Scott Co, Iowa USGenWeb Project
Charles Beiderbecke Biography
From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E.
Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Beiderbecke, Steibold, Fouberger.
Charles Beiderbecke, coming to America as a young man of seventeen years and his
youthful training being that of a German lad, entered upon activities in the new
world with no false ideas concerning the advantages here offered. He knew,
however, that the path to success is open to all and that the fruits of labor
are sure and certain. Therefore with the persistent energy he sought prosperity
and in time came to be known as one of the leading merchants and financials of
Davenport.
Born in Westpahlia, Germany, July 20, 1836, Charles Beiderbecke spent the first
seventeen years of his life in his native country and there attended a
university, studying for the ministry. He sailed for America in 1853. He did not
tarry on the Atlantic coast but made his way to Indianapolis, Indiana, and for
three years was employed in the post office.
He was sent by the government to Dubuque, Iowa, where he also held a position in
the postoffice, but not liking that city he remained for only a short time and
then removed to Davenport. Here he afterward entered into partnership and then
removed to Davenport. Here he afterward entered into partnership relations as
the senior member of the firm of Beiderbecke & Miller, wholesale grocers.
They were located at the corner of Gaines and Second streets and afterward
removed to Second street between Main and Harrison streets. In 1880 Mr.
Beiderbecke erected a business block in which he continued to carry on his
commercial interests throughout the remainder of his days. He built up a large
and successful enterprise and was considered one of the leading business men of
the city. He based his business principles and actions on the rules which govern
strict and unswerving integrity and in the development of his business ever kept
in mind the fact that satisfied patrons are the best a!
dvertisement. He held to high standards in the personnel of the house, in the
character of goods carried and in the nature of the service rendered to the
public, and as the years passed he enjoyed a constantly growing trade that for
many years gave him a very substantial and gratifying income. Extending his
efforts to other lines, he was recognized as one of the leading representatives
of financial interests, becoming president of the Iowa national Bank, which he
aided in organizing in 1890, continuing as chief executive officer until his
death. He was also a director of the German Savings Bank.
Mr. Beiderbecke's executive ability was furthermore called into play in
connection with social and municipal interests. He was a director of the
Maennerchoir and also a member of the Turners Society. In matters relative to
the public welfare he gave endorsement wherever he believed that the best
interests of the city might be conserved. The attitude of the business man
concerning any public question is taken as the standard of its worth, for the
public recognizes that the sound judgment and keen discernment which must
constitute salient features in successful business life would readily
discriminate between the essential and nonessential in public matters. Therefore
when Mr. Beiderbecke gave his support to any municipal movement his course was
on which gained a large following therefor (sic). He did not belong to any
church but attended the services at the Unitarian and in his life exemplified a
broad humanitarian spirit.
On the 21st of April, 1860, Mr. Beiderbecke was united in marriage in Davenport
to Miss Louise Piper, a daughter of August Piper, who came from Hamburg, Germany
in 1856, establishing his home in this state and joining an Iowa regiment at the
time of the Civil war, serving throughout the continuance of hostilities. After
the war he returned to his city, where he engaged in business until his death on
the 16th of December, 1889. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Beiderbecke were born eight
children, but four died in infancy. The others are: Carl T.; Mrs. H. A. Steibold,
who lives with her mother; Mrs. L. Fouberger; and Bismark H. Mr. Beiderbecke was
devoted to his family and erected on of the finest homes in the city. There he
passed away October 20, 1901, at the age of sixty-five years.
His hope of bettering his financial condition in the new world was more than
realized, for here he found good opportunities and wisely used them to work his
way upward. There was no esoteric phase in his entire career. He sought success
not through speculation but in the legitimate lines of trade and through
judicious investment, mindful at all times of his obligations to others and
conforming his course to a high standard of commercial ethics.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
Carl Thode Biography
From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E.
Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Thode, Goos, Langfeldt, Kruse, Goesch.
Carl Thode, president of the Henry Thode Company, wholesale and retail liquor
dealers at 327 West Second street, is a native of Davenport, born September 13,
1865, his parents being Henry and Augusta (Goos) Thode. The father was a German
who, upon leaving the fatherland, came almost directly to Davenport and took up
his permanent residence here. He was a mechanic by trade and at first found
employment in plow works. Later he engaged in the liquor business under the firm
name of Langfeldt, Thode & Company and some seven years later purchased the
interest of the other member of the firm. Some time previous to his death her
retired from active life.
Carl Thode attended Davenport's excellent schools and then equipped himself for
business by a supplementary course in Duncan's Commercial College. He then
became connected with his father in business, this being about twenty-seven
years ago, and was in charge at the time of the latter's death. In the ensuing
fourteen years he has directed the affairs of the company and has met success.
Previous to the death of the manager, Mr. Brady, he had only partial charge but
since that time it has been entirely vested in his hands.
Mr. Thode wedded Miss Emiele Kruse, a daughter of John and Catherine (Goesch)
Kruse, their marriage being celebrated July 1, 1886. Her father was a native of
Germany, who resided in Davenport for fully half a century. He was a shoemaker
by trade and lived to the age of seventy-nine years, his interment having taken
place at Fairmont, January 2, 1902. he was survived by a family of nine
children, of whom Mrs. Thode was the fifth. Mr. and Mrs. Thode have three
children: Bessie, a graduate of Davenport's high school, now at home; Chauncey,
who has also finished his education and is in business with his father; and
Carl, who is still attending the public schools.
Mr. Thode, who is a man of genial manner and rejoices in the possession of hosts
of friends, has numerous fraternal relations. He belongs to the Knights of
Pythias, the Eagles, the Order of the Moose, the Owls, Germania, Claus Groth
Gilde, the Traveling Men's Liberty Association, the I. C. M. A., the Davenport
Boat Club and the Commercial Club, a list which will effectually testify to his
popularity.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
Dr.
Rezin D. Myers Biography
From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E.
Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Myers, Maloy, Huffman, Smith.
Dr. Rezin D. Myers, deceased, enjoyed the distinction of having opened the first
office for the practice of dentistry in the city of Davenport. He was born in
Steubenville, Ohio, November 7, 1820, a son of John and Abigail (Maloy) Myers.
The family was of German descent but had long been connected with the history of
this country even in its earliest years. John Myers, who was a native of
Jefferson county, Pennsylvania, was an officer in the war of 1812 under General
Harrison and was a farmer and a miller by occupation. He passed away May 10,
1850.
Dr. Rezin D. Myers received his early education in the public schools of his
native town, but the training which he later acquired and which made his
practice of dentistry possible came as the result of his own ambition and
labors. He had planned to become a physician, but a she pursued his work he
became convinced that he was not suited for that profession and so devoted
himself to dentistry. He did not have the means, however, to attend the schools
he desired so he conceived the idea of becoming a journeyman dentist, riding or
driving through the country, extracting teeth or performing other small and
necessary operations among a people who in those early days had little
opportunity to frequent the cities where the more skillful and better trained
might attend to their wants. Dr. Myers rapidly rose in his chosen field, for he
was a man who was ever on the alert to profit by experience, and as it often
fell to his lot to be associated with those who were most proficient i!
n their work, he soon acquired the ability and the confidence equal if not
superior to that which is learned through attending lectures in a schoolroom.
Dr. Myers came to Davenport in 1853, having covered the distance from Chicago by
stage. Here he established his office and engaged in his profession, to which he
devoted himself assiduously until about fifteen years before his death, with a
success that was a gratifying return after the many hardships which only
perseverance had overcome in the years he was trying to perfect himself in his
art. When he retired he spent a number of years traveling, principally in Mexico
for the benefit of his health. On the 30th of July, 1897, his long, earnest and
eventful life was brought to a close.
In Pennsylvania, in 1858, Dr. Myers was married to Miss Adeline Huffman, a
native of the Keystone state, and they had five children, only two of whom are
living: William Lincoln, who is in the paper business in Missouri; and Mrs.
Elizabeth Smith, of Bedford City, Virginia.
Mrs. Myers is a member of the Presbyterian church, whose services Dr. Myers
attended throughout his life. He was, however, broad in his religious views,
assisting to build many of the houses of worship in Davenport in early years, as
his aid was ever given to all the measures or charities which were calculated to
advance the social and moral well being of the community. He was a republican in
his political affiliations and active in the public life of the city, especially
shortly after his arrival here. Fraternally he belonged to the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, among whose members he made many friends, who, attracted by the
noble character of the man, became endeared to him through close acquaintance
with his high ideals and principles and mourned him sincerely as a good citizen
when his life was over. Mrs. Myers, too, has many friends in the city, which has
been her home for so many years. In fact, she has lived in the same house for
more than half a century.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
W. P. Bettendorf Biography
From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E.
Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Bettendorf, Reck, Wortman, Staby.
Through the inherent force of his own character, his strong determination and
his close application to the duties that have devolved upon him, combined with
the development of his native powers along the lines of invention, W. P.
Bettendorf has won distinction and honors in his native land. He is today
president of the Bettendorf Axle Company, controlling the most important
industrial enterprise of Davenport, and the extent of his business has made him
one of the best known men of the state. He was born in Mendota, Illinois, July
1, 1857, and is the eldest of four children, whose parents were M. and Catharine
(Reck) Bettendorf, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father was a young
man of eighteen years when he crossed the Atlantic to America an took up his
abode in Mendota, Illinois, where he engaged in school teaching. Later he
removed to Missouri, and, settling at Sedalia, there established a grocery
store. He was afterward employed as a government clerk at Fort Leavenworth,
Kansas, and is now living retired in Bettendorf, the town which is the home of
the great enterprise that was established and is being conducted by his sons. O
the family of four children, the only two living are W. P. and J. W., who are
partners in the conduct of a business which in extent and magnitude has no equal
in Davenport.
W. P. Bettendorf accompanied his parents on their removal to Missouri and to
Kansas and in these states acquired the greater part of his education. He
attended for a time the St. Mary's Mission School, which was an Indian school in
the latter state. In 1870 he began providing for his own support as a messenger
boy at Humboldt, Kansas, and about 1872 he accepted a clerkship in the hardware
store of A. L. Shepard at Peru, Illinois. He filled that position for two years,
after which he became an apprentice to the machinist's trade with the Peru Plow
Company. This was more in accordance with the natural bent of his nature and he
served his full term of indenture, becoming an expert workman. Later he left
Peru and entered the employ of the Moline Plow Company, with which he remained
for ten months, at the end of which time he accepted the position of foreman of
the fitting department of the Parlin & Orendorff company at Canton,
Illinois, manufacturers of plows and agricultural implements. Not only did he
faithfully execute the tasks assigned him but unlike many workmen-and they are
of the class who never progress-he gave active attention to every duty and
thought out along original lines until as the result of experiment and research
he invented, in 1878, the first power lift sulky plow. He was still in the
employ of the Peru Plow Company at that time. His invention was adopted by most
of the plow manufacturing plants. After leaving Canton, Illinois, in 1882, he
returned to Peru to accept the superintendency of the establishment in which he
had served his apprenticeship and while thus connected he invented the
Bettendorf metal wheel, together with the necessary machinery for its
manufacture. He then granted a shop right to the Peru Plow Company and as the
metal wheel branch of the business soon assumed large proportions it was decided
to change the name of the company to the Peru Plow & Wheel Company. This
company, however, was slow to increase its capacity for the manufacture of
metal wheels, the demand for which was constantly increasing, and Mr. Bettendorf
therefore saw the necessity of looking around for other interests that would
undertake the manufacture on a greater scale, keeping up with the market demand.
He made the acquaintance of E. P. Lynch, who was president of the Eagle
Manufacturing Company at Davenport, and they entered into negotiations which
resulted in the establishment of a wheel manufacturing plant in this city.
Therefore in 1886 the two brothers, W. P., and J. W. Bettendorf, came to
Davenport and undertook the manufacture of metal wheels, in which particular
line they continued with substantial success until 1899. In that year the
Bettendorf Metal Wheel Company was incorporated and there was established an
enterprise which is today the largest manufacturing concern in Davenport. Being
of an inventive turn of mind, W. P. Bettendorf was constantly on the alert for
opportunities to improve their output and to further the use of metal wheels,
and steel construction for farm equipment. He therefore developed a steel gear
for farm wagons in 1892 and the manufacture of this was at once undertaken. He
severed his connection with the Bettendorf Metal Wheel Company and after three
years' experimental work resigned and built necessary machinery for the
manufacture of steel gears. This machinery was sold to the International
Harvester Company in 1905 but the Davenport company still manufactures steel car
trucks and steel underframes for cars as well as complete cars. The Bettendorf
Axle Company was organized and incorporated January 1, 1895, with W. P.
Bettendorf as the president. The history of the development of this enterprise
constitutes a most important chapter in the annals of Davenport. From the
beginning the business has continually grown and such is the success of the
company that in the year 1909 the plant was increased in size threefold. Its
equipment is of the most modern character and eight hundred employes are
continually busy in turning out the output, which covers a wide range of iron
manufacture, Mr. Bettendorf of this review has in large measure been a potent
force in the development and success of the business. The two brothers, however,
work together in utmost harmony, the talents of each being such as well qualify
them for the conduct of the especial interests under their charge.
In January, 1895, their interests were incorporated under the name of the
Bettendorf Axle Company, with J. W. Bettendorf as secretary. The business
factory and main offices were then located on First street, between Ripley and
Scott, and there, on the 28th of January, 1902, they suffered heavy losses
through fire. In May of the same year a second disastrous fire occurred,
destroying their plant, and as the business was constantly increasing it was
decided to locate elsewhere. At length they determined to establish their plant
at the town of Gilbert, now Bettendorf, about three miles east of Davenport.
Here they are controlling the largest manufacturing establishment of the kind in
the west and perhaps in the entire country, employment being given to eight
hundred men. Recently they have made extensive additions to the plant through
the erection of a foundry four hundred and thirty-six by four hundred and forty
feet, each of its departments being larger than the average comp!
leted foundry. No provision for the economical handling of the immense volume of
work done in the building-the avoidance of congestion and the delay that attends
upon it-has been overlooked. The buildings are heated by steam and every regard
has been paid to the comfort of the employes, for whom in a large separate
building commodious lockers and lavatories have been established. There are tow
regenerative open-hearth basic steel furnaces, having a capacity of twenty-five
tons of heat, with an output daily of about one hundred tons of finished steel
castings, which the company use in the steel car construction. They have also
recently built an erection shop tow hundred and forty six by seven hundred feet,
with a further extension fourteen hundred by two hundred and fifty-six feet,
giving the building a total length of two thousand and one hundred feet. The
entire amount of ground covered by the foundry and erection shop and the
buildings for the storage of materials is forty!
-two hundred feet, or about four-fifths of a mile in length, along the
Davenport, Rock Island & Northwestern tracks. Their grounds comprise two
hundred forty-seven acres and there is nothing lacking in the equipment of this
extensive plant, every modern device being employed that will facilitate the
work or improve the character of the output. Something of the growth of the
business is indicated in the fact that in 1909 the plant was increased to three
times its original size. The seventy acres of ground that the company's shops
and tracks occupy were originally laid out with a thought to the additions that
have recently been made. Careful consideration was given to locating the
buildings and the tracks laid to and from them so as to handle the material
quickly and at the lowest cost. From the great piles of steel at the east of the
shop locomotive cranes carry the material to the east end of the shop, where
other traveling cranes reach down powerful magnets, take up the imm!
ense bars that would defy the lifting strength of many men, and carry them to
various machines, until they issue from the west end of the shop in the
Bettendorf steel car, underframes and trucks, which have been pronounced by
railroad men generally as the finest cars of the kind ever produced.
In 1879 occurred the marriage of W. P. Bettendorf and Miss Mary Wortman. They
became parents of two children, Etta and Henry, but the mother and both the
children have passed away, Mrs. Bettendorf dying in august, 1901. In 1908 Mr.
Bettendorf was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Elizabeth Staby.
Mr. Bettendorf is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks but
the extent and importance of his business interests leaves him little leisure
but the extent and importance of his business interests leaves him little
leisure for activity in fraternal circles. He stands today as a splendid example
of what may be accomplished when one has determination and energy. Opportunities
that others have passed by heedlessly he has noted and improved. Modest and
unostentatious in demeanor, he is nevertheless spoken of in terms of admiration
and respect, for his life work has been so varied in its scope, so honorable in
its purposes and so far reaching in its effects that it has become an integral
part of the history of Davenport. In all of his business career he has held to
high standards and should he at once retire from business the extent and
importance of his activities thus far would leave the indelible impress of his
individuality upon the history of the state.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
John
Bruhn Biography
From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E.
Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Bruhn, Jansen, Hannemann, Hansen, Graham, Lohmann, Sellen, Eckhardt,
Kardel.
A life of industry, crowned with success, enabled John Bruhn to spend hi last
years in honorable retirement, enjoying the fruits of his former toil. He was
indeed a self-made man and in his youth met many hardships and difficulties, but
gradually he worked his way up until he won prosperity as the reward of his
diligence. He was born at Lütjenburg, Holstein, Germany, in 1827, and in early
life learned the butcher's trade. He was twenty-one years of age when in 1848 he
joined the army, serving as a soldier throughout the Schleswig-Holstein war
against Denmark. In 1852 he determined to come to America and left Hamburg in a
sailing vessel, which reached New Orleans after a voyage of thirteen weeks. In
company with several traveling companions he went up the Mississippi river to
St. Louis, and as he had no money began looking for employment. He did not
succeed in his search for work there and so went to Bunker Hill with a
country-man, Louis Jansen, who was likewise a butcher by trade and who had a
brother who was engaged in the tailoring business in Bunker Hill. The two young
men eagerly accepted any work which they could secure. They worked on farms, on
the railroad and also as bricklayers' helpers. Their wages were very small-not
more than fifty cents a day. At the end of two weeks their fingers were so sore
that they were compelled to give up work for a time. When they did somewhat
recuperate, a prominent Scotchman of Bunker Hill, who was hostile to the
resident Irish butcher, asked them if they would not establish a butcher shop
there. They said they would like to, but did not have the necessary money, so
the Scotchman supplied them with capital, a horse and wagon and equipped a small
shop for them, so that the new business was begun. It was in June, 1853 that
they opened their shop and they remained together until November, making quite a
little money. In the latter month Mr. Jansen came to Davenport with four hundred
dollars, while Mr. Bruhn remained at Bunker Hill until January, 1854. He then
came to Davenport at the request of Mr. Jansen, who had secured employment with
Christian Hannemann, an uncle of Louis and Charles Hansen. Mr. Bruhn and Mr.
Jansen bought out the business of Mr. Hannemann, and were so successful in its
conduct that in 1855 Mr. Jansen sailed for Germany with four thousand dollars.
Mr. Bruhn, then left alone, discontinued the butchering business and began
buying hogs for Mr. Graham and was becoming prosperous when Mr. Graham failed.
Mr. Bruhn, with two other men, had signed a note of twenty-eight thousand
dollars for his employer and when Mr. Graham went into bankruptcy all of Mr.
Bruhn's hard earned saving were taken to meet the note. In 1857 Mr. Jansen
returned to America, for Germany was no longer to his liking. He had already
expended half of his capital, but with the remainder he and Mr. Bruhn again
established themselves in the butchering business with renewed zeal. They
prospered and in 1858 went to California, but times were bad and they remained
in the Golden state only about six months. On returning to Davenport, Mr. Bruhn
became associated with two Americans in the live-stock business, shipping to
Chicago, but the undertaking was unsuccessful and at the end of a year he had
lost nearly all of his capital of five thousand dollars. This was in 1860.
In the fall of that year Mr. Bruhn mad the acquaintance of the young lady, Miss
Maria Lohmann, who became his wife on the 19th of April, 1861. At that time he
had no more money than was necessary to begin housekeeping. However, he had the
friendship of a Mr. Sellen, who established Mr. Bruhn in the butchering business
again. And hence again he started in that line with Diedrich Eckhardt as his
partner. They soon had a liberal patronage and became prosperous. After about
two years Mr. Bruhn disposed of his interest to Mr. Jansen and turned his
attention to the live-stock business, making shipments to Chicago. In 1864 he
purchased a house on Third street, near the Turner hall, and took up his abode
there in May, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Bruhn at that time had two children and four
were added to the family while they maintained their residence on Third street.
In 1874 they removed to the Bluff, where until 1896 they occupied a large
dwelling. During that period their four daughters were married and the sons
removed to the west.
The decade between 1880 and 1890 was devoted by Mr. Bruhn to dealing in farm
lands, and purchasing a farm for himself on Mud creek, he there engaged in
feeding stock during the winter seasons. In May he led the cattle out to pasture
and in the following fall shipped them to Chicago. The farm, comprising two
hundred acres, he sold to W. Kardel in 1893, and during the remainder of his
life lived practically retired.
Mr. and Mrs. Bruhn traveled life's journey happily together for forty-six years,
their mutual love and confidence increasing as time went by. Mr. Bruhn had
reached his eightieth year when he was called to his final rest and a life of
usefulness and activity was thus ended, when, in 1907 he passed away. He never
had occasion to regret his determination to seek a home in the new world, for
here he found the opportunities which were offered and in their improvement he
worked his way upward. In all of his business affairs he was thoroughly reliable
and in his social relations manifested the sterling qualities of the true
gentleman.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
Charles
F. Kahler Biography
From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E.
Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Kahler, Hill, Hahn, Blunk, Suksdorf, Sederin, Klindt, Heintz.
Charles F. Kahler, a retired agriculturist residing in Davenport, has for the
past ten years enjoyed the fruits of his former toil in well earned ease. He has
some fine town property and is still in possession of considerable farming land,
owning two quarter sections in Tama county, Iowa, and also a tract of one
hundred and sixty acres in Sunnyside township, Larimer county, Colorado. His
birth occurred in Holstein, Germany, on the 26th of July, 1838, his parents
being Hans and Charlotta Kahler. The father, who was a laborer and also engaged
in farming on a small scale, participated in the Schleswig-Holstein wars from
1848 until 1850. In 1855, in company with his wife and children, he embarked on
a sailing vessel bound for American shores and landed at Galveston, Texas, after
an ocean voyage of about eight weeks. They remained in Galveston, for only two
days and then boarded a cattle ship for New Orleans, whence they took passage on
a boat which brought them to Davenport on !
the 26th of June, 1855. Hans Kahler continued to reside in this city
throughout the remainder of his life, passing away on the 1st of April, 1900,
when he had attained the venerable age of ninety-four years. The period of his
residence here covered almost forty-five years and he became well known and
highly esteemed as a substantial and representative citizen. The demise of his
wife had occurred soon after their arrival in Davenport. Their children were six
in number, as follows: Henry, who is living retired in Davenport: Charles F., of
this review; Dora, who is deceased; Mary, the wife of John Hill, of Davenport;
Louisa, who has also passed away; and August, who makes his home in Ottumwa.
Charles F. Kahler, who obtained his education in the schools of the fatherland,
was a youth of seventeen when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to
the new world. After locating in this county he secured employment as a farm
hand and thus worked for a number of years or until the time of his marriage in
1872. In that year he purchased an improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres
in Blue Grass township and there carried on his agricultural interests
energetically and successfully for a period of twenty-eight years. In 1900 he
put aside the active work of the fields and took up his abode in Davenport,
where he has since lived retired. As the years passed and he prospered in his
undertakings, he invested his money in farming property and is still the owner
of two tracts of one hundred and sixty each in Tama county, Iowa, as well as a
quarter section of land in Larimer county, Colorado.
On the 20th of March, 1872, Mr. Kahler was united in marriage to Miss Catherine
Hahn, who was born in Scott county, Iowa, on the 13th of February 1849, her
parents being Wolfe and Margaret hah, natives of Holstein, Germany. They were
married in that country and after emigrating to America took up their abode
among the earliest settlers of Scott county, arriving here in 1846. Wolfe Hahn
entered a tract of prairie land in Davenport township and devoted his time and
energies to its cultivation and improvement for about forty years. On leaving
the farm he came to Davenport, where he spent the remainder of his life in
honorable retirement, passing away at the advanced age of eighty-three years.
His wife was called to her final rest when seventy-six years of age. They were
the parents of eight children, namely: Ida, the deceased wife of Hans Kruse;
Mrs. Kahler; Minnie, who gave her hand in marriage to Theodore Blunk, Emma, the
widow of Carl Suksdorf; Augusta, who married Paul Sederin; and Julia, who is the
wife of George Klindt. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kahler were born five children as
follows: Robert, who lives on his father's farm in Colorado and who wedded Miss
Tillie Heintz, by whom he has four children-Elsie, Blake, Oscar and Francis;
Louis, who was drowned when sixteen years of age; Alphonso, who follows farming
in Washington; Lillian, at home; and Harry, who is a resident of Philadelphia.
Politically Mr. Kahler is independent and while living on the farm held several
township offices, including that of school director. He is a member of the
German Pioneers Association of Scott county and also belongs to the German
Shooting Society, the Turners and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at
Davenport. Having resided in Scott county for fifty-five years, he has an
extensive circle of friends within its borders and has been an interested
witness of its steady growth and development. He is now in the seventy-second
year of his age and by reason of his well spent life fully merits the esteem and
regard which are uniformly accorded him.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
Louis
and Henry Moeller Biography
From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E.
Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Moeller, Swenser, Jockheck, Boss, Chase, Illian.
In looking over the roll of those ambitious men who crossed the ocean and sought
to make a new home for themselves in the state of Iowa in the early days of its
history, may be discovered the name of Fritz Moeller, the father of Henry and
the late Louis Moeller, who have for a number of years been prominent I the
agricultural circles in Blue Grass township. He was born in the province of
Mecklenberg, Germany, in 1828, and, having married Miss Dorothy Moeller, a
native of the same locality, came to America in 1852. He settled first in New
Orleans, where he remained two year as, engaged for the most part in the
operation of a truck farm. In 1854 he ascended the Mississippi river to Scott
county, Iowa, where he purchased eighty acres of land. In the course of years,
however, he won success from his cultivation of the soil, he added to his farm
until at his death it embraced two hundred and forty acres. He was twice married
and by his first wife had six children, namely: one da!
ughter who died in infancy; Henry; Louis; Alvina, the wife of Carl Swenser, of
South Dakota; Matilda, the wife of John Jockheck, of Sioux city, Iowa; and
Willie, who died in infancy. The children by the second marriage were:
Fredericka, the deceased wife of Henry Boss, of O'Brien county, Iowa; Minnie,
the wife of Harvey Chase, of the same county; Sarah, who died in infancy; and
Hulda, who died at the age of nine months.
Shortly after his parents settled upon their farm in this county, Henry Moeller
was born, January 18, 1854, and his brother Louis' birth occurred at the same
lace November 9, 1855. Both boys attended the district school and worked upon
the homestead from the time they were able to handle the lighter of the farm
implements and assume some of the responsibilities in the operation of the
place. After the death of their parents, the brothers assumed the management of
the farm their father had bought, although Henry Moeller also bought, in 1898,
two hundred acres just west of the village of Blue Grass. He never took up his
residence upon it, however, as the home place demanded all of his attention.
Since the death of which have placed both the men among the prominent and
successful agriculturists of Blue Grass township. The tract Mr. Moeller
cultivates is well improved and is of a fertility which makes general farming
profitable.
Henry Moeller has never married, but on the 15th of March, 1883, Louis Moeller
was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Jockheck, a daughter of Ernst F. Jockheck,
who is still living in Durant, Iowa. They became the parents of the following
children: Emma, born January 15, 1884, is now the wife of William Illian, of
Muscatine, Iowa; Ida, born July 9, 1886, died March 5, 1891, Wilma A., born
August 27, 1895, and Louis J. H., born July 18, 1899, are all at home.
Henry and Louis Moeller were stanch adherents of the democratic party, and both
played some part in the local affairs, for Louis Moeller was school director for
four years, and his brother was road supervisor for six years. The latter holds
stock in the Blue Grass Savings Bank. Indeed both men were representative of the
best farming interests of Blue Grass township, which was deprived of one of its
most worthy citizens when, on the 22d of November, 1907, Louis Moeller passed
away. He was mourned not only by his family, but also by the many of his
associates who through frequent intercourse with him had come to respect and
honor him.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
Mrs. Anna Christina Schmalz Biography
From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E.
Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Schmalz, Woolenhaupt.
Mrs. Anna Christina Schmalz, well known in Princeton, where she has many
friends, was born in Aprote', Germany, November 11, 1831, and is, therefore, in
her seventy-ninth year. Her parents were Johannas and Anna Christina Woolenhaupt,
also natives of Germany, in which country the father followed the shoemaker's
trade.
Mrs. Schmalz spent her girlhood days in her native country and was a young lady
of eighteen years when she crossed the Atlantic to America in the spring of
1849, landing in New York. She then made her way to Davenport, where she lived
for two years, after which she came to Princeton and since that time has lived
in this section of the county. On the 26th of April, 1854, she gave her hand in
marriage to Christian Schmalz, the wedding being celebrated in Newburgh, New
York. They became the parents of nine children: Louise; Catherine and Gusta,
twins; George, Otto, Emma, Andrew, Anna and Ella.
Mr. Schmalz was for thirty years engaged in merchandising in Princeton, being
numbered among the leading and enterprising business men of the town, and on his
retirement from commercial pursuits he removed to a farm in Princeton township.
For a while he carried on the work of the fields but later retired and was
enjoying a period of well earned rest up to the he time of his death, which
occurred on the 5th of July, 1904.
Mr. Schmalz was a republican in his political views but never aspired to office,
preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs, in which he
met with signal and well merited success. His life was ever upright and
honorable and commanded the trust and confidence of his fellowmen. He held
membership in the German Lutheran church, in which he was confirmed when a
child. Throughout his life his actions were in harmony with his Christian
professions and he ever attempted to follow the golden rule, doing unto others
as he would have them do unto him. Mrs. Schmalz is now enjoying a well earned
rest and makes her home with her daughter, Ella, who has charge of the home.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
Reinholdt Sieg Biography
From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E.
Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Sieg, Williams, Robirds, Burleigh.
Reinholdt Sieg a splendid typed of the German citizen, manifesting in his life
the salient and commendable characteristics of the Teutonic race, rose to a
position of honor and prominence in connection with the industrial and financial
interests of Davenport, the city profiting by his activity in business affairs
and in those projects which have constituted the vital elements for growth and
betterment along other than commercial lines. In the town of Magdeburg, Germany,
occurred the birth of Reinholdt Sieg whose natal day was December 10, 1828. His
parents were trades people in good circumstances, and liberal educational
advantages were afforded him, his parents securing for him the opportunity of
attending the pay schools of his native town. When his more specifically
literary course was completed he sought and obtained employment as a salesman in
a wholesale grocery store in Magdeburg, where he remained for seven years. While
he was there living he was married the first time and soon afterward he
determined to seek his fortune in the land of the free. Accordingly completing
his arrangements for leaving his native country, he sailed for America in 1849
and spent two or three years in traveling over the United States, looking for a
favorable location for business. His parents had died when he was about thirteen
years of age, leaving him in comfortable circumstances. His wisdom and sound
judgment not only in business but in other affairs was constantly demonstrated
throughout his life record. After traveling for about two or three years his
observations and inclination determined him to locate in Davenport, where he
entered into partnership with a Mr. Meyer now of Chicago, and under the firm
style of Sieg & Meyer they established a tobacco business, which they
conducted along both wholesale and retail lines. They made substantial advance
in this field of labor, prospering in their venture and Mr. Sieg continued
in active connection therewith until 1866, when the business was disposed of.
For two or three years thereafter Mr. Sieg was engaged in no active business,
but indolence and idleness were utterly foreign to his nature and he could not
content himself in an inactive life. He therefore made arrangements which again
took him into the commercial field, forming a partnership with the late
Alexander F. Williams in the iron business. They dealt in heavy hardware and
were not long in developing a large and profitable trade, in which they
continued without change until the death of Mr. Williams in 1887. Upon the death
of Mr. Williams his interest in the business was withdrawn and Mr. Sieg
organized a stock company with small shares in order that his employes might
purchase stock and thus share in the profits of the enterprise. He became the
president of the company and remained as its chief executive officer until his
death. The business is still carried on under the name of the Sieg Iron Company
by his heirs. It is a monument to the enterprise and labor of Mr. Sieg, who
recognized and used opportunities which others passed by heedlessly and when one
avenue of activity seemed closed, sought out other paths that would lead to the
result which he wished to achieve. In his business his methods were such as
would bear the closest investigation and scrutiny, being conducted with strict
regard for the highest commercial ethics. Moreover, he was fair and just in his
treatment of all employes, considering their rights and interests as well as his
own and they entertained for him highest respect and regard. He considered that
they had helped to earn for him the wealth that he acquired and he was therefore
ever watchful of their interests. In addition to his interests in the iron trade
he was a stockholder in the citizens Bank and also in the Iowa National Bank. He
became one of the original stockholders in the Davenport canning factory and in
the D. I. & D. Railroad. He was also one of the promoters and stockholders
of the Masonic Temple and in various ways assisted in building up the city of
his adoption.
Mr. Sieg was twice married. His first wife died April 19, 1883. They had no
children of their own but reared an adopted daughter, Alice Camille, on whom
they bestowed every care and attention of loving parents On the 24th of April,
1884, Mr. Sieg was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Victoria
Robirds, nee Burleigh. They had two children, Minnie and Martha. The parents of
Mrs. Sieg were southern people, her father being at one time a wealthy and
prominent man of Louisiana. His earlier years were devoted to journalism as an
editor and later he became a merchant. One of his sons, a brother of Mrs. Sieg,
was captain in the Union army and served as aid-de-camp on the staff of General
Rosecrans. Mrs. Sieg was first married in Pekin, Illinois, to George Robirds.
There is one son of this marriage, George Lawrence Robirds, who pursued his
education in the military academy to Orchard Lake, Michigan.
The death of Mr. Sieg occurred November 27, 1890, and his demise was greatly
unexpected, the news therefore causing a great blow to his many friends. In his
death Davenport lost one of its most valued citizens. In manner he was quiet,
unostentatious and unassuming and cared not to figure before the public in any
relation save that of a successful business man. He always refused office and
political preferment, yet he was recognized as one of the worthiest citizens of
the city. He was a man of very positive character and his position was never an
equivocal one. On the contrary he stood fearlessly in defense of what he
believed to be right and was a man of determination and unflinching integrity.
No one ever questioned the honesty of his expressions or his actions. Moreover,
he possessed a spirit of broad humanitarianism that prompted him to recognize
the rights and interests of others and his employes, business associates and all
with whom he came in contact in every relatio!
n of life knew him to be not only a good and just but also a generous man.
Because of his innate modesty and retiring spirit he was thought by some to be
reserved, but those who knew him best and came within the closer circle of his
friendship entertained for him the highest regard. His best traits of character,
however, where reserved for his own fireside and he cared nothing for the social
allurements which would take him from his family. He stood for all that
constitutes high and honorable manhood and at his death left a memory that is
cherished by all who knew him.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
William August Moeller
From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E.
Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Moeller, Fick, Ewaldt, Koch, Klindt, Wiese, Ottsen, Sorensen, Hinze,
Rohlf.
Among the early German residents of Scott county was the Moeller family, of
which William August Moeller was the eldest of eight children. He arrived in
Davenport in his sixth year and form that time forward continued his residence
in this county most of the time, devoting his energies to agricultural pursuits.
He placed his reliance upon the safe, substantial qualities of indefatigable
effort and unfaltering perseverance and as the year as passed his financial
resources increased until the poor little German boy became a man of
considerable wealth, possessing valuable property interests from which he
annually derived a substantial income. It is a fact worthy of note that some of
the strongest characteristics of the German race have been dominant factors in
the substantial upbuilding and development of Davenport and Scott county.
William August Moeller was among the number of German citizens who aided in the
pioneer development of this section of the state. He was a little lad of five
years of age at the time of his arrival here in 1848.
His birth had occurred at Propstei, Germany, November 16, 1842, his parents
being Henry and Anna Moeller, who on crossing the Atlantic to the United States
with their family landed at New Orleans in 1847. They made their way up the
Mississippi river as far as St. Louis and remained there through the winter but
in the spring of 1848 continued their journey to Davenport. The father worked as
a laborer for about a year, after which he purchased forty acres of land
in Davenport township at the usual government price of one dollar and a quarter
per acre. Upon this claim he built a small house and at once began improving the
fields, making his home there until 1855, when he sold that place ad bought one
hundred an sixty acres of prairie land in Lincoln township at fifteen dollars
per acre. He thereon erected a residence, fenced the land and made all the other
improvements. Year by year he carefully tilled the soil and as his financial
resources increased he extended the boundaries of his place from time to time
until he was the owner of about four hundred acres when his death occurred,
November 17, 1872. He had for eleven years survived his wife, who passed away
July 23, 1861. They were the parents of eight children.
William August Moeller, the oldest of the family, acquired his education in the
district schools of Scott county, was reared to the occupation of farming and
throughout his entire life carried on general agricultural pursuits. When he
started out on his own account he at first rented a part of his father's farm
and when his close economy and unfailing and unfailing industry had brought him
sufficient capital to enable him to become the owner of a farm he invested in
two hundred and forty acres in Lincoln township. There he lived for a long
number of years and the place is still known as the old homestead. He also
bought tow hundred acres in Sheridan township and two farms near Donahue, Scott
county, of one hundred and sixty acres each, but later sold those tracts to his
sons. He also became the owner of a farm in Ida county, Iowa, where his daughter
now lives. Year by year he prospered, making good use of his time and
opportunities and in all of his farm work he was practic!
al, diligent, determined and therefore successful.
Mr. Moeller was married twice. He first wedded Miss Dora Fick, now deceased and
they had five children. Anna, the eldest, is the wife of Herman Ewaldt and
they had eight children: William, Henry, Herman, Rudolph, Arnold, Albert, Meta
and Hugo. Henry Moeller married Meta Koch and they have three children: Roy,
Henry and May. William married Anna Klindt and they have two children, Clarence
and William. Meta is the wife of Gust Wiese and their five children are Howard,
Ruth, Arthur, Stella and Erma. Laura, the youngest of the family, is the wife of
William Ottsen and has one daughter, Lorena. For his second wife, Mr. Moeller
chose Magdelina Sorensen, a daughter of Henry and Louise Sorensen, who came to
Scott county in 1883 and are now living at Eldridge. Mrs. Moeller came to this
county in 1881. She was born in Schleswig, Germany, April 28, 1862. She has five
children: Rudolph, living in Lincoln township, married Amanda Hinze and has four
children-Hertha, Elton and infant twins. Clara is the wife of Herman Rohlf, of
Davenport, and they have two children, Wilbert and Bernice; Amanda, Arnold and
Helen are at home.
During the years of his residence upon the farm Mr. Moeller served in a number
of local offices, including that of township trustee and school director. He was
ever loyal to the best interests of the community and cooperated in many
measures for the public good. He held membership with the Turners at Eldridge
and was a man of social, genial disposition who won friends wherever he went. He
continued to reside upon the farm until November, 1906, when he removed to
Davenport, where his death occurred on the 29th of March, 1907. His widow still
owns the old home place of two hundred and forty acres in Lincoln township and
the two hundred acre farm in Sheridan township, besides fine city property,
having been left fairly comfortable financial circumstances by her husband. Mr.
Moeller was a man of many good qualities and his life moreover illustrates the
value of industry and close application in the attainment of success. As the
architect of his own fortunes he builded wisely and well.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
E. O. Ficke, M. D. Biography
From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E.
Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Ficke, Voeght.
One of the most prominent of the younger physicians of Davenport is Dr. E. O.
Ficke, one of the city's native sons, whose birth occurred February 23, 1880.
His father, H. E. Ficke, was born in Hamburg, Germany, but came to the United
States when only a child. He grew to manhood in Iowa and here married Miss
Louise Voeght, who was a native of Kiel, Germany, and like her husband came to
the his country when a mere child. She is still living, but Mr. Ficke passed
away August 19, 1908.
Dr. Ficke was the youngest of the three children born to his parents. He was
reared in this city and began his education as a pupil at what is now known as
Harrison, No. 8, school. Later, having completed all the requirements, he
entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Chicago, Illinois, from which
he received his medical degree and his license to practice his profession in
1903. He went straightway to Buffalo, Scott county, Iowa, where he remained
about two years. In 1907 he was appointed physician for the county, being
reappointed in 1908 and 1909 and holding the office to the present, for he has
acquitted himself with honor and enjoys the confidence of those who have watched
his administrations.
Dr. Ficke is a member of the Scott county, the Iowa State and the American
Medical Associations and often attends their meetings. He is a young man of
ambition, high ideals and skill in his chosen field, and the success which has
crowned his previous efforts is an indication of what is in store for him. He
has no reason to be discouraged with the present or despair of the future.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
William Marlette Chamberlin Biography
From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E.
Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Chamberlin, Marlette, Galvin.
William Marlette Chamberlin, a lawyer who for twenty-four years has practiced at
the Davenport bar, is today enjoying the success which comes as the result of a
large clientage of an important character. He was born in Princeton, Scott
county, Iowa, August 24, 1862, and comes of ancestry represented in America from
colonial days. Both the paternal and maternal lines were represented in the
patriot army in the Revolutionary war. The parents of our subject were Levi s.
and Lucy A. (Marlette) Chamberlin, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania.
The father was born in Susquehanna county and in 1836 came 3with his parents to
Scott county. His father, Josiah Chamberlin, first settled in Rock Island
county, Illinois, and soon afterward removed to Pleasant Valley, where he
engaged in farming. His was one of the pioneer homes of the district and the
first church services in the county were held in his house. He sought to aid in
the work of public progress in every possible way and was among those who
laid broad and deep the foundation upon which the later prosperity and growth of
the county were built. Levi S. Chamberlin was reared to farm life and for a
number of years engaged in general agricultural pursuits but afterward tuned his
attention to merchandising in LeClaire, Iowa, and was also a partial owner of a
boatyard there. He likewise acted as pilot on the river for a few years and his
varied activities brought him into close contact with the public life of the
community. He died in 1885, at the age of sixty-three years, and was long
survived by his wife, who passed away in May, 1909.
In their family were three children, including W. M. Chamberlin, who was
educated in the public schools of Princeton, and afterward engaged in teaching
in this county for three years. He regarded this merely as an initial step to
further professional labor, however, for it was his ambition to become a member
of the bar and to this end he devoted his leisure hours, while engaged in
teaching, to the study of law. Later he entered the State University, from which
he was graduated with the class of 1886. He was an earnest student and gained
comprehensive knowledge of the principles of jurisprudence, so that when he
entered upon active practice his equipment was unusually good. He has served for
one term as county attorney, which has covered the extent of his service in
political office, but he has always been active in politics since attaining his
majority.
On the 5th of September, 1898, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Chamberlin and
Miss Helen C. Galvin, of Davenport, a daughter of Martin Galvin, one of the old
residents of this city. They have one child, James Marlette, born August 11,
1899. Fraternally Mr. Chamberlin is connected with the Masons and the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks, and his name is also on the membership roll of
other societies. He is likewise identified with organized movements for the
city's benefit, including the Business Men's Association and the Commercial
Club.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
Gustave A. Koester Biography
From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E.
Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Koester, Schulenberg, Beckler, Leach, Shaeffer, Reise, Osterhouse,
Steinburg, Smith, Eskie, Krider, Anderson.
Perhaps no history in this volume better illustrates the power of industry and
the force of character than does the record of Gustave A. Koester, who, thrown
upon his own resources by the death of his parents when ten years of age, has
since made his own way in the world and now, at the age of three score years and
ten, is numbered among Davenport's men of affluence. His business methods, too,
have never required nor sought disguise. There has been no esoteric phase in his
career, for in the legitimate lines of trade and business activity he has won
his success.
He was born in Germany on the 13th of November, 1838, and was a son of Ernest
and Mary Koester, the former a prominent attorney of the fatherland, whence he
sailed for America with his family in 1841. Landing at New Orleans, he proceeded
up the Mississippi river to St. Louis where he engaged in the practice of law
until 1848, when his life's labors were ended in death. He was the owner of a
coal mine near the arsenal at St. Louis, called the Grove mine, and during the
period of his residence in that city was a prominent and influential man there.
He brought with him to America Messrs. Schulenberg and Beckler, who were then
studying law under him in Germany and who afterward became prominent lumbermen
of St. Louis. His wife died in 1847. In their family were eight children. Otto,
who was appointed burgomaster of Soest, Germany, and later received appointment
as chief burghmaster over all others from Emperor William, died in his native
land in 1908. Fritz died in St. Louis in 1866. Julius is a practicing
attorney of Carlinville, Illinois, now seventy-eight years of age. Mary died in
1907. Emily, of Cairo, Illinois, is the widow of Dr. Leach. Gustave A. is the
next of the family. Mollie, who died in 1904, was the wife of George Schaeffer,
a wholesale druggist of Fort Madison, Iowa. Elizabeth died in 1847.
The educational opportunities of Gustave A. Koester were somewhat limited owing
to the early death of his parents, whereby he was left an orphan when not yet
ten years of age. For a brief period he attended the German Institute conducted
by General Siegel at St. Louis, but was a student there for only about a year
and then for only about four half days each week. After his parents' death he
and three other children of the family went to live with an uncle, Conrad Reise,
at Muscatine, Iowa.
Soon afterward, however, Gustave A. Koester left his uncle's home and began
selling papers, blacking boots and doing other such work as he could secure in
order to provide a living. He came to Davenport in 1856 and was first employed
as a bell boy in the hotels. He afterward worked in different restaurants and at
different places, where he learned to cook, and when the civil war broke out he
went to the front as cook for the Twelfth Missouri Infantry under Colonel
Osterhouse. He also cooked for the Thirteenth Missouri Infantry. He had a
brother-in-law, Captain Steinburg, with the Twelfth Missouri Infantry and Mr.
Koester remained with that regiment until June, 1863, when he went south and
witnessed eh battle of Helena, Arkansas.
In the fall of 1863 Mr. Koester returned to Davenport, where in connection with
Claus Houck he engaged in the grain business, which they carried on for four
years. They then dissolved partnership and became agents f the Moline Flour
Mills, buying all the wheat used in their plant and also acting as sales agents
for their flour. In 1867 Mr. Koester engaged in business for himself in the same
line, dealing in all kinds of grain, potatoes, onions and other farm products.
In this undertaking he prospered and as the years passed by he extended the
scope of the business by establishing branch houses at Eldridge, Long Grove,
Donahue, Mount Joy an Durant, Iowa, where he had the largest elevator on the
Rock Island Railroad. The yeas chronicled his growing success, resulting from
his earnest purpose, his close application, his undaunted energy and his
reliable business methods.
At length Mr. Koester retired from that business in 1888 and was then employed
by large real-estate companies to organize and conduct excursions, taking land
seekers to new territory. He thus handled considerable land, selling as high as
five thousand acres per day. In 1890 he purchased considerable land in Iowa and
Minnesota from an English syndicate and became his own real-estate agent,
handling his own property with headquarters and office in Davenport. He
continued in business alone until 1896, when he admitted Charles Martin to a
partnership. They were thus associated for four years, at the end of which time
the business relation was dissolved, after which Mr. Koester sold out to his son
Gustave, who conducted the business for about a year. Since then Mr. Koester has
been selling lots in the Norwood addition to Davenport, which he owns, but has
practically retired from active life to enjoy a rest which he truly earned and
richly deserves.
Mr. Koester was married twice. He first wedded Miss Mary Smith. They had three
children: Gustave A., who is married and lives in Davenport; Katie, the wife of
Alex Eskie, of Colorado, by whom she has one son, Adolph; and Toney, of
Davenport, who married Miss Maude Krider, and has two children. For his second
wife Mr. Koester chose Kathryn Anderson.
Fraternally Mr. Koester is connected with the Elks lodge, No. 298, of Davenport,
and is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and the Schuetzen Verein.
He is one of the directors of the Union Savings Bank and his name is an honored
one on commercial paper in this city. His business interests have been of an
important character and, carefully managed, have brought to him substantial
success, so that now in the evening of his life he is very comfortably situated
financially.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
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