Des Moines County IA

Biography of A. H. McCarty

A. H. McCarty, born March 21, 1863, in Iowa, became a prominent figure in Valeda, Kansas, after moving there in 1885. He served as cashier of the Valeda State Bank, established in 1915, and held various public offices, including deputy county clerk and township trustee. His family roots trace back to colonial Ireland, and he continued the farming legacy initiated by his father, Isaac McCarty. A dedicated democrat and Baptist, he married Ida M. Ames in 1891 and raised two sons, contributing significantly to the local community.

Biographical Sketch of John Ralph Owens

John Ralph Owens, born on May 15, 1853, in Burlington, Iowa, was a prominent dentist and civic leader. He graduated as salutatorian from Burlington High School in 1870 and earned a D.D.S. from Philadelphia Dental College in 1875. Married to Louise Benton in 1889, he had three daughters. Owens served twelve years as a cavalry sergeant, contributed to various dental societies, and promoted children’s oral health in schools. He was an active community member, involved in multiple organizations and enjoyed outdoor activities.

Loosely, Charles A. – Obituary

Charles A. Loosely, a well-known fraternalist, passed away at his home in Enterprise, Oregon, on August 29, 1920, after a period of critical illness. Born in Illinois on November 2, 1877, he married Nina Baner in 1898 and had a son, Donald. The family moved to Oregon in 1908 and later to Portland, returning to Enterprise in 1919 for health reasons. He is survived by his wife, son, mother, and two sisters, and was an active member of the I.O.O.F. and Rebekah lodges.

Biography of W. S. Moore

W. S. Moore, born December 6, 1865, in Illinois, is a distinguished stockman from Dewey, Oklahoma, dedicated to the cattle industry. After moving to Oklahoma with his family in 1884, he gained invaluable experience under J. S. Todd. Establishing the Horseshoe L ranch, he became a leading cattle operator, partnering with Todd and others to manage thousands of cattle across extensive lands. Married to Emma Scudder in 1898, they have three children. Moore’s contributions significantly shaped Oklahoma’s stock raising industry, marking him as a vital figure in its development.

Biography of Burton Emory Clifford

Burton Emory Clifford, born May 7, 1872, in Aledo, Illinois, rose to prominence as a lawyer and ex-prosecuting attorney of Allen County, Kansas. His legal acumen was built on a solid education and extensive experience, complemented by an innate understanding of human nature. After graduating from Kent Law School in 1898, he established a successful practice in Iola, noted for his fearless prosecution and thorough legal knowledge. A member of various bar associations and fraternal organizations, Clifford was married in 1899 but had no children.

Biography of William Hunter McKenzie

William Hunter McKenzie, born on November 15, 1862, in Harrisonville, Ohio, became a notable figure in the gas industry, serving as general manager of the Wyandotte County Company in Kansas City, Kansas, since 1905. Orphaned at a young age, he gained mechanical skills while working at the Ohio Soldiers and Sailors Orphans Home. His career included positions at various gas companies across the Midwest. Committed to civic improvement, McKenzie was active in local charities and organizations, reflecting his community engagement and leadership.

Welch, Mabel Leona Morrow – Obituary

Mabel Leona Welch, born September 15, 1902, in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, passed away on June 20, 1955, at Mercy Hospital in Burlington. She married Amos Lloyd Welch on July 3, 1917. Previously residing in Mt. Pleasant, she was a member of the former Methodist Protestant Church. Mabel is survived by her husband, two children, her mother, and several siblings. Services are scheduled for Thursday at Elliott Chapel in New London, with burial at Burge Cemetery.

Combs, Dennis D. – Obituary

Dennis D. Combs, 76, of Burlington, passed away on January 28, 2006. Born February 28, 1929, in New London, he married Martha J. Hoover in 1947, who predeceased him in 1988. A retiree of the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant, he enjoyed fishing, playing the violin, and other pastimes. He is survived by three sons, two daughters, 11 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, an infant son, and a brother. Burial will take place in Richwoods North Cemetery.

Biography of Hon. George W. Vinton

Hon. George W. Vinton, born on December 5, 1834, in Middlebury, Vermont, became a respected figure in Rock Island County through his integrity and public service. After graduating from Randolph Academy, he taught briefly before moving west to Minnesota. Vinton worked with his uncle, John Deere, and contributed significantly to the community through various political roles, including serving as an Alderman and a member of the Illinois State Legislature, where he introduced vital legislation for healthcare and the World’s Columbian Exposition. He was also involved in Masonic and Knights of Pythias organizations.

Biography of Julius Junge

Julius Junge, born in Prussia on March 23, 1848, emigrated to America with his family in 1854, settling in Iowa. He became a prominent businessman in Rock Island, serving as vice-president of the Rock Island Brewing Company after his ventures as a bookkeeper and store owner. Married in 1878, he raised three daughters and earned a reputation as a sportsman and horse breeder. Known for his integrity and sociability, Junge remains a respected figure in the community, contributing to various local enterprises.

Biographical Sketch of Franklin T. Dick

Franklin T. Dick, born May 7, 1840, in Westport, Kentucky, moved to La Grande in 1866 after stints in Iowa, Nevada, and Idaho. He married Marquise Lewis in 1870 and has four children. Initially engaged in agriculture and hospitality, he has served as La Grande’s postmaster for over two years. A former Oregon legislator, he is noted for his honorable political service. Recently, he inherited $15,000 from J.B. Stevens, reflecting his commendable standing in the community.

Biography of Van B. De Lashmutt

Van B. De Lashmutt, the current mayor of Portland, is a versatile figure whose career spans journalism, banking, real estate, and mining. Born in Burlington, Iowa, in 1842, he moved to Oregon in 1852, pursuing journalism before serving in the Civil War. Upon returning, he became a successful businessman, establishing the Metropolitan Savings Bank and the Oregon National Bank. Known for his mining investments in the Coeur d’Alene region, he also played a crucial role in regional transportation issues. Elected mayor in 1888, he is highly regarded in the community.

Biography of Col. William Williams Chapman

William William Chapman

Colonel William Williams Chapman (1808-1897) was a pivotal figure in early American history, particularly in Iowa and Oregon. He played a crucial role in establishing policies that shaped their governance, including advocating for public education and judicial reforms. A key figure in Oregon’s development, he was instrumental in Portland’s rise and railroad expansion, always prioritizing public welfare over personal gain. Chapman’s legacy reflects his dedication to community service and strategic foresight, making him a prominent leader in the foundational years of the American West.

Biography of Jas. Hendershott

Jas. Hendershott, born in Illinois in 1829, became a prominent figure in Oregon’s legislature between 1866 and 1872. Originally from Iowa, he moved west in 1852, holding various roles including auditor, sheriff, and scout during the Indian War. Now residing on a well-maintained farm near The Cove, he engages in agriculture and serves as the state horticultural commissioner for the fifth district. Known for his hospitality, he lives with his wife, three children, and six grandchildren, contributing significantly to his community.

Biography of Robert Couch Kinney

Robert Couch Kinney, born on July 4, 1813, in Illinois, was a prominent Oregon pioneer who played a significant role in the state’s early development. He relocated with his family to Oregon in 1847 and settled in Chehalem Valley, where he became a respected figure known for his judgment and enterprise. Kinney was a key delegate in Oregon’s constitutional convention, advocating for public education and anti-slavery measures. A successful businessman, he developed flour mills and contributed to Oregon’s agricultural economy. He passed away in 1875, leaving a lasting legacy through his family and community contributions.

Biography of Mrs. Sarah H. Jeffers

Mrs. Sarah H. Jeffers recounts her journey across the plains with her family from Burlington, Iowa, to Oregon in 1847. Traveling as part of a group of forty-two wagons led by Albert Davis, they faced numerous challenges, including hostile conditions and Indian dangers. Their journey spanned over six months, marked by significant landmarks like Fort Laramie and Independence Rock, and episodes of hardship such as navigating steep descents and dealing with difficult river crossings. They finally reached Oregon on September 12, 1847.