USA > Iowa > Scott County > Davenport > History of Davenport and Scott County Iowa, Volume II > Part 29
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CLAUS J. B. HANSEN.
The strong characteristics of the German race, industry, frugality and per- serverance, are conspicuous in the life history of Claus J. B. Hansen, a farmer of Winfield township. He was born in Detmarchen, Germany, August 3, 1864, and is a son of Peter and Margaretta Hansen. The father was a laborer in the old country, but after Claus Hansen had come to America, he and another of his sons came here and for many years he was actively engaged in farming in Scott county, Iowa.
Claus J. B. Hansen attended the public schools of Germany in his boyhood, thereby obtaining a fair education in his native tongue, and when he put aside his text-books he worked by the month as a farm hand. Stories of the oppor- tunities that awaited the ambitious and industrious young man in America had reached him, however, and by 1881 he could no longer resist the call of the
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new world, so he joined a party of friends and embarked upon the voyage to the United States. He landed at New York, April 6, 1881, and coming direct to Scott county, Iowa, reached Davenport April 9.
Although he could not speak English Mr. Hansen lost no time in securing employment, but the day after his arrival, at 3 p. m., he started to work as a farm hand near Donahue. He was employed at that kind of labor for six years, at the end of which time he joined his father and brother Fred, who had come to the county and had rented land on the banks of the Wapsipinicon. They re- mained at that location for five years and then removed to a farm near Eld- ridge, which they also rented and on which they lived for four years. Another change was then made to a place near Donahue, where Claus Hansen lived for two years, or until he was married, when he engaged in farming for himself. For one year he lived on a rented farm near Donahue and then for two years lived on another place in the same locality, after which, as the result of his well directed economy, he bought the land on which he now lives from Bartley Schwackle. It is a tract of eighty-four and twenty-seven hundredth acres, which Mr. Hansen has greatly improved, tiling the fields, erecting new buildings and in other ways making it thoroughly modern and in keeping with the pro- gressive spirit of the times. He carries on general farming, in which he has met with success, for he brings to his work intense energy intelligently directed.
It was on the 15th of February, 1898, Mr. Hansen was united in marriage to Miss Emily Holland, a daughter of Adolph Holland, of Davenport, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. Four children have been born to the. couple, namely : Adolph, Edna, Nonie and Lester, all of whom are at home.
Mr. Hansen belongs to the Court of Honor of Long Grove, in which organi- zation he has a large number of friends, although these are not limited to its membership, for he possesses those sterling traits of character which command respect in every part of the world. His principles in life and business are wise and well worthy of emulation, for what he now owns he has gained through his own labor and by honorable and straightforward methods.
WILLIAM S. COLLINS.
William Sheridan Collins came to Scott county, Iowa, from New York, in August, 1838. He was born February 15, 1806, at Litchfield, Connecticut, a son of David and Jerusha (Wright) Collins. David Collins became a mer- chant of New York and at one time a member of congress. In 1826 William S. Collins went from Connecticut to Albany, New York, where he learned and followed the carpenter's trade. He was married there in 1831 to Miss Orphia Jackson and unto them were born two children, Miles A. and Orphia L. The latter became the wife of Newton J. Field and had one son Newton Miles Field, who was killed in a railway accident.
Orphia Jackson, the first wife of William S. Collins died in 1836 and Mr. Collins was influenced to come to Iowa by the fact that his brother Lucius Col- lins was a farmer of this state, living near the Summit. William S. Collins was
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a contractor and carpenter in Davenport and erected a large number of busi- ness blocks, including the former McManus building at Second and Main streets, the Perry and McIntosh blocks, the old Baptist church at Sixth and Main, and the brick residence at Fifth and Rock Island streets. A number of the struc- tures which show forth his handiwork are still standing. He became recognized as one of the leading contractors and builders of this part of the state and did much in promoting the substantial improvements of this district. In 1842 he married Eliza Dillion, and they had three children, of whom two died in in- fancy, while the other, Chester Worthington Collins is a banker of Brooklyn, New York. The mother, who was born in the Empire state in 1823, passed away in 1846. For his third wife Mr. Collins chose Mrs. Eleanor Bird, who was born in New York city in 1815 and was the widow of William Bird. There were two children of this marriage namely: Sarah Ella, now the widow of Watson Graham, who died in Davenport; and McManus W., of Denver, Colorado. The third wife of William S. Collins has also passed away.
William S. Collins was one of the charter members of the Edwards Con- gregational church and its first clerk. He donated money for the erection of the church and took an active part in the organization of the first Sunday school. His political allegiance was given to the whig party until its dissolution, when he joined the ranks of the new republican party. He served as alderman of Davenport from the third ward from 1846 to 1849, and from the fifth ward in 1859. He also was trustee of the poor. He was a very earnest and zealous worker in the organization known as the Sons of Temperance for twenty years, and from 1848 until his death on August 9, 1887, he was an exemplary repre- sentative of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
MILES A. COLLINS.
One of Scott county's pioneer farmers was Miles Augustus Collins, who lead an industrious and prosperous life in the live stock business. Mr. Collins was born in Albany, New York, September 1, 1832. When but four years old his mother, Orphia (Jackson) Collins, died, and he went to live with his grand- father, David Collins, upon a farm at Blanford, Massachusetts, and was there reared, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. Following his grandfather's death he took charge of the home farm at Blanford, Massachusetts, there remaining until 1854, when he sought a home in the middle west and came to Scott county, Iowa, where he worked at the carpenter's trade with his father for a year. He then engaged in farming. He also established one of the first cheese factories in Scott county. His life was a busy and useful one. At different times he owned several farms in Scott county and was quite successful in his dealings in real estate. In 1860 he pur- chased the farm just north of town upon which he spent his remaining days, his death there occurring June 5, 1908. He was diligent and enterprising, making good use of his opportunities, and as time passed on he won a creditable measure of prosperity.
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It was on the 15th of June, 1870, that Mr. Collins was united in marriage to Mrs. Amy George Wilson, the widow of George Wilson and the daughter of William George and Nancy (Reed) George. William George was a native of, and formerly lived in Columbiana county, Ohio, whence he removed with his family in 1853 to Scott county and settled near Big Rock, Iowa.
Mr. and Mrs. Collins became the parents of six children: Mina Rusha, who is now a teacher of English in the high school at St. Louis, Missouri; Vera Elva, who is the wife of Fred A. Garrison, field secretary of the Young Men's Chris- tian Association for Arkansas and Oklahoma; Eleanor Harriet, at home; Miles William; Amy George, the wife of William C. Rowse, a professor of engineering in the State University at Madison, Wisconsin; and Ruth Elizabeth, who is a pupil in the Grinnell Iowa College. . All of the children are graduates of that college, and Miles is a graduate of the University of Chicago law department, having received the degree of Doctor of Laws. Mina was also a student of the University of Chicago, where she pursued post-graduate work in English.
DETLEF PETERSEN.
Detlef Petersen, the owner of a well improved and valuable farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Sheridan township, is numbered among the worthy pioneer settlers of Scott county, having made his home within its borders for more than a half century. His birth occurred in Holstein, Germany, on the 19th of September, 1834, his parents being Henry and Margaret Petersen. The father passed away in that country but the mother later took up her abode in the United States and spent her remaining days in this county.
Detlef Petersen spent the first twenty-three years of his life in the land of his nativity and in 1857 crossed the Atlantic to the United States, wishing to test the truth of the many favorable reports which he had heard concerning the advantages of the new world. After landing in New York he made his way direct to Davenport, Scott county, Iowa, having friends here. He first worked in this county as a farm laborer but later rented land and about 1870 had accumulated sufficient capital to enable him to purchase a farm of his own, coming into possession of eighty acres of his present home place in Sheridan township. He has erected all of the buildings and made all of the improve- ments which are now seen upon the property and likewise planted the trees, of which he has many fine specimens. The one tree which was on the property when he first located thereon is still standing. Wishing to extend the boun- daries of his farm, he bought an adjoining tract of eighty acres, so that his holdings now embrace one hundred and sixty acres of rich and arable land. His labors as an agriculturist are capably conducted and the fields annually yield golden harvests in return for the care which he bestows upon them.
Mr. Petersen has been twice married. In 1862 he wedded Miss Louise Har- man, who passed away twenty years later. Their children were five in number, namely : Henry and William, both of whom are at home; Elizabeth, the wife of Carl Koch, of Eldridge, Iowa; and Laura and Emma, who are also at home.
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On the 27th of June, 1886, Mr. Petersen was again married, his second union being with Miss Hannah Johnson, by whom he has one child, Walborg, at home.
At the polls Mr. Petersen casts his ballot in support of the men and meas- ures of the democratic party and has capably served his fellow townsmen as a school director and also in the position of road supervisor. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to America, for in this country he has found the opportunities which he sought and through their utilization has worked his way upward, his life indicating what may be accomplished by de- termination and well directed energy. He has now passed the seventy-fifth mile- stone on life's journey and receives the respect and veneration which should always be accorded one who has traveled thus far on this earthly pilgrimage and whose career has ever been upright and honorable.
J. SIEWERT WEBER, M. D., PH. G.
Dr. J. Siewert Weber, one of the builders, promoters and owners of the Dav- enport Hospital, whose skill in surgery as well as in the general practice of med- icine has brought him more than local fame, was born in Fond du Lac, Wiscon- sin, April 11, 1877. His father, John G. Weber, was a native of Germany and when a young man came to the United States. After two years spent in New York he removed westward to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, in 1848, and there con- tinued his residence until called to his final rest in 1906 when sixty-six years of age. He married Agnes Carstensen, a native of Heligoland, who passed away in 1878.
Dr. Weber was only three years of age at the time of his mother's death but it was his good fortune to be entrusted to the guidance of his aunt, Miss Catha- rine Carstensen, in whom he found the sympathy of a foster mother. His youthful days were spent in his native city, where he acquired his early educa- tion in the public schools, while his collegiate course was pursued in Drake Uni- versity and from that institution he was graduated on the completion of a phar- maceutical course. He then took up the study of medicine in Rush Medical Col- lege, of the University of Chicago, and was graduated in 1901, after which he spent six months in original research along the lines of bacteriology and path- ology before he engaged in active practice. He afterward became associate sur- geon at the hospital of the Illinos Steel Works at Joliet, Illinois, and this brought him broad experience in surgical practice.
In 1902 Dr. Weber came to Davenport, opening an office for general practice. He has, however, made surgery his specialty, has devoted much study to it and has had much success in difficult and unusual cases. He is thoroughly conver- sant with the subject of anatomy and the component parts of the human body and the onslaughts made upon it by disease. Moreover, his touch is characterized by tenderness as well as precision, and, calm and well poised, he is thoroughly qualified for the difficult work which he undertakes. His office is of a most modern character, supplied with all the latest improved appliances and instru-
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ments necessary for the work which he has undertaken. In connection with Dr. C. E. Glynn he organized and built the Davenport Hospital that he might better handle and care for surgical and medical cases, giving to them the best attention possible in an establishment especially equipped therefor, and he is now surgeon in that hospital. He belongs to the County, State and National Medical Asso- ciations and the Second District Medical Society, and is also a member of the University Alliance. Dr. Weber is a member of the Bureau of Medical Legis- lation of the American Medical Association.
In 1903 Dr. Weber was married to Miss Rhoda Mae Thomas, a native of Des Moines who at the time of her marriage was a student of the Iowa State Normal College at Cedar Falls, Iowa. They have two daughters, Kathryn Lucile and Florence Elizabeth.
Dr. Weber is connected with several fraternal organizations and those who meet him socially find him a pleasant, genial gentleman, while those who come in contact with him professionally know him as a sympathetic, capable practi- tioner, able and conscientious in the performance of his duty and at the same time closely conforming in his practice to the highest standard of professional ethics.
THOMAS MARTINDALE.
In the death of Thomas Martindale, Long Grove and Scott county lost one of the pioneer settlers. While he never sought to figure prominently in public life, his neighbors and friends knew him as a man of worth, industrious and enterprising, and at all times reliable. He was born in Hutton, Yorkshire, Eng- land, December 16, 1832, a son of Thomas and Jane Martindale, who spent their entire lives in England, as did all their children with the exception of Thomas and Matthew E. The latter came to the new world and died in Canada.
Thomas Martindale acquired his education in the schools of Hutton and there learned the blacksmith's trade under the direction of his father. He left England at the age of twenty-two years in company with his brother Matthew and they sailed on the same ship on which his future wife was a pas enger. Landing at New York, they made their way to Oswego, New York, in which locality Thomas Martindale remained for about three weeks but could not se- cure work and therefore went to Canada to join his brother, who was a shoe- maker. He remained in the Dominion for about two years, after which he came to Davenport and secured employment with John Suiter, an Englishman, who was conducting a blacksmith shop. For a year Mr. Martindale remained in his employ, after which he was married and removed to a farm at Slopertown, about seven miles from Davenport. He purchased forty acres of land only partially improved but at once started to break the prairie with ox-teams and soon the track of the plow was seen across his fields, indicating that the work of improvement had been begun. Later they removed to a farm of eighty acres, which they rented about three miles from Davenport, and subsequently took up
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their abode in the city, where Mr. Martindale secured work at his trade. In 1863 they removed to Long Grove and purchased the tract of land of four acres upon which Mrs. Martindale now resides. There was an old black- smith shop on the place and a house had also been built but it has since been greatly enlarged and improved, Mr. Martindale at once began work in the shop and continued to work at his trade for about thirty-eight years. In 1900 he built a new shop and he continued actively in business until 1902, after which he practically retired. He secured the diploma and first prize at the Mount Joy fair in 1900 for having the best shod horse. He was always regarded as an expert workman in his line and because of this and his honorable business methods he was accorded a liberal patronage and made a good living.
On the 26th of March, 1857, Mr. Martindale was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Barnby, who survives him. They became the parents of seven children, namely; Mary Jane, the eldest, is the wife of David Hardie, of Pier- son, Woodbury county, Iowa. They have three children, Clara, Ethel and Jeneva. Anna Elizabeth became the wife of Samuel Dennett and died leaving one son, LeRoy. Minnie M. is the wife of George Curtis, of Long Grove, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work. They have seven children, Raymond, Bes- sie, LeRoy, Edith, Harold, Margaret and Robert. John W. died at the age of seventeen months. Thomas is also deceased. Albert W. is a resident of An- ders, Nebraska. He wedded Libbie Riley and they have seven children, Melvin, Lester, Esther, Ruth, Thomas, Aline and Alice, the last two being twins. Ira George Martindale is still at home.
The death of Mr. Martindale, which occurred February 8, 1910, was occa- sioned by a paralytic stroke, and he was laid to rest in Long Grove cemetery. His residence in the county, covering more than a half century, made him famil- iar with the records and events which are to others a matter of history but were to him matters of personal knowledge or experience. He could relate many interesting incidents of the early days and his reminiscences often had to do with events that figured in the history of the county. He was widely known and respected and there was much that was commendable in his active and well spent life.
C. R. SPINK.
Prominent among Davenport's builders is C. R. Spink, who occupies a posi- tion of distinction as one of the leading architects of the city. Prompted by laudable ambition, his enterprise augmented by thorough practical training, he has so utilized his talents and directed his efforts that success has followed and at the same time the public has been a large indirect beneficiary, in that his labors have added much to the improvement and adornment of the city.
Mr. Spink was born in Davenport, August 8, 1869. His father, Henry Spink, was a native of Hull, England, and crossing the Atlantic to the United States in 1849, established his home in Clinton county, Iowa, where he lived for two years. In 1851 he removed to Davenport, where he made his home until 1897.
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He was a painter by trade and although a man who never sought to figure promi- nently in public life, yet commanded the respect and confidence of his friends and neighbors by fidelity to honorable, upright principles. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Emily Rebecca Godwin, was a native of London, England.
C. R. Spink at the usual age entered the public schools and when his more specifically literary course was completed he studied architecture in the Uni- versity of Illinois, from which institution he was graduated with the class of 1901. After spending a year in the offices of leading architects in Chicago, he returned to his native city and entered upon the active practice of his profes- sion. He thoroughly qualified for this business by learning the carpenter's and machinist's trades, acquainting himself with both the theory and practice His ability is pronounced and has won for him a success which is most de- sirable and practical. He has erected many of the most beautiful homes of Dav- enport, including the palatial residence of W. P. Bettendorf. His handiwork is seen in many buildings of a public character and as an architect and builder he occupies a prominent position.
On the 26th of December, 1906, Mr. Spink was married to Miss Harriet Dennis, a native of Princeton, Scott county, Iowa, and a daughter of J. D. Den- nis of that place. They now have one child, Harriet Elizabeth, who was born December 8, 1908.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Spink is an Odd Fellow and is also connected with the Woodmen of the World. He enjoys the companionship of a large circle of friends but allows no outside interest to interfere with the faithful exe- cution of his contracts in the conduct of a business which has constantly de- veloped in extent and importance.
JOHN G. DUTCHER.
John G. Dutcher is a worthy representative of one of the oldest and most prominent families of Scott county and has been identified with its farming in- terests throughout a long period. The family originated in Holland, whence the first of the name emigrated to New York in 1632. There are still many of the name living in and near Otsego county, that state, and a number are promi- nent representatives of the various professions. There is in possession of the Dutcher family a will signed by Ruloof Dutcher, bearing date January 17, 1736, and also copies of land transfers as far back as the year 1757.
John G. Dutcher of this review was born in Otsego county, New York, in 1846, a son of D. C. and Laney E. (Wagner) Dutcher, both of whom were natives of the same place, the former born in November, 1830, and the latter in August, 1832. The parents journeyed west in December, 1854, first settling in Rock Island, Illinois, where they spent a few years, while in April, 1858, they continued their journey just across the state line into Scott county, Iowa. Here the father purchased a tract of land, which is now owned by two of his sons.
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John G. Dutcher was a little lad of eight years when he was brought from his native state to the west and was twelve years of age when the family home was established in Scott county. He was educated in the district schools of Buf- falo township and completed his studies in a business college of Davenport. Dur- ing the periods of vacation he was trained in the duties that usually fall to the farm lad and thus as his age and strength increased he became more and more familiar with the methods of agriculture. After putting aside his text-books he took entire charge of the home farm for his father, who was an invalid, and the place is now owned by himself and his brother J. E. They likewise own large tracts of timber land in Arkansas and farm lands in various other sections. For many years Mr. Dutcher was busily employed at farm labor but is now leaving the active work to others, while he merely superintends his invested in- terests. His excellent business ability has been manifest in many ways and today he is classed with the representative and substantial residents of Scott county. In addition to his landed possessions he is also a stockholder in the Savings Bank at Buffalo, of which he is acting as vice president.
Mr. Dutcher was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Marsdorph, who still survives. He is a democrat in his political views and in 1892 was elected to the board of county supervisors, serving six years, while in 1906 he was once more elected and is now serving his second term. He is a Mason, belonging to lodge No. 37, at Davenport; to Banner Lodge, No. 16, Knights of Pythias at Buffalo; Davenport Lodge, No. 7, I. O. O. F .; and to the Woodmen of the World.
J. E. Dutcher, the brother, makes his home on the same farm and together they are managing their extensive interests. He wedded Miss Mary Mitch, a daughter of Frederick Mitch, of Peoria, Illinois. Their union has been blessed with one son and two daughters: Charles E., who operates the farm for his father and uncle; Nancy, the wife of Richard Tarbit, of Syracuse, New York; and Laney, at home.
AUGUST F. MARTZAHN.
August F. Martzahn, the president and manager of the Davenport Slaughter & Rendering Company, is one of the prosperous citizens of this city, which was his birthplace and has since been his home. His father, Fred Martzahn, was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, and with his parents came to this country when a young man. He was a carpenter by trade and after landing at New Orleans made his way slowly up the Mississippi river to Scott county, where the family were numbered among the early German settlers. Fred Martzahn took an active part in local affairs of Scott county and, feeling in sympathy with the views advocated by Lincoln and having come under the spell of his per- sonality, exerted great influence in the campaign preceding the election of the martyred president. He married Miss Elizabeth Beyer and of their union were born six children: Emma, August F., Amelia, Frank, Ella and Dora. Amelia has passed away and Frank is a dairyman in Davenport.
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