USA > Iowa > Scott County > Davenport > History of Davenport and Scott County Iowa, Volume II > Part 13
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92
On the 13th of February, 1877, Mr. Jansen was united in marriage to Miss Julia Krousa, a native of Holstein, Germany, and a daughter of Henry and
131
HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
Anna (Hensen) Krousa. The father passed away when his daughter Julia was but five years of age and the mother afterward married again, becoming the wife of John Kardell. In 1852 Mrs. Jansen was brought to the United States by her parents, who became early settlers of Davenport. Unto our subject and his wife have been born three children, namely: Alvina, who gave her hand in marriage to Ferd Weisenberg, by whom she has three children- Arnold, Ellis and Orville; Carrie, who married George Thoem, of Davenport, Iowa, and is likewise the mother of three children-Edna, Harry and Leroy; and Celia D., who is still at home. Mr. Jensen has lived in this county for more than four decades and is a well known member of the German Pioneers Associa- tion. The hope that led him to leave his native land and seek a home in America has been more than realized. He found the opportunities he sought and through their wise utilization worked his way steadily upward until he gained a place among the substantial and respected citizens of his community.
HERMANN D. EHLMANN.
Hermann D. Ehlmann, residing at No. 1803 Washington street in Davenport, is now living retired, enjoying the fruits of his former toil as an agriculturist. His birth occurred in Hanover, Germany, on the 7th of November, 1827, his parents being Gerhardt and Marguereta Ehlmann, both of whom passed away in the fatherland. After his education had been completed he worked as a farm hand until the time of his emigration to the United States in 1851, land- ing at New Orleans after an ocean voyage of six weeks and two days. From the. Crescent City he made his way to St. Louis, Missouri, where he was married and where he remained for four and a half years, being employed in a tobacco factory. On coming to Davenport, Iowa, in 1856, he first worked in a brick- yard and in fact scorned no employment at which he could earn an honest living. Later in the same year he purchased forty acres of timber land in Montpelier township, Muscatine county, and erected a house thereon, residing on the place for nine years. On the expiration of that period he disposed of the property and for two years devoted his time and energies to the operation of a rented farm in Buffalo township, Scott county. He then purchased and located upon a farm of eighty acres in Fulton township, Muscatine county, and afterward bought two more tracts of similar size in the same township, where he carried on his agricultural interests energetically and successfully for about thirty-five years. Having won a handsome competence by reason of his unremitting in- dustry and capable management, he then put aside the active work of the fields and took up his abode in Davenport, where he has since lived retired.
On the 25th of August, 1852, in St. Louis, Missouri, Mr. Ehlmann was united in marriage to Miss Anna Catherine Neyhaus, who was born in Han- over, Germany, on the 4th of February, 1825. Mr. and Mrs. Ehlmann became the parents of five children, the record of whom is as follows. The first born died in infancy. Henry, who is a resident of Oklahoma, first wedded Miss Caro- line Harter, by whom he had three children: Anna, Herman and John. For his
132
HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
second wife he chose Miss Margaret Neve and their union has been blessed with two children, Helen and Emma. Margaret Emma Ehlmann gave her hand in marriage to Albert Kourthouse, of Oklahoma, and is now the mother of six children, namely : Theodore, Hugo, August, Lulu, Wanda and Clarence. Emilie, who is the wife of John Hartz, makes her home in Davenport. John D. Ehl- mann has passed away. Mrs. Ehlmann, the wife of our subject, was called to her final rest on the 28th of October, 1893, and Mr. Ehlmann now makes his home with his daughter, Mrs. John Hartz.
At the polls Mr. Ehlmann casts his ballot in support of the men and measures of the democratic party. The cause of education has ever found in him a stal- wart champion and while residing in Muscatine county he served as a school director of Fulton township for seven years. He is now in the eighty-third year of his age and receives the veneration and respect which should ever be accorded one who has traveled thus far on life's journey and whose career has at all times been upright and honorable. The period of his residence in this part of the state covers more than a half century, and he is well known and highly esteemed as a man who owes his present prosperity entirely to his own well directed labor and indefatigable energy.
SIMON KOCH.
Simon Koch, who at the time of his death was the possessor of more business property than almost any other capitalist of Davenport, reached his enviable finan- cial standing through the avenue of indefatigable and honorable business activity. and his life record, therefore, may serve as a splendid example to the ambitious young man who desires to attain success without infringing upon the rights of others. Mr. Koch was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, October 28, 1834, and was in his eighteenth year when he bade adieu to the fatherland and sailed for the United States. He located in Pennsylvania in 1852, retaining his residence in that state for two years, after which he came to Davenport. He made his home in this city for about sixteen years and in that time was married, in 1869, to Miss Eliza- beth Harrison, a daughter of Peter Harrison, who came from England to the new world in 1850 with his father, John Harrison, who established the family home in Scott county. The latter was engaged in farming here and continued to occupy the old homestead place until he was called to his final rest. His son, Peter Har- rison, in response to the country's call for troops, enlisted for service in an Iowa regiment and did active duty at the front until the close of the war, when he returned to Davenport. 'After a short time, however, he went south to live. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Koch were born six children: Mrs. J. Ryan, Lillian, Mat- thias, Otto S., William and Frank.
Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Koch remained in Davenport until the early '70s, when they removed to Chicago and there Mr. Koch engaged in contract work for the Union Pacific Railroad Company in partnership with the father of P. W. McManus. They were engaged extensively in building bridges and trestles and doing important engineering work. It was through that avenue of business
Simon Kach
二
: 11
111
14
1,
=
1
1, 11
Let Har FLER" Al.
1 111 19111 111
135
HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
that he gained the monetary influence which he held until his death, his success being evidenced in his extensive investments in real estate, which made him the possessor of more down town property than was held by the great majority of cap- italists in this city. He was a man of keen business discernment, seldom, if ever, at fault in a matter of judgment, and his sagacity and enterprise enabled him to win success where others met with failure. He seemed to know just when, where and how to place his invested interests and the rise in realty values consequent on the growth of the city has made his property a constantly increasing source of profit. His political allegiance was given to the democracy and his religious faith was manifest in his membership in the Catholic church. He was generous in his support thereof and was also the patron of many worthy organized charities.
D. P. PEEKENSCHNEIDER.
D. P. Peekenschneider, now living retired in Davenport, was in former years actively identified with general agricultural pursuits and is still in pos- session 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 be- ing Hans and Elizabeth 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 1857 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. Peek- enschneider of this review worked as a farm hand for about seven years, en- gaging 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 broth- ers 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 di- rected 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.
136
HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
On the IIth of November, 1865, Mr. Peekenschneider was united in mar- riage 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 resi- dent 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 ex- ercised his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the demo- cratic 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.
JOSEPH SHOREY.
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 IIth 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 car- penter 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 con- trary 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.
137
HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
Joseph Shorey was the youngest of the family and was educated in the pub- lic 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. For 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 political 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.
WILLIAM DE WITT WELLS.
The world has little use for the misanthropist-he who sees little chance for doing good nor uses his opportunities to benefit his fellowmen. The worth of the individual is determined by the value of his labors as a factor in the world's progress and judged by this standard Professor William DeWitt Wells constituted an important factor in educational advancement, leaving the im- press of his individuality and his ability upon the public-school system of Iowa where his labors were put forth. At the time of his demise he was serving as superintendent of schools in Scott county and, working toward high ideals, was doing much toward promoting the efficiency of the system of public education here.
A native of Pennsylvania, he was born in Rutland, August 23, 1858, and was a son of Sanford and Jane (DeWitt) Wells. The father was a contractor and bridge builder and at one time engaged in teaching school near Waterloo, Iowa, removing with his family to that place when his son William was but two years of age. He had made his way northward from Missouri, having been driven out of that state by the Confederates, and all through his life W. D. Wells wore a scar on his brow caused by a bullet that struck him as he lay in his cradle, the family home being under bombardment there.
Educated in the schools of East Waterloo, Professor Wells eventually com- pleted the high school course and received his first teacher's certificate in 1874,
138
HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
when sixteen years of age. He then engaged to teach school two miles from Cedar Falls and later was identified with the schools of Finchford and Jesup, acting as principal at the latter place for three years save for a term spent in the normal school at Cedar Falls in order that the improvement of his own edu- cation might make him more capable to superintend and direct the education of others. From Jesup he went to Ames, where he was graduated in 1883. The following year Professor Wells came to Scott county and was principal of the schools at LeClaire for four years, during which period he won many warm friends there. In 1888 he went to Grundy Center, where he engaged in teaching for eight years, and in 1897 he came to Davenport to accept the principalship of public school No. 3. In the summer, several years before, he had come to this city as an instructor in the Scott County Normal Institute and his lectures were regarded as among the best delivered by the many strong men who were gathered here in educational work. After three years he was promoted and became prin- cipal of the Davenport high school. In this capacity he found an opportunity to apply his talents, realize his ambitions and exercise his abilities as an educator. Under his guidance the high school as an institution took an enormous stride forward; education was placed upon an advanced and scientific basis and a better grade of scholarship attained. The development of the high school became a passion with Mr. Wells. With infinite pains, with personal sacrifices, with un- bounded energy and enthusiasm, he devoted himself to his task. Whatever was in him of knowledge, of strength, of peculiar personal fitness, he faithfully and earnestly offered for the advancement of his school. During his tenure of office the new high school was built, and its eminence as an institution of learning is a splendid monument to the brains and genius of Mr. Wells. In 1906 he was elected county superintendent of schools and reelected in 1908. He had re- ceived a life diploma from the state in 1891 and this brought him recognition as one of the foremost educators of Iowa connected with her public-school system. He manifested untiring zeal in his work and his own enthusiasm was an in- spiration to the teachers with whom he was associated. He held to his high stand- ard and while always kind and forbearing, he yet maintained that discipline which would not permit the student to shirk his work, realizing that the greatest kindness which he could show to the pupil was to demand of him conscientious and capable performance of his schoolroom duties.
On the 30th of March, 1886, in LeClaire, Professor Wells was married to Miss Kate Moore, a daughter of B. F. and Catharine Moore. They became par- ents of eight children : Lois, Leon, Ben, Edvena, DeWitt, Lydia and two who died in infancy. Mr. Well's home was ever one of refinement and culture and con- stituted an attractive place of meeting for the many friends of the family.
Professor Wells was regarded as one of the most prominent representatives of the Masonic fraternity in Scott county. He was received as an entered ap- prentice in Snow Lodge, No. 44, A. F. & A. M., at LeClaire, January 9, 1885, and on the 6th of February was admitted to fellowcraft, while on the 6th of March he became a Master Mason. In 1892 he took the four degrees of capitu- lar Masonry in Ionic Chapter, No. 100, R. A. M., at Grundy Center, Iowa, and in 1896 he was made a member of Ruth Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. He received the degree of the Red Cross in St. Simon of Cyrene Commandery,
139
HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
No. 9, K. T., May 7, 1902, and was knighted in the same order on the 21st of May, receiving the Knight of Malta and St. John of Jerusalem, March 5, 1903. In September of the same year he attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite and thus was familiar with all branches of Masonry. He served as master of Trinity Lodge in 1892, 1893 and 1894 and he belonged Kaaba Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He was also a member of the Woodmen camp. In church circles he was equally well known, his membership in his later years be- ing with the First Presbyterian church of Davenport, in the work of which he took active and helpful part. He was the first teacher and practically the founder of the Brotherhood Bible class of that church and his influence and aid were given in support of the various projects instituted to promote the growth and extend the influence of the church. Professor Wells' position on any vital question was never an equivocal one. He stood for all that is upright and honorable in man's relations with his fellowmen, and more than that tempered justice with mercy, consideration with kindness, and righteousness with the spirit of charity. Thus his became an honored name because of the qualities which he displayed in his life, and when he passed away, April 25, 1909, his name was inscribed with those who had made the world better for their having lived.
JAMES H. CLEMENT.
On the pages of history from the earliest ages have appeared the names of those renowned for personal bravery-men who have dared to face the imple- ments of war in defense of principle or country. Among Davenport's citizens whose military record is such as elicits praise and honor is numbered James H. Clement, a veteran of the Mexican war and for a considerable period a repre- sentative of the United States navy. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1821, and spent his early life in the east, becoming connected with the navy, with which he did active duty for a number of years. When the country became involved in war with Mexico he stanchly defended the interests of the Federal government and enlisted from Pennsylvania. He was wounded while in the army but with the spirit of the true soldier again took his place on active duty as soon as his health permitted.
In 1871 Mr. Clement arrived in Davenport and for many years thereafter held a position on Government Island, although he retired some time before his demise.
In 1867, in Blackhawk county, Iowa, Mr. Clement was married to Miss Mary A. Dorlan, whose father, Robert Dorlan, was one of the pioneers of Iowa, com- ing to this state at an early day from Indiana. He was a native of Pennsylvania but was closely identified with the development of the middle west, first in Indiana and afterward in Iowa, where his labors constituted an effective force in supplanting pioneer conditions with the evidences of a modern civilization. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Clement were born a daughter and son: Caroline, who is now Mrs. W. E. Scott; and William, who died in 1904. The mother has con- tinued to make her home in Davenport since the death of her husband, which
140
HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
occurred on the 24th of September, 1897. He was a self-made man, charitable and public-spirited, and possessed a strong and impressive character. He held membership in the Methodist church and his life was in consistent harmony with his professions. He was devoted to his family and his home and while his chief interests in life centered there, he yet found opportunity to do good to his fellowmen, giving throughout his life many tangible evidences of a helpful, charitable and benevolent spirit.
T. W. McCLELLAND.
In a history of the men whose labors have constituted a salient feature in Davenport's upbuilding and development, mention should be accorded T. W. Mc- Clelland, who, coming to this city in early manhood and empty handed, made steady progress through the long years of an active business, career and came to be known as one of the most potent forces in Davenport's commercial activity. A native of Pennsylvania, he was born near the city of Pittsburg, July 31, 1831. His father, Archibald McClelland, was a native of Belfast, Ireland, and became the founder of the family in the new world. The opportunities which T. W. Mc- Clelland received in his youth were somewhat limited, for in his boyhood days he began earning his livelihood by working in a store. He afterward learned the carpenter's trade and for a time engaged in contracting with his father, but the opportunities of the rapidly growing west proved too alluring for him to remain longer in his Pennsylvania home and in 1852 he came to Davenport by way of Cleveland, Ohio. The city was then comparatively small but seemed to have a bright future before it and Mr. McClelland therefore regarded it as a favorable place of location. Here he first worked at his trade but, watchful of opportuni- ties for advancement in business lines, he established, in 1855, the sash, door and blind factory which constituted the nucleus of the extensive business which is still carried on by his son Wilson, under the style of the T. W. McClelland Com- pany. The late John Hornby was his partner for a time but through the greater portion of forty-seven years the business was carried on by Mr. McClelland. Un- der his capable management it developed rapidly and from time to time extensive alterations and additions were made that the plant might be adequate to cope with the demands of the trade. On the organization of the business Mr. McClelland inculcated as its standard thoroughness in workmanship, substantiality in product and reliability in trade relations, and from the inception this business policy has been steadily continued. In his more active days he erected many residences and business buildings in Davenport, a large part of which still stand as monuments to his skill and ability. The reputation which he enjoyed for honest dealing is indicated in the fact that on many occasions the men employing him made no contract whatever, knowing that he could be depended upon to conserve their best interests and welfare, having no trouble at the time of settlement. He built the stockade and the enclosed buildings on Rock Island, in which the Confederate pris- oners were confined during the war. He also erected the First National Bank building, the Parker residence, which is now the home of C. A. Ficke, and in
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.