History of Davenport and Scott County Iowa, Volume II, Part 32

Author: Downer, Harry E
Publication date: 1910
Publisher: Chicago : S.J. Clarke
Number of Pages: 1166

USA > Iowa > Scott County > Davenport > History of Davenport and Scott County Iowa, Volume II > Part 32

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

337

HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY

stead. He had, however, during that time bought considerable other property in the township, for he had won a pronounced success in the cultivation of the soil, at one time owning seven hundred and fifty acres of land in Scott and Cedar counties, Iowa. Thus he felt justified in relinquishing the responsibilities of life and in 1894 he took up his residence in Davenport, where he owns some valuable property.

It was on the 14th of April, 1868, that Mr. Arp married Dora Sienknecht, a daughter of Henry and Lena Sienknecht. They have had seven children. Theodore is in Denver, Colorado, Hannes married Lena Luders. They live in Scott county and have two children, Alma and Theodore. Minnie became the wife of Julius Kuelper and they have three children, Vera, Alice and Lil- lian. Herman married Theresa Oldenburg and lives in Cleona township. They have one daughter, Hulda. Meta became the wife of Louis Goellnitz of Lib- erty township. They have two children, Roy and Edna. Otto lives in Daven- port township on a farm. He married Mary Hien and they have three sons, Elmer, Theodore and Clarence. Adela is at home.

Having become a naturalized citizen of this republic, Mr. Arp identified him- self closely with the best interests of his community, for during the period in which he was a resident of Davenport he served as school director and treas- urer of the school board for about twenty years and also acted as road super- visor. He is a member of German Lodge, No. 37, I. O. O. F., of Davenport, also of the Verein Schleswig-Holstein, which is composed of veterans of the German war of 1848-50, and the German Old Settlers Society. Quietly and unostentatiously he pursued the calling he chose as his vocation and with pa- tience and hard work gained a competence which entitles him to be numbered among the successful men of the county.

WILLIAM F. BOWSER, M. D.

In no profession is there demanded a more thorough knowledge of scientific principles than that of medicine. The successful practitioner must also possess a kindly, sunny nature, physical endurance and a clear intellect. Possessing all these requisites, Dr. William F. Bowser has in the few years in which he has been located in Blue Grass built up a lucrative practice that is increasing as the months and years go by. He was born in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, May 21, 1873, a son of Frank S. and Anna (Davidson) Bowser, who were likewise natives of Armstrong county, the former born in 1843 and the latter in 1852. The father is at present postmaster at Buffalo, Iowa.

Like the majority of men who enter professional circles, Dr. Bowser was reared to farm life. He began his education in the schools of his native county and being but a youth at the time the family located in Muscatine county, Iowa, he also attended school in the latter place, completing the high-school course in Muscatine by graduation with the class of 1893. He then entered Parsons College at Fairfield, Iowa, and after completing a four years' course was graduated from that institution in 1898 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Having decided upon

338

HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY

the practice of medicine as a life work, in 1898 he began teaching in the schools of Muscatine county that he might earn the necessary funds to enter a medical college. He was thus engaged until 1905, but in the meantime, in the fall of 1899, he entered the Iowa State University and also read medicine with several leading physicians at and near his home. He was graduated from the university in 1905 and shortly afterward, on the 30th of August of that year, began practice in Buf- falo and Blue Grass, but since 1907 has confined his attention to his office in the latter village. He is meeting with merited success and his practice is increasing as time passes.

Dr. Bowser was married November 14, 1906, to Miss Mary Lucinda Moor- head, a daughter of M. E. Moorhead, of Blue Grass township. The Doctor is a republican in his political views but the demands of his practice leave him little time for active participation in public affairs. He belongs to Banner Lodge, No. 16, Knights of Pythias, to the Modern Brotherhood of America at Buffalo and to the Modern Woodman camp at Blue Grass, while in the line of his profession he is a member of the American Medical Association, the Iowa State Medical Asso- ciation and the Scott County Medical Association. Both he and his wife are mem- bers of the Presbyterian church at Blue Grass.

GEORGE MENGEL.

George Mengel, in early manhood recognizing the value of close application, unfaltering purpose and indefatigable energy, has utilized those qualities in the attainment of the responsible position which he now occupies in business circles -a position that has made him one of the successful business men of Daven- port. He is today the president of the Tri-City Plate Ice & Cold Storage Com- pany and has been identified with a number of other interests which have been factors in the city's commercial growth.

He was born in Schwabsburg, Germany, a country that for centuries through the emigration of its sons has planted the seeds of civilization in all parts of the world. His natal day was March 1, 1848. His parents were Jacob and Anna (Maurer) Mengel, the former a cooper by trade, who also controlled a vineyard and engaged in the cultivation of grapes for the purpose of winemak- ing. He was a man of prominence in his community, active in public affairs as well as in business life. He reared a large family and his five sons came to the new world while the five daughters remained in the fatherland.

George Mengel was educated in the schools of Germany and came to the United States in 1865, when a young man of seventeen years. He first estab- lished his home in Terre Haute, Indiana, where he was connected with the brew- ing business: But the climate there did not agree with him and he went to Wis- consin and subsequently removed to Chicago, where he acted as superintendent of a malt house for about three years, but on the expiration of that period he went to Omaha, where he also spent three years. He next became a resident of Fort Dodge, Iowa, where he remained for two years, and then came to Davenport, pur- chasing the Littig Brewery on West Fifth street and thus entering the business cir-

Gra Mugel

341

HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY

cles of this city. He conducted it until the consolidation of the brewing interests of Davenport, after which he became vice president and general manager of the Davenport Malting & Brewing Company, continuing as the second executive of- ficer until about three years ago. He was one of the prime movers of the con- solidation of the brewing interests of Davenport and has stood as a leading representative of that branch of business in this city. After disposing of his interests in the Davenport Malting & Brewing Company he organized the Tri- City Plate Ice & Cold Storage Company, of which he has since been president. This has become one of the important industrial and commercial enterprises of Davenport, with an extensive patronage and a volume of business that places it among the leading trade concerns of the city. He was one of the originators of the Davenport Water Power Company, was one of the organizers of the Davenport Grain & Malting Company, and was one of the first directors of the Farmers & Mechanics Savings Bank.

In 1869 Mr. Mengel was married to Miss Anna Buettner, a daughter of Gott- lieb Buettner, who came from Prussia, Germany. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Mengel were born two children, George and Anna, but both are now deceased.

Mr. Mengel gives his political support to the democratic party and keeps well informed on the questions of the day. He is a member of the Turner So- ciety and an honorary member of the Schuetzen Verein Society. He is an Odd Fellow in his fraternal relations and is in hearty sympathy with the principles of the order. He also belongs to the German Relief Society and therein gives manifestation of his humanitarian principles which prompt him to go to the as- sistance of those in need and to extend a helping hand whenever the occasion demands. He has never regretted his determination to come to the new world for in this land of constantly widening opportunity, where effort is unham- pered by caste or class, he has made steady progress until he has reached a gratifying place among the most successful business men of his adopted city.

HEINRICH WIESE.

Heinrich Wiese, a well known and prosperous agriculturist of Davenport township, is the owner of an excellent farm comprising one hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land, His birth occurred in Holstein, Germany, on the 25th of January, 1838, his parents being James and Katherine Wiese. The father was a weaver by trade and followed that occupation in his native land. In 1859, in company with his wife and children, he set sail for the United States and after crossing the ocean landed at New Orleans, Louisiana, whence he made his way up the Mississippi river to Davenport, Iowa, arriving here in the month of June. Subsequently he devoted his attention to the operation of rented land in Clinton county, this state, where the demise of his wife occurred. Later he removed to Carroll county, Iowa, and there made his home with a son until called to his final rest. Unto him and his wife were born three children, as follows: Heinrich, of this review; Claus, living in Minnesota; and James, who is a resident of Carroll county, Iowa.

342

HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY

Heinrich Wiese, who obtained his education in the schools of the fatherland, was a young man of twenty-one when he accompanied his parents on their emi- gration to the new world in 1859, since which time he has been a resident of Scott county, Iowa. He first secured employment as a farm hand and later rented the place of one hundred and sixty acres in Davenport township which he now owns but which was then in the possession of a Mr. Hershel. About the year 1878 he purchased the property, erected a commodious and attractive resi- dence and has made many other substantial improvements on the place, so that it is now lacking in none of the conveniences and accessories of a model farm of the twentieth century. As the years have passed by he has won a gratifying meas- ure of success in the conduct of his agricultural interests and has long been numbered among the prosperous and respected citizens of the community.

On the 15th of March, 1865, Mr. Wiese was united in marriage to Miss Mar- garet Arp, a native of Holstein, Germany, who was but three years of age when brought to this country by her parents, Peter and Dora Arp, the family home being established in Scott county, Iowa. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Wiese have been born seven children, the record of whom is as follows: Herman, who is a resi- dent of Linn county and wedded Miss Emma Kirby, by whom he has two chil- dren, Hazel and Erma; Gustaf, likewise of Linn county, Iowa, who married Miss Emma Paustian and has three children, Henry, Arnold and Louisa ; Julius, who makes his home in Muscatine county, Iowa, and wedded Miss Freda Tah, by whom he has a son, Raymond; Otto, who is at home; Rudolph, who is a resi- dent of Sheridan township and has one son by his marriage to Miss Kobaugh; and Dora and Hugo, who are yet under the parental roof.

Mr. Wiese is a stanch democrat in his political views and has capably served as a school director and also in the office of road supervisor. The period of his residence in this county now covers a half century and he is therefore widely and favorably known within its borders. The hope that led him to leave his na- tive land and seek a home in America has been more than realized. He found the opportunities he sought, which, by the way, are always open to the ambitious, energetic man, and, making the best of these, he has steadily worked his way upward.

HUGH BRICELAND.

Hugh Briceland, a retired farmer living at 1923 Harrison street, is one of Davenport's estimable citizens, a man who possesses hosts of friends and the confidence of all those with whom he comes in contact. He is a Scotchman by birth, having been born January 26, 1834, in the city of Glasgow, his par- ents being Hugh and Anna (Leach) Briceland. The father was a merchant, who played a prominent part in the life of the city where he made his home. Hugh Briceland as a lad did not enjoy good health and physicians advised a change of climate, suggesting America. The wisdom of their counsel has amply proved itself for he is living and enjoying health at an advanced age. He landed at New Orleans and came up the river to Davenport in 1846 in company with a friend, Davy Hardy, who became prominent in this city. Mr. Briceland

343

HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY

secured employment with the farmers near Davenport, at first gaining little re- muneration aside from his board. By the exercise of thrift and the natural industry with which he was endowed, he made himself independent and later purchased a farm where by employing advanced methods of agriculture he gained a signal success. About twelve years ago he sold this property and went to Eldridge, where he lived for six years. About four years ago he came to Davenport which he had chosen for a permanent home and where he is now en- joying a well earned retirement, surrounded by family and friends.

On October 21, 1862, Mr. Briceland was married to Anna Emeis, a daughter of Dr. August Julius and Charlotte (Peters) Emeis. Her father was a physician who came from Germany and was among the pioneer settlers of this county. Eight children were born to this marriage, namely: Mary, who married George M. Madden and died leaving two children, Bessie and Lottie; Lena, who is the wife of Edward Blythe and has two daughters, Carrie and Josie, the former now Mrs. O. Parmell, who has given three great-grandchildren to Mr, Brice- land. Harry, who married Miss Nellie Neil and has four children, Neil B., Harold, Hugh and Jack; Ella and Fannie, both deceased; Hugo, who married Miss Alice Yokum; Frank G., a bookkeeper and real-estate man; and George W., a resident of Wichita, Kansas.

Mr. Briceland has been honored by election to the presidency of the Pioneer Society. He is a man of strong personality and sterling worth and his interest- ing family is a credit to him as well as to the community. Starting out in life for himself empty-handed, his success has been won through his own unaided efforts and he deserves to be classed with the self-made men of the city. He has lived peaceably with his fellowmen, having never had a lawsuit, and he is honored and respected by all who know him.

GUSTAV ECKERMANN.

Among the German citizens of Davenport perhaps few hold so prominent a place in the hearts of all as does Gustav Eckermann. For a quarter of a century he was connected with the agricultural interests here, achieving success in his vocation as a representative of the best farmers, but it is as a man of hospitable instincts that he will be best remembered by the citizens of Davenport township.

He was born in Germany, March 16, 1832, a son of Claus Eckermann, who came to this country and died here. He attended school in Germany, where he learned the carpenter's trade and then, in 1852, came to the United States. He landed at New Orleans and came up the Mississippi to Davenport. He found employment on a farm across the river in Illinois but after three months' experi- ence came back to Davenport, where he worked at the carpenter's trade for about fourteen years, in that time assisting in building many of the prominent residences here. As the result of his savings, he was then able to buy forty acres of land in Davenport township, on which he lived for about twenty-five years. As he con- ducted a salon and dance hall there, his place was the scene of many social events among the Germans and was generally regarded as their place of meeting in that

344

HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY

locality. Indeed, it was there that Mr. Eckermann and his wife celebrated their silver wedding. The anniversary was attended by over two hundred relatives and friends and lasted all day, with plenty to eat and drink. The celebration was con- cluded by a dance in the hall and everyone present enjoyed a most delightful day. While Mr. Eckermann made a wide reputation for himself as a host, he was not neglectful of his private concerns but in the course of years became the owner of ninety-two acres of farm land in Lincoln township, eighty acres in Butler town- ship, and, when he retired from active life in 1892 and took up his residence in Davenport, he bought the property where he lives.

At Moline, Illinois, November 21, 1854, was celebrated Mr. Eckermann's mar- riage to Miss Eliza Grantz, a daughter of August Magdalena Grantz. They had come from Germany to Scott county in 1852, but after remaining a few years in Le Claire township removed to Moline, Illinois, which remained their home until their death. Of their family, the first three children died in infancy. The others are: Clara, who married Fred Schaffer, lives in Davenport and is the mother of three children, Eliza, Harry and Minnie. Gustav, Jr., of Lincoln town- ship, married Bertha Weise and they have four children, Minnie, Hugo, Valentine and Harold. Laura is the wife of Henry Lage, of Pleasant Valley township, and the mother of four children, Clara, Harry, Lillie and Herbert. Elizabeth married Alex Schafer, of Pleasant Valley township, and has three sons, Ernest, Waldo and Leroy. Hugo married Adelia Metzen and they have two children, Eleanor and Raymond. They live on a farm in this county. Otto married Emma Kraftmyer and lives in Davenport, where he is rearing two daughters, Clara and Helen. Mr. and Mrs. Eckermann celebrated their golden wedding, which, however, was at- tended only by their children, grandchildren and near relatives as the death of Mrs. Eckermann's mother prevented their inviting any of their numerous friends.

While Mr. Eckermann was living in Davenport township he was elected road supervisor, serving for two years. His life record and the long period during which he has been identified with the interests of the county has secured his mem- bership in the German Pioneer Association, of which he was president in 1908 and on whose board of directors he has served for sometime. An exponent of the best traits of character belonging distinctively to his nation, a man whose citizenship compares favorably with the best of the native Americans, Mr. Eckermann enjoys the friendship of a large number of people in Davenport and in the township where he was so widely known.

HENRY KLINDT.

Among the citizens of Davenport who are enjoying a well earned rest after many years of profitable labor is Henry Klindt, one of the prominent Germans of the city. He came to this country with little money but with the determina- tion to get ahead, grateful at the outset to receive work of any kind. Endowed with the characteristics which belong in so high degree to the members of his nation, he has won a pronounced success from everything he has attempted. At present he is residing at No. 834 Marquette street, Davenport.

347

HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY

He was born in the village of Fiefbergen, Holstein, Germany, October 8, 1839, a son of Thies and Wiepke (Mundt) Klindt. After he had received his education in his native land Henry Klindt came to this country, arriving here in the spring of 1856. As a farm boy he started to work in Scott county, but was willing to perform any job that came in his way. In the winter he worked in Dayton but then went back to the country, where he found employment in a sawmill. He also did teaming for a time until the outbreak of the Civil war.

Notwithstanding the fact that he was of foreign birth, Mr. Klindt enlisted in the Missouri artillery under Captain Feninghouse, becoming a member of the First Missouri Flying Battery. Throughout the course of the war he served as a private with great distinction and at its close was honorably discharged. When the Union no longer needed his support, he returned to Davenport, where he engaged in teaming. Later he opened a grain and feed store, this being his first business venture. He gained from it the success he anticipated and then engaged in operating the Eagle brewery, belonging to J. Lange & Company. To it he devoted his entire time until 1891, when he sold his interest in that concern. He is now president of the Malt & Grain Company, of which he was one of the organizers.

Mr. Klindt was united in marriage to Miss Catherina Schnoor, May 9, 1863. One son, George, has been born to them. He married Miss Julia Hahn, and they have a daughter, Norma. Mr. Klindt is one of the active members of the local lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and belongs to the German So- ciety of Turners, and to the German Pioneer Society. He was also a member of the old fire company in 1858. The record of his life is a most gratifying evidence of the large returns which may be gained from hard work, determina- tion and unassailable courage. He never spared himself during the years of his early life and now, having won a large competence, enjoys a well deserved rest. The amiable qualities of his personality have also won recognition and he is ac- counted a stanch friend of many.

CHRIS MARTI.

Among the citizens of Scott county who have put aside the heavier respon- sibilities of life and are living in the enjoyment of a well deserved rest is Chris Marti, for a long period actively identified with the best agricultural interests of Winfield township, where he owns two hundred and forty acres of land. A man of conspicuous success in his private affairs, he was honored by the citizens of his locality, for on several occasions he was chosen their representative to the general assembly at Des Moines, there exerting his influence consistently in be- half of the best interests of his constituents. His public record was without shadow, as his private life is without dishonor, the mere fact that he has served continuously since 1872 as secretary of the school board being indicative of the esteem in which he is held in his locality.

A native of Switzerland, Chris Marti was born May 27, 1845, his parents being Bartholome and Anna Barbara (Slagel) Marti. The former was born

348

HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY

in February, 1820, in the same country as his son, and there learned the trade of a cabinetmaker, following that occupation until he was called to serve in the army of 1848. In 1852 he emigrated with his family to America, and after landing at New Orleans ascended the Mississippi to Scott county, which he reached in April. For the first two years after his arrival he worked at his trade and then bought one hundred acres of prairie land in Winfield township, for which he paid a dollar and a quarter an acre. He built thereon a small house, prepared the fields for cultivation and there lived until the fall of 1855, when he sold it and removed to Davenport, there working at his carpenter's trade during the winter. The following spring he resumed farming, purchasing eighty acres of land from a Mr. Clawsen, who was a lawyer of this county. The tract was situated on section 28, Winfield township, and only ten acres of it had been broken. With the assistance of his son Chris, Mr. Marti broke the remaining acres, fenced his fields and improved the place which remained his home until 1898, when he came to live with his son on the farm the latter now occupies. In the meantime, however, he had invested in considerable real estate as his in- come justified the purchase of land, and at one time owned two hundred and forty acres. The last two years of his life were passed at the home of his son, and there he died December 3, 1900. Although not a native of this country, he was loyal to its ideals, ever giving the best of his labor to the development of the state in which he lived and having been elected to the office of school di- rector on the republican ticket, served his township faithfully in that capacity. His wife had preceded him to the grave by some years, for she passed away in 1893 when seventy-one years of age. She was the mother of five children, as follows: Margaret, the wife of Jacob Engler, a retired farmer of Minden, Pot- tawattamie county, Iowa; Chris, the subject of this sketch; Christina, the wife of William Murrison, of Sheridan township, Scott county; Bartley, who died in 1887; and John M., who is living upon the old homestead in Winfield township.

Chris Marti had attended school in Switzerland for three months before the removal of the family to America and after arriving in Scott county was en- rolled as a pupil in the district schools near his home. Not all of his time was given to the preparation of lessons, however, for he assisted his father in break- ing the land and improving the farm he had purchased and later in cultivating the fields, so that, at the age of twenty-two years, he was well prepared to engage in farming on his own account. Upon leaving the parental roof, with the assistance of his father he bought a tract of one hundred acres on section 16, Sheridan township, which had been broken but on which no buildings had been erected. Mr. Marti made whatever improvements were necessary and lived thereon until 1869, when he disposed of that place and bought of his father the farm on section 33 on which he now lives. He continued the improvements which had been begun, and as the result of his care and diligence was soon reap- ing annually large harvests that netted him a comfortable income. Later he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land adjoining the homestead, making a total of two hundred and forty acres he owns in Scott county. He owns twenty acres in Allens Grove township, while another indication of his pros- perity is afforded by the fact that he is a director of the Long Grove Bank.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Davenport and Scott County Iowa, Volume II, Part 32

Author: Downer, Harry E Publication date: 1910 Publisher: Chicago : S.J. Clarke Number of Pages: 1166

Author: Downer, Harry E
Publication date: 1910
Publisher: Chicago : S.J. Clarke
Number of Pages: 1166