Polk County

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 “boarded ’round.” Schoolhouses were made of logs by the people of a neighborhood, who, upon a given day, would bring logs together and build the house. A fund would be raised by subscription, and a teacher employed,whose compensation was fixed by circumstances and conditions. If … Read more

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 in 1831, and he then went to live with an uncle in Cincinnati, where he was apprenticed to learn the printing business, and, being the youngest in the office, was the “printer’s devil,” and one of the first newsboys of the city. After a time, … Read more

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 Stutsman made additions to one of the log buildings at the corner of First and Walnut streets, and named it the Pennsylvania House. It was one story and a half high, the upper story being one room. Beds were placed along each side, without curtains … Read more

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 with household goods and a small lot of drugs, drawn by ten horses, he set out for Fort Des Moines. He arrived here late at night, October Fifteenth, having to ford the river between Grand Avenue and Walnut Street,there being no bridges. There was not … Read more

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 River. That the school was popular is evidenced by the large attendance of scholars from all parts of the county. In the Fall, he joined Major William McKay, who subsequently became Judge of the District Court, in the practice of law. In the Spring of … Read more

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 to The Fort in September, 1845, and for a time made his home with John Beach, the Indian Agent, about half a mile east of Capital Hill, on what was known as the “Four Mile” or “State Road.” The next year was a busy one. … Read more

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 dress to a goose yoke — and a little more,” as advertised. Being energetic and ambitious to do things, he soon began to widen out, and in 1850, with Charley Van, built a steam sawmill not far from the south end of ‘Coon River bridge, … Read more

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 out, on the bluff overlooking Des Moines River, like Lot’s wife, they stopped and looked back. Though Barlow was never accused of ætheticism nor the pulchritudinous, he was pleased with the surrounding scenery and the prospective resources. They came back, and went into the real … Read more

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 purposes. Father Plathe was a benevolent, courteous, conscientious man, and entered upon is labors with zeal and was highly esteemed. He was physically frail, the labor was hard, his strength failed, he relinquished the field, and was succeeded, in 1860, by John F. Brazil, or … Read more

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 Des Moines January Third, 1851, as a Baptist missionary preacher, fresh from college, and made his home in a log cabin where Walter Reed’s harness store now is, on Walnut Street. The first Sabbath after his arrival he was invited to preach by Father Bird, … Read more

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 and there——the heritage left by the military garrison. They stood, principally, along the two rivers; those along the Des Moines were called, “Des Moines Row;” those along the Racoon, “Coon Row.” These cabins were rented from Uncle Sam on such terms as could be agreed … Read more

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 moved to Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana. When eleven years old, he began business life as a clerk in a dry goods trade, with Wooster & Woods, for four dollars per month. The following year he enlisted with Henry Fox for twenty-five dollars per month. The … Read more

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 early days and the struggles, privations and untoward experience thereto; to his coadjutors and co-workers who laid the foundation for this present superstructure, and he calls the roll of them. There was Alex. Scott, Doctor Brooks, Father Bird, Ezra Rathbun, R. L. Tidrick, Judge Rice, … Read more

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, and Thomas spent his boyhood days on the old home farm, receiving such education as the common schools of that day afforded. When he was sixteen years old his father died, and he had to look out for himself. He got employment on a farm … Read more