BIOS: Des Moines Biographies Tone thru Thomas; Polk County, Iowa 

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I hope you find this information of value in your genealogy research.
Marion John Rice, mjrice@dakotacom.net 
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NOTE:  For more information on Polk County, Iowa 
       Please visit the Polk County, IAGenWeb page  
       at http://iagenweb.org/polk/
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"The History of Polk County, Iowa" 
published by the Union Historical Company, Birdsall, Williams & Co. 1880.  

Des Moines Biographies
BIOGRAPHICAL.
DES MOINES

 
TONE, I. E.-Was born in Genessee county, New York, 
January 6, 1839. Was raised a farmer, and 
when arrived at his majority removed to Huron county, Ohio, 
where he was engaged in the 
occupation of farming for eight years. In 1868 he made a 
prospecting tour in the Western States, 
and returning to Ohio engaged in the oil and paint business 
in Cleveland for one year. In 1870 he 
entered in the confectionery business at Norwalk, Ohio, 
where he remained two years. At the 
expiration of that time he disposed of his business and 
engaged in the boot and shoe trade until 
1873, when he came to Des Moines. When locating in the 
capital city be engaged in his present 
business in connection with a brother, J. Tone. The business 
in which the firm is engaged is that 
of spices, coffee and baking powder. Their business has 
gradually and constantly prospered. It is 
the only business of the kind in Central Iowa, and is an 
important feature in the history of Des 
Moines. He was married September 13, 1871, to Miss Betty 
O. Wheaton, of Norwalk, Ohio. 
They have two children: Jay and Fred. 
 
TIDRICK, R. L.-Among the prominent names of Des Moines, 
early settlers is the subject of this 
sketch, who was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, August 20, 
1825. At that time Ohio was 
regarded as a frontier country, and during his youth, which 
was passed in the county of his birth, 
Mr. Tidrick was inured to the hardships of pioneer life. Early 
in its history Ohio had an excellent 
public school system, and he is a very good example from a 
large number of successful business 
and professional men, who received the inspiration and 
preparation for their life work in the 
primitive log school-houses of the Buckeye State. Early in 
his youth he became connected with 
the County Clerk's office in his county town, and had a large 
experience for one so young, and 
while thus engaged he formed a taste for the legal 
profession, and after preparing himself was 
admitted to the bar in Cambridge, Ohio. Soon after his 
admission to the bar he removed to Iowa, 
arriving at Fort Des Moines on the 4th day of May, 1847. For 
a number of years after locating in 
his new home he was actively engaged in the practice of his 
chosen profession. Among those 
who were
874 BIOGRAPHICAL.
associated with him as partners were William McKay, 
afterward Judge of the District Court, and 
P. M. Casady, who was also elected to that honorable 
position. He held the position of 
postmaster at an early day, also the office of Register of the 
Land Office for several years, and 
until his resignation was accepted. In 1850 he was appointed 
Prosecuting Attorney, and in 1857 
was elected mayor of Des Moines. For a number of years he 
has not been actively engaged in the 
practice of law, his entire time being given to the 
management of his private interests which by 
industry, prudence and superior business tact, have grown 
to a large estate. The whole history of 
the capital city is familiar to Mr. Tidrick, all of which be has 
seen, and part of which he has been. 
There is no one that has been more continuously and 
thoroughly identified with Des Moines' 
interest than Mr. T. He was married in 1850 to Miss Cornelia 
B. Chittenden, a native of Ohio. 
She died in 1868, leaving two children: George C. and R. 
Laning. Lost one child in infancy. 
 
TOWN, J. J.-Cashier Valley Bank. Among the causes that 
have contributed to the prosperity of 
Des Moines and its reputation as a business center, its 
banks have been an important factor, and 
prominent among them is the Valley Bank, under the 
management of the subject of this sketch, 
who was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, on the 
seventeenth day of October, 1826; and was 
raised there with a mercantile experience. In 1848 he 
removed to Elgin, Illinois, and made that 
place his home for sixteen years, and then returned to Erie, 
Pennsylvania, and remained there 
seven years and came to this city in July, 1871, and 
engaged in his present business, and with 
very satisfactory results. His financial ability has never been 
questioned, and as a man is careful 
and prudent, upright, reliable and honorable. Married Esther 
M. Graves of Steuben county, New 
York, in 1850. Three children: Louisa (now Mrs. Waldron), 
Bessie A. (wife of W. E. Andrews), 
William G. (of Home National Bank, Elgin, Illinois). 
 
TURNER, DR. M. P.-Was born in Missouri, in October, 1824, 
and when four years of age 
removed with his parents to Morgan county, Illinois, where 
his early life was spent on a farm. 
After making choice of medicine as a profession, he studied 
with Dr. Stewart, of Exeter, that 
State, as preceptor, and graduated from the Illinois College, 
at Jacksonville. He then formed a 
co-partnership with his preceptor, and continued in practice 
six years. In 1853 he purchased a 
herd of cows and went overland to California, and remained 
there five years, the first three years 
it was a losing business, but with a tenacity characteristic of 
the man, he overcame all 
discouragements, and the last two years proved very 
successful. He 'returned to Illinois, and after 
a short residence there became convinced that Iowa offered 
a superior field for a man of energy, 
and resolved to come to Des Moines. He was largely 
instrumental in building the Court Avenue 
bridge over the Des Moines river, also the 'Coon river bridge. 
He was one of the incorporators 
and first stockholders of the Des Moines Street Railway 
Company, and when others became 
dissatisfied he purchased their interest, and at the present 
time is the sole proprietor. It has been a 
marked trait of Dr. Turner's life to throw his whole energy into 
whatever he undertakes, and 
being of a practical turn of mind he has spared no pains or 
expense in adapting ends to means, 
and in the management of this road he has manifested 
remarkable judgment as well as executive 
ability. He has patented an improvement for keeping his 
track clear of mud and snow, by means 
of brooms attached to the cars and worked automat-
DES MOINES. 875
ically, saving much expense; an invention that must 
commend itself to all who are interested in 
street railways, for its economy. Few men have the 
disposition, as has the subject of this sketch, 
to make large outlays without immediate returns, but he, with 
an eye to the future, has extended 
the road and afforded all the accommodations that the travel 
would justify to meet the wants of 
the public, and he has richly earned the success which his 
investments must return in the near 
future. A marked feature of his management has been that 
the road has never had a bonded debt 
of one dollar. He was married in 1852, to Miss Mary A. 
Ramsey, of Illinois. They have two 
children: Emma J. and Susie. Lost two: Lizzie and Mary. 
 
TURNER, C. H.-Justice of the peace, was born in 
Jacksonville, Illinois, on the third day of May, 
1857, and was brought by his parents to this county in 
March, 1858. His youth was divided 
between attending school and clerking in a store, until he 
decided to study law, and he was 
admitted to the bar in 1876, and in 1878 was elected to his 
present office and which he has filled 
to the satisfaction of all with whom he has business 
intercourse. 
 
TURNER, GILES H.-Attorney at law, was born in Boone 
county, Missouri, May 13, 1824, and 
when fourteen years of age his parents moved to 
Jacksonville, Illinois. His father was a farmer, 
and young Turner naturally followed that as an occupation. 
He received a good school education 
and graduated from the Illinois College. Studied law with 
Governor Yates and was admitted to 
the bar in 1846. From 1852 to 1856 he represented his 
district in the State Legislature. In 1858. 
he came to this county and has been engaged, more or less, 
in the practice of his profession, since 
residing here. Has held the office of mayor of Des Moines 
three terms, and has been city attorney 
for six years. On the twenty-fourth of April, 1851, Miss Delia 
Rickart of Whitehall, Illinois, 
became his wife. She was born in Ohio. Their family consists 
of two children: John D. 
(physician), and Charles H. (lawyer). Have lost four children. 
 
TURNER, WILLIAM-of Grupe & Turner, Iowa Boiler Works, 
East Des Moines; born June 13, 
1828, in Fibeshire, Scotland, where he was raised. He 
learned his trade in the city of Glasgow, 
serving an apprenticeship of five years and working in that 
city some five years after serving his 
apprenticeship. He came to the United States in 1867, 
locating in Des Moines. In 1871 he 
engaged in business for himself, and two years afterward he 
formed a partnership with his 
present partner. The firm now enjoys a good trade, having all 
they can do the year round; their 
trade extending beyond the borders of our own State. He 
was united in marriage in 1854, to 
Margaret Bell, she was also born and raised in Scotland. 
Have six children: Robert, William, 
James, John, May and Thomas. 
 
TUTTLE, GEN. J. M.-A native of Summerville, Monroe 
county (now Noble county), Ohio. Was 
born on the 24th of September, 1823, and prior to his tenth 
year attended school in Fayette 
county, Indiana, and afterward, until he attained his twentieth 
year, when he began life for him 
self, his time was employed in assisting his father. Removing 
to the West in the spring of 1846, 
he settled at Farmington, Van Buren county, Iowa, and there 
engaged in the mercantile trade and 
farming. In 1855 he was elected Sheriff of the county and 
two years later County Treasurer, being 
re-elected in 1859. At the opening of the civil war he raised a 
company of volunteers and was 
elected captain of the same, but such was the ra-
876 BIOGRAPHICAL.
pidity with which the call for troops was filled that the 
company was not called into the service 
until May 27, 1861, when it was assigned to the Second 
regiment Iowa infantry volunteers. 
While quartered at Keokuk Capt. Tattle was elected 
lieutenant-colonel, and on the 6th of 
September,. 1861, succeeded Col. Curtis to the rank of 
colonel, that officer having been 
promoted brigadier general. At the battles of Ft. Donelson 
and Shiloh Col. Tuttle displayed 
marked courage and self-possession, and made a record 
that placed him in the front ranks of 
Iowa's brave soldiers. During the fall and winter of 1862 he 
held command of the forces at Cairo, 
but in the spring of 1863 was assigned the command of a 
division of Gen. Sherman's corps. He 
was an active participant in the campaign against Vicksburg 
and in the capture of Jackson, 
Mississippi. He rendered efficient service in the army until 
the fall of 1864, when he was 
mustered out. Settling at Des Moines in the ensuing autumn 
he was engaged in farming for two 
years and since that time has been largely interested in pork 
packing. In 1871 he was elected a 
member of the State Legislature and served one term. As a 
business man Gen. Tattle is prompt 
and energetic; upright and honorable in all his dealings, he 
has secured the esteem of all with 
whom he has had to do. He has been twice married. First, 
September 22, 1847, to Miss Elizabeth 
J. Conner, of Fayette county, Indiana, who died September 
21, 1851; and on the 17th of August, 
1853, he was married to Laura M. Meek, daughter of Dr. S. 
G. Meek, of Farmington, Iowa. They 
have three children living: Laura (now Mrs. A. L. West), 
Mella and Joel. Lost two: George (died 
at Vicksburg), and Mary. 
 
TUTTLE, S. B.-Proprietor of the Iowa Carbonated Stone 
Pipe Works. Was born in Monroe 
county, Ohio, February 19, 1829, and lived there until nine 
years of age and then removed to 
Fayette county; Indiana, where he was raised a farmer. In 
1854 he emigrated to Iowa and settled 
in Van Buren county, and resided there until 1870, when he 
removed to this county and engaged 
in his present business of manufacturer and dealer in 
artificial stone for buildings, sewers and tile 
pipe, and besides doing a large city trade he has a large 
patronage in the adjoining counties and 
his business has become one of the permanent industries of 
the city. Mr. T. was married in June, 
1860, to Miss Almira Kelley, a native of Putnam county, New 
York. They have two children: 
Linn J. and Albert K. Lost one son, Fred. 
 
VINNEGE, ALVIN P.-Dealer in groceries, provisions, etc. 
Was born in Miami county, Indiana, 
May 30, 1854, where he lived until nine years of age; he 
then came to this city with his mother, 
his father having died some two years previous. He was 
raised on a farm and his time was 
divided between working on the farm summers and 
attending school during the winters. He 
commenced teaching school when sixteen years of age and 
taught five successive terms; he then 
attended the Iowa State University, at Iowa City for two 
years. On his return be accepted position 
of book-keeper in the bank of I. N. Thomas, where he 
continued nearly two years, and was 
afterward employed in the Citizens' National Bank in the 
same capacity. He established his 
present business on the East Side in 1877. He was married 
to Miss Clara E., daughter of the Hon. 
R. C. Webb, of this city, October 27, 1875. She was born in 
Indiana. They have one son and one 
daughter: Leroy J. and Alice. His characteristics as a 
business man may be inferred from the 
success which has attended his career.
DES MOINES. 877
VORSE, FRANK W.-Among the few persons who located in 
Polk county prior to 1846, and the 
first person to establish a house for the sale of agricultural 
implements in Des Moines, was N. T. 
Vorse, who engaged in business in 1845, and continued it till 
the time of his death a few years 
since. The subject of this sketch, his successor in business, 
was born in Sidney, Iowa, February 9, 
1856. His early life was passed in Des Moines, where he 
availed himself of the best educational 
facilities of the city, having graduated from the high school in 
1873. In the same year he 
graduated from the Des Moines High School he entered the 
Northwestern University, at 
Evanston, Illinois, where he remained till the spring of 1875, 
when he was compelled to 
discontinue his studies on account of a failure of his eyes. In 
1877, he became connected with the 
Marseilles Manufacturing Company, where he remained until 
1879, when he opened out an 
agricultural implement establishment in the building formerly 
occupied by his father. The 
experience he obtained in the business while with his father 
and afterward with one of the most 
extensive manufacturing establishments of Illinois eminently 
fitted him for the business in which 
he is now engaged. He was married October 24, 1877, to 
Miss Agnes Newton, a niece of Hon. 
Curtis Bates, formerly an eminent politician of Des Moines. 
She was born in Buchanan, 
Michigan, and was also a graduate of the Des Moines High 
School, of the class of 1873: They 
have one child, a daughter named Ruth. 
 
WALKER, G. M.-Is a native of Ludlow, Vermont, and was 
born March 18, 1832. He was 
brought up there and attended the Green Mountain Liberal 
Institute, and in 1852 he removed to 
Richland county, Ohio. There he engaged in teaching 
school, and in May, 1855, emigrated to 
Warren county, Iowa. He became engaged in the mercantile 
business and followed it until the 
spring of 1860, when he went to Pike's Peak. Returned to 
Indianola in the fall of that year, and on 
the thirteenth of June following, he enlisted in the First Iowa 
cavalry, and served until his muster 
out on the first of March, 1866. He then came to this city and 
has .since resided here. He has 
served the people as treasurer of the county. Was married at 
Indianola, March 30, 1857, to Miss 
Abbie Young. Their family consists of one child, Jessie E., 
born December 14, 1867. 
 
WARD, C. H.-Wholesale druggist, senior member of the firm 
of C. H. Ward & Co., is a native of 
New York, and was born on the ninth day of November, 
1845, and when eight years of age 
accompanied his parents to Illinois, and was principally 
raised in Geneseo, Henry county. He 
enlisted in the regular army during the war and served as 
hospital steward. After being mustered 
out of the service he returned to his home, and soon after 
engaged in business in Altoona, Knox 
county, Illinois. In 1870 he came to Des Moines and 
established his present business, and has 
succeeded by a thorough knowledge of all the details of the 
business, in building up a large and 
constantly increasing trade. As a business man he is prompt 
and energetic, upright in all his 
dealings; he has secured the esteem of all with whom he 
has had business transactions, and 
attained to a well merited success. He has never sought or 
held a public office, preferring the 
peace and quiet of his legitimate business, and his  
characteristics as a business man may be 
inferred from the success which has attended his career. He 
was married in 1866 to Miss Isabel 
C. Miles, a native of Michigan. Their family consists of three 
children living: Raleigh, Constance 
and Richard.
878 BIOGRAPHICAL.
WARD, M. W.-Of the firm of C. H. Ward & Co., wholesale 
druggists, is a native of Wyoming 
county, New York, and was born on the twenty-first day of 
November, 1845, and when six years 
of age removed with his parents to Genesee, Henry county, 
Illinois, where he was engaged as 
clerk, in a store until the outbreak of the rebellion and then 
enlisted in the One Hundred and 
Thirty-ninth Illinois infantry, and served until the close of the 
war. After he was mustered out of 
the U. S. service he attended school at the State University 
of Michigan, at Ann Arbor; and in 
1870 came to Iowa and engaged in the drug trade in 
Winterset, and remained there until 1875 and 
then removed to Montezuma, and engaged in the banking 
business. In 1879 he disposed of his 
interest and came to this city, and became connected with 
his brother, C. H. Ward, in his present 
business. He was married in 1872 to Miss Sue W. Drake, of 
Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, a 
daughter of the Rev. Geo. C. Drake, an Episcopal clergyman 
of some note as well as a prominent 
Mason. They have two children: Clara L. and George H. Lost 
one daughter, Lillia B. 
 
WARNER, GEORGE A.-Gas fitter and plumber. Was born in 
St. Louis, February 14, 1847. 
When he was two years of age his parents removed to 
Davenport, Iowa. During his, youth, when 
not at school, he was employed on a farm which occupation 
he followed till 1869, when he chose 
his present business as a permanent occupation. He 
removed to Des Moines and was in the 
employ of the gas company until that company sold out to 
Robinson & Atherton and was in the 
employ of the latter firm for four years. He established his 
present business in February, 1878. If 
the business at first was not very extensive Mr. Warner did 
not "despise the day of small things," 
but perseveringly adhered to his purpose, and industriously 
performed what work was committed 
to him. The business has steadily and constantly grown until 
it has become one of the leading 
houses of its kind in the capital city. Mr. Warner was married 
June 22, 1876, to Miss Helena 
Whitmore; she is a native of Pennsylvania. They have a son 
and a daughter: Harry and Daisie. 
 
WARFIELD & HOWELL-Wholesale grocers.. Prominent 
among the younger business men of 
Des Moines are the above names, who have recently 
engaged in business in this city, but who, at 
the same time, have taken a front rank among its business 
firms. In the selection of a location for 
a permanent and increasing business in their line, they were 
naturally attracted by the 
geographical location of the city and the resources of the 
country, and so far their most sanguine 
expectations have been more than realized. Possessing a 
thorough knowledge of the branch of 
business in which  they are engaged they are determined to 
do their share in establishing the 
reputation of Des Moines as a wholesale center.  
 
WILSON R. WARFIELD, the senior member, was born in 
Belmont county, Ohio,. November 3, 1849; from  
here he removed to Princeton, Bureau county, Illinois, where 
he was principally raised. In 1868  
he removed to Quincy, Illinois, and entered the employ of 
Warfield & Meyers, wholesale grocers,  
remaining with this firm until he engaged in his present 
business. He came to this county in 1880.  
He married Miss Ella Lyford on the 10th day of December, 
1873. She was born in Quincy, Illinois.  
They have, by this union, two children: Mabel A. and Lyford 
W. J. W. HOWELL was born in Belmont  
county, Ohio, March 8, 1850, where he was raised until 
sixteen years of age, and then removed to Quincy, 
Illinois. He commenced his. mercantile experience with H. A. 
Williamson & Co.
DES MOINES. 879
commission merchants, with whom he remained five years, 
and then entered the employ of 
Warfield & Myers, wholesale grocers, with whom he 
remained until coming to this county in 
1880. He was united in marriage with Miss Anna J. Treat on 
the 10th day of December, 1873. 
She was a resident of Quincy, Illinois, but born in Rockville, 
Connecticut. Their family consists 
of two children: E. Mell. and Helen T. 
 
WARD, Dr. W. H.-Has been a practicing physician for more 
than thirty years, and most of this 
time in Central Iowa. He was born in Indiana on the 29th day 
of May, 1829. He was raised 
principally in Danville, that State, and early in life 
commenced his preparation for the duties of 
his profession, which he selected from a love for it, and 
received his diploma from the college at 
Keokuk. In 1848 he followed a cherished desire to visit the 
new State of Iowa, and after deciding 
to make it his home he settled near Carlisle, now in Warren 
county, and in 1862 came to Des 
Moines. Has seen more years of active practice than any 
other physician in the county. He has 
pursued his profession with great diligence, made constant 
progress in the healing art, and stands 
among the foremost men in the medical fraternity in Central 
Iowa. He was married to Miss Allie 
Parker, November 25, 1851. She was born in Indiana. They 
have four children: Minnie E., Frank 
F., Harry C. and Elmer R. 
 
WARNER, FREDERICK A.-Postmaster and dealer in books 
and stationery. Was born in 
Cortland county, New York, March 18, 1836, and lived there 
until he reached his majority. He 
received all the advantages of the schools at home, and for 
four years attended the Oberlin 
College of Ohio. On the breaking out of the rebellion, on the 
call for 75,000 men, he enlisted in 
company C, Seventh Ohio infantry. Served for three months 
and then re-enlisted for three years, 
but only served about thirteen months when he was obliged 
to resign on account of a severe 
wound received in the elbow while engaged in the battle of 
Winchester. After his return from the 
army he spent one year in Connecticut. He then came to 
Illinois and was engaged in the 
mercantile business at Lacon, Marshall county, for one year. 
In 1867 he came to this city and has 
been a resident here ever since. He was Deputy Secretary 
of State for six years and has been 
postmaster, East Side, about six months. As an official he is 
prompt, perfectly reliable and very 
efficient. He was married in Marlow, Cheshire county, New 
Hampshire, to Miss Mary M. Dodge. 
They are the parents of one son and two daughters: Beth, 
Belle and Halbert D. 
 
WATTS, DR. J.-Dentist. Was born in Montgomery county, 
Indiana, October 10, 1840, and at the 
age of eight years came with his parents to this State and 
located in Allen township, Polk county. 
He here grew to manhood on a farm and was educated in 
the common schools. When nineteen 
years of age he came to this city to learn the dental 
profession with Dr. Molesworth, with whom 
he stayed two years. At the expiration of that time he took 
the road, traveling from place to place, 
working at his profession, in which he had become very 
proficient. In 1870 he returned to Des 
Moines and opened an office on his own account and has 
remained here since. Has built up a fine 
trade which his skill and experience so well deserve. He has 
also taken quite an interest in the 
developing of fine horses, and has owned some of the finest 
steppers that have ever graced the 
race track. He is now the owner of one of the most promising 
colts in the county, Charlie G. 
Hayes. Was married October 31,
880 BIOGRAPHICAL.
1864, to Miss Sarah A. Bell, a native of Ohio. They have two 
children: Clarence V. (living) and 
Calvin P. (deceased). 
 
WATT, JAMES-Of the firm of Watt & Cochran, was born in 
Quebec, Canada, in 1843, of 
Scotch parentage. In early life he aided his father in hewing 
out a farm in the Queen's Bush, 
Ontario. Studying at night he prepared himself to teach a 
country school. He studied so 
assiduously that at the end of his third year he took a first-
class certificate during  pleasure, 
excelling especially in mathematics, which led him to adopt 
civil engineering as a profession. In 
1866 he was induced by R. C. Spencer to take a commercial 
course at his college in Milwaukee, 
which laid the foundation for his present career. In 1874 he 
was known as the greatest produce 
shipper of the West, sending hundreds of car loads to 
Kansas, Colorado, California, as well as 
New York, Philadelphia and New Orleans. This led to a very 
large acquaintance, and Mr. 
Cochrna business man of capital from Ohio, was led to 
embark with him in the wholesale 
business, with the success indicated by their present elegant 
quarters, beautiful stock, and 
extensive trade. Mr. W. was married to Miss Kirkman, in 
1868, daughter of Rev. Fred. Kirkman, 
late of Quincy, Illinois. 
 
WEAVER, C. A.-Of the firm of Weaver & Maish, druggists. 
Was born in York, Pennsylvania, in 
1832. He learned the trade of cabinet maker in his youth. In 
1850 he commenced his mercantile 
experience in the drug trade. In 1855 he came to this county 
and entered the employ of Dr.Baker 
and continued with him until 1869, when, in company with 
his brother-in-law, Geo. H. Maish, 
established the present business, and besides doing a 
jobbing trade are the leading retail druggists 
of the city, and as business men have been very successful. 
Mr. Weaver has been twice married. 
First, in 1856, to Miss M. A. Johns, a native of Ohio. She 
died, leaving two children: John A. and 
George M. His second wife was Mary A. Smyser, of York, 
Pennsylvania. They have three 
children by this marriage: Carrie, Lillie and Frank. 
 
WEBSTER, I. N.-Was born in Meigs county, Ohio, 
December 12, 1841, where he was brought 
up at the hard work of a farmer's boy. He continued to follow 
the occupation of farming until the 
breaking out of the late war, when he entered the army. He 
enlisted August 13,1862, in company 
B, One Hundred and Sixteenth Ohio infantry, and served in 
that regiment till the close of the war, 
when he was discharged January 14,1865. During his time 
of service he participated in the battles 
of Moorefield, Winchester, New Market, Piedmont, 
Lynchburg, Stony Ford, Kearnstown, Hall 
Town, Opequan, Fisher's Hill, Stickney Farm, Cedar Creek, 
and at the capture of Lee at 
Richmond. After his term of service he returned home and 
attended school at Miller's Seminary, 
Athens, Ohio. In 1866 he entered the employ of the Singer 
Sewing Machine Company as general 
agent for Ohio, in which position he remained for three years 
and was transferred to Iowa in 
1869, making Des Moines his home. He continued in the 
agency of the sewing machine 
company, with his headquarters at Des Moines, till 1873, 
when he engaged in the marble 
business, which he has followed till the present time. Mr. 
Webster is a man of pleasant address, 
and by following a strictly honorable and honest system of 
doing business has succeeded in 
establishing a house which is now doing a business of 
$40,000 a year. He was married March 2, 
1867, to Miss Maggie Miller. She is the daughter of Amos 
Miller, a very renowned educator of 
Athens, Ohio. They have three children, sons, named, Fred. 
M., Ralph A., Harry B.
DES MOINES. 881
WEITZ, CHAS.-Contractor and builder. The subject of this 
sketch is probably the oldest 
contractor in Des Moines in point of residence. He was born 
in Germany, on the 4th day of May, 
1824, and in early life was apprenticed to learn the carpenter 
trade, and which avocation he has 
followed until the present time. He remained in his native 
country until 1850, and then decided to 
emigrate to America. Coming to this country he made his 
home first in Columbus, Ohio, and 
worked their five years. At the end of that time business in 
the building line became very dull 
there, and in fact almost suspended. Casually hearing 
mention made of Des Moines, and of its 
being the place selected for the capital, and ignorant to a 
great extent of its location, and acting 
on the impression that it would be a desirable place for a 
man of energy, willing to brave the 
hardships of frontier life, he, in company with his wife, 
reached Des Moines in 1855. He 
purchased the lot where he now lives and built him a 
temporary house, and was successful in 
getting work at once, and before he had been here one 
month had nine men working for him, and 
the number could have been largely increased if he could 
have got the workmen. He has been 
closely identified with the city's building and progress, and by 
economy and industry has been 
very successful. He was married to Miss Helena Kinnel in 
1854. She was born in Germany. They 
have seven children: Lizzie K., Charles H., Amelia, Rosa, 
Fred. W., Emma and Ettie. 
 
WELLS, L. J.-Is a native of Montrose, Susquehanna county, 
Pennsylvania, where he was born 
January 28, 1831. He traces his origin to English ancestry. 
He learned the trade of carpenter in 
his youth and by industry and economy, combined with good 
judgment, had saved about $2,000 
at the time he came to Des Moines, in 1857. It may be 
mentioned here that he came to the city in 
1856 and purchased lots on which to erect a home. . His 
arrival at Des Moines happened at an 
inopportune time. Of his savings $1,000 was invested in his 
home and $400 that he had 
deposited in bank of Ingham & Callanan was swept away in 
the general maelstrom of wild cat 
banks. Making the best of ill fortune he took fourteen 
legislative boarders during the winter, 
among whom was ex-Governor Gue, of Fort Dodge. This 
occupation proved a profitable means 
of support until employment was found, and from that day 
fortune has favored in laboring and 
speculating, and to-day he is recognized among the 
substantial business men of Des Moines. In 
1868 he engaged in his present business and owns a fine 
brick stable, two stories above 
basement, and well stocked with horses and carriages, 
among the finest in the city, and 
his character as a business man may be inferred from the 
success which has attended his 
business. He is no political aspirant, but devotes his time to 
his legitimate business. He has been 
twice married, first to Miss Mary E. Brown, of Pennsylvania, 
in 1852. She died in 1862, leaving 
two children: William and Jesse. He married for his second 
wife Miss Sarah Bailey, a native of 
Maryland, in 1863. 
 
WEBB, R. C.-Of the firm of R. C. Webb & Co., wholesale 
grocers. Among the business men of 
Des Moines few who ever settled here brought with them 
more of the elements of success than 
the subject of our sketch, and who, for thirteen years, has 
been a prominent trader in his line. He 
has indomitable energy and perseverance and carefully 
oversees every branch of his business and 
is shrewd and keen, yet deals fairly with his customers, 
hence he makes friends rapidly, secures 
and retains their custom easily, and is a fine example of  the 
reward which industry and honest 
deal-
882 BIOGRAPHICAL.
ing often secure. He was born in Tennessee August 20, 
1827, and when young he removed to 
Wayne county, Indiana, where he was raised a farmer and 
had a mercantile experience. He came 
to this county in 1866 and engaged in the grain trade, and in 
1867 embarked in his present 
business and at the present time is the oldest jobbing house 
in his line. No firm has done more to 
build up the reputation of Des Moines as a wholesale center. 
He has associated with him in 
business his son, C. L. Webb, and C. C. Prouty. In 1879 he 
was elected to the upper house of the 
Iowa State Legislature, and has served faithfully and well, 
with credit to himself and the entire 
satisfaction of his constituents. He was married in 1845 to 
Miss Sarah A. Burgoyne Case, a 
native of Wayne county, Indiana. They have two children: 
Constantine L. and Clara E. J. (wife of 
Alvin Vinnedge). 
 
WELLS, L.-Druggist. Was born in New York March 28, 
1821, and at the age of thirteen years 
removed, with his parents, to Medina county, Ohio, were he 
was raised. At the age of nineteen 
years he engaged in the potash and pearl business in 
Litchfield, and a short time after opened a 
dry goods store which he continued until 1853. He then 
came to this State, locating in Warren 
county, and invested his means in land and also town lots in 
Indianola. In the fall of 1854 he 
went out to Omaha, Nebraska, built the first hotel at that 
place which he called the Douglas 
House, and boarded the first legislative body of the State. At. 
the end of one year he returned to 
Indianola and bought the Hackett Mill, which he ran for about 
two years and was also engaged in 
the dry goods business. He owned a livery and sale stable in 
Holly Springs, Mississippi, and 
shipped horses and mules to that place, and at the same 
time ran five mail routes for the 
government. In 1863 he went to St. Louis, engaging in the 
commission business, but soon sold 
out and came to Des Moines, where he bought stock. For a 
short time he was engaged in the 
livery business at Clinton, Iowa, and then moved to Peoria, 
Illinois, where he followed his 
business nearly three years. In 1868 he was burned out, 
sustaining quite a loss, and returned to 
this city, where he again engaged in the livery business. He 
remained here nearly three years, sold 
part of his stock and took a trip through the northwest, 
remaining about ten months. In 1871 he 
resumed his principal occupation, and continued therein until 
August, 1877, when he traded his 
stock for lands in Nebraska. He moved to Beatrice, that 
State, remained about three months, and 
then returned here, where he bought his old stable and also 
a drug stock. The next year he traded 
the same for property on the East Side, and in December, 
1877, bought his present drug store. In 
January, 7 1869, he met with a severe accident, falling upon 
a defective sidewalk and breaking 
his hip. This made him a cripple for life. Mr. Wells has been 
thrice married, first, July 14, 1842, 
to Miss Elesta L. Phinney, a native of Ohio. She died 
November 1, 1843, leaving one child, 
Electa (now Mrs. D. W. Wells, of Kearney Junction, 
Nebraska). He was married again January 1, 
1846, to Miss Sarah Jenkins, a native of Ohio. They had four 
children: Lucius W. and Leander 
W. living, and two deceased. The third time, October 9, 
1866, he married Miss Abbie J. Paris, a 
native of Ohio. They have no children. 
 
WELLSLAGER, R. T.-Junior member of the book and 
stationery firm of Redhead & Wellslager. 
Was born in Washington county, Maryland, in 1834, and 
removed at an early age to Richland 
county, Ohio, where,
DES MOINES. 883
during his youth and early manhood, he made the most of 
his inferior advantages in acquiring a 
good education and preparing for a future business career. 
At the age of twenty he emigrated to 
Oskaloosa, this State, securing a position as deputy 
postmaster, and becoming so popular that, in 
response to a petition signed by nearly every voter, 
irrespective of party, in Oskaloosa and 
vicinity, he was, in 1857, appointed postmaster, which 
position he filled with almost unequaled 
satisfaction till April, 1861, when visiting the State capital at 
the opening of the extra session of 
the Iowa Legislature, convened to place the State on a war 
footing, he was made Assistant 
Secretary of the Senate. At the expiration of the legislative 
session he entered the banking house 
of B. F. Allen, where he remained for nearly four years as 
cashier. Removing to New York City 
in the spring of 1865 he operated  in gold, stocks, etc., in 
Wall street for one year, and in March, 
1866, returned to Des Moines and purchased a half interest 
in his present business, and has been 
the active head of the firm of Redhead & Wellslager since 
that time. 
 
WEST, F. R.-Capt F. R. West was one of the pioneers of 
Polk county, and has been an important 
factor in its history. He was born July 28, 1813, in Albany 
county, New York. His father, Harry 
West, was an extensive merchant and contractor, who 
removed to Wayne county, New York, 
about the year 1816, where the son spent the days of his 
youth, receiving good educational 
advantages. In 1834 be went to Pittsburgh, Pa., where he 
was engaged on public works, and 
running a packet boat on the Pennsylvania canal, and from 
which he derived his familiar title of  
"captain." In due process of time railroads usurped the 
passenger traffic of the country, and it was 
abandoned on the canals. When that was done on the 
Pennsylvania canal, Mr. West was 
employed by the railroad company in the weighing 
department, where he remained from 1846 to 
1849, when he became Superintendent of the Alleghany 
Portage Railroad, which position he held 
until 1853, when the road was abandoned. He then came to 
Des Moines, and was engaged in the 
real estate business for five years. In 1856 he built the brick 
block corner of Fourth and Court 
Avenue, now the State Register block. In 1858 the State 
Bank of Iowa was organized, and Mr. 
West was elected President of the Des Moines branch, 
which began business January 1st, 1858. 
In 1861, Hoyt Sherman, the cashier, was appointed 
paymaster in the army, and Mr. West was 
made his successor as cashier, and B. F. Allen elected 
President. The same year Mr. West was 
appointed one of the Commissioners on Iowa War Claims, 
arising from the clothing and 
equipping of Iowa soldiers in the early part of the war of the 
rebellion. He continued as cashier of 
the bank until 1865, when it was reorganized as the National 
State Bank, under the  national 
banking law. He purchased a majority of the stock, and in 
1876 surrendered the charter and 
started a new banking house under the name of F. R. West 
& Sons, which continued to 1877, 
when, becoming involved in the disastrous failure of B. F. 
Allen, the bank was closed. This 
ended eighteen years of continuous banking by Mr. West in 
Des Moines, a longer time than that 
of any other person, and during that time he had the 
confidence and support of the community 
and business men for his prudence and caution. July 17, 
1833, he married Miss Elizabeth F. 
Black, born and raised in Elmira, New York, a woman of 
estimable character, who has done 
much to mould and shape the destiny of the capital city of 
Iowa. Few, very few of those who 
make up the population of to-day realize or know how much
884 BIOGRAPHICAL.
is due the noble pioneer women, who toiled and suffered the 
privations incident to frontier life. 
Six children have been born to them: Francis M., Harry, 
Albert L., and Nettie L. (wife of Norman 
Lichty), Whitman, and Mary Arathusa (who married B. F. 
Allen). The last two are deceased. 
 
WETHERWAX, S. W.-Photographer, was born on the 16th 
of October, 1858, and is a native of 
Mahaska county, this State. After residing in that county for 
some time he went to Keokuk, and 
there received his education, after which he learned his 
present business. In June, of 1880, he 
came to Des Moines, and has since been engaged in 
business here. Although yet a young man he 
has a bright future before him. His energy, combined with his 
good business qualifications, will 
enable him to make a success of whatever he undertakes. 
 
WHITE, W. L.-Was born at Oskaloosa, Iowa, January 18, 
1848, where he passed his youth. 
At the age of seventeen years he entered the army, enlisting 
in company D, of the Thirty-third 
Iowa infantry, in which regiment he served till the close of the 
war. He participated in the battles 
of Mobile, Saline River and numerous others. Upon returning 
from the war he located in Des 
Moines, where he was first employed as salesman by W. E. 
Talbott & Co., in which place he 
remained for four years and a half, when he began business 
for himself. The success which he 
has achieved by this business venture is well known to the 
people of Des Moines and Central 
Iowa. He is now regarded as one of the most successful 
boot and shoe dealers in the State. He 
was married January 31st, 1873, to Miss Ella Clapp.  She is 
the daughter of Mr. E. R. Clapp, and 
one of the first settlers of Polk county. They have four 
children named respectively as follows: 
Jennie, Adelia, Alvah, William L. 
 
WHITE, W. R.-Of the firm of White & McRae, proprietors of 
the Pleasant Hill Coal Company, 
mention of which is made in another part of this work, was 
born in England, on the 28th day of 
September, 1850. At the age of nine years he commenced 
the occupation of miner. In 1870 he 
emigrated to the United States and settled in Illinois. He 
came to this county in 1874. He married 
Miss Mary A. Lumsdon in 1875. She was born in Monmouth, 
Warren county, Illinois. They have 
one son, Robert J. 
 
WHITE, B. C.-Proprietor of the Capital Mills, was born in 
Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, 
December 23,1824, and was raised there. He learned the 
trade of machinist in Philadelphia, and 
from this place went to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and after 
living there some years removed to 
Chicago, Illinois, and thence to Indianapolis, Indiana, and in 
1853 went to Richmond, Indiana, 
and lived there between twelve and thirteen years, eight 
years of which he was engaged in the gas 
business. He came to this county in 1865, and in 1866 built 
his present mills. He married Miss 
Letitia Flemming in 1866. She was born in Lancaster county, 
Pennsylvania. They have a family 
of three children: George F., Grace M. and Pearl L. Lost one 
son, Benjamin F. 
 
WHITE, GEO.-Of the firm of Geo. White & Co., dealers in 
notions at wholesale, and one of the 
representative business men of Central Iowa, as well as of 
Des Moines, is a native of Plymouth, 
Massachusetts, and was born on the 12th day of September, 
1825. He resided at home until 
thirteen years of age, and then shipped before the mast as a 
sailor boy and made several voyages 
to Europe. At the age of fifteen he quit the sea and engaged 
as an apprentice to learn the cooper's 
trade. He continued this busi-
DES MOINES. 885
ness as an avocation for some years and then went to 
California and remained a short time, and 
after his return located in Boston, where he lived until 185?, 
and then joined a New England 
company, who emigrated to Iowa, and settled in Adair 
county, and engaged in agricultural 
pursuits. In 1863 he removed to Des Moines and engaged in 
his present business. In 1872 he 
formed a partnership with Mr. Mecracken, which continued 
until the death of Mr. Mecracken, in 
December, 1878, since which time the business has been 
conducted under the name and style of 
Geo. White & Co. The firm has an established trade and it 
has done its full share in making Des 
Moines a wholesale trade-center for the great and growing 
West. From the time he first engaged 
in his present business he has been one of the leading 
dealers of Des Moines. He was married in 
1853 to Miss Frances Sprague, a native of Boston, 
Massachusetts. They have two children: Edith 
J. (now Mrs. Morrison), and Fannie R. 
 
WHITMAN, Dr. H. L.-One of the longest resident practicing 
physicians of Des Moines, is the 
subject of this sketch, who was born in West Hartford, 
Connecticut, December 30, 1814, and 
until seventeen years of age he was raised on a farm. He 
received his literary education at 
Amherst, Massachusetts, and graduated in medicine from 
the Jefferson Medical College, of 
Philadelphia. He removed to Freeport, Illinois, in 1847, and 
thence to Dubuque in 1851, and 
came to this county in 1853, and has practiced continuously 
longer in the city than any other 
physician, and, with the exception of Dr. Ward, the longest in 
the county, and is one of the best 
physicians known throughout the county. He is as much a 
student as ever, and devotes his leisure 
to reading his medical periodicals and other scientific works, 
and no one has labored more to 
raise the standard of medical practice. He was married in 
1865 to Miss E. Thompson, a native of 
Ellington, Connecticut. He has three children: Nellie West, 
Mary E. and Luara Thompson. 
 
WILLIAMS, J. E.-Was born in Montrose, Susquehanna 
county, Pennsylvania, October 10, 1841, 
and in October of 1870 removed to Iowa. He first settled at 
Adel, and for a time was the editor of 
the Dallas County Gazette. He held the office of postmaster 
at that place for three years from 
January 1, 1871, and in 1874 came to Des Moines to accept 
the position of editor on the Daily 
State Journal, remaining there until August, 1875. In August, 
1876, he opened a job printing 
establishment on Fifth street, which he still continues, in 
connection with which he is agent of a 
prominent fire insurance company. September 12, 1865, he 
was married to Miss Carrie N. 
Ostrander, of Binghamton, New York. They have one 
daughter, May. 
 
WILSON, JOHN A.-Carriage manufacturer. Was born in 
Jackson county, Indiana, May 12, 1841, 
and there received his education. At the age of thirteen 
years he began to learn the blacksmith 
trade with Wm. Ireland, of Brownstown, Jackson county, and 
remained with him until twenty 
years of age. He then removed to Louisville, Kentucky, 
where he worked at his trade until 
August, 1862, and then returned to Brownstown. He there 
enlisted in and helped to raise 
company E, Sixty-seventh Indiana.. He was promoted to 
sergeant and then lieutenant of his 
company and was with the regiment all of the time, except 
about six weeks in the hospital. 
Served until the close of the war and was discharged at 
Galveston, Texas, August 20, 1865. He 
returned to Louisville and engaged at his trade, remaining 
there about three years; and then came 
to Iowa and
886 BIOGRAPHICAL.
located at Brooklyn, Poweshiek county. In the fall of 1870 he 
came to Des Moines and engaged 
in working for O. W. Munsell until the spring of 1871, when 
he formed a partnership under the 
firm name of Harbison, Wilson & Williams, for the 
manufacture of fine carriages. At the end of 
about two years Mr. Williams withdrew, and in about one 
year more Mr. Wilson became sole 
proprietor. In August, 1866, he sold his establishment to Mr. 
Gill and fitted up a shop on the East 
Side. One year later he returned to this side and in 
December, 1878, established his present 
shops. He was married September 11, 1872, to Miss Mary 
Bell, a native of Massachusetts. They 
have two children living: Willie H. and J. A. Lost one, an 
infant. 
 
WILLIAMSON, W. W.-A native of Franklin, Kentucky, was 
born on the 6th of September, 
1821. In 1828, when William was eight years old, his mother 
died and he lived with his 
grandmother Williamson until 1834, when his father married 
a second time and removed to 
Orleans, Indiana, and engaged in the mercantile trade. Prior 
to this time William had attended 
school at various places, but upon removing to Indiana, 
entered his father's store, where he was 
engaged for two years. He afterward spent three years on a 
farm in Orange county, and in 1840 
entered Asbury University, at Greencastle, Indiana. He 
continued his studies for three years and 
in the spring of 1844 taught a school for three months. Going 
thence to Lawrence county, he 
there had charge of a seminary for more than a year and at 
the expiration of that time entered the 
office of George C. Dunn, Esq., for the purpose of 
completing his law studies, which he had 
previously begun. Being admitted to the bar in 1846, he 
began the practice of his profession at 
Bedford, Indiana, and continued it with good success until 
the spring of 1848, when he removed 
to Fairfield, Iowa. He had intended to settle at Monroe City, 
the capital having been located 
there, but the Legislature of that year set aside the action 
locating the capital there, and Mr. 
Williamson spent eighteen months at the above named 
place. Believing that the capital would 
eventually be located at Fort Des Moines, he removed 
thither in September, 1849, and 
established himself in the practice of his profession. He soon 
made for himself a fine reputation, 
and in 1851 was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Polk county 
for a term of two years. In 1854 he 
was elected, on the Whig ticket, Judge of the Fifth judicial 
district, which comprised all of 
Western Iowa. After his election had been reported and his 
certificate issued by the Secretary of 
State, the election was contested, the contesting board 
consisting of two Democrats and one 
Whig. Poll-books were admitted in a questionable, if not 
fraudulent manner, and the result was 
that his election was set aside. He continued his profession 
with marked success until 1860, 
when, by reason of his wife's ill health, he removed his family 
to San Antonio, Texas. In July, 
1861, on account of the civil war, which had already opened, 
he returned to Des Moines and 
continued his practice until the fall of 1865, when he again 
went to San Antonio. Such, however, 
was the state of society, that he returned to Des Moines in 
the following spring and opened a law 
office. He was married in September, 1874, to Miss Clarissa 
A. McLane, of Bedford, Indiana. 
Mrs. Williamson was born at Orleans, Indiana, on the 3d of 
May, 1824. They have had five 
children: William T., Charles E., Frank and Clara, living, and 
one daughter, Lillie, died May 8, 
1858. As a lawyer he has a wide and worthy reputation 
among his fellow practitioners, and is 
universally known as an honorable, fair-dealing man.
DES MOINES. 887
WILLIAMS, J. J.-Is the son of Alexander and Mary, nee 
Jackson, Williams who settled in 
Jefferson county, Ohio, in an early day. Here young Williams 
was born, May 14, 1834, inheriting 
on his father's side the quick, impassioned temperament of 
the ancient Briton, and the careful, but 
no less determined Scotch character, through his mother. 
The subject of our sketch was raised in 
Gallia county, Ohio, his parents removing to that county 
when he was quite young. Here he 
enjoyed good educational advantages. His father was a 
farmer, an extensive mill owner and 
operator in the two counties above named. From sixteen 
years of age until twenty-four, young 
Williams divided his time between farming, milling and study. 
He then devoted two years to the 
study of law, and graduated from the law school of Cincinnati 
in the spring of 1860. In the 
following fall he removed to this city, and, after mature 
deliberation, becoming convinced that 
milling would be more profitable than the practice of law, he 
became connected with his father, 
who had the previous year bought the water-power, built the 
flouring mill on First, corner of 
Center street, West Des Moines. He continued the milling 
business until the fall of 1873, since 
which time he has devoted his time principally to real estate. 
He at present represents West Des 
Moines in the city. council. He has manifested commendable 
public spirit in the growth and 
prosperity of the town, and has taken an active part in every 
public improvement and contributed 
liberally to every enterprise. He is a man of great decision of 
character, with strong and enduring 
convictions of right, and, being a prudent and careful 
manager, success has attended him in every 
branch of business. September 25, 1860, he was married to 
Miss Cornelia M., daughter of John 
Catin , a native of Gallia county, Ohio. They have a family of 
seven children living: Mary B., 
Jennie C., Cornelia M., Minnetta, Ida L., Alice W., Alex. Have 
lost two: Gertrude and John A. 
 
WILLIAMS, J. D.-Of the Farmers' Mills. Born in Shelby, 
county, Indiana, July 25, 1842, and in 
1850 removed with his parents to Iowa, locating in Polk 
county, where, with the exception of the 
time he was in the army, the subject of this sketch has since 
resided. In 1862 he enlisted in 
company C, Twenty-third Iowa infantry, and served until 
1863, when, on account of disabilities, 
he was discharged and returned home. Up to 1873 he was 
engaged in agricultural pursuits, but 
since then has been engaged in the milling business, being 
engaged at present in the manufacture 
of hominy, bolted meal, feed, etc. He was married in 1863, 
June 8, to Martha M. Hawkins, a 
native of Indiana. Have five children: Charles S., Joseph M. 
James C., Clarence H. and Fanny 13. 
 
WINDSOR, JAMES H.-The subject of the following sketch is 
a fair example of what may be 
attained by perseverance, industry and energy. He was born 
in Allegany county, New York, on 
the 16th day of April, 1829, and is the son of Samuel 
Windsor, Esq., a merchant of some 
prominence, a dealer in hardware and manufacturer of 
tinware. Young Windsor's early youth was 
spent in acquiring an education, and at the age of nineteen 
he commenced his experience as a 
practical tinsmith. For three years he was deputy postmaster 
in his native town. In 1852 he 
removed to Ellicottville, Cattaraugus, county, New York, and 
engaged in the drug business, 
continuing the same for two years. The following year six 
months was spent in a tour of 
observation through the West. In 1856 he removed to 
Waukegan, Illinois, and served as Deputy 
Clerk of the Circuit Court for two years and in 1858 he 
returned to New York to settle his father's 
estate and
888 BIOGRAPHICAL.
remained there three years, being engaged in agricultural 
pursuits and stock dealing. From there 
he went to Buffalo, where for two years he was engaged in 
the stock business, being associated 
with J. H. Metcalf, under the firm name of Metcalf & Windsor, 
proprietors of the Elk Street 
Drovers' Yards, of that city. He then disposed of his interest 
and came to Chicago and engaged in 
the live stock commission business, continuing the same 
until 1873, when he removed to this city 
and purchased Stower's packing house and became 
associated with Jones & Raymond in the 
packing business. Of this business, mention of which is 
made in another part of this work, we 
feel that too much cannot be said of its interest to the city 
and to the farmers of the county in 
affording them a market at all times and at satisfactory 
prices. To such institutions is Des Moines 
indebted for its importance as a business center and 
commercial supremacy. Mr. W. has been 
twice married. First, March 29, 1865, to Miss Mary G., 
daughter of D. D. T. Moore, of West 
Albany. She died March 8, 1874, leaving three children: 
Mary, Leland and Ruth. His second 
marriage was on the 16th of November, 1875, to Miss Hattie 
G. McManus, a most estimable 
lady, possessing a sound and discriminating mind, united 
with sweetness of temper and elegance 
of manner. She was born in Eddyville, Iowa. They have one 
son: James Raymond. 
 
WISEHART, JACKSON-Real estate agent and notary 
public. The subject of this sketch was 
born in Wayne county, Indiana, November 4, 1831. Two 
years later he removed with his parents 
to Henry county, same State, where he made his home until 
1873, then coming to Iowa and 
locating in Adel. He there remained for one year, and in 
1874 came to this city.  He established 
his present business March 1, 1878. Mr. Wisehart has been 
twice married. His first wife was 
Miss Christiana Brattain, a native of Henry county, Indiana. 
They were married March 10, 1852, 
and she died August 24, 1877, leaving a family of two sons 
and four daughters: Melissa (now 
Mrs. Will Dykes, of Henry county, Indian, Ida May (now Mrs. 
John Judkins, of Indianola, this 
State), J. E., Otto ., Grace and Gertrude L. (twins), born 
September 4, 1874. He took for his 
second wife, Mrs. H. L. Sullivan, April 4, 1877. She has one 
daughter by her former marriage, 
Emma. As a business man Mr. Wisehart is prompt and 
energetic, upright in all his dealings. He 
has secured the esteem of all with whom he has had 
business relations and has attained a well 
merited success. 
 
WRIGHT, GEN. ED-Was born near Salem in Columbiana 
county, Ohio, January 27, 1872. Mr. 
Wright was, during youth and early manhood, inured to the 
healthy toil and invigorating exercise 
of a farm life. His father was a thrifty and industrious farmer, 
and it was at this vocation that 
young Wright served a youthful apprenticeship; his 
educational advantages consisted of the 
facilities furnished at an ordinary district school, 
supplemented by a term at Atwater Academy. 
After his short career at the Academy he taught school 
during the winter months and worked on 
the farm during the summer. In 1849 he turned his attention 
to the trade of carpenter and 
millwright, and in the spring of 1852 emigrated to Iowa, and 
settled near Springdale, in Cedar 
county, where he followed his trade until he was elected to 
the General Assembly in 1856. He 
was re-elected in 1857 and again in 1859. In 1861 be 
entered the United States volunteer service, 
and in August of that year was commissioned major of the 
Twenty-fourth Iowa infantry. After 
long and distinguished service he was commissioned 
lieutenant-colonel, and finally, after passing 
through some of the
DES MOINES. 889
most hotly contested battles of the war, among other those 
of Port Gibson, Champion's Hill, 
Winchester and Fisher's Hill, he was breveted brigadier 
general. After returning home at the close 
of the war, he was honored by a fourth election to the 
General Assembly, and upon the 
organization of the house, was chosen Speaker. While filling 
this important office he won a State 
wide reputation as an impartial presiding officer. In 1866 he 
was elected Secretary of State, and 
in 1868 was again elected to the same office, and again in 
1870 was he called upon to be his own 
successor. In 1873 he was appointed Secretary of the Board 
of Capitol Commissioners, and assistant  
superintendent of the State House. There are but few men, if 
any, who have, to a greater 
extent, enjoyed, and for a longer time maintained the 
confidence and respect of their fellow 
citizens. Mr. Wright was married during the year 1848, to 
Miss Martha Thompson of Mahoning 
county, Ohio. She died June 27, 1877, leaving two children: 
Flora and Celia (now Mrs. 
Cleveland.) 
 
WYMAN, JOHN-Of the firm of Bogue & Wyman, proprietors 
of the Kirkwood House, one of 
Des Moines' most valued citizens, is a native of Vermont, 
and was born on the 15th day of 
October, 1823, and over forty years of his life was spent in 
New England. His father was a 
carpenter, and until his twentieth year he worked with his 
father at the same occupation. He then 
commenced his mercantile experience, which he continued 
for nearly twenty years previous to 
his coming to Des Moines, in 1867.- Soon after coming to 
this city he became a member of the 
firm of Osgood & Wyman, afterward Osgood, Wyman & 
Harris, and continued the dry goods. 
business until 1879, when he disposed of his interest and 
soon after formed a co-partnership with 
C. D. Bogue and opened the Kirkwood House. As a 
business man he has been very successful, 
and he is a good illustration of what can be accomplished by 
industry, economy and a high sense 
of honor. In character, as well as in purse, he is one of the 
solid men of the city. He married Miss 
Loretta S. Hatch in 1871. She is a native of Vermont. They 
have three children: Nettie A., Grace 
E. and Anna W. Mr. Wyman has one son, James, by a 
former marriage. 
 
YOUNGERMAN, CONRAD-Brick manufacturer and 
contractor, was born in Germany on the 
fifteenth day of December, 1833, and was raised in his 
native county and learned the trade of 
stone cutting. He emigrated to, the United States in 1854 
and settled in Ohio, and in 1856 came 
to this city; and he is a good illustration of what economy and 
perseverance can accomplish. He 
came here a poor man, has always been prudent in his 
expenditures, and every dollar he 
possesses is the fruit of integrity and industry. He has long 
been one of the most prominent 
contractors of the. city, and no one has shown more 
enterprise than Mr. Youngerman in making 
improvements of substantial work. He was married to Miss 
Mena Stark in 1856; she was born in 
Germany. They have a family of seven children: Willie, 
George, Louie, Charlie, August, Frank 
and Mena. 
 
YOUNGERMAN, F. W. Cigar manufacturer, and dealer in 
tobacco and smokers' articles, was 
born in Germany, on the eighth day of July, 1845, and lived 
there until seventeen years of age 
when he emigrated to the United States, in 1862, and settled 
in Chicago, Illinois, where he 
learned the cigar maker's trade. In 1867 he came to Des 
Moines, and in 1868 engaged in business 
for himself: He married Miss Julia Lehman, in 1874; she was 
born in Lancaster, Ohio. They have 
one son, Harry.
890 BIOGRAPHICAL.
YOUNG, MADISON-The subject of this sketch was born in 
Stewartstown, Coos county, New 
Hampshire, June 3, 1813, and died in Cincinnati, Ohio, 
October 31, 1873. In early life his time 
was divided between attending schools in winter and 
working on a farm in summer until eighteen 
years of age. Early in life he manifested a desire for literary 
attainments, and no discouragements 
were sufficient to deter him from accomplishing his purpose. 
He was prepared for college at the 
academies in Lancaster, St. John, Vermont, and at Kimball 
Union Academy, Plainfield, New 
Hampshire. He entered Union College, Schenectady, New 
York, and graduated in July, 1840. 
After graduating he went to Georgia and engaged in 
teaching. In 1842 he returned to New York 
and was admitted to the bar. He located at Cato, Cayuga 
county, and commenced the practice of 
law, remaining there until 1849, when he came to Fort Des 
Moines. He was elected a Justice of 
the peace and served until 1856. While holding that position 
he made some very judicious 
investments in real estate, and every dollar he could obtain 
he invested in land, at the same time 
took an active part in public improvements, especially in 
public schools. He was a liberal 
subscriber to the Des Moines University, and with Rev. 
Thompson Bird, Dr. Grimmell and 
others, became individually liable for a large sum of money, 
agreeing to pay thirty per cent with 
which to continue the enterprise. He purchased ten acres of 
land north of the city limits for the 
purpose of improving it with fruit,. While waiting for this to 
grow he visited Europe and spent 
two years, then returned to his ten acres with renewed 
energy and vigor. A few years later he 
made another trip to Europe and after his return erected a 
very imposing and substantial brick 
residence. Owing to ill health, he, in April, of the following 
spring, sold his place to Conrad 
Youngerman and went to Colorado, spending some six 
weeks, but without beneficial results. He 
executed a will, bequeathing his property to relatives, $1,000 
to Union College, New York, and a 
lot in South Des Moines to a colored man named Murry. His 
health not improving. by the advice 
of a physician he went to the Cincinnati Hospital, where he 
remained until his death. He was 
eccentric in character, but honest in all his dealings with his 
fellow-man. 
 
ZINSMASTER, WILLIAM-Proprietor of the International 
Hotel, was born in Stark county, 
Ohio, June 11,1842, and there he grew to manhood on a 
farm; his education was received in the 
common schools, also Greensbnry Seminary and Mount 
Union College. He was engaged in 
teaching for several years, and in 1864 he came to this 
county, locating in Washington township. 
There bought a farm which he continued to keep until 1875, 
at which time he sold out and came 
to this city. He opened the "Buckeye House" which stood 
where his present hotel stands, and in 
1878 he tore that building down and upon the same ground 
built his present large and 
commodious three-story brick house, which he still owns. 
Everything is new and in good order, 
and he keeps a fine hotel. February 15, 1876, Miss Mary A. 
Kirkman of Tennessee, became his 
wife. They have five children: Louisa, Clara, Laura, Rosa 
and Marcellus.