USA > Iowa > Scott County > Davenport > History of Davenport and Scott County Iowa, Volume II > Part 31
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MRS. MARIA SCHMIDT.
Among Davenport's prominent citizens must be numbered Mrs. Maria Schmidt, who represents one of the oldest and best known German families in the city, and in fact throughout Scott county. She was born in Germany, De- cember 30, 1847, her parents being Frederick and Elsie (Brandt) Weiss, the former of whom was the proprietor of a paint shop in that country. In 1850 Mr. Weiss brought his family to America, landing at New Orleans and making the rest of the journey to Davenport up the broad waters of the Mississippi.
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As soon as possible he established himself in his old business, his location being upon Second street, and he continued thus actively engaged until January 21, 1879, when he passed away, his wife having preceded him in 1853. They were the parents of three children. Katherine is the widow of Theodore Petersen and makes her home in Davenport. Henry, the third in order of birth, met his death while hunting in Scott county, May 17, 1867.
Mrs. Schmidt received her education in the Davenport schools and grew to womanhood here. When about twenty-six years of age she went to California and it was while in the west that her marriage took place. The man to whom she gave her hand was Carl Theodore Marx Schmidt, their union being cele- brated September 20, 1883, at Paradise Valley, Humboldt county, Nevada. Mr. Schmidt was a native of Germany, born in Mecklenburg, August 31, 1844, and he came to the United States after having served the usual time in the Ger- man army. After some experience as a sailor, he went to California in 1865 and for twenty years was employed in the gold and silver mines of California and Nevada.
Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt continued to reside in the far west for a number of years after their marriage, but in October, 1892, they located in Davenport and for about five years he had charge of the Davenport Outing Club. He subse- quently had charge of various buildings in the city, among them being the Peter- sen. Mr. Schmidt was Lutheran in faith and fraternally was identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He died May 18, 1903, and was interred in Fairmont cemetery.
Mrs. Schmidt is the mother of two children. The elder, Carl F., was born in 1884 and is now a prominent plumber, his business being located at the corner of Twenty-Second and Brown streets. He was united in marriage to Miss Anna Deher, and they have a daughter, Louise Marie. The younger son, Theodore George, was born February 5, 1888, and lives at home. The brothers are well known and popular members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belong- ing to Davenport Lodge, No. 7. Not only is Mrs. Schmidt a valuable member of society, but she has accomplished the even finer service of motherhood and has reared her sons to good citizenship.
PETER STOLTENBERG.
The agricultural interests of Scott county find a worthy and successful repre- sentative in Peter Stoltenberg, who owns and operates a fine farm of one hun- dred and forty acres in Sheridan township. His birth occurred in Holstein, Germany, on the 12th of November, 1854, his parents being Martin and Cather- ine Stoltenberg. About 1863 the father embarked on the voyage to the new world with his wife and children and after landing at New York made his way to Illinois, where he was actively engaged in the operation of a rented farm of eighty acres for about ten years. On the expiration of that period he came to Scott county, Iowa, and here also became identified with general agricultural pursuits as a renter. He has continuously made his home in this county to the
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present time and is now a well known and respected resident of Eldridge. His wife was called to her final rest in 1907, when she had attained the age of sev- enty-six years. Their children were five in number, namely: Lena, the widow of Hans Schneckloth; Peter, of this review; Henry, living in Eldridge, Iowa; George, who is a resident of Davenport; and Theodore, of Sheridan township.
Peter Stoltenberg began his education in the schools of his native land and afterward continued his studies in Illinois, being a lad of but nine years when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to the United States. After putting aside his text-books he turned his attention to general agricultural pur- suits and has since been successfully identified with farming interests, being now the owner of one hundred and forty acres of rich and productive land in Sheridan township, Scott county, Iowa. He has a handsome and commodious residence and the neat and thrifty appearance of his farm indicates the super- vision of a practical and progressive owner.
On the 7th of February, 1885, Mr. Stoltenberg was united in marriage to Miss Emma Meier, a daughter of Henry and Lena (Weise) Meier, who were early settlers of Scott county. They were natives of Hanover and Holstein, Germany, respectively. Henry Meier, who was brought to this country by his parents when about ten years of age, was the owner of the present home farm of our subject before it came into the latter's possession. He was also promi- nent in public affairs and held a number of official positions in Sheridan town- ship, including that of school director. He passed away in 1884 when fifty- nine years of age, while the demise of his wife occurred in 1906, when she was sixty-one years old. They reared a family of four children, as follows: Mrs. Stoltenberg; Henry, who resides at Long Grove; Augusta, the wife of August Lefrantz, of Eldridge; and Edward, living in Sheridan township. Mr. and Mrs. Stoltenberg are likewise the parents of four children, namely: Ma- linda, who is the wife of Henry Hinze, of Sheridan township, and has a son, Harold; and Viola, Albert and Henry, all at home. Both Mr. and Mrs. Stol- tenberg have a wide and favorable acquaintance throughout the community, hav- ing ever displayed those sterling traits of character which in every land and clime awaken admiration and regard.
WALTER M. BALLUFF.
Among the younger representatives of Davenport's legal fraternity is num- bered Walter M. Balluff, who, however, in the years of his connection with the bar in this city has made substantial progress, augmenting his ability by thor- ough study and research, and working his way upward by merit. He was born in Scott county, September 18, 1880, a son of August A. and Josephine E. Balluff, the former a native of this county and the latter of Muscatine county, Iowa.
Spending his boyhood days under the parental roof, Walter M. Balluff pur- sued his education in the public schools of Davenport, continuing his studies through consecutive grades until he was graduated from the high school with
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the class of 1899. Reflection concerning the business world and the various op- portunities therein offered along many lines of industrial, commercial and pro- fessional activities, led him to the determination to make the practice of law his life work and to this end he entered the State University, wherein he com- pleted the law course in 1901. Following his graduation he was admitted to the bar and for practical experience entered the office of Cook & Dodge, with whom he remained as assistant until 1906, when he was admitted to the firm. Since the Ist of June, 1909, the firm has been Cook & Balluff. In no profes- sion does advancement depend more largely upon individual merit and with the realization of the fact that his labor must constitute the foundation upon which to build success, he devotes himself with great earnestness to the preparation of his cases and in their presentation leaves no point undefended that he can fortify by the citation of precedent or law principle.
Mr. Balluff in his political allegiance is a democrat, and his social relations are with the Elks and the Knights of Columbus.
WILLIAM I. VANDERVEER, M. D.
Dr. William I. Vanderveer, a well known and efficient practitioner of Blue Grass, also figures prominently in the financial circles of the city as president of the Blue Grass Savings Bank, in which position he has been incumbent since its inception. His birth occurred in Rock Island county, Illinois, on the IIth of July, 1859, his parents being John and Delilah (Aikens) Vanderveer, both na- tives of Darke county, Ohio, where the former was born in 1823 and the latter in 1824. They came west to Rock Island county, Illinois, some time during the '50s, locating on a farm where they made their home during the remainder of their lives.
In the district schools of his native county Dr. Vanderveer acquired a good knowledge of the various branches of English learning and during the periods of vacation assisted his father in the work of the home farm. Occasionally he was employed in a store at Andalusia, Illinois, and later benefited by study at the Iowa State University, attending that institution during the school year of 1891-92. The following year he went to St. Louis and entered the Homeopathic Medical College of Missouri, from which he was graduated on the 23d of March, 1893. His father had passed away in November, 1892, and therefore, upon leaving school, he returned home to care for his mother. In the fall of 1894, however, he came to Blue Grass, where he opened an office for the practice of his profession and has been thus engaged to the present time. He is naturally well fitted for his chosen life work, possessing those traits of personality so nec- essary to the successful physician, while his training has been thorough and comprehensive, and he is ever extending his knowledge by broad reading, re- search and experience. He keeps in close touch with what is going on in the medical world and is thorough and faithful in the discharge of his professional duties, fully realizing the obligations and responsibilities that rest upon him in his chosen calling.
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Although Dr. Vanderveer gives the greater portion of his attention to his profession, nevertheless he has found time to devote to other lines of activity and was the prime mover in the organization of the Blue Grass Savings Bank, being elected its first president in 1901. He has since continued in that office, in which capacity he has manifested excellent administrative ability and execu- tive control. The safe conservative policy which he has inaugurated commends itself to the judgment of all and has secured to the bank with which he is con- nected a very extensive and representative patronage and has placed it among the reliable moneyed institutions of the community.
It was in 1895 that Dr. Vanderveer was united in marriage to Miss Agnes Jakeman, a daughter of Frank Jakeman, of Blue Grass township, and unto this union has been born one son, Raymond, whose birth occurred on the 21st of November, 1901. Mrs. Vanderveer is a member of the Presbyterian church and a most estimable lady, being held in high regard and esteem throughout the community.
The Doctor gives his political allegiance to the republican party in all na- tional matters, but where local issues are at stake casts his ballot in behalf of the best man regardless of party ties. He has never been an aspirant for public office, preferring to devote himself entirely to the conduct of business and the performance of professional duties, with the result that today he stands high in the financial and medical circles of the county, his success being due entirely to his own unaided efforts and well directed energies.
DIEDRICH BUSCH.
Investigation into the history of Davenport indicates that the Teutonic race has constituted an important element in her citizenship and among the promi- nent representatives of the fatherland was Diedrich Busch, whose life of well directed labor and honesty in all business connections won him the unqualified respect and confidence of his fellowmen. He was born in Hamminkeln, Des- seldorf, Prussia, February 1, 1827, and was reared in a household where the parents realized that the best thing they could give their children was a knowl- edge of the value of industry, perseverance and economy. He was therefore taught to work when a member of his father's household and was apprenticed to the shoemaker's trade, which he followed during the greater part of his ac- tive life. He learned the trade well, closely applied himself to the conduct of the business, and in turn it rendered him independent of labor in his later years. The business opportunities of the fatherland did not appeal to his ambitious nature for he believed that better advantages could be found on this side the Atlantic, and therefore in 1853 he made arrangements to seek a home in America, landing at New York on the 3d of July. Soon afterward he made his way westward to Davenport and later returned to Germany in order to bring his parents to the new world, for whom he carefully provided throughout the re- mainder of their days. He again visited his native land in 1873.
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Diedrich- Buschy
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Mr. Busch was married in this country in early manhood but his first wife died over forty-six years ago, leaving a daughter, Louise, who died at the age of twenty-two years. She was an accomplished artist, who painted largely in oil. Following the demise of his first wife, Mr. Busch wedded Miss Emma Balcke, on the 19th of January, 1866. She is a daughter of the Rev. Henry Balcke, at one time a prominent minister of the German Methodist Episcopal church. In his later years he retired from the work of the ministry and for a long period made his home with Mrs. Busch, passing away at the venerable age of eighty-eight years.
In 1883 Mr. Busch retired from active life, giving up all business interests aside from those necessary for the management of his property. He had in- vested quite extensively in East Davenport real estate through the days of his early residence here and had engaged largely in the building of residences and stores. In this and other ways he assisted materially in work which promoted the development of that section of the city. His own home was a fine resi- dence on Eddy street which he erected and which is still occupied by Mrs. Busch. She is an active member of the German Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Busch was a kind-hearted, liberal man and his attitude toward the public was that of a benefactor for his labors were an effective element in promoting many interests that largely benefited the city. His history, too, is an indication of what can be accomplished when one has the will to dare and to do. He recognized the fact that in America labor is king and, bending his energies toward the task of earning a living and providing for a future, he at length became possessed of a handsome competence that enabled him at his death to leave his widow in comfortable, financial circumstances. He passed away on the 13th of September, 1893.
MRS. KATHRYN DIEDRICH.
For fifteen years Mrs. Kathryn Diedrich operated a large tract of fine, arable land in Sheridan township, continuing the work begun by her husband, the late Frederick Diedrich. She was born in Propster, Holstein, Germany, November 6, 1840. Her parents, Peter and Margaret Dettmer, were also natives of the fatherland and spent all their lives in the old country. A son, Peter Dettmer, and Mrs. Diedrich, however, came to the United States in 1864. They landed in New York and shortly afterward came to Scott county, Iowa, for they had an uncle living in Davenport. On the 22d of February, 1866, she gave her hand in marriage to Frederick Diedrich, who, like herself was a native of Germany. He had, however, been a resident of Scott county, for a much longer time, for he had come with his parents, Frederick and Wilhelmina Diedrich, in early manhood. They were among the early German settlers of this county, and after their arrival here bought the one hundred and sixty acres of land on which Mrs. Diedrich lived after her marriage.
This farm was the home of Frederick Diedrich throughout the greater part of his life. He assisted his father in tilling its soil and later assumed the full
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responsibilities of its operation. While not one of the largest in its vicinity, it was very productive, is well improved and especially adapted to general farm- ing, which he pursued. His death occurred in 1895, when he was well advanced in years, for his natal day was March 20, 1837.
Twelve children had been born to Mr. and Mrs. Diedrich. William has passed away. Minnie is the wife of Orval Goodwin, of Cass county, Iowa, and the children born to them are Etta and Eva deceased, Bert, Nettie, Ruby, Har- vey and Leona. Henry, a resident of Davenport, wedded Miss Thressa Klaus and they have two sons, Edward and Lester. Emma became the wife of George Kloppenburg and they have three children, Mabel E., Clarence S. and Leroy V. Mollie is the wife of Paul Lohrmann of Watertown, Illinois, and they had six children-Viola; Anna; Katie; Raymond, deceased; Bernice and Minnie. Mary became the wife of Willis Hopson of Illinois. Louis and Lillian are at home, and Anna, Frederick, Adolph and William have passed away. Mrs. Died- rich has sold her farm and now is staying with her daughter Mrs. Kloppenburg. In the many years that she managed the farm interests, she proved herself to be a woman of no inconsiderable business ability, able to conserve as well as im- prove the property entrusted to her hands.
CHARLES BECKER.
Charles Becker, who is engaged in the retail liquor business at the corner of Fourth and Harrison streets, is the last member of his branch of this old Ger- man family in America. He was born September 29, 1850, in Kraschen, Pro- vinz Silesia, Germany, and is a son of Carl and Anna Rosina (Wahnelt) Becker. His father, a commission merchant, was a self-made man and one who achieved prosperity and the confidence of his neighbors. He had a family of seven chil- dren, of whom the subject of this sketch was the third in order of birth.
Charles Becker received his education in Germany's excellent public schools and when eighteen years of age followed the example set by so many of his associates and came across the sea. He landed in New York and in a short time went to Detroit, where he secured a business footing in the cigar trade. Ten years later, in the spring of 1879, he came to Davenport and entered into business with his brother Gustav. This association was later dissolved and Mr. Becker removed to Sigourney, Iowa, where he engaged in the dry-goods business for three years and then returned to Davenport. He then secured a position as traveling salesman and was on the road for several years for a Davenport dry-goods house. Following this he and his brother undertook the management of the Turner Hall, which they conducted successfully for three years. They also managed the Burtis Opera House, which was Davenport's largest theater up to the year 1896. The death of Gustav Becker occurred Aug- ust 26, 1908. After his experience as a manager, Charles Becker enjoyed a short retirement and then went on the road again. For seven years he remained in the capacity of traveling man but abandoned this in 1903 to open up the re- tail liquor store which he has ever since carried on.
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On October 31, 1871, Mr. Becker was united in marriage to Christine Mar- tens, and seven children have blessed this union: Bertha, who is employed as a dentist's assistant; Amelia, at home; Charles, who died when eight years of age; Fritz, at home; Gustav, who died when two years of age; and Anna and Carl, at home. Mr. Becker has many friends and enjoys pleasant social affilia- tions as a Turner and an Elk.
OTTO PORTH.
Otto Porth had had considerable experience as a farmer before he finally bought his place in Liberty township, on which he has lived for the past sixteen years. As he has gained large returns from its cultivation he has had no rea- son to regret the purchase of it. He was born near Coblenz, Germany, April 15, 1854, a son of Carl and Elizabeth (Bassack) Porth, both natives of Prus- sia, the father's birth having occurred in the city of Berlin. In the fall of 1855 they came to America, settling first in Hampton, Illinois. They remained there for about five years and then came to Iowa, locating in Clinton county. There the father secured a section of land in Olive township, upon which he engaged in farming with such large profits that he was able to buy in addi- tion three quarters of a section in Minnesota. Shortly before his death he re- tired from active life, taking up his residence in Davenport, which was his home during the remaining years allotted to him. He was twice married, having by his first wife, who was the mother of our subject, four children and by his second eight.
Otto Porth, who was but a little over a year old when his parents came to this country and about six years old when they removed to Iowa, has spent the greater part of his life in this state. His mother died when he was nine years of age, but he continued to live upon the homestead in Clinton county until he reached man's estate. He went first to Davenport, where he secured work as a laborer for four years, and then removed to the northwest part of the state, where for one year he worked at his trade of a carpenter. He was not satis- fied with the prospects there, however, and returned to Davenport. In that city he secured employment with an ice company during the summer and during the winter in the packing business of John Suglers. In this way three years were spent, at the end of which period he returned to the homestead in Clin- ton county, which he farmed for two years. He then returned to Scott county, becoming a tenant on a farm near Plainview, which he conducted for five years. While this experience was not wholly without profit he went to Cedar county and upon a tract of rented land two miles west of the village of New Liberty, en- gaged in farming for five years. Then, in 1893, he purchased the place which he now owns. It comprises one hundred and sixty acres on section 11, Liberty township. It is a rich and arable tract, well adapted to diversified farming which Mr. Porth pursues thereon. He has made a number of improvements upon the place, has brought the fertility of the soil to its highest productive power and
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as his industry is the measure of his success he is one of the prosperous farmers of his locality.
In early manhood in 1879, Mr. Porth was united in marriage to Miss Ernestine Magiber, who was born in Holstein, Germany, November 5, 1860. At the age of twelve she came to this country with her parents, Fred and Dora (Brady) Magiber, who settled in Davenport, which remained their home until their death. Seven girls were born to them. Mr. and Mrs. Porth have had fifteen children : Adella, Alfred, Carl, Martha, Lizzie, Rudolph, Otto, Jr., Rosa, Bertha, Leo and Fred, and four who died in infancy. The eldest is the wife of John Smallifield, of South Dakota, which is also the place of residence of the third child, Carl.
By hard work Mr. Porth has proved his right to be numbered among the more prosperous farmers of Liberty township and, in as much as his good for- tune is the result of his own efforts, there is no bitterness attached to it but, in- stead, he has the general approbation of those who have watched his progress.
CLAUS ARP.
Among the early German pioneers of Scott county is Claus Arp, who has re- tired from farming, which he pursued so profitably in Davenport township for upwards of forty years, and has taken up his residence in the city of Daven- port. In that time he put to the test the fine qualities of the German race, achieved distinction and identified himself closely with the local interests, so that his influence, ever exerted for the betterment of the conditions surrounding his fellowmen, was felt throughout the township.
He was born in Holstein, Germany, August 23, 1827, a son of Detlef and Abel Arp, who died in the land of their birth. There Mr. Arp grew to man- hood and attended schools. He also learned the weaver's trade and, having at- tained the age of manhood, was enrolled as a soldier in the army of the father- land. During his two and a half years of service he participated in the war with Denmark during 1849 and 1850 holding an office equivalent to that of sergeant in the American army.
In 1851 Mr. Arp came to the United States. Landing at New Orleans, he came up the Mississippi river to Davenport, which he reached November 14, of that year. A brother had previously come here, so that he was not utterly a stranger in the new country. Immediately after his arrival he began to work for a farmer, receiving one hundred dollars a year. After two years' experi- ence with that employer, he and his brother Henry bought eighty acres of un- cultivated land in Davenport township. His sister had come from Germany about that time so that it was a little family of three that took up their residence upon this first piece of property Mr. Arp owned. For about five years they operated it in conjunction, the duties of housekeeping devolving upon the sister, and then divided the place. Thereupon Mr. Arp bought eighty acres of land in Davenport township, which he traded later for one hundred and forty acres there. It remained his home for the thirty-five years he was actively engaged in agricultural pursuits and constitutes what is now known as the Arp home-
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