PETER D. ANKENY    PETER D. ANKENY, of East Des Moines, was born in Somerset County, Pa., February 3, 1862, and was the second in a family of seven children, whose parents were Joseph and Harriet (Geisey) Ankeny. They were also natives of the Keystone State. The Ankeny family is descended from French Huguenot ancestry. Representatives of the family went to Germany in the days of protestant persecution in France, and thence came to America, settling in Maryland. The paternal ancestry of the Geisey family is of German origin, while the maternal ancestry belongs to an early family of Maryland. The father of Mrs. Ankeny was Rev. Henry Geisey, a Lutheran minister, who for many years was pastor of the church in Berlin, Somerset County, Pa.    The marriage of Joseph Ankeny and Harriet Geisey was celebrated in Somerset County, where they resided several years. In 1831, they removed to Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio, continuing their residence in that county until 1867, which year witnessed their arrival in Des Moines. The death of the husband occurred in this city in 1874, but his wife still survives him. She is now in the ninetieth year of her age, but retains both her physical and mental faculties to a remarkable degree. Mr. Ankeny ranked among the leading citizens of Polk County. He was a man of much more than average ability, possessed a strong will power and was firm in his convictions of right and wrong. He exerted an influence in every community where he resided, being a power for good. He was also prominent in public life. He served in the Legislature of Ohio, and was an elector on the Republican national ticket in 1860, when that party elected Abraham Lincoln as its first President. In his earlier years he had supported Democratic principles, but when the Missouri Compromise was repealed he withdrew his allegiance from that party and on the organization of the Republican party joined its ranks and continued to fight under its banner until his death. During the War of the Rebellion he was one of the most faithful advocates of the Government and its policy. Although he lived in a community where a large majority sympathized with the South, he spoke his views freely and under all circumstances proclaimed his faith in the triumph of the Union and the downfall of its enemies.    As before stated, the family of Joseph Ankeny and wife numbered seven children, four sons and three daughters, all of whom grew to mature years. Dr. John F., the eldest, who was graduated from the Medical College of Cleveland, ohio, for some years engaged in practice in Des Moines, where he settled in 1869, but his death occurred in Florida, on the 19th of April, 1886, leaving a family, who are still residents of this city; Peter is the next younger; Henry, who resides in Corning, Iowa, enlisted in the late war, becoming captain of Company H, of the Fourth Iowa Infantry, and proved himself a gallant and faithful soldier and an able officer; Gen. Rollin V., whose home is now in California, marched to the front as a captain of the Forty-sixth Illinois Regiment, was promoted to be colonel and before the war was over breveted Brigadier-General, as a reward for meritorous conduct and bravery displayed on the field of battle. The daughters of the family are: Mrs. Susan Barcroft, of Des Moines; Mary Ellen, wife of H. H. Clark, of Hartford, Conn.; and Harriet, who lives with her mother in this city.    Peter D. Ankeny, whose name heads this notice, -178- was reared to manhood in Ohio. In 1842, he entered the preparatory department of Kenyon College and, after two years, took up the collegiate course, but left school while in the junior class, in order to enter the service in the war with Mexico. He enlisted, in 1847, as orderly sergeant of the Fourth Regiment, Ohio Infantry, and later was made Lieutenant, and had charge of his company for a time. His regiment joined the army under Gen. Scott, being under the immediate command of Gen. Joe Lane, and was actively engaged until the close of the war.    Peace having been declared, Mr. Ankeny returned to Ohio, where he pursued the study of law and was admitted to the bar, but his service in the army had so impaired his health that he found it necessary to engage in some outdoor occupation. In 1850, accompanied by J. R. Barcroft and Samuel Bell, he came to Iowa, but the party did not make any permanent location. Our subject, however, returned in 1858, but as his health continued poor he traveled quite extensively before making a settlement. At length he purchased a farm in the town of Delaware, Polk County, which he still owns, and for a number of years was actively engaged in its cultivation and development. In 1869, he was elected a member of the Board of Supervisors and served in that capacity for three years. He was also Clerk of the Courts of Polk County for five years, and from 1864 to 1866, held a Government office in the city of Washington. He has ever been a warm admirer of the principles of the Republican party and one of the stalwart supporters of that organization. He has, however, never aspired to office, such positions as he has filled having been the gift of the people, unsought by him. His duties of citizenship have ever been performed in a loyal manner. Although he was physically unable to enter the service during the late war, he gave his influence to the Government and did all in his power for his country.    On the 6th of December, 1859, Mr. Ankeny was united in marriage with Miss Ellen Lorah, daughter of Samuel and Rachel Lorah. Her father was a prominent citizen of Cass County, Iowa, where he passed away a number of years ago. Five children, one son and four daughters, have been born to our subject and his worthy wife, namely: Rose, who is now the wife of Edgar Lewis, of Des Moines; Daisy, wife of Frank Green, of this city; Mary Louise, Mabel and Paul. The Ankeny household is noted for its hospitality, and its members hold a high position in the social world. More than thirty years have passed since the parents settled in Polk County, and by the many friends gained during that period they are held in high regard. Top EDWIN M. CROSS   EDWIN M. CROSS, President of the Polk County Abstract Company, and a representative citizen of Des Moines, was born in Richland County, Ohio, on the 22nd of April, 1853, and is the son of George W. and Mary J. (Jaques) Cross, both of whom were natives of Maine. The father was born in 1825, the mother in 1824. But during their childhood they emigrated to the Buckeye State with their respective families. By occupation Mr. Cross is a farmer and throughout his business career has followed that occupation. He continued operations in that line in Ohio, until 1869, when accompanied by his wife and children he came to Iowa, selecting Jasper County as the scene of his future operations. Both he and his wife are still living on the old homestead in that county.    Our subject is one of five children. His early life passed uneventfully, being spent mid play and work in the usual manner of manner of farmer lads. Having in the common schools become familiar with the rudiments of knowledge he entered an academy in Newton, Iowa, where he completed his education. Afterwards he engaged in teaching for two terms and then followed farming for a time. He was next employed on the construction of the railroad between Newton and Keithsburg until 1882, when he came to Des Moines. The Polk County Abstract Company had then commenced work, but was not incorporated and had no office or place of business. Mr. Cross soon afterward purchased a fourth interest in the company, which through his instrumentality was incorporated and from time to time has -181- continued buying the stock until he now owns nearly the entire amount. For five years he has been its President and has proved an efficient officer. The company has the most complete and best kept set of books in the city and its business has so greatly increased that it now employs a clerical force of four men throughout all the year.    Returning to Jasper County, Iowa, in 1887, Mr. Cross led to the marriage alter Miss Alice B. Blair, a most estimable lady and then returned with his bride to his home in this city, where the lady has made many warm friends although the period of her residence here is short. Mr. Cross is a worthy and valued citizen who keeps himself well informed on all matters of public interest and in politics is a Republican. He has had an extensive experience in his business and is thorough and accurate in all details. His endorsement of an abstract is a guarantee of its value. Top GEORGE P. HANAWALT, M. D.   GEORGE P. HANAWALT, M. D., a leading physician and surgeon of Des Moines, whose portrait appears upon the opposite page, and who occupies the position of Surgeon General of the Iowa State Militia, was born in Ross County, Ohio, September 11, 1836, and is a son of John and Mary (Jefferson) Hanawalt. His father was born in Mifflin County, Pa., January 18, 1798, and was of German descent. The paternal grandfather of our subject was a soldier in the War of the Revolution. The mother of Dr. Hanawalt was born near Frederick, Md., August 20, 1812, and is a lineal descendant of the Jefferson family to which the third President of the United States belonged.    In his native State our subject was reared to manhood, receiving his primary education in the public schools, after which he pursued his literary studies in Salem Academy. He began the study of medicine in 1859, in the office of Drs. Salter & Holton, of Madison County, Ohio, but before completing his course he entered the volunteer service in the late war and was attached to the Seventh Ohio Infantry in February, 1862, and in the month of August following was transferred to the regular army as Hospital Steward. During his service he attended medical lectures and in the month of March, 1864, graduated from the medical department of the Georgetown University of Washington, D. C. He was promoted to Acting Assistant Surgeon, in which capacity he served until October, 1868, when he resigned and on the 22d of May, following, came to Des Moines and entered upon the practice of his profession in this city, which he has since pursued with marked success.    On the 30th of October, 1871, Dr. Hanawalt led to the marriage alter Miss Emily Agnes Jordan, the wedding taking place at the home of the bride in Walnut Township, Polk County. The lady is a daughter of the Hon. James C. and Melinda (Pittman) Jordan, and was born in Platt County, Mo., coming with her parents to Polk County when a child of two years. She was reared in this community and her education was finished at the Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill. Her religious training was received under the auspices of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which she has been a member for a number of years.    Dr. Hanawalt has won prominence in his profession both as a physician and surgeon and has been chosen by several important corporations to care for their wounded and sick employes [employees]. He holds the position of surgeon of the following named railroad companies: the Chicago, Rock Island, & Pacific, the Des Moines, & Fort Doge, the Chicago, St. Paul & Kansas City, the Des Moines & Northwestern, the Des Moines & Kansas City, and the Electric Street RAilway Company, for all of which he has done good service. In 1877 he was commissioned Surgeon General of the National Guard of Iowa (State Militia) and has held that position ever since, covering a period of thirteen years. The Doctor is a Republican in politics but has neither time nor inclination to take an active part in political affairs. He is a member of Crocker Post, No. 12, G.A.R., and also holds membership in the American Medical Association, the Iowa State Medical Society, of which he was President in 1880, and the Polk County Medical Society. He is a most indefatigable laborer, and his efforts, both as a physician and surgeon, have -182- been crowned with the greatest degree of success. In surgery, he is especially distinguished and enjoys a State wide reputation in that profession. He is a genial, whole-souled gentleman, whose presence, alone, in the sick room, regardless of his treatment, brings confidence and and hope to his patients. He is ripe in experience and is throroughly read in his profession, keeping abreast of the times. His army experience in surgery, coming as it did in his student days, was of inestimable service in qualifying him for further duties in this line. Top LOUIS STOHLGREEN    LOUIS STOHLGREEN, who is President of the Bloomfield Coal Company, and proprietor of a meat market of Des Moines, ranks high in business circles, and is recognized as one of the representative and enterprising men of the city. He was born on the 2d of January, 1847, in the northwestern part of Sweden, near the Norway line, and when twelve years of age, was left an orphan, so that from early boyhood he has had to make his own way in the world. Mr. Stohlgreen is essentially a self-made man, who by a determined will, industry, enterprise, and fair dealing has steadily worked his way upward, and secured for himself and family a comfortable competence. When a small lad he herded sheep, and from the age of fifteen until he had attained his majority, was employed in the lumber yard. Believing that he could better his condition by emigrating to America, he crossed the Atlantic in 1869, arriving in New York on the 1st of October of that year. He then went direct to Chicago, where he worked fro a short time on a construction train on the Illinois Central Railroad, after which he went to Louisiana, where he worked on a levee. He was next employed in Arkansas on a farm, receiving as a compensation for his labors $16 per month. Thence he came to Davenport, Iowa, and on the 2d of July, 1870, reached Des Moines, since which time he has been prominently identified with its business interests. He was first employed in a brick yard by C. Youngerman, afterwards engaged in mining for four years and since February, 1874, has carried on a meat-market. He built the two-story brick in which he does business, and in other ways has aided in the up-building of the city. In 1887, he was instrumental in organizing the Bloomfield Coal Mining Company, of which he has since been Director and President, and was one of the originators of the society Scandia. He is also interested in the Swedish Publishing Company, and the Diamond Ice Company. To every enterprise with which he is connected, he devotes his whole energies that it may be successful, and in the various branches of business in which he is engaged he has met with marked prosperity.    In 1876, Mr. Stohlgreen was united in marriage with Miss Mary Israelson, a native of Sweden, who came to this country in 1871. Both he and his wife are members of the Swedish Church. Their family numbers five children, three sons and two daughters——Anna M., Adolph F., Amanda M., Martin E., and Clarence H. Mr. Stohlgreen is the founder of his family in America, but since his arrival in this country, two of his brothers have joined him. He deserves great credit for his perseverance, which has overcome many obstacles, and placed him on a firm financial basis. Top F. W. LEHMAN    F. W. LEHMAN, attorney and counselor-at-law of Des Moines, who is associated in business with W. A. Clark, is of German birth. He was born in the Kingdom of Prussia, on the 28th of February, 1823 [1853], but when a babe was brought by his parents to America, the date of their emigration being 1855. The family located in Cincinnati, Ohio, but in 1869, when a lad of sixteen years, our subject came to Fremont County, Iowa. Entering Tabor College in that county, he was graduated in the Class of '73, and the same year in which he completed his literary course of study, was admitted to the bar, having prepared himself for the legal profession while a student at college. The same perseverance and pertinacity which characterized his college course, has marked his professional career, and in consequence he has been attended with like success in the prosecution of the law. Soon after he was admitted to the bar, -183- he located in Nebraska City, where as a partner of Judge Mason, he entered into practice. In 1876, he came to Des Moines, forming a partnership with J. A. Harvey, which connection continued until 1882, when it was dissolved, and the firm of Lehman & Clark established.    In 1879, Mr. Lehman was united in marriage with Miss Nora Stark, a daughter of Jacob Stark, one of the early merchants of this city. They have three sons, Frederick, Sears, and an infant.    As a lawyer, Mr. Lehman has won the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens, as is shown by his large practice. He possesses the qualities necessary for a successful lawyer. He is clear, logical and comprehensive, and his sense of justice is such that he cannot be removed from a course which he believes to be just and honorable. He is a forcible and impressive speaker, and his sincerity and persuasive eloquence, when addressing a jury, command and retain their undivided and earnest attention. His brethren of the bar accord to him a place in the front rank of the profession. In his political affiliations, Mr. Lehman is a Democrat, but is governed by his convictions, and not by the dictations of party. He is an able advocate of his political principles, and his abilities as a political debater are recognized not only by his own party, but by his opponents as well. As a citizen, he is esteemed for his progressive and enterprising spirit, and the faithful manner in which he discharges his public duties. Top SAMUEL GRAY    SAMUEL GRAY, who resides on section 16, Bloomfield Township, well deserves mention in this volume for two reasons——he is one of the valued and representative citizens of the county, and is also numbered among it pioneers settlers. Few persons have so long made their homes in this community, he becoming a resident of Des Moines, when the entire population numbered but eighty-five.    Mr. Gray is a native of Pennsylvania, born on the 19th of June, 1811, in Franklin County. His father, David Gray, was a native of Northern Ireland, from which country he emigrated to America in 1790. His first settlement was in Pennsylvania, where he followed his trade of weaving for a number of years. On leaving the Keystone State, he became a resident of Jefferson County, Ohio, where he followed the same business until he had accumulated sufficient property to enable him to spend the remainder of his days in retirement. While in Pennsylvania, he became acquainted with and wedded Miss Elizabeth Selander, a native of that State, and of their union were born eight children, four of whom are yet living——James, of Holmes County, Ohio; Elizabeth, wife of George F. Newton, of Millersburg, Ohio; Jane, who is also living in Holmes County; and Samuel, of this sketch. The father of this family died in 1852, and his remains were buried in the cemetery of Millersburg, Ohio, where several years later the body of his wife was placed by his side.    Although born in Pennsylvania, Samuel Gray spent the greater part of his childhood days in Ohio, whither his parents removed when he was a small lad. His early life was unmarked by any event of special importance. In the common schools of the neighborhood he received his education, and when he had attained to a sufficient age he learned the plaster's trade, which he continued to follow until the autumn of 1848, when, with the tide of human emigration which was steadily flowing westward, he started for the new State of Iowa. Forty-three days were consumed in making the trip from Holmes County, Ohio, to Ft. Des Moines, a horse team being used for the purpose. Great indeed is the change which has taken place since that time. The beautiful capital city of Iowa, of which the citizens of the State are so justly proud, then contained but three small frame houses, beside the "fort houses." Two stores situated on Second Street comprised the business portion of the city, and a small log tavern furnished accommodation and supplied the wants of weary travelers. As before stated, the entire population was but eighty-five. Mr. Gray's family at that time consisted of himself, wife and eight children, and on the journey they were accompanied by a friend, whose family numbered twelve, therefore both families together made one quarter of the population. The -184- most far-sighted could have scarcely imagined the rapid transformation which has taken place since that time, nor realize the wonderful changes and advancement to be made in the different lines of business industry. The present advanced position of the county is due in no small degree to the pioneer settlers. Words cannot requite them for the service they have rendered the present generation, yet we can express our gratitude and perpetuate their noble deeds by written record.    Not long after his arrival in the county, Mr. Gray secured work at his trade of a plasterer, as some houses were in course of erection, when he reached the city. From that time until 1851, he had little leisure, his services being constantly in demand by the incoming emigrants. In that year, however, he abandoned his chosen trade, to enter upon the duties of Treasurer and Recorder of Polk County, to which office he was elected a two years term. So acceptably did he fill the positions, that he was again elected in 1853, and served until the spring of 1856. He did not then resume work as a plasterer, but entered eight acres of school land and forth-three acres of river land in Bloomfield Township, and began the development of a farm. Erecting a dwelling, he then gave his entire attention to the cultivation of his land until 1883, when it was found that there was a vein of coal underlying his farm. He then leased his land for twenty years, the income from the same enabling him to live in comfortable circumstances.    On the 23d of May, 1833, Mr. Gray was united in marriage with Miss Mary Long, and unto them was born a family of seven children: John L. and James, of Des Moines; David, of the State of Washington; Elizabeth, wife of M. Taylor, of Dallas County, Iowa; Nancy J., wife of J. C. Taylor, of Marion County, Iowa; Samuel, a resident of Des Moines; George B., who is living in North Dakota. The mother of these children was not long permitted to enjoy her new home in the West, but died on the 4th of November, 1850, at the age of thirty-four years, and her remains were interred in the cemetery at Des Moines. Mr. Gray was again married in February 26, 1852, his second union being with Sally Brand, by whom he has four children: Carrie, wife of Frank Haare, a resident of Bloomfield Township; William B., who also resides in the same township; Charlie B, a resident of Holyoke, Phillips County, Col.; and Walter, who is living on part of the old homestead.    Mr. Gray may be truly called a self-made man. Commencing life without capital, save a young man's bright hope of the future, and a determination to succeed, he has steadily worked his way upward to a position of financial independence. At one time he owned eighty choice lots in Fort Des Moines, and is now the recipient of a handsome income from his farm. He has always been liberal with his means for the support of public enterprises and as his resources have increased, has likewise increased his donations. He has taken quite an active part in politics, and is a warm advocate of the Democratic party. He and his family are well known throughout the county, and are held in the highest respect by all. Top CHARLES M. MACOMBER    CHARLES M. MACOMBER, a general farmer and stock raiser of Bloomfield Township, residing on section 18, was born in Franklin County, Me., January 7, 1823, and is a son of John and Abigail (Miller) Macomber. His parents were both natives of Massachusetts, and were of Scotch descent. His father was an enterprising and successful business man. By trade he was a blacksmith, but in connection with that business carried on farming and dealt largely in stock, which he drove ever fall from Maine to New Bedford, Mass., a distance of two hundred and seventy-five miles. He continued to pursue these various lines of work in Franklin County, Me., until his death, which occurred in 1853, at the ripe old age of seventy-one years. He survived his wife a number of years, she having passed to her last rest in 1832. As the result of their union eleven children were born, but of that once numerous family only three are now living: Mary M., widow of Horace Allen; James N., a resident of New Bedford, Mass.; and Charles M., of this sketch. After the death of his first wife, John Macomber, in 1833, -185- wedded Betsy Robbins, and unto them were born two children: Philena P., of Farmington, Me.; and Leonard H., who is now deceased.    In his native county our subject spent the days of his boyhood and youth, his time being passed in the usual manner in which lads occupied their attention. For a portion of the year he attended the common schools of the neighborhood, while the remainder of the time was passed in work upon his father's farm or in play. He remained under the parental roof until twenty-two years of age, when he started out in life for himself. Going to Massachusetts he engaged in teaching school for two years, and then for several years following, taught penmanship. The spring of 1854 witnessed his arrival in Iowa, where he has since made his home. The journey was made by rail to Rock Island, thence down the Mississippi on the boat "Lamartine," he landing at Muscatine. Six miles north of that city he purchased land, which he cleared and improved during his two years' residence thereon, when he removed to Wilton Junction. Some time subsequent he entered the employ of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, as traveling salesman, and meeting with such excellent success in that line of work, continued in the employ of that company, until 1877. Four years previous he had removed his family to Des Moines, and on severing his connection with his old employers, took up his residence in this city, devoting his attention to collecting until 1881, when he went to Arizona as agent for the Bunker Hill Gold and Silver Mining Company. He spent two and a half years in that Territory, and then returned to Des Moines, but shortly afterward traded his property in the city for the farm on which he now resides.    On the 12th of November, 1854, Mr. Macomber led to the marriage alter Miss Elzoda, daughter of Joseph and Dorcas (Wheeler) Craig, both of whom were natives of the Pine Tree State. Joseph Craig was a farmer by occupation, and followed that business in Maine until old age forced him to retire from active life, and he resigned his farm to the care of his son, but he and his wife are still living on the old homestead. They were parents of nine children, seven of whom yet survive: Almaron, a resident of Pocahontas County, Iowa; Ella, wife of George W. Cothren, of Farmington, Me.; Joseph, who makes his home in Dallas County, Iowa; Lynn, who is operating the old homestead; Fred W., of Des Moines; Mary J., who is living with her parents; and Elzoda, wife of our subject. The parents of this family have long been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and have led earnest, consistent Christian lives. They are well-known in the community in which they make their home, and are surrounded by a wide circle of friends. In early life Mr. Craig was a supporter of the Whig party, but since the formation of the Republican party, he cast his ballot with that great national organization.    Mr. Macomber is also a stanch supporter of the same party, and socially is a member of the Masonic fraternity. His farm is pleasantly and conviently situated about one mile from Des Moines and comprises eighty acres of valuable land. His life has been a successful one, as the result of his own efforts, and in many ways is worthy of emulation. He is ever faithful to the duties of citizenship which devolve upon him, and when called upon for assistance for any worthy enterprise calculated to benefit the community, his aid is never refused. 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