USA > Iowa > Scott County > Davenport > History of Davenport and Scott County Iowa, Volume II > Part 19
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Mr. Cabel is a member of the Old German Settlers Society and is well known among people of his own nationality. His friends, however, are not limited to those of his own race, but include the majority of those with whom business or social relations have brought him in contact. His life has been a busy and useful one and his success is well merited.
REV. ROBERT NIXON EARHART.
Rev. Robert Nixon Earhart, a Methodist Episcopal minister of the upper Iowa conference, whose life in its noble purposes and influences was of far- reaching effect for good, was born in Indiana, Pennsylvania, a son of David and Catharine (Altman) Earhart. The father was a merchant who continued a resident of Pennsylvania, his native state, until he had reached middle age, when he came to Iowa and settled in Pleasant Valley, where he reared the younger members of his family.
Robert N. Earhart after pursuing his early education prepared for college in Dubuque, Iowa, and then returned east for further instruction, entering Dick- inson College, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated in the
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class of 1859. His classical course there gave him broad knowledge that served him well in his life work in later years, enabling him to draw from a rich foun- tain of information to illustrate or explain or elucidate the points which he was attempting to make in his sermons. He pursued his theological course in the Garrett Biblical Institute at Evanston, Illinois, and when he had qualified for holy orders was ordained to the Methodist ministry and joined the upper Iowa conference. Forty-one years were devoted to the work of proclaiming the gospel and in various pastorates he labored earnestly and effectually, speaking with clearness and force to his congregations upon the vital questions of life and its problems in the relations of man to his fellowman and his Maker. Earnest and zealous, his work was of marked influence in the Christian progress of northern Iowa. Becoming ill in his last year, he took up his abode in Davenport, where he spent his remaining days with his family and passed away on the 29th of July, 1907, his remains being interred in Oakdale cemetery.
It was on the 20th of October, 1868, that the Rev. R. N. Earhart was married to Miss Frances Fidlar, who was born in Columbus, Ohio, but has spent the greater part of her life in Davenport. Their only child, Robert F., after at- taining manhood married Darline Scofield and unto them have been born two children, Daniel and Robert Nixon. The father is a graduate of the Northwest- ern University of Evanston, Illinois, and also spent a year in Johns Hopkins University. At the age of thirty-six years he is a professor in the Ohio State University and is a young man of marked intellectual force and high ideals.
In the passing of Robert Nixon Earhart, Iowa lost one of her most honored citizens and one of the leading representatives of the Methodist ministry. Thor- oughly versed in the history, discipline and doctrine of the church, he took of religion that wider view which places the fundamental truths of Christianity above all else and in his ministry taught Christian charity, patience, kindliness and love-qualities which are the living influences in the world, counteracting the effect of sin, degradation and all wrongdoing. The words of wisdom which he spoke sank deep into many hearts and his memory remains as a blessed bene- diction to all who knew him.
HERMAN HENRY MEYER.
Death often removes from our midst those whom we can ill afford to lose, and the sudden demise of Herman Henry Meyer removed from Davenport one who occupied a prominent place in the business circles of the city, sharing in the honor and respect of his associates and colleagues. He was the secretary and treasurer of the Davenport Foundry & Machine Company and instituted this enterprise, which takes rank with the leading productive industries of the city. He was one of those men of substantial character and sterling worth that Ger- many has furnished to Iowa and in his boyhood days he accompanied his parents on their emigration from the fatherland to the new world, arriving in this coun- try in the '50s. For a brief period they made their home in a Wisconsin town and afterward removed to St. Louis, but Herman H. Meyer soon came from that
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city to Davenport. Here he was united in marriage to Miss Lida Lerchen in 1865, and they established a home in which domestic felicity and happiness ever reigned. During eight or ten years Mr. Meyer acted as bookkeeper at the Klam- bach grain depot and on removing from Davenport in 1867 he became a resident of Denver, Colorado, where he secured a position as bookkeeper in the German Savings bank. Subsequently he was a partner in the Handy & Meyer machinery building concern, but eventually returned to this city to organize the Davenport Foundry & Machine Company. From its inception he managed its growing business and its development was attributable in large measure to his enterprise and powers of organization. He continued in business until the time of his death, which occurred when he was fifty-three years of age. He was thus cut off in the prime of his usefulness and his loss was deeply felt in business circles as well as by friends and relatives.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Meyer were born two children: Harry H., who was edu- cated in the State University at Champaign, Illinois ; and a daughter. In Octo- ber, 1892, Mr. Meyer went to Quincy, Illinois, to visit a brother and while there became ill and passed away on the 22d of the month-a life of usefulness and honorable activity being thus ended.
Mrs. Meyer is a daughter of Charles Lerchen, who came to this city from Wheeling, West Virginia, August 29, 1850, and was engaged in the saddlery business here for many years. He afterward went to Colorado, where he spent his remaining days. Since her husband's death Mrs. Meyer has made her home in Davenport, where she has a wide acquaintance including many warm friends.
DANIEL GOULD.
In a review of Davenport's history it becomes evident that Daniel Gould de- serves prominent mention among its builders and promoters. Coming to this city at an early period in its development, he took an active part not only in its material but also in its intellectual and moral progress, and the influence of his character and work is yet felt in the lives of those with whom he was associated, and in the business and intellectual activities which were stimulated through his labors. He was born at Middletown, near Newport, Rhode Island, in the year 1814. His father, George Gould, and his mother, Lydia Shove Gould, were both of English ancestry. The Goulds of Rhode Island came from Dorchester, Eng- land, in 1637, A. D. The old manor house, called "Upway Manor," has been re- placed by a much more modern edifice. The coat of arms of the Gould family is a lion rampant with the insignia "Probitate et Labore," honesty and labor. Jere- miah Gould and Priscilla Gould were the first ancestors to settle in this country. Daniel, their eldest son, settled at Middletown, Rhode Island, on a farm a portion of which has until recently remained in the possession of the Gould family. He married Wate, daughter of John Coggeshall (first president of the colony), on the 18th of June, 1651. Daniel Gould was a sturdy adherent of the principles of the Friends Society. He had great strength of character, as evidenced by having been one of a company of Quakers (as they were then called in derision) to be
Could
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scoffed and mocked by a rude mob at Charlestown Ferry. He, with others, re- ceived thirty stripes upon the naked back, was cast into prison and made to lie with his bleeding back upon the bare boards. The only crimes of the sufferers were that they "were Friends in their religious belief." This ancestor was gifted in writing both prose and poetry. He traveled as a preacher on "truth's account" in Maryland and Virginia. The extracts from his memoirs are very interesting.
There were seven generations between this first Daniel Gould and the one of the present sketch, the name being handed down direct except in one generation. The Goulds and their descendants were always landowners in and around the island of Rhode Island. There is an island called Gould in Narragansett bay, which belonged to the family of Goulds one hundred years after the first settle- ment. The parents of Daniel Gould of this sketch removed from Rhode Island to Cranston, Rhode Island, where the son spent his boyhood, assisting his father to carry on a farm. His education consisted in what he could gain at school in the winter months. He attended the Friends school of Providence, Rhode Island, which is still in existence, being carried on in an up-to-date manner. The desire and ambition of Mr. Gould was to become a lawyer. He, however, gave up his own cherished plan in order to assist his parents. He was next to the eldest of eleven children and from early boyhood the one always to be depended upon. Nature had endowed him with a wonderfully robust constitution, else he must otherwise have succumbed to the many accidents which befell him. Born with a happy, buoyant disposition, he was ever the favorite among his comrades, as he was also the trusty friend in after years.
In 1836 Mr. Gould married Miss Susan L. Baker, who died soon after, in 1837. In 1840 he married Miss Sarah Earle, a daughter of John and Rhoda Earle, of Providence, Rhode Island. Her ancestors were also of English descent and of the Society of Friends and were among the early settlers on the Island of Nantucket. Mr. and Mrs. Gould lived in several of the manufacturing villages near Cranston. Mr. Gould had charge of some of the large stores connected with the mills. Here three of their children were born. Lydia Shove, born in 1843, died four years later. In 1852 Mr. Gould removed with his family to Providence, Rhode Island, where they remained until 1857, when they went west and settled at Davenport Iowa. Their youngest daughter, Lillie, was born here. An old friend, Robert Steare, of Providence, came west at the same time and went into partnership with Mr. Gould in a large carpet and furnishing business at the corner of Perry and Second streets, the building owned by Mr. Dessaint. During the Civil war Mr. Gould put up two stores of his own, adjoining the block on the northeast corner of Brady and Second streets, where he carried on business until he retired in 1881. The partnership between Mr. Gould and Mr. Steare was dissolved after a year's time, Mr. Gould continuing the business alone. Mr. Gould was also a manufac- turer of furniture and owned his own factory on East River street, located next to the woolen mill.
One of Davenport's most respected and honored citizens, Mr. Gould was re- peatedly urged to take the office of mayor of the city, but what time he could spare from his business was devoted to the school interests. For fifteen years he was a member of the school board-the longest time of service with one exception any member had ever been upon the board. He served both as president and
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director, and as chairman of the building committee he had the satisfaction of planning and overseeing several of the largest school buildings of the city. When he resigned from the board he was presented with a gold headed cane, beautifully engraved-a present from the teachers of the city, by whom he was much re- spected and beloved. He was the only member of the board ever to be thus hon- ored. He was called the Father of the Teachers. His portrait, presented by his daughters to the school board, may be seen in the library of the new high school, where it is hoped it may be an inspiration and example to others.
Mr. Gould was among the first organizers of the German Savings and Citizens Banks of Davenport. His support and influence were eagerly sought by all new enterprises. After his death, by request, his portrait was presented to these banks and was placed in the reception room of the German Savings Bank. Mr. and Mrs. Gould gave their interest and financial support to the organization of the First Unitarian church of Davenport, but their loyalty to the Friends Society prevented their ever becoming members. Mr. Gould was a good story teller. He entered heartily into the spirit of his anecdotes, which never failed to interest his audience. He and his wife were in sympathy with the early movements of the temperance cause. They both took an active part in the movement for the abolition of slavery, for their hearts were ever open to the cries of the distressed and oppressed. Their thoughts and desires were toward progression in all directions.
Naturally their children, brought up under such influences, could but follow in the same footsteps. The eldest daughter, Mary Elizabeth, was married to George Wing, of New Bedford. She was finely educated and prepared to become a leader and as such was always acknowledged. At one time she was the president of many of the leading clubs and societies of Davenport, where she made her home for some years. Afterward the family removed to Lincoln, Nebraska, where Mrs. Wing died in 1895. The foundation of the Davenport public library was due in no small measure to her efforts and counsel in its early days. Mr. and Mrs. Wing had five children and all except one are now living. Daniel Gould Wing is the president of the First National Bank of Boston and resides at West Newton, Mas- sachusetts. Alice Earle is not married. She has devoted her life unselfishly to others. Elizabeth Russell married Professor De Witte Bristol Brace, of Lincoln, Nebraska, who filled an eminent position as chemist in the state university. He had attained more than a national reputation in his profession. Thomas Ellwood is a prominent lawyer of New York city. Ellen Maria Gould, the third daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Gould, has devoted her life to philanthropy. Sarah Lydia, the youngest daughter, married Henry E. Lewis, of Claremont, New Hampshire. They settled at Lincoln, Nebraska. They have had six children, four of whom are now living. The eldest son, Harold Gould Lewis, is a graduate of the elec- trical engineering department of Columbia University of New York city. The eldest daughter, Edith Larabee, is a graduate of Smith College-a highly gifted young woman with literary talent that has led her to do magazine work and places her on the corps of editors of one of our prominent magazines. Ruth Stewart and Helen Chace are promising young ladies, still occupied with their school work.
Mr. Gould retired from business in 1881. He was presented with a very hand- some gold watch chain by his employes, many of whom had been with him from youth to manhood. Mr. Gould was greatly surprised and pleased wiith this testi-
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monial of their respect and good wishes. The anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Gould's golden wedding occurred December 4, 1890, but, owing to Mrs. Gould's feeble condition, it was celebrated very quietly. The last ten years of Mr. Gould's life were devoted to his invalid wife. His attentions were of such a nature that they attracted the observation of the community and remain a lasting monument to the love and devotion of a very noble man to a faithful, devoted wife. Mrs. Gould died April 13, 1897, and was soon followed by her husband, who died August 28, 1897.
WILLIAM JOHNSON.
William Johnson, who is now living retired in Davenport, was for many years identified with the industrial interests of the city as a carpenter. His birth occurred in Ireland on the 23d of November, 1829, his parents being Thomas and Eleanor Johnson. The father, who was a farmer and weaver by occupation, brought his family to the United States in 1849, locating at Philadelphia, Penn- sylvania, where he worked as a weaver. Four years later, in 1853, he came to Davenport, Iowa, settling on a tract of thirty acres which he purchased near Walcott. The land was all wild prairie but he set resolutely to work, erected a house, fenced the fields and improved the property. He was not long permit- ted to enjoy his new home, however, passing away about a year after his arrival in Scott county. The demise of his wife also occurred about the same time.
William Johnson obtained his education in the schools of his native land and was a young man of twenty when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to the new world. While in Philadelphia he worked at the weaver's trade but after coming to this county turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits and was thus engaged for about five years. Subsequently he acted as a colpor- teur for the Presbyterian church for about five years, on the expiration of which period, in 1866, he was married and took up his abode in Davenport. He then learned the carpenter's trade and worked at that occupation for many years, erecting a number of houses. When at length, owing to his untiring industry and good business ability, he had accumulated a handsome competence he retired from active life and has since enjoyed the fruits of his former toil in well earned ease.
On the 28th of March, 1866, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Steel, who was born in Ireland in 1848, and came to this country about 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson became the parents of five children, the record of whom is as follows: Brice, who is a grocer of Davenport, has been twice mar- ried, his first union being with Miss Ruth Hage, by whom he had a daughter, Elizabeth Ruth. For his second wife he chose Miss Rose Lingerfeldt and they had a son who is now deceased. George, living in Davenport, married Miss Elizabeth Blair, by whom he has two children. William R. Johnson is still under the parental roof. Cora follows the profession of school teaching in Davenport. William passed away when about two years of age.
Mr. Johnson of this review has now attained the venerable age of eighty years and has lived within the borders of Scott county for more than a half century.
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Coming to the United States in early manhood, he found the opportunities which he sought and through their wise utilization won a measure of success that now enables him to spend his declining years in retirement-surrounded by all of the comforts and many of the luxuries that go to make life worth living.
HENRY CHRISTIAN STRUCK, JR.
Henry Christian Struck, Jr., whose connection with financial interests in Davenport has been of signal benefit to the city, is now one of the managing board of the Clearing House, and such has been his experience and study in the field of finance that his opinions have in large measure become regarded as author- ity upon financial problems. He is a representative of the progressive type of German citizens who, seeking the opportunities of the new world, have not only won individual advancement but have contributed as well to general progress and improvement. He was born at Seelent, in the province of Schleswig-Hol- stein, August 20, 1853, the eldest son in a family of eight children, whose parents were Henry Christian and Johanna Dorathea Sophia (Strellner) Struck. In the year 1855 the father started with his family for the United States, arriving at New Orleans in October. The ensuing winter months were there passed and in May, 1856, they ascended the Mississippi river to Davenport, where they remained for a brief period, after which they took up their abode upon a farm in Cleona township, Scott county.
On the old homestead there Henry Christian Struck of this review spent his boyhood, acquiring his preliminary education in the district schools, while at the age of twelve years he became a pupil in a private school at Davenport, where he had better opportunities to study German and other languages and also pursue special courses which were not then taught in country schools. He likewise pur- sued special courses in mathematics and civil engineering at Professor Thomp- son's Institute and in order to gain further knowledge bearing directly upon business life he entered Bryant & Stratton Commercial College on November I, 1869. He was graduated therefrom May 14, 1870, and on the 18th of May he joined the United States Hydrographical Engineer Corps, with which he was connected until the close of the season, December 1, 1870. On the Ist of the fol- lowing January he became bookkeeper in the employ of August Steffen, a grain and produce dealer, with whom he remained until Mr. Steffen retired from busi- ness on the Ist of August, 1872. At that time Mr. Struck entered the employ of George Ott & Company, wholesale dealers in sash, doors and blinds, in the ca- pacity of bookkeeper and traveling salesman, filling the position until October I, 1875, when at the offer of August Steffen, his former employer, who was then one of the largest stockholders of the Davenport Plow Company, he became bookkeeper for that concern, remaining with the company until January 1, 1878, when at the advice of his physician he resigned to seek employment more con- ducive to his health, which had suffered in the close confinement of office work.
On the Ist of June, 1878, Mr. Struck entered upon an independent venture by purchasing the interest of the junior partner in the hardware business of Werner
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& Brammer, at No. 309 West Second street. The firm of Werner & Struck main- tained an existence until January 1, 1880, when Henry C. Struck, Sr., purchased Mr. Werner's interest and carried on the business under the firm style of Henry C. Struck & Son until October 25, 1885, at which date the entire business was sold to W. P. Bissell, Mr. Struck, Jr., however, remaining with the new firm until March, 1886.
Henry C. Struck became connected with city service at the solicitation of his many friends, including a number of the most prominent people of Davenport. They requested him to become a candidate for city collector and on the 7th of April, 1886, he was appointed by the city council to that position, which he con- tinued to fill until January 1, 1890. No more capable incumbent has ever occu- pied the office, his efficient service winning the commendation of his colleagues, associates and of the general public. So capably did he discharge his duties that he was nominated and elected to the office of county treasurer in the fall of 1889, assuming the duties of the position on the Ist of January following. His effi- ciency during his first term led to reelection and when the votes were counted it was found that he received every vote cast in Cleona township, the place of his boyhood, not a single ballot being cast against him even by the opposition party. He continued in charge of the public exchequer until January 1, 1894, when he retired from the office as he had entered it-with the confidence and regard of all concerned.
In September, 1892, Mr. Struck was prevailed upon to accept the position of cashier and secretary of the Davenport Savings Bank, a position offered him by the bank directors, all of whom were his personal friends and had informed themselves as to his ability as an officer and accountant. His previous training in the city service, as well as in business lines, enabled him to creditably discharge the duties that now devolved upon him and on the 7th of January, 1895, he was elected by the stockholders of the Davenport Savings Bank to the directorate of that institution, and on the organization of the Davenport Clearing House, Sep- tember 1, 1895, he was chosen a member of the managing board and has so con- tinued to the present time, covering a period of fifteen years.
On the 12th of October, 1878, Mr. Struck was married in this city to Miss Johanna Wessel, a daughter of Dr. H. Wessel, Sr., and they became parents of four children, Alice B., Kuno H., Wally and Henry W., but Alice and Wally died in infancy. Kuno H. Struck, born in Davenport, October 4, 1883, was educated in the public schools and was graduated from the high school with valedictorian honors in 1902. He afterward entered the Iowa State University and was grad- uated from the medical department in 1906. He afterward spent a season with his cousin, Dr. Arp of Moline, putting his theoretical knowledge to the practical test. In December, 1906, he began practice in Davenport. While in the uni- versity he had made a specialty of the study of bacteriology and pathology and had also taught in those branches. He is a member of all the various medical societies and of the Turners Society and other social organizations.
Politically H. C. Struck is a democrat, supporting the party since casting his first presidential ballot for Samuel J. Tilden. He belongs to the Davenport Turner Society, which he joined April 11, 1872, and on the Ist of January, 1897, he received a diploma as honorary member in recognition of his twenty-five
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