USA > Iowa > Scott County > Davenport > History of Davenport and Scott County Iowa, Volume II > Part 25
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JOHN B. CROUCH, M. D.
Dr. John B. Crouch, one of the successful representatives of the medical profession in Eldridge, was born in Davenport in 1880. His father, Fred Crouch, is a member of the Walsh Construction Company, who are among the prominent contractors of that city. There Dr. Crouch spent his childhood and youth, attending the common schools, in which he derived his early education,
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and then entering the high school where he prepared for the college course that should fit him for the medical profession. He spent two years at the Iowa Col- lege at Grinnell; one year in the medical department of the State University ; and then transferred his credits to the Northwestern University Medical School at Chicago, from which he was graduated with the class of 1905. He immediately engaged in his professional labors, and after about two months' experience, suc- ceeded Dr. Kemmerer, who had long been known as one of the oldest practi- tioners of Eldridge. The four years of his residence here have been productive of large returns; he has built up a large and remunerative practice; and has gained the respect and confidence of his patients and colleagues, while the drug store, which he has conducted in conjunction with his professional duties, is one of the thriving business concerns of the village. He is a man who by na- ture and training is especially adapted for general practice, although he is at the same time a deep student, which has enabled him to 'become almost a spe- cialist in those fields of his art which appeal most strongly to him. In diagnosis he is careful and thorough, as a practitioner he is painstaking, while his per- sonality, his enthusiasm and his cheerfulness make him ever welcome in a sick room.
Dr. Crouch belongs to several of the college fraternal organizations, for he was ever a man to make stanch friends, and as a member of the County and American Medical Associations keeps well informed upon the progress in his profession and the interests with which his co-workers are concerned. In 1905 in Davenport was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Crouch and Miss Martha Frances Ballard, whose parents are residents of that city. One daughter, Rhoda Bliss, now about one year old, has been born to the couple.
HENRY ROHWER.
The agricultural interests of this state were formerly well represented by Henry Rohwer, who gave many years of his life to the tilling of the soil. He is now living retired, however, in Davenport, having passed the seventy-fourth milestone on life's journey, so that he is well entitled to the rest that has been vouchsafed him. A great majority of Davenport's German citizens came from Schleswig-Holstein, which province was also the birthplace of Henry Rohwer, whose natal day was June 4, 1835. His father was Jochim Rohwer. His mother died during his early childhood, which was spent in Germany. After attending the public schools he began learning the shoemaker's trade, and in 1857 came to the United States, for he had heard favorable reports concerning America and its opportunities and hoped to acquire a comfortable competence more rapidly in this country than he could expect to do on the other side of the Atlantic. Bidding adieu to home and friends, he sailed alone for the western world, land- ing at New York, after which he made his way to Davenport. He at first worked at his trade in this city, being engaged in shoemaking until 1862, when he crossed the plains to California with teams. It required three months to make the trip even at that day. He remained for two and a half years on the
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Pacific coast and then returned to the east by way of the Isthmus of Panama, eventually landing at New York city. From that point he continued across the country to Davenport, where he again engaged in shoemaking until 1882. He next turned his attention to farming in Iowa, investing in eighty acres, upon which he took up his abode. The work of tilling the soil then engaged his at- tention and he made his home thereon until 1906, carefully cultivating his crops and gathering large harvests. He then sold out and returned to Davenport, where he has since made his home.
In politics Mr. Rohwer has always been a stalwart republican and he served as township trustee for six years and also as school director in Crystal town- ship.
Mr. Rohwer has been married twice. On the 17th of August, 1865, he wedded Miss Catherine Barofsky, who died in 1885. They were the parents of eight children. Julius, living in Ida Grove, Iowa, married Emma Vogt and they have seven children. Gustave, now located in Moline, married Emma Corth and has seven children. Theodore, whose home is in Schleswig, Crawford county, Iowa, is married and has seven children. Henry is married and is lo- cated in Seattle, Washington. Amanda is the wife of Fred Fick, of Ida county, Iowa, and has one son. The other children died in infancy with the exception of George, who passed away at the age of twenty-two years. For his second wife Mr. Rohwer chose Whipke Stelk, whom he wedded in April, 1887. She was the widow of John Stelk and by her former marriage had four children: Anna, the wife of R. A. Madison, of Ottumwa county, Iowa, by whom she has one child; Emma, the wife of Rudolph Meinert, of Davenport, by whom she has one child; John, at home; and Charles, who married Gusta Weis and lives in Virginia.
Mr. Rohwer belongs to the association known as the Old German Pioneers, Coming to the new world soon after attaining his majority, he readily adapted himself to changed conditions, made haste to master the language of the people and acquaint himself with American customs and habits. In all of his business life he has displayed the energy and perseverance characteristic of the German people and, improving the opportunities which to him seemed to point to suc- cess, he eventually reached a position among the men of affluence in Scott county and is now numbered among the substantial citizens of Davenport, where he makes his home, his leisure being devoted to those pursuits which afford him recreation and interest.
HENRY C. COOK.
One of the well cultivated farms of Sheridan township is that of ninety acres belonging to Henry C. Cook, one of the sturdy sons of the fatherland who did so much toward developing the fertility of Scott county in the early years of its settlement. He was born in Holstein, Germany, September 17, 1840, a son of Hans and Kathryn Cook. The father was engaged in agricul-
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tural pursuits in the old country, but in the hope of bettering his own fortunes and of providing larger opportunities for his children, he with his family emi- grated to the United States in 1847. They disembarked at New York, whence they came west to Chicago, completing their journey to Iowa by wagon. Upon reaching Scott county, Mr. Cook entered four hundred acres of prairie land, but he was not permitted to enjoy his new property, for he died thirteen days after arriving here, and his claim, made out in his name in Washington, D. C., was paid for by his friend, Nicholas Rusch, who later married his widow.
Mr. Rusch became a prominent factor in the public life of Scott county. He was born in Holstein, Germany, February 16, 1822, and received a good educa- tion in the land of his birth, for after leaving the elementary school at Marne, he entered the gymnasium at Meldorf, later attended the Segeberg Seminary, and finally became a student in the University of Kiel, where he specialized in theology. He afterward taught as a private tutor in Holstein. He came to this country on the same ship with Mr. Cook, expecting to teach here. After Mr. Cook's death he assumed the management of the farm, making all the improve- ments and bringing it to a high state of fertility, and there he lived until after the inauguration of the Civil war. He was a successful farmer, and also pos- sessed the personality that made him a man in whom the people placed the ut- most confidence. He was an ardent republican in his political sympathies, and upon that party's ticket was elected to various township offices. In 1859 he was the choice of his district for state senator, and although he served only until 1860, he was concerned with some important legislation. In that year the re- publican party elected him lieutenant governor of Iowa, at the same time that Mr. Kirkwood was elected governor, and he held that position until 1862, when he resigned to accept the appointment as commissioner of immigration, which was made by Governor Kirkwood. Mr. Rusch had his headquarters in New York city for ten months, and then as immigration had fallen off on account of the war, he returned to Iowa and was appointed assistant quartermaster, with the rank of captain, for the troops of this state. During the course of the war he went to Vicksburg, Mississippi, was made chief quartermaster of the Iowa troops there and died there September 22, 1864, while in active service. He was a man of great force of character and left his impress upon the affairs of his time and locality, bequeathing to the generation who followed him a record for public service and patriotism which should be inspiring. Educational in- terests in Scott county were also furthered by him, for he donated the land for and helped build the first school in his neighborhood.
Mr. Rusch became the father of three children, namely: Emily, who is the wife of J. E. Meyers, of Davenport; Minnie, who was the wife of Joseph Keck, formerly of Washington, Iowa, but now like his wife deceased; and Gustav C., a prominent farmer of Sheridan township, thus county. His wife, who had previously married Hans Cook, had six children by her first union, as follows: Louisa, who married Henry Berg, now deceased, but formerly a resident of Davenport; Augusta, who married Henry Landt, of Tama county, Iowa; Julia, who is the widow of Cornelius Axelson and lives in Mississippi; Henry C., whose name introduces this review; Eliza, the wife of Martin Banthen, of Durant, Iowa; and Agnes, who married Jens Lorenzen, of Davenport.
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Henry C. Cook received his early education in Germany before his parents emigrated to this country, for he was about seven years of age when they started upon their journey, and after he came to Scott county he attended the district school near his home in Sheridan township, where he completed his training for the responsibilities of manhood. He was early initiated into the methods of cultivating the soil, and in the years that he has been a resident of this county has lived upon this same farm. He assisted his stepfather in operating it during the lifetime of the latter, and then, after his death he as- sumed the full charge of it. In the period, amounting now to almost half a century, that the place has been under his control, he has worked earnestly and diligently to make it one of the most productive tracts of land in his vicinity, and as enterprise and determination have been salient features in his success, he is well deserving of the comfortable income which his labors have brought him.
On the 6th of October, 1869, Mr. Cook was married to Miss Kathryn Emise, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. August Emise, who were among the early German settlers of Scott county. Both are now deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cook have been born three children. Carl F., who is engaged in the telephone busi- ness in Eldridge, Iowa, wedded Miss Eliza Peterson and they had one child who died in infancy. Harry and Carrie are both at home, and the latter is a grad- uate of Brown's Business College, of Davenport.
Mr. Cook has served as trustee of Sheridan township and has filled other offices within the gift of the people, with the same carefulness and honor that has distinguished his private life, and the fact that many of his closest friends are those who have known him from boyhood is an evidence that his life has been directed in accordance with high principles of manhood and citizenship.
OTTO CLAUSEN.
Davenport has always acknowledged her indebtedness to her German- American citizens for much of her progress in the fields of commerce and in- dustry, and prominent among those who have been leaders in manufacturing circles was numbered Otto Clausen, for many years general manager of the H. F. Brammer Manufacturing Company. He was born June 14, 1850, in Schönhorst, Kirchspiel Brugga, near Kiel, a son of Claus and Johanna (Car- stens) Clausen. His father was the oldest son of Claus Clausen, teacher in Ox- boll on the island Alsen. The mother of Otto Clausen was a daughter of Jo- hann Carstens, teacher at Michaelis Donn, north Ditmarsch.
Mr. Clausen's childhood was spent in Dollerup, Kirchspiel, Grundshoff, An- geln, Boel Angeln, and at Atzeballig, near Augustenburg, he being confirmed at the latter place. On the Ist of May, 1869, when nineteen years of age, he sailed for America, landing at Montreal. He arrived in Davenport on the Ist of June, his choice of a location being influenced by the fact that he had a dis- tant relative, Emil Geisler, living here. After spending some time here he went to St. Louis by steamboat and later journeyed to Memphis, Tennessee.
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There he accepted a position as bookkeeper in a private hospital (St. Joseph's Infirmary), working during the day and attending the commercial college at night in order that he might learn the English language and become qualified for active work in commercial and industrial circles, for in the schools of his native country he had acquired a good education in his mother tongue. Later he became clerk in the Central Hotel at Memphis, there remaining for seven years. When he had saved enough of his earnings he returned to Europe in 1872 and brought his parents, sisters and one brother to the new world with him, the family settling in Memphis. The following year yellow fever broke out in that city and Mr. Clausen volunteered as a nurse, taking care of many who were afflicted by that dread disease-a heroic act for which he deserved high praise. In 1876 he started his own grocery business, which he conducted with success until 1885.
On the 20th of January, 1880, Mr. Clausen was married to Adele Geisler, who was a daughter of Emil and Sophia (Halkins) Geisler and who died July 4, 1886. There were two children by that marriage, one of whom died in in- fancy, while the other, Adele, is now the wife of H. W. Hubers of Davenport and has one child, Marjorie Del. Mr. Clausen continued in business in Mem- phis until 1886, when he came to this city and purchased the present home of the family. On the 11th of August, 1887, he married Eveline Steinberg, a daughter of Louis W. and Anna Wilhelmina (Hagen) Steinberg. By this union there was born a son, who died in infancy. In 1888 Mr. Clausen accepted the position of bookkeeper and treasurer of the H. F. Brammer Manufacturing Com- pany, and in 1895 became its general manager. He remained the executive head of the enterprise until 1901, when he retired from the active control of the business and throughout his remaining days enjoyed the fruits of his former toil in well earned retirement.
Mr. Clausen was a member of the Turner Society and had a very extensive acquaintance among the German-American residents of this city. He won a creditable position in business circles, was ever charitable, brave and fearless in the face of danger, trustworthy in the performance of duty and diligent in the accomplishment of every task which he undertook. These qualities gained him a firm hold on the affections of his fellow townsmen, so that his memory is cherished by all who knew him. He loved his home and was a most kind and loving father and husband. His death occurred on the 30th of April, 1905, at his southern home, Ottonia Park, Santa Rosa county, Florida. His remains were brought to Davenport for interment.
OTTO KLUG.
Otto Klug, a capitalist, who during the years of his residence in Davenport largely obtained his income from real estate investments and continued through the period of his life as one of the influential and honored citizens here, was born in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, August 1, 1822. His life record covered the intervening years to the 25th of May, 1899, when he was called to his final
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rest. Educated in the public schools of his native country, he remained there through the great revolutionary struggle of 1848, in which he took an active part. In 1849, the revolutionists being frustrated in their plans to secure greater political liberty and privileges, Mr. Klug determined to come to America, where he might enjoy the fruits of independence denied him in his native country. He therefore crossed the Atlantic to America and established his home in Daven- port. In Germany he had been engaged in the dry-goods business and upon coming to this city he opened a store on Front street, stocked in part with goods which he had brought over from Hamburg. Two years later he removed to a store on Second street, where he continued a profitable and growing busi- ness until 1868, when he sold out to Christian Toerring and retired from mer- chandising, finding that his real estate and other interests demanded the greater part of his time. He had as the years went by made investment in property until his holdings were such as to claim the greater part of his attention in their successful management and control. He was seldom if ever at fault in mat- ters of business judgment and hence his labors and his investments brought him success which was substantial as well as creditable. He owned several large business blocks beside valuable residences and unimproved property in this city and at the time of his death he was also the secretary of the Davenport Plate Glass Insurance Company, of which he was the founder and one of the direc- tors. He was also one of the founders of the Scott County Savings Bank and a director until called to his final rest.
On the 14th of August, 1852, Mr. Klug was married to Miss Fredericka Schricker, who came to America in 1849, landing in St. Louis, and coming to Davenport in 1851. Their children are: Clara, now the wife of H. F. Petersen; 'Agnes, the wife of William Haase; Lillie, at home; Thekla, the wife of Robert Wagner; Otto; Elfrieda, at home; and Henrietta, who died at the age of nine years. After residing in America for forty years Mr. Klug returned with his family to visit his native town in Germany. He was greatly interested therein, but while he always maintained a deep love for the fatherland he was still more strongly attached to the land of his adoption, for it was here that he won his success, while in his social relations he gained a circle of friends that bound him closely to this country. He was, moreover, in sympathy with its form of gov- ernment and eagerly and enthusiastically championed the salient features in the American republic. His first trip to the new world was made on a sailing ves- sel, from which he landed at New Orleans, and then came up the river to Daven- port. In the forty years that elapsed before he again went to Germany, there had been marvelous changes made in marine transportation, and he crossed the 'Atlantic in one of the ocean greyhounds which brought him to his destination in a few days.
Mr. Klug was always closely identified with the growth of Davenport, and his cooperation could always be counted upon to further any measure for the general good. For six years he served on the board of education, and for ten years represented his ward in the city council, being several times elected alder- man. He was a member of the volunteer fire department for sixteen years, and at one time was its chief. He was also treasurer of the first German free school, which he organized in 1853, acting as custodian of its funds until his
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demise. He belonged to the Schleswig-Holstein Kampfgenossen Verein and was its vice president until he departed this life. He was also a member of the Turners Society and had he lived for another year would have received a diploma which the Turners give to all who work for their interests for a quarter of a century. An expert marksman, he belonged to the Davenport Shooting Club and was recognized as king of the association, having been winner in many contests.
While Mr. Klug took an active part in public affairs, his best traits of char- acter were reserved for his own fireside, and the allurements of club and social life were not sufficient to dim for him the joys of the family circle. He was most devoted to the welfare of his wife and children, and erected in Davenport one of the finest homes in this city, standing on the bluff and overlooking the river and surrounding country. He also purchased an attractive country home where he planted fine orchards and vineyards, taking great pride in his agricul- tural and horticultural interests there. He was one of the best known men in the city and had a large circle of admiring friends. His strong character im- pressed itself upon all with whom he was associated and the honesty of his motives was never called into question. He lived to see the hopes that brought him to the new world more than realized and while he won notable success here, he also belonged to that class of citizens who gave of their labor for the benefit of their adopted country. He lingers in the minds of his fellow citizens as one of Davenport's most prominent and honored residents.
JAMES H. MARRIOTT.
An enterprising and progressive business man of Long Grove is James H. Marriott, who was born in Newmarket, Maryland, in 1857, and is a son of Au- gustus Marriott, who was engaged in the shoe business in that city. There he received his early education and lived until the approach of manhood, when he removed to the advancing west. For a time he resided in Newman, Illinois, and subsequently located in Eldridge, Iowa, where he was engaged in the paint- ing business.
In 1887 he came to Long Grove as a clerk for George W. Curtis. After two years' experience there, in which he proved that he was endowed with con- siderable business acumen, he was taken into partnership by his employer, and together they conducted the general store for a number of years. Mr. Marriott finally purchased Mr. Curtis' interest. After conducting the store for a num- ber of years by himself he reorganized a company, incorporating it under the name of Marriott, Wolf & Briceland. During the two years of its existence, they have built up a large and profitable mercantile establishment, filling a long- felt need in the community of Long Grove. Mr. Marriott is its president and manager, so that to his ability and progressive spirit is due the large and up-to- date line of general merchandise to be found upon its counters and shelves. He makes every effort to satisfy the wants of his patrons and has, in consequence, met with a generous support from them. In 1890, with others, he organized
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the Long Grove Creamery Company, of which he is the president. It has a capacity of from one thousand to two thousand pounds of butter each day and employs a large number of men. The product of the creamery finds a ready market in Davenport and Chicago.
Since 1900 Mr. Marriott has been the postmaster of Long Grove, fulfilling his duties with the care and ability which has characterized his operations in the mercantile world. Whenever he has occasion to exercise his right of fran- chise he casts his vote for the candidate of the republican party, feeling in great- est sympathy with its principles. He has ever been distinguished by a desire to promote the welfare of his fellow citizens, whose unqualified respect he enjoys.
KARL VOLLMER, M. D.
Davenport, his native city, numbers among her honored and successful physicians Dr. Karl Vollmer, who by reason of his ability and thorough training has attained foremost rank among the representatives of the medical profes- sion in this city. Born on the 20th of November, 1869, he is a son of Henry and Dorothea (Plambeck) Vollmer, extended mention of whom is made on an- other page of this volume, and a brother of Henry Vollmer, attorney and coun- sellor of this city.
In the public schools of Davenport Dr. Vollmer acquired his preliminary edu- cation and later, deciding upon the practice of medicine as his life work, became a student under the direction of Surgeon-in-Chief Peck, of the Rock Island Rail- way, and was the last one to study under that well known physician, who was recognized as one of the best medical practitioners of his day. Under his guid- ance Dr. Vollmer became imbued with the importance of his profession and also its beauty, mystery and unselfishness, and it was his ambition to follow in the footsteps of him who was his principal inspiration. With this end in view he entered the medical department of the Iowa State University, from which he was graduated in 1892, and then went abroad, spending a season at the Alle- gemeine Krankenhause in Vienna in post-graduate work. This was followed by a season as assistant in the Royal Opthalmic Hospital in London, after which he returned to Davenport, and in the fall of 1893, thus well equipped, entered upon the practice of his profession in this city. His study abroad had been confined principally to the eye, ear, nose and throat, and along this line he has since continued to specialize, his office in the Schmidt building being thor- oughly equipped with every modern and up-to-date accessory for carrying on this branch of the medical profession. In 1906 he again went abroad and sup- plemented his former study by work at Warzburg University. He keeps in close touch with his professional brethren through his membership in the Na- tional, State and County Medical Societies, and the high place which he occupies in medical circles is indicated by the fact that in 1907 he was elected to the presidency of the latter organization.
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