USA > Iowa > Scott County > Davenport > History of Davenport and Scott County Iowa, Volume II > Part 49
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F. J. SESSIONS.
F. J. Sessions, who since 1904 has capably served as superintendent of the Iowa Soldiers' Orphans' Home at Davenport, was born in Fairview township, Jones county, Iowa, on the 18th of February, 1853. His parents, C. M. and Mary J. (Armstrong) Sessions, are both natives of Cortland county, New York. In the year 1851 the father took up his abode in Jones county, Iowa, and there preached the gospel as a minister of the Methodist church until 1889, his labors proving an important element in the moral development of the community in pioneer times. He now makes his home at Mount Vernon, Iowa, and, though past the eighty-second milestone on life's journey, he is still hale and hearty.
F. J. Sessions supplemented his preliminary education, obtained in the pub- lic schools, by a course of study in Cornell College at Mount Vernon, where he won the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He was then prominently identified with educational interests for a period of twenty years and has held many important offices in that connection. He began his school work as principal of the Mount Vernon schools, later was at Springville and subsequently he served as county superintendent of Linn county for four years. He was city superintendent of schools at Waterloo, Iowa, for fourteen years. He was in charge of the educa- tional exhibit at the St. Louis Exposition and in the same year was elected superintendent of the Iowa Soldiers' Orphans' Home and has since discharged the duties devolving upon him in this connection in a highly creditable and sat- isfactory manner, being well qualified for the office.
On the 26th of June, 1879, Mr. Sessions was united in marriage to Miss Clara Fisher, a native of Illinois. They became the parents of four children, as follows: Alma, who is the wife of Dr. W. O. McDowell, of Grundy Center; T. W., who is engaged in the lumber business at Canton, Illinois; Charles, who is in the employ of the Bettendorf Car Company; and Harriet, who is pursuing a library course at the Pratt Institute of Brooklyn.
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Mr. Sessions is a worthy member of the Masonic fraternity, exemplifying the teachings of the craft in his daily life. He is a gentleman of wide experi- ence and information and one whose geniality and deference for the opinions of others have gained him an extensive circle of warm friends.
BERT QUINN.
Bert Quinn, who cultivates a farm of eighty acres in Sheridan township, his place adjoining the corporation limits of Eldridge, in which village he was born May 10, 1873, is a representative of one of the oldest families of this county. His grandfather, W. I. Quinn, was one of the first settlers of Scott county, arriving in the fall of 1838, when he settled on the Wapsie in Win- field township. Iowa was then still under territorial rule and the work of prog- ress and development seemed scarcely begun. He was born in Preble county, Ohio, November 12, 1831, a son of Joseph C. and Julia Quinn, who came origin- ally from New Jersey but removed from that state to Georgia and thence to Ohio, coming from the Buckeye state to Iowa. They were of Irish descent and were farming people. When they first came to Scott county Joseph C. Quinn entered land on the Wapsie, securing one hundred and sixty acres. There were four brothers and all entered land in this vicinity, making choice of their claims because of the timber and water. Joseph C. Quinn and his wife afterward re- moved to Sheridan township, where he purchased a tract of land on which the town of Eldridge now stands, while another portion constitutes the farm upon which Bert Quinn is now living. Later he removed with his family to Hickory Grove township, where he bought a farm, and while living theron his wife died. Subsequently Joseph C. Quinn removed to Jasper county, Iowa, where his last days were spent.
W. I. Quinn, the grandfather of our subject, has spent the greater part of his life in this county, his education being acquired at Long Grove. The In- dians were still here at the time of his arrival and for years afterward there were many traces of Indian occupancy to be seen in the arrowheads and in the remnants of tepees which showed that the Indians had been former occupants of the soil. W. I. Quinn pursued his education in a log school building, which was also used for a church. His entire life was devoted to farming in Sheridan township until 1902, when he retired from business cares and removed to Long Grove. His wife died in 1908, at the age of seventy-three years. W. I. Quinn is a member of the Christian church and served as deacon for a number of years but put aside the duties of the office because of his advanced age.
Bert Quinn was reared by his grandparents and has spent his entire life in this county with the exception of a few years in college. He attended the schools of the district until he had mastered the elementary branches of learn- ing and later he became a pupil in Eureka College at Eureka, Illinois, being graduated from the business department in the class of 1891. He then re- turned home and has since engaged in farming with the exception of a year spent in California.
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On the 25th of January, 1900, Mr. Quinn was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Steffe, a daughter of George and Mary Steffe, of Lincoln township, who were early settlers here. The father was of German nativity, his birth having occurred in Freiburg, Baden, Germany, October 28, 1823, while his wife was born in Switzerland, November 6, 1834. They were married in Hickory Grove township, this county, the father having come to Scott county when a young man. He had served in the German army and was also a soldier of the Civil war, enlisting at Davenport and participating in many important military move- ments, including the celebrated march of Sherman to the sea. After the war he resumed the pursuits of civil life and always devoted his time and energies to farming in Lincoln township, where he made his home up to the time of his death on the 6th of November, 1900. For more than a year he had survived his wife, who died January 22, 1899. She had come to the United States when nine years of age with her parents, who made their way direct to Davenport, and here she lived all her life. She was married in 1859 to Mr. Steffe and be- came the mother of nine children: Mary, the wife of George Harrison; Rosie, the deceased wife of Brice Neckley; Joe, of Luverne, Minnesota; Jacob, de- ceased; Louisa, the wife of B. F. Quinn, of Cedar Rapids; Carrie, the wife of Bert Quinn; Hiram, of Sheridan township; Julia, deceased; and Sadie, the de- ceased wife of William Clapp.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Quinn has been born one son, Forest L., whose birth oc- curred November 6, 1904. Mr. Quinn is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, affiliated with the camp at Long Grove, and the Odd Fellows lodge and has held most of the offices in the former. He likewise belongs to the Christian church of Long Grove. In community affairs he takes a deep and helpful interest and yet he does not neglect his business, for he is known as a representative farmer of the community, carrying on general agricultural pur- suits and also making a specialty of the cultivation of potatoes. In this he is meeting with good success and his farm products find a ready sale on the market.
WILLIAM L. E. NICKELS.
William L. E. Nickels, now living retired in Davenport, is a representative of that class of men who have found in agricultural life the opportunities for success. Long connected with farming interests, his diligence and enterprise in managing the work of the fields brought him the prosperity that now enables him to live retired. He was born in Holstein, Germany, October 18, 1835, a son of Henry Ludwig Edward and Louisa Nickels. The father was a farmer and hotel keeper who spent his entire life in Germany. Following his demise the mother married again and came to the United States, spending her last days in this country.
William L. E. Nickels was a young man of twenty-one years when he crossed the Atlantic to 'America. Favorable reports which he heard concerning the new world led him to the determination to try his fortune on this side the Atlantic, and on the 22d of December, 1856, he landed at New York, whence
MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM L. E. NICKELS
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he made his way westward to Rock Island, Illinois, where he arrived on the Ist of January. The following day he crossed the river to Davenport but after a few days went to Moline. While there he met Claus Lahann, a friend from Germany, who asked him to go to Clinton county with him and Mr. Nickels made his home with that friend in Clinton county through the winter. It was there he met the lady whom he afterward made his wife. In the spring of 1857 he left his German friend and worked for an American at Big Rock in order that he might learn the English language and there he remained for six months, after which he returned to his German friend, remaining as his assistant until his friend's death in 1859.
It was then, on the 6th of January, 1859, that Mr. Nickels married his old friend's daughter, Miss Margaretta Lahann, who was born in Germany, January 12, 1824. He rented the farm from her widowed mother, who died in 1861. at which time by the terms of her will Mr. Nickels inherited the farm, comprising ninety acres. He made his home thereon until 1876 and during that time ex- tended the boundaries of his place by additional purchase until it comprised one hundred and sixteen acres. He made a number of improvements and continued the cultivation of the fields there until 1876, when he removed to Wheatland, Iowa, renting his farm. While living in Wheatland he served as a member of the town council and was prominent and influential in public affairs. He contin- ued his residence in Wheatland until 1901, when he came to Davenport, where he has since made his home.
In 1903 Mr. Nickels was called upon to mourn the loss of his first wife, who died on the 3d of March of that year. He has since wedded Caroline Morthoss, a daughter of Claus and Magdalena Morthoss, both of whom died in Germany: Mrs. Nickels had been previously married, her first husband being Hans Ein- feldt, who died December 17, 1894. There have been no exciting chapters in the life history of William L. E. Nickels, who in his life has exemplified many of the sterling traits of his German ancestry. He has been diligent and persistent in business and as the years went by his labors brought him the success which at- ways comes from honorable and well directed effort. Now at the age of seventy- four years he is living retired and his rest is well merited, following years of active life.
MERTON E. BOWLING.
Merton E. Bowling, the general manager of the M. V. Boies Company, is one of the business men of Davenport who has rapidly risen, through his own efforts to the responsible position he now holds. A native son of this city, he was born March 11, 1872, his parents being George D. and Almeda (Bennett) Bowling. The former was also born in Davenport, a descendant of one of the early pioneer families, and is still living, although he has given up active par- ticipation in the world of affairs and business.
Merton E. Bowling grew to manhood in Davenport, attending the public schools here, and after he had completed the prescribed course enrolled as a
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
student at a college. For a number of years after the completion of his education he worked at various pursuits, finally turning his attention to the undertaking business, and about twenty years ago he entered the employ of the M. V. Boies Company. This concern was established in 1857 by M. V. Boies, under whose name it has continued to do business ever since. When Mr. Bowling first became connected with it he held the position of assistant, but as the years went on and he gave proof of his ability he was rapidly promoted until he now is general manager of the firm. In the meantime, however, he fitted himself for the work, for he took a course in the Western College of Embalming, from which he was graduated October 26, 1898, so that he is fully competent to assume charge of every phase of the business that is given to the company.
Mr. Bowling married Miss Mary Snyder, of Dixon, Iowa, and their union has been blessed with three sons-Ralph, Elmer and Raymond. The eldest is attending the high school, while the second is a pupil in the school of district No. 8, and the youngest has not yet entered upon his period of education.
Mr. Bowling enjoys wide fraternal relations, for he is a member of the local lodge of Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Elks, and the Modern Brotherhood of 'A'merica. He also belongs to the Turners Society of Davenport. In all of these organizations he is well known as a man of ability, of the highest principles and one endowed with many social graces as well as with those which make for success in the world of affairs. His rapid rise in the esteem of his business associates has not been without its substantial financial advancements.
HUGO MOELLER.
Hugo Moeller, city clerk of Davenport and one of the rising young men of this city, demonstrates in his political career that there are certain men who are bound to rise above their fellows through energy and mastery of detail. He was born in this city, January 10, 1880, a son of John F. and Mary (Har- der) Moeller. The father came to Davenport in 1863 from Germany, his native land, and after being engaged in several lines commenced manufacturing paper and cigar boxes. His wife came to Davenport with her father in the early '50s, having been born in Germany. Six children were born to them: Minnie, now Mrs. Wehling; Henry; Tillie, now Mrs. Stockwell; Hugo; Hannah, the deceased wife of Walter Hass, and Walter, also deceased.
Hugo Moeller was educated in the public schools, graduating from the high school in 1897. After being engaged in various kinds of work, he took a com- mercial course in Brown's Business College. For three years thereafter he was an agent of the Corn Products Refining Company, and worked hard to serve his house. A strong democrat, Mr. Moeller has always given his party a considerable portion of his time and was rewarded by election to the office of city clerk in 1906 and has been continuously reelected. He is an excellent official, obliging, courteous and hard-working, and the people of the city feel that no hetter man could be found to fill the responsible office.
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In 1905 Mr. Moeller was married to Emelia Wulf, a daughter of Herman Wulf. Mr. Moeller belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the O. O. O., and is very popular in them all
Still in the very prime of his young manhood, with years of usefulness stretch- ing out before him, the idol of his party locally, brilliant things are prophesied of this representative son of Davenport.
R. H. HARNED.
A man of well balanced capacities and powers, his strong character and capabilities inspiring confidence in others, the story of the life of R. H. Harned is one of orderly progression. He is preeminently a man of business sense, easily avoiding the mistakes and disasters which come to those who, though possessing remarkable faculties in some respects, are liable to erratic move- ments that result in unwarranted risks and failure. His course has been one which has stood the test of time and of public approval and as senior partner of the firm of Harned & Von Maur he stands as one of the most prominent repre- sentatives of commercial interests in Davenport. He was born at Shickshinny, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, October 30, 1864, a son of Clark and Isabella T. (Metcalf) Harned, the former a native of Shickshinny and the latter of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. After attending the public schools, in which he mastered the fundamental principles of education, R. H. Harned continued his studies in the Wyoming Seminary and Commercial College and made his initial step in the business world by entering the employ of Fowler, Dick & Walker, dry-goods merchants of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, under whose direction he became acquainted with the dry-goods trade. He remained with that firm until 1887, when he entered into partnership with C. J. Von Maur and E. C. Pursel under the firm style of Harned, Pursel & Von Maur, coming to Daven- port in that year on the 2d of April. They located at the southwest corner of Second and Brady streets and prospered from the beginning, enjoying a con- stantly increasing trade. In 1889, upon the death of Mr. Pursel, the style of the firm became Harned & Von Maur, which has since been continued. The original store was modest in its beginning but the energy, ability and character of the young men told and the enterprise developed along substantial lines, the growth of the business at last necessitating the erection of a new building for its accommodation. In 1898 the business was incorporated under the firm style of Harned & Von Maur. They remained in the original location until 1899, when a lot was purchased at the southeast corner of Harrison and Second streets and their present magnificent building was erected there. They have today one of the finest, best arranged and most modernly equipped stores in the state. The building has a frontage of eighty-six feet, is one hundred and fifty feet deep and has three stories with basement. It is equipped with a power and electric plant and the fittings of the store are most modern and attractive, including a pneumatic cash system and every convenience and facility for the
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conduct of a first-class department store. In 1906 it was necessary to lease a building to serve as an annex in which to store the reserve stock in order that their third floor might be utilized for retail purposes. Something of the growth of the business is indicated in the fact that when it was established, on the 2d of April, 1887, they occupied a small store twenty by seventy-five feet. At the end of six months it was necessary to double their space and similar additions were made during the succeeding eighteen months. In 1892 an addition was made to, the block, doubling the space which they then occupied and after seven years they removed to their present quarters. Thus from a modest begin- ning in a little corner shop this establishment has grown with the passing years, its magnificent success being due to the tireless energy, undaunted enter- prise and reliable business methods of the partners, who enjoy the public con- fidence in an unusual degree. The simile of the acorn and the oak is especially applicable to this business, the tree weathering all financial storms, activity and commercial integrity constituting its roots, which have spread out and taken firm hold in the soil of public confidence and public opinion.
In 1899 Mr. Harned was married to Miss Mary Reeder, a native of Bor- dentown, New Jersey. They have two daughters, Eleanor M. and Louise I. The family residence is a splendid home on Mississippi avenue, attractive by reason of its hospitality as well as its tasteful furnishings. Mr. Harned is a member of the Golf and Outing Clubs and also the Commercial Club of Daven- port. He is also greatly interested in church and philanthropic work and is now serving as a trustee and ruling elder in the First Presbyterian church, in which he has long held membership. He is also connected with the Young Men's Christian Association and is a cooperant factor in various lines of ac- tivity expressive of the recognition of the brotherhood of man and the Father- hood of God. He stands today in his mature years a strong man, strong in his honor and his good name, strong in his ability to plan and perform. Well balanced mentally and physically, he has never feared to venture where favor- ing opportunitity has presented, and his judgment and even-paced energy have carried him forward to the goal of success.
ALEXANDER W. BROWNLIE.
Alexander W. Brownlie needs no introduction to the readers of this volume, for he has made his home within the borders of Scott county for more than three score years and ten, having been brought here by his parents when in the second year of his age. He was successfully engaged in farming and stock- raising throughout his active business career but is living largely retired at the present time, enjoying the fruits of his former toil in well earned ease. His birth occurred in Canada on the 22d of May, 1837, his parents being James and Ritchie (Walker) Brownlie, both of whom were natives of Scotland. The father was born on the 26th of November, 1807, and the mother's birth occurred in the year 1810. They were married in Canada and remained residents of that country until 1838, when the family home was established in Scott county, Iowa, the
A. W. BROWNLIE
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father coming here a few months prior to the arrival of his wife and three chil- dren. James Brownlie took up a timber claim at Long Grove, which place at that time boasted only one shanty. He constructed a sod house or dugout and after residing therein for a year built what was considered a commodious log house in those days. In 1851 the primitive structure was replaced by another resi- dence, which is still standing. James Brownlie accumulated about four hundred acres of land and devoted his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business career, bringing his fields under a high state of cultivation and improvement. He held various positions of public trust and responsibility and was one of the six men (all Brownlie by name) who organized the Christian church at Long Grove, in 1839. Preaching services were con- ducted in his home from 1839 until 1846, when a log church was erected, and he served as an elder until his demise. This church is the oldest in Scott county. Mr. Brownlie was called to his final rest in 1893 and the community thus lost one of its worthy pioneer settlers whose labors had proved an important element in the work of early development and upbuilding. His wife passed away in 1889. Their children were six in number, as follows: Jane, who is deceased, as is also her husband, James Neil; Mrs. Isabelle McCosh, who has likewise passed away; Alexander W., of this review; Catherine, the deceased wife of John Fluke, of Grinnell, Iowa; Andrew, who has also been called to his final rest; and Robert, who is a resident of Long Grove.
Alexander W. Brownlie began his education under the preceptorship of his parents, as there were still no schools in the pioneer community. When he was about ten years of age a little "temple of learning" was established at Long Grove with Phillip Van Patten as instructor, and there he pursued his studies for a time. He remained under the parental roof until he was married and then purchased and located upon a tract of one hundred and sixty acres near Long Grove. Part of the land was broken and after the remainder had been made ready for farming purposes he erected a dwelling and there carried on his agri- cultural interests for about twelve years. On the expiration of that period he still engaged in the live stock business to some extent but is living largely re- took up his abode on another farm of one hundred and thirty acres a little nearer Long Grove and, disposing of his original property soon afterward, was actively engaged in its operation for a great many years. In 1876 he became interested in the live stock business in association with his brother Robert and they carried on their operations in this connection for about a third of a century, making a specialty of shorthorn cattle, Poland China hogs and Percheron horses. He is still engaged in the live-stock business to some extent but is living largely re- tired at the present time, making his home at No. 501 Kirkwood avenue in Davenport. He is one of the stockholders in the Stockmen's Bank at Long Grove, which he assisted in organizing in May, 1907.
On the 22d of January, 1862, Mr. Brownlie was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Thompson, who was born in England on the 22d of January, 1841, and who in 1844 was brought to Scott county by her parents, the Hon. Hugh M. and Jane Thompson. Her father represented this district in the state legis- lature for a great many years and was also the president and manager of the Iowa Agricultural College. Mr. and Mrs. Brownlie became the parents of four children. Sarah, the eldest, wedded M. H. Calderwood, of Davenport, and
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is now the mother of seven children, namely : Ethel; Blanche; Errett and Almeta, twins; Helen; Dwight; and Ruth. William, the cashier of the Citizens First Bank of Davenport, wedded Miss Mary E. Fleming, by whom he has one child, Aline. Annie, who gave her hand in marriage to John Neil, of Cherokee, Iowa, now has four children: Iola, Jennie, Laverne and Bernice. Andrew Brownlie is deceased. Mrs. Elizabeth Brownlie, the wife and mother, was called to her final rest in the year 1874.
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