Marion County

Souvenir History of Pella, Iowa [1847-1922]
Pella: Booster Press, [1922]

C

Hon. Green T. Clark – page 20

Another pioneer who filled a leading and important place in the life and development of this community was the Hon. Green T. Clark. He was one of those already mentioned as having settled a few miles southeast of town, in 1843. He was a man of great energy, ability and foresight, and was called upon to fill many important positions. He was the first county assessor, before Iowa had been admitted as a state. He was a justice of the peace and a member of the county board of supervisors for a number of years and was four times elected as member, for Marion county, of the Iowa legislature. One son and one daughter are still residents of Pella today. He became one of the most successful farmers and largest stock raisers in this part of Iowa, and owner of many acres of valuable land.

Green T. Clark – page 22

Green T. Clark. One of the best known and highly respected of a past generation in Lake Prairie township, Marion county, was Green T. Clark. He was a successful farmer and stock raiser and took a prominent part in the pioneer life and the later development of the community. He was born on the 25th of March, 1823, In White county, Tennessee, and was taken to Illinois by his parents when six years of age. Removed to Lee county, Iowa, 1834, and from there to Marion county in 1843. He settled a few miles southeast of Pella and at one time his farm consisted of 700 acres of valuable land. He was elected assessor at the first election ever held in the county. In 1854 he was elected a member of the Fifth General Assembly of Iowa, and was re-elected in 1856. He was again elected in 1874 and re-elected in 1876. He held the office of justice of the peace and also served as a member of the county board of supervisors. Commencing life as a poor boy, was the architect of his own fortunes, and one of the most successful men in Marion county. He married Miss Nancy Wilson, a native of Kentucky, in 1846. Two children died in early youth and four lived to maturity and were well and favorably known to our people. They were Thomas J., Louisa, Allen H. and Ada.

Cyrenus Cole – page 187

Was born on a farm near Pella in 1863, and was educated in the public schools of Pella and in Central University, now Central College, at Pella. From 1887 to 1898 he was connected with the Des Moines Register as reporter, city editor and associate editor. From 1898 to 1921 he was connected with the Cedar Rapids Republican and the Evening Times as owner and editor. He was elected to congress on July 19, 1921, in a special election to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of the Hon. James W. Good.

As a journalist of many years’ experience he is intimately acquainted with the history and development of his native state, and not the least important of his activities has been the writing of “A History of the People of Iowa,” an unusually complete and intimate story of the building up of the Hawkeye state, and a number of sketches, all more or less historical, and of decided merit and literary charm.

Mr. Cole’s success is attributable to a genius for hard work combined with a clear, logical mentality and an abiding faith in the destiny of his state and country. The citizens of Pella are proud of his past attainments and look forward with confidence for yet greater things.

Rev. Jacob Cornelius – page 147

Born in Coshocton, Ohio, 1838, died in Galena, Kansas, August 1, 1897. His parents emigrated from the city of Amsterdam, Holland, settling in New York and were known as one of the Knickerbocker families in the early days. He became a minister in the Baptist church in 1862. He was an architect in his early life and considered very proficient in his profession. He enlisted in the Civil war and at the close received an honorable discharge, and from that time on, he became a pioneer minister. His work began in Indiana and followed up in Illinois, Iowa and Kansas. Twenty-seven Baptist churches were erected and dedicated free of debt during his lifetime, the work of which was accomplished by his special efforts. He moved to Pella in 1892 in order that his children might profit by the advantages of Central University and particularly to receive a Christian college training.

Prof. C. C. Cory – page 29

As instructor in Central University, superintendent of the public schools of Pella, as well as in his career as a merchant, Mr. Cory was known for his optimistic, buoyant temperament that made him one of the most valued additions to the college faculty, at a time when it took rare courage and unflagging energy, to keep the young and struggling institution on its feet. As superintendent of the public schools he had few equals and none that were more successful in bringing out the best that was in the students under his charge. A great lover of music and an accomplished vocalist, Professor Cory accomplished more to develop the musical talent of the community than any one of his time. Out of school hours he was nearly always to be found with a coterie of friends practicing church music, glees and cantatas, and arranging amateur concerts. He was born in the Green Mountain state on the 18th day of September, 1833, and received his education at Derby Academy, which he supplemented by close study and application at home. As a conductor of normal institutes he ranked among the most successful in the state. In 1886 Professor Cory was tendered the superintendency of the State Industrial School for Girls at Mitchellville, Iowa. He accepted this position and held it until his health failed in 1897. He married Miss Mary Moran in 1857. She was also a native of Vermont. Their family consisted of two children, Fred M. and Hattie M. Professor Cory died in January, 1897, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. William O. Foraker, in Chicago.

J. B. Cotton – page 29

Because of the prominent part Mr. Cotton filled in the social, educational and business life of the community, he and his estimable family still live in the memory of the older citizens. He was born in New Hampshire on the 2d day of December, 1826, and lived there until 1865. He was raised on the farm and at the age of twenty-seven entered the mercantile business. He came to Pella in 1865, and in 1874 was one of the organizers of the Pella Manufacturing Co., and a number of years later was the active manager of this important industry. Prior to that time he was engaged in the dry goods business in the location now occupied by the Farmers’ National Bank, under the firm name of Cotton & Baker. He had a thorough musical education and from 1865 until 1883 he was principal of the Musical Department of Central College and also chorister for the First Baptist Church. Under his able instruction the College Glee Club became a noted organization. He married Miss Mary Moran in 1849. She was born in Vermont. Mrs. Cotton was a woman of fine Christian character and left the impress of her personality on the entire community. There were eight children: Annie E., Jennie G., Ada J., Charles S., Joseph F., Harry A. D., Mabel B. and Leslie E.

Captain J. Murray Cox – page 190

Was born in Fulton county, Ohio, March 23, 1845. He came to Pella with his parents when ten years of age and later he accepted a position with Van Dam Bros., as clerk on Saturdays, the remainder of the week he attended school and received his education in this manner. When sixteen years he enlisted in the Union army in 1862 in Company G, 17th Iowa Volunteers and served until the war closed. He was made a prisoner at Hollow Springs, Mississippi, and placed in prison and again later he was made a prisoner near Atlanta, Georgia, and placed in Andersonville prison. He was given an honorable discharge on April 30, 1865, and immediately began his career as a railroad man. His first position was an agent of the Des Moines Valley railroad at Bonaparte. Afterward he was transferred to Monroe, Prairie City, and finally to Des Moines. His last move was to Pella where he served forty consecutive years of his forty-eight years in the service. During his residence here he took a great pride in organizing a band which he at one time perfected and held the distinction of being one of the best musical organizations in the state. During the present summer the Park Commission erected a very beautiful and substantial band stand in Central Park and it was dedicated to him as an honor for his untiring efforts in the line of music during his life as a citizen here. He still lives here and it is hoped will be with us for many years. He was united in marriage to Miss Luella Keables on September 21, 1871, at Thayer, Kansas. To this union were born six children: William and Murray A. died early in life. Those who are living are Mrs. Carrie Vander Ploeg, of Knoxville; Mrs. Hattie Van Cleave, of California; Mrs. Libbie Closz, of Muskegon, Mich., and Henry Given, of Omaha, Nebraska.

Thomas W. Cox – page 189

Was born in Fulton county, Ohio, July 21, 1849. When about six years of age he came to Pella with his parents and was educated in the public schools of that city.

When the Civil war threatened the very existence of our government, Tom, although only twelve years and about six months old, enlisted as a drummer boy and served throughout the war, not even coming home on a furlough.

He was granted a furlough at one time but generously had it transferred to a comrade who had a very urgent reason for wanting to visit his home. To those who knew “Tom” this incident will be recognized as an outstanding indication of his character. On the 11th day of September, 1882, he married Miss Betsy Hayward at Creston, Iowa. After his return from the war he attended Central University, and later learned telegraphy. For the greater part of his active life he followed this work until failing health caused him to resign. He purchased the American House at Pella from Mrs. C. Bongers, and continued as manager and landlord until his death, which occurred in 1909. Few men have ever lived in this community who had more warm friends than Tom Cox.

Israel Coleman Curtis – page 168

Was born July 21, 1813, near Fort Adams, Wilkinson county, Mississippi. He was the son of William Curtis and Mary Barfield, his wife. When he was three years old the family removed to a farm near Rodney, Mississippi, and there Israel lived until he attained manhood.

He became a member of the Baptist church while residing at Amora, Indiana, on the 8th day of January, 1843, and in the autumn of the same year he was ordained as a Baptist minister. On the death of his father in 1833 he had entered Miami University intending to fit himself for the legal profession, but complications in his father’s estate interrupted his college course. He then entered the mercantile business but the financial crisis of 1837 and the years which followed left him scarcely enough property to satisfy his creditors. This misfortune again turned his attention to the law. He pursued his studies vigorously and was admitted to the bar in 1841.

In 1844 Mr. Curtis, with his family, removed to Iowa and settled on the Des Moines river near Pella. Here for a time he devoted himself to agriculture, but his great talents as a minister and a lawyer were not be buried in the seclusion of a country home. He soon returned to the work of the ministry, and in a few years resumed the practice of law.

He was largely instrumental in securing the founding of Central University at Pella. During all the years of his residence in Iowa he showed a deep and abiding love for this institution, and his recognized ability as an orator and in debate, led to his being chosen to represent “Central” in the fight to secure the coveted prize of acceptance by the different Baptist organizations. So great was his talent and energy for this work that he coped successfully with such gifted men as Dr. J. A. Nash, representing Des Moines University, and with Dr. George J. Johnson, who labored in behalf of the Burlington institution. “Central” secured the endorsement of every Baptist institution save one.

Mr. Curtis was District Attorney of Marion county and represented the county in the legislature from 1857 to 1860. In 1860 he was a member of the joint legislative committee which revised the laws of Iowa, and whose work culminated in the adoption of the state code.

He was conceded by his friends and opponents to have made the most profound constitutional argument of the legislative session.

In 1864 he concluded to emigrate to California. There were no railroads in those days and the weary journey of more than two thousand miles had to be made with teams. The way was bordered by hardships and dangers. Twice the little caravan was attacked by Indians, and many times the travelers were threatened with extermination and some perished by drinking poisoned waters. On the third day of October, 1883, he died at his home in Los Angeles county, California.

William Jesse Curtis – page 23

William Jesse Curtis was born at Aurora, Ind., on the 2d day of August, 1838. He is the son of Hon. I. C. Curtis, a leading lawyer for many years of Marion county, Iowa, and Lucy Holman Curtis, who was a daughter of Judge Jesse L. Holman, a Supreme Court judge of the state of Indiana, and afterwards judge of the United States District Court for the District of Indiana, appointed by President Andrew Jackson.

In 1884 the Curtis family moved from Aurora, Ind., to Marion county, Iowa, and settled on the banks of the Des Moines river, some six or seven miles southeast of the present city of Pella. About 1856 the Curtis family moved to Pella and resided there until the spring of 1864.

The father of William Jesse Curtis was deeply interested in the location of Central College at Pella and for several years was its active agent. As soon as the college school was open, under the direction of Rev. E. H. Scarf, William Jesse Curtis was one of its students, and for several years thereafter attended the school, his teachers being Dr. Scarf, Dr. Elihu Gunn, Professor A. N. Currier and Mrs. D. C. A. Stoddard. On the 21st of November, 1861, Mr. Curtis was married to Miss Frances S. Cowles, a sister of Edward Cowles, a prominent merchant of Pella, Dr. E. H. Scarf performing the marriage ceremony. On February 2, 1863, Mr. Curtis’ son, Holman Cowles Curtis, who now resides at San Bernardino, Cal., was born at Pella. On the 12th day of March, 1863, at Knoxville, Iowa, Mr. Curtis was admitted to the bar, Hon. William Loughridge being the presiding judge of the court and John B. Hamilton its clerk.

Immediately on his admission to the bar, Mr. Curtis became a partner of his father in the practice of law under the firm name of Curtis & Curtis. In 1863-64 Mr. Curtis was a member of the city council of Pella.

On the 12th day of April, 1864, the Curtis families in company with the families of John B. Hamilton, N. P. Earp, Dr. James A. Rousseau and a number of others, left Marion county with horse, mule and ox teams for the Pacific coast, and after encountering innumerable hardships and dangers – being on several occasions attacked by Indians and their stock stampeded – reached San Bernardino, Cal., on the 19th day of December, 1864. And since that date San Bernardino has been and still is the home of William Jesse Curtis. The history of his life in California is another story.