-232- EDWARD HOOKER GILLETTE    HON. EDWARD HOOKER GILLETTE, junior partner of the firm of Weaver & Gillette, editors and publishers of the Iowa Tribune, of Des Moines, was born in Bloomfield, Conn., on the 1st of October, 1840, and is a son of the Hon. Francis and Eliza (Hooker) Gillette. HIs parents were both descended from old New England families, of Puritan origin, the mother, who is still living in Hartford, Conn., tracing her ancestry in direct line back to the Rev. Mr. Hooker, who was the first Congregational minister of that city. The father, who was a United States -233- Senator from Connecticut, in 1854, and ranked among the most prominent men of the State, died in 1881.    Edward H. Gillette, whose name heads this sketch, received liberal educational advantages in his youth, and was thereby fitted for a useful and honorable position in life. He attended the Hartford High School, and the State Agricultural College of New York. He left college to come to Des Moines, in 1863, and has since been a resident of this city, except a short time spent in business in Hartford, Conn. Farming and the raising of fine stock have occupied his attention during a considerable portion of that period, and for some time he has also devoted his abilities and energy to manufacturing, journalism and politics. Since December, 1883, he has been associated with Gen. J. B. Weaver in editing and publishing the Iowa Tribune, a weekly paper, which was established in 1879, and which was purchased by Messrs. Weaver & Gillette in 1883. The Iowa Tribune was the organ of the National or Greenback party, and is still devoted to the same issues under the Union Labor party, the name assumed by the old Greenback party, and advocates anti-monopoly, currency reform, and the rights of labor in all branches of industry. The paper, which is ably edited, has attained a large circulation throughout the Northwest, and to quite an extent throughout the length and breadth of the land, from Maine to Texas and California. Mr. Gillette has been for many years an active supporter of the National party, and is an able defender of its principles. In 1876 he was a delegate to the National Convention of that party in Indianapolis, which nominated the Hon. Peter Cooper for the Presidency. Mr. Gillette was nominated for Congress in 1879, by the Green back party, to represent the Seventh District (the capital), and as the nomination was satisfactory to the Democratic convention he became its candidate, and was elected to the Forty-sixth congress by a majority of nine hundred and twenty-one votes over his Republican opponent, the Hon. J. B. Cummings, although the district had previously given about eight thousand Republican majority. In the fall of 1885 he was nominated for Lieutenant Governor, receiving one hundred and sixty-seven thousand, seven hundred and eighty-seven votes, while the successful Republican candidate, the Hon. J. A. T. Hull, was elected with one hundred and seventy-six thousand, nine hundred and forty-six votes. Mr. Gillette has for many years been a member of the National Committee of the National party, and for several years was Chairman of that committee. He has taken an active part in every campaign, and has made speeches throughout the country, from Maine to Texas, in the interest of the political organization which he supports. As a speaker and debater he is logical, earnest and eloquent, and his addresses are always entertaining and instructive.    On the 26th of June, 1866, in Milford, conn., Mr. Gillette was united in marriage with Miss Sophie Stoddard, a native of Connecticut, and a daughter of Joseph and Sophia I. Stoddard. They have three children, one son and two daughters: Florence, the eldest child, is the wife of William E. Nichols, of East Haddam, Conn. Mr. Gillette is a man of superior mental force, well informed on all general subjects, and an able and earnest advocate of labor reform, and of such legislation as will insure to the laborer the legitimate results of his efforts in support of himself and his family. He sympathizes with with all true reforms, demands equal rights for all men and women, and entertains radical views upon the temperance question, but his record has been made primarily as the advocate of a financial system devised in the interest of producers rather than in the interest of idlers, with a view of emancipating all our industries from the enormous and ruinous taxes now imposed upon them by usurers. Top THOMAS LOWE    THOMAS LOWE, an estimable citizen, who for many years has been engaged in general farming and stock-raising on section 31, Bloomfield Township, was born in Ireland on the 18th of January, 1827. His father, George Lowe, was also a native of the Emerald Isle and after attaining to mature years engaged in agricultural pursuits in County Kildare. The lady of his -234- choice, Catherine Beatty, was also born in the same county and by their marriage they became the parents of nine children, four of whom are yet living——George, the eldest, is a resident of Ireland, William resides in Jackson, Miss.; Richard makes his home in Des Moines.    Thomas, the fourth son, and the subject of this sketch, passed his youth amid play and work in the usual manner of farmer lads and remained at home until twenty-four years of age. The prospects afforded young men in America at length attracted his attention and with a view of bettering his financial condition, in the summer of 1851, he started for this country. Crossing the Atlantic in a sailing vessel, he at length arrived safely in New York, where soon afterward he procured work on a barge on the Hudson River, which position he retained for about three years. By industry and economy during that period, he acquired some capital and embarked in the grocery business in New York City, continuing operations in that line for two years. He then determined to seek his fortune beyond the Mississippi, and in August, 1856, started by rail to Iowa City, whence he completed his journey to Ft. Des Moines by stage. Scarcely had the work of development been begun in the county, and the beautiful Capital City was then a small village with no sidewalks or few improvements of any importance. The present advanced position of the county is due to the early settlers and no inconsiderable part has Mr. Lowe borne in the work of advancement and progress. He has witnessed almost the entire growth of the county, has seen its broad prairies transformed into beautiful homes and farms, its log cabins replaced by commodious and palatial residences, its towns and villages have grown into cities and all the improvements and luxuries known to the civilized world has been introduced.    With characteristic energy, Mr. Lowe began search for employment and for a short time engaged with Barlow Granger in putting up hay. He then purchased four and one-half acres of land near Des Moines, for which he [paid] $100 per acre, and after working a short time for Samuel Gray, rented a farm which he operated on shares for a year. He then rented land of his old employer, which he operated in connection with that he had formerly purchased until he engaged to haul lumber which business he followed until 1868. Having in the meantime accumulated some capital, he added to his possessions forty-three acres of wild prairie land, upon which he erected a small cabin and after his family were installed in their new home began the development of a farm. Industry and enterprise have marked his business career and being ambitious to succeed he has steadily pushed forward, overcoming all obstacles and disadvantages and is now numbered among the prosperous citizens of the community. As his financial resources increased, he extended the boundaries of his farm until now it comprises three hundred and eighty-nine acres of land, the greater part of which is under cultivation, there being only twenty-five acres unimproved and that is a timber tract. His land has been divided into fields which are well tilled and by the rotation of crops have been made to yield excellent harvests, paying a golden tribute to the care and labor which he bestows upon them. In 1870 the pioneer home was replaced by a substantial dwelling, good barns have been built and all other necessary buildings for the storage of corn and the shelter of his stock, of which he raises excellent grades. He also keeps on hand the latest improved machinery. It can truthfully be said of Mr. Lowe that he is a self-made man. He was almost penniless when he landed in this country and without the aid of influence or capital has become one of the prosperous citizens of the county. His business enterprises have been characterized by fair and honest dealing and thereby he has won the confidence of all with whom he came in contact. As a proof of the high regard in which he is held we will relate a little incident which goes to prove the warm friendship which his neighbors feel for him. In 1885, he had the misfortune to have his barn utterly destroyed by fire with all its contents, including six horses and a colt, harness, farming implements, a spring wagon and a few tons of hay. Insurance covered part of the building, but not-withstanding his loss was considerable, and his neighbors when they saw what a misfortune had overtaken him at once offered to make up his loss. Fortunately Mr. Lowe was not in need of the aid, -235- but he warmly thanked his friends and will ever cherish in his heart the memory of their kindness and sympathy.    On the 11th of December, 1854, in New York City, Thomas Lowe was united in marriage with Julia Kelley, and unto them have been born nine children——Catherine F., who is now the wife of John Boganwright, of Polk County; William B., a resident of Warren County; Carrie J., wife of Frank Geil; Walton T., who is at home; Ella, who is engaged in teaching school; Frank and Belle are still with their parents; and Julia and George are deceased. Mrs. Lowe is a daughter of William and Catherine (Dunn) Kelley, both of whom were natives of Ireland. Her father made merchandising his life work. He once came to America with the intention of making his home in this country but afterward returned to his native land and there resided until his death. His wife has also passed away. This worthy couple were parents of eight children, five of whom are yet living——Julia, wife of our subject; Catherine, a resident of New York; Margaret, who is still living in the Emerald Isle; George, a resident of Cleveland, Ohio; and Caroline, who makes her home in New York City.    In politics Mr. Lowe is a Republican, having supported the principles of that party since its organization, and both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. They have led faithful Christian lives, and are ever ready to extend a helping hand to the poor and needy and do all in their power for the advancement of the cause on earth. Top JOHN M. MEHAN    JOHN M. MEHAN, President of the Capital City Commercial College, of Des Moines, is a native of Virginia. He was born in Bath, Morgan County, on the 6th of October, 1845, and is a son of Jeremiah and Ann (O'Reily) Mehan. His parents were both natives of the "land where the shamrock grows," but in early life bade good-by to Ireland, and emigrated to this country. After his marriage, Jeremiah Mehan settled in Morgan County, Va., where he engaged in farming until 1852, when he removed to Illinois. Not long after, his wife was called to her final rest. When the late Civil War broke out, like many others of his brave fellow-countrymen, he went forth to battle for his adopted land, and never returned to the children who so anxiously awaited him, but sacrificed his life for the preservation of the Union.    Bereft of both father an mother when a lad, John Mehan went to live with a merchant in Vandalia, Ill., where he was afforded the advantages of the public schools, and laid the foundation of his business education. At the age of twenty, he went to Montana, where some ten years of his life were spent. After mining for a time, he turned his attention to teaching, and subsequently engaged in book-keeping, in which vocation he became very proficient. Returning to Iowa in 1872, he accepted a position as a teacher in the grammar department of the schools of Nevada, this State, where he remained for two years, when he became Superintendent of the public schools in Ames, Iowa. In 1876, he was offered, and accepted the position of instructor in penmanship, drawing and book-keeping, in the public schools of Creston, where he remained until he resigned in order to become general manager and special accountant for the New York Life Insurance Company. In 1884, he came to Des Moines, and has since made this city the center of his labors. As an accountant he stands second to none in the State, and has done a great deal of expert work in that line.    While in Nevada, Mr. Mehan was united in marriage with Miss Nettie Vedder, who died in 1883, leaving a son and a daughter. Three years later, he wedded Miss Flora Ickis, who has charge of the normal and English training department of the Capital City Commercial College. The Professor is an active member of the Presbyterian Church. He is a member of the Commercial Exchange, and one of the Directors in the Grand Avenue Savings Bank. He has connected himself with but one social order, the Masonic.    The history of the rise and growth of the Capital City Commercial College, will be of interest to every one interested in the educational welfare of young men and women. When in 1884, Prof. Mehan decided to establish such a school in Des Moines, a small room near the corner of Sixth and -236- Locust Streets was rented, and three teachers employed. The calling of the roll during the first three months was certainly not a burdensome task, as the students numbered only four, but ere the year closed, so many sought for admission into the school, that new accommodations had to be obtained. A large part of the second, and all of the third floor of Meek's Block at the corner of Sixth and Locust Streets was secured, and is still in use. These apartments are fitted up in the best style for the accommodation of the students. In 1889, the attendance numbered four hundred and twenty-five. The object of the school is to prepare young men and women for business careers. The college is highly recommended by some of the most able instructors, and leading business men of Des Moines, but its highest recommendation comes from the fact that its students on entering business life, can command the best positions and highest salaries. Its instructors are persons of recognized ability. Its President has had twenty-four years experience in educational work, and has succeeded in founding a school of which the citizens of Des Moines may well be proud. Top LEWIS SCHOOLER    DR. LEWIS SCHOOLER, of Des Moines, was born near Columbus, Ind., March 17, 1848, being one of nine children, whose parents were Benjamin Harrison and Mary (Hughes) Schooler. His grandfather, William Schooler, emigrated from Ohio to Harrison County, Ky., at an early day and there wedded Elizabeth Stupf.In 1831, they removed to Bartholomew County, Ind., to make that their home, being accompanied by their son Benjamin, who was born in Harrison County, Ky., in 1824, and was therefore seven years old when the family became residents of the Hoosier State. Following in the footsteps of his father, Benjamin Harrison Schooler engaged in agricultural pursuits, which he still makes his business. Near Columbus, Ind., he married Miss Hughes, who was born in Ohio in 1827, and in childhood accompanied her parents to Indiana. The young couple began their domestic life in that State, and are still living on the old homestead. The husband is a substantial but unpretentious farmer, taking no part in public affairs or politics, save to vote his political principles, which have always been in the line of the Whig and REpublican parties. Of their nine children, eight are now living.    Dr. Schooler is the only one of the family that has ever pursued a professional career. HIs time was spent on the farm and in the district schools until December 3, 1864, when at the age of fifteen years he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Forty fifth Indiana Infantry, and served a year and two months under Gen. Thomas. He had previously made two attempts to join the army, but his father, not willing that a boy so young should endure the hardships of a soldier's life, prevented him carrying out his wishes. At the close of the war he returned to his home in Indiana and entered Hartsville College, where he remained three years, after which he engaged in teaching in his native State until 1870, when he went to Lexington, Mo., where he followed the same profession, and in his leisure hours read law until he was ready for admission to the bar, but before taking that step, which would make him a member of the legal fraternity, he decided to study medicine, and on coming to Iowa, in 1873, entered the office of Dr. J. S. Gillett, of Iowa Center. During the winter of 1874-75 he attended his first course of lectures at the Louisville (Ky.) Medical College, after which he located in Sheldahl, Polk County, where he embarked in practice, there continuing until 1883, when he came to Des Moines. In 1879 he was graduated from the Kentucky School of Medicine with honor. For four years, Dr. Schooler was Professor of Anatomy in the Iowa College of Physicians and Surgeons, now a department of Drake University, and is at present Dean of the medical faculty, and Professor of Surgery in the same.    On the 30th of May, 1876, in this city, the Doctor led to the marriage alter Miss Alice J. Hoskins, a native of New Hampshire, and unto them have been born five children, as follows: Blanche, Dean, Elva, Hazel and Ward.    In May, 1889, Dr. Schooler was appointed a -237- member of the Pension Examining Board, of which he is now Secretary. He is an honored member of a number of civic societies, including the Masons and the Knights of Pythias, and is Post Commander of Crocker Post, No. 12, G.A.R. Since attaining his majority he has supported the Republican party, and takes an active part in political affairs, but has never sought public office. He is a member of the Polk County Medical Society, of which he has been President some time, of the State Medical Society, and of the American Medical Association. Already he is accounted by the profession one of the ablest surgeons in the State, having within ten years gained a reputation that is seldom acquired in a lifetime. Previous to this time he has done general practice, but in the future he expects to devote his entire energies to surgery. Top LAWRENCE T. FILSON    LAWRENCE T. FILSON, who resides on section 29, Bloomfield Township, has for the long period of forty years been numbered among the citizens of this county. He is a native of Fleming County, Ky., born April 25, 1822, and a son of William and Percilla (Thompson) Filson, both of whom were of English descent. The father was a native of Virginia, but removed to Kentucky at an early day, and there followed farming throughout the remainder of his life. For twenty-one years he served as Sheriff of Fleming County, and in the discharge of his official duties formed an extensive acquaintance throughout the community. It is needless to say that he proved an able and efficient officer, for his long continued service plainly indicates that fact. He was a supporter of the Whig party in early life, and on its organization joined the Republican party. Although a resident of a slave State, he was greatly opposed to slavery, and was a loyal supporter of the Union during the Civil War. Both he and his wife died about the year 1873. Unto them were born the following eight children——Mary, widow of Thomas Boyd, of Cass County, Mo.; Melinda, who is now deceased; Washington, a resident of Caldwell County, Mo.; Elizabeth J., wife of William Buckley, a resident of Cass County, Mo.; Emily, wife of Barney Hayden, of the same county; Lawrence T., of this sketch; Eveline, wife of William W. Williamson, who resides on the old homestead in Fleming County, Ky.; and James L., of Caldwell County, Mo.    Our subject received a limited education in the subscription schools, and was reared on the farm on which he was born. He remained under the parental roof until reaching man's estate, when he left home and went to Scott County, Ind., where he served a three years' apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade. He then went to Jennings County in search of work, and while there joined a regiment bound for Oregon. The company went to Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, and while there stationed the news was received of Taylor's fight with the Mexicans. A call was then issued for volunteers, and with the other members of the regiment our subject enlisted. They were drilled for cavalry service, after which they marched to the front, going by the way of water to New Orleans, where they spent sometime in drilling on the old battle-field where Andrew Jackson routed the British. After about two weeks they crossed the gulf to the mouth of the Rio Grande, but in so doing the horses were all lost, and the regiment was forced to proceed on foot. Later orders came to go to Vera Cruz by water, and in all the general battle along the Scott's lines our subject participated. As a member of a regiment of sharpshooters he was placed in front of the line of march, and was engaged in skirmishing all the way from Vera Cruz to the City of Mexico, where they were quartered in the halls of Montezuma, the last king of the Aztecs. Mr. Filson was engaged in police duty for about eight months, at the end of which time peace was restored and they returned on foot to Vera Cruz, a distance of two hundred and fifty miles. His service in the Mexican War covered a period of three years, during which he suffered injuries from which he has never recovered. Proceeding with his regiment to St. Louis, by an act of Congress he was honorably discharged, after which he returned to the home of his parents, where he remained during the winter. His pay was then sent to him and a land warrant given him for his services. -238-    Taking his tools, in the spring of 1849, Mr. Filson started for the West to try his fortune on its broad prairies. He proceeded to Keokuk, and thence by team to Polk County. He found Ft. Des Moines to consist of a few scattered cabins on the east side, and the fort cabins which graced the banks of the Coon and Des Moines Rivers. From that time forward for a considerable period he was actively identified with the upbuilding of the county and the promotion of her interests. He aided in the erection of the first frame house built in Des Mines, a portion of which stands to-day as a monument to his skill and industry. He continued work as a carpenter for about twelve years, during which time he erected a number of residences. His first purchase of land consisted of one hundred and twenty acres in Saylor Township, which he operated for two years, when he was forced to abandon agricultural pursuits on account of ill-health. He then returned to the city, and then engaged in contracting and building for two years, having under his charge a force of ten men. As he was a thorough master of the business in every particular, and did his work in the most careful and painstaking manner, he received a liberal patronage and was rapidly acquiring a competence, but took a severe cold from exposure while working in the rain, and from the effects was confined to his bed for three months. For five years afterward he was unable to engage in business at all, and has never been able to resume work at his chosen occupation. When the war broke out he received a commission as Lieutenant from Gov. Kirkwood to raise a company, but owing to ill-health could not accept. In the summer of 1864 he made purchase of one hundred and sixty acres of land, on which he now resides, and began the development of a farm. A little frame house of one room had been built, and an orchard of ten acres had been planted, but otherwise the land was in it primitive condition.    Mr. Filson married on the 15th of November, 1849, the lady of his choice being Miss Martha J. Buzick. the marriage ceremony was performed in a little log cabin, and was one of the first weddings celebrated in this county. Mrs. Filson is a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Walker) Buzick, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Ohio. Her father was an eminent minister, and was one of the early settlers of Polk County. He arrived in Des Moines in 1846, and from that time until his death, which occurred in 1883, preached the Gospel in and around the city. His wife, a most estimable lady, died twenty-four years previous to the death of her husband. They were beloved by all for their many good works, and in them the poor and need found true friends. Their family numbered six children, as follows: Henry, Sarah A., Margaret, Mary A., William and Martha J. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Filson has been blessed with eight children, two sons and six daughters——Mary E. the first-born, is the wife of James Spring, a resident of Bloomfield Township; Amanda J., is the wife of Franklin D. Pierce, of this county; Melinda E. wedded Truman Jones, of Bloomfield Township; Laura B. married L. O. Jones; Edwin D. is operating the old homestead; Maggie C., Sarah A. and Lawrence L. are still with their parents.    In politics, Mr. Filson is a Republican, and socially a member of the Masonic fraternity. His farm comprises one hundred and sixty acres of valuable land, highly cultivated and improved,upon which may be found an excellent grade of cattle. Mr. Filson is now practically living a retired life, while his son attends to the management of his business interests. Top F. WINIFRIED SCHMIDT    REV. F. WINFRIED SCHMIDT, O.S.B., pastor of St. Mary's Church, of Des Moines, was born in Siedlinghausen, Westphalia, Germany, March 31, 1851, and is the son of a thrifty hardware merchant of that town. Having attended the parochial school until fourteen years of age, he then took a six years' course of training in Paderborn University, from which he was graduated in 1871. Those acquainted with the requirements of the German universities can understand how thoroughly equipped the Rev. Mr. Schmidt was to begin life. The same year of his graduation he bade good-by to home and father- -241- land, and sailed for the United States. He at once took a professorship in St. Vincent's College situated at Beatty's Postoffice, Westmoreland County, Pa. After six years of satisfactory work in that college, he was called to the chair of Theology and Philosophy in St. Benedict's College, of Atchison, Kan., which he acceptably filled until 1883.    In that year the Rev. Mr. Schmidt became rector of St. Mary's Church, in Des Moines. The church was organized about 1869, and in 1876 their present fine brick edifice was erected on the corner of Second and Crocker Streets. It has a large auditorium that will seat some nine hundred persons, and also a department for school work. A school is maintained, in which both English and German are taught. Until 1883 the church had been under the Bishop's charge, but in that year it was transferred to the Benedictine Fathers. When Father Schmidt took charge, the church was over $9,000 in debt. His efficient management, with the hearty co-operation of an able and liberal membership, has paid off all the indebtedness and increased the church property until, at a modest estimate, it is valued at $80,000. The school affords both literary and musical instruction, and there are now about one hundred pupils under the care of three teachers. Father Schmidt is an excellent financier, as well as an able man in the pulpit, and his six years pastorate in Des Moines has been a pleasant period with both himself and his congregation. Top WILLIAM M. BEARDSHEAR    WILLIAM M. BEARDSHEAR, A.M. D.D., Superintendent of the West Des Moines public schools, is one of the renowned educators of Iowa. He is of Swiss extraction on the paternal side, and on his mother's side is of Scotch and Welsh origin. His grandfather Beardshear emigrated from Pennsylvania to Virginia in an early day and in 1802, became a resident of Ohio, locating near Dayton, where he entered seven hundred acres of land. That became the permanent home of the family and upon that farm, in 1814, was born the Doctor's father, John Beardshear. Having attained to man's estate, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Coleman, who was born in Ohio, in 1824, and was a daughter of Robert Coleman, who emigrated from Pennsylvania to the Buckeye State during the earliest days of its history. Mr. Beardshear was an energetic farmer and took an active part in local affairs, especially in the advancement of the public schools, colleges and the interests of the Church. His hospitable door always stood open for the reception of those who spent their lives in preaching the gospel. He was a worthy member of the United Brethren Church and gave to it his earnest support until his death, which occurred in 1873. His aged wife, who still survives him, also belongs to that church and is universally esteemed. Their family consists of four children——William M.; Sella, now Mrs. Coover, wife of a prominent stock dealer of Ohio; Rilla, a music teacher; and Emma, wife of Prof. W. O. Krohn, of the Western Reserve College of Ohio. Emma died in January, 1890.    Dr. Beardshear was born on the old homestead near Dayton, Ohio, November 7, 1850, and until fourteen years of age his time was spent in developing his physical nature by hard work on the farm, and his mental forces by reading and attendance in the district schools. In January, 1865, though little more than fourteen years of age, he enlisted in Company A, of the One Hundred and Eighty-fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry and served until the close of the war in the Army of the Cumberland. On his return home, he began the task of securing an education, having to depend largely upon his own resources. In 1869, he entered the preparatory department of Otterbein University, and after six years of hard study graduated at the head of a large class with the degree of A.B. During his college course he united with the United Brethren Church, and upon his graduation in 1876, was called to the pastorate of that church in Arcanum, Ohio, where he ministered two years. That period is cherished alike by pastor and people. The years 1878-80 were spent by Mr. Beardshear mostly in the Yale Theological Seminary of New Haven, Conn., and during that time he supplied the pulpit of the Congregational Church at Bethany. In the early part of 1881, he was called to Summit Street Church in Dayton, Ohio, -242- but resigned in July of the same year to accept the presidency of Western College in Toledo, Iowa, thus becoming one of the youngest college presidents in the State.    When Dr. Beardshear took charge of that institution, it was almost destitute of endowment, buildings and students, but by his persistent and well-directed efforts, and the aid of stanch friends of the college, the enrollment was more than quadrupled, three large buildings were erected, and over $200,000 added to the various funds of the college. While working in the interests of the school and lecturing and preaching, he was winning for himself a reputation as an able educator and a man of great mental power. As a result in the fall of 1889, he was tendered the Superintendency of the West Des Moines public schools, which he accepted, resigning the post of duty which he had so ably filled in the Western College. The Tama Herald, speaking of the loss sustained by his resignation, says: "Under his guiding hand the college has gained a prosperity and usefulness far beyond that of other days. All this has not been accomplished without severe and protracted labor, the brunt of which fell upon the broad shoulders of President Beardshear. And now when Western College has passed the critical point in its history, having reared palatial buildings, secured a fine corps of instructors and a large attendance of pupils, and having thoroughly entrenched itself in the good will of all in this section of the State, it seems hard that the president to whom it owes so much should not remain with and enjoy some of the sunshine of its prosperity." The duties of his new position are manifold and arduous, but with his high conception of what the schools should be and his desire and ability to bring them up to his standard, we may confidently expect that the West Des Moines schools will lead the first rank of city schools in a State in which for efficiency, the public school system lends the nation.    Since he has become a resident of Iowa, Dr. Beardshear has taken a very active part in educational work, having taught in County Institutes and lectured on educational subjects in Iowa and adjoining States. Soon after his graduation, he received the degree of A.M. from his Alma Mater, and in 1885 the honorary degree of D.D. was conferred upon him by the Lebanon Valley College of Pennsylvania. Socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Grand Army of the Republic.    In March, 1873, Dr. Beardshear was united in marriage with Miss Josephine Mundhenk, a native of Ohio and a Junior of Otterbein University. Her parents were born in the Buckeye State, but were of German descent. Four children have blessed this union——Hazel L., Gertrude M., William M. and Charley. The Doctor and his wife are consistent members of the United Brethren Church and hold a high rank in the social world, as he does among the educators of the State. Top Next This nonprofit research site is an independent affiliate of the American History and Genealogy Project (AHGP), and proud to be hosted by USGenNet, a nonprofit historical and genealogical Safe-Site Server™ solely supported by tax-deductible contributions. No claim is made to the copyrights of individual submitters, and this site complies fully with USGenNet's Nonprofit Conditions of Use. Memorial Library.com Read More Iowa Books Online Iowa Biographies Project Copyright © 2000 - 2002 D. J. Coover All Rights Reserved Webmaster: D. J. Coover - ustphistor@usgennet.org