XV o
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BIOGRAPHY AND REMINISCENCE
Gov. STEPHEN HEMPSTEAD was born in Connecticut
in 1812, but came West early and was educated partly at
Jacksonville, Illinois. He studied law in Missouri and in
1836 was admitted to practice and the same year came to
Dubuque. He took a prominent place in this community from the
start. In 1838 he was elected to the Territorial Legislature. In
1844 he was a delegate to the Territorial Convention. In 1845 he
was a member of the Iowa Territorial Council and served as presi-
dent of that body. In 1848 he was chosen one of the commissioners
to revise the state laws. In 1850 he was elected governor of Iowa
on the Democratic ticket and served with distinction for four years.
In 1855 he became county judge. He was closely connected with all
the movements which made Dubuque one of the foremost cities of
the West. He finally passed away in 1883.
Peter A. Lorimier was born in Canada in 1783 and died in
Dubuque in October, 1871. He became an Indian trader early and
as such came to the western country long before the white settle-
ment. He located a trading and mining establishment near Galena
many years before the Black Hawk war, and during that troul)le.
having a stockaded fort and the assistance of his neighbors, did
not suffer. Gen. George W. Jones had a similar fort at Sinsinawa
Mound. Mr. Lorimier came to Dubuque in 1833 and began mining
as well as merchandising with Mr. Gration in 1834. He bought
considerable land adjacent and in Dubuque and became one of the
foremost citizens. He and others built the famous Lorimier House
in 1857, which for a long period remained the largest hotel in the
city. He refused office, but served as United States court commis-
sioner and was the first man invested with judicial authority in
what is now Iowa and a part of Minnesota by appointment of the
governor of Michigan territory. His commission was dated Sep-
tember 8, 1834. He later served as one of the county commissioners
in 1838. his associates being James Fanning and .Andrew Bankson.
In 1847 he served as mayor of Dubuque and he was again elected
in 185 1. He was forty years old before friction matches were
invented and hundreds of times kindled his fire with flint, steel and
497
498 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
tinder. He was of French extraction, the original name hcing De
Lorimier. He left a widow, two sons and three daughters. Reso-
lutions expressive of the city's loss were passed by the citizens in
various capacities.
Lucius H. Langworthy died in Dulmque June 9, 1865. He
was born at Hopkinton, New York, in February. 1807. In 1827,
with his brother James, he engaged in lead mining in Illinois, and
in 1830 came to Dubuque for the same purpose. In 1832, witli
others, he was compelled to leave, but returned during the winter
of 1832-3 and first lived in brush shanties on islands in the river,
their cabins being occupied by soldiers. They became prominent
and wealthy. Lucius H. married first in 1835 Mary F. Ruder, by
whom he had two sons. In 1842 he married Valeria A. Bemis, by
whom he had six children. He was the first sheriff of Dubuque,
receiving his appointment from the governor of Michigan territory
in 1834. He was interested in the Dubuque Visitor, the first news-
paper west of the Mississippi and north of St. Louis. He was one
of the early town fathers and as such did much to finance the town
and all harbor movements. He helped to build the first schoolhouse
in 1833. and was a contributor to the early churches. Lucius and
James Langworthy were partners in their mineral lands and by their
indefatigable efforts were already on the high road to fortune when
Edward and Solon joined them. For twenty-four years the four
brothers were associated under various business and firm names and
labored so harmoniously and successfully that the Langworthy
Brothers, Bankers, in 1854, owned, including their individual pro])-
erty, one-twelfth of all the real estate in Dubuque. Lucius H. was
genial, approachable, wide awake, honest and generous. His con-
tributions to all worthy improvements were large and numerous.
Particularly was he active in building railroads. His mining inter-
ests were immense. His home life was sweet, kind and elevated.
His funeral was largely attended by the old settlers in a body and
was very impressive. The funeral was the largest ever held in this
city up to that time.
Mrs. Frances P. (Stokely) Wilson died here in October,
1868. She came to Dubuque in 1842 to reside with her son. Judge
Thomas S. Wilson. Her eldest son, George, was educated at West
Point ; her second son was Judge Wilson, of Dubuque ; her third
son was Peter F., who for twenty years was an agent in the Treas-
ury Department at Washington, D. C. ; her fourth son was David S.
Wilson, of Dubuque, colonel of the Sixth Iowa Cavalry; her fifth
son was Samuel M. Wilson, a lawyer of San Francisco ; her daugh-
ters were Ann Eliza Wells, of Dubuque ; Mary Aull, of St. Louis,
and Kate Luke, of St. Louis. She lived to see her great grand-
children — and to see all of her descendants prominent where they
WIDEN POCKDATIONS
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HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 499
resided. She was an Episcopalian. She married Peter Wilson, m
Philadelphia. Her father was Col. Thomas Stokely, of North
Carolina, who served the colonies in the revolution.
AuGUSTiN A. Cooper, by reason of his long residence in Dubuque
and his intimate connection with its civic and commercial prosperity,
is one of the city's foremost citizens. His life is so closely inter-
woven with Dubuque's history that one could not well be written
without the other. Born on Chess creek, in Susquehanna township,
Cambria county, Pennsylvania, on November 9, 1829, he is a son of
Leonard and Julia Ann Cooper, whose respective births occurred in
1797 and 1804. In the year 1634 Lord Baltimore brought a
Catholic colony from Great Britain to America in the ships ".\rk"
and "Dove," and having secured a special charter from King
George, located his colony in Maryland. In this band of pioneers
was the progenitor of the Cooper family in America. As time
passed the colony prospered and numerically increased, and even-
tually the descendants scattered throughout the country, ever carry-
ing with them the industry and probity for which they were noted
and loyalty to the religious faith of their fathers. Dr. Gallatzin,
the first fully ordained Catholic priest in the United States, early
in the nineteenth century, together with a number of families from
the original settlement, moved to the mountainous region of Penn-
sylvania. Accompanying him were the families of the two grand-
parents of A. A. Cooper, the immediate subject of this sketch, their
names being Henry Cooper and Mary Green on his father's side,
and Walter Elder and Priscilla Elder on his mother's side. In
Maryland they were the owners of slaves, which he liberated except
those who wished to go with them, but these, on being taken to the
rigorous climate of Pennsylvania, for the most part sickened and
died. Henry Cooper was born sometime during the sixties of the
eighteenth century. When the colonies declared their independence
from the mother country he volunteered his services in the cause of
the new government, but, owing to his youth, was rejected. He
persisted in his offers, however, and eventually was accepted and
served in the army until the conclusion of the rc\olution. In his
latter years he took great delight in telling his descendants of his
experience in the Continental army, the hardships and privations
endured, the fortitude and bravery of the soldiers and the glorious
results in winning independence from the oppressive British rule.
These reminiscent talks have been handed down to his descendants
and have no doubt instilled a great love of loyalty for America and
its institutions in their hearts. In 1824 Father Gallatzin married
the parents of A. A. Cooper, and the family continued to reside in
Pennsylvania many years. It was in a one-room, one-story log
schoolhouse there that Mr. Cooper received his primary education,
and in a neighboring little log Catholic church, presided over by
500 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Father Lampkee. he first went to religious service. His wearing
apparel was made from flax and wool and was spun into cloth and
manufactured into clothing by his mother. In the spring of 1838
his uncle, Charles Elder and family, with another uncle, Dr. Stark
and his family, immigrated West, the fomier first settling at Long
Grove, Scott county. Iowa, and the latter finally locating at what is
now Ottumwa, Iowa. Through the influence of these pioneers,
Leonard Cooper with his family in the spring of 1839 moved West,
coming by wagon, a short distance on the first railroad ever built,
stage coach, canal, and steamboat, finally locating near Long Grove,
Scott county, Iowa, where Charles Elder had made claim to a tract
of land for them. This house was built of logs, chinked with mud,
puncheon flooring, clapboard roof and a wide fireplace for warmth
and in which to cook. Here for years the family lived, enduring
the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life, of which the
present generation has but a faint conception.
A. A. Cooper came to Dubuque in 1846, and here began learning
the trade of blacksmith at $35 per year for his services. At that
time Dubuque had about 2,000 people. He completed his appren-
ticeship January i, 1850, and continued working as a journeyman
at his trade for $26 per month, this unusually large amount being
paid him because of his superior skill. After two months he bought
out one of his employers for $50, and from this small beginning
gradually prospered and added wagon-repairing to his general work.
In time the business changed to wagon manufacturing largely, the
material being obtained by felling trees in the woods, sawing and
drying same to suitable conditions and eventually manufacturing
them into wagons, buggies and sleds. It was this humble beginning
that has blossomed into one of the largest manufacturing concerns
in the country. Today the company employs about four hundred
hands, occupies several city blocks and is a monument to the skill
and shrewdness of its founder. During this long period of sixty-
five years, through the ups and downs, the panics and rumors of
panics, wars, and disturbances in money markets, Mr. Cooper and
the company he established have paid one hundred per cent on every
dollar's worth of business they ever contracted, which is a phenom-
enal record, and an achievement of which he is justly proud. While
prospering in material welfare, Mr. Cooper has taken an active part
in civic affairs, having served as alderman and as mayor pro tem
of the city. In politics he is a gold Democrat. For sixty-five years
he has been a member of St. Raphael's Cathedral Parish. January
22, 185 1, he was married by Bishop Loras, first Bishop of Iowa, to
Miss Mary J. Smith, daughter of Owen and Mary Smith, who were
among the early pioneers of Dubuque, having moved here from
New York in 1837. Seven children have been born to this mar-
riage: James Albert, who died in 1879. aged six years; Regina
Isabell, who died as the wife of Paul Gilmore in 1899; Mar>' Ellen,
I THE NEW YORK )
PU LlCL.BRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS
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HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 501
the widow of John R. Waller, well known in banking and com-
mercial circles; Elizabeth A., wife of D. A. Sullivan, formerly of
the Sullivan & Stampfer Department Store; William P.. j)rcsident
of the A. A. Cooper Wagon & Buggy Company ; Catharine J(jse-
phine, and Austin A., secretary and treasurer of the above concern.
No family stands higher in the esteem of the public than that of
A. A. Cooper. In the evening of his life he can look backward
with contentment to his success under adverse conditions, and with
the satisfaction that he has honorably filled the niche appointed unto
him.
Peter Kiene, Sr., was born at Tamins. Switzerland, on
December 15, 1819. Arrived in Dubuque, Iowa, on August 15,
1840. On August 15, 1857, founded the firm of Peter Kiene &
Son. Died at Dubuque, Iowa, on April 14, 1898.
Peter Kiene was born on November 2, 1846, at Dubuque, Iowa.
Enlisted February 2, 1862, at Dubuque, Iowa, in Company "E,"
i6th Regiment, Iowa Infantry — "Crocker Iowa Brigade" — 17th
Army Corps. Mustered out of service on June 20, 1865, at Daven-
port, Iowa. Senior member of the firm of Peter Kiene & Son, of
Dubuque, Iowa, founded by his father, the late Peter Kiene, Sr., on
August 15, 1857.
The Beaubiens were the descendants of an old Detroit family of
noble French origin. They were among the founders of Chicago,
keeping there one of the first stores, hotels and livery stables. Four
brothers, Mark, Joseph, David and George, came to Dubuque in
1846. Mark and Joseph died at Hannibal, Missouri; David and
George remained in Dubuque and each married and reared families.
Charles Hypolitte Gregoire was born in 1798 in this country.
His father was a native of France and was concerned in the French
revolution. Charles H. grew up mainly at Ste. Genevieve, Missouri,
and was early engaged in trading in furs, merchandise, etc., on the
Mississippi. In 1820 he married Eulalie Pratte and they had one
son, Charles H. J. Gregoire, a well known citizen of Dubuque. He
lived many years in the lead country of Wisconsin and came to
Dubuque in 1852 and here died in 1859. He projected the lower
Harbor Company and carried it through the panic of 1857, and
owned the fine ferry steamers at Dubuque. His remains were taken
to Ste. Genevieve for interment.
Frank Carney, engaged in the tobacco and cigar manufacturing
business in Dubuque, is a native of the state of New York, his bn'th
occurring February 15, 185 1, at St. Johnsville, Montgomery county,
and is a son of Peter and Julia Carney. The parents were natives
502 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
of Ireland and came to the United States on their wedding trip.
They reaHzed that greater chances for success in hfe existed in this
country and accordingly determined to make their future home on
this side of the Atlantic. The date of their advent in the East was
about 1836, and in 1853 they came West to Dubuque, and here the
father for years followed his profession of roofer. He died in
January, 1872, aged sixty years, and was followed by his widow in
June, 1890, aged seventy-six years, and both are buried in Mount
Olivet cemetery. Frank Carney, the immediate subject of this
sketch, came to Dubuque with his parents when but two years old,
and was one of the first scholars enrolled in the Fifth Ward
(Audubon) school. When seventeen years old his education was
completed, and for two years thereafter he worked as a farm hand
near Dubuque. Mr. Carney well remembers having seen during his
boyhood days Indians traveling over the country with their families
and wigwams, sights which to the present generation are but dreams
of the past. After working on the farm he became a brakeman for
the Dubuque & Sioux City railroad, which at that time reached only
as far as Cedar Falls, and then was employed as conductor. He
later went with the Illinois Central road and continued with that
concern as conductor until 1894, or for a period of over thirty
years. At that date he was elected on the Democratic ticket as
justice of the peace and held that position for three terms; he also
was the first police commissioner of the city of Dubuque. In 1904
he embarked in the tobacco and cigar manufacturing business at 69
Eighth street and has been thus successfully engaged ever since.
Mr. Carney is a Roman Catholic in religious views and socially is
identified with the Dubuque Catholic Benevolent Society, the Inde-
pendent Order of Foresters, and the Mystic Workers. On January
30, 1870, in Dubuque, he was united in marriage with Miss IMary
A. O'Brien, daughter of John and Ellen O'Brien, natives of Ireland,
and now deceased and buried at Patch Grove, Wisconsin, and
Mount Olivet cemetery, Dubuque, respectively. To Mr. and Mrs.
Carney three sons and two daughters have been born as follows :
Ellen Lester, the wife of B. J. Schwind, of Dubuque, who is appro-
priately represented elsewhere in this work; Frank R., of Dubuque;
Grace M., a teacher in the local public schools, and William S. and
Alexander D., both deceased.
John F. Burns is properly considered the pioneer of the fancy
grocery business in Dubuque. He is a son of John F. and Bridget
Burns, who were of Irish ancestry and came from Paterson, New
Jersey, to Dubuque in the thirties and consequently were among the
earliest pioneers in this locality. These parents were hard-working
and God-fearing people and were devout adherents of the Roman
Catholic religion. Here the father died in 1861, and the mother in
1897, when seventy-six years old. John F. Burns, the subject of
vL/N-yCoV i U.^>./w</
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 503
this sketch, was born in Dubuque, July 16. 1858, and has passed
practically his entire life here. His career has been quiet and
unostentatious and has gained for him many warm and lasting
friendships which are so essential to the happiness of this passing
existence. In early youth he attended the public and parochial
schools, and when fourteen years old entered the grocery store of
Retallick & Burns as a clerk. He thus continued until 1881, and
then succeeded to the business and successfully conducted it until
1908, when he retired from active participation in business life.
Mr. Burns is unmarried and resides with his sister, Johanna, in
their beautiful home at 61 Wilson avenue. He is a life-long
member of St. Raphael Cathedral, and is also a Knight of Columbus
and a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
Gassovvay S. Weaver, a contractor possessing rare skill and
ability, who devotes himself principally to the erection of fine resi-
dences, has been for the past forty-three years a resident of
Dubuque. Born November 15, 1846, in Lancaster county,
Pennsylvania, he was a son of Benjamin and Mary Weaver
and descended from an old German family of three generations'
residence in this country. Benjamin Weaver was a contractor of
some repute in the eastern states, and there died in 1886, aged sixty-
seven years, preceded by his wife in 185 1, when thirty years of age.
After graduating from the public schools of his native county,
Gassoway L. Weaver entered Paradise Academy, which he attended
until nineteen years old. Then, under the tutelage of his father, he
spent seven years as an apprentice to the carpenter trade, thereafter
spending four months in Ohio as a journeyman carpenter. In 1868
he came to Dubuque, which city has since been his home and the
scene of his active business career. He first spent eight years in the
employ of Mr. B. W. Jones, an early contractor, and then, after
being connected with several other firms, formed a partnership with
Mr. S. Alexander, continuing thus for two years. In 1892 he
embarked in the contracting business alone and has been unusually
successful. During the above mentioned partnership he constructed
the West Dubuque schoolhouse, but later turned his attentions to
the erecting of beautiful private residences, one of which was that
of Senator N. J. Schrup. In politics Mr. Weaver is a Republican,
and since 1867 he has been an active member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows. To his marriage with Miss Julia Semper,
solemnized September 12, 1872, at Dubuque, two sons were born,
one dying in infancy, and Clarence J., local ticket agent for the
Chicago Great Western Railroad Company. Mrs. Weaver was the
daughter of Michael and Margaret Semper, who came to Dubuque
from Quebec, Canada, in 1835, descended from old French fami-
lies. The father was a farmer and owner of considerable property.
504 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
He died in 1870. aged fifty-eight years, and was followed by his
wife sixteen years later, at the age of eighty-fonr.
Joseph P. Kutsch. An industry of first importance in a rapidly
growing city like Dubuque is that represented by the contractor and
builder, and there are many talented follow^ers of this vocation in
the city. One of the most prosperous and successful of the firms
engaged in this line of endeavor is that of Kutsch Brothers. Joseph
P. Kutsch. senior partner of this concern, commands considerable
attention for the perfection of his work has entitled him to distinc-
tion. He w^as born in the city of Dubuque on October 6, 1859, and
has known practically no other home. Nicholas and Helena Kutsch,
his parents, were natives of Germany, but at an early date immi-
grated to America and after a short residence in New York came to
Dubuque in 1850. and here lived happily together until the death of
the mother on July 15, 1897, at the age of sixty years. The father
was a contractor by occupation, but is now^ retired from the active
business cares of life and is residing at 2105 Washington street at
the advanced age of eighty-three years. Before coming to the
United States he had served in the German army. To him and wife
a family of eight sons and two daughters were born, as follows :
Frank P., general foreman of the Peter Klauer Manufacturing
Company; Joseph P.; Charles, of the Kutsch Brothers contracting
firm ; William, farming in Dubuque county ; Robert, a tinner at
Sioux City, low'a; Victor, outside foreman for Klauer Manufac-
turing Company ; August, carpenter of this city ; Albert, who died
September 30, 1909; Louisa, the wife of Joseph Bonz, a florist : and
Othilda, who married Joseph Bitter, a tailor of Dubuque. Until
sixteen years old Joseph P. Kutsch, the immediate subject of this
memoir, attended the local public and parochial schools, and then,
under the able tutelage of his father, learned the contracting and
building business. For a time he was in partnership with his
father, but upon the latter's retirement associated himself with his
brother, Charles, and the firm of Kutsch Brothers has ever since
successfully continued operations. Fair in their prices and honor-
able in all transactions, success was assured them from the start, and
the expression "Kutsch Brothers" has become synonymous with
artistic finish and perfection throughout. Among the more impor-
tant of their works are St. Francis convent, St. Mary's casino, the
Immaculate Conception academy and many other notable structures.
Aside from the business cares of life, Mr. Kutsch has taken con-
siderable interest and pleasure in the social side as well, and is
identified with the Catholic Order of Foresters and the Dubuque
Sharp-Shooters' Club, of Dubuque. He has attained considerable
local prominence in the latter organization, having won in the
neighborhood of one hundred prizes, and on June 20, 1910, won the
championship cup for the best exhibit of marksmanship. In
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 505
religions views he is an adhcMcnt of the Roman CathoHc failh and
is a member of Sacred Heart chnrch. Jnne 21, 1893, he was united
in marriage with Miss Maria Regina Bilhngs, and to them two
chil(h-en have been born, named WaUer. who fell into a vault when
but eighteen months old and died, and Irnia, now attending Sacred
Heart academy. Mrs. Kutsch was the daughter of Alonzo Billings,
and descendecl from an old English family which have resided in
this country for several hundred years, principally in the New
England states. Her father passed away at Big Patch, Wisconsin,
in June, 1897, at the age of eighty years, being preceded by his
wife in June, 1870, and both now lie at rest in the cemetery of that
city.
Dr. Horace G. Knapp, pioneer dental practitioner of Dubuque,
has been engaged in the practice of his profession in this city for the
past forty-five years. He is, perhaps, the oldest living active prac-
titioner in Dubuque, and commands the highest respect and esteem
from all who know him. Dr. Knapp was born December 13, 1843,
in Litchfield, Maine, and is a son of Horace and Lucretia Knapp.
who were descended from England and Normandy respectively.
Both sides of the family can trace their ancestry back to the early
periods in the growth and development of those countries, but for
many generations have resided in America. Horace Knapp, well
remembered as one of Dubuque's prominent medical practitioners,
was a native of Kingfield, Maine, born in 1819, and for many years
followed his profession in Connecticut and Chicago. Illinois. He
came West with his family to Dubuque, Iowa, in 1884, and here
died on December 18, 1886, aged sixty-eight years, leaving behind
to grieve for him a widow and five children as follows : Horace
G., the subject of this sketch; Albert M., a physician of Providence,
Rhode Island; Frank L., in Chicago; Mrs. A. Holden, of Chicago,
and Mrs. A. M. Lydston, of San Jose, California. Dr. Knapp was
laid at rest in the cemetery at Rockville, Connecticut, and his wife,
who died September 22, 1895, aged seventy-eight years, was buried
in Rosehill cemetery, Chicago. Dr. Horace G. Knapp was pri-
marily educated in the Racine, Wisconsin, public schools, subse-
quently graduating also from the high school at that place. He
early determined to make the study and practice of dentistry his
life's work and accordingly entered and was duly graduated from
the Ohio Dental College. For a time thereafter he practiced suc-
cessively at Waupun, Kenosha and Racine, Wisconsin, and in 1867
came to Dubuque, Iowa, where he has been actively and successfully
engaged ever since. Aside from his practice the doctor owns con-
siderable valuable mining interests. He has been a lifelong Repub-
lican in his political views, and socially is identified with the Modern
Woodmen of America. On November 7, 1865, in Kenosha county.
Wisconsin, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Miner,
5o6 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
and to them the following named three children were born : Minnie
M., who married W. S. Rowe, of Chicago; Corinne M., the wife of
■C. H. Simmons, a contractor of Chicago, and Nina, who married
Dr. F. J. Staehlie, a dentist of Chicago. Dr. Knapp is the grand-
father of the following six children : Loraine Rowe, who died
June 24, 1905, aged fourteen years; Ardella Rowe; Miner Rowe;
Mildred Rowe; Lucile Simmons; Theodore Staehlie, and Jack
Staehlie. Mrs. Knapp was the daughter of Clapp and Sabryna
Miner, pioneer settlers of Wisconsm, who located at Brighton in
1837 on government land which today belongs to Mrs. Knapp. On
March 22, 1900, he passed away, highly beloved and respected by
all who knew him.
Ulrich Willy, well known in Dubuque and surrounding coun-
try as a thoroughly capable and responsible contractor, is a native
of Schiers, Canton Grisons, Graiibunden, in the mountains of
eastern Switzerland, his birth occurring April 17, 1857, a son of
Otto and Barbara Willy. He was reared to manhood and received
his education in his native country, and there, on May 8, 1881,
married Miss Ursula Mathes, daughter of Nicholas and Anna
Mathes. Two days after this event, together with his wife and
parents, Mr. Willy immigrated to the United States. Otto Willy,
his father, located in Dubuque in the year of their arrival in this
country, and for a number of years was employed by the Farley-
Loetscher Sash and Door Manufacturing Company. He died
January 19, 1909, at the advanced age of eighty-three years, pre-
ceded by his wife June 29, 1888, aged fifty years. In the old
country Otto Willy was a contractor. Ulrich Willy learned the
general principles of the contracting business under his father.
Upon his arrival in the United States he found employment for a
short time at Youngstown, Ohio, but came to Dubuque in 1881,
and for five months was a carpenter for the Chicago, Milwaukee &
St. Paul Railroad Company. He then worked for various con-
tractors until 1894, since which time he has been in the general
contracting business for himself. Necessity, the mother of inven-
tion, taught him in youth that industry, economy, thoroughness
and reliability were the essential requirements of success. The
more important buildings erected by him are the German Presby-
terian college, in Dubuque, the Catholic church at Alta Vista, a
church at Hazel Green, Wisconsin, the Seventeenth Street Presby-
terian church, the Dubuque club, the school of the Presentation
Sisters, St. Joseph's college, the Glover factory, the Lutheran
church and many others. Mr. Willy is connected with a number
of important commercial enterprises of Dubuque, and is one of the
•city's substantial and progressive citizens. He is a member of the
First German Presbyterian church and of the Modern Woodmen
of America. To him and wife have been born four daughters and
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HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 507
two sons, named Anna, Emma, Lena, Edna, Otto and Edwin. The
parents of Mrs. Willy, Nicholas and Anna Mathes, came to the
United States in 1881, the father subsequently dying in Montana,
May 8, 1897, and the mother in Dubuque, in May, 1908.
Edward Langworthy was born in St. Lawrence county. New
York, in 1808. In boyhood he was taken to Pennsylvania, then to
Ohio and finally to Illinois, in 1820. He came to Galena in the
spring of 1827 and engaged in mining. He continued thus until
1830, when the price of lead fell to $1 per 100 pounds. He then
returned to his father's farm at Jacksonville, Illinois, but in 1832
served in the Black Hawk war. At its close he and his brothers
crossed the Mississippi and located at Dubuque. They built a house
and also a smelting furnace and had made about 2,000 pigs of lead
when they were ordered away by the government. They passed
the following winter on an island in front of the city, and in the
spring of 1833 returned. He was active and prominent — settling
claims, trustee of the town and member later of the city council.
In 1837 he was elected to the territorial legislature. He declined
renomination in 1842, but when the state was admitted he was sent
to the constitutional convention. In that convention he voted to
exclude negroes from the state; he also voted for the abolishment
of the grand jury system. Previous to i860 he erected over twenty
houses in Dubuque and did much to build up the city. He and
his brothers began banking here in 1854. "One of the most diffi-
cult things to effect was a plan for the sale of the mineral lands.
A committee appointed prepared a plan giving the whole state the
case showing the total impossibility of forming any pre-emption
law that would cover the case and recommending a sale in legal
subdivisions as other public lands were sold. This plan was finally
adopted by the land office. By this act the holders of mining and
farming claims obtained titles to their lands. A public bidder was
elected by the people, in whose name the most of the mines were
bought, and he immediately made deeds to the owner of the par-
ticular tract to which he was entitled and all contested claims were
settled by a board of arbitrators whose decision was final." —
(Account by Mr. Langworthy, in Herald, February 22, i860.)
Charles E. Kleis, deceased, for many years prominently iden-
tified with the commercial interests of Dubuque county, and a man
universally esteemed and respected, was a native of Germany, his
birth occurring in the early part of the nineteenth century, but when
a young man he conceived the idea that greater chances for success
in life existed in America and accordingly immigrated to this coun-
try, shortly thereafter locating in Dubuque. Possessing much
natural aptitude and ability for a business career, the land of his
adoption smiled upon him and he became a prominent factor and
5o8 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
figure among the manufacturers of this county. Mr. Kleis estab-
hshed himself in the soda manufacturing business and the success
of the concern was due in no small measure to his excellent business
management, it becoming one of the largest and best of its kind in
this portion of the country. On July 23, 1909, when eighty-two
years of age, death claimed him, thus halting the career of anotiier
of Dubuque's most deserving citizens. He is survived by his widow
and nine children.
On September 19, 1870, Mr. Kleis was united in marriage with
Miss Pauline Foell, a sister of his first wife. She was the daughter
of John and Christina Foell, natives of Germany and pioneer set-
tlers and farmers of Jo Daviess county, Illinois, now deceased.
Her birth occurred July 28, 1849, at Galena, Illinois, and in 1862
she came to Dubuque. To this union the following family of seven
children were born: Caroline, who died March 10, 1883, aged
tweh'C years, buried in Linwood cemetery ; Otto, cashier in Sheldahl
Savings Bank; Herman, of the soda manufacturing firm estab-
lished by his father ; John, soda manufacturer of Ann Arbor, Mich-
igan ; Harry, also of his father's firm; Laura, residing at home, and
Louis, clerk in the Rider Wallis Company establishment. By Mr.
Kleis's former marriage to Miss Caroline Foell, solemnized at
Galena, Illinois, March 14, 1862, there were four children: Minnie,
who died when sixteen years old ; William, Ida and Christian. The
Kleis family are among the first of the county.
Henry Pottebaum, residing on a fine farm of 200 acres in
section 3. Liberty township, is a native of Dubuque county, Iowa,
his birth occurring September 15, i860, and is a son of John and
Adelaide Pottebaum, the latter dying while our subject was yet a
baby. John Pottebaum came to America from the Kingdom of
Hanover, Germany, in 1858, and settled on a tract of land in
Liberty township. The surrounding country was rough and un-
broken, but he possessed the sturdy thrift characteristic of his fore-
fathers and in time became one of the land owners and prosperous
men of his community. Upon the death of his first wife he again
married, and on August 25, 1874. passed away. His widow subse-
quently married Henry Demmer. and with them Henry Pottebaum
lived until starting out in life for himself. He attended the paro-
chial schools, and when twenty-one years old went to Sioux county,
Iowa, and there purchased land at a low price. He remained there
one year, building a home and improving his property generally,
and on June 26. 1882, took for a wife Miss Theresa Westendorf, a
sister of Mrs. Elizabeth Friedman, of whom mention is made else-
where in this work, and shortly after the marriage returned to his
farm in Sioux county. Desolation greeted him on every hand, for
he found his home and various outhouses blown down by a cyclone.
He and wife spent their honeymoon in a rudely constructed shanty
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 505
until a new house could be erected, and four years later they
returned to Liberty township. Dubuque county, and here Mr. Potte-
baum bought his present 200-acre farm. He built a modern home,
improved the barns, dug a well, stocked his farm with all sorts of
domestic animals necessary to farm life and today owns one of the
best producing tracts of land in the community. He is a Democrat
in politics, has served as school director and he and wife are mem-
bers of Holy Trinity Catholic church. To them were born the
following named family of children: Anthony, died in 1899, ^g^d
ten years; Henry, died when one year old, in 1897, both buried in
the family lot in the Luxemburg cemetery ; Katie, who married
John Raush. farming in Liberty township ; Joseph, assisting his
father; Mathilda, now Sister Emilia of St. Francis convent, Du-
buque; May; Rosa; John; William; Edward, and Amelia, all of
whom are at home. The Pottebaum family are among the best
people in the community where they reside, and are highly regarded
by their many friends and neighbors.
Benjamin C. Wise, postmaster at Cascade, was born in the year
1846, in Germany, and when a child six years old was brought by
his parents, Michael and Christina (Bittner) Wise, to the United
States. On arrival in this country the family first located near
Cleveland, Ohio, where they engaged in farming, but about two
years later removed to Columbia county, Wisconsin, and from
there in 1858 to Dubuque, Iowa. For the most part the father
conducted a bakery here until 1874, then moved to Cascade where
he died in 1882, followed by his widow in 1889. Benjamin C. Wise
in early youth attended the public schools, but at sixteen years began
serving an apprenticeship at the shoemaker's trade in Dubuque with
James Hancock. In 1864 he enlisted for the preservation of the
Union in the Fifth Iowa Cavalry and served until honorably mus-
tered out of service in August, 1865. With the exception of this
intermission Mr. Wise worked steadily at his trade until 1870 in
Dubuque, then moved to Cascade and was employed in the shoe
store of John Collins. Upon the death of Mr. Collins he succeeded
to the business and conducted the same successfully until 1897,
when he was ap|X)inted postmaster, a position he has since occupied
with credit to himself and satisfaction to the public. In February,
1873, Mr. Wise married Miss Margaret Beatty, who was born June
23, 1852. Mrs. Wise is the daughter of James and Grace (Stewart)
Beatty, both natives of Ireland, the former coming to America when
sixteen years old and the latter when three years old. Mr. and Mrs.
Beatty were married at Philadelphia, where their different families
had located. Mr. Beatty was engaged in foundry work in the East
until 1850, then moved to Richland township, Jones county, Iowa.
To the marriage of Benjamin C. Wise and wife there have been
born eight children, as follows: Emma, born in August, 1875,
5IO HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
married Charles Elliott, is the mother of one daughter named
Geraldine and resides in Jones county, Iowa ; William, born in
December, 1873, died in April, 1875 ; William, born in March, 1877,
married Elizabeth Funson, is an engineer on the Illinois Central
railroad and lives at Waterloo, Iowa; Charles, born in May, 1879,
is a carpenter at Basin, Wyoming; Frank, born in October, 1881,
is married and engaged in the drug business at Basin, Wyoming;
Harry and Herby, twins, born June 11, 1885, ^^^^ former married
and a jeweler and the latter unmarried and a druggist, both residing
at Basin, and Clara, born May 30, 1888, residing with her parents.
Mr. and Mrs. Wise are members of the Baptist church and are
among the best people of Dubuque county.
Herbert G. Higbee, deputy internal revenue collector, with
offices at 208 Post Office building, Dubuque, was born near Fair-
bank, Buchanan county, Iowa, September 13, 1877, ^'^'^ is a son of
Wallace M. and Harriet (George) Higbee, the father's people
coming originally from the state of New York and the mother's
from England. Wallace Higbee is at present engaged in the drug
business at Fairbank, and as a Democrat in politics served as mar-
shal of Independence, Iowa, and as sheriff of Buchanan county.
Herbert G. Higbee was primarily educated in the public schools of
his native county, and subsequently graduated from the high school
at Independence. In 1897 he entered the United States Military
Academy at West Point, continuing three years, and in the fall of
1900 took up the study of law in the State University of Iowa.
Changing his mind, however, in regard to a future profession, he
studied pharmacy, being registered before the State Board on April
I, 1902, and for a time thereafter worked at his trade in various
cities. He then took and passed the civil service examination and
was appointed to his present position as deputy internal revenue
collector on May 21, 1907. In his political views Mr. Higbee is of
Democratic tendencies, and socially he is identified with tlie ^Modern
Woodmen of America and the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks. He is the present captain of Company A, Fifty-third Iowa
National Guards, which was organized in honor of and named after
the famous Governor's Greys, which was the first organized com-
pany in Dubuque to respond to President Lincoln's call for volun-
teers to help preserve the Union. On December 18, 1907, in Web-
ster City, Iowa, Mr. Higbee was united in marriage with Miss Julia
Frank, daughter of Louis and Martha Frank, the father a pioneer
clothier of Webster City. Their home in Dubuque is located at 901
Locust street.
George C. Rath, senior member of the long established pork
packing and provision firm of George C. Rath & Sons, is a native of
the city of Dubuque and a son of George Rath, one of the mar
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 511
prominent of the county's pioneer settlers. The father was a native
of Wiirtembiirg, Germany, but in 1847 immigrated to America and
came directly to Dubuque. Here, in partnership with J. H. Strobel,
he was for sixteen years engaged in the manufacture of candles
and in pork packing. He financed the present pork packing and
provision business mentioned above and the balance of his life fol-
lowed that line of endeavor. He was a Republican in politics and
served one term as alderman from his ward. On January 17, 1906,
he passed away, aged eighty-four years, and was buried in the
family lot in Linwood cemetery. To him and wife two sons and
three daughters were born, as follows: George C., subject of this
sketch; Anna, who married John H. Smith, part owner of the
Times-Journal; Augusta, residing with her mother ; Minnie, who
died September 16, 1902; Edward F., secretary and treasurer of
The Rath Packing Company, of Waterloo ; Emma, residing at home
with mother.
George C. Rath was born on April 5, 185 1, and received his
education in the German and public schools of Dubuque, and fin-
ished his schooling with a course in Bayless Business College. For
a time he was identified with various concerns, from 1885 to 1889
being cashier of the E. M. Dickey Company, a branch of the Dia-
mond Joe Boat Line, but subsequently succeeded his father's and
brother's packing establishment, with which he has been identified
ever since. Like his father he is a Republican in political views,
and in religion is a member of the Independent Presbyterian church.
On October 7, 1879, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary
Norton, daughter of Francis and Catherine Norton, who was for
seven years prior to her marriage a school teacher in Dubuque. Her
parents came to this city in 1867 and the father w^as a prominent
machinist. He died in 1877 and his wife in 1894, both now lying in
Linwood cemetery. To Mr. and Mrs. Rath two sons and one
daughter have been born, named Samuel J., a partner in his father's
business; David E., also a partner, and Lois Myrtle.
Dr. Harry Lowell Holmes, well known dental practitioner of
Dubuque, was born in the city of Chicago, April 23, 1883, the son
of C. M. and Elizabeth (Tallman) Holmes, and is descended from
notable ancestry. His paternal forefathers came from England to
America in the seventeenth century, settling in New England and
later removing to New York state, Michigan, Illinois and finally
coming to Iowa. On the father's mother's side the doctor is of the
old Slater stock, his great great grandfather, Peter Slater, being a
member of the historic Boston Tea Party, disguising himself as an
Indian and helping to throw overboard the shipload of English tea
rather than pay the hated tax. Peter Slater's son, Rev. Leonard,
was a well known Baptist preacher, and acted as a missionary
among the Indians of northern Michigan. Dr. Holmes's mother's
512 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
people were members of the nobility of Holland, the Van Arsdales
being for years prominent in the affairs of that country. They also
immigrated to America at an early date and various members of
the family have taken active part in the growth and development of
their adopted country, serving her during troublous times, both in
war and civic affairs. On both sides of the family there have been
remarkably good men and women, ever ready to lend a helping
hand when needed, loyal and true friends and citizens, whose lives
were exemplary. At the conclusion of the Civil war, in which
several of the family served, Mrs. Parmenter, a sister of Mrs. J. S.
Holmes's father, was very indignant that President Lincoln refused
to sanction the execution of Jefferson Davis, and, knowing some-
thing of rope making, spun and twisted a hemp rope which she sent
to the chief executive with the request that Mr. Davis might be
hanged with it. Various other incidents might be herein related to
show the loyalty and patriotism of these early pioneers.
Dr. Harry Lowell Holmes, the immediate subject of this memoir,
was brought by his parents to Dubuque when but one year old, and
here received his early education in the public schools, graduating
from the high school in 1901. He early determined to make the
study and practice of dentistry his life's work, and accordingly
spent one year in the offices of Dr. Petersen, now retired, and the
year following in the Northwestern University. He again entered
the offices of his old instructor for a year, after which he returned
to the Northwestern University, and was duly graduated from that
institution in 1906. He has since been actively and successfully
engaged in the practice of his profession in Dubuque, specializing
in the treating and removal of badly decayed teeth with the use of
nitrous oxide oxygen, which is the safest anaesthetic known to the
profession. The doctor is essentially a self-made man and by hard
work has attained an enviable reputation. He is a member of the
Baptist church and one of the county's most progressive and public
spirited citizens.
James W. Beatty, prominently identified with the banking
interests of Cascade, is a native of Jones county, Iowa, his birth
occurring in the year 1850. He is a son of David and Jane
(McCartney) Beatty, natives of County Down and County Tyrone,
Ireland, respectively, and a grandson of James and Agnes (Dick-
son) Beatty, who were also natives of the Emerald Isle. The
grandparents immigrated to the United States in 1848, and for the
most part resided in Jones county, Iowa. They were the parents
of nine children, named David, James, John. Dixon, Alexandria,
Benjamin, Sarah, Margaret and Esther, one of whom only is now
living. David Beatty married in Philadelphia in 1846, and the
same year moved to Iowa and took up government land at $1.25 per
acre. At this time the localitv to which thev moved had verv few
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 513
settlers and those few were widely scattered. Clearing and improv-
ing with the rude implements of husbandry in those days was
laborious in the extreme, and markets, a long distance away,
afforded but scanty returns for the work performed. Here Mr.
Beatty lived the greater part of his life, surviving to see the
unbroken prairies transformed into prosperous farms and peaceful
homes. Although of foreign birth, his love for his adopted country
led to his enlistment for the integrity of the Union as a member of
Company I, Twenty-first Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He was early
a Whig in politics, but later helped to found the Republican party
in Iowa, of which he was an ardent supporter. He was an honest
worker for the cause of education and a member of the Baptist
church. The latter part of his life was passed in Cascade, where he
died in 1907, at the age of eighty-four years, preceded by his \\ife
in 1903, also aged eight3^-four. Both have their final resting place
in the cemetery at Cascade. They were the parents of James W.,
Samuel B., Mary A., Eliza, Sarah B. and Elizabeth. The education
of James W. Beatty, the subject of this review, was obtained in the
district schools, the old academy at Cascade and at Lenox. He
followed the occupation of farmer until 1878, when he embarked
in the furniture and undertaking business with Thomas Crawford,
whom he succeeded as postmaster in 1884, subsequently serving
also a number of years as town clerk. He finished his education at
Lenox College, and since 1892 has been in the banking business in
Cascade. Mr. Beatty is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the
Modern Woodmen of the World and in politics is a Republican.
In 1878 he married Edith, daughter of Richard and Lydia (Horn-
buckle) Rafferty, who died in 1902. For his second wife he mar-
ried in 1896 Miss Mary Elliott, and to this union one daughter,
Thelma Elliott, has been born.
James L. Langworthy was born in Windsor, Vermont, in 1800,
and there remained until he was twenty-one years of age. He then
came to Illinois, but soon afterward went to .St. Louis, where he
worked m a steam, mill three years. In 1824 he went to the Galena
lead mines. He engaged in mining with Orin Smith and they soon
struck a large lead. He was thus occupied, also in merchandising,
until 1830, when his fortune had melted away to about $10,000
In 1827 he participated in the Winnebago war and in 1832 was
attached to a spy battalion. He participated in the battle of Bad
Axe. In 1830 lie and his brother Lucius came to Dubuque and
soon struck a lead in the northwestern part of the city, where they
soon took out 100,000 pounds, for a portion of which they received
as high as $6.50. They were driven away by troops from Fort
Crawford, but returned in 1833. In 1837 he built a good house and
in 1840 married. Under a contract with the United States agent
he laid out and made the military road from Dubuque to Iowa City
514 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
— a work of great importance at that time. He probably explored
more mineral land and raised more ore than any other man here.
John William Stuber, engaged in the electrical contracting
business in Dubuque, with offices at 1135 Main street, was born in
this city July 13, 1886, the son of John, Jr., and Emma Stuber and
a grandson of the old pioneer, John Stuber, Sr., who was born
October 18, 1832, in Solithorn, Switzerland, and came to America,
via New York city, in 185 1. He located for a time at various cities
in the East, and in 1857 came to Dubuque, where he was employed
by the Jo Newburgh Company, and later as head painter by the old
Sioux City & Dubuque railway, now part of the Illinois Central
system. In 1867 he and fourteen other men organized the Dubuque
Cabinet Makers' Association for the manufacture of all kinds of
furniture, in which company he held a prominent position until his
death. He died in 1909 at the age of seventy-six years, and was
buried in the family lot in Linwood cemetery. His son, John
Stuber, Jr., was born in Dubuque, July 15, i860. He is a musician
of some prominence and in 1882 organized, and has ever since
served as manager of the Dubuque Military Band. Mr. Stuber
was at one time identified with the Dubuque Cabinet Makers' Asso-
ciation, and at present is manager of the musical instrument depart-
ment of the Harger-Blish Company. He has been the cornetist in
the Grand opera house ever since 1880. John William Stuber, the
immediate subject of this memoir, received his primary education
in the Audubon school and finished his scholastic training with a
course in the local high school. He then began to learn thoroughly
all details of the electrical business, and when twenty years old
opened an establishment of that nature on Main street, where he
has since been successfully engaged. Mr. Stuber is independent in
his political views and socially is identified with the Independent
Order of Eagles. He is a member of St. Luke's Methodist Epis-
copal church. On February 18, 1907, he was united in marriage
with Miss Louise Bechtel, daughter of George and Louisa Bechtel,
and to them one daughter, Margaret Louise, was born on December
14, 1907. The family residence in Dubuque is located at 1088
Main street.
Rev. Arthur M. Clark, present chaplain of the Mount Carmel
Catholic convent, was born at Framingham, Middlesex county,
Massachusetts, on August 3, 1853, and is a son of James W. and
Catherine (March) Clark. Both branches of the family trace their
ancestry back to early Colonial times and have had much to do with
the growth and development of the United States. Hugh Clark, the
progenitor of the Clark family in America, was a native of Scotland
and immigrated to America in 1640, settling in Salem, Massachu-
setts. Peter Clark, grandfather of Rev. Arthur M., served as a
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 515
lieutenant of the marines during the Revolutionary war and partici-
pated in the battles of Lexington, Bunker Hill and Valley Forge,
and was also present at the surrender of Yorktown. He was a
farmer by occupation and at the conclusion of the struggle with
the mother country returned to his home near Hopkinton, Massa-
chusetts, where James W., the father of our subject, was born.
James W. Clark was a dry goods commission merchant at Boston,
and died in 1892, aged ninety years, and was followed by his wife
in 1893 at the age of seventy-eight years. Both are buried at
FramiTigham. The March family, from which Rev. Arthur's
mother was descended, are among the earliest of the pioneer settlers
on the eastern shores of America, and have distinguished themselves
as a race of prominent physicians and surgeons. Dr. Alden March,
a grand-uncle of our subject, was at one time president of the
United States Medical Society, and David March, maternal grand-
father of Rev. Arthur M., was a surgeon in the War of 1812.
Thus it will be seen that Rev. Arthur M. Clark is descended from
notable ancestry on both sides of his family. In youth he attended
the public schools of his native town and later attended St. Paul's
school at Concord, New Hampshire, until 1873. He then went to
Hartford, Connecticut, where he spent four years in Trinity Col-
lege, succeeding which he studied for the Protestant ministry and
was ordained in 1882 at Nashville, Tennessee. He then returned
East to Boston, and some six months later changed his religious
beliefs and espoused Catholicism. After spending six months in
Europe he studied under the Paulist Fathers at New York for the
Catholic priesthood, and was ordained on June 19, 1886. He then
traveled on missions throughout the United States with the Paulist
Fathers, continuing until he answered the call to his present position.
Father Clark has been ten years with the people of Amount Carmel,
his work has been for the upbuilding of the church, and he has
already become endeared in the hearts of all who know him.
Rev. Father John S. Baumann, chaplain of St. Francis Con-
vent and Orphans' Home, Dubucjue, Iowa, was born February 15,
1846, at Columbus, Ohio, and is a son of George and Maria Sibilla
(Ehrenhardt) Baumann. The father, a jeweler and watchmaker
by trade, was a native of Rottweil, Germany, and came to America
in 1832, his wife following four years later. He located at Co-
lumbus, Ohio, and there died in 1868, aged sixty years; his widow
died in 1890, at the age of seventy-eight years. Both are buried at
Colmnbus. Rev. Father John S. Baumann, the immediate subject
of this review, attended the parochial schools of his native city until
fourteen years old, and then spent two years in Notre Dame Uni-
versity, South Bend, Indiana. Succeeding this he attended one year
at St. Joseph's College. Teutopolis, Effingham county, Illinois, and
5i6 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
finished his scholastic training at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and was
ordained to the priesthood in 1871. For a time thereafter he was
located at various places throughout the state of Iowa, among which
was Worthington. Upon coming to Dubuque he was a professor
in St. Joseph's College, and also pastor of the Sacred Heart Roman
Catholic church, building during his pastorship the church, Sister
house, and Marquette hall. In October. 1905, he became chaplain
of St. Francis Convent and Orphans' Home and has been thus con-
nected ever since. Father Baumann has done much good and made
many friends during his residence in Dubuque, and bears the respect
and esteem of all who know him.
John J. Finn, a well known farmer and stock raiser residing in
Cascade, was born in 1844. in County Galway, Ireland, where also
his parents, Thomas and Sabina Finn, were born. The family
immigrated to the United States in 185 1, and were at Dubuque at
the time of the cholera epidemic. The mother died of the scourge,
the father later removing to Jones county, Iowa, with his children,
locating near Temple Hill. He subsequently moved to a farm on
section 20, Whitewater township, in 1866, where he died in 1883
when seventy-three years old. He and his wife were the parents of
six children: Patrick, Mary, Bridget, John J., Ann and Catherine.
Mary and Bridget and now dead. John J. Finn was brought up
to do hard work on the farm and in early years attended
school at Temple Hill, continuing to make his home with his father
until the latter's death. His entire life has been passed in farming,
stock raising occupying no little share of his attention. He has
worked hard, dealt squarely with his fellowman and is recognized
as one of the substantial, progressive and up-to-date men of the
community. In 1886 he was united in marriage with Miss Ellen
McLaughlin, a native of Jackson county, Iowa. Mrs. Finn is the
daughter of James and Mary McLaughlin, who were natives of
Ireland and Massachusetts, respectively. James McLaughlin came
to the United States when a young man, and after his marriage
in Massachusetts mo\'ed to Iowa, where he passed the remainder of
his days an honored and respected citizen. He died in 1896, aged
seventy-four years, followed by his widow in 1906, aged eighty-one.
They were the parents of Mrs. T. L. Donovan, Mrs. John J. Finn,
Mrs. P. T. Brady, Mrs. E. W. Doherty and Mrs. R. E. Curoe. All
these are now living.
There has been four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Finn, as
follows. Sybil, Stephen, Irena and Viola. Aside from his fine
farm and Hereford cattle, Mr. Finn is a stockholder and director
of the Farmers' & Mechanics' State Bank of Cascade. Few
families stand higher in the estimation of the surrounding com-
munity than that of John J. Finn.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 517
LuciEN R. Hyde, assistant secretary of the Kretschmer Manu-
facturing Company, Dubuque, since 1909, is a native of this city
and the son of Charles H. and Emma Hyde. The Hyde family
came originally from I^igland, but for many generations have
resided in the United States. Since 1875 Charles Hyde has been
connected with the H. IMehlhop Company, wholesale dealers and
importers of teas and cigars, and both he and wife reside in
Dubuque. Lucien R. Hyde was born on May 23. 1883, and
received his education in the local public and high schools. He
left the latter in 1901 and immediately thereafter was employed as
chief order clerk by the Farley-Loetscher Manufacturing Company,
which position he held until he purchased an interest in the
Kretschmer Manufacturing Company. He was elected assistant
secretary, is a director and represents the firm in western territory.
Socially Mr. Hyde is identified with the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Dubuque
Traveling" Men's xA.ssociation, and in religious views is a member of
St. Luke's Methodist Episcopal church. He is one of the younger
generation of Dubuque's business men and is highly regarded by all
who know him. He resides at the family home at 31 Fair\'iew
place.
George L. Nightingale died in Dubuque, May 29, 1859, after
a long and severe illness, aged forty-four years. He was born in
Herefordshire, England, and in youth was taken by his widowed
mother to Boulogne, France. At the age of nineteen years he v^ent
to sea and visited all parts of the world. About 1836 he came to
the United States and located in Dubuque. He became a merchant,
justice of the peace, lawyer, member of the legislature and mavor
of Dubuque in 1856-7. The bench and bar here passed suitable
resolutions at his death. He left a widow and five children.
Peter Waples was born in Delaware in 1814 and came to
Dubuque in 1838, and the next year built the Waples hotel, after-
ward called the Julien House. He it was who was chiefly instru-
mental in building the old Waples cut from the old levee to the
main channel of the river. He bore much of the expense and the
cut bore his name for many years. He became wealthy and at one
time owned three stores. His daughters married R. A. Babbage
and C. J. Rogers. His wife was formerly Ehzabeth Burton. He
was a Presbyterian and one of the best citizens. Dr. W. H. Waples
was his son. Suitable resolutions were passed by the old settlers.
He died about 1870.
George Schmid, Sr., founder of the Eagle Valley Works,
Dubuque, was born at Lawrenceburg, Indiana, February 16, 1855.
and is a son of Joseph and Theresa Schmid, who were natives of
5i8 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Germany. The father first came to the United States in the forties
and being of an adventurous spirit served as a volunteer soldier of
this country in the vv-ar with Mexico. He subsequently returned to
his native country and concluded final arrangements for his per-
manent removal to America in the early fifties. For a number of
years after his return he worked in various localities throughout
the country, and during the Civil war served his adopted country as
a member of the Fifteenth Missouri Volunteer Infantry. He died
in Dubuque in 1898 at the age of seventy-five years, followed by
his widow two years later.
George Schmid, Sr., came with his parents to Dubuque in his
infancy and here recei\'ed his early schooling. At about the age of
fourteen he went to Ohio and there learned cabinet making and
from 1877 to 1882 worked at his trade in Dubuque as a mechanic.
In the latter year he became foreman of the Dubuque Furniture &
Burial Company, continuing as such until 1888. Associated with
his brother, Otto, he then organized the American Silver Plate Com-
pany at Chicago in 1889, but three years later disposed of this and
founded in the same city the Schmid Manufacturing Company,
selling out his interest to his brother the following year. In 1900
he opened a similar business at San Francisco, California, but in
1 90 1 returned permanently to Dubuque and in October of that year
founded his present establishment which is one of the substantial
business concerns of the city. Mr. Schmid is a member of the
Sacred Heart Roman Catholic church, the Knights of the Macca-
bees and the Dubuque Traveling and Business Men's Association.
February 16, 1876, he married Miss Magdalena Hafner, daughter
of George and Louisa Hafner, and to them have been born four
sons and one daughter, as follows: George, Jr., Titus A., Edward
H., Natalie, the wife of Leo M. Fengler, and Alvin J. J. The first
two named are associated with their father in the Eagle Valley
Works.
George Schmid, Jr., the oldest son of George Schmid, Sr., is the
manager and part owner of the Eagle Valley Works. He was born
in the city of Dubuque on March 19, 1877, and the greater part of
his life has been spent in this locality. After receiving a practical
education he assisted his father in various enterprises, and, aside
from his holdings in the company, has acquired substantial interests
in other concerns. In order to provide a suitable entrance to Eagle
Point Park he donated to the city a tract of land now used for that
purpose. He is the owner of a half interest in the valuable patents
invented by his father which have attained substantial recognition
in the world of mechanics. He is a member of St. Mark's Lutheran
church, and in politics votes for the man rather than the candidate
of any particular party. October 26, 1904, he was united in mar-
riage with Miss Fannie Henrietta Sinholdt, daughter of Theodore
THE NEW YORK
PUuLlCL HRAhY
ASTOR, LENOX AND
TIIDEN fOUKDATIONS
SAM PATTERSON
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 519
and Julia Sinholdt, pioneer farmers of Mosalem township, and tliey
have one son, Earl G. T. The Schmids, senior and junior, are
among the best and most deserving citizens of Dubuque.
Samuel Patterson, like many of the people in and around Cas-
cade, is of Irish nativity, and is a son of Richard and Esther (Daily)
Patterson. They came to Pennsylvania in 1842 and in the early
fifties the parents, with their five sons, Thomas, Henry, George,
Samuel and John, came west for the purpose of securing a better
home and more favorable opportunities for their children. The
father came first to view the outlook, the balance of the family
coming later. They resided for a time in Pennsylvania, where a
girl, Mary, w^as added to the number of children. For eight years
they resided in the Keystone state, where the father worked in a
rolling mill. They then removed to Dubuque county, Iowa, where
for fifteen years Mr. Patterson rented and farmed. Having accu-
mulated $500, he purchased 200 acres of land, and being industri-
ous, continued to add to this property until, at the time of his death,
he owned 810 acres. In addition his children had also acquired
extensive real estate holdings. These old settlers were deserving of
much credit because of their thrift and excellent citizenship. Mr.
Patterson, at the age of seventy-five, died in 1875, followed by his
widow in November, 1895, when eighty-five years old. The chil-
dren all lived at home and were a credit to their parentage. George
served in the Civil war as a member of Company I, Twenty-first
Iowa Volunteers, and was killed at the siege of Vicksburg; Thomas
married Anna Hill, and died, leaving two sons, Robert and Thomas;
Henry served his country in the same company and regiment as
his brother and died from the effects of the service after the close
of the w^ar, unmarried ; John, the youngest, was associated with
Samuel in many undertakings and died an untimely death at the
age of thirty-five, when youth and hope yet beckoned. Samuel
Patterson, whose name heads this sketch, is a man of practical
education and endowed with more than ordinary attainments. His
life has been passed in agricultural pursuits and stock raising, and
his ownership of several hundred finely improved acres of Iowa's
best land attests his success in life. He married Mary Jane Groves,
daughter of John and Jane (Doily) Groves, in January, 1891.
Mrs. Patterson was born January 29, 1862, and has borne her hus-
band six children, as follows: Mary A., born November 2^, 1891 :
John R., January 13, 1893; George S., September 13, 1894; Wil-
liam H., August 19, 1895; died January 15, 1896; James H.. Sep-
tember 24, 1897, died October 13, 1897; Leroy G. W., February 7,
1899. died January 14, 1901. Mr. Patterson is on general princi-
pals a Republican in politics, but he most frequently votes for the
man instead of his party. He and family are members of the
Presbyterian church.
520 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Edwin A. Fengler. president of the Eagle Point Lime Works,
was born in the city of Dubuque, January 26, 1868, the son of
George and AHce M. Fengler. The father was prominent among
the early settlers of the county, and was the founder and one time
owner of the above mentioned lime works. In 1862, in answer to
his country's call for volunteers to help defend the Union, he
enlisted in Company A, Twenty-first Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and
served until the close of the war. He participated in the following
battles and campaigns: Knoxville, Port Gibson, Champion Hill
siege of Vicksburg, Clarksville, Big Black River, Jackson (where
he was wounded), Higgin's Cross Roads, and Port Berkeley. On
July 26, 1865, after a long and creditable military career, he was
honorably discharged by the War Department and immediately
returned to his home in Dubuque. Here he resumed his commer-
cial activities and on April 28, 1900, when fifty-eight years old,
passed away, a man greatly beloved and respected by all who knew
him. His widow is yet living, aged sixty-six years, and resides at
1059 Garfield avenue. To them twelve children, two dying in
infancy, were born, as follows: Oscar, died in 1880, aged three
and a half years; Richard, died in 1888, aged twenty-one; Melvina,
wife of H. L. Gross, the oldest mail carrier in service in Dubuque;
Edwin A., the immediate subject of this review; Olive, married
Herman Mauer, lumber dealer, of Gunnison, Colorado; Hattie,
treasurer of Eagle Point Lime Works; George, Jr., boat builder,
Muscatine, Iowa; Alice, married Frank Beutin, a coal, wood and
sand merchant of Dubuque ; Octavia, married Thomas A. Feyen, of
Minneapolis; Leo M., secretary of Eagle Point Lime Works, appro-
priate mention of whom appears elsewhere in this work; Randolph,
also with above mentioned firm; and Orrin H., blacksmith at the
C, M. & St. P. shops.
Edwin A. Fengler was educated in the public schools of Du-
buque, finishing his schooling with a course in Bayless Business
College. In 1884 he started to learn the furniture and upholster-
ing business, but when the firm for which he was working went
out of business he gave up the idea and became a clerk on a Mis-
sissippi river steamboat. In 1887 he secured employment in his
father's establishment, but in October of that year went to work
as a fireman on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad. After
four years and three months spent thus, he was promoted to loco-
motive engineer and held that position until his father's illness and
subsequent death. He then took charge of the business and upon its
incorporation in 1903 was elected president, which position he has
since held. Under the able management of the present personnel
the business has grown and prospered and at present the Eagle Point
Lime Works is regarded as one of the solid and substantial concerns
of Dubuque. Mr. Fengler is a member of the Masonic fraternity
(Savannah, Illinois, lodge), the Eagles, the Locomotive Engineer
HISTORY Of DUBUQUE COUNTY 521
Brotherhood, and a regular attendant at the Presbyterian church.
He was married in Dubuque. May 28, 1891, to Miss Catherine
Brown, a native of Burton, Wisconsin, and tlie daughter of Archi-
bald and Elizabeth Brown, old settlers of Dubuque. Her father
died in 1905, and the mother four years later. Mr. Fengler and
wife reside at 872 Rhomberg avenue.
Leo M. Fengler, secretary of the Eagle Point Lime Works, is a
native of Dubuque, his birth occurring September 8, 1881. and is
one of the family of twelx-e children born to the old pioneers,
George and Alice M. Fengler. He received his education in the
public schools of this city, and upon the death of his father in 1900
became one of the heirs to the Eagle Point Lime Works, founded
and owned by the elder Fengler. For three years, with his brother,
Edwin A., he conducted the affairs of this concern, and in 1903,
when it was incorporated, he became secretary and has held that
position to the present time. Mr. Fengler is a member of the
Eagles and of the Third Presbyterian church. To his marriage
with Miss Nathalia Schmid, daughter of George and Magdalene
Schmid. the following named children have been born : Leona
Nathalia, March 19. 1903; Herbert Theodore, November 8, 1904;
and Alta Magdalene, July 26, 1906. Mrs. Fengler's father was
the proprietor of the Eagle Valley Works and an old pioneer in
Dubuque. The family residence is located at 2340 Rhomberg
avenue.
Paul J. Schmitt, the owner of 200 acres of valuable land on
section 2, Taylor township, and sections 35 and 36, in Iowa town-
ship, is a native of Dubuque county, his birth occurring May 13,
1868. His father, Joseph Schmitt, was born in the Province of
xA^lsace, Germany, and his mother, whose maiden name was Mary
Lattner, in the Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany. They came to
America with their respective parents about the year 1846, were
married in Dubuque, Iowa, and this county has been their home
ever since. They now reside at Dyers ville, each seventy-one years
of age. The Schmitt family is one of the oldest and best known in
the county, and obtained their first real estate here by entermg it at
$1.25 per acre from the government. Paul J. Schmitt was the
second in order of birth in a family of eight children, his twin
brother, William, being engaged in merchandizing at Graf, this
county. When a boy he attended the public schools and helped in
the work of the home farm, and at twenty-two years of age began
farming on his own responsibility on a tract of land owned by his
father. After eight years he bought 185 acres, a part of his present
place, and here he has ever since resided. Mr. Schmitt is one of
the modern and progressive farmers of his community. Aside from
general farming and stockraising he is engaged to a considerable
extent in dairying. In 1904 he built his present eight-room and
522 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
finished basement residence, and in 1900 his modern 24x60 foot
barn and other desirable buildings for the housing of grain, stock
and farming implements. Mr. Schmitt is a Democrat and has
served six years as a member of the school board. In i8qi he
married Miss Catharine Breitbach, who was born October 3, 1866,
the eighth in a family of thirteen children born to Jacob and Phila-
mena (Sigeworth) Breitbach. Mr. and Mrs. Breitbach were natives
of Prussia and Alsace, Germany, respectively, were married at
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and settled in Dubuque county, Iowa,
about the year 1853. Here Mr. Breitbach was engaged in mercan-
tile pursuits and died in December, 1908, aged eighty-five years,
preceded by his wife, February 14, 1896, at sixty-four years of
age. Mr. and Mrs. Schmitt are the parents of eleven children, as
follows: Raymond J., who died when nineteen years old; Sylvia
M. ; Elda P. ; Willis J. ; Paul S. ; Madeline C. ; Lorena E. ; Arnold
R. ; Clarence ; Mary S. ; and Melvin Joseph. Mr. Schmitt and
family are members of the Roman Catholic church at Bankston.
Phillip P. Doerr. deceased, long one of Dubuque's prominent
business men, was born in this city, December 27, 1866, a son of
the old pioneer Phillip Doerr. The father came to Dubuque at a
very early date and here for many years engaged in teaming and
the wood business, but has long been dead. Phillip P. Doerr was
educated in the local public and St. John's parochial schools, and
after completing his studies learned the teaming business under his
father. Upon the death of the latter, Phillip P. Doerr succeeded to
his father's business and conducted same for a time, then, in May,
1906, established himself in the coal, wood and transfer business
and continued thus until his death. On April 14, 1910, he died, and
with his passing Dubuque lost one of her honest, conscientious and
hard-working citizens. Mr. Doerr was a man who commanded
the esteem and respect of all who knew him, and his loss was
mourned generally throughout the county. He was a member of
the American Order of Owls, Eagles, Yeomen, and Modern Wood-
men of America. On November 16, 1893, he was united in mar-
riage with Miss Augusta Conrad, and to them one daughter,
Maylou, residing at home with her mother, was born. Mrs. Doerr
was the daughter of Frederick and Wilhelmina Conrad, who were
natives of Germany, and came to Dubuque about 1870. Mr. Con-
rad was for many years engaged in teaming in Dubuque, later was
employed by the Standard Lumber Company, and on January 14,
1906, when sixty-three years old, passed away and was buried in
St. John's cemetery. His widow yet survives him, as do four
children: Mrs. August Schulz, of Marshalltown; Mrs. Otto Kauf-
man, of Greenmountain, Iowa; Mrs. Charles Kaufman, of Dubuque,
and Mrs. Doerr. Mrs. Doerr and her daughter reside in the family
home at 2597 Washington street, Dubuque.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 523
William H. Lusk is a native of the county in which he now
wsides, his birth occurring in Dubuque. January 3, 1849. Samuel
Lusk. his father, was born in Ohio and was there reared to man-
hood and married Mary Skinner, a native of Virginia. When
Dubuque county contained many Inchans and when wolves and
other wild animals were more plentiful than domestic ones, he came
here and participated in the transition of a wild country to a
community of happy and prosperous homes. Emily. Mary Jane
and William H. were the names of his three children. The mother
died in February, 1849, when the subject of this sketch was scarcely
four weeks old. The two girls were reared in Ohio by a Mrs.
Patten, a sister of their father. They each married and are now
deceased. Hulda Lusk. another sister of Samuel Lusk. was the
wife of John Brown, of anti-slavery fame. William H. Lusk was
reared under the roof and loving care of Mrs. David Swope, his
dead mother's sister, at Cascade. His early years v^^ere passed in
attending the public schools and assisting with the work of the
farm. He remained with his foster parents until twenty-six years
old, and in 1875 married Miss Ella Topliff. who was born Septem-
ber 6, 1857, daughter of Jerome B. and Julia (Blue) Topliff, who
were natives of Massachusetts and Indiana, respectively. Mr.
Topliff came to Iowa in the early fifties, first locating in Allamakee
county, and subsequently removing to Delaware county, where he
erected the first flouring grist mill in the county on his preempted
quarter section of land. He also built a saw mill, both mills being
operated by the same power. In 1862 he enlisted as a drummer
bov in Company B, Twenty-first Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and
died of swamp fever at Bolton, Missouri, where he is buried. Mrs.
Topliff died at Davenport, Iowa, in 1871. aged thirty-two years.
They were the parents of four children: The eldest, a son, died in
infancy; Ella (Mrs. William H. Lusk); George, married and liv-
ing in South Dakota; and Eva H., now Mrs. Will R. Lyons, of
Independence, Iowa. To Mr. and Mrs. Lusk five children have
been born, as follows: Eva M.. the wife of Maxwell A. Behnke,
of Libby, Montana; Imogene M., now Mrs. William Field, of
Leavenworth, Washington; Orben W., who married Martha Win-
ters, and resides at Independence, Iowa; Florence E., teaching
school in the state of Washington; and Lulu E., living at home.
Mr. Lusk began his married life as a farmer of rented property.
As his means increased he bought land and has become one of the
substantial men of the county. Since 1904 he has resided in
Epworth. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal
church.
A. C. Johnson, secretary of the Central Lumber Company,
located at 602 Seventh street, Dubuque, was born on a farm near
Rock Rapids, Iowa, on December 17, 1874, and is a son of C. H.
524 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
and Jennie Johnson. The family is of EngHsh extraction, but for
many generations has resided in this country. C. H. Johnson,
father of the subject of this sketch, was a native of Ohio, but came
West when a comparatively young man and engaged in farming.
When President Lincoln called for troops to put down tlie rebellion
]\Ir. Johnson enlisted in Company D, Fourth Wisconsin Volunteer
Infantry, and arose to the rank of sergeant. He and wife are now
living at Manchester, Iowa, having moved there in the spring of
1 88 1. A. C. Johnson completed his education with a course at
the Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Business College, succeeding which he
accepted the position of assistant cashier in the Commercial Bank at
Maxwell, Iowa. He was later employed in a clerical capacity by
the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railway Company, con-
tinuing as a clerk in the office of the freight auditor of the Chicago,
Rock Island & Pacific Railway Company when the former road
was absorbed by the latter. Realizing that railroad work offered
but little opportunity for his advancement, he resigned his position,
and, returning to Manchester, became secretary of the Manchester
Lumber Company, in which he had a financial interest. He later
severed his connection with this firm and in the spring of 1900 came
to Dubuque as a department manager for the Standard Lumber
Company, a position he held five years. He then helped to organize
the Central Lumber and Coal Company, of which he has since been
secretary and a director. Mr. Johnson is a man of a quiet and
retiring disposition and has confined his attention almost exclu-
sively to his business affairs. October i, 1896, he married Miss
Mabel, daughter of John B. and Helen Rutherford, of Manchester,
Iowa, and they are the parents of one daughter, Dorothea Evelyn.
Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are members of the Methodist Episcopal
church.
Arthur R. Flick, of the A. R. Flick Box Company, Dubuque,
was born in this city November 9, 1881, the son of J. R. and Julia
Flick, and grandson of Mathias and Barbara Flick. The family is
of German extraction, but for generations have resided in America.
The grandfather, realizing the advantages to be had in the United
States, immigrated to this country at an early date, and came by
boat up the Mississippi river to Dubuque when the city was yet in
its infancy and little more than a frontier village. Here he passed
away in 1889, but is survived by his widow, aged over eighty years.
J. R. Flick came with his parents to Dubuque when but one year
old. When war between the North and South was declared and
soldiers were occupying Dubuque, he sold newspapers, and later
learned and followed his father's occupation of contracting and
building, at which he is yet engaged. Arthur R. Flick, the immedi-
ate subject of this memoir, was educated in the local puljlic and higli
schools, graduating from the latter in 1896. He then went to Chi-
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 525
cago and worked in a box factory, but several months later returned
to Dubuque and established a box factory on Jones street. The
business prospered and the premises became too small, and Mr.
Flick was forced to remove to larger quarters at Eighteenth and
Washington streets. Again he was obliged to make a change, and
in 1900 moved his establishment to a large factory at the foot of
Seventh street, 350x90 feet, where he has since remained. Mr.
Flick is one of Dubuque's representative business men and it is
due to his own efforts that he has been successful in the commercial
world. July 25, 1905, he w^as united in marriage with Miss Doro-
thea Schuster, daughter of Valentine and Minnie Schuster, and
their residence in Dubuque is located at 3019 Couler avenue.
John W. Manson, secretary of the Iowa House Furnishing
Company, 978-998 Main street. Dubuque, was born in Rockdale,
Iowa, May 15, 1862, the son of Walter and Elizabeth Manson.
The family is of Scotch extraction and immigrated to America
about the year 1830. Walter Manson, the father of our subject,
was one of the pioneer owners and operators of the Rockdale mills,
but disposed of his interests in these and invested his money in
Dubuque real estate properties. He erected a large building on
Main and Second streets, and after a long and honorable residence
of thirty-four years, died on March 28. 1879, aged seventy years.
His widow survives him at the ripe old age of seventy-two years,
and resides in Rockdale. When Mr. Manson first came to Dubuque
he had very little means, but by hard work and careful saving accu-
mulated a competency, and died in the knowledge that his family
w^as amply provided for. John W. Manson received his early edu-
cation in the public schools of this city, later taking a course in
Bayless Business College, which he finished when nineteen years
old. He then entered the dry goods establishment of Keas & Sulli-
van, and when, upon the death of the former, the name was styled
Sullivan & Stampfer, he remained with the firm for thirteen years.
In 1897, in partnership with Ernest Seitz, he opened a dry goods
and notion store on Main and Eighth streets ; dissolving this asso-
ciation in 1900, he returned to Sullivan & Stampfer. He next
became manager of the Home Milling Company at Rockdale, but
upon the dissolution of this concern in 1905 he bought an interest
in the Iowa House Furnishing Company, of which he has been
secretary and a director ever since. As a Republican in politics
Mr. Manson has served as deputy assessor for Dubuque county, and
socially he is identified with the Knights of Pythias and the Masonic
fraternity, having the rank of Knight Templar in the latter organi-
zation. In religious views he is a member of the Congregational
church. On September 29, 1892, Mr. Manson was united in mar-
riage with Miss Emma Christman, of Key West, this county. She
was the daughter of Peter and Christiana Christman, natives,
526 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
respectively, of Alsace-Lorraine, France, and Wiirttemberg, Ger-
many, who at an early date came to Dubuque county and settled
on a farm in Table Mound township. The father died January 15,
1896, but the mother is yet living and residing in Dubuque at the
age of eighty-three years. To Mr. and ]\Irs. Manson one daughter,
Ethel Bernice, attending the Dubuque High school, has been born.
George F. Dickinson was born January 12, 1866, on the place
where he now resides in section 15, Taylor towmship. His parents,
J. D. and Elizabeth (Brumbaugh) Dickinson, were natives of Penn-
sylvania and were there reared and married. They came to Du-
buque county, Iowa, in 1845, driving over the mountains in Penn-
sylvania until they reached the Ohio river, thence by boat via Cairo
to the Mississippi river and up the latter by boat to Dubuque. Mr.
J. D. Dickinson entered land from the government on which is
now situated Bernard, in Prairie Creek township. After making
improvements and living on this property nine years, he removed
to Dubuque, where he was engaged in teaming for a year. In 1855
he bought the property now owned by his son, George F. Dickinson,
where he continued to reside until his death in 1906, at the age of
eighty-five years, his wife preceding him in 1891, when sixty-eight
years old. They had nine children: Adaline A., married N. B.
King, and resides in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; William E., living in
Marysville, California; Loretta, now Mrs. James Rollo, of Topeka,
Kansas; Mary C, died in infancy; Almira, the wife of Levi Wells,
of Des Moines, Iowa; Annetta, wife of Samuel Wilmott, of Okla-
homa; Martha J., who now is Mrs. Almon Durham, and is living
in Colorado ; Charles J., married Sadie Allen and resides in Denver,
Colorado ; and George F. George F. Dickinson received a public
school education and lived with his parents on the home farm as
long as they lived. In 1897 he purchased the old homestead, which
comprises 120 acres of the best land in Taylor township. Miss
Emma Miller, daughter of F. W. and Elizabeth (Miller) Miller,
became his wife in 1895. Mr. and ]\Irs. Miller were natives of Ger-
manv, the former of Alsace and the latter of Strassburg. Thev
were married at Galena, Illinois, and shortly thereafter located at
Epworth, Iowa, where Mr. Miller worked at his trade of wagon-
maker. He died in 1896, when sixty-two years of age, following
his wife, who died in 1894, aged fifty-nine years. Mrs. Dickinson
was the fourth in a family of eleven children, her birth occurring
February 4, 1862. Her brothers and sisters are as follows: Eliza-
beth and William, both dying in infancy; George, married Ida Wil-
lard, and lives in North Dakota; Carrie, the wife of Andrew Ruh,
of Dubuque; William F., unmarried, and living at Peosta ; Louis,
died when twenty-nine years old; one who died in infancy; Etta,
the wife of George Banton, of Epworth; Lillie, single, and residing
in Dubuque; and Robert, single, whose home is in Oakland, Cal.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 527
IVIr. Dickinson is one of the progressive and up-to-date farmers of
the county. He is a Repubhcan and a member of the Odd Fellows,
the Modern Woodmen of America, and the Mystic Workers. Mrs.
Dickinson belongs to the Rebecca Lodge of Odd Fellows, the
Mystic Workers, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church.
Henry W. Kotilmann, general foreman of the Dubuque Star
Brewing Company since 1907, is a native of Bavaria, and the son
of Conrad and Margaret Kohlmann. The father, also a native of
Bavaria, came to the United States and Dubuque, Iowa, in 1888,
and here died ten years later at the age of fifty-nine years, and was
buried in Lin wood cemetery. His widow yet survives him and
resides in Dubuque. Henry W. Kohlmann was born April 22,
1869, and until thirteen years old attended the parochial schools.
For a time thereafter he helped his father in the tailoring business,,
then immigrated to America, coming directly to Dubuque. He
secured employment for two years as bottler with Michael Hollen-
fel; in 1886 he went with the E. C. Peaslee Company, with whom
he remained ten years, and was then advanced to the position of
foreman, which position he held eleven years. He was for twenty-
one years in the employ of that concern. When the firm was
dissolved he was ofifered and accepted his present position with the
Dubuque Star Brewing Company, with whom he has remained ever
since. Mr. Kohlmann is inclependent in his political views, voting
for the best man without regard to party affiliation, is a member of
the Modern Woodmen of America, and attends the German Con-
gregational church. On January 8, 1892, he was united in marriage
with Miss Augusta Weisheit, of Dubuque, daughter of Valentine
Weisheit, and to them two children have been born, named, Edward
C, born September 18, 1894, attending school, and Martha Mar-
garetta, born February 5, 1895, also in school.
James Fagan, of Cascade, is a typical example of what pluck
and perseverance can do for a young man who comes from a for-
eign land with the determination to succeed honorably in life. As is
indicated by his name, he is of Irish nativity, his birth occurring"
in County Down in the year 1836. When a young man twenty
years of age he immigrated to the United States, working as a
farm hand a short time in the state of New York, then coming ta
Dubuque county, Iowa, where he continued to work at farming a
number of months. This occupation he varied by putting in a sea-
son in the pine woods of Wisconsin and assisting in a spring drive
of logs. By this time he had saved sufficient means to make a
payment on a farm, and returning to Dubuque county, bought a
tract of 120 acres of raw land on section 24 in White Water town-
ship, upon which he located and began improving. After com-
528 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
pleting the paying for his property he bought more until he now
owns 450 acres. Mr. Fagan was a good farmer and foresaw the
value which would accrue to him by the improvement of his prop-
erty and the raising of stock. He erected suitable buildings of
modern construction, set out orchards and shrul)bery. and engaged
extensively in the raising of high grade stock. So successful did
he become that four years ago he moved his home to the village of
Cascade and now spends the greater part of his time in overseeing
his properties and in marketing stock. Mr. Fagan has been twice
married. First, in 1858, to Elizabeth Morrow, a native of Ireland,
and daughter of George Morrow, who was one of the early pioneers
of White Water township, this county. Mrs. Fagan died August
II, 1893, after bearing her husband the following named children:
George, William, James, Edward, Mary Ann, Charles, Lillie,
Thomas and Letta. Of the foregoing, George, Edward, Mary Ann
and Charles are dead. For his second wife Mr. Fagan married
Miss Mamie Croston, who was born in 187 1, the daughter of John
and Letta (Patterson) Croston, natives of Ireland, but for many
years well-known residents of Richland township. Mr. Croston
died in 1894, at sixty-five years of age, and Mrs. Croston in 1897,
aged sixty-three years. There are no children by the second mar-
riage ; the family affiliate with the Presbyterian church.
William A. Hammond, real estate dealer and loan and mort-
gage broker, Dubuque, was born March 14, 1859, in Winnebago
county, Illinois, the son of Edwin J. and Mary Hammond. The
family originally came from Holland, but for the last three hun-
dred years have resided in this country, many members living in
and near Hagerstown, Maryland. Edwin J. Hammond came from
Hagerstown to Illinois in 1857, and up to the time of his death at
Lanark, Carroll county, in 1892, when seventy-three years old, was
engaged in farming. His widow survived him until 1897, when
she passed away at seventy-seven years of age. William A. Ham-
mond grew to manhood in his native state and completed his edu-
cation when graduated from the Lanark High school. He took
up the study of law but continued this two years only, in the mean-
while embarking in the real estate business at Lanark, which he
continued until his removal to Dubuque in 1890. Mr. Hammond
is one of Dubuque's enterprising and substantial business men, and
in his line of endeavor has built up a creditable business. He is a
member of St. Luke's Methodist Episcopal church, the Modern
Woodmen of America and is independent in his political affiliation.
July 13, 1887, he married Miss Belle Wise, daughter of George W.
and Lucretia Wise, who were of Scottish nativity and old settlers
at Viroqua, Wisconsin. Two daughters and one son ha\e bc«m
born to Mr. and Mrs. Hammond; Ruth, Bonnie and B^
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 529
Henkv J. Wlnderlicii, of the firm of Wunderlich & Son.
furniture dealers. Dubuque, is of pioneer parentage, a son of Henry
and Elizabeth Wunderlich. His father was a native of Plauen, in
the Kingdom of Saxony, Germany, his birth occurring in 1836.
He was educated as a musician, learned the cabinet maker's trade
and in earh- manhood emigrated to America, and when Dubuque
was yet in a primitive condition located here and ever afterwards
made it his home. He was a man of unusual character and activity,
and by organizing a band of German musicians, attracted wide
attention to the city of his adoption. He founded the furniture
establishment now conducted by his son, the subject of this sketch.
When the Union was threatened with disruption by the Secession-
ists, he volunteered his services, but, owing to valvular heart trou-
ble, was honorably discharged before peace was declared. Two of
his brothers, John, eighty years of age, and August, seventy years
of age, are living in Dubuque. Mr. Wunderlich died June 7, 1903,
and is buried in Linwood cemetery. Elizabeth Wunderlich, his
widow, was born September 6, 1840, and for sixty-four years has
resided in Dubuque. She vividly recollects pioneer times in this
city, and recalls the time when, as a little child, she played with
the Indian children, subsequently trying to go away with the Indians
upon their final removal.
Henry J. Wunderlich was born in Dubuque, June 22. 1862,
attending the grammar schools in early youth, and when fifteen
years of age entered the employ of the Dubuque Cabinet Makers'
Association, of which his father was president and general man-
ager. He thus continued twenty years, mastering all the details
of the business, and then, in partnership with his father, established
the present firm of Wunderlich & Son. Mr. Wunderlich is one of
the practical, conservative and up-to-date business men of Dubuque,
and, as was his father before him, is accounted one of the repre-
sentative and substantial citizens of the city. June 28, 1887, he
was united in marriage with Miss Lilian Helena Jungk, whose par-
ents were among the old well-known settlers of this locality. Eight
children have been born to this union, as follows : Henry Ernst,
Otto L., Norman M., Martha N., August Harrison, Loraine E.,
Naomi, and Helen.
Isaac W. Baldwin, deceased, was one of the prominent figures
in Dubuque county during his time and was particularly well known
in eastern Iowa and Illinois. He was born January 31, 1835, at
Blair, County Waterloo, Canada West, a son of William and Mary
(Schlichter) Baldwin. His parents moved to Saginaw, Michigan,
in 1846, and from there to Cascade, Iowa, at the early date of
1853. William Baldwin was a tanner and currier by trade, but for
the most part after coming to Iowa followed farming. When a
530 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
voung man. Isaac \\\ Baldwin went to Galena. Illinois, and there,
from 1854 to 1866. was assistant postmaster. For some consider-
able time he was proprietor of the De Sota House, a famous stop-
ping place for notables of that day, and here, in 1865, he gave the
farewell banquet to General Grant, at which were present General
Oglesby, General Logan, Governor Cullom, Hon. E. B. Washburn,
Hon. Jesse K. Dubois and others who were famous at that time.
At Galena, on November 17, i860, he married Helen Alackay and
the children born to this union were named Bruce L., Waltenham
E., Maud M.. Charles D. and Helen M. The mother died Januarv
17, 1872. She was the daughter of General Aeneas Mackay, an
officer of the United States army from 181 2 to 1850, and a grand-
daughter of Major Thomas C. Le Gate, U. S. A. Shortly after
the close of the war Mr. Baldwin moved to St. Louis, but in 1868
removed permanently to Cascade, Iowa, and in June, 1877. became
editor and proprietor of the Cascade Pioneer. September 2t^, 1874,
he married Jean Hays McGregor, of Dubuque, and by her became
the father of six children: Mae Bernice, Frank L., ]Maggie,
Birdina, Evelyn, and Rolland J., the two eldest daughters dying in
infancy. Mr. Baldwin was a forceful writer and made the Pioneer
one of the well-known publications of this section of the state. He
figured actively in politics and was a Democrat. For years he
served as justice of the peace, and in addition to the other official
positions held served as representative from Dubuque county in
the General Assembly of 1884 and 1886, and was elected senator as
an independent Democrat in the fall of 1893. He had served half
his term when he died, February 9, 1895.
Charles Dunn Baldwin, son of Isaac W. Baldwin, w^hose
biography immediately precedes this, was born at Elk Grove, La
Fayette county, Wisconsin, October 2, 1867, ^"d came to Cascade
with his parents in 1868. He attended the public schools of this
village until the fall of 1883, when he entered the office of the
Cascade Pioneer and worked in every department of the trade and
business. In June, 1894, he purchased the newspaper from his
father and has conducted the same up to the present time as editor
and proprietor. On May 24, 1899, he was united in marriage with
Miss Frances Fagan, daughter of James F. Fagan, of Cascade.
They have two children: Helen Gertrude, born September 21,
1900, and Howard Charles, born August i, 1904. Mr. Baldwin
was recorder of the town of Cascade from 1892 to 1895, and the
first public measure advocated by the paper in his hands was the
construction of the waterworks system, helping to inaugurate the
movement in 1894, in the fall of which year the election for the
same was carried. In political views Mr. Baldwin, like his father
before him, is a Democrat.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 531
Richard Kolck, proprietor of the wholesale notion concern at
779-783 Iowa street, is a nati\'e of Germany, his birth occurring
April 26, 1849. at Diilmen, Province of Westphalia. His parents,
Carl and Philippine Kolck, were also born in that country, and
there died, the father in 1867, ^'^^^^ the mother in 1892 at the age of
eighty-seven. After attending the public and high schools of
Diilmen, Richard Kolck spent two years and a half as bookkeeper
for a local concern and then emigrated to America with a view
to making this country his future home. He came to Dubuque in
1870 and became a salesman for the firm of Glover & Sinnock, now
the H. B. Glover Company, which position he held until embarking
in business on his own account at the corner of Seventh and Main
streets. His business prospered and he was eventually forced to
seek larger quarters at 776 Main street, and there remained until
1892, adding also the wholesale department. In March, 1897, he
was again obliged to change, and four years later removed to his
present address. Aside from the above mentioned business interests
he is a director of the Citizens' State Bank and of the Dubuque
Casket Company, and director and one of the owners of the Du-
buque Sharpshooters' Park. In religion he is an adherent of the
Roman Catholic faith. April 23, 1874, at Dubuque, he was united
in marriage with Miss Mary Kley, and to them two sons and one
daughter have been born, named, Martha B., a graduate of the
Dominican Convent Academy of Wisconsin, William R., traveling
for his father, and Richard, Jr., ofifice man of the firm. Mrs.
Kolck is the daughter of William and Elizabeth Kley, her father
having been one of the founders of the old furniture company
which occupied the quarters now used by the Dubuque Casket Com-
pany. He and his wife were of German nativity and after commg
to this country first located at Haverstraw, New York, where they
engaged in the furniture business. In 1857 they came to Dubuque,
and here the father died in 1888, aged fifty-three years, and now
lies at rest in Linwood cemetery. The mother still survives and
makes her home with the subject of this sketch.
Henry L. Dehner, president of the Cascade State Bank, was
born February 24, 1855. He is a son of Henry and Mary E.
(Kirner) Dehner, who were natives of Hohenzollern and Baden,
Germany, respectively. Henry Dehner, the father, was a son of
John Dehner, his mother's maiden name being Kanontz, and he was
one of seven children. He received his education in his native
country and came with his parents to America, first locating in Ohio,
where he married. Subsequently he moved to Carroll county,
Indiana, and there followed farming until his removal to Cascade,
Iowa, in 1855. He was hard working and frugal, and eventually
became the owner of a large tract of land which he brought up to
a high state of cultivation. He was a Democrat in politics but
532 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
never aspired to office holding. Aside from his love of home and
the improving of his property, his chief pride and consolation was
his affiliation with the Roman Catholic church, of which he was a
devout member. He died in 1883, when seventy years old. fol-
lowed by his widow in 1894. They were the parents of six chil-
dren, of whom the subject of this sketch, Mrs. Sophia H. Glynn
and Miss Mary A. Dehner. survive. Henry L. Dehner was reared
on his father's farm, attended the local schools and finished his
education by being graduated at Notre Dame University, South
Bend, Indiana, in 1876. He started out in life for himself as a
farmer on the old homestead, but finally purchased a tract of 200
acres, which he farmed, and on which he engaged in stock raising.
In 1886 he became an official of the Cascade bank, and upon its
reorganization as the Cascade State Bank in 1906, he was elected
its president and has since served as such. In 1889 he married Miss
Mary Candy, who was born in November, i860, the daughter of
Nicholas and Elizabeth (Less) Candy. Mr. and Mrs. Dehner are
members of the Roman Catholic church.
Capt. Thomas Levens died in July, 1883. He was early engaged
in lead mining, but about 1843 located in Dubuque and became the
owner of some of the best mines of this region. His lode of 185 1
on the first day of hoisting yielded 127,000 pounds of ore and was
then worth $26 per thousand pounds. He was interested in the old
ferry company when the boats were Peosta and A. L. Gregoire.
He was for a time captain of the steamer Franklin No. 2. He left
a widow, two sons and a daughter.
Col. Joseph B. Dorr was born in Erie county. New York, in
1825. He was educated at the Hamburg Academy and the West-
field Seminary. In 1847 ^^ came west to Jackson county, Iowa, and
the following year became editor of the Jackson County Democrat.
In 1852 he came to Dubuque and secured an interest in the Herald
and thus continued, associated with D. A. Mahony, until i860, when
he sold out, and upon the outbreak of the rebellion took an active
stand in the support of the administration of Mr. Lincoln. He was
quartermaster in the Twelfth Iowa Regiment, was captured at
Shiloh, confined at Montgomery, Alabama, but escaped and reached
the Union lines. He then became colonel of the Eighth Iowa Cav-
alry and was again captured near Atlanta. On May 28, 1865, he
died at Macon, Georgia. He was a war Democrat of pronounced
type. He was brought to Dubuque and buried with great honor
by the Masons and soldiers.
Joseph Andrew Rhomberg, deceased, than whom, perhaps, no
man ever did more toward the growth and development of the city
of Dubuque, was a native of Austria, his birth occurring January
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 533
12, 1833, at Dornbirn, Province of Vorarlberg. Early in life, real-
izing the advantages to be had in America, Mr. Rhonibcrg immi-
grated to this country with a view to making it his future home,
and in 1854 tirst came to the city of Duljuque. Here he became
widely known as a builder of railroads and various other large con-
cerns. He, with J. K. Graves and others, built the Chicago, Du-
buque & Minnesota, and the Chicago, Clinton & Dubuque lines,
these two now being known as the Dubuque division of the Chicago,
Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, and also constructed the Austin &
Northwestern line, in Texas, now part of the Houston & Texas
Central system. He was one of the builders, and for twenty-two
years half owner and ten years sole owner (1867-1899), of the
Dubuque Street Railway, but later sold to Messrs. Linehan and
Molo. who in turn disposed of it to the Union Electric Company.
Mr. Rhomberg and Mr. J. K. Graves erected the Chicago, Milwau-
kee & St. Paul shops in Dubuque, and on the avenue now bearing
his name Mr. Rhomberg planted the trees leading to Eagle Point.
In 1866 he built the Dubuque distillery, which in 1873 was con-
verted into the Iowa Pacific Flour Mill, and which property is now
occupied by the Dubuque Star Brewery. Mr. Rhomberg, during
his residence here, was more or less prominently identified with
various other enterprises, but from the above brief review of his
achievements it may readily be determined that he was one of the
most prominent of the pioneer business men and an important factor
in the advancement and progress of the city of his adoption. On
May 17, 1897, death halted his career, but he achieved much, and
with his passing, the city of Dubuque lost a true and loyal citizen.
His wife, Catherine, who was born May 31, 1831, still survives,
and is happy at the great age of eighty years.
James W. Bevan, retired farmer and stock raiser, now residing
in the village of Cascade, is the only member of his father's family
living in the United States. He was born in Monmouthshire, Eng-
land, and is one of ten children born to Thomas and Eliza (Wil-
liams) Bevan, who were English farmers. His early life was passed
after the manner of the average boy, and being of an enterprising
turn of mind he concluded that his opportunities for success in life
would be greatly enhanced in a new country. When twenty-one
years old he decided to go to New Zealand, but was persuaded by a
friend to come to America instead. In company with five others
he first located in Wisconsin and for twenty-one years was engaged
in mining in the vicinity of Hazel Green. In 1863 he married Nancy
Agnes Glascoe. a native of Virginia, and the daughter of William
and Mary (Ford) Glascoe, who w^ere of revolutionary parentage.
In 1878 Mr. Bevan and family moved to Hazel Valley, in White
Water township, Dubuque county, low^a, and established a home
upon a farm in section 7, known as the Burr Oak farm. This
534 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
property, by judicious management, he brought to a high state of
cultivation and improvement. Tiring of the active work of the
farm, he moved to Cascade in 1908, where he has since resided.
Mr. Bevan is higlily regarded by his neighbors as an honest man
and citizen. Nine children have been born to him and wife, as
follows: John Williams, died in 1901, aged thirty-seven years;
Francis, farming in Iowa; Mary Ann, married, and lives in Iowa;
\^irgil Milton, whose home is at Farley, Iowa ; Lula, the widow of
John Higgs, resides in Cascade; Agnes May, the w^ife of William
Severns, of Farley; James T., living at home; Pearl Vivian, now
Mrs. Frank Inganella ; and Leon Odell, who married Mrs. J. C.
Myers, and resides in Pennsylvania. Mrs. Bevan is a member of
long standing of the Presbyterian church.
Alphons L. Rhomberg, president of the Dubuque Star Brew-
ing Company, and a man whose career has been intimately inter-
woven with the commercial interests of Dubuque, is a native of this
city, his birth occurring November 2, 1857, and the eldest of four
sons born to the old pioneer, Joseph A. Rhomberg, and wife, Cath-
erina, appropriate mention of whom is made elsewhere in this pub-
lication. Alphons Rhomberg received his early education in the
public and parochial schools of Dubuque, and later entered the
Christian Brothers' College, now known as the Sacred Heart Col-
lege, at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. He then went abroad and
pursued his studies in the institution known as Stella ]\Iatutina, at
Feldkirch, Austria, after which he returned to America and for a
year had charge of a silver mine in Park county, Colorado. He
then came back to Dubuque and established himself in the wholesale
wine business on Main street, manufacturing also an artificial cham-
pagne, from 1879 to 1881. In 1884 he journeyed south to Texas
and for three years occupied the position of general superintendent
of the Austin & Northwestern railroad, built and partly owned by
his father. In 1887 this road was sold to the Houston & Texas
Central Railway Company, but Mr. Rhomberg remained in Texas
until 1895, engaged in the buying and selling of Texas land. He
platted Aspermont, from which the name Rhomberg is derived,
and which town is the county seat of Stonewall county, and also laid
out the village of Clairemont, the county seat of Kent county.
Upon his subsequent return to Dubuque Mr. Rhomberg associated
himself with his father in the management of the Dubuque Street
Railway, remaining thus until it was sold by them. In 1900 he
became one of the organizers of the Eagle Point bridge, which
crosses the Mississippi river to Wisconsin, and until 1907 was
president of same. In iMarch, 1910, he became president of the
Dubuque Star Brewing Company, and has since been thus con-
nected. In religious views Mr. Rhomberg is of the Roman Cath-
olic faith, being a member of St. Mary's church, and socially is
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 535
idcnlitied with the Dubuque Ckib. He is residing with his mother
in the old Rhomberg homestead on West Seventh street.
Alphonge J. Rhomberg. vice-president of the wholesale liquor
firm of Rhomberg Brothers Company, was born in the city of
Dornbirn, Pro\ince of Vorarlberg, Austria, January, 1872, and is
the youngest son of Jacob and Rosina Rhomberg, appropriate men-
tion of whom appears elsewhere in this publication. Our subject
received his education in the public and high schools of his native
country, and in 1888, when but sixteen years old, came to America
and joined his brother, Frank M., in Dubuque. For about three
years he was connected with his uncle's furniture establishment in
St. Paul, Minnesota, but then returned to Dubuque and in partner-
ship with his brother embarked in the wholesale wine and liquor
business on Main street. They started out in a small way, but by
conscientious dealings with the people built up a large and profit-
able business, and in time were forced, for want of capital, to form
a company and issue stock. Their concern is now known as Rhom-
berg Brothers Company, and its remarkable success is due to the
excellent business management of Messrs. Rhomberg. A goodly
portion of Mr. Rhomberg's time is spent in traveling throughout
Europe, as his health requires. He is an active member of the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and in religion is an
adherent of the Roman Catholic faith. In 1900, at Dubuque, he
was united in marriage with Miss Gebhardina Kopf. daughter of
John and Catherine Roesch, and to them one son, Armin, has been
born, now in Europe.
James L. Conlin, mayor of the village of Cascade, a director
in the Cascade bank, retired fanner, stock raiser and real estate
dealer, was born at Lexington, Kentucky. John Conlin, his father,
was a native of County Leitrim, Ireland, and came to the United
States when a young man, making the passage across the ocean in
a sailing vessel. At the time of his arrival the South was holding
out inducements for the better class of deserving settlers and Mr.
Conlin was attracted to the Blue Grass region of Kentucky. He
located at Lexington and was there engaged in contracting many
years. In 1843 he married Ellen Sherman, and died in 1847 when
a comparatively young man. Three children were born to this mar-
riage : Thomas, who died from the effects of gun shot wounds
received in the Confederate service; James L., the subject of this
sketch, and John, a resident of Dubuque county. Mrs. Conlin sub-
sequently married James Lavin, who died in 1863, and they were
the parents of Sarah, Ella, Margaret and Luke. In 1857 the family
moved to this county and eventually established a permanent home
on section 18, in White Water township. Here the mother passed
away in 1905, at eighty-two years of age. James E. Conlin received
536 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
his early schooling at Lexington, Kentucky, and when a young man
learned the saddlery and harness business in Iowa, following this
occupation in various localities of this state and in Kentucky and
Tennessee. He then returned to Cascade. Iowa, and embarked in
the drug trade, and later in general merchandizing. Eventually he
retired from mercantile pursuits and engaged extensively in buying
and selling land, at which he had been unusually successful. For
half a century Mr. Conlin has been identified with the growth,
development and prosperity of Cascade and has witnessed the prog-
ress of the place from a small hamlet to its present proportions.
There have been few public enterprises tending toward the general
good that have not had in him a warm supporter. He was one of
the original six first directors of the Cascade bank, and since its
organization has always been on the directory. In politics he is a
Democrat, and in addition to holding various other positions of
honor and trust, has served three terms as mayor of the village.
Mr. Conlin married Miss Ann Finn, whose family is prominently
mentioned elsewhere in this work, and to them have been born these
children ; Jenemine ; John Thomas, cashier of the Farmers and
]\Ierchants" Bank, Cascade; Sabina, the wife of William J. O'Brien;
Gertrude, now Mrs. John Miller ; and Bertha, who married Edward
Foley, and resides in Jones county, Iowa. The family are of the
Roman Catholic faith in religion.
Titus E. Rhomberg, secretary, treasurer, manager and director
of the low^a Cofiin Company, was born in the city of Dubuque,
March i8, 1865, the youngest son of Joseph Andrew and Catherina
Rhomberg, who came to Dubuque in 1852 and did much toward its
advancement and progress. Appropriate mention of the elder
Rhomberg appears elsewhere in this work. His son, Titus E., the
immediate subject of this memoir, was educated in the public and
parochial schools of this city, also St. Joseph's College, which latter
institution he left to attend Canisius College, at Buffalo, New York.
He then went abroad and for five years studied in the Royal Saxon
School of Mines, Freiburg, Saxony, but in 1891 returned to Du-
buque and later went to Argentine, Kansas, as assayer and chemist
for the Kansas City Smelting & Refining Company. There he
remained but a short time because of ill health, and then came back
to Dubuque, where after recuperating he became associated with the
Dubuque Street Railway, controlled by his father, and remained
thus until same was disposed of. This line has since made several
changes, but is now being operated by the Union Electric Companv.
In 1899 Mr. Rhomberg acquired by purchase an interest in the
Iowa Coffin Company and has since been identified with this con-
cern, the largest of its kind in the state. He is also a director of
the Citizens' State Bank. Although favoring the policies of the
Republican partv, his vote is usually independent and cast in favor
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 537
of good men regardless of ])arty affiliation. In religious views he
is of the Roman Catholic faith, being a member of St. Mary's
church ; socially he is identified with the Catholic Order of For-
esters and the Dubuque Club. January 9, 1899, in l)ubu(|ue, he was
united in marriage with Miss Mamie E. Simones, daughter of
Joseph and Victoria Simones, the father being the founder of the
Iowa Coffin Company. Mr. Simones passed away November 17,
1893, at the age of forty-seven years, but his widow still survives,
aged sixty-one, and resides in this city. To Mr. and Mrs. Rhom-
berg the following named children have been born : Joseph Andrew,
attending St. Mary's parochial school ; Albin Anthony, attending
same; Edward Bideaux; Ludmilla Athalia; Victoria Marie, and
Louis Alphons. The family residence is on Prospect Hill and was
erected by Mr. Rhomberg.
William Baird, w-ell-known throughout southwestern Dubuque
county, was born May 26, 1841, and is a son of William Baird. for
whom he was named. The elder Baird was born in County Tyrone,
Ireland, in the year 1800. He emigrated to Canada in 1828. and
two years later went to Philadelphia, where for a period of thirty-
years he was engaged in cotton manufacturing. Owing to the finan-
cial panic of 1857 he was compelled to give up that line of endeavor,
and that year came to Dubuque county. Iowa, and bought a farni
of 160 acres in section 30, White Water township. He was a man
of superior intelligence and strong character. For fifty years he
was a member of the United Presbyterian church, and he was one
of the prime movers in the establishment of a church of that denom-
ination in Cascade. He died in 1883. Wh.ile in Philadelphia, on
October 24, 1832, he married Jane Buchanan, a native of County
Tyrone, Ireland, w'ho died in 1882 at the age of seventy-six years.
Their children were: Ann Jane, born September 4, 1833, died June
29, 1834; James, born November 3, 1834, noted for his great interest
in the Masonic fraternity, having been secretary of the local lodge
thirteen years, served during the Civil war as a member of Com-
pany I, Twenty-first Iowa Volunteer Infantry, died at Freeport,
Illinois, in 1904; Margaret, born on Christmas day, 1836, died
November 4, 1839; William, the subject of this sketch; Robert,
born January 6, 1843, died October 2, same year ; Mary Ann, born
April 3, 1849, <^i^d November 21, 1853; Margaret (2), born Octo-
ber 12, 1844, now living with her brother, William; Robert, born
March 6, 1851, died February 2. the following year. William
Baird, the one whose name heads this sketch, has never married, but
resides with his sister, Margaret. He has always followed farming
and stock raising as an occupation, but in 1909 moved into the vil-
lage of Cascade, where he and his sister have since lived retired
from the more active duties and cares of life. Fifteen years ago,
when the old United Presbyterian church at Cascade was reorgan-
53S HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
ized as a Presbyterian church, Mr. Baird was one of its chief sup-
porters. He is a RepubHcan and for twenty-seven years served as
secretary of the independent school district of East Cascade, and
since the introduction of the AustraHan ballot system in this coun-
try has been clerk of election.
Henry Kiene, president of the C. A. & N. railroad, and secre-
tary and treasurer of the Glasser Tobacco Company, was born in the
city of Dubuque, January 21, 1859, a son of the old pioneer, Peter
Kiene, appropriate mention of whom is made elsewhere in this work.
After attending the public schools o\u- subject entered and was duly
graduated from the Bayless Business College, and succeeding this
was , for a time connected with his father's loan and real estate
establishment. Later he was associated in business with his brother,
Peter Kiene, Jr., but in 1878 removed to Sioux City, Iowa, and
for a period of eleven years successfully followed the live stock
industry. In 1889, however, he disposed of his interests and went
to Alta Vista, Iowa, where he established the Alta Vista Savings
Bank. At that place he also operated a lumber yard, a mercantile
establishment, and engaged in the raising of cattle, spending eleven
years thus engaged. Mr. Kiene then returned to his native city and
has ever since been prominently identified with the growth and
development of Dubuque. Since 1900 he has been engaged in the
handling of western land, principally throughout Minnesota and
the Dakotas, in which states he is a heavy holder of real estate.
Socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, being a Knight
Templar Mason and a member of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles
of the Mystic Shrine, and is also identified with the Dubuque Men's
and Dubuque Country Clubs. To his marriage with Miss Mary
Mielke, daughter of Henry and Caroline, solemnized at Sioux City,
July 17, 1884, two children were born; Frank, who died in 1900 at
the age of twelve years, and Adeline, now the wife of Frank C.
Keesecker, a druggist of Dubuque, who has one child, Francis, two
}'ears old. Mr. Kiene is one of the representative men of Dubuque,
takes an active interest in local public affairs of importance, and,
like his father before him, has made life a success. He resides at
118 Broadway.
George W. Craft, retired farmer and a director of the Farm-
ers & Merchants' Bank at Cascade, is a native of Linn county, Iowa,
and a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Schaeffer) Craft. Samuel
Craft was born in Pennsylvania and was reared, educated and
married in Ohio. In company with his young wife and brother,
John, who married Julia Schaeffer, he left Ohio for Iowa on the
last day of April, 1852, and after innumerable hardships arrived in
Cascade and established a home on the present site of the City hotel.
Mr. Craft was a wagon maker and carpenter, an occupation he fol-
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 539
lowed for a considerable length of time, hut later he obtained a
tract of land in Linn county on which he built a log cabin, the first
in that locality. He lived there about five years, then moved to
White Water townshij), this county, and eventually settled on land
in section 25. at the junction of the West Liberty and Galena wagon
roads, about one mile east of Fillmore. He died in 1894, and his
wife in 1889. aged sixty-eight and sixty-one years, respectively.
George W. Craft lived with his parents until twenty-two years old,
during which time he attended the public schools and aided in the
work of the home place. Having purchased land on section 25
adjoining that of his father, he continued to reside there, engaged in
agricultural pursuits until 1899, when he moved to the village of
Cascade. Here he and his sister, Julia, now make their home. In
political views Mr. Craft is independent, believing that the best
interests of the country can be conserved by voting for men and
measures regardless of the name of party. He has served as justice
of the peace, and for twenty-seven years has been a member of the
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons at Cascade. He is a Baptist in
religion, and his influence and support are always enlisted for the
public good.
John A. Kerper, secretary of the Peter J. Seippel Lumber Com-
pany since its inception, was born near New Vienna, Dubuque
county, on December 17, 1873, and is a son of Bernard and Mary
Magdalena (Steil) Kerper. The father was the son of John and
Mary Kerper and came with them to America in 1852, when they
located on a farm near New \^ienna. which he cleared and culti-
vated; he is at present residing in New Vienna at the age of sixty-
four years. After attending the district schools John A. Kerper
entered the Northern Illinois Normal School. He then completed
his studies with a course in the Dixon Business College, which he
left in 1891. The following three years he worked on his father's
farm, then went to Farley and became a bookkeeper and salesman
for the George McGee Lumber and Farm Implement Company,
remaining thus employed until 1896. Succeeding this he was
"employed in a like capacity by the Meuser & Seippel Lumber Com-
pany, East Dubuque, and when Mr. Seippel came to Dubuque Mr.
Kerper came with him and they have been associated together in
the lumber business ever since. The Peter J. Seippel Lumber Com-
pany was incorporated on Februar}- 25, 1904, and Mr. Kerper was
elected secretary thereof, and at present has an interest in the con-
cern. He is independent in politics and is Grand Knight at the
present writing of the Knights of Columbus, and a member of St.
Raphael's Cathedral. To his marriage with Miss Angeline Mar-
shall, solemnized in East Dubuque, September 26, 1891, three
daughters, Bernice, Constance and Kathleen, have been born. Mrs.
Kerper is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Marshall, who
540 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
were descended from old French families. Mr. Marshall is residing
in Rock Island, Illinois, is a blacksmith by occupation and a very
worthy man. The Kerper home in Dubuque is located at 206 Bluff
street.
George L. Hein, secretary and treasurer of the Thomas J. Mul-
grew Coal, Wood and Ice Company since its incorporation in 1904,
is a native of Dubuque, and the son of Thomas and Dora Hein.
Thomas Hein primarily worked for a teaming contractor, and upon
coming to Dubuque in 1854 engaged in that line of business on his
own account. He also for some time conducted a buffet in this city.
When civil war threatened the disruption of the Union in the early
sixties he enlisted in answer to President Lincoln's call for volun-
teers in the Fifth Iowa Cavalry. During one of his engagements he
suffered a broken leg and was forced to remain in a hospital until
again fit for service. At the conclusion of the war he was honor-
ably discharged, and immediately returned to Dubuque, where he
followed contracting until his death in December, 1906, aged sixty-
five years. The Hein family originate from Germany but for gen-
erations have resided in America. Mrs. Hein is yet living and
niakes her home at 732 West Fifth street. George L. Hein, the
subject of this review, attended the Dubuque public schools and in
1 89 1 graduated from a course in Bayless Business College. Two
years later he became a bookkeeper in the Mulgrew & Phillips Ice,
Coal and Wood concern and held that position until the reorganiza-
tion of the firm in 1904 as the Thomas J. Mulgrew Coal, Wood and
Ice Company, at which time he was elected secretary and treasurer.
He has since been thus associated, being also a director of the con-
cern. Socially he is a member of the Eagles, Modern Woodmen of
America and the Dubuque T. & B. M. Association. In February,
1901, he married Miss Elizabeth Bedenbender, daughter of Freder-
ick and Mary Bedenbender, and they have one daughter, Juanita,
and one son, Elwyn. both attending the Irving school, in Dubuque.
Mr. and Mrs. Bedenbender were pioneer settlers and farmers of
Mosalem township, and there the former died in 1904. Mrs. Beden-
bender is yet living and resides with Mr. and Mrs. Hein in their
home at 492 Delhi street.
Thom.xs Kelly died in May, 1867. He had been the owner of
the beautiful bhift' and grove overlooking the city and bearing his
name. For many years he had lived something of a hermit's life,
but all respected him. He was well known by name to thousands
who never saw him, and yet were his neighbors. He took no part
in the prosperity of Dubuque, yet all had enjoyed his grove and
bluff many times. He came here in 1833 and lived until death, a
bachelor miner. He left several relatives in the county. He first
came stealthily to Dubuque in 1832, as others did, and built a cabin,
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 541
but was forced across the river by the solchers. He first mnied south
of the ravine which became called Dodge street, but not meeting
with success took possession of what became "Kelly's Bluff." It
was the spot of an old Indian encampment. Alone he opened a
shaft and in two days at a depth of fourteen feet raised 400 pounds
of ore and the next day 1,000 pounds. He then staked off this
"claim." He soon reached the main lode and it was sufficient to
make him rich. In 1836 he brought his relatives on from Canada
and in 1837 built a smelting furnace of his own on the bluff. It
was yet standing in 1844. He lived partly in a cave or rocky shaft
on his land and partly in one of his tenements. At the time of his
death his property was variously estimated to be worth from $50,000
to $200,000. He was exceedingly eccentric, and many extremely
interesting incidents connected with his life here are recollected by
very old settlers. Reports that he had buried large sums of gold on
his iiroperty caused the formation of searching parties after his
death, but their trespassing was ordered stopped by the city authori-
ties. Later considerable gold was found.
Nicholas M. Shaffer, the well-known nurseryman and farmer
on section 27, Cascade township, comes from an ancestry of which
he may well be proud. He is a son of Christopher and Margaret
(Widner) Shaffer, and a grandson of Nicholas Shaffer. Nicholas
Shaffer was a native of France, his birth occurring near the German
border, and served as a soldier under the great Napoleon and Louis
XVIII for eighteen years. He married Mary Barbara Kline and
with her and their three children, Christopher, then seven years of
age, Nicholas, who died at Cascade, Iowa, twelve years ago, and
Mary, who died in 1906 in Jones county, Iowa, emigrated to the
United States by way of New Orleans. He first located in Ohio,
but later removed to Indiana, where he died in 1850, at the age of
seventy-two years. Christopher Shaffer grew to manhood in this
country. In 1856 he came to Dubuque county and located on the
farm now resided on by the subject of this sketch, and was here
engaged in general agricultural pursuits until 1873, at which time,
with the aid of his son, he established also the present nursery busi-
ness. He became widely known throughout all this section by rea-
son of his fine farm and nursery, his specialty being the grape. He
died in 1908, aged eighty-five years, but his widow survives him at
the age of eighty-three and resides in the village of Cascade. Their
children were: N. M. ; Hannah B., who married and lives in Kan-
sas; Mary Jane, married, and resides in Kansas City; George H., a
resident of Cascade; Rosanna, married, and residing in Kansas
City ; and Sarah Ann, married and making her home in Cascade.
Nicholas M. Shaffer was born in Clinton county, Indiana, in 1848,
and after attending the public schools in youth, learned paper mak-
ing, and for five years traveled extensively. He then joined his
542 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
father in the nursery business, at which he has ever since been
engaged. In 1874 he married Catherine Moran. born March i,
1854, at Dunkirk, New York, daughter of Patrick and Margaret
(Maddigan) Moran, who were natives of Ireland. Patrick Moran
came to the United States when nineteen years old, was a car-
penter by trade, married at Dunkirk, New York, located at Cascade
in 1856, and died in 1899. His parents, Dennis and Mary Moran,
came from Ireland, but because of sickness at the port of New York
they became separated and ]Mary Moran was never again heard
from. Patrick Moran and wife were the parents of Nellie, Cath-
erine, Mary, Henry, Maggie, James, Patrick, Dennis and John. To
the marriage of Nicholas M. Shaffer and Catherine Moran eleven
children have been born, named, Margaret, Mary, Christoplier, Wil-
liam, Calista, Rose and Caroline (twins), Catherine, Sadie, Nich-
olas and Isabella. Mr. and Mrs. Shaffer and their children are
members of the Roman Catholic church.
Joseph A. Meuser, lumberman, is one of the city's representa-
tive business men. He is a son of William and Margaret Meuser,
natives of Germany, and was born at Warren, Illinois, August 16,
1865. In 1855 the father emigrated to America and located at
Mineral Point, \\'isconsin. In 1875 the family removed to Dubuque,
the father engaging in business and being active in the affairs of the
city to the time of his death, December 22, 1882. Hs widow yet
survives him and resides at 2328 Couler avenue. After coming to
this country in 1855 the father, William Meuser, became actively
identified with its institutions and when the disruption of the Union
was threatened he volunteered his ser^'ices for its preservation. His
military career was conspicuous for bravery and strict obedience to
his superiors. He was a member of Company I, Second Wisconsin
Infantry, which was a part of the historical "Iron Brigade." A tes-
timonial of bravery, testifying that at the battle of Gettysburg he
"advanced beyond any other and captured five prisoners" is prized
very highly by the family as, indeed, it should be.
After he removed to Dubuque in 1875, Joseph A. Meuser, thv?
immediate subject of this sketch, attended St. Mary's parochial
school, continuing his studies at St. Joseph's College, Dubuque, and
also taking a course at Bayless Business College.
After leaving school he entered the employ of C. W. Robison,
the lumberman, as bookkeeper, continuing thus about eight years.
In 1887, in conjunction with Peter J. Seippel, he established the
firm of Meuser & Seippel, doing a wholesale and retail lumber busi-
ness at East Dubuque, Illinois. Prosperity crowned the efforts of
the proprietors and from a small beginning it developed into one of
the large lumber concerns along the Mississippi river.
In 1896 the firm of Ott, Meuser & Co. was established at
Dubuque, Iowa, doing a wholesale and retail lumber business, and
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 543
the firm of Meiiser & Seippel, operating at East Dubuque, was
dissolved. .The business was continued under this ownership until
1906, when Mr. Ott retired from the firm, the business being con-
tinued by Meuser Brothers, operating, in adcHtion to their Dubuque
wholesale plant, a string of retail yards. In 1908 the firm consoli-
dated their wholesale plant at Dubuque with that of the Peter J.
Seippel Lumber Company and incorporated the Meuser Lumber
Company, which company continues to operate the retail yards in
Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois. Mr. Joseph A. Meuser is president
of the Meuser Lumber Company, and treasurer of the Peter J. Seip-
pel Lumber Company. Besides being active in these companies,
Mr. Meuser is interested in other Dubuque enterprises and his policy
has been to aid and build them up. He is also one of the organizers
of the East Dubuque Savings Bank and holds the position of vice
president. Mr. Meuser is a Democrat but does not take an active
part in party politics and invariably votes for the man rather than
the party.
He is a member of St. Mary's congregation of the Roman Cath-
olic church and is a member of the Dubuque Club and several benev-
olent organizations. October 4, 1893, he was united in marriage
with Rose Mary Beck, daughter of William and Mary A. Beck,
early settlers in Dubuque. They have three sons, named, William
Beck, Joseph A., and Alfred Francis. Mr. Meuser is one of the
open, frank and whole-souled men it is a pleasure to meet. He is
active in business, of untarnished reputation and a commanding
figure in the civic and commercial affairs of the city.
William B. Oneill, a veteran of the Civil war and a farmer
and stockraiser of Cascade township, was born in New York city
in 1840. His parents, William and Margaret (Byers) Oneill, were
natives of Count}^ Dublin and County Cavan, Ireland, respectively.
They came to America separately and were married in New York
city and there Mr. Oneill worked at his trade of blacksmith for a
time. He then with his family moAcd West, going by canal from
Albany to Buffalo, thence by boat to Milwaukee and Chicago, and
from there by stage to Galena. x\fter a short stay at the latter
place in a tavern kept by a Mr. Burns they continued by stage to
Dubuque, and finally, in June, 1843, located on a farm near Garry
Owen, in Jackson county, Iowa, where Mr. Oneill died in 1845,
aged thirty-eight years. Mrs. Oneill married Nahum Green and
bore him one daughter, Everetta, who married Henry Gill. In
1852 the family moved to the place in Cascade township, now
owned by the subject of this sketch. Mr. Green died in 1853, and
his widow, for her third husband, married James B. Kittler, who
died in 1869. Mrs. Kittler was born in 181 5, aud died December
12, 1886, a Presbyterian in religious belief. William B. Oneill has
passed the greater part of his life in Dubuque county, where he is
544 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
universally respected. In 1861 he enlisted in Company H. Four-
teenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and served until honorably dis-
charged. He participated in the reduction of Fort Donelson and
at the battle of Shiloh, on the first day's fight, was captured by the
enemy and held a prisoner fifty-two days. He was paroled and
passed to the Union lines at Chattanooga, and upon being exchanged
rejoined his command July 12, 1862. He received a furlough to
recuperate, and then was engaged in garrison duty and on detached
service, mostly in Kentucky, until the beginning of 1864. He took
part in the Red River expedition under General Banks, and was
engaged in numerous encounters with the enemy in Louisiana,
Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee, and on the 17th of November,
1864, was discharged after serving three years and one month.
Returning to Dubuque county after his military service, Mr. Oneill
resumed farming. He married Mary Jane Breakey. daughter of
John and Martha (Robinson) Breakey, in 1872, and to them have
been born these children: Eliza (Mrs. George Wall); George:
Mabel (Mrs. Jesse Green) ; William, married Blanche Sparks and
resides in Washington, and Samuel, now in the Eighth United
States Infantry. The parents of Mrs. Oneill were born and mar-
ried in Ireland and came to the United States in 1846. They had
these children : James ; Mary ; Andrew, a Civil war veteran ; Sarah ;
Margaret, and Martha. James Breakey was a Civil war veteran : ht
enlisted in Company E, First Minnesota Infantry, in 1861. Mr.
Breakey came to Dubuque at an early period in its history and here
engaged in lead mining. In 1855 he moved to a farm in Cascade
township and there died in 1886, and his wife in 1880. He was
one of thirteen children born to Isaiah and Jane (Hayden) Breakey.
Martha (Robinson) Breakey was the daughter of James Robinson,
who, with two brothers, Joseph and George, was engaged in tan-
ning. William B. Oneill was engaged in farming near Fillmore
twelve years, but after his marriage moved to his present place in
1885 and has here resided ever since. He is a Presbyterian in
religion, a Republican in politics and a member of the Masonic
fraternity and of the Grand Army of the Republic.
Richard D. Mullen, extensively engaged with his brother.
Daniel P. Mullen, in the plumbing business in Dubuque, with offices
and warehouse at 1036 Main street, is one of the well known and
successful business men of this city. Michael and Ellen Mullen, his
parents, were of Irish ancestry, and the father, who died in 1889,
at the age of sixty-five years, was a well known railroad contractor.
His widow died in 1900, aged seventy-five years, and both are
buried in Mount Olivet cemetery. Richard D. Mullen attended St.
Patrick's Parochial School until twelve years of age. and at that
youthful period began learning the plumbing business with Mor-
rison Brothers. After completing his apprenticeship he continued
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 545
with this firm four years, and with its successor an a(l(hti(jnal three
years. In 1892 he organized the firm of Mullen Brothers, four
brothers constituting the partnership, viz. : Richard D., John,
rvlichael and Daniel P.. and this continued unchanged until 1899,
when, owing to the retirement of John and Michael, the present
arrangement has obtained. The firm furnishes employment for
about fifteen men and is one of the largest establishments of its
kind in Dubuque. Mr. Mullen was born in this city January 16,
1867. His entire life has been passed here and has the commenda-
tion of all who know him. He is an adherent of St. Patrick's
Roman Catholic church, is a member of the Benevolent and Pro-
tective Order of Elks and a Knight of Columbus. In politics he
is a Democrat.
August L. Glaser, for the last ten years engaged in the floral
and nursery business at Dubuque, was born in Stein, near Leipsic,
Kingdom of Saxony, Germany, on December 15, 1850. Johann
and Caroline Glaser, his parents, w^ere also natives of that country,
where they conducted a hotel, and there died in 1885, aged seventy-
two years and sixty-nine years, respectively. Until his nineteenth
birthday August L. Glaser attended the German public schools and
then immigrated to America, landing at New York city. Shortly
after landing he came West to Chicago and for about four years
worked on a farm in the vicinity of that city. In 1876 he went to
Des Moines, Iowa, and took a position in the greenhouse of a Mr.
Peter Lambert, learning the profession thoroughly with a view to
entering it on his own account. In 1886 he bought a farm near
Grinnell, Iowa, but shortly thereafter disposed of same at a price
far less than he had paid for it, and came to Dubuque, which he
thought an unusually good commercial town. This was in the year
1889. He was appointed by the board of directors of Linwood
cemetery superintendent of the burial grounds, and satisfactorily
held this position until 1901. He then bought a large tract of land
in the city, having previously purchased an adjacent lot, and erected
suitable hothouses and embarked in the nursery and floral business.
By good management Mr. Glaser has succeeded in making his
establishment the second largest of its kind in the citv, and he
enjoys a large and profitable local business. Politically he affiliates
with no particular party, and socially is identified with the Modern
Woodmen of America, the x\ncient Order of United Workmen, the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows and numerous other organiza-
tions. May 2. 1879, in Dubuque, he married Miss Clara Riedl.
daughter of George and Clara Riedl, pioneer settlers of Dubuque.
Her father died in October, 1890, aged seventy-two years, and the
mother in 1896, aged sixty-nine. To Mr. and Mrs. Glaser the
following family of five sons and one daughter have been born :
Leonora Frances, at home: Charles }., with father; Louis A. I.,
546 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
assisting father; Leo J., same; Julius G., attending Sacred Heart
Catholic school; Clarence A. The family home is at 817 Windsor
avenue.
Henry Mueller, associated with August A. Schilling in car-
penter contracting, Dubuque, since 1904, was born here on July 14,
1876. and is a son of Andrew and Christine Mueller. Andrew
Mueller was a native of Germany and came to America and
Dubuque about i860, and here for years followed his trade of
cooper. On April 23, 1909, he passed away and was buried in St.
John's cemetery, Dubuque. His widow still survives and is at
present residing in Chicago. Henry Mueller received his scholastic
training in the Fifth ward (now Audubon) and German public
schools, leaving in his fifteenth year, and then for a time worked
with his father at the coopering business. He then learned carpen-
tering and for ten years worked at the trade as a journeyman and
was in the employ of F. W. Brunkow, of Dubuque. In 1904, in
partnership with August A. Schilling, he embarked in the contract-
ing business on his own account and has met with unusual success.
He is a Republican in politics and a member of the Modern Brother-
hood of America and of the German Methodist church. October
16, 1900, in Dubuque, he was united in marriage with Miss Ella
May Roschi, daughter of Adam Roschi, and to them have been
born one daughter and one son, named : Helen, eight years old and
attending school, and Ralph, five years old, attending kindergarten.
The family residence in Dubuque is located at 395 Eagle Point
avenue.
Moses H. Martin, president of the Martin-Strelau Storage &
Transfer Company, of Dubuque, is a son of George and Mary
Martin, \v\\o came from Ireland to New York city and to Dubuque
in the year 1854, at a lime when this city was but fairly emerging
from a small, unpretentious village to the more important position
as one of the growing and promising cities of the great West. Here
George Martin started in the teaming business in a small way, pros-
pering and increasing in importance as time passed, and this was
the foundation of the present business carried on by his son. He
died in 1892, when seventy-four years old, followed by his widow
one year later aged seventy-one years. Moses H. Martin was born
in New York city on April 10, 1854, and came with his parents to
Dubuque when an infant. He was here educated in the public
schools and at the age of nineteen years began clerking in a hard-
ware store. When free mail delivery was first established in
Dubuque, Mr. Martin was appointed one of the carriers and this
position he filled for eight years and four months. In 1881 he
bought out his father's teaming business which he conducted alone
until 1889, materially increasing the volume of business and to
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 547
which he added \-ai'ious other important departments. So extensive
had the business become that in tlie year last mentioned Paul E.
Strelau became a partner under the present firm name and this
condition has obtained up to the present. Mr. Martin is one of
Dubuque's active and enterprising business men. He is a Presby-
terian in religion, a Republican in politics, and a member of the
Knights of Pythias and the Towa Legion of Honor. On Christmas
day, 1880, he married Miss Gussie E. Stelan, daughter of John
and Emily Stelan, who were among the early settlers of this county.
Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Martin, as follows:
Florence A., a high school graduate; Frederick D., the publisher of
a newspaper in New York city; Mabel Harriet, a kindergarten
teacher in the schools of Dubuque, and Harold Paul, now attending
school.
John Rankin, who died in Epworth, November 5, 1905, was
deserving of much credit for the success he achieved in life through
his own unaided efforts. He was born in 1833, in County Donegal,
Ireland, the only son of James and Mary Rankin. When twenty
years of age he immigrated to the United States and for three years
made his home in Philadelphia. In 1856 he came to Dubuque
county, Iowa, and engaged in farming and in buying and selling
stock until August, 1861, when he enlisted in Company I, Second
Iowa Cavalry. He was an active participant in all the movements
and engagements of his command, and during his entire service of
three years was off duty but three weeks, then being in the hospital.
He was mustered out of service at Davenport, Iowa, in 1864 with
the rank of corporal. Upon his return home he bought forty acres
of land in North Dubuque, which he farmed and resided on for
fifteen years. He then bought 200 acres about three miles east of
Epworth, known as the Johnson farm, upon which he lived eight
years. In 1902 he moved to Epworth, where he made his home
until his demise. Mr. Rankin was a man of strong mentality and
possessed the happy faculty of making and retaining friends. He
was buried in Highview cemetery under the auspices of the Grand
Army of the Republic and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
to both of which orders he belonged. January 25, 1861, he married
Miss Jessie Miller, who was born April 6, 1844, in Glasgow, Scot-
land, the youngest of ten children born to Michael and Margaret
Miller. ]\Iichael Miller died in the old country about the year 1848.
His widow married Robert M. McKinley and in 1849 the family
came to America. They resided briefly in New York and Chicago,
and in 185 1 came by wagon to Dubuque county, Iowa. Mrs.
McKinley died in 1873 at the age of sixty-seven years. To Mr. and
Mrs. Rankin two children were born : Margaret, single and residing
at home, educated at and graduating from the Dubuque high school
in 1884, attended Bayless Business College, and for nine years a
54.8 HISTORY OP DUBUQUE COUNTY
teacher in tlie Dubuque schools ; David, the second child, attended
the public schools of Dubuque in boyhood, graduated from Epworth
Seminary in 1902, graduated from Cornell (Iowa) College in 1906
with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, then took a two years' course
in the law department of Har\'ard University, removed to the state
of Washington, successfully passed his state bar examination in
1909, and is now practicing his profession in that state. Mrs. and
Miss Rankin are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at
Epworth.
Thomas Smith, now living retired in Farley, was born No-
vember 4, 1838, in Derbyshire, England, and when ten years old
came with his parents, Thomas (after whom he was named) and
Matilda (Hartshorn) Smith, to the United States. The family first
resided in New Jersey, then moved to Pennsylvania, and from there,
in 1872, removed to Dubuque county, Iowa, where the parents died.
They had six children, of whom Thomas, the subject of this sketch,
was the second. He left home when quite young and began for
himself as a farm hand. He came to Iowa in 1856 and worked on a
farm until the breaking out of the Civil war. In 1861 he enlisted
in Company C, Ninth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and served three
years, being honorably discharged at East Point, Georgia, Sep-
tember 24, 1864, by reason of the expiration of his term of enlist-
ment. Mr. Smith participated in fourteen battles, the more im-
portant being the siege of Vicksburg, Pea Ridge and Atlanta. Upon
the conclusion of his military career he returned to Iowa and for
seventeen years conducted a butcher shop in Farley, finally turning
the business over to a son-in-law. In many ways Mr. Smith is one
of the most widely known men in this section of the county. He
served as township constable several terms, as mayor of Farley at
different periods, treasurer of the school board, for the last thirty
years as justice of the peace, and for two years as notary public.
He is a Republican in politics, an Episcopalian in religion and a
member of the Grand Army of the Republic. February 11, i860,
he married Miss Mary Bazeley, who was born in July, 1842, in
Wisconsin. Three children were born to this marriage, named
Harriet, the wife of G. W. King, of Maquoketa, Iowa; Emma B.,
who is principal of the North Platte, Nebraska, high school, and
Martha Matilda, who married Burton D. Heald, one of the well
known men of Dubuque county. Mrs. Smith is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal church.
Burton D. Heald was born at Farley, Iowa, February 21, 1867.
Alonzo K. Heald, his father, was a native of Ohio, came to Iowa in
1856, and after living near Manchester for a time came to Dubuque
county and here resided until his death in December, 1909, at the
age of seventy-five years. For a great many years he was engaged
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 549
in merchandising here, and in this way became widely known. He
was a man of unblemished reputation and character. In 1906 he
retired from active business pursuits. After coming to Iowa he
married Juliette Heath, a native of Ohio who is yet living, and
they became the parents of eight children, the subject of this sketch
being the fourth in order of birth. Burton 1). Heald received his
early education in the public schools and when twelve years old
began clerking in his father's store. After attaining" manhood he
acquired an interest in the business and the firm name eventually
became A. K. Heald & Son. After Mr. Heald retired the business
was carried on under different partnerships until finally Burton D.
Heald disposed of his interests therein, purchased a tract of land
and has since followed general farming. He is the owner of the
160-acre farm known as the Cottonwood farm and here he special-
izes in dairying and raising Jersey cattle. In August, i88q, he was
united in marriage with Miss Tillie Smith, daughter of Thomas
and Mary (Bazeley) Smith, who are appropriately represented else-
where in this work. Mrs. Heald was born July 28, 1869, and to
her marriage with Mr. Heald three children have been born : Ardo,
born July 17, 1890, a student of the Chicago Veterinary College;
Glenn, born November 8, 1896, and Imogene, born May 11, 1905.
Mr. Heald is a Republican, has served in various local positions of
trust, and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and
the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a stockholder and vice
president of the Farley State Bank, and as one of the progressive
farmers of the county erected the first silo in the community. iMr.
Heald and family are Presbyterians in religion.
Joseph L. Meyer, vice president and manager of the Thomas J.
Mulgrew Company, is a native of Buffalo, New York, and a son of
George and Mary Magdalena Meyer. George Meyer was a veteran
of the Civil war, having served as a member of the Thirty-fourth
New York Volunteer Infantr}^ He moved to Delaware county,
Iowa, when it was a new country, and there farmed for many years,
subsequently coming to New Vienna, this county, where he lived a
retired life until his death in 1903, at the age of eighty-three years.
Mrs. Meyer died in 19 10. Joseph L. Meyer was reared to manhood
in Delaware county and was there educated in the public schools.
In 1885 he began clerking in a general store at New Vienna, owned
by Jacob Kerper. and from 1888 to 1893 was general manager of
the establishment. In the year last mentioned he came to Dubuque
and for a number of years represented the H. B. Glover Company
in northeastern Iowa. In 1904 he became one of the organizers of
the Thomas J. Mulgrew Company, with which concern he has ever
since been identified. Besides his interests in this corporation Mr.
Meyer is the owner of 320 acres of land in Minnesota. He is a
member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic church, the Knights of
550 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Columbus and the Modern Woodmen of America. On May 14,
1889, he married Sophia H., daughter of Herman and Catherine C.
Abehi, who were among the early settlers near New Vienna. Three
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Meyer, named Anthony
H., Rosalie and Herman Lewis.
Colonel D. E. Lyon, by reason of over half a century in the
continuous and successful practice of law in Dubuque, and with
due respect to all other law^yers, easily occupies a seat in the premier
class of the bar of eastern Iowa. He was born in the state of New
York in 1834, and, after attending the common schools, completed
his literary training at Oberlin College. For four years thereafter
he read law in the office of a practicing attorney, then took the state
bar examination and stood fourth of nine successful applicants in a
class of thirty -two, President Cleveland being a member of the
same class. After visiting various parts of the United States he
came to Dubuque in 1857. and for a period of fifty-four years has
maintained offices for the practice of his profession at the corner of
Fifth and Main streets. While his practice has been general, his
success has been unusual, his unquestioned honesty, fairness, thor-
ough knowledge of general law principles, and particular knowledge
of the legal points involved in every case entrusted to him usually
bringing a favorable decision to his cause. His energy, industry,
patience, sagacity and intellectual compass and vitality made him an
opponent to be both dreaded and respected in any case in which he
was actively concerned. His legal career is indelibly stamped upon
the records of Dubuque county, and his name is familiar in legal
circles of this and neighboring states where he has been identified
with many of the famous and important cases of the western courts.
Colonel Lyon has been a consistent Republican in politics, and,
while in no sense an office seeker, has held the position of surveyor
of the port of Dubuque. During the Civil war he was recruiting
officer, and was aide de camp on the staff of Governor Kirk wood.
Although well past the allotted period of three score years and ten,
he still retains unimpaired his remarkable mentality, physical vigor
and keen interest in his profession and public events that have
characterized his career.
George T. Lyon, son of Colonel D. E. and Eunice A. Lyon, and
associated with his father in the practice of law at Dubuque, was
born in this city February 21, 1873. and is of English ancestry.
His early education was obtained in the grammar and high schools
of Dubuque, and his college training in the Upper Iowa University.
In 1893 he entered the law department of the State University at
Iowa City, and immediately upon his graduation therefrom, in
1895, embarked in the practice with his father, confining his work,
largely, to corporation law. He is a Republican in politics and is
now sed-ving his second term as city attorney. Socially he belongs
HISTORY OF DUBUOUE COUNTY
00
to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Modern
Woodmen of America. On June lo, 1896, Mr. Lyon wedded Miss
Sarah ]., daughter of John and Magdalena Bolcyn, old residents o!
Dubuque, and to this union five daughters have been born, named
Eunice T.. Ruth B., Abbie, Georgia M. and Lois.
Harvey Hirons, farmer, residing on his farm of fifty acres on
section 10. Taylor townsh.ip. was born in Dul)uque countv, Lnva.
August 31, ICS58. His parents. William J. and Nancy J. (Hartlev)
Hirons, were natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania, respectively.
They were married in the latter state and in the spring of 1858
moved to Dubuque county, Iowa, and here engaged in farming.
In 1880 they removed to Sac county, Iowa, where Mr. Hirons died
in 1910 when in his seventy-seventh year. He w^as an anient
Republican and a charter member of the Epworth Lodge of Odd
Fellows. Mrs. Hirons survives him in Sac county and is seventy-
five years old. They were the parents of nine children, of whom
the subject of this sketch is the oldest. Harvey Hirons received his
early education in the public schools, supplemented with six terms
(two years) at Epworth Seminary. August 30, 1882, he married
Miss Mary H. Briggs, daughter of Thomas and Rebecca (Mann)
Briggs, of whom appropriate mention is to be found in this publica-
tion. Succeeding his marriage, Mr. Hirons engaged in fruit grow-
ing for fifteen years, but since then he has followed general farming
and stock raising. He is a Republican of the progressive class, has
served as town recorder and a member of the council, and at the
present writing is one of the executive board of Epworth Seminary.
Mr. and Mrs. Hirons are actively identified with the Methodist
Episco])al church.
Thomas G. Briggs (deceased) was one of the early pioneers of
Dubuque county, Iowa, having settled here at the early date of 1844.
He was born in Maine, March 4, 18 17, and during his early career
w-as a sailor on the ocean. He married Lois, the daughter of James
and Annie (Akely) Mann, and after coming to this country wdien
it was WMld and in a primitive condition, commenced farming and
continued that occupation throughout the remainder of his life.
His wife died in 1859, leaving him three children, but one of whom
is now living. In i860 he married Rebecca Mann, a sister of his
first wife, who was born in New York state, July 12, 1832, and
came with her parents to Dubuque county in 1849. Six children
were born to the second marriage, as follows: Mary H., now Mrs.
Harvey Hirons; Theodore, died at the age of thirteen years; Laura,
died aged eleven years; Thomas Howard, see sketch following;
Otis, died when seven years old, and Edwin, who died in early
manliood when thirty-one years old. Thomas G. Briggs was one
of this county's best and most deserving citizens. Honest, indus-
552 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
trioiis and a good neighbor in all that the term implies, he died
June 6, 1893, universally respected. Mrs. Rebecca Briggs, his
widow, resides in Epworth, and is a member of the Presbyterian
church.
Thomas Howard Briggs, son of the old pioneers. Thomas G. and
Rebecca (Mann) Briggs, was born in this county April 29, 1868,
and is now living on his farm of 104 acres on section 10. Taylor
township. He was educated in the public schools and at Epworth
Seminary. In September, 1891, he married Martha Dell Wilson,
daughter of James and ^largaret (Wilson) Wilson, who were
natives of Ireland and immigrated to this country and Dubuque
county in 1839. Mr. Wilson died in November, 1907, aged eiglity-
eight years, and is survived by his widow, seventy-nine years old,
who makes her home with a daughter in Kansas. Mr. and Mrs.
Briggs have three sons: Harvey H., George E. and Wilson. They
have also an adopted daughter, Laura Opal, born October 9. 1903,
and who joined them in 1906. Mr. Briggs is a Republican and he
and family are Methodists.
John E. Maguire, ^I. D., has been actively and successfullv
engaged in the general practice of his profession in Dubuque since
1893. He was born in Dunleith, now East Dubuque. Illinois, on
June I, 1870. and is a son of Thomas and Ellen (Groff) Maguire,
pioneers of this section of the country. Thomas Maguire was a
native of Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Ireland, and came to the
United States in 1849. ^^ located in Dunleith. now East Dubuque,
in i860 and has since been engaged in the mercantile business, being
today one of the oldest active business men in that city. Hi= wife
died on February 21, 1896. aged forty- four years, and was laid at
rest in East Dubuque. John E. Maguire, the immediate subject of
this sketch, was educated in the Dubuque public schools, graduating
from the high school in 1886. In 1893 he was graduated from the
medical department of the State University of Iowa, at Iowa City,
with the degree of Doctor of Medicine, and since then has prac-
ticed his profession in Dubuque with offices at 353 Fifteenth street.
He is a Democrat in politics and from 1895 to 1900 served as
county physician. Socially he is a member of the Fraternal Order
of Eagles, Knights of Columbus. Catholic Order of Foresters,
Modern Woodmen of America, Modern Woodmen of the World,
Court of Honor, and Royal Neighbors of America, and in religion
is a member of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic church. On January
8, 1901, the doctor was united in marriage with Miss Nellie Dever-
eaux and they have one daughter. Ellen Marie. Mrs. Maguire is a
daughter of Michael and Marie (Sullivan) Devereaux. natives of
Ireland and residents of Iowa for many years. Dr. Maguire is one
of the progressive members of his profession in Dubuque county.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 553
George W. Stickler was but four years old when his parents
came to Dubuque county, Iowa, and settled on a farm in Taylor
township, and has always resided in this locality. He was Ix^rn
December 10, 1850, at Sandusky. Ohio, his parents being John N.
and Mary M. ( Dunbar) Stichler, to whom were born three chil-
dren. The spring of 1854, at the time the family came to Dubuque
county, the country was for the most part wild and sparsely settled.
The hardshi])s and pri^•ations experienced by these early settlers w^as
the common lot of all pioneers. The Stichlers were industrious and
frugal and gradually prospered. In 1874. during an epidemic of
typhoid fever, Mr. Stichler, his wife, his wife's mother who came
witli them from Ohio, and one son died from the ravages of this
disease within six weeks' time. Upon arrix-al here Mr. Sticlder
bought thirty acres of land, for which he paid $300, but at the time
of his death had increased his holdings to 320 acres. George \V.
Stichler is the only surviving member of his family, a sister having
been burned to death when thirteen years old by accidentally catch-
ing fire at the old fashioned open hearth. He attended school wlien
a boy and helped his father in the work of the home farm. He
continued agricultural pursuits after his father's death, but in
]\Iarch. 1910. removed to Epworth where he now resides retired
from the more active duties of life. September 19. 1872, he mar-
ried Miss Julia Crane, who was born March 21, 1850, and died June
19. 1909, a daughter of Oliver Crane, who came to Dubuque county
about the vear 1847. To Mr. and Mrs. Stichler seven children have
been born : Edith, wife of Frank Woods, of Jackson county, Iowa,
the mother of two children : Walter, married Hannah Hinde and
lives in Epworth; John A., died at the age of fifteen years: Harry
O.. killed bv lightning when twenty-five years old ; Orphea M., living
wnth her parents and whose twin sister. Olive M., died in infancy,
and George C. single, resides with his parents and is the owner of
320 acres of land in Dubuque county. Mr. Stichler is a Republican
and for about thirty years has served as a member of the school
board. He is a Methodist in religion and his wife is a Baptist.
Joseph J. Rowan. Jr.. since 1905 engaged in the general practice
of medicine and surgery in Dubuque, is a native of this city, son of
Joseph J., Sr., and Mary (Keenan) Rowan, and grandson of James
Rowan. Both sides of the family have been active in the early
strus^elcs of this countrv. James Rowan, before coming to Du-
buque, was a soldier in the Mexican war; the great-grandfather of
the doctor's mother and six brothers served in one company during
the War of the Revolution. Joseph J. Row^an, Sr., was born in
Dub'ique, and here he became a well known clothing and dry goods
merchant. The early education of Joseph J. Rowan, Jr.. who w-as
born \ugust 20. 1878, was acquired in the Prescott public and St..
554 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Patrick's parochial schools, and he later attended Notre Dame
University, South Bend, Indiana. He decided that he would study
medicine and surgery and accordingly entered the medical depart-
ment of the University of Pennsylvania, and in 1902 was duly
graduated therefrom with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. For
a tenii he served as resident physician in St. INIary's Hospital, Phila-
delphia, and for two years was dispensary assistant, then returned
lo Dubuque and has here built up a large and lucrative practice.
The doctor's offices are located at mo Main street. He is a
member of the Dubuque County, Iowa State and American Medical
associations, and of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic church, the
Knights of Columbus, Catholic Order of Foresters, Modern Wood-
men of America, Independent Order of Foresters, Mystic Workers
and the Woodmen of the World. To his marriage June 26, 1907,
in Dubuque, with Miss Anna Cecelia Harrington, two daughters,
Mary Virginia Rosanie and Charlotte Cecilia, and one son, George
Robert, have been born. Mrs. Rowan is the daughter of Patrick
M. and Anna (Morrow) Harrington, the father being a director of
the Iowa State Bank and a pioneer settler of Dubuque.
Prof. Perkins S. Slocum, principal of the Epworth Seminary,
comes honestly by his profession, his parents, William S. and Ruth
(Perkins) Slocum.. both having had considerable experience in
school teachmg. He was born in Jones county, Iowa, in 1870, and
aftei attending the public schools in early youth learned telegraph}'-
at which he worked two years, and the succeeding three years was
employed in a creamery at Wyoming. Having by this time suf-
ficient money with which to complete his education, he entered
Epworth Seminary in 1889, from which he was graduated in 1892.
Succeeding this he at once entered the Upper Iowa Conference of
the Methodist Episcopal church on probation, and was appointed
pastor of the Grandview Avenue church of that denomination at
Dubuque. While here he decided to better his education and accord-
ingly, in 1893, entered Cornell College, from which he was grad-
uated with the class of 1896. He then resumed his ministerial
labors as pastor of the First Methodist Episcopal church, at Clinton,
Iowa. After about three years thus spent he became vice president
of Morningside College, Sioux City, Iowa, but two years later and
for two years thereafter took special educational courses at the
Boston and Chicago universities. For the next two years he was
minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, at Monticello, Iowa.
Since that time he has been principal of Epworth Seminary, which,
under his management, has sustained the high reputation of learning
which it has always enjoyed. Prof. Slocum married Miss Amanda
L. Hosford on January i, 1901, and they have one daughter,
Sidonia Ruth.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 555
Isidore J. Plamcndon, Jr., secretary, treasurer and manager of
the Dubuque Tanning & Robe Company, with factory and offices at
32-38 S. Main street, was born in this city August 16, 1875, the son
of Isidore, Sr., and Emily (Bordeaux) Plamondon. The family
originally were natives of France and over 200 years ago two
brothers immigrated to North America and located in Canada.
Isidore. Sr.. was born and reared in Quebec, Canada, and in 1865
came South to the United States, first locating at Benton. Wis-
consin, where he met and married Miss Bordeaux. .She was a
native of that place, and in April, 1884, when but thirty-nine years
old, passed away. The elder Plamondon is a carpenter by trade
and is at present employed in the Carr, Ryder & Adams sash, door
and blind factory. Until thirteen years old Isidore J. Plamondon
attended the Dubuque p,arochial schools, and then for four years
worked for the Standard Lumber Company. He then became stock
clerk m the James Forester overall factory, and succeeding this
served four years as messenger boy. call boy and assistant book-
keeper for the Illinois Central railroad. He then took a course in
bookkeeping in Bayless Business College, and in April, 1898, went
to Montreal, Canada, and for three years was employed by the
Dominion Corset Manufacturing Company. About this time he
returned to Dubuque and l^ecame a solicitor for the Chicago Record-
Herald, later serving as carpenter in the frame department of Carr.
Ryder & Adams Company. For four years thereafter he was head
bookkeeper for the Peaslee Brewing Company, and in May, 1905,
went to Denver, Colorado, and accepted a position as special report
clerk and solicitor with the Den\'er Gas & Electric Company. Eight
months later he returned to Dubuque, because of his wife's ill health,
experimented in the raising of chickens and also accepted a position
with the Dubuque Altar Manufacturing Company. In 1906 he
began traveling for the FI. H. Mehlop Cigar & Tea Company, but
eighteen months later purchased an interest in the Dubuque Tan-
ning & Robe Company, and has since remained with this concern,
acting as secretary, treasurer, manager and a director. Mr.
Plamondon is a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic
Order of Foresters and St. Columkill's Roman Catholic church.
To his marriage with Miss Nellie McQuillan, solemnized in Du-
buque, September 16, 1901, six children have been born, as follows;
Zita M.. born November 18. 1902. attending Visitation Academy;
John J., born September 18. 1904; Adjutor J.. l)orn October 5.
1906, died when ten weeks old; Edward J., born October 12, 1907;
Charles J., born October 25. 1908. and Eleanor M.. born Decem.ber
14, 1909. The family residence is located at 484 Alta Vista street.
Dubuque. Mrs. Plamondon is the daughter of John and Margaret
McQuillan, the mother dying May 26, 1903, aged sixty years. Mi.
McQuillan is yet living and resides in Dubuque.
556 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
John S. Smead, for many years actively and prominently iden-
tified with affairs in and around Epworth. was born just across the
river from Dubuque in Grant county, Wisconsin, February 14, 1838.
His parents, Horace and Cornelia (Farley) Smead, were natives of
Vermont and Tennessee, respectively, and to their marriage, which
occurred at Galena, Illinois, thirteen children were born. John S.
bemg the sixth in the family. Horace Smead was a soldier of the
War of 18 1 2 and of the Black Hawk war, and was engaged in
mining and smelting in Grant county. He was a wheelwright by
trade and in 1868 moved from Grant county, Wisconsin, to
Dubuque, where he li^Td eight years. He then bought 240 acres
of land near Peosta, to which he moved in 1875, and there passed
the remainder of his days, death occurring on December 27, 1876,
at the advanced age of eighty-two years. He was one of the woW
known and substantial men of his time, a Whig in politics and after
the disintegration of the party a Republican. His widow died
August 13, 1884, aged seventy-seven years, and both are buried in
Linwood cemetery, Dubuque. John S. Smead obtained a liberal
education in the public schools, Dubuque Academy, Alexander
College, Sinsinawa College and was graduated from Plattville
Academy in 1859. He taught school three winters, then read law
in the office of Adams & Robinson. Dubuque. In 1872 he married
Miss Mary Rider, succeeding which he removed to his father's
estate and engaged in farming for twenty years. In 1895 he mo>'ed
to Epworth. which has since been liis home, with the exception of
a three years' residence in Iowa City, where he had temporarily
made his home to educate his children. ]\Ir. Smead is a Democrat,
has served in practicallv all the offices of the township, has acted as
a member of the common council of Epworth and for thirty years
has been justice of the peace. He is a member of the Masonic and
Knights of Pythias fraternities and he and wife attend the Meth-
odist Episcopal church. Mrs. Smead was born in April, 185 1, the
youngest of the children of Hubert and Catharine Rider, who were
born, reared and married in Luxemburg, Germany, and came to
America and settled in Dubuque county, Iowa, at the early period
of 1846. Mr. Rider died in 1852, aged forty-two years, and his
widow in 1894, aged seventy-seven years. To Mr. and Mrs. Smead
four children have been born, as follows: Cornelia B.. the wife of
E. J. Delaney, of Dubuque, and the mother of three children :
Horace H., who married Celia L. Edwards, is the father of one
child and resides in Epworth ; Helen, who died at the age of sixteen
years, and John R., single and a practicing lawyer at Boise, Idaho.
Thomas J. Conlin, president of the Conlin & Kearns Company,
dealers in ice and fuel, was born in Washington township, Dubuque
county, Iowa, a son of James and Sarah Conlin. James Conlin was
a native of Ireland and came to America in 1840, locating for a
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 557
short time in Kentucky and then coming- t(^ Dn1)uque county. He
was a farmer by occupation, and an honorable man as was attested
by his refusal to accept a pension for service during the Mexican
war on the grounds that he had not actually ])articipated in any
battles and therefore was not entitled to a pension. On September
6, 1899, he died, aged seventy-seven years, and was followed by his
wife on September 16, 1910, aged eighty-six years. They are
buried in the cemetery at Cascade. Thomas J. Conlin was primarily
educated in the district schools and during this time also assisted
his father with the work of the home farm. He completed his
schooling with a course in Bayless Business College, which he left
in his twentieth year, and succeeding this was for eight years
employed by tlie American Express Company. He then bought a
livery stable, which he conducted for nine years, and in 1900 was
elected sheriff of Dubuciue county, serving as such two years. Fol-
lowing this he associated himself with Mr. Kearns in their present
ice and fuel business and in IQ07, owing to the growth of their
business, was forced to incorporate. x'Vside from these interests
Mr. Conlin is a director of the Dubuque Altar Manufacturing Com-
pany, is a Democrat in politics and a member of the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks, Knights of Columbus, Independent Order
of Foresters, Modern Woodmen of America and St. Patrick's
Roman Catholic church. On October 24, 1895, i" Dubuque, he
married Miss Mary Theis, who died July 16, 1898. Mr. Conlin
resides at 14 Grove terrace, Dubuque.
John C. Kehoe, one of the foremost farmers and stock-raisers
of Dubuque county, was born in Brooklyn, New York, January 14,
1855, the son of Patrick and Ellen (Kelly) Kehoe, natives of
Ireland. They came to America in the fifties, first settling at
Brooklyn, and were there married. In 1853 they first came West
to Dubuque county, and here the father for about two years was
foreman in a saw mill, later moving onto and operating a farm in
Dodge township owned by his former employer. Shortly after-
wards he purchased eighty acres of partly improved land in Dodge
township, and this was his home for a period of forty-five years.
During this time he prospered and increased his holdings until he
had 300 acres in this county and 320 in Floyd county. He was a
general farmer and stock-raiser and also dealt extensively in dairy
products, having some forty fine milch cows. He was a Democrat
in politics and took a keen and active interest in local affairs of
importance, and during his long residence here served as justice of
the peace, assessor, trustee and as a member of the school board.
He died on the old homestead September 26, 1901. over seventy-
seven years of age, and was followed by his wife two years later,
aged seventy-five years. They were among the early settlers in this
part of the country and with their passing Dubuque county lost two
558 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
true and loyal citizens. Ten children were born to them, of whom
John C. our subject, was the eldest. He received his education in
the public schools and remained with his parents on the home place
until twenty-six years old. For a time he then farmed on rented
land, after which learned the blacksmith trade at Farley and con-
tinued that business for about twenty years. He then moved onto
the place where he now resides, having purchased it some time
previously, made various improvements in the way of barns, shed,
outhouses, etc., and in 1908 erected his fine, modern, ten-room
house, which is furnace heated and thoroughly up-to-date. Since
taking possession of this property he has cleared the land of nearly
all standing timber, has fenced in and divided same by strong
barbed wire, and is thus enabled to carrv on stock-raising on a
large and profitable scale. He specializes in the raising of Aber-
deen Angus cattle and Poland China and Duroc Jersey hogs, for
which Dubuque county is noted. Mr. Kehoe is also interested in
various business and residence properties in Farley, and shortly
after building his own home erected also one for his son, modern
and up-to-date in every respect. As a Democrat in politics he has
taken an acti^•e interest in local civic afifairs, being for four and
one-half years mayor of Farley, a member of the city council
thirteen years, chief of the fire department about six years, a
member of the school board three years and also of the county
central committee seven years, and is at present serving as constable.
Socially he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America and
the Catholic Order of Foresters, being for the last seven years
chief ranger of the latter organization, and Knight of Columbus.
In religious views he is an adherent of the Roman Catholic faith
and is a member and trustee of St. Joseph's parish at Farley. On
October 25, 1881, Mr. Kehoe was united in marriage with Miss
Mary Locher. daughter of John J. and Mary (Nigg) Locher, who
were born and married in Switzerland. They came to America in
1861, locating at Dubuque, and there for six years engaged in the
furniture business. They then moved onto a farm of eighty acres
near Monticello which they farmed for about ten years, but then
sold same and retired from the active duties of life into the city
of Monticello. There the father died in 1885, at the age of sixty-
five, and the mother in 1890, also aged sixty-five. Although
always active in public afifairs, the father never aspired to hold
office. To them were born five children, of wdiom Mrs. Kehoe was
the third, her birth occurring April 9, 1855. To Mr. and Mrs.
Kehoe the following named three children have been born: Frances,
wife of John Clement, formerly of Farley and now of Savannah,
Illinois; John Patrick, married Miss Gertrude Morgan, of this
county, now residing in Farley, the parents of one child, and Joseph
W., married Miss Rose Schwendinger, residing in this county.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 559
The Kehoe family arc among llic first in the locahty where they
reside and are highly respected by all who know them.
Emil Kiene, proprietor of the Dubuque Rubber & Belting Com-
pany, with offices and warehouse at 422 Main street, Dubuque, was
born in this city October 12, 1869, the son of Peter Kiene. Sr.,
appropriate mention of whom is made elsewhere in this publica-
tion. He received his scholaF<^ic training in the local ward and
high schools, leaving the latter in his seventeenth year. He then
entered the concern of which he is now head, which was founded
by his father and brother Paul, and thoroughly mastered the details
of the rubber and belting business. In 1900 he bought out all
interests in the company and has since conducted it alone. Aside
from this he is interested in various other local enterprises. He is
a member of the Dubuque Club and the Masonic fraternity, in
which order he has attained the. rank of Knight Templar. To his
marriage with Miss Allye K. Knight, solemnized in Dubuque
March 22, 1897, two daughters and two sons have been born,
named Mabel A., Watkins K., Martha A. and George, all attending
Fulton school in Dubuque. Mrs. Kiene is the daughter of the
late W. J. and Mary Knight, the father at that time being district
attorney for the Illinois Central Railroad Company. He died in
February, 1908, preceded by his wife in 1888. and both are buried
in Key West cemetery. Mr. Kiene and family reside at 73 Broad-
way, the home in which he was born.
Arthur D. Schiek, of the Dubuque Advertising Company,
with offices in the Bank and Insurance building, Dubuque, is a
native of Tioga county, Pennsylvania, and the son of Peter W.
and Mary A. (Daniels) Schick^ who were of German and Scotch
descent, respectively. The paternal grandfather came to America
in 1820, and the mother's people have been residents of this country
for many generations. Peter W. Schiek served the Union cause
during the struggle between the North and South and was honor-
ably discharged at the conclusion of the war with the rank of
corporal in the One Hundred and Sixth Regiment, Pennsylvania
Volunteers, Company D, which regiment under Generals Hancock.
Howard, Sedgwick and others participated in most of the famous
battles of the war, among them, 2nd Bull Run, Antietam, Fred-
ericksburg, first and second Spottsylvania, Gettysburg and Appo-
mattox. Arthur Daniels, a brother of Mrs. Schiek, also partici-
pated in the Civil war as a northern soldier, acting as secretary and
aide de camp to General Sibley during the Indian uprising m
Minnesota and Dakota and afterwards was sent south to Memphis,
Tennessee, where he died from the fever. Arthur D. Schiek was
educated in the public schools of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and in
his nineteenth year graduated from high school there. Shortly
56o HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
thereaitei he entered the Pillsbury Flour Mills, serving a three and
a half years' apprenticeship lo the miller's trade, and then removed
to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, as a representative for the International
Correspondence Schools of Scranton, Pennsylvania, remaining in
that territory about a year. He was then transferred to Dubuque,
Iowa, where he continued his connection with the above named
concern some two and a half years. In 1903 he established himself
in the advertising business, with offices in the Bank and Insurance
building, and has since been thus successfully engaged. On June
2'd,, 1899, in Minneapolis, Mr. Schick was united in marriage with
Miss Ora B. Harter, daughter of H. D. and Marietta Harter. Her
father was a decorative painter for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St.
Paul road and was accidentally killed on August 24. 1908, in a train
collision. Mrs. Harter is yet living and resides in Minneapolis.
To Mr. and Mrs. Schick two daughters have been born, as follows :
Dorothy M.. September 7. 1903, attending Lincoln School, and
Josephine M.. born June 28, 1907. The family are communicants
of the First Congregational church.
James E. Redding, born May 10, 1866, in Somersetshire, Eng-
land, and now living in Farley, Dubuque county, Iowa, is the son
of John and Sarah (Toomer) Redding. When six years of age
his father died and three years later he was compelled to go to
work to earn a livelihood. Upon attaining his majority he came
to the United States, and the same year as his arrival (1887)
located at Dyersville, Iowa, and for a time worked at various
employments. In 1892 he was united in marriage with Miss Anna
Maria Walter, who was born September 29. 1866, the daughter of
Joseph Walter, one of the well-known men of Dubuque county,
whose biographical sketch is given elsewhere in this work. Suc-
ceeding his marriage Mr. Redding farmed for eleven years on
rented land, belonging to Mr. Walter, then purchased eight acres
within the corporate limits of Farley. Four years later he ex-
changed this property as party payment on a tract of 480 acres in
Brown county. South Dakota, which he sold in 1910. Mr. Red-
ding is one of the progressive and enterprising men of Dubuque
county. He is a Republican in politics, and he and wife are mem-
bers of the Episcopal church. To them have been born the follow-
ing named children: Albert J., Frederick J., Myrtle Florence and
Frank Leroy. John B. Walter is a brother of Anna M. Redding.
Dr. E. Lincoln Clarke, who died in Dubuque on October 7,
1903. was a man of more than ordinary learning, intelligence and
prominence. Born at Conway, Franklin county. Massachusetts,
November 2, 1822, he was a son of Eben and Sally (Griffith)
Clarke, who died when he was but a small lad. His early life was
passed on a farm. Possessing natural mechanical qualifications,
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 561
he learned the jewelry trade of a J\Ir. Cook, but abandoned this to
take up the study of dentistry and medicine under the tutelage of
Dr. Walker, an old-school, old-time physician. He practiced den-
tistry at Westfield and Springfield, Massachusetts, but in 1861 came
to Dubuque, Iowa, first being associated in partnership with Dr.
J. L. Porter, then with his brother Rodolphus, and finally with his
son, Dr. Frank B. Clarke, who survives him in the practice here.
He was twice married, first in 1845, to Emily Canfield, who died
in 1863. and second, in 1865, to Sarah Walker, sister of M. M.
Walker, and yet living. While in the East, Dr. Clarke formed the
acquaintance of the noted author, John G. Holland, which ripened
into a warm friendship. Together they took up the study of mes-
merism, then in its early stages, for scientific purposes, and in
which Dr. Clarke became wonderfully proficient. As this was at
a time when chloroform and ether were but little used by surgeons
to produce anaesthesia, he performed many minor operations after
having subjected the patients to hypnotic influence. In his later
years, owing to the extreme nervous strain of practicing hypnotism,
he gave up that custom. In connection with Mr. Holland he also
went into the old daguerreotype business, not as a means of
livelihood, but for scientific purposes, when it was first brought to
the attention of the public. When young, he contracted tubercu-
losis, the scourge of New England, which progressed so rapidly
that his life was despaired of by physicians. He treated his ailment
himself on hydropathic principles and with a specially devised
breathing tube, and in this way attained sound health and lived to
the ripe old age of eighty-one years. This remarkable discovery
and recovery attracted wide attention, and he was urged by his
old friend, Dr. Holland, Dr. Graham (of graham bread fame), and
others to specialize his practice on consumption and to lecture on the
cure of that dread disease. He declined to do so, however, owing to
the fact that nurses and physicians generally were insistently opposed
to such a new innovation in the accepted theory of practice. As a
dentist he not only attained renown, but had many students under
his direction. Three of his pupils at the same time were presidents
of the dental societies of Wisconsin, Illinois and Missouri. Three
brothers of Dr. Clarke, Asa and Albert, of Independence, and
Rodolphus, preceded him to Iowa. Asa made the trip to California
in 1849, and so entertainingly wTote of his journey that these let-
ters are valued as family keepsakes by his descendants. Half a
century later Dr. Clarke also made this trip to the Pacific and his
letters' are prized by his relatives as a supplement to those of his
brother. Dr. Clarke possessed great nervous energy, vitality and
endurance. He was of medium size, spare, alert, and was always
abreast of the times. He was a great lover of home, nature, flowers
and animals, and was one of the first to introduce Jersey cattle in this
locality. His scientific studies and his habits of life filled his mind
562 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
with the great truths of Christianity, and for many decades he
was a member and a deacon of the First Congregational church.
His mind was unclouded up to the time of his death, and he was
fond of recalling the events of his early days. In politics he was
a Republican in principle and an ardent supporter of Senator Alli-
son from the time the latter entered poliitcs. His widow and chil-
dren are all living, the latter being: Hattie A. and Mrs. Emma
Hanna, of Chicago; Dr. Albert L., of Brooklyn; Dr. Frank B., Mrs.
Nellie Lieben, Jessie A., and Fred M., of Dubuque.
Samuel L. Strief, one of Dubuque county's most progressive
and up-to-date farmers, was born in this locality November 19,
1863, son of Peter and Fredericka (Strief) Strief, both of whom
were natives of Switzerland. They came to America in 1854, and
for seven years the father was engaged at various occupations in
different parts of the country. In 1861, however, they came to
Dubuque county, settled on a tract of land in Taylor township,
and followed farming and stock-raising until their respective deaths.
The father was a Republican in politics, and, although always taking
an active interest in public affairs, he never was an office-seeker.
He passed away in 1903, at the age of seventy-two years, being
preceded by his wife January 5. 1892, aged fifty-eight years. Both
now lie at rest in Farley cemetery. Their son, Samuel L. Strief, the
immediate subject of this memoir, attended the public schools dur-
ing boyhood and remained with his parents until twenty-one years
old. For three years he rented 160 acres of his father and then
purchased same and continued to farm it two years longer. He
rented his farm for one year and then sold it, also disposing of forty
acres which he had improved just west of Farley, after which he
removed to the Sioux valley, South Dakota, and farmed 320 acres
which he had purchased there. After seven years spent there, he
disposed of his property and rented land one year near Coffey-
ville, in Montgomery county, Kansas, after which he went west
and resided about nine months in the State of Washington. He
then spent four months at Sioux City, Iowa, after which he re-
turned to Dubuque county, purchased 140 acres in section 7, Tay-
lor township, and has remained here ever since.
Mr. Strief has improved his land, fenced it in, and erected various
outhouses, and in 1904 built his present fine, modern, brick resi-
dence. He bears the reputation of having one of the finest of the
modern farms in the entire county, and also owns several other
larger tracts in Iowa township, which he improved. He is well
known as a breeder of fine Herefordshire cattle, Duroc-Jersey hogs
and Norman and Clyde horses, and also engages extensively in
dairying. He has thirty-two fine milch cows and a separator on
each farm, separating his own milk and cream, and sends the cream
to the Co-operative Creamery at Farley, of which concern he is a
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 563
stockholder. He is also a stockholder in the Farley State Bank.
Mr. Strief is a Republican in his political views, but, like his father
before him, has never aspired to hold office. In 1886 he was united
in marriage with Miss Mary Durst, the second of a family of four-
teen children born to Gabriel and Christina (Hosli) Durst, who were
both natives of Switzerland. Her parents immigrated to America
in the spring of 1870, settling in Tennessee, and in 1875 came to
Dubuque county. In 1893 they removed to Blackhawk county,
Iowa, where they resided five years, and then went to Coffeyville,
Kansas, where they passed away, the mother in 1899, aged fifty-
five, and the father in 1907, aged sixty-three. Both are buried at
that place.
To Mr. and Mrs. Strief twelve children have been born, named
as follows : Peter, unmarried, operating one of his father's farms
in Iowa township; Emma, wife of Christopher Bartmann, of Du-
buque county ; Ida ; Laura ; Rosa ; Glenn ; Mabel ; Bert, who died
in infancy, aged twenty months; Lawrence, who died at the age
of six; Samuel; Robert; and Mary. Mr. Strief is a member of
the Modern Woodmen of America, and he and family are com-
municants of the Presbyterian church at Farley. They are highly
respected in the community where they reside.
Marshall M. Walker was one of the noteworthy characters of
Dubuque half a century ago. He was a native of Dummerston,
Windham county, Vermont, born on a farm in 1832, a son of
Reuben Walker. When eighteen years old he went to Boston, but
in the early fifties came west and operated a sailing barge on the
river north of Dubuque, transporting and trading. His father and
brothers, Horatio and Chester H., and sisters, Mrs. Lucretia Mar-
tin, Mrs. Julia Taft and Mrs. E. L. Clarke, came to Dubuque sub-
sequently, and all became well known throughout this locality. Mr.
Walker was of striking personality, over six feet tall, broad in pro-
portion, genial, easily approached, optimistic and enthusiastic, sym-
pathetic, a staunch friend of the deserving regardless of politics,
religion, wealth or official position, a liberal contributor to all
deserving projects, a profound student of men, and a great lover
of home and country. Such is the pen picture of Marshall M.
Walker. In i860 he organized the M. M. Walker Company, pio-
neers in the oil, produce, grain and fruit business, operating as far
west as Sioux City, and north into Minnesota, and of this Mr.
Walker was president. His activities, however, were not confined
to this line of endeavor. For years and until his death he was a
director of the First National Bank, and in a like manner was con-
nected with the Dubuque & Sioux City Railroad. He served as
president of the Dubuque Board of Trade, and as an official of
the Young Men's Library Association, which has since become the
Carnegie-Stout Library. In politics he was a Republican, was active
564 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
in the ranks of his party, served as alderman from the Fourth ward,
and a number of years ago was part owner of the Dubuque Times.
To itemize his connection with the various commercial, industrial and
social affairs of the city would alone fill a volume. It can be briefly
stated that he was the original operator of the Dubuque Tank Line,
handling light oils, which was later sold to the Standard Oil Com-
pany ; a member of the Dubuque Jobbers' and Manufacturers'
Union, of which he was vice-president in 1901 ; operated the Key
City Barrel Factory in the days of heavy pork packing; for years
was the ruling factor of the feed and flour mill, occupying the
present site of Armour & Company ; was one of the organizers,
vice-president and a director of the Western Fruit Jobbers' Asso-
ciation ; a member of the National Credit Men's Association, and
a member of the advisory committee of the National Business
League ; was one of the organizers and vice-president of the first
Upper Mississippi River Improvement Association; was one of the
promoters and officials of the Dubuque & Northwestern Railroad,
now the Chicago & Great Western ; an honorary member of the
Dubuque Traveling Business Men's Association; a member and
one of the founders of the Dubuque Club; an active promoter of
the old Dubuque county fairs and encampments, so successful in
past years; for years an official and director of the Linwood Ceme-
tery Association; a trustee, supporter and tenor singer in the choir
of the First Congregational church from its inception. It is thus
shown that Mr. Walker was one of the most active men ever in
Dubuque. In 1858 he married Cornelia Fairbanks, of Worcester,
Massachusetts, daughter of Josiah E. Fairbanks, who moved to
Dubuque about the time of his daughter's marriage, and died at
the advanced age of ninety-five years. Mrs. Walker was a bril-
liant woman of striking appearance and carriage ; of great vivacity
and energy; a leader in social and church circles, and a charming-
entertainer in her beautiful home on Grove Terrace. They had no
children. Both Mr. Walker and wife were so well preserv^ed and
full of energy and interest in the affairs of the day that when they
died. Mr. Walker in 1904, and Mrs. Walker in 1908, at very
advanced ages, they seemed to be stricken prematurely, and their
many friends and the entire community felt their loss with a keen
sense that their places might never be filled.
John A. Pitman, engaged in the retail furniture business in
Farley, is of English parentage. Samuel Pitman, his father, was
a native of Somersetshire, as was also his mother, whose maiden
name was Eleanor Wilkins. They each came to the United States
when young, were married at Buffalo, New York, and the spring
of 1852 came from Freeport. Illinois, to Dubuque. Iowa, the former
place then l)eing the terminus of the Illinois Central Railroad. They
had arranged for a friend at Dubuque to meet them with a con-
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 565
veyance, expecting to go with him to their new home in Dodge
townsliip, where Mr. Pitman had entered eighty acres of govern-
ment land. They were disappointed in the appointment, however,
and therefore walked the remainder of the distance — twenty-five
miles. The courage and fortitude thus displayed is typical of the
character of the early settlers of Dubuque county. Mr. Pitman
was a farmer by occupation and followed that vocation throughout
life. He died in 1881, preceded by his wife in 1864, both when
comparatively young in years, and are buried in Johns Creek ceme-
tery in Cascade township. John A. Pitman, the subject of this
sketch, was born in Dubuque county, March 12, 1853, the eldest
of four children. He was educated in the public schools and at
Bayless Business College, Dubuque, and resided with his parents
until twenty- four years old. He inherited 100 acres of fine farm
land from his father, bought an additional 220 acres adjoining and
on this resided and engaged in agricultural pursuits and the raising
of Percheron horses, short-horned Durham cattle and Poland-China
hogs until he was forty-four years of age. In 1897 he leased his
farm for a term of years, and, moving into Farley, has since made
this place his home. Mr. Pitman is a Republican and has serv'ed in
the town council and is the present president of the town board.
He is a member of Iowa Lodge, No. 324, I. O. O. F., of Epworth,
and Catalpa Camp, No. 179. M. W. of A., at Farley. March 12,
1889, he married Miss Cora Heald, daughter of A. K. and Juliette
(Heath) Heald, who was born in October, 1865, and died January
5, 1898, without issue. On May 15, 1901, Mr. Pitman married Miss
Edith J. Wall, who was born in November, 1875, the fifth in a fam-
ily of twelve born to Arthur and Mary (Wall) Wall. They have
one daughter, Florence Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Pitman are Episco-
palians in religion, but owing to the infrecjuency of the services of
their church, they attend the Methodist Episcopal church.
Frederick M. Clarke, secretary and treasurer of the wholesale
produce and commission house of the M. M. Walker Company, with
offices at the corner of Main and Jones streets, Dubuque, was born
in this city, December 17, 1866. His parents were Dr. E. L. and
Sarah (Walker) Clarke, the former practicing dentistry and medi-
cine here from 1863 to the time of his death, October 7, 1903.
Appropriate mention of both is made elsewhere in this publication.
It was in the grammar and high schools of Dubuque that Frederick
M. Clarke received his early scholastic training. He subsequently
took a special electrical course in the State University of Michigan,
and succeeding this for five years worked at electrical engineering
with the Hyde Park Electric Light Company. Sperry Electric Man-
ufacturing Company and the Standard Electric Company. He then
embarked in the produce and commission business and has been
identified with this line of endeavor ever since. In religion Mr.
566 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Clarke is a member of the First Congregational church of Dubuque ;
in politics he is independent, voting for the men regardless of party-
affiliation; and socially is identified with the Beta Theta Pi col-
lege fraternity, and for years has been a member and supporter of
the Dubuque Choral Association, which made excellent records at
the Omaha and St. Louis expositions. The M. M. Walker Com-
pany, of which Mr. Clarke is secretary and treasurer and a director,
was founded in i860 by his mother's brother, M, M. Walker, who
was one of the foremost men of his day in Dubuque county. This
firm for over fifty years has been one of the successful establish-
ments of the city, and at no time has its credit and fair dealing with
the public been questioned. On November 12, 1895, Mr. Clarke
was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Hutchinson, daughter
of J. H. and Eleanor Hutchinson, of Streator, Illinois, and to them
have been born two sons, named Walker H. and Frederick Lincoln.
JuDSON Keith Deming, since 1901 president of the Second Na-
tional Bank of Dubuque, is a native of the State of Vermont, his
birth occurring September 18, 1858, at Sheldon, and the son of
Anson H. and Hannah Keith (Judson) Deming. Upon the death
of her husband, Mrs. Deming remarried and later came to Dubuque
in 1867. Here our subject was educated in the public schools and
upon the organization of the Second National Bank in 1876 he
became connected in a minor capacity with that institution, and
after filling various positions, was elected, in 1901, the president
of that institution. He is also vice-president of the Dubuque Sav-
ings Bank and of the Dubuque Casket Company. He was for six
years a member of the Board of Education, being its president dur-
ing 1903-4, and for many years has served as vestryman of St.
John's Episcopal church. Socially he is identified with the Dubuque
Club, the Dubuque Country Club, and the Shawondasee Club, and
also of various patriotic and historical societies. He is treasurer
also of the following associations and societies : Memorial Associa-
tion, Humane Society, Boys' Welfare Association, American Red
Cross in Iowa, Iowa Episcopate Fund. He is the compiler of the
Deming genealogy and has made various other contributions to
literature. On January 10, 1884, at Winona, Minnesota, he was
united in marriage with ]Miss Mary Colebrook Worthington, daugh-
ter of Edward and Jane Maria (Shepard) Worthington, and to
them two children have been born, named Elsa Louise, born Decem-
ber 6, 1885, and Keith Worthington, born June 29, 1887. and died
November 13. 1909. being a student in the Amherst College class of
191 2. Mr. Deming bears an enviable reputation among banking
circles and in Dubutjue county.
Charles W. Connell was born in Dubuque county, Iowa, July
26, 1861. and is the second in a family of seven children born to
THE NEW YORK
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TILDEN FOUNDATIONS
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HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUXTV 567
the marriage of Michael Connell and Catharine Seery, both of
whom were natives of Ireland. Michael Connell came to the United
States in 1850. He married in Dubuque county, followed agricul-
tural pursuits, was a Democrat in politics, a Roman Catholic in
religion, and died in May, 1907, at tlic age of seventy-six years,
preceded by his wife in January, 1890, when sixty-one years of age.
Charles W. Connell is one of the best known stock-raisers and
farmers in Dubuque county. He was reared to farm life, received
a practical education in youth and at the age of twenty-four years
was employed bv the government carrying the mail between Farley
and Cascade. After two years he opened a buffet in Farley which,
in addition to his other enterprises, he has since operated. In 1902
he became the owner of 358 acres of land in Dubuque county which
he has brought to a high state of improvement. He devotes a great
deal of his time to stock-raising. Percheron horses, Short Horn
cattle, Poland China and Duroc Jersey hogs being his specialty.
To his marriage with Miss Martha J. Keefe, which occurred ii*
1 89 1, six children have been born, named Walter J., Pauline E.,
Harold J., Charles W., Jr., Francis M. and Florence M. Mrs.
Connell was born February 4. 1870, the fourth in a family of eleven
children born to Daniel and Ellen (Hogan) Keefe. Her parents
were natives of Ireland, but came to America and Dubuque county,
Iowa, in 1850. For a number of years Mr. Keefe was employed
on the Illinois Central railway as section foreman, then was engaged
in farming. In 1904 he moved to Farley, where he died in August,
1907, aged seventy-five years, and is sur\nved by his wife. Mr.
Connell is a Democrat in politics, has been treasurer of the Catholic
Order of Foresters for a number of years and he and family are
members of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic church of Farley.
x\dolph M. Trexler, secretary and treasurer of Rhomberg
Brothers Company, dealers in wines and liquors, was born in the
city of Dubuque, September 7, 1865, the son of John and Katherine
Trexler, who came to this country from Bavaria, Germany, in 1855.
The father was a contractor, which trade he followed many years
in Dubuque, and passed away in 1908 at the great age of eighty-
three years. His wife died August 9, 1892, aged sixty-four, and
both now lie at rest in the family lot in Mount Calvary cemetery.
To them were born six children, as follows: Caroline (Kriebs),
John, Emma (Pancratz), Louis, Kate (Shannon) and Adolph, the
subject of this memoir. After attending the parochial schools of
this city Mr. Trexler further pursued his studies in St. Joseph's
College, but left same in his seventeenth year and started out in
life for himself. He secured employment in the retail grocery
establishment of his brother, and in 1888 bought a half interest in
same, and remained thus occupied until he acquired by purchase
his present interest in Rhomberg Brothers Company. He was
568 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
elected secretary and treasurer of this concern, in which capacity
he has officiated ever since. Previous to this last association, he
sold his interest in the grocery business to his brother, who has
since continued alone. Mr. Trexler is also vice president of the
Trexler Livery Company and secretary and treasurer of the Du-
buque Tanning and Robe Company. In religion he is a Roman
Catholic, being identified with St. Mary's Catholic church, and
socially holds membership in the Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks, the Catholic Order of Foresters and the Pius Alphonsius
Society. He is also a member of the Dubuque Traveling and
Business Men's Association and of the United Commercial Trav-
elers. June 19, 1892, he was married at Dubuque to Miss Lucie F.
Altman, daughter of Theodore and Mary Altman, pioneer residents
of Dubuque, and they have one son and one daughter, named
Walter A., attending the St. Joseph's College, of this city, and
Dorothy K., now a student at the Immaculate Conception Academy.
The family residence is located at 11 14 Clay street.
Curtis D. Benton, of Farley, Iowa, was born in the state of
New York on September 18, 1843, ^"<i is a son of the old pioneers,
Abner and Abigail Benton, appropriate mention of whom is made
in connection with the biographical sketch of Charles Benton,
appearing elsewhere in this work. When a boy he attended the
district schools which were then of a primitive kind, and assisted
his father in the work of the farm. He remained on the home
farm until twenty-six years old. then engaged in farming for him-
self on rented property. In 1866 he bought forty acres of land
just west of Farley on which he moved and where he resided about
ten years. Having purchased a tract of 1 10 acres in Dodge town-
ship from his brother, Charles, he operated this farm for eighteen
years, but in February, 1909, moved into Farley, which has since
been his home. Like the other members of the Benton family,
Curtis D. has worked hard, has aided in all good movements tend-
ing toward the betterment of the community and is considered one
of the substantial and progressive citizens of the county. Besides
his residential property in Farley he is the owner of 218 acres of
choice land on which, in addition to farming, he has raised stock
for dairying purposes. December 2, 1866, Mr. Benton married
Miss Martha Thompson, who was born November 10, 1847. Willis
and Elizabeth (Clouse) Thompson, her parents, were natives of
South Carolina and Tennessee, respectively, and were married in
Dubuque county. Their children were : William, married Mary
Anderson, who died in 1907 leaving eight children and lives at
Wolbach, Nebraska; Martha, the wife of Curtis D. Benton; Willis
S., a farmer of Montgomery county, Iowa, married Ann Thomas,
who died in 1902 leaving two children, and Oliver S., who married
Clara Ward, of Farley, Iowa, the father of one child and lives at
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 569
Cedar Rapids, Towa. The father was a soldier of the War of 1S12
and of the Black Hawk war. He followed farming all his life and
died in 1875 at the age of seventy-eight years, followed by his
widow in January, 1881, aged sixty-nine years. To Curtis D.
Benton and wife there have been born two children: Frank (3..
married Alta Claw and resides on his father's farm, and Curtis H.,
who married Mabel Gebhardt, is the father of two children and also
makes his home in Dubuque county. Curtis D. Benton is a Re-
publican, served as a member of the school board about five years
and he and wife are members of the home church.
Isaac L. McGee was born in Iowa township, Dubuque county,
Iowa, August 19, 1855, and is a son of James and Martha A
(Anderson) McGee, who were natives of County Armagh, Ireland,
and Barren county, Kentucky, respectively. James McGee came
to America the spring of 183 1, and until 1834 resided in Phila-
delphia. He then moved to Clinton county, Illinois, and engaged in
farming, but three years later went to Iowa county, Wisconsin,
bought a tract of land near Mineral Point and for two years fol-
lowed the prevailing occupation of mining. In 1836 he came to
Dubuque county, Iowa, and in 1839 entered government land on
section 15, Iowa township. A few years later he obtained govern-
ment land on section 31, upon which he made his home until his
death in 1893, when eighty-four years old. He was a man of
unusual force of character and was elected to almost every office in
the gift of his township. August 10, 1844, he married the daughter
of John and Elizabeth (Haggard) Anderson, natives of Virginia,
wdio settled in Barren county, Kentucky, when the name of Daniel
Boone was at its zenith. Isaac L. McGee was the fifth in a family
of eight children. He and his sister are the only members of this
family residing in Iowa ; a brother, G. H. McGee, resides in Ne-
braska ; another, D. W. McGee, resides in Louisiana, and another.
W. J. McGee, is in the employ of the government at Washington,
D. C. ; three brothers died while young. His education was obtained
in the public schools and his home was with his parents until he
attained manhood. In 1885 he married Minnie E. Van Ostrand,
whose parents were George E. and Georgianna (Stewart) Van
Ostrand, natives of the state of New York. Mrs. McGee was born
February i, 1865, and moved with her parents to Nebraska when
the tide of emigration was toward that new country. She died
October 21, 1892. and was buried in Bethel cemetery in Iowa town-
ship (see elsewhere for cemetery record). Three children were
born to this marriage, viz. : George L.. Milo J. and Cora Belle.
George L. is at present employed on a farm in Dodge township;
Milo J. is in Wayne, Nebraska, and Cora Belle is teaching near
Wayne, Nebraska. In 1894 Mr. McGee married Mrs. Ada Glew,
widow- of John Glew, of Dubuque county, and daughter of Francis
570 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
M. anci Sarah H. (Kephart) Allen, who were old settlers in Iowa
and are now living in Farley. The present Mrs. McGee was born
February 5, 1861, and by her first hiisl:)and had one daughter,
Addie. who married Bert Snodgrass and lives in Buchanan county.
Four children have been born to the second marriage of Mr. and
Mrs. McGee : Nancy W. ; Sarah Gladys, who died when five years
old; Henry F., died at the age of eighteen months, and Mary J-
After his marriage Mr. McGee began farming for himself, raising
stock and giving especial attention to dairying. In 1908 he moved
to Farley, where he now lives practically retired from the active
work of farming. He belongs to the Odd Fellows and Modern
Woodmen of America, is a Republican, has served as township
supervisor several terms and as a member of the school board many
years. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church
at Farley.
Harry E. Tredway, president of the John Ernsdorfif Iron Com-
pany, is a son of the old pioneers, Alfred and Elizabeth (Taft)
Tredway, who first came to Dubuque in 1849, ^^^ permanently
settled here in 185 1. The family, originally, came from Bristol,
England, three brothers crossing in 1638, the direct ancestor of the
subject of this sketch locating in the colony of Sudbury, Con-
necticut. Alfred Tredway was born in New York city in 18 17 and
was reared and educated at Salem, Connecticut. Upon his perma-
nent location in Dubuque he opened an iron foundry, which after-
wards became the Iowa Iron Works. In partnership with William
Andrew, under the firm name of Andrew & Tredway, he embarked
in tiic hardware business in 1853, and this business has been carried
on during the intervening fifty-eight years by members of the Tred-
way family, the firm now being styled the A. Tredway & Sons
Hardware Company. The great length of time in active business,
the unvarying honesty with which its affairs have been conducted
and the unwavering .stability of the credit of the house during the
various financial panics have made the name of Tredway a synonym
for commercial lionor throughout Dubuque and the surrounding
community. Elizabeth (Taft) Tredway is a second cousin of
President William H. Taft and a descendant of Robert Taft, of
Mendon, Massachusetts. Alfred Tredway was one of the foremost
characters of his day in Dubuque and in addition to being financially
interested in numerous i)ublic and private enterprises was one of the
foremost men in the upbuilding of the city.
Harry E. Tredway was born in Dubuque, June 30, 1861, attended
the public schools in early youth, was graduated from the high
school m 1878, and immediately thereafter entered the employ of
Andrew & Tredway, and the succeeding firm of A. Tredway &
Sons Hardware Company. For eleven years he was a traveling
salesman for the firm, but upon its reorganization and incorporation
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 571
in 1889 he was elected secretary, serving as such until 1902, since
which date he has been its president. Mr. Tredway is also vice
president of the Metz Manufacturing Company, president of the
Dubuque Shippers' Association, president of the board of education,
member of the Dubuque Club and of the Dubuque Golf Club; he
is a Republican in politics. To his marriage with Miss Marion
McConnel, daughter of Major George Murray McConnel, at one
time financial and literary editor of the Chicago Chronicle, which
was solemnized June 22, 1887, three daughters have been born:
Margaret, Helen and Mary Leslie.
Franklin Adeleert Ransom, hardware merchant at Farley,
was born at Binghamton, New York, August 24, 1854. His father
was Elisha Ransom and his mother's maiden name was Minkler,
the latter dying when he was not yet three years old. His father
was twice remarried, seven children being born to his first marriage
and none to the last two. He was a farmer by occupation and
moved to Dubuque county in 1866. and to Farley about the year
1888, where he died ten years later at the advanced age of eighty-
four years. Franklin A. Ransom attended the public schools in
youth and completed his education with one term at the Epworth
Seminary. When eighteen years old he began clerking in a general
store in Farley, continuing thus five years. Associated with his
brother Albert he then embarked in the hardware business, at which
he has since continued. Mr. Ransom is a Republican, has been a
member of the town council a number of years, belongs to the
Modern Woodmen of America, and he and wife are members of
the Methodist Episcopal church at Farley, of which Mr. Ransom is
secretary and treasurer of the board of trustees. In 1883 he mar-
ried Miss Anna Newton, who was born January 4, 1863, a daugh-
ter of Rev. Isaac and Mary (Baker) Newton. Three children have
been born to this union : Vere Leroy, who married Elvira L.
Rederus, assistant bookkeeper for Ransom Brothers ; Ralph Newton,
practicing dentistry at Plattsmouth, Nebraska, and Alice Lucile.
Rev. Isaac Newton, widely known in Methodist communities in
Iowa, was born in England and there married Ann Mapstone, who
died leaving him one child. Following his wife's death he came to
America in 1849, and two years later married Mary Baker, who
was also of English nativity. Seven children were born to this
marriage, four dying in infancy, and one. Anna, being the wife of
Franklin A. Ransom, of Farley. Iowa. He was a man of superior
education and attainments, and early espoused the cause of Chris-
tianity, allying himself with the Methodist Episcopal church. He
was ordained to the ministr}- and attained fame as an exhorter and
an expounder of Methodism. At one time he had twelve congrega-
tions in his circuit and was aided in his work by only one other
pastor. He is well remembered and loved at Cascade, where he
572 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
resided for a time, as well as at numerous other places. He was a
member of the Upper Iowa Conference and died in 1904 when
eighty-eight years old.
John Kapp, president of the Dubuque Mattress Factory since
its oiganization in 1894. is a native of Germany, born near the city
of Trier, and the son of Mathias and Susan (Herber) Kapp. The
family came to America and settled at Palcnville, Green county,
New York, in 185 1, and eight years later moved to Iowa, locating
first on a farm in Jackson county and later in the city of Dubuque.
Subsequently the parents moved to Rockdale, near Dubuque, and
here the father, who was a gardener by occupation, lived a retired
life until his death in 1880, aged eighty-one years. Two years later
his wife died, aged eighty-one, and both are buried in the German
Catholic cemetery now known as Mount Olivet. John Kapp, the
subject of this sketch, was born on September 15, 1845, ^'""^^ until
his fourteenth year attended the district schools. For a time he
worked on his father's farm, but in 1861 began a two years'
apprenticeship to the upholsterer's and mattress maker's trades.
From 1863 to 1876 he traveled extensively as a journeyman, then
returned to Dubuque and established the mattress business of which
he has been the active head ever since. This concern started in a
small way and through excellent management has become one of
the solid and substantial business houses of the county. The busi-
ness was incorporated in 1894 and its trade extends over the states
of Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois and South Dakota and the
employes number about fifty persons. ]\Ir. Kapp is a Mason and
Knight Templar and has attained to the thirty-second degree in
the Scottish rite. In politics he is a Republican. He was married
to Miss Margaret Zimpelmann at Cincinnati, Ohio, May 12, 1869.
To this union two sons and two daughters have been born, as fol-
lows : Rosa, graduate of Dubuque high school and now a book-
keeper for the Dubuque Mattress Factory; Kate, a graduate of the
University of Minnesota, at home; Walter E., graduate of Michigan
University, and Charles L., now farming, both owners of a ranch
in the state of Washington. Mrs. Kapp's parents were George and
Margaret (Stock) Zim])elmann, who came to America about 1825
and were among the earliest pioneer farmers in Shelby county,
Indiana. The home of the Kapp family in Dubuque is located at
130 Willow street.
Charles Benton, living retired in Farley, is one of the repre-
scntati\e men of Dul)uque county and is an integral part of the
citizenship that has placed this among the foremost counties of the
state. His parents were Abner and Abigail Benton, who moved
from New York state to Dubuque county in 1846 and were partici-
pants in tlie events of pioneer life in this locality. Abner Benton
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 573
farmeu and develo])e(l his pro])erty and here he and wife passed
the remainder of their days. Charles Benton was l)orn Noveniher
7, 1832, in Allegheny county. New York, and is the oldest of a
family of eleven children. When fourteen years of age he was
brought to Dubuque county by his parents and here he has lived
sixty-five years — nearly the allotted period of man's life. He
remained under the ])arental roof until eighteen years old, attend-
ing the public schools and assisting in the work of the home farm,
and then began working for wages. When twenty-three years old
he bought eighty acres of raw prairie land and thereupon built a
home and resided five years. He then disposed of it and purchased
120 acres of improved land, which he successfully farmed for
eighteen years. He again sold his property and bought forty acres
just west of Farley and 160 acres in Cherokee county, disposing of
the former some time later, but still retaining the Cherokee county
propcrtv. In April, 1900, he moved to Farley, which has since been
his home. March 25, 1858, he married Miss Ella Merriman, who
was born September 17, 1841, and together they have lived happily
fifty-three years, celebrating their golden wedding in 1908. The
parents of Mrs. Benton were Myron and Adeline (Pilgrim) Merri-
man, natives of Connecticut. Her father died when she was three
years old and her mother then married Stephen F. Squires. They
came to Dubuque county, Iowa, in 1855, and here Mrs. Squires
died March 2/, 1898, when eighty-three years old. To Mr. and
Mrs. Benton there have been born three children. The eldest,
Adeline Lilian, married James Ray and resides in Cherokee county,
the mother of two children; the second, Florence A., became the
wife of John Finn and died in 1891 at the age of twenty-five years;
the youngest, Albert Leroy, died when eighteen years old. Mr.
Benton is a Republican in politics. He is a member of Julien Lodge,
No. 551, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and he and wife are
old time members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
George McGee, resident of Farley, Iowa, was born January 14,
1 84 1, in Iowa township, this county, and is the fourth in order of
birth of ten children born to Joseph and Jane (McKinley) McGee,
who were natives of Ireland. The family came to Dubuque county,
Iowa, in 1836 and settled on a farm in Iowa township. They were
thus among the very first settlers in Dubuque county, and their
respective deaths occurred in 1885 and 1884. George McGee
attained his majority under the parental roof. He made his start
in life by breaking prairie land with ox teams, and later operated a
saw mill. In 1865 he came to Farley and embarked in mercantile
pursuits at which he continued for twenty years. He is now
engaged in handling lumber and coal. To his marriage with Miss
Jane Armstrong, which occurred in 1869, four children have been
born: Elsie M., now Mrs. Edward Ellis, of Farley; Joseph H.,
574 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
married Mabel Owen and resides in Pueblo. Colorado; Bertha M.,
the wife of Clark Goodale, of Epworth, and Raymond, who mar-
ried Irene James and resides in Farley. Mr. McGee is a member
of Julicn Lodge, No. 551, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of
Farley, is a Democrat in politics, has served as town councilman
and treasurer and he and family are members of the Methodist
Episcopal church.
Frank M. Rhomberg, president of the wholesale wine and
liquor firm of Rhomberg Brothers Company, is one of those men
who came to America and Dubuque early in life and have had
honorable and successful business careers. Born in the city of
Dornbirn, near Lake Constance, Austria, on January 25. 1869, he
is the oldest son born to the union of Jacob and Rosina Rhomberg,
both natives of that country. The father first immigrated to the
United States in 1861, but in 1867 returned to Austria, and there
conducted a hotel and brewery until his death in 1896, at the age
of fifty-eight years. His wife passed away in 1887, aged forty-six
years. i\fter attending the public schools of his native country
Frank M. Rhomberg came to America and Dubuque, at which time
he was but eighteen years old. Shortly thereafter he went to St.
Paul and for two years was shipping clerk in the furniture estab-
lishment of his uncle, ^Ir. John Luger. In the winter of 1889 he
returned to Dubuque, and for nine years traveled for the wholesale
liquor establishment of L. A. Rhomberg, another uncle. In the fall
of that year, however, in partnership with his brother, Alphonse J.,
Mr. Rhomberg embarked in the same line of business on his own
account, and through shrewd business management their concern
prospered until in time they were forced to organize a company,
which later became known as the Rhomberg Brothers Company.
This has since become one of the solid commercial houses of
Dubuque and is one of the largest of its kind in the county. Mr.
Rhomberg is also president and manager of the Dubuque Tanning
& Robe Company, vice president and director of the Union Transfer
Company, and is identified with various other local concerns of
importance. He is a Democrat in politics and for some years has
been secretary of the Dubuque County Democratic Central Com-
mittee. Socially he is a member of the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks. In 1894 he was united in marriage with Miss Alary
H. Altman, daughter of Theodore Altman; she died February 16.
1907, aged thirty-seven years, leaving two children. Karl and
Eleanor. On August 10, 1910, Mr. Rhomberg married Miss Mary,
daughter of Charles and May Kruse, and they are at present resid-
ing in the Dellenfundt flats.
Joseph H. Rhomberg, general manager of the Dubuque Star
Brewing Company, was born in this city July 31, 1863, and the
(T-
^'Af.
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AS'-'OR, LT^NOX AND
TILDEN lOcNDATIONS
I R L
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY S7S
greater part of his life has been spent here. He was the third in
order of birth in a family of four sons and one daughter born to
Joseph Andrew and Catherina Rhoniberg, an account of whom
appears elsewhere in this publication. His early schooling was
acquired in the public and ])arochial institutions of this city and
later he entered the old Christian Brothers' College, at Prairie du
Chien, Wisconsin. Desiring to take up the study of engineering,
he went to St. Louis, Missouri, and in 1881 was graduated from
the Washington University. He then went to Texas and for a time
was master mechanic of his father's railroad, the Austin & North-
western hne, but in 1885 returned to Dubuque to assume the posi-
tion of general manager and superintendent of t'he Dubuque street
railway, then controlled and operated by his father. In 1898, how-
ever, he built and was one of the organizers of the Dubuque Star
Brewing Company, one of the largest concerns of its kind in the
state, and has been the general manager of same ever since. Aside
from the above, Mr. Rhomberg deals somewhat extensively in real
estate. He is an independent Republican in politics, voting for the
man rather than the party, and socially is identified with the Benevo-
lent and Protective Order of Elks. In religious views he is a
Roman Catholic and a member of the Sacred Heart church of this
city. On May 17, 1891, at Dubuque, he was united in marriage with
Miss Elizabeth H. Meuser, daughter of William and Margaret Meu-
ser, and to them three children have been bom, named : Joseph W.,
attending St. Mary's High School ; Marie and John, each attending
Sacred Heart School.
Jacob Kerper, general merchant at New Vienna, was born
August 26, 1848, in Rheinish Prussia, Germany. When four years
old he came with his parents, John and Anna Maria Kerper, to the
United States and, locating at the then frontier settlement of New
Vienna, Iowa, the father bought an eighty-acre tract of land and
engaged in farming. By hard work and economy he gradually
increased his real estate holdings until he at one time owned 240
acres. He was one of the thrifty, upright men of Dubuque county
and died with the high esteem of all who knew him, in 1899, ^^ ^^^
age of seventy-nine years. His wife died in 1896, aged seventy-
eight years. Jacob Kerper received a liberal education in the public
schools and the Epworth Seminary. He taught school for a time
and clerked in the store of A. C. Walker Company, at Farley, until
June, 1872, then came to New Vienna as salesman for George Mein-
iiart. Eventually Mr. Kerper, by purchase, succeeded to the busi-
ness of Mr. Meinhart, and rebuilding the premises, now conducts
one of the best equipped mercantile establishments in the surround-
ing community. Mr. Kerper inherits the thrift and industry of his
parents, and aside from his mercantile interests is the owner of
valuable real estate in North Dakota, Washington, Nebraska. Iowa
576 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
and Minnesota. He is also president of the German State Bank at
Dyersville, and as an independent Republican in politics has served
as mayor of New Vienna six years, trustee many years and school
treasurer for twenty-five years. He is a member of the Catholic
church, of which, for sixteen years, he has been secretary. June 30,
1873, he married Miss Mary Ann Meyer, daughter of George and
Magdalena Meyer, old pioneers of this locality, and to this union
have been born twelve children : Mathias, who died in 1890, when
eight years old ; George L. ; Bernard V. ; Otto N. ; Edmund M. ;
Alver H. ; Eugene P.; Annie G. (Mrs. E. H. Willging) ; Agnes C.
(Mrs. Dr. F. X. Lang) ; and three who died in infancy. Mr.
Kerper and family are among the best known people of western
Dubuque county.
Herbert C. Kretschmer, president of the Kretschmer Manu-
facturing Company, was born in the city of Dubuque, August 2,
1866, a son of Charles G. and Anna (Fangler) Kretschmer, pio-
neer residents here. The father was a native of Breslau, Prussian
Province of Silesia, Germany, but in 1849 immigrated to America
and two years later located at Dubuque. For a time he conducted
a private school, after which, from 1857 to 1897, he taught in the
Fifth Ward (Audubon) School. He was widely known as an
able instructor, and passed away at the age of seventy-six years.
His widow still survives him. Their son, Herbert C. Kretschmer,
received his education in the school wdiere his father taught for so
many years, and at the age of fifteen started out in life for himself
as a plumber's helper for Morrison Brothers, and later secured
employment with Mr. A. Y. McDonald, starting as shipping boy
and being promoted as occasion warranted until reaching the posi-
tion of shipping clerk. For a time he then traveled as salesman
for this firm, but in 1907, in partnership with his brother, Frederick
N., established their present concern and embarked in the manufac-
ture of plumbing specialties and supplies. Through their able man-
agement the business prospered and the establishment now occupies
a four-story building of 100 by 150 feet dimensions. Mr. Kretsch-
mer is a member of the Knights of Pythias and of the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks. November 14, 1907, he was united
in marriage with Miss Tenie Essmann, daughter of one of Du-
buque's pioneer manufacturers, and they now^ reside at 256 Thir-
teenth street.
Adam J. Hoefer, well-known resident of New Vienna, is a native
of Dubuque county, and the son of Christian and Anna Maria.
Christian Hoefer was born in the Prussian Province of Nassau,
Germany, in the year 18 12, and in 1844 emigrated to the United
States, landing at New York City. He decided to come west in
search of a home, and made the journey partly by canal to Sandusky,
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY S77
Ohio; Christian Hoefer lived three years at Sandusky, Ohio, before
he came to Chicago and West, thence by lakes to Chicago, thence by
stage to Galena, Illinois, and a year later came to Dubuque county
and with a soldier's warrant for i6o acres settled on a farm in New
Wine township. He was one of the pioneer settlers in this section
of the county and experienced the trials and hardships incident to
early times. He died on November i, 1892, aged eighty years, and
was follow-ed by his wife in 1893, at the age of seventy-five. Both
are buried in St. Boniface cemetery at New Vienna. Adam J.
Hoefer received his early education in the local public schools. The
date of his birth was August 7, 1856. He also attended St. Francis
College, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, succeeding which for five years he
taught in the district schools of Dubuque county. He then con-
ducted a hotel at New^ Vienna for fifteen years, and in 1895 ^^'^'^'
barked in his present business — real estate and insurance. Mr. Hoe-
fer is a Democrat in politics, is serving as town mayor at the present
time, and for thirty years has been a justice of the peace. In relig-
ious views he is a Roman Catholic, being a member of St. Boniface
church. November 23, 1879, at New Vienna, he married Miss
Josephine Kokenge, daughter of John B. and Marianna Kokenge.
Her father followed the sea as first officer for years, and later con-
ducted a hotel at Cincinnati, Ohio. In about 1850 he came to Du-
buque county, Iowa, and engaged in farming until his death in about
1866. His wife died in 1898 and both are buried at New^ Vienna.
To Mr. and Mrs. Hoefer the following children have been bom :
Mary C, Catherine J., Adam H., Regina S., Eugene H., and three
who died in infancy.
Frederick N. Kretschmer, vice-president and treasurer of the
Kretschmer Manufacturing Company, with offices and plant on
Washington street, was born in Dubuque, October 19, 1869, and is
a son of Charles G. and Anna (Fengler) Kretschmer. For forty
years the father taught in the public schools of this city, and with
his passing Dubuque lost a strong advocate of education and a man
highly respected by all who knew him. A more appropriate sketch
of the elder Kretschmer appears in connection with that of his son,
Herbert C. Our subject received his early scholastic training in the
Fifth Ward (Audubon) School, with wdiich his father was identi-
fied for so many years, and after graduating therefrom entered a
bank with a view to taking up that line of business later in life.
He relinquished this idea, however, and in partnership wMth his
brother, founded the Kretschmer Manufacturing Company and em-
barked in the manufacture of plumbing specialties and supplies.
They started out in a small w^ay, but by shrewd business manage-
ment prospered until today their establishment is regarded as one
of the solid and substantial houses of the city. These two men
started out in life without any especial advantages, and by their
578 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
own unaided efforts have accumulated a competency and attained a
position of honor and respect among their fellowmen.
Samuel T. Swift, present recorder for Dubuque county, Iowa,
was born at Benton, Lafayette county, Wisconsin, October 15, 1876,'
the son of John P. and Ellen Swift. Both parents were also natives
of Lafayette county and descended from the oldest settlers of that
locality. John P. Swift was a farmer by occupation, but is now
living retired from the active cares of life. Samuel T. Swift, the
immediate subject of this memoir, primarily attended the public
schools and later the Plattsville Normal School. Succeeding his
graduation from the latter he learned the barber trade, and after
finishing his apprenticeship purchased a shop at 540 Main street,
Dubuque, in 1898, which he still conducts. He is a director of the
Eagle Building Association and was chairman of the building com-
mittee which had charge of the remodeling of the association build-
ing. As a Democrat in politics Mr. Swift was elected county re-
corder in 1906 and is a candidate for re-election. Socially he is a
member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, is past
president of the local Order of Eagles, and secretary of the Iowa
State Eagles, and a member of the Knights of Columbus. In re-
ligious views he is identified with St. Anthony's Roman Catholic
church. On January i, 1902, in Dubuque, he married Miss Dor-
othea Baule, daughter of William and Caroline Baule. William
Baule served his country during the Civil war and died from the ef-
fects of injuries received in an engagement. His widow yet survives
and resides with the subject of this sketch. To Mr. and Mrs.
•Swift the following named four children have been born; Dorothea,
died in infancy; Carolyn, six years old, attending school; Aileen,
four years old ; and Nell, two years of age. The family home is
located at 330 Grandview avenue.
Cornelius Daniel Harrington, the present clerk of the Dis-
trict Court, to which position he was first elected in the fall of 1908,
was born in Springfield, Illinois, March 20, 1861, the son of Jere-
miah and Catherine Harrington. The parents were natives of
County Cork, Ireland, but immigrated to America in or about the
year 1840, and located at Springfield, Illinois, where they remained
until 1862. They then came to Dubuque county, Iowa, and settled
on a farm in Jefferson township, where they lived happily together
until their respective deaths. The father was a good and honest
man, having many friends and no enemies, and when he passed away
on December 20, 1873, at the age of seventy years, his loss was
mourned generally throughout the county. His widow survived
him until June. 1904, when, at the age of eighty-four, she, too, was
summoned to the great unknown. Both now lie at rest in the ceme-
tery at Rickardsville.
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ASTOR, LENOX AND
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HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 579
The boyhood days of CorneHus Daniel Harrington were spent in
attending the pubHc schools and assisting his father on the farm.
He has resided on the old homestead all his life, remodeling and
improving same, and for fourteen years has been secretary of the
Balltown Co-operative Creamery, in which he is also a stockholder.
At the age of twenty-one years he was elected a member of the board
of directors of his school district. As he seemed specially suited to
public life, he bent his energies in that direction. For five years he
served as assessor of Jefferson township, which position he resigned
to become county supervisor, holding same for six years. Mr. Har-
rington then returned to his farm and engaged in agricultural pur-
suits until the fall election of 1908, at which time he was elected to
the position of clerk of the District Court, which position he has
filled with honor and credit. He is a Democrat in politics, and in
religious views an adherent of the Roman Catholic faith, affiliating
with the Sacred Heart church. Socially he is a member of the
Knights of Columbus, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks,
the Modern Woodmen of America, the Eagles, and the Modern
Woodmen of the World. To his marriage with Miss Lucie Herkes,
solemnized December 3, 1892, at Balltown, there have been born
three children : Adeline, John D., and Margaret. John P. Herkes,
father of Mrs. Harrington, came to Dubuque county at an early
date with his wife, Margaretta, and served the Union cause during
the Civil war.
John Glab, one of Dubuque county's highly respected citizens, is
a native of Germany, his birth occurring in the village of Gueges-
heim, of Hesse-Darmstadt, November 11, 1834. He was one of
a family of six children born to Christoph and Elizabeth Glab, both
of whom were descended from old German families, and who in
1854 immigrated to the United States and located on a farm in
Dubuque county. The father was an honest, conscientious man, a
credit to any community, and after a long and useful life of eighty-
eight years passed away on the old homestead in 1888. His wife
died ten years before, at the age of seventy-eight. Their son,
John, the immediate subject of this review, received his schooling
in the public institutions of his native country, and after coming to
America worked for a time in a lead mine in this county. He then
followed teaming for a while, and subsequently freighted wood on
the Mississippi river until 1865. He then bought a distillery and
a flour mill, but disposed of same after successfully operating them
five years, and in 1870 established himself in the manufacture of
vinegar and pickles, which industry he continued for a period of
thirty-six years. The building he occupied is now one of Dubuque's
hostelries, known as the Glab House. Mr. Glab has always taken
an active interest in local affairs of importance, and served as alder-
man from his ward during 1883 and 1884, and as mayor of Dubuque
58o HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
in 1885 and 1886. In religion he is an adherent of the Roman Cath-
olic faith and is a member of St. Mary's church. On December 7,
1 86 1, at Dubuque, he was united in marriage with Miss Louise Wag-
ner, daughter of Peter Wagner, who died on the voyage from Ger-
many to this country. To Mr. and Mrs. Glab four sons and two
daughters have been born, as follows : John Nicholas, who died in
1897, aged thirty-seven; Lena, wife of B. D. Heeb, capitalist, resid-
ing in California; Henry, of St. Louis; Lulu, who married F. K.
Matterson, deceased, and now resides with her father; Leo F., a
plumber of this city; and Morris P., a news agent. Mr. Glab's resi-
dence is at 846 West Fifth street, his home for the past forty years.
For the past eight years Mr. Glab has been justice of the peace in
Dubuque.
Prof. George F. Gerken, in charge of the parochial school at
New Vienna, is a native of Dubuque County, Iowa, a son of Henry
and Anna (\\'inter) Gerken and a grandson of Herman Gerken.
The latter came from the Prussian Province of Westphalia, Ger-
many, to America and Dubuque county in 1850, and for a time fol-
lowed carpentering. He later engaged in farming near Dyers-
ville, and died in 1878, aged fifty-six years, preceded by his wife in
1862, and both are buried at Dyersville. Mrs. Anna Gerken's father,
John Peter Winter, was born in the year 1816 at Niedersain, Nassau,
Germany. He came to America in 1854, settling first at Dubuque,
and in 1865 at New Vienna, following the trade of masonr}^ He
died in the year 1896, preceded by his wife in 1888. They are both
buried at New Vienna.
Henry Gerken was born on his father's farm near New Vienna
on September 2, 1855, and after attending the public schools, learned
the carpenter's trade. In 1878 he married Miss Anna Winter, and
to them were born the following named children : Aloysius, a car-
penter at Dyersville; Mary, wife of Joseph Fritz, farming at Adrian,
Minnesota ; George F. ; Hubert, a carpenter at Adrian ; Wilhel-
mina. wife of Peter Winter, farming at Adrian ; Irma, residing with
her brother George ; Alphons, a carpenter ; Ewald, presently a farm-
hand ; and Zita, attending school. George F. Gerken, the immediate
subject of this sketch, was born on October 28, 1884, attended the
parochial school at New Vienna during boyhood days, and for a
time was employed as painter by Jacob Summer. In 1907, he went
to St. Francis, Wisconsin, and entered the Catholic Nomial School,
from which he was graduated in 1909 with his diploma as teacher.
He then returned to New Vienna and the following year was ap-
pointed in charge of the parochial school in that village, and also
to fill the position as organist at the St. Boniface Church. Prof.
Gerken is a Democrat in his political views, and a Roman Catholic
in religion. Both his parents are yet living, making their home in
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 581
New Vienna, and bear the respect and esteem of all who know
them.
Adam Glab, pioneer business man of Dubuque, now deceased,
was born in the Grand Duchy of Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, No-
vember 17, 1828. He acquired a practical education in his native
country and there first learned that success was to be obtained only
through industry and economy. In 1852 he immigrated to the
United States and the same year located in Dubuque, Iowa, which
was ever afterwards his home. For a number of years he followed
mining, as was the usual custom of the early settlers, but in 1866,
at a cost of $50,000, he built the Northern Brewery and was there-
after actively identified with the brewing interests of Dubuque until
his death. Mr. Glab was a fine example of the self-made man. He
started out in life for himself without a dollar. A stranger in a
strange land, unacquainted with the ways and customs of a people
speaking an unknown tongue, his efforts were in many ways im-
peded. He possessed natural qualities of shrewdness and sound
business ideas, and gradually prospered until he had accumulated a
competency. He was a close observer of human nature, generous
in his relations with his fellow men and was a liberal contributor to
charitable and deserving objects. In 1850 he married Katharina
Werner, by whom he became the father of eight children, the fol-
lowing named six now living : Louise, Nicholas, Margaret, Alois,
Frank and Kathrina. Mr. Glab and family were adherents of the
Roman Catholic faith. He died November 26, 1880, and his widow
on February 7, 1903. They were among the best people of this
locality.
Nicholas Glab, tlie eldest son of Adam Glab, was born in the city
of Dubuque, April 10, 1857, and was here reared to manhood and
received his education. He has, all his life, made this place his
home. He was associated with his father in the management of the
Glab Brewery until his father's death, after which he and his broth-
ers, Alois and Frank, conducted the business under the name of The
Glab Brothers until the consolidation of several brewing interests
in 1892, and from that time until May, 1910, was president and
general manager of the new organization. At the latter date he re-
tired from the more active duties and business cares of life, devot-
ing the time to looking after his extensive property interests in and
around Dubuque. He belongs to the Holy Ghost Roman Catholic
Church, and in politics is a Democrat. On May 4, 1880, he was
united in marriage with Miss Mary Homan, daughter of Mathias
Homan, who died September 5, 1905, leaving one daughter and
three sons, as follows: Mary K., the wife of Karl Ziepprecht, of
Dubuque; William M., a member of the Board of Supervising En-
gineers of the Chicago Street Railway Company ; Edward ; and John
Irwin, a student at the Northwestern Military Academy. For his
582 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
second wife Mr. Glab married, on February 7, 1910, Miss Sarah
E. Deggendorff, daughter of the old settlers, John and Sarah Deg-
gendorff. Their home is at 3216 Couler Avenue, Dubuque,
Dr. Frank X. Lange, well-known dental practitioner at New
Vienna, was born in that \illage February 20, 1880, and is a son of
Andrew and Magdalena Lange. The father, a native of Prussia,
came to America and New Vienna. Iowa, about 1870, and here
engaged in the tailoring business. He is now retired from active
participation in business affairs and resides in Dyersville, Iowa.
Dr. Frank X. Lange, the immediate subject of this memoir, was
educated in the local parochial school, graduating in 1897. He
early decided to take up the study and practice of dentistry and
accordingly in the fall of 1897 entered the College of Dentistry,
State University of Iowa, at Iowa City, and in June, 1901, was
duly graduated therefrom with the degree of D. D. S. He then
returned to New Vienna and immediately embarked in the practice
of his profession, and has since been thus successfully engaged. He
is a member of the Dubuque District Dental Society, the State
Dental Society and the Knights of Columbus. In religious views
he is a Roman Catholic and is identified with St. Boniface church.
On November 25, 1908, at New Vienna, he was united in marriage
with Miss Agnes C. Kerper. daugliter of Jacob Kerper, who is
appropriately represented elsewhere in this publication. Dr. Lange
has been very successful in his work at New Vienna, and is one of
the county's younger generation of professional men.
John C. Broell, senior partner of the Dubuque Statuary and
Ornamental Company, is identified with a branch of industry com-
paratively new to this locality, but which, from present indications,
promises to attain high rank among the commercial houses of the
county. This, in the main, is the manufacture of religious statuary.
Mr. Broell was born in the village of Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria, on
March 9, 1879, and is a son of John and Mary Broell, both natives
of that country. The father, a machinist by occupation, died there
in 1880, aged thirty-six, but the mother still survives him. Their
son, John C, attended the public schools of his native city during
boyhood, and when thirteen years old attended the Vienna, Austria,
School of Arts. In 1894 he went to Mannheim, Bavaria, where
he attended the Academy of Arts, and subsequently also attended
the art schools of Berlin, receiving" various diplomas from these
institutions. Like many young men of foreign birth he early in
life decided that the greatest chances for success could be found in
America, and accordingly in 1896 emigrated to this country, and
after a short time spent in the Southern states came to Dubuque.
Here for a time he worked as frescoer for Mr. Brielmeyer, one of
the leading church decorators, and then for a period of ten years
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 583
was employed as artist by the Dnl)u.(ine Altar Conipan}-, haxing'
charge of the statuary department. On May 5, 1909, he established
himself in business on Nineteenth street, later removing to Jackson
and Sixteenth streets. Tlis business grew and prospered and he
was later forced to remove to his present quarters. On October i.
1910, he asscxiated himself with John Kohlcr and this partnerslii])
has since continued. The firm makes a sjK'cialty of religious statu-
ary of life and half life size, and they also manufacture consider-
able ornamental building work in the way of cornices, mouldings,
etc. They market their products in Iowa, Kansas, Illinois, Wiscon-
sin. Minnesota. Nebraska, the Dakotas and even as far as Arizona.
The remarkable success of the concern in such a short space of time
is due m no small degree to the efforts of Mr. Broell and the fact
that the firm employs none but the very best of artists in tlie mould-
ing line. To his marriage with Miss Mary Nesen, solemnized in
Dubucjue. October 26, 1905, one daughter, Katherine Marie, now
four years old, has been born. Mrs. Broell, who was a daughter of
John and Katherine Nesen, of this city, passed away on December
10. 1908.
John G. Ovel, now retired and residing in the village of New
\'ienna, is a nativ^e of Dubuque county, Iowa, and a son of Gerhard
Herman and Anna Mary Ovel. The father was born in Germany in
the year 1800 and emigrated to the United States in 1840, settling
on a tract of land near New Vienna, Iowa. This consisted of 200
acres of raw and unbroken prairie land, but he carefully improved
same, bringing it to a high state of cultivation, and later also pur-
chased another farm of 160 acres. At his death, which occurred
in 1880, at the age of eighty years, his property was divided among
his children. Mrs. Ovel survived her husband until April, 1886,
vvhen she passed away at the age of seventy-three years ; he was
buried at Petersburg, Iowa, and she at New Vienna. John G. Ovel
was born on the old home farm August 22, 1850, and received his
early education in the public schools of Bremer township, Delaware
county, Iowa. He later, until fifteen years old, attended the paro-
chial school at New Vienna, and then helped his father on the farm.
When the father died Mr. Ovel received the old home place as his
share of the estate, and thereon he erected a new house, barn, suit-
able outbuildings, etc.. and today this is regarded as one of the
foremost farms in the community. Mr. Ovel continued farming
and general stock raising until his retirement from the more active
duties of life in 19 10. He has since made his home in the village
of New Vienna. He is a Democrat in politics, a Roman Catholic in
religion, has served as a director on the board of education and is a
member of the Roman Catholic Mutual Protective Association. On
lanuary 25. 1876, at New Vienna, he was united in marriage with
Aliss Margaretha Catherina Johanning. daughter of Werner and
584 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Catherina Johanning. Her father died in Germany, and the mother,
buried in St. Boniface Cemetery, passed away in April, 1909, at
the age of seventy-three years. To Mr. and Mrs. Ovel have been
born the following named children: Mary C. residing at home;
Johan Gerhard, farming in Bremer township, Delaware county,
Iowa: Johanna, married W^illiam Vaska, farming near Dyersville;
Christina Josephine, the wife of Andrew Recker, farming the old
Ovel homestead; Amelia Francisca, residing with Mrs. Recker;
George, attending parochial schools ; and Leonada, also in school.
Mr. 0\'el has ahvays taken an active interest in any movement that
tends toward the growth and development of his county, and is
highly respected by all who know^ him.
Walter G. Cox, of the Myers, Cox & Co. tobacco manufactur-
ing concern, is one of the oldest of Dubucjue's active and successful
business men. He was born here on March 28, 1847, the son of
Richard and Elizabeth Cox, at a time when Dubuque was little more
than an Indian trading post and Indians were to be found in far
greater numbers than whites. Mr. Cox remembers Dubuque as an
old Indian trail and has seen as many as 1,500 half civilized mem-
bers of that race in a single gathering. The average man of the
present business generation has no conception of the strange sights
that met the eye of an early pioneer like Mr. Cox. He attended the
public schools until sixteen years old, and then for three years was a
clerk for Stuart & Ejnerson, pioneer tobacco merchants. Succeed-
ing this he went to Dunleith, now^ East Dubuque, Illinois, and
engaged in the buying and selling of grain up to 1869. The follow-
ing year, in partnership with Mr. D. D. Myers, he embarked in the
manufacture of tobacco, and this association has continued verv suc-
cessfully down to the present time and has become one of the solid
and substantial commercial institutions of the county. Mr. Cox is
also a director of the High Bridge Company and is interested as a
stockholder in various other enterprises. He is a Democrat in
National political affairs, but in local matters is independent, voting
for the best man regardless of party affiliation. Sociallv he has
long been a member of the Benevolent and Protecti^'e Order of
Elks and in religious view's is a member of the Episcopal church.
On September 19, 1872, in Dubuque, he was united in marriage
with Miss Hattie iMyers, and to them the following named five
daughters have been born ; Maud, who married Clark J. Boynton
and resides in Kansas City, Missouri; Mabel; Elizabeth, the wife
of R. C. Holmes, of Newburgh, New York; Ethel, a graduate of
the Dubuque High school, residing at home; and Louise, the w-ife
of C. D. Connolly, of Kansas City. Mr. Cox is one of Dubuque's
best and oldest citizens and is highly respected and esteemed by all
who know him. He and family reside at 152 Fenelon Place.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 585
Bernard A. Nabor, cashier of the Luxemburg Savings Bank at
Luxemburg, Dubuque county, L)\va, was born at Guttenburg, Iowa,
June 26. 1871, and is the son of Frank and Khzal)eth Nabor. The
father, a native of the Prussian Province of Westpliaha, Germany,
immigrated to America in 1868, and located at Guttenburg, Iowa,
until the fall of 1872. He then removed with his family to New
Vienna, this county, and with his brother, John Nabor, embarked
in the manufacture of wagons and also operated a blacksmith shop.
In 1882 he disposed of his interests and in partnership with Jacob
Kerper of Dubuque embarked in the creamery business, which at
that time was a comparatively new undertaking in Dubuque county.
This business was continued very successfully until 1892, when,
because of ill health, Mr. Nabor retired from all active participa-
tion in business affairs. He died August 24, 1909, after a long and
honorable life, preceded by his wife on October t6, 1876, aged
twenty-eight years, and both are buried in St. Boniface Cemetery
at New Vienna. Until fourteen years old Bernard A. Nabor
attended the parochial school at New Vienna, then was employed in
his father's creamery and also drove a cream route for five years.
In 1890 he went to ^Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and there for three years
attended St. Francis Normal school. Succeeding this he went to
South Dakota and until 1905 taught in the district schools. He
then returned to New Vienna and served as a rural mail carrier
until the organization of the Luxemburg Savings Bank, of which
he was elected cashier. He has since retained this position and is
also a stockholder in the institution. He is a Democrat in politics,
a Catholic in religion, and a member of the Roman Catholic Mutual
Protective Association of the state of Iowa. On June 2, 1903, at
New Vienna, Mr. Nabor was united in marriage with Miss Anna
]\I. Burlage, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Burlage, pioneers of
this locality, and to them five children have been born, as follows :
Hilarius, born May 13, 1904; Elizabeth Dorothea, September 22,
1905; Bernard L., November 16, 1906; Dolorus M., October 2,
T908; and Alvina Louisa, April 24, 1910. Mr. Nabor is the owner
of 320 acres of fine farm land, and is regarded as one of the repre-
sentative men of the community.
Benjamin F. Stedman, superintendent of the City Waterworks,
and bookkeeper since May, 1907, with offices in the city hall, was
born in Lake county, Illinois, in November, 1845, the son of Benja-
min F. and Hannah Stedman. The father, a farmer by occupation,
was a native of Massachusetts, but in 1842 came West to Lake
county, Illinois, where he passed the remainder of his days. He was
a strong and prominent Republican in politics, and died in 1880 at
tlie age of sixty-eight years, followed by his wife in 1884, when
sixty-five years old ; both are buried in the cemetery at Millburn.
Benjamin F. Stedman received his early education in the publi'^
586 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
scliools of his native county, then attended the Waukegan High
school, and later a commercial college in St. Louis. Missouri. Foi
about six years thereafter he followed bookkeeping in Edwardsville
and Chicago, Illinois, and then for a period of twenty-seven year^
traveled as a commercial salesman. He came to Dubuque in 1887,
five years before he relinquished his road work. He then accepted
a position as bookkeeper with the Ryan Packing Company, remain-
ing until the plant burned down six years later, and then traveled
for Parlin & Orendorff, of Canton, Illinois, and in other lines. This
he continued until Jacob Haudenshield was appointed county auditor
for Dubuque county, at which time Mr. Stedman was appointed
deputy auditor and continued as such from 1905 to 1907. In May
of the latter year he was appointed superintendent and bookkeeper
of the city water works by the board of trustees, and this position he
has since held. He is a Republican in politics and a member of the
Masonic fraternity. On February 24, 1869, at Millburn, I>ake
county, Illinois, he was united in marriage with Miss Bessie Lewin,
and two daughters have been born to them, named. Cora, whcf mar-
ried Charles P. Skemp, a contractor of Woodward, Oklahoma, and
Bessie, chief operator for the Cedar Rapids & Marion Telephone
Company. Mrs. Stedman was the daughter of Henry and Jane
Lewin, who came from Oxfordshire, England, to this country in or
a1x)ut 185 1 ; both died in Lake county, Illinois, at the respective
ages of 78 and 70 years. Mr. and Mrs. Stedman and family reside
at 1610 Rhomberg avenue.
Henry Evers, engaged in general farming and stock raising, was
born in Dubuque county and is a son of Gerhard and Maria (Bruns)
Evers. The parents were natives of Germany and came to America
and Dubuque county, Iowa, at a very early date. They were poor
but possessed the sturdy thrift characteristic of the German people
and eventually honorably settled debts incurred during their early
life in this country, and accumulated a competency. When they
arrived here Dyersville had not yet been founded, New Vienna was
scarcely more than a few log cabins clustered together, and their
farm was rough and unbroken. Dubuque was their nearest market
place. They set to work with a will, clearing and improving, and
when Mr. Evers died on August 7, 1888. he was the owner of 148
acres of fine, improved farm land. His wife survived him until
February 19, 1901, and both are now buried at New Vienna. Henry
Evers was born on the old home farm near New Vienna on Sep-
tember 15, 1855, and during boyhood days assisted his father and
attended the public schools. He has always followed farming and is
at present operating the old home tract. He also owns 170 acres, of
which but seventeen are in Dubuque county, but this he rents. Mr.
Evers is a Democrat in his political views, is a director of the board
of education and a member of the Catholic church. He is also a
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 587
director of the Golden Star Cooperative Creamery at Dyersville.
February 19, 1878, he was married at New \''ienna to Miss Ehza-
beth Liiehrsman, a sister of Dr. Liiclirsman, and to them these chil-
dren have been born: Rose, who died in infancy; Mary, wife of
Joseph Gloden, merchant at Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Annie, married
John Freyman, lnml)er dealer, at Dyersville ; Herman, farming in
Dubuque county; Katie, married Harry Westmann; Bernhard,
assisting- his father; Josephine, at home ; Lilly, also at home ; Henry,
student at St. Francis Academy, Dyersville ; and Edward, attending
school.
John B. Heles, engaged in the general practice of medicine and
surgery at 21 14 Couler avenue, Dubuque. Iowa, since 1903. was
born in the village of Worthington of this county, June 25, 1874,
the son of John and Paulina Heles. After attending the public
schools, John B. Heles entered and in 1895 was graduated from St.
John's University, of Minnesota. He then entered the College of
Physicians and Surgeons, at St. Louis, Missouri, and in 1899 was
granted the degree of Doctor of Medicine from that institution.
Immediately after his graduation, he was appointed interne to the
Jefferson Hospital, St. Louis. Missouri, a dispensary of the college.
After serving as interne for one year he was appointed assistant
suj>erintendent for the same institution. During this time he also
held the chair of Experimental and Imperative Surgery and was one
of the physicians to the free dispensary of the college. Owing to
other business interests in his home state and a desire to practice
medicine there, he resigned his positions at the college and hospital
in 1902, and in 1903 he located in Dubuque and has here been
actively engaged in the general practice of his profession. Dr. Heles
is a member of the Dubuque county, Iowa State and American Med-
ical Associations. On January 11, 1910, at Chicago, he was united
in marriage with Miss Clara Tschudi, daughter of Frederick and
Lillian Tschudi of Dubuque.
Joseph Schemmel, for many years one of the foremost men in
the western portion of Dubuque county, was a native of Munster,
Province of Westphalia, Germany. He came to America in 1842
and for six years, in partnership with his three brothers, Henry,
Anton and Christopher, operated a woolen mill at Hamilton, Ohio.
In 1848 he came to Dubuque county, and with his brothers engaged
in flour and woolen goods manufacturing. Here he was joined in
wedlock with Miss Elisabeth Vente, a native of Oldenburg, Ger-
many. To them were born ten children, three daughters and seven
sons. Subsequently the flour mill burned, but the woolen mill con-
tinued to be operated many years and was a notable institution in
the western part of the county. Joseph Schemmel was well known
for his activity, his upright life, and the prominence he attained in
588 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
local affairs. He conducted the postoffice at New Vienna for a
number of years, served as a member of the board of supervisors,
also as township assessor and as a justice of the peace. He died in
1898, at the age of seventy-one years, and his wife in 1907, aged
seventy-one years. Both are buried at New Vienna.
William Schemmel, son of Joseph Schemmel, whose biography
immediately precedes this, was born at New Vienna, New Wine
Township, Dubuque county, on January 16, 1858. He was here
brought up to manhood, educated in the public schools, worked in
his father's mills and at various other occupations, and for the most
part has always resided in the county of his nativity. For a num-
ber of years past he has lived in Dyersville, where he is at present
engaged in business. On May 5, 1891, Mr. Schemmel married Miss
Margaret Fromm, daughter of the old settler. Dr. L. Fromm, and
to this mariage have been born five children, as follows : George,
manager of a coal mine at Red Lodge, Montana; Alvina, a graduate
of St. Francis Academy for Teachers; Alfred, a graduate of the
Brothers of Mary College, of Dyersville, and Atala and Martha, the
last two named being students at St. Francis Academy. In addition
to his business premises and residence in Dyersville, Mr. Schem-
mel is the owner of a well improved farm of 160 acres. He is a
Democrat and one of the enterprising men of Dyersville.
Dr. Lawrence Fromm (father of Mrs. Wm. Schemmel), a
prominent physician and surgeon of Dubuque county, was born in
Pmssia, Germany, in the year 1826. He came to America in 1856,
settling at Jamestown, Wisconsin, where he practiced for twelve
years. Here he married a practical nurse. Miss Margaret Gaebel,
also a native of Prussia, Germany. To this union were born four-
teen children, seven daughters and seven sons. They then journeyed
to Dyersville, Iowa, where they resided up to the time of their
deaths. Dr. Fromm was known far and wide, for not only his
practice but also his honesty and intelligence. His wife preceded
him to the grave on July 26, 1894, at the age of sixty-one, he
dying on October 20, 1903, at the age of seventy-six years. Both
are buried at Dyersville, Iowa.
James Levi, president of the James Levi & Company department
store, one of Dubuque's solid and substantial business houses, was
born near the village of Saar Union, Province of Alsace (Elsass),
Germany, March 24, 1841. His parents, Solomon H. and Minette
Levi, both natives of that country, brought our subject to America
and Dubuque at an early date and here he was educated in the Third
Ward (now Prescott) School. Upon the completion of his educa-
tion Mr. Levi entered the dry goods store of C. W. Arthur and
here remained for a period of two years. He attended strictly to
business and carefully mastered the details of the dry goods line.
The succeeding three years he acted as salesman for his uncle.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY :;^o
Alexander Levi, and in 1862 embarked in the dry goods business
on his own account at the corner of Eighth and Main streets. Later
he changed his location and organized the firm of James Levi &
Company which, under his able management, has become one of the
largest and best of its kind in the city. The concern occupies five
spacious floors and has a separate basement of large dimensions for
storerooms. Mr. Levi is a Republican in his political views and is
recognized as one of the progressive and successful business men of
the county.
James M. Walsh, principal of the Irving School, Dubuque,
Iowa, was born a subject of the British Crown, his birth occurring
in Lancashire, and was reared and educated in his native country.
He came to the United States in the early seventies and for a time
taught in the rural schools of Dubuque county, Iowa. About five
years later he was appointed principal of one of the local institu-
tions, and has been thus engaged ever since, being at present prin-
cipal of the Irving School. Mr. Walsh was united in marriage with
Miss Betsey Jane Leaver, and to them nine children have been bom,
two deceased and seven yet living. Those living are: Joseph L.,
painter and decorator, married and residing in Dubuque; Emma,
making her home with her parents; Daniel W., married, the father
of one child, a fresco painter by occupation and residing in Chicago,
Illinois; Ford Cooper, married, a physician and surgeon residing
and practicing his profession in Chicago; Sydney H., unmarried,
real estate dealer, residing in Dubuque; Harriet M.. at home; and
William Thomas, single, and living in Chicago. William Thomas
Walsh is an associate-editor of the Technical World, a well known
magazine, and is also the author of the "Mirage of the Many," pub-
lished by Henry Holt & Company, of New York, which has re-
ceived favorable criticism from many prominent authors and book-
men and which has had a very successful sale. James M. Walsh is
independent in his political affiliation, voting for the man rather than
the party, and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows. He and family attend the Congregational Church, Dubuque,
and reside at 560 Julien Avenue.
Milton F. Willner was born at Burlington. Iowa, November
3. 1874, and is the youngest of seven children born to the marriage
of Bernard Willner and Pauline Blahd, both of whom were natives
of Germany. The parents came to America when young, and were
married at Cleveland, Ohio. When our subject was four years old
his father died ; his mother is yet living and resides at Burlington,
Iowa, aged seventy-eight years. Milton F. Willner was educated
in the public schools of his native city and at Elliott's Business Col-
lege. When fifteen years old he began clerking at Cedar Rapids in
a clothing store, which was one of a chain of stores owned and oper-
590 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
ated by Stern & Willner, the junior member of the firm being his
brother. After seven years thus employed he was sent to take
charge of the concern's branch at Freeport, IlHnois, and thus con-
tinued three years. Stem & Willner dissolved partnership in 1892,
and Willner Brothers continued the business at Freeport, Mr.
Willner became a member of this firm in 1896, and three years later
came to Dubuque as resident manager of the store at this place, the
business being established here in 1889. He has since been located
in Dubuque and under his management the local concern has be-
come one of the leading establishments of its kind in the city. The
firm is composed of three brothers: Louis J., Otto F. and Milton
F. The latter, since making his home in Dubuque, has become
actively identified with the commercial welfare of the city. He is
a member of the Dubuque Club, the Dubuque Motor Boat Club, the
Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks and is independent in his
political affiliation.
Charles Van Horn, deceased, was the only child born to the
marriage of John Van Horn and Mary Van Winkle, who were
natives of New Jersey, and, as indicated by the name, of Holland
descent. Charles Van Horn was born July 27, 1857, and died
March 13, 1906, at Dubuque, Iowa, when in the prime of life. In
youth he received a good, practical education, and by trade was a
blacksmith. For some considerable time he was engaged in the
buying, selling and repairing of bicycles, but the last eight years of
his life was employed as a traveling salesman. He was a man of
excellent judgment, moral and upright in life, a loving husband and
father and commanded the respect and confidence of all who knew
him. He was a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons,
the sad rites of his burial being conducted by this organization. In
1883, at Downers Grove, Illinois, he married Miss Adel Cole, who
was born February 22, 1863, the third in a family of seven chil-
dren born to David and Susan (Nash) Cole, who were natives of
New York State. Mr. and Mrs. Cole moved to Illinois about the
year i860, and from which state Mr. Cole enlisted and served two
years for the suppression of the rebellion. He died in August,
1893, ^t ^^^ ^^^ of sixty-six years, but his widow survives him and
resides in Illinois. The following named five children were born to
Mr. and Mrs. Van Horn: Roy, who attended the public schools
and for three years the high school at Dubuque, the Bayless Busi-
ness College, married, and is now a ranchman at Port Angeles,
Washington ; Clara, who was educated in the Dubuque schools, then
learned dressmaking and is successfully following that occupation
at the present time and is living at home ; Helen, a graduate of the
Dubuque High School in the class of 1905, and now a teacher in the
public schools of this city; Mabel, educated in the Dubuque schools
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 591
and with special courses in the normal schools at Cedar Falls, Iowa,
and Plattville, Wisconsin, and is now a school teacher at Hazel
Green, Wisconsin; and Elmer, who, like his brother, attended the
public and high schools of Dubuque and the Bayless Business Col-
lege, and now resides in Seattle, Washington. Mrs. Van Horn is a
member of the Shiloh Circle, and of the Eastern Star, the ladies'
auxiliary order of the Masonic fraternity, and the Congregational
Church, as is also each member of the family.
J. J. LiNEHAN was born June 24, 1842, in Ireland. When a lad
eight years old his parents immigrated to the United States and
settled in Dubuque, Iowa. Here J. J. Linehan grew to manhood,
attending the public and parochial schools and working at any hon-
orable employment that presented itself. He became a contractor
and followed that occupation a number of years; subsequently, in
January, 1876, he purchased a half interest in the Dubuque Street
Railway Company and acted as superintendent until his death in
1888. He was active in civic affairs and served in the official po-
sition of city alderman, two terms as mayor, and a member of the
Iowa State Legislature for several terms. In May, 1871, he was
united in marriage with Miss Margaret O'Hare, daughter of Ed-
ward O'Hare, one of the early settlers of Dubuque county, and the
names of the six children born to them who grew to years of ma-
turity are Edward, John, Mary M., Charles M., James and Clara.
Dr. Charles M. Linehan, one of the foregoing named children,
and the present city health physician, was born in Dubuque, No-
vember 4, 1876. Until twelve years of age he attended the paro-
chial schools of this city, then entered the Christian Brothers' Col-
lege at St. Louis, where, in addition to completing the academical
and collegiate courses of that institution and receiving the degrees
of Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts, he achieved distinction as
one of the foremost athletes of the school. Succeeding this, he en-
tered the Medical Department of the University of Michigan, but
subsequently completed his medical training at Rush Medical Col-
lege, Chicago, from which institute he was graduated June 21, 1901.
Through successful competitive examination he was then appointed
interne at St. Elizabeth Hospital, and served as such two years. He
then returned to Dubuque, where he has since been engaged in the
active and successful practice of his profession. Dr. Linehan is a
member of the Dubuque County Medical Society, the Jo Daviess
(Illinois) County Medical Society and the American Medical Asso-
ciation. He belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks, the Dubuque Club, the Golf Club, the Dubuque Gun Club
and a number of fraternal and insurance organizations of which,
in many instances, he is medical examiner. He is a member of St.
Patrick's Roman Catholic church.
592 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Nicholas J. Schrup, since 1883 secretary and general manager
of the Dubuque Fire & Marine Insurance Company, is a member
of one of the old pioneer German families of the county. John
Schrup, his father, was a native of Luxemburg, Germany, and
there married Maria Palen. In 1852 they immigrated to the United
States, and, coming to Dubuque county, Iowa, located on a tract of
land in Mosalem Township and engaged in farming after the prim-
itive manner of the time. In the old country they were reared to
habits of industry, honesty and sobriety, and these exemplary char-
acteristics they carried with them to their new home in America.
They participated in the hardships of the transitory period from
pioneer times and commanded the respect and esteem of all with
whom they came in contact. Here Mr. Schrup died February 21,
1868, when fifty-eight years old, and Mrs. Schrup on August 10,
1897, aged seventy-six years. They were devout members of the
Catholic church and reared their children in the same religious
faith.
Nicholas J. Schrup was born on the home farm in Dubuque
county, August 23, 1853. His education was acquired in the dis-
trict and city schools and at the Wisconsin Normal School, from
wdiich latter institution he was graduated in 1870. For a time
thereafter he followed the profession of school teaching and was
stationed in this work at Mattoon, Illinois, and Cascade, Iowa. He
became deputy auditor of Dubuque county in 1880, a position he
relinquished in 1883 to accept the position of secretary and manager
of the Dubuque Fire & Marine Insurance Company, organized in
that year. He has ever since occupied this position. Through hard
work and intelligence Mr. Schrup has been more than ordinarily
successful in business. In religion he is a Catholic, in politics a
Democrat. He has served as a member and president of the Board
of Education, is the present president of the German Savings
Bank, and is otherwise identified with the civic and commercial in-
terests of the city and county. In 19 10 he was elected state senator
from Dubuque county by the largest majority ever given a candi-
date for that office in Dubuque county. Socially he belongs to the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Columbus
and the Ancient Order of United Workmen.
At Chicago, on October 14, 1884, he married Miss Mary A.
Kranz, daughter of Nicholas Kranz, a pioneer of the North Side of
that city, and four children have been born to this union : Charles
J., a graduate of the Dubuque High School and manager of a local
department of the Dubuque Fire & Marine Insurance Company;
Oliver G., a student at St. Joseph's College, Dubuque; Lillian M.
and Rosalyn, both graduates of St. Joseph's Academy.
James Armstrong, who founded the Armstrong Lumber Com-
pany at Dyersville in 1882, is a native of County Down, Ireland,
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 593
his birth occurring January 22, 1842. When but a small lad his
parents, Da\id and Jane Armstrong, came to the United States and
for a time resided in New York. In 1854, at a time when this
section of the country was in a primitive condition, they came to
Dubuque, Iowa, where the father figured as the largest contractor
of his day. He built, among other important structures, the present
county jail and the sheriff's house, and also up to the beginning of
the Civil war all the principal bridges contiguous to Dubuque. In
i860 he removed to Taylor Township, where he owned and operated
a splendid farm of some 600 acres, subsequently going to Inde-
pendence, Iowa, where he was engaged in contracting until his
death in July, 1894, at the age of eighty-four years. His wife died
in February, 1864, when sixty-four years old. Mr. Armstrong was
a man of unusual force and character, of great vitality and activity,
and by reason of his upright life commanded the respect of all who
knew him.
In the Third Ward School of Dubuque James Armstrong re-
ceived his primary education. When fifteen years old he was left in
charge of his father's large farm in Taylor Township, and in 1865
was deeded a tract of 160 acres, continuing farming until 1872,
In the latter year, in partnership with George McGee, he embarked
in mercantile pursuits at Farley, but in 1880 removed to Dyers-
ville and engaged in the hardware and implement business, con-
tinuing this alone and in partnership with others, until he founded
the present Armstrong Lumber Company. Mr. Armstrong has
lived practically his entire life in Dubuque county and is uni-
versally conceded to be one of its best citizens. He is a member of
the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics is a Democrat. He
served one term as mayor of Dyersville, and from 1884 to 1890
was a member of the Board of Aldermen. June 7, 1865, he mar-
ried Miss Martha Dick, a native of Philadelphia, the daughter of
James and Eliza Dick. James Dick died in Philadelphia March 9,
1868, and his wife, who was a relative of President James Bu-
chanan, came to Dubuque and here died October 9, 1889. To Mr.
and Mrs. Armstrong twelve children have been born : David Ray-
mond and Roy Harold, dying in infancy; Geo. G. and Jas. E.,
president, and Chas. L., secretary and treasurer of the Armstrong
Manufacturing Company, manufacturers of well drilling machinery
and gas engines, Waterloo, Iowa; David W., for three terms
mayor of Dyersville, and secretary and treasurer of the Jas.
Armstrong Lumber Co.; Clara M., now Mrs. Dr. John Muel-
ler, of Dyersville, this county; Emily M., married T. R. Bell, who
is manager of a large concern at Minneapolis, Minnesota; Margaret
E., the wife of Elmer E. Carty, a farmer near Earlville, Iowa;
Eliza J., now Mrs. E. C. Herling, Illinois Central station agent at
Charles City, Iowa; and Mary J. and Martha L., residing under
the parental roof at Dyersville.
594 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Dr. Emil F. Mueller, of Dyersville. was born at New Vienna,
this county, on April 22, 1880, and is a son of Dr. Nicholas J. A.
and Theresa Mueller, the former a native of Luxemburg and the
latter of the state of Ohio. Dr. Emil E. Mueller received his early
education in the parochial school of Dyersville, subsequently taking
a two years' special course in the Iowa State University at Iowa
City. Having read medicine under the tutelage of his father, he
entered the medical department of the Northwestern University at
Chicago, was graduated therefrom in June. 1904. and then was
associated in practice with his father at Dyersville until February,
1905. Eor a time succeeding this he was resident surgeon in the
Lying-in Hospital and Dispensary, city of Chicago, where also he
took a post-graduate course in the Electro Therapeutic College,
and was emergency surgeon in the Deering branch of the Inter-
national Harvester Company. From 1907 to October, 1908, Dr.
Mueller practiced his profession alone in Dyersville, then joined
with his brother, who had been located at New Vienna, and has
attained high rank among the medical practitioners of the county.
He is a Republican in politics, belongs to the Dubucjue Lodge of the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and is identified with the
Dubuque County and American Medical Societies. He is the local
surgeon for the Chicago & Great Western Railroad Company, the
Illinois Central Railroad Company and the Aetna Accident Insur-
ance Company, and is medical examiner for the New York Life,
New York Mutual, Germania Life, Bankers' Life, Penn. Mutual,
Mutual Benefit, of Newark, N. J., Aetna Life, Pacific Mutual,
Northwestern Mutual and Equitable insurance companies. Dr.
Mueller is also local examiner for the Modern Woodmen of Amer-
ica, and is among the highly respected residents of the community.
Joseph Frederick Stampfer, active head of the long established
dry goods firm of J. F. Stampfer & Co., was born in Louisville,
Kentucky, November 9, 1855. His parents, J. F. and Barbara
Stampfer, were natives of Germany, their home being in West-
phalia, but in 1849 they emigrated to America and located at St.
Louis, Missouri. They lived happily together in this country until
1887, when the mother passed away at the age of sixty-six years,
followed by the father in 1891 at tlie age of eighty-three. Shortly
after emigrating to the United States the family came North to
Fort Madison, Iowa, and there our subject received his early school-
ing in the public institutions. Upon the removal of his parents to
Dallas City, Illinois, in 1865, Mr. Stampfer continued his studies
in the common schools, and then came alone to Dubuque. For
thirteen years he was connected with the dry goods establishment of
J. & A. Christman, starting as clerk and in time becoming salesman
and buyer for several de])artments. While thus employed he became
thoroughly familiar with every department of the dry goods busi-
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 595
ness, and subsequently went to Waverly, Iowa, and bought the store
owned by H. L. Ware. One year later, however, he disposed of his
holdings, returned to Dubuque, and by purcliase acquired the inter-
est of Mr. Kees in the firm of Kees & Sullivan, the style of the
association being then changed to Sullivan & Stampfer. They con-
tinued in partnership until 1901, when Mr. Stampfer bought his
partner's share, and under the name of J. F. Stampfer continued
alone. In 1908 the concern was incorporated, and has since con-
ducted its affairs under the firm name of the J. F. Stampfer Com-
pany. By shrewd and careful business management they have
grown and prospered and today are credited with having one of the
most complete and up-to-date establishments in the city. Aside from
the above interests, Mr. Stampfer is president of the Security
Building Company and a director of the Dubuque Building and
Loan Association. He is a Republican in politics and a member and
trustee of St. Luke's Methodist Episcopal church. To his marriage
with Miss Belle Meredith, solemnized June 5, 1889, at Dell Rapids,
South Dakota, three children have been born, as follows : Mildred
M., I. F., Jr., and Thomas M.
Dr. Hubert Anton Sumpmann, since 1907 engaged in the
practice of medicine and surgery at 969 Iowa street, Dubuque, was
born in Telgte, Province of Westphalia, Germany, September 26,
1864, the son of C. J. and Elizabeth Sumpmann. The father died
in the old country, December 21, 1882, and the mother on July 7,
1907. After attending the German public schools Hubert A. Sump-
mann entered the Home University and upon coming to America
pursued his studies in the Epworth Seminary and the Upper Iowa
University. He then taught for a time in the public schools of
Delaware county, Iowa, later entering the Chicago Homeopathic
College and graduating therefrom in 1890 with the degree of Doctor
of Medicine. Until 1896 he practiced his profession at New Vienna,
Dubuque county, then returned to Chicago and took a one year's
course in the College of Physicians and Surgeons. In 1900 he spent
a number of months in Europe, doing hospital work. He located
for eleven years at Dyersville and then took a post-graduate course
in the Post-Graduate School, Chicago, and afterwards came to
Dubuque and located in his present offices. Here Dr. Sumpmann
has built up a large and lucrative practice and has attained prom-
inence among local medical practitioners. He is local physician for
the Orioles and is a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic church.
At Petersburg, Iowa, on September 30, 1890, he was united in mar-
riage with Miss Maria Agnes Woerdeshoff, daughter of William
Woerdeshoff, a pioneer settler of that locality, and to them two
sons and two daughters have been born, named as follows : Wil-
liam C, clerk for the Standard Oil Company; Emma, graduate of
the Immaculate Conception Academy, and now teaching music;
596 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Clarence H., attending St. Mary's High school; and Henrietta,
attending St. Mary's Parochial school.
Dr. Bernard H. Luchrsmann, engaged in the general practice
of medicine and surgery at Dyersville, is a native of Dubuque
county, Iowa, born on a farm in New Wine township, May 8, 1874,
and is a son of the old pioneers, Bernard and Margaret Luchrsmann.
The parents were natives of Germany and came to America and
Dubuque county, Iowa, in 1848, locating on a farm in New Wine
township. The father became active in local affairs of importance,
was a Democrat in politics, served as mayor of Dyersville and during
the Civil war he assisted in the enrollment of troops for the Union
army. He died in January, 1906, aged eighty-eight years, and was
followed by his wife in September, 1907, and both are buried in .St.
Francis cemetery, at Dyersville. Dr. Bernard H. Luchrsmann
received his early education in the parochial school at Dyersville, and
later attended St. Francis College, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and St.
Joseph's College, Dubuque. He also took a course in the State
University of Iowa. He determined to take up the study and prac-
tice of medicine and surgery, and in 1900 was graduated from the
medical department of the State University of Illinois, with the
degree of Doctor of Medicine. For a time he practiced at Norway,
Benton county, then came to Dyersville, where he has been very
successful in the accumulation of a large and lucrative practice. Dr.
Luchrsmann is a member of Dubuque Lodge of the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks, Catholic Order of Foresters, American
and Dubuque County Medical Associations and the Roman Catholic
church. May 14, 1902, at Norway, Iowa, he was united in marriage
with Miss Mary Schulte, daughter of Charles and Mary Schulte,
who came to this country from Germany in 1870. To Dr. and Mrs.
Luchrsmann one daughter and one son have been born, named,
Dorothea, born February 6, 1903, and Bernard, born February 7,
1906.
Joseph H. Limbach, of Dyersville, Iowa, is one of the old and
highly respected residents of Dubucjue county. He is a native of the
state of West Virginia, his birth occurring at Wheeling in May,
1842, and was a son of John and Barbara Limbach, who were born
in Germany and came to the United States in or about 1830. The
family first located in Pennsylvania, where the father followed
merchandizing, but in 1858 came west to Delaware count}^ Iowa,
and purchased 200 acres of land at $25 an acre. They experienced
all the trials and hardships incident to pioneer life, but gradually
improved their land until it became one of the best farms in the
community. In 1869 John Limbach retired from the active cares of
life, and with his wife removed to Dyersville, where he passed
away in 1873 at the age of seventy years. Mr. Limbach died as he
PUBLIC KBRARY
tUDEK FOClfDATIONS
J
^^>^p<;i.^^v- CP^^
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY ' 597
hafl lived, a good and honorable citizen, and his loss was keenly
felt throughout the entire county. In 1886, when eighty years of
age, his wife followed him, and both now lie at rest in the Catholic
cemetery at Dyersville. After attending the public schools, Joseph
H. Limbach, the immediate subject of this review, took a course in
St. Francis College, Loretta, Cambria county, Pennsylvania, and
subsequently spent tw^o years under the instruction of the Dominican
Brothers, at Sinsinawa Mound, Grant county, Wisconsin. When
nineteen years old he came to Dyersville, Iowa, and with his broth-
ers, Anthon and John, embarked in the general merchandise busi-
ness, continuing thus from 1862 to 1898. John Limbach died in
1 88 1, but the partnership was continued by the two remaining broth-
ers up to the above date, and their establishment became one of the
largest of its kind in this section of the county. Subsequently Mr.
Limbach disposed of his interests to his nephews, John A., Harry
and Joseph Limbach, and embarked in the live stock, grain and
flour business. He has been unusually successful in this line and is
recognized as one of the large dealers in this part of the state. He
is a Democrat in his political affiliations, and has served as mayor
of Dyersville two terms, treasurer three terms and city alderman
for ten years. He is a charter member of the St. Francis Mutual
Society of Dyersville, and for a period of forty-nine years has been
identified with the church of that place. On September 3, 1866, at
Dyersville, he was united in marriage with Miss Anna Dyer, daugh-
ter of Judge Dyer, who was the founder of the city of Dyersville.
To Mr. and Mrs. Limbach two children have been born, Edith and
Florence. Edith married Thomas McGrath, a druggist of Keokuk,
Iowa, and Florence became the wife of George Ham, a real estate
dealer of her home city. Mr. Limbach has always taken an interest
in any movement toward the betterment of local conditions and has
contributed liberally from his means toward the support of churches,
schools and colleges. During his administration as mayor he was
one of the advocates of the Chicago & Great Western Railway
enterprise and was instrumental in bringing that road to Dyersville.
Fridolin Joseph Heer. Sr., was born July 30, 1834, in Wallen-
stadt. Canton St. Gallen, Switzerland. His father was a lifelong
builder and overseer of buildings in his native town, and his son
followed his occupation. After leaving school he became an appren-
tice to a master stone cutter and builder in Rappers wil, Canton St.
Gallen, with whom he studied and worked until he rose to the posi-
tion of foreman, when his master entrusted him with the overseeing
of important works in Switzerland and Germany. For six years
he traveled on foot into northern Germany, working at his trade,
after which he studied art in Munich, for two years, under the
renowned sculptor, Professor Riedmuller.
Thus equipped, Fridolin Heer established himself as steinmetz-
598 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
meister (master stone cutter) in Chur, Canton Granbundten, in i860,
and soon had a well established business. It was here his mind and
hand planned and erected the monumental fountain, in front of the
cathedral, for the great Pater Theodosius (one of Switzerland's
greatest men), which was made special mention of by the Society of
Art ni Munich, as "A work of art, worthy of special mention," as
was also the Bischof Haller monument in St. Gallen. On April 26,
i860, Mr. Heer married Miss Lisette Breitler, of Basadingen, Can-
ton Thurgau. Four children blessed the union, one infant son dying
in Chur, the remaining three still residing in the parental home.
After five years of prosperous labors, sudden financial reverses
caused by the sudden death of his friend. Pater Theodosius, over-
came him, which forced him to leave home and country. At once
he wended his way to the United States, in July, 1865. His des-
tination was Belleville, Illinois, where he had relatives. He soon
became acquainted and made friends who assisted him in finding
work, which enabled him, after six months' residence there, to send
for his family. The climate, however, was not favorable to Mrs.
Heer's health, and they were thus compelled to seek a more northerly
location. Chicago was their destination, where they resided two
years, when Mr. Heer heard of the glowing accounts of the pros-
pects of that growling western town, Dubuque, low^a, on the Missis-
sippi, whither they repaired, and which was henceforth to be their
home and field of labors ; it was in 1868.
The first years of Mr. Heer's labors were given to stone cutting,
after which he made architecture his line of work to the end of his
life. His work and buildings everywhere, are living proofs of his
ability and skill, and attest the solidity of their construction. The
first buildings planned and erected by him were the A. Hubert cut
stone porch and fence to residence on Main street, then follow'ed
successively the James Levi store. Town Clock building. Globe build-
ing. Rider and Jacob Michel buildings ; the residences of William
Bradley, Colonel Henderson, Mr. Vanduzee, W. J. Knight, J. T.
Hancock, Andrew Tredway, Alexander Yound, James Levi, the
Eagle building. County Poor House, first building of Mount St.
Joseph's Academy, St. Francis Convent and Orphans' Home, in this
city, public school at Dyersville, Catholic churches at Luxemburg,
Fort Dodge, Westphalia ; Feeble Minded Institution at Glenwood,
and many others too numerous to mention.
Upon the return of his son, Fridolin Joseph, Jr., from the School
of Architecture in Stuttgart, Europe, father and son associated into
the firm of Frid. Heer & Son, which has since planned and erected
the following well-known buildings: Dubuque County Court House;
Jackson, Irving, Fulton and Morse public schools, superintended the
large plant of the Dubuque Brewing and Malting Company's build-
ings, and have done all their designing since, for buildings in
and out of the city ; also designed the addition to St. Joseph's Acad-
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 599
einy, Thirteenth and Main street, the First Security building, M. M.
Hoffman store and flat buiUHng, John OHnger's buildings, German
Presbyterian church. Seventeenth and Iowa street; the residences of
H. L. Stout. William Molo, Alf. Mathews, F. A. Rumpf, A. F.
Heeb, John Schwind, Aloys Glab, Nickolas Glab, Peabody double
flats, N. J. Schrup, Lawrence Gonner, and many others. Among
the churches, St. Francis Catholic church at Dyersville, Sacred
Heart at Fort Madison ; Sacred Heart at Pomeroy, Ohio ; St. An-
thony's, Milwaukee ; Catholic churches at Oregon, Illinois, Savanna,
Illinois, North Washington, Iowa, New Hampton Catholic school
and Lutheran church, also Lutheran church alterations at Bellevue,
Iowa ; St. Felix Catholic church, school and Orphans' Home at
Wabasha, Minnesota; the first addition to Sacred Heart (Jesuit)
College at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, also the residence of Charles
Grelle, Jr., at this place, and the different buildings of St. Mary's
Academy, since 1886. The larger addition to the latter, erected
during the past two years, with the Marquette monument, and the
shrine of Lourdes on the Academy grounds, terminated the work
of his life.
Could he have closed his life more nobly? How noble it was of
his devoted friends in St. Mary's /\cademy to show their appre-
ciation of his efforts in the erection of the Marquette monument, in
his lifetime — while yet he could rejoice at these beautiful marks of
grateful appreciation — after the unveiling of the monument on that
memorable 17th day of June, 19 10, the 237th anniversary of the
discovery of the Mississippi at the mouth of the Wisconsin river, a
short distance south of the academy grounds. These are their words
of appreciation :
"To Mr. Frid. Heer, Sr., the architect of the monument, the
sturdy old Swiss patriot, the American so true to his adopted coun-
try, the indefatigable worker in this cause so dear to his heart — to
him, indeed, is owed a word of appreciation and tribute of praise.
May his work and his success be an example and an inspiration to
the younger generation of American citizens."
Active and ambitious, he toiled early and late, the last weeks
called for more traveling and strain than his nervous but robust
nature could endure ; he contracted a cold on one of these trips, with
seemingly no serious symptoms, which despite the medical attend-
ance, rapidly developed into pneumonia, which had such firm hold
of him that left no hope for recovery, and surrounded by his sorrow-
ing children and their prayers and those of the Reverend Father
who administered the last sacred sacraments of the dying, he
breathed his soul into the hands of his Maker, in his home, on Mon-
day night, September 19, 1910. The news of his death came with
startling abruptness to his many friends in this and other cities,
wherever he was known, and caused universal sorrow, especially
6oo HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
in Prairie dii Chien, where he spent most of the past two years, and
had said farewell only the day before he passed away.
Those who knew him best valued him most. He was the soul of
good-heartedness, liberal and liberal-minded as only men can be who
come from the Swiss Alps ; Dubuque never harbored within her
borders a more unselfish, disinterested man than Fridolin Heer.
Ever ready to extend a helping hand to the sorrow and welfare of
his fellow men, his last work of charity was for his flood-stricken
countrymen in Switzerland, his beloved native land, to which he was
attached with every fibre of his heart. For these he — with other
Swiss citizens, collected the snug little sum of two hundred dollars —
which he himself presented to the Swiss consul in Chicago, the
Thursday evening before death claimed him. Throughout his life
courses the bent of disinterested charitableness, meaning well
towards all ; but as the world's run, he, too, had to suffer most from
those he served most. However, he has closed his life, and took
with him a life full of kindly deeds which alone will be a lasting
monument to his memory.
Mr. Heer leaves to mourn his death three children, Fridolin
Joseph, Jr., who for years has been his faithful associate; Elise M.,
teacher of German in the Fulton public school and St. Anthony's
Catholic school; and Pauline M., who besides giving piano instruc-
tion, has long been her father's and brother's assistant in their office
work. His good, devoted wife preceded him in death five years and
four months ago. Besides his family there are left to mourn his
loss, four grandchildren and one elder brother, Hauptmann A. Heer,
in Wallenstadt, who has been president of his town since i860, (and
last 25th October celebrated his diamond wedding, while on January
12, 191 1, his wife celebrated her looth birthday, both in the enjoy-
ment of good health and spirits).
Mr. Heer was a faithful adherent of the Catholic faith, in which
he lived and died. He was the founder of the Swiss Helvetia Msen-
nerchor, and its president at the time of his death. He was also a
member of the Dubuque Schutzen Gesellschaft, the Veteran Fire-
men, Old Settlers' Association and the Dubuque ScTngerbund, who
very touchingly rendered two appropriate numbers at the home of
their departed S?engerbruder, before the remains were conveyed to
the Sacred Heart church, Thursday morning at 9 o'clock, Septem-
ber 22, 1910, where requiem mass was celebrated, and a most con-
soling funeral sermon preached by the celebrant of the mass. Rev.
A. Boeding, who also prepared him for death ; after which all that
was mortal of Fridolin Heer was conveyed to his last resting place
in Mount Calvary. A man of honor has departed from us, may his
soul rest in peace. Many came from far and near to view for the
last time the face of one they loved in life, and beautiful were the
floral offerings that kind-hearted friends had tendered him.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 6oi
Tribute to Fridolin Heer, Sr.
He cared not what the world might say,
When duty's voice was heard —
Fearless of man, fearful alone of God,
He kindled at its word.
Like dauntless warrior, read in legends old,
Encountless dangers only made him bold.
His was the soul to bear,
His was the soul to dare,
In doing right.
A grand old man, 'tis well and truly said,
A man whose early life was gently bred;
A patriot through and through.
A man whose friendship was a thing to prize,
A man whose motives suffered no disguise.
But more — a Christian, too.
True to his country, true to his home and God,
His useful course is run.
The w^eary years of waiting now^ are o'er,
His task in life is done,
He is not lost to us, but only gone before.
Prairie du Chien, Wis., Sept. 21, 1910. A Friend.
Tribute to the Late Frid. Heer, Sr.
True son of old Helvetia thou!
Yet thy adopted land.
Claimed as her own, that generous heart,
And strong, courageous hand.
Her future was thy anxious care,
Her history, thy pride,
Her heroes, beacon lights, wdiose flame
Should flash forth far and wide.
Still for the Hero of the Cross
And Mary, Mother sweet,
Was thy most strong endeavor spent.
Thy effort most complete.
Farewell, true-hearted, noble friend !
And may thy service loyal
In Heav'n. thy soul's own country find
Its recompense right royal.
Prairie du Chien, Wis., Sept. 22, 1910. A Friend.
•602 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
DoRRANCE Dixon Myers, Sr., is one of the oldest native born
citizens of Dubuque now living, his birth having occurred Novem-
ber 3. 1841. So closely interwoven is the history of the Myers
family with the early history of this locality that a record of one
could scarcely be made without that of the other. William and
Susan L. Myers, the parents of the subject of this sketch, came to
Dubuque at the early period of 1832 through the solicitation of the
wife of General George W. Jones, who was an intimate friend of
Mrs. Myers. William Myers was a native of Missouri, his people
having moved there from Pennsylvania. He was engaged in buy-
ing furs from the Indians in the early days, and when the present
Kansas City was but an Indian trading post he was stationed there
for that purpose. Upon coming to Dubuque he followed mercan-
tile pursuits for six years, then retired to a farm, where he passed
the remainder of his life. He was a notable character, a man of
strong will and iron determination. During the troublesome times
with the Indians, fully set forth in other departments of this pub-
lication, he bore a conspicuous part and attained the rank of major.
The early life of Dorrance D. Myers was passed on his father's
farm, assisting in the general work during the summer months and
in winters attending the district schools provided at that early day.
The meagre education thus procured has since been greatly ampli-
fied by extensive readings and careful study of selected subjects.
When nineteen years old he left the farm and for two years was
clerk in the office of William G. Stewart, who at that time was
county treasurer and county recorder. He then became a clerk in
the office of the master mechanic of the old Dubuque & Sioux City
Railway, now the Illinois Central, a position he held until 1867,
when he organized the Dubuque Tobacco Works. This concern
first started in a small way on Main street, between Third and
Fourth, occupying a back room on the second floor as a factory
and the front room as an office. From this unpropitious beginning,
and under the wise and careful management of Mr. Myers, the con-
cern gradually prospered and grew in commercial strength until it
is now recognized as one of the substantial business houses of Du-
buque. It now owns and occupies a one hundred foot front on Iowa
street, on which is erected a substantial four-story factory, and,
aside from the clerical help, furnishes employment for nearly three
score hands. Mr. Myers, by careful and good business manage-
ment, has prospered and become one of the foremost citizens of
the city. He is president of the Dubuque National Bank, vice-presi-
dent of the German State Bank of Dyersville, a director of the Cas-
cade State Bank, director and chairman of the Board of Managers
of the Dubuque Bridge Company, director of the Julien House
Hotel Company, and trustee and director of Mount Olivet Cemetery.
He is a member of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic church, and in
his political views is a Democrat, having served as chairman of the
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 603
Democi-atic County Central Committee. May 17, 1865, Matilda
Pratte became his wife, and ten children have been born to this
marriage, the following named seven now living: Mary, George
W., Emily I., Dorrance D., William B., Joseph and Nathalie. The
names of those deceased are Louise, Charles and Josephine.
Charles E. Loizeaux, M. D., practicing his profession at 975
Locust street, Dubuque, since 1904, was born at Vinton, Iowa, De-
cember 2, 1874. the son of Charles J. and Olive A. (Roberts) Loi-
zeaux. The father was a native of France and immigrated to
America in 1849, locating first at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, two years,
and later removing to Des Moines, Iowa, where for many years he
practiced medicine and surgery, Charles E. Loizeaux received his
early schooling at Dysart, Iowa, and later graduated from the East
Des Moines High School. He then decided to take up the study of
medicine and accordingly entered the State University of Iowa,
from which institution he graduated in 1904 with the degree of Doc-
tor of Medicine. His expenses in acquiring an education were de-
frayed by working in the advertising department of the Des Moines
Daily Capital. On June 29, 1904, Dr. Loizeaux came to Dubuque
and has here since been actively and successfully engaged in the
general practice of his profession. He is a member of the Iowa
State and American medical associations, the Dubuque County
Medical Society, the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent and Pro-
tective Order of Elks, the American Institute of Homeopathy, and
in politics is a Republican. On October 8. 1908, he was united in
marriage with Miss Retta Mullany. daughter of John I. and Agnes
Mullany. her father being a prominent lawyer and historian in Du-
buque. Dr. and Mrs. Loizeaux are members of St. Raphael's Ca-
thedral.
Thomas Henry Heffernan, M. D., has for the past fifteen
years been actively and successfully engaged in the general practice
of medicine in Dubuque, He is a native of the State of Wisconsin,
his birth occurring April 15, 1868, and is the son of Maurice and
Elizabeth Heffernan. The family came originally from Ireland,
the doctor's grandfather leaving that country and settling in Canada
at an early date, and there Maurice Heffernan was born and reared.
Later he came to Wisconsin and there followed farming for many
years. His wife was of English nativity and was brought to this
country by her parents when but three years old. After attending
the public schools Dr. Thomas H. Heffernan entered and in 1891
was duly graduated from the State Normal School at Platteville,
W^isconsin. He was then for two years principal of the ]\Iount
Hope (Wisconsin) High School, but at that time decided to take
up the study and practice of medicine and accordingly entered the
Northwestern Medical School at Chicago, from which institution he
604 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COVNTY
was granted the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1896. He then
came to Dubuque and has since been actively identified with the
medical profession in this city. He enjoys a large and lucrative
practice and has attained prominence as a surgeon among local prac-
titioners. Socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and
in religious views affiliates with the St. Luke's Methodist Episcopal
church of this city. On December 17, 1902, the doctor was united
in marriage with Miss Bernie A, Hogan, daughter of Dennis and
Ann Hogan, pioneer settlers and farmers of Grant county, Wis-
consin, both of whom are now deceased. Dr. and Mrs. Heffernan
reside at 850 Locust street.
Frank Faha, vice president and manager of the Emporium, at
Dyersville, is a native of Germany, born January 8, 1843, at Trier,
and a son of Peter and Margaret Faha, both of whom lived and
died in that country. Frank Faha attended the German National
schools until thirteen years old, then for three years worked on his
father's farm and afterwards learned tailoring, which he followed
until his twenty-third year. In 1867 he immigrated to America
with a view to making this country his future home, and for a
short time was located in Dubuque. The same year he came west to
Dyersville, Iowa, where for two years he was employed by Adam
Wumbacher. He then returned to his old profession, the tailoring
trade, and opened a small establishment in Dyersville. From the
start, due to Mr. Faha's hard work, the business prospered, and he
was forced to seek larger quarters. He erected a building 25x80
feet, later enlarging it to no feet, and in 1894 the corporation, of
which he is now vice president and manager, was organized. The
Emporium employs a working force of seventeen people and is re-
garded as one of the best of its kind in the county, Mr. Faha is a
Democrat in politics and has serv^ed as alderman and as president
of the board of education. Socially he is identified with the
Knights of Columbus, and since coming to Dyersville has been a
member of the Catholic church. On September 2, 1873, ^^ married
Miss Elizabeth Knippling, daughter of John and Margaret Knipp-
ling, pioneer settlers and farmers of the county. Three sons and
two daughters have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Faha, as follows :
Fred C, secretary of the Emporium; Frank, Jr., stockholder and
director of the corporation; Henry, clerk and director of same;
Fanny, who married Edward Krapfl, who is treasurer of the con-
cern; and Clara, a graduate of St. Francis Academy and resides at
home. Mr. Faha has taken an active part in local matters of im-
portance and is the oldest active merchant in the city of Dyersville.
Edward Brueckner, engaged in the drug business at Dyersville,
is a native of the State of Michigan and a son of Herman and
Sophia Brueckner. Edward Brueckner was born at Lexington,
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 605
Michigan, February 21, 1875, '^"^ received his primary and high
school education at Derinda Center, Jo Daviess county, Ilhnios,
graduating from the latter in 1891. He then took a course in Wart-
burg College, and succeeding this, from 1892 to 1894, served an
apprenticeship to the drug business at Bellevue. He then entered
Highland Park College, Des Moines, Iowa, from which he was
graduated in 1895 as a registered pharmacist. For a time thereafter
he had charge of a branch drug establishment of his former Belle-
vue employers at Andrew, Iowa, and then, in partnership with J. C.
]\IcGee, bought out the business of G. A. Holbrook, which they con-
ducted until 1898. At that date the association was dissolved and
j\Ir. Brueckner has since continued alone at Dyersville, where he
has been very successful. He is a Republican in his political views
and has served as alderman of the city for two years. Mr. Brueck-
ner has always taken an interest in athletic sports and was instru-
mental in the organization of the local ball club. June i, 1904, at
Dversville, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Agnes Cun-
ningham, daughter of the late Dan and Barbara Cunningham, To
Mr. and Mrs. Brueckner three children have been born, named,
Charles Edward, born December 27, 1905; Colleta Elise, born
]\Iarch 7, 1907; and George William, born September 10, 1908.
Peter Even, one of Dubuque's well known business men, has
been engaged in the fuel and implement business in this city, with
a main office at 57 West Main street, and a branch office at 446
Garfield avenue, for the past sixteen years. He was born in Prairie
Spring Township, Jackson county, Iowa, August 4, 1856, and is a
son of Mathias and Anna Hingtgen Even, natives of the Province
of Luxemburg, Germany. Peter Even received but a fair country
school education during boyhood. In 1878 he came to Dubuque
and embarked in the grocery business for about three years. After
disposing of his grocery business he became salesman and book-
keeper for Pat McCullough, dealer in farm implements, and re-
mained with him for thirteen years. Then in partnership with H. J.
Fuchs, under the firm name of Even & Fuchs, he engaged in the
coal and w^ood business, three years later buying out the implement
business of Pat McCullough, which they added to their own par-
ticular line.
In 1904 Mr. Even acquired, by purchase, Mr. Fuch's interest
in the establishment and has since continued alone. He is interested
in different manufacturing concerns of the city. His implement
house is one of the largest in the state, and the large patronage he
is enjoying, both in the fuel and implement business, was acquired
by honest and fair dealings.
Dr. Edward R. Jackson, of Dubuque, has been actively engaged
m the practice of medicine and surgery at 855 Locust street since
6o6 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
1874. He is a native of Iowa, l)orn at Hopkinton. October 29,
1848, and a son of Leroy and Jerusha M. Jackson. So far as known
the family came originally from Virginia, later removing to Ken-
tucky, where Leroy Jackson was born, and in 1833 came to Du-
buque. It is said of Leroy Jackson that he was tlie first to erect
a brick house in the city of Dubuque. From 1833 to 1840 he
engaged in the real estate business here, then went to Hopkinton,
Iowa, to trade merchandise to the Indians for furs. He later bought
a farm near that village, where he remained until his death in 1885.
aged eighty-one years. His widow followed him in 1901, at the age
of eighty-three. To them eleven children were born, eight living and
three dying in infancy, as follows: Harvey, burned to death in
Dubuque when fifteen months old; William H., who died at V^icks-
burg during the Civil war, as sergeant of Company K, Twenty-first
Iowa Volunteers; IMary Louise, wife of Professor Calvin, of the
State University of Iowa; Henry C, residing in California; Martha
A., who married Grant Crawford of Hopkinton, Iowa; Susan C,
wife of H. C. Salsbury, of Cresco, Iowa; Charles, who died in
infancy; Frank L., of Redland, California; Fred C, residing in
Sioux City, Iowa ; Robert Louis, of Oldham, South Dakota ; and
Edward R., our subject. After attending the public schools. Dr.
Edward R. Jackson entered Lenox College, Hopkinton, Iowa, later
taking a course in the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery,
where he graduated in 1874 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine.
He subsequently attended and in 1881 was graduated from the
Hahnemann Medical College at Philadelphia. Pennsylvania. He
then came to Dubuque, where he had already practiced seven years,
and has since been actively engaged in the general practice of his
profession. Dr. Jackson is a Knight Templar Mason, an Odd Fel-
low, and a member of the Hahnemann Medical Society of Iowa, the
American Institute of Homeopathy, the American Association of
Orificial Surgeons and the Westminster Presbyterian church. Aside
from his practice he is interested in the Tobasco, Chapias Trading
and Transportation Company, of Mexico, is a director in the Amer-
ican Peat and Fertilizer Company, Farnham, Province of Quebec,
Canada, and is secretary and treasurer of the Western Land Com-
pany. On November 29, 1881, in Dubuque, he married Miss Etta J.
Hancock, daughter of Edwin and Ellen Hancock. Edwin Hancock
was a pioneer shoe merchant and died in March, 1906, aged eighty-
five years, and his wife died April 2, 191 1, aged ninety years. One
daughter, Edith Lucile, a graduate of the Dubuque High school and
of Bradford Academy, has been born to Dr. and Mrs. Jackson.
Caleb C. Chesterman has been a resident of Dubuque county
for over sixty years, coming here in the year 1850. He was born
at Burford, Oxfordshire, England, August 11, 1828, and is a son
of William and Harriet Chesterman. The father was a civil
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 607
engineer l)y occupation and came to America and Duljuque county,
Iowa, in 1850. settling on a farm near Peosta. He died in 1875,
aged seventy years, from a stroke of apoplexy. His wife died many
years before in her native country. Mr. Chesterman was prominent
in the early history of this county, and with Judge Dyer founded
the city of Manchester, which was named after him. Caleb C.
Chesterman received his early education in England and there
learned the trade of tinner. In 1848 he immigrated to America,
working for a time at his trade in the East, and then came to Du-
buque county. For two years he worked in the city of Dubuque,
then came to Dyersville and for several years was employed by
Judge Dyar. In 1854 he engaged in business on his own account,
and a few years later, under the firm name of Trick & Chesterman,
established a hardware and farm implement concern. After many
years of successful operation Air. Chesterman disposed of his inter-
ests to Mr. Clark, and bought a small farm near Dyersville, where
he followed gardening until his retirement in 1896. Mr. Chester-
man is one of the county's best and most deserving citizens. He-
is a Republican in National politics, but locally cast his vote for the
best man regardless of party affiliation. In religion he is an Episco-
palian and has helped to build several churches throughout the
county. December 27, 1852, at Galena, Illinois, he was united in
marriage with Miss Jane Denby. and to them these children have
been born : Frank, died when twenty-eight years old ; Polly, who
married William McFadden, of Leverne, Minnesota ; Carrie, the
wife of J. P. Kendall, of Cedar Rapids. Iowa; and Cornelius Chris-
topher, residing at Waterloo. Mr. Chesterman was the first post-
master of Dyersville.
Stanley Morgan Taylor, born at La Crosse, Wisconsin, No-
vember 21, 1887, and now residing at 30 Chestnut street, Dubuque,
is one of four children born to Landon Francis and Anna Bertha
(Schwind) Taylor, who were natives of Dubuque county, Iowa, and
there married. On the paternal side he is descended from Scotch-
English ancestry, the advent of this family in America being about
Revolutionary war times. For generations many of its members
were prominently identified with the Wesleyan Methodists, the
grandfather of the subject of this sketch having helped as a car-
penter to build the church of this denomination at Asbury, Dubuque
county, in 1876, and of which he served as pastor. Landon F.
Taylor was a contractor by occupation; he married in 1883 and is
now living in Dubuque. Mrs. Taylor, the mother of Stanley M..
was born in 1862, the daughter of Jacob Schwind. the old pioneer of
whom extended notice is given elsewhere in this work. The chil-
dren of Mr. and Mrs. Taylor are: Blanche L.. Stanley M., Lijla L.,
and Clifford Benjamin. Stanley M. Taylor was graduated in the
class of 1906 from the Dubuque High school, since which time he
6o8 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
has been in the employ of Carr, Ryder & Adams Company, serving
at the present in the capacity of estimator. He is a Repiibhcan in
pohtics, as is also his father, and socially is identified with the
Masonic fraternity, being a member of Mosaic Lodge No. 125,
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and Dubuque Chapter No. 3,
Royal Arch Masons. The family belongs to St. Luke's Methodist
Episcopal church.
Charles W. Skemp, engaged in the bricklaying and contracting
business at Dubuque, was born September i, 1848, in County Dor-
set, England, the fifth in a family of seven children born to John
and Harriet (Bennett) Skemp. John Skemp removed with his
family to the United States in 1859, locating in Chicago, and in
1876 he moved to Dubuque, low^a, where he died in 1894 at seventy-
nine years of age, followed by his widow in 1898, aged eighty- four
years. He was a mason by trade and followed that occupation, and
contracting, all his life. Charles W. Skemp, at the age of fourteen
years, began learning his trade under his father's instruction, and
from that time until 1897 worked as a journeyman. For the last
fourteen years he has operated extensively as a contractor, the
Mercy Hospital, new Presbyterian Seminary, Lawther's candy
factory, one part of the Fourteenth Street St. Joseph's Catholic
College, Couler Avenue school house, Burlington freight house, an
addition for the McDonald Manufacturing Company at Thirteenth
street, St. Anthony's Catholic church at W^est Dubuque, an addition
to the Orphan's Home north of Linwood, the power house at Fin-
ley Hospital, an addition for the Carr, Ryder & Adams Company
and numerous residences having been erected by him. In 1873, Mr.
Skemp married Miss Laura C. Cain, daughter of Col. Paul and
Maria (Price) Cain, who were among the very first settlers of
Dubuque county. Colonel Cain was a native of the state of New
York and of Holland ancestr}^ He married at Cincinnati, Ohio,
his wife being a native of that state and of English lineage. He
first came to Dubuque alone in 1834, and being impressed with the
future possibilities of the place, permanently settled here with his
family in 1835. He engaged in mining to some extent, but was
chiefly employed at farming. He died in 1867, aged sixty-two
years, and his widow in 1880. when seventy years old. They were
the parents of nine children. Mrs. Skemp being the youngest, her
birth occurring March 22, 185 1. Another daughter. Miss Louisa
Hanson, aged eighty-two years, is the oldest living settler in Du-
buque at the present time, and one son, Orrin R. Cain, is a veteran
of the Civil war. To Mr. and Mrs. Skemp eleven children have
been born, as follows: Eva Luella, died in infancy; Charles P.,
married Cora Steadman, the father of one child, was a corporal
in Company A, Iowa National Guard and served in Cuba during the
Spanish-American war, is a member of the Alasonic fraternity and
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 609
resides at Woodward, Oklahoma ; Hattie May, married Charles H.
Agard, has three children, home in Dubuque; Edwin John, single,
living with his parents; Jessie Eugenia, the wife of Alfred R.
Staufenbiel. has one child, home in Dubuque; Ivy Laura and Frank
Garfield, single and living with their parents; Robert, died in in-
fancy; Clarence, living at home; Newton, died in childhood; and
Nellie Louise, living with her parents in Dubuque. Mr. Skemp is a
member of the Methodist Episcopal church, a Republican in politics
and a member of Dubuque Lodge No. 41, Knights of Pythias. Mrs.
Skemp belongs to the Baptist church, the Shiloh Circle, the Pythian
Sisters and is the present president of Fitzhugh Lee Camp, the ladies'
auxiliary of the Spanish-American War Veterans.
John and Annie M. Vorwald were early pioneers of Johnson
county, Iowa, and likewise of Dubuque county. They came here
at the early date of 1850, a period when the country was but fairly
awakening from primitive conditions, and here Mr. Vorwald began
operating a flour mill. He also bought 365 acres of land, for the
most part fresh from the fashioning hand of the Creator, which he
gradually improved by cultivation and the erection of buildings. It
was but a comparatively short time until he became one of the fore-
most men of his day in this section of the community. His sym-
pathy, helpfulness and liberality were noteworthy, his public spirit
proverbial and the respect accorded him was universal. He served
as alderman and mayor and his record as a public official was above
reproach. After a residence of fifty-six years in Dubuque county
he died in the faith of the Roman Catholic church on December 13,
1906. His widow yet survives him, and they were the parents of
ten children, as follows : Frank, a farmer near Bloomington, Wis-
consin ; John, who resides at Dyersville ; Fred, farming in Delaware
county, this state ; Frances, residing at home ; Joseph and George,
operating the home farm; Harry Vorwald, operating a meat mar-
ket in New Vienna; Lizzie, who married John T. Meyers, and re-
sides in South Dakota; Annie, the wife of Otto Kerper, of New
Vienna; Mary, residing at home; and Alvina, who died in infancy
in 1888. While much can be said of the high character of Mr. Vor-
wald, a great deal can also be said in praise of Mrs. Vorwald, who
faithfully and ably assisted her husband in all his endeavors, who
brought ten children into the world, giving to them a mother's lov-
ing care, rearing nine of them to useful and praiseworthy citizen-
ship and instilling into all their hearts the sublime religious faith of
the Roman Catholic religion.
John Vorwald, of the above children, was born at New Vienna
on November 6, 1871, and there received his early schooling. When
fourteen years old he quit school and for three years assisted his
father in the care of the home farm. He then helped to operate the
flour mill about twelve years. In the meantime he had given con-
6io HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
siderable attention to public affairs and local needs, and his practical
knowledge and sound judgment led to his election on the Demo-
cratic ticket in 1907 as a member of the Board of Supervisors of
Dubuque county, a position he has since occupied with signal ability.
His first election was by a majority of 280 votes, his second, in
1908. by 2,100 votes, and in 1910 his majority was still further in-
creased to 2,900 ballots. Mr. Vorwald is the owner of a farm of
120 acres in South Dakota and also valuable properties in this
county. August 10, 1897, he w^as united in marriage with Miss
Catherine, daughter of August and Caroline Streabler, who were
among the earliest settlers of Dubuque county. August Streabler,
although a native of the United States, was descended from Ger-
man ancestry. He came here about the year 1840, served the Union
as a volunteer in the Civil war and w^as a w^ell known farmer. He
died January 21, 1900, when seventy-two years old, but his widow
is yet living and resides in Haverhill, Iowa.
LoREXzo O. HiLLYARn, president of the Midland Chemical Com-
pany, of Dubuque, Iowa, was born in Clay township, Wayne county,
this state, September 4, 1874, a son of Benjamin and Mary J. Hill-
yard, both of whom were of English ancestry. Benjamin Hillyard
was a native of Springfield, Illinois, and his parents were among the
early pioneers of that state. He was a farmer for thirty-four years,
but late in life moved to St. Joseph, Missouri, where he died in
January, 1906, at the age of sixty-seven years, preceded by his wife,
July 6, 1905, aged sixty-five years. Their final resting place is at
Corydon, Iowa. The early career of Lorenzo O. Hillyard was
passed in attending the country schools. When twelve years old he
went to live with his sister, Mrs. W. C. Mulford, at Omaha,
Nebraska, where he carried the Omaha Bee as a newsboy and
attended commercial college, paying his way through the latter by
the proceeds derived from washing dishes in a restaurant. During
his early life in Omaha he was employed by Dr. Charles Rosewater
to answer telephone calls and for this was given room rent and $4 a
week. The pri\'ations, humiliations and heartaches of the young
man served as incentives for greater efforts and were undoubtedly
the groundwork of his later success in life. From Omaha he went
to St. Joseph, Missouri, where he drove a wagon for the Standard
Oil Company three years, and from which he was promoted to
traveling specialty salesman, continuing as such for three years. In
1898 he became the general tank wagon superintendent for eleven
states for the above named oil concern, occupying this position
until his voluntary resignation in 1901. During this time he made
a careful study of disinfectants, and in 1901 began manufacturing
in a small way on Second street in Dubuque. By careful and con-
servative management the business prospered to such an extent that
four years later it was deemed necessary to incorporate. Since then
THE NEW YORK
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HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 6ii
it has increased wonderfully and is now recognized as one of the
largest disinfectant and gerniicid-e establishments of the country.
The concern employs eleven traveling salesmen and its product is to
be found in every state in the Union. Mr. Hillyard is a member of
St. Luke's Methodist Episcopal church, and of the Elks ; he is an
independent Republican in politics. June 22, 1905, he married Miss
Clara Ra forth, daughter of Erederick Raforth, one of the pioneers
of this section. To Mr. and Mrs. Hillyard there has been born one
daughter, Sibyl Jane.
Anthony E. Heeb, secretary and treasurer of the Dubuque
Brewing and Malting Company, is a native of Dubuque, his birth
occurring December 21, 1867, and the son of Anton and Katherine
Heeb. The father was born in the Province of Hesse-Nassau, Prus-
sia. Germany, in the year 18 12, but immigrated to the United States
in 1850 anci m a small way embarked in the brewing business at
Dubuque. As occasion warranted he added to his establishment
and at the time of his death the yearly output was 15,000 barrels.
Mr. Heeb always took an active interest in local public affairs of
importance and served as alderman from his ward and as county
supervisor. After a long and useful life of seventy-six years he
passed away, and was followed by his wife September 29, 1901, at
the age of seventy-two years. Both now lie at rest in Mount Cal-
vary cemetery, but their memory will long linger in the hearts of
their many friends and neighbors.
Alter attending St. Mary's Parochial school, Anthony E. Heeb,
the immediate subject of this memoir, entered the Canissius College,
Buffalo, New York, and subsequently further pursued his studies in
the College of the Sacred Heart at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin,
graduating from the classical course of the latter institution when
eighteen years of age. He then returned to Dubuque and entered
his father's employ as bookkeeper, remaining thus occupied until
the consolidation of the A. Heeb Brewing Company and the Glab
Brothers, Schmid Brothers and Western Brewing companies, at
which time Mr. Heeb was elected secretary and treasurer. He has
been thus associated down to the present time, being also a director
of the firm and vice-president of the German Trust and Savings
Bank. In religious views Mr. Heeb is an adherent of the Roman
Catholic faith, being identified with St. Mary's church, and socially
is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. To
his marriage with Miss Lulu M. Rhomberg, solemnized in Dubuque,
April 9, 1890, three children were born, as follows: Gussie May,
who died in infancy (1892) ; Lou May, born March 24, 1894; and
Anthony A., born Eebruary 20, 1898. Mrs. Heeb is the daughter
of L. A. and Margaret Rhomberg, who came to Dubuque in i860;
the father died in 1893, aged fifty years, and the mother in 1907,
aged sixty-two years.
6i2 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
John W. Schwind, president of the Dubuque Brewing and Malt-
ing Company, was born in this city March i, 1866, and has known,
practically, no other home. His parents, Jacob and Maria Schwind,
were natives ot Baden-Baden. Germany, and Bavaria, respectively,
but in 1850 they immigrated to America, locating at Dubuque, where
the father for years was prominently identified with the brewing
interests. He passed away December 15, 1881, at the age of fifty-
four years, and his loss was mourned generally throughout the
county. His widow still survives. After attending the public
schools of Dubuque. John \V. Schwind finished his education with a
course in Bayless Business College, and then for two years was
employed as bookkeeper by the Western Brewery. Succeeding this,
in 1884, he associated himself in the brewing business with John W.
Tschirgi, and this partnership continued until 1892, when he asso-
ciated himself with his brother, B. J. Schwind. and the Western
Brewing Company was formed. This company continued only for
four months, when the Dubuque Malting Company was formed by
the consolidation of the A. Heeb Brewing Company, Glab Bros.,
Schmid Bros., and the Western Brewing Company. They employ in
the neighborhood of 200 people and their business covers a wide
range of territory, including the states of Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin,
the Dakotas, Minnesota and Nebraska. Mr. Schwind is also a
director of the Citizens' State Bank and is president of the East
Dubuque Supply Company. Aside from the business cares of life
he is identified with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks,
the Eagles, and in religious views a member of St. Anthony's
Roman Catholic church. On September 15, 1886, at Dubuque, he
was united in marriage with Miss Mathilda, daughter of George and
Martha La Brune, pioneer residents of Dubuque, and to them two
children have been born, as follows: Edna, a graduate of St.
Clara College; and John W., now attending St. Joseph's College.
Mr. Schwind began life's battle at an early age, and has always been
an active member in the different companies with which he has been
connected, and always had the respect and esteem of his fellowmen.
Charles P. Skemp was born in the city of Dubuque, Iowa, June
26, 1862, being the second in a family of eight children born to
P. W. and Esther W. (White) Skemp. who were of English
nativity and who came to the United States in 1853, and about the
year 1858, respectively. P. W. Skemp located in Dubuque upon
his arrival in this countrv, was here married, and for twentv-three
years was a dry goods merchant in this city. In 1879 he bought
a farm within a short distance of Dubuque, in Grant county, Wis-
consin, where he and wife live at the ripe ages of eighty-four
and seventy-five years. The names of their children, all born in
Dubuque, are as follows : Joseph, who died unmarried when fifty
iuCty/p ^ 0^2^^^
THE HBW YORK
PU .LLC LiBRAKY
TILDES FOUNDATIONS
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 613
years old; Charles P., the subject of this sketch; Harry L., mar-
ried Grace Her and lives in Dubuque; May E., the wife of J. E.
Headley, of this city; Samuel P., married to Amelia Kunz, who
survives him. He was killed in a railroad accident in 1906;
Thomas W., who married Catherine Schwerdt and resides at La
Crosse, Wisconsin; Emily W., now Mrs. James C. Jones, of Oelwein,
Iowa; and Frederick A., who married Elizabeth Duetscher and
operates the farm owned by his father in Wisconsin. Charles P.
Skemp attended the public schools in boyhood but at the age of
fifteen years became a clerk in his father's store, continuing thus
until his father retired to the farm. From that time to 1897, he
was engaged in steamboating on the river, then became clerk in the
mailing division of the Dubuque postoffice. He has ever since con-
tinued in the employ of the government and is at present officiating
as city distributor. In 1896 Mr. Skemp was united in marriage with
Miss Hannah E. Walter, daughter of Peter and Maria (Reis)
Walter, natives of Germany. Peter Walter came to America with
his parents when eleven years old, their first home in this country
being at Upper Sandusky, Ohio. He came to Dubuque in 1854, but
in 1856 embarked in the furniture and undertaking business at
McGregor, Iowa, in company with a brother. He there died on
November 20, 1907, when seventy- four years old, and is survived
by his widow. Mrs. Skemp was born August 26, 1868, and is the
youngest in the family of eight children. To Mr. and Mrs. Skemp
two children have been born : Helen, born July 29, 1897, and Marie,
born February 4, 1899. Mr. Skemp is a member of the Independ-
ent Order of Foresters, a Republican in politics, and he and wife
belong to the Westminster Presbyterian church.
Bernhard C. Scherr, engaged in the retail grocery trade at 899
Clay street, Dubuque, is a son of Franz Scherr, who came to
America from his native country, Wurtemburg, Germany, in 1853,
and established a home in Dubuque, Iowa. Franz Scherr was born
in 1830, and after receiving a practical education in the schools of
his native country learned the intricacies of the brewing business.
After coming to Dubuque he was identified with the Schmid &
Scherr Brewery, but in 1864 went to Cassville, Wisconsin, and
built what was known as the Schmitz & Scherr Brewery. In 1877
he sold out and removed to Fort Dodge, Iowa, where he continued
in the same line of business. Four years later he returned to Du-
buque and was, for the greater part of the remainder of his life,
engaged in retail mercantile pursuits. At Dubuque, on March 4,
1862, he married Margaret Fleischman, a native of Nuremberg,
Bavaria, who came to Dubuque in 1858. Mr. Scherr died April 4,
1909, survived by his widow, who is now seventy-one years old, and
six children; Bernhard Conrad; Mrs. Anna Schaefer; William;
6i4 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Conrad Bernhard ; Albert ; and Mrs. Clara Merz. One child, Frank-
lin, died in infancy.
Bernhard C. Scherr was born in Dubuque, December 14, 1862,
and is the eldest of a family of seven children. Until nineteen years
of age he worked in the brewery, then became a clerk in a retail
grocery store, subsequently becoming his father's partner in that
line. In 1904 he acquired stock in the Hasler Grocery Company,
then owning five retail stores, but six years later purchased his
present establishment from the Hasler Company, which he has
since operated with success. He was married in the fall of 1889 to
Miss Theresa Bieg, daughter of the old and well remembered
settlers, Bernhard and Magdalena Bieg, natives of Germany. Mrs.
Scherr was born November 20, 1866, and is the third in a family of
five. To Mr. and Mrs. Scherr there have been born five children :
Leona, the wife of Carl Wunderlich, of Rock Island, Illinois; Harry
G., Henry J., Lucile and Mildred M. The family belong to St.
Mark's Lutheran church of Dubuque. Mr. Scherr is a member
of the Masonic fraternity, Modern Woodmen of America, Wood-
men of the World, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Orioles.
Albert Hugo Smith, superintendent of the city railways of
Dubuque, is a native of this city as are also his parents, Nicholas
and Lena (Ruh) Smith, his paternal grandfather being one of
Dubuque's first settlers. Nicholas Smith was of French and Ger-
man extraction and was the oldest of six children. In 1870 he mar-
ried Lena Ruh, of German descent and the second in a family of
fourteen. For thirty-seven years he was foreman for the E. W.
Albee Cracker Company, but in 1902, after this firm was bought by
the National Biscuit Company (burned out in 1904), he was em-
ployed by the McFarland Cracker Company. He and wife are
now living at 2216 Couler avenue, this city, and are the parents of
the following: John J., married Eleanora Guerlich, has two
children and lives in Dubuque ; Nicholas William, making his home
with his parents; Mary M., the wife of D. M. Yant, the mother of
one child, home in Dubuque; Albert H., the immediate subject of
this sketch ; and Pearl Josephine, a graduate of the Dubuque High
School and of Bayless Business College, an accomplished musician
and now employed as a stenographer in this city. Albert H. Smith
was born November 23. 1877, and until fourteen years old attended
the parochial schools. He entered the employ of the Chicago &
Great Western Railway Company as call boy and continued with
this company in different capacities for a period of twelve years,
during which time he learned telegraphy and became a train dis-
patcher. He left the employ of the C. & G. W. to accept a similar
position with the I. C. R. R.. a positon he occupied until he, with
many others, was released when a general reduction of the work-
ing force was ordered. He then accepted employment as motorman
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 615
and conductor of the City Street Railway, of which concern he is
now superintendent. In May, 1901, he married Miss Lola Olive
Lichtenberger. who was born November 10, 1881, a daughter of
Frank and Ruth Lichtenberger, natives of Illinois, and of German
and Scotch-Irish descent, respectively. Mr. Lichtenberger, in early
life, was a telegrapher, but of late years has followed carpentering.
He and wife reside in Chicago, and the three children born to them
are: Lola O., Dallas B., who married Cora Corby and resides in
Dubuque, and Harry Louis. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith four children
have been born : Olive Lola, Lucile Pearl, Marguerite Helen and
Genevieve La Verne. Mr. Smith is a Democrat and a member of
the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. He
and wife are affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr.
Smith is also a graduate of the Lincoln-Jefferson University of
Hammond, Indiana, in the study of law, but has not yet asked for
recognition in this city or state, preferring his present occupation to
the practice of law.
Peter Rider and his wife, Mary (Authier) Rider, were among
the best people of Dubuque county. Peter Rider was a native of
Germany and after coming to America in 1848 located in Dubuque
county, Iowa, where he married and engaged in farming in Table
Mound township. He died in 1874 at the age of thirty-six years
and was buried in Center Grove cemetery. He and wife were
the parents of four children, as follows: George W., Renne H.,
Catherine and Anna. The mother, in 1879, married Michael Rider,
a brother of her first husband, and he died in 1894, at the age of
fifty years, being also laid at rest in Center Grove cemetery. One
daughter, Melinda C, was born to the second marriage. She is a
graduate of the Dubuque High School, the State University of Wis-
consin and the School of Music at Madison, and is at present em-
ployed as teacher in the Dubuque High School.
John B. Williams, for the past thirty years engaged in the
boot and shoe business at Dyersville, is a native of England, born
July 29, 1841, and is the son of John and Eliza Williams. John
Williams immigrated to America with his family in 1850 and lo-
cated first in Chicago, Illinois, where he died January i, 1868, aged
sixty-two years, and was buried at Freeport, Illinois. His son,
John B. Williams, the immediate subject of this sketch, attended the
Chicago public schools until twelve years old, then for four years
was employed as bell boy in one of the hotels. Succeeding this he
began an apprenticeship to the shoemaker's trade under the tutelage
of his father, and also was butcher for his father three years. He
then returned to the shoe business, and in 1868 located at Dyers-
ville, Iowa, and here made boots and shoes. He soon was enabled
to open a small store, and as time passed and his business increased
6i6 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
he was forced to enlarge his premises, and today his estabHshment
is regarded as one of the best of its kind in the locaHty. Mr. Will-
iams is a Republican in politics. In 1872, at Dyersville, he was
united in marriage with Miss Hattie J. Bagley, daughter of Lovel
and Mary Bagley, whose father, a millwright by occupation, came
to Dubuque county in 1855. He died in 1866, aged forty-seven
years, and his wife in 1892, aged seventy-one years, and they are
buried at Dyersville and Edgerton, Wisconsin, respectively. To
Mr. and Mrs. Williams three children have been born and named,
as follows: Dora Isabelle, died June 5, 1902, aged twenty-five
years; Francis Joseph and Raymond Skay, who are clerking in their
father's shoe store. The family home is located in the city of
Dyersville.
John A. Rittscher, born at Galena, Illinois, July 30, 1852, re-
siding at 1069 White street and engaged in retail mercantile pur-
suits at 121 7 Iowa street, Dubuque, is a son of John A. and Cath-
erine (Kenicker) Rittscher, who were among the early pioneers in
this locality. Both parents w^ere born in Germany, married in Illi-
nois, and about the year 1845 settled in Dubuque county, Iowa,
and here the father engaged in the retail meat business. Both
parents are now dead. Ten children w-ere born to them. John A.
Rittscher was the third in the regular order of birth in this family.
He lived at home with his parents until eighteen years old, then be-
gan working for w^ages in the meat business. He continued thus in
different localities for five years, then returned to Dubuque and
for the succeeding twenty years was employed by the William Ryan
Packing Company. Since then he has been conducting a retail meat
market on his own responsibility. In 1884 he was united in mar-
riage with Miss Mary Eischen, who was born in Luxemburg, in
1856, and came to America when a young girl. Mr. Rittscher is a
Democrat in politics and a member of the Lutheran church. Mrs.
Rittscher is a Roman Catholic in religion.
George De Forest Rose, since 1904 secretary and treasurer of
the Spahn & Rose Lumber Company, was born in Freeport, Illinois,
September 16, 1879, the son of George P., Jr., and Susie (De
Forest) Rose. Both sides of the family can trace tlieir ancestry
back many generations in the history of the old world. The
father's people were Hollanders, and the mother's natives of Nor-
mandy and France. About 1650 the latter family, owing to the
Huguenot disturbances of the times, left their native county, and,
by way of Holland, came to the United States, and settled in Con-
necticut. Here they experienced the trials and hardships incident
to pioneer life, but, inheriting the thrift and industry of their
forefathers, they grew and prospered and, as the years went by,
scattered and became useful citizens of the land of tlieir adoption.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 617
George P. Rose, Jr., early in life left New York state and immi-
grated west to Chicago, but the great fire of 1871 destroyed his
property and drove him to Freeport, Illinois, from which place, in
1884, he came to Dubuque. He was at one time a jeweler by
trade, but after coming to Dubuque opened and has since been
operating a machine shop. George De Forest Rose, the immediate
subject of this review, came with his parents to Dubuque at the age
of five years, and after attending first the public schools, finished
his education by a course in the high school. He then as office boy
entered the establishment of the Carr, Ryder & Adams Company,
and gradually, as merited, was promoted until after six years he
became a salesman. Shortly thereafter in company with Mr. J. T.
Adams he went to California and for two and a half years was
assistant general superintendent of the West Side Lumber Com-
pany. At the expiration of that time he and his present partner,
Mr. Spahn, organized the Spahn & Rose Lumber Company and
they have since been actively and successfully engaged in that line
of business. In politics Mr. Rose is a Republican; in religious
views a member of the Westminster Presbyterian church ; and
socially he is identified with the Masonic fraternity. At Minne-
apolis, May 7, 1907, he was united in marriage with Miss Clara
Louise Bayless, daughter of V. W. and Clara Bayless, pioneer
residents of that city, and to them one daughter, Dorothy Louise,
has been born.
Peter Klauer. The life of Peter Klauer, president of the
Klauer Manufacturing Company, is conclusive proof that the aver-
age poor boy of today, if he possesses the qualities of integrity and
thrift, may ultimately rise to a position of honor and respect
among his fellowmen. Mr. Klauer started out in life a poor boy,
without money or influential friends, and by his own unaided
efforts had accumulated a competency and become prominent and
a factor in the commercial life of Dubuque. His parents, John and
Mary Klauer, were natives of the ProA'ince of Rhenish Prussia,
Germany, but in 1854 left the mother country, emigrated to
America and settled in Dubuque. The father was a potter and fol-
lowed that trade until his death in 1883, at the age of eighty-five
years. His wife passed away in 1872, aged sixty-two years. Both
now lie at rest in Mount Calvary cemetery, but their memory still
remains near and dear to the surviving old settlers who knew them
to be kind neighbors and excellent. God-fearing citizens. Their
son, Peter Klauer, the immediate subject of this memoir, was born
at Baumbach, near the city of Coblenz, Germany, on November 28,
1842, and until twelve years old attended the public schools thereof.
Fie then came with his parents to America and Dubuque, and while
employed in various positions attended night school in an effort to
better his education. When seventeen years of age he became an
6i8 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
apprentice to the tin trade in the estabhshment of Thomas Heney
and for some time remained there as a journeyman. In 1870, how-
ever, he embarked in the tin and stove business on his own account,
starting in a small way on Iowa street and increasing his stock as
occasion warranted. These premises he has long since vacated and
they are now occupied by his son-in-law, Mr. A. P. Kress. In 1890
Mr. Klauer erected the buildings now standing between Thirteenth
and Fourteenth streets and organized the Klauer Manufacturing
Company, Mr. Klauer being the president, and this concern has
since become widely known throughout the middle West. Aside'
from the above interests Mr. Klauer is president of the German
Trust and Savings Bank and vice-president of the Iowa Coffin
Company, of which latter concern he was for a time manager. In
politics he is a Democrat, has served as a member of the board of
supervisors, and was chairman of the committee that had charge
of the erection of the Dubuque county court house. He was also
one of the first trustees and directors of the new library of Dubuque
city. In his religious views Mr. Klauer espouses the beliefs of his
forefathers and is a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic church.
On September 26, 1864, at Dubuque, he was united in marriage
with Miss Anna F., daughter of Fidelius and Bernharta Buechler,
old pioneer residents of this county, now at rest in Calvary ceme-
tery, and to their union eleven children have been born, as follows :
Rose, who died when five years old ; Albert, who died at two years
of age; one who died in infancy; William H., associated with his
father in business; Benjamin F., teller in the German Trust and
Savings Bank; Aloise N., also with father; Joseph, with father;
Amalie, a sister of St. Francis ; Angeline, at home ; Gertrude, the
wife of A. P. Kress, of this city; and Mary, at home with her
parents. The Klauer family is well and favorably known through-
out the county, and Mr. Klauer can point with pardonable pride to
his steady rise up the ladder of life.
James J. Duffy, agent for the Illinois Central Railway at Dyers-
ville since 1909, was born at Omaha, Nebraska, August 20, 1878,
and is the son of Michael and Margaret Duffy. The father was a
native of County Kings, Ireland, and came to America in 1859,
locating for two years at Xenia, Ohio, where he followed farming.
He was also a railroad contractor, and after locating in Omaha,
Nebraska, followed that business for thirty years. He is at present
engaged in farming near Council Bluffs, Iowa. James J. Duffy
attended the public and parochial schools of his native city until
fourteen years old, then completed his studies with courses in the
Omaha and Iowa Business colleges, graduating from the latter in
1898. He then became connected with the Illinois Central Rail-
way Company as station agent at Masonville, Iowa, where he
remained six years, succeeding which he was for two years located
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 619
at Ryan. In 1909 he was transferred to Dyersville, Iowa, and has
here been since located. Mr. Duffy is a Democrat in his poHticai
views, a Cathohc in rehgion, and is a member of the Knights of
Cohimbus. He was married at Masonville, Iowa, September 6,
1905, to Miss Loretta Barry, and one daughter, Catherine, was
born to them on February 25, 1908. Mrs. Duffy is the daughter
of Wilham and Catherine Barry, natives of Dubuque county, Iowa,
and at present engaged in farming near Masonville.
Benjamin J. Schwind, assistant secretary and treasurer of the
Dubuque Brewing and Malting Company since 1908, was born in
Dubuque county, Iowa. August i, 1869, a son of the old pioneers,
Jacob and Maria Schwind, appropriate mention of whom is made
elsewhere in this publication. He was educated in the local w^ard
and high schools, leaving the latter in his sixteenth year, and for
a time thereafter was bookkeeper for Eulberg Brothers, brewers,
at Portage, Wisconsin. He subsequently returned to Dubuque and
became a bookkeeper in the Tschirgi & Schwind Brewery, remain-
ing thus employed until he and his brother purchased the above
named concern, which they reorganized as the Western Brewing
Company, and conducted successfully until the consolidation of
four local breweries. This was in 1892. Mr. Schwind was cashier
and had charge of the shipping department of the new organiza-
tion, and in 1906 became a director and was elected assistant sec-
retary and treasurer, which position he has held ever since. He is
also a director of the German Trust and Savings Bank, vice-
president of the Dubuque Automobile and Garage Company, secre-
tary and treasurer of the East Dubuque Supply Company, and
treasurer of the Dubuque Realty Company. Socially he is identi-
fied with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, now a
trustee of Dubuque Eodge No. 297, and in religious views a mem-
ber of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic church. On November 5,
1890, in Dubuque, he was united in marriage with Miss Nellie
Carney, daughter of Erank and Mary Carney, one of the oldest
families in Dubuque county. Mr. Carney, now seventy years of
age, is still active in business affairs and is a cigar and tobacco
merchant in Dubuque. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Schwind
one daughter and one son have been born, named, Grace M., born
September 13, 1892, attending St. Josejjh's Academy, and Ben-
jamin J., Jr., born September 5, 1894, now^ in attendance at St.
Joseph's College. Mr. Schwind and family reside . at 3S6 Hill
street.
August Becker, since 1900 superintendent and brewmaster for
the Dubuque Brewing and Malting Company, Dubuque, is a native
of Germany, and the son of Johann and Barbara Becker. The
parents both died in the old country in 1885, the father being a
620 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
domain manager by occupation. August Becker completed his
education in tlie public schools when fifteen years old, and then
secured employment in a German brewery. In 1872 he came to
the United States and for a time worked in the Koeliler & Lanee
brewery at Davenport, Iowa, succeeding which he removed to Rock
Island, Illinois. Eight months later he returned to Davenport and
for a year was again in the employ of Koehler & Lange, then went
with Wertmuller & Ande, with whom he remained as foreman
nine years. In 1888 he came to Dubuque and for five years was
employed in a similar capacity in the Glab brewery. In 1894 he
became associated as assistant foreman with the Dubuque Brewing
and Malting Company, which position he held until promoted to
his present position of superintendent and brewmaster. Mr. Becker
has extensive real estate holdings in Dubuque county and else-
where, and in religious views is a member of the Holy Ghost Roman
Catholic church. Socially he is identified with the Catholic Order
of Foresters. On May 7, 1878, at Davenport, Iowa, he was united
in marriage with Miss Theresa Dietz, daughter of Frank and
Rehena Dietz, pioneer settlers of Davenport, where the mother vet
resides. Frank Dietz is deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Becker seven
children have been born, two dying in infancy, as follows: Oscar,
assistant foreman in the Dubuque Brewing and Malting Companv;
Arthur H., who is running a poultry farm; Frank, a machinist;
August, Jr., a bookkeeper; and Alma. The Becker residence is
located at 3265 Jackson street, city of Dubuque.
Simon Burlage, Sr., living in Dyersville, since 1903, retired
from the active business cares of life, was born in Charleston,
South Carolina, January 23, 1848. His parents, Herman and Cath-
erine Burlage, were natives of Munster, Province of Westphalia,
Kingdom of Prussia, Germany, and came to the United States in
1830, locating in South Carolina, where all their children were
born. In his native country Herman Burlage served as a soldier.
At Charleston he worked at blacksmithing, and being of an econom-
ical turn of mind, saved his money, and in 1853 bought a tract of
200 acres of land at Government prices in New Wine Township,
Dubuque county, Iowa. He enlisted for the suppression of the
Indians in Florida, when he first came to America, and from there
moved here in 1858. As his land was wholly unimproved, he built
thereon a cabin and began clearing and experiencing all the hard-
ships incident to pioneer life. As time passed better buildings were
erected, better implements were procured, orchards and shrubbery
were set out, better grades of domestic stock were introduced and
eventually this place became one of the best farms of the com-
munity. All this was brought about by hard work, economy, care-
ful management and saving. Mr. Burlage died February 12, 1891,
when eighty years of age. He was a man of sound judgment, his
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 621
word was as good as his bond, his honesty was proverbial and he
was held in universal esteem by all who knew him. His ruling am-
bition was to rear his children to honorable, useful lives and to good
citizenship. No less respected was his wife, the sharer of his bur-
dens and a helpmeet in every sense of the word. She died Decem-
ber 23, 1893, aged eighty-two years, and both are buried in the
cemetery at New Vienna. Simon Burlage, Sr., attended the schools
of his native city for two years prior to coming to Dubuque county
with his parents. Here he attended the school at New Vienna in
early youth and assisted his father on the home farm until his
twenty-third year, then obtained the ownership of an 160 acre farm
in Dodge Township, upon the payment of $2,000 to his brother,
Nicholas. This property was unimproved, but, inheriting thrift and
the willingness to work from his parents, he set to work with a
will and gradually brought it to a high state of development. Be-
lieving that soil was the real foundation of substantial wealth, he
gradually increased his real estate holdings until at one time he
was the owner of nearly 900 acres. This he subsequently divided
into four separate farms, disposing of all but 240 acres, which he
yet owns and on which two of his sons are now residing. Besides
this. Mr. Burlage owns the Agricultural Building in Dyersville and
stock in the Worthington Savings Bank, In religion he is a Roman
Catholic ; in politics he is independent, voting in all cases for whom
appears to be the best man, regardless of party affiliation. Jtme 23,
1873. he married Mari Angla Esch. daughter of Theodore and
Catherine Esch ; his sons. Nichols and Petter H. Mr. Esch, who
established the first brew^ery in Dyersville, died April 30, 1892,
aged eighty-one years, and his wife October 3. 1875, at sixty-four
years of age. Both have their final resting place in the cemetery
at Dyersville. Besides the following named seven children, born to
Mr. and Mrs. Burlage, they have one adopted daughter, named
Dorothea; Theodore, a farmer of Dubuque county; Nicholas, sales-
man for a cream separating concern; Simon, Jr., and Frank P.,
farmers; Catharine, the wife of John Kramer, of Delaware county;
Mary Josephine, who married John Kirsch and resides in this
county; and Annie, wdio died December 7, 1903, aged twenty-two
years. Mr. Burlage owns some town property, consisting of lots
and the fine home in wdiich he lives.
Robert Hay, sole proprietor of the Key City Roofing Company,
with offices at the corner of Eighth and White streets, Dubuque,
was born at Cupar, Fife, Scotland, on January 26, 1863. His par-
ents. Thomas and Mary A. Hay. are descended from old Scotch
families, and are yet living in Scotland. The father has long been
retired, but during his active business career was a prominent Glas-
gow merchant. Robert Hay w^as educated in the Glasgow public
schools, which he left in his thirteenth year, and about 1880 immi-
622 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
grated to the United States, locating primarily at Providence,
Rhode Island. For a time he worked at various occupations, then
hired out to a farmer at the rate of four dollars a month and con-
tinued thus for a year and a half. He then returned to his native
country and learned the machinist's trade, and upon completing his
apprenticeship again came to America and located in Dubuque,
Iowa. For some time he worked at his trade in the shops of the
Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company, and then estab-
lished himself in business on a small scale. The Key City Roofing
Company has grown from a comparatively unimportant concern to
one of Dubuque's largest and most substantial business houses, and
deals in asphalt, resin, pitch, coal tar, roofing paints, roofing, build-
ing papers, deafening felts, building materials, wall coping, sewer
pipe, flue linings, mortar colors, mineral wool, lime, hair, cement,
fire brick, fire clay, etc., and employs, outside of the regular office
force, about twenty experienced men. Aside from the above men-
tioned interests Mr. Hay is president of the Lightcap Company and
treasurer and director of the Dubuque Shippers' Association. He
is a director of the Dubucjue Y. M. C. A., president of the board of
tmstees of the Westminster Presbyterian church, and a member of
the Masonic fraternity, the Modern Woodmen of America, and the
Dubuque and Iowa State traveling men's associations. On Sep-
tember 12, 1888, at Platteville, Wisconsin, he married Miss Lizetta
H. Hay, daughter of Robert and Catherine Hay, the former dying
at Platteville when seventy years of age, and the latter now resid-
ing with Mr. and Mrs. Hay in Dubuque, aged seventy-eight years.
To Mr. and Mrs. Hay two sons and one daughter have been born,
as follows: Robert Philip, born November 5, 1889, a graduate of
Dubuque High School, now associated in business with his father;
Henry Malcolm, born October 24, 1892, attending public schools;
and Helen Catherine, born October 15, 1893, "ow attending high
school. The family home is located at 82 Arlington street.
William C. Luther, vice president and secretary of the Tele-
graph-Herald Company since its organization in November, 1901,
was born in the city of Dubuque, September 22, 1865. Charles
and Minnie Luther, his parents, were natives of Germany. They
came from Berlin to the United States in 1851, and after a six
months' stay in New York, located permanently in Dubuque. Here
the father engaged in the tobacco business and was, in all prob-
ability, the first wholesale cigar dealer here. He built up a large
business and established a reputation for honesty and good citizen-
ship. In 1907, at the age of eighty-two years, he died, preceded by
his wife in 1894, aged sixty- four years.
The early life of William C. Luther was passed much after the
manner of the boys of that time. He attended the public schools,
and later the night sessions of Bayless Business College. When
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fifteen years of age he began working on the Dubuque Times, con-
tinuing thus ten years, then was associated with the Dubuque Tele-
graph until its reorganization as the Telegraph-Herald in 1901. In
religion Mr. Luther is a member of St. Luke's Methodist Episcopal
church ; in politics he is a Democrat, having served as a member of
the County Central Committee and in other official capacities for his
party. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks, and the Modern Woodmen of Amer-
ica. January 13, 1897, he was united in marriage with Miss Delia
Stephens, daughter of John Stephens, who, for a number of years,
was engaged in business in Dubuque.
Thomas J. Fitzpatrtck, attorney and counsellor at law, is a
native of Iowa, his birth occurring at Greeley, Delaware county,
September 25, 1872. His parents, James and Hulda (Foley) Fitz-
patrick, were born in Ireland, but came to the United States about
the year 1845, ^'^^ engaged in farming near Colesburg, Iowa. They
subsequently moved to their present farm near Greeley, where they
still reside, and where they celebrated their golden wedding on
November 12, 1910, at the ages of eighty-four and seventy-three
years respectively. Thomas J. Fitzpatrick was reared on the home
farm, assisting in the usual work and attending the district school.
He graduated from the Greeley High school, attended the Iowa
City Academy, and took the prescribed course at St. Joseph's Col-
lege, Dubuque. He completed his literary education by taking a
three years' course in the department of Liberal Arts in the State
University at Iowa City, receiving from this institution the degree
of Bachelor of Arts. In 1896 he completed his legal studies in the
law department of the State University, and since that time has
practiced his profession in Dubuque with unusual success. In his
general views he is democratic, and in his political affiliation, a
Democrat. By election he served as state's attorney during the
years 1903 and 1904. In religion he is a Roman Catholic, being
a member of St. Patrick's parish. Socially he belongs to the
Knights of Columbus, the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Ancient Order of
Hibernians; he is also a member of the board of education of
Dubuque. On July 26, 1899, at Dougherty, Iowa, he married Miss
Agnes C. Wade, daughter of Michael and Margaret Wade.
Mr. Fitzpatrick is generally conceded to be one of the foremost
lawyers of Iowa, and is the senior member of the firm of Fitzpat-
rick & Frantzen. He is the present attorney for the Illinois Cen-
tral Railroad Company for eastern Iowa, and his firm is the legal
adviser of many of the most important concerns in Dubuque.
He is one of the best orators at the Dubuque bar and to his elo-
quence and manifest sincerity may be attributed his marked success
before a jury.
t>
^24 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
John I. Mullany, a well known legal practitioner of Dubuque,
is a native of Ireland, his birth occurring about April i, 1847, i'"*
the county of Tipperary. He is a son of John and Catherine
Hutchinson Mullany, both of whom were born and reared in that
country. In 1849 ^^e family left the mother country and immi-
grated to America, first locating in La Salle, Illinois, and eventually
in 1857 coming to Dubuque. The father was an architect and fol-
lowed that business successfully until his death in 1884. at the age
of seventy-two years. His wife passed away in 1873, aged sixty-
one years. The early education of John I. Mullany was acquired in
the parochial schools of Dubuque, and this was supplemented by a
course in the College of Our Lady of Angels, now Niagara (New
York) University. He then took up the study of law in the office
of John H. O'Neill and H. B. Fouke. well known lawyers of
Dubuque, now deceased, and later embarked in the general practice
of that profession on his own account. From 1873 to 1883 he was
thus successfully engaged in Dubuque and Clinton. Iowa, but then,
owing to failing health, retired from active participation in business
affairs. In 1886 Mr. Mullany was appointed deputy clerk of the
district court of Dubuque county, and for twenty years honorably
and creditably filled this position.
In 1907, in partnership with Mr. Hugh Stuart, he again took up
the general practice of law in Dubuque, securing offices in the Bank
and Insurance building, and has since been actively and successfully
engaged in his profession. Politically Mr. Mullany is a Democrat :
he served for twelve years as a member of the board of education.
He is a Catholic in religion and is a member of the Knights of
Columbus. Mr. Mullany is regarded as a ready writer, has written
for the Catholic Encyclopedia and contributes occasionally to
periodicals.
On May 3, 1877, he was married at Dubuque to Miss Agnes C.
Murphy, daughter of Michael B. and Margaret S. Murphy, early
settlers of Chicago, Illinois, and to them were born seven children.
One, Joseph, dying in infancy, and the others: Robert E., traveling-
auditor for the Transcontinental Freight Bureau, of San Francisco;
Grace C, librarian of the Clinton (Iowa) public library, died
December i, 1910; Retta, wife of Dr. Charles E. Loizeaux, of
Dubuque; Blanche S., librarian of the Dubuque high school library;
Marc Hutchinson, a student at St. Joseph College, Dubuque, and
Jean C, attending St. Joseph Academy, at Dubuque. The family
reside at 60 West Locust street, and they rank socially and intel-
lectually among the leading people of the city.
Henry Vorwald, living retired from the active cares of business
at Dyeisville since 1909, was born in Iowa City, Iowa, October 5,
1850, the son of Francis and Anna (Sherbrock) Vorwald. Francis
Vorwald was a native of Hanover, Germany, but immigrated to this
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 625
country in 1830. and for several years resided in various places. In
1843 iie located in Johnson county, Iowa, where he pre-eniptcd 1
quarter section of land from the government. Inheriting the tlvift
and industry proverbial with the German people, he set to work
clearing and imi)roving his place, and adding thereto until he ownetl
nearly 400 acres. This he sold and in 185 1 moved to Dubuque
county and bought a 160-acre farm in Liberty township. This he
increased in value by impro\'ement and in extent by the addition of
another 160 acres. For twenty years, in conjunction with farming,
he taught school, and many men and women now living in Dubuque
county remember him as their early preceptor. He died at Dyers-
ville in 1883. at the age of seventy years, preceded by his wife in
1855, when ihirty-eiglit years old. Henry Vorwald received his
education in the district schools of Liberty township, finishing with
a course in Francescan College, at Quincy, Illinois. When sixteen
years old he left college and for three years worked with his
ijrotliers, Frank and John, then rented his father's farm of t6o
acres, which he operated for some years. In 1872 he purchased
eighty acres in Delaware county, Iowa, and also eighty acres in
another locality, selling both these properties in 1886 and buying
230 acres in Colony township, Delaware county. To this last tract
he added from time to time until he became the owner of 472 acres.
Here Mr. X'orwald resided many years, but desiring to rest from
the hard work he had endured so long and wishing to be back among
his old friends once more, he finally located in Dyersville, where he
at present enjoys the quiet rest fulness of a competency. He is a
Roman Catholic in religion, a Democrat in politics and in addition
to his large real estate holdings is a stockholder and director of the
Farmers' State Bank of Dyersville. x^pril 19, 1870, he married
Miss Abbie Griffith, daughter of George and Sadie Griffith, old
homestead pioneers of this locality who died in 1888, aged sixty-
three years, and in 1889, aged seventy-two years, respectively. To
Mr. and Mrs. Vorwald twelve children have been born, one dying
unnamed and the other in infancy named x\ugust. Those li\'ing are
as follows: Anna, the wife of Henry Bockenstedt, farmer of Dela-
ware county; Frank S., stock dealer at Kennebick, South Dakota:
George J., a farmer of Clayton county, Iowa ; Clara, wdio married
C. J. Bockenstedt, of Delaware county: Rose, married Henry
Wernke, farmer, residing in Delaware county : Ida, now ]Mrs. Frank
Koelker, wdio farms near Bloomington, Wisconsin; Edward H., a
farmer near Guttenberg, Clayton county, Iowa; William T., also
farmer of Clayton county, Iowa, and Henry M. and Charles A., who
operate the old homestead in Delaware county. Mr. Vorwald has
ever been considered a valuable citizen, no matter where he lived,
but in Dubuque county he and wife are especially highly esteemed
and respected for their many excellent neighborly qualities.
626 HISTOR OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
LoRENZ Hauer, retired from active business and residing at 1461
Jackson street, Dubuque, since August. 1910, was born in the
Kingdom of Wurtemburg. Germany. June 12, 1840, the son of
Isidor and Agatha Hauer. botli of whom died in the old country.
He received his education in the German pubHc schools, and while
yet a young man immigrated to America, via New Orleans, locating
at St. Louis. Missouri. For a time he worked at various occupa-
tions, and when civil war threatened the disruption of the Union
he was one of the first to respond to President Lincoln's call for
volunteers. He enlisted in Company C, First Missouri Volunteers,
and participated in a number of battles. At the battle of Wilson's
Creek he was badly wounded, suffering the loss of a leg, and at the
conclusion of that year was honorably discharged by the war depart-
ment of the L^nited States government. In 1862. being unfit for
further active service, he came to Dubuque and learned cigar mak-
ing, and was in the employ of Charles Luther for nine years. In
1871 he embarked in that line of business on his own account and
continued thus successfully until his retirement in 19 10. Mr. Hauer
is a Republican in his political views and a member of the Grand
Army of the Republic. To his marriage with Miss Margaret
Colling, solemnized in Dubuque June 26, 1866, twelve children were
born, nine of whom died in infancy. Those living are : Lorenz, Jr.,
bookkeeper for Louis Lang, and married to Miss Susie Glab, a
daughter of Francis and Margaret Glab, pioneers of Dubuque, and
has one son, Louis; Anna, the wife of Henry Wilberding, merchant
tailor of Dubuque, had fourteen children, three of whom died, and
jVIagdalena, who married Charles Wilberding, a merchant tailor of
Cincinnati, Ohio, and has four children. ]\Ir. Hauer is one of
Dubuque's good citizens and bears the respect of all who know him.
Michael Stronck, and Margaretha, his wife, were among the
pioneer farmers of Dubuque county, and by reason of their exem-
plary lives were esteemed among the best citizens. They were
natives of Luxemburg, Germany, immigrating to the L^nited States
in 1854, and commg direct to this county located on a tract of 120
acres near Holy Cross, Concord township. At this time five acres
only were partly improved, the balance being in a state of nature.
With commendable courage Mr. and Mrs. Stronck began work on
this place, undergoing the many hardships and inconveniences of
pioneer life, gradually improving their property as means permitted
and identifying themselves with their neighbors in the social and
religious conditions of the time. Mr. Stronck became one of the
foremost men of his locality. He was a Democrat in politics and
served as township trustee and as a member of the board of educa-
tion. On November 12, 1884, he died, at the age of seventy-four
years, and was buried in the cemetery at Luxemburg. Mrs.
Stronck died in 1873, when sixty-four years old, and is buried at
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HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 627
Holy Cross. They were the parents of three children: Annie, who
married John Engles and died at Cassville, Grant county, Wisconsin,
in 1891 ; Appolonia, married John Scharf and died at Elmwood,
Kansas, in 1894, and Peter, a sketch of whom is herewith added.
Peter Stronck was born at Luxemburg, Germany, December 3,
1849. '^"^^ when five years old was brought to this country by his
parents. He assisted in the work of the home farm and attended
the parochial school at Holy Cross until the age of eighteen years.
Since then he has made farming his occupation, at which he has
met with more than ordinary success. He is the owner of 360 acres
of land which is considered one of the model farms of Dubuque
county. This he has splendidly imj^roved with serviceable buildings,
orchards and stocked with the best grades of domestic animals. In
addition to this he is a stockholder in the bank at Dyersville, and
recently has acquired a farm of 160 acres near Dubuque. He is a
Democrat, has served as township trustee and secretary of the
board of education, is a Catholic in religion and a member of the
Mutual Protective Association. At Luxemburg, Iowa, on February
30, 1872. he married Miss Mary Duster. The parents of Mrs.
Stronck were Peter and Catharine Duster, old settlers of this com-
munity, who died in 1880 and 1896, respectively, and were buried
at Luxemburg. To Mr. and Mrs. Stronck five children have been
born, named: Catharina, the widow of John Schneider; Peter P.,
operating one of his father's farms; Anthon, who is also farming
one of his father's properties; Maggie, the wife of Frank Thomas,
a farmer of Table Mound township, and Barbara, who married
Frank D. Meyers, farmer, and resides in New Wine township.
Having accumulated a competency, Mr. Stronck decided to retire
from active participation in farm work, and accordingly, in 1908,
moved into Dyersville, which has since been his home. Mrs.
Stronck died June 2, 1906, and lies buried at Luxemburg.
Prof. Charles G. Kretschmer. — Fifty-four years a teacher!
For thirty-nine years four months principal of one school! Such
is the record of Prof. Charles G. Kretschmer, one of Dubuque's
veterans in the educational field. He was a native of Germany, his
birth occurring in the village of Gloschkau, near Breslau, January
19, 1822. and he was one of four sons born to a prosperous farmer.
In 1843, when twenty-one years of age, he graduated with honors
from the Breslau Seminary, receiving from the state a diploma as
teacher, and thereupon began his life work. He taught the village
school of Peterwitz from 1843 to 1846, and then accepted the prin-
cipalship of the school at Sadewitz, which position he held until
coming to America in 1849. He first went to New Orleans, but
after a few months' residence in that city removed to St. Louis and
there established a private school which he conducted successfully
628 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
until 1853, when he came to Dubuque. Easily recognizing the lack
of sufficient educational facilities for a young city of rapid growth,
he opened a pri\'ate school at the corner of Seventh and White
streets. In 1858 the board of education of Dubuque, recognizing
his worth as teacher and manager, elected him principal of the
Fifth ward school (now called Audubon school). As conclusive
evidence of his success it need but be said that he held this position
to the end of his life — a period of thirty-nine years and four
months. During his administration the number of teachers in this
school increased from six to sixteen and the number of pupils from
150 to 720. Kind, simple-hearted, enthusiastic, his interest in the
welfare of the boys and girls and in that of the hundreds of men
and women who had been his pupils was as great in the last year
of his life as in the prime of manhood. He kept in close touch with
the educational progress of the half century which witnessed such
marvelous advancement in school methods. He was always accu-
rate and systematic in whatever he undertook, a tireless worker, a
courteous gentleman. In these facts may be found the cause of his
success and the secret of his strong hold on the affections of his
patrons and pupils. In the summer of 1897 he announced his inten-
tion to retire from active service at the close of the following school
year, the fifty-fifth as teacher and fortieth as principal of the Audu-
bon school. Some one proposed a memorial picnic in his honor.
The suggestion was received enthusiastically by the hundreds of
former pupils, many of whom were prominent business men. Meet-
ings were held, committees appointed, and arrangements completed
promptly. The picnic, held on the second day of September, was a
pionounced success in every respect and showed the great love and
esteem borne him. Professor Kretschmer was married to Miss
Anna Fengler, daughter of Rev. E. Fengler, in 1854, and eight
children blessed their union. He joined the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows in 1855 and was an active member to the end of his
life, filling the various chairs in the local lodge and holding the
positions of grand master and grand representative of the state.
He was also a prominent member of the German Benevolent
Society, which he joined in 1855. He was taken ill in the school-
room December i, 1897, and died December 9, at the age of seventy-
five years, ten months and twenty days, survived by his widow and
five children, all residents of Dubuque : IVIrs. Eugenia A. Hollings-
worth, directress of one of Dubuque's public kindergartens; Frank
G., who died December 23, 1893; Sylvia A., wife of C. K. Mathis,
secretary of the Mathis-Mets Company ; Herbert C. president of the
Kretschmer Manufacturing Company; Fred N., vice president and
treasurer of same, and William M., secretary of the Dubuque
Industrial Incorporation and member of the firm Kretschmer & Lee
engaged in the insurance, real estate and loan business.
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HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 629
Rev. Frederick W. Pape, pastor of St. Boniface Roman Cath-
olic church at New Vienna, Iowa, is a native of the province of
Westphaha, Kingdom of Prussia, Germany. He was born January
21. 1844. and is the youngest of eight sons born to the marriage of
WilHam Pape and IMargaret Happe. In the year 1850, after having
decided that better opportunities for advancement could be obtained
in America, William Pape, together with his entire family, immi-
grated to the United .States. As he was reared a farmer in Europe,
he determined to follow that occupation also in this country. He
came to the pioneer settlement of New Vienna, in Dubuque county,
Iowa, and there purchased 320 acres of land at government prices.
Upon this he erected dwellings and continued improving. Here he
died m 1878, at the age of seventy-seven years, preceded by his wife
in 1862, at the age of sixty-two years.
Rev. Frederick W. Pape received his early education in the
parochial log schoolhouse connected with St. Boniface church, New
Vienna, Iowa. Early in life he held a position as clerk in a store at
Dyersville. Iowa, but later took to travel, visiting different states
besides Cuba and Mexico. At a still later period he became a mer-
chant at Lyons, Iowa. For some time he had been privately study-
ing for the ministry, but in 1866 entered Notre Dame University,
Indiana, and later completed the theological course at St. Francis
Ecclesiastical Seminary at Milwaukee. In 1874 he was ordained
to the priesthood and was first assigned to mission work in the
western part of Iowa, continuing thus to establish and organize new
parishes for a period of seven years. By direction of Archbishop
Hennessy, of Dubuque, he organized the Sacred Heart parish at
Dubuque, built the first church and school and was pastor of the
same for three years.
In 1883 he was appointed to St. Boniface church. New Vienna,
Iowa. This congregation flourished under his wise leadership and
the present magnificent St. Boniface church and school buildings
were erected. A full description of this church and school appears
elsewhere in the historical department of this work. Father Pape is
one of the leaders of religious thought in this section of the country.
The present assistant to Rev. F. W. Pape is Rev. A. J. Thole,
born at Petersburg, Iowa, October 4, 1885, and ordained to the
priesthood June 8, 19 10.
John R. Waller, although one of the younger members of the
Dubuque bar, has attained a standing in the legal profession that
entitles him to a page in the current history of Iowa jurisprudence.
He was born in this city February i, 1883, and received his early
education in the parochial and public schools. He entered the local
high school from Grammar School No. 69, New York city, and was
graduated with the class of 1902. Mr. Waller decided to engage in
the practice of law, and selected Yale and Chicago universities for
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February 19, 1891, at the advanced age of ninety years. Their
children have become well known among the best people of
Dubuque. Two children, Margaret and Frank, died in infancy;
Peter, named after his father, spent the greater part of his life in
Dubuque, and died January 14, 1896, an honored and respected
citizen: Jacob, who was for so many years here engaged in mercan-
tile pursuits, died November 16, 1900, aged seventy-six years;
Tohn, a drv goods merchant here for a great manv vears, died
October 26, 1889; Henry, who died in the prime of life, aged alDOut
thirty-eight years; Augustus, like the most of his brothers, was
engaged in merchandising in Dubuque, and died September 7, 1894,
when fifty-eight years and one day old ; Catherine, who became Mrs.
Elberth and resided in this city, a widow; Sarah M., also residing
in Dubuque, and Elizabeth M., who married George L. Durno and
makes her home at Springville, Iowa.
Charles Christman was born at Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, October
2, 1835, and was consequently but tw^o years of age when his
parents came to Dubuque county. Naturally, at that early period,
his opportunities for securing an education were very limited and
confined to the crude schools of pioneer days. Being a close
observer of men and events, however, he has supplemented his
school efforts by extensive readings until he is now conceded to be
one of the well informed men of the community. He remained on
the home farm until fourteen years old, then came to Dubuque in
1849 ^"<J began working for the hardware firm of Farle}^ & Christ-
man, the junior partner of the firm being his brother, Jacob. He
thus continued until i860, when he became a member of the firm of
Weller & Christman, also engaged in the harchvare business. Until
his retirement from the acti\'e burdens of life Mr. Christman w^as
contiiuiously engaged in this line of endeavor. Within the span of
his eventful career he has seen Dubuque emerge from a straggling
frontier village to one of the foremost cities of Iowa. For a period
of nearly fifty years he was here actively engaged in mercantile
pursuits, and to such men as Mr. Christman is due the credit of
Dubuque's present standing for conservative probity and sound
commercialism among the cities of the country. He is a stockholder
and director of the German Savings Bank of Dubuque, a member of
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and a Republican. In the
evening of his life he can look backward with contentment to an
honorable career, filled with hard work, in wdiich he has accumulated
a comfortable amount of this world's goods, and with the conscious-
ness that he has fought a good fight and won the respect of his
fellow men.
John Ellwanger, since 1899 president of the John Ellwanger
Company, came to Dubuque when but three years old and has
known, practically, no other home. He w^as born May 24, 1849, i"
632 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Hes?e-Darmstadt, Germany, the son of Peter and Agatha Ell-
wanger. both natives of that country, where for years the father was
a music teacher of some renown. In 1852, when John Ellwanger
was three years of age. the family immigrated to America and came
to Dubuque, where our subject attended the pubHc schools and later
Bayless Business College, graduating from the latter when thirteen
and one-half years old. His first venture in the business world was
as bundle boy in the dry goods establishment of Wood, Luke & Co.
until they sold to Sheffield, Wood & Co., who changed the business
to a strictly wholesale establishment. He entered the employ of
James Levi, and remained with him about one year, when he became
clerk in a clothing business till 1871. He then went with the whole-
sale liquor firm of Francis Jaeger, and until June i, 1875, was book-
keeper, but at that time, in partnership with Mr. Michael Brady, he
purchased a two-thirds interest in his employer's business, and
contmued operations under the firm name of Brady, Ellwanger &
Co. This association continued until the death of Mr. Brady, May
8, 1899, and on the first of June, same year, the firm was incor-
porated under the name of the John Ellwanger Company, and Mr.
Ellwanger has since been the president and general manager of
same. Aside from the above mentioned interests he is president of
the Dubuque Fire & Marine Insurance Company, secretary of the
Dubuque Bridge Company, and a director of the L'nion Electric
and Dubuque Altar Manufacturing companies. In politics he is a
Democrat and takes an active interest in local civic affairs. Mr.
Ellwanger married Miss Sophia A. Bucknam, daughter of William
D. Bucknam. on December 5, 1871. To this union were born two
sons: William E. and Ralph J., now associated in business with
their father, and one daughter, Josephine. Mrs. Ellwanger died
.September 2, 1904. On February 5, 1906, Mr. Ellwanger was
mited in marriage with Mrs. S. Fannie Lewis Bucknam. The
family residence is at 1392 Main street. Mr. Ellwanger is one of
he successful business men of Dubuque, is active in local afifairs of
mportance and is considered one of the progressive men of the day.
Walter Manson, deceased, figured prominently in the affairs
of Dubuque county, and because of his native shrewdness and
sterling honesty succeeded in his various undertakings and com-
manded universal respect. He was born in Scotland in 1808, and
at about the age of twenty-two years immigrated to Canada. He
subsequently moved to Vermont, then to Ohio, and at an early day
came to Dubuque county, Iowa, and was here engaged in milling
with James Pratt and Thomas Watters, Sr. He bought the Rock-
dale Mill, which he managed until 1868, then disposed of the prop-
erty and devoted the remainder of his life to building business
blocks and residences and looking after his various investments.
He died March 28, 1879. Mr. Manson was first married to Jane
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 633
Alderson, who died January 31, 1861. His second wife was Eliza-
beth Nicholson, a native of England, who when twelve years old
came with her father, Thomas Nicholson, to America in 1851. Two
children were born to the second marriage, named John W., now
associated with the Iowa House Furnishing Company, and Nettie.
Mrs. Manson is living and resides in Table Mound township. The
Manson family is typically of the best element that has made Du-
buque county one of the greatest of the many great counties in the
State of Iowa.
Philip C. Pfersch is one of the progressive business men of
Dubuque, and was born in this city, July 7, 1875. His father,
Philip Pfersch, after whom he was named, was a native of Ger-
many, as was also his wife, whose maiden name was Marie Tugel.
They came to America with their respective families in 1854 and
1853. and were married in Dubuque, Iowa, in 1856. Six children
were born to them, their names being Augustus and William, both
dead; Philip C, Marie (Mrs. Henry O. Rose), Louise (Mrs.
Henry Matthews), and Caroline. The elder Philip Pfersch learned
the harnessmaker's trade in his native country, and followed that
occupation there and in this country until his death, March 18,
1898. His widow died June 4, 1910. Philip C. Pfersch has always
made Dubuque his home. His early life was passed in attending
the public schools, and later, when old enough, he learned harness-
making of his father and upon the latter's death succeeded him as
proprietor of the establishment, continuing as such to the present.
He is a Republican in politics and a member of the Knights of
Pythias and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He married
Miss Hettie Whitehead, daughter of E. E. Whitehead, of Farley,
Iowa, and he and wife are communicants of the Westminster Pres-
byterian church.
Dr. Mathias D. Linehan, one of the leading medical practi-
tioners of Dubuque, was born and reared in this city, and is a son
of Dennis W. and Mary (Cox) Linehan. The father was a con-
tractor and real estate dealer and is now living a retired life in this
city. Dr. Linehan is at present serving as county physician for his
county. Socially he is identified with the Knights of Columbus,
Woodmen of the World, Modern Brotherhood of America, Modern
Woodmen of America. F. O. E., O. O. O. He is a member of the
American Medical Association, the Iowa State Medical Society,
and the Dubuque County Medical Society. Dr. Linehan is also
medical examiner for Company A, Fifty-third Regiment, Iowa
National Guard, and the Guarantee Mutual Life Insurance Com-
pany, and is house physician for St. Anthony's Home for the Aged.
He is prominent in any movement that portends to the growth and
634 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
development of the county, is highly respected by all who know him,
and has attained high rank in his profession.
Frederick C. Robinson, now serving at Dubuque his sixth suc-
cessive term as Grand Secretary of the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks of the United States of America, is a native of this
city, his birth occurring on September i8, 1871. and the son of
David E. and Eliza W. Robinson. He received his early education
in the public schools and later entered Bayless Business College,
where he completed several courses. He then for a time was con-
nected with the insurance firm of Duncan & Waller, but in 1895,
in partnership with Mr. F. W. Coates. bought out this firm and
under the name of Coates & Robinson continued the business. He
is also associated with various other enterprises. On October 14,
1896. he was united in marriage with Miss Adeline S. Howie, and
to them three boys, two living, were born, as follows : Frederick C.
and James H. Mr. Robinson has always taken great interest and
delight in his associations with his fellowmen. and has been promi-
nent in the affairs of various orders. He is a Knight Templar
Mason, being identified with Siloam Commandery. No. 3, of Du-
buque, and he is also a member of El Kader Temple, Ancient
Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
He holds membership in the Modern Woodmen of America, being
identified with Hustler Camp. In the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks he has been especially prominent, and has filled the
following offices with credit and distinction: Tiler. 1895-6; Es-
teemed Leading Knight, 1897; Exalted Ruler, 1898-9; District
Deputy, 1900-02. and on July 19, 1904, at Cincinnati, he was fur-
ther honored by being elected Grand Secretary of the Order for the
United States of America. For six years he has been the incum-
bent of this position, and how well he has performed his duties
may be determined by the length of time served. Mr. Robinson is
one of Dubuque's progressive citizens and is highly regarded by his
many friends.
J.\coB Kessler is deserving of more than passing notice because
of his long, useful and honorable life of more than half a century
in Dubuque county. Born November 13, 1830, at Blieskostel, in
the Kingdom of Rhenish Bavaria, Germany, he is a son of Jacob
and Agnes (Wack) Kessler. He attended the schools of his native
country in boyhood and there learned the baker's trade, but in 1852
came with his parents to the United States, their port of entry being
New Orleans. From the latter place the family came up the Mis-
sissippi river to Galena, Illinois, subsequently moving to Dubuque,
where the father died at the age of seventy-seven years, and the
mother in 1897, when over ninety-one years old. For the first few
years after coming to this country Jacob Kessler was employed at
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 635
various occupations and at numerous places. He had to learn a
new language and acquire the customs of a strange people, and any
employment of an honorable nature that came his way was gladly
welcomed by him. From Galena he went to St. Louis, where he
worked at his trade for a time, later continuing the same at Boon-
ville, Missouri, and still later on the steamboat "Excelsior" and
other boats plying on the Mississippi river. In 1858 he returned to
Galena, but in March of the following year embarked in merchandis-
ing with his brother-in-law at Waupeton, this county. This he con-
tinued until 1870, when he bought a farm of 120 acres in Jefferson
township, upon which he located and engaged in agricultural pur-
suits. To this he added forty acres more, but eventually sold the
addition to his son. During this time Mr. Kessler took an active
interest in the growth and welfare of the community, and as a Dem-
ocrat was elected a member of the Board of Supervisors in 1875, ^
position to which he was re-elected twice, serving in all six years.
Upon the expiration of his last term, in 1882, he received the ap-
pointment of overseer of the poor, and served as such until the
first Monday in January, 1892. In 1882 Mr. Kessler moved to
Dubuque, which has since been his home, and since August, 1888,
he has been engaged in mercantile pursuits at 3056 Couler avenue,
his residence being immediately adjacent to the store. Inheriting
the sturdy thrift and honesty of his forebears, Mr. Kessler has
prospered in material welfare in the land of his adoption, and what
is even more greatly prized by him, he bears an honored and re-
spected name. On August 7, i860, he married Ellen McDonald,
daughter of John and Jennie McDonald, early settlers of Dubuque
county, and to them have been born eight children, two dying in
infancy. The six children living are named as follows: Mary
Agnes, wife of Dennis Sullivan, a farmer of South Dakota; John,
a farmer of this county ; Ellen Anna, who married Henry Hebner
and resides at Tacoma, Washington; William C., engaged in black-
smithing at Luxemburg, this county; Lizzie, the wife of John Rit-
tenmeier, of Dubuque; and Jacob, residing in the State of Wash-
ington. The family are of the Roman Catholic faith in religion.
Ben. M. Samuels, of Dubuque, was Democratic candidate for
Governor in 1857. He was born in Virginia in 1823, and his father
was Joseph Samuels, an eminent lawyer there. He read law with
his father and in 1848 came to Iowa and located in Dubuque. Soon
afterward he was elected city attorney. In 1854 he was elected to
the legislature, and in 1857 nominated by the Democracy for Gov-
ernor. His nomination was ratified here in a public meeting at
Main and Fourth streets, where a large bonfire was lighted. He
addressed the citizens on the issues of the day. He was a brilliant
orator and an able lawyer.
636 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Dr. Timothy Mason was born in New York in 1797 and died
in Dubuque in January, 1875. He came to Dubuque in 1836 and
was ever prominent in public affairs. He early engaged in the drug
business. He was an early member of the territorial legislature, and
was for many years connected with school government in Dubuque.
He was one of the founders of the Universalist Society and of the
Masonic lodge here. His daughters married Ben, M. Samuels and
M. W. Smith.
William A. Harkett came to the city of Dubuque in 1872 and
in a small way embarked in the nursery and cut flower business at
179 Hill street. Possessing a natural liking and aptitude for the
business he almost immediately became successful and his establish-
ment today is regarded as one of the largest and best of its kind
in the entire state. Mr. Harkett was born in the vicinity of Lon-
don, England, March 9, 1848, and received his education in the
public schools of that city. His parents, William and Jane Harkett,
were both natives of the same locality and, after long and useful
lives, passed away and were laid at rest nearby. The father was
a livestock dealer by occupation, as was his father, Jonathan Hark-
ett, before him, and for many years was actively and successfully
engaged in that particular line of industry. Early in life William
A. Harkett came to America and, after a short stop in New York
City, emigrated west to Bloomington, Illinois, where relatives were
residing. Later he went to Chicago with the intention of embark-
ing in business, but owing to the great fire of 1871 he gave up this
plan and came to Dubuque. Here, as before stated, he prospered
in the nursery and cut flower business, and today his establishment
covers practically an entire city block. For years Mr. Harkett's
business operations grew and in time ranged from the State of
Illinois to the Pacific coast. In recent years, however, he has con-
fined his business to nearer fields, the State of Iowa and adjoining
counties in Wisconsin and Illinois. Mr. Harkett is a Republican in
politics and for years has been identified with the Masonic fra-
ternity, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of
America. In March, 1871, at Bloomington, Illinois, he was united
in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Wride, daughter of Rev. Peter and
Elizabeth Wride. To Mr. Harkett and wife four children have
been born, as follows: Arthur, William Frank and Charles, edu-
cated and reared in Dubuque, and now associated in business with
their father, and Flora, manager of one of her father's stores. Mr.
Harkett has made life a success and is regarded as one of the
public-spirited citizens of the county.
Albert Giegerich, senior partner of the Model Wall Paper
Company, was born in Sauk City, Wisconsin, March 2, 1867. His
parents, Bertram and Katherine (Fuhr) Giegerich, were natives of
HISTORY' OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 637
Unter Franken unci Aschaffeiiburg, Kingdom of Bavaria, Germany.
In 1 85 1, when sixteen years old, the father left the old country
and immigrated to America, where for a time he worked at his
trade of tailor in New York City. He then emigrated further west
to Sauk Cit>, Wisconsin, and there resided until his death in 1902,
at tlie age of sixty-seven years. His wife passed away in 1874.
After attending the public schools of his native town, Albert Gieger-
ich, the immediate subject of this review, started out in life as a
typesetter in a printing establishment, remaining thus employed
until 1 88 1. For a time he then studied the photography business,
but later returned and for two years managed the business of his
former employer. Subsequently, in partnership with Mr. Hugo
Buchenau, he erected a photograph gallery at Prairie du Sac, Wis-
consin, but two years later disposed of same, and with his partners,
Charles Buchenau and Hugo Fisher, built the steamboat "May-
flower," in which they traveled up and down the Wisconsin river,
taking photographs. This business, however, proved unsuccessful
and ]Mr. Giegerich a few months later first came to Dubuque. Hav-
ing lost most of his money in the steamboat enterprise, he for a
time worked in a lumber yard and later as paperhanger. This he
continued until forming his present partnership with E. Wessel-
hoft, in 1899, when they established themselves in the painting and
paperhanging business. In 1901 they were forced to seek larger
quarters, and ever since they have been very successful. Aside from
the above mentioned business, they are largely engaged in the man-
ufacture of postal cards, and have a separate establishment, employ-
ing about forty people, for this purpose. Mr. Giegerich is a mem-
ber of the Modern Woodmen of America. September 2, 1906, near
East Dubuque, he was united in marriage with Miss Marie, daugh-
ter of Jacob and Maria Krafft. her father being accidentally
drowned some time ago, and to them nine children, four dying in
infancy, have been born. Those living are : Ida, Albert, Leo, Marie
and Martha.
Frank N. Schroeder, president of the Schroeder & Kleine
Grocer Company, has resided in Dubuque since childhood. His
parents, Nicholas and Josephine (Glasser) Schroeder, came from
Diekirch, Duchy of Luxemburg, Germany, to America in 1854,
and for a time resided in Mobile, Alabama. From there they came
by way of New Orleans up the Mississippi river to Dubuque, there
being at that time no railroads. Here they lived happily together
until Death beckoned them, the father passing away in 1882, aged
sixty-five years, and the mother in 1888, aged sixty-nine years.
The elder Schroeder was a cabinet-maker and followed that trade
during his long residence in Dubuque. Both now lie at rest in
Mount Calvary cemetery. Their son, Frank N. Schroeder, was born
in Diekirch, Luxemburg, July 16, 1849, ^"d early in life came with
638 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
his parents to Dubuque. After attending the pubHc and parochial
schools, he completed his education with a course in Bayless Busi-
ness College, working during this time at such various odd posi-
tions as w-ere to be had. In 1865 he entered the wholesale grocery
establishment of W. H. Rumpf, starting as an apprentice and aris-
ing to the position of shipping and receiving clerk. In 1882,
however, in partnership with John H. Kleine, Mr. Schroeder em-
barked in the wholesale grocery business on his own account, and
ten years later consolidated with Messrs. F. A. Rumpf and John P.
Ferring, and continued business under the firm name of the Schroe-
der & Kleine Grocer Company. Under capable management this
concern has grown and prospered and is now regarded as one of
the solid, substantial commercial houses of Dubuque. Aside from
the above mentioned interests, Mr. Schroeder is a director of the
Dubuque Altar Company. As a Democrat in politics he served
three terms as county treasurer, and is at present a member of
the Board of Education. He is of the Catholic faith and a member,
of St. Mary's Catholic church. On November 7, 1871, at Dubuque,
he married Miss Katherine, daughter of Michael and Anna Maria
Beck, and to their union nine children, two dying in infancy, were
born. Those living are named : William, secretary and treasurer of
the Schroeder & Kleine Grocer Company; George W., assistant
secretary and treasurer of same; John P., shipping clerk of same;
Anna, a graduate of St. Clara College ; Marie, a graduate of St.
Joseph's Academy, Dubuque ; Katherine, a graduate of Professor
Kleine's Academy of Music, Dubuque; and Josephine, a graduate
of St. Clara College.
Christian Anthon Voelker, well-known insurance and real
estate operator, came to Dubuque wdien one year old, and has made
this city his home ever since. Born August 16, 1850, in Baden,
Germany, he was the son of Leopold and Magdalena Voelker, who
came to Dubuque in 1851 and for many years engaged in the lum-
ber business. The father died in November, 1902. at the age of
seventy-eight years, his wife's death having occurred six years
previous, at seventy- four years of age. Both now lie at rest in
Mount Calvary cemetery, but they are yet well remembered by
their many friends and neighbors. When brought to Dubuque,
Christian Anthon Voelker was but one year old, and until reach-
ing the age of thirteen he attended the Trinity Parochial School,
now known as St. Mary's. He then started out in life for himself
as an apprentice in the chairmaker's trade, which he subsequently
followed ten years. In 1873, however, he established himself in
a small way in the dry goods business, increasing his stock and
properties as occasion warranted, and followed this particular line
of endeavor for over twenty years. Three years before disposing
of the above mentioned interests he ventured into the real estate
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 639
field and liis success therein was from the first assured. He erected
many buikhngs throughout the city, was very successful in all oper-
ations, and at the proper time added fire insurance to his business
interests. In his political views Mr. Voelker is a Democrat, and as
such, during the years 1896 and 1897, served as a member of the
state legislative body. In 1886 and 1887 ^^^ ^^as mayor of the city
of Dubuque. In religion he is a Catholic, afiiliating with St. Mary's
Catholic church, of which he is also a trustee. Socially he is identi-
fied with the Catholic Order of Foresters, the St. Pius-Alphonsus
Benevolent Society and the Knights of Columbus, being an ex-
president of the second named organization and Past Grand Knight
of the latter. April 15, 1873, at Dubuque, Mr. Voelker was mar-
ried to Miss Josephine Kolfenbach, daughter of Andrew and Ther-
esa Kolfenbach, old settlers of Dubuque, and to them the following
named five children were born : Joseph, who died in infancy, 1885 ;
Elizabeth, the wife of Roman Corpstein, of Dubuque; Rosaline, a
graduate of St. Mary's; Christian A., Jr., associated in business
with his father; and Mary, now attending Immaculate Conception
Academy.
Franklin Hinds died in May, 1885. He was born in Vermont.
He worked on the Erie Canal and in 1855 came to Dubuque and
soon became prominent. He was one of the directors of the Du-
buque & Minnesota Steamboat Company. In 1857 he engaged in
the hardware business and afterwards the firm of Westphal, Hinds
& Company became one of the largest of the West. He helped
found the First National Bank in 1863 and was its president. He
was active in school affairs and was a Congregationalist, and left a
widow and four children.
J. J. E. Norman died December 12, 1872, as the result of a
runaway accident on the North Cascade road near Dubuque. He
was pitched headfirst from his buggy into a rocky ravine. He lay
unconscious several hours. He was born in Philadelphia in 181 5
and came to Dubuque in 1841. He became prominent at once, both
as a Catholic and as a friend of education. For over twelve years
he was county superintendent of schools. He was able, honest,
active, and always reliable.
Peter F. Erschens, Jr., was born in 1869, in Centralia, Du-
buque county, Iowa, and is a son of Peter and Susana (Hoven)
Erschens, who came to America and this county in 1852. Peter
Erschens. Sr., died in 1897, at the age of sixty-four years, but his
wife still survives him, aged seventy- four years. When the father
first came here he embarked in mercantile pursuits at Centralia,
which he continued a number of years, then secured land from the
government and conducted a farm in connection with merchandis-
640 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
ing. He was one of the pioneer members of the Centralia Catholic
church and did much to estabhsh it at that place. In poHtics he was
a Democrat. At the time of his death he owned 334 acres of valu-
able farm land and also considerable property in the town of Cen-
tralia. Peter F. Erschens, Jr., the immediate subject of this me-
moir, received his early education in the school at Centralia, and
later took a course at Sacred Heart College, Prairie du Chien, Wis-
consin. His first business venture was the operation of a hotel at
West Bend, Wisconsin, in 1898, and he remained thus employed
for eighteen months. He then returned to the home farm in Du-
buque county, and here has been successfully engaged in general
farming and stock-raising ever since. He was married in the fall
of 1898 to Miss Elizabeth George, daughter of John and Mary
(Koustnacker) George, and to them five children have been born:
Susana, Aloise, Peter, Severn and Alberta, all residing at home.
John George was one of Centralia's leading merchants for over
thirty years, and died December 29, 1909, preceded by his wife the
year before. Mr. Erschens owned 160 acres of land near Centralia
which he devotes to general farming and stock-raising, at which he
has been uniformly successful. He is considered one of the sub-
stantial citizens of the county, is a Democrat in politics, and a
member of the Roman Catholic church.
Hon. Daniel J. Haas, mayor of the city of Dubuque, is a native
of Seelbach, in the Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany, where he
was born on Christmas Day, 1867. Joseph Haas, his father, was
a teacher in an elementary school at Seelbach, took as his life part-
ner Miss Maria Anna Hartzog, and died when but thirty-eight years
old. His widow survived him in her native country until the age
of sixty-four years. Daniel J. Haas was left fatherless the year
of his birth, and until twelve years old attended school in his native
town. Joseph Hummel, a near relative, who had immigrated to the
United States and established himself in the drug trade at Grundy
Center, Iowa, was visiting at Baden at this time, and upon his
return to America took with him the subject of this sketch. He
attended the public schools of Grundy Center until about the age
of fifteen years, and assisted in the work of his uncle's drug store.
He then went to Waterloo and was there employed by Wangler
Brothers, druggists, for about three years, during which time he
attended business college at night. In 1885 he came to Dubuque
as clerk for George Wunderlich, druggist, but in 1887 began a
course in pharmacy at the Chicago College of Pharmacy, graduat-
ing therefrom in 1889. Returning to Dubuque, he resumed clerk-
ing, about a year later establishing himself in the drug business upon
his own responsibility at the corner of Twenty-fifth street and Cou-
ler avenue. Mr. Haas has been more than ordinarily successful.
Since 1905 he has devoted the greater part of his time to the manu-
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 641
facture of the "A-B-C Tea" and "A-B-C Liniment," which have
developed to such proportions as to require three travehng sales-
men constantly on the road taking orders, and a large number of
employees in the manufacturing and clerical departments. From
the time he first came to the United States, Mr. Haas has been
actively concerned in all that pertains to the welfare of his adopted
country, and particularly in the local affairs where he resides. He
has served by election as alderman-at-large of the city, and in the
spring of 1910 was elected mayor of Dubuque. He is a member of
the Holy Ghost Roman Catholic church, and is also identified with
the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Order of Foresters, the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and several other fra-
ternal organizations, January 7, 1891, he married Mathilda, the
daughter of Peter and Mathilda Specht, of Dubuque, Iowa, and to
their union six children have been born : Peter, who died in in-
fancy ; Estella ; Maria Anna ; Daniel J. Jr. ; Louisa, and Joseph
George. Mr. Haas is one of the foremost citizens of Dubuque, and
a credit to the community.
Nicholas Goetzinger, living a retired life in the village of
Luxemburg, this county, was born in Luxemburg, Germany, De-
cember 28, 1842, and is a son of Peter and Maria Goetzinger.
Peter, the father, died in the old country, leaving Mary Goetzinger,
widow, and seven children, five boys and two girls. Until twelve
years of age he attended the German public schools, and for a time
thereafter worked for wages on various farms. He then served
an apprenticeship to the blacksmith's trade and subsequently worked
as a journeyman at this occupation in different parts of Prussia and
France. In 1867 the family crossed the ocean to the United States,
landing at New York City, and immediately came west to Luxem-
burg, Dubuque county, Iowa, joining his uncle, Henry Erniter,
working as a blacksmith, and the rest of the family settled on a
farm. Shortly thereafter he removed to Caledonia, Minnesota, but
a year later returned to Dubuque county and for two years worked
at his trade of blacksmith at New Vienna. He then again came
to Luxemburg, and here opened a blacksmith shop, borrowing the
necessary money and making most of the tools himself. By degrees
he prospered, honorably settled all his obligations, added the manu-
facture of wagons, buggies and sleighs to his business, and selling
agricultural implements, and became one of the foremost men in
his section of the county. In 1906 he retired from the active cares
of life, and the business has since been conducted by his sons. Mr.
Goetzinger is a Democrat in politics, and has served as president
and director of the parochial school at Luxemburg for many years.
In religion he is of the Roman Catholic faith and a member of the
Roman Catholic Mutual Protective Association of the State of
Iowa. At Luxemburg, February 14, 1871, he married Miss Kath-
642 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
erina, daughter of Johann and Katherina Guttenham, now deceased,
and buried in Holy Trinity cemetery, and pioneer farmers and set-
tlers of the township. To Mr. and Mrs. Goetzinger the following
children were born : two who died in infancy; John H., blacksmith
at Bancroft. Iowa; Henr}^ bom April y, 1875, successor to his
father's business; Rev. Charles, born June 18, 1877, Catholic priest
at Kingfisher, Oklahoma; Bernhard N., born February 8, 1879, in
business with his brother Henry; J. Peter, born January 16, 1881,
buttermaker of Hickory Valley Creamery; K. Theresa, born Octo-
ber 25, 1882, a sister of the Order of St. Francis, in La Crosse,
Wisconsin; Phillip J., born December 19, 1884, a teacher in King-
fisher, Oklahoma; F. William, born January 30, 1886, a student in
St. Joseph's College, Dubuque; Anna M., born December 13, 1889,
at home; and Katie, died December 5, 1894. Mr. Goetzinger bears
the respect and esteem of his many friends and neighbors, and has
contributed his share toward the growth and development of Du-
buque county.
Fernando H. Wood, superintendent of the H. B. Glover Com-
pany, Dubuque, is a native of Boston, Massachusetts, and the eldest
in a family of five children born to the marriage of Charles S.
Wood and Emily J. Brown, natives of Prince Edward's Island and
Nova Scotia, respectively, and descended from old Puritan families.
Both sides of the family participated in the Revolutionary war,
favoring the Tory cause, the father's people subsequently locating
in Prince Edward's Island and the mother's people in Nova Scotia.
Both sides of the family finally returned to Massachusetts, locating
at Boston, and there Mr. Wood and Miss Brown were married.
They are still residing in that city, both aged seventy-seven years.
Charles S. Wood was one of four brothers who lived in Massa-
chusetts, and when war was declared between the North and South,
they chose lots to see which should remain at home, and the choice
fell upon Mr. Wood. Fernando H. Wood, the immediate subject
of this memoir, attended the Boston public schools until fifteen
years of age, then learned the wholesale dry goods business and for
several years thereafter was associated with the A. J. Tower Com-
pany, of Boston. Mr. Wood has been connected with the dry goods
business practically all his life, and upon coming to Dubuque, Iowa,
in 1894. became superintendent of the H. B. Glover Company and
has retained this position ever since. On Febniary 12, 1880, he
was united in marriage with Miss Ida May Gilpatrick, daughter of
Lorenzo and Abbie (Roberts) Gilpatrick, who were natives of
Maine and New Hampshire, respectively, and are at present resid-
ing in Wakefield, Massachusetts, both aged seventy-seven years.
Mrs. Wood was the eldest of three children and was born on Feb-
ruary 25, 1859, and is a direct descendant of Governor Wentworth,
a colonial governor of the State of New Hampshire. She is active
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 643
in local social circles, is a member of the Dubuque Women's Club,
the Monday Afternoon Club, and of the Ladies of the Civil War.
To Mr. and Mrs. Wood the following named family of five chil-
dren have been born : William F., married Eleanor H. Tabor, by
whom he has one child, superintendent of the Welch-Cook Company,
of Cedar Rapids. Iowa; Ethel, the wife of Leonard J. Pick, a trav-
eling salesman, has one child, and resides in Elyria, Ohio; Vida,
living at home; Edna, attending Southern Seminary, Buena Vista,
Virginia ; Ruth, in school in Dubuque. Ethel had a musical educa-
tion in the New England Conservatory at Boston ; Vida received
her scholastic training in the public and high schools and the Acad-
emy of Visitation, Dubuque; and William attended Epworth Sem-
inary and Cornell College at Mount Vernon, Iowa. Mr. Wood is a
Republican in politics, is a member of the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows and Modern Woodmen of America, and he and family
affiliate with St. Luke's Methodist Episcopal church.
Patrick Tingley died August 10, 1865. He was a native of
Ireland, born in 1799. He came to America in 181 8 and married
Catherine Rooney in St. Louis in 1824. He was one of the first
settlers of Dubuque, arriving in August, 1833, ^"<^ '^^^ a member
of the Wisconsin territorial legislature. He was justice of the
peace in 1835, alderman, mayor, representative in 1836, and senator
and receiver of public moneys. He first lived in a tent at Main and
First streets; the same year his log house on Bluff street was built,
and here the first Catholic services in Dubuque were held.
Richard Bonson died February i, 1883. He was born in Eng-
land in 1 8 14. He reached Dubuque in July, 1834. his mother dying
of cholera as she came up the river. In 1836 his father and others
erected a blast furnace at Rockdale. He twice represented the
county in the legislature, in 1854 and 1856. He served as a mem-
ber of the old Board of Supervisors. He became both wealthy and
prominent. He left several children.
George Metcalf was born in Center Grove, Dubuque county,
Iowa, August I, 1858, the son of John and Elizabeth (Tiplady)
Metcalf. John Metcalf w^as born in Yorkshire, England, Decem-
ber 17, 181 8, and his wnfe in the same shire, January i, 1821. They
were married in Yorkshire in 1853 and two years later moved to
America and settled at Center Grove, Dubuque county, Iowa. John
Metcalf was among the early pioneer lead miners of Iowa, and he
was engaged in this w^ork all his life and considered one of the most
successful mining men in the entire region. He was thoroughly
conversant wnth the mining business, having commenced to work in
the mines of England at the age of seven years. In 1863 he com-
menced farming near Julien, this county, continuing thus until 1867,
644 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
when he bought the farm now owned and operated by his son, the
subject of this sketch. He here remained until his death, February
6, 1898, followed by his widow January 11, 1899. They had three
children : Christopher, George and Mary Ann, all living in Dubuque
county. George ^letcalf received his early education in the public
schools of his native country, and commenced work for himself on
his father's farm at the age of seventeen. April 4, 1893, he mar-
ried Miss Mary E. Beadle, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth
(Brown) Beadle. Her father was a miner in the early days, but
later in life bought a fann in Table Mound township. He is still
living and is recognized as one of the substantial citizens of the
county. Mrs. Beadle died November 11, 1906. They were the
parents of ten children, five of whom are living, Mrs. Metcalf
being the second child. Mr. Metcalf is a member of the Independ-
ent Order of Odd Fellows, Dubuque County Horsemen's Protective
Association and the Vigilance Committee, and while claiming no
church relationship, supports the Methodist Episcopal church, of
which his wife is a member. His farm comprises 159 acres, is
located three and a half miles from Peosta. and thereon is a well
stocked barn and a commodious and comfortable dwelling. His
farm produces corn, oats and hay, an average crop being forty
bushels of corn and a ton and a half of hay per acre. He makes a
specialty of raising Shorthorn cattle and fine horses. In fact, he is
so proficient in the care of horses that he is called upon for many
miles around to administer to ailing animals. Many of his neigh-
bors declare that he is better informed and can do more skillful
work than many graduates of veterinary colleges. His ability as
a diagnostician is conclusive evidence that he has a natural aptitude
for this line of work, and had he devoted his entire time to the
business, he would have attained a wide reputation for the treat-
ment of disease in animals. Some horses raised by Mr. Metcalf
have sold for $250, and there is always a good demand for his
stock.
Frank A. Beiler, president and general manager of the Du-
buque Casket Company, is a native of this city, his birth occurring
November 13, 1854. He is descended from an old German family,
his parents. Frank A. and Jacobine Beiler, being among the early
settlers of Dubuque. They immigrated to America in 1847 and for
a time located in Cincinnati, but in 1854 came to Dubuque. Here
for a time the father followed contracting, but subsequently organ-
ized the Dubuque Cabinet-Makers' Association, with which he was
for years identified. He passed away on October 11, 1896, pre-
ceded by his wife ten years before, and both now lie at rest in Lin-
wood cemetery.
Until sixteen years old Frank A. Beiler attended the Third Ward
(Prescott) School, and then spent the succeeding six years with the
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 645
Dnbnqiie Cabinet-Makers' Association, learning thoroughly the up-
holstering business. The following two years he was employed as
manager and salesman in the furniture and undertaking business of
Mr. Herincourt, and in 1879, '" partnership with his employer,
embarked in the above mentioned line of business, continuing two
years. He then by purchase acquired an interest in the Dubuque
Furniture and Burial Case Company, being a director and sales-
man, but after l^eing thus associated two and one-half years, helped
to organize and w^as the first president of the Iowa Coffin Company.
In 1893 the Dubuque Casket Company was organized and Mr.
Beiler was elected its first secretary and treasurer. He held this
position until 1900, when he was elected president and general man-
ager, and has been thus associated down to the present time. He
is also president of the Iowa Oil Company and a director of the
Dubuque Investment Company. Socially he is a member of the
Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Independent Order of
Foresters, of which latter organization he was for ten years treas-
urer. Politically he espouses the policies of the Democratic party.
June 23, 1880, at Dubuque, he was united in marriage with Miss
Annie, daughter of Joseph and Caroline Ernst, pioneer residents of
Dubuque. Mrs. Beiler was born on October 29, 1862, and died
August II, 1909, and now lies buried in Linwood cemetery, where
also her father is at rest. Her mother still survives. To Mr. and
Mrs. Beiler two sons and two daughters were born, as follows:
Frank J., a graduate of Bayless Business College, and now asso-
ciated with his father in business; Edward A., assistant bookkeeper
for Dubuque Casket Company; Verena J. C, who married William
Zimm ; and Maud, a graduate of music.
Bernard H. Huelshoff, traveling agent for the Rider-Wallis
Company, Dubuque, is a native of Germany, born at Lingen, Prus-
sian Province of Hanover, May 10, 1845, ^'^'^^^ ^ son of Heinrich
and Elizabeth Huelshoff. Both parents are now deceased, the
father dying October 2. 1891, the mother April i, 1885, and both
are buried at Lingen. Bernard H. Huelslioff received his primary
and collegiate education in Germany, and for a time thereafter
resided at Cologne, on the Rhine. He then immigrated to America,
via New York city, and, locating at Cincinnati, Ohio, for several
months, was engaged as instructor in Latin in the high school there.
In 1867 he came to Dubuque to visit relatives, and while here was
offered and accepted a position as salesman with the H. B. Glover
Company, with whom he remained five years. The next seven years
he was employed in a similar capacity by Thomson & Jones, suc-
ceeding which he became associated with the Rider-\\^allis Company,
'v'ith whom he has remained for a period of thirty years. Mr.
UaelsYiofi has always taken great interest in literature and art, and
646 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
is the author of various historical ])ublications and poems which
have been favorably received both in this country and Germany.
He is an honorary member of the German Veteran and German
Song societies, and in religious views is a member of Sacred Heart
Roman Catholic church. On October 24, 1872, in Dubuque, he was
united in marriage with Miss Bertha Hoffbauer, a native of Wis-
consin and daugliter of Friederich and Mathilda Hoffbauer. Her
parents came to America from Germany in 1850, locating first at
St. Louis, Missouri, and later removing to Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Both have long since passed away, the father in 1879 and the mother
in December. 1865, and they are at rest in the cemetery at Bufifalo.
Iowa. Mrs. Huelshofif came to Dubuque in 1863 to reside with her
sister, Mrs. Otto Yunkerman, one of Dubuque's pioneer settlers.
To Mr. and Mrs. Huelshoff four sons and three daughters have
been born, as follows : Carl Henry, department manager of a con-
cern at Portland, Oregon ; Franz Bernard, who attended St.
Joseph's College and is now engaged in the lumber business at
Portland; Leo Richard, civil engineer; Alphonse B.. in banking
business at Portland ; Elizabeth, a graduate of Visitation Academy
and the Dubuque Finley Hospital; Julia M., who attended high
school and Visitation Academy and who now is a member of the
Sisters of St. Francis under the name of Sister Celeste, and Thekla
G., a graduate also of Visitation Academy and at present teaching
in the Audubon School. Mr. Huelshoff was one of the founders
and the secretary of the German Concordia Association, and is one
of Dubuque's enterprising and representative citizens.
Thomas McCraney came to Dubuque in 1832 and erected two
cabins at the mouth of the hollow where Eighth street was located.
One of the cabins stood on the south side of the hollow. Mr.
McCraney lived in the north cabin and the same year (1832) erected
a furnace for the purpose of smelting lead ore up the hollow. He
also built another house for the hands, near the furnace. This place
began to be called "McCraney's Hollow." Like others he was driven
out by the soldiers. In April, 1833, McCraney sold his claim, cabins
and furnace to Charles Gratiot. Mr. Lorimier and Mr. Gratiot
were partners in the smelting business at Gratiot's Grove, \\'\s-
consin. Mr. Lorimier came to Dubuque in June, 1833. George
Harrison, of Illinois, assisted by Thomas McCraney and others,
laid out Duimque into blocks, streets, etc. The hollow became
known as Lorimier hollow. McCraney or Lorimier hollow did not
extend below where the old Diamond House stood, or below where
it intersected Eiglith street after 1833. The hollow was on the
south side of Eighth street and extended up the left-hand hollow,
known as Kill street. The right-hand hollow became known as
Julien avenue. — {Herald, February 21, 1861.)
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 647
Franc W. Altman, of ihc firm of Peter Kiene & Son, insurance,
loan and real estate operators, is a son of the old pioneer Theodore
Altman. The father was a native of the Duchy of Luxemburg.
but in 1854 decided to come to America and cast liis lot with the
thousands of home and fortune seekers who flocked to this country
at that lime. Accordingly he immigrated to the United States.
came directly to Dubuque, was married to Maria Storch in 1857.
and for many years was prominently identified with the public
affairs of this city. He became well known as a hotel man and
conducted the Harmony Flail hotel during his active business career,
but the last twenty years was not actively engaged in business. He
served one term as alderman from the Third ward and two terms
as alderman from the Second ward, and always took an active part
and interest in public afTairs. On October 17, 1908, he passed away
at the age of seventy-seven years, but his widow still survives and
resides in this city.
His son, Franc \V. Altman, the immediate subject of this memoir,
was born in Dubuque, July 22, i860, and was educated in the public
and parochial schools. For tw^o years he was employed by the
Diamond Jo line, steamboat operators; in 1875 he entered the
employ of Peter Kiene & Son and subsequently became identified
with this firm, of which he is now a member and has since thus
continued for thirty-six years. Aside from his connection with the
above mentioned firm Mr. Altman is a director of several business
and manufacturing establishments of this city. He is a member
of the Dubuque Club, and was at one time president of same. On
January 12, 1887, at Dubuque, he was united in marriage with Miss
Dora Kiene, daughter of Peter Kiene, Sr., his former partner in
business, and to them one son, Franc K., now attending the Univer-
sity of Pennsylvania, has been born.
John W. Brummer. residing in Vernon township, was born
October 25, 1854, in Jo Daviess county. Illinois, near East Dubuque,
and is the son of Jeret Henry and Helen (Johnston) Brummer.
The father was born in the Kingdom of Hanover, Germany, in
18 14. and his wife was a native of the same locality, born the same
year. They were married in Germany in 1845. came to America
on their wedding trip and first settled in Grant county, Wisconsin.
Mr. Brummer remained on the home place in Wisconsin until his
death. November 7, 1882. His wife died in 1892. and to them four
children were born. John W. Brummer received his early education
in the public schools. He commenced work for himself at the age
of eighteen years on his father's farm. On October 5, 1880, he
married Miss Celia Gillespie, a native of Jackson county, Iowa, and
daughter of Anthony and Anna (Ferryman) Gillespie. Her father
was born in Ireland and upon coming to America first settled in
\^irginia. In 1850 he moved to Iowa and located on a fann in
648 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Jackson county. He died fourteen years ago and his widow eight.
They had four children, of whom Mrs. Brummer was the third.
John \V. Brummer and family moved to their present farm in
Dubuque county in 1889, and he and wife have five children: Anna,
IMaretta. Ida, Raymond and Mabel. Anna married Albert Mc-
Carty ; Marietta married Charles Kress ; Ida married P. J. Conolly ;
Raymond is now attending business college at Omaha, Nebraska ;
Mabel is at home. Mr. and Mrs. Brummer are members of New
Mellory church. He has been president of the school board twelve
years, member of the town board four years and as a Republican
has been prominent in the politics of his county. His farm com-
prises 240 acres of finely improved land, and he specializes in the
raising of Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs. He is recog-
nized as one of the substantial farmers and representative citizens
of the county.
Joseph J. Dreher, teacher and organist of the Sacred Heart
Roman Catholic church and school, Dubuque, was born in this city
and is a .son of Joseph and Margaret (Nockels) Dreher. The
parents are natives of Tyrol, Austria, and the Duchy of Luxem-
burg, respectively, and came with their families to America in 1867.
Joseph J. Dreher was primarily educated in St. Mary's parochial
school, and later attended the Normal school at St. Francis, Wis-
consin, from which he graduated in 1892. For three years there-
after he was principal of St. Joseph's school at Leavenworth,
Kansas, and served as organist in the church at that place. In 1895
he removed to East St. Louis to assume the positions of principal
and organist in the St. Henrv school and church, and remained thus
engaged until coming to Dubuque, in 1898. He was here offered
and accepted the positions as teacher and organist in the Sacred
Heart Roman Catholic school and church, in which capacities he
has officiated ever since. Mr. Dreher is an active member of the
Catholic and National Educational associations, and is identified
with the Catholic Teachers' Association of Laymen. He is an hon-
orary member of the Catholic Order of Foresters, a Democrat in
politics and a Roman Catholic in religious views. Socially he is
connected with the St. Vincent De Paul and the Aloysius societies.
He at present resides with his parents at 1733 White street.
Rev. Gurney Mahan Orvis, pastor of the Summit Congrega-
tional church, of Dubuque, was born at Williamsfield, Ashtabula
county, Ohio, December 9, 1849. His father. Rev. William B.
Orvis, was of Welsh ancestry, the original settler of that name com-
ing to this country about the year 1700. He was a man of superior
attainments and education, a preacher of the Congregational faith,
a publisher and an author of note, "Christ Coming to His King-
IIISTORV or DUBUQUE COUNTY 649
doni" and "Ritualistii Dctlirnned" being- products of his pen. lie
married Susan W'ealtliy White and foHowed his ministerial calhng
in Ohio, IHinois and elsewhere. Mrs. Orvis, the mother of the
subject of this sketch, was a descendant of Elder White, of Colonial
fame. Ker ancestors came to the colonies in 1632 and lived for
many years in the shadow of the famous Charter Oak at Hartford,
Connecticut. Members of this family have figured prominently as
statesmen, soldiers and citizens, in the formative and subsequent
periods of the history of this country. Rev. (r. M. Orvis became
pastor of the Summit Congregational church of Dubuque in 1894,
and he has ever since been retained in this position. Mis early
education was obtained in the public and high schools of Atlanta,
Logan county, Illinois, and subsequently he entered Oberlin College,
from which he graduated in 1875 with the degree of Bachelor
of Arts. He then entered the theological department of Yale
University, which conferred upon him the degree of Bachelor of
Divinity in 1878. He later, in 1880, took a post-graduate course in
this institution. In the year 1905 he received the degree of Doctor
of Divinity from Lenox (Iowa) College. 'Doctor Orvis began his
ministerial career as pastor of the Congregational church at Nevin-
ville, Adams county, Iowa, and from there was called to Winthrop,
Buchanan, county, Iowa, where he remained ten years. Through his
efforts many important improvements have been made during his
pastorate at Dubuque, and the church has been very much enlarged
and has increased rapidly in numbers. His intimate knowledge of
child life and young people, his sympathy with their joys and sor-
rows and his charity for all mankind have caused his work to be a
power for good in the community. At New Haven, Connecticut,
on June 19, 1878, he married Miss Julia Green, who died in 1883.
At Winthrop, Iowa, on November 28, 1887, he married Mrs. Mary
E. Vincent, who since their marriage has been an able assistant.
For many years she has had charge of a young men's Bible class
which has scarcely an equal in the state, and has always been a
leader in the work among young people. She has identified herself
with the Christian philanthropic work of the city and was the first
president of the Young Women's Christian Association. From its
beginning she has been a member of the board of the Rescue Home,
and is now serving as its president. From early womanhood she
has been prominent in the missionary work as carried on by the
Presbyterian and Congregational churches of the state. Doctor
Orvis is the father of three children: Mrs. Harry D. Beresford, of
Ft. Dodge, Iowa ; Miss Julia G. Orvis, a teacher in North Dakota,
and one who died in infancy. It might well be said that he and
wife are the parents of a great many more, for they have maintained
in their home and educated a large number of children not of their
family.
650 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Rev. George W. Heer, pastor of St. Mary's Roman Catholic
parish. Diibiiqne, since 1905, is one of the hest and most widely
known clergymen, personally, in Dubuque county. He is a native
of the Prussian Province of Westphalia. Germany, his birth occur-
ring April 25. 1849. and a son of Lawrence and Theresa Heer,
who came to America in 1855 and died at Fort Madison, Iowa,
where both are buried. When but six years old Father Heer came
to this country with his parents. He received his literary education
at the Ouincy (Illinois) College, and his theological training at St.
Francis Seminary. Alilwaukee. where, on March 16. 1872, he was
ordained to the priesthood ; succeeding which, in regular order, he
was stationed at Keokuk. Richmond, Centralia, Worthington,
Dyersville and Dubuque, but it was in this county that he became
most widely known. Through his instrumentality the church and
school at Worthington were built ; at Dyersville he remodeled the
church, established a high school and founded an academy for girls.
His activities did not cease upon his removal to Dubuque. He has
established St. Mary's high school in connection with his parish,
and in many other ways has become a power in religious circles.
Father Heer is loved and honored for his many sterling qualities of
mind and heart.
Hon. Robert Bonson, by reason of his life-long residence in
Dubuque, and the prominence of his father in public affairs, is one
of the best and most widely-known men in eastern Iowa. Richard
Bonson, his father, was of English nativity and came to Dubuque
county in 1834. where, for a great many years, he was engaged in
farming and smelting. He married Harriett W^atts, and their exem-
plary lives, filled with good deeds and kind actions, commanded
universal respect. Mr. Bonson was a man of unusual force and
character. He served two terms, in 1854 and 1856, as a member
of the state legislature, and was state bank examiner under Iowa's
war governor, Samuel J. Kirkwood. He died in 1883, followed
by his widow twenty years later.
Robert Bonson was born in this county on January 5, 1868.
After attending the country schools in early boyhood he entered the
high school of the city of Dubuque, and after his graduation there-
from was for two years a student in the law department of the state
university at Iowa City. From this institution he received the
degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1890, and two years later was
awarded a like degree from the Columbia (New York) University.
He at once began practising in Dubuque and soon attained high
rank in his profession. From 1895 ^o 1898 he filled the unexpired
term of Senator Baldwin as a member of the upper house of the
state legislature, and in 1906 was elected to the bench of this judicial
district, a position he has since continuously occupied with honor
and credit. Aside from the foregoing. Judge Bonson was associated
^A^a^H^
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 651
\vith his brother, WilHam W. Bonson. in sliip-building. He is a
member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, by which
he was honored by election to the office of grand exalted ruler. On
March 28, 1889, he was united in marriage with Miss Alice,
daughter of Charles and Mary Manter, of Chicago, and thev are the
parents of two children, named Marjorie and Richard.
GuiDO Beck. In a city possessing beautiful homes, stately
cathedrals and churches, commodious halls and substantial public
buildings and attractive business houses, prosperity is at once dis-
cerned. In a like manner the architectural merit of such edifices
reflects the education and artistic taste of the designers and owners.
Guido Beck has had much to do with the beauty and thoroughness
of the architecture of Dubuque. He, like many of America's best
men in the various walks of life, is of foreign descent, his birth
occurring January 25, 1853, at Tafertsweiler Ober Amt, Sigmar-
ingen, Province of Hohenzollern. Germany. Severin and Karoline
(Koeberle) Beck were his parents. The father was reared to early
manhood by the Prince of Sigmaringen, later in life became a
teacher and was known as Professor Beck. In 1848 when Germany
was shaken by a revolution he favored the cause of the people and
took their part in the struggle that followed. Many of the Beck
family came to America, three brothers of Professor Beck set-
tling in the state of Illinois, where they subsequently died. The
Koeberle family, from which the mother was descended, originated
from the Piussian roval family, and in years past took an active
and prominent part in the affairs of that country.
After attending the elementary schools of Tafertsweiler until
fourteen years old. Guido Beck journeyed to the city of Sigmar-
ingen and there learned the stonecutter's trade and attended the
technical schools for three years. Subsequently, at Stuttgart, King-
dom of Wurttemberg, he cut stone for about a year, after which he
spent a year in the Royal Technical High school. He was then
sent to Heidelburg to superintend the building of the waterworks
during the next two years. He then returned to Stuttgart and be-
came a soldier of the German army for three years, after which he
re-entered the Technical High School, and he was duly graduated
therefrom with honors and medals and a certificate as architect. Al-
though the youngest of many who applied for the position of super-
intendent, he. was given the contract by the German government to
construct an asylum at Schussenried, Kingdom of Wurttemberg,
which was to be given over entirely to the nursing back to health of
the needy sick. This is one of the finest institutions of its kind in
Germany. Mr. Beck completed the work on this building in 1882,
and then, against the wishes and advice of all his friends, left his
native country and immigrated to America, where, he thought,
chances for success were infinitely greater and the field for work
652 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
much broader. For a time after coming to the United States, owing
to the fact he was unable to speak the English language satisfac-
torily, Mr. Beck worked as a stone-cutter in the government arsenal
at Rock Island, Illinois. There he familiarized himself with the lan-
guage, customs and peculiarities of a strange people, thoroughly
mastering the American style of architecture, which, with the knowi-
edge he already possessed, made him in time one of the foremost
men of his line in the entire Northwest. As time went on he spe-
cialized in the building of beautiful church edifices, and, since 1885,
when he came to Dubuque, he has erected over one hundred of these
institutions, varying in size from comparatively small ones to cathe-
drals. He was also granted the contract for building St. Joseph's
college, chapel and auditorium, and drew the plans for the West Hill
and West Dubuque Catholic churches. In his religious views I\Ir.
Beck is a member of St. Raphael's Cathedral, and has sung in the
choir of that institution for the past twenty-five years. While yet in
Rock Island he was united in marriage with ]\Iiss Augusta Nesen-
sohn, who came from Germany to meet and marry him, but she
passed aw-ay the following year, 1885. and eight years later Mr.
Beck married Miss Rosa Martin, daughter of P. B. Martin, a pio-
neer contractor and builder of Dubuque. To them two sons have
been born, as follows. Severin, attending St. Joseph's College, and
Karl Leo, born on the day that Pope Leo died. It can be said of
Mr. Beck that he has lived an honest, useful life and has become a
good and deserving citizen of the land of his adoption.
Hon. a. F. Frudden, president of the Frudden Lumber Com-
pany, of Dubuque, was born on the island of Fohr, in the North sea,
September 10, 1854, a son of Cornelius F. and Elke Frudden. The
father followed the sea and was for years captain of a German
merchantman, but in the latter part of the eighties retired from the
active duties of life and immigrated to America. After landing at
New York he came West to Dubuque and lived a retired life in this
city until he passed away in 1903, aged eighty-two years. His wife
died three years previously, seventy-three years old, and both are
now at rest in Linw^ood cemetery. The family are of German
descent, and as far as known the male members always followed
the sea.
The early education of A. F. Frudden was secured in the public
schools of the island of his nativity, and while yet a young man he
immigrated to America, landing at New^ York, and shortly there-
after came West to Clinton, Iowa, where for two years he worked
as a farm laborer. In 1873 '""^ secured employment w'ith Curtis
Brothers & Co., of Clinton, Iowa, starting at the saw- and being
promoted as merits warranted until he became foreman. This
position, however, he resigned in 1884, to become associated in a
like capacity with the Carr, Ryder & Wheeler Sash & Door Manu-
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 653
ftTctiiring Company, in Dnbuqnc. This concern has since been
reorganized, is now operating under the firm name of Carr, Ryder
& Adams Company and is one of the largest of its kind in the world.
Mr. Frudden remained with this corporation four years, and then
resigned to organize the Frudden Lumber Company, of which he
has been the president and acti\e head ever since. Under capable
management this estal)lishment has proved unusually successful,
and now, aside from the main office in this city, has branches in the
following towns : Castalia. Ossian. Fort Atkinson. Jackson
Junction, diaries City, Floyd, beagle Grove. X'incent. Ackley and
Persia. i\side from business Mr. Frudden has taken an active
interest in politics, and as a Democrat has been elected to the lower
house of the state legislature, holding office during the 29th. 30th
and 31st general assemblies. In the fall of 1906 he was further
honored by being elected to the state senate, serving during the 32nd
and 33rd general assemblies. He is a director in the First National
Bank. Socially he is identified with the Masonic fraternity, having
attained the rank of Knight Templar in York Rite Masonry and
the thirty-second degree in the Scottish Rite branch of the order.
He was married on November 30. 1876. to INliss Philine C. D.
Johannsen, of Clinton. Iowa, the daughter of Ingwert Ludwig
johannsen. a native of Schleswig Holstein. Germany, who came to
America and died in Crawford county, Iowa. To Mr. and Mrs.
Frudden the following named children have been born : Dora, who
died in infancy; Edward, who also died young; Carl E., manager
of the Ackley lumber yard; Justus L.. bookkeeper; Alma P.; Mil-
dred T., at home, and Edward C, attending high school. The
family residence is located at West Third and Winona streets.
Charles H. Eighmey is one of the few remaining old settlers of
Dubuque. In 1850. when he first came here with his parents,
Dubuque was a straggling frontier town of about 2,000 inhabitants
whose attentions, at that time, were largely devoted to mining and
furnishing supplies for homeseekers in northern Iowa, Minnesota
and the Northwest. During the time subsequent to that date Mr.
Eighmey has witnessed, and been a participant in. the growth and
de\-elopment of Dubuque until it has become one of the important
commercial centers of Iowa. Born in Saratoga county. New York,
on November 28, 1834, Charles Henry Eighmey is the son of
Leman and Chloe (Barrows) Eighmey, who were descended from
Dutch-French and English ancestry respectively. The family came
to Dubuque county. Iowa, in 1850, and here the father carried on
farming and mining. He subsequently moved to Black Hawk
county, where he farmed until his death in 1865. His widow sur-
vived'him twenty years. Their son, Charles H.. received his educa-
tion in the district schools, the Mount Morris Seminary and Cornell
(Iowa) College. Having studied law, he was duly admitted to the
654 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
bar, and from i860 to 1870 was engaged in legal practice in Du-
buque as an associate of Judge Cooley. From the date of its
organization Mr. Eighmey has been a director of the First National
Bank. In 1870 he became its cashier and so continued until 1890,
wiien he became president, a position he has occupied ever since. In
point of continuous service Mr. Eighmey is the dean of the bankers
of Dubuque, and during the panics of the past forty years has been
a potent factor in keeping the high character and standing of his
bank untarnished. He is a member of St. Luke's ^Methodist Epis-
copal church, in which he is the president of the board of trustees.
Throughout his long residence here he has been active in the moral
and commercial history of the community. On October 4, 1864, he
was united in marriage with Elizabetli J. Stuart, whose father,
William G. Stuart, a prominent character in Dubuque county, w^as
state senator, county sheriff and county treasurer, and died in 1906,
at the advanced age of ninety-three years. To this union one
daughter, named Augusta, has been born.
'• Patrick J. Quigley, for the past thirty years business manager
Joi the Telegraph-Herald, Dubuque, is one of Dubuque's representa-
tive men. He was born on a farm near Binghamton, New York,
June I, 1837, and is a son of John and Catherine Qnigley. The
father, a native of Ireland, immigrated to America in 1825, locating
in Pennsylvania and later removing to Illinois. In 1847 he came to
Dubuque county, and here followed farming until his death, which
occurred in i860 at the age of sevcntv vears. His wife died in
Dubuque in 1884, aged eighty-four years. Patrick J. Quigley was
primarily educated in the country schools of his native county and
Dubuque, and also assisted his father in the work of the home farm.
In 1854 he started surveying in Minnesota, continuing thus some
time, and upon the death of his father helped to support his motlier
and sister. In 1863 he located on his brotlier-in-law's farm near
Sage\ille, then came to the city of Dubuque and opened a grocery
store on First street and also became interested in the grain and
lumber business. In 1868 j\Ir. Quigley took a trip West and upon
his return was elected clerk of the circuit and district courts, which
position he held from 1871 to 1881. In the latter year he became
one of the organizers of the Dubuque Telegraph and half owner of
the publication, and has remained thus connected ever since. On
November i, 1901, the Herald and the Telegraph were consolidated,
and the pul)lication became known as the Telegraph-Herald. Mr.
Quigley lias always been the business manager, ancl at present owns
75 per cent of the stock. He is an independent Democrat in his
political views, and when but twenty-one years old was elected and
served as justice of the peace, prior to his removal from Jefferson
township. In religion he is of the Roman Catholic faith. In 1878,
at IVIilwaukee, Wisconsin, he was united in marriage with Mrs.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 655
Mary L. Vanevery. (laughter of Charles Gisso. and to thcni one son,
Joseph C, circulating manager of the Tclcgraph-Hcrald, has been
born.
John L. Heim. of the Heim Brick Manufacturing Company,
Dubuque, is a native of this city and a son of the old pioneers. John-
and Catherine (Voelker) Heim. The father was born in Hocken-
heim. Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany, in 1839, and wlicn twenty-
six years old, 1865, immigrated to the United States by way of New
York city. He located in Dubuque, Iowa, the following year and
here for one year was foreman for the Douglas-I.anoworthv Brick
Manufacturing Company. He then was engaged in a similar
capacity with the Michael Schunk concern, and in 1868 founded the
brick manufacturing company which today bears his name. He
continued thus successfully until his death, which occurred April 3,
1890, aged fifty-one years, preceded by his wife October 4, 1872, at
the age of thirty-five years. Both are buried in Mount Cahary
cemetery, Dubuque. In 1873 Mr. Heim married Miss Agatha
Schirmer, of Sherrill's Mound, Iowa. By the first marriage he had
four children, as follows: John L., Mary (Mrs. H. Fuchs), Pete
(deceased), Frank. By the second marriage there were six chil-
dren, as follows: Elizabeth (deceased), Joseph, Catherine (de-
ceased), Anna, Louis, Josephine (Mrs. Jos. J. Schneider). J\Irs.
Agatha Heim is still living and has a controlling interest in the
business so well established by her husband.
Mr. John L. Heim, the oldest child of John and Catherine Heim
and the immediate subject of this sketch, was born September 21,
1867, and until thirteen years of age attended St. Mary's parochial
school. For a time he assisted his father in the brick manufacturing
business, and later took a coin"se in Bayless Business College. Upon
the death of his father Mr. Heim took charge of the business affairs
of the concern and has ever since been thus engaged. He is an
independent Democrat in politics and a member of the Catholic
Order of Foresters and the Holy Ghost Roman Catholic church.
On May 4, 1890, in Dubuque, he married Miss Josephine Madel,
and to them eight children, five daughters and three sons, ha\'e been
born, as follows : Anna, at home ; Agatha, at home ; John, a student
in St. Joseph's College; Joseph, attending Holy Ghost school:
Helena, also a student in Holy Ghost school ; William and Leona,
same, and Alice Johanna, three years old. Mrs. Heim is a daughter
of Joseph and Anna Madel. the father a tailor who died in 1890,
aged fifty years, his wife surviving and residing" on Couler a\enue,
this city. From a comparatively small beginning the Heim Brick
Manufacturing Company has grown and prospered until today it is
recognized as one of the substantial commercial houses of Dubuque.
The establishment has become known as the "Old Reliable." now
conducts several yards, and is well prepared to meet the c\'er increas-
656 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
ing demands. Uniform courtesy and prompt attention to calls for
all grades of brick have given the company an excellent reputation.
Theodore W. Ruete. for nearly forty years engaged in the drug
business at 656 Main street. Dubuque, was born in the city of
Bremen, Germany, on February 19. 1842. His parents, William
F. and Maria Ruete, lived and died in the old country. Theodore
W. Ruete received his education at the Latin school of Bremen and
at the University of Gottingen. passing his examination as a phar-
macist in the latter institution, and then came to the United States
with the determination of making it his future home. He was
employed as a pharmacist in New York city at the time of the
breaking out of the Civil war, and although but a short time in this
country and scarcely more than a boy, he volunteered his services
for the preservation of the Union. He serxed in the medical depart-
ment of the One Hundred and Third New York Infantry, Army of
the Potomac, and took part in all the great battles and campaigns of
this army. He also served in the Shenandoah xalley campaign under
General P. H. Sheridan, and was mustered out at the close of the
war with the rank of first lieutenant.
After the close of the war he resided in New York city until
1868; then at Lockport, New York, for fi\e years, and in 1873
came to Dubuque, Iowa, which has since been his home. Here Mr.
Ruete has become identified with the civic, educational and com-
mercial growth of the city, and is looked upon as one of Dubuque's
best citizens. In politics he is a Republican; in religion an Episco-
palian. He has served as president of the State Pharmaceutical
Association, as United States weather observer, president of the
Finley Hospital and as an officer and member of the Grand Army
of the Republic; he is also a member of the National Geographic
Society.
Mr. Ruete has been twice married ; first to Lettie Elizabeth
Moyer, at Lockport, New York, who died after a happily wedded
life of thirty years, in 1901, leaving one son. Otto M., who lives in
California; and then to Mrs. Louisa Michaelis Guilbert, of Dubuque,
in 1903. Mr. Ruete was one of the promoters and the first president
of the organization that successfully carried to completion the erec-
tion of a monument to the memory of Julien Dubuque, a half-tone
reproduction of which appears in this work.
Theophilus Craw^ford died in December, 1877. He was born
in Vermont in 1806. Having learned the trade of surveying in
Michigan he came to Dubuque in 1842 and located in New Wine
township on land bought of Joe Hewitt, the Indian trader. Later
he lived for several years m Dyersville and while there was a
member of the board of supervisors. In 1846 he was a member of
the constitutional convention and became the first state senator from
HISTORY Of DUBUQUE COUNTY 657
this county. He again served in tlu- legislature in iS:;^ and rSj;.
Later he Hved on a farm in Vernon township and in Peosta. Both
as a meniher of the county hoard and of tlie legislature he distin-
guished himself hy honesty and ahilit\'. His death was widely
lamented.
James M. Emerson died here in February. 1878. He was born
in Virginia in 1809 ^"^^ came to Dubuque in 1833. In 1837 he
returned to Missouri, but in 1840 again came to Dulnujue. He was
in the mercantile business with James Creder and later willi James
G. Shields. In 1840 he married here the sister of Judge Joiui King
and they had five children. He never sought or occupied ot^ce. but
was an honest and substantial business man and good citizen.
Lee Dandridge Mathes, general manager of the Union Electric
Company, Dubuque, is of distinguished southern ancestry and
notable lineage. James Harvey Mathes, his father, was of Scotch-
Irish stock and attained a national reputation as editor of the Public
Ledger, Memphis, Tennessee. Eor years his editorials in that paper
were widely read and often copied, and were recognized generall}'
as epigrams of logic, wit, keen analysis and merciless satire. His
writings resulted in the Public Ledger becoming one of the best
known newspapers in all the South. During the Civil war he served
on the staff of General N. B. Eorest, for the Confederate cause.
The latter part of his life was devoted to literary pursuits, "The
Blue and the Gray," particularly, and his work for D. Appleton &
Co., encyclopedia publishers, being of especial merit. He died in
1902, at the age of sixty years, when life yet beckoned with glowing
promises. Mildred Spotswood became the w^ife of James H. Mathes
and was the mother of the subject of this sketch. Her people were
English, her direct ancestor being a passenger on board the May-
flower, and Governor Alexander Spotswood, one of the first colonial
governors, was of the same family. The Spotswoods were particu-
larly of a line of clergymen, and achieved much renown because of
their prominence in the Revolutionary war. Mrs. Mathes is the
honorary vice president of the Daughters of the American Re\olu-
tion. is a national officer of the Colonial Dames and has served as
president of the Daughters of the Confederacy.
Lee D. Mathes was born at Memphis, Tennessee, on January 19,
1 87 1, and was there reared and received his early education. In
1 89 1 he completed the electrical engineering course at the University
of Tennessee, since which time he has been engaged in electrical
construction work throughout all parts of the country. He is a
master of his profession and has attained distinction in his i)articular
line of work. Since 1902 he has been general manager of the Union
Electric Company, of Dubuque. Mr. Mathes, as a Democrat, served
as president of the Bryan-White Club. He is a vestryman of St.
658 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
John's Episcopal church, a director of the Y. M. C. A., a director of
the Boys' Welfare Association and a trustee of the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks.
Dr. Henry Glover Langworthy, of Dubuque, has attained
high rank in the medical world as a specialist in diseases of the eye,
ear, nose and throat. Born November i, 1880, at Clinton, Iowa, he
is the son of L. H. and Caroline (Glover) Langworthy. The
mother, daughter of H. B. Glover, founder of the H. B. Glover
manufacturing concern, died shortly after the birth of our subject,
being but twenty- four years of age. The elder Langworthy resided
in Dubuque many years, and was prominently known in business
circles as a barrel manufacturer and saw mill operator.
Succeeding his mother's death Dr. H. G. Langworthy was placed
under the care of his grandmothers, Mrs. H. B. Glover and Mrs.
Valeria Langworthy, and to them his rearing and education were
entrusted. Early in life the doctor decided to take up the study and
practice of medicine, with a view to making it his life's work, and
after attending the Dubuque public schools entered and in 1903 was
graduated from Tuft's College of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.
In 1902-3 he was city house physician of the Boston City Hospital,
and the following three years served as house surgeon to the Massa-
chusetts Charitable Eye and Ear Infirmary. During this period he
contributed many articles to scientific papers on the treatment of
diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat, these branches of the
medical profession being his specialty. He is identified with the
Dubuque County and Iowa State medical societies, the American
Medical Association, the Chicago Ophthalmological Society, the
American Academy of Ophthalmology and Oto-Laryngology. He
has also been an associate-editor of the Physicians' Business Journal
and has acted in a like capacity for journals and magazines on den-
tistry and diseases of the mouth. In politics Dr. Langworthy is a
Republican; in religion of the Congregational faith. Socially he is
a member of the Young Men's Taft Club of Dubuque, having acted
as treasurer and chairman of financial bureau of same ; the Dubuque
Golf Club, of which he is a trustee, and the Dubuque City Club.
He now conducts at Tenth and Bluff streets an infirmary for the
treatment of eye, ear, nose and throat diseases. By careful study
and wide research the doctor has risen high in the ranks of medical
practice, and is highly regarded by all who know him. On December
29, 1 9 10, he married Miss Bertha Schmidt, daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Henry G. Schmidt, of Chicago.
Charles Wesley Walton, a well-known business man of Du-
buque, and a prominent Masonic figure in Iowa, was born at White
Oak, Wisconsin, September 2, 1870, a son of William and Mary A.
(Redfern) Walton, who were natives of County Durham, England.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 659
William Walton came to the United States a young man and dur-
ing the excitement following the great discovery of gold in Cali-
fornia went to that country and there succeeded in accumulating
considerable means. He then returned to the States, and bought
land in Wisconsin, where he and wife resided the remainder of
their lives. Mrs. Walton died January 24, 1880, when fifty-one
years old, and Mr. Walton in September, 1890, at the age of sixty-
five years. Both are buried at Council Hill, Illinois.
Charles W. Walton, the immediate subject of this review, at-
tended the public schools and assisted his father in the work on
the home farm until fourteen years old. He subsequently attended
high school at Hampton, Iowa, and took a business course at Bay-
less Commercial College in Dubuque. The following two years,
1887 to 1889, he was bookkeeper in the wholesale importing crock-
ery and glassware house of C. H. Little, Becker & Company, aad
then for two years longer continued in a similar capacity for Hargee
& Blish. In 1892 he embarked in business for himself, handling sta-
tionery, wall paper and general office supplies, under the firm name
of Walton & Bieg. In 1899 he purchased the funeral and under-
taking business of John R. Jones, and has since continued success-
fully in that line. Mr. Walton is one of the solid and substantial
business men of Dubuque. He has become widely known, particu-
larly as a member and worker in the Masonic fraternity. In Octo-
ber, 1894, he was made a Master Mason of Metropolitan Lodge,
No. 49, A. F. & A. M. ; a Royal Arch Mason in Dubuque Chapter,
No. 3, R. A. M., in December, 1894, and a Knight Templar of
Siloam Commandery, No. 3, K. T., in October, 1897. He has
served as Master of his lodge, High Priest of his chapter and Com-
mander of his commandery, and while attaining everything possible
in York Rite Masonry, is also a thirty-second degree member of
De Molay Consistory, A. A. S. R. M., at Clinton, Iowa. For many
years he has been a member of the Grand Lodge of Iowa, and in
1903 was Grand Warden. He has also served in numerous official
positions in the Grand Commandery, and in 1908 was elevated to the
exalted position of Right Eminent Grand Commander of the Grand
Commandery of the State of Iowa. Perhaps there is no better
known or more universally loved Mason in Iowa than Right Emi-
nent Sir Charles Wesley Walton.
In various other ways Mr. Walton has become identified with the
social and commercial development of Dubuque. He belongs to the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Modern Woodmen of
the World, and in politics is a Republican. He has served as treas-
urer of the Board of Education of Dubuque ever since 1906, and is a
member and trustee of the Westminster Presbyterian church. On
September 15, 1892, he was united in marriage with Miss Clara.
daughter of Gottfried and Ursula Blocklinger, old pioneers of this
66o HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
locality, and to them two sons have been born, named Charles Wes-
ley and Joseph Harlan.
Mr. Walton's connection in a professional as well as in a social
way with so many phases of life has tended to broaden a mind natu-
rally inclined to seek for the truth in all things; his keen business
instincts have caused his advice and aid to be sought by the many ;
his conscientious sense of justice to all men has made his word
respected and his character held in high esteem; his uniform cour-
tesy to his associates has given him recognition as the friend of all,
the enemy of none.
Gen. Henry A. Wiltse died late in October, 1870. He was
born in New York and in youth studied civil engineering. He came
west and lived for a time in Chicago and finally edited a paper at
Lancaster, Wisconsin. In 1843 he came to Dubuque and first
secured employment in the Surveyor General's office. In 185 1-2 he
studied law and became associated in the practice with Mr. Blatch-
ley. He practiced with much success until 1861, when he became
Surveyor General, which office he held until 1866. In 1858 he
served as Superintendent of Public Instruction under appointment
of the Governor. In 1856 he became president of the first Board
of Education in Dubuque, and served as such for five years, putting
the common school system on a safe and permanent basis. During
the war he was a firm supporter of Lincoln's administration and the
prosecution of that struggle. In 1846 he married Mary Eggleston,
in this city. He was a Congregationalist. Resolutions were passed
by the bar at his death.
Joseph John Ott has been a conspicuous member of the lumber
fraternity of Dubuque from a date which entitles him to be included
among the pioneers of that industry. His birth occurred in this
city December 30, 1866, his parents being Joseph and Margaret
Ott, who immigrated to America from Wurtemburg, Germany, at
an early date, first locating at Galena, Illinois, and later, in 1866,
coming to Dubuque. The father was, primarily, a brewer, but soon
abandoned that vocation and became connected with the Phealen &
Randell saw mill, one of the earliest in this portion of the country.
After being thus engaged for a period of twenty years, he retired
to a farm in Dubuque township, to which he has since devoted his
attention. Mr. Ott is well known throughout the entire county
and is highly esteemed and respected for his many excellent
characteristics.
His son, Joseph John Ott, the immediate subject of this sketch,
received his early scholastic training in the public and St. Mary's
parochial schools of Dubuque, and supplemented this by a course in
Bayless Business College, graduating from the latter when but six-
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 66i
teen years of age. He then entered the employ of the Second
National Bank of Dubuque, as a messenger, where eventually, as
occasion warranted, he was promoted until reaching the position
of paying and receiving teller. For five years, until 1890, he was
thus occupied, but then resigned to embark in the lumber business,
and has since been thus successfully engaged. Aside from his own
immediate business interests, he is president of the Dubuque Altar
Manufacturing Company, vice-president and director of the Du-
buque Star Brewing Company, president and manager of the
Mackey Lumber Company, Stillwater, Minnesota, president and
director of the St. Croix Broom Company, Stillwater, Minn., and
identified in like capacities with various other concerns. In his
political views Mr. Ott is a Democrat, in religion a member of the
Catholic church. Socially he is identified with the St. Aloysius
Society, a benevolent organization ; the Catholic Order of For-
esters, of which he has been State Chief Ranger, and other social
and benevolent organizations. On May 25. 1891, he was united in
marriage with Miss Margaret Meuser, daughter of William H. and
Margaret Meuser, her father being the owner of the old Schmidt
Brewery, and to them seven children have been born, as follows:
William H.. who died November 21, 1909, at the age of fourteen
months; Adalaide; Arthur W. ; Joseph J., Jr.; Helen S. ; Ger-
aldine; and one infant, Gertrude Josephine. Mr. Ott has always
taken an active interest and part in any movement for the good or
betterment of the county, and is regarded by all who know him as
one of the public-spirited and progressive men of Dubuque county.
J. Hannibal Emerson died here in September, 1875. He was
born in Virginia in 1807, and was reared there and in Pike county,
Missouri. He first farmed and later followed merchandising. On
April I, 1834, he came to Dubuque and became a member of the
mercantile firm of Emerson, Shields & Co., at Fourth and Main.
He was a member of the constitutional convention that framed the
Iowa code and in 1850 was mayor of the city. He occupied other
positions of trust with fidelity and credit. His first wife was Eme-
line Mace, and his second Kate Burt, daughter of the judge. Seven
children were born to the second marriage. He left a goodly
estate.
Gen. John Hodgdon died here August 27, 1883, aged eighty-
three years. He graduated at Bowdoin College in 1827, studied law
and was prominent in New England politics for many years. He
came to Dubuque in 1853. In 1859 he was elected mayor, was dele-
gate to various conventions, was president of the Board of Educa-
tion in 1868, and held the position until 1874. He was tnistee of
the Blind Asylum at Vinton, and engaged in banking here. He
was an Episcopalian and a man of high character.
662 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
George W. Healey, of the pioneer hardware firm of George W.
Healey & Son, was born in the city of Dubuque, February 22, 1842,
the son of Thomas and EHzabeth (Weigel) Healey. His grand-
parents Hved originally in Ireland, then went to England, and sub-
sequently came to the United States, where, in Maryland, Thomas
Healey, the father of our subject, was born in 1812. In 1831, how-
ever, he emigrated west to Dubuque county, and for six years en-
gaged in farming in Julien township. For a time he then followed
the trade of carpenter, but, owing to ill health, returned to his farm
and conducted same until his death in 1879, ^^ the age of seventy
years. He was well known throughout the community where he
resided, and through his death the county lost one of its best citi-
zens. His wife, yet living, is of German nativity, but early in life
left the mother country and settled with friends in Dubuque, June
3, 1833, then little more than a frontier settlement with more Indian
inhabitants than whites. Mrs. Healey was one of the earliest set-
tlers in this portion of Iowa, and is yet living in the enjoyment of
good health, at the ripe old age of eighty-seven years.
The first scholastic training of George W. Healey was received
in the early pay schools of Dubuque, and later, when the public
schools were organized, he attended these until thirteen years old.
He then started out to make his own way in the world. His first
employment was as an apprentice in the agricultural, hardware and
seed business in the establishment of Doolittle & Chamberlain. He
remained thus occupied until war was declared between the North
and the South, and then as a private enlisted for the preservation of
the Union, in Company E, Fifth Iowa Cavalry, serving faithfully
and honorably until the close of that memorable struggle. He was
soon promoted to rank of corporal. On May 12, 1879, ^^ was
made captain of Company A, Fourth Iowa Infantry. In 1863, near
Chattanooga, he was wounded, and on July 29, 1864, was made
prisoner and for a time confined in the notorious Andersonville
prison. At the close of the war he was honorably discharged by the
War Department of the United States Government, and was pre-
sented with the Medal of Honor by same. Congress also presented
him a medal for gallantry and valor in July, 1864, near Atlanta,
Georgia. Following is a copy of report : "A congressional medal
of honor awarded to Corporal Geo. W. Healey, of Co. E, 5th Iowa
Cavalry, for most distinguished gallantry in action at Newman,
Georgia, near Atlanta, July 29, 1864; with a comrade captured five
Confederate soldiers, disarmed the five prisoners and brought them
to the Union lines. G. D. Meckeljohn, Ass't Sec. of War." In
May, 1865, Captain Healey was one of a detail of his regiment to
guard Jefferson Davis, President of the Southern Confederacy, on
his way from Atlanta to Augusta. Georgia. In political views Mr.
Healey is a Republican, and socially he is identified with the follow-
ing organizations: Medal of Honor Legion; Hyde Clark Post,
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 663
No. 78, Grand Army of the Republic; Union Veterans' Union,
No. 7. He was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Moser,
daughter of Benedict and Rosa (Bloesch) Moser, at Dubuque,
October 29, 1868. His wife's father died August 12, 1872, at
Aarberg, Switzerland, and the mother in 1850, at Dubuque. Mr.
Healey's wife died in Dubuque, October 20, 1908, and to them were
born the following named children : Edward M., partner in his
father's business; May F., a successful teacher in the city schools
of Dubuque; and Maud A., wife of B. L. Wallace, of Chicago.
On November 15, 1910, at San Francisco, Mr. Healey married
Mrs. Susie Moreing Burr, They and his daughter May reside at
701 Bluff street, Dubuque.
James R. Guthrie, M. D., has been prominently identified with
the practice of medicine and surgery in Dubuque since 1884. He
was born in Sand Springs, Delaware county, Iowa, July 22, 1858,
the son of Peter and Jane Ann Guthrie, who were of Irish and
Scotch extraction, respectively. The father's people lived on a
farm in Ireland, but left that country at an early date and made
their home in America, and the mother's people, coming from Scot-
land to the United States, settled in western New York, and here
she was born. The father is yet living at an advanced age in Hop-
kinton, Iowa.
After attending the public schools, James R. Guthrie, the imme-
diate subject of this memoir, entered Lenox College, Hopkinton,
and was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1878.
He taught school the next three years, and then determined to make
the study and practice of medicine his life's work; he accordingly
entered the University of Iowa and in 1884 was graduated from
the Medical Department of the Iowa State University, receiving the
degree of Doctor of Medicine. That year he came to Dubuque,
embarked in the general practice of his profession, and has since, by
careful study and research, taken high rank among the practitioners
in Dubuque. In politics the doctor is a Republican, in religion a
member of the Westminster Presbyterian church. On April 20,
1893, at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, he was united in marriage with Miss
Harriett Dowdell, daughter of the old pioneer, Edward Dowdell,
of Irish descent, and to them two children have been born : Edward,
who died in infancy, and a daughter, Jahann, now attending school.
On June 18, 1889, Dr. Guthrie was elected to the chair of physiol-
ogy in the College of Medicine in the State University of Iowa, and
held same until 1898, when he was elected professor of gynecology
in this institution. He was further honored, July 22, 1902, with
the appointment of Dean of the College of Medicine in the State
University, a position he has filled with eminent satisfaction ever
since his appointment. The doctor's offices are located at 1005
Locust street, and he is highly regarded by all who know him.
664 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
James Fanning died here May 3, 1857, aged fifty-four years.
He was a native of Ireland, and came to Dubuque in 1833 ^^^
resided here until his death. He was active and prominent in busi-
ness and public affairs, served as county commissioner in 1837, and
was a worthy and upright citizen.
Timothy Fanning died in February, 1863; he came to Du-
buque in 1836 and was a member of the first board of trustees.
He kept the Jefferson House for many years, on First street. Later
he was alderman and held other offices with credit. He was best
known as a business man.
The Very Rev. Daniel M. Gorman, LL. D., president of St.
Joseph's College, Dubuque, since 1904, is a native of Jones county,
Iowa. Born April 12, 1871, he obtained his early education in the
local schools of the county. Dr. Gorman was engaged as teacher
for several terms in the schools of his native state. In 1885 he
came to Dubuque, and completed the collegiate course in St. Joseph's
College. In 1890 he went to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and pursued
his theological studies in St. Francis Seminary. Father Gorman
was ordained in 1893 and immediately thereafter was sent by the
late Archbishop Hennessy to the parish of State Center, Iowa. In
1894 he was invited by the same Archbishop to come to Dubuque
and accept a professorship in St. Joseph's College. In 1900 he was
elected vice-president, and in 1904 president of the institution. He
has since served in this capacity. St. Joseph's College has taken
high rank among the educational institutions of the Middle West,
and many of Iowa's leading citizens have attended it.
Joseph Herod for many years was actively and successfully en-
gaged in the real estate business in Dubuque, but for some time past
lived a retired life in this city. He was born in Manchester, Eng-
land, December 18, 1826, and came to Dubuque in 1852. For a
time he found employment in various capacities. He assumed the
position of secretary of the Iowa Falls & Sioux City Railroad dur-
ing its construction, and was also interested in other railways. He
embarked in the real estate business in 1853, and for years was con-
nected with this particular branch of industry in Dubuque. He was
unusually successful in all business operations, and besides owning
his residence and other structures in Dubuque, had other properties
throughout the State of Iowa. He and several nephews recently
completed the erection of a seventeen-suite apartment house in
Dubuque, which is one of the finest of its kind in the city. In
political affairs Mr. Herod always favored the policies of the Repub-
lical party, and took an active part in civic affairs, serving as a mem-
ber of the city council and for twenty-one years as school treasurer.
Socially he was for many years identified with the Independent
/
JOHN P. FRANTZEN
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 665
Order of Odd Fellows, and several other benevolent organizations.
In 1850 he was married in his native country to Miss Elizabeth
Burton, and in 1900, at Dubuque, they celebrated their golden wed-
ding, and their sixty-first anniversary was celebrated February 5,
191 1, at the home of his niece, Mrs. Mary B. Wallis. Mr. Herod
died April 10, 191 1, at the ripe age of eighty-four years, and was
buried in beautiful Linwood, April 12, carrying with him the admi-
ration of the citizens of Dubuque, who had known him through so
many years as an upright and honorable man. Mr. Herod and
wife resided at 1671 Main street, highly esteemed and respected by
their many friends and neighbors.
Judge William W. Hamilton died at his residence near Cas-
cade early in March, 1866. He came to this county about 1839,
was chief clerk in the Surveyor General's office and served as pro-
bate judge. He served in both branches of the legislature, and in
1864 was candidate for Lieutenant-Governor. He was a railway
official at the time of his death in March, 1865. He was by birth
an Englishman.
Col. David Sleator died at New Orleans, April 20, 1848. He
was an early settler and prominent citizen and business man. He
had gone South in pursuit of health.
Thomas Graffort was here about 1838, and for a number of
years kept the Washington House. He finally removed to Jones
county, where he died in 1864, aged eighty-nine years. John D.
Graffort, of Dubuque, was his son.
J. P. Frantzen, the subject of this sketch, a disciple of Black-
stone, has had, by his studious and industrious habits and inde-
fatigable energy, a most successful career at the Iowa Bar. He
is a native of this state, having been born in 1873, ^^^^ Alton, in
Sioux county, Iowa, to which place his parents, Henry and Joseph-
ine Frantzen, removed in 1870, from Dubuque county, and took up
a homestead. When about five years of age, he came to Dubuque
county, where he has resided ever since.
His younger days were spent on the farm of his uncle, Nicholas
Frantzen, in Mosalem township, and he attended the district school
during the winter and worked on the farm in the summer. During
the winter of 1899 and 1890, he taught school in Sub-District No. i,
near Massey Station, in Mosalem township, and in the fall of 1890
he entered the Northern Indiana Normal School (now Valparaiso
University), from which institution he graduated in 1892, with the
degree of Bachelor of Science. Immediately after his graduation,
he was elected principal of the public schools at Kennedy, Texas,
666 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
a position which he filled most creditably for one year, and declin-
ing re-election, he entered the Northern Indiana Law School.
For a period of two years, he held the position of manager of
the Typewriting Department of the Northern Indiana Normal
School, and was special instructor in stenography. In June, 1895,
he graduated from the law school, and in October of the same year
was admitted to practice by the Supreme Court of this state. Imme-
diately upon returning to Dubuque, he became associated with the
late Alphons Matthews, one of the leading lawyers in Iowa, and in
1899 became a member of the firm of Matthews, Lindsay & Frant-
zen. Two years later, upon the retirement of Mr. J. R. Lindsay
from the firm, the business continued under the firm name of Mat-
thews & Frantzen until the death of Mr. Matthews in 1909, after
which he associated himself with Mr. T. J. Fitzpatrick, under the
firm name of Fitzpatrick & Frantzen, which said firm is considered
one of the ablest in the eastern part of the state, and enjoys a most
lucrative practice.
The firm of Fitzpatrick & Frantzen occupies a very pleasant suite
of offices on the fourth floor of the Bank and Insurance Building,
being a contraction of the offices formerly occupied by W. J. Knight
and the firm of Matthews & Frantzen. Mr. Frantzen was for a
term of two years president of the Dubuque County Bar Associa-
tion, and is the attorney for and a director of the German Trust &
Savings Bank of the city of Dubuque. In politics Mr. Frantzen is
a staunch and enthusiastic Democrat, and has several times refused
nominations, tendered him unanimously, to positions of confidence
and trust. In religion he is a Catholic, and is socially identified with
the Knights of Columbus, C. O. F., M. W. A., and other fraternal
organizations. Mr. Frantzen is active in all public affairs, is honest
and conscientious, a close student, ranks very high as a lawyer, and
is highly respected by all whom know him. In 1903 he was united
in marriage with Miss Josephine Palen, daughter of Nicholas and
Barbara Palen, and to them have been born three children : Made-
line M., John J. and Virginia M.
James H. Harris, superintendent of schools at Dubuque and a
man widely known in the educational world, was born in Keweenaw
county, upper Michigan. March q. 1866. the son of Benjamin and
Jane (Allen) Harris. The family came originally from Cornwall,
England, but in 1865 immigrated to America and located in the
Lake Superior copper region of Michigan, where they lived until
1906, then removing to Evart, Osceola county, Michigan, where
they now reside. The father was for thirty years connected with
tlie Calumet & Hecla Mining Company, but is now retired from the
active business cares of life. After attending the public schools of
Lake Linden, Houghton county, Michigan, James H. Harris entered
the high school at Ann Arbor, Michigan, and was graduated there-
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 667
from in 1886. The following year he entered the University of
Michigan and in 189 1 was graduated therefrom with the degree of
Bachelor of Arts. Since that time Mr. Harris has been engaged
entirely in educational work. Immediately after graduation he was
appointed instructor in Latin and Greek in the Saginaw, Michigan,
higli school, but after one year there he was appointed to a like posi-
tion at the Michigan Military Academy, Orchard Lake, Michigan,
where he remained for five years. In 1895-96 he spent a year in
graduate work at the University of Chicago. He was elected
principal of the high school at Bay City, Michigan, in September,
1897, but relinquished this three and a half years later to return to
the Michigan Military Academy as principal. Two years later
(January, 1903) he was offered and accepted the superintendency
of schools at Pontiac, Michigan, where he remained for three and
a half years. In the summer of 1906 he was tendered the position
of assistant superintendent in Minneapolis, Minnesota, by Dr. C. M.
Jordan, the superintendent, and entered upon his duties in Sep-
tember of that year. There he remained until he was offered and
accepted his present position as superintendent of the Dubuque
public schools, taking up his work May i, 19 10. Mr. Harris has
contributed extensively to educational journals and has written a
manual of elementary English for the use of teachers. In national
political affairs he is affiliated with the Republican party. He is a
member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity and of the Masonic order,
and is also identified with the Methodist Episcopal church. August
8, 1 90 1, at Pontiac, Michigan, he was united in marriage with Miss
Grace Galbraith, the daughter of Dr. F. B. Galbraith, who was one
of the most prominent physicians of that city. He was for several
terms its mayor and also represented his district in the Michigan
state senate. To Mr. and Mrs. Harris one daughter, Katharine, was
born, July 28, 1902.
Peter J. Seippel, than whom, possibly, none is more intimately
associated with the lumber industry of Dubuque, started out in life
a poor boy and by his own unaided efforts has accumulated a com-
petency and risen to a position of honor and respect among his
fellow men. Born August 7, 1862, in Schoenburg, Grand Duchy of
Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, he was the son of Martin and Mary
Seippel, who in 1865 left their native country and immigrated to
America. The parents first settled at Glen Haven, Grant county,
Wisconsin, but later came further west to Guttenberg, Clayton
county, Iowa, and here lived happily together until the father passed
away at the age of fifty-four years. His widow still survives him
and resides on the old home place. When brought to this country
by his parents Peter J. Seippel was but three years old, and his first
schooling was secured in the public institutions of Guttenberg.
When fourteen years old he started out in life for himself, and for
668 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
three years he worked as a farm hand near his honie town. "i"he
succeeding three years he worked as a common laborer on raih-oads
in various parts of the country, and then, when twenty years okl,
came to the city of Dubuque. Desiring to better his education, Mr.
Seippcl entered and was duly graduated from the Bayless Business
College of this city, and then secured emplo}'ment in the clerical
department of the lumber establishment of C. W. Robison. Then.
in partnership with ]\Ir. Joseph A. Meuser, he bought out a small
lumber concern in East Dubuque, Illinois, and they continued in
business there until 1897 under the firm name of Meuser & Seippel.
In February of that year Mr. Seippel disposed of his interests to
Mr. Meuser and came to Dubuque, where, on the site of the old
C. W. Robison place, he organized the Peter J. Seippel Lumber
Company, of which he was elected and has since been president.
The establishment now occupies a space of about ten city blocks ;
they handle in the neighborhood of 25.000,000 feet of lumber and
their business amounts to over half a million of dollars annuallv.
In 1907 Mr. Seippel organized the Seippel Timber Company, of
which he is also president. In political affairs he is independent,
casting his vote for the man rather than the party, and in religious
views is a member of the German Lutheran -church. He has been
twice married ; first, at Dubuque, to Miss Alamie Power, by whom
he had two daughters. Florence and Blanche ; and second, to Miss
Katharine Jess, daughter of Robert Jess, to which latter union has
been born one daughter. Katharine. ]Mr. Seippel's life is one well
worthy of the emulation of the younger generation of today, when
so many of our yoimg men have to make their own way in the
world. He is one of Dubuque's best and most successful citizens.
William Heitzman, well-known contractor of Dubuque, spe-
cializing in the erection of fine private residences, is a native of
Baden, Germany, born October i, 1863. and is a son of George
and Catherine Heitzman. The father, a farmer by occupation, par-
ticipated in the German Revolution of 1848, and died in 1882 at the
age of fifty-four years. His widow yet survives him and resides
with her son in Dubuque. William Heitzman, the immediate sub-
ject of this memoir, attended the public schools of his native coun-
try until fourteen years old, then learned the millwright trade and
followed that business until his removal to America in 1884. For
a year he was located at Brooklyn, New York, and then came w^est
to Galena, Illinois, and two years later located in Dubuque. Here
Mr. Heitzman started to work for Albert Nye as carpenter, with
whom he remained two years, and then for one year was in the
employ of Mr. Rheinfrank. In 1890 he and Mr. Rheinfrank en-
gaged in contracting and building under the firm name of Rhein-
frank & Heitzman. and upon the death of his partner Mr. Heitz-
man continued the business alone. In 1908 he admitted his son,
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY, 669
William, Jr., to partnership and they continued together until Janu-
ary I, 191 1, specializing in the erection of private homes. Mr.
Heitzman is independent in politics, and a member of the Congre-
gational church. August 25, 1887, he married Miss Christine Reif-
stack, a native of Germany, and the daughter of Christian Reif-
stack, who died in that country, and to their union the following
named ten children have been born: Emma, at home; William, Jr.,
with Singer Sewing Machine Company ; Louisa, cashier in Roshek
department store; Hermann, butcher, with C. Kress; Carl, with
Dubuque Brewing and Malting Company; Elsie, graduate of Ful-
ton School in Dubuque ; Walter, attending same ; Esther, same ;
Roy, same; and Viola, five years old. Mr. Heitzman is one of
Dubuque's public-spirited men and takes an active interest in any
movement toward the betterment of his city and county.
Phillip Schwinn, manager of the Smedley Pump Company,
Dubuque, was born in Arcadia, Wisconsin, June 24, 1865, and is
the son of Phillip and Mary Schwinn. The father was a native of
Germany and came to the United States, locating in Pennsylvania,
in or about 1835. Shortly thereafter he came to Dubuque, Iowa, but
soon removed to a farm near Arcadia, Wisconsin, and there fol-
lowed agricultural pursuits until his death in 1888, aged fifty-three
years. His wife died in 1886, at the age of forty-seven years.
Phillip Schwinn, Jr., the immediate subject of this review, assisted
his father with the farm work and attended the public schools dur-
ing boyhood. In 1887 he came to Dubuque and for a year was in
the employ of Thomas Faherty as salesman of farm machinery.
He then for a time was associated in a similar capacity with the
D. H. Williams Company, and for the succeeding eight years was
employed as helper in the Novelty Iron Works foundry, holding
first the position of shipping clerk and eventually becoming fore-
man. From 1897 to 1904 he acted as foreman and sales manager
of the Iowa Iron Works, and later, when the concern became known
as the Bonson Boiler & Furnace Company, he remained with them
as erecting superintendent. He was then offered and accepted his
present position as manager of the Smedley Pump Company, and
has been thus connected ever since. Mr. Schwinn is a member of
the Brotherhood of Engineers and of St. John's Lutheran church,
of which he has been trustee for nine years. He is also identified
with the German Lutheran Synod. He married Miss Margaret
Rubie, and she died January 5, 19 10. Mr. Schwinn resides at 409
Windsor avenue, Dubuque.
Daniel J. Kenneally, proprietor of the Troy Laundry, 130
Seventh street, Dubuque, was born in this city August 27, 1886, the
son of John and Ellen Kenneally. The family came from Ireland,
Daniel Kenneally and wife. Hanora. the parents of John Ken-
670 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
neally, coming to America in 1840, and locating at Bennettville,
Iowa. Here John Kenneally was born in 1844, ^"d after the sale
of the home farm he came to Dubuque and followed his trade of
blacksmith. He died in July, 1887, and was buried in Key West
cemetery. His widow yet survives and makes her home with the
subject of this sketch. Daniel J. Kenneally attended St. Raphael's
parochial school until fourteen years old, then for seven years was
in the electrical business. Succeeding this he embarked in the
laundry business on Seventh street on a small scale, borrowing
enough money to purchase the required machinery, and through
hard work and honest dealings with the people has grown and pros-
pered until his establishment today is regarded as one of the best
of its kind in Dubuque, employing a working force of six persons.
In religion Mr. Kenneally espouses the beliefs of his forefathers
and is a Roman Catholic, being a member of St. Raphael's Cathe-
dral. He and his mother make their home at 105 Second street.
Abe Urbach, founder and one of the present partners of the
Hub clothing establishment, Dubuque, has conclusively proved that
life in a strange country can be made a success even though started
under very adverse circumstances. He was born in Poland in the
year 1865, and while yet very young, realizing that greater advan-
tages could be had in America, immigrated to this country and for a
time was located at Utica. New York. He came to Dubuque in 1878
when but thirteen years old, a comparative stranger to the language,
customs and peculiarities of a strange people. He carefully saved
his money and in 1889 had accumulated sufficient means to enable
him to open a clothing store. By hard work and honest and con-
scientious dealings with the people he prospered to such an extent
that ten years later he removed to new premises on Main street,
52x113 feet, employing a selling staff of twelve people. In 1900 he
admitted his brother, Milton Urbach, appropriate mention of whom
immediately follows this, to partnership, and under their able man-
agement the firm has grown and prospered and today is regarded
as one of the solid and substantial commercial houses of Dubuque.
In 1895 ^^^^^ Urbach was united in marriage with Miss Rose Nova,
and they with their one son. Dalton, attending Lincoln school in
Dubuque, reside at 891 Grand view avenue. Mr. Urbach has made
a success of life and has the respect and good will of all who know
him.
Milton Urbach, junior member of the Urbach clothing establish-
ment known as the Hub, is a native of Poland, born in 1873, and a
son of Hillel and Bailee Urbach, still living in Poland. He came to
Dubuque when very young and received his education in the First
Ward (Franklin) school, later attending also Bayless Business Col-
lege. For a time thereafter he was employed in various clothing
establishments in Dubuque, thoroughly mastering the details of that
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TRINITY PAROCHIAL SCHOOL.
PAROCHIAL RESIDENCE
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 671
line of business, and in 1900 was admitted by his brother, Abe
Urbach, to partnership in the Hub clotliing estabhshment. He has
since remained thus connected and due to their excellent business
management and ability the concern has taken high rank among the
commercial houses of Dubuque. Socially Mr. Urbach is a member
of the Masonic fraternity, the Knights of Pythias and the Benev-
olent and Protective Order of Elks. At Chicago, in July, 1908, he
\yas united in marriage with Miss Mabel Nova, a sister of his
brother's wife, and to them one daughter has been born, named
Odell. The family residence in Dubuque is located at 759 Bluff
street.
Peter Hoerr, vice president of the "VVieneke-Hoerr Company,
canners of vegetables and pickles. 850 Jackson street, Dubuque, is a
native of Germany, born in the province of Hesse-Darmstadt,
March 13, 1839, and the son of Philip and Eva (Wagner) Hoerr.
The father, a farmer by occupation, died in Germany in 1870, aged
sixty-three years, preceded by his wife in 1869, aged sixty years,
and both are buried in the old country. Peter Hoerr attended the
public schools of his native country during boyhood, completing his
education when thirteen years old, and for a time assisted his father
on the home farm. In 1865 he came to the United States to visit
his brother, George Hoerr, a saloonkeeper in Dubuque, and for
two years was employed in the Rhomberg distillery. From 1867 to
1889 he was manager of the Blinds & Beach soap manufacturing
concern, then in partnership with Charles Perry embarked in the
manufacture of soap in Montana. One year later, however, Mr.
Hoerr returned to Dubuque and purchased an interest in the firm
of Wieneke & Hohenadel, of which he was elected vice president.
Several years later this firm was reorganized as the Interstate Pack-
ing Company, continuing as such until 1896, when it became the
Wieneke-Hoerr Company and has since operated under that name.
The business of this concern is carried on throughout Iowa, Illinois,
Wisconsin and Minnesota, and Mr. Hoerr has retained the vice
presidency thereof since his first connection. In political affairs he
is independent, voting for the man regardless of party affiliation,
and in religious views is a member of St. John's Lutheran church.
On January i, 1870. in Dubuque, he married Miss Minea Hook,
daughter of Ernst and Liza (Hofmeister) Hook, pioneer farmers
of Dubuque county. To Mr. and Mrs. Hoerr one son and tw^o
daughters have been born, named Ernst Philip, sash, door and blind
manufacturer of Chicago; Lena, residing in South Dakota, and
Minnie Katherina, also of that state. The family home in Dubuque
is located at 739 Julien avenue.
Rev. Frederick William Oberbroekling, pastor of Holy
Trinity Roman Catholic church at Luxemburg since February .?2,
6/2 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
iSy2, is a native of Prussia, Germany, his birth occurring at the
village of Dellbruck on November lo, 1844. His parents, Johann
Heinrich and Anna Maria (Helmig) Oberbroekling. were descended
from old German families, and came to America and St. Louis,
Missouri, in 1856. They located, in March, 1857, on a tract of 160
acres in New Wine township, Dubuque county, Iowa, which the
father cleared and improved and added to as his means afforded;
and here they spent their remaining days. Johann H. 01)er-
broekling died December 27, 1884. aged eighty-five years, preceded
by his wife in 1876 at the age of seventy-five years. Both were
highly respected by all who knew them and now lie at rest in the
cemetery at New Vienna. Father Oberbroekling received his early
education in the public schools of his native country and came with
his parents to the United States when twelve years old. His twelfth
birthday was celebrated on the Mississippi river, and at St. Louis,
Missouri, his schooling was continued for six months in St. Joseph's
of the Jesuit Fathers parochial schools. He then went to Ouincy,
111., and from September, 1864, to July, 1865, attended the Fran-
ciscan College. In the fall of the following year he went to Mil-
waukee, Wisconsin, and entered St. Francis Seminary, and on
December 20, 1871, was ordained to the priesthood. For a time he
remained with Rev. Conrad Schulte, at New Vienna, and on
February 22, 1872, was summoned to Luxemburg to take charge of
the work here and has ever since been thus connected. Much good
has been brought about through Father Oberbroekling's efforts in
the Master's service, and he is highly esteemed and beloved by all
who know him. From May, 1873, to July, 1874, he journeyed
twice every month to Lattnerville, then a mission, seventeen miles
from his church at Luxemburg, aside from the various sick calls
he received. In 1874 the church he first erected at Luxemburg was
destroyed by a tornado July 26, but nothing daunted he built the
present beautiful edifice, the pastorage. the Sisters' house and the
school. Father Oberbroekling has seen this portion of Dubuque
county grow in importance and at the present time nearly all of his
parishioners are men and women of means and influence. He has
always taken an active interest and part in any movement toward
the betterment of the county, and at the World's Exposition of
1893 his school system receiv^ed a bronze medal with the following
inscription : "World's Columbian Exposition in commemoration of
the Four Hundredth Anniversary of the landing of Columbus ; for
the Holy Trinity School of Luxemburg, Iowa."
Alexander Schollian, one of Dubuque's foremost tailors, is
a native of this county, and the son of Matthias and Annie D.
Schollian, who came here from Pennsylvania at an early date and
settled on a farm near Washington Mills, where he subsequently
died and was buried. Alexander Schollian was born January 12,
j^.j^yf^u^^
HISTORY OP DUBUQUE COUNTY 673
1S62. and (luring boyhood days assisted his father and attended
the common schools. Early in life he learned the tailoring trade
and after llioroiighly familiarizing himself with all the details of
that line of business, opened an establishment at the corner of
Fourth and Main streets. Dubuque, where he has been unusually
successful. In Septen>ber, 1904, he was united in marriage with
Miss Mary E. Murray, daughter of Thomas and Ellen Murray.
Mrs. Schollian is active in any movement that tends toward the
betterment of mankind. She is president of the Mercy Hospital
Association, which was inaugurated for the purpose of raising
money to care for and provide medical services for the needy
poor, regardless of nationality or religious views. This associa-
tion has one room in Mercy Hospital, fully equipped with all mod-
ern con\cniences, and now has in view another similar one. Mrs.
Schollian is also a member of the St. Elizabeth Association ar.d
the Sherman Society. No less interested in public affairs of im-
portance is Mr. Schollian. He is a Democrat in his political views,
is a staunch member oi St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, is
treasurer of the local order of Knights of Columbus, and for six
years served as a member of the Dubuque County Board of Super-
visors. He and wife are among the highly respected people of the
city of Dubuque.
Moses M. Ham. deceased, for thirty-five years editor-in-chief
of the Herald, was a man of unusually strong character and very
prominent during his long residence in Dubuque. Born March 23,
1833, in Shapleigh, York county, Maine, he was the son of Dr.
Levi J. and Mary (Ayer) Ham, and a direct descendant of Will-
iam Ham, the progenitor of the family in this country, who came
from England to America in 1640 and settled in New Hampshire.
During the French and Indian troubles, the Revolutionary war,
the War of 181 2, and Civil war, members of this family lovally
served their country. Moses M., when fourteen years of age.
entered Cary Collegiate Seminary, Caryville, New York, and after-
wards pursued his studies at the Genessee Wesleyan School and
Union College, where he graduated in the class of 1855. Suc-
ceeding his graduation from the latter, Mr. Ham removed to
Jonesville, Michigan, and for two years was principal of the high
school there, but later went to Detroit, Michigan, and for seven
years was associated with the Free Press as assistant editor, under
Wilbur F. Story. He first came to Dubuque in 1863. ^^ city
editor of the Herald, two months later acquired bv purchase the
controlling interest in that paper, and several months later took in
D. D. W. Carver as a partner, having charge of the job depart-
ment and bindery. He became editor-in-chief of same, and for
a period of thirty-five years was thus associated. In 1899 he dis-
posed of his interests and retired from the active duties and busi-
674 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
ness cares of life. Mr. Ham was always a staunch Democrat in
his political views and voiced and advocated the policies of that
party during his many years as head of the Herald. For sixteen
years he was a member of the National Democratic Committee,
four years a member of the state senate, and during Presi-
dent Cleveland's administration was postmaster of Dubuque.
He was at one time offered the first assistant postmaster-
ship of the nation, but declined the honor, claiming his time
was fully taken up with his newspaper work. Mr. Ham always
took a keen interest in the early history of Dubuque county, and
many authentic stories of the early doings of Julien Dubuque and
other pioneer men have been made a matter of history because of
his careful research. At one time, while traveling down the St.
Lawrence river, he became acquainted with a French priest, who,
upon learning from where Mr. Ham was, told him of the early
history of Julien Dubuque, and in corroboration referred him to a
Canadian history, written in French, which gives the memoirs of
the early French explorers of the Mississippi valley. This volume
was eagerly procured by Mr. Ham and is now a valued possession
in the library of his family. It is thus the just credit is due Mr.
Ham of having discovered and brought to light the early history
of Julien Dubuque, and much of the early history of the city of
Dubuque, which, until that time, had been in obscurity. Mr. Ham
was always interested in schools and in matters pertaining to edu-
cation. For many years he was one of the regents of the Iowa
State University, and president of the Public School Board in
Dubuque. In religious views he was identified with the Episcopal
church, of which he was for many years a vestryman. In 1859
he was united in marriage with Miss Helen M. Tucker, a native
of Massachusetts, who passed away in 1870, leaving two children:
Clifford D., now of Manila, Philippine Islands, and Hellen M., of
Dubuque. In 1874 Mr. Ham married Miss Rebecca M. Wells,
and she died three years larer. They now lie at rest in the family
lot at Linwood cemetery. On December 25, 1902, sorrow invaded
the homes of many when it became known that Mr. Ham had
been summoned to the Great Beyond. He was one of those hon-
est and fearless men whom we so much admire, and with his pass-
ing the nation, county, city and home lost a good man, an honest
citizen, a kindly neighbor and a loving father.
Michael Roche, now living a retired life in the city of Du-
buque, is a native of the Emerald Isle, his birth occurring in the
year 1840, and a son of Thomas and Ellen (Callahan) Roche.
Thomas Roche was born in Ireland in 1805, and when forty-four
years of age crossed the Atlantic ocean to America, accompanied
by his family, and settled on a tract of 120 acres in Jefferson
township, Dubuque county, Iowa. Here he resided many years
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 675
and in 1897 <^^^^h ^ nian respected by all who knew him. His wife
passed away in 1877, <'^"<^^ '^^^^-'^ ^^^ buried near the old homestead.
The early life of Michael Roche in this country was spent much
after the manner of other country boys of those days — assisting
his father on the home farm and in attending the public schools,
then little more than log cabins. When the elder Roche's eye-
sight began to wane, the work and responsibility of the farm fell
to the lot of Michael, but when the father was badly hurt from a
fall, he relinquished the management of thej estate to his younger
brothers, John and Joseph. In 1902 he disposed of the old home
place and bought a smaller farm on Asbury Road, near West
Dubuque, but four years later, having accumulated considerable
means, retired from the active duties of life and removed into
the city of Dubuque, where he has since resided. In 1865 -'^^r-
Roche decided to go West and visit the mountains of Montana.
He accordingly went to Sioux City, Iowa, and was employed as
deck hand on a steamboat at $60 per month. The water in the
upper river was so low that they succeeded in getting but a few
miles above Fort Ripley. The commanding officer of the fort
advised them not to go any farther, as the Indians were becoming
very troublesome, and to do so would be dangerous. Nothing
daunted, however, they continued their journey, and about two
weeks later became stranded on a sandbar at some distance from
the fort. The pilot and five men went out in a small boat to
locate the channel, entirely unarmed, and after locating same
decided to go ashore for a time. While there they were attacked
from ambush by the "redskins," and, being unarmed, could do
nothing but try their best to escape. Two men succeeded in mak-
ing their way to the boat, but were killed and the boat cast adrift,
to be later picked up by the soldiers at Fort Ripley. One man
dove in the water and made his way to a sandbar, where he was
shot while rolling over in the water, sinking and disappearing for-
ever. One large Irishman put up a desperate struggle, but was
captured alive and never heard of again, probably perishing at the
stake. Another, a German, was shot through the shoulder with
an arrow, but managed to hide under the bank until the steamer
came down and rescued him. The other man of the party divested
himself of all save underclothing and sw^am the river unmolested
by the Indians, who took him to be one of themselves because of
the red color of his attire. When the boat returned to Sioux Cit;^
in the fall, the captain offered Mr. Roche an increase in wages of
$20 a month, but he declined, claiming that the desire for adven-
ture in him had been appeased. He then returned to his old home
in Dubuque county, where he has always been regarded as an
honorable man and a useful and progressive citizen. He was
married to Catherine Burke, February 8, 1866. Eight children
have been born to this union, as follows: William T., Michael
676 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
James (deceased). May, Ella. John Francis, Joseph E., Catherine E.
and Clara.
Herman Dement, whose untimely death was caused by acci-
dent in 1899, was for years one of Dubuque's prosperous and suc-
cessful business men. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri. August
I, 1850, the son of Herman Dement, Sr., who came from Ger-
many to America, at an early date and embarked in the furniture
business at St. Louis. In 1862, when our subject was but twelve
years old, the father was accidentally suffocated in a cistern which
was being repaired, and this threw the son on his own resources
at a time when every boy should be attending school instead of
working for a living. For a time he was second cook in the St.
Julien kitchen, and then followed this trade on the Mississippi
river until 1882. He then came to Dubuque and in a building
erected by himself embarked in the gentlemen's furnishing busi-
ness. By honest and conscientious business dealings, he built up
a large trade. On October 18. 1881. he was united in marriage
with Miss Margaret Eulberg. daughter of Casper and Frances
Eulberg of Galena. Illinois, and to them the following named chil-
dren were born : Evelyn. Mabel H. and Margera F. Mr. Dement
took a keen and active interest in local affairs of importance, and
was a prominent member of the First Presbyterian church. In
1899, while riding a bicycle, he accidentally fell in front of a mov-
ing street car and was instantly killed ; thus Dubuque lost one of
her best and most deserving citizens. Mr. Dement was essentially
a self-made man; by the early death of his father he was forced
to make his own way in the world, and step by step mounted the
ladder of life. His loss was mourned generally throughout the
county by his many friends.
Henry A. Knowlton. well-known resident of Dubuque, is a
son of the old pioneer. Thomas J. Knowlton. and a direct descend-
ant of Captain Knowlton of Revolutionary fame. Thomas J.
Knowlton was born in 1821, in Wales. Erie county. New York,
and there was reared and educated. In 1857 he came to Dubuque
as western representative for a Buffalo (New York) sleigh and
carriage concern, and was thus engaged until war was delcared
between the North and the South. In answers to his country's
call for defenders of the Union, Mr. Knowlton was with the
Twelfth Iowa Infantry, which command was stationed at St. Louis
and later ordered to Fort Henrv and Fort Donelson. Afterward
he was with the Eighth Iowa Cavalry, and while with the regi-
ment in Tennessee was taken seriously ill and sent home ; he died
February 28. 1864. To his marriage with Miss Laura M. Beecher,
a cousin of Henry Ward Beecher. solemnized in 1846. three chil-
(h-cn were born: Henry A.. Franklin (deceased), and Adelia,
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 677
also deceased. When the elder Knowlton was sent home from
Fort Donelson, his son, Henry A., joined the eighth Iowa Cav-
alry and served until honorably discharged by the War Department
at the close of the struggle. Early in life he learned the printer's
trade and upon his return to Dubuque opened and operated a small
printing establishment until advised by his doctor to seek outdoor
employment. He became connected with the Illinois Central Rail-
road as engineer, and has been forty-one years in continuous serv-
ice. In 1896 Mr. Knowlton was united in marriage with. Miss
Isabella Saunders, of Waterloo, Iowa. She is an active member
of the Westminster Presbyterian church and is managing editor
of the Phi Gainuia, a church publication originated by Rev. D. J.
Burrell, of New York, while he was pastor of the church. She
is also a member of the Woman's Club and the Visiting Nurses'
Association, and is greatly interested in hospital work. Mr. Knowl-
ton is a Knight Templar Mason. His mother is yet living at the
advanced age of eighty-three years, and takes great interest in
her children and all important topics of the day. Since 1857
she has resided continuously at 45 Fourth street ; she is greatly
esteemed and respected by all who know her.
John A. Kinsella, deceased, for many years one of the well-
known and highly respected residents of Dubucjue county, was
born on a farm in Washington township, in 1856, the son of
James and Anna Kinsella, who came from Canada to Dubuque
county in 1834. At that date this locality was sparsely inhabited,
Indians being more plentiful than whites, and the land in a rough
and unbroken condition. The privations and hardships of the
early pioneers can scarcely be appreciated by the generation of
today who have but to look out on either side to see broad and
rolling fields of finely cultivated farm land, well stocked with cat-
tle and modern machinery of every description. To these pioneer
settlers is due much of the credit for the present advanced state
of afifairs. John A. Kinsella assisted his father and attended the
country schools during boyhood, and in 1882 married Miss Kath-
erine McNamara, daughter of a neighboring farmer, and to them
Joseph, James, Mary, Salome C. and Martha (Maley) were born.
In 1893 Mr. Kinsella disposed of his farm and moved into the
city of Dubuque, where the year following he passed away, leaving
the responsibility of rearing his children to Mrs. Kinsella. She
cheerfully put her shoulders to the wheel and reared her boys and
girls to honorable and useful lives in the Catholic faith. Mary
Kinsella is now engaged in the millinery business in Mason City,
Iowa ; Salome C. is with the M. J. Mulgrew Company ; James
is in the employ of the Chicago Great Western Railroad at Stock-
ton, Illinois ; Joseph is with the Illinois Central Railroad. Mrs.
Kinsella is still residing in the city of Dubuque, where she has
678 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
many friends, and where she bears the respect and good-will of
all who know her.
David F. Ede, since 1895 the active head of the Ede's Robe
Tanning Company, with headquarters at Dubuque, is a native of
the Province of Ontario, his birth occurring in 1846. He is of
English extraction. His boyhood days were passed in acquiring
such education as was afforded by the common schools, and while
yet a young man he went to Winnipeg, Manitoba, and embarked
in the marble and granite business, and in the buying and selling
of real estate, in wdiich he became wealthy. This was during Win-
nipeg's boom period, when it was a city of 45,000, but every man
of means who had holdings in real estate went down with the
breaking of the boom. When the Canadian Pacific Railroad was
constructed. Mr. Ede foresaw the wonderful possibilities of the
grain business, and invested his money in elevators at various
points along that line. Owing to the bonding system' of shipping,
however, which allowed the shipper to bond his wheat in transit
throughout the United States, this venture proved very disas-
trous, and Mr. Ede w-as forced to relinquish his idea and holdings.
He then went to Sioux City, Iowa, and in partnership with Mr.
T. P. Murry embarked in the real estate business, at which he was
unusually successful. Later, in 1895, he came to Dubuque, and
soon afterwards founded a fur tanning establishment at the corner
of Jones and West Main streets. The business has grown and
prospered until today the firm is recognized as one of the largest
of its kind in the world. They cater to the world's custom trade
for fine robes and garments, and also operate branch establish-
ments in Omaha, Nebraska ; St. Paul, Minnesota, and Sioux Falls,
South Dakota. The Dubuque plant is 100x150 feet, and employs
regularly from forty to sixty skilled workmen. In 1875 Mr. Ede
was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Tuer, and to them
have been born the following named children : St. Clair, secre-
tary and treasurer of the Ede's Robe Tanning Company ; Olive,
wife of Dr. Lytle, of Lansing, Iowa, and Ruth V.
Mr. Ede is one of Dubuque's representative business men, takes
an active interest in all local affairs of importance, and is highly
regarded in the community where he resides.
Dr. Frank W. Wieland, one of the leading medical practi-
tioners of Dubuque, is a native of Switzerland, his birth occurring
March 10, 1856. at Grau Bunden. He was the son of Rudolph
and Marie (Truden) Wieland, and was brought by them to Amer-
ica and Dubuque county in 1863, when but seven years of age.
Here they remained four years, and then removed to Grant county,
Wisconsin, where the father purchased a farm. When fourteen
years old, Dr. Wieland left home and started out in life for him-
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 679
self. For a time he secured employment as a farm hand during
the summer months and attended the district schools during win-
ter, paying for his board by doing chores. After obtaining a com-
mon-school education in this manner, he taught school for several
winters and continued working as a farm hand during summers.
He early in life decided to take up the study and practice of medi-
cine, and with this idea in view entered the office of Dr. DujTin.
of Guttenberg, Iowa, and there began the study of his future pro-
fession. One year later he went to Chicago and entered Rush
Medical College, from which institution he was duly graduated in
1888 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. For one year fol-
lowing this he practiced successfully near Oshkosh, Wisconsin, but
then came to Dubuque, where he has ever since been actively
engaged in the general practice of his profession. By careful and
conscientious work the doctor has built up a large and lucrative
practice, and is now recognized as one of the leading men of his
profession in Dubuque. He is a member of the Dubuque County
Medical Society, of which he is an ex-president, and was examin-
ing physician of the United States Pension Board. He also served
three years as city physician and one year as a member of the
Board of Health. He has served on various committees in Du-
buque Medical Society and has taken a post-graduate course in the
College of Physicians and Surgeons at Chicago. To his marriage
w'ith Miss Clara Jungk, born in Dubuque, June 24. 1872, the
daughter of Christian Jungk, the ceremony being solemnized in
1896, three children have been born, as follows: Edgar F., Janu-
ary 9, 1899; Edna M., July 2, 1900, and Arthur W., December
17, 1905. The doctor is a Knight Templar Mason, in which order
he has served as Senior Warden, and is a member of the Court of
Honor and Mystic Workers. He is independent in politics.
Claus Andres, for many years a resident of Dubuque, is of
German extraction, his father, Claus Andres, Sr., being a native
of Holstein, that country, where he was born March 18, 1805.
In 185 1 he left the old country and immigrated to America, where
for a time he secured employment at his trade of miller, in Har-
lem, New York City. Six years later he came West, and on
December i, 1857, located in Dubuque, and until 1864 worked in
the Sageville mills. He then, in partnership with a Mr. Burres,
established a mill at Galena, Illinois, but four years later, when
the latter desired to convert their establishment into a distillery,
Mr. Andres disposed of his interests and embarked in the milling
business on his own account at Henry, Henry county. Illinois.
This he conducted until his death, which occurred March 4, 1871,
and his remains were laid at rest in Linwood, Dubuque. Mr.
Andres lived and died a good citizen, a loving parent and a kindly
68o HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
neighbor, and his loss was mourned generally by all who knew
him.
His son, Claus Andres, the immediate subject of this memoir,
received his education in the public schools of New York City,
and early in life learned the cigar-making business, which subse-
quently, from 1865 ^^ 1875, i" partnership with his brother
Henry, he followed in Dubuque. In comparatively recent years
Mr. Andres has retired from the active business cares of life, and
now lives with his wife and children in their city residence. When
war was declared between the North and South, Mr. Andres
enlisted in Company G of the Missouri State Troops, and until
1863, when his command was officially disbanded, he saw guard
duty and participated in the guerrilla warfare. He then enlisted
in Company A of the Forty-fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, took
part in the Tennessee campaign, and at the conclusion of the war
was honorably discharged. On May i, 1866, he was united in mar-
riage with Miss Barbara Kappes, daughter of Alfred Kappes, of
Freeport. Illinois, and to them were born : August Henry, de-
ceased ; Amelia, now teaching in city schools of Dubuque, and
also prominent in Sunday school work; Christina, deceased, wife of
Burton Brownell, to which union two children were born; Mary,
teaching in Seattle (Washington) schools; Josephine D., teach-
ing in Kickapoo Indian School, Horton, Kansas ; and Harriet,
instructor in Sherman Institute, Riverside, California. Mr. Andres
was for years president of the International Cigar Makers' Union,
and is still a member of that organization. He is also identified
with the G. A. R. Society. In politics he is and always has been
an unswerving Republican, and has taken an active part in public
affairs.
John F. Reinold, with the firm Farley & Loetcher, Dubuque,
was born in the city of Siegen, Germany, May 15, 1864, the son
of Adolph and Mary Reinold. He received his education in the
public and high schools of his native country, succeeding which
he served a three years' apprenticeship to the stair-builder's trade.
In 1884 he left the parental roof and came to the United States,
first locating at Kansas City, Missouri, and then at Mayview,
where he worked on the railroad. In 1885 he came to Waverly,
Iowa, and secured employment in the Woodring Brothers' Furni-
ture Factory, continuing thus until the early part of 1888. He
then removed to Minneapolis and accepted a position as stair-
builder with the Bartwell-Robinson Sash & Door Company, with
whom he remained two and a half years. The summer of 1890 he
returned to Dubuque and was offered a similar position with Far-
ley & Loetcher, but in the spring of the following year he located
in St. Paul, Minnesota. Shortly thereafter he again returned to
Dubuque and the employ of Farley & Loetcher, but two months
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 68i
later went with the Carr-Rider & Adams Company, with wMiom
he remained until 1907. For about a year thereafter he worked
with different firms, then resumed his connection with the firm of
Farley & Loetcher, with whom he has remained ever since. Most of
Mr. Reinold's best work has gone to Des Moines, Iowa: Kansas
City, Missouri, and Peoria, Illinois, and the finished and beautiful
work on stairways in some of the more prominent buildings in
those cities is of his workmanship. Mr. Reinold is an independ-
ent Democrat in politics, and a member of the Woodmen of the
^^'orld, Royal Order of Moose and the Carpenters' Union. On
June I, 1892. he was united in marriage with Miss Louisa Schaff-
hauser, daughter of Andrew and Christina Schaffhauser, the for-
mer living and the latter dying in 1894. To this union four chil-
dren have been born, named : Marcella. Elsie, Joseph and Dorothy,
all living at home and attending school.
Thomas Kingsley, for many years actively identified with pub-
lic and private interests in and around Cascade, is a native of
Buckinghamshire. England. His parents. John and Mary (Col-
lins) Kingsley, together with their three sons, Thomas, Frederick
William and Charles Joseph, came to the United States in 1855,
and for a time farmed on land w'hich is now part of the city of
Cleveland, Ohio. In i860 they mo\'ed to Cascade, Iowa, where
a daughter, named Lois, was born the same year. They estab-
lished a home in Spring Valley, Cascade township, and engaged in
farming. "Sir. Kingsley was a man of sound judgment and com-
manded universal respect. He was a Republican, served as a
member of the school board and township supervisor, and died in
1884, aged sixty-four years. Mrs. Kingsley died in 1881, wdien
fifty-nine years old. Thomas Kingsley was born in 1849, ^"<^^ "^^'^^^
but six years old when brougiit to this country by his parents.
After attending the public schools in early youth he began clerk-
ing in the store of Michael Snyder at Cascade, when fourteen
years old, and thus continued seven years. The succeeding six
years he worked for Fay & Croston, then with Crawford Brothers
three years. In 1881 he embarked in the grocery business upon
his own responsibility, adding dry goods to his stock later on.
Owing to failing health, he ceased active business pursuits in
1888, but two years later became manager of the Cascade Mills,
which he remodeled and converted into a high-grade roller mill,
also resuming the grocery business. He continued in this manner
until 1909, when he disposed of the grocery, purchased the mills,
and with characteristic energy has improved the latter property
until it is one of the best^ in the country. Aside from this, he is
and has been identified with other public enterprises. He provided
the equipment that furnishes lighting for the City Light & Power
Company, operates a saw mill, owns a cement plant that has fur-
682 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
nished cement building blocks entering into the construction of
buildings, has dealt in ice since 1905, and has been a director of the
Farmers' & Merchants' Bank since its organization. In religious
affairs he has been actively identified with the Baptist church for
a great many years, of which he is a deacon, and for twenty-three
years has been superintendent of its Sunday school. He has served
as secretary of the Modern Woodmen of the World for fifteen
years, and is also a member of and secretary of the Mystic Work-
ers. In 1873 Mr. Kingsley married Margaret, daughter of A. P.
Hamil, an old settler of Cascade township. Mrs. Kingsley diad
in 1891, aged thirty-eight years, leaving two children: Myrta E.
and Ida May. In 1895 Mr. Kingsley married Ida Weir, born in
Iowa in 1868, a daughter of William and Melissa (Young) Weir.
The four children born to this marriage are named : Thomas, Will-
iam, Mellissa and Philip.
William Scott Wright, pioneer abstract of title man and real
estate lawyer of Dubuque, is a native of Scotland, his birth occur-
ring at Edinburgh, June 10, 1842. His parents were John Wright.
M. D., and Helen Wright. He came to America and Dubuque
county, Iowa, in the year 1850. Here he attended the public
schools and Bayless Business College, succeeding which he took
up the study of law, and was admitted to practice before the State
Bar of Iowa in 1873. Shortly thereafter Mr. Wright engaged in
the abstract of title and real estate law business, at which he has
since continued. In 1880 he was united in marriage with Miss
Agnes E. Aitchison, eldest daughter of John Y. Aitchison, D. D.,
of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and they make their home in the city of
Dubuque.
Adolpii G. Summerfjeld. engaged in the cleaning and dyeing
business in Dubuque, is a native of this city and a son of P. H. E.
and Bertha (Rauba) Summerfield. P. H. E. Summerfield was
born in the Prussian Province of Brandenburg, Germany, in 1835,
and came to America and Dubuque, Iowa, at an early period. In
i860 he established a cleaning and dyeing concern which he suc-
cessfully operated for many years. In 1878 his wife died, leaving
the following five children to mourn her loss : Minnie. Ewald,
Bertha, Hattie (Snyder), and Adolph G. Mr. Summerfield remar-
ried in 1879, taking for his wife Miss Louisa Freehoffer. who is
yet living and residing in Dubuque. In 1904. when sixty-nine
years old. Mr. Summerfield passed away and was buried in Lin-
wood cemetery. Adolph G. Summerfield, the youngest of the
children, was born on January 16, 1872. He was educated in the
public schools of Dubuque and learned the cleaning and dyeing
business under the tutelage of his father, eventually becoming
proprietor of the concern. In 1895 he was united in marriage with
CHARLES HOLLNAGEL
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 683
Miss Maud Colling?, daughter of Alfred Collings, a carpenter and
builder, and they reside in a l^eautiful home at 1272 Freemont
avenue, with their three children: Alfred. Rhoda and Virginia.
Mr. Summerfield is a member of the Ancient Order of United
Workmen, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Modern
Brotherhood, and he and family are communicants of the Epis-
copal church.
William Zumhof, of the firm of Peter Kiene & Son, is a native
of Dubuque and a son of the old pioneer, George Zumhof. The
latter was born in Hanover, Germany, January 9, 1821, and came
to America in 1845, first locating, for two years, in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania. He then came to Dubuque, which at that time was
little more than a frontier settlement with about 800 inhabitants.
In 1849 Mr. Zumhof opened a small bakery on the corner of Fifth
and Main streets, which he conducted four years, and then erected
the Mississippi Hotel on White street, which he operated for a
period of nine years. In 1852 he married Miss Mary Wilhelm,
and ten children were born to them, the following seven now liv-
ing: Mrs. F. H. Roedell, of Minneapolis, Minnesota; George,
Jr., of Ballard, Washington; Mrs. Alex Allardyce, of Chicago;
Mrs. K. Aslesen, of Minneapolis ; Mrs. John Benz, also of Minne-
apolis; William, our subject; and Mrs. John Neu, of Dubuque.
In 1902 Mr. and Mrs. Zumhof celebrated their golden wedding,
at which time a family reunion was held. Mr. Zumhof was a
pioneer member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of
which he became a member in 1849, ^"^ ^^^o of the Masonic fra-
ternity, of which he became a member February 28, 1856. During
his long residence in Dubuque he voted for sixteen presidents of the
United States, and with his passing, on April 6, 1908, the county
lost a good and true citizen. The funeral services were conducted
by the Dubuque Lodge of the Masonic Order.
William Zumhof w^as born July 10, 1871, and received his edu-
cation in the public and high schools of Dubuque, and also attended
a commercial college. His first employment was with Hosford &
Gruner, with whom he remained five years, and he then spent four
years with the Dubuque Rubber & Belting Company. For the last
sixteen years he has been identified with the firm of Peter Kiene
& Son, of which concern he is now a member. On May 10, 1901,
he married Miss Anna Francis, of Lena, Illinois, and they have
these children: Thomas W. (deceased), William, Jr., and Mar-
guerite. Mr. Zumhof is a member of the Masonic fraternity, being
a thirty-second degree Mason, a member of De Molay Consistory,
Clinton, Iowa.
Charles H. Hollnagel, well and favorably known through-
out Dubuque county, is a native of the Empire of Germany, his
684 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
birth occurring April 14, 1835, and is a son of Carl H. and
Johanna (Zievert) Hollnagel. Carl H. Hollnagel was born in
the fatherland on May 9, 1806, and there resided with his family
until 1861. at which time they crossed the Atlantic ocean to Amer-
ica and journeyed west to Dubuque. After an honorable resi-
dence of nearly thirty-five years in this county he passed away on
April 12, 1895, and was laid at rest beside his wife in Linwood
cemetery, she having preceded him in 1880. Charles H. Holl-
nagel was educated and reared to manhood in his native country
and served for a time in the German army. In i860 he immi-
grated to the United States, landing in New York City December
22, and with his brother came to Dubuque. Upon arriving here
they had sufficient money only to purchase two axes, with which
they went into the surrounding forests to cut wood at seventy
cents a cord. The following spring these two boys sent for their
parents, who arrived on May 6, 1861, and for whom they cared
ever afterward. In 1865 Charles H. Hollnagel opened a cooper's
shop, having previously learned the trade, and was thus engaged
until 1877, when he put a superintendent in charge of affairs, and
opened a general store, which he subsequently disposed of to his
son-in-law in 1893. Mr. Hollnagel has been careful in business
affairs, and by hard work and industry has accumulated a com-
petency. He is a director of the Waterloo (Iowa) Casket Com-
pany, where he has also large real estate properties. He was a
trustee of St. John's Lutheran church, in which he has held mem-
bership many years. Originally he was a Republican in politics,
but now espouses the policies of the Democratic party in local
affairs, having changed his views when the Iowa Republican party
inserted the temperance plank in their state platform. He served
as township trustee for a period of eight years, and as alderman
of the Fifth ward from 1883 until 1887. To his marriage with
Miss Fredericka Sass, a native of Germany, solemnized May 27,
1861, the following named children were born: Freda (deceased) ;
Emma F., now Mrs. Morris Wilson; Carl H. (deceased); and
Mathilda L. (deceased). On August 15, 1909, Mrs. Hollnagel
passed away, after a long siege of illness, and was buried in the
family lot in Linwood cemetery.
Benjamin Franklin Blocklinger, cashier of the First Na-
tional Bank of Dubuque, was born in this city January i, 1864, ^
son of Gottfried and L-rsula (Hilti) Blocklinger, appropriate men-
tion of whom is made elsewhere in this publication. Benjamin F.
Blocklinger received his education in the public and high schools
of Dubuque, and on January 30. 1882, started as messenger boy
in the First National Bank. Practically his entire life has been
passed in connection with the banking industry, and by close atten-
tion to business he carcfullv mastered the details of that line and
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 6S5
has arisen to his present position. When twenty- four years old he
entered the service of his country and served ten years with the
Iowa National Guard, in which he attained the rank of major.
■\Vhcn the Spanish-American war broke out, his command was
ordered to the front, and saw active service during that struggle
at Havana, Cuba. Mr. Blocklinger also served as captain of Com-
pany A of the Governor's Greys, which was organized in 1887, and
named in honor of the famous Governor's Greys who were the first
company in the State of Iowa to offer its services to President
Lincoln's call for volunteers to help preserve the Union. This old
organization was widely known for its splendid service during the
Civil war. Aside from his connection with the First National
Bank, Mr. Blocklinger is treasurer of Finley Hospital, of the Lin-
wood Cemetery Association and of the Dubuque Telephone Com-
pany, and is treasurer and a director of the Dubuque Building &
Loan Association. Socially he is identified with the Masonic fra-
ternity, in politics is a Republican, and attends the Methodist
church. On August 23, 1898. he was united in marriage with
Miss lola Brown, of Waterloo, Iowa, and they reside at No. i
Coventry Court, Dubuque.
Michael H. Sauser, a member of one of the old and best
known families of Dubuque county, is a retired farmer, and is
now living in the town of Cascade. John B. Sauser, his father,
was born in Luxemburg, Grand Duchy of Luxemburg, August 16,
1826, and in the year 1848 came to the United States and first
located at Detroit, Michigan, where he worked at brickmaking.
He remained there two years and then removed to Cascade town-
ship, Dubuque county, Iowa, where he engaged in farming. That
same year he married Mrs. Mary Kurt (her maiden name being
Scheitier), a native of Luxemburg, who was born in Krauten, Janu-
ary 30, 18 14, her first husband, Michael Kurt, having died in 1850.
Year by year Mr. Sauser increased his farming domain until prior
to his retirement he had accumulated an area of about 1,200 acres
of the finest land in Dubuque county, and upon which he erected
most substantial improvements in the shape of residence, barns and
other buildings, and was a pioneer in farming on a large scale.
About the year 1886 he disposed of much of his land to his children,
moved to Cascade, and there lived retired from the more active
duties of life until his death in 1906. His wife died June 13, 1897.
They were the parents of the following family. Annie, residing at
home in Cascade; Susan, wife of N. J. Bisenius, of Cascade town-
ship; Catherine, now Mrs. P. Pettinger, of Cumberland; J. P. and
Michael H., the latter two residing in Cascade. Michael H. Sau-
ser was reared to manhood on the old home place and, as a boy,
attended the village schools. He followed farming as an occupa-
686 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
tion until 1891, then embarked in the lumber business in Cascade.
He later disposed of this and is now practically retired from active
business pursuits, his home being with his sister Annie.
Fred Doerrmann, Dubuque's popular ladies' and gentlemen's
tailor, is a native of the Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany, his
birth occurring November 24, 1865, and the oldest son of Jacob
and Barbara (Saam) Doerrmann. For many generations the male
members of the family have followed tailoring, and Jacob Doerr-
mann was no exception to this rule, but he also at one time tried
farming and was so successful at it that he renounced the trade
of his forefathers and ever afterwards engaged in agricultural
pursuits. He is still living, but the wife died and is buried in the
old country. Fred Doerrmann attended the public schools until
his sixteenth year, and then spent two and a half years as an
apprentice to the tailor's trade. He then went to Strasburg, Prov-
ince of Alsace, where he worked at his trade a few months, and
then took his card, as is customary among journeymen tailors of
the old country, and started out on foot to further his ability by
working in various tailoring establishments throughout the coun-
try, keeping a record of every place in which he worked. For a
time he was located at Zurich, Switzerland, making army officers'
uniforms and citizens' clothing, and then went by rail to Geneva,
where he remained two years, making also ladies' as well as gen-
tlemen's clothes. Desiring to perfect himself in his life's work,
Mr. Doerrmann went to Paris, France, the leading city in fash-
ions, and there studied under the masters of his craft. He found
employment in an establishment first at the Latin quarter and later
on the Grand Boulevard, and there remained two years, after
which he went to London and secured employment in the West
End tailoring shops, having for customers members of the nobility
of England. Following a short trip home, he immigrated to
America, and after visiting relatives in Lansing, Iowa, went to
Minneapolis and there worked until the fall of the panic. He then
opened a tailor shop in Glenwood, Wisconsin, but found the place
too small, and shortly afterwards, in 1894, came to Dubuque and
embarked in his profession on Clay street. In August, 19 10, he
removed his offices to the sixth floor of the Bank & Insurance
Building, occupying a suite of rooms and catering to the best of
trade. Mr. Doerrmann, by reason of his long experience in the
tailoring business, during which he has studied under the first men
of the line in the world, conducts one of the best and most com-
plete tailoring establishments in the city, and guarantees satisfac-
tion to all his customers. In 1901 he married Miss Maria Wolpert,
a native of Germany, and after a trip abroad they returned to
Dubuque and have since made this city their home.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 687
William C. Murphy, of Dubuque, local representative for
R. G. Dun & Co.'s Commercial Agency, was born at Galena, Illi-
nois, November 11. 1876, one of six children born to the marriage
of Terrence and Alice (Harris) Murphy. Terrence L. IMurphy,
his father, wr.s a native of Troy, New York. He later came \Vest
to Galena, Illinois, and there engaged in mercantile pursuits until
his removal to Dubuque in 1885. Here for fifteen years he was
engaged in the cigar business, and in 1909 removed to Wilmont,
Minnesota, where he has since been engaged in the harness busi-
ness. Mrs. T. L. Murphy, his mother, was the daughter of Will-
iam Harris, who came from England to America, about 1850, and
settled at Galena, Illinois, later going to Idaho, where he engaged
in mining. Shortly after finishing the local schools, William C.
Murphy entered the employ of The Bradstreet Commercial Agency
in 1889, remaining with them about two years. He then went with
R. G. Dun & Co., and has ever since been identified with that firm.
On November i, 1902, he assumed management of their offices in
Dubuque, with fifteen counties in Iowa and two in Illinois under
his supervision. On June 16, 1900, ]\Ir. Murphy was united in
marriage with Miss Elizabeth R. Rose, whose parents were Jacob
and Katherine Rose, and who conducted a general store at East
Dubuque, Illinois, many years ago. Three children have been
born to them, as follows: Edith R., William C, Jr., and Robert D.
Mr. Murphy is a member of the Dubuque' Club and is one of the
public-spirited men of the community.
Frank J. Kearney, manager of the Western Union Telegraph
office in Dubuque, was born in this city November 28, 1870, a son
of the old pioneers, Michael M. and Mary (Griffin) Kearney.
Michael M. Kearney was born in New York state in 1838, and was
of Irish descent, his parents coming to America at an early date.
Early in life he attended the public schools and learned the car-
penter trade, and in 1859 went to Montreal, Canada, where he
remained two years. He then returned to Waddington, New
York, and when the government was plunged into war, and all
patriotic men were urged to come forward to maintain the union
of the states, the stirring call met with an answer from Mr.
Kearney, who enlisted with the Eighty-third New York Volun-
teers, which command was later consolidated with the Ninety-
seventh, and he served throughout that entire struggle as a mem-
ber of the Army of the Potomac. He was wounded five times,
twice seriously. At the battle of the Wilderness he lost an eye
and during another engagement was struck in the leg by a bullet
which splintered the bone and rendered him somewhat crippled
in after life. In 1865 he was honorably discharged, and came to
Dubuque, his people having removed to this city during the war.
Here he worked at his trade of carpenter, and in 1868 was mar-
688 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
ried to Miss Mary Griffin, a native of Ireland. To them were
born: Frank J. ; Katherine (Mrs. D. U. Murphy); May (Sister
Mary Amabihs of the Sisters of Charity, B. U. M.) ; Agnes; and
Joseph (deceased). Frank J. Kearney, the oldest of the children
and the immediate subject of this memoir, received his education
in the local parochial schools and under private tutors. He also
attended Bayless Business College and learned telegraphy, at which
he has been engaged ever since. He is at present manager of the
Western Union office in Dubuque. In 1902 he was married to
Miss Effie Adams, who is descended from Rev. Robert Cushman,
of Colonial fame, and to them Francis A. and Mary Adella have
been born. It was Robert Cushman who. with Governor Carver,
chartered the Mayflower, which brought the first Pilgrims to
America, in December, 1620. He himself came in 162 1. and after
ha\ing been here a few weeks, preached a sermon on "Sin and the
Danger of Self-Love." It is the oldest sermon extant, delivered
in America. Mr. Kearney is a member of the Knights of Colum-
bus, is a Roman Catholic in religious views, and one of the pro-
gressive and public-spirited men of the county.
John Spencer, architect, with offices in the Bank & Insurance
Building, Dubuque, was born a subject of the British crown, his
birth, occurring at York. December 26, 1856. Thomas and Anna
(Armstrong) Spencer, his parents, were natives of Scotland, but
lived the greater part of their lives and died in England. After
attending tlie public schools, John Spencer entered Cambridge Uni-
versity, but did not, however, complete his course in that institu-
tion. In 1877 he was graduated from South Kensington Art
Institute, and for ten years thereafter followed his trade of archi-
tect in Great Britain. x\fter coming to x\merica and Dubuque,
Mr. Spencer was for a time identified as junior member with the
firm of W. W. Boynton & Company, designers and architects,
which concern erected the Bank & Insurance Building in Dubuque.
He then spent two years in Chicago, after which he returned to
Dubuque, and has here been ever since actively engaged at his
profession. Among the more prominent structures erected by Mr.
Spencer are the following: Iowa Trust & Savings Bank, German
Trust & Savings Bank, Young Women's Christian Association
Building, Carnegie-Stout Library, Iowa Telephone Building,
Eagle Point Park Pavilion, Pavilion at Tri-State Fair, Glover &
Company warehouses and offices. German Presbyterian School,
Carr-Ryder & Adams factory, warehouses and offices, St. Luke's
parsonages, and the F. D. Stout and many other private residences
of note. He also built St. Peter's School at Keokuk, Iowa. So-
cially, Mr. Spencer is identified with the Benevolent and Protect-
ive Order of Elks and the Anglican Society, being secretary of the
latter organization. To his marriage with Miss Marcia Cynthia
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 689
Pomeroy, daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth Ponieroy, of Chi-
cago, one son and two daughters ha\e been born, named : John
Armstrong, attending the Prescott School; Marcia Catherine, and
Ehzabeth Ward. Airs. Spencer is a member of the Daughters of
the American Revolution. The family residence is at 1025 Locust
street.
William Craft was born January 15, 1854, a son of Samuel
and Elizabeth (Schaeffer) Craft, of whom proper mention is
made in the biography of George W. Craft, appearing elsewhere in
this work. William Craft was reared on a farm, receiving his
education in the public schools. In 1881, while in Cass county,
Iowa, he married Estella Pence, who was born in Brown county,
Ohio, Alarch 3, 1859, daughter of Samuel and Fannie (Payne)
Pence. He later moved to Linn county, Iowa, but e\entually
returned to Dubuque county and established a home, where he
now resides. Mr. Craft is known as one of the progressive, mod-
ern and successful farmers of this county, and his graded stock
have attracted wide attention. Besides his present farm, he is the
owner of a half section of land in Barnes county. North Dakota,
an interest in the creamery at Fillmore, and other properties in
various localities. Mr. Craft is a member of the Ancient Free &
Accepted Masons, the Eastern Star, and the Modern Woodmen
of America, and is a Republican in politics. To Mr. and Mrs.
Craft the following named children have been born : Samuel, an
undertaker residing in Montana ; Charles, engaged in mining in
South Dakota ; George, a farmer of North Dakota : William ;
Stanley ; Sidney ; Mehin ; Estella ; and Celia.
Rudolph Jones, for the past quarter of a century successfully
engaged in carpenter contracting in Dubuque, with offices and
residence at 1029 Rhomberg avenue, was born at Crete, near Chi-
cago, Cook county, Illinois. August 3, 1855, the son of John and
Elizabeth Jones. John Jones, who changed the name from Joens to
Jones, was a native of Holstein, Germany, and came to America
in 1853, locating in Dubuque, Iowa, about three years later. He
was originally a contractor by occupation, but later took up and
for thirty years engaged in farming in Table Mound township.
Both he and wife are now living in Dubuque, eighty years of age.
retired from the active cares of life, and on April 4. 1904. thev
celebrated their golden wedding in this city. Before coming to the
United States Mr. Jones was a member of the German army, and
he saw active service in the international struggles of that country.
Rudolph Jones came with his parents to Dubuque when very
voung. He assisted his father in carpentering, and also remained
some nine years on the home farm in Table Mound township. In
1878, when twenty-three years old, he came to the city of Dubuque,
690 HISTORY OP DUBUQUE COUNTY
and after working as a journeyman carpenter for a time, embarked
in the contracting business on his own account, and has ever since
been successfully engaged in that line of business. He has erected
many of Dubuque's fine commercial houses and private residences,
churches and pul)lic buildings, among which are the Masonic Tem-
ple and German Lutheran Church of Emanuel. Mr. Jones is a
Republican in politics and for eight years, 1898 to 1906, served as
Alderman-at-large, and in religious views is a German Lutheran.
November 28, 1883, at Earlville. Iowa, he married Miss Elizabeth
Werkmeister. and three children have been born to them, named,
Lla: Richard, engaged in life, fire and accident insurance business
in Davenport, Iowa; and John E., now studying law. Mrs. Jones
was the daughter of Finton and Juditha Werkmeister, natives of
Baden, Germany, and pioneer settlers of Dubuque.
Alexander Simplot, the oldest of the living native-born citizens
of Dubuque, in fact in the state of Iowa, first saw the light of day
on January 5, 1837. His father, Henry Simplot, was born in Besan-
con, France, in the year 1800, and when twenty-two years old
married Miss Susan Le Clair, with whom, at an early date, he
immigrated to America. They first located in Chicago, where
they started to erect a home, but disposed of this and removed to
Nauvoo, Hancock county, Illinois, this being before the Mormons
settled there. In 1836 they came to Dubuque, then little more
than a frontier settlement, and purchased a lot at the corner of
what is now Main and First streets, where for many years the
father engaged in the mercantile business. As his business grew
he added the buying and selling of grains, pork packing, etc., and
during Dubuque's early history was one of the leading business
men. He passed aw'ay in 1846. a member of the first Board of
Aldermen under Mayor Booth, the first Mayor, and was buried in
the Catholic cemetery, but when his wife died in 1877 ^"'is remains
were taken up and laid beside her in the family lot in Linwood
cemetery.
Early in life Alexander Simplot displayed considerable talent
as an artist and portrayer of landscape scenes, but this profession
was looked down upon by his friends, and, his relatives sought to
discourage him. But the ability and instinct to draw were born in
him, and many valuable scenes have been preserved through his
talented efforts. Mr. Simplot was unusually well educated, being
a graduate of Union College, New York, and a student for two
years at Mount Morris, Illinois, where he was a classmate of Sen-
ator Cullom and Mr. Rawlins, who was Secretary of War under
President Grant. When, in answer to President Lincoln's first
call for volunteers in 186 1, the troops were embarking on the Al-
hambra for Cairo, Illinois, Mr. Simplot made a sketch of the scene
and sent same to Harper's Weekly. This was published and he at
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 691
tlieir request went to Cairo as war correspondent. He was also
appointed assistant engineer in the War Department and was thus
enabled to portray many of the battles and engagements on the
Mississippi river. His sketch of the battle of Memphis was the
only one taken at the time of the actual battle. At the close of
the war he returned to Dubuque and in 1866 was united in mar-
riage with Miss Virginia Knapp. To them the following children
were born: Ella (Tschirgi); Mary A. (Metz) ; Frank, deceased;
Harry A. ; LeRoy B. ; Julian D. ; Alvin R., and Orville G. Mrs.
Simplot departed this life in 1904 and now lies at rest in the family
lot in. Linwood cemetery. At the time of his marriage Mr. Sim-
plot took active charge of his dry goods establishment, which he
successfully conducted for some time, but subsequently disposed of
his interests and embarked extensively in the buying and shipping
of grain. He also owned considerable real estate properties in
Dubuque and elsewhere. In religious views he is an adherent of
the Presbyterian faith. He is secretary of the Dubuque County
Old Settlers' Association and secretary of the Julien Dubuque
Monument Association. As a good, man, a loving father, and an
honest citizen he stands second to none in the county.
George Collis, president of the Collis Company, Dubuque, is a
native of England, his birth occurring April 26, 1852, and a son
of George and Tamer (Palmer) Collis. Early in life he lost his
father, and what schooling he received was managed by the mother.
When eleven years old he became an apprentice to the copper-
smith's trade, and in 1869 brought his mother and two sisters
across the ocean to Hamilton, Canada, where for two years he
worked at his trade. He then entered the employ of the Canada
Southern Railroad Company as coppersmith at St. Thomas, but in
1876 he embarked in the plumbing business on his own account.
Dull times followed the exposition in that city and he secured
employment with the Grand Trunk Railway at Hamilton, Ontario,
but in 1 89 1 he came West to Rockford, Illinois, and helped to
organize the Andrews Iron & Wire Works, of which concern he
was secretary for thirteen years. In 1907 he disposed of his inter-
ests and joined his sons in Dubuque, Iowa, putting considerable
money into the concern, of which he has been for some time presi-
dent. In 1873 Mr. Collis was united in marriage with Miss
Thirza Dallyn, and these children have been born to them : Nor-
man P., Harold G., Oliver D., Florence M., living, and Frank B.
and Herbert G., deceased. In 1898 Mrs. Collis passed away, and
two years later Mr. Collis married Miss Isabella Dallyn, a cousin
of his former wife. One of Mr. Collis' remarkable characteris-
tics is his great love of children and his associations with them.
He was reared in Sunday school work, is a teacher in the Congre-
gational Sunday school, and to this day delights in gathering
692 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
young people about him and studying with them. In poHtics he is
a firm behever in the Progressive movement. Socially he is iden-
tified with the Royal Arcanum, the Ancient Order of Foresters and
the Masonic fraternity, of which latter organization he is a Royal
Arch Mason. He is very positive in his convictions that alcoholic
beverages are a curse to humanity. His library and garden are
his chief pleasures.
Joseph Gehrig, who died April 13, 1885, was a notable man in
the early annals of Dubuque and had a remarkable career. He
was born in Canton St. Gallen, Switzerland, in 1819, and when a
young man immigrated to the United States. He landed at New
Orleans in June, 1844, remained there a short time, and then
worked his way by boat to Galena, Illinois, which was at that time
the principal distributing point for the Northwest. He came to
Dubuque in that year; there were but four brick buildings in the
place at that time. He worked in P. E. Lorimier's stone quarry
for fifty cents a day and chopped wood for thirty cents a day.
When the Mexican War broke out he, desiring to enlist, walked to
Galena three times to meet the recruiting officer, but never found
him and was therefore denied the privilege of satisfying his ambi-
tion for a military life. The news of the discovery of gold in
California next fired his imagination. In 1849 he joined a com-
pany and with ox teams started on the six months' journey over-
land across the plains. Three hundred miles this side of the
Rocky Mountains their cattle died and the remainder of the trip
was made on foot with incredible hardships. Upon their arrival
at Sacramento they found it a place consisting of a few tents.
The first work he did there was the digging of the first two cellars
that were ever dug in Sacramento. For this work he received
$120. Then, after paying a debt of eighty dollars, he "grub-
staked" himself with the remainder and started mining for himself.
He staked out a claim in the vicinity of Captain Sutter's discovery
and was successful. He remained there until 185 1, and then re-
turned to the States via the Isthmus of Panama and was compelled
to walk from ocean to ocean under a tropical sun. Upon arrival
at New York he had decided to visit his native land, but changed
his mind and returned to Dubuque, traveling by rail to Elgin,
W'hich was then the western terminus of the road, and the remainder
of the distance by stage. Here he bought the ground upon w^hich
the Jefferson House now stands and which was then an Indian
mound. In order to erect the hotel he thought an excavation of
thirty-two feet was necessary, and in this excavation, in a rudely
constructed coffin, was found the body of O'Connell. who was the
first man hanged in Dubuque county. His offense was the murder
of his mining partner in order to obtain sole control of their dis-
covery. Mr. Gehrig erected the hotel and it became one of the
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 693
most noted hostelries of early times. He began building in 1852,
but did not complete it before 1854, when it was first opened to the
public. All the hardware and glass had to be brought from
Chicago. He accumulated considerable property and was ac-
counted wealthy.
In 1 85 1 he married Ursula Kiene. a sister of the late Peter
Kiene; she died in 1872. They became the parents of six children :
Mary, Paul. Henry, Lena, John, and Joseph. Before building the
Jefferson House Mr. Gehrig conducted the old Farmers' Home on
Clay street. The Jefferson House has always been owned and
operated by the Gehrigs.
Of the foregoing children Henry Gehrig is the present proprietor
of the hotel. He was born in Dubuque, April 3, 1864, attended
the public schools during boyhood, aided his father in operating
the hotel, and upon the latter's demise took charge of the estate,
and in 1893 became proprietor of the hotel, which he has since
managed. As was his father before him, Henry Gehrig is a Demo-
crat in politics and an active worker in the ranks of his party. The
elder Gehrig served in the City Council when Messrs. Turck and
Graves occupied the office of Mayor of Dubuque. On May 29,
1893, Henry Gehrig married Miss Mary Schrup, daughter of
Joseph and Wilhelmina Schrup, and they have five children : Joseph,
Paulina, Lucile, Rosaline and Paul.
Herman Brinkman, deceased, long a resident of Dubuque, was
born in Germany in 1829, and when twenty-one years old crossed
the Atlantic ocean to America. He first located in Cleveland, Ohio,
where for two years he worked at his trade of cabinetmaker, and in
1853 came to Dubuque and embarked in the cabinet and furniture
business at the corner of Ninth and Main streets. In 1861 he
opened a pork packing establishment on Eighth street between
Main and Iowa streets, which he conducted successfully for a period
of fifteen years. He then disposed of his interests and entered
the grocery business at the corner of Seventeenth and West Locust
streets, later removing to Sanford and Windsor avenues, where he
remained until his death in 1888. To his marriage with Miss
Xararia Kleiner, daughter of Joachim, Kleiner, pioneer farmer of
Dubuque county, four children were born as follows : Oscar, Mary,
Herman W., and Ida, now Mrs. Meisch. Mrs. Brinkman died in
1909 and was laid at rest beside her husband in Mount Calvary
cemetery. Of the above named children Herman W. Brinkman
received his scholastic training in the local public and parochial
schools, and at the age of twenty, in 1888, entered his father's gro-
cery establishment, learning thoroughly the details of that line of
work and eventually succeeding to the business. As a Democrat
in politics he was elected City Treasurer in 1902. holding that office
until 1 910, when, in partnership with Thomas Federspeil, he pur-
694 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
chased the wholesale and retail cheese establishment of the A. Hasel
estate. Under their management this business has since been
greatly increased and is now regarded as one of the solid and sub-
stantial commercial houses of the city. On xA.pril 4, 1895, Mr.
Brmkman was united in marriage with Miss Theresa A. Frey, and
one son, Joseph, has been born to them. They are also rearing
Carl and Leo, sons of Mr. Brinkman's brother-in-law. Mr. Brink-
man is a Catholic in religion, and is a member of the Catholic Order
of Foresters and of the St. Aloysius Society.
Anton Friedman, deceased, for many years prominently identi-
fied with the farming interests of Dubuque county, was a native of
the state of Ohio, born October 14, 1844, a son of Joseph and
Katherine Friedman. He came with his parents to Dubuque
county, Iowa, in 1856, and for a time attended the New Vienna
school. Joseph Friedman died in 1883, aged sixty-nine years, and
was buried in Luxemburg; his wife died' in i860 and is buried at
New Vienna. Shortly after his marriage Anton Friedman farmed
on rented land, and later bought 120 acres which he improved. In
1882 he sold this and purchased 160 acres, six years later adding
another 80 acres to his holdings, and by hard work he brought his
property to a high state of cultivation. He gradually prospered
and became one of the foremost men of his community. July 20,
1900, he passed away and his loss was mourned generally through-
out the county. On February 18. 1868, he was united in marriage
with Miss Elizabeth Westendorf, who was born July 31, 1849, i^
Maryland, the daughter of Joseph and Catherine Westendorf. Her
parents came to Dubuque county at an early date and here engaged
in farming. To them were born these children : Mary, the wife
of Herman Sassen. retired farmer of Adrian, Minnesota; Cather-
ine, married George Friedman, retired farmer of Alton, Sioux
county. Iowa; Anna, wife of John Stalzer, farming in Marshall
county, Iowa; Theresa, wife of Henry Pottebaum, farming in
Liberty township; Bernardina, married John Hoefler, of West-
phalia, Kansas, and Elizabeth, wife of Anton Friedman. Mr.
\\'estendorf died April 10. 1890. aged seventy-one years, followed
by his wife December 8, 1895, aged seventy-one years, and both
are buried at Luxemburg. Mrs. Friedman attended the old Vor-
wald school during her girlhood days, and resided at home until
her marriage. She now resides on the old homestead, where she
and her husband li\'ed happily together for many years. To them
were born the following named children: John J., died at the age
of twenty-six, March 12, 1905, while studying for the priesthood,
and is buried in the family lot at Luxemburg; Joseph, farming
in Liberty township ; Mary, who married John Pottebaum. a
farmer of Millville township, Clayton county, Iowa; Jacob, pro-
prietor of the Dyersxille Automobile Company ; George, farmer of
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 695
Clayton county; Theresa, Sister Lucilla of St. Francis, Dubuque;
Henry J., at home; Magdalena, residing at home; William Anton,
at home, and Anna M., a graduate of Luxemburg parochial school.
Mr. Friedman always took an active interest in the growth and
development of his section of the county and for years held the
office of township trustee.
Nicholas John Bisenius, farmer and stock raiser, residing on
section zy. Cascade township, is a son of Mathias and Ann Bisenius,
natives of Germany, who immigrated to the United States in 185 1
with their three children, Mary, Catherina and William. The
family first settled at Holy Cross, Iowa, but at an early period in
the history of Dubuque county, Iowa, moved here and established
a home on section 11, Cascade township, taking up government
land at $1.25 an acre. After their arrival in this country the
parents had born to them five more children : Margaret, Nicholas,
Anna M., Ellen, and Mathias. Mathias Bisenius was noted for his
industry, honesty, his love of home and his veneration for the tenets
of the Catholic church. He and wife are now dead. Nicholas
John Bisenius was born (1856) in the township where he now
resides and was here educated in the public schools and grew to
manhood. After his father's death he rented the home farm, which
he later bought of the heirs, and continued to reside there until 1880.
at whicli time he moved to his present home. Mr. Bisenius is one
of the foremost farmers and stock raisers in this locality, his Poland
China hogs, high-bred Polled Angus cattle and registered Clydes-
dale horses being particularly notew^orthy. He is a Democrat in
politics and has served as township trustee and school director
several terms. In 1878 he married Miss Susan Sauser, who was
born February 29, 1856, a daughter of John B. Sauser, of wdiom
proper notice is given elsewhere in this volume. Fourteen children
have been born to this union, as follows : John Albert, Mary Lucy,
John Charles, Frank Peter, Rose Catherine, Mathilda M., Henry
Michael. Clara Ann, Anthony Frank, Mary Theresa, Joseph M.,
Ida Celestine, Margaret Alvira, and Reginald Frank. The family
are of the religious faith of their forefathers and belong to the
Roman Catholic church.
Frederick I. Massey, deceased, was, during his long residence
in the city of Dubuque, European manager for the Massey-Harris
Company, of Toronto, Canada. He was born in Lockport, New
York, May 2, 1842, a son of Isaac Frederick Massey. When the
great struggle between the North and the South became imminent
Mr. Massey answered President Lincoln's call for volunteers and
joined the Union forces as a member of Company A, 105th New
York Volunteer Infantry, being mustered in at Batavia, New York.
Shortly thereafter he was transferred to the Ninety- fourth New
696 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
York Volunteer Infantry, commissioned first lieutenant, and joined
the famous Army of the Potomac. At the battle of Chancellors-
ville. for valiant services, he was breveted major-colonel, and after
a long and lionorable service was discharged by the War Depart-
ment of the United States Government at Yorktown, Virginia.
He was wounded twice. At the conclusion of the war he re-
enlisted in the regular army and was given charge of the Military
Commission at Yorktown, where he remained four years, and by
judicious attitude and shrewd tactics won many friends to "recon-
struction." In 1869 he resigned from the army and came to
Dubuque, immediately engaging as European manager for the
]\Iassey-Harris Company, and operating same from headquarters
in Dubuque. Although ever taking an active interest in local affairs
of importance, Mr. Massey always refused to hold office ; he was a
Republican in politics and a member of the Presbyterian church.
He was a memebr of the Masonic fraternity and of the Loyal
Legion, in each of which he was prominent. On October 2, 1866,
he was united in marriage with Miss Alleen L. Langworthy, of
Dubuque, and she now resides in the old Langworthy mansion
known as "Ridge Mount." In 1908 Mr. Massey passed away
and his loss was mourned generally throughout the county. He
died as he had lived, an honorable and respected man, and was
greatly esteemed by all with whom he came in contact.
James Lyon Langworthy, deceased, was one of the earliest
white settlers to arrive in Dubuque county. He was born January
20, 1800, near Windsor, Vermont, and was a direct descendant of
Andrew Langworthy, who came from England to America in 1630
and settled in New Haven. This family, in years past, has taken
a prominent part in the wonderful growth and development of our
country, assisting the colonies in the struggle for independence and
in many other ways proving their love and loyalty for the land of
their adoption. Until nineteen years of age James Lyon Langworthy
remained on the old home place in Vermont, securing the limited
educational advantages of the day as afforded by the country
schools, and then, being possessed with a strong desire to see the
West, he journeyed to St. Louis. He was of a roving disposition,
however, and before long left there and. accompanied by his brother,
Lucius H. Langworthy, came to Dubuque county, Iowa. It has
been said that they were the first white men to settle in this locality
after the death of Julien Dubuque. At that time the latter's earthly
remains were found at rest in a small stone house near the river,
reclining in a corner, with a pipe thrust between his teeth and his
body adorned and surrounded by the various implements of the
chase, after the usual manner of Indian burials. Mr. Langworthy
had been told of the great mineral wealth of Dubuque county, and,
guided by friendly Indians, explored the surrounding regions for
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 697
several months without seeing a wliite face. He was an honest,
fearless man, and by square dealing with the Indians gained their
undying friendsliip and was given by them the title of "White
Chief." For years he continued his mining and trading operations,
and witnessed the rise of Dubuque from the primitive conditions
in which he found it to be one of the great metropolitan cities of the
Middle West. He was one of those sturdy pioneers who have
done so much for America, — one of those who will live fore\'er in
the hearts and minds of all people. On March 17, 1840, he was
united in marriage with Miss Agnes Miln, a native of Edinburgh,
Scotland, and to them the following children were born : James
Douglas; Alleen L., widow of F. I. Massey; Herbert, deceased;
Augusta, and Clara, deceased. To many of the present generation
the trials and hardships experienced and overcome by the early
pioneers can scarcely be realized ; it was theirs to do, and with
hearts full of confidence in a God above and their own strong hands
they gave America the start that subsequently made her the pre-
mier country of the world. Such a man was James Lyon Lang-
worthy. On March 14, 1865, he was summoned to the great un-
known, and in 1907 he was followed by his wife, both now lying at
rest in Linwood cemetery.
Horace Poole, Chief Deputy United States Marshal, Northern
District of Iowa, and for fifty-two years a resident of Dubuque,
was born in Danvers, Massachusetts, on December 18, 1836. His
parents were Fitch and Mary (Poor) Poole, of English ancestry,
the progenitors of the family in America being John and Margaret
Poole, who came to this country in 1632, and settled in Newtown
(now Cambridge), Massachusetts. The early life of Horace Poole
differed but little from that of other boys in those days; after grad-
uating from the high school of his native town he entered Kimball
Union Academy at Meriden, New Hampshire, and upon the com'
pletion of his course made a voyage to China for the purpose of
learning navigation, returning in 1857.
The alluring possibilities of the new West attracted his attention
and in 1858 he came to Dubuque with Aaron Bayless, the founder
of Bayless' Commercial College, and remained with him until i860,
when he accepted the position of bookkeeper in the commission
house of Smith & Cannon. At the breaking out of the Civil War
he was a member of the Governor's Greys, a military company
composed of young business men of the city, and upon the call of
President Lincoln for 75,000 men he enlisted on April 20. 1861,
and was enrolled a member of Company I, First Iowa Infantry.
His first military experience was under General Nathaniel Lyon
in Missouri, who was killed early in the battle of Wilson's Creek,
August 10. 1 86 1.
In 1862 he was appointed adjutant of the Twenty-first Jowa
698 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Infantry, but soon after taking the field was detailed as staf¥ ofificer
with General FitzHenry Warren, and later with General Banks
commanding the Department of the Gulf. In February, 1864, h^
was appointed by President Lincoln an assistant adjutant general
with rank of captain and assigned to General Warren, with whom
he served until the spring of 1865, ^^hen he was ordered to Nash-
ville and assigned to the stafY of Major General Thomas, and was
mustered out after the close of the war, in July. 1865. Upon
returning to Dubuque he resumed his old position, but with change
of firm, and on the death of the proprietor in 1870, a new firm
was organized by some of the employees, under the firm name of
Poole, Gilliam & Co., of which Mr. Poole was the active head for
twenty years. Ever since the year 1898 he has been Chief Deputy
United States ^Marshal for the Northern District of Iowa. There
are but few men in northern Iowa more widely known or more
universally respected. He has been a vestryman of St. John's
Episcopal church for many years ; is a member of Mosaic Lodge,
A. F. and A. M., the Grand Army of the Republic and the Military
Order of the Loyal Legion.
In 1864 he was united in marriage with Miss Frances Lang-
worthy, a member of one of the oldest and most respected pioneer
families of Iowa. They have two sons, Clark Langv^•orthy and
Horace Stephens, now in business in Chicago.
William R. Tibbals, who has lived a retired life in Dubuque
since 1904, was born in Bennington, Vermont, on June 27, 1832,
and is a son of Charles S. and Emaline (Spencer) Tibbals. The
parents came West to Chicago at an early date and four years later
went to Elgin, Illinois, and there engaged in the hotel business. In
1852 they removed to Galena, same state, and there also conducted
a hostelry. Their son, William R., the immediate subject of this
memoir, received his education in the common schools and at the
age of twenty entered the river traffic as a pilot on a steamboat.
This he followed until 1904, his last service being as captain of the
Diamond Jo steamer "Quincy," which plied between St. Paul and
St. Louis. In 1895 Mr. Tibbals was appointed by President Cleve-
land Supervising Inspector of Steamboats, which position he held
four years. On August 6, 1856, Mr. Tibbals was united in mar-
riage with Miss Catherine R. Black, who was born in Pennsylvania
and educated in Indiana, and to them two children were born,
William O.. residing at the Larches, four miles north of Dubuque,
and Catherine M., now Mrs. William M. Clewell, of Dubuque. In
politics Mr. Tibbals espouses the policies of the Democratic party,
and in religious views is an Episcopalian. In 1904 he retired from
the active business cares of life and is now residing with his daugh-
ter at 1660 Iowa street, his wife having passed away in 1906. He
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 699
is one of the pioneer settlers of Dubuque and bears the respect and
esteem of all who know him.
Charles F. Arendt, present humane officer of Dubuque, was
born in Germany on November 15, 1858, the son of Charles F.
and Amelia (Conrad) Arendt, both of whom were natives of that
country. The grandfather was at one time a wealthy brewer, but
became involved in government affairs, lost his property and escaped
to Switzerland, where the father of the subject of this sketch took
up the trade of shoemaker, in which he continued until 1867, when
he crossed the Atlantic to America, where he believed that chances
for success were much greater, and the first two years worked at
his trade in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1869 he came to Dubuque county,
and with the money he had saved bought a farm in Table Mound
township which he conducted until his death in 1899. His son.
Charles F., Jr., received his education in the public schools of his
native country, also of this, and later attended high school two
terms and the Epworth Seminary two terms, defraying his ex-
penses at the latter by teaching school. In 1875 he went to Charles
City, Iowa, to learn the cabinetmaker's trade, and four years later
returned to Dubuque and practiced same two years. He then
traveled for various commercial houses until 1890, when he again
took up the cabinetmaker's trade as foreman of the cabinetmaking
department of Carr, Ryder & Adams Company, with whom he
remained until May i, 1902, when he was elected City Recorder;
he was reelected in 1904 and served until 1906. The following-
year he received the appointment of local humane officer and still
liolds this position. He is a Republican in politics, a Congrega-
tionalist in religion, and socially is identified with the Masonic fra-
ternity, the Eagles, the Orioles and the Modern Woodmen of Amer-
ica. To his marriage with Miss Caroline Capretz, of Wisconsin,
solemnized in 1880, Charles C, Bartholomew, Henry (deceased)
and Harold have been born. Mrs. Arendt was the daughter of
Bartholomew Capretz, who served in the Civil War as a member
of the Eighty-first Wisconsin Volunteers, participating in the Mis-
souri and Red River campaigns, and died in 1904. He and wife
were early settlers of Wisconsin.
Leonard P. Allen is one of tlie more recent additions to the
population of the city of Dubuque, and is presenting before the
people of the county the new system of analyzing the symptoms
and adjusting the physical cause of disease known as the chiro-
practic idea. The basic principles of this system are that the source
of bodily health or disease is to be found at a point at the base of
the skull, where the nerves of the brain converge with the spinal
cord, and along the spinal cord with its attending nerve filaments.
Chiropractic affords an exact and scientific method of determining
700 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
the location of any vertebra which on account of its misahgnment
is responsible for nerve compression, and also an original, unique
and most effective manner for correcting this abnormal condition
by means of the hands alone, using either the spinous or transverse
processes of the vertebrae as handles or levers. Shortly after com-
ing to Dubuque Dr. Allen formed a partnership with Dr. Glen L.
Chamberlain, but this firm has since been dissolved and Dr. Allen
has continued the practice of his profession alone. He was born
in Cache county, Utah, June i6, 1885, the son of Andrew B. and
Susan ( Preece ) Allen, and is of the ninth generation directly
descended from Charles Allen, who came from England to the
American colonies in 1630 and settled in Massachusetts. Dr.
Allen was reared and primarily educated in Utah, subsequently
entering the Palmer School of Chiropractic at Davenport, Iowa,
from which he was graduated June i, 1909. He practiced inter-
mittently at several points until his location in Dubuque the fall of
1 910. To his marriage with Miss Lena M. Wallace, solemnized
in 1909. one daughter, Eva, has been born.
Robert Young, foreman of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul
passenger car shops, is of Scotch-English extraction, and was born
June 8, 1857, in Newbattle, near Edinburgh, Scotland. His father,
Robert Young, was a native of Scotland, and the mother, whose
maiden name was Alice Bond, was born in England. Robert
Young, Sr., was a surveyor and mining engineer in the service of
the British Government and his duties carried him to nearly every
portion of the civilized world. After attending the public schools
Robert Young, the immediate subject of this memoir, learned the
cabinetmaker's and carpenter's trades, and in 1882 came to America
by way of New York, stopping for a short time in the state of
Pennsylvania. He then decided to cross the States to Seattle,
Washington, with the intention of journeying west to Australia,
if not pleased with his prospects in the rapidly growling city of the
Northwest, but stopped off at Dubuque and has since made this
city his home. He secured employment in the shops of the Chicago,
Milwaukee & St. Paul road, and in 1884 was made foreman of the
passenger car department, in which capacity he has remained ever
since. Mr. Young has been twice married. His first w^ife, Mary
Johnstone, of Bonnyrig. near Edinburgh, Scotland, was a descend-
ant of the Johnstones of Annandale, and a second cousin to Sir
Charles Johnstone. She died in 1891 and was buried in Linwood
cemetery. One daughter, Janet, was born to them. She is now
the wife of Rev. Albert Vonder Lippe, of Kansas City, Kansas.
In 1893 Mr. Young married Miss Julia Rose, of Dubuque, and
one son, Robert E., was born to them. Aside from business affairs
Mr. Young takes great interest in church work, and was one of the
organizers of the Third Presbyterian church of Dubuque, of which
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 701
he is now superintendent of the Sunday school. He is also a mem-
ber of the Modern Woodmen of America.
Francis H. Dersch, foreman of the Chicago. Milwaukee & St.
Paul railroad shops. Dubuque, was born in Reading, Pennsylvania,
January 31, 185 1, the son of Casi)ar and Elizabeth (Hoffmaster)
Dersch. The father was born in Tsweibach, Germany, November
TO, 18 10, and the mother was a native of Reading, Pennsylvania.
The father followed railroading all his life and died November
10, 1886. At the age of eleven Francis H. Dersch entered the
cotton mills of his native state as spinner. His savings w^ere in-
\ested in books and all spare time was spent in reading, which was
practically the only education he ever had. The habit of study has
followed him all through life, and he is today called a well-educated
man, although he had but little actual schooling. When thirteen
years old he secured employment in the roundhouses of the Phila-
delphia & Reading Railroad, where he remained until his twin
brother was killed by accident and then decided to give up road
work. He entered the foundry of the same road, and fifteen
months later was transferred to the machine shops as an appren-
tice. By close attention to business he mastered the details of that
department, and at the age of eighteen was made gang foreman and
had under his charge fifteen machines. In 1878, owing to the
depressed times in the East, he came West and became a machinist
in the shops at Hannibal, IMissouri, remaining there about three
years. Succeeding this he spent seven months as brass finisher in
the Wabash shops at Moberly, Missouri, and in 1881 came to
Dubuque, where he was made foreman in the Chicago, Milwaukee
& St. Paul .shops, having charge of 120 men and 75 machines. In
1870 Mr. Dersch married ]\Iiss Katherine Trace, of Reading, Penn-
sylvania, and to them have been born: Elizabeth (Daggendorf ) ;
Frank T. ; John: Kate (Ludwig) ; Henry; Herman; Minerva;
Winifred (Volue), and Irene. Several tools and machines per-
fected by him are used extensively in the various shops throughout
the country, but he never patented any of them. In forty-five
years of active work lie has lost but thirty-eight days, which fact
speaks well for his bodily health. He was the founder of the
Mutual Relief Society of the Chicago, IMilwaukee & St. Paul shops
in Dubuque, which started in 1883 with seventy-five members and
now has 650 members. Every member pays as dues twenty-five
cents per week, and recei\-cs four dollars per week during sickness
and se\enty-five dollars for funeral expenses. In religious views
Mr. Dersch is a Presbyterian ; socially he is a member of the
Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained the rank of Knight
Templar; he also is identified with the Ancient Arabic Order of
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and holds membership in the Modern
\\^oodmen of America.
702 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Joseph L. Fober, farmer and stock raiser, and president of the
Farmers' Insnrance Company, was born August 6, 1866, on the
farm on which he now resides. Joseph Fober, his father, was a
native of Ontario, Canada, his birth occurring May i, 1830. The
family came originally from France. WHien a small lad Joseph
Fober was left an orphan by the death of his parents. He grew
to manhood in New York state with but limited advantages of any
kind. He learned to be a mechanic, especially as applied to wood-
working, and for many years was employed in the government
arsenal at Springfield, Massachusetts, was there married to Ellen
Tate, the mother of the subject of this sketch. In 1864 he came
to Dubuque county, Iowa, and bought a farm of sixty acres on
section 35, Cascade township. He there farmed until 1888, when
he retired to the village of Cascade and there died March 3, 1903.
He was a Republican and for fifty years a member of the Baptist
church. His wife was born February 22, 1829, in County Antrim,
Ireland, and died September 30, 1908. Joseph and Ellen Fober
had the following children : Anna, born February 2, 1853, married
E. Moore, and died in 1885; Margaret, born June 11, 1854, died
when ten years old; Martha, born July 8, 1855, married E. Moore,
her deceased sister's husband; Mary, born December 14, 1856, died
the following July ; William, born May 24, 1864, died February 4,
1877; Joseph L., the subject of this sketch; Albert, born May 24,
1869, died May 20, 1870; Mabel, born October 8, 1871, died Octo-
ber 12, 1872.
Joseph L. Fober was educated in the public schools and the
Central University at Pella, Iowa. Farming has always been his
occupation and he has always resided on the old homestead, until
March i, 191 1, when he sold the old farm and engaged in the real
estate and insurance business. March 18, 1891, he married Miss
Hattie Battey, who was born in Jones county, Iowa, October 4,
1865, the daughter of Alexander and Mary (South) Battey. Mr.
Fober is a Republican, a member of Cascade Lodge No. 127, A. F.
and A. M.; Black Jack Camp No. 1077, Modem Woodmen, and of
the Mystic Workers No. 161. In connection with farming he de-
votes considerable attention to dairying.
Leonard L. Lightcap, engaged in the real estate business in the
city of Dubuque, is a native of Wisconsin, his birth occurring Sep-
tember 29, 1853, the son of Solomon and Sarah (Low) Lightcap.
The father was born in the state of Pennsylvania in 1804, ^^^^ when
but eighteen years of age came West to Galena, Illinois, and there
became the proprietor of a grist mill. In 1832 he was married to
Miss Low and the year following removed to Hazel Green, Wis-
consin, to continue the milling business, and there passed their re-
maining days. The parents of Mrs. Lightcap were among the
early settlers of Vermont, but later came to Illinois and settled on
j fsm SKW wss^
IfiBUC LIBRA RT
*
o £c>C/^
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 703
a tract of 160 acres, now a part of the city of Chicago, which they
were forced to leave because of the chmatic conditions, subsequently
removing" to northwestern Illinois. The boyhood days of Leonard
L. Lightcap were spent in assisting his father with the work of the
home farm and mill and in attending the public schools. He
entered the Normal school at Platteville, Wisconsin, and later
took a classical course in the State University at Madison. For
thirty years thereafter Mr. Lightcap was identified with the field of
education. He was one time superintendent of schools at Boscobel,
Grant county, Wisconsin, and later principal of the Lincoln school
in Dubuque. In the year 1906 he gave up his school work and
embarked in the real estate business in Dubuque, and has been thus
successfully engaged ever since. On August 12, 1890, he was
united in marriage with Miss M. C. Culton, and to them the follow-
ing named children have been born : Anna and Lena. Mr. Light-
cap takes an interest in church work and is superintendent of the
Methodist Sunday school, is a Republican in politics, a director of
the Young Men's Christian Association, and a Knight Templar
Mason.
GusTAV H. BoLDT, deccascd, the founder of the Boldt confec-
tionery and catering establishment, Dubuque, was a native of Ger-
many, his birth occurring in the Free Town of Hamburg on Febru-
ary 16, 1850. He was one of five children born to the union of
Johan Heinrich and Maria Elizabeth ( Widemann) Boldt, who were
born and reared in the fatherland and there died after long and
honorable lives. After attending the common schools of his native
country Gustav H. Boldt took a course in languages and also one
in bookkeeping at a commercial college. Succeeding this he served
for three years in the German navy, but in 1870 came to the United
States with a view to bettering his condition in life. He first
located at Galena, Illinois, and for three years followed bookkeep-
ing, but in 1873 came to Dubuque, and here was employed as purser
by the Diamond Jo steamboat line for a period of about nine years.
He then accepted a position as bookkeeper with Mr. Hugh Smyth,
and later was employed by the firm of Myers, Cox & Co. as
bookkeeper and was thus engaged for six years. In 1890 Mr.
Boldt spent six months in traveling throughout Europe, visiting the
scenes of his childhood and recovering his health which had for
some time been failing. L^pon his return to Dubuque he opened a
confectionery and catering establishment, which in 1904 was incor-
porated for $10,000 under the name of Boldt's (Inc.), retaining the
following personel : Gustav H. Boldt, president and general man-
ager; Louisa C. Boldt, vice president, and Alfred Claussen, secre-
tary and treasurer. Under the excellent business management of
Mr. Boldt this concern prospered and is now recognized as one of
the solid and substantial commercial houses of the city. On No-
704 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
veniber 5, 1908, after a long and useful career in the land of his
adoption, Mr. Boldt passed away, and now lies at rest in Linwood
cemetery. To his marriage with Miss Louisa C. Claussen, solemn-
ized in 1885, the following named children were born: Herbert
H., connected with the firm founded by his father, born July 29,
1886; Carl F., born January 3, 1889, also with firm; Alfred H.
(deceased), and Cecelia, also deceased. Mr. Boldt was one of
Dubuque county's best citizens and his loss was greatly mourned
by all who knew him.
Christopher H. Berg, senior partner of the long established
printing firm of Berg & Briggs, is a native of the state of Pennsyl-
vania, his birth occurring March 15, 1841, at Pittsburg. He was
the son of William Francis Berg, a clerk on an Ohio river steam-
boat, who disappeared during the Civil War, leaving no clue by
which his family could ever trace him. They have never been able
to determine what happened to him. In 1852 the family came to
Galena, Illinois, and here our subject learned the printing trade in
the office of the Galena Gacctfc. In 1861, when the memorable
struggle between the North and the South became imminent, Mr.
Berg enlisted for the preservation of the Union in Company A,
Ninety-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and after being mustered
in at Camp Fuller. Rockford, Illinois, the regiment was ordered to
Kentucky and afterwards joined the Army of the Cumberland.
He served under Stedman, and it was his division that saved the
day at Chickamauga. After an honorable military career he was
inustered out by the War Department of the United States Govern-
ment at Nashville, Tennessee, in June. 1865, ^'"^^ immediately came
to Chicago, where for a short time he worked as compositor for
the Chicago Republican. In August. 1865. he came to Dubuque,
and for eighteen months followed a similar line of work in the office
of the Dubuque Times. He then was instrumental in organizing
the Palmer, Winall, Bott & Berg Printing Company, which associa-
tion erected the building now occupied by Mr. Berg and his partner.
Later he acquired by purchase the interests of his former partners,
and with Mr. Briggs organized the present firm of Berg & Briggs,
which has since become one of the largest concerns of its kind in
Dubuque. Aside from the above mentioned business interests Mr.
Berg is vice president of the Dubuque National Bank, a director of
the German Trust & Savings Bank, and president of the Berg-
Arduser Jewelry Company. As a Republican in politics he has
served as alderman from his ward one term, and in 1898 was
elected Mayor of the city, serving as such eight years in all. So-
cially he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the low'a Legion
of Honor.
In 1867 he was united in marriage with Miss Ella C. Helm, a
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 705
native of Illinois, and to them the following named children have
been born: Charles E., of the Dubuque Electric Supply Company;
Harry, associated with his father in the jewelry business, and Pay-
son, with the Tunes- Journal. Mr. Berg is one of the representative
men of Dubuque and has made life a success.
John Adam Kocii, deceased, long a resident of the city of
Dubuque, and a man well remembered for his many sterling quali-
ties of mind and character, was born in St. Louis, Missouri, Janu-
ary 8, 1830, the son of Captain Henry Koch. During the Mexican
troubles of 1846 the father was instrumental in raising a company
of volunteers, entirely at his own expense, which was later known
as Company B, First Regiment, St. Louis Volunteers, and which
won distinction in that struggle. As a member of his father's com-
mand John Adam Koch, the immediate subject of this memoir,
served throughout that war. He later w^ent with the family to
Galena. Illinois, and shortly afterwards came to Dubuque and
accepted a position with the firm of Hammond & Markle. In 1 849,
with two associates, he was sent by this firm, by team and wagon,
to California, but later returned to Dubuque. For a time he then
had charge of a land office at Fort Dodge for Mills & McClure, but
subsequently was offered and accepted the position as clerk in the
postoffice. He then took a position as bookkeeper in the hardware
establishment of Westphal & Hinds. He spent eighteen years
traveling for this firm, and was then admitted to partnership, but
after twenty-four years' connection with that firm and a year or
two as financial manager for A. A. Cooper, retired from the active
business cares of life, and in 1890 moved to Guttenberg, Clayton
county, Iowa, to spend his remaining days near a widowed daugh-
ter. As a Democrat in political views Mr. Koch was ever active
in local affairs of importance ; he served as City Auditor for several
terms, and during President Buchanan's administration clerked in
the postoffice under Postmaster O. M. Heath. He was united in
marriage with Miss Sophia Koepfli, daughter of Dr. C. M. Koepfli.
and to them were born the following named children: Hugo (de-
ceased). Bertha, Alice (deceased), and Robert L., of Spencer,
Iowa. On November 27, 1894, Mr. Koch answered the final sum-
mons, and w^ith his death Dubuque lost one of her loyal citizens.
He was a self-made man and ever ready to assist by any means
within his power enterprises which he considered w^orthy and for
the good of his home and countr}^
J.\MES F. Segur. superintendent of the A. Y. McDonald Manu-
facturing Company, Dubuque, was born in Connecticut. November
17, 1853. His parents. John and Jane (Trowbridge) Segur, were
also of Connecticut nativity. John Segur was a machinist by trade
and occupation. He moved West to Rockford. Illinois, and until
7o6 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
he retired from the active labors of life in 1895 ^^'^^ superintendent
of the machinery department of Emmerson & Talcott, of that city.
Mrs. Segiir died at Rockford in 1900 at the age of seventy-three
years. James F. Segur is the eldest of the two children born to his
parents, his sister Sarah being the widow of Judge J. C. Garver, of
Rockford, Illinois, who died in 1902. He attended the public
schools in youth, and when eighteen years of age began serving an
apprenticeship at the machinists' trade. In 1879 '""^ came to Du-
buque as machinist for the A. Y. McDonald Manufacturing Com-
pany, serving as such one year, then becoming superintendent, in
which capacity he has since affiliated. At Rockford, in 1876, he
married Miss Nellie E. O'Connor. The parents of Mrs. Segur,
James and Mary O'Connor, were natives of Ireland and came with
their respective parents to America when young and were married
at Buffalo, New^ York. They later moved to Wisconsin and be-
came the parents of eight children. Mrs. Segur was the sixth in
the family, her birth occurring in February, 185 1. She was teach-
ing school at Rockford immediately preceding her marriage. To
Mr. and Mrs. James F. Segur one son anc^ one daughter have been
born, named Clare P. and Bessie, both living in Dubuque, the latter
married. Mr. Segur is a member of Dubuque Lodge No. 297,
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, is a Republican in politics
and he and wife belong to the First Congregational church of
Dubuque.
Dr. M. J. MoES is one of the rising generation of Dubuque's
medical practitioners. He is a native of this county, his birth
occurring January 22. 1882, and a son of Mathias J. and Anna
(Arnoldy) Moes, the father being a native of Luxemburg. Ger-
many, and the mother of the state of Iowa. The elder Moes came
to America at an early date, and in 1866 located at Rockdale,
where for a period of forty years he engaged in merchandising.
He served as postmaster of that place for twenty-five years and is
how living a retired life with his wife in their home there. Their
son. Dr. M. J. Moes. the immediate subject of this memoir, received
his early education in the Dubuque public schools, and subsequently
attended the Dubuque high school, graduating from the latter in
1902. As he grew older the study of medicine appealed more
strongly to him than any other profession, and accordingly he
entered, and in 1906 was graduated from, the medical department
of Northwestern University of Chicago, with the degree of Doctor
of Medicine. He served eighteen months as house physician and
surgeon in the Cook County Hospital, Chicago, and then came to
Dubuque, where he has since been actively and successfully engaged
in the general practice of his profession, making a specialty of the
diagnosis of disease. Although a comparatively young man, the
doctor has, by hard and conscientious work, won the confidence of
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 707
the public and at present enjoys a large and pleasing clientele. He
is a member of the Illinois State Medical Society, the Iowa State
Medical Society, tiie Dubuque County Medical Society, of which he
is the present secretary ; the American Medical Association, and
the Cook County Hospital Alunmi Association. In his political
views he is a Republican ; in religion he is an adherent of the
Roman Catholic faith, and socially he is identified with the Knights
of Columbus and the Alpha Kappa Kappa college fraternity. He
is one of the present local examiners on the United States Pension
Board, as well as local examiner for a number of insurance com-
panies. Dr. Moes is unmarried, takes an active interest in local
politics and affairs of importance, and has offices in the I. O. O. F.
Building.
Mathias Moes, for forty-five years a resident of Dubuque
county, is a native of Luxemburg, Germany, his birth occurring
January 21, 1846. He was reared to manhood in his native coun-
try, receiving a practical education, and when twenty years of age
crossed the ocean to the United States and has ever since made
his home in Dubuque county. For ten years he was employed in
the Rockdale mills, but immediately after the disastrous flood of
July, 1876, at which time thirty-nine people lost their lives, he
founded the business now conducted on the same site by his two
sons, John and Anton. He continued in active business until Octo-
ber, 1906, since which time he has been retired from the more
active cares of life. In 1871 Mr. Moes married Anna Arnoldy, a
native of Chicago, and ten children have been born to this union, as
follows : Anna, married and living in Springfield, Illinois ; John,
who with a younger brother conducts the business founded by his
father ; Margaret, single and residing with her parents ; Charles,
accidentally killed in a quarry ; Mary, married and resides in Ot-
tumwa, Iowa; Dr. M. J., a practicing physician of Dubuque; Anton,
associated in business with his elder brother, John ; William, a clerk
in the postoffice at Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Fred, a bookkeeper in the
Second National Bank at Dubuque, and Alvin, attending the Du-
buque high school. Mr. Moes is a Roman Catholic in religion and
an independent Democrat in politics. He has held several local
positions of honor and trust and is one of the substantial men of the
county.
Thomas Merkes, one of the successful farmers of Libertv town-
ship, is a native of th.e Prussian Government of Trier, Germany,
born October 15, 1850, and a son of Michael and Lucia Merkes,
both of whom died in the old country. He was educated in the
National public schools and served for some time in the German
army. In 1880 he immigrated to the United States, landing at
New York City, and for a year was located at Dunkirk, New York,
7o8 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Avorking during the summer months in a brickyard and in winter
hauhng lumber. He then came West to New Wine township,
Dubuque county, Iowa, and here worked for two years. Succeeding
this he rented the farm he now owns. 220 acres, in sections 26, 27,
34 and 33. Liberty township, and in 1905 purchased same from
his father in-law. This property he improved by erecting a modern
home, five barns and necessary outhouses, and today it is regarded
as one of the best and most productive farms in the community.
Mr. Merkes follows general farming, and also deals extensively in
cattle and hogs. He is a Democrat in politics, takes an active
interest in local affairs of importance, and in religious views is an
adherent of the Roman Catholic faith. On February 15, 1886, at
Luxemburg, this county, he was united in marriage with Miss
Catherina Heiderscheit, and to them these children have been born :
Maria, died in infancy ; Susie, educated in parochial school ; Michael,
Nicholas and Peter, assisting with the work on the home farm;
Elizabeth, Clara, Mathilda, Johanna and Wilhelm, all of whom
have been reared in the Catholic faith. Mrs. Merkes is
a daughter of John and Maria Heiderscheit, who were among the
earliest settlers of the entire county. Dubuque was their nearest
market place and they had to go to that city with a team of oxen
for necessary provisions. The father died October 21, 1904, aged
eighty-six years, and was preceded by his wife in August, 1874,
aged thirty-seven years. Both are buried in the family lot at
Luxemburg.
Thomas T. Carreer, architect, with offices in the Lincoln Build-
ing, Dubuque has been engaged at his profession in this city since
1891. He was born at Redruth, County Cornwall, England, on
March 29, 1843, the son of Thomas and Elizabeth Carkeek, who
came to America in 1849 ^^^ located in Wisconsin, where the
father followed his trade of stonemason. He died in 1882, aged
sixty-two years, and was followed by his wife in 1909, aged eighty-
seven years. Both are buried in the cemetery at Dodgeville, Wis-
consin. Thomas T. Carkeek was yet a very young child when
brought to the United States, and received his education in the
public schools at Dodgeville. He early studied and learned the
cabinetmaker's trade, and then became a carpenter, working at that
trade for eighteen years, or down to 1882. He then entered the
em])loy of the Carr, Ryder & Wheeler Company as an architect,
which profession he had learned from experience and theoretical
study, and had the distinction of being an entirely self-made archi-
tect. He remained thus connected until 1891. and then opened
an office at his present headquarters and embarked in business on
his own account. Since then he has designed and erected over
200 private and pulilic edifices, among the more prominent of which
arc the Second National Bank, the William Lawther Building, the
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 709
Bell Bros. Building, the Presentation Convent and many others.
Socially Mr. Carkeek is identified with the Masonic fraternity. On
June 13, 1868, at Mineral Point, Wisconsin, he was united in mar-
riage with Miss Jennie Keyes, daughter of Harvey and Louisa
Keyes, both deceased and pioneer settlers of that locality. To Mr.
and Mrs. Carkeek nine children, six of whom are living, were born,
as follows: Bina, Alton R. and Clara R., deceased; Harvey T.,
department manager of James B. Clow & Co. ; Jennie, the wife of
J. C. Hinde, real estate and insurance dealer at Madison, Wiscon-
sin; Marjorie, married F. J. Cunningham, of Anamosa, Iowa; Eva
M., a graduate of the Dubuque high school, and George C. and
Edna C., also graduates of the Dubuque high school. The family
residence is located at 128 West Eighth street.
Fred L. M. Luchterhand, junior partner of the Keller &
Luchterhand brick building contracting concern, located at 579
Windsor avenue, Dubuque, was born in the Province of Mecklen-
burg, Germany, February 10, 1868, and is the son of Christ and
Marv Luchterhand. The family came to America in or about 1876
and located in Dubuque, Iowa. Here the mother died February 4,
1905, at the age of fifty-nine years, but the father is yet living and
resides in this city, active and in good health. Fred L. M. Luchter-
hand spent one year in the public schools of his native country, and
finished his education in the Audubon school of Dubuque, from
which he was graduated when fourteen years old. Immediately
thereafter he began the study of the contracting business with
Christ Burdt, with whom he remained seven years, and afterwards
was employed by various contracting firms until he. in partnership
with Mr. Keller, engaged in the business under the firm name of
Keller & Luchterhand. They are today regarded as one of the
best firms in their line of business in the city, and have erected
many fine buildings, public and private, among which are the Home
for the Aged, the Casino, the N. J. Schrup residence and many
others. Mr. Luchterhand is independent in his political views,
voting for the best man regardless of party affiliation, and in re-
ligious views is a member of St. Matthew's Lutheran church. On
December 9. 1896, at Guttenberg, Iowa, he was united in marriage
with Miss Martha Block, a native of Glen Haven, Wisconsin, and
to whom two sons have been born, named, Clarence, born January
10. 1899, and Carl, born March 4, 1904, both attending school. Mrs.
Luchterhand is a daughter of Joseph and Louisa Block, the father
dying March 22, 1875, and buried at Guttenberg, Iowa, and the
mother yet surviving and residing in that city. Mr. Luchterhand
and family reside at 579 Windsor avenue, Dubuque.
Fred Tschudi, traveling auditor for the Dubuque Brewing &
Malting Company since its incorporation in 1892, was born in
710 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Dubuque October 25, 185 1, the son of Joseph and Magdalene
Tschudi. The father, a native of Switzerland, immigrated to
America in 1844, locating for one year at St. Louis, Missouri, and
then came to Dubuque, Iowa, where he resided until his death. He
was a contractor and builder by occupation and for years followed
that line in Dubuque. He died on August 5, 1875, aged sixty-five
years, followed by his wife February 24, 1910, within four "days
of the great age of ninety years, and both are buried in Mount
Calvary cemetery. Until fifteen years old Fred Tschudi attended
the local parochial schools, and then until 1869 worked as an appren-
tice in the cigarmaker's trade. Two years later he embarked in
the manufacture of cigars on Ninth street, between Main and
Locust, and remained thus engaged until 1876. He was then em-
ployed as traveling auditor for the A. Heeb brewery until the A.
Heeb Brewing Company was organized, and continued with the
new concern. When the Dubuque Brewing & Malting Company
was organized he still retained his position, and has remained with
the concern down to the present time, a period of thirty- four years
in all. Mr. Tschudi is vice president of the East Dubuque Supply
Company, a member of the Dubuque Brewing & Malting Company,
and of the Dubuque Realty Company. He is a Democrat in poli-
tics and a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks,
and of the St. Mary's Roman Catholic church. On October 25,
1876, he married Miss Caroline Heeb, who was a daughter of the
old pioneer Anthony Heeb, of whom appropriate mention is made
elsewhere in this publication. To Mr. and Mrs. Tschudi three
daughters and six sons have been born, as follows : Maria Josephine,
graduate of Dubuque high school; Clara Catherine, wife of Dr.
Heles of Dubuque ; Maria Emily, at home ; Rudolph Joseph, book-
keeper for East Dubuque Supply Company ; Fred Anton, machinist
in C., M. & St. P. shops; Robert Edward, clerk in the Hub clothing
store ; Albert Benjamin, attending St. Mary's high school ; Leo
Louis and Edmund Carl, attending same. The family residence
in Dubuque is located at 2126 Couler avenue.
John F. Brede. proprietor of the Eagle Chemical Company,
which was established at 165 Locust street, Du1)uque, on May 17,
1910, is descended from one of the first German families to settle
in Dubuque county. The pioneers, Frank and Christine Brede.
were his parents. Frank Brede was brought to Dubuque by his
father in 1842, at which time the city was little more than an Indian
trading post and the surrounding country was rough and unsettled.
Here he was reared and educated, and later in life represented the
Schlitz Brewing Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The birth
of John F. Brede occurred on March 30, 1866, and he was pri-
marily educated in the local public and parochial schools. He
subsequently took a commercial course in the Sacred Heart College
HlSTORy Of DUBUQUE COUXiy 711
at Prairie dii Chien. Wisconsin, then returned to Dubuque and
started as messenger boy, later becoming bookkeeper, in the Du-
buque National Bank, where he remained two years. For the
succeeding twenty-one years he represented as salesman the follow-
ing concerns: Ryder Bros., Coates & Walters, John Mehlhop &
Son, and John T. Hancock & Sons. He then for three years was
associated with Edward Peaslee in the ale brewing and cigar busi-
ness, but disposed of his interests and became a partner in the Louis
Lang liquor business, operating under the firm name of Brede &
Lang Company, wholesale liquor dealers. Li 19 10 this association
was dissohed and IMr. Brede founded the Eagle Chemical Company,
manufacturing chemicals, and has been thus engaged ever since.
He is a Democrat in politics, and socially is identified with the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the U. C. T., Catholic
Order of Foresters, the Eagles, and the Dubuque Traveling Busi-
ness Men's Association. To his marriage with Miss Nellie \Vil-=
Hams, solemnized in Dubuque, November 26, 1889, three daughters
ha\e been born, named Mabel, Helen and Estelle. Mrs. Brede is
the daughter of V. J. and Mattie (Dean) Williams, the father com-
ing to Dubuque in 1848; he served as postmaster four terms, County
Treasurer two terms, and was proprietor of the V. J. Williams
Implement Company. The Brede residence in Dubuque is located
At 431 Alpine street.
George Friedmann, who for many years farmed in Liberty
township, Dubuque county, and who now resides at Alton, Sioux
county, Iowa, was born in the state of Ohio, April 18, 1855, and is
a son of the late Joseph and Catherine Friedmann, mention of whom
is made in connection with the sketch of Anton Friedmann else-
where in this publication. Early in life he came to Dubuque county,
Iowa, with his parents, and was educated in the parochial schools
and reared to manhood. He followed general farming and stock
raising and w^as very successful in his business undertakings. Like
his father before him, he took an active interest in the welfare of
his community and was prominent in local affairs of importance.
February i, 1876, he was united in marriage to Miss Catherine
Westendorf, a sister of Mrs. Elizabeth Friedmann, wife of the
deceased farmer Anton Friedmann. To this union nine children
were born: Joseph, born November 7. 1876, studied for the priest-
hood, was ordained at Sioux City April 25, 1905. labored several
years at Carroll. Iowa, died there February 2, 1910, and was buried
at Alton February 5; Mary, wife of Fred Odenbrett, of South
Dakota; Anton, who died in 1883, aged one year; Jacob, a farmer
near Alton, Iowa; Paul, who died in 1891, aged three and one-half
years: Anna, married to John Schneider, a farmer near Alton,
Iowa; Elizabeth. John, and Julia, at home. All of the children born
to Mr. and Mrs. George Friedmann have been reared in the Catho-
-12 Ji/STORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
lie faith and are earnest members of that ehurch. The Friedmann
family is numbered among the pioneers of Dubuque county, coming
here at a time when the country was in the primitive state, and
by hard work has prospered generally and today bears the respect
and esteem of all who know them.
John B. Noel^ senior partner of the Noel & Wagner retail gro-
cery establishment, Dubuque, with offices at 1850 Couler avenue,
is a native of Dubuque county, Iowa, a son of John N. and Susanna
Noel and grandson of the old pioneer, John B. Noel. The latter
was a native of Belgium and came to America in 1825. He located
in Dubuque at a very early date and was one of the county's pio-
neers, experiencing all the trials and hardships of those times. In
1889 he passed away, aged seventy-eight years, and was buried in
St. Catherine's cemetery. John N. Noel was born in Dubuque
county and lias known practically no other home. For many years
he served on the local police force, was employed in the Chicago,
Milwaukee & St. Paul shops, and conducted the old Centennial
House, one of Dubuque's early hostelries. He and wife are at
present residing in Dubuque, having lived happily together for
over forty years. John B. Noel was born August 3, 1872, at Gor-
don's Ferry, and received his early education in the First Ward
(Franklin) school, graduating also from the Dubuque high school
in 1889. For a year thereafter he clerked in the John Wilson
retail grocery, then went with the Farley & Loetscher Sash, Door &
Blind Manufacturing Company as machine hand, remaining thus
employed for thirteen years. Succeeding this, he again clerked in
a grocery store, then returned to the Farley-Loetscher company
two years, and afterwards was employed by the Knapp-Stone Com-
pany, with whom he remained two years. A third time he returned
to the Farley-Loetscher company, and in 1899 began clerking for
Mettel Bros., wholesale and retail grocers, and remained with them
until he and A. E. Wagner, an uncle, embarked in that line of
business on Couler avenue in 1901. From a comparatively small
beginning they have grown and prospered and today the Noel &
Wagner concern is regarded as one of the best, of its kind in the
city. Mr. Noel is independent in politics, a Roman Catholic in
leligion, and a member of the Knights of Columbus, Fraternal
Order of Eagles and the Holy Name Society. On April 16, 1907,
he was united in marriage w-ith Miss Clara Bell Connolly, of Du-
buque, and to them two sons have been born, named John Robert,
born February 11, 1908, and Joseph Willis, born March 29, 1910.
Mrs. Noel is a daughter of John and Alice Connolly, pioneer
farmers of Dubuque county, who died May 5, 1902, and March 28,
1896, respectively. Both are buried in Holy Cross cemetery, Du-
buque. Mr. Noel is one of Dubuque's representative business men
and bears the good will of all who know him.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 7^
John J. McCollins. proprietor of the McColHns Express &
Transfer Company, Dulnique, is a native of this city and the son of
Barney and Jane McCollins. The father was a native of County
Cavan, Ireland, and came to America and Dubuque in or about
1844, dying ten years after his arrival here, aged forty-five years,
and followed by his widow twenty years later, aged sixty-five years.
The father is buried in the Third Street cemetery and the mother
in Key West. John J. McCollins was born in 185 1, and received
his primary education in the local public schools, later taking a
course in Christian Brothers' College, which he left in 1865. Dur-
ing the next five years he carried papers for the Dubuque Herald
and learned the blacksmith trade, which he subsequently followed
for ten years. In 1880 he established himself in the grocery busi-
ness at the corner of Fifth and Main streets in partnership with J;.
J. Dunn, the present County Sheriff, continuing thus for seven
years. The partnership was then dissolved, and Mr. McCollins
conducted the business alone for one year. Then James M. Mc-
Fadden was admitted to partnership, and some few months later
Mr. McCollins sold out to his partner. In 1889 he located on
government land in South Dakota, but shortly returned to Dubuque
and established a buffet, which he conducted for five years. Dur-
ing this time he also operated a teaming and transfer line which he
still continues, and at the present writing is also engaged in the
coal and wood business. The concern has grown extensively under
Mr. McCollins' management and is one of the largest of its kind
in the city. He is a Democrat in politics, a member of St. Raphael's
Cathedral, and socially is identified with the Catholic Benevolent
Society and the Modern Woodmen of America. On May 16. 1877,
in Dubuque, he was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Butler,
and to them five children have been born, as follows: Louis B., in
business with his father: Bernice M., graduate of Lincoln school
and Visitation Academy; Genevieve M., attending Visitation Acad-
emy; Marjorie M., a student in St. Joseph's Academy; one child
died in infancy. The family residence in Dubuque is located at
304 Julien avenue. Mrs. McCollins was the daughter of Patrick
and Margaret Butler, who were pioneers of Hazel Green, Wis-
consin, where for years the father followed mining and was a
prominent citizen.
Jacob Friedman, farming on 237 acres of land in Liberty town-
ship, has followed agricultural pursuits practically all his life,
and has been unusually successful in this line of endeavor. He was
born in Stark county, Ohio, April 2y, 1848, and is a son of the
old pioneers, Joseph and Catherine Friedman, who are appropri-
ately represented elsewhere in this work. For a time during boy-
hood he attended school in his native county, and after coming
with his parents to Dubuque county. Iowa, pursued his studies in
714 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
the Liberty township district schools. He remained at home assist-
ing his father until twenty-seven years of age, and then bought
ninety-one acres of his present property to which as his means
afforded he added until he acquired 237 acres of valuable farm land.
This he has cleared and improved by hard work, erecting one of
the finest modern residences in the township with barns and vari-
ous outhouses to correspond. He follows general farming and
also has about forty head of cattle, ten horses and some one hundred
and thirty swine. He is a Democrat in national politics, but on
local issues votes for the man who in his opinion is best fitted for
public ofifice without regard to party affiliation. In religious views
he is an adherent of the Roman Catholic faith. On January 19,
1875, he w'as united in marriage with Miss Rachel Crevir, daughter
of one of Dubuque county's earliest white settlers, Joseph Crevir.
He was of French descent and in 1832 came from Canada to
Dubuque, Iowa. He secured and broke ground where the present
market house of Dubuque stands, and on December 12, 1909,
passed away, aged ninety-two years. To Mr. and Mrs. Friedman
the following named children have been born : Joseph, cement con-
tractor; John, a carpenter, Dubuque; George, assisting his father;
Albert, same; Clemens, in school; Mary, wife of Peter Pfohl, farm-
ing in Concord township; Annie, Sister Mary Florentine, of St.
Francis Convent ; Mathilda, at home ; Theresa, Sister Mary Flor-
ence of St. Francis Convent ; Frances, at home, and Mabel, attend-
ing district school. These children have all been reared in the Cath-
olic faith, and the family is well and favorably known throughout
the county.
Since the days when Dubuque was a village her lumbermen
have been a help to her, and every structure within her borders
speaks in commendation of them and their labors. Conspicuous
among the lumber establishments here during recent years has been
that of Spahn & Rose Lumber Company, located at Eighth and
Washington streets since its incorporation in 1904. Charles J.
Spahn, president of this well-known concern, was born in Dubuque,
May 22, 1872, the son of Peter and Sophia (Franke) Spahn. Peter
Spahn, who for years follow-ed the occupation of a miner, came
from the Grand Duchy of Hessen Darmstadt. Germany, to Amer-
ica and Dubuque in 1845, and after an honorable residence of thirty-
four years in this city died in 1879. His widow yet survives him,
aged sixty-three years. The boyhood days of Charles J. Spahn
were spent in attending tlie local public and parochial schools dur-
ing winter months and in working in a saw mill in summer. When
his education was completed he spent eight years perfecting his
knowledge of the saw mill industry, and in 1890 accepted a position
with the Carr, Ryder & Adams sash and door manufacturing con-
cern, being promoted to the head of a moulding department and
HISTORY OP DUBUQUE COUNTY 715
remaining thus engaged until 1896. He then was given charge of
the cutting clepartnicnl. where he remained until 1900. The fol-
lowing year, such was his knowledge of lumber, he was sent to the
Pacific coast^ to buy factory lumber. While on the Coast his firm
acquired an interest in a large saw mill proposition and he was made
the general superintendent. He remained thus occupied until the
organization of the Spahn & Rose Lumber Company, of which he
was made president, and of which he has since been the active head.
Due to excellent business management this concern has become
one of the solid and substantial commercial institutions of Du-
buque, and their business covers a field of three states. Aside
from the above Mr. Spahn is a director of the German Savings
Bank, is a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters and an
adherent of the Roman Catholic faith. On August 8, 1893, at
Dubuque, he was united in marriage with Miss Anna Simon, the
daughter of Carl and Anna Simon. Her parents were natives of
Luxemburg, Germany, but immigrated to the United States in
1872 at the time of the French Revolution. Both died at Dubuque,
the father on July 15. 1905, aged seventy-five years, and the
mother October 25, 1908, when seventy-three years old. Their
final resting place is in Mount Calvary cemetery. To Mr. and Mrs.
Spahn four children have been born, as follows : Fred, died in
March, 1895, aged eleven months; Irene A., attending St. Mary's
Academy at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin; Marie G., student at
St. Joseph's Academy, Dubuque, and Charles S., three years old.
Mr. Spahn is a Democrat in his political views, and the family
residence is located at 2565 Couler avenue.
Dr. Joseph Henry Schrup is one of the successful and well-
known physicians and surgeons of Dubuque, and although but a
comparatively short time here, has succeeded in building up a large
and lucrative practice. Joseph J. and Wilhelmina (Strueber)
Schrup, his parents, were natives of the Duchy of Luxemburg, and
Germany, but left the old country and immigrated to the United
vStates, settling on a farm in Mosalem township, Dubuque county,
Iowa, in 1856. Subse(|uently the family removed to the city of
Dubuque, where the father was engaged in mercantile pursuits.
He is now retired from the activities of life. The mother passed
away January 9, 1902. Dr. Joseph H. Schrup was born in the city
of Dubuque, February 3, 1882. and after attending the public
grarnmar school, entered and in 1900 was graduated from the high
school. The succeeding four years he attended the Northwestern
Medical College at Chicago, and upon his graduation therefrom
in 1904 served until 1906 as interne on the medical and surgical
staff of Mercy Hospital, Chicago. He then returned to Dubuque,
where he has since resided, commanding the respect and good-will
7i6 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
of his brother practitioners and that of the public in general. Dr.
Schrup is the local examiner for the State Tuberculosis Hospital,
is bacteriologist and pathologist of the Iowa State Board of Health,
and is local medical examiner for various fraternal organizations.
He is a member of the Dubuque County, Iowa State, and Amer-
ican Medical Societies, and specializes in surgery. He belongs to
the Dubuque Business Men's Club, the Golf Club, the Knights of
Columbus, and the Catholic Order of Foresters. He is also a mem-
ber of St. Mary's Roman Catholic church.
George Kremer was born July ii. 1847, ^t what is now West
Chicago, Illinois, and is a son of Nicholas and Anna Mary (Klein)
Kremer. The father, Nicholas Kremer, was a native of Prussia.
Germany, a son of Mathias and ^Margaret (Berringer) Kremer.
His father, in 1868, when eighty years old, came to America to
join his family, and even at his advanced age often remarked that
if he had an ox team he could even then take a hand at plowing.
He died in 1883, preceded by his wife about the year 1859. They
were the parents of Nicholas, Martha, Barbara, Catherine and
Adam. Nicholas married Mary Klein in Germany, in 1846, came
to the United States shortly thereafter, followed farming two years
in Illinois, and from there in 185 1 drove with two yoke of oxen
to Cascade township, Dubuque county, Iowa. They had four chil-
dren : George, Elizabeth, Mary and Catherine, the first two named
Only now living. Mr. Kremer established a home on section 10
and to his first possession of forty acres added until he became the
owner of 500 acres. A few years after coming here his wife died
and he then married Catherine Klein, a native of Luxemburg, Ger-
many, but not related to his first wife, although of the same name.
By this marriage he was the father of two children: Mathias and
an infant who died unnamed. Both parents are now dead. George
Kremer, the subject of this sketch, grew to manhood in Cascade
township and has always made his home on the old place originally
owned by his father. In 1872 he married Barbara Merfeld, who
was born August 6, 1849. i" Prussia, a daughter of Mathias and
Susan (Heinz) Merfeld, who came to America in 1869, and were
the parents of these children : Barbara, Nicholas. John, Gertrude,
Susan, Kate, Frank and Mary. Mathias Merfeld was a son of
Peter and Catherine Merfeld. farmers of Germany, and Mrs. Mer-
feld was the daughter of Nicholas and Margaret Heinz. To the
marriage of George Kremer and Barbara Merfeld there are eight
children living: Kate. John. Joseph, Nicholas, Mary, Gertrude.
Frank P.. Rose and Ida Barbara. Three children are dead, named
George Henry, Frances Mary and Susan. Mr. Kremer is one of
the substantial and best known men of Cascade township. He and
family are Roman Catholics in religion.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY yiy
Joseph F. Harragan, assistant cashier of the Dubuque National
Bank since 1906, was born in this city, and is a son of James and
^Martha Harragan. James Harragan was a native of Ireland, and
came to the United States and Dubuque. Iowa, at an early date.
He was one of the organizers of the Dubuque National Bank, and
served as cashier of the institution from 1884 up to the time of his
death, which occurred in January. 1909. at tlie age of sixty-seven
years. He is well remembered by the present generation of busi-
ness men, and his loss was mourned generally throughout the
county. Before entering the banking business he was a dry goods
merchant, and as a Democrat in his political affiliation was twice
the successful candidate of his party for treasurer of Dubuque
county. His widow yet survives him and resides in this city.
Joseph F. Harragan received his education in the local public and
high schools, finishing when sixteen years of age, and then began
his banking career as messenger boy. By close attention to busi-
ness he was gradually promoted, and in 1906 was made assistant
cashier, a position he has since occupied. He is also a director of
the institution, and manager of the Dubuque Clearing House Asso-
ciation. In politics he is a Democrat, and in religious views is a
Roman Catholic and a member of St. Raphael's Cathedral. He
is unmarried and resides at 436 Bluff street.
John J. Mihm for the past thirty years has been actively and
successfully engaged in Dubuque as a stone mason contractor. He
was born in this city March 22, i860, and is the son of Peter and
Barbara (Allbinger) Mihm. the father being a native of Muenchen,
Bavaria. He was a soldier in the Bavarian army and came to
Dubuque about the year 1853. and here for many years fol-
lowed his occupation of stone mason contractor. He was active
in local affairs of importance, a staunch Democrat in his
political views, and died in 1902. aged seventy-eight years. His
\\ife died in 1884, at the age of sixty-six years, and both are buried
in Mount Calvary cemetery, Dubuque. John J. Mihm, the imme-
diate subject of this review, attended the local public and parochial
schools until fifteen years old. and also assisted his father during
the summer months in the contracting business. He worked at
his trade as a journeyman until joining his father in partnership in
1884. He has ever since been actively engaged in contracting in
Dubuque, and many fine public and private foundations have been
erected by him, among which are the Sacred Heart Church, St.
IMatthew's Church, Third Presbyterian Church, and the Home for
the Aged. Like his father before him. Mr. Mihm is a Democrat,
but he never mixes in politics, preferring to confine his attentions
to private business matters. In religion he is a Roman Catholic and
a member of the Holy Ghost Church. April 30. 1890. in Dubuque,
he married Miss Wilhelmina Louisa Giessler, daughter of Charles
7i8 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
F. and Agatha (Jaeger) Giessler, and one daughter has been born
to their union, named Agatha Barbara, now attending the Academy
of the Immaculate Conception. Airs. Mihm was the daughter of
one of Dubuque's pioneer bakers, who died in 1908, aged seventy-
five years, preceded by his wife in 1901, at the age of sixty-five,
and iDOth are buried in Alount Calvary cemetery. The family resi-
dence in Dubuque is located at 2900 Couler avenue.
Benjamin Hawkins, a grandson of Thomas Hawkins, was
born in Somersetshire, England, March 22, 1847, and when but
two or three years old was brought to the United States by his
parents. William and Sarah (Morgan) Hawkins. The family
resided in New York state two years, then came by railroad to Chi-
cago and from there by wagon to Cascade, Iowa. For a while
the father worked as a day laborer at farming, but finally bought
a farm on section 14. Cascade township, which he improved and
on which he continued to reside until his death in 1888 at the age
of seventy-eight years. Mrs. Hawkins died in 1852. They were
the parents of four children: Benjamin, Joseph, Reuben and
Simeon, who died in infancy, and were members of the Baptist
church. Benjamin Hawkins in early youth attended the Spring
Valley district school, and when only fourteen years old started out
in life for himself as a farm laborer. Having accumulated some
means, he bought forty acres of his present farm, to which he has
added as his means permitted, until he now owns 310 acres of the
best land in Cascade township. In 1873 he married Mary Hill, a
native of Dubuque county, Iowa, and the daughter of Robert and
Hester (Gane) Hill, old pioneers of this section of the county.
Robert Hill and wife were also natives of Somersetshire, England,
and came to America and this county in 1850. They lived at Spring
Valley a year, then bought a farm in Cascade township, where the
father died in November, 1884, and the mother in the following
January. Benjamin Hawkins is deserving of much credit for the
success he has achieved. He began life for himself when but a
small lad, and without the aid of others he has, by hard work and
economy, accumulated a competency. He and wife are the par-
ents of nine children, as follows: Nellie, the wife of O. G. Web-
ster; William, a farmer near Charles City, Iowa; Jennie, now
Mrs. Howard Carlton, of near Portland, Oregon; Alice; Edwin;
Arthur; Mignon; Joseph: and Ivan. Being deprived of many
of the advantages that by right belong to youth, Mr. Hawkins has
spared neither effort nor money in the education of his children and
their proper start in life. His home is a model one in all respects.
The refining influence of works of art, rare paintings and china,
music and good books has made his an exceptional home, and the
visitor is delighted with the courtesy and reception accorded him
at the Hawkins residence.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 719
Dan'ID J. Heisey, one of Dubuque's successful dental practition-
ers, is a son of John H. and Charlotte Esther Heisey, and was
born in Monticello, Iowa, August 18, 1878. Succeeding his attend-
ance at the Alonticelld public and high schools, he entered the
Northwestern Dental School and in 1901 was graduated there-
from with the degree of D. D. S. For three years thereafter he
practiced his profession in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, but in 1904 came
to Dubuque and has here since been located. Dr. Heisey is a mem-
ber of the Iowa State and Dubuque District dental societies, the
Chicago Odontographic Society and the Iowa Chapter of the Psi
Omega college fraternity. He also is identified with the Masonic
order, in which he has attained the Royal Arch degree, and the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. On October 16, 1908,
he was united in marriage with Miss Birdeva Bayless, daughter of
Cornelius Bayless, appropriate mention of whom is made else-
v^'here in this work. Mrs. Heisey is active in local social and musi-
cal circles, and she and husband affiliate with the Westminster
Presbyterian church.
Prof. Rudolph Franz Otto, instructor of voice and harmony,
with studio in the Security Building, Dubuque, is a native of Ger-
many, born at Berlin, May 9, 1875, the son of Rudolph and Clara
Otto. The father was a prominent dry goods merchant in the old
country, and after his son Rudolph had graduated from the Berlin
public schools, they traveled extensively over the Continent. In
1899 Prof. Otto left Berlin, came to America and took a complete
course in the Chicago Alusical College, and later also a course in
the Columbian School of Oratory. For a time thereafter he main-
tained a studio in Chicago and was director of various choirs, and
during 1903-4 he traveled throughout the Southwestern states, giv-
ing recitals. He then returned to Berlin, Germany, and took a
post-graduate course in Stern's College of Music, after which he
again came to the United States and during 1904-5 traveled, giv-
ing concerts. In 1906 he located at Winnipeg, Canada, but in 1910
came to Dubuque, where his efforts have been unusually well re-
ceived. The winter of 1907-8 he spent in his native city as a
member of a grand opera company. Prof. Otto opened a studio
in the Security Building shortly after his arrival in Dubuque,
wdiere he gives lessons and hears singers, and also is instructor in
voice, harmony and public school music in Epworth Seminary. He
is director of a male choral club of Dubuque, which is known as
the Schumann Club. In 1908 he was united in marriage with Miss
Eddy, of Winthrop, Iowa, and they, w^ith their one son, Ralph,
born August 12, 1909, reside in the city of Dubuque.
Andrew Ellwanger. deceased, one of the founders of the firm
of Ellwanger Brothers, dealers in harness, trunks, valises, leather
720 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
goods, etc., Dubuque, was born in the Grand Duchy of Hesse-
Darmstadt, Germany, November 30, 1842, and when ten years old
was brought to Dubuque, Iowa, by his parents, Peter and Agatha
Ellwanger. Here the father followed his profession of music
teacher and piano tuner until his death in 1884. Andrew Ell-
\vanger was educated in the public schools of his nati\e country
and Dubuque, and from i860 to 1869 ^^'^^ in the employ of George
W. Bogan, learning the harnessmaking trade. The latter year,
in partnership with his brother. Otto Ellwanger, he embarked in
the harnessmaking business, locating at 1256 Clay street, and here
the establishment has since continued under the firm name of Ell-
wanger Brothers. To his marriage with Miss Fredericka Neu-
bauer, of Dubuque, the following children were born : Herman,
Edward, Charles, Frederick and Amanda, all of Dubuque, and
Ferdinand, of Chicago. Mr. Ellwanger passed away in 1901 and
now lies at rest in the family lot in Linwood cemetery. Mrs. Ell-
wanger still survives him and resides in Dubuque.
Otto Ellwanger, who now conducts alone the firm of Ellwanger
Brothers, is also a native of the Grand Duchy of Hesse-Darmstadt,
Germany, and came with the family to Dubuque in 1852. Here his
education was completed, and he learned the harnessmaking indus-
try under the tutelage of Fred Lehr, beginning his apprenticeship
in 1 86 1 and continuing until 1869, when he joined his brother,
Andrew", in that line of business. "Since the latter's death Mr. Ell-
wanger has conducted the business alone. In 1872 he married Miss
Eliza Heisler, of Dubuque, and three sons, Frank, Otto and Wal-
ter, have been born to their union. The first two named are dead
and the latter is assqciated in biwiness with his father. Mr. Ell-
wanger is a Republican in national politics, independent in local
afifairs, and has had a long and honorable business career, and
socially is identified wnth the following organizations : Independ-
ent Order of Foresters, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, An-
cient Order of United Workmen, Modern W'oodmen of America,
and the Woodmen of the World.
Edward Fuhrman for the past twenty years has been engaged
in the express and transfer business in Dubuque. He was born in
St. Louis, Missouri, August 9, 1852, a son of John and Caroline
Fuhrman. Upon the completion of a railroad to the north, John
Fuhrman brought his family to Dubuque in 1854, and for the next
eight or ten years was a horse dealer ; he then opened a clothing-
store on Clay street. He was a native of Alsace, Germany, and
came to the United States in 1850. He died in Dubuque, August.
1898, one month after haxing been accidentally injured by a street
car, aged seventy years, and was followed by his wife in 1905,
aged seventy-seven years. The mother was born in Baden, Ger-
many, and came to this country at an early date. Both are buried
THE NEW YORK
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HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 721
in Mount Calvary cemetery. Their son. Edward Fuhrnian, the
immediate subject of this review, was educated in St. Clary's old
rock schoolhouse, which he left when sixteen years old. He then
learned the chair-making trade in Hancourt's chair factory, no
longer operating", and for ten years followed that line, being fore-
man of a concern at Wabasha, Minnesota. The succeeding four
years he spent in St. Louis learning the bakery business, then
returned to Dubuque and for several years engaged in that line of
work. For the next fifteen years he worked at farming, then estab-
lished his present business and has ever since been thus success-
fully engaged. Mr. Fuhrnian is a Republican in politics, is a mem-
ber of the fraternal order of Maccabees, and was a member of the
old volunteer fire brigade of Dubuque. 7\t St. Paul, Minnesota, on
May 29, 1895, ^^^ married Miss Catherine Theiring, daughter of
Frank and Anna Mary Theiring, the father being a stone mason
by occupation and a Union soldier in the Civil war. He came to
Dubuque from Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1854, and here died in June,
1902. aged eighty-two years, and was followed by his wife in
November, 1908, both now buried in Mount Calvary cemetery. To
Mr. and ]\Irs. Fuhrman one daughter, Sylvia, now attending St.
Mary's Catholic school, was born on August 28, 1900. Mr. Fuhr-
man is one of Dubuque's representative and enterprising men, and
is lughly regarded by all who know him.
Prof. Harry B. Smith, for many years actively identified with
the field of education in Dubuque county, was born in Dubuque
township, October 30, 1872, the son of Maj. E. Howard and Sid-
ney (West) Smith. Major Smith is a direct descendant of George
King Smith, the progenitor of this particular branch of the Smith
family in America. The latter, who was the captain of an English
merchantman, and sailed the seas for many years, settled in Salem,
]\Iassachusetts, about 1630, and his descendants for several gen-
erations followed the sea. Various members of the family partici-
pated in the early struggles of the Colonies, the grandfather of our
subject being taken prisoner by the French in the disturbances of
1799. The ancestors of his father's mother were descendants of
Elihu Yale, the early benefactor of Yale University.
After attending the Prescott grammar school. Prof. Harry B.
Smith further pursued his studies in the Dubuque high school, grad-
uating therefrom in 1893, '^"^'^ \^iQr entered and in 1897 was duly
graduated from the State Universitv of Minnesota, with the degree
of Bachelor of Science. For eight years thereafter he was in-
structor of mathematics in the Dubuque public schools, and later
became teacher of mathematics in St. Joseph's College, this city.
For three years following this he occupied the chair of mathe-
matics in the West Side high school of Des Moines, Iowa, but in
1906 returned to Dubuque and became an instructor of algebra in
y22 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
the high scliool. Professor Smith has become widely and very
favorably known in educational circles, and is a recognized author-
ity on mathematics. He is a member of the State Teachers' Asso-
ciation and of the Northeastern Iowa Educational Society; he is
also a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the Sons of Vet-
erans. In religious views he is identified with the Congregational
cliurch, in the Sunday school department of which he has been a
teacher for years. As a Democrat in politics he was the candidate
of his party in 1910 for the count}' superintendency of schools, and
such was his record that he met with little or no opposition.
Michael Edward Lyons, the present auditor of the city of
Dubuque, was born April 23, 1861, in St. Louis, Missouri, a son
of Daniel and Margaret (O'Callaghan) Lyons. The father was a
native of Ireland, but in 1854 immigrated to the United States,
locating at St. Louis, and was there married in 1856, and died in
1864. Three years later his widow remarried, taking for her hus-
band Thomas Lynch, with whom she removed to McGregor, Iowa,
and lived until her death in 1873. Two sons. Michael Edward
and Daniel (deceased) were born to Daniel Lyons and wife, and
were educated and reared to early manhood in McGregor, Iowa.
Michael Edward Lyons, the subject of this review, was thrown
upon his own resources early in life, but managed to attend the
public and parochial schools, and for a time the high school at
McGregor. After quitting school in 1876, he worked on a farm
for three years. He then went to St. Louis and was a street car
conductor in that city from 1879 to 1883. He then came to Du-
buque and engaged in the retail liquor business, in which he con-
tinued till 1906. While in business he made profitable use of spare
time by studying law with the Sprague Correspondence School, suc-
cessfully completing same and receiving the degree of Bachelor of
Laws in 1904. From 1904 to 1906 he served as alderman from
his ward. In 1906 he was elected city auditor, and was re-elected
in 1908 and 1910. He is a Democrat in his political views and a
member of St. Raphael's Roman Catholic Cathedral. For three
years he was president of the Saloon Dealers' Association, which
position he relinquished upon his election to his present office. He
was also a charter member of the local lodge of the Eagles. In
1887 he was united in marriage with Miss Helen McKinna, whose
parents were among the early farmers of Concord township, this
county, and the following children, all at home, were born to them :
Mae, Nellie and John.
Alpiions Matthews. A life that rose to the zenith of its
splendid powers in Dubuque and then was blotted out as a star
from the sky was that of Alphons Matthews. Born, reared, edu-
cated and dying here, he made his impress on the destiny of the
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HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 727,
city, state and nation, and established great principles of law, aided
public education and adxancement, and in a thousand ways was a
benefit and blessing to humanity. He was born in Dubuque in
1856, the son of Dr. Nicholas B. Matthews, remembered as one
of the ablest of the early medical men, and knew practically no other
home. Mr. Matthews early determined to make the study and
practice of law his life's work, and how well he reasoned may read-
ily be determined by a survey of his career. Shortly after gradu-
ating from the public schools he entered the law offices of Pollock
& Shields, reading and studying with this firm until twenty years
old, and then took an examination before the Supreme Court and
was duly admitted to practice before the State Bar of Iowa. He
immediately began the general practice of his profession in Du-
buque, the first two years being spent in partnership with H. H.
Regan. He then until 1888 continued alone, and that year formed
a partnership with Judge Austin Adams, and continued thus until
the death of the latter. On September 15, 1899, Mr. Matthews
formed a partnership with J. R. Lindsay and J. P. Frantzen, which
was continued until January i, 1901, when Mr. Lindsay retired
from the firm to take up other business, and Messrs. Matthews and
Frantzen continued until the former's death. Mr. Matthews' natu-
ral ability as a legal practitioner became more and more pronounced
and among the men of a bar noted for its eloquence, honorable tac-
tics and thoroughness he became a bright and shining light. His
unquestioned integrity and fitness for public life was shown by the
various elective and appointive positions he held. As a Democrat
in politics he was, in 1883, appointed attorney for Dubuque county,
and held this position until 1887, when the state legislature made
the office elective. Two consecutive terms Mr. Matthews was
elected to this position, but a third term was declined in favor of
his brother, M. C. Matthews, who later became judge of the district
court. In 1886 our subject was honored by the state legislature
by being elected a member of the board of regents of the State
University of Iowa, and in this connection he for years displayed
his loyalty to the cause of advancement and education. Also, as
a member of the local Board of Education, he was active, and as
president of same performed his duties in a highly creditable man-
ner. Mr. Matthews' strongest claim to being one of the ablest
attorneys in the state lay, perhaps, in his remarkable and unusual
success as a trial lawyer. Naturally observant, and a great student
of human nature, his eloquence and arguments, always directed on
the side he thought just and right, seldom failed to move and con-
vince a jury, and many of the most important cases that came up
in the Dubuque courts were won by his honest and conscientious
reasoning. On January i, 1907, this unusual man suffered a col-
lapse, due to a combination of ailments, from which he never recov-
ered. His day of life was waning, but he awaited the night with
724 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
the calmness of a man who has tried to do his duty, trusts in God
and fears no future. July 15, 1909, the cold hand of Death beck-
oned him, thus claiming one of Dubuque's best and most deserving
citizens, toward whom the finger of scorn and suspicion could never
be directed. x\side from his great interest in legal work, Mr. Mat-
thews was also interested as stockholder in several concerns in this-
city. He was one of the founders of the Dubuque Fire & Marine
Insurance Company, and of the German Trust & Savings Bank.
December 2. 1885. he was united in marriage with Miss Amelia B.
Bowdish, and to them were born Dorothea, Carl, Mona, and Eleanor.
His mother, Mrs. Anna Matthews, is still living, and now resides in
this city. Such, in brief, is the record of his rise up the ladder of
life, from comparatively moderate circumstances as a youth, to
a position of highest honor and respect among his fellowmen.
For months before his death the end was hourly expected, but when
he finally passed away it was a shock to his family and many loyal
friends who knew him to be a kind and loving husband and father
and an honorable man.
Mathias M. Hoffmann, who founded the Dubuque Investment
Company in August, 1892, and who has been the president and
director of this organization since its inception, is a native of this
city, his birth occurring May 28, 1857, a son of Mathias and Bar-
bara Hoffmann, both natives of Germany. The father immigrated
to the United States first in 1852, but shortly thereafter returned
to his native land, married, and moved here permanently in 1855.
He was a cooper by trade, also a carpenter, and considerable of his
time was devoted to railroad construction work. He died in 1905,
in his seventy-third year, preceded by his wife in 1883. Both were
members of the Roman Catholic church, and were buried at Mount
Calvary. Mathias M. Hoffmann was attending the parochial
school in Dubuque when his father was injured in an accident, thus
necessitating his putting his shoulders to the wheel and helping .in
the care of the family when but twelve years old. For a number
of years he worked at anything he could get to do, subsequently
learning the cabinet-maker's trade. He established himself in the
undertaking business, and becoming a licensed embalmer. soon
acquired a large and increasing business. Mr. Hoffmann was one
of the first licensed embalmers in this section of the country, and,
becoming an expert, lectured on the subject of embalming in various
portions of the country and attained a wide reputation. He was
the organizer and for twelve years president of the Dubuque
Casket Company. During his business career in Dubuque he has
been exceedingly active and energetic in various lines. As a Demo-
crat in politics he was elected coroner of Dubuque county, serving
as such twelve years. He is a member of the Catholic Order of
Foresters, the United Workmen, the Modern Woodmen of Amer-
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 72^
ica, the Elks, the Independent Order of Foresters, of which he
was at one time High Chief Ranger of Iowa; the Dubuque Travel-
ing and Business Men's Association, the Knights of Columbus and
other social and benevolent organizations. His entire life has been
passed as a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic church. May
28, 1880, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Voelker,
daughter of Leopold W)elker, and to their union six sons and three
daughters have been born, as follows: Leo A., a graduate of St.
Joseph's College, and a licensed embalmer at Omaha, Nebraska;
Mathias, Jr., attending St. Paul Seminary; Alfred A., a student at
Creighton Medical College; Herbert J., who is a graduate of St.
Joseph's College, as are his elder brothers; Aloysius and Martin,
students at St. Joseph's College; Martha, the wife of Dr. Henry
Thill ; Mary, who married M. J. Graves, the present deputy county
court clerk ; and Josephine, now Sister Mary Jeanette, of St.
Frances Convent. Mr. Hoffmann is an ardent advocate of the
cause of education, and his practicability is demonstrated in the
opportunities given his children.
Christian Loetscher, president of the Farley-Loetscher Man-
ufacturing Company, of which he was one of the founders, and a
recognized factor in the business world of Dubuque, is a native
of the Republic of Switzerland. He was born August 2, 1850, a
son of John Loetscher, and until his eighteenth year attended the
public schools and served an apprenticeship at woodworking. Like
many of the enterprising youths of the old countries of Europe, he
concluded that better opportunities for advancement existed in
America, and accordingly, in 1868, immigrated to the United States.
For two years he worked at his trade in San Francisco, continuing
the same occupation thereafter in other parts of California until
the fall of 1872, when he located permanently in Dubuque. He
secured employment with the sash, door and blind manufacturing
establishment of Patch & Waite, but resigned this position to
embark in business for himself. For one year, beginning January
I, 187^, he was in business alone, then was associated in partner-
ship with A. B. Carling, W. R. Clarke and J. A. Rickert. In 1881
the Farlev-Loetscher Manufacturing Companv was incorporated
with J. P. Farley, H. L. Stout, J. U. Griffith, A. B. Carling,
Christian Loetscher and A. A. Loetscher as stockholders. The
first officers were J. P. Farley, president ; H. L. Stout, vice-presi-
dent, and A. W. Dougherty, secretary and treasurer. Mr. Farley
continued as president until 1894, when he was succeeded by
Christian Loetscher, who has since continued as the active head of
the corporation. C. M. Peaslee was secretary and treasurer from
1892 to 1908, when he was succeeded by the present occupant,
John A. Loetscher, son of the president. This concern has had a
remarkable commercial growth. The original capitalization at time
726 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
of incorporation was $75,000, but this has since been several times
increased in order to keep abreast of its transactions, until its
capital stock is now $1,000,000. In 1875 ten men were employed;
now there are six hundred employes, eight men being continuously
on the road in the interests of the establishment. The Farley-
Loetscher Manufacturing Company enjoys the distinction of being
one of the largest sash and door manufacturing concerns in the
country, and its phenomenal success is largely attributable to the
keen foresight and business sagacity of the immediate subject of
this sketch. Soon after coming to Dubuque, Christian Loetscher
married Miss Mary Loetscher, daughter of Tobias Loetscher, of
Dubuque, and to this union have been born the following children :
John A., who began as office boy in the establishment of which he
is now secretary and treasurer: F. W., educated in the public
schools of Dubuque, Princeton University, a seminary and post-
graduate course of five years, special courses of one year each at
Berlin and Strasburg, professor of church history at Princeton
three years, for a like length of time pastor of the Oxford Presby-
terian Church at Philadelphia, and since 1910 has held a full
professorship in Princeton Theological Seminary; E. C, connected
with the Loetscher & R3'an Manufacturing Company, and a grad-
uate of Cornell University, Ithaca, New York; Lydia C, wife of
Professor Funk, of McAllister College, St. Paul, Minnesota ; Mary,
deceased; Alma A., the wife of M. C. Bardell, a banker at Marion,
South Dakota; Elizabeth M. (Mrs. Lachner), whose husband is
identified with the Loetscher & Ryan Manufacturing Company, of
Dubuque; Ernst, deceased; T. B., associated with the firm of which
his father is president; Arnold E., now taking a mechanical engi-
neering course in the State University of Wisconsin; and Florence,
deceased. No family stands higher in the religious, social and
commercial world of Dubuque than that of Christian Loetscher.
John F. McNamara, for many years engaged in mining and
farming in Dubuque county and now living a retired life in the
city of Dubuque, was born in Putnam county. New York, June 24,
1834, the son of Roger McNamara. In 1836 the family came to
Du1)uque county and here the father engaged in mining until his
death in 1865. J^liii Y. McNamara was educated in the local public
schools and early in life joined his father in mining operations,
continuing until the latter's death, when he purchased the Carson
farm of 149 acres in Mosalem township, which he later increased
to 215 acres. From 1861 to 1867 he also engaged in the mining
business, being part owner of the Driscoll and famous McNamara
mine, from which 1,500,000 pounds of ore were extracted. About
seven years ago Mr. McNamara disposed of his farming interests
and retired from the active cares of life, removing into the city
of Dubuque, \\here he now resides. To his marriage with Mis?
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 727
Catherine Callahan, daughter of Cornelius Callahan, who died in
1857, solemnized in the year i860, the following children were
born, nine of thirteen now living: Clement B., contractor: Austin;
Cyril ; Lucy ; Margaret Priestly ; Martha Grace ; Agatha ; Katherine
Kinsella ; Celia Gassman ; and four deceased. The family are devout
members of the Roman Catholic church, and Mr. McNamara is
a member of the Holv Name Society, and Mrs. McNamara of
the Rosary Society and of the Mercy Hospital .Association. Mr.
McNamara has been a lifelong Democrat in his political views;
served two years as justice of the peace in Mosalem township, two
years as township trustee, and as supervisor from i860 to 1864
and from 1885 to 1891. He is one of the oldest living residents of
the county and bears the respect and good will of all who know him.
Shubael a. Monger, since 1904 city editor of the Telegraph-
Herald of Dubuque, Iowa, was born in Anamosa, Iowa. Feb-
ruary 13, 1875. a son of C. H. and Katherine L. Monger. Both
sides of the family are of English extraction. Shubael A. Monger
was educated in the public schools of his native town, finishing in
the Anamosa high school. From 1896 to 1904 he was editor and
proprietor of the Anamosa Journal, succeeding his father upon the
latter's death. Disposing of his newspaper property, he accepted
the city editorship of the Telegraph-Herald in Dubuque and has
been thus connected e\er since. He is a Democrat in his political
affiliations, and socially is identified with the Benevolent and Pro-
tective Order of Elks.
Dr. Robert J. Sw^eeney, one of the most prominent of the
younger generation of dental practitioners, was born and raised
in Dubuque county. He is the son of James and Margaret (Nevins)
Sweeney, early settlers. He received his early scholastic training in
the Dubuque jniblic schools, later entering and duly graduating
from Bayless Business College. He determined to make the study
and practice of dentistry his life work, and accordingly attended the
Keokuk Dental School, from which institution he was graduated
in 1904. Dr. Sweeney then began the practice of dentistry in
his present spacious quarters in the Telegraph-Herald building.
Seventh and Main streets, Dubuque, Iowa, and has here since been
actively and successfully engaged in the general practice of his
profession. He is a member of the Dubuque District Dental
Society, the Iowa State Dental Association and the Catholic Order
of Foresters, Knights of Columbus and the Loyal Order of Moose,
being president of the latter organization. In 19 10 he was united
in marriage with Miss Ella J. O'Connell, daughter of Mrs. Mary
O'Connell, of Graf, Iowa, and who for a number of years was one
of Dubuque's most successful teachers. Dr. Sweeney is one of
728 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Dubuque's public-spirited and progressive men, and takes an active
interest in local affairs of importance.
John D. Denison, Jr., well-known resident of Dubuque, was
born in Clarion, Iowa. September 29. 1872, and is the son of
John W. and Triphina June (Gorton) Denison. He is of English,
French and Dutch extraction. The family came from England to
America at an early period. John Denison, Jr.. received his early
education in the public and high schools of his native city, grad-
uating from the latter in 1889, and then took a collegiate course in
the Upper Iowa University, graduating with the class of 1893.
He then determined to take up the study and practice of law, and,
accordingly, entered and in 1898 was duly graduated from the
law department of the University of Nebraska with the degree of
Bachelor of Laws. He immediately began the active practice of
his profession, at which he has been unusually successful. He is a
member of the American Bar Association. Mr. Denison has always
taken a keen interest in his relations with other men, and socially
is identified with various fraternal and benevolent organizations.
In 1 90 1 he served as head auditor in the Modern Woodmen of
America; from 1905 to 1908 as beneficiary committeeman of the
Royal Neighbors of America; in 1904 he was president of the Iowa
Eiaternal Congress; and from 1905 to the present he has been a
director of the Brotherhood of American Yeomen. Mr. Denison
has also taken great interest in public affairs of importance, and
as a Democrat in politics was the candidate of that party in 1902
for the office of attorney-general of Iowa and in 1906 for lieu-
tenant-governor. In 1908 and again in 191 o he was the Demo-
cratic candidate in the Third district for Congress. His oratorical
ability is well known throughout the state, and there are but few
men in Iowa whose services are in as great demand in political
campaigns and public celebrations as those of Mr. Denison. At
Freeport, Illinois, in the year 1900, he was united in marriage with
Miss Maud Lulu Clark, a native of that place, and one son, John
DeLoe, was born to them in March, 1903.
William A. Palmer, now living a retired life in Dubuque, was
born December 18, 1836, in Genesee county. New York, the son
of David and Ann (Cochran) Palmer, both natives of Ireland and
of Scotch-Irish extraction. David Palmer was a carpenter by
trade, and spent his declining days at the residence of his son,
William A., in Dubuque. On January 12. 1877, Mr. and Mrs.
Palmer celebrated their golden wedding, and three days later she
passed away, aged seventy-four years. Mr. Palmer survived her
until July 21, 1879. when he died as he had lived — an honest and a
loyal citizen. William A. Palmer was educated in the public
schools of Batavia, New York, came to Dubuque in i860, and here
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 729
established the printing and bookbinding business now conducted
by Berg & Briggs. He was the active head of that establishment
until 1905, at which time he retired from participation in business
affairs. He has always taken great interest in church work and
has taken an active part in civic and charitable affairs. He has been
an elder of the Westminster Presbyterian Church for thirty years.
He is regarded as one of Dubuque's leading citizens, has the respect
and esteem of the entire community, and has assisted materially
a number of the city's younger business men when they were boys,
in whom he still retains an interest. In 1861, at Galena, Illinois,
he was united in marriage with Miss Caroline Strong, a native of
that place. She was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian church,
devoting much of her time and means to the interests of church
work, and died at Dubuque on September 30, 1905, greatly beloved
by all who knew her.
Prof. John A. McFadden, instructor in elocution at the German
Presbyterian Seminary, Dubuque, was born October i, 1844, in
Baltimore, Maryland, the son of Hugh and Susanna S. McFadden.
After attending the public schools he entered St. Timothy's College,
and later was graduated from the department of elocution in Mur-
dock College. His ability as a public speaker led him to believe
that he would be most successful in life as a lawyer, and. accord-
ingly, he entered the office of Congressman J. Morrison Harris and
for thiee years read law. He was duly admitted by examination
to practice before the Baltimore and Maryland state bars, but his
continued interest in the subject of elocution caused him to aban-
don a legal career, and he has since devoted his time to educational
work, particularly as regards elocution and public speaking. After
having spent two or three years in the Etonian School of Elocution,
at Philadelphia, and after the completion of a course with the
Monroe School of Elocution, at Boston, he was for a time associate
professor at Johns Hopkins University and at Martyn College,
Washington. District of Columbia, as well as instructor in the
Central Young Men's Christian Association at Baltimore. Pro-
fessor McFadden came to Dubuque about fifteen years ago and
for the last six years has been connected with the German Presby-
terian Seminary as instructor in elocution. His success in this
particular line of endeavor has been unusual : aside from his con-
nection with the seminary, he maintains a studio for private instruc-
tion. Many of his students have acquitted themselves with credit
and distinction in the other institutions of the Northwest, thus
demonstrating the thoroughness of his teaching. Professor Mc-
Fadden married Miss Bernice M. Langworthy, the daughter of
Lucius H. Langworthy, of Dubuque, and they reside at 606 West
Third street.
730 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Henry P. Lemper, of Dubuque, is a native of the state of
Illinois, his birth occurring at Galena, December 6, 1869, the son
of A. J. and Catherine (Mumm) Lemper. The father was a cooper
by trade, and after attending the public schools of Galena, Henry P.
Lemper learned that occupation under his father's tutelage. For
five years thereafter he worked at his trade in Waterloo, Iowa, then
returned to Galena and until 1907 was associated in business with
his father. In that year he was elected city treasurer of Galena
and held the office one year. Mr. Lemper then came to Dubuque
and purchased the grocery business of his sister, Mrs. George A.
Pift'ner, and in the adjoining building opened a bufifet, the first in
Dubuque to operate under the Mulct law, and he has since con-
ducted both these establishments with unusual success. In 1907 his
mother passed away and was buried in Galena, and since then the
elder Lemper has made his home with his son in Dubuque. Henry
P. Lemper is unmarried ; is a member of Eagle Lodge (Galena), the
State Liquor Dealers' Association, the Grocerymen's Association,
and is one of Dubuque county's progressive citizens. In religious
views he is an adherent of the Roman Catholic faith, as were his
parents before him, and affiliates with the Holy Ghost Church.
George Traufler, who for years engaged in general farming
and stock raising in Dodge township, Dubuque county, Iowa, and
who now is living a retired life in the city of Dyersville, was born
in Independence, Iowa, August i, 1865, the son of Nicholas and
Margaret Traufler. Nicholas Traufler was a native of Germany
and came to America in 1855. He first located at Chicago, then
at Dubuque, Iowa, and later at Independence, Iowa, where he fol-
lowed his trade of blacksmith. He then located on a farm of 320
acres in Bremer county and operated same until 1904, at which
time he retired and came to Dyersville, Iowa, to pass his remaining
days. By hard work he accumulated a competency. He passed
away September 22, 19 10, aged eighty-seven years. His wife
died February 4, 1899. at the age of seventy-two years, and both
are buried in St. Francis Cemetery at Dyersville. The following
named children were born to them : Margaret, who married J. \\
J
Shields; Nicholas, sheriff, of \'irginia City, ^Montana; Catherine,
residing at Chicago; Anna, the wife of James Maron, farmer, of
Jackson Junction, Winneshiek county, Iowa; George, subject of
this sketch; and Elizabeth, who married Fred Farwell, creamery
manager and contractor. George Traufler attended the public
schools of Dayton township, Bremer county, Iowa, until sixteen
years old, and then remained at home assisting his father until 1898.
He then bought a farm of 194 acres in Dodge township, Dubuque
county, near Dyersville, where he resided until his retirement.
Although practically retired from the active cares of life, Mr.
Traufler is not altogether idle, doing some teaming in Dyersville.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 731
He is a Democrat in politics, a Catholic in religion, and a member
of the Roman Catholic Mutual Protective Association of the state
of Iowa. No\'ember ig, 1901, at Luxemburg, this county, he mar-
ried Miss Elizabeth, daughter of the old pioneers, Peter and Mary
Gaul. Her father came from Luxemburg, Germany, to Dubuque
county, in 1845, ^^"^1 h&vQ secured land from the government.
After a long and honorable life he died on April 15, 1894, aged
seventy-two years, and was followed by his wife. April 10, 1895, at
the age of sixty-two years. Both are buried in the family lot in the
cemetery at Luxemburg. To them these children were born : John,
a carpenter : Peter, farmer : Joseph ; Henry, farmer at Luxem-
l)urg ; Nicholas, farming on homestead ; Margaret, residing in
Dyersville, widow of Charles Duster; Mary, died in 1903 in a
wagon accident ; Clara, married John Moores, contractor in Luxem-
burg; Josephine, wife of John Goetzinger. farming in Oklahoma;
Catherine, married Nicholas Clemen, farming in Dodge township;
and Elizabeth, wife of George Traufler. Mr. and Mrs. Traufler
have one child, whom they adopted when one year and nine months
old. named Elizabeth.
Dr. Cornelius M. Steffens, president of the German Presby-
terian Theological Seminary of Dubuque, was born in Veldhausen,
Germany, September 28, 1867, the son of Rev. Dr. N. M. and Jane
(Sutherland) Steffens. The father was a native of Germany, was
educated for the ministry and for a number of years prior to his
coming to America was a teacher in Roberts College, Constanti-
nople. Turkey. The mother was born in Dundee. Scotland, grad-
uated from Edinburgh University, and was a teacher of languages
in Roberts College, where she met and married her husband. For
a time after immigrating to the United States the elder Steffens
filled several important pulpits and later occupied the chair of
theology in the German Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Du-
buque. He is now professor of theology in the Western Theolog-
ical Seminary. Holland. Michigan, where he and his wife reside.
Their son, Cornelius M., was prepared for a collegiate education
and entered Hope College, Holland, Michigan, graduating there-
from in 1892 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Three years
later he was granted the degree of Master of Arts from that insti-
tution, succeeding which he stud'ied two years in the Moody
Biblical Institute, Chicago, and three years in the Western Theo-
logical Seminary at Holland. Michigan. He was ordained in 1895.
and created Doctor of Divinity by Lenox College, Hopkinton,
Iowa, and Coe College. Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1905. In June of
the year 1904 he was elected to his present position as head of the
German Presbyterian Seminary, and as such has proved an impor-
tant factor in the upbuilding of that institution. He has written
numerous articles on religious topics, etc., for various publica-
-jli HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
lions, and has delivered a number of notable addresses before con-
ventions of Presbyterian assemblies, college convocations, etc.
Before assuming his present position Dr. Steffens was for three
years pastor of the Second Reformed Church of Rochester, New
York, and for a like length of time was pastor of the church at
Little Falls, New Jersey. His entire life has been spent in the
interests of his church and in educational work. In 1897 he was
united in marriage with ^Miss Anna Muehlendyke, daughter of
A. and Mina (Zecveld) Muehlendyke, of Rochester, New York.
She was educated in the high school and normal school of that
city and was engaged in teaching when married to Dr. Stefifens.
To them one son, Ralph Sutherland, was born on April 2, 1898,
now attending Lincoln school in Dubuque. Dr. Steffens has been
a member of numerous associations and other meetings held in
various parts of the country, and is identified with the National
Teachers' Association. His residence is at 543 Third street.
Bernard Holscher, Sr. With tlie passing of Bernard Hol-
scher, Sr., March 6, 1892, Dubuque county lost one of her best
and most deserving citizens and a man who bore the respect and
esteem of all who knew him. He was born at Telgte, Prussian
province of Westphalia, Germany, April 30, 1830, and was there
educated and reared to manhood. When old enough he enlisted in
the Prussian army, serving his country a number of years, and on
May 5, 1857, left Bremer Harbor for the L^nited States, with a
view to making this country his future home. He landed at Balti-
more, June 29, 1857, ^"<^^ on July 7 of the same year came to Dyers-
ville, Dubuque county, Iowa. For a few months he was employed
in a local lumber yard, and on January i, 1858, in partnership with
his brother, Henry Holscher, embarked in mercantile pursuits. This
association continued until the death of the brother. February 21,
1883, and Mr. Holscher then continued the business alone until
about 1890, at which time he disposed of his interests to his son-in-
law, Joseph Pilmaier. He continued active business operations,
however, dealing in grain until within a few weeks of his death.
Upon the organization of the German State Bank at Dyersville, in
1886, Mr. Holscher was elected to the position of president by the
stockholders, and so popular was the choice and so well did he
perform his duties that the head of the institution never changed.
On February i, 1859, he was united in marriage with Miss Eliza-
beth Stocckel, who yet survives him. She was born at Zeinrierth,
November 15, 1838, the daughter of Joseph and Margaret Stoeckel,
and received her education in the public schools at New Vienna,
Iowa. To her marriage with Mr. Holscher seven children were
born, as follows: Bernard H. and Anna M., both dying in infancy;
Joseph, born October 15, 1861. died June 4, 1886; Katherine. wife
of Joseph Pilmaier, she dying May 2y, 1887. aged twenty years;
HISTORY 01' DUBUQUE COUNTY 733
Elizabeth B., widow of Joseph Pihiiaier, she dying Septenil)er 3,
1891. aged twenty-two years, the mother of one daughter, Bertha,
born May 7, 1889; Annie, wife of Henry Goerdl ; and John, capi-
tahst, who married Anna Kortenkamp, a niece of the first priest at
Dyersvihe. When death haUed the career of Mr. Holscher he was
but sixty-two years of age, but he did much toward the growth and
development of Dubuque county, and his memory will long linger
in the hearts of his many friends and neighbors.
Nicholas Martin Phillip Lenz, of Dubuque, is a native of
Germany, his birth occurring at Caub, on the banks of the River
Rhine. May 24. 1854. and the son of Philip Egelbert and Christina
(X'illman) Lenz. The father was a musician and dancing teacher
by occupation. Nicholas Lenz was educated in the public schools
of his native country, and in 1881 immigrated to America, coming
to Davenport on July 17 of that year. He had served two years
in the German army band and was associated with his father in
teaching music and conducting a vineyard. He took a course in
free-Iiand drawing in Germany, and after coming to the United
States he studied photograph developing in Davenport, Iowa, and
on June 15. 1887. opened his present studio in Dubuque, doing all
kinds of photographic work. On May 14, 1891, he married Miss
Anna Stuber. daughter of John S. Stuber, of Dubuque, and to
them have been born: Louise. April 22, 1893, Audubon school
graduate; Norma, February 14, 1895. attending high school; and
Edward John, attending high school, born August 17, 1896. Mr.
Lenz is one of the representative business men of Dubuque, is a
meml^er of the Germania Veteran's Society, the Saengerbund,
Modern Woodmen of America and the Modern Brotherhood of
America, being an ex-vice-president of the first named organization.
In politics he is a Democrat with socialistic tendencies, and resides
with his wife and family at 2266 Jackson, street. His studio is
located at 1338 Clay street.
John Henry Von Der Heide. living a retired life at New
Vienna, was born at Oldenburg. Germany, November i, 1835, and
is a son of Bernard and Katherina, both of whom lived and died
in the old country. He attended the German public schools and
early in life ser\ed an apprenticeship to the cabinetmaker's trade,
which he followed for a time. On xA.pril 15. 1864, ^le joined the
German army and for se\-en years was a member thereof, seeing
three years active service and four years on the reserve force. In
1869 he immigrated to xAmerica. landing at New York city, and
came directly west to New Vienna, Iowa, which place has since
been his home. For years he followed the trade of carpenter con-
tractor, and nearly every residence in the village of New Vienna
has been erected l)y him. From 1882 to 1890 he followed mer-
734 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
cantile pursuits, and during this time conducted also an undertaking-
establishment, manufacturing by hand all caskets, of which he sold
seven hundred and eighty-four. Mr. Von Der Heide invested his
money in real estate properties in and around New Vienna, and
has acquired a competency. He is a Democrat in his political views
and a Roman Catholic in religion. He is also a member of the
Roman Catholic Mutual Protective Association of the State of
Iowa. On January 24, 1864, in his native country, he was united
in marriage with Miss Margaretta Dickstahl, who died Decem-
ber 15, 1885, and is buried in St. Boniface Cemetery, New Vienna,
Iowa. To them were born the following named children : Frank,
deceased, born on the voyage to America; Frances, died in 1878
and is buried at New Vienna; August C, residing in the state of
Washington; Mary, wife of Joseph Erdmann; Louis, of Reliance,
South Dakota ; Henry, conducting a buffet in Dubuque ; Bernard,
clerking; and Frances, widow of George Steinl, who was acci-
dentally killed in 1908 by a falling tree. Mr. Von Der Heide
retired from active participation in business affairs in 1908 and has
since resided in New Vienna, highly respected by all who know him.
Otto Fernando Lange, general agent at Dubuque for the
Royal Union Mutual Life Insurance Company of Des Moines,
Iowa, was born in this city, February 16, 1869, the son of
Robert W. and Ottilie (Lange) Lange, both of whom were natives
of Berlin, Germany. Robert W. Lange participated in the German
Revolution of 1848, which caused his removal to Vienna, Austria.
In 1854 he came to America and two years later to Dubuque,
where he engaged in brick contracting and building. In i860
he enlisted in Company K, Seventeenth Missouri Volunteer In-
fantry, and served to the end of the war as a Union soldier. He
returned to Dubuque after that memorable struggle and resumed
his occupation as a contractor. In later years he opened a grocery
establishment on Lake street, now Garfield avenue, which he con-
ducted for over twenty-five years, or until his death in 1900.
His wife also died that year. To them were born these children :
Hugo A., a jeweler at Little Rock, Arkansas; Otto F., the subject
of this sketch; Selma wife of John W. Taylor, comptroller for the
Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Company, at Chicago;
and Hulda, the wife of George L. Smalley, of Los Angeles, Cali-
fornia. Otto F. Lange, whose name heads this sketch, received his
education in the Dubuque public and high schools, succeeding which
he became bookkeeper for Ryder Brothers, wholesale grocers, for
one year, after which he traveled for Glasser & Bradley, cigar
dealers, and for various other firms. In 1907 he received the
appointment of general agent for northeastern Iowa for the Royal
Mutual Life Insurance Company of Des Moines, Iowa, and he has
been thus connected, with offices in the Bank and Insurance build-
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 735
ing, ever since. In 1892, Mr. Lange was united in marriage with
Miss Lyde Brendel, of Galena. Illinois, and to them Harvey, Philo
and Neva have been born. The family are communicants of the
Westminster Presbyterian Church, and Mrs. Lange is active in
church and social circles. Mr. Lange is identified with several
social and beiievolent organizations, among which is the Chicago
Athletic Association of Chicago. His residence is at 1344 Locust
street.
Anton Drexler, one of the representative business men of
Dyersville, where since 1895 he has been engaged in the general
mercantile business, was born near this city, March 4, 1867, and
is a son of John and Mary (Heusler) Drexler. The father came
from Bavaria, Germany, to the United States in 1853 and located
on a farm of a hundred and sixty acres in Delaware county, Iowa.
There he lived and farmed until coming to Dyersville in 1853.
He died in October, 1896, followed ten years later by his wife.
To them were born the following named children : Matt and
Annie, who died at age twenty-one ; John, retired farmer, residing
in Dyersville; Katie, the wife of C. Kramer, farmer; Rev. Joe
Drexler. Catholic priest at Norway, Iowa; George, grocer at St.
Louis ; August. Catholic priest at Neola, Iowa ; Mary, who married
Nicholas Jekel. of Independence, Iowa; Anton, subject; and Frank.
Anton Drexler finished his scholastic training at Dyersville when
twelve years old, and assisted his father in farming until of age.
He then farmed on rented land for two years succeeding, when
he came to Dyersville and for three years clerked in the Bagge
hardware store. He then entered the Goerdt Brothers mercantile
establishment and remained thus engaged eight years. In partner-
ship with John Koelker he embarked in the general mercantile
business, but six years later, when the store burned down, he
engaged in that line of business alone and has been very successful.
He is a Democrat in politics, but has never aspired to hold office.
In religious views he is a Catholic and a member of the Roman
Catholic Mutual Protective Association of the State of Iowa. Feb-
ruary 28, 1889, at Dyersville, he was united in marriage with Miss
Annie Goerdt, daughter of Charles and Elizabeth Goerdt, pioneer
farmers of Delaware county. To this union have been born seven
children : Albert, in father's store ; Charles, same ; Rosa, at home ;
Emil, with father; Frances, attending school; Alma, also in school;
and Edward, six years old. The Drexler family are highly
regarded in the community where they reside.
h*
Eugene Traub, of the firm of Traub & Feigner, real estate and
insurance dealers and makers of abstracts of titles, Dubuque, was
born May 8, 1858. in the kingdom of Wurtemburg, Germanv. the
son of Emil Traub, a Lutheran pastor. He was educated in the
736 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
German schools and came to Dubuque, Iowa, in February, 1882,
entering the abstract office of Wright & Company, with whom he
remained until 1900. He then for three years engaged in the same
line of business on his own account; in 1903 he admitted Emil
Feigner to partnership and the business was continued under the
firm name of Traub & Feigner, with offices in the Bank and Insur-
ance building. To his marriage with Miss Clara M. Brandt, of
Dubuque, one son. Eugene, Jr., attending Dubuque high school,
has been born. Mr. Traub is a member of the Lutheran church
and in politics is independent.
Emil Felgner, member of the firm of Traub & Feigner, dealers
in real estate and insurance and makers of abstracts of titles, is a
native of Lengefeld, Kingdom of Saxony, Germany, born July 13,
1866, and the son of Frederick and Christina Feigner. His early
education was acquired in the Saxon schools, and after coming to
America he continued his studies at Waverly, Iowa, and in Bayless
Business College, Dubuque. For a time he was in the employ of
the John T. Hancock Company, dealers in groceries, and on Janu-
ary I, 1903, became associated with Eugene Traub under the firm
name of Traub & Feigner. To his marriage with Miss Lizette
Jeofifrey, of Dubuque, one daughter, Ruth, now a student in St.
Joseph's Academy, has been born. Mrs. Feigner is a member of
St. Mary's Catholic church and Mr. Feigner is a Lutheran. He is
independent in politics.
Theodore Schemmel, of Dyersville, w^as born at New Vienna,
Dubuque county, Iowa, June 16, 1852, and is a son of Henry and
Mary Schemmel. The father came from Germany to America,
locating first in Ohio and later coming to New Vienna, this
county, with his brother. He here farmed 200 acres of land and
also engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods. He died
at the age of forty-five years, followed by his wife in the fall
of 1907, and both are buried in St. Boniface cemetery. Theodore
Schemmel attended the parochial school at Dyersville and later took
a college course at Dayton, Ohio. In 1868 he returned to the old
homestead and assisted his mother in the management of the farm
until 1 87 1. He then bought a farm of 120 acres near Worthing-
ton. Dodge townshi]:), and about five years later purchased another
150-acre tract. He engaged in farming and stock raising and
improved his property, which as time passed on increased in value.
In 1900 Mr. Schemmel came to Dyersville and lived retired. He
is a Democrat in politics and has served as Alderman of Dyersville
and Road Supervisor of Dodge township. Socially he is identified
with the Catholic Order of Foresters ; in religious views he is a
Catholic and holds membership in the Roman Catholic Mutual Pro-
tective Association of the State of Iowa. To his marriage with
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 7Z7
Miss Elizabeth Hopley, solemnized in Dyersville. October 3, 1871,
seven children were born, as follows: Three who died in infancy;
Lewis, farming near Worthington ; Elizabeth, wife of Joe Rupeley;
F'rank. twin brother of Anthon who died in infancy, farming; and
Mary, living with her father. Mrs. Schemmel died February 7,
1908, aged lifly-eight years, and is buried at Dyersville. Mr.
Schemmel served fifteen years as a director and treasurer of the
Board of Education at Worthington, and has always assisted from
his means in the support of all laudable enterprises.
Eugene E. Frith, proprietor of the Union Stock Yards, Eight-
eenth and Sycamore streets, Dubuque, and otherwise prominently
identified with local commercial interests, was born in this city,
April 5, 1859, the son of Thomas E. and Amelia (Borden) Frith.
The parents were both natives of England, were there married, and
at an early date immigrated to America and came to Dubuque.
Here the father engaged in fertilizing and rendering, which busi-
ness is still conducted by Eugene E. Frith with a complete and
modern plant. Eugene E. Frith received his education in the
Dubuque public schools, and while yet young in years entered busi-
ness with his father. The Union Stock Yards, now owned and
operated by him, was established twenty-five years ago by the
Dubuque Butchers' Association and was incorporated in April,
1904. They are engaged in killing and packing, and in the selling
of tallow, hides, pelt, wool, etc. Mr. Frith is a staunch Republi-
can in his political views, has served as Alderman from the Fifth
Ward for ten years and during this time many bills for ci\'ic im-
provement brought up by him have become laws. Socially he is
a member of the Elks, Modern Woodmen of America, the Free-
men's Association of Des Moines, and the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows. To his union with Miss Mary E. Collins, daughter
of Jacob Collins, one of Dubuque county's pioneer miners, these
children have been born : Eugene T., a graduate of Bayless Busi-
ness College and now traveling for his father; Nettie Irene, at
home; Belle, now Mrs. Emil Tropp. The family are communi-
cants of St. Luke's Methodist Episcopal church, and Mrs. Frith is
identified with the Woman's Relief Corps and is prominent in social
circles.
Anton Bockensted has lived at New Vienna, Iowa, retired
from the active cares of life since 1900. He is of German nativity,
born at Oldenburg, December 12, 1838, and is the son of Frank H.
and Elizabeth Bockensted. who came to America by way of New
Orleans in 1845. The voyage across the ocean was of ten weeks'
duration, and upon arrival in this country immediately started up
the Mississippi river, locating at New Vienna, Iowa. In the spring
of 1846 the family removed to a farm in Delaware county, princi-
738 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
pally wild prairie land which Mr. Bockensted bought at $1.25 per
acre, and brought to a high state of cultivation. He died October
■jy, 1886, aged eighty-four years, preceded by his wife April 3,
1864, and both are buried in St. Boniface cemetery. Mr. Bocken-
sted possessed the sturdy thrift characteristic of the German people,
and by hard work accumulated a competency. At his death he
was the owner of 200 acres of fine farm land, which he left to his
children, named as follows : Frank, retired farmer ; Henry, died
in 1910. buried in St. Boniface cemetery at New Vienna; Clemens,
retired farmer; Marianna. died in May, 1897, buried at Dyersville,
was the wife of Frank Bullinger; Elizabeth, who married Bernard
Vaske, of Delaware county, Iowa; Josephine, died March 4, 1885,
buried at Dyersville ; John, died at age of seven years, buried in St.
Boniface cemetery; Arnold, farming in Delaware county, and
Anton. Anton Bockensted received his schooling in one of the
old-fashioned log-house schools, having a farmer for a teacher,
and has followed farming and stock raising all his life as a means
of livelihood. For a time he remained with his father, then farmed
for himself, and at one time was the owner of 300 acres. He still
possesses 120 acres, and gave his daughter an eight-acre tract.
Aside from his farming interests Mr. Bockensted owns six lots
in New V^ienna and various buildings. He is a Democrat in poli-
tics, has served as school director and on the Council a number of
years, and for over sixty years has been a staunch adherent of the
Roman Catholic faith. He was married at New Vienna on Sep-
tember 8, 1863, to Miss Angela Rohenfohl, daughter of Frederick
and Catherine Rohenfohl, the former coming to Dubuque county
about 1838 and subsequently dying at Lindsay, Texas. Mrs. Bock-
ensted passed away October 21, 1872, when in the prime of life,
aged twenty-six years, having borne her husband these children :
Frank, who died when .six years old; three who died in infancy;
Elizabeth, married Henry Klosterman, farming near New Vienna,
and Mary, the wife of Frank Kruse, also a farmer. Mr. Bocken-
sted, by hard and honorable work, has accumulated a competency,
and during his remaining years can live at ease and with the knowl-
edge that he has made life a success.
Adolph Warburg Leman, M.Th., since January, 1908, resid-
ing and practicing his profession in Dubuque, is a native of Sweden,
born at Gothenburg, August 29, 1870, and of German extraction.
Maxmilian and Bernhardina fVon Behrens) Leman were his par-
ents, the father being an importer by occupation. Until sixteen
years of age Adolph W. Leman attended the military academy,
then spent one year in preparatory instruction previous to entering
the medical department of the University of Stockholm, where he
studied until 1890. He then entered and in 1892 graduated from
the Royal Central Institute, succeeding which he was for two sea-
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 739
sons assistant to Dr. E. Kleen, of Karlsbad Austria. Following
this he came to this country, where he practiced in New York
nearly seven years, after which he returned to Europe, where for
ihree years he divided his practice between London (summers)
and Paris (winters). While there he had several patients from
San Francisco, who finally induced him to return to America, and
he practiced in the latter city until the earthquake, after which he
went East. Since January 16, 1908, Dr. Leman has been a resi-
denr of Dubuque. Iowa, and is endeavoring to bring before the
people of this city a branch of the medical profession known as
mechano-therapy. In order that this system may be thoroughly
understood and appreciated by the citizens of Dubuque county a
short history and account of mechano-therapy herewith follows :
Manual treatment, in one form or another, has been in use for
all time of which there exists any historical record, but the first
attempt to place a system of movements on a scientific basis was
made by a Swede named Pehr Henrik Ling. He was born in
Ljunga, southern Sweden, in 1776. His life was primarily in-
tended for the ministry, but being of a roving disposition he rebelled
against this and started wandering over the Continent. Little is
known of his travels save that he visited Germany, France and
England, but in 1804 he returned to Sweden and in the town of
Lund was established as an instructor in the arts of fencing and
gjnnnastics. While tra\'eling he had been compelled in consequence
oi pecuniary difficulties to undergo many hardships and privations,
resulting in serious damage to his health, and upon his return to
Sweden he was sorely afflicted with rheumatism. Bodily ailments
did not, however, prevent him from pursuing an active life, and
his reputation as a master of fencing and gymnastics developed into
considerable fame. The movements and exercise necessitated by
his daily work proved of great benefit to his physical condition, and
shortly after his appointment as fencing master to the University
of Lund he found that his rheumatism had disappeared and that he
had regained his former strength and vigor. These facts turned
his thoughts in a new direction. What had been of benefit to him-
self might also be of benefit to others, and he came to the conclu-
sion that it ought to be possible to devise various movements with
different physiological effects for the treatment of various ail-
ments. He likewise argued that a further series of movements
could be contri\'ed which would tend not only to keep healthy per-
sons in that condition but also to strengthen their bodies equally
in all directions. The question no\v arose : how could these theo-
ries be turned into practical account? Ling saw that it would be
impossible to work out a rational system of gymnastics without
previous knowledge of the structure of the human organism and
of its complex functions, and accordingly brouglit the matter before
the Senatus of the university and made formal application to study
740 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
anatomy and physiology. This was readily granted, and he went
through nearly the entire curriculum required for candidates for
degrees in medicine and surgery without, however, actually taking
any qualification. In the light of the extensive knowledge thus
obtained Ling at last produced a practically new system of gy^m-
nastics which is called after him. In time his efforts to induce the
Swedish Go\'ernment to found an institution for the practice were
rewarded, and in 1813 the Royal Central Institute, subsidized by
state, was opened in Stockholm, and he was appointed its first
principal. Ling died in 1839, and, according to his own words,
uttered shortly before his death, left behind him only two men who
really understood his system and were capable of furthering its
progress. These were Lars Gabriel Branting, the greatest of all
his pupils, and Karl Augustus Georgii. By them, Hjalmar Ling
(son of P. H. Ling) and Thure Brandt the system was developed
and handed down, but it is a matter of great regret that neither
ever issued a comprehensive work on the subject of Ling's medical
gymnastics. IMechano-therapy, also called Swedish manual treat-
ment, or medical g3'mnastics, consists of a series of movements,
either unduplicated (without resistance) or duplicated, which latter
are either concentric or eccentric, and the object of the system is
to replace pathological conditions by physiological ones — effected
by executing movements in physiological harmony with the require-
ments of the particular case. Dr. Leman, the immediate subject of
this memoir, is endeavoring to prove to the people of Dubuque
county the value of this system. He does not claim that mechano-
therapy is a panacea, but prefers to work hand in hand with the
medical profession, and in this manner mechano-therapy has become
a valuable adjunct to medicinal and surgical treatment.
Joseph W. Schaetzle, well-known resident of New Vienna,
was born in this village June 3, 1868, the son of Sigismund and
Elizabeth Schaetzle. The father was a native of Alsace. Germany,
and prior to coming to America in 1856, followed the career of a
soldier as a member of the French army. He located in New
Vienna, Dubuque county, Iowa, and here resided until his death in
1901, at the age of seventy-four years. His wife followed him on
July 16, 1909. aged seventy-two years, and both are buried in St.
Boniface cemetery. Joseph W. Schaetzle was educated in the pub-
lic schools of New Vienna, which he attended until fourteen years
old. From 1884 to 1889 he was employed as clerk and. teamster
by Jacob Kerper. of New Vienna, and then for two years was
similarly engaged by A. P. Brunsman. Succeeding this he estab-
lished a hotel and saloon which he has since conducted and to which
his brother, Henry T. Schaetzle, was admitted to partnership. He
is a stockholder in the First National Bank of Dyersville, owns
considerable real estate, among which is ninety acres of ^■aluable
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 741
timber land, and also conducts the Washington House at New
Vienna. In politics Mr. Schactzle is a Democrat and he has served
as town clerk of New Vienna for two years. In religious views
he is of the Roman Catholic faith, and has long held membership
in St. Boniface church. On June 7, 1892, at New Vienna, he was
united in marriage with Miss Frances Keuter, who died December
19, 1894, having borne her husband one daughter, Gunilda, July
2, 1893. Mr. Schaetzle has always taken great interest in local
affairs of importance and has contributed from his means to all
laudable enterprises. He is one of the county's representative busi-
ness men and bears the respect and good will of all who know him.
Frank Boeckensted is one of Dubuque county's retired farmers
and stock raisers, and at present is residing in the village of New
Vienna. He was born at Oldenburg, Germany, September 8, 1831.
a son of Frank H. and Elizabeth Boeckensted, both of whom were
natives of that country. The father's birth occurred July 25, 1800,
and he was reared to hard work on a farm. He also followed
fishing. In 1846, accompanied by his family, he embarked on a
sailing vessel for the United States, the voyage across the ocean
lasting from August 15 to October 18. They landed at New
Orleans and immediately came north to New Vienna, Iowa, then
scarcely more than a cluster of log houses, but shortly thereafter
removed to Delaware county, Iowa, and located on a farm of eighty
acres. At that time the country was rough and in a wild state,
and various bands of Indians could be found roving over the
country. By hard work the father and his boys cleared and im-
proved their land and in time accumulated a competency. Their
neighbors were few and far between, and as far as the eye could
reach from their farm there was nothing to be seen save a wide
expanse of prairie land, broken occasionally by a cluster of trees
along some winding river. To Mr. Boeckensted and wife five sons
were born, named : Frank, Henry, Clemens, Arnold, and Anton.
The father died October 24, 1886, aged eighty-six years, preceded
by his wife April 3, 1864, at the age of fifty-nine years, and both
lie at rest in St. Boniface cemetery. New Vienna, Iowa. Frank
Boeckensted attended the public schools of his native county and
when fifteen years old was brought to America and Delaware
county, Iowa, by his parents. His education was limited to the
above schooling and he was unable to speak one word of English
upon arrival in this country. He learned to make wooden shoes,
which trade he followed three years, and also assisted his father
on the home farm until twenty-four years of age. He carefully
saved his money during that time and was enabled to purchase 120
acres at $1.25 per acre, which he improved by erecting a home,
barn and suitable outhouses. He first plowed his land with oxen,
and later, as his means afforded, bought horses and other domestic
742 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
animals. Mr. Boeckensted finally disposed of his farm to his son-
in-law for a consideration of $2,600, and then purchased another
tract of 120 acres in Connolly township, Delaware county. This
he held until his removal to New Vienna, Dubuque county, Iowa,
where he has since resided retired from the active cares of life.
He is a Democrat in politics and a member of St. Boniface Roman
Catholic church. July 24, 1855, at Dubuque, he married Miss
Gertrude Vaska, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Vaska, both
deceased, and five children have been born to them, as follows :
Elizabeth, married Bernard Engelken, farming the homestead in
Delaware county; Mary, born August 29, 1858, died July 6, 1892,
buried at New Vienna; Josephine, born September 17, 1862, died
September 23, 1863; Anna K., born April 12, 1864, died November
20. 1904. and Clemens J., born June i. 1868. died October 13,
1877. Mr. Boeckensted has always contributed most liberally from
his time and means toward the support of all laudable enterprises,
and is at present assisting in the erection of four churches and
schools at Luxemburg and Dyersville. He attended school at
Hopetown shortly after coming to this country, with a view to
bettering his education and command of the English language, and
by his own unaided efforts has made life a success. He bears the
highest respect and esteem of all who know him, and is one of
Dubuque county's best citizens.
The Dubuque Academy of Music, now under the able super-
vision of Mr. and Mrs. K. C. Kleine, was founded in the year 1880
by Miss C. R. Hamblin, who was educated in Leipzig, Germany.
She was an ardent pupil and lover of music, and through her pro-
nounced ability as an instructress did much to elevate the taste of
the public along musical lines. Miss May Worthington was her
first associate, and when Miss Hamblin relinquished her work in
Dubuque Miss Rosa L. Kerr, now of Columbus, Ohio, assumed
charge of the academy. In 1890 it passed into the hands of A. C.
Kleine, the present director, and through his able management and
teachings the school has grown and become very popular. The
object of the school is to furnish the best methods of musical edu-
cation in the art of pianoforte playing, from the elementary branches
to the highest stage of artistic development, and to anyone taking
a course of instruction in the Dubuque Academy of Music Mr.
Kleine conscientiously guarantees the very best instruction and
personal supervision. He has studied the piano under such mas-
ters as Prof. Dr. Theodore Kullak and Nathaniel Bottcher. of
Berlin, Germany; Jean Louis Nicode and Carl Hess, Dresden,
Germany, and has been instructed in harmony and theory of music
by Philipp Scharwenka. Dr. Richard Wuerst and Dr. Otto Thiersch,
of Berlin, and Emil Rischbieter, of Dresden. Associated with
Mr. Kleine on the faculty are Mrs. Kleine. a pupil of Fredrich
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 743
Wieck. father and teacher of the celebrated Clara Sclniinann, and
a graduate of the Roll fuss Academy of Dresden, Germany. Mrs.
Kleine also studied under Felix Draescke and Carl Hess, the latter
court pianist to the King of Saxony. Mrs. Ida Minges, a pupil
of Hess, of Dresden, and Hirschberg. of Berlin, has been connected
with the academy for fifteen years. The rest of the faculty con-
sists of Miss Clara Hetherington, Miss Vivien Lee, Miss Marjorie
Wilson, and Miss Ada Campbell, who are post-graduates of the
academy and well known for their efficient work. Many fine
pianists and teachers who are holding responsible positions have
been developed at this school. The Academy is located at the
corner of Tenth and Main streets, city of Dubuque.
Henry Tegeler, residing on a farm of 200 acres in New^ Wine
township, is a native of Illinois, born at Ouincy, September 19,
1852, and is the son of Gerhard and Antonetta Tegeler. The
parents came to the United States in 1844 and first located at
Quincy, where for a time the father follow^ed his trade as plasterer.
They then came to Dubuque county, Iowa, and settled on a farm of
forty acres in New Wine township. The land was rough and un-
broken and no buildings were to be found on it, but Mr. Tegeler
set to work with a wnll and by degrees brought his property to a
high state of cultivation. By hard work and careful saving of his
money he gradually prospered and became one of the foremost
farmers in this section of the county. He was deeply in debt
upon arrival in America, having had to borrow money for the ocean
voyage, and also borrowed to buy his land in New Wine town-
ship, but he honorably met all obligations at the proper times and
accumulated a competency. Mr. Tegeler died December 27, 1900,
aged seventy-three years, followed by his wife December 9, 1901,
at the age of seventy-six, and both were buried in the family lot in
the cemetery at Dyersville. Henry Tegeler attended the district
schools of New Wine towaiship until twelve years old, and the fol-
lowing thirteen years remained on the old homestead assisting his
father. He farmed rented land for a year, and then bought eighty
acres, on which he paid $10 as a first installment. As time passed
he prospered, and in 1891 he sold his farm and the following year
bought his present tract of 200 acres. This is regarded as one of
the finest farms in New Wine towmship, and Mr. Tegeler is engaged
in general farming and extensive cattle raising. He is also a stock-
holder in the Farmers" State Bank. As a Democrat in politics he
has served twelve years as towaiship clerk and in 1908 was elected
to the Lower House of the State Legislature. Socially he is identi-
fied with the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Order of Foresters,
and in religious views is an adherent of the Roman Catholic faith.
October 18, 1877, at Dyersville, he w^as united in marriage with
Miss Anna Burkle, daughter of Ralph and Mary Burkle. Her
744 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
father was the first teacher in the parochial school at Dyersville,
was also a carpenter, and later bought a farm of 190 acres near
that city, where he has since resided. To Mr. and Mrs. Tegeler
the following named family of children have been born : Nettie,
who married Jcc Bechman, farming in New Wine township; l.onis,
a mechanic at Nashua, Iowa; Frank, government inspector of
irrigation at Boise, Idaho ; Anthony, carpenter at Waterloo, Iowa ;
Annie, at home ; Leo, teaching school ; Hago and Victor, assisting
on the farm at home ; Irene, at home ; Eleanora, at home ; Hilde-
gard, attending school ; Modesta. at school, and Waldemar, also at
school. Mr. Tegeler has always taken great interest in local affairs
of importance and is one of the county's representative citizens.
William Graham. The history of William Graham, lawyer
and citizen of Dubuque, is one which exemplifies all those good
qualities which form the character of the self-made man, and as
such it conveys its own lesson to every young man who may read
it. This article will commend itself to all citizens of Dubuque as
an honest, though imperfect, attempt to tell them something of the
life of one who. in official and private life, has patriotically striven
to do his whole duty and in so doing has become eminent as an
honest man and an able attorney. He was born March 2, 1831, in
Montgomery, Orange county. New York, the third son of W'illiam
and Hannah (Houston) Graham. The father was a farmer and
a man of influence and prominent in Orange county. He served
as a member of the Lower House of the State Legislature, and
declined the office of State Senator and the nomination for Con-
gress. His mother was a graduate of Miss Pierce's school at
Litchfield, Connecticut, and both were descended from old Scotch-
Irish families of the Presbyterian faith. Their son, William Gra-
ham, the immediate subject of this memoir, was educated in the
Orange county public schools and the Montgomery Academy, later
by examination entering the junior class at Union College. Upon
entering he stood seventieth in his class, but at graduation ranked
third, the class ranking higher in scholarship than any previously
graduated from that institution. Many of this same class have
made names for themselves in the various walks of, life and have
attained prominence in public affairs. Succeeding his graduation
Mr. Graham entered the office of Hon. John J. Monell. Newburgh,
New York, and there read law for three years, and was admitted
to practice before the New York bar on January 8, 1856. While
thus employed he also was manager of the Newburgh Gas & Light
Company, using the means thus procured to further his education.
In August, 1856, he removed to Bellevue, Iowa, and was admitted
to the Bar of Iowa on September 8 of that year, and then formed
a partnership with Hon. John B. Booth, ex-judge of the district
bench, which continued until the death of the latter in 1869. ^n
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 745
1 86 1 Mr. Graham was elected Mayor of Bellevue, and through
his careful management and economy the city's indebtedness was
paid up and its affairs put on a paying basis. He was, without his
consent, the Democratic candidate for State Representative in 1861,
but was defeated by a small majority through fraudulent tactics of
opponents, which were later bared and confessed to Mr. Graham.
He, however, refused to punish the offenders. In 1862 he was
solicited to run for judge against John F. Dillon, but declined the
honor, later refusing also to run against Judge Richman. In 1867
he refused the nomination for State Senator, when same was
equivalent to election, and that year came to Dubuque, where he
has since been actively and successfully engaged in the general
practice of law. In 1873 he was elected City Attorney of Dubuque
by a majority larger than the total vote received by his opponent,
and in 1885 received the appointment by President Cleveland of
Assistant United States Attorney. He was afterwards retained
by the government as special counsel in the prosecution and con-
viction of officers of defunct commercial banks. In 1876 he was
the nominee of the Democratic party for Supreme Court Judge,
but suffered defeat with his ticket. While a resident of Bellevue
Mr. Graham served two terms as president of the Board of Edu-
cation, and was for four years chairman of the Democratic Central
Committee. At the beginning of that period the Democrats held
but one county office ; at its close the Republicans had but one ; a
result to which his efforts contributed largely. In June, 1858, he
was united in marriage with Miss Harriet Watson, of Catskill,
daughter of Hon. Malbone Watson, Judge of Supreme Court of
New York ; she died suddenly in 1894, while on a visit to her former
home. Of their children the following named survive: Malbone
W., D.D., for fourteen years a missionary of the Presbyterian
church in South America, and now pastor of the Williams, Iowa,
church; William, Jr., shoe merchant, of Chicago; Henry L., real
estate dealer, of South Dakota; Helen, w-ife of G. G. Davis, real
estate dealer, of South Dakota. William Graham is in many re-
spects a remarkable man. He is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa
college fraternity, the American Bar Association, the Iowa State
and Dubuque County Bar associations, and for thirty years has
been a member of the board of trustees of Lenox College, Hop-
kinton, Iowa, which institution unexpectedly conferred on him in
1 901 the honorary degree of LL.D. He is secretary and director
of the German Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Dubuque
and has taken an active and prominent part in the affairs of the
Presbyterian church, of which he is an elder. Mr. Graliam has
traveled extensively at home and abroad, has a wide acquaintance
among clergymen and lawyers of prominence, and bears the highest
respect and esteem of all who know him. His life, both private and
public, has been remarkably clean and untarnished, and it is with
746 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
just pride that Dubuque can point to him and say, "That man is
one of our best and most deserving citizens."
Henry A. Schunk. for the past three years engaged in the real
estate and insurance business in Dubuque, is a native of Dubuque
county and the son of Michael and Catherine Schunk. Michael
Schunk was born in Zweibrucken, Kingdom of Bavaria. Germany,
and in 1840 immigrated to the United States, locating at Dubuque,
Iowa, where for many years he conducted the Western Hotel and
later operated a brick kiln and yards. He was active in local
affairs of importance, and as a Democrat in politics served as town-
ship constable for fifteen years. On December i, 1889, he passed
away, followed by his wife. March 4, 1900, and both are at rest
in the family lot in Linwood cemetery. Henry A. Schunk, the
immediate subject of this memoir, was born August 16, 1857, in
the Western Hotel. Dubuque, Iowa. He received his early edu-
cation in the old Third Ward school, later attended Bayless Busi-
ness College, and for a number of years was employed by various
concerns as bookkeeper and accountant. From 1882 to 1883 he
served as Treasurer of Dubuque, from 1885 to 1889 as United
States Internal Revenue officer and from 1906 to 1910 as Mayor
of the city of Dubuque. He has always taken great interest and
an active part in public affairs, and, like his father before him, is
a staunch Democrat in his political views. For the past three years,
in partnership with his son, he has been engaged in the real estate
and insurance business. Socially he is identified with the Eagles,
Owls, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Ancient Order of
United Workmen, Catholic Order of Foresters, Woodmen of the
World, and the Catholic Protective Society. He has served as
treasurer of the Elks for several years and as secretary and treas-
urer of the Catholic Protective Society. August 16, 1878, he was
united in marriage with Miss Margaret F. Broderick, daughter of
John Broderick, who was born in Dubuque September 21, 1858,
and to them these children have been born : Loretto M., wife of
attorney John A. Cunningham, of Dubuque, born in August, 1879;
Cyril B., born in October. 1883, residing in Chicago; Henry B.,
born in October. 1887. with father, and Bertrand E., born in Au-
gust. 1889, who died in infancy. The family are communicants of
the Roman Catholic church, and Mrs. Schunk is a member of Sher-
man Circle. The Schunk family stands high in the community
where they reside and bear the respect and good will of all who
know them.
Samuel B. Lattner, recognized generally as one of the able
lawyers of the Dubuque bar. is a native lowan. his birth occurring
February 5, 1862. at Lattnerville. the son of Paul and Amanda
(Lasher) and grandson of Joseph Lattner. The father came to
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 747
America with his parents in 1854, settling in Indiana, and after
their deaths worked \\\\.\\ his hrothers Jacoh and Wendohn on the
construction of the IHinois Central Railroad between Dubuque and
Independence, Iowa. Succeeding this he went to Lattnerville,
Iowa, named for him. and there engaged in merchandising. He be-
came prominent in the civic affairs of that town, serving as post-
master a number of years, and also was the first to introduce bees
in that portion of the country, owning at one time some 200 hives
and dealing extensively in honey. He was of the Roman Catholic
faith, and in 1S91, after a three days' illness, passed away of pneu-
monia. His son, Samuel B., the immediate subject of this review,
received his early education in the public schools of his native town,
and later took a banking course in Bayless Business College, Du-
buque. Subsequently, deciding to take up the study and practice of
law he entered and in 1897 was graduated from the Iowa State
University with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. He then came to
Dubuque and has here been actively and successfully engaged in
the general practice of his profession.
He is also president of the Worthington Savings Bank, general
counsel of same, and for ten years has been secretary of the Du-
buque Bar Association. As a member of the Knights of Pythias
order he has been prominent and has served as delegate to the Grand
Lodge of that organization. Originally he was a Democrat in poli-
tics, but since 1896 has been an inactive Republican. Mr. Lattner
takes great interest in church work, and for ten years has been a
teacher of an adult class in the Sunday school of the Methodist
Episcopal church. To his marriage with Miss Mary Gerhardt,
daughter of David and Rebecca Gerhardt, solemnized in 1885, the
following named children have been born : Emma, November 2,
1887; Laura, April 22, 1890; Rebecca, November 2, 1893, ^"d
Frederick, June 28, 1898. The entire family are prominent in
church work, Mrs. Lattner being a member of the Ladies' Aid
Society, and bear the respect and good will of all with whom thev
come in contact.
Daniel Sauer, who died in Dubuque, February 2, 191 1, was a
man deserving of more than passing notice in the annals of this
county. He was born April 11, 1829, in Unter Franken und
Aschaffenburg, Kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, and was there
reared and educated. When a young man he served in the Bavarian
army, but at the age of twenty-four immigrated to America, located
first at Forked River, New Jersey, and obtained a knowledge of
ship carpentry and ship handling. He met and on June 24, 1855,
married Catherine McGrath. who came to America about the year
1853. Shortly after his marriage he moved west to Rock Island,
Illinois, and secured employment as ship carpenter, an officer, on
boats plying between St. Louis and St. Paul. In the early sixties
748 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
he moved to Dubuque, bought a home at 2149 Washington street
in 1864, and there resided until his demise. He continued in
active employment on the Mississippi for more than fifty years,
numbering among his friends the prominent men of many cities, as
well as the great river men of his day. He will long be remembered
by river men as a trustworthy, kindly, and courteous gentleman,
faithful to the duties he owed to God and his adopted country. His
wife died February 15, 1899. They became the parents of the
following named six children: Helen M. T., a graduate of the
high school of Dubuque, taught in the graded schools of the city,
and for the past twenty-three years as instructor of mathematics in
the Dubuque high school, and is a trustee of the Carnegie-Stout
Free Library; Edmund J., married Emma Tuegel, is the father of
three children, resides at 473 Windsor avenue, Dubuque, learned
the carpenter's trade, served as head engineer of the Diamond Jo
lines several years, was elected and served two terms in the State
Legislature from Dubuque county, went to Evarts, South Dakota,
as superintendent and quarter owner of a transportation company
shipping cattle, produce, and other commodities across the Missouri
river at that point, subsequently returned to Dubuque, and is now
secretary and treasurer of the Dubuque Sand Company and an
Alderman-at-large of the city ; Joseph, who died at the age of seven
years ; Frank, married in Chicago and went from there to Everett,
Washington, where he died at forty years of age and was buried
in Dubuque; George A., a ship carpenter, unmarried and residing
at the old home in Dubuque, and Catherine, a graduate of the Du-
buque high school, trained as a teacher in the State Normal school
at Cedar Rapids, and is a teacher in the public schools.
John B. Walter, residing in Farley, is a native of this county,
his birth occurring January 9, 1868, and the youngest of two chil-
dren, his elder sister, Ann Maria, being the wife of James Redding,
of Farley, and the mother of four children. Joseph and Hannah
(Toomer) Walter, the parents, were of English nativity and each
came to the United States when they were young and were here
married. Joseph Walter was a farmer by occupation, an Episco-
palian in religion, and a Republican in politics. He died October
6, 1899, at sixty-seven years of age, preceded by his wife at the
age of forty-four years. John B. Walter received his education in
the common schools, and while his parents were living resided
under the parental roof. Conjointly with his sister he inherited
310 acres of valuable land acquired by his father which comprised
the homestead, and here he resided until 1903. Having purcliased
141 >4 acres a short distance southwest of Farley, he farmed this
property for five years, but in 1909 rented the place, moved into
Farley and has since devoted his time to looking after his various
interests. December 10, 1891, he married Miss Carrie Chubb, and
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 749
to this union four children have been born, named, Elsie, Bert, Eva,
and Leslie. Mrs. Walter was born October 17, 187 1, and is the
only survivor of two children born to James R. and Martha Ann
(Hatch) Chubb, who were natives of England. Her brother Clar-
ence, the oldest of the children, died in infancy. The parents came
to America when young, were married in Dubuque in October,
i860, were farmers the greater part of their lives, and are yet
living. Mr. Walter is a Republican in his political affiliation, has
served two years on the Farley school board, and is a member of
the City Council. Socially he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of
America and the Mystic Workers, and he and wife are members of
the Episcopal church of Farley.
Henry Charles Kenline. senior member of the well-known
legal firm of Kenline & Roedell, was born in Elizabeth, Minnesota.
September 15, 1875, the son of John and Katherine (Racy) Ken-
line. The family is of German extraction and in that country the
father was born. Henry Kenline. the subject of this review, was
educated in the public schools of his native town, the high schools
in Duluth and Minneapolis, Minnesota, and in the Bayless Business
College, Dubuque. In August of the year 1892 he entered the law
offices of Longville & McCarthy as student and clerk, and in May,
1897, was admitted to practice before the Iowa State bar by exami-
nation before the Supreme Court. He then joined the above men-
tioned firm as junior member, and when Mr. Longville died the
firm was styled McCarthy & Kenline and remained thus until Mr.
McCarthy's death in 1904. Mr. R. P. Roedell was then admitted
to partnership and the firm name changed to Kenline & Roedell.
Mr. Kenline has general and corporation practice in the State and
Federal courts, is general counsel for the Law Defense Company
of Dubuque, and Chicago, Anamosa & Northern Railway, and is a
member of the Iowa State Bar Association. To his marriage with
Miss Katherine Egan. of Amboy, Illinois, solemnized in 1905, two
daughters. Katherine and Mary, attending school in Dubuque, have
been born. Mr. Kenline is a Roman Catholic in his religious views
and is independent in politics. He holds membership in the Du-
buque Club and several fraternal organizations, holds high rank
among the legal practitioners of Dubuque county, and his offices are
located in the Bank and Insurance Building.
Louis H. Brede, well-known resident and business man of Du-
buque, is a native of this county and a son of the old pioneers Frank
and Christina (Van Dillman) Brede. Frank Brede was born in the
Province of Westphalia. Germany, where he was reared and edu-
cated, and in 1857 immigrated to America and located at Dubuque.
Here for many years he conducted a buffet, and in 1897 passed
away and was buried in the German Catholic cemetery. Mrs.
750 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Brede still survives him and makes her home in Dubuque. To them
the following named children were born: John F., of the Dubuque
Chemical Company; Frank H., Mrs. Flora Meyer, Mrs. Emma
Klauer, Mrs. Anna Klauer, Mrs. Bertha Kunnert, Christina, and
Louis H., all of whom reside in Dubuque. Louis H. Brede, the
immediate subject of this memoir, attended St. Mary's parochial
school and later entered Sacred Heart College at Prairie du Chien,
Wisconsin. He then spent some time learning the machinist's
trade, succeeding which lie was for four years in the County Treas-
urer's office. When the Dubuque Woodenware & Lumber Com-
pany was organized in March, 1890, Francis Jaeger was elected
president, A. J. H. Tuegel vice president and Mr. Brede secretary
and treasurer. Their charter expired on January i, 19 10, and the
new one was issued to the Dubuque Lumber Company, with Mr.
Brede president and treasurer, Thomas Tully vice president, and
Joseph A. Peryon secretary. They are engaged in the wholesale
and retail lumber business, with offices and yards at Lincoln and
Tenth avenues, and also deal in coal and cement. In 1895 the
Dubuque & Wisconsin Bridge Company was organized by J. A.
Rhomberg, C. H. Meyer, George Fengler and others, was char-
tered by the United States in 1901, and work on the bridge com-
menced that year by the contracting firm of Linehan & Molo. The
bridge was opened for traffic in May, 1902. The capital stock of
the corporation amounted to $100,000, of which $83,000 was paid
in. The bridge is now known as the Eagle Point bridge, with
Louis H. Brede president of the corporation and L. Lindenberg
secretary. Aside from the above associations Mr. Brede is a
director of the German Trust & Savings Bank, has been chairman
of the Democrat City Central Committee six years, and is a mem-
ber of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. He resides at 1018
Iowa street.
Reuben Hawkins, residing on section 11, Cascade township, is
a splendid example of what a youth can accomplish in this country
by the proper display of courage under difficulties, industry and
economy. He was born in October, 1849, and is a son of William
and Sarah Hawkins, of whom appropriate mention is made in the
biography of his elder brother, Benjamin Hawkins. He attended
a few terms at the Spring Valley district schools and at twelve
years of age was compelled to begin life's battle upon his own
responsibility. His boyhood days were passed in working as a
farm laborer and acquiring an education, and when nineteen years
old he began teaching in the district schools of Cascade township.
He acquired forty acres of land from his father by making the
first payment therefor with a horse valued at $100. Long hours
of hard labor brought him the means to increase his holdings from
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 751
time to time, until he is now the owner of over 300 acres, and this
he has improved until it has become one of the finest farms in the
county. When twenty-nine years old he married Mary Mercer,
daughter of Andrew and Euphemia ( Dalgleish ) Mercer. Andrew
Mercer was born in Scotland and immigrated to Canada when
twenty years of age. He followed his trade of mason and stone-
cutter, moved to New York state, and from there to Cascade, Iowa.
Mr. and Mrs. Mercer had these children: James, Robert. Mary,
Eliza, James, and Isabella. To Mr. and Mrs. Reuben Hawkins
three children have been born, as follows: Charles D., Effie May,
who died at the age of six months and three days, and Anna
Almira, the wife of Harry P. Midkiff, who, with her husband, are
now in Germany preparing themselves to become Christian mission-
aries. Mr. Hawkins is one of the well-known raisers of shorthorn
cattle and Shropshire sheep of the county. He is a Republican in
politics, has served on the grand jury three years, is a strong advo-
cate of temperance, and is active in the work of the Presbyterian
church.
John P. Kirchen, Sr., is one of the best-known men in Du-
buque county, and has probably contributed as much good to future
generations as any man within its borders. He was born in Nie-
deranven. Grand Duchy Luxemburg, in 1840, a son of Nicholas and
Susanna (Snyder) Kirchen, and was there reared to man's estate.
He received superior educational advantages in his native land, also
in France, and when twenty-one years old came to the United
States and for two years taught school at Granville, Wisconsin.
He then engaged in mercantile pursuits at Dubuque, Iowa, but
after a short time removed to Cascade, which place has since been
his home. For a great many years Mr. Kirchen has followed the
profession of school teaching in Dubuque county, serving twenty-
three years as teacher at Dyersville, and many men here and else-
where who have become prominent in the various walks of life
received from Mr. Kirchen their educational start in the world. A
devout Catholic in religion, he conceived the idea that a journal
devoted to the cause of the church would accomplish much good
that could not otherwise be obtained. He founded the Katholischcr
JVaechter in June, 1896, which has obtained a large circulation
and a flattering recognition among the religious publications of the
country. Mr. Kirchen. in 1870. married Catherine Ernster, who
was born in Cascade township in 1855. The children of Mr. and
Mrs. Kirchen are: Charles Nicholas, born December 14, 1871 ;
Susanna Theresa, October 9, 1873; John, Jr., August 12, 1876;
Henry Joseph, March 4, 1879, died March 5, same year; Josephine
Angela, March 13, 1881 ; Emma, March 15, 1886, and John Nicho-
las, June 24, 1888.
752 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Dr. Orestes A. Brownson, one of the youngest of Dubuque's
successful medical practitioners, is a native of this city, his birth
occurring October 22, 1884. He is the son of Dr. John J. and
Mary G. Brownson, the father being one of the pioneer men of his
profession in Dubuque county. After attending an elementary
school our subject, Orestes A. Brownson, further pursued his studies
at St. Raphael's Academy in Dubuque, and the Jesuit College at
Prairie du Chien. Wisconsin. Inheriting much of the natural apti-
tude and liking for the medical profession from his father, he sub-
sequently entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at St.
Louis, Missouri, and was duly graduated therefrom in 1906 with
the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He served a one year's interne-
ship in the Jefferson Hospital, St. Louis, and was also an associate-
interne for a time in St. John's Hospital there. Following this he
returned to his native city, and for some time remained in his
father's office, where he was enabled to learn much not taught in
previous schooling. He then opened an office of his own at the
corner of Windsor and Eagle Point avenues, which he has since
maintained. Dr. Brownson has made a specialty of the study of
surgery, and recently took a post-graduate course in that branch
of the profession at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Chi-
cago. He is a member of the Dubuque County Medical Society,
the Iowa State and American Medical associations, and is examin-
ing physician for the Foresters, Modern Woodmen of America,
and the Bankers' Life Insurance Company. He is also physician
for St. Francis' Orphanage at Dubuque. In politics the doctor is
a Democrat, and in religious views an adherent of the Roman
Catholic faith. He is an ardent sportsman and during his vacations
spends the time in hunting and fishing; he also takes an active
interest in all branches of athletics, many of which he indulged in
while at college. Although young in years. Dr. Brownson has
attained an enviable reputation among the men of his profession,
and he is highly respected in the community where he resides.
Harry Barmeier, well-known resident of Dubuque, is a native
of the State of Indiana, born October 30, 1871, and the son of
Bernhard and Henrietta Barmeier. After attending the public
schools Harry Barmeier entered the University of Illinois, but
w^as forced, because of very poor health, to leave same before grad-
uation. But he finally recovered his health and took up the study
of music, for which he had a great liking, and has since been a
member of numerous musical organizations. In 1893 he came to
Dubuque from Indianapolis and has since continuously resided in
this city, taking an active part and interest in local affairs of im-
portance. Shortly after coming to Dubuque Mr. Barmeier, owing
to his interest in the field of sports, was appointed chief deputy
Fish and Game Warden, which position he creditably filled for
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 753
eight years. He is the author of the present hunters' hcense law,
and was one of the organizers of the Iowa Fish and Game Pro-
tective Association, the first convention of which was held in Du-
buque, and has been first vice president of the organization since
its incei)tion. Mr. Barmeier had the written support of the leading
fishermen and hunters of the state for the a])pointnient of Game
Warden, but was disappointed by Governor Carroll owing to his
active support of Warren Garst's candidacy for Governor. He
also for a time served as deputy State Milk Inspector, but resigned
from this position. Mr. Barmeier has taken great interest in local
affairs of importance and has the respect and esteem of all who
know him. His residence is located at 414 Garfield avenue.
Frank M. Jaeger, engaged in the general hardware and sport-
ing goods business in Dubuque under the firm name of F. M. Jaeger
& Co.. is a native of this city and the son of the old pioneer. Francis
Jaeger. Francis Jaeger was born in Dubuque. July 18. 1842, the
son of Adam and Margaret Jaeger, who came here three years
before by steamboat from New Orleans. He received his educa-
tion in the local public schools, and early in life became interested
in and learned merchandising. He subsequently became one of
the organizers of the John Ellwanger Company, the D. C. Glasser
Tobacco Company, and a director of the Dubuque High Bridge
Company. He is a Roman Catholic in religion, a member of St.
Mary's church, and for over thirty years has resided in his present
residence on Walnut street. After attending the Dubuque iniblic
schools. Frank M. Jaeger, son of Francis Jaeger, learned the hard-
ware business under his father, and is at present engaged in that
line of endeavor under the firm name of F. M. Jaeger & Co. This
concern was established in i860 at the present location by John
McClay, who conducted it until 1880, succeeding which for five
years Messrs. Schreiber and Conchar were the owners. They in
turn disposed of it in 1885 to Messrs. Reinfried and Leckie, and
two years later Francis Jaeger purchased the Leckie interest. Ten
years later Mr. F. M. Jaeger acquired the Reinfried interest, and
since that time has conducted it on his own account under the above
mentioned firm name. The firm carries a full and complete line of
general and builders' hardware and sporting goods. In 1893 Mr.
F. M. Jaeger was united in marriage with Miss Rose Lorenz, who
was born in Dubuque May 10, 1871, the daughter of R. Lorenz.
and to them one daughter, Dorothy, was born on October 9, 1901.
now attending Visitation Academy. Mr. Jaeger is one of Du-
buque's representative men. is independent in politics, a member
of St. Mary's Roman Catholic church, and of the Dubuque Club,
Commercial Club. Elks, Catholic Order of Foresters, is vice presi-
dent of the Iowa Game Protective League, and for many years
754 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
has been secretary of the Dubuque Gun Club. The family home is
located on Prairie street.
Lawrence Moloney was a prominent figure among the pioneer
settlers of Dubuque. He was born in Ireland, about the year 1819,
and when about ten years old his parents immigrated to the United
States, arriving in Dubu(jue shortly after the Black Hawk Pur-
chase. Young Lawrence was thrifty and industrious, and before
he reached the age of manhood had acquired a good business educa-
tion, though there were no schools in those days. He had several
brothers and sisters, all or nearly all of whom acquired homes in
Dubuque and vicinity. Lawrence, soon after attaining his majority,
commenced accumulating property on every fa\orable opportunity.
He erected a three-storv brick building on the south half of the lot
now occupied by the A. A. Cooper building, corner of Third and
Main streets, which he used for a general store several years. In
the meantime General Gehon bequeathed him considerable land, and
a smaller bequest was made by a Mr. Slater. These bequests were
made in testimony of the high esteem in which those gentlemen held
Mr. Moloney. In 1849 he married Miss Maria Ouigley. Three
children were the fruits of the union: Mrs. Kate Sullivan, of Du-
buque county ; Mr. John Moloney, and Mrs. Nellie Thompson, of
North Yakima. Washington.
The great financial boom that struck Dubuque in the year 1855
caused a rapid advance in all kinds of property, especially real estate,
and, as Mr. Moloney owned large tracts, his wealth increased rap-
idly. In 1856 he was rated as being worth $250,000; that year he
conceived the idea of tearing away the frame building adjoining his
store, on the north side, and erecting in its stead a three-story brick
building. He was offered $30,000 for the ground, including the
brick store, which he occupied, but he concluded to build. He could
see his way clear without going in debt, and he felt that with the
property clear he was running no risk. The workmen, however, in
excavating for the foundation, undermined the north wall of the
store, and it had to be taken down. This changed the plans and
very materially added to the expense. The building was completed
about the time the panic of 1857 struck Dubuque. Real estate, rents
and nearly everything else, except money, went on a slide. Money
could not be realized, chiefly because there was but little of it in the
country. The paper money was rendered worthless by the failure of
the banks and the gold and silver was needed in New York City,
where it was sent to pay debts. Mr. Moloney borrowed $10,000
from Mr. Corwith, banker, of Galena; this run at 10 per cent for
five years, when the mortgage was foreclosed, and the house that
cost $55,000 and the ground for which he had been offered $30,000
sold for this sum with interest. Mr. Moloney died in 1864, leavings
an estate consisting of considerable land, most of which was taken
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 755
to satisfy a claim made by the E. Shine Estate. Mr. Moloney was a
gentleman of many fine qualities. Wealth made no change in his
demeanor. Without pride or vanity, he was dignified and courteous
to all. with habitual self-possession and self-respect, as well as honest
and honorable in all his dealings.
Dr. Albert Herman Blocklinger has for the past ten years been
actively identified with the general practice of medicine in Dubuque,
A native of this city, he was born November 26, 1868, the son of
Gottfried Joseph and Ursula (Hilti) Blocklinger, the father being
a native of Sargens, in the canton of Saint Gall, Switzerland, and
the mother of Grabs, in canton of Saint Gall. They came to America
and Dubuque at an early date and here their son, Albert Herman,
received his early education in the Audubon and Fifth Ward public
schools, subsequently also graduating from the high school here.
Possessing a natural liking for the medical profession, our subject
determined early in life to make it his life's work, and accordingly
entered and in 1894 was duly graduated from the Iowa State
Medical School with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. The doctor
began the practice at La Motte, Iowa, where he remained six years,
and then took a post-graduate course in internal medicine at Vienna,
Austria, receiving a diploma from the institution there. In 1901 he
returned to Dubuque, immediately embarked in the general practice
of his profession and has since continued, with the exception of the
year 1905. when he again went abroad and further pursued the
study of internal medicine at Vienna, Berlin and Berne. Previous
to this, however, in 1904 he took a course in electro therapeutics
in Chicago. He is a member of the American, Iowa State and
Dubuque County Medical associations, being president of the latter
at this writing, and is now delivering a course of lectures in the
Dubuque County schools. He has contributed extensively to various
papers and medical magazines, and has written articles which have
been read before and approved by medical societies. He is a recog-
nized authority on X-ray work. Aside from his profession, the
doctor is identified with the Masonic fraternity, in which he has
attained the thirty-second degree, and also is a member of the
Modern Woodmen of America, the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks and the Foresters. In religious views he is a Pres-
byterian and in politics an independent Republican. He is an ex-
member of the Iowa National Guard, formerly an officer of Com-
pany A, and has attained high rank among the members of the
medical profession in Dubuque County.
On November 25, 1903, he was united in marriage with Miss
Mary Ellen Hodgdon, the only daughter of General Hodgdon, who
was one of Dubuque's pioneer attorneys, having begtm practice
here in 1853.
756 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Timothy Sullivan, of Dubuque, is descended from one of the
old and hightly respected families of Dubuque County. Timothy
Sullivan, his father, was a native of County Cork, Ireland, and
his mother, Mary (Mehan) Sullivan, of the State of Pennsylvania.
The father immigrated to America in 1843 ^"^ for two years
worked in the coal mines of Pennsylvania. He then came to
Dubuque County and here resided until his death. Timothy Sul-
livan Jr., was born in Dubuque Township, this county, on March
25. 1858, and received his education in the public schools of Center-
ville and in St. Patrick's Academy, Dubuque. He remained on the
home farm until twenty-eight years old and then married Miss
Katherine Moloney, daughter of Lawrence Moloney and a niece of
P. J. Ouigley. To them five children were born, all of wdiom are
residing at home, as follow^s: William A., Frank, Clarence, Robert
and Amy. Mr. Sullivan is the owner of 400 acres of land in
Dubuque Towmship, known as "McKnight's Springs," 200 of which
is under cultivation, and also has thirty fine milch cows, selling
milk and cream to the Dubuque markets. He has always taken an
active interest and part in public affairs; from 1901 to 1904 he
served as county supervisor, from 1904 to 1908 as county clerk of
District Court, and as a Republican has served as delegate to sev-
eral State conventions. Socially he is identified with the Modern
Woodmen of America, the Ancient Order of United Workmen,
the Woodmen of the World and the Yeomen, carrying insurance
in all of these orders. The Sullivan family are staunch adherents
of the Roman Catholic faith, affiliating with St. Patrick's Church,
and are among the first people of the county.
Bernard Schulte, deceased, founder of the cut stone contract-
ing firm of B. Schulte & Son, was born in the Prussian Province
of Westphalia, Germany, October 29, 1832. and was a son of
Stephen and Theresa Schulte, both of whom died in the old coun-
try.
Mr. Schulte emigrated to America in 1854 and located in Dun-
leith, now East Dubuque, Illinois, where he worked at the trade of
stone cutting until after the close of the Civil War. In 1867 ^^
came to Dubuque and engaged in the cut stone contracting business
for a period of twenty-two years. One of his early stone contracts
was the Cathedral Parochial Residence. He then founded the firm
of B. Schulte & Son, which he lived to see become one of the fore-
most cut stone contracting firms in the middle West.
Mr. Schulte was a Roman Catholic in religion and a Democrat
in politics, but never participated in public affairs to any extent,
preferring to confine his attention wholly to private business mat-
ters.
He married Anna Clara Becker, daughter of Fred and Clara
Becker, her father being a mercantile dealer in Germany, and to
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 757
their union were born these children : John J., Katie, George, Mary,
Valentine.
On July 13, 1900, Mr. Schulte passed away, and with his death
Dubuque lost one of her best citizens.
Mrs. Schulte is yet living and makes her home in this city.
John J. Scluilte, now senior member of the B. Schulte & Son cut
stone contracting concern, is a native of Dubuque and a son of
Bernard and Anna Clara (Becker) Schulte. He was born July 29,
1861. and received his education in St. Mary's Parochial School
and local colleges. He then w^nt with the father and learned the
contracting business thoroughly and in 1890 was admitted into
partnership.
On October 30. 1888, Mr. John Schulte was united in marriage
with Miss Mary Anna Holscher, daughter of Henry Holscher, of
Dyersville, Iowa, and to them the following children were born:
Julius B., Henrietta, Helen, Mildred, Bernard and Marion.
The family are of Roman Catholic faith and affiliate with the St.
Mary's church.
George G. Schulte, of the B. Schulte & Son cut stone contracting
firm, was born in Dubuque, April 5, 1871, and is a son of Bernard
and Anna Clara (Becker) Schulte. He received his education in
the Parochial School and colleges and immediately thereafter
learned the contracting business and in 1898 was admitted to the
B. Schulte & Son stone contracting firm.
On October 18, 1898, Mr. George G. Schulte was united in mar-
riage with Miss Mary T. Heles, daughter of John and Pauline
Heles, and to this union the following children have been born:
George N., Orestes, J. P. and Marie H.
The family are of Roman Catholic faith and affiliate with the
St. Mary's church.
In 1902, after the death of B. Schulte, John J. and George G.
Schulte assumed the interest of B. Schulte and have ever since
been thus connected in conducting a constantly increasing business.
The concern is regarded as one of the able and substantial houses
of the city, and many fine homes and public buildings have been
erected by them. Among the most important are : The Pike County
Court House at Pittsfield, Illinois ; the Manchester Court House of
Delaware County, Iowa ; the Decorah Court House of Winneshiek
County, Iowa ; the United States Postal Savings Bank Building of
Decorah, Winneshiek County, Iowa, now being constructed ; the
Mount Clemens (Michigan) Post Office; the First National Bank
of Dubuque, low-a ; the First National Bank of Riceville, Iowa ;
the Bank of New Glarus, Wisconsin; the First National Bank of
Independence, Iowa; the Conservatory of Music, St. Josephs;
Dubuque Infirmary, Dubuque, Iowa; Chapel at Mount Olivet;
Chapel of Mount Calvary; F. D. Stout residence, Dubuque; N. J.
Schrup residence, Dubuque, and many others.
758 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Charles E. Leigh, living a retired life in Dyersville since 1905,
was born a subject of the British Crown, birth occurring at Exeter,
County Devonshire, on September 10. 1830. The Leigh family is
descended from old English stock, and Edward Manley Leigh,
father of Charles E., was a Tory. He married Miss Mary Ann
Bailey, who was also of English extraction. Charles E. Leigh at-
tended the public schools of his native country until eighteen yeans
old, then studied civil engineering and for two years was connected
with the South De\'on Railroad. He came to America by way of
New York City in 1852 and immediately came West to Dyers-
ville, Iowa. He purchased a 250-acre farm in Dodge Township,
which he conducted until 1857, then accepted a position as agent
on the Dubuque Pacific Railroad, now part of the Illinois Central
System. In 1859 he went West on a surveying trip for that road,
but six months later returned to Dubuque County and bought a
i8i-acre tract of land near Dyersville. In 1876 he moved into the
city of Dyersville and was elected Justice of the Peace, holding that
office for fourteen years. In 1890 he retired from the active cares
of life and has since resided in the city. He is a Democrat in poli-
tics, has held all public offices in Dodge Township and has served
as a director on the Board of Education. He is a member of the
Legion of Honor, and in religious views is an Episcopalian. On
November 3, 1855, Mr. Leigh was united in marriage with Miss
Martha Kerle, daughter of Joseph Kerle, deceased, one of Dubuque
County's pioneers. To Mr. and Mrs. Leigh thirteen children have
been born, the following named yet living: Edward Henry, farm-
ing at Thomson, W^innebago County, Iowa; Augusta Mary, wife
of Joseph Burton, of Chicago; Dr. Joseph F., dentist at Evanston,
Illinois ; Dr. Charles Lloyd, dentist at Davenport, Iowa ; Martha
Mabel, wife of D. W. Armstrong, of Dyersville; Alice May, wife
of Dr. J. E. Waterhouse, dentist at Lansing, Iowa; and Rose
Blanch, residing at home. Mr. and Mrs. Leigh celebrated their
golden wedding in 1905 at Evanston. Illinois, and in 1910 their
fifty-fifth anniversary. They are highly respected by all who know
them.
Frederick Weigel was born in Wurttemberg, Germany,
October 2y, 18 19, and while but a youth, at the age of eleven came
to this country with his parents and three sisters, landing in
vVmerica in September, 1830. They located first in the State of
Pennsylvania, but their residence there was of short duration and
subsequent!}' they mo\ed to St. Louis, where they resided for a
period of two years, removing to the city of Dubuque June 3, 1833.
Here at that time reigned in solitude the primitive forest and virgin
prairie, a wild and desolate country where but a short time before
their arrival dominion was disputed only liy the wild beast and un-
tutored savage. In this wild country they were obliged to seek
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 759
shelter in the best way they could, and took up their abode in the
southern part of this lonely place, the place where they located being
near where the Seippel Lumber Company now has its i)lace of busi-
ness. Mr. Weigel and his father's family endured the hardships
and trials that all pioneers were obliged to pass through in culti-
\ating and building up a wild country, but they possessed that
thrift, enterprise and energy so characteristic of the early pioneer,
and by their efforts, wisdom and determination helped to build a
city, as if by magic, out of comparative chaos.
The family later mo\ed to what is now known as Sixth and
Iowa streets, where the business place of Berg & Briggs is now
located. Here they built a log house and the land in the entire
block between what is now known as Sixth and Seventh and Main
and Iowa streets was cultivated in corn and other vegetables. Sev-
eral years later Mr. Weigel, Sr., purchased a farm near Bloody
Run. but Mr. Frederick Weigel, preferring a business career, re-
mained on the farm but a short time. As civilization improved
prospects for business were brighter and more promising and Mr.
Weigel decided to build a flour mill ; accordingly he went to Cin-
cinnati in 1848 to purchase the material necessary for this mill. It
took some weeks to get the machinery, and when Mr. Weigel re-
turned he learned that Booth and Nadeau were contemplating en-
gaging in the same business and were planning to build a mill
directly opposite the site purchased by Mr. Weigel; now the de-
mand at this early period for two flour mills was not great enough,
and the outlook for Mr. Weigel was anything but promising, but
possessing that spirit and energy and unconquerable determination
of the man of that day, he was not to be defeated in his enterprise
•and built his mill after the Booth Mill was completed. His mill
was known as the Key City Flour Mills. He was obliged to keep
his machinery running day and night in order to compete with the
owners of the other mill. His business, though so discouraging at
first, proved a success and later he sold his mill and engaged in the
pork packing business and also in real estate. He erected a building
on the northeast corner of Sixth and Main streets, where the
National Clothing Store now stands. The lower part of this build-
ing was used for store rooms and the upper story was used for
office purposes. It was in these offices where many of our most
prominent and successful lawyers and judges began their careers.
Mr. Weigel at that time constructed a number of buildings in and
about the city and Dubuque began to grow. In those early days,
where so much had to be accomplished in building up a city, the
early pioneer must be able to live above the storms of adversity;
determination, thrift and energy had to be intimately interwoven
with stability and advancement. Mr. Weigel never looked for a
decline in interest, strength nor ambition, but possessed that k**"
76o HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
foresight which was of intrinsic value to the men of that day. He
was elected a member of the City Council several times on the
Republican ticket and was nominated for mayor of the city on two
occasions, but his business interests would not permit him to enter
into the city's politics to a great extent.
He was united in marriage to Miss Susanna Hatton, daughter of
Robert Hatton, a pioneer of Indiana, May 9, 1850. Mrs. Weigel
is a descendant of one of the oldest and most prominent families of
Virginia. She came with her family to Dubuque in 1845 '^"^l "ow
resides in the home that Mr. Weigel built for his family on the
corner of Twelfth and Locust streets in 1855. The only buildings
in the vicinity at that time were the homes of Hon. David Wilson,
Thomas Hardie and Frank Goodrich, now James Beach's resi-
dence, and the church on Main and Twelfth streets, then called the
Main Street Methodist Episcopal Church, where St. Luke's Metho-
dist Episcopal church now stands. Mrs. Weigel is one of the old-
est members of St. Luke's, having united with the church at Moore-
field, Indiana, January, 1837, and has been an active factor in every
good work that that been done in connection with the church for
many years. Her home, so near the church, has been open for
single guest, church societies or festivities, where she and her
children have ever presided w^ith gracious hospitality. In ripening
years she still maintains her interest in all the church affairs.
Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Weigel — Jessie, Ella,
Fannie. Hulda (deceased), Lucy and Frederick (deceased).
Jessie Weigel was united in marriage to J. S. Hanna, of New
York ; Ella Weigel was united in marriage to Rear Admiral God-
frey Blocklinger of the United States Navy ; Fannie Tonner was
united in marriage to E. A. Tonner, of St. Louis, Missouri ; Mr.
Fred Weigel was united in marriage to Elsie McManigal, who sur-
vives him.
Mr. Weigel was a kind, devoted father and loving husband. In
the later years of his life he found much pleasure in relating the
experiences of those early days, and especially his experiences
with the Indians. He ever looked forward to the splendid progress
and betterment of the city and was very beneficent, but being of
a modest, retiring nature, many of his charitable acts were never
known. Mr. Weigel lived to see the city of his choice experience a
marvellous growth and become the trade center of a large section
of our country. He lived to see around and about him the sub-
stantial fruits of the all-conquering power of genius and enterprise,
and he was one of the important factors in developing the natural
advantages of the city during the sixty-three years he lived in
Dubuque.
Mr. Weigel passed away at his home, at Twelfth and Locust
streets, May 19, 1896.
•s^
THE NEW nU
PUBLIC LBRAHt
Br iL
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 761
Hon. D. N. Cooley was born in Lis1)on. New Hampsliire,
November 7, 1825. and died at tbe home of liis dan,G:hter, Mrs. J- F.
Douglas, in New York City, November 13, 1892. He was de-
scended from one of the oldest and best New England families,
dating his paternal ancestry back to the advent of the first Scotch
Protestants in America. His grandfather, Aaron Cooley, was a
major in the War of the American Revolution. When fifteen years
of age Judge Cooley left home and after studying in the Newbury
Seminary of Vermont, prepared for college. He received and de-
clined an appointment to West Point. After studying law for
three years he was admitted to the bar in 1854. About this time
he came to Dubuque and entered upon the practice of his profes-
sion. He was at different times a member of the firms of Samuels
& Cooley ; Cooley, Samuels & Allison ; Cooley, Blatchley & Adams ;
and Cooley & Eighmey.
In 1864 lie ^^'^s appointed by President Lincoln Commissioner
to South Carolina and acted then as Special Commissioner to settle
titles to cotton and rights to possession of land. He served as Sec-
retary of the National Republican Congressional Committee dur-
ing the campaign which resulted in the triumphant reelection of
President Lincoln.
In 1865 he was appointed by President Johnson Commissioner
of Indian Affairs, which position he resigned in September, 1866;
for several years he practiced law in Washington, as well as in
Dubuque, with marked ability and success.
In 1873 he was elected Senator to the Iowa legislature, and in
the same year was appointed Commissioner to the Vienna Exposi-
tion.
For twenty-one years he was President of the First National
Bank of Dubuque, and for many years was President of the Board
of Trustees of Cornell College, in which institution he endowed the
D. N. Cooley chair of Civil Engineering. He was a prominent
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and, as a delegate to
its General Conferences on two occasions, took an active part in
the deliberations and proceedings.
Such, in part, is the bare outline of a singularly happy and suc-
cessful life. Judge Cooley had none of the narrowness of some
self-made men. He was a man of broad and liberal culture, of un-
common magnetism and mental vigor. Up to the latest period he
kept up with the activities, literary and otherwise, of the times. He
was a critical, observing man, shrewd and discriminating, loving
society, his travels frequent and wide, embracing this and other
countries. He was an entertaining companion, agreeable in con-
versation, with broad views of men and things, sympathetic and
helpful. His purse was open to the call of charity and many were
the bountiful acts that brightened clouded pathways and comforted
sorrowing hearts. Especially was he the friend of young men,
y62 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
eager to help them obtain an education and arouse their ambition.
His family life was one of ideal tenderness and love. No sac-
rifice was too great for the comfort and happiness of wife and
children.
In intellectual, professional, political, business, social and re-
ligious life he was a well rounded man. a lover of his country, a
man of noble bearing and firm faith, a Christian gentleman.
All the members of Judge Cooky's family are still living — a
family recognized as one of the most highly cultured and respected
in the history of Dubuque. It consists of his widow, Mrs. Clara
Aldrich Cooley ; three daughters — Mrs. Clara C. Becker, Mrs. Min-
nie C. Douglas and Mrs. Mary C. Bassett ; and one son. Harlan
\\"ard Cooley. Clara C. is a graduate of Cornell and Wellesley
colleges and was married to F. W. Becker, of Chicago, who died
April 28, 1910; Minnie C. is a graduate of Vassar College and is
the wife of John F. Douglas, of Wall Street, New York City;
Mary C. is also a Vassar graduate and the wife of Charles W.
Bassett, of Baltimore, general passenger agent of the Baltimore &
Ohio: Harlan W. Cooley, a graduate of Yale, is a successful attor-
ney in Chicago.
Mrs. Clara Aldrich Cooley, the widow of Judge D. N. Cooley,
during her residence of many years in Dubuque has been a force-
ful leader in literary, church and philanthropic circles. She has a
broad intelligence that enables her to take large views of life, to
recognize differences of opinion and to appreciate the fact that if
one has been favored there exists an obligation to use one's gifts
for those less favored. "Ceasing to give, we cease to live." Mrs.
Cooley has genius as an organizer and originator. She was one
of the incorporators of the "Home for the Friendless" and one
of its first Presidents.
Believing that "association of endeavor augments the common
good," Mrs. Cooley invited to her home on January 13, 1876, a
number of interested women and organized the DulDuque Ladies'
Literary Association, which still exists under the name of the
Dubuque Woman's Club. Its founder was its first President. This
club, formed for mental improvement by means of systematic
study, has proved itself a power among the clubs of Iowa. En-
thusiasm and energy- characterize everything Mrs. Cooley attempts.
She has proved her ability in many ways, in none more than in the
able manner in which she represented Iowa as Educational Com-
missioner to the Paris Exposition of 1900. an appointment made
by Governor Leslie M. Shaw and endorsed by Senator William B.
Allison and Speaker D. B. Henderson. At this Exposition Mrs.
Cooley read a paper on "Women in Science" before the Congress
of Women.
Of colonial ancestry. ]\lrs. Cooley is a most enthusiastic member
of the National organization. "Daughters of the American Revolu-
Sl(uXc^ jrlcbi^ 'tJ /§^ iJL
■>
THE SEW YOBK
P^ UCL HRARY
ASTOa, LENOX AND
TIIDEN FOLNDATIONS
B T
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 76^
tion." She founded the Dubuque Chapter of the organization and
has served as its Regent and as State Regent for two terms. Later
she was honored by the hfe office of Honorary State Regent.
Highly gifted in intellectual and spiritual power, though past the
prime of life, she retains in a marked manner her vigor of mind
and still presides over and leads a most successful club w^hich she
founded twenty years ago and which has always met in her home,
the Dubuque Monday Afternoon Club.
Mrs. Cooley's interests are varied and widespread. She is a lif(^
member of the Mary Washington Memorial Association and was
one of the first officers of "The Association for the Advancement
of Women," of which the late Mrs. Julia Ward Howe was Presi-
dent.
She is a member of the American Economic Association of
Cambridge, Massachusetts; the Academy of Political Science, of
New York, and the National Geographic Society, of Washington,
D. C.
Mrs. Cooley has won honors from the club women of America
by her early endeavors in behalf of the club movement. "Sorosis"
of New York has made her an honorary member of that organiza-
tion.
The General Federation of Women's Clubs at its Biennial Meet-
ing at St. Paul gave her the title of Honorary Vice-President, an
honor as great as could be bestowed, in recognition of her work
as a pioneer club woman of the middle West.
Mrs. Cooley has been an influence and power in the Methodist
Church since her arrival in the city. She achieved great success
in her leadership of a Palestine Class, which gave her a national
reputation as a Bible teacher. She has been for years the efficient
President of the Social Union of St. Luke's Methodist Episcopal
Church and is still a working member of the Quarterly Conference.
Dan J. Jonas, born at Bellevue, Jackson County, Iowa, on
October 25, i860, is the son of Jeremiah and Sarah (Stuckey)
Jonas. The father was born in Pennsylvania, November 15, 1809,
of Holland ancestry, and the mother was a native of Kentucky.
Jeremiah Jonas moved to Jackson County, Iowa, at the early date
of 1834, and was there married. Four sons and one daughter were
born to this union, named Franklyn, Benjamin. Ella, Dan J. and
Edmund, deceased. Dan J. Jonas left the parental home in 1888
and located at Cascade, Iowa, where he engaged in the tinning busi-
ness with Edward McBryan. Previous to this, however, he had
received a good, practical education at Bellevue. In 1895 he came
to Dubuque, where he has since resided, and engaged in his present
business of tinner and dealer in furnaces. May i, 1882, he mar-
ried Miss Josie Herdez, who died September 5, 1890, leaving four
children: Leo, Dan J., Jr., Minnie (Mrs. George Avenarius) and
764 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Lulu. On November 20, 1893, Mr. Jonas married Miss Nina
Markle, by whom he is the father of two children — Ocee and
Thehna, the former deceased. Mr. Jonas is one of the most capa-
ble and skillful workmen of his line in this section of the country,
and he has worked on a great many of the most important buildings
in the city. He is a Republican in politics and a member of the
Independent Order of Foresters, the Modern Woodmen of
America, the Woodmen of the World and the Loyal Order of
Moose.
John N. Spoden, residing on a farm of 124 acres in Section 9,
Liberty Township, Dubuque County, is a native of the township in
which he now resides, born May 21, i860, and a son of Nicholas
and Elizabeth Spoden. The father was born in Germany and for
a time served in the Prussian army. In 1848 he embarked for
America in a sailing vessel and after a tedious and dangerous voy-
age of ninety-six days finally landed at New York City. He came
West to Chicago by canal boat and the Great Lakes and from
there went to Kenosha. He then worked as a farm hand for a
time, learning the language and customs of the American people,
and for a year was employed as boat hand on Lake Michigan.
Succeeding this he entered the employ of the Illinois Central Rail-
road Company and participated in the building of that road from
Chicago to Freeport, then came to Dubuque and for a year worked
on a flat boat operated by Peter Kiene. After this he located at
Luxemburg, then scarcely more than a few log houses, where he
secured forty acres of land from the Government. Returning to
Illinois, he worked a short time for a farmer, who later gave him
a team of oxen to break up his land in Liberty Township. About
this time Mr. Spoden returned to his native country for a year's
visit, but then returned to Dubuque County and resided on his land
until he had a clear title to same. This he improved, tilling the
soil and building suitable houses, and in 1868 he disposed of it and
bought the present farm in possession of the family. He erected
a fine residence, barn and various outhouses thereon, and with the
improvements since added by his sons the property is recognized
as one of the best farms in the community. On November 11.
1896, he passed away, aged seventy-four years, and was buried at
Luxemburg. His widow is yet living, aged seventy-nine years, and
resides on the old homestead. To Mr. and Mrs. Spoden were born
four sons — John R., John P. and ^Michael, twins, and Peter. John
N. Spoden, the immediate subject of this sketch, attended the pub-
lic schools until his fourteenth year, and for ten years thereafter
assisted his father in the work of the home farm. He served an
apprenticeship to the car])enter trade, which he followed until 1896,
and then entered the hardwood saw-mill business, which carried
him into various parts of the State and which line of business he
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 765
has successfully followed e\cr since. Associated with him is his
brother. Peter Spoden, and for the last nine years they have owned
and o|)erated the Spoden Brothers' ]\Iill. John R. Spoden is a
Democrat in politics, a Catholic in religion and a member of the
Catholic Order of Foresters.
Peter Spoden, associated in business with his brother, John R.
Spoden. was also born on the old homestead in Liberty Township,
and received his education in the district schools. He remained at
home until reaching his majority and then learned the carpenter
trade, which he fc^llowed for a year. Succeeding this he and his
brother entered their present line of business, which they have
been engaged in ever since. Mr. Spoden is a Democrat in politics,
a Catholic in religious views, and a member of the Catholic Order
of h^orcsters and the Roman Catholic Mutual Protective Associa-
tion of the State of Iowa. On November 8, 1906, he was united
in marriage with Miss Eva, daughter of the old settlers, Michael
and Annie Stangel, and they have three daughters, named Helena,
Mary and Sedella.
John Kluesner. who owns a valuable farm of some 300 acres
in Liberty Township, has been prominently identified with the agri-
cultural interests of Dubuque County for many years. He was
born at New \^ienna in 1855 and is a son of the old pioneers,
Bernard and Gertrude Kluesner, who came to America from Ger-
many about 1833 ^^^^^ settled in Dubuque County. Here the father
farmed for many years and became prominent among his fellow-
men. John Kluesner attended the Vorwald district school until
fourteen years old and also assisted his father with the work on
the home place. When twenty-three years old he bought 160 acres
of his present property, in 1900 he bought another 80 acres and in
1910 still another tract of 60 acres, amounting in all to some 300
acres. By hard and conscientious work Mr. Kluesner has brought
his land to a high state of cultivation and today same is regarded
as one of the \'aluable farms in Liberty Township. He erected a
fine modern home, spacious barns and outhouses, and his place is
well stocked with domestic animals. He keeps about twelve horses,
forty head of cattle and some 150 swine in season. In politics he
is a Democrat, and in religious views a member of the Catholic
Church at Luxemburg. On May 14. 1879. at New Vienna, he
was united in marriage with Miss Thrisa Steffen. a daughter of
^^'illiam and Lizzie Steffen, who are appropriately represented else-
where in this publication. To Mr. and Mrs. Kluesner these
children have been born: Anton, died in 1906, aged seven years;
Fred and Aloyius, twins, both died in infancy; Frank, farming in
Liberty Township ; John, same ; Willie, farming in New Wine
Township; Bernard, farming at Bancroft, Kossuth County, Iowa;
Leo and Theodore, assisting their father on the home place; Peter,
766 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
at home ; and Agatha, who attended Jackson district and Luxem-
burg parochial schools. The Kluesner family is one of the fore-
most in Liberty Township and has taken an active part in local
civic and social affairs.
C. B. McNamara, the son of John F. and Catherine (Callahan)
McNamara. was born in Mosalem Township, Dubuque County,
February 22, 1863. The father, John F. Mcls^amara, was born in
New York, but was brought to this county in 1834 by his parents,
Mr. and Mrs. Roger ^McXamara. He therefore may justly be
called one of Dubuque's oldest settlers; in fact, there are but very
few who have been here longer than he. He has a vivid recollection
of the peculiar and frequently very hard experiences of early
frontier life, and has lived to see every step thus far taken for the
promotion of the interests of city and county. He was a miner for
a number of years, and is today perhaps the oldest of Dubuque's
living pioneer miners. In course of time he quit mining and be-
came one of the county's prosperous farmers, but is now living a
retired life in the city of Dubuque; his wife also survives. Their
home is at 57 West Third street. Mr. McNamara had a fondness
for politics and served eight years as county supervisor. (See
sketch elsewhere in this work.)
C. B. McNamara, the immediate subject of this review^ worked
on his father's farm w^hen a boy and attended school at Key West.
Later he went to St. Joseph's College for a few years, after which
he went to South Dakota, where he lived on a farm for ten years.
He then returned to Dubuque and engaged in the commission busi-
ness for a short time, after which he traveled a few years for the
J. L Case threshing and Deering harvester companies. After serv-
ing two years as assistant deputy sheriff and one term as poor
commissioner he entered the contracting business, which he has
conducted the past ten years with marked success. He is now one
of the busiest contractors in the city. He is a member of the
Mystic Workers of the World and of the Knights of Columbus.
He is a Democrat in politics, and in religion a Roman Catholic and
belongs to St. Patrick's church.
On January 30, 1884, he was joined in marriage with Miss Anna
J. McEvoy, daughter of John McEvoy, one of Dubuque's well-
known citizens. To this union nine children have been born, as fol-
lows : Catherine J., John Clement (deceased), Cecelia Marcelina,
Leonard Francis, Florence Regina, Miles Anthony (deceased),
Clement Benedict, Donald Joseph and Mary Adele.
John Stanford Murphy was born in Schuylkill County, Penn-
sylvania, in 1846, and died in Dubuque, March 10, 1902. His
father and mother were Irish immigrants. While he was yet a
mere boy his parents moved to Iowa, settling upon a farm near the
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 767
outskirts of Anamosa. and there lie attended school until his four-
teenth year, when he came to Duhuque, and entering the home of a
friend of his parents, finished his school education in tlie old First
ward, or Franklin, school. He then entered the Herald office
as printer's apprentice and remained until he qualified as a journey-
man. He went from Dubuque to St. Louis with John Hodnett,
who was to become famous later as a newspaper publisher, and
served at the "case" in Mr. Hodnett's Times. It was said of
Mr. Murphy that he excelled as a type-setter. His brilliancy and
alertness elicited an invitation to join the reportorial staff, and this
was the beginning of Mr. Murphy's career as a journalist. He
acquired local distinction as a graphic writer and was drafted by
Joseph McCullough, St. Louis's most successful publisher, for the
staff of the Globe-Dejuocrat. But Mr. Murphy disdained metro-
politan journalism and returned to Dubuque, becoming city editor
of the Herald, and serving at different times on the several local
newspapers until 1876, when he associated himself with the Tele-
graph, which was to sur\ive several successive changes of title
until 1901, when, having absorbed the Herald, it became the
Telegraph-Herald and is so known today.
Mr. Murphy won distinction quickly in the editorial field. Hon.
Jacob Rich, who was much of the time contemporaneous with him,
said of him at his death : "A graduate of the public school and of
the printing office, he was almost wholly self-taught, and therefore
no one could fail to mark with ever-increasing admiration the
growth of his mental power. His vocabulary was far in advance of
many college professors, and gave him great facility and felicity
in expression. His mind was notably analytic, and in the field of
polemics he was a master, rarely if ever forgetting the proper dig-
nity and courtesy of debate. He would advocate nothing but from
conscience, and never failed to at least convince you of his own
sincerity. In every cause he was found wonderfully fortified with
fact and logic, showing the sources of his wonderful faith, and
marking him always as the trained and skilled antagonist. With
it all he was broad minded, kindly spirited, pure hearted. He was
a veritable evangelist of labor, gauging every movement by what
he believed, rightfully or mistakenly, to be for labor's weal or bet-
terment. His industry was marvelous and his editorial life a most
strenuous one. His own pride and the sense of his own power were
the only stimulants to his intense life. The quality and the measure
of his work was never excelled by any editor in Iowa, unless it may
have been by Ret Clarkson. . . . Dubuque had pride in his
growth ; in the recognition in the state of his mental power and his
manly worth."
The distinction Mr. Murphy won as an editorial writer was sup-
plemented in the last eight years of his life with the fame political
768 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
leadership creates. Reviewing his poHtical career in the Sioux City
Tribune, Mr. Judson C. WelHver said :
"At the head of the great delegations from the Gibraltar of Iowa
Democracy he was irresistible in his own district and then bestrode
the state itself — he was the party. With this new power he was a
national character and dictated national policies. He was no trim-
mer; he loved the combat and despised the man who had not the
courage to espouse his honest conviction at all hazards to him-
self. This disposition it was which enabled him to win the last
battle in the state convention, and which gave him control of the
situation at the national convention in Kansas City. . . . The
compromisers were all brushed aside and mostly into Mr. Murphy's
basket. ... In all this Mr. Murphy was honest. His char-
acteristics were those which have made a race famous. He was
generous to a fault, quick in action, impetuous in the charge and
skillful in the forum."
The Waterloo Reporter described him as one of the "most posi-
tive characters that has ever been identified with politics and news-
papers in Iowa." The La Crosse (Wis.) Press said he "established
a reputation for ability and journalistic integrity that extended far
beyond the borders of his own state, where his work has com-
manded a degree of respect and admiration surpassed by no other
newspaper man within its borders." The Sioux City Journal said
that "he summoned the chiefs of his party to counsel; his hand
wrote the pledges and the challenges of his party. . . . The
sun is shining brightly as these words are written, and yet tears,
as if from heaven, are falling on the face of this dead brother. To
speak of him thus is a solace, and not to have language more fitting
is one of the burdens of the moment. To have been cheered by
him over a long and rugged way. to have had his trust and con-
fidence, unbroken by the strain of strenuous life, is recompense for
living garnered from the years."
The Des Moines Register said he "stood firmly for his convic-
tions," and the Capital said that "to know him was to love him,"
and that "in his death Iowa journalism loses one of the strongest
characters it has produced." The Fort Madison Democrat said
that "the good done for the common people by his editorial utter-
ances cannot be measured." "He died," said the Cascade Pioneer,
"as a knight in defense of a noble cause would love to die —
panoplied and armored — in the very center of the tournament that
he enriched with his masterly genius." "A brave, consistent and
upright man, his type is worthy of the emulation of every young
man," said the Marshalltown Times-Republican. "One of the
brightest editorial minds in the West," said the Waukon Democrat.
The Carroll Sentinel concluded that "the world is made better and
the newspaper profession ennobled by such editors as John Mur-
phy." "He shaped the conventions of his party very largely to his
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 769
own liking," said the Davenport Democrat. "When he believed
he was right," said the Waterloo Conner, ''no power on earth
could move him from the path which he had laicl out to follow.
He was incorrupt and incorruptible. His dearest enemies will say
that of him." "When it was said that 'Murphy will make a fight.'
everybody recognized," said the Burlington Hawk-Eye, "that his
fight would be for what he thought were right principles and would
be strictly honorable." "Few Iowa editors were more widely
known than John S. Murphy," said the Davenport Republican.
"One of the best men of Iowa, brilliant, forceful and honest," was
the estimate of the Burlington Ga.cctte. The Cedar Rapids Gazette
compared Mr. Murphy to ex-Gov. John P. Altgeld, of Illinois, as
a crusader in the people's cause.
William Jennings Bryan, whom Mr. Murphy supported ardently
in 1896 and 1900, said of him: "I greatly regret to learn of the
death of John S. Murphy. He was one of the most loyal Demo-
crats in the United States. As a citizen, as an editor and as a
member of the party he was above reproach and his death is a
great loss to us." Senator William B. Allison esteemed him as
"always able in the espousal of any cause he championed. Though
strong and persuasive in argument, he was courteous and generous
to those of opposite views and challenged the respect of those
with whom he came in contact. Warm and tender in his friend-
ship, his death will be much regretted by those who knew him
well." Speaker Henderson was "pained beyond the power of
words to express by the news of the death of one of the most
brainy, warm-hearted and gifted of our citizens." Mr. J. H.
Quick, the author, said that "his work was a daily plea for equality,
for the true principles on which republics stand — for the people,
their wisdom, their needs, their aspirations. It poured into the
current of public opinion a steady stream of sturdy manhood. It
made for freedom and it fought strongly against the greatest evil
of the world — the sordid triumph of wealth over manhood."
Mr. Murphy never held public office, the sole appointment of a
public nature he ever accepted being to membership in the Board of
Public Library trustees. He was married in Dubuque in 1870 to
Miss Anna White, who, with these sons and daughters, survived
him: Mrs. Thomas H. Duffy, Joseph J.. Louis, Charles S., William
K., Mrs. A. W. Ferring and David Murphy, and by one sister,
Mrs. Mary Rank, of Central City, Colorado. His death was due
to angina pectoris. His body was buried in Mt. Olivet cemetery.
Louis Murphy succeeded to the vacancy created by the death of
his father, John S. Murphy, as editor of the Telegraph-Herald, on
April I, 1902, and is now serving in this capacity. He was born in
Dubuque, and save for a brief period has made Dubuque his home
all of his life. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of the
770 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Carnegie-Stont Free Public Library. He is affiliated with the
Democratic party and resides with his mother at 394 Bluff street.
Hon. Phineas W. Crawford, who for nearly half a century
was identified with the practice of law in Dubuque, was born at
Putney, Windham County, Vermont, September 21, 1829, a son
of James and Tirzah M. (White) Crawford. The family, of
Scotch-Irish ancestry, settled in Vermont during pioneer times and
were prominently known in the New England colonies when this
country was a dependency of the British crown, and the grand-
father of the subject of this sketch was a soldier in the Revolution-
ary War and participated in the battles of Bunker Hill and Lexing-
ton. Tirzah M. (White) Crawford died in Vermont, but in 1838
James Crawford came to West Dubuque and the greater part of
the remainder of his life was passed in the practice of law. For a
time he was associated with Timothy Davis, an old time practi-
tioner. He died in 1846, and his memory is still green in the recol-
lection of the pioneers because of his many sterling qualities of
mind and character.
When but nine years old Phineas W. Crawford was brought by
his parents to Dubuque, then a small hamlet of a few hundred
people, and this city was his home ever afterward. After attend-
ing the public schools he entered the Illinois College at Jackson-
ville, and in 1859 was graduated from that institution with the
degree of Bachelor of Arts. Shortly thereafter he took up the
study of law, and from 1862 until his death was actively and suc-
cessfully engaged in the general practice of his profession. In
public life Mr. Crawford was prominent and ever interested in the
growth of Dubuque and Iowa. He was enthusiastic over the public
advancement and gave the best years of his life to labor for the
benefit of the city and state. As a Republican in politics he was
four years City Recorder, fifteen years Alderman from his ward
and from 1902 to 1906 served as State Senator from Dubuque
County. When war was declared between the North and the South
he enlisted for the preservation of the Union in Company A, Third
Iowa Volunteer Infantry, was commissioned lieutenant of his com-
pany and later promoted to captain. His military career was re-
plete with bravery and meritorious conduct. He participated in
the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, siege of Vicksburg, the Red River
campaign under General Banks and various other engagements and
campaigns. In September, 1863, he became captain of a company
in the Fourth United States Volunteers and saw service in the
Shenandoah Valley as a member of Hancock's corps, later serving
as an officer of the guard at the naval arsenal for the District of
Columbia at Washington, D. C, at the time of the execution of
Mrs. Surrat and Pain and Herrold. Socially he belonged to the
Masonic fraternity, in which he attained the Royal Arch degree,
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 771
and for sixty years was a member of Harmony Lodge of the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows. He also was identified with the
Knights of Pythias and the Grand Army of the Republic. Novem-
ber 30, 1853, he was united in marriage with Miss Harriet C. Con-
nell, Avho died April 10, 1909, and to them seven children were
born, named : Gertrude, died at the age of twenty-eight ; Helen,
wife of Arthur McArthur, of Dubuque; Mrs. Julie Tomlinson, of
Seattle: Mrs. I. C. Chamberlain, of Dubuque; Fred J.; Mrs. H. E.
Erwin, of New Britain, Connecticut ; and Horace G. Mr. Craw-
ford, after a long life of usefulness and good deeds, passed away
at his home at 154 Walnut street, Dubuque, on December 9, 1910.
John F. Beringer, proprietor of the well known Monarch
Grocery, corner of Eighth and Main streets, Dubuque, has for
many years been identified with the retail grocery interests of
Dubuque County. He is a native of Wisconsin, his birth occurring
at Potosi, November 7, 1864, and the son of Joseph and Amelia
Beringer, who came to America from Kolberg, Kingdom of
Bavaria. Germany, in 1852. They lived in New York City one
year and then moved to Chicago, where they remained three years,
at the end of which time they went to Galena, Illinois ; two years
later they moved to Potosi, Wisconsin, but after one year's resi-
dence there decided to locate permanently in Dubuque. Mr.
Beringer was a machinist and followed that trade in Bavaria and
for a number of years in this country. Joseph Beringer died in
1874, aged seventy-four years, but the mother still survives and
makes her home with the subject of this sketch. Until twelve
years of age John F. Beringer attended the local parochial schools,
and upon the death of his father was obliged to go to work. He
entered the employ of the John F. Burns Grocery Company and
remained with this concern as head clerk for a period of twenty-
eight years. He then embarked in the retail grocery business on
his own account and by conscientious dealings with the public has
won their confidence and at present enjoys an unusually large
business. Starting out in a comparatively small way, he has in-
creased his stock as occasion warranted and today his establish-
ment is one of the largest and best of its kind in the city. He car-
ries a high grade stock of goods and therefore commands a large
portion of the best trade of the city. Mr. Beringer is a Roman
Catholic in religion, being a member of St. Mary's church, and
resides at 627 Windsor avenue.
August Hammel is a fitting example of what man can ac-
complish in this country under adverse conditions. He was born
December 22, 1837, in the Kingdom of Wurttemberg, Germany,
and is a son of Johann and Susanna Hammel, who lived and died
in the fatherland. He was reared and educated in his native coun-
7/2 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
try, but in 1853 came to America and for three years lived at
Cleveland. Ohio, with a brother. When nineteen years old he
came to Dubuque and for a year worked at any honorable employ-
ment he could find. In 1857 he began working for the Lynch-
Kelley Flour Mill, on Seventh street, and later at the Rockdale
Mills, serving as salesman and in various other capacities. When
the Government was plunged into war and all patriotic men were
urged to come forward and maintain the union of the States, the
stirring call of his adopted country met with a responsive answer
from young Hammel. In August. 1861. he enlisted in the Fifth
Iowa Cavalry and shortly thereafter became a corporal. His
first important engagement was at Fort Donelson when he carried
dispatches from Fort Henry to Fort Donelson during the engage-
ment and where General Grant became famous for his demand
upon General Buckner for "immediate and unconditional sur-
render.'' Mr. Hammel served all through the Civil War with
great credit. On the 5th of May. 1862, while on a scouting expedi-
tion with about 120 men. Major Schaffer commanding, the party
was surprised by the enemy under Major-General Cleburne. Mr.
Hammel had barely time to mount his horse and in the confusion
rider and horse were thrown ofif a bridge, whereupon he was taken
prisoner by a young rebel. An older rebel coming along declared
with an oath lie would shoot him, but the young soldier forbade
him, saying, "I dare you; he is my prisoner." Young Hammel was
taken to Corinth and paroled. Soon afterward he rejoined his regi-
ment, but on July 29, 1864, was again taken prisoner in Georgia
and was confined in Andersonville prison. He was transferred
from one prison to another several times until discharged at Jack-
sonville, April 28. 1865. He had been in prison nine months, and
when discharged weighed but eighty-five pounds. He was returned
to his regiment and honorably discharged at Davenport, Iowa,
June 15, 1865. Returning to Dubuque, he became head miller in
the Dubuque City Mills and was so engaged for a period of sixteen
years. Having by this time accumulated some means, he purchased
a small mill on White street, which he operated a few years, and
then returned to the Rockdale Mills, which, under his wise man-
agement, became one of the foremost flouring mills in the entire
country. A believer in the maxim that "whatever is worth doing
is worth doing well," he mastered the intricacies of the business
and for a period of nearly a half century has been known as the
leading miller of Dubuque and the adjoining country. Mr. Ham-
mel is a member of the Lutheran church, a Republican in politics,
and past commander of the local post of the Grand Army of the
Republic. March 29, 1866. he married Miss Sarah Woltz and to
tliem six children have been born, as follows: August, who died in
infancy; Mathilda, now Mrs. William Wessler. of Dubuque; Sarah,
who resides at home; George, a machinist for the Chicago, Mil-
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 77s
wankee & St. Paul Railroad: Clara, who died February 9, 1910,
aged thirty-two years, as Mrs. Jas. O'Connors; and August, Jr., a
partner with his brother-in-law in the Nesler & Hanimel Plumbing
Company, of Dubuque. Mrs. Hammel died March 8, 1908, and is
at rest in Linwood Cemetery. Mr. Hammel came to America
without a dollar to his name and is justly proud of the fact that
he has never experienced want except during his military service.
He was a member of the old No. i of the Fire Department.
Shubael p. Adams was one of the old pioneers and best known
men of Dubuque, and was descended from notable ancestry. His
great grandfather, John Adams, was born in Crediton, Devonshire,
England, in 1685. While a mere lad he was seized and forced to
serve as a cabin boy on board a ship of war, but when the ship
reached Salem, Massachusetts, he deserted. He was captured but
again succeeded in making his escape and became one of the first
settlers in Norfolk County, Massachusetts. It was there Shubael
P. Adams was born, February 5, 18 17. When but two years old
his parents removed to Lincoln County, Maine, and at the age of
eighteen he went to Waltham, Massachusetts, to learn the ma-
chinist's trade. With the exception of about two years spent at
school and in the study of medicine, he worked at his trade until
1842, at which time he went to Lowell, Massachusetts, continuing
the study of medicine and also working at his trade. He then at-
tended medical lectures at Boston and Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and
received the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1845. Soon there-
after he turned his attention from the medical profession and
began the study of law ; he was admitted to the bar in Lowell in
1849. He was a member of the State Constitutional Convention
of 1843 ^^^ represented Lowell in the legislature in 1845 ^^^
again in 1857. The latter year he removed to Dubuque and con-
tinued the practice of law until appointed provost-marshal for the
Third Congressional District of this State. This position he held
till the close of the war. In 1866 he was appointed on a commis-
sion to lay out a reservation for a band of Chippewa Indians, 215
miles north of St. Paul. The next year he resumed the practice
of law in Dubuque and was recognized as one of the ablest attor-
neys before the Dubuque bar. For many years he was attorney
for the Chicago, Dubuque & Minnesota, and Chicago, Clinton &
Dubuque railroads. He passed away, a man beloved and respected
by all who knew him, in 1894. He is survived by his widow, Mrs.
D. R. (Taylor) Adams, and seven children, as follows: Charles
Sumner, of Volga, Iowa; Mrs. Mary Dodge, of Minneapolis; Mrs.
Kate L. Monger, of Dubuque; Albert F., of the Smithsonian Insti-
tute, Washington, D. C. ; John T., President of the Carr, Ryder &
Adams' Sash, Door and Blind Manufacturing Company; Miss Nell
B., of Dubuque; and Mrs. James C. Collier, of Dubuque.
774 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Samuel E. Muntz, florist, Dubuque, has for the last eleven
years been successfully engaged in business at 2997 Jackson street.
He was born at Stonehill, Dubuque County, Iowa, September 17,
1877, the son of William and Mary Muntz, both of whom are of
German extraction. The family came originally from the King-
dom of Wurttemberg. Germany, but since 1820 have resided in
America. William Muntz came from the State of Pennsylvania
to Dubuque in 1854 and here for years followed gardening. He is
now retired from the active cares of life and with his wife is re-
siding in Dubuque, aged sixty-six years. Samuel E. Muntz, the
immediate subject of this review-, attended the Stonehill public
school until fifteen years of age. He immediately entered his
father's floral establishment with a view to ultimately taking up
that line of business, and carefully mastered the details of success-
fully raising and caring for beautiful flowers. Some time later
he was for two years engaged in the business on his own account
in a suburb of Dubuque, but in 1900 located at his present quar-
ters. When he first came here the land was little more than a mud
hole, but Mr. Muntz has developed it into one of the finest nursery
establishments in the city during his residence. He has a tract
320x180 feet at this place, and also owns considerable real estate
in this and other states. He also added another greenhouse, 27 feet
wide and 90 feet long, on the same ground. He was married on
October 11, 1898, at Stonehill, to Miss Nettie M. Thompson,
daughter of J. and Rosa Thompson and granddaughter of John
Floyd Thompson, an early settler of Dubuque County who owned
the Thompson Mill. To Mr. and Mrs. Muntz three children have
been born: Clifford Luverne, born July 5, 1903; Roeland Thomp-
son, born July 18, 1909, and one who died in infancy.
Frank P. Fuhrmann, senior member of the well known and
long established gentlemen's clothing, furnishing and shoes estab-
lishment of Fuhrmann Brothers, located at 905-911 Clay street,
Dubuque, is a native of this city and the son of John and Caroline
(Hassel) Fuhrmann. The father was a native of the Province of
•Alsace, Germany, but in 1850 immigrated to America by way of
New Orleans, where for a time he worked on the steamboats plying
around that city. At the time of the yellow fever in the Crescent
City Mr. Fuhrmann assisted in overcoming the plague and shortly
thereafter came to Dubuque. Here he first engaged in the buying
and selling of horses, shipping them to St. Paul, and then opened
a small clothing store, 22 by 25 feet, on Clay street, which venture
proved very successful. This was about 1868. He was later, by
reason of the growth of his business, forced to increase his premises
to 22 by 60 feet. Under his management the concern continued
to grow and prosper. Mr. Fuhrmann died in 1898, aged seventy
years, and was followed by his widow in 1905, aged seventy-seven
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 775
years, and both now lie at rest in the family lot in IMount Calvary
Cemetery. The mother was a native of Radcn. Germany. The
birth of Frank P. Fuhrmann occurred on April 4. 1866. He re-
ceived his education in the local parochial and IMiird ward schools,
which he left in his thirteenth year to begin work. For three
years he secured employment in various factories and in 1882
started with his father as clerk, continuing as such four years.
When the elder Fuhrmann desired to retire from active i)articipa-
tion in business affairs he reduced his stock and then sold the bal-
ance to his two sons, Frank P. and Jacob, for two notes, one paya-
ble in two and a half years and the other in five. The brothers had
about $350 in cash to start, and with this purchased enough goods
to insure them about $1,000 worth of stock. In 1889 Frank P.
Fuhrmann bought out his brother's interest in the concern for
$1,500 cash and for fifteen years successfully continued the business
alone and enlarged the premises to 22 by 100 feet. In 1904 he ad-
mitted his brother, Joe, into partnership, and when the mother died
they j)urchased the premises from the heirs and increased their
establishment to 52x100 feet, tearing down the old buildings and
erecting their present establishment. They are today regarded as
one of the largest and best firms in clothing, furnishings and shoes
in the city of Dubuque, and the success of the concern is due in no
small measure to the efforts and management of Frank P. Fuhr-
mann. In 1903 he built his residence at 1257 Jackson street. He
is independent in politics and an adherent of the Roman Catholic
faith. On October 10, 1894, he was united in marriage with Miss
Katherine Schumm, and to them one daughter and three sons have
been born, named Katharine Marie, Frederick William, Frank
Anton, Carl Gustave, the three sons now attending school in
Dubuque. Mrs. Fuhrmann is the daughter of William and
Katherine Schumm, pioneer settlers of the county. William
Schumm for many years was prominent in local affairs of im-
portance and passed away in 1905, aged seventy-six years, and was
buried in Linwood Cemetery. His widow still survives and makes
her home with Mr. and Mrs. Fuhrmann.
E. James Gregory, carpenter contractor at Dubuque, with offices
at 1 1 20 Iowa street, has for the past nine years been engaged at his
profession in this city. He was born at Webster City, Iowa,
October 10, 1872, a son of Ezra and Elizabeth (Sloan) and grand-
son of C. R. and Rachel (Bernett) Gregory. The grandfather was
a native of the State of New York and removed to Ohio, later to
Vigo County, Indiana, where he was one of the pioneer settlers.
Late in life he and wife, a native of Kentucky, came to Dubuque,
Iowa, and here they passed away, he in February. 1850. and she
in 1862. Ezra Gregory was born September 23, 1836, in Vigo
County, Indiana, and came with his parents to Dubuque County,
776 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
where he obtained a meagre education in the pubHc schools. He
was the oldest of four children, and when his father died, at which
time he was but fourteen years old, much of the work and responsi-
bility of caring for his mother and brothers and sisters fell to
his lot. In 1858 he began farming in his own interest and followed
tliat line of endeavor successfully four years. On August 2t,, 1862,
he abandoned the plow for the musket. Prompted by patriotic im-
pulses he responded to President Lincoln's call for volunteers and
joined Company H. Twenty-first Iowa Volunteers, under com-
mand of Colonel Merrill of Clayton county. His company was
ordered to Missouri and there saw six months' service, at the ex-
piration of which time they participated in the siege of Vicksburg
under General Grant. Aside from the above Mr. Gregory took
part in the following battles and campaigns : Hartville, Port Gib-
son, Champion Hills, Black River Bridge, Spanish Fort, Mobile,
and the siege and captvire of Fort Blakely. At the conclusion of
that memorable struggle he was honorably discharged by the War
Department of the United States at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, July
15, 1865, and was shortly afterwards discharged at Clinton, Iowa.
Mr. Gregory immediately returned to his home and resumed farm-
ing and followed same until his retirement from the active cares
of life. By hard and conscientious work he accumulated a com-
petency, and his latter years were spent in the knowledge that he
had done his duty by home and country and was entitled to the
honor and respect of all men. He passed away on May 16, 1909,
and his loss was mourned generally throughout the county. With
his passing Dubuque lost one of her best and most deserving cit-
izens. To his marriage with Miss Elizabeth Sloan, solemnized in
1858, the following named children were born: William C,
Corinne, Luella, Frank, Nellie (deceased), James, and Florence.
Mrs. Gregory is a daughter of James and Rhoda Sloan; the father
was the first ferryman in Dubuque. She yet survives her husband
and is at present residing at 810 W. Fifth street, Dubuque.
E. James Gregory remained with his parents on the old home
place until eighteen years of age, assisting his father with the farm
work and attending the district schools. In 1890 he started out in
life for himself as an apprentice to the carpenter trade, remaining
four years with Mr. Ketsche. For a time thereafter he worked as
a journeyman at his trade for Mr. Jordan of Dubuque, and also
in St. Joseph, Missouri. He then returned to Dubuque and embarked
in carpenter contracting on his own account, and has ever since been
actively and successfully engaged in that line of business. He
erected the well known Fowler flats, various additions to local
public buildings and also many fine residences. Mr. Gregory is a
Republican in politics, a Congregationalist in religion and a mem-
ber of the Modern Brotherhood of America and the Woodmen of
the World. On November 4, 1896, in Dubuque, he was united in
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY -j-j-j
marriage with Miss Mildred Nnss. daughter of Henry and Marie
H. Ntiss, and to them one daughter. Gladys, was born in March,
1900. Mrs. Gregory's father was a native of France, who came
to America when six years old, served his adopted country during
the Civil war. and was a pioneer wagon manufacturer of Cooke,
Wisconsin.
John L. Kies is one of the younger generation of the successful
business men of Dubuque and a credit to the city. He was born on
a farm in Mosalem Township, this county, October i, 1882, a son
of Mathias and Margaret Kies and a grandson of Nicholas Kies.
Nicholas Kies was a native of Luxemburg, Germany, and immi-
grated with his wife, six sons and one daughter to the United States
in 1859. He located on a farm in Mosalem Township, Dubuque
County, Iowa, and this property is now owned and operated by his
descendants. For many years Mathias Kies owned and conducted
the Western Hotel in Dubuque. He died August 29, 1903, when
forty-nine years of age. His children were John L., whose name
heads this review ; Peter, engaged in the marble and granite busi-
ness; Paul, died in 1907; Valentine, a jeweler at Trenton, Wis-
consin ; Theodore ; Mathilda ; Florence ; and Margaret, who died in
1906. John L. Kies attended the public and parochial schools of
Dubuque when a boy and started out in life for himself as clerk
in the drug store of J. W. Wittmer, with whom he continued four
years. He then entered the Northwestern School of Pharmacy at
Chicago, was graduated therefrom in 1902, and immediately there-
after resumed his employment with Mr. Wittmer. From 1903 to
1906 he was in the service of the Torbert Drug Company, but in
the latter year embarked in the drug trade upon his own responsi-
bility, at which he has been more than ordinarily successful. Mr.
Kies has financial interests in other important enterprises in
Dubuque. He is a member of the Dubuque Commercial Club, St.
Mary's Roman Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, several other fraternal
organizations, and is independent in his political affiliations. No-
vember 16. 1909, he married Miss Elizabeth Gilbert, daughter of
Henry and Ellen Gilbert, and they are the parents of one daughter,
Margaret E., born September 19, 1910.
John Paul Buechele, for the past fifteen years engaged in the
jewelry business in Dubuque, is a native of this city, born June 19,
1874, and a son of Theodore E., Sr., and Francis (Dozark) Bue-
chele. The father was born in Waldkirch, Grand Duchy of Baden,
Germany, on October 28, 1846, and was there educated and learned
the cabinet maker's trade. In 1868 he immigrated to America and
came immediately to Dubuque, Iowa, where he secured employment
with the old Harincourt Burial Case Company. This concern later
778 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
operated under the firm name of Key City Furniture Company, and
of this Mr. Buechele became superintendent and a stockholder. He
remained thus connected practically until his death, which occurred
October i8, 1901, his interment being in Mt. Calvary. His widow
yet survives him and resides in Dubuque. She is a native of Prague,
Bohemia, and came to the United States and Delaware County,
Iowa, with her parents in 1862. To Mr. and Mrs. Buechele these
children were born: Theodore E. ]., of the Kaep & Buechele cloth-
ing house ; John Paul, subject ; Emma, a clerk in the patent ofifice at
Washington, D. C. ; Victor, with the H. Trenkle sausage manufac-
turing concern; Anthony J., with his brother John in the jewelry
business ; and Josephine, at home. Until fourteen years old John
Paul Buechele attended the local parochial and public schools, then
served a three-year apprenticeship to the jeweler's trade under F.
A. Nesler. In January, 1896, with C. H. Fiegenbaum he embarked
in the jewelry business under the firm name of J. P. Buechele &
Co. at 1042 Main street, and five years later bought out his partner's
interest. Mr. Buechele has since successfully conducted the busi-
ness alone. In religious views he is a member of Sacred Heart
Roman Catholic church, and socially is identified with the Knights
of Columbus, Catholic Order of Foresters, Independent Order of
Foresters, Modern Woodmen of America, Modern Brotherhood of
America and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. On September 28,
1904, he was united in marriage with Miss Clementine Kessler,
daughter of Stephen and Catherine (Baumhover) Kessler, and to
their union have been born the following named children : John,
Edward, Carolus, Paul and Arnold. The family residence is located
at 417 Windsor avenue.
Hon. Oliver Perry Shiras, recently retired and now residing
at the Wales Hotel, Dubuque, is of Scotch-Irish extraction. The
Shiras family have resided in America for the past hundred and
fifty years and were prominent in the early history of New Jersey
and Pennsylvania. George and Eliza Shiras, the parents of our sub-
ject, have long since passed away, the father in 1894, aged eighty-
nine years, and the mother in 1873, ^g^<^ sixty-one years. Their
son, Oliver, was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, October 22, 1833,
and there received his early education in the public schools. He
further pursued his studies in the original Ohio University, from
which institution he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in
1853 and the degree of Master of Arts. Mr. Shiras then entered
the legal department of Yale University and was duly graduated
therefrom with the degree of Bachelor of Laws, and later received
also the degree of Doctor of Laws. He then came West to
Dubuque, was admitted to practice before the Iowa State Bar and
immediately embarked in the practice of his profession. When the
memorable struggle between the North and the South became im-
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 779
minent he enlisted for the preservation of the Union and until 1864
served as aide de camp on the staff of general F. J. Herron through-
out the campaigns of Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana.
After an honorable discharge by the War Department, Mr. Shiras
returned to his home in Dubuque and resumed the practice of his
profession. He is a Republican in politics and as such served as
delegate to many state and congressional conventions before he
began his judicial career. During President Arthur's administra-
tion, August 2, 1882, he was appointed United States Judge of the
Northern District of Iowa and held that position until 1903, when
he retired.
During his twenty-one years of service on the bench he not only
served as the Judge for the Northern District of Iowa, but also
held circuit court in various states of the Eighth National Judicial
Circuit, and for five years was likewise a member of the Circuit
Court of Appeals. The Eighth Judicial Circuit is one of the largest
of the nine circuits and is composed of the following named states :
Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, North Dakota, South Dakota,
Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico
and Utah. From time to time Judge Shiras held court in seven of
the thirteen states.
His brother, George Shiras, was x\ssociate Justice of the United
States Supreme Court from 1892 to 1903.
February 15. 1857, at Springfield, Ohio, he was united in mar-
riage with Miss Elizabeth R. Mitchell, who died in 1885, and on
October 11, 1888. at St. Paul, Minnesota, Mr. Shiras remarried,
taking as his partner in life Mrs. Hetty Cornwell, daughter of
Luther Spalding, deceased, of Warren, Ohio. Four children, two
dying in infancy, have been born to Mr. Shiras. The two growing
to maturity were Isabella, the wife of Irving Van Vliet, of Duluth,
Minnesota, and Frederick, born July, 1865, and died in the Philip-
pines, June, 1908. He was a first lieutenant of the Thirty-sixth
Regiment, United States Volunteers, and served during the Spanish-
American war.
Many years before the Public Library w^as established Judge
Shiras helped to organize the Young Men's Library Association and
for ten years served as its president. He always manifested interest
in the library and educational work of the city. Since his retirement
from the judicial bench he has taken marked interest in the internal
improvement of the city by means of an enlarged and more perfected
system of public parks. It was largely through his efforts and sup-
port that the large Eagle Point Park along the Mississippi was
secured recently and improved.
He is vice-president of the Public Library Board, for many years
a trustee of Finley Hospital, and a member of the Grand Army of
the Republic.
78o HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Paul Traut, prominently identified with the civic and commer-
cial prosperity of Dubtique during his lifetime, was a son of Joseph
Traut, an old pioneer of this city. Joseph Traut was a native of
Prussia. He immigrated to the United States in 1846 and took up
his residence in Dubuque. Iowa, where he married Anna Hilken,
a native of Luxemburg. He died in 1895 at the age of seventy-
three years, and his wife the same year, aged sixty-nine. Paul Traut
spent his early life at home, supplementing the education he received
in the city schools by a commercial course in Bayless Business Col-
lege. He began his business career as clerk in a store, succeeding
which for five years he was bookkeeper in the wholesale drug house
of E. H. Moore. In 1874 he embarked in the wholesale liquor busi-
ness on his own account, but this he disposed of by sale in 1880.
During his business career he had become active as a Democrat in
political affairs and, possessing marked executive ability, he became
the nominee of his party in 1880 for the office of city treasurer. At
the election following he was the successful candidate and so satis-
factorily did he fill the requirements of the office that he was chosen
his own successor three times. In 1889 he was the successful can-
didate of his party for the office of county treasurer, and upon the
expiration of his term two years later was re-elected to the position.
In 1884 he was one of the organizers of the German Trust & Sav-
ings Bank, of which he was elected treasurer, and of which in 1894
he became president. Many other important commercial enterprises
received his cooperation and aid. He assisted in the consolidation of
the four brew^eries allied with the Dubuque Malting Company and
became the vice-president of the reorganized corporation. He was
also a stockholder and vice-president of the Dubuque Stamping &
Enameling Works ; was one of the organizers and a director of the
Dubuque Woodenw^are & Lumber Company, and at the time of his
death was president of the Iowa Coffin Company. He was a warm
friend of the educational cause and served two terms as president
of the Board of Education with credit to himself and satisfaction to
all concerned. Mr. Traut was married in 1873 to Miss Louisa
Jaeger, a native of Dubuque and daughter of the old settler, Adam
Jaeger. Seven children were born to this marriage, as follows:
Eleanora, who married Paul Kerz, became the mother of five
children and died at Galena. Illinois, January 31, 1908; Frank, who
was a bookkeeper in the German Trust & Savings Bank at the time
of his death in 1897, aged twenty-two years; Louisa M., who inar-
ried Charles Saunders, Jr., who is now engaged in the retail meat
market business in Dubuque and is the mother of six children;
Mamie, the mother of three children and the wife of Clarence Trex-
ler, who is engaged in the grocery business in Dubuque with his
father; Edward, who married Pauline Hartmann and resides in
Dubuque ; Verena, the wife of William Toepel, is the mother of one
child and has her home in Galena; and Adam H., who married
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 781
jMaucl Canavan and is the agent of the Singer Sewing Machine Com-
pany in Dubuque. The family are of the Roman CathoHc faith in
religion. Paul Traut was one of the whole souled, enterprising, gen-
erous, broad-minded men of Dubuque. He commanded the respect
of his fellowmen because of his sterling honesty and business ability,
and the love of all who knew him by reason of his generosity,
sympathy and benevolence. He died May 23, 1898, and is buried in
Mount Carmel Cemetery.
B. J. HoRCHEM, the son of John and Henrietta Horchem, was
born in Dubuque. December 4, 1866. Both parents were German and
came to Dubuque in i860. The father was a painter by trade, but
when the call was issued for men to suppress the rebellion in 1861
he enlisted in Company F, Fifth Iowa Cavalry, and served until the
close of the war, when he was mustered out at Pulaski, Tennessee.
At the close of the war he located at Dyersville, where he died in
1867 at the age of thirty-five. The mother married again and con-
tinued her residence at Dyersville till her death, April i, 1900. Very
early in life, then, the subject of this sketch was compelled to endure
hardships at the hands of his stepfather, which had a marked in-
fluence in molding his thoughts and actions in subsequent life. Until
sixteen years of age he worked on the farm from early spring until
late in the fall. He then attended Dyersville high school and the
Cedar Rapids Business College. He taught a country school two
years and was principal of the Dyersville school for two years. He
was then elected county superintendent of schools and filled that
office from 1894 to 1898. He was re-elected for a third term, but
resigned the position in January, 1899, to accept the principalship of
the Audubon School in the city of Dubuque, which position he still
holds. After assuming the duties of the last named position he
took several courses in psychology and sociol'ogy in Chicago and
Columbia universities.
He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Vincent de Paul
Society and the National Education Association. In his religious
views he is a Roman Catholic and holds membership in St. Raphael's
church in Dubuque. When asked as to his politics he said : 'T vote
for the best man in local affairs. I was first elected county superin-
tendent on the Citizens' ticket and at the second election was en-
dorsed by both parties.
He hopes to reform the school system and to this end has started
what he has been pleased to call the "Park Life," the general plan of
which is to have an "all-the-year school," but only half the time in
school to be spent indoors. He is devoting much of his energy to
this cause and says he hopes soon to publish a work on "Park Life
and the Playground Movement." Dr. A. E. Winship in an editorial
says : "Personally we earnestly hope that Mr. Horchem will have
782 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
all needed financial aid, and that 'Park Life' will become a term to
conjure with the county over."
Louis C. Lubck, of Dubuque, was born in this city on October
2, i860, and is a son of Charles and Alary (Zannck) Lubck, who
were natives of Germany and Switzerland, respectively. Both par-
ents came to America in 1847 ^"^^ i" ^J""^* year settled at Dubuque,
then little more than a frontier village, the father first landing at
New Orleans, thence coming to Dubuque by boat, the mother coming
here overland from Milwaukee. Charles Lubck w^as an architect in
the old country, but engaged in the grocery business in Dubuque, at
which he continued until his death in 1861 when forty-seven years
of age. Mrs. Lubck is yet living in Dubuque at the age of seventy-
nine years. They were the parents of four children : Christina, who
died, unmarried, March 17, 1910; Mary married Jacob Jorrimann
and lives at Owatonna, Minnesota, the mother of eight children ;
Caroline, who became the wife of Charles Norman, by whom she
is the mother of seven children and resides in Chicago ; and Louis
C, the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Lubck was remarried in 1865,
James Thompson becoming her second husband, and to this mar-
riage four children were born: Charles R., James W., Marion and
Alice. Mr. Thompson was a miner during his latter years and died
April 13, 1910. Louis C. Lubck was educated in the public and
high schools of Dubuque and when yet a boy was apprenticed to
the printer's trade. After completing his indenture he traveled over
the country as a journeyman printer for about ten years, but in
1 89 1 was employed by the Smith Printing Company, of Dubuque.
In 1892, associated with John Smith and ]\L M. Walker, he bought
the Evening Ledger, subsequently organizing the Globe Printing
Company and publishing the Evening Globe. This was continued
until the company was reorganized on a larger and more extensive
scale as the Smith-Morgan Printing Company and the Times-
Journal was published and e\entually became the present Times-
Journal. Shortly after this Mr. Lubck disposed of his holdings
and on May 25, 1895, in company with William Steuck, purchased
the Union Printing Company, which they have ever since con-
ducted. At the time they originally purchased the plant it was but
a small concern employing four or five persons. Modern methods,
equipment, workmanship and aggressive business methods have
since made this concern one of the best of its kind in the city. Mr.
Lubck is a Republican and has served three terms as chairman of
the County Central Committee of his party and in other ways has
figured prominently in the political affairs of the community. He
is unmarried ; is a member of the Westminster Presbyterian church.
He belongs to Dubuque Lodge No. 3, A. F. & A. M. ; Dubuque
Chapter No. 3, R. A. M.. and Siloam Commandery No. 3, K. T.,
and also the Modern Woodmen of America, the Benevolent and
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 783
Protective Order of Elks, the Dubuque Traveling Men's Business
Association and the Dubuque Motor Boat Chib.
Albert Wallace Aitchison. one of the extensive farmers and
stock raisers of Cascade Township, was born April i, 1863, at Chi-
cago, Illinois, a son of William Aitchison, Jr., of whom appropriate
mention appears elsewhere in this work. In early youth he attended
the public schools, then entered Lenox College, from which, owing
to failing health, he was compelled to retire before graduation.
For the most part his life has been passed in agricultural pursuits.
To the 60 acres left him by his father he has added at different
times until he now owns 470 acres in Cascade Township and also
160 acres in South Dakota. Mr. Aitchison is one of the foremost,
progressive farmers of Dubuque County. His home, modern in its
appointments, is heated by hot water; his outbuildings have been
erected to meet the requirements of the scientific care of stock ; his
shade trees and lawns indicate a progressiveness in the farm life of
the county well worthy of emulation. While devoting much of his
attention to diversified farming, he specializes in the raising of
shorthorn cattle, Shropshire sheep and Poland-China hogs. Mr.
Aitchison is a Democrat in politics, has serv-ed as township treas-
urer twenty years and is a member of the Modern Woodmen Lodge
at Cascade. April 8, 1885, he was united in marriage with Miss
Sarah Kearney, daughter of A. J. Kearney, of whom mention is
made elsewhere herein, and to this marriage there have been born
the following children: Albert E., born May 3, 1886, a graduate
of Lenox College; Adrian Fletcher, born May 12, 1889, now in
college; Eleanor Grace, born December 25, 1890, now in college;
William K., born June 8, 1893: and Ruth, born July 2, 1896, died
July 14, same year.
Thomas A. Hamil, deceased, was born August 24, 1855, a son
of Andrew Preston Hamil, an early settler of Cascade, extended
notice of whom appears elsewhere in this work. After attending
the public schools in boyhood Thomas A. Hamil started out in life
for himself as a monthly farm laborer and later worked at well
drilling several years. March 10, 1880, he wedded Abby Asenath
Hamilton and about this time began farming on the old homestead
of his wife's father, Deacon James S. Hamilton. He was of that
robust temperament that required all that he had to do with being
done well. He prospered as a farmer and also as a raiser of good
stock, and for a long time was secretary and was one of the
originators of Cascade Creamery. Although a staunch Republican
in politics he never aspired to office, being content to fill local posi-
tions where he believed it would benefit the public. He belonged to
the Modern Woodmen, the Mystic Workers, and was a consistent
member of the Baptist church. Above all he was proud of his home
784 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
and family and the honorable name it always bore. Four children
were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hamil, as follows: James S., born
April 20, 1882; Charles A., born April 10. 1884. and married
Blanche Gordon; Gerald T., born February 21. 1887, and married
Margaret Morton; and Mary Bess, born November 21, 1889, and
graduated in music from Epworth Seminary in 1909. Mr. Hamil
died November 17, 1900. His family still resides on the old home-
stead.
Henry Brouillard, farmer and stock raiser, residing on Sec-
tion 26, Washington Township, a mile and one-quarter northwest
of Zwingle, was born in the eastern portion of France, November,
13, 1854, a son of George and Susan (Pillard) Brouillard, both
of whom were natives of that country and there married. The
father was a farmer and in March. 1868. with his three sons,
Eugene, Henry and Charles, immigrated to the United States and
joined George Salot, who conducted a store at Buncombe, Dubuque
County, Iowa, and who now resides in Dubuque. Mr. Brouillard
bought a farm in Washington Township of a Mr. Foster, 160 acres
of which was improved and 30 acres timber land. He later added
270 acres in Jackson County to his property and successfully fol-
lowed general farming and stock raising until about fourteen years
ago, when because of ill health he went West to Oklahoma and
made his home with his youngest son, Charles, a farmer. From
there they moved on a farm near Moran. Allen County, Kansas,
where George Brouillard yet resides, aged eighty years. His wife
died October 4, 1897, at the age of sixty-seven years. She was one
of four children born in France to Frederick and Margaret Pillard,
Frederick, Petre and George being the other three. Henry Brouil-
lard, the immediate subject of this review, received his scholastic
training in France and still is proficient in writing and reading that
language. He followed farming with his father and after the
latter left for Oklahoma undertook the management of all property
in Washington Township. He carries on general and diversified
farming and also raises stock. In politics he is a Democrat, but
has never aspired to ofifice, and in religious views is identified with
the German Reformed church. In February, 1895, ^^^ ^'^'^s united
in marriage with Miss Alice Kifer, daughter of John Kifer, and to
them three daughters have been born, named Neva, Iva and
Blanche. The Brouillard family is one of the comparatively few
of French extraction to be found in Dubuque County and they
bear the respect and esteem of all who know them.
John Neyens, one of Dubuque County's well-known farmers
and stock raisers, was born in Luxemburg, Germany, September
26, 1853, a son of John and Johanna (Miller) Neyens. and grand-
son of Nicholas and ]\Iary (Dekobon) Neyens, the latter being
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 785
natives of Austria and Spain, respectively. The Dekobon family
were wealthy land owners and had a fine estate in Germany.
Nicholas Neyens was a sculptor by occupation and was employed
by the Dekobons to carve the ivory and marble work in their resi-
dential chapel. While thus engaged Mr. Neyens met Mary De-
kobon. whom he later married. One of the children born to this
union was John Neyens. the father of the subject of this sketch. He
married Johanna Aliller in Lu.xemburg. German}', and to them were
born the following children : Mary Kate, who married John Sheke
and died in the old country, the mother of twelve children; Anna,
wife of John Orban, and died at Le Mars. Iowa; Kate, married
Jacob Ressler and resides at Worthington, Iowa ; Michael, who
married Mary Waistman and lives in Dyersville ; Henry Neyens,
married in 1876 Lizzie Keppler, lived in Nebraska and died there
in 1909; John, subject of this sketch; and Mary Anna, now Mrs.
Nicholas Mertes, of Le Mars. In 1868 the parents and children,
with the exception of the oldest, Mary, came to the United States,
and on March 15 of that year located on 240 acres of land in White
Water Township, Dubuque County, Iowa. But fifty acres of this
was improved and the father, who had been a stone mason in Ger-
many, assisted by his family, began to clear and improve the land
and to establish a home. Mr. Neyens was blind when he located
here and his neighbors used to wonder how he could grub out stumps
•without being able to see. He was a devout Catholic in religious
faith and in 1874. aged sixty-four years, passed away, honored and
respected by his fellowmen. His wife, whose maiden name was
Johanna Miller, was a daughter of Jacob and Mary (Musel) Miller,
both of whom lived and died in Luxemburg, Germany. To Mr.
and Mrs. Miller these children were born: John Henry, who came
to America previous to the Neyens family and settled and died
at Cascade ; Mathias. who came later and died in Carroll County,
Iowa ; Angelius. who came with Mathias and died at Dyersville ;
Kate ; Susan ; and Johanna, who became Mrs. John Neyens. The
latter survived her husband until 1896 and then passed away at the
advanced age of eighty-three years. John Neyens, the immediate
subject of this memoir, came with his parents to America in 1868
and remained at home, assisting his father until his marriage. In
those early days Indians and deer were to be found frequently in
the county and Mr. Neyens remembers chasing deer with a club,
as he had no gun at that time. He married Anna Becker, a daughter
of Peter and Margarey (Lemner) Becker, both parents now de-
ceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Becker these children were born : Kate,
deceased, married Peter Weber, of Cascade; Anna, now Mrs. John
Neyens ; and Mary, who married John Goos and resides near Cas-
cade. In 1 88 1 Anna of the above children came to America and
married Mr. Neyens. and two years later her father, mother and
sisters came also to Dubuque County. Iowa, and made their home
786 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
with the subject uf this sketch. Mv. Becker died in 1892, aged
seventy-two years, preceded by his wife in 1890. at the age of sixty-
three vears. Mr. Neyens now owns and operates the farm in
\\'hite Water Township known as "Forest Farm." Shortly after
his marriage he began farming on his own account, first purchasing
120 acres, then 80, then 40 and later 20 more, and now has a fine
tract of 260 acres. He erected a modern home, doing the work him-
self, as he is also a carpenter and mason, and built spacious barns and
outhouses. In politics he espouses the politics of the Democratic
party and in religious views is of the Roman Catholic faith. To him
and wife were born the following named children: Mary, born Oc-
tober. 1882. married G. Saddler, of White Water Township; Peter,
born in March, 1884, married Lizzie Bockes and resides in Cascade;
Anna, born in 1887; John, born in 1892; Margaret, born in 1895;
three who died in infancy; and Jacob and Michael.
Daniel Schultz, deceased, came to Dubuque County in 1840
and became one of the foremost and most deserving farmers and
stock raisers in the community. He was born in Westmoreland
County, Pennsylvania, in 1821, descended from German parents,
and was married in Pennsylvania to Eve Leffert. In the early
forties they and their one daughter, Anna, came West to Dubuque
County, Iowa, and settled in Washington Township on the south-
east quarter on the border line between Dubuque and Jackson
counties. Here Mr. Schultz purchased an 80-acre farm and erected
a frame house, the first in this section of the country. This was
burned shortly afterwards and as money was rather scarce, he
built a log house for temporary use. He improved this property
and later rented it and moved north into Washington Township to
a place known as Buncombe. Here he bought 100 acres, which he
improved and resided on ten or twelve years, and then disposed of
same, purchasing 240 acres in Sections 25 and 26 of Washington
'Township. This was later called and is now known as "Walnut
Grove." Mr. Schultz improved this land by erecting a fine home,
barns and various outhouses, and as his means permitted added
thereto until he owned a section of as fine farm land as could be
desired. On February 27, 1907, surrounded by a family of loving
children and friends and after a long and honorable career, Mr.
Schultz was summoned to the great beyond, aged eighty-seven
years, three months and ten days. He was a Democrat in politics,
but never aspired to office, preferring to confine his attention to pri-
vate afifairs. and during early times in the county was an active
member of the German Reformed church. Mrs. Schultz died
December 14, 1892. To them these children were born: Anna,
born May 8. 1849; Elizabeth, born April 10. 1851, widow of
Ebenezer McKitrick; Daniel, born December 15, 1858, married
Wilma Wigreffee on July 17, 1908; David, born September 15,
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 787
1863; Nicholas, born April 8, 1866. Of the above children Anna,
Daniel, Da\'i(l and Nicholas believed that success could be attained
in greater proportions by cooperation, and with the father worked
the home place and shared in the accumulation of an estate of some
852 acres. Aside from general farming they have been very suc-
cessful in the raising of shorthorn cattle, Poland-China hogs, Nor-
man horses and Percheron mares. They are highly regarded in the
community where they reside and are among the county's best
people.
Solon B. Perkins, retired farmer residing in Cascade, is a
native of Erie County, New York, his birth occurring December
29, 1839. His parents, Jesse and Elma (Annis) Perkins, were also
born in New York State and for a time the father followed farm-
ing on the shores of Lake Champlain. Three children were born
to him and wife in Erie County, named Solon, John, deceased, and
Mary, deceased. In 1853 the family came West to Rockford,
Illinois, partly by foot and partly by train, and from that place
drove to Cascade Township, Dubuque County. Iowa, and established
a home on 200 acres of land, forty acres of which was improved.
Here the mother died in 1857, aged forty-nine years, and Mr.
Perkins subsequently married Mary Ann Patterson, a widow and
stepmother of the wife of Solon B. Perkins. After his second
marriage Jesse Perkins disposed of his property in Cascade Town-
ship and removed to Delaware County, Iowa, and there died,
aged seventy-five years. His wife passed away in 1893, aged
seventy-six years. Solon B. Perkins, the immediate subject of this
review, was but thirteen years old when brought to Cascade Town-
ship by his parents, and for a time he attended the Spring Valley
school. In 1861 he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Ann
Patterson, born in 1838, a daughter of William and Catherine
(Eggleston) Patterson. Her parents were both natives of New
A^ork State, and during their residence there two children were
born to them, Minerva, deceased, and James, living in Illinois. The
family then moved to Ohio, where they remained some eighteen or
twenty years, and there to Mr. and Mrs. Patterson were born these
children : Reuben, deceased ; Mary Ann, married Solon B. Perkins ;
Sarah, deceased ; and Charles, deceased. The mother died in Ohio,
and Mr. Patterson took for a second wife a sister of his former
mate, Mary Ann Eggleston. In 185 1 the family came to Iowa,
driving from Chicago to Delaware County, and here on a farm
the father died in 1855 at the age of fifty-four years. To him and
wife w^ere born these children: John, residing in Greeley, Delaware
County; and Emily, Walter and William, all of whom are deceased.
After the death of her husband Mrs. Mary Ann (Eggleston) Pat-
terson married Jesse Perkins, the father of the subject of this
sketch. Solon B. Perkins was reared to hard work on a farm, and
788 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
after his marriage rented a tract of land in Cascade Township and
here followed general farming for a number of years. He then
purchased ten acres of timber land which he cleared and on which
he erected a home, and at different times added thereto until he
became the owner of seventy acres. This he improved and resided
on until his retirement to the village of Cascade in 1910. Mr.
Perkins is a Republican in politics, a Baptist in religion and has
served a number of vears as school director. He is also a member
of the Modern Woodmen of America, belonging to the lodge at
Cascade. To him and wife two children were born, as follows:
Ida, born in 1866 and died when eight years old; and Ralph, born
in 1869, niarried Effie Hankins, has one child, Emerett, and resides
on the old homestead.
Samuel Ganfield. who for years followed farming and stock
raising in Dubuque County and w-ho now is living retired in the
village of Cascade, was born May 17, 1845, '" Somersetshire, Eng-
land, a son of William and Charlotta (Andrews) Ganfield, who
were gardeners of that country. The family came to America and
Dubuque County, Iowa, at an early date and located on 80 acres of
unimproved land in Section 7. White Water Township. To this
property Mr. Ganfield added 160 acres in Section 7. White Water
Township, and all was improved until he became one of the pros-
perous farmers of the community. He died in 1891 at the age of
eighty-four years, followed by his widow in 1892, aged eighty-
three, and both were members of the Methodist church. They had
these children: Anna, Lizzie, Charlotta, Hannah, William, Tom,
Samuel and Arthur. Samuel Ganfield was educated in the public
schools and remained at home until twenty-four years old. On April
20, 1869, lie ^^'^s united in marriage with Mary Jane Patterson, who
was born September 3, 1849, ^ daughter of Richard and Esther
Patterson, mentioned elsewhere in this work. To Mr. and Mrs.
Ganfield were born the following children : Mary Ellen, born March
23, 1870, deceased; Henry, whose sketch follows this; William
Arthur, born September 3, 1873. married Clara Boardman. is a
professor in college and a Presbyterian minister and resides in
Waukesha. Wisconsin; George, born in 1876, farming; Mabel,
born February 26. 1878, married Edgar Wall, resides in Cherokee
County; and Ella, born July i. 1884. married Rev. Bock, a Presby-
terian minister. Mr. Ganfield has always followed farming and
has been very successful in that line of business. He began opera-
tions on the old homestead and added thereto as his means per-
mitted and in time accumulated a competency. In recent years he
retired from the active duties of life and now makes his home in
Cascade. In politics he is a Republican, but has never aspired to
hold office.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 789
Henry Ganfield, farmer and stock raiser of Dubuque County,
was born September 7, 187 1, on the old Ganfield homestead in
White Water Township, and is a son of the pioneers, Samuel and
Mary Jane (Patterson) Ganheld, appropriate notice of whom im-
mediately precedes this. He was educated in the district schools of
his neighborhood and assisted his parents with the work of the
home farm until 1896. He then married Louisa Denley, who was
a daughter of Henry and Louisa (Williams) Denley. Her father
came to America and lived in Farley, where he died; motlier
never came to America. They had but two children, Mrs. Ganfield
and David, who died in South Dakota. After his marriage Mr.
Ganfield rented a portion of his father's property, which he con-
ducted eight years and during this time bought an adjoining 35
acres. He later bought tracts of 200, 40 and 20 acres, making a
total of 295 acres of valuable farm land. All this has been im-
proved and modernized, and today Mr. Ganfield is regarded as one
of the prosperous and progressive farmers of the county. He fol-
lows general farming and specializes in the raising of fine Norman
horses, shorthorn and Durham cattle and Chester White hogs. In
political views he is a Republican, but has never held office. He
and wife are members of the Presbyterian church. To them have
been born the following named children: Nina B., Ruby R., Leslie
and Maud, all of whom are at home and the two oldest in school.
Henry Gosden, farmer and stock raiser residing on Section 12,
Cascade Township, is a son of one of the early pioneers of Dubuque
County, Jacob Gosden, wdio was a native of London, England.
Jacob Gosden married Ann Rice in his native country and came
to the United States in 1852, first locating in Dubuque, Iowa.
From there he moved to White Water Township, where he pur-
chased a tract of wild land and began clearing and improving same.
For twenty-seven years he resided on this property, then moved to
Farley, where he made his home, retired from the active duties of
life until his death in 1903, at the advanced age of eighty-six years.
His wife died in 1899. They were members of the Episcopal
church, and by their upright and honorable lives commanded uni-
versal respect. Henry Gosden was born on the old home farm in
White Water Township and passed his early youth in attending the
district schools and aiding his father in the work at home. He
finished his schooling at Epworth Seminary and continued to reside
on the old home farm until 1901, when he purchased his present
property. Mr. Gosden is one of the progressive and substantial
farmers and stock raisers of Dubuque County. He is a Republican
in politics, and a member of the Masonic fraternity and its ap-
pendant order, the Eastern Star. To his marriage with Mary Ann
Bevans, solemnized in 1887, four children ha^■e been born, named
Myrtle Irene, Clifford Leroy, Henry Earl and James Alfred. Mrs,
790 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Gosden is a member of one of the old and highly respected families,
mention of whom occurs elsewhere in this work.
Robert Martin, a native of Ireland and a carpenter by trade,
was born in July. 1822. His parents, Andrew and Bessie (Jack-
son) Martin, were also natives of Ireland, the former seeing mili-
tary service under the Duke of Wellington. Andrew Martin and
wife had six children: Andrew, Robert, William, John, Martha
and Eliza. John was the first of the family to come to America,
then Andrew, and then Robert and his widowed mother. The
daughters remained in the old country. It was during President
Pierce's administration that Robert and his mother came here.
After living for a time in Connecticut they moved to Cedar County,
Iowa, and from there in 1857 to Cascade, where Robert worked at
his trade. Manv buildings in Cascade vet stand as a monument to
his skill as a master craftsman. Previous to coming to this country
Robert Martin had served in the constabulary of Ireland and, owing
to his military training when the Civil War broke out in this coun-
try, he was called upon to assist in drilling recruits. In 1858 he
married Margaret Crawford, who was born March 17, 1837, one
of the following named children born to Thomas and Ellen (Stew-
art) Crawford: Aleckander and jMargaret (both of whom died in
Ireland) : Ann, Jane, Ellen, Thomas, David. Margaret. Mary and
Robert. IMr. and Mrs. Crawford were married in County Down,
Ireland, the former being a son of Daniel and Margaret (McKen-
zie) Crawford. They came to this country at an early day and
located in Connecticut, where they died. Robert Martin was hard
working and industrious. He saved his earnings and bought a
farm in Cascade Township in 1880 and there resided until his death,
January 2, 1903. iNIr. Martin was reared an Episcopalian in re-
ligion, but after coming to America he united with the United
Presbyterians and for thirty-six years was an elder in that church.
He possessed high courage, was mentally a giant, had unbounded
physical acti\ity. and his memory will long endure in the hearts and
minds of surviving relatives and friends. His children are as fol-
lows: William Andrew, born January 10, 1859. married Susan
Jane Niblo, is the father of eight children and resides in Jones
County, Iowa; David A., born May 29, 1861, married Emma J.
Sullivan, who died August, 1899, had two children — Myrle and
Nona — and died February 19, 1904; Robert J., farmer of Jones
County, born October 4, 1863. married Mary A. Linderman, who
died August 29. 1910. leaving two children — Viola and Evelyn;
John Stuart, born June 14, 1868, a farmer of Cascade Township;
Thomas M.. born March 17. 1872, now managing the old home
farm; and Israel Abner, born June 8, 1874. also living on the old
homestead.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUXTY 791
Edmond 11. Campbell, farmer and slock raiser of Cascade
Township, was born May 8. 1874, in the community where he now
resides, and is a son of James and I-'Jlen (Hucker) Campbell, na-
ti\es of New York State and England, respecti\ely. James Camp-
bell was a son of William and Agnes ( Agno ) Campbell, and with
his wife and one son came to the United States at an early period
and settled near Galena, Illinois. His wife died during the trip
across the ocean and was buried at sea, and after arriving in this
country Mr. Campbell took for a second wife Elizabeth Cathcard.
of Irish extraction. Shortly thereafter he moved to Jones County,
Iowa, and there farmed and resided for a period of forty-five years.
In 1866 he located in Dodge Township, Dubuque County, and there
remained until 1904, when he retired from the active cares of life
and removed to the village of Epworth. In January, 1908, he
passed away, but is yet survived by his widow, who lives in Ep-
worth. To them were born seven children, three sons and four
daughters, of whom two sons and one daughter are now deceased.
James Campbell, father of the subject of this sketch, remained
with his parents until they settled in Dodge Township and then
purchased a 160-acre tract of unimpro^■ed land in the same town-
ship and, with the exception of four years spent in Epworth, has
passed his life on the dividing line between Dodge and Cascade
townships. He added another 120 acres to his original property
and improved this by erecting suitable buildings and proper tilling
of the soil. On December 15, 1907, while returning from a visit at
Epworth with his son, William, and daughter-in-law, Jane (Rogers )
Campbell, they were struck by a train at a crossing and all three
killed. Ellen (Hucker) Campbell, wife of James Campbell, died
in 188 1, aged twenty-eight years, and bore her husband these
children: Mary Elizabeth, who married J. W. Greenley ; William,
died an infant: William, also died in infancy; William, killed in
railroad accident, before mentioned ; Edmond ; Agnes Ellen, de-
ceased ; Minnie Estella, deceased : Myrta Angelina, deceased : and
James, also deceased. Edmond Campbell, the immediate subject
of this review, was reared to manhood in Dodge Township and
received his education in the district schools thereof. WHien twenty-
fi\'e years old he started out in life for himself and purchased 120
acres of land from his father. He later added 40 acres more to his
property in Cascade Township and 20 in Dodge Township, and all
this has been improved and brought to a high state of cultivation.
]\Ir. Campbell is following general and diversified farming and also
raises various stock. He is a Methodist in religious \-iews and,
although taking an active interest in local affairs of importance, has
stead fa.stly refused to hold office. He married Celestia Bartholo-
mew, who was born in Linn County, Iowa, a daughter of Charles
and Hannah (Chase) Bartholomew, who were natives of New
York State. There Mrs. Campbell's parents had born to them four
792 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
children. James, Benjamin, Robert and Celestia, tlie first three
named now deceased, and at an early period the family came West
to Linn County, Iowa. Here they remained four years and then
came to Dubuque County and located near Epworth. Three years
later they remo\ed to Dodge Township, but after a residence of
nine years went to Greeley, Colorado, where they now live. Nine
children were born to the parents in Iowa, as follows : Carl, mar-
ried Jane Hawe and resides in Wright County, Iowa ; Dudley, mar-
ried Nell McLuces and lives in Greeley, Colorado ; Arthur, married
Rena Williams, same residence; Sarah, deceased; Bertha, wife of
Charles Baker, of Dodge Township; Almond, married Evelyn Still-
well and resides in Wyoming; Mary, wife of Ross Riggs. of Gree-
ley; William, married Mintie McDermott, also of Greeley; and
Celestia, who became Mrs. Edmond Campbell.
Andrew Preston Hamil, deceased, well remembered by the
early settlers in and around Cascade, was born in the year 1818
in the State of Tennessee and was the seventh son in a family of
ten children born to Alexander Preston Hamil. He left home at
an early age, making his way carpentering. He became a mill-
wright and also was employed in a saw mill in his native State.
Later he went to Mississippi, where he continued in the saw mill
and lumber business a number of years. It was there he met and
at Mechanicsburg married, on April 15, 1849, Miss Mary J. Patter-
son. With his young wife he then started for Cascade, Iowa, with
the expectation of making that his future home, arriving at his
destination May 15, 1850. For a short time he resided in Rich-
land Township. Jones County, then moved into Cascade and here
resided until his death in 1862. He was actively identified with
the progress and development of this locality and platted an addi-
tion to the village of Cascade. He engaged in the undertaking
business, manufacturing coffins from native walnut and other hard-
wood lumber. In politics he was a Republican, and in religious
views a Baptist. His wife was born in Ireland, March 4, 1817, a
daughter of Thomas and Mary Patterson, and came to America
when eighteen years old. After the death of Mr. Hamil the mother
worked at tailoring and then operated a photograph gallery in Cas-
cade, thus supporting and keeping the family together. She died
April 12, 1885. The children of Andrew P. and Mary J. Hamil
were: Andrew Preston; Margaret E., born April 18. 1853, died
November 2, 1891 ; Thomas A., born August 24, 1855. died No-
vember 17, 1900; Jane (Mrs. C. J. Doxsie), born July 28, 1859,
and now resides in Kansas City. Mo.
Andrew P. Hamil. the oldest son of the foregoing named chil-
dren, was born in Richland Township, Jones County, Iowa. Sep-
tember 13. 185 1, and was named after his father. He has always
followed farming and is recognized as one of the foremost men of
HISTORY OP DUBUQUE COUNTY 793
Dubuque County. September 2 7,, 1874. lie married Mary Elizabeth
Morrison, a native of California and the daughter of David and
Mary (Dean) Morrison. The following named children have been
born to this union: Melvin Preston, born January 2, 1876, married
Elizabeth Hutchinson, September 11, 1899, is a dental graduate
and practices his profession at Utica, Illinois ; Earle Jay, born Sep-
tember 19, 1880, married Elizabeth Hoopes on January 9, 1906,
is engaged in the novelty mail-order business, Chicago, 111. ; Mary
Ethel, born September 19, 1883, became Mrs. Ralph O. Smith on
January i, 1906. Mr. Smith at the present time occupying a clerical
position with the Illinois Steel Company at Chicago ; David Morri-
son, the father of Mrs. Andrew P. Hamil, was an historic char-
acter of this county. He was among the early marshals of the
city of Dubuque, and in 1849, leaving a wife and daughter to await
his problematical return, started for the gold fields of California.
He encountered innumerable hardships on the way and nearly lost
his life in desperate conflicts with hostile Indians. Three years
later his wife and daughter and her brother, Gilbert Dean, joined
Mr. Morrison in San Francisco. His ventures as a minor not prov-
ing very successful, Mr. Morrison worked at his trade of contractor
and plasterer. Within a year after his wife's arrival he died, in
1854, of brain fever. His widow returned to Dubuque County and
died at the home of her sister, Mrs. A. M. Hough, Oelwein, Iowa.
She was born October 30, 1827, and died August 17, 1906, and
was a daughter of Joseph and Sophia (Fay) Dean, who came from
Ohio to Cascade in July, 1842.
Eugene C. Carey, proprietor of the Carey Tailoring Company,
Dubuque, is a native of Wisconsin, his birth occurring at Shulls-
burg, Lafayette County, April i, 1879, and is one of ten children
born to Owen and Anna (McGraw) Carey. The father was born
in New York State in 1827, was descended from an old Irish fam-
ily and followed general merchandising in the Empire State. After
attending the common schools Eugene C. Carey spent six months
in Stone's College learning cutting and fitting. For four years
thereafter he worked at his trade in various establishments and in
1899, when he came to Dubuque, founded the Dubuque Tailoring
Company. One year later he bought out his partner's interest and
has since conducted the business under the name of the Carey
Tailoring Company. He carries a stock amounting to about $7,500
and has an annual business of $25,000. By strict attention to busi-
ness he has built up a large and profitable trade and is regarded as
one of the up-to-date business men of the city. In 1908 Mr. Carey
was united in marriage with Miss Agnes Mahoney, of St. Paul,
Minnesota, and they are members of St. Raphael's Cathedral,
Dubuque. Socially Mr. Carey is identified with the Elks, the Mod-
794 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
ern Woodmen of America, the Eagles and the Knights of Co-
lumbus.
Hon. Matthew C. Matthews, who will long be remembered
for his active and successful legal career in Dubuque County, is a
son of the old pioneer. Dr. Nicholas Blayney Matthews and a
brother of Alphons Matthews, of whom appropriate mention is
made elsewhere in this work. Our subject was born in the city
of Dubuque on January i, 1862, and was here educated and reared
to manhood. After attending the public and high schools he en-
tered Bayless Business College and for two years succeeding his
graduation therefrom taught school. Like his brother, he possessed
much natural ability as a speaker and as a judge of human nature,
and his great desire in early life was to become a lawyer. He began
the study of that profession with Mr. James H. Shields and later
continued it while in the office of the county clerk. In February,
1884, Mr. Matthews passed an examination before the Supreme
Court and was duly admitted to practice before the State Bar of
Iowa. He returned to Dubuque and almost immediately success
in his particular line of endeavor was assured. In 1889 he was
elected county attorney, serving in all six years, and during this
time prosecuting six important murder cases, all of which he
creditably won. In 1898 he was elevated to the district judgeship,
assuming the position January i, 1899. and for a period of twelve
years satisfactorily filled this position. Immediately after his re-
tirement from the judgeship, January i, 191 1, he formed a partner-
ship with J. G. Chalmers under the firm name of Matthews &
Chalmers, with offices at 305-307 Bank and Insurance building.
Judge Matthews' public life has been unusually clean and devoid of
suspicion and he is highly esteemed and respected by the citizens
of the county. He is recognized as one of Dubuque's best public
speakers. On January 24, 1889, he was united in marriage with
Miss Emelie Dausener, daughter of a well-known German, Clayton
County, Iowa, pioneer farmer, and to them the following named
children were born: James J., of Minneapolis; Mrs. Helen K. Mac-
Mahon. residing in Ireland ; Irene E. ; Blayney F. ; Washington A. ;
Marcus L. ; Stanley A. ; Emily ; Alphons L. ; Miriam C. ; Annabel
C. ; Clement T. (deceased) ; ajid John P. (also deceased). In re-
ligious views Judge Matthews is an adherent of the Roman
Catholic faith, as were his forefathers, and socially he is identified
with the following organizations : American Bar Association, Iowa
State Bar Association, Dubuque County Bar Association, Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks, Eagles, Independent Order of
Foresters. Catholic Order of Foresters. Ancient Order of United
Workmen, Modern Woodmen of America. Woodmen of the
World, Sons of the Veterans, and an honorary member of the
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 795
Ladies of the Civil War. He is also a member of the National
Geographic Society and a member of the board of trustees of the
Carnegie-Stout Public Library. He is public spirited and progressive
and one of Dubuque County's best citizens.
Edward E. Kumpf. for a number of years Dubuque representa-
tive for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, was born in
the Grand Duchy of Hesse, Germany, November 27. 1844. the son
of Peter A. and Katherine Kumpf. He was educated in the com-
mon and high schools and in 1863 joined the German army as
\olunteer and later was advanced to sergeant-major, remaining thus
occupied for a period of thirteen years. He participated in the
German war of 1866 and the Franco-Prussian war of 1870 and
187 1 ; in 1874, upon promotion to State police duty, he retired from
tiie army. He later became recorder in the chancery at Frankfort-
on-the-Main and during his service in 1880 asked for two months'
\'acation to take sea baths for recovering from sickness ; instead of
two he was given five with full pay. He then went to Rotterdam,
Holland, and there made the acquaintance of several sea-faring
ofificers. later taking a trip to New York as the guest of the captain
of one of the large sailing vessels of the day. He visited his brother-
in-law in New York and, being filled with glowing accounts of this
country, and his only brother in Detroit advising him to stay in this
country, he sent for his wife and children and removed to Detroit,
Michigan, where he entered the government service in lake survey
and lighthouse work. In 1882 he returned to New York and em-
barked in the cigar manufacturing business, but two years later
came West to Massillon, Ohio, where he followed the same line
five years. He then went to Pittsburg. Pennsylvania, as reporter
and general agent for the Pittsburg Volkshlatt, but, due to the panic
of 1893, decided to come to Dubuque and here has since resided.
He became the local representative of the Metropolitan Life In-
surance Company and was very successful in that capacity. As a
Republican he was elected constable in 1904, but two years later
was defeated by only a few votes and then went to the city police
force, where he stayed for two years. Mr. Kumpf is a member of
St. Mary's Catholic Church, has been secretary of the German Vet-
eran Society twelve years, was fest secretary in the big Krieger
convention in Dubuque in 1906. also secretary of the big German
Day Fest in 1902. was a charter member of the Orioles and is one
of the pioneer settlers of Dubuque. In February, 1869, he married
Miss Mary M. Meyer and to them have been born : Charles, Ed-
ward E., Jr., Frederick William. George (deceased). Lizzie. Car-
Ionia, Louisa and Martha. Mr. Kumpf is well known in Dubuque
and vicinity as an honest, straightforward and good hearted gen-
tleman.
796 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
P. C. Murray, a well-known attorney at the Dubuque bar, is a
native son of Iowa, his birth occurring in Vernon Township,
Dubuque County. He is a son of one of the early pioneer families
of this state, his father, Patrick P. Murray, and his mother, Mary
(McLaughlin) Murray, having settled on a farm in Vernon Town-
ship in the spring of 1850. Mr. Murray, Sr., immigrated to this
country in 1844 and located in Pittsburg, Pa. His wife, Mary
McLaughlin Murray, came to America with her parents in 1846
and also located in Pittsburg. In the fall of 1848 Patrick P. Mur-
ray entered go^'ernment land in Vernon Township and then returned
to Pittsburg, where he was married to Mary McLaughlin in 1849.
and Mr. Murray and his wife and the McLaughlin family came to
Dubuque County in the spring of 1850. Mrs. Murray's father,
Peter McLaughlin, and family located on a farm in Vernon Town-
ship, two miles west of the Monastery. Like all the early pioneer
families they experienced many trials and hardships, but with a
steadfast determination, industry and enterprise characteristic of
the early settlers, they surmounted all difficulties and became
prominent families of this county. Frank McLaughlin, a brother
of Mary McLaughlin Murray, moved to Dubuque many years ago,
where he became a prominent grain merchant and was afterward
elected three times to the office of county auditor of Dubuque
County. P. C. McLaughlin, another brother of Mrs. Murray, be-
came one of the successful farmers and stock raisers of Dubuque
County and a few years ago he retired from the active business and
with his sister. Miss Lizzie McLaughlin, is now living in the city
of Dubuque. To Mr. and Mrs. Patrick P. Murray were born the
following named children: John B., J. J., P. C, Rose, P. H., Lizzie,
Mary and Frank L., also three other children who died while in-
fants. In 1888 Mr. Murray. Sr., passed away, highly respected by
all who knew him. followed by his wife in 1907, and both now lie
at rest in New Mellary Cemetery, near the old homestead.
Their son, P. C. jMurray, the immediate subject of this memoir,
attended the country schools during his early boyhood days. He
afterward attended college in the city of Dubuque and later took a
course in one of the colleges in Chicago, from which he was grad-
uated on June 30, 1880, with the honor of valedictorian of his class
He then took a course in one of the Chicago law colleges and sub-
sequently studied law in the office of Judge Moran, English &
Wolfe, a leading law firm of Chicago. Finding that close study
and confinement did not agree with his health, Mr. Murray tempo-
rarily gave up his chosen profession and for a time was connected
with the Dubuque Tclcgvaph-Hcrald and afterward with the Chi-
cago Times. He then went on the road as a commercial traveler
for seven years, during which time he transacted business in thirty-
four states and territories. Mr. Murray then retired from the road
and organized the well-known wholesale liquor house of P. C.
HISTORY 01- DUBVOLE COUNTY 797
Murray & Co. in Dubuque. Iowa, which business he successfully
managed for ten years. Having a special liking for the legal pro-
fession, he sold all of his commercial interests and engaged in the
practice of law in the city of Dubuque. His office is in the Dubuque
National Bank Iniilding, Sixth and Main streets, where he is en-
joying a lucrative practice, which he has carefully built up during
the past sixteen years. Mr. Murray started out in life with all the
disad\antages incident to i)ioneer times, but through industry and
determination he has surmounted all obstacles and is now recognized
as a prominent citizen an.d successful lawyer of Dubuque. He is a
close student in every sense of the word, having acquired most of
his education by his individual efforts, and still continues as a close
student and hard worker in e\-erything he undertakes. Mr. Mur-
ray makes a specialty of probate and real estate law and is also
identified with several social and benevolent organizations. He has
property interests in South Dakota and Colorado.
In 1880 he was married to Miss Agnes Houlihan, a native of
Canada and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Houlihan, a pioneer family
of northeastern Iowa. To their union have been born : Irene Agnes
Murray, now principal of the school in Orient. S. D.. also Marshall
L. Murray and Faber S. Murray, two successful young students in
the Dubuque High School. There were born two other children
who died in infancy. Apart from his active business cares, Mr.
Murray has always taken a great interest in literature and literary
compositions and has contributed articles to leading newspapers and
magazines. He is a self-made man in every sense of the word and
is highly regarded by all who know him.
James Emersox Allison, the son of Matthew and Marjorie
(Emerson) Allison, was born at Wooster. Ohio, December 6, 1853.
Matthew Allison, brother of Hon. VVm. B. Allison, moved to
Dubuque in 1855 and engaged in the insurance and real estate
business, in which he continued through life with marked success.
He was a member of the Governor's Greys and one of the active,
influential citizens of Dubuque. His wife died in i860. Two years
later he was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Hervey, who
died July 23, 1910, at the age of seventy-five. Mr. Allison died in
1874 when but forty-seven years old. To the first union were born
two sons, John, of Burlington, Iowa, and James E. ; to the second
union there were born tiiree daughters, Anna, Mary and Janet.
James E. Allison, of Scotch-Irish ancestry, was brought to this
city when an infant. After the completion of his elementary educa-
tion in the public schools of Dubuque he attended Lenox College, at
Hopkinton, and Iowa College, at Grinnell. In 1871 he left college
to accept a position in the Commercial National Bank, of Dubuque;
he began as messenger, but a few years later was promoted to the
798 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
position of bookkeeper, which position he hekl till 1881, when he
accepted an offer for employment in the accountant's department
of the C, M. & St. P. Railroad. He remained with the railroad
company for nearly two years and then went to Tucson, Arizona,
to take a position in a bank of that city. After nearly three years'
service in the Tucson bank he returned in 1885 to Dubuque to ac-
cept a position of cashier in the Iowa Trust & Savings Bank. He
retired from this position in 1901 and since that time has not been
actively engaged in business. He is affiliated with the Republican
party, takes a quiet, intelligent interest in public affairs, and is re-
spected by all who know him. He and his three sisters named above
live at 1044 Locust street.
Philip J. Renier, master car builder for the Chicago, Milwaukee
& St. Paul shops in Dubuque, is a native of Belgium and the son
of Philip and Johanna (LaRue) Renier. Philip Renier died while
Philip J. was an infant and the mother subsequently married John
Lanoye. In 1853 the family came to America, by way of New
York City, and for three years Mr. Lanoye worked at his trade of
carpenter in Cleveland, Ohio. In search of a home they then came
West and located at De Soto, in Bad Axe County, Wisconsin, but
two years later settled in Dubuque. Here Mrs. Lanoye died in
1896, followed by her husband in 1898, and both are buried in
Mount Calvary Cemetery. Philip J. Renier was born November
9, 184^ He received his education in the public schools and later
learnea carpentering. His first employment in connection with
railroad carpentering was in 1871 with the Chicago, Dubuque &
Minnesota Railroad, with whom he remained until 1875. He then
worked for various builders and contractors, but in 1877 returned
to his old employment and worked up to the position of master
car builder, his present position, the old Chicago, Dubuque & Min-
nesota road having been absorbed by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St.
Paul Railway. When Mr. Renier first entered the shops there were
employed but forty men ; now the average car department working
force numbers 640, and to rise to the position of master car builder
speaks well for the thoroughness of Mr. Renier's work. In 1876
he married Miss Mary E. Strueber, "daughter of Chris and Paulina
Strueber, of Dubuque, Iowa, and to them the following named
children have been born: Francis C, a Catholic priest of Ames,
Iowa; Matilda M. ; Fred J., a Catholic priest of Marshalltown,
Iowa; Albert H. ; Irwin C. ; Alina M. ; and Ralph V. Several of the
above named are engaged in the music business in Dubuque at 1013
Main street. Mr. Renier is an adherent of the Roman Catholic
faith, being a member of Sacred Heart church, a Democrat in poli-
tics, and a member of the Mutual Relief Society of the Chicago,.
Milwaukee & St. Paul shops.
I 5^ NEW rOftK
'PUBLJC Library
ASTOR, LENOX AND
TIIDEN FOUNDiTlONS
^^T-^'-tL^
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 799
Mathias Ham. deceased, for many years occupied a prominent
position in Dubuque commercial and financial circles. He was born
at Knoxville. Tennessee, in the year 1805 and attended the private
schools until seventeen years old, when his father died, leaving the
family in rather straightened circumstances. Our subject left home
with the boyish promise to his mother that he would not return
until he was worth $20,000. This seemed like an Herculean task,
but he possessed grit and determination in an unusual degree and
later in life was able to return to his mother with his promise of
years before fulfilled. He first came North to Galena, Illinois,
where he constructed a small boat and as pilot of same he carried
the first load of dressed pork to New Orleans ever shipped from
that city. By hard work he steadily prospered and in 1833 he came
to Dubuque and engaged in mining, working three different leads.
He also established lime kilns and brick yards along the river bluffs
and was the first to burn lime and brick in this community. He later
contracted to build the first public school in Dubuque, toward which
he donated tlie lumber used. He was also one of the contractors for
building the Dubuque custom house. Aside from his beautiful home
in Lincoln avenue, he was at one time the owner of 25,000 acres
of land, extending north along the river for three miles. The first
landing at Eagle Point was known as the Ham Landing. Mr.
Ham was always active in public affairs and served his country
during the Indian troubles of the Black Hawk war. In 1837 he
returned to his old home in Knoxville and then went to Lexington.
Kentucky, where he married Miss Zerelda Markland, the sweet-
heart of his boyhood days. He brought her to his home in Dubuque
and they lived happily together until her death in 1856. They
always mantained what is known to Southerners as "open house,"
and among their many guests was Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe,
who years ago came to Dubuque for the purpose of dedicating the
female seminary. Mr. Ham was a life member of the board of
trustees of Cornell College, at Mount Vernon, Iowa, and a Metho-
dist in religious views. In 1889 he passed away, greatly beloved
and highly respected by all who knew him. He had battled with
life's adversities and had come off victorious and, although years
have passed by since he was laid at rest beside his wife, his memory
still lingers in the minds and hearts of the many who honored him.
To his union with Miss Zerelda Markland four children were born,
as follows: Lucane, of Denver, Colorado; Thomas B., of Parsons,
Kansas; Katherine M., who married H. B. Young (both now de-
ceased, she having died in 1896 and he in 1901 ) ; and Sara H., still
residing in the old homestead at 2241 Lincoln avenue, where she
was born and has spent her entire life.
Prof. Albert Kuhn, well-know-n resident of Dubuque, is a
native of Switzerland, his birth occurring near Zurich, September
8oo HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
20, 1874, the son of Gottfried and Elizabeth (Hess) Kiihn. His
early education was secured in the public schools of the city of
Wallisellen, and he then for a time attended the Gymnasium at
Zurich. Succeeding this he entered the college at Neuchatel, Swit-
zerland. Professor Kuhn first intended to study for the ministry,
but his parents preferred a commercial career and accordingly he
was for several years connected with a wholesale silk establishment
at Zurich. While yet a young man he crossed the Atlantic to New
York City in order to acquire fluency in the English language and
while there the desire for the work of the ministry again arose in
him and in consequence of this he came West to Dubuque and en-
tered the German Theological Seminary. He had always been a
keen student of the Latin and Greek languages, but after arriving
in Dubuque relinquished Latin to a large extent and took up the
study of philosophy. For two summers the professor further pur-
sued his studies in the post-graduate department of the University
of Chicago and also spent one semester in the University of Zurich,
Switzerland, where he specialized in the study of Greek and
philosophy. In the fall of 1899 he first entered the active work
of the ministry, doing city mission work at St. Louis, Missouri.
In 1902 at St. Paul, Minnesota, when pastor of the Bethlehem
church, he was united in marriage with Miss Odelia Stilz, and two
children, John and Elizabeth, have been born to them. Professor
Kuhn is a member of the Ministerial Association of Dubuque, is
secretary of the Western Publishing Company and is interested in
some real estate properties in and around Dubuque and in Western
lands.
Dr. Oscar A. Knoll engaged in the practice of dentistry in
Dubuque, was born in this county September 10. 1879, the son of
Fred M. and Agnes (Stader) Knoll. The father is a native of
Alsace-Lorraine and the mother of Baden. Germany. Fred M.
Knoll came to America with his father in 1848 and lived in Buf-
falo, New York, till 1853, when he removed to Dubuque County
and in course of time became one of the best known farmers of the
state. He was greatly interested in politics and held offices as fol-
lows : Supervisor, ten years ; assessor, si.xteen years ; justice of the
peace, thirty-three years : and member of the State Legislature
fourteen years — six years in the House of Representatives, 1862-
63, 1878-79, and 1890-91, and eight years in the Senate. 1864-71.
Dr. Knoll was reared on the home farm and during boyhood days
attended the common schools. He later went to Keokuk. Iowa,
and in the spring of 1905 was granted the degree of D. D. S. from
the dental department of Keokuk Medical College, now a part of
Drake University. He immediately returned to Dubuque county
and opened an office at the corner of Twelfth and Iowa streets,
city of Dubuque, assuming the practice of Dr. Thrift when
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 8or
he became adjutant general of the Iowa National Guard. At
this time Dr. Knoll held a non-commissioned office in Company A,
Fifty-third Regiment Iowa National Guard, of which Dr. Thrift
was captain at the time of his promotion to the state office. Since
that time Dr. Knoll has been actively and successfully engaged in
the practice of his profession in Dubuque. He is a member of the
Legion of Honor, now being president of the Dubuque Lodge of
that order, and a trustee of the Grand Lodge. He is a past secre-
tary of the Dubuque County Dental Association, is a member of
the Iowa State Dental Association, the Beta Eta Chapter of the
Psi Omega College fraternity, and in religion is a member of the
Lutheran Church.
Dr. Alonson M. Pond, the son of Orlando and Lucia (Farr)
Pond, was born at Independence, Iowa, August 24, 1869. The
father was a native of Vermont and the mother of New York.
They were married in October, 185 1, and in the year 1857 located
at Independence, where he devoted his life to commercial and man-
ufacturing pursuits. He was especially interested in invention and
has the honor of having made the first corn seeder and the first
corn cultivator ever used. He died October 21, 1909; the mother
is still living at Independence.
Dr. A. M. Pond is of English and Scotch ancestry and inherited
that spirit of determination which spells love for hard work and
consequent success. Very early in life he decided to become a
doctor. To determine was to do, whereupon he began to work
earnestly for the means to secure the necessary higher education.
After completing his elementary education in the graded and high
schools of Independence, he attended the Iowa Agricultural College
at Ames and New York University. He graduated from the
Keokuk Medical College in 1891. After doing hospital work in
New York City he located in Webster City, Iowa, where he prac-
ticed medicine and surgery from 1895 to 1905. The year 1905-6
he spent in England and Germany, taking clinical courses in several
European hospitals. He then located in Dubuque, where he has
achieved marked success in the practice of his profession. He is
surgeon for the Chicago Great Western Railway Company and
instructor in surgery in the Medical College of Northwestern Uni-
\ersity at Chicago. He has written many articles for medical
journals. He is a thirty-second degree Mason and a Shriner ; iden-
tified with the Republican party, and associated with the Presby-
terian church.
On April 3, 1890 he was united in marriage to Miss Ida Mac-
bride, daughter of James and Alice Macbride, of Independence,
and to this union one daughter, Dorothy L., has been born. Their
home is at 1222 Locust street.
8o2 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Robert W. Rodgers, one of Dubuque's leading contractors and
builders, is a native of this city, his birth occurring November 22,
1839. and is of notable lineage. His grandfather, Robert Rodgers,
participated in the struggles of early settlers against the oppressions
of the British and was killed in the struggle on Lake Erie when
Captain Perry chased the invaders off the lake. The parents of
Robert W. Rodgers were Robert and Jane (Read) Rodgers. The
former was born on North river. New York, May 5, 1807, and
learned contracting and building. In 1836 he and wife came to
Dubuque, Iowa, as members of the "Philadelphia Colony," which
secured from Peter A. Lorimier a deed of the land north of
Tenth street, from Main to Bluff, for $200. The land was cut up
int9 lots and prices fixed as follows : Main street, $50 ; Locust,
$25: Bluff, $15. The lots were disposed of at a public drawing.
Here he engaged at his trade for many years, some of the buildings
he erected still standing as monuments to the thoroughness of his
work. In the spring of 1837 he went to Prairie du Chien and built
addition to the fort, which was then occupied by federal troops
on account of trouble with the Indians. After a long and honor-
able residence he passed away November 25. 1869; '""'s wife died
in 1878; both are at rest in Linwood Cemetery. INIrs. Rodgers
was a sister of Thomas Buchanan Read, who wrote about Sheridan
in his historic ride. The early Rodgers home in Dubuque was
built in a corn field at what is now Tenth and Main streets. Here
Robert W. Rodgers was born, and he distinctly recalls having killed
a rattlesnake in the dooryard of their home. Mr. Rodgers, in a
paper of reminiscences, has given us the following:
THE LATTER PART OF THE 4OS AND 5OS.
"I have seen as many as 200 Indians camped on what we called
Little Hill those days, between 11 and 12 Locust street, west side.
This hill was our hazelnut patch when we gathered hazelnuts for
winter. Have seen as high as 600 to 700 Indians at Eagle Point
at one time. Have seen drunken Indians from First street to
Eagle Point laying dead drunk along the line when these 600 or
700 were camped at that point. These were Winnebagoes, I
believe, under care of U. S. dragoons. Game was abundant those
days — all kinds; pigeons by the millions, island full of quail, ducks
plenty in their season. Prairie chickens by the thousands. The
Mississippi river was full of the finest kind of fish. I have seen
sleighload after sleighload of prairie chickens come in from the
country — looked like you could not get another chicken on without
falling off. Later on they came in by cars by the tons for Chicago
market, all having been trapped. The people used to haul all dead
animals down to the foot of Peosta lake. The wolves would come
over in winter on the ice to the canon and have a concert down
there and have every dog in town barking. That winter was very
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 803
cold and lots of snow. There were three feet of snow all over this
part of the country and a heavy crust on top which would hold your
weight. All kinds of game suffered that winter. They hunted
deer on snowshoes. They would find where the deer was in timber
groves and run them out and the deer would junij) and stick in
this crust and all they had to do was to come up and hit them in the
head with an axe. I have seen sleighloads, all two horses could
pull, and not a bullet mark on any of the deer."
During boyhood days he attended the common schools of
Dubuque, and later acquired a thorough knowledge of the contract-
ing and building business under the able tutelage of his father.
Upon the death of the latter in 1869, Mr. Rodgers succeeded to
the business and has ever since been thus engaged. He may be
justly proud of the fact that during his long career, in which he has
had to deal with all sorts of conditions and men. he has never been
sued nor has he had occasion to resort to legal methods in his own
defense. In 1865 he was united in marriage with Miss Anna E.
Conkling. and one daughter, Anna Ada, who died in infancy, was
born to them. Mr. Rodgers is a Republican in politics and a mem-
ber of the Methodist Church. He was also a charter member of
the historic Volunteer Fire Department. He and wife reside at
1 129 Iowa street and are among the city's highly respected people.
Eugene Higgins, prominently identified with the farming inter-
ests of Washington Township, is a native of Dubuque county, born
July 12. 1858, and a son of Nathaniel and Eliza (Higgins) Higgins.
The father was born and reared near Belfast, Maine, but came west
to Dubuque county at a very early date, and it is said that his
wife was the first white woman to cross the prairie from Dubuque
to Washington Township. Here they located on a 200-acre tract
of land and Mr. Higgins built the second frame house to be erected
in the township. He cleared and improved his property, and in
time became one of the prosperous farmers and stock raisers of the
community. His father, Jeremiah Higgins, came with his son to
Dubuque county and here resided the rest of his days. Nathaniel
Higgins was a staunch Democrat in his political views, and after
an honorable and useful life died on September 7, 1896, at the
advanced age of seventy-seven years. His wife died February 19,
1 90 1, aged seventy-two years. To them the following named chil-
dren were born: Charles, deceased; David, deceased; Alice, de-
ceased; Eugene, subject of this review; and Elizabeth, who became
Mrs. Henry Niensteadt. Of these, Eugene has always resided in
Dubuque county and followed the occupation of farming. He is
essentially a home man, and claims that he has never been more
than sixty miles away from the place of his birth. In 1884 he was
united in marriage with Miss Catherine Lyons, daughter of Patrick
and Hannah (Pender) Lyons. Patrick Lyons was a native of
8o4 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
County Gahvay, Ireland, and came as a young man to America and
Ohio, where he married. He and wife drove by team to Jones
county, Iowa, just south of Cascade, and later located in Prairie
Creek Township. Subsequently they moved to Washington Town-
ship and here the father died in 1898, aged about eighty years.
Hannah (Pender) Lyons was a native of Ireland and a daughter
of Richard Pender. She died in i860, aged about forty years.
Their children were : Mary Ann, married Richard Lynch ; Cath-
erine, now Mrs. Eugene Higgins ; Margaret, deceased ; Ellen, mar-
ried Dan Pagan; Bridget, deceased, who married John Sheridan;
James, farming in Washington Township ; Anna, married Joel
Alexandria; Isabella, wife of Ed Sweeney; Thomas, married Caro-
line Duehr. To Mr. and Mrs. Higgins two children have been born,
named William and Rose. Mr. Higgins was reared in a community
where farming formed the principal occupation and has always fol-
lowed that line of work. He also raises graded stock. Like his
father before him he is a Democrat in national politics, but locally
votes for the best man without regard to party affiliation.
Warren Higgins, one of Washington Township's foremost
farmers and stock raisers, was born November 18, 1836, near Bel-
fast, Maine, a son of Joseph and Mary (Greer) Higgins and grand-
son of Reuben and Betsey Higgins. The grandparents were farmers
and lived and died in the state of Maine, being the parents of the
following children : John, Charles, Reuben, Jedediah. Jeremiah,
Joseph, Arayal, Benjamin, who was a great hunter, Sarah and Eliza.
Joseph Higgins, of the above named, was married in Maine and
had these children there : Jefiferson, Elizabeth, Sarah, Warren,
Benjamin, Mary Ellen, Nancy Jane, Franklin and Edwin. He was
a farmer and lumberman by occupation, and was crippled by the loss
of a hand during a Fourth of July celebration. In i860 he and
family came west to Dubuque county, Iowa, and settled on 80 acres
of land, where Warren Higgins now resides. The father erected
a frame house and part of this yet stands as a tribute to his famil-
iarity with lumber and building. He was a Democrat in politics and
took an active interest in the cause of education, and in religious
views was a Baptist. In October, 1897, at the age of eighty years, he
passed away after a long and honorable life. His wife, fomierly
Mary Greer, was one of the following named children born to
James Greer : Bartholomew, John, James, who served in the
War of 1812; Amos, Nathaniel. Thomas. Mary and Sarah. Mrs.
Higgins died August 23. 1862. and was buried at Zwingle, where
her husband is also at rest. Warren Higgins has always resided
on the old homestead in section 20, to which he has added 166
acres, and is one of Dubuque county's highly respected citizens.
In politics he is independent, voting for the best man regardless
of party affiliation ; has served as school director a number of
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 805
years, and in religion is a Baptist. On Jannary 19, 1874, he
was united in marriage with Miss Fannie M. Smith, daughter of
John and Sarah EHza (Cain) Smith, born in Lafayette, Indiana,
while her mother was visiting in that place. Her father was a
son of William Smith and a native of Oxfordshire, England.
His parents came to America when he was but two years old,
but shortly thereafter returned to England. When ten years old
he went to sea as a cabin boy, and at the age of forty-three
was captain of his vessel. After coming to America he engaged
in lead mining in Dubuque county, Iowa, and during the gold
excitement of 1849 journeyed to California with the thousands
of wealth seekers and was unusually successful. He then re-
turned to Dubuque county, and in 1857 died at the age of fifty-
seven years. He was a Methodist in religion, while his wife was
a Congregationalist. For a time she taught school in Dubuque
county and also helped to dedicate the first court house in the
city of Dubuque. Her father, Col. Paul Cain, was a veteran of
the Black Hawk War, a Democrat in politics, noted as an orator
and public speaker, and was prominent in the early affairs of
Dubuque county. He was a native of New York state, and his
wife, Ann Marie (Price) Cain, of Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs.
Higgins the following named children have been born: Edwin
Alwood, born November 13, 1874, married Blanche Davis, and
now^ engaged in farming; Samuel Joseph, born November 17,
1876, at home; John W., born December 26, 1879, now residing
in Los Angeles; and Clifford Roscoe, born September 7, 1885,
at home.
John H. Kifer, retired farmer and stock raiser, who now
makes his home in the village of Zwingle, was born in the state
of Pennsylvania on May 11, 1831, and is a son of Daniel and
Eliza (Spaning) Kifer. His parents were farmers and lived
and died in the East, the father when at the age of seventy-seven
years, and the mother in 1839, at the age of thirty. Their chil-
dren were as follows: Noah, deceased; John H. ; Ellebella, de-
ceased; James, deceased; Hettie, and Mary Ann. John H. Kifer
was left an orphan at the age of eight years and was taken into
the home of his grandfather, Daniel Kifer, to be reared. His
early life was rather unpleasant, and his education limited to
the meager advantages of the day. When twenty-one years old
he started out in life for himself, without money or influential
friends, and decided that greater chances for success could be
found in the West. Accordingly he came to Dubuque county,
Iowa, and secured employment with Daniel Kifer, who conducted
the mills at Washington Mills, Washington Township. These
are no longer in operation, but Mr. Kifer well remembers hauling
flour to market when not working on the little farm of forty acres
8o6 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
he had purchased near by. He improved his property, erecting suit-
able buildings, and when his means permitted added another 80-
acre tract to his holdings. He later disposed of this and bought
200 acres in sections 34 and 35, Washington Township, which he
improved and farmed until his retirement from the active cares
of life in 1907. He then removed to the village of Zwingle, where
he has since resided. Whatever property and means Mr. Kifer
may have accumulated is the result of hard and conscientious labor,
and as an honest citizen he bears the respect and esteem of all who
know him. June 1 1, 1840. he married Anna Mary Kamerer, daugh-
ter of Daniel and Mary (Kuhns) Kamerer, natives of Pennsyl-
vania. In 1850 Mr. and Mrs. Kamerer, with their five children,
Anna, Laura, Simon, Sarah and Jake, came west and settled on
the border line between Jackson and Dubuque counties, and here
these children were born to them : Mandy, Alice and Samuel, the
latter dying in infancy. The father died in February, 1894, aged
seventy-seven years, and was followed by his wife the following
May, at the age of seventy-two years. Mr. Kifer takes an active
interest in local affairs of importance, but has always refused to
hold ofiice. In religious views he is a member of the German
Reformed Church, and has served that body as deacon and elder
for many years. To him and wife have been born the following
named children: Daniel Jacob, born February 20, i860, died at
age of six years ; Alice Salinda, born May 5, 1862, married Charles
Huston, who died August 24, 1883, had one child, and subse-
quently became Mrs. Henry Brouillard ; Albert Culum, born No-
vember 8, 1865, now in Denver, Colorado; Simon Henry, born
January 3, 1867, farming in Washington Township; James Edwin,
born February 18, 1869, ^^^^ when four weeks old; William Amos,
born January 31, 1872, died aged six years; George Wesley, born
August 10, 1873, farming in Washington Township, Jessie Irena,
born May 4, 1875, married Frank Wagner, farmer of Jackson
county; and Howard Elwood, born February 27, 1881, farming old
homestead in Washington Township.
Daniel Leffert, who conducts the farm known as the "Maple
Grove" farm on section 36, Washington Township, was born liere
November 16, 1878, and is a son of the old and well-known pioneers,
Nicholas and Sarah Leffert. Casper Leffert and his two boys, John
and Nicholas, located on the above tract of land about 1846, which
then comprised some 623 acres. Two men had located here the
year previous and had erected a small log cabin near a spring, but
this was the only improvement on the land when the Lefferts came.
Here they experienced all the trials and hardships incident to
pioneer life, and by hard work they gradually improved their prop-
erty until it became one of the finest farms in the community. To
Casper Leffert and wife these children were born: John, Nicholas,
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUXTY 807
Olrich, Casper, Margaret, Anna and Eve, all of wlujni are now
deceased. Nicholas Leffert was reared to hard work on the farm,
and npon starting out in life for himself purchased 215 acres of the
old homestead in section 36, to which he later added 143 acres.
He built a tine home and barn, making his property modern in
every respect, and became one of the progressive and prosperous
farmers of the county. He was a Democrat in. politics, served as
township trustee eighteen or twenty years and as school director
for a long time, and was a staunch member of the German Re-
formed Church. He was one of the organizers of the latter, and
was a deacon and elder of same for many years. In 1892, at (he
age of sixty-one years, he passed away and was buried at Zwingle.
To him and wife the following children were born: Menerna,
twice married, first to Mr. Mitchell (deceased) and later to John
Connolly, of Des Moines, where they now reside; Daniel, the sub-
ject of this sketch; Lillian, single, and lives in Des Moines; David,
a civil engineer; James, died at age of five; and William, who died
when three years old. Daniel Leffert was educated in the public
schools and learned farming under the direction of his father.
He married Henrietta Chesterman, daughter of Frank C. and Tem-
perence (Gillespie) Chesterman, who now reside at Zwingle. To
Mr. Leffert and his wife one son, Burton C, was born during April,
1909. Mr. Leffert is a Democrat in his political views, has served
as township clerk of Washington Township for the past six years,
and has been treasurer and a director of the school board. Socially
he is identified with the Woodmen Lodge at Zwingle. He was but
thirteen years old when his father died, and later bought 143 acres
of the homestead and hereon he has since been successfully engaged
in general and diversified farming.
Martain Denlinger, now residing in the village of Zwingle,
came to Dubuque county in 1856, and for many years has followed
farming with unusual success. He was born in Lancaster county,
Pennsylvania, on December 9, 1827, a son of Isaac and Mary
(Irvin) Denlinger, and was there educated and reared to manhood.
The father was a school teacher and also followed farming as a
means of livelihood, and died in 185 1. at about the age of fifty-one
vears. To him and wife these children were born: Christ, who
located in Washington Township in 1854; lone, who married
James Rhodes and resides in Davenport, Iowa : Isaac, farming in
Jackson county ; Martain, the subject of this memoir. Succeeding
her husband's death Mrs. Denlinger joined her daughter, Mrs. lone
Rhodes, in Davenport, and died in 1870. aged about seventy years.
In 1856 Martain Denlinger came west to Dubuque county to join
his elder brother, Christ, but after farming seven years returned
to Pennsylvania. Seven years later he again came to Dubuque
county and bought 244 unimproved acres of land on section 36,
8o8 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Washington Township, and this he improved by erecting a fine
home and suitable barns and outhouses. He engaged in general
farming and stock raising, and later was enabled to purchase 540
acres of land in Jackson county. Having accumulated a com-
petency he retired from the active duties of life and now resides
in the village of Zwingle. He is a Republican in politics, and a
member of the German Reformed Church. He was married in his
native state in 1850 to Miss Elizabeth Wortz, who died in August,
1 89 1, aged sixty years, having borne her husband the following
children : John, farmer of Washington Township ; Mart, on home
place in Jackson county ; Dave, farming in Cherokee county ; Anna,
married William Walters and resides at Zwingle ; lone Elizabeth,
deceased : Isaac, farming in Washington Township ; Samuel, same ;
Delia, married Daniel Huntington, of Dubuque; Albert, deceased;
Aden Henry, farming in the West ; and Massina, residing in
Zwingle. In October, 1895, Mr. Denlinger married Sarah Kamerer,
who was born September 22, 1846, in Pennsylvania, a daughter of
Daniel and Mary (Kuhns) Kamerer.
Nicholas Sebo, engaged in business in Zwingle, was born in
that village October 15, i860, a son of Charles and Barbara
(Hupinenger) Sebo, the father a native of the Kingdom of Han-
over and the mother of Byer, Germany. Mrs. Sebo was twice
married ; first to a Mr. Frantz, whom she bore two children, John
and Margaret, both now deceased. She married Mr. Sebo in Penn-
sylvania, and to them these children were born : Henrietta, in
Pennsylvania, and the following in Iowa : Charles, now deceased ;
Mary, wife of Stewart Simpson, of William Springs, South Da-
kota; Sarah, married L. Delinger, of Jackson county; Louise, a
school teacher ; and Nicholas. After Henrietta was born the family
came west to Iowa and for four or five years the father followed
his trade of blacksmith in Dubuque. He then located in Zwingle,
being the first to follow blacksmithing here, and in 1906, aged
seventy-six years, passed away. He was a member of the German
Reformed Church and a strong advocate of home and church work.
His wife died in 1895, ^ged seventy-two years. Nicholas Sebo,
the immediate subject of this sketch, was educated in the public
schools at Zwingle and learned the blacksmith's trade under the
tutelage of his father. This he followed in his father's shop until
the latter's death, then conducted the business alone, and in 1900
engaged in the farm implement business. Eight years later he
added a feed mill and has been successfully engaged at these
various lines of business ever since. He is a Democrat in politics,
and although he has served as school director a number of years,
has always refused to hold office, preferring to confine his atten-
tion to private business affairs.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 809
Barnard Honerbaum, residing on a farm in White Water
Township where he is engaged in general farming and stock rais-
ing, was born a subject of the German Empire, birth occurring
July 17, 1859, in the Prussian Province of Westphalia. His parents,
Barnard and Elizal>eth (Westcott) Honerbaum, were also natives
of that country and had these children: Elizabeth, who married
Peter Hanson, of Luxemburg, Germany, and now resides in North
Dakota; Barnard, subject: and Henri, who died in the old country,
aged four years. In 1881 the family came to the United States
and located at Luxemburg, Dubuque county, Iowa, where the
father followed farming and his trade of carpenter until his death
in 1894, aged sixty-six years. The mother passed away two years
later, at the age of sixty-seven. Barnard Honerbaum, Sr., was
the only son of Antoin and Catherina (Plimper) Honerbaum: and
his wife, Elizabeth, was a daughter of Henry and Catherine (Bus-
wingle) Wescott. Her father was a stock dealer in Germany and
there lived and died. To him and wife these children were born :
Barnard, farmer of Prairie Creek Township; Antoin, same; Ger-
trude, remained in Germany : Elizabeth, who became Mrs. Honer-
baum. Barnard Honerbaum, Jr., the immediate subject of this
memoir, attended the public schools of his native country until
eighteen years old. receiving a better education than most of the
boys of that time, and later learned carpentering, which he followed
after coming to America. After arriving in Dubuque county he
engaged in the hotel business in Prairie Creek Township three
years, then was in business at Worthington a year, and later for
six years conducted a general store at Gilt Edge. Succeeding this
he took up farming and rented his present farm of James Pagan.
In 1886 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Steil, daughter
of Nicholas and Lena (Armstrong) Steil, who were natives of
Luxemburg, Germany, and came to America and Dubuque county,
Iowa, in 1846. They were early pioneers in this section of the
country, and had the following children: Elizabeth, wife of sub-
ject ; Maggie, who married Joseph May and resides in Minnesota ;
Steve, living on old Steil homestead in Dubuque county ; and Mary.
To Mr. and Mrs. Honerbaum have been born children as follows:
Elizabeth, who married Joseph Dunkel, farmer of Prairie Creek
Township; Barnard, Peter, Maggie, deceased; Mary, Josephine,
Wilhelmina, Phoenecia, and Joseph. The Honerbaum family have
contributed their part toward the growth and development of
Dubuque county and are highly regarded in the community where
they reside.
Edward Tucker, now owning and operating a farm on section
8, White W^ater Township, was born in Somersetshire. England,
in 1873. and is a son of John and Charlotte (Parrott) Tucker, wlio
were also natives of that locality. The father died in England in
8io HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
1879, aged fifty-eight years, and the widow and son, Edward, the
only child, came to America to join the family of Vinicent Tucker,
who had immigrated to the United States some ten years previous
and invested in farm land in White Water Township, Dubuque
county, Iowa. Vinicent Tucker was also a nati\'e of Somerset-
shire, England, and married Christiana Parrott, a sister of our
subject's mother, and upon locating in Iowa purchased 120 acres
of farm land, which he improved by erecting a fine home and
barn. He prospered and became one of the foremost farmers of
his community. He passed away in 1907, aged sixty-five years,
followed by his wife February 2, 191 1, aged seventy-three years,
and both were members of the Episcopal Church. To them ^vere
born Emily, residing in Cherokee county. Iowa, and Albert, of
South Dakota. Charlotte (Parrott) Tucker resided with the
Tucker family in White Water Township until her death on
March 9, 1903, when seventy-two years old, and was a member
of the Episcopal Church. Edward Tucker was but eight years
old when brought to Dubuque county by his mother, and was here
educated in the public schools. He engaged in farming with his
uncle. Vinicent Tucker, and at that time they had 15 or 20 acres
of sugar cane, having their own crusher and well-equipped ma-
chinery, and turned out on an average of 2,000 gallons of sorghum
molasses each year, which they marketed in Dubuque at 40 cents
per gallon. Since the death of his uncle Edward Tucker has con-
tinued to operate the home place and raises graded horses and
cattle in addition to general farming. He married Anna Tucker,
of the same name but no relation, who was born in Nebraska in
1888, the daughter of Joseph and Clara (Flasher) Tucker, natives
of Illinois and Somersetshire, England, respectively. Her father
died in White Water Township, Dubuque county, in 1901, but the
mother is still living and resides in Taylor county, Iowa. Mr.
Tucker is an Episcopalian in religion and a Republican in politics,
but has always refused to hold office, preferring to confine his
attention to private affairs. To him and wife one daughter, Viola,
was born on January 2, 1909.
John O'Neill, farmer and stock raiser, has resided on section
25, White Water Township, since he was eleven years of age. In
the biography of his brother, William, who spells the family name
Oneill, is given the sketch of the parents of the subject of this
review. John O'Neill was born in the city of New York, July 28,
1841, and came west with his parents in 1852. He was reared to
manhood in the log cabin first erected by his father, attending in a
limited way the pioneer schools, aiding in the work of clearing and
improving, and participating in the hard work and privations com-
mon in those early days. After the death of his mother he received
40 acres as his share of the estate, and to this he has added at dif-
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 811
ferent times until he now owns 180 acres. His time is devoted
to diversified farming and stock raising, and at this Mr. O'Neill has
met with more than ordinary success.
William C. Aitchison, Jr., deceased, son of William and
Agnes (Young) Aitchison, was born in Berwickshire, Scotland,
April 5. 1837. In 1842. the family moved to Roxburgh, in the
famous \'ale of Tweed, and it was in the shadow of Melrose Abbey,
made familiar to all luiglish speaking people by Sir Walter Scott,
that the subject spent his youthful days. When fourteen years old
he removed with his parents to Glasgow, where for one year he
attended the Glasgow University. Here he was employed at book-
keeping, and from January, 1853, to May, 1855, was identified
with the iron and shipping industry. On May i, 1855, the family
sailed from Glasgow for New York, arriving at their destination
forty-five days later. Here Mr. Aitchison found employment at
bookkeeping, his wages being $200 for the first six months and
$500 for the next twelve months. In 1857 he became head book-
keeper and confidential clerk in a large commission house in Chi-
cago, and when the firm dissolved two years later Mr. Aitchison
became its successor and successfully conducted the business during
the stormy period of the Civil War. April 5, i860, he married
Harriet Amelia Babcock, bv whom he became the father of William
C, Albert W., Lydia G.. John Y. and Harriet Ruth. Mrs. Aitchi-
son was born in Providence. Rhode Island, June 26, 1840, a daugh-
ter of Cyril and Lydia (Clark) Babcock, of Puritan ancestry. In
June, 1865, owing to failing health, Mr. Aitchison moved to Cas-
cade. Iowa, to find rest and quiet, at which place he had provided a
home for his aged parents. His was a deeply religious nature, and,
while at Chicago, he helped organize and was the first secretary of
the Young Men's Religious Improvement Society, which, as the
Young Men's Christian Association, recently celebrated its fiftieth
anniversary. After his removal to Cascade he was often called
upon to preach, owing to the church of his denomination having
no regular minister, and his labor was fraught with great good.
He was ordained September 13, 1882. In 1887 he moved to
Council Bluffs, and from there, in 1890, to Des Moines, where he
died September 14, 1908. Mrs. Aitchison having died February 6,
1894, ]Mr. Aitchison married Mrs. Flora T. Rogers, who survives
him. William Cyril Aitchison, the oldest son of William C. Aitchi-
son. Jr.. deceased, was born in 1861 in the township where he now
resides. He was educated in the public schools and at Lenox Col-
lege and, for the most part, has passed his life engaged in agricul-
tural pursuits and operating a creamery. He is the owner of a
well-equipped farm on section 12, Cascade Township, and in con-
junction with farming devotes considerable of his attention to
stock raising and dairying. He is a Republican in politics, has
8i2 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
occupied several local positions with credit, belongs to the Modern
Woodmen and the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1883, he
married Miss Anna M. Kearney, and to this union have been born
these children: Elizabeth A., Adrian, Charles B., Eleanor R.,
Anna M., Edward C, John A. and Roland.
Charles L. Board, engaged in farming and stock raising on
section 8, Cascade Township, Dubuque county, Iowa, was born
March 29, 1863, "^ New Wine Township, a son of Robert and Mar-
tha Board and a grandson of Ferdinand Board. Robert Board was
a native of England and came with his parents to the United States
when a lad of twelve years. After a year spent at Kenosha, Wis-
consin, the family located on a farm in New Wine Township,
northeast of Dyersville. On Thanksgiving day, 1867, Robert,
Board and familv moved to the place now owned by the subject
of this sketch, and here for many years the father devoted his
energies to agricultural pursuits. Mr. Board in later life moved to
California, where he died in 1899, having lost his wife six years
previously. They were the parents of four children: Lewis E.,
Charles L., Frankie, who died when ten years old, and a daughter
wdio died in infancy. Robert Board was twice married, his second
wife, Sarah Hasenwell, to whom he was married in California,
dying in 191 1. Charles L. Board was educated in the public schools
and at Epworth Seminary, and in 1886 married Nellie, daughter
of Arthur and Ellen Miller, early settlers of Iowa, and now residing
in Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Miller were the parents of the follow-
ing named children : Elizabeth, Arthur, Fannie, William, James,
Harry, John, Albert, Nellie, Pearl, Bertha and Charles. Charles
L. Board and wife have four children, named Leroy, Ernest,
Everett and Bardina. For six years after his marriage Mr. Board
was engaged in farming on property adjacent to the home place in
Cascade Township. He then bought the old homestead, which he
has improved to such an extent that it is now considered one of
the best farming properties in the county. In all worthy enter-
prises Mr. Board is a liberal contributor. He is a Republican in
politics with independent tendencies, has served as school director
and was a charter member of the Modern Woodmen Lodge at
Cascade.
William S. Kearney, associated with his brother, E. M. Kear-
ney, in the lumber business at Cascade, is a son of Adrian G. and
Elizabeth (Long) Kearney, and is descended from Revolutionary
ancestry. Adrian Kearney came from Virginia to Iowa in 1857
and settled in Cascade Township, Dubuque county. He was a
prominent figure in local circles and a man who commanded uni-
versal respect because of his upright life and character. His chil-
dren are Sarah, Anna, E. M., Adrian F., Dr. C. A., of Farley, and
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 813
Eleanor, deceased. William S. Kearney is one of the virile, enter-
prising representatives of the younger business element of Dubuque
county. He was born in Cascade Township on December 8, 1861,
and as a boy received a good, practical education. At the age of
twenty-one years he began teaching school, succeeding which for a
time he was engaged in railroad work. He then bought an interest
in the lumber business at Cascade of W. W. Hamilton, and for
ten years was a member of the firm of Hamilton & Kearney. Mr.
Hamilton then retired and the firm became Kearney Brothers, which
has since continued with unvarying success. Mr. Kearney is a
director of the Farmers' & Merchants' Bank, is a member of the
Woodmen of the World and the Mystic Workers, and in politics is
a Democrat. In 1899 he married Wathena Rafferty, daughter of
W. P. Rafferty, an old settler of Dubuque county and a native
of Kentucky. Mr. Rafferty passed his early life in Illinois, to
which state his parents had moved in pioneer times, and from there
came to Dubuque, Iowa, where he married Eugenia Haddock. Mr.
and Mrs. Rafferty lived in Cascade for a time, then moved to
Missouri and from there to Grinnell. Iowa, where Mr. Rafferty
died in 1902, and is survived by his widow. To Mr. and Mrs.
Kearney one son was born on April 29, 1900, named Wilfred
Carlton.
J. P. Sauser, like others of his family living in Dubuque county,
is one of the substantial men of the locality and a credit to the
community in which he resides. John Sauser, Sr., his father, was
one of the pioneers of Cascade Township, having come here from
his native country, Wurtemburg. Germany, in 1848, at a time when
the settlers were scarce and the hardships endured beyond the com-
prehension of the present generation. Further mention of Mr.
Sauser is to be found in connection with the sketch of John
Sauser, Jr., appearing elsewhere in this book. J. P. Sauser was
born on the old home farm in 1854. In boyhood he attended the
public schools and assisted his parents in their efforts to improve
their property and get ahead in the world. In 1878. the year
following his marriage, he began farming for himself in Cascade
Township, which he successfully continued until 1905. He then
moved to his present beautiful, modern residence in Cascade and
this has since been his home. Mr. Sauser was first married in
1877 to May Faber, daughter of John Faber, who came from
Luxemburg, Germany, to Iowa at an early date, and here passed
the remainder of his life. To this marriage eight children were
born: Josephine, who died in 1910, aged twenty-nine years;
Walter, living in South Dakota ; John, whose home is in Nebraska ;
Maggie, now Mrs. Peter Schmidt, of Idaho; Lewis, Arthur.
Francis, and Adel, the last four living at home. The mother died
in 1904, at the age of forty-two years. In 1905 Mr. Sauser married
8i4 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Elizabeth Schrady, by whom he is the father of one son, Carl. In
religion Mr. Sauser is of the Roman Catholic faith ; as a Democrat
he has served as trustee of Cascade Township a number of years.
L. P. Freeman, president of the Electric Light & Power Com-
pany, Cascade, was born in Cuyahoga county. Ohio, in 1843, ^ ^^^^
of Calvin O. and Hannah D. Freeman. Calvin O. Freeman was
a native of New York state, and when a young man went to Ohio
and there married, his wife being a native of Massachusetts. He
was a gunsmith by trade, but followed the occupation of general
blacksmith in Ohio until 1844. At that early date he came to
Cascade, Iowa, with his wife and five children, two children being
born after the removal to this place. Cascade and the surrounding
country, at the time of their location here, was practically in a state
of nature. The country was sparsely settled and wide stretches of
wild prairie land intervened between the homesteaders. Mr. Free-
man's blacksmith shop was the second in the village and he was
the first to manufacture plows at Cascade. In conjunction with
blacksmithing he farmed until 1854 or 1855. then retired, and in
1885, when eighty-three years old. passed away. He was an old-
time Democrat, a Baptist in religion, and a man of strong character
and upright conduct. His wife died in 1870, when sixty-five years
of age. L. P. Freeman, the subject of this sketch, never married.
He received his education in the public schools and lived at home
until his father's death. He farmed in White Water Township,
near the village of Cascade, but in 1893 disposed of his property
and has since been identified with the civic life of the village. As
was his father before him, Mr. Freeman is a Democrat, but of the
liberal kind, invariably aligning himself with all movements for
the betterment of the community regardless of party affiliation.
William Heery, retired farmer and stock raiser, residing in
Cascade, was born a subject of Queen Victoria, his birth occurring
in 1836, in County Cavan. Ireland. His parents, James and Cath-
erine (McGovern) Heery. were also natives of the Emerald Isle,
where the father, a son of William and Ann (Boltie) Heery, fol-
lowed his trade of shoemaker. To better his condition and to
afiford his children greater opportunities for advancement, Mr.
Heery and family embarked on a sailing vessel bound for the
United States in 1847, their destination being New Orleans. While
on the way the mother died and was buried at sea, the infant
daughter, named Kate, for whom the mother gave her life, dving
shortly after the arrival of the boat at New Orleans. The other
children born in Ireland were William, John and Ann. Upon
arriving in this country the family came north to St. Louis, but
in 1850 came to Dubuque, Iowa, being first preceded by William, the
subject of this sketch. Government land was bought in Washing-
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 815
ton Township, Jones county, Iowa, and there the family located
and established a home after the primitive manner of the times
and as their means afforded. James Heery died in 1891. William
Heery assisted his father for a time, then bought and improved
a farm near the old homestead, which he conducted until about
fourteen years ago, at which time he moved into Cascade and
retired from the active work of farming. In i860 he married
Elizabeth Drummond, daughter of John and Isabella Drummond,
natives of Ireland. John Drummond was born in County Tyrone
in 183 1, came to Baltimore, Maryland, at an early day, moved from
there to Pittsburg, thence to Dubuque, Iowa, in 185 1, where he
lived one year and finally located on a farm near Temple Hill in
Washington Township, Jones county, Iowa. There he lived the
remainder of his days. Mr. and Mrs. Drummond were the parents
of these children: Alice, born in Ireland, married John Cornwall,
who was a blacksmith in Cascade in the early fifties and is now
deceased ; Samuel, deceased ; Ellen, married Frank Jones and re-
side's in Idaho: W'illiam, deceased; Elizabeth, now Mrs. William
Heery; William (2), now residing in Cascade; Isabella, the wife
of Patrick Seery, of Cascade ; and John, who married Ellen McDer-
mitt and lives in South Dakota. William Heery is one of Dubuque
county's most worthy and esteemed citizens. He has worked hard
and from his means has contributed liberally to all worthy causes.
Aside from his valuable real estate holdings he is a stockholder
in the Farmers' and Merchants' Bank in Cascade, of which he is
also a director. To Mr. and Mrs. Heery no children have been
born, but they have two adopted children, Bernard Drummond,
born in 1873, ^"*^^ Mary Drummond, born in 1877.
Michael Kennedy, engaged in farming and stock raising on
sections 22 and 2t^. in Taylor Township, was born in Dubuque
county, low^a, May 7, 1871. His parents, Martin and Catherine
(Walsh) Kennedy, were natives of Ireland and Virginia, respect-
ively. They each came to Dubuque county at an early day, and
were here married. They have always followed farming and now
reside near Bankston, honored and respected citizens and the parents
of nine children. Michael Kennedy was reared to manhood on the
home farm, attended the public schools when a boy, and in 1906
was united in marriage with Miss Alice Reynolds. Mrs. Kennedy
was born October 4, 1880, the second in a family of five children
born to Thomas and Mary (Powers) Reynolds. Mr. Reynolds was
a native of Ohio and his wife of Ireland. They w'ere married in
Dubuque county and are among the highly respected farmers of
the locality. They now live at Peosta. Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy
are the parents of two children, Harold Martin and Joe Walter, the
latter deceased. Mr. Kennedy is the owner of a well improved farm
of 130 acres and is considered one of the foremost men of his
8i6 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
locality. In politics he is independent, voting for the man he con-
siders best fitted for the office without regard to political creed.
He and wife belong to the Roman Catholic Church at Placid.
Matthew Garrigan, who died August 22, 1899, was one of the
foremost fanners of Taylor Township and was deserving of much
credit for the success he made of life under adverse circumstances.
He was a native of County Meath, Ireland, and in 1849 came with
his widowed mother and sisters to America and established a home
in the state of New York. In 1857 he married Julia O'Reilly, and
in 1864, attracted by the glowing reports of the opportunities for
getting ahead in the West, came to Dubuque county, Iowa. From
the savings of himself and wife he bought 120 acres of unimproved
prairie land in Taylor Township and, locating on this farm, began
improving it to the best of his ability. He was hard working and
industrious, and was ably assisted by his wife and children until
the property was brought to a high state of cultivation. He later
bought an additional 80 acres and, at the time of his death, when
eighty years old, was the owner of 200 acres of valuable land.
Mrs. Garrigan was born November 18, 1830, in County West
Meath, Ireland, the second in a family of seven children born to
James and Ann (Brady) O'Reilly. She came with her parents to
the United States in 1847, and resided with them at Lansingburg,
New York, where she was married. Some time after the death
of her husband she moved to Farley, where she now lives, honored
and respected, at the age of nearly eighty-one years. To Mr. and
Mrs. Garrigan the following named children w^ere born : James,
unmarried and living at home with his mother; Ann, the wife of
Frank Cunningham, the mother of six children and residing in
Omaha, Nebraska ; Mary, now Mrs. Samuel Cotter, of St. Paul,
Minnesota, and the mother of one child ; Catharine, the Mother
Superior of the Academy of Immaculate Conception, Dubuque ;
Matthew, who married Ada Gunn, by whom he has three children,
and resides at Coney Island, New York ; Theresa, died in infancy ;
and Julia, the wife of Robert Lockwood, now living at Chicago,
Illinois, the mother of six children. Mr. Garrigan was a member
of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church at Farley, as is also Mrs.
Garrigan, and all their children were reared in the Catholic faith.
John P. Sanner, president of the Farley State Bank, was born
in Delaware County, Iowa, July 27, 1868. As a boy he attended
the public schools and until twenty-three years old assisted in the
work of the home farm. May 2, 1892, he married Mary C. daugh-
ter of Michael Council, of whom appropriate mention is made
in connection with the biographical sketch herein of Charles W.
Connell. For one year succeeding his marriage Mr. Sanner farmed
on the old homestead. The fall of 1893 '^^ moved to Dubuque,
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 817
where for two years he was engaged in the shops of the Chicago.
Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company, and the following few
years was associated with J(jhn T. Hancock in the wholesale grocery
businesSi In March, 1899, he came to Farley and embarked in
mercantile pursuits, at which he has since been engaged. Upon
the organization of the Farley State Bank in 1906. Mr. Sanner
was elected its president and has since officiated in that capacity.
Mr. Sanner is a Democrat, a town councilman, a member of the
Modern Woodmen of America, the Knights of Columbus, and the
Catholic Order of Foresters. To him and wife eight children have
been born : John Lloyd, Charles G., ^Mabel F., Leo AL, Addelen C,
Clarence H., Thomas J. and Loilola A. The family are members
of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church. The parents of Mr. San-
ner, George and Mary F. (Willging) Sanner, were natives of
Germany. They came to this country when young, were married
in Ohio, and came to Dubuque in the early days, subsequently re-
mo\'ing to Delaware county, where the father died in 1902 at eighty-
three years of age. The mother, aged eighty-five years, is yet
living on the old homestead with a daughter.
Henry J. Mescher, engaged in general merchandising at New
Vienna, is a native of this village and a son of Frank X. and
Angela Mescher, pioneers of this section of the county. Frank X.
Mescher was also born in Dubuque county, his father coming here
from Oldenburg, Germany, at a very early period, and is at present
residing on a farm in New Vienna Township engaged in general
farming and stock raising. Henry J. Mescher was born at New
Vienna, July 6, 1880, and until fifteen years old attended the
parochial school at that place, later taking a course in a business
college at Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For a year thereafter he served as
clerk for the firm of Kerper & Meyer at Petersburg, Iowa, then
was employed in a similar capacity with B. K. Dentmeyer, general
merchant, at New Vienna. In 1905 he and brother, Anton B.
Mescher, bought out Mr. Dentmeyer, and have since conducted the
business in partnership with unusual success. Under their manage-
ment the business has grown and prospered and they are tCKlay
regarded as representative business men and citizens of Dubuque
county. Mr. Mescher is a Democrat in his political views, has
served as alderman, and is a member of the Roman Catholic Mutual
Protective Society of the State of Iowa. In religion he espouses
the beliefs of his forefathers and is a staunch adherent of the
Roman Catholic faith. On January 30, 1907, at New Vienna, he
was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Koelker, a native of
Petersburg, Iowa, who died January i, 1909, and is buried at New
Vienna. One daughter, Mary, was born to them on December
21, 1908.
8i8 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Frank G. Abeln, engaged in the embalming and undertaking-
business at New Vienna since 1908, is a native of New Wine
Township, tliis county, and a son of Herman and Catherine. Her-
man Abeln was a wind-power mill builder before coming to America
in 1872 from Oldenburg, Germany, and after locating that year
in New Vienna, Iowa, followed carpentering. In 1890 he embarked
in the manufacture of butter tubs, which venture proved successful,
and he followed same until his death, January 30, 1898. He was
buried in St. Boniface Cemetery at New Vienna. His widow yet
survives him, and to them were born these children : Anton, en-
gaged in the real estate and abstract of title business at Dubuque ;
Dr. Joseph L., practicing physician and surgeon at New Vienna;
Mary, the wife of Anton E. Hoefer, farming at Albion, Nebraska;
Sophia, married J. L. Meyers, coal, wood and ice merchant of
Dubuque ; Elizabeth, who married J. C. Fangmann, farming in New
Wine Township; Josephine, the wife of A. E. Majerus, grocer at
Dubuque ; Catherine, married Alois Oberbroeckling, farming in
New Wine Township; and Frank G., the subject of this review.
Frank G. Abeln was born January 30, 1883, ^"<^1 \\r\t\\ fifteen years
old attended the parochial school at New Vienna. He then assisted
his father in the manufacture of butter tubs, and upon the latter 's
death he became associated with Jacob Kerper as salesman, which
position he still retains. Mr. Abeln is a Democrat in politics, is
present recorder of New Vienna, and is a member of the Knights
of Columbus, Catholic Order of Foresters, Roman Catholic Mutual
Protective Association of the State of Iowa and St. Bonifice Cath-
olic Church. On May 25, 1909, at New Vienna, he was united in
marriage with Miss Abelina Klosterman, and they and ]\Irs. Abeln,
mother of our subject, reside in the village. Mrs. Abeln, wife of
Frank G., was the daughter of the old pioneers, F. H. and Catherine
Klosterman, both of whom are yet living, and in 1906 celebrated
their silver wedding.
Clemens Kenter, retired farmer and stock raiser, now residing-
in the city of Dyersville, was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, September
27, 1850, the son of Bernard and Mary (Kramer) Kenter. The
father was a native of Germany and came to America and Cincin-
nati in 1848, where for seven years he engaged in various lines
of business. He then came west to Dubuque county. Iowa, and
settled on a farm of 160 acres in New Wine Township, which he
improved and developed, and later added another tract of eighty
acres to his holdings. He ^^^as one of the progressive farmers of the
community, and died August 4, 1888, aged fifty-three years. His
widow yet survives him and resides on the old homestead with her
son, John Elmer. Until thirteen years of age Clemens Kenter
attended the parochial school at Luxemburg, this county, and then
remained at home assisting his father with the work of the farm
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 819
until 1873. At that time he borrowed money and purchased a
farm of 160 acres and followed farming and general stock raising
until his retirement from the active cares of life in 1904. By
hard and conscientious work he gradually prospered and honorably
settled all obligations, and today is one of the prosperous men of the
community. He is a Democrat in politics and for six years has
served as treasurer of the board of education. In religion he
espouses the belief of his forefathers and is an adherent of the
Roman Catholic faith. Mr. Kenter has been twice married; first,
in 1876. His first wife having passed away in 1879, he married,
second, April 28, 1890, at Dyersville, Miss Katie Greiner, daughter
of the pioneer stone mason, John Greiner, who died in 1908 and is
buried at Luxemburg. To Mr. Renter's first marriage two chil-
dren were born: Mary, wife of John Boge, farmer of New Wine
Township, and Cecelia, who married Nicholas Elens, also farming.
To his second marriage have been born : Joseph, student at Chris-
tian Brother's College, St. Louis, Missouri; Phillimine, at home;
and Marcella, attending school. Mr. Kenter and family are num-
bered among the best people in the community in which they reside.
William MacHogan, for over thirty years engaged in the
marble and granite business at Dyersville, was born at Fremont,
Ohio, November 2, 1856, and is the son of Thomas and Margaret
MacHogan, who were of English descent. The father was a con-
tractor and builder by occupation and operated throughout the East
and Middle West. When Civil War was declared between the
North and South he enlisted for the preservation of the Union and
served with credit until honorably discharged by the War Depart-
ment of the United States government. He died at Pueblo, Colo-
rado, and his wife at Waterloo, Iowa.
William MacHogan, tlie well-known immediate subject of this
review, spent his boyhood days in the different parts of the country
where his father happened to be working, and in 1873 came to
Waterloo, Iowa. Here for two years he learned the trade of
marble cutting, and the following four years worked at his trade
in San Francisco and other parts of California. His early scholastic
training was acquired in the public schools of Madison and Eau
Claire, Wisconsin, and he also for a time attended the State Uni-
versity at Madison. In 1880 Mr. MacHogan came to Dyersville
and opened a small marble and granite house on Main street. He
gradually prospered and today many of the beautiful tombstones
to be found in the cemeteries throughout Iowa have been made
under his supervision. Mr. MacHogan is a Republican in politics.
is the present secretary of the board of education and was one of
the organizers of the Red Jacket Fire Engine Company at Dyers-
ville, of which he for years served as chief. Socially he has long
been identified with the Masonic fraternity and has served as wor-
820 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
shipful master of his lodge. On October 28, 1890, at Dyersville,
he was united in marriage with Miss Leta E. Ramsey, and to them
two sons have been born, named Orval A., druggist at Cedar Rapids,
Iowa, and Claude R., clerking in a drug store at Manchester, Iowa.
Mrs. MacHogan is a daughter of the old pioneer jeweler, Peter D.
Ramsey, and his wife, Laura J. He died July 3, 1889, and is
buried at Manchester, where his widow at present resides. Mr.
MacHogan and family are highly respected members of the com-
munity in which they reside.
Frank L. Drexler. of the firm of Goerdt Brothers & Company,
grain and live stock merchants at Dyersville, was born in Deleware
county, Iowa, December 20, 1869, and is a son of John and Mary
Drexler. He was educated in the public schools at Dyersville until
his fifteenth year, and for a time thereafter assisted his father in
the work of the home farm. He then took a course in Bayless Busi-
ness College at Dubuque, succeeding w^hich for four years he was
in the employ of Joseph Bilmyer, who sold out to Holscher Brothers.
When Henry Goerdt embarked in the grain and live stock business
Mr. Drexler went with him as bookkeeper, and when Goerdt
Brothers bought out Holscher Brothers he still remained as book-
keeper until he acquired an interest in the business by purchase
in 1906. Aside from the above Mr. Drexler is identified w^ith
various other local enterprises, and is president and a director of
the First National Bank of Dyersville. He is an independent
Democrat in politics, and in religious views is an adherent of the
Catholic faith. He is a member of the Roman Catholic IMutual
Protective Association of the State of Iowa. November 14, 1891,
at Dyersville, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth
Goerdt, daughter of Charles and Elizabeth Goerdt, pioneers of the
county. Her father died in 1907 at the age of seventy- four years,
and his widows resides in Dyersville. To Mr. and Mrs. Drexler one
daughter and three sons have been born as follows: Louis J.,
student at St. Joseph's College, Dubuque; Laura M., a graduate of
St. Francis Academy ; Bernard, attending Christian Brothers' Col-
lege ; and Marcellus, attending same. Mr. Drexler is one of the
representative business men of the county and takes an active in-
terest in all local affairs of importance.
John B. Gebhard, now retired from the active cares of life and
residing in Dyersville is a native of Delaware county, Iowa, and a
son of Joseph and Clara Gebhard. The father was born in the
Kingdom of Saxony, Germany, and in 1852, when but ten years
old, was brought to America and Dubuque county, Iowa, by his
parents. They first settled on 40 acres in New Wine Tow^nship,
then moved to Liberty Township, and in 1868 removed to Delaware
county, Iowa, locating on a farm near Petersburg. Here the father
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 821
larmed until he retired, and at present makes his home with the sub-
ject of this sketch. His wife died in 1893, aged forty-tliree years,
and is buried at Petersburg. Mr. Gebhard has ahvays taken great
interest in local affairs of importance, and for twenty-five years
served as treasurer of the board of education. He was also justice
of the peace for eighteen years. John B. Gebhard was born on his
father's farm near Petersburg, April 7, 1873. and received his
early education in the district schools. He later attended Highland
College. Des Moines, Iowa. He assisted his father with the work
on the home farm, and at the age of twenty-one was assistant
veterinary surgeon to Dr. Bruner. He practiced this profession
two years in Dyersville, and then took a special course in pharmacy.
In the spring of 1904 he bought the Pennsylvania House and con-
ducted same up to January. 191 1. Mr. Gebhard has invested exten-
sively in valuable real estate properties, and also manufactures an
invention of his own — a draw bar for folding harrows — which has
proved very practical and successful. As a Democrat in politics
he served two years on the Colony Township Central Committee of
Delaware county, Iowa, and in religious views is a Catholic. He
is a member of the Roman Catholic Mutual Protective Association
of the State of Iowa. February 15, 1904, at New Vienna, he
married Miss Mary Bunker, daughter of Frank and Mary Bunker.
Her father came to America and Dubuque county about 1854, and
was the first blacksmith in the village of New Vienna. To Mr.
and Mrs. Gebhard have been born two sons : Charles, born April
13, 1906. and Martin, born July 24, 1908. The family are highly
regarded in the community where they reside.
Bernard Tegeler, since 1909 engaged in the machinery and
farm implement business at Dyersville, is a native of Dubuque
county, born on a farm in Liberty Township, October 7, 1857, and
the son of Gerhard and Antonetta Tegeler. Gerhard Tegeler was
born in Germany, and in 1838 immigrated to America, locating
in Dubuque county, Iowa, where he was one of the very early
settlers. He was a farmer and plasterer by occupation, and after a
long and honorable life passed away in 1900 at the age of seventy-
five years. His wife died in 1901, aged seventy-seven years, and
both are buried in the cemetery at Dyersville. Until sixteen years
old Bernard Tegeler attended the district schools, then for a time
assisted his father on the home farm and later bought a tract of
120 acres in New Vienna Township, which he disposed of shortly
afterwards to buy a farm of 190 acres in Delaware county, Iowa.
This he improved in various ways and still retains. In 1909 he
embarked in the machinery and farm implement business at Dyers-
ville and has been very successful in this line of endeavor. Mr.
Tegeler is a Democrat in politics, and for sixteen years was a
director and member of the board of education at Hicker Valley.
822 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
In religious views he is an adherent of the Roman CathoHc faith.
February i, 1881, he was united in marriage with Miss Theresa
Beckman, daughter of Gerhard and Agnes (Kramer) Beckman,
pioneer settlers of Dubuque county. Eleven children, four daugh-
ters and se\'en sons, have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Tegeler as
follows: Gerhard, farmer in Delaware county; Antonetta, wife
of Henry W^essel, a farmer of Delaware county ; John, a student
at Bayless Business College ; Katie, graduate of New Vienna school ;
Isidor, assisting his father; Agnes, at home; Ulrich, with father;
Bernard, Jr., same, and attending Christian Brothers' school; Peter,
attending same school ; Olive, at St. Francis Academy ; and Hilarius,
four years old. Mr. Tegeler and family are among the best people
of their community.
George B. Deven. engaged in the jewelry business at Dyers-
ville, was born in this city September i, 187 1, and is the son of
Henry and Mary Deyen, natives of the Kingdom of Hanover and
Prussia, Germany, respectively. Henry Deyen came to America in
1848, locating first at St. Louis, Missouri, and later at Galena, Illi-
nois. In 1866 he came to Dubuque county, Iowa, and settled on a
farm north of New \ ienna. remaining here for two years. He
then removed into the village of Dyersville and here established an
early lumber yard to operate in this section of the county. He con-
ducted same successfully until up to within two years of his death,
which occurred October 26, 1895, at the age of seventy-one years.
He was honest and industrious and his memory will long linger in
the hearts and minds of his many friends and neighbors. George
B. Deyen attended the district schools and assisted his father during
boyhood days, and for eight years was in the employ of the Dyers-
ville Commercial. He remained at home two years because of ill
health, and in 1889 went to Dubuque as shipping clerk for the
Knapp-Stout Lumber Company, with whom he remained five years.
In 1894 he was sunstruck while working in the lumber yard and for
the succeeding few years retired from any active business pursuits.
During this time he became acquainted with a jeweler, of whom
he learned the trade, and he later attended the Bradley Horological
College with a \"iew to entering the jewelry business. In 1899
he opened his present concern at Dyersville, where he has been very
successful. In religious views he is a Catholic. February 7, 1903,
he married Miss Margaret Graves, daughter of Herman and Kath-
erina Graves, pioneer farmers of Delaware county, and one daugh-
ter, Mildred, was born to them on February 19, 1905.
James F. Link, for the past twenty-one years engaged in the
buying and selling of live stock at Dyersville, was born on a farm
in New Wine Township, this county, a son of William and Mary
Link. The family is of English descent, William Link coming
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 823
to America in 1840. After residing ten years in the state of Penn-
sylvania, he came west to Dubuque county and settled on a farm
of 120 acres of wild and unimproved prairie land. He gradually
cleared and improved his farm, later adding another tract of eighty
acres and in time became the owner of one of the best farms in
the county. Mr. Link never sought public office, preferring to
confine his attentions to private life, but had many friends and
was highly regarded by all who knew him. On May i, 1910, when
eighty-five years old, he passed away and was buried at \Vesti)oint,
Iowa. He and wife, who is yet surviving, aged seventy-eight years,
lived happily together for over fifty-eight years, and reared the fol-
lowing family of nine children: William, a commercial traveler;
Anthony, also traveling ; Isidor, importer of horses at Westpoint,
Iowa: James F., subject of this sketch; Alois, county officer at
Westpoint, Iowa ; Lewis, dealer in farm implements at Westpoint ;
Astahius, grocer at Westpoint; Joe, live stock dealer at Wash-
ington, Iowa, and Nora, the wife of J. W. Rubley, real estate agent
of Chicago. James F. Link was educated in the public schools .of
New Wine Township, and at the age of thirteen left the same to
assist his father. Five years later he began traveling, visiting
various parts of the world, and upon his return purchased a farm of
eighty acres, later also one of thirty, in Delaware county, Iowa.
He operated same for seven years and then came to Dyers\ille and
engaged in the buying and selling of live stock, at which he has
since continued. On March 31, 1881, he married Miss Caroline
Kipp, and to them twelve children have been born, as follows :
George, butcher at Dyersville, and Murth, Edward, Helen, Rose,
Margaret, Andrew, Hilda, Stella, Isabella, Emil and Raymond, also
of Dyersville. Mr. Link erected his home in Dyersville in 1904
and same is modern in every respect. The family are of the Roman
Catholic faith and Mr. Link is a member of St. Francis Mutual
Society. Mrs. Link is a daughter of the old pioneers, Henry and
Caroline Kipp, who resided in this county many years and were
well known and highly respected. Mr. Kipp died August 6, 1907,
aged eighty-five years, preceded by his wife on October 4, 1897.
at the age of eighty-six years. Both lie at rest in the cemeterv at
Dyersville.
David W. Armstrong, mayor of the city of Dyersville for the
past three terms and also engaged extensively in the lumber busi-
ness, was born in Farley, this county, March 12, 1877, the son
of James and Martha Armstrong, pioneer settlers of this locality.
He was educated in the public and high schools of Dyersville,
graduating from the latter in 1895, and later took a business course
in Bayless College, city of Dubuque. Immediately thereafter he
entered the lumber establishment founded by his father, and after
learning the business thoroughly was elected secretary and treas-
824 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
urer upon the incorporation of the concern in 1905. Through
excellent business management the concern has become one of
the solid and substantial commercial houses of the county. Mr.
Armstrong is a Democrat in liis political views. On September 20,
1905. at Dyersville, he was united in marriage with Miss Mabel
Leigh, daughter of the old pioneers, Charles E. and Martha Leigh,
appropriate mention of whom appears elsewhere in this publica-
tion, and to Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong two sons have been born,
named David Leigh, born October 4, 1907, and James Robert,
April 6, 1909. Mr. Armstrong and family reside in Dyersville and
are highly respected by all who know them.
John B. Utt has been successfully engaged in the general prac-
tice of law at Dyersville for the last thirty-five years. He is a
native of Plattville, Wisconsin, where he was born October 14,
1853, and is of German descent, his grandfather coming to this
country at a very early date. Mr. Utt was a son of Elias and
Abigail Utt, who came from Pennsylvania to Wisconsin in 1836,
and there the father followed farming and lead mining for many
years. Both parents are now deceased. John B. Utt received his
early education in the public schools and also attended the State
Normal School, from which he was graduated in 1875. He then
decided to make the study and practice of law his life's work and
accordingly entered the law department of the State LTniversity of
Michigan, from which institution, in 1877, he was granted the
degree of LL. B. Immediately thereafter he came to Dyersville
and embarked in the general practice of his profession, which he
has actively continued ever since. He is a Democrat in politics.
On May 21, 1885, in Dyersville, he was united in marriage with
Miss Anna M. Bush, daughter of John D. and Anna Bush. Her
father was a pioneer business man and capitalist of Dubuque
and died August 3, 1886, aged eighty-five years, followed by his
wife March 4, 1905, aged sixty-eight years, and both are buried
in the family vault in Linwood Cemetery. Until thirteen years old
Mrs. Utt attended the public schools of Dubuque, and after study-
ing law she was admitted to practice before the Iowa bar in
January, 1895, at Des Moines. After she was married to Mr. Utt
she still remained in the active practice of the legal profession, jn
partnership with her husband, and they have thus continued ever
since. She and Mr. Utt are members of the State Bar Association
and are highly respected by all who know them.
Charles H. Dell was born January 26, 1866, in Dubuque
Township, Dubuque county, Iowa, the son of Peter and Anna
Mary (Biesenz) Dell. Peter Dell was born in Luxemburg, Ger-
many, in 1835, and his wife in Buffalo, New York, in 1848. The
former came to America in 1856 and settled in Dubuque, Iowa, and
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 82
D
here met and married Miss Biesenz, the ceremony taking place in
1865. Peter Dell Avas a blacksmith by trade, but later went into the
hotel business and established the Northern Motel at the corner of
Nineteenth and Couler avenue. This was a very popular house in
the early days and was liberally patronized by the farmers. He
remained in this business until the spring of 1877, when he was
taken ill. dying in the fall of 1879. His widow survived until 1904,
then passed away at the home of her son, the subject of this review.
Charles H. Dell was educated in the parochial schools of Dubuque,
and at the age of fourteen began work for himself as clerk for the
A. W. Kemler Dry Goods & Clothing Company. From there in
188 1 he went with the A. Y. McDonald Company, Dubuque, and
learned thoroughly the machinist trade. During the latter part of
1885 he accepted a position with the Ryder-Wallace Dry Goods
Company, remaining thus about a year, and then served as brake-
man on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad for four
months. Succeeding this he became a stationary engineer in Du-
buque and remained in this business until the fall of 1888, then
resuming his trade of machinist at the United States Arsenal,
Rock Island, Illinois. During the strike and times of panic he
worked at a number of different places, but in 1902 accepted a posi-
tion with the Smedley Steam Pump Company of Dubuque and
remained with the firm until 1904, at which time he engaged in
business for himself as a cement contractor. Mr. Dell was mar-
ried May I, 1894, to Miss Matilda Richter, daughter of Henry and
Emily (Schenker) Richter, of Dubuque, and they have three chil-
dren, Violet Marion, Harland Joseph and Muriel Leona, all in
school except the last named. Mr. Dell is a member of the Modern
Woodmen of America, Court of Honor, Catholic Order of Forest-
ers and St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. In politics he is a
Democrat. Among the more important works done by him are
the cement work of the Eagle Point pa^•ilion, church of the Immacu-
late Conception, Sisters of Good Shepherd building. Masonic Tem-
ple, Audubon school, Holy Trinity Catholic church, Holy Ghost
church, St. Mary's church. Sacred Heart church, St. Joseph's
insane hospital and some exceptionally fine burial vaults.
Philip Jungk, for over twenty years successfully engaged in
the bakery business in Dubuque, and a man universally respected,
w'as born in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of August and Elizabeth
(Mehl) Jungk. The father was a native of the kingdom of Sax-
ony, Germany, born in 1817, and the mother of Nassau, Germany,
born also in 181 7. They came with their respective parents to
America in 1840, settling at St. Louis, Missouri, where they were
married in 1849. Both had been married previously, Mr. Jungk's
first wife, by whom he had two children, dying in Germany, and
Mrs. Jungk's first husband, Mr. Belz, whom she bore three chil-
826 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
dren, also died in the old country. In 1852 ]\Ir. and Mrs. Jungk,
with their one child, Philip, the immediate subject of this review,
came to Dubuque, Iowa, and located at Eagle Point on land now
within the city limits. The father was originally a stonecutter and
mason by occupation, but after coming to Dubuque established a
German garden, known as the Kussuch House, which was for many
3^ears very popular among the German population of the city and
\icinity. Mr. Jungk lived an honorable and useful life and passed
away in 1899, preceded by his wife in 1866. Philip Jungk was
born on July 17. 185 1, and received his education under the tutel-
age of the late Prof. Charles Kretschmer, who was at that time a
recognized scholar of the state and of whom appropriate mention
is made elsewhere in this publication. Our subject was compelled
to give up his school work when thirteen years of age and start out
on life's journey for himself. For a few months he was employed
in a local printing office, then for two years was with the Hern-
court Furniture Company. Succeeding this he spent two years
with Mr. La Barge, of Dubuque, learning the baker's trade, after
which he was employed as cook on the "War Eagle" and steamer
^'Cutter," spending one entire winter traveling between St. Louis
and Memphis. In 1871 he went to an uncle, Conrad Mehl, and for
about a year remained on the latter's farm, but when the construc-
tion of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad was commenced
he was engaged as camp cook and also assisted in construction work,
remaining thus engaged until 1873. ^^ that time he returned to
the employ of the Herncourt Furniture Company, then, in 1875,
took a vacation of about eight months and visited St. Louis, New
York and other points. Upon his return he again joined the above
named furniture concern and remained thus connected until 1878,
when he established himself in the bakery business at Independence,
Iowa. He failed during the hard times of that period and the
following year returned to Dubuque and for a time engaged in
whatever work he could find to do. In 1880 he started his present
bakery business and has enjoyed a fair share of prosperity ever
since. On October 31, 1876, he married Miss Amelia Schneider,
daughter of Gotlieb and Amelia (Schuk) Schneider, and they have
the following children: J. C, who married Miss Josephine Smith;
Tillie, the wife of John Stecher; Anna. Josephine, Elizabeth and
Leo. Gotlieb Schneider was one of the founders of the Dubuque
Cabinet Makers' Association and was one of the most expert
workmen of the city. He died in 1904, but his widow is yet living.
Mr. Jungk has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows since 1872 and is at present treasurer of the Key City
Lodge, and has been identified with the Modern Woodmen of
America for fifteen years. While he claims no church member-
ship his family belongs to St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church.
During the year 1870 he was foreman of the hose company of the
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 827
Dubuque Fire Department when the only water supply was from
cisterns. He assisted in the fighting of the big fire at the stamping
works and also at the Western Burch lumber yards. During the
former conflagration the hand engines l)ecame frozen and had it
not been that the city had just recei\ed their steam engines, which
were put in use at this fire for the first time, much more damage
would have been caused. As it was, several blocks were destroyed.
William Sixgrin, of Dubuque, is a son of the old pioneer. John
Singrin, who came here in 1852, when the place was but little more
than an overgrown frontier village. John Singrin married Jane
McLaughlin, who came with her parents to Dubuque in 1853. and
they had born to them seven children : Mary, who married William
Dean: Maggie, the widow of Thomas Haggerty; Kate; Lucy, now
Mrs. John Shannon; Charles; William, and a son who died in 1904.
The father is yet living, but the mother, the possessor of innumer-
able loving friends and after a long life of usefulness, died May 27,
1890. William Singrin. whose name forms the subject of this
sketch, has passed practically his entire life in Dubuque. He was
born in this city July 6, 1869, and during his early years attended
the public and parochial schools, and later entered and has since
been engaged in the grading, sodding and excavating business.
From early boyhood he has been interested in politics, and par-
ticularly in civic development. As a Democrat he was elected alder-
man from the Third Ward in 1908, and in 1910 was re-elected to
this position with the endorsement of the citizens. He is a member
of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church and of the Fraternal
Order of Eagles. Modern Woodmen of the World and other benev-
olent organizations. He married Miss Catherine, daughter of An-
drew Gautenbein. and to this union ha\e been born seven children,
named : John. William, Stella. Margaret, Mary, Lucy and Joseph
(deceased).
Henry W^ilberding. tailor, and for the past twenty-six years
a resident of Dubuque, is a native of the Grand Duchie of Olden-
burg, Germany, his birth occurring in the year 1865. ^^^ ^^i^ ^S^
of seventeen years he crossed the Atlantic ocean to America and
for three years resided at Cincinnati, Ohio. He then came to
Dubuque. Iowa, which has since been his home. Carl and Mary
Anna Wilberding. his parents, came to the United States in 1886,
and established a home at Dyersville, Iowa, where the father died
in 1888. The mother died at Cincinnati in 1905. having become
the grandmother of fifty-two children. They had born to them
eight children, and these they reared to Christian lives and good
citizenship. Henry Will)crding learned his trade of tailor in Ger-
many and has always followed it in this country. In 1889 he
828 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
became a partner in his present business, but since 1893 has been
alone. He married Miss Anna Hauer, daughter of Lawrence and
Margaret Hauer, natives of Wurtemburg, Germany, and to this
union have been born fourteen children, whose names are as fol-
lows: Anna, Emma, Catharine, Agnes, Mary, Magdalene, Henry,
Carl, Arthur, Loretta, Margaretta, Alois, Vincent and Cyril. Of
the foregoing, Anna, Mary, Vincent and Cyril are dead. The
family are members of the Holy Ghost Roman Catholic Church.
Mr. Wilberding belongs to the Catholic Order of Foresters, the
Knights of Columbus and in politics is independent, voting for the
man rather than the party.
August Schublin, engaged in the merchandise brokerage busi-
ness in Dubuque, is a son of August and Catherine Schublin, who
came from Germany to America and first settled in Pennsylvania,
subsequently locating near Independence, Iowa. When civil war
threatened the disruption of the Union, August Schublin, Sr., be-
came a volunteer in Company A, Forty-fourth Iowa Volunteer In-
fantry, and served his adopted country with fidelity and credit until
honorably discharged at the close of the war. He is now dead,
but his widow still survives him. August Schublin, Jr., the imme-
diate subject of this sketch, was born in Dubuque in 1872, and
received his education in the public schools here. His boyhood was
passed after the manner of the average boy, and for the past
twenty years he has been engaged in the general merchandise brok-
erage business at 103 Main street. In religion he is a Methodist;
in politics a Republican. He is a member of the Modern Wood-
men of America, is single and resides with his mother. Mr.
Schublin is one of the enterprising and progressive business men of
Dubuque.
GusTAVus V. Preston, engaged in farming, dairying and raising
of hogs in section 8, Mosalem Township, was born in Dubuque
county in the year 1842, and is a son of the old pioneers, Sylvester
B. and Anna (West) Preston, who were natives of the state of
Maryland. The father studied chemistry during his boyhood days,
but was later made manager of the copper furnaces at Mineral
Point, Wisconsin, which he continued some four or five years.
During this time he invested largely in real estate, buying 640 acres
from the government at $1.25 per acre. This he resided on for a
short time, but owing to the fact that the government had not
secured the land from the Indians, they were forced to leave tem-
porarily. WHien the trouble was settled, Mr. Preston and his
wife returned to their property and there spent their remaining
days. He died February 23, 1852, and was survived by his wife
until Christmas night, 1882. Gustavus E. Preston received his
education in the district schools, and in boyhood days assisted his
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 829
father with the work on the home farm. When war was declared
between the North and South he enhsted with the boys in bhie,
but his mother obtained his discharge on the grounds that he was
not yet of age. When twenty-two years old Mr. Preston began
farming on his own account, starting with seven acres of the old
homestead. He cleared and improved his property and gradually
added thereto until he had 112 acres under a high state of culti-
vation. During the first few years he did little but raise grains, but
of late has engaged extensively in dairying and hog raising. On
June 12, 1863. he was united in marriage with Miss Melissa Ire-
land, daughter of Christopher E. and Frances (McMasters) Ire-
land, who came from Canada to Dubuque county early in 185 1.
Her father followed rafting for several years and later engaged in
farming. The day that Mr. and Mrs. Preston were married was
extremely cold, frost being on the ground, and this was something
remarkable for the month of June. To them three children, two
daughters and a son, were born, as follows : David Orlando, born
October i, 1866, married Miss Anna Johnston, March 15, 19 10;
Bertha May, born July 25, 1867, married Nicholas Smith, engaged
in farming, and Dora Jessie, born February 4, 1870, the wife of
Lafayette Egan, who was captain of a steamboat on the Mississippi
river for years and now follows farming. Mr. Preston is indepen-
dent in his political views, voting for the man rather than the
party, and although always taking an active interest in local affairs
of importance, has steadfastly refused to hold office. He is
regarded as one of the representative farmers of the county,
John W. Norton, engaged in general farming and stock raising
in Mosalem Township, is a native of Dubuque county, Iowa, and a
son of the old pioneers. Patrick and Amanda Norton. The father
came to the United States from County Limerick, Ireland, at the
early period of 1835, and after remaining in the state of Vermont
about two years came west to Dubuque. He followed draying and
also speculated extensively in town real estate and farm lands, part
of which is yet retained by his estate. After a long and honorable
career Mr. Norton died in 1868 at the age of forty-seven years,
and now lies at rest in Kelly's Bluff Cemetery. Mrs. Norton yet
survives him and resides at 181 North Locust street, Dubuque.
John W. Norton, the immediate subject of this review, was bom in
the city of Dubuque, November 30, 1850, and received his educa-
tion in the old Third Ward school, now known as the Prescott
school. When thirteen years old he obtained employment on a
steamboat as deck washer, and this he followed five years. Upon
the death of his father Mr. Norton assumed charge of the estate,
which comprised much valuable property in Jackson and Dubuque
counties, and aside from this also has invested himself in Dubuque
real estate. He is a Democrat in his political affiliation, and for two
830 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY '
terms has served as street commissioner. In religion he is a
Roman Cathohc and a member of St. Patrick's Church. On June 4,
1876, in Dubuque, he was united in marriage with Miss Sophie
Pegel. daughter of Frederick and Marie Pegel. Her father came to
America and Dubuque county from the kingdom of Hanover, Ger-
many, at an early date, and here died August 17, 1907, at the age of
eighty-seven years. His wife died j\Iay 15, 1904, aged eighty-nine
years. Mr. Norton has always taken an active interest and part in
local affairs of importance, and he and wife are highly regarded by
all who know them.
Thomas A. Herdmann, for the past twenty-two years engaged
in the contracting business in Dubuque, with offices and residence at
85 Cornell street, was born at Ottawa, Canada, ]\Iay 14, 1870, the
son of Charles E. and Fanny (Stevens) Herdmann, wdio were
natives of Scotland and Ireland, respectively. The father, a con-
tractor and builder by occupation, died at Warago, Victoria^
Australia, in 1897, and Avas followed by his wife January 26, 1908.
Thomas A. Herdmann received his early education in the public
schools of Lincoln, Nebraska, and in 1886 was graduated from the
manual training department of the State University of Nebraska.
He immediately took up the study of contracting under the tutel-
age of his father, and has always followed that line of endeavor.
He came to Dubuque, Iowa, in 1888 and has here since been actively
and successfully engaged in the building of fine residences, in which
particular branch of contracting he has specialized. Socially he is
a member of the Mystic Workers. On May 16, 1903, in Lincoln,
Nebraska, he was united in marriage with Miss Minnie Stern-
hagen, daughter of William and Emilie (WolfT) Sternhagen. Her
parents were farmers, but are now living retired at Worthington,
Iowa. Mr. Herdmann is one of Dubuque's progressive and repre-
sentative business men, takes an active interest in any movement
that tends toward the betterment of his city and bears the respect
and good will of all who know him.
Thomas J. Taylor, for the past twenty-one years engaged in the
general contracting and building business in Dubuque, is a native
of this county and the son of James W. and Lucina (Morgan)
Taylor, who were among the first wdiite settlers of this locality.
James W. Taylor came to Dubuque from Nashville, Tennessee, in
1837, and his wife from Sinsinawa, Wisconsin, in 1832. When the
mother first came Dubuque was little more than an Indian village,
and she and her people were forced by the soldiers to leave the
immediate neighborhood. They returned, however, the following
year, when the Indians had been removed under the recent treaty
with the government. James IMorgan, father of Mrs. Taylor, par-
ticipated in the Mexican War under General Scott and also saw act-
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 831
ive service in the Blackhawk disturbances. The Taylor family came
originally from England, but generations ago immigrated to Amer-
ica, settling first in Kentucky. James \V. Taylor was a millwright
by trade and erected three saw mills in Dubuque. He also followed
farming on land purchased from the government during Dubuque's
early days. He died March 1 1, 1896, aged seventy-six years, having
resided in Dubuque county for sixty-one years. His wife followed
him to the grave on January 20, 1904, aged seventy-five years, and
both are buried in the cemetery at Asbury. Thomas J. Taylor, the
immediate subject of this sketch, was born at Asbury. January 3,
1865, ^"<^l ""til fifteen years old attended the district schools. He
then entered and in 1883 was graduated from Epworth Seminary
and later took also a course in bookkeeping at Bayless Business
College. For four years thereafter he conducted a grocery store at
the corner of Eighth and Bluff streets, then for a short time trav-
eled for the Waters & Dennis Cracker Company. Succeeding this
he embarked in the general contracting business and has been thus
successfully engaged ever since. Mr. Taylor is a Republican in
national political views, being independent on local issues, and
socially he is identified with the American Yoemen. On January
22, 1885, he was united in marriage with Miss May McCraney,
and to them seven children have beeft born, two deceased, as fol-
lows: Earl, killed by accident, aged twenty years, buried at As-
bury; Arnold, died February 13, 1907, aged five years; Arthur,
married, a paper hanger residing in Dubuque ; May, attending Bay-
less Business College ; Ervin, attending Audubon school. Mrs.
Taylor is a daughter of John and Mary McCraney. Her father first
came to Dubuque in 1832 and experienced all the trials and hard-
ships of pioneer life. The McCraney family is of Scotch extrac-
tion, but for many years have resided in this country. Thomas
McCraney served as a Union soldier during the Civil War.
John Keckevoet, proprietor of the Dubuque and East Du-
buque ferry, was born at Covington, Kentucky, January 22, 1857.
His parents. Albert and Mary Keckevoet, were natives of Russia.
Albert Keckevoet was a dyer by trade and a man of strong and
earnest convictions. While a resident of Europe he served in the
Prussian army, but to better himself immigrated to the United
States about the year 1850, and soon thereafter took out his natural-
ization papers. He served in the Civil War as a member of the
Third Iowa Battery for the preservation of the Union. He is now
living in Dubuque, but his wife died at Delphi, Indiana, in 1870.
John Keckevoet received a good practical education in vouth, and
when in his sixteenth year began working for the Carr, Ryder &
Austin Sash & Door Manufacturing Company, with whom he con-
tinued for some three years. Following this he embarked in the
fish business; then, having a practical working knowledge of engi-
832 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
neering, looked after the pumps in various lead mines until he
embarked in the boat business, at which he has since been engaged^
Mr. Keckevoet is a member of the First Congregational Church,
and is independent in his politics, voting for the best man rather
than the party. January 22, 1880, he married Miss Orilla Delmond
Morton, daughter of Charles A. and Mary Morton, who came to
Dubuque in 1855, originally coming from France. Mr. Morton
was engaged in steamboating and died in 1895, aged sixty-six years.
His widow survives him and resides in Idaho. To Mr. Keckevoet
and wife one son has been born, Charles A., a licensed pilot and
engineer, and at present the engineer of his father's boat. Charles
A. married Sarah Bastian and they have two children, Orilla Del-
mond and Gilbert.
James O'Farrell. — To America the Emerald Isle has given
some of her best citizens, and it is to her that the city of Dubuque
is indebted for one of her representative contractors and builders.
James O'Farrell, president of the O'Farrell Contracting Company,
was born in County Tyrone, August 13, 1850. the son of Francis
and Rose O'Farrell, who immigrated to this country via New York
in 1850, the trip across occupying a period of nearly four months.
For a time they remained in the East, where the father secured
employment in the lead mines of Maryland, but in 1856 came to
Dubuque and here spent their remaining days. The father was
engaged in the garden, truck and poultry business, and after an
honorable residence and business career of forty years passed away
at the advanced age of eighty-three years. His widow followed
him in 1903, at the same age, and both are buried in Mount Olivet
Cemetery. James O'Farrell was but seven months old when he was
brought to the United States. When the family came west to Du-
buque he received his education in the local public and parochial
schools, leaving same in his seventeenth year. He first started out in
life as an apprentice in the stone-cutting establishment of Schulte &
Wagner, and by close observation mastered the details in that line
of business. Then, in partnership with John P. Dorgan, in 187 1,
he embarked in that business on his own account, continuing until
his appointment as street commissioner. Two years thereafter he
engaged in the general contracting business, specializing in sewers,
streets and concrete work, in partnership with Mr. Charles Stenck,
being thus associated from 1889 to 1897. When gold was discov-
ered in Alaska Mr. O'Farrell made up his mind to cast his lot with
the thousands of fortune seekers who rushed to the far North, but
in August, 1898, returned to Dubuque and founded the present
contracting firm of which he has since been president. This con-
cern operates a large stone quarry, furnishing all kinds of stone,
employs about seventy-five people and has in the neighborhood of
twenty teams for hauling purposes. E.xcellent management and
HISTORY or DUBUQUE COUNTY 833
fair business dealings have given the O'Farrell Contracting Com-
pany an enviable reputation, and their concern is one of the solid
and substantial houses of Dubuque. Mr. O'Farrell is an inde-
pendent Democrat in politics and a member of St. Patrick's Roman
Catholic Church. Socially he is identified with the Knights of
Columbus, the Catholic Order of Foresters and the Independent
Order of Foresters. He has been twice married; his first wife.
Miss Anna Flynn, daughter of Michael and Johanna Flynn, of
Dubuque, died in 1903. aged forty-six years, leaving six children
living. On April 30, 1907, at Chicago, Mr. O'Farrell married Mrs.
Margaret Donoghue. daughter of James Crawford, of Dubuque,
and they now reside in this city. Ten children were born to Mr.
O'l-'arrell by his first union, four now deceased, and the names of
the living are: Joseph J., with the Chicago Athletic Club; Vivian
M., at home, a graduate of Dubuque Academy; James J., assisting
father; Bernice M.. graduate of Dubuque Academy; Ruth C,
attending school, and Anna A., student at St. Joseph's College.
Anthony A. Hartmann, engaged in the general contracting
business in Dubuque, with offices at 1539 White street, was born in
this city January 17, 1884, and is the son of Leonard and Regina
Hartmann. The father, native of x^ustria, came to America about
1866, locating first at Bellville, Illinois, where he married the fol-
lowing year, and in or about 1870. came to Dubuque. Iowa. Here
for two years he worked at various employments, then started a
general contracting business, his first contract being for the erection
of St. Joseph's Academy. For years he followed this profession
with unusual success and among his more important works were the
insane asylum, school houses and various other public and private
buildings. He passed away on July 16. 1908, preceded by his
wife on March 19, 1906, and both are buried in Mount Cahary
Cemetery. To them nine children were born, as follows : Eliza-
beth, living at the old home ; Magdalene ; Sister M. Leo, Franciscan
Sisters, Ossian, Iowa: Joseph A., partner of Hartmann contracting
firm; Bernard A., also partner in firm: Susie, the wife of M. C.
Kurz, of the Iowa Coffin Company ; Anthony A., the subject of this
review ; Leo L. ; Othilia. attending Immaculate Conception Acad-
emy. Early in life Anthony A. Hartmann attended the local paro-
chial schools and finished his education with a course in St. Joseph's
College, which he completed when nineteen years of age. He
immediately began the study of the contracting business under the
tutelage of his father, and has always followed that occupation
with a great deal of success. He and his brothers. Leo. L. and
Bernard A., have for many years been actively identified with the
building interests of Dubuque county, and many of the finest resi-
dences and public edifices have been erected by them. Mr. Hart-
mann is a member of the Knights of Columbus, the \''incent De
834 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Paul Society, the Modern Woodmen of America and in religion is
of the Roman Catholic faith.
Leo L. Hartmann. of the Hartmann contracting and building
concern, is a native of Dubuque and the son of Leonard and Regina
Hartmann. appropriate mention of whom immediately precedes
this. He received his scholastic training in St. Mary's parochial
school, from which he was graduated when fifteen years old, and
then learned the contracting business under the tutelage of his
father, with a view to making it his life's work. When the elder
Hartmann died the sons continued the business and many of the
finest buildings in the community have been erected by them. Mr.
Hartmann is a member of St. Boniface Y. M. C. A., and, like his
father before him, is a staunch adherent of the Roman Catholic
faith. His birth occurred on September 22, 1888, and he has
always resided in Dubuque.
William H. Klauer, secretary and treasurer of the Klauer
Manufacturing Company, was born in Dubuque, Iowa, August 18,
1870, and is the son of Peter Klauer, appropriate mention of whom
immediately precedes this. In early youth he attended the parochial
schools, subsequently graduating from the Dubuque high school and
completing his scholastic studies with a course at Bayless Business
College. At the age of seventeen years he entered his father's
establishment in an humble capacity, with which he has ever since
been identified, advancing through the different departments until
he attained his present official position in the corporation. While it
is true that the prosperity of the Klauer Manufacturing Company
is, to a large extent, the result of the father's personal supervision,
it is also a fact that it is in no small measure due to the working
out of numerous details and capable assistance on the part of the
son. Aside from the interests he has in the business, William H.
Klauer is identified with various other commercial enterprises.
To his marriage with Miss Millie F., daughter of Joseph A. Rhom-
berg. a detailed sketch of whom appears in another part of this
publication, three sons have been born, namely, Walter, Alphonse
and William. Mr. Klauer and family are members of St. Mary's
Roman Catholic Church, and their residence is in the old Rhomberg
home on West Seventh street.
Earl J. Farrington. of Dubuque, is a native of the state of
Iowa, his birth occurring at Manchester, September 2y, 1866, and
is a son of Thomas A. and Clara Amanda Farrington. The father
was a school teacher and also conducted a potter}' at Manchester.
When the Civil War broke out he enlisted for the preservation of
the Union in Company — , Ninth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and
at the conclusion of that struggle was honorably discharged by the
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 835
War Dej)artment of the United States government with the rank
of corporal. He died in 1886, well advanced in years, and was
followed by his wife March 27, 1906, at the age of sixty-eight
years. The father is buried at Silver Cliff, Custer county, Colo-
rado, and the mother at Mount Hope, Kansas. Earl J. Farrington
received his early education in the public schools of Valiska, Iowa,
and subsequently, when twenty-three years old, was graduated
from the Western Normal School at Shenandoah, Iowa. The ex-
penses of his education were defrayed by chopping wood and other
odd jobs that he was able to secure. After graduating from the
Normal school he worked for a time at Hayfield, Iowa, then went
to Nebraska and for two years was employed as brakeman on the
Fremont, Elkhorn & Missouri Valley railroad. In 1892 he became
a conductor on the Missouri Pacific railroad, continuing as such
four years, and then went with the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific
road as brakeman. From 1901 to 1905 he acted as conductor on
the Wisconsin Central line, and then, until coming to Dubuque,
was with the Grand Rapids & Indiana road. In 1908 Mr. Farring-
ton became a conductor with the Chicago & Great Western concern
and took up his residence in Dul)uquc. He is a Republican in poli-
tics, and socially is identified with the Masonic fraternity, the
Ancient Order of United Workmen and the O. R. C. At Trenton,
Missouri, June 17. 1897, he married Miss Eva Benson, and they,
with their one daughter, Frances, born April 5, 1900, reside at 29
Thirty-first street. Mrs. Farrington is a daughter of H. Frank and
Lucinda Benson, pioneers of Trenton, where the father is engaged
in carpentering. The family is of English extraction.
Michael McEnany. for the past ten years engaged in the prac-
tice of law in Dubuque, was born at Ryan. Delaware county, Iowa,
on January 29, 1863, ^^""^ son of Patrick and Ann jMcEnany. The
father is a native of County Monahan, Ireland, and came to the
United States in 1853. settling on a farm in Delaware county. By
hard work and careful saving of his money he prospered, and today
is the owner of i.ooo acres of fine farm land which he rents. He
is now^ residing on the old home place with his son James, at the
advanced age of eighty-eight years. His wife died in 1902. aged
seventy-six, and was buried in Monti Cemetery. While always
interested in public affairs, the elder McEnany never sought office
or w^as active in politics, preferring to confine his attention to
private business matters. Michael McEnany was primarily edu-
cated in the country schools of his native county, and later entered
Manchester Academy, receiving in 1887 his degree of Bachelor of
Philosophy. In conjunction with the above he also studied law
and in 1888 was granted the degree of Bachelor of Laws. For nine
years thereafter he was successfully engaged in the general prac-
tice of his profession at Salt Lake City, Utah. In 1897, during the
836 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
gold excitement in Alaska, he went north and practiced at Circle
City, and was the attorney in the second case tried in the estab-
lished courts there. Owing to adverse conditions he returned to the
United States, located at Dubuque, Iowa, and has here since been
actively and successfully engaged in the general practice of law.
Mr. McEnany is a Democrat in politics, a Catholic in religion and is
socially identified with the Owls, Woodmen of the World and the
Catholic Order of Foresters. On April 9, 19 12, in Ryan, he was
united in marriage with Miss Anna Clark, and four sons and one*
daughter have been born to them, as follows : Patrick, July 29,
1903; Cyril, August, 1904; John, Catherine and Francis. The
family residence in Dubuque is located at yy Nevada street, for-
merly the home of Bishop Father Carroll and one of the oldest in
Dubuque.
Jacob Haudenshield, proprietor of the Haudenshield Livery
and Sales Stables, corner of Eighteenth street and Couler avenue,
Dubuque, was born in Dubuque August 14, 1858, and is a son of
Charles and Margaret Haudenshield. The father was a native of
Switzerland and came to America when a young man, locating for
a time in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. He came to Dubuque, Iowa,
about 1850 and embarked in the coal and ice business. He was
accidentally killed in 1861, when only twenty-six years old, by the
first train on the Illinois Central railway to run into Dubuque. His
widow later married Fred Snider, now deceased, and is yet living
and residing in Dubuque. Jacob Haudenshield was educated in the
country schools of this county, completing his studies when four-
teen years of age. He then spent three years learning carpentering,
and during the winter months acquired a good knowledge of butch-
ering. For about five years he alternated at these trades, and in
1889 became a salesman for the Schmidt Brewery, now consoli-
dated with the Dubuque Brewing & Malting Company, and held
that position two years. The next two years he spent in traveling
for M. Hollenfall, succeeding which for three years he also repre-
sented the Jaeger & Long wholesale liquor firm. From 1896 to
1898 he operated a hay and feed concern, doing also team con-
tracting; then was elected sheriff of Dubuque county, serving as
such one term. In 1900 he embarked in his present business, at
which he has been unusually successful. Mr. Haudenshield is a
Republican in politics, and in addition to serving as sheriff was
elected to the office of county auditor in 1904. Socially he is identi-
fied with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has been
twice married, first to Miss Minnie Neubauer, who died August 12,
1890, aged twenty-eight years, and was buried in Lin wood Ceme-
tery; secondly he married, on December 15, 1891, Miss Louisa
Henkels, daughter of Michael and Elizabeth Henkels, pioneer set-
tlers of Dubuque. Five children have been born to Mr. Hauden-
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 837
shield, as follows: Sydney, a graduate of the local public and high
schools and of Bayless Business College ; William, Charles, Mabel
and one other. The family residence in Dubu(|ue is located at 1800
Couler avenue.
Ferdinand W. Brunkow, senior partner of the contracting
firm of F. W. Brunkow Sons & Company, Dubuque, was born in
Waukesha county, Wisconsin, April 12, 1861, the son of David and
Louisa Brunkow. The parents were both natives of Germany, but
left that country about 1848 and immigrated to America, settling
on a farm in the above mentioned county. Shortly thereafter they
removed to a farm of some 200 acres in Buffalo county, Wiscon-
sin, and there spent their remaining days. The father died in 1896,
when sixty-five years old, and was followed ten years later by his
wife, aged seventy-five. The old homestead is still in possession of
the family and being operated by William Brunkow. Ferdinand
W. Brunkow, the immediate subject of this memoir, received his
early education in the public schools of Buffalo county, and later
attended the high school at Wabasha, Minnesota, working at the
carpenter trade during the summer months. For a time thereafter
he taught in the public schools of Wisconsin, and during his resi-
dence at Nelson, Buffalo county, was town clerk for four years at
a salary of $100 per year. In 1892 he came to the city of Dubuque,
and has since been prominently identified with the contracting and
building interests of the county. He erected the Lincoln public
school and also many of the best residences of which the city
boasts. Mr. Brunkow is general agent for the German-American
Equation Premium Life Association, acting as such since 1907, and
is an ex-president of the local Contractors' Association. He is a
Republican in politics, a member of the Modern Woodmen of
America and of the German Methodist Church. To his marriage
with Miss Julia Hasch, solemnized in Dubuque on October 25,
1888, eleven children have been born, as follows: Norman F., a
graduate of the Dubuque High School, now attending the Uni-
versity of Illinois; Otto E., in business with his father; Cora E.,
attending high school; Ethel L., attending high school; Charles D.,
member of Fulton school; William H., also of Fulton school;
Florence G., same; Frederick W., same; Myrtle M., same; Reupert
A., aged five years, and Ruth L., aged six months. Mrs. Brunkow
is a graduate of the Audubon school.
Julius H. Mathiesen, since 1905 manager of the cloak depart-
ment of the Roshek Brothers establishment, Dubuque, is of Dutch
extraction and w-as born on the Island of Fohr, now under German
rule, April 16, 1859, a son of J. L. and Johanna Mathiesen. The
father died when our subject was but thirty months old, and subse-
quentlv. in June, 1868, Mrs. Mathiesen came to the United States
838 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
with her two sons and first located at Clinton, Iowa. She later
came with her son to Dubuque and here died in September, 1903.
Julius H. Mathiesen. the immediate subject of this memoir, received
his primary education in the public and German Lutheran parochial
schools of Clinton, Iowa, and also attended business college. In
1874 he entered the employ of the Towle & Spreter Company, dry
goods merchants, and remained with this concern, occupying vari-
ous positions, for a period of twenty years. During this time he
mastered the details of the dry goods business, and in 1894 went to
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where for one year he had charge of the
cloak department of the C. Denecke establishment. For a time
thereafter he was employed in a like capacity in Peoria, Illinois, and
in 1903 came to Dubuque and until 1905 had charge of the cloak
department of the J. F. Stampfer house. He was then oflfered and
accepted his present position in the Roshek Brothers Department
Store and has been thus associated ever since. Mr. Mathiesen is a
German Lutheran in religious views, a Republican in politics, and
for the past twenty years has been a member of the Ancient Order
of United Workmen. He was married at Clinton, Iowa, on June
19. 1884, to Miss Nina Hutchinson, and to them one son, Harold,
has been born. Mrs. Mathiesen was the daughter of John and
Helen Hutchinson, of Clinton, the father being a contractor and
builder by occupation. The Mathiesen home in Dubuque is located
at 1752 Seminary Hill.
GusTAVUS A. Heyne, owning and operating the Linwood Floral
establishment at 957 Windsor avenue, Dubuque, since 1890. was
born in Germany, June 27, i860, a son of Ludwig and Theresa
Heyne. The family immigrated to the United States in 1870,
locating a short time in Baltimore, and from there came to Du-
buque, Iowa. The father was a stairbuilder by occupation, and was
an active and lifelong member of the Ancient Order of United
Workmen and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He died
October 28, 1909, aged seventy-eight years, and is survived by
his widow, who is residing in Dubuque at 363 Kaufman avenue.
Gustavus A. Heyne attended the Fifth Ward school until thirteen
years old, and in 1873 secured employment with Randal & Thom-
son, harness manufacturers, with whom he remained three years.
The succeeding three years he worked out in the country- as a
gardener, and then for two years was with the Carr & Austin sash,
door and blind manufacturing concern. In 1881 he went to Chi-
cago and entered a large floral establishment, and four years later,
after having carefully mastered the details of that line of business,
returned to Dubuque and established a nursery. Mr. Heyne has a
natural love of beautiful flowers and seems admirably qualified for
the floral business. He has experimented a great deal in the culti-
vation of plants, and in 1890 took charge of his present establish-
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 835
ment to succeed A. C. Bentley. He leased the Liinvood tloral
nursery, tore down old-fashioned buildings and erected modern
ones, and has specialized in landscape gardening, at which he has
been very successful. Many of the parks in Dubuque have been
filled with beautiful floral designs created bv Mr. Hevne. In 1907
he was employed by the Board of Education as superintendent of
floral improvements, and for the past twenty years has had charge
of the flowers and trees in Linwood Cemetery. He is superinten-
dent of the city park system and through his suggestions man\-
improvements have been made, among which are the beautiful
steps at Eagle Point Park leading up the cliff. Mr. Heyne is a Re-
publican in his political views, is a charter member and has served
as first chancellor of the Court of Honor, and is also identified with
the Woodmen of the World. In religion he is a Congregationalist.
On November 10, 1890. in Dubuque, he married Miss Nancy C.
Wilkie, and they reside at 957 Windsor avenue. Mrs. Heyne was
the daughter of Ludwig and Christina Wilkie, pioneer farmers of
this section of the country. Her father died in 1876, aged seventy-
six years, and was followed by his widow in 1902, at the age of
eighty-four years. Both are buried at Sherrill's Mound.
Jason F. Van Vors. manager of the Dubuque Telephone Com-
pany, was born on a farm near Lamont, Buchanan county, Iowa,
November 17, 1864, ^ son of David and Mary Van Vors. The
father is of Holland ancestry, the grandfather of Jason F. being
the progenitor in America. David Van Vors was a farmer by
occupation during the greater part of his life. He moved from
Michigan to Iowa in i860, and there died in 1898 at the age of
sixty-two years. Jason F. Van Vors attended the public schools
in youth, subsequently entering Fayette University, from which
he was duly graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. After
teaching school in his native county two years he became superin-
tendent of the Level Tread Manufacturing Company at Independ-
ence. Having studied electrical engineering and its practical appli-
cation relating to motive power he became superintendent of the
Rush Park Street Railway Company and as such continued twelve
years. In 1900 he organized and was one of the incorporators of
the Buchanan County Telephone Company, of which he was super-
intendent and general manager until his removal to Dubuque in
1905 to accept the position of manager of the Dubuque Telephone
Company. The career of Mr. Van \^ors has been one of unusual
activity. He is the owner of 320 acres of land in North Dakota
and residential property in botli Independence and Dubuque. He
is a Republican in politics and a member of the Fraternal Order of
Eagles, the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America
and the Mystic Toilers. November 17, 1886, he married Miss
Charlotte, daughter of Cornelius and Harriet Baird, of Rock Island,
840 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Illinois, and to them has been born one son, Laverne David, on
December 17, 1903.
August W. Wieneke is a son of the old pioneers, Henry C. and
Margaret Wieneke, who came to Iowa when it was yet a territory
and to Dubuque when it was little more than a village. Henry C.
Wieneke was a native of Detmold, in the Prussian Province of
Hanover. Principality of Lippe, Germany, and there learned car-
pentering and cabinet making. This occupation he followed to a
considerable extent after immigrating to the United States. He
died in December, 1868, when sixty-three years of age, followed by
his widow April 23, 1884, aged sixty-eight years. Both are buried
at Linwood Cemetery. i\ugust W. Wieneke was born in Dubuque,
Iowa, August 31, 1848. He was here reared to manhood, attended
the third ward school, and employed his time in assisting his father
and clerking in a store. When eighteen years old he went to
Cassell, Sauk county, Wisconsin, there learning the trade of tin-
smith and subsequently working as a journeyman at Guttenberg,
Iowa, and still later at Sioux City. He returned to Dubuque in
1874, worked at his trade a year and then became an employe in the
shops of the C. C. D. & M railroad. After the sale of the road he
became fireman on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul road, con-
tinuing as such about four years. In 1880 he was promoted to
engineer, a position he yet occupies. Mr. Wieneke is a Republican
on general principles, but votes independently. He is an Encamp-
ment degree Odd Fellow and has served as noble grand of the local
subordinate lodge and as chief patriarch of the encampment. His
wife, formerly Miss Susan Elmer, to whom he was married March
19, 1873, is the daughter of Samuel and Phoebe Elmer, whose
settlement in Dubuque dates back to the time when Indians were
more numerous than whites in this locality. Samuel Elmer was
a non-commissioned officer during the Civil War. He died in the
house in which the subject of this sketch now resides in June, 1897,
at the age of sixty-eight years. His widow yet survives him at the
advanced age of eighty-four years. Seven children have been born
to Mr. and Mrs. Wieneke as follows: Gustave L., an engineer
on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railway ; Henry Charles, a
jeweler at Oxford Junction, Iowa; Susan Evelyn, the wife of Frank
Curt, a fruit merchant of Oxford Junction ; Maude Margaret, a
graduate of the Des Moines Embalming College, and practicing in
Dubuque ; Frederick Elmer, a fireman on the Chicago, Milwaukee
& St. Paul road; Samuel, died in 1887 when four years old; and
Charles Henry, who died in infancy.
Charles Pitschner, secretary and treasurer of the Dubuque
Mattress Company since 1898, is a son of Charles and Ernestine
Pitschner. The father came to Dubuque from Cincinnati, Ohio*
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 841
in 1856, and for years conducted a retail grocery establishment
in this city. He died in September, 1901, aged seventy-three years,
and was followed by his wife in 1902, at the age of sixty-five years.
Both are buried in the Center Grove Cemetery. Until sixteen years
old Charles Pitschner attended the local public schools, then was
employed as shipping clerk in the furniture establishment of Wull-
vveber Brothers, later becoming traveling salesman for the firm.
In 1884 he became associated with the Dubuque Mattress Com-
pany as a traveling salesman and secretary, and in 1898 was also
elected treasurer, holding all these positions at the present writing.
Mr. Pitschner is identified with the Masonic fraternity, in which
he has attained the rank of Knights Templar. On December 23,
1896. in Dubuque, he was united in marriage with Miss Jessie Kam-
muller, and to tliem two children have been born : Karl, attending
Lincoln school, and Doris Elizabeth, also a student in that institu-
tion. Mrs. Pitschner is the daughter of Louis and Martha Kam-
muller, early settlers of Dubuque county. The father passed away
in 1 88 1, followed by his wife in 1902, and both are at rest in the
family lot in Linwood Cemetery. Mr. Pitschner and family reside
at 46 Winona avenue.
Anton W. Ferring, vice president of the Schroeder-Kleine
Grocer Company, Dubuque, since 1905, is a native of this city and
the son of J. P. and Anna Ferring. J. P. Ferring was born and
reared a subject of the German Empire and at an early date came
to America, locating in Dubuque, Iowa. Here he engaged in the
wholesale grocery business as a member of the firm of Rumpb,
Hosford & Ferring, located on Main street, since dissolved, and
was thus connected until his death in 1892, aged fifty-two years.
Mrs. Ferring is also deceased, and both are buried in the Mount
Olivet Cemetery. Anton W. Ferring was born on June 17, 1879,
and was educated in the local public and parochial schools, gradu-
ating also from the Dubuque High School. Immediately there-
after he entered the employ of the Schroeder-Kleine Grocer Com-
pany, remaining about three weeks in the office and then taking up
the sales end of the work. He gradually mastered the details of
the grocery business and in 1905 purchased an interest in the con-
cern, at which time he was elected to his present position of vice
president. He is also a director of the corporation. In political
affairs he is independent, voting for the man regardless of party
affiliation, and socially is a member of the Knights of Columbus and
the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, being at present
exalted ruler of the latter organization. On September 25, 1907.
in Dubuque, Mr. Ferring was united in marriage with Miss Mar-
garet Murphy, daughter of the pioneers, John S. and Anna Murp'.\v.
Mr. and Mrs. Ferring are members of St. Raphael's Cathedral and
reside at t,22 Bluff street.
842 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
George P. Smith, manager of the Western Grocer Company,
Dubuque, since 1908, was born in Warren county, Pennsylvania,
April 15, 1863, the son of C. H. and Martha J. Smith. C. H.
Smith was prominent among the early members of the medical
profession in Warren county, where he practiced for twenty years
and later removed to Mason City, Iowa, where he remained active
in his profession for thirty years, or until his death in February,
1909, aged seventy-two years. His wife passed away in 1903 at
the age of sixty-five, and both are buried at Mason City. George P.
Smith was primarily educated in the public schools of that city
and later attended the high school. He then entered the State
University of Iowa, where he remained until his twentieth year.
He then established himself in the boot and shoe business in Mason
City and was thus engaged from 1883 to 1894, then disposed of
his interests and for about two years followed fruit raising in Cali-
fornia w'ith some success. He then returned to Mason City and
in 1895 founded the Mason City Grocer Company, which he later
sold to the Letts-Spencer-Smith Company, and which was after-
wards merged into the Western Grocer Company, of which he is a
director. Mr. Smith still retains extensive real estate interests in
and around Mason City. In 1908 he established in Dubuque his
present concern, located at the corner of First and Main streets, and
has been thus connected ever since. He is an independent Repub-
lican in politics and, while residing in Mason City, served as
alderman from his ward. He is a Knight Templar Mason and a
member of the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of
America. To his marriage with Miss Jennie A. Calkins, solem-
nized in Oswego county. New York, on February 7, 1889, one
daughter, Margaret C, now attending Dubuque High School, has
been born. This branch of the Smith family came originally from
Great Britain and has resided in America for many generations.
Mr. Smith's residence is located at 1592 Locust street, Dubuque.
Daniel E. Maguire, since 1903 engaged in the general practice
of law in Dubuque, with offices at 302 Security building, was born
at East Dubuque, Illinois, July 31, 1877. He was reared there and
in 1896 was graduated from the Dubuque High School. For about
five years thereafter he remained at home, teaching for two years
in the neighboring schools and assisting his father on the farm and
in the store in East Dubuque. Having decided to make the study
and practice of law his life's work, Mr. Maguire, in 1899, entered
the legal department of the Iowa State University, and was duly
graduated therefrom in 1903 with the degree of Bachelor of Law^s.
He immediately returned to Dubuque and embarked in the general
practice of his profession, at which he has since successfully con-
tinued. He is a member of the local order of Eagles, the Modern
WocKlmen of America, the Knights of Columbus and St. Patrick's
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 843
Roman Catholic Church. On June 24, 1908, at Chicago, Mr.
Magnire was united in marriage with Miss Alice G. Quinlan,
daughter of John and Catherine Quinlan, the former a conductor
on the Illinois Central railroad. Mr. and Mrs. Maguire reside at
427 South Alpine street, Dubuque.
William B. Martin, since 1904 commissioner of the Dubuque
Shippers' Association, with offices in the Bank and Insurance
building, was born at Ypsilanti, Michigan, March 26, 1868, the .<^on
of William B., Sr., and Sarah Frances (Thompson) Martin. The
Martin and Thompson families have resided in America many
generations, the mother's people coming to this country as early as
1 701. She died on September 4, 1870, and is buried at Ypsilanti.
During his active business career William B. Martin, Sr., engaged
in mercantile pursuits, but for the past six years he has been retired
from the active business cares of life and resides with his son in
Dubuque. William B. Martin, the immediate subject of this
review, was primarily educated in the public schools of his native
city, later attending the State Normal School and Shattuck Military
Academy at Faribault, Minnesota. For a time thereafter he was
associated in business with his father, but in 1887 entered the
general offices of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway
Company at St. Paul, where he remained until 1890. The follow-
ing year he entered the employ of the Chicago & Great Western
Railway Company and remained thus connected for fourteen years.
In 1897 he was promoted to the position of freight auditor and
held that position until 1901. His next advance was to the assistant
general freight agency, which position he held until coming to
Dubuque. Socially Mr. Martin is identified with the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows and the Dubuque Club, being at present
secretary of the latter organization. In politics he is independent.
On January 20, 1892, at St. Paul, Minnesota, he was united in
marriage with Miss Rosa F. Wurst, daughter of Henry Wurst, who
died at Fort Yates, North Dakota, in 1885. To Mr. and Mrs.
Martin one daughter and one son have been born, named Ada M.,
attending Visitation Academy, and Wallace O., now in high school.
The family home is at 88 Winona avenue.
Mathew C. Clancy, of the Clancy Transfer Company, located
at 356 Iowa street, Dubuque, since 1900, is a native of Dubuque
county and the son of Patrick and Ann Clancy. The father \\as
born in Ireland and came to the United States when but ten years
old. He located in Dubuque in 1846 and resided in this city until
his death, which occurred on November 11, 1902. He was a
Democrat in politics, serving as alderman from his ward six years,
and a Roman Catholic in religious faith. Mrs. Clancy yet survives
him and resides at 115 Blufif street. Patrick Clancy was the organ-
844 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
izer of the Clancy Transfer Company and carried on the business
up to the time of his death, since which time his sons, Mathew,
John, Thomas and Charles, have successfully continued. Robert,
Kate and Annie were the other children born to Mr. and Mrs.
Clancy. Kate married J. A. McDermott, of Minneapolis, and
Annie became the wife of the late Thomas Healy, and at present
resides with her mother. Mathew C. Clancy, the immediate subject
of this review, primarily attended the local public and parochial
schools, and finished his education with a course in St. Joseph's
College, which he left when nineteen years old. He then assisted
his father until the latter died, after which time, in partnership
with the above mentioned brothers, he continued the business. He
is a Democrat in politics and for eight years has served as alderman
from his ward, and in religious views is a member of St. Raphael's
Cathedral. On August 12, 1878, in Dubuque, Mr. Clancy was
united in marriage with Miss Catherine Jamieson, daughter of
George and Mary Jamieson, pioneers of the county. Her father
died by accident in 1862, and was followed by his wife in 1902,
aged sixty-eight years. Nine children have blessed the union of
Mr. and Mrs. Clancy, named William, who died when eight years
old; Ethel, died at the age of three; Harry A., conductor on the
Illinois Central railroad, a graduate of Bayless Business College;
Patrick M., brakeman on the Illinois Central road; George C, now
attending the State Military School; Raymond H., attending school
at Marion, Iowa; Dorance M., attending Cathedral School; Lo-
retta, the wife of S. Brim, merchant tailor, of Winona, Minnesota;
and Catherine, a graduate of the Sister's Academy and residing with
her parents.
Frank P. Kutsch, for the past sixteen years general foreman of
the sheet metal department of the Peter Klauer Manufacturing
Company, was born in Dubuque, June 9, 1858, and has known
practically no other home. Nicholas and Helene Kutsch. his par-
ents, came to Dubuque about 1850, and here for many years the
father followed his trade of carpenter. He is now living in Du-
buque, retired from the active cares of life, his wife dying in 1895,
at the age of sixty years, and is now buried in Mount Calvary Ceme-
tery. Frank P. Kutsch received his education in the local public
and parochial schools, which he left when fourteen years old, and
then was apprenticed to Mr. Peter Klauer. He remained with the
concern upon its incorporation, and as occasion warranted was
advanced step by step until he became general foreman of the sheet
metal department, his present position. Mr. Kutsch is a Democrat
in politics and a member of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in
religious views. Socially he is identified with the Catholic Order of
Foresters and the Aloysius Benevolent Society. On May 5, 1885,
in Dubuque, he was united in marriage with Miss Anna Wiesebeck,
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 845
and they reside at 2044 Jackson street. Mrs. Kutsch is the danghtef
of George and Anna Wiesebeck, early settlers of Dubuque county,
her father dying at Spring Valley, Minnesota, and the mother in
1906, and both now lie at rest in Dubuque.
Alfred L. Clark, manager of the Clark Rolling Awning Com-
pany, 224 Iowa street. Dubuque, since 1900. was born in Syracuse,
New York, August 2, 1845. Warren and Elizabeth Clark, his
parents, were of English and Irish descent, respectively, but both
branches of the family have resided in America many generations.
Warren Clark was a carpenter contractor and machinist by trade and
followed this for years in Dubuque. He came to Dubuque in 1852,
via Galena and Piatt ville, and died in East Dubuque in 1893 at the
age of sixty-five years. His wife followed him in 1901, aged
seventy-one. Alfred L. Clark, the subject of this sketch, attended
the public schools until eighteen years old. In the fall of 1863,
in answer to President Lincoln's call for volunteers, he enlisted
for the preservation of the Union, but was recalled by his parents.
This took place on three dififerent occasions and he managed to
remain in the service of his country until the close of that memo-
rable struggle. He participated in various battles and skirmishes and
was present at the battle of Nashville as corporal. At the close
of the war he came to Dubuque and spent two years in completing
his education. He then learned the carpenter trade with Hender-
son & Brandt, architects and contractors, succeeding which for two
years he was engaged in the manufacture of picture frames, learn-
ing also gold gilding and stands today as the only man in Dubuque
who can do this class of work. In 1871 the firm of Lyons & Rice
failed in business, and the following year Mr. Clark, with the
assistance of R. M. Hamlin, bought out the concern. Mr. Hamlin
furnished the money and Mr. Clark managed the business, and
their success was such that in time Mr. Clark was enabled to buy
Mr. Hamlin's interest in 1875. and for two years thereafter con-
tinued alone. In 1877 Mr. J. C. Gregoire was admitted to partner-
ship, but two years later Mr. Clark sold out to his partner and
began traveling. From 1879 to 1899 he was engaged in the art
business in Dubuque, and in the fall of the latter year, in partner-
ship with A. A. and W. F. Cooper, embarked in the awning busi-
ness. This association was dissolved about two months and a half
later, and the Clark Roller Awning Company was organized. This
concern has been unusually successful in its business operations and
is one of the solid and substantial commercial houses of Dubuque.
Mr. Clark is the general manager and a director. He is the in-
ventor of thirty-one different ingenous contrivances, among which
are the roller awning patents and rope fire escapes which have been
endorsed by fire commissioners and legislatures. His last invention
was the new idea railroad car truck. Mr. Clark is a Republican in
846 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
politics, and although he has been requested to run for office on
various occasions has always refused, preferring to confine his
attentions to private business affairs. He is a member of the Grand
Army of the Republic, the Woodmen of the World, Dubuque
Traveling Men's Association, the Knights of Pythias, Benevolent &
Protective Order of Elks and the Episcopal Church. He was
married in Dubuque, October 6, 1874, to Miss Emma Melhop,
daughter of John and Rebecca (Wiening) Melhop, and two daugh-
ters have been born to them, named May and Grace. May is a
graduate of Dubuque High School and resides at home; Grace mar-
ried W. H. Glasser, of Dubuque. Mrs. Clark was a daughter of
John and Rebecca Melhop, who were among the earliest pioneers
of the county. Her father was a native of Germany, where he
engaged in the wholesale grocery business, but in 1837 located in
Dubuque, Iowa, and farmed until his death on November i, 1901,
aged eighty-four years. His wife died April 9, 1900, aged seventy-
three years, and both are buried in Linwood Cemetery.
Frederick C. Burdt, of the contracting firm of C. Burdt & Son,
was born in Dubuque, Iowa, April 6, 1872, and is a son of Christian
Burdt, whose active career here as a contractor and builder for
nearly half a century has made his name one of the most familiar
in this section of the country. Christian Burdt came from Mecklen-
burg, Germany, to Dubuque in 1859, and he has had to do with the
erection of such noted structures as the Sacred Heart College at
Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, the public school and bank buildings
in East Dubuque, a large number of buildings at Sumner, Iowa,
the Carr, Ryder & Adams factory, the Couler avenue car barns,
the Dubuque Club, the first Sacred Heart church, the Holy Ghost
Convent, the Thill double store building, numerous public and
parochial school edifices and scores of imposing dwellings. Fred-
erick C. Burdt is a graduate of Sacred Heart College at Prairie du
Chien and the Bayless Business College. He began his business
career in a minor capacity in his father's office and step by step
mastered all the details incident to the building and contracting
industry. For a time he was in the employ of a large contracting
firm in Chicago, but for the most part has been associated in busi-
ness as a partner of his father. The sinking of the battleship
Maine in Havana harbor and the subsequent declaration of war
between the United States and Spain, led to his enlistment. He
saw active service on the Island of Cuba and in the trenches before
Santiago, then returned to his native city, which has since been the
headquarters for his extensive building operations. Mr. Burdt is a
member of the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, the Catholic
Order of Foresters, the Modern Woodmen of the World, the Wood-
men of America, the Knights of Pythias, and is an independent
Republican in politics. On September 12, 1900, Miss Mary E.
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY 847
Eberhard became his wife, and to them four children have been
born: Erwin C, born July 9, 1901 ; Alwin C. J., born October 20,
1902; Melvin F., born December 2, 1907; and Milita M., born
July 5, 1910. Mrs. Burdt is the daughter of Joseph and Mary
Jane Eberhard, who came to Dubuque in 1855.
Arthur M. Conzett, secretary-treasurer and a director of the
Iowa Dairy Company since its incorporation in 1906, is a native
of Dubuque, a son of Otto and Catherine Conzett and grandson of
Lucius Conzett. The latter immigrated to America from Switzerland
with his family in 1835, locating in Dubuque, Iowa, and here died
in 1896 when eighty-four years of age. Otto Conzett came to this
country with his parents, learned the harness maker's trade, which
he followed for many years, and is now living in Dubuque retired
from the active cares of life. Arthur M. Conzett was born on July
14, 1878, and until seventeen years old attended the local public
schools. He then, in 1895, joined his father in conducting the
Key City Dairy Company and continued thus until, in partnership
with Andrew Fletsch and Henry J. Jackson, he organized the Iowa
Dairy Company. This concern is the largest of its kind in the state
of Iowa, and through the excellent management of the above named
gentlemen has become one of the solid and substantial business
establishments of the city. They transact an immense amount of
business annually; in one year they receive 1,780,866 pounds of
cream and 2,929,648 pounds of milk for bottling purposes. Mr.
Conzett is a Republican in his political views and affiliates with
the Westminster Presbyterian Church. On June 3, 1908, in
Dubuque, he was united in marriage with Miss Josephine Nicks^
daughter of Nicholas P. and Mary Nicks, and one daughter, Mil-
dred Marie, was born to them on July 23, 1909. Mr. and Mrs.
Nicks are among the pioneer settlers of the county, the former
at present serving as deputy sheriff. The Conzett home in Dubuque
is located at 2279 Jackson street.
Horace F. Bunker, president of the Dubuque Art Glass Com-
pany, Dubuque, is a native of England, born January 18. 1879, at
Lenton, Nottingham, the son of Henry and Rebecca Bunker. The
family immigrated to America in 1886, locating for three years on
a farm in Winnebago county, Illinois, and then removing to Rock-
ford. There the father resided until 1909, at which time he came
to Dubuque and has since made this city his home. Horace F.
Bunker was educated in the Rock ford public schools, and when
fifteen years old entered the employ of the National Mirror Works
with a view of learning thoroughly the business. He remained with
this concern nine years, five years of which he was foreman, then
went to Chicago. Illinois, and for five years was assistant foreman
for the Chicago Mirror & Art Glass Manufacturing Company. He
848 HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
then came to Dubuque and in June, 1909, founded the Dubuque
Art Glass Company, of which he has been the active head since the
incorporation. Mr. Bunker, by reason of his long connection with
the glass manufacturing business, has thoroughly mastered the
details of that line of endeavor, and largely through his manage-
ment the concern of which he is the head has become one of the
solid and substantial commercial houses of the city. In politics he
is independent, voting for the man rather than the party. On
April 18, 1900, he was united in marriage, at Chicago, with Miss
Jennie Downing, and to them three daughters have been born,
named Lilly Louise, Jane, attending Lincoln School, and Helen
Rebecca. Mrs. Bunker is the daughter of John and Elizabeth
Downing, residents of Cascade. The Dubuque Art Glass Company
employs in the neighborhood of thirty men and transacts business
all over the United States.
Rev. Peter O'Malley, pastor of St. Anthony's Roman Catholic
Church. Dubuque, since 1898, is a son of John and Nora (Ken-
nedy) O'Malley, and descended from an old Irish family. The
parents were farmers in the old country and there died and were
buried. Peter O'Malley, the immediate subject of this memoir,
was born in the city of Limerick, February 8, 1866, and was
primarily educated in the Jesuit College at that place. He early
decided that his life had best be spent in the service of the Master,
and accordingly in 1883 he entered St. Patrick's College, Thurles,
County Tipperary. On June 24, 1890, at Maynooth, he was form-
ally ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Walsh, of Dublin,
and in September of that year came to America and Dub 
