The following biographies were scanned from the remnants of a book that apparently was a copy of "The History of Polk County, Iowa" published by the Union Historical Company, Birdsall, Williams & Co. 1880.  Marion John Rice has a copyright to this transcription file and gives permission for this file to be posted to at the Iowa Biographies Projects. DES MOINES TEACHOUT, HORACE E.-Proprietor of Capital City Ice Company. Was born January 5, 1846, and is a native of Onieda county, New York, and lived there until 1876. He graduated from the Eastman Business College, of Poughkeepsie, New York. Was raised a farmer, and that occupation he followed until 21 years of age, when he became engaged in the manufacturing of cheese. This he followed until he came to this city. Since that time he has been engaged in the above mentioned business. He was married in his native county to Miss Marian Meyers, November 11, 1867. They have one son, Herbert. Mr. T. was chairman of the Polk county Republican Central Committee, and also secretary of the school board. THOMAS, DR. M. W.-Is a native of Maryland, and was born September 24, 1815. When a child his parents removed to Ohio, where his youth and early manhood were spent, principally in acquiring an education. Having a desire for the practice of medicine, he commenced its study and received his first diploma from the La Porte Medical College, in 1846, and in 1851 he graduated from the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati. After three years practice in that State he removed to Franklin Ind., where he resided twelve years. In 1857 he came to Iowa, and was actively engaged in his chosen profession until the outbreak of the rebellion, when he enlisted in the Thirteenth Iowa infantry. He became regimental surgeon, and after promoted to the Sixth division, Seventeenth Army Corps, and had charge of the hospital of that division at Savannah. For a time he was professor of theory and practice of medicine in the Iowa Medical College at Keokuk. It was while holding the very responsible position of surgeon in the army that he had the wide range of experience, and his genius and skill in surgery were most frequently employed, but while holding the honorable place in the Iowa Medical College that, he became well and favorably known throughout the West as a physician of profound learning and ripe experience. He came to Des DES MOINES. 873 Moines in September, 1865, since which time he has been constantly and actively engaged in pursuing his chosen profession. Several years ago he founded a medical and surgical institute for the treatment of deformities and all kinds of chronic diseases. This institution has been in operation four years, and has constantly grown in public favor and usefulness. He was married to Miss W. Kinsell in 1856. She is a native of Illinois, but raised in Kentucky. They have two children: Daisy K. and John K. Dr. Thomas has a daughter, Mary E., by a former marriage. THOMAS, J. R.-Of J. R. Thomas & Son, blacksmiths. Born December 19, 1821, in Oneida county, New York. When he was ten years of age his father removed to Delaware county, Ohio, where the subject of this sketch resided until 1840, when he took up his residence in Columbus, Ohio, where he served his apprenticeship. In 1854 he removed to Springfield, Illinois, where he remained some time, and in 1848 removed to Mt. Pulaski, Ill., where he carried on black smithing for eleven years. From the latter place he removed to Des Moines in 1859, where he has since resided and been engaged at his trade. He was married February 20, 1848, to Anna M. Vliet, a native of Ohio. Have eight children;: M. A., W. E., E. J., D. L., Esther, John A., Lizzie and Mila R. TONE, I. E.-Was born in Genessee county, New York, January 6, 1839. Was raised a farmer, and when arrived at his majority removed to Huron county, Ohio, where he was engaged in the occupation of farming for eight years. In 1868 he made a prospecting tour in the Western States, and returning to Ohio engaged in the oil and paint business in Cleveland for one year. In 1870 he entered in the confectionery business at Norwalk, Ohio, where he remained two years. At the expiration of that time he disposed of his business and engaged in the boot and shoe trade until 1873, when he came to Des Moines. When locating in the capital city be engaged in his present business in connection with a brother, J. Tone. The business in which the firm is engaged is that of spices, coffee and baking powder. Their business has gradually and constantly prospered. It is the only business of the kind in Central Iowa, and is an important feature in the history of Des Moines. He was married September 13, 1871, to Miss Betty O. Wheaton, of Norwalk, Ohio. They have two children: Jay and Fred. TIDRICK, R. L.-Among the prominent names of Des Moines, early settlers is the subject of this sketch, who was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, August 20, 1825. At that time Ohio was regarded as a frontier country, and during his youth, which was passed in the county of his birth, Mr. Tidrick was inured to the hardships of pioneer life. Early in its history Ohio had an excellent public school system, and he is a very good example from a large number of successful business and professional men, who received the inspiration and preparation for their life work in the primitive log school-houses of the Buckeye State. Early in his youth he became connected with the County Clerk's office in his county town, and had a large experience for one so young, and while thus engaged he formed a taste for the legal profession, and after preparing himself was admitted to the bar in Cambridge, Ohio. Soon after his admission to the bar he removed to Iowa, arriving at Fort Des Moines on the 4th day of May, 1847. For a number of years after locating in his new home he was actively engaged in the practice of his chosen profession. Among those who were 874 BIOGRAPHICAL. associated with him as partners were William McKay, afterward Judge of the District Court, and P. M. Casady, who was also elected to that honorable position. He held the position of postmaster at an early day, also the office of Register of the Land Office for several years, and until his resignation was accepted. In 1850 he was appointed Prosecuting Attorney, and in 1857 was elected mayor of Des Moines. For a number of years he has not been actively engaged in the practice of law, his entire time being given to the management of his private interests which by industry, prudence and superior business tact, have grown to a large estate. The whole history of the capital city is familiar to Mr. Tidrick, all of which be has seen, and part of which he has been. There is no one that has been more continuously and thoroughly identified with Des Moines' interest than Mr. T. He was married in 1850 to Miss Cornelia B. Chittenden, a native of Ohio. She died in 1868, leaving two children: George C. and R. Laning. Lost one child in infancy. TOWN, J. J.-Cashier Valley Bank. Among the causes that have contributed to the prosperity of Des Moines and its reputation as a business center, its banks have been an important factor, and prominent among them is the Valley Bank, under the management of the subject of this sketch, who was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, on the seventeenth day of October, 1826; and was raised there with a mercantile experience. In 1848 he removed to Elgin, Illinois, and made that place his home for sixteen years, and then returned to Erie, Pennsylvania, and remained there seven years and came to this city in July, 1871, and engaged in his present business, and with very satisfactory results. His financial ability has never been questioned, and as a man is careful and prudent, upright, reliable and honorable. Married Esther M. Graves of Steuben county, New York, in 1850. Three children: Louisa (now Mrs. Waldron), Bessie A. (wife of W. E. Andrews), William G. (of Home National Bank, Elgin, Illinois). TURNER, DR. M. P.-Was born in Missouri, in October, 1824, and when four years of age removed with his parents to Morgan county, Illinois, where his early life was spent on a farm. After making choice of medicine as a profession, he studied with Dr. Stewart, of Exeter, that State, as preceptor, and graduated from the Illinois College, at Jacksonville. He then formed a co-partnership with his preceptor, and continued in practice six years. In 1853 he purchased a herd of cows and went overland to California, and remained there five years, the first three years it was a losing business, but with a tenacity characteristic of the man, he overcame all discouragements, and the last two years proved very successful. He 'returned to Illinois, and after a short residence there became convinced that Iowa offered a superior field for a man of energy, and resolved to come to Des Moines. He was largely instrumental in building the Court Avenue bridge over the Des Moines river, also the 'Coon river bridge. He was one of the incorporators and first stockholders of the Des Moines Street Railway Company, and when others became dissatisfied he purchased their interest, and at the present time is the sole proprietor. It has been a marked trait of Dr. Turner's life to throw his whole energy into whatever he undertakes, and being of a practical turn of mind he has spared no pains or expense in adapting ends to means, and in the management of this road he has manifested remarkable judgment as well as executive ability. He has patented an improvement for keeping his track clear of mud and snow, by means of brooms attached to the cars and worked automat- DES MOINES. 875 ically, saving much expense; an invention that must commend itself to all who are interested in street railways, for its economy. Few men have the disposition, as has the subject of this sketch, to make large outlays without immediate returns, but he, with an eye to the future, has extended the road and afforded all the accommodations that the travel would justify to meet the wants of the public, and he has richly earned the success which his investments must return in the near future. A marked feature of his management has been that the road has never had a bonded debt of one dollar. He was married in 1852, to Miss Mary A. Ramsey, of Illinois. They have two children: Emma J. and Susie. Lost two: Lizzie and Mary. TURNER, C. H.-Justice of the peace, was born in Jacksonville, Illinois, on the third day of May, 1857, and was brought by his parents to this county in March, 1858. His youth was divided between attending school and clerking in a store, until he decided to study law, and he was admitted to the bar in 1876, and in 1878 was elected to his present office and which he has filled to the satisfaction of all with whom he has business intercourse. TURNER, GILES H.-Attorney at law, was born in Boone county, Missouri, May 13, 1824, and when fourteen years of age his parents moved to Jacksonville, Illinois. His father was a farmer, and young Turner naturally followed that as an occupation. He received a good school education and graduated from the Illinois College. Studied law with Governor Yates and was admitted to the bar in 1846. From 1852 to 1856 he represented his district in the State Legislature. In 1858. he came to this county and has been engaged, more or less, in the practice of his profession, since residing here. Has held the office of mayor of Des Moines three terms, and has been city attorney for six years. On the twenty-fourth of April, 1851, Miss Delia Rickart of Whitehall, Illinois, became his wife. She was born in Ohio. Their family consists of two children: John D. (physician), and Charles H. (lawyer). Have lost four children. TURNER, WILLIAM-of Grupe & Turner, Iowa Boiler Works, East Des Moines; born June 13, 1828, in Fibeshire, Scotland, where he was raised. He learned his trade in the city of Glasgow, serving an apprenticeship of five years and working in that city some five years after serving his apprenticeship. He came to the United States in 1867, locating in Des Moines. In 1871 he engaged in business for himself, and two years afterward he formed a partnership with his present partner. The firm now enjoys a good trade, having all they can do the year round; their trade extending beyond the borders of our own State. He was united in marriage in 1854, to Margaret Bell, she was also born and raised in Scotland. Have six children: Robert, William, James, John, May and Thomas. , TUTTLE, GEN. J. M.-A native of Summerville, Monroe county (now Noble county), Ohio. Was born on the 24th of September, 1823, and prior to his tenth year attended school in Fayette county, Indiana, and afterward, until he attained his twentieth year, when he began life for him self, his time was employed in assisting his father. Removing to the West in the spring of 1846, he settled at Farmington, Van Buren county, Iowa, and there engaged in the mercantile trade and farming. In 1855 he was elected Sheriff of the county and two years later County Treasurer, being re-elected in 1859. At the opening of the civil war he raised a company of volunteers and was elected captain of the same, but such was the ra- 876 BIOGRAPHICAL. pidity with which the call for troops was filled that the company was not called into the service until May 27, 1861, when it was assigned to the Second regiment Iowa infantry volunteers. While quartered at Keokuk Capt. Tattle was elected lieutenant-colonel, and on the 6th of September,. 1861, succeeded Col. Curtis to the rank of colonel, that officer having been promoted brigadier general. At the battles of Ft. Donelson and Shiloh Col. Tuttle displayed marked courage and self-possession, and made a record that placed him in the front ranks of Iowa's brave soldiers. During the fall and winter of 1862 he held command of the forces at Cairo, but in the spring of 1863 was assigned the command of a division of Gen. Sherman's corps. He was an active participant in the campaign against Vicksburg and in the capture of Jackson, Mississippi. He rendered efficient service in the army until the fall of 1864, when he was mustered out. Settling at Des Moines in the ensuing autumn he was engaged in farming for two years and since that time has been largely interested in pork packing. In 1871 he was elected a member of the State Legislature and served one term. As a business man Gen. Tattle is prompt and energetic; upright and honorable in all his dealings, he has secured the esteem of all with whom he has had to do. He has been twice married. First, September 22, 1847, to Miss Elizabeth J. Conner, of Fayette county, Indiana, who died September 21, 1851; and on the 17th of August, 1853, he was married to Laura M. Meek, daughter of Dr. S. G. Meek,.of Farmington, Iowa. They have three children living: Laura (now Mrs. A. L. West), Mella and Joel. Lost two: George (died at Vicksburg), and Mary. TUTTLE, S. B.-Proprietor of the Iowa Carbonated Stone Pipe Works. Was born in Monroe county, Ohio, February 19, 1829, and lived there until nine years of age and then removed to Fayette county; Indiana, where he was raised a farmer. In 1854 he emigrated to Iowa and settled in Van Buren county, and resided there until 1870, when he removed to this county and engaged in his present business of manufacturer and dealer in artificial stone for buildings, sewers and tile pipe, and besides doing a large city trade he has a large patronage in the adjoining counties and his business has become one of the permanent industries of the city. Mr. T. was married in June, 1860, to Miss Almira Kelley, a native of Putnam county, New York. They have two children: Linn J. and Albert K. Lost one son, Fred. VINNEGE, ALVIN P.-Dealer in groceries, provisions, etc. Was born in Miami county, Indiana, May 30, 1854, where he lived until nine years of age; he then came to this city with his mother, his father having died some two years previous. He was raised on a farm and his time was divided between working on the farm summers and attending school during the winters. He commenced teaching school when sixteen years of age and taught five successive terms; he then attended the Iowa State University, at Iowa City for two years. On his return be accepted position of book-keeper in the bank of I. N. Thomas, where he continued nearly two years, and was afterward employed in the Citizens' National Bank in the same capacity. He established his present business on the East Side in 1877. He was married to Miss Clara E., daughter of the Hon. R. C. Webb, of this city, October 27, 1875. She was born in Indiana. They have one son and one daughter: Leroy J. and Alice. His characteristics as a business man may be inferred from the success which has attended his career. DES MOINES. 877 VORSE, FRANK W.-Among the few persons who located in Polk county prior to 1846, and the first person to establish a house for the sale of agricultural implements in Des Moines, was N. T. Vorse, who engaged in business in 1845, and continued it till the time of his death a few years since. The subject of this sketch, his successor in business, was born in Sidney, Iowa, February 9, 1856. His early life was passed in Des Moines, where he availed himself of the best educational facilities of the city, having graduated from the high school in 1873. In the same year he graduated from the Des Moines High School he entered the Northwestern University, at Evanston, Illinois, where he remained till the spring of 1875, when he was compelled to discontinue his studies on account of a failure of his eyes. In 1877, he became connected with the Marseilles Manufacturing Company, where he remained until 1879, when he opened out an agricultural implement establishment in the building formerly occupied by his father. The experience he obtained in the business while with his father and afterward with one of the most extensive manufacturing establishments of Illinois eminently fitted him for the business in which he is now engaged. He was married October 24, 1877, to Miss Agnes Newton, a niece of Hon. Curtis Bates, formerly an eminent politician of Des Moines. She was born in Buchanan, Michigan, and was also a graduate of the Des Moines High School, of the class of 1873: They have one child, a daughter named Ruth.