USA > Iowa > Scott County > Davenport > History of Davenport and Scott County Iowa, Volume II > Part 52
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
becoming president of the Iowa National Bank, which he aided in organizing in 1890, continuing as chief executive officer until his death. He was also a director of the German Savings Bank.
Mr. Beiderbecke's executive ability was furthermore called into play in connection with social and municipal interests. He was a director of the Maen- nerchoir and also a member of the Turners Society. In matters relative to the public welfare he gave endorsement wherever he believed that the best interests of the city might be conserved. The attitude of the business man con- cerning any public question is taken as the standard of its worth, for the pub- lic recognizes that the sound judgment and keen discernment which must con- stitute salient features in successful business life would readily discriminate be- tween the essential and nonessential in public matters. Therefore when Mr. Beiderbecke gave his support to any municipal movement his course was one which gained a large following therefor. He did not belong to any church but attended services at the Unitarian and in his life exemplified a broad humanitarian spirit.
On the 21st of April, 1860, Mr. Beiderbecke was united in marriage in Davenport to Miss Louise Piper, a daughter of August Piper, who came from Hamburg, Germany in 1856, establishing his home in this state and joining an Iowa regiment at the time of the Civil war, serving throughout the continuance of hostilities. After the war he returned to this city, where he engaged in business until his death on the 16th of December, 1889. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Beiderbecke were born eight children, but four died in infancy. The others are: Carl T .; Mrs. H. A. Steibold, who lives with her mother; Mrs. L. Fouberger ; and Bismark H. Mr. Beiderbecke was devoted to his family and erected one of the finest homes in the city. There he passed away October 20, 1901, at the age of sixty-five years.
His hope of bettering his financial condition in the new world was more than realized, for here he found good opportunities and wisely used them to work his way upward. There was no esoteric phase in his entire career. He sought success not through speculation but in the legitimate lines of trade and through judicious investment, mindful at all times of his obligations to others and conforming his course to a high standard of commercial ethics.
CARL THODE.
Carl Thode, president of the Henry Thode Company, wholesale and retail liquor dealers at 327 West Second street, is a native of Davenport, born Septem- ber 13, 1865, his parents being Henry and Augusta (Goos) Thode. The father was a German who, upon leaving the fatherland, came almost directly to Daven- port and took up his permanent residence here. He was a mechanic by trade and at first found employment in plow works. Later he engaged in the liquor business under the firm name of Langfeldt, Thode & Company and some seven years later purchased the interest of the other member of the firm. Some time previous to his death he retired from active life.
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
Carl Thode attended Davenport's excellent schools and then equipped him- self for business by a supplementary course in Duncan's Commercial College. He then became connected with his father in business, this being about twenty- seven years ago, and was in charge at the time of the latter's death. In the en- suing fourteen years he has directed the affairs of the company and has met success. Previous to the death of the manager, Mr. Brady, he had only partial charge but since that time it has been entirely vested in his hands.
Mr. Thode wedded Miss Emiele Kruse, a daughter of John and Catherine (Goesch) Kruse, their marriage being celebrated July 1, 1886. Her father was a native of Germany, who resided in Davenport for fully half a century. He was a shoemaker by trade and lived to the age of seventy-nine years, his inter- ment having taken place at Fairmont, January 2, 1902. He was survived by a family of nine children, of whom Mrs. Thode was the fifth. Mr. and Mrs. Thode have three children : Bessie, a graduate of Davenport's high school, now at home; Chauncey, who has also finished his education and is in business with his father ; and Carl, who is still attending the public schools.
Mr. Thode, who is a man of genial manner and rejoices in the possession of hosts of friends, has numerous fraternal relations. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Eagles, the Order of the Moose, the Owls, Germania, Claus Groth Gilde, the Traveling Men's Liberty Association, the Hawkeye Men's As- sociation, the I. C. M. A., the Davenport Boat Club and the Commercial Club, a list which will effectually testify to his popularity.
WILLIAM SCHMIDT.
William Schmidt is a native son of Iowa and possesses the enterprising spirit which has been the potent force in the rapid upbuilding and development of the middle west. He is now engaged in farming in Sheridan township, Scott county, where he owns one hundred and sixty acres of productive land, pleasantly situ- ated about a half mile east of Eldridge.
His birth occurred in Butler township, this county, on the 9th of March, 1860, his parents being Detlef and Catherine Schmidt, both of whom were na- tives of Holstein, Germany. The father was a blacksmith there and came to America when a young man, making his way westward to Davenport. Soon afterward he secured employment as a farm hand in this county and, carefully saving his earnings, was at length enabled to purchase land in Butler township, whereon he resided until his death, which occurred when he was forty-two years of age. His widow long survived him and died at the age of seventy-four. In their family were eight children: Anna, the wife of Adolph Paustian, of Potta- watamie county, Iowa; William, of this review; Sophia, the wife of Charles Holdorf, of Pottawattamie county, Iowa; Charles, who is living on the old home- stead farm in Butler township; Adolph, of Pottawattamie county; John, of the same county ; Nancy, a resident of Davenport; and David, whose home is in Butler township.
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
William Schmidt was a pupil in the district schools of Butler township in his boyhood days and afterward worked on the home farm up to the time of his marriage, when he removed to another farm in Butler township, which was owned by his mother. After occupying and cultivating it for ten years he re- moved to his present place of residence, first renting the land, while in 1900 he purchased the property from Clans Meier, his father-in-law. He has since erected a fine residence and made other improvements which add much to the value and attractive appearance of his place, his farm being one of the well developed prop- erties of the township. The place is neat and thrifty in appearance and indicates the careful supervision and practical methods of a progressive owner.
It was on the 15th of March, 1884, that Mr. Schmidt was united in mar- riage to Miss Anna Meier, a daughter of Claus and Catherine (Lehmkuhl) Meier, who were natives of Germany and early settlers of this county. Her father came to the United States when a young man and established his home in Scott county, Iowa, purchasing land in Lincoln township. He now lives retired in Davenport. His first wife died at the age of twenty-three years, leaving two children : Henry, now a resident of Allens Grove township; and Anna, now Mrs. William Schmidt. For his second wife, Mr. Meier married Miss Gretge Paustian, a native of Holstein, Germany, and to them were born four children, namely : Albert, who is married and lives on the homestead; Louisa, the wife of Carl Brockmann, residing near Donahue, Scott county; Adele, the wife of Julius Seemann, of Davenport; and Walter, who married Minnie Hinz and lives on a farm near Davenport. The mother of these children died February 9, 1909. Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt have two children: Olga, the wife of Ernest Boecken, of Walcott, Iowa; and Arthur, who lives on the home farm. He mar- ried Millie Wessel and they have one child, Leota.
Mr. Schmidt has spent his entire life in Scott county and has, therefore, been a witness of its growth and progress for fifty years. This half century has witnessed many notable changes for all of the evidences of pioneer life have been replaced by those of modern civilization. He has always advocated prog- ress and improvement and in as far as possible has aided in the work of general advancement. He is regarded as an enterprising farmer and his success is well merited as it has been attained entirely through his own labors.
FREDERICK ROCK.
A public-spirited man with an eye single to the general good, even at the occa- sional expense of personal interest, is a credit and a boon to any community. Such a one is Frederick Rock, a citizen of Walcott. He was born December 11, 1834, in the principality of Waldeck, Germany, his parents being Christian and Wilhel- mina (Kleinschmidt) Rock. Early in life he became imbued with the desire to come to America, whose wholesome ideas in the matter of equality had in some way reached him across the seas. He did not allow this ambition to remain a dream but came to America in 1857, landing in New York in the month of May. He made his way almost at once to Davenport and in a short time found employ-
Mr. & Mrs Frederick Rosk
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
ment with Robert S. Wilson, a Scott county farmer, with whom he remained for four years. At the end of this time he had become sufficiently well acquainted with the ways of the land of his adoption to make a more independent venture and he rented a farm in Hickory Grove township, where he lived for another four years. In 1863, as the result of excellent management, he was enabled to purchase a farm, a very desirable tract of eighty acres located on section 4, Hickory Grove township. Here he lived until 1906, when he retired and removed to Walcott to make his home.
In 1865 Mr. Rock was united in marriage to a lady of his own nationality, Miss Margaretha Carstens, daughter of Claus Carstens, a native of Holstein, Germany. Three children were born to them but only one is living, Ella, now the wife of Otto Baustian. Mr. and Mrs. Baustian reside on the old Rock homestead in Hickory Grove township.
An evidence of the esteem in which Mr. Rock is held is the fact that he has been called upon to fill several important offices. He has served as trustee of Hickory Grove township and for over twenty years was justice of the peace. In the latter capacity he made a most remarkable record, for in all the twenty years a case was never appealed to a higher court after he had made his decision, his keen insight and unimpeachable justice being readily recognized. Mr. Rock is at present an advocate of the principles of the republican party and its administration of affairs, but he was originally a member of the democratic party. In 1893 he received the nomination of the gold democrats for the legislature but retired from the race before the election. He holds the position of president and secretary of the Mutual Fire Insurance Company of German Householders and is secretary of the Walcott Mutual Fire Insurance Company. He is a stockholder in the Farmers & Mechanics Savings Bank of Davenport and also in the Farmers Savings Bank of Walcott, having at one time been vice president of the latter institution but com- pelled to resign on account of ill health in his family. In a word Mr. Rock is in all his relations worthy of respect and confidence, a man of integrity and progressive- ness.
ALBERT W. HAMANN.
Albert W. Hamann, prominent as a representative of the legal profession and also active in political circles in Davenport, has found in these two fields scope for his energy and laudable ambition-his dominant qualities. One of Iowa's native sons, his birth occurred in Audubon county, November 8, 1876. His father, C. H. Hamann, was a native of Germany and, coming to America in 1855, established his home in Davenport, where he resided until 1873. In that year he removed to Audubon county, where he turned his attention to farming. He later returned to Davenport, where he established a wagon manufactory, be- coming one of the pioneers in this field of business in the city. He retired from active life in the year 1890, and died in 1899, respected and honored by all who knew him. In early manhood he had wedded Marie Koenig, who was also a native of Germany and came to Davenport in 1856 with her father, Carl A. Koenig, one of the early settlers of this city.
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
Brought to Davenport during his early boyhood, Albert W. Hamann ac- quired his education in the public schools here, passing through consecutive grades to his graduation from the high school as a member of the class of 1893. He then entered the University of Iowa, where he won the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and with broad literary knowledge to serve as the foundation upon which to rear the superstructure of professional learning he entered the law department of the Iowa State University and was graduated in 1898. The fol- lowing year he pursued a post-graduate course in law at Columbia University of New York city and returned to Davenport.
When he entered upon practice here his equipment was unusually good. To an understanding of uncommon acuteness and vigor he added a thorough and conscientious preparatory training, while in his practice he has exemplified all the higher elements of the truly great lawyer. He became associated with Carl F. Hass, and under the firm style of Hass & Hamann the partnership has since been maintained. His diligence and energy in the preparation of his cases, as well as the earnestness, tenacity and courage with which he defends the right as he understands it, challenges the admiration of his associates. His fidelity to the interests of his clients is proverbial, yet he never forgets that he owes a higher allegiance to the majesty of the law.
From his youthful days Mr. Hamann has been actively interested in poli- tics and served for one term in the twenty-ninth general assembly of Iowa, giv- ing earnest and careful consideration to each question which came up for settle- ment. In 1902 he was a member of the code supplement committee. In 1904 he was elected county attorney and acceptably filled that position for four years. His standing among fellow members of the bar is indicated in the fact that in 1908 he was elected president of the County Attorneys Association of the state. In 1902 Mr. Hamann was united in marriage to Miss Clara Heuck, a native of Germany, who came to Davenport with her parents in her girlhood days. They are prominent socially, and Mr. Hamann is a popular member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is recognized as a young man of high character who has demonstrated his worth in his chosen profession and in citizenship, and undoubtedly has before him a bright future.
B. L. SCHMIDT.
B. L. Schmidt, president of the Schmidt Brothers Company of Davenport, is a man of considerable force of character who has risen to his present position through the exercise of his native ability, combined with hard work and strict economy. Mr. Schmidt was born in Davenport, October 22, 1869, a son of Carl F. and Sophia (Moeller) Schmidt, both natives of Germany. The father came to Davenport in 1847, and although a cabinet-maker by trade, he farmed in Blue Grass township for fourteen years after coming here. Later he removed to a suburb of Davenport, where until his death, in 1889, he raised grapes and made wine. He and his wife were married in Scott county, and they had eight chil-
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
dren, five of whom grew to maturity: L. W .; Minnie, now Mrs. 'A. F. Mart- zahn ; B. L .; Hulda, now Mrs. J. L. Kohrs; and F. L.
B. L. Schmidt was educated in the public schools of this county, and after leaving school learned the trade of a machinist with William Sternburg in Daven- port. After working at his trade for five years, he took a course in the Davenport Business College, and following this was made deputy county treasurer under Henry C. Struck. He then became associated with Voss Brothers in the manu- facture of furniture fixtures, sash, door and blinds, making a specialty of wooden soled shoes with leather tops. This connection lasted five years, when Mr. Schmidt purchased the interests of Voss Brothers, and, taking his brother F. L. into partnership, the firm became Schmidt Brothers. This was in 1897 and until 1902 they were jobbers in the above mentioned lines, but in the latter year they sold their business and bought the patent on the Little Giant ice crusher and organized the Davenport Ice Chipping Machine Company, as well as the White Lily Manufacturing Company, B. L. Schmidt being president of both until 1909, when he sold the plant of the White Lily Manufacturing Company. Af- ter this they purchased the engine department of that company, to which they added the Ice Chipping Machine Company, and changed the name of the firm to Schmidt Brothers Company. In addition to this flourishing business, Mr. Schmidt is vice president of the Davenport Slaughter & Refining Company; a director of A. F. Koch Company; a director and vice president of the De Lux Textile Company; and a director of the Union Life Insurance Company, of Chicago. He was one of the first directors of the Commercial Club and was one of the committee who raised the funds to build the club house.
In 1896 Mr. Schmidt married Johanna C. Kroeger, who was born in Daven- port, a daughter of P. A. Kroeger, who was an old resident here. They have two children : Amy Louise and George L.
While never an office seeker, Mr. Schmidt was one of those who worked to secure the present form of government in Davenport. Whenever any measure is on foot for the betterment of his beloved city he is to be found in the front ranks, giving freely of both time and money. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, a Knight Templar and Shriner. He has always worked with untiring force, and seems to enjoy it. Capable and full of plans for the future, he is very popular, and his genial manner and kind heart win him friends everywhere.
ALFRED G. GOLDSCHMIDT.
Alfred G. Goldschmidt, city electrician, belongs doubly to Davenport, by birth as well as by choice, since it was this place which witnessed his nativity March 30, 1868. His parents, Peter and Eliza (Henrechsen) Goldschmidt, were na- tives of Germany. The father early in his career followed the trade of cabinet- maker, which upon the widening of his business horizon he changed to that of furniture dealer and undertaker. He and his wife landed in New York in 1852, on the Fourth of July, which proved to be happily significant for he was to become an enthusiastic American. Ten children were born to these good
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
people, of whom Alfred G. is the ninth in order of birth. Five of these are de- ceased. Mr. Goldschmidt's paternal grandmother joined her relatives here after the death of her husband in the old country, and here lived until her demise. The father located in Davenport almost immediately and this city has ever since been the family home.
For four years Alfred G. Goldschmidt attended the old German school of Davenport and after this primary preparation he entered the public schools, at- tending Nos. 8 and 3. He was graduated in 1882 and later attended the high school for one year. He then matriculated in the University of Illinois, where he qualified in that line to which his natural talents inclined him-mechanical engineering, receiving at the end of his course the degree of Bachelor of Sci- ence. His first practical experience was gained in the employ of the Davenport Foundry Machine Company, where he served for a year as a draughtsman. Then going to Chicago, he entered the offices of the United States Electrical Company and work of this nature exerted upon him such a fascination that he has ever since associated himself with electrical concerns. He has divided his time and energies between Chicago and Davenport. For two and a half years he was in the service of the Bettendorf Company of Davenport. On August 1, 1895, he was appointed city electriction by the city council, who created the office at this time, Mr. Goldschmidt being the first incumbent. On January 1, 1901, he was succeeded by J. E. Moore. He was then frequently out of the city on general construction business for a Chicago firm, at one time having charge of the Sil- vis plant in Rock Island. In 1903 he became superintendent of the Davenport Gas & Electric and Street Railway Companies, which responsible positions he held for two years. He then resumed his former position as city electrician, which includes in its duties the inspection of all the wiring in the city. His of- fices are located on the third floor of the city building.
On June 28, 1894, Mr. Goldschmidt married Miss Anna Bremer, whose par- ents came from Germany and were among Scott county's early settlers. Their attractive home at 2222 West Fourth street receives additional interest from the presence of two children, Erma C., who is attending the public schools; and Alfred, Jr., who is four years of age.
Mr. Goldschmidt's fraternal relations extend to the Elks, the Owls and the Knights of Pythias, in all of which his membership is valued. He is a man who by sheer native brilliance has made his mark and placed himself in one of the finest positions in the bestowal of the city.
FRED HEINZ.
The name of Fred Heinz appears on the roll of Davenport's honored dead. He figured for many years as one of the eminent members of the Iowa bar and, moreover, wielded a wide influence in public thought and action. He was closely associated with many interests bearing upon municipal progress and as mayor of the city gave to Davenport an administration that was characterized by various practical reforms and improvements which constituted tangible evidence of his
FRED HEINZ
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
interest in and loyalty to the city. He was born in St. Louis, May 8, 1852, a son of Bonaventura and Margueretta (Trenkenshuh) Heinz, the former a native of Baden, Germany, and the latter of Bavaria. The father came to the United States in 1845 and took up his abode in St. Louis. Soon afterward he enlisted for service in the Mexican war and following the close of hostilities returned to St. Louis, where he remained until 1855, when he made his way up the river to Davenport on the Golden Era. From that time until he retired at an advanced age, he was wharf master and also was connected with river transportation. He was likewise active in public affairs and was influential among all classes. He came to be known as a man whose word could be implicitly relied upon and his keen insight made his judgment such as awakened public confidence. His death occurred in 1899, when he had reached the age of seventy-two years. In St. Louis he married Margueretta Trenkenshuh and their children were: Fred, of this review; Carrie, who died in 1901 as the result of an operation; Henry, who is now the publisher of the Muscatine (Iowa) Tribune; and John, who is men- tioned elsewhere in this work.
Fred Heinz was a small boy when he accompanied his parents on their re- moval to Davenport. He afterward assisted his father in discharging the duties of wharf master but developed an inclination for the study of law, and with a desire to enter the professional field, he began reading in the office and under the direction of Ernst Claussen, at one time mayor of Davenport and a prominent lawyer here. His ability was soon recognized and following his admission to the bar he was admitted to partnership by his preceptor, the firm of Claussen & Heinz being thus formed. This relation was maintained from 1875 until 1881, after which Mr. Heinz practiced alone until 1886. In that year he became asso- ciated with A. J. Hirschel, now one of the leading members of the Chicago bar. They practiced under the firm style of Heinz & Hirschel until 1890 and in July; 1891, Mr. Heinz became associted with L. M. Fisher in the firm of Heinz & Fisher, which partnership continued until the death of Mr. Heinz in 1904. They were the most prominent representatives of the profession in Davenport in the department of settling and handling estates. In other fields of practice their clientage was also extensive and Mr. Heinz with comprehensive knowledge of the law became one of the most distinguished, honored and successful members of the Davenport bar. He attained to a position of prominence because of the wise use which he made of the talents with which nature had endowed him and his careful utilization of the opportunities that offered. He was always a close and discriminating student of legal principles and in the presentation of a cause before the courts was a strong, logical advocate, never at fault in the application of a legal principle. He also became recognized as a leading factor in financial circles, becoming one of the organizers of the Farmers & Mechanics Savings Bank, of which he was elected the first president. For a number of years he was also vice president for Iowa of the National Bankers Convention and each year was selected chairman of the Iowa committee.
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