One of the very first merchants to open a store in Des Moines was R. W. Sypher, who came early in 1846. He occupied a double log cabin on the Phelps Fur Company claim, about a mile east on the plateau, near the river, as all trade and business, outside the garrison, was in that …
One of the earliest and best known settlers of Polk County, and identified with the formative period of the city, was Isaac Cooper, a nephew of J. Fenimore Cooper, the novelist. He came here in September, 1845, made a land claim in what was then Delaware Township, but now a part of Clay Township, and …
Measured by the tangible, observable, accomplished results, Jefferson S. Polk (or “Jeff,” as he is familiarly called) must be accorded a prominent place among the builders of the city. He came here in 1855, from Kentucky, a young lawyer, twenty-three years old, with no capital except a college diploma, ambition, pluck and perseverance, and at …
The person who goes though [through] the country on the railroads diverging from the city, and sees the fine farm houses and their pleasing environments, has no conception of the trials and privations which encompassed their beginnings. As a rule, the pioneers located their claims near rivers and creeks. The clothing they wore, a small …
Though not one of the earliest settlers here, Byron Rice, who came in September, 1849, may be recorded the father of Des Moines, as a civil compact; for, prior to 1849, the county and the town were comparatively unorganized. It was the formative period. Schools were supported by subscriptions, and in the country the teachers …
Among the early hustlers and epoch-makers of Polk County and Des Moines, was Wesley Redhead, for forty years known by every man, woman and child in the community. Born in Cumberland County, England, July Twenty-second, 1825, when but four years old he came over the sea with his parents to Montreal, Canada. His parents died …
Mention of men and events of early days would be incomplete that omitted “Colonel” Sumner F. Spofford, who came here in 1854, and for thirty-four years was a moving spirit in public affairs. Without a military record, he was given the title of “Colonel” by common consent, and it fitted him well. In 1852, Conrad …
One of the very early settlers here who made their impress upon the city, and for sixteen years was one of the foremost, energetic, respected citizens, was Doctor F. C. Grimmel. In August, 1846, in Ohio, he gathered together his family, consisting of his wife, three sons and two daughters, and, with four wagons loaded …
Of the pioneers of the city, none were more thoroughly identified with its history, or a part of it during the first thirty years, than R. L. Tidrick. He arrived here in May, 1847, fresh from a law school, and at once opened a private school in one of the log barrack buildings on ‘Coon …
Few, if any, of the first settlers here were better or more intimately known than Doctor Thomas K. Brooks, whose profession led him into the homes and confidence of the settlers. His genial, jolly, sympathetic nature made him very popular. Though an excellent physician, his presence was often more beneficial than his medicine. He came …
B. F. Allen, or “Frank” as he was usually called, came to Des Moines in 1848, bringing with him about fifteen thousand dollars, in those days deemed a large sum. He at once joined Jonathan Lyon in a general business at the northeast corner of Second and Vine streets, dealing in “everything from a silk …
Barlow Granger — not to know of Barlow is to deny one’s citizenship — came to Des Moines with a friend named Jones (before the flood of 1849) to grow up with the country. After looking over the town a couple of days, they concluded they could do better, and started away. About two miles …
Daniel O. Finch, or “Dan” as old-timers knew him best—in the early days everybody was called by his “front” name—came to Des Moines in 1853, and joined Curtis Bates in the law and banking business, their office being on Second Street, nearly all stores and office then being on that street near ‘Coon Point. He …
In 1854, Bishop Matthias Loras, of Dubuque, purchased two lots at the corner of Sixth and Locust streets, paying eight hundred dollars therefor, and donated them to the Catholic Church. G. A. Plathe was sent here as a parish priest. In 1856, two small frame buildings were erected on those lots for church and school …
To the zealous, philanthropic labor of Father Bird, Elder Nash and Father Brazil rightfully belongs the founding of the religious and educational element in social life of this city, as evidenced by the ninety-six houses for religious worship and the sixty-two schools. Rev. John A. Nash, or “Elder,” as he was familiarly called, came to …
One of the most conspicuous landmarks of the city, as it were, in Phineas M. Casady, or “Judge,” as he is familiarly called. He arrived here June Eleventh, 1846. The outlook at that time, to a young man on business bent, was not attractive. Civilization had scarcely begun. A few log cabins were scattered here …
No record of early days in Des Moines would be complete without mention of W. W. Moore, familiarly known to everybody in Polk County as “Billy.” He came to the town when the Indians were here. He was born “All Fools’ Day”—but he is not a fool— in Madison, Indiana, 1832. Shortly after, his parents …
Standing on a street corner, seeing the street cars, the arc and incandescent lights, the “devil wagon,” the tall and stately marts of trade, in every direction the concomitants of a prosperous, contented, enlightened and healthful municipality, the mind of the old-timer naturally harks back to the days when things were not thus; to the …
Thomas Mitchell may be justly recorded as the godfather of Polk County. His generous, humanitarian heart embraced all men and all things. His very face was a smile. Everybody called him “Uncle Tommy.” He was born March Third, 1816, in Claremont, Sullivan County, New Hampshire, and was of Scotch-Irish descent. His father was a farmer, …
The State Historical Society of Iowa is in the process of making more of these records available online. Currently they have placed online death records for 87 counties with various dates for all of them which fall between 1917 and 1939.
