USA > Iowa > Scott County > Davenport > History of Davenport and Scott County Iowa, Volume II > Part 48
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Mr. Dow does not take an active part in politics, nor does he have ambition for office. He is a busy man, the interests of the grain trade making heavy de- mands upon his time and energies and yet he is not unmindful nor neglectful of the duties of citizenship and stands as a stalwart champion in support of many projects and movements which are promulgated for the city's betterment.
FRANK T. LOGAN.
Frank T. Logan, one of the farmers of Buffalo township, whose success in his field of labor is advancing the sum total prosperity of his locality, was born in Fulton county, Pennsylvania, in 1860. He is a son of Charles T. and Melinda (Pott) Logan, both natives of the Keystone state, the father having been born in Fulton county in 1830; the mother in 1833. In 1866 Charles T. Logan de- cided to come to Iowa, having been influenced by the report of the fortunes made from cultivating its fertile soil, and after his arrival here purchased the farm in Buffalo township on which his son Frank T. is living today and which remained his home until his death in 1873. He and his wife were the parents of six chil- dren, three sons and three daughters, namely: John P., who is in Oregon; Wil- liam E., who is in Alaska; Frank T., the subject of this sketch; 'Anna M., the wife of E. T. Langwith, of Davenport; Ollie, who married Julius Thoene, of Bonesteel, South Dakota; and Emma C., who is living in Cedar Falls, Iowa, with her mother.
Frank T. Logan was about thirteen years of age when his father died, and, having received a rough education in public schools of the district, decided that he would seek his fortune in the west. In 1879 he enlisted in the Fifth United States Cavalry, at Fort D. A. Russell, Wyoming, and, having served through five years with credit and honor, was discharged in 1884 with the rank of ser- geant. He then returned to his home in Buffalo township, this county, and after his marriage rented of his mother the farm on which he had been reared in part and which is now his home. It was not until 1902, however, that it be- came his possession through purchase. He has increased the cultivation of the soil by using most advanced methods in accordance with the progress of the times, and has since won a gratifying return for his investment of time, thought and labor. Although his life has been passed quietly and unostentatiously, his success has not passed without recognition by his fellow citizens, who, having witnessed the strong qualities of his character, elected him to positions of trust and responsibility. He enjoys their confidence and appreciation, which he re-
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gards as of even more value than the substantial success he has won from the prosecution of his labors as a farmer.
When he returned to Buffalo township after his experience in the regular army, Mr. Logan was married in 1885 to Miss Cora E. Rowan, a daughter of C. G. Rowan. They have three children : Charles F., Warden E. and Ruel G., all of whom are at home. The family are members of the Methodist church. Mr. Logan has always given unqualified support to the republican party and on that ticket was elected to the position of assessor of his township, in which capa- city he served for eight years. From 1901 to 1907 he was a member of the county board of supervisors. He has also been deeply interested in the schools and for the past twenty-five years has been treasurer of the independent school district, No. 6. He belongs to lodge No. 298, B. P. O. E., of Davenport, and is now past chancellor of Banner Lodge, No. 16, K. P. Among his fraternal brethren, as among the citizens of his township, Mr. Logan is held in the high- est esteem.
L. J. PORSTMANN, M. D.
A man of high standing in his profession is Dr. L. J. Porstmann, who for the past few years has made his home in Davenport. He was born April 13, 1865, in Atkinson, Henry county, Illinois, his parents being John and Augusta (Stroner) Porstmann. The father was a mechanic by trade and a well known citizen and land owner, who possessed a farm of one hundred acres, which was regarded as one of the finest agricultural properties in the locality. Upon his retirement he removed to Buffalo, Iowa, and lived there until his death, which occurred about seventeen years ago. He was a man of excellent educa- tion and most successful in all his relations. His parents were German and never left their native land. The maternal grandfather, John Stroner, made his home in Kansas and after a life of usefulness passed on to his reward at the age of ninety-three.
Dr. Porstmann when a lad attended school in Moline, Illinois, and upon re- moving to Scott county, at the age of fourteen, resumed his education in the schools of Buffalo, in due time graduating from the high school. Following this he remained upon the farm until his twentieth year and then for the next five years held positions of various kinds in and about Scott county. At the age of twenty-five the idea of joining the regular army took root in his mind and he enlisted in the Seventeenth Regular Infantry, where he served for eighteen months and then purchased his discharge.
At this juncture Dr. Porstmann made a fortunate step in his decision to prepare for the profession for which he is so well suited and in the practice of which he has found undeniable success. He attended first the Illinois Medical College at Chicago, then removed to St. Louis for the purpose of attending the Barnes University, from which he graduated in 1898 with a record for scholar- ship of a high order. His first experience as a practitioner was obtained in his old home-Buffalo, Iowa,-where he remained until 1905. His ability emi-
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nently fitting him for a larger field of endeavor and he came to Davenport where he gained speedy recognition both among laymen and his professional brethren.
Dr. Porstmann was married June 17, 1903, to Miss Mary A. Springmeier, a daughter of Henry and Catherine (Heckle) Springmeier, and they have two children : Louise Mary and Albert L. The family residence is situated at 2110 Bowditch street. Only through integrity and the display of actual ability could a footing such as Dr. Porstmann's have been established in so short a time.
OSCAR C. WOODS.
Oscar C. Woods is the founder and the head of a wholesale fruit and produce establishment in Davenport conducted under the name of The Martin Woods Company. He possesses a. talent for leading and this coupled with his sound judgment and business ability is the secret of his success. He was born on a farm near the village of Passumpsic, Vermont, October 26, 1835, a son of Riley and Lydia (White) Woods, he being the youngest in a family of twelve children. The father was a son of John Woods, who served in the Revolutionary war.
Oscar C. Woods was reared in New England, beginning his education in the common schools of Vermont, while later he pursued a course in St. Johnsbury College. When he attained his majority he came to the west, for he believed he would enjoy better business advantages here than he could in the east. He has one brother and one sister who also came west but the other members of the family all remained in New England. Upon arriving in the city of Chicago, Mr. Woods spent some time there, whence he made his way to Lamoille, Illinois, and later his brother John joined him and they there opened a dry-goods store, which they conducted for several years. Eventually, owing to the ill health of our subject, they sold their stock of goods and after recovering his health Mr. Woods again engaged in business, buying his stock of goods in New York, for, although they had previously purchased stock in Chicago, it was about this time that the great fire raged in that metropolis and he was compelled to send to the east for his merchandise. Again after a few years the brothers sold out and John Woods engaged in the banking business, while Mr. Woods of this review engaged in the stock business, buying horses for the eastern market. It was about 1873 that he removed farther west, locating in Davenport, where he continued to buy stock. Later he bought a half section of land near Waterloo, Iowa, and spent about a year and a half on the place. In 1883 he returned to Dav- enport and with others purchased the wholesale fruit business, to which he has since devoted his attention. Mr. Woods organized the firm which is now con- ducting business under the name of The Martin Woods Company and was in- corporated in the spring of 1890. This is one of the important and well known enterprises of the kind in Davenport and much of its success is due to the able management and executive ability of the president, Mr. Woods. He has made a number of changes in his business connection since coming to the west but each change has proved a profitable one and he has now reached the goal of success.
O. C. WOODS
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Mr. Woods was married in May, 1864, to Miss Cleora Holbrook, of Lamoille, Illinois. They had one child, who died young and now have an adopted daughter, Ruby, who is the wife of Harry L. Shontz, by whom she has two children, Harry W. and Mary Elizabeth. Mrs. Woods, an estimable lady, passed away in 1904 and her remains were interred in the cemetery at Lamoille, Illinois.
Mr. Woods is entitled to membership in the Sons of the Revolution from the fact that his grandfather served in the Revolutionary war. In business he has never been content to remain with the middle rank but has striven to reach the top round of the ladder and today he holds a high position in the business circles of Davenport, while his social qualities have won for him many friends.
F. C. SKINNER, M. D.
Dr. F. C. Skinner, although one of the younger representatives of the medi- cal profession, is demonstrating his ability to handle complex problems in his line and has built up a good general practice in and around Le Claire. He was born in Rock Island, Illinois, May 30, 1873, a son of Almond and Augusta (Wig- gin) Skinner. He is a representative of a good old New England family and has in his possession two old land grants given to the Lees on his mother's side, during the reign of King George III, one dated July 1, 1761, and the other No- vember 8, 1764. The Doctor is a lineal descendant of Captain Mason of Revo- lutionary fame and has the dagger and powder horn carried by that gentleman during the war for independence.
The Doctor's father was born near Buffalo, New York, and was a painter by trade. At one time he had charge of the paint department for the Rock Island plow factory and painted the first engine that was run west by the Union Pacific Railroad Company. This engine was named Big Chief and the picture which Mr. Skinner painted on the tender of the locomotive was of an Indian chief standing on Council Bluffs. Mr. Skinner made his home in Rock Island for many years and owned the land that is now occupied by Kahlke Brothers as a boatyard. The father died when our subject was but two and a half years old and there were three other children in the family but all are now deceased except our subject. After the father's death, the mother, who was a native of Niles, New Hampshire, removed with her family to Rochester, Minnesota, and eventu- ally was married to Louis Hiddle, a druggist of Mackinaw, Illinois, where they still make their home. There is one daughter of this marriage, Maud, now the wife of John Heuring, a resident of Peoria, Illinois.
Dr. Skinner was very young when he was taken by his mother to Rochester, Minnesota, and at the usual age he entered the public schools of that city and before completing his education it was necessary for him to go to work to pro- vide for his own support and he then attended night school, being employed during the day. In this way, he saved enough money to pursue a college course in Davenport, while later he pursued a classical course at Eureka College, in Eureka, Illinois. In the meantime the medical profession appealed very strongly
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to him and he entered the Iowa State Medical College, graduating from that in- stitution on the 28th of March, 1898.
Dr. Skinner spent some time as an' employe in a hospital at Iowa City, Iowa, and then opened an office at Port Byron, Illinois. He then came to Le Claire, where he has since been engaged in general practice. Of studious nature, he is ever seeking to advance his knowledge of medicine through reading and investi- gation and all acknowledge his worth as a practitioner and as a man. For the past nine years he has served as health officer and in this connection is work- ing toward more sanitary conditions.
Dr. Skinner has been married twice. He was first married in 1900 to Miss Grace Jensen, a daughter of Charles Jensen, of Rock Island, Illinois. Her death occurred October 5, 1902, her remains being interred in the Rock Island cemetery. For his second wife the Doctor chose Vergie L. Williams, their mar- riage being celebrated on the IIth of May, 1904. She is a daugther of George and Eva Williams, the former born near Norwich, New York, October 12, 1848, and the latter at McGraw, that state, November 30, 1851. The family settled in Le Claire about 1871, and the father was a fireman on steamboats which plied the Mississippi river, following that business for many years. He is also a char- ter member of the Knights of Pythias lodge of Le Claire and is an influential and highly respected citizen of this community.
Dr. Skinner belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the American Patriots. He early displayed the elemental strength of his character, when, realizing the necessity for a good education suited to the demands of the times that he might start out in life well equipped for strenuous service, he devoted his evening hours to study, and this has proved one of his strongest characteristics through life, for he still devotes his leisure hours to study. While all recognize his ability and worth of character and are ever ready to pay deference to his excellent qualities, in nature he is modest and retiring and in his expressions concerning brother practitioners is friendly and indulgent.
W. O. CALVERT.
Among the many citizens of Davenport's prosperous and growing adjoining town of Bettendorf whose conscientious work is telling for the advancement of the quality of its manhood is W. O. Calvert, who is assistant secretary of the Bettendorf 'A'xle Company. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky, July 2, 1871, a son of Charles E. and Lena (Orendorf) Calvert, both natives of the same state. He attended the common schools of New Albany, Indiana, in which he obtained the usual graded school education. Removing to Chicago, he secured a clerical position with A. Booth & Company, of that city. He held the position of cashier with them for a number of years and then, in 1901, came to Davenport in be- half of his employers.
In 1904 Mr. Calvert obtained a position as cashier with Cudahy Company in Davenport, later becoming identified with the Bettendorf Axle Company
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as assistant secretary, and with the Bettendorf Improvement Company as secre- tary and treasurer. He also became a director in the Bettendorf Savings Bank, so he is connected with some of the more important financial concerns of that city. Having held many positions of responsibility during the years of his life, in every case Mr. Calvert has won the esteem of his employers and his business associates, for he is a man of sterling integrity, of tact and purpose. Mr. Cal- vert in addition to private interests, was recently elected mayor of Bettendorf and is now serving the people of his town in that capacity.
It was in June, 1905, that Mr. Calvert was united in marriage to Miss Maude Atwill, who with her mother, Mrs. Alice Dutton Atwill, has made her home in Davenport and Bettendorf. Since locating in Bettendorf Mr. Calvert has taken a vital interest in the welfare of the city and through his connection with its leading industry and participation in its financial and civic affairs exerts his influence in behalf of the improvement of conditions.
JULIUS C. HASLER.
Julius C. Hasler, cashier of the Farmers & Mechanics Savings Bank, is a man who has long been known to the citizens of Davenport, and as the years have passed they have accorded to him increased respect and esteem. He was born in Hannibal, Missouri, July 29, 1860. His father, Henry Hasler, was a native of Zurich, Switzerland, and in 1858, at the age of thirty-eight years came to Davenport, later going to Hannibal, where he remained only a few months. Upon his return to this city he engaged in the grocery business in the west end, being very successful in that occupation and winning respect in the community. He retired in 1883 and twenty years later passed away at the advanced age of eighty-three. His wife lived until 1905, when she also died at the age of seventy-nine years.
Julius Hasler attended the public schools, in which he obtained a good edu- cation, and he received his practical training in his father's store. In 1885 he became general delivery clerk in the postoffice under Postmaster De Armond but remained there only fifteen months. Then he became teller in the Scott County Savings Bank, holding that position for a number of years, fulfilling his duties and discharging his responsibilities with honor and credit. He next occupied the same position in the Davenport National Bank, which he left to become cashier of the Farmers & Mechanics Savings Bank, an office he holds at present. He is a man who is careful, accurate and conscientious, and one in whom his associates place the utmost confidence.
In March, 1886, Mr. Hasler was united in marriage to Miss Josephine G. Nahlen, of Chicago. Fraternally he is connected with the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks, the Turners, the Schuetzen and other organizations of a social or benevolent character. He also is a member of the Outing Club and of the Commercial Club, in this way giving expression to the public spirit which is one of his dominant characteristics. As a man of sterling integrity he holds the position of treasurer of the Guarantee Mutual Insurance Company of this
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city and fulfills duties of a similar nature in the Davenport Baseball Club. Hav- ing spent all of his life in this city, he is well known in banking and commercial circles, where his name is always spoken with respect and honor. He is popu- lar for he is endowed with those qualities that attract men to him and in every way is a worthy son of a noble father.
ERNST D. SCHROEDER.
Ernst D. Schroeder, who resides at 1103 West Fourteenth street, Davenport, began his life in this country very modestly, but through industry and frugality, guided by a laudable ambition, he achieved a marked success and is now the owner of two hundred and three acres of fine farm land in Davenport township.
He was born in Germany, September 22, 1839, his parents being John and Mary Schroeder, who spent their entire lives in the old country. In the land of his birth Ernst D. Schroeder was reared and in the schools there received a good education. When he put aside his text-books he engaged in agriculture, pursuing that calling until 1865, when he decided to come to the United States. He disembarked at New York but came almost immediately to Davenport, se- curing work in this city as a laborer. During the next ten years he toiled and saved, at the end of that period feeling that he was justified in renting a small farm in Black Hawk township. Later he bought ten acres in Davenport township, on which he made his home for the next eighteen years, and when he sold that place purchased the tract of two hundred and three acres which he owns at present. He had resided upon it only five years, however, when he decided to retire from ac- tive life. He had been a careful and thorough farmer, a man who knew how to obtain the best results from his labors.
In the fall of 1865 Mr. Schroeder was married to Miss Dora Steiger, a daugh- ter of Carl Steiger, who never left his home in Germany. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Schroeder have been born two children. Ida became the wife of Gust Band- holtz, of O'Brien county, Iowa, and they have two children, Charles and Lillian. Clara became the wife of John D. Hammann and is the mother of one son, Wal- ter. She makes her home with her father. Mrs. Schroeder departed this life March 24, 1907, at the age of sixty-five years and six months, mourned deeply by the members of her family and the circle of friends who knew her intimately. Mr. Schroeder has now rented his large farm and lives in the enjoyment of a generous income and the consciousness of years well spent.
BERNARD M. McMAHON.
Bernard M. McMahon, street commissioner of Davenport, belongs doubly to the city by birth as well as by choice. He was born here, July 17, 1861, his par- ents being James and Mary (Keating) McMahon, and is of Irish extraction on both sides of his house. His father, who was a native of County Clare, Ire-
ERNST D. SCHROEDER
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land, had already received his education when he decided to try his fortune in the land to which so many of his countrymen had come. Upon arriving in America he did not tarry long on the eastern coast, but became one of Daven- port's earliest settlers. He was an active, dauntless man, or as his son is fond of designating him, a "hustler," who tinctured every situation with flashes of keen wit and an abundance of good humor. He reared a large family of chil- dren, his home being situated at No. 418 Division street, where the subject of the sketch still resides. His death occurred in 1902.
Bernard M. McMahon was prepared for life in St. Anthony's School, from which in due time he was graduated. He crossed the threshold of his business career as an assistant to his father in the contracting business and since then no other occupation has appealed to him sufficiently to cause him to deviate from the path entered by him at that time. Like his father he has been very success- ful in his special line of endeavor. It was his distinction to lay the first brick pavement in the state of Iowa, this being in Clinton about twenty-two years ago, and the never varying excellence of his work and honesty of his dealings has given him an enviable reputation throughout Davenport. Three years ago the city council appointed Mr. McMahon to his present office as street commis- sioner, and since taking charge he has made several changes advantageous to the city in the management of its affairs. He is recognized to be a man who has the best interests of the public at heart and the esteem of all those who know either him or his work follows as a matter of course. He is a devoted member of St. Mary's Catholic church, and his fraternal relations extend to the Knights of Columbus and the Stone Masons Union.
J. E. BURMEISTER.
J. E. Burmeister, whose position as a financier and reputation for sound and reliable methods, have made him well known throughout this part of the state, was born in Davenport, January 17, 1877, a son of Ernst and Mary (Faster) Burmeister, natives of Germany. The father was born in 1846 and came to Davenport in 1870, here meeting and marrying his wife. They had two sons : John F. and J. E. For many years Ernst Burmeister operated a large meat market. He died March 29, 1882.
The Davenport public schools furnished J. E. Burmeister with a good educa- tion, and he added to it by a course at the Davenport Business College. When but a lad he commenced earning his own living as a messenger boy, and then worked up to bookkeeper. By this time he had proven his worth and was em- ployed by the Iowa National Bank as messenger boy. From that time on his rise was rapid through the successive grades of promotion. In 1902 he was made assistant cashier; in January, 1903, he was made cashier ; and in Decem- ber, 1907, became vice president. In addition to his connection with the bank, Mr. Burmeister has many other interests in the city, being secretary of Voss Brothers Manufacturing Company and secretary and treasurer of the Davenport Locomotive Works, as well as many others.
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In 1902 he married Emma Behrens, who was born in Davenport, a daughter of P. M. Behrens, an old resident of the city and a native of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Burmeister have two children: Richard and Bernice.
During the Spanish-American war Mr. Burmeister served in the Fiftieth Iowa Infantry as quartermaster sergeant of Company B. Prior to this he was a member of the Iowa National Guards and was prominent in such work. He is a Mason and an Elk and also belongs to the Travelers Association and the Commercial Club. Although a young man in years, he has accomplished much, demonstrating what can be done through sheer effort and untiring industry. He is a strong man, holding firmly to his own views, and influencing others to his way of thinking. Enthusiastically carrying out his plans when once he has entered into anything, he is an important factor in the life of Davenport and has become very popular with all with whom he is associated in either a business or social way.
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