibition papers have been published for a time in Des Moines, commencing at as earl^y a date as January, 1866, when W. S. Peterson removed the Temperance Platform from Dubuque to this AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 027 city. In 18GS it was sold to the Grand Lodge of Good Templars of Iowa, and remained the Temperance Stand- ard, with S. M. Holt and ^Y. H. Fleming as editors. The next year it was sold to Mr. Holt and by him removed to Marshalltown. W. PI. Fleming was for years connected with yarioiis State offices and Governor's private secre- tary, and then and afterwards with a number of Des Moines newspapers. He is an extraordinarily well in- formed man in regard to the history of Iowa and Des Moines, and of the men and occurrences of the past lifty years. He is also very accurate and clear in his state ments concerning events and men. He was connected with the Dailj' Capital when appointed in January, 1890, private secretary to Governor Drake. In 1875, the Iowa State Record was established b}^ Fuller, Hartwell & Orwig, but its career was brief and it soon was in the graveyard, wliere so many Des Moines newspaper enteri:>rises were before and since buried. Corydon S. Fuller was originally an Indiana printer and afterwards was one of the main originators and founders of the Iowa Loan and Trust Company, one of the strong- est and most noted financial institutions of Des Moines. He died several years since. J. P. Bushnell during his years of residence here pub- lished for a time several trade papers, principally for the purpose of showing to the world the improvements, etc., of the city and State. After an absence of several years, Mr. Bushnell returned to Des Moines and was recently engaged in the "writing up" of counties, cities and towns of Iowa. For nearly two years, from November 25, 1862, Tac. Ilussey, of the book and job establishment of Carter & Hussej^, published a spicy and lively sheet semi-occasion- 628 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY ally under the title of the New Broom, which swept Des Moines with much success during its brief existence. In September, 1870, when the Greenback party was springing into a. lusty, though short life, a daily paper was started in Des Moines in the interest of the party then supporting Peter Cooper. J. F. Thompson was the editor and manager, backed by Gen. J. B. Weaver, E. II. Gillette and other well known men. This publication was called the People, and for a time was successful. But its life was short. Thompson retired, to be succeeded by the noted Porte C. Welch, but not long afterwards the People was dead. A weekly newspaper called the State Tribune succeeded it, and under the control of Rev. P. P. lugalls was for a time very successful. He in turn retired and under the name of the Farmers' Tribune the paper has been continued up to this time, it now being one of the leading organs of the Populist part}' iji Iowa. For several years it was controlled by a company of gentlemen, among whom were Gen. J. B. Weaver, E. II. Gillette, Scott, Gaston, Rowe and others, and finally the paper and material became the property of Thomas Meredith, a wealthy gentleman, formerly of Cass County, who removed to Des Moines and continued the iJublica- tion of the Tribune with fair success. For a few mouths in 1804 the Tribune was issued as a daily, but this was at a loss and this issue was soon abandoned. A few mouths ago a one-half interest in this offlce was purchased by S. D. Crane. J. F. Thompson, who first established the People, went to California years ago, and is said to have been success- ful there. Rev. P. P. lugalls was for many years a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church in low^a and ranked very AND THE CITY OF DBS MOIXES. 029 liigh in this connection. He was a chaplain in tlie army, and towards the close of the war took an active part in procuring funds for the celebrated Iowa Orphans' Home. After his connection with the Tribune he lived in Kan- sas for a time and then returned to Iowa, dj'ing at Iowa City several years ago. Gen. J. B. Weaver now makes his home in Des Moines and is one of the most widely known politicians of the country. He was reared in Davis County, Iowa, read law and, enlisting as a soldier, at the opening of the war was for bravery and good conduct promoted to be colonel of the noted Second Iowa Infantry, and afterwards briga- dier general. After the war he held one or two govern- ment positions, but finally became a leader of what was then known as the Greenback party. By union with the Democrats he was three times elected to Congress from tlie Sixth District. He was also the candidate of the Greenback partj' or People's party for President. In 1894 lie ran for Congress in the Ninth District, but was de- feated. He then returned to Des Moines, where lie has since resided, though his services as a speaker are con- tinuously in demand all over the country, and he travels extensively. E. H. Gillette in 1878 was elected a member of Congress from this district by a union of the Greenback and Demo- cratic parties. He served one term, but was defeated for re-election. He has since taken a prominent j)art in polit- ical affairs. Since severing his connection with the Trib- une he has generally devoted his time to the management of his large farm, and is connected with several Des Moines business enterprises. Among the citizens of Des Moines in the early fifties was a printer by the name of Martin L. Morris. He worked 630 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY for some time in the Star office, and toolv an active part in political affairs. By the efforts of his friends in 1854 he was nominated by the Democrats as their candidate for State treasurer. He was elected, removed with his family to Iowa City and entered upon the discharge of his official duties. In 1856, when the Republican party was being organized Morris cast his political fortunes with the new party, and being nominated by the Republicans for a re-election to the office he then held, he was re- elected, thus holding the office for some four or five years. He continued his residence at Iowa City, and at one time was regarded as a wealthy man, though subsequently he met with financial losses. During the war he was con- nected with the armj^ as a quartermaster and in other capacities. After this he operated some in Kansas and the West, but made his home at Iowa City or in Johnson County, where at one time he had a large and valuable stock farm. He died several years ago. A young attorney b.y the name of C. Ben. Darwin made Des Moines the home of himself and family also in the early fifties. He was a bright, finely educated man, and for a time was the editor of the Whig newspaper. After remaining here a year or two he thought to better his condition by removing to Burlington, where he won con- siderable reputation as a lav^yer, scholar and i^olitician. He was one of the three code commissioners appointed by the General Assembly to prepare what was known as the revision of 1860, and performed his full share of that labor. Some years afterwards he removed to Cali- fornia. His wife remained in Iowa and became promi- nent in several works of reform. Joshua P. Rodgers came to Des Moines in 1856 and worked as a printer for several years in the newspaper AXD THE CITY OF DEH MOIXEH. 631 offices, the greater portion of the time "being foreman for Will. Porter in the Journal office. He went from here to Omaha, and while there married a daughter of the then Governor of the Territory, and subsequently retiirned to his old home at Peoria, Illinois. He was a good printer and an honest, faithful man. Austin B. Rush was a son of John A. Rush, who came to Des Moines about 1850 from Indiana, where he had been somewhat prominent in politics and other matters. A few years after coming here, Mr. Rush died, leaving a widow and a son by a previous marriage, Austin B. The widow was a kind and loving mother to the boj- and spared nothing on her part for the support and advance- ment of her stepson. She subsequently, in ISoG, married Barlow Granger, prominent among the early and later citizens. Austin at an early age became a "devil'' in a printing office and for several years worked in the office and lived with the family of Will. Porter. He was a bright, cheerful boy, and grew into a hearty, healthy man- hood, popular and pleasant with young and old. He was among the first of the young men to enlist in Company D, Second Iowa Infantry. He was a good soldier and a cheerful, happy comrade. He was transferred to the reg- ular army for promotion and made hospital steward at the contraband hospital, then located in the Prentiss House at Vicksburg, after having seiwed some time on the hospital boat Nashville. At Vicksburg he was taken sick and died in September, 1863, aged twenty-two years. Braxton D. Thomas was another well known printer of the earl}' daj's. He came from Maryland to Iowa in 1854, and early in the following year to Des Moines as foreman in the Statesman office for Tomlinson. He worked in that office for a vear or two and then became 632 ANNAL^S OF POLK COUXTY A clerk iu the office of the county treasurer. He was also city clerk for one or two terms. He then engaged in in- surance, etc., and was a candidate for county clerk. He had an extended acquaintance in town and countj^ and was very popular. In the early sixties he left Des Moines, going first to Colorado and afterguards to Kentucky. He was afterwards in Southwestern Missouri and Kansas, and died iu Leavenworth a few years ago. Robert Hedge was for a brief period connected with the Des Moines newspapers. He was also engaged in several lines of business while here, and was for a time city marshal. He was a native of Pennsylvania, and before coming to Des Moines had lived several years in California. In the sixties he went to the mines of Mon- tana and there remained. He held there several local and legislative offices, and became proprietor of a toll road, which gave him a considerable income. He is now living in Montana. The first issue of the Daily News was on November 9, 1881, by George S. McCracken, Charles S. Painter and Clarence S. Wilson. It was started by three young men, who had previously been engaged in newspaper work in Des Moines, as a low-])riced evening newspaper, three cents a copy and ten cents a week. The price was sub- sequently lowered to two cents, aud in May, 1895, was reduced to one cent per copy, making the News the first and at present the only penny newspaper in the citj'. The News met with considerable success from the start. In March, 1883, John J. Hamilton pui'chased the interest of C. S. Wilson, who retired, and in June, 1886, Preston B. Durley purchased the stock held by C. S. Painter. From that time to this the News has continued under the same management, Mr. Hamilton being the editor. The News AXD THE CITY OF DE^S MOIXEH. 033 from the first has been prominent as an advocate of pro- hibition and railroad control. It has a three-a-week edi- tion, which, like the daily, has attained a large auroper and liberal plan. JAILS. February 5, 1849, a contract was made for the erection of a log jail on the same lot where the temporary Court House was to be. It was to be 24x16 feet, wall to be double, of hewn timbers one foot square, the space six inches wide between the walls to be jlled with strong and substantial stone, closely fitted or thoroughly pounded so as to fill the space. The long timbers to be Twenty-four feet long and hewn one foot square, and to be laid first with two inch oaken planks, thoroughly sx)iked down as a floor. The spaces or cracks between the timbers forming tlie walls to be filled with lime mortar. The lower story to be nine feet between lower and upper AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 639 floor, and the upper story seven feet, have three rooms, to be constructed and finished suitable as a family resi- dence. The roof to be of walnut shingles. The contractors were James Guerant and George Snell, but in November, 1849, Snell having died, Guerant was released from his contract, and the jail was then com- pleted under the supervision of E. W. Sypher, who turned it over completed to the county, July 3, 1850. This jail was torn down years ago. Its cost was |1,17G.05. When the new Court House was built the original plans were changed so as to turn the basement intO' a jail, with family rooms also for the jailer. When the addition was built the jail room was much enlarged and many im- provements made. Barred cells were placed in it, and manj' other needed changes made. An effort was made to secure better light, ventilation and drainage, but at the best it is injurious to the health and comfort of its inmates and also to officers and others who are com- pelled to work in the rooms above. Notwithstanding these well known facts a proposition to issue bonds to the amount of |40,000 to biiild a new jail was voted down. The last vote taken was in 1893 to issue bonds for the purpose of building an addition to the south end of the oses, etc. It was a large territory, with widely scattered small settlements of people, but Candidate Casady cov- ered nearly all id' it during the canvass, es|)ecially the northern portion, leaving his friend L,ysauder W. Bab- bitt, of Marion, the duty of making a close canvass of the southern half. They were both elected at the election held in August of that year, Babbitt having as his col- • league in the House, Manly Gilford, of Jasper County. The Democrats carried the county, district and State, but LeAvis Cass, their Candidate for President, was de- feated by Gen. Zachary Taylor, the candidate of the Whigs. This was a hard blow upon the Democrats of Iowa, for the reason they were by it deprived of the fed- eral offices, such as postmaster, land officers, marshal, etc., which were at that day of as much importance if not more to a i)arty than they are today. With the excep- 40 64y ANNALS OF POLE COUNTY tion of the laud office, they were not then as valuable in a money way as they are today, but they were as eagerly sought for and as much enjoyed then as now. This year also occurred the celebrated congressional election in which the Mormons figiired so extensively. Polk County was in the first of the two congressional districts of the State, and the candidates were William Thompson, Democrat, of Heniy County, and Daniel F. Miller, of Lee County. The Mormons, after being driven out of Nauvoo, in Illinois, had temporarily scattered along the southern border of the State and on the banks of th(^ MisKduri KiAor. There was at that time a large set- tlement of these Mormons at or near Kanesville, now Council Bluffs. It was known the fight between the two parties might be a very close one in this district, and this large Mormon vote might decide the contest. It was also known they would vote exactly as their leaders com- manded. Hence, the great desire of both parties to secure this vote. As the story goes the Democrats first laid their plans and thought they had secured the Monnon vote. But near the close of the campaign the Whigs played a better game, in which Thomas Mitchell, Peter Myers and other Polk County Whigs of that day had a hand. They had either more skill or more money. They secured the Mormon vote at Kanesville for Miller. But all was not lost yet, in the Democratic view. The vote of the entire district was to be canvassed at Albia, Monroe County, and Judge J. C. Hall, of Burlington, a leading Democrat, and one of the greatest of Iowa law- yers and men, was there to protect the interests of Thomp- son. Pickett, a Monnon elder, brought the poll books from Kanesville to Des Moines, on his way to Albia. Here the leading Whigs concluded that to make the returns AND THE CITY OF DE8 MOINES. 6i3 valid "Elder"' Pickett should be sworn in or qualified as organizing sheriff of Pottawattamie County. To do this it was necessary to have the services of the county clerk. William Wallace, the clerk, a good Democrat, did not propose being used for this purpose and he "took to the woods." Dr. Brooks, C. 0. A"an, Peter Myers and other Whigs were angered at this and finally induced the dep- uty clerk, Lewis Wliitten, to swear in Elder Pickett and sign his papers. The elder then proceeded on his way to Albia, thinking his troubles were over. But they were not. The elder reaching Albia went to the Court House to deliver the returns. There he was greeted by County Clerk Barbour, who told him to take a seat, as he was not quite ready to receive and receipt for the returns. The elder laid them upon the table. A crowd of men had gathered and there was much talk and perhaps some drinking when Judge Hall inquired of the elder about the returns and asked the privilege of looking at them. But when the elder went to the table to get them the poll books were gone ! The,y had mysteriously disappeared. Clerk Barbour said truthfully they had not been returned to him, the disconcerted elder could not find them, and all present disclaimed any knowledge of their where- abouts. The offlcial canvass was made without the Mor- mon vote being counted and Thompson was declared Con- gressman by a small majority. He took his seat, but Miller contested, and these identical poll books after- wards turning up Thompson was ousted and Miller given the seat. The true facts about these poll books appear to be that during the discussion in the office of the clerk they were quietly, without his knowledge, slipped into Judge Hull's saddle bags and then put out of the way for a time. This incident caused much excitement and political talk for some years, but as the vote was generally 044 Ax:v-iLN OF roLK couyrv i'('i;arde'. Dauit'l F. Miller, \y]\o took so prominent a part in this canipaigii nearly fifty years aiio, was loni;' an honored citizen of Fort Madison and Keokuk, served in tlie Gen- eral Assembly of 18!>4, as a member of the Mouse from Lee County, and died late in 18!t."). AMlliam Thompson, his opponent, ^\"as for years editor (d' the Burlini;ton Gazette, served with distinction durin.i;' the war in an Iowa Cav- alry I'e.iiinu'ut, and at its close \\-as i;iven -,' comnussion in the IJeiiular .Vrmy. After loni;- service therein he was honorably retired and became a. resident id' Califoiatia. I*. M. Casady, so loni;' and yet an honored citizen of Des Moines, served in the Senate for four years and de- clined a re-electio7i. He was one of the leaders in this body of leiiislafiu-s, who by their pi'actical \Adsdom and sound judjunient laid the Viroad and solid foundations u])on whicli the .uTeat State of loAva has been built, lie aided in startini;' the movement whitdi a fcAV years later made Des Moines the ca])ital of the Stat(\ lie was one of the comndttee which outliiu^d and nanuMl all the coun- ties in the western and northern ]iortion of the State, and fully dischariied his (^'ery duty as the representa ti^'e (d' and le.nislator for so larye a portion of Central Iowa. Lysander \\'. liabbitt, cdected to the House from this district in 1S48, Ihoui^h only for a time r-esideid in P(dk County, is worthy of at least brief mention here. He served for several years in the Ignited State drayoons and afterwards becanu'one of the first settlers of Bocnu^ Cive utter AND THE CITY OF DE^ MOnEH. Hio auce to his opinions. STibsequeiitlv he beeaiiie a prom- inent citizen of Couneil Bluffs; for years owned and edited the "Bngle," a leading' newspaper of that section, was register of the United States land office and held other otHces of honor and trnst. Some years ago he removed to the State of Arkansas and there died. Among the liioneers of Iowa the name of Lysander W. Babbitt should be given a high place. The first State Senator from the district of which Polk County was a part, was Thomas Baker. He Avas one of the earliest residents of Des Mf)nies, a lawyer and a bright and popular man, and a prominent figure at that early day. Being elected a member of the first State Senate, the members thereof were reipiired to draw lots for the two and four year terms. Senator Baker drew a short rerm, and hence only served two years. But tliere being no Lieutenant Governor undei- the first Constitution of the State, he was elected President of the Senate, al- though he at that time was a Senator from the far Avest of loAva, liA'ing some forty miles fartlier west than any , how- ever, the then new Kepnblican party carried a portion of the count}' ticket, TT. M. Hoxie, Republican, being elected (derk of the courts and coujity, and the Presiden- tial vote in the county was (dose. In the following year came one of the most exciting local elections ever held in the county. This was in 1S57, and the liglit then on between the East and West i^ide had much to do with intluencing tlie result, and hence the vote was not strictly a ])arty one. After a hot and vigorous campaign the Dem- ocratic candidates for the county offices were all elected by varying majorities. And tliis was the last time that party carried I'olk (^'ounty for the whole of its ticket. Two years after, in 1859, the Republicans elected their entire^ ticket, and from that day to this they have been uniforndy successful, frequently carrying the county by /uajorities running up into the thousands. Occasionally a Democratic c;indidate would be elected, but these oc- casions were not frel — Bernard Callan, elected C(')unty surveyor; Isaac AV. (triffith, sheriff. 1871 — Dan M. Bringolf, elected sheriff. 1873 — William Lowry, treasurer; Dan M. Bringolf, re- elected sheriff'. 1875 — William Lowry, re-electef holdini;- tlu^ elections at the honse of Patviek Kelley. Skunk — All of townships SO and SI, north of rauLi'e 22, west, ami townships SO and SI, north of rani^e 2o, west, and tile place of holding;- the election at the house of Henry Burge. Madison — All of townships (SO and SI north, ran!:;e 24 west, and townshi])S SO and 81 north, rant;e 25 Avest, and the place of holdiui;' the (dection at the house of (ieornc Beelte. Des Moines — All of townships 7S and 79 north, ran!j,e 23 west, and townships 78 and 79 ncu-fh, rant;-e 2i west, and townships 78 and 79 north, ran,t;v 25 Avest, and the place of luddinii' thc^ election at Fort Des Moines. Lynn — All of township 77 north, raiiii'e 25 west, and township 77 north, rant;e 24 Avest, and the place of hohl- iu.n the election at the house of James Heart. Four Mile — April 13, 1817, the Board ordered that townslui:)S 78 and 79, north of Des Moines RiA'er ami toAVushi]) 80 of Hkunk ToAA-nship should be knoAvn as Four Mile ToAVuship. The place for holdin^i;- elections was fixeoard ])roceeded to a.nain diA'ide «54 ANNALS OF POLE COUNTY the county into townships, and P. M. Casady was em- ployed as connsel for the Board. This ueAV division made the following townships: Eichland — That so much of township 77 north, range 22 west, as lays on the southwest side of the Des Moines KiTer, and the place of holding the first election shall be at the school house situated near the house of Benjamin Phillips. In 1853 it went back to Warren County. Allen — All of congressional township 77, north of range 23 west, and so much of townshiij 78, north of range 23 west, as lays on the southwest side of the Des Moines liiver. The place of the first election in said township was at the house of Thomas Reese. Saylor — So much of township 79, north of range 24 west, as lays east of the Des Moines River and the south lialf of township 80, north of range 24 west, and the place of holding the first election was at the house of John Saylor. Madison — All of townships 80 and 81, north of range 25 west, all of township 81 and north half of township 80, north of range 24 west. Des Moines — Townships 78 and 79, north of range 23 west, and townships 78 and 79 north, range 24 west, liart of township 79, north of range 24 west, which lays on the west side of the Des Moines River. Lj'nn — All of township 77, north of range 25 west, and township 77, north of range 24 west. The place of hold- ing the first election was at the house of James Heart. In 1853 went back to Warren County. Camp — All of townships 78 and 79, north of range 22 west, and so much of township 77, north of range 22 Avest, as lays on the northeast side of the Des Moines River. AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 655 The place of holding the first election was at the house of Patrick Kelley. Skunk — All of townships 80 and 81, north of range 22 west, and townships 80 and 81, north of range 23 west. The place of holdiiig the first election was at the house of Henry Burge. Four Mile — All of township 79, north of range 23 west, and that part of township 78, north of range 23 west, which laj's on the north side of the Des Moines Riyer. April 10, 1818, Greenfield Township was created, con- sisting of township 77, north of range 24 west. In 1853 this township was returned to Warren County. January 3, 1849, sections 13, 14, 15, and IG, township 80, range 24, were taken from Madison and added to kSaylor Township, and the south half of township 79, range 24, was taken from vSaylor and added to Des Moines Township. January 9, 1850, congressional townships 79 and 80, range 22, were detached from Skunk and created into the Township of Beaver. The first place for holding elec- tions to be at the house of Eli Trullinger. October 9, 1851, township 79 and the south tiers of sections of township 80, range 23, were set off from Four Mile and made the Township of Delaware. January 7, 1851, Jefferson Township was created, being taken mostly from Madison Township and all lying west of the Des Moines Eiver. April 10, 1851, in accordance with a petition of the citizens who disliked the name Skunk, it was ordered that thereafter it be known by the name of Elkhart Town- iship. 656 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY jMai'ch (I, ISijit, con^i-essioiial township 80, i-aui;e 22, AAas luaile into Franklin Tdwnsliip. On the sanu^ (la1(^ township 81, ran,i;e 22, Avas ordered or_i;anizi'(l into ^\'as]iin.L;ton Townsliip. Sejiteniber 28, 1857, all that porti(.>n of Des Moines Township (^ast of the Des Moines River Avas made Lee Township. The writer was ex-otBcio the tirst jnstice of the ]»eace of the neA\' townslii]!. Shortly afterwards he resii^ned and had Will Tondinson appointed his snc- ccssor. Se]itenilier (>, 18.1S, Ihiiii^las Township -was created ont of i»arts of Delaware and Elkhart ToAvnships, and in- elnded all of coniii-essional toAA'nship 80, rani^e 23. September 20, 1858, all that portion of Des Moin<'s Townsliip, lying' south of the Kaocoon Kiver, was made Bloomtield Township. Sejiteniber 21, 1858, a portion of Madison ToAA'nshi]) Avas ordered made into a new toAA'nship of Jackson, bnt this order was not fnlly carried out, and in the following Jnly the order was annulled or A'acated. Sejitember 21, 1858, a portion of Camp Avas added to Four Mile Townslii]), and a ])ortion of the latter added to Lee ToAA'nship. March 20, 1800, the ToAvnships of ^'alley and Walnut were ci'eated out of all that portion of Des Moines Toaa'u- ship lying outside of the corporate limits of the City of Des Moines, on the AA'est side of the Des Moines lUA'er. L>ecend)er 27, 1870, congressional township 81, range 24, Avas made Lincoln Township, and township 80, range 21, east of D(^s Moines River, created Crocker Townshij), and Saylor ToAA'nship Avas i-educed to that portion of congressional toA\'nship 7!l, range 21, lying east of the Des Moines RiA^er. AND THE CITY OF DES BIOINES. 657 September 7, 1870, a portion of the territory of Lee Townsliip, lying outside of tlie City of Des Moines, was made the new Township of Grant, and a short time after the remaining portion of Lee Township, outside the city, was annexed to Saylor Township. June 14, 1878, the east two miles of Delaware and the west two miles of Beaver Townships were made into Clay Township, the election to be held at Altoona. On the same date the new Township of Webster was created from the north four and one-half miles of Wal- nut Township. Later a portion of Jefferson was added to Webster. Later most of the townships were divided into two or more voting precincts, to accommodate the voters. By the extension of the limits of the City of Des Moines in 1890 the following townships were more or less af- fected: Des Moines, Lee, Grant, Four Mile, Delaware, Saylor, Valley, Webster, Walnut, Bloomfield and Allen, and Grant and Valley Townships ceased to exist. The present townships of Polk County are: Allen, Beaver, Bloomfield, Camp, Clay, Crocker, Delaware, Douglas, Elkhart, Franklin, Four Mile, Jefferson, Lin- coln, Madison, Saylor, Walnut, Washington, Webster, Des Moines and Lee. CHAPTER XXXI. EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. IT IS but natural that a warm feeling of friendship, of brotherly and sisterly love, should spring up between those who, becoming early settlers in the city and county, have associated "\A'ith each other for years and mutually aided in building up city and county, and doing so much to shape its present and future. As years go by and thousands of peoj)le swarm in the jilaces where but a few years ago hundreds were to be found, and as each year sees the passing awa}' of those early citi/.ens, more or less rapidly, and all of them are in or approacli- ing the aged list, it is natural that those of the early settlers wlio remain are drawn more and more closely together. They were together at the beginning and they desire to be together at the end. More separated in some respects than they were in the early days, when they nearly all knew each other and were more or less thrown together in their daily work and business, they now feel the need of, and heartilj^ eujoy the annual reunions which are a pirominent feature of the Polk County Early Set- tlers' Association. The need of such an organization was felt at an early period, but not until 18G8 did this desire take actual shape and form. On February 26th of that year some twenty-five met at the City Council Chamber and de- cided to form such an organization. Isaac Cooper was chairman and Peter Myers secretary. The following gen- tlemen were appointed a committee to draft a constitu- tion: Denias Kobinson, .J. A. Nash, J. M. Griffiths, G. AND THE CITY OF DBS MOiyES. G59 W. Cleveland and Hoyt Shermau. At a subsequent meet- ing, held ou March 2, 18GS, the committee reported a con- stitution, ^\-hich was adopted and the Association of Early Settlers of Polk County was duly brought into life and being. With some amendments adopted from time to time the original remains the constitution of this day. The first oflicers of the association were: President, Thomas Mitchell; vice presidents, Isaac Cooper, John Hughes, *J. D. McClothlin, Peter Newcomer, J. C. Jor- dan, Thomps(m Bird, F. Nagle, H. H. Baylor, Thomas Mc- Mulleu, Benjamin F. Frederick; recording secretary, E. L. Tidi-ick; corres])onding secretary, Hoyt Sherman; treasurer, B. F. Allen. The first annual reunion, or festival, was held in Octo- ber, 180S, on the square where the State capitol now stands, and was well attended and much enjoyed. Some four hundred persons were present. The 2>rogramme was: Prayer, Eev. Mr. Be F(n'est; oration, Bev. J. A. Nash; paper on "Early Times," J. M. Thrift. There was a picnic dinner, toasts and responses and the narrative of many incidents of early days, etc. A number of new members were added, bringing the total membership up to one hundred and fifty-six. The second annual festival was held in October, 1SG9. We find the following account of the same in the records of the association, which may prove interesting to the readers of the present day: "Be it remembered, that on this Saturday, the second day of October, 1869, the Society of Early' Settlers met at the capitol square in the City of Des Moines, and held their annual festival. This has been the rainy season; f'ontinued raining every few days from May to the first of the month. On first day of this month it rained all day, and the rivers are very high. Both Court avenue 660 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY and Waluut street bridges gone out, and the river has to be crossed by ferry boat. The society went today to the depot of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Rail- road and were taken across the river and returned in the cars of the said road. Owing to the rains of the day pre- vious and very bad roads, worse than ever known before, there wei'e very few out, except from the city and near hj. The day was clear and pleasant, and we had a pleasant meeting. Toasts and responses, and basket dinner." The following officers were elected for ensuing year: President, Thomas Mitchell; recording secretary, R. L. Tidrick; corresponding secretary, Hoyt Sherman; treas urer, B. F. Allen. These annual reunions have been held with some few exceptions, each year, generally in Des Moines, and have been most pleasant and entertaining gatherings. Last year many of the earlj- settlers spent a pleasant day at Greenwood Park, and there erected a veritable log cabin, something akin to the former cabins of the early days, which now stands filled with many relics of the past. Subsequently the regular annual reunion was held at Crocker Woods, which were thronged with many hun- dreds of the early and later settlers with their children and friends. It has been and is the custom when one of the early settlers dies, to send notice to the members of the association, and they attend the funeral wearing tlie usual badges of mourning. These calls have been some what frequent, as the members one by one drop awa.y from life and from the scenes of toil, sorrow and joy, they have seen or felt during the passing years. A few years more and none of the earliest of these settlers will be left in the county. But let us hope their goodly memories will long live in the minds of those now and then living in the city and county for which they did so much. The following list of earlv settlers is taken from the AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 661 books of the association. It is not as complete as it should be, because of the neglect of many to have their names properly enrolled. Those known to be dead and date of death not given are marked with a * 1843— John Baird, Addison Michaels, *H. B. Mitchell, Peter Newcomer, died 1891; J. M. Thrift. 1844 — Owen Egerton, Mary A. Hoxie, Thomas Mitchell. 1845 — Thomas K. Brooks, *J. F. Brooks, Phoebe Brooks, Isaac Cooper, *Jerry Church, *Eliza Fisher, *William Hughes, Herbert M. Hoxie, died 1886, Ruth P. Hoxie, William H. Hoxie, Elvira Henderson, S. J. V. Hender- son, Martha J. Henderson, Charles J. Henderson, Town- send Hall, *Newton Lamb, Thomas McMullin, died 1880, David NoiTis, *F. W. Nagle, B. F. Prunty, Dr. H. H. Saylor, died 1874, J. B. Saylor, died 1882, Robert War- ren. 1846— P. H. Burrows, Alf. Beebe, Thomas H. Clough, died 1878, James Campbell, Ed. R. Clapp, B. Cooney. Phineas M. Casady, J. M. T. Corey, William Deford, Val- entine P. Fink, S. T. Filson, J. B. Grimstead, Florence Ginn, John Hays, died 1890, Jarvis Hougham, *Richard Holcombe, Sarah A. Ilarrod, Pleasant W. Harris, Sam- uel Hunt, F. M. Howard, *James C. Jordan, A. D. Jones, J. C. Jones, *Durham J. Keeney, Rosana Keenej', James Laverty, *Pcter Myers, D. C. Mar-tz, died 1879, John D. McGlothlin, died 1878, Daniel Mock, M. Eli Millinger, Mrs. E. Noel, Webster Nagle, Walter Oyler, *Ezra Rath- bun, died 1879, R. W. Sypher, died 1879, *John B. Say- lor, George Sneer, died 1891, *Conrad Stutsman, Mary H. Stutsman, W. R. Vice, Resin Wilkins, S. G. Winchester. 1847 — Philo S. Case, Benjamin Bennett, D. F. Barlow, Elisha Canfield, William R. Close, Catherine Carson, James H. Dean, Annie Dean, John S. Dean, died 1872, 662 ANNALS OF POLE COUNTY *Thomas Elliott, F. E. Elliott, B. F. Frederick, J. H. Finch, Sarah J. Finch, died 1890, Aaron Hougham, *J. J. HaiTod, H. S. Hendrix, Lj'sander Haryej', vStephen Ilar- Tey, Martha J. HarveT, W. AT. Jones, died 1SS3, ^Jervis Jones, D. J. Longnecker, Richard Stanton, Mahala J. Mc- Mullin, Elizabeth L. Pnrsler, J. F. Randolph, *Richard Stanton, Andrew Snyder, John C. Smith, Robert S. Fred- erick, died 1894, J. C. Thompson, Hannah Thrift, D. 11. Thraikill. 1848 — * Jonathan Lyon, William Lewis, William L. Pitcher, C. D. Reinking, Hoyt Slierman, Lorenzo D. Sims, died 1895, Chris Shoemaker, James Stanton, George C. Sims, Christian Sims, died 1857, A. B. Shoemaker, died 1888, Charles C. Van, died 1885, William Van Horn, Green Wheeler, Thompson Bird, died 1SG9, Lonisa Bird, *J. AV. Bnrgett, Elizabeth Cady, Alex Bowers, died 1874, J. A. Eyerett, John Barlow, died 1873, J. E. Fagan, C. B. Fagan, L. H. Bnsh, C. W. Garrett, Stephen Harvey, died 1891, *H. M. Bnsh, C. AA\ Garrett, Steplien Harvey, G. W. Hickman, David Bnsh, died 1880, Sarah E. Hen- derson, *J. C. Jordan, Lewis Bender, *Alfred M. Lyon, George W. Lyon, AA\ H. Lehman, AA". H. McHenry, died 1893, AV. S. Mills, C. A. Mosier, John A. McFarland. 1849— A. C. Breckbill, Jacob Bender, Thomas Crab- tree, AA\ M. Campbell, Messe S. Dicks, Ed P. Dicks, *Jo- seph C. Davis, Cyrns Gates, John Harley, Robert How- ard, James tiall, *Grauvil]e Holland, James Hnston, Joseph Hardin, *Maria J. Hardin, AV. L. Hawkins, -J. A. T. Hnll, J. AV. Hawkins, AVilliam P. Hnrd, J. AA^ Jones, died ]873, Dr. AV. IT. AA^ard, Francis M. Wilkins, Alad- ison Yonng, died 1872, AA'illiam McClelland, AA'illiam Pnrsley, Byron Rice, Hugh G. Rogers, L. P. Sherman, Harry Stephenson, died 1870, Catlierine Tyler, died 1893, AND THE CITY OF DEfi MOINES. 663 W. Van Horn, X. T. Yovse, died 1877, W. W. Williamson, died 1893. 1850— Curtis Bates, died 1879, H. S. Busick, Molm Crow, *Thomas Cavanagh, William Dawson, James De- pew, Dan M. Flinn, Squire Flinn, J. M. Griffiths, Sam- uel M. Good, Elizabeth H. Holcombe, A. S. Kingman, Levi Krj-sher, *H. E. Lovejoy, *Harrison Ljou, Xatliau McClelland, Taylor Pierce, William Kogers, B. H. Steele, M. R. Sypher, W. H. M. Smith, Celia Smith, W. F. Spaulding, Sophia Shoemaker, Lucia Stutsman, Calvin Thornton, J. D. Williams, J. W. Williams, Joseph Wil- liams. 1851— Mrs. William Baker, J. P. Casady, Dr. William Baker, Frank Casady, born, Dr. D. V. Cole, *S. M. Dyer, Daniel O. Finch, John H. Given, Mary A. Galbraith, M. E. Galbraith, *Davis Hughes, *Joseph W. Haskell, *Sau- ford Haines, William Jiistice, Daniel Justice, William Mar-tin, *J. D. McClaiu, James W. Mills, Samuel Noel, Rev. J. A. Xash, died 1890, L. L. Page, Amanda Page, John F. A. LI. Roberts, J. A. Rhyno, Myra A. Reed, John Rutherford, Wesley Redhead, died 1891, Hoyt Sherman, Jr., J. B. Tiffin, J. P. Wilson, John Youngermau, *B. Zell, Richard Ashworth, Abram Ashworth, James T. Ashworth, Charles H. Ashworth. 1852 — Simon Casady, X'oah Devault, Hannah De- vault, Annie Gleasou, J. Lee, Marion Lee, John A. McCall, Larkin Murray, Cole Noel, John Rickabaugh, Ella Reinking, Frank A. Saylor, Jacob Sagers, *Joh;i Temple, Leonard Brown, M. L. Devin, S. W. Edinburn, George W. Fuller, W. S. Fisher, Benjamin Fuller, Syl- via Fuller, Capt, H. H. Griffiths, died 1885, H. C. Hargi ■, *W. A. Hunt, N. J. Harris, D. F. Harris, William H. (i64 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY Leas, died 1892, *John Morris, Da,vid Manbeck, T. J. McCleary. 1853 — *A. M. Overman, John Parker, Pitt Prentice, DeWitt Prentice, F. R. Prentice, died 1879, Eli Eison, J. R. Rittgers, Joseph B. Stewart, W. R. Stimson, Zeph- oru Stimson, Dr. Alexander Shaw, died 1893, Alex. C. Talbott, F. R. West, died 1895, Martin Winters, died 1895, Dr. H. C. Whitman, died 1885, Dr. Henry Courtney, died 1861, W. C. Burton. 1854 — Mary Brown, Hugh Brown, Jacob Brazeltou, E. L. Burnham, F. W. Chaffee, Wear Casady, died 1881, '•James Crane, FaiTon Case, M. C. Christy, *Duane De- votie, Robert W. Dickey, died 1884, John A. Fleming, *John Jack, Joseph Kuhn, died 1895, J. J. Fredergill, John Fox, Edward Higgins, Lowiy A. Harvey, E. S. Harter, J. W. Conine, L. Hamilton, *J. W. Laird, *Mich- ael McTighe, Patrick McTighe, died 1882, Francis Mar- tin, William McDivitt, S. J. McGrady, Frank Meehen, Aiigustus Newton, died 1890, W. S. Pritchard, Thomas W. Parks, Heniy Reinor, *Demas Robinson, F. H. Ross, William Riddle, Charles P. Reinig, Samuel Rees, James C. Savery, John L. Smith, died 1874, Mary A. Smith, died 1889, William Shepard, Hiram Y. Smith, died 1895, *W. M. Stone, John Thompson, D. E. IMer, *C. W. ^''an Horn, R. C. Van Horn, Joseph CI Warner, died 1882, J. A. Woodward. 1855 — Jule Bausmau, Daniel Bare, Will. Porter, Har- riet M. Porter, D. M. Bringolf, Jacob Bringolf, A. Brin- ;;olf, C. F. Clarkson, to Iowa in 1855, died 1890, C. Brotchi, ( ;elia M. Bare, *T. E. Brown, Simon S. Bitting, K B. Cooly, Samuel H. Carson, died 1884, Ira Cook, R. W. Clark, died 1 895, James O. Clark, *G. AV. Cleveland, Juo. N. Dewey, died 1889, Thomas Duncan, J. P. Foster, Stephen Farr, AND THE CITY OF DES 3I0INES. 665 Tlied 1892, Seth Graham, W. H. Ginn, died 1895, F. M. Hubbell, J. Add. Hepburn, died 1893, George M. Hippee, C. C. Howell, Joseph Hierb, died 1887, *M. M. Crocker, George W. Dunkle, A. J. Dunkle, W. J. Payne, William Kahm, *John Johns, Stacy Johns, Theodore Johns, Mar- cus Kavanagh, Michael Kennedy (first drayman), *Jacob Knadler, Thomas King, Jr., Isaac Kuhn, James F. Kemp, .John Leyner, *C. P. Lnse, Absolom Morris, died 1877, George D. McCain, .John McGrady, .James Miller, Jane H. Miller, died 1892, M. E. Nordyke, died 1871, S. R. New- man, A. Newman, C. W. Nicholas, Jeft" S. Polk, William Phillips, *Robert R. Peters, Ed Parmenter, E. L. Russell, S. H. Reynolds, Sumner F. Spofford, died 1885, *E. San- ford, Charles Spoiford, died 1872, E. M. Smith, .James Simington, "^Thomas Stringham, W. D. Trowbridge, F. A. Trowbridge, Jane Tobin, Samuel Van CI eve, died 1886, R. L. O. Van Cleve, Charles S. Vorse, died 1890, C. A. Weaver, Nancy D. Ha.skell, Gen. -J. A. Williamson. 1856— John Bryan, W. S. Bennett, William Babb, Mary A. Babb, G. G. Githens, died 1880, Evin M. Bolton, died 1871, Albert Bell, Isaac Braudt, J. S. Cook, died 1869, ^Caroline Clark, Dencil Carter, *Rose Casady, born, George Crawford, George H. Cranston, *J. M. Dixon, Har- rison A. Eaton, Stewart Goodrell, died 1872, S. Har-ter, Sara J. Plowell, S. -J. Cope, John Daugherty, died 1890, M. A. Daugherty, E. A. Ingham, B. F. .Jones, Thomas H. .James, William Lowry, L. W. Larsh, .John Mitchell, died 1890, S. B. McCall, *M. D. McHenry, A. L. F. Mower, Mary E. Mower, S. M. Nelson, F. T. Nelson, John O'Con- nell, M. J. Owen, .John Peuu, John Rogers, A. Y. Rawson, died 1895, S. A. Robertson, Margaret P. Robertson, -John R. Rollins, .James L. Scott, J. P. Sharmau, *.J. O. Sherwood, *.John Slatten, Marian Slatten, D. D. Skinner, died 1895, 666 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY Mary Skinner, Angnstus Terlinne, Franklin Voodrj^, George Whitaker, S. D. Welling, died 1890, *J. G. Weeks, ■ Dyer H. Young, died 1879, Conrad Yonngermau, X. B. Yant. 1857 — ''George C. Baker, J. S. Carter, John Cassiday, Ann Cassidy, Samuel Green, Henry Hahnen, Hugh Y. King, George W. Barnes, E. X. Curl, C. C. Cole, William M. Day, Stewart Goodrell, Jr., born, L. Harbacli, Aggie Kimble, Giles H. Turner, died 1880, Spencer Lee, *E. D. Janes, A. C. J>()U(lurant, Mattie Dicks, W. C. Gabraith, D. C. Githens, M. A. Githens, Thomas A. Hallett, *Lewis Kinsey, John A. Kasson, Dr. C. H. Rawson, died 1881, Dr. J. O. Skinner. 1858— *N. Baylies, Amos W. Brandt, F. W. Car- l)enter, died 1875, William Dickersou, Isaac W. Griffith, Charles H. Gamp, *Selby S. Griffith, A. L. Griffith, E. J. Ingersoll, died 1891, P. J. Kimball, Marcus Kavanagli, Jr., born, J. G. Milligan, John P. Robertson, born, Harry C. Porter, born, Moses Strauss, Martin Tnttle, David Ut- tersou. 1859— Rev. John F. Brazill, died 1885, *C. W. Ensign, G. L. Godfrey, J. B. Laugiuan, J. M. St. John, J. R. Thomas, M. P. Turner, J. K. Wilkins. 1860— John BroAvne, died 1882, J. W. Check, W. H. Turner, T. J. Wright. 1861— W. F. Gruss, Thomas J. Kennedy, L. II. Kurtz, N. S. McDonnell, Philip Morgan, E. S. Stone, H. A. Titu^^. 1862— L. M. G. Barnett, R. G. Orwig. 1863— A. G. Field, M. D., *Dr. B. L. Steele, Edward Vaughn, Nelson Van Horn. 1804 — Annie B. Bristow, W. G. Bagg, Percie E. Bagg, John A. Elliott, died 1887, *George W. Jones, C. A. John- son, P. F. Morrisey, *Gen. James M. Tuttle. AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 667 1865— W. Baldwin, J. M. Cog-geshell, died 1885, J. T. Horning, James H. Long, died 1880, J. W. Miifflj, James Porter, W. R. Ray. 1866— J. P. Bushnell, George M. Dimmitt, W. P. De- Long, John M. Otis, C. O. Otis, Rose St. Jolin, Hattie M .Tliraillvill, Job Throckmorton. 1867— W. A. Colton, O. W. Munsell, Wylie M. Moore, Samuel Men*ell, George Schram, Isabella C. Schram. 1868— John M. Day, Dr. R. G. English, William Mus- son, Lester Perkins, W. M. Patrick, Adelgertha Russell, M. T. Russell, W. H. Tanner. 1869— E. Harris, Nancy McDivitt, W. R. Stewart. CHAPTER XXXII. FERRIES AND BRIDGES. THE first problem of the early settlers of Fort Des Moines and Polk County was the crossing of the Des Moijies and Kaecoon Eirers at this point. At some seasons cT the year both rivers could be forded, but at other times this was impossible. Some way had to be provided for cariying- men, horses and wagons over the streams. The ferry, as was natural, came first. The first person reg- ularly licensed to maintain a ferry across the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers was John B. Scott. His first license was from Mahaska County, which for a short time claimed jurisdiction over this section, and afterwards, in 1847, a license was granted him by Polk County for the sum of five dollars. His charges for ferriage were fixed by the county as follows: Cents. For crossing a footman over either river 5 Man and horse 12-]- Wagon aud two horses 37-]- Wagon and four horses .50 Loose cattle, per head 5 Hogs and sheep, per head 3 In 1845, Edward Martin was licensed to establish a ferry across the Des Moines River, below the town, and during the next few years a number of ferry licenses were gTanted in the county. The Scott franchise at Des Moines was of course the most valuable, and for several years John and Aleck Scott had large receipts therefrom, especially during the time of the heai^ California emi- gration. At a later period an effort was made to have AVD THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 669 the town j^urcbase the Scott interest in the feny and make it free to the people of the county, and a bargain was finally" made. But the record does not state it was fully carried out. These ferries were a great convenience to the people then here, as well as to travelers passing through the countrj', and they answered the purjiose for which they were intended. In addition many of the residents along the river had their skiffs or boats, and with these aided in keeping communication open between the two sides of the river. In the fall of 1816, Jerry Church estab lished two rope ferries near his town of Dudley, and at times did a prosperous business. However as the town and county became more wealthy and thicklj- settled, there came a demand for bridges. They were more costly, but much more convenient than ferries, and the}' must be had. In 1855, came the first bridge across the Des Moines in this county. It was only a pontoon bridge, and some- what roughly made at that, but it well answered the purpose for which it was designed. It was built at the expense of the town, with perhaps some help from the county, and was located about where the Grand avenue bridge now stands. This float bridge was a great con- venience and was kept in place some two years. About the same time in 1850-57 preliminary work was commenced on trestle or arch bridges at Court avenue and Market streets. The latter was the first ready for crossing, and was pushed forward mostly through the energy and means of W. A. Scott. This was opened to travel in 1857 and may be called the first regular bridge across the Des Moines River. It, however, was not con- structed as well as it might have been, and unfortunately 670 ANNALS OF POLE COUNTY broke down in 1S59. It Avas recoustracted by J. C. War- ner, but was swept away by high waters iu 1861. The Court avenue bridge, which was completed a short time after the Scott bridge, was built under the supeiwisiou of U. B. White in 1856-57, and was a much more sub- stantial bridge in every way. In time, the bridge show- ing decay, it was rebuilt in 1866 by U. B. White and Dr. M. P. Turner. In 1869 this bridge broke down, and iu 1870 new piers Avere constructed, and the present line iron bridge, on the post truss plan, was erected, at the expense of the city. In 1862, Dr. M. P. Turner and U. B. White erected a bridge across Raccoon Eiver at "the Point.'' In Febru- ary, 1865, this Avas SAvept aAvay by ice during a freshet, and Avas rebuilt by July of the same year. This did service iintil the present bridge was built in 1872. In March, 1866, S. F. Spofford, Frank R. Laird and others arranged for the erection of a bridge on Walnut street, and this AA'as completed and opened for travel in October of the same year as a toll bridge. This bridge Avas subsequently broken down and was replaced in 1871 by an iron bow string girder bridge. Later this broke down, and after some delay, a few j'ears ago the present fine bridge Avas built by the city. The Seventh street bridge across the Raccoon River Avas first built in 1871. The Rock Island was the first railroad bridge built across the Des Moines River. This was in 1868, and Avas followed in 1869 by the Des Moines Valley Railroad bridge. Then later on came the Wabash, the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad bridges, and in the last feAV years the bridge over the Raccoon of the Des Moines and Kansas City, and the Great Western Railroad bridge AXD THE CITY OF DES MOIXES. 671 over the De.s Moines below the mouth of the Raccoon Elver. During the past ten years the city has built bridges across the Des Moines on Locust and Grand avenue, and farther up at the crossing of Sixth avenue, and over the Raccoon near the watenvorks. The city and county have invested a large amount of money in bridges inside the limits of the city, and the county large sums in bridges across the Skunk, Des Moines and other streams, but they now have a number of strong, handsome structures thoroughly adapted to the wants of the people. The half dozen railroad bridges inside the city limits, and other bridges in the county, have caused the expenditure of large sums of mouej^ by the railroad companies. Taken as a whole the city and county are now well bridged, but every year there is a call for more of these impor- tant and necessary structures. In 1S79, a committee appointed for that purpose ap- praised the value of the four city bridges — Walnut, Court avenue, Coon Point, and Seventh street— at .|100,.349.19, and about this time they were all made free bridges and have since remained free to all, the county having paid much of their cost. CHAPTER XXXIII. SEWERS, PAVING, ETC FOR years the streets of Des Moines were to some extent graded, but no attempts were made to ma- cadamize or pave the same. The result was that, with the rich alluvial soil upon which the city was lo- cated, during various seasons of the year the streets were in a yerj bad condition. The mud was deep and it was no common sight to see wagons and teams mired in the principal streets. Some attention had been paid to side- walks, and these were mostly of plank, afteu rough and uneven, but generally passable by pedestrians, but the streets, except by grading, had generally been left as dirt^ roads. Part of the jear these made very good roads, but at times, as before stated, they were in a very bad condition. There were many complaints of this state of affairs, and the citizens generally were convinced that something must be done and done soon to remedy this evil and make our main thoroughfares at least what the streets of a prosperous and growing city should be. They all saw the need of a radical improvement, but how it was to be made was the question. At one time when the streets were in a very bad condition, Levi J. Wells, the veteran livery man, gave the citizens an object lesson by hitching four of his horses to a river skiff and thus navigating the principal streets. This ludicrous lesson was not without its good effect. It aided the public in grasping fully the deplorable situation and determined them to at once proceed upon a work which had already been too long delayed. AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 673 James Callanan, a wealthy citizen, was one of the tirst to suggest and advocate a thorough and systematic plan for sewering and paving the citj'. In 1878, S. A. Rob- ertson, a leading and practical builder, became a mem- ber of the City Council, and he took hold of the move- ment with zeal and energy, and in connection with others in and out of the council, never rested until this great work had been fairly started. The noted civil engineer, Ohesebrough, of Chicago, was induced to paj^ a visit here and make a thorough examination, topographically and otherwise, and after completing his examination pre- sented a general plan for a complete sewerage system for the entire city, which was adopted by the City Coun- cil, and work at once commenced upon it. The first Avork was the building of a sixtj^-inch brick intercepting sewer along First or Water street, from Locust to the mouth of the Raccoon River. This was built by Contractor Maj. P. H. McCauley, in 1879, at the total cost of |14,327.56. Brick sewers were then built on Court avenue. Mulberry and Walnut, and later on of brick or tile on connecting- streets. Each year more or less new sewers were added, both on the east and west sides of the river, with anothe)' intercepting sewer on the East Side. This work has been steadilj' pushed ahead hj the city during these sixteeii 3'ears. The enlargement of the city boundaries by the taking in of so many of the suburban towns necessarily enlarged tlie original seAverage plans, and these have grown with the growth of the city, and even beyond this, as the enlarged plans provide for a population many times larger than are now congregated within the limits^ of the city. They now extend north, east, west and south, and some of these sewers extend for miles, and have cosi: a large amount of money, of which a portion has been 67-t ANNALf< OF POLK COUNTY paid from the general sewer fund and the remainder by assessments upon the property contiguous to the sewers. Following the building of sewers came the paving of the streets of the city. The first street paving was com- pleted in June, 1SS2, on Walnut street, from First to Fifth. This was with cedar blocks, the contractors being J. B. Smith & Co. During that year the paving was ex- tended on Walnut and also laid on Court avenue. Locust, and on Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth streets. Part of this was macadam, but tlie greater portion was laid with cedar blocks, which were then regarded as the very best for street paving. The following year more paving was done, cedar blocks, macadam and stone blocks being iTsed. For a few years following other streets were paved, the preference being generally given to cedar blocks. Of the latter, however, complaints began to be made, and in a few years this style of paving lost much of its previous popularity. It made a nice street for a time, but soon became rough and uneven, and gave sure indications that it would not last as long a time as had been claimed for it. Those interested finally saw that some other and better material must be found, if it was expected to keep the streets in good order without the trouble and expense of continuous repair. About 1888, hard, thoroughly vit- rified brick was suggested as a solution of the problem. After much consideration early in 1889 brick was first used in Des Moines for street paving. Imiirovements and experience in the laying of the same have shown that hard brick is much better for this purpose than any of the (ither material previousl}^ used, and during the past few years brick for street paving has come into general use, not only in Des Moines, but also in many other cities and towns. A few years ago S. A. Robertson, in connection AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 675 with Martin Flj^nu and other enterprising citizens, in- vested a large amount of money in a plant, called the Des Moines Brick Manufacturing Company, with the lat- est improved machinery, and have manufactured manj' millions of brick — shipping to other cities and towns a large proportion of their production. The success of this plant induced John B. McGorrisk, E. T. Likes and others to engage in the brick manufacture, and the result is there are four or five large plants in or near the citj^ pro- ducing many millions of brick each year and giving em- ployment to many hundreds of men. Des Moines brick now stands in quality and reputation in the first rank, and the demand for it increases steadily each year. These manufacturers are now ship]»ing their brick not only to points in this kState, but also to other States and fear no competition. Brick paving has evidently come to sta}", and bids fair to become the popular paving throughout the coimtry. In his official report, January 1, 189.5, Frank Pelton, city engineer, says: "The total amount of paving in the cit\' is 1,040,221 square yards, and the cost of laying these pavements was .fl,G55,5S0.70. The added length of all the pavements is 210,000 feet, or 1.5.57 miles." During the past year or two much of the cedar block paving has been removed and replaced with brick, mak- ing the total of brick street paving January 1, 1895, amount to 119,328 feet, or 28.28 miles. Each 3'ear there has also been a large amount of grad- ing done in bringing the streets to grade, and much more remains to be done, as the city engineer states there are within the enlarged limits of the city 367 miles of streets without counting the alleys. To show how rapidly this street work is being pushed 676 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY » forward, City Engineer Pelton gives tlie following fig- ures for the year 1894, when the permanent improve meuts made amounted to the sum of $392,084.52, as follows : Grading paid for by assessment | 581.58 Grading paid for from grading fund 9,670.07 Paving streets 195,470.37 Paving alleys 29,735.85 Constructing sewers 152,432.24 Constructing curb 3,201.41 Constructing culverts 344.00 Eepairing Seventh street bridge 649.00 The public improvements made during the year 1895, according to the last report of the city engineer amounted to -f 205,809.10, as follows: Sewers | 30,891.74 Paving streets 164,021.94 Paving alleys 2,775.78 Constructing curbs 16,684.93 Grading paid for by assessment 1,379.03 Grading paid fi"om grading fund 10,564.50 Constructing culverts 1,707.10 Constructing and I'epairing bridges 5,954.42 East Side drainage svstem 3,375.00 Bird's Run .'...' 23,149.5 1 1260,503.98 The total length of sewers in the City of Des Moines, January 1, 1896, was 317,780 feet or 60 2-10 miles. The total amount of paving, sti'eets and alleys, at tlie same date was 1,171,643 square yards, costing |1,820.- 948.09. Tlie total length of the streets paved was then 273,229 feet, or SliJ miles. The total length of curbing at that time was 460,945 feet, costing .|261,394.06. The noted Bird's Run was during the vear 1895 changed AND THE CITY OF DBS MOINES. 677 into a sewer or drain from its mouth to Eleventh street at the cost of .|22,812.10, and is to be extended to School street. This conduit is deemed large enough to drain the entire valley tributary to it. The total length of water mains in the city January 1, 1896, is placed at 81.8 miles. CHAPTER XXXIV. WOMAN'S SUFFRAGE SOCIETY. BY MRS- M. J. COGGESHALL. THE Polk County Woman's Suffrage Society was organized October 25, 1870. It was the re- sult of the convictions of a few earnest men and women, who, by a happy fortune, became known to each other. That active, educated and many sided woman, Mrs. James C. Savery, secured the services of Mrs. Harriet M. Cutler, of Illinois, and Mrs. Amelia Bloomer, of Council Bluffs, for a series of lec- tures upon "Woman Suffrage," and thus brought the liberal thought to the young city of Des Moines to an acquaintance. Among the charter members were Mesdames Deborah Cattell, Mary A. Work, A. S. Kissell, Rebecca Nourse, Mary P. Fuller, Eliza H. Hunter, C. H. Gatch, Martha C. Callauan, Mary J. Coggeshall, S. Sharman, M. Gray Pit- man and others. There were a few giant men in those days, such as Dr. James Wright and Corydon E. Fuller, who stood by the society from the beginning, and by their larger experi- ence were an invaluable help to the new organization. With the shortsightedness wliich marks many societies bidding for popular favor it chose for its first president one of the most prominent and fashionable society wo- men of the city, who was not present at the meeting. In a few days this lady came out in a card in the daily papers informing the public and the woman suffrage AND THE CITY OF DES 3I0INES. 679 society that she had "no STiiipathy with the movement." Then, in a spasm of good sense, it cliose for its leader that gifted and sweet-spirited "Motlier in Israel," Mrs. Susan Sharman. What was the society organized to do? It was a united attempt to educate public sentiment in favor of equal j^olitical rights for women. From this higher ideal the society has never swerved for a moment, and has taken no vacations. Xo Iowa summers have been so hot or winters so cold or stormy but the regular monthly meetings have been held. Only once in the twenty-flve years has there been an omission. In December, 1876, when the railroad bridge at Ashtabula Avent down with its living freight, and the only son of Mrs. Ludia (t. Aid rich went down with it, tlien for once this society paused in the paralysis of sympathy. Has anything been accom])lished? In actual change in legislation but little; in the education to believe in woman suffrage, very much. Perhaps there is no better testimonial to the strength and inspiration of such an organization than the zeal Avith which those of its mem- bership who have gone out from it have carried the cause into their different fields and gathered about them simi- lar societies. Mrs. Maria S. Orwig, still the correspon- dent of the State Register, is closely identified with re- form work in Chicago. Mrs. Laura A. Berry is still edit- ing a woman's paper in Denver, Colo. Mrs. M. A. Dor- sett, who graduated at the Iowa Law School soon becani" a leader for woman suffrage in Minnesota. Miss Jennie Brown, who studied law in the office of Judge Cole, whe:) last heard from was marshalling the suffrage forces of Sterling, 111. Miss Kate Tupper has just been through a suffrage campaign in California. Mrs. Lizzie Boyut(si 680 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY Herbert, author, editor and lecturer, is prominent in suf- frage work throughout the country. Mrs. George Bemis is the leader in the Political Equality Club of Indepen- dence, Iowa, and many others of whom space will not permit mention. The State Woman's Suffrage Association Avas organ- ized in Dubuque in 1869. As early as 1875 in its annual meetings in Des Moines several members of the Polk County Society became officers in the State association, since which the society has kept in touch with the work of the entire State, a quorum of the State executive com- mittee being always in this city. During the Industrial Exposition in Des Moines a handsomely decorated "space" was arranged in the build- ing, Mrs. Eliza H. Hunter taking charge. Here petitions were presented, literature distributed, questions an- swered, and a weekly paper issued. This society was largely instrumental in having erected a beautiful cot- tage upon the new fair grounds, where each year during the fair relays of its members keep open house to the passers-by, and on "Woman's Day" some eloquent speak- ers entertain the multitude. If the number of lectures given under the auspices of this society coTild be correctly estimated it would show a marvelous dissemination of the gospel of wo- man's equality with man. The steady zeal of its mem- bers has been phenomenal. No adverse legislative de- cisions — and there have been many — have driven them from their purpose. They not only give freely of their time but of their substance. Thousands of dollars have been spent in the work, yet no debts have been incurred. During the suffrage campaigns in Kansas and Colorado this society contributed hundreds of dollars to aid the AlsW TEE CITY OF DBS MOINES. 681 women of those States in their struggle for freedom. The State paper, the "Woman's Standard," established b.y Mrs. M. C. Callanan, has been almost wholly the work of the members of this organization. Through the courtesy of Landlord Macartuej', the home of the society for the last few years for its business meet- ings has been the parlors of the Kirkwood House. The monthly parlor meetings are held at private residences. These have grown to such proportions that only the larger houses can accommodate them. The twenty-first anniversary of the society has just been held. The character of the people attending, the size of the gathering, and the style of the addresses, attest the immense growth and standing of an organization which had its feeble beginning far back in a time when to be known as a woman suffragist was to be under a ban. CHAPTER XXXV. EARLY SETTLERS. AD. JONEB was ijromiuent among the early settlers of the future city and will alwaj^s be noted a« • the man who "laid out" the original town of Fort Des Moines. lie was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylyauia, January 30, 1S14, and came to Fort Des Moines, Feb- ruary 13, 184:(). lie says he spent the first night here with Squire Meacham, who then kept a small tavern and store on the East Hide. It is also said of him that upon the day after his arrival he attended a political convention, was made secretary and nominated for the office of county surveyor; to which office he was afterwards elected. In those days they were all "new comers" and no special lengtli of residence was required of a man before he could take an active part in politics and become a candidate for office. In these latter days it has been said of some men that they stopped off here between trains and being given an office at once became active citizens. Mr. Jones was tlie pioneer of this class. He appears to have been a sort of general utility man, and was ready for anything which might turn up. Lawyers were few in those days, and Jones took an active part as a pettifogger in the few law suits of that day. He held a number of town and county offices, sometimes two or three of them at the same time. The county seat having been located at Fort Des Moines by the commissionei-s appointebell to show the manner of doing business in those early da,ys. Then the merchants all kept general stores. It was be- fore the days of stores exclusively devoted to one or two particular line of goods, though these small general stores may have been the forerunners of the large depai-tment stores of the present day. Mr. Sypher pushed his busi- ness, and in time became one of the most successful busi- ness men of the young city. He also established branch stores in neighbor-ing towns, one of the chief of these being at Boonesboro, then the county seat of Boone Count3^ His partner and local manager there was Samuel B. Mc- Call, a noted man in the early history of that county. He was the first sheriff of Boone County, for years county judge and also a member of the General Assembly from that district. He was also a gallant soldier in the late war. During the panic of 1857, and the financial depres- sion which followeil, Mr. Sypher lost heavily. When the firm of Newton & Keene failed Mr. Sypher became tlie assignee, and for some time conducted a large business, principally in dry goods, in the east room of Exchange block, corner of Third and Walnut streets. Retiring from this in after years he was extensively engaged in coal mining and other pursuits. During his early life he took a somewhat active part in political matters, and was school fund commissioner for years, member of City Coun- cil, etc. He also superintended the building of the first 088 ANNAL>S OF POLK COUNTY jail ill tlie county, a liewecl log building. In all the re- lations of life, Mr. Sypher was one of the best of men — honest, kind and straightforward in all his dealings. He died in this city, April 9, 1879, aged sixty years. For some thirty years Benjamin F. Allen was one of the most prominent figures in the business and social life of Des Moines. Born in Indiana he came here in 1848 with considerable cash capital, which he had managed to accumulate through his own efforts and the help of his uncle, the late Gen. Allen, of the United States Army. Intending from the start to make this his home, young Allen, from the beginning to the end, was ready to engage in any undertaking which might aid in building up Des Moines. As was the custom of the daj^ with business men of anj^ capital, he at once opened up a general store at the corner of Second and Vine streets, having for a time, we believe, his relative, Jonathan Lyon, as a part- ner. His merchandizing was successful. But he was not content with this, and engaged in other enterprises. He and Charles C. Van erected a steam mill, then much needed, and Mr. Allen also became interested in the orig- inal dam and mill in the city, which has since been re- placed by the strong dam of the electric works. He was also interested in the purchasing and chartering of steam- boats to run from the mouth of the Des Moines River to the Raccoon Forks. Of this more will be found in an other place. About 18.55 Mr. Allen virtually retired from merchandizing and devoted his attention principally to banking and operating in real estate. The private bank- ing house of B. F. Allen soon became noted and a favorite one throughout the State, and stood high in the estima- tion of tlie people. When in the latter part of the fifties a number of banks were started in the Territorv of Ne- AND Tjj^ ^ts, especially in central and west ern Iowa. He was always liberal in his subscriptions to churches, colleges and other educational or charitable in- stitutions. He aided generously in the building of rail- roads, of bridges, the introduction of gas and water into the city, and in all the other improvements proposed for the 3'ouug and growing city. Both as a State Senator and as a citizen he labored and expended freely of liis money to secure the erection of the magnificent capitol, and it is no reflection upon others to now say that without his valuable aid there would have been delay, perlia]>.-< of yeai-s, in the commencement nf this great work in wliicli Des Moines \^'as and is so vitally interested. Mr. Alh'U also ei^ected at large expense a magniliciMit residence on (h-eenwood avenue in the western poi-tioii of the city. "When built it was perhaps the finest ]irivntr residence in tlie Stat(\ Tliere for a fcnv years Mr. and Mrs. Allen disjtensed the most gem>rous hospitality. Mis first residence, and Avhere he lived for many years, was on the ground now occupied by the Aborn House. 690 ANNAL^S OF POLK COUNTY The first banking house occupied by Mr. Allen was on the west side of Second street, between Vine and Mar- ket streets. At this writing only a small portion of the old frame building is left, and will soon all be gone. Its site is now surrounded and will soon be occupied by the extensiTe buildings belonging to the large foundiy and works of vSani Green & Sons. In 1857 the bank was re- moved from there to the briciv building built in 1S5C-57 by Capt. F. R. West on tlie corner of Fourth and Court avenue. The Clarksou Brother.s subsequently purchased the building and enlarged it and it has been for a num- ber of 3' ears and will no doubt remain for many more years the permanent home of the State Register. About 1874 Mr. Allen, through some means, was in- duced to purchase a controlling interest in the Cook County Bank in tbe City of Chicago, and he made that city his headc|narters, although continuing his private bank in Des Moines. For several years he had been considered one of, if not the most wealthy of Iowa men. But from the time of his removal to Chicago his financial decline Avas rapid, though up to the last thousands of men and women in Iowa had faith in his financial soundness. To the surprise of all these the crash came in 1876, when the < 'ook County Bank closed its doors, and the banking house of B. F. Allen in Des Moines Avas forced to do the same. It was a sad blow to all the people and a terrible one to the hundreds who had entrusted their monej^ to the banker, many of them losing all their savings. The feel- ing and excitement was intense for weeks. Public meet- ings were held, and yet many had confidence Allen would in tlie end come out all right. He promprtly signed over all his vast properties for the benefit of his creditors. But complications, litigations and other causes in the A^W THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 691 end absorbed nearly all the large assets, and the smaller depositors and creditors finally received bnt a small portion of their just claims. B. F. Allen himself saved little, and in a short time was virtually i"educed to poverty and to add to his misfor-tune his beloved wife, a daughter of Capt. F. R. ^A'est, sickeiied and died. From this time, on misfortune seemed to follow Mr. Allen's path. He tried bravely time and again to retrieve in some measure his fallen fortunes, but without avail. His courage was undaunted, but luck was persistently against him. He finally accepted a position as special agent of the United States land office, and being assigned to California, faithfully discharged the onerous duties of this office for a small compensation, and is now living in California, on a fruit farm which he is endeavoring to improve and make from it a support for his old age. William F. Ayers was one of the very first settlers in the town, having come here with the troops. He was a tailor by trade and did some work for the soldiers, as well as for the earliest settlers. He was the first treas- urer of the county, having been elected April G, 1846. He was one of the original signers of the agTcement made by the holders of claims when a Claim Club was organ- ized for mutual protection in April, 1848. He made his claim on, and afterwards secured title to a valuable tract of land on the west side of the Des Moines River above the dam. He was engaged in a number of enterprises, and about 1857 built a fine flouring mill a shor-t distance below the dam, on the west bank of the river. A fev/ years after its erection this mill was totally destroyed by fire. Mr. Ayers died a few years thereafter. His son, Guy Ayers, is and has been for years a well known resi- dent of the East Side. Another son, David, was for some 692 ANXAL>^ OF FOLK COUNTY time the owner of a dnig store in this city, and years ago removed to California, where he has since resided. To John B. Saylor belongs the credit of making the first chiim or settlement on the Des Moines River above this city. He came to Fort Des Moines in April, 1845, liaving a contract to snpply the troops w'ith beef cattle, hay, etc. He had a iiermit to oi)en a farm, and selected a splendid tract of land, npon part of which the town of Saylorville was in a few 3'ears after located. His claim was a very valnable one, the land being of the best qnality, with a beantiful grove of timber and good Avater easily obtained. He was a brave and enterprising man, and had a most excellent helpmeet in his wife. The>- cheerfnlly endnred all the har(lshi])s and privations of pioneer life ami hjoked lioiiefnlly forward to the tinjc wlien they wonhl be thickly snrronnded with neighbors and friends. Mrs. Saylor I'emained at honu- with her cliildren dnring the fre(]nent absences, some of these pro- longed into wi^eks, of her hnsband on business. At first. sli(^ relates, tln^ W(}l\'es were numerous, and tliey would sonuMimes chase the house dog to the door of the caliin and stare at her with their fiery eyt^s while she \\'as en- gaged in her household duties. Strolling bands of In- dians also often made their ai)]iearauce at the lonely cabin, but they generally behaved ]iro])erly and aroused but little feai- and trouble. ( >ne lime a ]iarty of them cauK' A\iieii (li-uiik to Saylor's cabin and demanded his meat. He took uji a club and using it with efl'ect drove them away. Sul)se(|iiently, another band of half-dniuken Sacs cauie to the cabin when ilr. Saylor A\'as absent and deiiiande:! wliisky of ilrs. Saylor, olT(^ring to trade their moccasins for the fa\'ore(l be\'ei-age. Th(^ ladv liardh- knew A\hat to zLiYZ) THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 693 (1(1, when her little boy reiiieiiiberiiig the action of his father, solved the problem bv seiziu};- a bean pole and lustily belaborini;- the drunken saYages, who hastily took their departure. Mr. Haylor was born in Franklin County, Indiana, in 1802, and did mason work and farming for a number of yeai'S. He then went to Indianapolis, where he married his first wife, Margaret S. Pogue, in 1820. She died less than tliree years after. He married Mrs. Mary Saylor, whose nuiiden name was Howard, in 1831. !^he then had one son by a previous marriag(_^, Thomas J., Avho is now the first of the early settlers of this county. Tliey came to Iowa, settling in Van Buren (jmnty in 1838, and removed to Polk Countj' in 1844. Mr. iSaylor, from the first, was one of the most prominent and useful citizens of the county. He took an active i)art in public affairs and aided in establishing the first Methodist Church. He was the contractor and builder of the first Court House of the county. He took a trip to Denver and the mountains in 1859 and was much with the army during the War of Rebellion. Pie died while with the army at Vicksburg, July 20, 1803. Benjamin Saylor, a brother of J. B., came to this county a short time after his brother and settled at Saylor Grove. He was prominent in the early history of the county, and was a member of the first board of County Commis- sioners, being elected in April, 1840. He was a most excellent man, and always ready with his aid to the build- ing up of the material and other interests of his neigh- borhood and of the county general!}'. He aided in erect- ing the first school house and took a just pride in his work. He was married to Miss Elizabeth Norris at an early day. He died several years ago. 694 ANNALS OF POLE COUNTY Franklin Nagie was from the beginning a leading man in Saylor Township, and Squire Nagle, as he was gen- erally called, was well known in town and count}'. He was born in Belmont County, Ohio, in 1804, and first came to Iowa in 1842. He lived in Van Buren County until 1846, when he came to Polk County and made a claim on the land he liyed upon and cultivated for so many years. He took an active part in all matters of public interest, was an ardent Republican and for years was a regular attendant upon all caucuses and conven- tions of that party. Often somewhat hasty in temper, he was never afraid to speak out his honest sentiments in a rapid flow of words or denounce that which he re- garded as wrong. At the same time he was one of the most liberal and generous-hearted of men, ready at all times to help the needy and succor the distressed. In all this latter work he was always aided and encouraged by his wife, whom he had married in 1826. Her maiden name was Rebecca Jackson, a native of TN'ashington County, Pennsylvania. They had twelve children born to them, of whom three are dead. For many years the Nagle home, nine miles northwest of the city, was a much sought-for resting place for friends and travelers, and many pleasantly remember their visits to Bquire Nagle's house in years past. Squire Nagle was the first justice of the peace of the township, and held other local offices, though always ready to help his friends to place and power. Within tlie past few years both these worthy pioneers have passed from earth. CHAPTER XXXVI. U S. LAND OFFICE. THE establishment of a United States land office at Des Moines, as was seen at an early day would not only be a gTeat convenience to the early set- tlers, but would also be of large advantage to the town. It would bring many men and much money to them, ^^•o^ld extend the name of the town throughout the coun- try, and would be a great help in many ways. Realizing* this in the latter part of the forties efforts were made 10 accomplish this purpose, but without success at that time. There was much rivalry between the young cities of that time for the location of the new office. Oskaloosa and other points were after it and using every effort to secure the prize. Hon. P. M. Casady was then State Sen- ator, and through his efforts more than those of anj- other man was Fort Des Moines at last victorious. Through his shrewdness and popularity with members of the General Assembly he procured the adoption at two sessions of a joint memorial asking the authorities at Washington to establish a United States land office at Des Moines. This had much weight and was a hard blow to the aspirations of rival towns. In 1852 Millard Fillmore, a Whig, was President, and Senator Casady was a Democrat, but he had the help of leading Whigs in this v,ork, and finally in 1852 orders were issued for the establishment of a United States land office at Fort Des Moines, much to the joy of the people then living in Cen- tral Iowa. I'his neAV land district did not extend far to the south. 696 ANNALS OF FOLK COUNTY only the northern part of Warren County being in it, but it extended east as far as Grundy County and far west, while north it run to the Minnesota line, as fine and ])roductive a body of land with less waste than per- haps fould be found in any other laud district in the United States, or any other country. Opening in 1852 this land office did a^ large business, especially during the years 1854-55-56. Then came the big rush for Iowa lands, and men flocked here from all the States of the Union to purchase of the government these now valuable lands. Land agents soon became numerous, and when rhe writer came here in the spring of 1855 it appeared as if half the rooms on the main street were occupied by land agents, bankers and brokers. The hotels of that clay were daily and nightly crowded by laud buyers and s]»eculators. The livery men did a paying business in those days, furnishing teams and carriages to land seekers who scoured the country for more than one hundred miles around, principally north and west, seeking the best lo- cations and making their best selections. The land pur- chased from the government then had to be located with Military bounty land warrants then being largely issued on account of the recent war with Mexico, or paid for in gold or silver. Warrants were eagerly sought for, and gold and silver the main money in circulation. It fact, at times, it was difficult to excliange gold for current paper money. Almost every man in town dealt more or less in lands and lots, some of them frequently buying and selling ;igain in a short time at a large advance in prices. Men would also travel over the country and make what was then called "selections" of the best tracts of unentered lands, and then sell the "numbers" or descriptions of AND THE CITY OF DB.s' MOINES. 697 the tracts, at good figures, to those desiring to enter lauds at the goverumeut office. This became qiiite a business for a time, but it was said some sharpers took advantage of it to sell "numbers" when they had never examined the land and knew nothing as to its character. A large business was also done in what were termed "Forty Per Tent Deals." For instance, a man knew of a good quar- ter section of laud and wanted to enter it. He would go to a banker or broker and ask him to enter it. This the latter would do, locating a land warrant or paying ^1.2r-i per acre, but entering in his own name. Then the banker or broker would give the wotild-be purchaser a bond for a deed generally within one year when the said purchaser repaid the purchase money, -$1.25 per acre, with forty per cent additional. This now looks like a heavy rate of interest, and was, but much valuable land was acquired by many persons in this manner, and they were very hicky deals for those who paid the forty per cent. And very often the holder of the bond assigned it to another party who cheerfully paid him from -1100 to -If.DOO for the assignment, and thus the bond holder would make a large profit without having invested a dollar of his own money in the purchase. Surveyors, good, bad and indifferent, were all in demand, to accom- pany parties of land hunters and aid them in the selec- tion of lands and received high wages for their services. This rush of land business continued until the latter part of ISofi, when the withdrawal from market of ho much land on account of the gTauts made by congress for railroads in this State, followed as it was by the financial troubles of 1S57, placed a sudden and severe check upon the land business, not only in this district, but also throuyliout the entire cfuuitrv. Hut during the 698 ANNALf< OF POLK COUNTY years of the rush nearly all the land in the district had been entered, especially as regards those deemed then the- best selections. As all the money then received in the land oftice was in gold and silver, and the receiver being- required to deposit the same in the United States Sub- treasury at St. Louis, when the amount reached f25,000, he or his agents and guards had to make trips to the place of deposit. And as there were no railroads in the early days of t^ie State these trips were tiresome and not free from daniier of robbery. But none of the govern- ment money was lust, and when we consider that in those early days there were few safes of any kind in the town, that in small frame and log buildings, in the rooms of crowded hotels, and in other places there were thousands of dollars in gold and silver, bank notes and land war- rants, and yet robberies and burglaries were compara- tively unknown, it seems to the present day observer very singular, if not wonderful. The passage by Congress of the homestead and timber culture laws, also changed to a great extent the business in the United States land oftice. There have been oc- casional spurts when business at the land office in this city has been very brisk, but generally it has been of a quiet nature, although gradually all the land offices in the State, some eleven in number, have all been consoli- dated into the Des Moines office, and here are now gath- ered together all the government land records of the State. The honorable commissioner of the general land office at Washington has kindly furnished the following list of all the registers and receivers of the United States land office at Des Moines, with the dates of their commissions. The registers were: AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 699 George L. Nightingale, commission September 3, 1S52. Robert L. Tidricli, April 20, 1853. Thomas A. Walker, May 10, 1851. Robert Brown, August 17, 1857. Isaac W. Griffith, April 16, 1858. Stewart Goodrell, April 2, 18(31. Thomas Seeley, February 17, 1864. Felix G. Clarke, February 12, 1868. William Porter, June 30, 1887. Robert L. Tidrick, May 19, 1888. D. M. Fox, May 27, 1889. Nicholas R. Kuntz, March 8, 1892. Edward P. Evans, April 12, 1894. The receivers of public moneys were: Eliphalet Price, commission September 3, 1852. Thomas A. Walker, April 20, 1853. Phineas M. Casady, Mav 10, 1854. Henry B. Welsh, Aprifg, 1857. Isaac Cooper, .June 25, 1857. John G. Weeks, April 2, 1861. Stewart Goodrell, April 1, 1867. G. L. Godfrev, April 21, 1869. Henry H. Griffiths, October 20, 1876. Martin D. McHenrv, June 30, 1885. Fred Babcock, March 17, 1890. William H. Turbett, April 28, 1894. PENSION OFFICE. The United States Pension Agency was established in Des Moines in 18G5, and Peter Myers was the first agent. There were at that time three agencies in the State, Des Moines, Dubuque and Fairfield. In 1866 Myers was suc- ceeded by Maj. J. D. Thompson, of Hardin County. In 1869, Stewart Goodrell was appointed agent, and served up to the time of his death, November 11, 1872. Hon. B. F. Gue, who had been several times a member of the General Assembly, and two years Lieutenant Governor, and then living at Fort Dodge, was appointed his suc- cessor. He served four years, and during his term the 700 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY iimiibtT (if n.^eiieies were iiuicli decreased, the States of Iowa and Nebraska being made cue district, with the office at Des Moines. Then followed Jacob Kich, Col. (J. S. Lake, Capt. Stephen A. Marine and Maj. Charles H. Eobinsou, the present iucnmbent. More than eight mil- lion dollars are now paid out annually at this agency, as old soldiers are very numerous in both Iowa and Ne- braska, many thousands of the soldiers of the Eastern States having since the war settled in these two States. Iowa has more old soldiers in proportion to populati(m than any other State in theUuion, with the possible ex- ception of Kansas. CHAPTER XXXVII. FIRST COUNTY ORGANIZATION. THE County of Polk Avas organized at au election held on April 6, ISili, and on April 13, of tliat numth the newly elected Board of Coniniisisoners met at the chosen county >seat, Fort Des Moines, for the trans- action of business. The commissioners were Benjamin Savior, William II. Meacliam, Eri W. Fonts. The latter was not present at the first, but was on the second day. According- to the record Mr. Fonts was not present at any other meeting of the board, though no cause is as- signed nor was his seat declared vacant. All the county business of the term was transacted by (Aininiissi(mers Saylor and Meacham, the latter being chairman. The first order was that the temporary seal of the county should be the eagle side of a half dollar. At this first session the bills of judges and clerks of election were allowed, and licenses were granted to W. W. C'lapp and to Addison Michael to keep .a grocery — for the sale of intoxicating li(iuors — for three months from April 7, 181=6, for the sum of $6.25 each. These were the first persons allow(-d by laAv to sell sucli liquors in Des Monies or Polk County. It will be noticed Avliat are now called saloons or barrooms were then called groceries, and this was the name given them by the law of Iowa then in force. During the first year the board was in session only ten days. In August of that year an entire new board \\'as elected: Thomas Black, Edward Martin and James i\Iount. In August, 1817, Members Black and Mount were retained on the board and Andrew Gloseclose took the 702 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY place of Martin. The board thereafter was composed of the following- members: 1848-50— Thomas Black, Andrew Gloseclose, John D. McGlothliu. 1850-51— Thomas Black, John D. McGlothlin, Josiah Hopkins. It will be seen that Thomas Black served all except one rear of the entire existence of the County Board. Under tlie new code of 1851 these Connt.v Boards were abolished and what was called the Connty Judge system was adopted. This gave this judge the control of all county business previously vested in the Board of Commisisoners and also gave him jurisdiction over all probate business. This gave extensive powers to the county judge, but at the same time much expedited all county business. It Avas well adapted to the new counties, aud for a time was very popular with the people. But in course of time, and through the ill-advised action of these judges iu some of the counties the people became dissatisfied and in 18G0 the General Assembly created the Board of Supervisors to atteud to the business of the counties. The office of judge was retained, shorn of much of its former powers, until 1869, when it was finally abolished, and the office of countj^ auditor created. The first county judge of Polk County was F. B. Bur- bridge, who was elected in August, 1851. He died in ()ctober, 1851, and was succeeded by Byron Rice, who had previously been elected prosecuting attorney. The law provided this officer should succeed in event of a vacancy in the office of county judge. Byron Rice im- mediately assumed the office upon the death of Judge Burbridge, and at the next election was duly chosen by the people. Judge Rice sers^ed until June, 1855, when he AND THE CITY OF DEfi MOINES. 703 resigned to become a member of the banking firm of Greene, Weare & Rice, whicli was one of the strong bank- ing firms of those days. Judge Rice remained a member of this firm until it retired from business several j-ears later. He was one of the leading pioneers and business men of the county and city, and having accumulated a fair amount of wealth has traveled extensively, although retaining his home in the city, of which he has so long been an honored and respected citizen. At the time of the resignation of Judge Rice, Barlow Granger, so well known to all the older and to a large proportion of the younger people of the county, was pros- ecuting attorney. By operation of law he became county judge and served from June 29 to Ai;gust 23, 1855. At the August election of this year Thomas IT. Napier, who had previously been sheriff, was elected county judge. He was re-elected in 1857, and retired in 1859, after serv- ing four years. Judge Napier was a man of large propor- tions, both bodily and mentally, and it was his good or bad fortune to serve during a time when the city and county were growing rapidly, an exciting and formative period, and when matters of grave local importance agi- tated the people and called for ability and decision on the part of the county judge. During his term of office local feeling ran its highest between the East and West Sides, the erection of new Court House was commenced, bonds were voted for the Court House, and also to aid in the construction of the Mississippi and Missouri (now the Rock Island) Railroad and other ciuestions of grave im- portance to city and county came up for a decision by the county judge. As was to be expected under the cir- cumstances Judge Napier came in for much more than his fair share of abuse and misrepresentation. At the 704 AXXALS OF POLK COUNTY same time lie .seldom lucked lojal support aud endorse- ment from his numerous friends. He may have made some mistakes — this was natural — but upon the whole his ad- miustration of county affairs was wise aud judicious. Aud under the peculiar circumstances he is entitled to a large amount of credit for the same. This credit he received in after years. After retiring from the judge- shi]i .Judge Napier remained for a number of years a citizen of the city and for some time held the office of justice of tlie i>eace in Des Moines. Ills son having re- moved to Nebraska the judge finally Aveut there a few years ago. Thomas 11. Xajtier will long be remembered as a man taking deservedly liigli rank in the early set- tlement aud building up of Polk Countj'. He died in 1S94. .John n. McClelland, of Des Moines, was elected in Oc- tober, 1S59, to succeed Judge Napier and held the office six years. During his term, January, 1861, mau}' of the responsible duties of the office Avere transferred to flu- Board of County vSupervisors. Judge McClelland was an Ohio man, a graduate of Oberliu College and came to Des Moines in 1855, and Avas for some 3'ear.s engaged in tlic mercantile business vrith the Laird Brothers. He Avas a most excellent man, just and honest in all his dealings, public and priA'ate, and won for himself a deservedly high reputation as a public officer. I\etiring from office he was for a time engaged in business, but not long tliere- after Jiis health failed and a fcAV years after he died, dee]i]y regretted by all. T\'. S 2I01XES. 711 LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR. John A. T. Hull, elected November 3, 1885. AUDITOR OF STATE. Andrew J. Steveus, elected August 7, 1854; resigned 1855. TREASURER OF STATE. Martin L. Morris, elected August 2, 1852; re-elected August 7, 1854; re-elected August 4, 1856. SECRETARY STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION. Josiah T. Tubby, qualified December 21), 1858. REGISTER OF STATE LAND OFFICE. Edwin Mitchell, appointed by (.Toyernor aud qualitied October :31, 1802. y ^ . ^ STATE PRINTER. Frank M. Mills, airpointed by Governor March 1, 1869; elected January 18, r^8(;S, term to commence May 1, 1861). R. P. Clarkson, elected January 24, 1872; re-elected March 18, 1874; re-elected January 19, 1876. Frank M. Mills, elected January 30, 1878; re-elected February 18, 1880.^ STATt BINDER. / Frank M. Mijjj., elected January 26, 1858; re-elected January 25, 1860; ve-elected Jansary 27, 1862; re-elected January 16, 1864. James B. Carter, ehji^cted March :(j^ ^i>°-;66; re-elected January 18, 1868. I Otto Nelson, elected Ja.nuary 188; re-el(?cted January, 1890; re-elected January, 18^-2'?^, it Lafe Young, elected January, 18.. . , i-ic-elected, 1896. 712 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY CHIEF JUSTICE OF SUPREME COURT. Chester 0. Cole, January 1, 1870. Josiah Given, January 1, 1895. ASSOCIATE SUPREME JUDGE. Chester C. Cole, appointed March 1, 1864; elected No- Tember 8, 1864; re-elected October 11, 1870. Josiah Given, appointed by Governor March 12, 1889; elected to fill vacancy November 5, 1889; re-elected 1895. ATTORNEY-GENERAL. Charles C. Nourse, November 6, 1860; re-elected Octo- ber 14, 1862. SUPREME COURT REPORTERS. Thomas F. Withrow, appointed in 1860; reappointed 1864. John S. Runnells, elected October 13, 1874; re-elected October 8, 1878; resigned March, 1882. N. B. Eaymoud, elected November 6, 1 890. STATE SENATORS'! First General Assembly, November 30, 1846. Thomas Baker (Polk, Marion, Dallas and Jaspe. Counties). Elected president of Senate 1846. Second, December 4, 1848. Phinea.^, M. Casady (Polk, Marion, Dallas and Jasper Countie.^). Third, December 2, 1850. ' Phineas i.i:. Casady (Polk Marion, Dallas, Jasper, V -shall, Story. Boone, Warren and Madison Counties). .'^' Fourth, December 6, lj^52. Ancrew \. Hull (Polk and twenty-three othei f;0-'''^nties). \ Fifth, Deceuber 4, xS54. Janrs C. Jordan (Polk and twenty -three other cov^L^^jg^,-), Sixth, December 1, 1S"'<.> James C. Jordan (Polk, Dal- las and Guthrie Connti*,;. AND THE CITY OF DBS MOINES. 713 Seventh, January 11, 1858. William P. Davis (Polk, Dallas and Guthrie Counties). Eighth, January 8, 1860. William P. Davis (Polk County). Ninth, January 13, 1862. Joshua H. Hatch. Tenth, January 11, 1864. Joshua H. Hatch. Eleventh, January 8, 1866. Jonathan W. Cattell. Twelfth, January 13, 1868. Jonathan W. Cattell. Thirteenth, .January 10, 1870. Benjamin F. Allen. Fourteenth, January 8, 1872. B. F. Allen. Fifteenth, January 12, 1874. Thomas Mitchell. Sixteenth, January 10, 1876. Thomas Mitchell. Seventeenth, January — , 1878. Kobert C. Webb. Eighteenth, January 12, 1880. Robert C. Webb. Nineteenth, January 9, 1882^ Hiram Y. Smith. Twentieth, January 14, 1884. Hiram Y. Smith. Twenty-first, January, 1886, C. H. Gatch. Twenty-second, January, 1888. C. H. Gatch. Twenty-third, January, 1890. C. H. Gatch. Twenty-fourth, Jauuaiy, 1892. C. H. Gatch. Twenty-fifth, January, 1894. Thomas A. Cheshire. Twenty-sixth, January, 1896. Thomas A. Cheshire. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. POLK COUNTY DISTRICT- First General Assembly, November 30, 1846, at Iowa City. John N. Kinsman, Simon Reynolds. Second, Iowa City, December 4, 1848. Lysander W. Babbitt, Manly GiiTord. Third, Iowa City, December 2, 1850. Lysander W. Bab- bitt, Edwin R. Guiberson. Fourth, Iowa City, December 6, 1852. J. F. Rice, Ben- jamin Green, Joseph 0. Goodson. 71 J: ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY Fifth, Io^\'a City, December 4, 1854. Alfred M. Lyon, Ezra Yanfosseu. Sixth, Io^\'a City, December 1, 1850. William P. Dayis, Benjamin Green. Third Constitutional Convention, Iowa Citj', January 19, 1857. Thomas Seeley. Seventh General Assembly, first time at Des Moines, January 11, 1858. Thomas Mitchell. Eighth, January 8, 18()0. Stewart Goodrell. Ninth, January 8, 1862. John Mitchell. Tentli, January 11, 1801. Nicholas Baylies. Eleventh, January 8, 18GG. Hoyt Sherman, George L. Godfrey. Twelfth, January 13, 1868. John A. Kassou, Joshua H. Hatch. Thirteenth, January 10, 1870. John A. Kassou, George W. Jones. Fourteenth, January 8, 1872. John A. Kassou, Gen. James M. Tuttle. Fifteenth, January 12, 1874. Isaac Brandt, William G. Madden. Sixteenth, January 10, 1876. Josiah Giveu, AYilliam G. Madden. Seventeenth, January, 1878. Clarence S. Wilson, Jerry B. Tifftn. Eighteenth, January 12, 1880. James C. Jordan, Josiah A. Ilarvej'. Nineteenth, January 9, 1882. Thomas W. Havens, Thomas E. Haines. Twentieth, January U, 1881. Gen. James M. Tuttle, Capt. C. L. Watrous. Twenty-tirst, January, 1886. James G. Berryhill, Wes- ley Redhead. AND THE CITY OF DES 2I01XES. (15 Twenty-second, Jannary, 1888. James G. Berryhill, A. B. Cnmmins. Twenty-third, January, 1890. W. J. Stewart, B. B. Lane. Twenty-fourth, January, 1892. B. B. Lane, X. E. Coffin. Twenty-fifth, January, 1894. Oliver E. Doubleday, (\ 0. Dowell. Twenty-sixth, Janiuiry, 189G. Oliver E. Doubleday, C. 0. Dowell. MAYORS OF TOWN AND CITY OF DES MOINES FROM OR- GANIZATION IN 1851. Thompson Bird, 1852. B. Luce, 1853. L. P. Sherman, 1854. Barlow Granger, 1855. William DeFord, 1856. C. W. Nash, 1857. Served to May 1st. W. H. McHenry, 1857. n. E. Lamereaux, 1858. K. L. Tidrick, 1859. P. H. W. Latshaw, 1860. Ira Cook, 1861. Resigned. W. S. Barnes, to fill vacancy of 1861. Thomas Cavanagh, 1862. W. H. Leas, 1863. W. H. Leas, 1864. G. W. Cleveland, 1865. a. W. Cleveland, 1866. G. W. Cleveland, 1867. S. F. Spofford, 1868. J. H. Hatch, 1869. J. H. Hatch, 1870. Martin Tnttle, 1871. J. P. Foster, 1872. Giles H. Turner, 1873. A. Newton, 1874. A. Newton, 1875. G. H. Turner, 1876. G. H. Turner, 1877. Resigned. 716 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY George Sueer, to fill vacancy 1877. George vSneer, 1878-79. W. H. Merritt, 1880-81. P. V. Carey, 1882-83. P. V. Carey, 1884-85. •J. H. Phillips, 1886-87. W. L. Carpenter, 1888-89. •John H. Campbell, 1890-91. C. C. Lane, 1892-93. Isaac L. Hillis, 1894-95. John MacVicar, 1896. COUNTY TREASURERS. William F. Ayers, elected April 6, 1846; served till Au- gust, 1846. August 17, 1846, Addison Michael became in- debted to Polk County, Iowa, by a tax list of 1846, page 104. October 1, 1847, Whereas, full settlement has this day been made with W. F. Ayers, treasurer, it is ordered that a receipt be given the said W. F. Ayers for all dues against him in favor of said county, dated October 7, 1846, page 28, first book of commissioners' record. Addison Michael, recorder and treasurer, elected Au- gust, 1846. He became indebted to the county by receiv- ing for collection the tax list of 1846. Amount, |375.14; date, October 1, 1846, page 104, commissioner's record. James Campbell, recorder and treasurer, elected Au- gust 2, 1847; bond recorded, page 89. In that he was elected August 2, 1847; approved August 14, 1847. Benjamin Bryant, recorder and treasurer, elected Au- gust 6, 1849. Bond recorded on second page following proceedings of commissioners, dated July 14, 1849. Samuel Gray, recorder and treasurer, elected August, 1851. Entered upon his duties August 11, 1851, as shown by the county treasurer's record book of accounts for 1851-.52, page 12. AIS^D THE CITY OF DES MOINES. Ill Samuel Gray, recorder and treasurer, re-elected August 1, 1853. As shown hj official count, record in book con- taining official count from 1852 to and including that of 1864. Also said book contains proceedings of commis- sioners and county judge from April 10, 1848, to and in- cluding December 31, 1851. Samuel M. Dyer, recorder and treasurer, elected August 6, 1855; re-elected August 3, 1857. Jeremiah B. Tiffin, recorder and treasurer, elected October 11, 1859; re-elected October 8, 1861; re-elected October 13, 1863. The office of recorder separated from the treasurer's office because the population of the county exceeded 10,000, in that case a separate person shall be elected recorder. Code, section 336, page 90. COUNTY TREASURERS. J. B. Tiffin, re-elected October 10, 1865; resigned Oc- tober 14, 1867. Charles G. Lewis, appointed October 14, 1867; elected October 8, 1867; re-elected October 12, 1869. Frank E. Laird, elected October 10, 1871. William Lowry, elected October 14, 1873; re-elected October 12, 1875; re-elected October 9, 1877. Richard K. Miller, elected October 14, 1879; re-elected October 11, 1881. Chester B. Worthington, elected October 9, 1883; re- elected November 3, 1885. Frank A. Baylies, elected November 8, 1887; re-elected November 5, 1889. Charles H. Dilworth, elected November 3, 1891; re- elected November 7, 1893. 718 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY SHERIFFS. Thomas Mitchell, organizing sheriff. Allowed |50 for said services, October 7, 1846. Thomas Mitchell, elected April 6, 1846. Allowed |8 •Jnue 2, 1846, for summoning grand jury for Aj)ril term, 1846; page 7. Allowed .f25 as sheriff at April term, 1847, Served to August, 1847. George A. Michael, elected August, 1847. Allowed for posting up notices, delivering poll books, 'etc., since the loth day of August, 1847, to August 15, 1848, the sum of |50 on July 6, 1848; page 12. Served to August, 1849; two years. Allowed for summoning grand jury for May term of District Court, 1849, |4.50, July 12, 1849. Served two years, to August, 1849. Thomas H. Napier, elected August, 1849. Ordered, that "he" be allowed as sheriff in the above cause $1.40 dated November 20, 1849. Ordered, that "he" be allowed for distributing poll books at the April and August elec- tions, the sum of $40 September 22, 1851. Served two years. Alfred M. Lyon, elected August, 1851. Ordered, that "he" be allowed for services as sheriff the sum of $34.72 November 0, 1851. Ordered, that "he," sheriff, be allowed from August 15, 1852 to 8th day of August, 1853, the sum of |54. Dated August 15, 1853 ; page 114. William H. McHenry, elected August 1, 1853. Daniel B. Spaulding, elected August 6, 1855; re-elected August 3, 1857. John Hays, elected October 11, 1859. Isaac W. Griffith, elected, October 8, 1861. Horace M. Bush, elected October 13, 1863. Cdl. Nathaniel McCalla, elected October 10, 1865. P. H. \an Slyke, elected October 8, 1867; re-elected 'October 12, 1869. AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 719 Daniel M. Bringolf, elected October 10, 1871; re-elected October 11, 1873. George Lendriim, elected October 12, 1875; re-elected October 9, 1877. A. D. Littleton, elected October 14, 1879 ; re-elected Oc- tober 11, 1881. Joshua 0. Painter, elected October 9, 1883; re-elected November 3, 1885. C. C. Loomis, elected November 8, 1887; re-elected No- vember 5, 1889. Joseph D. McGarrangh, elected November 3, 1891 ; re- elected November 7, 1893. James E. Stout, elected November, 1895. PROSECUTING ATTORNEY. Thomas Baker. See Court Journal No. 1, page 1 aud others following. Thomas Baker, district attorney lor Eleventh District, Territorj^ of Iowa, October 7, 1846. Ordered, that Thomas Baker be allowed .1f200 for seiwices as prosecuting attornej', A. D. 1846, etc., page 27, County Commissioners' record; and served till April election, 1847. Lorenzo D. Winchester, elected April, 1847. Files bond dated April 10, 1847, and recorded on page 51, County Commissioners' record. Thomas Baker, elected Augiist 2, A. D. 1847. Files bond dated September 13, 1847, page 87, and elected August 2, 1847, as per Campbell's bond, page 89, resigned. Louis Whitteu, elected to fill vacancy, April 2, 1849. Bond dated April 14, 1849. In that he was elected prose- cuting attorney to fill vacancy August 2, 1849, occasioned by the resignation of Thomas Baker. John M. PerTy, elected August 6, A. D. 1849. Bond dated August 13, 1849. In that he was elected August 6, 720 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY 1849, said bond recorded on second page, following the proceedings of County Commissioners of July 14, 1849. Byron Rice, elected August 5, A. D. 1850. Bond dated August 16, 1850. See bond of A. Emillius T. Reynolds, following each recorded on page following proceedings of County Commissioners of July 25, 1850. Resigned and became county judge. November 25, 1851, ordered, that B. Rice be allowed as prosecuting attorney from July 1, to November 11, 1851, .f72.69. R. L. Tidrick, appointed to till vacancy November 11, 1851. Page 32, county judge record of 1852 and 1859. May 17, 1852, ordered that R. L. Tidricii be allowed for services as prosecuting attornej^, November 11, 1851, to April 15, 1852, 156 days, the sum of |94. J. M. Perry, elected April 5, 1852; re-elected August 2, 1852. W. W. Williamson, elected April 4, 1853. Barlow Granger, elected August, 1854. J. H. Gray, elected August, 1856. DISTRICT ATTORNEY. P. Gad Bryan, Warren County, elected October 12, 1858. John Leonard, Madison County, elected October 14, 1862; resigned January 23, 1864. Benjamin F. Murray, Madison County, appointed Jan- uary 23, 1864. Hugh W. Maxwell, Warren County, elected November 8, 1864; resigned July 3, 1866. Samuel D. Nichols, Guthrie County, appointed July 5, 1866; re-elected October 9, 1866. Edgar T. Ensign, Polk County, appointed Januarj- 19, 1870. C. H. Gatch, Polk County, elected October 11, 1870; resigned September, 1871. AXD THE CITY OF DE^ JilUJXES. 721 Julius B. Bissell, Polk Conutv, appointed i^epteinber 2G, 1S71. Josiali GiA-en, Polk (.'oinity, elected October 10, 1S71. Hiram Y. i^mitli, Polk Comity, elected October '^2, 1874. William Connor, Polk Oonntv, elected October S, 1S78. A. AA'. AA'ilkinsou, Madison County, elected November 7, 1SS2. COUNTY ATTORNEY. William W. Phillips, elected November 2, ISSG. J. K. Ma comber, elected November G, 1S88. William A. Spurrier, elected November 4, 1890; re- elected November 8, 1892; resi^-ned March 12, 1894. John J. Davis, appointed to fill vacancy Marcdi 12, 1894. Elected to All vacancy November 0, 1894. James A. Howe, elected November G, 1894. RECORDER OF DEEDS. Thomas McMullin, elected April G, 1S4G. By all hearsay this is the fact, and further he siiius as recorder of Polk County, the town plat of the town of Fort Des Moines, dated and filed July 8, 184G, at 3 p. m. John Myers, elected either August, 184G, or April, 1847. He signs land book "C," page 81, dated April 2.j, 1847, recorder's office, as county recorder; also same book, page 15, July 23, 1847. Augiist 14, 1847, James (Jampbell gave bond in that he was elected recorder and treasurer in and for Polk County for the term of two years, from August 2, 1847, page 89, first commissioner's record, and so con- tinues for a time of some eighteen years. That the same l)erson was elected recorder and treasurer until J. B. Tiffin's time as treasurer, who served as recorder and treasurer till January' 18Go. 46 722 ANNALS OF FOLK COUNTY Kecorder elected and the office separated from the county treasurer's office in accordance with section 330, page 00, Code, the county exceeding 10,000 population. John J. Jack, elected Noyember 8, 1804. I. X. Thomas, elected October 9, 1806. I. X. Thomas, elected November 3, 18G8. I. X. Thomas, elected October 11, 1870. James C. Bead, elected November 5, 1872. James C. Read, elected October 13, 1874. James C. Read, elected November 7, 1870. George H. Gardner, elected October 8, 1878. John J. Payne, elected November 2, 1880. John J. Payne, elected November 7, 1882. D. C. Bishard, elected November 0, 1884. D. C. Bishard, elected Noveiubei" 2, 1886. George C. Sims, elected November 0, 1888. George C. Sims, elected November 4, 1890. J. Add Hepburn, elected November 4, 1892. Died May 3, 1893. Amos W. Brandt, county auditor, ex-officio recorder. May 4, 1893, till 12 "m.," May 10, 1893, chapter 49, page 74, of Twenty-third General Assembly. Annie E. Hepburn, appointed May 10, 1893. Elected to fill vacancy November 7, 1893; re-elected November, 0, 1894. COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS OF COMMON SCHOOLS. Samuel Bell, elected April 5, 1858. Charles C. Dawson, elected October 11, 1859; resigned June 0, 1801. W. H. Dickerson, appointed to vacancy June 6, 1801. E. D. Haws, elected October 8, 1861. S. Barrows, elected October 13, 1863. Leonard Brown, elected October 10, 1805. AXD TEE CITY OF DES MOINES. 723 C. A. Mosier, elected October 8, 1867. J. A. Nash, elected October 12, 1869; resigned October 10, 1871. D. G. Perkins, elected October 14, 1873. Robert S. Hughs, elected October 12, 1875. James H. Koons, elected October 9, 1877; resigned Octo- ber 11, 1879. D. A. Kent, elected October 11, 1881; resigned October 9, 1883. Charles F. Saylor, elected November 3, 1885; re-elected November 8, 1887; re-elected November 5, 1889. W. A. McCord, elected November 3, 1891; re-elected No- vember 7, 1893 ; re-elected November, 1895. COUNTY SURVEYORS. A. D. Jones, elected April 6, 1846; resigned September 28, 1846, and was appointed Clerk of the District Court, vice Perry L. Crossman. John McClain was appointed to fill vacancy, and was elected April, 1847. James Laverty, elected August, 1849, and served two years. John McClain, re-elected in 1851 and re-elected August 1, 1853. John H. Miller, elected August 6, 1855. John C. Booth, elected August 3, 1857. N. R. Kuntz, elected October 11, 1859. B. Callan, elected October 8, 1861. J. P. Foster, elected October 13, 1863 ; resigned April 4, 1865. J. B. Bausman, appointed April 4, 1865. J. B. Bausman, elected October 10, 1865; resigned March 19, 1867; re-elected October 8, 1867. 724 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY Dr. Joel E. Hendrix, appointed Mai-ch 19, 18G7; resigned October 14, ISGT. J. B. Bailsman, appointed October 11, 1867. P. B. Keed, elected October 12, 18G9. Frank Pelton, elected October 10, 1871; re-elected Octo- ber — , 1873; re-elected October 12, 1875; re-elected October 9, 1877; re-elected October 11, 1879; re-elected October 11, 1881. M. R. Laird, elected October 9, 1883 ; re-elected November 3, 1885; re-elected November 8, 1887; re-elected November 5, 1889. G. B. Wicks, Jr., elected November 3, 1891; re-elected November 7, 1893; re-elected May 25, 1891. Warren Dickenson, appointed May 25, 1891. George F. Lambert, elected to till vacancy, Novendier (], 1894. COUNTY CORONERS. James Phillips, elected April G, 184G, and had no snc- cessor nntil 1853. "Walter Oyler, elected August 1, 1853; re-elected August G, 1855. Or. W. Conner, elected August 3, 1857. James Stanton, elected October 11, 1859. Thomas Elliott, elected October 8, 18G1; resigned June 3, 18G3. Madison Young, appointed to vacancy June 3, 1SG3. J. M. Ileichueker, elected October 13, 18G3. Wm. Tate, elected October 10, 18G5. Offlce being vacant for some cause in 1SG7. H. M. Busli, appointed to vacancy January 8, 18G7. Madison Young, elected October 8, 18G7; failed to C|ualify. AXD THE CITY OF DES 3I0INES. 725 A. IL Botkin, appointed t(i vacaucy January 11, 18(38. A. G. Field, elected October 12, 1869. A. M. Overman, elected October 10, 1871; re-elected Oc- tober 11, 1873. Isaac AV. Oriffith, elected October 12, 1875; re-elected October 1), 1877; re-elected October 11, 1879; re-elected October 11, 1881; re-elected October 9, 1883; re-elected jSrovember3, 1885; re-elected November 8, 1887; re-elected November 5, 1889; re-elected November 3, 1891. Louis Graessly, elected November 7, 1893. Ii. V. Ankeny, elected November, 1895. COUNTY INSPECTORS AND SEALERS OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. I'liillip Nan, appointed December 30, 1874, and held office until 1892. Alex. Graham, appointed January 4, 1892. John H. Rambo, appointed June 5, 1894. CHAPTER XXXIX. SUNDAY SCHOOLS. AS THE Sunday school is one of the most important factors in the present high state of civilization of our county, it is eminently fitting and proper that it should be represented in its histon'. It is apparent to everjr observer that the futiire well being of our State and Nation largely depends on the physical, intellectual moral and spiritual development of our citizens, and that to a large extent the destiny of the world rests in the hands of the Sunday school teacher. With the first settlements in our county as in other new communities, the Sunday school, the forerunner of the church, was contemporaneous, and since the pioneer preacher could in manj' places only make his appoint- ments once a quarter the main work of evangelization was left to the Sunday school. This great work has been in operation in Polk County fifty years without a writ- ten history. In the spring of 1845, Eev. Ezra Rathbuu and B. F. Hoxie started a little union Sunday school of seven chil- dren and a few older persons in the soldiers quarters at the Raccoon Forks of the Des Moines River. Melissa Hoxie and Mary D. Rathbuu, now Mrs. Rees, were the teachei*s. As the Sunday school went on Mr. J. J. Cole was selected as the first regular suiDerintendent. Under the watch, care and effort of these faithful workers the little school grew, and the following spring became a Methodist school, and from this a Mr. Russell organized the first M. E. Church in our county. The second Sun- AXD THE CITY OF DEH MOINES. Til day school in our coiintj' was organized at Cory's Grove in the winter of 1848 by a Mr. Smith, missionary of the American Sunday Scliool Union, and I. W. Cory was se- lected as superintendent. The missionary was a Methodist, so at once took up a collection, and T\T.th the money raised, bought a library of the Union, which was shipped from Philadelphia to Keokuk, and hauled from there by wagon by George Hopkins, as he hauled goods for W. W. Moore. He took the library to his place at Hopkins' Groye aboye Polk City, then I. M. T. Cory, to whom we are indebted for this account, carried the library sixteen miles across the prairie on horseback to Coiy's Groye. Mr. Cory still has some of the books. This was the first Sunday school library brought to Polk County; the second was presented to the little school at Des Moines above referred to, by Charles C. Van, about 1851. In 1850, the first Court House was built at Des Moines and soon after its completion another union Sunday school was organized, the Presbyterian and Baptist being the most prominent. Eey. Thompson Bird had for a couple of years been preaching the gospel in the homes of his people and in his own home, and when this public build- ing was completed his people joined with those led by Dr. Nash, who came to Des Moines near this time, and together they cared for the work, and the school proved a decided success at Des Moines. The Fourth of July, 1851, was not only a patriotic day in National rejoicing, but was utilized in a patriotic way to celebrate the Sunday school work so well begun. In the spring of 1853 a Sunday school was organized at Sayloryille, with Mr. Burley as superintendent, and on the Fourth of July they had a Sunday school celebration. 728 .L.Yy.4LN OF FOLK COiXTY Their band on that occasion consisted of an accordeon and was played by John kSheral, who led the procession. The school marched around to a long- table spread with luxuries. The scenes and experiences of that day are still yirid in the minds of Kittie and Margaret Brooks, now Mrs. Haylor and Mrs. Bondurant. About this time Mr. D. C. Martz, a preacher and a chair maker, started a Sunday school in a log school house at Polk City. A school was also started at Trullinger's Grove very early, and Moses McCleary Avas superinten- dent. The exact dates of these two we have been unable to secure. Prior to ISGO churches had been organized at Hopkins' Grove, Mitchellville, Avon, Saylonille, two at Polk City, and about ten in Des Moines. And judging from the usual result, it is quite probable that many of these were the direct outgrowth of the Sunday school, and perhaps all. There were in our county at the beginning of the sixties about eighteen schools. They grew in number and the increasing demand for more and better teachers was apparent. Hence, about 1867, the Sunday schools of the county were organized into an organization known as the Polk County Sunday School Association. Its aim was organization, education, evangelization, organization of new schools, education and training of teachers for better work and for the evangelization of the masses. The early records of the association have been lost. Mr. James Lee was the first president and went out a great deal in convention work. The summer of 1SG8 a convention of great interest was held at Penu's Grove in Washington Township. Mr. Lee took Rev. Mr. Reed, J. P. Foster and Charles Gray with him and drove from Des Moines twenty-eight miles, attended an all-day meet- AXD THE CITY OF DBS MOIXES. 729 ing and drove back after 5 o'clock in the evening. This meeting was hing remembered, and has been often spoken of by the workers in bite years. A conuty convention of interest was lield in the okl Fifth Street M. E. Chnrch tliat stood where the Iowa Loan and Trnst Company building now stands. Rev. John T<:>dd did a good deal of missionary work throughout our county during the sixties and seventies. In 1871, Mr. N. B. Collins came to Des Moines and sodu after took \ip the county association work, and notwith- standing he was a business man, lie spent much time and money in carrying forward the work. In 1S7G, a county convention was held in Moore's Opera House. In 1885, we had eighty-five Sunday schools in the county. Mr. L. J. Kasson went as a delegate to the State convention at NeAvton, and being very much stirred and interested in State and count}^ association work, became secretary of our county. In 1S87, the State convention was held in Des Moines. Mr. Collins was still president and Mr. Kasson secretary of the association. The county then had a population of 53,000 and eighty-five Sunday schcxjls, a Sunday school for every six hundred and twentj'-three people. The workers recognizing the fact that the growth of the Sunday school was not keeping pace with the increase of the population, decided that something must be done. Believing that their cause was worthy of their best thought and business-like attention, and in answer to a request by the secretary, the American Sundaj' School Union sent Mr. Stevenson, assistant superintendent of the Northwest district, to Polk County to secure funds for the support of a Sunday school missionary, a man to give all his time to the Sunday- school work of the county. 730 axxal;^ of polk couxty During the first year of this worli, a great Sunday school reviyal swept over our county, and tliere was an increase of forty schools. The next year these forty were kept alive and fifteen more added, and from year to year our County Sunday School Association work has gone steadily forward till now we have one hundred and sixty schools. The census of '95 gives Polk County a population of 73,000, giving us one for every four hundred and fifty-six. About eighty of these are in the city and about eighty outside the city, and at this time our Sundaj' school pop- ulation is 1G,000. The Sunday schools of almost every township are organ- ized into associations, auxiliary to the couutj' association, and about twenty to twenty-five county and township conventions and institutes are being held every year. Normal classes for better preparation of teachers and officers for their work are conducted in various parts of the county. Perhaps the most prominent and successful is a class conducted each year by Rev. and Mrs. E. W. Curtis, of the East Side United Brethren Cliurch. In 1894 they graduated a class of fifteen and last year, 1895, they had a class of thirty young people. They use the Union Bible normal course. Our last county convention was held at Grimes, Octo- ber 23 and 24, 1895, and was of great interest. We now have a countj' association with a substantial list of Sun- day school workers and officers. The present officers are: President, Amos W. Brandt; A'ice presidents, E. H. Long- worth, of Polk City; Hon. W. J. Stewart, Grimes; G. A. Longdon, of Bloomfield Township; Mrs. L. O. Shaffer, Altoona; secretary and treasurer. Miss Ida Denny, Des Moines; statistical secretary, Ira C. Kling, Des Moines; county missionary, C. C. Wallace, Des Moines. Added AXD THE CITY OF DES MOIXES. 731 members of executive committee — L. J. Kasson, James Lee, C. E. Hunn and W. H. Peuu. In most of the thirty years of State association -n'ork, Polk Countj' has furnished an official member. At pres- ent we furnish a rice president and member of executiye committee. Tlie State convention of 1S9G was held in Des Moines June 18-21. At the fifth international convention at Chicago in ISST we were represented by Maj. A. W. Clancy and Eev. R. A. Thompson. At Pittsburg in 1890 we sent and paid the expenses of our county secretary, Mrs. R. B. Maltbie. At the international and world's conventions at St. Louis in 1893 we were represented by Miss Ida Denny, Asa Turner and C. C. Wallace. For the late international convention at Boston in 189G, the State association ap- pointed seven to go from our county. Polk County has some eminent Bible teachers among her Sunday school workers, among whom are Rev. Dr. H. W. Tilden, Mrs. A. L. Frisbie, W. W. Ainsworth. The doctor conducts a Bible study, using the international lessons every Monday evening at the First Baptist Church. Mrs. Frisbie leads a teachers' meeting on Wednesday evening at Plymouth Congregational Church. Mr. Ains- worth is teacher of a class of one hundred young men in the First M. E. Sunday school. These have each their par- ticular distinctions: Wonderful in research; a practical teacher; an original and unique questioner. Others are worthy of mention, but these have been popular in teach- ing the lesson before our county convention. Mission work is well represented in our county and city. About twenty Sunday schools are held in school houses where they do have their preaching, and about fifteen mis- 732 AXXALS OF POLK ('OCXTY sions are mentioned in the city, among wliicli are: Mann's Mission, started by L. M. Mann in 1888; Epwortli Mis- sion, started by Tlieo. F. Getcliel in Grant Clnb rooms in 1889; Calyary Mission, started by C. E. Eisser in 1890, and Bnnbeani Mission, started by Franlv Cromer in 1893. 1893. A house to house yisitation of the families of our county was made October 10 and 11, 1891, in the inter- est of tlie Sunday school, and all were inyited to attend. About 1,000 yisitors took part in the canyass; in the i*ural districts each pair of yisitors canyassed a school district, in the towns and city subdivision of districts were made. About tifty counties in onr State made this canvass, all the supplies being sent out from Des Moines. The can- vass was a decided success and was repeated October 9 and 10, 189.5. A great Sunday School convention was held in Des Moines, commencing on Tuesday, June 9, 1896, and contin- uing four days. It was attended by many of the most prominent Sunday School workers of the country. The meeting was held in the Tabernacle and at times the large building was tilled with eager participants and listeners. On Tuesday, the first day of the convention, a parade was made by the Sunday School scholars and the teachers of the C(junty. It was estimated there were 10,000 in the procession, which in length extended one mile or more. It was the greatest sight of the kind ever known in Des Moines. Along the streets wei*e crowds of people witness- ing the parade. When they all rendezvoused at the Court House the square was densely packed with people and it is estimated there were more than 30,000 men, women and children gathered in and around the square. It was a great Sunday School reunion. CHAPTER XL CHURCHES. IN 1S50 all lo^va e(>mj)t)sed one Methodist aiiunal confer- ence, and Polk Cdnnty and the surronndiug countvy be- longed to the loAva Citv District. Fort Des Moines by this time had become able to sustain a church and a resident minister. South and southwest was the Three Rivers MissiDU, extending through Madison, Warren and a jiart of Polk ("ounties. Many of the ai)poiutnieuts took their names fr(un the names of the owners of the Iiouses in which services were to be held. They were at that time Linden's, Laverty's, Allcock's, Smith's, Fleming's, Winterset, Indianola and Lynn Grove. Rev. Audrew Cole- man Avas presiding elder of the district and George W. Teas in charge of the mission. In September, 1850, Rev. David Worthiugton was appointed presiding elder and Rev. X. P. Fink placed in charge of the mission. At the session of the Iowa conference in 18-31 a new district was formed called Fort Des Moines District, and Rev. James Holden was appointed presiding elder of the same. The first Methodist Church organized in Polk County was in Des Moines and is now known as the First Metli- odist Church. It was organized in 184G in one of tlie old fort buildings,then occupied as a home by Benjamin T. Iloxie, one of the earliest of the settlers. The members of this organization or (dass were: Joseph Soleubarger, Sarah Solenbarger, Benjamin T. IToxie, Abner Ifathbun, Betsy Rathbun, Ezra Rathbun, Jonathan Rathbnu, Wil- liam II. Meacham and wife. As will be S(^en four out of Tdi AXNALS OF POLK COUNTY the nine original members were members of oue family, tlie Eathbuus. Mr. Solenbarger was choseu as the first class leader. Services' were at first held in the houses of the members and subsequently in the Court House. But as the society grew it was determined to erect a church building for their use. Lot No. 3 in block 21, on Fiftli street, between ( 'our-t. avenue and Walnut, was purchased of the County Board, and subsequently the lot was by the latter given to the church, provided the latter "should, witliin two years from the first day of January', 1848, build on the said town lot a meeting house of the follow- ing descriptions: The house shall be a frame or brick, and the size of the same shall not be less than 21x30 feet, so constructed and completed as to render it both suitable and convenient for the purpose for which it shall be de- signed." These terms were fully complied with in less than the limit of time given. A frame church building of good size for those days was erected, all the settlers inside and outside of the church contributing to the same. In 1856-7 this frame was replaced by a substantial brick building, the largest and best then in the new city, and was used for church purposes and other gatherings for a number of years. About 1886 the property was sold to the Iowa Loan and Trust Company, who in 1887-88 tore down the church building, and upon its site erected the present six-story office building, the pioneer of the other lofty business edifices which have followed. The church then erected the large and handsome building at the corner of Ninth and Pleasant streets, where they have since held their meetings. This parent church has also generously aided in the establishment of and the erection of buildings for other churches of that denom- AXD THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 735 iuation now flourishiug in the citv and county. There are now four annual conferences in Iowa, Des Moines conference embracing nearly the entire southwest cjuar- ter of the State. While the Methodists may have had the first start in the town and county, members of other denominations soon followed with church organizations of their own. In fact in those days church matters and doctrines were more discussed and commented upon than during the later years. Then in the stores, groceries and other places of resort, anabbath of each week, for the ]niri)ose of public worship, provided they can agree as to the time of holding their meetings. If not, the Board at its next regular session will take the subject under further consideration." As there is no record of the Board having taken "further consider- ation," the presumi)tion is an amicable arrangement was made by the parties interested, and the court room was used alternatively by the different denominations. In 1855, Rev. E. M. H. Fleming commenced preaching in what was called the Lyon school house on the east side of the river, and it was stated that at one time Mrs. A. Y. Hull, mother of the present member of Congress from this district, was the only Methodist in the town living upon that side of the river. The first Saturday and Sunday of Decembei', 1855, a Methodist class was formed, consisting "f llmmas, Maria and Aquilla Hoffman, Mrs. A. Y. Hull, Jacob and Lavina Butts, George C. and Mary J. Jeffries, Sarah X. Lyon, Samuel Kelley, B. Christman, Allen and Mar-tha Spitzer. This new churcli grew rap- idly receiving many new members from immigration and conversion. In 1857 a frame building was erected and named Wesley Chapel. A few years later a parsonage was added. A Sunday school was started as soon as the chapel was erected, and grew in time to be one of the largest in the city. In 1863 an addition was made to the nortli end of the building, which gave it a cruciform shape. This church has been a very successful one. As early as 1869 a swarm left it to form another church and AND THE CITY OF DES MOIXEf<. 737 erect a building furtlier east for tlie aceommodatiou of manj- members wlio had settleerous in tlie city, but also ranks among the first in Iowa. The building has from time to time been improved and beautified, and its members have aided liberally iu the propogation of the gospel and the building of other churches of that denom- ination in the city and county. The present pastor of the church is Rev. A. B. Marshall, and the membei-ship is in the neighborhood of one thousand, while upon its rolls have been placed the names of more tliau two thou- sand persons, many of whom have died or removed from the city or to sister churches. The First Presbyterian Church (old school) of Des Moines was organized in June, 1848, by Samuel Cowles. The first meeting was held iu a log building on the east side of the river, owned by John Dean, and formerly oc- cupied as a trader's store. There were thirteen persons present. Mr. Cowles was succeeded by Kev. G. W. Swan in 1851, and he by Rev. J. M. Lippencott in 1853. No- vember 28, 1854, the society became an incorporated body under the laws of the State, with W. H. Leas, Moses Sheets and Abram Dean as trustees, when preliminary steps were taken to erect a house of worship, a lot on Locust street, between Seventh and Eighth, subsequently being purchased. In October, 1856, Rev. R. T. Drake was installed as the first settled pastor of the church, and in tliat and the following yesir the church building, a sub- stantial brick edifice was completed and dedicated. Some- time after Rev. Mr. Drake resigned, and in succeeding years was followed by Revs. Mr. Cook, Hughes and others. While under the pastoral care of Rev. W. J. Gill, in 1874, this society united Avith the Ontral Presbyterian Church, AXD THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 741 Rev. Mr. Gill becoming the pastor of the united cliurches. The building was then sold to the Christian Church, and was used by them until their elegant and spacious new building was erected. It was then again sold to private parties, and is at the present time used and occupied by the Des Moines Marble Works. Here we insert the oiHcial history of the Presbyterian Church, Des Moines, Iowa, kindly prepared for this work by the present pastor and Tac. Hussey. Two Presbyterian Churches were organized in Des Moines on Sabbath, the fourth day of January, A. D. 1848. One of them was of the old school, and was called the First Presbyterian Church of Fort Des Moines, and the other was of the new school, and was called the Cen- tral Presb;\i:erian Church of Fort Des Moines. THE CENTRAL CHURCH. This church was organized in one of the block houses which stood on the north bank of the Eaccoon River near its junction with the Des Moines, by the Rev. Thomp- son Bird, who had been directed by the Presbytery of Des Moines (X. S.), at its session held October, 1847, at i'ellow Springs, to make Fort Des Moines one of his preaching places, and who on the first Sabbath of Jan- uar\', 1848, held the first service at the place indicated. Six persons united together in the membership of the church at the time of its organization, viz. : Samuel Kel- logg Kirkpatrick and his wife, Mar^' Kellogg Kirkpatrick, Ruth Jane Shell, Frances Guerrant, Herman Yates and Anna P. Bird, the vnte of the minister in charge. Mrs. Bird is the onlj' one of the founders of the church now living. The services of this church were held in the cabins of 742 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY the early settlers until the first of January, 1850, and after that for three years or more in the Court House, the first public building erected in the county. In the summer of 1853 this congregation erected its first house of worship. It was a frame structure, 26x40 feet in size. The site of that building is on the west side of Fourth street, just south of the Kirkwood. It is now occupied by the Western Union Telegraph ComjDauy. Four years later that building was enlarged to nearly double its original capacity, and on November 1, 1869, it was de- stroyed by fire, together with many of the records and books of the church. The corner stone of the commodious edifice on the nor-theastern comer of Eighth and High streets, in wliich the congregation now worships, was laid September 5, 1867, and the completed building was dedicated with appropriate services January 2, 1870. The Rev. Thompson Bird, under whose ministrations the church organized, served it as stated from the time of its organization until December 2.3, 1863, on which day he was regularly installed as its pastor. On the 10th day of February, 1866, his health having failed, at his own request this relationship was dissolved. He was never again able to engage in the work of the ministry, and died on the 4th of January, 1869, in the 65th year of his age. During his connection with this church one hundred and sixty-two persons were added to its mem- bership. He was succeeded by the Rev. W. W. Wetmore, who served the church as stated supply until December 31, 1866. The Rev. Thomas O. Rice was the next pastor of the church, filling the ofiice from Api-il 17, 1807, to 1871. AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 743 His successor was the Eev. M. L. P. Hill, who was in- stalled as pastor in 1872, and remained with the congre- gation until 1875. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. In the meantime the First Presbyterian Church had also made good progress. It was organized on the east side of the river in the house of John Dean. The Rev. Salmon Cowles presided and the following named per- sons were enrolled as members, viz.: John Dean, Mrs. Nancy Dean, Miss Hannah Dean, Mrs. Anna Dean, Abra- ham Dean, Miss Sarah Frederick, James G. Finch, Mrs. Sarah J. Finch, William Garrett, Mrs. Mary Garrett, Miss Margaret A. Garrett, Mrs. Eleanor B. Garrett, Mrs. Esther Myers. At the same meeting William Garrett was chosen to till the office of ruling elder. The services of this church were held for a time in East Des Moines, and afterwards in a house of worship which the congregation erected on the north side of Locust street, between Seventh and Eighth streets. It was serwed for nine years by supplies appointed by the Presbytery. Its first pastor was the Eev. R. T. Drake, who was installed June 11, 1857, and relieved April 12, 1860. Other temporary supplies ensned, and then Rev. D. L. Hughes served as pastor from 1861 to 1866. He was succeeded by Rev. A. A. Dinsmore, who was installed as pastor on the 16th of June, 1867, and was releasefl because of failing health on the 25th of April, 1872. The Rev. William John Gill was next called to the pas- torate, and was formally installed June 18, 1872. Dur- ing the third year of his pastorate the First Church and the Central Church were consolidated. The union was 744 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY effected on the 15th daj' of November, ISTo, and the con- solidated chnrch was called the Presbyterian Church of Des Moines. Subsequently it was named the Central Presbyterian Church. The property which had belonged to the First Church was sold soon after the consolidation and the united con- gregations thenceforth worshiped in the building on High street, which had been provided by the Central Church, and the united church was under the pastoral care of Rev. William J. Gill (the pastor of the First Church at the time of the union) iintil 1878. lie was followed by the Kev. Samuel H. Thompson, who was pastor of the church from 1879 until 1880. A call was then extended to the Kev. John B. Stewart, D. D., wlio began to preach for the congregation on the first Sabbath of January, 1881, and although never installed as pastor of the church, he continued to fill the pulpit very acceptably until June 8, 1887, at which time, hav- ing gone to California becaiise of failing health, he re- turned the call which had been extended to him to the congregation. The next pastor was the Kev. Samuel E. Wishard, D. D., who was with the congregation from November, 1887, to Apiil, 1890. He was succeeded by the Kev. Howard Aguew Johnson, D. I)., who served as i)astor from Octo- ber, 1890, until November, 1893. The present incumbent is the Kev. A. B. Marshall, I). D., who was installed in June, 1894. The church now has 840 members. THE BAPTIST. "\Mien the great West beyond the Mississippi Kiver was opened for settlement, throngs of settlers were at- tracted by the beauty of the country and the fertility AXD THE CITY OF BEH MOINES. 745 of the hind opened for settlement. As the country gained in population the various denominations looked to the new Territories of the West as most promising fields for missionary labor. Among the settlers Avere many who were earnest and devout Christians, and who had been active members of the Evangelical Church. These men and women felt the need of union and organization, and as soon as possible sent requests to missionary societies in the East to aid them in the work. In Des Moines at a very early date in its settlement members of religious denominations banded together, made some effort at organization, established prayer meetings and Sunday schools as preliminary steps to church organizations. The Baptists, though not the first, were not far behind in the good work. The first stei)s were taken in the year 1850, when a meeting of a few Baptists of the village was held at the home of J. M. Reicheneker, November 19, when the following resolu- tions were adopted: " Resolved, That measures be taken to secure the or- ganization of a Baptist Church in this town. " Resolved, That Brethren William McKay, Granville Berkley and John M. Reicheneker be a committee to con- sult with Rev. B. F. Beabrook, the State missionary agent, and if possible obtain his aid in the formation of a church and securing a pastor." The committee received an answer from Mr. Beabrook saying that a clergyman would be sent to the applicants to settle with them and organize a church. January 3, 1851, Rev. John A. Xash, a graduate of Hamilton Theo- logical Seminary, Hamilton, Xew York, arrived in Des Moines. January 6, 1851, a meeting was called at the Methodist Episcopal Church to meet and form the ac- 746 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY quaiutance of the newly arrh^ed minister. On the 18th of Jannary, at the same place, another meeting was held, John A. Nash, moderator, and J. M. Reicheneker, clerk. The following named persons held letters of dismission from various Baptist Churches, namely: Rev. John A. Nash and wife, William McKay, GiTinville Berkley, H. Everly, Charles A. McKay, Arozina Perkins, Margaret Jjuce and J. M. Reicheneker and wife. By formal resolu- tions they organized themselves into a church body under the title of the Baptist Church of Fort Des Moines, and proceeded to the election of church officers. Deacons — Henry Everlj^, William McKay, Granville Berkley; clerk, J. M. Reicheneker. A declaration of faith Avas also unani- mously adopted. At a meeting at the Court House Feb- ruary 8, 1851, Thomas Roberts, John Hays, Mary Ann Marvin, Sarah Saylor and Margaretta Luce became ad- ditional members. February 15, the following persons were elected trus- tees, to be known as the officers of the church, namely: P. M. Casady, H. H. Saylor, B. F. Allen, G. Berkley, and William McKay. At this meeting John A. Nash was elcted pastor, J. M. Reicheneker clerk and John Hays treasurer. Soon after the installation of Mr. Nash as pas- tor his wife died, the first death to occur in the member- ship of the little church. With the proverbial hospitalitj^ of the West the newly organized church was tendered by other denominations the use of their respective church edifices, and the officials also offered the Court House for the Sunday services until ■such time as the church should be able to erect a house of their own. In 1852 the church having received some accessions to its membership, it was resolved to erect a house of AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 747 -v\'orsliip on the lot given to the church by the commis- sioners of Polk Conntv, situated on Mulberiy street, be- tween Fifth and Sixth streets, opposite the Coiirt House. The building committee were John A. Nash, W. A. Gal- braith, J. M. Griffiths and John L. Smith. The building advanced slowly on account of diffici;lty in raising money and procuring brick and suitable lum- ber. It was finally enclosed and occupied, the first seats being" made of plank without backs. Pine lumber for seats was finally obtained through the exertions of W. A. Galbraith and J. M. Griffiths, and hauled from Bur- lington by John L. Smith and John Hays. The society continued to worship in this building (which still stands surrounded by larger ones) until 1865, when, having largely increased in numbers it w^as resolved to erect a more commodious edifice. About this time Rev. John A. Nash, who, through all vicissitudes, had remained the pastor, resigned, in order to devote his time to the upbuilding of the Des Moines University, and was suc- ceeded by Rev. L. W. Hayhurst, pastor of the Baptist Cliurch at Burlington. The old house of worship was sold and a new site selected on the northeast corner of Eighth and Locust streets. In 1866 the new church was so far finished that the basement was occupied for worship. Rev. L. W. Hayhurst remained pastor four j-ears and was suc- ceeded by Rev. J. Y. Schofield, of St. Louis. Under his pastorate the church building w^as finished and dedicated to divine service. After two years pastorate work Dr. Schofield resigned and was succeeded by Dr. John R. Murphj^, of Salem, New Jersey, who labored siiccessfully and acceptablj- for nine years. He was succeeded by L. W. Woodruff, of Michigan, and he in tw^o years by C. M. Brink, of New York. Mr. Brink remained pastor four 748 ANXALS OF POLK COUNTY jeni-ii and then resigned to take a position in Brown Uni- versity, Eliode Island. Mr. Brink was succeeded by Dr. H. i^. kStetson, of Logansport, Indiana. Dr. Stetson resigned the pastorate to accept the presidency of Des Moines College, which position he still holds. The present pastor. Dr. H. W. Tilden, was called to the pastorate in 1891. Dr. Tilden has labored earnestly and successfully to build up the church, and stands deservedly high with his people and the community as a clear thinker and eloquent ami effective speaker. Soon after Dr. Tilden's coming the church began to consider the advisability of removal from the building on Eighth and Locust and the erection of one more com- mensurate with their needs and nearer to the center of population. A site was finally selected and purchased on Eighth and High streets. In the meantime the build- ing on Eighth and Locust Avas abandoned, the society first holding services at the Y. M. C. A. building and subse- quently in the High School building. The church prop- erty on Eighth and Locust streets was sold, and with the proceeds of the sale and a general subscription by the members the statel^^ and beautiful church on Eighth and High has been erected in all its fair proportions and architectural beauty. As was confidently expected, the work has been pushed steadily forward to completion, and that at no distant date it will be dedicated to the service of God. In Sep- tember, 1895, new articles of ineoii)oration were adopted under the title of "The First Baptist Church of Des Moines." This change had been thought necessary be- cause of repeated colonizations. In 1868 the Baptists of East Des Moines felt able to establish a new church, and witli the approval and aid of all a new and prosperous AND THE CITY OF DEH MOINE^S. 749 church was founded under the name of the East Des Moines Baptist Church, and still another, the Forest Ave- nue Baptist Church. These offshoots of the parent church are all flourishing- and rapidly increasing in membership. Under Dr. Tilden's lead a commodious building has been erected in South Des Moines as a Mission Church, and regular religious services and a Sabbath school are main- tained in it. Thus, from very small beginnings we have seen four prosperous churches arise so that in division there has been ultimate strength. Bev. J. A. Nash, while pastor of his church, also, in con- nection with Mrs. Nash, taught a school for several years, which is gratefully remembered by those now living Avho enjoyed the teachings of these estimable pioneers. He from the start took a great interest in education, and for many years his leading desire was to establish a leading college under the control of his church, in Des Moines. To this he devoted years of arduous and i^oorly remunera- ted toil, working persistently and freely devoting of his time aud scanty means to this desireoard of AND THE CITY OF DEti MOINES. 759 Commissioners for Foreign Missions, the oldest society for foreign worlv in the United States, to hold its annual meeting in Des Monies. Then it Avas that the yalne of good friends was shown, and the generosity of the city was made conspicuous in all the denominations, and with those of no denomination, in welcoming and entertaining for the three days of a great popular assembly of more than a tliousand people. It was one of the marked meet- ings of the board, and was long talked of in Des Moines as a great specimen of intellectual wrestling and of dig- nified bearing under irritating circumstances. The pas- tor has never ceased to be thankful that he was able, at that time, to introduce grand Mark Hopkins to the Des Moines people. One look into his face was a benediction. In 1888 the church, with the kindly aid of her daugh- ters, tlie Park and Pilgrim Churches, with cases of in- dividual entertainment outside, provided for the fiftieth anniversary of the planting of Congregationalism in Iowa, which was in the founding of the church in Denmark, Lee County, in 1838. This occasion was one of marked interest to the (J'ongregational XJeople of the State, and was honored by the presence of manj' of the workers of the early days who had met the stern tasks of pioneer life with lieroic spirit and had grown gray in the ex- tended service. The church building was enlarged in 1883 by the intro- duction of balconies across the transepts and aisle, and was handsomely decorated at the same time. Its seat- ing capacity is about 900. It maintains a good Sunday school, enrolling something over four hundred scholars. It assists in conducting half a dozen schools at points outside. It has given liberally to the Y. M. C. A. It furnished regular and efficient help 760 ANNALS OF POLE COUNTY iu the ^^•(Jrk of tlie Sunbeam Mission. Its societies within itself, as tlio vSenior ami .Junior Chvistian Endeavor So- cieties, are the most useful factors of its life. So are the Woman's Missiouarj' Society, the Plymouth Rock Mis- sionary Society, and the Plymouth branch of the King's Daughters. The Ladies' Social Societj^ is one of the most helpful departments of the church in its relation to the social life of the people. Through their winter gatherings for acquaintance and sociability, much is done to bring the people into and hold them in the bonds of enduring friend- liness. The church has not been unmindful of the re- sposibilities to the outside world. It does not mean to allow the doctrine of stewardship to become a worn out tradition. The average of contributions to various causes of benevolence at home and abroad for seven years has been over .f 7,000 per year. The church is today iu a healthy, harmonious condi- tion. 3Ir. P. H. Metcalf, who now (October, 1S95,) is going on with his work of pastor's assistant and later of assistant pastor, brings to Plymouth the charm of his voice and the winning influence of his consecrated life, a continual encouragement and a helpful leader to the ,young and an inspiration to all. Plymouth hopes to bear a Morthj^ part in all that Chris- tian w(U'k which can bless and elevate our citizenship and help on the kingdom of the Lord in Des Moines. North Park Church is the outgrowth of a Mission Sun- day School, established by Plymouth Church in a chapel built in the fall and winter of 188.3-81, largely by the efforts of Dr. Frisbie and his Plymouth friends, and lo- cated lui the corner of Eighth and North streets. ITere AXD THE CITY OF DES MOIXES. 701 in MarcL, 1884, a ^Sunday school was organized, with Mr. D. O. Eshbangh as superintendent. A little later a union school, which had met in Forest Home scliool house, accepted au invitation to join the North Park school, which was then reorganized, with R. A. Rollinson as superintendent. For a time Rev. Albert Ethridge, then in business in the city, preached in the afternoon, and gathered the nucleus of an organization. In July, 1884, Rev. B. St. John was called to the pastorate, and after six months comitleted the organization with twenty members, on January 5, 1885. Increased attendance at the Sunday school, and the rapid growth of population in North Des Moines soon made it necessary to enlarge the building or remove to a new location, and in 1887 a lot was bought on the cor- ner of Sixth and Forest avenues. Here in the fall of 1888 a neat building was dedicated, costing, with subsequent improvements, about .flO,000. From the first the church has grown steadily in member- ship and influence, whicli is largely composed of young people. The present number of members is abimt two humlred. The church has had but one regular pastor in twelve years of its history, Rev. B. St. John, a graduate of Iowa College, in 1870, Grinnell, and New Haven Theological Seminary in 1880. He enjoys the honor of holding the second longest pastorate in the city. GERMAN LUTHERANS. In 1858, Eev. John List came to Des Moines, and in 1859 having obtained authority, he organized the first 762 AXXAIjt< OF I 'OLE COiyTY German Evangelical Lntheran Cliurcli in Des Moines. This chnrclj, not permitting its members to belong to any secret society, j^revented many Germans from becoming members, and the church here Avas organized with a mem- bership of only four wives and their cliildreu, four widoAvs and eight single persons. Meetings were at first held on lower Walnut, but in a year or two a church was built on the west side of Locust street, between First and Sec- ond. A school for children was also established in the same building, and the church and school have been maintained successfully up to the present time. ENGLISH LUTHERAN CHURCH. About 1S5G the nucleus of what afterwards became the English laitherau Church, was founded by Dr. F. C. Grimmell, one of the early pioneers and largest property holders in the town, who took- active interest in thef(Miuda- tion of this church society, and after as well as before his death his widow aided greatl.y, by steady work and liberal gifts, in its advancement. Meetings were first held in the public school building on the corner of Locust and Ninth stre(4s, lleA'. 1). AA'eisei- for sonu^ time olticiating as ])ast(ir. It was not, however, until 180.5 a permanent organization was ])erfected hy Rev. Morris Ofiticer, then superintendent of church missions. In November, of this year, Eev. A. M. Geiger Avas called as pastor and the church Avas estab- lished with tAventy-tAvo members. In 1807 a (diurcli build- ing Avas erected on AA^est Grand avenue and Seventh street, which Avas dedicated January 3, 1SG9. Several ministers folloAved, Avhen came lley. Dr. Henry, an able and ]Mipular minister, Avho Avas the beloved pastor of the church for some ten years or more. Tender his pastorate the church membership Avas largely increased, and a few AXD TEE CITY OF Z)7?>S' MOiyES. T(>3 jear.s ago the old church building and lot was sold to Dr. M. B. Turner, who erected a large brick block upon its site. A new and more suitable large brick church and pai'sou- age was built at the corner of Chestnut and Sixth avenue, and is now occupied by this prosperous church. Eev. Dr. Henry, much to the regret of the congregation and his many friends outside the church, resigned late in 189J:. Some months after the present minister, Eev. Wirt, be- came pastor of the church, and has proven himself to be a worthy successor to Eev. Dr. Henry. CHRISTIAN CHURCH, The Centra] Church of Christ, Des Moines, was organized the last Sunday in September, ISfiO, being therefore the parent churcli of that religious body in the city. Its char- ter membership consisted of seventeen, six of whom, Mes- dames Eachel Bell, Catherine Smith, Euth L. VanCleave, J. K. Gilcrest and Mr. and Mrs. James L. Scott, are still devoted members of the church. Prior to the organiza- tion, occasional services were held by Elders P. T. Eussell, G. T. Carpenter and James P. Eoach, who were among the pioneer preachers of the Church of Christ. The fii'st regu- lar pastor of this church was James E. Gaston, who was called at a salary of .f fiOO.OO per year, and entered upon his and more room was needed. The first pastor of the Central, James E. Gaston, was succeeded in the spring tif 1867 by A. I. Hobbs, wlio served the churcli with con- spicuous success until June 11, 1871. His successor was John EucoU, whose pastorate was but six months in dura- tion. He was followed by John C. Hay, who was ]iastor from May 4, 1873 to June 17, 1875. J. W. Monsor, of Mis- souri, was pastor of the church for the year folhjwing. In HJ6 AXXM.K OF POLK COUXTY June, 187G, D. R. Lucas was called to the pastorate and for live years he led this people into larger things. B. J. Rad- ford, (if lllindis, Avas c;illed to the ])ast(n'ate August 14, ISSI, an87, of this number, 217 were conversions; loss by deatli, removal and witlidrawal, 212, leaving- the tnvenient ])oint in tlie state, it was decided to nio\e the (lenoniinati(_)nal head(iuarters f(.)r Iowa to this place, and au ap]iro]»riation of .flO,0()(l was unanimously voted for the jnircliase of a lot and the (^rection of a build- ing. A committee of s«M'en men was a]i]»ointed and given A.VZ) THE CITY OF DES BIOINES. Ill authority to act. AMtli the usual activity of this people, the coiuinittee acted so promptly that their present location had been secured before the people had time to ^iet home froiu the conference session. The ])roperty, when pur- chased, already contained a bnildines Moines streets, was completed and ready for occupancy during that siune fall, and Avas dedicated tlie following December. Prosperity attended the work from the beginning and, although there have been many re- mo\'als, the present membershi]) is one hundred and twenty-four. The conference head(]uarters are lo(.'ated here, the address being (iO;^ East Twelfth street. The president of the conference is Elder I^ldward (l. (.)lson, the se(;retary of the Tract Society, Miss Ji^ssie A'. Bos(nvorth. This ])eople differ from others lu'ofessing the luime of Christ, in that they believe it to be their duty to proclaim the speedy second advent of our Lord, althoaigh they have no set date for that event. They also believe that the soul with the body, the whole man together, waits for the res- 778 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY urection and judgment of the last day, and that the end of the wicked is destruction. They further believe that, while there was a change in the ceremonial instittitions, that which was typical and shadowy giving place to that which was real, the decalogue, the fundamental law of God's government is like its author, unchangeable. There- fore it means what it did when for hundreds of years it Avas explained and emphasized by the Lord through his pro- jiliets. In harmony with this they observe the seventh day (Saturday) and not Sunday as the Sabbath. They are active in propogating their faith, and Avin the esteem of their neighbors by their faithfulness and consistency. THE UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. The First United Presbyterian Church of Des Moines was organized October 1.5, 1S5S, bv the Associated Ke- formed Synod of Xortli America. Its beginning was small, both as to niunbers and wealth. There were but five persons in the organizatio]i, of whom only one is now a member of the cougregatic.m. Genera] Samu(4 K. ('urtis donated the congregation a lot on East Second street, between AValnut and Court av- enue, which at that time Avas considered a very good loca- tion, l>eing convenient toboth East and West Des Moines. A small, but neat, fiame church AA'as built during tlie year lS.~>t-), and was occu]»ied by the congregation as a ])lnce of Avorship for tAventy years. Kca'. -lohn IT. Young, altliough not installed, Avas recognized as tlie first jia^^tor nnd con- tinued so until 180-1, Avh(Mi tlie society find no settled pastor for four years. In 18(1S ReA'. IJ. Turnbull became the ])astoi-, iind rcmnincd Avitl) us) nlxmt three yetirs. After ;ibou1 one year's vacancy Itev. J. I'. Cowan AViis AlSfD THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 779 called, accepted, and took charge of the cougi-euring his ministry, of about six years, the church has doubled in memberslii]). In the new location, with the increased facilities for effective Avork, there is promise of substantial and health- ful growth. The ])astor's home is in a house (dose by the new church. In (dosing tliis acconnt of the early and later churches AND THE CITY OF DE^ MOINES. 781 of the oit}' and county truth compels us to say that much of its incomplete character is due to the many difficulties met in procuring the necessary data from which to write. While some of the ministers and officers were prompt and kind' we are sony to say too many of them were slow and careless in resi^ouding to our many calls for needed infor- mation. Several times our patience and forbearance were sorely tried, and Ave were tempted to strain if not break one or more of the commandments. And in fact this ac- count of the churches, incomplete as it may be, caused us more trouble and vexation than any other portion of the Annals. In this work it would have been impossible to give an extended notice of each church. The last city directory published gives a list of some eighty churches in Des Moines, without taking note of the many others in thi^ county. The churches in the city of Des Moines are di- vided as follows: Seventh Day Adventists 1, Baptist 5, Christian 5, Congr^egational 3, Evangelical 2, Friends 3, Hebrew 2, Holiness 2, Lutheran 5, Methodist Episcopal 18, Methodist Protestant 1, Methodist Primitive 2, Methodist Wesleyan 1, Mormon 1, Presbj'terian 7, Presbyterian Uni- ted 3, Protestant Episcopal 2, Roman Catholic 3, United Brethren 2, Unitarian 1, Missions 7, (]^hristian Scientists 1, Emmanuel Reformed Episcopal 1, Moriah 1, New Jeru- salem 1. In addition there is the Young Men's Christian Associa- tion, with a present membership of over three hundred, which has been in successful operation for a number of years, and a few years ago erected and now owns a large and handsome brick building on the corner of Grand avenue and Four-th street. Within the past year or two a Young Woman's Christian Association has been fonned 782 -ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY and rapidly growing in strength and numbers, is now highly snccessful in its chosen work. This Association has its rooms in the Redhead building, corner of Fourth and Locust streets. There are also a large number of dif- ferent church societies for joung and old, and nearly all of these are in a growing and prosperous condition. Taken as a whole it will be seen Des Moines is well supplied with churches, and there are few neighborhoods in the county which are not also supplied with church services and Sun- dar schools. CHAPTER XLl. PUBLIC SCHOOLS. THE schools followed closely in the footsteps of the retreating Indians, and made their appearance at an earh' day after the coming of the white settlers. The public schools of the United States are their xjride and boast, and the General Government has wisely fostered their growth and prosperity by granting one-sixteenth or more of the public laud in Iowa and other of the later states as a public school fund. In addition to this large special grants of land have been made from time to time for college and universit}' purposes. When the white set- tlers came they cheerfully taxed themselves for the sup- port of the public schools, and have continued to do this in Polk county down to the present time. While it has been and is now one of the heaviest items of taxation, yet all requests of school boards for further appropriations have been responded to generoush' and with almost unstinted liberality. The result is that not only in the city of Des Moines but also in the other towns and country districts of the county can be found to-day as good schools of their respective grades as can be found in any other county in the state, and it has been proven by late figures that the state of Iowa leads all other states in the per cent of gen- eral education of the masses, having a less per cent of illit- eracy than any other. This fact speaks for itself. The contrastbetween the schools and the school houses of the early settlers and those of the present day are marked. The old puncheon floors and sometimes doorless and win- dowless, and generally uncomfortable, first school houses, 784 ANNALH OF POLK COrXlT have beeu succeeded by buildings of stone, brick and wood, furnished with all the modern eoges, |1,6S7; amount of tax collected in one year on school house fund, .f. 53, 043; from other sources, -f 15,554; paid for school houses and sites, .|18,804; paid on bonds and interest, .f 34,184; librar- ies, $624; other purposes, f 3,616; collected on contingent fund tax, .f 71,910; other sources, .f 8,260. CHAPTER XLII. POLK COUNTY BAR. THKOrGHOUT these annals are mentioned many of the eai'ly and later attoruej's or lawyers who prac- ticed their profession in this county. We had the promise of a special chapter on the Bar of Polk County, but from some cause or other it has not yet materialized and as the publication of the Annals cannot be longer delayed, we must write of these gentlemen as we have heard of and remember them. And it cannot be expected that all of them shall be specially mentioned. Among those who came in the '40s were Tom Baker, Wil- liam McKay, P. M. Casady, R. L. Tidrick, W. W. ^Villiam- son, Byron Eice, Barlow Granger, J. E. Jewett, and others of Avhom mention has been made in previous chapters. In the early '50s came Curtis Bates, Daniel O. Finch, Tal- madge E. Brown, John F. Howe, Parrish, W. H. McHenry, and others, and in 1855 or a few years thereafter, came M. M. Crocker, John Mitchell, J. M. Ellwood, Jeff S. Polk, E. J. Ingersoll, S. V. ^Vhite, Stephen Sibley, M. D. McHenry, Giles H. Turner, G. C. Graves, Sam H. Elbert, F. A. Trifle, John H. Gray, Charles C. Xourse, A. Y. Hull, Seward Smith, Thomas F. Withrow, John A. Kasson, Chester C. Cole, J. M. St. John, W. J. Gatling, et al. In those days these attorneys did not cimiine their business to Polk County, but traveled this and invaded other distric'ts, sometimes covering the Avliole of central, northern and western Iowa. And to attend courts they Avere forced to go on horseback, by private conveyance, or bj' public hack or stage. Most of them were young, all educated and 792 AXNAW OF POLK COUNTY amljitious, men wlio lost no opportunity for advancing their own interests and that of their clients. Des Moines lawyers were alwaj's present at all the courts held within a radius of one hundred miles or more of the Eaccoon Forks. And they generally had lively times while attend- ing these courts. There was naturally more of a comrad- ship among them than there is to-day, and all enjoyed the sharp legal iights so often occurring, and played many sharp legal moves upon each other. Glancing over the names it will be readih' seen by any one at all familiar Avith the men, that in education, knowledge of the law, and general ability, the lawyers of that day will compare favorably with the lawyers of the present day. Some even go beyond this and say they were better grounded in the elementary and sound, general principles of the law, and had a less number of mere "case lawyers" or specialists, than can be found to-day among the members of the bar of the county. This may be true, and at the same time accounted for b^' the manj- changes of the surroundings in the past thirty or forty years. Then there was compara- tively little cor]ioration or railroad practice, and the sit- uation was different in many respects from what it is to- day. It would be a pleasure to write specially of a number of the lawyers of that day, would space permit. Of Curtis Bates, slow, perhaps, but sound, of L)a]i O. Finch, a natural orator, of keen, quick perceptive faculties, and always ready; M. M. Crocker, a fighter from the start, impulsive and yet tenacious, who generall}' wanted to force things through and win in a rush, and who as a soldier during the war won for himself a fame Avhich should never die, and yet who himself died at the close of the war in which he had so distinguished himself, a young uuiu several years under AND THE CITY OF DES MOIXES. 703 forty years of age. Or we might write of James M. Ell- T^'ood, a student and a scholar, a sound lawyer, a bachelor gentleman, ayIio often seemed out of jilace in the hurly- burly of a young and rapidly growing community. Then there was Talniadge K. Brown, shrewd, determined and long-headed, with the tenacity and courage of a fighting bull-dog, who could neither be killed or shaken off, and who, though dying prematurely, accumulated a large for- tune. E. J. Ingersoll, who for a time was associated with Ellwood, and after a few years of practice, turned his atten- tion to fire insurance, founded the Hawkeye Insurance Company, and died a wealthy man. And there was Jeff. S. Pidk, a natural boru and educated lawyer, cool, studious and clear-headed, and a hard worker. He soon sur- mounted the many obstacles in his earlj'' pathway, and in a few years took rank among the leaders of the bar in county and state and has accumulated a handsome fortune, and is now at the head of the street railway company. There was John A. Kasson, a well-read lawyer, urbane and pol- ished, but who turned his attention more to politics than law. (Charles C. Xourse, who came here from Van Buren County, where he had made a good name for himself and entered upon the practice of the law, and is to-day perhaps the nldest practitioner in the city who has continuously practiced his jirofession. Twice Attorney General of the state, and in his private practice engaged in some of the most important cases e^'er tried in county or state, he has for years ranked high up at the head of his profession. Judge C. C. Cole is a lawyer whose ability has never been questioned, a close student, hard Avorker, always alert and always ready, he has shown his ability on the supreme bench and at the bar, and is now the acknowledged legal head of the Drake University Law School. John Mitchell, for twelve years judge of the Circuit Court, a studious, care- 794 ANNALS OF POLK COUXTY fill hnvTer and judge, esteemed citizen and beloved friend, -wild died a, feAv years ago. Tbos. F. WitliroAv died in C'hi- cago a rear or two ago, Avhere he Iiad been the chief attor- ney of the Rock Island company for many years. Seward Bmith was TTnited States Judge in Dakota, and shortly after serving there died. F. A. Trifle was governor of Ari- zona Territory, and has lived there for years, while Sam H. p]lbert, going to Colorado at an early day, was for years on the supreme bench of that state and is now an honored and wealthy citizen of Denver. Mention should be made of others of those days, but as before stated all cannot be thus specially mentioned. During the war but few additions were made to the bar of the county. Too many of the lawyers had joined the army, the large majority of them securing officers' com- missions. Few of their class were to be found serving as privates. Their merit or something else generally secured them promotion. After the war was over then they came in rapidlj", and among the many Avere some who soon secured and held high rank in the profession. Among these were C. H. Gatch, William Connor, J. E. Barcroft, Josiah Given, C. A. Dudley, E. J. Goode, A. B. Cummins, C. II. Sweeny, J(jlin C. Mnry, P. F. Bartle, AV. O. Curtis, J. J. Davis, John A. McCall, Crom Bowen, A. X. Poi-ter, Diram T. Smith, Ed. T. Morris, and many otliers wlui liave made their marlc in a legal way. After these came many others. The city was growing in size and in later years courts Avere almost continuously in session during almost ten months in the year. This fact caused many actions to be brought in Polk Avhen were it otherwise they Avould have been hied in other counties. Tlien of late years all the terms of the Supreme C-onrt of the state Avere held in Des Moines, and here also Avere held the AND THE CITY OF DEfi MOINES. 795 most importaut terms of the United States Circuit ami District Courts. This brought legal business here and also brought for permanent residence, able attorneys from (jther coimties of Iowa and from other states. Then came also a crop of voung attorneys, many of them born and reared in Polk and other counties of Iowa, who entered into the field and not a few of whom have fought their way to success in their chosen profession. Among these may be named Ben. F. Kauffman, Thomas and Oairoll Wright. William H. and Walter McHeniy, the Beads, Miller, jMyeriy, Haskins, Stewart, Evans, and others. As previously stated, by circumstances this chapter is somewhat circumscribed, and must be concluded with a list of attorneys now in practice as given in the last bar docket, 1896, of the District Court of Polk County: E. H. Addison, Ayres, AVooden &: Ayres, Ira W. Ander- son, Barcroft & McCaughan, Balliet & Stahl, P. F. Bartle, A. H. Brous, Berrjhill & Henry, John H. Blair, Bishop, Bowen & Fleming, E. L. Blake, Thomas Burke, R. O. Bren- nan,.J. G. Bates, L. M. Byers, C. A. Ballreich, Alfred F. Bis- sell, Brenner & Shular, A. L. Campbell, L. B. Callender, C. C. Cole, W. B. Crosby, Carr & Parker, D. F. Callender, C. E. Ciampbell, A. P. Chamberlain, Howard J. Clark, E. E. Clark, Phil S. Cory, J. F. Conrad, G. W. Copley, Cummins & Wright, J. C. Cummins, ^A'. O. Curtis, H. G. Carpenter, Day & Corry, Dowell & Parrish, .J. .J. Davis, E. A. Davis, Dudley & Coffin, F. W. Dodson, Dunshee & Allen, C. J. Donnelly, Clinton II. Doru, Dale & Brown, J. A. Dyer, Earle & Prouty, E. B. Evans, F. F. Evans, A. H. Evans, B. H. French, Benj. F. Fuller, Gatch, Connor & Weaver, E. J. (loode, A. W. Guthrie, Guemsej'^ & Baily, Granger & Ben- nett, L. W. Goode, Gallagher & Chesbro, W, G. Hamlin, Harvison & Mershon, HoAve & Miller, James P. Hewitt, 796 a:\^nals of polk county J. Howard Henry, C. E. Hunu, F. B. Huckstep, A. A. Has- kius, John Harkin, Hume & Dawson, T. D. Hastie, Griff Johnson, C. W. Johnson, J. B. Johnson, J. H. Jones, E. Jakaway, William Kennedy, Kinkead & Kinkead, A. G. Kingsbury, Lewis iK: Eoyal, H. E. Long, Lingenfelter & Burt, J. D. Laws, R. B. Likes, J. J. Long, J. K. Macomber, Wm. 0. Miller, E. T. Morris, Macy & Sweeney, B. F. Mar- icle, John A. MeCall, W. H. McHenry, A. A. McLaughlin, John McLennan, Merritt & Bunting, A. M. Miller, J. J. Myerly, M(\'cy & Cheshire, Mackenzie & Dewey, S. L. Mash, ^^'m. M. Montgomery, R. M. Mount, O. 0. & 0. L. Xourse, Nugent & Connelly, Park & Odell, R. B. Parrott, Powell & Paschal,0. C. Peterson, William Phillips, Phil- lips & Brennan, Polk & Hubbell, A. N. Porter, Porter & Holly, X. B. Raymond, Read & Read, H. D. Reeve, E. F. Sallenbach, E. D. Samson, A. K. Stewart, Jr., Frank Sher- man, G. E. Sanderson, T. L. Sellers, St. John & Stevenson, L. I. Silvara, W^m. H. Stiles, A. L. Steele, W. A. Triss, S. R. Tippie, S. G. Van Auken, F. M. Van Pelt, H. S. Wilcox, Wishard & Cole, D. F. Witter, L. A. Wilkinson, J. D. Whis- enand, W^m. M. Wilcoxen, A. M. Williams, John M. Work, C. L. Wilson, Marion Walter, White & Davidson, Witmer & Strock, A. H. F. Zeigier. CHAPTER XLIIL PHYSICIANS. DES MOINES, like all western towns, must needs have its quota of physicians. Adventurous men, tired of the populous towns of the east, meu who Avere crowded out by the multitude of competitors, men who liked the free, independent and unconventional life of the prairies, flocked to the new towns of Iowa, prepared to rough it with their fellow citizens. It is true that the life of the western physician was a life of self-denial, of hard- ship and constant exposure, but there was a certain attrac- tiveness and fascination which compensated for the work. The life of isolation, too, made men self-reliant, ready to meet all the emergencies of their calling. Nor must it be supposed that only the imperfectly educated, incompetent and failures elsewhere, came into the broad west. There were in the early days in Polk County men of broad mental culture, of refined and cultivated tastes, of ripe experience in medicine and surgery, an honor to the profession and society, who cast in their lot with the early pioneers. The first physician who came to Des Moines was Dr. Kirkbride, an army surgeon, connected with the military post and who went away when the troops were withdrawn. The first civilian who practiced medicine in the county was Thomas K. Brooks, who came to Des Moines in Sep- tember, 1845, settling in what was called Agency Prairie, in the eastern part of the city. At first he combined farm- ing with the practice of medicine, but soon had to devote himself exclusively to the latter occupation. He was very active in the endeavor to remove the state capitol from 79S AXXALS OF POLK COrXTY Iowa City to Des Moines, and was largely instrumental in securing the seat of goverunieut for this city. During the later years of his life he retired from practice and died in ISfiS aged fifty-seven years. In 184G Dr. Pierce B. Fagan settled in Des Moines. He graduated at the celebrated McDowell College of Medicine at St. Louis. After re«;eiving his diploma he remained for several years as assistant to Dr. McDowell, moved from St. Louis to Cincinnati to become ])rofessor in the Cincinnati Eclectic Medical C(dlege, and then removed to Des Moines. He was an able physician and surgeon of excellent literary accomplishment, scnnething of a politician and withal of a very genial and amiable disposition. He speedily acquired a large and lucrative practice. He was an ardent politician of the whig party and was a candidate for state senator in opposition to P. M. Oasady, the nominee of the democrats. Together they stumped the large and sparsely settled district, but Judge Casady proved the vic- tor in the contest. Dr. Fagan removed from Des Moines in 1852 to Santa Cruz, California, where he now resides, at a hale old age. During the next few years after the coming of Drs. Brooks and Fagan, Drs. Henry and Franlc Grimmell, D. V. Cole,H. H. Saylor, Alex. Sliaw, Henry Courtney, W. H. Ward, A. M. Overman, David Tisdale, H. L. Whitman, W. P. Davis, Wm. Enssell and J. C. Allen settled here. All of these, with the exception of Dr. Ward are dead, and all died in the city of their adoption except Drs. Shaw, Cole and Over- man. Dr. Shaw early retired from practice and became connected with the management of the State Fair. He was the leading horticulturist of the state. A number of years ago lie removed to Denver, Colorado, and at the time of his death was secretary of the Agricultural Societv of AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 791> the state. Dr. Ward coutinued iu active practice here until a feAV years ago, when lie removed to Phoenix, Ari- zona, and subsecjnently to Los Angeles, California, where he now resides. Drs. Frank and Henry Grimmell were for many years popular and successful physicians. Dr. Frank acquired a handsome competency, retired from practice and died years ago at a ripe old age. Wm. P. Davis was also an able and successful physician. He, as well as Dr. Fagan, engaged in politics, and repre- sented the district in the legislature for several years. He was als(j surgeon in the army. He died in 1SG7. In the later '50s came Drs. C. H. Rawson, W. H. Dickinson, Isaac Windle, Wm. Molesworth and James Lillie. The latter was born in Scotland, received first a thorough education in the University of Edinburg and after took a theological and medical course. He Avas a clergyman and physician, a profound Hebrew and Greek scholar and was one of the translators of the revised version of the Bible. He remained in Des Moines a few years and was then elected professor of ancient languages in the State University of Iowa. All schools of medicine were well represented in the early days in Polk County, the Allopathic school by such men as Dr. Brooks, Grimmells, Courtney, Whitman, Rawson and Ward. The Eclectic by Fagan, Molesworth and Tisdale, and the Homeopathic by Lillie, Dickinson^ Clarke and McGonegal. As previously stated, with the troops came Dr. Kirk- bride. Then came Dr. T. K. Brooks, Drs. Fagan and the two Grimmels, Drs. Frank and Henry C. Grimmell. Dr. Russell was also one of the early comers; Dr. D. V. Cole came also at an early day and after remaining here for many years finally removed to and settled in Southern Kansas. And there was Dr. H. H. Saylor who was among 800 AXNAL^"^ OF POLK COUNTY the first, and knoAvu all over the county. In 1S53 came Dr. Henry Courtney, a courteous gentleman and excel- lent physician, who practiced his profession with much success until his untimely and much lamented death in 1S61. Dr. H. L. Whitman also came in the early '.50s and pursued the labor of his profession for many years in this city. He died in 1885. Dr. W. H. Ward was one of the first. After remaining in Des Moines for a time he went to Warren County where he practiced successfully for sev- eral years. Then returning to Des Moines he was for a number of years a> leading physician of the city. A few years ago he went to Arizona, and subsequently to Cali- fornia, and as before stated is now in practice at Los Angeles. Al)out 18.57 came from the east Dr. C. H. Eawson. He had been in California previously, and being an accom- plished physician and surgeon, for many years ranked high in the profession of which he was such a successful and honored member. He died several years ago. Among the old-timers was Dr. B. L. Steele. He came at a very early day and located in the edge of Warren county, though a goodlj' portion of his large practice was in this county. In 1861 he settled in Des Moines, and for some twenty years or more labored here for the health and advancement in every way of our people. Generous and self-sacrificing he was emphatically the poor man's friend and physician, responding to every call, regardless of fee or hope of reward. Dr. Steele was an ardent politician. Unlike most of that calling he was only ambitious for the success of the party and persistently refused to be a candi- date for office. His services as a stump speaker were in great demand for he was a forcible and pleasant speaker, and these services were cheerfully rendered without com- AXD THE CITY OP DES MOINES. 801 pensation. He was singularly indifferent to the acquisi- tion of property and spoke and practiced M-ith seeming indifference to pay for his services. Dr. George P. Hana- Avalt, who came in 1868, has been in the continuous prac- tice of his profession up to this time and besides his large private practice is the regular physician and surgeon for the Eock Island and other railroads. Then there is Dr. R. A. Patchen, who coming here as a. young man more than twenty yeears ago, has built up a reputation as both phy- sician and surgeon which places him in the front rank of the profession. His services are always in demand. And in calling the roll of Des Moines physicians the name of Dr. E. J. McGorrisk must appear. He was in Des Moines "before the war," and had made a reputation as a successful and skillful physician, and during the war he served with distinction as a I'egimental surgeon and med- ical director. For more than a third of a century he has made his home in Des Moines and is yet in the active prac- tice of his beloved profession. And among the other pio- neers of the profession will be found Dr. Skinner, who came to this county in the '50s, and from that time to the present has been engaged in the continuous practice of medicine, and as a man and physician has always been and is now highly esteemed. Dr. Skinner also was several 3'ears in the army. Dr. W. S. Grimes, after service in the army, settled in Des Moines and in connection with Dr. Steele and again with Dr. Patchen, and also when alone, acquired much reputation among the people. He subse- quently removed to Denver, Colorado, and there died a few years since. Dr. James Campbell, distinguished as the earliest settler now living in the city, and one of the first merchants therein, nearly forty years ago commenced his special treatment of ej'es, and finally devoted his entire 802 AXNAL^"^ OF FOLK COUXTY time and study to this aud otlier special branches, and has met with uuich deserved success. In the past few years he has visited California, Arizona and the other Pacific aud western states and territories, making many successful cures. Eeturning to his old home he continues to daily adnunister to the afflicted. And he is yet active in miud aud bodj-. Dr. M. W. Thomas, after being a noted profes- sor in the Iowa Medical College, and serving in the army, came to Des Moines in 18G5. and was actively engaged in practice with great success until his death some years ago. The physician who has perhaps been in the longest con- tinuous practice in the city is Dr. W. H. Dickinson. After teaching in the south some four 3'ears, he studied medicine at Louisville aud other places and graduated at the Hom- eopathic Colleges both at Cleveland and New York (Jity. He came to Des Moines in 1858, and has been in the con- tinuous successful practice here from that date. The only interruptions have been while engaged in further studies in Xew York, and in the discharge of his duties as a pro- fessor in the medical department of the State University. He also was for years a member of the State Board of Health and for a time vice-president of the same. He was the first of his school in this city, and has held his rank in the city and state, having been as early as 1870 made pres- ident of the State Medical Society. Among the early phy- sicians coming here in the '50s, Avas Dr. A. M. Overman. He practiced his profession for a number of years, but devoted much of his time to mercantile and other pursuits. The last years of his life were spent in the Black Hills of Dakota. As the city grew so did the number of physicians, ably representing all schools, containing many learned and skillful men keeping abreast of the times in all pertaining AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 803 to medical aucl surgical atlvaucement. At the present time the city coutains one medical college, thoroughly Avell equipped with all the appliances for instruction, with a competent corps of professors and lecturers. It has also three hospitals for public and private patients, two of them under the control of religious denominations and served by the ablest physicians of the city. And in other parts of the county may be found skillful and successful physicians. In these towns and villages there are x^hysicians who take rank with the best of their profession in the city. For instance there is Dr. Armstrong, who for years has made his home at Polk City; Dr. Mather, who for many years practiced in the same locality; Dr. Pence, of Camp town- ship, bright and able, and others deserving of more than passing mention. In the city and county there are now between 150 and 200 practicing physicians, though Polk is noted as one of the most healthy counties in Iowa. CHAPTER XLIV. BANKING IN POLK COUNTY. BY HOYT SHERMAN. IN THE settlement of a new country, jnst reclaimed from tlie Indians, the first duty of the emigrant is to pro- vide food and shelter for the family and those dependent on him. Next, carrying out the purpose of his migration, is to secure a permanent site on which to estab- lish the home, raise food, and prepare for the future wants of himself and family. The United States, with a broad liberality and forethought, had arranged for the new- comer on lands ceded to it by the Indians, by establishing a generous pre-emption laAV, and by giving to soldiers and the families of deceased soldiers, certificates entitling them to portions of the public land domain according to military service rendered, which certificates they could use for the purchase of public lands, or they could sell and assign them to others, to be used for a like purpose. And right here at the very outset of the emigrants' effort to procure a permanent home site, either by purchase in cash from the general government, by availing himself of the credit granted by the general government through pre-emption, or by purchase of military laud certificates, the first foundations were laid of the business of banking which has now grown to such great importance that nearly every village and hamlet in Polk and adjoining counties boasts its bank, with all modern appliances for transact- ing a money business, and for the safekeeping of cash and securities. In those early days, running through the years 1846 and 1847 and nearly all of 1848, the methods adopted and practiced by business men in the line of caring for AXD THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 805 deposits were of the most primitive character. The old- fashioned hair-trunk with a simple locii was the favorite place for safe-keeping jf cash, and that, w^hen properly locked and shoved under the bed of its owner during the night, was considered an unquestioned place of safety. It is difticult to determine who were the first bankers here. All of our merchants had some place for safe keeping of monev and valuables, not only for their own benefit, but for that of customers. One instance is cited here to show what chances were taken by persons having the care of large amounts of money. This party had been all through the Mexican war, just ended, and had saved up |1S,000 in gold — a large sum in those days. He came here early in 184:8, and brought it with him in a Mexican grass sack, and held it in that shape for months, until it was gradually absorbed in his mercantile and land business. Of course the possession of so large a sum was generally known, but he never lost a dollar of it. I recall one or two merchants Avho employed trusty teamsters to haul their mercnandise from Keokuk, and availed themselves of the trips made to that point by their teamsters to send down all their cash, depiisit it Avitli Mr. ("'harles Parsons, a local banker, and through him (disburse it to the wliolesale luercliants of whom tliey bought their goods. October .30, 1848, the general government opened up for sale, tlirongli its land office located at Iowa City, all the lands in Central Iowa, including Polk County. At that time Messrs. Uobertson & Holland, of Rockford, Illinois, through their agents at loAva City, Messrs. Culbertson and Reno, and Mr. Robert L. Tidrick, of Fort Des Moines, began in a limited way to do a banking business here, by receiv- ing money for the purchase of lands at Iowa City, by sell- ing to intending purchasers military bounty laud war- 806 ANXAL^"^ OF POLK COUXTY rants, and by loaning money to others to bny goAoi-nnient lands. This firm had no business of a banhino- nature with our mercantile houses, sold no exchange — did nothing r)f a banking kind except as above in dealing with government lands, yet in a certain sense the}^ may be classed as the first house doing a banking business in Polk (Jounty. Following the winter of 1848-9, a number of business men prepared themselves to conduct that part of a banking business, that related to the entry of lands at the govern- ment land office, hj the purchase of huge sheet-iron safes, fastened by locks with massive keys, the security of the safes being gauged by the size of the keys--the larger the key the more secure the safe from the "enterprising bur- glar," who was in those days a myth. They at times fur- nished money to settlers in limited amounts to buy lands, and occasionally bought on their own account choice 40 or SO-acre tracts, to be sold to new-comers at a large advance on cost. They also cashed drafts on eastern banks, brought out by emigrants instead of coin, as more safe to transport. These constituted largely the banking opera- tions of the few years following. The money business of this county and adjoining ones moved along that narrow channel, without much need for general banking privi- leges, until in October, 1852, when the congress of the United States carved out a new land district in Central Iowa, witli the (jffice location at Fort Des Moines. At this point all the governinent lands unsold in the counties of Polk, .Jasper, Dallas, Guthrie, Marshall, Story, Boone, Greene, north half each of Adair, Madison, Warren and Marion, and east part of Carroll, were offered for sale, and as nearly all of the money transactions of this part of the state had real estate for their basis, in one way or anotlier, principally the purchase of government lands, there was a AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. S07 sudden and great development of establishments that might properly be called banking offices. No longer serv- ing as side attachments to stores, justices offices or other like places, their proprietors opened out as full-fledged bankers, ready to transact as far as the state constitution and statutes would allow, the honorable profession of banking. The constitution under which our state was admitted into the Union, then in force, provided that the State Legislature "should ]n-ohibit by law any person or persons, association, company or corporation from exercis- ing the privilege of banking, or creating paper to circulate as money." The statute enacted to give force to those pro- visions of the constitution, provided that any one who became in any waj' interested in any association for put- ting in circulation any bill or certificate to circulate as money, Adolated one of the laws classified "Offenses against public policy," which included selling liquor to Indians, bringing paupers in the state, and other offenses of a like nature, suljjecting him to a fine of .fl,000 and imprison- ment in a county jail for one year. Of course honorable men engaged in the business of handling money for others, had to be careful to transact their daily operations so as to avoid possible violation of the law. But that kind of extreme legislation left the door Avide o]»en for others, who had no hesitation in introducing practices which, while nominall}' infractions of law, yielded them a heavy profit at the expense of the general public. A veiw forcible illus- tration of the effect of extreme legislation in that line occurred for several years throiigh Central and Western Iowa. Among other firms brought into existence by the rush for lands, when the government office was estal)lished at Fort Des Moines, Avas that of A. J. Btevens & Co., the company being at one time Mr. James Callanan, ot this 808 ANNALS OF POLE COUNTY city, auil Mr. S. IJ. Ijigliam, (if New York, both of whom are still liviuii: aud reputable men, who, as soou as the panic of ISoT showed up the true eharactei' of Steveus, run him out of the firm, and from that time on transacted their business in the name of Callanau ifc Ingham. Stevens by some means secured the charter of the Agri- cultural Bank of Tennessee, located at what was then an obscure little town in Western Tennessee, inaccessible and beyond the reach of ordinary communication, though now a county seat, with a railroad connection. It Avas a wild- cat of the extremest order, the value of its circulation being to the bank only the cost of printing. Its owner here brought it to Fort Des Moines in enormous quantities, and used every known way to force it into circulation. At times he would go through the form of redeeming it in the notes of Illinois and Wisconsin banks, whose circulation Avas based on worthless soutliei-ii state stacks, V»u1 e\'en that r|uestionable redemption was not always lived up to. He would loan it in large blocks to parties buying up live stock in the northern and western counties, with the con- dition that the borrcnvers would not onh' pay their notes when due, but would also provide a kind of redemption for tiiese Ijauk notes A\'h('n returned to his otHce. \\'itli all liis efforts to float them, the greater part would come back to him. Yet even the short time they were kept in circula- tion proved profitable to him, as they represented so much capital. From 1855 to 1858 included the reign of the wild cat, the red dog, the stump tail, and every other ffu'm of rotten bank circulation, and for that condition of things we are primarily indebted to the "statesmen'' avIio prohib- ited by constitnticmal enactment, the people of Iowa creat ing, as they did in later years, the solid, safe, secure method of bank-note circulation. We have commented at length upon the career of the Agricultural Bank of Teun- AXD THE CITY OF DE^ MOIXEii. SO'J essee because this was the favorite fiehl for its operations, aud berause wliile tliere were many other so-called banks of issue scatti?re.j witJiessed liigli-flater marlv in the Inisi- ness (if flanking in this (/ounty, as connected with opera- tions through the United States laud oflice in purchasing lands. In that year the following individuals and firms were actively engaged as bankers here. It was a singular condition of affairs then. What now constitutes legiti- mate lianlving — receiving deposits, selling exchange, mak- ing collections, and discounting — there was almost noth- ing of them — only business transactions connected ^A'ith real estate, aud as above stated, the firms were: B. F. Allen. A. J. Stevens & Co. Casady iSc Sherman, afterwards Hoyt Sherman & Co. (^'ook, Sargent & Cook. 810 ANNALS OF POLE COUNTY Greeue, Weare & Rice. Ma clot, Corbin & White. Aud aiiKiiig tlii.s number some were engaged in Hiiating circulation of banks of issue, located elsewliere, the value of -which was based solely on the business standing and credit of tJie promoters. We have ab'eady sketched the progress of the Agricul- tural Bank of Tennessee. About that period the legisla- ture of the Territory of Nebraska was dealing in banking, insurance, railroad and other charters, and three of their bank charters were represented b}^ some of the above named firms. These were: The Bank of Nebraska, located at Omaha, owned by B. F. Allen — its circulation local, nearly all of which was taken care of by that firm. The Western Fire and Marine Insurance Co., located at Omaha, owned by Green, Weare & Rice, with limited cir- culation, which was taken care of by that firm. The Bank of Florence, located at Florence, Nebraska, owned by Cook, Sargent & Cook, who took care of its lim- ited circulation. All 1hese concerns, whether called banks, insurance or railroad companies, had the ]n'ivilege of issuing all the notes they could float. The panic of 1857, preceded by the failure of the New York branch of the Ohio Life aud Trust Co., in August, and of John Thompson, then a leading banker in Wall street, in September, Aviped out very many banks of issue in the soutli and west, and their circulating notes, the value of which was based largely on the credit of the OA\'}iers, became worthless in the hands of the holders. There was still left in existence circulating notes from banks located in the Eastern and ^Middle states, of nearly uniform value. AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. SU aod also the issues of the free banks of Illinois and Wis- consin, secured by a deposit of southern state bonds of uncertain and fluctuating value. So that while that 1S57 panic destroyed many wild-cat mills, it left in existence a very mixed quality of bank notes for the local bankers to worry over — for the bank depositor of those days took yood care, before the close of business hours each da}', to deposit with his banker everj' note of uncei-taiu ^alue. Naturally all classes of business men, and especially the bankers, would watch with great interest every step being- taken to organize and put in operation the State Bank of Iowa, which would tend to drive from the state all doubt- ful currency, and substitute for it notes of its own issue, secured by the highest order of state and individual lia- bility. The constitution which gave the legislature the authority to create corporations Avith banking powers, Aveut into effect September 3, 1857. The legislature passed a law providing for a state bank Avith branches, Avhich Avas submitted to a vote of the people, and Avent into effect Jul}- 29, 1858. The number of branches was limited to 30, and only one in any city or toAvu. A great scramble took i)lace here a.mcuig several conflicting applicants as to Avhich one should secure the branch here, which Avas Anally and quietly settled by all interests joining together for the branch. The final steps for the organization of the State Bank of Iowa were taken October 27, 1858, there being in all eight branches. And the officers of the Des Moines branch were: B. F. Allen, president; Hoyt Sher- man, cashier; P. M. Casady, State Bank director. As soon thereafter as possible the circulating notes Avere prepared and issued by the local branches in the pro- poL-tion of one and one-half dollars circulati]ig notes to each dollar of paid-up stock. A few months afterwards 812 AXNAL^ OF FOLK COUXTY the ciiTulatiou was increased to two for one of paid-up stock. During this period of merging on the part of some bank- ers into the State Bank institution, other private banlvers continued in business, notably B. F. Allen and Callanan & Ingham, the latter firm succeeding A. J. Stevens & Oo. in all but his loose, dishonorable methods of business. When the first steps were taken by southern states toward scM-cssion, their stocks and bonds "dropped out of sight"' in value, and all the circulation of the Illinois and AA'isconsin banks and of a few other states based upon such securities, became utterly worthless. That was in the year 1860 and early in 1861, and as the circulation in this locality was composed largely of that kind of stuff, its sudden withdrawal from circulation, added to other causes connected witli civil disorder in the south, caused many failures and much suffering among our people. The creation of the State Bank and branches, with their lim- ited poAA'crs of issuing bank notes for circulation, our leg- islators believed, would furnish circulation enough to replace the worthless notes of Illinois and Wisconsin banks, but is was far from doing it. At the start the cir- culation of all branches was but a little over one hundred thousand dollars, increased in the next two or three years to betn^een a half and three quarters of a million, and that sum, the bulk of which was held in banks, public and pri- vate, as a reserve "as good as gold" at all times, gave but little relief to the general business affairs, taking the place of the stock banks. Before the United States government began the issue of greenbacks, all kinds of business suf- fered greath' for lack of bank note circulation, btit when the issue of United States notes to purchase military sup- plies and pay the army began, all business interests received them readily, and their general circulation A^W THE CITY OF DES MOINES. SI 3 through all parts of the Union, including the south, then in open rebellion, brought general financial relief. In the winter of 1864-5 Congress passed a law establish- ing a system of national banks, uniform throughout the whole Union, under the direct supervision of the general government, and with authority to issue circulating notes. Among other clauses, that law provided for a very heavy tax on the circulating notes of banks doing business under state laws. The purpose of the tax was to drive out of cir- culation the notes of local banks, and as far as the State Bank of Iowa was concerned its effect was immediate and successful. The State Bank and its branches at once began to liquidate — some of them being merged into national banks, (among others our branch), and others going out of business entirely. As a matter of interest, herewith is printed copies of the first and last statements of the Des Moines branch of the State Bank. ASSETS. Feb. 7, 1859. Jan. 2, 1865. Safety fund | 3,666.65 $ 19,500.00 Specie 23,798.58 36.731.00 Bank notes 4,201.00 66,646.37 Due from banks 5,224.30 4,735.34 Loans and discounts 24,433.54 173,894.19 Other items 1,850.07 11,986.15 163,174.14 .$313,493.05 LIABILITIES. Capital 125,000.00 | 78,000.00 Circulation 11,750.00 140,035.00 Due other banks 1,404.19 Depositors 25,440.37 83,369.55 Other items 983.77 10,684.31 Totals .$63,174.14 .|313,493.05 81i ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY The history of the uational bank system in this locality has been extended and varied. The second bank to be organized in Des Moines under that system was the branch of the State Bank, which organized in May, 1865. Before that was the First National, organized by Charles Mosher, J. B. Stewart, F. 0. D. McKay and others in 1864, and wound up in 1870. The Second National went into busi- ness soon after the State National. It was started by (1. M. Hippee, George W. Jones and others and had its bank- ing room in a basement on Court avenue. It went out of business aV^out the same time as the First National, and was ujerged into the State National. The Citizens National followed the banking tirm of Coskery & Ulm, who transferred their business to Merrill & Elliott, who then organized the Citizens National in Maj', 1871. Then f(d- lowed the Iowa National in November, 1875, the Valley National, formerly Hi]ipee & Towne, in March, 1883, the Des Moines National in November, 1881, and the Mer- chants National (an east citj' bank) in 1882, which latter went out of business in 1892. Four of the banks were put in liquidation and passed out of existence. The four banks remaining in existence are doing a safe and con- servative business, as the following last official statements of their assets and liabilities show. These statements were made February 28, 1896: ASSETS. Citizens. Des Moi r.ts. I Iowa. Valley. III! Loans and discounts! Jf785,852.64| $704,155.56| $314,S58.02| $768,489.90 Overdrafts | 6,62t;.09| | | Cash, etc | 2TS,525.70\ 289,718,501 85,787.84| 276,129.93 Bonds I 102.000.00] 55,000.001 28,000.001 116,810.00 Real estate "..OOf 7S,109.95j 47,304.351 70,184.78 |.i;i,171,007.43|Jl,126,983.66|,$ 476,040.21|$1,231.614.61 I I ! \ AND THE CITY OF DES MOIXES. 815 LIABILITIES. Capital stock | $200,000.00| $300,000.00| .$100,000,001 ?200,000.00 Surplus I 108,435.231 l."i,863.1«| 32,256.761 127,805.51 Depo.slts 1 772,622.201 766,820.48| 301,2S3.45| 805,529.10 Circulation 1 8d.drj0m\ 44,300.001 22,500.00| 98,280.00 Bills pavaihle ] 1 | 20,000.00] I 1 1 1 i.¥l,171,007.431?1.126,983.661.? 476,040.21|$l,231,614.r;i In addition to the national banli law there are Lavo sys- tems of banking provided for under the state law, called tState Banks and Savings Banks, both under the immedi- ate supervision of the Auditor of State, and required to make official reports at least four times yearly, and also subject to personal examination. Xeither have power to issue bank notes for circulation, and each must include in its title the word "State" or "Savings," to show under which statute it is doing business. The provisions of stat- utes regulating them are exx^licit and strict, and insure safe and secure management on the part of their officers. Of these there are doing business under the state bank law, so-called, Capital City State Bank, Bankers Iowa State Bank and Central State Bank; and under the savings bank law, Polk County Savings Bank, Des Moines Savings Bank, American Savings Bank, Grand Avenue Savings Bank, Peoples Savings Bank, German Savings Bank, State Savings Bank, Marquardt Savings Bank and Home Sav- ings Bank. In all sixteen regularly incorporated banks in the City of Des Moines, doing business under three different sys- tems. And besides these there are private banks located in the towns of Altoona, Mitchellville, Bondurant, Grimes and Valley Junction. Following is the consolidated statement of the three state banks at date of last report, March 25, 1896: 816 AXXALS OF POLK COrXTY ASSETS $1,015,394.26 Exchange. sonal Est. Capital City | $277,320,861 $ 66,549..55| Banliers of Iowa 1 306,23S.60| 185,841.181 Central 1 87,999.091 27,511.42| 1 1 1- Totals 1 $671,5-58.55] $279,902.15| $ 4,670.12! $59,263.44 LIABILITIES. 3,011.52] $ 55,322.00 798.20] 1,278.25 860.40] 2.663.19 $1,015,394.26 Capital. Deposits. Surplus. Capital Citv $100,000.00] 160,500.00 50,000.00 $290,327.30 321.926.49 67,472.54 $ 11.S76.63 P.anliers Iowa < 'entral 11,729.74 1 561 56 Totals $310,500.00, $679,726.33 $ 25,167.93 FOLLOWING IS THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF THE NINE SAVINGS BANKS AT DATE OF LAST REPORTS, fvlARCH 25, 1896. ASSETS. Discounts. Cash atid Exchange Personal and Real Est. Polk County. Des Moines. . Ainerican . . . . < Jraufl Avenue People,? Home Oerman State Marquardt . . Totals I I $204,802.27] 735,805.14] 156,985.42] 75,160.60] 304,222.40] 114,954.49] 511,503.691 286.080.74] 160,335.48] $ 55,928.801 281,568.10] 84,072.15] 16,395.77] 79,019.98] 55,396.85] 70,324.70] 19,848.57] 34,585.59 341.57] 5,783.94] 1,103.81] 2.217.17] 4,049.02] 194.13] 7,287.27] 3,421. .54] 1,101.01 $ 28,940.62 32,000.00 34,058.85 24,962.00 1,600.00 6,027.04 4,035.10 15,583.28 6.795.99 $2,.549.8.50.231$ 698,040.51]$ 25.499.46]$ 1.54.002.88 LLVBILITIES. Capital. Deposits. Sui plus Bills Payable. Pollc County. . Des Moines. . American .... Grand Aveune Home Peoples German State ilarquardt . . . . $100,000.00] 300,000.00] 75,000.00] 50,000.00] 50,000.00] 50,000.00] 50,000.00] 100,000.001 50,000.00] $185,452.78] 727,039.31] 197,586.91] 64,790.05] 118,672.00] 296,528.63] 492,195.051 194,555.71] 145,437.22] 4,560.48] 28,117.87] 4,533.32] 1,942.44] 7,910.51] 42,362.77] 30,955.71] 20,378.42] 2,380.85] 2,000.00 20,000.00 10,000.00 5,000.00 Totals ]$ 825,000.00]$2,422,267.66]$ 143,142.57]$ 37,000.00 AND THE cjry or JUJS _1/o/\./;.v. 817 Having enumerated the existing banks in the City of I>es Moines, with their latest reports, made in compliance with national and state authority, it is only necessary in the way of commendation to speak of their substantial character as developed in their official reports, and their abilitj' to meet all necessary calls made on them by our business men, in conducting the immense and wide-spread commercial interests of the city and county. Aside from the five private banks, which are not required to make (iflicial reports, and whose condition is not therefore within reach, the foregoing figures show the condition of each bank, and a consolidation of their assets and liabilities give at a glance the immense interests at stake in their operation. Total loans $6,090,594.90 Total cash and exchange 1,903,101.63 Overdrafts 36,795.67 Keal and personal propertj' 411,908.05 Grand total of assets .$8,448,440.25 Total capital |1,935,500.00 Total notes in circulation 255,030.00 Due to depositors 5,748,239.22 Surplus and undivided profits 452,671.03 Bills payable 57,000.00 Grand total of liabilities .$8,448,440.25 It must be borne in mind that the figures here given are from reports of national banks, February 28, 1896, and of state savings banks for March 25, 1896, the dates of their last official reports. These figures, enormous in amount, develop more emphatically than any language that may be used, the magnitude of our banking institutions, and as well their financial strength. With indebtedness to depositors of a trifie over five and a half millions, they have El 818 ANNALS OF FOLK COUNTY to meet it, o^er six millions of dollai's iu loans and nearly two mi]li(ms in cash (m hand, and deposited with other banks. AAlthin the half centui-y of Polk Couutj's existence a wonderful growth has been made in aoricnlture, iu manu- factui'ing, iu all branches of ccmimerce, and the number of other industries that go to make up a great and pros- perous community, but in no one business or industry has the growth been so great, iu spite of financial panics and reverses, as iu that of banking. CHAPTER XLV. . VALLEY JUNCTION. BY EMERY H. ENGLISH. THE land on which the town is situated Avas owned by Mr. Colhiid, L. Mott, H. S. Butler, Martha A. De- Ford and John P. Coolc. A conijiany was formed in 1890 or 1891 known as the Hawlceye Investment Co., with Conrad Youngerman as president, and Simon Casady secretary and treasurer, which bou;[iht the CoUard farm and in 1891 platted the original town. The railroad companj' commenced building railroad shops and round house in Jul}', 1892. F. Henshaw^ the Eock Island agent, took charge of the station here in June, 1892. The Hawkeye Company commenced building houses in August, 1892. ^'alley Junction is the only terminal division station on the Eock Island Eailway between Eock Island and Council Bluffs; is located on the north bank of the Eaccoon Eiver in Polk County, Iowa, five miles southwest of Des Moines. The town may be characterized a child of the Eock Island Eailroad Company, in so much this company establislied it as a division terminus of its main line divisions, the 1). M. it Ft. I), division, and the Keokuk & Pes Moines divis- ion, besides both the Winterset and Washington branches, all which center here with extensive yards, machine shoi)S, car shops, supply depot, round house, etc., giving employ- ment to a veritable army of men, skilled mechanics and laborers, all of whom are good, substantial citizens. 820 AXXALS OF POLK COUNTY The railroad shops find division headquarters of the D. M. & Ft. Dodge Kailroad, formerly located at Grand Junc- tion, have been located here, also the railroad shops of the K. & D. M. Kailv^'aj', formerly located at Keokuk, Iowa, have been transferred to Valley Junction, together with all the men employed at both Grand Junction and Keokuk. Besides this the Winterset and Washington branches, formerly located at Des Moines, and all the SM'itching, round liouse and repair accommodations of Dps ^[(.lines, as well as numerous trainmen and employees have been trans- ferred here. The C. R. I. & P. main line division shops at Stuart are being gradually transferred and centereil at Vallej' Junction. Work and repairs formerly done at Stuait in the machine shops, are now in a great measure being done at Yalley .Junction. This transfer is being made as rapidly as it is advisable and convenient and the railroad's best interests direct. In a word, Yalle.y Juncticm is the loca- tion chosen by theC. R. I. & P. Railway for the centering of all its divisions and machine shops and their interests in Iowa. The town site is pleasantly situated in tlie Raccoon River valley, and cannot be surpassed in the whole state of Iowa for beauty, for picturesqueness of scenery, with its richly timbered forests, undulating prairies and winding water courses, all of which contribute largely to make the location of the town delightful and satisfactory as well as advantageous. The rise of Yalley Junction has been so phenomenally rapid that it has evoked criticism and (piestion as lo its stability. Time and future development will alone suttice to effei'tually answer all criticisms and queries. With the strides she is now making and with the ])restige (d success, AXD THE CITY OF DES MOIXES. 821 Valley Junctiou will thrive auopulati(in of nearly 500. The first tOAvn officers were: Mayor, T. J. ^lorrison ; Ile(;order, Dr. C. E. Diehl; Trustees, Benj. Manuino', R. Starkey, W. E. Anderson, M. J. Cleary, F. Heushaw, Edward Tuidey, Sr. ; Marshal and Street Commissioner, Frank DeFord. The town has had no boom l)ut has grown ra])idly, the census of 1805 showiug a population of 747. Thi:- enumei-- ation taken liy the assessor in the s])ring of ISOO showed 951 inhabitants. Time, which has always herefrd'ore been an undis]nit(Ml and important factor in the founding and upliuilding of towns and cities, has been alnnist totally ignoi-ed here, so rapid has been the remarkable growth and development of our teen phenomenal, but it has been legitimate. "^'alley Junction has all the concomitants of a thor- ougli-giiing town, and the ncM-essities of modern cit>' life, from the bootblack to the fiend who compels ]ie(j]>le to buy a lot wheu they don't want to. It has t« r> new school buildings, employing six teachers; has four church organizations, and a moral, progressive class of people. It has good society and many social, lit- erary, fratei'nal and insurance organizations. The town and community is in gooices of the Iowa Universalist ("onvention, became a ]>rominent feature of the town. A building 83 by 50 feet, of bri(dv, stone and iron, Avas erected at a, cost of •'8^25,000. The scdiool Avas ojiened in Meirtember, 1872, and prosjiered Avell until its doors Avere (dosed. It was a great lielj) to the toA\'n. But tinancial and other ditticnlties came, ami niainly through the efforts of Thos. Mitcdiell, in 1880 the Gem^ral Assembly passed an act ]»urchasing the s(^niinar-y buildings and 824 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY grouncLs for the use of the State — foi- the Girls' Depart- ment of the Iowa Industrial School. The same year this school was opened at Mitchellville. Several new build- ings have been erected b}' the vState and many improve- ments made, with more to follow in the course of time. For a number of years the school was in charge of Supei'- intendeut Llewellyn, a few years later governor of Kan- sas. For several years past the school has been under the efficient management of Superintendent C. C. Cory, with his estimable wife as Matron. This year the average num- ber of inmates is about 110, with some 20 officers, teacher:-:, employees, etc. For years Mitchellville was a busy business town, with a large trade. In recent years the building of new lines of railroad near by and the founding of rival towns, has caused some loss, but notwithstanding these late draw- backs the town holds its own and in many respects is a model town. There are four churches having neat ami commodious buildings; Universalist, Methodist, ('hristiau and Congregational. There are excellent school buildings with good schools. At an early day the town had its own newspaper. The News was founded in 1870, and was for sevei'al years in charge of E. T. Cressey, an old-time news- paper man of Des Moines. Dr. Moi-man was for some time in editorial charge of the paper. In 1SS2 E. P. Moi'- mau established the Index, which he has successfully pub- lished up to this time. Thougli burned out a few years ago, lie only missed one issue and soon had his otilce in bet- ter shape than ever before. He has made the Index a success. CHAPTER XLVI. SEMI-CENTENiNlAL CELEBRATION. OX JULY S, 1S9G, a grand semi-ceuteunial celebration washelrlinUnion ParkJJcs Moines. This wasti.icel- ebrate the fact that Polk ("ounty had been organized for fifty years, the organization having been perfected in 1S4(). It was a jnbilee year for the connty and it was most fittingly celebrated. Not only the early settlers, Ijnt the citizens generally took a dee]) and active interest in it, ;ind wlii-n the day came many thousjtnds nf people were n])on the grounds. Weeks previous committees had beiui appointed, plans devised and most excellent arrangements made. Invitations to attend were sent out to scores of the early and late settlers, those who liad removed to otlier homes, and not a few of thesp came many hundreds of miles to be present upon this occasion. Many of the others S(^nt letters expressing their i-egrets ;it not Ix-ing able to be pres- ent in jiersou, and not a few of tJnuu gi\"ing facts of niurh interest regarding tin- early history of Polk County and r)es iloines. T'piin the day fixed tliere AA'as a land ]iai-ade in the morn- ing A^iiicji M-as one of tlie best in tlu^ local history of the city and county. In it were the state, county ami city otfic-ials, military, Indians, floats, carriages and citizens generally, nnikiug a ])rocession OA-ei- one mile in huigth. The streets were lined with people and it was estimated that at least 25,000 people took part and witnessed this display. Would space pernnt, we ^^-ould quote from the ex<-ellent m^wspapani])hlct pre- ]>ared under the careful su])ervision of Hoyt Sherman, P. JI. Casady and Tac Ilussey. ('o|)ies of this should !>o ])re- served. They AA'ill be almost invaluable Avhen the resi- dents celeb]-att^ the full cent(-nnial of P(dk (\iunty. THE CYLONE OF 1896. For years Polk County Avas foi-tunate iji esca])in^- any calamity in the shajte of cy(dones or torujidoes, Avliich have toi) often vi.sited Avitli destructive force other counties and localities. Dui-iny the fifty years of its settlement INdk < 'ounty had occasionally suffered to some (wtent from A'icdeut rain, hail and Avind storms, but tlur' damaiie there- 82S ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY fi'inu had beeu comjtaratively light. A genuine cyclone, hoAvever, Avas to come, and on Sunday evening, May 24, 1896, a cyclone formed in Dallas County, a, few miles from the county line, and started across the county of Polk from west to east, leaving in its ]>ath death and destruction. Its destructive power varied in width from a few yards to a half mile or more. Starting, as before stated, in the edge of Dallas County, it passed a, few miles south of Polk City, crosseil tlie Des Moines Eiver, whirled close to Ank- eny, struck vrifh fearful force a portion of Ivonduraut, touched Santiago, and continued on its destructive course into Jasper Cnunty, being terribly destructive in and arou]id the town of Valeria, in tlie latter county. The loss of property along its line of march was very large, amounting to many thousands of dollars, but the worst was the loss of life occasioned tliereby. Twenly- four persons were killed instantly or died within a short time from the effect of wounds received, and nmny moi-(^ were nuire or less severely wounded. A feAV of the latter subse<|uenrly died, ^^^'hile others will never fully recovei'. In one or two instances AA'liole families were almost entirely consigned to death, AAdiile in a number of instances large and (-(unfortable dwelling houses, barns and other buildings were entirely destroyed and the material of which they were built strewn broadcast over the prairies. Projicnty r)n farms and in villages, belonging to nearly one hundred different yjersons, was wholly or partially destroyed, and not a few unfortunates were financially ruined in a few brief minutes. jNIany of the houses were destroyed and some of the families living therein can never again l)e reunited. When the news of the disaster reached Des Moines a meeting was at once lield, money and supplies quickly AND THE CITY OF DES BIOINES. 829 donated, and a committee then appointed to visit tlie scene and give all the temporary relief possible. Physi- cians and nurses promptly volunteered their services to care for the wounded and sick, while sympathizing men and women promptly cared for the dead. The other towns and villages of the county were also ])rompt and generous with relief and help, and all was done that was possil)le f(n- the immediate relief of the sufferers. In this guitd work the citizens of the city and county showed tlieir generous sympathy and liberality. It was a great calamity, and they did all in their power to mitigate its horrors and losses. But with all the help it will take years to wipe out the scars left by this devastation, and nothing in this world can restore the heart-wounds made by this sudden and destructive storm. Its memory will survive for many years to come. DAWSON-SCOTT TRAGEDY. The year 1895 closed with a startling tragedy. Late in the afternoon of December 2J:th, the day before Christmas, the city was star-tied with the neAvs that S. K. Dawson had shot and Idlled Walter Scott, and much excitement natur- ally prevailed among the people over the sad event. For some time the trouble between the men had been known, through being made prominent in the newspapers of the city, and also of many other towns and cities. Dawson is a man of some fifty years of age, and had attracted atten- tion by the fact, so claimed, that he had discovered the art by which a metal equal to the finest Damascus steel could be manufactured at a comparatively small cost. Walter Scott, a young man living in this city, was in love with Dawson's daughter Clara, and wished to man-y her. To this Dawson and his wife Avere opposed. Out of this grew 830 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY the ue-wsjtaiier stories uf tlie girl being sent to tlie Io^xil ]Ios])ital for the Insane, to Cliicago and other points, and hoAv young Scott fonoA\(Hl and soiiglit to make the girl his A\ife. Tliis continued for some time almost daily food for th(' news])a]iers. Finally matters were supposed to have quieted doA\'n. Da^xson and family liad rooms in the < Jrand < >])era Blo(dc, Avhile young Scott established himself as a confectioner on Sixth street. On tlie afternoon of tlie date given Clara Dawson left her home on a sui)ii(vsed errand, met ^Valter Scott, and they went before a justice of the peace and were married. Scott then took his bride to his faither's home on the east side. Ifeturning, lie in comjiany with a YKiliceman, went to Dawson's rooms and demanded tlie delivery of the clothes and effects belonging to his new wife. According to the reports but few words passed, when Dawsoii sud- denly drew a jiistol and commenced tiring at Scott willi fatal effeeal Avas given and on July 2d DaAvson AA'as taken to the ]M'nitentiarv. AXD THE CITY OF DEH MOIXES. 831 BREWERIES AND DISTILLERIES. The first brewery iu De.s Moines was built by Josepli and George Ilierb in 1855-(i artlie corner of Center and Seventh streets. It ^A'as a small one at first, bnt afterAvards se\'eral times enlarged. Tin- Ilierbs oAvned and ran this brewery for several years, and finally early in 18fi It i.s owned by Henry Wallace and his two sons, Henry C. and John P. Wallace, who constitute the Wallace Publish- AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 877 Ing Comipany. The senior member of the firm was for ten or twelve years the editor of the Homestead, an agricul- tural paper published in Des Moines. Wallaces' Farmer is a general agricultural paper and has an extensive circu- lation among the farmers of Iowa and adjoining states. It was made the official agricultural paper of the state Jan- uary 1, 1896, and every county auditor is required by law to subscribe for it and keep it on file in his oifice. Wal- laces' Farmer has already proved a power in securing legislation needed by farmers and jobbers in Iowa, to cultural college. It is very generally patronized by the part of the greatest agricultural state in the Union. The Creamery Gazette is a semi-monthly devoted to the dairy interests of the northwest. It is published by the Wallace Publishing Company, which also owns Wallaces' Farmer, and is edited by Henry G. Wallace, who was for several years Professor of Dairying in the loAva State Agri- cultural College. It is very genrally patronized by the creamerymen of the country and numbers subscribers in every state in the Union. In a previous chapter the history of the Farmer's Trib- une is given, and is now briefly continued: Mr. Crane retired from it in 1896, and was succeeded by Ed. T. Mere- dith, whose uncle, Thomas Meredith, had transferred his interests to him. He pushed the Tribune and was fairly successful, and also established the Des Moines Gazette, for local circulation. In December last Frank Q. Stuart, a noted editorial writer, formerly of the Leader, and later of the Chariton Democrat, took editorial charge of the Tribune, and is adding much to its streng'th and influence. Towards the close of 1897 the suits and other diffi- culties growing out of the enforced retirement of Henry Wallace from the editorial charge of the Homestead, were finally settled. There were a number of suits in courts 878 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY aud iiianv coluinii.s of statements aud conuter-stateiiieuts, and charges for and against the parties interested, pub- lished in the newspapers. In the final settlement Messrs. Pierce and Stewart purchased all the interests held by Wallace in the Homestead and auxiliary newspapers, and peace if not good will now prevails between the former contending parties. The Iowa State Bystander was established June 8, 1891, and claims to be the only Republican newspaper in Iowa publislied and owned by colored men. It circulates in nearly every county of Iowa and goes into many of the other states. It is independent in religion and seeks the elevation of tlie colored race. It is owned and managed exclusively by colored men. The officers of the Bystander Publishing Company are: William Coalson, President; James E. Todd, Vice President; B. J. Holmes, Treasurer; J. L. Thompson, Secretary and Editor; J. H. Shepard, Business Manager. In March, 1897, P. B. Durley, one of the three proprietors of the Daily News, and its business man- ager, died after a brief illness. lie wa,s an ex'- cellent man and his death was deeply deplored. His widO'W, Ella H. Durley, one of the most able newspaper women of the state, retains control of the third interest aud is associate editor. In September, 1897, Edwin A. Nye purchased the one-third interest owned by George W. McCracken, one of the original founders of the News, and soon after assumed editorial control. Mr. Nye is a news- paper man of much experience and ability, coming here from Danville, Illinois, where, as editor and oM of the proprietors of the Daily Commercial, he gained much reputation. John J. Hamilton, who has for years been the editor and one of the proprietors of the News, is now the business manager. The News now claims the largest daily circulation of any newspaper in Iowa. CHAPIER LIV. POLK COUNTY TOWNS. AVON. The town of Avon in Allen Township was platted in Aui;iist, 1855, ijn land belonging to Charles Keeuey, out' of the early settlers who had prerionslj built a mill there, and had also erected one of the first brick farm houses in the county. The town was on a beautiful site, and it be- came a thriving village with considerable trade, and was a religious and educationel center for a considerable scope of country. There was built the first good school house in Allen township. A United Brethren Church was or- ganized there as early as 1S56, and early in the '60"s a fine church was erected. Other churches were also organiz- ed at an early date, and have since flourished. When the railroad came Avon Station was located about one mile from the original town, and this naturally did some injury to tlie latter. But Avon continued to be a beautiful coun- try village, the center of a magnificent farming country. The first election in the township of Allen was held April 5, 1853, and the following officers were elected: Trustees, J. P. Deaton, John Watts, James S. Mills; Clerk, Henry O. McBroom; Assessor, Charles B. Flemming; and the first meeting was held at the house of John D. McGlothlin. The latter was one of the early settlers, prominent in township and county affaii-s, and in every way a most ex- cellent and enterprising farmer and citizen. He died some years ago. In this township was also located the Indian village of Keokuk, chief of the Sacs and Foxes, and there he made his home for several years. Nothing is left now but a few traces of this once large Indian village, but the beautiful land thereabouts yet retains the name of "Keokuk Prairie." ALTOONA. Altoona, now in Clay Township, originated from the coming to a close parallel at that point of the Chicago, 880 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY Rock Island and Pacific and the old Keokuk and Des Moines railroads, nine miles east of Des Moines. The town was platted July 30, 1869, by W. H., E. M. and D. B. Davis, on land owned by them, in Northwest quarter of Southwest quarter of Section 18, Township 76, Range 22. In the folloAving year Ensign's addition was made, and ex- tended the town to its present limits — one-half by three- quarters of a mile. The town increasing in population was incorporated in April, 1876, with Dr. F. E. English as Mayor and W. E. Rowland Recorder. Altoona has from the start been a place of considerable business, and situat- ed as it is in one of the finest belts of agricultural lands in the state,and with its railroad facilities, is sure of its future as a thriving town and most pleasant place of suburban residence. The population is now near 500. It has an ex- cellent graded school of two divisions, with Professor Her som as principal and Wilda Snyder assistant. There are three churches, the Methodist Episcopal,, Rev. D. M. Hel- mick, pastor; Christian, Rev. H F. Lemon; Disciples of Christ, Rev. Zork. There is a lively local weekly news- paper, the Herald, published regularly by J. H. Kelley, who has made a success of it. Among the early settlers of the town can be mentioned, B. E. H. Woodrow, James Porter, J. E. Bishard, James L. ^Vest, H. Dye, C. A. Crawford, M. Wheeler, J. A. Ogden, T. E. Haines, William London, Daniel Yant, and D. Beatty. Many of the older settlers have passed away during the past few years. A partial list of those residing in and now doing busi- ness in Altoona will show something of the character and enterprise of the town: TOWN OFFICERS.— Mayor, E. R. Slai; Recorder, A. H. Crawford; Oouncilmen, N. Oldfield, H. Gifford, B. A. Pace, I. A. Ogden, W. R. Hughes, D. C. Bishard. IN BUSINESS.— T. E. Haines, grain buyer; R. A. Craw- ford, banker, and dealer in general merchandise; Largey & Stephens, grocers; N. Wheeler, dealer in general mer- chandise; C. C. Herrold, dealer in hardware; M. L. Yarnell, dealer in confectionery; M. L. Nelson, lunch room H. Hemstreet harness-maker; L. O. Shaffer, druggist and jeweller; John Porter, tinner; E. R. Witter, coal dealer; H. Gifford, City Meat Market; E. Crawford, proprietor of Macklin House; W. H. Carter and C. C. AND THE CITY OF DE8 MOINES. 881 Lang, practicing physicians, M. W. Wilson, barber; Wm. London, blacksmith; L. Buckly, blacksmith; F. T. Smith, feed mill; T. E. Sheppard, liveryman; Combs & Crawford, breeders of fast horses; N. C. Largey, postmaster. SHELDAHL. At an early day a number of natives of Sweden, and some from Norway, settled with their families in the Xor- thern portion of Polk and Southern portions of Boone and Story counties. More immigrants came in later years, and with their increasing families compose a majority in several neighborhoods. They are as a class an indus- trious and thriving people, and have opened farms and highly improved them, have built churches, school houses, and villages, and many of these settlers have accumulated much wealth in land, stock, goods and money. When the narrow-guage road was built from Des Moines to Ames, in Story County, Jeff. S. Polk, of Des Moines, who was one of thebuildersoftheroadjin 1874 platted the town of Shel- dahl, and in a short time it became a place of considerable importance. It is peculiarly located, being in three dif- ferent counties, Boone, Story, and Polk, the larger portion of the original town being in the latter county. While modified to some extent by the passing years, the dominant character of Sheldahl remains Swedish. The town has steadily improved, and it has been for years a noted business and shipping point. There are a number of business houses, and all the ordinary trades are repre- sented. The much larger portion of the population is out- side of this county, and yet the last State census gives nearly 100 of the inhabitants to Polk. There are good schools in the town and several churches. The counti-y around is a fertile agricultural country and it is being cul- tivated with industry and skill. The former narrow- guage railroad having been made standard guage, and a part of the extended Northwestern railroad system, gives the town and surrounding country excellent railroad facil- ities. PEORIA CITY. Peoria City is located in the Northeast corner of the county, in Washington Township, and touches the Story 882 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY County line. It was laid out in June, 1856, by John K. Hobaugii, and Aaron Pearson. In two years after it was established, the town had a population of two hundred. It is farther from Des Moines than any other town in the county, and Washington Township is a rich agricultural section, having the Skunk River and Indian Creek, plenti- ful water, timbers and prairie. Though unfortunately off the immediate line of railroads, Peoria City has survived and will continue to exist J. K. Hobaugh, family, and relatives, were the first inhabitants of the town. The first physician was Dr. -John W. Rawls, an Indiana man who came there in 18.59 and returned to his old home in 1860. The first religious services were held in 1853 by Dr. Jessup at the house of Abel Pearson. Now in the town and town- ship there are a number of churches and church buildings,, while school houses dot the prairie and nestle in the tim- ber on every side. POLK CITY. Tliis is one of the oldest towns in the coimty, having been "located" or platted, in May, 1850, by George Beebe, one of the earliest settlers of that section, having settled there in 1846. The town was located on Section 6, Town- ship 80, Range 25, near the Des Moines river. It had been the site of an Indian village, called Wauconsa. Around it was a fine country, and what Avas much sought after in those days, fine bodies of timber. It Avas on the main road to Boone, Fort Dodg-e and the North, and much travel pass- ed through the town. The township, Madison, was settled at an early day by many thrifty pioneers who soon opened up and had in cultivation some of the best farms in the county-. Here was erected one of the early saw-mills, and not long thereafter Geo. Beebe built a grist and flour mill which supplied with bread-stuff" a large scope of country. Stores and shops were opened, and for a number of years Pollc City was a thriving- village. Among the original settlers were Geo. Beebe, C. M. Burt, Andiew Messersmith, James Wilson, Heniw Everly, Wm. Phillips, Andrew Groselose, Alfred Bownan and father, Samuel and John Hays, David Norris, Abraham Hilder- brand, N. R. Kuntz, J. M. Walker, Mr. and Mrs. Harbour,, AND THE CITY OF DE8 MOINES. 883 Dr. R. B. Armstrong and others. John Hays and David Korris soon after became residents of Des Moines, and subsequently Hays was county sheriff, and Hays held a number of offices. Hays died a tew years ago, but "Uncle Davy Xorris,'-" as he was affectionately called, lived until last year (1S97), lacking but a few years of completing a century of life. Polk City was regularly incorporated as a town in 1875, with the following board of officers: Mayor, A. D. Hick- man; Recorder, J. A. Kuntz; Treasurer, A. L. Clingham; Assessor, T. L. Dyer; Aldermen, N. R. Kuntz, O. N. Rogers, Wm. 1, and for a time finding no work at his trade hunted for any honest employment, and temporarily worked at harvesting and other farm lab(U' in Walnut to^^'nshil^ for sixty-five cents x^t^r day. lie afterwards secured the job of running the engine for the foundrj' of Tidrick iV' IlemenAvay for -If 1.00 per day. During these years he put in his spare time in study, and later on took a course in Capt. MufUey's first business college. In 18G3 he managed to get together a few tools and started in bus- iness for himself near the east end of the old Market street bridge. In ISIil he located on the corner of East First and Court avenue, where the large works of his company are now located. In 1806 he took his old shopmate, James Meara, in partnership, and they continued in business together until the death of Mr. Meara, in 1879. Then Mr. McDonnell ])urchased this interest and continued the bus- iness, Avhich has been continuously increased and ex- tended. In 1880-'2 he built the brick portion of the works and in 1880 organized the Des Moines Manufacturing and Sup]dy Company, of which N. S. McDonnell is president and manager, and his son, John E. McDonnell, is secretary and treasurer. Tlie woi'ks embrace a number of departments: Boiler shops, foundry, machiiu' shops, wood sho]i, iiipe' fitting, AXD THE CITY OF DEH MOJyEH. 899 and therein are manufactured all kinds of engines, boilers, mill, electric, claj- and coal mining machinerj^, and have in use all the later improyed modern machinery. The out- put each year of the company is very large, and orders are tilled from all over loAva, Nebraska, the Dakotas, Kansas and northern Missouri, and they have sent much ma- chinery to Colorado and to New and Old Mexico. Froui small beginnings Mr. McDonnell has built up these large and tloiirishing v\'orks. After a third of a century of steady, continuous and intelligent v\^ork, he has not only won success — he has earned and deseiwed it. Mr. McDonnell has three sons and one daughter. John E., as previously stated, was bred tO' the business and is his father's riglit hand man as secretary and treasurer of the company. Frank is also prominent in the management of the woi'ks, wliile William S. is a trusted employee of tlu- Peo])le's Savings Bank. The only daughter, Alice an ac- complished young lady, was recentl,y married to Louis C, the soli of L. II. Kurtz, the long-time hardware dealer on Walnut street. THE FIKST ISRAELITE MERCHANT. William Kraus was the first Israelite in Des Moines, coming here in the early part of 1848 and remaining until December, 1853, engaged in merchandising. Mr. Krau.s was born and educated in the town of Demmelsdorf, Ger many, being born in 1823, and was a young man of twenty- five when he canie to Des Moines. He was married in October, 1850, to Minna Mauer. They have had seven children, five of whom are now living. Mr. Kraus has been a merchant for fifty years, and after leaving Des Moines was in business for several years in Cincinnati, Ohio, and for the past twenty-nine years has been a resi- dent of New York City, where he is now head of a large wholesale house. Of politics and religion Mr. Kraus thus writes : "I was a Whig in my younger days, and when they turue<1 into- Republicans, I turned with the good old Whigs, and I am still what they call a g0(xl black Repub- lican. I was brought up as an Isi-aelite, and T am still adhering to the old faith to a great extent, but as far as my 'M) ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY, personal views are concerned, I believe in most any of the religious matters if they carry out the doctrine of Clirist, who once upon a, time was a Jew himself, and his doctrine was 'You should do unto others as you would have others do unto you,' and this is the biggest part of my religion to-day. I have beeen merchandising ^^r the past hfty years or more, and belong to the Masons and <)dd Fel- lows, and have for very many years." Of his life here during the early days Mr. Krau^ writes entertainingly: "Although it is many years since I left Des Moines, the incidents of the early days are still fresh in my inind. When I first stepped upon the soil of yours, or rather my city, it was called "Kaccoou Forks,"' and I don't think that we could have counted more than fifteen or twenty inhabitants. Later in the fall of '48 people commenced to come in, and upon taking the census at the end of that year, we mustered up the great number of forty-eight souls, and in order to make a larger shoAA'ing, we over- stepped the town limits and counted in a large respectable family by the name of Eathbun, thus raising the number to fifty-three. A little later on we organized and made a toAvn of it, and called it 'Fort Des Moines.' From that time on we commenced to grow very rapidly. A great many of the old settlers, as I believe, are no more, but some such as Hoyt Sherman, P. M. Casady, Frank AlleU, and others are still in our midst, and long life to them. In those early days I was one of the founders of a ])nblic school, and was a director in it. I also aided in building churches, and their completion came in the following order: Fii'st, the Methodist, then the Presbyterian, Bap- tist and Universalist, and some years after the Catholic. To each and every one I was a liberal contributor. Thus you will see the grea.t progress we wer'e making, even in those early days. "In January 1849, I was appointed as one of the lobby- ists to Iowa City, to influence the legislation for the removal of the capitol to 'Fort Des Moines,' and we car- ried the day. Those who were sent to the former city on that mission were Judge McKay, Dr. Brooks, Hoyt Sher- man, Mr. Berkley and myself. My large acquaintance all (;ver the State aided me materially in bringing my infiu- AXD THE CITY OF DEfi MOIXES. 901 ence to bear to fiu-tlier that object. Those early days of my life are uot\" looked upon by me with a great deal of pleasure, aud had I the time I could tell you more, btit will let the above suffice for the preseut. As you request, I seud you my picture. Although it pictures me old and gray, I am still feeling a.s voung and gav as in the davs of '48 and '4:9.'' COAL MINING. A large portion of Pollc County is underlaid with veins of coal, and this has aided greath' both city and county. The tirst mining was done by direction of Captain Allen, while tlie troops were stationed here, one or two banks being opened. But during the first few years, timber being plentiful, but little was done in the way of opening- mines, aud these latter were only in the first veins and mostly in tlie shape of drifts or entries. Wesley Redhead was one of the first to go into the business systematically by sinlviug shafts to reach the lower and much better veins of coal. The two lower seams now worlied iu this county range from sixty to one liundred and sixty feet below the bed of the Des Moines river, and it is estimated there are in the county more than 12.3,000 acres of workable coal lands, and the total merchantable coal existing in the .same is more than 660,000,000 tons. The principal mines in the county are located within three miles of Des Moines, other mines are operated near Runnells, to the southeast, near Commerce to the southwest, at Polk City to the nor! h, and at Mitchellville to the east. At each of these locali- ities the coal seams are about equally important. According to the last report of the State Mine Inspectors there are now in Polk County twenty-three mines in opera- tion and about half a dozen coal pits, altogether employing at one time over 800 men and boys. In nearly all of these the coal is reached by shafts, while a few use slopes, and some eighteen of them use steam as a motive power. Of the 3.")."),000 tons of coal mined last year, 200,000 tons remained in the county, nearly all of it being used in Des Moines. The other 15.5,000 tons were either used by the railroads or shi]iped west and north. In the city coal slack is almost universally used for steam generation and is purchased at the mines for about seventy-five cents per 902 ANNALS OF FOLK COUNTY ton. Nearlj^ all the lump coal is used for lieatiiic;' public auci private buildiuys, aud is geuerall,y sold at |2 Tn •'|f3 per ton delivered. Among the larger mines uoav in operation are: The Christy, Carbondale, Des Moines, Eureka, Gibsou 1 and 2, Maple Grove, Van Ginkel, Proctor, Nortii Riverside, Key- stone 1 and 2, Lake Forest, Flint, Eagle, Oak Park, Man- beck, C'lifton Heights, Acme, American, R. Dale, Merchant and Rees Griffith mines. There were good religious men and women in tliose early days, as there are in these, and they brought tlieir religious convictions with them to their new homes in tlie West. They did not lose tliem on tlie journey, nor as the old saying roes, "drop them while crossing the Mississippi River." One of the greatest hardships then borne, especially by churcli women, was tbe loss for a time of cliurcii meeting and associations. In later years they often spoke feelingly of this as one of the most mourned for losses felt at that time. Tliis being the case it is not surprising that the advent of ?, solitary preacher, minister or inissionarj'^, was welcomed with deliglit by the few scattered settlers in P(dlv Gounty and tlie surround- ing country. While Fort Des Moines ami Polk Gonnty had its share, though never very large, of wild, reckless aud irreligious iteople, who often follow upon the out- skirts of advancing civilization, yet a large majority of the early settlers were a religious. God-fearing and self-re- specting people. Even those who had no religion, nor laid claim to any special branch of it, had a high regard for religion itself, and were often the most libei'al con- tribut(jrs to the support of the ])rea,chers when they did come, and were active and generous in helping forward the erecticm of church buildings. All, Avithout hardly a single exception, had been reared in societies where the church and the school were imi)ortaut factors in life aud civilization, aud they desired to see churches and schools spring up and multiply in the new land of their adoption and of wliose future greatness and j^rosperity they had no doubt. The honor of preaching the first senuon in Des Moines is accorded to Rev. Ezra Rathbun, who, with his fathei' AND THE CITY OF DE^ 2I0IXES. 903 and sisters, Avere amuug the fii-st settlers of the ttjwu. This first sermou was at the fuueral of an infant danghter of Lient. Grier, an officer of the United iStates troops, then stationed here. This Avas in 1845. Kev. Mr. llathbun was a man of much more tlian ordinary natural ability and had many of the gifts of an orator. He Avas wliat is termed, in Methodist usage, a local preacher, and for a time was the only preacher in the neighborhood. For some years later on he preached occasionally in town, and often in the country outside. During the week he engaged in teaming and other labor, preaching on 8un- day and at other times when his services were required. He lived much respected among his fellow citizens and neighbors, and went to his final reAvard some years ago. In 1845, KeA'. Mr. liussell, a Methodist minister, AA'as given a circuit embracing Fort Des Moines and a large territory adjacent thereto, much of it uninhabited. It is stilted that in ]81tl he managed t(^ make a visit at least once each quarter to each of the scattered stations of his circuit. There Avere no church buildings, the homes of the scattered brethren being utilized for meetings, and Rev. Mr. Russell must huA'e been a man (jf great zeal and phj'sical endurance to have traveled over the vast ex- tent of sparsely settled and little improA'ed country. The other pioneer preachers of those early days are AA^orthy of mention. Located here and using this as a base of oj^eratious, they preached in all the surrounding country. These tAvo Avere (xem-ge ^^^ Teas and ^'. P. Fink. Teas Avas in some respects an oddity, and Avhile doing good AA'as the cause of not a little amusement among a i)eople ever ready to enjoy anything of a humorous na- ture. At one time he became dissatisfied A\ith his Meth- odist brethren, or those in spiritual authority oA'er him and joined another denomination, announ('ing this liim- self in the f(dloAving couplet: " Let the ueAvs spread from shore to shore. That George W. Teas is a Methodist no more." Having in a short time returned to his old communion some brother or Avicked outsider noted it in the follow- ing: "Let the neAvs spread from Georgia to Maine, That George W. Teas is a Methodist again." 90i ANNAL^S OF FOLK COUNTY OUR COLORED CITIZENS. In a previous chapter mention is made of the colored people of the county, but before closing these annals it will be well to write further of those of i^frican descent. As is there stated the first colored j)eople so far as known were the two brought and held here for a time ah slaves by Joseph Smart, iuterpreter at this U. S. agency. It is true that about that time or previously thereto. Judge Mason and the Territorial Court had held that Iowa was free soil and that when a master or owner voluntarily brought his slaves into Iowa territory he virtually manu- mitted or made free such slaves. But from all accounts these first negroes here voluntarily returned with their master to Missouri, then a slave state. In the State Ousus Report of IS!)"), for Iowa, which also contains data as to population, etc., in many preceding years, Polk County is given no colored popula- tion until the year ISGO, when the number then in the county was placed at 13. It is true that from 1850 to 1860 and even later than this there were few of the race here. But they were here as the pioneers of the many who have since made the county their home. The late Judge M. D. McHenr^', who came here in 1856, brought with him "rncle Dick" and "Aunt Judy," with their children, mak- ing them free. They were well known and much es- teemed, lived here many years and some of their children are yet living in the city. In 1856-7 John and Heni^' were well known and popular colored waiters and cooks at the old Des Moines House. In 1858 Samuel Cochran came here with Senator Patterson, of Muscatine, and remained here until his death some years ago. There were a few others whose names are not remembered, but the census figures of 13 are probably correct as to the number of colored persons in Polk county in 1860. During the civil war the colored people began coming in more freely, although in 1863 the total number in the county is placed at only 31, and in 1865 there were 91. Two vears later, in 18()7, this number swelled to 263, in 1870 the total was 323; 1880, 681; 1885, 1,003; 1890, 1,194; 1895, 1,467. There was a colored church here as far back as 1865, and not long after the close of the war a brick church was built on East Fifth street, south of Court AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 905 AvGuue. This was used, foi' church, school aud sociable purposes for several years, but was fiually abandoned as a church, although other churches and buildings soon folloAved this pioneer one, aud the public schools were opened to the colored ou the same terms as to the white children. And be it said that in a short time little complaint was made in regard to these "mixed schools." Some years ago a large frame church was ei'ected bj' the colored peojtle on Center street near the dam, which has since been continuously occupied by them. This is the St. Paul Methodist, of which Kev. T. l\eeves is now the pastor. The Burns Methodist church on the East Side 218 Des Moines street, is one of the oldest if not the oldest, colored church organization in the city. There are two Christian colored churches both on the West Side, the first being held in the building at the corner of Tenth and Center, of which Uev. T. A. Clark is pastor, the other hav- ing a church building of their own on B street, with Rev. R. A. Lomas as pastor. The First Baptist, one of the oldest, is located at 214 East Second street, and Rev. C. M. Williams is pastor. Take the colored people as a whole they are more of a church-going people than are the whites, as a comparison of their numbers and the number of their churches in the city will show. Of the nearly two thousand colored people of the county only about one hundred reside outside of the city of Des Moines. Apparently they do not take kindly to farming or to a rural life, though a. few of these have been successful and become owners of good farms. But the large majority of the race prefer city or town life. And tf> their credit be it said most of them are anxious to have their children educated in the schools and willingly make personal sacrifices to accomplish this and some of the brightest scholars in the schools of the city belong to the colored race. A large proportion of the colored people here are industrious, enterprisng and saving, and many of them have good homes of their own, are successful in business and good citizens. They can be found in all lines of trade and business and a few have become preachers, lawyers or physicians. We had intended to name a number of the prominent colored men and women of the county who have honored 906 ANNALS OF POLE COUNTY themselves and their race by their ability, industry and good citizenship, but at this time space will not permit this, and slu.nild we do this and name a score or more, others would say that we made invidious distinctions — exalted one beyond another — and tliis would not be the part of a lustorian, wlio sliould write tlie facts as they were and are. The colored race has been _nreat]y liel])ed by the wliite race, and it remains to be seen into Avliat they will develop in the future. While they will never be a dominant f(U'ce in city or county, in state or mition, they are and may become a more or less political and (n'onomic factor in tlu^ affairs of the city, count}', and state. They have luul over tliirty years (rf freedom. They must now work out and make tlieir own record, ydod or bail. CHAPTER LVIl. ■ CURRENT EVENTS 1895. In March charges were made against Mayor Hillis, and some little excitement was cansed thereby. The May. Sims, amo'ng the earliest settlers and a wealthy and prominent farmer of the county; W. S. Sickmon, an able attorney; Ira Mitchell, an old citizen and also relative of Hon. Thomas Mitchell and Judge John Mitchell; Ted Bode- •«'3'-ne, an early settler, who died from injuries received on the Great Western railroad track; A. R. Case, a noted real estate agent, who was accidentally drowned in the Des Moines river; Erwdn Caldwell, killed by lightning at High- 'J II) ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY laud Park; ^Suloiuou Hewitt, au aged and highly respected' citizen; Mrs. Marj^ E. Eiaymo'nd, wife of ex-Supreme Court Ke])(jrter Ilaymoud, aud' daughter of ex-President Magouu, of Iowa College, at Grinnell, a highly educated and accomi)lished lady and writer; Gen. Ed, Wright, formerly member of the General Assembly, speaker of the House, Secretary of State, Secretary of the Capitol Coni- mis^sion, etc., and at the time of hiis' clieath one of the two members of the city Board of Public Works; John W. Flyuu, a well known young business man, sou of John and nephew of Martin Flynn. 1S!H;. One of the excitement^ of 1896 was the robbing of gia\rs at Sa>'l(>ryille cemetery. The graves of Mr-, liachel Townsend and Saudy Bell were robbed of their bodices. Thiis being .«oon discovered a prompt search was jiiade and the two bodies found in the rooms of the Med- ical Department of the Drake Univerisity, on Mulberry street, near the court house. A number of arrests were made of medical students and others, and criminal action comnreneed, but the bodies being returned and reburied, in time the prosecutions were dropped and no one con- victed of the crime. C. D. Davies, who had some time before started a bank at Peru, in Madison County, and who had swindled depos- itiirs and those whom he had iirduced to take stock in the bank, was in January brought back from New York, where he had been arrested. There had been much excite- ment in thiat localit}'' over liis robbery of the people, and tlip officers feared the people there would execute sunr mary justice upon the robber, but they allowed him to be taken to the jail of Madison County. From this jail he escaped and has not since been heard from, so far as the ]»ublic know. The Pioneer Law Makers of Iowa had a meeting of their association February 22-23, and had able and valuable addresses delivered by a number of the members. Many facts of history pertaining to the state were brought out. The Geu'cral Assembly, then in session, gave a cordial AND THE CITY OF DE,S MOIM-:^. 911 welcome to their pioueer p rede c ess o-ns. Such reunions are not only pleasant to the participants, but the associa- tion has done much for the preservation and perpetuation of the eariv hiistory of Iowa. In February William Burton and Frank Murphy, sen- tenced til the penitentiary for fifteen and hve years respectively, escaped from the deputy sheriff in charge at Keokuk while being taken to Fort Madison. Betsy Ann Oollinis wa,s indicted for the murder of her child, a few monthis old. Her husbauid was a resident of the S'outh side and ha^d left his wife in his native country, England, for several years. lie then sent for her to rejoin him, and a few mouths after arrival tlie child was born, whicli caused trouble, and was alleged as the reason flen'Clid reputatiou. He is now in business in tlie citj-, and trying- to retrieve liimself, and his many friends liope he may in time do Sio. In March C. B. Pearson, a noted photographer on the East Side, fell from an outside stairway leading to his gallery, and soon died from the effects oi the fall. He at the time had been engaged in a heated discussion over a businesis matter with two brothers, Charles and Henry Wilcox, a-nd they were charged with having been the cause of his death. They were arrested but afterwards ful].y acquitted of the alleged crime. In March there was a disastrous fire in the large brick retail furniture store of Louis Harbach, on Walnut street, and before it could be suppressed damage was do'ue to the amount of some |.50,000 to the building and valuable goods stored therein. The loss wais mostly covered by insurance. The city election in April was one of the most exciting known for yeans. There was a sharp and protracted con- test over the republican nomination for mayor between John MacVicar and F. C. Macartney — the former finally securing the nominatio-n. The democrats and oppositio-n nominated C. C Loo-mis for mayor. The canvass was a hot one and party lines were biaidly broken. A big fight wias made o-n electio-n day at the polls, and' the final result was the election of MacVicar by more than 1,000 majority and the whole republican city ticket- In April the bottling works at the east end of Locust street bridge, owned by Seth Buttler & Co., were almost wholly destroyed by fire, enaiiling a loss of some .115,000, with partial insurance. They were soon rebuilt and the works again in operation. In the United States Court Sam- Mash, a colored attor- ney and a. notorious character of the city, was convicted O'f usinig the United States mails- for fraudulent purpose®. He was sentenced to tbe penitentiary, but Judge Woolson s'uspiended the same mth the understanding that "Col. Sam-" sihould not remain in Des Moines- or in the state. The "Colonel" left the state and has o-nly once since returned to Des Moine® and then on the written permis- sion of the judge. He is banished if set free. AND THE CITY OP DES MOIXES. 913 A newspaper calls attemtion to the fact that the wife of Bernard Murphy, formerly of this' city, amcl for yearsi the ■editor and proprietor of the Vinton, Benton County, Eagle, wa'S one of the first few white children born in Fort Des Moines. Her maiden name was Luella Baird, daughter of John Baird, mentioned in the earlj' chapters of these Annals. July 8, 1896, caiue the semi-centennial of the organiza- tion of Polk Co'unty, which was duly celebrated, as lecorded in another chapter. In August there was a destructive fireat the Iowa Pipe and Tile Works ou the East Side, causing a loss of about .|;2.5,000. On an evening in September George Frank was stabbed in an affray near the corner of Sixth and Walnut, and died next day. Two' .young men, brot'hens, William and McPherson Harris, were arrested for the crime. In Octo- ber William Hariis w-as inidicted, tried, convicted and sen- tenced to twenty-five years in the' penitentiaay. The other brother was set free. October 28th George and Fred Miller robbed a store at Runnells. They were pursued and captured near Eising Sun, and placed in the county jail. Novem;ber 9th they were indicted, pleaded guilty, and were sentenced each to seven yeans in the penitentiar}'. In this instance, at least, punishment swiftly followed the crime. Among the suicides' of the year were: L. E. Skinner, shot himself in the head; Mrs. Lucy Wickersham, by poison; Thos. Hall, coal dealer, shot himself with pisto'l. Some of the fatalitias were: Charles Novinger, crushed to death by a rolling log at Longshore's mill; John Stew- art, killed in the elevator at the Observatory Building; Dr. W. C. Pipino, a prominent physician, thrown from his horse and killed; Thomas Kavanagh, son of Ma.rcus, and I)rother of Judge Kavanagh, drowned in the Des Moines Eiver. Among the dead of 1896 in the city and county were: Hon. George G. Wright, ex-supreme jirdge and United States senator, one of the mrst prominent citizens of the state; Wm. M. Patchen, carpenter and contractor, and 914 ANNALS OF FOLK COUNTY early settler; Rev. John Newman, a noted minister; Mrs. Harriet Wilsey Brandt, wife of Isaac Brandt, an early set- tler and moist excellent woman; Mrs. Callie Smitli Gard- ner, born in Desi Moines, daughter of the late John L. Smith and sister of the late Hiram Y. Smith; Henry Hirsch, for years a leading clothing merchant; Henry O. McBroom, an earlj settler and prominent farmer; Daniel B. Evans, formerly a prominent merchant of Ripley, Ohio, soon followed l)y his faithful and loving wife, and tlieir bodies were taken back to their old Ohio home and there buried; Col. E. F. Hooker, who- came to- Des Moines at an early day and had charge of the Western Stage Com- pany's lines in this state for years, and afterwards was connected witli the Union Pacific and other railroads; John Parker, one of the first settlers, who died in Dakota; Mrs. Elizabeth, Avife of Judge Josiah Given, of the Supreme Court. Eighteen hundred and ninety-six was a noted ptditical year. The excitement in the city and county was higli for more than the usual time in a presidential campaign. Tlie financial question over-top]>ed all others. Voters were forced to- take sides on the question of the free C(nn- age of silver. The Republican party in national conven- tion had declared against this free coinage and in favor of the single gold standard, and nominated William McKinley. There was stromg opposition to this declara- tion, and a number of prominent delegates refused to be bound by the action of the convention. The Democratic national convention declared in favor of the free coinage of silver and nominated for president William J. Bryan. A large number of Democratic delegates "bolted" this action of the comvention, and wei'e upheld in this by Pres- ident Clc^'eland and his administration. These "bolters" subsequently held another convention and nominated the aged Gen. Palmer, of Illinois, for president. The Peo- ple's Party, in its national convention, nrnninateil Will- iam J. Bryan. The Silver Republicams also nominated him. Hence Mr. Bryan had the support of the regular Democrats, the Populists and the Silver Republicans, while Mr. McKinley had the support of the regular Reimblicans, and the efficient, if not open, support of AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 915 what were termed Gold Democrats, of tlie Cleveland administration, and all other opponents of the free coin- age of silver. In this county there were many changes made. The great majority of the Democrats and Populists, w'ith a number of avowed Silver Eepublicanis, united upon, in oppovsitiou to the Eepublicanis, a state and county ticket, Avhile the Eepublicanis were aided by man^- former Dem- ocrats and a few Populists. For weeks aud months the people were eagerly discussing political questions, and daily and nightly crowclis would gather in the principal streets dicussing matters' pertaining to the political cam- paign. Everybody seemed more or less interested. Large meetings were held, prominent speakers were called upon to take part; there ^\€re torchlight procesisions, brass bauds, and all the paraphernalia of an exciting political campaign, etc., etc. And yet, be it written to the credit of our people, there was but little rowdyism or fighting, or even approaches towards rioting. At the election in November the Eepublicams carried the city and county bj large majorities. See table of vote in another place. 1S97. In January the General Assembly of the State met in extra session for the purpose of completing a thorough revision of the laws of JoA-^-a. After a protracted session this work wais completed and the General Assembly took a recess until July, when in two days the extra session finally ended. Th'e new code or revision was. then taken in charge by the legislative committees, editors, annota- tors, printers and binders, aud copies of the same were delivered a short time previous to October 1st, when the new code went into legal effect and became the law of the state. During this session a number of investigations were had relative to the conduct of state officers and other mat- ters, and especially as to state printing and binding. An effort was made to abolish the office of state printer and state binder, but without avail, though some reductions were made in the prices paid by the state for .such work. 916 ANNALS OF FOLK COUNTY Some minor reductions were made also iu amounts allowed other state officers for clerks, etc. The culture of sugar beets and the erection of a sugar mauufactorr in or near Des Moines attracted much atten- tion for several mo^nths, but went over to the future for further discussion and consideration. In February there was a destructive fire in the Lathrop- Rhodes-McOain book and supply store on Locust street. There was a loss of $5,000 on goods, while the building, owned by Byron Rice, was considerably damaged. The Ii.;sses were mostly covered by insurance, and Judge Rice jtromptlj- rep-aired all damages to the building. In March the City Council purchased one hundred and ninety-five acres' of what was termed the "Ingersoll Tract" in the western part of the city for a new cemetery. Towards the latter part of March there were hign waters in the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers, some of the low lands were submerged and a number of families driven from their homes. There was considerable loss and some suffering. The only loss of life noted was that of a young man named Harry Cram, who was drowned near the mouth of Beaver Creek. For the first time in the history of Iowa legislation a number of prominent women appeared before a legisla- tive committee and argued against the extension of the right of suft'rage to women in Iowa. On the evening of April 6th, in an East Side saloon, in an altercation, Fred Riel struck with a beer glass Carl Leveke, and in a day or two afterwiards Leveke died from the effect of the blows. They were both men -w^ith fami- lies and former friends. Reil was arrested and held for murder. He was indicted and in June tried for the crime. He was found guilty o-f manslaughter, and sentenced to five years in the penitentiary. An appeal w.as taken and Reil gave bonds. Subsequently the Sui^reme Court affirmed the sentence and Reil is now in the penitentiary. Charges were preferred against Police Judge Frank Phillips and an attempt made to remove him from office. After a hearing before the City Council he was acquitted. AJVD THE CITY OF DEti MOINES. 1*17 A few mouths after Judge Phillips resigned the office ou aeeouut of (ioutiuued ill health, aud Justice ►Silvera was elected to fill the vacancy until a.fter the next regular city election. The women favorable to female suffrage appeared before committeevs and members of the General Assembly, advocating an amenduiient tO' lo'wa lawvs so as to allow women to vote at lall elections. Miss Susan B. Anthony, Mrs. Carrie Lane-Chapman-Catt, and ladies from Idaho, Colorado and Nebraska were present and urged favorable legislation. The Greneral Assembly declined taking any definite action. Hon. Jameis Wilson, of Tama County', having been tend- ered the position of Secretary' of Agriculture in the cabi- net of President McKinlej', was given a receptio'n by the Grant Club in their rooms. In April news was received of the killing by burglars in a savings bank in New Hampshire, of the cashier, Joseph A. Stickney. He was a well known citizen of Des Moines from 185G until in the '60s, and was married here to Miss White, a teacher, while bidding the jjosition of principal of the first graded school in Des Moines. He and his wife returned to New Hampshire in the early '60s. Mrs. Catherine Weisbrod, an estimable aged lady, who had resided in Des Moines some forty years, was killed ou the Eock Island track on the East Side, it is supposed after alighting from a Great Western coach upon which she had been returning to her home. On June 23d the Democrats, People's Party and Silver Kepublicans held state conventions and united upO'U the same state ticket. The Democratic convention was a very large and enthusiastic one, the Populist conventioai was also a large one, and the Silver Republicans were well represented. The Republican county convention in July nominated as county candidates: For senator, Thos. A. Cheshire; representatives, Charles A. Stewa-rt and George H. Carr; treasurer, H. C. Murphy; sheriff, James E. Stout; coroner, II. Y. Ankeny; surveyor, G. F. Lambert; school superiu- tendent, James Brenton. 918 ANNALS OF POLE COUNTY In July Governor Drake accidentally fell on the steps of the capitol, and was severely injured, causing also a reopening of old wounds received during the Avar. Delay iu re-eistablishiug his health caused him to make public announcement that, he would not be a candidate for rcnomination by the Eepublican convention, of which he had been previouvsly asisured. For months following the governor co'uld not spend but a portion of his time at the capitol. In August a singular occurrence took place in the city. William n. Foster wa>s married one evening at 8 o'clock and died suddenly of heart disea-se within one and one- half hours of his marriage. In the city Mr. ami Mrs. Alexander Blair celebrated the ■sixty-third anniversary of their mar-riage, boitli in excel- lent health. They came to Iowa iu 1851. The statie fair held in September ^v'aa one of the most succesisful ever held by the State Society. The exhibits were much above the average and, the atteniilauce of peo- ple wa.s larger than ever before. The society netted more than .f 10,000 over exi'enises. Part of the success of this fair belones to the liberal citizens of Des Moines, who subscribed some flO,000 to revive the Seni Om Sed celebrations of several years Ijefore. Arches were ereeted on principal streetis, and gas and eleetrii- lights, in enilless profusion, with tl:igs, wreaths and other decorations made a. brilliant display al streets ,witli floats, military, etc., winding up on Friday evening with the burlesque and fun. The streets were (•io\A-ded with ]>eo]de and all ])a.sise'd off without accident and in the happiest manner. A Seni Om Sed Association has been formed, to be a- jsermainent institntio'n, and con- duct celebrations each year of the futiire. Among the dead of 1897 Avere: William G. Madden, for years a pfrominent farmer, stock raiser and dealer, AND THE CITY OF DES J/O/A'L^S. UlU and a ineuiber of the General Asisembly; Captaiu Isaac W. Griffith, a veterau of the Mexican war, nearly fifty years agO', a member of the Iowa General Assembly, reg- ister of the United Btates land office, sheriff of this county, and holding other placas o-f responsibility and trust, with large knowledge of the earlj^ and later history of Iowa; C. C. Cory, superintendent of the Girls' Eeform School at Mitchellville; David Norris, one of the earliest settlens, kninvn and esteemi'd by all, a^nd at the time of his death was in his ninety-sixth year; Samuel P. Ives, an early set- tler and prominent real estate man; B. F. Frederick, an early .settler and farnxer near Iiising Sun, and died in Kansas; Preiston B. Durley, business manager and one of the proprietors of the Daily News; William K. Bird, son of the pioneer Presbyterian minister. Rev. Thompson Bird; James A. Garrett, an early settler and farmer who died in California; in Xew Mexico, Harry Lyon, son of Jonathan Lyon, one of the earliest settlers; William A. Park, a prominent attorney of the city; Harriet G. Ankeny, a noted woman, widow of Gen. Ankeny, Avho died in her ninety-seventh year; Mits. Jane E. Atmore, a resident of Des Moines for more than forty years, one of the brightest of women; John V. Crum, a noted young athlete amd pride of the State University; Mrs. Mary Steele, widow of Dr. B. L. Steele, a. noted pioneer physi- cian; Mrs. Wright, widow of Judge George G. Wright, one of the best of pioneer women; Col. C. H. Gatch, one of the mO'St prominent lawyers, a gallant soldier, served one term in the Ohio senate and eight years in the Iowa sen- ate, and one of the best of citizens; Richard Ashworth, a pioneer settler in Walnut Township, prominent farmer, and an honest, upright man. 1S98. On the evening of January 5, occurred a sudden trag- edy, which startled the entire city. A stranger, subse- quently known to be John W. Stone, of Sioux (-.'ity, came into the large shoe store of Charles L. Kahler & Co., and lingered about until about G:30, when the clerks were busy closing up the work of the day. When asked if he desired anything he suddenly drew a revolver and com- 920 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY menced firing with deadly- intent, upon the startled clerlis and others in the store. One of the first shots strack Franlc Kahler, sou of the senior member of the firm. Another shot took effect in the arm of Thomas Arriss, a partner. Clifford Childs, a clerk, was wounded in the foot. Frank Smvth, a voung clerk, then closed with the madman, aud after a severe struggle, -succeeded in securing the pistol, and other help coming Stone was taken into custody bv the officers. Upon examination it was soon found that Frank Kahler was mortall,y wounded, aud died before he could be taken to his home. He was a young man, born and reared in Des Moines, popular and of excellent busi- ness ability, and had a Avife and two children. The wounds of Arriss and Childs, though painful, were fouud not to be dangerous. Stone, the murderer, was shortly afterwards identified as a young man whose parents lived in Sioux City, and was known to be eccentric, if not insane, but had not been considered too dangerous to be allowed his lib- erty. He had no acquaintance with, and consequently no enmity against Kahler or the others in the store. After examination in court he was sent to the Anamosa peni- tentiary for confinement until his mental condition could be accurately determined. Subsequently it was announced that Stone has iK-'come hopelessly insane, and the probabilities are tliat he Avill never be brouglit to trial in our courts. The first of the year J. A. Lai'S^n, a well known book binder, a resident of Des Moiues for a number of years and well esteemed, left liis home one evening in apparently good spirits, and the next evening his dead body was found in a room in a hotel on the East Side, lie had evidently committed suicide while in a fit of mentnl depression. In January the Auditor auu.ounced that the County of Polk was virtually out of debt. There were no county bonds out, and an aggregate debt of it?13,.512 was much more than balanced by .^45,(141 in cash then in the treasury. In February the Pioneer Law Makers of Iowa held their biennial meeting, which was well attended by members of the Association, not a few of them coming from other states, where they now reside. On the last day a public reception was given the members by both houses of the AND THE CITY OF DBS MOINES. 921 Geueral Assembly and the Governor. Major Hovt Sher- man, of Des Moines, was elected President for the eusniug term. The papers read added mnch to the written historv of Iowa and lowaus. In the chapter on crime an acconnt is given of the con- viction of Betsy vSmith of the murder of her liusband bv poisoning, and her sentence to imijrisonment for life in the penitentiary. Also of the subsequent plea of guilty made by her daughter, exonerating the mother from the charge upon which she had been found guilt.y. Mrs. Smith's case had been appealed to the Suijreme Court, and finally there decided that she had been found guilty upon insufficient evidence, and a new trial was ordered. FoJ- lowing this decision in March Judge Conrad, of the Dis- trict Court, ordered the return of Mrs. Smith from the pen- itentiary to Polk County. It is stated her health is bad, and it is doubtful if she is again placed on trial, as many of the important witnesses in the former trial are out of the state and grave doubts are entertained as to the justice of the former verdict against her. Among the dead of the first three months of 1898 were Alexander Lederer, senior member of the wholesale mil- linery firm of Lederer, Strauss & Co., who had been in business in Des Moines for about one-third of a century, respected by all; Theodore Montgomery, of Camp ToAvn- ship, the son of one of the earliest settlers and himself an old soldier and prominent citizen; Thomas M. Xagle, another of the earliest settlers of the county; Andrew J. Ricke, a leading farmer near Rising Sun; Garrett C. Van Ginkel, son of G. Van Ginkel, a bright young man under 30 years of age, and in a few weeks afterward died his mother, Catherine, a noble mother and wife, long resident, know and loved in Sevastopol, the South Side, and where ever known; Mark John Biddle Priestly, father of Dr. James Taggart Priestly, and an excellent man of illustri- ous lineage; Mrs. Metta Berger, mother of daughters whn are prominent teachers in the schools of the city; John McFarland, for many years a merchant and business man of Des Moines. The preceding canvass and the election of Mayor and other city officers, the election being held March 28, was 922 ANNALS OF FOLK COUNTY one of the most excitiug iu the history of Des Moines. The Eemocrats held tlie tirst convention and nominated the fclloAving ticlcet: For Mavoi', J. J. Ilartenbower; for Solicitor, E. B. Evans; for Treasurer, A. B. Mc(A)Wu; for Auditor, C. J. M. Anderson; for Police Judye, W. K. English; for City Engineer, B. X. Moss; for Market Master, Louis Stohl- greu; for Assessor, Harry W. Iluegle; for Park Commis- sioner, W. J. Gaston; for Councilmau-at-Large, Des Moines Township, 11. I). Cozens; For Councilman-at-Large, Lee Township, A'^'arreu A^'alker. The great interest, however, was over the republican nomination for Mayor. John MacYicar, the Mayor, was a candidate for re-nomination and re-election, and those o]:)po8ed to him united on John Sliernmn as their candi- date. This contest was carried on for weeks. Many meet- ing were held; heated and often bitter discussions were had. Several of the news])a])ers took an active part in the figiit and various chai'ges and counter-charges were made. The question of municipal ownership of electric plants, water works, street railways, etc., was much discussed. '''.Vlien the Republican primaries were held the MacVicar men gained a swee])ing victory, aiul at the following con- vention the nominations made were: For Mayo)-, John MacYicar; for vSolicitor, J. Edward Mershon; for Treasurer, A. B. Elliott; for Auditor, B. 0. Hanger; for Police Judge, L. L Silvara; f(n" City Engineer, (Jeo. M. King; for Market Master, Frank Blagburn; for Assessor, F. A. Frencli; for Park Commissioner, Sidney A. Foster; for Councilman-at-Large, Des iloines Town- ship, James fl. Olmstead; for (.'ouncilman-at-Large, Lee Township, John Loveridge. The canvass which followed was a very intei-estiug one, and both sides displayed much energy and not a little feel- ing. Party lines were loosely drawn. Hundreds of Repub- licans supported Mr. HartenboAVer, the democratic candi- date, a most excellent and ])o]iular man, against whose public or private character no ill word could be truthfully said. On the other hand hundreds of Democrats openly or secretly supported Mayor MacYicar, whom they regarded not only as a good man, but also the champion AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 923 of municipal ownership and of otlier important measures I)ertaining to city government. Tlie election ^yas held on Monday, March 28, and resulted in the election of Mayor MacVicar by a majority of some 1,200 votes, and the bal- ance of the Republican ticket by larger majorities, with the exception of Frank Blagburn, a young colored man, for Market Master, whose majority was less than 200. Of tlie seven ward Aldermen the Republicans elected four and the Democrats three. In April theState Agricultural Society decided to hold no State Fair in Iowa this year. This was on accdunt of the Omaha Expo>sition. The State Fair held at the time cf the Ohicago World's Fair was a sad failure pecuniarily, and the Directors of the Society were afraid to run against the Omalia show. Senator A., a noted trotting hor.se, reared and owned in Des Moineis, was sold for .f .5,000. He was taken to Austria. A new Dental College, in connection with Drake Fni- versitv, was opened in Des Moine>s about May 1, with Dr. O. W.' Miller aiS Dean. ijt]. Joseph M. and Mrs. Griffiths, on April 2G, celebrated their golden wedding with a large company of relatives and friends. They have lived in Des Moines since 1851, forty-seven years. The Supreme Court of liabilities. Decoration Day, May 30, was more generally observed in Des Moines than for years past. Two regimeutK of vsoldiers from (Aimp McKiuley took part in the procession and ceremonies. Among the dead of 1898 may be named: Charles Good, an early settler; Kichard Lowe, IJebecca Jane Settlemyer, Ealeigh ( '. Ward, son of C. M. Ward; James G. Day, Judge of District and i^^upreme Court, a noted jurist; William Matthew;--, a well known and popular citizen; John Buchenau, an early Scandinavian; Gen. George W. Clark, a distinguished soldier and formerly U. S. Marshal of Iowa, who died in Washington; Mrs. M. E. Spauldiug, widow of former Sheriff, D. B. Spaulding; CVipt. Wilson T. Smith, an early settler, but for a number of years resi- dent of California. These notices should have appeared in the chapter on Towns, but Avere omitted and will be printed here: ASHAWA. This town and post office is located on the west half of the southwest quarter of section 8, township 78, range 25, and was laid out in 1878. It is about eight miles from Des Moines, and is on the line of the Bock Island railroad to Fort Dodge and north, and not far from the Des Moines, Noi-thern and Western railroad. Though small, it is sur- rounded by a rich country and is a good shipping point. GKEEXWOOD. This town and post office was located and named a num- ber of years ago and is a prominent ])oiut in Elkhart Town- slii]). Off tlie line of railroads, it has always remained a snuill place, with a rich country around it. MABQUIS^'ILLE. Til is is a coal town a few miles north of East Des Moiiu^s, and was laid off a few yeai's ago by B. W. Marquis, a Avealtliy and enterprising citizen of the East Side. It depi lids almost Avholly upon the coal mines in and near it, ai.u is a very large shipping point for coal, etc. AND THE CITY OF DBS il/0/.A'£'»v. 925 CEOCKER. This town, some ten miles north of Des Moines, on the line of the Xorthwestern railroad, was located some years ago, and named in honor of Gen. M. M. Crocker, a citizen of Des Moines who distinguished himself dui'ing the civil war, and died not many months after peace was restored. It was at once given a post office and has grown to be a pleasant country village, with good local trade, and an excellent shipping point for the enterprising farmers who cultivate the rich lauds of that section of the county, ('rocker has a good name and is a good town. June 1, 180S, the Cunty Auditor returned to the i^tate Auditor the entire assessment for taxation of the real estate and personal property of Polk countv, as follows: Mitcliellville realty ' '..| fiS.SCT.TD Altooua ' 34,2T0.(M) v*>'. Baldwin, of Council Bluffs, and was pariotic and eloquent. T^yo companies of the old Third, or Fifty-first Regiment, were from Des Moines. These were ( ompanies A and H. F(5llowiug is a complete list of ofiflcers and men comprising these c(imi)anies at the time they were mustered into the United States seryice: COMPAXY A. Captain, William R. Gibson; First Lieutenant, Frank L. Kihlhom; Second Lieutenant, Park A. Findley. Xon-commissioned Officers: First Sergeant, John A. Graham; Q .M. Sergeant, Sylyester L. Boyleu; Sergeants, Charles St. George, William E. Paryin, Francis H. Lincoln, Emery B. Smith; Corporals, Ira J. Dresser, Charles F. Sei- bert, Haryey W. Penu, Edward F. Confer, Edward F. Cornell, Lorin J. Roach. Musicians, John B. Findley, Craig J. Schramm; Arti- ficer, Clarence M. Henderson; Wagoner, Charles M. Betk. Priyates: William I. Brock, Carey A. Cheshire, George R. Clarke, Samuel K. Earle, Joseph A. Edwards, Albert E. ."> mS ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY Elder, ('lareiiee A. P^iltou, Marray M. George, Frederick Guiuaii, Arthur J. Guthrie, Lymau A. Hart, Eufu8 H Harvey, Aksel H. Hauc;, Baruey Heudorft', Alleu Hickev Ralph T. Holmes, Edward E. Hutchius, Jr., Walter E Hutchison, Earl R. Kimmey, limanuel 11. Koesling, Harry M. Lauterman, Richard McCarthy, John F. McKeou, Walter E. Marsh, Ralph T. Masou,' Beujamiu C. Mather, Edward Melosh, Will J. Merrill, John E.' Miller, Heury T. Paschal, Blaine H. Patterson, Jay W. Scholes, George F. Hlhar]), Anion M. Slatten, Moutford B. Spensley, Wayne L. iStillnian, John L. Swanson, Andrew H. Thomas, Charles W. Thompison, Edwin T. Tibbetts, Joseph H. Toulouse, Jojin J. Toulouse, John E. Wall, George A. Whitman, Mark \y. ^Villiams, Alfred Price, Charles G. Cl-owell. COMPANY H. Captain, Emory C. Worthington; First Lieutenant, Ernest E. Bennett; Second Lieutenant, Fred L. Baker. Non-commissioned Officers: First Sergeant, Alfred B. Pray;'Q. M. Sergeant, Fred Robinson; Sergeants, Frank E. Jt)nes, Frank E. Suddoth, Hiram L. Fickel, George L. Garton; Corporals, John W. Heaiviliu, Delmer J. Maricle, Ernest W. Painter, Jas. B. Hedge, Jr., Frank B. Christy, Chas. E. Stitzell; Musicians, Edward O. Fleur, Albert E. Wharff; .Artificer, Rufus M. Jones; Wagoner, Daniel I. Xewquist. Privates: Geo. H. Amend, Claude J. Bain, Christopher J. Bakeman, Lorenzo D. Bates, Alfred J. Bonlenvine, Guy S. Brewer, James W. Brewer, Charles W. Brown, Leonard DaiHer, Henry DeJarnette, James W. Doran, Ohnarin T. Drake, Harry J. Dunker-, John T. Elkins, Edward G. Eustis, Bertrum H. Grace, Fred P. Gregg, Geo. O. LTansen, Percy H. Hess, Alfred B. Hollis, Otto Jensen, Xoel Kinna- man, Chas. J. Kinney, Chas. H. Koppe, Lars A. Larson, Robert H. Lee, Chas'M. Linton, Claude A. Long, Levi T. Meline, Fred C. Moersliell, Mvron D. Moulton', ATm. D. McBride, Alex W^ McClelland,'Chas. C. Nygaar-d, Edwanl R. Pahre, Jolin H. Ruecker, H. D. Russell, Percy O. Smull, Vernon M. Smull, John Snure, Berthel F. Spry, Frank P. Suit, Leroy R. Tillotson, Lawrence J. Traver, Granville H. Twining, Jolin Turner, Chas. H. Turbett, Benj. S. Willis. The Fiftv-flrst Regiment, formerlv the Tliinl National AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 1129 he organized, ^^•ith othejis, the Des Jloines Banlc. ■\'\-liich haS' grown into one of the largest and soundest financial institutions in the city, under ins con- tinuous care as President. On Jtme 27, 1S4S, Judge Casady was married to Mi.ss Augusta Grimmel. a native of Ohio, and daughter of Dr. F. C. Grimmel. a iirom- inent early settler. This union has been a happy one. I'liree children were born to them, Simon, who is cashier of the Des Moines P>ank, and ranks high as a financier and citizen; Frank, who is farmiitg near the cit.v; and Rose, who maiTicd a pronrinent lawyer. Geni'ge F. Ilenry, and 'diied several years ago, leaving two children. There were other children, who died in infancy. .Judge Casady, politically, has from liis first coming to Des Moines, lieen a straightforward and consistent Democrat, and lias done much for the party. Though for many years he has refused to comply with the urgent solicitations of 1;is many friends to become a candidate for any office, he has given cordial help to others, and he is always one of the fin?t at the polls on election day. He and ids family have for many years iieen regular attendants at the I^resbyterian church. AND THE CITY OF DES JIOiyEhi. 035 HOYT SHEKMAX. Few. if any. men in the idunty :ii'e lietter and more favorably known than is ila.ior Hoyi^ Sherman. He has helped to make history for the city and county, ami he has helped more than almost any other ti) preserve that history for the lieuefit of the present and fnture .u'en- erations. (.'nmin.K here anions the early ones, and before attaining his ma.iority, it can be said of him with truth that from the lie,a1nuing- and through succeeding years, he has labored for the best interests of the city and county, and of his fellow citizens. Hoyf belongs to the noted Shei-man family, being the youngest son of Hon. Cliarles It. Sherman, who was one of th(_' .Judges of the Stipreme 936 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY Court of Ohio al the time of his death, in 1829. when Hoj-t was but two years old. he having been born in Lancaster, Oliio. November 1, 1827. tie is a brother of Hon. .Tohn Sherman, Gen. W. T. Sherman, TJ. S. .Judge Charles T. Sherman, of Ohio, and of .Tames and Lampson P. Sherman, early ^settlers of Des Moines. Until he was eighteen years of age his time was divided between school and a printing office. Following ;i cherished plan, he came west earl.y in the spring of 1818. and at once settled in I>es Moines, and in 1810 was admitted to the Bar. His first business engagement was with tlie then School Fund Commissioner. Th(Jinas :\IcMiillen, selling school lands granted b.v Congress. He became connected with the firm of Casadj- & Tidrick, served as Deput.v Post- master until March, 1849, when he was appointed Postmaster under the administration of President Zachary Taylor, and held the office until IS."::!, when he resigned and recommended the appointment of his suc- cessor, AVesley Rerhead. In 1849 he was e]ected Clerk of the I>istrict C(jnrt. and made a most capable and etfieient officer. Prior to IS.jO. the PostofBce. one of the most important in the state, was kept, with a .Justice's office, two Attorneys, and two Land Agents, in a. little shanty about 12x14 feet. In that year lie Ijuilt, on the corner of Second and Vine streets, a commodiotis frame building, used solely for Postoffice purposes, thus giving the public much needed accommo- dation in that respect. Of the four buildings used for Postoffices alone, he built two, with Mr. Casady built a third, and was the Disbursin.g Officer in the construction of the present I'. S. Postoffice building. Geo. Wliitaker having been the Snperiutenilent. In IS-jl he was the leading, active member of the well-known baulv- iug firm of Iloyt Sherman cV Co.. and as soon as tlie law iiermitted he took an active part in organizing Ihe .solid Iowa State Bank, he becom- ing Cashier of the Des iloiiies branch. He remained Cashier until after the breakin.g out of the war, wlien he wrrs tendered the position of T'. S. Paymaster in the army, wifli the ranlc of Ma.ior, holding his commission direct from President Lincoln. He acce|)ted that responsible ]iosition and 'discharged for over tliree years its onerous duties, witli much credit to himself and to the high satisfa(ti(ui of the government. After his return fi'nm the army he for a time engaged in mercantal pur- suits. Soon af lei- lie assisted in organizing the Eciuitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa, and in 18tiS he look the general nianagement of tlie company, and. liy his aliility and lionest work, brought it up to tlie high position A\-liicli it lias since occupied. After years of faithful lalior he retired from its otficial control .ind has siiic(> devoted himself to his l.ii-ge iirivate business. At the same time he lias been aclive in liis suppori of all i-liarii.-ili!e and lielpful institutions, and for years has been of or attlic head of llie Associaleil 'Cliarities. wliicli have done so much .good in our eit.v for years jiast. In 18.").j Jla.i'or Slierman was married to Miss Sara Moulton. a native of Oliio. and an accomplished lady. wlio. as wife, motlier and neiglilior. Avon (lie esteem and good will of all. Slie died :Marcli 2. 1887. in lies :\Ioiiies. leaving five cliildren: I'r.-iid; Allen, a lawyer, residing in Des ,Moini's: Aditiiie M.. married to .Mr. I'^rank I'.. A\"iliorg. of Cincinnati. Oliio: Charles il., now an att(iriie.\- in (.'liicago: .\rlhur. residing in Des .Moines: and Helen Uny\. reeeiillv married to .Mr. Wm. O Griffith of A\'.-isliiiigtoii. D. C. AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 937 BARI.O'W GItAXGER. d'ljl. Barlow Gnuiiger, who estal'lisdiiM.! the flvs't iicn'sp.-iiicr in l>."s Moines, and who has for so long- a time been so prominent a charaeter in tile liistory uf ciry anil eonnty, was born in ("aynga, Tin^a Cunnty. New York, May 31, ISir,. His paremts, Erastus and Betsey (Gillett) were also born in that state, and came of an old English family. Col. Granger's parents removed to I-ioehester, New York, in 182S, and he attended the srhools until when he was thirti;en yeai-s of age he became a printer's apprentice in the oftice of the Ccjrtland Advocate, then con- ducted l)y Henry S. Randall, tlie nnted writer and historian. In the: fall of 1835 he went to tlie cit.v of Xew York and was there at tlie time of the gre.at fire of Decendier wldcli destroyed thousands of Iniildings and many millions of propert.v. Becoming an expert printer the Colonel worked as a .iourneyman in Xew Haven. Hudson and Clevel.aud. (Jhio. and in Detroit. Michigan. He; was in the latter cir.v during tlie excite- ment of the "Patriot war" in (.'anada. Returning to X'ew Yorlc in 18.".S, he obtained employment on state worlc at .\lliauy. For nearly ten ye;irs he made: this city his home, though during that time he went south on special work, and was engageil for some timi' on the Cliarles- 938 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY ton Coiivier, one of tlio proprietors of the latter becoming bis best friend. Returning to Alliany and engaging again on state worlf, in the spring of 1847 he started on a tour of the then great TV'CSt. Col. Granger, on ,liis western trip, jiassed throug-h Chicago, over ^^■is- consin and into .Minncsotii, when he visited St. Anthony's Falls. He then went down the, ilississippi to St. Louis. There he worked in the Repub- lican office during the winter of 1S47-S. There he met an old friend from Albany, .James V. .Tones, a son of a prominent politician of his native state, and the two agreed to visit and look at the theai new State of Iowa. Traveling by boat to Keokuk they took stage to Faii-field, and there hiring a hoi-sc and buggy tliey drove through (to Fort Des Moines, arriving here; in August, 1848. They were not altogether pleased with the pro'spects of the place and had determined to hunt some other loca- tion, but Col, Granger, casting his eyes over the town and surroundings, suddenly determined that on a beatitiful site south of Raccoon river should be his future home and there it is to-day, .Tones and he returned to "the Fort" and at once opened up a land office, dealing in lands and land warrants, and soon e'.staljlished a large business. The next year Col, Gran,ger established the first newspaper of the county, the Star, a full account of whicli is given in the chapter on newspapers. Having studied law in New York, Col. Grangei- was admit- ted to the liar of Polk county in 1848, and practiced his profession in connection with ins land b\isiness. He served on the staff of Governor Stephen Hempstcind, with the ranlJ of Colonel, from IS.oO to 18.54, and in 18."4 was elected prosecuting attorney of the county, and upon the resignation of Byron Rice was county .ludge in 185.5. He also served one term as mayor of Des Moines and subsequently was twice mayor of the town of Sevastopol. Dctober 7, 1850, Col, Granger married Mrs. Lucinda L. Rusli. widow of .Tohn W. Rush, and daugliter of Daniel and Abbie (Van Sclienk'j Powei'S. (Mrs. Granger was born in Montgomery count?', Indiana, March 12, 1825, and came to Des Moines with her first husband in 1849, he dying two years later. After his marriage Col. Granger built his present residence on his farm of eighty acres now mostly within the limits of thei city, one of the most sightly locations in the county, and there he and his esteemed wife have made their home for nearly forty years. The Granger home is well known and its hospitality is unboundeirl. Col, Granger is known througliimt llie county and state as .'i nun of ability, experience and independent views upon all questions. He has always been a democrat in prditics, but at the same time is broad and liberal in his opinions and never liesitates in freely exxiressing them. He enjoys hinrself and does all lie can to mnl\'csl|ilinlia. I'russia. nml e [iK-aten in the s-chools of 'his native la.nd. In 183G, at the age of sixteen, he eanie to this i-onutry, settring in Phihidi'liihia. where he learneil the traile of cabinet maker. He-re he made his home until, in 3842, he came west and in the same year first settled in Iowa, at Fort jra/:]'isnn. Here he opened a workshop, and did well for a time. But he was burned out twice, was taken dangerously ill, and only by gooai aiud kind nursiug was saved from death. His friends In Fort Madis(jn. knowing his mis- fortunes, offered to raise Ijy sub.seri))ti(in, a.s -was then the kindly custom, a sufficient amount to .staa-t liim again in liusiness. Young Eeiuking was grateful, but, with the indepenilenee which has always 'JiO ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY been a iiromiueut point in )ais cliaracter, wo'Uld not be placed, even by implication, in the eba.racter of a b«ggair, dedlined the proffered help. He snbsequently wemt to New Orleans, and then retiimed by sea to his old home in Philadelphia, landing thei-e with only one dollar in his packet. He went into business again there, and made and lost. His first venture west bald not been a lucky one to him, but he had the fever and. in 1.848. again stairteil west, stopping foir a tlime in St. Louis. Iowa bad attractions for him, 'amdl the same year he came to Osk.aloosa. and tlicn pusljed on to Fort Des Moines. Here lie pur- chased ,for .$3(1. the two lots where the Harris-Emery large department store now is. He returned to St. Louis, tlnisibed « job of work, pro- cured necessary material, returned to Des Moines, October 1, 1848, and opened a cabinet «Uop on the west slide of the court house square. He sooin afterward bought a lot o-n T'hiird street, where Harbaich's furnituTe ware roon:s now ari', «nd erected upon it a log caliiu for a work shop. Times were nijt very I_>risk tlien. liut young Reiuking was industrious and pushing. He was always well dressed, and kept up his courage. A loa.il of luml>er came to liim one day when he liad only one dodlair in ca.'Sh (in hamil, but he sliowed so well bis credit was good, nii'd all were sati.S'tic:l. To make certain of meeting bills, 'he borrowed ,$200 of Bar- low Gra.nger at 40 per cent, then the cuirent linterest rate, but never used the borrowed money. Aliout this time ihe bought a claim of land on Four Jlile creelc, and afterwards entered tlie swme, and this, Willi subsequent additions, now makes him a farm of some four hun- dred acres, one of the best in tlie county. The California gold fever then commenced, and in the spring of 184!t lie, witli Isa.TC Coiumm-. slarti'd ncross rlie i)l;iins with a wagon anil four yoke of oxen. After a, toilsome journey of four months, they rebelled the'r deslinatiiin and went to work, witli varviiig succv'ss and failure. In 18.51 he returned to Des Jloines in bad health and with only about .fl.flOf) as net results. He would have made more money if he liad Kt.ived bcre. He at once reopened hi'S cabinet shop, which he had originally left in ch,%rge of ,T. E. .Tewett, afterwards one of the well- known early attorneys of this county, and continued in liusiness until lie srihli out to tlie Ha:rl)aelis. His health continuing poor, he "^vent upon his farm on Four Mile, where lie made his home until 1876, when he .-igain l;ecanie a resilient of Des iloines. He liiid bouglit, in 1.848, the hits on the cornei- (if Eislitli lUid "Walnut, and there built the first ]>vick house, and subseriupntly built the present brick block. Jlr. Itciiiking has taken am active part in the poli'tical and other affairs of the county for a numlier of yeairs, but, lliougli nominations ^^•ei-e tendered liini for Congress, Legislatures, etc., lie dieclined them nil. He wns noted foi- his honest, outspoken .-ind fearless comment upon iiassing aiffn.irs, and it was well known lie could never be iiitim- iiln'ted fir bouglit. At first a "Whig, then a. Iteinililican, and always an .■inti-iiiii'iiop'olist. he was always niamly anli inJde|ii'iident. and stood by the people. He liecame a stockliolder in the Fia-sl ,'^avings bank, a director of the Citizens' Xatloiial. was fVir years n, director and vice- president of the Polk County Savings liank, and declined the presidiency ■iftrr till' death of .Tuili;'!' "\'\'riglit, and is a stocklioliler in the Peoph-''s bank. And, it should have be(>n staled, he Was a member of the first council of the town of Fort Des Jloines. Mr. Ueinking was nian'ied, in Iowa City, .Tuily 8, IS.'L!, to "Miss Eleanor Shaver. Four dilildrcii wire born of this marriage, two boys ani two girls: "Vera, married 'W. A. .Tones, a farmer, and died near "\'an Meter. .Tune 14. ]8tl7: Ella, married liev. Towle. residing a! (irin- uell: Ceoige F. a Bapitist minisler now at Centreville, Iowa, and, mai- ried; Daniel P.. ■\yho married ^liss Anna P.rown in 188l>, and has one- bov, Iliivt Coiirail, and ri'sides in lies Miiines. AND THE CITY OF DES 3I0INES. 941 JOSEI'II B. STEWAUT. Loukins- li.irk more tliaii forty years and juil.uinii' from iiei'sonal aud (I'ther knonieilge of men and their motives, if asked today, tlie writer would place anions the first of strictly honest and lujnnrable men he had known in Ites Moines, tlie name «f Joseph Buffon Stewart. Since 1S,"3 he has lieen an iKinor'^d and honoring citizen of the eounf.v, has lieen interested in many Inisiness transactio'ns, and his honesty and integritj' have never been impeached, and no private citizen ever stofl'd higher in the general regard and esteem. Hi'S father. Dr. Aliram Siewart. was for many years a surgeon in the T. S. Ai-my service, seived in the war of 1S12, and was wonnded 942 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY by the Indians at Rock Island in 1814. He -was a native of Vermont, and emigi-ated to Missouri as early as 1805, immediately after the United States acquired that Territory. He was married in Missouri, in 181(3, to Miss Emily A/ers, and eoutinuel a resident of Missouri until his death, at Hannibal, October 11, 1834. Mrs. Stewart was born at Marietta. Ohio, January 27, 1795, of ,Xew England parentage. She died July 18, 1879, at the age of eigh'ty-four. Joseph Buffon Stewart was born August 2, 1^21, near St. Charles, Missouri. His early education was acquired in the log school houses of that day and in 1835 he moved with his mother to Fort Madi'sou, and there settied. This was than Michigan Territory, subsequently Wisco'usiu, then Iowa Territory and State. It can be said of Mr. Stewart that he has been a resident of three Territories and one State witlM>ut cliauging lii'S actual residence. Fort Madison was then on what was called tlie "Blackhawlc Purchase," a strip of land west of the Mississipiii Rver, and all west of this strip wa.s then Indian Territory. There were many more Indians than Whites to be seen at tliat time. In Ju'y 1837, young Stewart sat at a table with the noted Black Hawk and listened to his speech. As a boy and young man Stewart engaged in the hard labor of pioueer farming, until, in 184tl, he engaged in mercantile business. He carried this on suc- cessfully uutil 1853, when he was induced to come tO' Dcs Moines and take a resporusible position in the otiice of the TJ. S. Receiver ye Mre Insnraiic-f Ooni- liiiiiy WHS Jiii-ni at I'l.-v: II(i|ii', Canaila, iu 1S4(I, and is the sun (it rtieliaiM ami Isaliclla (Shawl Howell. His jiavenls were Ivoitli l)orn in Ireland, and liofli were of Welsh desi-eiit. They emijiTated to (_'aua.da in 1S2(). and seitled at I'ort lIoi>e, Ayhere Adam, the eoaht'li of ten children, "nnas lioi'n. lie was edneatcd in tlie eonnno'n sch'ool.s nl:' his native town, an 1 comideted Ins selnwd education at the Foft Edward Inslitnte. New Yoi'k. He then enteired into the dry .yood^ ried Jli ' ' --., ,^ - . aoidi. In ISiM, niai'- Mary Eilizabelli Sanderson, elanghter of Itev. Dr. (4. E. San- derson ,a noted ;\IeMiod:is!-, iniinster who, dtnrin.n- hi« active life, held all tiie lii.uiier positi'ons within the bestowal of that In ISCi; lie 'Sold ont his bnsiness at I'ovt family, to Hes :\loines. He here entered at once 'into the business of local lire insurance. He soon gained a. re]iuta1ion among insurance men. and, in ISTii. was elecleili Secretary of the Hawkeye Insuranci> Conijiany. ami fen- m'orc tha,n twenty-seven years 'has lieen i-miiuecled Willi this coinitan.i', which from small beginnins's has bccona' one of tile largesl. strongest and ntosi successful Insurance I'omiianies in Iowa. •Imrch in Canada. Hope and lami-. with li AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 949 Much of its success is due to the liberal, able majiagemeut of Adam Howell, wlio is regaiiled as a lender ainoug" the liest of insurauce lueu. Upon the death of Presidlent E. J. Ingersoll, in ISOl. Mr. Howell was elecled President of the Ilawkeye Company, and is now serving in that capacity. Mr. Howell i.si a Metliodist in religion, a Democrat in politics, and a idain, unassuming man wiio never sought office in (-liurch or State. He has, however, always been ready to give his a.ssistance to anything whicli will advance the interests of Des Moines or his fellDW men, and. with his g'ole or distress. To Jlr. and Mrs. Howell have been born five dhiildren, (hree of whom are now living. They have a ple.asaiit home, at which they dispense a generous tajspitality. and whieli they make the center of their own lives. .T. ADD. HETBURX. It is safe to say tliat fer\v men in this county every en.ioyed more personal popularif.v. tlie more universal gi.rod ^yi\\ of men. w-iunen anil <.I50 ANNALS OF POLE COUNTY cliilOren, than did the subject of "this sketch. Known by all and beloved by all, he lived an active and happy life. No misfortunes, personal or j)e;cuniary, could for long over-cloud his sunny and ever bright nature. Born in Olean, Nev\' Yorli, April 20, 1829, and there receiving a school and business training, lie came to lo'^va In 18.50, and to Des Moines May 2.3, 185.5, and here he lived for nearly forty years. He first eutea-ed the general store of .lames Cr:uie, on Second street, and in 18.50 lie, in con- nection with Aleck Wood^vard, opemed a large dry goods house oil the same street, then the center of business. This was then the leading dry goods house of the town, and owed much of its trade to the courteuos, phasant manner and honest dealing of Aild. Hepburn. After the dis- .Mi;S. A.\XA K. HEI-KTUN. s(dulion of tliis llrm n few years after, he became a member of the dry goods tirm nf Moi'ris & llciil)urn, in 1h(> Clajip Block on Walnut slreet. He was at different dates connected with other firms In the city, and closed his mercantile career in the management of a dry goods store on the East Side. In thei social life of Des :\Ioines for years Add. Hepburn was a iirominent character. He was the life of all social gath- erings. At liis own home, with his accomplislied Avife, he was the best AND THE CITY OF DBS MOINES. 'J51 of entertainers, nnil at otlier homes ami in pulilie assemblies he was a leader in helping otliers to enjoy life. Abont 188S he was forced to retire from active business on account (if an affection of the right leg, which originated wheal he was a youth. After much suffering, borne with the genial patience of his character, I he surgeons at last decided to amimtate the leg. Subseiquent to this I wo other amputations were performed. His sufferings were at times severe and long cfintinueid, and might have brol^en almo.st any man's hopes and spirit. l>ut Add. tiepburn rose superior to it all, and main- tained his |Own brave and cheerful spirit. And when able again to get around on crtuchcs he met his many friends with the same old genial iiianner and busied himself in all woric whicli he could do for the sup- lior: of his family. Knowing tlie man. liis sufferings and his character, he was nomin- ated in 1S92 by the republicans for the office of county recorder. The democrats land other parties endorsed him. and he received the highest <'ompliment of a unanimous election to this office. In .January. 18fl.3. he was inducted into an office which would support well himself and f.am- ily. with a I prospect of holding the same for a long term of j'ears. But this Avas not to be. A few months thereafter he was talion again sick and quickly dtsith released iiim from all suffering on May 3. 1803. Thus eude(l the brave and active life of .T. Add. Hejiburn. and the deatli of no man in this county was ever felt with more wide-spread and heartfelt sorrow. , .Jauuar:^^ 2. 1800. Aild. Hepburn was married to Miss Annie EInor.a .Tordan. dauglifer of X. P. .Jordan, a then prominent citizen of r)es Moines, and sulisnciuenriy a resident of '1 ennessee. where )ie died a few .vears ago. Tliis marri.-i.ge proved a very happy one. and to them were liornfourcliildreu: I'rauk, whoniarried Miss Ella TvCmen and now resides in Colfax. Iowa: Xellie. wlio married Harvey Ingliam. tlie well-known newspaper editor at Algnua. Iowa: (ieorge and Alice, now at Inune with their mother in the old homestead. J'pou the death of her husband Mi-s. Heplmrn was appointed to fill the vacancy in the office of county recorder. She so well discharged the duties of this office that she was unanimously elected by vote of the people in the following November. In 1804 she was elected for a full term and re-elected in 1800. and will ludd the office until .January. 1800. She has shown herself to be not only an admirable wife and mother, but also a woman of markeil ability and has administered tlie .-iffairs of tliis resyonsilile cffice witli credit to her- self and the entire satisfaction of the pcoiile of the county. 952 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY (JKOKCE W. IMI.LKK Ooi.v-c ^^". p'ullrr. I). I). S.. Ill' Uk- lii'm of Hulletl .V I'^iller, Demlisls-. is Ti'i'll known in ciiy a,nd ruiinty. As Ixiy ami man ho has been livre some fiii'ly-li\'e yeais. liis fallirr liavin.u' set:leil in lies Moines in Isr).",. The lii's'f of tlie J'^ullers in lliis eonnlry came at or aliont the time of the iIaylio\yei-. Benjamin Fnller, lather of llie iloie-tor, emi.^'raleil to Jefferson Connly. Xew Yorlc. and lliere ilie iloelor was l)orn. 'I'lie elder l''nHer nia:l«' a farm in llie then wilderness, anil there resided tnilil isr.:',. \\dn-n he enni.ui'al ed witli liis I'aniily 1o whal \\'!rs then reg'arded as the far west, and settled in tiiis <-ounty. (";eor,L;e was iHuai .Tun(j 27. ls:'„S. and wais hfteen years of age when he came iiere. In his e'arly yonlli he emjoyel' e.xeellen! edneational ad- vantages, and ren'e\ved ids slndies U]ion eoming to lies iloines. .\t the age le offices in the Commandery. He is also an active member of the First Baptist Church, andi has acted as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for several years. He ranks as one of the '•Early Settlers," having, as man and lioy. been here for souie forf.v-five years, and lie stands liigli as a man and as a i)rogn'ssiv nd enterprising citlizen. He has always been found ready to give his earnest help to eveiy good work. 954 ANXALS OF POLK COUNTY .KLSKl'II EIHOKCK. Till' fditoi- and iinipi-ici ui- nt tlir Iowa Staats Aiizci.^rr was linrn in Hnusary. l''i'liniar.v l':'., 1m:;s, and i-anic with his nnitliur lo tlir United States in 1849, settling in Dnbnqne in the spring of that \ear. After attending- sclioul for a time he enlered a iirintin.ij;- ottirc ilien owned by the lalo <-'ol. "\"\'. IT. .Merrill. After serving his aiiiirentieeshi|i he tanght for a time in public and privale schools. In ISoll he ;inreliased the I'laylon Toounty .lonrnal and eonduete'd this newsiiaiicr nnril August 1, 1S72, exei'jit during the finu- he served as a soldier din-ing the rebidlion in Comiiany K, Ninth Iowa Infantry. In bsT:; he was bv (biveruor AND THE CITY OF DES BIOINE^. 1155 Cariteutei' apiiuiuted as Ri-epresentatiyt? of Iowa at the Wuilifs Fair, lielil at A'ieuna, where he remained some time and traveled extensively in Europe. He also visited the Pacific coast. In December, 1874, he came to Des Moines, and. determiuins to settle here, he bought the German newspaper, the Iowa Staats Anzei.ger, and for nearly twenty-five years he 'has been the editor and iiroprietor of this, one of the leading- German newspapers of the state. He has also, during' tliat time, published several English newspapers, aanong them lieing the Herald of Liljerty and ^tate Independent. In .-ill these newspapers he has steadily and ably advocated personal lilierty and opposed prohibitory liquor legislation and all its attendant isms. He has not only worked through iii.s newspapers, but has also made hun- dreds of speeches during i>as't political, campaigns. His ability, unfail- ing courtesy and reeo,gnized honesty and independence, have made him thousands of warm friends, even among those who ma.v not agree with his views. Colonel Eilioeclc was one of the two National Commissioners from Iowa, to rlie World's Columbian Exiiosition in Chicago in 1.S93. In 1878 he -was a. candidate for >State Auditor on the Democratic ticliet. and running far ahead of other candidates lacked only a few thousand votes of being elected. Having lived nearly 'his entire life in Iowa, Colonel Eiboeck has always been ready to do anything within 'his power to advance the interests of the state and the good of the people thereof. For nearly a quarter of a century a citizen of Des Moines, he has aided in the material and moral advancement of city and county. Warm hearted and generous, he has always Ijeen trm:' to his friends and ahvays deserved their confidence and i-espect. 956 ANNALS OF POLE COUNTY (iKX. It. V. AXKEXy. Gen. R. \. .Vnkcn.v ^Yas l)oni M:i.v 22, 1830, on tlie sUe oC the first set- tlement and lUciek Ilonse built liy his urandfather and two eonivades k\\<> |>.-ii'lve,l llieii- wii.v Willi rittes liver the ineuntaiiis I'roni AVashinii'ton ('onnly, >lar.\i.-inil. in 177:i. in I'enusylvania. 1'lie city ol' Somerset is built oTi tills tract of land. The deseeudants have pioneered west to the I'.-iiifie. His pai'ents, Oen. .Tose]ih and Harriet (;. Ankeny, moved liy w a.uon iu Is.".lt(ilIolmes Cdunry, Ohio, where four lioys and four ,i;irl'S were .■iCler\\ ard.s horn to them. There amid tlie primeval forests a home wa.s heweil out and he distinguished himself as farmer and merchant. leuisi.'ilor, senator, elector for Lini'idn and messenger to Washin.gtou of AND THE CITY OF DES MOIXES. 957 the state vote. As early as 1818, he with his hrothers and neiglibors, dropped in "broad horns" down the Ohio to the Mississippi and into Jaclison County, Illinois. He returned horsebaclv; tlirough the almost traeliless wilderness, with one comrade, and rifles, for gaining subsis- tence, reaching home in 1820. The man of this sketch read medicine between hours by candle dip not taken by the regular duties, was partner in the first drug store in Millersburg and attended lectures at Cleveland Medical School. He married Sarah, daughter of Dr. J. S. Irvine, his preceptor and boyhood friend. The family joined the Free Soil agitation and merged among the first into the organization of the Eepublican party. The General moved in 1854 to a 320 acre prairie tract five miles south of Freeport, Illinois, improved it and lived on it twenty years, participating actively in forming the Farmers' Club and Agricultural Society of Stephenson County, and was secretary and president. He also took an active part in tlie Fremont presidential and E. B. Washburn's congressional cam- paign. "\^'as on the committee at the memorable debate between Lin- coln and Douglas. His description of the occasion is worthy of extended record. The election of Lincoln, the rusli to arms, the mustering of armies found Gen. Ankeny among the first to i>ush recuitiug for the 11th and 15th Illinois Volunteers. Having his farm and young family arranged for his absence by September, 1861, ho •\'\'ent into camp at Springfield. Illinois, with six companies from Stephenson County. He was orderly sergeant, 1st lieutenant and captain in the Forts Henry and Donelson campaign, serving under Col. Thayer in command of the brigade on the right of Wallace's -Srd division. At daybreak on the morning of the surrender, was ordered to Dover Landing to take charge of the prisoners and see them i;iut on Ijoats for the north. Returning to Fort Hem-y, the 4Gth was brigaded with the 14th and 15th Illinois, 25th and 53rd Indiana, under Brig. Gen. "^'encli. who with Tuttle's 2nd Iowa made the successful charge at I>nnelson and both won stars. After Shiloh this brigade is marked as the originators of the G. A. R. Dr. Stephenson, surgeon of the 14th Illinois, was made chairman and first head of the great organization. In the spring of 1804 Gen. Ankeny was ordered home and organized the 142(1 Illinois and continued in service until mustered out a Brigadier (^reueral for meritorious and valuable service. He then returned to liis family and farm home. He also was partner and co-editor of the Free- port .lournal, chairman of the Republican County Committee for a tei-m of years, and delegate to the convention nominating U. S. Grant. Hav- ing interests in Iowa, he moved to Polk County in 1879 and engaged in farming and dealing in stock. He went with the C, R. I. & P. R. R. to Winterset and engaged in lumber trade initil being appointed deputy U. S. marshal of Iowa, he came back to Des Moines in 1882. By reason of iji.iury in a railroad wreck near Sioux City he resigned and for a per- iod was in a critical condition. Ever active, he subsequently went to the Black Hills and liy skill and judgment laid the foundation for a fortune in several properties, now very valuable, which were lost to liim by tlie ]jerfiily of partners, while the General was called to the side (if liis taitli- ful wife. She died in .January, 1879. Afterward for nearly five years he served with merit as a special agent of the Department of the Interior in the land division, traveling extensively from Florida to Oregon, and the vast territories of the southwest. Returning to the city he now lives in the city in which he takes great pride, and is also serving as Assistant Overseer of the Poor and also Cor- oner of Polk County. Gen. Ankeny, widely known and highly esteemed, exerts an influence, quiet but strong, for patriotic devotion to duty and coimtry. 958 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY The ancestry of Gen. Ankeny is traced to the German Rhine with one branch of Huguenot French. Tlie name being Americanized. The Ger- man is Eughien. They all came to America about ITHO — the Bonet.s to Westchester County, New Yorli; the Baiters and AnliOnys to Washington County, Maryland; and the Gieses to Loudon County, Virginia. All four of these families participated in the Revolution and frontier wars, entitling their descendants to the rare first class, "Sons and Daughters of the Revolution." The tracings of the families show about 300 sol- diers in the Avars of this country. In the war for the Union out of seventy-eiglit (four were eaptaius in Iowa regiments, three ofticers of other troops) of military age, fifty-nine volunteered and elghteeu never returned north. Gen. Anla'uy is certainly entitled to be ranlced as a strong type of the self-made man, whose days of toil in war and peace, travel and vi'ide experience among all classes, made many friend's among eminent men, who receive of him as much as tliey e.rtend. and .lustities Gen. Clarl^scju's estimate expressed below, given in a letter to Director General Davis, of tlie World's Fair at Chicago: "He has a line military rank and made the best of records in the war for the Union; is a military man by nature and therefore has system and power to control men. Since the war he has in various capacities serveil iu tlie very line to which he would be called in service for you. He bore a vei-y prominent part in the preparations of Iowa for the Cen- tennial Exposition at Philadelphia. Gov. Carpenter (then our Iowa chief executive) placed in his hands very largely the organization of our state for that purpose and it was due to Gen. Ankeny's efforts most largely that Iowa made so creditable a display at the Exposition. He has always talceu a prominent part in state affairs and other large occasi(nis; lie Ivuows how to handle lai'ge tilings and how to make the management of large affairs popular and effective. Personally he has every merit to commend liiiii." AXD TIIIJ CITY OF DEH MOIXJJS. 'JoiJ MAirriX T. v. BOWMAN. ]ilirtin T ^■ Bowman was lun-ii in Waiervillr. :Maine. July (i. ls.,s, Dn'hi- fatlifr-s side he is „f Eniilish origin. The maternal ancestors c-inie from S.-otlaml. I'oth families liavin.c emigrated in the .'arly days of the -Vmeriian eolonies, and settled at Martha's Vineyard. For sev- eril fenerations the Bowman family were seafaring people, engaged m -n-ivile lislierv lint tinallv abandoned that mode of life, setth-d in Ken- nebe.- Tounlv. Maine, and devoted their attention to other pursuits. i-eived his education in Waterville and Hallowell Academies, seventeenth year left his home and native state, going to He 1 and in his 960 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY western A'ivyinia, "where lie tan,i;li!: two terms of school at Sistersville; then he Avas called to teach at Sardis. Ohio. After completing his con- trnc-t there he went to Granville College, noAV Dennison Universitj-, whei'e he remained for a year. At the expiration of that time he re- tnrned to Haine and continned his sttidJes at the Maine State Seminary, at Lewi.ston. Having receivc-'d a favoratile ijroposition from his former tiehl of labor in Virginia, he decided to retnrn. and in 1850 he again located in tlie (Jld Dominion. On his way tliere he passed through narjier's Ferry at the time the celebrated raid of John Brown occnrred; Ire was fortunate enough, however, to get through (all eastern people on the train following the one he was on being stojipedl. He was in western Virginia when .John Brown was executed. This act of Brown's served to intensify the feelings of hatred toward the North, and he i-ould hear the mutterings that iiresaged the coming storm of war, and ilecided to again seek a home in his native state; and when the war brolvc out he was engaged in teaching the grammar .school in the city of Hallowell, Maine. He promptly offered his services in defense of the Cuvernment, and entered the army as a, Coi-]ioral in tlie First Maine i-avalry, but he wa'S soon detaclied as Kegimental any. of New York, for Iowa, remoying to and opening his office in Des iloines. After working for that company eleven months and sending them a large amount of new business, he accepted the general agency of his former company, the Washington Life, of New York. He has represented that company in Iowa for more than thirty rears and as (jcueral Agent and Manager since 1871. On the 1st day of .January. 1864. he was granted a fifteen days fur- lough and went East and was married in Charlestown mow part of Boston!. Mass.. to Miss .Josephine Wehber. a very estimable young woman, a native of ilaine. wlio died in 18.84. 8he was lovel.y in her life, and her death left a great sorrow to htisband and famil.v. Of the ei.ght ciiildren Ijorn of their marriage three died in infancy. Those titill living are Leona. now married and living in Sioux City; De Forest, associated witli his father in the life instirance business: Harold M. and Herman T.. both at this time sttidents at the L'niversity of Michigan, and Josephine Beatrice, at High School in Des Moines. He was the second time married, in Chicago, .January 12, 1886; his second union being witli Miss Ha.ttie L. Stanard, and on their fourth wedding anniversary he was again bereft by the death of a beloved wife. Two children were born of this maiTiage, Dean Cottle and Ha.ttie Corinne. Her death was an irreparable loss to her liusband and famil.v. and to all who knew her a source of sincere sorrow. She was educated at the state school at Xormal. Illinois, and at the age of six- teen began her laJ)ors as teacher; flr.st at Charleston. Illinois, after that at Little Kock, Arkansas, Des Moines. Iowa, and the last ten years at Omaha, Nebraska, where she was Principal of the South Side schools for seven years. The summer of 187.3 she spent in traveling in Europe, going abroad as representative of the School Journal, She visited England and Scotland, and also spent some time on the conti- nent. She possessed fine executive ability, a brilliant mind, firm in her opinion, and wa.s a lovin.g wife and devoted mother. He was married to his present wife at Columbtis. Ohio. July 9th. 1.891. She was the widow of Colonel J. "\V. Holliday. of Steubenville. Ohio, who died in 1.881. Slie received her edtication at Blairsville Ladies' Seminary. Pennsylvania, graduating at that institution in 1.861. Mrs. Bowman has been an active worker in the Woman's Relief Corps, hav- ing been elected President of the E. M. Stanton W. E. C. in 1.8,84. and the same year was elected to the Vice-Presidency of the department of Ohio, and was appointed Assistant National Inspector for Western Virginia on the staff of Mrs. Charit.v littsk Craig. Ml. Bowman has been a successful business man. having been con- nected witli several important business enterprises of r)es Moines. r)uring 1881 and 18.8'2 he held the First Vice-Presidency of the Iowa Baptist State Convention, and during 1.8.8.3 and 18.84 was the P^-esident of that organization. He has been a director of the Iowa National Bank since its organization, in lS7.7i, and is a director of the Avoca Bank of Avoea. Iowa. He is Vice-President of the Des Moines lee Company and Vice-President of the Clifton Heights Land Company. He is a charter member of C/rocl^er Post, and served as its second Commander. He is Treasurer of the Iowa Commandery of the Military Order of the Ivoyal Legion of the United States. On the twelfth of February. 1880. he was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel on the staff of Governor John H. Gear, and, on the seventh day of April, 18.8.3, he was eommis- 6l 4)62 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY sinned with tlif sain.' rank nii the staff of Governor Biirlen K. Slienuan. He has lieen a memlM'r nf the order of Masonry for many years, is Past High Priest of Corintliian ('hapier No. 14. R." A. il.. and a promineut Knight Tenijdar. In edueational matims ]ie has taken a lively inlerest. having been a niemlier of thn Executive P.oaril nf Des Moine'S I'uiversit.v (now Lies :\lnincs C'ollegin fi>r i'ln\Tii years, and was President nf llie finneral Board nne .vear. wlien lie resigned. He has made liis way in life unaided and has won the resiieet and ennfidenee nf Ids fellow citizens, liy whom he is esteemml for integrity and tiiirightness of cdiaraeter. I'olitically he i's a Iteiiuldican, and relig- innsly a Baptist. ■^^H ^^^^Bp'^Rv'^' M m^ ^^^^^^H^^Hr 1 mUKEt' .^^Sl^^^^^^am ''^^1 ^H S^^m m ^^^bu^^^K—i^M l-.\l!K M. :\I.VlflIX. <'nl. L. .AL Jlartiii lias lieen for many years iirnminent in raih-oart, linaiicial ,ind i»dilic,-d idfaii's in I»i-s :\lnines and Iowa. Born iu \'ir-, giiii.M snmc fnrl\-,^i.\ years ;ii; the office of the I'ella Blade, with the intention of becoming a printer. But acquiring a taste and having a natural "gift" in that direction, he at tlie end of a year turued liis attention to telegraphing. Going to Prairie City, in Jasper County, and entering the railroad office at tliat place he soon became one of the most expert operators on the line. He remained at Prairie City some three years, when he was tran.sferreri to and made agent at Comstoek, AVapello County, on the line of the old Val- ley Ilailrcad. lu a short time he was transferred lo Beacon, and after remaining there one year was sent to Pella, where lie reinainel ah.)ut three years, acting as telegraph operator and clerk. From Pclla lii' -v.is sent to Des Jloines to act as cliii'f clerk of tlie old Des MoiTi.s A'uIIev Ilailroad office. In 1877 the Chicago. Rock Island & Pacific Company leased the A'al- le,v road, and Jlr. Martin was at once made agent of the Keokidv and Des Moines division of the line, winch he held until October, 1882. He tlien resigned to talcei the position of gentral agent at Biione iif the St. Louis. Des Moines and Xorthern Railroad, of which C. F. ileek was the general superintendent. In 1883 Mr. Meek became superintendent of file \^'a))asll Railway and induced Mr. ilartin to return to Des Moines, where he filled the doulile i)Osition of freight and ticket agent of l)iitli lines until <)rt^ has attained liigli rank, being Chairmain of the Committee on Military AffairN and prominent on other important committees and in the liusi- uess of the House. Mr. Hull has for years been more or less identified more or less with several prominent banks and otlter financial institutions of the city, -and for several years has been and is now President of the Iowa Central Building and Ijoan Association, the largest and most successful institu- tion of the kind in the state. Mr. and Mrs. Hull 'have their children now all grown. Miss Auuette, Albert, who is a physician and surgeon: .John Adley, who is an attorney, aiid is now (,'aiitain of Con)i)any A, from Des Moines, .-ind in file s(r\ice of the I'nited States in the war witli Spain. Thrir i:onie li.'is always been a pleasant and aitractive one, and their famil)- a happy an(' tinifed cui". yes ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY .\hVB.KT> HENRY McVEY. Among the leading attorneys of Des Monies is Alfred Henry MoVey. He has made for himself a high reputation, not only locally but also in and beyond the state as a man "learned in the law," an able and untir- ing attnnipy and safe and lionest counselor. Jlr. JIc\'ry is a native of tlie Stato of Ohio, liaving been born in F.-iy- olte County, and on tlu' iialerual side is descended frm an old .S(/otc-li AND THE CITY OF DEi^ J/O/X^^S'. 969 family, which emigrated to America as eavly as 1054. The name was originally spelled ilacVeagli. His grandfather removed from P^nn- sylvanie to Soiithei'n Ohio about the Ijeginuing of the present century. On the maternal side he is descended from an old English famil.y, his grandfather. Marmaduke Eastlaclc, an Englisliman, locating in New Jersey nearly 100 years ago. Mr. MeVey's preliminary education was acquired in the common schools of Ohio, and he prepared for college at the Soutnwestern Nor- mal School at Ijcbanon, Ohio. These studies were interrupted during the civil war, when tliough a mere boj', he enlisted and served as a volunteer in the; 79th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. After the war he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, fi-om which he graduated in 1.SG8 with high honors. He was immediately eleicted a teacher in that institution, but this position he soon resigned, and entered upon the further study of the law in the law department of tin- Cincinnati College, the oldest law school west of the Alleghenies. again graduating with high honors. Mr. McVey first opened a 'aw ottice at Wilmington, 0)ii{i. and there entered a successful practice; but later on was induced to go to the City of Toledo, where in addition to local practice, he devoted his attention more especially to business in the United States courts, and also was for several years general counsel for the Toledo, Cincinnati and St. Louis Railroad Company. But the west, and especially Iowa, had a great attraction for Jlr. ilcYey, and in 1,58.3 he came in fics Moines with the intent to make it his permanent home;, and his success here has made this intent a certainty. Not only as a general practi- tioner does he .staoKT high, but as a corporaition and insurance lawyer he has a practice which estends over Iowa and into Minnesota. Misisouri, Illinois and Nelaraiskn, and other 'Sitates, wliere hi'S reputation in this branch of the profe.ssion is of the highest. He now represents, perhaps, three-fonrth-s of the insurance companieis doing business in Iowa ami many in other states. Their law office in the Good Block is commo(;iiiu~ and furnished with an extensive law library. In .Tanuary. 1800, he was married to Jliss Anna Holmes, a ladv ol' rare character and scholarship. She is the daughter of Rev. William Holmes, and a direct descendant of Rev. Obadiah Holmes, who came from England in 1630, .settling at Salem, Mais.sachusfJtts. He was witli Roger Williams, the founder of the Bapti.S't Church in America, and nnr of the original proprietors of New .Jersey, where he secured vpr^• extensive grants from the English crown. Mr. and Mrs. MiA'ev have five children. Frank L. graduated at the Ohio Wesleyan University in 189.3, and Yale University in 1896, witli tiip dpgrec of Ph.D., and is now a professor of political economy in ilic University of Jlininesota. Edmtind is also a graduate of Yale, wliere he earned high honors, and iiS now a member of his father's law firm. William P. is a graduaite of Des Moines College and of Drew Theological Seminary at Madison, New .lersej', where he took first honors, and afterwards was a sttident at the University of Leipsic, Ger- many, and is now pastor of Fowler church, Minneapolis. Minnesota. The daughter, Kate, is a member of the junior class in The T^'oman's College, Baltimore, and Charles, the youngest, is a student in the De-^ Moines College. The McYe.y home in Des Jloineis is a beautiful one ■situated on north Fotirth street, "v\diere he has a well selected and exten- sive library abounding in rare and excellent works. The family is regarded as one of the best in the city. 970 AXXALS OF POLK COINTY JAMES UriOST BP:RRYmLL, .Imiuc's (Iiu'sl lii'iTvliill, I.'i wyi'i- .-mil iiolit icinii. is ,-i lunivi' nf lown, born in Iowa City. Xovciulicr ri. isni'. ;in(l son of Chnrlos II. Bor- i-yliill, one (jf tlif jiionrci-.s cil' llic slati', avIki ^vas liurn in Harrisburg. I'cnn.syh-ania, in 1M."<. of a faniil.y noted from 1hr early days ef that state and of Eii.trb.sli eriL'in. lie came to tlie Territory of Iowa when a yotinj; man of twenty yiars. 10nL;ai;inj; in real estate and moreantile litirsnits at I<>«'a t'ity lie became iirominent in tlie liistory of tlie terri- tory and state, and aeqnired for that day a larne foi'tune. lie died a inimlier of ve.-ii's aire. AXD THE CITY OF DBS MolXES. '.)Tl Ydiius .Taines G. wns eiUieated in the schools of liis native city, and then eutei-ed the State T'niversity. from which he sradnated with honor in 1S73. lie then entered the hiw department of that institutio!i and Krailuated tlierefrom in 1870. and in the foUowins year settled in Des Moir.es and entered ujion the practice of law. Not lone thereafter he fonned a partnersliip with George F. Henry. The law firm of Berry- «.t Henry soon toolc his'h rank and has continued to the present day. Jlr. Be.i'ryhill also devoted a portion of his attention to other lines of business "v-vith inucli success, is the owner of several fine farms in tliis count.v and stat(> and also in Texas, and has also aided greatly in th ' development of fruit culture. An ardent republican, lie has taken much interest in political affairs. He was elected to the General Assembly from Polk county iu 188."i. and there made his mark as one of the: most aljle of lej;islators and yolifi- cians. At his first session he was made chainuan of the important coni- nuttee on aiijiropriations. and saved to the state hundreds of thousands of dollars. An untirins' worker and fearless for what he deiemed right, lie stood firm and won success in his efforts to prevent extravagant approitriations and tlie misuse of public funds. His course was heartily pnilrirsed liy the peo])lei of the county who re-elected him a member of the folloAvins General Assembly. In tlie latter session he was a leader in the movement for the state; control of railroads and to him as mucli as any other man is due the present satisfactory railroad laws of the state. In isili;. m-ged by his friends, he became a camlidate for the republican nomin.ation for Congress in this district, and though temj^orarily defeated after one of tlie sharpest of struggles, his thousands of friends an, confident that in tlic near future high political honors await .Tames G. Kerryhill. His wife was Miss "\'irginia .T. Slaglc. daughter of Christian V. Slagle. t>f Fail-field, a gentleuian not only avcU l^nown as a lawyer, legislator and i>i(jneor. but also for tlie deep ami continuous Interest taken by ]iim in educational affairs. He was a graduate of Washington College. P(>nn- sylvania. regent for many years of the State University and president of the same in 1877-78. He died in 1882. Mrs. Berryhill is a graduate of tlie State T'niversity. and a lady of marked character and force, and niio of till: leaders among the women of the state in everj- good work. Slio is a devoted wife and niotlier. :MI;S. VIRGINIA .T. BFRRYHIFT,. This lady, as is her husliand. is a native of Iowa, liaving lieeii biij'n in Fairfield. .Tefferson County. Her father. Christian W. Slagle. was on.' of the early sefflers in that town A lawyer, an educated and cultured .gentleman, he from tlie first took a deep and enduring inrerest in llie State T'niversity ai,d. in higher education generally. For many years he was one of the re.gents and for a time President of that insiif\itiS. Senator, and was twice U. S. Muiister to Berlin, Germany, where he died in ISiiT. Before reaching his majority young Wright came to the then Terri- tory of Iowa, his future home, locating .at Keosauqua, Van Buren County. November 14, 1840. He was shortly after elected Prosecuting Attorney for Van Buren County, and in 184S was elected a member of the State Senate. In IS.jo he was made Chief Justice il)ble. daughter of .Judge Thomas Dildile. wlio had been a member of the New York Legislature 'and was a member of the Iowa Constitutional Conven- tion in 1840 To I hem were born seven children— five sons and two daughters. One son died in his youth. The otliers reached maturity, AXD THE CITY OF DES }rOIXE>!. 075 and are all now man-ietl aud living, wirli one exception. The oldest son, Thomas, bee.ime a member of his father's firm; aCtei'wai'ds became Aittorney for the Chicago. Eock Island and Pacific Railroad in Iowa: was subsequentlv made General Solicitor of the Company in Chicas'o, and wliile in Xew Yorlc on Company business, died very suddenly! .Inly 27, 1S04, While in the en.ioynient of a ripi- a^re, happy in his family, business and social relations, resiiected and Ijeloved by his fellow citizens aud hO'Sts of friends, after a brief illness, death came to Judge Wright .Tanuar.v 11, 1S9G, His unexpected death Avas a shock and grief, not only to the people of this city and county, but also those of the entin- State. One of Iowa's greatest and best beloved citizens had fallen. But long will hiS memory be lovin.gly cherished by the people of low.i. The next year, 1897, Mrs. Wright followed her beloved husband in death. She was a woman of strong and loving character, loved and respected by all; a nolile wife and mother, and always a helpful and safe counselor to lier liusband and children. '.)7n AXXALS OF POLK COVyTY ri_>\j. (.', H. (iATCH. Till, family uf wliirli rnniUire 11. (intcli is a mpiiiber was fonucU'd in this iiiiinli-y by (Joilfrey thatch, who emiigrated fi'om Prussia in 1725, nuil si.ftli",l ill the then Cnliiny of >rary]anil. He was the ureat-iireat- :;raiiilf:illirr ami CoinHiee Gateli tlir Ki-eat-m-audfa'tlier of the Colouel. AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 977 PMlip Gaich. Ms grandfather, was a member of the First Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church organized in America. In early life he was a citizen of Virginia and held slaves, but, liljerating the latter, he removed to what was then the Northwest Territorj', locating near Cincinnati, r)hio. He was a member of the convention which framed the first eonstituition for the State of Ohio, and was for many years Associate Judge of Clermont County. Tlie Colonel's father. Pliiliji. was born in 179.3, in Buckingham Coun'ty, Virginia, and came with his father to Ohio, and devoted his life to fam-^ing. His mother, Mary Dimmitt. was born in .Jefferson County. Virginia, and was a descend- ant of "William lOimmitt. who emigrated from Germany and settled in Maryland Jong before the Jtevolutionairy fl'ar. CVmduee H. (iatch was born in New ^lilfnrd. Clennoiit Ciiuuly. Ohio, July 2.J, 1.S2.5. Reared; on a farm, he engaged, as other fanners' Ixiys. in this worlv, only attending school a few months of each year. By close application, wliiieh was tlie chairacteristic of his entire life, and devoling his leisure to study, he was able, at the age of seventeen, TO enter Augusta College, in ICentucky, where he pursued a regular course of study. On graduating, he entered upon the study of law at Xenia, Ohio, and was admitted to the Ijar at C'oliimlius. the capital, in 1848. Engaging in the practice at Xenlia, and having secured good business, on September 5, ]8.!i0, at Cincinnati, he married Miss Mai'y E. Stewart, daughter of Dr. James B. Stewart. Mrs. Gatch was born in Monroe. Ohio, and is of Scotch-Irish descent. In 1849. Col. Gatch re- moved to Iventon, Ohio, and madie that his home until 'his removal to Des Moines. He was elected Prosecuting Attorne.v of the eounly, ami. in IS-'^iS. .at the age of thiis one of the best of men, able, honest and true. Col. Gatch had been for many years a member of the Loyal Legion and of the Grand Army of the Republic. Mrs. Gatch and all his children survived him— one son, Elwood S., and four ilaughtci's. Mrs. Wm. Connor. Mrs. Philip A. Lauman, ilrs. L. C. Swift and Ruth Gatch, the youngest. Col. Giatch was a great favorite of his gi-andchildren. At home or in liis office, wlierever they fouttit him. they took possession of him; and he wa.s never so occupied but that the little ones were welcome. AXD THE CITY OF DKf< MolXES. '.i79 EDWARD H. HUXTEE. I'ine of thf brightest men c,f the city is found in the iiersou of Edward H Hunter, and he certainly deserves a slcrtcli in its history. He was born in the state of New York in IS-",.", and lliere he was reared and edu- cated -i.t the ase of seventeen. ]ST2. he came west and located in Iowa in the employ of the Cliicauo, Burlin.cton \- Qnincy Railroad Com- pany He had ambition, perseverance, and more than ordinary quicls;- ness of perception and action, and iiersonal b«bits of the cleanest and best The display of these qualitii'S soon secured promotion with the MO ANNALki OF FOLK COUNTY company and the euufidcnce and esteem of his superior officers. For several years he was stationed at Corning and while there became so popular with the people that he was twice elected treasurer of Adams county, though an active member of the minority party. He was sub- sequently transferred to Dos Moines, where he became the trusted rep- resentative of the company and was charged with many matters of lital importance to the continued welfare of the same. His popularity and acquaintance with members, and his quicii and ready knowledge of corporation law and interests, caused" him to wield a large iutlueu(.-e over legislation. While in Corning Mr. Hunter became a member of the democratic state committee, and for ten years he served as a member of this com- mittee, tvi'o terms as chairman of the samCu He was and is a sound dem- ocrat in principle and never lagged in the support of the party. As a member of the committee, and as chairman, his splendid executive abilities were given full play and he, by his work, proved himself to be without exception one: of the best political organizers ever known in the west. His marked ability in this line, his shrewd counsel and tactics, had much to do with the surprising victories of his party in the election and re-election of Governor Horace Boies. When President Cleveland commenced his present term many demo- crats not only here but throughout the state, demanded that :\lr. Hun- ter, having worthily earned should have some good appointment at the hands of the president. There was at the, time a sharp competition for the office of postmaster at Des Moines, btit this was fully settled by President Cleveland sending the name, of Edward H. Hunter to the senate for contirniatiou. Two days later the senate conhrmed the appointment, thus bestowing a high and not frequent compliment u])on the nominee. The postoffice at Des Moines is much the largest in the state in point of amount of mail matter received and sent out. and in receipts and disbursments. Mr. Hunter took charge of the office and in a short time proved to all he was the man for the place. He has reor- g.anized the office force, extended and greatly improved the carrier system, established several new stations, required promptness, diligence and courtesy on the ]iart of all connected with the office, and on tlie whole made the Des Moines postoffice one of the best managed offices in the country. He has not only won commendation from his su|ieriors in office, but has also deserved and is receiving deserved praise from the many thousands of persons who havei more or less business with 1he same. And yet, ardent ]iolitician as he Is, there is very little politics talked in or about tliat office, and all are alike attended to courteously and promptly. With Jlr. Hunter, "a public office is a public trust." AXD THE CITY OF DE.S MOJyES. '.)bl BYRON RICE. Tlif name ut Byron Rice has been 'several times mentioned in. tliese Annals. He was the first pulilic school teacher of Des >Ioiues, afterward Priisecnting- Altorney. and then the second jndge cf Polk county. He lield this latter po.sition -when the .iudRO was "the one man power" of a cuunty, and when all of Northern Iowa, to the Minnesota line and west- ward to the Missouri river, with the exception of Boone and Iiallas counties, was attached t(i and under the jurisdiction of Polk county. He was the first to bring order out of previous chaos and have the liodks and records of the county placed in cdrreet and business form. He organized the cuunties of Marshall and Story and also officially organized the town of Fort Des Moines. In fact, was the official father of the prest'nt citv' of l>es Moines. Byron Riie was Ijorn and reared in Madison county, New York, and after attending home schools, graduated at the State Normal School in Albany. He read law in Aulaurn and Port Byron, New York, and for sev- eral years was deputy postmaster. He was admitted to the bar in the Supreme Court in 1848. The following year he purposed settling in 982 ANNALS OF FOLK COUNTY Texas, but reading some articles in tlie New York .Journal of Commerce, T\-ritten )iy an Indian, George Copway, relative to the Des Moines val- ley, he changed his destination to Iowa, and landed in what is now Des Jloincs in September, ISJli, when the principal buildings, and not many of these, were those previously occupied by (he Untied States troops. During the winter and spring of 1840-50, for four niontlis he taught the first pulilie school ever opened in Des iloines. He then entered upnn the practice of law, with .Tosei)li E, Jewett as liis partner. In 1851 he ran on the Democratic ticket for prosecuting attorney and was elected. Shortly after taking this otHce Judge Burbi'idge, then county judge, died, leaving that otUce vacant. He was the first county .iudgi', and an excellent and capable man, but he died soon after liis installation, Hoyt Shennan was at that time Clerlv of the District Court and cXHitBcio clerk of the county, and did much toward organizing the new system of county government. As the law then provided. Prose- cuting Attorne.v Rice became county .iudge, :and at once entered upon the discharge of his extended official 'duties. Here he showed his aiiil- ity and correct business training. He was elected by vote of the peojjle in 1S53, and held the office until in the summer of 1S55, when lie resigned to give his personal attention to the banking house of rireen, Weare i^ Rice, The same year lie was one of the parties who ereiied the Exchange block, the first brick business block erected in the city. The Hoyt Sherman building, corner of Third and Court avenue, was erected soon afterwards. Judge Rice continued in lianking until 18ii2, when he retired therefrom and subsequently again entered upon the practice of law in partnersliip with D, O, Finch. After some years he retired from actual practice and devoted his time lo his large farm in Iiallas county and his property interests in the city and elsewhere. Judge Rice traveled much, having -spent some time in the Y\Vst Indies and for three years spent mucli of liis i ime on the Pacific cunst, in Washington, Oregon, and California. He .always licld liis rcsiih'nc/H in this city, where he went on in the even tenor of his \va,v, always keep- ing thoroughly posted in the affairs of the city, 'State and nation. Fur fifty years and more he was a nienilier of tlie Demni-rniic parly, l)nt after liis retii'eiiient from the iuugsliip over foi'lv vears .-i'.;'!! souu:iit no office. Judge Rice, on September 19, 1.S.54, was iii.-irried to Miss 11. r. (_':ilder, of Cedar R-apids, a -most estimable lady who lias lieeii fur years jii'doi- inent in society and a divoted wife and iiKitlier. Tlicy iiave fmir eliihl- ren — Dr. Spencer JI. l!ii.-e. nf Terre Haute, Imliana: J. E. Kiie. nf A\"liai- com Washingiim; W, P., Rice, of Des Moines, ami ;\Ii's, Fiizaiicili (.'li.-ite- lain, of St, Louis, Jlissouri, There were nine cliildren imrn to them, of whfim five died when young. After a brief illness Judge Rice died October 14, 1897. His death so unexpected was a sad shock to his family and many I'i'iends at lioiiic and abroad who deeply iiKiurned this close of a goodly life. AXD THE Cirr OF 7>/;n MOIXJJS. )S3 JA.MES SA.MT'KL CLARK. James S. <'lark was l^in-n in .Tdhnsdii (.'(uuiry, Indiana. October 17. 1S41. His father. (Jlmin (.'lark, was a native of Kentucky, born in ISOO, and was one of tlic iiioncers of tlie i-onnty in which his son was born, Chirk Townslii]], and tlic tcjwn of Chirkslinri; in that county being named for liini. In is."i(; the family settled in Warren County, Iowa. Here .Tames worked nimn the farm an.l during- a iiortion of the time attended s(diool. In l.Mll. at the breakin;; ent of the w-ar. he was ii student In the colleuc at >It. I'leas.ant. Iowa, and at the first call yolun- teered in the First Iowa Infantry. He served with much credit in this regiment anil was engaged in the battle of Wilson's Creek. August lt>. 1861, when the gallant Cen. Lyen fell. In the August, 1897, Midland Monthly is found a well written article by him, entitled ■■i.;en. Lyon and the Fight fur Missom'i". When this regiment had sei-veil over its term of enlistment and was mustered out. young Clark retmaied to his home in Warren County. But not long to stay. He then enlisti'd in the Thirty-fourth Iowa Infantry, was promoted to captain, ami sei-ved with this gallant regiment until the close of the war. ( )n the afternoon of the day that (ien. Lee surrendered to Gen. errant. Captain Clai'k with his regiment took part in a desper- ate charge on the rebel forts at Mobile, Alabama. Years afterward he 984 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY was made historian of tlie Tliirtj--fourtb. and prepared and published a most interesting and true history of the regiment. After lieing mnstered out of tlie military service young Clark took up liis Interrupteil studies again at college. He became a student at thi« Ohio "\A'esleyan University, and graduated in the classical course in ISCS, and in ISiii.i" from the law department of the Iowa State University as valedictoi-ian (jf his class. He then engaged in the practice of law in Des Moines, and continued in the same with much success until 1890. He was then induced to take charge of the E>es Moines Insurance Com- pany as secretnry. He is now permanently connected with the manage- ment of the Capital Insurance Company of Des Moines. Captain Clark was married October IS. 1S7G. to Miss Fannie Page, and they now have six children, three boys and three girls. The Captain belongs to the C. A. R.. the Loyal Legion, the alumni of two col- leges, the Masons and the C'ongrcgatioiuil church. Politically he acts wUh tlie RepuVilican p.nrty. A lirave soldier, good citizen, husband and father, lie deservedly i-anlcs higli in tliis eeiiimunity. CLX. Ci;Iark Miller AN'Ms born, lie was the second son of Andrew Miller and .Tane .Vnies. Amid the pietnresque seiiiery, and under the shadows of .uranite liills his childhood and youth was spent. lu lirielly speakin;; of some of tli.e more prominent eharaeteristies of tho suliject of tliis sketch, it is necessary to speak of ids early life, education and jjursuits. 1o the end tliat we may better appreciate the servi<'<' of the man, wliese career we are to consider as connected with the earlier history of Iowa wldle her most important industries were in an ex]ierimental condition. It has been well said "that the time and AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 9 87 place of a man's binh, and especially of his early associations, exert a jiifeat influence upon his future character and destiny in life." Among the early New England colonists was a company of 300 fam- ilies of Scotch-Irish, who came over in 1710 and settled in Hillsborough eotmty, Xew Hampshire. In 1720 they purchased the Indian title to a large tract of land and named it Londonderry. These people were noted for deep religious convictions, thrift, industry, indomitalile per- sevi'rauce and love of liberty. They introduced the foot-spinning wheel and brought a large (juantity of dressed flax, and made linen cloth— probably the first woven in Xe«' Hampishire. They also intro- duced potatoes. Their predominating characteristics were indelibly implanted in their descendants and a wide influence exerted in the communities tliey established around them. From .such ancestry sprang the stilyect of this sketch, and the leading traits of his character were inherently fixed by early associa- tion with people of frugality, energy and industry. Boyhood days on a rough Xew England farm, in a sparsely pojitilated neight>orliood, with few books accessible, and extremely limited educational facilities — as was the case eighty years ago — certainly Avas anything but encour- aging to an ambitious youtli; yet we find him, at twenty-two, a suc- cessful editor and publisher of a political weekly paper in his native town. Aspiring to a wider field, lie went to Fitchburg. Mass., continuing in his chosen occupation. In is3.j he removed to Rochester. X. Y., and engaged in wood and copper-plate engraving and printing— being a pioneer in that work in central and western Xew York. Being able to illustrate liy his artistic skill, he compiled and published several bio- graphical works. His taste for historical and statistical wnrlc was gratified liy publishing several books, which Avere well received. Upon tlie admission of Wisconsin to the Union, in May, 1818, ho saw a wider field of usefulness opening, and started for the, then. "Far West", locating in Racine. There, in connection with his printing and book binding office, he opened the only large book store in the state, outside of Milwaukee. He also founded the first circulating library in Wisconsin, consistin,g of several thousand volumes. Always taking an active interest in schools, his laljor and influence aided in promoting the excellent educational system of that state. In .January. 1810, he issued the initial number of the Wisconsin Farmer, a monthly devoted to agricultural and horticultural interests in the new state. In 1851 he removed to Madison, and. soon after, sold the Farmer to "go west". The Weekly Wisconsin Farmer, now in its fmty-ninth year, was founded liy him. In IS.'i.l he came to Iowa, locating in Puliurjue, and. in .January, 18."iii, issued the fir.st number of the X'orthwestern Farmer, which was continued as a monthly tmtil 18(12. Deciding that a more frequent issue was desirable, and Des Moines offering better facilities for pub- lication, he came here in 1801, and, in Jantiaiy, 18f!2, established the Jdwa Homestead, now in its thirty-sixth year. In 1808 he severed his connection with that paper and, in .January, 3870, published the initial number of the Pomologist, a monthly, devoted exclusively to horticul- ture and pomology — sub.iects in which he was very deeply interested in promoting. During the troublous years of the great rebellion he strove heroically to keep alive and foster an interest in the most important industries of his adopted state. To study and glean informa- tion on these important subjects, and disseminate the same for public Itenefit, became so strong a passion of his later years that no sacrifice of time nor money within his reach was regarded as less tha.n a duty to his readers. Xearly twenty of the ripest years of his life were given to advancing 988 ANNALS OF POLE COUNTY the horticultural Interests of the Northwest, especially to promotin,;2: pomological science in Iowa, believing it would, in coming years, prove one of tile leading sources of profit, as well as contributing largely to the health and comfort of all our citizens. If he seemed too enthus- iastic and sanguine in the early days of fruit-growing, the results in tliese later years fully testify to the soundness of his judgment. Few men have had lives of as industrious labors and as great useful- ness. As a horticultural editor and as a practical horticulturist, Mr. Jliller had, perhaps, no superior in the country. He was not only a clear and fluent writer, well versed in practical knowledge in everytliing whereof he wrote, but he was also of eminent reputation as a slvilled engraver on copper and wood. and. therefore, able to illustrate as well as write, which gave his contributions to the literature of horticulture an especial value, and giving him a high rank in tlie professiiin and lalior he loved so well and served so devotedly. His kniiwledge and his advice were for many years public guides, and were iif invaluable service at a time when fruit growing and even agriculture in this new state were largely experimental. He left an enduring monument on thousands of Iowa farms and Iowa iiomes, and, under the bruad. kindly shelter of trees and orchards and groves, his hand or his advice helped to make successful verities, 'a grateful people speak kindly and treasure his memor.v. In August. 1873. he was prostrated with heat while working in the harvest field and. before recovering from tliat illness, started out to collect fruits to exhiliit before tlie American Pomological society, which met in Boston in Septemlier of that year. Having been appointed by Hon. .T.ames JIatthews. president of our State Horticultural society, a delegate to represent Iowa's progress in fruit raising, he entered into the work of collecting fruit wdth charac- teristic energy and labored far beyond his strength— riding day after day, from orchard to orchard, ^selecting and classifying the best to show before the noted members of that august assembly that Iowa was no whit liehind any other state in tlie variety and magnificence of her apple product, besides making a creditable display of other fmits. But, in stiiving to liring deserved honor to Iowa's fair name, he had exhaiisted his pliysical strength beyond restoration. At the close of the convention lie visited friends in New Hampshire, and went to the home of his boyhood, in Peterboro, looking for the last time on the house where he was l>orn sixty-four years before; upon the trees he ilug ill the woods when a young lad, anil planted near the old home, thus showing the boy's love for the chosen pursuits of later life. Mr. Miller was twice married. His first wife and a daughter by th.at union he buried in early manhood. By his second wife — who sur- vives him— he had six children, five sons and one daughter. Two of the sons, George A. and Charles B.. are in business in Des Moines. He lived to rear an interesting and intelligent family and to see all of his children in positions of usefulness and enjoying the confidence and esteem of all who know them. This was a satisfaction fitly rrowning the excellence and usefulness of h's own busy life, whiih 's\:is a huig, active and eventful one — hi.s whole eai-eer from beginning to i lose was replete with ceaseless activity; possessing indomitable resolution and an invincible determination to overcome all oljstacles and achieve success, he left the world mucli better for his having lived in it. His foremost trait was determined persevei'ance. He ilied Ajiril 0, 1ST4, in the sixt.v-fifth year of his age. AXD THE CITY OF DES MOIXES. 989 CUESTEIt C. COLE. Among the promiuent eitizens of Des Moines for the past forty years has been Chester C. Cole. As a lawyer. Judge, politician and citizen he has always occupied a high ranii in the community, and he is well known to the people of the city, county and state. Judge Cole was born in Oxford, Ohennago County, Xew York, June 4, 1824, and is the son of Samuel and Alee iPullinan) Cole, the former a native of Connecticut and the latter of Rhode Island. His ancestors came from England at a very early day. Chester C. was reared in the county of his birth, and educated in the public schools, and in Oxford Academy, but was not of robust health while 990 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY a boy. He lived on a farm wHli his motliei- until thirteen years of age, and was clerk in a store in the town until eighteen, when lie again entered school and pursued his studies with ardor and success. After completing a thorough course in the Harvard Law School at Cam- bridge, Massachusetts, he was admitted to the Bar in August, 184S. He first entered regularly upon the practice of 'his profession in Mfa-ion, Crittenden -County^ Kentucky, and displayed much ability and was successful. In 1857 he sought a wider field, and after looking around, ichose Des Moines as his 'home, and here he has remained. His ability, quiclvness and unfailing courtesy caused him at once to take a leading position in his profession, and this rank lie has main- tained for forty years. Except while on the Supreme bench he has been in the continuous practice of hi-s profession, supplemented by worlc in law schools and editing and writing for legal publications. Only two years after his arrival in Des Moines .Judge Cole was aonimated as a candidate for .Judge of the Supreme Court by the DenKicratic state convention, and tliotigh defeated, made man.v friends throughout the state during the canvass. The next year he Wiis nominated as a candidate for Congress by the Demoicrats of this district, then embracing the Southern one-half of the State, tlis opponent was General Samuel R. Curtis. The -Judge made a brilliant canvass, successfully meeting his opponent in many joint discussions, often twice in a day tor some seventy days. And this, too, was at a time when tlierc were only a few miles of railroad in the State. Gen- eral Curtis was a man of ability, a great leader of his paity, Init hi; suffered when lie came in cimtaet witii his oppiment, wlursc ability, quickness and reailiness of resources were more than a match for the more slow and suiii'wliat heavy General. The latter was elected, but the honor of tlie noted canvass almost altogether fell to .Judge Cole. The .Judge was what was then termed a "Douglas Democrat,"' was a strong Union man. and gave freely of his time and money to raise troops, etc. In recognition of this, in 18G4, Governor Stone appointed him one of the Justices of the Supreme Court. The people of the State heartily endorsed this by twice electing iiim to the same position. As a judge he was uoted for his perfect freedom from bias, quick comprehension, and thorough knowledge of law. His opinions are models of brevity, clearness, vigor and sound law, and cause hiin to rank with the most able of Iowa -Judges. Some time after his second election Judge Cole resigned this high office, and voluntarily returned to the practice. Upon his retirement from the bench, ,Judge Cole entered upon an extended 'and luerative practice, largely in the federal courts, vvhicli he continued alone for several j'ears. He then formed a partnership, the firm being known as Cole, jMcVcy it Clark, nftev- wards Mr. Cheshire took Mr. Clarke's place in the ttrni, which con- tinued to do an extensive practice down to the period of .Judge Cole's retirement from the firm and active practice. In 1892 he was chosen Dean of the Iowa Ccllege of J^aw, a Department of Drake University, a position which he cow holds. On .Tune 2.'i, 1848, .Judge Cole was married to Miss Amanda M, Ben- nett, a daughter of Egbert and Gertrude (Richtmyer) Bennett. They have lind seven children, four sons and three daughters: Calvin S, died in early childhood; William Watson grew to manhood, married Frances -Josephine Chapin, by whom he had three children, two of them now living. In 1888 he removed to Portland, Oregon, where he engaged in the lumber business. He died there November 17, 1894. Gertrude Alice, the wife A, C, Atherton, of I^ewiston, Illinois, where lie is SuperintendeiTt of a ra'lroad, and they liave three children. Mary E. married D. C. McMartin, then a lawyer in I>es Moines, and AND THE CITY OF DES 2I0INES. 991 they had four ehilc''''en. Her husband died August 10, 1S95. Chester C. died in infancy. Frank B. married Ella Jenlcins, have two chil- dren, and reside in Havana. Illinois, vs'here Frank is engage<.l in rail- roading. Carrie Stone, the third daughter, is the v\'ife of .J. R. Hurlljui. head of the large drug house of Htirlbiut & McArthur. They have one child. Judge Cole and 'his wife have been for many years members of the Presb^-terian church, of which he has been for years an Elder. He has been a ilason since 1849, and has also been a Chancellor of the Knights of Pythias. Their home has been for years one of the most open and hospitable in the city, and though their children are non- somewhat scattered their elegant home in the western part of the city gives a hearty welcome to their many friends. Judge Cole himself is always busy with his law school, his clients and friends, keeps a close watch upon and notes everything in the political world, and i's always ready to work for the advancement and for what he thinks will be for the best interests of his fellow citizens and the people at large. U'Xl AXNALS OF POLK COUXTY SAMT'EIv GREEN. Industi y, close attention to business and perseverance, will win suc- cess, ns is proven in tlie case of Samuel Green, head of the well-known foundi-y firm of this city. He was lioi-n in Waterloo, Seneca County, Xew Yorlv. on April 5, ]S;>!. He received teaching in his youth in the dis- trict scliools, and also learned something of shoemaking, which was the trade r.l' liis fathers. "When sixteen years of age he was a clerk in a drug stnre. but after remaining in this for some eighteen months, he readily seized an opportunity offered him, and entered a foundry at Penn Yan, New York. Thus he commenred iiis life work. Piemaining in this foundry for five yc:irs he became an excellent workman, thoroughly fanjiliar with liis trade. Then lie started west. After a short stay in AND THE CITY OF DE^^ MOINES. 993 Michigan he came to Des Moines. March 2G, 1S5T. He fii-st found employ- ment with H. M. Hemingway, who was one of the first fonndrymen of the city, but at that time had only an old frame linilding with but little of the necessary machinery for a first-class foundry. Mr. Green worked tor him and others until 1S(J9, when he determined to start in business for himself. He had but little capital, but he had ambition and perse- verance, and a thorough practical knowledge of the business. He commenced in a small waj' on a lot on Third street, immediately west and adjoining his present large plant, putting up a building at an expense of .f2(i0. When his first blast Avas made he found himself in delit S70(), and fearful of debt as he always lias been, he naturally was fearful lie miglit not be able to pjaj' his creditors. He had, however, a true helper in his wife, who, loving and sanguine, cheerfully looked for- ward to the future and liopefully encouraged lier husband in his work. He persevered, and in a short time he felt success Avas within his grasp. In a not long time tlie little foundry was too small for the work. It was making money rapidly, but more room and better facilities were needed. In 1873 Mr. Green purchased a portion of the ground now oceupieil by him on Second street, south of Vine street, and built thereon a large two-story brielc building. This has been added to until he now has a ground area of 121x132, covered with buildings. From time to time he has added to tlie equipments and machiupr.v. keeping in full step with all advances and has caused the Greene foundry to rank not only among the first but also the best of the skilleil manufacturing institutions of the city. September 6, 18G0, Mr, Greene was married to Miss .Jennie, daughter of .Tohn W. and Sarah Owen, who came from Pennsylvania to Des Moines in l.S.if). Mrs. Greene was born in Perry County, Pennsylvania, March 28, 1830. To her can be awarded the highest meed of praise. A godil wife and motlier. The two cliildren born are now young men, and associates of tlieir father in business. They are Franlv Owen and James B. They have been trained to know the business, and now the firm of S, Greene & Sons does the largest foundry Ijusiness in Des Moines, and also maniifaetures the best of furnaces for public and private buildings. The senior Greene has always been ,a Repnl)liean in politics, but has always declined and never sought office. He is socially one of the pleas- antest of men. and in everj' respect a good citizen. He is an Odd Fellow, I'nited Workman and Good Templar, and member of the Early Settlers' Association. He is the oldest foundryman in the city in continuous business. Init is not now and hopes not for years yet to be placed upon the retired list. He won his success by work, and he continues to be a workman. And Samuel Greene came of good stock. Of English origin, his fore- fathers came to America many years ago. His father was born in 1800, served on board a man-of-war during the war of 1812-.5. for which years afterward a piension was granted him, ami upon his death to his widow. The latter was one of the Holland families who first settled New York. Tliree of Mr. Greene's brotliers served in the Union army during the late A\"ar. 994 ANNALS OF POLE COUNTY EEtWAlID It. >IAsr)N. AmniiL;- the woll-known citizens ot r>os >If.ini's is Edward TL M;iS(in. who has for rnnrs been proiiiint'iir in linsiness and social circles, an active and popular man. Burn Dn'cmlier IS, 1846, in Fraiiklinville. ( 'attaranyus (/ouiii y. New Yo^rk, he has. fniin his .vonth. been a residenr of Iowa, his fallior. with his famlil.v. having settlcil in Van l-'.uren Couuly, Iowa, in IS.j.S. His father, Lewis .lann's Mason, was born in tUienaii:;c> County, New York, in March, lsi\',l and w,-is of an old Xij\\- Ensland family, of Ensli-sh origin. His nnitlici-, Xancy Winslow. was lM>rn in Cdimango Cunnty, Xrw York, in Ocinbcr, ISiis. ami wa-^ a lineal AiYZ) THE CITY OF DES 3I0INES. 995 descendant of Governor Edward Winslow, the noted leader of the Puri- tan laand which landed on Plymouth Eock from the historic Mayflower. Edward Randall Mason was the eleventh child of a family of fourteen born to his parents. The family resided in Cattarangus County from 1836 to 1858, when they removed to Iowa, locating at Bentonsport, in Van Buren County. Here the elder Mason engaged in merchandising and liotel lieeping, until his death, in 1867, of cholera. His wife sur- vived him until May, 1875. Several members of the family have be- come prominent men in military and civil life. Edgar raised a com- pany of Pennsylvania Bucktails and served with distinction in the Civil War. William E. studied law, went from Des Moines to Chicago, rose in the ranks of his profession, was a member of Congress several terms, and in March, 1897, commenced a six years' term as United States Senator from Illinois. Eilward K. attended the common schools, and rapidly acquired an edmcation, but was forced into business at an early age. When only fifteen he entered the large drug house of F. H. O'Connor .at Keokuk. When, in May, 1804, a call was made for one hundred day men, the boy promptly enlisted and served his term in the Forty-fifth Iowa In- fantrj'. He then wanted to rd-enlist for the war, but his father would not, on account of liis youth, give his consent. He then was a clerk iu a general store at his home town for three j^ears, pursuing also the study of medicine, until, in 1869, he determined to make Des Moines his future home. His first employment was in the gi'ocery house of Gus Smith, where he remaiined until the following year. May 31, 1870, in Des Moines. Mr. Mason was united to Miss Alice Loisie, daughter of Sinclair Losie, and a native of Elmira, New York. Immediately after his mamiage he removed to Missouri, but returneil during the following July, and was soon after, August 5, 1870, appointed deputy clerk of the United State's Circuit Court under Col. George B. Gorkliill, who subsequently was the prosecuting attorney in the trial and conviction of the assassin of President Gailield. Col. Corkhill resigning his office of clerk in 1875, Mr. Mason, who had won the reputation of be- ing one of the best court clerks in the country, was appointed to fill the vacancy. For over twenty-one years he has tilled this responsible iiosi- tion. and can hoW it until he resigns or dies. He has, also, during almost this entire period, been deputy clerk of the United St.ates Dis- trict Court. He has also continuously held the office of Standing Mas- ter in Chancery- and United States Circuit Court Commissioner. While acting as deputy clerk he studied law, and was admitted to the bar iu 1872, and licensed to practice in the United States Supreme Court. Active and energetic, Mr. Mason has been engaged in large business affairs outside of his official duties. He was for a number of years largely engaged in the manufacture and jobbing of tinware, sheet iron anil metals. In 1883 he became connected with the Merchants' Union Barb Wire Company, which largely controlled th.at business. In 1887 he became interested in cotton manufactures, and, in connection with his brother. J. F. Mason, and George H. Cowiles, of Osceola, organized the r)es Moines Cotton Mill Company, E. E. Mason becoming the president. This comijany at one time employed one hundred hands and turned out 5,000 yards of sheeting each day. Mr. Mason retired, and fire and other causes closed the works. More than twenty years ago, Mr. Mason became much interested in the breeding and training of trotting horses, and also in .Te'-sey cattle, and has done much to improve various kinds of Iowa stock. For three years from 1885 Mr, Mason was the receiver of the Des Moines, Osceola & Southern rail- road, now the Des Moines & Kansas City. By superior management he kejit tlie road numing. improved its condition and finances, and then turned it over in good shape to the new company. Politically Mr. 996 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY Mason lias been from the .staa't a i:-(insistenit and istra.ightforward Ee- pub'lieau. He has belonged to the Odd FeHows, and -Is a member of the Myslie Shrine. He holds membership in Capital Lodge, A. F. and A. M.. Cnrrithian Oliapter, E. A. JI., and Temple Comimandery, K. T. Mr. Maison ilost his wife by death in September, 1877. She bore him two children, Carrie M.. born April 11, 1871. and Etta, born September li, 1S75. The latter died in May, 1876. Carrie wa.s married, on Decem- ber ill. 189."!, to James A. Stewart. Mr. Mas'on ^vas again, nmirried, August 22, 1888, to Miss Fannie Kiefer Eider, a native of Norwich, Clienango t;'nunty. New York, and a da-ughter of George Eider. She is a most estimable and aceomplish,ed lady, and a prominent member of St. rani's Episcopal Church. Slie has liorne her hiisband two cliildren, George Eider, born May 0, 1800, and Edward Win.s]ow, born February 10, 1802. Jlr. M.a.sion. a« public officer, as an enterprising business man, and as a citizen, has shwwn mueli aliility. He is cjuielv, prompt and ready, and courteous to everyone. He is full of courage and resources, and always pleasant and genial among all his business land other asso- ciates. His ple.-isant lionie in tlie westcni |iart cf (lie I'ity is mited for its hospitality, where he and liis wife are .alwaj's ready to "Welcome the coming and speeil tlie parting guest." "\Y. H. DICKINSON, M. D. One County Quebec New Yorlv land Ohio, f, if not llic iiidt'sl physician in Cdutinuous practice in Poilc s W. II. Diclvinson, M. D. He was liorn in the Province of Can.'ida, Seideniljer 10, 1S2S: wn:s mari-icd in P.aldwinsville. Dei-cmiicr 24, is.",:;. He gi-ailualcil in mcdi'-ine at Clevi- ij) 1S.")8 and in New Yorlj Cily in ]S(r>. He came to I(jwa AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 997 and located in Des Moines in ilarela, IS.jS. and has lived liere contin- nously, with the exception of two j'ears, 1.864-5, when he was in New York City, studying and piaetieiug his pvofessiim. Dr. Dickinson was one of the pioneers of tin.' practice of lioiueopatliy in Iowa and has not only had a large practice, but has done much to prove the excellence of his school of medicine. Some years ago he wrote a work on "Practice," which was published by Mills & Co., of this city, which has become a standard text book. He also wrote part of ainother work, and has been the author of several pamphlets. In l.S7(J he was elected to fill the chair of Theory and Practice in the Hcflneopathic l>epartment of the State University, which position he now holds, and in 1,S92 became Dean of the Faculty. He has twice 1 een President of the Slate Hahneman Association of Iowa, and alsn President of tlie Polk County Society. He was appointed by Governor Uear a member of the State P.onrd of Health, re-appointed by Governor Sherman, and by Governor Boies to fill a vaca.ney, serving ten years on thiis State Board. In all the positions 'held by Dr. Dickinson, he showed ra.re ability and intelligent industry. Prompt and decided in his work, he is yet kind to all. a.nd ready to learn as well as teach. His has been an active, busy and useful life, and his many friends hope he may );ie able to continue it for many moi'e years. The doctor has foi' years been nn active, working memlier of tiie Baptist churcli. an(i lias done his full share in building up that church in this portion of Iowa. The rir, and Mrs. Dickinson, the latter a well-known and much- esteemed lady, have three sons, now all grown to manhood. The old- est, D. "W. Dickinson, is a physician, in practice with his father: the second. Robert Dickinson, is a real estate agent and dealer in this city; while the titird, Warren Dickinson, is a civ,l engineer, at present hold- ing the responsible position of civil engineer to the State Board of Health, to which position he was appointed by Governor .Tackson. 9ft8 ANNALS OF POLE COUNTY THOMAS A. CHESHIRE. Tlic present state seuatdr from Polk County is a native of Iowa, and was liorn April 2, lSo4, in a. log caliin on land entered liy his father in Teuton Tinynsliip, Poweshiek County, and his ei-adle was in fact a sec- tion of hollow log. His father, John V^'. Chesljire, was one of the "pio- neers e's Moines and other cities. He also served on coniniiltees on charitable in.stitutions. building and loan as-sociations. mines and minins'. educational institu- tions and public health. The Board of Suiiervism-s selected him as attorney to look afti^r the civil affairs of the county for the year LSOS very responsible position. a WII,LI-VM A. PARK. Among the leading niemlieis of the liar of I'olU cotmty I'lU' years was the name of William A. I'ark. Though a comparativeil.v young man, he attained by ability and close .application lo business his .-idniitted high rank in the profession and as a citizen. Though not born in Iowa, he was brought here by his parents when an infant and in youth and in nianhooil. Iowa was his hcmie. His father, Andrew I'ark. was born in Virginia, of good old revolutionar.v stock, and himself served in the Mexican war. His mother, Amanda .ludkins, avms born in Ohio, the daughter of a North Carolinian. They lived for ;\ tinn^ in Howard county, Indiana, where W. \. Park was born, .Tuly Id. 18."il. The fam- ily that same year e.-imr; to Iowa, setlling near Indianola, Warren county. After years of farming he settled down in the town and there held several responsible offlces. He died in 1894 at the age of 72. Mrs. AXD THE CITY OF BEH MOIXES. 1001 Park i.i; yet livrng ami lier tliret' children were all ri'siclents of Des Moines. William A. spent his youth on his father's farm, attending the dis- trict schools as far as possible. As lie grew towards manhood, he deter- mined to haye a thorough education and became a student of .Simpson College and determining upon the study of law, entered the office of Bryan and Seevers at Indianola. Subsequently he entered the law department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and was adujittod to the liar in 1.S70, and commenced the practice in Des Moines in l.s.Sii. Witli ilic ciiur.agc an,] resolution characteristic of liim, lie IihM more than his own among the lawyers of that day and succeieded. Two years later he formed a co-partnership with Fred W. Lehman, and the new Arm soon achieved a high standing. This successful tirm contin- ued for ten years, when it was dissolved by the removal of Mr, Lehman to St, Louis to talve a high position as an attorney of the Wabash Rail road Company, In 1892 W. E. Odell became associated with Mr. Park and this partnership continued to the mntna! benetit of both ii.-iiTies until the deaili of the latter. Mr. Park laid deep the foundation of bis kiuiwlerige of l;i\v by closi- study, w.is .lioroughly informed in the line of his iirofessinn, and careful and painstaking in the preparation of causes entrusted to him, iiuiekly (-.■itehing points, and .always rea{ly and forcible in argument. January (5, 1S74, Jlr. Park was married to Miss Sophia Goodman, daughter of Isi-acl and Elizalieth iFind'eyi (TOfidman. They were blessed with seven children, five sons and two daughters; Ernest S.. Bessie G,, AVilliam E., Helen Mar., Andrew and Phillip— the last named d3-ing at the age of three. 'Sir. I'.irk «-,'is a .lemocrat in publics .■ind of high r:ink in :he Masonic order. Ixing a thii-ty-second degree Mason and Master of Rose Croix degree, lie w,-,s also preminent annmg the t)iid I->lliiws. and ,a Past Grand Chancellor of the Knights of Pytiiias of Iowa. ilr. and Mrs. Park were members of (he Jlethodist Episcn]ial i-linn-li and had a very pleasant liome on Pleasant street. In the siiring of LsftT sicdiness came to ilr. Park. In hoiies of ijic provement to his lientlli. he. in company with Mrs. Park, made a triii to the South. P.ut this «"as without avail. Returning lo his hoiue, he lingered bur a short time, and Aiiril 4. l.s'.iT. tln^ earthly career of AVilliam A. P.-irk ended.. His \intimely death was universally regretteii. The members of the liar and his brothers in ihe lodges of which he was so prominent, uuiti'il in tokens of regret and sympathy for bis family ami ndatives. 1002 ANNALS OF POLE COUNTY WILLIAM W. PHILLIPS. Among the prorainent lawyei-s and citizens of Des Moines stands William W. Phillips. Through his ability, force of character, and straiglitforward work he has made for himself a place and nam© well up at the top. He was for many years the senior member of the well-known law firm of Phillips & Brennan, the leading legal firm on the East Side. Mr. Phillips was l)orn March 1.3, 1840, in Cari'ollton, Carroll county, C)hio, and is the son of Alexander and Catherine (Devall) Phillips— the father being a native of Cadiz, Ohio, while the mother Avas born in Maryland. Alexander Phillips was a slioenialvcr by trade, and for years conducted a boot .and shoe store, finally becoming a farmer. He died in Pindlay. Ohio, in ISTfi, aged 68. His widow is yet living in Find- lay. Her mother was born in County Down, Ireland, and was brought AND THE CITY OF DES MOIXEH. ]U03 to America by her parents when three years of a,a'e. settlin.i; in Wasli- ington, where her father was engaged in building tlie eapitol. She wit- nessed the burning of that eapitol and a large portion of the them city of Washington by the British. She was a remarlvalile woman, and though reared and liying for many years where slayery was a legalized Institution, she had a hatred of it. When living in Maryland her hus- liand by heirship became the owner of a negro man, horse, saddle and briiUe. She would not own a slave, and with the consent of her hus- band gave the negro man the; horse and equipments, ifnd sent him on his way to a free state to lie a free man. She was one of the early set- tlers of Washing-ton county, Iowa, and died at the advanced age of 100 yeiars and 10 months. William W. went with his parents when eight years of age to Find- lay. Ohio, and there was reared to manhood, attending the common schools. Wliile in the high school the last war brolce out. and true to his national partiotism and his inherited ha'treid of slavery he cheer- fully volunteered as a soldier, elisting in Company D, Xinety-ninth Ohio Volunteers, commanded by Colonel I,angworthy. He made a good soldier. His regiment was attached to the Army cjf the: Cumlierland and participated in the battles of Stone River. Loolcoiit ^Mountain, P.uz- Z'lvd's Roost, Beach. Ti ee Creek. Franklin, Nashville, and other engagements. After long and faithful service, he, with is regi- ment, was mustered o\it in Augtist. 180-">. some four mont}is after the surrender of Oen. T^ee and his forces and the virtual ending of the war. The young man. his days of soldiering being over, returned to his home in Findlay. and there resolved upon one of the most wise acts of li's life. He married Miss Mary M. Taylor, of Findlny. a daughter of Thomas H. and Nancy Taylor, who has been a true and helpful wife to him for now more than thirty years. The young couple thought it bet- ter to seek the'r fortxine in the west, and in February. 1,800, cnme to Iowa, settling in Oskaloosa, Coming to Hes Moines the following year Mr. Phillijis entered tlie law school, and 1)y hard work and unremitting study graduated in 180,8. and at once opened a law office. He wa"" earnest and indefatigable, always at worlv for the interests of his clients, and at the same time honest and straightforward. These ele- ments told in liis favor and he r.apidly rose in his profession. He was in partnership with W. F. Conrad, now the senior .iudge on the district bencli, until his first election to tliat position. For a time after this his son. Franlc W. Phillips, was in the office with liim. and remained there imtil his election as police judge of the city, an office which he continues to hold. Tlien Hugh Brennan. a previous city solicitor, liecame the .junior memlier of the firm: which has been a very successful one from the start, and now ranks high among the law firms of the city and state. In 1,8,87 Mr. Phillips was elected county attorney and served for one term with much credit to himself .ind g'-eat benefit to the county. He is and has been a member of the republican party from his youth up. but at the same time is broad and liberal in his views and never a narrow partisan. Mr. and INlrs. Phillips have four children. Harry T., a farmer: Frank W., police iudge and lawyer: William W. and Carl. The family have always held a high rank socially, and at their home has always been extended a most general hospitality to their many friends. In the midst of an honoral:ile career and the apparent promise of years of life before him, in the spring of 1.8f»S the health of :\Ir. Phillips began failing. Notwithstanding the skill of physicians and the loving care of his wife, family and friends, he continued n a rapid decline, and died .Tune ri. 1.808. Plundreds of sorrowing friends at/ended the funeral, and the Bar of Polk Cnunty. of which he had been a distinguishes! member, also attended, and adopted appropriate resolutions. 1004 AXXALS OF POLK COUXTY WILLIAM PHILI>irs. 'I'lii- spuior niciiilici- of the l);ir of I'olk coimty, ill iioiiit of yiT,i-s (jf pnicrico. is iKiw \\'illi;iin PliJlliiis, his ineniliershiii dntiim- fi-o'in .T\ilr, isnc. .TndSP Phillips w.'is born Soptcuiber •-'■_'. Isi'T. in Stfnibonvil'.e, Jefferson county. <)hio. His imrents, Tlionuis and lirhrcca (Irwin) Phillins. were nativos of Ponusylvnnia. the father of Irisli ami the mother of Welsh deseeni. A^'illiani was reared upon a farm: liis education beini; received in the c(]nimon scho(ds and 'sup[)lementei1 by a colle.^e course. In isr.l he came farther west, and enijased in mercantile pursuits. AND THE CITY OF DES MOIXES. 1005 for a time in I'eoria. 111., and iu (.laleslniri; and Heudui'son. iu the same state. Having an early and natural inclination for tlie legal profession, he l-iursued his studies for several years with his usual industry and thor- oughness, and, in 1.S54, was admitted to practice in the courts of Illinois. In the same year he came to Iowa and located with his parents upon a section of land in Greene county, near to what is now the flourishing town of Jefferson. This town he laid out and aided in having made the county seat. In .Inly, l.S.jO. he took up his permanent residence in this city, form- ing a legal iiartnership with .Judge Curtis Bates, then one of the leading attorneys of the state. Three years later this partnership was dis- solved, and the firm of Phillips & Phillips organized, the junior partner Ijeing a younger Ijrother, .Jame.s Harvey Phillips. This tirm was a very successful one. Later, Col. C. H. Gatch became a meniljer of the firm under the style of Phillips, Gatch & Phillips. In a few years Col. Gatch retired, and was succeeded in the firm by Col. E. .7. (ioode. This firm continued for several years and then was dissnlved. .T. H. Phillips was elected Mayor of Des Jloines, and William Phillips jcjiued forces with Hon. .Tames G. Day, who for a number of years had been a justice of the .Supreme Court of Iowa. This partnership continued until 1S!J4, when, by mutual agreement, it was dissolved. In 1S9G was formed the present firm of Phillips, Ryan & liyan. With tbe exception of the first, .Judge Phillips was the head of all these legal firms, and the high rank they secured and maintained was largely due to his ability and application. August 20. IS.jT, in Des iloines, .Judge Phillips was married to Miss S. Jennie Kutan. a native of liichland county, Ohio, a daughter of William Rutan. a neice of Gov. Samuel J. Kirkwood, and grand- daughter of Gov. Clark, one of the territorial governors of Iowa. Their married life has been a happy one. To them have been born four children, two sons and two daughters. Of tliese twu have departed this life: Nellie, an infant of one yeair, and John Frank, who grew to the manly age of twenty-eight and around whom many hopes were Iniilt. Thomas William, the eldest son, is manager and secretary of the Merchants' Coinsolidated Insurance Company, of which Judge Phillips is president, and Jennie B. is married to Dr. J. B. Hardy, a prominent idiysician of Phoenix, Arizona. Judge Phillips has all his life been pre-eminently a worker. A luver of his profession, he has always been a close student, and invarialdy devotes himself persistently to any cause he nndertalces. IIi- is always true to his clients, and at the same time is conscientious in the ilis- charge of everj' duty devolving upon him. With him right is right and wrong is wrong, and nothing could influence him to smother an honest conviction, political or otherwise, for the sake of personal ends. True to himself, as to all others, he has for many years gained ami retainel the confidence and respect of men of all classes in this large com- munity. While .a man of liberal views, he has deep religious convic- ri(ins; his benevolence has made his own success a continuoits. though i|uiet benefit to many less successful, and a strong aid to all helpfn! or charitable enterprises. By his own brain and heart and anplicatiin. Judge Phillips has a right to his high rank at the bar and in Ijusiness and social circles. 1006 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY SAMUEL A. EOBERTSO'N. Amony the early 'settlc-Ts and loading business men of the city anil county is Sanuiel Alonzn Ttnl.oi'lsdn, wlio came to Des Moines in 1S50, a few niontlis licfore he liad renoheil his ma.iority. He was Tjorn in Pi'elV.e T'lmnty, (;)hio, December 2?,, Isa.T), the son of Samuel and Susan I \'an Winkle) Itoberl'Son. His father was a native of New Jersey born in bSTS and «as one of llii^ early settler's of Ohio, loeatius there in bSlil, and A\inning the title of Majoi- in the war of 1812-1."), serying with the tnioiis under (ten. JTarrison. He was a contr.'iriur and liuilder, tlioi'- ongldy cioniietent and energetic, carrying on an extensiye business, and AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 1007 making a specialty of the erection of public buildings. He built many of the latter, and there are court houses and churches now standing in Ohio and Indiana as monuments of good, substantial work, one church now standing and in use dating iback 'to 1812. He also did a large amount of work in the Ohio canals, in the days of these internal improvements. He was an enthusiastic Democrat, a leader in his party in southern and western Ohio, held several responsible official positions and stood high in the estimation of the people. He died at his home in Ohio in 1875. His estimable wife survived ihim a few years, dying in 1882, aged eighty-five years. Young Samuel attended, when a boy, the district schools, and was also a student in the better schools of Dayton. At the early age of fourteen he commenced his apprenticeship as a bricklayer and brick- maker, served a full term, and then, before he had reached his majority, was in business for himself as a builder and contractor. He was suc- cessful, but, ambitious for a new field and wider opportunities, he came to Iowa, settling in Des Moines. His first work here was upon the Savery, now Kirkwood House. He was energetic, thoroughly under- stood his business, and through his own unaided efforts in a short time became one of the leading builders and contractors of the then young city. For more than thirty years he was engaged continuously in building in Des Moines. Commencing with the old Saverv. now Kirkwood, in 1856-7, thirty years later he built the new Savery Hotel, and also the First Methodist Episcopal Church. He also erected a number of the largest business blocks in the city, and scores of other buildings and residences. These won him much reputation and some wealth. In addition he erected for himself several large and costlv buildings. He was for several years Superinlendent of the erection of the present United States building in Des Moines, and largely through his efforts v\'as it made the large and complete building it now is. The Washington authorities gave him the highest commendation for the work. Over twent.v years ago, Mr. Robertson purchased a quantity of land near Earlhajn, in Madison County, on the Rock Island railroad, twenty miles west of Des Moines, and opened an extensive stone quarry and also large lime kilns, which have been successfulh- operated. He was also one of the early brick makers, and for years Iiad the largest brick yards in operation. He was one of the first to see the necessity and importance of using brick-making machinery and ileveloping the brick- making industry in Des Moines. He organized a company, iirocured the latest and most improved machinery and developed the now great plant of the Des Moines Brick and Manufacturing Company. He was the pioneer in this, now one of the lar,gest and most important of Des Moines industries. For many years he has teen a large stockholder and one of the directors of the Iowa National Banli of Des Moines, and for the past number of years has )ieen President of this, one of the oldest and most flourishing of the financial institutions of the city. In polities Mr. Robertson has always been a Democrat, but never an aspirant to or for office, though he has always been a liberal helper and contributor. For three terms he was a member of the City Council. He was in the council at a critical time, when Des Moines was emerging from town to city ,and to him, more perhaps than to any one man, is due the fact that Des Moines now has a comprehensive and fitting system of sewer and sewerage and many miles of paved streets. He fought for these with persistence and ability through many months of discouragement and even personal aiiuse. But he finnllv won. And when at last the good worlv was commenced his practical knowledge and long experience was of invalual'le service to the city. In the end all good citizens gave him deserved praise for the great 1008 AXNALS OF POLK COLXTY aljility and foresight displayed l.^v liim in these public improvements. He is liberal and public spirited, and during his more than forty years' n sidence in Des Moines has done his full share in building it up and his many friends hniie he yet has a number of years of active and useful life before him. March 24, 18."i7, Mr. Robertson "was married in Des Moines to Miss iiargaret Porter, a native of Ripley. Brown Cdunty, Ohio. She is now one of the besr known and poptilar women of the city, with hosts id' friends. They have had nine chililren born to them: .John, the only son living, is a bricklayer and builder. Susan Bell, the oldest ilaughter, bei-ame the v^•ife "f Lieutenant C -T. T. Clark, now Adjutant of the Idth Regulars. She died. Septemlior in. 189G, leaving one son and two daughters. Edith C. is tlte wife of John W. Campbell, of Des Miiines, and has two children. Emma H, married .T. K. Rogers, of -Mliany. New York, and has a daughter. Bertha married .J. "\V. Ruggs. now of Pittsburg. Penn. Margaret, the younuest daughter, is at Imme with her parents. CECIRGE SIII-:ELI<:Y HUGHS. f;eorge Shilley Hug'h-^ was 1 oi n in Gi orgia, Sei;tember 24, ISJO. His flrsi schirnling was in Barbour Cininiy. .\lal>ania. in bS.'S. In IStlU. his ]iarents moved toGiranl. Aialiam:i. .'in.l here and in Columbus. (-Jeorgia. ho went to school Ibreo terms, .-ind entered Iho Columbus Enquirer otHco as appreutico, Seplembor 2]. ISi;:!. his father then being in the Frirty-si,\th Gooigia \'olunteers. In ISIJ.") the famil.v moved to Ken- tucky, and in ISiJT the young printer, a jotirneyman, started out to see the Avorld. From ISdS to ISTr, he was in Xew York d'ity. While there he beg.iii 1o study. Ho mastoTed English grammar in two monlhs. taking lessou.s and working most of the time at llhe ease. He then ti'ok np Latin. Frencli and Spanish, .■issooiating as nnn:-li as ho ooiihl Willi roroigiiors 1(1 learn their characteristics as «'ell as their language, b'roiii boyhood lie has lioori ;i oimstant reader, and his opporlunities AND THE CITY OF DBS MOINES. 1009 for observation havi- been improveil. In 1S7G he was married to Miss Elizabeth Adalti Huson, of Oneonta. New YorlJ, and in 1876 they movetl to Des Moines. In 1891 Mr. an I Mrs. Hughs went to Victoria, Van- couver Island, British Columbia. On his return to Des ^Moinps, Mr. Hugtis was urged by friends to write a local historical work. In 1893 he consented. His worli soon grew from his original inteation, and a volume, entitled "Ancient Civilizations." was published in 1896. This woirk is as pretentious as any undertaken by any writer in America, yet the notice it has received from scholars everywhere is an earnest that Iowa may be proud of her nrinter-autlhor. WILLIAM FITCH CONRAD. There is no better known man in the county of Polk than the present senior .Judge of the Polk County District Court, William Fitch Conrad. Prior to the commencement of his long service upon the District bench, he had been in the active practice of his profession in Des Moines since 18T(;. and gained iiis reputation as an able lawyer and a straight- foi'ward, honest man. .Tudge Conrad was born in Ithica. Tompkins county, Xew York, November 7. 1826. His iiarents were George P. and Rachel (George) Conrad, the former of German and the latter of Englisli origin. .Judge Conrad's grandfather, on the paternal side, served with distinction in the war of the Revolution, and rose to the rank of major. When a lad of fifteen, his father removed with his family to Brantford, Canada, and when the gold diseovories were m.ide in California lie, with many 64 1010 AiViVAL^' OF FOLK COUNTY (ithei's, crushed the plains aud .soim after died of disease contracted (iuriuf;- the arduous trip. His Avidow continued to reside in Canada until her dt'atli. .Judge Conrad attended the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary at Lima, New York, and afterwards graduated froim the Wesleyan Uuiversit.y at Jliddletowu. Conn., in the close of 18.V',. Soon after graduation he went south and took charge of a Female Academy at Port Gibson, Miss., and at the same time pursueil the study of law. He was admiited to the bar in IS."!, and the same year came to Iowa, .settling in Burlington, where he engaged in the practice of his profession until August, bS(l2. wlicn he enlisted in Company G, Twenty-fifth Iowa Infantry, .-is a privale. He was soon after made sergeaut-ma.ior, and served in tliat lauk until the following December, when he was made acting tirsi lieutenaui of Company K of the same regiment. His regi- ment soon after joined the army then acting against Viclvsburg. Be- fore his (-(rmmission as lieutenant had been received he Avas elected captain of the company, and at once took command of the same. On Jlay 24. 18(>i. when engaged with the enemy at Kaymond, in the rear of \'icksburg, he was captured liy the confederates. He was t.-ilceu liy tlicm to Libliy prison. Itichmond, where he was cimtined from .Tune .".. lsi;.M, until May (1. 18l>4. nearly one year. He was then l.aken willi oilier etticers to Itanville, Virginia, then transferri'd to .M,-icon. Georgi.-i. and. on .Tuly 28 of the same year, he Avas one of the six liundred wlio were taken to Charleston, S. C. anil there placed un(h'r hre to iirevent the union vessels and batteries from shelling the city. Here he was kept until October ."i. Avlien fie aud his fellow prison- ers were removed to Colnmliia. in the same stale. Here Captaiu Con- rad deterndned to make his escape if possilde. In company with a comrade. Gi'orgc H. Miirrisy, of the Twelfth Iowa, November 29, ISG-I,. they (duded their guards and started for the union lines. After six weeks of the most imminent ])erils and greatest hardshijvs they finally, on .lanuar.v 7, 180.1, reached the union lines near Knoxville. Tenn. Being given a furlou.gh of thirty days, Captain (,'onrad returneil to his liome at Burlington, fnit as his health hail been nimdi injured iiy his sufferings in prison and by the liardships incident to his escape, he was placed on iletaidied service at Fort Snelliug, Minn., where he was- stationed tintil the close of the Avar. Soon after his military service had ended, .Tudge Conrad again took up the pr.ictice of law, going witli liis family to Canton, Missouri. Tliere ln' remaineil unMl 187(i, Avlien he liecame a citizen of Dcs Moines, He soon .acquired a. line legal practice, for scA-eral years was a partner of the late W. "\A'. riiilliiis. and continued steadily in the |u-actice until his election, iri 18811, as one of the .Tudges of the District Court. Twice re-elected, he is now sei-A-ing his twelfth year on the bencli, ami has been renfunina/ed and Avill no doubt be I'c-elected for another term nf four years. Tliis sIioavs the esleeni in Avhich .Tudge Conrad is held by the jieople nf this ceunly. They have confidence in him as a judge and as a. man. ■Tanuai'y 22. 18."i.".. in Aurora. New Yorl;. .Tudge Conrad A^as married to Jliss Harriet S. Tierce, a native of Maine. 1"\a-o children were born to them: "William Fitch. .Tr., and Hattie L., who, in August, 1880, Avas married to .Tohn Trepanier, of Des iloines. Jlrs. Conrad died April 27. bS88. Afler remaining a vvidoAver for several years, the .Tudge married the present ^irs. Conrad, a mosi estiniaTde lady and cheei-inu coni|iani(iii to him at liome and in society. AND THE CITY OF DE8 MOINES. 1011 (JEN. M. M. CltOC'KEi;. Ill tliP iKiges of thi'sc annals several allusions are maGe to >IarcelUis JI. Ci'orker. ■n-lm. as an attorney and afterwards as a soldier, occupied a jirominent position in this city and county, and had 'hosts of friends, not only here, but throus'hout Iowa. There is no uood portrait of him in existence, and we are forced to use the small and imperfect jilate liere printed, and make only a brief sketch of his life. He was born in Johnson county. Indiana, in 3830. and in 1844 came with his father and family to Iowa territory. His father was a man of marked char- acter and much native ability, ^^fler a short time spent in Jefferson count.v. he made a claim in Keokuk county, and there opened up u la rue farm. In 1840. through Con.^ressman Shepherd Leffler, youn.n C'lucker received an appointment to the TJ S. Military Academy at "West Point. He jiassed the e.vaanination. became a cadet, and entered upon his studies with zeal and full of ambition to succeed. But two years later his father died, leaving a large family and much embar- rassed estate, and young Crocker was forced to abandon his military amliition and devote his energies to the welfare of his widowed mother and large dependent family. This sacrifice he made, although it was a peculiarly hard one for him. At his home he then entered upon the study of law. and, pushing lii-s studies, was admitted to the bar in IS.'l. He practiced his pro- fission with energy and success until 18."i4-."i. when he came to L^es Moines to make this his permanent home. Here he met with much suiicss. For a time lie was a law partner of Dan O. Finch, and Suisse- 1012 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY qiitutly entered into partDership with P. II. Casady, and after a time ■was formed the then noted legal flriu of Casady, Crocker i*c Polk. In politics be was a Iiemocrat, and was nominated by tlaat party for member of the Constitutional Convention, and afterwards fur District Judge. He made a strong candidate, but his party then being in a minority he was not elected. As stated in the annals, he was one of the tirst to volunteer at the commencement of the Civil war. Captain of the first company from Polk county, he was made major of the Second Iowa upon its organization, then lieutenant colonel, and soon thereafter colonel of the Thirteenth Iowa Infantry, This regiment he soon made one of the best in the service. He was with it at Pittsbur,g Landing, or Shiloh, and there made a record for courage and 'Skill, He was also in the desperate second battle of Corinth, He was soon placed in command of a brigade, and (he Crocker brigade became noted in the history of the Army of the Tennessee, Promoted to brigadier- general, he commanded a division during the ojierations around Yicks- burg and .Jackson, and in every position acquitted himself witlt honor, and deservedly received the hearty commendation of (!ienerals (Jrant, Sherman, and all others under whom he served. His health failing, he was towards the close of the war given a large command in New Mexico, where he served for some time, but, tiring of this, he applied for .1 eomiaand which would again take him to the front, where he could aid in giving the final blow to the tottering confederacy. Show- ing the character of the man, it might here be stated that, in the summer of 186M, he was at home on ftirlou.gh. The Eepulilican State Convention was held liere, and there was a bitter figlit on over the candidates for Governor, The situation was such that, would he con- sent, there was no doubt Gen, Crocker could have been nominated liy acclamation. Influential friends urged him to say the word, but he steadily refused. He virtually declined the office of Governor, To the writer he said: "If I was Governor. I would die in a short time of the dry rot, A soldier I am, and a soldier I will remain until the war is over, or I am knocked over," This shows the character of the man. Gen, Crocker lived to see the war end, and re,ioiced with others over its victorious ending. But, on his way to Washington on business, in August, 1.865, he was taken seriously ill. and, reaching that city, he grew rapidly worse, and, on the 26th of that month, died. His body was brought to 'his old bonne, and his funeral here was one of the largest known in the history of the city. Dying a young man. being only in his .3Gth year, he had made his mark, and his name will long lie remembered. AND THE CITY OF DES MOIXES. 1013 AUSTIN PERRY LOWERY. On .Tune 2S. 1842, four years and six months before Iowa was admit- ted into the union of states. Austin Perry IjOwery, now a citizen of r>es iloines, was born at For! Madison, in Lee county. Iowa, his parents having crossed the Mississippi river at Burlington, Iowa, October 29, 1830. and settled near the old fort at Madisoii. His Ijoyhood days were passed on a farm, and until his seventeenth year the greater portion of his time was devoted to cleai'ing land of brn.sh and (rees to make a farm. During the winter months he attended the district school, which was then held in a rude log hut, without floor, split logs for seats. 1014 ANNALS OF POLE COUNTY and slabs piimed to the side of the logs with wooden pins for writing deslis. "Iteadia', "ritin' an' 'rithmatie," with now and then "spellin'," was the course of study. When the southern states rebelled in ISGl. Ire was living with his par- ents on a farm near Walker's Ferrj-, on Sliuuk river, in Des Moines county. On .Tune 12, 1861, he went to Burlington, and enlisted in the ■'Burlington Blues," which company afterwards become Company I of tile Sixth Uegiment Iuw;i A'nluuteer Infantry, Faliinn Krydolf. captain, eoin-manding. He was with his company and regiment in many hard fought battles during the three years of bvs service. Was with (ieneral Fremont in his campaign in Missouri in the fall of l.SGl; saw Fremont superceded by General David B. Huntei-, and well remembers the dissatisfactiim in the entire army liecause nf Fremont being relieved of his command. From Jlis'souri, under command of <;ien. W. T. Sherman, he went to tlie Shiloli li.attle ground and participated in the two days' figlit of that great liattle April (J and 7, 1802. This was followed with the siege of Corinth. Miss., the capture of Holly Springs, and the march to Memphis, Tenn., where the army, under command of General Sherman, arrived on .July 21, 18(i2. Iiuriug tlie aiitumn of 18(i2 lie did provnst duty and assisted in building the fortittcations around Jlemphis. He weut witli Grant's army to take Viclisburg. by land, in November and December, 18G2. Moved back to (^irand .Tuuction and Da Grange, Tenn.. where his regiment was mounted on mules for scouling and forag- ing duty. Was continuously on scouting duty, in northern Mississiiipi and southern Tenessee. from December 20 to April 23, 189.3, when liis command was {lismounted, marched to Memphis, went on boats, and steamed down to Viclvsburg. Participated in the siege of Vicksburg, and while remberton was surrendering his army to (General (Jrant, July 4, lSd3, lie went with his company east to Black river t(j give liattle to the rebel general, .Toe .Johnson. On the evening of .Tuly .■>. the regiment was selected V>j' General Sherman to place the pontoons across Blncli river, lo enaiile the army to cross and give liattle to .Tohnson's army. On the morning of .Tuly 6, while in the act of crossing the river, lie received a rebel bullet in the right side of his liead, which retired him from active duty until December 17 following, at which time lie I'ejoined Ills regiment at Stevenson, Alabama. T^i'om tliis time uniil he was mustered out at Rosswellville. near .\tlanta, Georgi.T, on .Tuly 17. 18G4, he was on active duty, parlicijial ing witli tlie regiment in its many engagements during the Atlanta, campaign. When mustered out at the end (jf his three years' service, he reiurneil to his home in town, and in September entered Ames College in Syracuse, N. Y. After a year's training in tliis college, he returned to Fort Mad- isdu and entered the law office of Hon .Tolin ^'anValkenberg ,nnd read law two ye.-irs. In 18<1T he moved to JlarshalOown. and soon after began the practice of l.'i.w. On 'Se|>tember 22. 187tl. he was married to Miss C-ora L. Gilman, daughter of Mr. Beriah and >Irs. Eleida tiilui.an. In 187."'i li(» moved to Staff Center, and while reslibng there hidd the ]iosition of Sergeant at Arnrs of the Iowa Senaie in lS8tt. and post master cd' the town from .January. 1S82, to .Tune, 188.'5. when he resigned ami went to Cheyenne county, Tvansas, where he entered ;i lialf section of land and farmed it for five years. He returned to Iowa in ;\Iay, 1890. and settled in Des Moines. The ftimilj' consists of himself, wife, and two sons, Charles Ci. and Koscoe .T.. their two daughtcu-s. .Tessie and T^'lorence. having gime to the world beyond. F. B. Dowery. his father, was born at Winchester, Vii.. and his -motliei', Catherine .Tolly, w.as born at Hamilton, Hai'rison AND THE CITY OF UFS MOIXJJS. 1015 county, <:»liio. The parents of Mrs. Lnwery are liotli natives nt New York, she bein^;- a native of (_''henango couuty. Mr. ]>owcry lias always been found on the side of iiro,L;ress, anil ready and -willing to aid iu all good -work f or the henetit of his neighbors and fellnw man. In the schools, church, and the work to make government for the people and by the people he has always lieen found where he l:elieved the greatesi good eould be di>ni'. In polities, for thirty-t\^-o years his influence and vote was lur and with the reiivililican party, in recent years he lias believed that the flnaueial p(dic.-\ of that party is not for the Im-si interests of the nation and has therefore been independent in political action, voting for men whii were in harmonv with his i.leas. HENRY RIEGEDMAN. Among- the business -meB of Des Mrdnes Henry Riegelman ranks high and the firm of The M. Riegelman Co., wholesale millinery, is 1016 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY among the first of business houses in Iowa and the west. Not only has Henry Rlegelman beein connected as a member of this concern from the start, but he is also a large owner of real estate in city and county, a bnnk director and interested in other large business entea-prises. He has won fame as a business man and also as a politician, having for a num- l)iT iif years been a leader aniiing the dcmncrars of ilic slate. I''nr sev- eral years he has been a member of the State Central Committee of that party, is Its treasurer, and has been several times acting chairman of the same. While others may have faltered, he remained true to his party and its regular nominees, but has at no time himself been a candi- date or applicant for any state or federal offlee. He has also been and is a leading member of the Commercial Exchange, and has given freely of his time and money to city and charity associations. He has accu- mulated wealth, and is liberal in the use thereof. Henry Rlegelman was born in Marion county, Indiana, in 1S.54, and the youngest member of his class graduated from the Terra HautQ Sieminary. Immediately thereafter he came to Des Moines, where he has ever sincei made his home. He first entered the employ of Lederer Sz Strauss, then in the clothing business, and after seyen years of service with them became a member of the firm previously mentioned, and with which he has been so long connected. And much of the; great success of this firm has been due to his industry and enterprise. In 1SS4 Mr. Rlegelman was married to Miss Id.T Mayer, an accom- plished lady. They have been the parents of three children; a daughter, Mignon, and two boys, Ira and Edward, both now dead. Mr. Rlegelman is a member of several orders; Legion of Honor, Woodmen of the World, Red Men, and of the .Tewlsh Lodgeis, and he and his wife occupy a high position in the social circles of the city. AND THE CITY OF DES MOIXES. 1017 GEORGE C. SIMS. Among the earlj' settlers of Polk County the name of Lorenzo D. Sims is a familiar and 'liionored one. He came l?i-om the Pickaway P'laiins in Ohio, where he was born, to this county, in. October, 1S48. This was shortly after the Ckwe of the war with Mexico, during which he haid servedf faithfully as an Ohio volunteer. With him came his wife and three children. In 1849 ihe built a cabin on a claim he had a 1018 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY short distance souUi of Des Jloiucs, ami, after many striis'gles nnd bardsliips, bad a tiootlly improyed farm, and in 1S5G replaced the first priimiHve cabin wit'h a substantial 'Und romfortable hewed log bouse of four rooms. Shortly jibereafler he scjld bis farm of 320 acres for $8,50(1, and. after a visit to his old lionie in Ohio, he, Avitli bis family, went to Linn County, Missouri, with the intention of fluaiWy settling in Kansas. But tlie family, lilce many others, wished to return to I'olk County, and, yidling to their desires and son>e iniei'inatitons of his own. they returuied here ajid Mr. Sims purebased subsequently a tract of land east of the city on Agency prairie, and again made a good farm, wliicb, in the course of time, became very valualile. lie diel, .Tuly 15, 1895, aged T'J years. His estimal>le wife, whose niiaidim name was Olvrisline Bowshire, died August 17. 1857. leaving eight clrildrcu, the oldest being George C, tlie sub.iect of tlie folhiwing sketeli; George was born .Tuly 28, 1844, and was only four years of age when be became a resident of Folic County. He ^^'orkell on liis father's farm steadily each season, attending school in the winter, and, having a de- sire for learning, he acquired in early manhood a good education. Then came the Civil War, an. 1!. at the age of seventeen, Gemrge enlisted as a ]}rivate in Company E, Fotirlih Iowa Infantry. He served as a soldier more than four years. His first l>attle was at Pea Itid'ge, in the early part of the war, and hi.s last was at BentouvWve, Moi'th Carolina, shortly befoire tiio final close of tlmt .great strife. lie pnrtieipaled in thlrty- tln'ee hard-fougii't Ijattles and was twice wounded, aul was with Sherman in liis march to the sea, and in tlie great review jit Wasiiing- ton at the close of t'be war. No soldier had a better record, and bis is one of w'liicli lie anl, iiis family may well feel proud. Mustered o\it at Davenport, lie returned lioiiic ami took up tlie work of civil life, mostly nil a farm. In 1871. Mr. Sims was appointed to a position in the T'nited States R.ailway Mail Service, and served the government for f(]urteeu years f.-iithfi'dy. wlieii lie was remove,! for "iitTeiisix'e i)artisanwiiip." Shortly thereafter lie was nominate'.l o^n the Itepublican ticket and electel County Recir.ler. and. 1 eng re-elected, liebl this important office four years. Tinder the administration of Mayor Hillis lie was aopointed Captain of the City Po,liee, liut, after serving ten months, resignel for the purpose of devoting his attention to the erection of a brick block on the corner of East Sixteenth and Grand Avenue. In December, 1895, be was appointed a member of tlie City Board of Public Works, as successor to the late General Bd. Wright, and attended intelligently and faithfully to the onerous and resiionsilile duties of this position until April 18, 1,808. Faithful and true as a son, as a s(ddicr. as an officer, and as a citizen, George C. Sims is entitled to and commands tlie highest respect and confidence of ,t11 who know him. Mr. Sims was marriedi July 4, 1867, to Phoebe D. Hnllett. and the maiTiage has been a happy one. Three chiMren linve been b-o-n to them: Wilmot. who died at the age of two and one-half years: Mertie C.. who is a f.-ii mmt: .-.n:! W'illi.-ini if., w'tui :s engage, 1 in luisiue-s in Des Moines. AND THE CITY OF DBS MOINES. lOl'.t MR. AND MRS. ISAAC BRANDT. ]s.-ia(/ l-irand: -was Imh-u April Trh, ISIJT. ueai- Ijancastcr. I'^airlickl County, Oliici. His jiareuts were David Branclt ami Mai'tlui Hamilton Brandt, who emisrateil from Cnmberlaml Comity. Pennsylvania, to Fairfield Connty. Oliin, in the sprinu' of 1S14. Isaac Braniit is the yoniisest i-liilJ of a family of twelve. He was born on a farm .ind i'cceiveil what was called in these days a first-class common school edncation. His first teacher's name was Ada Howe, a lady distin- guished as one of the best teachers in Central Ohio. His father was also a scho(d teacher, and, when his son wa'S workinu on the farm, he save him lessons at night. 1020 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY At the age of sixteen lie was Ijouml out as an api)rentice to Hezekiah Brook to Jearn the boot and shoe niakins trade. The terms of his apprenticeship were that he was to work for two years for his boai'd, find his own clothing, and hare one week in harvest time and one day in December for butchering as his own time, in which he was exijeeted to earn enough money to buy his elotliing and for spending money for night singing schools. An incident happened during his apprenticeshiii thta tested ■his> abolition principles to the fullest extent. A neighbor's big dog had been found killing sheep. lie was shot and his carca.ss thrown in a spite lane between two farms. At night, after quitting work, he lighted up an old tin lantern, took his shoe knife, went to the spite lane, took off tlie dog's hide and afterwards sold it for twenty-flve cents. A few days afterward a poor colored man escaping from slavery came along tliat liad not had anything to eat for a day and niglit, and young Brandt hid him in a safe place, went and brought him abundance of plain food, riaying out all liis dog skin money, leaving him without a cent. Afler cnmpleling liis trade, he taugdit scliool in the winter and worked at his rrnile or on the farm during the summer. On arriving at the age of 21 he gave his father all of his earnings up to that d.ite. On the nuirning of hi.s 21st birthday, he rented his old boss' shoeshop. and at dayliglit was ready to commence business for himself as a shoemaker. The first day. Friday, he earned seventy-five cents; Satur- day .fl.Ott The next week he cleared ten dollars. By autumn of the following year he had accumulated enough wealth to .instify him in setting up a home for himself. On the first of November, 1849. he vs'as' united in marriage with Jliss Harriet Wiseley, a daughter of Edward, and Leah Wiseley. She was of English descent and was born and raised in tlie same neigiiboriiood of her husband. In tlie month of May, 18.50. Mr. Brandt and his young wife placed all their earthly pos- sessions in a two-horse wagon and moved to Auburn. DeKalb Count.v,' Indiana. It was a long, tedious journey of ten days through mud and' mire, but with patience and the strengtli of two good liorses they reached the end of their .ionrne.y in safety, and landed among strangers' 250 miles from any person that he or his wife had ever seen. He rented a sma^d house of three I'ooms, two on first floor and one on the second floor. In tlie front room he placed his shoemaker's bench, and hung out a sign. "Boot and Shoe Maker. Isaac Brandt." He soon had all the work he could do, and did a thi-iving business. In the fall of 1854 he was elected Sheriff of De Kalb County, Indiana, which office he 'Served for two years witli satisfaction lo his constituents and with credit to himself. In .Tanuarv. 185(;. he came to Iowa in company with .Judge .John Morris, of Fort Wayne, and Timothy R. Dickerson, of Waterloo. Ind. He arrived in Des jNIoines, Feliruary 1, 185»i: remained a few days, then went to Council Bluffs. In tlie spring of 1857 he came to Des Moines again, and made arrangements to make it his futvire home. Visited Port Dodge. Sioux City and Council Bluffs. On the 21st of April. 1858. he arrived in Des iloines with his wife and three small children, re- solved to make Des Moines his permanent home. In May. 18.58. he had business out at Council Bluffs. The seasoi. being very wet. the stages made ver.y slow time. Mr. Brandt concluded to make Ihe trij) on foot, which he did, arriving in Council Bluffs on the evening of the fourth day. He returned to Des Moines on foot in five days. In October, 1858, he bought a one-half interest in the dry goods liouse of A. B. Garrison. In the fall of 1860 he purchased Massed through Des Moines, in April, 18.50, he stopped v\'ith Mr. Brandt. He had at the time four colored men in his wagon on their road to freedom. The old wood paling gate that they bid good-bye over is still preseiwed as a sacred souvenir in mem- ory of the man that willingly gave up his life in an attempt to liberate the colored bondmen. Mr. Brandt has preserved many of the published statements of the newspapers at that time in regard to the attack upon Harper's FeiTy and the trial an^i execution of John Brown, and put them in pamphlet foi-m. Mr. Brandt's parents were both chiMren of .soldiers of the Revolu- tion. He inherited a. love of country to its full extent, and, while he was not a soldier in the late war, he was one of the most earnest assistants of the boys in blue at home in raising supplies and taking care of those that were in need of assistance. In politics Mr. Brandt has always been a Republican since the organ- ization of the party. He was a delegate to the State Convention at Indianapolis, Indiana, on the 22d of February, 18.56, and helped to form the party in that state. He and George W. .Tulien were known at the opening of that convention as anti-slavery men, or as abolitionists. When Mr. Brandt came to Des Moines it was a mere village of about 2,000 inhabitants, no bridges spanning the Des Moines or 'Coon Rivers; Grand avenue was then known as Sycamore street on the West Side and Keokuk on the East Side, with Uncle Charles Good's big apple orchard on the west bank of the river as a blockade. Sixth street on the East Side was (hen Hickory street, Capitol Hill and its entire surroundings was one dense forest, and what is known as Franklin Square was then known a,s Walker's Lake, and a beautiful lake it was, full of nice spring water. Mr. Brandt has always been active in building up Des Moines and laboring for its best nterests. In 1885 he was one of the leading men in securing the location of the State Fair Grounds perma- nently at Des Moines. He has never connected himself with any i-lmrch org.inizations, is liberal in his notions of religion, very firm and determined in regard to good order and morality: cannot coun- tenance immorality in any form. Has been more than liberal of his time and money in the building up of churches, colleges and school houses. Is of a very cheerful disposition, and says he cannot look on the dark side of any question, for he always prefers sunshine to darkness. 1022 ANNALS OF POLE COUNTY HARKIKT WISELY BRANDT. HaiTiet Wisely Brandt was born with a twin sister, January d, 1829, near Carroll. Fairfield Count.y, Ohio. Her parents, Edward and Leah *\A'ise]y. were early settlers in central Ohio and were of English anees- ri-y. Harriet Wisely was the youngest child of .a targe family of fifteen children. She was born and raised on a farm and learned to spin, weave, and sew and make all the family garments as was the custom in those days in central Ohio. There was no part of familj' industry or frugality that she did not fully understand. She was educated in the ]inblic and private schools of the neighborhood in whicli slie was raised, and was classed among the best of scholai's; as a clear .-ind. distinct reader she was unite noted. On Xiivcudier 1, lS-11). she was united in marriage with Isaac Brandt, a yfiung sli(peniaiuru until April. IS.'iS. wlien, with her husband and family of three small children, she remiived to Des !Moines, Iowa, and settled on the East Side of the ri\('r, (in I lie iiirner of Twelfth and Keokuk streets, now known as (Ti-aml avrniic. Her house at that time was the only house east of T^-i-cdfth strei't. Tile lionie of Harrison Lyon and wife was immediately west 111! the same street. The Capitol grounds were then a heavy forest of timiii'v; Iveiilcuk street was simply a rorick stnn-tures that stand upon Capitid Hitl. There was nothing that she took more real pleasure in than the education of In^r own and neighbors' children. She lived to see her children all educated and pass into man and woman- hoiid. She was the mother of six children: Amos W., .Tosiah. Alice, Olive C. Ceorge W.. and William 1!. .Tosiah died October 2, 18ri4, and Alice. November 3, 1880. Tliis pioneer lady lived on (he same lot on which she first settled thirty-eight years. Shedieil March 20, IS'.iC, aged fiT years. A tribute to her nu'uiory was delivered at her funeral by one of her lady friends. Mrs. A. B. Billington. wldeh was listened to by hundreds of her loving friemls: There .-ire natures 'So gentle and loving that the.v seem to attract US by :in invisible ch.i.rm of sweetness and tenderness that can only be likened u> the snldle fragrance floating in the air, which reveals the presence el' bcanliful blossoms nesMing 'neath some leafy screen. This was es]ie(ially true of this dear woman who has been called to the better hiiiil. We follow her spirit's fiight in wondering thought, but faith wdiispers: "Trust the hea'^'enly F.-itlier's care," and memory, faithful handmaid, comes to soothe us willi a recall of fond associa- tions that will linger while life endures. By tills refiected liglil we trace I lie impressions yeiii-s have wrought and read tlie record ot character wliere evei-y deed grew out of loving AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 10'23 impulse and whose highest inilivi.lual happiness lay in the brightness ciift'usfHl upon the pathway of others. A-s a majestic river g-athers strength from hidden sources along its course, while giving out in turn from its cool refreshfng depths, until it glides at last with broad- ened stream into the wide ocean beyond, so this symmetrical growtli of being has drawn from infinite source the strength that sustained her own soul and. Tineonselonsl.v at times, g'ave new breath of courage and hopefulness to those around her. There is no pjossible estimate of the value of true womanly influem-c nor, save in the summing of the great Book of Life, can it be known how the little acts of kindness, the words of comfort and cheer, tin- smiles of encouragement, the hopeful, helpful ministry, almost angelir in its dispensation, have gone from the mother-heart into the hearts and lives of her family and her friends. "We bring- no fulsome words of praise, 'Simply .iust tribute to her rec- ognized worth and the remembrance of her good deeds; we desire to tin 1 new incentive to a course of conduct that can yield such blessedness along the line of daily toiling, and leave such glorious radiance Ui mark the path she trod. A womanly woman, her citadel was her home. Here she v^'as a tower of streng-th, a constant inspiration to her companion and her children, presiding over all the affairs of home with grace and eh - gance. She tilled the hours with constant cheer. It was particularly true of this modest woman, that she was rich in the possession of that indefinable (Quality which draws women, with nnerring instinct, to the side of a woman of superior virtue. Her hapijy spirit caught bright glimijses of the outer world, and she held loving attinity with tin' beautiful in nature. The closin.g day of the earth-life was filled with rejoicing over the return of spring, the fresh grass, the glad song of birds. The western sun slipped from her sight with a movement as noiseless and mysterious as the laying aside of her worn robe of clay was to the mental vision. In the fullness of a well-rounded earthly career, her sun of being merged 'its rays into the bright effulgem-e of an eternal day. 1024 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY .TEFFKRSON .S. TOLK. Ill 18.").", a yciung- man from Keii'tucky caraeto what was then Fort Des Moines, looked over the town, tlio connty and country, pronounced it uood, am'd deteroiined tri make tX's ^loiiies his future liome. The follow- in.e' year, IS.'iii, he enine with his younj;- wife, and lie nnd she for more lliiin fortyJtwo ye;irs have lieen well-lvnowu citizens. Jefferson f^eotf Folk was born in FSMl, near (Georgetown. Scott county, Kentucky, where several .sener.itions of the Folk family liad heen horn ami i-eared. Attending the schools of that day he subsequently became a student in the (ieorgelown f'ollege, and. gi'ndiiating from that iiislitiiti'oin, ho AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 1025 ■ilecided to study law. Foi- this purpose he studied witfli I'. Ij. (^'aljle, of Georgetown then, hnt afterwards of llliuoiis, aii'd at the head of fli-e iJreat Rock Ishind railroad system, and also with young- Jetf'S Ijrother, ilarce)liis Pollv. In 1855 lie passed his exaniinatioai for the bar in Ken- tucky. He -then determined to go lo a new held of hiljor. He went AVesi., ■■to grow up with tlie country," and shared hinisnif iu tliat growth. Arriving here, he at unce staited out traveling the district, as -^^•as then the eiwltom' of all the leading attorneys, land was admitted ti) practice in the Iowa courls bv that noted otd timer, -Judge C. .1, M(;Farland. As a young attorney, ;Mr. Polk soon inade Ids marl^. He was quiet, gentiemanly and studious, and, at the same time, fl-au'liful nf tlie inter- cuts of his clients, and really for s'ha;riJ legal flglits at any time. He liad a slrong ivtll. tenacity of purpose, and was not afr.ahi tn Take any ci.nise liis own reason and liest judguiciir jioiutcd nui. During Uih ttrst yi.ir (,r two he practiced liis proft'^sion ahmc, witii fair stn-cess. and then ))ecalne the junior- iijember of the taw hnii of (.'asady, I'rocl^er i^c I'nlk. This firm was a n(jted one at ttiat time. In lsi;,l (h-nrkci- lefi the tirm ;o engage in the war tlien •raging, ami ntade for liimseif a leadiiig nan-i' among the 'Sotdiers of the Union army. The law tirm cdminiied .-IS ('asady & Polk for a. numiier of years, and. upon llic na iri-mciir of .Tulge Casad.y from tlie practice the firm of Polk & HtilOiell siicc"c:ied. P. il. Hubbell laeing the junior partnei-. 'This firm coutiuued fur sniite twenty-five years aird outside of legal prai-tii-e engaged in many l;irge tii!ai!i:-ial and tiusiness transactions. A few yc.-a-s ago this partnership w.is (Ussolvcd. ,-uid siime tliat time Mr. I'o.Ik has devnted Ids time nmstly to Ijis duties ais president of the Pes Jloines Sti-ei't P.-iihvay t.'nnijiany. .-nil lo ills persiuial affairs. Per a number of years Jlr. Polk has i-aidie-d among the must al'le lau'vers of the state. He is emphatically a law.yer. a wiu-ker. and "ime tlii.r-i, uglily groumied in the law." Outside of or in i-ounertioii witli tliis lie ha,s lieeu a man of affairs, and lia-s dime his full share in imjirov- ing and linilding up Pies Moines. He wa.s .he main man in building ,-iuil cxtemltng the water wurks of I)cs Moines. ITe. through many dis- i-iiura.gements, pushed to cnmiiletioii ilie railro-ad from Des iNIoiiies to Ames, making a mucli ilesiri'd connei'tion -willi the Xortiliwe.steru rail- roa-d, which now nwus and nperates tliis important connection. Pie jo'ineii with oiliers and liniught to Pes Moines the Waijash railroa'd. He laliored witli others and built the railroad to Boone ,-md v> Adel and Fonda, more than one hundred miles iu a iiortli- wi stem direction. Other large nmlei-i akiiigs carrieil to a siicress. ful completion can also be placed to his eredit. Only a few years ago he took hold of street railways, organized a couipany. iiought out the then existin.g co'inpanies, Ju'ought order out of confusion, and started in to give Des Jloines one of the liest system of street railways kno-\vn in tlie "West or East. How lie has succeeded in this great work is kiinwu to every citizen. From the fit-st he h;is been presi'dent. the liead and 1-rains. of the com]iaiiy. and had -Teff. S. Polk done nothing else for Pes Moines, this present, complete street raiih-\''a,v system would tie an endur- ing monument to his aliility. courage and public -spirit. A lirief sketcli of the system is given in another chapter of the Annals. ;\Ir. Polk politically was always a P)emoerat, but tlwroughly inde- ]ii ndeiit in his political actions and votes. He never sought any political ottice, but, on the contrai-y. always refused to lie a candidate, though frequently urged by political aud personal friends to allow his name to be so u\~e'd. Political otHi-cs liad no attractions fur him. He preferred lirivate life, always rontent with law. his Imsiiiiess. his family and his home. 6^ 1026 AXXAL^S OF POLK COUM'Y In l.S."4, .Ti'ffiTsoii S. I'olk -was mnrried, at Georgetown, Kentucky, to Jlis.s .Tulia Ilcrniion. Tliey Avcre bolli lioi'u and reai-ed in tliat iiei,i:lili'n'- hood, wliere alsn their fathers and nuntlhers had been born and reared. They 'have four children living: Two «ons, .Jolin and Harry, and two daughters, Mildred, who married (Jeorge B. Hiiipee, and Sarah ,T., wife of Ailbert :Mai.sli. IIAKHY (J. HATtKI.s;, '{"Ids gonllenian. lliongli >lilest di\v goiids nii'i'ehant^ iMTiiaratively a yuuug man. is one of tlie of (he city, Imviiig bi'en nearly one-third AND THE CITY OF DBS MOINES. 1027 of a century in that trade in Des Jloines, and is now tlie senior of the large departmeni house of tiie Harris-Emery Company. He is the son of Oharles and Harriet (Butterfieldj HaiTis, and, was born in 1844, in Brattleboro, Vermont, whic'h iias. Ijeen the family home for near sixtj' years now. His father was a farmer by occupation, a native of Vermont, but resided a few yeaa's of has life in territory con- tiguous to his na.tive State, in the Dominion of Oamada. Mr. Haiiis passed his earty school days in Brattleboro. At an early age he en- tered a grocery store in Vermont anid commenced his successful com- mercial car'eer. At the end of two years 'he decided to "go west," and, in 1805. came to Des iloines He here first engaged with Ankeuy Brothere, and, after remaining one year with them, engaged with OsgooicP ifc Wyman. In the course of time he became a member of the firm of Osgood, Harris & Co., one of the largest dry goods stores tljen in tiie oily. After a successful business for several years, he sold out his interest to Osgood, Kisser & Co., and formed the new firm of H. C. Harris & Co.. and opened a large dry goods store. This firm continued until 1S92. when the present Harris-Emery Company was formed. For their Ijusiness was erected the large store rooms on the comer of Wal- nut and Seventh streets. This celebrated department store has, besides dry goods and notions, large stocks of millinery, carpets, drapeiies, boots and shoes, gents' furnishing g^ods, etc., and employs continuously about one hundred salesmen. An immense business is traoisacled, customers coming from all over Iowa, and tlie head of the house. Sir. Harris, devotes his personal attention to it and knows every detail. Prouiiit and energetic, and yet kind and considerate to all, he is pop- ular with employes and with customers of the house. For more than Thirty years has Mr. Harris been continaiously in business in Des Moines. He has made a record of which he and his friends may (eel proud, and lie has done much for the advancement, moraUy as well as fiuancially. of Des Moines and Folic County. He has always been on the side of business honesty and clean living. November 21, 1874. Hardy C. Harris married Miss Mary L., daugh- ter of A. Y. Kawson, for years a prominent business man of this city. This marriage was a very 'happj^ one, but was cut short by the un- timely death of Mrs. Harris. In September, 1888, Mr. Harris married Miss Letta Crandall, of Nortliwood. Iowa, the daughter of Captain T. A. Crandiall, a retired l)anker of that place. They have two children; Hardy C. Jr., and Marian C. They have a handsome and happy home at 717 Fourth street: also a cottage at the corner of Ingersoll and Park Avenues, where (he summer months are spent. Jlr. amfli Mrs. Harris are mem- bers of Plymouth Congregational Church, of which he is one of the deacons. For a number of years Mr. Harris has been Treasurer of the Y. M. C. A., and lias for years given freely of his money and time to help this Association. Mr. Harris is a Director In the Iowa Pipe and Tile Company, is a Mason, n. Knight Templ.ar. and prominent in the order. He is also connected witli other fraternal and benevolent societies, and is always ready, in his quiet, unassitiming way. to give a helping hand to a neighbor, a fellow man or good cause. 1028 AXNALS OF POLE GOVNTY I)A\'II» R. KA\'IN(; Amciiis' the Ic.'idinu' anivi ]>avid Itittenliiinsc Ewiim'. s sui'ccssfnl ]uiiil)cr lirm of ]<;wjii ill I Kir V,\m. <'l from t ■ noi'lh II anil tliri luisiiit'ss men of tliis rily niin- nienilicr nT the liin^' & .Tewelt. lie \v:is ) His .uran f Trekinil in 1 1'-. anil IlliU V'i. J J Mill i^ W -IIMVIl 'iMlounty, Tennsylvania ' ' " ' "'-' - ' >eMieil in Wes liis father. „, . , E-win.u', was horn latter lieeame a seliool teaelier, and stil served as a soldier in tlie war of IslU. Willi was a nalive of Havri' lie ( a;,'e. She had iwo brolhers l)aviil E-win.u', was horn and isei]nently a h 1. , .,_. He married A i-ae-e. Jlaryland. and of Saninel and .Tames MiC inil eoni laldislie, May lis ler emij esler. (' 1-eared ikkeepe lie Mn: leotell )); ven, wh ifv !S 1 and l.s:;4, :ra ted lester The , and )\ven, irent- for AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 1029 years saileil their own clippei- shiijs from Baltimore, when these vessels were famous the world over. Young- Daviil atteudfd the publie schools at Village C4reeu, Delaware County, for three years, under one of the old-time masters, who were masters of their iiupils in practice as well as theory, and never spoiled the ehikl b.v sparing the rod. When .vet a youug lad David decided to be a carpenter, and for three years was an apprentice under one of the best builders. "William Grnbb, in the city of Philadelphia, and where he was given opportunity to learn all branches of the trade. Then he l3ecame a .iourneyman and. when nineteen years of age. 18.>3. he. with three otlier young carpenters, went to Augusta. Georgia, wliere they secureil work at .$l.j per week. Suljseciuently the.v worked in Jlont- gomery and Moliile. Alabama, ami in Xew i;)rleans. Prom the latter city they started north again on a steamboat — there were few railroads in the i^onth at that ibiy— witli tlie liope of .ioiuing Kit Carson's famous expedition for tlie exploration of tlie plains and Rocky Jlouutains. Their boat was slow and the expediton had started before they arrived in St. LfOuis. This was a great ilisappointment, but they secured work at once on the lirst large freight depot ever erected in that city. They afterwards again went down the river and worked some time in Helena. Arkansas. In May. bs.'.'i. ^Ir. Ewing returned to St. Louis, and on .June lOth of that year married Miss Lucinda Bunting, of that city. The young- couple that same year came to Iowa, and settled in EddyviUe, on the Des Moines river. There they remained nine years. In March, 1804, Mr. and Jlrs. Ewing came to Des Moines and made tliis city and county their permanent home. Jlr. Ewing at once went to work at his trade, and soon became a boss carpenter and contractor. In 1876 he was Superintendent of the Centennial Exposition in Des Moines, and in 1878 was elected a, member of the Cit,v Council, In 1879 lie formed a co-paitnership witli tJeorge A. .Tewett and Ed S. Chandler and. umb>r the firm name of Ewing. .Tewett & Chandler, opened a large lumber yard. Subsequently Mr. Chandler retired, and the firm Ijecame Ewing & .Tewett. Enterprise, square-dealing and shrewd busines'S capacity brotight success, and the firm is now (jne of the largest and most "favoi-- ably known in tlic i-ity nr state. Mr. Ewing- "was also one of the organizers of the Itet.-iil Lumbermen's Insurance AssociatioD, and its President continuously since its organization. Several years ago he liought a farm of o-'id acres four miles south of the Court House, and announced his intenlion to make it pay 10 per cent upon an investment of about .t;.")().(iii(i. He soon found if necessary to give his personal atten- tion to the farm if he was to realize expectations, and accordingly toolv up) his residence on the farm, and in the homestead he and Mrs, Ewing have a happy home, and are always ready to dispense a generous hos- pitalit.v to their many friends. Xot only as a pronr.nent liusiness man and farmer is Mr. Ewing known. As a churchman he stanils high, and has lieen for years one of the staunchest and most lil)eral supporters of the Church of Christ. He has been a member of the official board of that church for thirty-four years continuously. In 18!)1 he was elected to the Presidency of the National Convention of the Church of Christ, and for more than twelve years he has been Vice-I'resident of the Board of Trustees of Drake University, In connection with the church a hi.storical fact may here be stated by the writer. In the spring of 1889 the Central Church of Christ determined to erect a new church edifice on the corner of Pleasant and Ninth streets, mentioned in another chapter of the Annals. In order to carry out his decision of the congregation a building- committee 1080 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY of seven was appoiutcd. with full power to erect such a buihliug as regarded by Mr. Ewiiig as siittirient reward fur his thought and lalior tion. D. E. Ewing was unanimously placed at the head of this com- mittee, and upon him devolved the greatest labor and responsibility. He was made Superintendent of Construction. Tihe foundation of the building was put in. During the summer and fall of 1889 ninety car loads of brown stone rock were brought from the Prentiss Brown Stone Company on Lalve Superior and shipped In the rough over the Cireat Western Railroad to be here cut and dressed by Des Moines men. Thus was made the superstructure of one of the most complete. uni(jue and largest Chri'Stian worlvshop in the entire northwest. Tlie chtu-ch at Des Moines liad invited the General Convention of tlie Cliristian Broth- erhood In the United 'States to hold tlieir annual meeting in the new building. The question of its completion in time was of great interest to the congregations, as this convention wa'S to meet on October 20. 1890. and the superstructure was not commenced until April 2(1. of that year, allowing only six months for work which generally consumes years. Mr. Ewing was at the head of the construction department, and this great building was finished, complete in all its departments, prior to the short date tixed, and to the entire satisfaction of the many tliou- sands of Christians then aud since assembled within its walls. This i'S would meet tlie iircsi'ut and prospective needs of so large a cimgri'.ga- in its erectiim. AA'liile giving his best thought and almost undivided time for nearly a year to the buildnig. wliolly witliout cliarge. he anil his iiartner. i-ieo. A ..lewett, contributed to the same work mure tlian eight thousand dollars of their own means. Mr. and Mrs. Ewing have had three children born to them: Eugene, who ilied at the age of five; Minnie, who died when tliroe years ni' .age; and Winnie, who is tiie wife of Hon. Nat. E. CotHn. AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. ]031 JOIIX MACVICAl;. Boru ill GaJt, Caiu-ada, July 4, ISr.'.i. His paii'ents were natives of the Scottish Highteiids and removed to Canada in 1854. At the age of eight years, together witii his niotlier and elder brothers (his father having died in the meamtinie), he came lo Erie, Pennsylvania, where he re<-eiV(Ml a eoninion school edncatjou. Wlien he arrived at the age of thirteen years, his mother died and he was given a home by a kind family with whom he lived during the ten years f(]llowing. He secured a position as errand boy in a boiol^: and wall paper store, where, avail- ing himself of the advantages alfoi-ded by contact with the better class of men and books, he succeeded in acquiring a practical education, whicli has served, him in lieu of greater school advantages. In 1872 he came to Des Jloines to take a responsible position in a large wholesale and retail wall paper' house. He lieM this position for ten years and was tlien enabled to open in a modest way a business of his own, which he has since operated in a successful manner. In 1884 he married the daughter of the well-known pioneer preacher. Or. .1. A. Nash, and has an interesting family of four children. In 1888 he was elected town recorder of the suburban town of North Des 1U32 ANNALS OF FOLK COUNTY Moines. In attempting to eoiTeet some of the evils existing in Ihe conduct of the affairs of tlio town he attracted some attention, anil, the following year, was file<.-ted ilayor. In IStiO. Xortli Des Moines was annexed to the city of Des Moines. Two j'ears later began the camipaign of the citizens of Des Mojnes against tlu- exorbitant rates charged by the Des Moines Water '\\'orks Company. Mr. Ma'CVica.r taking a prominent part. He was made chairman of the mass meetings and a member of the committee ap- po'inled to condivet the campaign. During the five years this agitation .-ontinued, Mr. MacA'lear was one of the most persislent and active memliers of this committee, and to his untiring euerg.v is credited a large share of the success attained in reducing the water rates, public and private, abcHit $00,000 per annum. He was elected on the repub- lican ticket to the office of Mayor in 1896, upon f'he direct issues of municiiiail ownership of water works, control of public franchises and reduction of taxation. The campaign for his nomination and election is credited as being the most warmily contested of any political figh* ever Ivitown in Des Jlo'ines. He was elected by a majorit.y of 1,500, which is greater than any previous majority evei- recorded in Des Moines for this office. As Mayor, from tlie start, he adliered steadily to the principles upon which 'he was elected. He met with opposition in tlie City Courn- cil and out of it, but continued his stea,Jy and persistent flglit foi- what he consiidered riglit and for the best interests of the city and the people generally. It is now well understood he cajinot be driven or bought from any position ihe has taken. He has made enemies, some of tiieui ricli and powerful, but at the same time he lias the consola- tioii (if knowing he has made tho'usands of friends who respect him as a man and as a jjulilic official. He. in September, 1897, attended a con- vention of Mayors and Councilmen of the cities of the United States, held at Columbus, Ohio, where was Oirg'a:nized the League of American Municipalities, which has for its ob.ieet the pi'actical study of all ques- tions ijertaining to municipal governmcut. Mayor MacViear delivered before this convention an address which atlracted attention throughout the country, and 'he, young man though he was and Mayor of a Westcn'U city, was elected liy acclamation president of the organization. Upon his return home, he was given an enthusiastic public recep- tion, participated in by many of the prominent citizens, many of wlioin had opposed his election as Mayor. He liad brouglit high houor, not only Co Iiiiuself. but also to the city of which he is Jlayor. John MacVJcar is yet a young mwn, and, .iudging from the past, has a bright and liouiorable future before him. In 1808, after a warm contest in the Reputdican party. Mayor Mac- Vicar was renominated for the (dHce in which he had so distinguished himself, carrying every precinct in tlie city a I the party primaries. April 28 he was eleited by tlie peuide, receiving a majority of 1,2.':19 over a very popular and woitli.v o|i])onent. AXD THE CITY OF DJJS MOIXES. 1033 GEORGE I'. HAXAAVALT. H. 1). As stated ill a i)i-pvious ebaiitt'i- of this work, tliei'e liave been, (lui'lng tlic past fifty years, as residents of Des Jloiues, a number of >;entlemen holding high I'aulv in the nicilii-al profession. They have tieen an hoimr to tlie profession and to the city. Among tliese, and u(i\v holding this rank. i,s (ieoi-ge P. Hanawalt, M. D. For years he has held a high iiosltiou in his profession and as a citizen, and is at thi'S time, at the pnme of life, devotedly engaged in flic practice of his exacting and arduous work, and prompt and untiring in his 1034 ANNALt^ OF POLK COUNTY response to the many calls made upon liim from sick and suffering humaniity. His father, John Hauawalt, was bora in Mifflin County. Pennsyl- vania, .January 18, 1798, was of German extraction, and his father was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. The Doctor's mother, Mary Jefferson Hill, was born near Frederick, Marj'land, August 20, 1812, and was a lineal descendant of the family of Thomas .Jefferson, third President of the United States. His parents, some years after their marriage, removed to Koss County, Ohio, "vvhere the Doctor ^ras boru, September 11, 183G. There he was reared to manhood, and attended the public schools, and pursued his. li'terary education in the Salem Academy. He begpn the study of medicine in 'the office of Drs. Salter it Holton, in Madison County, Ohio, in 18.59, but liefoi-e completing his studies the war broke out and he entered as a volunteer in the Seventh (")hio Infantry, in February. 18G2, and In the following August was transferred to the regular army as Hospital Steward. During his ser- vice he attended medical lectures, and in March, 1804, graduated from the Medical Department of the Georgetown University of Wasliing- ton. D. C. He was promoted to Acting Assistant Surgeon in the army, in which capacity he served with much credit until October, 18(58, when he resigned and returned to civil life. May 22, IStiO, he came to Des -Moines and entered upon the practice of his profession, which he has since continuously pursued with so much success. Studiotis and attentive, and always prompt and reliable, Dr. Han- awalt soou made his mark, not only as a pliysician, but also as an accomplished and expert surgeon. His private practice soon liecame large and his reputation extended far beyond the limits of the city and county. Years ago he was appointed Surgeon of the Rock Island and Pacific Railroad Company, and subsequently in addition wa'.« a])pointed Surgeon of the Great Western. Des Moines, Northern and Western, Des Moines and Kansas City Railroad Companies, and of the Des Moines Street Railway Company. These appointments entailed much labor and respoinsil)lity upon him, in addition to his large pri- vate practice, but Dr. Hanawalt is emphaticall.v a worker, and never neglects a patienl. In 1877 he was appointed Surgeon General of the Iowa National Guard and held this high position for sixteen .vears, anil is now on retired list wilh ranl< of Brigadier General Iowa National Guards. In polities the Doctor afRliates with the Republican party, but has had neither the time uor the inclination to take any active part in political matters, and has never held or desired anj- office outside of his profe.ssioTi. He is a member of Crocker Post. No. 12. G. A. il.. and also holds membership in the American Medical Association, National Association of Railway Surgeons, the Iowa State Medical Society, of which he has been President, and the Polk County Medical Society. October 31, 1871, Dr. Hanawalt mariied Miss Emily Agnes Jordan, the wedding being at the home of the bride in Walnut Township, Polk County. She is the daughter of Hon, James C. and Melimla (Pitt- man) Jordan, was born in Platte County, Missouri, and brought here wlien two years oid, by her parents, who were among the early and jirominent settler-s of the county. Here Mrs. Hanawalt was reared, completing her education at the Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois. Received in the Methodist Episcopal church, she has been for years a consistent member of the same, and is a most admirable wife and lady, and makes her home an almost ideal one. As stated before. Dr. Hanawalt is an indefatigable worker, thor- oughly read and skilled in the practice, both as a physician and .as a .surgeon, is up with all new theories or discoveries, and his army Al^D TEE CITY OF DBS MOINES. 1035 experience has been n great help to liim in stii'ger3-, and these have made his professional reputation more than co-exteusive witli the boundaries of the state. His hearty, cheery disposition, always .genial and kindly, make him a weleome visitor, and make him a popular as well as able sentleman wUh the thousands of people who are i)roud of beina- liis frier ds. MR, AND JWRS. PAUL MATTES. The subject of this sketch v.-as born at Neiidiuyen, kin,i;dom of Wuerttemlier.^', (ienmany. on the l.'Uh day of h'eliruary, 1,S41, and came to the United States in 1864 with his brothers, Alois. ,Iohn and Alexander 1036 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY Mattes. After remaining two years at Burling'ton. Iowa, lie joined his brother Alois at Des Jloiues, but left in a short time for Brookfield. Missouri, where he operated a brewery until 1875, when he returned to Des Mdincs, and, soon after, started the East Side brewery in company with his brother .John, and operated the same until the prohibitory law put out the fires in his then prosperous establishment and closed its doors. From l.SSO until 1.S84 he had operated the brewer.y alone and was in a fair waj' to build up one of the most extensive brewing establishment in the state. And this, excellent brewer that he was, was Ills sole amldtion. Like thousands of others who had come from the fatherland ujion the invitation of the state of Iowa to come hither, and told tliat here they could plant their vineyards and their barley and their liops and make their own wine and their beer from abundant crops of tlie fruitful soil of this state, and he could not realize that, after spending the best years of his life in building up a large business — nne that liad always been deemed lawful and houoi-able — it should or eould b(j wrested from him and his brewery establisliment outlawed and ceen few citizens that were followed to their last resting place l>y more mourners than followed the remains of Paul ^lattes. He was not a courtier, but rather blunt of speech, but he was "as honest as tlie day is long," and discarded all cant and hypocrisy. At the same time he had a warm heart for every need.v one, and his charities, silently and unostentatiously as they were given, were untold, and many yet living deplore in his death thc^ less of their best friend and benefactor. At tlie same time he contritmted to every good cause that was calculated to lielp mankind and to build up his chosen city. Des Moines has liad more accomplished and more talented men, but none with a kinder heart or more mjble purposes than Paul Mattes. His death occurred December lOtli, 1897. AXD THE CITY OF DES JilOIXES. lOH: T'i;OF. FLdYH ])A\'is, rii. ]>.. ri!Esir>EXT HEALTH ASS( )CIATIOX. OV lOAVA ruBLir Dr. Floyd Davis was tioni near Ithaca, X. Y., ilay 2!ith. isr,!l. Tiiii:l sixteen years of :\in- lie attended a country scliool, wallcin.u' one and Ihree-fourtlis miles from his fatlier's home on tin' farm. Tlien. for two years he attended the CanistcMj Academy and the Ithaca Ili.:;li Sdinol. jireparatory to enterin.i;- eolleK'e. In these schools 'lie slmwed mncli inter- est in scientific study, especially in pure and a.pplieil mathematics. He then '.studied one year at Cornell I'niversily, four years at tlie ()liio Siati^ T'uiversity. one year at the .^clinul of Mines and Metallnr.n'y of tin- 1038 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY Missouri Uuiversity, and after teacliiiig three j'ears, lie studied one year at the Johns Honlvins University. At Corni'Il and the Ohio State University Mr. Davis devoted himself mainly to the study of mathematics, engineering, physics, chemistry, geiilogy, agriculture and allied sciences. Having a desire to study ad- vanced technical chemistry, assaying and mining and metallurgy under tlie direction of experienced specialists, he then spent one year in this work at the School of Mines and Metallurgy of the Missouri Univer- sity. At the Johns Hoplvins University he devoted his entire time to the study of organic chemistry and geology, under the direction of the ennnent specialists. Professor Ira Remsen. and the late Dr. George H. Willianis. In ISS-J, Mr. Davis received tlie degrees of Bachelor of Phiiosopliy. Civil Engineer and Mining Engineer, from the Missouri University: in 1884 he received the degree of Master of Science from Adrian Col- lege; and in 1888 he T\-as awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosopliy from Miami Univi.'d-siiy for his attainments in chemistrj- and metal- lurgy. In iss:', Mr. Davis was called to the Chair of Chemistry- and Metal- lurg.v in ilii' Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical Col.ege, wlriclr posi- tinn lie Hlled uulil Issd. In 18SG-87 he studied at tlie Johns Hoiikius Univeisiry. and during tlie summer and fall of 1887 "was enga,ged at enginci-riiig in I lie Black Hills of Dakota. From Decetiiber, 1887. until .Tump. ISii:;. lir w.-is Professor iif Cliemistry in Drake Universil.v, and during tin' iast two j'ears of this time was also Dean of the Io«'a College of Pharmac.v and Professor of Chemistry and Toxicology in the Iowa College of Physicians and Surgeons— professional depariinents of Drake University. From 1880 until 1893 he was State Chemist of Iowa, .-uiil Iroiii 1891 to ISO.", he was also a memlier of tlie Board of E.xninincrs fur State Mine Inispectors of Iowa, to whicli onsiticni lie li.is lici'n roi-ently appointed for another two years. In 1880. i'rof. Davis sri'ved .'IS non-resident Professor of Metallurgy in the "Wisciuisin State T'niversity. and was appointed Connmissioner of Iowa for tlie "World's E.\)iosiiion at tile City of Paris. In ISOS 1!TH. (']i;ii-)('s II. AslnviJi'lli is llic smi iiI Iticiiard Asll^Y()rtll, who bocniiic ,■1 I'l-sidciil (if I'nlli ('(iimly, .-I few mill's wesi of Dcs iloincs, in rhc f:'-ll of l.s.'il. Mild tlioroafter n^siilni on (lie siimo farm in "Walmit to\viislii|i. lie 111 si opeiiinK the same in tlia:t year. Charles H. yvas liorn in Sajeiii, \i'\v Hampshire. .lannary .".I, 1.S4.S. and was only in his fourth year ■\\'lieii. lirouRlit with his father and mnther 'to this eouutry. He yvent to till- dislrii't sehools, aeniiiring a fair eilneation, and "worked on his faHier's larm, and there he has always madi- his lionie. reniainin.t; nis- niarried. He and his brother .lames, in ('ai'l.\- manhood, eommcnee-d .ts AND THE CITY OF DBS MOIXES. 1041 partner!?, not only in extensive farming. Imt also in feeding, buying and selling stock, and have always maintained a liigli character as Ijusiness men. They are clever gentlemen, courteous to and iiojiuhir with their neighbors and all with whom they come in contact. They liave lieen more than ordinarily successful in their operations, and the two Ijrothers are now tlie owner.s of more than one tliousaud acres of valuable land near the western limits of the city of Des Moines, and in addition have .■I large tract of cultivated land in I'ocaliontas count.v. Always a firm and consistent Democrai. Charles H. Ashworth never wa'S in any sense an office seeivtr. In 18!.)1 he was nominated for sheritf of the county by his party, which was then considered to lie in a hopeless minority, and, tiiou.gli defeated, ran far ahead nf his jiarty Vdlo. slmwing the liigh appreciation in which lie was lield l^y men of all iiolitieal l)arlies. A ciuiet, unassvimiug man, he attends to his business, hut ;U the same time always has a kind word and is always ready for tlie perfnr-m- auce of a kind act, helpftil to his neighliors and friends. Kichard Asliwortli, the father, was one of the wed l^nown jiinueors of the county. He was born in Lancastersliire, England, .M.-ircli 2.", 1S12. and died in liis eighty-sixth year. He i-ame to this countrx- in 1S42. and nine years later to tliis county. He was first mai'ried in P^uglaud, to iXar,garet Sutclitt'e. Slic lioi-c him fivi' cduldrcn. of whom onl.v one is living, Abram. a well known citizen of ilie county. In lS4."i Mr. Ash- worth married Mary Xuttall, and to ihem were liorn two sons. .Tames T. and Charles H. Mrs. Ashworth dicl in IS.SS. .Mr. .\shwoirli resided on the same farm 'he first settled upon in lS."il, Inn added largel.v to it, and liad (Uie of the liest and largest farms in tlie county at ilie time of his death, in 1897. 66 lOi'2 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY CI ).\I;AI > YdUNGEKMAX. Tlii-re is no lui'tter known citizen of Des Moines than Conrad Youul;- i-rm.in. wlio. coining to the town over forty years ns'o. a youn.s' man. Ijas m'own with its .i;rowth. anrl lias (lone so niiieli to aid in i>iiildiiiL: it ii]!. His entoryirise. sa^actiy and straiulitforward worl^ has not only improved liis o^-\-n fortunes, but also heliied the city and its citizims AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 1043 He was born in Wicbdorf, Germanj-, near tbe citj- of Cassel, Pro- vince of Hessen, December lo, 1833, and is tbe son of Henry and Elizabetb (Sonnenscheini Youngerinan, vbo were also natives of Ger- many. Their family consisted of two sons and two daugbters, of wbom Conrad is now alone living. His fatber was a contractor and builder, and died wben Conrad was but eigbt years of age. His mother lived to tbe age of eighty-seven, dying in Des iloines, having accompanied her son on bis return from a visit to Germany, made In 1872. The father and mother were both members of tbe Lutheran Church, and the father was for some years a soldier in the regular army. The paternal grandfather, Heinrich Youngerman, was also a builder and conti-actor, and died at an advanced age. His maternal grandfather, who bore the same name, was also a builder and con- tractor, served in tbe army under Napoleon, and died at the age of eighty-five. So it will be seen that Conrad was what might be termed a hereditary builder and contractor. Attending school untd he was fourteen years of age, tbe boy Con- rad commenced his three years' apprenticeship as a stone-cutter. For two and a half years ho traveled as a journeyman, and then, being drafted into the mrlitary service, v^-as forced to return home. Soldiers' life was distasteful to him. and this led bim to think of tbe United States as his futuie home, and in 18-54 be came to this 'Country. Land- ing in New York aid having neither money nor tools, be worked for a time in a brick ya'-d at Haverstraw, on the Hudson. He then made his wa.v to Elyria, Lorain County, Ohio, where be worked at his trade and married his w fe. He then beard of Des Moines, and the young couple determined to make that place their fature home. He arrived here September 28. 18.56, Soon after t's an-ival here be commenced contract worlc in s*"one and brick ard building generally, and for years pursued the t^'ork with much success. During these years he has been connected with the erection of many of the buildings of the citj'-, including among these a large number of the best business blocks, school buildings, churches, etc., and specimens of his work may be found on all of the principal treets, an?, in fact, all over the city. He was energetic, pushing, clear-headed, and could always be relied upon to live up to any contract be made, and hence, in a few years, became a successful man and one of the leading citizens. Not content with building for others, he erected a number of stone and brick buildings on his own account, principally business blocks. A few years since — in 1893 — lie tore down the brick building previously built by him, on the corner of Fifth and Mulberry, and at once commenced tlie erection of the new and magniflcents Y'oungerman block. The ground covered is 132x66, and the building is eight stories in height and 'Contains about 110 busi- ness offices and suites. It is a handsome building, the pride of the city, and an .honor to 'the enterprise and skill of its builder and owner. While never an aspirant for political honor's. Mr. I'oungerman served in tbe City Council for 'Some four yeans anjd made a proud I'ecord for strict 'honesty and liberal, far-seeing work. Full of pride in the city he aided in everything he thought for the good of the city. An advocate of sewering, paving and lighting, his practical skill aided greatly in pushing forward these and other improvements. September 11, 18.56, Conrad Y'oungerman was married to Miss Mienr Stark, daughter of Louis and Miene Stark. They have six sons and one daughter: William A., who married Alice Longshore, and after her death married Miss Mollie Lafferty, and has two children; George H. married Miss Sophia Feltton and the.v have four children; William and George Youngerman are contractors, Louis 'carries on a brickyard. Carl is an electrician. August is a jeweler, and Frank is in 1044 AXNALS OF FOLK COUNTY his father's ottice. Minnie, the onlj- daughter, is the ^Yife of Fr.iJik r. Mattes, a brewer. Mrs. Youngerman has for many years been a memlier of the Lmlierau eliureh and ilr. Youngerman is a o-d degree Jlasun. an 0es Muiues and I^lk County banks and other financial institutions, and with a large influence in tinanei.al and liusiness affairs. .\morig the liundreds of buildings erected in Des ^Ntoines liy Conrad Yonngei-man luiglit be named: The Expusition Building. Tliird and I>'ourth AVard and East Side School Houses, Aboru House, Masonic Tenude. Perry I'dork, and three bank buildings. In fact monuments of liis skill and I'uterprise are scattered all over the city. 9^m^ MR. K- MRS. .J. D. McGARRAUGH. This well known eili/.on of folk (tounty was binii in Higliland I'ounty, Ohio, November :JS, 184.">, and was l)rouglit by his }),'irents 1o tliis eounty in 1S41I. His faUier was Ah'xandi'i- Mc( Jarraugli. :ind his mother was Hannali C, a sister ol' Dr. A. Y. Hull. Tliey all came to Polk Countv logeilu'r. seltling in Caniii t(jwnslii|i. and tliey witli Free! .-mil olliers laid uut I^afayelle. wliieli lieeamc a thriving town of several hundred inliali- itants, but is now a thing of the past. Young .Joseph went first to a subscription school, taught by his mother in their own log cabin, and AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 1045 subsequently during the winter months to district school, working dur- ing most of the year at farm W(jrk. When the war broke out, though under sixteen year,s of age. in ISiil he enlisted in Co, E, Fourteenth Iowa. Captain Horlne. He was with his regiment at Fort Donelson. and also at Sliiloh, where the young soldier was captured with more than two thousand of his comrades. They were, however, paroled in about si.xty days and some nine months after capture tliey were exchanged and McGarraugh returned to his reg- iment and active service. Having served several months over his three years young McGarraugh returned to his home In Camp Township and again took up his labors as a farmer. In 1808 he married Clara E. Young, ilaughter of Valerius W. Y(jung. an early pioneer, who at an earl.y day ran the ferry at Fort I>es iloiues. He farmed on his own account until 18.81 wlien he came to Des Moines and took the piosition as watchman in the old State House. Subsequently he held the same position at the new capltol. until made mail carrier for the State officers in 188.j. An ardent Republican, he had taken an active part In i)olitlcal con- tests, and in 1889 was made the nominee of his party for sheriff (jf the county, (iwing to complications and divisions growing out of attempts to enforce the prohibitory law he was defeated by seventy-three votes. In 1891 he was again a candidate and was elected by a handsome major- ity and two years later was re-elected by a largely Increased vote. As sheriff he ^\-as ])rom])t in the discharge of his official duties and won commendation from men of all parties. In .lanuary. 1890, Mr. JIciTarr.-iugh retired from office and has since devoted his time to settling up accounts growing out of his official sev- vices. He has proven himself a .good soldier, honest and efficient public officer, and one of the best of citizens. And his good wife has been a blessing and helpmeet to him. They are the parents of five children- two boys and three girls— Aleck. Minnie. Hannah E., Herbert B.. and Helen — Minnie and Hannali being married. Having Iseen appointed Custodian of Puldic Buildings and Property by (roveruor Shaw. April 1. 189S. he enterei"! upon the discliarge of tlie duties of this resixinsilde ottice and is discharging them with tin' promptness and ability which has characterized all his official work. MRS. CHLOE BLACK EASTRIDGE. Mrs. Chloe Black Eastrid.ge was born in the town of Salisbury. North Carolina, August 21, 1810. She had one sister and one brother, the latter subse(iuently serving several terms in the Indiana Legislature. Her parents and family started for Indiana in 181-t. but stopped in Pulaski County, Kentucky, for three years. There Miss Chloe first went to school. The school house was a log cabin and the first reader a testa- ment. The family removed to (_)hlo. where they remamed one .year, and then in 1818 settled In CentrevUle. Wayne County. Indiana. There the young girl finished her education. In 18l'4 Miss Chloe Black was married to William Eastridge, and en.ioyed man.y years of nmrried life. They had eight children, six of whom reached maturity. The family came to Polk County In 1850, settling in the village of Dudley on the west .side of the Des Moines River. The next year came the great Hood of 18.")1. In telling of that time Mrs. Eastridge gives interesting reminiscences. The town was entirely overflowed and as the hotel was the only two-story building, to that flocked most of the people. But she was afraid it might go, or that her children might b(; drowned in It, and they decidees Moines, in is.iri, timber near by. 'This tilers and lirsi fanners of I'olk Ciinnly is Ilenr.y I, in Klenmlield To wiisliiii, williin a few miles of upon a farm of ;j20 aei-es, wiPh fortj' acres of he soon made one of the most valuable farms of AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 1047 Uie county, aii'd there he has resided for more than forty-two years. Mr. Hargis was born in Pulaski County, KeutuelYy, February 21, 182(1. His father, Thomas Hargis, was a native of the same State, but Ids parents were \'irgini.-uis. of ^A'elsll ancestry. He married Naomi Barnes, an estimable lady of Englisli stock. They had fourteen clrildren. oi' wbiHu but five are now living. Tlie father served in the AVar of 1S12. ant was at tlie battle of New Orleans, .January 8, 181.">. He farmed in Kentucky until 1829, w"hen lie removed with his family to Kilgar County, Illinois, where they resiiled aljout one year. Owiug to I'lie ivrevalenee of malarial fevers in their new home, the family again moved to Cay ('ounty. Indiana, and sulisccjueutly removed to Macon Cnunty, Missouri, in 18.'58. There the father died, in 184G, the mother dying in 18.".4. Henr.y remained with I lie family, gathering a g'ood education in the common schools, until his fifteenth year, when he became an appren- tice to the 'tanning business, and, after his term of service, remained witli ills employer for five years. In 1.840 he opened a tannery for liimself. He was to furnish the liark and ma.teriwl. while his paremts furnished fhe capital, and was to have one-half the upper leather and one^third the sole leather tixv his work. Tliese aiTangements were car- ried out for three years, wlien Henry liuilt a new tanuei-y nf his own in Shelby Connty. Indiana. This he conducted for nine years with success. Bark becoming scai'ce, he sold out, and for two years turned his attention to farming. He then determined to come west, and, after looking around, made his permanent home in this county. XTpon the tract lie pjurchaised v\'as a small frame house, into which (lie Hairgis family went, and at once commenced (he laboring task of making the siplendiit f,i;rm wbicli in a few years was the result of their laboi-s. At one time Mr. Hargis had over five hundred aic-res of laml, but subsequently gave two hundred acres of it to his son. Here he has built up a comfortable and alwaj's hospitable homie. He lias alwa.vs been a good neig'hlior. fast fi-ienj;l. and leading citizen. A good and pirogTes.sive farmer himself, he 'has always been the special friend of farmers and a cliamjiion of tlieir rigiits and interests. An original Wlii.'j. he was (Uie of the founders nf the Kc]iuldican party, and acted with this party for many years. But when he thought that pai-ty was too much undei- the control of monoiiolies ami corjiora- tions. he was manly and independent enough to condemn its managers and policy. He then .•icted with the Peri])les and Democratic parties. He was (he nominee of the C-reonback p.irty fur Stale Treasurer in 1872. for Elector in 1870. for State Scnatiir in 188,',. nnd was ailso the opposition can iiidate for Congress in Mie dis:rict. polling a very large vote, running aliead of liis ticket. .\iid yi't he never person.nlly souglit n nominntion for ofHcc. December 22. 1842, Mr. Hni-gis wiis innn'iel to Miss Eliziibctli Ken- nedy, a daughter of Robert and Margnrci il'lcming) Kennedy. Her father was a native of Virginia, of Si'utrh-lrisli (irigin, wliilc lier mother wns lioni in Wr.sli'iigton Cruniy, r ■nnsylv.-ini.-i. nf Scotch par- entage. Her fnthcr died in 18:!:t. wliili' her nioHier livnl until 1880, lacking, nt the tinie of her death, niily four nmnllis of lieing one hun- dred yais (dd. Mr. ;iiid Mrs. Hari'is li;i\-e tliree chihlmi. ill S)iis: Thomas T. and Zac^lnary T. are fanners in Bloomfiel 1 I'nwiisliiii. and .Tohn 11. is farming in the .ad.ioining'' county of "Warnm. Mi-s. H.argis is one of the noljle pioneer women, who, as wives, inotliers and neigli- brirs, are "the salt of the earMi." This Worthy couvde. in their more tlwm forty years of cnntinuous resid->nce in Polk Cnunty. have seen nieiny changes and liave done tlieir share in imiirnvnnicid and ad- vancement. May tiiey lotig live to enjov tlie comfnits iliey have earned is the wish of their ni.any hunlrcds nf fiienls. 1048 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY ANTHONY .M. MII.l.EU. This well-kiKiw Mtrnnii'v of Itfs Miiini's was biiru in Kansas, January 7, Is.'iS. in Bnilinj;ron, CuttVy Cimnty. His t'atlu'r. Ailani JI. Milk'i', "svent to Kansas a yonnji man. sliortly after the TeiTilciry was apened to sottlcniFiit, anil took an active part in tlie stin-in,^' event's of that lieriod. He rhen nian-ieil Miss .Mary Ann Henry, a native of Peuiisy!- vania. and sliortly after tliey removed from I'olk Cinmty. Iowa, and settled in Coffey County, where their son was born. The border war was then at ils lieiulii in that Territory, and collisions lietween rhe free and the sl.ave stalesmen were of freijuent occurrence. The \insetlled sf.-ite of affairs in tlie Teri'ifory caused Mr. Jliller later on to remove with Ids f.imily lo Missouri, liut not lieini;- satisfied there he soon hrcJUfiht his faniih' liack to I'olk County. Iowa, and settleil in Sayhu-- ville .where he went to woi-k :is a blacksmith. He afterwards went to Polk City .ind established a plow ami Ava.n'ou shop, where he died in March .ISii.'i. The widow su)isei|\U'ntly married Philip Pianous wIki dieil In .May. ISSP, Slie was the mother of three children by her first hus- liand: Anthony 'SI., of wliom this sketcli is made; Helen, wife of Albert Ilarvey. a farmer in Calhoun ('o\inty. and Maniace. who is on the police force in Des Moines, (►ni- son w.as liorn of the second marriage, Jewse, who lives on the honu'slead with his mother. AND THE CITY OF DA^S' MOINES. 1049 Antiioijy M. Miller, coining here as a child, h,-is passed his life in this eount.v. At an ear],v age he deferniineil to scrnre u thorough eiiucation, and did this imistl.v through his own exertion, his industry and persc- verence. Starting in at the common schools he maua.ged to attend the high schO(d in Des Jloines for two .years. By iiaying his own way by teaching he passed four years in the State Agricultural College at Ames, graduating with honors in l.SS.",, For three years he taught in the public schools of Des iloine.s . Having a fondness for the study of law in 1880 he entered the ofllce of Hon. C. C .Cole, under whose in,sfructiu!i he studied law for some time. He was admitted to the practice of law at the January, 1889, term of the Supreme Court, and at once entered upon his legal work. In 188C he had Iseen elected Justice of the Peace, and was re-elected in 1888. He has applied himself studiously to his profession ami has won deserved succes.s. In June, 188.1, Mr. Miller was marrieil to Miss ilaniie Chandler, third daughter of (Jeorge "\V, and Elizal;eTli .1 .Chandler, who are both natives of New York; and former residents of Boone Cotint.v, Iowa, liut now residents of lies Moines. They removed at once to their own home. Xo. 1314 East Thirteenth streei, Des Moines, bein.g then called Capita IPark, where they have resideil ever since. The}' have two chil- dren, a son, Herbert, born September Tth, 18!HI, and a daughter, Eloise, liorn June 4tli .bS!)4 Having been an old teacher he takes a deep inler- est in srhdids. and is liow secretary of tin' Capital Park School District, A-^'IELIAM MATTHEWS. For more than thirty-five years has William Mattltews and family been r( sideuts of Des Moines, well known ami po]iular. He was Itoni in Jefferson county, Ohio, April 1, 1824, on "All Fools' da.v," His iiar- ents were originally from Penns.vlvanai, and were among the earl.v set- tlers of (Jhio, Educated in the schools of that day, he finished his edu- cation in the mercantile establishments of the time, finishing up with a three years' course in the city of Pittsburg. Upon reaching his ma,ior- it.v he; entered into business for himself in his native town of Smithtield, Active, energetic, pleasant and accommodating to all, he became a most successful salesman and business mana.ger. But the west had attractions for him. and in 1801 he removeil with his famil.v to Iowa, reachin.g Des Moines July 2Uth of that year, and here he has since continuousl.v resided. He at once entered the ottice of his brother-in-law, Lewis Kiusey, the clerk of the supreme court, and remained with him as chief clerk for four years, or until Jlr. Kinsey retired from this office. He then again entered into mercantile busi- ness, .anil was clerk or book-keeper for Laird Bros,, the ICulms and other lu-ominent firms. In 1880 he went into the. coal business and has con- tinued in this line ever since, with tlie exception of four years when he acted as deputy city clerk. He was first with tliei Eureka Coal Coni- pan.v, and afterwards with the Black Diamond, and for several years past and is now with the Dunreath Coal Cfjmpany, in char.ge of the city office. He thorotighlj' understands this now important trade, and is noted for his prompt manner of doing business, his strict integritv and happ.v and courteous treatment of all with whom he comes in contact. Politically he is a liberal-minded republican, anil was one of the original organizers of that now great political party. In June. ],841l. William ilattliews was marrieil in < >hio to Rebecca Kinse.v, and their married life of now ne.arl.v fifty years has been a very happ.v one. They have been blessed with six children, five of whom are now living. The onl.v son is in the plumbin,g btisiness in Seat- 1050 ANNALS OF POLE COUNTY tie, Washington, while the daughters all reside in Des Moines. They are Mrs. Dr. Hatton. Mrs. J. C. Maey, Miss Elizabeth Matthews, a noted teacher, now the head of a training school for teachers in kinder- garten worlv. and Jliss Nellie, now society reporter for the Leader. They are a briglit. interesting and hapyiy family, and like Mr. Matthews liiniself, universally popular anioug their many friends. Attn- ilie nlxive sketch was written and in type Mr. ilatthews be- came a Tictim to cancer, and, after weary weeks of 'suffering, borne will) patience and courage, he died, Jlay 22, 1898, thus ending a useful life. His memory will live in the thoughts of many friends who knew liis nnolitrusive manliui-ss and worth. G. VAN GINKEL. Some men will succeed where others fail. They push forward steadily and iiersistently, and through many difficulties win deserved success. One of these men is G. Van Ginkel. now .a well-known business }nau of Des Moines. Born in Holland in 1849, he came with his parents to this country in 185.5, lauding at'Now Orleans and traveling up the Mississiiipi valley to Pella, the Holland colony in Marion Couuty, Iowa. Here he went to school and labored for several years, and then into the l)rinting office of the Pella Week Blad, with Henry Hospers, now a lianker and state senator from Sioux County. A few years later, considering Des Moines the great cit3' of the future, he came here, and for a time worked as a printer in the offices of this city, as he had for a short time worked in (^liicago, Michigan and other ])laces. When he could not find work as a ])rinter he Avas ready for any other kind of honest toil aud liusked corn for $1.()0 per day. In 18(i9 Mr. Van Ginkel secured land south of the Raccoon River and commenced market gardening on a small scale. He attended strictly to I lusiness— worked early and late — extended his operations and devoted tlurfeen years to a work wliich he, by industry and skill, made a success. Becoming interested in coal lands near his gardens, he gradually drifted into mining aud in a few years became one of the leading coal operators (^f tliis city and state. He opened during this time three coal mines aud always managed to keep on good terms with his miners. He met with or rather made success wliere others failed. The A'an (linkel mines were noted among the coal mines of Iowa. Living at the then suburban town of Sevastopol, Mr. Van Ginkel orig- inated the idea of a street rajiwaj' connecting with the city. Action fol- lowed planning, and in (-(Uijunction with a few others Van Ginkel soon liuilt tliis road and liad it in successful operation. Then Mr. Van Ginkel .■lud a few others applicil to the council for a charter for a broad guage railway wifliin the city limits. This grant was bitterly opposed l)y the comjiany then in possession. At first only one alderman, Michael Drady, fa\(jred it. But Mr. A'an Ginlvcl and his associates were determinec? and persistent. A year later tlic clinrter was gr.anted. The uew company at once commenced laying miles of track and although persistenly pur- sued by le.gal suits and injunctions procured by the old company, finally liad cars running over several miles of track, giving to the people a greatly improveil service. Finally the supreme court decided against Mr. Van Ginkel and his associates, holding the old company had exclu- sive right to so use the streets of the city. This was discijuraging. but Mr. Van Ginkel refused to give up. After a year's struggle n rehearing was had and the courts mollified its ojiinion by gi\ing the olil company the exclusive i-ight only of cars drawn liy liorses, or power les Moines in December, 1866. Since that time he has beeu iu business iu Des Moines contiuuously, with the exception of four years, and has beeu successful. His geuial good nature and readiness to oblige have made him hosts of friends, while his business tact and energy have made bim successful tiuancially. For a number of years he lias beeu proprietor and landlord of the well-known Nelson House, on the East Side, near the Northwestern Railroad depot, aud L»an Nelson himself is must favorably known to thousand's of people inside and outside of L>es Muines. In Decemlier, ISTli, r>au, O. Nelson married Mis's Emma Coouey, and the.v have four children, oue Ijoj- anil three girls. AA'ILLIAM PKIEBE Was liorn iu li.-mtsig, AVest Prussia, Germany, March 4, 1863. In 1S8U his father and mother, with their eigiu children, emigrated to Iowa and came direct to Des Moines, where they liave since resided. "William was then but seventeen years of age. After attending scliool for a few years he engaged in business for himself, becoming ijitcicsled in a drug store. He was pushing and energetic and made friends. He also became somewhat interested in other lines of trade, ^^'he^ what is termed the "mulct law" went into effect, aud the sale of siiirituous and m-alt licjuoi'S was legalized, young Priebe estab- lished ou Court Avenue, in the Aborn House building, oue of the best kuowji saloons in the city, "'The Quiet Place", which he has conducted, as the name indicates, in a quiet, legal and gentlemanly manner and made successful in every way. loi:enz ill Was born iu Frieseuiem, Baden. Germany. August 2, 185-t. He .ittended the schools of his native town tor a few years, when, in 1867, liis father and mother, v\'ith their eight children, emigrated to the T'uileil States, and in the same year settled in Burlington, Iowa, when L(jrcnz was thirleen years of age. The latter attended school for one .\'ear and then euteretl the bindery of Akers, Blaekmar & Co., with wliom ho remained six years. He came to Des Moines in April, 1876, ;ind w(rrkcd as a book binder for Mills & Co., and also for Carter A; Iliissey. May 23. 1S78. he was married to Miss Euphemia iSluelhaupt, and sub.- sequently became a partner v\ith his wife's father in a liook store. He afterwards was in business with Ricliard Wolgeiuuth for some time. In ilarch. 187'.l. he rented the Des Moines IIousc', i-orner of Bast First .ind Walnut streets, aud rapidly touilt up a profitable business. In 188.3 lie purchased t))e property and erected the present 'buildings. He was energetic and enterprising and successftil in this and other lines of business. He. however, was not fortunate in the TJnlou Scale Works, stiffering through that company a loss of some .$16,000. This loss was .■I heavy one, but Lorenz 111 met it with courage aud by his resolute iTiergy soon made victory follow defeat. The Des Moines House is well and f.ivoralily known .nnd its owner stands high among the straiglit- foi'w.-ird. liiiiiiii'niilr and energetic business men of Des Moines. AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 1055 Mr.s. 111. a noble wife and ninther. died Aiiril 14, 1800, leaving foiu' sons, Cliarie.s, cashier in .Stigliiz grocery store; Edward L. and .losejili, in the High School, and Harry K., a xjupil in the German Citholie school, (m April liJ, 189S, ilr. Ill was married to Miss Mathilda Kod- dewig, of Davenport, a most e'stimable lady, who at once took her proper l^lace as mistress of his home and house. CIIAKLES ALEXANDER BOEHLER. This well known citizen of Des Moiues was born at Waldshtit, on the beautiful Rhine, in the (irand Duchy of Baden, August 31, ISoti. He was educated in the scliools of his native town. At the age of thirteen he was engaged in carrying the mails, and afterwards called upon ti- make himself useful in a hotel and saloon, the postotiice and hotel being connected. After four years of this service he left his home for the United States, landing in New York, August 19, 18.54, with his sister, Mrs. JIary Forster. He worked in different places while in that city, and. in August, 185S, went to New Orleans, and there found yellow fe-\er raging. At that time fifty to one hundred deaths and many scores of new cases were reported eacli day. The young traveler's feel- ings can lie imagined in finding such a state of affairs existing. First stopping in a large hotel, fnll of guests, in a short time there were no men left in tiie iiouse Imt *he Ijoolclceeper and himself, even the landlord dying of tlie fever. During that epiilemic he was himself well and hearty. During the following winter he worked in Wieliel's coffee rooms, but in the spring, when the warm weather began, fearing another dose of "Yellow .Tack", he returned to New York, landing there Jlay 28. 1859. He then took liis oLl place in a restaurant and confectioner.v on Broad- way, opposite Trinity church. On June 12, 1859, he was married to Miss Louisa Brutsciie, at the St. Nicholas church, in New Yorlv City. They remained in that city until the following October, when they returned to New Orleans. They lived in the latter city until August, 1804. during war times, when they saw many strange sights. Many of the ofHeers of the army came to the restaurant in which he was v\-orking, and one of the sutlers persuaded him to go with iiini with the 12Sth New Yorlc regiment, under command of Col. .lames P. Foster. He went with the reg'ment to Donaldsonville. Louisiana, in August, 1863, where the whole Nineteenth Army Corps was then stationed. Many thousand tents were stretched about, and it looked like a large city. In a few weeks they were ordered up the Mississippi to Plarpiemine. where they remained some two mon'this, and were then sent to Baton Rotige, the capital of the state. There they found the fine capitol building only a mass of ruins. They remained there all winter and. in March, 1864, a move was made up Red river, and •subsequentl.v was engaged in that famous 'battle. After this the whole Nineteenth Army Corps was moved down to Algiers, across the i-iver from New Orleans. There the old sutler left for home, and Col. Foster gave Mr. Boeliler the appointment, upon the recommendations of all the officers of the regiment. Here he marie some money for him- self. While sutler, at one time he cleared .$1,300 in eleven days, an 1 had $300 worth of goods left. In August. 1804. Mr. Boeiiler moved to Iowa, settling in Des :\[oine-^. At first he was engaged in the hotel business, being for some lime the landlord of the formerly noted Grout House, on East Court avenue. April 12. 1805, he removed to the corner of East First ,ind Court ave nue. He purchased the lots, opened a saloon and bill'ard hall, and subsequently erected the present large hrick Imihling. For now more than one-third of a century Mr. anil Mrs. Boehlei- have lived on the same lot in this city, and no ninn in the city stands higher as an lionest. 1056 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY straislitfdi'wai'd uinii nml kind, yeiifi'ons Ufinlilior than does Charles A. Bfiehler, while Jlrs. Boeliler is esteemed auil loyed by all Avhn know her. To them have lieen lioru seven children, two of whom are dead. The living- are: Marie Louis.i. now ilrs. Kuhlman; Albert Otto, Anna Kath- eriiie. now Mrs. ]ir. Andci-son (these were all born in New (Orleans); Marie Antoinette, nmv Mrs. .1. V. (»'Xeil. and Andrew Frank, liorii in Des Moines. AiYZ) THE CITY OF DES MOINES. 1057 GEORGE A. MILLER. The head of the George A. Miller Printing Company was born in Rochester, New York, August IS, 1841'., the son of Mark and Abby A. Miller. When a child his parents removed West, first settling in Racine, Wisconsin, and subsequently in Dubuque, Iowa. In 18(12 his fatlier came to Des Moines and established the Iowa Homestead. Young George made two trips between the capital and Dubuque with team and wagon, the first time hauling printing material and the second trip with house- hold goods. Here young George served an apprenticeship at printing in the Register office with Frank W. Palmer. Becoming a journeyman, he subsequently was foreman of the Omaha Republican and Herald, 1058 ANNALS OF POLK COUNTY in 1867-8, and did tlie first press worlc by steam in tlie state of Nebraslca, and printed tlie first daily morning newspaper in tliat state. Returning to Des Moines, lie lieeame toi eman in tlie press room of the printing and binding establishment of Carter & Hussey, with whom he remained ten years. In 1880 he bought the job office of the State Leader and became associated with J. F. Giilon, and afterwards with the firm of Miller, Girton & Walters. In 1886, Mr. Girton retired from the firm, and in 1888 Mr. Miller purchased the Walters interest and con- tinued the business in his own name, and largely extended the same. In 1894, desiring to give some of the young men who had grown up in the business an opportunity for advancement, he organized the present George A. Miller Printing Company, and removed to much larger and more convenient quarters. Mr. Miller has always devoted himself closely to the financial and business management of the company, and at the same time has made it progressive and up to date. His was the first job prijiting house in the state to introduce the new type setting machine and other of the later improvements. He has been and is a large employer of labor, and during the late years of depression, 1893-7, paid out for labor each year an average of more than $17,000. A workman himself, he is and always has been the workman's friend. Quiet and unassuming, he is yet rapid in his work and qiiick in his decisions. By his own foresight, untii'ing in- dustry, and fair, honest dealing, he built up the present large establish- ment, which is not only an honor to himself, but also to the city and state. With the exception of two years in Nebraska and one year in Florida, Mr. Miller has been a resident of Des Moines since .January, 1862. and can be classed among the early settlers. In Omaha, in 1868, Mr. Miller was married to Miss Mary N. William- son, a lady who in their thirty years of married life has sliown herself to be a most devoted wife and mother. AND THE CITY OF DBS MOINES. 1059 JAMES C. JORDAN. A PROMINENT EARLY SETTLER, FARMER, STATE SENATOR, REPRESENTATIVE, ETC. [See pages 646-7-i 1060 ANNALS OP POLE COUNTY Wir^LIAM KKAUS. THE Ioc>oc>oc>c>oooc<<>ooc<*ooocM>;>oc<>oocH>oc*ooocM;"t>.ooooc*o P. o o o s A o .5. A o o o s 6 Directory of Attorneys at Law. DES MOINES, IOWA. Ayres. Woodin & Ayres. Baily & Ballreich, Berrytiill & Henry, Bowen & Brockett, Brennan & Brennan, Callender, D. F., Carr & Parker, Chamberlain. L. C. Cheshire, Thos. A.. Cole, Spencer S., \ Attorneys. '1 Over \'al]ey National Bank. 1 Lawyers, 'I Rooms 402, 403, 404. YoLingerman Building. \ Attorneys at Law, '/ 506 508 Equitable Building. \ Attorney 1 603 Yoiin erinan Huildiii"; 3 Attorneys at Law, I 309 East b'ifth Street. ) Attorney at Law. ") Rooms 16-18 Ciapp Block, 214 West Filth St- 1 Law\crs, I 410 412 Manhattan Building. 1 Attorney at Law. J Suite 60S, Youngennan Block. \ Attorney and Counselor. 'j t)i4 and OiS E{]uitable Building. J Attorney at Law, 1 608 610 Obser\atory Building. Connor & Weaver, Conrad, J. F., Crosby. W. B., J Attorneys and Counselo j Rooms 2, 4 and 6 Clapp J ) Attorney at Law, ') 329 East I'ifth Street. rs at Law Block. \ Attorney and Counselor, I Rooms 207, 208 and 210 Observatory Building. Cuinmins, Hewitt & Wright )^"-->- oonis 303, 304 and 30s Youngerman Block. Dale & BIssell, Davis. Edward A., Dowell & Parrish, J Attorneys at Law, 1 Observatory Building J Att 1303 ttorney at Law. Iowa Loan and Trust Building. ) Lawyers, I 402 Iowa Loan and Trust Building. Dudley, Coffin & Byers, Earl & Prouty, Evans, E. B., Gilmore, M. T.. \ Attorneys at Law. "/ 512-520 Iowa Loan and Trust Building. ) Attorneys at Law, "1 2ti West Fourth Street. J Attorney at Law, ') Rooms 504 and 506 Good Block. 1 Attorney at Law. 'i Room 52 Clapp Block. <*»O'*»C'OO0C^*0C*^CK*0''^^*'t^OOO0vC"C^C^^0C^0OC^C^C>OC^0O0OO0OvOC^0 o o o o o o. o Directory of Attorneys at Law. o o 6 o DES MOINES, IOWA. Howe & Miller, Jones. Joseph H.. Kingsbury. A. 6.. Kinkead. L.. Kinne,Hume &Bradshaw, Lowery, Austin P.. MACKENZIE. DEWEY & JACKSON. IVlacy. J. C. McCalL John A.. McHenry & Hatch. McLennan, John. McNutt & Newburn. McVey & McVey. Merritt. J. A.. Miller. A. M.. Miller. W. C. Morris. E. T.. Mount. R. M.. Myerly. J. I.. Nourse. C. C. & C. L. Nugent, James, J Attorneys and Counselors. i 610. 611, bi2 Voungernian Building. Attorney' at Law, 207-208 iowa Loan and Trust Building. ' Attorney at Law. '1 Over Frankel's Clothing Store. 413 Walnut St. Attorney and Counselor at Law. Clapp Block. \ Lawyers. 1 Offices: 20b, 208, 210, 212 (iood Block. ) Attorney at Law. i 513 Mulberry Street. } Lawyers. 1 Suite 40N, Voungerinan Block. )i Attorne\' at Law. I Koiiin 614 Iowa Loan and Trust Buildinj?. 1 Attorney at Law, i Rooms 71-73 Clap]) Block. 1 Altorne\s. / Rooms 211. 212. 213 Iowa Loan and 'JVust Bld^j. 1 .\ttorney. J Kooni 507 Voungernian Block. Lawyers, (HIices o\er 517 Mulherrv Street, Attorne\s at Law, 404, 40b, 40S, 4io. 412 (iood Block, \ Attorney. I Voungerman Building. Attorney at Law, OHice 5['^' iowa Loan and Trust Building. } Atto-riiey at Law. I 20^ Observatory Building. ) Attorney, I 4i] Walnut Street. J .\ttorne>' and Abstracter, J Room 11 Clapp Block. _' Attorney at Law. i ;,2-34 Clapp lllock. 3 Attorneys at Law. J 800 Obser\ atory Building. o o z o o o o o o o 8 a O z \ Attorney at Law, ) 70,; Voungerman Building. i O %CHCHt>v<»C>000>OC'^HtM»>C>C^OOC^C>OOOOC"t>^t»0 1% ^> Directory of Attorneys at Law. DES MOINES, IOWA. V o FlPminn A P J Attorney at Law, V riciMllll), H. r., no2 Younc-ernian Block. I J Attorney at Law, Henry. J. Howard. 1 ,^02 Youngernian Block. ) Law and .Al)stract Office, ) 200 Fiftli Street. Porter, A. N.. Read & Read, Sellers. Thomas L. Spurrier & IVlaxwel .\ttorney at Law, Ko(.ini 6lo Iowa Loan and I'ruyt Biiildinl?. ' Lawyers. I ^01) Younger man Block. Stuokey. J. J., 3 Pension Claim Attorney, i 6ll Iowa Loan and Trust Building. Willipmi;nn I F J Attorney at Law. VVIMIdlllbUn. I. C. (211 Fourth Street. 8 Directory of Real Estate Dealers, >; DES MOINES, IOWA. Carpenter. Wm. L.. If.ToooTL^i ealcr, '/ 215 Good Block. Fifth Streut Entrance. Mathis. A. J. & Son. Montgomery. William. Rozelle. N. W. -t i Phillips, Ryan & Ryan. ] ^^l^P^'v^^d's Phiiiips Bioek, 8 Attorneys at La'v, *^ , ;og East I'ifth Street. V '? % ) .Attorneys, A ') ;og-;[i Observatory Building. X St John ftl StpUPnSnn \ Atlnrne\s at Law, Ol. JUrill a OieVKIIbUri. ^ ;,; Manhattan Building. '? - -- O I* Stewart A Cnhpn j Attorneys at Law, O OlKWdl I (X l^Ulieil, ' Oyer 500 East Locust street. O Pnnlich \A/ U ' Kea] Estate. Fire Insurance. Notary Public ^"9"°"' •'■ '^•' ■; -i';^ East Fifth Street. O '1 Real Estate Agents. O 'I _v,i East Fifth Street. V "Real Estate i Office W. Fj'fth Street, Room ii Clapp Block. V I -^ O Rparl ftpnrfip A H H ' '^<^^' Estate Agents. r, ,1^ neaa, ueorge a n. n.. . ,,0 East Fifth street. ,n 1% — * j Real Estate Broker. O i Rooms 3 and 4. over 3^1 East Fifth Street. y v,-h*m*m;m^h^m*h>*h*h>^00000CK^C^0C^0C>0>000C'0CK^vChC<^0C^00C^C^C^C'0C I DIRECTORY OF DENTISTS, " ■ TDentist, <*► HeatOn. W. N., -U23 East Locust; Residence (In continuous practice. 1K 75-1S 98. ^ Hughes, E. E„ Perkins, Dr. E. R. *? PorLinc Hi- P R J Dentist I IJentist, - Nortlieast Corner Fifth and \Valnut. I Fifteen years in Des IVIoines: painless method. 610 Walnut Street. O I Directory of Physicians and Surgeons, DES MOINES, IOWA. Dickinson. D. W.. (VI. D., ■> 9'^'?'? -°^ Marquardt Block. Residence iSis Cente"", >.i . •• n ni A i Diseases of Eye and Ear, Weber, A. H , M, D.,PlliG., - Glasses Perfectly Fitted. ' ' ' ( S20 VValnut Street. I- f- n \ fhvsician and Surgreon. Wylie, E. D., -^office 302 Walnut street. f Residence 2100 Woodland Avenue. DIVERSIFIED DIRECTORY. DES MOINES, IOWA. i- Eastman Co., The C. E., j j^J^om 6o/\an Clnkel Building. 5 ' g Lichty, Norman, ^IJJn'^e? of wS'a J Corner of VValnut and Sixth Avenue, LOOmiS, C. C. & Co., j i^-r'J^^.^^^ger.nan Block. Schreiner, B.. Sherman. George G., } Civil Fn^jXineer and .Architect, ) 348-350 Good Block, J Fine Shoes, "I 301 Walnut Street. _. n „ I Buggies Carriages, Phaetons, F'arni Wagons, Sims & liray, < Farm implements. Harness, Etc. I 313-315 East Walnut Street Summit Restaurant, -j ^Vs' waintft street.""'' ^°'^^''"^- WESTERN GRANITE & j Monuments, Vaults, Statuary. MARBLE CO., ) Office and Works, 101-103 Locust Street. ooooooo<:>ooc>c<'OCM:iociooc>ooooo;>oooo<*ooooQCM>i;ii:MC.0,§ C. C COLE, I Consulting Counsel and Dean of Iowa College of Law; S'5-5i7 Mulberry O street. O DR. WM. BAKER & CO., Established as the City Drug Store in 1854, in Des Moines. This house has (or forty-four years maintained its reputation for selling pure drugs, medicines and chemicals. The Dr. Wm. Baker Family Medicines have a-i established reputation. Fure liquors of all kinds for medicinal and other legal purposes have always been kept in stock, and their quality and excellence can be relied upon. Fred Schroeder. the present proprietor, who has been in the house for years, will not only keep up but add to the reputation of this old established house. Southeast corner of Court avenue and Third street. LORENZ ILL, Des Moines House, corner of East First and Walnut street, is agent for the sale of fine beer made by the Leisy Brewing Company, Peoria, 111. This is pure beer, manufactured from best of material. It can be had m bottles, case, or kegs, large and smalt, on liberal terms. Lorenz 111 is a pleasant man to deal with. F. W. YOUNGERHAN, Manufacturer and jobber of cigars and wholesale and retail dealer in tobaccos and smokers' articles, 210 Fourth street, commenced business in Des Moines in 1867. His is the oldest house in this line in the city. He has grown up with Ues Moines and helped its growth His Gen. Crocker cigar, of his own manufact'jre, is pronounced the best lo-cent cigar to be had. Other popular brands are manu- factured by him. All goods purchased of him can be relied upon as being exactly as represented. He has behind him over ihirt\' years of square dealing in Des Moines. PERCIVAL <& PORTER. Established iSbj. LOANS AND REAL ESTATE AGENTS. 210 FIFTH STREET. HARVEY Wl. PORTER, LAWYER, 210 FrFTH STREET. KX><:^(xx>f:^(f^>ooo<^^ i^.'lffPflfTfP'If^llllIlllllliJIWM'PIJfJWIW^IIB!