-223- ALONZO RAWSON    DR. ALONZO RAWSON, who for twenty-three years was a leading dentist of Des Moines, but now living a retired life, is a native of New Hampshire. He was born in East Alstead, Cheshire County, on the 2d of April, 1831, and is a son of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Flint) Rawson, who were also natives of New Hampshire. The Rawson family of which our subject is a descendant, was founded in America by Edward Rawson, who was born in Gillingham, Dorsetshire, England, April 16, 1615, married Miss Rachel Perne, and emigrated to this country in 1636. He joined the Massachusetts Bay, and settled in the town of Newbury. He was a man of superior ability and great force of character, -224- and took prominence among the early colonists. In 1647 and 1648, he represented Newbury in the General Council, and was the recipient of a grant of five hundred acres of land from the Government for services rendered the commonwealth. He was appointed secretary of the Colony of Massachusetts, and acting in his official capacity, signed the warrants issued and sent by Charles the Second, of England, to America, for the arrest of the Regicides. He was the author of several books, and was a very strict Presbyterian in religious faith.    Of his family, which was quite a large one, the eight child, Rebecca, who is said to have been a beautiful and accomplished woman, had a sad and romantic history. She married a supposed nephew of Chief Justice Hale, of England, and accompanied him to the old country, only to be deserted by her husband, who proved to have been already married. She then started to return to her home, but the ship on which she embarked, while lying at anchor in Port Royal, was engulfed by the great earthquake of June 7, 1692, and she, with all on board, was drowned.    Edward Rawson died August 27, 1993, as shown by the record in the family Bible, which is now more than two hundred years old, and is still in possession of the family.    The subject of this sketch, Dr. Alonzo Rawson, received an academic education, and at the age of eighteen years, began teaching school, which vocation he pursued until of age, when in March, 1852, he started out to seek his fortune. Traveling on foot, he reached Cleveland, Ohio, where he spent the summer, and in the following fall pushed on to Western Illinois, stopping at Moline,w here he helped his uncle, the Hon. S. W. Wheelock, to start the first paper factory on the Mississippi River. Crossing to Iowa on horseback, he penetrated the country as far as Cedar Rapids, remaining a couple of days with some squatters, then the only occupants of what is now the thriving city of Waterloo. At he end of two weeks he retraced his steps to Moline and returned his borrowed steed to its owner. Not long after that time, young Rawson went to Cleveland, Ohio, where he studied dentistry, but in the winter of 1853, we again find him en route for the West, his destination being Des Moines. During that trip he entered a tract of four hundred acres of land near Monroe, Jasper County, which in 1857, he traded for his present homestead in Des Moines. Again after a short season spent in this city, he returned to Ohio, and engaged in the practice of dentistry.    In Richfield, that State, on the 10th of October, 1855, Mr. Rawson married Miss Lucy Amelia Bliss Rawson, daughter of Dr. Secretary and Lucy (Hancock) Rawson. Her father is a lineal descendant of Edward Rawson before mentioned, and was born October 18, 1796, in Salem, Mass. He was twice married, first in the Bay State, in May, 1820, to Miss Clara Crossett, by whom he had one daughter, Clara H., now Mrs. Firmin, of Ohio. In 1823 he removed to Summit County, Ohio, and established himself in practice at Richfield. Having lost his first wife, he was again married June 19, 1824, the lady of his choice being Miss Hancock, a lineal descendant of John Hancock, the first signer of the Declaration of Independence. Three children were born of the latter union: Elizabeth C. A., who died at the age of fifteen years; Lucy A. B., who is now the wife of Dr. A. Rawson; and Sarah A. B., now Mrs. McNeil of Tiffin, Ohio. The mother died in Des Moines, in August, 1884, at the age of eighty-five years, but the father is still living in his ninety-fourth year, and resides with his daughter Lucy. Dr. Secretary Rawson was engaged in active practice of his profession for fifty-five years, and enjoys the remarkable experience of having lived under the administration of ever President of the United States, from George Washington to Benjamin Harrison, inclusive. In early life he was a Whig, and later helped to organize the Republican party in Ohio. He is well preserved physically and mentally, and still takes a warm interest in politics.    Dr. Rawson, the subject of our sketch, pursued the practice of dentistry in Cleveland, Ohio, until the summer of 1860, when he came to Iowa, and embarked in practice in Des Moines. He was the second dentist in the city, and is now the oldest resident representative of his profession here. He continued in active and successful practice until 1883, covering a period of twenty-three years, when he retired. Since his arrival, his home has been on -225- the site of his present residence. When he first settled there he had to find his way down town by the cow paths, and the Indians were so numerous and intrusive, that Mrs. Rawson was afraid to be left alone in her new home. The Doctor and his wife have two children: the daughter, Nellie, who was born September 11, 1861, is the wife of Prof. R. H. Miller, and both are employed as teachers in the Institute of Technology of Boston, Mass.; the son, Alonzo Rawson, Jr., who was born November 18, 1864, is a practicing attorney of Whatcome, Wash., and is the owner of a quarter-section of fine timber land. Both children were educated in the State University, the son graduating from both collegiate and law departments, while the daughter was graduated from the collegiate department, and from the school in which she is now a teacher. No expense or pains was spared in making them accomplished and cultured people.    In 1864, Dr. Rawson purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, situated in Valley Township, at $10.50 per acre. The farm almost adjoins the suburbs of Des Moines, and in consequence has become quite valuable, and if the contemplated college is built where it is proposed, the price of the land will rise much higher. Dr. Rawson is Republican in politics, but though often solicited to become a candidate for office, would never consent. He is a plain, unassuming man of broad and liberal views, genial and kindly in manner, and holds his word as sacred as his bond. He is public-spirited and liberal in support of public improvements and local enterprises, and has labored long and earnestly to secure the location of a college in Des Moines, knowing that it will greatly benefit the city. Top JOHN B. HATTON    JOHN B. HATTON, M. D., one of the leading practitioners of Des Moines, and a faithful soldier during the late war, is now the junior partner in the firm of Ward & Hatton. His early life was spent amidst wild and exciting scenes. He was born in a camp among the Indians in Monroe County, Mo., July 7, 1839, and his boyhood days were spent as a pioneer of Iowa. His parents were John B. and Catherine C. (Abbott) Hatton, the former a native of Mason County, Ky., the latter of East Tennessee. In their childhood days both became residents of Monroe County, Mo., where they were married and began their domestic life. The husband was a carpenter, and followed that business in Missouri until December, 1846, when accompanied by his family he removed to Appanoose County, Iowa. Both parents died in this State, the father at the age of seventy-three years, the mother when seventy years of age. They were numbered among the faithful members of the Christian Church, and in politics Mr. Hatton first supported the Whig party, and afterward became a Repuclican, and was a warm advocate of the principles originated by Henry Clay.    Our subject is the only one living in a family of thirteen children, six sons and seven daughters, and upon him therefore devolves the duty of perpetuating their history. Three of his brothers became physicians, having inherited a taste for that profession from their mother, who was a woman of remarkable intellectual force and industry, and was a practical physician. George W. was a distinguished practitioner of Pleasant View, Iowa; Joseph W., engaged in practice in Elliott, Iowa; and the youngest sister, Elizabeth, became the wife of Dr. Daniel Payton, of Oakland, Cal.    John B. Hatton, whose name heads this sketch, was reared on the frontier, and early inured to the hardships and trials incident to pioneer life. He was educated by his mother until seventeen years of age, when he entered a subscription school, having earned the money wherewith to pay his expenses. At the age of twenty-two years he began preparing himself for his life work, under the instruction of his brother, George W., and in the winter of 1859-60, he pursued a course of lectures at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, of Keokuk, Iowa. In the meantime the country was becoming involved in a serious trouble which resulted in war, and August, 15, 1862, feeling it his duty to aid the Government, he enlisted as a member of Company F, Thirty-fourth Iowa Infantry. After serving six months as Second Lieutenant, he was transferred to the medical department and commissioned -226- Assistant Surgeon, however continuing with the same regiment. His superior officer resigning, by a vote of the regiment he was elected to fill the vacancy, and commissioned by Gov. Kirkwood, after which the commission was sent to Col. Clark, but as Mr. Hatton had not yet held the of First Assistant, he reversed the commission and recommended him for that position. The Doctor then offered his resignation, but the Colonel would not accept it, and instead made him Captain of his old company, which he commanded until the close of the war. He participated in many of the most important engagements, including the battles at Vicksburg, Arkansas Post, the Red River Expedition, the capture of Ft. Gaines and Ft. Morgan, and the siege and capture of Spanish Fort. He remained in the army until the close of the war, and during his entire service he was never wounded nor taken prisoner.    Dr. Hatton received his discharge at the mouth of the White River, in Arkansas, and immediately thereafter returned to the North, locating in the village of New York, Wayne County, Iowa, where for three years he engaged the practice of medicine, when he removed to Russell, Lucas County. Wishing to keep abreast of the times he afterward attended lectures at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, at Keokuk, Iowa, from which he was graduated in 1871, when, in May, of the same year, he located in Red Oak, Montgomery County, where he remained until December, 1839. He had an excellent practice in Red Oak, and was fast accumulating a competency, but wishing to have access to the splendid schools of this city, he located in Des Moines, at the same time forming a partnership with Dr. W. H. H. Ward, the eldest resident practitioner.    On the 21st of January, 1880, Dr. Hatton was joined in wedlock with Miss Anna M. Matthews, a native of Ohio, who came with her family to Des Moines. They now have two children, sons——John M. and Raymond. The Doctor is an active worker and consistent member of the Christian Church, while his wife is a communicant of the Presbyterian Church. In his political views he is a Democrat, and by President Cleveland was appointed Secretary of the Board of Pension Examiners of Red Oak. He is connected with two civic societies, the Knights Templar Masons and Knights of Pythias, and by his brethren of the lodge is highly esteemed. During the twenty-seven years with which he has been connected with the medical profession he has enjoyed a liberal and lucrative practice, and has worked his way upward to a prominent position in the front ranks. He proved himself a loyal and faithful soldier during the late war, and is regarded as one of the enterprising and valued citizens of Polk County. Although his residence in this community has been of short duration he has succeeded in establishing a large and profitable business. Top THOMAS BOYD    THOMAS BOYD, of Des Moines, is numbered among the pioneers of Polk County of 1850, and as such well deserves mention in this volume. He has always borne his part in the upbuilding of the county, its growth and advancement and to the early settlers Polk County owes much of her present prosperity.    Mr. Boyd was born in Fayette County, Ind., in the town of Connorsville, in t826, and is a son of James Boyd, a native of Virginia, who emigrated to Indiana at an early day. His boyhood days, however, were spent in his native county but soon after his marriage to Miss Martilla Harp,he removed to Indiana. He served as a soldier in the War of 1812, and fought under Gen. Jackson at the famous battle of New Orleans. Accompanied by his family he continued his westward journeys until he reached Scott County, Ill., where he passed the greater part of his remaining days, although his death occurred in Pike County, that State. HIs wife survived him many years, and dying in Des Moines, was buried in Greenwood Cemetery near this city. The family of James and Martilla Boyd numbered six children, all of whom grew to mature years, while two sons and the only daughter of the family, Mrs. Elizabeth L. Kellogg, of Des Moines, are now living. She is the eldest of the survivors. Thomas is second n order of birth, and the youngest is John B., a resident of this county. Overton, Anderson and William, the three brothers -227- now deceased, lie buried by their mother in Greenwood Cemetery. The first and third were unmarried and the second left a wife, his children having died before his death occurred.    In his native State, the subject of this sketch was reared, until ten years of age, when the family removed to Illinois. He was but sixteen years of age at the time of his father's death and at that time was practically thrown upon his own resources. In 1849, accompanied by his mother and youngest brother, he came to Iowa, and the following spring to Des Moines, where he has made his home continuously since with the exception of a short time spent upon the Pacific Slope. In the spring of 1850, his brother William started from his home in Illinois to California and the same year Thomas also made his way across the plains to the newly discovered gold fields. Neither knew of the trip of the other or that they had contemplated making the journey and their meeting was a joyful surprise. They spent two years in California, engaged in mining during a greater part of the time, in which they were reasonably successful and then returned together by way of the Isthmus of Panama, both coming at once to Polk County, where the rest of the family were then living. They resided upon the farm for a time, but in 1853, became residents of Des Moines, where William engaged in the harness and saddlery business. He conducted that business for a short period and then sold out, but continued to make his home in the capital city until his death.    The business which occupied the attention of our subject on his return from the gold fields was carpentering and joining, but after a short time he gave up active work in that line and turned his attention to real estate. Few men have done more for the upbuilding and beautifying of the city, especially in the earlier days. He erected many residences and other buildings and yet owns considerable fine city property. He has been a witness of the many great changes which have taken place for the past forty-one years, has seen a little village of less than a thousand inhabitants transformed into a city which has no equal in the State, countless manufactories and industries have been introduced, large mercantile establishments have taken the place of little country stores, and palatial residences occupy the sites of pioneer log cabins or one-story frame dwellings. This change has been brought about only by the arduous labor, enterprise and industry of the citizens of Des Moines, Mr. Boyd having fully borne his share.    On the 2d of January, 1856, in the city which has so long been his home, Mr. Boyd was united in marriage with Miss Nancy Horman, who was born in Franklin County, Ohio, in 1826, and is a daughter of Johnson and Lucy (Lockhart) Homan, who were natives of Kentucky. The mother died when the daughter was an infant, and she lost her father when she was only seven years old. She came to Des Moines, with an uncle, John Provolt, in 1852. The lives of Mr. and Mrs. Boyd have been well spent. They have not only aided in public matters but have performed many acts of charity, which have secured them the love of the recipients of their bounty and have won many warm friends by their uniform kindness nd courtesy. Top JAMES STANTON    JAMES STANTON, who is engaged in the culture of small fruit on section 19, Bloomfield Township, is numbered among the honored pioneers of the county, dating his residence from 1848. The traveler of to-day can scarcely imagine that forty years ago Polk County was almost an uninhabited wilderness. Des Moines had been established but was a mere hamlet, containing some log fort houses along the banks of the Des Moines and Coon Rivers and a few log cabins. The greater part of the land was still in the possession of the Government, the Indians had not yet left the settlement and wild game, such as elk, deer, etc., was still seen. Mr. Stanton tells of witnessing a war dance by the red men on the site of the court house and on the ground now occupied by the State Capitol, has frequently picked wild blackberries. Much of the present advanced position of the county is due to the pioneers and early settlers. They were men of determined will, who had come to make homes for themselves and families and were not to be deterred from their purpose by -228- the hardships and trials incident to the settling of a new country. They laid the foundation for the success of the county, and we cannot say too much in their praise. Mr. Stanton did his share in the noble work and therefore is deserving of mention in this volume, which is to perpetuate the lives an deeds of the pioneers and the most prominent citizens of the county.    He was born in Vermilion County, Ill., March 25, 1824, and is of Scotch and English descent. His father, Richard Stanton, was a native of Kentucky, and in his younger days learned the trade of a gunsmith, though he afterward engaged in blacksmithing and later devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits. He wedded Ruth Hayworth, a native of Tennessee and they became the parents of nine children, but only three are now living——James; Rebecca, wife of Daniel Fox, of Jasper County, Mo.; and Mahlon, of Bloomfield Township. Mr. Stanton followed blacksmithing in Illinois until 1835, when he removed to Missouri. Two years later, however, he returned to Illinois and in 1842 became a resident of Indiana, where he engaged in farming until 1847. That year witnessed his arrival in Polk County. He settled on what is known as the six-mile strip, which was then located in Polk County, and after farming there until 1854, sold out and purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land in Bloomfield Township. He was now becoming quite aged and laying aside all business cares made his home with his children until his death, which occurred in June, 1885, in the eighty-ninth year of his age. His wife died ten years previous and they were laid side by side in the Bloomfield Cemetery. They were numbered among the pioneer settlers of the county and were among its respected citizens.    James Stanton, our subject, accompanied his parents to Missouri when fifteen years of age and with them afterwards returned to Illinois. He was then a lad of seventeen years and shortly afterward started out in life for himself. He served an apprenticeship of two years to the blacksmith's trade, but as his health did not permit him to engage in that business, he went to work in a packing house and the following spring drove cattle to the North. His health having somewhat improved, he then worked at his trade in Indiana until May, 1846, when he enlisted in the First Indian Regiment to serve in the Mexican War. The command was sent to the mouth of the Rio Grande, where they did garrison duty for about four months, during which time a great many of the men died on account of the unhealthy section in which they were camped. For some time they were engaged in the same duty at various places, and then Mr. Stanton worked at his trade for the Government at Monterey from June, 1847, until August of the same year, when he received his discharge and returned to Indiana.    Having in the meantime attained to mature years, Mr. Stanton secured for himself a life companion in the person of Miss Rebecca Lewsader. Their marriage was celebrated on the 9th of March 1848, and in October, of the same year, they emigrated to Polk County, Iowa, three weeks being consumed in making the trip. Having received a land warrant in compensation for his services in the Mexican War, Mr. Stanton then made a claim of some land, upon which he made his home until 1850, when he removed to Des Moines and opened a blacksmith shop. He was doing a good business in that line and everything passed along pleasantly until 1852, when death entered the household and claimed as its victim the wife and mother, who died on the 2nd of March. three children were born of that marriage but only one is now living, Sarah J., the wife of H. A. Evans, of Des Moines. Mr. Stanton was again married in November, 1852, his second union being with Nancy A. Thrailkill, daughter of Jacob and Ellen (Knaoy) Thrailkill, both of whom were natives of Tennessee, the former born of Scotch parentage, the latter of German origin. The father was a farmer and engaged in that business in Missouri and Iowa until 1849, when he went to California, where he engaged in mining and became quite wealthy. He then started for home on a steamer, but as he was never again heard from it was supposed he was murdered for his money. His wife died December 13, 1846. their family numbered six children, as follows: Nancy A., wife of our subject; John, of Mexico; Joseph C., of Des Moines; Catherine K., a widow -231- of Lemuel Corison, who was killed in the charge at Black Ridge Bridge during the late war; David, of De Soto, Dallas County, Iowa; and Cassander, wife of John Bryan, of Cass County, Mo. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Thrailkill, on the 19th of March, 1847, wedded Sarah B. Ferguson. They had one child, Thomas B., who died in the army.    by the marriage of Mr. Stanton and Nancy Thrailkill ten children were born, but four have now passed away. those living are Mary, wife of Richard Lowe, of Des Moines; Belle, wife of J. O. Tavenor, of Bloomfield Township; Gideon W., who is aiding his father in the operation of the old homestead; Nellie, wife of Frank Eberman, of Bloomfield Township; Charles and Robert who are still with their parents.    Mr. Stanton continued to engage in blacksmithing in Des Moines until 1859, when he operated a rented farm for a year, after which he removed his family to their home in the city and started for the mines of Colorado, where he spent the summer months. The following winter he again engaged in blacksmithing and in the spring of 1861, purchased forty acres of land. He has met with adversities in life but possessing a strong determination and good business ability, he has overcome all obstacles and now has a good farm. For the past seventeen years he has given the greater part of his attention to the culture of small fruits, in which he has been quite successful, but also is engaged to some extent in the raising of stock. From the organization of the Republican party he has been one of its supporters and in its welfare and success feels a deep interest. Top ALLEN DEARTH    ALLEN DEARTH, who is numbered among the early settlers of the county and is now living on section 35, Bloomfield Township, was born in Warren County, Ohio, on the 26th of June, 1806. His parents were James E. and Elizabeth (Long) Dearth, the former a native of Pennsylvania of Scotch descent, the latter of Virginia, born on German parentage. by occupation the father was a farmer, and for many years followed that business in Warren County, Ohio. He served his country in the War of 1812, after which he returned to his home in the Buckeye State, where he resided until his death. He passed away at the ripe old age of seventy-six years. His wife survived him some time, and died in 1861. There were six children born to this couple, but three of that number are now deceased, namely: Leviletta, Eliza and Samuel. Those living are: Allen, who is the second in order of birth; William L., of Warren County, Ohio; and Ellen S., a resident of Minnesota. The parents of this family were earnest Christian people, who did much to advance the cause of Christ on earth. They early instilled into the minds of their children such principles as would make them honorable, upright citizens,a nd were they now alive, might well be proud of the family which they reared.    Allen Dearth, the subject of this sketch, grew to manhood in Warren County, Ohio, where his early life was passed in much the usual manner of farmer lads. He availed himself of such opportunities as the common schools afforded, but as the county in which his parents lived was newly-settled, his educational advantages were necessarily limited. Like a dutiful son, he assisted his father in the cultivation of the farm until twenty-one years of age, when he was given some land and began operations for himself. He was married about this time, and with his young wife removed to his farm, which he operated until 1848, when, having a chance to dispose of it to his advantage, he sold out and bought another farm in the same neighborhood. That land he cultivated for about five years, prosperity attending his efforts during that period. Selling out, he then purchased fifteen acres on the outskirts of Springborough, Warren County, for which he paid $80 per acre and afterward sold for $9,000. Later, he traded his town property for eight hundred acres of land in Boone County, Iowa. He had also been the owner of extensive possessions in Indiana, including some twelve hundred acres of land, all of which he disposed of, trading the last eight acres for one hundred and sixty acres in Page County, Iowa. He believed that this State would rapidly settle and -232- that his lands would become very valuable, so that, in 1853, he came to Iowa for the purpose of here making his home. He first went to Boone County, but thinking the land too wild in that region, came to Polk County, with the future prospects of which he was quite delighted. In consequence he purchased a lot in the city of Des Moines, for which he paid $800, and erected a residence thereon. Having been so successful in his real-estate speculations in Ohio and Indiana, Mr. Dearth determined to make that his business in Iowa, and after his settlement in this city made purchase of four hundred acres of land in Dallas County, which adjoins Polk County. After residing in Des Moines for a year, he sold his land just mentioned and bought four hundred acres in Bloomfield Township, but by that investment lost $8,000, the land having been previously mortgaged. He labored to get his business affairs in a good condition once more, after his failure, and in due course of time purchased the farm on which he is now living.    Mr. Dearth was married on the 10th of April, 1828, the lady of his choice being Miss Margaret Deardorff, daughter of Jacob and Annie (Van Dyke) Deardorff, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, born of German parentage. the father was a farmer by occupation, and was engaged in that pursuit at the time of his death. Of the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Deardorff only one is now living——Margaret, wife of our subject, who is now eighty-one years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Dearth have had a family of five children, but one died in infancy. Jacob is a resident of Indianola, Iowa; Perry is a farmer of Webster County, Mo.; Eliza A. is the wife of John T. Chambers, of Benton County, Ark.; and Lavina is the wife of John McGriff, who owns and operates one hundred and fifty acres of the farm on which Mr. Dearth lives. They have an interesting family of five children——William, Eddie, Howard, Ella and Charles. One child, Mary, is now deceased.    For the long period of thirty-seven years Mr. Dearth has made his home in Polk County, his residence dating since 1853. Great, indeed, have been the changes which have taken place since that time, and prompted by his energetic and progressive spirit, he has taken an active part in the work of advancement. His fellow citizens, appreciating his worth and ability,have frequently called upon him to serve in official positions. He was Supervisor of the roads, Trustee of Bloomfield Township, and for about twenty terms has served on the grand and petit juries. He cast his first Presidential vote for John Quincy Adams, and supported the Whig party until he joined the Republican party at its organization. He then continued his connection with that great national organization until 1880, when he joined forces with the Greenback party. More than sixty years have passed since Allen Dearth and Margaret Deardorff started out in life's journey together. They have met many difficulties and discouragements and have borne their share in the sorrows of this world, yet their union has resulted in great happiness to both, and their companionship grows dearer as the years advance. For fifty-five years they have given their labors for the upbuilding of the Master's cause. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and are loyal Christian people, who by their upright lives have won the love and confidence of all. they are now nearing the other shore, but they can look back over the past with no regret and forward to the future with no fears, resting on the promise of the Bible and the hope of a home where all is peace and happiness. 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