From the Publisher:

And Now, the Rest of the Story

Our VisionBank cover story got me thinking about the history of banking in Iowa. Those who know me, will attest this is not a topic with which I am particularly well versed, but I do know my way around a bank lobby and can easily find the ATM or, more likely, the loan office. So, while doing a little historical research, I came across some interesting information about an Iowan known more for his opulent Des Moines mansion than he is for his historical stature as one of Iowa’s most prominent banking pioneers. See if you can guess this famous Iowa banker.

He was born in Lancaster, Ohio, the son of an Ohio Supreme Court Judge. He was the younger brother of a US Federal Judge, a US Senator, and a Major General of Civil War fame. Until eighteen years of age, his time was divided between school and a local printing office. In the spring of 1848, he came to Fort Des Moines, Iowa, then far out on the western frontier. In 1849, he was admitted to the bar and began to practice law, and also engaged in real estate business. In March of that year, he was appointed by President Zachary Taylor as Postmaster of Des Moines, holding that position until the inauguration of President Franklin Pierce, when he resigned and was elected Clerk of the District Court.

In 1854, he was the senior member of a banking firm, and upon the establishment of the State Bank of Iowa, he became a cashier of the Des Moines branch and was one of the Directors to supervise the system and guard the public interests. When the American Civil War began, he was appointed by President Abraham Lincoln as Paymaster in the Union army with the rank of Major, holding the position for three years. He was one of the organizers of the Equitable Life Insurance Company of Iowa and, for many years, its General Manager. That institution owes much of its stability and high standing to his reputation for integrity and skillful management.

In 1866, he was a member of the House of the Eleventh General Assembly, where he was Chairman of the Committee on Railroads and a member of the Committee of Ways and Means. In 1886, he was one of the Founders of the Pioneer Lawmakers’ Association and has always been one of its most influential members, serving as President and a longtime member of the Executive Committee. He has contributed valuable historical articles to the Annals of Iowa on Early Banking in Iowa, and on the State Bank of Iowa. For many years, he was the Chief Executive Officer of the Associated Charities of Des Moines.

Any Guesses?

In 1877, he built a grand manor; the structure is now a museum and performing arts center. The original house and gallery now display a collection of 19th and 20th century paintings, as well as elaborately carved 17th century furniture and other rare artifacts. The mansion also lent its name to the surrounding Des Moines neighborhood.

The Answer

The neighborhood is Sherman Hill, and our mystery Iowa banking pioneer is, of course, Major Hoyt Sherman.


Richard C. Thomas
President & Publisher


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Contents
February 2008
Volume 3 - Number 2

6 BUSINESS BRIEFS
A quick look at Central Iowa business news

8 GOODMAN ON MARKETING
Iowa entrepreneur & Drake University adjunct professor, Jim Goodman shares his keys to business success

15 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
DES Companies

20 ADVERTISING DURING A RECESSION
The Ready-To-Buy phenomenon

22 IOWA PEOPLE ON THE MOVE
Promotions, new hires, relocations, accolades, etc.

25 INSIDE FEATURE
Tassel Ridge Winery

29 CENTRAL IOWA BUSINESSWOMEN
Put Me In, Coach

30 BUSINESS WEB
Does your website meet your customers’ expectations?

ABOUT THE COVER:
VisionBank Seated: John Humeston (Senior Vice President), Tom Hromatka (President & CEO). Standing: Dan Boes (Vice President), Michael Christians (Assistant Vice President), Jill Smith (Senior Vice President), Dean Whitaker (Senior Vice President). Cover and cover story photography provided by Brent Isenberger Photography.