USA > Iowa > Scott County > Davenport > History of Davenport and Scott County Iowa, Volume II > Part 14
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many other instances gave evidence of his skill in the line of Davenport's archi- tectural development. He was, moreover, one of the original stockholders and directors of the old Citizens National Bank and was interested in a number of Davenport enterprises. His judgments in business matters were always the out- come of careful consideration and his record constitutes an example which may well be followed by those who wish to attain success through honorable methods.
In this city, in 1857, Mr. McClelland was united in marriage to Miss Anna B. Knapp, and here they always maintained their home, its hospitality being greatly enjoyed by their many friends. Throughout the years of his residence here Mr. McClelland took an active interest in all that pertained to the benefit of the city. In early days he did his part as a member of a volunteer fire department and in 1869 he was awarded official honors in his election as alderman of the fifth ward. In 1873 he was called to represent the fourth ward in the city council and was again elected in 1874. His death occurred January 26, 1902. A man of quiet and unobtrusive manner, he was nevertheless a fast friend and his course at the same time was characterized by great kindness and courtesy. His was a familiar face in many places where the most interesting men gathered in Davenport and in his demise the community lost one of its most honored and useful citizens, for he was a representative of that group of men whose lives are conspicuous for abil- ity, force of character, integrity and generous aims. Mrs. McClelland is still living in Davenport.
FRANK J. PETO.
The name of Frank J. Peto deserves place on the list of Davenport's honored dead because of the fact that he was a reliable and progressive business man, long connected with the wholesale and retail saddlery trade of this city. The growth and development of a community does not depend upon a single individual or even upon a few but upon the aggregate efforts of the many, and by his dili- gence, determination and intelligent effort Frank J. Peto not only won success for himself but also contributed his full share to the work of general advance- ment. He resided for many years at No. 424 West Eighth street. He was one of Davenport's native sons, his parents, Frank J. and Louisa (Dames) Peto, having been early citizens here. In fact the father was one of the first settlers of the town and aided in promoting its early progress. At the usual age Frank J. Peto was sent to the public schools and after putting aside his text-books joined his father in business and was associated with him up to the time of his death. They conducted a wholesale and retail saddlery enterprise and the ex- cellence of their product insured them a ready sale on the market. Moreover, their business methods were such as would bear close investigation and scrutiny, . the firm enjoying high reputation for reliability.
On the 18th of March, 1901, Mr. Peto was united in marriage to Miss Laura Wiese, a daughter of Fred and Christiana (Schnock) Wiese, who, as the name indicates, were of German lineage. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Peto was blessed with two children, Alice E. and Camilla. Mr. Peto was popular and
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prominent in local fraternal organizations, holding membership with the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America and the I. C. M. A. He was a man of even terperament, of social disposition, of genial and kindly nature and at all times was considerate of the rights and privileges of others. These qualities won him high regard and in Davenport, the city of his residence, he had a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances.
C. A. FICKE.
C. A. Ficke, a self-made man whose life record constitutes a most creditable chapter in Davenport's history, is enrolled among the eminent representatives of the bar and in various other lines of business activity has given evidence of his quick recognition and utilization of opportunity. Such is the position which he holds in public regard that his opinions are always an influencing factor in the consideration of vital municipal questions. A native of the duchy of Mecklen- burg, Germany, he was born April 21, 1850, in Boitzenburg, his parents being Christopher H. and Elizabeth (Praesent) Ficke. The father was a merchant who in 1852 came to the United States with his family, after which he took up his abode on a farm in Scott county, Iowa.
C. A. Ficke, but two years of age when the family came to the new world, was reared amid rural surroundings and obtained his early education in the coun- try schools. He found farm work too narrow for his taste and ambition, how- ever, and at the age of twelve years he entered a store in Lowden, Cedar county, where he was employed for a year. Realizing the need of a more comprehensive education than he had already acquired, he entered the public schools of Daven- port at the age of thirteen years and made his expenses by working outside of school hours. Thus he obtained a good English education and by clerking in a dry-goods store and carefully saving his earnings was enabled to pursue a com- mercial course in Bryant & Stratton Business College of this city. Thus fitted by education for important duties in life, he obtained a situation in the United States assessor's office, where he continued until 1869, when he entered the Dav- enport National Bank. There he was promoted through intermediate positions until he became discount clerk. It was his ambition, however, to become a mem- ber of the bar and out of business hours he spent his time in studying and reading law in the office of H. R. Claussen. Resigning his position in the bank in 1876, he entered the New York Law School at Albany, where he pursued the regular course and was graduated with the class of 1877.
Mr. Ficke afterward spent six months in travel in Europe and on returning to Davenport entered upon active practice. No dreary novitiate awaited him. He was successful from the first, seeming to possess a ready and natural discrimina- tion as to legal problems. Moreover, he prepared his cases with great thorough- ness and care, determining with accuracy the salient features and giving to each point bearing upon his case its due relative prominence. His practice has been of an extensive and important character and he is recognized as one of the lead- ing representatives of the Davenport bar.
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Always interested in public affairs, in which connection his opinions have been regarded as sound and progressive, Mr. Ficke has been honored with numer- ous offices. At one time he was affiliated with the republican party and was chairman of its county and congressional committees, but a change in his political opinions led him in 1880 to become a strong supporter of Grover Cleveland for the presidency. In 1886 he was elected county attorney for Scott county and in 1890, against his protest, was nominated and elected to the mayoralty. When convinced by the public that he was the choice of the people for the office, he bent his energies to the faithful performance of the duties that devolved upon him as the chief executive of the municipality and such was his service that in 1891 he was renominated by acclamation and elected by the largest majority ever re- ceived by any mayor of Davenport. At the close of his second term he declined a third nomination. His was a vigorous, businesslike administration, in which many improvements were secured for the city, including paving, sewer building and the execution of other public projects.
In addition to his law practice Mr. Ficke is largely interested in loaning money and devotes much of his time to his numerous real-estate interests. He has made most extensive investments and his judgment is seldom, if ever, at fault concerning the value of property. He regards real estate as the safest of all investments and the judicious use he has made of his opportunities in this direction has placed him among Davenport's most successful men.
On the 24th of March, 1882, Mr. Ficke was united in marriage to Miss Fan- nie Davison, a daughter of Abner Davison, a prominent attorney of this city. They have three children, one of whom is Arthur D., a rising young lawyer asso- ciated with his father in practice. Mr. Ficke is a man of simple habits, devoted to his family and loyal to his friends. He is broad minded and well read-a cultured, genial gentleman who has traveled extensively and with whom associa- tion means expansion and elevation. He is keenly alive to all the vital interests of the times and has never counted as a source of happiness those things which minister merely to self without regard to the duties and obligations of citizenship.
MRS. IDA HORST.
Mrs. Ida Horst, who has made her home in the city of Davenport for the past two decades, is the widow of Claus Horst, who carried on farming and stock- raising in Davenport township and was quite an extensive landowner. Mr. Horst was born in Holstein, Germany, on the 30th of December, 1819, his parents being Hans and Margaret (Goetch) Horst, who spent their entire lives in the fatherland. He obtained his education in the schools of his native land and con- tinued to reside there until 1847, when as a young man of twenty-eight he crossed the Atlantic to the United States, landing at New Orleans in November. He made his way as far up the river as St. Louis and there worked on a dairy farm during the winter, having gained a thorough knowledge of dairying in Germany. In the spring, when the ice in the river had melted, he came to Davenport, Iowa, and here worked at various occupations for a time. In 1850 he purchased eighty
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acres of prairie land in Davenport township, which he broke and on which he erected a dwelling, taking up his abode therein. That farm remained his place of residence throughout the remainder of his life but as time passed by and his financial resources increased, owing to his well directed industry and capable management, he added to his holdings by additional purchase until at his death he was the owner of five hundred and sixty acres of valuable land in Scott county and also had a farm in Lucas county, this state. In addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he was also engaged in the raising of cattle, which branch of his business added materially to his income.
On the 17th of May, 1850, Mr. Horst was united in marriage to Miss Ida Hahn, whose birth occurred in Holstein, Germany, on the 20th of February, 1828, her parents being Johann and Margaret (Boege) Hahn. She was still young when her father died and her mother afterward married again. In 1847 the family emigrated to America, landing at New Orleans, whence they went to St. Louis and then came to Davenport, arriving in this city on the 21st of June of that year. Mrs. Horst went to live with an English family and thus learned to talk and read the language. By her marriage she became the mother of seven children. the record of whom is as follows: Louisa, residing in Davenport, is the widow of Herman Voss and has one son, Bernhardt. Adolph, who makes his home in Sheridan township, wedded Miss Alvina Misfeldt and has four chil- dren : Viola, Edna, Albert and Bennie. Therese, who now lives with her mother, is the widow of Henry Horst, whose demise occurred on the 2d of April, 1905. Edward, living in Sheridan township, married Miss Katherine Kahler, by whom he has five children : Herman, Hugo, Emil, Sadie and Elsie. Henry H., who resides in Davenport township, married Miss Amelia Sueverkrubbe and has five children, namely : Martha ; Malinda, who is deceased ; Herbert; Alfred; and Alma. One child of Claus and Ida (Hahn) Horst died in infancy. Henry was acci- dentally killed when but thirteen years of age.
Mr. Horst was independent in his political views and held several positions of public trust in Davenport township, including that of road supervisor. His demise, which occurred on the 24th of May, 1881, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret, for he had gained many warm friends during the long period of his residence in this county. His widow continued to reside on the farm until 1889, since which time she has made her home in Davenport. She is widely known in Scott county, where she has now lived for more than six decades and throughout this entire period she has enjoyed the respect and esteem of those with whom she has come in contact.
PHINEAS CURTIS.
Phineas Curtis is now living retired in Davenport. In every relation of life he has been faithful to the duties that have devolved upon him and he truly de- serves the rest that has now come to him in the evening of his days. He was born in Otsego county, New York, June 10, 1830, and is a son of Daniel and Mehitable (Masters) Curtis. His early American ancestors in the paternal line
P. Curtis
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came from England in 1642 and in the maternal line in 1716, the Masters family coming from the isle of Guernsey.
The early boyhood home of Phineas Curtis was near Cherry Valley, New York, and there he lived with his parents until seven years of age, when a re- moval was made to the vicinity of Johnsonville, New York. There he attended select and public schools, making his home there until twenty years of age, when he came to the middle west, his destination being Quincy, Illinois. For three terms he engaged in teaching in the district schools near that city and in 1851 arrived in Scott county, Iowa. Here he began teaching in Buffalo township, but after devoting his time to that work for one term he took up the occupation of farming, purchasing a quarter section of land in Allens Grove township near Donahue. This he purchased for one dollar per acre. It was entirely wild and uncultivated and he built thereon a house, fenced the fields and with character- istic energy began to till the soil. As the years passed his labors brought him good results, transforming the once wild prairie into a highly cultivated farm, upon which he continued to reside until 1890, selling it the following year. He had not been actively engaged in the cultivation of his fields, however, since 1872, for other duties had occupied his attention. While in Allens Grove township he served as assessor for several years and was also made collector of the money to build schoolhouses. He filled the position of justice of the peace for a long period and when he put aside the duties of general farming in 1872 he purchased a small stock of goods and opened a general store in Donahue. He soon in- creased his stock by extensive purchases in the city wholesale districts and con- ducted the business successfully for ten years. On the expiration of that period he sold out and built tile works at Allens Grove. For six years he operated the plant there and then disposed of it. In all of his business undertakings he has been successful, carefully managing and controlling his interests until he won thereby a creditable and desirable measure of success that enables him to live retired. For twelve years he served as postmaster of Donahue and was also station agent and express agent on the Davenport & St. Paul Railroad for two years. While serving as postmaster and express agent he never had a report come back to him for correction. In 1890 he took up his abode in Davenport, where he has since made his home, erecting a fine residence here in 1894. He has built a large number of houses in the city and their rental is principally the source of his gratifying income, enabling him to put aside all the active duties of business life.
On the 27th of February, 1853, Mr. Curtis was married to Miss Laura L. Fuller, a daughter of Dennis R. and Lovancia (Bradley) Fuller, of Allens Grove. She was born in that township November 15, 1837, and it is thought that she was the first white female child born in Scott county. It was indeed at that time a wild pioneer region, into which few settlers had penetrated, although the Indians were still numerous in this part of the state. She lived to witness re- markable changes in the years which covered her life record, extending to the 5th of January, 1902, when she was called to her final rest. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Curtis were born seven children. Enola M., who was born April 19, 1855, was married September 14, 1874, to George P. Maw, of Davenport, and they have five children : Louisa J., born August 8, 1875; Maria C., August 26, 1878; Phin-
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eas J., August 10, 18881 ; Orange S., August 16, 1886; and Grace L., June 10, 1889. Lovancia M., the second member of the family, was born October 22, 1857, and on the 18th of February, 1878, became the wife of A. A. Fuller, of Davenport, by whom she had three children: Blanche E., born November 23, 1880; Laura, born September 5, 1883; and Curtis, February 5, 1887. Dennis D., born January 19, 1862, and now living in Davenport, was married March 20, 1891, to Emma Keppe, and they had five children: Madge A., born Sep- tember 29, 1893 ; Charles D., June 23, 1895; Ned B., April 26, 1897; Ralph D., August 19, 1899; and Frank R., July 12, 1902. Frank R. Curtis, the fourth child of Phineas Curtis, was born February 28, 1864, and was married March 15, 1885, to Tillie Madden. They had one son Loraine, who was born November 27, 1887, and lives at Moline, Illinois. Abram B., who was born April 4, 1867, at Donahue, Iowa, was married April 4, 1887, to Miss Margaret Mad- den. They have three children : Lovina A., born August 21, 1890; Clarence D., November 14, 1893; and Margery M., July 14, 1897. Lottie M., born January 13, 1870, was married October 6, 1889, to John R. Randall, who died July 28, 1894, leaving one child, Worth B., who was born December 26, 1890. Ora E., born June 25, 1878, was married June 29, 1898, to G. L. Hostetler, and they live in Des Moines, Iowa. They have two children: Roger H., born October 12, 1902; and Helen L., born April 3, 1906. There have been four deaths in the family circle. Lottie, the sixth child of the family, died February 13, 1898, while Mrs. Tillie Curtis, the wife of Frank R. Curtis, passed away April 16, 1897, Mrs. Dennis Curtis, April 27, 1907, and A. A. Fuller on the 8th of October, 1897. For his second wife Mr. Curtis chose Mary A. (Weed) Davis, a daughter of Hiland and Amanda Weed, of Fayetteville, New York. She was born in Jordan, Onondaga county, New York, and on the 22d of June, 1905, became the wife of Mr. Curtis.
In his political views Mr. Curtis has been a stalwart republican since the or- ganization of the party and has filled a number of local offices, the duties of which he has discharged with promptness and fidelity. He holds membership in the Christian church, in which he is serving as elder and in its work he takes active and helpful interest, while his entire life has been guided by its principles and teachings.
GEORGE W. LEAMER.
George W. Leamer, long connected with agricultural interests, is now living retired in Davenport but is still the owner of eighty acres of fine farm land in LeClaire township. His life of well directed energy and thrift has brought him a creditable measure of success, while his fidelity to upright principles has gained him the respect of his fellowmen.
Mr. Leamer was born in Cambria county, Pennsylvania, February 14, 1830, and has, therefore, passed the eightieth milestone on life's journey. His parents, George and Mary (Seibers) Leamer, were both natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. The father was a farmer by occupation and both he and his
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wife spent their entire lives in the Keystone state. Their son, George W. Leamer, pursued his education in the schools of his native county and through the periods of vacation worked with his father on the farm and continued to aid in the cultivation of the fields of the old homestead until he came to the middle west in 1856, settling in LeClaire township, Scott county. More than half a century, has since come and gone and he has witnessed many changes as this district has become thickly settled and all of the improvements and advantages of the older east have been introduced. He was influenced to choose this county as a place of residence from the fact that he had two older brothers living here, one of whom bought the farm for Mr. Leamer. After cultivating his land for a year Mr. Leamer returned to Pennsylvania and was married in 1857. Immediately after- ward he started back with his bride, whom he had wedded on the 4th of June. She bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Jane Smiley and was a daughter of William and Jane Smiley, of Pennsylvania. Arriving in Scott county, they began their domestic life upon a farm which was a tract of eighty acres, only partially improved. Mr. Leamer continued to cultivate that farm until 1886 and in the interim purchased other land, for he prospered as the years went by and in the course of time acquired a comfortable competence that now enables him to enjoy a well earned rest. His life has been one of diligence and industry and his success has come as the merited reward of earnest, honest labor.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Leamer were born four children. William A., who lives upon the old homestead, married Anna Shellenberger and they have five chil- dren : Herbert, Lillian, Mildred, Cecil and Duane. Emma is the widow of George Reid. Jennie died at the age of one year. Bertha J. is the wife of L. W. McCowen of Davenport, by whom she has three children : Ethel, Russell and Eugene. Mr. and Mrs. Leamer celebrated their golden wedding in June, 1907.
Mr. Leamer has served as a school director and has always been a champion of the cause of public education. He has been a lifelong member of the Baptist church, in which he has served as deacon and has ever been loyal to its teachings. His life has been a busy, useful and honorable one and his sterling qualities have gained him the respect and good will of all who know him.
STEPHEN P. BAWDEN.
The law has become so complex that it would be difficult for any individual to be equally at home in all departments of practice and, while a lawyer may continue in several fields, it is the tendency of the times to concentrate one's energies upon a special branch. This Stephen P. Bawden does in his attention to probate and title deed branches of law and yet he has won success in other fields and may be termed a general practitioner.
Mr. Bawden is one of Davenport's native sons and his parents were Stephen and Mary E. (Woodward) Bawden, the former being of English parentage and the latter a native of Pennsylvania. Their removal to the west and settlement at Davenport made this city the scene of the youthful efforts and activities of S. P. Bawden as well as of his later years. Having acquired his literary education
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in the public schools, he continued his studies in preparation for the bar and after his admission to practice in the courts of the state opened an office in Davenport, where he has since remained. His natural predilection tends him toward probate and similar departments of the law and for five years he devoted almost his en- tire time to those branches in the office of Davison & Lane. Inclination and opportunity were thus satisfied and his thoroughness and capability in this branch of the profession have won him deserved success. His two most domi- nant characteristics are determined persistence and thorough and honest exact- ness. In law and especially in real-estate law these traits are of prime importance and guarantee progress. Mr. Bawden has met with good success because of these qualities and is one of the best known of the younger members of the bar in this field of practice. He enjoys the good fellowship of his brethren of the legal fraternity here and all recognize that his advancement has come as the merited and legitimate reward of his efforts and ability.
MRS. CHRISTINE WIESE.
Mrs. Christine Wiese, now living in Davenport, where she is widely known and has many friends, is the widow of Peter Wiese, long a resident of Scott county. He served as postmaster of Mount Joy for over thirty years and had a wide acquaintance in the rural districts as well as in the city. He was born in Holstein, Germany, September 4, 1832, and was a son of James and Gretchen Wiese. His father was a shoemaker in Germany and, in accordance with the laws of that country, served in the army. He continued his residence in his native land throughout his entire life.
In the schools of Germany, Peter Wiese acquired his education, after which he worked as a farm hand in his native country until 1851, when, attracted by the opportunities of the new world, he came alone to the United States. He was at that time a young man of about nineteen years. He landed at New Orleans, made his way up the Mississippi river to St. Louis and remained there for a time, owing to the fact that his brother, Claus H. Wiese, was residing there. The next spring, however, Peter Wiese continued on his way to Daven- port and after reaching this city secured employment as a farm hand by the month. Later he purchased a threshing machine and engaged in threshing and farming for about thirteen years. He then went to Mount Joy and took charge of the hotel there, conducting it until it was destroyed by fire on the IIth of February, 1896. He continued to live at Mount Joy until his death, which oc- curred on the 6th of December, 1897. He was one of the best known men in that part of the country. He served for over thirty years as postmaster of Mount Joy and was also township clerk of Sheridan township. He likewise held other offices and at all times was loyal to the trust reposed in him, whether in connection with public affairs or otherwise. He took a contract to build forty miles of Milwaukee railroad and successfully executed it. In part payment for his services he took five hundred and sixty acres of land in Pottawattamie county, but later sold that property.
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