History of Davenport and Scott County Iowa, Volume II, Part 36

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 36

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).

David J. Clapp, whose name stands at the head of this review, was born upon the farm whose fields he now cultivates, June 11, 1874, and has spent his entire life in the vicinity of his birthplace. When of suitable age he was enrolled as a pupil of the public school of district No. I, of which he is now a director, and later attended school in Davenport. The following three winters he went to busi- ness college, while in the summer he devoted himself to agriculture, which has always been his vocation. He is a young man imbued with progressive ideas, one who knows the value of industry and perseverance, and through the aid of these qualities and a good business judgment he has been able to make his farming profitable. He also owns in conjunction with his brother, Charles S., twenty acres of timber land on the Wapsipinicon river, this county. Mr. Clapp wedded, Decem- ber 1, 1896, Miss Jennie Neil, a daughter of James Neil and a relative of Chris Marti. The latter is one of the well known citizens of Scott county, and was for a long period identified with the agricultural interests of Winfield township. He was a native of Switzerland and was about seven years of age when in 1852 he accompanied his father upon the journey to the new world. At the age of twenty- two he started to make his own way in the world as a farmer, and to this end pro- cured some unimproved land in Sheridan township. Later he bought the two hun- dred and forty acres he still owns in Winfield township. He was successful in his undertakings and, having rented his farm to his sons, enjoys a well earned rest. He was also a conspicuous figure in the public affairs of this county, for in

381

HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY

addition to filling several of the minor offices he was elected to the general assem- bly at Des Moines, sitting in the twenty-third, twenty-fourth and twenty-sixth ses- sions, and in the call session summoned by Governor Drake. He received the nom- ination on the democratic ticket in 1898 for state senator but was not elected. However, the fact he has held the office of secretary of the school board continu- ously since 1872, is an indication of the confidence the people place in him. He is a man of sterling integrity, one who has ever proved true to the trust of his constituents and has ever acted as he believed right.

Mr. and Mrs. Clapp are the parents of one son, Neil, who was born September 12, 1900. Politically Mr. Clapp allies himself with the republican party and has served the township for the past eight years as a member of the school board. Fraternally he is identified with several organizations. He belongs to the Long Grove lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is serving as noble grand, while he is a member and banker of the camp of the Woodmen of the World of Long Grove. He also belongs to the Modern Brotherhood of America, holding membership in the lodge at Eldridge. He gives his allegiance in religious matters to the Christian church of Long Grove, of which he is a deacon and in the work of which he is very active. Endowed by nature with a strong intellectual force, prompted by a laudable ambition to succeed in his occupation, and unafraid of hard, persevering work, he has already made substantial progress in his life work, and there is every reason for him to look forward to a bright and successful future.

JOHN.H. SIEVERS.

One of the important agriculturists and stock men of Liberty township is John H. Sievers, who was born in Schleswig, Germany, January 29, 1853, his parents being Henry and Annie (Francen) Sievers. The father died in the land of his birth, but the mother came to America and here passed her last years, dy- ing about eight years ago. Four children were born to them: John H., the subject of this sketch; Annie, the wife of Peter Frederick, of Holstein, Iowa; Hans; and Katie, the wife of Peter Pawser, of Manning, Iowa.

John H. Sievers came to this country alone in 1873 after he had obtained his education in his native land and served the required term in the army. He made his way directly to Davenport and here for the first two weeks after his arrival worked as a laborer on the streets. Then he found employment upon a farm and after two years' experience, in which he gained a practical acquaintance with our language and customs, he rented forty acres of land and began to raise corn. Four years later he married and then leased sixty acres of his father-in-law in Liberty township, where he lived for another period of four years. Then he bought one hundred and sixty acres near New Liberty, upon which he toiled most assiduously for sixteen years, at the end of that time pur- chasing the four hundred and five acres upon which he now resides. Later he bought two hundred and eighty acres adjoining the home place, bringing his. land holdings in Liberty township up to a total of eight hundred and forty-one acres. On this property there are three distinct sets of buildings, the character

382

HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY

of those upon the home place being especially fine for he has remodeled the out- buildings and a few years ago erected a large stone house of fourteen rooms. One hundred and sixty acres of his land Mr. Sievers rents, but the balance is planted in grain or is used as pasture land for his stock, for he feeds annually large numbers of steers and hogs, which he ships to the more important markets. When the German Savings Bank was organized in New Liberty Mr. Sievers was one of its promoters and became a director, but now he only owns stock in the concern. Nevertheless, he is one of the most prosperous of the farmers in his locality and enjoys the high esteem of his fellowmen.

In 1879 Mr. Sievers was united in marriage to Miss Anna Barnhardt, who was born in Clinton county, Iowa, November 28, 1858. Her parents, John and Mary Barnhardt, were both natives of Schleswig-Holstein, but they came to this country in the early '50s and passed the remainder of their lives here. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sievers, namely: Willie, Charles, Hugo and Nellie. The eldest wedded Miss Frieda Hochmuth, of Liberty town- ship, but the others are at home.

Industry and frugality have been among the leading characteristics of Mr. Sievers and have been largely accountable for his success. He has spared no effort to make his farm the most productive of any in his locality nor to obtain the highest grade of stock possible. He is progressive as well as energetic, so that the Round Grove stock farm, which is the name he has bestowed upon his place, is one of the most modern and thoroughly up-to-date establishments of its kind in this section of the state.

EMIL N. J. GEISLER.

In the beautiful semi-tropical and sunny land of southern California Emil N. J. Geisler is now spending the evening of life, but for many years was so closely and prominently associated with the growth and progress of Davenport and of Scott county as to render his history and integral chapter in the annals of this part of the state.

He has passed the eighty-second milestone on life's journey, having been born on the IIth of April, 1828, in Lunden, Dithmarschen, Schleswig-Holstein, Ger- many, in which country his father engaged in teaching. After his confirmation the son completed his studies at a university and then became a private teacher. In 1848 he enlisted for service in the war in which Germany was then involved and served as sergeant until the close of hostilities in 1851. Soon afterward he started for the United States to enjoy the liberties offered in the land of the free. He landed at New Orleans in June, 1852, and then came northward from the Crescent city to Davenport, which was then a small town of comparatively little commercial and industrial importance. He therefore accepted whatever work offered itself and was at different times employed at farming, in clerking and in private teaching.

The years thus passed until 1857, during which time Mr. Geisler saved enough money with which to enter the grocery business on his own account.

EMIL GEISLER

385

HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY

For seven years he conducted his store with good success, and in 1864 he sold the business and invested in a vineyard in West Davenport. He also gave his attention to the contracting business, building and selling houses, and his efforts as a speculative builder materially increased his financial resources. In 1875 he invested in farm lands and in company with several others laid out the now flourishing town of Marne. In all of his business affairs his efforts were so uni- formly and capably directed that prosperity attended him and at the same time his efforts were of a character that promoted the welfare of the community as well as his individual success. In 1904 he removed to Coronado, California, where he now lives.

Aside from business affairs Mr. Geisler was active in many ways whereby Davenport's interests were promoted. He assisted in bringing into existence the German free school and for many years was its president. He was also active in the erection of the Davenport Crematorium and served as its vice president. He became an enthusiastic member of the Academy of Science and his efforts in its behalf largely promoted its interests. He also joined the Turner Society and was ever an influential factor among the German people of this city. He has been made honorary member of various organizations, these societies being proud to have his name upon their membership roll.

Mr. Geisler was married in Davenport on the 24th of December, 1855, to Miss Sophia Halkins, and in 1905 they celebrated their golden wedding in Co- ronado, California, their family, at that time consisting of a daughter and grand- daughter, being present. Of their four children, two died in infancy, while one daughter, Adele, who became the wife of Otto Clausen, died in 1886. Mr. Geisler makes his home with his other daughter, Mrs. J. Clausen, his wife hav- ing passed away on the 15th of March, 1908.

While now eighty-two years of age Mr. Geisler possesses uncommon vigor and activity for one of his years and in 1909 he made a trip to his old home in Germany, traveling all alone. Throughout his life he has been a man of friendly spirit, of hospitable disposition, and has ever looked upon the bright side, and because of his sterling qualities of manhood as well as his business activity and public spirit, he has won a host of friends who entertain for him the highest honor and respect.

THOMAS DOUGHERTY.

Thomas Dougherty, president of Schick's Express & Transfer Company of Davenport, is numbered among the native sons of Scott county and his life history is familiar to his fellow citizens, who have watched his development from boyhood days. He is lacking in none of those qualities which constitute the resourceful and successful business man and in his present position of ex- ecutive control is proving that his administration accomplishes the utmost for the interests invested.

Mr. Dougherty was born in Scott county, October 30, 1865, and his educa- tion was acquired in St. Ambrose school and in the Davenport Business College.

386

HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY

He became collector for the Schick's Express & Transfer Company in 1903 and bent every effort toward familiarizing himself with and mastering the business in order that he might be qualified for enlarged duties when the opportunity came for advancement. In 1905, when the company was reorganized, he be- came president and manager and has since carefully and successfully controlled the interests of the business. On the 22d of September, 1904, Mr. Dougherty was married to Miss Eula Carmichael, a native of Davenport and a daughter of Henry Carmichael, one of the old residents of this city who has long been associated with the Boston Store. Mr. Dougherty belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and to the Woodmen of the World, and is well known socially in this city, where the greater part of his life has been passed.

GEORGE AND DAVID NUGENT.

Among the many earnest men who are daily proving the fertility of the soil of Blue Grass township, are George and David Nugent, who in conjunction own and operate the farm upon which they live. Natives of this county, they were born in 1858 and 1861, respectively, being the sons of John and M. J. Nugent. The father was born in Ireland in 1821, and in 1848, at the beginning of the hard times which oppressed his native isle for the next few years, came to the United States. First he settled in New Jersey, where he lived for about five years, and then in 1853 came to Scott county, Iowa. During the first two years after his arrival he worked on various farms in Blue Grass township, and then, in 1855, having married he bought the place on which his two sons are living today. It remained his home for the next sixteen years of his life, and though his death occurred in 1878, he had lived long enough to obtain some idea of the progress which would transform the appearance of the country in the course of years. He and his wife were the parents of five children, those besides the subjects of this sketch being Thomas, who is also a resident of Blue Grass township; James, who lives in Casey, Iowa; and Mary, who is the wife of Charles Plett, of Muscatine, Iowa.

Natives of this county, George and David Nugent have passed their entire lives within its confines. They were pupils in the public schools of their locality and the education they received was supplemented by practical training in farm work, which they acquired under the guidance of their father. Indeed, as they were both young when they were deprived of his love and care, they had to early assume responsibilities which in many cases fall to the lot of men. The place which had been associated with memories of childhood and which they had come to know thoroughly through the passage of years, has remained their home to the present. It is a rich and arable tract, is well improved and cultivated with a skill that be- speaks the character of the born husbandman. They have been sparing of neither industry nor expense to bring their place to a productive state and may feel justly recompensed by the size of the harvest and the consequent generous income that falls to their share annually.

387

HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY

In early manhood George Nugent wedded Miss Ella Fridley, but she died two years after her marriage, while David Nugent has never married. They have steadfastly given their support to the republican party, in the years that they have been able to exercise their right of franchise, but though interested have taken little part in local affairs. George, however, served one term as trustee of the township but has never desired further evidence of the respect and good opinion of his fellow citizens. Industrious and excellent managers, both George and David Nugent may be pardoned a moderate pride in their achievements, for in addition to maintaining the home place in a good condition they have been able to purchase one hundred and sixty acres in Yuma county, Colorado.

HERMAN H. FRYE.

During his active life Herman H. Frye was one of the more prosperous farmers of this county, and when advancing years and a large income sug- gested the wisdom of retiring he took up his residence in Davenport, where his death occurred November 2, 1903. One of the early German settlers of this sec- tion of Iowa, he had been born in what was known as Klein Dreele, Hanover, Germany, February 4, 1830, a son of Bernard and Adeline (Brockman) Frye.

At the age of sixteen, in 1846, he came to the United States alone, and having chosen the southern route for crossing the ocean, landed at New Orleans. He spent the winter in that city and in the spring ascended the Mississippi to St. Louis, Missouri, which remained his home for the next decade. There, in 1856, he was married and shortly afterward, in the same year, came to Daven- port, opening a brickyard, which he operated for about a year. Then he traded it for one hundred and sixty acres of prairie land in Sheridan township, Scott county, on which he built a house, broke his land and prepared it for cultivation, deriving from his labors a rich return that placed him among the most success- ful agriculturists of this section. As the years brought their full measure of success, he invested extensively in land, until at his death he was in possession of about one thousand acres besides some town property. He had been among the first to settle in the county, which has proved to be so rich agriculturally, and witnessing its development he also participated in its improvement and his name appears upon the roll of those who rendered their fellowmen substantial and invaluable service.

While living in St. Louis, on the 14th of March, 1856, Mr. Frye was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Rier, a daughter of William and Maria (Gran- naman) Rier. She had been born in Nordhammen, Westphalia, Germany, April 28, 1834, and came to this country in her young womanhood, although her parents remained in the fatherland. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Frye. George D., living upon the old homestead, wedded Miss Thrissa Stutt, now deceased, and they had four children: Hermanza, who became the wife of Julius F. Rochau, of Oklahoma, and has one child, Blanch Louise; George D., Jr .; Blanch, the wife of Henry Olliver, of California; and Harry. William F. resides in Hickory Grove township. In his young manhood he married Miss

388

HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY

Carolina Meyer and they have eight children: Wilbert, Alfred, Arnold, Carl, Elsie, Frances, Norman Scott and Adelia. The eldest, Wilbert, married Miss Hilda Hahn and lives at Independence, Iowa. Charles, the third of the Frye family, married Miss Emma Lamp and lives at Seattle, Washington. Emma is deceased. Frank F. married Miss Augusta Lamp and lives in Seattle, Wash- ington. They have one child, Marion. Louisa and Alfred are deceased; Julia is at home. Elizabeth M. became the wife of H. C. Lage, of Davenport. The youngest died in infancy.

Not only was Mr. Frye one of the prosperous farmers of Scott county, but he was also intimately connected with its public life and prominent in such enterprises as were calculated to develop the interests and promote the welfare of the community in which he lived. He served as county supervisor for a con- siderable period and was a school director. He assisted in the organization of the German Fire Insurance Company of Scott county, of which he was treas- urer for a number of years, and was a member of the German Pioneer Associa- tion. In 1889 he retired from active life and removed to Davenport, where the last years of his life were past in comfort and with the knowledge that the past had been well spent.

JACOB HUGH HARRISON.

The business progress of Davenport has not been conserved by one or two individuals but has resulted from the combined efforts of a large number of business men whose activity has been the source of the city's commercial ad- vancement and improvement. In this connection Jacob Hugh Harrison deserves more than passing notice, for to the time of his death he was recognized as one of the foremost representatives of mercantile interests in Davenport. He was. born in Carrollton, Kentucky, December 25, 1840, and was a son of William Henry Harrison, a cousin of President Harrison of the same name. The father was a native of Prince William county, Virginia, born in 1810. He had two brothers, Benjamin Franklin and George Washington Harrison, and they were sons of John and Elizabeth (Harris) Harrison, the latter a daughter of John Harris and the former a son of Obadiah Harrison, a native of Virginia. Wil- liam Henry Harrison, reared and educated in the south, was married to Miss Eleanor Moore Mimich, a daughter of Richard and Sarah (Lester) Mimich and a granddaughter of John and Elizabeth Mimich, who were natives of Maryland. It will thus be seen that Jacob H. Harrison was a representative of some of the oldest southern families. He was one of ten children, five of whom reached years of maturity, namely : Mary; Richard; Mrs. Sarah Hayden; Jacob; and Charles Emery, who is living in Davenport.

When he was thirteen years of age and still attending school Jacob Hugh Harrison entered the drug store of his uncle at Carrollton, Kentucky, and under his direction thoroughly learned the business. His educational opportunities were those afforded by the schools and academy of his native city. All through life, however, he remained a student and broad reader and accumulated a large

"ho pit he hanf

151

J.J. Stamfor)

1.1

391

HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY

and valuable library, with the contents of which he was thoroughly familiar. The business pursuit to which he was reared he made his life work. In 1861 he and his brother Richard purchased the business of their deceased uncle and conducted the store until the following year, when Richard Harrison died. The subject of this review then carried on the business alone until 1867, when he dis- posed of his interests in Kentucky and came to Davenport. Here he at once became engaged in the retail drug business, becoming at first connected with the firm of Harrison & Stark, while later he was senior partner of the firm of Harrison & Holman. The latter firm was located in the Hill block at the corner of Third and Brady streets, but this was destroyed by fire on the night of Feb- ruary 22, 1876. In the fall of 1878 Mr. Harrison again established a business, which under the name of Harrison's Pharmacy was for fourteen years located at No. 305 Brady street. He then removed to No. 312 Brady street, where he remained for eight years, or until the time of his retirement from active mer- cantile life, disposing of his store to L. P. Carstens in January, 1901. Soon after Mr. Harrison and Mr. Holman established their store on Brady street, follow- ing the fire, Mr. Harrison admitted his brother Charles to a partnership in the business. They afterward had a store erected purposely for them near the site on which the business is still carried on, and later Mr. Harrison built a store which is still utilized for the business. Altogether he established six different stores, which he continued to own and manage until his death. For forty years he had been closely associated with the drug trade as proprietor, and even prior to that time had been an employe in that field of labor. He enjoyed the reputa- tion of being the most competent druggist in the state of Iowa, having intimate knowledge of all the drugs and medicinal remedies which he handled, knowing fully their properties and the results which might be attained by their use.

On the 16th of May, 1865, Mr. Harrison was united in marriage to Miss Frances Elizabeth McCallister, who was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and was a daughter of Dr. William R. McCallister, formerly a physician of Troy, Ten- nessee, now deceased. The McCallisters were of Scotch lineage. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Harrison took place at Carrollton, Kentucky, and was the first Protestant church wedding celebrated in that town. Her paternal grandfather, Dr. Charles McCallister, married Elizabeth Clark, of Baltimore. The mother of Mrs. Harrison was Frances Elizabeth Sims Reader, whose uncle was the author of the Sims Theory, while her great-uncle was the father-in-law of President Harrison. Mrs. Harrison was born in Cincinnati but was reared in Tennessee. By her marriage she became the mother of nine children: Minnie Ingaloe, who was born February 26, 1866, is now the wife of Oscar P. Judd, of Reno, Nevada, Mary Eleanor, who was born May II, 1868, is the wife of W. H. Snyder, of Davenport; Cora Sims, who was born July 21, 1870, is the wife of George H. Schaffer, of Fort Madison, Iowa; William Henry, who was born March 1, 1872, died when only two weeks old; Juliana was born April 26, 1873; Sarah Hayden was born September 3, 1875; Edward Reader was born July 14, 1879; Wilfred Hugh and Frances Elizabeth, twins, were born July 1, 1882. The former wedded Miss Mary Gibbons, of St. Paul, and the latter is the wife of Bert G. Powell. There are now five grandchildren in the family. Mr. Harrison was a man of considerable literary ability and was the author of a number of poems of more .

392

HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY

than ordinary merit. His reading covered a wide range and made him well in- formed concerning a variety of subjects. At the time of his marriage he joined the Methodist church and remained a consistent representative thereof until his death, his earnest Christian faith being the permeating influence in an hon- orable, upright life. His public spirit was manifest in his active support of many measures for the public good and Davenport gained a valuable citizen when he established his home within her borders.

HENRICH SPETH.

Henrich Speth, a retired agriculturist, has made his home in Davenport since 1893 and is the owner of the property on which he resides. His birth occurred in Holstein, Germany, on the 12th of August, 1832, his parents being Eben and Antya (Arp) Speth. The father spent his entire life in the fatherland, but the mother came to this country and died in Iowa. Their children were five in number, namely : Elsbie and Katherina, both of whom are now deceased; Claus, living in Germany; Henrich, of this review; and Lena, who has also passed away.

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 36

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