USA > Iowa > Scott County > Davenport > History of Davenport and Scott County Iowa, Volume II > Part 53
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It was not alone his business and professional interests, however, that entitled Fred Heinz to classification with the leading citizens of Davenport. His public service was of a most important character, characterized by the utmost devotion to the general good and by tangible efforts in behalf of the city at large. In
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his earlier years he was accounted one of the leaders of the democratic party in Iowa and for twenty years was chairman of the county and city democratic com- mittees. At length, on account of the attitude of his party toward the money question, he became allied with the gold wing of the democracy and ultimately affiliated with the republican party. On the democratic ticket he was elected to the offices of county and city attorney for several terms and in that position carefully conserved the legal interests of the people at large. In 1884 he was elected district judge but in the contest was counted out. In 1900 he was elected mayor of the city upon the republican ticket and entered upon the duties of the office for a two years' term. His administration was marked by the inau- guration of many public movements for the interests and welfare of the city. He introduced and championed the movement which resulted in the city council passing an act dispensing with the poll tax. He also inaugurated the present sinking fund. It was likewise during his term that the Carnegie library fund was secured and an important move was made in the elevation of the Rock Island tracks in the city and the erection of a new depot. While serving as chief ex- ecutive he was instrumental in securing a city ambulance and many other evi- dences could be given of the fact that he was a practical idealist, working ever along progressive lines but as wisely utilizing the practical means at hand for the accomplishment of his purpose.
On the 21st of September, 1878, Mr. Heinz was married to Miss Hermina Steffen, a daughter of Claus and Margueretta Steffen. Her father came from the north of Germany in pioneer times and engaged in the cooperage business in Davenport. At his death Mr. Heinz left a family of four daughters: Alice M., Flora F., Zella F. and Norma. He was always a home man, finding his greatest happiness at his own fireside, yet he had appreciation for social inter- ests as represented in different organizations. He belonged to the Davenport Turner Society, the Veteran Volunteer Firemen's Association and to the Knights of Pythias. He was likewise a member of the Iowa Legion of Honor. Progress and patriotism might well be termed the keynote of his character, for in all things, whether of a public or business nature, he made substantial advancement and in his relations to the city was actuated by a most earnest desire for the pub- lic good. Honored and respected by all, no man occupied a more enviable posi- tion in the regard of his fellow townsmen than did Fred Heinz, who passed away July 10, 1904. In those circles where the leading men of Davenport are wont to gather he has since been sorely missed.
H. B. BETTY.
Few men are more prominently before the public in Davenport than H. B. Betty, an able lawyer and one of the most prominent workers for civic reform and progress. Believing that the same honesty should be maintained in pub- lic affairs as in private life and that as rigid integrity should be maintained in the execution of the duties of public office as in the conduct of business af- fairs, he has labored persistently, earnestly and effectively in opposition to all
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lawbreaking methods, which in previous years existed unrestrained in Daven- port. He has accomplished much and the city owes to him a debt of gratitude for what he has done.
The birthplace of H. R. Betty was a farm in Rock Island county, Illinois, and his natal day May 31, 1874. His father, James W. Betty, was born in County Fermanagh, Ireland, and in his youthful days came to the United States with his father, John Betty, the voyage being made in a sailing vessel. They landed in New Orleans and, proceeding up the river, settled in Rock Island county, Illinois, where the grandfather purchased a farm of six hundred and forty acres. He became a man of affairs in that locality and his son, James W. Betty, in the course of time was equally prominent. He, too, followed agri- cultural pursuits and remained a resident of Rock Island county until 1898, when he removed to Davenport and purchased the old Joe Le Claire place, which he now occupies. At present he is living retired but for a number of years was president of a paper mill concern at Milan, Illinois. He married Anna Cramp- ton, a native of Brooklyn, New York, and of Irish parentage. He has never been a politician nor has he sought to figure prominently in any public light He was educated at Danville College in Kentucky and throughout the greater part of his life has been extensively engaged in farming and stock-raising. He has only consented to put aside his business cares at rare intervals when called to township offices but for more important service has had no inclination, pre- ferring always to concentrate his time and energies upon his business inter- ests. He is a man of liberal education and upright character, whose life is in harmony with the teachings of the Presbyterian church, in which he and his family hold membership.
H. B. Betty is the eldest of three sons and two daughters. His education was acquired at Milan, Illinois, after which he engaged in teaching in Rock Island county for two years. Subsequently he attended the Northern Univer- city at Valparaiso, Indiana, in which he spent four years, pursuing a collegiate course. He also studied law at Valparaiso and in the Chicago Law School, be- ing graduated from the latter with the class of 1898. He then commenced practice in Davenport and was for three years in partnership with Victor Lit- tig. On the expiration of that period he removed to Beaumont, Texas, where he practiced for three years, and while there became actively and deeply in- terested in politics. He was the candidate for county judge on the republican ticket and made a strong canvass on a reform ticket, exposing the graft which was proving so detrimental to the best interests of that locality. Notwithstand- ing the democratic party has always been one of superior numbers in that lo- cality, he ran far ahead of his ticket and lost the election by only three hundred votes. He received the support of the great majority of democrats who are pub- lic-spirited and fair-minded citizens and was also supported by the democratic press. He has ever been found on the side of clean politics and against graft and lawbreaking. He believes in a governmental policy that shall be burglary protection and at all times has stood in opposition to misrule in public affairs and in support of every project tending to bring about an honest administration.
His father's interests caused him to return to Davenport and in 1908 he was joined by his brother Frank, who had graduated from the Michigan State
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University at Ann Arbor, in the organization of the present partnership that exists under the firm style of Betty & Betty. This firm represents the civic fed- eration of Scott county which was organized in 1907 to prevent the violation of law by saloon keepers. Mr. Betty commenced work in February, 1908, at which time saloons were running in open violation of the law. He at once made vigilant warfare on such and has so continued to the present time with the re- sult that there has been a great change in conditions, every saloon now comply- ing with the strict letter of the law. When he began his work there was open gambling everywhere-a condition that is now unknown. In this time Mr. Betty has prosecuted one hundred and fifty suits against saloon keepers and, although his witnesses were mobbed and every known means used to defeat the law, he has won success. Davenport has, therefore, ceased to be known as a "wide open town in everything the term implies," and now there is no cleaner or more law-abiding city. His efforts have, indeed, been widespread benefits, for he stands as the champion of all that is righteous and just in municipal govern- ment, and as the years have gone by his firm purpose and practical methods have gained for him the endorsement of a large number of those who seek municipal virtue as well as private honor and integrity.
PHILIP MORGAN.
Philip Morgan, who was well known as foreman in the Rock Island Arsenal and as one of the active republican leaders in Davenport, was born at Bristol, England, March 21, 1845. He spent the first six years of his life in his native country and in 1851 came with his parents to America, the family home being maintained in Pennsylvania for a time, while in 1863 a removal was made to Davenport. The father, Thomas Morgan, was a blacksmith by trade and con- tinued his residence in Davenport until his life's labors were ended in death. His wife bore the maiden name of Rebecca Taylor.
At the age of eighteen years, Philip Morgan entered the employ of the Chi- cago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company, where he remained for thirty- five years, during the last fifteen years of which time he occupied a position as foreman in the company's shops at Horton, Kansas, and later Stuart, Iowa.
In 1898, however, he resigned in order to become foreman in the Rock Is- land Arsenal, where he remained until about four years prior to his death, when he put aside his business cares and spent his remaining days in honorable and well earned retirement. Diligence and industry were among his strong charac- teristics. He was always careful and watchful of the interests entrusted to his care, and as foreman enjoyed the full confidence of those whom he served and also the good will of those who served under him.
On the Ioth of September, 1879, Mr. Morgan was married to Miss Clara Kerker, and unto them were born two children: Isabelle A. and Edwin K. Mr. Morgan held membership in Davenport Lodge, No. 37, A. F. & A. M., of which he was a worthy and exemplary representative. That he enjoyed the good will and trust of his fellow members is indicated in the fact that he was again and
PHILIP MORGAN
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again elected to offices in the lodge, serving at one time as master. He also served as master of the lodge at Horton, Kansas. He was a recognized leader in the ranks of the republican party in Davenport and was ever active in his ward, where his opinions carried weight in political councils. He was always public-spirited and his political activity arose from his devotion to the general good for he believed that the best interests of the city and country would be conserved through the adoption of republican principles. A man of unquestioned honesty, his word was as good as any bond ever solemnized by signature or seal. He possessed a kindly spirit, was charitable and generous in disposition and was loved by all who knew him, so that his death, which occurred May 9, 1908, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret not only to his immediate family but also to the many who were glad to call him friend.
WARREN TEELE.
The name of Warren Teele was inseparably connected with the history of federal interests in Davenport as representative of its postoffice service. For almost forty years, beginning in 1869, he was assistant postmaster, continuing in the position although the duties of the office increased year by year with the continuous growth of the city. No higher testimonial of fidelity, capability and trustworthiness could be given than the simple statement of the fact that his connection with the postoffice covered almost four decades.
Mr. Teele was born in Woburn, Massachusetts, December 31, 1828, and was the last survivor of a family of seven children. He left school at the age of seventeen years and, seeking the opportunities of the west, established his home in Cannelton, Indiana, where he engaged in merchandising. In 1856 he returned to New England but soon again came to the middle west, believing that the opportunities of the Mississippi valley were superior to those offered in the east, where competition was greater. On the 11th of October, 1856, he arrived in Davenport and entered business circles of this city as a salesman and bookkeeper in the wholesale grocery house of M. Dalzell & Company, with whom he remained for about two years. Then he accepted a similar position with R. H. Parks & Company, wholesale and retail clothiers of this city.
When President Lincoln was first elected to the position of chief magistrate of the nation Mr. Teele was appointed by Montgomery Blair, then postmaster general, as mail route agent between Davenport and Dubuque. He filled the position in an acceptable manner for five years, during which time the mails between the two cities were carried by steamboat during the open season. While thus engaged Mr. Teele had many interesting experiences and accumulated a fund of reminiscences which he drew upon for many an interesting tale in later life. At length he left the government employ and for four years was a travel- ing salesman in the service of a paper bag company. In 1869, however, he re- turned to the federal employ, for when Edward Russell was appointed postmaster of Davenport Mr. Teele was called to the position of assistant postmaster and remained in that connection continuously until the 4th of July, 1908. He wit-
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nessed the growth of the office from a business of twenty-five thousand dollars per year to one of several millions, and throughout the entire period carefully controlled the interests of the government and the general public in his adminis- tration of affairs connected with the collection and distribution of the mails.
On the 20th of September, 1853, Mr. Teele was married in Winchester, Mas- sachusetts, to Miss Dora Nicholas, and in 1903 they celebrated their golden wedding, many friends rejoicing with them on that auspicious occasion. They had two children : Mrs. Herman J. Zeuch ; and Jennie N., a teacher in the Lincoln school. The family are members of the Congregational church and are promi- nent socially in the community.
Mr. Teele always gave his political allegiance to the republican party, keep- ing well informed on the questions and issues of the day, so that he was able to support his position by intelligent argument. He was a very public-spirited man, his cooperation in affairs of general progress being a valued element in the city's growth. His sterling character made him honored and respected by all who knew him and his fidelity to duty constituted an example that is well worthy of emulation. After a useful and well spent life he passed away January 12, 1909.
MRS. CHRISTINA LAMP.
Mrs. Christina Lamp, who owns some valuable property in the city of Daven- port, is the widow of Hans Asmus Lamp, who was well known as a farmer of Hickory Grove township, this county. She was born in Prussia, Germany, Au- gust 16, 1837, a daughter of Frederick and Magdalena Roush, and came to the United States with her parents in 1852. They located in this county, where her father became well known as a butcher and meat packer. Indeed he was one of the pioneers in that line of work in Davenport. He was successful and well respected when in 1899 his long life of seventy-six years was brought to a close. His wife survived him about a year, her death having occurred in 1900, when she was eighty-two years old.
Mrs. Lamp had lived in Iowa for about nine years when, on the 6th of No- vember, 1861, she gave her hand in marriage to Hans Asmus Lamp. He had been born in Holstein, Germany, December 1I, 1834, but in 1851 came to America with his parents, Peter and Able Lamp. The family landed at New Orleans and then came up the Mississippi river to Davenport, where the father and son found work in a sawmill. Later Peter Lamp bought half a section of land in Hickory Grove township, which was partly improved at the time. He prospered well in his undertakings, acquired considerable property, and in the course of years became one of the substantial and prominent German farmers of Scott county. He and his wife both died here.
Hans Asmus Lamp learned the trade of a carpenter while he worked in the sawmill after coming to Scott county, and during the succeeding years followed his trade in the winter, while in the summer he assisted his father on the farm. In both occupations he achieved a distinct success, for many of the fine resi- dences of Davenport and the surrounding country bear witness to his skill as a
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workman, and the several tracts he rented won him a generous return for his labors. He'rented and operated several tracts of land and in early days engaged in breaking prairie with ox-teams in other counties besides Scott. He also en- gaged in threshing, owning a machine. On the 26th of October, 1892, his long and eventful life was brought to a close. He had participated in and contributed to the remarkable progress which has transformed the character of Scott county in the past half century.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Lamp were born ten children but the first two died in infancy. Herman, a carpenter in Davenport, married Miss Dora Harding and they have had nine children: Ella; Walter; Edna; Arthur; William; Laura; Agnes; Henry, deceased; and a baby. Emma lives at home. Charles, a resi- dent of Durant, Iowa, married Miss Bertha Yep, and they have three children : Flora, Arthur and Viola. Minnie is the widow of Joseph Allen, a native of Davenport and a prominent teacher in this county, who died in the Philippines when his son Philip was an infant. His widow lives with her parents, under whose roof she is rearing her two children, James and Philip. August is resid- ing in Chicago, Illinois. The other children of the family died in infancy. Mr. Lamp was a member of the German lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and among his fraternal brethren had made many stanch friends by whom he was sincerely mourned at the time of his death.
P. J. THEDE.
P. J. Thede, who is cashier of the Dixon Savings Bank and is otherwise substantially connected with the commercial life of the town, was born in Liberty township, Scott county, June 18, 1887, a son of John H. and Catherine (Peterson) Thede. They were also natives of Scott county and are of German parentage. At present they are residing in Liberty township, where Mr. Thede has pursued farming for many years. Six children were born to them: Lydia, who is the wife of Otto Lensch, of Liberty township; P. J., the subject of this sketch ; Henry R .; Millie; Ella ; and Verna.
P. J. Thede was reared upon his father's farm, in the work of which he assisted greatly until he was sixteen years of age. Having completed the course of study provided by the district schools of his locality, in 1903 he was enrolled as a pupil in the Capital City Commercial College of Des Moines, Iowa, and from that institution received his certificate for work completed November 25, 1905. He then came to Davenport, where he accepted a position as time- keeper with the American Can Company. Later he was in the employ of the Davenport Fur & Carpet Company until October, 1907, when he was called to Dixon to become cashier of the Dixon Savings Bank. While he has proved himself a most careful, accurate and conscientious employe, he has also found time to take up other business, from which he has derived no small addition to his income. He is the agent for several of the reliable fire insurance com- panies, conducts a vigorous business in real estate and has also been appointed notary public. When the German Mutual Telephone Company was established
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here Mr. Thede became its secretary, which is another evidence that he is ever on the alert to make the most of the opportunities for advancing his own in- terests and at the same time contributing to the welfare of his associates. He belongs to the Dixon Lodge, Knights of Pythias, and also to that of the Modern Woodmen of America. In both of these organizations he has made stanch and loyal friends. A young man, who, if one were to judge only by his years, was just entering upon his business career, has attained distinction which would seem to augur a most successful and brilliant future.
LOUIS BENNEWITZ.
No history of Walcott would be complete without extended mention of Louis Bennewitz, who, during his residence in this city has figured prominently in business, financial and political circles. He is numbered among that class of representative American citizens who claim Germany as the place of their na- tivity and who, in the new world, have found opportunity for advancement and progress in business lines. He was born in Sachen Gotha, Germany, on the 3d of December, 1845, and is a son of Octav and Paulina Bennewitz, also natives of that country.
Reared to manhood across the waters, Louis Bennewitz acquired his educa- tion in the schools of Germany and remained at home until April, 1866, when he came to America, making his way direct to Davenport, Iowa. He was first engaged in farm work for about six months and then entered the employ of B. Swarting, with whom he came to Walcott in 1867. In the following year he located in Davenport, where he worked until 1870, and then returned to Germany, where he remained for about a year. Again coming to America, he was in the employ of F. Schlapkohl in Davenport until 1872, after which he once more entered the services of Schroeder & Brandt, former employers. He was thus connected until 1874, when he made another visit to the fatherland which lasted nearly a year. The year 1875 witnessed his removal to Stockton, Iowa, where he entered business in partnership with A. Pieper, and this connection continued until 1876, when he came to Walcott and became the senior partner in the firm of Bennewitz & Company, which was formerly known as the B. Swarting Company. He has since made his home in this city and has become well known as one of the leading business men of the community. Although busily engaged in the con- duct of his business, he has nevertheless found time to devote to other lines of activity and in 1893, when the Walcott Savings Bank was organized, he became one of the stockholders and a few years later was appointed a director. In 1906 he was elected to the presidency of that institution and since that time has mani- fested excellent administrative ability and executive control. His opinions are often sought by patrons of the bank and he has ever manifested toward each a sincere interest, a kindly spirit and a thoughtful consideration that has made him popular with all who have any dealings with the institution.
Mr. Bennewitz laid the foundation for a happy home life in his marriage in 1876 to Miss Mary Fick, a native of Holstein, Germany, and of this union have
LOUIS BENNEWITZ
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been born two children, namely: Tillie, who wedded Louis Mack; and Robert, the assistant cashier in the Walcott Savings Bank, who married Clara Sindt, a daughter of Henry Sindt, of Walcott.
Mr. Bennewitz is well known and prominent in fraternal circles, holding mem- bership in Walcott Lodge, No. 312, K. P., and in Hiawatha Camp, M. W. A., of Walcott, and likewise belongs to the Modern Brotherhood. In politics he is a stanch republican, at all times taking a deep interest in community affairs and something of the feeling entertained for him by his fellow citizens is manifest in the fact that in 1894 he was elected mayor of the city, in which office he served very capably and efficiently until 1897. He has since served as a member of the city council. He is preeminently a man of business and has never had occasion to regret his determination to seek his fortune in this country, for here he has been most successful, not only becoming the head of two important and substan- tial enterprises but also being the owner of a section of land in Osceola county, Iowa, from which he derives a gratifying annual income. He finds recreation in outdoor sports and is an enthusiastic hunter, taking extensive trips through the country in search of large game. A man of resourceful ability, constantly watchful of opportunities, he has seized legitimate advantages as they have arisen and has never hesitated to take a forward step when the way was open. For- tunate in possessing ability and character that inspired confidence, the simple weight of his character and ability has brought him into positions of trust and responsibility and he ranks high among the well known and valued citizens of Scott county.
HARVEY E. WEEKS.
About four years ago, Harvey E. Weeks came to the city of Davenport as secretary and treasurer of the Peoples Light Company and of the Tri-City Railway Company and has since been identified with the business and commer- cial interests of the city. He is a young man of enterprise and experience, and in the few years that he has been proving his ability to the people of Daven- port has won a right to be considered one of the most progressive and valuable citizens here.
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