Benoni S. Baldwin

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

Benoni S. Baldwin, a retired contractor and manufacturer of Davenport, whose persistent labor has constituted for him the key that has unlocked the portals of success, was born in Harrison county, Ohio, November 8, 1834, and is a son of Joseph D. and Sarah S. (Shields) Baldwin. The father was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, in 1801 and removed westward to Ohio about 1828, accompanied by his wife. He settled in Harrison county and there followed the stonemason's trade, which he had previously learned in the Keystone state. He died in 1876 and his wife, who was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, in 1808, passed away in 1844. She was the mother of four children: Thomas H., now deceased; Benoni S.; George W., who is living in Hopedale, Harrison county, Ohio; and William, a resident of Sheridan, Iowa.

Benoni S. Baldwin was a pupil in the district schools of his native county and therein became familiar with those branches of learning which are necessary to advancement in any line of life as well as to business success. He left school early, however, and in 1851, when a youth of sixteen years, left home in order to learn the carpenter's trade. He applied himself diligently to the tasks assigned him and became an expert workman. Thinking to find better business opportunities in the new but rapidly growing and developing west, he came to Iowa in 1856, arriving at Davenport on the 24th of April of that year. He first began to work at his trade in the employ of others but later felt that his experience and skill justified him in engaging in business on his own account and turned his attention to contracting, in which connection he has erected a large number of buildings. He also assisted in building the old Christian chapel in 1889. Further extending the field of his activities, he bought a half interest in the Davenport Ladder Company and acted as superintendent of the plant for about fourteen years, at the end of which time he sold out to W. C. Hayward and since that time has lived retired. The years brought him substantial success as the reward of persistent and indefatigable labor and he is now in possession of a comfortable competence.

At the time of the Civil war Mr. Baldwin put aside business and personal considerations in 1864 and enlisted as a member of Company C, Fourteenth Iowa Infantry. His company was detailed for service at Camp McClellan on guard duty and there Mr. Baldwin remained until mustered out in 1865. He maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in the Grand Army of the Republic.

On the 6th of December, 1866, Mr. Baldwin was married to Miss Mary A. Jenkins, who was born in Rockingham township, this county, a daughter of Richard R. and Mary (Blackman) Jenkins. Her parents were early settlers here, coming to this county from Canada in 1842. They were farming people and the father took up raw land which he converted into rich and productive fields. Both he and his wife died in Davenport. In their family were eight children: Hiram H., now living in Nebraska; Mrs. Maria J. Carpenter, who is a widow and lives in South Omaha; Mary A., now Mrs. Baldwin; James, whose home is in South Dakota; George W., of Minneapolis; Frank, who is living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Etta, who is the wife of John A. Wheeler and resides in Davenport; and Annie L., deceased. Sarah Eleanor, the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin, died when but seven months old. They are members of the Old Settlers Society of Scott county, composed of people who came here in 1846 or before and have lived here since the admission of the state into the Union. Mr. Baldwin also belongs to the Fremont Club, composed of those who voted for John C. Fremont in 1856. He is now treasurer of that society. He built his present residence about thirty years ago, set out trees and has in other ways adorned the place. He has also built a number of other houses for himself and from his property interests has derived a good income. His has been an active and useful life and his fellow townsmen have naught to say of him except in terms of good will and high regard. Great have been the changes which have occurred during the period of his residence in Iowa. In the decades which have since been added to the centuries he has seen Iowa transformed from a frontier state into one of the thickly populated regions of the middle west, leading the entire country in the matter of corn production, in the number and efficiency of its public schools and in other fields of activity of a most creditable nature. Mr. Baldwin has always done his full share of public work as a citizen, giving loyal support to every movement calculated to benefit and upbuild the city and county.

Transcribed by Debbie Gerischer

Levi Richard Bannister

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

The birth of Levi Richard Bannister occurred in Blair, Nebraska, September 2, 1870, his parents being Chester and Johanna Bannister, who were married in Illinois, the native state of the mother, but went to Nebraska to live, being among the pioneer settlers in that state. He was the youngest of their nine children, his brothers and sisters being: Miles, deceased; Cal, living in Nebraska; William, a resident of Kansas; Marion, in Nebraska; La Fayette, deceased; Julia, living in Omaha; Mary, in Black Hills; and Bell, in Nebraska.

At the age of sixteen years Mr. Bannister began to look about him for a means of livelihood. He went to Kansas but remained in the Jayhawker state for only a short time and then returned to Nebraska. Three years later he removed to Scott county, Iowa, where he has ever since resided and where he speedily established a home for himself. Upon his arrival in Iowa he worked as a farm hand until his marriage in 1900, when he located on the farm where he now resides. It belongs to his wife and is a tract of one hundred and twenty acres on section 32, Hickory Grove township. It is a valuable property, being fertile and well improved. Aside from his general farming Mr. Bannister has had great success as a breeder of Scotch shorthorn cattle, and he is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company of Walcott.

On May 5, 1895, Mr. Bannister married Miss Caroline Magdaline Arp, who was born on the farm they now occupy, August 14, 1861. Her parents were Timm and Bertha (Arp) Arp, both natives of Holstein, Germany, though resident in different towns. They were married across the water and came direct to Davenport on landing in New Orleans, making the journey up the Mississippi river in 1851. They spent two years in Davenport, the father working at the carpenter trade and among other things assisting in the construction of the First Lutheran church. Upon his removal to the country Mr. Arp took up the new vocation of farming which proved congenial and profitable. Beside the farm now owned by his daughter, he owned another of one hundred and twenty acres adjoinging. He has five children as follows: Paul William, of Hickory Grove township, occupying a neighboring farm to the subject of the sketch; Johannas Adolph, also a neighbor; Henry Peter, of Glyndon, Minnesota; Mrs. Bannister; and Ferdinand Theo, of Tea, South Dakota. Mr. Arp was born May 23, 1819, and died September 21, 1890, and Mrs. Arp was born March 31, 1830, and died March 14, 1899. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Bannister has been blessed by the birth of five children: Birdie Johanna; William Chester; Carlisle Timm; Catherine Margaret, who died in infancy; and Emil Clifford.

Mr. Bannister gives a stanch adherence to the policies and principles of democracy. He is now serving his third term as constable, in which capacity he has given most efficient service. Fraternally he is identified with the Eagles and the Modern Woodmen of America in their Walcott camps. Mr. Bannister has many friends and is well regarded, being a public-spirited man, strong in his advocacy of those measures he believes will bring the greatest good to the greatest number.

Transcribed by Debbie Gerischer

Bio of John Bangert

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

Among the successful and representative agriculturists of Cleona township who claim Germany as the place of their nativity, is John Bangert, whose birth occurred in Hesse-Darmstadt on the 12th of November, 1852. His parents were Henry and Marie (Wanda) Bangert, also natives of the fatherland, whose entire lives were spent in that country. The father was a distiller by trade, being engaged in that line of activity for twenty-one years. John Bangert, of this review, was the second in order of birth in a fmaily of six children, he and a sister Mary being the only ones of that number to come to this country.

In the common schools of Germany John Bangert acquired a good education and remained under the parental roof until fifteen years of age, when he came alone to America. Here he joined an uncle, John Wanda, who resided in Muscatine county, Iowa, near Blue Grass, with whom he continued to make his home until twenty-one years of age. On attaining his majority he took up agricultural pursuits on his own account and for four years operated a farm belonging to his aunt in Muscatine county. At the expiration of that period he came to Scott county, where he rented a farm in Buffalo township for two years. He then returned to Muscatine county and there engaged in farming in the capacity of renter until about eleven years ago, when he purchased his present farm, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres located on the northwest quarter of section 34, Cleona township. He has since directed his efforts toward the further development of this farm, which under his wise and careful management has been brought to a high state of cultivation, it being one of the well improved properties of the township. He practices rotation of crops, has made a thorough study of the cereals best adapted to the soil and climate and the proper cultivation of the same, and is systematic, methodical and progressive in his methods, so that with the passing of the years he has won a most gratifying measure of success in agricultural lines.

Mr. Bangert laid the foundation for a happy home life by his marriage, October 23, 1879, to Miss Katharine Shulte, who was born in Buffalo township, Scott county, Iowa, on the 1st of May, 1858, and is a daughter of Henry and Marie (Gaass) Shulte, both natives of Germany. The parents came to New York in 1850 and were there married, after which they removed to Cleveland, Ohio, and thence to Davenport. The father died at the age of sixty-eight years, his death occurring on the ocean while on a trip back to the fatherland, while the mother survived for several years, passing away when eighty-three years of age. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bangert were born six children, namely: August, of Cleona township; Marie, the wife of Henry Bierkamp of Cedar county; Anna, who married Henry Lehms of Muscatine county; Clara, the wife of Hugo Schneckloth, a resident of Muscatine county; and Henry and Lena, both at home.

Politically Mr. Bangert has given stalwart support to the democratic party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, but he has never been an aspirant for public office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon the conduct of his business affairs. He is public-spirited in his citizenship, however, and although born across the waters is thoroughly identified with the interests of his adopted country and is numbered among her loyal, representative and substantial citizens.

Transcribed by Debbie Gerischer

Esek Steere Ballord Bio

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

One of the most prominent of the older generation of the citizens of Davenport is Esek Steere Ballord, who for upward of half a century has been connected with the business life here. During that time he conducted a drug store at one locality, although the firm name was changed several times, but more than that he has identified himself with those interests that are calculated to promote the intellectual and moral advancement of his fellow citizens. He is a descendant of a family for many years associated with the history of this country. The first of his name to settle upon American shores was William Ballard, from whom were descended in direct line Nathaniel, William, Zaccheus and Lynde, who was the grandfather of our subject. His son John was one of the first graduates from Colgate University and became a minister of the Baptist church. He wedded Miss Augusta Maria Gilman, who was descended from colonial ancestors, for Moses Gilman came from England in 1635, settling in what is now known as Hingham, Massachusetts.

Esek Steere Ballord was born in Bloomfield, Connecticut, July 26, 1830, and received his education at Bacon Academy. Later he went to Hartford, where he learned the drug business. Having attained a certain efficiency in what was to be his vocation he went to New York city, where he became an apothecary for a charitable institution. After two years' experirence there he went to Cleveland, Ohio, but remained only two years before he continued his western journey and came to Davenport. Here he engaged in the drug business, with which he was connected for forty-five years, dispensing healing medicines and other sundries at the same place throughout that period. The name was first Taylor & Ballord, but was later changed to E. S. Ballord & Company, by the admission of his cousin John W. Ballard. E. S. Ballord retired from the Company in 1903, when it was continued by John W. Ballard and his son Harry in the firm name of Ballard Drug & Dental Company. Upon retiring from active participation in the business, Mr. Ballord devoted himself to farming, for the estate he owns in Davenport is one of the largest in the city. It embraces six acres and is known as the Birches. There are in all thirty varieties of trees planted upon the grounds to enhance their beauty, many of them having been brought from Connecticut. While he never spared any means to advance his own prosperity, Mr. Ballord has found time to devote to other matters, for during a long period of years he occupied the position of trustee of the C. C. Cook Home for the Friendless and for a number of years was the president, vice president and director of the Davenport National Bank.

On September 4, 1862, Mr. Ballord was united in marriage to Miss Frances Webb, a daughter of Zerah Webb and a descendant in the eighth generation of Christopher Webb, of Braintree, Massachusetts. She is also a decendant in the seventh generation of Henry Adams, of Braintree and Quincy, Massachusetts, who was the ancestor of the two presidents, John and John Quicy Adams, and also of Samuel Adams. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ballord. Katharin Augusta is the wife of Leon M. Allen, passenger traffic manager of the Rock Island system, and they live in Kenilworth, Illoinis. They have three children, Leon, Priscilla and Francis. Bessie W. is a graduate of Wellesley College of the class of 1887. She has traveled widely abroad, but makes her home in Davenport. Belle became the wife of Jenness B. Richardson, who is manager of the Davenport Democrat. They have one son, John Adams. Webb Rysee wedded Gerttrude Jones, of San Francisco, and is a graduate of the Webb Naval Academy, but completed his education in Glasgow, Scotland. He is a naval architect by profession, and is now manager of Canon Lumber Company of Everett, Washington.

The family are members of the Baptist church, in the work of which they take an active interest. Mr. Ballord belongs to the Iowa Sons of the Revolution and of the Colonial Wars. He was one of the founders of the Runnemede and a member of the New England Historical Society of Boston. With his daughter, Bessie W., he is a life member in the Davenport Academy of Science. He also took out a life membership certificate in the American Sunday School Union , as he was fully in sympathy with the principles which lay at the bottom of this organization. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons, belonging to Trinity Lodge, No. 208. Mrs. Ballord belongs to the Mayflower and Colonial Dames through her descent from Governor William Bradford and John Alden and takes an active part both in the work of the local society and in the national body. Her daughters Katharin and Belle are also members of Colonial Dames. One of the more prominent families of Davenport, Mr. Ballord's home at 226 East Locust street, is frequently the scene of congenial gatherings of friends, in whose midst Mrs. Ballord shows that she is a hostess of charming qualities.

Transcribed by Debbie Gerischer

Edwin Parmele Biography

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

Surnames: Parmele, Treat, Peterson, Jamison.

Edwin Parmele, deceased, who is numbered among Davenport's earliest settlers, was born in Cattaraugus county, New York, and in 1838 arrived at the small town on the Mississippi then known as Rockingham, which gave little prophecy of the thriving city into which it has since grown. The journey was made in a flatboat in company with his father and mother and four brothers. His father was Moses Parmele and his mother was a Miss Treat before her marriage. The five sons were as follows: Henry, Walter, Edwin, William and James, the three first named being now deceased.
Until the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion Edwin Parmele earned his livelihood by farming. He was interested in his life work by this great crisis in national affairs and after its termination he began dealing in farm implements, in which he enjoyed no small amount of success. He became representative, or general agent, for a large concern and was well known throughout a wide territory into which his business took him. Mr. Parmele passed on to his reward some years ago, his death occurring March 13, 1887, but his wife is still living in Davenport. These worthy people were the parents of four children, three sons and one daughter. They are F. M., a dentist; William M., superintendent for a paint company; Myrtle, now Mrs. E. J. G. Peterson; and Edwin T., commercial manager of the Iowa Telephone Company.
Edwin T. Parmele is a native of Davenport, having first seen the light of day April 24, 1870, and his education was received in Davenport's excellent schools. In 1890, when he had scarcely attained his majority, he took up the study of the telephone business and became so well versed in it that he served in various capacities, each being an advance upon its predecessor. Beginning at the bottom and asking only a fair filed and no favors he has by sheer force of ability climbed to his present responsible position of commercial manager, and his efficiency and worthiness are recognized in the business world.
Edwin T. Parmele was married October 10, 1900, to Miss Ella J. Jamison. Their home at 1322 Bridge avenue is brightened by the presence of one child, a daughter, Martha J. Mr. Parmele as a descendent of one of Davenport's pioneers is able to feel more than the usual sense of proprietorship in the fair city in which he has always made his home.

Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann

John Berwald Biography

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

Surnames: Berwald, Sandleben, Brauch.

A lifelong resident of Davenport, John Berwald needs no introduction to the readers of this volume, for from his boyhood days he has been identified with that class which has upheld the political status of the community and promoted its material, social and benevolent interests. He is a man of generous aims and honorable purposes and is both widely and favorably known in this city. He was born July 28, 1852, in the city which is yet his place of residence. His parents were Edward and Carolina (Sandleben) Berwald, both of whom were natives of Hamburg, Germany. Coming to America, the father landed at New Orleans, whence he made his way northward to Davenport, arriving in this city in 1851. Here he conducted a profitable business in books, stationery and toys. The family of which he was a representative was connected with German affairs through many generations and John Berwald now has in his possession an old picture printed in 1577 at Leipsic, Germany, by one of his ancestors, Jacob Berwald, showing a bear coming out of the forest. This is a symbol of the family name: ber, bear, and wald, forest. The picture is of the ancient German type and the spelling is also of the old form.
John Berwald was educated in private German schools of Davenport and in Bryant & Stratton Commercial College. After putting aside his text-books he became his father's assistant in business, also engaged in carrying papers and did much work in connection with the store. When his father was on a visit to Germany in 1866, and John Berwald was only fourteen years of age, he sold his first steamship ticket and since that time has been continuously connected with the steamship business. In these years he has secured passage for many patrons of the steamboat lines, but has not confined his attention solely to this business. Up to 1889 he was connected with his father's store as a dealer in books, stationary and toys and also maintained the steamship agency. From that year until 1904 he was engaged in the fire insurance and real-estate business, and from 1904 until 1908 gave his attention to the life insurance business in addition to the steamship agency. In the latter year he was!
 chosen secretary of the Brick and Tile company and also has important financial interests in other corporations. In all vital business matters his judgment is sound, his discrimination keen and his enterprise unfaltering, and his efforts and opinions therefore have always been counted valuable factors in the attainment of desirable results in business lines.
In Davenport Mr. Berwald was united in marriage, on the 16th of May, 1879, to Miss Sophia Brauch, a native of Scott county, Iowa, whose parents were industrious German people identified with the farming interests of the community. The brother saw active service in the Civil war. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Brauch were born three sons and two daughters, including Mrs. Berwald, who by her marriage has become the mother of two children, Anna Elfrieda and Walter Edward.
Mr. Berwald has taken active interest in matters of public importance, cooperating in many measures for the general good. He was alderman of the city in 1897-8 and is a democrat of the gold standard school. In 1880 he became a member of the Davenport Turngemeinde, of which he was presiding officer in 1903-4. In that year the society attained its highest point in membership, eight hundred and four names being on the roll. Mr. Berwald strongly pushed the matter of obtaining new members, so that one hundred and fifty-eight were secured that year. He also belongs to the Klaus Groth Gilde, of which he was presiding officer for several years, during which time the membership was increased from one hundred and forty-two to three hundred seventy-four, while the indebtedness was greatly reduced. This society was organized for the benefit of the sick. Mr. Berwald is likewise connected with the Saengerfest of the Northwestland and in 1898 the ten singing societies in convention in Davenport elected him to the presidency for a term of two years. He has been secretary of the German-American Pioneer Society of Scott county since 1904 and has advanced the member ship from seventy-seven to two hundred and ninety-two. He has served on several committees of the Business Men's Association, was twice chairman of the advertising committee and was once secretary of the Carnival Association, during which time they voted him a donation of one hundred dollars, which he refused, however, to accept. For a year he acted as secretary of the Davenport Outing Club and assisted them strongly in advancing their financial affairs. That Mr. Berwald has been again and again called to office in these different organizations is an indication of he confidence and respect entertained for him and also of the trust reposed in his ability. He has been associated with no organizations is an indication of the confidence and respect entertained for him and also of the trust reposed in his ability. He has been associated with no organization that has not felt the stimulus of his efforts and enterprise, and his activity in business lines makes him one of the foremost residents of Davenport.

Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann

George W. Valentine

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

George W. Valentine, long and favorably known in the business circles of Davenport, where he is conducting an extensive contracting business as a member of the firm of Garstang & Valentine, bricklayers, was born at Buffalo, New York, July 8, 1834, and is a son of William and Katherine (Mee) Valentine. The father was a bricklayer in the east and the mother died during the residence of the family in that part of the country. The father came to Davenport after the arrival of his son George here and spent his last days in this city.

George W. Valentine pursued his education in the public schools of Buffalo and afterward leaned the bricklayer's trade under the direction of his father. Noting the rapid improvement and settlement of the middle west and believing that it would offer a good field of labor for one in his line of work, he came to Davenport alone in 1856, when a young man of but twenty-two years of age. Here he began work at his trade and has since been connected with this line of business. He aided in building the old Methodist church, was employed on the construction of the First National Bank, also of the Burtis Opera House, the Kimball Hotel and a large number of other buildings. About thirty years ago he formed a partnership with Frank Garstang and during this period they have been awarded contracts for the erection of many large and important buildings in the city. They sustain an unassailable reputation because of the excellent workmanship which is done under their supervision and because of their unfaltering fidelity to the terms of a contract. Their patronage is now extensive and the business has long been conducted upon a profitable basis.

On the 4th of June, 1857, Mr. Valentine was united in marriage to Miss Mary Snow, a daughter of William and Louisa (Clark) Snow. She was born in Chautauqua county, New York, and came to Scott county, Iowa, in 1856. For fifty-three years, therefore, Mr. and Mrs. Valentine have traveled life's journey together and as time passed on their marriage was blessed with five children: Leon, who married Anna Russell and has one daughter, Mary; Carrie, the wife of Joseph O. Bradney, of Belmont, New York; Martha, the wife of William Davis, of Livingston, Montana, by whom she has three children - Leon, Marion and Carrie; George, of Evanston, Illinois, who married Lottie Wells and has three children - Wells W., George S. and Mary; and Ella, who died at the age of fourteen months. The parents began their domestic life in the same house in which they still reside.

Mr. Valentine and his wife are members of the Unitarian church. In matters of citizenship he has always been interested and his support has been given to those projects and measures which he has deemed of importance and of vital significance to the community. He has ever favored progress and improvement and those qualities have been manifest in his own life. His reliability in business and his fidelity in other relations have won for him a creditable standing in public regard.

Transcribed by Debbie Gerischer

Kasper Wachter

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

Kasper Wachter, who has lived retired in Davenport since 1887, was formerly actively and successfully identified with agricultural interests in this county. He was born in Mels, Switzerland, a little town at the foot of the mountains of which he still has a picture. His birth occurred on the 4th of August, 1834, his parents being Frank and Barbara Wachter. The father, who was a farmer by occupation, brought his family to the United States in 1845, reaching New York a month after leaving the land of the Alps. The journey from the Empire state to Iowa likewise consumed about a month, the family traveling via the lakes to Chicago and thence to Davenport, Scott county, by prairie schooner. After arriving here Frank Wachter purchased eighty acres of prairie land near the present site of the poorhouse and also bought an old log cabin at Rockingham, which he moved to his farm and in which he took up his abode. In 1852 he remodeled the dwelling and continued to reside therein until called to his final rest in 1856, when fifty-four years of age. His wife, whom he survived for a decade, passed away in 1846. Their children were seven in number, namely: Antone, who died n California; Frank, a resident of Wisconsin; Anna, whose demise occurred in 1849; Kasper, of this review; Joseph,, who lives in Kentucky; Barbara, the wife of Bernhard Huskey, of Davenport; and Amanda, who passed away in 1868.

Kasper Wachter, who was a lad of eleven years when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to the new world, attended school in Davenport for a time but his advantages in this direction were somewhat limited. He studied under the preceptorship of Father Pelamourgues, an early priest of the community. After putting aside his text-books he was busily engaged in farm work until October, 1861, when he enlisted in the Union army, joining Company G. Tenth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, at Black River Falls, Wisconsin. The regiment was equipped at Milwaukee, camped there for a time and subsequently marched all the way to Huntsville, Alabama, arriving at that place in the month of May. Mr. Wachter participated in the battles of Perryville, Kentucky, and Stone River and in the latter engagement was shot through the left shoulder, thus sustaining an injury which necessitated his removal to the regiment hospital. He was later transferred to a hospital near Cincinnati and when he has recovered was sent back to his regiment at Murfreesboro, where he was honorably discharged in May, 1863. After returning to Scott county he once more turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits and following his marriage, which was celebrated in 1864, he took up his abode on a farm of one hundred and fifty acres on Lost Grove road, to the operation of which he devotd his energies throughout the remainder of his active business career. In 1887 he disposed of the property and has since lived retired in Davenport, having won a competence that enables him to spend his declining years in well earned ease without recourse to further labor.

Mr. Wachter has been married twice. On the 31st of May, 1864, he wedded Mrs. Elizabeth Freund, the widow of Paul Freund, and their union was blessed with seven children, the record of whom is as follows. Carrie, who is the widow of Jacob Gittion, has three children, namely: Lillian, Leonard and Francis. Katherine is the wife of Rudolph Shepler, of Davenport, by whom she has four children; Clara, Agnes, Aloysius and Bernice. Kasper L. Wachter has passed away. Antone, who resides in Davenport, wedded Miss Clara Court and has one child, Marie. Edward makes his home in Davenport. The other two children of the family died in early life. The wife and mother was called to her final rest on the 8th of December, 1899, and on the 11th of May, 1901, Mr. Wachter was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Emma Wilson, whose parents were Noah and Leah Rudy, of Pennsylvania. Her first husband, Seth Wilson, of New York, died in 1894. By him she had two children, namely: Clara, living in Pasadena, California; and Luella, who married Frank Ruefer, of Davenport, and has four children: Gertrude, Georgia, Marie and Raymond.

Politically Mr. Wachter is a stanch advocate of the democratic party and while living on the farm he capably served his fellow townsmen in the capacity of road supervisor and also as a school director. In religious faith he is a Catholic. He has now passed the seventy-fifth milestone on life's journey and receives the veneration and respect which should always be accorded one who has traveled thus far on this earthly pilgrimage and whose career has ever been upright and honorable. He is widely and favorably known throughout the county which has remained his home for almost two-thirds of a century and of the growth and development of which he has been an interested witness.

Transcribed by Debbie Gerischer

Otto Klug

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

Otto Klug, a capitalist, who during the years of his residence in Davenport largely obtained his income from real estate investments and continued through the period of his life as one of the influential and honored citizens here, was born in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, August 1, 1822. His life record covered the intervening years to the 25th of May, 1899, when he was called to his final rest. Educated in the public schools of his native country, he remained there through the great revolutionary struggle of 1848, in which he took an active part. In 1849, the revolutionists being frustrated in their plans to secure greater political liberty and privileges, Mr. Klug determined to come to America, where he might enjoy the fruits of independence denied him in his native country. He therefore crossed the Atlantic to America and established his home in Davenport. In Germany he had been engaged in the dry-goods business and upon coming to this city he opened a store on Front street, stocked in part with goods which he had brought over from Hamburg. Two years later he removed to a store on Second street, where he continued a profitable and growing business until 1868, when he sold out to Christian Toerring and retired from merchandising, finding that his real estate and other interests demanded the greater part of his time. He had as the years went by made investment in property until his holdings were such as to claim the greater part of his attention in their successful management and control. He was seldom if ever at fault in matters of business judgment and hence his labors and his investments brought him success which was substantial as well as creditable. He owned several large business blocks beside valuable residences and unimproved property in this city and at the time of his death he was also the secretary of the Davenport Plate Glass Insurance Company, of which he was the founder and one of the directors. He was also one of the founders of the Scott County Savings Bank and a director until called to his final rest.

On the 14th of August, 1852, Mr. Klug was married to Miss Fredericka Schricker, who came to America in 1849, landing in St. Louis, and coming to Davenport in 1851. Their children are: Clara, now the wife of H. F. Petersen; 'Agnes, the wife of Willam Haase; Lillie, at home; Thekla, the wife of Robert Wagner; Otto; Elfrieda, at home; and Henrietta, who died at the age of nine years. After residing in America for forty years Mr. Klug returned with his family to visit his native town in Germany. He was greatly interested therein, but while he always maintained a deep love for the fatherland he was still more strongly attached to the land of his adoption, for it was here that he won his success, while in his social relations he gained a circle of friends that bound him closely to this country. He was, moreover, in sympathy with its form of government and eagerly and enthusiastically championed the salient features in the American republic. His first trip to the new world was made on a sailing vessel, from which he landed at New Orleans, and then came up the river to Davenport. In the forty years that elapsed before he again went to Germany, there had been marvelous changes made in marine transportation, and he crossed the Atlantic in one of the ocean greyhounds which brought him to his destination in a few days.

Mr. Klug was always closely identified with the growth of Davenport, and his cooperation could always be counted upon to further any measure for the general good. For six years he served on the board of education, and for ten years represented his ward in the city council, being several times elected alderman. He was a member of the volunteer fire department for sixteen years, and at one time was its chief. He was also treasurer of the first German free school, which he organized in 1853, acting as custodian of its funds until his demise. He belonged to the Schleswig-Holstein Kampfgenossen Verein and was its vice president until he departed this life. He was also a member of the Turners Society and had he lived for another year would have received a diploma which the Turners give to all who work for their interests for a quarter of a century. An expert marksman, he belonged to the Davenport Shooting Club and was recognized as king of the association, having been winner in many contests.

While Mr. Klug took an active part in public affairs, his best traits of character were reserved for his own fireside, and the allurements of club and social life were not sufficient to dim for him the joys of the family circle. He was most devoted to the welfare of his wife and children, and erected in Davenport one of the finest homes in this city, standing on the bluff and overlooking the river and surrounding country. He also purchased an attractive country home where he planted fine orchards and vineyards, taking great pride in his agricultural and horticultural interests there. He was one of the best known men in the city and had a large circle of admiring friends. His strong character impressed itself upon all with whom he was associated and the honesty of his motives was never called into question. He lived to see the hopes that brought him to the new world more than realized and while he won notable success here, he also belonged to that class of citizens who gave of their labor for the benefit of their adopted country. He lingers in the minds of his fellow citizens as one of Davenport's most prominent and honored residents.

Transcribed by Debbie Gerischer

Henry F. Lembke

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

Although Henry F. Lembke has reached the age of seventy-two years, he is still an active factor in the world's work, being well known in Davenport as a carpenter and contractor, with which business he has long been associated. He was born in Holstein, Germany, November 10, 1837, and is a son of Christian and Margaret Lembke. The father followed farming in Germany, where he continued to reside until called to his final rest. Amid the quiet environment of the home farm Henry F. Lembke was reared, while in his youth he attended the public schools, there acquiring his education. He learned the carpenter's trade at Kiel, serving a three years' apprenticeship, after which he worked as a journeyman carpenter in different cities for five years. In 1863 he became a member of the Danish army and was engaged in military duty for a year, participating in the war in which Denmark, Prussia and Austria were involved.

After the war Henry F. Lembke resumed work at his trade, which he followed in Hamburg and other cities until 1865, when he came to the United States, landing at New York. He did not tarry on the Atlantic coast, however, but made his way at once to Davenport, where he arrived on the 12th of March. He again resorted to his trade for a livelihood and has since followed it, being active in the erection of a large number of houses and other buildings in Scott county and also in Ida county. He has ever been recognized as a good workman, his labors standing the test of time, and this has enabled him to keep busily employed as the years have gone by. He erected his own residence about 1891.

In 1865, soon after coming to Davenport, Mr. Lembke was married to Miss Marie Jensen, who was born in Holstein, Germany, April 27, 1840, a daughter of Jochim and Anna Lena Jensen. They have become parents of seven children: Emil, of Boone, Iowa, who is married and has two children-Joseph and a baby; Agenes, the wife of Peter Hargett, of Coon Rapids, Iowa, by whom she has three children-Walter, Clara and Helen; Julius, at home; Rhoda, the wife of Charles Parker, fo Waterloo, Iowa; Anna, who married Fred Warrenton, of Davenport, and has one child, Leon; Matilda, at home; and Anna, who died at the age of two years.

Mr. Lembke is a member of the Carpenters Union, No. 554, and has held office in that order. He has always been a busy man, working earnestly and persistently, and undoubtedly one feature of his progress is the fact that he has always continued in the line of business in which he embarked as a young tradesman, thus gaining comprehensive knowledge of the trade and manifesting marked skill in his work.

Transcribed by Debbie Gerischer

 Bio of Charles Meier

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

A tract of one hundred and sixty acres in Winfield township is the property of Charles Meier, and that he deserves mention among the energetic and capable agriculturists of Scott county is shown by the attractive appearance of his farm. He was born in Bremen, Prussia, Germany, September 30, 1849, his parents being Fritz and Marie Meier. The father was a laborer in the old country and was the first of his family to come to the United States. Later, in 1859, two of his sisters, Minnie, the wife of Christian Voss, and Caroline, the wife of Charles Fent, followed, settling in Long Grove, Scott county, Iowa. In 1862, a brother, William, who is now deceased, also came to this county, and the next year the rest of the family, consisting of father, mother, a brother Fritz, and sisters Rica, Mary, and Augusta came here, all of them locating in Long Grove township, this county. The father died one year after coming here, but his wife lived about twenty years after her arrival.

Charles Meier was fourteen years of age when he came to America. He had attended school in Germany and had been confirmed in his native land. For two winters after his arrival in this county he was a pupil in the district school of Long Grove, that he might become familiar with the English language. For many years, in fact until he married, he worked as a farm hand, and then, in 1876, he engaged in farming for himself, renting land in Butler township. Two years later he removed to Winfield township, where he lived upon rented land for a year, and then he went to Sheridan township, where he farmed as a tenant for seven years. At the end of that period he returned to Winfield township, where he bought eighty acres, the tract constituting part of the farm on which he now lives. The other eighty acres his wife received from her father. As the years have gone by Mr. Meier has improved and cultivated his place until now it is one of the neat, attractive and up-to-date farms of the locality and its fields bring forth rich harvests that will compensate him for his labor.

On the 3d of September, 1876, Mr. Meier wedded Miss Mary Farenkrug, a daughter of Lewis and Anna Farenkrug. Mrs. Meier was born in Holstein, Germany, March 5, 1857, and was seven years of age when she was brought to America by her mother, her father having died in the fatherland. After coming to this country her mother married Mr. Farenkrug, both of whom are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Meier became the parents of nine children, as follows: Bertha, who married Herman Ertzman, of Davenport, and is now the mother of four children, Wilma, Martha, Marie and Mildred; Martha, the wife of Albert Ertzman, by whom she has two children, Werna and Lewis; Lewis, who died at the age of five years; William, who died when three years of age; Louise, who became the wife of Thomas Wolfe, of Long Grove; and Ferdinand, Alma, Hilda and Edna, who are at home.

Mr. Meier belongs to the Woodmen of the World at Long Grove, and to the Knights of Pythias at Eldridge, while he gives his political allegiance to the democratic party. On its ticket he was elected as trustee of Winfield township for two terms, during which time he proved that he was a man of great public spirit and progressiveness. He is true to every trust reposed in him, whether of a public or private nature, and has many good qualities as manifest in his business career and social relations, so that he well deserves to be mentioned among the representative citizens of Scott county.

Transcribed by Debbie Gerischer

Bio of Henry W. Meier

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

Since 1898 Henry W. Meier has carried on a profitable business at Long Grove as a dealer in farm implements, hardware and coal and is well known as a progressive, energetic and representative citizen of Scott county. One of her native sons, he was born in Sheridan township August 8, 1871, his parents being Heinrich and Lena (Wiese) Meier, both of whom were of German birth. The father was born in Hanover in 1838 and when a boy decided to come to the United States. He landed at New Orleans, whence he went to Lexington, Kentucky, living there for several years and then coming to Scott county, Iowa. He was one of the first to break the prairie in this section of the state and when he had saved enough from his earnings he sent for his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Meier, to come here. Their last years were passed in this county, the grandfather being ninety-four years of age at the time of his death.

Heinrich Meier had received some education in his native land, but it was very little and he was what might truthfully be called a self-made man. He bought first eighty acres of prairie land and then eighty acres adjoining, on which he built a house and lived throughout his life. Subsequently he purchased another farm of one hundred and fifty acres. He owned the first steam thresher on this side of the Mississippi and was one of the first to use the McCormick binder. During his entire life he engaged in threshing for others in every part of Scott county. Nor did he confine his interests to his private affairs but found time to serve as school director and road supervisor for a long period, being elected to both positions on the democratic ticket. Indeed he was one of the most prominent farmers of the county, and his death, which occurred at the comparatively early age of forty-eight years, was felt as a serious loss by the community. His remains were laid to rest at Pine Hill. His wife survived him many years, passing away in 1906, when sixty-two years of age. They were the parents of four children: Emma, the wife of Peter Stoltenberg, of Mount Joy; Henry W., of this review; Augusta, who married August Lafranz, of Eldridge, Iowa; and Edward, who lives on the old home place.

Henry W. Meier has spent his entire life in Scott county, being reared to manhood upon the home farm. At the ususal age he entered the district school of his locality, and after completing his education therein assisted with the work on the farm until he attained his majority. For the next five years he was engaged in running a thresher, and in partnership with Mr. Lafranz conducted a grocery store at Eldridge at the same time. He sold his interests in this enterprise to his partner in 1895, and after the outbreak of the Spanish-American war, in June, 1898, enlisted in Company B. Fiftieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, with which he went to Jacksonville, Florida, where he was in camp for six months. On being discharged he returned to Scott county and the same year embarked in the implement business in Long Grove, which he has conducted successfully to the present, carrying not only the various machines needed in modern farming but also a full line of hardware, automobiles and several varieties of coal. His enterprise and aggressiveness have secured for him a large patronage, while his sound methods and business probity have gained the respect and confidence of all with whom he has had dealings. He holds stock in the Stockman's Savings Bank of Long Grove and in the American Security Company of Davenport.

On the 18th of December, 1901, Mr. Meier wedded Miss Millie Lahl, a daughter of John and Louisa Lahl, old settlers of Winfield township, which is the birthplace of Mrs. Meier. Her father died in 1898, at the age of forty-five years, but her mother is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Meier are the parents of four children: Roma, Helen, Carl and Alta.

He belongs to the Knights of Pythias lodge of Eldridge, to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Long Grove, and to the Woodmen of the World at Long Grove. In these organizations he has many friends and he is well known in this county, where his entire life has been passed, and those who have known him since boyhood are most loyal to him now, an indication of his honorable and upright character.

Transcribed by Debbie Gerischer

Fritz Meier

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

Prominent among Sheridan township's substantial citizens is Fritz Meier, who like so many of his neighbors, is of German origin, his birth having occurred in Hanover, December 22, 1844. His parents were Carl and Mary Meier, who in 1854 deemed it advisable to sever home associations and to seek to better their fortunes in a newer country. In November, after an eight weeks' voyage on a sailing vessel, they landed in New York and came direct to Scott county, Iowa, relatives having previously located at Mount Joy, and the Meier family resided with them until the following spring. From there they went to the home of a friend, Henry Hinze, remaining there through the summer and assisting in the harvest. In the following fall, almost a year after their arrival upon American soil, they removed to Davenport and spent the winter months. In the spring their wanderings were temporarily terminated by their removal to a forty acre farm situated about three miles southwest of Eldridge. A year later they took up their residence upon a farm owned by Mr. Meier's aunt, Mrs. Schrader. This the family cultivated for four years with no small degree of success for at the end of that time the father was in a position to buy one hundred acres of prairie land on section 4, Sheridan township, at about fifteen dollars an acre. This became the permanent home, the father building a house and barns thereon and improving the property in many ways. He lived there until his death, which occurred in 1904 at the age of ninety-four years. His wife preceded him by nine years, she being seventy-nine years of age at the time of her demise. These good people were the parents of five children: Henry and Charles, both deceased; Fritz; William, who is living on the old homestead; and Lena, now the wife of Peter Jenner and a resident of South Dakota.

Fritz Meier had little in the way of educational advantages. What schooling he did received was in Germany, and the fact that he left there at the age of ten tells its own story. His father found the battle merely to gain a living too strenuous to admit of any such luxury as education for his sons, and in addition he needed their services in bringing into condition the wild prairie. Mr. Meier has demonstrated the fact that education is not of necessity merely a matter of books and schoolrooms, but that a man may acquire culture, at least, without the aid of the latter. At the time of his marriage in 1870 he began to farm for himself and has been very successful in his vocation.

November 14, 1870, is the date of the marriage of Mr. Meier to Miss Lena Klindt, a daughter of Hans and Lenke Klindt, of Scott county. Mrs. Meier was born in Germany, August 7, 1847, and came to America with her parents in 1868, locating with them in Scott county, Iowa. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Meier. Emil H. married Minnie Ast and lives in Oklahoma, their family consisting of three children, Irving, Elfrida and Byron. Elfrida, William, Fred and Edward reside under the parental roof. Meta, Amelia and Carl and one child, who died in infancy, are deceased.

Mr. Meier is a good citizen, being strengthened by the discipline of youthful privation. He is a public-spirited man, not believing in the infallibility either of men or party. He has served as road commissioner, school director and also as trustee, and in these capacities has given efficient service.

Transcribed by Debbie Gerischer

Peter Stoltenberg

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

The agricultural interests of Scott county find a worthy and successful representative in Peter Stoltenberg, who owns and operates a fine farm of one hundred and forty acres in Sheridan township. His birth occurred in Holstein, Germany, on the 12th of November, 1854, his parents being Martin and Catherine Stoltenberg. About 1863 the father embarked on the voyage to the new world with his wife and children and after landing at New York made his way to Illinois, where he was actively engaged in the operation of a rented farm of eighty acres for about ten years. On the expiration of that period he came to Scott county, Iowa, and here also became identified with general agricultural pursuits as a renter. He has continuously made his home in this county to the present time and is now a well known and respected resident of Eldridge. His wife was called to her final rest in 1907, when she had attained the age of seventy-six years. Their children were five in number, namely: Lena, the widow of Hans Schneckloth; Peter, of this review; Henry, living in Eldridge, Iowa; George, who is a resident of Davenport; and Theodore, of Sheridan township.

Peter Stoltenberg began his education in the schools of his native land and afterward continued his studies in Illinois, being a lad of but nine years when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to the United States. After putting aside his text-books he turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits and has since been successfully identified with farming interests, being now the owner of one hundred and forty actes of rich and productive land in Sheridan township, Scott county, Iowa. He has a handsome and commodious residence and the neat and thrifty appearance of his farm indicates the supervision of a practical and progressive owner.

On the 7th of February, 1885, Mr. Stoltenberg was united in marriage to Miss Emma Meier, a daughter of Henry and Lena (Weise) Meier, who were early settlers of Scott county. They were natives of Hanover and Holstein, Germany, respectively. Henry Meier, who was brought to this country by his parents when about ten years of age, was the owner of the present home farm of our subject before it came into the latter's possession. He was also prominent in public affairs and held a number of official positions in Sheridan township, including that of school director. He passed away in 1884 when fifty nine years of age, while the demise of his wife occurred in 1906, when she was sixty-one years old. They reared a family of four children, as follows: Mrs. Stoltenberg; Henry, who resides at Long Grove; Augusta, the wife of August Lefrantz, of Eldridge; and Edward, living in Sheridan township. Mr. and Mrs. Stoltenberg are likewise the parents of four children, namely: Malinda, who is the wife of Henry Hinze, of Sheridan township, and has a son, Harold; and Viola, Albert and Henry, all at home. Both Mr. and Mrs. Stoltenberg have a wide and favorable acquaintance throughout the community, having ever displayed those sterling traits of character which in every land and clime awaken admiration and regard.

Transcribed by Debbie Gerischer

Bio of Fritz Priester

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

Fritz Priester, who since 1900 has lived retired in his fine home at No. 1102 West Fourteenth street in Davenport, was actively engaged in general agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business career and is still the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of valuable land in Lincoln township, Scott county. He was born in Holstein, Germany, on the 22d of March, 1844, his parents being Carl and Eliza Priester. The father was a farmer by occupation and also served as a soldier in the Germany army. In 1857, in company with his wife and children, he crossed the Atlantic to the United States, landing at New York, whence he came direct to Davenport, Iowa. He purchased and established his home on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of improved land in Lincoln township, which is now in possession of our subject, and there successfully carried on his agricultural interests until the time of his demise, his death being occasioned by injuries which he received in a runaway accident in 1864. A year afterward his widow went to live with her son Adolph in Davenport, where she made her home until called to her final rest in 1891, when eighty-three years of age.

Fritz Priester, who was one of a family of twelve children, received his early education in the schools of his native land and after coming to this country continued his studies throughout one winter season. He early became familiar with the duties and labors which fall to the lot of the agriculturist through the assistance which he rendered in the work of the home farm and after his father's death took charge of the place, devoting his time and energies to its further cultivation and improvement throughout the remainder of his active business career. The property still remains in his possession and the other tract of one hundred and sixty acres which he owns in Lincoln township was given to his wife by her father. His place is lacking in none of the conveniences and improvements of a model farm of the twentieth century and he recently erected theron a fine residence and substantial barn. It was in 1900 that he put aside the active work of the fields and took up his abode in a residence which he purchased at No. 1102 West Fourteenth street in Davenport, where he has since lived retired in the enjoyment of well earned rest.

On the 8th of February, 1867, Mr. Priester was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Hacker, whose birth occurred in Mecklenurg, Germany, January 14, 1849, and who was therefore but three years of age when in 1852 she was brought to the United States by her parents, Christopher and Fredericka Hacker. After landing in New Orleans Mr. and Mrs. Hacker made their way direct to this county, locating on a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of prairie land which the former purchased in Butler township. Subsequently he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Lincoln township, where he made his home for a great many years, meeting with a gratifying measure of success in his farming operations. His demise occurred at Eldridge in 1908, when he had attained the age of eighty-seven years, while his wife passed away in Davenport in 1894 at the age of seventy-four years. They had two children who grew to maturity, namely: Mrs. Priester; and Fredericka, the wife of Emil Rohlf, of Eldridge. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Priester have been born nine children, the record of whom is as follows: Laura is now the wife of Gustavus Wellendorf and resides in Minnesota. Herman, an agriculturist of Sheridan township, wedded Miss Laura Fellener, by whom he has two children, Herbert and Lillian. Adolph, living in Wisconsin, married Miss Sophia Meier and has one son, Arnold. Louisa gave her hand in marriage to Henry Fellener, of Sheridan township, and is now the mother of four children: Fred, Walter, Harvey and Leila. Matilda, living in Lincoln townshp, is the wife of Julius Greenwald, by whom she has three children - Elmer, Linta and Eleanor. Emil, who resides on the old home farm in Lincoln township, married Miss Louisa Lepten, by whom he had three children, namely: Wilma; Altha, deceased; and Lena. Ferdinand, whose birth occurred on the 10th of July, 1880, passed away December 19, 1902. Alma is the wife of August Rauch, of Davenport, Iowa, and has two children, Vera and Mervis. Ella, also living in Davenport, is the wife of William Claussen and has one child, Evelyn.

In his political views Mr. Priester is a stanch democrat, loyally supporting the men and measures of that party. He has held the office of township trustee and acted as school treasurer for two years, while for nine years he was a school director, ever proving a faithful and capable public official. As a citizen he is public spirited to an eminent degree, deeply interested in the welfare and prosperity of the county in which he has now resided for more than a half century. His many good qualities are displayed by the friendship which is uniformly accorded him by those who know him.

Transcribed by Debbie Gerischer