USA > Iowa > Scott County > Davenport > History of Davenport and Scott County Iowa, Volume II > Part 15
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
On the 24th of January, 1859, Mr. Wiese was united in marriage to Miss Christine Pieper. She was born in Holstein, Germany, April 23, 1840, near the birthplace of her husband, and was a daughter of Henry and Anna Pieper. Her mothed died in Germany but the father afterward came to the United States in 1856, accompanied by Mrs. Wiese. They landed at New York and, crossing the country, made their way to Davenport, where Mr. Pieper engaged in shoemak- ing. Later he became proprietor of a hotel at Mount Joy, where he lived until The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Wiese was blessed with seven children. Meta, the wife of John Ploehn, of Davenport, has four children : John H., who married his death on the 27th of October, 1886, when he was seventy-eight years of age. Grace Gilchrist; Elsie C .; Carl; and Camilla. Anna is the wife of Henry Priester, of Davenport, and has three children: Walter C., who married Nora Boecken and has two children, Roma and Allen; Wilma, who is the wife of Frank Jung- gohan and has four children, Vera, Lula, Carl and Fred; and Cora. Julius, living at Eldridge, married Anna Goertz and has two children, Elsinda B. and Rollie P. Emil, of Minnesota, married Emma Wellendorf and they have nine children : Rona; Herle; Alvin P .; Thorwald; Herbert; Ruth and Rubie, twins; Ethel; and Lillian. Henry, living in Eldridge, married Lena Cabel and has three children; Lois, Hazel and Donald. Christian, of Davenport, wedded Tecla Miller and they have two sons, Arnold and Otis. Helena is the wife of Herman Baustan, of Sheridan township, and has one son, Wilbert.
All through his life, save for the brief period spent in St. Louis, Peter Wiese remained a resident of Scott county after coming to the United States, and the success which he achieved is attributable entirely to his own labors, for his resources were very limited when he crossed the Atlantic. As the years went by his carefully directed labors brought him substantial success, enabling him to leave his family in comfortable financial circumstances. He possessed a genial, social nature and courteous manner, and these qualities were an element in bringing to him the extended circle of friends who through his life enjoyed his com- panionship and since his death have only respect and commendable words for him.
HENRY F. LEMBKE.
Although Henry F. Lembke has reached the age of seventy-two years, he is still an active factor in the world's work, being well known in Davenport as a carpenter and contractor, with which business he has long been associated. He was born in Holstein, Germany, November 10, 1837, and is a son of Christian and Margaret Lembke.' The father followed farming in Germany, where he continued to reside until called to his final rest. Amid the quiet environment of the home farm Henry F. Lembke was reared, while in his youth he attended the public schools, there acquiring his education. He learned the carpenter's trade at Kiel, serving a three years' apprenticeship, after which he worked as a journey- man carpenter in different cities for five years. In 1863 he became a member of the Danish army and was engaged in military duty for a year, participating in the war in which Denmark, Prussia and Austria were involved.
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After the war Henry F. Lembke resumed work at his trade, which he followed in Hamburg and other cities until 1865, when he came to the United States, land- ing at New York. He did not tarry on the Atlantic coast, however, but made his way at once to Davenport, where he arrived on the 12th of March. He again resorted to his trade for a livelihood and has since followed it, being active in the erection of a large number of houses and other buildings in Scott county and also in Ida county. He has ever been recognized as a good workman, his labors standing the test of time, and this has enabled him to keep busily employed as the years have gone by. He erected his own residence about 1891.
In 1865, soon after coming to Davenport, Mr. Lembke was married to Miss Marie Jensen, who was born in Holstein, Germany, April 27, 1840, a daughter of Jochim and Anna Lena Jensen. They have become parents of seven children: Emil, of Boone, Iowa, who is married and has two children-Joseph and a baby ; Agnes, the wife of Peter Hargett, of Coon Rapids, Iowa, by whom she has three children-Walter, Clara and Helen; Julius, at home; Rhoda, the wife of Charles Parker, of Waterloo, Iowa; Anna, who married Fred Warrenton, of Davenport, and has one child, Leon; Matilda, at home; and Anna, who died at the age of two years.
Mr. Lembke is a member of the Carpenters Union, No. 554, and has held office in that order. He has always been a busy man, working earnestly and per- sistently, and undoubtedly one feature of his progress is the fact that he has always continued in the line of business in which he embarked as a young trades- man, thus gaining comprehensive knowledge of the trade and manifesting marked skill in his work.
REV. ANTHONY NIERMANN.
Rev. Anthony Niermann, for over fifty years the revered pastor of St. Joseph's parish, was born in Germany, August 9, 1831, a son of John Henry and Fransica (Witting) Niermann, life-long residents of Germany. He is one of a family of six children, four daughters and two sons. His early studies were pursued in Germany. He was perfected in philosophy and theology, and, ow- ing to the strictness of the examinations, his education was thorough in every respect.
While he long desired to come to America, Father Niermann remained in Germany until his father's death. In the meanwhile the demand for young German priests was growing, owing to the tide of German emigration which swept over the United States, and when he was ready to come here, he was received into the diocese of Dubuque. Upon his arrivel he continued his studies at a Catholic academy in St. Louis, under Rev. Hennessey, afterward archbishop, and a strong friendship sprung up between the two, which only the death of the latter severed. Father Niermann was ordained at Dubuque by Bishop Clement Smith, and on April 2, 1859, was sent to Davenport. For many years before the building of the church, services were held in the small structure now used as a schoolhouse. The cornerstone of St. Joseph's church was laid
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42.5
A Hermann
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in 1881. Many changes have taken place since Father Niermann came here to take charge of what is now St. Joseph's parish, but was then a part of the parish of St. Cunegonda. The populous district where the church stands, in the center of the city, was then on the outskirts. Father Niermann states that he often shot quails and rabbits in his own dooryard.
This venerable old priest is beloved, and deservedly so, by the people he has labored among so long. Genial and entertaining, he also shows the marks of the scholar and churchman. During his whole career in the priesthood, this good man has labored solely for his people in Davenport, never having been assigned to another charge, nor will he be. St. Joseph parish is the child of his heart and brain and nothing but death will separate them.
FRANZ HAGEMANN.
For more than forty-two years Franz Hagemann was continuously in the employ of the Rock Island Railroad Company. He then retired from that busi- ness but as indolence and idleness are utterly foreign to his nature, he could not be content without some business duties and is now connected with a bakery and confectionery establishment. He has a very extensive acquaintance among rail- road men here and his faithfulness, reliability and freedom from ostentation have ever won for him the respect and good will of those with whom he has been associated. He was born in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, January 28, 1840, and is a son of Cort and Margaret Hagemann, who spent their entire lives in that country, where the father conducted farming on a small scale. Franz Hage- mann attended school in Germany and there learned the carpenter's trade. He came to the United States in 1867, landing at New York. The favorable reports which he heard concerning business opportunities in America proved irresistibly attractive to him and with the desire of benefiting his financial condition on this side of the Atlantic he sailed for the United States. He did not tarry on the eastern coast, however, but at once made his way into the interior of the country, arriving at Davenport on the 14th of May, 1867, accompanied by his wife and one child. He had two brothers here-Hans, who is now living in California, and Hermann, who is now deceased.
After reaching Davenport Mr. Hagemann was employed for two weeks at his trade and on the 28th of June, 1867, he entered the employ of the Rock Island Railroad Company as a carpenter in connection with the building of freight cars. He was employed in that way for about three years after which he was transferred to the passenger coach department and on the Ist of April, 1883, he was promoted to the position of foreman of that department and so continued for more than twenty-six years, or until the 31st of December, 1909, when he retired. In recognition of his long and faithful service the company gave him a pension. He only worked two places in fifty-four years, being in the service of one employer in Germany for twelve years and through practically his entire residence in Davenport being in the employ of the Rock Island Railroad Com- pany. On his retirement he was presented with a fine gold watch, chain and
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locket by his fellow workmen. He is now engaged in the bakery and confection- ery business and has already made a good start in that line. When he entered the employ of the railroad the line was then being built west to Council Bluffs and was finished about as far as Des Moines. Its president at the time was Mr. Tracey, with Hugh Riddle as vice president, while A. Kimball was superintendent and Tom Twombley acted as master mechanic at this place.
On the 6th of October, 1865, Mr. Hagemann was married to Miss Johanna Peters, a daughter of Peter Peters, who died in Germany. They have become parents of nine children : Amelia, who is the wife of Louis Schwenke, of Daven- port, and has six children-Ernest, Luella, Lillian, Edna, Walter and Lewis; Mrs. Clara Martin, a widow who has two children, Florence and Loretta; C. A., of Davenport, who married Ella Stramp and has two daughters, Norma and Mildred; Lewis, of Davenport, who married Meta Jeske and has two children, Ruby and Vera; Harry, of Davenport, who wedded Minnie Munike; and four who died in childhood.
Mr. Hagemann is a member of the Claus Groth Gilde and Germania Kranken Verein. He is a very active man and appears at least ten years younger than his age. Being of a cheerful and friendly disposition, he is well liked by all who come in contact with him. Few men have more intimate knowledge of the early history of the Rock Island railroad and he can relate many interesting incidents concerning the happenings of that period. He has never regretted his deter- mination to seek a home in this country, for he here found good business oppor- tunities. He was not misled by any hope of winning success without earnest and continuous effort but by reason of his diligence and fidelity he worked his way upward and whatever success he has enjoyed has been richly merited.
WILSON MCCLELLAND.
Wilson McClelland, as the chief executive head of the T. W. McClelland Com- pany, is one of the best known representatives of commercial interests in Daven- port, and his salient qualities as a business man and citizen entitle him to defini e consideration in connection with the city's history. He was born in Davenport, March 28, 1864, a son of T. W. McClelland, for many years one of the most prominent and well known business men and manufacturers of the city, of whom extended mention is made elsewhere in this volume. When he had mastered the branches of learning taught in the public schools here Wilson Mc- Clelland went east and continued his education in the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute of Troy, New York, from which he was graduated in the class of 1886, winning the degree of Civil Engineer. Returning to Davenport, he be- came associated with his father's business, making it his purpose to thoroughly master the same in every particular. He studied the methods of the extensive plant as well as the financial side of the business, and gained such intimate and accurate knowledge thereof that at his father's death he was enabled to assume control and successfully conduct the extensive and increasing business. On the death of his father he was chosen to the presidency of the T. W. McClelland
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Company and such is his connection with the business interests of Davenport at the present time. In 1903 the continued growth of the enterprise necessitated the removal to larger quarters, which were found in the large and modern build- ing which the company now occupies on East Third street and which was built especially for the requirements of the business. For several years the company conducted a contracting business in connection with the manufacturing inter- ests, but in recent years that department has been discontinued and attention has been concentrated upon the sash, door and mill work departments, in which the output is now very large. This is in fact one of the leading productive industries of the city, with a plant thoroughly equipped with modern machinery and every accessory to facilitate the work and to make its output of the highest character. A force of one hundred and fifty skilled workmen are employed and the ship- ments cover a wide territory. Mr. McClelland is an extremely busy man, con- nected with a number of financial and manufacturing concerns which profit by his sound judgment and clear, keen discernment. He is a director of the First National Bank and the Davenport Machinery & Foundry Company, is vice presi- dent of the White Lily Manufacturing Company and a financial factor in other enterprises.
In 1890 Mr. McClelland was married to Miss Anna Richardson, a native of Davenport and a daughter of D. N. Richardson. They now have three sons: Thomas Wilson, David Nelson and Robert Richardson. Mr. McClelland is well known as a club man, his name being on the membership of the Outing, Commercial and other clubs, and of the Commercial he was president for two years. He also belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and is a member of the school board but takes little active part in politics. Honored and respected by all, there is no man who occupies a more enviable position in the manufacturing and financial circles of this city, not alone by reason of the success which he has achieved but also owing to the straightforward business policy which he has ever followed. It is true that he entered upon a business already established, but in enlarging and controlling this many a man of less resolute spirit would have failed. Mr. McClelland, however, has met the con- ditions of the times and in the further development of his enterprise has given incontrovertible proof of his ability for successful management.
H. J. HIGH.
Business enterprise finds a worthy exponent in H. J. High, the president of the Dr. Dicks Malted Stock Food Company, and a member of the Tri-City Mill & Feed Company. In the conduct of business affairs he manifests much of the spirit of the initiative, seeking out new plans for the conduct of business in- terests and meeting success through that close application which is undeterred by any obstacles or difficulties that may arise. He is equally well known as a local political leader and in various offices has proven his loyaty to those things which are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride.
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
Mr. High was born in Davenport, July 10, 1864, and is a son of James L. and Sarah (Bowling) High. The mother was a daughter of the late Mayor James M. Bowling, who was one of Davenport's most prominent and honored citizens. James L. High engaged in the livery business in Davenport, establish- ing a barn at No. 114 Harrison street in 1854. For a long period he continued in that department of business but his life's labors were ended in death in October, 1876.
After benefiting by the instruction afforded in the public schools H. J. High attended Griswold College and his advanced course there well supplemented him for life's practical and responsible duties. He has made good use of his time, his talents and his opportunities since starting in business life and in 1905 he was one of the organizers of Dr. Dick's Malted Stock Food Company, of which he is now the president. This company is engaged in the manufacture of stock food which finds a ready sale on the market, its excellence insuring a liberal pat- ronage. As its chief executive officer, Mr. High displays good business ability and keen foresight, which enables him to formulate business plans and policies in such a manner that substantial results are achieved. Moreover, he is a member of the Tri-City Mill & Feed Company and is taking an active interest in the development and expansion of the business.
In September, 1892, Mr. High was married to Miss Marie Arnould, a daughter of Lewis and Cotilde (Huot) Arnould, both of whom are still living. Her father was one of the early contractors of the city and many substantial structures of Davenport still stand as monuments to his skill and handiwork.
Mr. High takes a very active interest in politics and is well versed on the leading questions and issues of the day. He has always given his support to the republican party, has served as committeeman from his ward for a number of years and is recognized as one of the local party leaders. On various occasions he was called to public office, the duties of which he has discharged with prompt- ness and fidelity. He was appointed census enumerator in his ward, was city health officer for four and a half years, was bailiff of the district court for two and a half years and is now city milk inspector, while for thirteen years he has occupied this position in connection with the state service. He regards a public office as a public trust-and no trust reposed in H. J. High has ever been be- trayed in the slightest degree.
GUSTAVE BECKER.
Attracted by the business opportunities offered by the new world, Gustave Becker, when a young man of twenty-one, crossed the Atlantic and for more than three decades was well known in business circles in Davenport, where his indefatigable energy and wise investment brought him success that placed him among the most prosperous residents of the city. Mr. Becker was born Decem- ber 8, 1848, in Silesia, Germany, a son of Karl and Anna Rosina (Wahnelt) Becker. In the family were two sons and four daughters, the brother of our subject being Charles Becker, while the sisters were Mrs. Louise Herald, Mrs.
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Bertha Gerboth, Mrs. Emily Dittschlag and Mrs. Anna Seiler, of Germany. During the early boyhood of their son Gustave the parents removed to Tschi- mare, Germany, where he attended school, being recognized as one of the bright- est pupils in his class, manifesting special aptitude in his studies. When fourteen years of age he and his brother Charles went to Berlin, where they became con- nected with mercantile interests, and in 1869, when Gustave Becker was about twenty-one years of age, he and his brother crossed the Atlantic to America, hoping to benefit their financial condition by the opportunities which they heard could be enjoyed in the new world. For a short time they resided in New York and then made their way westward to Detroit, Michigan. Mr. Becker afterward traveled for a number of years for a wholesale wine, liquor and cigar house and was successful in introducing the products of the house upon the market. On the Ist of March, 1876, he arrived in Davenjort, where he remained until- his demise. He was in business in this city for about thirty-one years and his interests were of a character that contributed in large measure to general prog- ress and improvement as well as to individual success. He was for a time as- sociated with others in the ownership and management of the Grand Opera House, holding a third interest. He also held a similar interest for a time in the Burtis Opera House and on the Ist of April, 1891, he purchased the property at the corner of Second and Brady streets, which eventually became one of the most valuable corners in the city. He still owned this building at the time of his death and derived therefrom a substantial annual income. At one time he also conducted a high class cafe and delicatessen store but was most widely known because of his invested interests in real estate. In this he displayed keen and dis- criminating judgment and notable sagacity, making no error of opinion con- cerning the value of realty and its possible rise.
On the 20th of June, 1872, Mr. Becker was united in marriage to Miss Wil- helmina Ruehle, of Detroit. Her father, John Valentine Ruehle, was a dis- tinguished citizen of Michigan and left the impress of his individuality upon the history of that state as one of its early legislators. Coming to the west, he was closely associated with its pioneer development and drove to Chicago in a two wheeled cart when there were only log houses in that city. His brother, Frederick R. Ruehle, was alderman of Detroit and a prominent factor in its upbuilding. John V. Ruehle acted as water commissioner of the city and was closely associated with many movements, political measures and business projects for the substantial development of the city and state in which he made his home. He had crossed the Atlantic from Baden-Baden, Germany, and was fifty-three days on a sailing vessel ere he reached American shores. He found Indians in Michigan on his arrival there but lived to see a wonderful transformation in the state as the homes of the white settlers replaced the Indian tepees and the work of civilization was carried on by a progressive and enterprising people. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Phoebe Snyder, was a native of Bavaria, Germany. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Becker were born five children, of whom three are living : Oswald, Mrs. Lina Thies and Alice.
Mr. Becker held a prominent position among the German-American residents of Davenport. He was active in support of the German free schools, belonged to the Davenport Turngemeinde and the Schuetzen Verein. He also held mem-
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bership with the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Masonic lodge. He was ever strictly reliable in his business dealings, his commercial integrity standing as an unquestioned fact in his life. His success came to him through the judicious improvement of opportunities which others pass by heedlessly and through unremitting energy and persever- ance, which are always indispensable factors in success.
TIMM ECKMANN.
On the list of retired citizens of Davenport may be found the name of Timm Eckmann, whose extensive landed possessions in Scott county supply him with all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. Born in Holstein, Germany, Jan- uary 30, 1829, his parents were Claus and Abel (Johnson) Eckmann, who were farming people of Germany and spent their entire lives in the fatherland. The son was reared on the home farm and acquired his education in the public schools. He also served in the German army from 1848 until 1850 and two years later de- cided to try his fortune in the new world.
Landing in New York city, Mr. Eckmann made his way direct to Davenport, reaching his destination on the 7th of July, 1852. His first employment was at farm labor near Davenport, but after a short time he returned to this city and found employment in a brickyard, which occupied his attention for a time. He then spent a short time on a steamboat which plied the Mississippi river. Anxious to become more firmly established in business, he opened a saloon which he con- ducted for two years, but at the end of that time, having purchased sixty acres of land in Clinton county, Iowa, he removed to that farm and spent two years in its improvement and cultivation. Farm life did not prove congenial to him, however, and disposing of his property to good advantage, he returned once more to Davenport and spent four years in the employ of P. B. Harvey in a warehouse. During all the years that he had been employed by others, he care- fully saved his earnings, having ever before him the aim of some day engaging in business on his own account in Davenport. He eventually opened a grocery store on the corner of Third and Warren streets and for thirty years was iden- tified with that business. He built up an excellent trade, always studying the demands of his patrons and following honorable methods in his dealings, so that- success attended his labors. In the meantime he invested his profits in Scott county land and now owns three farms of one hundred and sixty acres each in Blue Grass township, and a farm of two hundred acres in Davenport township. Having spent thirty busy and active years in the grocery business, and having acquired a good competence for declining age, Mr. Eckmann felt justified in leading a more quiet life and now rests in ease in a comfortable residence in Davenport, while the store which he established is now conducted by his son.
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