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BIOGRAPHIES
Thomas Peacock Biography
From "Vol. 2 History of Davenport and Scott County" by
Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Peacock, Crabbe, Kearney, McCollough, Kohl,
A well improved farm of twenty-seven acres, located in Buffalo township,
is the home of Thomas Peacock, who was born near Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1849
and was a little lad of five years when brought to the new world by his parents,
William and Jeannette (Crabbe) Peacock, the year 1853 witnessing their arrival
in the United States. The father died soon after reaching this country, having
contracted a fever while on shipboard. The mother located near Pottsville,
Pennsylvania, where she remained until 1863, when she remained until 1863, when
she removed with her family to Bedford county, that state, and the son remained
in the latter district three years, when in 1866 he came west. For a few years
thereafter he engaged in mining and farming at intervals, and in 1871 he settled
in Scott county and prospected for coal, working in the mines of this district
for three years.
His lot up to this time had been rather a hard one. Deprived of his father at an
early age, he had little opportunity of attending school, as he had to provide
for his own support from a very early age, and practically all the knowledge he
gained form his books was by study at night after he had completed his day's
work. As above stated, he had worked at farm labor after coming to Scott county
and through this means had ample opportunity to test the worth of the land and
its possibilities. He was convinced that he could win success in this way and
accordingly, in 1874, located on his present farm of twenty-seven acres in
Buffalo township, to which he has since bent his
energies.
Soon after coming to the west Mr. Peacock was married in Scott county, in
1873, to Miss Elizabeth M. Kearney, a daughter of John Kearney, of Buffalo
township. Mrs. Peacock was born April 17, 1855, and by her marriage has become
the mother of four living daughters: Mrs. Jeannette M. McCollough, who is with
her parents; Elizabeth, the wife of William Kohl, residing near Linwood, Iowa;
Annie, the wife of John Kohl; and Emma A., at home. Three sons died in youth.
Mr. Peacock is a republican in his political views and has been called by
his fellow townsmen to fill various township offices, having served as assessor
and trustee, and he has also filled other minor positions, in all of which he
has discharged his duties faithfully and conscientiously. He belongs to Banner
Lodge, No. 16, K. P., at Buffalo. Starting out in life for himself, with but a
limited education and with no capital he has steadily worked his way upward and
today commands the esteem and respect of the entire community. Over the record
of his public career and private life there falls no shadow of wrong, for he has
ever been most loyal to the ties of friendship and citizenship, and his history
well deserves a place in the annals of his adopted state.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
Frank C. Keppy Biography
From "Vol. 2 History of Davenport and Scott County" by Harry E.
Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Keppy, Rohwer, Keppy, Klindt, Fellner, Mohr, Meyer, Schult,
Gollinghorst, Shuck
The financial interests of Donahue find a worthy representative in Frank C.
Keppy, who is acting as cashier of the Donahue Savings Bank. He was born April
5, 1876, the eldest of three children born unto Frank and Mary (Rohwer) Keppy,
his younger brother being Louis A. Keppy, while the sister is Clara, the wife of
Henry Klindt of Maysville, Scott county. All are mentioned elsewhere in this
work.
Frank C. Keppy was reared on the home farm at the age of seven years, and his
parents then removed to Donahue, where his entire life has been spent, with the
exception of when away at school. He was given excellent advantages that he
might start out in life well equipped for the strenuous and exacting service of
the times. He attended high school in Davenport and subsequently attended
Duncan's Business college in that city. Returning home, he became manager of his
father's merchandise establishment in Donahue, being thus engaged for ten years.
In 1905, upon the organization of the Donahue Savings Bank, Mr. Keppy was made
its first cashier and has filled that position to the present time. The bank is
established upon a firm basis, its stockholders being some of the best known and
wealthiest citizens of that section of Scott county. The president and vice
president are Frank Keppy and Albert C. Klindt, of Donahue, respectively, who
with Emil Fellner, G. C. Mohr, Henry Meyer, Henry Schult and George
Gollinghorst constitute the directorate.
Conducting his private interests in a successful manner, Mr. Keppy is also
willing to lend his aid to the prosecution of public interests. He has followed
in his father's political footsteps as a staunch supporter of the republican
party, on which ticket he was elected mayor of Donahue, being the first man to
fill the office. He is also acting as treasurer of the Allens Grove township
school board and of the Donahue Percheron Horse Company. His fraternal relations
are with the Knights of Phythias Lodge at Dixon.
Mr. Keppy was married March 9, 1897, the lady of his choice being Miss Ella
Meyer, who was born in Hickory Grove township, November 22, 1876. she is a
daughter of Fritz and Rebecca (Shuck) Meyer, the former deceased and the latter
now a resident of Davenport. By her marriage Mrs. Keppy has become the mother of
an interesting son and daughter, Dennis B. and Etta C. The parents are prominent
and popular in the social circles of the community, for they have here spent
their entire lives and are therefore well known.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
Stewart Gillmor Biography
From "Vol. 2 History of Davenport and Scott County" by Harry E.
Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Gillmor, Hart, Baker, Ramsey, Boyle, Bryan, Connor
The name of Gillmor is an old and familiar one in Scott county, the family
having been associated with the agricultural life of eastern Iowa from pioneer
times down to the present, and he whose name introduces this review was one of
the influential and substantial farmers of Allens Grove township, where he spent
much of his life after coming to the new world, and it was on his home farm here
the he died December 16, 1902.
Mr. Gillmor was a native of County Sligo, Ireland, born July 27, 1832, a son of
Stewart and Rebecca (Hart) Gillmor. The latter had preciously been married to a
Mr. Baker and had one son, Nicholas, who was drowned in the Wapsipinicon river.
Mr. and Mrs. Gillmor emigrated to America, arriving in Davenport on the 12th of
April, 1847. The father first purchased forty acres of land, which he planted to
wheat, this tract being located where the Orphans Home now stands. After
residing in that section of Scott county for a period of four or five years, the
father preempted eighty acres of land north of Long Grove, which became his
permanent place of abode, and where the parents reared their family of four sons
and two daughters, as follows: Eliza, who married Samuel Ramsey but she had
since passed away; Stewart, of this review; Isaac, who departed this life in
1909; his home being in Denison, this state; John, who died in youth;
Margaret Jane, the deceased wife of Alexander Boyle; and Hugh, who is also
deceased.
Stewart Gillmor, the eldest son and second in order of birth, shared with the
other members of the family in the trials and privations they had to bear in
establishing a home in a new and unsettled country. He remained under the
parental roof until he reached mature years and then, in connection with his
brother Isaac, secured from the government three hundred and twenty acres of
land in Winfield township, this tract lying north of Donahue. Stewart Gillmor at
once began the cultivation and improvement of the land and made his home thereon
until about the close of the Civil war, when he disposed of that property and
invested in three hundred and twenty-three acres located on sections 26, 27, 34
and 45, Allens Grove township, and since his demise the family have added
twenty-seven acres to it on section 27. Mr. Gillmor gave his time and attention
to the improvement and further development of this farm and it is now a valuable
property. Although he was modest and!
retiring by nature, little inclined to conversation, he was a man of much
influence in the community and it was due to his efforts and largely to his
financial aid that the house of worship, known as the Church of God, was erected
on his farm. Aside from his many other acts off kindness, which will long be
remembered, this will stand as a lasting monument to his religious zeal.
Mr. Gillmor, also in a quiet way, exerted his influence in the political circles
of Scott county. He was stanch in his advocacy of the republican party and its
principles and cast his first presidential vote for Fremont, while his last
ballot supported William McKinley. Mr. Gillmor had passed his seventieth year,
when on the 16th of December, 1902, he was called from this life. His ideals,
his personality, the history of his life and his profound sense of integrity and
honesty could be made the text of a lesson from which the younger generation
could study success.
Mr. Gillmor had spent forty-four years of wedded bliss with his wife, who bore
the maiden name of Mary A. Connor, their marriage being celebrated in 1858. She
was born in Perth, Ontario, Canada, June 26, 1839, a daughter of John and Ellen
(Bryan) Connor, who were natives of Ireland but spent some years in Canada and
came to Scott county in 1846. With the widow seven children survive the death of
Mr. Gillmor, these being: John Stewart, who conducts a hotel in Los Angeles,
California; Margaret J., who is with her mother; R. Ellen, who is engaged in
teaching in Durango, Colorado; William L., a practicing physician in Kansas
City, Missouri; Hugh H., who resides on a part of the homestead farm; Frank A.
E., who is with his mother and manages the remainder of the farm; and I. Fenton,
who is a student in the Iowa State University. Mrs. Gillmor is a lady of many
estimable qualities and enjoys the high regard of a large circle of friends and
acquaintances.
Transcribed by Laura Rathmann
Fred Thornbloom Biography
From "Vol. 2 History of Davenport and Scott County" by Harry E.
Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Thornbloom, Anderson, Hagberg
A well improved farm of one hundred and twenty acres, situated in Buffalo
township, is the home of Fred Thornbloom, a worthy representative of the
Swedish race. He was born in Sweden in 1861 and made his home there until he was
thirty-two years of age. Having learned of the opportunities afforded in
America, he decided to try his fortune in the new world, and accordingly, in
1893, crossed the Atlantic. He settled in Moline, Illinois, where for a few
years he was employed in the shops of the Deere Plow Company. In 1895, believing
that he could better provide for his family on a farm, he rented a tract of land
near Moline and for several years gave his attention to it's cultivation. In
1897 he rented a two hundred acre farm near Hillsdale, Illinois, where he lived
five years.
In 1903 Mr. Thornbloom came to Scott county and since then had been engaged in
farming one hundred and twenty acres in Buffalo township. He does general
farming, raising the cereals best adapted to soil and climate, and each year he
gathers good crops as a reward for the care and labor he bestows upon the
fields. He finds in the cultivation of the rich soil of Iowa ample scope for his
energy-his dominant quality-and as the years pass he is adding to his financial
resources.
Mr. Thornbloom was married ere he emigrated to the new world, the lady of his
choice being Miss Annie Anderson. They have eight children: Henry, Anna, Carrie,
Swan, Iver, Casper, Thera and Sadie. All are at home with the exception of
Annie, who is now the wife of Claus Hagberg, a resident of Moline, Illinois.
Loyal to the best interests of his adopted county. Mr. Thornbloom is not slow in
advocating every movement or measure for the improvement and progress of this
section of the state and all who know him have for him high esteem.
Transcribed by Laura Rathmann
H. H. Gillmor Biography
From "Vol. 2 History of Davenport and Scott County" by Harry E.
Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Gillmor, Zindel, Schaser
H. H. Gillmor was born on his present home place, November 19, 1870. At the
usual age he began his education in the public schools, after which he pursued a
course in Drake University. Subsequently he took a business course in the Iowa
Business College, at Des Moines, from which he graduated in 1880. During the
periods of vacation he assisted his father in the work of the home farm and
after completing his business course he acted as salesman for the Smith Premier
Typewriter Company at Des Moines, remaining in their employ for three and a half
years. He then returned home and resumed farming on a portion of the old
homestead place, operating one hundred and twenty acres on his own account. He
is still giving his time and attention to this tract and is meeting with well
merited success.
Mr. Gillmor was married in 1904 to Miss Julia Zindel, who was born in Liberty
township, Scott county, in July 1875. She is a daughter of Andrew and Mary (Schaser)
Zindel. The father, who is now deceased, was a native of Switzerland. The mother
was born in St. Petersburg, Russia, but is of Swiss parentage. She still
survives and makes her home in Davenport. Both Mr. and Mrs. Gillmor are popular
young people with a wide circle of friends.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
Herman Lage Biography
From "Vol. 2 History of Davenport and Scott County" by Harry E.
Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Lage, Ziethan, Wiechert, Hagen, Hahn, Waters, Frye
Herman C. Lage, who is the last of his branch of the family in Davenport, where
for a number of years he has occupied a notable and honorable position in
business circles, is now well known as a notable and honorable position in
business circles, is now well known as a leading shoe merchant of this city,
controlling a trade of large proportions, his success coming to him as the
merited reward of his close application, business enterprise and diligence.
He was born in Germany in 1862 and is the son of C. H. and Dorothy (Ziethan)
Lage. The father was a mechanic who spent his entire life in his native land,
where he died when fifty years of age. The elder son of the family having come
to this country, the other members of the household also crossed the Atlantic
and the mother spent her last days with her son Otto in Hickory Grove township.
She was buried in Moline in September, 1884. The family includes Mrs. Anna
Wiechert, who is living in Moline, Illinois; Henry J., who died in Colorado in
1900; Doris, the wife of Johannes Hagen a retired farmer living at No. 1301
Brown street in Davenport; Otto J.; Emma, the wife of Henry Hahn, a farmer of
Scott county; and Minnie M. C., the wife of Richard J. Waters, who is in the
store as a partner of the subject of this review.
In the schools of his native country Herman C. Lage began his education and with
his mother he came to the new world, remaining here until the winter of 1888-9,
which he spent at his old home in Germany. He then came again to this country
and pursued a commercial course in Duncan's school. Thus well equipped for the
practical duties of business life he accepted a position in Moline, Illinois,
where he remained for twelve years save for a period of a year, which he spent
on the Pacific coast, during which time he was employed as bookkeeper on the
Rancho Del Capitan. Subsequently he returned to his old position in the grocery
business in Moline. He continued there until he became connected with the shoe
trade in Rock Island in 1903. For about three years he was engaged in business
in that city, but on the 29th of May, 1906, sold out and crossed the river to
Davenport. Here he purchased the business of the Arnold-Lettie Shoe Company,
which he has since removed to!
his present quarters at No. 308 West Second street. He has a well equipped
store, carrying a large and carefully selected line of shoes and the tasteful
arrangement of his place as well as his reasonable prices and honorable
dealings, constitutes a feature of his success.
On the 30th of June, 1904, Mr. Lage, was married to Miss Elizabeth M. Frye an
they have many friends in Davenport, while their own home is a most hospitable
one. Mr. Lage became a member of the Masonic fraternity of Rock Island and he
belongs to the Boat club of Davenport. A friendly disposition and social
qualities render him popular with those with whom he comes in contact, while his
business integrity and diligence make him a representative merchant before whom
are opening out constantly broadening opportunities.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
Captain Warner Lewis Clark Biography
From "Vol. 2 History of Davenport and Scott County" by Harry E.
Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Clark, Beard, Dodge, Baker, Waters, Evans, Elmes, Orrick.
Captain Warner Lewis Clark enjoys the distinction of being the oldest living
settler of the state of Iowa and also of being the son of the first white man to
establish a claim in Scott county. He was born on the Wabash river, near Mount
Carmel, Wabash county, Illinois, November 14, 1822, a son of Benjamin Warren and
Mary (Beard) Clark. The father was a native of Virginia, but the mother was born
in Kentucky and did not survive the birth of her son. The earliest memories of
the childhood of Captain Warner Lewis Clark are connected with the Indians, for
at the time of his birth they were much more numerous than the white settlers.
Indeed, in 1827, when the family removed to Rock Island, the Black Hawk, Keokuk
and other tribes surrounded them and were their daily companions. As boys he and
his brother, John P. Clark, played with them at ball, shooting arrows and other
games which they taught them, and having learned the Indian language became
conversant with many of the customs prevalent among the red people. On the
1st of June, 1833, with the rest of his family, Captain Clark removed to the
Black Hawk purchase and they were the first to settle where is now the village
of Buffalo, this county. Many are the memories of those early days, when the
face of a white brother was infrequently seen. It was, indeed, a great event
when the first school was taught here in 1836, and in it in the winter of 1838
Captain Clark received his last instruction in the rudiments of English
education. On the 25th of October, 1839, occurred the death of his father, and a
month later his stepmother also passed away, leaving eight children to struggle
against the hardships that confronted them. The character of the life, far from
discouraging them, taught them the invaluable lessons of industry and
hopefulness, which were productive of large results if we are to judge from
captain Clark's career.
For a number of years after the death of his parents, Captain Clark lived upon
the old homestead in Buffalo township and then, in 1847, removed to Davenport.
Seven years later he and the late Captain Leroy Dodge bought a half interest in
the packet line running between Keokuk, Davenport, and Rock Island. Captain
Clark received the contract for handling the United States mail. In 1857 he left
Davenport to take up his residence in Buffalo, in order that he might operate
the coal mines which were upon his place and thus supply his boats with coal. In
the course of years he became very wealthy, although in the panic of 1859 he
lost heavily, but had enough left to establish him comfortably and give him a
good start again in life. During the year 1865 he opened an addition to the
village of Buffalo, which still bears his name. Of coarse in late years he has
taken little active part in the life that is going on about him, but he is,
nevertheless, an eager spectator o!
f events and has not remitted one bit of his interest in the things that pertain
to the general welfare. He is able to contrast the present with its conveniences
with the hardships of the past, and while he cannot but acknowledge the great
advancement that has been made, he is loath to say that better men are produced
now than then. In fact those early days, while they called into play the
sternest qualities of a nature, demanding courage and perseverance above all
things, inculcated those principles upon which the highest success is built.
On the 9th of December, 1841, when he was but nineteen years of age, Captain
Clark was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Baker, who was one year his junior.
She was a daughter of Maurice and Margaret (Waters) Baker, the former a native
of Maryland, the latter of Kentucky. Eight children were born to the Captain and
his wife: Benjamin Warren, who wedded Miss Lizzie Evans, of St. Louis, Missouri,
and passed away May 29, 1905; Emma M., who became the wife of General F. Elmes,
of Chicago; Florence L., who is the wife of w. L. Orrick, of Dubuque, Iowa;
Lincoln L., who died unmarried August 27, 1889; and Charles C., who is engaged
in the milling business in St. Louis, Missouri. Mrs. Clark died March 30, 1891.]
Politically Captain Clark has always been in sympathy with the democratic party,
and he is a member of the Episcopal church. He is a stanch defender of religion
and his own life is lived in strict accord with the rules of Christian conduct.
He is temperate in all his habits, with a certain justifiable pride attributing
the many years of his life to that fact.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
Theodore Krabbenhoeft Biography
From "Vol. 2 History of Davenport and Scott County" by Harry E.
Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Krabbenhoeft, Haak, Niemand, Pahl, Struck
The name of Theodore Krabbenhoeft is an honored one in mercantile and financial
circles in Davenport, where he is widely known as the president of the Davenport
Cigar Box Company and as a director of the Davenport Savings Bank. What he has
accomplished represents the utilization of the innate talents which are his, the
recognition of opportunity and keen discrimination in determining that which is
essential in the successful conduct of business enterprises.
One of Davenport's native sons and a representative of one of its pioneer
families, he was born August 14, 1859, his parents being J. H. and Lizzette (Haak)
Krabbenhoeft. The father was a native of Germany, born in the little village of
Noehr near Kiel. He acquired his education in the schools of that country and
there learned the mechanic's trade. His interests aroused by the favorable
reports which he heard concerning the new world and its opportunities, he
determined to try his fortune on the western continent and after bidding adieu
to friends and family, sailed for New Orleans. He then made his way up the
Mississippi river to St. Louis, where he remained until, attracted by the
discovery of gold in California, he crossed the plains to the Pacific coast in
1849, remaining for about a year in the far west. He was among those who met
success in the search for the precious metal and on his return brought with him
substantial evidence of his labors. Again maki!
ng his way to the Mississippi valley, he proceeded to davenport instead of St.
Louis and settled on a farm in the vicinity of this city. Again he was attracted
by gold discoveries when the precious metal was found on Pike's Peak, and making
his way to Colorado, he remained there for some time. On his return to Scott
county he resumed farming in Davenport township, owning there a good tract of
land which responded readily and generously to the care and labor which he
bestowed upon it. Unto him and his wife, who was also a native of Germany, there
were born seven children: George, deceased; Theodore, whose name introduces this
record; Emma, the wife of Chris Niemand; Gus; Laura and Edward, both deceased;
and Julius, who married Emma Pahl.
At the usual age Theodore Krabbenhoeft entered the common schools, wherein he
completed his education. His early experience in the business world came through
clerking in various commercial houses in the city and he made his first
independent step as a grocer, opening a store which he conducted for some time
with substantial success. Hoping to find a still broader field of labor, he
disposed of his mercantile interests to his brother-in-law and entered the field
of manufacturing in connection with the Davenport Cigar Box Company, which had
been organized about a year previous. Soon after becoming connected therewith
Mr. Krabbenhoeft was chosen general manger and upon the reorganization of the
business accepted the presidency and has since remained at the head of what is
now regarded as one of the leading concerns of the city.
On the 5th of November, 1882, Mr. Krabbenhoeft was married to Miss Emma Struck,
a daughter of Henry Struck, of whom extended mention is made elsewhere in this
volume. Mr. Krabbenhoeft belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
and the Turner Society, in which organization he is very active. Diligence and
perseverance constitute the keynote of his character, and as he has steadily
progressed in business circles each forward step has brought him a broader
outlook and wider opportunity which he has fully utilized in the development of
business interests that are now important and of extensive proportions.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
Charles Van Evera Biography
From "Vol. 2 History of Davenport and Scott County" by Harry E.
Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Van Evera, Stowits, Wilkin, Douglass, Kepler, Seaman, Bonnell, Barr
An excellent farming property of two hundred and eighty-six acres located in
Davenport township pays tribute to the care and labor which Charles Van Evera
bestows upon it, and in the fine crops which he annually harvests he is
continually adding to his financial resources. He was born in the Empire state,
March 2, 1847, a son of Rynier and Katherine (Stowits) Van Evera. The family
came originally from Holland but have lived in America since before the
Revolution. Rynier Van Evera was also born in New York, a son of John Van Evera.
He was married in that state and in 1837 came west with his family, establishing
his home in Muscatine county, Iowa. He located on one hundred and twenty acres
of land which he purchased and thereon made his home for six and twenty acres of
land which he purchased and thereon made his home for six years. He then
disposed of that tract and removing to Scott county, rented various tracts of
land until 1867, when he purchased the farm w!
hich is now in possession of the son Charles. For many years he was identified
with the development and improvement of this farm and passed away March 9, 1883,
while his wife survived him for only two years, her death occurring March 23,
1885. They had a family of five children, namely: Miranda, the widow of
Cornelius Wilkin, who now makes her home with our subject; Joshua, of Florida;
Charles, of this review; and John and Henry, deceased.
Charles Van Evera was a little lad of seven years when he was brought by his
parents to Iowa, the family home being established in Muscatine county. He
started to school at the usual age in New York state and after removing to
Muscatine county attended school there, while later, the family removing to
Scott county, he attended the district schools here, but his education was
completed in the high school at Davenport. After putting aside his text-books he
gave his attention to farming, having assisted his father during the periods of
vacation while pursuing his studies.
Mr. Van Evera established a home of his own by his marriage on the 30th of
December, 1874, to Miss Henrietta Kepler, a daughter of John and Ann (Douglass)
Kepler, of Scott county. He then began work in earnest, following the pursuit to
which he had been reared and this has been his occupation to the present time.
He now owns two hundred and eighty-six acres in Davenport township, which was
formerly the old home place, the house which stands on the farm having been
erected by the father. Mr. Van Evera since taking possession has made other
needed improvements and the place is now one of the most valuable in Davenport
township. He carries on general farming and also raises stock, both branches of
his business bringing him a good profit. His success has been won through the
most honorable methods, so that it is all the more gratifying.
As above stated, Mr. Van Evera wedded Miss Henrietta Kepler, who was born in
Pennsylvania, a daughter of John and Ann Kepler. The father was born in Blair
county, Pennsylvania, October 21, 1831, while the mother was born in Cambria
county, that state, November 17, 1832. In 1856 a removal was made to Scott
county. The family lived for a few years thereafter in Le Claire township but in
1861 took up their abode in Lincoln township, where the mother's death occurred
on the 2d of February, 1877, when she was forty-five years of age. The father
survived for many years and passed away in Chicago, Illinois, December 18, 1893,
when he was sixty-two years old. Their family numbered eight children, as
follows: Henrietta, now Mrs. Van Evera; T. B., of Tama county, Iowa; W. D., of
Lincoln township; G. M., formerly of this county; W. E., a resident of Oregon;
William D., of Tama county, this state; M. H., who makes his home in Worth
county, this state; and R. P. of Toledo, Iowa.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Van Evera has been blessed with nine children;
Rynier, who died in infancy; Grace, at home; Carl, who wedded Josephine Seaman
and lives in Davenport township, where he follows farming and stock raising, his
specialty being red polled cattle; Katherine, who is engaged in teaching in
Minnesota; Kepler, who is studying for the ministry in McCormick Theological
Seminary, at Chicago; Anna, the wife of B. S. Bonnell, a resident of Lincoln
township; Rodger, who married Zella Barr and is farming the home place;
Benjamin, also at home; and Donald, who died when six years of age.
Mr. Van Evera is a republican in his political belief and has served as school
director but otherwise has filled no public office. His religious faith is
indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church at Summit, in which he is
now acting as treasurer. Fortunate as has been his life, his record is
untarnished and the name of Charles Van Evera stands for honesty, integrity and
upright manhood.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
 Mrs.
Melvina Pope Fanning Biography
From "Vol. 2 History of Davenport and Scott County" by Harry E.
Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Pope, Fanning, Angle, Rathburn, Wood, Allen, Van Epps
Mrs. Melvina Pope Fanning, who is well and favorably known I Princeton, where
the greater part of her life has been passed, owns considerable property in the
village and thirty-five acres of farm land in Princeton township. Her father,
Isaac Tracey Pope, was one of the early settlers of Scott county and was a
descendant of pioneers, for his ancestors came to America from England, when
this continent was first being colonized. Those who established the family on
this side of the Atlantic were Thomas and John Pope, who crossed the ocean on
the Mary and John, landing in Massachusetts September 3, 1634. John Pope was a
freeman of Dorchester and in his will, drawn up in 1646, mentioned his brother
Thomas, who is supposed to have been Thomas Pope of Plymouth.
Isaac Tracy Pope, a lineal descendant and father of Mrs. Fanning, was born in
Oswego county, New York, August 13, 1811, a son of Squire S. and Sallie (Angle)
Pope, who came west in 1835 and settled in Quincy, Illinois. Isaac Tracy Pope
received a common-school education in the east, married there and in 1840 came
to Linn county, Iowa, where he secured a tract of government land, upon which he
built a log cabin, and there lived until 1854. Being in limited circumstances he
and his wife had to endure many hardships attendant upon the primitive state of
the country and the strain of poverty. However, he was energetic and ambitious
and in the course of years his labors brought him a generous competence. In 1854
he removed from Linn county to Scott county, where he engaged in farming until
his death, which occurred March 17, 1863. His wife survived him more than twenty
years. She was Miss Mary A. Rathburn, in her maidenhood and a daughter of
Washington and Eunice Rathburn. Born i!
n Oswego county, New York, March 15, 1814, she there grew to young womanhood and
was married to Mr. Pope, January 28, 1834. She endured the hardships of pioneer
life in Iowa in the early years of her wedded life, and when the Scott County
Pioneer Society was organized became one of its honored members. Hers was a life
of courage and devotion to her family, and she was deeply mourned when, on the
30th of December, 1886, she was called to her final rest. The last fourteen
years of her life were passed in the home of her daughter, Mrs. Fanning. Nine
children were born to her and her husband, as follows: Sarah, who became the
wife of James Wood, of Princeton; William H., who wedded Miss Mary Allen and is
now deceased; Melvina, who is now living at Princeton; George W., who wedded
Miss Anna Maria Van Epps and is now a resident of Pleasant Valley township; and
four who died in infancy. William H. Pope was born October 12, 1840, and was a
young man of twenty-one when, on the 14th o!
f October, 1861, he enlisted in the Second Iowa Calvary under Colonel Egbert. He
saw considerable active service during the Civil war and was discharged October
4, 1864.
Mrs. Melvina Pope Fanning was born in Linn county, Iowa, near the town of
Lisbon, January 30, 1845, and accompanied her parents when they came to Scott
county. She attended the common schools of Pleasant Valley township, although
she was not permitted to give much time to the preparation of lessons, for at
the age of fifteen her father bought a hotel in Princeton and placed her in
charge of it. She conducted the hostelry with success, displayed good business
judgment, and became favorably known in the village and the vicinity as a woman
of large ability.
At the end of four years she gave her hand in marriage to John A. Fanning, who
was born at Clayton, Jefferson county, New York, May 20, 1835. In 1857 he came
west, settling first in Moline, Illinois, where he lived until 1859, when he
came to Princeton, Scott county. After the outbreak of the Civil war he enlisted
from this village in Company C., Second Iowa Cavalry, and in the three years of
his service participated in many of the hotly contested battles of the great
struggle. Upon his return to civil life he took up his residence in Princeton,
where he followed his trade as a blacksmith, and where, October 31, 1864, he was
united in marriage to Miss Melvina Pope. The couple passed along the highroad of
life together for more than a score of years, before their union was broken by
the death of Mr. Fanning, who passed away in 1885.
Mrs. Fanning is well known and highly respected in Princeton township, where she
has spent so many years. She has shown courage and ability in meeting the
several problems that have confronted her, and while she has exhibited a keen
business sagacity on many occasions, she is endowed with those womanly traits
that make her beloved and venerated among a large circle of
friends.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
Frank Keppy Biography
From "Vol. 2 History of Davenport and Scott County" by Harry E.
Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surname: Keppy, Rohwer, Koehler, Thodt, Burmeister, Klindt
In the front rank of the columns which have advanced the civilization of Scott
county, the Keppy family has led the way to its substantial development,
progress and upbuilding, and Frank Keppy of this review has been particularly
active in the growth of Donahue, where he now makes his home. He was born in
Slopertown, Scott county, April 17, 1856, a son of Andrew and Bertha Keppy, both
of whom were natives of Germany. The father came to the new world in the '40s.
He was a carpenter by trade and followed that calling in his natives of Germany.
The father came to the new world in the '40s. He was a carpenter by trade and
followed that calling in his native land but after coming to Scott county
engaged in farming throughout his business career. He was married twice and by
the first union he had two daughters and three sons but the daughters all died
ere the emigration of the family to the United States. By the second union there
were two sons and two daughters but!
the latter are also deceased, the elder brother of our subject being
Herman Keppy, a resident of Davenport. The mother died when Frank Keppy was but
two years of age. The father survived for many years and departed this life in
Davenport, when he had reached the extreme old age of eighty-eight years. He
became an influential citizen of Scott county, being numbered among her most
worthy pioneers.
Frank Keppy was reared to farm life, remaining under the parental roof
throughout the period of his boyhood and youth. He assisted his father in the
work of the fields until the family removed to Davenport, where they spent two
years, after which they again located on a farm. The son gave his father the
benefit of his services for six years thereafter and then engaged in farming on
his own account, for it was about this time that he established a home of his
own by his marriage on the 2d of September, 1875, to Miss Mary Rohwer, who was
born in Allens Grove township, Scott county, on the 9th of February, 1855. Her
parents, Claus and Margaret (Koehler) Rohwer, were likewise natives of Germany,
the place of their nativity being Holstein. The father was born December 22,
1819, while the mother was born on the 28th of May, 1825. They were married in
Scott county on the 3d of March, 1854, both having come alone to America. The
father bade adieu to the land of his bi!
rth on the 28th of March, 1848, and after a tedious voyage, covering almost two
months, he landed in Davenport on the 19th of May, following. The lady whom he
afterward made his wife arrived here in the fall of 1853. After reaching Scott
county, Mr. Rohwer began work as a laborer but through his economy and industry
it was not long ere he was able to purchase land, for in 1849 he became the
owner of one hundred forty-three acres in Allens Grove township. This proved but
the starting point of his later success for in time his possessions embraced
fourteen hundred acres but he has since given to each of his children a good
farm. He has engaged in farming all his life and still makes his home in Allens
Grove township. At one time he owned the land on which part of the village of
Donahue has since been built. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Rohwer were born four daughters
and three sons, of whom Mrs. Keppy is the eldest, the others being: Jette, the
widow of Charles Thodt, of Hickory Grove to!
wnship, who is mentioned elsewhere in the work; Sophia, the wife of Emil
Burmeister, a resident of Sheridan township; Emma, who died in infancy; Henry, a
resident of Allens Grove township; August C., who died when but two years old;
and Ernest, of Sheridan township.
Following their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Keppy located on a farm of two hundred
acres in Winfield township. After a few years he engaged in merchandising in
connection with his farming operations. In 1880 he took up his abode in the
village of Donahue and since then has been actively identified with various
enterprises and with the building up of the town. In that year he was appointed
postmaster of Donahue and has since held the position through reappointment. For
five years he operated a creamery but has since abandoned that pursuit. He still
conducts his mercantile establishment, handling a general stock of goods and
agricultural implements, and he also buys and sells live stock. He is president
of the Donahue Savings Bank. In 1892 he erected his store building, forty by
seventy-two feet, this being divided into two rooms, and in addition to this he
also owns three residences in the village, while his wife is the owner of a
valuable farm of two hundred acres,!
located a half mile east of Donahue in Winfield township. In every
relation of life Mr. Keppy has always conformed to the strictest rules of
integrity and honesty.
A republican in his political views, Mr. Keppy has served as school director for
five years, while for three years he was president of the Allens Grove school
board. He is not an office-seeker, yet he has nevertheless exerted immeasurable
influence in the village, with whose interests he has been associated for almost
three decades, and in his daily life and his methods of doing business has set a
good example for his sons, Frank C. and Louis A., to follow. Both are
enterprising young business men of Donahue, the latter being his father's able
assistant, and both are mentioned elsewhere in this volume. The only daughter
and the youngest of the family is Clara, now the wife of Henry Klindt, Jr., who
is likewise mentioned in this work.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
Isaac Cody Biography
From "Vol. 2 History of Davenport and Scott County" by Harry E.
Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Cody, Laycock, Tuff, Sheridan, Miles, Carr
Isaac Cody, the father of "Buffalo Bill," the famous scout, Indian
fighter and showman, was one of the pioneer settlers of Scott county. He was
born and reared near Cleveland, Ohio, and was there married, but his wife died
soon afterward, leaving a little daughter, Martha. Mr. Cody then went to
Cincinnati with the intention of studying medicine but about that time the
territory of Iowa was opened for settlement and he decided to emigrate to what
was then the far west. In the meantime he had wedded Miss Mary Laycock, of
Cincinnati, and unto them were born seven children, namely: Samuel, Julia,
William F., Eliza, Helen, May and Charles.
Mr. Cody followed farming most of the time during his twelve years' residence in
Scott county. In the spring of 1852 he removed with his family to Weston,
Missouri, and as soon as the territory of Kansas was opened for settlement he
was among the first to enter, residing there all through the period of the
troubles that antedated the Civil war. Mr. Cody was an outspoken free-state man
and on one occasion, while making a speech in defense of his principles, he was
stabbed in the back by a Missourian and was forced to leave the territory, for
his life was constantly in danger. Therefore he returned east to his native
state of Ohio, where he made many speeches in favor of the admission of Kansas
into the Union as a free state. On his return to Kansas he passed through Iowa
and delivered speeches in Davenport and Le Claire. He was a very active man in
making Kansas a part of the free territory, although he did not live to realize
his one great ambition, which was !
to see Kansas become a pro-white state.
His son, William F. Cody, known throughout the world as "Buffalo
Bill," was born in Le Claire township, February 26, 1845, on what is at
present known as the John S. Wilson farm, a mile and a half northwest of the
town. It appears that Mrs. Cody had already selected a name if her child should
be a boy and on being informed that such was the case she immediately announced
that his name should be William Frederick. The family lived in Scott county
until 1852 and there were in addition to the parents six children, as follows:
Martha, Julia, William, Eliza, Helen and May. Samuel, the eldest son, had been
killed while riding an unbroken colt at Walnut Grove, where the family had been
living for a year. W. F. Cody at that time was a tall, dark-haired boy, seven
years old, and was very fond of horses. Already he could manage a team as well
as any ordinary man and, in fact, he drove one of his father's teams on the trip
to western Missouri, which was in the year 1852.!
In the year 1857 his father died, leaving him, at the tender age of twelve
years, the sole protector and support of the family. After the father's death he
struck out for the plains and engaged in herding cattle, driving stage, acting
as a pony express rider and doing other such work as was incident to a life in
that section of the country. After the outbreak of the Civil war he became one
of the famous "red legged scouts," a company commanded by Captain
Tuff. He served for two years and then joined the Seventh Kansas, known as
Jennison's Jayhawkers, with which he served until the war closed. After the war
he returned to the plains and was a scout for Generals Sheridan, Miles, E. A.
Carr and others, while subsequently he became associated with Ned Buntlin
in the show business, which he has followed continuously and at this writing, in
1910, is still under the canvas. His mother, Mrs. Cody, died November 22, 1863,
at her home in Kansas. Said one who knew her more than a half century ago:
"She was quite a literary woman, a lady in every sense of the term; a great
admirer of Queen Victoria and proud she would have been could she have lived to
know that her son, William Frederick, was the only American ever granted special
favors by the queen of England.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
J. D. Cantwell, M. D. Biography
From "Vol. 2 History of Davenport and Scott County" by Harry E.
Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Cantwell, Dalzell, Taylor.
Dr. J. D. Cantwell, deserving of mention with the able and representative
members of the medical profession in Davenport, his native city, was born in
April, 1877. His father was Dr. A W. Cantwell, for many years a distinguished
physician of Davenport, of whom extended mention is made elsewhere in this
volume. The mother was Mrs. Martha (Dalzell) Cantwell, and unto them were born
two sons, the elder being James Y. Cantwell, who served in the Spanish-American
war in the Fifty-second Iowa Infantry and was afterward transferred to the
Fourth Division of the regular army. He was at length honorably discharged in
Cuba on account of disability and is now a commercial traveler.
In the public schools of this city Dr. J. D. Cantwell pursued his preliminary
education, which was later supplemented by study in the State University. He was
graduated from the medical department with the class of 1901 and in April of the
same year at once entered upon practice in Davenport, where he is making rapid
progress toward the front rank of the profession. Conscientious in the
performance of all his professional duties, careful in the diagnosis of his
cases and with thorough understanding of anatomy and the component parts of the
human body and the onslaughts made upon it by disease. He is a member of the
County and Sate Medical Associations and the Iowa and Illinois District Medical
Association. He is now treasurer of the United States pension board in this
district.
It was in March, 1904, that Dr. Cantwell was united in marriage to Miss Mary
Edna Taylor, and unto them have been born two children, Edna Mary and John
Dalzell.
Dr. Cantwell is prominent in Masonic circles, belonging to Trinity Lodge, No.
208, F. & A. M.; Davenport Chapter, No. 16, R. A. M.; St. Simon of Cyrene
Commandery, No. 9, K. T., of which he is past eminent commander; Zarepath
Consistory, No. 4, s. P. R. S.; and Kaaba Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He likewise
belongs to Prosperity Lodge, No. 704, I. O. O. F. His record sets at naught the
old adage that a prophet is never without honor save in his own country, for in
the state where his entire life has been passed Dr. Cantwell has demonstrated
his professional worth and it has gained for him recognition in a liberal
practice.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
 Charles
Paustian Biography
From "Vol. 2 History of Davenport and Scott County" by Harry E.
Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Paustian, Roehs, Greenwald, Buhmann, Meinert, Paulsen, Dietz.
Charles Paustian is known as a successful farmer of Hickory Grove township, his
possessions comprising two hundred and forty acres of land all in one body, this
place being called the Home Farm. It is also his birthplace, his natal day being
September 6, 1865. His parents, Frederick and Christina (Roehs) Paustian, were
natives of Holstein, Germany, the former born January 14, 1820, and the latter
born on the 25th of August, 1825. They were reared in the old country and came
to the new world in 1851. They were married soon after their arrival here and
settled on a farm in Scott county, which the father bought. Prior to coming to
America he had followed his trade of a mason but after locating in Scott county
gave his time to general farming throughout his business career. His family
numbered twelve children but two of the number died in childhood, the others
being: Caroline, the wife of Martin Greenwald, of Cleona township; Fred, who
resides in Minnesota; August, of Hickory Grove township; Emma, the wife of
Christ Paustian, of Cleona township, Louis, who makes his home in Cedar county,
Iowa, Sophia, the wife of William Buhmann, a resident of O'Brien county, Iowa;
James, of Hickory Grove township, Charles, of this review; Minnie, the wife
Herman Meinert, who resides in Cleona township; and Bertha, the wife of Henry
Paulsen, a resident of Muscatine county, Iowa. The parents became well-to-do and
highly respected pioneers of Scott county but both are now deceased. The father
passed away on the 27th of January, 1885, when he had reached the age of
sixty-five years, while the mother, surviving for about fifteen years, departed
this life July 21, 1900m when she was seventy-five years of age.
Charles Paustian was reared under the parental roof, assisting his father in the
work of the fields during the spring and summer seasons, while in the winter
months he pursued his studies in the district schools near his home. He has made
farming his life work and is now the owner of the old homestead farm, the tract
embracing two hundred and forty acres, eighty acres of which lies on section 29,
while the remainder is located on section 30, Hickory Grove township. On the
place stands a substantial brick residence, which was erected by the father,
while all the outbuildings have been built by Mr. Paustian of this review. Each
year his labors are rewarded by bounteous harvests, for he is systematic in his
methods of farming and knows what plan to follow to bring the best results.
Mr. Paustian was married in 1891 to Miss Lizzie Dietz, who was born in Cleona
township, this county, September 20, 1868, a daughter of John Dietz, a resident
of Cleona township. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Paustian have been born one son and eight
daughters: Christina, Agnes, Horace, Elsie, Malinda, Evelyn, Elvira, Norma and
Leona.
In the midst of a busy life on the farm Mr. Paustian finds time to give to other
interest of a public nature, acting as a director of the Walcott Savings Bank
and of the Farmers Elevator company of Walcott. In his political views he is a
democrat but is not active as an office seeker. His fraternal relations are with
the Knights of Pythias at Walcott. Mr. Paustian chose rather a significant name
for his place-Home Farm-for while its surroundings are characteristic of all
that the name implies, it has as well been the place of his abode from the date
of his birth to the present time, and the associations of his early boyhood and
youth as well as those of later manhood have made it to him a cherished spot.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
Hans Soenke Biography
From "Vol. 2 History of Davenport and Scott County" by Harry E.
Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Soenke, Jacobs, Brothers, Timm, Inbeck, Koechert, Puck, Sulk,
Faurback, Ruge, Dean.
Among the old residents of Scott county who are now living in retirement in
Davenport, Hans Soenke is numbered. He was formerly engaged in farming and still
owns valuable and extensive lands in the state. He was born in Holstein,
Germany, January 31, 1836, a son of Hans and Christina (Jacobs) Soenke. The
father emigrated with his family to the new world in 1853, and, landing at New
York city, made his way direct to St. Louis, whence he went up the river about a
hundred miles, where lived some friends, with whom the Soenke family remained
for a few months. The father then sought a location and, deciding upon Iowa as a
suitable place to settle, he rented land in Hickory Grove township, Scott
county, where he spent the first winter and then removed to Blue Grass township,
living there for four years, and then operated a farm in Hickory Grove township.
He next leased four hundred and eighty acres in blue Grass township, this being
divided into two farms, which lay about three miles apart. This was all
prairie but Mr. Soenke at once began to place the fields under cultivation,
having fenced the place and erected a house. In course of years he purchased
this land and carried on farming on an extensive scale until his demise. His
family numbered eight children: Mary, deceased; Margaret, who became the wife of
J. Brothers and has also departed this life; and Katherine, the deceased wife of
Henry Timm. Both the parents died many years ago. The father, who was born
August 8, 1803, died in 1881 on the seventy-eighth anniversary of his birth. The
mother, who was likewise born in 1803, passed away in 1863.
Hans Soenke, whose name introduces this review, was a youth of seventeen years
when he accompanied his parents on their trip to the new world. After their
arrival here, he located with them in Scott county, where he found employment
during the harvesting season. While thus engaged he had the misfortune to lose
his right arm. When the father rented a farm the son assisted him in his work
and accompanied him on his various removals after coming to Scott county,
assisting in the work of the different farms. After the father's demise, Mr.
Soenke took charge of the place and made it his home until 1898, since which
time he has lived retired in Davenport. He still retains possession of the farm
of two hundred and forty acres in Blue Grass township and owns a similar amount
in Clay county, this state. This is all valuable land and supplies him with a
good competency, which enables him to enjoy all the comforts and many of the
luxuries of life.
Mr. Soenke was married December 20, 1865, to Miss Anna Inbeck, a daughter of
John and Augustina Margaret Inbeck, whose parents located in Davenport in 1863.
They have become the parents of the following named. Christina is the deceased
wife of Louis Koechert, who lives on Mr. Soenke's farm in Clay county. She was
the mother of a daughter and two sons, Ida, Albert, and Herman. Hans, the next
member of the family, wedded Helen Puck but is now deceased. Henry, who lives on
the homestead place in Blue Grass township, wedded Miss Minnie Sulk and they
have two children, Karma and a baby. Wilhelmina is the wife of Henry Faurback
and they reside in Cleona township, Scott county. They have five children, Fred,
Mary Ann, Elmer, Ida and Loyd. Agnes Soenke is the wife of William Ruge, of
Walcott, Iowa, and is the mother of five children, Walter, Clarence, Hans, Etta
and Boeta. Ida, the sixth member of the family is with her parents. Herman, the
youngest, wedded Ella Dean !
and they have a daughter, Erma.
While still a resident of Blue Grass township, Mr. Soenke served as school
director for a number of years and was formerly on the directorate of the
Walcott Savings Bank and the Walcott Creamery Company and he still is a
stockholder in these two concerns. He has been treasurer of the German Mutual
Fire Insurance Company of Walcott since 1882. In former years his life was one
of continuous activity, in which was accorded due recognition of labor, and
today he is numbered among the substantial citizens of Davenport and Scott
county. His interests have at all times been thoroughly identified with those of
Scott county, and at all times he is ready to lend his aid and cooperation to
any movement calculated to benefit this section of the country or advance its
wonderful development. He is a member of the German Pioneers Association and in
politics is a democrat.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
James Paustian Biography
From "Vol. 2 History of Davenport and Scott County" by Harry E.
Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Paustian, Roehs, Greenwood, Buhmann, Meinert, Paulsen, Martens.
James Paustian, a successful farmer of Hickory Grove township, is one of
its native sons, for here his birth occurred October 25, 1863. His parents,
Frederick and Christian (Roehs) Paustian, were natives of the fatherland, the
former having been born in Holstein, January 14, 1820, the latter in the same
province, August 25, 1825. In the place of their birth they were reared to
maturity and were there married, coming to this country in 1851 shortly after
their union. They settled on a farm in Scott county, Iowa, where Mr. Paustian
devoted himself assiduously to tilling the soil, although for the first years,
in conjunction with it, he followed his trade as a mason to some extent. As the
years passed he became a prosperous man, who enjoyed the respect of his fellow
citizens and especially of those pioneers of Scott county who had watched his
labors in the early days. He died January 27, 1885, while his wife survived
until July 21, 1900. They were both well advanced in age when!
their lives were ended.
Twelve children were born to them, ten of whom now survive, namely: Caroline,
who is the wife of Martin Greenwood, of Cleona township; Fred, who resides in
Minnesota; August, of Hickory Grove township; Emma, the wife of Christ Paustian,
of Cleona township; Louis, who resides in Cedar county, Iowa; Sophia, the wife
of William Buhmann, of Bryan, Ohio; James, the subject of this sketch; Charles,
a farmer of Hickory Grove township; Minnie, the wife of Herman Meinert, of
Cleona township; and Bertha, the wife of Henry Paulsen, of Muscatine, Iowa.
As well as being his birthplace Hickory Grove township has also been the home of
James Paustian throughout life. In the district schools here he received his
early education and at the same time he was fitted for the responsibilities of
life practically through the assistance he rendered his father in the operation
of the homestead. Upon the death of the latter, when James Paustian was
twenty-one years of age, he and his brother assumed the management of the
paternal farm, which they conducted for the next four years. At the expiration
of that period, they severed their partnership and James Paustian came to the
place on which he now lives. It is a tract of one hundred and sixty acres, the
southeast quarter of section 19, Hickory Grove township. Here he pursues general
farming, raising a quantity of stock for the market in addition. While these
occupations demand a great deal of his time and thought, he is also interested
as a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator at Walcott and has been able to render
efficient service to his fellow citizens, for during a period of three years he
was school director.
On the 27th of February, 1895, Mr. Paustian was united in marriage to Miss Anna
Martens, who was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, September 6, 1874. Upon the 24th
of October, 1881, she and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fritz Martens, came to Scott
county, which has since been their home. Mr. and Mrs. Paustian have eight
children: Minnie C., Sophia M., Bernhard P., Caroline A., Walter E., Harry F.,
Bertha D. and Edna A.
Mr. Paustian belongs to the lodge of the Knights of Pythias at Walcott, taking a
vital interest in its affairs. The improvements upon his farm and the condition
of the fields, rather than their extent, evince his skill as a farmer, and he
has the respect and good will of those who are associated with him.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
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