USA > Iowa > Scott County > Davenport > History of Davenport and Scott County Iowa, Volume II > Part 43
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JAMES G. MADDEN.
James G. Madden is recognized as one of the capable and enterprising business men of Scott county, now engaged in buying and selling stock in partnership with the Brownlee brothers. All his life has been devoted to farming and stock-rais- ing and he has labored diligently and earnestly to attain the success which is
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now his, making him recognized as one of the substantial residents of Winfield township.
It was in that township that his birth occurred May 18, 1858, his parents being John and Ellen (Spencer) Madden, who were early settlers here and were long numbered among the highly respected residents of the county. The father was born in Wigton, Cumberland, England, August 8, 1817, and at the age of sixteen years became apprenticed to a boot and shoemaker of Liverpool, serving for a seven years' term. It was the custom in those days for the parents to pay to have their sons instructed in a trade and such were the terms of Mr. Madden's appren- ticeship. After he had completed the term of service he began business on his own account in Liverpool, having a store near the famous Royal theater in that city. There he made a specialty of furnishing "leather wear" for actors and actresses. He made everything in the line of leather goods used by the pro- fession and in that way became acquainted with all the eminent players and sing- ers of that period-the '40s. He knew Charles Kean, Ellen Tree, Macready Cres- wick, Phelps, Anderson and Mrs. Warner among the actors, and Adelaide Kem- ble, Jenny Lind, Persiam, Grise, Mario, Rubini, Sontag, Henry Phillips, Lablache and Clara Novilio among the singers. He was acquainted with the stage man- agers of the Theater Royal and was often behind the scenes on big nights. His reminiscences of those days and of the famous players and singers were most in- teresting, for he had met many of them personally and could relate many anecdotes concerning them. Moreover, he was an excellent critic of both acting and singing. In February, 1843, John Madden wedded Miss Ellen Spencer, of Liverpool, who had almost as extended an acquaintance with the people on the stage as her husband.
In the spring of 1850 Mr. Madden carried out the plan that he had cherished for some time of coming to the United States and investing his savings in a good farm. He landed at New Orleans on the 20th of April, accompanied by his wife and children, and proceeded at once up the river, arriving at Davenport ten days later. He then purchased the farm in Winfield township, two miles west of Long Grove, which he occupied until his death. He took out his first naturalization papers immediately after his arrival here and in May, 1855, received his second papers, and on that day was elected township clerk. He had already won the high regard and esteem of his neighbors, who expressed their confidence in and regard for him by choosing him for public office. From that time forward he was almost continuously in township or county offices and for more than twenty years was a school director. In business he was an energetic, progressive man, in his relations with his fellowmen was kind and charitable and a benevolent spirit prompted him to give generous aid to the poor and needy. He was one of the founders of the Scott County Agricultural Society, which holds its fairs at Mount Joy, served as a director of the society for four years and as its secretary for three years. His first wife died in January, 1881, and in February, 1882, Mr. Madden wedded Mrs. Rebecca L. Greer. There were eleven children of the first marriage, eight of whom were living at the time of the father's death, but all have now passed away with the exception of Mrs. Greer, James G. Madden of this review and George M. The death of Mr. Madden, in September, 1884, was occasioned by an accident. He was driving home from Donahue when it was thought his horse
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became frightened, reared, turned and ran, going westward until it came to the house of Henry Madden, brother of the deceased, where it entered the yard. The family recognized the horse and, fearing an accident, started out to investigate, finding Mr. Madden lying dead at the side of the road. His demise was the oc- casion of very deep and widespread regret, for he was held in high esteem by all who knew him. He was a member of the Eastern Iowa and Central Illi- nois Bee Keepers Association and in that organization he made many friends and, in fact, won high regard wherever he went.
James G. Madden, whose name introduces this review, has spent his entire life in Winfield township and at the usual age entered the public schools, where- in he pursued his education. His school days over, he remained at home until his marriage, after which he rented the farm from his father, who, retiring from active business life, yet continued to live upon the old homestead, he and his wife occupying a part of the house. For four years after his father's death James G. Madden continued to rent the farm from the other heirs and then purchased the place, comprising two hundred and forty acres of rich and productive land. He devoted his energies to its further cultivation until the holiday season of 1909, when he removed to his present home in Long Grove, which he purchased from W. T. Brownlee. During the greater part of his life he has carried on general agricultural pursuits, but is now concentrating his energies upon the business of stock buying in partnership with the Brownlee brothers. In this undertaking he is meeting with excellent success. He is also one of the stockholders of the Stockmens Bank of Long Grove and is serving on its advisory board.
On the 15th of February, 1881, Mr. Madden was married to Miss Maria Whistler, a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Taylor) Whistler. Her father was born in the county of Norfolk, England, September 30, 1813, became a farmer of that country and was married in England in September, 1845. In December, 1854, he came with his family to the United States, landing at New York, whence he made his way direct to Scott county, where he resided continuously until his death. At that time there were two children in the family, Sarah Ann and Chris- topher. On reaching Iowa Mr. Whistler settled in Buffalo township, where he purchased eighty acres of prairie land, on which he built a house, making it his home for a number of years. He then sold out in 1865 and invested in eighty acres in Allens Grove township. Upon that farm both he and his wife spent their remaining days, Mrs. Whistler passing away June 9, 1883, at the age of fifty-three years, while Mr. Whistler died February 21, 1891. In their family were five children : Sarah Ann, deceased; Christopher S., who is living in Dona- hue ; Mrs. Jane E. Maw, of Donahue; Mrs. Madden ; and Mrs. Alice Jackson, of Nebraska. At the time of the death of Mr. Whistler one of the local papers said: "In the death of Mr. Whistler the community has lost a good neighbor and true friend, who retained his trust in God's holy word and was a faithful believer to the end." His daughter Maria was born in Buffalo township, this county, October 7, 1857, and by her marriage to Mr. Madden has become the mother of three children. The eldest, Raymond J., who was born February 12, 1882, married Anna Johnson and has a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Winfield township, whereon he resides with his wife and two sons, Ralph J. and Clyde R. Emery C. Madden, who was born December 27, 1883, married Amanda
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Elmergreen and lives upon the old home place. Nellie M., born July 21, 1894, died in infancy and was buried in the Long Grove cemetery.
' Mr. and Mrs. Madden have a wide acquaintance in Long Grove and through- out the county, and their many good traits of heart and mind have won for them the friendship and regard of all with whom they have been associated. The hospitality of the best homes is cordially extended to them and they are well worthy of mention in the history of the county where they have always lived.
CARL F. HASS.
In the quarter of a century in which Carl F. Hass has been a member of the Davenport bar his constantly expanding powers have brought him distinction and honors. He is now senior partner of the law firm of Hass & Hamann, whose cli- entage is surpassed by none in extent or in the nature of the litigated interests in- volved. Like many of Davenport's most prominent and forceful citizens, Carl F. Hass was a native of Germany, his birth having occurred in Lütjenburg, Hol- stein, on the 3d of April, 1857. He spent the first seven years of his life in that country and in 1864 came to America with his father, John F. Hass, who was born in Lütjenburg in 1823. He had there married Dorothea Buhman and ere crossing the Atlantic their family numbered a daughter and son. A number of their German neighbors accompanied them, so that there was quite a little colony that left the fatherland for the United States. John F. Hass was a shoemaker and followed his trade industriously until 1885, when he retired from active busi- ness life, spending fourteen years in the enjoyment of well earned rest, after which he was called to his final home in 1899. His widow still survives, as do the daughter and son, the former being Mrs. Caroline Stieger, of this city.
After coming to Davenport with his parents Carl F. Hass entered the public schools, graduated at a comparatively early age and began clerking in a mercan- tile establishment. He determined, however, to obtain a thorough business edu- cation and to this end attended the Montague & Lillibridge Business College. In 1874 he became a clerk in the law office of Bills & Block and utilized his leisure hours for the study of law, being admitted to the bar in 1882. He remained with the firm, however, until January 1, 1883, when he entered the office of W. J. Birchard, clerk of the district and circuit courts, as his deputy, there continuing until April 1, 1884. On that date he returned to the office in which he had for- merly been a student and clerk, there remaining until the dissolution of the firm, when he was admitted to partnership relations by Mr. Bills, the new firm of Bills & Hass maintaining a continuous existence until the death of the senior part- ner in 1897. Mr. Hass was then alone in practice two years, or until the 31st of July, 1899, when he was joined by A. W. Hamann in forming the present firm of Hass & Hamann. The trend of his mind is analytical, logical and inductive. He readily sees the relation of cause and effect, his application of legal principles is seldom, if ever, at fault and his legal opinion and statements are seldom ques- tioned seriously. His legal practice is directed more particularly to the settle- ment and management of estates.
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In 1883 Mr. Hass was married to Miss Minnie M. Wriedt, a native of Scott county and a daughter of Claus and Anna (Behrens) Wriedt. Mr. Hass belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Turners Society. He is interested in the problems of politics but not in the active work of the party to the extent of giving much time to effort for the election of its candidates. However, he is not unmindful of the gravity of many municipal problems and the weight of his influence is cast on the side of reform, improvement and continuous progres- sion. He has been characterized as "quiet, reflective, reticent; a doer rather than a talker, direct and lucid in conversation; steady, sure and safe." Such an ex- pression from those who have long known him is perhaps the best summary of his character.
BEN HARVEY SCHMIDT, M. D.
With determined and commendable purpose to reach a worthy place in the medical profession in his native city, Dr. B. H. Schmidt entered upon active practice in Davenport' in 1898, since which time his course has been marked by a steady progression that has won him an extensive clientele in the tri-cities. He was born in Davenport, June 15, 1875, and is the youngest of the six living chil- dren of Hugo and Zella (Koehler) Schmidt, who were natives of the province of Westphalia, in Germany. They came to America in their childhood days and were married in Davenport. In the maternal line the ancestry of the family is traced back to the beginning of the seventeenth century. The father figured for a number of years as one of the leading and distinguished bankers and merchants of this city. He was at different times connected as cashier with the Citizens and First National Banks, on which his personality left a deep and lasting bene- ficial impress. Later he became the owner and manager of an extensive cracker business and continued in that line until his death, which was occasioned by an accident. His children are all yet residents of this city.
Dr. Schmidt, whose name introduces this review, pursued his literary course in the public schools of Davenport, passing through the grammar grades to the high school. He early determined to become a physician and, with this end in view, when fifteen years of age entered the office of Dr. Hagebock as a student. Subsequently he matriculated in Rush Medical College at Chicago and was grad- uated therefrom with the class of 1897, after which he went to pursue post-graduate work in Vienna and Berlin. In the latter part of the year 1898 he returned to America and opened an office in Davenport. From the beginning his success was assured because he had in him those qualities which overcame all difficulties and obstacles and pressed steadily forward to the goal. Added to a thorough preparatory training he had a natural adaptability and his energy and industry were moreover numbered among his chief characteristics. Under Mayor Waldo Becker he was made city physician in 1901 and served until 1903. This entailed membership in the board of health and constituted him adviser thereto. Smallpox becoming epidemic in Davenport during his term of office, his skill as a physician and as an official received rigorous test and the result redounded
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greatly to his credit. He has always devoted his attention to the general prac- tice of medicine and surgery, having many patrons in the tri-cities, while his pro- fessional service is constantly increasing in volume and importance. Progress is the keynote of his life and through close study and earnest purpose he has made continuous advance. He is very careful in the diagnosis of his cases and in the application of remedial agencies and thus he has come to be recognized as one of the most reliable physicians of Davenport. Aside from an extensive pri- vate practice he is examining and consulting physician to the Germania Life, Pacific Mutual, Danish Brotherhood and Merchants of Burlington insurance companies and contract physician to the Mutual Manufacturers Accident Asso- ciation.
In 1899 Dr. Schmidt was married to Miss Helen Reith, a native of this city and the daughter of Henry Reith, who came from Germany in the '6os. They now have one child, Kurt, who was born March 16, 1904.
Dr. Schmidt belongs to the Knights of Pythias society and Woodmen of America, in both of which he is examining physician. He is likewise connected with the Turner Society, the German Free School, the Ethical Society, the Shoot- ing Association, the Arsenal Golf and the Schuetzen Clubs, all of which indicate the nature of his interests and his recreation. He likewise belongs to the County, State and National Medical Associations and is interested in every onward step made by the profession in the effort to secure for man a key to that complex mystery which we call life. His deep interest, his ambition and his natural in- clination are bound up in his profession, to which he is an honor and in which he has achieved distinction.
HENRY KAHLER.
Henry Kahler, who is now living retired at No. 422 Marquette street in Davenport, was in former years prominently identified with building interests as a carpenter and contractor and his labors in this connection contributed ma- terially to the growth and development of the city. His birth occurred in Hol- stein, Germany, on the 20th of June, 1834, his parents being Hans and Charlotta Kahler. The father, who was a laborer and also engaged in farming on a small scale, participated in the Schleswig-Holstein wars from 1848 to 1850. In 1855, in company with his wife and children, he embarked on a sailing vessel bound for American shores and landed at Galveston, Texas, after an ocean voyage of about eight weeks. They remained in Galveston for only two days and then boarded a cattle ship for New Orleans, whence they took passage on a boat which brought them to Davenport on the 26th of June, 1855. Hans Kahler continued to reside in this city throughout the remainder of his life, passing away on the Ist of April, 1900, when he had attained the venerable age of ninety-four years. The period of his residence here covered almost forty-five years and he became well known and highly esteemed as a substantial and representative citizen. The demise of his wife had occurred soon after their arrival in Davenport. Their children were six in number, as follows: Henry, of this review; Charles F., a
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MR. AND MRS. HENRY KAHLER
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retired agriculturist residing in Davenport; Dora, who is deceased; Mary, the wife of John Hill, of Davenport; Louisa, who has also passed away ; and August, who makes his home in Ottumwa.
Henry Kahler spent the first twenty years of his life in the land of his na- tivity, turning his attention to farm work after he had completed his education. In 1854 he crossed the Atlantic to the United States in company with friends, landing at New Orleans, Louisiana. He then made his way up the Mississippi river to Davenport, stopping for a few days at St. Louis while enroute. After arriving in this county he secured employment as a farm hand during the har- vest season but as his wages were only eleven dollars per month, he soon aban- doned the position and began learning the carpenter's trade. To that occupation he devoted his time and energies throughout his active business career and many evidences of his skill as a builder are seen in the residences of Davenport and vicinity. In 1862 he journeyed westward to California, where he remained for two years, working at his trade and also in a quartz mill. On returning to this city he enlisted for service in the Union army, joining Company C, Fourteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, in August, 1864. He did detail duty around Daven- port until the close of hostilities and was honorably discharged on the 14th of May, 1865. On once more taking up the pursuits of civil life he resumed his business as a carpenter and contractor and thus remained an active and success- ful representative of building interests until the time of his retirement.
On the 5th of May, 1866, Mr. Kahler was united in marriage to Miss Julia Beyer, who was born in Rock Island county, Illinois, on the 2d of November, 1846, and was a representative of one of the oldest families in Scott county. Her father, William Beyer, who was a native of Hildesheim, Germany, emigrated to the United States in 1845 and ten years later located on a farm in Hickory Grove township, Scott county, Iowa, where he made his home until the time of his death. In the fall of 1878 he was awakened one night by the glare and crack- ling of fire and found his barn in a mass of flames. He entered the burning build- ing in an attempt to save at least a few of his horses and on leaving the barn one of the horses stepped on him, pinning him to the ground and breaking one of his legs. He managed to escape from the barn but died after several months of suffering, passing away in 1879, when sixty-five years of age. Mrs. Henrietta Beyer, who survived her husband for many years, was called to her final rest on the 2d of May, 1907, her demise occurring in Davenport. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kahler were born ten children, the record of whom is as follows. Amelia, whose birth occurred May 26, 1867, gave her hand in marriage to Richard Calkins, of Davenport. Charles, who was born in 1868, passed away in 1894. Minnie, whose natal day was May 4, 1871, wedded Herman Bergert and has a son, Harold, who was born on the 16th of November, 1895. Henrietta, whose birth occurred in 1873, was called to her final rest in 1892. Louie, who was born April 10, 1875, is a resident of Davenport. By his marriage to Miss Margaret Malone he has four children, namely: Henrietta, LeRoy, Edna and Vesta. Henry, whose birth occurred in 1876, died in the year 1881. Clara, who first opened her eyes to the light of day on the 22d of August, 1878, is the wife of Otto Hasse, of Davenport. Paula, born February 12, 1883, wedded Charles Nutting, of Rock Island, Illinois. Ella, who was born June 9, 1885, married Otto Bath of Daven-
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port and has a daughter, Loretta. Leander, whose natal day was November 15, 1887, lives in Davenport. Mrs. Julia Kahler, the mother of these children, passed away on the 28th of February, 1909, and her demise was the occasion of deep and widespread regret.
Fraternally Mr. Kahler is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows and he still maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in August Wentz Post, G. A. R. He also belongs to the old vol- unteer fire department and is a well known member of the German Pioneers Association. He is widely and favorably known throughout the community which has been his home for more than a half century, having won the un- qualified confidence and regard of all with whom business or social relations have brought him in contact. The hope that led him to leave his native land and seek a home in America has been more than realized, for through the wise utili- zation of his opportunities he has steadily worked his way upward and has won a competence that now enables him to spend his remaining days in well earned ease, surrounded by all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.
WILLIAM M. LILLIS.
William M. Lillis, who throughout the period of his connection with business affairs of Davenport has been a representative of commercial interests, is now secretary of the Halligan Coffee Company, an enterprise of large and growing proportions which owes its success in no small degree to the business discern- ment, energy and acumen of Mr. Lillis.
William M. Lillis is one of Davenport's native sons. His father, John Lillis, was born in county Clare, Ireland, June 10, 1834, and in 1845 came to America with his father, Martin Lillis, who in that year emigrated with his family to Canada. There he remained for several years, during which period John Lillis was a pupil in the Canadian schools. In 1850 the family home was established in Scott county, Martin Lillis settling on a farm at Long Grove upon the Wapsip- inicon river. He became not only a diligent and industrious farmer but also a highly respected citizen. He was a man of strong character, who fearlessly advocated whatever he believed to be right, while in his business affairs his ac- tivity was such that he contributed to general prosperity as well as to individual success. He died in 1888.
His son, John Lillis, determined to follow merchandising and established a grocery and dry-goods store in Davenport. As the years passed he won pros- perity, carefully directing his business affairs and closely studying the needs and wishes of the public, so that he was able to anticipate and meet the wants of his patrons. He was a man of unswerving honesty, whose success was never won at the cost of another's advancement and wherever known he was esteemed and respected. In politics an ardent democrat, he was one of the small but en- thusiastic band that kept the party alive during the troublous period of the Civil war. He was in fact recognized as one of the leaders of the democracy in Daven- port and was called to several local offices, serving as city clerk for two terms
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and also as alderman. He was a devoted churchman yet was not aggressive in his religious views, according to others the right of personal opinion which he reserved for himself. He died in January, 1896. His wife, who in her maiden- hood was Bridget P. Grace, was a native of Kilkenny, Ireland, and in her girl- hood days came to the United States with her parents. Her mother died in Buf- falo, New York, while the family were en route to their destination in the middle west. Her father, James Grace, settled in Rock Island, Illinois, and his daughter Bridget was reared in the Mississippi valley. She became a devoted wife and mother and spared no effort in preparing her children for places of usefulness in society. She died in 1892. Unto Mr. and Mrs. John Lillis there were born four children, William M. being the eldest and the only son. His three sisters are: Mary, who is now the wife of Thomas F. Halligan; Genevieve, the wife of Joseph F. Volz; and Mattie, the wife of M. J. Kinnally.
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