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Reverend Theodore N. Morrison
From "Vol. 2 History of Davenport and Scott County" by
Harry E. Downer - S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago
The Right Rev. Theodore N. Morrison, Episcopal bishop of Iowa, was born in
Ottawa, Illinois, February 18, 1850. His father, Theodore Morrison, a native of
Pennsylvania, was brought to Illinois in 1835 by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John
Morrison, who settled at Tremont. Theodore Morrison, Sr., became a
representative of the Episcopal ministry, being ordained by Bishop Chase in
1848, after which he labored for many years in Aurora, Jacksonville and
Bloomington, Illinois. A life consecrated to this holy calling was closed in
1888 when, at the age of sixty-two years, he passed away. In early manhood he
had wedded Anna Eliza Howland, a native of New York and a daughter of Allen A.
Howland, M. D., who settled in Ottawa, Illinois, in 1832.
Bishop Morrison, whose name introduces this review, was the eldest in the family
of three sons and two daughters. In his youthful days he attended the public
schools of Jacksonville and in 1870 was graduated from the Illinois College of
that city, having completed the literary and scientific courses. Determining to
devote his life to the ministry, he entered the General Seminary of New York
city and in 1873 was made deacon. The same year he took charge of St. Paul's
Episcopal church in Pekin, Illinois, and in 1875 was advanced to the priesthood.
In 1876 he became rector of the Church of the Epiphany in Chicago, where he
remained until February, 1899, or for a period of almost twenty-three years. His
work there was characterized by continuous growth in the various lines of church
activity and the Epiphany became one of the strong churches in Chicago. His
parishioners were loath to part with him yet rejoiced in the honor that was
conferred upon him when on February 22, 1899, he was consecrated bishop of Iowa.
He then came to Davenport, where he has since resided, carefully guiding the destinies
of the churches under his direction with the same zeal and earnestness which he
manifested when in charge of the Church of the Epiphany in Chicago. He holds the
degree of Doctor of Divinity from Illinois College and from General Seminary,
and the degree of S. T. D. from the Western Theological Seminary.
On the 28th of October, 1879, Dr. Morrison was married to Miss Sarah B. Swazey,
a daughter of the Rev. Arthur Swazey, for many years pastor of the Third
Presbyterian church of Chicago, and the first editor of The Interior. Dr. and
Mrs. Morrison have six children, namely: Rev. Cameron S., who resides in the
state of Washington; Mrs. Zay B. Curtis, living in Little Rock, Arkansas; Nevin
S.; Arthur S.; Theodore N.; and Sarah.
Dr. Morrison is a man of strong executive ability, marked ecclesiastical force
and with that broad general culture which makes him the peer not only of the
leading representatives of the clergy but also of those men whose thought is
given to the solution of problems of grave import to mankind. Transcending every
other interest in his life, however, is the work to which he has been devoted
from early manhood and, conscientiously and zealously utilizing and consecrating
the powers with which nature endowed him, his labors have come to be recognized
as a strong force in the development of the Episcopal church in the middle west.
Transcribed
by Debbie Gerischer
 William
B. Murray
From "Vol 2 History of Davenport and Scott County" by
Harry E. Downer - S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago
William B. Murray, a well known and prosperous citizen residing at No. 2012
Ripley street in Davenport, has lived retired since 1892 but was formerly
actively engaged in general agricultural pursuits and is still the owner of two
hundred and thirty acres of fine farming land in Lincoln and Sheridan townships.
His birth occurred ten miles east of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, on the 30th of
March, 1834, his parents being George and Esther Murray. The latter passed away
in the Keystone state in 1853. George Murray, who followed merchandising and
railroad contracting while in Pennsylvania, came to Scott county, Iowa, in 1855
and purchased two hundred and forty acres of improved land in Davenport
township, the other members of his family joining him soon afterward. He later
bought a tract of three hundred and seventy acres near Mount Joy but continued
to reside on his original purchase until he took up his abode in Davenport,
where his demise occurred on the 1st of May, 1887. His children were ten in
number but four of his daughters passed away in Pennsylvania while yet young in
years. Those who came to this state were as follows: William B., of this review;
Anna, who is now deceased, as is also her husband, Albert Kratzer; Thomas, who
died in the army; George, who has likewise been called to his final rest; James,
a resident of Davenport; and Mary E., who is deceased, as is also her husband,
John Hyland.
William B. Murray obtained his education in the schools of Johnstown and
Summerhill, Pennsylvania, and after putting aside his text-books worked for his
father in the store and also acted as timekeeper for the railroad men. On coming
to this county he turned his attention to farming and after living with his father
for a short time took up his abode on a portion of the three hundred and seventy
acre tract near Mount Jay, which he broke up and improved. He built a nice
residence and there carried on his agricultural interests energetically and
successfully until the time of his retirement from active life in 1892, since
which year he has made his home in Davenport. As the years passed and he
prospered in his undertakings he added to his landed holdings by additional
purchase and also received some property from his father. He is still the owner
of two hundred and thirty acres of valuable land in Lincoln and Sheridan
townships and is likewise a stockholder in the Iowa National Bank and the
Davenport Savings Bank.
On the 30th of October, 1862, Mr. Murray was united in marriage to Miss Carrie
Criswell, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of James and Jane Criswell.
Her mother passed away in Pennsylvania in 1856 and the following year she
accompanied her father on the removal to Scott county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Murray
were born seven children. George, the eldest, who makes his home in Grinnell,
Iowa, wedded Miss Eliza Coapley and has four children: Vera, Grace, Elsie and
Mabel. Minnie died at the age of six years. James E., who is likewise deceased,
married Miss Ida Garner, by whom he had four children: Walter; Hazel; and Martha
C. and James E., both of whom have passed away. Albert, who wedded Miss Stella
Regnitter, resides in Davenport. Elsie died in 1879, when but two years of age.
Frank passed away when only eleven months old. William died in infancy.
Mr. Murray is a democrat in his political views and has been an active worker in
the local ranks of the party. While living on the farm he held nearly all of the
township offices, including those of justice of the peace, trustee and school
director. During his two years' term of service as county supervisor the
courthouse was erected and his name is inscribed on the corner stone of that
structure. In the winter of 1894 he was the representative from this district to
the general assembly at Des Moines. Public-spirited and loyal to a marked
degree, he proved a faithful and efficient incumbent in the various offices to
which his fellow townsmen called him. He and his wife are consistent members of
the English Lutheran church, exemplifying its teachings in their daily lives. In
the county where he has now made his home for more than a half century he is
very widely and favorably known, for the salient traits of his character are
such as have won for him the respect and friendship of all with whom he has come
in contact.
Transcribed
by Debbie Gerischer
D.P. Peekenschneider
From "Vol 2 History of Davenport and Scott County" by
Harry E. Downer - S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago
D. P. Peekenschneider, now living retired in Davenport, was in former years
actively identified with general agricultural pursuits and is still in possession
of considerable farming property, owning three hundred and forty-seven acres of
valuable land in Cleona township, Scott county, one hundred and sixty acres in
Cedar county and one hundred and sixty acres in Cherokee county, Iowa. He was
born in Holstein, Germany, on the 2d of September, 1833, his parents being Hans
and Elizaeth Peekenschneider. The father, who was engaged in farming on a small
scale, served as a soldier in the Danish army. In the year 1862 he and his wife
crossed the Atlantic to the United States and both passed away in this country.
D. P. Peekenschneider obtained his education in the fatherland and after leaving
school learned the miller's trade. In 1867 he and his brother William embarked
on a sailing vessel bound for American shores, landing at New York after an
ocean voyage of forty-six days. They made their way at once to Davenport, Iowa,
here joining a brother, Charles Peekenschneider, who had come to the new world
in 1853. Following his arrival in this county Mr. Peekenschneider of this review
worked as a farm hand for about seven yers, engaging in threshing, breaking
prairie, etc. He then devoted his attention to the operation of a rented farm in
Hickory Grove township for about two years and on the expiration of that period,
in 1863, bought a half section of land in Cleona township in association with
his two brothers. Half of the land had been broken and there was a small house
on the property. The three brothers took up their abode thereon and after
improving the land divided it and erected the necessary buildings. Our subject
there continuously carried on his farming interests until 1909, when he put
aside the active work of the fields and came to Davenport, having won a handsome
competence through his well directed labors as an agriculturist. As he prospered
in his undertakings he added to his landed holdings from time to time and is
still the owner of three hundred and forty-seven acres in Cleona township, this
county, one hundred and sixty acres in Cedar county and a quarter section of
land in Cherokee county, this state.
On the 11th of November, 1865, Mr. Peekenschneider was united in marriage to
Miss Wilhelmina Woolfretz whose birth occurred in Prussia, Germany, on the 25th
of November, 1846, and who came to the United States with her mother in 1865,
her father having passed away in Germany. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Peekenschneider were
born twelve children, namely: Charles, who died at the age of twenty-three
years; Frederick, living in Cleona township, who wedded Miss Emma Mangert, by
whom he has nine children - Hertha, Olga, Otto, Herbert, Elsie, Anna, Meta, Fred
and William; Herman, who is a resident of Cherokee county, Iowa, and wedded Miss
Louisa Moon, by whom he has seven children - Wilhelmina, Hugo, Alma, Edna,
Harry, Lillian and Arthur; August, who makes his home in Cedar county and who
married Miss Louisa Hansen, by whom he has one child, Adeline; Emma, who died at
the age of twenty-four years; Caroline, who passed away when thirty years of
age; Detlef, who lives in this county; Ferdinand, who died when a lad of nine
years; Amelia, who is the wife of Fred Cooper and lives on the old home place;
Robert and Ella, both at home; and Walter, who died at the age of two years.
Since becoming a naturalized American citizen Mr. Peekenschneider has exercised
his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the democratic
party. From 1868 until 1909, or for more than four decades, he acted as
treasurer of the school board of Hickory Grove township and in this connection
did valuable service for the cause of education. He is widely and favorably
known throughout the county which has been his home for more than a half
century, having won the warm regard and esteem of all with whom he has come in
contact.
Transcribed
by Debbie Gerischer
Isaac Petersberger
From "Vol 2 History of Davenport and Scott County" by
Harry E. Downer - S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago
Isaac Petersberger, forceful and resourceful, his broad general education as
well as his comprehensive knowledge of the law enabling him to stand in the
foremost ranks of the legal profession in Davenport, was born in Dixon,
Illinois, June 28, 1874. His father, Emanuel Petersberger, was a native of
Germany and on coming to the United States in 1852 took up his abode in Dixon,
where he continued his residence to the time of his death in 1890. He there
engaged in merchandising and was recognized as one of the leading
representatives of commercial interests in that city, winning substantial
success in his undertaking. He married Berta Ochs, a native of Germany, who came
to Davenport in her girlhood days with her father, John Ochs, who was one of
this city's oldest and most respected citizens.
Isaac Petersberger attended the public schools of Dixon until fifteen years of
age, when he came to Davenport with his widowed mother, continuing his studies
in this city. Later he entered the University of Iowa, from which institution he
was graduated with the class of 1897, completing both the collegiate and law
courses in four years.
Having determined upon the practice of law as his life work, in 1897 he opened
an office in Davenport, where he has since remained, achieving an enviable
success as a representative of the bar. His practice is of an extensive and
important character. He is notable among lawyers for the wide research and
provident care with which he prepares his cases. At no time has his reading ever
been confined to the limitation of the questions at issue. It has gone beyond
and compassed every contingency and provided not alone for the expected but for
the unexpected, which happens in the courts quite as frequently as out of them.
His legal learning, his analytical mind and the readiness with which he grasps
the points in an argument all combine to make him one of the strong advocates
before the bar and he is also regarded as a most safe counselor.
In 1899 Mr. Petersberger was married to Miss Hattie Goldstein, of Milford,
Illinois, and they have two children, Richard and Louise. Mr. Petersberger
belongs to the Masonic fraternity, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
and to other fraternal and social organizations. He has the warm regard of
fellow practitioners and the friendship of many whom he meets in social
relations, for his salient qualities as a man and citizen are those which in
every land and clime win respect and honor.
Transcribed
by Debbie Gerischer
 James
Franklin Porter
From "Vol 2 History of Davenport and Scott County" by
Harry E. Downer - S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. - 1910 Chicago
A picture of Mr. Porter is included with this bio. To view please return to the
Scott County Main Page and click on the Pictures/Documents section.
Few of the citizens of Davenport represent larger business interests nor have
devoted a greater number of years to developing resources of communities, than
Joseph Franklin Porter, who is the president of several of the public service companies
in this city. He was born in Harrison county, Iowa, June 27, 1863, and is a son
of F. J. and Lucy (Francis) Porter, the former a native of New York, the later
of Ohio. F. J. Porter came to Iowa in 1857, devoting himself assiduously to
agricultural pursuits for a number of years. He has now retired from active farm
life, however, and, with his wife, lives in the enjoyment of many comforts in
the village of Woodbine. He has identified himself closely with the interests of
his community and is president of the Peoples Savings Bank of that town. Eleven
children were born to him and his wife. Ten of these grew to maturity and nine
are still living.
J. F. Porter was reared on a farm and received his first introduction into the
world of letters while a pupil at the district school at Biggler's Grove,
Harrison county, Iowa. Later he attended the high school at Logan, going from
there to the State College at Ames, from which institution he was graduated as a
civil engineer in the class of 1884. For some time after the completion of his
college course, Mr. Porter engaged as cashier of a bank at Woodbine. In 1885 he
decided to engage in engineering pursuits and went to Des Moines, Iowa, where he
became interested in electricity and its application to the needs of man, and
where he acquired some practical experience in electric lighting. During his
stay in Des Moines he held the position of oiler and general utility man,
starting with a salary of twenty dollars per month. After six months experience
in the Des Moines station, he went to Appleton, Wisconsin, where he worked on
the installation of an electric lighting plant. In the spring of 1886 he went to
Chicago in the employ of the representatives of the Edison interests, and from
there went to Abeline, Kansas, where he spent the winter of 1886-7. In the
spring of 1887 he removed to St. Louis as foreman for a contractor for the
Edison Company, which remained in business until the fall of 1887, when it moved
its headquarters to Kansas City. When the company for which he was employed
moved to Kansas City, Mr. Porter decided to engage in the electric construction
business for himself, in which business he continued until the fall of 1889,
when he sold his construction company to the Edison Company and went to New York
to enter the employ fo the Edison Company as department manager.
In the summer of 1890 Mr. Porter was sent to Salem, Mississppi, as
superintendent of construction of the Naumnkeag Street Railway, the construction
of which was one of the largest contracts which the Edison Company had at that
time. On the completion of his contract with the Edison Company, Mr. Porter
returned to New York to enter in the street railway supply business in
partnership with J. G. White. After operating the New York office for some time
it was decided to move to the manufacturing plant at Allegheny, Pennsylvania,
where the business is now conducted as a Westinghouse interest. In the fall of
1892 Mr. Porter, together with Mr. White, secured a contract for the equipment
of the Kansas City Elevated Railroad, which road at that time was independent of
the other railways of Kansas City and the smaller cities on the Kansas side.
After completing the contract on the Kansas City elevated, Mr. Porter moved to
Alton, Illinois, for the purpose of developing the street railway, gas, electric
light and power business of that locality, which property, in 1893, consisted of
a small horse and dummy line and an inefficient gas and electric plant. The work
of developing these properties occupied Mr. Porter's attention for thirteen
years, at the end of which time he had a street railway of sixty-three miles
reaching from Alton to Edwardsville, Granite City, Madison, Venice, East St.
Louis and intermediate points and an efficient gas and electric plant. As
evidence of the fact, it was taken over by the East St. Louis & Suburban
system at five million dollars.
On the 1st of May, 1906, Mr. Porter removed to Davenport as president of the
Tri-City Railway & Light Company and its subsidiary companies, which are the
Peoples Light Company, Davenport Gas & Electric Company, Tri-City Railway
Company, Peoples Power Company of Rock Island and Moline, and the Moline, East
Moline & Watertown Railway Company. Since the spring of 1906 the above
mentioned properties have been extensively developed, because of the confidence
which the bankers have in the community, as proven by the increase of earnings
under the existing management. His has been the kind of enterprise which has
been the making of the west and which is still active in obtaining illimitable
resources from the fields, the mountains and the air. He has never hesitated
before obstacles but has regarded disappointment and discouragements as merely
stepping-stones to larger opportunity to exert his talents.
In 1888 Mr. Porter was united in marriage to Miss Jennie R. Henderson, a
daughter of Robert and Polly Henderson, of Monticello, Iowa. Of the six children
born to the couple, five are living, namely: Clyde H., Dugald G., Margory,
Joseph F. and Ralph E. The family are members of the Congregational church.
Mr. Porter gives his support to the republican party. He has had little time to
devote to public concerns but is a member of several organizations of a
fraternal and social nature and others which are calculated to advance his
interests in a business way. He is a member of fraternal Lodge, No. 221, A. F.
& A. M., and is a thirty-second degree Mason and member of Kaaba Temple,
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a member of Davenport lodge, No. 293, B.
P. O. E., and local camp of Modern Woodmen. Of the semi-professional
associations he belongs to the Engineering Club of St. Louis and American
Institute of Electrical Engineers. He is also a member of the Rock Island
Arsenal Golf Club, Davenport Commercial Club, Rock Island Club, Moline Club,
Automobile Club of America and the American Academy of Political and Social
Sciences. The number and varied character of these organizations exhibit the
extent of his interests and the manner in which he keeps abreast of the times
and the questions that occupy the minds and attention of his fellow citizens.
Transcribed
by Debbie Gerischer
Joseph Shorey
From" Vol 2 History of Davenport and Scott County" by
Harry E. Downer - S. J. Clarke Publishing Com 1910 Chicago
Among Davenport's lawyers whose worth is evidenced in the extent and importance
of litigated interests entrusted to their care, is numbered Joseph Shorey, who
in connection with the Davenport Loan, Building and Savings Association and also
in political circles is likewise demonstrating his worth as a man and citizen.
He was born here on the 11th of July, 1870. His father, Joseph G. Shorey, a
native of Jonesboro, Maine, was born July 24, 1826, and came to Davenport in
November, 1855, accompanied by his wife, who bore the maiden name of Abigail
Newhall and was a native of Lynn, Massachusetts. There were also two children in
the family at that time. The father was a carpenter and worked at his trade for
a period, but afterward turned his attention to pumpmaking. He was quite successful
and after a continued and prosperous business for a number of years retired from
active life and is now enjoying a well earned rest. His life in a manner has
been quietly and uneventfully passed, for he has never sought to figure
prominently before the public. On the contrary he concentrated his time and
energies upon his business relations until his retirement and has since devoted
his attention to those things which afford him interest and recreation. In the
family were seven children, four sons and three daughters, but only two are now
living, the elder brother being A. O. Shorey.
Joseph Shorey was the youngest of the family and was educated in the public
schools, pursuing his course until he graduated from the high school with the
class of 1889. The following year he entered the University of Iowa and
completed the latter course in 1892. Fro practical experience he then entered
the office of Bills & Hass, with whom he remained for seven years, at the
end of which time he established himself in an independent practice, opening his
office in August, 1899. He has since secured a good clientage and has made
steady progress along professional lines. He has also been officially connected
with the Davenport Loan, Building and Savings Association since 1900 as its
secretary. This association was organized in 1877 and is one of the oldest and
most useful institutions of the character in the city. Mr. Shorey also figures
prominently in polical circles, giving loyal allegiance to the republican party
and taking active interest in local affairs. In 1900 he was elected alderman
from the fourth ward but whether in office or out of it he does effective work
for general improvement and advancement.
On the 7th of September, 1898, Mr. Shorey was united in marriage to Miss
Henrietta Hapke, a native of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and unto them have been
born two sons, Wilson H., whose birth occurred August 1, 1900; and Joseph
Robert, born September 2, 1904. Mr. Shorey is connected with the Modern Woodmen
of America and while club and fraternal relations have played little part in his
life, he is recognized as a man of social, genial nature and by his genuine
worth has made many a warm friend.
Transcribed
by Debbie Gerischer
 M.L.Siebengartner
From "Vol 2 History of Davenport and Scott County" by
Harry E. Downer - S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago
Among the German citizens of the little village of Bettendorf who have proved
that through America is not their native land it commands from them the most
effective loyalty is M. L. Siebengartner, a retired farmer. He owns five acres
within the boundaries of the town, this constituting his place of residence, and
other real estate here. He was born in Bavaria, Germany, September 19, 1840, a
son of Marcus and Theresa (Shoenmaier) Siebengartner, both of whom spent all
their lives in their native country.
Mr. Siebengartner was well advanced in years before he sought a home in America.
After having, received the fundamental education provided by the public schools
of the fatherland he attended college at Naunten, Germany, thereafter devoting
himself to agricultural pursuits in the vicinity of his birthplace. It was not
until the 28th of July, 1884, that he reached Davenport, having brought his
family to the United States with him, and there he found work as a teamster.
Three years later he removed to Bettendorf, where he rented a tract of land and
later bought the place on which he now lives. He has cultivated the soil with
profit to himself and has intimately identified himself with public interests
for he is a man of progressive ideas and large public spirit so that every
enterprise which is calculated to advance the welfare and better the conditions
of the community has received his support.
While living in Germany, October 2, 1865, Mr. Siebengartner married Miss
Francise Hrabmaer and they have had seven children. Barbara, who married George
Weinzell and lives in Germany, has five children, George, Max, Mary, Anna and
Joe. Michael, a business man of Chicago, Illinois, married Allenia Dipple and
they have four children, Elizabeth, Max, Alma and Clara. Marcus was ordained a
priest of the Catholic church at Regensburg, Bavaria, and is now a professor of
theology in a Catholic academy in his native land. Francise married John Holzner
and lives at Bettendorf. Frank C. has remained at home and has followed in the
footsteps of his father as regards interest in public affairs, being identified
with some of the more important organizations of the village. He is vice
president of the Bettendorf Savings Bank, is commissioner of the school board.
Louis M. lives at home and assumes the management of the farm. Emma married
Michael Flashman, a farmer of Davenport township.
Mr. Siebengartner was one of the men who was instrumental in building the
Catholic church of the village. It was erected in 1901, with Father Dr. George
Ginglinger as pastor. There were only ten Catholic families there at the time,
most of them German, but the little congregation has prospered largely through
Mr. Siebengartner's efforts, for besides contributing to its support he has
undertaken to care for the church. He was also one of the first of the
councilmen of the village and served three terms as treasurer of the school
board. His interest in educational matters is especially keen, for being a
product of the German schools which enjoy an international reputation for their
excellence, he is anxious to raise the standard of the local institutions of
learning as high as possible. In the quarter of a century in which he has lived
here his influence has been felt in many ways and, being wholly worthy, he
enjoys the utmost confidence of those who have watched his life from day to day.
Transcribed
by Debbie Gerischer
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