Scott Co, Iowa USGenWeb Project

Juergen Schmidt Biography 

From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.

 Surnames: Schmidt, Ronge. 

               Juergen Schmidt, a retired farmer of Sheridan township, is the owner of eighty acres of fine farm land in Scott county, upon which he now resides. It is situated about a mile and a half south of Eldridge and constitutes a good farm, being well developed through the energy and business ability of the owner. The name indicates his German ancestry. He was born in Holstein, January 24, 1833, and is a son of Claus and Anna Schmidt. The father was a farmer in Germany and there died.

               Juergen Schmidt remained in his native country until nineteen years of age, when in 1852 he came to the United States, landing at New York, after a voyage of seven weeks. He was accompanied by his mother, his two brothers, Hans and Agert, the latter now deceased, and two sisters, Anna and Kathrina, who have also passed away. The family started westward from New York, making their way by rail to Chicago, and thence by wagon and boat to Davenport. After reaching their destination Mr. Schmidt purchased a farm of eighty acres of partially improved land in Sheridan township in partnership with his two brothers, and lived thereon for two years. He then left that place but his brother Hans remained upon the property. It was at that time that Juergen Schmidt took up his abode upon his present farm. He and his brother Agert purchased at that time on hundred and sixty acres, of which each took half. Upon his adding a modern dwelling, good barns and other necessary outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock. His fields are well tilled in the production of the cereals best adapted to climatic conditions and everything about the place is indicative of the care and labor bestowed upon it by the owner.

               Mr. Schmidt was married in September, 1885, the lady of his choice being Miss Matilda Ronge. Their union was blessed with five children, four daughters and a son namely: Emma, a resident of Davenport; August, of Pipestone, Minnesota; Alvina, also of Davenport; Dorothy at home, and Elsie, also under the parental roof. The wife and mother departed this life April 8, 1901, at the comparatively early age of thirty-five years. She is buried at Pine Hill cemetery.

               Mr. Schmidt has served as road supervisor for one year but has never been an office seeker, preferring to give his time and attention to his business affairs. He belongs to the German Pioneer Society of Scott county, having made his home within the borders of the county for fifty-eight years, during which period he has witnessed notable changes as the wild land has been transformed into beautiful and attractive farms, while the work of advancement has been carried just as steadily forward in the cities. The success that he has won has come s a direct reward of his own labor and effort and indicates what may be accomplished when one is willing to work. He has gained the respect and friendship of many and especially of those who have long been associated with him and have had the opportunity to witness the honorable course that he has pursued during the long years of his residence here.

Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann

Anne Mary Shuler, M. D. Biography


From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.


Surnames: Shuler, Gilchrist.

               While women are today found in every department of business life, especially where intellect dominates, the field of medicine was among the first professions into which she made her way. For this woman is particularly qualified because of the ready sympathy and almost intuitive perception which are hers. These qualities combined with that knowledge which is gained form text-books and the skill which is won through experience have brought her notable success and prominence. Among the practitioners of Davenport is numbered Dr. Anne M. Shuler, who has offices in the Lane Building. She was born in 1880, in Rapids City, Illinois, and is a daughter of Charles and Jane (Gilchrist) Shuler. Her early education was acquired in the schools of Gilchrist, Illinois, to which place she was brought at the age of three years, and she completed her course in Davenport at St. Katharine's Hall, where she was graduated in 1899 with class honors. She afterward pursued a commercial course in davenport but, attracted toward a professional life, she entered the Woman's Medical college of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia and was graduated therefrom in 1904. She afterward became an interne in the Women's and children's Hospital at San Francisco, California, and greatly broadened her knowledge through the varied experience of hospital practice. She is a member of the Scott County Medical Society, the Iowa State Medical Association and the American Medical association and is medical examiner for the Maccabees and the Tribe of Ben Hur. She makes her home with her father at No. 1516 East River street and is well known professionally in this city.


Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann

P. W. Reck Biography


From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.

 Surnames: Peck, Eike

               The record of P. W. Reck is that of a strenuous life-the record of a strong individuality, sure of itself, stable in purpose, quick in perception, swift in decision, energetic and persistent in action. All these find proof in the fact that in twenty-three years he has worked his way up from the position of an apprentice through all the intermediate stages until he was made general superintendent of the mammoth plant of the Bettendorf Axle Company inn 1902. A native of Mendota, Illinois, he was born July 15, 1866. His father, William Reck, was born in Westerhousen am Rhein, Germany, but came to the United States in his childhood, his parents settling in Illinois, where he grew to manhood and engaged in farming. He was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Eich, a native of Cologne, Germany, who was also quite young when her parents came to the new world and settled in Illinois.

               P. W. Reck attended the schools of Mendota and also worked upon his father's farm until nineteen years of age, when he started in business life for himself. Having a strong predilection for mechanics, he secured a situation with the Bettendorf Axle Company, of Davenport, and has since been connected with this important corporation. As an apprentice he made steady progress and in twenty-three years has made continuous advancement in connection with the business, having been appointed superintendent in 1902 of an enterprise which is known not only throughout this country but throughout the world. Mr. Reck was also one of the organizers of the Bettendorf Savings Bank and became its first president.

               It was in March, 1888, that Mr. Reck was united in marriage to Miss Minnie E. Eike, a native of Guttenberg, Iowa. Her parents were old and respected settlers of that section of the state and she holds the distinction of having been the first white child baptized in the Guttenberg Catholic church. Two sons have been born unto them, Edgar William and Leroy M. Mr. Reck holds membership with the commercial Club and the Auto Club, of Davenport, and the Western Railway Club of Chicago and enjoys pleasant fraternal relations with the Modern Woodmen of America. A man of genial and pleasing personality, he also possesses distinct executive ability with a power to guide and control others, so that he has been a most competent official in the responsible of the active promoters of the town of Bettendorf. He was one of its incorporators, served on its first board of councilmen and was elected mayor later, filling that position for one year, when he resigned. He has since continuously served as councilman with the exception of one year. He was also instrumental in having a fourth-class postoffice established at this place. For six weeks he labored for that purpose and at the end of that time Bettendorf was placed on the United States mailing map.

Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann

Thomas B. Maw Biography

From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.

 Surnames: Maw, Thompson, Riley, Brownlee, Fuller, Little, Whistler, Clapp.


               Thomas B. Maw, who owns and cultivates a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of productive land in Winfield township and is also part owner of a tract of twenty acres of timber land on the Wapsie, was born in Allens Grove township, Scott county, November 20, 1845, a son of Johnson and Julia (Thompson) Maw. The father a native of England, was born in 1814, acquired his education in the schools of that country and afterward learned the tailor's trade. In the years 1834 he sailed for the United States and settled in New York, where he spent two years. About 1841 he came to the middle west and established his home in Allens Grove township, Scott county, Iowa. This was several years before the state was admitted to the Union and even the counties bordering the Mississippi were but sparsely settled, the work of improvement and cultivation being scarcely begun. Wild game was quite plentiful and the prairies were covered with their native grasses. Mr. Maw entered raw land from the government, for which he paid the usual price of a dollar and a quarter per acre. He began with about eighty acres and as the years passed he added to his original holdings from time to time until he was the owner of more than three hundred acres at his demise. He was diligent and persevering in business and the careful manner in which he cultivated his farm made it a valuable and productive property. He also took an active part in community affairs and held most of the township offices, also serving as school director and trustee. He was elected on the democratic ticket and always remained a stanch advocate of the democracy. He was also one of the organizers of the Grange and did everything in his power to advance agricultural interests in this part of the state.

               Johnson Maw died in 1899, while his wife passed away at the age of sixty-five years. She was born in Virginia and came with her parents to Scott county, Iowa, about 1840, the journey being made with ox-teams across the country from the Old Dominion. The Thompson family also established their home in Allens Grove township and in this locality Mr. Maw continued to reside until called to her final rest. By her marriage she became the mother of ten children, namely: Elizabeth, the wife of John Riley of Allens Grove township; Thomas B., of this review; John E., who makes his home in Nebraska; George, a resident of Davenport; Hannah, the wife of R. K. Brownlee, of long Grove, this county; Frederick, a resident of Idaho; Linnie, who became the wife of a Mr. Fuller and is now deceased; Nellie, of long Grove; Stephen, who lives in Nebraska; and Morgan, of Davenport.

               Thomas B. Maw has spent his entire life in this county and his memory goes back to the time when the homes were widely scattered, when the land was largely uncultivated and when there were few of the advantages known to the older east. In his childhood he attended the district schools of Allens Grove township and there learned the carpenter's trade, for about ten years assisting in the erection of many houses and buildings in Scott county and especially in Allens Grove township. At length he abandoned that trade to resume the occupation of farming and for a few years rented land from his father, during which period he carefully saved his earning until his capital was sufficient to enable him to purchase eighty acres of land in Winfield township. It was an improved tract, upon which he mad his home for twelve years, when he sold out and bought his present farm, which he purchased from John Little, who had bought it from the government. Upon this place Mr. Maw h!
as remained continuously since and has made nearly all of the improvements which constitute this one of the attractive farms of the district. The fields are carefully tilled and return him good crops, while upon this place he keeps good grades of stock.

               On the 16th of March, 1882, Mr. Maw was married to Miss Jane Whistler, a daughter of Thomas and Betsey Whistler, of Allens Grove township. Mrs. Maw was born in Buffalo, Scott county, and is fifty-five years of age. By her marriage she became the mother of two children: Ruby, who married George Clapp and has one child, Zella; and Ollie E., who was killed by a horse in 1908, when eighteen years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Clapp reside with her parents.

               Mr. Maw has served as school director of Winfield township and has ever been interested in the cause of education, realizing how valuable is intellectual training as a preparation for life's practical and responsible duties. For sixty-five years he has witnessed the growth and development of the county as it has thrown off the evidences of pioneer life and taken on all the conditions which indicate modern progress. He has seen the wild land transformed into rich fields, the pioneer homes replaced by commodious and substantial residences, while villages have been converted into enterprising towns and cities. At all times he has been interested in the welfare of the community and rejoices in what has been accomplished. He is now practically living retired, leaving the active work of the farm to his son-in-law but retaining the ownership of the property he derives therefrom a substantial annual income.

 Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann

William Hoersch Biography

From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.

Surnames: Hoersch, Hausmann, Stewart, White, Peterson.

                William Hoersch, who as a member of the Davenport bar gives his attention to civil rather than criminal law and to advisory work rather than to trial practice, is regarded as one of the most learned representatives of the legal profession here. His life record is in contradistinction to the old adage that "a prophet is never without honor save in his own country," for Mr. Hoersch, a native of Scott county, has so directed his labors here as to gain signal recognition for his ability and for the energy and intellectual force which have carried him into important professional relations.

               His birth occurred about two miles north of Walcott, June 30, 1861, his parents being John J. and Mary (Hausmann) Hoersch, both of whom were natives of Germany. The year 1849 witnessed their arrival in the new world and in 1851 they became residents of Davenport, while in 1854 their marriage was celebrated in this county. When their son William was two years of age the family home was established in Davenport. Arriving at school age, Mr. Hoersch of this review, pursued his studies in the graded and high schools of Davenport, gaining thus a fair literary education around which as a nucleus has gathered the information and knowledge that years have brought as the result of experience, reading research and investigation. Determining upon the practice of law as a life work, he devoted two years to study in the office of Stewart and White, attorneys of Davenport, and then matriculated in the law school of Iowa University, from which he was graduated in June, 1882.

               In the spring of the following year Mr. Hoersch engaged in practice independently and has remained alone throughout his professional career. But while he has had no partners, his office has been a favorite one with students in which to read law and with novitiates in practice. Perhaps the knowledge of law and the finesse required in his chosen field is much greater than is that of an advocate -certainly it is no less-but laws and their practical use are to him familiar and with common use thoroughly understood. To him the law pertaining to estates, real estate, abstract of title and to loans and collections furnishes a favorite tilting ground and here he finds his greatest pleasure, his surest victories and quickest remuneration, while his clients implicitly rely on his judgment and accept without demur his decisions. His practice is large and valuable, perhaps one of the largest in the city in examination of abstracts, while in loans and collections it is far  from inconsiderable. He has an old and well established clientele, including many who would feel at an utter loss where to seek counsel if his services were denied them.

               On the 29th of October, 1890, Mr. Hoersch was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Peterson, a daughter of August Peterson, and they have become parents of two sons and a daughter. The family attend the German Methodist church, to the support of which Mr. Hoersch is a liberal contributor, giving generously to various lines of church work and as well to many charities and benevolences. His interest centers in his home and in his practice, precluding activity in political or public lines. The standards which he sets up for himself, however, are high and constitute him a devoted husband and father, a faithful citizen and a loyal advocate of whatever cause he espouses. No member of the profession enjoys in larger measure the high regard and esteem of the members of the Davenport bar and no individual is perhaps more worthy the genuine friendship accorded him. He is a champion of Davenport and its interests and yet has always preferred that his public service should b!
e done as a private citizen through influence and quiet support rather than as an incumbent in public office. He has wisely and conscientiously used the talents with which nature has endowed him and has thus come to be known as one of the representative lawyers and citizens of Scott county.


Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann

Paul William Arp Bio

From Vol 2 History of Davenport and Scott County" by Harry E. Downer - S. J. Clarke Publishing Com 1910 Chicago

Paul William Arp, a brother of Johannes A., was born in Davenport, January 11, 1853, and was little more than an infant when his parents removed to the farm adjoining that on which he now lives. He assisted with the cultivation of the homestead until he was married when he engaged in farming for himself, purchasing the eighty acres of land he now owns. He has instituted all the improvements which adorn the place and in the cultivation of the fields displays the skill of the husbandman who is born as will as reared to his vocation. While not one of the larger tracts of land in Hickory Grove township, it may compare favorably with any as regards to fertility and the condition in which Mr. Arp maintains his fields and buildings. He is thrifty, industrious and progressive, and in consequence has won a well merited success from his farming.

In 1903 Mr. Arp was united in marriage to Miss Anna Wellendorf, who was born in Prepstei, Holstein, Germany, January 2, 1857. She came to America in 1901, reaching Davenport July 7 of that year, and there she joined her brother James Wellendorf, who is a resident of that city.

Mr. Arp is a representative of the sturdy German race whose unremitting toil has done so much toward developing the resources of Scott county, and of Hickory Grove township in particular to their highest degree. He enjoys the well earned esteem of his associates and fellow agriculturists. He is a democrat in his political preferences.

Transcribed by Debbie Clough Gerischer

Johannes A. Arp Bio

"From Vol 2 History of Davenport and Scott County" by Harry E. Downer - S. J. Clarke Publishing Co.

Johannes A. Arp, one of the progressive agriculturists of Hickory Grove township, was born in Davenport, November 9, 1855, but removed, with his parents, to the farm he now operates shortly after his birth. His father, Timm Arp, was a native of Holstein, Germany, and there married Miss Bertha Arp, also a native of that province. Shortly after their marriage they embarked upon their journey to this country, crossing the ocean by the southern route and landing at New Orleans, whence they made their way up the Mississippi to Davenport, reaching the city some time in 1851. Here Mr. Arp followed his trade of a carpenter for a couple of years, assisting in the construction of several of the more important buildings, among them being the First Lutheran church. Later he engaged in farming in conjuction with his brother Jochim, upon a tract of two hundred and forty acres in Hickory Grove township, which they operated successfully for a number of years. Later they divided the property, half of it falling, in the course of time to the heritage of Johannes A. Arp, the subject of this sketch. In the family were five children: Paul William, a sketch of whose life follows; Johannes A., the subject of this review; Henry Peter, of Glyndon, Minnesota; Caroline Magdaline, the wife of Levi Richard Bannister, of Hickory Grove township; and Ferdinand Theo, of Tea, South Dakota.

Johannes A. Arp has passed the greater part of his life upon the land he now cultivates. In his early years he assisted his father in the cultivation of its fields, even during the period when many boys give little thought to the serious responsibilities of life and are devoting all their time to school and lessons. When he married in 1879, he assumed full charge of the farm, which has since been his concern. The improvements which his father and uncle instituted upon the place, he has bettered, while he has, through care and skill, brought the fertility of the soil to its most productive state. He has been an earnest, industrious and thrifty farmer and is now in the enjoyment of an income which is a just recompense for his toil.

In 1881 Mr. Arp married Miss Amelia Puck, likewise a native of Scott county and a daughter of Egger Puck. They have four children: Adolph, Emil, Theo and Gustave. The eldest is residing in South Dakota, but the others are at home. After the death of his wife, Mr. Arp wedded Miss Dora Hansen, who was born in Schleswig, Germany, October 20, 1872. In 1891 she and a brother, Detlief, and a sister came to Davenport. The former is now a resident of North Dakota, and the latter is Mrs. Thomas Daily, of Davenprt. A sister Maggie, who is the wife of John Westphal, of Davenport, and a brother Hans, now of Jackson county, Minnesota, had preceded Mrs. Arp to the United States, as they came in 1883. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Arp was celebrated November 6, 1906, and has been blessed with one son, Clifford.

Mr. Arp has given his unqualified support in political matters to the democratic party but has taken no active part in the public life of his community. He is, however, a man of considerable spirit and is deeply concerned for the welfare of his fellow citizens, whose respect and esteem he enjoys.

Transcribed by Debbie Clough Gerischer

Claus Arp Bio

"From Vol. 2 History of Davenport and Scott County" by Harry E. Downer - S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago

Among the early German pioneers of Scott county is Claus Arp, who has retired from farming, which he pursued so profitably in Davenport township for upwards of forty years, and has taken up his residence in the city of Davenport. In that time he put to the test the fine qualities of the German race, achieved distinction and identified himself closely with the local interests, so that his influence, ever exerted for the betterment of the conditions surrounding his fellowmen, was felt throughout the township.

He was born in Holstein, Germany, August 23, 1827, a son of Detlef and Abel Arp, who died in the land of their birth. There Mr. Arp grew to manhood and attended schools. He also learned the weaver's trade and, having attained the age of manhood, was enrolled as a soldier in the army of the fatherland. During his two and a half years of service he participated in the war with Denmark during 1849 and 1850 holding an office equivalent to that of sergeant in the American army.

In 1851 Mr. Arp came to the United States. Landing at New Orleans, he came up the Mississippi river to Davenport, which he reached November 14, of that year. A brother had previously come here, so that he was not utterly a stranger in the new country. Immediately after his arrival he began to work for a farmer, receiving one hundred dollars a year. After two years' experience with that employer, he and his brother Henry bought eighty acres of uncultivated land in Davenport township. His sister had come from Germany about that time so that it was a little family of three that took up their residence upon this first piece of property Mr. Arp owned. For about five years they operated it in conjunction, the duties of housekeeping devolving upon the sister, and then divided the place. Thereupon Mr. Arp bought eighty acres of land in Davenport township, which he traded later for one hundred and forty acres there. It remained his home for the thirty-five years he was actively engaged in agricultural pursuits and constitutes what is now known as the Arp homestead. He had, however, during that time bought considerable other property in the township, for he had won a pronounced success in the cultivation of the soil, at one time owning seven hundred and fifty acres of land in Scott and Cedar counties, Iowa. Thus he felt justified in relinquishing the responsibilities of life and in 1894 he took up his residence in Davenport, where he owns some valuable property.

It was on the 14th of April, 1868, that Mr. Arp married Dora Sienknecht, a daughter of Henry and Lena Sienknecht. They have had seven children. Theodore is in Denver, Colorado, Hannes married Lena Luders. They live in Scott county and have two children, Alma and Theodore. Minnie became the wife of Julius Kuelper and they have three children, Vera, Alice and Lillian. Herman married Theresa Oldenburg and lives in Cleona township. They have one daughter, Hulda. Meta became the wife of Louis Goellnitz of Liberty township. They have two children, Roy and Edna. Otto lives in Davenport township on a farm. He married Mary Hien and they have three sons, Elmer, Theodore and Clarence. Adela is at home.

Having become a naturalized citizen of this republic, Mr. Arp identified himself closely with the best interests of his community, for during the period in which he was a resident of Davenport he served as school director and treasurer of the school board for about twenty years and also acted as road supervisor. He is a member of German Lodge, No. 37, I. O. O. F., of Davenport, also of the Verein Schleswig-Holstein, which is composed of veterns of the German war of 1848-50, and the German Old Settlers Society. Quietly and unostentatiously he pursued the calling he chose as his vocation and with patience and hard work gained a competence which entitles him to be numbered among the successful men of the county.

Transcribed by Debbie Clough Gerischer

Henry A Arp Bio

"From Vol. 2 History of Davenport and Scott County" by Harry E. Downer - S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago

Henry A. Arp, admitted to the bar in 1896, has practiced in Davenport since 1898 and has built up an extensive laon and mortgage business. As legal counselor he has been active in promoting the interests of various business concerns in this part of the state and in general practice has become known as a strong and able lawyer. He was born in this county, May 3, 1868, a son of Henrich Arp, who was born in Germany and came to the United States in 1847, landing at New Orleans. He at once left the Crescent city, however, proceeding by boat up the Mississippi to Davenport. After a short time he took up his abode in Davenport township, where he engaged in general farming for many years, bringing his fields under a high state of cultivation and adding many modern improvements to his place. He retired from active work a few years before his death, which occurred in 1895, when he had reached the age of seveny years. It was subsequent to his arrival in Scott county that he married Miss Caroline Fey, and unto them were born thirteen children, of whom nine are yet living. The mother had come to this county in her girlhood days from Germany with her father, William Fey, who was respected and representative farmer in Davenport township in pioneer times, Heinrich Arp was also numbered among the worthy pioneer settlers whose labors had constituted an important element in bringing about the present prosperity and progress of the county. He never had occasion to regret his determination to come to America, for in the improvement of the opportunities here offered he won substantial success and enjoyed the friendship and regard of many of the residents of the community in which he established his home.

In the public schools Henry A. Arp mastered the elementary branches of learning and subsequently attended the Duncan Business College, receiving there a training which has been of value to him in his later connection with business affairs. Taking up the study of law, he completed a course in the law department of the Iowa State University in 1896 and opened an office at Le Mars, where he practiced for two years. He then removed to Davenport and formed a partnership with A. J. Noth. For eight years they were associated and since that time Mr. Arp has been alone, conducting a successful practice in the conduct of various litigated interests. He is strong and resourceful in argument and in the presentation of his cause his deductions follow in logical sequence. He does not indulge in generalities but gives specific proof of his points, and is seldom, if ever, at fault in the application of a legal principle or a precedent. He is also conducting an extensive loan and mortgage business and he has assisted in organizing a number of country banks, which he represents in a legal capacity, these including banking institutions of Scott and adjoining counties.

On the 8th of April, 1897, Mr. Arp was married to Miss Clara C. Sindt, a daughter of Thies Sindt, who was born in Germany and after coming to the new world engaged in the tinware business in Davenport in the early days. He afterward turned his attention to farming, which he followed in Davenport township until his retirement from active life with the competence which had been acquired through his previous earnest and unremitting labor. Mr. Arp gives his political allegiance to the democracy and is active in the ranks of the party but is not an office seeker, preferring to concentrate his time and energies upon his professional and busniess interests, which are now extensive and of an important character.

Transcribed by Debbie Clough Gerischer

Peter Arp Bio

"From Vol. 2 History of Davenport and Scott County" by Harry E. Downer - S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago

Peter Arp, a retired German farmer who has taken up his residence in Davenport, was born in Holstein, Germany, February 5, 1830, a son of Peter and Wipke Arp, both of whom spent their entire lives in the fatherland. The father was a tailor by trade. Peter Arp was about twenty years of age when he decided to come to America, the fame of whose opportunities had pierced the most remote corners of his naive land. He disembarked at New Orleans after crossing the ocean and then took a boat up the Mississippi to Davenport. It was two months, however, before he reached his destination as quantities of ice in the river impeded their progress.

On the 9th of March, 1850, Mr. Arp landed in Davenport, where a sister was already living, she having come to this country in 1847. After his advent Mr. Arp obtained work in a brickyard and later secured employment upon a farm, by the month. He was industrious and frugal and after the expiration of a few years he was able to buy one hundred and twenty acres of prairie land in Sheridan township. In 1853 he married and that he and his wife might have a home he bought an old dwelling which he moved to his land, making it serve as a residence for a couple of years, or until he was able to put up a better structure. The land he had secured was in its pristine state and Mr. Arp had to break the soil before he could plant his grain. Nevertheless, it proved a valuable property for during the five years it was his place of residence it made him gratifying returns for his labors. When it was well improved he traded it for one hundred and sixty-five acres in Winfield township, about twelve miles from Davenport on the Dubuque road. It had a small house upon it and had been partly improved, but Mr. Arp brought it up to a higher state of cultivation and sold it after four years. He then returned to Sheridan township, where he owned a tract of fifty acres and rented some land from Benjamin Barr, on which they lived for a year. At the end of that time he removed to his fifty acre tract, added another fifty, built a house and made it his home for the next twenty-six years, or during the remainder of the time he was engaged in the active pursuit of farming. During that period, however, he bought land as he was able and at one time owned more than half a section, and in addition to being successful he was also a conspicuous figure in the public life of Sheridan township, enjoying the good will of his associates. In October, 1892, he removed to Davenport.

On the 2d of September, 1853, Mr. Arp wedded Miss Minnie Fellener, a daughter of Barnhardt and Fredrica Fellener. She had come to this country from Germany when about nineteen years of age. Seven children were born unto the couple. Charles, now deceased, married Kathryn Roenfeldt and they had two children, Minnie and Charles. Emma became the wife of Henry Jarchow, of Davenport, and they have two sons, Edward and William. Henry married Miss Louisa Petersen and lives in Minnesota, where he is rearing his two children, Mary and Paul. William married Miss Elizabeth Soll and lives upon the father's farm. They have two children, Walter and Viola. John married Miss Bertha Wiese and lives on the old homestead in Sheridan township. They have four children, Ella, Alfred, Elmer and Edward. Elizabeth became the wife of Henry Soll, of Davenport, and they have two children, Hugo and Edna. The other died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Arp celebrated their golden wedding on the 2d of September, 1903.

When he became a citizen of this country Mr. Arp decided to give his support to the democratic party and has since been stanch in his allegiance to it, being elected upon its ticket to the office of trustee of Sheridan township. Socially he is a member of the German Society and with his wife is a member of the Lutheran church, in whose faith he has conscientiously reared his children.

Transcribed by Debbie Clough Gerischer

   Bio of Adolph P. Arp

"From Vol. 2 History of Davenport and Scott County" by Harry E. Downer - S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago

Adolph P. Arp is well known as a leading stockman and farmer of Lincoln township, being the proprietor of the Lincoln Stock Farm, of two hundred and forty acres, situated on section 2. Here he has engaged in raising some of the finest stock that has been produced in the county and as proof of his business ability and enterprising spirit it has been cited that he has been actively connected with the promotion of several commercial interests of importance. He was born on the farm which is yet his home, December 7, 1875, and is a son of Detlef and Bertha (Weise) Arp, both of whom were natives of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, the father's birth having there occurred January 1, 1831, while his wife was born on the 23d of March, 1838. Detlef Arp acquired his education in the schools of his native country and in his youthful days worked on his father's farm, but the favorable reports which he heard concerning America and its opportunities awakened in him a desire to seek his fortune on this side of the Atlantic. Accordingly, when nineteen years of age, he bade adieu to home and friends and sailed for New Orleans, whence he made his way up the river to Davenport. After reaching Scott county he was employed in various ways, early securing a job on the Rock Island railway near Walcott. He was afterward employed as a farm hand and he also owned and operated a threshing machine, being engaged throughout the community to thresh the crops of the various farmers. About 1860 he and Claus Horst purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, which constitutes a part of what is now the Lincoln Stock Farm. There they began keeping bachelor's hall while devoting their energies to the cultivation and improvement of the place. The land was productive prairie, which they cultivated together for several years and during that time erected a number of substantial farm buildings on the place. Later Mr. Horst was married and the two men then divided their interests, each taking eighty acres. Mr. Arp then continued to live alone until March 2, 1868, when he was married and brought his bride to the farm which he had already cultivated for a number of years. Subsequently he purchased eighty acres of land adjoining from James Long and later bought the other eighty acres of land adjoinging so that his farm embraced two hundred and forty acres. Year by year he carried on the work of the farm with gratifying success until 1899, when he retired and removed to Eldridge, where for ten years he made his home, enjoying the fruits of his former toil. There he died October 31, 1909. He was a member of the Turners Society of Eldridge, and there was also an interesting military chapter in his life record, for he was one of the veterans of the war of 1848-50 between Holstein and Denmark. For a year he had survived his wife, who died October 8, 1908. They were the parents of eight children: Claus, Johannes, Herman, Edward, William, Adolph, Emma and Emiel. All are deceased with the exception of our subject, Adolph P., who is the sixth in order of birth.

Adolph P. Arp has spent his entire life on the farm which is yet his home, so that he knows every acre upon the old place that is endeared to him through the memories of boyhood as well as the association of later years. He attended the district schools in his youth and supplemented his early training by a course in Duncan's Business College at Davenport and also by a course in the agricultural department of Ames College. Putting aside his text-books, he took up the active work of the farm, to which he has since devoted his energies, and in connection with the tilling of the soil he has always followed stock-raising, handling thoroughbred red polled cattle. He has learned how to best utilize time and effort so that substantial results follow his labors, and as he has met success in his undertakings he has extended his investments, becoming a stockholder in the Eldridge Savings Bank, the Eldridge Elevator, which is a farmers' elevator, and in the Scott County Mercantile Company at Davenport, of which he is one of the directors. He is a man of notable business ability and carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes.

On the 29th of November, 1899, Mr. Arp was united in marriage to Miss Laura P. Schneckloth, a daughter of Thomas and Silka Schneckloth, who were early German settlers of this county. Her father was a little lad of seven years when he crossed the Atlantic to the United States and became a resident of Iowa. He died June 7, 1902, at the age of fifty-eight years, and is still survived by his widow, who yet resides in Davenport. Mrs. Arp was born on her father's farm in Lincoln township and by her marriage has become the mother of two children, Roma A. and Alvin D. Mr. and Mrs. Arp are hospitable people who always extend a cordial welcome to their many friends. They are both native citizens of Scott county and, having long resided here, have a wide circle of acquaintances. Mr. Arp is now filling the office of township clerk and has served in that capacity for several terms and also has served as president of the school board. He belongs to West View Grange, No. 2034, of which he is master, and is deeply interested in this organized effort to promote agricultural interests.

Transcribed by Debbie Clough Gerischer

Bio of Rudolph Arp

"From Vol. 2 History of Davenport and Scott County" by Harry E. Downer - S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago

That the rich soil of Iowa offers to the agriculturist possibilities unexcelled by any and unequaled by many another state in the Union, is proven in the fact that so many of her native sons who have been reared to farm life have, upon starting out to make their own way in the world, remained within her borders. This is true of Rudolph Arp, who was born on the place which is now his home, July 15, 1874, a son of Hans and Abel (Vieths) Arp, in whose family were the following named: Alvena, the wife of Henry Untiedt, a resident of Jackson county, Minnesota; Cecelia, the wife of Henry Stender, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work; Henry, a resident of New Liberty, Iowa; Agnes, the wife of George Dietz, of Manning, Carroll county, this state; Emma, the wife of Edward Puck, a resident of Cleona township; Minnie, the wife of Conrad Dietz, also of Manning; and Rudolph, of this review.

The last named, the youngest in the family, was reared on the home farm and acquired his education in the common schools. He is today the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of land, forty acres of which constituted the old homestead farm upon which he was reared. On the farm are found two sets of buildings, some of which were erected by the father, while the others have been built by Mr. Arp of this review. He is extensively engaged in farming and stockraising, making a close study of his work, so that he obtains the best results. He is likewise a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator at Walcott and in the Security Bank of Davenport.

Mr. Arp chose as a companion and helpmate for the journey of life Miss Louisa Schlichting, whom he wedded February 15, 1899. Mrs. Arp was born in Blue Grass township, Scott county, August 21, 1880, a daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Holst) Schlichting, who were both natives of Schleswig, Germany, the former born January 23, 1836, while the latter's birth occurred on the 28th of November, 1834. The father was a little lad of ten years when he accompanied his parents to the new world, and the mother accompanied her parents to America in 1858, and two years later, in 1860, she was married to Thomas Schlichting. He became a well-to-do farmer, owning at the time of his death a section of land in Blue Grass township, this being divided into several farms. Unto him and his wife were born three daughters and three sons but the sons all died in infancy. The daughters are: Clara, the wife of Willie Soenke, a resident of Blue Grass township; Bertha, the wife of Louis Otto, of Davenport; and Louisa, the wife of Rudolph Arp. Both the parents are now deceased, the mother passing away December 11, 1899, at the age of sixty-five years, while the father, surviving for only about five years, departed this life November 14, 1904, when sixty-eight years old.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Arp have been born three sons and two daughters: Raymond, Hilda, Leona, Arthur and Rudolph. both Mr. and Mrs. Arp have spent their entire lives in Scott county and are therefore well known in the section where they make their home. In his business dealings Mr. Arp is always found honorable and upright and he commands the respect and high regard of his fellow citizens.

Transcribed by Debbie Clough Gerischer

William Arp Bio

From Vol. 2 History of Davenport and Scott County" by Harry E. Downer - S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago

William Arp, who owns a fine farm of one hundred and seventy-nine acres in Sheridan township, is one of Scott county's native sons, who derives a comfortable income from tilling the soil. He was born in Walnut Grove, Butler township, April 11, 1863, his parents being Peter and Minnie (Fellener) Arp. The father was for a long period identified with the agricultural life of Sheridan township but is now living retired in Davenport. He was born in Holstein, Germany, February 5, 1830, and is a son of Peter and Wiepke Arp, who spent their entire lives in the fatherland, where Peter Arp, Sr., worked at the tailor's trade. Our subject's father was about twenty years of age when he decided to come to America and after crossing the Atlantic disembarked at New Orleans, where he took a river boat to come to Iowa. He was two months ascending the Mississippi, however, as quantities of ice impeded progress, and on the 9th of March, 1850, he landed at Davenport, where a sister was already living, she having come to this state in 1847. After his arrival Mr. Arp secured employment in a brickyard and later obtained work as a farm hand, but he was frugal and industrious and in the course of a few years had saved enough to buy one hundred and twenty acres of prairie land in Sheridan township. In 1853 he married and that he and his wife might have a home he bought an old dwelling which he moved to his land, making it serve for his residence until he was able to put up a better structure. The tract he had purchased proved to be rich and arable. He plowed the first furrow on that farm and during the five years it was his place of residence it gave him a gratifying return for his labors. After he had made a number of improvements upon the place he traded it for one hundred and sixty-five acres in Winfield township, about twelve miles from Davenport on the Dubuque road. That place has a small house upon it and some other improvements had been made, but Mr. Arp brought the land to a highter state of cultivation and after four years sold it, thereupon returning to Sheridan township, where he owned a tract of fity acres and also rented some land from Benjamin Barr, on which he lived for a year. At the end of that time he removed to the fifty acres he owned, bought another fifty acres, built thereon a house, and there made his home for the next twenty-six years, or during the remainder of the time he was actively engaged in farming. In the meantime, however, he bought land as he was able, owning more than half a section at one period in his life, the extent of his landholdings indicating the success which attended his labors and the good management conspicuous in his business dealings. In addition to being a prosperous agriculturist he was also a man well known in his township, and the record of his official service was one that brought him to respect of his fellow citizens, when in October, 1892, he decided to retire and removed to Davenport.

Mr. Arp was married September 2, 1853, to Miss Minnie Fellener, a daughter of Barnhardt and Fredrica Fellener. She was born in Germany, emigrated to this country when about nineteen years of age, and through her marriage became the mother of seven children. Charles, now deceased, married Kathryn Runfeldt, and they had two children, Minnie and Charles. Emma became the wife of Henry Jarchow, of Davenport, and they have two sons, William and Jacob. Henry married Louisa Petersen and lives in Minnesota, where he is rearing his two children, Mary and Paul. William is the subject of this review. John, now living in Sheridan township, wedded Bertha Weise, and has four children, Ella, Alfred, Aileen and Edward. Elizabeth became the wife of Henry Soll, of Davenport, and they have two children, Edna and Hugo. The other died in infancy. The parents are members of the Lutheran church, while Mr. Arp gives stanch allegiance to the democratic party, and on its ticket was elected to the office of trustee of Sheridan township.

William Arp, whose name introduces this review, was about one year of age when his parents removed from Butler to Sheridan township, and in the latter township has spent the greater part of his life. He was a pupil in the school of district No. 6, and after he put aside his text-books engaged in farming with the intention of making it his means of livelihood. He remained with his father until he was twenty-eight years of age, when he married and, desiring to establish a home of his own, he bought the farm on which he now lives. It is a fine tract of one hundred and seventy-nine acres situated upon the Long Grove road in Sheridan township, on which Mr. Arp raises the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and also has ample pasturage for the stock he raises and feeds in large quantities. He has ever been a man who is not only industrious and frugal but also ambitious and determined to make the best use of the opportunities that lie before him. That he has been successful beyond the average is indicated by the appearance of his property and the fact that he owns stock in the Eldridge Elevator Company.

On the 28th of January, 1891, Mr. Arp was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Soll, who was born in Davenport township, and is a daughter of Christian and Anna Soll. Her parents were natives of Holstein, Germany, and were numbered among the early German settlers of this section of Iowa, for her father came here when eighteen and her mother when a girl of nine years. They are now living in Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Arp have had four children but the first two died in infancy. The others are: Walter, who was born January 4, 1895; and Viola, born October 2, 1897. Both are at home.

Mr. Arp has always given stalwart support to the democratic party and upon its ticket was elected to several offices of public trust, for he served as trustee of Sheridan township for three years as road supervisor for thirteen years and as school director for another long period, in each capacity performing his duties carefully and honorably, so that he has the respect and esteem of a large circle of friends, many of whom have known him from boyhood. He is well known in Eldridge and belongs to the Turners Society there.

Transcribed by Debbie Clough Gerischer

John Arp Bio

"From Vol. 2 History of Davenport and Scott County" by Harry E. Downer - S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago

John Arp, who is engaged in general farming in Winfield township, owning one hundred and sixty acres of productive land on section 36, started out in business as a farm hand and was employed at breaking prairie. Gradually he has won success, however, and is now in comfortable financial circumstances. He was born in Holstein, Germany, October 19, 1838, and is a son of Peter and Wipke Arp. The father was a tailor in Germany and served with the army of that country, participating in the Napoleonic war. He remained a resident of Germany until after several of his children sought homes in the new world. The first of the family to come to the United States was his daughter Anna, who married Henry Bushna, and worked for Antoine LeClaire. Later his sons, Henry and Peter Arp, sought a home in the new world and in 1855 the father with the others of the family crossed the briny deep, landing at Galveston, Texas, whence they made their way to New Orleans and from that point up the Mississippi river to Davenport, being about three weeks in ascending the stream. The father never engaged in business after coming to the United States and both he and his wife died in this county.

John Arp acquired his education in the schools of Germany and was a youth of seventeen years at the time of the emigration. After arriving in Scott county he secured employment as a farm hand and at breaking prairie, so that he soon became familiar with the arduous task of bringing land under cultivation for the first time. In 1862 he began farming on his own account, renting a place in Winfield township from Henry Armil, constituting a part of the farm which is now his property. Later he bought eighty acres of land from Mr. Dow and subsequently purchased eighty acres from Mr. Armil, so that his holdings comprise a quarter section, which is a valuable and productive property. He has made all of the extensive improvements upon the place and the farm is lacking in none of the equipments and accessories usually found on a model farm of the twentieth century. Year by year he carefully tilled the fields but at a more recent date practically retired from farm work, employing others to till and cultivate the soil and harvest the crops, although he gives general supervision to all the work that is carried on.

On the 2d of May, 1864, Mr. Arp was united in marriage to Miss Sophia D. Vogt, a daughter of Carl W. and Mary Vogt, of Davenport, who came from Germany to Scott county in 1864. Mr. and Mrs. Arp have become the parents of four children: Mary, the wife of William Fellener, by whom she has seven children - Anna, Alice, Nettie, Hattie, Helen, William and Mamie; Wilhelmina, the wife of William Mohr, of Sheridan township, by whom she has four children - Anna, Alfred, Elmer and Wilbert; Anna, the wife of Henry Gertz, of Eldridge, by whom she has two sons, Harvey and Darwin; and Johannes, at home, who wedded Rose Bluhm, by whom he has two daughters, Thelma and Corinne.

Mr. and Mrs. Arp hold membership in the Lutheran church and are well known in this community, where he has lived for fifty-five years, while his wife has been a resident of Scott county for forty-six years. His life has been one of untiring diligence, crowned with success and, though his start in life was a humble one, he has come to be recognized as one of the substantial, worthy and respected farmers of Winfield township.

Transcribed by Debbie Clough Gerischer