USA > Iowa > Black Hawk County > History of Black Hawk County, Iowa, and its people, Volume II > Part 13
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During this time Mr. Welty was still selling blank books and enjoying a nice sale of his pens, which were made for him by a manufacturer in Janesville, Wis- consin. Noting the growing demand for self fillers, his inventive genius again showed in the cam locking ring style (now known as the Wawco), which he also patented in 1906. The increased popularity of the product led him, in March of that year, to install a small plant and he began making his own product in the rear of a little office supply store. A one-thousand-dollar order from a Min- neapolis jobber was a great encouragement, and as fast as he could turn them out, Mr. Welty went out and sold more, while an expert pen maker was also hired to help in the manufacture. A little advertising in trade journals and the enthusiasm of his friends aroused the fear of a then established manufacturer of self fillers in Toledo, Ohio, who thought to intimidate Mr. Welty by infringe- ment proceedings, but the latter won. While this case was pending the idea came to do away with the locking ring and the present interlocking self filler patent was granted March 30, 1909. The Toledo firm then interviewed him with a view of purchasing this patent, but he refused. They then made a very flatter- ing offer to take all his output of this holder equipped with the Welty feed, which he also declined, as he was firmly convinced that he had an article of real merit and that its future was assured. His ambition was aroused to see his product in not only national but international demand. Patents had by now been granted him in foreign countries.
His friends stood loyally by him. During an international Bible conference of the Presbyterian church at Winona Lake, Indiana, in August, 1907, of which a personal friend, Dr. J. Wilbur Chapman, an evangelist, is director, Dr. Chap- man from the platform recommended the Welty pen to an assembly of five thousand ministers and as a result over six hundred dollars' worth were sold at retail there. Mr. Blessing, manager of the Presbyterian board of publication, also advertised the Welty pen in his book catalogues and bulletins, thus assisting in the publicity of "The Pen With Merit." Over three hundred traveling men
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with headquarters in Waterloo became enthusiastic boosters of Welty pens, a home product, and orders were received from various quarters through their influence. Thus the business grew.
All this time Mr. Welty was engaged in selling at retail adding machines, typewriters, office supplies, etc., using the profits to forward the pride of his life -the Welty fountain pen. About this time the real battles developed. The Welty "New Idea" pen was rapidly growing in favor and orders could not be filled owing to lack of capital for rough stock and new machinery. A silent part- ner who advanced some cash did not help much, because he was inactive yet was getting most of the profits. A new partnership was formed with an active part- ner which continued for one year. Again Mr. Welty assumed full control of the business by purchase. Another time local capitalists offered to incorporate with him with a paid up capital of one hundred thousand dollars and let Mr. Welty sell the goods. Here the unfortunate experience of Roy Conklin, who several years before had been thus displaced in Toledo, Ohio, stood as an example to Mr. Welty and he declined, being determined to reap the benefits of the product of his own brain. Handicapped even to the extent of at times returning money sent in for goods, he still plugged along, showing a tenacity of purpose and busi- ness ability seldom seen in an inventor. His unusual selling ability is demon- strated by the fact that all this time he had been doing all his own selling and helping in the shop between trips, selling all he could get money enough to manu- facture, and still the business kept on growing. Finally came a time when he found it a physical impossibility to handle both the inside and outside business and offered William T. Fitzpatrick, who was enjoying a nice business in the selling of Welty pens in Montana, a third interest, which the latter accepted. The partnership thus resulting was so harmonious and the continued expansion of the business so rapid that the William A. Welty Company was incorporated in March, 1913, and with a further addition of capital and increased manufactur- ing and marketing facilities is enjoying the steady, consistent growth which merit always wins. Waterloo has every reason to be proud of the enterprise which has here been established but prouder still of the man whose ability and indomitable spirit has made it possible.
ROBERT E. MONTAGUE.
The history of a community does not depend so much upon the machinery of government or even upon the men who fill the public offices as those who control the important business enterprises, furnishing a market for labor and producing an output that brings the community into business relations with the outside world. In this connection Robert E. Montague is well known, being the president of the Waterloo Skirt & Garment Company. For nine years he has made his home in Waterloo and is accounted one of its foremost citizens. He is a native son of Illinois, born in 1875, and came from that state to Waterloo in 1905. When fourteen years of age he became connected with the business in which he is still engaged, having spent nearly a quarter of a century in activity along this line. The Waterloo Skirt & Garment Company was organized about eleven years
ROBERT E. MONTAGUE
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ago. After a few years' connection therewith Mr. Montague purchased the in- terest of G. B. McWilliams in the business and succeeded him in the presidency of the company, which is incorporated with the following officials: R. E. Montague, president ; G. N. See, treasurer; and F. C. Stetzel, secretary. They manufacture a large line of house dresses, petticoats, kimonos and children's wear, and in addition to the extensive plant at Waterloo they also have a factory at Cedar Falls and at Waverly and keep on an average of two hundred and fifty employes, while upon the road they are represented by eighteen traveling salesmen. They do a business that extends from coast to coast and something of the volume of their trade is indicated by the fact that they cut up about ten thousand yards of cloth per day in the manufacture of their output. This is one of the important productive enterprises of the city. The business is carefully systematized and managed. Mr. Montague is familiar with every phase of the trade and has in- troduced well devised methods to such a degree that there is no useless expendi- ture of time, labor or material-which is the secret of all success in business.
In 1895, Mr. Montague was united in marriage to Miss Grace J. Pendleton, of Tennessee, and they have a daughter, Gladys Emma. Mr. Montague and his family are members of the Grace Methodist Episcopal church and he belongs also to the Commercial Club and Board of Trade of Waterloo. He belongs to that public-spirited, useful and helpful type of men whose ambitions and desires are centered and directed in those channels through which flow the greatest and most permanent good to the greatest number.
JOHN G. BICKLEY, M. D.
Dr. John G. Bickley is numbered among the honored and highly respected residents of Waterloo, where he is now living retired, although for an extended period he was actively engaged in the practice of medicine in this city, of which he became a resident in 1862. He was then but ten years of age, his birth having occurred in Pennsylvania in 1852. He was graduated from the Waterloo high school and, having determined upon the practice of medicine as a life work, he afterward entered the medical department of the Iowa State University. Later he became a student in the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, from which in due time he was graduated, and still later he was graduated from the Chicago College of Homeopathy, now the Hahnemann Medical College. Immedi- ately afterward he located in Waterloo and the thorough preparation which he had made for professional duties enabled him to meet with almost immediate success in practice.
At different times Dr. Bickley has gone abroad for further study and in European centers has investigated the methods of many of the most eminent physicians and surgeons of the old world. Broad reading has also kept him in touch with advanced medical thought and research and, although now practically living retired, he has practiced for a longer period in Waterloo than any other physician of the city. He still retains membership with the Hahnemann Medical Association of Iowa. As the years have gone on and Dr. Bickley has won suc- Vol. II-7
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cess he has made extensive and judicious investments in real estate, in which he is now heavily interested in Waterloo and its vicinity.
On the 22d of September, 1881, Dr. Bickley was united in marriage to Miss Eva Pitcher, who died in 1890, leaving four sons: Carl C. and John Cecil, both of whom are practicing physicians of Waterloo; Robert S .. a physician of New York city ; and Emil B., now a medical student in Columbia University of New York city. After the death of his first wife Dr. Bickley was married on the 30th of April, 1910, to Miss Tina Stewart, a native of Waterloo and a daughter of John and Isabella (Robertson ) Stewart, who came to this city in May, 1867. The father, who followed farming as a life work, died about twenty years ago, but the mother is still living. They reared a family of eight children, all of whom reside in Waterloo or its vicinity with the exception of one sister who is living in Canada.
Dr. Bickley and his wife are members of the Christadelphian church. For several years past he has spent the winter months in Los Angeles, California, while the summer seasons are passed in Waterloo, where for many years he has been numbered among the foremost citizens. His life work has brought him into close connection with many families here and he is no more highly esteemed for his pronounced professional skill than he is loved for those personal qualities which endear man to man. Because of the innate refinement of his nature he rejects everything opposed to good taste, and the high ideals which he has ever cherished for his profession, in citizenship and for the individual find embodi- ment in practical effort for their adoption.
J. E. ARMSTRONG.
J. E. Armstrong is president of the Armstrong Manufacturing Company of Waterloo, in which city he has resided since 1908. Throughout this period it is well known that his business has ever balanced up with the principles of truth and honor and he has become the strong center of the community in which he moves. The enterprise of which he is now the head and which is Waterloo's pioneer manufacturing industry had its inception in 1867. A half century ago Henry Kelley invented and patented the cam and treadle drilling machine and in 1867 he with several associates organized this company under the name of the Morgan, Kelley & Taneyhill Company, the name being later changed to Kelley & Taneyhill. After Mr. Kelley's death it was again changed, becoming in 1909 the Armstrong-Quam Manufacturing Company, which name was continued until the present title of the Armstrong Manufacturing Company was adopted in 1911. The business had been incorporated in 1900. Since 1867 this company has been continuously engaged in the manufacture of the most successful and complete line of portable well drilling and prospecting machinery and supplies on the market and for a number of years has been manufacturing a complete line of high grade gasoline engines. The present capitalization of the company is two hundred and fifty thousand dollars and the officials are: J. E. Armstrong, president ; J. F. Landgraf, vice president ; and C. L. Armstrong, secretary and treasurer. The business has grown to extensive and gratifying proportions and
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they now have branch houses at Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada ; Los Angeles, California, and in New York city. Their factory buildings cover an entire block and their large and commodious office building is located upon the opposite side of the street. The plant is thoroughly equipped with the latest improved machin- ery to facilitate the work and the extensive output is sent not only to all parts of this country but they likewise do an extensive business in foreign trade.
Aside from his interests in this connection Mr. Armstrong is president of the Charles City Engine Company and is vice president of the Novelty Iron Works at Dyersville, Iowa. His plans are carefully formulated and promptly executed and he readily recognizes the possibilities of a situation and utilizes its opportuni- ties. He is diligent and determined and possesses in large measure the spirit of initiative. Through the steps of progressive achievement he has reached his present notable position as one of the foremost business men of Waterloo. He is a member of the Commercial Club and Board of Trade and is interested in promoting in every possible way the business connections of the city.
RUSSELL L. DEGON.
Waterloo on the whole has been signally favored in the class of men who have occupied her public offices. Among these in the year 1914 is Russell L. Degon, who is serving as city clerk and auditor and is making a creditable record in the office. He was born in Racine, Wisconsin, in 1883, a son of James D. and Etta E. (James) Degon, who reside at No. 932 Logan avenue in Waterloo, the father being now a passenger conductor on the Illinois Central Railroad.
Although born in Wisconsin, Russell L. Degon was but a young lad when his parents removed with their family to Freeport, Illinois, where his childhood days were passed and his education was largely acquired. After attending the public schools of Freeport, however, he entered the high school of Dubuque, Iowa. He also pursued a course of study in the Waterloo Business College and one month before his class was graduated accepted a position with the Illinois Central Rail- road, remaining in active connection with the mechanical and store departments until the Ist of January, 19II.
Mr. Degon was then called to public office, being appointed deputy county auditor of Black Hawk county, which position he filled until April, 1912, when he was elected city auditor of Waterloo and at the same time was appointed clerk by the city council. On the Ist of April, 1914, he was reelected for another two years' term and was again appointed city clerk. His official service is highly commendable and will at all times bear the closest investigation and scrutiny, for he is prompt, methodical and accurate and at all times is actuated by a spirit of devotion to the public good. Mr. Degon has always taken an active interest in politics since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and he has served as a member of the republican central committee on three different occasions. He has also been a delegate to the state conventions of his party and his opinions carry weight in its local councils. He is furthermore connected with the interests of Waterloo as a holder of city real estate and he is a stockholder in the Illinois Central Railroad.
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In 1906 Mr. Degon was united in marriage to Miss May Banton, of Waterloo, a granddaughter of Dr. Banton, one of the pioneer physicians of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Degon have one child, Juanita May. The parents are members of Christ Episcopal church and are held in high regard wherever known. Mr. Degon is very prominent in fraternal connections. He belongs to the blue lodge, chapter, council and commandery, all Masonic bodies of Waterloo, 'and he initi- ated, passed and raised his father in the first three degrees of the Masonic order. He has been most active as a worker in the craft and has been recorder of Ascalon Commandery, No. 25, K. T., for four years. He likewise belongs to El Kahir Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., and in 1907 was the youngest Shriner in the state. He is also active in the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and at the present time is the esteemed leading knight. He has membership with the Tribe of Ben Hur and in organizations of a purely local character his connection is with the Town Criers Club and the Commercial Club and Board of Trade of Waterloo. Ile has the happy faculty of not only winning but of retaining the friendship of those with whom he is brought in contact. He has many attractive personal qualities and his capability along various lines adds to the high regard in which he is uniformly held in Waterloo and throughout Black Hawk county.
F. B. DIETRICK.
During the period of his residence in Waterloo F. B. Dietrick has made for himself a creditable name in connection with business interests, being now cashier of the Security Savings Bank. He was born in Bremer county, Iowa, in 1865, a son of William S. and Sarah Ellen Dietrick. The father came to Iowa in 1856 and settled on a farm in Bremer county, where he lived until 1866, when he brought his family to Waterloo, where he embarked in merchandising, in which he continued for about two years, when he went to Raymond, where he was con- nected with mercantile interests for thirty-five years, or until the time of his death, becoming one of the valued and representative citizens as well as leading merchants of that place.
F. B. Dietrick lived in Raymond until seventeen years of age and then engaged in the railroad business, learning telegraphy. He spent about twelve years as an operator and after discontinuing his efforts in that connection became an employe of the Farmers Loan & Trust Company at Fonda, Iowa. Later he was made cashier of the Randolph State Bank, now the First National Bank of Randolph, in which he continued for two years. On the expiration of that period he returned to Waterloo and was with the First National Bank of this city for about thirteen years. He then became cashier of the Security Savings Bank and as such is widely and favorably known not only in the city, but also in the county. His ability and worth are widely recognized. His powers have constantly expanded through the exercise of effort and gradually he has worked his way upward, utilizing each opportunity to the best advantage. He is a man of reso- lute purpose and exemplifies in his life the progressive spirit of the age. He is a stockholder in the Security Savings Bank, in the First National Bank and the
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Waterloo Skirt & Garment Company and has thus extended his connections until in business circles he occupies an enviable position.
On the 14th of May, 1889, Mr. Dietrick was united in marriage to Miss Lillian H. Beeman, of Des Moines. They are well known socially in Waterloo and are numbered among the valued and consistent members of Grace Methodist Epis- copal church, in which Mr. Dietrick is serving on the official board. His fraternal connections are with the Masons and the Knights of Pythias and he is a member of the Commercial Club and Board of Trade. While laudable ambition has prompted him in his business career he has always recognized the duties of citizenship and has met his obligations in that connection in a most commendable way. Iowa has reason to be proud to number him among her native sons and in Waterloo, where he has long resided, he has gained an extensive circle of friends.
R. A. ELLIS.
R. A. Ellis is an enterprising business man of Waterloo, where he has made his home for fourteen years. He represents industrial activity here as senior partner in the firm of Ellis & Foster, proprietors of a plumbing establishment. Moreover, he is closely connected with the city's welfare and the management of municipal interests as alderman at large.
Mr. Ellis was born in Bremer county, Iowa, in 1866, a son of J. G. Ellis, a native of England, who on first coming to the United States settled in New York. In 1853 he traveled westward with an ox team to what was then the frontier, establishing his home in Bremer county, Iowa. He was the first sheriff elected in that county and served for three terms at a time when crime was rampant, especially horse stealing, and he had various thrilling escapes while discharging his arduous and ofttimes dangerous duties. He was a very efficient sheriff and succeeded largely in suppressing crime and in driving out of his county the horse thieves that infested it in the early years of his incumbency in that office. For an extended period he was actively interested in the agricultural development of his county, carefully conducting his farming interests in a way that brought to him substantial success. In fact, he left the impress of his individuality for good upon the history of his county in many ways. He died in the year 1894 and his death was deeply regretted by all who knew him. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Meade, was a native of New England and they reared a family of four daughters and one son.
R. A. Ellis spent his youthful days in Bremer county, obtaining a public- school education and meeting many of the experiences of life on the frontier. He learned the plumber's trade and, settling in Cedar Falls, continued work at his trade and also served as a member of the city council. Fourteen years ago he came to Waterloo and established a plumbing business under the firmn name of Ellis & Foster, which has continued to the present time. He has been very active in this line of work, his business keeping pace with the rapid growth of the city, which he has seen develop from a comparatively small town to a place of more than thirty-five thousand inhabitants. He has had contracts for the plumbing in many of the city's best buildings and is now installing the plumbing
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in the Thomas A. Edison public-school building at a cost of twelve thousand dollars. This is indicative of his prominent position in the field of business to which he has directed his energies. His patronage is very extensive and his business has long since reached large and gratifying proportions. He is also acting as president and secretary of the Iowa State Master Plumbers Associa- tion.
On the 22d of September, 1890, Mr. Ellis was united in marriage to Miss Mary Foster, of Bremer county, and they have become parents of three children. Harry, the eldest, was educated at Cedar Falls and at Waterloo and is now man- ager of the Waterloo Storage Battery Company. Ruth, who was graduated from the high school of this city, is now a student in the Waterloo Business College. Helen is now attending the West Waterloo high school.
The parents are members of St. Mark's Episcopal church and Mr. Ellis has served as vestryman. He is a well known Mason, holding membership in the lodge, chapter and council, and for twenty-five years he has been a member of the Knights of Pythias. He also has membership in the Chamber of Commerce and in the Waterloo Club. Outside of his business he is perhaps best known through his political activity, for he has been an earnest worker in the ranks of the democratic party almost from the time when age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He is now serving for the second term as alderman at large, having been called to that office by appointment to fill out an unexpired term, after which he was elected to the position. He exercises his official prerogatives in support of many measures and plans for the public good and works against useless expendi- ture of the public funds, yet does not believe in barring progress by parsimonious retrenchment. Advancement has ever been his watchword and it characterizes his public duties as well as his business affairs. He now has an attractive home in Waterloo and also a cottage down on the river bank, where he and his family spend the summer months.
E. T. SADLER.
E. T. Sadler is editor of The Milk Trade Journal and The Creamery Journal, published at Waterloo, in which city he dates his residence from 1900. He was born in Buchanan county, Iowa, in 1883 and was educated in the schools of Hazleton, Iowa, and in the West high school of Des Moines, supplemented by a course in the Waterloo Business College, from which he was graduated with the class of 1902. He then became associated with the Fred L. Kimball Company, with which he has since been connected. He has been editor of The Creamery Journal for six years and of The Milk Trade Journal since the publication was started. These are two trade papers of great value to those who are conducting business along the lines indicated. The papers meet every requirement of the milk producer, giving valuable knowledge concerning methods and the market. Mr. Sadler is also secretary and treasurer of the Iowa Milk Dealers Association and is treasurer of the Iowa State Dairy Association. He has made a close study of everything connected with the production, care and sale of milk and his opin- ions are largely accepted as authority upon such questions. He is the author
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