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EUSTACE J. COOPER
EUSTACE J. COOPER, a real-estate and general insurance agent of Des Moines, is one of the leading citizens of Polk County, and by the most prominent men of the community is recognized as an important factor in business circles.
Robert M. Cooper, the father of our subject, was a native of England and on reaching manhood enlisted in Her Majesty's service, in which he rose to the rank of colonel. As he was not in active duty during all of the time, he studied and engaged in the practice of law with good success. He married Miss Sarah P. Giles, a native of Tivestook, England, and resided in London until 1835, when they bade good-by to their old home and resided in London until 1835, when they bade good-by to their old home and sailed for America with the intentions of making their home in this country. They landed at Quebec, and while en route to Boston the birth of our subject occurred at Chambly, in the Province of Quebec, Canada, on the 8th of April, 1835. They at length arrived in Boston and made their home in a house on Milk Street where Benjamin Franklin was born. They also lived for a time in the Province House, where occurred many events of historic importance. The father died while on a visit to England in 1839. He was a brother of William Cooper, who acted as tutor for Charles Dickens. The mother of our subject long survived her husband, and died at the ripe old age of eighty-five years. In their family there were eleven children, six sons and five daughters, but only three are now living: Robert, who is a prominent business man of Boston; Clara J. and Eustace J.
Our subject acquired his education in the city schools of Boston and in the Greenwood Academy. According to the English custom, during his vacations he learned the trade of manufacturing trunks and valises. He embarked upon his business career in 1850 as an office boy in the banking house of M. Bolles & Co., which firm still exists, and rose to be chief clerk, which position he retained until he severed his connection with the firm in 1866, to engage in other pursuits. He belonged to the rifle corps, and during the Civil War several times enlisted in the army, but his employers each time hired a substitute rather than lose so valuable a clerk. He repaid their kindness in later years, however. It will be remembered that on the 17th of March, 1873, one Spencer S. Pettis forged a check of $10,000 on M. Bolles & Co., Boston, and than an amateur detective after working carefully for two years succeeded in getting into the inner circle of the ring and exposing one of the most gigantic counterfeiting schemes this country has ever known. The man entitled to the honor of that discovery was Eustace J. Cooper. So successful was he that he not only restored the $10,000 to the banking house, but also succeeded in sending Pettis and four of his accomplices to the penitentiary.
On the 15th of September, 1860, Mr. Cooper was united in marriage with Miss Mary P. Atkins, a native of Prattville, Mass., a suburb of Boston, and a sister of Charles H. Atkins, a prominent contractor of Des Moines. Unto them were born four children, namely: Mrs. Anna Guernsey; E. Bolles; Gertrude C., who died in infancy, and Grace A.
In 1866, Mr. Cooper removed to Mineral Point, Wis., to accept the position of superintendent and director of the Mineral Point Mining Company, which he acceptably filled for ten and a half years. During that time he served four years as Mayor of the town and won many warm friends whose high regard he will ever retain. In 1876 he became general traveling agent for the Cedar Rapids & Northwestern Railroad Company, with headquarters at Cedar Rapids, and devoted his attention to that business until 1880, when he came to Des Moines, since which time he has given the greater part of his attention to the real-estate business. He has lent a helping hand toward the upbuilding and improvement of this city and is recognized by all as a progressive and public-spirited man, whom Des Moines could ill afford to lose. He is largely interested in the following coal companies, the
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Iowa Fuel Company and the Star Mining Company, of both of which he is now President, and is receiver for the H. R. Creighton estate. He has been a Republican since the organization of that party, and is connected with four social orders, being a Knight Templar Mason, a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, Legion of Honor and U.A.O.W. He also holds membership in the Baptist Church, and his wife is a communicant of the Congregational Church. Mr. Cooper has secured a goodly share of this world's goods as the result of his own efforts. As a business man he is enterprising, sagacious and far-sighted and in all his dealings he is upright and honorable, thus winning the confidence and respect of those with whom he has come in contact.
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CHARLES WOODHULL EATON
DR. CHARLES WOODHULL EATON, one of the leading homeopathic physicians and surgeons of Iowa, has passed his entire professional career in Des Moines, where he located in October, 1879. His paternal grandfather was descended from one of the early New England families, and was a soldier of the Revolutionary War. He fought at the battle of Bunker Hill, and is said to have been one of those who bore the body of the lamented Warren from that bloody field.
The father of the Doctor is the Rev. S. W. Eaton, D.D., a Congregational minister, who was born in Boston, Mass., December 25, 1820. He graduated from Yale College, and studied theology in Andover and at Union Seminary, New York. Leaving the East he emigrated to Lancaster, Wis., in 1846, settling in that State two years before its admission into the Union. The following year he returned to New York, and was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Demorest, a native Brooklyn, born of French Hugenot ancestry. With his young bride he then went to Lancaster, where for the long period of forty years he had charge of the Congregational Church. He was one of the pioneer preachers of that denomination in Wisconsin, and to him in a great measure is due the prosperity of the church in that State. The high estimation in which he was held by the congregation in Lancaster is evinced by his long continued service, which was broken by only one interruption, and that of his own making. Feeling that his country needed his services during the late war, he became Chaplain of the Seventh Wisconsin Infantry. That regiment formed a part of the famous Iron Brigade, and his regiment was the only one in which there was a chaplain, he virtually held that position for the brigade until the close of the war. The church which he left when he entered the service would not fill his place in his absence, and so as soon as the country no longer needed his services, he returned to his old charge, continuing the faithful and beloved pastor until age, with its attendant infirmities, induced him to accept a position where the duties were less arduous. So, bidding good-by to his many, many friends in Lancaster, he accepted the pastorate of a smaller church in Roscoe, Ill., of which he still has charge.
The Rev. Mr. Eaton was the father of four sons, who have followed his wise and loving counsel, and are filling useful and honorable positions in life. The eldest, the Rev. James D. Eaton, is a missionary in Chihuahua, Mexico. The Rev. Edward D. Eaton, D.D., is the able and popular President of Beloit College, Wisconsin, having succeeded A. L. Chapin, D.D., to that position. He was graduated from that institution in the class of 1872, after which he studied theology and engaged in pastoral work until becoming President of the College; Dr. Samuel L. Eaton, the third son, is practicing medicine in Newton Highlands, a suburb of Boston, Mass.; while Dr. Charles W. completes the family.
Our subject received his literary education in the schools of Lancaster, Wis., and then began fitting himself for the medical profession. In 1875 he attended a course of lectures in the Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago, after which he pursued his studies in the Homeopathic Medical College of New York, but in 1878, returned to Hahnemann College, from which he was graduated the following year. He soon afterward located in Des Moines, where he has since pursued his profession with excellent success. Although still a young man, his career has been a prosperous one, and it is
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no exaggeration to say that he stands at the head of his profession. The success to which he has attained is due to his untiring industry and his devotion to the life work which he has chosen. That the public has a just appreciation of his professional skill is indicated by his large and growing practice, and the prominent place accorded to him by his professional brethren. He has made a number of valuable contributions to medical science, and is the author of a work, published in 1884, entitled "Things Young Men Should Know," which abounds in good advice and valuable instruction to youth. As a citizen the Doctor is progressive and public-spirited, and socially is popular and entertaining.
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JAMES HALL
JAMES HALL, a retired carpenter and builder of Des Moines, is one of the oldest citizens of Polk County. He was born in Chester County, Pa., on the 9th of January, 1817, and is a son of Aaron and Hannah (Hunt) Hall. The mother was a daughter of Joseph Hunt, who served as a regular soldier during the Revolutionary War. At Camden he was taken prisoner, stripped of his clothing, and with eight others placed in the hold of a vessel, and before they were released five of the number had died. Mr. Hunt, however, lived to reach the barracks.
Aaron Hall, the father of our subject, was a native of Pennsylvania, and his wife of Maryland. He was a millwright and wagon-maker by trade, and followed these two lines of work throughout his entire life. In manner he was rather quiet and reserved than otherwise, but his upright life won him the confidence and respect of all. He removed with his family to Ohio in 1817, and after a residence in the Buckeye State of thirty years emigrated, in 1848, to Schuyler County, Ill., where he passed to his rest. The death of his wife occurred there in 1850. Their family numbered eight children, but only two are now living——James, of this sketch, and Joseph, a resident of California.
The early boyhood days of our subject were passed in Washington County, Ohio, on a farm, and in the district schools of the neighborhood he acquired his education. With is father he went to Belmont County, Ohio, when nine years old. In the year 1833 we find him in Marietta, Ohio, employed in a carriage and wagon shop, his wages being $1 per day. The following year the factory burned down, and in the fire his clothing and all of his tools were burned. With a fellow workman he then learned the carpenter's trade, after which he entered the employ of Daniels & Null, but the firm dissolved partnership and he remained with Mr. Null, continuing in his employ for two years, when that gentleman fell from a building and was killed. Again thrown out of employment, Mr. Hall at length found work with a Mr. Jarvis, who was engaged in the construction of a horse power threshing machine.
About this time Mr. Hall was married. On the 20th of December, 1840, he was joined in wedlock with Miss Maria Burlingame, a native of Massachusetts and a daughter of James and Nancy Burlingame, who were also born in the Bay State. Removing to Ohio when their daughter was a young lady, they settled in Marietta. Here Mr. and Mrs. Hall continued to make their home until 1844, when they removed to Findley, Hancock County, Ohio, where Mr. Hall worked at the millwright's trade until 1848. In the fall of that year he emigrated to Farmington, Iowa.
Since May, 1849, Mr. Hall has been a resident of Des Moines. After many days of travel, on the 10th of that month, he reached a little hamlet composed of a few scattered log cabins along the river, and a military garrison. The place was called Ft. Des Moines, and at that time gave little promise of the present advanced position which it occupies. Not long afterward, however, emigration rapidly increased, and our subject found ample opportunity for displaying his skill as a carpenter. Being an excellent workman, his services were greatly in demand, and in connection with that business he also worked at his trade of a millwright. Few have aided more in the upbuilding of the capital city or have been more prominently identified with its development. Many of the important business houses and residences have been erected under his care and supervision, and stand as monuments of his industry and skill. Among these was the First
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Presbyterian Church in the city. Industrious and energetic by nature, he gave his entire attention to his business, and thereby has accumulated a handsome competence, which enables him now to lay aside all business cares and spend his declining years in retirement.
But one child was born to Mr. and Mrs. Hall, a daughter, Nancy, who was born in this city and is now the wife of Charles J. Hammer, one of the well-to-do citizens of Des Moines. The wife and mother was called to her final rest on the 4th of February, 1885. An estimable lady, her loss was deeply felt outside of her immediate family, for wide was her circle of friends and acquaintances.
Mr. Hall is recognized as one of the representative citizens of Des Moines, and certainly no one deserves more credit for the progress made by the city than he. He has not only been a witness of its wonderful growth, but has also been an active participant in its development. He is one of the few survivors of the first brass band of Des Moines. In politics,he is liberal in views, supporting the man and principles rather than the party.
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BARTON O. AYLESWORTH
BARTON O. AYLESWORTH, A.M., Ph. B., President of the College of Letters and Science, of Drake University, was born in Athens, Menard County, Ill., September 5, 1860, and is the only child of Ezra and Melinda (Hall) Aylesworth. He traces his ancestry back to a remote period. In Oliver Cromwell's army served five brothers, who at the restoration emigrated to America. From them has sprung a numerous posterity, some retaining the original spelling of the name, Aylesworth, while others have changed it to Ellsworth.
The grandfather of our subject, Hiram Aylesworth, a native of New York, became one of the pioneer settlers of Trumbull County, Ohio, and amid the privations and disadvantages incident to life in a new country, reared a family of four sons. One of that number, Ezra, inherited the martial spirit of his English ancestors. In the early days of his manhood, he emigrated to Menard County, Ill., where he became acquainted with and married Miss Hall, a native of that State, and granddaughter of Thomas Hall, an estimable Virginian, of French Hugenot and German descent. Her parents, Fleming and Susan (Tice) Hall, removed to Illinois just before "the winter of the deep snow." The father is still living at the very advanced age of ninety-five years, and retains his mental and physical powers to a remarkable degree. He may well be proud of the family which he has reared, three sons especially being deserving of mention: Clayborn is an eminent minister of the Christian Church; Joel, a well-known druggist, was reporter for the Smithsonian Institute on Western Meterology; Elihu gained a well-wide reputation as a botanist. Without text book he began the study amid the luxuriant flora of Illinois, and so ardently did he devote himself to the subject as found in nature, that he was called "the Thoreau of the West." He soon took rank among the first botanists of the United States, and among his friends and correspondents was numbered the noted Asa Gray. At his death his vast herbarium became the legacy of the State. He also achieved distinction in the sciences, entomology and conchology. His death was brought on by exposure in the ardent pursuit of the subject to which he was so closely wedded.
After locating in Illinois, Ezra Aylesworth followed farming until the breaking out of the war, when, feeling that his country needed his services, he bade good-by to his young wife and infant son, and offered his services to the Government. Acting as captain, he was killed while leading his company at the battle of Chickamaugua. His widow survived him eleven years.
Being left an orphan (his father dying when he was three years old, and his mother during his fourteenth year), Prof. Aylesworth went to live with an uncle, who became his guardian, and took an active interest in his education. In 1879, he was graduated from Eureka College, of Eureka, Ill., with the degree of A.B., and afterward took a post graduate course in Bethany College in Virginia, receiving the degree of A.M. in 1880. The following year the same degree was conferred upon him by his Alma Mater. Upon leaving Bethany,
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he accepted a call as pastor of the Christian Church in Peoria, Ill., where he did noble work, building up the congregation and paying off its indebtedness. In the summer of 1881, he pursued a course in the Concord School of Philosophy, where he was enriched by contact with such masterminds as William T. Harris, A. B. Alcott, Dr. C. A. Bartol, Julia Ward Howe, and others scarcely less distinguished. Returning to Illinois, he took charge of the church in Atlantic, which under his ministry had a healthful growth. While in that city, he was united in marriage with Miss Georgia M. Shores, and unto them was born a son, Merlin H. After a pastorate of two years in Atlantic, Prof. Alyesworth removed to his farm for improvement and for quiet study. In the spring of 1884, he accepted a call from the church in Abingdon, Ill., where he remained until the fall of 1885, when he became pastor of the Church of Christ, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. That congregation was young and full of vitality, and during the four years he labored with them, the numerical strength was more than doubled. that is now the Banner Missionary Church of the Brotherhood in Iowa. While in Cedar Rapids, he found diversion in leading a philosophy club composed of the best thinkers of the city, professors, doctors, lawyers, and others, and in editing the Book Shelf, a monthly devoted to reviews of books and literary productions in general.
In 1889, Prof. Aylesworth, quite unexpectedly to himself, was called to his present position as President of the College of Letters and Science and Professor of Mental and Moral Science. He is making a special effort to broaden the work in literature and philosophy, and his work thus far has given excellent satisfaction. He has perhaps the most extensive private library in the city, containing over fifteen hundred volumes. Socially, he is a Knight Templar Mason, and while in College was a member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. In his political views, he is broad and liberal, though thoroughly in sympathy with the principles of prohibition. The faculty of Drake University is composed of some of the best educators of the country, not the least of whom is Prof. Aylesworth. He has achieved grand success for one so young. Ripe in scholarship, he is also an accomplished speaker, but his oriatorial powers were acquired. Until his second year in college he was seldom called upon to recite in public because of an impediment in his speech, but by constant care and practice, he developed a rich, clear, full tenor voice. We close this brief sketch without eulogy, knowing that the high position which President Aylesworth holds in one of the first universities of the State, is a better and higher compliment to his ability than any words of ours could express. He has the distinction of being the youngest college President in the United States. Of Prof. Aylesworth, one who has known him intimately, says: "while he is progressive in his trend of thought, and familiar with every advance movement in religion, science or philosophy, he yet holds always with unyielding grasp to the great primary truths of the gospel; like the artist who never leaves the primary colors of nature, however lofty his conception; or the musician who never forsakes the eight notes, though desiring and seeking an almost endless variation within their compass."
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D. W. SMOUSE
D. W. SMOUSE, M.D., has been a member of the medical fraternity of Des Moines since November 1, 1879. He was born in the city of Cumberland, Md., but when a lad he removed to Baltimore, where he grew to manhood. His father, John J. Smouse, continued to reside in Cumberland until his death, and his mother is still a resident of that city. His paternal grandfather was one of the early settlers of Cumberland, and the family has been prominently identified with that section of the State. The family to which our subject belongs numbered five children, four sons and one daughter, of whom he was the eldest.
Dr. Smouse received an excellent literary education in the schools of Baltimore and, having made choice of the medical profession as the one he wished to make his life work, he entered the University of Maryland, graduating from the medical department of that institution in February, 1876. He then entered the hospital connected with the university, where he remained two years. That proved an excellent training school for him. On
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severing his connection with the University, he came to Iowa, settling in Monroe, Jasper County, where he opened an office and continued in practice until his removal to Des Moines, on the 1st of November, 1879. In the ten years of his residence in this city he has built up and excellent practice. He is a gentleman of culture and possesses the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens, both professionally and otherwise. His excellent educational advantages, in addition to his natural aptitude for the profession, have made him an expert physician, and as he makes his profession a study, he is always abreast of the times. In manner he is genial and courteous, and possesses that delicate consideration and attention so necessary in the sick room.
One of the most important events in the life of Dr. Smouse occurred in Waterloo, Iowa, on the 4th of October, 1881, when he led to the marriage altar Miss Amanda Cummings. This lady is a native of Ohio, and like her husband has many warm friends in Des Moines, by whom she is highly esteemed.
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REUBEN J. YOUTZ
REUBEN J. YOUTZ. In looking abroad over the home of our subject, who is a prominent farmer of Bloomfield Township, residing on section 26, we everywhere see evidences of thrift and enterprise,which are marked characteristics of the owner. His possessions consist of two hundred acres of arable land, a commodious and substantial residence, one of the best barns in the county, and an excellent grade of stock of all kinds. Indeed it is a model farm. The land has been divided into fields which are well tilled, the latest machinery has been procured to aid in the labor of its cultivation, and every necessary improvement is there found.
Mr. Youtz was born in Stark County, Ohio, on the 23d of November, 1834, and traces his ancestry back to Switzerland. His father, Joshua Yourtz, was born in Pennsylvania, but in the early days of Ohio became a resident of the Buckeye State, where he carried on shoemaking and farming for many years. He wedded Miss Esther Bosler, also a native of Pennsylvania, and unto them were born nine children, seven of whom are yet living——Josiah S., Hiram L., John B., Reuben J., Simon E., Melinda E. and Addison H. The mother of this family was called to her final rest in 1867, at the age of fifty-seven years, dying a number of years previous to the death of her husband, which occurred in 1884, at the age of eighty-two years.
While a lad our subject was permitted to attend the public schools of his native State during the winter months, but as his services were needed upon the farm during the summer season, his educational advantages were necessarily somewhat limited. Not content with the knowledge he had acquired, however, after attaining to mature years he attended high grades of schools, and has also greatly supplemented his early education by subsequent reading and observation. On leaving home, at the age of twenty-one years, he began teaching school, which profession he followed during the winter for a number of years, and in the summer engaged in farm work. In 1861 he determined to devote his energies to some other pursuit, and embarked in the furniture business, but the war breaking out about that time he concluded he could not make a success in that line and so resumed teaching. In the spring of 1862 he rented a farm, but in the fall of the same year became a member of Company I, Nineteenth Ohio Infantry. The recruits were ordered to report at Camp Mansfield, Ohio, where they were equipped for duty and sent to Louisville, Ky., whence they proceeded to Bowling Green, where they remained in camp for about six weeks. They then marched to Nashville, and later joined the Army of the Cumberland at Murfreesboro, where they remained in camp for about six months, during which time they did scouting and garrison duty, and guarded the rear of the army and the provisions and ammunition. Their time having expired on their arrival at Tulahoma, Mr. Youtz received his discharge, and returned home to once more resume the daily toils of life.
On account of ill health, the result of exposure and privations in the army; our subject was unable to teach the following winter, but in the following spring resumed work upon his farm. In the late winter of 1863, a volunteer militia company
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was formed near his home, of which Mr. Youtz was elected Captain, and in the spring of 1864, word was received from Uncle Sam to report to Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio, where they were mustered into service, joining the Army of the Tennessee. About this time Gen. Price was making his raid through Kentucky, and a force, of which the company commanded by our subject was a part, was ordered to arrest his progress, which they did, after which they went into camp at Covington, Ky., doing garrison duty until September, 1864, when they were again discharged from the service.
Capt. Youtz continued to make his home in Ohio until the spring of 1865, when following the course of human emigration which was steadily drifting Westward, he landed in Des Moines, where he spent the following summer. He then purchased eighty acres in Bloomfield Township, cultivating it until 1873, when he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of wild land, constituting a part of his present fine farm. To this he has added by subsequent purchase, until, as before stated, two hundred acres pay tribute to his care and cultivation. He began life a poor man, but is now ranked among the well-to-do citizens of the county. He certainly deserves great credit for his success, which is the result of his own efforts, aided only by those of the lived wife who has now passed away. Though the greater part of his attention has been devoted to his business interests, he has yet found time to serve the public in divers ways, including the discharge of various official duties as a township officer. He is a firm adherent of the principles of the Republican party, which he has supported with his ballot since its organization, and keeps himself well informed on all the leading issues of the day.
In 1860 Mr. Youtz led to the marriage alter Miss Harriet Miller, and their union was blessed with six children: Minnie, who is now the wife of William Mitchell, a resident of Bloomfield Township; Lewis A., Ella E., Arthur W., Homer F. and Chauncey A., who are still at home with their father. Mr. Youtz has ever been a warm friend of education, and intends that his children shall have the best advantages in that direction. Two of them are now attending college, the daughter pursuing a musical course, and the son a scientific course, which he will complete in 1890. L. A. is also a graduate of the elocutionary department. On the 22d of November, 1886, Mrs. Youtz departed this life. She was a kind friend and neighbor, a loving and faithful wife and mother, and a sincere Christian woman. Her beauty of character and many excellencies won the love of all, and her loss was deeply regretted by many warm friends, as well as her immediate family. Mr. Youtz was again married, in April, 1889, to Mrs. Martha A. Badley, an estimable lady, who for some time has been a resident of this county. they have one child, an infant. The Youtz household is noted for its hospitality and our subject and his wife hold a high position in the social world.
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THOMAS F. KELLERHER
THOMAS F. KELLEHER, M. D., a practicing physician of Des Moines, has made his home in Iowa since 1868, and has engaged in practice in this city since 1868, and has engaged in practice in this city since 1885. He was born in Lawrence, Mass., February 5, 1855, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Ludgate)Kelleher, who emigrated to the Hawkeye State in 1868, settling in Iowa City. The death of the father occurred twenty years later, but the mother is still living and makes her home in Fonda, Iowa.
The subject of this sketch, Dr. Thomas F. Kelleher, accompanied his parents to Iowa when a lad of thirteen years. He was educated in the State University of Iowa City, graduating from the medical department of that institution inn the class of 1878. He established himself in practice at Bevlington, Madison County, Iowa, whence he removed to Fonda, Pocahontas County, where he remained engaged in the practice of his chosen profession until 1885. when, as before stated, he located in this city.
In the month of May, 1886, Dr. Kelleher led to the marriage altar Miss Annie Cunningham, daughter of John Cunningham, the wedding being celebrated in Madison County. The lady was born and reared in the county where her marriage occurred, her parents having there settled at an early day.
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The Doctor and Mrs. Kelleher are the happy parents of two children, a son and daughter——John and Mary——who shed sunshine through their home by their bright promise.
The Doctor and his wife are devoted members of the Catholic Church of Des Moines, and in political sentiment he is a Democrat, having supported that party since attaining his majority. He is a member of the Polk County Medical Society, and also the State Medical Society. He is well skilled in his profession, and although his residence in Des Moines covers only the short period of five years, he has succeeded in building up a good practice, as the people recognize his ability and are willing to acknowledge it by a liberal patronage.
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JOHN M. OTIS
 JOHN M. OTIS, an early settler of Iowa, now engaged in the insurance business in Des Moines, was born in Tunkhannock, Wyoming County, Pa., on the 22d of May, 1822, and is a son of Charles and Jerusha (Marcy) Otis. His father, a native of Massachusetts, was descended from Puritan ancestors, the family dating its origin in New England back to 1630. His most distinguished ancestor was Col. John Otis, who was born in Bingham, Mass., in 1657, settled at Barnstable on Cape Cod, and represented that town for twenty years in the General Court. He commanded the county milita, was Chief Justice of Common Pleas, was the first Judge of Probate of Barnstable County, and Counselor from 1706 until his death, which occurred on the 23d of September, 1727. He was the father of Judge James Otis, also a man of note in his day.
Mrs. Otis, the mother of the subject of this sketch, was born in Dutchess County, N.Y., while the family was sojourning there after the massacre of Wyoming, and was the daughter of Zebum Marcy, who was an inmate of Forty Fort at the time it was captured by the Tories and Indians, July 4, 1778. Great cruelties were there perpetrated, the whole region was burned over and devastated, and many other wrong inflicted upon the settlers. The few families escaped, and fled to the Delaware River, where they subsisted among friendly families until the close of the war. After the close of hostilities the families returned and again took possession of their lands, which had fallen into the hands of the Tories. Mr. Marcy served as captain of a company of the United States troops, and was, through mistake, a special object of hatred on the part of the Tories. He belonged to the same family of which Gen. Randolph B. Marcy and Gov. Marcy were members.
The parents of our subject came to the West in July, 1838, locating in Marengo, McHenry County, Ill., where both died at about the age of eighty years. John H. accompanied them on their removal to that State, and spent four years in Marengo, after which he went to Lancaster, Grant County, Wis., where he was engaged in the mercantile business from 1842 until 1852, when he went to California. The gold excitement attracted him as it did many others, and he started for the Pacific Coast, going by the New York and Isthmus route. He engaged in mining for five years, and at the expiration of that time returned to his home in 1857. The following year he became a resident of Iowa, locating at Bentonsport, where he was engaged in the forwarding, commission and produce business. When the railroad was completed to Eddyville, he removed to that place, whence he came to Des Moines in 1866, and pursued his former line of business, until 1876, since which time he has been engaged in the insurance business. He represents several of the leading companies in that line, including the Ætna Life, the Rockford, of Illinois, German, of Illinois, the Empire State, the Peoples of New Hampshire, the Long Island, of New York, and others.
One of the most important events in the life of Mr. Otis, occurred in Farmingham, Mass., July 18, 1849, when he led to the hymeneal alter, Miss S. Georgana Eaton, daughter of Eban and Sarah Eaton. She was born in Farmingham, as were also her father and grandfather, and hers was an old family of New Hampshire. Mr. Otis and his wife are communicants of the Congregational Church, to which the lady has belonged since her thirteenth year, and the husband for the past forty years.
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has filled the offices of Deacon and Trustee, and has served as Secretary of the church for ten or twelve years. Six children have been born to this worthy couple, four of whom are now living: Catherine G., who is the wife of D. O. Eshbaugh, of New York City; William Eaton, who married Miss Daisy Robbins, and is a real-estate dealer of Kansas City; Charles D., who is living at Lake Arthur, in southwestern Louisiana; Genevieve is at home; Lizzie, who died at the age of nineteen years; and Nellie, who died in infancy.
In politics, Mr. Otis was a Whig in early life, and voted for William Henry Harrison for President in 1840. He joined the Republican party at its organization, and still gives it his support. While a resident of Lancaster, Wis., he served as Postmaster for several years under appointment of President Tyler. Mr. Otis, is a genial, courteous gentleman, whose course in life has been an upright one, whereby he has gained the respect and esteem of those with whom he has had business or social relations.
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