HISTORY
OF
DES MOINES COUNTY
IOWA
AND ITS PEOPLE
ILLUSTRATED
VOLUME
CHICAGO
THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING COMPANY
1915
^-^
THE NEW YORK
PUBLI€ LIBRARY
731364
ASTOR, LENOX AND
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS
R 1916 L.
I THE NEW YORK I
PU'BLIC LIBRARY
ASTO<?. LENOX
TILDdN FQUNDArinMQ
'€yO-, wh a } i ctCeAy
BIOGRAPHICAL
GEORGE CHANDLER.
No history of this county would be complete without extended
reference to George Chandler, for many years the owner of Spring
Creek Farm on Lower Sandridge, and throughout the entire period
a respected and honored citizen whose life remains as a beautiful
memory to all with whom he came in contact. He was born in Frye-
burg, Maine, February i, 1810, and was a representative in the eighth
generation of the descendants of William and Anna (Annis) Chand-
ler, who settled in Roxbury,Massachusetts, in 1637. His parents were
Joseph and Hannah (Farrington) Chandler, and he was the youngest
son in a family of thirteen children. He was a direct descendant in
the male line from the oldest son in seven successive generations of
Chandlers, all residents of Massachusetts, Maine and New Hamp-
hire, and represented in succeeding generations in the successive wars
of the country, the French and Indian, the Colonial, and the Revo-
lutionary wars.
George Chandler attended Phillips Academy at Exeter, New
Hampshire, at a time when Daniel Webster was an instructor there.
He left home in 1829 at the age of nineteen years and settled in
Weathersfield, New York, where he remained for a decade, during
which period he engaged in business as a carpenter and builder. In
1839 he purchased a horse and buggy and drove to Bufifalo, New
York, where he shipped his horse and buggy to Detroit From that
point he drove across the state of Michigan and through the Calumet
swamps to Chicago, and thence continued his drive along the lake
shore to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from which point he proceeded to
Monroe, Green county, Wisconsin, where he spent the winter of
1839. He came to Burlington in 1840 and invested in town lots. He
also industriously pursued his trade in the city and surrounding coun-
try, and not long afterward he purchased a farm, forming a part of
his permanent residence. This was known as Spring Creek Farm on
Lower Sandridge, five miles south of Burlington and bordering the
Fort Madison road. Upon that farm he resided throughout his sub-
sequent life, except a portion of his last years, which were spent in
6 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
the home of his daughter, Mrs. Swiler, then living in Delavan,
Wisconsin.
Mr. Chandler was united in marriage to Matilda (Goddard)
Sislofif, the widow of Joseph Sisloff, of Natchez, Mississippi. She
was born in Carrollton, Kentucky, and was one of a family of ten
sisters and one brother, a daughter of John Goddard. The death of
Mr. Chandler occurred in Delavan, Wisconsin, at the home of his
daughter, Mrs. Swiler, May 6, 1895, but his remains were brought
back to Des Moines county for interment in the Chandler cemetery
on the home farm on Lower Sand ridge. Mrs. Chandler passed away
March 29, 1878. She was a member of the Spring Grove Methodist
church, and Mr. Chandler was a Christian gentleman who gave to
the church his generous support and strong assistance. Throughout
his entire life he was an advocate of the democratic party but was
loyal to Lincoln and his administration during the Civil war. He
served for many years as assessor of Union township and was well
acquainted with all of the residents of the township and nearly every-
one in the county. In business he was known as a highly successful
and substantial farmer of Des Moines county, and was also a promi-
nent stock dealer and trader. Preceding and during the Civil war
he was constantly engaged in buying and shipping immense droves
of hogs and cattle to the Chicago market. The first house which he
had upon his farm was a log cabin containing but three rooms. He
afterward built an elegant country residence, and there the good old-
time hospitality was ever extended to the many friends of the family.
He spent practically all of his active life upon the farm and only
gave up work upon that place when in advanced years he was per-
suaded to live with his daughter, Mrs. Swiler, in Wisconsin, passing
away at her home when he had reached the ripe old age of eighty-
five years.
Mr. Chandler was widely known as Uncle George, a term express-
ive of his friendliness, his approachableness and his kindly spirit.
He exerted a beneficent influence on all with whom he came in con-
tact and his example is one well worthy of emulation, for his word
was as good as his bond and his business reputation was above re-
proach. At the time of his retirement he had large landed interests,
having purchased much of the land from the government. The old
home farm is still in possession of the family and around it cluster
many happy recollections of the old days. Mr. Chandler was a lover
of music and played the violin. He took great interest in the old
people of the county and was a regular attendant at the Des Moines
'.aiid Lee counties' Old Settlers' picnics. He found his friends, how-
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 7
ever, nut only among the people of his own aj^c hut among the young.
For many years he was most popular with tiic young people of the
community, for he remained young in spirit and entered heartily into
the amusements and entertainments of the young, even in his ad-
vanced age. He was fond of company, and though his family was
small, the house was always full. While he had no sons, lie reare(1
a number of young men who became useful and valuable citizens in
the different communities in which they lived. Mr. Chandler was
truly a gentleman of the old school, courteous, kindly, loving truth,
honor and self-respect more than fame, wealth or position.
ED E. EGAN.
Ed E. Egan is the secretary and treasurer of the Commercial
Exchange of Burlington, with offices in the Iowa State Savings Bank
building. Splendidly qualified for the duties which devolve upon
him, he has made an excellent record by reason of his progressive
spirit and his high ideals, which find embodiment in practical effort
for their adoption.
He was born in Pella, Marion county, Iowa, September i, 1871.
a son of Dr. W. C. and Cebe (Gardner) Egan. The former was
born in Pennsylvania in 1846 and was reared in Chicago, to which
city he had been taken during his infancy by his father, who died
in 1878. W. C. Egan prepared for the practice of medicine and fol-
lowed his profession in western Iowa very successfully for an ex-
tended period. At the time of the Civil war he responded to the
country's call for troops, enlisting in Company L, First Michigan
Light Artillery. He was always a public-spirited and progressive
citizen and cooperated in many movements which were of material
benefit to the communities in which he lived. He passed away in
1906 and his remains were interred in a cemetery at Atlantic, Iowa.
His wife was born in Ohio in 1846, a daughter of Benjamin and
Sophia (Joy) Gardner, who came to Iowa in 1858, crossing the
Mississippi at Burlington, after which they took up their abode in
Marion county. Mr. Gardner was born in New Jersey in 1821 and
died in February, 1914, his remains being interred in a cemetery at
Pella. His only child was Mrs. Cebe Egan, who is now living with
the subject of this review.
Ed E. Egan acquired his early education in the schools of At-
lantic, Iowa, and afterward attended Central University, a Baptist
8 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
college, at Pella, and Simpson College, a Methodist school, at Indian-
ola, Iowa. He made his initial step in the business world in con-
nection with newspaper work on the Atlantic Telegraph at Atlantic,
Iowa, and in 1895 he purchased the Glenwood Opinion. In 1899,
however, he returned to Atlantic and purchased the Telegraph, on
which he had formerly been employed. He continued the publica-
tion of that paper until 1904, when in the month of June he came
to Burlington and was connected with the Burlington Hawk-Eye
until May, 1908, when he was called to the office of secretary and
treasurer of the Commercial Exchange, in which capacity he has
since continued, giving uniform satisfaction by the capable and effi-
cient manner in which he discharges his duties. He displays much
initiative and marked public spirit in this connection, and his work
has been productive of excellent results.
In 1896 Mr. Egan was united in marriage to Miss Hattie M.
Bousquet, of Pella, who was born in Ames, Iowa, a daughter of J. J.
and Anna (Van der Linden) Bousquet, both of whom were natives
of Holland, the former born in 1837 and the latter in 1844. The
father came to America in the late '40s and settled in Iowa, being
numbered among the Holland people who founded the town of
Pella in 1846. They were religious refugees. At the time of the
Civil war Mr. Bousquet responded to the country's call for troops,,
enlisting in Company B of the Third Regiment of Iowa Volunteer
Infantry. Both he and his wife still reside in Pella. They have a
son, Louis, who is also a resident of Pella, and a daughter, Agnes,
who is with her parents. To Mr. and Mrs. Egan have been born
four children: John, born in Glenwood, Iowa, September 29, 1896,
and now a student in the Burlington high school; Geraldine, who
was born in Atlantic, Iowa, October 23, 1901, and died in Burling-
ton, February 25, 1906; Eugene W., born in Burlington, June 2,
1907; and Louis G., born in Burlington, January 31, 1910.
Mr. and Mrs. Egan are devoted members of the Congregational
church and occupy a beautiful home at No. 714 North Seventh
street. They are both popular and highly respected and Mr. Egan
occupies a prominent position in business as well as social circles.
By reason of his office he has had a good opportunity to advance the
city's interests and has contributed much to its growth and pros-
perity. His newspaper experience gained him a knowledge of pub-
lic needs, demands and opportunities, for the newspaper is both the
mirror and the molder of public opinion. He thus came well qual-
ified to his present position and his efiforts in this connection have
been attended with substantial results. His political allegiance is
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 9
given in stalwart manner to the republican party. He is well known
as a prominent Mason, beonging to Des Moines Lodge, No. i, A. F.
& A. M.; Iowa Chapter, No. i, R. A. M.; and St. Omar Command-
ery, No. 15, K. T., and also the Kaaba Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.
He is likewise a member of the Elks lodge, No. 84, of Burlington.
It has been said of him that he is never too busy to be cordial nor
too cordial to be busy, and the even balance of his life makes him a
forceful factor in the world's work.
HERMAN A. MATHES.
Herman A. Mathes is conducting an extensive business as a man-
ufacturer of soda and mineral waters and as agent at Burlington for
the Anheuser-Busch Brewing Company. He was born February
22, i860, in the city where he still resides, and is a son of C. Mathes,
who was one of the early partners in the business which is still car-
ried on by the subject of this review and who is now city treasurer.
Herman A. Mathes was educated in the public schools to the age
of thirteen years and then went to Germany — the native land of his
ancestors. In that country he entered school, continuing his studies
for three years, and at the age of sixteen he returned to the United
States. He pursued a business course of a year in Burlington, after
which he became city bookkeeper for the Merchants National Bank.
He also spent seven years in the State National Bank of Burlington,
and his experience in this connection proved invaluable. After leav-
ing the banks he went into business with his father and later on be-
came his successor. The business was established by the firm of
Warth & Ostertag. Later the junior partner sold to C. Mathes, at
which time the firm style of G. G. Warth & Company was assumed.
This was in 1870. Four years later Adolph Mathes purchased the
interest of Mr. Warth and the firm style was then changed to C.
Mathes & Brother, under which name they operated until 1886,
when Adolph Mathes retired and was succeeded by H. A. Mathes
under the firm style of C. Mathes & Son. Business was thus con-
tinued in that connection until the withdrawal of the father, when
H. A. Mathes took over the business, which he now conducts under
his own name. He carries on a large business in Des Moines and
surrounding counties and in Illinois, making delivery by electric
truck and teams. He occupies a two-story building eighty by one
hundred and seventeen feet and gives undivided attention to the enter-
10 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
prise, which from the beginning has grown steadily. He has now
been identified therewith for more than a quarter of a century and
is familiar with every phase of the trade.
Mr. Mathes has been married twice. He first wedded Nannie
Heil, of Burlington, the marriage being celebrated in September,
1882. She passed away in 1884, leaving a son, William A. In 1888
Mr. Mathes married the sister of his first wife, Miss Ida Heil. They
are well known socially in Burlington and have an extensive circle
of warm friends. Mr. Mathes is a prominent and popular member
of several fraternal and social organizations. He belongs to the
Hawkeye Club, an organization of native sons; the Elks, the Eagles,
the Shoquoquon Club, the Silver Lake, the Burlington Launch
Club and the Carthage Lake Club, of which he is now the vice pres-
ident. His political allegiance is given the democratic party, but
he has never been an aspirant for office, preferring to concentrate
his energies upon his business affairs, in which he has meet with grat-
ifying success. He is fond of all outdoor sports and is very prom-
inent in the club life of the town.
COLONEL GEORGE H. HIGBEE.
It is not the province of biography to give voice to a man's modest
estimate of himself and his accomplishments, but rather to leave a
record establishing his position by the consensus of public opinion
on the part of his fellowmen. Judged by this standard, Colonel
George H. Higbee is one of the distinguished citizens of Burlington,
not only by reason of the notable position to which he has attained
in business, but also owing to his generosity, his benevolence and his
public spirit. Another feature of his life record which is most com-
mendable is that" which covers his service as a soldier in the Civil
war, and through days of peace he has displayed equal loyalty, doing
much to forward the civilization that has brought Iowa to its present
proud position among the states of the Union.
Colonel Higbee was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1836, a son of
Dr. Charles H. and Caroline (Howell) Higbee. The father resided
at Trenton, New Jersey, and it was in the schools of that city that
Colonel Higbee pursued his education. In due time he entered
Princeton, and is numbered among its alumni of 1854. He started
in business life as a civil engineer for a railway company in New
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HISTORY OF UES MOINES COL'iNTV i:i
Jersey, but since the spring of 1855 has been idcntilicd with tl)c
middle west. He made his way by the river route to Muscatine,
Iowa, where he arrived with a single coin in his pocket. He suc-
ceeded in inducing a hotelkeeper of that place to buy him a ticket to
Cedar Rapids, where lived a friend of the family. At that place
Colonel Higbee engaged in survey work and ultimately purchased
a farm of two hundred and forty acres about three and one-half miles
from Cedar Rapids, but suffering from a sunstroke, he gave up the
farm and returned to New Jersey, resuming his former position witii
the railroad company.
With the outbreak of the Civil w^ar Colonel Higbee espoused the
Union cause and during his service was twice brevetted for gallant
and meritorious conduct. His military record, preserved at Wash-
ington, gives the following: "Entered military service of the United
States, appointed and commissioned first lieutenant Eleventh United
States Infantry May 14, 1861. Brevetted captain May 5, 1864, for
'gallant and meritorious services at the battle of the Wilderness, Vir-
ginia;' brevetted major March 13, 1865, for 'gallant and meritorious
services before Petersburg on the Weldon Railroad, Virginia;' bre-
vetted lieutenant-colonel March 13, 1865, for gallant and mcrit(jrious
services before Petersburg and on the Weldon Railroad in Virginia.
Promoted to captain Eleventh United States Infantry, February ig,
1866. Unassigned April 14, 1869. Assigned to Thirteenth United
States Infantry July 14, 1869.
"Service — Engaged in the organization of the Eleventh Infantry
at Fort Independence, Boston Harbor, Massachusetts, until October,
1861. Ordered to Perrysville, Maryland, and on duty there until
March, 1862. Joined Sykes' Regular Infantry Division at Washing-
ton, D. C, March, 1862, and moved to the Virginia peninsula. Siege
of Yorktown, April 15-May 4. Attached to Second Brigade, Second
Division, Fifth Army Corps, Army of the Potomac, May 18. Battle
of Hanover Court House, May 7th. Seven days before Richmond,
June 25-July I. Battles of Mechanicsville, June 26th; Gaines' Mill,
June 27th; White Oak Swamp and Turkey Bend, June 30th. Mal-
vern Hill, July ist. At Harrison's Landing until August i6th.
Movement to Fortress Monroe, thence to Centerville, August 12-28.
Battles of Groveton, August 9th, and second Bull Run, August 30th.
Maryland campaign, September 6-22. Battle of Antietam, Mary-
land, September 16-17. Shepardstown Ford, September 19-20. At
Sharpsburg to October 29th. Movement to Falmouth, Virginia,
October 29-November 17. Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia.
December 12-15. 'Mid-March,' January 20-25. At Falmouth,
14 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
Virginia, until April 27th. Chancellorsville campaign, April
27-May 6. Battle of Chancellorsville, May 1-5. Gettysburg, Penn-
sylvania, campaign, June 13-August i. Battle of Gettysburg, July
1-3. Pursuit of Lee to Manassas Gap, Virginia, July 5-23. At War-
renton, Beverly Ford and Culpeper till October. Bristoe cam-
paign, October 9-22. Bristoe Station, October 14th. Rappahannock
Station, November 7th. Mine Run campaign, November 26-Decem-
ber 2. Moved to Alexandria, Virginia, on duty there till May i,
1864. Served detached as aide-de-camp on stafifs of General George
Sykes, commanding division, and General G. K. Warren, command-
ing Fifth Army Corps from May to October, 1864. Participated
in the Rapidan campaign. May 3-June 15. Battles of the Wilder-
ness, May 5-7; Spottsylvania, May 8-12; Laurel Hill, May 8th;
Spottsylvania Court House, May 12-21. Assault on the Salient at
Spottsylvania Court House, May 12. North Anna River, May
23-27. Tolopotomoy, May 28-31; Cold Harbor, June 1-12; Be-
thesda Church, June 1-3. Before Petersburg, June 16-19. Siege of
Petersburg, June i6th to November. Weldon Railroad, June 21-23.
Six-Mile House, Weldon Railroad, August 18-21. Poplar Springs
Church, Peebles' Farm, September 29-October 2. Hatcher's Run,
October 27-28. Duty in Department of the East and in Middle De-
partment till May, 1865. Rejoined regiment at Richmond, Virgi'nia,
and on duty there until 1869. While there was detached from regi-
ment and placed in charge of city of Richmond and two counties for
reconstruction purposes, remaining on duty three years and a half
under Generals Schofield, Stoneman and Canby. On frontier duty in
Montana, 1 869-1870. Honorably discharged at own request, Decem-
ber 13, 1870."
Colonel Higbee was next ordered to rejoin his regiment, and with
the Sixteenth Infantry was afterward on active duty. He organized
a command for Indian service, being at the head of a company of
seventy men, which was ordered to exterminate a mountain chief's
band in Montana. While he was in the northwest, congress passed
a law that any officer could go on "waiting orders" and draw a year's
pay. Colonel Higbee took advantage of this, and Iowa thus re-
gained a citizen whose value and worth to the community can
scarcely be overestimated. Major-General Warren, commanding the
Fifth Corps, in a letter to the adjutant-general, said of Colonel
Higbee: "To reward the services of this officer adequately would
exhaust all the grades of rank in the army."
Arriving in Burlington in June, 1870, Colonel Higbee soon after-
ward purchased an interest in the Murray Iron Works, and until sue-
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 15
ceeded by his son was president of the company, controlling that
mammoth industry. He found the concern in a badly crippled finan-
cial condition but arranged for capital and credit and secured the
patronage of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. Since
that time the railroad has purchased practically all of its iron castings
here, and under the guidance and direction of Colonel Higbee the
business has continuously grown and developed. The Murray Iron
Works are makers of Corliss steam engines and boilers, and they
stand today as one of Iowa's great industrial establishments and one
of the largest enterprises of the kind in the west. The plant was put
in operation in about 1866 and incorporated in 1870, and has been
continuously in operation since that time There have been no finan-
cial embarrassments or reorganizations, only one fire of any conse-
quence, and no labor troubles of any moment Originally the plant
consisted of an iron and brass foundry, to which was afterward added
a machine shop, later a boiler shop, and still later an exclusive engine
works. During the last fifteen years all of these shops have been re-
built and additions and improvements are continuallv being made,
each shop being equipped with the latest machinery to facilitate the
work. In addition to manufacturing Corliss engines, air com-
pressors, pumping engines, tubular, water-tube and internal furnace
boilers and feed-water heaters, an extensive foundrv and general ma-
chine shop business is conducted. Their trade covers a world-wide
territory, their engines being sold in China as well as in European
countries and in South America. Foreign trade, however, is not the
largest part of their business, for the Murray Corliss engines and
boilers are in use in every state of the Union, with one exception.
Iowa itself furnishes a splendid market for the output. For an ex-
tended period the Murray Company followed a direct selling plan,
but in recent years salesmen have been sent out on the road. They
issue a large and splendidly illustrated catalog, however, and their
mail order business is extensive.
In a history of Iowa factories it has been said: "Special service
and unusual attention to changing conditions and requirements in
power and power transmission have always been the policy of this
company. They have designed new engines and altered old designs
to obtain the greater speed, greater strain, etc., required by the new
ideas of power efficiency and transmission, always keeping their en-
gines abreast with the times. This policy at first glance may not at-
tract special attention, but an investigation develops that a small
change in the type of an engine means entirely new specifications,
new patterns, new flasks and foundry rigging and serious changes in
16 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
the routine of the machine shop; then it is that the idea begins to
take on large proportions and means an expenditure of thousands of
dollars.
"The continued success and growing reputation of this Iowa com-
pany is largely due to the thorough manner of manufacture. Each
casting, each bearing and every detail has been studied and experi-
mented with and tested so thoroughly that when a Murray engine is
installed it is a foregone conclusion that it will do the work it is
designed to do and in every way give complete satisfaction. The
greater part of an engine is composed of cast iron, and on the strength
or weakness of these castings its durability depends. Most machine
shops either buy their castings outside, or, if they possess a foundry,
regard it as a mere adjunct to the machine works — a necessary evil —
and give it but scant attention. Poor work is the inevitable conse-
quence. This company, on the contrary, has for forty years oper-
ated the largest foundry in the west, and makes it an important part
of its business. Its experience, therefore, is great; it has no difficulty
in producing the finest possible castings for its Corliss engines. An-
other interesting feature about the material used in Murray engines
is that the steel used for parts that meet with extreme wear is so
hard that no machine tool is made which will cut it. These parts are
machined to size by a grinding lathe, using an emery wheel for the
tool, a method that distinguishes this company. A high grade of
material is used in all Murray products; careful and thorough
methods of manufacture are in vogue throughout the entire plant.
Every bolt, every casting and the smallest and most unimportant
parts of the engines and boilers are made of metals selected carefully
for strength and durability and accurately machined in shops
equipped for the purpose."
Besides being the directing head of this constantlv increasing
business. Colonel Higbee has been the president of the Gas & Electric
Company for the past twenty-one years, a company which also owns
the street car lines of Burlington. He is likewise president of the
Burlington Savings Bank, which position he has occupied for an ex-
tended period. He remained at the head of the Murray Iron Works
as president until he was succeeded by his son, George G. Higbee.
He is now seventy-eight years of age and has practically retired from
active business management.
Colonel Higbee was married in 1876 to Miss Frances Nealley, of
Burlington, and they became the parents of three sons and a daughter.
Two of the sons have passed away, while the surviving son is George
G., who is now president of the Murray Iron Works.
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 17
III his political \ic\vs Colonel Higbcc has long been a stalwart
republican, and he is a member of the Military Order of the Loyal
Legion of the United States, and the Masonic fraternity. No man in
Burlington has done more for the city or been more loval to its best
interests. At a cost of sixty thousand dollars he built the Young
Men's Christian Association building and presented it to Burlington
as a memorial to his deceased sons, John Ames and Howell Nealley.
It is situated on North Fourth street and is a beautiful structure. The
corner-stone was laid with fitting ceremonies and in the handsome
block of granite were placed photographs of Colonel and Mrs.
Higbee and their deceased sons, in whose memory the building was
erected. Colonel Higbee is an active Spiritualist and counts as per-
sonal friends many of the world's leading figures. His book, "En-
franchisement," contains Three Birthday Addresses by Brevet Lieu-
tenant-Colonel George H. Higbee. With the growing west as his
theater he has played well his part in life and has come to occupy
a leading position on the stage of action. Burlington has long num-
bered him among its foremost men and most honored citizens — a
position which has not been won by his wealth, but through the
worth of his character; tlirough his observance of the highest
standards of life; through his contribution to the work of public
progress.
CLAY MILTON WAITE.
Clav Milton Waite is the business manager and part owner of
the Burlington Hawk-Eye, w ith which paper he has been identified
for more than a quarter of a century. He was born in Burlington,
October 9, 1866, a son of John Leman and Letitia C. (Williams)
Waite. The public schools afforded him his early educational oppor-
tunities and later he attended I^Uiott's Business College. He after-
ward taught bookkeeping and had charge of the business e.xchange
in the business college for one year. He made his initial step in the
business world as bill clerk for the Drake Hardware Company and
afterward accepted a clerkship in the Burlington postofTice. where
he remained for four years. He then came to the Burlington Hawk-
Eve as bookkeeper in 1888 and advancement in recognition of his
ability made him assistant business manager. In IQ04 he became
business manager and has since controlled the commercial interests
of the paper, of which he became a part owner in 1908.
18 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
On the 9th of March, 1892, at Burlington, Iowa, Mr. Waite
was united in marriage to Miss Ida May Southwell, a daughter of
Calvin Bradley and Lydia Southwell. Mrs. Waite is very active in
both church and club work, ofttimes taking a position of leadership
in those connections. Both Mr. and Mrs. Waite are Methodists in
religious faith and he is a member of the official board of the church.
For fifteen years he was a member of the Burlington Boating Asso-
ciation until it disbanded and at the present writing he has member-
ship with the Golf Club, which indicates something of the nature of
his recreation. In politics he has been a lifelong republican, never
swerving from the standards of the party. His position upon any
vital question is never an equivocal one and his indorsement of a
measure is a strong influence in its support.
THEODORE SCHINZEL.
There is no biography in this history which is more truly that
of the self-made man than that of Theodore Schinzel, the vice pres-
ident of the Schramm & Schmieg Dry Goods Company. Starting
out in early boyhood in a most humble capacity, he soon recognized
the fact that industry and perseverance are indispensable elements
of advancement and success, and his life has been the embodiment
of those qualities, which have brought him eventually to his present
position of prominence in the commercial circles of Burlington.
Mr. Schinzel was born in Austria, December 4, 1874, and is a
son of Theodore and Helen Schinzel, who remained residents of their
native country until 1879, when they made the voyage across the
Atlantic to New York, remaining in that city until the following
year, when they came to Burlington. The father was a cabinet-
maker by trade and became an active factor in industrial circles
here, but death called him in 1884. His widow survives and yet
makes her home in Burlington. They were the parents of four chil-
dren: Amelia, now the wife of U. J. Johnson, a resident of Gales-
burg, Illinois; Josephine, the wife of Frank Skeva, living in West
Burlington; Theodore, of this review; and Edward H., who is now
a traveling salesman for the Schramm & Schmieg Dry Goods Com-
pany and resides in Burlington.
Theodore Schinzel was a little lad of less than six years when the
family came to Burlington. Here he began his education in the
public schools, but his opportunities in that direction were some-
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 19
what limited, for at the age of thirteen years he started out to earn
his own living, his father having died in the meantime, leaving the
family in somewhat straitened financial circumstances. He has ever
been a close student in the school of experience, however, and is today
prominent among the broad-minded, capable, resourceful business
men of the city. He was first employed by the firm of Miles White
& Company, with whom he remained until he reached the age of si.x-
tecn. He then entered the service of Schramm & Schmieg as stock-
man and, gradually advancing, came to have an interest in the busi-
ness, and for many years has been one of the directors. On the 2d of
April, 191 2, he was elected to the vice presidency of the company,
which controls one of the chief mercantile enterprises not only of
the state but of the upper Mississippi valley. At the outset of his
career he made it his purpose to thoroughly master every task as-
signed him and he lost no opportunity to thoroughly acquaint him-
self with the different phases of the business. He studied not onlv
the stock, but the methods of the house and through the exercise of
effort increased and heightened his efficiency so that he was called
again and again to positions of greater responsibility.
On the 17th of August, 1903, Mr. Schinzel w^as married to Miss
Ida M. Wolf, of Burlington, a daughter of Robert and Anna Wolf,
the former a furniture manufacturer. They have become parents
of two children, Theodore Robert and Camilla. The parents arc
members of St. Paul's Catholic church and Mr. Schinzel gives his
political allegiance to the democratic party. Practically his entire
life has been passed in Burlington, where he has become widely and
favorably known. Ability commands respect and confidence every-
where, and in this connection Mr. Schinzel has made for himself a
most creditable and honorable position in the business circles of the
city.
SAMUEL P. GILBERT.
Samuel P. Gilbert, as secretary and treasurer of the Gilbert-
Hedge Lumber Company, figures prominently in the conduct of a
business which has contributed to the reputation of Burlington as
one of the centers of the lumber trade of the Mississippi valley. He
was born November 25, 1863, in the city which is still his home, a
son of John Webster Gilbert, who for many years was a most forceful
factor in Burlington's development, ever regarded as one of its lead-
20 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
ing citizens and a man whom to know was to respect and honor.
As his father advanced in years Samuel P. Gilbert relieved him more
and more of the care and responsibility of his business affairs and is
now the representative of the Gilbert interests in the lumber company
organized by the father almost two-thirds of a century ago. The
business was incorporated in 1900 and since that time Samuel P.
Gilbert has been secretary and treasurer. He likewise became his
father's successor in the German-American Bank and is still one of
its officers.
On the 30th of October, 1891, occurred the marriage of Mr.
Gilbert and Miss Winifred Lewis, of Iowa City, and they are the
parents of two daughters and one son, Ruth P., Harriet H. and
James I. Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert are members of the Congregational
church and they have a wide and favorable acquaintance in Bur-
lington, where the former has spent his entire life and where he has
so directed his energies as to gain a place among the representative
business men.
JOHN L. WAITE.
The name of John L. Waite has figured conspicuously and honor-
ably in connection with the history of journalism in Iowa. He is
today one of the veteran editors of the state, and who can measure
the influence that he has exerted through his editorial writings and
his championship of many measures and projects which he has be-
lieved to be for the benefit of the commonwealth? He was born in
Ravenna, Ohio, August 29, 1840.
The ancestry of the family is traced back to England, and the
name seems to be of English lineage. A contemporary biographer
has written the family history as follows: "The word 'Wait,' an-
ciently spelled Wayghte, Waiet, Wayte, and with other variations,
is derived from the Old High German Wachten (to keep watch),
and, in the sense of guard or watchman, is common to all the Teu-
tonic languages. The original Waytes were found in England, im-
mediately after the Norman Conquest, only among the retainers of
the king, princes and great barons; and among their other functions
was that of music and minstrelsy. The name frequently occurs in
the British records. In A. D. 1075, William the Conqueror gave
the earldom, city and castle of Norwich, in England, to 'Ralf de
Waiet,' who married Emma, sister of Roger, Earl of Hereford,
JOHN 1.. W.MTE
HISTORY OF DES .MOINES COUNTY 23
cousin of the Conqueror. The earliest record lOuiul, and the source
from whence all by the same name seem to trace their origin, was
Ralf de Waiet. There is no question among genealogical gleaners
but that Ricardus Le Wayte, of County Warwick, who was in 1315
escheator of counties Berkshire, Wilts, Oxford, Bedford and Bucks,
was a lineal descendant of Ralf. Thereafter the name was written
Wayte almost exclusively until others gf the name came to New
England, when that was discarded and Wait, or Waite, used instead.
The Wayte families were pretty well distributed over the central
portion of Southern England, extending thence to Northern Wales,
and from there some of them migrated to New England. Among
these were three brothers: Richard, the eldest, born in 1596; Gama-
liel, in 1598; and 7 homas, in 1601. They were cousins of Thomas
Wayte, who was a member of parliament, and one of the judges who
signed the warrant in 1649 for the execution of Charles the First.
The late Morrison Remick Waite, chief justice of the United States,
traced his lineage to Thomas Wayte, the Regicide. Colonel John
Wait, the fifth justice of the supreme court of Rhode Island, was a
great-grandson of Thomas. The three brothers arrived in Boston
in 1634. Richard, who became marshal of the colony, and Gamaliel
remained in Boston. Thomas settled in Rhode Island. The third
son of the latter was Sergeant Benjamin Wait (1644-1704), a soldier
and scout, who lived at Hadley in 1665, at Hatfield in 1668, in west-
ern Massachusetts. He was engaged in various Indian wars, and
was slain in the battle between the colonists and the French
and Indians at Deerfield in 1704. The New England Historical and
Genealogical Register, Marshall Field's Genealogy of the Field
Family of Conway, Craft's History of Whately, and numerous local
records, tell of the exploits and heroism of this intrepid Indian
fighter. One of the most interesting of his experiences, recounted in
prose and verse, is the story of the Indian attack upon Hatfield, Sep-
tember 19, 1677, the capture of Benjamin Wait's wife and children
bv the Indians, who took them to Canada, his long and determined
pursuit, and final recovery of them. The mother gave birth to a
daughter while in captivity who was named 'Canada,' and one of
whose descendants founded Smith College, at Northampton, Massa-
chusetts. Several generations of the family remained at Hatfield,
Whately and vicinity, various members serving in the colonial wars
and the War of the Revolution. Each of the descendants of Ben-
jamin, in the line of this local sketch, bore the name of 'John" in suc-
cession, lohn, born at Hatfield, Massachusetts, 1680, died there in
1744. He, like his father, was a sergeant and commamicr in many
24 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
excursions, and was in the fight with the French and Indians at
Deerfield when his father was slain. John, born at Whately, Massa-
chusetts, 1703, died there in 1776. John, born in 1743, served in the
War of the Revolution, and died at Norwich, New York, in 1801.
John, born at Whately in 1777, lived at Norwich and Oaks Corners,
New York, and Chesterfield, Michigan, and died at the home of his
son at Ravenna, Ohio, November 5, 1863. He served in the War of
1 81 2. He married Abigail Cranson, who was born May 7, 1781,
and died at Chesterfield, February 11, 1854."
John Waite, of the seventh generation, was born at Oaks Cor-
ners, New York, where he followed farming and afterward learned
the cooper's trade. He removed to Ravenna, Ohio, and on the 9th of
April 1835, wedded Martha Amelia Clark, daughter of Ephraim
and Ala Amelia (Sperry) Clark, who were among the early immi-
grants from Connecticut to the Western Reserve. Mr. Waite after-
ward engaged in the marble business and took contracts for the con-
struction of railway water tanks. In 1867 he removed to Burlington,
Iowa, and became senior member of the grocery firm of Waite,
Trenor & Company, while later he conducted a commission busi-
ness under the firm style of Waite & Leebrick. He afterward turned
his attention to farming in Flint River township and there resided
until his death, which occurred while he was visiting a daughter in
Peru, Kansas, June 1 1, 1894. He was a Methodist in religious faith,
a republican in his political belief, and his influence and aid were
always on the side of progress, reform and improvement.
His son, John Leman Waite, began his education in the public
schools of Ravenna and afterward attended a private academy and
a commercial school in Chicago. He made his initial step in the
business world in connection with telegraphy, serving as operator at
Lebanon and Cleveland, Ohio; in Chicago, Illinois, and in Burling-
ton, Iowa, advancing in that connection until he was made superin-
tendent of the Burlington & Missouri River telegraph line in 1863.
In 1869 he became connected with newspaper publication as city
editor and market reporter on the Hawk-Eye, then owned and pub-
lished by the firm of Edwards & Beardsley. He afterward devoted
three years to the development of the A. T. Hay electrical and
metallurgical discoveries and inventions, but in 1874 again entered
upon active connection with the Hawk-Eye as associate editor under
Frank Hatton, w^ho had purchased the paper. Mr. Waite became
managing editor as the successor of Robert J. Burdette, who in 1876
resigned to enter the lecture field. Mr. Waite continued in that con-
nection until 1882, when he resigned, having been appointed post-
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COrXTY 25
master of Burlington by President Arthur. He filled that position
for four years and on the 27th of July, 1885, assumed the manage-
ment of the Hawk-Eye as editor and publisher. He was again called
to the position of postmaster through appointment of President Mc-
Kinley in 1898 and served two subsequent terms through appoint-
ment by President Roosevelt in 1902 and 1906.
On the 2ist of September, 1864, Mr. Waite was united in mar-
riage to Miss Letitia Caroline Williams, who was born in Burling-
ton and is the editor of the woman's department of the Hawk-Eye and
the author of a booklet on religious topics called "By the Thorn
Road." The family numbers a son and two daughters: Clay Milton,
business manager of the Hawk-Eye, who married Miss Ida May
Southwell on the 9th of March, 1892; Jessie Benning, who on the
15th of April, 1902, became the wife of William Henry Davidson,
managing editor of the Hawk-Eye, by whom she has two children,
Barbara Waite and \Yilliam \\'aite; and Lola, who completes the
family.
Mr. Waite has always been a stalwart advocate of the republican
party and his efforts have been an effective force in shaping its policy
and guiding its interests in this state. His editorials have placed
him among the well known and distinguished journalists of the
middle west, maintaining the high standard which has ever been
synonymous with the name of the Burlington Hawk-Eye. He and
his family hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church
and their activity along church and philanthropic lines has been
far-reaching and resultant.
HON. LA MONTE COWLES.
- In dififerent positions of honor and trust La Monte Cowles has
demonstrated his loyalty to the best interests of city, county, state and
nation and at the present writing is serving as a member of the Iowa
senate. He has long been an influential factor in the ranks of the
republican party in Des Moines county and of the state, and in the
solution of intricate government problems and the directing of polit-
ical situations he displays that keen analytical power which has made
him so successful as a member of the bar. His birth occurred in
Oskaloosa, Iowa, September 30, 1859, and he is descended from one
of the old American families that has been represented on this con-
tinent since 1636. Many of his ancestors served with valor in the
26 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
Revolutionary war. His father was the Rev. W. F. Cowles, a Meth-
odist Episcopal minister who for a half century was active in the
work of the church. He also served as revenue collector for the
fourth district of Iowa under President Lincoln, being twice ap-
pointed to that position, and the papers bearing the signature of
Abraham Lincoln are now in possession of the subject of this review.
In the later years of his life the Rev. W. F. Cowles retired from
the active work of the ministry and spent his last days in Burling-
ton, where he passed away July i6, 1899. He wedded Maria Eliz-
abeth La Monte, who belonged to one of the old colonial families.
La Monte Cowles is indebted to the public-school system of Iowa
for the educational opportunities which he enjoyed in early life. His
course, however, was not pursued in a single town, owing to the itin-
erant custom of the Methodist ministry, which led to the frequent
removal of the family from place to place. At a later date he be-
came a pupil in the Iowa Wesleyan University at Mount Pleasant,
completing his course there with the class of 1879, at which time the
degree of Bachelor of Arts was conferred upon him. Still later his
alma mater gave him his honorary degree of Master of Arts.
Following his graduation Mr. Cowles went to the west, spending
four years as a civil engineer in the employ of the Union Pacific
and the Burlington & Missouri Railroad Companies, locating and
constructing their lines in Colorado, Idaho, Kansas and other west-
ern states. His desire, however, was to become a member of the
bar and in preparation for practice he began studving in the office
and under the direction of judge Power, of Burlington, who directed
his reading for three years, within which time he gained compre-
hensive knowledge of the principles of jurisprudence, so that he was
able to pass the required examination for admission to the bar. Be-
ginning practice, he formed a partnership with C. B. Jack, who
eighteen months later removed to Salt Lake City, Utah. Since that
time Mr. Cowles has been alone in general practice and has been
accorded an extensive clientage. In this connection a contemporary
biographer said: "Absolute fidelity to the interests of his clients, a
wonderful capacity for hard work, and systematic preparation of
all cases entrusted to his care, have been some of the noteworthy
factors in the achievement of his success. It is long since he has had
much leisure, and it is fortunate for him that he can find genuine
enjoyment, as he does, in the line of endeavor which he has chosen
as his special work. Early in life he learned the hard but neces-
sarv lesson that 'nothing of value can be gained without its equiv-
alent,' and therefore when he entered upon the practice of law^ he
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 27
brought to bear all of the talents with which nature had liberally
endowed him, industry and perseverance being among these." In
addition to his professional service in behalf of manv private indi-
viduals, Mr. Cowles is general solicitor for the German- American
Life Insurance Company of Burlington and is attorney for tlie Gen-
eral Agencv Company of Burlington ami main of the large business
corporations of the city. Moreover, he has various business con-
nections and investments which are bringing to him substantial re-
turn, and a number of these figure prominently in the commercial
development of the city.
On the I i;th of September, 1886, Mr. Cowles was married to Miss
Hattie E. Kane, bur on the i ith of November, 1889, was called upon
to mourn the loss of his wife, who passed awav on that date, leaving
a little daughter, Ethel M. It was not until the 24th of November,
1898, that he was married again, at which time Miss Ida M. Miller,
of Burlington, became his wife. The following year he erected a
pleasant and commodious residence at No. 810 North Fifth street.
Mr. and Mrs. Cowles occupy an enviable position in social circles,
the hospitality of the best homes of the city being cordially extended
them. Mr. Cowles is identified with several fraternal organizations,
including the Masons, the Cnitcd Workmen, the Woodmen of the
World and the Elks.
Aside from his profession .Mr. Cowles is perhaps best known as
one of the leading republicans of the first district of Iowa and has
had much to do with shaping the policy and directing the course
of his party in the state. His opinions carry weight in its councils
and on one occasion there appeared in a leading newspaper of Iowa
the following: "La Monte Cowles, chairman of the first district
republican committee, finds deep satisfaction in the results at the
polls. He had made it his personal endeavor to conduct an effective
campaign under conditions which largely eliminated public meet-
ings, street parades and brass bands. The usual concomitants of a
presidential campaign were not in vogue this year. Here, as else-
where in the United States, the chief reliance of both parties was in
organization, leaving political discussion chiefly to the press. Mr.
Cowles quietly, but sedulously, conducted the campaign along less
spectacular lines, and he has the gratification of seeing Mr. Hedge
reelected by nearly five thousand plurality, the largest ever given a
candidate in this district." He has been chairman of both the citv
and county central committees, was chairman of the congressional
committee of the first district for ten years and was for four years a
member of the state central committee, and during campaigns has
28 HISTORY OF DES xMOINES COUNTY
been frequently heard in the discussion of the foremost questions and
issues of the day. His opinions are always sound and logical and are
clearly and tersely presented.
For two years Mr. Cowles was city attorney of Burlington and
after his retirement from that position served as referee in bank-
ruptcy for six years. In 1904 he was again elected city attorney and
remained in the office for two years. In 1910 he was made his party's
nominee for the senate and conducted the campaign so capably that
the people came to know his position upon vital public questions
and felt that his service in the senate would be of value and ben-
efit to them. Accordingly he received a majority at the polls and is
now sitting in the upper house, of which he will be a member until
191 5. As lawyer and lawmaker he deserves mention among the rep-
resentative residents of the state and in all of his public service he
has been actuated by a fidelity to public good that has caused him
to subordinate personal aggrandizement and partisanship to the gen-
eral welfare.
W. O. KAISER.
W. O. Kaiser is proprietor of a drug store at No. 11 10 North
Eighth street, and a spirit of enterprise and advancement actuates
him in the conduct of his business affairs. He was born near Prince-
ton, Bureau county, Illinois, August 5, 1863, a son of David and
Rebecca J. (Mellen) Kaiser. The father was a native of Pennsyl-
vania and died in the year 1905. The mother was born in Rhode
Island and departed this life in 1906, the remains of both being in-
terred at Newton, Iowa. They had a family of five children : Belle ;
Emma; Retta; W. O., of this review; and Carrie.
W. O. Kaiser acquired his early education in the public schools
of Newton, Iowa, to which place his parents removed during his
early childhood. He afterward attended Hazel Dell College there,
and subsequently became a student in Highland Park College at Des
Moines, Iowa, at which college, after graduating, he was placed in
charge of the pharmacy department. In 1897 ^^ came to Burling-
ton, where he embarked in the drug business, his first location being
at No. 13 19 North Eighth street, whence he removed to his present
location at No. 11 10 North Eighth street in 1901. In 1908 postal
station No. 2 was opened in his store. Mr. Kaiser takes just pride
in this, for he was instrumental in having the different postoffice
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 29
stations placed on the various hills, which has proved of the greatest
convenience to the citizens. His was one of the first stations opened
after the original one was established in the Union station. Mr.
Kaiser is an enterprising, wide-awake and successful business man.
He has ever recognized the fact that satisfied patrons are the best
advertisement, and thus has put forth earnest efifort to please his cus-
tomers, while his thoroughly reliable dealing has won their confi-
dence and goodwill.
In 1907 Mr. Kaiser was united in marriage to Miss Anna M.
Hosier, who was born in Burlington, Iowa, and had previously been
a popular and efficient teacher in the public schools here. She taught
in the Sunnyside and North Oak schools and her work in that con-
nection was highly satisfactory. She is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Frederick Bosler, both of whom are now deceased and were buried
in the Aspen Grove cemetery. To Mr. and Mrs. Kaiser have been
born two children: Kenneth, who died in infancy; and Donald W.,
who was born in Burlington, December 16, 191 2.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Kaiser is a Mason and an Elk,
and in the former organization has attained the Knight Templar
degree in the York Rite. Honorable, upright dealing and pro-
gressive methods have firmly established him in the regard of his
contemporaries and colleagues, and he now has in Burlington a
circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaint-
ance.
S. H. JONES.
Prominent among the wholesale merchants of Burlington is S. H.
Jones, who is at the head of a business that has long figured prom-
inently in commercial circles of the city. He was born on Jones
Island, in the Ottawa river, in Canada, an island owned and cultivated
bv his father, Edward Jones, and noted as a scenic point between
Montreal and Ottawa, the family home commanding a splendid view
for miles down the river. Edward Jones wedded Phoebe Simpson
and the family made their home upon the island until their son, S. H.
Jones, was twelve years of age.
The last named acquired a public school education, pursuing his
studies in the Montreal high school. When sixteen years of age he
became connected with the hardware business in Montreal and un-
doubtedly one of the chief factors in his success is the fact that he has
30 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
remained in the line of business in which he embarked as a young
man. Crossing the border into the United States in 1873, he settled
in Chicago and was for four years with S. H. Ransom & Company,
stove manufacturers. He then removed to Clarion, Iowa, and for ten
years was engaged in the retail hardware business at that place. In
1891 he came to Burlington and through the intervening period has
been identified with the hardware trade in this city, being now en-
gaged in the wholesale business under the firm name of the Drake
Hardware Company. As one of the organizers of the business Mr.
Jones became active in its management.
In 1888 Mr. Jones was united in marriage to Miss Jessica P.
Childs, of Waterloo, New York, and to them have been born four
children, a daughter and son, Elizabeth P. and Norman Nelson sur-
viving, the latter now with the Drake Hardware Company. Mr.
Jones is a prominent Mason, belonging to lodge, chapter and com-
mandery, being a past eminent commander of St. Omar Commandery,
K. T. He is a member of the Episcopal church and is a democrat in
politics but not an office seeker.
JOHN CALVIN FLEMING, M. D.
Modern thought and investigation have reached the conclusion
that not the good that comes to us but the good that comes to the
world through us is the measure of our success; and judged by this
standard, the life record of Dr. John Calvin Fleming was a most
successful one, for his life was the expression of good deeds, of
kindly purposes, of noble thought and generous action. To know
him but slightly was to esteem and honor him; to come within the
closer circle of his acquaintance was to entertain for him the warmest
friendship and love, for his life ever measured up to the highest
standards of manhood and citizenship.
He was a native of Pennsylvania, born in Huntingdon county on
the 24th of November, 1848. His ancestors had lived in that locality
through several generations. His great-grandfather, who was the
progenitor of the American branch of the family, died at sea while
on his way from the north of Ireland. His family completed the
voyage and established their home in Huntingdon county, Pennsyl-
vania, where many of his descendants have since lived. James
Fleming, the father of Dr. Fleming, was a silk knitter who spent his
DR. JOHX C. FLEMIN'G
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COlX'l'V 33
entire life in Muiitiiigdon county and was employed in the mills
there.
Dr. Fleming pursued a preparatory course of study in the Tus-
carora Academy in Juniata county, Pennsylvania, and later he en-
tered Kishacoquilis Seminary in .Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, speiui-
ing the summer seasons as a student, while the winter months were
devoted to teaching, whereby he defrayed the expenses of his own
education. His time was thus passed until he reached his majority.
Wishing to become an active member of the medical profession, he
then began reading under the direction of Dr. John McCullough,
with whom he remained until he entered Jefferson Medical College
of Philadelphia. He completed a four years' course in that institu-
tion by graduation with the class of 1871, and then entered upon
active practice in connection with his former preceptor, Dr. .McCul-
lough. Success attended his efforts from the beginning and he re-
mained a resident of the east until 1877, when he came to Burling-
ton, where he followed his profession until his demise. He was
made county physician for Des Moines county in iBHo, and con-
tinued in that office for six years. He was also city physician and
health officer for two years, and in 1888 the Chicago, Burlington &
Quincy Railroad named him its local surgeon and he continued to
act in that capacity to the time of his death. He was also examiner
for the New York Life Insurance Company and for fifteen or twenty
years was connected in a similar capacity with the F^quitable Life
Assurance Society of New^ York and the Mutual Benefit Insurance
Company of New Jersey. He was also accorded a large general
practice.
In writing of his professional career, a contemporary biographer
ere his death said: "He has never had a partner, and his success
has come in direct recognition of his professional skill and ability,
won through careful preliminary preparation and thorough inves-
tigation and broad study since leaving college. He keeps in touch
with the advanced thought and improved methods of the profession,
and has practiced along scientific lines, with the result tha' his labors
have been most effective in checking the ravages of disease and alle-
viating human suffering. He has, too, the strictest regard for a high
standard of professional ethics, and therefore commands the re-
spect and confidence of his professional brethren. He belongs to
the Des Moines Medical Society and the American Medical Asso-
ciation."
On the 28th of February, 1894, was celebrated the marriage of
Dr. Fleming and Miss Ida Weber, a native of Burlington, and to
34 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
them was born a son, John C. Dr. Fleming was a democrat in his
political views, yet did not hesitate to cast an independent ballot
if his judgment so dictated. He was a man of innate culture and
refinement, broad-minded, a student and scholar and one with whom
association meant expansion and elevation. Death called him while
he was ministering professionally to a little grandson of J. J. Flem-
ing, to whose bedside he was called while he was a guest at the
home of a friend. Dr. Fleming at once went in response to the call
for his professional aid, and while there was suddenly stricken.
People in all walks of life paid tribute to his upright character,
his many good deeds, and the news of his demise fell like a pall
over the city. Many expressions of high regard were set forth by
the local press.
One of the Burlington papers said: "His demise is a personal
loss to hundreds. His interest in his patients was the interest not of
the professional man. It was a personal interest. For almost two-
score years he has been ministering to the ailing people of Bur-
lington and many of his patients and the children of his patients
would have no other doctor. He was, in addition to the man of
medicine, the friend and adviser and counselor. His heart was
big and his voice was kind. The call of distress to Dr. Fleming
found him always ready to respond. He was not mercenary and the
poor person who needed his services was accorded the same careful
attention as the rich. And when the last hour came to a patient
whom his skill was fruitless to save it was no uncommon sight to see
him sharing sincerely the grief of the family. He always did his
best, and his memory will long be cherished by those who knew him
and loved him for his never failing optimism and the goodness of
his heart."
Another wrote of him: "Both in his professional and social life.
Dr. Fleming was the type of man that works good in a community.
During his thirty-seven years of residence in this city he had not
only built up a lucrative practice but had endeared himself to all
with whom he came in contact. Many are the incidents told of his
charitable disposition and unwavering loyalty in administering to
the needy. Of an unassuming nature, modest in his successes and
tireless in his warfare against disease, it was his capacity for work
that gradually weakened his constitution and made him subject to
the attack that robbed the city of a beloved citizen. The children
loved him, an unusual circumstance with a doctor, and indicative
of the confidence which they placed in him. Dr. Fleming was a
self-made man. His practice was not the result of self-exploited
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 35
deeds. He was a big man with a big heart, skilled in his prufession,
and during the years of service here he proved by deeds rather than
words that he was deserving of all tlie confiilence that a loving public
placed in him."
A tribute was paid him by Horace Rand, as follows: "I have
known Dr. Fleming for more than thirty years, and for the last
fifteen very intimately. During this time I have never known him
to do an unkind act. He was father confessor to numbers of families
and persons in this communitv, and we went to him for advice, not
only for our bodily ailments but for things relating to our spiritual,
material and social well-being. His business judgment was good,
and in times of trouble it was a great comfort to go to his office and
get his opinit)n. He was so charitable that his advice was always of
the best. From a professional standpoint he was held in the highest
esteem, not onlv by our local physicians, but his opinion was re-
spected by the most eminent physicians and surgeons of the country.
You had but to sit in his office for a few hours to realize how many
and varied were the people who depended on him, and how often
he gave his services when he could not expect or hope for compen-
sation. ^^'e all claimed him as a member of our different families,
and as we gathered at his home during the past week we began to
realize how manv were the real mourners."
Another said: "He had those qualities of manhood that made
countless friends. He had those qualities of his profession that gave
him the implicit confidence of the public in his skill as a physician
and his integrity as a medical counselor. He had those qualities of
character that gave him unchallenged standing in the business
world. He had those qualities of citizenship that give stability to
law and order and the welfare of the community. And he had those
qualities of good-will and kindliness that cement friendship and
find expression in numerous deeds of charity and helpfulness. Such,
in brief, is the story of Dr. Fleming's career in Burlington as the
public saw and knew him. He came here a young man, only a few
years advanced in the practice of his profession. He quickly won
the confidence, and ever retained it, of the physicians of that period,
among whom we recall to mind Dr. G. R. Henry, Dr. David Mc-
Dill, Dr. |. C. Stone, Dr. Jones and others then living but who
have passed away. They recognized in the young physician a man
of sterling character, a student in whom there was promise of a
successful future and a practitioner who had already attained to an
experience that warranted his admission to the local field as one in
every way qualified. He enjoyed their respect and confidence and
36 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
was given that fraternal hand so helpful to a newcomer. Their con-
fidence was not misplaced and it spread to the citizenry. His de-
votion to his work, his thoroughness and painstaking care of his
patients, his fidelity to duty, as most appropriately portrayed by
Mr. Osborne in the funeral discourse, made him a popular physician
in every home to which he was called. 'Once called, always called,'
was the almost universal rule that obtained among his patients. That
fact alone is a most eloquent tribute to his skill, his fidelity and zeal
and his likeableness as a man. He needs no better monument. He
died as he had wished — in the performance of duty. When called
to the last patient he ever served he realized that he was under a
physical strain, but he did not hesitate. His thought was of the little
child who was in sudden and serious illness. The doctor was on his
knees at the bedside ministering to the little patient, when suddenly
his heart ceased its pulsation. The child lived; the good doctor
died. He had answered his last call; he had rounded out his life
work. He fell on the Hring line, a true soldier of duty. What better
finis could be written of anv one?"
From the ministry came this tribute by Rev. Naboth Osborne:
"He was our friend and we loved him; therefore we have left our
homes and work this day that we might show how highly we re-
garded him. Others of us could die and but few would gather to do
us reverence; this man died and our entire city is filled with mourn-
ing. There is scarcely a street in which some one has not wept for
him — scarcely a house in which he had not a friend. * For
nearly forty years he practiced his profession so that every year but
added to his honor and his influence. Serviceableness was written
all over his life. He went about doing good. Night and day he
was at the call of the people, of men and women and children. The
suffering child received the same attention at his hands as the
greatest in the city. The passing stranger and the lifelong friend
received from him the best he had to give. He held the cup of
water to uncounted parching lips and soothed the bed of pain for
multitudes of men and women. He enriched one of the noblest of
our professions and honored humanity in doing his daily task. He
not only served the bodies of men, he helped heal the wounds of the
soul. He had medicine for the heart as well as for the physical
frame. He was a born father confessor and carried about with him
sacred and inviolate a multitude of the secrets of men's souls. He
was not onlv a doctor, he was also a counselor. His wisdom was
sought on all manner of questions. He was an adviser of families
as well as the physician of individuals. His practice and insight
HISTORY OF DP:S MOINES COUNTY 37
aiul ripening experience of life were such that in all sorts of trouble
his advice and wisdom were sought. When he entered the house of
the afflicted the watchers by the bedside were relieved as if some
crushing and unshakeable burden had suddenly fallen from their
shoulders. His personality was as rich as his influence. As bone
and blood and nerve and tissue went to make up his body, so kind-
ness and sympathv, and tenderness and consideration, and patience
and charity and fatherliness went to make up his character. The
world has need of such men as this. He went from us as he wished
to go. Caring for the sorrows and soothing the pains of a little child,
his manly soul went out to meet his God and to render an account
of his stewardship. He was caught in the act of doing good. We
could have wished that he had remained with us if only for a day
or two, that we might sit at his bedside and tell him how we loved
him and how highly we regarded him. But perhaps it is better not,
for his dutiful and unassuming soul would have been embarrassed
bv the wealth of affection that would have been poured in streams
of benediction upon him. Our comfort lies in what he was and in
our memories of him. Those who knew him will never forget him.
If we were of his age we shall remember him as a brother beloved.
If we are younger than he, and knew him well, we shall think of
him as we think of our fathers. If we have been his patients we
shall know that what he could do for us he did for us, and that un-
grudgingly. He is of those who live again, remembered by what
he has done. * * And to our waiting hearts there comes His
health-giving and satisfying words, T am the resurrection and the
life; he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live
again, and whosoever liveth and believeth in Mc shall never die.'
This is our lasting comfort."
His was indeed the greatness of soul and spirit which lifted him
above the common lot of man and made him one of those whose
mem(5ry is cherished as a precious legacy and remains as a blessed
benediction to those who knew him.
CAPTAIN CARLTON DRYDEN.
Captain Carlton Dryden, now living retired, has made his home
in Burlington since 1869. He is a veteran of the Civil war, having
served at the front throughout the period of hostilities, and the same
spirit of loyalty has ever been manifest in discharging his duties of
38 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY .
citizenship. He was born in Highland county, Ohio, March 6, 1842,
a son of James M. and Elizabeth (Ellis) Dryden. The father was
a native of Ohio, born in 1808, and the mother's birth occurred in
Virginia in 1806. In her childhood she accompanied her parents
to Ohio and in that state was married. In 1851 the family removed
to Peoria, Illinois, and later to Keithsburg, that state. In 1853 they
settled in Montezuma, Iowa, where they resided until 1864, when
they returned to Keithsburg. There the father passed away on the
3d of February, 1887. The mother died while on a visit in Minne-
sota in 1872. Throughout his entire life the father followed the occu-
pation of farming, and at fifty-four years of age he enlisted for serv-
ice as a member of the Fortieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, with which
he remained until September, 1863, when he was honorably dis-
charged and returned home. To him and his wife were born seven
children: Caroline, the deceased wife of Thomas Marlatt; Charles,
v^'ho served for three years in the Ninth Illinois Infantry and died
in 1912; Esther, the wife of Roger Carter, of Oklahoma; Carey, who
served for three years in the Twenty-seventh Illinois Infantry and
died in 1904; Carlton; Cyrus, who was a member of Company F,
Tenth Iowa Infantry, during the last year of the war and is now
living in Keithsburg, Illinois; and William C, a' retired merchant
of Wichita, Kansas.
Captain Dryden was a lad of nine years when his parents removed
to Illinois and was eleven years of age when they came to Iowa.
He made his home on a farm near Montezuma until August, 1861,
when his patriotic spirit was aroused by the attempt of the south to
overthrow the Union and he offered his services to the government,
becoming a private of Company F, Tenth Iowa Infantry. He was
promoted from time to time until he became captain of his company.
He served as sergeant until January i, 1864, and reenlisted for three
years, or during the war. He was then appointed first sergeant and
ultimately was promoted to the rank of captain, remaining with the
army until August, 1865. The regiment was organized at Iowa
City in September, 1861, and went to St. Louis, Missouri, thence to
Cape Girardeau, where they encamped. The first winter was spent
in camp at Birdspoint, Missouri, and on the 4th of March, 1862,
they left that place under General Pope, participating in the cam-
paign that resulted in the capture of New Madrid and Island No. 10.
With Pope's army he went to Fort Pillow, being there at the time
of the battle of Shiloh, arriving at the latter place two weeks after
the engagement. The Tenth Iowa participated in the capture of
Corinth, the battle of luka, September 19, 1862, the battle of Cor-
HISTORY OF DES iMOINES COUNTY 39
inth, October 3-4, 1862, and went with Grant through Mississippi,
returning to iMempiiis. Captain Dryden also participated in the
Vicivsburg campaign, took, part in the battle of Missicjnary Ridge
and aided in guarding the railroad. He was also through the Atlanta
campaign, and while at Carterville, Georgia, in November, 1864,
cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. He went with
Sherman on the celebrated march from Atlanta to the sea and was
in the engagement at Savannah and the different battles in the Car-
olinas, after which he participated in the Grand Review. He was
then sent with his army to Little Rock, Arkansas, in July, 1865, and
there remained until honorably discharged at Davenport, Iowa, on
the 31st of August of that year. He was in every state of the Con-
federacy during the war, except Florida and Texas, and he returned
home with a most creditable military record, familiar with every
phase of military life, having undergone all of the hardships inci-
dent to war.
In the meantime Captain Dryden's father had removed to Keiths-
burg, Illinois, and there the son joined him. On the 9th of August,
1866, he was there married to Miss E. E. McKinney, who was born
in Indiana in 1838. They traveled life's journey together for thirty-
seven years and were separated by the death of the wife in 1903.
There was one daughter of that marriage, Luella, who became the
wife of Dr. G. W. Slingluff, and died in 1902.
Following his marriage Captain Dryden resided in Keithsburg
until 1869, when he came to Burlington, and throughout the inter-
vening years he has resided in one house. He worked as a carpenter
for some time and was then in the employ of E. Joy & Company,
lumber merchants, until March, 1873. He afterward entered the
service of William Berry & Company, lumber dealers, with whom
he continued until 1890. He was the assistant superintendent of con-
struction at the time of the building of the Burlington postoffice
and was the first to lose his job under Cleveland. For three years
he was with the police department and for a year he served as police
judge. He then returned to the Burlington Lumber Company, with
which he was associated until 191 1, when they retired from business,
since which time Captain Dryden has also lived retired. For forty-
two years he had been a well-known figure in the business circles of
the city and had gained a measure of success that now enables him
to rest from further toil.
In his political views Captain Dryden has always been a stalwart
republican, unfaltering in his allegiance to the party which was the
defense of the Union during the dark days of the Civil war, and
40 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
which has also been the party of progress and reform. His life has
.been guided by his Christian faith, as he has membership in the First
Presbyterian church. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Repub-
lic and was commander of the Burlington post for three years. He
likewise has membership with the Des Moines Commandery of the
Loyal Legion. He is a man well preserved for his years and an
excellent conversationalist and a most interesting and companion-
able gentleman. He has in Burlington a circle of friends almost
coe.xtensive with the circle of his acquaintance, and throughout the
period of his residence here he has been known as a progressive
citizen through his active cooperation in all measures relating to the
public good. In matters of citizenship he is as true and loyal as when
he followed the old flag upon the battlefields of the south.
HON. JOHN GRAHAM FOOTE.
Among the pioneers of the state of Iowa none is more worthy of
mention than John Graham Foote, who in 1841 settled in Burling-
ton, Iowa, and from that year until his death actively participated
in the upbuilding of the state. Not only was he one of the foremost
business men of Burlington, but he was connected with the early rail-
road building of this section and also represented his district in the
upper house of the legislature. Mr. Foote continued a resident of
Burlington until his death, which occurred March 4, 1896, when he
was nearing his eighty-second birthday.
He was born in Middlebury, Vermont, April 21, 18 14, a son of
Justus and Harriet S. (Graham) Foote. The founder of the family
in America was Nathaniel Foote, who was born in England in 1593
and in that country married Elizabeth Denning about the year 1615.
His name first appears in America in the records of the Massachu-
setts Bay colony in 1633, when he took the freeman's oath. He had
land assigned to him at Watertown, Massachusetts, and later became
a pioneer of Wethersfield, Connecticut. He died in 1664 and his
wife passed away in 1683. His eldest son, Nathaniel, was born in
England in 1620 and at Wethersfield, Connecticut, in 1648, married
Miss Elizabeth Smith. He died in 1655, having spent the greater
part of his life in Wethersfield. His second son, Samuel, was born
in that town in 1649 and in 167 1 married Miss Mary Merrick, of
Springfield, Massachusetts. He was a resident of Hatfield, Massa-
chusetts, and died September 7, 1689, his wife soon following him.
IIOX. JOHN G. FOOT!-;
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 43
October 3, 1690. His fifth son, Daniel, was born at Hatfield, in
1689, and in 1718 married Mary CoUyer, of Hartford, Connecticut.
They resided at Simsbury, Connecticut. He died July 15, 1740, and
his wife June 17, 1769. His eldest son, Samuel, was born in Hart-
ford, Connecticut, in 1719 and married Lois Loomis, November 24,
1743. They made their home at Simsbury, Connecticut. Samuel
Foote passed away September 18, 1775. His third son, Elijah, was
born at Simsbury, Connecticut, March 14, 1755. He was twice mar-
ried. On December 12, 1771, he married Mary Latimer, who passed
away, leaving five sons and one daughter. His second wife was
Zeniah Barton, of Norwich, Vermont, and by this union he had two
sons and one daughter. He resided at Simsbury, New Haven and
Middlebury, Connecticut, at Fairfield, Vermont, and at some place
in New York state. He died in 1827. Justus, the fourth son of Elijah
and Mary (Latimer) Foote, was born in Simsbury, Connecticut, June
24, 1782. On April 15, 18 10, he wedded Harriet S. Graham, a
daughter of Rev. John Graham, of Suffield, Connecticut, and they
resided in Middlebury, Vermont, where he died June 10, 1829. His
wife survived him for many years, her death occurring on the 20th
of April, 1865. Their second child was John Graham Foote, of this
review.
On the maternal side Mr. Foote was descended from James Gra-
ham, Marquis of Montrose, who was born in Scotland in 161 2 and
died in 165 1. An intermediate descendant was Andrew Graham,
whose son, Rev. John Graham, was born in Scotland in 1694 and
came to America when young. In this country he entered upon a
career as a minister of the gospel. He settled in Stafford, Connec-
ticut, in 1723 and died at Southbury, that state, December 11, 1774.
His son, also Rev. John Graham, was born in 1722 and died at Suf-
field, Connecticut, in 1796. He was an early graduate of Yale Uni-
versity, taking his degrees in 1740. Harriet Swan Graham, the
daughter of Rev. John Graham, was the mother of our subject. She
was born at West Sufiield, Connecticut, March 9, 1789, and her last
days were spent in the home of her son at Burlington. On the it;th
of April, 1810, she married Captain Justus Foote at Middlebury,
Vermont.
John G. Foote was graduated from the Middlebury (Vt.) Col-
lege in 1835 and the same year went to St. Louis, Missouri, where
he became a clerk in the hardware store of Bridge, Beech & Com-
pany. He came to Burlington in 1838 and in 1841 made permanent
location in Burlington, Iowa. Here he established a branch store
for the St. Louis firm and continued as manager of this establishment
44 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
for a number of years. At the end of that period he engaged in the
same line independently and later his brother-in-law, Mosley Ewing,
became his partner. He soon rose to a place of prominence in the
business life of Burlington and his concern grew as the years passed,
becoming one of the foremost business houses in his part of the state.
He was successfully engaged a a hardware dealer for a period of
thirty-three years, when he retired with a comfortable fortune. Dur-
ing this time Mr. Foote had a number of other interests which con-
nected him with the growth and development of the region. He par-
ticipated financially in the building of the Burlington & Missouri
River Railroad and for a time served as treasurer of this company.
Later he was a member of the board of directors of the Peoria &
Oquawka Railroad Company and also was a director of the Carthage
& Burlington Railroad Company. He was always progressive and
aggressive and was a promoter and a director of the first company to
run a telegraph wire into Burlington. He became recognized within
the state as a man of powerful financial influence, taking a leading
part in the organization of the First National Bank of Burlington, .
of which he became a director and vice president. To his ready
co-operation must be ascribed much of the prestige which the bank
enjoys today. Mr. Foote was a foremost factor in all matters that
affected the public welfare and could ever be found in the ranks of
those men who considered it their duty to work in the interests of
advancement, growth and development.
In politics Mr. Foote was equally active. He was originallv a
whig, but later turned to the republican party. In 1861 he was
elected state senator and served from 1862 until 1865. During
the troublous times of the Civil war he carefully watched over the
destinies of his state in the upper chamber. He was active and force-
ful in committee work and often appealed from the floor of the house
to fellow members in the interests of valuable legislation. He later
was chairman of a board of three commissioners who were selected
for the construction of the state capitol and discharged this great
trust in a highly satisfactory manner. He personally disbursed two
million eight hundred and seventy-six thousand three hundred dol-
lars throughout a period of fourteen years and no voice was ever
raised about the misapplication of even a penny of this vast sum. No
breath of suspicion ever attached to his name, for he discharged his
duties with a conscientiousness which is rarely found among pol-
iticians of the present era.
During the later years of his life Mr. Foote retired from business
and public life. He largely devoted his efYorts to religious work.
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 45
In 1853 he had become a member of the Congregational church and
always worked iu the interests of that organization. He was for a
long period a teacher of the Sunday school and for many years held
the office of deacon. He was a member of the National Council of
Congregational churches that met in Boston, Massachusetts, and,
standing beside Plymouth Rock, where his ancestors had landed cen-
turies before, he joined in the declaration of faith. In 1867 he was
elected a corporate member of the American Board of Commis-
sioners of Foreign Missions and continued to be a member of that
board up to his eightieth year. He was one of the founders and
original incorporators of the Chicago Theological Seminary and a
member of its first board of directors. Throughout this life he re-
mained a supporter of that institution. He was a thorough Christian
gentleman whose noble spirit permeated all his actions. His home
life was of the most ideal kind and wherever he went he carried with
him the sunshine of life.
Mr. Foote was twice married. At Burlington, August 20, 1845,
he wedded Eliza Jane Ewing, a native of Greenville, Kentucky.
Onlv one of their four children reached adult age, Harriet, the widow
of Frank R. Dunham, who was chief clerk of the Burlington post-
office and died June 30, 1891. Mrs. Dunham and her daughter Har-
riet reside with her stepmother, Mrs. Foote. Her two sons are John
Graham, of Boise, Idaho; and George Foote, of Portland, Oregon.
Mrs. Eliza Jane Foote passed away August 5, 1853, and in 1855 Mr.
Foote married Miss Mary E. Merrill. She is descended from Na-
thaniel Merrill, of England, who landed in Ipswich, Massachusetts,
in 1634. The family was originally located in France and emigrated
from the Auvergne shortly before the massacre of St. Bartholomew.
Being Huguenots, they fled to save their lives and after reaching
England located in Worcester. They later made their domicile in
Sussex, whence they emigrated to America. They were descended
from the old Du Merle family, of the Auvergne, the ancestral seat
being at Place de Dombes. In America the family name was changed
to Merrill. They supplied many Congregational and Methodist
ministers of ability as well as prominent men in other spheres of life.
Peter Merrill, of this family and a member of the British army, was
knighted in 1634 and became Sir Peter, while Samuel, a descendant
of Nathaniel Merrill, was a member of the legislature of Massachu-
setts and captain of a military company in the Revolutionary war.
He took part in the battles of Ticonderoga and was present at the
surrender of Burgovne. His son Jesse was a boy of sixteen when he
served as a private in his father's company. After the war Samuel
46 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
Merrill removed to Vermont, where he became prominent in public
afifairs as a member of the state legislature. His son James, upon
leaving college, located in Philadelphia, where he became associated
with the famous Thaddeus Stevens and attained fame as a member
of the Pennsylvania bar. The marriage of Nathaniel Merrill, the
original American ancestor, probably took place in England. His
wife's name was Susanna, but her family name has never been estab-
lished with certainty, although it is supposed to have been Wilier-
ton. They were the parents of seven children. During the later
years of their lives they resided at Newburyport, Massachusetts,
where Nathaniel Merrill died March i6, 1665. The subsequent gen-
erations were: Abel, born in 1654, "^"^'ho married Priscilla Chase;
Abel, born in 1671, who married Abigail Stevens; Abel, born in 1698,
who married Ruth Kelley; Stevens, born in 1731, who married Sarah
Chase and whose second union was with Mary Noyes; Joseph, born
in 1764, who married Sarah Copp; and Stevens, born in 1790. He
married Mehitabel Worthy Wells and they became the parents of
Mrs. Foote. Her mother was a member of the celebrated Wells
family, long known in the affairs of New England, and her great-
grandfather, Samuel Wells, of Plymouth, New Hampshire, was
commander of the state militia there. Her father, Stevens Merrill,
was sheriff of Grafton county, and Plymouth, New Hampshire. He
later removed to Boston, where he engaged in the dry goods and
brokerage business. In 1849 ^^ joined the California pioneers and
there engaged in mining for several years, but in 1854 returned to
the east and settled in Burlington, Iowa, where he died in 1863. His
wife, who was born at Plymouth, New Hampshire, in 1797, died in
Burlington, January 12, 1886.
Mrs. Foote was born at Plymouth, New Hampshire; March 19,
1832. She was educated in the public schools of Boston and came
to Burlington with her parents in 1854. In the following year she
married Mr. Foote. She is a member of the First Congregational
church and is actively interested in carrying on the good work of her
husband. She also holds membership in the Daughters of the Amer-
ican Revolution and the Young Women's Christian Association. She
is a member of the Missionary Society of the Congregational church
and the Ladies' Aid Society of the Burlington Hospital. Mrs. Foote
is a lady of literary tastes, highly cultured and refined, and takes a
deep and helpful interest in the uplift of humanity.
Mr. and Mrs. Foote became the parents of three sons, but Henry
G. died at the age of eight months and Charles Russell at the age
of two and a half years. Graham Merrill, the eldest, now of Long
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 47
Beach, California, was born in 1856 and in 1880 married Miss Anna
Joy. They have one son, Graham Merrill Foote, Jr., who was born
March 7, 1889, and is engaged in business in Long Beach, California.
John Graham Foote was one of those hardy pioneers who car-
ried civilization to the primitive wilds of the middle west when the
white man had scarcely penetrated the vast prairies of the Mississippi
valley. He lived in Burlington for fifty-five years and witnessed
the entire development of the city and section during this time. More
than that, he participated actively in making its history. As a busi-
ness man he laid the foundation of commercial progress; as a pro-
moter of railroads he made possible the marketing of produce and
joined rich agricultural districts so that the products of the soil could
be advantageously disposed of. In his church work he implanted
the Christian faith among his fellowmen and he always did every-
thing in his power for the moral and intellectual progress of the
people. The history of the state of Iowa would be incomplete with-
out prominent reference to him who so worthily carried on the hon-
orable traditions of a long line of distinguished ancestors. His mem-
ory is revered by all who knew him and who honored in him a patri-
arch who in his younger years had actively participated in the build-
ing of this great commonwealth and who continued his interest in
those things which make for the betterment of humanity until he was
called to the great beyond from a life which had been rich in useful
labors.
THE BURLINGTON GAZETTE.
One year older than the territory of Iowa, and consequently
almost a decade the senior of the state of Iowa, the Burlington Daily
Gazette of Burlington, Iowa, is undoubtedly the pioneer newspaper
of this state. Born and bred in the trials and hardships of the fron-
tier days, when Black Hawk, the Sac chief, and his braves com-
bated with the white settlers from the east the ownership of Iowa's
share of the widespread territory of Wisconsin, the Gazette's history^
has been that of its native Iowa. Both from a crude beginning have
waxed strong and powerful. Each has had its trials and tribulations,
its ups and downs, its triumphs and its failures and each is better for
them. It is pleasant and gratifying for the senior to contemplate its
junior's progress and the high rank it today holds in the union of
the states and to know that its own influence and intelligent endeavor
48 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
played no small part in bringing about the great Iowa of the twen-
tieth century. And, in turn, the state of Iowa is glad to boast among
its considerable number of intelligent, wide-awake and well edited
newspapers, one of such conspicuous merit as the Gazette.
The Gazette was founded in 1837 by James Clarke, a practical
printer and the last territorial governor of Iowa, and Cyrus Jacobs.
Editor Jacobs, following a political dispute with Judge David
Rorer, a prominent attorney, was shot and killed by Rorer, who
escaped punishment through a plea of self-defense. Mr. Jacobs'
interest in the paper was sold to John H. McKenny, who with Mr.
Clarke remained in control until 1842, when James M. Morgan and
Bernhart Henn succeeded them. Both were men of parts and took
an active interest in the politics of the day, Mr. Morgan being
speaker of the Iowa house for several terms, while Mr. Henn served
two terms in the lower house of Congress. In 1845 the Gazette
passed into the hands of Mr. Clarke, its founder, and William Tiz-
zard, afterwards, for a period of eight years, postmaster of Bur-
lington. Upon Mr. Clarke's appointment as governor of the ter-
ritory his place on the paper was filled for a time by a Mr. Thurs-
ton, afterwards a prominent citizen of Oregon. Mr. Thurston was
succeeded by a Dr. Gates, who sold out to Governor Clarke in 1848.
In that year democracy swept the state, its victory in great measure
being due to the influence wielded by the Gazette. In 1850 cholera
broke out in Burlington and Governor Clarke was among the first
victims. A young attorney named Childs took his place. Dr. Har-
vey, an eminent physician and father of Colonel Philip Harvey of
the United States army's medical corps, assumed the editorship and
for five years directed its destinies. Under the Harvey regime the
Gazette was the state organ of the democratic party and championed
Iowa's United States senators, George W. Jones and Augustus Caesar
Dodge in the Kansas-Nebraska act.
When the territory was made a state in 1846, the Territorial
Gazette became the Iowa State Gazette. Until 1853 it was a weekly
but in that year was changed into a tri-weekly. Two years later,
under the ownership of Colonel William Thompson and David
Sheward, it became a daily paper. Colonel Thompson was for four
years a member of the legislature and served with distinction in the
Union army. In i860 Mr. Taylor bought the paper and in 1862
Messrs. Todd and Bently became its owners and publishers. They
changed the name of the paper and it was known as the Gazette and
Argus. Two years after the close of the war Richard Barret and
Charles I. Barker purchased the plant and the same year Mr. Bar-
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 49
kcr became tlic sole owner. Ele dropped the name Argus from the
paper, and it has ever since been known as the Gazette. Charles
Playter appeared in May, 1874, as part owner, but in the following
September the Gazette was purchased by W. W. Blake of Burling-
ton and \y. R. Fitch of the Cedar Rapids Republican. The Gazette
Printing Company was then established. Colonel John Bird soon
after purchased an interest and assisted Mr. Blake in the editorship
until 1876, when Wesley L. Barnes, Louis Melius and W. W. Blake
bougiit it. The two first named gentlemen soon retired and Mr.
Blake became sole owner. Following Mr. Blake's incumbency of
the editorial chair A. C. Hutchinson held sway, with John H. Dra-
belle, now a prominent attorney of St. Louis, as political editor,
Bert Smith, the present mayor of Sioux City, as city editor, and Ed
\^'esner, at present a leading fire insurance man of Burlington, Iowa,
as business manager.
In May, 1887, Thomas Stivers of Atchison, Kansas, and Henry
Stivers of Osceola, Iowa, became the owners of the Gazette and
published it for one year, when Thomas Stivers became absolute
owner and was its editor and publisher until the day of his death,
September 9, 1913, when he was succeeded by his only son, George
A. Stivers. Mr. Stivers was a native of Ohio, but the greater part
of his manhood had been spent in Kansas, where he had been suc-
cessful as a newspaper man and contractor. He was a keen-sighted
business man, a born newspaper man, a forcible writer, a man who
thought straight, a courteous gentleman who made and kept friends
and a worker of electric dynamo energy. It is to his wonderful
industry, his steadfastness and his splendid intelligence that the
Gazette owes so much of its eminent standing among the newspapers
of the Mississippi valley today. How well he succeeded may be best
demonstrated when it is understood that when he took the Gazette
it was struggling along with a circulation of but five hundred, that
its plant was a poorly equipped one and that its influence was on the
wane, that he left it with its circulation at the eight thousand five
hundred mark and still growing, its plant up-to-date in every way
and it the most influential, widely read and quoted paper in its sec-
tion of the country. His son who succeeds has been connected with
the Gazette in various capacities from carrier up since he was a boy
in his teens and is in every way fitted to maintain the Gazette at the
standard of excellency set by his distinguished father.
The Gazette is democratic in politics and is the leading journal
of that faith in Iowa. But it is not as a political organ that it enjoys
its chief distinction or its ever-growing popularity. Its ability to
50 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
gather the news, both local and foreign, and to present it to its readers
in an attractive manner has made it the popular home paper ot the
community to which it caters. In Burlington it is a common saying
that "everybody takes the Gazette," and it happens to be a true one,
too, for over forty-five thousand copies are daily distributed in
Burlington by its forty carrier boys. Its outside circulation is con-
stantly growing, for the people of the adjacent towns and country
are appreciating more and more each day the value of the paper
that prints and delivers the news the day it happens. As an adver-
tising medium it stands alone in its part of the country. The adver-
tiser has learned that its columns bring results and the reader has
every confidence in the merit of any advertisement that the Gazette
will permit in its columns.
The Gazette is a member of the Associated Press, and through
its leased wire running to its editorial rooms receives from ten thou-
sand to fifteen thousand words each day of the news of the world.
In addition it employs a stafif of fifty correspondents throughout
southeastern Iowa and western Illinois who keep Gazette readers
well informed daily of all things of interest in their bailiwicks. How
well the local field is covered is shown by the fact that in Burling-
ton the Gazette circulates double the number of all other local publi-
cations combined.
It is the present purpose of the management to erect a building
of its own in the near future and to further equip the paper so that
it may continue to grow rapidly in the value of its usefulness.
N. S. YOUNG.
Among the promoters of Burlington's growth and greatness was
numbered N. S. Young, who for many years conducted a general con-
tracting business in the city, where he was equally well known as
a sportsman because of his love of the rod and gun and as a Christian
gentleman because of his fidelity to the teachings of the Congrega-
tional church, in which he long held membership. Business, rec-
reation and Christian service w'ere in him well balanced and the
duties of life were by him never neglected nor slighted.
Mr. Young was a native of Pettelange, France, born September
21, 1835, and his parents, John and Magdalena Young, were also
natives of that country. Their family numbered five sons and three
daughters, and soon after the birth of their son, N. S. Young, they
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HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNl^Y 53
removed to Belgium, where they resided until 1845, when they came
to the United States, arriving in New York after a voyage of forty-
two days. The family home was established in western New York,
where they remained for four years, during which period the mother
passed away and the father afterward married Mrs. HelYner. In
1849 the family went to Watertown, Wisconsin, where the father
engaged in farming.
N. S. Young acquired most of his education in New York.. He
received practical training in the work of the fields and remained
on the farm with his father until he reached the age of nineteen years.
In 1853 he went on foot to Milwaukee, where he boarded a steam-
boat for Chicago and thence proceeded by rail to Michigan City,
Indiana, where he was employed on the construction of the Toledo,
Wabash & Peoria Railroad until the following April, when, owing
to an exhausted exchequer, the railroad company suspended further
work. Mr. Young then went to Warsaw, Illinois, proceeding by way
of the Chicago & Rock Island Railroad, and also as a passenger on
the steamer Lady Franklin. He worked on the Warsaw, Rock Island
& Rockford Railroad for three months, when the contractor failed
in business and all the compensation that Mr. Young received for his
services was an old watch — the first one he ever owned. This he car-
ried for several years. Thrown out of employment, he did odd jobs,
shunning no w^ork that would yield him an honest living. The fol-
lowing summer the building of the Warsaw, Rock Island & Rock-
ford Railroad was resumed and he secured work with a brother who
had a contract for railroad grading near Dallas, Illinois, remaining
there until the scarcity of funds again caused work to stop. The
building was resumed the following year — 1856 — and Mr. Young
again worked for his brother near Lomax, Illinois. In the fall of
that year he went to Wisconsin to visit his father's family, remaining
nearly all winter, after which he became a member of a surveying
party under Mr. Van Manein, engaged in locating the Chicago &
Northwestern Railroad between Milton and Minneapolis Junction.
His next employment took him to Joliet, Illinois, where he became
overseer for Kent & Parshall, who had taken a contract in connec-
tion with the building of the St. Louis Railroad.
The summer was spent in that employment, after which Mr.
Young made his first independent business venture by taking a small
contract from the railroad company on which he realized two hun-
dred dollars in eight days. He felt that this was very much better
than working for sixty dollars per month, and therefore decided to
become a railroad contractor whenever a favorable opportunity pre-
54 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
sented. He again spent the winter in Wisconsin with his parents
and in the spring of 1858 went to Minnesota, where he again became
foreman in connection with railroad construction. In the spring of
1859 he went to St. Paul, where he arranged with a contractor to take
his teams and outfit back to Reynolds Station, Indiana, and complete
work begun there six years before. Mr. Young finished that con-
tract by fall and then went to Albany, Indiana, on the Ohio river,
where he took passage on a steamboat bound for Vicksburg, intend-
ing to spend the winter in the south. He obtained work as foreman
in charge oi levee building during the winter of 1859-60, and dur-
ing the succeeding winter he was awarded a contract for getting out
ties for the Mobile & Ohio Railroad. He was at Corinth at the time
the news was received of the fall of Fort Sumter. He completed his
contract and for some time afterward engaged in railroad building
near Paducah, Kentucky, but his sympathy was with the Union, and
he left the south for Wisconsin.
In 1862 Mr. Young secured the position of overseer in railroad
building at Kaukauna, near Green Bay, Wisconsin, and when fall
came he went to Downers Grove, Illinois, where he also executed a
contract. The succeeding summer was spent at Escanaba, Michigan,
working on the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, and in the fall
of that year he returned to Downers Grove to finish his contract. He
afterwrrd went to Milwaukee and took a contract for further work
on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad near that city. He
was ma/ried in 1864 and about a year later established his home in
Chillicothe, Iowa, having secured a contract on the Burlington &
Missouri River Railroad. In 1866 he removed with his family to
Burlington, where he continued to make his home until his death, and
throughout the entire period he conducted a general contracting busi-
ness, his work extending over several states. In 1873 ^^ ^^'^^ awarded
the contract for the building of the first street car line in Burling-
ton — that on South Hill. In the years which intervened from that
period until his death he was awarded many other contracts which
had to do with the improvement of the city. He was a large con-
tractor for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, construct-
ing the greater part of its line between Burlington and Omaha, and
he built the narrow gauge railroad from Burlington to Oskaloosa,
which has since been converted into the standard system. As the
years passed on his business, growing steadily in volume and impor-
tance, brought to him a substantial measure of prosperity and for a
long period ere his death he was numbered among Burlington's men
of affluence. He was at the time of his demise one of the directors
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 55
of the Merchants' Life Association and of the Merchants National
Bank, and his splendid business qualifications were further called
into requisition as a trustee of the Elks Building Association and the
Elks lodge. His advice and judgment in business matters were con-
stantly being sought by his associates and were always sound.
On the 17th of September, 1864, Mr. Young was united in mar-
riage in Milwaukee to Miss Cate Schlenger, a native of Germany
and a daughter of George and Maria J. Schlenger, who came to the
new world when Mrs. Young was but four years of age. Mr. and
Mrs. Young became the parents of nine children, of whom two died
in infancy, while seven are yet living: Viola Eugene, the widow of
Dr. Julius Oswald, of Chicago; George J., who is with his mother;
Josephine, the wife of F. W. Heaney, of Cedar Rapids; William,
who pursued a civil engineering course and is now engaged in the
real estate business in Kingsville, Texas; Arthur Le Roy, who is in
the bond business in Chicago; Mary Clara, at home; and Earl H.,
who is conducting a contracting business in connection with his
brother George in Burlington.
The death of Mr. Young occurred February 25, 1913. His polit-
ical allegiance was given to the republican party and his religious
faith was that of the Congregational church, to which his widow still
belongs. He was also a member of the Crystal Lake Club and was
president thereof from its organization, continuing to serveuntil his
death. He was devoted to his family and gave his children good edu-
cational advantages and encouraged them in the study of music and
other useful accomplishments. His personal tastes were simple, but
he had a keen relish for sport and was an ardent lover of rod and
gun. A contemporary biographer spoke of him as a member of "that
class of men whose resources were in themselves, their unwavering
optimism and faith in the future, men who brought these resources
to bear upon the problems that confronted them, whether of a moral
or physical character, and found a solution, in the one case leading to
the recognition of a universal brotherhood, and in the other to 'make
the wilderness to blossom as the rose.' These were men of integrity,
of noble purpose and indomitable courage. Often poor, limited in
opportunities for early education, hampered by having to follow hith-
erto untried wavs or to mark out entirely new paths, they mastered
almost insuperable difficulties and have left to posterity an unsur-
passed heritage. Such a man was Mr. N. S. Young, in whose pass-
ing Burlington loses a good citizen, a man whose business ability
was recognized by all and withal a man of kindly heart. * * *
In his attitude toward men and affairs he was a despiser of shams, but
56 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
was a genuine and sympathetic supporter of every worthy cause,
being liberal in his contributions thereto, and took an active interest
in matters pertaining to the public good. * * * He has resided
in Burlington since i866, and in the course of his long residence has
made many friends who admired him for his sincerity, his purity of
heart and motive, his kindly hospitality, and his real interest in the
community's progress,"
HON. JOHN J. SEERLEY.
Hon. John J. Seerley, who has been representative of his district
in congress and thus as lawmaker as well as lawyer is well known to
the people of Des Moines county, now practices his profession in
Burlington as senior partner in the firm of Seerley & Clark. He was
born in Toulon, Illinois, on the 13th of March, 1852, a son of Thomas
and Eliza (Smith) Seerley. The family is of French and German
descent and came to America in colonial days. The father was a
farmer by occupation and on leaving Illinois in 1854 established his
home in Keokuk county, Iowa, where he carried on general agricul-
tural pursuits until 1894 ^^ for a period of forty years. He then
retired from active life and took up his abode in Iowa City, where he
remained until called to his final rest.
John J. Seerley acquired a public school education and afterward
entered the State University, in which he completed his more specif-
ically literary course with the class of 1875. He then remained in
that institution for the study of law and was graduated from the law
department in 1877. Immediately afterward he came to Burlington,
where for thirty-seven years he has been a well known member of the
bar. Advancement in the profession is proverbially slow, yet it was
not long before he had established himself as an able lawver, capable
of finding ready solution for intricate and involved legal problems.
As the years have passed on his practice has steadily grown in volume
and importance and he now enjoys a large and distinctively repre-
sentative clientage. After practicing alone for manv years he was
joined by C. C. Clark in the present firm of Seerley & Clark. While
the practice of law has been his real life work and the greater part of
his attention has been given thereto, he also has some other interests,
being president of the Merchants Life Association for the past ten
years, while for several years he has been a director of the National
'State Bank. He has also made extensive and judicious investments
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 57
in farm property and i^ivcs general supervision to the development
and cultivation of his farm lands. In all his business affairs he has
displayed sound judgment and unfaltering enterprise and his success
is well merited.
In 1879 Mr. Seerley was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth L.
Clark, of Iowa City, by whom he has three children, namely:
Florence, Hazel and John, Jr. Mr. Seerley is well known in
Masonic circles. He is a past master of Malta Lodge, No. 318, A.
F. & A. ^I.; a past high priest of Iowa Chapter, R. A. M.; and past
eminent commander of St. Omar Commandery, No. 15, K. T. Mr.
Seerley has also been identified with various interests of a public and
semi-public character and has been a cooperant factor in many of the
movements which have been of greatest benefit to the city in its up-
building and improvement. He is now president of the Burlington
Hospital. For ten years he was city attorney of Burlington and in
1892 was elected to represent his district in the fifty-second congress
on the democratic ticket. He is always deeply interested in impor-
tant political problems, keeping well informed on the leading ques-
tions and issues of the day, and his opinions are those of a
clear-sighted, analytical mind. In fact he delves to the root of all
things in matters relating to the public welfare and his efforts have
been a forceful element in bringing about public improvement along
many lines.
WILLIAM F. OILMAN.
William F. Oilman is the secretary of the Burlington Lumber
Company, is also secretary of the Citizens' Water Company, and in
his business career illustrates the possibilities that are open to young
men of determination, ambition and persistency of purpose. He was
born August 31, 1869, in the city which is still his home, and was
educated in the graded schools, supplemented by a two years' course
in the high school. After a course in Elliott's Business College he
started out to make his own way in the world. For five years he was
employed bv the old Narrow Gauge Railroad, in the auditor's office,
— a road that afterward became a part of the Chicago, Burlington &
Quincy system. On severing his connection with that railroad com-
pany he entered the employ of the Cascade Lumber Company, with
which he continued for two years. On the expiration of that period
he embarked in the lumber commission business, in which he
58 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
remained until 1898, when he became connected with the Burlington
Lumber Company, with which he has now been identified for six-
teen years. Gradually he worked his way upward until he became
secretary of the company in 191 1. He has since bent his energies to
administrative direction and executive control and his efiforts have
been an element in the growing trade and continued success of the
business.
In 1905 Mr. Oilman was united in marriage to Miss Edna Uhler,
of Burlington, and they have become the parents of three children,
William Warren, who died in infancy, and Edna Loraine and John
Berry, aged respectively six and two years. Mr. Oilman belongs to
the Masonic fraternity and to the Benevolent Protective Order of
Elks, and his political allegiance is given to the republican party.
He does not seek nor desire office, preferring to concentrate his
energies upon his business affairs, and it has been by reason of his close
application and unremitting diligence that he has won the creditable
position which he now occupies as a representative of the lumber
trade in Burlington. At the same time he takes an active interest in
the welfare of the city and cooperates in many plans and measures
for Burlington's upbuilding and improvement.
HAROLD J. WILSON.
Following his admission to the bar in 1904 Harold J. Wilson
became junior partner in the firm of Blake & Wilson, which today
is regarded as one of the strongest and ablest law firms of south-
eastern Iowa. A native of Monmouth, Illinois, he was born August
20, 1879, and is a son of Robert A. and Ella J. (Joss) Wilson. The
father devoted much of his life to merchandising and was also inter-
ested in the Weir Pottery Company, now a part of the Western
Stoneware Corporation. In the former connection he was president
of the firm of R. A. Wilson & Company, dealers in house furnish-
ings. He was energetic and progressive, possessing in large measure
the spirit of initiative, and in the conduct of his business aflfairs ad-
vanced steadily to success, for if his path seemed blocked in one
direction he sought out another road which would lead to the desired
goal.
Robert A. Wilson was prominently connected with interests
afifecting the public welfare. For fourteen years he served as treas-
urer of Monmouth College and for many years was its financial
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 59
agent. At tlic time of his resignation it was published that, although
during his tenure of office he had loaned the entire endowment of
Monmouth College, he had never lost a cent of interest or principal
from that fund, so judiciously did he manage the interests intrusted
to him. He was an elder in the United Presbyterian church for fif-
teen years and had charge of the western depository of the United
Presbyterian Board of Publication. His political indorsement was
given to the republican party and he always kept well informed on
the questions and issues of the day, believing that the adoption of
republican principles would best promote good government. He
died in the year 1902 and is survived by his wife, who yet makes her
home in Monmouth. They were the parents of the following chil-
dren: Harold J.; Ralph W., who is living in New York city and is
resident manager for Theodore Foster & Company, jewelers of Provi-
dence, Rhode Island; Robert E., a real-estate broker in Minneapolis,
Minnesota; Lucille M., the wife of Lyman J. Hurd, a banker of
Minneapolis; and Elbert C, attending the Monmouth high school.
Highly endowed in a business and financial way, Harold J. Wil-
son attended the public schools and Monmouth College, from which
he was graduated with first honors in 1901, securing the degree of
Bachelor of Arts. By special thesis he won his Master of Arts degree
in 1904. He began preparation for his profession as a law student
in the office of A. W. Kirkpatrick, one of the best known of the old
school attorneys of Monmouth. For nearly two years Mr. Wilson,
although just from his collegiate studies, conducted the Retail Mer-
chants Association of Monmouth which experience taught him manv
of the rudiments of commercial law, along which line he has since
shown himself especially fitted. Later he went into the office of
W. E. Blake of Burlington, continuing his reading along with prac-
tical experience until he passed the required examination, securing
his admission to the bar of the state of Iowa. He entered into part-
nership with his former preceptor in July of the same year and the
firm of Blake & Wilson came into existence. Their offices are rooms
301-8 in the Tama building and constitute one of the finest suites in
Burlington, and theirs is one of the largest and most completely
equipped law libraries. They are engaged in general practice,
although taking no criminal cases, and to a large extent have con-
fined their attention to corporation law. They are now attorneys for
the Merchants National Bank, the Keokuk Water Power Company,
the Citizens Water Company, the Perkins, Chamberlain and Bar-
hydt estates and for other prominent clients.
60 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
On the 3d of February, 1904, Mr. Wilson was united in marriage
to Miss Lucretia Barnes Blake and they have had three children:
Richard, who was born April 17, 1906, and died June 15, 191 2;
Robert Edgar, born May 8, 191 1; and Lucia Hurd, born April 3,
1914.
Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are members of the Presbyterian church,
in the work of which they take an active and helpful interest. For
the past five years he has been superintendent of the Sunday school,
is a most earnest worker in that direction and is affiliated with the
State Sunday School Association. He is also a member of the state
executive committee of the Young Men's Christian Association and
is often in demand in various parts of Iowa as a speaker at the larger
religious gatherings. He belongs to the Golf Club and to the Shoko-
quom Boat Club and he likewise holds membership in the Commer-
cial Exchange. In politics he is a republican but has never aspired
to office, realizing that law is a jealous mistress. He prefers that his
public duties shall be done as a private citizen and to that extent he
cooperates in all movements for the benefit of Burlington. Nature
and heredity endowed him with keen mentality and he has used his
talents wisely and well. To his intellectual qualities he has added
the discipline and embellishments of culture and his is an attractive
personality, especially to the young. Well versed in the learning of
his profession and with a deep knowledge of the springs of human
conduct, with extraordinary tact, although still a young man, he is
in the courts an advocate of power and influence, an efifective speaker
before judge or jury. He has been engaged in the trial of cases of
a class not usually intrusted to the younger professional men.
Whether in his profession or in any other sphere, he works with his
might and with a deep sense of conscientious obligation and thus has
developed that executive ability which comes only through wide
experience.
F. H. A. KOCH.
It was left to a man of German birth, F. H. A. Koch, of Bur-
lington, Iowa, to found one of the important insurance organiza-
tions of the state, the German-American Mutual Life Association.
This company was organized by Mr. Koch in 1887 as the German-
American Equation Premium Life Association, and later adopted
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HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 63
its present style as the German-American Life Insurance Cumpany
of Iowa.
Mr. Koch was born in Westphalia, Germany, September 26,
1845. and was educated in the public schools of that country. In
1867, when about twenty-two years of age, he came to the United
States in search of greater opportunities. He first located in Pitts-
field, Pike county, Illinois, where he became a dealer in musical in-
struments and also acted as agent for life and fire insurance. He so
continued for a time, but in order to perfect himself in business Eng-
lish and business methods he entered Wesleyan College at Warren-
ton, Missouri, where he studied for some time. Later he returned
to Pittsfield and resumed his business, remaining there until 1886.
During this time he had made a thorough study of life insurance
and had formulated and perfected in his fertile brain a plan for
carrying on such a business independently. When he came to Bur-
lington, Iowa, in 1887 he realized his plans by organizing a com-
pany, of which he became secretary, and which had an auspicious
beginning and continued to prosper. Mr. Koch perfected an en-
tirely new plan of insurance based on the equation premium plan,
under which the company was reorganized as the German-American
Equation Premium Life Association, Mr. Koch remaining as secre-
tary and continuing in that oflice until his death. The business was
large and satisfactory and the prosperous condition of the institution
must be ascribed to the systematic efforts of our subject, who tire-
lessly worked for the extension of the business. It was his intimate
and expert knowledge that was the foundation of the success of this
insurance company, now known as the German-American Life In-
surance Company of Iowa. In addition Mr. Koch was secretary
of the General Agency Company, which had charge of the agency
business of the insurance association.
At Pittsfield, Illinois, on April 4, 1877, Mr. Koch was married
to Miss Elizabeth Catherine Herling, of Rushville, Illinois, and to
them were born nine children, and those living are: Dr. F. E.,
Lewis H. and Robert Koch. Mrs. Koch resides in Burlington, mak-
ing her home at No. 715 South Garfield avenue.
Mr. Koch always took a deep interest in church work and was
a member of the Locust Street German Methodist Episcopal church,
to which he belonged for twenty-six years. In the earlier struggles
for the existence of the organization which he founded he acted as
local preacher and was also superintendent of the Sunday school.
He represented the Burlington district as a lay delegate to the gen-
eral conference at Buffalo, New York, in 1896, and at the time of
64 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
his death was a trustee of the church. Fraternally Mr. Koch was a
member of Des Moines Lodge, No. i, A. F. & A. M., and also be-
longed to the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In politics he
was a republican, but not an active party man. Mr. Koch died
October i, 1911, and thus passed away one of those men who had
made valuable contributions toward the growth of Burlington. He
was honored and respected by all who knew him for what he had
accomplished and for those characteristics which had made possible
his achievements. His untarnished name is the most precious heri-
tage which he left to his family.
FRANK M. TOMBAUGH, M. D.
Dr. Frank M. Tombaugh, an eminent surgeon of Burlington, was
born in Odell, Illinois, August 27, 1869, a son of Mathias and Elvira
(Leatherman) Tombaugh. The father was a farmer and teacher
and filled the position of county superintendent of schools for many
years while residing in Livingston county, Illinois, his efforts being a
most potent element in promoting the educational interests of his sec-
tion of the state. Both he and his wife are deceased.
Dr. Tombaugh acquired a public-school education. His parents,
however, were ambitious for him to advance still farther along intel-
lectual lines and his own desires supplemented their wishes. Accord-
ingly he became a student in the Illinois Wesleyan University and in
literary learning laid the foundation upon which to rear the super-
structure of professional knowledge. In due time he matriculated in
the medical department of the Northwestern University at Chicago
and won his degree upon graduation with the class of 1896. He then
put his theoretical knowledge to the practical test in eighteen months'
service as interne in Mercy Hospital of Chicago and at the end of that
time he was appointed medical examiner for the Chicago, Burlington
& Quincy Railroad Company at Galesburg, Illinois, where he
remained for two years. On the ist of November, 1899, he arrived in
Burlington and for ten years occupied the position of examiner for
the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company and also
through that decade continued in general practice. In 1910, how-
ever, he severed his connection with railroad work and now confines
his efiforts to surgery. Such is the high reputation which he has won
in this connection that he is over-burdened by the demands made upon
him. He has done post-graduate work in medical colleges of both
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 65
Chicago and Phihuk-Iphia ami has carried his investigations far and
wide into the realms of modern scientific surgery. His intellectual
perception is supplemented by a steady hand and calm nerve,
which renders him (]uict and composed in the face of the greatest
emergencies.
On the 1 2th of October, 1898, Dr. Tombaugh was united in mar-
riage to -Miss Annettie Butler, of Sheldon, Illinois, a daughter of L.
M. and Rachel Butler, the former a merchant of that place. Dr. and
Mrs. Tombaugh have become parents of two children, Helen Rachel
and Ruth Elizabeth. The parents are consistent members of the
Methodist church and Dr. Tombaugh is also an exemplary repre-
sentative of the Masonic lodge. His political indorsement is given
to the republican party, but he does not seek nor desire the honors or
emoluments of office. He belongs to the Des Moines County Medical
Society, the Iowa State Medical Society and the American Medical
Association and has been honored with the presidency of the county
organization. A spirit of progressiveness has characterized all his
professional service, for he keeps in constant touch with advanced
thought and improved methods in surgical practice and his efforts
have been of the utmost benefit to mankind in this section of the state.
C. H. MOHLAND.
For two decades C. H. Mohland has been a member of the Bur-
lington bar and has made for himself a creditable position among the
able lawyers here practicing. Iowa claims him as a native son, his
birth having occurred at Sigourney on the iith of February, 1850,
his parents being Martin and Julia (Leurs) Mohland, both of whom
were natives of Germany. They came to the United States in 1832
and were among the pioneer residents of Burlington, there taking up
their abode in 1839, when the city was but a small village of little
commercial or industrial prominence. On May i, 1843, the interior
of the state of Iowa was opened up for settlement and at twelve o'clock
at night of April 30 of that year Martin Mohland with four other
German citizens of Burlington were marking ofif their homesteads in
the new purchase. On the land then selected the remaining davs of
the parents were passed and on this farm C. H. Mohland was born
and grew to manhood.
C. H. Mohland is indebted to the public school svstem of his
native county for his early education, which was supplemented by
66 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
two years' study in Oskaloosa College. In early life and when yet a
minor he took up the profession of teaching, which he followed in
the country schools for five years during the winter seasons, while dur-
ing the balance of the year he was employed on his father's farm. He
regarded this, however, merely as an initial step to further profes-
sional labor and with the desire to become a member of the bar
entered the law department of the State University at Iowa City, from
which he was graduated with the class of 1877. He then returned to
Sigourney for practice and remained an active member of the pro-
fession there for fourteen years, during which time he was the first
county attorney of Keokuk county. Seeking a broader field of labor,
he removed to Burlington on the ist of March, 1894, and for twenty
years has been a well known representative of the bar of this city, his
ability winning for him well deserved recognition and gaining its
merited reward in a large and substantial practice. He is well qual-
ified to handle important litigated interests, and never fails to gain a
thorough preparation, which is the basis of success in the courts.
In 1882 Mr. Mohland was united in marriage to Miss Lettie
Merz of Sigourney, and they have two living children, Mrs. Fred S.
Holsteen and Carl Mohland. Mr. Mohland belongs to the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent Protective Order of
Elks and the Crystal Lake Club and as he is a great lover of outdoor
life, much of his leisure time is spent on the grounds and waters of
that beautiful pleasure resort. His political allegiance has always
been given to the democratic party. He has never sought nor held
office, however, outside the strict path of his profession and has always
regarded the pursuits of private life as in themselves abundantlv
worthy of his best efiforts, and throughout his connection with the bar
his devotion to his clients' interests has been proverbial.
WILLIAM MAGEL.
William Magel is living retired in Burlington, but for a long
period was connected with general agricultural pursuits and thereby
won the competence that now enables him to rest from further labor.
His birth occurred at Rock Springs, in Union township, this county,
on the 4th of March, 1842, his parents being Seibert and Mary
(Licht) Magel, both of whom were natives of Germany, the former
born in 181 2 and the latter in 1821. They came to Iowa at the same
time — in the year 1835 — Mrs. Magel making the trip in company
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 67
witli her parents. It was in Des Moines county that she gave her
hand in marriage to Seibert Magel and here they spent their remain-
ing days, their home being on a farm on Avery Road, west of Burling-
ton. A life of intelligently directed industry enabled Mr. Magel
to convert a tract of wild land into a highly improved farm. His
place comprised one hundred and ninety acres and from it he derived
a substantial annual income. His death occurred when he was eighty-
five years old, while his wife passed away at the age of seventy-five.
They were consistent Christian people, holding membership in the
Evangelical church. In their family were ten children who reached
maturity: Elizabeth, the deceased wife of William Hillgartner;
William; Henry, who is living in Burlington; Charles, a resident of
Sidney, Iowa; Conrad, of Twin Falls, Idaho; Mary, the widow of
Julius Schafer, of Central avenue, Burlington; Theodore, who was
killed by a horse in Fremont county, Iowa; Peter, of Burlington;
Maggie, the wife of Henry Steyh, living on Central avenue, Burling-
ton; and Benjamin, also of this city.
William Alagel was reared upon the old homestead farm with the
usual experiences that fall to the lot of the farm boy. In 1861, how-
ever, he left home and crossed the plains with ox teams to Idaho,
remaining in the west until the fall of 1864, when he returned. He
had devoted his time to gold mining, but only met with fair success.
After his return he engaged in farming with his father for a year and
then carried on agricultural pursuits on his own account for another
year.
On the 23d of March, 1866, Mr. Magel was united in marriage to
Miss Isabelle Hilleary, who was born in Union township near Rock
Springs in 1846, a daughter of Jackson Hilleary, a pioneer farmer of
Des Moines county who came to this state from Virginia. Following
their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Magel removed to Flint River town-
ship, where he carried on farming until 1901, when he purchased his
present home at No. 501 Gunnison street in Burlington and here still
resides. His farm comprised ninety-four acres of land, which he
sold to his son-in-law.
To Mr. and Mrs. Magel were born six children: Ollie, the wife
of Allen Barnette, who is living upon the old homestead; L. B., a
resident of Union township; William H., who is located on Garfield
avenue in Burlington; Iva, the wife of Louis Schultz, of St. Louis;
Albert E., whose home is a mile north of Burlington; and Nellie, the
wife of Arthur Wolhwend, also of Burlington.
Mr. Magel gives his political allegiance to the democratic party,
but has never sought nor desired office. His entire life up to the time
68 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
of his retirement was devoted to farming and the careful management
which he displayed in his business aliairs brought him a substantial
measure of success. Year by year he carefully tilled his fields and as
time passed he gained a substantial competence from the sale of his
harvests. There have been no spectacular phases in his life, but the
record has always been an honorable one and thus he enjoys the high
regard of those with whom he has been associated.
HERMAN F. MELZIAN.
Herman F. Melzian, a well known druggist of Burlington con-
ducting business at No. 1437 Osborn street, corner of Oak, is a
native son of this city, his birth having occurred at No. 151 1 North
Eighth street, October 25, 1875, in the home of his parents, Frederick
and Dora (Rieke) Melzian. The father was born at Croja in the
kingdom of Hanover, Germany, August 4, 1843, and died December
27, 1907. He came to America in 1866, making his way direct to
Burlington, where a few German Baptists had preceded him. It
was at their suggestion that he made this city his destination. He
was one of the early employes of the E. D. Rand Lumber Company,
having secured work in their yards soon after his arrival and remain-
ing there until his life's labors were ended. His wife, who was also
born in the kingdom of Hanover, died when their son Herman was
but two years of age. In the family of Mr. Melzian were nine chil-
dren, of whom five still survive. Those of his first marriage are:
Minnie, now the wife of H. C. Lohmann, of Burlington; Mary, the
wife of Peter Nelson, also of this city; Emma, who became the wife
of Herman A. Marquardt, of Bloomington, Illinois, and resided in
Burlington until her death, which occurred February 14, 1896, when
she was twenty-one years of age; and Herman F., of this review.
Several years after the death of his first wife Mr. Melzian wedded
Miss Sophia Ficken, who was born in Oldenburg, Germany, in 1843.
She was married in 1879, six weeks after reaching Burlington, and
she died March 19, 1884, on the forty-first anniversary of her birth.
By that marriage there were two children, twins. The son died at
birth and the daughter, Clara, is now the wife of Henry G. Goerner,
occupying the old family home at No. 1216 Oak street. In 1886
Mr. Melzian wedded Mary Sander, a daughter of the Rev. John
Henry Sander, who was a Baptist minister from Germany and be-
cause of religious persecution sought a home in the new world. On
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 69
one occasion he was imprisoned in Oerniany because of his religious
belief. After coming to America he was at the head of the Baptist
denomination in his section of Iowa for many years. He has passed
awav but has left behind him a memory which is honored and cher-
ished by all who knew him. To Mr. Melzian by his third marriage
there was born one daughter, Ruth, who is attending the university
at Iowa City, where she is specializing in English and German
courses, desiring to become an instructor along those lines. Mrs.
Melzian, the widow, now resides with her stepdaughter, Mrs. Goer-
ner. Frederick. Melzian, his wiVes and children have all been
devoted members of the German Baptist church, in the work of
which he took a very active part and filled a number of church
offices. His was an active, useful life, and he was a law-abiding and
public-spirited citizen, greatly respected by all who knew him.
Herman F. Melzian attended the North Oak street school, then
under the care of Professor Logan Steecc, and afterward was a pupil
in the high school. He spent several years as an employe in a drug
store and studied pharmacy with the aid of instruction from the
National Institute of Chicago. Thus he was able to pass the required
examination before the state board of pharmacy, receiving his cer-
tificate in May, 1897. F'^i" "''""^ years he was a salesman in the drug
store of D. D. Robinson of Burlington and for a short period was
in a Chicago drug store. He afterward clerked for the Robinson
Drug Company of Burlington for eight years, and in May, 1907, he
opened his present business at No. 1437 Osborn street, corner of
Oak, where he has since been conducting a successful trade. In his
store is also located the postal sub-station No. 6, which was estab-
lished in December, 1910. In 1913 he handled about ten thousand
dollars for the government in the postal business and the amount
exceeded that in 1914. The parcel post handled in March, 1914,
alone numbered eighteen hundred and thirty-one pieces of mail,
weighing over two and a quarter tons.
On the 2ist of March, 1901, Mr. Melzian was married to Miss
Bianca E. Hubner, who was born in Burlington, March 22, 1875, a
daughter of August' and Anna (Zurmuehlen) Hubner. Her father
was the president of the Dallas Transportation Company, having an
office in Burlington and another in Dallas, Illinois. He was born
in Breslau, Germany, in 1848, and in the early '70s arrived in Bur-
lington, where he conducted for a time a popular restaurant but for
twenty years was at the head of the Dallas Transportation Company.
He died October 3, 1907, and his widow, who was born in Burling-
ton, January 13, 1854, now resides at No. iioo Division street. Mr.
70 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
and Mrs. Hubner had eight children and all still survive. Adolph,
who possesses much native talent and ability as an artist, is now the
owner of a fine photographic studio in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Mrs. Melzian is the second of the family. Gerhardt is a resident of
Oregon. Edward makes his home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Anna is
the wife of Roy L. Tharp, of Burlington. Clara is at home. Bertha
is the wife of Robert Burdette Dale, a professor of civil engineering
in Ames College. Alma is employed as a stenographer by Albert
Philips of the Empire Line Company.
To Mr. and Mrs. Melzian has been born a daughter, Dorothy
Anna, who was born in Burlington, March i, 1903, and attends the
Lauman school in which her father was once a pupil, although the
name has been changed since that time. Both Mr. and Mrs. Melzian
are devoted members of the German Baptist church and for some
years prior to her marriage she was church organist, while Mr. Mel-
zian was president of the Young People's Society. Mrs. Melzian
has always assisted her husband in his business. He purchased from
Ferdinand Pietzsch a two-story brick block containing both store
and dwelling. For the past four years Mrs. Melzian has conducted
the business of the subpostal station as well as acting as bookkeeper
for the store. Both are representatives of old and substantial Ger-
man families of Burlington and are widely and favorably known in
this city. Mr. Melzian has long been recognized as a man of busi-
ness enterprise, sagacity and determination, and he deserves much
credit for what he has accomplished, for he started out in life empty-
handed and has worked his way upward through capability, deter-
mined effort and honorable dealing.
JOHN J. FLEMING.
The name of John J. Fleming is well known in the financial
circles of Burlington, especially in connection with activity in the
field of banking and the management of estates. His business in-
terests, however, have covered a wide range and have established
him as one of the leading residents of Des Moines county. He is a
man of resolute purpose and keen sagacity, who by his upright and
honorable business methods has won the esteem and confidence of
his wide circle of acquaintances.
Mr. Fleming comes to Iowa from the south, his birth having
occurred in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, March 19, 1851, his parents
JOHN J. FLEAHNG
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 73
being the late Judge and Mrs. Michael Fleming. The former was
a son of John Fleming, who at one time carried on merchandising
in Mitchellstown, County Cork, Ireland, and was also a prominent
and active figure in political circles there. He was known as a paci-
ficator, serving as a lieutenant under the famous Daniel O'Connell,
the distinguished political leader of Ireland, during the troublous
period of 1798-9, or just prior to the passage of the act of 1800 which
took from Ireland her political rights.
The father of the subject of this sketch was born at Mitchells-
town, Ireland, in 1823, and came to America in 1841, settling at
St. John's, New Brunswick, later removing to Boston and then to
New Orleans, where he was married and remained for a number
of years, conducting a barrel and stave factory. He removed to
Burlington, Iowa, in 1858. At dififerent times after coming to Bur-
lington he held public ofTice, serving for ten years as police magis-
trate and also as justice of the peace. He possessed a studious nature
and was a well read man. His political allegiance was given the
democratic party, which found in him a stalwart and active advo-
cate. He was a loyal member of. the Catholic church, to w^hich he
gave generously. His principles were further manifest in his advo-
cacy and support of the temperance cause. A contemporary biog-
rapher has said of him: "He was a man of high principles, con-
scientious in purpose, upright in action, and never faltering in the
performance of any duty which devolved upon him." In his official
service he was a terror to habitual criminals, for they knew that he
would not exert clemency when justice demanded punishment. He
was serving as magistrate at the time of the great railroad strike,
and he did as much as any one man to keep the lawbreakers from
interfering with those who worked for the railroad company.
The subject of the sketch, John J. Fleming, was a little lad of
about seven years when he accompanied his parents northward to
Burlington, where he acquired his preliminary education in the
parochial and public schools. After completion of a two years'
academic course at Notre Dame University, of Indiana, he started
out in the business world as a clerk in the wholesale drygoods house
of H. D. Howard & Company, of Burlington. When his employer
Sold out to L. H. Dalhoff & Company he remained with the firm as
bookkeeper until he resigned to enter the office of the Burlington
& Missouri Railroad Company as chief clerk and assistant pay-
master. He spent two years in that capacity and then became ac-
tively identified with financial circles of Burlington as an employe
of the National State Bank. Gradually he worked his way upward
74 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
until he became cashier, acting in that capacity for fifteen years of
the twenty-seven-year period in which he was in the bank. In 1900
he resigned his position and took charge of the affairs of Mrs. E. D.
Rand as her trustee, and likewise assumed the management of the
property of Charles W. Rand, of whose will he was made executor.
In connection therewith he is engaged in the loan and investment
business, retaining his interest in the National State Bank, of which
he is one of the directors. He is now vice president of the Bur-
lington Savings Bank. He is likewise president of the Burlington
Construction Company, engaged in the building of sewers, pave-
ments and public and private buildings. In all of his business affairs
he readily discriminates between the essential and the non-essential,
discarding the latter and utilizing the former to the best possible
advantage. He is an excellent judge of human nature, and has thus
been able to surround himself with employes capable of doing the
service intrusted to them. His business interests are broad and
varied and have constituted an important element in the material
upbuilding and advancement of the city.
In May, 1884, Mr. Fleming was united in marriage at Parker,
Pennsvlvania, to Miss Mary Bracken, who was there born on the
13th of February, 1863, a daughter of Patrick and Esther M.
Bracken. Her father conducted an extensive business in Pennsyl-
vania and Maryland as a contractor, built all of the Western Mary-
land Railroad and parts of the line now included in the Pennsyl-
vania railroad system. Later he operated extensively in the develop-
ment of the oil fields of Pennsylvania, and when he passed away in
1892 he was laid to rest in the Oil City cemetery. He married Miss
Esther M. Braden, a representative of one of the old Pennsylvania
families and a descendant of ex-Governor Johnson of Pennsylvania.
Mr. and Mrs. Fleming have become parents of six children:
Esther Marie, Philip Bracken, Agnes, Elizabeth Pollard, Mary
Braden and John J. Liberal educational advantages have been ac-
corded the children. The two eldest daughters, like the mother, are
graduates of Mount Aloysius Academy at Cresson, Pennsylvania.
The second daughter, Agnes, later graduated from St. Elizabeth's
College, Morristown, New York. The elder son, Philip, is a grad-
uate of West Point Military Academy and is at the present writing
a first lieutenant in the Engineer Corps of the United States Army.
The family are communicants of St. Paul's Catholic church, in
which both Mr. and Mrs. Fleming take an active and helpful in-
terest.
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 75
Mr. Fleming has always taken a deep and active interest in the
things which make for the moral and intellectual betterment of
the community in which he lives. He has long been a trustee of the
Burlington Free Public Library and is now president of the board
of trustees. He is also treasurer of the Visiting Nurse Association
and vice chairman of the local branch of the Red Cross. He was
for three years state deputy of the Knights of Columbus, of which
organization he is still an active and ardent member, having repre-
sented Iowa at nearly all of its national conventions for the past ten
years. He is also a member of the Burlington Golf Club and the
Catholic Club of New York city. His life has been one of intense
and well directed activity. While he stands today among the lead-
ing business men of the city, his efforts have been of a character
which have contributed largely to public progress as well, and at no
time has he confined his attention so closely to business as to exclude
active participation in those things which result in the intellectual,
social and moral progress of the community.
JOSHUA W. HOLIDAY, M. D.
Dr. Joshua W. Holiday, a well known and capable physician of
Burlington, has the further distinction of having been the youngest
captain in Sherman's army during the Civil war. He is well known
in eastern Iowa as an able representative of professional interests,
having practiced for eight years in Louisa county before coming to
Burlington in the year 1877. He was born in Greene county, Ohio,
on the 31st of May, 1846, and is a son of John P. and Frances
(Wright) Holiday. The father was a contractor and builder but
after coming to Iowa turned his attention to agricultural pursuits,
purchasing a farm in JefTerson cf)unty in 1855. There he established
his home and maintained his residence to the time of his death.
His son, Joshua W. Holiday, was sent to the public schools and
afterward had the benefit of instruction in Parsons College at Fair-
field, Iowa. He was but seventeen years of age when in 1863 he
responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting as a member of
the Eighth Iowa Cavalry, with which he was mustered out in 1865
following the close of hostilities. He entered the army as a private
and was advanced from one rank to another until he became captain
of Company B, Eighth Iowa Cavalry. His promotion was worthily
won, and though there were many in his command who were much
76 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
his senior, he had the entire respect and loyalty of his company, who
found him not only a good disciplinarian but also a leader who
inspired his men by reason of his own valor and fidelity. He saw
much active service, participating in the march under Sherman from
Atlanta to the sea and in numerous hotly contested battles which led
up to the final victory that crowned the Union arms.
When the war was over Dr. Holiday resumed his education,
attending school for another year and then, wishing to become a
member of the medical profession, he began reading in the ofiice
and under the direction of Dr. Mohr at Fairfield and was admitted
to practice in 1 869. He then opened an ofiice at Morning Sun, Louisa
county, where he remained for eight years, coming to Burlington in
1877. Thirty-seven years of connection with the medical profes-
sion of this city indicates without further comment that his career
has been a successful one. His skill and ability has won him a place
in the foremost rank of medical practitioners in Burlington and he
has ever kept in touch with the trend of modern thought, employ-
ing advanced scientific methods in all of his practice.
On the 23d of June, 1869, Dr. Holiday was united in marriage to
Miss Emma Davis, of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, who has passed away.
To them were born three children, as follows: John W. ; Harry;
and Maud, now Mrs. W. L. Cochran. The Doctor later married
Miss Martha Gregg of Burlington, and they had two children:
Frank; and Sadie, who is still at home. Mrs. Holiday passed away
in 1910. Doctor Holiday is well known in Masonic circles as a mem-
ber of the lodge and chapter and he gives his political allegiance to
the republican party. He has never sought nor desired public office,
yet has never been neglectful of the duties of citizenship, and his
influence is always on the side of advancement and improvement in
community affairs as well as in professional connections.
MRS. CATE GILBERT WELLS.
Mrs. Cate Gilbert Wells is one of Iowa's well known women
whose interests and activities are of great breadth as indicated in the
number and variety of organizations with which she is connected,
organizations which stand for culture along art and literary lines.
for patriotic achievement and for civic betterment. She is one of
Burlington's native daughters and acquired her primary education in
the Gordon school and the Chapman-Benedict School for young
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 77
woniL-n in New York city. She afterward spent nearly two years
abroad, gaining that wide knowledge, experience and culture which
only travel can bring. She visited various points on the European
continent and in the Orient, and while traveling on the Nile she met
in the temple of Karnak, Charles W. Wells, to whom she was married
on the jth of June, 1892. Both she and her husband could trace their
lineage back to the same source. Her maternal grandmother, Mrs.
Stevens Merrill, was in her maidenhood Mehetabel Worthley Wells,
through whom the ancestral line of Mrs. Cate Gilbert Wells con-
nects with that of her husband in the father of Thomas Wells, of
England, who came to America in 1635, a deacon and doctor and
member of The Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Bos-
ton. Samuel Wells, of Plymouth, New Hampshire, served in the
Revolutionarv war, participating in the battle of White Plains and
other engagements. The Wells family has a prominent ecclesiastical
branch including various bishops and archbishops, among them being
Bishop Hugo de Wells, who draughted the Magna Charta. It was
members of this branch of the family who founded the Lincoln and
the Wells cathedrals and took a prominent part in the War of the
Crusades. William the Conqueror granted the manor of Wells to
Baron Ricardus de Welles in 1068.
Charles W. Wells died May 21, 1897, ^" Phoenix, Arizona, and
was survived by his wife and two children, but the daughter, Cath-
erine, passed away June 11, 1897, j^st a few weeks after her father's
demise. The son, Gilbert, was born in 1893 ^^^ ^^'^^ educated at
St. John's Military Academy of Wisconsin and Pomfret School,
Pomfret, Connecticut.
Mrs. Wells is serving on the music committee of the National
Federation of Women's Clubs and is on three state committees. She
is one of the best known club women and social leaders in the middle
west. Her home life was such as stimulated her interest in literature
and all elevating influences. She is now serving as regent of the
Burlington Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, a
position she formerly occupied during several terms. She is, and has
been for eighteen years, the president of the Burlington Musical
Club, which has grown from a very small organization to one with
nearlv six hundred members and in the course of its existence has had
most of the musical celebrities of the world on its programs. Mrs.
Wells was appointed by the mayor of Burlington to represent the city
at the National Peace Conference, held in St. Louis, and was ap-
pointed by the federation of the state to act as a state delegate to the
convention of the General Federation of Women's Clubs, held in
78 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
Chicago from June 9-19, 1914- She was also a delegate to the con-
gress of the Daughters of the American Revolution, held in
Washington in April, 1914, as in many previous years. Her home,
Hickory Hill, is one of the most picturesque and attractive in Bur-
lington and has been the home of four generations of the family. It
reflects the brilliant mind and cultured taste of Mrs. Wells, whose
talents and ability have led her to the position of leadership which
she occupies. The circle of her friends includes many of the most
prominent women in club and social life and literary circles through-
out the country.
CHARLES HENRY MAGEE, M. D.
Most liberal educational training fitted Dr. Charles Henry
Magee for the practice of medicine, and since entering upon the
active work of the profession he has continuallv broadened his
knowledge by reading, investigation and post-graduate work both
in this country and abroad. He came to Burlington in 1901 and now
specializes to a considerable extent in general surgery. He was born
in Putnam county, Missouri, October 12, 1859, and is a son of Oliver
P. and Caroline M. (White) Magee. The father was a farmer by
occupation and thus provided for the support of his family.
Reared on a Missouri farm. Dr. Magee attended the public
schools near his father's home and afterward entered the Kirksville
(Mo.) Normal School, from which he was graduated with the class
of 1884. His preliminary training for a professional career was
obtained in the Missouri Medical College of St. Louis, from which
he was graduated with the class of 1889. For further study he entered
the University of Pennsylvania and won the M. D. degree upon
completing a course in the medical department with the class of 1891.
He has never ceased to be a close student of his profession and aside
from broad reading he has taken post-graduate work in the Univer-
sity of London in 1895, i" the Rotunda of Dublin in 1896 and also in
New York and in Chicago. He entered upon the practice of his
chosen profession in Unionville, Missouri, where he remained for
ten years and then in 1901 came to Burlington, where he has since
lived. He specializes in general surgery and is most skilled in this
branch of the profession, having wide and accurate knowledge of
anatomy and the component parts of the human body, of the on-
slaughts made upon it by disease or left to it as a legacy by progeni-
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 79
tors. Moreover, he is cool and calm in an emergency and his abil-
ity has carried him to a prominent position among the leading mem-
bers of the profession in the state. He is a member of the Des Moines
County Medical Society, of which he served as president for two
years, the Southeastern Iowa Medical Society, the Des Moines
Valley Medical Association, the Iowa Medical Association and the
American Medical Association.
In 1902 Doctor Magee was united in marriage to Miss Emma B.
DcYore, of Oquawka, Illinois, and they have a son, Robert Burns.
Doctor Magee is a democrat in his political views, while his frater-
nal relations are with the Masons and the Eagles. Laudable ambi-
tion, a love of scientific research and broad humanitarian spirit have
been the salient points in his professional career which have brought
him to the creditable position which he now occupies.
E. D. ADAMS.
E. D. Adams is the first vice president of the Drake Hardware
Company. Starting out for himself when a youth of seventeen years,
he has been continuously connected with the hardware trade and it
has been his diligence and persistency of purpose which have gained
for him advancement until he now occupies a most creditable position
in the commercial circles of Burlington as the vice president of the
Drake Hardware Company. He was born in Canajoharie. New
York, and is a representative of an old New England family long
established in Massachusetts. His parents were John Q. and Mary
(\\'etmore) Adams, who for an extended period lived in New York,
the father conducting business as a furniture dealer in Canajoharie.
In the public schools of that city E. D. Adams pursued his edu-
cation and when seventeen years of age, his text-books having been
put aside, he turned his attention to commercial pursuits, securing
employment in a hardware establishment in the Empire state. He
remained in the east until 1888 and then came to Burlington, since
which time he has been identified with the Drake Hardware Com-
panv. The business at that time was conducted by L. H. Drake and
he represented the house upon the road as a traveling salesman. In
1 89 1, upon the organization of the Drake Hardware Company, he
was made its vice president and has been connected with the business
in that connection continuously since. He remained upon the road
until 1900 and since that time has been active in directing the affairs
80 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
of the business in the office. His long experience as a traveling sales-
man has made him thoroughly familiar with the trade and its de-
mands and he has in his business career ever realized the fact that
satisfied patrons are the best advertisement.
In 1895 ^I""- Adams was united in marriage to Miss Anna Ren-
frew, of What Cheer, Iowa, and they have one child, Mary Eliza-
beth. Mr. Adams votes with the republican party and keeps well
informed on the questions and issues of the day so that he is able to
support his position by intelligent argument. His wife is a mem-
ber of the Presbyterian church and he has membership relations with
the Commercial Exchange and with the Golf Club. He finds recrea-
tion in the latter and in the former sees his opportunity for coopera-
tion with the plans and movements for the city's upbuilding and
development. He has never had occasion to regret his determina-
tion to come to the middle west and during the twenty-six years of
his residence in Burlington he has gained the high respect and warm
regard of many with whom he has come in contact.
FREDERICK SCHMIEG.
Frederick Schmieg, who passed away on the 30th of January,
191 5, was a notable example of the possible activity of age. Many
seem to regard it as but the natural course of events that a man in his
later vears should lack the power to continue in business, seeming to
think that old age must necessarily indicate idleness or want of occu-
pation. The record of Mr. Schmieg, however, stands as proof to the
contrarv, for although he passed the eighty-ninth milestone on life's
journey, he was hale and hearty and remained a factor in the com-
mercial and manufacturing circles of Burlington until his death,
giving out of the rich stores of his wisdom and experience for the
benefit of others.
Mr. Schmieg was born in Frankfort-on-the-Main, in Germany,
June 10, 1825. His father died before he was born and his mother
passed away soon afterward. He was then reared by an aunt, whose
devotion to him he repaid in after years in many ways, among them
by providing for her invalid daughter as long as the latter lived. He
received a liberal education, studying both Greek and Latin, and
after finishing his course in the gymnasium was employed in the post-
office at Limburg, where, he often said, he had learned promptness
and received most valuable training.
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THE NEVJ YOBK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 83
111 1849, at the age of twenty-four years, Mr. Schmieg crossed
tlic Atlantic to the I'nited States, hinding in New York, in May.
During the foHowing summer he worked on a farm in Ohio and in
the fall of that year came to Burlington, making the trip overland
hy team. During the winter he made preparations to cross the plains
with a party who were going to seek gold in California and in the
spring of 1850 he started on the long journey westward. The party
consisted of sixty, including one woman. Among the number were
two from Burlington, who remained his lifelong friends, these being
Thornton Dclaschmutt, now eighty-nine years of age, and John
Parkes, eighty-five, who are still residents of Des Moines county.
I Mr. Schmieg remained almost four years in California, working
in the mines near Georgetown, and, although he was one of the young-
est of the miners and had only an imperfect knowledge of English,
he was chosen foreman and given full authority to manage the affairs
of the company. Leaving the Golden state in 1854, he crossed the
Isthmus of Panama and proceeded to New York and on to Philadel-
phia, arriving in Burlington the following autumn.
As the result of the success which he had achieved upon the
Pacific coast Mr. Schmieg was enabled to embark in business on his
own account. He first bought a mill near Lowell, but this was car-
ried away by high water and ice in the spring of 1857. He then
engaged in the retail grocery business with his brother-in-law, J. R.
Nelson, but the partnership was dissolved during the Civil war, and
shortly afterward Mr. Schmieg opened a retail drygoods store in
company with another brother-in-law, Charles F. Schramm. In
1 88 1 the firm turned their attention to the wholesale trade and thev
continued in business together until 1904, when Mr. Schramm passed
away. On the last day of the year 1900 their store was destroyed by
fire, but, although both were well advanced in years, it never oc-
curred to them that here was an opportunity to retire, but with
energy that would have been amazing in younger men they resumed
business at once. The business was incorporated in T901; and in 1912
was moved to the present site of the store at the corner of Third and
Valley streets. Here they occupy three stories and basement, and
it was the intention of Mr. Schmieg to add two more stories in a
building si.xty by one hundred and twenty feet. The business became
an extensive one and thirteen traveling salesmen were kept upon the
road. The firm also owned a factory and engaged in the manufac-
ture of overalls, employing seventy-five girls in that connection. In
their employ were about one hundred and seventy-five people and
the business was one of the most extensive enterprises of Burlington.
84 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
On the 14th of December, 1854, soon after his return from the
west, Mr. Schmieg was united in marriage to Mrs. Matilda
(Schramm) Ehrmann, who had lost her first husband three years
previously. After a happy married life of almost a half century
Mrs. Schmieg passed away in 1904. Mr. Schmieg loved good books,
and good music was one of his delights and he was instrumental in
sending his nephews, William and Arthur Schramm, to the con-
servatory of music at Leipsic, Germany. He was a member of the
Christian Science church and also of the Commercial Club. In
politics he was a stalwart republican from the time of the organiza-
tion of the party and in the year 1873 served as alderman of Bur-
lington. Throughout his entire life he enjoyed fishing and hunting
and killed many wagon loads of ducks and geese.
The life record of Mr. Schmieg constitutes an example well
worthy of emulation, for although he had reached the age of eighty-
nine years, he always arrived at his office at seven o'clock in the
morning. He never abused nature's laws, always took good care of
his health and to this may be attributed his splendid physical and
mental condition. He was kindhearted and generous and would go
out of his way to help one in distress or need. On returning from
California there was a young man in the party whom they had to
leave in Panama on account of sickness. He had a brother in Chicago
and Mr. Schmieg took pains in hunting him up and telling him con-
cerning the one left in Panama. In gratitude this brother offered
Mr. Schmieg property in the heart of the city at a nominal figure.
Todav this property is worth millions. Mr. Schmieg, however,
never regretted that he came to Burlington, which city he loved bet-
ter than any place on earth. For long years he was interested in its
development and growth and ever bore a most active and helpful
part in its advancement.
GEORGE B. LITTLE, M. D.
Dr. George B. Little was an active representative of the medical
profession in Burlington from 1873 until his death, which occurred
January 31, 1915, and was a past president of the Des Moines County
Medical Society. He was born in Wethersfield, Henry county, Illi-
nois, April 15, 1851, a son of Caleb Jewett Tenney and Eliza Ann
(Brooks) Little, both of whom were natives of New Hampshire.
The father was a mechanic and wagonmaker and on leaving New
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 85
England made his way westward to Illinois in 1837. There he fol-
lowed his trade until 1850, after which he withdrew from industrial
interests to concentrate his efforts upon mercantile business, being
thus engaged until he retired from active life.
At the usual age Dr. George B. Little entered the public schools
of Illinois and still later took an agricultural course in Manhattan
College, Manhattan, Kansas. He began reading medicine in the
office and under the direction of Dr. J. F. Todd, of Kewanee, Illi-
nois, and in February, 1873, graduated from Rush Medical College,
Chicago. He commenced practicing medicine at Burlington in
March, 1873, and here he remained, covering a period of forty-two
years. His ability was pronounced and public confidence in his pro-
fessional skill was attested by the liberal practice that was accorded
him through all those years. He was a member of the Des Moines
County Medical Society, of which he served as the president, and
of the Iowa State Medical Society and the American Medical Asso-
ciation. At his death he was the only surviving charter member of
the Des Moines County Medical Society, which was formed in 1873,
and he had a copy of the by-laws as set forth at the organization. He
always continued in general practice and had the patronage of many
of the best families of the city.
On the 14th of May, 1874, in Kewanee, Illinois, Dr. Little
was united in marriage to Miss Esther M. Palmer, a daughter of
Grove N. and Elizabeth Palmer. They became parents of four
children. Palmer J., who was graduated from Rush Medical Col-
lege of Chicago in 1900, is married and is engaged in the practice
of medicine in Omaha, Nebraska. Louise Blanche is the widow of
Dudley K. Wilcox and resides in Burlington with her daughter,
Elizabeth Jane. Etta Floy is the wife of Sidney F. Bartlett, a resi-
dent of White Plains, New York, and they have one son, John
Sidney. George B. is a member of the Iowa Coal Company of
Burlington.
Dr. Little held membership in the Court of Honor and with the
Mystic Workers. He was long a consistent member of the Congre-
gational church and for fifteen years served on its board of trustees.
His political allegiance was given the republican party, and he was
a stalwart advocate of its principles, yet could never be said to be a
politician in the sense of office seeking. He served, however, as a
member of the school board and the cause of public education found
in him a stalwart champion. He also served as county physician and
at his death was the oldest physician of the city in years of continuous
residence. To some extent he was then living retired, withdrawing
86 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
more and more into private life, but many of his patients were loath
to give up his professional service and thus he remained to some
extent active in the profession to which he had devoted his entire
career and in which he had won for himself a most enviable reputa-
tion.
WILLIAM EDGAR BLAKE.
For forty five years William Edgar Blake has been an active
practitioner at the bar of Burlington. He is today one of its oldest
representatives in years of continuous connection therewith and
throughout the entire period he has occupied a creditable position
as an able lawyer, one who is forceful as an advocate, wise as a
counselor and who at all times holds strictly to the ethics of his call-
ing. He was born in Morning Sun, Preble county, Ohio, June 27,
1844, a son of Henry Clay and Mary Ann (Wilson) Blake, who on
the loth of October, 1845, arrived in Iowa with their family, settling
first in Louisa county. The father was a carpenter and builder by
trade and was thus identified with industrial pursuits for a consider-
able period. He also carried on farming and in his later life devoted
his attention to merchandising. At the time of the Civil war,
prompted by a spirit of patriotism, he enlisted for active service,
becoming a member of Company C, First Iowa Cavalry, with which
he was connected for three years, participating in many a hotly con-
tested battle. B(jth he and his wife are now deceased. They had a
family of five children, of whom two are yet living: W. W., who
makes his home in the city of Mexico; and William Edgar. One son,
Melville E., who died in 1901, practiced in connection with his
brother William for twenty-five years.
Throughout practically his entire life William Edgar Blake has
made his home in Iowa, but went to Illinois for the completion of
his more specifically literary education, being graduated from Mon-
mouth College with the class of 1867. He qualified for his profes-
sion in the law department of the State University of Iowa City and
was graduated with the class of 1869. He then came to Burlington,
opened an office and has since practiced in this city, being actively
connected with a profession which has important bearing upon the
progress and stable prosperity of any section or community and one
which has long been considered as conserving the public welfare by
furthering the ends of justice and maintaining individual rights. He
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNIT 87
is a strong advocate with the jury, and concise in his appeals before
the court. He has always continued in the general practice of law
and throughout the period of his residence in Burlington has main-
tained membership relations in the Burlington, Des Moines County
and Iowa State Bar Associations.
On the 4th of July, 1867, Mr. Blake was united in marriage to
Miss Sarah Lucretia Hurd, who died in September, 1902. In
November, 1903, he wedded S. E. Jagger, of Burlington. He has
two daughters: Mrs. VV. B. Swan, now living in Memphis, Ten-
nessee; and Mrs. Lucretia B. Wilson, whose home is in this city.
Mr. Blake has been identified with the republican partv since
age conferred upon him the right of franchise and although he has
been interested in the science of government and in the questions
relating to municipal welfare, he has preferred to concentrate his
efforts upon his professional duties rather than seek or fill office. His
life has ever been actuated by high and honorable principles and he
is today known as a devoted and faithful member of the Presby-
terian church and of the Young Men's Christian Association.
CHARLES R. HUTCHISON.
Charles R. Hutchison is the vice president and secretary of the
Rankin Coal & Ice Company of Burlington, in which connection a
large and growing business has been developed along lines that con-
form to the highest standards of commercial ethics. Enterprise, close
application and determination have been the salient features in the
conduct of the business and the trade has steadily increased. Mr.
Hutchison was born in West Burlington, November 8, 1889, a son
of Charles J. and Sarah (Rankin) Hutchison. The great-grand-
father in the maternal line was David Rankin, a soldier of the War
of 1812, and his son and namesake, the grandfather of Mr. Hutchison,
was a soldier of the Civil war. The father was born in Parkersburg,
West Virginia, in 1838, and died on the 5th of April, igo6, having for
exactly two years survived his wife, who passed away on the 5th of
April, 1904. She was then fifty-five years of age, her birth having
occurred in Canton, Cherokee county, Texas, in 1849. Charles J.
Hutchison was a captain and pilot on the Ohio river and afterward
for nine years commanded the old John Taylor, a ferry boat running
out of Burlington. In the family was a daughter, Marion, now the
wife of H. B. Radford, a resident of Kirkwood, Missouri.
88 HISTORY OF DES iMOINES COUNTY
Charles R. Hutchison, the only son, was educated in the schools
of West Burlington and on starting out in life independently worked
on a farm at Middletown for one year. He was later employed as
messenger boy by the Western Union and Postal Telegraph Com-
panies for a year and a half and subsequently spent three years on the
Mississippi, Missouri and Ohio rivers in the lighthouse service. In
October, 191 1, he entered the employ of T. R. Rankin & Company as
collector and solicitor, occupying that position for more than a year.
He became a member of the firm on the ist of March, 1913, and as
vice president and secretary has done not a little since that time in
shaping the policy and conducting the affairs of the company, now
known as the Rankin Coal & Ice Company, contributing in large
measure to its success. The business of the firm is constantly grow-
ing and their patronage is now extensive and gratifying.
On the 24th of June, 1913, Mr. Hutchison was united in marriage
to Miss Laura Guenther, who was born in Dubuque, Iowa, a daugh-
ter of Charles Guenther. They now reside at No. 418 Dunham street
and they have one child, Marion, who was born in Burlington, May
8, 1914. In politics Mr. Hutchison is a progressive but is not an
office seeker. Fraternally he is connected with the Woodmen of the
World. Starting out in the business world empty-handed and work-
ing as a farm hand, he has steadily advanced through his own per-
sistency of purpose and indefatigable energy, and that he now ranks
among the representative and progressive young business men of the
city is due to his well formulated and carefully executed plans.
HENRY J. STADTLANDER.
It is meet that a record of Henry J. Stadtlander find a place upon
the pages of Burlington's history, for he has long been identified with
its industrial and commercial interests, and as a business man has
occupied a creditable position. He was born on Court street, in
Burlington, in January, 1853, and after entering upon his business
career in earlv manhood he worked as a coremaker in the foundry
and machine shops of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad
Company at West Burlington. He had acquired his education in
the public schools, and in this city learned the coremaker's trade.
For a long period he continued in active connection with industrial
interests, while at the present time he acts as assistant to his son in
the ice cream parlor and manufactory of H. F. Stadtlander.
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 89
In his political views Mr. Stadtlander has ever been an earnest
democrat, persistently supporting the party and its principles, yet
never seeking nor desiring office on his own account. He is a mem-
ber of the Modern Woodmen of America, but has always preferred
to give his leisure time to his home and has ever been a devoted hus-
band and father.
Mr. Stadtlander was united in marriage in 1881 to Miss Louisa
Beck, who was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1863, and was brought
by her parents to Burlington when a little maiden of ten years, since
which time she has resided in this city. To Mr. and Mrs. Stadt-
lander have been born four children: Clara, who is now the wife
of John Smith, residing on Court street in Burlington; Henry F.,
also of this city; William J., who married Miss Hulda Steinhauer,
by whom he has two children and makes his home with his father;
and Edward, at home. The two children of Mr. and Mrs. William
J. Stadtlander are Alberta, aged three, and Lucile, a year and a half
old. The father is engaged in the manufacture of ice cream for his
elder brother.
Henry F. Stadtlander, widely and favorably known in connec-
tion with the ice cream trade of Burlington, was born at the family
home at 859 Court street, his natal day being January 4, 1884. After
completing the course in the grammar schools he pursued a commer-
cial course covering a year in Elliott's Business College. His first
employment was in carrying water for a company engaged in the
building of a street railway on Main street. He was afterward em-
ployed for several years in a basket factory, and subsequently he
worked for three years in the packing department of the Wyman &
Rand Company. In 1910 he opened an ice cream parlor on North
Hill, on First North street. He later removed to 1336 North Eighth
street. He has been at his present location. No. 935 North Eighth
street, for the past two years and is enjoying a fine trade. He manu-
factures all the ice cream which he handles, selling to both the
wholesale and retail trades, and he now has a well-appointed and
attractive ice cream parlor which is liberally patronized. His prod-
uct is equal, if not superior, to any made in the state, and he has won
a well-earned reputation along this line. His trade now extends to
all parts of the city, as well as to various neighboring towns and vil-
lages. His business is steadily growing, and is the result of his un-
remitting energy, sound judgment as manifest in well-defined plans,
and his unfaltering enterprise. He is not afraid to venture where
favoring opportunitv leads the way, and his even-paced energ\' has
carried him into important relations.
90
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
Both the father and son are supporters of the democratic party,
the latter having cast his first presidential vote for William J. Bryan,
now secretary of state. The name of Stadtlander has long been a
synonym for business activity and reliability in Burlington. Both
father and son have been active, industrious men, willing to work at
anything that promised advancement and thus steadily proceeding
toward the goal of success. The father is one of the pioneer settlers
of the city, having for sixty-one years lived in Burlington, and he
has many warm friends among the older generations here, as well as
among the young.
SAMUEL K. TRACY.
Samuel K. Tracy is an able member of the Burlington bar en-
gaged in general practice. He was born in Washington, Iowa, Au-
gust 25, 1848, and is a son of Samuel Kenny and Antoinette (Stone)
Kenny. The father arrived in Iowa in 1843 and settled at Washing-
ton following his removal from Baltimore, Maryland, where up to
that time he had made his home.
Reared in Burlington, Iowa, Samuel K. Tracy acquired his early
education in the public schools and was afterward graduated from
the Burlington Collegiate Institute with the class of 1868. Attracted
toward a professional career, he began reading law in the office of
and under the direction of Judge Joshua Tracy, his stepfather, and
Thomas W. Newmann and was admitted to the bar in 1872. He then
practiced in Burlington until 1880, when he was appointed assistant
general solicitor of the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Rail-
way Company. In 1881 he was advanced to the position of general
solicitor and served the company in that capacity for twenty-one
years, at the end of which time the road was sold to the Chicago, Rock
Island & Pacific Railway Company and Mr. Tracy resumed the
private practice of his profession in Burlington. He had in the
meantime resided for ten years in Cedar Rapids. He is an able
lawyer and has gained distinction at the bar. While he has concen-
trated his efiforts upon civil law, he is well versed in all departments
of jurisprudence, and it is characteristic of him that he prepares his
cases with the greatest thoroughness and care, so that he enters the
court well qualified to defend his position as well as attack that of
his opponent.
SA.Ml'KL K. TKAl >
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 93
Aside from his law practice Mr. Tracy has figured prominently
in business connections. He has been interested in steamboating on
the Mississippi river and was president of the Laclede Packet Com-
pany, which owned the steamboat packets Pauline and Matt F. Al-
len, both well known and popular boats used in passenger and freight
traffic on the Mississippi river. He has always been interested in
such transportation out of love for the river and has done much for
its development, and is naturally greatly interested in what is being
done throughout the country for the conservation of navigation. He
has always been proud of the fact that he was duly licensed bv the
government of the United States as a pilot and master of steamboats.
Long experience has taught him the possibilities and worth of navi-
gation interests, and he believes in utilizing the country's opportuni-
ties along that line to the fullest and best possible advantage.
In September, 1872, at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Mr. Tracy was
united in marriage to Miss Virginia Josephine Hayden, who died at
Burlington in 1881. They were the parents of three children: Mrs.
Florence J. Coldren, now Jiving in Chicago; Mrs. W. E. Wheeler.
a resident of Telluride, Colorado; and Hayden, a graduate chiro-
practic, who is now engaged in active professional work at Algona,
Iowa.
Mr. Tracy is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of
Elks and the Fraternal Order of Eagles at Burlington. His political
indorsement has always been given to the democratic party, and he
has been a recognized leader in its ranks. He was the candidate for
congress from the fifth congressional district of Iowa in 1904, and
in 1906 he was nominated for the office of district judge in the same
district. Throughout his entire life he has studied the questions
which affect the general interests of society and which bear upon
community, state and national welfare. He holds to broad and en-
lightened opinions and upon all vital and significant problems has
kept abreast with the best thinking men of the age.
GEORGE W. CAMPBELL.
George W. Campbell, conducting a general contracting business,
with offices in Burlington, operates largely in the erection and sale
of California bungalows, the most attractive style of architecture
lending itself readily to the adornment of lawns and all phases of
landscape gardening. Mr. Campbell is a native of Lebanon county.
94 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred near Harrisburg, Septem-
ber 3, 1868, and his parents being Daniel and Leah (Gingrich)
Campbell. The father was also a native of Pennsylvania and at an
early period in the development of Burlington and this section of
the state he came to Iowa and learned the blacksmith's trade in Bur-
lington. He was one of the defenders of the Union cause in the
Civil war and now rests in a soldiers grave in Aspen Grove ceme-
tery, his death having occurred in the Soldiers' Home at Milwaukee,
Wisconsin. His wife, who was born in Lebanon county, Pennsyl-
vania, in 1842, still resides in Burlington. In their family were eight
children, of whom four are yet living: Milton, who makes his home
with his mother; George W. ; Edward, a resident of Los Angeles,
California; and Frank Campbell, of Des Moines, Iowa.
George W. Campbell was quite young when his parents removed
to the west. He pursued his studies in the Madison school of Bur-
lington and first began to earn his living by stripping tobacco for a
salary of a dollar and a half per week. He was afterward employed
in various sawmills for several years and during that period assisted
his parents. Later he engaged in prospecting in the west for a time
and in 1892 returned to Burlington, where he took up the business
of painting and general contracting. He is still engaged in the lat-
ter line and has built a large number of fine houses in the city. He
has also platted an addition to Burlington, and, submitting the
plans to the city officials, it was accepted and is called Burlington
Heights. It comprises twenty-nine lots and the houses in that dis-
trict are all built in the style of California bungalows. Mr. Camp-
bell works with his men, so that the best results are achieved. He
makes the plans and directs the labors of those in his employ and is
thoroughly acquainted with every phase of bungalow building and
has made Burlington Heights a most attractive residential section.
As soon as one of his houses is completed, and sometimes long before,
it is sold. The buildings are all up-to-date in every particular, and
he closely studies comfort and convenience as well as utility and
beauty in his building plans.
On the 1 6th of October, 1895, Mr. Campbell was united in mar-
riage to Miss Lydia Ahern, a daughter of John and Frances (Sim-
mons) Ahern. Her father was born in Ireland in 1828, made farm-
ing his life work and passed away in 1906, his remains being interred
in Missouri. His wife, who was born in Portsmouth, Ohio, in 1836,
passed away in 1905 and was also buried in Missouri. In their fam-
ily were nine children, of whom six are yet living: Fannie, the wife
of Will Herrick, a resident of Quincy, Illinois; Will, a farmer liv-
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 95
ing in Missouri; Margaret, the wife of Jacob Culler, of Missouri;
Thomas, also of that state; Mamie, the wife of Chesley Norris, of
Oklahoma; and Mrs. Campbell.
To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Campbell four children have
been born, all natives of Iowa: Hazel A., the eldest, born Septem-
ber i6, 1896, is a graduate of the South Hill school and for three
years was a high-school pupil in Burlington. She is a vocalist of
considerable talent and has been a member of the choirs of both the
Episcopal and Grace Methodist churches. Charles Wilson, born
July 16, 1898, is a graduate of the South Hill school and also attended
high school. He is a vocalist of more than ordinary ability and as
soloist has carried the first alto part, but is now a baritone. He has
traveled from one end of the United States to the other with Henry
B. Roney, who with five boys, under the name of "Roney Boys" Con-
cert Company of Chicago, has toured the countrv. He has sung in
public from the age of five years, has been a member of the Congre-
gational church choir and has taken part in some of Walter Stone's
plays. John D., born May 16, 1900, attends the William Salter
school. Milton L., born December 10, 1902, also possesses superior
musical talent. He sings contralto and has been with" Henry Roney
for four months. He is now soloist in the company known as Roney's
Lecture and Concert Company. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell certainly
have every reason to be proud of their family and the superior musi-
cal talent displayed by their children.
Mr. Campbell is a republican in politics but not an office seeker.
He and his wife are devoted members of the Grace Methodist Epis-
copal church, in which he has served as a trustee and steward, while
his wife is now filling the office of steward. From his boyhood
days Mr. Campbell had to work to assist his parents, and he received
no financial assistance, nor had he aid from influential friends. Grad-
uallv in business, however, he has worked his way upward until he
is today one of the leading and resourceful contractors of the city.
He and his family occupy a modern home at No. 629 Central avenue,
which he erected in 1909, and he is expecting to build a more ele-
gant residence in the near future. He is a great advocate of young
men buying homes instead of paying rent, and has done much to
assist young men in that way. He endeavors to have his employes
own homes, however small, believing that it stimulates further in-
dustrv. Mr. Campbell is today only forty-six years old, and less
than twenty years ago he was comparatively a poor man. He has, by
economy, honest efifort and well-developed ability, made rapid prog-
ress. He has never allowed obstacles to bar his path, nor has he ever
96 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
lost sight of the goal toward which he is striving. His course has
ever been such as would bear the closest investigation and scrutiny,
and his friends are numerous, while high respect is entertained for
him by all.
J. W. DIXON, i\I. D.
Dr. J. W. Dixon, engaged in the general practice of medicine in
Burlington, arrived in this city on the 15th of August, 1891, and
almost immediately thereafter opened his office. He has since made
continuous advancement in his profession and his practice is now
extensive and of an important character. He was born in Brickville,
Canada, September 5, 1864, and is a son of George and Jane (Mc-
Cullough) Dixon, the former a farmer by occupation.
Dr. Dixon supplemented a public school education acquired in
his native city by study in the Athens Collegiate Institute and later he
entered the Queen's University as a student in the medical depart-
ment. He later attended Trinity Medical College and was graduated
with the class of 1890. He afterward acted as interne in Bellevue
Hospital of New York city, and in the General Hospital at Kingston,
Canada, and in that broadening experience added much to his skill
and ability. For fifteen months he engaged in active practice at
Frankville, Canada, after which he came to Burlington and since the
15th of August, 1 89 1, or for a period of about twenty-four years, has
been a practitioner in this city. He was the first man in the United
States to rebel against the American Medical Association. Through-
out his professional career he has been a wide reader and a
deep thinker, and the logical trend of his mind has enabled him to
deduct many valuable truths from his professional experience which
he has used for the benefit of his patients. He is most conscientious,
prompt and faithful in his practice and his ability is attested by the
heavy professional demands made upon his time.
On the loth of October, 1894, Dr. Dixon was united in marriage
to Miss Anna Lane, of Burlington, a daughter of George Lane, and
they have become the parents of three children: George Lane, who
is now a medical student in the Iowa State University; Edith Antoi-
nette, at home; and John Wesley, who is attending school.
The Doctor is a charter member and now the president of the
Launch Club of Burlington. He is also a charter member of the
Mississippi Valley Power Boat Association and served as its president
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 97
in 19 lo. There arc now over six thousand members and Dr. Dixon is
tiK" only one who has been an ofHcer in the organization since it was
established. He has held all of the diftercnt oflicial positions and is
now chairman of the race committee. He has been very prominent
and active in boat-racing circles and the association was instrumental
in getting congress to place buoys all along the river. Dr. Dixon is
the owner of The Ladd, which is the only gasoline boat to make the
run from St. Paul to New Orleans and return. In this boat he cruised
seven thousand five hundred miles in 191 i and 1912, accompanied by
his family, covering the waters of the Great Lakes and the gulf as
well as many of the rivers. He has ever believed in encouraging
manlv outdoor sports and there is no one who has done more to stim-
ulate an interest in boating along the Mississippi than has Dr. Di.xon.
He is a most genial and companionable gentleman, his cordial man-
ner, his intellectual strength and his character worth making him
verv popular wherever he is known.
H. B. BUHRMASTER.
H. B. Buhrmaster, secretary of the Drake Hardware Company
and thus identified with one of the leading commercial enterprises
of Burlington, was born August 30, 1872, in the city which is still
his home, his parents being F. W. and Catherine (Meyer) Buhr-
master, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Muscatine,
Iowa. The father was one of the pioneer residents of Burlington,
arri\ing in this city in the '40s. He was a wagonmaker by trade,
and organized the Burlington Wagon Company, which has been one
of the successful and important productive industries of the city for
the past forty-four years, Mr. Buhrmaster being widely recognized
as one of the leading and enterprising manufacturers of Iowa.
H. B. Buhrmaster was the third in order of birth in a family of
ten children. He supplemented his public-school education by
graduation from Elliott's Business College in the class of 1890, and,
thus qualified by commercial training, he started out in the business
world, determined to win success if it could be done by persistent,
honorable eflfort. He made his initial step as an employe in the hard-
ware establishment of Charles F. Schmidt and in that connection
gradually worked his way upward so that when the business was in-
corporated in 1900 he was elected its secretary. On the ist of July,
1907, that business was consolidated with the Drake Hardware
98 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
Company, and Mr. Buhrmaster remains as secretary of the new or-
ganization. This is one of the extensive wholesale enterprises of the
city, and Mr. Buhrmaster is familiar with every phase of the busi-
ness. He has done every service ahnost in connection with the trade
from clerk upward, has represented his house upon the road as travel-
ing salesman, and is now bending his efiforts to administrative direc-
tion and executive control as the secretary.
In April, 1896, occurred the marriage of Mr. Buhrmaster and
Miss Emma Kruemmel, of Burlington, a daughter of Frederick and
Bertha Kruemmel, the former one of the pioneer residents of the city.
To them have been born three children, Frederick, Milton and
Frances. The parents are members of the Methodist church and
are always loyal to its teachings and generous in its support. Mr.
Buhrmaster is independent in politics, yet with republican prefer-
ences. He does not, however, consider himself bound by party ties
and votes as his judgment dictates. He has been a lifelong resident
of the city in which he makes his home, and he has the goodwill,
high regard and friendship of many with whom he has been brought
in contact from his boyhood days to the present time.
EDWARD P. LITZRODT.
Edward P. Litzrodt is the owner of a drug store at No. 918
Maple street, Burlington, and the careful conduct of his business
afifairs is bringing to him the success which is the merited and legiti-
mate reward of his labors. He was born August 12, 1874, in Des
Moines county, a son of Rev. F. L. and Mary (Oberle) Litzrodt.
The father was born in Saxony, Germany, in 1846, and now resides
in Burlington, a retired minister. He came to America with his
parents when three years of age, the family home being established
in Davenport, Iowa, and he was educated in the Wesleyan Univer-
sity, a Methodist school at Warrenton, Missouri. For forty years
he was a successful pastor in various churches in the state of Iowa,
and for a long period was the beloved minister of the Methodist
church at Central avenue and Locust street, in Burlington. He was
recognized as one of the strongest preachers in the conference and
a most untiring worker in the cause, but in 1912 he was stricken with
paralysis and has since been an invalid, so that he can neither talk
nor walk. He is confined to a wheel chair and largely spends his time
in reading. He appeared to be one of the strongest and healthiest
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 99
of men but his affliction came on on a Monday morning after he had
preached several powerful sermons. Notwithstanding his condi-
tion of health, he is cheerful and happy and is never forgotten by
his many German Methodist friends. His example now, as well as
while he was active in the ministry, is one well worthy of emula-
tion, and he displays remarkable fortitude. His wife was born in
Bedford. Indiana, in 1856. They became the parents of six children,
of whom only two are living, the younger being Edith, who is living
with her parents and is organist at the Presbyterian church. She
studied under Mrs. Fred Boesch and at the Augustana College at
Rock Island, and also under Professor Virgil, of New York. She
has given lessons on the pipe organ in New York, but owing to her
father's illness she returned in order to care for her parents.
Edward P. Litzrodt attended the public schools and a commer-
cial school in Des Moines, being graduated from the latter about
1890. He afterward was a pupil in the St. Louis College of Phar-
macy, from which he was graduated with the class of 1897. He
spent the succeeding two years as a clerk in drug stores in St. Louis,
Council Bluffs, Rock Island and Des Moines, and in 1899 embarked
in business on his own account as proprietor of a drug store on Maple
street, a few^ doors east of his present location. He now has a modern,
well-appointed store, the best on South Hill. For several years his
store has been one of the sub-postal stations of the city, known as
station No. 4, and here he conducts business for "Uncle Sam," han-
dling from seven to eight thousand dollars a year in stamps.
In October, 1904, Mr. Litzrodt was united in marriage to Miss
Jennie Marshall, who was born in 1876 in Des Moines county, a
daughter of Daniel D. and Jennie (Thomson) Marshall. The
father was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, about 1847 and is now living
retired in Burlington. He was for years a carriage painter w^ith
the Bennett & Frantz Carriage Manufacturing Company. During
the Civil war he served as a member of the Ninth Michigan Cavalry,
joining the army at the age of sixteen. His wife was born in Ire-
land about 1848, and they became the parents of five children : Anna,
who is now a teacher in the Prospect Hill school; Daniel, assistant
cashier of the bank at Oakville; James Y., who is general manager
of the egg and produce departrnent for Swift & Company of Chi-
cago; Jennie, now Mrs. Litzrodt; and John, who is territorial man-
ager for the Hibbard, Spencer & Bartlett Company of Chicago.
Mrs. Litzrodt was graduated from the Burlington high school
and from the Normal Training school, and previous to her marriage
taught in the kindergarten department of the Prospect Hill and South
r{b
V'
100 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
Hill schools. To Mr. and Mrs. Litzrodt were born three children:
Marshall E., whose birth occurred October ii, 1905, and is now at-
tending the William Salter school; Audrey M., born April 20, 1907,
also attending school ; and Jean L., who was born in September, 1909,
and passed away in 1910. The family residence is at No. 540 South
Central avenue.
In politics Mr. Litzrodt is a republican, active in the local coun-
cils of the party, where his opinions carry much weight. He has
served as committeeman of his ward for seven or eight years. Fra-
ternally he is a Royal Arch Mason and belongs to Burlington Lodge,
No. I, A. F. & A. M., the oldest in the state. He was a charter
member of the Orchard City Fishing Club and the Lone Tree Club,
and is now secretary and treasurer of the Silver Lake Hunting and
Fishing Club, of Henderson county, Illinois, which was organized
July I, 1914. His only pastime is fishing and hunting. He has
always been a busy man and well deserves the proud American title
of self-made, as his education was largely secured through his own
efiforts, while his success in business has been won by upright dealing,
fair treatment of his patrons and enterprising methods. He has won
many friends through trade connections, as well as in social circles,
and is accounted one of the wide-awake, energetic business men of
the city.
WILLIAM W. COPELAND.
It is a trite saying that "There is always room at the top," and the
discerning man is constantly impressed with this fact, and wisdom
and ambition frequently lead him to advance to the higher planes
wherein competition is less great and where success is assured. Such
has been the record of William W. Copeland, who at the age of six-
teen years started out in commercial circles on his own account and
has advanced step by step in an orderly progression that has brought
him at last to a position among the foremost business men of Bur-
lington connected with and controlling interests which are most im-
portant factors in the upbuilding of the city's commercial greatness
as well as the enhancement of his individual fortunes.
A native of Pennsylvania, Mr. Copeland was born in Mifflin,
Juniata county, on the 7th of October, 1856, and is descended from
English ancestry although the family has been represented in Penn-
sylvania from an early period in the colonization of that region.
WILLIAM \V. ( Dl'KLANU
HISrORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 103
The grandfather, Willis Copcland, who became one of the pioneer
settlers of that state, spent the remainder of his life there, devoting
his attention to general agricultural pursuits. His son, John M.
Copeland, was there born and reared and for many years has been
in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company as storekeeper
at Mifilin. He defended the interests of the Union in the Civil war
and in politics has always been a dehiocrat, having been elected on
the ticket of that party for tiie ofHce of treasurer of Juniata county
in 1 888. He wedded Katherinc Hartmann, also a native f)f Juniata
county and a daughter of William Hartmann, of German descent.
The religious faith of the family is that of the Lutheran church.
At the usual age William W. Copeland began his education as a
public-school pupil. His youthful days were spent upon the home
farm to the age of sixteen years, when he started out in the business
world as a clerk in a general store. He was ambitious and energetic
and his close application, willingness and fidelity soon won him ad-
vancement. He gradually worked his way upward and by the time
he had attained his majority had saved from his earnings a sufficient
sum to enable him to purchase a stock of goods and engage in general
merchandising on his own account. His previous thorough training
and experience well qualified him for the conduct of the business,
w^hich proved profitable from the beginning.
However, he heard the call of the west and in 1887 arrived in
Burlington, Iowa, where he has since made his home. After travel-
ing for a brief time for the Standard Oil Company he established
himself in the commission business in Burlington as the senior part-
ner in the firm of Copeland & Martin, carrying on business under
that style until 1903, when by purchasing his partner's interest he
became the sole proprietor of a large fruit and commission business,
his trade being hardly surpassed throughout this section of the coun-
try. He conducts his business at the corner of Front and Valley
streets in a large building where he has excellent shipping facilities
that enable him to unload direct from the car to the house. His
business is exclusively in the wholesale field and he handles his goods
in carloads, buying from and shipping to all parts of the United
States. The house is represented on the road by a number of travel-
ing salesmen and the business has grown steadily until it is now one
of great volume, due to the enterprising efforts, persistency of pur-
pose and indefatigable energy of Mr. Copeland, who throughout his
entire career has borne an unassailable reputation by reason of the
fact that he has never incurred obligations that he has not met nor
made engagements that he has not kept. In all of his business affairs
104 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
he seems to readily discriminate between the essential and the non-
essential and this quality has contributed to his success in other direc-
tions. He has for a long period of years been one of the directors of
the Merchants National Bank, and in 1898 he aided in organizing
the Clinton-Copeland Candy Company, which was incorporated with
Mr. Copeland as its first president, and in that connection he has
since continued, his administrative direction and executive ability
being a potent force in the successful management and development
of that concern. The company erected a large and splendidly
equipped factory in 1905, employment is furnished to seventy-five
people and this has become one of the leading manufacturing inter-
ests of Burlington.
Mr. Copeland is most pleasantly situated in his home life. On
Christmas day of 1879 he wedded Miss Mary A. Miller, a daughter
of Henry Miller, of Burlington. Their only son, John R. Copeland,
is now connected with the Clinton-Copeland Candy Company. The
parents attend the Congregational church, to which Mrs. Copeland
belongs, and to its support they are generous contributors.
Mr. Copeland gives his political support to the republican party.
In this connection a contemporary biographer has said: "Deeply
interested in politics from the point of view of the business man and
citizen, his opinions carrv weight in the councils of his partv, vet
despite his undoubted influence he has never been a candidate for
office in Burlington, although while in business in Mifflin, Pennsyl-
vania, he was appointed postmaster at that place, being one of the
first to receive the appointment under President Arthur. He con-
tinued in that position until after the election of President Cleve-
land, when he resigned. On the organization of the Burlington
Water Company two directors were appointed by the mayor to rep-
resent the municipality on its board of directors and Mr. Copeland
was first appointed by a democratic mayor and later by a republican
mayor. In 1903 he was elected a director of the Burlington Hos-
pital and was re-elected in 1905." He also served as postmaster of
Burlington for four years, being appointed during President Taft's
administration.
On the organization of the Commercial Exchange Mr. Copeland
became a member and has served on its land site committee, while
in February, 1905, he was elected its president. Fraternally he is a
Mason and in his life exemplifies the beneficent spirit of the craft.
He is a man of strong and resolute purpose. His judgments are
never hastily formed, but when once convinced of the righteousness
of a cause or the value of a course he never deviates therefrom. He
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 105
is firm and determined, but at all times just and reasonable. The
extent and importance of his business activities and his public-spirited
interest in the general welfare have made him a valued factor in
connection with the work of promoting Burlington's interests.
JOHN W. SWILER.
John W. Swiler, now residing at No. 1800 River street in Bur-
lington, is now enjoying a well-earned rest after a life of activity
characterized by a most benevolent spirit and an earnest desire to
uplift humanity. His efforts as a teacher of the deaf were most re-
sultant in good, and his labors have been indeed a beneficent influence
in the lives of many with whom he has come in contact.
Mr. Swiler was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, De-
cember 14, 1844, a son of Christopher and Mary (Mullin) Swiler.
The father was born January 30, 18 17, in Cumberland county, Penn-
sylvania, and was of German lineage, his ancestors being numbered
among the earliest settlers of eastern Pennsylvania. The Mullin
family was of Scotch-Irish descent. Christopher Swiler was a miller
by trade, and in 1852 migrated westward with his family, traveling
by wagon across the country to Warren county, Illinois, where he
practically spent the remainder of his life. He established the first
grist mill in Monmouth, Illinois, known as the Claycomb mill, but
his principal business was that of farming. He died in Burlington,
Iowa, December 22, 1909, at the home of his son, John W. Swiler,
at the very venerable age of ninetv-three years and was laid to rest
in the cemetery at Monmouth, Illinois. His wife, who was born in
Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, December 27, 1818, died in Mon-
mouth, Illinois, March 24, 1899, at the age of eighty years. Both
were active members of the Methodist Episcopal church and at the
time of his death Mr. Swiler was probably the oldest member of
the First Methodist Episcopal church in Monmouth. Mrs. Swiler's
father was Alexander Mullin, a soldier of the War of 1812, w^hile
her grandfather, Michael Mullin, was a soldier of the Revolution-
ary war. Alexander Mullin died in Lomax, Illinois, and was
buried in Monmouth, at the age of ninety-five years. He was
a blacksmith by trade and worked at the forge until more than
eighty years of age. His family numbered twenty-two children, of
whom Moses Mullin, now residing in Topeka, Kansas, was a soldier
106 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
of the Civil war. A daughter, Mrs. Marjorie Atchinson, is living
in Monmouth, Illinois, and another daughter, Emma, is the wife of
Hiram Allen, of Albia, Iowa. It was Mary Mullin of this family
who became the wife of Christopher Swiler, and they had a family
of three children: John, whose name introduces this review; Agnes,
who was born in 1847 and is the widow of George Joss and resides
in Monmouth, Illinois; and Mary, who was born in 1849 and died
in infancy.
John W. Swiler was a lad of about eight years when his parents
removed from Pennsylvania to Illinois. He was graduated from
Monmouth College with the class of 1864 and afterward received
the honorary degree of Master of Arts from his alma mater. He
pursued a course in Bryant & Stratton Business College at Chicago,
and in Bryant & Stratton College in Philadelphia, being graduated
therefrom in 1865. He taught school through the succeeding winter
at Monmouth, Illinois, and later was employed in connection with
a book and newspaper business there. In the fall of 1867, in response
to an invitation from P. G. Gillett, superintendent of the Illinois
Institute for the Deaf, Mr. Swiler went to Jacksonville, Illinois,
and assumed a position as teacher in that school, with which he re-
mained in active connection for thirteen years. In the fall of 1878
he was invited to Beloit, Wisconsin, to meet the board of trustees of
the Wisconsin School for the Deaf, with a view to becoming super-
intendent of that institution, but after fully considering the subject
he decided it was an inopportune time to make any change. In the
spring of 1880 he was again invited to go to Wisconsin, and at that
period accepted the superintendency of the school for the deaf,
assuming control of the institution in the month of June. This was
the year following the destruction of the principal school buildings
by fire, and at the time when he undertook the work Mr. Swiler
found the school with new buildings in process of erection, which
were completed the ensuing winter. He remained as superintendent
of that institution through all the various vicissitudes of politics for
twentv-one vears, and the record which he made for capability and
fidelitv during that period endeared him to the community at large,
W'hile his work gave him a firm hold upon the affectionate regard
of the pupils of the school. He is a man of broad experience, of
sound judgment and great executive ability, and he made valuable
improvements at the school, both in the introduction of mechanical
appliances and in the method of teaching. He resigned that posi-
tion on the 1st of September, iqoi, and spent the following year in
Chicago and in travel through the south.
HIS'lORV OF DI-:S MOINES COL'N'IV 107
In March, 1902, Mr. Swilcr came to Burlington and has since
occupied his present elegant residence. The place, which is known
as Rivercrest, is one of the most attractive homes of the city, stand-
ing on the river bank on top of a hill. During the period of his
residence in Delavan, Wisconsin, Mr. Swiler was olTfered the super-
intendency of the school for the deaf at Jacksonville, Illinois, in
1897, and was elected to the position, but did not accept. Since-
coming to Burlington he has not been actively engaged in business
further than the management of his farm and other personal interests
at Fort Worth, Texas. He has, however, been active in connection
with affairs relating to the public, and has cooperated in many move-
ments of civic virtue and civic pride. Since coming to Burlington
he has served as a member of the school board for seven years and
was vice president of the board for several years. While acting on
the board he was instrumental in introducing manual training and
domestic science into the schools. The principal school building
erected while he was in office was the high school. At all times he
has stood for improvement and advancement along educational lines
and his efforts have done much to further the interests of the schools
of Burlington.
On the 9th of June, 1869, Mr. Swiler was united in marriage to
Miss Harriet Chandler, the only child of George and Matilda B.
Chandler, of Spring Grove, the wedding ceremony being performed
bv the Rev. H. W. Thomas, a distinguished divine of the Methodist
Episcopal church. Mrs. Swiler was born in Des Moines county,
February 14, 1847, attended Elliott Seminary and afterward was a
pupil in a private school conducted by the Misses Cutter. She was
a daughter of George Chandler, of whom extended mention is made
elsewhere in this volume. To Mr. and Mrs. Swiler have been born
three children. Ruth Ella, who was born on the old home farm in
Des Moines county, October 18, 1870, was married September 19,
1896, to J. B. Googins, of Fort Worth, Texas. With the exception
of two years spent in Chicago and St. Louis, the entire period of
their married life has been passed in Texas. They have three chil-
dren: David Swiler Googins, born in Delavan, Wisconsin, Septem-
ber 18, 1897; John Chandler, born in St. Louis, December 9, 1899;
and Ruth Josephine, born at Fort Worth, November i, 1908. Mrs.
Googins was educated in Oberlin College, where she was graduated
in the class of 1893. George Chandler Swiler, born in Jacksonville,
Illinois, August 3, 1872, was educated in Beloit College, of Beloit,
Wisconsin, and in the University of Wisconsin. His early business
experience was acquired through nine years' connection with the
108 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
Drovers' National Bank, of Chicago, which eminently qualified him
for the position of cashier in the Burlington Savings Bank, the duties
of which office he assumed in July, 1904, aiding in the organization
of the bank at that time. He has since acceptably filled the position
and is widely and favorably known in Burlington. He married Miss
Daisy Hudson, the only daughter of T. J. Hudson, traffic manager
for the Illinois Central Railroad Company at Chicago. Their mar-
riage was celebrated in Chicago, October 10, 1900, the Rev. George
Bixby, rector of St. Paul's church, performing the ceremony, and
they now reside at No. 1724 River street, adjoining his father's home.
They have two children: Wesley Hudson, who was born in Bur-
lington, December 22, 1904; and Thomas Hudson Swiler, born
March 8, 1909. Elsie Marie was born in Delavan, Wisconsin, Jan-
uary 8, 1887, attended the public schools of Delavan, Wisconsin, and
the Hyde Park high school, of Chicago. She was also a student in
the Burlington high school, from which she was graduated in 1905,
and she afterward attended Putnam Hall Academy and Vassar
College at Poughkeepsie, New York, completing her education by a
trip to Europe in 1908. She was married June 11, 1910, to Parkin
Thomas Sowden, of Burlington, by the Rev. Samuel Van Pelt, and
went at once to her new home in Toronto, Canada, where her hus-
band is manager of the Standard Silver Company works. They have
two children: Thomas Chandler, born in Toronto, March i, 191 1;
and George, born December 24, 19 12.
In politics Mr. Swiler has always been a republican and became
well known in Wisconsin as the only superintendent of a state insti-
tution who survived the administration of George W. Peck, the
democratic governor, who, in what was known as the Little Red
Schoolhouse campaign, defeated Governor Hoard, the republican
candidate. At the time when Mr. Swiler resigned his position as
superintendent of the institution for the deaf he was the vice presi-
dent of the national convention of the American Instructors of the
Deaf. He is prominent in the Masonic fraternity, which he joined
soon after attaining his majority. He holds membership in the dif-
ferent Masonic bodies in Burlington and in the consistory at Mil-
waukee, being at present eminent commander of St. Omar Com-
mandery. No. 15, K. T., of Burlington. He is a director of the
Burlington Savings Bank and is now the president of the Visiting
Nurses' Association of Burlington. Both he and his wife have
always been prominent and devoted members of the Methodist
church, in which he has filled the various church offices. While they
have lived in Burlington for only a comparatively brief period, they
HISTORY OP^ DES MOINES COUNTY 109
have endeared themselves to many of the people of the city and are
widelv known and honored by all. Their home is one of refinement
and culture, and Mrs. Swiler dispenses a cordial hospitality to all
who visit beneath their roof. Their lives count as factors for good,
for their influence has always been on the side of betterment and
uplift, and they are numbered among those who have dispensed
much of life's sunshine in words of encouragement, sympathy and
understanding and in kindly assistance.
FRANK S. LINELL.
Frank S. Linell, who has been vice president of the Burlington
Soap Company since its organization in 1905, was born in Oquawka,
Illinois, on the 27th of March, 1866, a son of Joseph and Frances
Linell. The father was engaged in the harness and lumber business
in Oquawka, where he also became connected with the cattle trade
and with other business undertakings. At the time of the Civil war,
however, he put aside all commercial pursuits and personal interests
in order to respond to the country's call for troops, and went to the
front, doing valiant service in defense of the Union. He rose to the
rank of captain and returned to his home with a most creditable
military record.
Frank S. Linell made his initial step in business circles when he
had completed a public-school education and worked for his father
until twenty-four years of age. At that time he became connected
with the pearl button industry at Oquawka, spending several years
in that way. In 1905 he bought an interest in the Burlington Soap
Company, and, in fact, became one of the organizers of the business,
of which he has since been the vice president. The company was
formed in that vear and entered upon a prosperous existence, for
from the beginning the trade has steadily increased, and has now
reached substantial and gratifying proportions. A record of the
business is given at length on another page of this work. From the
outset success has attended the venture because of the business capa-
bilitv of the officers and their determined purpose, together with the
strictly reliable methods instituted. Their plant is located at Nos.
508-14 North Main street and they occupy three floors of a building
one hundred and twenty by one hundred and seventy feet. Employ-
ment is given to twenty-six people in the factory, while five traveling
salesmen are kept upon the road, covering a large part of the middle
no HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
west. They also sell through brokers upon the Pacific coast and in
the south and their trade now covers a large territory. The plant is
splendidly equipped with modern machinery, they utilize the latest
improved processes in manufacture, and are now producing twenty
dififerent kinds of toilet and laundry soaps, together with special
brands for special orders.
On the 2ist of April, 1892, Mr. Linell was united in marriage
to Miss Mary Alice Ryerson, of Oquawka, a daughter of George
and Angeline Ryerson, who were farming people of Illinois. Mr.
and Mrs. Linell have become the parents of two children: Frances,
the wife of Otto J. Carow, a resident of Burlington; and Mary, at
home.
Mr. Linell holds membership with the Lidependent Order of
Odd Fellows, the Rebekahs, the Moose, the Travelers' Protective
Association, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Sons of Vet-
erans, and is popular in these dififerent organizations and is in sym-
pathy with the fraternal spirit which exists, recognizing the brother-
hood of mankind and the obligations which it imposes. He is a
member of the Christian church, while the religious faith of his wife
is that of the Baptist church. In politics he is a standpat republican,
believing firmly in the principles of the grand old party. He gives
to it loyal support and he always keeps well informed on the ques-
tions and issues of the day. Business afifairs, however, occupy the
greater part of his time and attention, yet he is not remiss in the duties
of citizenship when it comes to helping any movement or measure
that will advance the public welfare.
CORNELIUS L. POOR.
Cornelius L. Poor ranked not only as one of Iowa's most eminent
and successful lawyers and as one of the foremost citizens of Bur-
lington, but also as one of the most highly respected and best loved
residents of the community in which he made his home and in the
welfare of which he manifested such a deep and helpful interest.
In matters of citizenship he held to the highest ideals and constantly
employed the most practical efforts for their adoption and embodi-
ment. As president of the Hawk-Eye Publishing Company he did
much to raise the standard of journalism, making it ever a factor in
public progress and improvement until the paper had a much more
than state-wide reputation.
CORNELIUS L. POOR
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 113
Mr. Poor was born in Ycnaiigo county, Pennsylvania, May 13,
1845, and was descended from good old colonial stock. After com-
pleting his more specifically literary education in the State Normal
School at Edinboro, Pennsylvania, he became a law student in the
office of a firm of prominent attorneys of Pennsylvania and was
admitted to the bar in 1874. The following year Mr. Poor arrived
in Burlington and was thereafter closely identified with the inter-
ests of the city until his demise. At one time he practiced in partner-
ship with E. E. Milspaugh and afterward with Charles Baldwin,
but for many years was alone in practice until joined by his young-
est son, Ben Perley Poor. The father was eminently successful in
his chosen profession. Thoroughness and care were salient features
in the preparation of his cases, which were presented in clear, log-
ical manner, his deductions being sound, his reasoning strong and
forceful. He knew the law, was familiar with principle and prec-
edent and was seldom if ever at fault in its application to a point
in litigation. As the years went on his clientage grew, and the court
records attest his ability in the number of favorable verdicts which
he won. In addition to practicing law, Mr. Poor was the pres-
ident of the Hawkeye Publishing Company and among its em-
ployes has been greatly missed, for they always found him a wise and
friendly counselor. That famous paper, the Burlington Hawk-Eye,
in large measure reflected his sturdy views and unselfish policies.
Mr. Poor gave his political allegiance to the republican party
from the time that age conferred upon him the right of franchise,
and he did valuable service in behalf of his party as a campaign
speaker and as a worker in other connections. The honors and
emoluments of office had no attraction for him and the only political
position which he filled was in the strict path of his profession. He
was city solicitor from 1878 to 1882 and again was called to that
office in 1910, following the adoption of the commission plan of gov-
ernment, so that he was acting in that capacity at the time of his
demise. In this connection the Burlington Hawk-Eye wrote: "Step-
ping into the solicitor's office with the first commissioners under the
new plan of city government, his services were of the greatest value
to the city. The success of the commission plan in Burlington is due
perhaps more to his wise counsel and his thoroughness and careful-
ness than to anv other one thing. There were no mistakes of a serious
nature and much trouble was avoided and much money was saved
the city because the commissioners had infinite confidence in their
adviser and were guided by his advice in every matter of impor-
114 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
tance that came before that body. There remain many problems to
be solved and his guidance will be missed by the new council."
Following his demise, Frank C. Norton, mayor of Burlington,
said: "I was greatly grieved when I heard of the death of our
solicitor, Mr. Poor, last evening. I have known Mr. Poor for over
thirty years and during that period I know of no act of his but what
was promoted by the best and purest motives for the furtherance of
Burlington's best interests and for the betterment of humanity. The
loss of his wise counsel and mature judgment is, indeed, a great loss
to the city administration, particularly at this time when questions
of importance are demanding our attention. Mr. Poor had the con-
fidence of all ; and the questions arising between corporations or
individuals and the city were easily and justly settled. City coun-
cils need just such men as Mr. Poor as their councilor; we feel in
his sudden departure that the city has suffered a great loss and all of
us personally a warm friend."
Cornelius L. Poor was united in marriage to Miss Sarah M.
Goodban, in Erie county, Pennsylvania, on the 20th of March, 1867.
She was born in Sugar Grove, that state, and is of English descent.
Following their marriage they began their domestic life in the Key-
stone state, whence they came to Burlington in 1875, ^'^"^ here Mrs.
Poor still makes her home. Theirs was a very happy marriage,
blessed with the presence of four children, Fred L., Mrs. George
Millard, Mrs. Edward Disque and Ben P.
Mr. Poor's devotion to his family was one of his marked char-
acteristics, and his home life was largely ideal. The family circle
was first broken in his death, which occurred on the 12th of May,
191 2. He had long been a devoted member of the First Methodist
Episcopal church, generous in his support and loyal to the best
interests of the organization in every particular. He passed away
the day before the sixty-seventh anniversary of his birth and left a
place in the community life of the city of Burlington which was
hard to fill. His disinterested patriotism found expression in a re-
sponsible form of American citizenship that is seldom found in men
of great afifairs. He not only talked "public weal before private
interests," but in his own life placed the public welfare before those
advantages from which profit might have accrued to him if they
interfered with projects which he considered necessary to the general
welfare.
Seldom have been heard on all sides such genuine expressions of
grief and regret as were expressed when Cornelius L. Poor was
called from this life. Hon. Charles Mathes said: "Mr. Poor was
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 115
a good fellow in the best sense of the word, and as such he was a
friend of all good fellows and is mourned by all. 1 became acquainted
witli Mr. Poor shortly after he arrived in Burlington and our rela-
tions were always very pleasant. He was a very valuable man and
a safe adviser for the city. I was a member of the council when
he was first chosen city solicitor, and I wanted him retained after
a turn of the political wheel brought a change. He will be missed
everywhere, and more especially by the present city administration."
None ever questioned his deep interest in and unselfish devotion to
the welfare of the city. Civic virtue and civic pride were among his
strong characteristics and he did everything to aid Burlington in
reaching the high ideal toward which public spirit is now tending.
Another said in this connection: "In his position as the legal rep-
resentative of the city, he guarded her interests with the most pains-
taking care and always stood for the right. He did not want more
than was coming to the city, but he wanted all that the city had a
right to ask, and he got it." Speaking of him in personal relations,
Dr. E. Poppe remarked: "I shall ever remember him as a man of
kind heart, a courteous gentleman and a man in every sense of the
word." Another said: "His relations to the community as a cit-
izen and a lawyer were such as to commend him to the respect and
good judgment of all who knew him. One marked feature of his
character as a lawyer and man of affairs was his candor and his broad-
mindedness in matters of controversy. Others learned to rely upon
his legal opinions as worthy of great consideration, for he stood very
high as a lawyer." Hon. Thomas Hedge voiced the following: "He
was a man of great mental and bodily strength and health. He
reasoned in straight lines. He was a close student and untiring
worker, loyal to his friends and faithful to the ethics of his profes-
sion. His mental methods were deliberate, careful and accurate, so
he became naturally a leader in his profession." Another spoke of
him as "a man of sincere conviction, dignified demeanor and kindly
fellowship. A lawyer of great force in court and extreme caution
in council and a citizen of the very first rank in our city and state."
Charles C. Clark said of Mr. Poor: "His convictions were strong
and there never was any doubt at any time as to where C. L. Poor
stood. In a law suit he was an antagonist to be feared because he
alwavs went to the bottom of his case and if he did not win it, it was
not because he had left a single stone unturned, and his pertinacity
when he knew he was right turned many an apparent defeat into
victory and at times won verdicts from protesting judges and juries.
Taking the keenest interest in the welfare of the state, he never
116 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
failed in his political service and lioni ward caucus to the final vote
at the polls, often, too, at much personal sacrifice, we never ques-
tioned that he would do his full duty as a citizen and a patriot."
Members of the Des Moines County Bar Association, the city coun-
cil and the Commercial Exchange all passed resolutions of respect
and sympathy, but it was not only in the organizations, but in the
heart of every individual who knew him that the loss of Cornelius
L. Poor was most keenly felt.
T. W. ALEXANDER.
T. W. Alexander is the president of the Burlington Soap Com-
pany, of which he was one of the organizers. Business enterprise,
laudable ambition and unfaltering purpose have brought him to a
creditable place among the manufacturers of the city, and he is still
advancing step by step, winning the merited reward of persistent
and intelligently directed labor. He was born in Monmouth, Illi-
nois, in i860, his parents being J. W. and Elizabeth Alexander, of
that place. The father was a farmer by occupation, and thus pro-
vided for the support of his familv.
The son, T. W. Alexander, acquired a public-school education
and, starting out in the business world, secured a position with the
Maple City Soap Company, of Monmouth, thus gaining his initial
experience in the field of business in which he still operates. Leav-
ing Illinois in 1890, he went to Hastings, Nebraska, where he organ-
ized the firm of Alexander & Company, for the manufacture of soap
and there conducted the business until 1891, when he removed his
interest to Burlington, where he established business under the name
of the Iowa Soap Companv. his location being on Front street near
the Union depot. In 1896 a removal was made to the Tabor-Burns
building, where they continued until 1900, and then removed to
V^alley street. Mr. Alexander remained in connection with the busi-
ness until 1903 and then sold out, spending the succeeding two vears
in retirement. In 1901; he became the chief factor in the organiza-
tion of the Burlington Soap Company and was elected to the presi-
dencv. In this connection he is at tlie head of a growing business
conducted at Nos. 508-514 North Main street, where they occupy a
three-story building, one hundred and twenty by one hundred and
seventy feet. The business has grown steadily under the wise direc-
tion of its president and his fellow-officers.
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 117
At the outset of his career Mr. Alexander did not wait for a
specially brilliant opening. His natural industry would not permit
him to do so, even if his financial circumstances had been such as to
make it possible. His mental and physical activity were practically
the only capital which he brought to the starting point of his career,
but at that time he showed conspicuously the traits of character that
jiave made his life successful. He performed all the duties that de-
volved upon him, however humble and however small the recom-
pense might be, conscientiously and industriously, and because of
this he w'on steady advancement. His strict integrity, business con-
servatism and judgment have always been so uniformly recognized
that he has enjoyed public confidence to an enviable degree, and
naturally this has brought to him a lucrative patronage.
In politics Mr. Alexander is a progressive, and fraternally is
connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, but his atten-
tion is chiefly concentrated upon his business affairs, and his close
application and energy have been crowning points in his career.
THE BURLINGTON SOAP COMPANY.
The Burlington Soap Company, which is one of the large pro-
ductive industries of the city and a factor in its commercial devel-
opment, was organized in 1905 with T. W. Alexander as the presi-
dent; Frank Linell, vice president; William Archer, secretary, and
E. F. Holsteen, treasurer. The business is located at Nos. 508-14
North Main street, occupying a three-story building with one hun-
dred and twenty foot frontage and one hundred and seventy feet in
depth. In 1906 Mr. Archer sold out to E. F. Holsteen, but other-
wise there has been no change iri the personnel of the company. Em-
ployment is furnished to twenty-six people and there are five traveling
salesmen upon the road, covering Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri,
eastern Nebraska. Indiana and parts of Michigan and Wisconsin.
The company manufactures a full line of toilet and laundry soaps,
producing altogether twenty different brands of those soaps, besides
special lines for certain customers. They sell largely to the grocery
and drug trades and they specialize in French violet and honeysuckle
perfumes. Their business is also represented by brokerage firms in
California, Alabama and West Virginia, and they are now selling
quite extensively over the south. Their plant has a capacity for
manufacturing daily soap worth one thousand dollars. It is sup-
118 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
plied with new and modern machinery, one kettle alone holding
ninety thousand pounds of soap. Steam power is used in the oper-
ation of the plant, and the business has been most carefully systema-
tized, so that there is no useless expenditure of time, labor or mate-
rial. All work is done with the utmost precision, and the wise man-
agement of the house is manifest in its growing success.
PETER MAGEL.
Peter Magel has since 1905 been a 'resident of Burlington,
previous to which time he made his home upon a farm in this county.
While he is now in a considerable measure living retired, he still
gives supervision to his agricultural interests, and in addition to his
Des Moines county property has extensive landed interests in
Kansas. He has likewise been president of the Continental Brick
Company, of Aledo, Illinois, for five years. He was born in Union
township, near Rock Springs, this county, February 15, 1849, a son
of Seibert and Mary (Licht) Magel, who were natives of Germany,
the former born January 5, 1812, and the latter April 24, 1821.
They came to Des Moines county in the fall of 1835, making the
voyage to America on the same ship. The mother was a daughter
of Conrad and Catharine Licht, who brought their family to the
new world and established their home in Des Moines county, where
they remained until called to their final rest.
Mr. and Mrs. Magel were married in this county about a year
after their arrival, and their remaining days were spent upon a farm
southwest of Burlington. The mother's death occurred December
6, 1896, and the father passed away August 9, 1897. He had been
blind for a quarter of a century before his demise. When he arrived
in this country he was the possessor of a capital of two hundred
dollars. He immediately sought employment, and his first work
was on a dam at Augusta. After being employed as a day laborer
for a few months he began farming with Conrad Pheifif, and later
they together purchased a cow. They farmed together as neigh-
bors, but after a time that property was disposed of and Mr. Magel
bought a farm southwest of Burlington, upon which he continued
to make his home until called to his final rest. As opportunity
offered, however, he added to his property holdings until at one
time he was the owner of three farms, but prior to his demise he
divided his property among his children. As the years passed he
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY ii'J
won a substantial measure of prosperity and he was always a gen-
erous contributor to movements and measures for the public good.
He assisted in building two churches and gave liberally to the Bur-
lington Hospital, and at his death he left to that institution the sum
of one thousand dollars. He held membership in the German
Lutheran church and the organization found in him a generous
supporter, who was also ever ready to give freely to all benevolent
and other worthy causes. His political allegiance was given to the
democratic party. To him and his wife were born eighteen children,
of whom ten reached adult age, namely: Elizabeth, now deceased,
the wife of William Hillgartner; William, who is mentioned else-
where in this volume; Henry, of Burlington; Charles, who is living
in Fremont county; Conrad, whose home is in Idaho; Peter; Mary,
the widow of Julius Schafer, of this city; Margaret, who married
Henry Steyh, of Burlington; Theodore, who died in Fremont
county; and Benjamin, also of Burlington.
Peter Magel remained with his parents up to the time of his
marriage, and in his youth acquired a public-school education.
When twenty-one years of age he began farming on his own account,
renting land from his father, and subsequently he purchased a part
of the old home place, upon which he erected a comfortable dwell-
ing, and from time to time he made further improvements until he
had one of the best farms of the county, which he occupied until his
removal to the city in 1905. He still owns his old home place and
his father's old homestead, one comprising one hundred and forty-
eight acres of land and the other one hundred and forty-four acres.
The entire amount is improved, save twenty-five acres, which is in
timber. Mr. Magel goes back and forth to the farm to a large ex-
tent and gives to the place his personal supervision. When actively
engaged in farming he employed the most progressive methods;
brought his fields to a high state of cultivation and made his farm
a very productive one, so that the annual sale of his crops brought
to him a most substantial revenue. In addition to his Iowa property
he owned five hundred and sixty acres in Kansas. He also has other
business interests, having for five years been president of the Conti-
nental Brick Company, of Aledo, Illinois, which is one of the profit-
able enterprises of that place.
On the T(;th of January, 1879, Mr. Magel was married to Miss
Alice E. Blakeway, who was born in Augusta township, Des Moines
county, July 30, 1859, a daughter of John C. and Priscilla F.
(Bashore) Blakeway, who were natives of Wheeling, West Virginia,
and accompanied their parents to the middle west in childhood. The
120 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
father was seventeen years of age at the time of the removal. The
mother lived for a time in Missouri. In 1849 Mr. Blakevvay went
to California, spending two years, and with that exception has con-
tinuously resided in this county since his marriage. Both he and his
wife passed away in Union township, the former February 19, 1904,
at the age of seventy-six years, and the latter on the zzd of January,
1902. They had twelve children, of whom three died in infancy.
Those, besides Mrs. Magel, who reached adult age were: William
D., of California; Elizabeth, the wife of George Vaughn, of Bur-
lington; Margaret, the deceased wife of Stephen Courtwright; Ed-
ward, a farmer of Fairfield; Thomas U., living in Kansas; Carson
J., of Augusta township; Frank B., of Burlington; and Mrs. Hattie
J. Boland, of Memphis, Tennessee. Mr. and Mrs. Magel have
two sons. George Seibert, the elder, occupies his grandfather's home-
stead. He married Miss Emma Grothe, who died leaving one child,
Kenneth Howard, and since losing his first wife he has married
Mamie Lyman. John Clarence, the younger son, resides upon his
father's farm. He married Miss Rosa Ihrer and they have a daugh-
ter, Frances Louise.
Mr. Magel is a democrat, but the honors and emoluments of
office have had no attraction for him, as he has always preferred to
devote his attention to his business affairs. He served, however, as
school treasurer for fifteen years, occupying that position until his re-
moval to the city. He and his wife are members of the First Meth-
odist Episcopal church and have guided their lives by its teachings.
He has a wide acquaintance in this county, where he has always
lived, and the number of his friends indicates that his life has been
at all times an honorable and upright one.
ARNOLD C. ITA.
Arnold C. Ita is manager and treasurer of the Embalming Burial
Case Company, one of the extensive business enterprises of Burling-
ton. He has been identified with this business since early manhood
and his efforts have been an element in the continued growth of the
enterprise. Much of his life has been passed in Burlington. He is
a son of Ulrich Ita, who is president of the company and who was
born in Stamheim, Switzerland, as was the grandfather, Melchoir
Ita, who for eighteen years ran a government stage between Stam-
heim and Frauenfeld. Melchoir Ita died in 1859, while his wife.
THE NEW YORK
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:J
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 123
who bore the maiden name of iMargaret Marthalcr, passed away in
1862.
I'lrich Ita was educated in the schools of his native city and after-
ward served a two and a half years' apprenticeship at the cabinet-
maker's trade. He worked for four years as a journeyman in Swit-
zerland and in France and in 1868 crossed the Atlantic to the United
States. The same year he became a resident of Burlington and for
about four years worked at the carpenter's trade. Advancing along
business lines, he became foreman of the Daniel Winters planing mill
and after five years spent in that connection he became associated with
Robert WoU in the furniture manufacturing business under the style
of Wolf & Ita. For a number of years the business was successfully
conducted, but the health of Mr. Ita became so impaired that he sold
out to Mr. Wolf, returning to Europe in the hope that the change
of climate would prove beneficial. He was not disappointed and
in 1 88 1 he returned to America, his health fully restored. At that
time he became a stockholder in the Embalming Burial Case Com-
pany, which had been organized in 1876. He assumed the manage-
ment of the business and on the death of Dr. Bailey was elected presi-
dent, in which connection he still continues.
In 1873 Ulrich Ita was united in marriage to Miss Julia Shupert,
who died in 1874, leaving a son, Ulrich Ita, who is now in Chatta-
nooga, Tennessee. In 1876 Mr. Ita married Miss Carolina Berg-
man, of Burlington, and they became parents of four children, Helen,
Arnold C, Godfried J. and Walter H. The parents are members of
the Zion Evangelical church, in which they are actively interested,
and Mr. Ita is also a member of Excelsior Lodge, I. O. O. F. Aside
from his connection with the Embalming Burial Case Company he
is a stockholder and a director in the German-American Savings
Bank.
Arnold C. Ita, who is now treasurer and manager of the Embalm-
ing Burial Case Company, was born in Burlington in 1879 and, like
the other children of the family, was given excellent educational
privileges. He attended the public schools and subsequently became
a student in Elliott's Business College, and after thus qualifying for
the practical and responsible duties of life he became connected
with the business of which his father was the president. This busi-
ness was organized in 1876 for the building of patent metallic cas-
kets and in 1880 the company broadened the scope of its activities by
beginning the manufacture of all kinds of undertakers' supplies. Two
years later Ulrich Ita, as previously stated, purchased an interest
in the business, of which Dr. H. B. Bailey was then president. The
124 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
latter continued in his office until liis death in 1886, when he was
succeeded by Ulrich Ita, who still remains at the head of the com-
pany, while Arnold C. Ita is now manager and treasurer, with God-
fried J. Ita as secretary. The business has enjoyed a very substan-
tial and gratifying growth, their annual sales being now three times
as large as they were in 1890. The firm today employs about fifty
people, all skilled workmen, and they also have a number of travel-
ing salesmen upon the road. The factory has a frontage of two hun-
dred feet at No. 1105 Agency street. There is a four-story brick
warehouse fifty by one hundred and twenty feet, a brick machinery
building and engine room one hundred and sixty by sixty feet, a
frame drying house eighteen by forty feet, and a lumber shed fifty
by sixty feet. Steam power is used and the company specializes in
cypress caskets of high quality. They are also jobbers for steel vaults
and other undertakers' supplies and their goods are sold between
Wyoming and Ohio, six traveling salesmen caring for the trade. This
is regarded as one of the substantial firms of the state. The business
methods of the house are thoroughly reliable, and it is a recognized
fact that the name of Ita is synonymous with progressive methods
and honorable dealing. The enterprise, capability and determina-
tion which have characterized the father are manifest as well in the
sons and the representatives of the two generations occupy a promi-
nent position in the commercial and manufacturing circles of Bur-
lington.
COLONEL H. B. SCOTT.
Colonel H. B. Scott, whose title was worthily won by service in
the Civil war, has been a resident of Burlington since about 1868,
and throughout practically the entire period has been connected with
the landed interests of what is now the Perkins estate, his services
having been called into requisition in this connection by Charles E.
Perkins, then president of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Rail-
road Company. He was born in Peru, Indiana, on the 15th of
March, 1839, and is a son of Benjamin Homans and Sarah (Carlisle)
Scott. The father, who was born in Boston and was descended from
French-Huguenot ancestry, served his country as a soldier in the
War of 1812. One of his great-uncles was killed in the Revolution-
ary war at the battle of Bunker Hill. Benjamin H. Scott became a
clerk of the court in Miami county, Indiana, being the first to fill
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 125
th;U position, and he was otherwise identified with the pioneer devel-
opment of that section of the state. In his later years he returned to
the east, spending his last days in Framingham, Massachusetts. His
wife was a descendant of the well-known Chase family, to which be-
longed Rev. Josiah Chase, of Kittery, Maine, and she has long since
passed away, her death having occurred in 1841.
Colonel Scott, of this review, was but two years of age at the
time of his mother's demise. The family returned to Massachusetts
and he was reared in that state, supplementing his public-school edu-
cation by a course at Harvard, from which he was graduated with
the class of i860. He then took up the study of law, but ere fully
qualifying for the bar joined the army, for the country had become
involved in civil war. In January, 1862, he was appointed second
lieutenant of Company F, Second Massachusetts Regiment, and in
July of the same year was advanced to the rank of captain and
assistant adjutant-general of the Third Brigade, First Division, of
General N. P. Banks' Army Corps. At different times he served
on the stafTof General Gordon, General Butler and General E. O. C.
Orde, and on the i8th of January, 1865, he was appointed major of
the Fourth Massachusetts Cavalry. On the 31st of March of the
same year he was brevetted lieutenant-colonel in recognition of dis-
tinguished service on the field, and on the 25th of April of the same
year was promoted to the rank of lieutenant-colonel of the Fourth
Massachusetts Cavalry, with which he remained until honorably dis-
charged and mustered out on the 14th of November, 1865. His
service was ofttimes of a most difficult, arduous and delicate char-
acter. He participated in a number of hotly-contested engagements
and was wounded at the battle of Chancellorsville. He returned
home with a most creditable military record and has every reason
to be proud of this chapter in his life history.
After the war Colonel Scott went to Florida, where he engaged
in the raising of cotton for three years, and on the expiration of that
period made his way to Burlington, Iowa, where he has since main-
tained his residence, being numbered among the valued citizens of
Des Moines county for a period of forty-six years. He entered the
employ of Charles E. Perkins, president of the Burlington Railroad,
in a most responsible connection, having charge of his landed in-
terests, which he has carefully managed throughout all of the inter-
vening period to the present time, displaying therein marked busi-
ness abilit\% sound judgment and keen sagacity.
On the 20th of June, 1872, Colonel Scott was united in marriage
to Miss Leonora Cranch, of New York city, and they have become
126 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
the parents of seven children; George Cranch, who is engaged in
the brokerage business in Boston; Henry Russell, a member of the
bar of Boston; Sarah Carlisle, at home; Richard Gordon, who is
engaged in farming near Portland, Oregon; Christopher P., who is
conducting an electrical business at Portland, Oregon; Elizabeth, at
home; and Margaret, the wife of Edward Lincoln, a civil engineer of
Portland, Maine.
Colonel Scott gives his political allegiance to the republican
party, which he has stanchly supported since age conferred upon
him the right of franchise, casting his first presidential ballot for
Abraham Lincoln in i860. He is a member of the Loyal Legion
and of the Unitarian church. His has been an active, useful and
honorable life, characterized at every point by the same loyalty and
fidelity which he displayed when he followed the nation's starry
banner upon the battlefields of the south.
H. F. STEINLE, M. D.
A liberal education and hospital practice qualified Dr. H. F.
Steinle for his professional service in Burlington, where he located
in the fall of 1891. He has since been an active member of the pro-
fession here and has specialized in general surgery. He was born
in Galena, Illinois, on the 9th of April, 1867, and is a son of William
and Katherine (Schier) Steinle. The father was a miner, active in
the development of the Galena deposits in northwestern Illinois.
Dr. Steinle attended the public schools of his native city and also
of California, to which state the family removed in 1877, when he
was a lad of ten years. Subsequently he became a pupil in St. Igna-
tius College at San Francisco, and having determined upon the prac-
tice of medicine as a life work, he entered Gross Medical College,
the medical department of the Rocky Mountain University, from
which he was graduated in 1890. Not content with the preparation
that he had thus far made, he took a post-graduate course in the
Policlinic, of Chicago. He did interne work in the Union Pacific
Hospital at Denver, and also in the county hospital there, thus
greatly promoting his skill and efficiency by reason of the broad
experience that can only be gained in hospital practice. For a brief
time he was connected professionally with a mining company at
Silver City, Colorado. In the fall of 1891 he came to Burlington,
where he has since remained. Opening an office, his share of the
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 127
public patronage has come to him in large measure, for it was not
long before he had demonstrated his skill and ability in solving
many intricate professional problems. He specializes in general
surgery and at all times keeps in touch with the advanced scientific
methods of handling intricate and delicate surgical work. His suc-
cess has as its foundation a comprehensive knowledge of anatomy
and the component parts of the human body, and, moreover, he
recognizes the ravages of disease, whether coming as a legacy from
progenitors or incurred at the present hour. He is calm and quiet
in an emergency and a cool head and steady nerves are elements in
his success in surgical work.
In 1893 Dr. Steinle was united in marriage to Miss Barbara B.
Muckensturm, of Burlington, a daughter of Valentine and Kath-
erine Muckensturm, who were pioneer settlers of this city. The
father was a cooper and followed his trade for many years. Dr.
Steinle and his wife have one son, George H., who is now a medical
student in the St. Louis University medical school. The parents
hold membership in St. Paul's Catholic church, and Dr. Steinle
also has membership with the Knights of Columbus, the Elks, the
Eagles, and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In politics he
is a democrat, but the only office that he has sought or held has been
in the strict path of his profession. In 1895 he was elected health
officer and city physician for a term of two years, and was again
chosen for that office in 1899, serving until 1901. He is now city
police surgeon. He has the faculty of inspiring confidence in his pa-
tients and his presence seems to carry encouragement with it. He
has high ideals concerning his profession and has made every pos-
sible effort to acquaint himself with the most valuable and modern
scientific methods.
CARL AUGUST ANDERSON.
For a third of a century Carl August Anderson has been a resident
of Burlington and in the intervening years has graduallv worked his
way upward until he stands as one of the leading general contractors
of the city. He deserves much credit for what he has accomplished
bv reason of his close application, his thorough reliabilitv and the
intelligent direction of his activities.
He was born in Westergotland, Sweden, January 1 1;, 1857, a son
of A. Johnson and Johanna (Anderson) Anderson. His father, also
128 HISTORY OF DBS MOINES COUNTY
a native of Westergotland. born in 1821, was a cabinetmaker by trade
and spent his entire life in Sweden, where he passed away in 1909.
His wife, who was born in Westergotland in 1823, died in 1906.
They were the parents of four children: Amelia, who came to
America in 1893 ^^id is now the wife of C. J. Ostrin, of Salem, Ore-
gon; John, who died in Sweden; and Carl August and A. Anderson,
who both came to the new world, the former in 188 1 and the latter in
1883, and live in Burlington.
Carl A. Anderson attended the public schools of his native place
until he had graduated and later was a student in a polytechnic school
in Stockholm, in which city he lived for seven years. When his text-
books were put aside he took up the trade of cabinetmaking under his
father and afterward was employed in various factories and on dif-
ferent buildings in Stockholm. In addition to cabinetmaking he
learned carpentering and became an expert workman in both lines.
He also occupied a position in Sweden which afforded him a great
deal of mill experience, which he has since found to be exceedingly
valuable to him.
While Mr. Anderson advanced steadily in business in his native
country he felt that there were still better advantages to be enjoyed in
the United States and accordingly in 1881 he sailed for the new world,
arriving at Boston in November of that year. He at once crossed the
country to Burlington and during the intervening period, covering a
third of a century, has made his home in this city, where he is today
known as one of the leading contractors. He entered the employ of
the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company in the con-
struction of their shops and later was employed by various
contractors, during which period he was gaining a knowledge of con-
ditions in relation to the builder's trade in /America. He began con-
tracting on his own account in 1891 and stands today in a prominent
position among the builders and contractors of the city. He has re-
ceived contracts for the erection of a number of notable public build-
ings as well as others of individual ownership. He erected the county
poor farm building at a cost of fourteen thousand dollars for the con-
tract work, the county furnishing the material, and later, when it
burned down, he erected the present building at a cost of seventeen
thousand dollars. He built the Lincoln school at a cost of sixteen
thousand dollars and has built churches and many other important
edifices in the city. He was also the builder of large churches in
Monmouth and Galesburg, Illinois, and a school in La Harpe, Illi-
nois, and has also erected a large number of the fine homes in Bur-
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 129
lington. Me erected his own residence in 1894 ^"^^ '""^ owns a number
of other buildings, which he rents.
On the 9th of June, 1882, Mr. Anderson was united in marriage
to Miss Emma Louise Larson, who was born in Sweden in i860 and
died in 1890. To Mr. and Mrs. Anderson were born three children,
all born in Burlington. Hulda is now the wife of Anthony C. lugen-
heimer, of Burlington, and they have a daughter, Virginia Louise
Charlotte, seven years of age. David Gordon, a contractor and
builder of Burlington, married Hortense Richter and they have a
son, Gordon Richter, four years of age. Ruth is the wife of Albert
J. Grulke, who is engaged in the clothing business in Atlantic, Iowa.
They have a son, Carl Albert, a year old. Mrs. Anderson was a mem-
ber of the Swedish Baptist church and a lady of many good qualities,
so that her death was deeply regretted.
On the 17th of June, 1896, Mr. Anderson married again, his sec-
ond union being with Miss Bothilda Johnson, who was born at Skone,
Sweden, January 27, 1868, a daughter of Bengt and Inga (Bengtson)
Johnson. Her father was born in Sweden about 1831 and died in
1871. The mother's birth occurred in Sweden in 183 1 and she passed
away in the same country in 1910. They were the parents of five chil-
dren, of whom Mrs. Anderson came to America in 1893 and her
sister, Sigrid, in 1896. The latter married Charles Helander, of
Illinois. To Mr. and Mrs. Anderson three children have been born.
Anna Lydia, who was born October 1 1, 1897, is attending high school.
Eva Virginia, born April 4, 1902, and Howard Carl, born July 18,
1906, are also in school.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Anderson hold membership in the Swedish
Baptist church and are much interested in its work and upbuilding.
Mr. Anderson is now serving as church treasurer, is deacon of the
church and for a number of years has been a teacher in the Sunday
school and is now superintendent, doing all in his power to further
the cause and advance the interests of the organization. They have
a beautiful home in Burlington and although Mr. Anderson came to
America in very moderate financial circumstances, he has steadily
worked his way upward and through his industry, capability and
fidelity to his contracts has won a liberal patronage that now supplies
him with all of the comforts of life. He no longer finds it necessary
to do actual work in the execution of his contracts but still gives per-
sonal direction to the labors of those in his employ. In 1912 he and
his wife returned to Sweden, spending three months in the land of
their birth, renewing the acquaintances of youth and winning many
new friends. Their Burlington home is a hospitable one whose good
130 HISTORY OF DBS MOINES COUNTY
cheer is greatly enjoyed by those who know them. Mr. Anderson is
genial, cordial and always approachable, and his social qualities have
won him personal popularity.
HON. AUGUST H. KUHLEMEIER.
The Hon. August H. Kuhlemeier, of Burlington, Iowa, was well
known in insurance circles of the state as president of the Merchants
Life Association of Burlington, at the head of which he served until
he passed away on November 2, 1903. He took an important part
in the public life of his city and state, serving upon the school board
and in the legislature, and by presidential appointment he also held
the office of collector of internal revenue for some time.
Mr. Kuhlemeier was born in Lippe-Detmold, Germany, De-
cember 10, 1846, and in 1853 came with his parents to the United
States, the family settling in Freeport, Illinois. There our subject
attended school, and after discontinuing his lessons became a clerk
in a dry goods store. He continued in that line for about six years
and then entered the employ of the German Insurance Company of
Freeport as agent. He seemed to be particularly adapted for this
line of business and soon became so successful that four years later
he was appointed general agent for the states of Iowa, Nebraska and
the Dakotas, building up a highly profitable business in this terri-
tory. In 1870 Mr. Kuhlemeier came to Burlington, Iowa, and en-
gaged in business at the corner of Valley and Main streets, in part-
nership with F. E. Hoffmann and I. M. Chrissinger. A few years
later he acquired the interests of his associates and continued the
business alone until 1885, when he sold out to George A. Duncan
upon being appointed internal revenue collector for the fourth Iowa
district. In 1889, at the expiration of his term, Mr. Kuhlemeier
organized the Merchants Life Association of Burlington, of which
he became the president, in which capacity he remained until he
passed away on November 2, 1903. Under his able management
the Merchants Life Association became one of the foremost insur-
ance companies that have their home offices in, this state. Much of
its success must be ascribed to the activities of Mr. Kuhlemeier, who
combined an aggressive business policy with long years of experi-
ence in insurance work. He was one of the foremost business men of
Burlington, not only interested in commercial affairs, but well
HON. AUGUST II. KUHLEMKIER
HISTORY OF DKS MOINES COUNTY 133
known in public, political and social circles. He was esteemed for
his high (]ualities of character.
In Charles City, Iowa, Mr. Kuhlemeier was married June 13,
1872, to Miss Lena Cramer, a native of Germany, and they had three
sons, Frederick J., August R. and Henry F., all of whom are well
known residents of Burlington.
Mr. Kuhlemeier gave his stanch support to the democratic partv.
In 1878-79 he represented the sixth ward in the city council and
later was elected to the lower house of the state legislature. He ably
represented the interests of his constituency and his name was con-
nected with much important legislation that came to fruition while
he was a member of the house. From 1885 to 1889, under the admin-
istration of President Cleveland, Mr. Kuhlemeier served as collector
of internal revenue for the fourth district of Iowa. He made an ex-
cellent record and earned high commendation from the Washing-
ton department. After returning to private life Mr. Ivuhlemeier did
valuable work as a member of the city school board, having always
been interested in the cause of education. During his later vears
he retired more and more from public affairs and spent much of his
leisure time out of doors. He was a true sportsman and was con-
sidered an expert with rod and gun. In that connection he was well
known as a member of the Crystal Lake Club, of which he was one
of the organizers and served as a member of its board until his death.
Along fraternal lines he belonged to Harmonia Lodge, No. 209,
I. O. O. F., and to the Ancient Order of United Workmen. His
religious faith was that of the German Lutheran church, of which
he was a member. During his long years of residence in Burlington,
Mr. Kuhlemeier had a beneficial influence upon the business, intel-
lectual and moral life of the city, and his memory is venerated bv his
many friends as that of a man who in an unselfish way did much
for the public welfare.
WASHINGTON DALLAM GILBERT.
Washington Dallam Gilbert was numbered among those enter-
prising and progressive men who made Burlington one of the cen-
ters of the lumber trade of the middle west. He also contributed to
the upbuilding and development of the city through the building
and sale ni homes. His well-defined plans were always carried for-
134 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
ward to successful completion and his efforts were of a character
that contributed to public progress, as well as to individual success.
He was a representative of an old southern family, being a
grandson of Samuel Gilbert, who removed from Virginia to Ken-
tucky, where he owned a large tobacco plantation, which he culti-
vated with the aid of slaves, who were also a part of his possessions.
However, he became convinced that the system of holding human
beings in bondage was wrong, and therefore freed all of his slaves,
but old Mammy Ailsie, who refused her freedom and remained to
nurse her master through his last sickness. His son, Samuel Gilbert,
Jr., was born in Kentucky and in early manhood wedded Philotheta
Parker, whose birth occurred in New York, in 1798. She was a
representative of an old American family, and in still earlier genera-
tions, of English ancestry, being a lineal descendant of the Parker
earls, of Macclesfield. The first to leave England to become the
American progenitor of the family settled in Massachusetts about
1645, with his family, and when an Indian massacre occurred, to
which the parents were victims, the children escaped by hiding in the
grass. The youngest son, Samuel Parker, after reaching adult age, re-
moved to Coventry, Connecticut, and there lived to the remarkable
age of one hundred and six years. He built the first house and barn
in Coventry and was the first deacon in the first Congregational
church there. One of his descendants, Samuel Parker, the father of
Mrs, Philotheta Gilbert, was a soldier in the War of 18 12 and a
pioneer citizen of Louisville, Kentucky, having left New York in a
covered wagon and driving across the country to Louisville. At
that time his daughter was a girl of thirteen summers. They re-
mained in Kentucky until after her marriage. After reaching
womanhood she became the wife of Samuel Gilbert, Jr., and in 1827
they became residents of Galena, Illinois. Afterward they lived for
two vears in Cassville, Wisconsin, and subsequently started for
Prairie du Chien, then one of the outposts on the western frontier
and the site of Fort Crawford. The pioneers of that district mingled
freely with the Indians of the Sac, Fox, Winnebago and Menominee
tribes. Mr. Gilbert was one of the pioneer lumbermen in the upper
country and his operations along that line constituted an element in
the development and prosperity of the state. About 1845 he left
Prairie du Chien and established the family home at Albany, Illinois.
W. Dallam Gilbert was born at Cassville, Crawford county, Wis-
consin, in February, 1829, while his parents were en route to Prairie
du Chien. In the latter place he spent sixteen years and during that
period pursued his education under private instruction. In 1845 he
HISTORY OF DKS AIOIXES COUNTY 135
went with the family to Albany, Illinois, and about that time made
his initial step in the business world by taking a raft of logs down
the river to Fort Madison, where he sold the logs for his father. His
early connection with mercantile life was as a clerk in the employ
of the Nelson & Gilbert Company at Wilson's Landing, Wisconsin.
He was nineteen years of age when he embarked in business on his
own account, joining his brother in the purchase of a lumber mill at
Eau Claire, Wisconsin. From that period he was closely connected
with the lumber trade, operating in his native state until 1851, when
he removed to Burlington and entered into partnership with John
W. Gilbert. They established a lumberyard and as the years passed
found it necessary to increase their facilities from time to time. Not
onlv did they sell the manufactured product, but also became owners
of timber lands and engaged in the manufacture of lumber, building
up a business of extensive and gratifying proportions. Mr. Gilbert
became an extensive dealer in pine lands and operated mills in both
Minnesota and Wisconsin, and a boom company in the state of Wash-
ington, where he also owned extensive pineries. As he prospered in
his undertakings he utilized his opportunities for judicious invest-
ment in real estate and became the owner of much valuable property
in Burlington. He laid out two additions to the city, which bear his
name. A contemporary biographer says: "Mr. Gilbert and his
business associates probably did more toward the upbuilding and
development of Burlington than any other individual or corporation.
He erected many houses which he sold on easy terms, thus adding
to the material improvement of the city and making possible the
ownership of homes to many men in moderate financial circum-
stances."
Aside from his lumber and real-estate interests, Mr. Gilbert ex-
tended his eftorts to banking and became one of the officials of the
German-American Savings Bank, and one of the directors of the
Merchants National Bank of Burlington. It seemed that his judg-
ment in business matters was never at fault. His opinions were never
hastily formed or ill-advised, but were the result of careful considera-
tion of each phase of a business situation. When once his plans were
formulated, however, they were promptly executed and carried for-
ward to successful completion. To build up rather than to destroy
was ever his broad policy, and his path was never strewn with the
wreck of other men's fortunes.
In 1859 Mr. Gilbert was united in marriage to Miss Hetta Wells
Merrill, who was born in Plymouth, New Hampshire, in 1835 and
was descended from a long line of Puritan ancestors. The records
136 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
indicate that the line can be traced back to the Du Merles, a Hugue-
not family of the nobility of France. The Du Merle family and
the Merrill family sprang from the same source, the former having
lived in France and the latter in Salisbury, England. Their rela-
tionship is undisputed from the fact that fhey have the same crest.
The only change was when, on the eve of the massacre of St. Bar-
tholomew, representatives of the family went to England, the fleur-
de-lis of France was erased from the shield and the peacock head
substituted, but the crest remained the same, as did the motto, "He
conquers who endures." The Merrill family in time became con-
nected with the faith of the Society of Friends, or Quakers, and
Nathaniel Merrill, emigrating from England, settled in Ipswich,
Massachusetts, in 1633, aiid two years later became one of the
founders and pioneer residents of old Newbury. Stevens Merrill,
the father of Mrs. Hetta (Merrill) Gilbert, was a merchant of
Boston, and in 1829 went to Mobile, Alabama, to market lumber
and to manage a sawmill. He lived at Boston, and at Plymouth,
New Hampshire. He was among those who went to the gold mines
of California in 1849. He came from Boston to Burlington and here
purchased the home now owned by his granddaughter, Mrs. Cate
Gilbert Wells. The house is known as Hickory Hill and a part of
it was built sixty-five years ago. Stevens Merrill was united in mar-
riage to Mehetabel Worthley Wells and it was their daughter, Hetta
Wells Merrill, who became the wife of Washington Dallam Gilbert.
She was born in Plymouth, New Hampshire, and at seven years of
age accompanied her parents to Boston, to make her home. Mrs.
Gilbert was educated at Bradford and other New England schools
and seminaries, and at one time lived in the old Merrill homestead,
just opposite the Longfellow house in Cambridge. She was a lady
of broad culture and marked literary taste.
Washington Dallam Gilbert died April 16, 1894, leaving to his
widow and daughter a large estate. He was a devoted member of
the Congregational church and was most generous in his support
thereof. He was also an exemplary representative of the Masonic
fraternity. His political allegiance was given to the republican
party and at one time he served as a member of the city council of
Burlington. He was defeated for mayor by the democrats. He
stood for all that is progressive in community affairs and gave his
support to those interests which are a matter of civic virtue and
civic pride. His life was indeed a valuable factor in the upbuilding
of Burlington along material, social, political and moral lines. He
had the active cooperation of Mrs. Gilbert in all that he did for the
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 137
benefit of his city and church, and, like him, she was a leader in the
comnnuiity. She was president of the Norman Circle of King's
Daughters for many years. Thus it is that the history of Mr. and
Mrs. Washington Dallam Gilbert has become an inseparable part
of the annals of Burlington, where, locating at an early day, they
took a most active, helpful and beneficial interest in the work of
progress and improvement.
WILLIAM CARSON.
An institution to which Burlington points with just pride is the
First National Bank, but with still greater pride she recites the his-
tory of its president, William Carson. Not alone in one field of
endeavor has he operated and carried his interests forward to suc-
cess, but along other lines of activity he has proven equally forceful
and resourceful. He is particularly well known in connection with
the lumber trade in the Mississippi valley and in the northwest.
What he has accomplished has represented the fit utilization of the
innate powers and talents which are his, and never at any time has
he deviated from the highest standards of justice in business dealings.
He has never taken advantage of the necessities of others, and there-
fore his path is not strewn with the wreck of others' fortunes. In a
word, his course has been guided by high standards of business in-
tegrity and honor, and thus it is that his life record reflects credit
upon the city in which he makes his home.
While an lowan by adoption, Mr. Carson is a native of Wis-
consin, his birth having occurred at Eau Galle, November 9, 1859,
his parents being William and Mary (Smith) Carson. The family
is of Scotch lineage and was founded in America by the grandfather,
William Carson, who was born near Glasgow, Scotland, and in that
country married a Miss Robertson. He afterward brought his wife
to the new world, settling at Inverness, Canada, his remaining days
being spent in that city and in Quebec. It was at Inverness that his
son, William Carson II, was born in 18 19. He was educated in the
schools of Quebec, and in his youthful days came to the United
States, making his way to St. Louis, Missouri. However, he went
to Wisconsin in 1838 and w-as a pioneer lumberman of that state, be-
coming interested in mills at various places, including Eau Galle,
Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls, and Rice Lake, while for some time he
138 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
was identified with the lumber business at Burlington in connection
with the late E. D. Rand. They were among the first to sell lumber
here and to promote lumber manufacturing in this city. The part-
nership continued until the death of Mr. Rand.
Mr. Carson passed away in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, at the ripe
old age of seventy-nine years. No special advantages were his at
the outset of his career, but he early learned the eternal principle
that industry wins, and industry became the beacon light of his life.
He added thereto perseverance and keen sagacity, and not a single
act of his business career sought disguise. His dealings were always
done in the open and the integrity of his methods was never ques-
tioned. As he prospered in the lumber trade he became also a factor
in financial circles, becoming identified with banking interests at
Eau Claire. He voted with the democratic party, yet was not a poli-
tician in the sense of office seeking. Outside of business he was per-
haps best known, however, as a philanthropist, and various benevo-
lent interests of the middle west benefited by his generositv, while
the number of individuals whom he assisted was almost limitless.
He was continually extending a helping hand, especially where he
saw on the part of the individual a willingness to help himself. He
judged men not by wealth, but by worth of character, and sought to
place before all the opportunity which would lead them into larger
and better surroundings. To him and his wife, who bore the maiden
name of Mary Smith, and whom he had wedded at Prairie du Chien,
there were born five daughters and a son. The mother passed away
in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, nine years prior to the death of her
husband.
William Carson, Burlington's well-known banker, began his edu-
cation in the public schools of his native town, and afterward studied
in Burlington and in St. Paul, Minnesota, completing a high-school
course. He next matriculated in Cornell University at Ithaca, New
York, where he remained for three years. His initial step in the
business world was made in connection with the lumber trade at
Burlington as an employe of the Burlington Lumber Company, in
which his father was interested. He did not depend upon parental
influence to secure him advancement, but won his promotion as other
young men did, and in due time became secretary of the company,
and later its vice president. The business was incorporated, and
William Carson contributed largely to the success of the enterprise,
which is now one of the mammoth manufacturing concerns of the
state, turning out twenty-five million feet of lumber annually, while
the plant covers an area of fifteen acres.
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 139
Mr. Carson also became a director of the Rand Lumber Corh-
pany, controlling one of the extensive enterprises of that character
on the river. He has voice in the management of other business con-
cerns because of his financial and official connections therewith,,
being vice president of the Rice Lake Company at Rice Lake, Wis-
consin; president of the Boise Payette Lumber Company, of Boise,
Idaho; vice president of the Cascade Lumber Company, of North
Yakima, Washington, and a director in other lumber companies.
After demonstrating his ability to handle important manufac-
turing interests and to control the financial side of a business he was
called to the presidency of the First National Bank of Burlington,
which is capitalized for one hundred thousand dollars and which has
recently celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. On that occasion the
bank issued an attractively engraved announcement card, one corner
of which was decorated with a spray of golden rod. On the card
appeared the words :
"April nineteenth, nineteen hundred and fourteen, marks our
fiftieth anniversary. Behind us we have fifty years of business
success — success due to the trust reposed in us by our patrons.
May we express to you our most sincere thanks for your con-
fidence and patronage, which have served us so well.
"First National Bank,
"Charter No. 351. Burlington, Iowa."
The bank's original charter was granted March 29, 1864, and on
the 19th of April of that year the institution opened its doors for
business at the southwest corner of Jefferson and North Third
streets, its officers being: Lyman Cook, president; and George C.
Lauman, cashier. These gentlemen, together with D. M. Ewing,
Erastus Chamberlin, J. L. Corse, Anthony Wayne Carpenter, M. S.
Foote, D. Denise and Joseph Norton, constituted the board of
directors. There has been comparatively little change in the per-
sonnel of the bank. Mr. Cook remained as president until his death,
October i, 1898, when he was succeeded by his son-in-law, William
Carson, the present incumbent, while W. P. Foster, the cashier, was
promoted to vice president. The first depositor of the bank was
Clark Marble, and four others made deposits on the same day. The
oldest of the accounts of the bank at present is that of the S. R. &
1. C. McConnell Company. It started in November, 1864, under
the name of James McConnell, father of Messrs. S. R. and I. C.
McConnell, president and vice president, respectively, of the present
corporation.
140 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
On the 4th of March, 1885, Mr. Carson was united in marriage
to Miss Louise Cook, a daughter of Lyman Cook, the first president
of the First National Bank of Burlington, and they have two daugh-
. ters, Dorothy and Louise. Mrs. Carson belongs to' the Congrega-
tional church, and Mr. Carson contributes liberally to its support.
He votes with the democratic party and neglects no duty of citizen-
ship, but has always preferred that his public service should be done
as a private citizen rather than as an officeholder. The highest suc-
cess can never be attained by one who does not find joy in his work.
This Mr. Carson has always done. It has been a pleasure to him to
solve business problems, and the more intricate the more readily
he has attacked them. He has ever carefully formulated his plans
and carried them forward to successful completion. Broadening
the scope of his activities year by year, he has long stood as one of
the foremost representatives of the lumber trade in the middle west,
and for an extended period has ranked with the leading bankers of
the upper Mississippi valley.
JAMES LYMAN EDWARDS.
Since 1885 James Lyman Edwards has been closely connected
with financial interests in Burlington and is today president of the
Merchants National Bank, which he entered in the position of gen-
eral bookkeeper. The steps in his orderly progression are easily dis-
cernible. The years have marked his constantly expanding powers
and he has wisely used his time and opportunities until he stands
today as one of the active and influential factors in banking circles
not only of the city, but of the state, his sound judgment enabling
him to solve many complex and intricate problems of finance. Iowa
claims him as a native son, his parents being Manasseh and Orra W.
(Hurd) Edwards, whose biography appears on another page in this
volume.
James Lyman Edwards was born in Morning Sun, October 2,
1864, and there at the usual age entered the public schools. He also
studied for a time in Wapello, Iowa, and after the removal of the
family to Burlington pursued a course in the Orchard City Business
College. Thus well equipped he entered upon a commercial career
in connection with the boot and shoe house of H. A. Brown & Com-
pany. After a brief period spent as bookkeeper he accepted a sim-
ilar position with the Burlington School Furniture Company, with
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JAIIES L. EDWARDS
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 143
which he was connected for two years. Removing to Red Oak, Iowa,
he became, a little later, an employe of the Red Oak National Bank,
with which he was connected until he came to Burlington on the
2ist of October to enter the Merchants National Bank of this city
as general bookkeeper. His identification with the institution con-
tinues to the present time, covering a period of almost three decades.
Advancement came to him on tiie 4th of October, 1897, when he was
made cashier, remaining continuously in that position for about seven
years, or until April 28, 1904, when he was chosen president, being
the youngest bank president in Iowa having control of a moneyed
institution of such extent and importance as the Merchants National
Bank of Burlington. Since chosen cashier he has been active in for-
mulating its policy and has ever recognized the fact that the bank
which is m(jst worthy of patronage is that which most carefully safe-
guards the interests of its depositors. He has ever tempered pro-
gressiveness bv a safe conservatism, and no feature of the banking
business has been neglected. He has also become interested in other
banking institutions of the middle west and was one of the promoters
and upbuilders of the First National Bank of Dallas City, Illinois,
in which he is still a director. He is president of the Iowa State
Bankers Association and served on the executive council of the Amer-
ican Bankers Association from 1905 to 1908.
Mr. Edwards belongs to the First Presbyterian church of Bur-
lington and to Malta Lodge, No. 318, F. & A. M. He is also con-
nected with the Commercial Exchange of the city and he votes with
the republican party. All through his life he has accomplished what
he has undertaken, and obstacles and difficulties in his path have but
served as an impetus for renewed effort. When energy and ambi-
tion lead the way the path becomes clear and the goal of success will
ultimately be reached. These facts J. Lyman Edwards recognized
at the outset of his career and he has ever cultivated those qualities
which are of the greatest force and elTect in business.
WILLIAM FREDERICK DANNIES.
William Frederick Dannies is a contractor and builder of Bur-
lington, and by the consensus of public opinion is regarded as
one of the foremost in his line in the city. It is an old and trite
saying that there is always room at the top, but if there were a
144 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
keener appreciation of this statement it might serve to stimulate the
efforts of those men dependent upon their own resources for advance-
ment. It has been industry and close application that have brought
Mr. Dannies to his present position, where a liberal patronage is
accorded him and where his reputation has gained for him a place
in the very front rank of the contractors and builders of the citv.
He was born in Prussia, Germany, February 23, i860, a son of
Frederick and Mary (Schachel) Dannies. The father was born in
Germany in 1818 and came to America in 1871, bringing his family
direct to Burlington, Iowa. He was a farmer by occupation, and,
following his arrival in Des Moines county, remained a resident of
Augusta township until his death, which occurred in July, 1899. His
wife, who was born in Germany in 1832, passed away in 1890. They
were the parents of four children: William Frederick; Adolph,
now a resident of Colorado; Louis, deceased; and Louisa, a twin of
Louis and the wife of William Madlener, living on the old home-
stead in Augusta township.
William F. Dannies attended school in Germany and also in
Augusta township, where he arrived when a youth of eleven years.
He later pursued a course in Elliott's Business College at Bur-
lington, and in early life he was employed on various farms, but his
natural mechanical genius sought expression and he began work at
the stonecutter's trade, which he followed for two years. He next
took up the carpenter's trade, which he learned under A. M. Ziegler,
entering his employ in 1884. He worked in and around Augusta
until about twenty-six years ago, when he began contracting on his
own account and removed to Burlington in 1897. Here he built his
present beautiful residence, an excellent expression of the modern
style of architecture, in which is combined beauty, utility and con-
venience. He now does general contract work in building, and
erected the store of S. R. & I. C. McConnell, the United Presby-
terian church, the Christian church, the Northwestern cabinet fac-
tory, the Prospect fire station and many private homes in and near
Burlington. He possesses expert mechanical knowledge and skill
and is thus able to direct the efforts of those whom he employs. His
patronage is now extensive, and his business is bringing to him a
gratifying financial return annually. His standing in the line of his
chosen profession is indicated in the fact that he was elected presi-
dent of the Builders and Contractors Association in January, 1905,
and has also been vice president of the General Mechanics Associa-
tion. His work is ever of the best, his judgment is reliable, and in
all his business dealings he is found thoroughly trustworthy. He
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 145
makes it a point to promptly till his contracts, and never promotes
his profits by using inferior materials.
On the 13th of January, 1897, Mr. Dannies was united in mar-
riage to Miss Tillie Hohl, who was born in Burlington in 1866, a
daughter of Jacob and Dorothy (W'ehman) Hohl. The Hohls
are an old and highly respected German family of Burlington. Her
grandparents came to this city at a very early day and located on what
is known as South Hill when there were only three houses on the
hill. Her father was a native of Germany, born in 1831, and when
a boy he came to the new world, settling in this city, where he con-
ducted business as a gardener. Mrs. Hohl was born in Germany
in 1840 and passed away in 1899, while Mr. Hohl departed this life
in May, 1900. In their family were si.\ children: Emma, the wife
of P. J. Paule, of Burlington; John, also of this city; Tillie, now
Mrs. Dannies; Edward and Clara, both of Burlington; and William,
deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Dannies are the parents of three children:
Emily M., who was born November 25, 1897, and is now attending
high school; Clara D., born January 2, 1900, also a high-school
pupil; and Edward F., born August 6, 1902.
Mr. and Mrs. Dannies belong to the Evangelical Zion church,
of which he is treasurer and one of the directors at the present time.
He gives his political allegiance to the republican party but is not an
office seeker. He attributes not a little of his success to the aid and
encouragement of his wife. In business he has worked his way stead-
ily upward and is the architect and builder of his own fortune as well
as of many of the fine structures of Burlington. He stands for prog-
ress and improvement in matters of citizenship and gives his support
to many measures for the general good.
HON. CHARLES ELLIOTT PERKINS.
Not by leaps and bounds but through the steps of an orderly pro-
gression Charles Elliott Perkins advanced from a humble clerkship
to the presidency of one of the chief railroads of the middle west
and as a capitalist he controlled various interests which had an im-
portant bearing upon the financial history of the Mississippi valley.
He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, November 24, 1840, a son of
James Handasyd and Sarah Hart (Elliott) Perkins, and died in
Wcstwood, Massachusetts, November 8, 1907. His education was
acquired in Boston, Massachusetts, and he made his initial step in
146 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
the business world as a clerk. In 1859 he occupied a clerical position
in the office of the assistant treasurer of the Burlington & Missouri
River Railroad Company in Iowa and thus entered upon a railroad
career which was eventually to bring him to a position of distinction
among the railroad magnates of the country. Ability brought him to
the front and in i860 he was made assistant treasurer of the Burling-
ton & Missouri River Railroad Company. Five years later he was
advanced to the superintendency of the road and in 1872 was elected
vice president and director of the same road in Nebraska. His iden-
tification with the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad began in
1876, when he was elected vice president and director. Five years
spent in the second office of the company brought him to the presi-
dency in 1 88 1 and for twenty years he continued as the chief execu-
tive head of that corporation, resigning as president in 1901. His
name is written large upon the pages of the history of railroad
development in the middle west. He constantly extended the line
of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, improved the
service and, bending his energies to administrative direction and
executive control, made it one of the leading railroads of the
Mississippi valley with ' important connections with other lines.
His investments are indicated somewhat in the fact that he was a
director of the First National Bank, the Iowa State Savings Bank
and the National State Bank, all of Burlington. He was also a
trustee of the George M. Pullman Foundation.
On the 22d of September, 1864, at Milton, Massachusetts, Mr.
Perkins was united in marriage to Miss Edith Forbes, a daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Forbes. Mr. and Mrs. Perkins became the
parents of the following children: Robert F., who married Miss
Evelyn Gray; Alice Forbes, now Mrs. William Hooper; Edith
Forbes, who is the wife of Edward Cunningham; Margaret Forbes,
who married George T. Rice; Charles E., who married Miss Leita
Amory; and Mary Russell.
There was a time when the cheap politician and the sensational
newspaper made the term big business almost synonymous with the
term bad business in the popular mind, but in verification of the
statement of Abraham Lincoln that "You can't fool all of the people
all of the time," the public awakened to the fact that the popular
belief could not be substantiated. "In union there is strength" and
studied from the standpoint of economics it is seen that the most ef-
fective and valuable results are attained in a concentration of efifort,
cooperation and a systematization of related interests. The far-
sighted business man, the one who becomes a real leader in the work
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 147
of upbuilding and progress, has fully demonstrated the truth of these
statements with the result that some of the most beneficial business
enterprises of the country have been formulated and promoted and
their worth is today an accepted fact. Among those who have been
leaders in this work with its far-reaching influences is Charles Elliott
Perkins and Iowa has been one of the direct beneficiaries of his labors.
JOHN WEBSTER GILBERT.
For many years the late John Webster Gilbert was prominent in
the lumber industry in the state of Iowa as the senior member of the
firm of Gilbert, Hedge & Company. In his early youth he began
his career as a lumberman and by his energy and ability rose to a
position which made him one of the most influential men in that line
of business. Moreover, Mr. Gilbert was connected with other im-
portant industrial and financial concerns of Burlington, to the build-
ing of which he contributed in yet another way by the erection of the
Gilbert block. He was always a force for development and advance-
ment and while attaining individual success did much for the public
welfare.
Mr. Gilbert was born near Louisville, Kentucky, December lo,
1824, and died in Burlington, Iowa, January 16, 1897, his death
bringing sorrow to many homes, for he had many friends in this
section of the state. He was a son of Samuel and Philotheta (Par-
ker) Gilbert, who in 1825 removed to Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin,
where the father operated a sawmill in the pine woods at Menom-
onie.
John W. Gilbert acquired his education in the public schools of
Prairie du Chien and when yet a boy spent much of his time in the
mills which were operated by his father. After completing his
school course he became his father's active assistant and so continued!
until he reached his majority, gaining a wide and valuable knowl-
edge of the manufacture of timber. About that time he became a
pilot on the river, taking rafts down the Mississippi to Burlington,
St. Louis and other points. This was in the days before steam naviga-
tion and rafting played a most important part in the lumber business.
The year 1851 marked Mr. Gilbert's arrival in Burlington, where
in partnership with his brother, W. D. Gilbert, he established one
of the most important lumber enterprises of the city, operating under
the name of J. W. & W. D. Gilbert. Their yard was located at
U8 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
Eighth and Jefiferson streets and this company and its successors have
continued its principal offices and yard at that location to this date.
The lumberyard was laid out by Mr. Gilbert according to his own
plans and the site was selected by him as the most advantageous posi-
tion in regard to river and rail connections. Thus early he gave
evidence of his rare business acumen and the enterprise was a success
from the beginning and grew to proportions which had not been fore-
seen by its founder. Some time after the formation of the new firm
a third brother, James Isham Gilbert, joined the firm and later
Thomas Hedge also became a partner, the style then being changed
to that of Gilbert, Hedge & Company. They branched out into
various lines of the lumber industry, from owning valuable timber
lands in the north woods to managing branch retail yards in various
cities and towns of the Mississippi valley. The firm became a power
in the industrial world of the state and in the history of Burlington
played a most important role. Their connections extended all over
the state and their operations grew so constantly that the partners
soon were accounted among the wealthy men of Burlington. John
W. Gilbert was actively connected with the business until his death.
Since then his place has been taken by his son, Samuel P. Gilbert,
while Mr. Hedge has been succeeded by his son, the Hon. Thomas
Hedge. Mr. Gilbert, Jr., now holds the position of secretary and
treasurer of the company.
John W. Gilbert had many other business and financial associa-
tions. He was a director and vice president of the German-Ameri-
can Bank and was also interested in the Glazeby Carriage Works.
In the earlier days of the history of the city he was intimately con-
nected with its government and those men who worked in its devel-
opment. He ardently supported the plans for various railroad lines
which have been built into and through the city. In fact, there was
nothing of public interest which did not receive his sympathetic
support.
On March 22, 1853, Mr. Gilbert married Miss Harriet Hol-
brook, who was born in Columbia, near Hartford, Connecticut, a
daughter of Silas and Mina (Little) Holbrook. The Holbrooks
are of early colonial stock, the original American ancestor having
come from' England in 1635, settling at Weymouth, Massachusetts.
The Littles were also an early New England family. Mr. and Mrs.
Gilbert were the parents of four children, of whom two reached
maturity: |ames, who died in 1895; and Samuel P., who is today
prominent in the commercial life of Burlington and the state as secre-
tary and treasurer of Gilbert, Hedge & Company.
HISTORY or DES MOINES COUN'IV 149
Mr. Gilbert was not only interested in material growth and devel-
opment but was concerned about the intellectual progress and moral
upbuilding of the race. His church affiliations were with the Con-
gregational denomination, of which organization he was a member
and trustee. His political allegiance was given to the republican
partv and in the early days he served as alderman of the city of Bur-
lington and also as street commissioner. However, as the years passed
his business interests grew so rapidly and demanded so much of his
time that he found it impossible to actively participate in govern-
mental affairs although his interest in the city of Burlington never
waned. Mr. Gilbert was one of those American citizens who may
be classed with the empire builders of the middle w'est. He readily
recognized that opportunities were but waiting for those who would
venture to take hold, and he made his way to prosperity by utilizing
conditions as thev presented themselves. Such success as attended
his labors was well merited and entirely the product of his brain and
his perseverance. As a citizen his life record may serve as a model
to any young man who begins his career empty-handed and who
wants to win not only wealth but the esteem of his fellow citizens.
HARRY E. BROOKS.
Harry E. Brooks is the owner of one of the most attractive
country residences in Des Moines county. His place is called "The
Elms" because of the many fine old trees of that kind on his land.
He owns sixty acres on West avenue, within the city limits of Bur-
lington, and is extensively engaged in the dairy business.
He was born February 2, 1865, in the city in which he still makes
his home, his parents being Francis W. and Harriet C. (Williams)
Brooks, in whose family of nine children he was the sixth in order
of birth. He has called Burlington his home throughout his entire
life. His early education was acquired in the public schools of this
city and he afterward attended a preparatory school at Princeton,
New Jersey, from which he was graduated with the class of 1883.
He was for eight years a student there and all of his brothers were
educated there.
After his graduation Harry E. Brooks entered into active con-
nection wdth the banking business, to which he devoted twenty-five
years of his life, being connected with banking interests in Burling-
ton; Minneapolis; Aberdeen, South Dakota; and Ortonville, Min-
150 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
nesota. Owing to impaired health he came to the farm upon which
he now resides, having a tract of sixty acres on West avenue, within
the corporation limits of Burlington. This is a dairy farm and he
has a fine herd of twenty-five Jerseys and Guernseys. He has made
most of the improvements upon this place, which is most attractive
in its equipment and in its tasteful appearance. There was a fine
old brick home which he has converted into a modern residence. He
has many conveniences, has most commodious and substantial build-
ings, and his farm is lighted by electricity. The latest farm machin-
ery is to be seen upon his place and because of its location he is able
to enjoy all of the advantages of both farm and city life. Aside from
his dairy interests Mr. Brooks is a stockholder in the National State
Bank, which is the successor of the old Brooks Bank.
Mr. Brooks has been married twice. In 1886 he wedded Kate
L. Cheeseman, of Minneapolis, who died in 1901, leaving two chil-
dren: Harry E., who is now in Portland, Oregon; and Margaret
L., at home. In 1908 Mr. Brooks was again married, his second
union being with Louise Schwerin, a native of Des Moines county.
They are both well known in Burlington and enjoy the high regard
of many with whom they have been brought in contact.
CARL LOHMANN.
Carl Lohmann was one of the founders of the Volksfreund and
is still at the head of that paper. Moreover, he is a most influential
figure among the German-American citizens of Burlington, and his
efforts have been an active element in advancing public progress
along many lines. Born in Germany on the 17th of October, 1845,
he is a native of the dukedom of Brunswick and is a son of Carl and
Fredericka (Reese) Lohmann. The father has passed away, but
the mother is still living at the advanced age of ninety-five years.
Carl Lohmann remained a resident of his native country until
he sought the opportunities and advantages of the new world in 1864,
arriving in the United States on the 3d of November of that year.
For a short time he remained in New York, after which he came
to Burlington on the 14th of April, 1865. He had been educated
for the profession of teaching and afterward taught at intervals for
several years in parochial and private schools, being thus engaged
until 1884. In the meantime he followed various other pursuits, in-
cluding newspaper work. Subsequently he became police clerk and
CAUL LOII.MAN.N
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 153
filled that position until 1894, when he established the Volksfreund
in connection with his sons, William C. and Charles H., and his
brother, Henry C. This paper was first published as a semi-weekly
and from 1895 its publication was continued as a tri-weekly until
1899, when the firm purchased the Iowa Tribune and combined the
two papers under the name of the Volksfreund Tribune. They now
issue both daily and weekly editions. This is one of the two Ger-
man daily papers in Iowa and is liberally patronized. It is printed
in the German language and is widely circulated among the sons of
the fatherland in this state and their descendants. The subscription
list of the weekly is particularly extensive. The Tribune was estab-
lished in i860 and changed hands several times before it was pur-
chased by Mr. Lohmann. His son, Charles H., and his brother,
Henry C, have sold out, but William C. is still connected with his
father in the ownership and publication of the Volksfreund Tribune.
On the I St of November, 1865, was celebrated the marriage of
Mr. Lohmann and Miss Dora Schaper, a native of Germany and a
daughter of Christopher Schaper, who brought his family to Bur-
lington in 1852 when his daughter Dora was but nine years of age.
Mr. and Mrs. Lohmann have become the parents of nine children:
Charles H., a printer of Davenport, who is married and has two
children; Lulu, the wife of V. W. Sander, a resident of Idaho, by
whom she has four children; William C, who is his father's part-
ner and is married and has four children; Carrie, who maTied F. ■
H. Jordan, of Topeka, Kansas, and has three children; Toea, the
wife of E. G. Marquardt of Burlington and the mother of four chil-
dren; Nettie, who is the wife of C. W. Marquardt of Burlington and
has five children; Harry, who is with his father and is married and
has one child; and two who died in early life. Mr. Lohmann has
twenty-four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. His
mother is a great-great-great-grandmother and five generations of
the family are living. Her descendants number nearly one hundred
children. She had eight children of her own, six of whom reached
adult age.
Mr. Lohmann was reared in the Lutheran church, while his wife
holds membership in the Baptist church, and the spirit of Chris-
tianity guides them in all their relations and their sterling worth
is recognized by all with whom they come in contact. In his political
views Mr. Lohmann was a stanch democrat, voting with that party
until the election of 1912, when he supported Theodore Roosevelt,
the progressive standard bearer, and is now independent in politics.
He belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen, to the Com-
154 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
mercial Exchange and to the Boat Club. He is well known as a
prominent citizen and has been very active in musical circles. In
his younger days he was a good pianist and organist and some of the
best church choirs and glee clubs had him for their director. His
efforts have done much to develop the musical taste and talent in
Burlington, and this is but one of the many phases in which his life
work has been one of benefit and value to his fellow townsmen.
JOHN BLAUL.
No history of Burlington and Des Moines county would be com-
plete were there failure to make reference to John Blaul and the fam-
ily of v^'hich he is a most worthy representative. The name has long
been associated with the commercial development of Burlington and
has ever been a synonym for enterprise and honorable dealing. It is
true that he whose name introduces this review entered upon a busi-
ness already established, but in controlling and enlarging this many
a man of less resolute spirit and of more limited business capacity
would have failed. The wholesale grocery house of the Blaul Com-
pany is today the result of the cooperation, enterprise and business
capacity of the father and sons and at the head of the business at the
present time is John Blaul of this review.
Mr. Blaul was born in Boston, Massachusetts, February ii, 1853,
but from the age of four years has been a resident of Burlington. The
family name indicates his German lineage. The American progen-
itor was the Rev. John Blaul, a native of Germany and a minister of
the Evangelical Lutheran church. He did not himself come to the
new world but his son, John Blaul, crossed the Atlantic and was the
founder and promoter of the large wholesale grocery enterprise now
conducted under the name of the John Blaul Sons' Company. His
birth occurred in Hesse-Darmstadt on the i8th of December, 1826,
and he was educated for the profession of school teaching, but he
heard the call of the west and could not remain content in his native
country with the alluring opportunities of the new world before him.
As a passenger on a sailing vessel in the year 1850 he spent three or
four months upon the broad Atlantic before reaching the American
coast. After a brief period passed in Norwich, Connecticut, he went
to Bangor, Maine, and also resided for a time in Boston, Massa-
chusetts, before coming to Burlington. While in Bangor he worked
for sixty cents per day and was ready to perform any service that
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 155
would enable him to earn a living while he was mastering the English
language and acquainting himself with the methods and customs of
the new world and its trade conditions. For a time he occupied a
position in a machine shop in Bangor, from which he removed in
1856 to Boston. It was through the influence of an old friend, August
Poehler, a mechanic, who was employed in Burlington, that he came
to this city. Soon after his arrival he secured a position in a tin shop
but in 1857 embarked in the retail grocery business on Front street as
a partner of Theodore Poehler. These gentlemen were also closely
associated through the fact of having married sisters. Their business
relations continued harmoniously and uninterruptedly for a number
of years but eventually Mr. Poehler withdrew and joined his brother
August in business, while Mr. Blaul continued alone in the retail
grocery trade until the close of the Civil war in 1865. He then sold
out to his former partner and in 1866 reentered the trade as a whole-
sale and retail grocer at No. 1 13 Jefiferson street. Through the two
succeeding years he had as a partner Philip Hoerr and while one was
upon the road building up a trade the other managed the business in
Burlington. After Mr. Hoerr sold out in 1869 Mr. Blaul was alone
until he admitted his oldest son to a partnership in 1882 and later the
other sons became members of the firm, at which time the business
was conducted under the style of John Blaul & Sons, and the trade
was confined exclusively to the wholesale business. The father re-
mained as the administrative head of the business until his life's labors
were ended in death on the 27th of January, 1885.
A contemporary biographer has said of him : "He was a prudent,
conservative man, whose advancement came through his own untiring
efforts, keen discerhment, and the careful husbanding of his resources.
He concentrated his energies upon his business affairs, and his name
became a synonym for honorable dealing and commercial success.
He was plain and unostentatious in manner, but possessed the worth
of character that won him the confidence of the entire business com-
munity. He was married first in Germany to Miss Maria Anna
Neufeld, who died in Boston, Massachusetts, in December, 1854.
The children of that marriage died in infancy, with the exception of
John Blaul, who is now at the head of the grocery house. In 1857
John Blaul, Sr., was again married, his second union being with Caro-
line Knoener, a daughter of Charles and Katherine Knoener, who
were natives of Germany and came to Burlington early in the '50s
from Lippe-Detmold. Her father was a school teacher and taught in
the parochial schools of Burlington, in connection with the carrying
on of agricultural pursuits. His daughter, Mrs. Blaul, died in
156 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
August, 1902. The children of this marriage were: Charles; Theo-
dore; Louis; Amelia; Pauline, who died in 1901 ; and two who died
in childhood."
Of this family Charles Blaul was born in Burlington, July 28,
i860, and entered the firm in 1882. He spent eight years as a traveling
salesman and then took charge of the coffee and spice mills of the
company. In Wapello, Iowa, he wedded Miss Jessie Stephen, a
daughter of Levi and Jane (Dickeson) Stephen. Theodore Blaul,
born February 23, 1862, was also admitted to partnership in 1882 and
in the following year became the representative of the house upon the
road, thus remaining until 1886, when he was placed in charge of the
canning plant owned and controlled by the firm. On the 14th of
October, 1886, he wedded Miss Emma Unterkircher, a daughter of
P. F. Unterkircher. The birth of the youngest son, Louis Blaul,
occurred October 16, 1863, and after attending the public schools
until 1879 he entered the store and was admitted to partnership in
1885. He was head bookkeeper and cashier for a number of years,
but in 1902 took up his abode upon a farm south of Burlington. He
is still financially interested in the business and has other extensive
connections with commercial enterprises of this city.
The eldest son of the family is John Blaul whose name introduces
this review and who is now at the head of the business established by
his father. At the usual age he became a pupil in the public schools,
passing through the grammar grades and taking up the work of the
high school. His business training was received in the employ and
under the direction of his father and after reaching the age of si.xteen
years his entire time and attention were given to the grocery trade.
In 1882 he was admitted to a partnership and following the demise of
his father succeeded to the presidency of the company.
The business is one of far-reaching scope and importance. Theirs
was primarily a wholesale grocery house but their trade relations have
constantly broadened in scope and for a considerable period they
have made a special feature of importing cofifee and spices and in
their factory they grind their own spices and also manufacture flavor-
ing extracts and baking powder. In 1891; they established a canning
factory and are now engaged in canning tomatoes, pumpkins, hominy,
apples and baked beans. Their employes in these two connections
number one hundred and fifty, two-thirds of the number being in the
manufacturing department and one-third in the canning department.
They have a large force of city and traveling salesmen and every
phase of their business is being most carefully conducted with the
result that greater success is constantly accruing. The family still
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 157
own the business block in which the father established his store at
No. I 13 Jefferson street. In 1880 he built a store at No. 1 13 North
Third street, between Valley and Market, and in 1892 the brothers
erected a part of their present fine business block, to which an addi-
tion was built in 1903. "I'his is a stone and brick structure, the two
upper stories being of brick. Excellent railroad facilities have been
secured, a track extending to the doors so that cars can be loaded and
unloaded without the nee.d of teaming transfers. With the incorpora-
tion of the business on the ist of February, 1903, under the name of
the John Blaul Sons' Company the oldest brother, John Blaul, be-
came the president, with Charles as vice president, Theodore as
treasurer and E. G. Koonz as secretary. The four Blaul brothers,
together with \V. H. Ripley, A. H. Riepe and E. B. Kerns constitute
the board of directors and several of these gentlemen represent the
house upon the road as traveling salesmen. They have altogether
eighteen traveling men, who cover a large territory in the west and
northwest, beside a portion of Illinois. Their business has now
reached extensive and gratifying proportions. In this connection it
has been said: "From a small retail grocery trade the enterprise has
developed until it has reached extensive proportions, covering many
branches, each one supplying a large patronage. The annual business
has reached a very large figure, and the house has ever maintained an
unassailable reputation, the straightforward policy inaugurated by
the father being maintained by the sons. They are men of resourceful
business ability, who have found in the business conditions of the
present opportunity for advancement and successful accomplishment,
and their position in commercial circles of Burlington is second to
none."
Having spent practically his entire life in Burlington, during
much of which time he has been a prominent figure in commercial
circles, John Blaul is widely known, and the consensus of public
opinion places him high in the regard of his fellow citizens. He was
married on the 13th of May, 1877, when Miss Louise Dewein, a
daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Meier) Dewein, became his wife.
Her parents arrived in Burlington in 1841 and her father here fol-
lowed shoemaking. Mrs. Blaul was born April 13, 1853, and by her
marriage became the mother of seven children, but three of the num-
ber, Clara, Louise and John, died in early life. Those who survive
are Milton, Mark, Robert and Selma.
Mr. Blaul holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, and he gives his political allegiance to the democratic party.
He has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking, yet for
158 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
four years filled the position of alderman and exercised his official
prerogatives in support of many progressive public movements. He
belongs to the Business Men's Association and cooperates heartily in
all of its efforts for the improvement of commercial and industrial
conditions and the extension of Burlington's trade relations. His
name is synonymous with progress. Character, balance, harmony and
sound judgment are his native traits, and evenness and poise are also
features in his makeup. Anyone meeting Mr. Blaul face to face
would know at once that he is an individual embodying all the ele-
ments of what in this country we term a "square" man — one in whom
to have confidence, a dependable man in any relation and any
emergency. His quietude of deportment, his easy dignity, his frank-
ness and cordiality of address, with the total absence of anything
sinister or anything to conceal, foretoken a man who is ready to meet
any obligation of life with the confidence and courage that come of
conscious personal ability, right conception of things and an habitual
regard for what is best in the exercise of human activities.
ALBERT C. ZAISER, M. D.
Dr. Albert C. Zaiser, devoting his life to the general practice of
medicine and surgery, was born in Burlington on the i8th of May,
1873, his parents being John and Marguerite (Funck) Zaiser. The
father, a native of Germany, was a wagonmaker by trade, and, cross-
ing the Atlantic to America, arrived in Burlington in 1854. He
established a wagon shop in this city in 1859 and continued the busi-
ness for almost a half century, or until the time of his death, which
occurred on the i6th of June, 1906. He was an active and important
factor in the industrial activities of the city, and his enterprise proved
of value in the development of the community, as well as in further-
ing his individual interests. Aside from business, he was a minister
of the German Methodist church. He engaged in preaching in Bur-
lington for five years and remained a local preacher to the time of
his demise, doing everything in his power to advance the interests of
the denomination with which he was connected and to sow broadcast
the seeds of Christianity. His widow survives him and is now sev-
enty-three years of age.
Mrs. Marguerite Zaiser was born in this city in 1841, a daughter
of John Adam Funck, a native of Frankfort, Germany, who arrived
in this city in the '30s, becoming one of the first settlers of the little
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 159
hamlet that stood upon tlic banks of the Mississippi and constituted a
stopping point for travelers and a trading point for the few isolated
settlers scattered throughout tlie district to the west. He established
the first bakery in Burlington and he had the first frame house. He
was at one time alderman of the city and also a member of the school
board. His name is inseparably interwoven with the history of Bur-
lington and its development along business and political lines, his co-
operation being given to many measures of value in the days of early
progress and upbuilding here. It was his daughter Marguerite who
became the wife of John Zaiser and in their family were hve sons and
three daughters.
Dr. Zaiser, who was the third son and sixth member of the family,
was graduated from the high school of Burlington and afterward
spent two years as a student in the Iowa State University. Later he
attended the Creighton Medical College at Omaha, Nebraska, for a
year but continued his studies in the St. Louis College of Physicians
& Surgeons, where he remained for three years, or until graduated
on the 17th of March, 1897, at which time his professional degree was
conferred upon him. Immediately afterward he returned to his
native city and his record stands in contradistinction to the old adage
that a prophet is not without honor save in his own country, for in the
city of his nativity Dr. Zaiser has won a creditable position, his broad
knowledge and practical skill being manifest in the excellent results
which have attended him in his efiforts to alleviate suffering and check
the ravages of disease. He is one of the physicians who withdrew
from the American Medical Association on account of its methods.
On the ist of January, 1902, Dr. Zaiser was joined in wedlock to
Miss Grace Melcher, of Burlington, a daughter of Dennis and Sadie
(Hanna) Melcher, the latter a native of Des Moines county. The
former was the proprietor of the Monmouth Pottery Company, in
which business he continued actively to the time of his demise in 1901.
Dr. and Mrs. Zaiser have one son, Donald, who was born June 14,
1905.
Dr. Zaiser is a well known and popular representative of various
fraternal organizations. He holds membership with the Elks, the
Moose, the Degree of Honor, the Royal Highlanders, the Ancient
Order of United Workmen, the Fraternal Union of America and the
Knights and Ladies of Security. He attends the Methodist church
and his life is at all times actuated by high and honorable principles
as is constantly manifest in his daily conduct. His political allegiance
is given to the democratic party but he has no time nor inclination
for office holding outside the strict path of his profession. In 1899
160 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
he was elected countv physician, filling the office for two years. At
the present time he is a member of the board of education and the
cause of the public schools finds in him a stalwart champion. His
social nature finds expression in his membership in the Burlington
Launch Club and the Auto Club, associations which indicate also the
nature of his recreation. No outside interests, however, cause him
to neglect his professional duties and in the practice of both medicine
and surgery he has made for himself a creditable name and place.
DANIEL MATSON.
Daniel Matson was born at Hull, England, March i8, 1842. His
father, Joseph Matson, was born in the same place in 1809 and his
mother, Susannah Blakley, was born in Hull in 1817. Both fam-
ilies were seafaring people. Joseph Matson ran away from home
at the age of sixteen and became an apprentice on board a Greenland
whaleship. Serving in all the grades of seamanship, he became a
captain in the British merchant service at the age of thirty-one years,
serving in that capacity until 1851. He was engaged in what was
known as the Baltic and Mediterranean trade.
The subject of this sketch, being an only child, accompanied his
father and mother on voyages to ports on the Baltic and North seas.
In the spring of 1851, his wife having died the year previous. Cap-
tain Joseph Matson resigned his commission in the British merchant
service and accompanied by young Daniel embarked from Liver-
pool for New Orleans, U. S. A. Arriving at that port about the mid-
dle of May, he took passage on a Mississippi river steamboat for St.
Louis. Shortly before reaching Memphis the father was stricken
with cholera and died in a few hours. He was buried in a cane-
brake on the Tennessee shore near where Fort Pillow was after-
wards built. Young Daniel was left alone without relative or friend
on the American continent, "Save that Friend above all others," who
has in his case verified the promise to be a Father to the fatherless
in a most marked way. Reaching St. Louis the passengers were not
allowed to land, but were transferred to another boat and sent to up-
river towns. Daniel landed in Burlington, Iowa, about the loth of
June, i8i;i. One of the passengers assuming to be his friend, robbed
him of all the father's belongings, even to his own clothing, and
departed for parts unknown, leaving him upon the streets a homeless
waif. Providentially he was led to the home of Mrs. W. W. Woods,
CAPTAIN DANIEL MATSON
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 163
the wife of a well known citizen of Burlington of pioneer days.
Through her kind efforts he found a home near Kossuth, Iowa, in a
pioneer family named Rankin. These people were ScotchTrish
Presbyterians whose ancestors had landed in Pennsylvania in the
early years of tlie colony. They were sterling people. To their
influence he ascribes much of his success in after life. At the age
of sixteen, in i8(;8, he began doing for himself, working out amongst
the farmers. He began his career without a penny in his pocket.
His e.xtra clothing tied up in a cotton handkerchief which he car-
ried in his hand, he trudged away from the home that had shel-
tered him for six vcars and began work at a wage of ten dollars per
month. He worked six months, then went to school six months and
kept on in this way until Sumter was fired upon. He enlisted as a
private in the Burlington Zouaves, Company E, First Iowa Infantry,
April 22, 1861, and took part in the stirring campaign in Missouri
under General Nathaniel Lyon. Discharged at the close of his term
of service (three months), he reenlisted at once in Company K,
Fourteenth Iowa Infantry. He was made second sergeant. At Fort
Donelson, February 16, 1862, he was promoted sergeant major. He
was in the Hornet's Nest at Shiloh and was captured at the close of
day on that eventful Sunday, April 6, 1862. After six months' expe-
rience in Macon (Ga.) and Libby prisons, he was exchanged and
returned to active service. In the spring of 1863 his regiment was
ordered to Vicksburg, but on reaching Cairo, Illinois, the order was
changed and the regiment spent the summer of 1863 in western Ken-
tucky and Tennessee. On the 29th of October, 1863, he having pre-
viously passed an examination, accepted a commission as first lieu-
tenant in the United States Colored Troops, his regiment being the
Fourth United States Colored Heavy Artillery. In the spring of
1864 he became regimental adjutant and November 6, 1864, he was
commissioned as captain and took charge of a battery of heavy guns
in Fort Halleck, Columbus, Kentucky. From this period to the end
of the war, and one year afterwards, his service was chiefly stafif
duty; acting assistant adjutant general of the district of western
Kentucky and on the staff of Brevet Major General J. S. Brisbin,
United States Volunteers. He was mustered out at Pine Blufif,
Arkansas, February 25, 1866, rounding out four years and ten months
of service.
Returning to Iowa he married Miss Mary Herron Chapman,
July 31, 1866. This young lady's parents, who were Scotch Presby-
terians, had migrated from Pennsylvania in early days to the terri-
tory of Iowa. Having practiced economy in saving his wages while
164 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
an officer, he was able to purchase a little farm and with willing
hands the pair began the voyage of life. Six children have blessed
the union.
Susannah died at twenty-four years, just as she was planning for
work in the foreign mission field; Elizabeth married Dr. O. F. Hig-
bee and they are now living in Fowler, Colorado; Jean C. married
John P. Helphrey, now living in Curlew, Washington, where he is
in the mercantile business; Joseph left college and served as sergeant
in Company M, Fiftieth Iowa, in 1898, in Florida. Later as first lieu-
tenant, Thirty-fourth United States Volunteer Infantry, he served in
the Philippines, where he saw considerable active service with Gen-
erals Lawton and Wheaton. On discharge from this service in 1901
he was commissioned second lieutenant. Coast Artillery, U. S. A.
Passing through the grade of first lieutenant in 1907 he became cap-
tain, and at this writing is stationed at Fort Hamilton, New York;
John A. served in Company M, Fiftieth Iowa Infantry, in 1898, in
Florida, and after discharge graduated in the academic and medical
school in the State University of Iowa. He is now a practicing phy-
sician located in Tremonton, Utah; Samuel B., after receiving a
liberal education, chose as his vocation the life of a pioneer in the
wilds of northeastern Washington, where he has achieved success.
The little farm where this couple founded their home in 1866
has grown with the years into goodly proportions. The family hav-
ing all gone, they have retired from its activities and are now living
quietly in the town of Mediapolis.
Early in their married life they united with the Presbyterian
church in which the captain was a ruling elder for many years, and
Mrs. Matson has done what she could in mission and other church
work. They have the satisfaction of knowing that all their children
are church members. In their retirement they are still in the har-
ness doing what they can in the Master's service. God hath cared
for them.
FRED S. FEAR.
Fred S. Fear is secretary and treasurer of the Cave Coal Com-
pany of Burlington and is a native son of the city in which he still
makes his home. He was born in 1865, of the marriage of Henry W.
and Mary J. (Stewart) Fear. The father was a native of Zanesville,
Ohio, and was a son of Alfred Fear, who brought his family to
HlSl^ORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 165
Burlington in the early '40s, casting in his lot with the pioneer resi-
dents of the city. He became one of the early merchants and for a
long period was actively connected with commercial development.
He also left the impress of his individuality upon the political his-
tory of the city and state as a member of the Iowa legislature. His
son, Henry W. Fear, was largely reared and educated in Burlington
and for many years engaged in the agricultural implement business,
becoming one of the leading and representative merchants of the city.
He wedded Mary J. Stewart, a native of Columbus, Ohio, and a
daughter of Robert Stewart, who arrived in Burlington in 1840, after
which he engaged in the livery business and also operated a stage
line. Henry W. Fear was a democrat in his political views and in
matters of citizenship always took an active interest, contributing to
the support of many plans intended for the benefit and upbuilding
of Burlington. He died in the year 1903, having for about five years
survived his wife, who passed away in 1898 in the faith of the Con-
gregational church, of which she had long been a devout member.
They had but two children, Fred S. and Kimball S.
Fred S. Fear supplemented a public-school course by study in
Elliott's Business College of Burlington, from which he was gradu-
ated. He then entered the employ of the Burlington Insurance Com-
pany, with which he remained for seven years. He afterward occu-
pied a clerical position under the general superintendent of the
Burlington & Northwestern Railroad, representing that corporation
for twelve years. He was afterward with the Chicago, Burlington
& Quincy Railroad Company for eleven years, becoming roadmaster
and afterward chief clerk to the division superintendent. He thus
became widely and favorably known in railroad circles but eventually
withdrew from that line of business and entered into active connec-
tion with the coal trade, being now secretary and treasurer of the
Cave Coal Company, which was organized by W. F. Cave, who
conducted the business for a period of about twenty-five years, or
until his death, which occurred in May, 191 1. In 1909 he admitted
George J. Finck to a partnership and at that date the business was
incorporated. Upon the death of Mr. Cave Mr. Fear purchased
an interest in the business, of which he is now the secretary and
treasurer, with Mr. Finck as the president. The yards are located
at No. 105 North Fifth street. They have a frontage of one hun-
dred feet on Fifth street and a depth of one hundred feet on Valley
street. They are extensively engaged in handling fuel, employing
from fifteen to twenty men and using from ten to twelve wagons in
the business. Their trade is steadily growing and the company en-
166 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
joys a well earned reputation for thorough reliability and trust-
worthiness.
In 1904 Mr. Fear was united in marriage to Miss Lillian A.
Fiiick, a daughter of George and Zora (Mofifatt) Finck. Mr. and
Mrs. Fear have one child, Jane. Politically he is a democrat but is
without aspiration for office. His interest in the public welfare is
manifest in his cooperation with the plans and projects of the Com-
mercial Exchange for the benefit and upbuilding of the city. He
belongs to the Golf Club and thus finds recreation from arduous
business cares and duties. The success which he has gained is well
deserved, for it has come to him as the reward of earnest efifort, close
application and unfaltering energy — qualities which he has displayed
from the outset of his business career and which have enabled him
to embark in business on his own account.
THOMAS GEORGE HARPER.
Thomas George Harper, who owns and conducts a restaurant
at No. 207 North Third street, has by the employment of reliable
business methods and indefatigable enterprise won a measure of suc-
cess that is at once creditable and desirable. He was born in New
York city on the 7th of June, 1853, a son of W. A. and Matilda
(Park) Harper. The father was born in the north of Ireland, in a
little town called Tullyhouge, in County Tyrone, November 23, 1828,
and in that place learned the blacksmith's trade, after which he
crossed the Atlantic to New York in early life. In 1855 he became
a resident of Burlington, where he worked at his trade for several
vears, but a long time prior to his death he retired. In politics he
was a democrat but not an office seeker. He was a strict Scotch-
Irish Protestant and a very warm-hearted man, possessed of many
admirable traits of character. He passed away in March. 1903. His
wife was born in the same village as her husband, her natal year
being 1831. She passed away in Burlington in 1905 and was laid
to rest by the side of her husband in Aspen Grove cemetery. All of
their five children with the exception of Thomas G. were born in
Burlington. Two of the number died in early childhood, the others
being: Thomas G., of this review; Maria and Edith, who was a
milliner, but since her brother's marriage has helped superintend
the work in the dining room, doing a great deal for its success. The
daughter Maria became the wife of Henry Bauer and died about
HISTORY OF DKS MOINES COUNTY 167
1909, leaving two daughters: Hattie, the wife of Frederick Mauer,
of Burlington; and (Gertrude, who married Floyd J. Engle, a resi-
dent of Texas.
Thomas G. Harper was a little child of but two years when
brought bv his parents to Burlington, where he was reared and has
spent practically his entire life. He attended the North Hjll school
and afterward was a pupil in Mr. Grafif's school and in the Bryant
& Stratton Business College. He afterward clerked in a grocery
store for three years and later was employed as clerk in a drug store
for a year and a half. Subsequently he was in the employ of E. F.
Runge, one of the leading confectioners of the city, and while in that
connection he thoroughly acquainted himself with every phase of
the restaurant business. He remained with Mr. Runge for over
four years and later held various positions in the old Barrett House
for about three years. Subsequently he was in the commissary depart-
ment of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, under the
supervision of A. E. Touzalin, for two years and later he held various
positions in the Gorham Hotel for four years, acting, however, as
steward most of the time. He then started out upon an independent
business venture, opening an oyster house at No. 213 Valley street.
He afterward removed to the Odd Fellows building, where he con-
ducted a restaurant, and there was married. His wife at once began
to assist him in the conduct of the business and after some time they
removed to the Tama building where they were for two and a half
years. For twelve years they have been at their present location at
No. 207 North Third street, where they conduct the largest and most
exclusive restaurant in the city, "Harper's" being known far and
wide over the country. The establishment is noted for the excellence
of the cuisine, Mrs. Harper superintending that part, for prompt
service and for the thoroughly reliable business methods insisted
upon by the proprietors.
On the 8th of February, 1887, Mr. Harper was united in mar-
riage to Miss Mary Johnsen, who was born in Copenhagen, Den-
mark, on the 8th of February, 1866, a daughter of Jans Christian and
Christine (Petersen) Johnsen. ^^vo of her brothers, Charles P. and
John, were also born in Copenhagen, but the other two members of
the family Robert Peter and Helen Josephine, were born in this
country, the former in New York city and the latter at Burlington,
Iowa, which had become the family residence. Some time after the
emigration of the Johnsen family to the United States Hans Jordan
Petersen, a brother of Mrs. Johnsen, came to this country and made
his home with his sister. He and Mr. johnsen went south several
168 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
winters and while on such a trip Mr. Johnsen contracted the cholera,
from which he died, and he was buried in the south before his family
could be notified of his demise. Mary Johnsen Harper received her
education in the grammar schools, completing the course there of-
fered, and when twenty-one years of age was married to Mr. Harper.
Her older brother, John, died in 1885; Charles P., a resident of
Seattle, Washington, is married and has a daughter, Violet; Robert
Peter, who is living in Augusta, Montana, is married and has five
daughters and a son; Helen Josephine gave her hand in marriage
to Samuel Irving McKown and became a resident of Augusta, Mon-
tana. She passed away on the 5th of March, 19 14, leaving her hus-
band and two children, Christine, five years of age, and Lucy, two
years old. Mrs. Christine (Petersen) Johnsen passed away in 1907
and she, her daughter Helen Josephine and her brother, Hans Jordan
Petersen, have all found their last resting place in Aspen Grove
cemetery of Burlington.
Mr. and Mrs. Harper have a daughter, Edith May, whose birth
occurred on the nth of October, 1888. She was married on the 2d
of September, 1909, to Neal Oliver Ekdale, a valued representative
of the wholesale house of John Blaul, and they are the parents of
a daughter, Mary Edith, whose birth occurred on the 4th of October,
1910. Mr. and Mrs. Ekdale and their daughter make their home
with Mr. and Mrs. Harper. In 1894 the Harper familv moved into
the Henry home on North Third street and after renting it for a
few years purchased it and thoroughly modernized it. At his death
in 1905 Hans Jordan Petersen, an uncle of Mrs. Harper, left to her
and her daughter Edith his property situated just across the street
from the Harper home and formerly known as the Harvey home-
stead. Although the Johnsen family was of Lutheran faith, Mrs.
Harper and her daughter and son-in-law all attend the Episcopal
church and Mr. and Mrs. Ekdale met each other through singing
in the choir. Mrs. Harper is a member of Ruth Lodge, No. 12,
Daughters of Rebekah, to the Degree of Honor and to Charity Lodge,
No. I, A. O. U. W.
Mr. Harper was reared in the faith of the Presbyterian church.
In his political views he is a republican but with independent tend-
encies, voting at local elections for the man whom he considers best
qualified for the office. Fraternally he is an Odd Fellow and he
also has membership with the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Wood-
men, the Workmen and the Red Men, while formerly he was identi-
fied with the Ancient Order of Druids. He has held all of the offices
in the Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias lodges. Mr. and Mrs.
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 169
Harper arc well fitted for the life work which they have chosen, as
they are genial, always agreeable and courteous, and their consider-
ate attitude toward their employes has ever commanded their con-
fidence and respect. Their salient characteristics have won them
popularitv with the genera! public and they have gained manv friends
through business associations as well as in strictly social circles.
WILLIAM F. McFARLAND.
William F. McFarland, formerly private secretary to Charles E.
Perkins, president of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad
Company and since his death connected with the estate and the busi-
ness of the family, was born in Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts, on the
26th of June, 1861, a son of William P. and Eliza Ann (Robinson)
McFarland. The father engaged in business as a gun manufacturer
and his interest along those lines probably led to his selection- of the
Peeksdale Military Academy as a fitting school in which his son,
W. F. McFarland, might continue his education after he had com-
pleted his public-school course.
It was in the year 1879 that W. F. McFarland arrived in Iowa,
going first to Creston, where he entered the employ of the Chicago,
Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company in the office of the train-
master. His ability gained recognition there and won for him ad-
vancement, so that on the 5th of April, 1880, he came to Burlington
and entered the office of the president of the road. Soon afterward
Mr. Perkins made him private secretary and he continued in that
connection with the president until the latter's death, since which
time he has been identified with the conduct of the estate and business
interests in w^hich the family are concerned. His long connection
with Mr. Perkins as private secretary has made him thoroughly
acquainted with his business aflfairs and interests and thus he is well
qualified to aid and counsel the family along such lines. Aside
from his activity in that connection Mr. McFarland is the treasurer
and one of the directors of the Merchants Life Association.
On the 15th of January, 1884, Mr. McFarland was married to
Miss Martha G. Williams, of Worcester, Massachusetts, and they
have become parents of five children : Eleanor, the wife of M. J. R.
Copeland, a resident of Burlington, by whom she has a son and daugh-
ter; William, who is foreman of the roundhouse at Dickinson, North
170 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
Dakota; Catherine, at home; and Richard and John, who are also
under the parental roof.
In his political views Mr. McFarland has been a stalwart repub-
lican since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. In 1913
he was elected a member of the school board, but otherwise has held
no public offices. He is interested, however, in all that pertains not^
only to educational afifairs but to the public welfare in every respect.
Fraternally he is a Mason, having taken the degrees of the lodge,
chapter and commandery. He is also identified with the Benevolent
Protective Order of Elks and along even more strictly social lines
is connected with the Crystal Lake Club, the Golf Club and the
Tennis Club of Burlington. In the midst of all these varied activi-
ties he has never neglected the higher and holier duties of life, hav-
ing membership in the Episcopal church and in the Young Men's
Christian Association. He is widely and favorably known in Bur-
lington, where he has resided continuously for thirty-five years, enjoy-
ing the confidence, goodwill and high regard of all with whom he
has been brought in contact.
FREDERICK J. KUHLEMEIER.
In insurance circles the advance of Frederick J. Kuhlemeier has
been continuous until at the present writing he is a prominent figure
in connection therewith as secretary of the Merchants Life Associa-
tion of Burlington. He is yet a young man and the position to which
he has attained speaks volumes concerning his business ability, his
commendable ambition, his indefatigable energy and his resource-
fulness. He was born in Charles City, Iowa, March 10, 1873, a son
of the Hon. August H. and Lena (Cramer) Kuhlemeier. The fam-
ily numbered three sons, the younger sons being August R. and
Harry F.
A native of Germany, the father was born in Lippe-Detmold on
the loth of December, 1846, and in 1853 he came to the new world,
the family home being established at Freeport, Illinois. He there
made his initial step in the business world as a clerk in a dry goods
store and subsequently went upon the road as a traveling salesman
for a Freeport house. Advancement came to him rapidly as the re-
sult of his developing powers, and he was made general agent for
Iowa, Nebraska and Dakota, in which states he built up an enormous
and highly profitable business. In 1870 he removed to Burlington
FKEDERICK J. KUHLEMKIKK
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 173
and under appointment of President Cleveland became revenue col-
lector for the fourth district of Iowa. The next step forward in his
business career was the organization of the Merchants Life Associa-
tion, of which he became the first president, so continuing until his
demise. A contemporary writer has said of him: "As a man who
enjoyed the implicit confidence of the public and of financial circles,
he was enabled to place the company in a prominent position from
the start, securing for the enterprise its full share of prestige among
older institutions of recognized standing. Possessing indomitable
resolution and great personal force, any undertaking to which he lent
his efforts was destined to succeed, while his keen judgment and re-
markable power of analyzing a business situation were of immeas-
urable benefit to the company and carried it to triumphs even be-
yond the expectations of those who gave it their heartiest support.
Outside his business activities, he played a notable part in the polit-
ical life of his day, exercising a commanding influence in the coun-
cils of the democratic party, of which he was a stanch adherent and
supporter, and in recognition of his talents and the sterling virtues
of his character he was at one time returned by Des Moines county
as her representative in the state legislature of Iowa, while during an
extended term of years he was frequently called by an important con-
stituency to serve their interests as a member of the city council. All
these public trusts he executed with the efiiciencv and conscientious-
ness which characterized everything he did, and the loss which the
community sustained in his death was one which cannot soon be
repaired."
When but an infant Frederick J. Kuhlemeier was brought to
Burlington, where he attended the public schools and also studied
under the direction of private tutors. Like his father, he was a
traveling salesman in early manhood, going upon the road as a rep-
resentative of the Burlington Basket Company, with which he re-
mained for three years, severing that connection to the great regret
of his employers. In the meantime he had formed warm friend-
ships throughout the territory and this has stood him in good stead
in later life. On leaving his first position he became chief clerk to
the superintendent of construction in charge of the erection of the
federal building in Burlington and when the Merchants Life Asso-
ciation was formed a year later he became bookkeeper for the com-
pany and also one of its directors. He has since represented its
directorate and thus from the beginning has had voice in the man-
agement of the corporation. At different times he has been ad-
vanced and eventually reached the position of superintendent of
174 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
agencies. In that position he displayed notable tact and executive
force. He wisely directed the interests of the agencies and proved
himself capable of handling and directing the men. His next pro-
motion made him secretary of the company, of which J. J. Seerley
is the president; John Blaul, vice president; and William F.
McFarland, treasurer. Comparatively few business men of his years
have attained a place of equal prominence and importance. This
is not because special advantages have been his, but because he has
made a wise use of his time, talents and opportunities and, rising step
by step, he has now controlling interests that give him a conspicuous
place in financial circles of his adopted city.
The home life of Mr. Kuhlemeier is attractive. He was mar-
ried September 30, 1903, to Miss Carrie Crawford, a native of Des
Moines county and a daughter of Mrs. Jane Crawford. She belongs
to the Musical Club, the King's Daughters and the Presbyterian
church and is an active and efficient worker in all. She possesses,
moreover, attractive social gifts, which renders her home a favorite
resort with many friends. Mr. Kuhlemeier holds membership with
the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Boat Club and the
Burlington Golf Club, and his political indorsement is given to the
democratic party. Another biographer has said of him in this con-
nection : "He has always been vitally interested in public affairs
and by his honesty and ability has been able to perform much val-
uable service, enjoying extreme popularity among the younger ele-
ment of the party, while the conservative and solid qualities of his
character have brought him the reward of universal favor and
esteem." Wherever he has gone he has made friends. There is
about him that quality which for want of a better term has been
called personal magnetism. He easily inspires confidence and re-
gard, and his qualities bear the test of long acquaintance.
HERBERT L. MADISON, D. D. S.
Dentistry is somewhat unique among the professions. It demands
ability of a three-fold character; mechanical skill and ingenuity,
broad scientific knowledge and sound judgment in handling the
financial interests which must feature in every well regulated busi-
ness undertaking. Possessing all of these requirements, Dr. Herbert
L. Madison has gained a place among the successful practitioners of
Burlington. He was born in Salisbury, Herkimer county. New
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 175
York, in 1863 and is a son of William H. and Electa A. (Leavitt)
Madison, the latter a daughter of Ormel Leavitt, who was a lawyer
by profession. I'he father of Dr. Madison followed the occupation
of farming and thus provided for his family.
After attending the public schools Herbert L. Madison took up
the profession of teaching, which he followed between the ages of
seventeen and twenty-one years. He attended the Rochester Business
College at Rochester, New York. In October, 1885, he arrived in
Burlington, Iowa, and for about two and a half years was a teacher
in Elliott's Business College. He regarded this merely as an initial
step to other professional labor, however, and, taking up the study of
dentistry, was graduated from the Ohio College of Dental Surgery
with the class of 1889. He then returned to Burlington, opened an
office and has since been engaged in the practice ol dentistry.
Throughout all the intervening years he has kept in touch with the
improvements which have been made in methods of dental practice
and is thoroughly conversant with the most advanced scientific ideas
relating to the care and treatment of the teeth. His office is well sup-
plied with the most improved dental instruments and equipments
and that his work is highly satisfactory is indicated by his growing
patronage. He is a member of the county, district and state dental
societies and has been president of the first two.
In 1 89 1 Dr. Madison wedded Miss Mary A. Clement, a native of
Orleans county, New York, and a daughter of Joseph Henry and
Mary Ann (Sutton) Clement, who were farming people of the Em-
pire state. Dr. and Mrs. Madison have become parents of four chil-
dren: Frances, a graduate of Rockford College; John H., who is
now studying in the Michigan University at Ann Arbor; and Herbert
C. and Mary Elizabeth, both at home. The family are members of
the Congregational church and they occupy an enviable position in
the social circles where intelligence and true worth are accepted as
passports to good society.
In politics Dr. Madison was formerly a democrat but is now a
progressive. For four years he served as a member of the city council
of Burlington, in which connection he labored earnestly to advance
the interests of the city and to give to it an economical and beneficial
administration. He is now serving for the second term on the school
board and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion.
He is identified with several fraternal organizations, including
Excelsior Lodge, No. 284, I. O. O. F., in which he has held all of the
offices. He is likewise a past e.xalted ruler of the Burlington lodge
of Elks and is a prominent Mason, holding membership in the
176 Hlb^TORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
Knights Templar commandery and in the Mystic Shrine. His many
substantial and admirable personal qualities, as well as his profes-
sional skill and judgment, have gained for him a high position in
public regard and won for him the goodwill and friendship of his
brethren of the dental fraternity.
E. A. FLORANG.
E. A. Florang is the president of the Burlington Basket Company,
in which connection he has developed an enterprise of considerable
importance, his output now being sold over a wide territory. A
native of Switzerland, he was born on the 4th of February, iSqg, a
son of Anton E. and Mary Anna (Senn) Florang. The father was
born in Geneva. Switzerland, in 1822 and just before his death re-
turned to that city, there passing away in 1885. His wife died in
Burlington in 1873.
E. A. Florang was a youth of eleven years when he left the land
of the Alps and accompanied his parents to the new world. They
made their way direct to Burlington and here E. A. Florang con-
tinued his education in the public schools, thus supplementing the
training which he had already acquired in Switzerland. At the age
of fourteen years, however, his text-books were put aside and he began
earning his own living. In 1884 he embarked in the retail liquor busi-
ness on his own account and conducted the enterprise for several
years, or until he organized the Burlington Basket Company in 1889.
He started in a small way at the corner of Court and Front streets and
gradually built up his trade until the volume of his business justified
him in 1897 in the erection of a plant at Front and North streets.
His building has twice been largely destroyed by fire but each time
has been rebuilt on a more commodious scale. They make a line of
staple baskets which sell throughout the west and also as far as the
Pacific coast. They also make a line of specialties which they ship
all over the world. The output of the Burlington plant is now very
extensive and they have several warehouses in the west. The business
has been thoroughly systematized and carefully managed and they
have one hundred and fifty employes. The officers of the company
are: E. A. Florang, president; C. A. Florang, vice president; and
O. E. Florang, secretary and treasurer.
On the 29th of June, 1880, Mr. Florang was united in marriage
to Miss Clara A. Wagner, of Burlington, who was educated in this
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 177
city and by her marriage became the mother of two sons and two
daughters : Hazel, the wife of O. 1'. Fansel, of Burlington, by whom
she has two children : Adele C"., the wife of Ralph P. Mercer, of the
Mercer Electric Company of Burlington, by whom she has one child ;
O. E., who married Gertrude Dollner, of Mount Pleasant, Iowa; and
Clarence A., who married Frances Williams, of Burlington.
Mr. Florang is rather independent in politics, yet is inclined to
the progressive party. He prefers, however, to concentrate his ener-
gies upon his manufacturing interests and is today one of the sub-
stantial business men of the city, having advanced continuously in his
chosen held of labor until he is now at the head of one of the impor-
tant and growing productive industries. Starting out in life for him-
self at an early age, he deserves much credit for what he has accom-
plished and his record shows what can be done when determination
and energy point out the way.
PETER RUFF.
Peter Rufif, a barber of Burlington, conducting an extensive busi-
ness at the corner of Main and Washington streets since 1898, was
born February 18, 1863, in the city in which he still resides. His
father, Gregor RufY, was a native of Germany and in 1849 crossed
the Atlantic to the United States, settling first in St. Louis, whence
he afterward came to Burlington. He was a cooper by trade and
upon abandoning that pursuit entered the employ of the Chicago,
Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company, with which he was con-
nected for forty years, being one of the oldest and most trusted men
in its service at the time of his demise, which occurred on the 12th
of November, 1907. His wife died when their son Peter was but
four years of age.
The latter was educated in the public schools, which he attended
to the age of thirteen years and then started out to earn his own liv-
ing. Whatever success he has achieved is attributable entirely to
his earnest efiforts. He was employed in a cigar shop as a stripper
and afterward secured a situation with Rudolph Linden in the old
Lawrence House, there remaining for a year, or until the fire. He
then started in business on his own account as proprietor of a barber
shop near the Dory Mills, continuing at that location for seventeen
years. In 1898, however, he removed to the corner of Main and
\^'ashington streets, where he now has four chairs. He has a well
178 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
equipped establishment, containing various rooms for baths of dif-
ferent kinds, in addition to his facilities for the barbering business.
Mr. Rufif was married on the 26th of August, 1884, to Miss Mary
Keller, of Burlington, a daughter of Mike Keller, one of the old-
time coopers of this city. Here Mrs. Ruff was reared and educated.
By her marriage she has become the mother of two daughters : Flora
M., now the wife of Ralph Jordan, of Burlington; and Hilda, who
married Oscar Berges, also of this city. Both Mr. and Mrs. RufT
hold membership in the German Evangelical church, in the work
of which they take an active and helpful interest, doing all in their
power to further the cause. Mr. Rufif also has membership with the
United Workmen. He gives his political allegiance to the demo-
cratic party and for two years served as ward committeeman. His
entire life has been spent in Burlington and he is much interested in
its welfare and progress, rejoicing in what has been accomplished
for the upbuilding of the city along many substantial lines.
HENRY A. BECK.
Henry A. Beck, conducting a general contracting business in
Burlington, his native city, was born April 3, 1 865, a son of Jacob and
Agnes (Mesmer) Beck. His father was born in Germany in 18 18
and the year 1850 witnessed his arrival in Burlington. The previous
year he had crossed the Atlantic and settled in St. Louis, where he
remained until he came to this city. He was a carpenter, having
learned his trade in the old country, and here he became identified
with building operations. His study of political conditions led him
to give earnest support to the republican party, but he never sought
or desired political preferment. He died in 1897, having for almost
a quarter of a century survived his wife, who passed away in 1874.
She was then fifty-two years of age, her birth having occurred in
Germany in 1822. In their family were eight children : Henry, who
enlisted for service in the Civil war as a member of Company D,
Twenty-fifth Iowa Infantry, and was killed at the siege of Vicksburg;
Lena, who became the wife of John B. Schworm and both are now
deceased ; Rosa, the wife of Nicholas Sickinger, a resident of Topeka,
Kansas; Anna, the deceased wife of Albert Albertsen; Mary, resid-
ing in Pasadena, California; Lizzie, who married John Kraul, of
Burlington; Mollie, the wife of John J. Miller, of Burlington; and
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 179
Henry A., of this review. The parents were consistent members of
St. John's Catholic church.
Henry A. Beck attended the public schools of Burlington until he
had passed through consecutive grades to the high school. When his
text-books were put aside he entered the employ of William F. Hay-
den, under whose direction he learned the carpenter's trade. He
remained with Mr. Hayden for twenty-one years, gradually working
his way upward until he became foreman, in which capacity he con-
tinued during the last years of Mr. Hayden's life. About 1898 Mr.
Beck began contracting on his own account and that he occupies a
prominent position in building circles is indicated in the fact that
he has been accorded the contracts for the erection of the Young
Men's Christian Association building and the Young Women's Chris-
tion Association building; for the Hertzler & Boersch department
building; the Schramm & Schmeig store; the Chittenden & Eastman
warehouses; the Moehn Brewery; the Nurses' Home of the Burling-
ton Hospital; the offices of the water company; the Citizens State
Bank building at Mediapolis; and many private residences in Bur-
lington and throughout the county. In a word, he is recognized as
one of the most prominent contractors of Burlington. He is himself
an expert mechanic and is thus able to direct the labors of those whom
he employs. He possesses sound judgment, is thoroughly reliable and
lives strictly up to the terms of his contracts. His word is at all times
as good as his bond, and his business integrity is unassailable.
On the 1 2th of June, 1888, Mr. Beck was united in marriage to
Miss Lena Stoll, who was born June 12, 1867, in Burlington, a daugh-
ter of Andrew and Mary (Bauemly) Stoll. The father was born in
Germany about 1830 and made coopering his life work. His death
occurred in 1879. The mother was born in Germany, August 26,
1840, and passed away in February, 1903. In their family were eight
children: Joseph, who died in infancy; William, deceased; Maggie,
the wife of Christ Reichert, of Burlington; Joseph, also residing in
Burlington; Mrs. Beck; Lizzie, the deceased wife of Claude Miner;
Francis, who has passed away; and Mollie, the wife of Conrad
Lersch, of Burlington.
To Mr. and Mrs. Beck have been born three daughters. Ruth
Marie, who was born December 31, 1889, and was graduated from
the Lincoln school; Helen Margaret, who was born October 13, 1894,
and followed a course in St. John's parochial school by a commercial
course in Elliott's Business College, being now a stenographer in the
office of Ben Poor, city solicitor; and Dorothy Agnes, who was born
May 3, 1 901, and attends St. John's school.
180 . HISIORY OF DKS .MOINES COUNTY
-Mr. and Mrs!. Beck are communicants of St. John's Catholic
church and Mr. Beck is a democrat, having supported the party since
casting his first presidential vote tor Grover Cleveland. For four
years he tilled the office of building commissioner of Burlington. In
i88q he erected a modern residence and now has a pleasant home in
the west end. He also owns four residence properties, which he rents,
and he has done much for the development and improvement oi the
city. He is thoroughly public spirited and cooperates in manv move-
ments for the general good. He is also a broad and liberal-minded
man, always approachable, always genial. He has been actuated in
his business undertakings by the desire to provide well for his familv,
and he and his wife occupy an enviable position in the social circles
of the citv.
BEN PFRLEY POOR.
Ben Perley Poor is one of the younger representatives of the
Burlington bar and in his practice holds to the highest standards.
While he is ever loval to the interests of his clients, he never for a
moment forgets that he owes a still higher allegiance to the majestv
of the law. He had a splendid example of professional ability and
honor set him by his father, the late Cornelius L. Poor, who was
one of Burlington's most distinguished citizens. His death brought
a sense of irreparable loss to the great majority of Burlington's res-
idents, for he had long practiced in Iowa and had taken a most active
and helpful part in promoting the welfare of the municipalitv.
Moreover, he was of a most kindly spirit and genial disposition,
possessing in large measure those qualities which make for warm
personal friendships. Extended mention of him is made on another
page of this work.
His son, Ben Perley Poor, was born in Burlington, March 31,
1 88 1, and after attending the public schools here he entered Cornell
University, where he won the Bachelor of Arts degree on the com-
pletion of his literarv course and the Bachelor of Laws degree in
1905. He was admitted to the New Yt)rk State Bar Association and
to the low^a State Bar Association, joining his father in practice in
1905 and continuing with him until the latter's death. He acted
as assistant city attorney under his father and in June. 191 2, was ap-
pointed to the otiice of citv solicitor, which position he filled with
such capability and satisfaction to the general public that he wag
BEX P. POOR
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 183
reappointed in April, 19 14, being therefore tlie present incumbent
in the office. He has great respect for the dignity of the bar and
is indeed a worthy representative of that profession to which prop-
erty, life and liberty must look for protection. He stands high, espe-
cially in the discussion of legal matters before the court, where his
comprehensive knowledge of the law is manifest and his applica-
tion of legal principles demonstrates the wide range of his profes-
sional acquirements. The utmost care and precision characterizes
his preparation of a case and has made him one of the successful
attorneys of Burlington. He is a member of the local, state and
national bar associations and, imbued and inspired with the splendid
example of his father, he is holding high the standard of legal prac-
tice and has won a well merited and well earned reputation.
On the I qth of September, 1909, Mr. Poor was married to Miss
Flora Carpenter Brooks, a daughter of Charles E. Brooks, and their
children are Virginia Louise and Richard Brooks. Mr. Poor holds
membership with the Elks and the Commercial Club, and he gives
his political indorsement to the republican party. His attention,
however, is mainly concentrated upon his profession, and step by
step he has advanced until, like his father, he has attained an hon-
orable and enviable position as a representative of the Burlington
bar.
SUPERINTENDENT W. L. HANSON.
Superintendent of city schools W. L. Hanson has devoted his
entire life to educational activity and since July, 1909, has been super-
intendent of the city schools of Burlington. A native of Greeneville,
Tennessee, he was born on the 29th of July, 1879, and is a son of S. C.
and Nancy Elizabeth (Edmondson) Hanson. The father was also
a teacher who became superintendent of schools and he was likewise
well known as a composer of vocal music, publishing many music
books for use in the schools, including Merry Melodies and others.
W. L. Hanson acquired his early education in the schools of
Williamsport, Indiana, where his father was at that time engaged in
teaching, and later he entered the University of Indiana, in which
he completed the classical course, being graduated in 1900 witli the
degree of Bachelor of Arts. He also devoted three summer terms
to studv in the University of Chicago and did post-graduate work
in Columbia University of New York, receiving the degree of Mas-
184 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
ter of Arts from this institution in 191 5. Taking up the profession
of teaching as a life work, he was connected first with the schools at
Kentland, Indiana, and afterward at Monmouth, Illinois, first as
teacher of the sciences and later as principal of the high school, to
which position he was appointed in 1902, continuing therein for
four and a half years. He came to Burlington in 1906 to accept the
principalship of the high school, in which position he remained for
three years, when, in July, 1909, he was chosen superintendent of
the public schools of the city. He is a most able educator, occupying
a high position in the ranks of his profession, his course having been
marked by steady progress as a result of his continuous study, inves-
tigation and broadening experience. He employs practical methods
while working toward high ideals and he has the ability to inspire
teachers and pupils with much of his own zeal and interest in the
work. He believes in the special study of the individual and agrees
with ex-President Eliot of Harvard that "What is needed is con-
tinuous education which lasts through life."
On the 14th of June, 1906, Mr. Hanson was united in marriage
to Miss Blanche Morrow, of Monmouth, Illinois, who was an in-
structor in English in Monmouth College. They hold membership
in the United Presbyterian church, and they occupy a prominent
position in social circles where true worth is accepted as a passport.
Mr. Hanson keeps in touch with all of the important interests and
issues of the day and is abreast with the world's thought, so that
association with him means expansion and elevation.
J. W. BROOKS.
J. W. Brooks is vice president and cashier of the National State
Bank of Burlington. Honored and respected by all, there is no man
who occupies a more enviable position in the business and financial
circles of the city, for his career has been marked not only by steady
advance but by the employment of methods which will bear the clos-
est investigation and scrutiny. It is true that he entered upon a busi-
ness already established, but to wisely direct and control this and
enlarge its scope he must himself possess the qualities of keen sagacity,
sound judgment and indefatigable enterprise and in none of these is
he lacking.
Burlington claims Mr. Brooks as a native son. He was born in
1853, the second in order of birth in the family of nine children whose
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 185
parents were F. W. and Harriet Cordelia (Williams) Brooks, 'i'he
father, who was the pioneer banker of Burlington, was born in Liv-
ingston county, New York, in March, 1819, and when a young man
lived in Canada, whence he again crossed the border into the United
States and established his home in Illinois. In the meantime, how-
ever, he went to California, where he met Miss Harriet Cordelia
Williams, whom he made his wife. They returned by way of the
Isthmus route and were married in Burlington, by the Rev. William
Salter. It was in 1842 that Mr. Brooks took up his abode in this city
and here embarked in the commission and brokerage business, which
was the initial step that led him a little later into the banking business.
The history of his career from that time forward until his death is
practically the record of the development of the National State Bank,
of which extended mention is made on another page of this volume.
He was among the organizers of the institution after conducting a
private banking business for a number of years and he was also a
stockholder in the First National Bank of Burlington and in other
business concerns. His political allegiance was given to the republi-
can party, but he never sought nor desired the honors or emoluments
of public office, preferring to concentrate his efforts upon his im-
portant and growing business interests. He continued as president
of the bank until his death, which occurred in Burlington April i,
1869. His widow long survived him and passed away about 1907.
In their family were nine children: Caroline P., the wife of Frank
Peasley; J. W., of this review; Clara, the wife of J. T. McChesney, a
resident of Everett, Washington; Annis, who married S. S. Hawkins,
but both are now deceased; Charles E., assistant cashier of the Na-
tional State Bank; F. W., who is a banker in Everett, Washington;
H. E., who follows farming in Des Moines county; Fred, now
deceased; and Mary Peasley, the wife of David Roscum, of
Burlington.
J. W. Brooks, the second in order of birth in that family, was edu-
cated in the public schools of his native city and of Lawrenceville,
New Jersey, where he was graduated with the class of 1873. The year
1874 was spent in European travel. Returning to the middle west,
he has since been continuously identified with banking and financial
interests, his initial experience coming to him in the Union National
Bank of Chicago, where he remained until 1876. He then returned
to Burlington and entered the National State Bank. He has since
been identified with this institution, in which he served in various
capacities, being promoted through intermediate positions until he
was made assistant cashier on the 22d of April, 1887. On the loth of
186 HISTORY OF DES iMOINES COUNTY
January following he was elected a member of the board of directors
and on the 20th of March, 1900, he succeeded John J. Fleming in
the office of cashier and at the same time was chosen vice president as
the successor to Charles Starker. He has since continued in the dual
capacity, being most active in directing the interests and shaping the
policy of the institution, the steady and substantial growth of which
is attributable in large measure to his efiforts.
Mr. Brooks was married September 24, 1879, to Miss Lily Louise
Roades, of Burlington, and they have four sons and two daughters:
Francis W. and Miller R., both of whom are assistant cashiers in the
National State Bank; Mary Roades, the wife of George J. Finck,
who is president of the Cave Coal Company of Burlington; Harriet
Louise, wife of John D. Ohrt, now of Lannon, Wisconsin; James W.,
Jr., attending school at Lawrenceville, New Jersev; and Fred
Phillips, a student in the Culver Military Academy of Indiana.
Mr. Brooks holds membership with the Benevolent Protective
Order of Elks and is also a member of the Episcopal church. His
political support is given to the republican party and he has ever kept
well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He has prac-
tically spent his entire life in Burlington and has a circle of friends
almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance. He possesses
the go(Hlwill and confidence of men throughout the country — men
high in authority and men in the lowlv walks of life and in Burlington
where he is best known he is termed one of the best loved citizens.
FRED HILL.
Fred Hill, agent at Burlington for the Leisy Brewing Company
of Peoria, Illinois, conducts business at No. 834 Valley street, where
thev own a good warehouse and office. He was born in Somerset-
shire, England, November 14, 1873, and at the age of twelve years
left his native country and came to the United States. He had pre-
viouslv attended school to some extent in England and after reaching
the new world continued his studies in the old South Hill school of
Burlington for about a year. At that time he began earning his own
livelihood at farm work and, stimulated by a desire to engage in
business on his own account, he saved his earnings until he was able
to purchase ninetv-one acres of land. To this he has gradually added
in small amounts until he now owns one hundred and sixty-seven acres
of valuable farming property. He continued his farm work until
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 187
1 90 1, at which time he accepted the wholesale agency of the Leisy
Brewing Company of Peoria, Illinois. In that connection he has
huilt up a substantial and growing business and in 1906 they erected
the present warehouse and office building at No. 834 Valley street.
His trade covers many of the nearby counties of Iowa and also a sec-
tion of western Illinois and he employs nine men in the conduct of the
business. In addition he gives personal supervision to the further
development, cultivation and management of his farm, which is only
a short distance outside the city limits, and from his agricultural in-
terests he derives a gratifying annual income.
On the 2 1 St of November, 1894, ^^'^^ celebrated the marriage of
Mr. Hill and Miss Celia F. Meyers, of Burlington. They have an
adopted daughter, Grace, who is now attending the high school. Mr.
Hill holds membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Owls, and the Sand Lake Fishing
Club and is regarded as one of the most popular men in Burlington,
being approachable, genial, cordial and at all times considerate of the
opinion of others.
OLIVER W. BOATMAN, M. D.
Dr. Oliver W. Boatman has been a resident of Burlington since
1903 and began the practice of medicine in this city when a young
man of twenty-four years. He was born August 3, 1879, in Louis-
ville, Kentucky, a son of J. A. and Josephine (Wheeler) Boatman.
He traces his ancestry back to three brothers who came to America
with the Marquis De La Fayette when he crossed the Atlantic to
assist General Washington and the American colonists in winning
independence. The father of our subject was a minister of the Meth-
odist church and came to Iowa with his family in 1884, settling first
at Moulton. He resided in various places in the state according to
the itinerant methods of the Methodist ministry and, actively engaged
in preaching the gospel, his efforts were a strongly influential factor
in advancing moral progress. He is now living retired in Wash-
ington, Iowa.
Dr. Boatman entered Parsons College at Fairfield, Iowa, after
completing a public-school course, which was gained in various
towns and cities of the state. Attracted by the opportunities of the
medical profession and thinking to find practice congenial, he en-
tered the Keokuk Medical College, from which he was graduated
188 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
with the class of 1903. He then located for practice in Burlington
and through all the intervening period to the present time has made
continuous advancement, his power and ability growing through the
exercise of effort as he has faithfully performed his professional
duties.
On the 1 2th of March, 1907, Dr. Boatman was united in marriage
to Miss Elizabeth Mercer, a native of Burlington and a daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel W. Mercer. The family is of French Hugue-
not descent. Samuel W. Mercer was the first of the familv to locate
in Burlington, here establishing his home in 1863. His wife was a
daughter of Thomas Kitchen, a pioneer of Burlington, in which city
his birth occurred in 1838 when this city was a tiny hamlet upon the
river bank.
Dr. Boatman holds membership with the Masonic fraternity and
with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He votes with the
republican party and belongs to the Methodist church, guiding his
life according to the teachings of the latter organization.
HENRY STEYH
Henrv Steyh has from the age of sixteen years been a resident of
Burlington and throughout his entire life has engaged in the harness
making business. He was born in Kisselbach, Hesse-Darmstadt,
Germany, on the 7th of June, 1851, and is a son of Balzar and Cath-
arine (Schaefer) Steyh, who always remained residents of the father-
land. Their family numbered three sons and three daughters, all of
whom have passed away with the exception of Henry and William,
both of whom are now residents of Burlington.
Henry Steyh was the fifth in order of birth in his father's family
and when sixteen vears of age he bade adieu to friends and fatherland
and sailed for the new world, making his way to' Wheeling, West
Virginia, in company with his brother William. They remained
there for a few months and then came to Burlington, where Henry
Steyh has since remained. Here he began working at the harness
maker's trade and has since been connected with that line of business.
On the 28th of October, 1875, Mr. Steyh was united in marriage
to Miss Margaret Magel, who was born in Union township, Des
Moines county, September 20, 1852, a daughter of Seibert and Marie
(Licht) Magel. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Steyh are eight
in number: Emma Elizabeth, a graduate of the Burlington high
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 189
school and for two years a student in the normal school of Burlington,
now the wife of John C. Moline, living in Dallas, Illinois; Lilly
May. who became the wife of Oscar Vollmer and died in Burlington,
October i6, 191 2, at the age of thirty-four years; Frederick William,
who is a graduate of a business college of Burlington and is now
located in Seattle, Washington; Walter Henry, who is also a grad-
uate of a business college and is now in St. Louis ; George Philip, who
is a graduate of the St. Louis College of Pharmacy and is living in
St. Louis; Marie Louise, a graduate of the Burlington Business Col-
lege, living at home; Herbert Edward, a druggist of this city; and
Margaret Estella, who is a graduate of the Burlington high school
and is now a student in the State University of Iowa, pursuing the
classical course, from which she will graduate with the A. B. degree
in 1915. The family are members of the German Zion church. They
have long been well known in Burlington and have enjoyed the high
regard, confidence and goodwill of many friends. Mr. Steyh has
here resided for about forty-eight years and has therefore been a wit-
ness of much of the city's growth and development. The family
residence is at No. 414 South Central avenue, where they are most
pleasantly located.
H. B. YOUNG, A. M., M. D.
Dr. H. B. Young, the youngest son of Dr. John A. Young and Isa-
bella H. (Wallace) Young, was born in Monmouth, Illinois, March
20, 1 85 1, received the Bachelor of Arts degree from Monmouth Col-
lege in 1870, the Master of Arts degree from the same in 1873, the
degree of M. D. from Northwestern University Medical School,
March 16, 1875. On the aad of September, 1875, he married Miss
Hannah S. Parsons, English born, the daughter of Benjamin and
Hannah (Scarboro) Parsons. He took post-graduate work in
Europe in 1876-7 and settled in Burlington in 1879.
Dr. Young, the elder, a graduate of Miami Medical College in
1838, came on horseback from his home in Chillicothe, Ohio, to Mon-
mouth in 1839 and practiced there until his death in 1874. His wife,
who came to Monmouth in 1841 by river via Cincinnati, St. Louis
and Oquawka, Illinois, was the pioneer member and organizer of the
congregation now known as the First United Presbyterian church of
Monmouth. She died in Burlington in 1900. Together they were
instrumental in the founding of Monmouth College.
190 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
Dr. Young, the subject of this sketch, has been president of the
local medical society, also of the State Medical Society (1899), the
last of three Burlington physicians to be so honored. In 1904 he
withdrew from medical organization because not in sympathy with
the purpose of reorganization promulgated by the American Medical
Association, through which action he became known as one of the
original "insurgents." In point of service he is one of the oldest eye
and ear specialists in the state; also in point of service he is the senior
hospital surgeon of Burlington. He is a member of the Golf Club,
all the local Masonic bodies and the Elks. In three of the Masonic
bodies, chapter, council and commandery, he has been presiding
officer. His wife is a member of the Congregational church. The
family otherwise consists of two daughters : Helen, the wife of C. H.
Topping; Alice, the wife of W. T. Coleman, of San Francisco, Cali-
fornia; and a niece, Miss Jessie Blackburn, a public-school kinder-
gartner. There is one grandchild, Miss Alice Topping. Dr. Young's
only surviving brother, William Young, is a resident of New York,
engaged in literary work and a member of the Authors Club. He is
perhaps best known by his dramatization of Ben Hur.
WALTER SCHENCK.
Walter Schenck is the second vice president of the Drake Hard-
ware Company of Burlington and throughout the greater part of his
life has been connected with the hardware trade, so his long expe-
rience, as well as his indefatigable efifort and ambition is proving a
factor in the growing success of the company. He was born in Frank-
lin, Warren county, Ohio, December 30, 1848, a son of Isaac P. and
Catharine (Du Bois) Schenck. The former was a son of Garret A.
Schenck and he in turn was a son of Rev. William Schenck. The
family is of Holland descent, the first ancestors arriving in Nieu
Amsterdam, now New York, in the year 1640. The Rev. William
Schenck was a minister of the Presbyterian church and removed
with his family to Franklin, Ohio, making the journey with teams
across the country. There he organized the First Presbyterian
church. The Du Bois familv is of French origin, although repre-
sentatives of the name removed from France to Holland and the
family was established in New York city at an early period in the
development of this country.
WALTER SCHENCK
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 193
Isaac P. Schcnck was born in Huntington, Long Island, Novem-
ber 14, 1809, and after his marriage became a farmer near Franlclin,
Ohio, winning success through the careful management of his fields.
He died February 11, 1877, while his wife, who was born Novem-
ber 15, 1828, passed away on the 6th of April, 1907. The y<^ungest
sister of Isaac P. Schenck is Mrs. Mary E. Denise, who is still living
in Burlington at the advanced age of ninety-two years. She came
to this city in 1847 and now makes her home at Columbia and
Seventh streets. Her husband, Denise Denise, was of the firm of
Denise & Schenck, pork packers, who established the hrst business
of that kind in Burlington. He was a cousin of Mrs. Catharine
Schenck, and his wife is the youngest sister of Isaac P. Schenck and
is the last survivor of that generation in both families.
Walter Schenck, spending his youthful days under the parental
roof, acquired a public-school education and on leaving the high
school became connected with the hardware business in Franklin,
Ohio, when seventeen years of age. He was thus employed there for
three years and seven months and on the 4th of July, 1870, he went
to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he spent a little over one year in a large
retail hardware store. On July 21, 1871, he came to Burlington
and entered the employ of the firm of Nelson & Company as stock
clerk, remaining in that connection for a year after the firm of Drake
& Dayton purchased the business, which was in March, 1877. He
then went upon the road as a traveling salesman for that house and
subsequently was in the employ of Lyman H. Drake as a hardware
salesman until the close of the year 1887. For three years he traveled
for Horton-Gilmore-McWilliams & Company of Chicago and in
1 89 1, upon the organization of the Drake Hardware Company of
Burlington, he was elected its secretary. He has since been an active
factor in the successful conduct of the business and in July, 1907,
was elected the second vice president. He has been traveling again
for the past eighteen years, or since September, 1896, and is a most
successful salesman, constantly enlarging the scope of business con-
nections for the house. He has been identified with the hardware
trade for a long period of time and has been an interested witness
in all of the changes which have been brought about through the
development of commercial conditions to the present day.
On the 20th of September, 1876, Mr. Schenck was united in mar-
riage to Miss Emma Combs, of Burlington, a daughter of Richard
and Eliza J. Combs. They have become parents of four children:
C. P., who is an eye, ear, nose and throat specialist, and is married
and has one son ; Bertha S., who is the widow of James N. McDavitt
194 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
and has one son, and who is also a physician, practicing with her
brother in Temple, Texas; W. L., who, after practicing two and one-
half years in Texas, returned to Iowa and is teaching dentistry in the
State University, Iowa City, from which place he graduated; and
Mary E., who is director of physical culture and preceptress of the
high school department of Colorado State Teachers' College. The
second day after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Schenck removed into
the house which they still occupy at No. 8oi Starr avenue. Theirs
has always been a hospitable home, and they have the warm regard
of an extensive circle of friends.
Mr. Schenck holds membership with the United Commercial
Travelers and the Travelers' Protective Association. His religious
affiliation is that of the Methodist Episcopal church and in his polit-
ical belief he is a republican. He is always approachable and genial
and is popular with his many patrons, who have learned to esteem and
honor him because of the many sterling traits of his character and his
thorough reliability in business.
CHARLES E. BROOKS.
No student of history can carry his investigations far into the
records of Des Moines county without learning of the prominent part
that has been played in its upbuilding and development by the mem-
bers of the Brooks family. In financial circles they have been par-
ticularly prominent through three generations and Charles E.
Brooks of the second generation is now one of the assistant cashiers
of the National State Bank, the oldest institution of the kind in Iowa.
He was born in Burlington, January 8, i860, a son of F. W. Brooks,
of whom extended mention is made on another page of this volume
in connection with the sketch of his son, J. W. Brooks. In the
family were nine children : Caroline P., the wife of Frank Peasley,
also a prominent figure in the financial circles of Burlington; J. W.,
a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work; Clara, the wife
of J. T. McChesney, a resident of Everett, Washington; Annis, who
married S. S. Hawkins, but both are now deceased ; Charles E., assist-
ant cashier of the National State Bank; F. W., who is a banker of
Everett, Washington; H. E., who follows farming in Des Moines
county; Fred, now deceased; and MoUie, the wife of David Roscum,
of Burlington.
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 195
Charles E. Brooks acquired a public-school education and after-
ward became a student at Lawrenceville, New Jersey. For a short
time he also attended Harvard and upon his return to the middle
west engaged in the banking business in Minnesota for eight years,
during which period he gained broad knowledge of various phases
of the business. In 1888 he returned to Burlington and two years
later entered the National State Bank, becoming a director and
assistant cashier. He has thus continued to the present time and is
active with others of the family in shaping the policy of the insti-
tution. They have ever recognized the fact that the bank is most
worthy of patronage which most carefully safeguards the interests of
its depositors, and this the National State Bank has ever done, main-
taining an even balance between progressiveness and conservatism.
On the 26th of January, 1881, Mr. Brooks was united in marriage
to Miss Flora Carpenter, a daughter of 0. B. P. and Sally (Stockton)
Carpenter, representatives of early pioneer families of the county.
The mother was a daughter of Judge Stockton, one of the first set-
tlers of Burlington. Mr. Carpenter was for an extended period
engaged in the jewelry business but is now deceased. To Mr. and
Mrs. Brooks have been born five children: Elsie and Ruth Louise,
at home; Flora, the wife of Ben Poor; Charles E., an electrician
residing in Chicago; and Virginia Peasley, at home.
Mr. Brooks gives his political allegiance to the republican party.
The honors and emoluments of oflice, however, have had no attrac-
tion for him, as he has ever preferred to concentrate his attention and
energies upon his business afifairs, in which connection he has steadily
advanced until his name is a well known and honored one in the
banking circles not only of Burlington but of the state as well.
JULIUS GEORGE SCHAEFER.
During the years of his connection with the active business inter-
ests of Burlington, Julius George Schaefer was a member of the
firm of Droegemeyer & Schaefer, dealers in shoes. In the later
part of his life, however, he lived retired, enjoying a rest which he
had truly earned and richly deserved. He was born in Hesse-Darm-
stadt, Germany, July 2, 1847, a son of George and Mary Schaefer,
who spent their entire lives in the fatherland. In their family were
three sons and three daughters, of whom Julius G. was the eldest.
He spent his youthful days in his native land but left that Cf)untry
196 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
in order to avoid military service, crossing the Atlantic to Wheeling,
West Virginia. He spent some time in that city as a bookkeeper in
a large hotel there and about 1870 he arrived in Burlington, where
he became connected with the shoe trade, forming a partnership with
Henry Droegemeyer under the firm name of Droegemeyer & Schae-
fer. This relation was maintained for several years and they enjoyed
a large and profitable business which brought to Mr. Schaefer the
handsome competence which he enjoyed through his later years, after
he had retired from connection with mercantile pursuits.
On the 7th of March, 1872, Mr. Schaefer was united in marriage
to Miss Mary Magel, who was born in Union township, Des Moines
county, April 25, 1850, and until her marriage there resided with
her parents, Seibert and Mary (Licht) Magel. Unto Mr. and Mrs.
Schaefer were born twelve children : William, who was born March
4, 1873, and is now living in Burlington; George, who died in in-
fancy; Clara, the wife of Henry Woellhef, of Marshalltown, Iowa;
Minnie, the wife of Frank Woellhef, of Burlington; Edward, who
was born October 20, 1879, and learned and followed the plumbing
trade but died October 25, 1904; Otelia, residing at Perrv, Iowa;
Bertha, the wife of C. P. Bonham, of Denver, Colorado; Augusta,
the wife of Charles Streedbeck, of Helena, Montana; Lottie, who is
living with her sister in Denver, Colorado; Stella, Ruth and Charles,
all at home. The family circle was again broken by the hand of
death when on the 8th of July, 19 10, Mr. Schaefer was called to his
final rest, being then about sixty-three years of age. He was a mem-
ber of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows but took no very active
part in fraternal organizations or club life, always preferring to give
his attention to his family when not occupied with business affairs.
He was devoted to the welfare of the members of his own household
and did everything in his power to advance their interests.
ERNEST IRVING WOODBURY, M. D.
Dr. Ernest Irving Woodbury, a practitioner of medicine of the
homeopathic school, who since July, 1896, has followed his profession
in Burlington, was born in Council Blufifs, Iowa, on the 25th of No-
vember, 1870, and is a son of Edmund Israel and Elizabeth (Whit-
ney) Woodbury.
The ancestry can be traced back to "Ye ancient familie of Wood-
bury," of Devonshire, England, where a common and castle still
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 197
bear the Woodbury name. The progenitors of the family in America
were John and William Woodbury, who resided in that part of
Salem, Massachusetts, which is now Beverly. John Woodbury, who
appeared at Cape Ann in 1623-4 '^'^^^ '^^ Salem in 1626, was identified
with most of the important interests in the early settlement of the
Salem colony and, together with Roger Conant, stood next to Gov-
ernor Endicott in civil matters. In 1627 he was sent as agent to
England, returning in 1628, "bringing a comfortable answer to them
that sent him." On the 28th of September, 1630, "John Woodbury
is chosen constable of Salem." He was one of the original members
of the hrst church in Salem, Massachusetts. In 1635 and in 1638 he
attended the general court as deputy for Salem and the same year
received a grant of land from the ruling magistrate. William Wood-
burv built the first dwelling house at Beverly, a garrison house, in
1630 and after the death of his elder brother John, in 1641, succeeded
him in many important offices. The family name figured promi-
nently in connection with many events which have left their impress
upon the civil and military history of New England.
Dr. Edmund Israel Woodbury was born in Bolton, Massachu-
setts, March 7, 1830, in the homestead built and originally occupied
by his great-grandfather and afterward owned by his father, adjoin-
ing the estate of his grandfather, who served in the Revolutionary
war. He was Israel Woodbury, who was born April 13, 1756, and
died August 23, 1847. He wedded Annie Morgan and they became
the parents of ten children. He was a Revolutionary soldier, serving
with distinction until the close of hostilities. He afterward settled
on a large farm which was a part of his father's estate. On the 4th
of September, 1797, he received from Governor Sumner of Massa-
chusetts a lieutenant's commission which was afterward in the pos-
session of his grandson, Dr. Edmund I. Woodbury, who also had
another historical familv document which he prized highly and
which is now in possession of the subject of this review: the original
muster call issued in his majesty's name by Captain Robert Wood-
bury to his son. Corporal Robert Woodbury, Jr., requiring him' to
call his squad of soldiers together fully equipped for review in Bev-
erly, Massachusetts, June 14, 1731.
Israel Woodbury, Jr., the father of Dr. Edmund I. Woodbury,
was born in Bolton, Miissachusetts, November 13, 1781;, and died
April 6, i8c;2. He spent his early life on a farm and afterward en-
gaged in teaching school through the winter months, while learning
and later following the mason's trade through the summer seasons.
For many years he conducted business as a contractor and builder in
198 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
Bolton and was also called to neighboring towns in the conduct of
his industrial affairs. He was much interested in the military life
of the community and in early manhood served as major of militia.
He was twice married. He first wedded Tabitha Wilder and for
his second wife married Mrs. Olive Snow, the widow of Edmund F.
Snow, of Boston. Her maiden name was Olive Berry. Israel Wood-
bury had ten children, five sons and five daughters, of whom Dr.
Edmund Israel Woodbury was the third child.
Dr. Edmund Israel Woodbury attended the public schools of
New England and studied dentistry in Worcester, Massachusetts,
obtaining his degree in September, 1852. He then removed to Yel-
low Springs, Ohio, where for five years he engaged in practice, and
on the istof July, 1858, he became a resident of Council Bluffs, Iowa,
and the first established dentist in that place or in the western section
of the state. He was also among the first members of the Iowa State
Dental Society and was prominently connected with that organiza-
tion and active in its work, serving as its president in 1872. He was
also a charter member and one of the first presidents of the Missouri
Valley Dental Society. He became widely recognized as a most
eminent member of his profession and aside from caring for his ex-
tensive practice, he became one of the instructors and lecturers in
the dental department of the University of Omaha. There are few
men in the entire west who have been more widely or favorably
known in the profession. He invented and manufactured several
dental specialties of recognized worth and he ever kept abreast with
the profession in all of its advancement. He likewise contributed to
public progress and did much to promote the growth, welfare and
prosperity of Council Bluffs, where he erected several fine residence
and business properties. For several years he conducted a drug busi-
ness in partnership with O. H. Brown and he became a prominent
horticulturist of western Iowa, demonstrating the fact that fruit could
be successfully grown on the hills along the Missouri river. In
spite of opposition he planted his orchard and lived to see his hopes
realized. Dr. Woodbury was a lifelong republican, but never sought
nor desired the honors and emoluments of office. He became a mem-
ber of the Presbyterian church in 1863 and throughout the remainder
of his life was most loyal thereto. In 1873 he became an elder of
the church and twenty years later was made a commissioner to the
general assembly of the Presbyterian church at Washington, D. C.
On the 25th of May, 1854, Dr. Edmund I. Woodbury was united
in marriage to Elizabeth Whitney, of West Townsend, Massachu-
setts. Her ancestors came from England in 1635 and were prominent
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 199
in early colonial and Revolutionary history. Dr. and Mrs. Wood-
bury had a family of six children. Edmund Nathan, who was born
January 31, 1857, died November 4, 1863. Herbert Arthur, born
July 9, 1859, was graduated from the Council Blufifs high school in
1876 and from the Boston Dental College in 1880. He then joined
his father in practice and helped to organize and was professor of
operative dentistry in the dental department of the University of
Omaha, becoming dean of that institution. He was married June 6.
1900, to Elizabeth L. Conklin. Elizabeth Olive, born August 9,
1863, graduated from the Council Bluffs high school, was afterward
a student in Wellesley College of Massachusetts and for several years
taught in the Council BlulTs high school. On the 12th of January,
1888, she became the wife of the Rev. T. B. Greenlee. Charles
Elmer, born January 1 1, 1866, was graduated from the Council Bluffs
high school in 1883 and from the Boston Dental College in 1887, and
is now practicing at Council Bluffs. He was married November 3,
1 891, to Miss Nellie Webster. Cora Louise, born July 20, 1868, sup-
plemented her Council Bluffs educational training by study in Albert
Lea College of Minnesota. The youngest of the family is Ernest
Irving, whose name introduces this review. The father, Dr. Ed-
mund Israel Woodbury, was not only the first dentist in Council
Bluffs but also in that territory which is within one hundred miles of
the western boundary of Iowa. He remained active in his profession
until his death, which occurred October 14, 1913, when he was nearly
eighty-four years of age. He had for two years survived his wife,
who passed away in 191 1.
The youngest in their family, Dr. Ernest Irving Woodbury, spent
his youthful days under the parental roof, attending the public schools
of Council Bluffs, and was graduated from the high school. He
afterward spent two years in the Iowa State University, taking pre-
paratory work for a professional career. He entered the Chicago
Homeopathic Medical College, from which he was graduated in
1894. He became an interne in October of that year in the Chicago
Homeopathic Hospital and so continued until April, 1896, and he
has also done post-graduate work in surgery. In July, 1896, he ar-
rived in Burlington, where he has since remained in the active
practice of his profession. He is a member of the Iowa State Home-
opathic Society and the American Institute of Homeopathy.
In 1901 Dr. Woodbury was united in marriage to Miss Daisy
Garton, of Los Angeles, a daughter of the Rev. Richard Carton, D.
D., a minister of the Baptist church who is now living retired. Dr.
and Mrs. Woodbury have two sons, Edmund I., born May 8, 1904,
200 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
and Perry S., born January 5, 191 1. Dr. Woodbury holds member-
ship with a college fraternity, the Beta Theta Pi, is also a Knight
Templar Mason and belongs to the Burlington Golf Club. He gives
his political allegiance to the republican party and is loyal as a mem-
ber of the Presbyterian church. He represents one of the oldest pio-
neer families of the state, the name of Woodbury having long been
associated with the development and upbuilding of Iowa. He holds
to high standards in his profession, his purpose is ever honorable and
his practice of an ethical character, being dominated by a spirit of
conscientious obligation which permits of no neglect of professional
duties.
JOHN T. BECKMAN.
John T. Beckman has since 1904 been identified with the Moehn
Brewery and is now secretary and treasurer of the company which
owns and manages the plant. He was born in Dodgeville, Iowa,
June 7, 1854, a son of Theodore and Bernadine (Niemann) Beck-
man. The latter was a daughter of John Niemann, who came to
Des Moines county from Germany in 1849. Theodore Beckman
arrived in Burlington in 1850, but the following year went to Cal-
ifornia, attracted by the gold discoveries on the Pacific coast, where
he remained for about two years, returning in 1853. ^^ ^^''^^ ^^en
married and purchased a farm in Franklin township, upon which he
resided to the time of his death, which occurred July 20, 1910, when
he had reached the venerable age of eighty-eight years. His wife
passed away at the age of seventy-eight years. They were members
of the Catholic church.
John T. Beckman, the oldest in their family of nine children, all
of whom are yet living, was educated in the public schools of Dodge-
ville and had the usual experiences of the farm boy during his youth,
dividing his time between the work of the schoolroom, the pleas-
ures of the playground and the tasks which came to him in con-
nection with the development of the fields. After attaining his ma-
jority he chose to give his attention to the occupation to which he had
been reared and continued in farming until forty years of age, at the
same time conducting a general store and acting as postmaster of
Dodgtville for twelve years. In 1904, however, he came to Burling-
ton and purchased an interest in the Moehn Brewery, one of the lead-
ing establishments of this kind in the city. He was made its secre-
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HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 203
tary and treasurer and in that office is taking an active part in pro-
moting the interests of the business. In addition he still owns farm-
ing property, from which he derives a substantial annual income.
In 1880 Mr. Beckman was united in marriage to Miss Theresa
Ritter, who died in 1892, leaving three children: Edward J., who
is now engaged in the cultivation of his father's farm; Mary A., the
wife of Roy Riffle, who is also residing upon the farm; and Ther-
esa, the wife of William Riffle, who follows farming on the land
owned by her father. In 1896 Mr. Beckman was again married, his
second union being with Miss Julia Walz, a native of Lowell, Iowa,
and they have a son, Theodore, at home.
The parents and children are members of the Catholic church
and Mr. Beckman holds membership with the Elks, the Eagles and
the Moose. In his political views he is a democrat and has served
as assessor and trustee of his township. He has always preferred,
however, to concentrate his energies upon his business afifairs and
aside from his brewing and farming interests he is known in finan-
cial circles as a director of the Mediapolis Bank. His life has been
a busy one, and his close application and energy have brought to
him the measure of success which is today his.
WILLIAM FLETCHER HAYDEN.
A well spent life enabled William Fletcher Hayden to leave to
his family an untarnished name when death called him. He was born
in Hamilton county, Ohio, November 5, 1836, a son of the Rev. John
and Sarah (McCotter) Hayden, who were likewise natives of Ohio.
The father was a circuit rider of the Methodist Episcopal church and
in the year 1839 came to Burlington, finding here a little village on
the river bank which had but little industrial or commercial prom-
inence, although it was becoming a trading point for vessels and for
the settlers who were making their way westward. At«the time of his
arrival his father, Stephen Hayden, also came and built the old Star
home on Sixth street. Stephen Hayden passed away in Burlington.
His son, the Rev. John Hayden, devoted his entire life to the work
of the ministry and died upon a farm at Libertyville, Iowa, which
farm had been in possession of the family for seventy years. At one
time he represented Jefferson county in the state legislature, as did
his son, Dr. John Weslev. To him and his wife were born six chil-
204 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
dren: William F. ; John Wesley, a physician who died in Fairfield,
Iowa ; Thomas Morris, who was formerly a physician but is now a
banker and fruit grower of Fresno, California; Mrs. Sarah Daven-
port, living in California; James, whose home is at Eldon, Iowa,
where he owns a ranch; and Dr. Reed Hayden, now deceased.
William F. Hayden was but three years of age when brought by
his parents to Burlington. As a boy he traveled with his father in
missionary work among the Indians and the whites who were early
settlers of this section. The Indians told him they would steal him, as
he had black eyes. He could relate many interesting tales of the red
men, their habits and their mode of living. He supplemented his
early education by study in the college at Fairfield, Iowa, and also at
Mount Pleasant, and some of the large elm trees now seen upon the
college campus he aided in planting.
When twenty-two years of age Mr. Hayden was married and
established his home in Burlington, where he spent his remaining
days, conducting business as an architect and contractor. He was
also identified with manufacturing interests, engaging in the making
of caskets and in other lines. He was also identified with the White
Breast Coal mine of Burlington.
Mr. Hayden was united in marriage in 1858 to Miss Susanna
Jackson, who was born about ten miles from Wheeling, West Vir-
ginia, on the Ohio side of the river, November 28, 1835, and came to
Burlington by the river route w'hen fourteen years of age in company
with her parents, William and Margaret Jackson, who were natives
of Frederick county, Virginia. Her father was a relative of General
"Stonewall" Jackson and also of President Andrew Jackson. Her
grandfather, ^^"illiam Jackson, played a prominent part in the early
history of Virginia. The death of Mrs. Hayden occurred September
15, 1910, while Mr. Hayden passed away May 5, 1903. The loss of
both was deeplv deplored by their many friends and most of all by
their immediate family. Thev had five children : Perle, who resides
at the old home at No. 701 Division street, occupying a large fine resi-
dence which was erected by her father more than forty years ago;
Jessie H., the w^fe of Francis Brooks, a resident of Everett, Washing-
ton; Margaret, the wife of Harold Dayton, of New York city; Mrs.
May H. Smith, who died leaving two daughters, Katharine and
Margaret, who reside with their aunt. Miss Hayden; and Edward J.,
who is living in Nutley, New Jersey. Miss Hayden is a graduate of
the Burlington high school and is a lady of excellent business quali-
fications. Her father died eleven years ago and left valuable property
interests, and as her mother was unable to assume their management.
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 205
Miss Hayden took up the business and has successfully controlled
the interests of the estate.
William F. Hayden was a man of many sterling traits of char-
acter and his name is inseparably interwoven with the history of Bur-
lington, where he made his home for nearly two-thirds of a century.
At the time of his death he was one of its oldest residents. There
were few who could relate stories of Burlington's villagehood from
an actual personal knowledge thereof. He grew with the city and
contributed to its growth and improvement and at all times con-
formed his life to his professions as a member of the Methodist Epis-
copal church, so that he left to his family not only a goodly
inheritance in property but also an honored name.
J. N. PATTERSON, M. D.
Dr. J. N. Patterson has been a representative of the medical pro-
fession of Burlington since July, 1898, and had resided here for but
a brief period ere his power in professional work began to draw to
him a growing practice that is now gratifying and extensive. He was
born in Greenbush, Ontario, September 23, 1864, and is a son of John
and Mary Ann (Empey) Patterson. The father was a farmer by
occupation and spent his entire life in Canada, as did the mother.
When Dr. Patterson had mastered the branches of learning taught
in the public schools of his native city he entered Queen's University
at Kingston, Ontario, and was graduated from the medical depart-
ment of that institution with the class of 1890. Crossing the border
into the United States, he practiced in Ohiowa, Fillmore county, Ne-
braska, through the ensuing eight years and in July, 1898, came to
Burlington. For sixteen years he has followed his profession in this
city and his professional aid is entirely satisfactory to his many
patients. He holds to the highest professional standard and is true
to its ethical teachings. He practices both medicine and surgery
and he is a member of the Des Moines County Medical Society, the
Iowa State Medical Society and the American Medical Association.
On the 28th of December, 1904, Dr. Patterson was united in mar-
riage to Miss Louise Blanke, a native of Burlington and a daughter
of Charles and Mary Blanke. Dr. Patterson exemplifies in his life
the beneficent spirit upon which the order of Masonry is founded,
having membership in Malta Lodge, No. 98, A. F. & A. M. He also
belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. He exercises his right
206 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
of franchise in support of the men and measures of the democratic
party and his religious faith is evidenced by his membership in the
First Methodist Episcopal church. His has been an active and well
spent life, characterized by fidelity to high ideals, and his efforts at
all times have been a matter of valuable aid to his many patrons.
ADOLPH SCHOENHAAR.
Adolph Schoenhaar, proprietor of an establishment for the manu-
facture of mineral waters at No. 1249 Agency avenue in Burlington,
was born in Germany, August 24, 1858, a son of Gottlieb Adam and
Louisa (Fuernhaber) Schoenhaar. The parents were both natives
of Germany and died there many years ago. Adolph Schoenhaar
was but nine years of age when his mother passed away. In the
family were eight children, of whomi five are yet living. William
resides in Wilmington, Delaware, where he is engaged in the bakery
business, and the others, save our subject, are residents of Germany.
Adolph Schoenhaar attended the public schools of his native
country and worked in a flour mill there before coming to the new
world. Believing that he might have better opportunities and advan-
tages on this side the Atlantic, he came to the United States in 1882
and arrived in Burlington on the 27th of September. On that date
there was snow and ice upon the ground, winter setting in very early
that year. He first worked for Christian Bicklin as a farm hand and
later was employed by Raessener & Muengenmeyer, who were con-
ducting a butchering business. He was afterward employed for
fifteen years by Christ Mathies in a soda water manufactory, where
he learned his present business. He acquainted himself with every
phase of the trade and the methods of manufacture, and in 1909 he
formed a partnership with Julius Fladt and established his present
business. The partnership was maintained for several years, but
for the past three years Mr. Schoenhaar has been alone. He manu-
factures all kinds of soda water and soft drinks, conducting both a
wholesale and retail business, selling largely to the city and private
trade. He has secured a liberal patronage and has prospered from
the outset until he now owns the ground and all of the buildings
which he occupies and at the same time has an extensive trade which
is growing year by year.
On the 9th of June, 1889, Mr. Schoenhaar was united in marriage
to Miss Mary Vogelgesang, who was born in Burlington in 1859, a
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 207
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Vogclgcsang, who were natives of
Germany and came to America in early life. The mother died when
her daughter Mrs. Schoenhaar was but eight years of age. The
father, who was a dairyman, died about nine years ago. They had
eight children, all of whom are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Schoen-
haar have had no children of their own, but have reared a niece,
Glory Schoenhaar, who was born in Burlington in June, 1905, and is
now in school.
Mr. and Mrs. Schoenhaar hold membership in St. John's Catholic
church. They reside at No. 846 Columbia street, where they have
made their home since 1893. Fraternally he is connected with the
Eagles and with the Turner Society, and in politics he has always been
a democrat since becoming a naturalized American citizen but never
an office seeker. He is truly a self-made man. At the time of his
marriage he had but twenty-seven dollars, but he possessed courage
and industrv in large measure and these have been the elements which
have carried him forward to success. He has gained a fair com-
petence and is respected by one and all. His friends find him a genial,
entertaining companion and ever a courteous gentleman, and as a
citizen he is public-spirited, taking much interest in those things
which are of value and worth to the community.
HENRY FILERS.
The growth and prosperity of a city does not depend upon a single
individual but upon the aggregate efiforts of many, especially of that
class who control and promote the important industrial and com-
mercial interests. In this number is included Henry Filers, a con-
crete and cement contractor with office at No. 1604 Lincoln street.
He was born April 28, i860, in Germany, a son of Eilert and Wibke
(Miners) Filers, who were likewise natives of that country, where
they remained until called to their final rest. The father died when
his son Henry was but si.x years of age. In the family were three
children: Fred, now living in the state of Washington; Elizabeth,
the wife of Henry Heanen, of Germany; and Henry.
The last named was educated in the free schools of Germany and
first took up timber work, sawing the rough timber and then selling
'to others. The year 1881 w^itnessed his arrival in Burlington. This
was about the time he attained his majority. He was first employed
as a laborer and secured a situation with Leige Henry, a brick con-
208 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
tractor. He afterward entered the employ of the Chicago, Burling-
ton & Quincy Railroad Company and still later worked at cement
work, becoming foreman for George Kriechbaum, with whom he
remained for a few years. He began to take contracts on his own
account about 1885 or 1886 and has erected a number of cement
houses, including two for Mr. Cowles, one for Mr. Copeland and one
for Mrs. Vermann, in addition to his own residence, an elegant and
commodious two-story dwelling which he built in 1905. He also did
all the cement work for the Churchhill & McConnel factory and the
building of the Iowa Soap Company. He manufactures cement
blocks at home, having a well equipped plant upon his grounds, is
very successful and takes contracts for all kinds of cement work. He
was the first man to put in a concrete foundation in the city of Bur-
lington, this being put in for Mr. Emlofif on Gunnison street on West
Hill. He thoroughly understands every phase of the business and has
been accorded a liberal and growing patronage.
In August, 1882, Mr. Eilers was married to Miss Annie Ficken,
who was born in Germany, June 10, 1858, a daughter of Eilert and
Helena (Lange) Ficken, both of whom were natives of Germany and
in 1880 came to America, settling in Burlington. The father was a
farmer by occupation and was not long permitted to enjoy his new
home, for his death occurred about a year after his arrival here. His
wife passed away about twentv years ago. They had eight children,
of whom four are now living: Lena, the widow of Christian Hor-
beck. of Burlington; Dorothy, the widow of Richard Vermann, of
Peoria, Illinois; Henry, of Muscatine, Iowa; and Mrs. Eilers. To
Mr. and Mrs. Eilers have been born six children, of whom four sur-
vive. Ferdinand was born in April, 1884; Helena Amanda was born
November 26, 1887; John Henry, twin brother of Helena Amanda,
died October 6, 1888 ; Lillian was born in 1891 and died in 191 1 after
completing the course in business college; Rosa was born May 9,
1894, and attended business college, while now she is a stenographer
for the firm of Clinton & Copeland; and Henry was born July 6,
1897.
Mr. and Mrs. Eilers are devoted members of the Baptist church,
their lives being in consistent harmony with its teachings. They have
an attractive home which is a most hospitable one and they also own
several other houses, including two on Lincoln street and two else-
where in the city. They have made every effort to win success and
prosperity has attended their efforts. They have also given their chil-
dren good advantages and at all times have held to progressive ideas
in relation to home life and to the communitv- Their own home is
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 209
one of the most attractive in the neighborhood, surrounded bv beauti-
ful grounds adorned with flowers of all kinds. Mr. Eilers cast his
vote for the democratic party in early 'manhood but now largely votes
independently. He has never been an office seeker, always preferring
to give his time and attention to his business affairs, and gradually he
has worked his way upward, gaining thorough understanding of the
trade in every particular and advancing step by step through honor-
able methods until he is now one of the foremost cement contractors
of the citv.
CHARLES EDGAR ELLIOTT.
Charles Edgar Elliott, president of Elliott's Business College of
Burlington, was born in Rochester, New York, September 7, 1883,
while his mother was visiting in that city. Burlington, however, has
always been his home and its public schools afforded him his prelim-
inary educational advantages. He afterward spent two years as a
student in the L'niversity of Wisconsin and in Elliott's Business Col-
lege he pursued a full course and was graduated with the class of
1901. This school was founded, promoted and conducted bv his
father, George W. Elliott, who became recognized throughout the
country as one of the most successful educators in the field of com-
mercial instruction, and built up in Burlingt(jn an institution of
which the city has every reason to be proud.
Following his graduation Charles E. Elliott became a teacher in
the school and has continued as such for the past ten years. He
seemed to have inherited his father's ability as an instructor and grad-
ually developed his powers in the educational field. His instruction
has ever been clear and concise and he has the abilitv to impart readily
and impressively to others the knowledge that he has acquired. Upon
the death of his father, in 1913, he succeeded to the presidency of the
college and is now directing its interests, maintaining the high
standard instituted by his father. He is looking toward the constant
broadening and improvement of methods of instruction and also of
school equipment and his friends feel no doubt of the fact that he will
keep the school in close touch with the progress- and demands of the
time in the business world. Elliott's Business College occupies a
large three story brick building, containing many class rooms and
splendidly equipped office and counting rooms, where business can
210 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
be transacted in exactly the same manner as if commodities were to
be bought and sold.
In 1910 Mr. Elliott was united in marriage to Miss Martha E.
Schuetze, of Burlington, a daughter of George H. Schuetze, who is
connected with the Murray Iron Works. Mr. and Mrs. Elliott have
a son, Charles, now two and a half years of age. The parents are
members of the Catholic church, and Mr. Elliott gives his political
allegiance to the republican party.
CHARLES G. EARNEST.
Charles G. Earnest has the distinction of being the first repub-
lican sherifif of Des Moines county in twenty years and indorsement
of his splendid record in office came in a largely increased vote at
his second election. Moreover, he is well known as a successful
dairyman, conducting a wholesale business of that character.
He was born in Des Moines county, February 24, 1858, a son of
David A. and Catherine A. (Garman) Earnest. The father, who
was a native of Pennsylvania and of German descent, became one
of the pioneer settlers of this part of the state, establishing his home
in Des Moines county in 1845, and the following year purchased a
tract of land near Burlington. Turning his attention to general agri-
cultural pursuits, he continued actively in the work of the farm until
after the outbreak of the Civil war. Although he was too old to be
drafted, his spirit of patriotism and loyalty to his adopted country
prompted his enlistment and he joined the "boys in blue" of Com-
pany E, Twenty-fifth Iowa Infantry, with which he went to the
front. He laid down his life on the altar of his country, dying in a
hospital at Memphis, Tennessee, and there his remains rest, marked
by a tombstone showing his name, regiment, etc. His widows long
survived him, passing away in 1910, at the age of eighty-three years.
In their family were four sons: M. B., now a resident of California;
David A., who was killed in a railway accident; Charles G., of this
review; and Christopher, who became a railroad engineer and lost
his life in a wreck. The father had been married previously and
had four children by his first marriage, but all have passed away.
Charles G. Earnest, spending his youthful days upon the home
farm in this county, attended the public. schools and in the periods of
vacation worked in the fields, aiding in the plowing, planting and
harvesting and thus gaining a practical knowledge of all the phases of
CHARLES (i. KAUXEST
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 213
farm work. In 1879 — the year in which lie attained his majority —
he embarked in the dairy business, in which he still continues, being
now proprietor of the C, B. & Q. dairy. He assisted in organizing
the Sanitary Milk Company and was its first president. Gradually
his business has advanced along substantial lines, owing to his cap-
able management and he is now selling all milk at wholesale. He
milks forty cows and finds a ready market for the product. He is
well known as an enterprising, progressive business man, and his
success is well merited.
In 1891 Mr. Earnest was united in marriage to Miss Kate E.
Kelley, a daughter of Isaac and Nettie Kelley, both of whom are
now deceased. Her father was also a farmer of this state. Mr.
Earnest holds membership in the Commercial E.xchange and his
fraternal connections are with the Eagles, the Elks, the Moose and
the Red Men. He is likewise a charter member of the Carthage
Lake Club. His political allegiance has always been unswervingly
given to the republican party, but he never held office until appointed
sheriff to succeed W. M. Muenzenmeyer, who passed away in 1902.
At the next election he was a candidate for the office, but was de-
feated by seventy-three votes. In 19 10 he again became a candidate
and on that occasion was elected by seventy-three votes. Once more
he was the republican nominee in 1912 and the result of that election
is one of which he has every reason to be proud, for he was given
a majority of twelve hundred. In 1914 he was again elected to the
office of sheriff by about the same majority as before, and is thus
serving as the first republican sheriff of Des Moines county in twenty
years. It does not take any great insight to read between the lines
in this connection, for the increased vote indicates how prompt, cap-
able, fearless and impartial he has been in the discharge of his offi-
cial duties.
EWALD H. HOELZEN.
Ewald H. Hoelzen, who is conducting a general real-estate and
insurance business at No. 210 North Fourth street, Burlington, in
partnership with F. W. Rasche, has secured a large clientage that
makes his business a profitable one. His surname indicates his Ger-
man nativity. He was born October 10, 1865, in the fatherland, his
parents being Frederick and Ida (Zander) Hoelzen, who in 1877
came to the United States, making their way at once to Burlington.
214 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
The father was a minister of the German Baptist church and engaged
in preaching in this city for thirteen years but at length retired from
the ministry, although his deep interest in and active support of the
church never wavered to the time of his death, which occurred in
1909. For eight years he survived his wife, who passed away in 1901.
In their family were nine children: Fred, who is now living retired
in Burlington; Hugo, who is engaged in the grocery business in this
city; Clara, the wife of O. G. Gerdes, of Burlington; Ewald H.; Ida,
the wife of August G. Schmidt, of Burlington; William, of the same
city; Bertha, the wife of John Doden, a farmer; Ella, who is book-
keeper for the Volksfreund Tribune; and Amanda, the wife of Diet-
rich Sproch, of Burlington.
Ewald H. Hoelzen was a lad of eleven summers when brought by
his family to the new world and in the public schools of Burlington
he pursued his education. When he had finished his studies he took
up the printing business in the employ of Conrad Lutz and later he
was connected with the Tribune, a German paper published in this
city. In 1886 he went to Cleveland, Ohio, where he became con-
nected with the Sendbote, a German paper with which he was
identified for seven years. Upon his return to Burlington in 1893 he
engaged in the retail oil business, continuing actively in that field for
six years. He afterward worked for the Volksfreund Tribune as
advertising solicitor for seven years and this brought him a wide
acquaintance which has been of immense value to him in his present
business connection. On resigning his position with the paper he
entered the employ of the Parsons Realty Company, with which he
was connected for six years, at the end of which time he became a
partner in the business and was elected vice president. Afterward he
succeeded to the presidency, but in 1912 sold his interest in the busi-
ness and started independently at No. 210 North Fourth street in the
conduct of a general real-estate and insurance business, in which he
is now associated with F. W. Rasche. He has comprehensive knowl-
edge of everything connected with the real-estate market, is correct
in his valuations of property and has negotiated many important-
realty transfers.
On the 28th of November, 1889, Mr. Hoelzen was united in mar-
riage to Miss Susie M. Schulte, of Cleveland, Ohio, her father being
Herman Schulte, the manager of the German Baptist Publishing
House. Our subject and his wife have seven children, as follows:
Florence Grace, who gave her hand in marriage to Harry Schulz,
connected with the Burrus Marble & Stone Works of Burlington;
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 215
Arthur C, who is employed in his lather's olFicc ; and Edna, Chirence,
Edwin, Mildred and Kenneth, all at home.
The family are members of the German Baptist church, in the
work of which they take a most active and helpful interest, while to
its support they contribute generously. Mr. Hoelzen has served as
secretary of this church for the past seventeen years. He is a pro-
gressive in politics, active and interested in the partv and its success.
He was one of the organizers of the West End Improvement Club
and is a public-spirited citizen, manifesting a deep interest in all
those concerns which are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride. He
stands for progress in municipal affairs, just as he does in business life,
and many public movements have felt the stimulus of his cooperation.
ANDREW DEHNER.
There probably was no man who had more sincere friends in Bur-
lington than Andrew Dehner, popularly known as "Andy." He was
the founder and for many years the head of the Andy Dehner Cigar
Company. Mr. Dehner was born in Burlington, July 15, 1853, and
died in that city March 6, 1909, when nearly fifty-six years of age.
He was a son of John and Mary Dehner, who were both natives of
Germany. They became early settlers of Lincolnville or Burlington,
Iowa, and the father was one of the founders of Dutchtown, where he
resided to the time of his death. He was proprietor of a truck farm
and in its cultivation provided for the support of his family, which
numbered four children: Paul, w'ho is still living in Dutchtown;
Lawrence, deceased; Andrew; and Mary, who is the widow of Henry
Moehn, of Burlington.
The parents were pioneer settlers of this county and their son
Andrew was reared and educated in Burlington. When a young man
he established a cigar factory in a small way on Maple street and be-
ing eager to succeed, judicious in his transactions and industrious at
his work, his business grew and he was soon forced to move to the
down town district, locating at No. 717 North Main street, where he
occupied a store room and in connection w'ith his factory carried on
a retail business. After a few years he made another removal, this
time locating on Jefferson street, between Main and Front, where he
continued until 1887, when he removed to the corner of Main and
JefTerson streets. He was always careful of his business interests and
once he secured a customer he held him bv his fair treatment and the
216 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
careful attention which he gave to individual wants and tastes. His
circle of patrons extended as time passed and at his demise he owned
the largest cigar business in Burlington. In 1905 he incorporated,
taking William Bongert and John Dehner into the firm. Both were
young men of sterling worth who relieved him of all charge of the
work and anxiety connected with the conduct of the factory and store.
Since his death the business has been carried on at the same location
and under the name of the Andy Dehner Cigar Company, of which
Mrs. Dehner now is president. It still is the foremost business of its
kind in Burlington.
For many years the store of Mr. Dehner was the rendezvous of
men about town, Mr. Dehner being popular with all classes of people
and treating all fairly and squarely. He had friends everywhere, for
he quickly established sympathetic bonds with all who came into
contact with him and there were none who could resist his open-
hearted, pleasant ways. Mr. Dehner was a great lover of the out-of-
doors and fond of athletics and sports. He was devoted to the rod
and gun and could interestingly narrate experiences which were per-
sonal recollections. His store was dubbed the "swapping story"
place and was a pleasant place where many an old fisherman and
hunter would pass an hour in converse with those similarly inclined.
Mr. Dehner was an ardent baseball enthusiast and in the earlier days
of league ball in Burlington was president of the local club, much to
the detriment of his pocket, as he had to stand heavy expenses to main-
tain the organization at a time when such clubs did not pay their own
way in the smaller cities.
On April 29, 1884, Mr. Dehner was united in marriage to Miss
Mary A. Dummler, who was born in Ottumwa, Iowa, February 26,
1861, and there resided to the time of her marriage. Her parents,
Andy and Mary (William) Dummler, were natives of Germany and
became early residents of Ottumwa, where they remained until called
to their final rest. Mr. and Mrs. Dehner became the parents of eight
children: Carl, now living in Detroit, Michigan; Anna, the wife of
Christ Ostertag, of Burlington; Leo, also of this city; Cecelia, Min-
etta and Andrew, all at home; Marion, who died at the age of thir-
teen months; and Edward, who died at the age of nine years.
In his religious faith Mr. Dehner was a Catholic, holding mem-
bership in St. John's church, and in its work he took an active and
helpful interest. In 1903 he erected the fine brick residence on Sum-
mer street which is vet occupied by his family, and he delighted to
dispense the hospitality of his home. He had great appreciation for
friendship and was very popular among the people who were his
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 217
associates. He was a member of the Crystal Lake Club and the
Hawkeye Natives Club and fraternally belonged to the Benevolent
Protective Order of Elks. Mr. Dehner is well remembered by the
residents of Burlington, to practically all of whom he was known as
one of the most agreeable men one is privileged to meet. He was
open-hearted and open-handed, pleasant and genial alike to rich and
poor, and his heart was large enough to take into his friendship all
classes of people irrespective of achievement or attainment. He liked
a man for what a man was and not for what he was worth, and it is
for that reason that Andy Dehner will not be easily forgotten by the
many who called him friend.
Since her husband's death Mrs. Dehner has been president of the
Andy Dehner Cigar Company and has active voice in the manage-
ment of the business. Her husband purchased the land and erected
thereon the building used as a factory at Jeliferson and Main streets,
which is in the center of the city. The close comradeship between
husband and wife, whereby Mrs. Dehner secured considerable knowl-
edge of the business, enabled her to take up the work which he laid
down and in its control she has displayed marked ability.
J. W. SMITH, M. D.
Burlington has every reason to be proud of the medical profes-
sion as represented here, for on the whole its members are a class of
men who recognize the obligations which devolve upon them and,
holding to high professional ideals, are rendering valuable service to
their fellows. Such is the record of Dr. Smith, who has now prac-
ticed in this city for about twelve years. He is a native of the neigh-
boring state of Missouri, his birth having occurred in Memphis,
August 26, 1869, his parents being James and Sarah A. (Smith)
Smith. The father was a farmer by occupation and thus provided
for his family.
Dr. Smith had the usual experiences of the lad who is reared in
the middle west and depends upon the public schools for his educa-
tional training. After leaving the high school he entered the Barnes
Medical College of St. Louis, in which he pursued the full course
until graduated on the 9th of April, 1903, on which occasion his pro-
fessional degree was conferred upon him. He immediately after-
ward came to Burlington, where he has since remained in general
practice. The steps in his orderly progression are easily discernible.
218 HISTOID Y OF DES MOINES COUNTY
He did not consider his education completed when he left college
but has continued to read broadly and think deeply and has kept
abreast with the onward march of the profession in every way.
On the 31st of December, 1895, Dr. Smith was united in marriage
to Miss Lydia M. Wedertz, of Burlington, a daughter of Charles
and Mary Wedertz. Her father was one of the pioneer settlers and
early merchants of Burlington and was a very popular and prominent
man, especially influential among the German-American citizens, and
in various ways he left the impress of his individuality for good upon
the upbuilding of this section.
Dr. Smith is a republican but with independent tendencies. He
is well known in Masonic circles, holding membership in the lodge
and chapter, and he also belongs to the Woodmen of the World, the
Modern Woodmen of America, the Ancient Order of United Work-
men, the Degree of Honor, the Court of Honor, the Woodmen Circle,
the Loyal Order of Moose and the Mystic Workers. He is likewise a
member of the Burlington Automobile Club, a fact which indicates
something of the nature of his recreation. Geniality and cordiality
have gained him popularity and Dr. Smith is now widely and favor-
ably known in his adopted city.
FERDINAND PIETZSCH.
Ferdinand Pietzsch was one of the honored veterans of the Civil
war and is also a retired dry-goods merchant of Burlington. He was
born in Saxony, Germany, at Langenfeld, on the 28th of October,
1841, and is a son of Alexander and Sedonia (Bonitz) Pietzsch. In
1848 the father crossed the Atlantic to New Orleans and thence made
his way up the river to St. Louis and to Burlington, after which he
returned in 1850 to his native land for his family. He brought his
wife and children to the new world and again made the voyage to the
Crescent City, proceeding thence northward to his destination. He
was a manufacturer of woolen goods and after coming to Iowa turned
his attention to farming, in which he continued until his death in
1 85 1. His widow survived and passed away in Burlington when
more than seventy-one years of age. In their family were thirteen
children, one of whom died while they were crossing the Atlantic.
They also lost four children the first year of their residence in Bur-
lington. At the time of the father's death most of them were too
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 219
young to work and the mother had a hard time to make both ends
meet. The father had lost his money in Germany during the troub-
lous times of 1848 and 1849 and had to start in life anew on coming
to America. Seven children of the family reached adult age: Her-
man, now deceased; Morris, who was shot by a burglar in St. Louis;
Minnie, who became the wife of August Wedertz and died in Bur-
lington; Ferdinand; Rosa, the widow of John Mathes, now living in
Nashville, Tennessee; Ernest, also of Nashville; and Anna, the
widow of Henry Pottoff and a resident of Burlington.
Ferdinand Pietzsch was brought to Burlington by his parents in
1850, when a lad of but nine summers, and has here since made his
home. In his boyhood days he worked at farm labor and his life has
ever been a most busy one. In May, 1863, however, he put aside all
business and personal considerations and responded to the country's
call for troops, enlisting as a member of Company D, Forty-eighth
Iowa Volunteer Infantry, for one hundred days' service. After his
return home he worked upon a farm for another year and in 1865 he
was married. He afterward turned his attention to the dry-goods
business and conducted a store in Burlington for twenty years, mak-
ing a creditable record as an enterprising merchant. He then again
took up farming, which he followed for seven years, and since that
time he has lived retired. He has a large, fine home here and is en-
joying well earned rest.
Mr. Pietzsch was united in marriage to Miss Mary Piper, who
was born in Prussia, Germany, March 14, 1847, and when three years
of age, with one brother, Fred Bock, was brought to America by her
parents, Frederick and Dorothy (Schultz) Bock, who purchased a
farm on the Fort Madison road in Des Moines county. For twenty
years they remained upon that place and afterward took up their
abode on a farm on the Flint river, where their remaining days were
passed. They had a family of four children. John Christ, who at
the first call for troops at the time of the Civil war, enlisted in 1861
for three months' service and afterward reenlisted for three years,
while later he veteranized and served until the close of the war. He
went with Sherman on the celebrated march to the sea and partic-
ipated in a number of the most notable engagements. He afterward
went to California and was never heard from again, so that it is prob-
able that he lost his life on the coast. Mrs. Pietzsch was the second
of the family. Annie became the wife of Ferdinand Schauenberg
and died leaving one son, William, of Burlington. His son, Harry
S., has resided with Mr. and Mrs. Pietzsch since he lost his mother
at the age of three years.
220 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
Mr. and Mrs. Pietzsch have had no children of their own but
have reared three: Edward and Matilda Pietzsch and Harry
Schauenberg. The adopted daughter is now the wife of Ernst Gerdes
of this city, and Edward is an enterprising young business man.
Harry Schauenberg has a responsible position with the German-
American Savings Bank.
Mr. and Mrs. Pietzsch took a trip back to Germany in 1872 and
thus renewed the friendships of early life. They are members of the
First Evangelical church and are earnest and consistent Christian
people, always doing good to others. They have a large, fine home
in Burlington and the spirit of hospitality there reigns supreme. Mr.
Pietzsch has seen many changes during the sixty-four years of his
residence in Iowa. At the time of his arrival here Burlington was
only a country town and all around grew the untouched forest, while
the land wiiere his home now stands was enclosed with a rail fence.
Mr. Pietzsch has led a most quiet, peaceful, useful and honorable
life. He has ever endeavored to deal justly with his fellowmen and
his life, honorable and upright at all times, has measured up to the
highest standards of manhood and citizenship.
ALFRED GRANT HOPKINS, M. D.
Dr. Alfred Grant Hopkins, of Burlington, Iowa, is an eminent
physician and surgeon whose practice has extended to many cities
besides the one in which he resides. He was born March 17, 1848,
in New York city. New York, a son of Philip and Frances (Elliott)
Hopkins, the father a native of the north of Ireland and the mother
a daughter of Dr. Elliott, of Tralee, on the Lakes of Killarney,
Ireland. The father was a captain in the British navy, as were his
father and grandfather before him. The birth of our subject oc-
curred a few days after his parents had landed in New York. They
made the voyage across the Atlantic in a sailing vessel, embarking at
Liverpool, England. A cousin of Dr. Hopkins is now a captain in
the British navy and a brother of our subject is a king's counsel,
residing at Melbourne, Australia. Dr. Hopkins is descended in a
direct line from Mr. Stephen Hopkins, who was a member of the
first medical congress held at London and who was one of the signers
of the Declaration of Independence of the American colonies. He
was a Quaker, or Friend, and wore his hat at that time, saying after
1)1!. ALI'HKl) G. HOPKINS
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 223
signing the articles that he was not sure how soon he would lose both
his hat and head.
Dr. Hopkins first studied under a private tutor, then attended a
grammar school in Toronto, Canada, from which he was graduated,
and subsequently entered Lewiston Academy at Levviston, New
York, completing a course there. Following his graduation from
that institution he worked in a drug store for two years and then
matriculated in a medical college at Philadelphia, from which he
was graduated with the class of 1870. He began practice at Harris-
burg, Pennsylvania, and subsequently removed successively to the oil
regions of Pennsylvania, to Niagara Falls, New York, and Chicago,
Illinois. He resumed his professional study in the latter city and
was graduated from the medical department of the University of
Illinois in 1890, after which he returned east, practicing for three
years in Boston, Massachusetts. At the expiration of that time he
took a post-graduate course in physical diagnosis under the famous
Dr. Mc\\'illiams, of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, at Chi-
cago, which was connected with the University of Illinois. He next
located at Omaha, Nebraska, but after residing there for a time gave
up practice and spent five years' tr-avelfng, visiting many different
parts of the world. He then came to Burlington, which has since
remained his home. He is one of the leaders of the medical profes-
sion in eastern Iowa and embodies in his work the results of the dis-
coveries and experiments of the investigators in all countries who
are constantly seeking new knowledge concerning the best means of
restoring health and prolonging life. He has met with marked
success and patients come to him from a wide territory. There is
probably no physician and surgeon in Burlington who has done more
to alleviate human sufifering and he has been especially quick in his
response to the need of those who are dependent upon charity for
medical treatment, giving his service oftentimes without the prospect
of financial return.
Dr. Hopkins was married in Chicago to Miss Jane Austin and
to their union three children have been born: Grace, the wife of
Fred Spencer, a resident of Chicago; H. M.; and Tereze, the wife
of M. C. Krarup, of New York city. Dr. Hopkins is independent in
the exercise of his right of suffrage, voting for the men and meas-
ures that he thinks will best subserve the interests of all the people.
He is a communicant of the Protestant P^piscopal church. He has
been a member of various societies and fraternities, but the demands
of his extensive practice now preclude to a great extent social en-
gagements. In professional circles he has won distinction and his
Vol. n— 12
224 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
personality, which is that of a gentleman of the old school, wins and
retains the sincere friendship of those who are privileged to know
him intimately.
FREDERICK J. DISQUE
At the age of seventy-nine years, Frederick J. Disque, who for
many years has been well known in the business circles of Burlington
as a harness manufacturer and dealer, is now living retired.
He was born in Rhenish Bavaria, Germany, January 5, 1836, a
son of Conrad and Barbara (Fauth) Disque, who were both born in
Rhenish Bavaria, at that time French territory. The father was born
in 1804, became a wagon maker, and in 1845 removed to Philadel-
phia, Pennsylvania, where he resided until his death, June 7, 18^3.
His wife was born November 6, 1807, and passed away in Philadel-
phia, February 8, 1855. They had a family of ten children. The
ancestry in the father's line is traced back to the French Huguenots,
who during the religious persecutions in France were driven out. Of
the ten children of Conrad and Barbara Disque, only three are now
living: Frederick J. ; Catherine, the widow of Fred Wehmeier; and
Appolania, the widow of Frederick Bierwirth, residing in Los
Angeles, California.
Frederick J. Disque attended the public schools in his native town
until he was eleven, and then came with the mother and family to
America in 1847, two years after the immigration of the father.
From that time forward, Fred made his own living and helped to
support the family, working at boot fitting and whip making, as an
expert stitcher. In 1856 the familv of five children came to Bur-
lington, through the generous aid and kindness of their uncle, Henry
Disque, a pioneer who came here in 1842.
At the breaking out of the Civil war, Frederick J. enlisted in
Company G, Fifty-seventh Illinois Infantry, at Camp Douglas, Chi-
cago, November 5, 1861. This regiment took part in the siege of
Fort Donelson, the battle of Shiloh and other engagements; one com-
pany helped tX) hold the fort at Altoona Pass under General Corse.
On the first day of the battle of Shiloh Mr. Disque was severely
wounded, was discharged at Corinth, Mississippi, July 11, 1862,
and returned to Burlington. Here he joined the regiment band that
was being formed for the First Iowa Cavalry. On arriving at St.
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 225
Louis to be mustered in they found that there were no more bands
wanted.
He remained at St. Louis until the fall of 1863 when he returned
to Burlington. Early in 1864 he entered the harness business of G.
Ulrich as a partner, the new firm being Ulrich and Disque, which
continued up to 1870 when G. Ulrich retired. Later Geo. J. Reis
entered the firm which now became F. J. Disque and Company,
which lasted until 1888 when Mr. Disque retired, disposing of his
interest to the partner, Geo. J. Reis, who is still, in 1915, in business
at the old stand, a period of fifty-one years.
On the 17th of February, 1871, Mr. Disque was united in mar-
riage to Marie L. A. Holstein, who was born in Cassel, Germany,
October 29, 1846, a daughter of Ludwig and Gertrude (Schmoll)
Holstein. The father was born January 5, 1818, and died in Bur-
lington in i8g6. He came to America in 1852 to escape the reaction
of the revolution of 1848-49, when so many revolutionists had to leave
the fatherland. To him and his first wife were born three children:
Charles, Marie L. A. and Conrad Holstein. The second wife of Mr.
Ludwig Holstein was Francisca Miller, and they had three children :
Herman J. and George J. Holstein, both of Burlington and Bertha
Holstein, living in Colorado.
To Mr. and Mrs. F. J. Disque have been born six children : Louis
E., born December 10, 1871, is now a traveling salesman, Herman
F., born May 10, 1873, is also a traveling salesman for B. Young and
Company, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and a member of the firm. Ed-
ward G., born January 7, 1876, is a department manager and member
of the Chittenden and Eastman Company. His marriage with Eliza-
beth Verne Poor took place October 12, 1905, and two children were
born to this union: Marie Elizabeth, born September 9, 1906, and
Edward Neil, May 10, 1910. The fourth son of Fred J. and Marie
Disque, Robert Conrad, was born March 14, 1883, is a graduate of
the Burlington high school and the University of Wisconsin. He was
for two years instructor in the Burlington high school and is now
professor of electrical engineering at the University of Wisconsin.
The fifth son, Walter Alfred Disque, was born February 3, 1885,
completed a course in Elliott's Business College and was an instructor
there for several years. He is now a member and department man-
ager of the Charles Ilfeld Company, wholesale dealers in every
thing, Albuquerque, New Mexico. The only daughter, Hattie
Disque, was born November 7, 1880, and died August 10, 1881.
In 1884 F. J. Disque joined the G. A. R. Post, served as com-
mander during 1888, was appointed quartermaster for the state en-
226 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
campment 1889, and past adjutant 1890, reappointed excepting one
year from year to year up to date, 1915. He served eight terms, six-
teen years, as clerk of Burlington township. As one of the Des
Moines county soldiers' relief commissioners, mostly as secretary, he
served continuously since 1888, and assisted as such in establishing
the soldiers' lot in Aspen Grove cemetery and the erection of the
beautiful soldiers' monument thereon.
Mr. Disque is a self-made man who started in life empty-handed,
but early realized that economy and industry are a sure foundation
upon which to build success. He worked his way steadily upward in
business, and commanded the respect, confidence and goodwill of his
fellow townsmen. He is plain and unassuming in manner, but one
of the most substantial German citizens of Burlington, highly hon-
ored by all who know him. Moreover, he and his wife have reared
a family of sons, of whom they have every reason to be proud, and
who do credit to their parents' name.
E. L. NAUMANN.
E. L. Naumann is a successful druggist of Burlington, conducting
a growing business. Laudable ambition and sound judgment have
been balancing factors in his business career and have brought to him
the measure of prosperity which he now enjoys. He was born in
Hannibal, Missouri, February 6, 1868, and is a son of Henry and
Anna (Riepe) Naumann. The father was a minister of the German
Methodist Episcopal church and, according to the itinerant custom
of that denomination, was located at various places, his influence be-
ing one of far-reaching efifect and benefit. He was called to serve as
presiding elder and in 1871 he came to Burlington, where he or-
ganized the Central Avenue German Methodist church. He was
also pastor of the North Hill German Methodist church in the early
'70s. His life was indeed a beneficent influence and his memory
remains as an inspiration and a benediction to all who knew him. He
passed awav in Burlington, where his widow still resides among many
friends who have long held her in the highest esteem.
E. L. Naumann largely acquired his education in the public
schools of Quincy, Illinois, Muscatine, Iowa, and Burlington.
Thinking to find the drug business congenial and hoping to make it a
source of substantial profit, he began studying in the St. Louis College
of Pharmacy and is numbered among its alumni of 1889. The fol-
lowing year he embarked in the drug trade in Burlington, purchasing
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 227
the store of E. E. Wyckofif on Third street, where he conducted busi-
ness for two years. He then purchased the Larson drug store on
Jefiferson street and in February, 1892, ccjiiibined the two stores at
No. 213 Jefiferson street. He carries a large and well selected line of
drugs and druggists' sundries and the tasteful arrangement of his
store, his thoroughly reliable business methods, his courteous treat-
ment and his earnest desire to please his patrons have been the salient
factors in his growing success.
In 1889 Mr. Naumann was united in marriage to Miss Minnie
Held, of Burlington, a daughter of John N. and Louisa (Bach)
Held, who were early settlers of this city, the father being identified
with business interests as a commercial traveler. The two children
of this marriage are: Russell W., who is with the Chicago, Bur-
lington & Quincy Railroad Company; and Louise, at home.
The parents hold membership in the First Methodist Episcopal
church, of which they are loyal and consistent representatives. Mr.
Naumann also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
He gives his political indorsement to the republican party and in 1905
was called to the office of supervisor, which position he filled for
three years, making a creditable record. This is the only office in
which he has ever served, for he has always preferred to concentrate
his time and energies upon his business afifairs, and his close applica-
tion, diligence and persistency of purpose have led him into impor-
tant relations with the commercial interests of Burlington.
GEORGE BINDER, Jr.
George Binder, Jr., is conducting an insurance agency in Burling-
ton, and a circular letter advertising business. His interests along
these lines, however, constitute but one phase of his activity, for he is
a cooperant factor in many movements and measures which are ele-
ments in the moral progress of the city as well. Burlington may well
be proud to number him among her native sons. He was here born
on the I St of February, 1878, and between the ages of six and fifteen
years he was continuously a pupil in the public schools. He after-
ward pursued a course in Elliott's Business College of this city and
then entered the employ of the Donahoe Iron & Hardware Company
in various capacities, continuing with that house for five years. On
leaving that employ he went to Chicago and studied in the Art Insti-
228 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
tute of that city for a year. He entered the employ of the Cross
Printing Company as a designer and thus remained for a year.
Mr. Binder was, however, an active worker in the Young Men's
Christian Association and was made assistant physical culture
director at the west side organization. He filled that position until
he returned to Burlington to accept the proffered position of director
of the physical culture department of the Young Men's Christian
Association of this city. He was one of the chief promoters of the
new association building, working untiringly to advance the cause
and secure the funds necessary to the erection of the splendid building
which they now occupy. He remained an instructor until 1909, when
he suffered a severe accident which tore the ligaments in his knee and
prevented his following his previous line of work any longer. Ac-
cordingly he embarked in the insurance business, taking up all
branches except that of life insurance. He does a large circular letter
advertising business and he represents six of the most important fire
insurance companies. He was also appointed secretary of the Mer-
chants Credit Rating Association, which was organized ten years ago,
and he developed the association up to its present high standard, get-
ting out the first book.
On the 29th of June, 1904, Mr. Binder was united in marriage to
Miss Hattie K. Zaiser, of Burlington, who was educated in the
schools here. They have a daughter, Elizabeth Marie, seven years
of age. Mr. Binder is treasurer of the Des Moines County Sunday
School Association. He likewise belongs to the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows but concentrates his attention upon his business, his
home and his church activities. He has always believed that char-
acter building is much more worth while than the accumulation of
wealth and values his own self-respect and the esteem of his fellow-
men more than business success, fame or position.
CHURCHILL DRUG COMPANY.
The Churchill Drug Company of Burlington is one of the largest
wholesale enterprises of this character in the middle west. The busi-
ness has been in continuous existence for over sixty years, they having
succeeded the old wholesale drug houses of C. P. Squires & Company
and Reynolds & Churchill. In 1889 articles of incorporation were
taken out under the name of the Churchill Drug Company, with F.
E. Churchill as president, C. P. Squires, vice president, F. S. Church-
HISTORY OF DES MOJ.NES COUNTY 229
ill, secretary, and A. T. Churchill, treasurer. 71ie first two have now
passed away and the personnel of the house has somewhat changed,
A. T. Churchill having become president, F. S. Churchill, vice presi-
dent, C. S. Hutchins, second vice president, Herman Bouquet, secre-
tary, and F. L. Hastings, treasurer. The company are now doing
business in a four-story brick building they recently erected, having a
frontage of one hundred and twenty feet on Fourth street, and one
hundred and seventeen feet on Market street. A branch house was
started in Cedar Rapids in 1904, and A. T. Churchill is president of
that company. They occupy a five-story brick building with a one
hundred and twenty foot frontage on First street. Each year the
business shows a satisfactory increase, and they now have the distinc-
tion of being one of the largest wholesale drug houses in the middle
west, employing thirty-two traveling salesmen. They have never
claimed philanthropic motives for their superior service, but have
ever recognized the fact that close and prompt attention to the wishes
of their patrons, fair prices and honorable dealing, always win suc-
cess, and these qualities have continuously been employed in the
house.
A. H. VORWERK, M. D.
Dr. A. H. Vorwerk, physician and surgeon of Burlington, is a
native son of Des Moines county, born on the 21st of April, 1874.
His father, Antone Vorwerk, was born at Kappeln, Emstek, Prussia,
in 1826, and there spent the days of his boyhood and youth, coming to
the United States when twenty-one years of age. In 1849 he arrived
in Burlington and in this city was married to Clara Eversmann, who
was born in Iburg, Germany, and arrived in Burlington in 1850.
Their marriage was celebrated in St. Paul's Catholic church in
October, 1853, and they became the parents of seven children who are
yet living.
Dr. Vorwerk is the sixth of that family. He acquired his educa-
tion in the public and parochial schools of Burlington and prepared
for his professional career as a student in the medical department of
the Iowa State University, in which he completed his course on the
17th of March, 1897, '""'S M. D. degree being then conferred upon
him. He located for practice at Bancroft, Iowa, where he remained
until 1902, when he came to Burlington, where he has now practiced
for more than twelve years.
230 HISTORY OF DBS MOINES COUNTY
On the 27th of July, 1904, Dr. Vorwerk was united in marriage to
Miss Kathryn Winkel, a native of Bancroft, Iowa. They hold mem-
bership in St. Patrick's Catholic church and Dr. Vorwerk is also past
Avorthy president of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and a member of
the Modern Woodmen of America. His political allegiance is
given the democratic party. Professionally he is connected with the
Des Moines County Medical Society, being elected its president for
the year 1915, and is a member of the Iowa State Medical Associa-
tion. For several years he has been county physician, in which con-
nection his professional service has given entire satisfaction. He has
spent the greater part of his life in Des Moines county, has a wide
acquaintance among its citizens and is held in high regard by many
friends.
MARTIN MOEHN.
The name of Martin Moehn has long been well known in business
circles of Burlington, where for many years he has been connected
with brewing interests, being now president of the Moehn Brewing
Company. He represents one of the old families of Burlington, his
birth having here occurred in i860. His parents were Henry and
Moneka (111) Moehn, natives of Germany. They came to Burling-
ton, however, in early life and were married in this city, where
Henry Moehn continued his residence for more than a half century.
In early life he learned the cooper's trade and after coming to Bur-
lington established a small cooperage business. However, his trade
increased as the years passed on until his establishment became a large
and important one. He conducted his business interests wisely and
well, and his indefatigable energy, close application and capable
management won him a gratifying measure of prosperity. He and
his family were communicants of the Catholic church but he had no
fraternal relations. He was widely and favorably known among the
German-American residents of the city and enjoyed in large measure
their respect and goodwill. He was twice married and passed away
in 1897, the city thus losing a pioneer resident who had long been
identified with the upbuilding and progress of the county, having
cooperated in many measures which have proven extremely bene-
ficial in advancing the best interests of Burlington.
Martin Moehn spent his youthful days under the parental roof
and in the acquirement of an education attended both the public and
MARTIN MOEHN
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 233
German schools and later the Bryant & Stratton Business College.
On starting out in life on his own acc(Junt lie became connected with
the grocery trade and also conducted a saloon. After four years
he sold out to Barney Nieman and became interested in the bottling
business, conducting a wholesale enterprise of that character for
the old Bosch Brewery and also for other breweries. He purchased
barrel goods and prepared it for the market by bottling. He was in
business in connection with the old Western Brewery and later he
turned his attention to the cooperage business, with which he had
become familiar through assisting in his father's shop. He manu-
factured all kinds of wooden kegs, conducting business under the
name of the Martin Moehn Cooperage for a year and a half. He
then sold out and leased the Western Steam Brewery, which was
one of the oldest business enterprises along the Burlington tracks,
having been established more than six decades ago. For thirteen
years Mr. Moehn successfully operated that plant but near the close
of that period gave his attention to the building and equipment of
the extensive brewery which he today owns and occupies. The
Western Brewery was owned for many years by the Bosch family.
While Mr. Moehn was yet successfully operating the plant known
as the Moehn Western Brewery he formulated plans for erecting a
new and strictly modern brewery that would have a capacity com-
mensurate with the increasing demands of the trade. With that end
in view he organized a company, which was capitalized for one hun-
dred and ten thousand dollars, and the brewery and necessary build-
ings were erected at a cost approximating the capital stock. There is
not a finer brewery in point of architecture in the country nor a plant
more complete in every detail and appointment than the elegant struc-
ture of red brick which was erected by Mr. Moehn. From the organi-
zation of the Moehn Brewing Company under its present form Mr.
Moehn has remained as the president, with Barney Nieman as vice
president and John T. Beckman as secretary and treasurer. The
annual output is thirty thousand barrels and employment is furnished
to twenty men at the plant. The leading product is a brand called
Moehn Select and the company conducts both a wholesale and fam-
ily trade. The present brewery was opened to the public by a big
reception held in the spring of 1904. The business has grown to
extensive proportions and one of the profitable productive industries
of the city is that of the Moehn Brewing Company.
Mr. Moehn was married on the 30th of May, 1882, in Burling-
ton, to Miss Julia Schultz, a native of Germany, and they now^ have
five children. The oldest son, George Moehn, attended successively
234 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
the high school of Burlington, the Academy of Our Lady of Lourdes
and a business college, studying bookkeeping, stenography and type-
writing, and he is now serving as bookkeeper in the brewery.,
Augusta is a high-school graduate. Martin, Bertha and Robert are
the younger members of the family, all of whom are communicants
of St. Paul's Catholic church.
Mr. Moehn votes with the democratic party and has member-
ship with the Eagles. He has never sought nor desired political
office, vet in matters of progressive citizenship he is interested and
has contributed generously in support of many plans and measures
for the public good. In business he has steadily worked his way
upward and from a humble position has advanced step by step until
he is now one of the wealthy residents of the city.
JOHN C. HOPPMAN.
John C. Hoppman is the seretary and treasurer of the Henry Drug
Company of Burlington and as such is a most active figure in the
commercial circles of the city. Thorough college training well
qualified him for his present activities and laudable ambition has kept
him at the front in the circles of trade in which he is now engaged.
He was born in Burlington, October 24, 1870, and is a son of Fred
W. and Christina (Von Nordheim) Hoppman, both of whom were
natives of Prussia. The paternal grandfather was Lawrence Hopp-
man, who became the founder of the family in the new world, coming
to the L'nited States about 185 1 with his wife and children. Having
arrived at years of maturity Fred W. Hoppman was united in mar-
riage to Miss Christina Von Nordheim, also a native of Germany,
who was brought to the new world in her early girlhood. Mr. Hopp-
man was a contractor and builder and for an extended period was
identified with the substantial improvement of this city but is now
living retired. His political allegiance is given to the democratic
party, and both he and his wife are communicants of the Catholic
church.
John C. Hoppman acquired his education in St. John's parochial
school and starting out in the business world on his own account, was
for three years employed in a drug store. Realizing, however, the
benefits of thorough training in this direction, he entered the St. Louis
College of Pharmacy, from which he was graduated in 1891. Re-
turning to Burlington, he entered the employ of George C. Henry in
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 235
one of the leading drug stores of the city and that he won favor with
his employer is indicated in the fact that he was admitted to a partner-
ship in 1904, at whicli date the Henry Drug Company was incor-
porated with George C. Henry, a well known Burlington capitalist,
as president; E. S. Henry as vice president; and J. C. Hoppman as
secretary and treasurer. This company succeeded to the business of
George C. Henry, who established a drug store in Burlington in 1896
at the corner of Jefiferson and Fourth streets, with a frontage of forty
feet, occupying one floor and basement. I'hcrc he conducted a gen-
eral drug business with a well appointed soda fountain as one feature
of the trade. This business was taken over by the Henry Drug Com-
pany upon its incorporation.
On the 28th of October, 1907, Mr. Hoppman was united in mar-
riage to Miss Mayme C. Kelly, a daughter of Thomas and Mary
Kelly, of Burlington, her father being engaged in the insurance busi-
ness in this city. Mr. Hoppman holds membership with the Benev-
olent Protective Order of Elks and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
He has always adhered to the religious faith in which he was reared,
being a Catholic. His political allegiance is given to the democratic
party and he ever loyally supports its men and measures although he
does not seek nor desire office, preferring to concentrate his energies
upon his business affairs, which are of growing importance. He is
now active in the management of one of the leading mercantile estab-
lishments of the city and its success in recent years is attributable
largely to his efiforts.
HON. EDWARD McKITTERICK.
In his long and active career the Hon. Edward McKitterick was
not only interested in a number of important business enterprises of
Burlington but in the later years of his life he successfully served as
deputv auditor of the treasury department in Washington, acting in
that capacity until death called him September 30, 1903, in his
seventy-third year. Mr. McKitterick was born in County Tyrone,
Ireland, in 1830, his parents being John and Maria (Jones) McKit-
terick. The father was an agriculturist by occupation and his son
Edw^ard was reared upon the home farm. He received a liberal edu-
cation in his native country but in 1844, at the age of fourteen years,
came to the United States to join relatives who resided in Chillicothe,
236 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
Ohio. Shortly after his arrival in that city he accepted a position as
clerk in a china store, which he held for some time.
In 1854 Mr. McKitterick removed to Burlington, Iowa, and
opened the first porcelain ware establishment in this city, having for
a partner a Mr. Miller. The firm thus continued until 1867, when J.
C. McKell acquired Mr. Miller's interest. A few years later, how-
ever, Mr. McKell retired. Mr. McKitterick was for many years one
of the successful merchants of Burlington and enjoyed an extensive
patronage. He had various other interests and was conceded to be
one of the foremost business men of Burlington. He was one of the
founders of the Merchants National Bank, of which he served for
about seven years as cashier. He also acted at one time as receiver
for the Burlington & Southwestern Railway and showed great busi-
ness judgment in settling the afifairs of this company. He was one of
the incorporators and for many years an officer of the German-
American Life Insurance Company of Burlington and had other
financial and commercial interests. His advice was frequently sought
by people in many walks of life and was often found to be of great
value to those who faced a difficult business situation. In 1896 Mr.
McKitterick accepted the appointment of deputy auditor of the
treasury department at Washington, D. C, and acted in that capacity
until his death. He was considered a most able official and in the dis-
charge of his duties earned the highest commendation from the offi-
cers of that department.
Mr. McKitterick was twice married, his first union being with
Mary Creighton Massie, whom he wedded August 27, 1850. Their
children were William, Alice, John, Nathaniel, Maria, Mary and
Belinda. After the death of his first wife Mr. McKitterick married
her sister. Miss Sarah B. Massie, and to them were born three sons:
Edward, Leonard and Thomas. Mrs. McKitterick survives her hus-
band and makes her home at No. 812 North Seventh street, Burling-
ton. She has a large circle of friends who greatly admire her as a
woman of culture and refinement.
It seems almost superfluous to mention that the activities of Mr.
McKitterick had an important bearing upon the development of
Burlington and afifected not only the business growth of the city but
the political, social and religious relations of its people. His early
political allegiance was given to the democratic party and later, ow-
ing to a change of his views on the tarifif question, he became a repub-
lican and loyally adhered to that party until his demise. He was well
known in Masonic circles as an exemplary member of Des Moines
Lodge, No. I, A. F. & A. M. The public-school system found in him
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 237
a stalwart champion and earnest friend. He was president of the
school board for three terms or six years and was the main factor in
securing the first high school of Burlington and laid the cornerstone
at the time of the erection of the old high school on West Hill. He
was looked upon as the best friend of the public-school system of Bur-
lington and, while he held high ideals in that connection, he used the
most practical methods to secure their adoption. An earnest Chris-
tian man, he held membership in the First Methodist Episcopal
church for many years, served on its official board and for an extended
period was superintendent of its Sunday school. To know him was
to esteem and honor him. His life long counted as a factor for good
in the community in which he lived, and the beauty and nobility of
his character causes his niemory to remain as an inspiration and a
benediction to those' with whom he came in contact.
GEORGE H. WASHBURN.
George H. Washburn, an architect of Burlington, practicing his
profession in this city since 1898, was here born on the 14th of June,
1862, and is the son of Robert M. and Mary F. (Field) Washburn.
The father's birth occurred in West Newton, Massachusetts, in 1832,
and he was a son of Charles Washburn, a native of the old Bay state,
and of Scotch-English descent. Robert M. Washburn came to Bur-
lington in October, 1855, attracted by the advantages and opportu-
nities of this growing western city. He became an active factor in
its business circles, engaging in the manufacture of sash, doors and
blinds, etc., on north Main street, his being one of the important
early industrial enterprises of eastern Iowa. Later he turned his
attention to merchandising as a dealer in furs, hats, caps and gents'
furnishings, and still further extended the scope of his interests by
becoming manager of the Grand Opera House, in which connection
he continued until his death, on the 13th of April, 1891. He was
also appointed United States liquor ganger under President Grant,
acting in that capacity until the change in the law, which terminated
the office. Mr. Washburn, in addition to the things above men-
tioned, compiled and caused to be published "The People's Library,"
a volume of a scientific and historical nature. He was the inventor
and had patented several articles and machines of more or less
importance. Fraternally he was connected with the Knights of
Pythias and such was his social nature that it won for him many
238 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
warm and honored friends. His wife was born in Manchester, New
Hampshire, on the ist of May, 1836, and was the oldest daughter
of Joseph B. and Sarah Adams (Gibbs) Field. Her father brought
his family to Burlington in October, 1855, and was engaged as
clerk and bookkeeper in the banking business of Green, Thomas &
Company until 1866, when he removed to Ottumwa, Iowa, where
he was chosen cashier in a bank. On the 9th of July, 1857, Robert
M. Washburn married Mary F. Field. The ceremony was per-
formed at the Episcopal church in Burlington by the Kev. Frank
Haff, D. D. Mr. and Mrs. R. M. Washburn were the parents of
three children : George H. ; Nellie M., who married C. H. McLaury,
of Burlington; and Charles F.
Mr. George H. Washburn, a native of Iowa and of the city of
Burlington, obtained his education in the public schools. His ambi-
tion was to become an architect, and to do so, March i, 1881, he en-
tered the office of C. A. Dunham of Burlington, of whom it can be
said that no one in the west stood higher, or enjoyed a greater reputa-
tion as an architect. Under the direction of Mr. Dunham, Mr. Wash-
burn began the study of the art of building in accord with such
designs as show harmony, beauty and strength. Steadily he advanced
in skill and efficiency, acquainting himself with all the scientific
principles and every practical phase of the business. In August,
1898, he opened an office on his own account and is todav one of the
skilled, well known, popular, and successful architects of Burling-
ton. He has designed many of the best homes of the city, also the
buildings at the county farm, the infirmary and asylum for the insane,
which are considered models of their character. His work shows
comfort, utility, and beauty in a pleasing whole, and such is his
knowledge and experience that he is largely regarded as an authority
upon many questions relating to his profession in this part of the
state.
On the 4th of September, 1889, Mr. Washburn was united in
marriage to Miss Mary A. Miller, and they have become the par-
ents of two sons: Fredric A. and Robert M., both of whom are mar-
ried and reside in Burlington. Mr. Washburn is an Elk, identified
with the order since 1904. He is now secretary of the Burlington
Launch Club, and a member of the Hawkeye Natives, formed of
native sons of the state. His religious faith is that of the Episcopal
church, and his political belief that of the republican party. He
stands as a splendid example of American manhood and chivalry.
Opportunity has been to him the open door to success, and energy
and determination have enabled him to overcome all obstacles and
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 239
difficulties and advance steadily toward his cherished goal. He has
never concentrated his attention so largely upon his business affairs
as to exclude active participation in other interests, and the social,
genial qualities of his nature have rendered him popular with a large
circle of friends.
FRANK LAWLOR.
Frank Lawlor has through an extended period been manager and
superintendent of the Citizens Water Company, in which connection
his efforts have been highly satisfactory and valuable. Thorough and
liberal training in the profession of civil engineering and later
experience along practical business lines of that character well quali-
fied him for the position when he entered upon his present connection
in 1903. He was born in St. John, New Brunswick, in iSqy, a son
of James J. and Mary (Ford) Lawlor. The father was a watch-
maker and jeweler and long continued in business.
The son entered the employ of the engineering department of the
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railway in 1880 and in 1883 was
transferred to Burlington, where he remained nearly seven years.
In 1889 he left this city and went to South America, where he fol-
lowed the profession of civil engineering, having already qualified
for the profession by his previous study and practical training. Later
he returned to Canada but again came to Burlington in 1903. He
had previously been with the department of railways and canals in
Canada, on the St. Lawrence river, but feeling that his business
opportunities were superior in this city, he returned and accepted
the position of superintendent of the Citizens Water Company and
has since been in charge of the plant. The Burlington Water Com-
pany was incorporated July 13, 1870, and the first stockholders were
P. Henry Smythe, Mark S. Foote, F. G. Kendall, J. C. Peasley,
Lyman Cook, George C. Lauman, D. W. Ewing, John G. Foote,
John H. Gear, J. Morton, Charles Mason, Charles O'Brien, T. W.
Barhydt, S. Long, T. W. Newman, E. Chamberlain and Richard
Spencer. The franchise of the company expired in 1902 and in
October of that year the Citizens Water Company was organized to
take over the property and business of the first company. The plant
has been enlarged and the business increased to meet the demands
of the growing city, and under the direction of Mr. Lawlor the com-
240 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
pany gives adequate service in furnishing a supply of pure water for
city consumption.
On the 17th of January, 1900, Mr. Lawlor was united in mar-
riage to Miss Lila W. Foote, of Burlington, a daughter of Mark S.
Foote, and they have one child, Mary Josephine. They hold mem-
bership in St. Paul's Catholic church and Mr. Lawlor is also a
member of the Knights of Columbus. In politics he is a republican
but not an office seeker, preferring to concentrate his energies upon
his business affairs. He belongs to the Commercial Club and his
deep interest in his profession and in the line of work to which he is
now directing his energies is indicated in the fact that he is a member
of the Illinois Water Supply Association, the American Waterworks
Association, the Canadian Society of Civil Engineers and the Ameri-
can Society of Civil Engineers. He has made steadv advancement
in his chosen calling and his broad scientific knowledge and practical
experience have placed him in a most creditable position in the ranks
of the profession.
CASPER HEIL.
Burlington is one of the brewing centers of the Mississippi valley
and in connection with that line of business Casper Heil is well
known, having in 1872 established the business under the name of
the Casper Heil Brewing Company at No. 865 Jefiferson street. He
still remains in connection with the business although he has now
passed the eighty-fourth milestone on life's journey.
He was born in Germany on the 7th of December, 1830, and spent
the period of his minority in his native land. Thinking to have bet-
ter business opportunities in the new world, he crossed the Atlantic
to the United States, where he arrived on the 12th of June, 1852, and
after spending a brief period in the east he came to Burlington on
the loth of August of the same year. He was a cooper by trade and
for several years conducted a shop, manufacturing barrels of all
kinds. In 1865 he removed to Des Moines, where he purchased a
brewery, which he conducted until 1872. He then returned to Bur-
lington and bought the Bauer & Schafner Brewery, which he has
since conducted. The business was reorganized under the name of
the Casper Heil Brewing Company. The plant, located at No. 865
Jefferson street, occupies an area of one hundred and fifty-two by
one hundred and twenty-two feet and the buildings are from one to
CASPER iii:h.
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 243
six stories in height. He has remodeled and equipped the plant until
it is a first class establishment of its kind and he employs twenty
people on an average. The plant now has a capacity of ten thousand
barrels annually and he manufactures HeiTs Extra, which is bottled.
He buvs his malt from Davenport and from Wisconsin and he has
spared no pains nor efifort to make the product an excellent one. The
present officers of the company are: Casper Heil, president; Oscar
Heil, vice president; and H. A. Heil, secretary and treasurer.
On March 19, 1861, Mr. Heil was united in marriage to Miss
Susan Ziegenhein, a native of Burlington, born in April, 1842, and
a daughter of Theodore Ziegenhein, a native of Germany, who came
to the United States in 1840, casting in his lot among the pioneer
settlers of Burlington. Mr. and Mrs. Heil have become the parents
of the following children: William, now residing in St. Louis; Mrs.
Herman A. Mathes, deceased; Ida, who became the wife of H. A.
Mathes after the death of her sister; Mollie and Nettie, both at home;
Oscar, who is vice president of the Casper Heil Brewing Company;
and H. A., who is the secretary and treasurer of the company. The
last named wedded Miss Adell Kennedy, of Fort Madison, and they
have two children, Susan and Mary.
Oscar and H. A. Heil hold membership with the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks and Mr. Heil of this review is a mem-
ber of the Commercial Club. His political allegiance is given to
the democratic party and although he never seeks nor desires office
he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day and is
ever ready to support his position by intelligent argument. He has
never had occasion to regret his determination to come to the new
world, for here he has found the business opportunities which he
sought and which, by the way, are always open to determined, am-
bitious young men.
CHARLES H. TAEGER.
Charles H. Taeger was a widely known and popular citizen of
Burlington, in which city his birth occurred. He continued his resi-
dence here and steadily worked his way upward in business until,
notwithstanding the fact that he started out in life without financial
assistance, he became the possessor of a handsome competence.
Mr. Taeger was born October 31, 1862. He was fortunate in
that he had back of him an ancestry honorable and able and was
Vol. 11— 13
244 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
happy in the fact that his life was cast in harmony therewith. His
parents were Henry and Mary (Poggemen) Taeger, natives of Ger-
many. The father, born in 1826, came to America in early life and
was employed on various farms for a time, after which he secured
a position in the National State Bank of Burlington, in which he
remained for many years. He served in the German army before
coming to the United States. He made a most creditable name in
business circles and enjoyed the confidence and high regard of col-
leagues and contemporaries. He is now living retired at No. 714
Ninth street and is still active and well preserved in spite of his
eighty-eight years. He keeps in touch with the progress of the times
and is interested in all daily occurrences and events. His wife, who
was born in 1834, passed away about twenty years ago. Her father
was a well known character of the early days here and was one of the
first teachers in a private school in this vicinity. He was widely
recognized as a man of liberal education, was a fluent speaker and
was most highly respected by all with whom he came in contact.
To Mr. and Mrs. Henry Taeger were born two children. Mary
became the wife of Herman Suesens, who passed away about twenty
years ago, and she now lives with her father. She has a family of five
children. Alfred, who is in the employ of the Chicago, Burlington
& Quincy Railroad Company, married Naomi Schontz, by whom
he has one son, John, and they reside in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Josephine Suesens is at home. Benjamin, of Burlington, married
Miss Bessie Kiesling and they have a son, Charles Frederick.
Mayme, a graduate of the Burlington high school and the State
Normal, is a successful teacher in the Prospect Hill school. John,
like the other members of the Suesens family, is a high-school gradu-
ate. He now lives in Fort Madison and has entire control of the
telephone lines there, a very responsible position for one so young.
Charles H. Taeger, the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Taeger,
was educated in the public schools, passing through consecutive
grades until graduated from the Burlington high school. He after-
ward pursued a course in the business college of Burlington and
studied music under Professor Shilling. He first entered business
circles in the employ of the firm of Dalahaye & Purdy, wholesale
liquor merchants, with whom he remained for several years. He
next secured a clerkship in the Herman shoe store and afterward
occupied a clerical position in the office of the Murray Iron Works.
He afterward returned to the liquor business, becoming a wholesale
dealer in wines and other liquors, and in that business he continued
until he was called to his final rest.
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 245
On tlic 6th ul July, 1883, Mr. Taegcr was united in marriage
to Miss Amelia M. Bokenkamp, who was born in Burlington, March
14, 1866, a daughter of Richard and Fredericka (Forthman) Boken-
kamp. Her father was born in Germany and in early childhood
became a resident of St. Louis, whence he made his way to Burling-
ton. For many years he conducted business as an architect and con-
tractor and made for himself a creditable place as a representative
of industrial interests in this city. He died of apoplexy in 1882 and
was laid to rest in the Aspen Grove cemetery. His political alle-
giance was given to the democratic party but he was not an office
seeker. Fraternally he was connected with the Odd Fellows. His
wife, also a native of Germany, came to America when fourteen
years of age and passed away on the 3d of July, 1907. Mr. and
Mrs. Bokenkamp had a large family, of whom six are yet living:
Augusta, the wife of John Roth, living on the Fort Madison road
in Burlington; Henry, of this city; Mrs. Taeger; Albert, also of
Burlington; William, living in Muscatine, Iowa; and Frank, of Chi-
cago. The Bokenkamps were members of the Evangelical church,
to which the family of Henry Taeger also belonged.
To Mr. and Mrs. Charles Taeger were born three children, all
natives of Burlington. Gertrude is the wife of Frederick Schramm
and they live with her mother. Mr. Schramm is a son of Arthur
Schramm, proprietor of a shoe store in Burlington. Frederick
Schramm is a graduate of the Burlington high school and to him and
his wife has been born a daughter, Lucia Elizabeth. Raymond H.
Taeger married Miss Jessie Wilcox and they have a daughter, Mary
Jane. Salina, born in 1886, died the same year.
The death of Mr. Taeger occurred March 29, 1906, and was a
matter of deep and sincere regret to many friends as well as to the
immediate family. He belonged to the Eagle Club and to the Lone
Tree and Crystal Lake Fishing clubs and he was also connected with
the Knights of Pythias. In politics his leaning was toward the
democratic party but he frequently cast an independent ballot, desir-
ing that the best men should occupy the public offices. He was
broad-minded, liberal and very progressive. He met a tragic death,
being struck by the cars, and the news of his demise came as a shock
to all. He was very popular, easily winning friends. Although his
parents were quite wealthy, he did not depend upon his father for
financial aid in his business career and steadily worked his way
upward, assisted bv his wife, who has the true German thrift and
enterprise, displaying at all times careful management in her Iiouse-
246 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
hold affairs. Mrs. Taeger and her family reside at No. 613 Gar-
field avenue in the beautiful home which her husband purchased from
Mr. Wundt and remodeled. She and her children are devoted mem-
bers of St. Luke's church and contribute generously to the church
work and to many charitable and benevolent projects.
W. A. MATHES.
W. A. Mathes is a partner of F. L. Unterkircher in the under-
taking and livery business which, however, is conducted under the
firm style of F. L. & G. L. Unterkircher, livery and funeral direc-
tors. As junior partner in the business Mr. Mathes is active in
directing its interests and furthering the success which has constantly
attended the enterprise, which was established more than half a
century ago.
Mr. Mathes is one of Burlington's native sons. He was born
September 8, 1883, and was educated in the public schools and also
in Elliott's Business College, in which he pursued a commercial
course. Early in his business career he was connected with the
wholesale grocery house of Bikler & Winzer for twelve years, his
capability and trustworthiness causing him to be retained in that
employ for an extended period. Upon the death of his father-in-
law, G. L. Unterkircher, however, he succeeded him in the livery
and undertaking business, which is carried on under the firm style
of F. L. & G. L. Unterkircher. The business was founded fifty years
ago by P. F. Unterkircher, the father of the senior partner, and
when he admitted his sons to a partnership the firm name of P. F.
Unterkircher & Sons was assumed. The business was conducted
under that style until 1893, when, the sons having taken over the
business, the present name of F. L. & G. L. Unterkircher was
assumed. About three years ago, however, G. L. Unterkircher
passed away and W. A. Mathes became his successor in the owner-
ship and conduct of the business. They have one of the largest con-
cerns of the kind in the state. They own a three-story brick block
one hundred by one hundred and twenty- five feet, occupying the
entire building in the conduct of the business. They have an ele-
gantly appointed chapel and carry a full line of undertaking sup-
plies. Their patronage is extensive and their success is well mer-
ited because of their thoroughly reliable and honorable business
methods.
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 247
On the 30th of April, 1907, Mr. Mathes was united in marriage
to Miss Grace Unterkircher, who was educated in the schools of
Burlington and also pursued a special course in Mount St. Joseph's
school at Dubuque. Mr. Mathes is well known in fraternal circles,
holding membership with the Elks, the Eagles, the Woodmen of
the World and the Moose. Something of the nature of his recrea-
tion is indicated in the fact that he belongs to the Carthage Lake
Fishing Club and the Pinkem Fishing Club. He is recognized as
an enterprising and progressive business man, as a public-spirited
citizen and as one whose attractive social qualities are the secret of
his widespread popularity.
T. F. COOKE, D. D. S.
Among the members of the dental profession in Burlington
whose ability is attested by a liberal practice is Dr. T. F. Cooke.
He was born in Amherst, Wisconsin, June 5, 1871, a son of William
and Susanna (Harvey) Cooke, both of whom are now deceased.
The father was a Methodist minister and devoted his entire life to
the work of preaching the gospel. Both he and his wife were
natives of the north of Ireland and came to the United States in
April, 1870, taking up their abode in Wisconsin. In the years that
followed the Rev. William Cooke was connected with the Metho-
dist ministry in Wisconsin, Minnesota and North Dakota and was
numbered among the pioneer preachers of that denomination in
the latter state. In the family were ten children, seven of whom
are yet living.
In the acquirement of his education Dr. Cooke passed through'
consecutive grades in the public schools until he became a high-
school pupil and later he continued his education in the Lawrence
College of Wisconsin and in the Hamline University of Minnesota,
thus completing his more specifically literary course. In prepara-
tion for a professional career he entered the University of Minne-
sota as a dental student and is numbered among its alumni of 1897.
For two years thereafter he practiced in Plainview, Minnesota, and
then removed to Dickinson, North Dakota, where he remained for
two years. The succeeding five years were spent in Mediapolis,
Iowa, and then, seeking a still broader field of labor, he came to
Burlington in the fall of 1906. In the intervening period of eight
years he has steadily advanced in his chosen calling and has kept in
248 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
close touch with the improvements which modern scientific investi-
gation has brought to light. He is a member of the Burlington
District Dental Society and of the Iowa State Dental Society and
for two years serv^ed as secretary of the society. He is now a mem-
ber of the state board of dental examiners.
In 1898 Dr. Cooke was united in marriage to Miss Mabel
Anderson, of Reeds, Minnesota, and they have two children, Donald
E. and Dorothy. Dr. Cooke is a member of the Delta Sigma Delta,
a college fraternity. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church, and gives his political allegiance to the prohibition party,
keeping at all times well informed on the questions and issues of the
day, so that he is ever ready to support his position by intelligent
argument. He has never sought nor desired office, however, pre-
ferring to concentrate his energies upon his professional duties.
CHARLES KOESTNER.
Charles Koestner is a retired farmer living on Madison avenue
in Burlington and there are in his life record many elements worthy
of consideration and of emulation so that he well deserves a place
in the history of Des Moines county. He was born in Bavaria,
Germany, June 24, 1839, a son of John and Kundigunde (Barnigel)
Koestner. The father's birth occurred in Bavaria, December 18,
1803, in the same house where his son Charles was born. He was
reared to farm life and acquired a public-school education. In 1832
he married and he and his wife began their domestic life in their
native land, remaining there for twenty-three years after their mar-
riage, during which time seven children were added to the family.
Crossing the Atlantic in 1855, they landed at New Orleans and
thence proceeded up the Mississippi to Burlington. They settled
in Burlington township in the immediate neighborhood of the
present home of Charles Koestner and in that locality the father
spent his remaining days. He was engaged in general farming for
a number of years and passed away in May, 1873. His wife, who
was born in Bavaria, Germany, December 10, 18 10, was a daughter
of Conrad and Elizabeth Barnigel. She died in April, 1882, and was
laid to rest by the side of her husband in the Catholic cemetery on
North Hill. They were devoted members of St. John's church and
Mr. Koestner gave his political allegiance to the democratic party.
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 249
In the family were seven children: George, who died at the
age of thirty-three years; Charles; Margaret, who became the wife
of John Hofifmann and died at her home in New York at the age of
fifty-two years; Anna, who became the wife of Henry Eversman,
but both are now deceased; Sister Mary Bathilda, who was a sister
superior and died in Mankato, Minnesota, in 1896; Catherine, who
died at the age of fifteen years; and John, who has also passed away.
Charles Koestner was educated in the schools of Germany and
of America, being a youth of sixteen years at the time of the emigra-
tion to the new world. He supplemented his public-school course
in Burlington by study in Elliott's Business College. He was reared
to manhood on the home farm in Burlington township and also
aided his father in the work of the fields, continuing to take part in
the further development and cultivation of the home place until
August 24, 1866, when he was married to Miss Philomena Geb-
hardt, who was born in Burlington, September 16, 1846, a daughter
of John and Ludivica (Willem) Gebhardt, natives of Germany and
France respectively. The parents and grandparents of Mrs. Koest-
ner were among the earliest settlers of Des Moines county, arriving
here in the early '30s. All have now passed away, their graves being
found in the Sixth street cemetery. Mrs. Koestner died Novem-
ber 2, 1885, leaving six children. She was a devoted member of
St. John's Catholic church.
To Mr. and Mrs. Koestner were born the following children:
Henry C, born in Burlington in 1867, is a farmer and dairyman,
conducting a successful and profitable business along sanitary lines.
He married Sophia Brune and they have three daughters, Philo-
mena. Bathilda and Katherine, all at home. George J., the second
member of the Koestner family, was born in Burlington in 1868
and lives a half mile south of his father on Madison avenue. He
wedded Mary Vorwerk, a native of Burlington, and they have seven
children, Ralph, Herbert, Henrietta, Minnie, Mary, George and
Genevieve. Francis Joseph, born on the Mason farm on the Mason
road in 1870, owns and occupies a farm just outside the city limits
and is also engaged in the dairy business. He wedded Mary Kuntz,
a native of Des Moines county, and their children are Bertha,
Harrv, Rosa, Clara, Sophia and Francis who passed away in infancy,
and Ruth. Andrew J., born on the Mason farm in 1875 and living
on the northwest corner of his father's farm, married Miss Minnie
Meunzenmeier and they have three children, Margaret, Gertrude
and Andrew. Annie Ludivica, born July 18, 1876, remained single
and at home until her death July 24, 1913, the consolation and com-
250 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
fort of her aged father. Carl E., born in 1884 and now living upon
a part of his father's farm, married Miss Ida Shulte and they have
four children, Burnett, Annie, Edward and Robert.
Having lost his first wife, Mr. Koestner was married March 3,
1887, to Miss Elizabeth Hoelscher, who was born in Burlington
township on her father's farm within a half mile of her present
home, January 22, 1847, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth
(Hoss) Hoelscher. The parents were natives of Germany and in
early life came to the United States. Both have now passed away.
They had six children : Catherine, the deceased wife of M. J.
Gutekunst, of Burlington; Mary, the wife of John Keitzer, a farmer
living on Augusta road; Henry, who made his home in Keokuk
county but is now deceased; John, who has also passed awav in
Keokuk county; Mrs. Koestner; Christina, who is still living upon
the old home place of her father.
Following his first marriage Mr. Koestner removed to Burling-
ton, where he engaged in clerking in the general store of J. W.
Rhodes for four years and three months, but, although he had a
good salary, he found it difficult to save much and in 1869 he
removed to the Mason farm of three hundred acres on the Mason
road, for which he paid a rental of one thousand dollars per year.
He thereon resided for twenty-three years, after which he removed
to the Greenleaf Neally farm, known as the Greenleaf Fruit Farm,
just outside the city limits of Burlington. He purchased this place
in 1891 and he also bought the place where his son Carl now resides.
His own home stands on a plat of some six acres. He has a beauti-
ful house and grounds and has added to his place all modern
improvements, building corn cribs, a granary, chicken houses and
a tool house. He has also remodeled his residence and has built a
barn for his son. In addition to his home property he has three
residences in the city of Burlington, which he rents, and owns
besides about four hundred acres of land close to his home, all good
fruit bearing land. He energetically and successfully carried on
farming until 1909, winning a substantial measure of success. He
then retired and his son Carl took up the management of the farm.
In politics Mr. Koestner is a democrat, although he cast his first
vote for Abraham Lincoln. He has served as township trustee, has
filled the ofiice of school director for many years and was at one
time a nominee for state senator. He is one of the most active work-
ers and generous supporters of St. John's Catholic church, and his
sons and their families are also communicants thereof. He is a broad-
minded, well read man, and in business he has displayed keen
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 251
sagacity and insight. His wife is a devoted member of the German
Evangelical church and a lady of many excellent traits of character.
When twenty-one years of age, Mr. Koestner was a poor man prac-
tically empty-handed. His parents gave him his clothing and one
hundred dollars wages per annum, and he had eight hundred dollars,
including the interest on his savings, when he started out for himself.
By hard work and enonomy he has accumulated a very comfortable
competence and is now accounted one of the substantial farmers of
the county. A contemporary biographer, writing of him, said :
"Charles Koestner is a notable representative of an old German
family and has manifested in the course of an active and interesting
career many of the most interesting traits of his race and blood —
those traits that have made the German-American citizen of this
country so highly honored as an acquisition to the nation. He has
been industrious to a marked degree and has never shown any dis-
position to shirk hard work or avoid his full share of the labor to be
done. He has kept his word and his pledge has been like a bond.
For twenty-three years he leased the Mason farm, paying one thou-
sand dollars annually, and during that time he was never required
to sign a lease. Kind to the poor, and with an ear always open to
the cry of the needy, he has ever been a good neighbor, generous
friend and an upright citizen. He has been a kind husband and a
loving father, giving his children the best of advantages in starting
them in life for themselves, as well as giving them that best of her-
itages, a home training that made strict integrity and upright morals
the things of greatest value in their estimation. These are the vir-
tues that belong to the German blood, and these characterize the
career of the man whose life deeds and achievements are the subject
of this biographical history."
WILLIAM H. DEBENHAM.
Every citizen of Burlington is proud of its Young Men's Chris-
tian Association, which has been greatly advanced through the
efforts and ability of its general secretary, William H. Debenham.
He has been a close student of every question connected with the
work and the possibilities and opportunities that continually open
up in this connection and there is no phase of helpful work for boys
and men in the field of physical, mental and moral development that
is not stimulated here. He was born in Morrison, Grundy county.
252 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
Iowa, January 23, 1880, and is a son of William and Martha (Hunt-
ing) Debenham. The father followed farming in early life but
afterward was connected with business interests in Everly, Iowa,
and at the present time is living retired, making his home in Arap-
ahoe, Nebraska.
The son, William H. Debenham, acquired a public-school edu-
cation in Everly and later attended Morningside College of Sioux
City, from which he was graduated in June, 1905, winning the
degree of Bachelor of Philosophy. He has always devoted his life
to the practical phases of Christian work pertaining to the guid-
ance of boys and young men. He spent three years as assistant secre-
tary, as membership secretary and as boys' secretary in Young Men's
Christian Association work at Ottumwa, Iowa, and on the ist of
May, 1908, came to Burlington and entered upon the duties of gen-
eral secretary of the Young Men's Christian Association in this
city. Under his guidance the work has been steadily carried for-
ward along lines of substantial and helpful growth, ever broadening
in its influence and in the range of its activities.
Mr. Debenham has been a most active factor in bringing about
the erection of the new Young Men's Christian Association build-
ing, starting to raise the money in November, 1910. The work was
vigorously and earnestly prosecuted until the Young Men's Chris-
tian Association building stood as a complete structure on the ist
of December, 191 2, the building and grounds representing an invest-
ment of ninety thousand dollars, upon which there is no indebted-
ness. The building is thoroughlv modern in every way. There is
both a boys' and men's division. The membership is divided into
five sections; for boys ranging from twelve to fourteen years; for
boys ranging from fifteen to seventeen years; the senior membership
from eighteen years up; a sustaining and business men's member-
ship; and a limited and educational membership. In the new build-
ing the men's division contains a general lobby, reading room, game
room and billiard and pool room. In the boys' division there is a
general lobby, reading room, game room, a cozy corner and fire-
place. There is a splendidly equipped gymnasium forty-four by
seventy feet, large, perfectly lighted and ventilated, and equipped
with new and modern apparatus. Various classes are conducted in
connection with the gymnasium work. There is also an au.xiliary
gvmnasium, a hand ball court, a running track, class and club rooms,
an assembly room, dormitories and a swimming pool. The activities
of the association include lectures and practical talks on science,
civics, literature, art and travel. Several clubs have been formed in
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 253
the organization, religious meetings are held and several courses in
Bible study have been instituted. 1 here are various receptions and
social gatherings and summer entertainment is provided in camps
and hikes. In connection the association has an employment bureau
and a boarding house and rooming register. In a word, it seems to
touch every phase of life that has to do with the boy and young man
in the line of assistance for his material, intellectual and moral
needs. There is now a membership of nine hundred and the Young
Men's Christian Association is certainly one of the splendid and
valuable institutions of Burlington.
On the 12th of September, 1906, Mr. Debenham was united in
marriage to Miss Eva C. Erskine, of Highmore, South Dakota, who
is a graduate of Morningside College of Sioux City. They have
three children, Elizabeth, Roger and William Stuart. The parents
are members of the Methodist church and Mr. Debenham gives his
political allegiance to the republican party. Along recreative lines
he is connected with the Burlington Launch Club and with the Ten-
nis Club. The splendid work that he is doing is widely recognized.
It would be tautological in this connection to say that he is a man of
broad humanitarian principles and deep human sympathy. He has
a quick and ready understanding, tact and an infinite amount of
patience and good nature, and all who meet him recognize the strong
spirit of friendship and helpfulness which dominates his life.
GEORGE W. SLINGLUFF, D. D. S.
Dr. George W. Slinglufif, who was honored with the presidency
of the Iowa State Dental Society in 1913 and is recognized as one
of the most eminent members of the profession in Burlington, his
native city, was born August 22, 1871, a son of James Henry and
Sarah Alice (Brown) Slinglufif. The father was born in Cincin-
nati, Ohio, and the mother's birth occurred in Winnebago, Iowa.
The paternal grandfather was C. J. Slinglufif, who, leaving his home
in Cincinnati, Ohio, made his way down the Ohio river by boat
and up the Mississippi, bringing his family to Burlington about
18c;;. His son, James H. Slinglufif, became a railway conductor and
later took up the business of a decorator and paper hanger, being
thus identified with the industrial interests of Burlington at the time
of his death, which occurred June 9, 1904. His widow survives and
makes her home in this city.
254 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
After acquiring his education in the public and high schools of
Burlington Dr. Slinglufif entered the employ of the Iowa Grain &
Produce Company, remaining with them nine years. He then quali-
fied for his profession in the Chicago College of Dental Surgery, in
which he completed his course with the class of 1900. He has since
practiced in Burlington and through the intervening period has
made continuous advancement along professional lines. His broad-
ening experience has advanced his skill and given him that assur-
ance and certainty which are so necessary as factors in accurate work.
His office is one of the most modern and is equipped with the latest
appliances to facilitate his practice. He is a member of the Des
Moines County Dental Society, the Southeastern Iowa Dental
Society, the Iowa State Dental Society, the National Dental Society
and the Chicago Dental S(Kiety. He has been honored with office
in the state organization, serving as its treasurer from 1907 until
191 1, while in 19 13 he was elected its president. He is a member of
the executive committee of the Panama-Pacific Dental Congress,
which convenes in San Francisco, California, in August, 1911;, and is
taking an active part in formulating plans for the meeting, which
will be of the greatest possible benefit to the profession, disseminating
knowledge that will receive contribution from representatives of the
profession from all parts of the world. He has also been secretary
and treasurer of the Des Moines County Dental Society for two
years, secretary and treasurer of the Iowa Inlay Study Club for four
years, and secretary of the Southeastern Iowa Dental Society for
four years.
Dr. Slinglufif's membership connections outside the strict path of
his profession have also covered a wide range. He is a member of
the Kappa chapter of the Psi Omega Dental Fraternity, and organi-
zer and first grand master of the Iowa Alumni chapter of the Psi
Omega Fraternity in the state of Iowa. He belongs to the Masonic
fraternity, in which he has attained the Knight Templar degree. He
is a past noble grand in the Odd Fellows lodge and also is a member
of the Rebekahs. He belongs to the Moose, is a charter member of
the Woodmen of the World of Burlington, was a member of the old
B. B. A. before its disbandment and is now an active member of the
Burlington Golf Club.
On the 9th of July, 1901, Dr. Slinglufif was united in marriage to
Miss Luella Dryden, of Burlington, who died in April, 1902. For
his second wife Dr. Slinglufif chose Miss Julia Crawford, of Burling-
ton, whom he wedded on the 20th of February, 1907. Mrs. Slinglufif
is a lady of broad culture, is interested in the civic and social life of
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 255
Burlington, is a member of the Shakespeare Club, King's Daughters
and also the Golf Club.
Dr. and Mrs. SlinglufT are much interested in religious work,
being active members of the First Presbyterian church, of which
Dr. Slinglufif is an elder, while for the past fifteen years he has been
treasurer of the Sunday school. His influence is always on the side
of progress and improvement, of advancement, truth and justice and
wherever known he is held in high esteem and most of all where he
is best known. His acquaintance throughout the state and in Bur-
lington is very wide and he occupies a central place upon the stage
of dental activity in Iowa, working his way steadily upward in a
calling where advancement depends entirely upon individual merit
and skill.
SAM WADLEIGH.
Sam Wadleigh is now living a retired life in Burlington and in
preparing this history we present to our readers the record of one
who long occupied a creditable position in business circles and who
throughout the period of his residence here has ever merited the
confidence and goodwill of all who know him. He has displayed
many sterling qualities of manhood and citizenship and at the same
time has lived a (]uict and unassuming life, being entirely free from
ostentation and display. At the present he occupies one of the beau-
tiful old homes of the city. He was born at Compton, in the prov-
ince of Quebec, Canada, June 8, 1833, a son of Luke and Phoebe
( Rowel 1) Wadleigh, who were natives of Hatley, Quebec. His
grandfather was Ephraim Wadleigh, a native of New Hampshire,
and his great-grandfather was Thomas Wadleigh. The last named
participated in the French and Indian war and returned from his
last campaign in 1759. His children were Benjamin, Jonathan,
Joseph, Thomas, John, Judith, Betsey, Moses, Aaron, Ephraim,
Henry and Susanna.
Of this family Ephraim Wadleigh was born in Sutton, New
Hampshire, March 8, 1770. He was five years of age when the
battle of Lexington was fought and the first blood was shed in the
Revolutionary war. In 1800 he went to Canada, where he secured
a claim at a time when the province of Quebec was giving land free
to those who would settle thereon. He made farming his life work
and died in the year 1852. His family numbered four sons and four
256 HISTORY OF DES iMOINES COUNTY
daughters: Samuel, Taylor, Thomas, Luke, Betsey, Mary, Roxanna
and Ruth.
Of this family of eight children Luke Wadleigh was the young-
est. Like the other sons, he went to work upon the farm at a very
early age. He continued his residence in Canada until 1856, when
he removed to Oquawka, Illinois, where his death occurred in 1886
when he was seventy-six years of age. His wife passed away there
in 1895 at the advanced age of eighty-six years. In their family
were four children: Sam; Mrs. Mary Chapin, now deceased; Mrs.
Lydia Blandon, of Blandinsville, Illinois; and Jennie, who died in
1885.
Sam Wadleigh, whose name introduces this record, acquired his
education in the common schools and in the Charleston Academy
of Hatley. When eighteen years of age he entered the employ of
the St. Lawrence & Atlantic Railroad, spending four years in that
connection. He was twenty-two years of age when he became a
resident of Oquawka, Illinois, where he engaged in the lumber busi-
ness, in which he remained for five years. He also conducted busi-
ness as a dealer in wood. In 1878 he came to Burlington and the
following year entered into partnership with Colonel W. G. Cum-
mins for the conduct of a general fuel business. After eight years
the partnership was dissolved and Mr. Wadleigh organized the
Wadleigh Fuel Company, conducting business under that name until
he sold out and retired in 1910. He was most active throughout the
period of his connection with business and to his diligence he added
determination and perseverance.
In 1857 occurred the marriage of Mr. Wadleigh and Miss Mary
A. Phelps, who was born in Oquawka, Illinois, where their mar-
riage was celebrated. She died in i860 and the two children of that
union passed away in childhood. In 1862 Mr. Wadleigh wedded
Miss Ella F. 'Bradbury, who died in February, 191 1. They were
the parents of three children: Mary A., the wife of Robert Moir,
of Burling"ton; Mabel, who became the wife of O. H. Penick and
died in May, 1902; and Roy, who died in infancy in 1880. The
daughter, Mrs. Moir, has two children, Marjorie and Rosemary.
Mrs. Penick had one daughter, Mildred, who was adopted by her
grandfather, Mr. Wadleigh, upon her mother's death in 1902. His
two eldest grandchildren are being educated in the Mrs. Dow's
school, Briar Clifif Manor, thirty miles north of New York city on
the Hudson river.
Politically Mr. Wadleigh is a democrat, having supported the
party since he became a naturalized citizen of the United States in
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 257
1863. He has always enjoyed an enviable reputation as a business
man and as a dealer in fuel for more than thirty years he was spoken
of as one who gave good weight and measure and was thoroughly
reliable in his business transactions. He ever regarded his grand-
father, Ephraim Wadleigh, as a model. When the grandfather
passed away in Canada in 1852 his sons had inscribed upon his
tombstone: "If an honest man is the noblest work of God, then
Ephraim Wadleigh was truly noble." When eighteen years of age
Mr. Wadleigh of this review began buying books and now has a
very extensive library, having ever been a lover of good literature:
As his financial resources were limited, he had comparatively little
opportunity in early life to purchase books, but as his business
increased he indulged his taste along that line and now possesses a
splendid library. He occupies a fine old home which was built by
Mr. Wright in 1876 and which was purchased of his widow by
Mr. Wadleigh in 1880. It is a commodious residence, beautifully
furnished, and an air of comfort and hospitality there reigns. Mr.
Wadleigh well merits the rest that has come to him, for his success
is the direct result of his close application, earnest purpose and
honorable dealing. Wherever known he is held in high esteem
and most of all where he is best known.
GERMAN-AMERICAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
The German-American Life Insurance Company of Iowa is one
of the substantial organizations of this character in the state. It has
been in existence for more than a quarter of a century, having been
founded in July, 1887, by F. H. A. Koch. It was organized as an
assessment companv under the name of the German Mutual Life
Association and was conducted under that style until 1901, when a
reorganization was effected under the name of the German-American
Equation Premium Life Association, at which time a change was
made from the assessment to the equation premium plan. In 1912,
when the passage of a state law made it necessary to have a legal
reserve, the business was again reorganized under the name of the
German-American Life Insurance Company of America and
changed to the old line legal reserve plan. Since this second reor-
ganization the business has grown rapidly until there are now many
clients and a large amount of insurance is written annually. Thev
confine their business to this state although it is their purpose to write
258 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
insurance in other states within a year. The officers of the company
are: P. C. Naumann, president; Lewis H. Koch, vice president and
general manager; Charles Blanke, secretary; and Henry Miller,
Jr., treasurer. The business has been carefully systematized and its
methods accord with the most advanced and reliable phases of insur-
ance work in any part of the country.
REV. P. BENNO, O. S. B.
Rev. P. Benno, pastor of St. John's Catholic church in Burling-
ton, was born in Franken, Germany, May 3, 1869. He attended a
preparatory school at Reichelheim, Germany, and when twelve years
of age came to the United States to visit an uncle in Atchison, Kansas,
this uncle being then a professor in St. Benedict's College of that
place. Father Benno entered the school and was graduated there-
from on the completion of the classical course in 1889. He after-
ward spent a year as a student in the University of Pennsylvania and
subsequently returned to Atchison to become an instructor in St.
Benedict's College. About that time he entered upon the philo-
sophical and theological courses in preparation for the priesthood
and he also studied l^w for a year. He was graduated with the class
of 1896 and the same year was ordained. He then had charge of the
St. Louis parish in Atchison county, Kansas, for one year, after which
he returned to St. Benedict's College and catalogued the library and
also assisted in writing the ritual of the order. He likewise acted as
assistant procurator. He then went to Pueblo, Colorado, where he
was in charge of the St. Boniface church for four years. In 1904 he
arrived in Burlington to become pastor of St. John's Catholic church,
but when two years had passed, or in 1906, he returned to Kansas
and again assumed charge of the St. Louis parish. He made this
change on account of his health and remained in that state until Sep-
tember 3, 191 2, when he returned to Burlington and again became
pastor of St. John's church with supervision over the large parish
school conducted in connection therewith.
St. John's church was founded when, in 1854, the German Cath-
olics of Burlington separated from St. Paul's church. The Rev.
J. G. RefTe was made the first pastor and so continued for ten years.
The church started with seventy-five families and a house of wor-
ship was erected on South Hill, near Division street, the Rev. A.
Hattenberger and Rev. M. Lentner finishing the little brick edifice
RE\'. r. BKNXO
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 261
with basement at the northeast corner of Seventh street and Maiden
Lane in 18157. The following year a parish school was organized,
the Rev. M. Michaels teaching the pupils in the church. Rev. C.
E.\el became pastor of the church and so continued until 1870. In
that year the Rev. Herderer took charge and built a two story frame
school building, two lay teachers being engaged for instruction. In
1871 Rev. J. B. Fendrich undertook the task of erecting a large brick
school building north of the church, which work was completed in
three years, with the Sisters of Mercy in charge as teachers of two
hundred children. In 1876 the Jesuit Fathers from Buffalo took
charge of the parish with the Rev. Joseph Hieber, S. J., as pastor.
During his connection with the church a new building was purchased
on the southwest corner of Seventh and Division streets for seven
thousand five hundred dollars, to be used as a parish house. In 1878
Father William Becker built an addition to the house, which was
later sold to the parish for twenty-five hundred dollars, and he also
purchased twenty acres on Prospect Hill for a cemetery called Sacred
Heart cemetery. In 1880 Father Nicol Greisch, S. J., took charge
and began the work of making a collection for the new church prop-
erty. The Hendrie property, at the corner of Eighth and Division
streets, was purchased for ten thousand dollars. About the same time
the Franciscan Sisters came to Burlington and began a hospital on
the land which had been acquired for the church site. The new
church was begun in 1882 and the cornerstone was laid in the spring
of 1 883. The work was steadily carried forward until the church was
completed and in August, 1885, Henry Stensbeck gave to the church
three large bells costing one thousand dollars. In turn the pastorate,
following Father Greisch, was filled by Father Joseph Kreusch, S. J.,
Father Joseph Hieber, S. J., and Father Alois Sutter, S. J. In May,
1890, after completing the contract the Jesuit Fathers removed to
Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, and the Benedictine Fathers, of Atchi-
son, Kansas, took charge with Rev. P. Timothy Luber, O. S. B., as
pastor and P. John Stader as assistant. During the pastorate of the
Rev. Gregory, O. S. B., in 1891 eighteen hundred dollars was col-
lected for a new high altar. In 1891; Father Hilary became assistant
pastor and collected eleven hundred dollars for side altars and also
most of the money for a new organ, which was installed in June, 1898.
Following the death of Father Timothy in 1901, P. Alphonse became
pastor and remained in charge until the 4th of July, 1904, when he
was succeeded by Father Benno. In the meantime a new Sisters'
house and school building was erected. The school is a large fine
brick structure thoroughly equipped with every modern convenience.
Vol. 11—14
262 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
Liberal donations to the church and school work have been made by
different church sodalities and other organizations as well as by pri-
vate subscription. The school includes the eight grades of work
together with a business course.
Father Thomas Burke, O. S. B., served for about two years as
pastor of the church, with P. Hilary as assistant, and in 191 2 Father
Benno was reappointed. The work of the church is thoroughly
organized and during the year 1913 the church debt of thirteen thou-
sand eight hundred and forty-nine dollars was reduced five thousand
dollars. Today there are three hundred and fifty families in the
parish and two hundred and twenty-five pupils in the school, and
both church and school work are making steady progress.
LINCOLN C. HALL, D. D. S.
Dr. Lincoln C. Hall, an alumnus of the Iowa State University,
has practiced continuously in Burlington since his graduation in the
class of 1891. He was born in Des Moines county, June 8, 1857,
a son of Oliver and Marietta (Whittaker) Hall. The father's birth
occurred near Albany, New York, and his father, Gideon Hall, was
likewise a native of the Empire state. The great-grandfather of
Dr. Hall was a native of England and crossed the Atlantic in 1745,
settling in Connecticut. He served as a magistrate under appoint-
ment of the king and in later generations other representatives of
the family have taken a prominent part in the public afifairs of the
communities in which they have lived.
Oliver Hall continued his residence in New York until 1838,
when he emigrated westward with Burlington as his destination.
He found here a little hamlet upon the river bank, giving but slight
promise of future growth. Something of the primitive conditions
of the times is indicated in the fact that he was able to secure gov-
ernment land and entered a claim in Franklin township. As the
years passed the evidence of pioneer life gave way before an advanc-
ing civilization and Mr. Hall bore his part in promoting the work
of general progress and improvement. He had been a resident of
Des Moines county for about six years when his father, Gideon Hall,
joined him in Iowa and here lived from 1844 until his death. The
old gun which Oliver Hall brought to this state is now in possession
of Dr. Hall. The family made the westward journey partly by
boat after the primitive manner of travel in those times. For a half
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 263
century Oliver Hall continued a resident of Des Moines county and
was numbered among the prominent and valued citizens of his sec-
tion of the state. It was in Bennington, Vermont, in 1838, that he
was united in marriage to Miss Marietta Whittaker, a daughter of
Ezra D. Whittaker, a native of Massachusetts and a representative of
one of the old New England families. Mr. Whittaker devoted his
life to the banking business. Following the celebration of their mar-
riage the wedding trip of Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Hall consisted of
their journey to Iowa and with every phase of pioneer life in Des
Moines county they became familiar, sharing in all of the hardships
and privations incident to settlement upon the frontier and doing
evervthing in their power to advance public progress. Mr. Hall was
a surveyor as well as farmer and at one time filled the office of county
surveyor of Des Moines county and laid off much of the county, his
original surveys being still in use. In June, 1886, he was called upon
to mourn the loss of his wife and on the 25th of April, 1888, he passed
away after a half century's residence in Iowa.
Dr. Hall acquired a public-school education which he supple-
mented by attending college at Mount Pleasant. He then entered
the State University of Iowa in preparation for a professional career
and became a student in the dental department, completing his course
with the class of 1891. He then returned to Burlington for practice
and has here since remained, covering a period of about twenty-four
years. He was not long in demonstrating his ability and his success
from the beginning has been continuous. Keeping in touch with the
trend of modern thought along the line of dental surgery, he now uses
the latest improved instruments and dental appliances and has a well
equipped office, while the latest scientific methods of practice find
expression in his work.
In 1884 Dr. Hall was united in marriage to Miss Ella Atchison,
of Burlington, a daughter of John and Lucinda Atchison, who were
pioneer settlers of this county. The father was a farmer and car-
penter, being thus identified with both agricultural and industrial
pursuits for a long period, but he has now passed awav. Dr. Hall
lost his wife in 1907 and of their five children the eldest is also de-
ceased. This was Cecil, who was drowned June 13, 1904. The others
are Harry A., now living in Los Angeles, California; Charles M.,
who is pursuing a course in civil engineering in the State University
of Illinois; and Margaret and William H., both at home.
The Doctor and his children are members of the Presbyterian
church, and fraternally he is connected with Washington Lodge, No.
I, I. O. O. F. His political allegiance is given the democratic party,
264 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
and he is a member of the Crystal Lake Hunting & Fishing Club — a
connection that indicates something of the nature of his interests and
recreation. In the strict path of his profession he also has member-
ship connections as he belongs to the local and state dental societies.
A lifelong resident of Des Moines county, he is widely known to its
citizens and his record, at all times honorable and upright, has won
for him the high regard, confidence and goodwill of his fellow citi-
zens, while his ambition and ability have placed him in the front rank
among the practitioners of dentistry.
FRANK M. MELLINGER.
Frank M. Mellinger is engaged in the real-estate and insurance
business, but his activities have been of broader scope and wider
significance than those of the real-estate man who merely buys and
sells property or negotiates realty transfers. He has studied condi-
tions and utilized opportunities to the benefit not only of his indi-
vidual success but of the community as well, and it is this spirit of
initiative which has made him a leading factor in the reclamation
of twenty thousand acres of land lying just across the river in Hender-
son county, Illinois. Burlington is his native city and the year of
his birth was 1854. His father, S. Mellinger, came to Burlington in
1850 and here first engaged in the tin and stove business, with which
he was connected for about fifteen years. In 1865, however, he turned
his attention to real-estate operations, establishing the business now
conducted by his son, Frank M. Mellinger. The father was at the
head of the undertaking until 1897, ^^'lien he was succeeded by his
sons, although he still continued to work along the same line until
his death, which occurred in November, 1911. His wife, who bore
the maiden name of Emeline Marshall, passed away in September,
1912.
The early home of the familv stood on Hawkeye creek and it
was there that Frank M. Mellinger was born and spent his early
youth. At the usual age he entered the public schools of Burling-
ton and after passing through consecutive grades he further qualified
for the practical and responsible duties of life by pursuing a course
in the old Business College of Burlington, now known as Elliott's
Business College. He made his initial step in the business world as
an employe of the William Bell Dry Goods Company, wholesale
dealers, in the capacity of bill clerk. He remained with that house
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 265
for ten years, working his way steadily upward, and at the end of that
time he entered the employ of the Buffington Wheel Company.
Again advancement came to him in recognition of his ability and
trustworthiness and ultimately he became secretary of the company,
which controlled the first wheel manufactory west of the Mississippi
river. At length that company was absorbed by the trust and then
Frank M. Mellinger entered the real-estate field with his father,
becoming his successor in the management and ownership of the
business in 1897.
He largely deals in farm lands although he handles considerable
city property and also writes a large amount of insurance annually.
Fifteen years ago he began agitating the question of reclaiming the
marsh lands across the river in Henderson county, Illinois, but met
with little encouragement. Notwithstanding the difficulties that
confronted him he persisted and as the result of his continued efforts
he succeeded in getting the people and the moneyed interests to take
hold of the proposition in 1911 and now they are reclaiming about
twentv thousand acres through scientific drainage. The tract was
divided into two drainage districts under public control and Mr.
Mellinger was the first man to be appointed on a commission when
residing in another state from that in which the work is being car-
ried on. The citizens of Henderson county, Illinois, however, got
up a special petition that he be appointed by the courts and this was
done. He is now the active director of the undertaking, which is
proving of the utmost value to that region. In the beginning of the
work he assumed a large part of the responsibility, both financial
and otherwise.
On the 2qth of September, 1884, Mr. Mellinger was united in
marriage to Miss Lou A. Stubbs, of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, who was
educated in the schools of that city. They have become the parents
of four children: Frank S., who married Hazel Merle, of Omaha,
Nebraska, and is engaged in the practice of dentistry in that city;
Mabel, the wife of Dr. Clarence Steen, of Scott's Bluff, Nebraska,
where he is filling the office of mayor; and Grace and Marie, who
are attending high school. Dr. and Mrs. Steen have three children,
a son and two daughters.
Mr. and Mrs. Mellinger are prominent in social circles of Bur-
lington and are also active members of the Congregational church.
His club relations are with the Hawkeyes and the Elks, the Carthage
Lake Fishing Club and the Silver Lake Fishing Club. His political
allegiance is given to the republican party and he is thoroughly con-
versant with the leading questions and issues of the day but has never
266 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
been a politician in the sense of office seeking, feeling that the pur-
suits of private life are in themselves abundantly worthy of his best
efforts. In his business career he has won notable success and his
initiative spirit has been of direct value to the community in which
his efforts have been put forth.
F. W. RASCHE.
F. W. Rasche is a partner of E. H. Hoelzen in the real-estate and
insurance business, in which connection they have secured a large
clientage, although the firm has been in existence for only about two
years. Mr. Rasche is a native of Missouri, his birth having occurred
in Kahoka, Clark county, on the 12th of February, 1875, his parents
being Frederick and Caroline (Heneke) Rasche. The father, a
native of Germany, came to the United States in boyhood and entered
the ministry of the German Evangelical church, after which he
engaged in preaching in various sections of Missouri, Iowa and Illi-
nois. He married Caroline Heneke, a native of Missouri, and her
death occurred in 1894, while the Rev. Frederick Rasche survived
until October 9, 191 2, passing away in this state. His work was
closely identified with the moral development of the middle west and
his efforts proved an influencing element in advancing the interests
of the church in many ways.
F. W. Rasche acquired a parochial school education and also
attended the public schools at Franklin and at Creston, Iowa, before
entering Elmhurst College near Chicago. He afterward entered
into the mercantile business as a clerk at Creston and thus gained
the initial experience which qualified him for later responsibilities
of that character. He embarked in merchandising on his own
account in Des Moines in 1894. The same year his mother died and
the family then removed to Burlington. In this city Mr. Rasche
again engaged in general merchandising, conducting a store for two
years, at the end of which time he sold out. He then began clerking
in the St. Louis Store in Burlington and was also employed in other
establishments of this city until 1909, when he secured a position
with the Parsons Realty Company, with which he was associated until
191 2. In that year he joined E. H. Hoelzen in forming a partner-
ship for the conduct of a real-estate and insurance business and
the firm of Hoelzen & Rasche has made for itself a credit-
able place in this field of business activity. They have negotiated
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 267
many important property transfers and have secured a good clientage
in insurance as well, writing many large policies each year.
In 1899 Mr. Rasche was united in marriage to Miss Lydia M.
Schaefer, of Burlington, a daughter of Captain Charles Schaefer,
and they now have two sons, Walter and Milton. The parents are
members of the German Evangelical Zion church and Mr. Rasche'
has membership with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the
Red Men and the Commercial Exchange. In politics he is a pro-
gressive, having allied himself with the movement which in recent
years has sought freedom from all machine rule and attempts to
further through concerted public efifort the best interests of the
country. He is a typical man of the period, alert and energetic,
realizing that in this age of keen competition success can only be
won through intense business activity, and that he is most diligent,
energetic and determined is manifest in the results which are attend-
ing his labors.
O. M. BURRUS.
Whatever there is glorious in this world is the product of labor,
either of body or mind. History is but the record of work. The
halls of art display the exquisite touch of the hand of the sculptor
and artist, cultivated fields blossom and wave under the hand of
toil ; busy marts, rising cities, are the treasure house of its deeds. The
Creator has made work the all-regulating law of men, obedience to
which promotes the harmony and happiness of the state and society.
All work is noble that has for its end the improvement of the work-
man and his fellows; for it is in the line on which the glorious Archi-
tect and Sculptor of the Universe is working. The symbols most
pleasing to Him and expressive of the civilization and elevation of
man, are not the sword, the cannon, not the regal crown, but the
square, the compass, the mallet and chisel, the palette and brush, the
hammer, the forge and the plow. The men in all ages who have
gone forth with the implements of all work, governed by the prin-
ciples of truth and justice revealed by the God of Heaven, are the
pioneers, the builders, the reformers, the noblemen of earth.
As a representative man of industry as applied to art, we select
him whose name heads this sketch.
Prominent among the energetic, farseeing and successful business
men of Burlington is the founder and promoter of the extensive busi-
268 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
ness conducted under the name of O. M. Burrus & Brother. They
are wholesale manufacturers of fine monumental work and have a
business that covers a wide portion of the western territory. Progress-
ive methods, unabating energy and unrelaxing attention to the busi-
ness in principle and detail, are the strong features in the success
which has come to the firm.
Mr. Burrus is a native of Illinois. He was born December ii,
i860, of the marriage of Robert R. and Louisa Burrus, the former a
cabinetmaker by trade. He acquired a country-school education and
afterward learned the marble cutting business. The year 1876 wit-
nessed his arrival in Burlington, where he was employed in the line
of his trade until 1887, but he was ambitious to enjoy the benefits of his
own labors and in that year embarked in business on his own account
with a capital of sixty-five dollars. From that small beginning he
has steadily advanced. He possesses a high degree of skill and
efficiency in marble cutting and, moreover, he is most energetic.
Upon these qualities as a foundation he has builded his success. In
1904 he was joined by his brother, R. R. Burrus, who had formerly
been a traveling salesman for a furniture house, and in 1907 the busi-
ness was incorporated with O. M. Burrus as president and manager.
The company now has the largest plant west of New England and
their ground space has a frontage of three hundred feet on JefTferson
street and one hundred and seventy feet on Valley street and extends
through the block. Something of the immensity of the business is
gleaned from the fact that he pays twenty-eight thousand dollars per
year on incoming freight alone. He now employs eighty mechanics
and pays sixty-five thousand dollars annually in wages. The output
is sold all over the territory west of the Mississippi river. Electric
power from the Keokuk plant is used and the equipment is thor-
oughly modern in every particular. They own ware rooms and fac-
tory and have their own side track, which runs at the rear of the
factory and also into the factory. There are three steel traveling
cranes, two steel derricks, three surfacing machines, seventy-five plug
drills and pneumatic tools and three polishing mills. The plant is
thoroughly equipped for handling the highest class of monumental
work and the ware room fronting on Valley street contains more
finished granite monuments in nearly all the standard granites than
can be seen in any other one place in the United States. The ware-
house is built of Bedford stone and equipped with three steel travel-
ing cranes extending over the side track. Their work is seen through-
out all sections of the west and is thoroughly artistic in design and
workmanship. They use light and dark Barre, Woodbury, Missouri
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 269
red, dark Quiiicy, Saint Cloud red, Winsboro blue, blue pearl and
other standard granites.
On the i8th of September, 1887, O. M. Burrus was united in mar-
riage to Miss Ida M. Brown, of Burlington, and they became parents
of three children, but the only one now living is Norman, who is
attending Ames College and has won fame on the athletic field. Mr.
Burrus is independent in his political views, supporting men and
measures rather than party. He belongs to the Crystal Lake Club,
the Golf Club and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, and is
popular in those organizations. He deserves much credit for what
he has accomplished, for he started out in life empty-handed, learn-
ing a trade which he thoroughly mastered and in which his skill and
efficiency, coupled with laudable ambition, has brought him to sub-
stantial success, making him one of the foremost business men of
his adopted city.
PHIL LEICHT.
Phil Leicht is conducting a profitable business as a retail dealer
in lic]uors and cigars in Burlington. He was born in this city, Mat
18, 1861, a son of Philip Leicht, whose birth occurred in Germany
in 1 83 1 and who at the age of twenty-four years crossed the Atlantic
to the United States. He landed at New Orleans and after a brief
period spent in the south made his way up the Mississippi to Bur-
lington, where he arrived in 1857. Here he entered the employ of
the Gilbert-Hedge Lumber Company, with which he was connected
for about eight years, and then with the capital which he had
act^uired from his industry and economy he embarked in business on
his own account in 1865 as a dealer in liquors. His wife, Mrs. Wil-
helmena Leicht, who was born in Germany in 1840, passed away at
the age of forty-five years.
Their son, Phil Leicht, was educated in the parochial schools
of Burlington to the age of thirteen years, after which he pursued
a business course in the old Bryant & Stratton school. He bought
his father's business and became his successor on the ist of May,
1882. He has been on the same corner for thirty-two years, occupy-
ing a three-story brick building which he owns. He conducts a retail
trade and is liberally patronized, his business being a source of grati-
fying profit.
270 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
On the 29th of November, 1883, Mr. Leicht was united in mar-
riage to Miss Annie K. Klein, of Burlington, who was educated in the
parochial schools of this city. She holds membership in St. John's
Catholic church and takes a most active and helpful interest in its
work. By her marriage she has become the mother of two daughters :
Anna H. and Blanch P., both of whom graduated from the parochial
and high schools of Burlington and are accomplished musicians.
Mr. Leicht is identified with several fraternal and club organizations,
belonging to the Eagles, the Moose, the Gobblers, the Carthage Lake
Fishing Club and the Silver Lake Club. He is a communicant of
the Catholic church. In politics he is a democrat and is always inter-
ested in the city's welfare, cooperating in many movements for its
material improvement.
FRANKLIN WILCOX.
At a period when it was as common to see Indians as it is today to
see representatives of European nationalities Franklin Wilcox be-
came a resident of Iowa. He did not remain permanently following
his arrival in 1837 but after a few years took up his abode in Burling-
ton, where he remained to the time of his death. He witnessed the
events which characterized the most remarkable period in the history
of Iowa — that which transformed it from a great broad prairie
region, unsettled and uncultivated, into one of the populous states of
the Union, leading in the vanguard of civilization.
Mr. Wilcox was born in Whiting, Vermont, June 24, i8ro, a son
of Pliny and Mary (Remele) Wilcox, the former a native of Litch-
field, Connecticut, of Welsh descent, and the latter of Rhode Island,
of Holland descent. In 18 13 they removed to the Western Reserve,
settling in what is now Copley, Ohio. There the father died and the
mother spent her last days in Burlington at the home of her son
Franklin, who was but fourteen years of age at the time of his father's
death. The children of Pliny and Mary (Remele) Wilcox were
four in number: Philora, who became the wife of Peter Starr and
was thereafter a resident of Akron, Ohio; Elizabeth, the wife of Dr.
Isaac Galland, with whom she made the trip across the plains to Cali-
fornia with ox teams in 1852; John R., who attended the West Point
Military Academy and after his graduation spent his life in the army,
being for a time commander of Fort Edward, Illinois, where he
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 271
passed away; and Franklin. The mother's death occurred in Fort
Madison at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Galland, July i8, 1849.
Dr. Galland was a very prominent factor in settling difficulties con-
cerning what was known as the Hall Breed Tract land troubles.
Following his father's death Franklin Wilcox returned to Ver-
mont and resided for a time with an uncle. At the age of nineteen he
took up the profession of school-teaching in the Green Mountain
state and when about twenty years of age he was united in marriage
to Miss Maria Johnson. They afterward went to Ohio and one night
when they were attending church their house with all of its contents
was destroyed by fire. The year 1836 witnessed their arrival in Iowa
and thev located in Lee county, purchasing two thousand acres of
land of what was known as the Half Breed Tract. In 1838 Mr.
Wilcox sold his land and went to Commerce, afterward called
Nauvoo, Illinois, but in 1841 returned to Lee county, Iowa, and took
up his abode in Montrose, where he conducted a store. Every evi-
dence of pioneer life was to be seen. The work of settlement and
improvement had scarcely been begun in the state and the Indians
far outnumbered the white settlers. Mr. Wilcox became acquainted
with Black Hawk, who left all of his belongings with Mr. Wilcox
when he went to Washington, D. C, to see the president. At differ-
ent periods the Indian chief spent considerable time with his white
friend. Mr. Wilcox described him as "a perfect man physically" and
it was evident that he responded to the kindness shown him on the
part of his white brother.
In 1839 Mr. Wilcox established an extensive trading business
which extended on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers between St. Louis
and Cincinnati. He devoted about a year to that undertaking and on
two different occasions he made trips between Vermont and Iowa on
horseback. On one of these trips he led two horses in addition to the
one which he rode all the way from New England to his western
home. In October, 1841, he made his way to Warsaw, Illinois, where
he joined his brother,- Major John R. Wilcox, who was a West Point
graduate, but later he returned again to Vermont. He lost his first
wife in 1844 and in 1845 he was married a second time. Miss Harriet
Eliza Weeks, a native of the Green Mountain state, becoming his
wife. Her father, John M. Weeks, of Salisbury, Vermont, was a
direct descendant of John Alden and Priscilla Mullins, who came to
America as passengers on the Mayflower in 1620. Mr. and Mrs
Wilcox made the trip to the Mississippi valley by way of the Eric
canal and by river, one month being consumed en route. They spent
the first winter in Keokuk and in the following spring, 1846, Mr.
272 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
Wilcox purchased a farm six miles west of Burlington, on the upper
Augusta road. With characteristic energy he began to clear the land
and develop the fields and resided thereon until during the Civil war,
in 1863. He then sold his farm and removed to West Hill, where he
remained until 1864, when he purchased what has since been the fam-
ily home at No. 715 Maple street in Burlington.
The remainder of his life was devoted to public service. He
served for three years as a member of the state legislature and was
appointed justice of the peace, a position which he occupied for fif-
teen years, making a most creditable record in office. His decisions,
which were strictly fair and impartial, "won golden opinions from
all sorts of people," and he made an equally creditable record during
the long years in which he served as United States commissioner,
which position he occupied to the time of his death, on the 3d of De-
cember, 1900, when he had reached the advanced age of ninetv and
one-half years. His wife passed awav in 1895, when seventv-five
years of age, and in their demise the countv lost two of its most worthy
and highly esteemed pioneer residents.
By his first marriage Mr. Wilcox had tliree children. Henry P.,
born in 1834, resided at Quincy, Illinois until his death, December
26, 1914. He enlisted in May, 1861, as a member of Company K,
Thirty-third Illinois Infantry, served for three years, veteranized and
remained with the army until the close of hostilities. He married
Harriet Hedges, who died in 1879, leaving two sons and a daughter.
Pliny died in infancy. Pliny, the second of the name, was born
March 3, 1842, and in 1861 enlisted for service in the Union army as
a member of the First Iowa Cavalry. He was killed at Bloomfield,
Missouri, by the falling of a tree, while in the service, when but
nineteen years of age. By his second marriage Mr. Wilcox also had
three children: Marie, who became the wife of Hiram Parker and
died in California in April, 1901 ; Mary Elizabeth, residing on the
home place; and Harriet Lucy, the wife of Dr. S. E. Nixon, of
Burlington.
In his political views Mr. Wilcox was an ardent whig and on the
dissolution of that party he joined the ranks of the republican party,
with which he was identified until his demise. For a brief period he
served as sheriff of Des Moines county and in that position made a
record as creditable as he did in the other offices which he filled. He
was one of Iowa's first settlers, and his name is indelibly inscribed
upon the pages of her history. He lived to see notable changes.
When. he first came to this state even the territorial organization had
not been effected and it was some years afterward before Iowa was
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 273
admitted to the Union. He took, great pride in what was accom-
plished as the years went on and cooperated heartily in the work of
general development and upbuilding.
JOSEPH R. SUTTER.
Gradually working his way upward and winning success which is
the logical outcome of determination, close application and wise
management, Joseph R. Sutter is now a well known druggist of Bur-
lington, his native city, where he has an interest in and conducts two
of the leading drug establishments of the city. He was born April 14,
1873, and is a son of Robert and Christina (Dahlinger) Sutter. The
wife and mother passed away in 1877 ^"^ the father afterward mar-
ried Anna .Meile, who, like her husband, was a native of Switzer-
land. Robert Sutter was a son of Ambrose and Amanza Sutter and
in the land of the Alps was reared until, in company with his three
brothers, Bonifaz, Meenrad and Anton, he came to the United States.
Not long afterward they were joined by their parents and all settled
in Burlington. Robert Sutter was a cabinetmaker by trade and fol-
lowed that pursuit for many years, leading a busy, active and useful
life. He died in Burlington in 1901 and is survived by his widow.
He had five children, of whom three were born by the first marriage
and two of the second, namely: Emma, who died in infancy; Joseph
R., of this review; Anna, the wife of Felix Rittler, of Burlington;
Ida, who married Clarence Oakley, also of Burlington; and Robert,
who is married and makes his home in this city.
Reared in Burlington, Joseph R. Sutter pursued his education
until he had mastered the branches of learning taught in the high
school. He then sought employment and obtained a position in the
Witte Drug Store, with which he was connected for fourteen years, a
fact that indicates clearly his fidelity to duty as well as his capability.
During that period he carefully saved his earnings until his industry
and economical expenditures made him the possessor of capital suf-
ficient to enable him to embark in business independently. He then
purchased the drug store of William Cochran, in the Tama building,
in 1903 and conducted it under his own name at No. 310 Third street.
After two years he admitted Erwin Ludman to a partnership and a
removal was made to Nos. 307-309 Third street. There the business
was successfully conducted and in 1909 they opened a new store at No.
403 JelTerson street, remaining proprietors of both stores to the pres-
274 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
ent time, Mr. Sutter managing the Third street establishment and his
partner the Jefferson street store. In 1909 William H. Waldhoff
became a stockholder in the business. The present officers are:
Joseph R. Sutter, president; William H. Waldhoff, vice president;
and Erwin Ludman, secretary and treasurer. They handle the
Rexall line of drugs at both stores and are the exclusive agents there-
for in Burlington. Both establishments are well appointed and carry
a large and carefully selected line of drugs and druggists' sundries,
while the business methods of the firm are such as will bear the closest
investigation and scrutiny.
On the 20th of June, 1895, Mr. Sutter was united in marriage to
Miss Anna S. Schlachter, of Burlington, a daughter of Adrian and
Sophia (Enger) Schlachter. There are four children of this mar-
riage, Clarence, Gertrude, Raymond and Ursula. Mr. Sutter has
membership with the Woodmen of the World, the Ancient Order of
United Workmen, the Moose and the Eagles. His political indorse-
ment is given the democratic party and his religious faith is that of the
Bethany Lutheran church. He is prominently known in trade circles
and in 1914 was local secretary for the Druggists Convention. On the
1 2th of June of that year he was elected first vice president of the
Iowa Pharmaceutical Association and he is interested in all that tends
to further the trade or promote its value to the community. He has
made a creditable record throughout his business career, accomplish-
ing what he has undertaken, and he has been both the builder and
architect of his own fortunes.
JOSEPH L. GAFFORD.
Joseph L. Gafford, of Burlington, became interested in the grain
trade in 1882 in Osceola, Iowa. In 1889, he was one of the organizers
of the Iowa Grain & Produce Company, of which he is now the secre-
tary and treasurer. Laudable ambition, energy and enterprise have
been the salient traits which have led him constantly onward until he
stands today among the representative business men of Burlington.
He was born in Keokuk, Iowa, June 7, 1858, a son of Joseph and
Sarah J. (Longly) Gafford, the former of Scotch descent, born in
Baltimore, Fairfield county, Ohio, January 16, 1834. The latter was
born in Errol, Lampton county, Canada West, April 4, 1837, and
died in Burlington, January 3, 1887, aged forty-nine years nine
months. Both became residents of Keokuk, Iowa, when young people
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 275
and were married in that city on Dec. 4, 1855. The father was a
building contractor there and later established business in Keokuk as
a dealer in butter, eggs and produce. In 1871 he removed with his
family to St. Louis, where he engaged in other lines of business and in
the early '80s they came to Burlington.
When the family came to Burlington, Joseph L. Gafiford went to
Osceola. He had spent his youthful days under the parental roof,
accompanying his parents on their various removals, and in the St.
Louis schools acquired his education. His business training was re-
ceived under the direction of his father, whom he assisted in connec-
tion with the grain trade. He joined his father in organizing the
Iowa Grain & Produce Company on the loth of January, 1889. Of
this company Joseph Gafford, Sr., became the president, George N.
Culver, vice president and M. A. Williamson, secretary and treas-
urer. These three constituted the board of directors, together with
Joseph L. Gafiford and Edward Funke. The cold storage and
produce end of the business was located at Nos. 800, 802 and 804 Jef-
ferson street. From the beginning the enterprise grew rapidly until
the company had a line of twenty elevators along the Chicago, Bur-
lington & Quincy Railroad and also a cold storage plant at Burling-
ton, the first in the city. In 1899 the interests were divided and the
elevators and grain business were taken over by Messrs. Culver,
Funke and O. T. Hulburd, the last named of whom had become in-
terested in the Iowa Grain & Produce Company and was made secre-
tary and treasurer when Mr. Williamson withdrew therefron^ in
January, 1895. The elevators were operated under the name of the
O. T. Hulburd Company.
On the division in 1899, the Iowa Grain & Produce Company
consisted of Joseph Gafiford as president, Edward Funke vice presi-
dent and Joseph L. GafTord secretary and treasurer. At this time J.
L. Gafiford moved from Osceola to Burlington with his family. The
president Joseph Gafiford, died June 3, 1903, and was succeeded by
Mr. Funke, who is a resident of Chicago and who still retains the pres-
idencv of the business. The company maintains cold storage and does
a wholesale business in butter and eggs. They buy all over southern
Iowa, eastern Illinois and northern Missouri and employ during the
busy season as many as twenty-six people. They make purchases from
country merchants and ship in carload lots to the east. The company
was incorporated under the laws of Iowa and its authorized capital
stock is a hundred thousand dollars. The business has been a sub-
stantial and growing one, not only from the organization but since
the division, and the trade of the company is of value to producers,
276 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
furnishing a market for their butter and eggs. The annual sales now
reach a large figure and the success of the enterprise is attributable
in large measure to Joseph L. Gaflford, who is the active manager.
Mr. Gafiford was united in marriage to Miss E. Ada Sturgeon, a
native of Ohio, and they have become parents of three children :
Gertrude, the wife of T. E. Patterson, of Dayton, Ohio; Helene; and
Eugene J. Mr. Gafiford is a prominent Mason, holding membership
in the blue lodge, chapter, commandery and Mystic Shrine. He also
belongs to the Commercial Club and is president of the Carthage
Lake Club. He likewise has membership in the Presbyterian church
of which he is one of the trustees and treasurer and these associations
indicate something of the nature of his interests and the rules which
govern his conduct. His political allegiance is given to the republi-
can party but the honors and emoluments of office have no attraction
for him, as he has ever preferred to give his undivided attention to
his business afTairs, which are of constantly growing volume and
importance.
JOSEPH BOCK.
The late Joseph Bock, of Burlington, was widely known in south-
eastern Iowa as one of the foremost florists in that part of the state.
He was a German by birth, his native province being Silesia, where
he first saw the light of day on April lo, 1846, his parents being
Joseph and Johanna Bock. In 1867, when twenty-one years of age,
he came to Burlington, Iowa, having crossed the Atlantic in search
of larger opportunities, entering the employ of Neally Brothers &
Bock, on Madison street, the junior member of the firm being a
brother of our subject. Later he and his brother engaged in the
nursery business under a partnership contract and so continued until
1889, when Joseph Bock became entirely independent, establishing
a greenhouse on Sunnyside avenue, in which location he continued
in business until his death. He had an expert knowledge of the busi-
ness and his natural love for nature assisted him considerably in the
successful conduct of his establishment, which from a small beginning
developed into one of the most important institutions of its kind in
southeastern Iowa. The plant was increased until there are now
thirteen greenhouses. They have two deep wells and own their own
water works, supplying water for the greenhouses and for three dwel-
lings. There is also a large heating plant which supplies heat to the
JOSEPH BOCK
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 270
greenhouses and the three dwellings, and they have their own gas
phint. The buildings are surrounded by a beautiful lawn adorned
with fine shade trees, and there are splendid cement walks leading
from one part of the grounds to another. Mr. Bock, was industrious,
capable and ever guided by the highest standards of integrity. He
was a most likable man and had a host of friends.
On November 25, 1875, Mr. Bock was united in marriage to Miss
Elizabeth W'iemer, a member of one of the early pioneer families of
Dcs Moines county, where she was born. They became parents of
three children: Emma, now the wife of John A. Fritz, of Burling-
ton, by whom she has two children, Ralph and Mildred; Dr. Edwin
C. Bock, a dentist practicing in Fairfield, Iowa, who married Clara
Gregg and has two daughters, Elizabeth and Laura; and Harry
Oliver, of Burlington, who married Miss Minnie Wohhvend and
has one son, Joseph. Mrs. Bock still resides on Sunnyside avenue,
Burlington, and is admired by a large circle of friends, who esteem
in her a woman who out of the kindness of her heart does much good
for her fellow beings. She not only displays all the attractive woman-
ly qualities but also has marked business ability. Her husband left
his property to her and she, with the assistance of her son Harry, has
since had the management of the business, in which connection she
employs twelve men. Her greenhouses are the most extensive in the
county and she is able to supply to the trade plants and cut flowers of
all kinds. There are fourteen acres in the home place and there are
no more complete greenhouses with more thoroughly modern equip-
ment in Chicago or other large cities than the Bock establishment
in Burlington. She is acquainted with every detail of the business
and her management is bringing continued and growing success to
the undertaking.
Mr. Bock was a republican in his politial views and was a public-
spirited citizen but not an office seeker. He was a most unselfish
man and lived for others. He found his greatest happiness in pro-
moting the welfare of his family and counted no personal sacrifice
too great if it would advance their interests. He erected three fine
residences, one for each of his children. He died August 7, 191 1,
when sixty-five years of age. His death brought great sorrow to his
immediate family and to the many who had the honor of his closer
acquaintance. Although born in Germany, he had become a thor-
ough American citizen who took pride in the progress of his sec-
tion and the advancement of his city, to which he contributed in
no inconsiderable way.
280 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
One of the local papers said of him at the time of his death : "He
was one of the best citizens of the town, one of the most likable of
men, and he could not well be spared. He will be missed and
mourned by all who knew him. He was an excellent business man,
he loved his calling and he exercised never-failing courtesy in his
dealings with his patrons. He had worked up from small begin-
nings, and there were none to envy him his possessions, while all who
knew him gloried in his success. He was a self-made man in the
very best sense of the word. While Mr. Bock was not a member of
any church, nor so far as known any fraternal society, he was a
thoroughly good man and a man who walked in the straight and
narrow way all the days of his life. In his time he had employed
much labor, and he was beloved by those who had been his employes
as he was by all others who knew him well."
P. A. REPPERT, M. D.
Since starting out in life on his own account Dr. P. A. Reppert
has made continuous advancement. For a long period he was con-
nected with railway interests and in that field progressed step by step.
He then determined to devote his life to professional activity and
prepared for the practice of medicine, in which he has since con-
tinued, his thorough preparation and ability being indicated in the
fact that he ranked first in a class of two hundred and twenty-seven
students.
Burlington is proud to number Dr. Reppert among her native
sons, his birth having here occurred on the loth of December, 1859,
his parents being Christian and Elizabeth (Pellizzarro) Reppert,
the former a native of Germany and the latter of St. Louis. The
father came to Burlington in the '40s, on the mem.orable day on which
the Hodges were hung. He and his brother, Phillip Reppert, came
together and here established a blacksmith and wagon shop, being
thus identified with the industrial and manufacturing interests of
the city until 1850, when they went to California with Frederick
Schmeig. While on the trip Phillip Reppert died and his remains
were interred in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Christian Rep-
pert then returned to Burlington in the early '50s and again opened
the blacksmith shop which they had abandoned on starting for the
Pacific coast. Later he entered the mercantile field as a grocer,
becoming the proprietor of a store at the corner of Eighth and Jef-
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 281
ferson streets, which he coiuiuctcd until he retired from active busi-
ness about 1874, spending his remaining days in the enjoyment of a
well earned rest. He passed away in January, 1903, at the advanced
age of eighty-one years, while his wife died December 25, 1910, at
the age of sixty-nine years. They had a family of twelve children,
nine of whom are yet living.
Dr. Reppert was the second in order of birth in that family. He
is indebted to the public-school system of Burlington for the educa-
tional privileges which he enjoyed in his boyhood and youth. On
starting out in life on his own account he entered the employ of the
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company and for ten years
filled the responsible position of train dispatcher, acting in that
capacity until 1890, when he went to Salt Lake City to become chief
dispatcher and trainmaster for the Utah division of the Union Pacific
Railroad. There he continued for two years and was afterward with
the Rio Grande Railroad in the same capacity for six years at Pueblo,
Colorado, but in 1898 he withdrew from active connection with rail-
road interests and went to Chicago, where he matriculated in Rush
Medical College, for he had determined to prepare for the practice
of medicine and make it his life work throughout his remaining days.
He completed his course by graduation on the i8th of June, 1903,
winning for the first time in the history of the institution both the
Rush and Freer medals and standing first in a class of two hundred
and twenty-seven students. He has since taken post-graduate work
every year and there are few who keep so closely in touch with the
advancement that is continually being made in the methods of medi-
cal and surgical practice. He was ofifered and accepted the chair of
preventative medicine in the University Medical College of Kansas
City and in 1904 he came to Burlington, where he has since special-
ized in the practice of surgery. He belongs to the Des Moines
County Medical Society, the Iowa State Medical Society and the
American Medical Association and is a most able and distinguished'
representative of the profession in Burlington, occupying a place of
high professional honor.
On the 27th of October, 1886, Dr. Reppert was united in mar-
riage to Miss Birdenia Gregg, a daughter of John M. and Emily
Gregg, of Burlington, who came to this city from Virginia in the
early '30s. Dr. Reppert exercises his right of franchise in support
of the men and measures of the republican party but has never been
an office seeker. In Masonry he has attained the thirty-second degree
in the Scottish Rite and is a Noble of the Mystic Shrine. The basic
• influences of his life are further indicated in the fact that he holds
282 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
membership in the First Methodist Episcopal church. His career
has even been an upright and honorable one, winning for him dis-
tinction, prominence and the favorable regard and goodwill of his
fellowmen. He recognizes fully the obligations which devolve upon
him in connection with the arduous duties of the profession and
among the many practitioners of Burlington there are none who hold
more closely to a high standard of professional ethics.
WILLIAM HUSTED.
Among those who have won success in the conduct of farming
interests and now live retired is William Husted, of Mediapolis, who
is numbered among the venerable citizens of Des Moines county,
having passed the eighty-fourth milestone on life's journey. He is a
native of Bridgeton, Cumberland county, New Jersey, born May 3,
1 83 1, his parents being Peter and Phoebe (Wescott) Husted, who
were also natives of that state. The family went to Hamilton county,
Ohio, in 1833 and subsequently removed to Greensburg, Decatur
county, Indiana. In the fall of 1842 they arrived in Des Moines
county, Iowa, settling in Pleasant Grove township. At a later date
they took up their abode in Yellow Springs township and still later,
or in 1854, went to Clarke county, Iowa, where the parents spent their
remaining days, the mother passing away at the age of seventy-seven
years, while the father's death occurred when he was eighty-two years
of age. He always followed farming as a life work and also bought
and drove stock to the market. His early political allegiance was
given to the democratic party, but when the new republican party was
formed he joined its ranks because of his opposition to the system of
slavery. His religious faith was that of the Methodist Episcopal
church and to its teachings he was most loyal.
In the family were ten children: John and Hannah Saint, both
of whom are now deceased; Shephard, who passed away at the age
of twenty-one years; William; Mrs. Nancy Love, also deceased;
Robert and Horatio, both of whom have passed away; Henry, now
living in California; Franklin, a resident of Murray, Iowa; and
Thomas, deceased.
William Husted has resided in Des Moines county since 1842,
save for a period of a year and a half spent in California. He was a
lad of but eleven years when the family came to Iowa and pioneer
conditions still existed in Des Moines county. There are, indeed, few
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 283
who have been a witness of the growth and development of this region
for as long a period — seventy-two years. He spent his youthful days
upon the home farm and in 1850, when nineteen years of age, started
for California, attracted by the discovery of gold on the Pacihc coast.
He made the journey across the plains with ox teams and on reaching
the mines dug gold to an amount sufficient to enable him to start in
business upon his return to this county. With the exception of a brief
period spent on the Pacific coast he has always followed farming in
Yellow Springs township up to the time of his retirement and is still
part owner in a farm of two hundred and ten acres. He prospered as
the years went on and at one time owned about five hundred acres of
very valuable and productive land, but he has sold a portion of this
and has also given a part of his land to his children. During the past
twenty-two vears he has made his home in Mediapolis and for a while
engaged in buying, feeding and shipping cattle, but is now living
retired, enjoying the rest which has come to him as the merited re-
ward of his well directed energy and thrift in former years.
In the fall of 1856 Mr. Husted was united in marriage to Miss
Nancy Harper, who was born in Ross county, Ohio, March 21,1 833,
and came to this county in early childhood with her parents, William
and Sarah Harper. For fifty-five years Mr. and Mrs. Husted traveled
life's journey happily together but were separated in the death of the
w^ife on the 8th of August, 191 1. They had a family of six children:
Oscar, who died at the age of four years; Shephard, living on the old
homestead; Mrs. Ida May Patterson, who died leaving four chil-
dren; Marv, the wife of Elta Conklin, of Los Angeles, California;
Cora Amanda, who died at the age of eighteen years; and a son, who
died in infancy. A granddaughter, Elsie Husted, has resided with
her grandfather since the death of his wife and has managed the
household for him.
Mr. Husted is still a well preserved man. He is five feet, ten
inches in height and has through manhood always weighed from one
hundred and seventy-five to two hundred pounds. He possesses great
vitality and is very rugged, and thus he has come to old age well pre-
served mentally and physically. He has a nice home at the northeast
corner of the park in Mediapolis and is most pleasantly situated. In
politics he is a stalwart republican, having voted for John C. Fre-
mont, the first presidential candidate of the party, and for each of its
national standard bearers since that time. He has served as township
trustee and as school officer, yet has had no political aspirations. For
the past sixty years he has been a devoted and faithful member of the
Methodist Episcopal church, guiding his life according to its teach-
284 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
ings and thus commanding and enjoying the respect, confidence and
goodwill of all who know him. Mr. Husted is, perhaps, the only
resident of his locality who crossed the plains in 1850. He belongs to
an organization known as Fremont Voters, very few of whom are
left. He has lived to witness notable changes in the state. There
were only about one thousand inhabitants in all Iowa territory at the
time of his arrival. There was so much prairie here and so little
timber that the early residents thought that the country never would
be settled up. They felt that they must have timber land and did not
recognize fully the value of the rich prairie country. Seventy-two
years have come and gone since Mr. Husted arrived in Des Moines
county, a lad of eleven summers. Many notable events have since
occurred and the work of progress and improvement has been carried
steadily forward. He relates many interesting incidents of the early
times and the methods of life and his memory forms a connecting link
between the primitive past and the progressive present.
F. W. SCHRAMM.
F. W. Schramm is proprietor of a shoe store devoted exclusively
to the sale of men's and boys' shoes. This establishment was opened
on the ist of August, 1913, and business has since been successfully
conducted, for previous experience along commercial lines, combined
with energy and laudable ambition, have made the owner one of the
wide-awake and progressive merchants of the city. He was born in
Burlington, October 7, 1885, a son of Arthur and Mary (Gage)
Schramm, the former a native of Farmington, Iowa, and the latter of
Pennsylvania. The family is of German lineage and was founded in
America by Charles F. Schramm, the grandfather of our subject, who
was born in Germany and when ten years of age came to the United
States with his father, the family home being at that time established
in Circleville, Ohio.
At an early period in the development of Iowa Charles F.
Schramm came to this state, arriving in Burlington at about the same
time as Frederick Schmieg. Mr. Schramm first settled at Farmington,
but afterward came to Burlington and embarked in business with
Mr. Schmieg. They established a dry-goods business on Jefferson
between Water and Main streets and there conducted their trade for
twenty years. They afterward opened a wholesale house on North
Main street and in 1903 the business was incorporated with Frederick
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 285
Schmieg as president and Charles F. Schramm as vice president with
the latter's son, Arthur Schramm, as secretary and treasurer. The
business grew to extensive proportions and their trade now covers a
large territorv. The business methods of the house have ever been
unassailable and the thorough reliability and integrity of its founders
were never called into question. Mr. Schramm was for an extended
period classed with the most honored and valued business men of
Burlington and he remained in active connection with the wholesale
dry-goods trade of which he was one of the founders until his death,
which occurred in February, i*9o6.
His son, Arthur Schramm, was reared in Burlington, and,
endowed bv nature with superior musical talent, engaged in teaching
that art in the early years of his life. He then joined his father in the
wholesale dry-goods business under the firm name of Schramm &
Schmieg and he continued actively in the business until January,
1909, when he w^nt to Seattle, Washington, where he now lives
retired. His wife and two sons are with him in that city. In the
familv were three sons: F. W. ; Arthur, who is now an attorney of
Seattle; and Charles Edwin, who is attending school.
The eldest son, F. W. Schramm, passed through consecutive
grades in the public schools until he became a high-school pupil. He
was of the third generation to become actively connected with the
Schramm & Schmieg Dry Goods Company and, like his father, was
associated therewith until January, 1909, when he accompanied his
parents to Seattle, where he remained for a year. He then returned
to Burlington and went upon the road as a traveling salesman for the
Welch Cook Company of Cedar Rapids for three years. At the end
of that time he opened a shoe store at No. 208 Jefiferson street, where
he has a twenty-foot frontage. This was on the ist of August, 191 3.
He carries an exclusive line of men's and boys' shoes and his patron-
age has reached extensive and gratifying proportions. He has the
business acumen and enterprise which have been a synonym of the
family name through three generations in Burlington. What he un-
dertakes he accomplishes, brooking no obstacles that can be overcome
bv persistent and honorable effort.
On the 24th of April, 1907, Mr. Schramm was united in marriage
to Miss Gertrude Taeger, a daughter of Charles and Amelia (Boken-
kamp) Taeger, the former deceased, while the latter survives. Mr.
and Mrs. Schramm have one child, Lucia Elizabeth. Mr. Schramm
belongs to the Elks lodge, the Loyal Order of Moose and the United
Commercial Travelers, while in politics he is a progressive with inde-
pendent tendencies. Practically his entire life has been spent in this
286 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
city and he has been connected with its commercial interests ahnost
continuously since attaining his majority. Advancement has come
to him in recognition of merit and ability and yet he has scarcely
compassed three decades on life's journey. There are few idle
moments in his career and the energy which he has displayed in
closely applying himself to his work has carried him to a point in
commercial circles that many an older man might well envy.
ARTHUR J. KLEIN.
Arthur J. Klein, of Burlington, is the secretary and manager of
the Northwestern Stamping Company, and his enterprising spirit
and progressive methods have constituted a valuable factor in the
growing success of this undertaking. Born in Burlington in 1882,
he is a son of James S. and Christina D. (Biklen) Klein. The father
was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1855, and in early life came to
Burlington, where he formed the acquaintance of Miss Biklen, a
native of this city. For thirty years he was a well known representa-
tive of commercial interests in Burlington, being engaged in the
grocery business for three decades. He died in the year 1903 and his
widow is now living abroad.
Their son, Arthur J. Klein, began his education in the public
schools at the usual age and passed through consecutive grades until
he had completed the high school course. He started upon his busi-
ness career in connection with the grocery trade and was associated
therewith until he joined the Northwestern Stamping Company in
the fall of 1910. He has done much toward promoting its success.
Becoming connected with the business, he made it his purpose to thor-
oughly acquaint himself with every phase of the trade and he has
advanced well formulated plans that have contributed to the further
growth of the business, which is now liberally patronized. The busi-
ness was established under the name of the Northwestern Con-
solidated Iron and Steel Manufacturing Company and was thus
operated until September, 191 1, when a reorganization was effected,
the articles of incorporation amended and the name changed to the
Northwestern Stamping Company. Its founders were its present of-
ficers, save Mr. Klein, who afterward became connected with the
business. F. E. Ihrer is the president, W. W. Copeland, vice presi-
dent; and Arthur J. Klein, secretary and manager. The companv
engages in the manufacture of dies and hardware specialties and
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 287
furnishes employment to sixteen workmen. They occupy a two-story
brick building, seventy-five by thirty feet, and also have a large ware-
house. The business has shown a marked increase during tiie past
year and the trade now extends throughout the United States and
Canada.
On the 5th of September, 191 1, Mr. Klein was united in marriage
to Miss Emma C. Senti, of Burlington, and they have one son, James
S., now two years of age. The parents are members of the German
Evangelical church, in the work of which they take an active and
helpful part and to the support of which they contribute generously.
Mr. Klein was also an earnest worker in securing funds for the build-
ing of the Young Men's Christian Association and served on several
important committees which contributed to the success of the under-
taking. His life, upright and honorable in every relation, has won
for him the high regard and confidence of those with whom he has
come in contact. Men speak of him in terms of warm esteem and he
has a large circle of friends in his native city.
EDWARD RAPP.
Throughout his entire business career Edward Rapp has never
dissipated his energies over a broad field, but has concentrated his
efforts upon a single line of commercial activity with the result that
he is thoroughly acquainted with every phase of the jewelry trade and
since embarking in business on his own account in that line has made
steady and substantial progress.
Mr. Rapp is of the second generation of the family to reside in
Burlington, where his birth occurred on the 31st of March, i860.
His parents were Jacob and Eva Maria (Koenig) Rapp, the former
a native of Wurtemberg, and the latter of Bavaria, Germany. The
father's birth occurred on the ist of September, 1821, and in early life
he learned the locksmith's trade, which he followed in Germany until
1851, when he crossed the Atlantic to the United States, sailing from
Havre, France, to New York. He settled first in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, and was employed for a year in the shops of the Penn-
sylvania Railroad at Allegheny City, finishing the metal works for
the locomotives. In the east he wedded Eva Maria Koenig, who had
come to the United States in the early 'qos. They removed westward
to Burlington in 1856 and the father followed the locksmith's trade in
the employ of others until the early '60s, when he opened a shop of
288 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
his own, which he conducted successfully for many years, or until he
retired from active business life about 1900. His remaining days
were spent in the enjoyment of well earned rest until he was called to
the home beyond on the 20th of November, 1913, when he had
reached the very venerable age of ninety-two years. His widow sur-
vives and is now eighty-three years of age. A contemporary biog-
rapher, after referring to his business activity, says: "Such is a brief
outline of his business career, but it tells nothing of his years of close
application, unfaltering diligence, unabating energy and persever-
ance, and yet all those qualities have been salient features in his busi-
ness career. He worked hard to build up a good trade, giving
excellent service and charging moderate prices, and as the years
passed by, his labors were rewarded by a large patronage, which in
time brought to him a capital sufficient to enable him to lay aside
further business cares in the line of his trade."
To Mr. and Mrs. Rapp were born three children, of whom
Paulina died at the age of three years and William in early manhood.
Edward Rapp and his mother are the only surviving members of the
familv. He attended the public schools until he had mastered
branches of learning taught in the high school and later he attended
Elliott's Business College. When a young man he became connected
with the jewelry business, working for others for a few years. He was
with M. C. Connor for a quarter of a century and upon the death of
Mr. Connor in 1905 he purchased the business, which had been estab-
lished in 1866 by the firm of Fix & Connor. The senior partner was
connected therewith until he sold out in 1880. It was in the fall of
that vear that Mr. Rapp became connected with the business and
thereafter was with Mr. Connor until the latter's death, since which
time Mr. Rapp has been alone in conducting the enterprise. He has
never deviated from the honorable principles which were instituted
at the inception of the business, but has always kept in touch with the
trend of progress and improvement. His stock of goods is large and
carefully selected, is attractive and pleasing in arrangement and his
sales have grown vear by year.
In November, 1886, Mr. Rapp was united in marriage to Miss
Flora E. Hermann, a daughter of Henry and Katherine (Dewein)
Hermann. Her father, who was an early settler, came to Burlington
in the '60s and w'as identified with commercial pursuits in this city
to the time of his death. He has passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Rapp
have become the parents of two children : Herbert, who is now asso-
ciated with his father in business; and Paul F., who is attending the
high school.
HISl^ORV OF DES MOINES COUNTY 289
.Mr Rapp is a valued member of several fraternal organizations,
including the Elks, the Odd Fellows, the Moose and the Woodmen of
the World. He also has membership with the Launch Club and with
the Commercial E.xchangc. He attends the Congregational church
and he gives his political indorsement to the democratic party. He
is of that class of citizens who, representing the second generation of
the family in Burlington, have profited by the efforts of the pioneers
and early settlers and upon the foundation which the latter laid have
built the superstructure of Burlington's present prosperity and great-
ness. Those who have met him in a business way speak in high terms
of his courtesy, his geniality, his enterprise and reliability, and his
social acquaintances entertain for him the warmest regard, recogniz-
ing in him a man of genuine personal worth.
J. GEORGE WALDSCH.AHDT.
J. George Waldschmidt has since May, 1914, been cashier of the
Iowa State Savings Bank in Burlington, his native city. He was
born May 9, 1869, a son of Theodore and Elizabeth Waldschmidt.
The latter, also a native of Burlington, was a representative of one
of the oldest pioneer families, her parents being Francis and Chris-
tina Bercht, who came to Burlington in 1833, casting in their lot
Avith the villagers who were attempting to extend civilization beyond
the Mississippi by the establishment of homes and business interests
at this point. Several years elapsed before Iowa was organized under
territorial government and it was yet a long period ere Burlington
had railway connection with the outside world. Mr. Bercht was a
cabinetmaker by trade and opened the first furniture shop in the city.
Theodore Waldschmidt came to Burlington in 1859 from Nebraska,
whither he had located in an early day. He was a veteran of the
Civil war and following his return from the army after victory had
perched upon the federal banners, he established the Union Hotel
of Burlington, which he conducted for a few years. He afterward
filled the office of deputy sheriff and still later went upon the road
as a traveling salesman, spending more than twenty years in that con-
nection. To him and his wife were born si.x children, of whom but
two are yet living, the sister of J. George Waldschmidt being Mrs.
Charles U. Mesmer, of Burlington.
In the public schools of his native city J. George Waldschmidt
acquired his education. No event of special importance occurred
290 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
to vary the routine of life for him in his boyhood and youth. When
his school days were over he began work for the Burlington Insur-
ance Company as an office employe and later turned his attention to
financial pursuits by entering the service of the German American
Savings Bank, in which he became the first assistant cashier. At a
later date he engaged in the retail furniture business in connection
with the J. V. Ritchey Furniture Company but was burned out in
1904. At that time he secured a situation in the Iowa State Savings
Bank as teller and, working his way upward, was afterward assistant
cashier, while in May, 1914, he was advanced to his present respon-
sible and arduous position as cashier. He is thus actively connected
with the financial interests of the city.
On the 23d of June, 1898, Mr. Waldschmidt was united in mar-
riage to Miss Ada C. Bowen, of Iowa City, by whom he has two
daughters, Mary and Eleanor. Mr. Waldschmidt holds member-
ship with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Woodmen of
the World and the Turners and his political allegiance is given to
the democratic party. He is widely known in the city where his
entire life has been passed and the possession of many substantial
traits of character has gained for him the warm and enduring regard
of all with whom he has been brought in contact.
M. U. BRI DWELL.
M. U. Bridwell is president of the Citizens State Bank at Medi-
apolis and occupies a creditable and enviable position in financial
circles in this part of the state. He closely studies the banking busi-
ness, keeps in touch with every phase of the financial situation and
has been active in formulating the policy for this bank which has
made it one of the safe, substantial institutions of the county.
Mr. Bridwell is a native of Mediapolis, born May 13, 1877. His
parents, Elijah and Melinda (Seeds) Bridwell, were natives of Ross
county, Ohio, and were brought to Des Moines county in childhood
by their respective parents. In the family of Martin Bridwell, the
paternal grandfather, were four children : Elijah ; John, who enlisted
from this county for service in the Civil war and was killed while
at the front; Sophia, the deceased wife of M. J. Seeds; and Mrs.
Martha Harper, of Kansas City. As stated, the Seeds family also
arrived in this county in pioneer times when Melinda Seeds and
Elijah Bridwell were both young. Here they reached adult age and
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 291
were married in tlie "60s. \Mieii their son M. U. Bridwell was four
or five years of age they removed to What Cheer, Iowa, where they
lived for three or four years, and on the expiration of that period
took up their abode in Brighton, Iowa, where the father passed away
in December, 1907, at the age of sixty-seven years. He had devoted
his entire life to farming. His father, Martin Bridwell, on arriving
in Des Moines county, entered a tract adjoining Mediapolis on the
north and later, taking up his abode in the town, his son, Elijah
Bridwell, took possession of the farm. In his political views the lat-
ter was a stalwart republican and he and his family were identified
with the Methodist Episcopal church. His widow survives and yet
makes her home in Brighton. To Mr. and Mrs. Elijah Bridwell
were born five children, of whom two died in infancy, while Leona
is the deceased wife of W. S. Husted. The surviving members of
the family are Frank O. and M. U., the former now a resident of
Keota, Iowa.
While M. U. Bridwell accompanied his parents to What Cheer
and afterward to Brighton in his boyhood days, he returned to Medi-
apolis when twenty years of age and entered the Citizens Bank to
learn the business. He has since been identified with this institu-
tion, serving as assistant cashier, as cashier and as vice president
before being elected president in the year 191 1. He acquired a high-
school education at Brighton and liberal intellectual training quali-
fied him for the responsible duties which came to him in connection
with the banking business. His power and ability have gradually
increased and he is today a most capable banker, thoroughly under-
standing every phase of the business. The Citizens State Bank is
now capitalized for one hundred thousand dollars and has a surplus
of fifty thousand dollars. It owns and occupies a fine business block,
well equipped in every particular. The officers of the bank are:
M. U. Bridwell, president; S. J. Huston, vice president; J. L. Jones,
vice president; E. R. Nordstrom, cashier; and J. E. Berry, assistant
cashier. The official statement of the bank, issued January, 1915,
shows the institution to be in splendid condition and its business has
grown vear bv vear, its deposits now exceeding seven hundred thou-
sand dollars.
In 1905 Mr. Bridwell was united in marriage to Miss Keo B.
Luckenbill, a native of Huron township and a daughter of David
H. Luckenbill, of Mediapolis. In politics Mr. Bridwell is a repub-
lican and for six years served as clerk of his town, while for the past
six years he has been treasurer of Mediapolis. Fraternally he is
connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the
292 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
Modern Woodmen of America. He is widely known and has sub-
stantial qualities which have given him high rank both as a busi-
ness man and citizen. He represents one of the old pioneer families
of the county, established here at an early day, and since that time
the Bridwells of three generations have been factors in the develop-
ment and upbuilding of the community.
CHARLES ARMKNECHT.
From the position of office boy to that of a leading merchant as
a member of the oldest and one of the largest commercial establish-
ments in Burlington is the record which compasses the business career
of Charles Armknecht. The establishment of which he is now one
of the members is conducted under the firm name of J. S. Schramm
Company. Burlington owes much to her German-American citi-
zens, men who have come from the fatherland, bringing with them
the sterling qualities which have led to the upbuilding of the German
empire and which have constituted a valuable force in the develop-
ment and improvement of many sections of the new world.
In the kingdom of Bavaria Charles Armknecht was born Decem-
ber 23, 1850, his parents being Phillip and Fredericka (Diflfenbach)
Armknecht, who came to the United States in the fall of 1851. They
landed at New Orleans and made their way at once into the interior
of the country, settling in Lee county, Iowa, where the father fol-
lowed his trade of wagon making. He also purchased a tract of
land and carried on general farming in connection with the work in
the shop. For seven years he lived upon the farm and then took up
his abode in Franklin, Lee county, where he purchased ten acres,
upon which he engaged in horticultural pursuits. There he resided
until his death, which occurred in 1889, while his wife passed away
about 1880.
Charles Armknecht spent much of his youth in Lee county, but
in May, 1865, when fourteen years of age, came to Burlington, where
he entered the employ of J. S. Schramm in the capacity of clerk. He
has since been associated with the business continuously and follow-
ing the death of Mr. Schramm in 1898 the business was reorganized,
the partners in the undertaking being Charles Armknecht and
Charles and Frank Schramm and other members of the Schramm
family. In the meantime the subject of this review had steadily
worked his way upward, his determination and energy carrying him
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 293
from one position to another, bringing with it added duties and
responsibilities. In August, 1913, Charles Schramm was killed upon
the river, at which time Mr. Armknccht and Frank Schramm took
over the management of the business and are today managers of the
oldest and one of the most extensive dry-goods establishments of
Burlington. Since becoming clerk in the store Mr. Armknecht has
thoroughly acquainted himself with every phase of the business and
has exemplified in his life the spirit of modern progress in commer-
cial fields. The company now carries a large and well selected line
of goods, and their store is attractive by reason of its tasteful arrange-
ment and popular because of its thoroughly reliable methods. The
utmost care has ever been exercised in the personnel of the house, in
the treatment accorded patrons and in the maintenance of an irre-
proachable standard of business integrity.
Mr. Armknecht is a member of the Commercial Exchange and
is in hearty sympathy with its purposes and plans to advance the wel-
fare and extend the trade connections of the city. He was one of the
organizers of the old Driving Club and he still owns good driving ,
horses. He belongs to the Launch Club, gives his political allegiance
to the republican party and attends the Presbyterian church. These
indicate something of the nature of his interests and activities out-
side of business. He is at all times actuated in his public activities
by an earnest desire to advance the general welfare and he was one
of the first to advocate good roads and has labored untiringly in that
direction, being one of the promoters in the movement to better the
highways of the state. While born across the water, practically his
entire life has been spent in Iowa and he is a representative citizen
of the state, proud of the commonwealth and at all times recognizing
his duties and his obligations in the public life of the community.
C. S. HUTCHINS.
C. S. Hutchins, who has been connected with the Churchill Drug
Company since its organization and who is recognized as one of the
alert, energetic and enterprising business men of Burlington, is num-
bered among the native sons of New England, his birth having oc-
curred at Bennington, Vermont, on the 20th of May, 1864. His par-
ents were Thomas A. and Eliza B. (Squires) Hutchins. The father
engaged in the lumber business in the east and was also postmaster of
Bennington.
294 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
C. S. Hutchins spent the greater part of his minority in his native
city and attended its public schools, but when seventeen years of age
he sought the opportunities and advantages of the middle west and
made his way to Burlington, where he entered the firm of C.
P. Squires & Company. Since that time he has been a factor in the
commercial circles of the city and since the consolidation of that
company with the Churchill Drug Company he has been connected
with the latter. He has made for himself a creditable name and place
in mercantile circles, being regarded as a thoroughly reliable and
enterprising man who embodies in his career the modern commercial
spirit manifest in continuous advancement and development.
On the 22d of May, 1900, Mr. Hutchins was united in marriage
to Miss Frances H. Potter, a daughter of Thomas J. Potter of this
city. Mr. Hutchins holds membership in the Commercial Exchange.
In politics he is a republican, well versed on the questions and issues
of the day but not an office seeker. His religious faith is that of the
Episcopal church and along benevolent and social lines he is con-
nected with the Elks, the Golf Club and the Auto Club. For a third
of a century he has been a resident of Burlington and during this
period has gained an extensive circle of warm friends as well as made
for himself a creditable position along commercial lines.
CHARLES BLANKE.
Charles Blanke is the secretary of the German-American Life
Insurance Company of Iowa and has been connected with this or-
ganization since 1901, his efforts being a vital element in its success.
He was born in Gasconade county, Missouri, July 15, 1851, and was
educated in the county schools there to the age of fourteen years. He
remained upon the home farm until he reached the age of eighteen
and during that period utilized much of his leisure time in studv
at home. He then took up the profession of teaching in the schools
of his native county and was identified with the profession until 1871,
when he came to Burlington, where he taught for two years. A school
was conducted in connection with the First German Methodist Epis-
copal church and he was the teacher thereof until 1873. He then
turned his attention to the dry-goods business, entering the employ
of C. F. and John Boesch and with them continued for ten years. On
the expiration of that decade he took up the insurance and real-estate
business in connection with his brother, S. D. Blanke. He carried
CHARLES BLAXKl-:
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 297
on that business until 1901, when he became a factor in the organiza-
tion of the German-American Life Insurance Company of Iowa, of
which he was first assistant secretary, while in 1912 he was made
secretary.
The company was founded by F. H. A. Koch in July, 1887, as
an assessment company under the name of tiic German-American
Mutual Life Association. In 1901 a reorganization was effected
under the name of the German-American Equation Premium Life
Association, changing to the equation premium from the assessment
plan. In 1912, the laws of the state being such that legal reserve was
necessary, they again reorganized under the present name and
changed to the old line legal reserve plan. The business has grown
rapidly since reorganization. They confine their attention solely to
the issuance of policies in Iowa but expect within a year to extend
their operations to other states. The present officers of the company
are: P. C. Naumann, president; Lewis H. Koch, vice president;
Charles Blanke, secretary; and Henry Miller, jr., treasurer.
On the 26th of March, 1874, Mr. Blanke was united in mar-
riage to Miss Mary Kostfeld, of Burlington, and to them has been
born a daughter, Louise, whose birth occurred in 1875. She is now
the wife of Dr. J. N. Patterson, of Burlington. Mr. Blanke gives
his political support to the republican party, and he and his wife
are members of the First Methodist Episcopal church and take an
active part in the work of the church and the Sunday school. Their
interest along the line of moral progress indicates the rules which
govern their conduct and shape their character development.
E. J. WEHMAN, M. D.
Dr. E. J. Wehman has been a representative of the medical pro-
fession in Burlington since 1907 and specializes in his practice in
internal medicine. He possesses the scientific knowledge and the
broad humanitarian spirit each of which are indispensable in the
attainment of the highest success. Born in Burlington on the 2d of
October, 1881, Dr. Wehman is a son of Fred W. and Anna (Bos-
meyer) Wehman. The father, a native of Germany and a cabinet-
maker by trade, came to Burlington in 1858 and here followed his
chosen occupation. His wife, a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
was a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Bosmeyer, who came to
Burlington at an early day in the development of this city. Her
298 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
grandfather also arrived at the same time — 1858 — and settled on
Stony Lonesome, now Division street. He was a nurseryman.
Dr. Wehman is thus a representative of one of the old pioneer
families of the city. He is a graduate of the Burlington public
schools and in preparation for a professioanl career entered the St.
Louis University, from which he was graduated in 1905 on the com-
pletion of a course in the medical department. He spent two and
a half years in hospital service in St. Louis and in 1907 returned to
Burlington, where he opened his office and has since followed his
profession, specializing in internal medicine.
On the ist of October, 1910, Dr. Wehman was united in marriage
to Miss Ina B. Hildebrand, of Burlington, a daughter of John I.
Hildebrand. Both Dr. and Mrs. Wehman are widely known in this
city and have a large circle of warm friends. He belongs to the Phi
Beta Pi, a college fraternity, while along strictly professional lines
he has membership with the Des Moines County Medical Society,
the Iowa State Medical Society and the American Medical Associa-
tion. In 1910 he was appointed city health physician and is now
serving for the third term in that connection. He has made for him-
self a creditable name and place as a practitioner of medicine.
FRED WUELLNER.
Fred Wuellner, manufacturer of and dealer in farm implements,
wagons, buggies, etc., has built up a business of substantial propor-
tions, his plant comprising a three-story building sixty by one hun-
dred and twenty feet and a warehouse. He belongs to that class of
industrious, energetic and persistent business men that Germany has
furnished to the new world. His birth occurred at Minden, Ger-
many, on the 2d of March, i860, his parents being Carl Heinrich
and Louise (Hoppman) Wuellner, both of whom were natives of the
fatherland. The former was born in 1820 and died May 20, 1890,
when about seventy years of age. The latter was born August 17,
1825, and passed away on the 24th of June, 1912.
Fred Wuellner was educated in his native town and when eleven
years of age came to the United States in company with his parents.
They landed at New York and thence made their wav directlv across
the country to Burlington, where they arrived in the year 1871. Here
Fred Wuellner entered school but his course was somewhat limited.
However, he studied at home and in the school of experience he has
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 299
also learned many valuable lessons. He began work, with his father,
who was engaged in truck gardening, and at the age of twenty-four
years he started out independently, beginning gardening on his own
account. For several years afterward he was engaged in the dairy
business and purchased twelve acres of land at Mason Grove, now
Mason street, in Burlington, which property he still owns and upon
it stands his present comfortable residence. He continued actively
in the dairy business until about 1896, when he withdrew from that
connection and concentrated his efforts upon the contracting business,
in which he remained until about 1907.
Mr. Wuellncr then branched out along manufacturing lines,
beginning the building of wagons, which he placed upon the mar-
ket under the name of the Burlington w-agon — a name that is today
known throughout the entire country. The new enterprise prospered
from the beginning. He utilized excellent materials and expert
workmanship became a feature of every wagon turned out from the
factory. By reason of these qualities the product soon found a ready
sale and his trade interests reached out along ramifying lines until
today his wagons are found in all sections of the United States. About
two years ago Mr. Wuellner further extended the scope of his busi-
ness to include farm implements, buggies and engines of all descrip-
tions and todav he has a large warehouse for the storage of these, in
addition to the three-story building, sixty by one hundred and twenty
feet, which is used for manufacture and sale and which is equipped
with the latest improved machinery necessary in the construction of
the machinery, implements and vehicles which he handles. He em-
ploys sixteen men and now enjoys a very gratifying trade throughout
Des Moines and Lee counties and across the river in Illinois. Two
years ago his eldest son, Frank, was admitted to a partnership.
On the 24th of October, 1889, Mr. Wuellner was united in mar-
riage to Miss Magdaline Tiemann. Six children have been born of
this marriage: Frank, who wedded Augusta Schmidt, of Amster-
dam, New York, on the 24th of April, 191 2, and has one daughter,
Beatrice; Mattie, Alvin and Mildred, all at home; and Reuben and
Paul, twins, who are also under the parental roof.
Mr. Wuellner exercises his right of franchise in support of the
men and measures of the republican party and his religious faith is
that of the Evangelical church, of which he has been a trustee for
nine years. He is also a teacher and superintendent of the Sunday
school and in all lines of church work he and his wife have taken a
most active and helpful part. His father was one of the trustees of
the same church, aided in erecting the house of worship and acted
300 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
as church treasurer until the time of his death.. Mr. Wuelhier's busi-
ness ever balances up with the principles of truth and honor and his
life has been actuated by high purposes. His enterprise and the
nobility of his character have firmly established him in the warm
regard of his fellow townsmen. »
GEORGE J. FINCK.
George J. Finck is the president of the Cave Coal Company of
Burlington, with which he has been identified since 1909. He was
born in San Francisco on the 13th of January, 1875, a son of George
and Zora A. (MofTatt) Finck. The father's birth occurred in Ep-
pigen, Germany, while the mother was born in Augusta, Iowa.
George Finck was brought to America by his mother when four
years of age. Two sons of the family had previously gone on ahead
and were located in New York city. When a young man George
Finck went to San Francisco and there met the lady whom he made
his wife. She was a daughter of Levi Mofifatt, who went to Cali-
fornia in 1849 with his three sons, and Zora A. Mofifatt was visiting
her brothers in that state when she formed the acquaintance of Mr.
Finck, who successfully sought her hand in marriage. For twelve
years they remained residents of California and then returned to
Burlington in the year 1885. Her father, Levi Mofifatt, had come
to Des Moines county in 1834 when a man of thirty- four years, his
birth having occurred in 1800. He was one of the first settlers here
and he took up government land along the Skunk river. He operated
the first flour mill in Iowa and the millstones which he used are now
a feature of historic interest in the city park. He also founded the
town of Augusta, where he established both flour and saw mills. He
was one of the most prominent factors in the colonization and devel-
opment of the state, having brought forty families from Ohio and
founded the settlement of Augusta. Mr. George Finck had been
engaged in the jewelry business in California and after residing for
a time in Burlington he left his family in this city while he went to
Chicago, where he established a wholesale jewelry store. There he
conducted business up to the time of his death, which occurred in
1896. His widow survives and is yet a resident of Burlington. In their
family were four children: Zora, the wife of E. M. Hurd, of El
Paso, Texas; George J., of this review; Lillie, the wife of F. S. Fear,
who is living in Burlington; and Mofifatt, also of this city.
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 301
George J. Finck was a lad of about ten years when his parents
returned to Burlington and in the public schools he pursued his edu-
cation until graduated from the high school. In 1899 he became
connected with the coal trade in Denver, Colorado, in connection
with E. M. Hurd and was thus engaged until 1901, when he returned
to Burlington and entered the employ of the Hosford Coal Com-
pany. He was afterward associated with the Millard Coal Com-
pany and in 1909 purchased an interest in the Cave Coal Company.
Following the death of Mr. Cave his interest was purchased by F. S.
Fear, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume. The association
between Mr. Finck and Mr. Fear still continues and business is still
carried on under the name of the Cave Coal Company. They enjoy
an extensive patronage, to which the reliable business methods of
the firm justly entitle them.
On the i6th of October, 1906, Mr. Finck was married to Miss
Mary Roades Brooks, a daughter of J. W. Brooks, and they have
one child, Mary Louise. Mr. Finck holds membership with the
United Commercial Travelers, as does his partner Mr. Fear, and the
firm has membership in the Commercial Exchange. He is a mem-
ber of the Golf Club and the Shokoc]uom Boat Club, associations
which indicate something of the nature of his recreation. In politics
he is independent, but is not remiss in the duties of citizenship, giving
earnest support to many measures which are of value to the com-
munity.
HENRY C. KOESTNER.
Henry C. Koestner, president of the Sanitary Milk Company
and as such proprietor of a profitable dairy business, makes his home
three and a half miles southwest of Burlington. He was born in the
city, July 11, 1867, a son of Charles and Philomena (Gebhardt)
Koestner. His father still resides on Madison road and is repre-
sented elsewhere in this volume. The son attended the country
schools and the parochial schools and still later was a pupil in
Elliott's Business College. He afterward remained with his father
upon the home farm until his marriage and has always followed
agricultural pursuits.
On the loth of February, 1891, Mr. Koestner was united in mar-
riage to Miss Sophia Brune, who was born in Westphalia, Germany,
302 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
September 23, 1870, a daughter of Theodore and Sophia (Sommers)
Brune, both of whom passed away in Germany.
Following his marriage Mr. Koestner settled upon the farm
where he still resides and has always been engaged in the dairy busi-
ness. He is one of the leading men in his line in this section of the
state. The farm is owned and was improved by his father and Henry
C. Koestner is further carrying on the work of development and cul-
tivation. He also rents and cultivates a part of the Peter Smith
farm. He is a very progressive and energetic agriculturist and there
is probably no one better known in the city or county in connection
with the dairy business than he. For a number of years he drove
the wagon himself and he made acquaintances and friends in all
parts of the city. He has always been a booster for Burlington and
Burlington made goods, and his business affairs have always been
carefully and systematically conducted, bringing to him good returns.
To Mr. and Mrs. Koestner three children have been born. Philo-
mena Anna, born September 30, 1894, was graduated from St. John's
parochial school and is now at home with her parents. Bathilda
Mary, born October 23, 1897, ^'^o attended a parochial school, from
which she graduated, and Elliott's Business College and is now con-
nected with that institution. Katherine Louise, born January 19,
1899, is attending St. John's parochial school.
In politics Mr. Koestner is an active democrat, recognized as one
of the leading party workers in his community, and he has served
as chairman of the township committee. To his children he is giving
excellent advantages and his chief interest centers in his family. He
has provided for them an automobile and many other things which
add to the comfort and pleasure of life. He is well situated in a
business way and his success is the merited reward of his labors.
J. H. SCHIER.
J. H. Schier is one of the owners of the Burlington Willow Ware
Shops, is president of the company and as such is conducting one of
the most important productive industries of the city. He was born in
Burlington, September 2, 1881, and is a son of Joseph and Katherine
(Eibes) Schier. The father was a native of Germany and a son of
Herman Schier, who brought his family to Burlington in the year
1864. In early life Joseph Schier learned the tailor's trade, which he
followed for many years. He is now living in Davenport. His wife.
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 303
a native of Burlington, is a daughter of Joseph Eibes, one of the
pioneer settlers of this city and in later life a farmer.
J. H. Schier is the elder of two children, his sister being x\ntoin-
ette, who became the wife of James Dugan, a resident of Rock Island,
Illinois. In the parochial schools of Burlington Mr. Schier pursued
his early education and afterward studied for the priesthood in St.
Benedict's College at Atchison, Kansas, for five years, but, abandon-
ing his plans of taking holy orders, he attended Elliott's Business
College of Burlington for a year and then secured a position with the
house of A. Booth & Company of this city. He afterward became an
employe of the Burlington Basket Company, with which he was con-
nected for six years, and at the end of that time he with Arthur
Schwerin, bought out the Burlington Willow Ware Shops. His
previous experience with the basket company well qualified him for
the tasks which he undertook in the latter connection. He thoroughly
understands the trade, knows the marketable value of such articles
and by reason of his personal experience is able to direct the labors
of those who are in his employ. The products of the shops now have
an extensive sale and excellence of manufacture constitutes one of the
features of his growing prosperity.
The business of which he is now the head was incorporated De-
cember I, 1908, with E. A. Florang as the president, O. E. Florang,
vice president, Arthur Schwerin, secretary, and J. H. Schier, treas-
urer. In 191 1 Mr. Schier and Mr. Schwerin purchased the interests
of the others in the Burlington Willow Ware Shops and the present
officers are J. H. Schier, president and manager; F. G. Nelson, vice
president; and Arthur Schwerin, secretary and treasurer, Mr. Nelson
having purchased an interest in the business in 1913. The factory is
located at Nos. 205 to 21 1 Washington street and at Nos. 207 and 209
Main street, forming an L with frontage on both streets. They
occupy three stories and basement of the building, having twenty-five
thousand square feet of floor space. They manufacture wnllow bas-
kets and willow furniture and also do a jobbing trade in baskets of
foreign manufacture. All work is done by hand and they employ
thirty-two people. They buy willow from New York and Indiana
and also from Mr. Florang, who is the owner of a willow farm. The
firm now has four traveling salesmen upon the road and their trade
covers the United States east of Omaha, their sales being made in the
larger towns and cities. This is one of the few factories of the kind
in the United States and the only one in Iowa. They are now special-
izing in the manufacture of willow furniture and, the output being
most attractive and the prices reasonable, their sales are increasing so
304 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
that the business has become one of the important productive indus-
tries of Burlington.
On the I ith of July, 1906, Mr. Schier was united in marriage to
Miss Laura H. Keller, a daughter of Henry Keller, and they have
become parents of three sons and a daughter: Joseph Elmer, Cath-
erine, Herbert and Henry. Mr. Schier's name is on the membership
rolls of the United Workmen, the Travelers Protective Association
and the Commercial Exchange. The democratic party finds in him
a stalwart supporter and one who in a quiet but effective way does
everything in his power for the adoption of its principles. He
belongs to the Iowa State Manufacturers Association, formed to pro-
mote and further the interests of manufacturers in this state. Dis-
cussion of trade conditions leads to the solution of many intricate
business problems and the organization has been one of value to
manufacturers. The large percentage of German citizens in Bur-
lington makes it evident that the city owes much of her development
to Teutonic enterprise and ambition.
ALFRED WIESLEY.
Alfred Wiesley, commissioner of public safety in Burlington, was
born in Bern, Switzerland, October 19, 1880. He is a son of Lewis
and Rose Wiesley, who came to America with their family about
1884. The father passed away in 1904, but the mother is still living
and makes her home in Aplington, Iowa.
Alfred Wiesley was a little lad of but four summers when the
family came to the new world, settling first at St. Louis, where they
remained for a year. They then went to Milwaukee, where they re-
sided for two years and on the expiration of that period removed to
Coal City, Illinois, where they continued for four years. Alfred
Wiesley attended school in both Milwaukee and Coal City and after-
ward spent two years as a pupil in the schools of Joliet, Illinois,
while the family there resided. At the end of that time a removal
was made to Winona, Minnesota. The father was a minister of the
gospel and this occasioned the various removals of the family as he
was called from one pastorate to another. When eighteen years of
age Alfred Wiesley started out in the business world as a clerk at
Eureka, South Dakota, where he continued for four vears and then
went to Parkston, South Dakota, where he was connected with a hard-
ware store as manager for two years. On the expiration of that period
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 305
he went to Aplington, Iowa, wlicrc he remained for three years in
the hardware business and then came to Burlington. Here he turned
his attention to the decorating and paper hanging business and in 191 1
he joined with others in organizing the Cooperative Supply Com-
pany, of which he was the manager until he received appointment to
his present position as commissioner of public safety, in which office
he is making an excellent record by his capability and fidelity. He
now has charge of the police and fire department of the city.
On the 2ist of May, 1900, Mr. Wiesley wedded Miss Barbara
Bernhorn, a native of Berlin, Germany, and they now have one son,
Herbert, eleven years of age, who is attending school. Mr. Wiesley
holds membership with the Loyal Order of Moose. His political
views are in accord with the principles of the socialist partv and his
religious faith is that of the German Baptist church. He greatly
enjoys fishing and his hours of recreation are largely spent in that
way. The city finds him a public-spirited man, anxious and willing
to cooperate in all measures for the general good, and he is popular
with those with whom he has been brought in contact.
CHARLES KRIECHBAUM.
Charles Kriechbaum is at the head of the Kaut & Kriechbaum
Company, controlling the oldest hardware establishment of Burling-
ton and doing a general business as metal contractors. Charles
Kriechbaum is another representative of the German-American cit-
izenship which in the second generation has been such an important
factor in the development and upbuilding of Burlington.
Mr. Kriechbaum was born in this city, September 9, 1846, a son
of John Philip and Elizabeth (Funk) Kriechbaum, both of whom
were natives of Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany. They came to Amer-
ica, however, in early life and were married in Burlington in 1840.
The father was a son of Peter Kriechbaum, who brought his family
to the United States in the early part of the nineteenth century and
settled in Pennsylvania. Subsequently he removed westward to Illi-
nois, taking up his abode in Bellville, and from that place John P.
Kriechbaum and his brother came to Burlington, the latter arriving
in 1840, while the former came in 1837. He found here a little ham-
let constituting one of the Mississippi river ports. Iowa, however, at
that time was still under territorial rule as a part of Wisconsin and
306 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
there were many sections of the state into which white men had not
yet penetrated and even the river towns gave little evidence of the
growth and development which was so soon to change this part of
the state. John P. Kriechbaum was engaged in the cooperage busi-
ness, opening the first establishment of that kind in Burlington. He
conducted the business until i860 and then retired, spending his
remaining days in the enjoyment of well earned rest. He was a
highlv respected pioneer of Burlington and the family for many
years has been well known here. The brothers and sisters of Mrs.
Kriechbaum were also early settlers of this city, Adam coming here
in 1834, Fred in the early '40s, William in the later '50s, and Mrs.
Kaut and Mrs. SchafYer both coming at an early day. Five genera-
tions of the family either lie buried or are living in Burlington.
Charles Kriechbaum, reared in Burlington, acquired a public-
school education and in early life learned the tinner's trade. At
length he engaged in business on his own account as proprietor of a
tin shop and it was but a logical step from that to the hardware trade.
In 1 87 1 the firm of Kaut & Kriechbaum was organized by George
Kaut and Charles Kriechbaum for the conduct of a hardware busi-
ness at No. 315 Jefiferson street, where they remained for ten years.
A removal was then made to the corner of Main and Jefferson streets,
where thev continued for about five years, and at the end of that time
they returned to No. 315 Jefferson street. Fire, however, destroyed
their store in 1890. The place was afterward rebuilt and the firm
returned to the Wyman-Rand building, where they continued for
another decade. When the Tama building was erected at No. 304
Jefferson street, they removed to the new business block, where they
still continue. This is the oldest hardware firm of Burlington in
years of continuous e.xistence. Mr. Kaut died in November, 1910,
after which the company was incorporated on the ist of February,
191 1. The present officers are Charles Kriechbaum, president and
treasurer; Theodore Kriechbaum, vice president; and H. W. Gret-
zinger, secretary. They conduct business as dealers in general hard-
ware and also take contracts for metal work.
In 1 871 Mr. Kriechbaum was united in marriage to Miss Maria
Voigt. of Peoria, Illinois, and they have become parents of five chil-
dren: Anna C, the wife of Frank Robinson, a resident of La
Grange, Illinois, where he is attorney for the Chicago, Burlington &
Quincy Railroad Company; Ida, the wife of F. A. Soleman, a drug-
gist living at Tama, Iowa; Jessie, the wife of Ward Walker, of Cali-
fornia; Marie, at home; and Carl V., an electrical engineer living at
home.
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 307
Mr. Kriechbaum gives his political indorsement to the republican
party. He belongs to the Commercial Exchange, the Odd Fellows
lodge and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. For almost a
half century Mr. Kriechbaum has been connected with the hardware
trade in Burlington and there is no feature of the city's development
along that line with wiiich he is not familiar. His place in business
circles has been won through earnest, honest labor and his standing
as a merchant is a merited tribute to his ability.
W. L. COOPER.
W. L. Cooper, engaged in the general practice of law at Burling-
ton, was born in Henderson county, Illinois, July 3, 1855, ^'^^ '^ ^
son of John and Eliza (Deane) Cooper. His father was a native of
Ireland and ere leaving that country had charge of canal boats as a
captain. Crossing the Atlantic to the new world, he established his
home in Illinois, where he followed the occupation of farming.
W. L. Cooper supplemented his preliminary education by study
in Denmark Academy in Lee county, Iowa, graduating in the class
of 1873. The following autumn he entered the University of Vir-
ginia, where in 1874 he received a certificate of proficiency in con-
stitutional and international law. He afterward entered the Uni-
versity of Michigan in preparation for the bar and was graduated
with the degree of LL. B. in the class of 1876, and admitted to prac-
tice in the courts of the state of Michigan. The same year he came
to Burlington and entered the office of Hall & Baldwin, where he
remained until 1879. In 1876 he was admitted to practice in the
courts of Iowa, and in February, 1877, by the supreme court of Illi-
nois to practice in the courts of that state. Later he was admitted to
practice in the United States circuit courts for the southern district
of Iowa. In April, 1879 he entered into partnership with H. A.
Kelley, an association that was maintained for more than twenty-one
years, or until October, 1900. Since that time Mr. Cooper has been
alone in practice. For many years he was general attorney for the
Burlington & North Western Railway and the Burlington & Western
Railway but now devotes his attention to the general practice of law,
representing several corporations. He is well kn(nvn as an able rep-
resentative of the profession, and one who is strictly ethical in his
practice. He prepares his cases with thoroughness and care, and his
presentation of his cause is always strong and forceful. He belongs
308 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
to the Burlington Bar Association and also to the Iowa State Bar
Association.
On October 14, 1885, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Cooper
and Miss Matilda E. Teuscher of Burlington. In politics he is inde-
pendent, nor has he ever been an office seeker, although he served as
United States circuit court commissioner until the office was abol-
ished. Something of the nature of his recreation is indicated by the
fact that he is a member of the Golf Club. He belongs also to the
Masonic fraternity, is a past master of Malta Lodge, No. 318, A. F. &
A. M., has attained the Knight Templar degree in the York Rite, the
thirty-second degree in the Scottish Rite and is a member of the
Mystic Shrine. In his church affiliations Mr. Cooper is an Epis-
copalian. He has served as vestryman almost continuously since 1887
and has been treasurer of the church for the last ten years.
MERRILL LEEBRICK WOOTTEN, D. V. S.
Dr. Merrill Leebrick Wootten, a prominent and successful vet-
erinary surgeon practicing in Burlington and through the surround-
ing country, was born in the city where he still resides in April, 1884,
his parents being James T. and Josephine (Worrell) Wootten, of
whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. He acquired his
education in the public schools near his father's home and being a
lover of fine horses from his early boyhood, it was but natural that he
should take up the study of veterinary surgery. With the intention
of making the practice his life work he entered the Veterinary Col-
lege of Chicago, from which he was graduated in the class of 1909.
He first practiced for two years in Brighton, Iowa, and in October,
1912, returned to his birthplace, where he has since been engaged in
his chosen profession. He has a large and growing practice and is
highly thought of as a business and professional man. He keeps in
touch with the advanced thought and investigations of veterinary
science and his efforts have been attended bv a remarkable degree of
success. He learned the trade of harness-making in early life but his
natural tendency was manifest in his love for and care of horses and
this naturally led him to take up the profession in which he has
excelled.
In politics Dr. Wootten has always been a stanch republican, giv-
ing earnest and unfaltering support to the principles of the partv.
He is also an Odd Fellow, belonging to Washington Lodge, and he
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY a09
is widely known in this connection. Practically his entire life has
been passed in Burlington, and he has a circle of friends almost coex-
tensive with the circle of his acquaintance.
HON. THOMAS G. HARPER.
At tile bar of Burlington Hon. Thomas G. Harper has gained
distinction. He is well known as a writer and perhaps even better
known because of his public service as a member of the upper house
of the general assembly and his close identification with various
movements looking toward the welfare and upbuilding of the com-
monwealth. Far-sighted, sagacious, level-headed and public-spir-
ited, there has been no question as to the intrinsic value and worth
of his efforts for the public good.
Mr. Harper was born in Greene county, Ohio, on the 13th of
January, 1853, a son of Parker B. and Nancy (Grieve) Harper, the
former a contractor and builder, who in the year 1857 removed with
his family to Mercer county, Illinois, where he resided until 1861
and then went to Monmouth, Illinois. At the time of the Civil war
he was commissioned captain bv Governor Yates and was put in
charge of a construction crew. He built the bridge over the Ten-
nessee river at Chattanooga after the battle of Lookout Mountain
and throughout the remainder of the war was with the command of
General Thomas doing construction work. When hostilities were
over he returned to his home in Monmouth, Illinois, where he re-
mained until his death. His son, Robert M. Harper, was a soldier
of the Seventeenth Illinois Infantry and was killed at the battle
of Pittsburg Landing.
Thomas G. Harper acquired a public-school education and also
attended the academy at Xenia, Ohio. He determined upon a pro-
fessional career and, thinking to find the practice of law congenial,
he began reading under the direction of Judge William C. Norcross
at Monmouth, Illinois, and was admitted to the bar at Mount Vernon,
that state, in November, 1880. He then located for practice at Rose-
ville, Illinois, where he remained until 1883, when he came to Bur-
lington, Iowa, as attorney for the Burlington Insurance Company,
which he thus represented for thirteen years. On the expiration of
that period he was elected to the Iowa senate and served through the
twenty-fifth and twenty-sixth general assemblies and through the
special session of the twenty-sixth. He was connected with much
310 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
important constructive legislation and he gave most careful con-
sideration to every question that came up for settlement. He was
instrumental in holding the semi-centennial of Iowa at Burlington
and he secured the passage of a number of bills aiding in the con-
struction of Crapo Park. His influence and his efforts were ever on
the side of progress and improvement and he left the impress of his
individuality for good upon the laws enacted during his connection
with the senate.
Upon his retirement from the general assembly Mr. Harper
opened a law office in Burlington, where he has since engaged in gen-
eral practice. He has a keen, rapid, logical mind plus the business
sense, and a ready capacity for hard work. An excellent presence,
an earnest, dignified manner, marked strength of character, a thor-
ough grasp of the law, and the ability to accurately apply its prin-
ciples are factors in his efifectiveness as an advocate. In following
his profession he has practiced for individuals and not for corpora-
tions. He is national attorney for the Chicago School of Naprapathy.
a system of treatment which attributes all disease to disorders in the
ligaments and connective tissue, whereby healing is efifected through
manipulation of the flesh. He has never lost a case in defending his
clients of that school.
While enjoying a large and distinctively representative clientage
that makes heavy demands upon his time and energies, Mr. Harper,
nevertheless, finds opportunity to cooperate in public movements and
his service has been of inestimable value along many lines. Ever a
friend of the public-school system, he did active work in its behalf
during three years' connection with the board of education. He
served for nine years as president of the Iowa State Good Roads
Committee and has long been interested and active in furthering the
movement for the establishment of an adequate system of fine public
highways. He was sent as the Iowa delegate to Washington to a
meeting composed of delegates from all the states to aid in securing
the passage of the Latimer-Brown bill asking for an appropriation
of twenty million dollars to be distributed among the various states
for the development of good roads. Of that committee Mr. Harper
was elected chairman. He succeeded in having the bill introduced,
but the law was never passed. His political allegiance has always
been given to the democratic party.
NIr. Harper has two daughters: Mrs. Beryl L. Burg, the wife
of Herbert E. Burg, of Burlington; and Edna Helen, at home. The
latter is a graduate of the State University and was given a life
teacher's certificate, but has never engaged in teaching. Mr. Harper
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 311
belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Ancient
Order of United Workmen and has been grand master of the latter,
while at the present time he is the sitting past grand master. He is
also connected with the Maccabees and the Woodmen of the World.
He is not identified with any church, but is a worker for good, and
is a writer of note on religious and other subjects. Nature endowed
him with keen mentality and his mental powers have been used not
only in the solution of intricate legal problems but also in solving
questions which have to do with the welfare and progress of city,
county, state and nation. His life's activities have been far-reaching
in their interests and purposes and his service has been one of benefit
and value to his fellowmen.
A. J. BENNER.
A. J. Benner is president of the Benner Tea Company, one of the
important business concerns of Burlington. He was born in Pella.
Iowa, June i8, 1869, and the following year was brought by his
parents to this city, where at the usual age he became a pupil in the
public schools and supplemented the training therein received by a
year's study in Elliott's Business College. He left school when fif-
teen years of age and received practical training in commercial
methods as an employe in a dry-goods store. He secured a situation
with the firm of Boesch & Company and it was while with that house
that he pursued his commercial course in Elliott's Business College.
For fifteen and a half years he remained with the firm of Boesch &
Company, advancing step by step as his powers developed and he
proved his capability and trustworthiness. It was with deep regret
on the part of his employers that he severed his connection with the
business, but he was desirous of engaging in business on his own ac-
count and entered into active connection with the tea trade as a stock-
holder in what is now the Benner Tea Company.
This business was founded about thirty years ago by Otto Lorenz
and was conducted under the name of Latona Mills. In 1899 Mr.
Benner purchased the interest of Mr. Lorenz in the business, which
was reorganized under the name of the Home Tea Company. In
1908 the business was incorporated and became the Benner Tea Com-
pany, with A. J. Benner as president; W. F. Rensch, of Waterloo,
Iowa, as vice president; and P. G. Benner as secretary. Theirs is
one of the important industries of this character in the state. The
312 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
home office has always been maintained at Burlington but they now
have branch establishments in Keokuk, Ottumwa, Waterloo and
Cedar Rapids in order to facilitate rapid delivery and bring the
source of supply in closer touch with the demand. The house han-
dles tea, coffee, spices and baking powder. They buy in car load lots.
They have a roasting plant in Burlington and make this their dis-
tributing center. As the years have gone on, the business has steadily
increased and the trade now covers a wide territory, for the house has
an unassailable reputation for reliability and promptness as well as
for the excellence of the goods handled.
Mr. Benner was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude N. Smith,
of Burlington, who acquired her education in the schools of this
city and at Nauvoo, Illinois, where she was graduated from the high
school. Three children have been born unto them: Lauren, nine-
teen years of age, who has completed the high-school course and is
now attending Ames College; Gertrude, sixteen years of age, a high-
school pupil; and Florence, aged thirteen, also in school.
Mr. Benner is well known in Masonic circles and has attained
the Knight Templar degree in St. Omar Commandery. He is also
identified with the Woodmen of the World. His political belief is
that of the republican party and his religious faith that of the Pres-
byterian church. He was verv active in the work of securing the
building for the Young Men's Christian Association and is now serv-
ing on its board of directors. He belongs to the Crystal Lake Fish-
ing Club and takes an active interest in athletics. He is also presi-
dent of the Automobile Club. His is a well rounded character in
which the activities and interests of life are evenly balanced. In
matters of citizenship he is never remiss but cooperates in all plans
and projects for the general good and his worth is widely acknowl-
edged in many relations.
EDWARD HAGEMANN.
Edward Hagemann, dean among Burlington's bankers, has been
associated with the Iowa State Savings Bank since its organization.
Honored and respected by all, there is no man who occupies a more
enviable position in business circles of Burlington, not alone by
reason of the success which he has achieved but also owing to the
straightforward and reliable business methods which he has ever
pi
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ED\\'ARD HAGE1L4NN
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 315
followed — methods which at all times would bear the closest inves-
tigation and scrutiny.
Mr. Hagemann was born in Germany, in 1830, and spent the
period ot his minority in the fatherland, coming to the United States
in 1S53. He made his way first to Chicago, where he remained for
two years, and in 1855 came to Burlington. With the development,
upbuilding and progress of the city he has since been continuously
connected and has done not a little toward molding public policy and
advancing public interests here. In the period of his early resi-
dence he located various land warrants through Iowa for a Balti-
more firm and he also engaged in clerking in Burlington stores.
Gradually he advanced, working his way steadily upward and gain-
ing recognition by his close application, his unfaltering industrv and
the ability which he displayed. In 1865 he embarked in the whole-
sale grocery business in partnership with Charles Starker and for
ten years concentrated his attention upon the development and exten-
sion of the trade, theirs becoming one of the important commercial
enterprises of the city. In 1875 he retired from the grocery busi-
ness and has since been a leading factor in financial circles in Bur-
lington. ^
, In August, 1874, the Iowa State Savings Bank was established
by E. D. Rand, J. C. Peasley, Charles Starker and E. Hagemann,
Mr. Starker becoming the president. The institution was organized
as a state bank, capitalized for one hundred thousand dollars, and
was located at Main and Market streets in a brick building. Subse-
quently a removal was made to the corner of Main and Valley streets,
occupying space in the Odd Fellows building. In June, 1904, their
location was changed to the corner of Third and Jefiferson streets
and in 19 13 the present eight-story business block owned by the bank
was erected. This is the largest bank of Burlington and is regarded
as one of the most safe and reliable in all the Mississippi valley. At
the outset its promoters recognized the fact that that bank is most
worthy of patronage which most carefully safeguards the interests
of its depositors. Progressiveness has ever been tempered by con-
servatism, an even balance being maintained between the two. The
bank has enjoyed a steady, healthful growth until its business now
exceeds that of any other banking institution of the city. Mr. Hage-
mann has been continuously connected with the active management
since 1875. He was chosen a director on the organization, was after-
ward vice president and in 1898 was elected to the presidency, in
which connection he still continues, and the success of the institution
is in large measure the expression of his business ability, enterprise.
Vol n— 17
316 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
sound judgment and his ready understanding of intricate financial
problems.
Mr. Hagemann was married in 1853 to Miss Katherine Bach-
mann, of Germany, and the only child of that marriage, like the
mother, is deceased. Mr. Hagemann afterward wedded Mrs.
Emma Meyer, of Burlington, who has also passed away. His polit-
ical allegiance has always been given to the republican party and
his efiforts have furthered public progress along many lines relating
to the material development of the city, to its substantial improve-
ment and to its civic progress.
WILLIAM B. KELLEY.
William B. Kelley has the distinction of having been among the
first boys admitted to the Burlington high school. He started out in
the business world as an office boy and has advanced steadily until
he now occupies the responsible position of manager of the Bur-
lington ofiice for the Bradstreet Company.
Mr. Kelley was born in this city, September 23, 1850, a son of
George W. and Margaret (King) Kelley, the former a native of
Kentucky, while the latter was a daughter of William B. King, a
native of Virginia, from which state he removed to St. Louis at an
early day. The parents of William B. Kelley met and were married
in St. Louis and thence made the river trip to Burlington, Iowa, in
1835, this being their wedding journey. They found a tiny village
bearing no resemblance to the metropolitan center known today. The
father opened a general store which he conducted for several years
or until his stock was destroyed by fire. He built one of the first
substantial houses on top of the hill on North Main street, using
black walnut in its construction, aijd this dwelling is still standing.
In the early days that locality was known as "Kelley's Hill." In 1851,
attracted by the discovery of gold in California and by business op-
portunities which in consequence were afforded there, he made his
way to the Pacific coast, where he died of fever in 1863. His wife
passed away in 1893, in Burlington, where she had remained with
her children while her husband went to the coast in search of for-
tune. In the family were four children : Mary J., who is the widow
of P. K. Wilson and makes her home in Burlington; George E., who
died in 1903; Margaret, at home; and William B. Mrs. Wilson
has a daughter, Gertrude, and all of the family live together.
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 317
William B. Kelley acquired a public-school education and, pass-
ing through consecutive grades, was qualified to enter the Burling-
ton high school at the time it was established, being among the first
boys admitted thereto. When his text-books were put aside he started
out in the business world on his own account, securing a situation as
office boy in the wholesale hat and cap house of H. S. Phillips.
Afterward he was witl) the firm of Phillips & Hawkins, wholesale
dealers in hats and caps, and subsequently was connected with various
lines of business. In 1879 he began work for the Bradstreet Com-
pany, with which he remained for eight years. He was afterward
in other connections until 1899 and then again joined the Bradstreet
Company, with which he has now been associated for fifteen years.
In 1902 he was made manager of the Burlington office and so con-
tinues, having in this capacity supervision over twenty surrounding
counties.
Mr. Kelley is a member of the Commercial Exchange and co-
operates in all of its plans and projects for the upbuilding and devel-
opment of the city along business lines. His political indorsement
is given the republican party and he has ever been interested in its
success but not as an office seeker. He represents one of the oldest
families of the city and has himself been a witness of its progress and
development through sixty-four years, so that his memory forms a
connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive
present.
E. FRY.
E. Frv is one of the wide-awake, progressive and successful mer-
chants of Mediapolis. He has been identified with business interests
here from pioneer times and is now enjoying an excellent patronage
as a furniture dealer and undertaker. He was born in York county,
Pennsylvania, on the 3d of September, 1847, and is a son of George
and Sarah ( Wolever) Fry, who were also natives of the same locality
and there spent their entire lives upon a farm. In their family were
eleven children, of whom E. Fry was the tenth in order of birth, and
four of the number are yet living.
Through the period of his boyhood and youth E. Fry remained at
his parents' home in the east, acquiring his education in the public
schools and performing such tasks as were assigned him by parental
authority. The opportunities of the growing middle west attracted
318 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
him. however, and on the 7th of March, 1867, when he was in the
twentieth year of his age, he came to Iowa. After spending three
years in Burlington he removed to Mediapolis, where he has since
made his home. He had followed farming before coming here and
subsequent to his arrival in this state he learned the carpenter's trade,
eventually conducting business as a contractor, his work taking him
to various sections of the county. Thirty-three years ago he entered
the furniture and undertaking business, purchasing a half interest in
the furniture store of Dan Kelley, after which the business was con-
ducted under the firm style of Fry & Kelley, for thirteen years. Their
stock included hardware and furniture and at the end of that time
Mr. Kelley took over the hardware business and Mr. Fry remained
proprietor of the furniture store, which he conducted alone until he
admitted his son to a partnership under the present firm name of E.
Fry & Son. He erected the present store building, which is one of
the best in the town — a two story brick structure with basement
ninetyrsix bv thirty-six feet. There is also a warehouse across the
alley twenty-six by sixty feet. He occupies the entire building with
a stock of furniture, chinaware and undertaking goods. His estab-
lishment has the reputation of being the best store in the state outside
of the larger cities. He carries an attractive line of goods and his
patrons are many. He has ever been thoroughly reliable in his deal-
ings, the house sustaining an unassailable reputation for business
integrity as well as enterprise. Mr. Fry also owns one hundred and
twenty acres of land two miles north of Yarmouth. In Mediapolis he
has erected a good home and made many other improvements upon
the property where he resides. There were only two dwellings in
Mediapolis and one store when he took up his abode here, and he has
lived to see the little hamlet become a flourishing, enterprising town
with many evidences of the progressive spirit of its leading citizens.
In Burlington, on the 30th of June, 1869, Mr. Fry was united in
marriage to Miss Hannah Messenger, who was born in Chenango
county, New York, January 18, 1848, a daughter of Samuel and
Eunice (Miner) Messenger, natives of New York and Connecticut
respectivelv. The father died in the Empire state in 1861 and the
mother afterward removed with her family to Yellow Springs, Iowa,
in 1862. Here her remaining days were passed, her death occurring
in 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Fry have become parents of four children:
Lulu, the wife of the Rev. W. H. McDonald, a minister of the
Methodist Episcopal church in Illinois, by whom she has three chil-
dren, Foss, Joyce and Ruth; Arthur Charles, who is in partnership
with his father; Willard, who died at the age of two years; and
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 319
Clarence Dale, at home. He is married and lias one child, Howard.
Arthur Charles Fry wedded Bessie Statham and has four children,
Paul, Harriet, Lawrence and Doris.
Mr. Fry gives his political allegiance to the republican party,
which he has supported since age conferred upon him the right of
franchise. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and exemplifies in
his life the beneficent spirit oi the craft. He is also a member of the
Presbyterian church and the consensus of public opinion ranks him
as an honorable and upright man, worthy of high regard because of
an active and well spent life. He has been deeply interested in the
upbuilding of the community in which he makes his home and has
contributed in large measure to its progress and development.
JOHN. A. GREGG.
John A. Gregg is well known in commercial circles of Iowa be-
cause of the long period which he has spent as a traveling salesman.
He still devotes five months of the year to the road and since 1894
has also conducted an office in Burlington, where he represents ten
manufacturers of hardware, selling to the jobbing trade. Through-
out the entire period of his business career he has been connected with
hardware houses and there is no feature of the business that is not
familiar to him. He was born in Burlington on the 24th of April,
1857, and is a son of Samuel and Barbara (Ramsey) Gregg. The
father was a native of Ireland and with his parents came to the new
world, the family home being established in Nova Scotia. Later he
crossed the border that divides Canada and the United States and
made his way to Washington, D. C, where he conducted business as
a contractor. In 1855 ^e arrived in Burlington and purchased a
farm at the head of Flint Hills, devoting several years there to gen-
eral agricultural pursuits. In 1859, however, he returned to Wash-
ington and continued to make his home in the capital city until his
death.
John A. Gregg remained in Burlington with an aunt and was
reared in her home. Her husband was John H. Armstrong, who
came to Burlington in the early '30s and was an active business man
of the city in pioneer times. John A. Gregg attended the public
schools to the age of fourteen years, and then started out in the busi-
ness world to earn his own living, becoming an emplove in the whole-
sale house of Donahue & McCosh, wholesale hardware dealers. He
320 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
was afterward with John W. Gates in the St. Louis office, and still
later with the Oliver Wire Company of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
traveling from Burlington during his connection with these different
firms. He was also at one time with the Hawkeye Wire Company,
and as the years passed he gained comprehensive knowledge of every
phase of the hardware business. In 1894 he opened an office in Bur-
lington and now represents ten hardware manufacturers, selling to
the jobbing trade. He calls on the trade personally, covering all the
middle west, visiting the leading jobbing centers. He knows man-
ufacturers and where the best goods of different kinds may be ob-
tained, and his close application, unremitting diligence and well
defined purpose have been the factors in bringing to him a growing
success.
On the 8th of February, 1894, Mr. Gregg was united in marriage
to Miss Gertrude Mauritzen, of Denmark, who after leaving her
native country went to England and subsequently came to the United
States. Mr. and Mrs. Gregg are widely and favorably known in this
city, in which they have so long resided, having here an extensive
circle of warm friends. Mr. Gregg votes with the democratic party
and he holds membership with the Knights of Pythias, the Elks, the
Foresters and the Woodmen. He is likewise a member of the Crystal
Lake Club, the Hawkeye Natives, and the Commercial Exchange.
His fellow-townsmen find him a genial, social gentleman, and these
qualities have made him popular among his many patrons along the
road. He is always approachable, is never too busy to be cordial,
nor too cordial to be busy. In a word, his is a well balanced char-
acter and he has earned and well deser^-es the success which has
come to him. He may truly be called a self-made man, for, starting
out in business on his own account at the age of fourteen years, he
has since been dependent entirely upon his own resources.
AL BOECK.
Al Boeck is proprietor of one of the largest and best equipped
meat markets of Burlington, in which city he was born February
7, 1874. His father, George Boeck, is a native of Germany, born
in 1839, and when a young man he came to the United States, mak-
ing his way first to St. Louis, where he remained for a few years.
He then came to Burlington, where he has since resided, and through
the intervening period he has become widely known in connection
HISl^ORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 321
with business, fraternal and social circles. At the present time,
however, he is living retired. Prominent in Masonry, he has at-
tained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite, and he is also
connected with the Eagles and the Elks. His wile bore the maiden
name of Hannah Roth and was also born in Germany. She is still
enjoying good health at the age of seventy-four years. In their
family were three sons and two daughters.
Al Boeck acquired his education in tlie public and German
schools of Burlington and at the age of sixteen years went to work
for his father in the meat market, so that throughout his entire busi-
ness life he has been connected with this line of activity. In 1897
he established a market on his own account on Jefferson street, where
he is still located, and he has one of the most modern and up-to-date
establishments of the city. He carries an excellent line of meats,
and his promptness and reliability are elements in his growing suc-
cess. He employs seven people and his trade has reached gratifying
proportions.
Mr. B«jeck is well known in several fraternities, holding member-
ship with the Moose, the Eagles and the Red Men. He is a member
of the Carthage Lake Fishing Club and greatly enjoys hunting as
well as fishing, utilizing his hours of recreation in the enjoyment of
those sports. His political allegiance is given the republican party,
and he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day,
while in local matters his aid and influence are given on the side of
those interests which are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride.
THOMAS M. HUME.
Thomas M. Hume, founder and head of the Hume Brokerage
Company, began business in this line in Burlington in July, 1906.
A native of Virginia, he was born in Stanardsville, March 27, 1869.
a son of Q. R. and Fannie A. (Sims) Hume. The father was a
physician and surgeon, devoting his entire life to the practice of
medicine. The son acquired a public-school education and when a
young man became connected with the drug business in Virginia,
devoting four years to that line of mercantile activity. He after-
ward entered railroad circles and was with the Norfolk & Western
for seventeen years. He entered the employ of that corporation in
a clerical capacity and was gradually advanced, becoming freight
agent and afterward commercial agent. He represented the road
322 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
at different times in Chicago, Indianapolis, Columbus, Ohio, and St.
Louis, and that his services were most capable and satisfactory is in-
dicated in the fact that he was retained in the service of the com-
pany through almost two decades. In July, 1906, he arrived in Bur-
lington and began business in merchandise brokerage, organizing
the Hume Brokerage Company, in which connection he works Bur-
lington and the surrounding territory. He has now secured a lib-
eral patronage and in the conduct of the business has ever recognized
the fact that satisfied patrons are the best advertisement. He has,
therefore, ever studied to please and in all of his dealings has been
thoroughly reliable, as well as energetic and progressive.
On the 3d of October, 1895, Mr. Hume was united in marriage to
Miss Jennie Blanche Thomas, a native of Ohio and a daughter of
Charles A. and Zilpha Thomas, who are residents of Middleport,
Ohio. Mr. Hume exercises his right of franchise in support of the
men and measures of the democratic party. His fraternal relations
cover a wide scope. In Masonry he has attained the Knight Tem-
plar degree in the commandery and is also a member of the Mystic
Shrine. He likewise holds membership with the Odd Fellows, the
Elks, the Moose and Eagles, and is a member of the Crystal Lake
Club and of the Golf Club, being interested in the lines of recreation
fostered by the two organizations. He is likewise a member of the
Commercial Exchange and cooperates heartily in its well-defined
plans and projects for the upbuilding of the city. Throughout his
career he has never been afraid to follow the lead of his opportunities
and as the years have advanced has steadily progressed, winning a
fair measure of that success which is the goal of all business endeavor.
FRANK E. THOMPSON.
Frank E. Thompson, engaged in the general practice of law in
Burlington, has since the outset of his professional career applied
himself with such diligence and determination fo the mastery of the
principles of jurisprudence and to the conduct of his cases that he
is now recognized as an able, skilled and successful advocate and
counsellor.
Mr. Thompson was born in Grandview, Louisa county, Iowa,
December 13, 1873, a son of John W. and Mary (See) Thompson.
The family was established in New England at an early period in
the colonization of America. The great-grandparents in the
HISTORY OF DES MOINBS COUNTY 323
Thompson line settled in Ohio about the beginning of the nineteenth
century and there John I'hompson, tlie grandfather, was bt)rn in
Ross county in 1810. In 1839 he accompanied his parents on their
removal to Iowa, the family home being established near Grand-
view, in Louisa county, at a period when the work of development
and progress was then in its primitive stages. The territory had
been organized only the year previously and there were no railroads
connecting Iowa with other sections of the country. The Thomp-
son family, however, did not have to endure some of the hardships
of the early settlers, for they had wealth with which to secure com-
forts and purchased large tracts of land. John Thompson began
raising stock in this state and also did contract work. He married
a Miss Nichols and to them were born four children. Following
the death of his first wife he wedded Sarah Nichols, also a native of
Ross county, Ohio, and their children were five in number. John
Thompson continued an honored resident of this state for forty-
seven years, passing away in 1886, while his wife died in 1880, when
about fifty-five years of age.
Their son, John W. Thompson, made farming and stockraising
his life work. He was born and reared in Iowa and became familiar
with every phase of the state's development and progress. He con-
tinued his residence in Louisa county until the early '70s and then
for aln'iost thirty years lived in Henry county. In 1900 he took up
his abode near Sedalia, Missouri, where he became the owner of
large landed holdings and thereon engaged extensively in dealing
in horses, mules and cattle. He was united in marriage to Miss
Mary See, a daughter of Rev. Michael See, and a representative of
one of the old colonial families of Virginia. Her father came to the
west in 1836, settling in Burlington with his parents, who entered
land from the government in what is known as the Miller settlement
of Des Moines county. Of the ancestry of Frank E. Thompson in
the maternal line the following has been written by a contemporary
biographer: "Michael See was a man of powerful and vigorous
constitution. He became a circuit rider of the Methodist church,
and from the age of twenty-one years devoted his life entirely to the
work of the ministry. He was a very successful preacher, being
gifted with eloquence and with that quality which for want of a
better term we have called personal magnetism. He was logical in
argument, persuasive and earnest, and his labors led to the substan-
tial upbuilding of the church. He was an intimate friend of
H. Clay Dean and Rev. Frank Evans, and was one of the notable
figures in the early history of Iowa. He was twice married, his first
32i HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
wife being a Miss Miller, whose mother belonged to the Hanks
family and was a cousin of Abraham Lincoln. He departed this
life in 1899, full of years and honors, having passed the eighty-
second milestone on life's journey. He had never been ill until just
prior to his death, and he continued in the active work of the min-
istry almost to the last."
At the usual age Frank E. Thompson began his education in the
district schools and when thirteen had mastered the preliminarv
branches to a sufficient degree to enable him to take up high-school
work in Columbus City, Iowa. He was afterward a student in the
high school at Muscatine and pursued a course in a business college
there. He ne.xt entered the Iowa State University for a classical
training and eventually entered upon the study of law in that insti-
tution, completing his law course with the class of 1896.
Mr. Thompson began practice in Burlington, where he has
since remained. As the years have gone on his practice has become
extensive and of an important character. He is constantly inspired
by an innate love of justice and a delicate sense of personal honor.
His fidelity to the interests of his clients is proverbial, yet he never
forgets that he owes a still higher allegiance to the majesty of the
law. His diligence and energy in the preparation of his cases as
well as the earnestness, tenacity and courage with which he defends
the right challenges the highest admiration of his associates "and he
invariably seeks to present his argument in the strong, clear light
of common reason and sound logical principles. He had practiced
at the bar of Burlington for about eight years, when, in 1904, the
republican party made him its nominee for the office of county attor-
ney and such was his personal popularity and the confidence reposed
in him that he led the county ticket, receiving a majority of nine
hundred notwithstanding his opponent was regarded as one of the
strongest members of the county bar. He filled the position most
acceptably for two years and in 1906 resumed the private practice
of law, in which he has since engaged.
When age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr.
Thompson strongly indorsed republican principles, believing in the
value of the party platform as an element in good government. He
was the republican nominee for representative in the state legisla-
ture in 1901 and though he ran ahead of his ticket met defeat with
the other republican candidates. He has always kept abreast of the
political situation of the country and his knowledge of the questions
and issues of the day is by no means superficial but delves to the root
of the matter. In 1902 he was made chairman of the republican
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 325
county central committee and in dilTcient campaigns has delivered
many public addresses in Des Moines and adjoining counties in sup-
port of party principles. In 1914 he was elected state senator from
the ninth senatorial district of Iowa.
Mr. Ihonipson was married in 1894 ^^^ Miss Lillian Russell, a
daughter of John J. Russell, a retired merchant of Columbus Junc-
tion, Iowa. Their friends in Burlington and throughout this sec-
tion of the state are many and Mr. Thompson is recognized as a
valued member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the
Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Modern Woodmen of America.
He is a representative of one of the old pioneer families of the state
and is of the fourth generation here residing. The work instituted
by his great-grandfather for the upbuilding and development of the
territory was continued by his grandfather and father, and the same
spirit finds expression in the public activities of Frank E. Thomp-
son, who while meeting the strenuous demands of a growing law
practice has always found time to perform every public duty in
relation to his citizenship in his native state.
CHARLES ROESCH.
Charles Roesch, living in West Burlington, is the assistant chief
clerk in the offices of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad
Company, to which position of responsibility he has attained through
his own unaided efforts. He was born in Burlington, January 5,
1863, and at the usual age became a public-school pupil, attending
the old North Oak school until he reached the age of twelve years,
when necessity forced him to go to work. He was first employed
in a cigar factory, where he remained for three years and at the end
of that time he entered railway circles by becoming an office boy for
the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, at which time the head
office was then under the old Sixth street bridge of Burlington. He
resolutely set himself to the task of mastering the duties which were
intrusted to him and his industry and determination won him ad-
vancement from time to time until he gradually worked his way
upward to his present position as assistant chief clerk in the railway
office of this city — a position that carries with it large responsibili-
ties and a goodly salary.
On the 20th of October, 1885, Mr. Roesch was married to Miss
Magdaline Schick, of Burlington, who was educated in the paro-
326 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
chial schools of this city. To them have been born three children.
Rose, twenty-six years of age, is now the wife of Michael Daly, of
Burlington, and they have one child. Pearl, twenty-three years of
age, is the wife of Herman Miller, of this city. Carl, the youngest,
now nineteen years of age, was graduated from the West Burlington
high school and is in the employ of the Chicago, Burlington &
Quincy Railroad Company.
Mr. Roesch is a member of the Ancient Order of United Work-
men, the Knights of Pythias and the Royal Arcanum. In politics he
is a democrat and keeps well informed concerning the vital and sig-
nificant political problems of the age. He has been an active worker
in local party ranks and was elected town clerk for West Burlington,
in which position he served for eight years. He has also been school
treasurer for more than seven years and the cause of education finds
in him a stalwart champion. Having always lived in Burlington, he
is well known and many of his warmest friends are those who have
been his associates from boyhood — a fact which indicates a well
spent life.
HON. LUKE PALMER.
Iowa has always been distinguished for the high rank of her
bench and bar. The list of her eminent citizens contains the names
of many able jurists and attorneys, some of whom have won national
fame, while there is scarcely a town or city in the state but can boast
of one or more lawyers capable of crossing swords in forensic combat
with any of the distinguished legal lights of the country. Iowa owes
much of her advancement to the influence of her lawyers and her
law makers and she has reason for just pride in her attorneys and
judges.
Devoting his life to the profession of law, Hon. Luke Palmer has
gained distinction at the bar. Burlington numbers him among her
native sons. He was born November 20, 1851, of the marriage of
Luke and Mary E. (Holbrooke) Palmer, the former a native of
Stonington, Connecticut, and the latter of Columbia, that state.
In the year 1839 Luke Palmer, Sr., made his way westward to Bur-
lington and although he had followed carpentering in the east, here
turned his attention to merchandising, in which he continued from
1839 until 1850. He won notable success in his commercial pursuits
and through his investments in real. estate. He erected a number of
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 327
buildings and purchased and sold property, and in the later years
of his lite he was a retired capitalist of Burlington, where he con-
tinued to make his home until called to his final rest, in April, 1895.
He was chosen a member of the last territorial legislature but did
not qualify, and for several terms he was an alderman of Burling-
ton, in which connection he exercised his official prerogatives in
support of many plans and measures for the public good. His
political allegiance was always given to the republican party, and
his religious faith was that of the Congregational church, of which
he served as a trustee for many years. He likewise served on the
hospital board at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, for many years and was
president of that board for six or eight years. Mary E. Holbrooke
came to Burlington about 1845 and opened a private school, which
she conducted successfully for an extended period. On the 8th of
January, 1851, she gave her hand in marriage to Luke Palmer and
they became the parents of two children, the son being named for
his father, while the daughter was called Sarah M. She became the
wife of John S. Cameron, a civil engineer who later became assistant
to the general manager of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Rail-
road Company. Her death occurred in Denver, Colorado, in 1881
and she left three children, John S., Donald P. and Sadie P., all of
whom are yet living.
Luke Palmer, whose name introduces this review, completed his
classical education by a course in Knox College at Galesburg, Illi-
nois, in which he won his Bachelor of Arts degree upon graduation
in 1872. He then entered the law office of Hall & Baldwin but after
reading for a time with that firm spent one year as a law student at
Harvard. He was afterward in the office of N. C. Berry, an attorney
of Boston, and was graduated from the Boston Law School in June,
1875. Mr. Palmer then returned to Burlington, where he remained
in practice for three years, but in 1878 went to Colorado, where he
spent ten vears as a member of the bar of that state, during which
period he served for five years as county judge of Clear Creek county.
He resigned in the latter part of his second term and, retiring from'
the bench, returned to Burlington in 1888 upon the death of his
mother. Since that time he has maintained an office in this city and
has confined his law business largely to of^ce practice. He has given
much of his attention to the management of his real-estate interests.
While in Colorado he assisted R. S. Morrisson in the preparation
of fifteen volumes of Mining Reports, covering all the courts of last
resort and the decisions of the federal courts — in fact covering all
the law of the United States and of England on the subject of min-
328 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
ing. Later he assisted in the preparation of the Digest of Colorado
Reports.
Judge Palmer was married in September, 1884, to Miss Emma
A. Dunn, of Galesburg, Illinois, who died in Burlington in Janu-
ary, 1893. He was married in April, 1897, to Miss Marion E.
Starr, a daughter of Henry W. Starr, and her death occurred on the
nth of February, 1898. In September, 1900, he wedded Mrs. Lydia
(Lewis) Gilbert, widow of James Gilbert, who by her first mar-
riage had four children, Katharine, John, Charles and Mary. To
Mr. and Mrs. Palmer has been born one child, Mary.
Judge Palmer gives his political allegiance to the republican
party and has never been neglectful of the duties of citizenship,
recognizing the obligation which the right of franchise imposes upon
every individual to whom it is given. He is a member of the Beta
Theta Pi, a college fraternity. His religious faith is evidenced in
his membership in the Congregational church and for twenty-one
years he served on the board of trustees. He has likewise been a
member of the board of trustees of the Burlington Hospital and of
the board of trustees of the Charity Organization. He is a man of
broad sympathy which finds tangible expression in his effective
efforts to relieve sorrow, distress and need. His life has been far-
reaching in its activities and in its efifects and the many sterling
traits of his character have gained for him the warm regard and
honor of his fellowmen.
CAPTAIN WILLIAM W. KINNEAR.
Captain William W. Kinnear, Burlington manager for the Blair
or White Collar and Streckfus steamboat lines, has the distinction
of having been at one time the youngest captain on the Mississippi
river. He was born in Franklin, Pennsylvania, July 2, 1836, a son
of David and Nancy (De Woodie) Kinnear. The father came to
Iowa in the early '40s and took up government land seventeen miles
west of Dubuque, and in 1845 he brought his family to this state.
From Galena, Illinois, the trip was made by wagons westward to
the farm. David Kinnear performed the arduous task of breaking
the sod and developing a new farm but later sold that property and
removed to Geneva Lake, Minnesota, where he continued to make
his home until his death, as did his wife. The remains of both were
there interred.
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 329
Captain Kinnear acquired a public-school education and worked
out one summer tor a farmer by the name of Glue, who paid him with
calves. This was his initial step in the cattle business and with oxen
he broke prairie for settlers. He is acquainted with almost every
phase of pioneer life and the attendant labors which have led to the
development of this section of the country. He obtained the United
States contract for carrying the mail from Dubuque to Garnaville
and acted in that capacity for a year, when he sold his contract. He
next went to work for James McGregor, who founded and owned
the town of McGregor. He was sent by his employer to Black River
Falls on an important mission to buy land from Mr. McLaughlin
which Mr. McGregor wanted, but which the owner would not sell
to him. Mr. Kinnear, however, was successful in making the pur-
chase. On the return trip he met a man on the stage who wanted to
sell a ferry boat and Captain Kinnear purchased it for seventeen
hundred and fifty dollars. At that time the boat was grounded in the
river, but Captain Kinnear succeeded in freeing it and ran the boat
from Dubuque up the river, carrying loads of wood and later loads
of hogs. He then established a woodyard at Dubuque and later sold
the boat to a company in Prairie du Chien. About that time he
learned the carpenter's trade, which he afterward followed for sev-
eral years. Subsequently he worked in a boat yard during the period
of the Civil war and afterward became assistant superintendent of
the White Collar Line. He became captain of the Chippewa Falls
at the age of twenty-eight years and was the youngest captain on the
river. At dififerent times he has been captain of various well known
boats, including the Harry Johnson, Andy Johnson, Lady Lee, Addie
Johnson and many others, representing various boat lines, sailing
from Keokuk, St. Louis and other river towns. He became assistant
superintendent at St. Louis of the White Collar Line in 1875 and in
1879 resigned and came to Burlington to take the general agency for
the line in this city. He also had charge of coalyards and he engaged
in the coal, wood and lime business on his own account for some
years. In 1893 he again entered into active connection with the Blair
Line, or the White Collar Line, as business manager at this point.
There is no one in Burlington more familiar with navigation inter-
ests on the Mississippi or who has longer been connected therewith.
Captain Kinnear knows every phase of river transportation and can
relate many interesting incidents concerning the days when the Mis-
sissippi was not only the highroad for freight traffic but also for
passenger travel.
In 1858 Captain Kinnear was united in marriage to Miss Sarah
330 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
A. McLaury, of McGregor, Iowa, who died in 191 1, leaving a
daughter, Mary A., who is now acting as housekeeper for her father.
Captain Kinnear belongs to' the Masonic fraternity and attends the
Congregational church. He exercises his right of franchise in sup-
port of the men and measures of the republican party and has ever
been interested in its success, believing that its principles contain the
best elements of good government. Few men of his years remain
so active a factor in the world's work as does Captain Kinnear, who
has now passed the seventy-eighth milestone on life's journey. Prac-
tically his entire life has been passed in the Mississippi valley and
there are few phases of its development or chapters in its history
with which he is not familiar.
JOHN A. AND FRANK J. RENNER.
John A. and Frank J. Renner are proprietors of the business con-
ducted under the firm style of John Renner & Sons and as such
occupy a prominent position in commercial circles of Burlington. It
is true that they entered upon a business already established, but in
enlarging and controlling this many men of less resolute spirit, defi-
cient in diligence and lacking in enterprise, would have failed. They
deal in wall paper, paints and artists' supplies and do an extensive
contracting business in interior decorating.
The present members of the firm are twin brothers, born in Bur-
lington on the 6th of November, 1885, their parents being John and
Lena (Nefif) Renner. The family name indicates their German
lineage. The father was born in southern Germany, July 8, 1852,
and was a son of Johannes and Elizabeth (Katz) Renner. He
attended school in his native land and afterward began working at
the trades of painting, paper hanging, decorating and upholstering.
He served a regular term of apprenticeship and gained expert
knowledge of those lines of business. After working as a journey-
man in various cities of Germany, France and Switzerland, he came
to America, attracted by the opportunities of the new world, land-
ing in New York on the ist of March, 1881. He maintained his
residence in the eastern metropolis until the 3d of July, 1882, w^hen
he arrived in Burlington. From that time until his death he was
closely connected with the business interests of his adopted city and
became the founder of the enterprise which is now continued by
his sons. He first entered the employ of Wyman & Rand in their
JUHX EENXER
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 333
upholstering and carpet department and alter three years, or in
April, 1885, he embarked in business on his own account. Two or
three removals were made in order to meet the growing demands of
the business. He began dealing in wall paper, paints and artists'
supplies, selling to both the wholesale and retail trade, and he fur-
ther extended the scope of his business to inckule contract work in
interior finishing and decorating.
Not only did his business become one of the foremost in its line
in Iowa but in the field of invention Mr. Renner also made a credit-
able name and place for himself, making many valuable contribu-
tions to the mechanical world. He possessed much natural genius,
to which was added thorough scientific knowledge of mechanics and
architectural engineering and drafting. This enabled him not only
to make his own plans but to embody them in tangible form. He
invented and patented an ironing board on the i6th of August, 1887,
and in 1903 he secured a patent on his ball-bearing window shade
adjuster, having patents in the United States, Canada and England.
After securing his patent he began the manufacture of the shade,
sending his output throughout the three countries mentioned. On
the 7th of January, 1902, he patented a device for locking the a.xle
on shade rollers. This is dust proof and can be applied to any
mechanical contrivance of any size. He was also the inventor of
another lock patent for a window bracket and is the inventor of a
wire bracket for the correct adjustment of the window cord.
Mr. Renner was married April 2, 1881, to Miss Lena Nef¥, a
daughter of Johannes and Mary (Hellestern) NefT. Their only
children are the twin sons whose names introduce this record and
who, becoming their father's partners in business, are now owners
of the establishment. Mr. Renner held membership in the Court
of Honor and with the Woodmen of the World. His was an active,
useful and well spent life and through the long period of his resi-
dence in Burlington he enjoyed the confidence, goodwill and high
regard of all with whom he came in contact. His death occurred
October 17, 1913. His wife, Mrs. Lena Renner, has always taken
an active part in social and church work and is president of the St.
Franciska Society for Married Women.
Her sons, J. A. and F. J. Renner, have always been residents of
Burlington. The former attended the German and public schools
of this city and afterward entered the Gem City Business College of
Quincy, Illinois, in which he completed the course in seven months,
being the first student from this state to complete the course in such
a short time or with such honors, for his scholarship gave him an
334 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
average grade of ninety-six and two-sevenths in seven studies and a
standing of one hundred in bookkeeping, llie commercial training
of Frank J. Renner was pursued in Elliott's Business College of
Burlington. Their practical training in business was received in the
establishment and under the direction of their father and on attain-
ing their majority they were admitted to a partnership under the
firm style of John Renner & Sons. Since the father's death the two
sons and their mother continue as owners of the business, each hav-
ing a third interest. They are conducting a retail and jobbing trade
in wall paper, paints, picture frames and window shades and they
employ a large force of men in paper hanging, painting and decorat-
ing, having been awarded many important contracts for interior fin-
ishing and decorating of buildings.
Not only do the sons possess excellent business ability, as mani-
fested in the capable conduct of their interests, but both have been
endowed by nature with artistic and musical taste and talent. They
give much time to the study of oil painting and various kinds of
decorating and have also received liberal instruction in music. They
are, moreover, lovers of athletics and have charge of the basket ball
team of St. John's Catholic church, which won the pennant in the
year 1914. They are also active in the dramatic society of the church
and their wide interests and talents have made them most popular
in social circles. Of them it may well be said they are never too
busy to be cordial nor too cordial to be busy, for the interests of their
lives are well balanced forces. It is their ability to concentrate upon
the interest or activity of the moment that has led to their success
in everything that they attempt and most of all in business, where
their power and insight are manifest in successful management and
keen sagacity.
FRANCIS ALDEN WALKER.
Francis Alden Walker was at the time of his death, which oc-
curred on the 13th of May, 1897, ^ resident of Mediapolis, where
he had been living retired for about five years. Previouslv he had
been actively identified with farming interests in the countv for an
extended period, and as a business man and citizen occupied a high
position in public regard, his being a well spent, active and useful
life.
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 335
He was born in Hillsboro, New Hampshire, February 6, 1831,
a son of Alden and Susan (Grimes) Walker, both of whom were
natives of New England and spent their entire lives in New Hamp-
shire. The latter was a sister of United States Senator James W.
Grimes, of Burlington. In their family were three children:
Francis Alden; Rear Admiral John G. Walker, of the United States
Navy, who received his appointment to the naval institute through
his uncle, Senator Grimes; and Betsy Ann. who died at the age of
twenty years.
Francis A. Walker remained with his parents upon the old home-
stead farm in New Hampshire until he came to the west in 1852
when twenty-one years of age. The remainder of his life was passed
in Des Moines county and he always followed the occupation of
farming, owning an excellent tract of land of three hundred acres
three miles northeast of Northfield in Yellow Springs township. He
bent his energies to the development and improvement of the place
and converted his land into productive fields, from which he annu-
ally gathered good harvests. In 1892 he left the farm and retired to
Mediapolis, where his remaining days were passed in the enjoyment
of a well-earned rest. He had been extensively engaged in stock-
raising, making that a special feature of his business, and his farm
in its neat and thrifty appearance indicated his careful supervision
over his business affairs and his practical, progressive methods.
On the 25th of March, 1858, Mr. Walker was united in marriage
to Miss Martha C. Blake, who was born in Franklin county, Ver-
mont, June 28, 1833, a daughter of Charles R. and Lydia (Austin)
Blake, who were natives of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, respec-
tively. They came to Iowa in August, 1849, making the journey
westward by canal, lake and river to Chicago, and thence across the
state of Illinois to Iowa. They established their home in Yellow
Springs township, Des Moines county, and here their remaining
days were passed. The father had three brothers, Francis, Luther
and George Blake, who came to this county in the '30s, all settling
on farms in this locality, so that the family has been prominently
identified with the pioneer development and later progress of the
countv. He also had a brother Calvin, who settled in Illinois. Mrs.
Walker is the younger of two children. Her brother, Worthington
S. Blake, made his home with Mrs. Walker most of the time until
his death, which occurred in 1909. To Mr. and Mrs. Walker were
born three children: Oscar H., now living in Kansas; John G., a
resident of Mediapolis; and Charles R., who is located at Oakville,
Iowa.
336 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
Mr. Walker was a republican in his political views but never
sought nor desired office. He always concentrated his energies upon
his business affairs until he retired from active^ life to spend his re-
maining days in Mediapolis in the enjoyment of well-earned rest.
Here he passed away on the 13th of May, 1897, at the age of sixty-
six years, and his demise was the occasion of deep and widespread
regret to many friends, who had learned to respect and honor him.
Mrs. Walker still makes her home in Mediapolis. She has been
a member of the Methodist Episcopal church for more than forty
years, having become identified with that denomination at North-
field, after which she transferred her membership to the Mediapolis
church when they retired from the farm. She has a clear mind, her
hearing is good, and she is a well-preserved lady of eighty-one years.
She now occupies a nice home which she erected since becoming a
widow. She built this in a central location, that she might be near
the church. Everyone speaks of her in terms of kindly regard, of
friendship and of love. Hers has indeed been a well-spent life,
fraught with many kindly actions and good deeds, and in Mediapolis
and wherever known she is held in the warmest esteem.
REV. B. J. FITZSIMONS.
Rev. B. J. Fitzsimons, pastor of St. Patrick's Catholic church,
of Burlington, was born in Mullagh, County Cavan, Ireland, in
1870. After attending the public schools he entered Cavan College,
from which he was graduated. He is also a graduate of All Hallows
College, of Dublin, of the class of 1893, and having therein pre-
pared for the priesthood he was ordained to holy orders in the same
year. Soon afterward he came to the new world, making his way to
Des Moines, Iowa, where he was appointed assistant of the Church
of the Visitation, with Father Nugent as pastor. For a year he was
connected with that church, and then returned to Ireland, where he
acted as assistant rector of a church for a few years. In 1899 he
again came to Iowa and was made pastor of St. Paul's church at
Baird, where he continued for seven years. He was next transferred
to the pastorate of St. Mary's church at Nichols, Iowa, where he re-
mained for nine years. He came to Burlington on the nth of Jan-
uary, 1914, as pastor of St. Patrick's church. The parish is planning
to erect a new house of worship and a new school building. There
are between two hundred and fifty and three hundred families in the
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 337
congregation, and in .uidition to the cliurch, the parish supports a
parochial school with an attendance of one hundred and Hfty pupils
under the care of six teachers.
A. F. ANDERSEN.
A. F. Andersen is the cashier of the Commercial State Bank, at
Mediapolis, and is well established as one of the progressive and
representative business men of the town. With the exception of the
first ten years of his life, he has always been a resident of Iowa. He
was born in Denmark, in 1878, and in 1888 arrived in Avoca. He
crossed the Atlantic and made the journey from New York to Iowa,
where he joined an uncle. He afterward attended school, and later
had the benefit of instruction in a commercial college at Des Moines,
thus qualifying for the duties and responsibilities of business life.
In 1903 Mr. /\ndersen aided in organizing the Bentley Savings
Bank at Bentley, Iowa, of which he was made cashier, and was prac-
tically the manager of the bank during the early years of its existence.
In 1907 he came to Mediapolis to accept the position of assistant
cashier of the Citizens' State Bank, in which capacity he continued
for two years. He then went to Adams, Nebraska, where he was
cashier of the Farmers' State Bank for more than a year. Upon
the organization of the Commercial State Bank of Mediapolis, he
returned to become cashier in the new institution. He is also presi-
dent of the Sperry Savings Bank, which was organized about the
same time as the Commercial State Bank. The two banks are owned
by the same stockholders, numbering about one hundred and fifty
men, all of whom are farmers and business men living in this imme-
diate vicinity. The combined deposits of the two banks are over
three hundred and thirty thousand dollars. The two institutions
were organized in 191 1 and have enjoyed a profitable existence since
that time. The growth of the business is indicated in the fact that
the deposits have increased more than forty thousand dollars in the
last year. The capital stock of the Commercial State Bank is fifty
thousand dollars, its surplus three thousand dollars and its deposits
two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. The capital stock of the
Sperry Savings Bank is twelve thousand dollars and its deposits
amount to ninety thousand dollars. In addition to his other inter-
ests, Mr. Andersen has a good farm in Yellow Springs township.
338 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
He acted as the first postmaster at Bentley, Iowa, and also engaged
in the mercantile and banking business there.
In 1908 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Andersen and Miss
Laura Rudiger, a native of Pottawattamie county, Iowa, who was
assistant in the bank at one time. To them have been born three
children, Eugene, Paul Arthur and Dorothy Lucille.
In his political views Mr. Andersen is a republican, but has
never sought nor desired political office. He has served, however,
as school treasurer and is interested in all plans and measures for
the upbuilding and benefit of the community in which he makes
his home. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, the Odd
Fellows, the Elks, and the Woodmen, and his religious faith is that
of the Presbyterian church. His life has ever been guided by prin-
ciples that everywhere command respect. There is no esoteric phase
in his entire career. He has worked his way steadily upward by
determined purpose and indefatigable energy, prompted by laudable
ambition, and to those who know him his name has become a syno-
nym for business integrity, as well as progressiveness.
E. F. LA FORCE, M. D.
Dr. E. F. La Force, who since 1904 has been engaged in the
active practice of medicine in Burlington, was born in Agency City,
Iowa, November 5, 1873, his parents being Dr. Daniel Alexander
and Mahala (Dudley) La Force. The father was a graduate of
the Keokuk Medical College and devoted his life to the practice of
his profession. He was a son of William La Force, a native of
Kentucky, who removed to Indiana, in which state the family were
living at the time of the birth of Dr. D. A. La Force. William
La Force, accompanied by his family, came to Iowa in pioneer times,
arriving in the early '40s, after which he carried on both farming
and merchandising. In the early '70s Dr. Daniel A. La Force prac-
ticed medicine for a short time in Burlington. Later he lived for
some time in Agency City, and about 1882 removed to Ottumwa.
Dr. E. F. La Force entered the public schools at the usual age
and continued his studies until graduated from the high school. He
spent two years in study in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, and later entered
the State University at Iowa City, where he won the Bachelor of
Philosophy degree in the class of 1897. Having decided upon the
practice of medicine as a life work, he then entered Rush Medical
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 339
College, of Chicago, and is numbered among its alumni of 1900. He
afterward became interne in the Illinois Charitable Eye and Ear
Infirmary, where he remained for a year, and for two years he prac-
ticed as first assistant to Dr. F. C. Hotz, of Chicago. He likewise
served on the staff of the infirmary and subsequently was clinical
assistant at Rush Medical College for two years. He thus gained
broad experience, gleaning therefrom valuable knowledge which
has been of the utmost worth to him during the period of his practice
in Burlington. Coming to this city in 1904, he has here since re-
mained, and his professional service has established him higli in
public regard. He attends many clinics, and there is a constant de-
mand made upon him for his professional service, such being the
degree of efficiency to which he has attained.
On the 2d of November, 1904, Dr. La Force was married to Miss
Edith Ferguson, of Chicago, a daughter of Frank and Mary
( Frasier) Ferguson. They became the parents of two children, Kath-
erine and Edward Francis, but the former is now deceased.
Dr. La Force votes with the progressive party. His religious
faith is that of the Congregational church, and in fraternal circles he
is well known as a Knight Templar Mason, as a member of the Mvstic
Shrine and as a member of the Elks lodge. He also has member-
ship with the Golf Club, while along strictly professional lines he is
connected with the Des Moines County Medical Society, the Iowa
State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. Con-
tinuous reading and investigation have placed him in a prominent
position among the representatives of the profession in Burlington.
PHILIP E. STRUCK.
Philip E. Struck is the secretary of the John A. Gregg Com-
pany, conducting a hardware jobbing business in Burlington. He is
a young man, alert, wide-awake, energetic and ambitious. He was
born in this city, March 8, 1892, a son of Fred and Bertha (Dettmer)
Struck. The father was a native of Oquawka, Illinois, while his
father was one of the pioneer settlers of that state. Fred Struck is
a woodworker by trade and in his boyhood days became a resident
of Burlington. He afterward went to Fort Madison, Iowa, where
he remained a few years during the period of early manhood, and
in that period he was married. Later he returned to Burlington,
and still continues a resident of this citv, where for thirty years he
340 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
has been connected with the Embalming & Burial Case Company.
He is now well known in business circles of his city and well merits
the high regard in which he is uniformly held. His wife is a native
of Fort Madison and a daughter of one of the pioneer settlers of
this state. To Mr. and Mrs. Struck were born four children: Hen-
riette, at home; Henry J., living in Burlington, who is employed as
a clerk in the office of W. D. Eaton; Bertha B., at home; and Philip
E., of this review.
The last named attended St. John's parochial school and Elliott's
Business College, and then, putting aside his text-books, entered the
employ of the John A. Gregg Company in 1909. It was not long
before he had demonstrated his worth and ability and gradually was
advanced until 191 1, when he became a member of the firm and was
elected its secretary. They do a jobbing hardware business, repre-
senting ten of the leading hardware manufacturers of the country,
and their trade covers a number of counties surrounding Burlington.
Mr. Struck was reared in the faith of the Catholic church and
is a parishioner of St. John's. He also holds membership with the
Knights of Columbus, which organization is composed only of mem-
bers of the Catholic faith. In politics he is a democrat. While a
young man, he has already become well established as an important
factor in business circles here, for he possesses the energy, determina-
tion and ambition which have brought him to the front and which
will secure for him still greater successes.
G. G. HIGBEE.
G. G. Higbee, the president of the Murray Iron Works, of Bur-
lington, was born on the 19th of March, 1878, in the city which is
still his place of residence, a son of George H. Higbee, of whom
extended mention is made elsewhere in this volume. He attended
private schools and was a student at St. Mark's, Southboro, Massa-
chusetts, a preparatory school, before entering Harvard University
as a member of the class of 1901. He there pursued a course in me-
chanical engineering but did not graduate. Returning to Burlington
he has since been identified with the business interests of his native
city, and in 191 1 became the president of the Murray Iron Works,
in which connection he is controlling and directing one of the im-
portant productive enterprises of the city. His is a splendidly
equipped plant, and the output finds a ready sale on the market.
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 341
owing to the excellence of the product and the thoroughly reliable
business methods of the company.
In April, 1904, Mr. Higbee was united in marriage to Miss Mary
Branniger, of Burlington, a daughter of M. W. Branniger, and they
have two children, Mary and Caroline. Mr. Higbee belongs to the
Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, and along recreative lines he
is identified with the Shoquoquon Boat Club, the Golf Club, and the
Tennis Club — asscjciations which indicate the nature of his interests
during the hours of leisure. He has membership also in the Com-
mercial Exchange and he exercises his right of franchise in support
of the men and measures of the republican party. His interests and
activities are broad and varied and do not exclude active participation
in affairs or projects for the public good. On the contrary, he stands
for advancement in all municipal interests, and at the same time he
gives due attention to his business affairs, so that his course has been
attended by continuous advancement in industrial fields.
C. E. BURCHAM.
C. E. Burcham is the general manager of the Cooperative Supply
Company, of Burlington, in which connection he is active in a
business that largely embodies his ideas concerning life, for he be-
longs to that class of men who believe in helping one another and in
a more equal distribution of this world's goods, and he is ever ready
to embody his ideas in practical effort.
Mr. Burcham is a native of Missouri, his birth having occurred
in Wyaconda on the 2d of February, 1879. He remained in his na-
tive town to the age of eighteen years, and there acquired his pre-
liminary education, while later he attended a business college in
Guthrie, Oklahoma. For four years he was a resident of the latter
city and came from there to Burlington, where he entered the em-
ploy of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company, with
which he was connected for thirteen years. On the expiration of that
period he resigned his position to become general manager for the
Cooperative Supply Company, dealers in coal, wood and groceries.
He is now active in controlling this business and has studied every
phase of it. Investments are judiciously made, and sales bring a
fair but not exorbitant profit, and the business has been largely
promoted through the efforts and enterprise of its general manager.
342 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
In 1906 Mr. Burcham was united in marriage to Miss Lillie
Lind, of Burlington, who was educated here. She holds member-
ship in the Baptist church and is connected with its Ladies' Aid
Society- To Mr. and Mrs. Burcham have been born three children:
Carroll, Dorothea, and Wendell, all of whom were born in October.
Carroll, the eldest, is now in school.
Mr. Burcham is a socialist, and fraternally is connected with
the Moose. He is a ball fan, finding his greatest pleasure and recre-
ation in our national game. He never allows outside interests, how-
ever, to interfere with the faithful performance of his duties as gen-
eral manager of the Cooperative Supply Company, and he enjoys
the entire confidence and goodwill of all of the stockholders.
EDWARD C. EICHER.
Edward C. Eicher, holding the responsible position of assistant
attorney for the Iowa district of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy
Railroad Company, has been continuously identified with the bar
of this state since 1906. He was born in Noble, Iowa, December 16,
1878, and is a son of Benjamin and Lydia (Sommer) Eicher. The
father, a native of France, came to the United States in 1851 and
settled in Ohio, where he remained until 1855, when he removed to
Iowa. He was a farmer by occupation and also a minister of the
gospel. He organized the German Mennonite church at Noble,
Iowa, and remained as its pastor for thirty years, doing effective
work in promoting the moral progress and development of that
region. It was in this state that he wedded Lydia Sommer, a daugh-
ter of Joseph Sommer, who was a farmer by occupation and brought
his familv to Iowa in 1853. The death of Mr. Eicher occurred in
1893, while his wife survived until 1905.
Spending his youthful days under the parental roof, Edward C.
Eicher pursued his education in the public schools of Noble, Iowa,
and later attended Washington Academy and afterward the Morgan
Park Academy at Chicago. Still later he entered the University of
Chicago, from which he was graduated with the class of 1904, win-
ning the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy. He then spent two
years as a law student in that institution and afterward read law with
his brother. He was admitted to practice in 1906 and entered into
partnership with his brother, the business connection being main-
tained until 1908. He afterward spent a year in Chicago in the
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 343
legal and business department of the University of Chicago as assist-
ant registrar and in 1909 he located in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, but
remained in practice there for only a month. In November of that
year he came to Burlington as assistant attorney for the Iowa district
of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company and in this
connection still practices. He is a member of the State Bar Asso-
ciation and is widely recognized as an able lawyer, having the sin-
cere regard" of his brethren at the bar because of his close conformity
to a high standard of professional ethics.
Mr. Eicher was married in Washington, Iowa, on the 19th of
August, 1908, to Miss Hazel Mount, of that place, a daughter of
W. R. and Martha (Wilson) Mount, the former a traveling sales-
man. Mr. Eicher holds membership with the Alpha Delta Phi and
with the Phi Delta Phi, two college fraternities. He gives his
political indorsement to the democratic party and both he and his
wife hold membership in the Congregational church. They have
gained manv friends in that organization and through other connec-
tions and warm regard is entertained for them by those who know
them. In a profession which demands keen mentality and close
application Mr. Eicher has steadily advanced, winning for himself
a well earned reputation among the leading lawyers of Burlington.
NICHOLAS LAU.
Nicholas Lau is the senior partner in the firm of Lau & Son,
proprietors of one of the leading meat markets of Burlington. He is
a native of Germany, his birth having occurred at Jtzehoe, Holstein,
on the 20th of March, 1847. The period of his boyhood and youth
was passed in the fatherland and he came to the United States in"
1866. After reaching the shores of the new world he made his way-
across the country to Chicago, where he remained for about a year
and on the expiration of that period he removed to Burlington,
where he has since resided. He brought with him but little capital
to the new world but he possessed the substantial qualities of ambi-
tion, energy and determination and these have brought him to his
present place among the substantial business men of the city. The
meat market of which he is now the senior proprietor w'as founded
in 1872 by three partners under the firm name of Steinbrecher,- Dehn
& Lau. This relation was continued for about twenty-six years or
until 1898, when Mr. Steinbrecher died and Mr. Lau then bought
344 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
out the interest of his remaining partner. In 1900 he admitted his
son, Louis Lau, to a partnership under the present firm style of Lau
& Son, and they now have one of the largest retail markets in the
city. It is supplied with all modern fixtures, with splendid refriger-
ators and other equipments and the most sanitary and healthful con-
ditions prevail. Their trade has steadily grown, the business having
now reached gratifying proportions.
In 1 871 Mr. Lau was united in marriage to Miss Caroline
Wolff, of Burlington, and to them have been born three children.
Henry, who was born in 1874, is now in the employ of the Chicago,
Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company. Clara, thirty-eight years
of age, is the wife of C. G. Bosh, of Burlington. Louis, thirty-six
years of age, is the youngest and is the junior member of the firm.
He was reared in this city, attended the public schools and on the
19th «f April, 1903, he was united in marriage to Miss Katharine
MacPartland, of Burlington, who was also educated in the schools
of this city. They have two children: John, now in school; and
Mary, two and a half years of age.
Nicholas Lau is a member of the Carthage Lake Fishing Club
and both father and son are democrats in their political views, giving
unfaltering support to the principles and candidates of the party yet
not seeking nor desiring public office. They concentrate their efforts
largely upon their business affairs and their combined energy and
careful management have brought to them gratifying success as the
years have passed by.
F. J. RILING.
F. J. Riling, well known in Burlington as a resourceful business
man, was born in Leavenworth, Kansas, November 15, 1867, a son
of John J. and Catherine (Murphy) Riling. The father was a well
known farmer and stock-raiser and conducted a successful business
in the Sunflower state.
Mr. Riling supplemented a public-school education by study
in St. Benedict's College at Atchison, Kansas, from which he was
graduated with the class of 1884. He was reared to the occupation
of farming with the usual experiences that fall to the farm lad. He
continued to carry on general agricultural pursuits until twenty-
three years of age and then turned his attention to life insurance,
acting as agent in Davenport, Iowa, and afterward at Muscatine.
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 345
In 1893 ^^ ^"^'^s called to public office througii appointment to the
position of chief deputy revenue collector for the southern district
of Iowa, in which capacity he served for about five years. He is
treasurer and manager of the Burlington Construction Company, a
very successful and general contracting company, one of the trustees
of the Rand estate and associated with other Burlington business
enterprises.
On the 3d of October, 1904, Mr. Riling was united in marriage
to Miss Alice J. Bauch, of Milton, Iowa, and they have one daughter,
Frances. Mr. Riling holds membership with the Elks and Knights
of Columbus and is a communicant of St. Paul's Catholic church.
His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and he is a
member of the Commercial Exchange, interested in the plans and
projects for the upbuilding of the city and cooperating in those
measures and movements which are a matter of civic virtue and civic
pride.
J. P. SWYGARD.
J. P. Swygard is proprietor of a general store at Mediapolis and
has developed a business of gratifying proportions. He keeps an
attractive line of goods and his earnest desire to please his patrons
has been one of the factors inhis growing success. He was born in
Northfield, Louisa county, Iowa, May 13, 1862, a son of Frederick
W. and Ellen (Jugenheimer) Swygard, natives of Germany, the
former born at Schwap, August 11, 1833, and the latter at Hesse-
Darmstadt, November 17, 1833. The father was but three years of
age when his parents crossed the Atlantic to America and settled at
Fredericksburg, Maryland, whence they afterward removed to Bur-
lington. Iowa. His wife crossed the ocean when in young woman-
hood, tlie voyage consuming seventy- two days. She made her way
direct to Burlington and in that city they were married in 1859.
While in that city the father followed the tinner's trade and after
their marriage they located upon a farm in Louisa county. When
their son, J. P. Swygard, was but three months old the father enlisted
for service in the Civil war, joining Company C of the Thirtieth
Iowa infantry, with which he served for three years, being advanced
to the rank of sergeant. He took part in all of the engagements in
which his companv participated and at the close of the war resumed
farm work, devoting his energies to the further development and
346 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
improvement of his home place until his later years, when, having
acquired a handsome competence as the reward of his former toil,
he retired to Mediapolis, where his remaining days were passed in
the enjoyment of a well earned rest. He died July 21, 191 2, while
his wife passed away in January, 191 1.
In politics Frederick W. Swygard was a stalwart republican,
giving unfaltering support to the men and measures of the party,
and his religious faith was evidenced by his membership in the
Methodist Episcopal church, to which his wife also belonged. They
were the parents of seven children: W. H., who is now living in
Mediapolis; J. P., of this review; Matilda, the wife of Henry Todd,
of Wheatland, Oklahoma; C. F., who is living on the old homestead
farm in Louisa county; J. E., a resident of Colfax, Washington;
Mary E., the wife of Frank Nelson, of Mediapolis; and Deborah,
who married John Loper.
J. P. Swygard was reared upon the old homestead farm in Louisa
county until he attained his majority and attended the district schools
in the acquirement of his education. On reaching man's estate he
removed to Mediapolis and began learning the harness-making
trade, which he followed for two years. At the end of that time he
secured a clerkship in the general store of Parrott & Fulmer, with
whom he remained for a decade. He then became a partner in the
firm of J. D. Clement & Company, with which he was connected
for three years, and at the end of that time bought out his partners'
interests and organized the firm of J. P. & J. E. Swygard. After
two years a reorganization was effected under the name of Swygard
Brothers & Walker. Eventually all sold out and J. P. Swygard
then embarked in business alone as a general merchant, occupying a
store in the Commercial State Bank building, known as the Brown
& McClure building. His store is one hundred and ten by one hun-
dred and forty feet. It is a department store and he employs three
clerks. He is also proprietor of a store in Garland, where he em-
ploys a man to conduct it. He is a stockholder in the Commercial
State Bank of Mediapolis and is a progressive and energetic busi
ness man who readily recognizes and utilizes opportunities, and thus
is steadilv advancing toward the goal of success.
In January, 1888, Mr. Swygard was united in marriage to Miss
Lillian Cassing, who was born in Ohio in 1868, and in her childhood
came to Iowa with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John F. Cassing. Mr.
and Mrs. Swygard have become the parents of four children: Jessie
Elma, who was graduated from the Iowa State University with the
class of 191 1, and is now a teacher of Latin in Centerville, Iowa;
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 347
Stanley F., who died at the age of five years; Chalmer F., who died
at the age of two years; and Pauline Elizabeth, who was born in No-
vember, 1909.
Mr. Swygard is identified with the Masonic fraternity, tlie Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows and the Fraternal Aid, and his re-
ligious faith is evidenced by his membership in the Methodist Epis-
copal church. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the
men and measures of the republican party, and keeps well informed
on the questions and issues of the day, being ever ready to support
his position by intelligent argument. His attention, however, is
largely concentrated upon his business affairs, and it has been by
reason of his close application and unremitting energy that he has
gained a place among the representative merchants of Mediapolis.
E. C. GOULD.
E. C. Gould is the president of the Gardner & Gould Company,
manufacturers of candies and jobbers of confectioners' supplies. The
business which has been built up in this connection is now an exten-
sive one, and, constituting one of the important commercial interests
of Burlington, is the tangible evidence of the enterprise and ability
of the president of the company and his fellow-officers. A native of
Ohio, Mr. Gould was born in Geauga county on the 28th of June,
1859, a son of Samuel and Julia (Fitch) Gould. The mother died
in the '60s and the father afterward removed to Montgomery county,
Iowa, in 1867, there turning his attention to farming, which he fol-
lowed for a number of years. Later he retired and spent his last
days in Adams county, Iowa, where he passed away at the age of
seventy-seven years.
His son, E. C. Gould, was a young lad at the time of the arrival
in Iowa, and his youthful days were spent in the usual manner of
boys who are reared upon farms, his time being divided between the
duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the
work of the fields. He continued to engage actively in farm work
until he reached the age of twenty-two years, when, thinking to find
other pursuits more congenial, he secured a situation in a retail store
at Lewis, Iowa. Subsequently he removed to Grant City, Missouri,
where he conducted a store, and later he entered the Summer-Rich-
ardson factory at St. Joseph, Missouri, in which he received his
initial training in connection with the candy trade. He afterward
348 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
went upon the road for Riley Brothers of that city, whom he repre-
sented as a traveling salesman for five years. Subsequently he trav-
eled out of Des Moines, and in 1893 he came to Burlington, where
he entered the employ of J. W. Smither, a confectioner, baker and
cracker manufacturer. He afterward went upon the road for the
National Biscuit Company, which he represented until 1900. He
has been continuously connected with the candy trade since 1884 ^^
a traveling salesman and otherwise, and on the ist of June, 1900,
he became one of the organizers of the Gardner & Gould Company
for the manufacture of candy and jobbing in confectioners' supplies.
Their business has now assumed extensive proportions, giving em-
ployment to seventy people, and as president of the company Mr.
Gould is active in controlling one of the leading productive indus-
tries of the city.
In 1882 Mr. Gould was united in marriage to Miss Josie Bin-
ford, of Grant City, Missouri, who died two years later, in 1884. In
1887 he was again married, his second union be.ing with Lou F.
Fiddler, of Sigourney, Iowa. Mr. Gould is an exemplary repre-
sentative of the Masonic fraternity. He has attained the Knights
Templar degree of the York Rite and has crossed the sands of the
desert with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs to
the Elks lodge and his life is further actuated by his belief as a
member of the Congregational church. Politically he is a repub-
lican. He keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day
and is ever ready to support his position by intelligent argument,
but he has never sought nor desired the honors and emoluments of
office. He stands, however, for progress and improvement in public
afifairs, and for three years he was the efficient president of the Com-
mercial Exchange of Burlington. He has a business record that
any man might be proud to possess, for he never makes an engage-
ment that he does not keep, nor incur anv obligation that he does not
meet. He has constantly advanced, and each forward step has
brought him a broader outlook and wider opportunities.
JOHN P. ZURAWSKI.
One of the active business men of Des Moines county is John
P. Zurawski, president of the Burlington Paper Company, in which
connection he is the controlling factor in one of the most important
commercial enterprises of Burlington. His life record indicates
what may be accomplished when energy, determination and ambi-
JOHX P. ZURAWSKI
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 351
tioii point out the way. A native of Germany, he was born on the
i6th of September, 1859, and after spending the first eighteen years
of liis life in his native land, iiis time being largely devoted to the
acquirement of an education, he crossed the Atlantic to the new
world, settling at Belle Plaine, Iowa.
Mr. Zurawski was practically without funds and his finan-
cial condition rendered it imperative that he obtain immediate
employment. During the early period of his residence in this
state lie worked as a farm hand, but he was ambitious to engage
in business on his own account and to that end carefully saved
his earnings until he was able to engage in the lumber trade
at Remsen, Iowa. There he conducted business for four years,
at the end of which time he was appointed to the position of deputy
countv treasurer of Plymouth county, in which capacity he continued
tor two years. He still practiced the closest economy, as well as
industry, and thus he acquired a capital that enabled him to embark
in the banking business. He organized the German State Bank at
Le Mars, Iowa, and was active in its control and management until
1900.
Mr. Zurawski then severed his connection there and removed to
Burlington, since which time he has been with the Burlington Paper
Company, which was incorporated in the fall of 1909. This was the
successor of the Hyde Paper Company, which had taken over the
business of the firm of Hyde & Starker, which was established about
1896. When the Burlington Paper Company was organized
in 1902, John Blaul and his sons were largely interested therein.
In 1900 Mr. Zurawski purchased an interest in the business
and was manager thereof until 1909, when the companv was reor-
ganized and the following officers elected: John P. Zurawski, presi-
dent; Oscar Riepe, vice president; C'. E. Weiss, secretary; and E. C.
Jordan, treasurer. In connection with these officers Charles H. Krue-
ger ctmstitutes the board of directors. The company conducts a
wholesale business in the sale and importation of toys, dolls and Jap-
anese and Chinese goods. They handle wrapping paper, wax and
parchment papers and stationery of all kinds. Their stock also in-
cludes notions of all kinds and they employ nine traveling sales-
men, who represent the house throughout the middle west. Their
business now covers an extensive territory and is growing year by
vear, the result of their enterprising methods, thorough understand-
ing of the trade, their reliability and persistency.
In 1884 Mr. Zurawski was married to Miss Louisa Sallach, who
was born in West Prussia, and they now have five children. Helen
roi. 11—19
352 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
Marie is head nurse of the Johns Hopkins Hospital at Baltimore,
Maryland. Arnold E. is a student in dentistry in the Northwestern
University at Chicago. Elizabeth W., a B. A. graduate of the
Northwestern University, is now a high-school teacher in Minnesota.
Florence L. is a sophomore in the Northwestern University. Arthur
is a high-school student in Burlington.
Mr. Zurawski is a member of the German Evangelical church,
the Elks, the Knights of Pythias and the Legion of Honor. He like-
wise belongs to the Orchard City Fishing and Hunting Club, and in
his leisure hours his many acquaintances find him a most congenial,
social gentleman, actively interested in many things which contribute
to life's pleasures. He is a trustee of the Burlington public library
and in his political views is a progressive. He stands for advance-
ment in pubic afifairs just as he does in business life, and his efforts
have been an element in general improvement in Burlington, for
many tangible evidences of his public spirit may be cited. Gradu-
ally he has worked his way upward, carving out for himself oppor-
tunities where none existed and making wise use of his time and
talents until he stands today among the most resourceful, forceful and
prosperous business men of the city.
E. T. GARDNER.
Business enterprise finds a worthy exponent in E. T. Gardner,
who is the vice president and treasurer of the Gardner & Gould Com-
pany. Moreover, his business career is characteristic of the spirit of
enterprise which has dominated the west in its rapid upbuilding. He
was born in Burlington, January 5, 1861, and is a son of E. T. and
Louisa (Webster) Gardner, the former a native of Massachusetts and
the latter of Zanesville, Ohio. They were married in the Buckeye
state and came to Iowa in the same year as David Grimes, arriving
in the early '40s. The trip was made overland by buggy, for no rail-
roads had been extended into this section at that time. The father
was a cabinetmaker by trade and in connection with his business
affairs purchased the first furniture that was installed in the Congre-
gational church. He it was who made the first bureau and the first
sofa ever made in Iowa, these articles of furniture being sold to Mr.
Coolbaugh, but at the present time they are in possession of E. T.
Gardner and are prized heirlooms of his father's work.
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 353
To Mr. and Mrs. E. T. Gardner, Sr., there were born seven chil-
dren, of whom the subject of this review is the youngest. The public
schools of Burlington afforded him his early educational privileges
and later he attended Gordon's private school. Starting out on his
own account, he secured a position with R. G. Dunn & Company and
subsequently he was employed by a firm engaged in the grain trade.
He afterward worked for Delahay & Purdy and later entered the em-
ploy of J. W. Smither, a confectionery manufacturer, with whom he
learned the trade. He became interested in the business, believed
that there was a future along that line in Burlington and on the ist
of June, 1900, joined with E. C. Gould in organizing the Gardner &
Gould Company. The business, however, was conducted as a part-
nership concern until 1907, when it was incorporated under the pres-
ent style with E. C. Gould as president, E. T. Gardner as vice
president and treasurer, and L. M. Pollock as secretary. They manu-
facture candies and do a jobbing trade in confectioners' supplies.
Their business is located at the corner of Third & Elm streets, where
they have a well appointed factory. They started out at No. 217
Washington street, but removed to their present location in March,
1904. They now employ nine traveling salesmen, while seventy
people are employed in the factory. They manufacture high grade
candies, specializing in chocolates, and their business is now^ an ex-
tensive one. They occupy a building sixty by one hundred and seven-
teen feet, four stories in height, utilize sixty-five horse power in
operating machinery and they own an electric light plant and have a
complete refrigerating system. The utmost attention is paid to clean-
liness and sanitary conditions and the excellence of their product has
developed a trade of gratifying and extensive proportions. Mr.
Gardner and Mr. Gould still remain at the head of the business,
directing its interests and broadening its trade connections.
On the 5th of December, 1884, Mr. Gardner was united in mar-
riage to Miss Stella M. Smither, a daughter of James W. and
Imogene (Webster) Smither, who came to Burlington in April,
1879, after which the father bought out the business of Phillip Hoerr,
a candy manufacturer. Both he and his wife are now deceased. Mr.
and Mrs. Gardner have two children. Jack and Kathleen, aged re-
spectively eighteen and twelve years, and both are now in school.
Mr. Gardner is a republican in his political views, but the honors
and emoluments of office have had no attraction for him, as he has
always preferred to devote his attention to his business affairs. He is
a member of the Golf Club and he and his family are members of the
Episcopal church. His salient characteristics are such as everywhere
354 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
command confidence, regard and goodwill, and his business career is
an example which might well be followed by those who desire to
attain success through diligence, determination and close application.
JAMES T. WOOTTEN.
Through an extended period James T. Wootten has been a resi-
dent of Des Moines county, and now makes his home at No. 1525
Haskell street, in Burlington. He has long been numbered among
the well known and highly respected residents of this part of the
state. JTis many good qualities commanding for him the confidence
and high regard of all who know him. He was born in La Grange,
Tennessee, September 23, 1842, a son of John and Mary (Bridges)
Wootten. The father was born in Tennessee in 1795 and was a car-
penter by trade. On leaving his native state, he removed to Bur-
lington immediately following the close of the Civil war. In the
south he followed carpentering and also engaged in making coflins.
He retired many years before leaving the south, so was never con-
nected with business afifairs in Burlington. His early political alle-
giance was given to the whig party, and afterward he joined the
ranks of the new republican party. He was a man of many sub-
stantial qualities, honest and reliable, and when he passed away in
1869 there were many friends who deeply regretted his demise. His
remains were interred in the Aspen Grove cemetery. His wife, who
bore the maiden name of Mary Bridges, was born in South Carolina,
and died in 1881. They had a family of twelve children, of whom
three are yet living: James T. ; Robert, a resident of the state of
Washington; and Frances, the wife of W. H. Warden, of Burling-
ton, Iowa.
James T. Wootten was educated in the south, and afterward
learned the carpenter's trade with his father, with whom he re-
mained until the outbreak of the Civil war. He was never sworn
into service but was with an engineering corps and worked for the
Southern army as a bridge builder from 1862 until the close of the
war. Upon the close of the war he came north and chose Burlington
as his place of residence. After coming to this city he was employed
by Hiram Roberts, a carpenter-contractor, and by other old-time
contractors and builders of that early period. He worked at his
trade for a number of years as a journeyman and afterward was em-
ployed for several years by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Rail-
HISTORY OF DKS MOINES COUNTY 355
road Company as a builder. For twenty-three years he was in the
employ of the Murray Iron Works and thus was closely associated
with industrial activity in Burlington and Des Moines county. About
1 871 he removed to his present place of residence, having thirty-one
acres of land, and there he carried on farming in addition to car-
pentering. Since 1892 he has remained continuously at No. 1525
Haskell street, and is now living retired.
In October, 1870, Mr. Wootten was united in marriage to Miss
Josephine Worrell, who was born in Burlington, Iowa, in 185 1, a
daughter of B. Q. and Catherine (Leebrick) Worrell. Her father
was born October 17, 1816, and in 1850 came to Burlington, where
he worked as a contractor and house builder, while in later life he
was in the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad
Company. He voted with the republican party and was a very
quiet and unostentatious man, but possessed many sterling traits of
character, so that his honesty and genuine worth gained for him the
respect and friendship of those with whom he came in contact. He
was ever industrious and retained physical powers that enabled him
to work until a short time prior to his death. He passed awav in
January, 1905, and was laid to rest in Aspen Grove cemetery. His
wife, who bore the maiden name of Catherine Leebrick, was born
near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in 181 1 and died in 1877. She came
to Burlington with her brother, Samuel Leebrick, in the winter of
1833, thus becoming one of the pioneers of this citv at a period when
Indians roamed the streets. Mr. and Mrs. Worrell had but one child,
Mrs. Wootten. The mother had been previously married, however,
her first husband being Enoch Wade, by whom she had three daugh-
ters, one of whom is now living, Mrs. Carrie Deal, of California.
Mrs. Worrell died in 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Worrell wxre both mem-
bers of the Methodist church and their sterling worth was greatly
appreciated by their many friends.
To Mr. and Mrs. Wootten have been born eight children, all
natives of Des Moines county, and the family circle yet remains un-
broken by the hand of death. Katherine M., the eldest, born in May,
1873, '^ ""^^' fhe wife of Marion Webster, of Peoria, Illinois. Ben-
jamin Worrell, born in November, 1875, is a molder by trade and
resides in Brooklyn, New York. Josephine G., born in September,
1877, is a graduate of the Burlington high school and Normal Train-
ing school. She has taught in the John M. Corse school, better known
as the West Hill school, and is popular in educational circles, while
throughout the community she has manv friends. James T., born in
March, 1880, is a carpenter of California. He married Miss Lottie
356 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
Beck and they have three children, Norma, Phyllis and Gertrude.
Merrill Leebrick, born in April, 1884, is mentioned elsewhere in this
volume. Frank D., born in October, 1887, now resides in Omaha,
Nebraska, where he is buyer for the Charles Morton hardware store.
Mr. Morton is an old Burlington man, being the son of James
Morton, of the firm of Nelson & Morton. The business is con-
ducted at Omaha under the name of the James Morton & Son Com-
pany. Frank D. Wootten married Miss Jessie Brown and has one
son, Frank Jr., aged three years. Glenn H., born in June, 1893, is
at home with his parents. Paul, born in August, 1896, is assisting in
the development and improvement of the home place.
Mr. Wootten built his present residence in 1870, or in that year
erected a cottage, which he has since converted into a two story resi-
dence, making it a comfortable and commodious home. While it was
tarm property at the time of his purchase it is now within the city
limits. In fraternal relations Mr. Wootten is well known as an Odd
Fellow, belonging to Washington Lodge. He is a fine looking man,
well preserved, and is highly regarded by his friends and neighbors,
who speak of him as one of the best citizens of Burlington. For a
half century he has here resided and is widely known. He has led a
lite of industry and uprightness and his salient characteristics have
ever commended him to the confidence, goodwill and high regard of
those with whom he has been brought in contact, his career being that
of an earnest and sincere gentleman.
C. P. SQUIRES.
The business life of Burlington received a lasting impetus from
the activities of C. P. Squires, who for many years was at the head of
important interests in this city. He was not only well known in com-
mercial circles but was connected with the railroad development of
this section of the state. Mr. Squires was born in Bennington, Ver-
mont, March 29, 1827, and passed away in Burlington, April 18,
1903, in his seventy-seventh year. He came to the latter city in 1857,
there engaging in the drug business as a member of the drug firm of
Squires & Bloss. It was due to his sound business policy and high
business principles that the concern became the leading one in the city
and throughout various changes Mr. Squires continued as the head
and soul of the business until 1890, when it was merged with the
Churchill Drug Company and Mr. Squires retired from active
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 357
affairs, altliough he retained a financial interest in this company. His
store was always "the" drug store of Burlington and a number of suc-
cessful business men of that city graduated from this establishment
into the business world and served their apprenticeship under the
direction of our subject.
Mr. Squires had many other interests and was associated with a
number of projects that greatly affected the growth of the city. He
was a director of the old Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Rail-
road and became a director of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific
when the former was absorbed by the latter. He was also for many
years a director of the old narrow gauge line and did efficient work
in making the operation of this road a success. He was connected
with this system until it became a part of the Chicago, Burlington &
Quincy Railroad. From 1895 ^^^- Squires was a director of the
German-American Savings Bank and in 1901 was elected vice presi-
dent of that institution. He proved a man of more than ordinary
ability in all his business transactions and success came to him on
account of his superior qualities of character and intellect.
In i860 Mr. Squires was united in marriage to Mrs. Frances
Dana, who died July 3, 1884. On April 12, 1888, he married Anna
Battell Hedge, of Burlington, a daughter of Thomas and Eliza Burr
(Eldridge) Hedge. In his long and distinguished career Mr.
Squires gave a true example of American citizenship. He was a man
of rare business acumen who exerted himself not only for his indi-
vidual success but readily rendered service in the interest of the com-
munity. He was a man of fine character and had a host of friends,
who esteemed him more for himself than for his achievements. Mr.
Squires was a devoted and consistent member of Christ Episcopal
church, which organization he morally and materially supported.
His memory is venerated as that of a pioneer who did much for the
development of his city and as that of a man who combined business
abilitv with kindness of heart.
AUGUST H. JOHNSON.
August H. Johnson, engaged in the manufacture of tile in Medi-
apolis, in which connection he conducts one of the important produc-
tive industries of the city, was born in Sweden, December 9, 1847, a
son of John and Helena (Olson) Johnson, who spent their entire lives
upon a farm in Sweden. The father died when their son August was
358 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
but seven years of age, after which the mother continued to conduct
the farm with the aid of her elder sons. In the family were four boys
and four girls. Three of the number came to the United States:
Charles; August H.; and Matilda, the wife of Erland Norman, of
Mediapolis.
It was in 1868 that August H. Johnson crossed the Atlantic. He
arrived in Burlington on the ist of September of that year and has
since resided in this county, covering a period of almost a half cen-
tury. He had learned the stonemason's trade in his native land and
he followed that pursuit after his arrival in Iowa, devoting about
twenty years to the business. In 1886 he built his present tile factory
and has since been engaged in the manufacture of tile, conducting one
of the important business interests of his town. He started in a small
way with one kiln but now has three kilns and the output is six hun-
dred thousand tile annually. The plant includes a dry house twenty-
four by seventy feet and three stories in height, which was erected in
191 1. The old part of the dry house has twelve thousand seven hun-
dred and forty-four square feet of floor space. In 1910 Mr. Johnson
admitted his sons to a partnership. They manufacture all sizes of
tile up to twelve inches and sell mostly to the local trade. Their busi-
ness has now reached gratifying proportions and its success is attrib-
utable to the close application, careful management and sound
business judgment of its founder and promoter.
In 1899 Mr. Johnson personally erected a brick residence in
Mediapolis from brick which he had manufactured, so that he is
literally the builder of his own home. He owns twenty-five acres
within the corporation limits of the town. He has erected a number
of dwellings, from which he derives a good rental and he is now en-
gaged in building another brick house. He is also a stockholder in
both banks of Mediapolis and is regarded as a representative business
man.
In Burlington, on the 14th of March, 1873, Mr. Johnson was
united in marriage to Miss Augusta Nelson, who was born in Sweden
in 1 85 1 and was brought to Iowa in 1868 by her parents, Magnus and
Christina Nelson, who settled in Huron township, Des Moines
county, and spent their remaining days upon their farm in that local-
ity. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have become the parents of live children:
Ellen, who is now in Chicago; Amanda, the wife of F. H. Liker, of
Sigourney, Iowa; Esther, at home; and Martin and Emanuel, who
are partners of their father in the tile-manufacturing business.
Mr. Johnson is a republican, voting always for the men and meas-
ures of the party because he believes that its principles contain the
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY :i59
best elements of good government. His religious faith is that of the
Presbyterian church. At dilferent times he has served as a member
of the school board until his connection therewith covers many years
and at the present time he is one of the incumbents in that office. He
came to this county empty-handed, actuated by a desire to utilize and
enjoy broader business opportunities, and by reason of his persistency
of purpose and well formulated plans he has gained a creditable place
in manufacturing circles and in the conduct of his business afifairs
has contributed also to the material upbuilding of the community in
which he lives.
R. F. KARNEY', M. D.
Dr. R. F. Karney, who was vice president of the Des Moines
County Medical Society in 1914, and who is a physician and surgeon
whose position of prominence has been established by the consensus
of public opinion and the regard of his professional brethren, was
born at Brodhead, Wisconsin, August 14, 1882, a son of Marion and
Eva (Davis) Karney. The father is engaged in the insurance busi-
ness and he and his wife reside at Brodhead, Wisconsin.
At the usual age Dr. Karney entered the public schools and
passed through consecutive grades until graduated from the high
school of Brodhead. Wishing to become a member of the medical
profession, he then entered the medical department of the North-
western University at Chicago and was graduated with the class
of 1907. He afterward spent eighteen months as interne in St.
Anthony's Hospital of Chicago, gaining broad experience through
his hospital work. He then located in Galesburg, Illinois, where he
engaged in general practice for a year, and on the ist of January,
191 1, he came to Burlington. Here he has since engaged in general
practice and is also the examining physician for the Chicago, Bur-
lington & Quincy Railroad. Although one of the younger representa-
tives of the profession, he is well established and it is well known that
he keeps in touch with the most advanced thought and methods of
the day and, moreover, his naturallv keen perception and logical mind
enable him to carefully analyze his cases so that he is seldom if ever
at fault in diagnosis. He is a member of the Burlington Medical
Society, was vice president of the Des Moines County Medical
Society in 1914 and is a member of the Iowa State Medical Associa-
tion and the American Medical Association.
360 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
On the 7th of September, 1910, Dr. Karney was united in mar-
riage to Miss Mildred Kurtz, of Brodhead, Wisconsin, and they have
gained many friends during the period of their residence in Bur-
lington. Dr. Karney holds membership with the Masons and the
Elks and in his political views is a republican, but the honors and
emoluments of office have no attraction for him, as he prefers to con-
centrate his energies upon his professional duties. He is making
steady advance in his practice and at all times is actuated in his work
by a sense of conscientious obligation.
ROLLIN J. COWLES.
Advancing step by step in the employ of the Chittenden & East-
man Company, furniture manufacturers and jobbers of Burlington,
Rollin J. Cowles is now one of the stockholders and directors in the
business and is thoroughly acquainted with every phase of the trade.
He was born in Cordova, Illinois, in i860, a son of James M. and
Louisa (Fuller) Cowles, who in the year 1865 brought their family
to Burlington. During the early period of his residence here the
father was connected with the flour mill owned by the firm of Putnam
& Olmstead and later he established the first steam laundry in Bur-
lington on Front street. At a still later period he was connected with
the grain trade in the city and so continued until his death.
In the public schools of Burlington Rollin J. Cowles pursued his
studies and thus qualified for the duties of a business career. On
starting out he learned the carriage painter's trade, which he followed
for two years, and at the end of that time he entered the employ of
the firm of Pollock, Granger & Chittenden on the ist of May, 1881.
He has been with that firm and its successors continuously since, or
for a third of a century, and has filled various positions in connec-
tion with the business. For nineteen years he traveled as a representa-
tive of the house, covering northern Iowa and South Dakota, and for
the past thirteen years he has been in the office in Burlington. He
has acted as buyer and also had charge of the sales department, but
during the past few years he has been credit manager, also actin 1; as
buyer He is now one of the stockholders and directors of this com-
pany, which is an important manufacturing concern of the city, con-
tributing in large measure to the business development of Burlington,
and the largest of its kind in the United States.
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 361
On the 27th of December, 1889, Mr. Cowles was united in mar-
riage to Miss Emma M. King, who was a teacher in the public
schools of this city and a daughter of William King, one of the early
settlers of Burlington. They became the parents of two children,
Velma and Rollin. The latter is a well known athlete, having gained
a wide reputation as such.
Mrs. Cowles and her daughter are members of the Presbyterian
church and in politics Mr. Cowles is an independent republican. His
social nature finds expression in various membership relations, as he
belongs to the Elks, the Golf Club, the Launch Club and the Car-
thage Lake Club. While upon the road he early learned the value
of good nature, of kindliness and courtesy and, never lacking in these
qualities, they have made for his present popularity. He, moreover,
gained many warm friends wherever he went and high regard is
entertained for him wherever he is known.
A. J. COCKRELL.
A. J. Cockrell, commissioner of public improvements, also secre-
tary and treasurer of the Cooperative Supply Company, was born in
Burlington on the 7th of May, 1874. His father, James Cockrell, was
a native of England, born in 1845, and when a young man he crossed
the Atlantic to the new world, settling first in Canada, where he en-
gaged in the lumber business. In 1871 he arrived in Burlington,
where he continued to make his home until his death, which occurred
March 11, 188:;. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary Belles
and was born in England, October 20, 1846, while her death occurred
April 13, 1912. Two sisters of A. J. Cockrell are yet living: Mrs.
Edgar Honnam, of Burlington; and Mrs. Fred C. Smallcombe, of
Los Angeles, California.
Mr. Cockrell of this review acquired his education in the public
schools but his opportunities were somewhat limited owing to the
fact that he found it necessary to earn his living when but ten years
of age. He first worked in a grocery store and remained in that busi-
ness until 1902. He was industrious, energetic and faithful and thus
he "as advanced from time to time, his earnings increasing pro-
portionately. Carefully saving his money, he was at length e abled
to embark in the transfer business, in which he is still engaged. He
has always used his opportunities to good advantage and has con-
stantly been alert for chances to broaden the scope of his labors.
362 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
He joined with his brothers in organizing the Cooperative Supply
Company, of which he became the secretary and treasurer, and in
this connection he still continues. He was elected commissioner of
public improvements in April, 19 14, and in that position has charge
of all street improvements, sewers, etc. In the discharge of his duties
he is displaying a practical knowledge of the work under his direc-
tion together with a zealous devotion to the public good.
Mr. Cockrell was united in marriage to Miss Katie Ortell, of
Dubuque, Iowa, who acquired a thorough education in the schools
of her home city. Mr. Cockrell holds membership with the Eagles
and the Moose. His political views are in accord with the princi-
ples of the socialist party and his religious faith is that of the Epis-
copal church. He may truly be called a self-made man and he
deserves all the praise which that term implies for, starting out in
life for himself at the age of ten years, he has worked his way stead-
ily upward, wisely utilizing his time and talents and carving out
for himself opportunities where none previously existed. His record
is a most creditable one and he commands the confidence, respect and
goodwill of all with whom he is associated.
SIMEON RUSSELL.
Among the early and successful citizens of Des Moines county
may be mentioned Simeon Russell, who was an able and competent
contractor in Burlington for over forty years, having erected many of
the finest buildings in the city. Mr. Russell was born in Newcastle
county, near Wilmington, Delaware, January 25, 1825, being the
seventh and youngest son of Christopher and Jane (Bowman) Rus-
sell. Christopher Russell was born in Pickering, Yorkshire, Eng-
land, July 10, 1786. He came to Delaware in early pioneer times and
spent the greater part of his life on a farm and passed away on the
1 2th of April, 1847. Jane (Bowman) Russell was born in Pickering,
Yorkshire, England, in 1797, and died in Wilmington, Delaware,
March 14, 1827. Of the seven sons born to Mr. and Mrs. Russell, all
have passed awav.
Simeon Russell remained on his father's farm until sixteen years
of age, when he went to Maysville, Mason county, Kentucky, to reside
with his brother, Christopher Russell, with whom he spent four years
in learning the brick mason's trade. During the following four years
he worked at his trade in Delaware and then returned to Maysville,
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 363
Kentucky, and Cincinnati, Ohio, where he remained for two years.
In 1851, thinking there was a good opening for young men in the west,
Mr. Russell decided to come to Iowa and chose the city of Burling-
ton as the scene of his future home. The erection of the North Hill
school was in progress at this time and Mr. Russell at once secured
employment on this building. His ability as an expert mason was at
once discovered and his wages increased accordingly. In the spring
of 1852, Mr. Russell began contracting for himself and erected many
of the finest buildings of the city, among which may be mentioned:
South Hill school, 1852; Cumberland Presbyterian church, 1855;
St. Paul's church, 1856; South Boundary school, 1861 ; Germania
school, 1866; Hibernia school, 1875; Prospect Hill school, 1879. In
1 89 1, he superintended the erection of the Saunderson and the present
Sunnyside schools. In 1885, Mr. Russell had associated with him in
business Mr. Frank Orm, now deceased, and during this time they
built the German American Savings Bank block. The first brick
paving laid in Burlington was that done by Mr. Russell in alley No.
4, between Arch and High streets, and it is still one of the best pieces
of paving in the city. His motto all through life was: "What is
worth doing at all is worth doing well." Many of the prominent and
well-to-do citizens were proud to say they received their early train-
ing under Mr. Russell or worked for him later in life.
On the igth of September, 1854, Mr. Russell and Miss Elizabeth
Whitaker were united in marriage at the home of her parents on the
borders of Canaan township, Henry county, Iowa. Mrs. Russell was
born in Leeds, Yorkshire, England, November 23, 1832, and was a
daughter of George and Jane (Wood) Whitaker. Mr. Whitaker
was born November 20, 1808; fane (Wood) Whitaker, July 3 r, 1808;
both in Leeds, Yorkshire, England. They came to America in 1849
and to the city of Burlington on the 3d of March, 1850. They resided
on a farm in Henry county, Iowa, for several years and then took up
their abode in Franklin township, Des Moines county, where they
were successful farmers until 1868, when they removed to the city of
Burlington to spend the remainder of their lives. Mr. Whitaker
passed away March 26, 1887, while the death of his wife occurred
four weeks later, April 23, 1887. Their remains were interred in the
Aspen Grove cemetery. To Mr. and Mrs. Russell were born seven
children: Angela W., who died on her first birthday; George S. ;
Emma J.; William C; Clara E.; S. Lillian; and John .Byron who
died at the age of thirteen months. Mrs. Russell was a devoted mem-
ber of the First Baptist church of Burlington for fifty-eight years,
having joined the same in February, 1854.
364 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
Politically Mr. Russell was a democrat and, though never solicit-
ing office, his skill and qualifications won for him the position of city
building commissioner during the years of 1885 and 1886. Mr. Rus-
sell was held in the highest esteem in all the various walks of life. He
was kind and benevolent, held to his convictions and had the happy
faculty of differing from others and yet not antagonizing them. He
was broad and liberal-minded, always progressive and greatly inter-
ested in educational matters. On account of ill health, he was forced
to retire from active business early in life. His pleasant and happy
home was at No. 521 North Seventh street where he and his devoted
wife lived for over fifty years and where his daughters, Emma J.,
Clara E. and S. Lillian Russell, still reside. On the 21st of Novem-
ber, 1906, Mr. Russell entered upon his final rest. Mrs. Russell, who
was a true and typical helpmate and one greatly admired for her
many sterling qualities of heart and hand, departed this life after a
number of years of invalidism on the 23d of July, 191 2. Mr. and
Mrs. Russell are both buried in the beautiful cemetery known as
Aspen Grove.
W. A. BAUM.
W. A. Baum is the efficient manager of the Iowa Biscuit Com-
pany. He is a self-made man who has worked his way upward from
a farmer boy to his present responsible position. Power and ability
grow through the exercise of effort and it has been along that line that
he has reached a place where important interests are now under his
contrpl and where the leading business men of the city j-ecognize him
as an honored colleague. He was born in Waterloo, Iowa, on the 4th
of January, 1863, and is a son of Samuel and Amelia (Van Schoick)
Baum, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Vermont. They
were married, however, in La Porte City, Iowa, where the father
worked at the trades of plasterer and stonemason. In an early day
he removed to Waterloo, where he resided until his death, and was
there closely connected with the industrial activity of the citv.
In his boyhood days W. A. Baum began work upon a farm and
about 1879, when a youth of sixteen years, he entered the employ of
Cleveland, Manson & Wickman, of Waterloo. Later he was em-
ployed by the firm of Schaefer & Dows at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, con-
tinuing with that house for ten years. Still later he was with the
National Biscuit Company until February 25, 1907, representing that
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 365
corporation as superintendent at Des Moines, as manager at Rock
Island, Illinois, as sales agent at Burlington, Iowa, as manager at St.
Louis and as manager at Fort Worth, Texas. Later he became super-
intendent for the Loose-Wiles Biscuit Company at St. Louis and on
the i6th of July, 1908, he accepted the position of manager with the
Iowa Biscuit Company of Burlington, in which connection he yet
remains. This company has a large and well equipped plant and as
manager Mr. Baum directs the operations of manufacturing and the
disposition of the product.
On the 20th of October, 1887, Mr. Baum was united in marriage
to Miss Etta Peppers, of La Porte City, Iowa, and to them have been
born three children. Bertha May, S. Leo and N. Vernon. Mr. Baum
is an advocate of republican principles but has never been an aspirant
for office. He holds membership in the Baptist church and is
affiliated with the Elks and is also a member of the Commercial Ex-
change. His entire life has been spent in Iowa with the exception of
a few years spent in Illinois and Texas, and he has ever been guided
by the spirit of advancement and progress which has characterized
the upbuilding of the state. Those who know him, and he has an ex-
tensive acquaintance by reason of the important position which he
fills, entertain for him high regard and his character stands the test
of long friendship.
LEOPOLD KRIEG.
Leopold Krieg, conducting a plumbing establishment at No. 210
South Third street, was born in Burlington on the 9th of June, 1870,
a son of Leopold and Katherine (Seppie) Krieg, both of whom were
natives of Germany. The father left the fatherland in early life,
came to the United States and was married on this side of the At-
lantic. Miss Katherine Seppie becoming his wife. It was in the '60s
that they became residents of Iowa, settling in Burlington, where
the father engaged in the grocery trade. He later conducted a spice
and coffee business and as the years passed on became recognized as a
foremost figure in commercial circles here. His death occurred Jan-
uary 13, 1894, ^"d h'* widow has now survived for more than twenty
years.
Leopold Krieg is one of the vast number who owe their com-
mercial training to the thorough system of instruction in Elliott's
Business College. He learned the plumber's trade in Omaha,
366 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
Nebraska, and in 1898 returned to Burlington and opened a plumb-
ing shop. In this he was interested for a year and then sold out, but
in 1906 again embarked in business on his own account. and since that
time has won a gratifying and substantial measure of success. In Sep-
tember, 1912, he removed to his present location at No. 210 South
Third street, where he conducts a large business, employing ten men.
He has the contract for plumbing work in many of the best buildings
of the city and his own knowledge of the trade enables him to care-
fully direct the labors of those whom he employs. He keeps in touch
with the most advanced methods in the work and has won a measure
of success that is most gratifying.
In 1899 Mr. Krieg was united in marriage to Miss Augusta
Melcher, of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, and they have two children,
Richard W. and Marie. Mrs. Krieg is a consistent member of the
Presbyterian church. Mr. Krieg belongs to the Masonic fraternity
and has advanced to the Knight Templar degree in the commandery,
at all times exemplifying in his life the beneficent spirit of the craft.
He also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In
politics he is a democrat but does not seek nor desire office. He keeps
well informed on the questions and issues of the day and is ever readv
to support his position by intelligent argument. Whenever it is pos-
sible for him to aid in advancing a public measure of worth he does
so, but his chief interest has been his business and the thoroughness
with which he mastered his trade and the efficiency with which he has
conducted his interests since that time have been the chief factors in
his success.
DENISE DENISE.
Denise Denise figured prominently in connection with the early
commercial development of Burlington, for he was a partner in the
first packing house of the city. From the age of fifteen years he was
dependent upon his own resources and as time passed on he so
directed his efforts and activities that he gained a gratifying measure
of prosperity. Moreover, the rules and principles which governed
his conduct were those which control strict and unswerving integrity
as well as enterprise. His many substantial qualities, therefore,
made him a valued resident of Burlington and his name should have
a place upon the pages of its history.
DENISE DENISE
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 369
He was hovn in Moiitgoiiiery county, Ohio, December i, 1811;,
and was of French Huguenot descent, his ancestors having emigrated
from France to Holland on account of the Edict of Nantes. He
acquired his education in the schools of his native country and when
fifteen years of age made his initial step in the business world in
connection with a drv-goods house of Franklin, Ohio. He was not
afraid of work and his close application, determination and ability
won him promotion and ultimately he became a partner in the firm
of Wilson, Schenck & Denise. A later change in the partnership
led to the adoption of the firm style of Schenck & Denise and in that
connection Mr. Denise continued in business in Ohio until 1846, when
they sold out and came to Burlington, finding here a small but grow-
ing city which was fast becoming a trade center for western districts
as the country in that section became settled. Here the firm of
Schenck & Denise established the first packing house of Burlington
and from the beginning the new enterprise prospered, their business
growing year by year. Mr. Denise remained an active factor in its
conduct until, on account of impaired health, he retired, spending
his remaining days in the enjoyment of a rest which he had truly
earned and richly deserved. He was also a silent partner in the firm
of L. H. Dalhofif & Company, wholesale dealers in notions, and for
many years faithfully served the city in the capacity of clerk of the
court.
Mr. Denise was married on the 12th of September, 1843, ^^ Miss
Mary Eliza Schenck, of Franklin, Ohio, who still survives. She
acquired her early education in her native town and was afterward
graduated from the O.xford Female College at O.xford, Ohio, with
the class of 1839. She is today the oldest living alumnus of that
school and on Easter, 1914, she received a postal shower from the
pupils of the school.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Denise were active church workers and after
coming to Burlington Mr. Denise served as a trustee in the Presby-
terian church and later was chosen ruling elder and made clerk of
the session, which office he filled until 1873. He was elected elder
emeritus on the 17th of February, 1884, a merited tribute to his
years and experience. At all times he displayed a public-spirited
devotion to the general good and cooperated in many plans and
measures for the upbuilding and benefit of Burlington. He passed
away at the home of his son-in-law, Rev. E. R. Burkhalter, of Cedar
Rapids, on the 21st of July, 1891, when in the seventy-sixth year of
his age. Although twcntv-three years have since come and gone, his
memory remains as a benediction to all who knew him because of
370 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
his upright life and the nobility of his character. Mrs. Denise, who
still survives, has always been an active church worker, devoting
much time to charity and benevolent projects, and is much beloved
in her home city.
WILLIAM WRIGHT BALDWIN.
Life to William Wright Baldwin has meant opportunity and the
opportunity has been well improved. His educational advantages
were liberal and upon that foundation he has builded a career of
usefulness and honor, being recognized today as one of the leading
railroad attorneys not only of Iowa but of the middle west. In his
present connection as vice president of the Chicago, Burlington &
Quincy Railroad Company he stands as a prominent figure in trans-
portation circles. Anyone meeting Mr. Baldwin face to face would
know at once that he is an individual embodying all the elements of
what in this country we term "a square man" — one in whom to have
confidence, a dependable man in any relation and in any emergency.
His quietude of deportment, his easy dignity, his frankness and cor-
diality of address, with the total absence of anything sinister or any-
thing to conceal, fore-token a man who is ready to meet any obligation
of life with the confidence and courage that come of conscious per-
sonal ability, right conception of things and an habitual regard for
what is best in the e.xercise of human activities.
Mr. Baldwin was born in Keosauqua, Iowa, September 28, 1841;,
a son of Charles Baldwin, mentioned elsewhere in this volume. After
attending the public schools of his native town he matriculated in
Lane's Academy in i860 and in 1862 was enrolled among the students
of the Iowa State University, in which he completed his course bv
graduation with the class of 1866. In his college days he was one of
the founders of the Zetegathean Society and belonged to the Beta
Theta Pi fraternity. With broad literary learning to serve as the
foundation upon which to build the superstructure of professional
knowledge he took up the study of law in the Iowa Law School, then
located in Des Moines and afterward established as the law depart-
ment of the State University. He was graduated therefrom in 1867
with salutatorian honors. During his student days he earned consid-
erable money in copying for the printers the opinions of the supreme
court, and after paying all the expenses of his college course he found
himself with a capital of seventy-five dollars. He became law clerk
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 371
and office boy in the employ ol J. C. and B. j. Hall of Burlington and
a year later was offered a partnership with the late Judge Harring-
ton, with whom he was associated in practice for two years. His
identification with the legal department of the Chicago, Burlington
&Quincy Railroad Company dates from 1879, when he accepted the
position of land commissioner for the Iowa land department of the
railroad. His position with the corporation has been one of growing
importance. For a number of years he was president of the St. Louis,
Keokuk & Northwestern and other branches ot the Burlington
system, and was one of the promoters of the Burlington & North-
western Railway. In 1890 appointment made him land commis-
sioner of the Nebraska land department and a year later he was
called to the office of assistant to the president, remaining in
that connection until 1909, when he was elected to the vice
presidency. In this connection he has supervision of matters
pertaining to taxation, land, telegraph and many of the general cor-
porate and government relations of the company.
The United Press Syndicate says of him: "The services of Mr.
William W. Baldwin with the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Rail-
road, covering the greater part of his active career, are coincident, in
point of time, with the development of that road into one of the great
systems of the country; and to that development, in its legal phases
and bearings, it may well be said, he has been a large contributing
factor. As assistant to the president, and more recently as vice presi-
dent, his services in connection with the corporate and government
relations of a system operating ten thousand miles of road in eleven
states have been of such a character as to be far-reaching in their bene-
ficial results and to win for him a high standing among the country's
railroad attorneys."
While his financial and business interests have been of constantly
growing extent and importance, Mr. Baldwin has never failed to feel
the deepest concern in local affairs and to cooperate in all measures
for civic betterment. For many years he has been president of the
school board of Burlington and as its directing head has greatly im-
proved the school system of the city. He has also been a trustee of the
public library, and has been president of the charity organization
society of Burlington since its establishment. He is also a director
and secretary of the Opera House Company and he has cooperated
in manv public movements which have been of distinct value in
furthering civilization and improvement in city and state. His
political allegiance has ever been given to the democratic partv, with
a firm belief in sound money and low tariff. There is an interesting
372 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
military chapter in his life record, for during his college days he
enlisted for service in the Civil war, becoming a private of Company
D, Forty-fourth Iowa Infantry in the spring of 1864 and serving until
discharged, three and a half months later, on the 15th of September,
1864. During that period he was on duty in western Tennessee.
In Des Moines, in 1870, Mr. Baldwin was united in marriage to
Miss Alice Tuttle, a daughter of Martin and Mary (George) Tuttle.
Her father was a man of prominence and was a brother of General
James M. Tuttle, who served as colonel of the Second Iowa Infantry
and became a brigadier-general. In the family of Mr. and Mrs.
Baldwin were three sons. Martin T., who married Edith Crapo,
has been counsel for the United States government in the customs
court of New York for several years. William is secretary of the
Fellsmere Farms Company of New York city. Roger A. is assistant
cashier of the Iowa State Savings Bank in Burlington.
Such in brief is the history of William Wright Baldwin, a native
son of Iowa, whose record reflects credit and honor upon the state.
Developing through the exercise of efTort the powers with which
nature endowed him, he has risen to prominence in railway circles.
Starting out in life without any vaulting ambition to accomplish
something great or famous, he has followed the lead of his oppor-
tunities, doing as best he could anything that came to hand and seizing
legitimate advantages as they have arisen. He has never hesitated to
take a forward step when the way was open. Fortunate in possessing
ability and character that inspire confidence in others, the simple
weight of his character and ability has carried him into important
relations with large interests, until he is now vice president of one of
the important railway systems of the country.
P. H. PHILLIPS.
P. H. Phillips, president and treasurer of the Phillips Lime &
Coal Company, of Burlington, has been actively engaged in business
along this line since 1899. Watchful of opportunities pointing to suc-
cess, he has never feared to venture where favoring opportunity has
led the way and by reason of his well defined plans and his even paced
energy he has come to a creditable and prominent position in the com-
mercial circles of the city.
He was born in Burlington, March 6, 1872, a son of M. W. and
Elizabeth (Combs) Phillips. The father was a native of Paris,
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 373
Indiana, and in early life came to Iowa, settling at Moravia, where he
engaged in general merchandising. In 1866 he removed to Burling-
ton, wliere he became a wholesale dealer in hats, conducting that
business with growing success for a quarter of a century, or until his
death, which occurred in 1891. His wife had long since passed away,
dying in 1874. T'ley were the parents of five children, two of whom
died in early childhood, the others being: Grant, who is in business
with P. H. Phillips; and Cyrus, a resident of Seattle, Washington.
The father was a well known member of the Masonic fraternity and
was also a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
His political indorsement was given to the republican party, but he
was never an aspirant for office.
P. H. Phillips received his business training in Elliott's Business
College following a course in the public schools of Burlington. His
initial e.xperience in commercial circles was made in his father's
establishment, and, acquainting himself with every phase of the busi-
ness, he continued to conduct the wholesale hat store, following his
father's death, until 1896. He was also proprietor of a retail estab-
lishment for the selling of hats and men's furnishings on Fourth and
Jefiferson streets, but in 1896 closed out both the wholesale and retail
features of his business. He afterward spent two years in connection
with manufacturing interests and in 1899 he bought out the Harper
& Company coal business. The same year he incorporated his inter-
ests under the name of the Phillips Lime & Coal Company, W. W.
Parsons becoming president, with Mr. Phillips as secretary and treas-
urer. That association was maintained until 1907, when Mr. Phillips
bought the interest of Mr. Parsons in the business and since that time
has been president and treasurer, with M. A. Phillips as secretarv.
The business is located at Fourth and Division streets, where they
handle a large line of coal and building materials. Their patronage
has grown year by year and their business has now reached extensive
and gratifying proportions as the result of carefullv controlled inter-
ests and the employment of progressive and thoroughly reliable
principles.
In 1898 Mr. Phillips was united in marriage to Miss Mary A.
Schramm, a daughter of Henry and Ida (Copp) Schramm. They
have become the parents of three children, Paul, Helen and Milo, all
at home. Mr. Phillips exercises his right of franchise in support of
the men and measures of the republican party and he has membership
with the Elks and in the Commercial Exchange. He also belongs to
the Crystal Lake Club, the Sand Lake Club and the Carthage Lake
Club and is interested in the line f)f activities and recreation suggested
374 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
by the names of those organizations. He resides with his family at
No. 800 South Eighth street on the property once owned by
Ex-Governor Grimes. Having always lived in Burlington, he is
well known to its citizens and in business alifairs he has long occupied
an honorable and conspicuous position. Gradually he has advanced
step by step, constantly increasing the scope of his interests. His
business methods conform to high commercial standards and he has
won for himself the most favorable regard by reason of his straight-
forward dealing, his enterprise and spirit of unfeigned cordialitv.
JOHN W. VAN OSDOL.
Among the retired farmers of Des Moines county is John W. Van
Osdol, who now makes his home in Mediapolis. For an extended
period he was actively engaged in the cultivation of his farm of two
hundred and eighty acres near the town. He represents one of the old
pioneer families of Des Moines county, his birth having occurred in
Benton township, January 20, 1844. His parents, William and
Hannah (Banta) Van Osdol, were natives of Kentucky. The father's
birth occurred in 18 16 and in early life he learned and followed the
miller's trade. In boyhood he accompanied his parents on their re-
moval from Kentucky to Switzerland county, Indiana, where he was
reared and married. Removing westward to Iowa, he cast in his lot
with the early settlers of Des Moines county, purchasing eighty acres
of partially improved land on section 4, Benton township, where he
made his home for six or eight years. He afterward became the
owner of a farm in Franklin township and a little later he purchased
the site of the old Franklin Mills. He built the original mill, which
was used as a sawmill, but later he converted it into a flour mill which
he operated until 1856. He afterward devoted four years to mer-
chandising in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, and then again resumed farm-
ing, becoming the owner of land on section 33, Benton township,
whereon he made his home until he was called to his final rest on the
3d of October, 1868. He cooperated in many plans and measures for
the public good and did everything in his power to advance the up-
building and development of his community.
Following the death of her husband Mrs. Van Osdol removed to
Mediapolis and made her home there for twenty-four years ere she
passed away in July, 1892, at the age of sixty-seven years, when her
grave was made by the side of her husband, in the Franklin Mills
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 375
cemetery. Their family numbered the following children besides
our subject: Mahala, who is the widow of J. W. McDonald and
resides in Mediapolis; Melissa, the widow of J. W. King and also a
resident of Mediapolis; Martha, who has acted as housekeeper for
her brother, John, since the death of his wife; Melinda, the wife of
T. S. Poole, a Methodist minister, now living in Mount Pleasant,
their daughter, Lydia, having served as a missionary for six years in
India and having recently returned to work in Jabalpur, India, after
a visit to this country; Mary, the wife of Nicholas Boyce, of Clarinda,
Iowa; Jane, the wife of Henry Walker, of Mediapolis; Anna, who
married Frank Corder, of Oklahoma; Minnie, the wife of Albert
Hollinger, of Chicago; and Birdie, who married John Piper, of
Burlington.
Spending his youthful days under the parental roof, John W. Van
Osdol acquired his early education in the district schools of Franklin
township, this county, and afterward attended high school at Mount
Pleasant, Iowa. He was a youth of but eighteen years when he
responded to the country's call for aid and on the 19th of August,
1862, joined Company G, Twenty-fifth Iowa Infantry, at Mount
Pleasant. Upon being honorably discharged at Vicksburg in 1864
he immediately reenlisted as a member of Company H, Forty-fifth
Regiment of Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He saw duty on many hotly-
contested battlefields, participating in the engagements at Chicka-
mauga, Arkansas Post and the siege of Vicksburg. He was honor-
ably discharged at Keokuk in September, 1864, after which he re-
turned to his father's home in Benton township and for three years
assisted in the cultivation of the farm. He subsequently went to
Mediapolis, where he conducted a livestock and grain business for
four years as a partner of his brother-in-law, J. W. McDonald,
under the firm style of McDonald & Company. They met with
success and erected a large elevator, conducting an extensive and
profitable business until 1876, when they sold out. At that date
Mr. Van Osdol rented a farm of two hundred and eighty acres and
began its cultivation. In October, 1892, he purchased the property
and continued its development until March, 1914, when he retired
from active life and returned to Mediapolis. He had brought his
farm to a high state of cultivation, carrying on the work according
to modern, progressive measures. He erected an attractive, two-
story frame dwelling and also a large barn and other outbuildings
that gave ample shelter to grain and stock. He also engaged suc-
cessfully in the raising of hogs and cattle, and as the years passed
his labors brought to him a gratifying measure of success that now
376 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
enables him to rest at the age of three score years and ten with suffi-
cient to supply all of his needs throughout the remainder of his life.
On the loth of October, 1867, Mr. Van Osdol was united in
marriage to Miss Lydia Poole, who was born in Benton township
on a farm which was afterward purchased by her husband. Her
parents were Robert and Lydia (Saddler) Poole. The former was
born in Clay county, Ohio, August 3, 1817, while his parents were
natives of Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Poole were married in
1839, and in 1841 cast in their lot with the early settlers of Iowa
territory. Mr. Poole purchased three hundred and si.xty acres of
partially improved land, on which he built a log cabin. This he
occupied for ten years, after which he erected a more modern and
commodious residence. Other improvements were made from year
to year and he extended the boundaries of his farm until it com-
prised four hundred acres. He retired in 1881 and removed to
Mediapolis, where his death occurred on the 6th of September, 1894.
His wife passed away January 27, 1896, and was laid to rest by his
side in the Kossuth cemetery. They were earnest and consistent
Christian people, greatly interested in church and Sunday school
work. They were of the Methodist faith and took a helpful part in
organizing the congregation and building the church at Tamatown,
Iowa. Mr. Poole served as church steward for more than four
decades and in 1884 was elected a delegate to the Iowa annual con-
ference. It was a matter of great gratification to Mr. and Mrs.
Poole that all of their children embraced the Christian faith and be-
came consistent and earnest church members. They had a family
of six children, of whom two died in infancy, the others being:
Nancy, the wife of William Foster, of Mediapolis; Thomas S., a
Methodist Episcopal minister; Mrs. Van Osdol; and Eliza Jose-
phine, the wife of Samuel V. McCallister, of Columbus, Ohio.
Mr. and Mrs. Van Osdol have become the parents of a son and
two daughters. Thomas O., who was born in Benton township,
July 21, 1868, wedded Miss Mattie L. Walker, a daughter of Isaac
and Hannah (Friend) Walker, and they have five children. Alma,
Mary, John, Wren and Gladys. They reside on the old homestead
farm, which Thomas O. Van Osdol is operating. Nora M. is the
wife of James R. Walker, a son of Isaac and Hannah Walker, and
they also occupied a part of the old homestead, but in 1913 Mr.
Walker sold out and purchased one hundred and sixty acres near
Middletown, Iowa. They have become the parents of eight chil-
dren: Jay; Rollie; Ralph; Dale; Thomas and Howard, both de-
ceased; one who died unnamed in infancy; and Mildred. Zora M.,
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 377
who was graduated from the Iowa Weslcyan University at Mount
Pleasant with the class of 1907, is now the wife of Neil Walker, by
whom she has two children, Earl and Paul. They reside upon a
part of her father's farm.
Mr. Van Osdol has been treasurer of the Rock Point school dis-
trict for twenty-eight years, and is HUing the office at the present
time. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic and has a
fine collection of badges which he has worn at the various reunions
of that organization. He has always voted the republican ticket
and is a stalwart advocate of that organization, which was the de-
fense of the Union during the dark days of the Civil war and has
ever been the party of reform and progress. His religious faith is
that of the Methodist church and for a number of years he has
served as church trustee. His has been an active and useful life,
nearly all of which has been passed in this county, and his many
sterling traits have gained for him the warm regard, confidence and
goodwill of those with whom he has been brought in contact.
R. H. TAEGER.
R. H. Taeger is a wholesale and retail dealer in glassware used
for wines and liquors, conducting a business which was founded by
his father, Charles H. Taeger, who was born in Burlington in 1864.
He was educated in the schools of this city and spent the period of
his business life here. He married Amelia Bokenkamp, of Burling-
ton, who was born March 14, 1866. They became the parents of
two children, the daughter being Mrs. Fred Schramm.
R. H. Taeger was born in this city March 4, 1885, and supple-
mented his public-school education by a course in Elliott's Business
College. He left school in 1904 and joined his father, Charles H.
Taeger, who in 1887 had established a business as a dealer in wines
and liquor glassware which he sold both to the wholesale and retail
trades. Upon the death of his father R. H. Taeger succeeded to the
business, which he is now' successfully conducting. He has eight
employes in the Burlington establishment and is represented upon
the road by three traveling salesmen, who visit Iowa, Missouri,
Nebraska, Minnesota and a part of Illinois. The business is now
large and profitable and the trade has grown year by year under the
capable direction of Mr. Taeger, who has made a close study of the
business and is thus able to supplv the demands of his customers.
378 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
On the 2d of August, 1909, Mr. Taeger was united in marriage
to Miss Jessie Wilcox, of Burlington, who was educated here, and
they have one daughter, Mary Jane, who was born December 16,
191 1.
Mr. Taeger is a member of the Elks lodge, the Fraternal Order
of Eagles, the Owls and the Gobblers. His political allegiance is
given to the democratic party and his religious faith is that of the
German Lutheran church. The nature of his recreation is indicated
in the fact that he belongs to the Crystal Lake Club, the Lone Tree
Fishing Club and the Penkham Fishing Club, and he also greatly
enjoys motoring. It has been said that the evenly balanced man
knows how to play well just as much as he knows how to work well.
Mr. Taeger enters heartily into the joys of fishing or motoring but in
business hours gives his undivided attention to the development of
his trade.
J. B. SUTTER.
Throughout his entire business career J. B. Sutter has been most
careful to conform his activities to high commercial standards and
in the employment of progressive and honorable methods has won
a substantial success. He was until very recently at the head of im-
portant commercial interests in Burlington, where he carried the
largest and most complete line of sporting goods in the state. He
also sold automobiles and was agent for a number of the best known
machines.
Mr. Sutter was born in Burlington, July 4, 1876, and is a son of
Boniface and Mary (Barnica) Sutter, who at an early period ar-
rived in Burlington. The father was a stationary engineer and in
other ways was connected w'ith the industrial interests of the
city, but is now living retired. He also conducted newspaper
agencies for many years. }. B. Sutter obtained a public-school edu-
cation, supplemented by a course of studv in Lombard College at
Galesburg, Illinois. Turning his attention into business channels,
he began dealing in bicycles in Burlington, and on the loth of March,
1901, removed to No. 319 North Third street. On the ist of July,
1909, he removed to Nos. 1 13-115 North Main street, where he occu-
pied a building with a frontage of forty feet and three stories and
basement in height. The business gradually developed in its scope
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 379
and lie carricil a full line ot sporting goods unsurpassed by any-
similar stock in Iowa. Moreover, he was the first man to sell auto-
mobiles in Burlington, and in 1914 when he sold out he handled the
Ford, Maxwell, Overland, Marion and Stevens-Duryea cars. He
devoted the third floor of the building to auto repairing. It is a
room forty feet wide and a half block, long, and he made it one of
the best equipped shops in Burlington. He did o.xygen and acetylene
welding and tire vulcanizing. He employed twenty-five people in
the shop, of whom fifteen are skilled mechanics, and he also had
three traveling salesmen upon the road. He sold at both wholesale
and retail and controlled the territory in several counties. He sold
out on the 14th of September, 19 14, but contemplates going into
business again in the near future.
On the 1 2th of July, 1904, Mr. Sutter was united in marriage
to Miss Jennie Swigert, a native of Vancouver, British Columbia.
They have a son, Lyman B., who was born June 12, 1906, and is
now eight years of age. Mr. Sutter is a republican, having sup-
ported the partv since age conferred upon him the right of fran-
chise. He belongs to the Commercial Exchange and is a believer
in its plans and measures for advancing the general good. Fra-
ternally he is connected with the Elks and the Moose, and socially
with the Lone Tree Fishing Club. Since starting out in life on his
own account his progress has been continuous. Earnest, persistent
labor has been the foundation for his success. He has witnessed
remarkable changes, not only in his individual business, but also in
the general field of automobile sales. He was, as stated, the first
man in Burlington to handle cars, and his patronage grew year by
year until as agent for many lines of cars he controlled a trade that
\vas very extensive and gratifying.
V. A. JOHNSON.
V. A. Johnson, cashier of the West Burlington Savings Bank,
has in this connection been closely identified with the financial in-
terests of the city for about eight years. At the outset of his busi-
ness career he learned how indispensable are the qualities of indus-
try, perseverance and close application, and in the utilization of these
he has worked his way steadily upward. He was born in this city
Match 13, 1863, a son of Augustus and Matilda (Peterson) Johnson,
380 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
both of whom were natives of Sweden. The year 1850 witnessed
their arrival in Burlington, in which city they were married. The
father was a contractor and builder, and in the early days was thus
identified with the industrial activity of the city, but in later life
followed farming and is now living retired. He has long survived
his wife, who passed away in 1868. They had five children, as fol-
lows: Jennie M., at home; F. E., who follows farming near Bur-
lington; V. A., of this review; Annie M., who is the wife of Robert
L. Russell and resides in Kansas; and Samuel W. G.^ who makes his
home in Burlington, Iowa.
V. A. Johnson acquired a public-school education, supplemented
by a course in Elliott's Business College, from which he was grad-
uated, and in the Iowa Commercial Institute, of Davenport, of
which he is also a graduate. He started out in the business world
in April, 1887, when a young man of twenty- four years, being made
a member of the office force of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy
Railroad. There he continued until January 2, 1907, gradually
working his way upward, his abilitv winning him promotion from
time to time until his position was one of prominence and impor-'
tance. At the date mentioned, however, he became one of the organ-
izers of the West Burlington Savings Bank, which was formed by
Colonel G. H. Higbee, who became president; Dr. E. E. Kirken-
dall, who was elected vice president, and Mr. Johnson, who became
the cashier. The first directors were G. H. Higbee, J. A. Carney,
George W. Scholes, Paul R. Ramp, E. E. Kirkendall, P. B. Smith,
A. A. Bosch, F. J. Riling and C. H. Walsh. There has been no
change in the directorate, save that C. H. Wuellner has taken the
place of J. A. Carney, and Paul R. Ramp has been succeeded by
J. L. B. Graham. The officers of the company, however, remain
the same. The bank has been capitalized for twenty-five thousand
dollars and has deposits amounting to two hundred and twenty-five
thousand dollars. The company has erected and paid for its build-
ing at No. loi Broadway, in West Burlington. This is exclusively
a bank building.
On the 19th of December, 1889, Mr. Johnson was united in
marriage to Miss Annie W. Hewitt, of West Burlington, her par-
ents being George and Elizabeth Hewitt. To them have been born
seven children, five of whom survive, as follows: Grace M., who
gave her hand in marriage to Herman Beck, an agriculturist re-
siding near Burlington; and Eva G., Georgia E., Florence and
Chester C, all at home. The children have been given liberal edu-
cational advantages. Several are high-school graduates and Mrs.
HISTORY OF DES AIOINES COUNTY 381
Beck was for three years a teacher. The daughter Florence is now
engaged in teaching, and two of the family are now clerking in Bur-
lington.
Mr. Johnson is well known in fraternal circles, holding mem-
bership with the Knights of Pythias, the Ancient Order of United
Workmen, the Woodmen of the World, and the Moose. Aside from
his business, however, he has been most prominent in political cir-
cles and is a recognized leader in the ranks of the republican party.
For four years he served as mayor of West Burlington, was town
clerk for nine years and has been secretary of the school board since
1891. There has been no (]uestion as to his fidelity to duty nor his
capability in office. Public interests have been furthered through
his efforts, and progress has been promoted in many directions. He
stands at all times for advancement, and his activities have been of
far-reaching effect and benefit in Burlington. Moreover, his busi-
ness career is indicative of what may be accomplished when energy
and determination point out the way, and when there is ready dis-
crimination between the essential and the non-essential.
F. G. COMER.
F. G. Comer is the manager of the New Delano Hotel, of Bur-
lington, and is a popular host, his guests finding him at all times
reasonable and reliable in business matters and ever watchful for the
comfort and welfare of his patrons. He was born in Hancock
county, Illinois, in 1875, and after attending the public schools con-
tinued his preparation for life's practical duties by pursuing a com-
mercial course in the Gem City Business College, of Quincy, Illi-
nois. He afterward went to the west and was engaged in the land
business in Colorado. His connection with the west continued for
some time, during which he engaged in mining in Nevada and
southern Missouri. He made his initial step in connection with
hotel interests at Tampa, Florida, in 1898, there conducting the
Dc Soto Hotel for a year. He then returned to Missouri and at
Joplin was again identified with mining interests. Still later he
went to Nevada, where he spent a few years during the gold ex-
citement, and in 1910 he came to Burlington. In May of that year
he established the New Delano Hotel. He has since remodeled and
refurnished the building throughout. The hotel is today a modern
and attractive hostelry, containing seventy-five outside rooms, twenty
382 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
of which have private baths. The hotel is conducted on the Euro-
pean plan with a cafe in connection and a liberal patronage is now
enjoyed.
In 1897 Mr. Comer was united in marriage to Miss Leila Robin-
son, of Keokuk. In fraternal circles he is known as an Elk and an
Eagle. His political views are in accord with the principles and
purposes of the republican party, but he manifests only a citizen's
interest in politics, casting his ballot for the candidates whom he
thinks will best fill the offices. He has lived at various points in
the west and is familiar with the history of its progress and develop-
ment. Everywhere that he has gone the truth has been impressed
upon him that honorable success is the outcome of persistency of
purpose, close application and unfaltering diligence, and he has cul-
tivated these qualities throughout the course of his business career.
ED EVERETT KIRKENDALL, M. D.
Dr. Ed Everett Kirkendall, advancing steadily in the practice
of his profession owing to his close study and wide reading, which
keeps him in touch with the advanced thought and scientific methods
of the day, is now accounted one of the able physicians of Bur-
lington and is enjoying a steadily increasing practice. He was born
in Kansas on the 27th of March, 1859, and is a son of Elijah B. and
Mary (Frazee) Kirkendall. The father, a native of Indiana, was
brought to Iowa in early childhood, and attended the Iowa Wesleyan
University at Mount Pleasant. For an extended period he lived in
Van Buren county, this state, but afterward removed to Lyon county,
Kansas, where he remained for eight years. On the expiration of
that period he returned to Iowa, settling at Douds Leando, where
he is now engaged in the banking business.
Dr. Kirkendall, spending his youthful days under the parental
roof, passed a portion of his boyhood in Kansas and then came with
his parents to Iowa. He attended school at Mount Pleasant, where
he was a student in Iowa Wesleyan University, and later he entered
the State University at Iowa City, in which he pursued his medical
course, winning his professional degree upon graduation with the
class of 1885. Immediately afterward he took up his abode in West
Burlington, where he has since been engaged in general practice.
In the thirty years which have since elapsed he has made contin-
uous progress, and throughout his professional career anything that
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 383
tends to bring to man the key to that complex mystery which we call
life has been of interest to him. Aside from his practice, he is con-
nected with financial affairs, being vice president of the West Bur-
lington Savings Bank.
On the 29th of October, 1885, Dr. Kirkendall was united in mar-
riage to Miss Lizzie Peacock, of Van Buren county, Iowa, and to
them have been born a son and daughter: Horace Waldo, who is
married and follows farming in this county; and Mary Esther, who
is in college at Grinnell, Iowa.
IMie parents hold membership in the Methodist church and guide
their lives by its teachings. Dr. Kirkendall is also a faithful mem-
ber of the Masonic fraternity, and in his political views is a repub-
lican. His membership along strictly professional lines is with the
Des Moines County Medical Society, in which he has been honored
with the presidency, and is a member of the Iowa State Medical
Society. Promptness, extreme care and caution have ever been ex-
ercised in his practice, and at the same time he has been actuated
by a spirit of progressiveness that has made him acquainted with the
latest improved methods in the treatment of disease.
JOHN A. FRITZ.
John A. Fritz, residing on Sunnyside avenue in Burlington, is
a well known citizen here, for practically his entire life has been
passed in Des Moines county. He was born near West Burlington
on the 29th of July, 1866, a son of John and Catharine (Goetsche)
Fritz, both of whom were natives of Germany, in which country
they were reared and married. On coming to the new world they
made their way direct to Des Moines county, where their remaining
days were passed. The father was a farmer by occupation, and thus
provided for the support of his family. His wife died when their
son, John A., was a little lad, leaving to the husband the care of a
large family of children whom he reared to be good citizens. There
were six sons and two daughters, and they had every reason to revere
and bless the memory of their father, who passed away in 1905.
John A. Fritz was the sixth in order of birth in the family, and
in early manhood he served an apprenticeship in a machinist's shop
at West Burlington. He afterward went to Burlington, Colorado,
and homesteaded a claim, after which he returned and has since
been one of the valued employes in the West Burlington machine
384 HISTORY OF DBS MOINES COUNTY
shops of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company.
He possesses expert ability as a mechanic and is employed in the
construction department, occupying a position of responsibility. He
resided in West Burlington until about four years ago, when he came
to his present home on Sunnyside avenue. He goes back and forth
to his work each day on the interurban, which passes his door.
In 1896 Mr. Fritz was married to Miss Emma A. Bock, who was
born in Burlington, October 7, 1877, and is a daughter of Joseph
and Elizabeth (Wiemer) Bock, further mention of whom is made
elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Fritz have two children,
Ralph and Mildred. The family occupies an attractive home on
Sunnyside avenue, the ground having been a part of the property
once owned by her father, Joseph Bock, who was a prominent citizen
and leading florist of Burlington. Mr. Fritz also owns a farm in
Flint River township. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights
of Pythias and with the Modern Woodmen. His political allegiance
is given to the republican party, and he holds membership in St.
Paul's German Evangelical church of West Burlington. His has
been an active and useful life, crowned with a substantial measure
of success that has come to him as the merited reward of persistent,
earnest labor and capability.
L. H. DALHOFF.
The name of L. H. Dalhofif figures prominently on the pages of
Burlington's history, for he long ranked as a leading resident of this
city and as one of its prominent business men. He was born in
Philadelphia on the 17th of September, 1833, and was of Danish
descent. In 1854 h^ arrived in Burlington, then a young man of
twenty-one years, establishing his home in this city, where through-
out his remaining days he enjoyed the goodwill, confidence and high
regard of his fellow townsmen by reason of a well spent and upright
life. He established the first commercial college of Burlington, now
known as Elliott's Business College, but turned his attention from
educational to mercantile pursuits when, in 1868, he founded the
house of Dalhof¥ & McCarthy. This afterward became Dalhofif
& Company and an extensive business was conducted in notions, sell-
ing only to the wholesale trade. The firm name was ever a synonym
for business reliability and enterprise, and at all times Mr. DalholT
L. H. DALHOFF
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 387
was most careful to conform his efforts to the highest standard of
commercial ethics.
On the nth of March, 1869, was celebrated the marriage of L.
H. Dalhoft' and Miss E. D. Denise, who, still surviving him, lives
with her mother in the old Denise home, which was begun in 1854
and completed in 1857, being not only one of the oldest but also
one of the most elegant in the city.
Mr. Dalhoff held membership in the Presbyterian church and
his life at all times was characterized by high ideals, exemplified in
practical effort for their adoption. Possessing a fine voice, he was
a member of the Presbyterian church choir for many years and was
also connected with all of the musical organizations of the city.
Fraternally he was a valued member of the Masonic order. He
passed away on the 15th of September, 1904, and there are many
who yet remember him as one of the worthy and valued citizens of
Burlington, his name being inseparably interwoven with the history
of the city as an educator and merchant.
DR. RALPH J. QUELLE.
Dr. Ralph J. Quelle, engaged in practice in Burlington, follows
some of the most advanced methods which experimentation and
scientific investigation have brought to light. He founded the
Healthatorium for Naturopathic Treatments at the corner of Third
and Jefferson streets in Burlington, and the effectiveness of his
methods of treatment is attested by many patients.
He is yet a young man and is a native son of Burlington, born
December 22, 1887, his parents being William and Rachel (Witte)
Quelle. The father was born in Germany in 1849, and came to the
United States in 1857, when a lad of but eight years, his father hav-
ing previouslv located in Des Aloines county ere he sent for the
family. William Quelle was therefore reared here, and in the
course of years he became a building contractor and was thus con-
nected with the improvement of Burlington. He erected a num-
ber of the substantial structures which are still standing today as
evidence of his skill and handiwork, but he had put aside busi-
ness cares and was living retired at the time of his death, which
occurred at his home in Burlington, January 5, 191 5. His wife was
born in this county, a daughter of Samuel Witte, now deceased, who
Vol. n— 2 1
388 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
was one of the old-time pioneer settlers. She survives her husband
and is residing at her home in Burlington.
Supplementing his public-school education, Ralph J. Quelle
studied physical culture training at the Battle Creek Sanitarium at
Battle Creek, Michigan, and afterward attended the Bernard Mc-
Fadden Institute at Chicago. In 1910 he returned to Burlington
and opened parlors for massage and physical culture treatment in
the Tama building. On the ist of April, 1913, he removed to the
Iowa State Bank building at the corner of Third and Jefferson
streets, where he is still located. He calls his place the Healtha-
torium. He employs the physical or natura-therapeutic work, has a
complete system of baths and massage treatments, and his establish-
ment is unsurpassed in Iowa. He uses most of the basement of the
State Savings Bank building, having six large rooms, and he em-
ploys three assistants. His regular course of treatment includes
everything necessary to the case — baths, manipulative treatments,
electric light or steam baths, diet list, exercise chart and all instruc-
tion for home regime. He has a thorough knowledge of anatomy
and the component parts of the human body, and in his study he
has become thoroughly informed concerning the value and worth of
physical culture, corrective movements, exercises, dieting, manipu-
lation of the nerve centers, joint manipulation and stretching of the
muscles and joints, together with water treatments and electric light
baths. Dr. Quelle's Healthatorium is liberally patronized and has
proven a most helpful institution in Burlington. His business has
steadily grown, and his success is advancing month by month.
Dr. Quelle is a progressive in politics, voting, however, rather
for the man than for the party. He is a member of the Automobile
Club, and he attends the First Methodist Episcopal church and is
a member of the Young Men's Christian Association. He is widely
and favorably known in the city in which his entire life has been
passed, and his manv acquaintances recognize his genuine personal
worth and give him their high regard.
CHARLES E. DEMLING.
On the roster of officials in Des Moines county appears the name
of Charles E. Demling, who has filled the office of clerk of the district
court continuously since i8gg, making a splendid record in that con-
nection as is indicated bv the fact that he has been again and again
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 389
chosen to the oflicc. He was born in Burlington on the 3d of April,
1861. and is a son of John A. and Sophia (Scheurer) Demling.
The father's birth occurred in Bavaria, Germany, February 11,
1835, and after spending tlie hrst fourteen years of his life in his native
country he came to the United States in 1849 in company with neigh-
bors. For a time he resided in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and after-
ward in New Orleans, Louisiana, but his stay in both cities was very
brief, for in the early '50s he came to Burlington. He worked on the
railroad as foreman for several years and in 1861 embarked in the
grocery business at Burlington, becoming one of the leading and rep-
resentative merchants of the city and continuing actively in the trade
until 1884. He still makes his home in Burlington and is now in the
employ of the park board, although eighty years of age. There are
few men of his years who continue in active life and his record should
put to shame many a much younger man who, grown weary of the
struggles and trials of business life, would relegate to others the
burdens that he should bear. His career in this respect is indeed one
well worthy of emulation. He wedded Sophia Scheurer, a native of
Ohio, who was brought to Burlington from that state by wagon in
1836 by her parents. Her father died of sunstroke in the late '40s.
The parents of Charles E. Demling were married in 1857. The
mother was born in December, 1835, and is also still living, they being
among the most venerable couples of this city. In their family were
four children, but the hrst born died in infancy. The others are
Charles E. ; Louise M., the wife of J. H. Cochrane, of New York;
and John F., who is ticket agent for the Chicago, Burlington &
Quincy Railroad Company.
Charles E. Demling has spent his entire life in the city of his
nativity and to its public-school system is indebted for the educational
opportunities he enjoyed. He received his initial business training
in his father's grocery store and afterward worked for a year for the
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company. On the expira-
tion of that period he became bookkeeper for the Burlington Broom
Factory, where he remained for five years, and at the end of that time
was called to public ofhce. He had previously served as street com-
missioner clerk for a few years and in 1894 h^ ^^'^^ appointed to the
position of citv clerk, in which capacity he continued for two years.
He was with the Dehner Cigar Company for about five years, or from
189s until 1899, and in 1898 he was elected clerk of the district court,
in which position he has since continued, covering a period of more
than sixteen years. No stronger proof of his capability and fidelity
could be given than the fact that he has been so long retained in the
390 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
office. His political allegiance is given the democratic party and it
has been upon that ticket that he has been chosen to his present
position.
On the 30th of July, 1891, Mr. Demling was united in marriage
to Miss Margaret Bohner, a daughter of Andrew and Rosina Bohner.
Her father, a vineyardist who came to Burlington at an early day,
died July 12, 1914. Mr. and Mrs. Demling have become parents of
three sons and a daughter: Chester E., who is bookkeeper for the
Merchants National Bank; Raymond M., who is living on his
father's farm; and John W., and Margaret, both in school.
Mr. Demling is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows and has filled all of the chairs in the local lodge. Throughout
his entire life he has resided in Burlington and that the record that he
has made is a most creditable one is indicated in the fact that many of
his stanchest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood
to the present time. He has many good qualities, is always genial and
approachable, and is very popular among his fellow townsmen.
GEORGE H. NEFF.
Among the mercantile interests that make Burlington an attrac-
tive shopping center is the shoe store of George H. Neflf. He is
not alone in this business, for he has a partner, Hugh B. Allen, and
both have won recognition as leading and representative merchants
of the city. Mr. Nefif was born in Burlington, December 24, 1870,
a son of Israel M. and Rebecca (Troxel) Neff, both of whom were
natives of Pennsylvania and who in i860 came to Burlington. The
father was a tinner by trade and followed that pursuit in order to
provide for his family. He was killed in a cyclone in 1873, when the
Pond Egg building was blown down, while his wife survived until
1900. His life was ever upright and honorable, in harmony with his
professions as a member of the Evangelical church.
George H. Nefif, reared in his native city and under the parental
roof, attended the public schools and made his initial step in the
business world as an employe in the W. W. Kimball Company's
music house, where he remained for three years. At the end of that
time he became connected with the shoe trade, securing a situation in
Brown's store in June, 1887. Twelve years were passed in that
connection, and in 1899 he entered the establishment of Hertzler
& Boesch, there remaining until 1906. In that year he embarked
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 391
in business on his own account, forming a partnership with George
M. Saylor. They opened a shoe store and conducted the business
successfully for seven years, or until January, 1913, when Mr. Neflf
sold out to his partner. He was again in the Brown shoe store until
July of that year, and on the 28th of August, 19 13, he entered into
his present partnership relations with Hugh B. Allen, opening a
shoe store at No. 318 Jellferson street, where they carry a full line
of ladies' and men's shoes of excellent make. The establishment
deserves the liberal patronage accorded it, and a growing trade
proves the uprightness and enterprise of their business methods.
In 1897 Mr. NefTf was married to Miss Sarah Daisy Brown, a
daughter of J. W. Brown. She died in July, 1902, and on the 22d
of September, 1904, Mr. Neflf married Lena V. Brown, a sister of
his first wife. By the first marriage there were two children, Robert
and Margery, the latter of whom is deceased. The children of the
second marriage are Geraldine and Clifford. Politically, Mr. Nefif
is a republican, while his religious faith is evidenced in his mem-
bership in the First Methodist Episcopal church. His has been an
active, useful and well spent life. He has long figured prominently
in connection with the mercantile interests of the city, and through
his own capability has risen to his present position as the successful
owner of one of the retail establishments of the city.
THEODORE F. NIEMANN.
Theodore F. Niemann, conducting a general drug business at
No. 115 Broadway, West Burlington, has been thus identified with
the trade interests of the city for about eight years. He is serving
as postmaster of West Burlington. He is a native son of Burlington,
born September 23, 1885, and is a son of Theodore W. and Sophia
(Walters) Niemann. The father is also a native of Burlington and a
son of John Niemann, who came to this city in the period of its
pioneer development. Theodore W. Niemann is now serving as
constable of Burlington, and both he and his wife are widely known
in the city where they have resided for so many years.
Theodore F. Niemann pursued his education in St. John's pa-
rochial school of Burlington and studied pharmacy at home. He
was but fourteen years of age when he started out in the business
world on his own account, entering the employ of the Robinson
Drug Company. It was his interest in the business that led him
392
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
to take up the study of pharmacy, and he added to his practical ex-
perience and training by service in the Edward Litzrodt drug store
at the corner of Tenth and Maple streets. Gradually he worked his
way upward as the result of his increasing knowledge and capability
and by carefully saving his earnings he at length acquired capital
sufficient to enable him to embark in business on his own account.
Accordingly in 1907 he bought out the drug store of Dr. E. E.
Kirkendall, which had been established in Burlington at an early
day. Since that time Mr. Niemann has continuously engaged in
the general drug business and now has a well appointed store at
No. 115 Broadway, West Burlington. He carries a large and care-
fully selected line of drugs and druggist's sundries, is most careful
in the preparation of prescriptions and in all of his business dealings
is thoroughly reliable. Moreover, his patrons ever find him cour-
teous and obliging, and thus it is that his trade has constantly grown.
On the 24th of April, 1912, Mr. Niemann was joined in wedlock
to Miss Florence Cook, of West Burlington, a daughter of Louis
and Louise (Stockman) Cook, the former a boilermaker in the em-
ploy of the Chicago, Burlington cSc Quincy Railroad Company. Mr.
and Mrs. Niemann hold membership in St. Mary's Catholic church,
and Mr. Niemann also belongs to the Knights of Columbus. His
political support is given to the democratic party, and October 6,
1914, he was appointed postmaster of West Burlington, succeeding
Charles Schwarz. As a representative of one of the pioneer fami-
lies of the city he is widely known, but it is his personal worth which
has gained for him the creditable position which he occupies in
business circles and in public regard today.
EMIL F. KUITHAN.
Emil F. Kuithan, of Burlington, is now living practically re-
tired, save for the supervision which he gives to his invested interests.
In former years he was actively identified with the banking busi-
ness, but from his purchases and sales of property he has derived a
handsome little fortune that now enables him to rest from further
business activity. He was born in the historic city of Nauvoo, Illi-
nois, February 10, 1859, a son of Frederick Kuithan, who was born
in Dortmund, Prussia, on the i6th of August, 1829. The period of
his youth and early manhood was spent in the fatherland, and in
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 393
1855 he came to tlic United States. He was a member of a musical
family. His father, a 'cello virtuoso, played in concerts with the
great violinist, Paganini, while touring Germany in 1827. He trav-
eled quite e.xtensively, and for a time was in Rio dc Janeiro, Brazil,
and the important cities of Argentine, Chile and Peru. He was a
highly educated man, a graduate of a German university and a
noted linguist, speaking not only Spanish but also French, German
and English. He was well versed in ethnology, ornithology, mammal-
ogy and many other subjects. In the year 1855 ^""^ '^'^"'^ *JP '""'^ abode
at Nauvoo, Illinois, where he began the practice of medicine and
the raising of grapes and other fruit, the sloping hillsides bordering
the Mississippi at that point being especially adapted for grape cul-
tivation. In 1869 he arrived in Burlington. Years before he had
been graduated from a German medical school, and in this city he
began practice, continuing in the profession for some years. He
died January 13, 1904, and thus was terminated a life of usefulness
and worth. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth
Peters, was born in Marietta, Ohio.
Emil F. Kuithan largely acquired his education in the schools
of Nauvoo, and after coming to Burlington attended the North Hill
school and the high school. He also pursued a commercial course
in Elliott's Business College. Upon starting out in the business
world, he secured a situation with Biklin-Winzer & Company, a
wholesale grocery house, and continued with that firm for eleven
and one-half years. He afterward went with the Iowa State Sav-
ings Bank in the capacity of bookkeeper, and after acti'ng in that
capacity for four years was promoted to assistant cashier. He served
in that capacity for sixteen years and in the meantime improved his
opportunities for profitable investment in property. He is now the
owner of much real estate in Burlington, which has increased greatly
in value as the years have passed and the city has grown, thereby
making a greater demand for realty and advancing prices. He is
the owner of the Hotel Grove on Main street, one of the most de-
sirable properties in the city, the building being eighty by one hun-
dred and seventeen feet. He also owns numerous residence proper-
ties and vacant lots, and he also has large farming interests in Illi-
nois, near Nauvoo, and in Lee county, Iowa, devoted to the culti-
vation of grapes. He has an extensive acreage in grapes, and ships
in carloads. His business interests have ever been wisely managed
and his enterprise has carried him beyond the point which the great
majority reach, so that he is now one of the prosperous citizens of
Burlington, his success being attributable entirely to his own labors.
394 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
Mr. Kuithan has always been interested in the art of taxidermy
and matters pertaining to ornithology and horticulture. In his polit-
ical views he is a republican and keeps well informed on the ques-
tions and issues of the day, but the honors and emoluments of office
have no attraction for him. He is a member of the Silver Lake
Hunting and Fishing Club and greatly enjoys outdoor sports. He
was formerly one of the leading men of the Burlington Tumblers
and an expert acrobat in his day and has always taken a keen interest
in athletics and outdoor sports. He is likewise interested in chari-
table organizations, to which he has been a generous contributor.
His many sterling traits of character have gained him high regard
and he is very popular with a large circle of friends.
CHARLES E. SCHRAMM.
Among the most popular business men of Burlington was Charles
E. Schramm, whose life was cut short on account of an accident when
he was in the midst of a successful career. He was connected with
the J. S. Schramm Company, the leading dry-goods house of Burling-
ton, and contributed much to its success. He was known to a large
number of people because of his pleasant and agreeable personality.
Mr. Schramm was a native of Burlington, born Januarv g, 1862,
and a son of John Siegmund and Amelia (Williams) Schramm. The
father was a native of Germany and in this country found the oppor-
tunity to display his rare business ability in building up one of the
largest business houses in Burlington. The paternal grandparents of
our subject were John Christopher and Anna Margaret (Kessling)
Schramm, while the maternal grandfather was Silas Williams.
Charles E. Schramm spent practically his entire life in Burling-
ton. In the acquirement of his education he attended the North Hill
school, from which he graduated into the high school. He was a
bright student and a ready learner and had many friends among
teachers and pupils. After completing his high-school course he
entered his father's store, and in due time he became acquainted with
the dry-goods business in all its phases. His industry, honesty and
thoroughness were the stepping-stones to his success. Mr. Schramm
had most pleasing manners and his kindly personality attracted many
new customers to his establishment, while it made old-time friends of
those who were in the habit of trading there. Fair methods were
inseparable from all his transactions and he was ever courteous and
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 395
polite to all those whom he met in a business or social way. His
employes idolized him because of his fairness and justness.
On the i6th of January, 1893, Mr. Schramm was united in mar-
riage to Miss Fannie G. Anderson and they had one daughter, Fran-
ces, who with her mother survives him. There were also a number
of brothers and sisters who mourned his death: Frank E., Ralph E.
and Henry C. Schramm; Lucia L., who married T. G. Foster; Anna
P., the wife of J. E. Doane, of Chicago; and Miss Jessie Schramm.
Mr. Schramm was one of the most public-spirited citizens of Bur-
lington and was always interested in the progress of the city. Al-
though he did not care for public honors he took an intelligent inter-
est in governmental afifairs and carefully weighed the qualities of a
candidate before he would give his support. The accident which
caused his demise was most tragic. Although an excellent swimmer
he had misjudged the depth of the stream when taking a plunge in
the river and, striking his head, injured his spine. He first was taken
to his home and later to the Burlington Hospital. Although the best
possible care and attention were given him and experts were sum-
moned not only from Burlington but from Chicago, the inevitable
could not be averted. A most delicate operation was performed
which at first seemed to hold out promise, but soon the hopes of fam-
ily, friends, physicians and nurses came to naught and Mr. Schramm
passed away August 25, 1913. Even his magnificent constitution
could not overcome the severe shock to his system. When the news
of his death spread throughout the city from house to house general
mourning prevailed and all extended their deep sympathy to the
bereaved family. With his death there came to a close a most prom-
ising career of a man who had been a loving husband and father, an
able business man and an American citizen of the highest type.
C. EDWARD GERLING.
C. Edward Gerling is conducting under his own name the former
Carpenter jewelry store, the oldest known jewelry business in the
United States which had previously been kept throughout the period
of its existence in one family. It is definitely known to be the oldest
business of the kind in Iowa and throughout the period of the exist-
ence of the house the firm name has been synonymous with honorable
dealing as well as with progressive methods. Mr. Gerling, who is
now at the head of the establishment, was born in St. Louis, July
396 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
23, 1865, and is a son of Charles and Caroline (Moeller) Gerling.
The father's birth occurred in Minden, Germany, and about i860 he
came to the United States. He did not tarry on the Atlantic coast,
but made his way at once into the interior of the country, and after
visiting Burlington continued on to St. Louis. There he established
a grocery trade and remained in that business until his death, which
occurred in 1870. His widow survives and now makes her home in
Burlington with her son Edward, having returned to this city follow-
ing her husband's death.
C. Edward Gerling was a lad of but five summers when the
mother brought her family to this city. At the usual age he entered
the public schools and passed through consecutive grades until he
completed the course by graduation. He learned the jewelry busi-
ness with M. C. Connor, and on the ist of August, 1884, he entered
the employ of E. H. Carpenter, a jeweler, who was in control of the
business that was established in 1837 by A. W. Carpenter, who died
in the year 1869. His brother, G. B. P. Carpenter, together with
E. H. Carpenter, continued the business until 1880, when the
senior partner died, after which the junior partner continued alone
until 1900, at which time his son, A. W. Carpenter, became iden-
tified with the establishment. In the year 1900 Mr. Gerling took
up the study of optics and graduated with the title of optometrist.
He began at once the practice of fitting glasses to the eyes of those
who needed them, and in 1904 took full charge of the optical depart-
ment, which he continues to conduct successfully in connection with
his jewelry business. It was on the ist of August, 1913, that Mr.
Gerling purchased the Carpenter interests — just twenty-nine years
from the date on which he started to work. Fifteen davs later E. H.
Carpenter, who had so long been at the head of the business, died.
The store is now under the Gerling name and is one of the oldest
mercantile enterprises in the state. The original location in 1837
was at the corner of Front and Washington streets. Some vears
afterward a removal was made to the east side of Main street, near
Jeflferson street, and in 1869 a second removal was made to the corner
of Jefiferson and Third streets, where the business is still carried on.
Mr. Gerling holds membership with the Benevolent Protective
Order of Elks, and has the honor of having been elected to hold office
in all the stations of the lodge and is now a past exalted ruler. In
politics he is independent, manifesting only a citizen's interest in the
questions of the day. His attention has been chiefly concentrated
upon his business afifairs. From the outset of his career he recog-
nized that industry wins, and industry therefore became one of his
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 397
salient characteristics. His determination and enterprise have en-
abled him to forge ahead and now he is one of the foremost examples
of business enterprise in the city. His store is a well appointed
establishment, containing a large and carefully selected line of
jewelry, watches and precious stones, and he enjoys an unassailable
reputation for commercial integrity.
GENERAL JAMES A. GUEST.
For many years General James A. Guest represented important
commercial interests in Burlington as sole proprietor of the James
A. Guest Piano concern. The beginning of this successful enter-
prise and its continued prosperous existence were due to his execu-
tive ability and also to that discriminating taste which made him
an authority in music and musical matters. Moreover, honor is due
General Guest for the service which he rendered in the Civil war
and for his continued interest in military affairs. The splendid
standing of the state militia is largely due to his efiforts, as he took
an important part in the reorganization of this body after the close
of the war.
General Guest was born in Lyons, Wayne county, New York,
May 4, 1845, and passed away in Burlington, Iowa, November 11,
1906, in his sixty-second year. He was a son of Joseph and Lydia
(Curtis) Guest. The family trace their ancestry back to one Sir
John Guest, of England. Joseph Guest, who left England as a pas-
senger on the ship Delaware about 1645, settled at Sw^edesboro, New
Jersey. There he built a house of imported brick — quite a preten-
tious structure in those days — which is still standing. One of his
descendants was William C. Guest, grandfather of the general, who
was an officer in the Seventy-first New York Regiment in the War
of 1812. He commanded a troop of cavalry and was stationed at
Black Rock, now Bufifalo, New York. Previous to that war he had
removed from New Jersey to Lyons, New York, becoming a pioneer
of the latter district. He married Mary Wallace, a relative of Sir
John Wallace, of Scotland, and who had emigrated from her native
country to New Jersey with her parents. Joseph L. Guest, father of
General Guest, was born in New Jersey in 1809, and removed with
his parents to New York state when he was an infant. He was
reared and educated in Lyons, and later followed the career of a
398 HISTORY OF DBS MOINES COUNTY
merchant tailor. He subsequently removed from the east to Michi-
gan, in which state he made his home until his death.
James A. Guest was educated in the schools of Lyons, New York,
and at the early age of seventeen enlisted, in 1862, in Company C,
One Hundred and Sixtieth Regiment, New York Volunteers. He
first proceeded with his regiment to New York city and later to New
Orleans, making the voyage by sea. In the south he participated
in the expedition of General Banks. Mr. Guest took part in twenty-
one engagements and spent, with his regiment, two years in Louis-
iana, after which he joined the commands of Generals Grant and
Sheridan in Virginia. He was severely wounded in the battle of
Winchester ("with Sheridan twenty miles away") and for two
months afterward was in a hospital. He then rejoined his regiment
and continued in the service until the end of the war. He was mus-
tered out in November, 1865. Prior to his discharge he was sent to
Georgia to quell a negro insurrection and was commissioned a second
lieutenant by Governor Fenton, of New York. General Guest
greatly distinguished himself in the service by faithfulness to duty
and bravery before the enemy. He set an example to those who
fought with him and under him.
After his discharge General Guest returned to Lyons, New York,
and in order to improve his education took a course in Ames Business
College at Syracuse, that state. He subsequently came to Iowa, mak-
ing his home at Belle Plaine, where he remained until 1874 in the
successful pursuit of his business affairs. He then came to Bur-
lington, Iowa, and here he became connected with the piano and
organ business by buying out the interest of Paul Lange in the firm
of Lange & Van Meter. They were then the leading music dealers
in the city, and after Mr. Guest acquired Mr. Lange's interest the
firm became known as Van Meter & Guest. It so continued for two
years, when Mr. Guest acquired Mr. Van Meter's share in the busi-
ness and continued as sole proprietor. In November, igot;, the
business was incorporated as the Guest Piano Company, and so con-
tinues to date, Mrs. Guest serving as president since the death of
her husband. Under the General's able management the business
developed into one of the largest of its kind in the west. Branch
houses were established under his direction in Des Moines, Cedar
Rapids, Marshalltown, Muscatine, and Ottumwa, Iowa; in Quincy,
Illinois; and in other cities. They handled the highest grade of in-
struments and the firm was the exclusive agent for a number of the
most reputable makes on the market. Their business was of most
gratifying proportions and they employed a large force of traveling,
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 399
as well as local, salesmen. This success must be largely ascribed to
the business ability of General Guest and to his rare judgment in
musical matters, for he was not merely a music dealer but a lover of
the art, and never tired of furthering musical study and endeavor.
For many years he was instrumental in securing the best talent for
concerts to be staged in Burlington, and he gave his best efforts to
promote musical culture in that city.
General Guest was active in everything that concerned the public
welfare. He was one of the most tireless men in furthering the in-
terests of the city, and as president of the Commercial Exchange was
in a position to do much in the expansion of trade and commercial
interests. Although his business affairs were very large, he gave
much of his valuable time to public causes.
General Guest was well known in military circles of the state.
Shortly after coming here he identified himself with the militia, be-
coming captain of Company H, Second Regiment, Iowa National
Guard, which he organized. At that time the state militia was in no-
wise efficient and he set himself the task of building up the organiza-
tion and bringing it to a high state of perfection. In fact, it is largely
due to his endeavors that the Iowa National Guard takes today such
high rank among the state troops of the Union. Later Captain Guest
was promoted to the rank of major, becoming in turn lieutenant
colonel, colonel of the Second Regiment, and was subsequently chosen
brigadier general of the First Iowa Brigade. After many years of
most bcnericial connection with the state troops he retired with that
rank.
On June 6, 1876, General Guest was united in marriage to Miss
Louise M. David, a daughter of Colonel John S. David, who was a
native of Kentucky and in pioneer times became one of the prominent
citizens of Burlington. There he built the first warehouse on the
Burlington river front. Colonel David extensively operated in real
estate and also built in the earlier days a number of city blocks. His
labors contributed largely to the growth and development of Bur-
lington. General and Mrs. Guest had one son, Lyman, who with his
mother and Charles A. Schlichter continue the business affairs of the
Guest Piano Company.
General Guest was a devoted adherent of the Episcopal church,
of which he was a member and of which he served for some time as
vestryman and w'arden. Politically he was a republican but had no
desire for political honors. He was very prominent in the Masonic
order, being a member and past master of Malta Lodge, No. 318, A.
F. & A. M.; and also holding membership in Iowa Chapter, No. i,
400 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
R. A. M.; and St. Omar Commandery, No. 15, K. T., of which he
was a past commander; and he was also a past grand commander of
the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Iowa. He was one
of the foremost men in the distinguished body of Knights Templar
and was widely known throughout the state as one of the leading
Masons.
With the death of General Guest on November 11, 1906, there
passed from the ranks of Burlington's citizens one of its most success-
ful and best known men — a man who had contributed largely toward
the growth and prosperity of the city and state and one who had given
a high example of public-spirited American citizenship. His mem-
ory will live with his many friends, who sincerely loved him for his
honorable character and who cherished his type of manhood. To his
widow and son he left a name which confers distinction upon them.
EDWIN C. BOCK, D. D. S.
Dr. Edwin C. Bock is engaged in the practice of dentistry in Fair-
field but is well known in Burlington, his native city. He was born
February 25, 1879, and is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Wiemer)
Bock. His boyhood days were spent in Burlington and to the public-
school system of that city he is indebted for the educational privileges
which he enjoyed in his earlier youth. He afterward attended
Elliott's Business College and then, determining upon the practice
of dentistry as a life work, he matriculated as a student in the Chicago
College of Dental Surgery in 1897 and was graduated therefrom with
the class of 1900. Soon afterward he located for practice in Fair-
field, where he has since remained. His entire time has been devoted
to his profession and he is now a member of the Southeastern Iowa
Dental Association and the Iowa State Dental Association. He keeps
in touch with the most advanced processes and employs scientific
methods in his practice. He possesses, too, that mechanical skill and
ingenuity which are so necessary to the dentist and his increasing
ability has brought to him a constantly growing practice. He is con-
scientious in the performance of all his professional service and his,
ability has won for him high encomiums from the laity and from his
professional brethren.
In 1903 Dr. Bock was united in marriage to Miss Clara Gregg,
who was born near Fairfield, Iowa, January 14, 1877, a daughter of
James and Elizabeth (Billingsley) Gregg. Her father, a Civil war
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 401
veteran, is now a retired farmer of Jefferson county. Her mother
died four years ago. Dr. and Mrs. Bock have two children, Elizabeth
and Laura. His political indorsement is given to the republican
party, while his religious faith is that of the Congregational church,
to the teachings of which he loyally adheres.
WILLIAM F. WEIBLEY.
William F. Weibley, an architect, following his profession in
Burlington since the loth of May, 1909, with offices in the Tama
building, was born in Harper, Iowa, April 26, 1875, a son of Christ-
opher and Louise (Crumb) Weibley. The father was a native of
Germany but in early manhood left that country and made the long
voyage across the briny deep to the new world. He was a miller by
trade and followed that pursuit in early manhood but afterward gave
his attention to farming for many years. He is now deceased but his
widow survives and makes her home in Burlington.
William F. Weibley is a graduate of the college at Mount Pleas-
ant and also attended Armour's School of Technology in Chicago.
He qualified for the profession of an architect and has since been
active along that line. He is a member of the Iowa Chapter of the
American Institute of Architects. He settled first in Mount Pleasant
but on the loth of May, 1909, removed to Burlington and opened his
present oflfice. He thoroughly understands the scientific principles
which underlie his work as well as all the practical phases of the busi-
ness and his plans combine beauty, utility, comfort and convenience.
A number of the fine structures in this city are monuments to the skill
and ability which he has achieved in the line of his chosen profession.
On the 5th of September, 1905, Mr. Weibley was united in mar-
riage to Miss Ethel Cowan, a native of Oskaloosa, Iowa, and they
have two daughters, Mildred and Anna Louise. In politics Mr.
Weibley is not strongly partisan. His preference is for the republican
organization but he does not hesitate to vote for the man rather than
the party, according to the dictates of his judgment. Something of
the nature of his recreation is indicated in the fact that he is a mem-
ber of the Launch Club and he exemplifies in his life the beneficent
spirit of the Masonic fraternity, of which he is a member. He is
equallv loval to the teachings of the Methodist Episcopal church, to
which he belongs. Those with whom he has come in contact have
402 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
reason to respect him because of his upright life and because of his
discharge of his duties according to the dictates of his conscience and
his judgment.
CHARLES ENDE.
Burlington is the center of a large brewing business and in this
connection the name of Charles Ende has become well known. More-
over, he has long been accounted one of the substantial citizens of
Des Moines county and is one of the honored veterans of the Civil
war, having served throughout the period of hostilities between the
north and south.
Mr. Ende is a native of Germany, his birth having occurred in
Schwarzenfels in the electorate of Hesse, October 29, 1837. The
first fourteen years of his life were spent in that country and in 1851
he crossed the Atlantic to the new world with his father, a brother
and two sisters. Earlier generations of the family, however, had been
represented on American soil. With the Hessian troops in 1776
there came a cousin of Charles Ende's grandfather and in the storm-
ing of Fort Washington he was seriously wounded, while at Trenton
he was taken prisoner. During his captivity he married a lady of
this land and in 1783 took his bride back to Cassel, Germany, but,
becoming homesick, she induced her husband to return with her to
her native land. This, apparently, was not a difficult task, as he
seemed to have become attached to America during his seven years'
forced sojourn upon this side of the Atlantic. After his return to
the new world he. in the course of time, ceased all correspondence
with his relatives in Germany and therefore all trace of their descend-
ants has been lost.
In 1845 Carl B. Merz, an uncle of Charles Ende, established his
home at Beardstown, Illinois, and in 1853 became a resident of Bur-
lington, where he published the first German newspaper in Iowa.
Several years afterward he took up his abode upon a large farm near
Sigourney and resided upon his property there until he was called
to his final rest in 1902, when eighty-eight years of age. Two years
after his arrival in America, Fritz von Ende sailed for New Orleans,
where he arrived in 1847. He afterward became a resident of Green-
ville, Texas, where his descendants still live. The record of the
family in the direct line of Charles Ende shows that his grandfather,
Carl von Ende, was a minister of the Reformed church at Netra, a
CHARLES EJfDK
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 405
small town in Hesse-Cassel. A contemporary biographer, speaking
of the ancestors of Charles Ende, said that the Rev. Carl von Ende
"had six sons, Mr. Ende's father, Ferdinand von Ende, being the
youngest. Two of his brothers were officers in the Hessian con-
tingent of Napoleon's armies, and both fell in battle, one in Spain
and the other in Russia. A third served in the campaign of 1815, as
volunteer in a battalion of sharpshooters, largely recruited from the
students of the School of Forestry, which he was attending at that
time.
"Conrad Merz, the grandfather of Mr. Ende on the mother's
side, born about 1775, completed his studies in the Catholic Seminary
in Fulda. and later become private secretary to the bishop. In 18 10,
when Prince Carl von Dalberg was made grand duke of Fulda by
Emperor Napoleon, Mr. Merz received an appointment in the
finance department of the new government. This position he held
until 1 815, when the great political changes of that period caused
him to resign. He retired in his prime on a liberal life pension,
granted by the Bavarian government, and became a gentleman of
leisure. He died in i860.
"Ferdinand von Ende, Mr. Ende's father, was born in 1803, ^^^
Netra, where he was reared, and began his education in the com-
mon schools. From there he went to a higher school at Eisenach,
and subsequently graduated from the gymnasium at Cassel, the capi-
tal of the electorate of Hesse. Thus being properly qualified, he was
matriculated as a student of law in the State University at Marburg.
After having obtained his degree of Doctor Juris, he prepared for
and successfully passed the state examination incumbent upon an
aspirant for government office. In due time he was appointed to a
position on the judiciary, which he retained until 1851. During his
term of service he was repeatedly promoted, and at the close of his
official career was associate judge of one of the higher courts. Polit-
ical troubles, so prevalent all over Germany in those days, and from
which the electorate of Hesse was by no means exempt, caused him
to resign and emigrate to the United States, preferring to live in a
land of liberty that promised a better future for his children.
"Ferdinand von Ende was united in marriage to Miss Nanny
Merz, of Fulda, in 1836. She died in the year 1847, leaving four
children who reached mature years, and one who died an infant,
soon after the mother. Mr. Ende's father spent the first winter near
Beardstown, Illinois, and in the spring of 1852 moved to Des Moines
county, Iowa, where he purchased a farm about two and a half miles
from Burlington. There he resided until 1864, when, after about
406 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
a year's sojourn in St. Louis, he took up his abode in this city, and
lived retired from that time until his death, which occurred in 1881;."
During the period of his residence in his native county Charles
Ende largely devoted his time to the acquirement of a public-school
education and after coming to the United States his attention was
given to the work of the home farm until 1855. He was afterward
employed in Pittsfield, Quincy and Galesburg, Illinois, and in Des
Moines, Henry, Lee and Decatur counties, Iowa, between the years
1855 and i860. In the spring of the latter year he left Burlington
for St. Joseph, Missouri, where he expected to join a wagon train
en route for the newly discovered gold fields of Colorado. He was
accompanied on the trip as far as Hannibal, Missouri, by his brother
Fred, whose destination was Greenville, Texas, and they did not
meet again until after the war, at which time Mr. Ende learned that
his brother had been forced to serve in the Confederate army for
nearly three years, while he was fighting with the Union troops.
Charles Ende met all of the hardships and privations incident to
travel across the plains and through the mountains at that early
period, but also enjoyed the delights which nature and outdoor life of-
fer. He remembers seeing many bufTaloes, while game of various
kinds was most plentiful. For the first time they met Indians at Fort
Kearny and afterward passed through several Indian villages, the
red men, however, seeming perfectly peaceable. In fact, they seemed
to be pleased to welcome their visitors, who bestowed upon them
little gifts, including tobacco, matches and bread. The purpose of
the trip did not find fulfilment, for Mr. Ende did not win a fortune
in the gold fields of Pike's Peak. In December, i860, on the return
trip, he crossed the Missouri river at Omaha, arriving at Burlington
about Christmas. He then proceeded to Chicago and two months
later accepted a position as a farm hand near Galesburg, Illinois,
where he was living at the time of the outbreak of the Civil war.
On the 7th of September, 1861, his patriotic spirit aroused by the
continued attempt of the south to overthrow the Union, he olYered
his services to the government and at Burlington became a private
of Company F, Fifth Iowa Cavalry. He remained at the front until
after the close of hostilities and was then mustered out with the rank
of first lieutenant August 1 1, 1865. He was with the Western Army,
operating in Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Alaba'ma and Missis-
sippi. The regiment to which Mr. Ende belonged left Benton Bar-
racks, St! Louis, for Fort Henry, in February, 1862. It remained
stationary in the vicinity of Forts Heiman, Henry and Donelson till
June, 1863. While stationed at the above-named places the regiment
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 407
was principally engaged in righting bushwhackers and partisan ran-
gers and in scouting. Engagements during this period were as fol-
lows: August, 1862, Rolling Mills, near Fort Donelson; September,
1862, Clarksville, Tennessee; October, 1862, Wagner's Landing,
Tennessee; November, 1862, Garrettsburg, Kentucky ; January, 1863,
\\'averly, Tennessee; February, 1863, Fort Donelson. In May, 1862,
when out on a scout, Mr. Ende was taken prisoner, and with a num-
ber of other comrades sent to Jackson, Mississippi, where they were
paroled and brought into the Union lines near Corinth under a flag
of truce, in charge of Major Thompson, ex-secretary of the interior
under President Buchanan. General Halleck, ignoring the obliga-
tions of the parole, ordered the men to report for hospital duty at
once and when they refused upon the plea that such would be a vio-
lation of their parole, sent a platoon of infantry with bayonets fixed
to drive them to work.
In June, 1863, the regiment was transferred to Murfreesboro,
where it joined General Rosecrans' army. July 3, 1863, the regiment
was again detached and after a week of escorting trains to the front,
ordered to McMinnville. During the short stay with the main army
it had seen some hard service. October, 1863, the regiment partici-
pated, under General Crook, in the pursuit of Wheeler. Upon this
occasion, the battalion to which Mr. Ende's company belonged made
a very successful charge on Wheeler's rear guard, at Sugar Creek,
taking a number of prisoners. January 6, 1864, Mr. Ende reenlisted
and returned from veteran furlough to Nashville, March 30, 1864.
May 26th he was detached with thirty men to garrison a blockhouse
erected for the protection of a railroad bridge over Richland creek,
near Pulaski, Tennessee. July 10, 1864, he joined, with his com-
mand. General Rousseau at Decatur, Alabama, and took part in the
expedition to Montgomery. The regiment had barely returned when
it was ordered out again on the disastrous McCook raid. Here Mr.
Ende had a little extra experience. Having lost his horse in crossing
the Chattahoochee river, he was left behind and it took him ten days
to reach his command at Marietta, Georgia. After the fall of Atlanta,
the Fifth Iowa Cavalry, which at that time was attached to Kil-
patrick's division, received orders to proceed to Louisville to be re-
mounted, and then return to Nashville. When Hood began his
advance upon Nashville the regiment was ordered to Columbia,
where it soon encountered the enemy. After a short skirmish the
command was relieved bv infantry and sent ten miles up Duck river
to guard fords. The day following the regiment distinguished itself
bv cutting its wav out through a vastlv superior force that had sur-
408 HISTORY OF DES xMOINES COUNTY
rounded the brigade. During the battle of Franklin the regiment
was scouting on the right flank.
Mr. Ende could not participate with his regiment in the battle
of Nashville, since he had been appointed judge advocate of a gen-
eral court martial convened by order of General Wilson, command-
ing the cavalry corps of the military division of the Mississippi. It
took about two months to try the cases which had accumulated. His
task completed, Mr. Ende was relieved, and rejoined his regiment
at Gravelly Springs, Alabama, where General Wilson was assem-
bling three divisions of cavalry and making preparations for the last
and most successful raid of the war. The Fifth Iowa Cavalry was
assigned to Alexander's Brigade of General Upton's division. After
the cessation of hostilities the Fifth Iowa was stationed for some
time at Macon, Georgia ; then at Atlanta, from whence it was ordered
to Nashville; at which place, after having been mustered out August
II, 1865, the regiment embarked for Clinton, Iowa, and there was
paid ofif and disbanded. He was among those who were detailed
from his regiment to act as guard when JefTerson Davis was taken
from Atlanta to Augusta, Georgia, where he was transferred to an-
other command that conducted him to Fortress Monroe. Mr. Ende
was never wounded, although often in the thickest of the fight in some
of the most hotly contested engagements of the war, and with a most
creditable military record he returned to the north when hostilities
were ended.
In November, 1865, Mr. Ende took up his permanent abode in
Burlington, where he has since made his home, and soon afterward
he became proprietor of a brewery as a partner of his brother-in-law.
The business was established at No. 1307 Mount Pleasant street and
has since been continuously conducted, save for a period of three
years, during which time the firm acted as agents for the Lemp
Brewery of St. Louis. The partnership was dissolved in Septem-
ber, 1902, and Mr. Ende has since been alone in the ownership and
control of the business. He has a well equipped plant, representing
an investment of twenty-five thousand dollars, and the liberal pat-
ronage which he receives has made the business a profitable one.
On the 3d of October, 1869, at Liberty, Missouri, Mr. Ende was
joined in wedlock to Miss Thusnelda Louise Leopold, a native of
Liberty and of German parentage, her father and mother having
come to the United States in 1834. Mrs. Ende passed away in 1902
and her grave was made in Aspen Grove cemetery. By her marriage
she had become the mother of four children. The eldest, Carl, com-
pleted a course in the State University of Iowa and was afterward
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 409
graduated from the Gt)ttingcn University of Germany, which con-
ferred upon him the degree of Ph. D. Since 1899 he has been in-
structor in chemistry in the State University of Iowa and is now a
professor in that institution. He married Miss Alice Ankeney.
August, the second son, following his graduation from the State Uni-
versity of Iowa, completed his studies in Cornell University of New
York, pursuing a special course in mathematics. He afterward be-
came instructor in mathematics in the State University of Iowa, but
is now assistant manager of his father's business. Marie, the only
daughter, is the wife of John D. York of Chicago. Henry, the
youngest one, is in Burlington, connected with his father.
Mr. Ende belongs to the Turn Verein. In 1866 he became a char-
ter member of Matthies Post, G. A. R. His political allegiance is
usually given to the democratic party, but he is not bound by party
ties, and for four years he represented the second ward on the city
council, acting during both terms as chairman of the police commit-
tee. He is now in the seventy-eighth year of his age but is a remark-
ably well preserved man and in spirit and interest seems yet in his
prime.
HUGH B. ALLEN.
Hugh B. Allen, a partner in the retail shoe establishment of Nefif
& Allen, is a representative of one of the old pioneer families of Des
Moines county. He comes of Scotch ancestry, tracing his lineage
down from Hugh Allen, his great-grandfather, who came from the
land of hills and heather to the new world in 1820 and settled first in
Ohio. He was the father of Robert Allen, who was also born in Scot-
land and accompanied his parents on their emigration to the new
world. In 1839 he first visited Des Moines county and in 1842 took
up his permanent abode within its borders. He followed farming
but was also a carpenter by trade and carried on business along both
lines, thus contributing to the early commercial development of the
city. He also became a prominent factor in public afifairs, filling the
office of justice of the peace, and was twice chosen to represent his dis-
trict in the state legislature, where he left the impress of his individ-
ualitv upon the laws enacted during those sessions. He voted with the
republican party, which found in him a stalwart and earnest cham-
pion. In connection with political affairs he always subordinated
partisanship to the public welfare and personal aggrandizement to
410 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
the good of the community. He married a Miss Wasson and after
her death wedded a Miss Ripley. His son, Frank Allen, was a native
of Des Moines county and throughout his entire life continued his
residence within its borders, but in 1899 was called to his final rest.
His widow survives and yet makes her home in Burlington. In their
family were three children, Hugh B., Pearl and Sabine.
Hugh B. Allen attended the high school of Burlington and
devoted two years of his early life to farming. Since that time, how-
ever, he has been connected with the shoe trade. He opened a shoe
store in the Garman block in June, 1912, and conducted it until the
28th of August, 1913, when he became a partner of George H. Nefif in
the ownership and conduct of the shoe business which they are now
carrying on. They are both well known young business men of the
city and success is attending their eliforts, for they are reliable in their
dealings and have ever recognized the fact that satisfied patrons are
the best advertisement.
On the loth of April, 1913, Mr. Allen was united in marriage to
Miss Florence N. Sutton. He holds membership with the Elks and
with the Ibis Club. Politically his preference is for the republican
party yet he casts an independent ballot, voting according to the dic-
tates of his judgment. He is well known in the city and his circle of
friends is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance.
JOHN H. TROXEL.
John H. Troxel is one of the oldest merchants of Burlington. It
is seldom that a man of his years continues active in trade, yet old age
need not suggest as a matter of course idleness or want of occupation.
On the contrary there is an old age which grows stronger and broader
mentally and morally as the years go on and gives out of its rich store
of wisdom and experience for the benefit of others. Such is the record
of John H. Troxel, who has passed the seventy-ninth milestone on
life's journey and yet is still connected with commercial interests in
Burlington. He was born in Pennsylvania, August 30, 1835, a son
of Joseph and Sarah (Forney) Troxel, who were also natives of the
Keystone state. They were descended from old families of Pennsyl-
vania, of Scotch and German descent. They continued to live in the
east until the early '70s, when they removed westward to Burlington,
where their remaining days were passed.
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 411
John H. Troxel was reared in Pennsylvania and was about
twenty-nine years of age when he came to Iowa, since which time he
has made his home in Burlington. He had learned the cabinet-
maker's trade in early life and here worked for a Mr. Prugh. While
thus engaged he carefully saved his earnings until his industry and
economic expenditures brought to him sufficient capital to enable him
to engage in business on his own account. Accordingly in 1874 ^^
and his brother Joseph opened a furniture store in Burlington and for
fifteen years conducted the business, their success growing with
the development of the city. His brother Joseph sold out in 1889 but
John H. Troxel still remains an active factor in the world's work,
being at the head of the business which he has now long wisely and
successfully conducted.
In 1856 Mr. Troxel was married to Miss Katherine Gingrich,
who was born in Pennsylvania in 1835, and they became the parents
of four children : Elizabeth, the widow of Edward Rankin ; Emma,
who is the widow of Charles Greene and has two children; Albert,
who works for his father; and William, who is also associated in busi-
ness with the subject of this review.
At the time of the Civil war Mr. Troxel put aside all business
and personal considerations, for his patriotic spirit was aroused by
the attempt of the south to overthrow the Union. Accordingly he
enlisted in 1861, joining Company K of the Ninety-third Pennsyl-
vania Regiment and went to the front, but he became afflicted with
inflammatory rheumatism and was honorably discharged in 1862
because of physical disability. In politics he is a republican and his
first presidential ballot was cast for Abraham Lincoln in 1864. He
has since marched under the party's banners and has seen no reason
to change his allegiance. He and his family are members of the Con-
gregational church and his has been an upright life fraught with
many good deeds and characterized by noble purposes.
There has been nothing spectacular in his career. It does not
show up with the brilliancy of the military or political leader, but it
is the substantial business man who constitutes the real bone and sinew
of the nation. They are the ones who can be counted upon in every
emergency and who are accustomed to judge in an impartial and
therefore beneficial way concerning the problems which confront the
country. Mr. Troxel has lived to see wonderful clianges not only in
Burlington but in all sections of America. The nineteenth century
has well been termed the age of invention and it is within his memory
that most of the railroads of the country have been built, that its tele-
graph and telephone lines have been established, and that the work
412 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
of improvement and development has been carried on along many
other lines. Unlike many others he does not sigh for the "good old
days" but has ev.er kept in touch with modern thought and progress,
and in spirit and interests seems yet in his prime.
CHARLES SCHWARZ.
Charles Schwarz is the oldest coal merchant of Burlington con-
tinuously engaged in business. For twenty-six years he has been
identified with the coal trade and his enterprise and reliable methods
have been the salient factors in winning for him the substantial suc-
cess which he now enjoys. As is indicated by his name he is of Ger-
man birth, his natal day being June 12, 1855. His parents, John and
Elizabeth (Beemer) Schwarz, also natives of the fatherland, re-
mained residents of that countrv until 1866, when thev crossed the
Atlantic to the new world and made their way to Burlington. The
father devoted his life to farming and both he and his wife have
passed away. In their family were four sons and a daughter, of whom
one is deceased.
Charles Schwarz acquired a public-school education, which was
begun in Germany and continued in the schools of Des Moines
county. His time was divided between his studies, the pleasures of
the playground and the work of the fields, for as soon as old enough
he began to assist his father in the further development and improve-
ment of the home farm. When a young man he began working out
as a farm hand and afterward rented land which he cultivated for a
few years. In early manhood he also learned the butcher's trade and
became manager of a meat market at Winfield, Iowa. Liking the
business, he later bought out his employer but in 1882 he disposed of
his interests atWinfield and came to Burlington, where he engaged in
teaming until 1884. He then took up his abode in West Burlington
and built the first butcher shop in the town, continuing in that line of
business until he sold out and began dealing in coal, being, as pre-
viously stated, the oldest merchant in years of continuous connection
with the coal trade in West Burlington. His identification with the
business covers twenty-six years and for a time he maintained an office
in Burlington in addition to his plant in West Burlington. His busi-
ness has grown with the passing years and his trade has now assumed
extensive and gratifying proportions, bringing to him very desirable
and well earned success.
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 413
In 1878 iMr. Schwarz was united in marriage to Miss Kate Beck,
of Mount Pleasant, a daughter of John and Eva Beck, farming peo-
ple, who became early settlers of Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Schwarz have
become the parents of Hve children: Katie, at home; Otto, a farmer
residing near Salem, Iowa; Pearl, the wife of Alexander Peterson,
who carries on general farming near Mount Pleasant; John, who is
engaged in teaming at West Burlington ; and Carrie, at home.
Mr. Schwarz and his family are members of the Lutheran church,
and his political indorsement is given to the republican party. He
keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day and is ever
ready to support his position by intelligent argument. In 1908 he was
made postmaster of West Burlington and he has also been street com-
missioner, filling the position for two years. His public service, like
his business career, has at all times been creditable and it is well
known that his influence in matters of citizenship is always on the side
of progress and improvement.
THOMAS RICHARD RANKIN.
Death called Thomas Richard Rankin on the 17th of December,
1913, just after he had passed the eighty-sixth milestone on life's
journey. His was indeed a commendable life. His well formulated
plans had been carried forward to fruition and every duty that
devolved upon him in the various connections of home and public
life was faithfully met and performed. He agreed with Lincoln that
"there is something better than making a living — making a life;" and
he therefore directed his energies in accordance with the highest
standards of manhood and of citizenship. He remained in active
connection with business affairs long after he had entered the ranks of
the octogenarians.
The birth of Mr. Rankin occurred in Sevier county, Tennessee,
December 11, 1827, his parents being William and Catherine
(Gault) Rankin. His ancestral history shows that the family was
established in America during colonial days. His grandfather,
Richard Rankin, had a family of ten sons and one daughter and four
of the number, Thomas, David, William and Samuel Steele, enlisted
for service in the War of 1812 under General Jackson. One of these,
David, was killed in the battle with the Indians in Alabama, at
Horseshoe Bend, on the Tallahassee river. Descendants of Richard
Rankin to the number of forty-two participated in the Civil war.
414 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
Six of these belonged to the family of John Rankin, who was called
the father of abolition. He was the author of a volume, "Rankin's
Letters on Slavery," which it is said converted Wendell Phillips and
William Lloyd Garrison to the cause of abolition. Mr. Rankin
studied the question of slavery first hand. He talked with the slaves,
noted their treatment and with wide vision saw not only individual
wrongs but the criminality of the entire system, and he wrote these
letters to his brother lliomas, entreating him to free all slaves in his
possession. This John Rankin was a Presbyterian minister and it was
he who furnished most of the characters to Harriet Beecher Stowe
for the story of Uncle Tom's Cabin. It was at his home in Ripley,
on the Ohio river, that Eliza Harris, who figures in the story, sought
refuge pfter making the perilous trip over cakes of floating ice to the
northern shore. The Rankin family was not only notable because of
the strength of its loyalty during the Civil war but also by reason of
high moral principle which has ever dominated its representatives.
The grandfather of Thomas R. Rankin had four sons, John, William,
Alexander T. and Robert H., who became ministers of the Pres-
byterian church, and four other sons who were elders in that church.
The Rev. William Rankin was born in East Tennessee, June i,
1795, and there remained until 1833, when he went to North Caro-
lina, where he spent four years. In 1837 '""^ became a resident of
Indiana and four years later came to Iowa, arriving in this state in
1841. He engaged in preaching as pastor of a Presbyterian church
in Yellow Springs township, Des Moines countv, until 1842, and later
spent two years in pastoral work at Marion, Linn county. He was
for a year at Plymouth, Hancock county, Illinois, and afterward spent
many years in Quincy, Illinois, whence he came to Burlington in
1872. His remaining davs were passed in this state, his death occur-
ring in Farmington, March 7, 1889, when he had reached the ad-
vanced age of ninety-four years. He was married five times. His
first wife, bv whom he had seven children, was of Scotch-Irish
descent, as were the Rankins, and died when their son Thomas was
but six months old.
Thomas Richard Rankin pursued his education in the Mission
Institute at Quincy, Illinois. A cracker factory was conducted in
connection with the school in order that the boys might have work ■' i
they were unable in other ways to meet their expenses, and it wns
there that Mr. Rankin learned the baker's trade, which he followed
in Quincy from 1844 until 1852. In the fall of the latter year he ar-
rived in Burlington and built a bake shop on Main street. S. C.
Treat became associated with him, making candy and bread, while
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 415
Mr. Rankin made the crackers. In 1855 they removed to North Third
street and the partnership was continued until 1857, when Mr. Treat
sold out to S. E. Taylor. They made several changes of location and
extended the scope of their business to include the shipping of fruit
and vegetables. In 1870 they disposed of their bakery and Mr.
Rankin formed a partnership with Gus Dodge in the fruit business
on West Jefiferson street and at the same time bought out the Richey
interest in the ice business, thus becoming a partner of Mr. Dunn.
When in 1874 ^^^- Dodge purchased Mr. Dunn's interests, the firm
of Rankin & Dodge was thus formed and continued to deal in fruit
and ice. The partnership was maintained until 1890, when Mr. Ran-
kin became sole proprietor and remained alone until 1900, when he
admitted Forest F. Houston to a partnership under the firm-style of
T. R. Rankin & Company. Mr. Rankin also became a partne'- of Mr.
Dunn in the ice, wood and coal business and his commercial interests
are yet maintained in concrete form under the style of the Rankin
Coal & Ice Company, being carried on by three of his nephews. For
more than a half century he was actively connected with commercial
interests in Burlington and at his death there was no other resident of
the city so long identified with its business affairs.
On the loth of April, 185 1, in Rushville, Schuyler county, Illi-
nois, was celebrated the marriage of Thomas R. Rankin and Miss
Elizabeth A. Houston, a daughter of Caleb and Elizabeth (Purdy)
Houston. Her father, a native of New Hampshire, removed west-
ward to Columbus, Ohio, where he conducted business as a carpenter
and builder. He was married there in 1815 and in 1830 removed
westward to Beardstown, Illinois, and soon afterward took up his
abode on a farm near Rushville, Illinois, where he passed away in
1855. His wife survived him for twenty years, dying in 1875. Mr.
and Mrs. Rankin had no children of their own but reared an adopted
daughter, Emma G., who became the wife of J. W. Cornic, of Los
Angeles, California. Mrs. Rankin passed away August 21, 1893, ^^^
on the iith of November, 1896, Mr. Rankin wedded Miss Harriet
Houston, a daughter of John P. and Elizabeth (Gray) Houston.
Mrs. Rankin is a member of the Congregational church, to which
Mr. Rankin also belonged and in the work of the church she has taken
f'eep interest and a helpful part. Mr. Rankin was in charge of the
benevolent work of the church from 1870 and for many years served
as one of the deacons. He voted with the republican party but was
never an aspirant for public office. Fraternally he was connected
with the Royal Arcanum but he preferred outside of business hours
to spend his time in his home and among his friends, who-were many.
416 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
His life was indeed honorable and upright and gained for him the
high regard, confidence and goodwill of allwvith whom he came in
contact. He never deviated from high standards in any relation, nor
was he ever content to choose the second best. His ideals were high
and he embraced every opportunity to secure their accomplishment.
He had, too, that kindly nature which made him ever approachable
and in his life justice was tempered with mercy.
RALPH F. HOLMES.
Ralph F. Holmes, an energetic, wide-awake business man, stim-
ulated always by the spirit of progress and advancement, is now man-
ager of the Grand Opera House and of the Iowa Posting Service
Company. He was born in Burlington, August 13, 1887, and ac-
quired a public-school education while spending his youthful days
under the parental roof. His father, George V. Holmes, now fifty-
five years of age, is engaged in the express business in Burlington.
The mother, who bore the maiden name of Wilhelmina Aschhofif,
was born in Burlington and is now fifty years of age. They are mem-
bers of the Zion German church.
Ralph F. Holmes, an only child, after pursuing the high-school
course in Burlington attended Elliott's Business College and his first
work was with the Rock Island Railroad, with which he remained
for three years. It was after leaving that position that he took his
business course and subsequently he secured a position in the ofiice
of the division superintendent of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy
Railroad, spending a year there. Having acted in the capacity of
usher at the Grand Opera House and thinking that he would like to
follow that line for a business, he applied for a position to M. S.
Scovill, who was then manager of the Grand, and was taken into the
office as treasurer and ticket seller. At that time the office of the
Grand was the general office for the entire circuit of some twenty or
more towns and all of the bookings and the auditing were done here.
Mr. Holmes, as he anticipated, found the work congenial and in No-
vember, 1910, he became manager. He is well known and popular,
not only among the theatrical people, but in Burlington as a business
man. As the manager of the Grand he has given to the citv an at-
tractive line of entertainments, holding to high standards in that con-
nection. This is the leading theater of the city and has a seating
capacity of thirteen hundred. It is beautifully equipped in every
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 417
particular and presents the best theatrical attractions upon the road.
On the 3d of September, 1910, after the opening play, "Miss Nobody
of Starland," someone placed a bomb on the stage and blew up a part
of the building, doing considerable damage, but fortunately no per-
son was injured as this occurred after one o'clock in the morning.
They never found the culprit. The woriv of repair was at once in-
stituted and the Grand has always maintained its position as the lead-
ing theatrical house of Burlington. Mr. Holmes is also at the head
of the Iowa Posting Service Company, in which connection he is con-
ducting a profitable and growing business.
Mr. Holmes is well known in fraternal circles as a member of
the Elks, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Moose and
is fond of outdoor life as indicated by his membership in the Golf
Club. He is a very energetic and enterprising young man and is
meeting with well merited success in his chosen undertaking.
HON. LYMAN COOK.
There was much that was remarkable and noteworthy in the
career of the Hon. Lyman Cook, one of Burlington's pioneers of the
year 1840. Remarkable was his advent in this section, for he ar-
rived here after a horseback ride of twenty-three days from Ohio.
Remarkably small were his business beginnings and remarkably im-
portant the position he attained in the financial world as president of
the First National Bank. Moreover, Mr. Cook did extraordinary
work in connection with railroad building, serving as a director of
most of the local roads and also being one of the commission which
met in Chicago in 1862 in order to organize the Union Pacific. All
of these vast business interests, however, did not exhaust Mr. Cook's
vitality and energy, for he yet found time to enter into political and
governmental affairs and for a number of years not only held the
office of mayor of Burlington during the most active days in its con-
struction period but also represented his district in the state senate
and served during Civil war times as commissary to provide equip-
ment for the troops at the front. He was intimately associated with
all of the great movements of his time w^ithin the state, and some
without the state, and he was acquainted with nearly all of the great
men of Iowa who made history that affected the nation.
Mr. Cook passed away October i, 1898, in his seventy-ninth vear,
his birth having occurred on his father's farm in Bennington, Lick-
418 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
ing county, Ohio, June 6, 1820. In the acquirement of an education
he attended the public schools and also Denison University at Gran-
ville, Ohio, from which he graduated at the age of eighteen years.
He then secured a position as bookkeeper in the iron works at Zoar,
Ohio, which he held for two years. In the spring of 1840 he came
to Burlington, Iowa, in search of those opportunities which he was
sure the middle west presented to an enterprising and ambitious
young man. He made the trip from the Buckeye state on horseback
and it took him twenty-three days to cover the distance. After set-
tling in Burlington he engaged in the commission and produce busi-
ness for a short time and then turned his attention to the hardware
trade, in which he soon associated himself with John Prugh. After
Mr. Prugh's death, in 1851, John W. White bought an interest in
the business, which was conducted as Cook & White until 1854.
Even in this early venture along commercial lines more than ordi-
nary success came to Mr. Cook, who readily demonstrated his ability
to cope with conditions and situations that were entirely new to him.
He could see farther into the future than many of the men around
him, and his ability to grasp each opportunity that presented itself
was the secret of his success.
Having accumulated some means, Mr. Cook entered the private
banking business in 1854 '^^ "i member of the newly formed firm of
White, Cook & Company, which successfully continued the business
until 1858, when our subject formed a partnership with John M.
Baxter to conduct a business along the same line. The firm of Cook
& Baxter existed as such until 1861, in which year Mr. Cook suc-
ceeded W. F. Coolbaugh as president of the Burlington branch of
the State Bank of Iowa. He had become one of the most able finan-
ciers of this part of the state, readily understanding the banking situa-
tion that prevailed, and in the important position to which he was
called in 1861 gathered further experience. He served as president
of the local branch of the State Bank until January, 1864, when he
organized the First National Bank of Burlington, of which he be-
came president and which under his able management and careful
control became one of the most formidable institutions of its kind
within the state. While Mr. Cook would never lose sight of the
great interests under his care he had a capacity for detail which was
remarkable. He kept in touch with the least important of his em-
ployees and was ever ready to receive valuable suggestions. The
safety of the bank's deposits were his greatest care and yet he would
judiciously extend credit and in that way contributed in a very large
measure toward the industrial growth of Burlington. He was a rare
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 4i'j
judge of human nature and tliis ability, in combination with liis long
experience as a banker and business man, made it practically impos-
sible for him to commit a serious error.
Lvman Cook had many other interests which were of the utmost
importance in the development of the district which centers around
Burlington. He was a director of the Iowa State Savings Bank; of
the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad Company of Iowa; of the
old Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Missouri Railway Company; and
<)f the Burlington & Northwestern Railway Company. Mr. Cook
was also a member of the commission which in 1862 met in Chicago
in order to organize the Union Pacific Railway Company. From
these connections and judged by the important position which he held
in the financial world it is unnecessarv to mention the part which he
played in the history of the development of the state. He was one of
those big men who did many things effectively yet quietly. Many
benefits deriving from his activities are enjoyed by the present gen-
eration and will be a boon to generations to come.
Apart from Mr. Cook's business career as outlined above stands
his political success. He was a stalwart whig and later naturally
turned to the republican party. From 1846 to 1850 he served as
alderman of Burlington and in 1851 was called upon to fill the
mayor's chair. He was reelected in 1852 and 1853 'i''"^' what means
more, was reelected without opposition. In 1856 yet greater honors
came to him when the voters of his district called upon him to repre-
sent their interests in the state senate. He served until 1860 and was
a force for good in the upper house of the legislative assemblv. He
was active in committee rooms in the interests of his constituents and
from the floor of the house gave his support to important measures
which found their way upon the statutes of the state. During the
Civil war Governor Kirkwood appointed Mr. Cook commissary and
he was particularly designated to look after the provision of equip-
ment for the troops at the front. In his political life Lvman Cook
came in contact with the foremost men of his time and all of them
appreciated that quiet yet forceful individuality which could do so
much with seemingly so little efifort. His work during the days of
development in the city of Burlington and during the critical times
of the Civil war is not forgotten to this day.
Lyman Cook was twice married. In 1846 he wedded Miss Oc-
tavia Lorrain, who died in 1856, after ten years of married life, leav-
ing two children: H. T. Cook, who died in Colorado Springs, Colo-
rado, in 1887; and Mary Frances, the wife of the Hon. Thomas
Hedge, e.\-member of congress and president of Gilbert, Hedge &
420 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
Company of Burlington. In 1861 Mr. Cook married Mrs. Lucia St.
John, who died in 1897, leaving one child, Louise, the wife of Wil-
liam Carson, of Burlington. In the annals of the history of Bur-
lington there can be found the names of but few men who did as
much for the welfare of their city as Lyman Cook, a force in the
commercial world of his day, a public servant of the most unselfish
character and a builder for the future.
ERNST BOCK.
In a history of Burlington it is imperative that mention should
be made of Ernst Bock, for his life record is inseparablv interwoven
with the annals of this city. The beauty of Crapo Park is largely
attributable to his untiring energies and in various public connec-
tions he largely furthered the general welfare. He was born in
Silesia, Germany, on the 28th of August, 1848, a son of Joseph and
Johanna (Reichelt) Bock. The mother died in Germany and in
later life the father came to the new world and spent his last three
years with his sons, passing away January 6, 1897, ^t the venerable
age of eighty-one years. He was a florist and landscape gardener of
high repute in his chosen calling, and he had charge of the green-
houses of a German baron. In the family were five children : Joseph
and Ernst, both of whom were valued and prominent citizens of
Burlington but are now deceased; William, who died in this city,
February 20, 1913; Anna, who died in Germany; and Oscar, who
is still living in the fatherland.
Ernst Bock spent the first seventeen years of his life in his native
land and then in company with his brother Joseph embarked for the
new world, making his way direct to Burlington, where the two
brothers joined an uncle, Jerome Bock, who was then conducting a
nursery business on Madison avenue. Both were connected with
the nursery and florist business throughout their entire lives. Their
father had been engaged in that line and thus they acquired con-
siderable knowledge of the business in youth. They spent about ten
years in the employ of their uncle and during that time Ernst Bock
made a trip back to Europe for the benefit of his health, which had
become impaired through injuries sustained in a railroad accident.
After a few months, however, he again came to the United States.
In 1873 he purchased what is now the present home place of four-
teen acres and for a time kept bachelor's hall, building on his land a
ERNST BOCIC
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 423
house of three rooms which is now a part of the present fine family-
residence. He embarked in the florist and nursery business on his
own account and his brother Joseph later became his partner and
purciiased adjoining property. From the beginning their business
grew and developed along substantial lines and the partnership was
continued for about a decade, at the end of which time they severed
their business connections, Joseph taking over the greenhouses and
continuing in business as a florist, while Ernst Bock became proprie-
tor of the nurseries. He engaged in the cultivation and sale of gen-
eral nursery stock and in that connection built up a business of
e.xtensive proportions. Under his careful management it became
one of the best enterprises of the kind in the state. As he prospered
in his undertakings he made judicious investments and became one
of the extensive property owners, holding a large amount of realty
within the city limits, much of it being along Sunnyside avenue. His
business was known as the Sunnyside Nursery — a name which be-
came widely known not only in Burlington but throughout the state,
for his patronage covered a wide territory.
On the 9th of September, 1877, Mr. Bock was united in marriage
to Miss Adelaide Schafifner, who was born in Des Moines county
and died July 21, 1894. They were the parents of four children:
William, who died at the age of two years; Clarence, a salesman for
the nursery business, living in this city, where he has married and
has one son, Milton; Gertrude, the wife of Ed Cook, of Clinton,
Iowa, by whom she has two children, Glenn and Marita; and Adella,
who died at the age of two years.
In December, 1895, ^^^- Bock was again married, his second
union being with Mrs. Frances Eckhart Hanson, who passed away
June 6, 1900,. leaving two children, Jerome and Frances. On the
27th of July, 1904, Mr. Bock was married again, the lady of his
choice being Mrs. Emma Kupper Kneubuhl, a widow, who was
born in Des Moines county and by her first marriage had two chil-
dren: Emily Kneubuhl, who is principal of a school in Minneapo-
lis; and B. F., who has been connected with the United States navy
for the past twelve years.
Mr. Bock gave his political allegiance to the democratic party,
and he was one of the first selected to serve as alderman under the
new commission form of government. His familiarity with plant
life and the esteem in which he was held by all made him logicallv
a candidate for the office and he was made commissioner of the
parks, serving as president of the park board for nine years. He
was one of the three park commissioners to succeed Philip Crapo
424 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
and for fifteen years he acted as president of the commission hav-
ing Crapo Park, in charge. He closely studied the opportunities
for adorning and beautifying the park and Burlington has every rea-
son to be proud of the results which crowned his efforts in that con-
nection. When he was elected to the city government under the
commission form he received the highest vote polled by any alder-
man. Mr. Bock was an active member of the Turn Verein. He
passed away March 31, 191 4, and his death was the occasion of deep
and widespread regret. He had an extensive circle of warm friends
who entertained for him the highest regard.
Writing of his demise, one of the local papers said: "The loss
of Mr. Bock will be felt by the community in marked manner, as his
personality and high character contained those attributes of love,
patience, courtesy and unselfishness which made his presence a source
of joy and encouragement to his friends as well as intimate family.
With him thought of others was ever paramount and he met his
acquaintances with a ready, genial smile." In manner he was quiet
and unostentatious, but the sterling worth of his character won recog-
nition and all who knew him entertained for him the warmest regard.
In his passing Burlington indeed lost one of its worthy and valued
citizens.
MANASSEH EDWARDS.
For many years Manasseh Edwards was connected with lumber
interests in Burlington, in which line of business he continued until
his retirement from active life several years prior to his death. He
was a native of Wales, born October 4, 1839, and as a child came
with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Edwards, to the United States,
the family locating in Louisa county, Iowa, where the father fol-
lowed the trade of wagon-making.
Manasseh Edwards was educated in the public schools of that
county and subsequently became a cabinet-maker. He established
himself independently in that trade in Morning Sun, Louisa county,
where by close application he gained prosperity. He became one of
the influential men of the city, not only in business but in politics,
and was twice elected county recorder, continuing in office for four
years. In 1881 Mr. Edwards removed to Burlington and there iden-
tified himself with the lumber business.
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 425
In Morning Sun, Mr. Edwards was united in marriage to Miss
Orra W. Hurd, a native of Ohio. Their children were: James Ly-
man, who is one of the best known citizens of Burlington and stands
high in financial circles as president of the Merchants National Bank,
of this city; Nancy L. and Lucretia E. Mrs. Edwards, who resides
at No. 646 South Twelfth street, Burlington, is beloved by all who
know her and takes a deep interest in the moral and intellectual de-
velopment of the community.
Mr. Edwards was a republican but after coming to Burlington
did not again enter politics. He belonged to the First Presbyterian
church and was a member of the Masonic order. He had many com-
mendable traits of character and his memory is dear to his many
friends, who appreciated him as much for his qualities of character
as for his achievements in the business world. He died April 8,
1913, at the age of seventy-three and one-half years, and with him
there passed from life one of the commanding figures of that part of
the state in which he resided.
BENJAMIN HARRISON HEATON.
Benjamin Harrison Heaton, president of the Rankin Coal & Ice
Company, is thus active in the management of one of the important
commercial interests of Burlington, where the company now enjoys
an extensive and growing business. He was born in West Burling-
ton, March 4, 1889, and is a son of John and Ella (Rankin) Heaton.
The father's birth occurred in England, in 1845, and he now resides
in West Burlington, where he is employed in the machine shops of
the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company. His wife
was born in Lorissa, Cherokee county, Texas, in 1855, and by their
marriage they had five children: David, who died in Iowa fifteen
years ago; Isabelle, who is a teacher in the schools of Kirkwood, Mis-
souri; Thomas H., who died December 13, 1914, and was buried in
Burlington ; Benjamin H. ; and John Robert, at home.
Benjamin H. Heaton pursued his education in the grammar
schools of West Burlington and also studied for two terms in Elliott's
Business College of Burlington. He was afterwards employed for
fifteen months as a clothing salesman in the wholesale house of Mar-
shall Field & Company of Chicago and later entered the employ of
The Hub of Chicago, being connected with that establishment for
four months. Subsequently he was an employe of the P. D. Madi-
426 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
gan Company of Chicago for seven months and at the end of that time
entered the service of Carson, Pirie, Scott & Company, having charge
of the men's department for three years. In 1913 he returned to Bur-
lington and on the ist of October of that year became a member of
T. R. Rankin & Company, now the Rankin Coal & Ice Company,
with which he has since been connected. His previous broad and
varied experience well qualified him for his duties and he has been
very active in the development of the business, which is now one of
the important concerns of the kind in the city.
On the 26th of April, 191 1, Mr. Heaton wedded Miss Harriet
A. Underwood, a daughter of John E. and Carrie May (Miner)
Underwood, who reside in Chicago, Mr. Underwood being con-
nected with the retail store of Marshall Field & Company. Mrs.
Heaton was born in Frankfort, Indiana, in 1888. They now reside
at No. 628 South Gunnison street and they attend the Presbyterian
church. He is a wide-awake, active and alert young business man
and his general experience, combined with his upright dealing and
his courtesy, will be sure to win him in a shcjrt time a creditable posi-
tion in business circles and success as a merchant in the line in which
he engages.
MERCHANTS NATIONAL BANK.
The Merchants National Bank of Burlington is one of the strong
financial institutions of the city. It was established November 7,
1870, and on its board of directors were F. W. Barhydt, who was
made president, P. H. Smyth, C. W. Bodeman, J. C. McKell, C.
O'Brion, L. Carper and L. Teedrick, while E. McKittrick was chosen
cashier. A temporary organization was effected, Mr. Barhydt being
the organizer, and the bank was capitalized for one hundred thou-
sand dollars. Mr. Barhydt remained as president until April, 1904,
when he resigned, but continued as a director until his death, which
occurred on the i6th of July, 1913. Mr. Edwards succeeded him in
the presidency. H. C. Garrett became cashier on the organization
of the bank. Mr. Edwards had acted as cashier for seven years, com-
ing to that office from the position of general bookkeeper. When he
was advanced to the presidency H. J. Hungerford became cashier
and so continues. There are three vice presidents, W. E. Blake,
Alexander Moir and James Moir, while F. L. Houke and C. L.
Fulton are assistant cashiers. Mr. Blake is chairman of the board
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 427
of directors and in addition to tiic other officers the members of the
board are H. A. Brown, W. C. Tubbs, W. W. Copeland, J. L. Ed-
wards, J. L. Waite and John Bernard. In 1871 the present bank
building was erected at the northeast corner of Main and Jefferson
streets. In addition to its capital of one hundred thousand dollars
the bank now has a surplus and undivided profits amounting to one
hundred and twenty-seven thousand dollars, enjoying a respect which
surpasses that accorded any other banking institution in the city.
CHARLES G. BOSCH.
Charles G. Bosch, conducting a profitable and growing plumbing
and electric business in Burlington, belongs to that class of men who
do not seek to figure prominently in public afifairs nor occupy a
spectacular position in public regard, but who by reason of their sub-
stantial qualities constitute a most valuable element in citizenship.
Burlington claims him as a native son. He was born May 24, 1854,
his parents, who were natives of Germany, having come to this coun-
try about 1 85 1 or 1852, at which time the father opened a grocery
store on West Washington street. In their family were seven chil-
dren but only two survive, Charles Bosch and Mrs. Joseph Spies,
both of Burlington. The father passed away almost four decades
ago, after which his widow became the wife of John Dabb, who was
a baker, conducting business on Washington street. The surviving
daughter of that marriage is Mrs. Herman Wolfert, of West Bur-
lington. The mother has passed away, however, and she and her
two husbands now rest in Aspen Grove cemetery.
Charles G. Bosch pursued his early education in the German
subscription schools and also attended the public schools of Burling-
ton. He was eighteen years of age when he secured a position in the
drug store of C. P. Squires, and subsequently he obtained employment
in the plumbing establishment of Stewart & Hayden. At a later period
he worked at the plumber's trade in Chicago and Denver, and with
the passing years his skill, ability and resourcefulness steadily in-
creased. In 1880 he built the gas plant in Creston, Iowa, which he
operated for two years, and on the ist of November, 1883, he estab-
lished a plumbing business on Main street in Burlington, so that he
has now been connected with the business for more than three dec-
ades. The beginning was small but as time passed on he had to in-
crease his facilities to meet his growing trade and today he is con-
428 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
ducting a very gratifying and successful plumbing and electric
business.
On the loth of October, 1882, occurred the marriage of Mr.
Bosch and Miss Blanche Louisa Whitehead, a daughter of Josiah
Whitehead, of Creston, Iowa. She died in 1910 and was buried in
Burlington. In 1912 Mr. Bosch married Miss Clara Lau, of Bur-
lington, a daughter of Nicholas and Caroline Lau. Her father con-
ducts a meat market in this city. Mr. Bosch owns residence property
in the city and also has other valuable real estate in Burlington. Fra-
ternally he is connected with the Woodmen of the World and he also
belongs to the Silver Lake Club. His political indorsement is usually
given to the democratic party although he does not hesitate to vote
independently if his judgment sanctions that course. He has been
secretary of the Business Men's Club, in which he still holds mem-
bership, and he is likewise a member of the Commercial Club. He
cooperates in every movement for the benefit and welfare of the city
and is a consistent and faithful member of the German Lutheran
church, which has found in him a generous supporter as have various
charitable organizations. His life has been well spent, and the
salient traits of his character are such as win high regard. His busi-
ness ability has gained for him the trust of contemporaries and col-
leagues, and his devotion to the public good has placed him high on
the roll of Burlington's progressive citizens.
W. H. GRUPE.
W. H. Grupe needs no introduction to the readers of this volume,
for as an official in the Lagomarcino-Grupe Company he is widely
known in commercial circles far beyond the limits of Burlington.
He is a native of this citv and many of his fellow townsmen have
watched with interest and pride his advancement, resulting in the
attainment of the splendid measure of prosperity which is today his.
He was born in 1859, a son of N. P. and Lydia (Hartley) Grupe,
both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, but, attracted by the
business opportunities of the new and growing west, they came to
Iowa in 1842, settling in Burlington, where the father worked at the
painter's trade and thus provided for his family.
At the usual age W. H. Grupe entered the public schools of Bur-
lington and applied himself to the mastery of his studies until 1878,
when, at the age of nineteen years, his text-books were put aside and
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 429
he began learning more difficult and arduous lessons in the school of
experience. He entered the employ of Andy Lagomarcino, a well
known fruit merchant of Burlington, and gradually working his way
upward in that connection by reason of his fidelity, trustworthiness
and ready adaptability, he was admitted to a partnership in 1885.
Since that time the business has grown continuously and he has been
a factor in its advancing success. An extended history of the com-
pany and the growth of the business is given on another page of this
volume.
Mr. Grupe was united in marriage to Miss Ida Weisman, a na-
tive of Keokuk, and to them has been born a son, Harold, and three
daughters, Dorothea, Helen and Marion.
WILLIAM W. POTTER, M. D.
Dr. William W. Potter, engaged in the active practice of medi-
cine at Mediapolis, was born at Lone Tree, Johnson county, Iowa,
September 30, 1879, a son of W. S. and Julia E. Potter, the former
a native of Norwich, Connecticut, born October 6, 1850, and the
latter a native of the state of New York. The father came to Iowa
in October, 1858, in company with his parents and has since resided
in Johnson county, being now engaged in merchandising at Lone
Tree. The mother died when their son Dr. Potter was but eight
weeks old. The father afterward married again and the second wife
bore the maiden name of Georgiana Lutz and was a good mother to
the children of the first marriage, who were three in number: May,
who died in 1901 at the age of thirty-one years; Frederick H., who
was born March 9, 1878, and was graduated from Drake University,
now a practicing attorney of Chicago; and William W. By the sec-
ond marriage there were two daughters: Charlotte, yet at home; and
Edna, who married Harvey Northrup and resides at Garden Grove.
Dr. Potter remained at home until 1900 and, passing through
consecutive grades in the public schools, was graduated from the high
school at Lone Tree with the class of 1899. He attended the State
Teachers' College at Cedar Falls, Iowa, for one term and subse-
quently engaged in teaching for two years in the country schools of
Johnson and Cedar counties. He regarded this merely as an initial
step to other professional labor, however, and with a desire to become
a physician entered the medical department of the State University,
from which he was graduated in 1906. He worked his way through
430 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
the medical school and thus displayed the elemental strength and
determination of his character, qualities which have been of great
benefit to him in his later work. He had to drop out of college one
year in order to earn a sufficient sum to enable him to continue the
course. Following his graduation he began practice at Kinross,
Iowa, where he remained from 1906 until 19 10, and on the ist of
April, of the latter year, he came to Mediapolis, where he has since
successfully followed his profession. He is conscientious in the dis-
charge of all of his professional duties and his marked ability has
gained him a growing patronage which is most gratifying. He is a
member of the Des Moines County and Iowa State Medical Socie-
ties and of the American Medical Association and thus keeps in-
formed concerning the advanced thought and progressive methods
of the leading physicians and surgeons of the country.
On the loth of July, 1907, Dr. Potter was united in marriage to
Miss Clara Louise Mason, of Cedar Rapids, and to them have
been born two sons: John Wesley, born May 26, 1908; and Mason
Wolcott, born June 6, 191 1. Dr. Potter was reared in the faith of
the Methodist Episcopal church, of which his father throughout his
entire life has been an active member. The Doctor also joined the
church and has been most loyal to its teachings. He is serving now
on the official board. In politics he was formerly a republican, but
because of his interest in the temperance cause he has become a pro-
hibitionist. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons, the Odd
Fellows and the Woodmen. His life has been a busy and useful one,
fraught with many good deeds and actuated by kindly purposes and
honorable principles. He has gained many friends during the
period of his residence here and is well known socially and profes-
sionally outside of Mediapolis.
JOHN EDWIN RHEIN.
Des Moines county has on the whole been signally favored in
the class of men who have occupied her public offices, for with but
few exceptions they have been loyal to the best interests of the com-
munity and have labored diligently to advance the public welfare.
Most true and loyal in the discharge of his duties is John Edwin
Rhein, county treasurer, whose capability and fidelity are attested in
the fact that he has been again and again elected to the office which
he has filled continuously since 1900.
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 431
In this connection Burlington is honoring one of her native sons,
for he was here born on the 29th of December, 1858, his parents
being Henry R. arid Rebecca Emma (Swartzwelder) Rhein, both of
whom were natives of Pennsylvania. In the Keystone state they
were reared and married and in 1852 removed westward to Iowa,
settling in Burlington. The journey westward was made by boat
down the Ohio and up the Mississippi rivers to Keokuk and thence
by stage to their destination. The father was a cabinetmaker by
trade and followed that pursuit in early life, but in i860 became an
accountant and office man in Burlington and was thus engaged up
to the time of his death, which occurred January i, 1887. His widow
survived for a quarter of a century, passing away December 14, 1912.
Both were consistent and faithful members of the Episcopal church
and were widely recognized as people of the highest respectability.
IVIr. Rhein held membership in the Masonic fraternity and in politics
was an active democrat, laboring untiringly for the success of his
party, upon which ticket he was elected to the office of city treasurer
for one term. To him and his wife were born seven children, four of
whom died in infancy, and of the three who survived to adult age
Susan E. has also passed away. The others are: William H., of
Lander, Wyoming; and John Edwin.
The latter acquired a public-school education in Burlington and
after his text-books were put aside he crossed the threshold of busi-
ness life, spending six months as an employee in a drug store. He
then entered the employ of Donahue & McCosh, hardware mer-
chants, and his capability and fidelity are indicated in the fact that
he remained in that service for six years. In 1886 he was appointed
deputy treasurer under E. S. Burrus, who died in office, after which
Mr. Rhein filled out the term. The following year Nils Anderson
was elected and Mr. Rhein served under him as deputy until he was
elected county treasurer in 1900. At each election his fellow towns-
men have indorsed his conduct in office at the polls and he has thus
been identified with the position as deputy and as treasurer for twen-
ty-nine years — a record that is perhaps unparalleled in Iowa. In
politics he has always been a democrat since age conferred upon him
the right of franchise and he keeps in close touch with the questions
and issues of the day.
Fraternally Mr. Rhein is connected with the Elks and the Eagles
and he is a member of the Commercial Exchange of Burlington.
Outside of politics he is perhaps best known in musical circles. He
inherited and possesses much natural musical talent and has been
identified with bands of this city since 1884. He is now a member of
432 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
Fischer's Band, playing the bass horn. He and his father, mother
and sister were at one time a quartet in the Episcopal church. He
has ever been much interested in music and has done not a little to
stimulate taste and talent in the art in Burlington. This has brought
to him a wide acquaintance, as have his social and official connec-
tions, and Mr. Rhein is a popular citizen, having an extended circle
of frien d.s thr oughout the county.
THE NATIONAL STATE BANK.
The National State Bank, of Burlington, is the oldest established
bank, in Iowa. It was organized in 1842 by F. J. C. Peasley & Com-
pany, the silent partner of the firm being F. W. Brooks. These gen-
tlemen were engaged in the commission and brokerage business on
Front street and their business relations continued until the death
of Mr. Peasley in 1845, after which Mr. Brooks continued the busi-
ness and later in the same year was joined in a partnership by W. F.
Coolbaugh under the firm style of Coolbaugh & Brooks, which rela-
tion was maintained for thirteen years. They conducted a banking
business at the corner of Main and Jefiferson streets. On the 20th of
August, 1858, a branch of the State Bank of Iowa was opened at the
office of Coolbaugh & Brooks with a capital stock of one hundred
thousand dollars under the direction of James W. Grimes, Charles
Mason, Lyman Cook, W. F. Coolbaugh and F. W. Brooks. This
was the First State Bank of Burlington. Mr. Coolbaugh resigned
as president and director on the 29th of April, 1862, and was suc-
ceeded in the presidency by Lyman Cook. The National State Bank
as it now exists was established January 9, 1865, and capitalized for
one hundred thousand dollars. In the meantime, in 1662, in Chi-
cago, there was organized a private bank under the firm style of
W. F. Coolbaugh & Company with Mr. Brooks as the silent partner.
This became the Union National Bank in 1865.
Among the first stockholders of the National State Bank were
Francis W. Brooks, who was elected president January 10, 1865;
William F. Coolbaugh, of Chicago; Lyman Cook, E. D. Rand and
O. H. Schenck, who became directors; and Franklin G. Parsons,
who was made cashier. Mr. Brooks served as president until his
death, which occurred April i, 1869, and he was succeeded by E. D.
Rand on the 5th of the same month, while James C. Peasley succeeded
Mr. Parsons as cashier on the 28th of May, 1866. Mr. Rand remained
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 433
as president until April 22, 1871, when Mr. Peasley was called to that
office. John T. Remey was made cashier on the same date. When Mr.
Peasley retired E. D. Rand became president on the ist of September,
1 88 1, and Mr. Peasley was made vice president. Mr. Rand served
until September i, 1883, when John T. Remey was elected president,
while Mr. Rand became vice president and T. G. Foster cashier. The
death of Mr. Rand occurred in April, 1887. It was on the 22d of
April, of that year, that John J. Fleming was elected cashier. Mr.
Foster resigned to look after Mr. Rand's interests and J. W. Brooks
was made assistant cashier on the 22d of April, 1887, and was elected
a member of the board of directors on the loth of January, 1888. Mr.
Fleming continued to act as cashier until March 20, 1900, when he
was succeeded by J. W. Brooks, who was then made cashier and vice
president, succeeding Charles Starker.
The capital stock of the bank has been advanced to one hundred
and fifty thousand dollars and surplus and profits now amount to
one hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars. The bank building
has been remodeled several times, but the business is still conducted
on the same site where it was begun in 1845. The statement of the
bank at the close of the fiscal year ending March 4, 1914, showed
splendid and substantial growth. Its resources amount to one million,
eight hundred and forty thousand dollars, its deposits amount to one
million, three hundred and sixty-four thousand dollars, and the bank
is in a most flourishing condition. The present officers are John T.
Remey, president; J. W. Brooks, vice president and cashier, with
four assistant cashiers — M. C. Stelle, C. E. Brooks, F. W. Brooks
and Miller R. Brooks. The directors of the company are John T.
Remey, J. J. Fleming, J. W. Brooks, J. J. Seerley, Thomas Wilkin-
son and C. E. Brooks.
FORREST WILLIAM PARROTT.
Forrest William Parrott, filling the position of auditor of Des
Moines county, has on other occasions also occupied public office and
at all times has furthered the interests of the community by his un-
faltering devotion to and prompt discharge of the duties of his posi-
tion. His ideals of citizenship are high and he eagerly embraces
every opportunity to further their adoption. He was born in Henry
county, Iowa, April 5, 1884, and is a son of William A. and Fredonia
Ann (Newell) Parrott. The father, also a native of Iowa, was born
434 HISTORY OP^ DES MOINES COUNTY
in Des Moines county, February 17, 1841, a son of William Parrott,
who came to this county in the year 1837, accompanied by his wife
and his mother. The latter opened and conducted a tavern in Bur-
lington at a period when that city was a tiny hamlet and the Missis-
sippi was practically the highroad of travel to the town. William
Parrott took up his abode upon a farm near Burlington that is now
known as the Mason place and throughout his remaining days was
identified with agricultural pursuits until he retired from active life,
spending his last years in the home of his son and namesake.
William A. Parrott was reared to the occupation of farming and
always followed that pursuit. After arriving at years of maturitv he
wedded Fredonia Ann Newell, who was born in this county and is
a daughter of Albert and Martha Ann Newell, who came to Des
Moines county in the early '40s. Her father was a minister of the
Methodist church and one of the first to preach in that denomination
in this section of the state. Mr. and Mrs. William A. Parrott resided
in Des Moines and Henry counties and as the years passed they be-
came the parents of five children, one of whom is deceased. The
others are: Richard A., an agriculturist of Des Moines county; Flora
Lee, who gave her hand in marriage to Frank Williams, a farmer of
Des Moines county; Mary F., at home; and Forrest William, of this
review.
Spending his youthful days in his parents' home, Forrest William
Parrott attended the public schools and in due time was graduated
from the high school of Danville. He afterward attended Howe's
Academy at Mount Pleasant and Elliott's Business College at Bur-
lington and was thus well trained for the practical and responsible
duties of life. During the periods of vacation he engaged in farming
until twenty years of age and for one year he taught in a country
school. He afterward became a teacher in Elliott's Business College
and to that work devoted about four years. In 1908 he became a can-
didate for the office of county superintendent of schools, won the elec-
tion and entered upon the duties of the position in 1909. So credit-
able and satisfactory was his service in that connection that he was
reelected and remained in the office for four years. Under his direc-
tion the schools made substantial progress and he introduced various
improvements contributing to the growth and advancement of the
schools. He retired from that position to enter upon the duties of his
present office, for in the fall of 191 2 he was elected county auditor,
taking office in 1913.
On the 8th of May, 1907, Mr. Parrott was united in marriage to
Miss Grace H. Van Beek, of Burlington, a daughter of George and
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 435
Mary \'an Beek, the fornier a mechanical engineer. Both were
natives of Burlington, representing two of the old pioneer families of
the city. George Van Beek became a draftsman and mechanical engi-
neer and was also known as an inventor. To Mr. and Mrs. Parrott
have been born three children, namely: Helen L., William and
Robert.
The religious faith of the family is indicated in their membership
in the First Methodist Episcopal church, and Mr. Parrott also be-
longs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen. His political al-
legiance is given to the democratic party, which has been the politi-
cal faith of the family through many generations. He is a repre-
sentative in both the paternal and maternal lines of old families of
Burlington and his ancestors have been closely associated with the
material, intellectual, political, social and moral progress of this part
of the state. Their ctforts have always been on the side of benefit and
improvement and in this respect Forrest William Parrott is a worthy
scion of his race. He is fortunate in that he has back of him an ances-
try honorable and distinguished and is happy in that his lines of life
have been cast in harmony therewith.
JOHN IBBOTSON.
For sixty-seven years John Ibbotson has made his home upon the
farm where he still resides. There is, perhaps, scarcely another in
the county who can say the same. He represents one of the old pio-
neer families, his parents being George and Martha A. (Riggs) Ib-
botson, the former born in Yorkshire, England, in 1806, while the
latter was born near Lexington, Kentucky, in 1816. The father
crossed the Atlantic alone and became a resident of Indiana in 1837.
In 1841 he arrived in Des Moines county and was here married, after
which he took up his abode upon what has since been known as the
old Ibbotson homestead farm, his remaining days being passed
thereon. His wife came to Iowa in 1838 with her father, Stephen
Riggs. a native of Maryland, who, casting in his lot with the pioneer
settlers of Des Moines county, entered land from the government
when Iowa was still under territorial rule. He had a family of
twelve children, four sons and eight daughters, including Martha A.,
who became the wife of George Ibbotson. Before their marriage
Mr. Ibbotson purchased eighty acres of land on section 30, Yellow
Springs township, which had been partially developed but no build-
436 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
ings or other improvements had been made. He cut poles and built
a cabin and fenced his farm with brush, accomplishing much work,
of this character during the first four or five years in which he occu-
pied the place. For two years he kept bachelor's hall and then
married. As time passed on he added to his holdings, extending the
boundaries of his farm as opportunity offered until he was the owner
of four hundred and eighty acres in the home place and in addition
had two quarter sections elsewhere, two eighty acre tracts and one
hundred acres in small timber tracts, making a total of ten hundred
and sixty acres. He was very generous with his family and gave one-
half of this land to his children. In his farming he made a specialty
of raising hay and cattle. He never sold feed and in fact had to pur-
chase feed, so extensively did he engage in handling cattle. He died
in the year 1894, while his widow, surviving him for a decade, passed
away in 1904. In their family were the following named: Martha,
now living in Oklahoma; John, of this review; Stephen R., of Los
Angeles, California ; George, who died at the age of forty years, leav-
ing a widow and four children; Lizzie, who died unmarried; Rob-
ert, of Mediapolis; Isaac, who died in childhood; and Abraham
Lincoln, who died at the age of eight years.
John Ibbotson has spent his entire life upon the farm in Yellow
Springs township which is now his home. He was early trained to
the work of the fields and became familiar with the best methods of
tilling the soil and caring for the crops. After attaining his majority
he concentrated his energies largely upon the raising and feeding of
stock, conducting an extensive and successful business along that line
until 1912. He is today the owner of four hundred acres of rich and
valuable land and has also assisted his children in securing homes.
Upon his farm are three good sets of buildings, all of which were
erected by him, and the farm gives every evidence of the careful
supervision of the practical and progressive owner.
In December, 1871, Mr. Ibbotson was united in marriage to Miss
Mary Talbot, who was born in Yellow Springs township in April,
1848, a daughter of Aquila and Emily (Gregory) Talbot, natives of
Kentucky and Indiana respectively. They were married in the lat-
ter state and about 1840 came to Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Ibbotson are
the parents of eight children: Idora, the wife of John Stucker, liv-
ing on a neighboring farm; Edward, who occupies a part of the old
homestead; John F., a resident of Oklahoma; Barbara, the wife of
Morris Heizer of Yellow Springs township; Homer, of Ring-
gold county, Iowa; Leslie, of Yellow Springs township; Harry, who
occupies a part of the old homestead; and Eugene Burton, also living
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 437
upon the old home farm. All of the children are now married and
there are ten grandchildren.
Mr. Ibbotson is a member of the Baptist church of Mediapolis
and gives his political support to the men and measures of the repub-
lican party, keeping well informed on the questions and issues of the
day. His has been an active and useful life and he has been a witness
of much of the growth and development of the county, having for
sixty-seven years lived upon the farm which is still his place of resi-
dence. Great have been the changes which have occurred in this
time. He has lived to see Burlington grow into a great commercial
and industrial center, while other towns and villages have sprung up
and the work of improvement has been carried steadily forward in
keeping with the progressive spirit of the age.
JAMES M. STORRAR.
James M. Storrar is the president of the Iowa Biscuit Company
of Burlington, but important and extensive as is this enterprise it
does not cover the scope of his activities. He is well known in busi-
ness circles throughout the middle west and his energy, determina-
tion and ambition have carried him into important relations, while
his record proves that success and an honored name may be won
simultaneously.
Mr. Storrar was born in Kirkcaldy, Scotland, on the 20th of
March, 1843, and actquired a public-school education in the land of
hills and heather. He became a merchant and broker in Scotland
and there remained until 1899, when he crossed the Atlantic to the
United States, made his way into the interior of the country and set-
tled at Burlington, where he established a merchandise brokerage
business which he still conducts. From the beginning success has
attended his efforts and he has constantly broadened the scope of his
activities. In 1902, he became identified with business interests of
Quincy, Illinois, where he also conducts a merchandise brokerage
business, and as senior partner in the firm of Storrar & Donald in
191 2 he established a similar enterprise at Ottumwa, Iowa, under
the firm name of Storrar & McElroy. In November, 1907, he be-
came one of the organizers of the Iowa Biscuit Company of Burling-
ton, which is today one of the chief productive industries of the city.
The plant is large and splendidly equipped and employment is given
to sixty-five or more people, twenty-five of whom are skilled work-
438 HISTORY OF DBS MOINES COUNTY
men. An account of the Iowa Biscuit Company is given on another
page in this work.
Mr. Storrar was married to Miss Mary Young, who died in Bur-
lington in 1905. He has fraternal relations with the Elks and the
United Commercial Travelers. His political allegiance is given to
the republican party, and his religious faith is manifest in his mem-
bership in the Presbyterian church. He has never had occasion to
regret his determination to seek a home and fortune in the new world,
for here he found the business opportunities which he sought and in
their utilization has worked his way steadily upward, becoming in
the course of years one of the prosperous business men and prominent
citizens of Burlington. He is free from ostentation and display but
his sterling worth has gained him wide recognition and his fellow
townsmen rejoice in his success, knowing how worthily it has been
won.
JOHN H. ANDRE.
Burlington has no more highly respected or popular citizen and
business man than John H. Andre, who is today the proprietor of
one of the oldest mercantile establishments of the city. He possesses
in a marked degree the spirit of initiative which leads to progress
and, moreover, he has the ability to coordinate seemingly diverse
and unattached interests into a harmonious and unified whole. His
plans are carefully formulated and promptly executed and the result
is success.
Burlington is proud to claim him as a native son. He was born
here, March 2, i8i;3, his parents being P. A. and Catherine (Scheurs)
Andre. The name of the father appears upon the list of Burling-
ton's honored dead. He was for many years a leading figure in com-
mercial circles here and his death, which occurred on the 13th of
June, 1913, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. His
life record illustrates what may be accomplished by a young man
of foreign birth in this land of opportunity, where advancement is
unhampered by caste or class. He was born in Nassau, Prussia,
August 22, 1830, and was a youth of eighteen years when he accom-
panied his parents on their emigration to the new world. After a
brief residence in New Orleans the family proceeded northward to
Louisville, Kentucky, and in 1851 arrived in Burlington. In the
family were three brothers and one sister. The oldest brother, Chris-
JOHN H. ANDRE
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 441
tian, was an active business man of Burlington for a 1 )ng period,
but in his later life lived retired. George conducted a grocery busi-
ness in Burlington for many years and later joined the ministry.
Because of failing health he went to England and after his return
to this country he became a prominent and wealthy banker of Pekin,
Illinois, where he lived until his death, highly honored for his per-
sonal worth and broad scholarship. P. A. Andre was the next of the
family. Catherine is the youngest and is now residing in Burlington.
All three sons learned the shoemaker's trade, but P. A. Andre
worked along various lines during the first six years of his residence
in Burlington. During that period he carried a hod for the late
Simeon Russell, one of the prominent pioneer builders of the city.
He also did farm work, clerked in a grocery store and was employed
in other ways that would yield him an honest living. In 1857 he be-
came connected with the shoe trade of the city as a clerk in the store
of J. M. Cafifrey and after five years spent as a salesman he was
admitted to a partnership, his excellent business ability and spirit
of enterprise having won recognition from his employer. Four
years afterward he purchased the interest of Mr. Cafifrey in
the business and in the half century or more in which he was con-
nected with the house he enjoyed continuous success. The establish-
ment became known as the Green Elk Horn shoe store and is the
oldest business house on Jefiferson street. The business methods of
the house have ever been such as would bear the closest investiga-
tion and scrutiny and the commercial honor of P. A. Andre was ever
unassailable. As he won success he invested from time to time in
property in Burlington until he became the owner of considerable
valuable realty. He also made loans on real estate and in that way
added materially to an ample fortune. He erected the Andre build-
ing, one of the substantial business blocks of Burlington, and in the
conduct of his afifairs at all times displayed sound business judgment,
keen discrimination and unfaltering enterprise. Ere his death a
contemporary biographer wrote of him: "His entire active life has
been devoted to business exclusively, and the persistency with which
he has refused to allow any other interest to distract his attention
may be shown by the fact that although he visited Philadelphia and
Chicago during the periods of the Centennial and Columbian Expo-
sitions, respectively, he did not attend either of them, feeling that
other matters were more important, and that his individual respon-
sibility required another and different use of his time. One excep-
tion must be cited, however, namely, his earnest and devoted work
for the church, the only organization of whatsoever nature in which
442 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
he holds membership. The circumstances leading up to the naming
of the Green Elk Horn shoe store are interesting in the light of past
events and significant facts of American history. It is related that
during the days of the great transcontinental rush of pioneers to
the unoccupied territory of the far west for purposes of settlement,
in which the long journey was commonly made overland by wagon,
a family of these travelers, on their return, disappointed and penni-
less, from the new country to the east, stopped at the Andre store
and traded a pair of deer horns for a pair of shoes. These were
nailed over the door and later were painted green, hence the name."
In 1852 P. A. Andre was united in marriage to Miss Catherine
Scheurs, a native of Albany, New York, of Pennsylvania Dutch par-
entage. They became the parents of three sons and two daughters.
The wife and mother passed away January 18, 1881, and Mr. Andre
erected in Aspen Grove cemetery a magnificent mausoleum with a
solid cement foundation, granite base and superstructure of Joliet
limestone, constructed at a cost of seven thousand dollars.
Mr. Andre survived his wife for almost a third of a century and
was then also laid to rest in the Aspen Grove cemetery. For many
years he had been a most devoted, earnest and helpful member of the
Washington Street German Methodist church, to the support of
which he contributed liberally, while for many years he served as
class leader and in other offices. He was closely associated with the
late John Burg in the building of the present house of worship,
and their names are chiseled in the cornerstone. He devoted much
of his time for two years to soliciting for the building fund, beside
giving most generously himself. His political allegiance was given
the republican party from its formation until his demise. His res-
idence, erected by him in 1887 at a cost of eighteen thousand dollars,
stood at the corner of Eighth street and Maiden Lane. He was in
the eighty-third year of his age when called to his home beyond.
His life was as the day with its morning of hope and promise, its
noontide of activity, followed by the evening of completed and suc-
cessful effort and ending in the grateful rest and quiet of the night.
While he attained notable success, character was to him more than
wealth, fame or position. He lived a life that was largely blameless
and that won for him the high honor, respect and confidence of the
public in an unusual degree. He was honored wherever known
and most of all where he was best known.
His son, John H. Andre, spent his youthful days under the par-
ental roof and at the usual age began his education in the public
schools. He afterward pursued a commercial course in Bryant &
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 443
Stratton Business College that thoroughly qualified him lor the
duties and responsibilities that later devolved upon him. It was
the father's desire that the son should become a railway engineer and
to this John H. Andre agreed, but through the force of circum-
stances he was obliged to become his father's assistant in the shoe
store, and it was not long before it was seen that he was particu-
larly well adapted for that line of work. He has in his possession
a book which he cherishes very highly — the old ledger of the firm of
CafYrey & Andre, dating back to 1859. It contains probably more
names of the old settlers and pioneers of Burlington than any other
book outside of the courthouse, and a glance at its pages brings to
-Mr. Andre's mind many reminiscences of the early days. In retro-
spect he goes back to the time when farmers would visit Burlington
and would bring with them a bundle of sticks of dififerent lengths
to indicate the measure of the boots and shoes desired by the mem-
bers of their families. They would come from long distances and
would often do their trading late into the night in order to return
home as early as possible. After being connected with the store for
a time Mr. Andre was made buyer as well as bookkeeper and cashier
and also had charge of the advertising for the firm. Following the
death of his father in 1913 he purchased the store from the estate.
He immediately employed six new young salesmen and a shoemaker
and also retained the services of one of the employes who had been
in the store for twenty-six years. He changed the whole interior of
the store, converting it into one of the finest salesrooms in southeastern
Iowa. He is today enjoying a business far greater than the store has
done in the past ten years. His establishment is now known as the
Andre Elk Horn shoe store and is most liberally patronized. He
is a man of keen intellect, is a well trained and far-sighted business
man and in all of his dealings has been thoroughly honorable and
upright. He counts his friends by the hundreds, and it would be
difficult to find a more highly respected or popular resident of the
county.
On the 22d of May, 1881, at Wapello, Iowa, Mr. Andre was
united in marriage to Miss Emma Griebel, of that place, and they
now have an attractive and beautiful home at No. 157 South Eighth
street. Mrs. Andre formerly took a very prominent part in church
work, serving as organist of the church and as superintendent of
the Sunday school. Mr. Andre has long been a stalwart advocate
of the republican party and ever keeps thoroughly informed con-
cerning the vital and significant problems of the age. It has been'
said of him: "John H. Andre is a large man with a heart corre-
444 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
spondingly large. There is probably no man in the county who has
worked harder and yet who is better preserved physically. He is
progressive and is interested in all that stands for the good of the
community." He has traveled broadly, having gone north and south,
east and west, and from his travels has gained many valuable expe-
riences. For si.\ty-one years he has been a resident of Burlington,
covering the entire period of his life, and his name has become in-
separably interwoven with the history of the city and its commer-
cial development. He stands as well for advancement along those
lines which upbuild its social, moral and political status, and his in-
fluence is always on the side of progress and improvement.
HENRY W. CHITTENDEN.
Henry W. Chittenden as traveling salesman entered into active
connection with the house of which he is now the head, being presi-
dent of the Chittenden-Eastman Company, manufacturers and job-
bers of furniture. The business is now one of mammoth proportions,
attributable in a large measure to the efforts, discernment and man-
agement of Henry W. Chittenden, whose life record proves that suc-
cess is not a matter of genius, as held by some, but is rather the out-
come of clear judgment, experience and indefatigable industry. He
was born in Keokuk, Iowa, in 1853, a son of Abram B. and Elizabeth
Talcott (Bates) Chittenden. The father arrived in Iowa in the
early '40s. He was a native of Guilford, Connecticut, and the mother
was also born in that state. Coming to the west, Abram Chittenden
engaged in the wholesale grocery business and for some years was
prominently identified with commercial interests in Keokuk.
Reared in that city, Henry W. Chittenden acquired a common-
school education and afterward read law in Ohio for two years. He
came to Burlington in 1874 and the following year entered the em-
ploy of Todd, Pollock & Granger, the predecessors of the present
Chittenden-Eastman Company. The business had its origin, how-
ever, in 1866, in the formation of the firm of H. Bailey & Company,
which established a jobbing and retail furniture business in a three-
story brick building with a frontage of twenty feet. During the early
years the annual jobbing business amounted to about fifteen thousand
dollars: With the retirement of Mr. Bailey in 1873 the firm became
Todd, Pollock & Granger and it was two years afterward that Henry
W. Chittenden entered their employ as a traveling salesman. When
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 445
Mr. Todd withdrew from the firm in 1877 Mr. Chittenden was ad-
mitted to a partnership under the style of Pollock, Granger & Chit-
tenden and in 1H81 this firm was succeeded by Granger & Chittenden
and later Mr. Chittenden was alone for a year. On the ist of Janu-
ary. 1883, he admitted E. P. Eastman to a partnership. U'he latter
had been bookkeeper in the house from 1877 ^"^ was well qualified
to assume more active relations. Under the name of Chittenden &
Eastman the business was continued until July i, 1899, when articles
of incorporation were taken out under the name of the Chittenden-
Eastman Company, the two senior partners being joined in the or-
ganization by a number of the older employes of the house who occu-
pied positions in the office and upon the road. It has always been the
policy of the firm to recognize faithfulness on the part of employes
and thus it was when the opportunity offered that some of the oldest
and most reliable became stockholders in the concern.
Something of the development of the business may be indicated
in the fact that the sales originally amounted to about fifteen thousand
dollars annually but now bring in a return of nearly two million dol-
lars. The growth has been continuous and substantial and the house
enjoys a most enviable reputation among its customers and among
the manufacturers from whom they purchase goods not made in the
Burlington plant. Each department has at its head a member of the
company who is especially interested in that line and there is a
friendly rivalry to see who can make the best showing. They issue
a catalogue of about seven hundred pages, ten by fourteen inches, in
which are shown the most complete and best selling lines of goods
that can possiblv be brought together by men of long experience in
manufacturing and buying with the advantage of ample capital and
an enormous outlet for goods. Their motto has ever been "the best
goods for the money." The company manufactures an exceedingly
tasteful and well made line of upholstered goods, for which they
have won an enviable reputation. No factory in the country can
excel their mattress department, for the building has been especially
designed for the purpose for which it is used and is perfect in its
convenience and sanitary arrangements. Carrying an immense stock
on hand, the company is ready to meet any order at almost a mo-
ment's notice. Within twenty-four hours after an order is received
shipment is ofttimes made. The house is today recognized as the
world's largest furniture distributors. The plant covers a large acre-
age and most of the buildings are five stories in height. They have
an extensive selling force and they employ skilled and competent
workmen, while each department is under the care of capable man-
446 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
agers. At the head of the credit department is R. J. Cowles; of the
mail order department, C. J. Schenck; of the chair department, E. G.
Disque; of the sales department, W. H. Plock; of the upholstery and
mattress department, H. C. Jordan and C. A. Dufify. The officers of
the company are: H. W. Chittenden, president; E. P. Eastman, vice
president; W. B. Eaton, secretary; R. S. Schramm, treasurer; and
H. Roberts, auditor.
Aside from his connection with commercial activities of Burling-
ton as head of the Chittenden-Eastman Company Mr. Chittenden
is interested in several wholesale houses, also in the water company
and in various banks. In fact, he is one of the most prominent busi-
ness men of the city.
In 1 88 1 Mr. Chittenden was married to Miss Caroline Sherfey,
of Burlington, a daughter of J. M. Sherfey and a granddaughter of
E. D. Rand, who was one of the oldest settlers and most prominent
citizens here. Mr. and Mrs. Chittenden have become the parents of
four sons and a daughter: Abram B., who is now associated in busi-
ness with his father; Mary; Herbert S.; Henry W. ; and Talcott
Bates.
Mr. Chittenden is a member of the Golf Club, the Benevolent
Protective Order of Elks and of the Commercial Club. In politics
he is a republican, but his interest in political affairs is manifested
only in his familiarity with the leading issues and his indorsement
of the same at the polls. It can be readily seen that his time has been
fully taken up with the direction of the mammoth concern of which
he is now at the head and which is known as one of the most impor-
tant productive industries of the state. Through its development he
has largely promoted the material prosperity of Burlington, furnish-
ing employment to many, and the policy which he pursues toward
employes and patrons has largely made this a model establishment.
GEORGE C. HENRY.
Among Burlington's prominent citizens is George C. Henry, a
leading druggist and capitalist and a well known figure in political
and in boating circles. As indicated, his interests have been wide
and varied, and he is a splendid representative of American man-
hood and chivalry. He was born on the ist of August, 1851, in the
city where he still resides, a son of Dr. Greenbury and Kate (Cham-
bers) Henry. The father was a son of Dr. John Flournoy and Lucy
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 447
Stringer (Ridgely) Henry, who were married in Kentucky on the
ist of January, 1828. Dr. John F. Henry served as a surgeon in
the War of 181 2 under Colonel Boswell, of Kentucky, and won
distinction not only in military, but also in political, circles and left
the impress of his individuality upon the progress and development
of two states. Ere leaving Kentucky he was elected a member of
Congress from Christian county in 1827 and was connected with
the constructive legislation of that period. In the early '40s he
came to Burlington and opened an office, continuing in the practice
of his chosen profession in this city until his death.
His son, Dr. Greenbury Henry, followed in the footsteps of his
father, whether influenced thereto by natural predilection, environ-
ment or inherited tendency it is difficult to say, but at all events his
clioice of a profession was a wise one as he came to rank among the
leading physicians of the city. He was graduated from the Uni-
versity Medical College at Louisville, Kentucky, with the class of
1849. On the i6th of October of the following year he was married
and established his home in Burlington, where he continued active in
the practice of medicine to the time of his death, which occurred on
the 14th of May, 1885. Endowed by nature with keen mentality, he
used his talents wisely and well and won a place in the foremost ranks
of his profession.
Well descended and well bred, the opportunities afforded George
C. Henry were such as have called forth his native talents and powers.
He is an alumnus of ,the University of Michigan, having been there
graduated in 1874 on the completion of the pharmaceutical course,
whereby he gained the Ph. G. degree. Returning to Burlington, he
has since been identified with the drug business and occupies a posi-
tion of prominence in this connection. However, he now devotes
much time to travel and has made various transcontinental and trans-
atlantic trips, in fact he has made a tour around the world, visiting
manv points of modern, historic and scenic interest in Asia as well as
in Europe, gaining thereby the broad experience and liberal culture
which only travel can bring.
On the 5th of April, 1899, Mr. Henry was married to Mrs. Eliza-
beth Hunt (Selden) Ensley, of Memphis, Tennessee, who by her
former marriage had two children. Mr. Henry is well known in
social, military and political circles. He served as colonel on the staff
of the Iowa governor during the period of the Spanish-American war
and was a lieutenant in the Fourth and Second Army Corps until the
close of hostilities. He holds many medals won in the Burlington
Boating Association contests, and he gives his political allegiance to
448 HISTORY OF DBS MOINES COUNTY
the democratic party. He is typically American in his interests, his
activities and in his progressive spirit. While necessity does not press
him to that strenuous activity in business which actuates many men,
he is constantly on the alert to accomplish some purpose and carries
forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes.
JOHN LAHEE.
Those qualities which in every land and every clime awaken con-
fidence and respect found expression in the life of John Lahee, a
man of many sterling traits of character. He held to high ideals
and guided his actions by honorable purpose and thus when death
called him he left behind him a memory that should serve as an
inspiratiorf to his family and all who knew him.
A native of New York, he was born at Martinsburg, Lewis county,
May 7, 1820. and was of Scotch-Irish descent. His father, Timothy
Lahee, was born in the northern part of Ireland in 1795 and came to
the new world as a British soldier during the War of 18 12. He
became interested in America and her people, however, and con-
tinued on this side of the Atlantic, remaining in the Empire state
until his death. He there married Catherine Buck, who was born
in 1796 and passed away in 1846. She was the eldest daughter of
Elijah Buck, a farmer of Lewis county. New York, and descended
from Dutch ancestors who settled in Washington county, New York,
prior to the Revolutionary war. His father, Elijah Buck, Sr., was
once the owner of the township of Harrisburg, Lewis county, which
he named in honor of his friend, Governor Harris, of New York.
John Lahee pursued his education in the schools of Martins-
burg and in Yale Academy and later became a law student in the
office of D. M. Bennett, of Martinsburg, thus qualifying for the
practice of law, upon which he entered at Rome, New York, in 1849.
He built up a good practice during several years of his connection
with the profession there, but on the 19th of December, 1852, he ar-
rived in Burlington, having come to the west through the influence of
a relative who was superintendent of the Wells Fargo stage lines and
post routes between Burlington and the Missouri river. Mr. Lahee
began dealing in real estate and in 1854 entered into partnership with
W. R. Brown. Their business prospered because of the rapid growth
of the town, owing to the construction of the Chicago, Burlington &
Quincy Railway. In 1858, however, owing to the great financial
m ^^K"
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JOHN LAHEE
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 451
panic of the previous year, land began to depreciate in value and at
that time Mr. Lahee accepted the agency for the Continental Insur-
ance Company of New York, the first company from that state to
operate in Burlington. Although he still continued to give some
attention to the real estate and loan business, he concentrated his
efforts and energies more and more largely upon insurance and in
1868 he was one of the organizers of The Republic Insurance Com-
pany of Chicago, of which he was a prominent stockholder, and
was one of its most earnest promoters. The business was successfully
conducted until the great Chicago fire in 1871. He was in partner-
ship with the late Judge Phelps from 1871 to 1875 and during that
period promoted, organized and was the first stockholder of the Ger-
man-American Savings Bank of Burlington, of which he was made
assistant cashier and one of the directors. He contributed much
toward the establishment of the bank upon a safe and substantial
basis and remained in the office for two years. He was an expert
on real-estate values and a good judge of human nature, and the
bank never had to call in a single loan that he passed upon favor-
ably. In matters of citizenship he stood at all times for progress
and advancement and during the period of the Civil war proved
his loyalty to the country by assisting W. D. Gilbert in equipping
an artillery company known as the Fletcher or First Iowa Battery,
which did notable service on southern battlefields, especially at Pea
Ridge.
Mr. Lahee was always greatly interested in the political questions
and issues of the day and in early life gave his allegiance to the dem-
ocratic party. In 1840 the writings of Horace Greelev, editor of
the New York Tribune, converted him to the political creed of the
whig party and upon its dissolution and the formation of the new
republican party he joined its ranks and was a delegate from Des
Moines county to the first republican convention held in Iowa, the
meeting taking place at Iowa City in 1854. Upon the organization
of the party in the state in 1856 he was chosen a member of the con-
gressional committee from the first district, at once assuming a posi-
tion of leadership in partisan councils. He gave the most earnest
efifort and thought to the cause and contributed much to its growth.
In i860 he was elected clerk of the district court of Des Moines
county, being the first republican in this county elected to any office.
In this connection a contemporary writer has said: "His interest
in the workings of practical politics continued for a long period, and
he lived to serve the party over whose infancy he had watched in
many a convention hall and post of honor. He was a man of strong
452 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
and determined character, frank, open and above board as far as
is consistent with the care of complicated and delicate interests, and
commanded universal admiration, while the cordiality and amiabil-
ity of his disposition won him the friendship of the majority of those
with whom he was personally acquainted."
On the 6th of December, 1856, IVIr. Lahee wedded Miss Ellen
F. House, of Rome, New York, whose grandfather was one of the
Life Guards of General Washington. Mrs. Lahee was educated
at Miss Willard's Academy at Utica, New York, and the Troy
Female Seminary of Troy, New York. Four children were born
to this marriage, John Stillman and Effie Frances, a graduate of
Vassar College, being the surviving members of the family. The
death of the mother occurred July 7, 1908, while Mr. Lahee passed
away October 2, 1900. As one of the pioneer residents of the city,
he had contributed largely to its upbuilding and development, wisely
utilizing his time, talents and opportunities, and thus he won a sub-
stantial measure of success. Never did he sacrifice honor and good
name to the attainment of a competence, and his record is indeed
one well worthy of emulation.
F. BELL HUNT.
F. Bell Hunt, who is the proprietor of The Feed Yard, Burling-
ton, has been a resident of the city since 1913 but for many years
before was actively identified with agricultural interests in this county
and is a representative of one of its pioneer families.
Mr. Hunt was born in Burlington, March 15, i860, a son of Wil-
liam Claybourne Hunt, whose birth occurred in Bond county, Illi-
nois, on the 27th of June, 1818. The father came to Burlington in
1833, being one of the first residents here, there being only two log
cabins on the site of the present city at the time of his arrival. Iowa
was not organized as a territory at that time and the most farsighted
could not have dreamed of the changes which would be wrought,
making this one of the leading cities of a great state. He purchased
a farm of one hundred and sixty-three acres and with characteristic
energy began to break the sod and till the fields, living upon that
place until 1901, when he sold his property and removed to Burling-
ton. He died in January, 191 1, at the venerable age of ninety-two
years. In early manhood he had wedded Ann Smith, who was born
in Lincolnshire, England, in 1820 and was thirteen years of age when
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 453
she came to the United States with her parents, who settled near Bur-
lington, where they owned a large farm, a part of which is still the
property of F. Bell Hunt. The mother also reached the very ad-
vanced age of ninety-two years, passing away in July, 1913. In the
family were eight children, five of whom survive: William A., a
resident of Burlington; Mattie and Charles C, who live in Cuba,
Illinois; John, a dentist residing in Mount Pleasant, Iowa; and F.
Bell of this review. There are few families in the county that have
been so long connected with the development of this section of the
state. The father was personally acquainted with Black. Hawk and
Keokuk, two of the most famous Indian chiefs residing in the middle
Avest. He lived to witness remarkable changes, for the Indians ceased
to be the occupants of the country and their wigwams were replaced
by the cabins of the pioneers. These in turn gave way before the
more commodious and substantial but no more hospitable homes of
the farmer and townsman as the work of advancement and progress
was carried forward.
F. Bell Hunt attended the district school near his father's farm,
the little temple of learning having been built on land that belonged
to his grandfather, and his father also went to school there. The
building was constructed of logs after the primitive manner of the
times and its furnishings were equally crude. F. Bell Hunt continued
to attend school until about eighteen years of age and his last terms
were spent in the old Baptist school. He remained upon the home
farm with his father until forty-one years of age, when the property
was sold to C. E. Perkins, in whose employ Mr. Hunt remained for
six years. In 1913 he came to Burlington and purchased his present
business, conducted under the name of The Feed Yard. He is meet-
ing with success in this undertaking, having been accorded a liberal
patronage.
In October, 1895, Mr. Hunt was united in marriage to Miss
Margaret FuUerton, of Burlington, who was educated in the schools
of this city while spending her girlhood days in the home of her
father, Nixon Fullerton, one of the pioneers of this section of the
state. Mr. and Mrs. Hunt have become the parents of three children :
Nixon Claybourne, eighteen years of age; Frances Grey, fifteen years
of age; and Robert Bell, aged twelve. The two younger children are
pupils in the high school of Burlington, while Claybourne is a student
in the Episcopal school at Knoxville, Illinois. The parents are mem-
bers of the Episcopal church and Mr. Hunt exercises his right of
franchise in support of the men and measures of the democratic party.
He is fond of outdoor sports and takes great delight in a fine saddle
454 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
horse. For almost fifty-five years he has lived in this county and has
been an interested witness of the changes which have occurred as time
has passed and man has wrought continuously along the lines of devel-
opment and improvement.
JOHN M. MERCER.
John M. Mercer, a member of the Des Moines county bar, was
born in Kewanee, Illinois, August 28, 1858, and has been a resident
of Burlington, Iowa, since May, 1859. He was a pupil in the public
schools of Burlington, afterward graduated from Allen's Business
College, and became a student of the law in the office of Newman &
Blake, then well known attorneys of Burlington. In June, 1880, he
graduated with the degree of LL. B. from the law department of the
State University of Iowa, and was licensed to practice in the United
States district and circuit courts for Iowa and the supreme and other
courts of the state.
In September, 1880, he established a law office in Burlington and
later was associated as partner with Samuel K. Tracy, then general
solicitor of the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railwav
Company, and upon the retirement of Mr. Tracy from the partner-
ship, he associated George S. Tracy with him, continuing the firm
name Tracy & Mercer, as before. In 1891 Mr. Mercer was ap-
pointed solicitor for the city, which office he held for two terms with
credit to himself and advantage to the city. During this period he
made his first oral argument in the supreme court of Iowa, in the
Water Works Company case, wherein a decision favorable to the city
was handed down. In June, 1904, his son, Herbert M. Mercer, also
a graduate of the legal department of the State Universitv of Iowa
with degree of LL. B., became associated with him under the style of
Mercer & Mercer, which continues. The subject of this sketch has
proved himself to be an able lawyer, a wise and careful counselor and
a forceful, capable advocate. As attorney and financially he is con-
nected with a number of business enterprises.
In paternal and maternal line Mr. Mercer is of Scotch-Irish line-
age. His father, William Mercer, was born near Listullycurran, in
the parish of Dromore, County Down, Ireland, September 23, 1828,
and when a lad of twelve years came to America with his parents,
John Mercer, born October 10, 1800, died December 15, 1878, and
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 455
Eliza (Murphy) Mercer, born November 18, 1796, died September
15, 1858, who established their home at Allegheny, Pennsylvania,
later removing west to Henry county, Illinois, where they settled
upon a farm known as Virginia or Lost Grove, near Kewanee. Wil-
liam Mercer learned the painter's trade while in Allegheny. In 1867
he entered the employ of the then Burlington & Missouri River Rail-
road Company at Burlington, Iowa. With the exception of about
three years spent on the Pacific coast during the gold rush of the '60s
he was a resident of Burlington from 1858 until his life labors were
ended by death April 4, 1890. By virtue of faithful, intelligent serv-
ice he was promoted to the head of the locomotive painting depart-
ment at Burlington. He was a member of Washington Lodge, No.
I, I. O. O. F., and a past noble grand. His wife's maiden name was
Sarah Chambers Miller, and she was born February 3, 1831, near
Downpatrick, in County Down, Ireland, and was a maiden of thirteen
at the time of coming to the United States. She died at Burlington,
April 29, 1909, the mother of eight children. She and her husband
held membership in the United Presbyterian church, but in later
years they and all of their children, save John M., became members of
the Episcopal church.
John M. Mercer was married February 23, 1881, to Jennie M.
Bernard, born September 17, i860, at Burlington where she was
reared. She has the distinguished honor of having nine ancestors in
direct line of lineage, who served in the war for independence and
she and her daughters are members of the Stars and Stripes Chapter
of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Her father was Cor-
nelius Bernard, born July 5, 1804, died July 15, 1887. He was one
of the early settlers of Des Moines county, arriving about 1839, and
with the passing years he was closely connected with the agricultural
and financial development of the community. He aided financially
in the development of the street railway system of Burlington and of
the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Missouri and Burlington & North
Western Railways, leading out of the city to the north and in later
years was a retired capitalist. He was a substantial citizen of the
Vermont type and left the impress of his individuality and sterling
qualities upon the history of this section of the state. He was twice
married, first to Miss Root, and second to Martha M. White, born
January 17, 1832, near Grafton, Vermont, died June 8, 1910. Mrs.
Mercer was one of her daughters. Mr. and Mrs. John M. Mercer
are the parents of three sons and one daughter: Herbert Miller, born
December 27, 1 88 1 ; Harry Bernard, born June 6, 1 883 ; Ralph Paul,
born November 6, 1884; and Jane Annette, born August 18, 1888.
456 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
Mr. Mercer, the subject of this sketch, gives political allegiance
to the democratic party because of a firm belief in its basic principles,
and has been an active, effective worker in its highest interests. He
has filled public offices as follows : clerk of Burlington township four
years; surveyor of customs, port of Burlington, four years during
Cleveland's first administration; city clerk, eight years; and city
solicitor, two years. He is a member of Iowa Camp, No. 98, Modern
Woodmen of America and has repeatedly represented the county
camp in the state camp, and the state camp in the national camp. He
also has membership with the Royal Neighbors of America and the
Fraternal Union of America. He was a charter member of the Elks
Lodge No. 84 and was a member of Flint Hills Lodge, No. 39, K. P.
He is a member of the Baptist denomination and now and during the
past fifteen years has been the moderator of the Burlington Baptist
Association. For some twenty years he has been trustee, and for some
fifteen years has been a deacon of the Walnut Street Baptist church.
For many years he was a trustee and for several years the secretary
of the Burlington Institute and a trustee of Des Moines College, and
a member of the state board and of various committees of the denom-
inational state work. It will thus be seen that his activity has ex-
tended along beneficial lines into the political, intellectual and relig-
ious fields of activity and his work has been an element for progress
in this connection as well as in his profession.
C. F. WEBER.
C. F. Weber is engaged in the wholesale and retail liquor business
in Burlington and also is interested in agricultural afifairs in this
county, owning and cultivating an excellent tract of land not far from
the city. He was born in Burlington, June 11, 1864, and was educated
in the public schools, but his opportunities in that direction were
somewhat limited as he began to earn his own living when but ten
years of age. He was first employed in a brickyard, where he spent
two years, after which he secured a position at the old wheel factory,
where he remained for a number of years, working his way gradually
upward as he mastered the tasks intrusted to him and proved his ca-
pability to assume added responsibilities and duties. At the end of
that time he was employed bv the Burlington & Northwestern Rail-
road Company, continuing in that service for two and one-half years,
and in 1884 he embarked in the liquor business on his own account.
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 457
He has been located at the same place for twenty-six years and he
sells both to the wholesale and retail trades, in which connection he
has secured a large patronage. He also carries on farming and is the
owner of one hundred and seventv-six acres of land near Burlington,
north of the city, which is operated on shares. On the place is a fine
country residence and stock-raising is made a feature of the business.
Mr. Weber was united in marriage to Miss Ada M. Fishback, of
Burlington. They are members of the First Evangelical church and
Mr. Weber belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the
Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Carthage Lake Fishing Club and the
Auto Club, associations which indicate much of the nature of his in-
terests and his recreation. He has depended upon his own resources
from the age of ten years and his success is the direct result of per-
sistent, earnest labor carefully directed.
WALTER B. EATON.
With the manufacturing interests of Burlington the name of
Walter B. Eaton is now closely associated, for he is secretary of the
Chittenden-Eastman Company. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri,
July 6, 1863, a son of S. Dwight and Gertrude (Williams) Eaton,
who were married in Burlington in the year 1858. The father was a
native of Framingham, Massachusetts, and in early life learned civil
engineering, which profession he made his life work. He came to
Iowa in 1856 and built the Des Moines Valley Railroad. During the
period of the Civil war he was in the employ of the government, hav-
ing charge of the transportation of troops and superintending the
operation of the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad for the government.
Following the close of the war he became a large railroad contractor,
conducting a most important business of that character.
In 1878 Mr. Eaton came to Burlington and from this point super-
intended his business afifairs. He was connected with railroad con-
struction in various localities and was thus with the advance guard
of civilization, for the railroad is alwavs the forerunner of settlement
and development in the west. For twenty-one years Mr. Eaton con-
tinued his residence in Burlington and was then called to his final
rest in 1899. His wife passed away January i, 1900, and was laid to
rest by his side in the Burlington cemetery. She was a daughter of
Silas Williams, one of the pioneer settlers of Burlington. Mr. and
Mrs. S. D. Eaton were people of the highest respectability, both being
458 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
loyal and consistent members of the Presbyterian church, and Mr.
Eaton gave his political support to the republican party. To them
were born two sons and a daughter: William D. ; Walter B., of this
review; and Anna, also residing in Burlington.
Walter B. Eaton was a public-school pupil in Burlington, passing
through consecutive grades of the high school, and in 1881, when a
youth of eighteen years, he entered the employ of the Chittenden-
Eastman Company. Gradually he worked his way upward in that
connection, proving his worth in his ability and fidelity, and eventu-
ally, upon the incorporation of the company, he was made a member
of the firm and has since been its secretary. He is bending his energies
to administrative direction and executive control, and not a little of
the success of the enterprise in recent years has been attributable to his
efforts, his keen discernment and his unfaltering energy.
While Mr. Eaton occupies a prominent position in business circles
he is equally well known in the club life of the city, holding member-
ship in the Golf Club, the Shoquoquon Boat Club and in various
fishing and shooting clubs. He is also identified with the Benevolent
Protective Order of Elks. In politics he votes independently, sup-
porting men and measures rather than party. Progress and pa-
triotism might be termed the keynote of his character. He believes
in advancement along all the lines which afifect the general interests
of society as well as in connection with individual affairs. He seizes
an opportunity eagerly, watches for chances to improve conditions
and by reason of his determination and energy has worked his way
steadily upward.
PETER HALVOR CHRISTENSEN.
Peter Halvor Christensen is the superintendent of the Aspen
Grove cemetery and the beauty of this "silent city" is attributable
largely to his capable direction and his understanding of how to pro-
duce the best effects in landscape gardening. He is one of Burling-
ton's self-made men and has worked his way steadily upward since
starting out in the business world on his own account. At the begin-
ning he had no capital but industry and determination have enabled
him to overcome obstacles and difficulties and steadily advance.
Mr. Christensen was born in Hjorring, Denmark, September 20,
1866, a son of F. W. and Emilie Theodora Amalie (Bjorneboe)
Christensen. The father, who was born in Denmark, July 29, 1840,
PETER H. CHKISTENSEN
HISTORY OF DES xMOINES COUNTY 461
passed awav when about seventy years of age. He had been engaged
extensively in tlie undertaking and furniture business. His wife, who
was born September 5, 1843, died about the same time as her husband.
They were life-long residents of Denmark and there they reared their
family. They had twelve children, of whom five died in infancy.
The others were: Peter Halvor, of this review; Frederick and Cath-
erine, both of Denmark; Karl, deceased; Wilhelm, who follows mer-
chandising near Copenhagen; Frederica, who resides in Denmark,
and Marie.
Peter H. Christensen was educated in the public schools of his
native country and in the high school, where he studied several lan-
guages. He came to America in 1890, making his way direct to
Burlington, Iowa, where he arrived on the 8th of April, having
crossed the Atlantic on the Dominion line. This was much against
his parents' washes, but he felt that the new world would ofifer him
better opportunities for rapid advancement. He brought with him
very little money. For a few days he worked at street paving under
George Kreichbaum but became ill with diphtheria. After recover-
ing he secured a good position in the paint department of the Chicago,
Burlington & Quincy Railroad shops at West Burlington, there
remaining for about six years. On the expiration of that period he
entered the employ of the Unterkircher Burial & Embalming Com-
pany in the capacity of general bookkeeper. While connected with
that company he learned embalming and took a course in Clark's
School of Embalming, receiving his diplcjma April 8, 1898. He was
a successful embalmer and funeral director through the next ten
years and while with the Unterkircher Company he had charge of
some three thousand cases of embalming. He advanced steadily in
the employ of that company until he became general manager, and
his value in connection with the business was widely recognized by
those whom he represented.
On the first of February, 1907, Mr. Christensen was elected by the
board of control of Burlington as superintendent of the Aspen Grove
Cemetery Association, in which connection he has rendered notable
service to the public in making this one of the most beautiful ceme-
teries of the middle w^est. Between the first of February, 1907, and
August 22, 1914, he superintended two thousand four hundred and
sixty-five interments. He has in his servie seven men throughout the
year and a greater number in the summer season, when it is possible
to cultivate the flowers, shrubs and trees which make Aspen Grove
so beautiful. The cemetery has improved one hundred fold under
his management. He has put in much tiling, many gutters and thus
Vol. 11— 25
462 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
improved the drainage system and lie has added thirty acres to the
grounds. The cemetery association built a beautiful residence adjoin-
ing the cemetery in 1909 and Mr. Christensen there resides. He
owns a residence property elsewhere in the city, which he rents. Mr.
Christensen is not only a man of excellent business ability, as dis-
played in the control and management of the cemetery, but is a fine
penman and his books are indeed a thing of beauty.
On the nth of March, 1890, in Aalborg, Denmark, the oldest
city of that country, Mr. Christensen was united in marriage to Miss
Ida Pauline Petersen, who was born in Denmark, June 24, 1872. Her
father died during her early girlhood and her mother afterward
became the wife of P. C. Cortsen, who lived in Aalborg and died at
the age of seventy-one years. By her first marriage she had two
children: Mrs. Christensen; and Valdemar, a prominent contractor
of Viborg, Denmark. Mr. and Mrs. Christensen have become the
parents of four children, all born in Burlington: Ethel Theodora
Amalie, who was born November 21, 1892; Mildred Ranghild, July
2, 1897; Leverne Alice Margarth, January 8, 1906; and George
Lambert Halvor, December 22, 1909.
Mr. and Mrs. Christensen are widely and favorably known in
Burlington, their sterling worth gaining for them high regard. Mr.
Christensen is a democrat in politics but usually votes for the best
man. Fraternally he is a Mason, belonging to the lodge, the chapter,
the council, the commandery and the Shrine. His many excellent
traits of character, his business ability, the enterprise with which he
has worked his way upward from a humble position in the business
world to one of prominence have all combined to make him one of
the respected citizens of Burlington.
REV. P. HILARY.
Rev. P. Hilary, pastor of St. John's Catholic church of Burling-
ton, was born in Wardasdine, Austria, on the 19th of January, 1866,
and is a son of Marcus Rosenfeld, who w^as a rabbi of the Jewish
church. He attended the public schools, pursuing a gymnasium
course, which is equivalent to the high-school course of this country.
He also graduated from a commercial college and he became a mer-
chant in Prague. After reaching the age of eighteen years he resumed
his studies and became a Jewish rabbi, being made pastor of a congre-
gation at Cham, Bavaria, when nineteen years of age. There he
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 463
served for two and one-half years. During tliat period he began to
investigate the Catholic religion, was converted thereto and was bap-
tized in the church on the i8th of October, 1887, the same year as Rev.
Father Newman. The vicar general. Dr. Leidner, who had in-
structed him, acted as his sponsor at his baptism. The next day he
was confirmed by the bishop and, crossing the Atlantic, made his way
direct to St. Benedict's Monastery at Atchison, Kansas, where he
studied for the priesthood, to which he was ordained on the 22d of
December, 1895. His mother also died in the Catholic faith and he
has a sister who embraced the faith and who is now a famous writer
of Austria.
After taking holy orders Father Hilary was assigned to St.
John's church at Burlington, where he remained as assistant for
seven years. He was then transferred to St. Peter's church at
Council Blufifs as assistant priest and afterward was assistant
at St. Benedict's church in Kansas City, Kansas. In April,
1909, he returned to Burlington and has since been assistant priest of
St. John's church. He is the only Jewish rabbi in the United States
who has become a Catholic priest. He has done excellent work for
his church during his connection with St. John's, his labors being a
strong supporting influence to Father Benno, who is priest of this
church.
A. L. AND ELLA J. HAWKSWORTH.
A. L. and Ella J. Hawksworth are the owners of the Arts-Crafts
Shop of Burlington. The former was born in this city, June 24, 1874,
a. son of Lionel and Margaret (Bowser) Hawksworth, natives of
England and of Pennsylvania respectively. The father was born in
1 832 and when a young man came to the United States. He made the
journey westward to Burlington by water and after taking up his
abode in this city was employed by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy
Railroad Company until he retired from active business several years
ago. He and his wife occupy their home at 2003 Madison avenue.
In the family were five children, two sons and three daughters, who
are yet living.
A. L. Hawksworth acquired a public-school education, supple-
menting the work of the grades by two years' study in the high school.
\A'hen he was about sixteen years of age he put aside his text-books
and began working for his brother, who was engaged in the confec-
464 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
tionery business. He spent a year in that connection, after which he
entered the employ of the Granite Brick Company of Cascade, Iowa,
with which he remained for eight years. At the end of that time he
became connected with the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad
Company in the bridge department and was employed in that way
until he opened his present business in connection with his sister, Ella
J. Hawksworth, who has charge of the art department. She was born
in Burlington, August 30, 1867, and was educated in the schools of
this city. She took up the study of art and afterward pursued a special
art course in china painting in Chicago. She taught china painting
m the Institute College here and is known as an expert, especially in
this line of work, displaying marked talent. The brother and sister
opened their store in October, 1907, beginning first in a small way,
Miss Hawksworth teaching an art class while her brother handled
the business. They carry artists' materials and various kinds of arts
and crafts work and now have an extensive stock. They also sell
fancy art goods and do picture-framing. Miss Hawksworth gives
instruction in that line as well as in painting and other branches of
art and she has a large class, while her work is known not only
throughout Iowa but throughout the middle west. Theirs is one of
the attractive establishments of the city and a visit thereto is a pleasure
to all who are interested in fine art work, including anything which
comes under the name of arts and crafts work.
Miss Hawksworth is a member of the Presbyterian church. In
politics Mr. Hawksworth is independent, voting for the men and
measures he thinks most likely to subserve the best interests of all the
people.
THOMAS STIVERS.
The name of Thomas Stivers was long associated with the publi-
cation of the Burlington Daily Gazette. Moreover, it was a name
dear to the hearts of all who knew him, for he had the happy faculty
of winning and retaining friends. That he was everywhere known as
"Tom" was no indication of familiarity, but the expression of real
brotherly regard and appreciation for his good qualities on the part
of those who knew him. He was regarded by his colleagues and con-
temporaries rather as a brother than as a friend, and all who knew
him bore testimony to his sterling manhood, his integrity and his
loyalty.
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 465
Mr. Stivers was a native of Ohio, his birth having occurred in
Pomeroy, September 4, 1848. The entire period of his youth was
spent in his native state. He was a resident of Middleport, Ohio, at
the time of his marriage, which was there celebrated on the i6th of
August, 1870, the lady of his choice being Miss Sarah Frances Met-
calf. Again and again stories concerning the opportunities of the
west reached him and with the hope of enjoying better advantages
beyond the Mississippi, Mr. Stivers left his old home and friends in
Ohio and made his way to Kansas, where he entered heartily into the
spirit of the country and took ready advantage of the opportunities
that presented themselves. In his business career he advanced step
by step because of the wise use which he made of his time and talents,
proving his worth in every relation. Eventually he became owner
of the Atchison Patriot, which he successfully conducted for a con-
siderable period. He afterward went to Leavenworth, Kansas, and
was the builder of a street car line in that city. On the ist of July,
1887, Mr. Stivers came to Burlington and purchased the Burlington
Gazette, which was then published on Washington street, between
Main and Third streets. After a year he purchased the interest of
his brother, Henry Stivers, who had been his partner in his ownership
of the paper, and assumed sole control. He thereafter bent his en-
ergies entirely upon the development of the paper, maintaining a
keen interest in its affairs and the direction of its policies.
At the time of his death it was said editorially of him: "Mr.
Stivers was a lover of Burlington and it occupied a first place in his
affections. He never tired of extolling its virtues, editoriallv and in
person, and aimed to make the Gazette its champion at all times. He
was ready and cordial with his .sanction of every project of public
benefit. He foresaw big possibilities for the city and took pride in
every step of progress. He was accorded the satisfaction of viewing
the culmination of many of his fondest expectations, and the fact that
he had contributed in some degree to this growth and prosperity
afiforded him profound satisfaction. Mr. Stivers was a man of energy
and initiative and a tireless worker in any cause undertaken by him.
He had a true idea of the mission of a newspaper; to make it a pub-
lication for all the people."
To Mr. and Mrs. Stivers were born two children, a son, George
A. Stivers, now surviving. A daughter, Mrs. Caroline Urania CofTin,
born in Doniphan, Kansas, March 7, 1872, passed away November
23, 1899. ^^^- Stivers was devoted to the welfare of his family, find-
ing his greatest happiness in promoting the interests of wife and chil-
dren. One of the predominant traits of his character was his love of
466 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
little children, with whose interests and pleasures he h.d tU t
that- "Th^ ,..1 * u- , ^ '" ^^^^^' Judge Wade sav nsj of him
^at. The value of h,s work m the cause cannot be over'-esLated '
His acquaintance was extensive throughout the state .n^ '' "''^""V
was known he had friend. Th c . ^ tne state, and wherever he
not an undue compliment to sav thnf h. fi. ,, ^ , (gazette. It is
Ik gave e„e co,™L„- ..l rffidin " l'/, ^ ^i; ;'',::-f *«
pape. w'l -irrai: a*r,z::e, ,"; ; -r^H" *" ^^'"^ "=-'-
B.rl,„g,„„, .„d was constant areT„ >^>Z:Z T d"
vancen,e„, of the city industrially, commercially ad ," a ociaVav"
qualities ot head and heart were so frreat anrl r^,.oi .1 ,
Ihe Davenport Democrat said editorially 'The de.th nf
nf Th. o ^ ^'^y Republican comes this • "The deafh
of Thomas Stivers, editor and publisher of the BurliLton P. .
removes one of the forr^fni T^ tt Turlington Gazette,
tions and they v re con rill T "'""■ "' '""' '""»' and convtc-
He had bee/ 2 fd ; ,1^"°"'" h- newspaper ma„age„,e„,.
.;nn r« , ^"^ Gazette for twenty-five years Hi?
con;e?:h:^d;;:^;..''^ ""- ^"'^^'>- '^-"«^^ -i.^ ...eV.:i::ss,":
progress .„ his city as well as in ^4^;:;:.U^,:::Z t^ .';^
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 467
be cited many tangible evidences of the assistance which he rendered^
The Fort Madison Democrat said: "Tom Stivers was one of the
^0 t sue essful newspaper publishers in Iowa, but ,t is not on h
Tccess his manv friends throughout the state and at his home w 1
dw when thinking of Tom-they will think of the man himself.
Ev vbodv who knew him called him Tom-he was that sort o a
^an-he Hked to be called bv the familiar appellatioi. He loved h,
friends and was loved bv them and wanted to be Tom to them he
me as hev were Will and Charlie and Sam to him. He was of th t
r^uuret .at' broke down undue ceremony between friends and wel-
e elnable familiarity. That was his great charn. Meetmg
him and becoming his friend was a delight that -" -ed^ > h each
.nrreedin- meeting. And he was dependable-always. Ihe ne^^s
Tper tr ten ty of' Iowa has by his death lost one of its best known
and best Led members. Memory of him will long fragrantly linger
1 . _ ))
in their hearts."
GEORGE W. ELLIOTT.
The name of George W. Elliott is written large on the pages no
onlv of Burlington's, but of Iowa's, history. There are few men who
h ve had such a direct influence upon business conditions and upon
I;;:::! ^ogress as_did ^I^Ell:ot. the fo..der aiK^ l^rr..^
Em: t'^S.: C^il^ge li: the .hool whiC^e established and
conduc ed he held to the highest standards of efhciency, and a the
.me ime was guiding the development of the young along lines
V h fitted them for all the responsibilities and duties of life as
el s for activity in commercial fields. There are many who c-
kn w dge their indebtedness to him for the stimulus and impetus
trcll he gave them, resulting in a reaching out toward the higher,
'" M^'eU-:! 'S born in Rochester, New York, September .,
,8-3 and lacked but five days of reaching the age of -enty yea s
^'in he passed away. His boyhood was largely spent in Ilion Herki-
n 'county New York, and when his education was completed he
became h ''father's assistant in a transportation business on the Erie
ah H was still a young man in his teens at the time of the in^u-
euration of hostilities between the north and the south. His patno ic
'pint was strongly aroused and he enlisted for service with the Forty^
fourth New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment, which was assigned
468 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
to the Army of the Potomac and was on active duty in many hotly
contested battles. Several times he was wounded, but recovered from
his injuries. He participated in the three days' engagement at Gettys-
burg and it was his visit to the reunion held upon that battlefield that
hastened his death a half century later. For almost four years he was
in the army, returning to his home with a most creditable military
record, and never in after life did he waver in the slightest degree in
the loyalty which he gave to his country.
After the war Mr. Elliott was employed for a time by John
Wanamaker, the millionaire merchant of New York and Philadel-
phia, and it was his experience in that direction that probably awak-
ened in him a desire to become a teacher of commercial methods.
His first activity in that field was his connection with the famous
Soule College of Philadelphia. Later he went to Chicago, and
thence came to Burlington in 1879, at which time he was a member
of the faculty of Bryant & Stratton Commercial College of Chicago.
A desire to conduct a school of his own brought Mr. Elliott to
Burlington. Already he had studied its situation and its possible ad-
vantages. He knew that it was situated midway between St. Louis
and Chicago, and that its railway lines stretched out to every section
of the country. Recognizing in this an advantageous situation, Mr.
Elliott came to Burlington and, with a partner, purchased a com-
mercial school which had already been established here with quar-
ters on the second floor of the Hedge block. With the purchase he
at once began the development and improvement of the school. The
most up-to-date methods were introduced, and the school was reor-
ganized along the lines of the most advanced commercial colleges
of the larger cities. From the beginning the institution grew, and a
removal of the school was made to the Squires building. Mr. Elliott
soon purchased his partner's interest and remained sole proprietor
and active manager of the school until his death, but in the mean-
time had added a large teaching force, people who were expert in-
structors in their line. He possessed great physical and mental
energy and power, and concentrated every effort upon the upbuild-
ing and advancement of the school. Of him it was said: "He in-
troduced new and original features, and made it a point at times to
visit other commercial schools, especially the more successful ones
in the large cities, studying their methods and profiting by their in-
troduction into the curriculum of his own school. This progressive
spirit, backed by a resolute will and untiring energy, combined with
wonderful capacity for hard and continuous work, all day and often
extending into late hours of the night, bore its material fruit in rap-
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 469
idly building up the school in its efficiency and widespread repu-
tation."
In the conduct of Elliott's Commercial College the work was
broadened from time to time. Every department was well organ-
ized and students could be fitted for any branch of commercial life,
with thorough training in bookkeeping, stenography, and all kinds
of commercial work. A regular banking business was conducted, a
commission business, and a wholesale grocery store; importing and
jobbing were also features; penmanship and commercial corre-
spondence, spelling, drawing and mathematics were all features in
the thorough training to be secured in the school. Mr. Elliott gave
much time to individual instruction, not only in text-book studies,
but conduct, personal appearance, habits and those qualities so essen-
tial to success in business. His school became acknowledged as a
good place to send a wayward youth or one who did not respond
readily to discipline. Such cases Mr. Elliott gave his individual at-
tention, and it was seldom that he failed to touch the right chord.
If on any occasion he could not stimulate the ambition and secure the
cooperation of the student in plans for his assistance, such a student
was dismissed, for he would not allow such a one to afTect the prin-
ciples of the school and prove a detriment to the efforts of other
pupils. Something of the success of his school is indicated in the
fact that at times it was impossible to supply the demands for its
graduates. In the offices of Chittenden-Eastman Company are found
thirty former students of this school. One of their graduates is to-
day at the head of the Merchants Bank of Burlington, and others
have gained positions of equal distinction in other localities. There
is perhaps no state in the Union where the graduates of Elliott's
Business College are not found as successful factors in promoting
commercial activity and success.
In Rochester, New York, on the 7th of July, 1874, Mr. Elliott
was united in marriage to Miss Katherine S. Murphy, and they be-
came the parents of nine children. The wife and mother passed
away in Burlington, December 11, 191 1, and a son, Frank, died in
Oklahoma City in 1900, while a second son, Louis, departed this life
in Chicago, July 12, 1912. The other members of the family are:
Mrs. J. J. Bernet of La Grange, Illinois; Minnie and Grace, at
home; Mrs. Grey Robbins, of Burlington; George Herbert, of Win-
nipeg, Manitoba; and Charles Edgar and Walter Alfred, of Bur-
lington.
Mr. Elliott gave his political indorsement to the republican party
and was a stanch advocate of its principles, but was not an active
470 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
worker in party ranks. In early life he espoused the Methodist
faith and was dean of the Methodist Seminary at Casanovia, New
York, before removing to Philadelphia. He joined the Methodist
church in Burlington and continued thereafter one of its strong sup-
porters and earnest workers. A spirit of Chistianity dominated his
life and influenced him in all of its relations with his fellow-men.
A modern philosopher has written : "Not the good that comes to
us, but the good that comes to the world through us, is the measure
of our success," and, judged by this standard, the life of George W.
Elliott was a most successful one. When it was planned to have a
reunion at Gettysburg on the fiftieth anniversary of the battle, Mr.
Elliott, who had been in poor health, obtained the consent of his
physician to go, but while there the excessive heat prostrated him
and it seemed for a time as though he would not live to return home.
He reached Burlington, however, and passed away four weeks later
in the Burlington Hospital, his death occurring on the 14th of Sep-
tember, 1913, when he lacked but five days of reaching the seventieth
anniversary of his birth. He was a man of fine personal appearance
and the physical was but the index to the larger nature within. Few
men have so fully recognized their opportunities, their responsibili-
ties and their obligations. He understood exactly what he might do
for the youth who came under his instruction. He felt that "educa-
tion is but preparation for life," and he ever strove to impress upon
his students the thought that they must build character with success
if they would attain a place in the world worthy to rank with true
men and women. His own example inspired and encouraged those
who came under his direction, and his memory remains as a blessed
benediction to those who knew him.
ANDREW L. LAGOMARCINO.
Andrew L. Lagomarcino, of Burlington, enjoyed the distinction of
being called the father of the Italian colony of that city. He was an
able and successful business man who in the fruit business attained
a remarkable success in this countrv. Mr. Lagomarcino was born in
the village of that name which is situated near Genoa, Italy, the date
of his birth being December i, 1848. At the age of eighteen years he
crossed the ocean, being induced bv the stories which had reached
him of the great opportunities that awaited ambitious youths in the
land of the free. Another reason for his removal from Italv was his
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 471
distaste for the conscription system, whicli he considered an injustice
to the people.
After reaching the shores of the western hemisphere Mr. Lago-
marcino entered commercial life. He located in New York, where
he remained for several years, and then made his way to Wheeling,
West Virginia, where he established a fruit and grocery store. In
that city he continued until 1875, when he came to Burlington, Iowa,
and in partnership with S. Oppice founded the first exclusive fruit
store. It is said he was the first man to bring bananas to Burlington
for sale, shipping this fruit by express from New York, and at that
time this now so popular fruit was considered a rare curiosity. In
1879 the partnership with Mr. Oppice was dissolved and Mr. Lago-
marcino continued the business alone until 1885, when he admitted
William H. Grupe to a partnership. The latter had been in the em-
ploy of the house since 1878 and as a trusted and faithful employe had
earned his promotion. The firm became Lagomarcino & Co. and
so continued until 1903, when it was incorporated as the Lagomar-
cino-Grupe Company, of which our subject became the president
and in which capacity he continued until his death. From a small
beginning the establishment grew to be one of the largest fruit houses
in the country. They were importers and wholesale dealers and
maintained branch houses in Cedar Rapids, Creston, Davenport,
Dubuque, Ottumwa, Keokuk, Clinton, Centerville, Estherville and
St. Louis, Missouri.
The ambition which led Mr. Lagomarcino to leave his native land
guided him to the goal of success, and his unfailing business foresight,
his industry and his honesty gained him a place among the most
substantial citizens of Burlington. Not only, however, was Mr.
Lagomarcino successful but he was popular with all who came in
contact with him. He took an interest in the welfare of the city that
was as great as the care which he exhibited in the conduct of his own
afifairs, and he therefore made a most valuable citizen and in a large
measure contributed to the growth and prestige of Burlington. He
was the recognized leader and father of the Italian colony of this
city and beloved by all his countrymen, who would come to him for
counsel and guidance and sometimes help.
In New York city Mr. Lagomarcino was united in marriage to
Miss Maria Tassina and their children were Paul, Charles, Joseph,
Angelo, Mrs. John Bardenheier, Mrs. Mathew A. Bley, Albert,
Andrew, Columbus, Rosanna and Mamie. The beautiful home in
which Mr. Lagomarcino established his residence is still occupied
by his widow. It is located at No. 2131 South Main street, Burling-
472 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
ton. There he loved to entertain his friends, who found him always
a genial host. It was in this home that he took the greatest pride and
at his fireside he found the greatest happiness.
Mr. Lagomarcino was a member of the Improved Order of Red
Men and belonged to St. PauTs Catholic church. By his life record
he verified the idea that unflagging industry will lead to success and
furnished an example to Italo-American citizens which is worthy of
being emulated. He combined in him the sunny characteristics of his
southland with American business aggressiveness, although when
applied to for assistance his great and good heart would often yield to
his better judgment. Andrew L. Lagomarcino died October 4, 1907,
when nearly fifty-nine years of age, and his memory lives with the
many who knew him.
LAGOMARCINO-GRUPE COMPANY.
The Lagomarcino-Grupe Company was founded by Andy Lago-
marcino, who arrived in New York city about 1872 and came to
Burlington about 1875. He started business in a building on Main
street, near the railway track, and gradually forged ahead. In 1885
he formed a partnership with W. H. Grupe and in 1887 they re-
moved to larger quarters on Main street. Still the continued growth
of their business necessitated another removal in order to secure
increased facilities and in 1892 their business was established at Val-
ley and Front streets.
Burlington, however, has not confined this growing commercial
enterprise, for from time to time branch houses have been estab-
lished. The business was started at Cedar Rapids in 1894, at Creston
in 1901 and at Davenport in 1903. In 1904 the business was incor-
porated and in 1905 a branch house was established at Dubuque and
another at Clinton. Still the growth continued and Ottumwa was
taken into this chain of business houses owned and controlled by
the company. It was in 1907 that Ottumwa became a new field for
the firm and in 191 1 Keokuk was added and in 1914 Estherville and
Centerville were added, so that at present the Iowa company owns
ten dififerent houses. Theirs is the largest fruit house in the middle
west outside of Chicago. They employ two hundred people and have
about sixty traveling salesmen upon the road. Thev handle fifteen
hundred carloads of fruit and vegetables annually and they also deal
in soda fountains and supplies. In connection they have established
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 473
and operate three ice cream factories and they have a separate house
that handles fish and oysters. The home office is at Burlington and
from that point is carried on the general supervision of the business,
which with its ramifying trade interests now largely covers Iowa and
in its wholesale connections extends much farther.
E. F. HOLSTEEN.
E. F. Holsteen, secretary and treasurer of the Burlington Soap
Company and thus actively identified with the manufacturing inter-
ests of the city, was born in Houston county, Minnesota, February 12,
i860, but from the age of six years has been a resident of the city in
which he now makes his home, his parents being Sophus and Emma
A. (Alschlenger) Holsteen. The father was a native of Germany,
born October 18, 1830, and came to the United States when sixteen
years of age. Crossing the Atlantic, he settled first in Philadelphia,
where he remained for a brief period and then came to the middle
west, settling at St. Louis in the early '50s. He was first employed as
a clerk in the Corse book store but afterward went to Minnesota,
where he lived for several years. Returning southward, he settled at
Burlington in 1866 and here engaged in the drug business, opening a-
store on Third street, of which he was the proprietor for a number of
years. After his family had attained adult age he purchased a farm,
on which he took up his abode, and there remained until his death,
which occurred on the 29th of February, 1910. His wife was one of
the first children born in Gasconade county, Missouri. Her people
were of German nativity and emigrated to the new world, becoming
pioneer settlers of Gasconade county. Her uncle, who was a minister,
came first, making arrangements for the others, who soon afterward
followed. It required one hundred and twenty days, or four months,
to cross the ocean. Mrs. Holsteen still survives and is yet enjoying
good health. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Sophus Holsteen were
fourteen children.
E. F. Holsteen acquired his education in the schools of Burling-
ton, beginning his studies in the old German school on Washington
street, under Professor Lorenz. He remained in school until seven-
teen years of age and subsequently pursued a business course in Bryant
& Stratton Business College. He afterward engaged in work at the
blacksmith's trade and followed that continuously until 1881, when
he began farming on the old homestead north of Burlington, where
474 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
his mother still resides. He continued upon the farm until 1895^
bringing the fields to a high state of cultivation and adding to the
place many modern equipments. In the year mentioned he left Des
Moines county and went to Lee county, where he carried on general
agricultural pursuits until 1903. He then returned to Burlington and
for one year was vice president of the Burlington Soap Company. In
1908 he was elected secretary and treasurer and is now serving in the
dual position. He is an efficient executive officer, watchful of all the
details of the business pointing to success and wisely utilizing the op-
portunities which seem to promise a steady growth for the business.
Mr. Holsteen was united in marriage to Miss Frances Long, who
was born in Burlington, February 29, i860, and was educated in the
schools of this city. Mr. Holsteen is the owner of two hundred and
forty acres of valuable farming land in this county, to the supervision
of which he gives his personal attention, and upon this he has an
attractive country home. He and his wife are members of the First
Methodist Episcopal church and in its work take an active and help-
ful part. He belongs to the Travelers' Protective Association and
his political allegiance is given to the progressive party. He is inter-
ested in all that pertains to the welfare and upbuilding of the county
in which he has made his home for almost a half century and his
cooperation is readily given to many movements and measures for
the public good. His life has been one of diligence and industry and
the success which is now his is the direct result of his earnest, per-
sistent efforts.
DRAKE HARDWARE COMPANY.
The Drake Hardware Company, one of the foremost commer-
cial enterprises of Burlington, was organized on the ist of January.
1891, by L. H. Drake, S. H. Jones, C. E. Otto, E. D. Adams, E. H.
Westfall and Walter Schenck. All of these became directors of the
company, with Mr. Otto as president, Mr. Adams as vice president,
Mr. Schenck as secretary and Mr. Jones as treasurer. The Drake
Hardware Company succeeded to the business of Lyman H. Drake,
who, in turn, was successor to Drake & Dayton. That firm was the
successor of Nelson & Company, and their predecessors were Mor-
ton & Nelson. Still earlier the business had belonged to the firm of
J. Morton & Company, who succeeded J. W. Grimes & Company,
who had founded the business in 1864. The establishment there-
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 475
fore is one of the oldest houses of the city in years of continuous
existence. In 1891 the business was h)cated on North Main street,
where they remained until they erected the buildings where they
are now located, at Nos. 106-110 Washington street and Nos. 413-
423 Front street. A general wholesale hardware business is con-
ducted, and they have upon their payroll twelve traveling salesmen,
who cover the greater part of Iowa, a part of western Illinois and the
northern half of Missouri. On the ist of July, 1907, the Drake
Hardware Company and the C. F. Smith Hardware Company con-
solidated their interests, retaining the former name. The present
officers of the company are: S. H. Jones, president and treasurer;
E. D. Adams, vice president, and H. B. Buhrmaster, secretary.
CARL M. OLSON.
Carl M. Olson, engaged in the wholesale liquor business in Bur-
lington, was born in Quincy, Illinois, March 2, 1878. His father,
Nels Olson, was a native of Sweden, born August 28, 1849, and when
eighteen years of age he came to the United States. He first engaged
in the lumber business in Wisconsin and worked at logging as far
south as Alabama. He came to Iowa as a bridge builder and aided
in building bridges over the Mississippi river as far south as Quincy.
He lived for a time in Quincy, and in 1880 took up his permanent
abode in Burlington, where he purchased the old Denver Hotel,
which he conducted for a few months. He afterward bought the old
Burlington House and conducted it until 1883. He then embarked
in the wholesale liquor business, his original establishment being at
No. 1 1 1 Jefiferson street, from which place he removed to the present
location at No. 405 Valley street in 1889. He was engaged in the
business until his death, which occurred November 2, 1913.
Nels Olson was united in marriage to Miss Mary C. Wegreen, a
native of Sweden, in 1875, and they became the parents of three chil-
dren, of whom Carl M. is the eldest. The others, Nels A. and Esther,
are both deceased. The father was very prominent in the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, and in the Knights of Pythias lodge,
and he was one of the oldest members of the Lone Tree Fishing Club.
He also served at one time as president of the old North End Boating
Association. He had an extended circle of warm friends in Burling-
ton, especially among the Swedish-American residents, and many
476 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
who knew him entertained for him warm regard. His wife passed
away in 1892.
Carl M. Olson came to Burlington with his parents when a child
of two years, and became a pupil in the public schools, continuing
his education here to the age of nineteen. On starting out in life on
his own account he was employed at farm labor, spending consider-
able time as a farm hand in both Iowa and South Dakota. He en-
listed in the Eighth Infantry at Sioux City, Iowa, and went to the
Philippines, where he served for two years in connection with the
military organization there, and afterward for three years in the
civil service department, being in the quartermaster's office at Manila
and at diflferent periods stationed on several islands of the Philippine
group. He visited China and Japan before returning to the United
States, reaching Burlington on the 4th of August, 1906.
Mr. Olson then became bookkeeper for his father in his whole-
sale liquor establishment, and when he married was admitted to a
partnership in the business. Owing to the change in the laws of the
state, the partnership had to be discontinued, and after the death of
the father the son assumed complete charge. He has since conducted
the business most successfully and is now one of the foremost mer-
chants in his line in Burlington.
On the loth of June, 1908, Mr. Olson was united in marriage to
Miss Julia Ricker, of Milwaukee, who was graduated from Trinity
Hospital of that city. They have become parents of three children:
Ralph C, Nels William and Esther. Mr. Olson is a member of the
subordinate lodge, the encampment and the Rebekah degree of the
Odd Fellows. He also has membership with the Eagles, the Gobblers,
and with the Pinkham Fishing Club. In politics he is a democrat,
giving unswerving support to the principles of the party. During
practically his entire life he has been numbered among Burlington's
citizens and he has a wide acquaintance among his fellow-townsmen.
JOHN H. PETTIBONE.
John H. Pettibone is the popular and efficient postmaster of Bur-
lington and his appointment to the position gave general satisfaction
throughout the city. He had long been established as a leading busi-
ness man and as a public-spirited citizen whose loyalty to the general
welfare was manifest in hearty cooperation with various movements
for the public good.
JOHN H. PETTIBONE
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY 479
A native of Illinois, Mr. Pcttibone was born in Rockford on tiie
7th of December, 1858, a son of Luman P. and Louisa Matthews
(Goodhue) Pettibone. The father was a native of New York and
they were married in Rockford, Illinois, in which city the mother
came when a child. There they continued their residence for a num-
ber of years but in 1865 came to Burlington, the father occupying
the position of general agent for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy
Railroad Company, with which corporation he was connected
through an extended period. In the later years of his life he lived
retired, enjoying a well earned rest until death called him. His wife
passed away in 1910. In their family were but two children, the
younger son being Frank G. Pettibone, who has always been con-
nected with railroad interests since starting out in the business world
with the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad and is now second
vice president and general manager of the Santa Fe Railroad Com-
pany, with offices in Galveston, Texas.
John H. Pettibone was but six years of age when his parents
brought their family to Burlington. Here he began his education,
attending the GrafT private school and afterward entering the high
school. However, he was but thirteen years of age when he began
to earn his own living, securing a position as office boy in a wholesale
grocery house. He afterward acted as clerk for the Barden-Segner
Company, which later became the firm of Pilger Brothers, subse-
quently Pilger Brothers & Company, and still later the Pilger Grocer
Company. The adoption of the last name was due to the fact that
John H. Pettibone had worked his way steadily upward from one
position to another until he became a partner in the enterprise, of
which he was also general sales manager. He thoroughly acquainted
himself with every phase of the business and for eight years was a
representative of the company upon the road. It is characteristic of
him that he thoroughly masters every task which he undertakes and
is neglectful of no duty that devolves upon him. At length the firm
sold out and about that time Mr. Pettibone became city treasurer,
which office he occupied for four years, making a most creditable
record through the prompt and faithful manner in which he dis-
charged his duties. In 1899 the Modern Electric Company was
incorporated with Mr. Pettibone, secretary, treasurer and general
manager. The company conducts a wholesale business as dealers in
general electrical supplies and has a local contracting department.
In 1894 occurred the marriage of Mr. Pettibone and Miss Mar-
garet Danner, of Burlington, a daughter of W. T. and Mary R.
Danner. The father was a merchant and both he and his wife are
480 HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Pettibone have one daughter, Harriett
Nixon.
Mr. Pettibone is a prominent Mason, having attained the Knight
Templar degree of the York. Rite and the thirty-second degree of the
Scottish Rite, and he is also affiliated with the Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine. He is a past commander of St. Omer Commandery No. 15,
K. T., and is a past grand commander of the state, having been the
chief officer in the grand commandery of Iowa in 1899 and 1900.
He belongs to the Commercial Exchange and has been a helpful
factor in promoting its projects for the upbuilding of the city.
His political allegiance has always been given to the democratic
party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and on sev-
eral different occasions he has been called to public office. He has been
a member of the board of education and in 1907 was elected county
supervisor, to which position he was reelected in 19 10 and 19 13. He
continued to act in that capacity until he resigned in order to accept
the postmastership, to which he was appointed on the 19th of June,
19 14. He had made a most excellent record as supervisor. There is
no more stalwart champion of the good roads movement in Des
Moines county, and speaking of his efforts in that connection, one of
the local papers said : "His work was not confined to writing resolu-
tions and making speeches, but he accomplished things, and the fine
start toward a permanent road system that has been made in this
county is to a large extent due to his enthusiastic and intelligent labors
in behalf of real road improvement. He but recently entered upon a
new term as member of the board, of which he is the chairman. He
will lay down the duties of this office with regret, because there is
much work mapped for the near future which will keep the county of
Des Moines well to the fore so far as real road building is concerned,
and again he will step out of the office with the knowledge that he has
done his share toward starting the movement, which before his time
had been discussed here so many years, without much visible progress.
Mr. Pettibone, while in county office, gave much time and thought
and work to the drainage projects north of the city. He was quick to
appreciate the importance of this work and the vast benefits that
would accrue to the county and the city through the establishment of
these drainage districts, and the fact that Des Moines county has
accomplished so much in this regard is due in no small measure to the
fact that Mr. Pettibone did not merely approve of drainage in theory,
but urged and pushed the consummation of plans that met with no
little opposition, which was either overcome by diplomatic moves or
by an educational campaign. The drainage north of Burlington con-
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY isi
sists of the first big proposition in the United States, draining over
fifty thousand acres of land — an object lesson to 
