History of Davenport and Scott County Iowa, Volume II, Part 59

Author: Downer, Harry E
Publication date: 1910
Publisher: Chicago : S.J. Clarke
Number of Pages: 1166


USA > Iowa > Scott County > Davenport > History of Davenport and Scott County Iowa, Volume II > Part 59


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AUGUST N. HEDEN.


August N. Heden, residing at No. 1426 Bridge avenue, Davenport, is a retired harness maker, whose persistent labor in former years brought to him substantial return. He was born in Sweden, March 8, 1831, and is a son of Gustave and Christina Heden, both of whom spent their entire lives in Sweden. August N. Heden is indebted to the schools of his native country for the edu- cational privileges he enjoyed and after putting aside his text-books he learned the harness maker's trade. He worked in a number of places in Sweden and in other parts of Europe and in 1869 he came to America, for his fellow coun- trymen had sent back favorable reports concerning business conditions in the United States. He landed at New York on the 2d of May of that year and made his way directly westward to Chicago, where he worked for about four months. He then went into the interior of the state, where he was employed as a harness maker in various places until he determined to make Scott county, Iowa, his home.


It was in February, 1876, that Mr. Heden settled in Davenport and soon afterward secured employment in the harness department of the Rock Island Arsenal, where he was employed for more than thirty-one years. He then re- tired in 1907 and is now enjoying a well earned and richly merited rest.


Ere leaving his native land Mr. Heden was married in Sweden, on the Ist of April, 1864, to Miss Caroline Hogberg, and they have had seven children, three of whom died in childhood, while one died at the age of twenty-two years. Mrs. Heden was born in Sweden, April 27, 1837. The surviving children are: Emma A., who resides at home and is a public-school teacher of Davenport; Edith C., who also lives at home and is instructor in writing in the Davenport schools; and Phillip E., of this city, who married Katherine Rowley, by whom


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he has three children, Richard R., Katherine M., and Phillip E. The chil- dren were all provided with good educational privileges and are a credit and honor to their parents. The two daughters built the fine residence which the family occupy, while Mr. Heden built the adjoining dwelling: He worked persistently year after year in the Arsenal and his long service there was proof of his excellent workmanship, his reliability and his energy. His fellow. workmen and those under whom he served entertain for him high regard and in the long years of his residence in Davenport he has made many friends.


CHARLES H. SUITER.


Each opportunity that has been presented in the life of Charles H. Suiter has been improved by him for further advancement. This has led to his present position as cashier of the Farmers Saving Bank of Princeton. He represents one of the oldest families of Scott county, his great-grandfather, Philip Suiter, having located here in 1834. He entered land in Le Claire township and was identified with the development and improvement of this section of the county until his death. His son, John H. Suiter, the grandfather of our subject, was a rapids pilot on the Mississippi river for many years, and it was his son, Zach G. Suiter, who became the father of our subject. The father was born on the old homestead farm near Le Claire in 1852 and throughout his entire bus- iness career followed the river as a pilot. He wedded Miss Angeline David and they had a family of six children: Grace, the wife of C. W. Bartine, an at- torney of Pierre, South Dakota; Elmer M., a druggist of Murray, Idaho; Charles H., of this review; Zach G., Jr., who makes his home in Scott county; and two who died in infancy. The father died June 13, 1907.


Charles H. Suiter was born in Le Claire, January 5, 1886, and at the usual age began his studies in the public schools, completing the high-school course at Le Claire. He then joined an engineer's corps and worked on the Iowa and Illinois Railroad for a time, while subsequently he went to northern Idaho, where he worked in the mines for a few years. Returning to Le Claire he be- came assistant cashier in the Le Claire Savings Bank, holding that position one year. He then came to Princeton and accepted the position of cashier in the Farmers Savings Bank at this place. The bank is capitalized for ten thousand dollars and is managed by the following officers : J. H. Shaff, president; J. D. Dennis, vice president ; and Charles H. Suiter, cashier. The service is charac- terized by integrity, accuracy, promptness and courteous treatment of cus- tomers and Mr. Suiter is ever interested in keeping the management of the bank up to its present standard. In addition to his work at the bank he also handles real estate and is engaged in the insurance business. He is also a no- tary public.


Charles H. Suiter was married on the 25th of June, 1908, to Miss Anna I. Pollock, a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Morey) Pollock, of Le Claire. They have an infant son, Charles, Jr., born August 13, 1909. Mrs. Suiter was


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born at Herald, South Dakota, but her parents afterward removed to Le Claire where they still reside. Mr. Suiter is a Mason, belonging to Snow Lodge, at Le Claire, is also an Odd Fellow, belonging to Swan Lodge of Princeton and he likewise holds membership with Ebony Camp, No. 35, M. W. A. at Prince- ton. His success in the business world has been uniform and rapid. He thor- oughly enjoys home life and takes great pleasure in the society of his family and friends and all who know him entertain for him the warmest regard and his estimable wife shares with him in the esteem in which he is held.


AUGUST HENRY DORMAN.


August Henry Dorman, a representative of financial interests in Scott county, is now bending his efforts to administrative direction and executive control as the cashier of the Buffalo Savings Bank. He is one of the best known residents of the town of Buffalo, whither he came with his father, Henry Dorman, in 1855. The latter, well known as one of the pioneer business men here, erected a home and store building and conducted a mercantile enter- prise, continuing in the same until a few years ago, when he retired. Reared under the parental roof, August H. Dorman benefited by the instruction of- fered by the public schools and by the business training which he received un- der his father's direction, for at a suitable age he entered the store and assisted in the conduct of the business. As he advanced in years and experience the man- agement of the enterprise more and more largely devolved upon him. With- drawing from the mercantile enterprise, he engaged with the Hammond Pack- ing Company as traveling salesman and represented that house upon the road until the organization of the Buffalo Savings Bank, when he accepted the po- sition as cashier, in which he has since continued. He is also one of the stock- holders of the institution, which has been placed upon a paying basis. The bank was organized May I, 1909, and capitalized for twelve thousand dollars, with S. H. Moorhead as president, J. G. Dutcher, vice president and A. H. Dorman, as cashier. These officers are members of the board of directors, together with J. W. Walsh, of Davenport; Ed. Dougherty, of Long Grove, Iowa; Charles Wenks ; C. R. Frank, of Buffalo; Joseph Metzger and Charles H. Dorman of Buffalo; and Rudolph Schroeder. The institution has conducted all depart- ments of business that are in harmony with legitimate banking and the con- servative policy inaugurated is winning a growing and substantial patronage.


In 1873 Mr. Dorman was married in Buffalo to Miss Robie De Lap, of Buffalo, and unto them have been born four children: C. E., who is manager of the Hammond Packing Company of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; A. Harold, who wedded a Miss Patnoe and makes his home in Buffalo; Francis Earl, who is employed by the Citizens Trust & Savings Bank in Davenport; and Daisy, the wife of E. W. Oxner.


Mr. Dorman attends the Methodist Episcopal church. His life, honorable in all of its relations and its purposes, has won for him the high esteem and good will of those with whom he has come in contact and his fellow towns-


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men have expressed their confidence in his political integrity by electing him to several village offices. In the discharge of his duties he has ever been prompt and reliable and whether in office or out of it has always been a stalwart champion of projects and movements that have promoted public progress.


WILLIAM BRAITHWAITE.


William Braithwaite, whose demise occurred on the 18th of December, 1904, made his home in Davenport for almost a half century and was actively identified with its industrial interests as a blacksmith. He was born in Lancaster, England, on the 21st of December, 1814, his parents being Thomas and Jane (Seed) Braith- waite, both of whom passed away in that country. He attended the common schools until fourteen years of age and then began learning the blacksmith's trade, working as an apprentice until he had attained his majority. By that time he had become thoroughly familiar with the trade in every department and was able to make anything from a common nail to a locomotive frame, using his own drawings. In 1852, having determined to establish his home on this side the Atlantic, he set sail for the United States in company with his wife and one child, landing at New York on the 24th of July. The following Saturday he secured employment and worked at his trade in New York for about twenty- two months, on the expiration of which period he removed to Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, where he accepted a position as foreman in the blacksmithing de- partment of the Susquehanna Railroad shops. At the end of two years he jour- neyed westward to Laporte, Indiana, but illness was prevalent there and soon afterward he came to Davenport, arriving at this place in April, 1856. Here he entered the Rock Island Railroad shops and in a short time was made fore- man of the blacksmithing department, which position he held continuously for a period of thirty-four years, when he retired from active life. His long reten- tion in the service of the corporation speaks volumes for his capability and faith- fulness as an employe. In April, 1857, he had purchased a lot at the corner of Fourteenth and Farnam streets from Antoine LeClaire, who bought it from the Indians. Mr. Braithwaite paid twelve hundred dollars for the property and during the summer erected the residence which remained his home until the time of his death and in which his two daughters are still living.


On the 29th of February, 1836, Mr. Braithwaite was united in marriage to Elizabeth Barraclough, whose birth occurred in Yorkshire, England, on the 22d of December, 1809. All of their children are deceased with the exception of two daughters, Sarah and Jennie, who reside in the family home at No. 1408 Farnam street. The wife and mother was called to her final rest on the 8th of March, 1882.


Mr. Braithwaite exercised his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party and at one time served as alderman from the fifth ward. He was a worthy exemplar of the Masonic fraternity and, though not a church member, contributed liberally to the cause of charity and religion. An unfortunate countryman never sought his aid in vain and there are many


WILLIAM BRAITHWAITE


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who have reason to remember his timely assistance with gratitude. He passed away on the 18th of December, 1904, at the venerable age of ninety years. He enjoyed an unassailable reputation for honesty and integrity of character, was kindly in spirit, generous in disposition and faithful to every trust.


ERNST H. IHMS.


Ernst H. Ihms, a successful representative of the agricultural interests of Sheridan township, where he owns a tract of one hundred and twenty acres on which he lives, is one of the sons of the fatherland who in his life work has been able to realize some of the ambition which led him to cross the Atlantic and try the opportunities of the new world.


He was born in Holstein, Germany, August 14, 1853, his parents being Johan and Louisa Ihms, both of whom are deceased. Eleven children were born to them, namely: Claus, who died in Walcott, Scott county, Iowa; John, who is now a resident of Davenport and before coming to America served in the Holstein war of 1848-50; Henry, who died in Russia; Anna, the widow of John Lutt and a resident of Sheridan township, this county; Peter, who is living in Germany; Katie, the deceased wife of Henry Rolth; Christ, of Cher- okee county, Iowa; Ernst H., the subject of this sketch; and three who died in infancy.


Ernst H. Ihms enjoyed the educational privileges afforded by the public schools of Germany and in that country obtained some experience in farm work before coming to America. It was in 1871 that he crossed the ocean with the determination to avail himself to the fullest extent of the oppor- tunities for advancement he had heard awaited the man who was willing to work. On landing in New York he came direct to Scott county, for his brother Claus had come here some years before and was residing in Davenport and here he secured work as a farm hand with several persons. Later he rented land in Lincoln township, and in 1892, when as the result of his diligence and careful economy he was able to buy a place, he purchased a tract of fifty-eight acres there. It remained his home for about thirteen years, at the end of which period he felt justified in enlarging the fields of his operations and accordingly sold that farm and bought the one hundred and twenty acres on which he now lives. Since it has been his home he has made a number of improvements upon it, the character of the buildings and the excellent cultivation of the fields being a tangible evidence of the progressive ideas which have guided him in his work.


It was on the 14th of September, 1880, that Mr. Ihms led to the marriage altar Miss Lizzie Küehl, who was born in Germany, April 3, 1852, and came to Scott county with her brother in 1869. Her parents, John and Louisa Kuehl, spent their entire lives in the fatherland and there died. Mrs. Ihms has also passed away, her death having occurred December 9, 1908. She had been a faithful wife and devoted mother, and her loss was deeply mourned by her family and by the large circle of friends her gentle spirit had gathered about


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her. Five children were born to her and her husband, as follows: One who died in infancy; Emma, who married Ivan Wrisley, of Muscatine, and is now the mother of three children, Ernest, Mina and Lucile; and Detlef, Harry and Ruth, who are at home.


Mr. Ihms holds membership in the Turners Society of Eldridge, and has there made many friends. The hope that led him to leave his native land and seek a home in America has been more than realized. He here found the op- portunities he sought, and, making the most of them, has steadily worked his way upward, until he well deserves to be numbered among the substantial citi- zens of Sheridan township.


GEORGE S. SHAW.


Through the period of his residence in Davenport, George S. Shaw made for himself an honorable position in business circles and a firm place in the affection of his fellow citizens. It is meet, therefore, that his record be per- petuated in the pages of this volume inasmuch as his labors were an element in the progressive business development of the city. He was born in Chel- sea, Orange county, Vermont, April 14, 1824, and resided in the east until the outbreak of the Civil war. Within that period he acquired his education and learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed continuously in that section of the country until failing health caused his removal to the west. Hoping to be benefited by a change of climate, he went as far as Fort Leavenworth, Kan- sas, where he lived for a short time. In 1864 he came to Davenport and was identified with building operations as a contractor for a considerable period, be- ing an expert workman at his trade. As time advanced he saw and utilized his opportunities for real-estate speculation and laid out what is known as Shaw's addition, north of the Renwick estate, laying out three additions in all. In 1875 he became a member of the firm of Renwick, Shaw & Crossett, which for a number of years operated a sawmill and conducted a lumber business in Davenport, the interests of the firm being capably conserved, so that excellent results rewarded the efforts of the partners. About 1885 Mr. Shaw removed to Cloquet, Minnesota, where his firm purchased two large sawmills, beginning operations there under the name of the Cloquet Lumber Company. After a time Mr. Renwick and Mr. Crossett both withdrew, but Mr. Shaw remained in his field of labor, building up a mammoth business in the lumber trade, so that he became known in lumber circles throughout the entire country. In fact he was one of the most prominent representatives of the lumber interests of the north and his success was the legitimate and direct outcome of judicious in- vestment, well directed enterprise and indefatigable energy.


Mr. Shaw always retained a warm place in his heart for Davenport and had intentions of making this city his home again, but he passed away at Cloquet, Minnesota, November 5, 1897. While residing in Davenport he was a mem- ber of the city council for a number of years and served as alderman from the sixth ward. He was the most popular alderman ever elected from that


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ward and the regard entertained for him by his fellow townsmen was manifest in the gift of a gold watch from the people of his ward. It was an expression of high regard for Mr. Shaw personally and of appreciation of his official service, which resulted in many substantial benefits for his section of the city.


In 1846 Mr. Shaw was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ross, who, surviv- ing her husband for several years, returned to Davenport, where she had many friends. Here she died September 30, 1905. There were four children in the family : Mrs. J. E. Lynds, Mrs. Jules J. De Lescaille, Edward and William. The memory of Mr. Shaw, his kindly spirit, his genial nature, his business in- tegrity and his public-spirited citizenship, are still enshrined in the hearts of many who knew him while he was yet an active factor in the life of Davenport.


JULES J. DE LESCAILLE.


Jules J. De Lescaille was a resident of Davenport for but a comparatively brief period, yet within that time his genial nature won him expressions of warm friendship and he became recognized as a most honorable, upright man. He was born in Belgium in 1849 and was brought to this country when but eight years of age. His education, therefore, was acquired on this side the Atlantic. On the 14th of September, 1884, he married Miss Harriet Shaw and unto them were born four children: Victor, who is now at home; Raymond, who is at Cloquet, Minnesota, where he is learning the lumber business; Mrs. Mary Stafford, a resident of Chicago; and Jules, at home. In 1898 Mr. De Lescaille removed with his family from Cloquet, Minnesota, to Davenport, where his remaining days were spent. He manifested in his life many traits of char- acter which won him high and favorable regard and gained him a large circle of friends. In Masonry he attained the Knight Templar degree and in his life exemplified the beneficent spirit of the craft. His religious faith was manifest in his membership in the Episcopal church and he lived in harmony with his professions, seeking to deal justly with all men and to recognize at all times the rights and privileges of others.


PETER DETTMER.


Peter Dettmer, a retired farmer and dairyman, who has taken up his resi- dence in Davenport where he owns considerable town property, is one of the sons of Germany, who, having come to the United States in the hope of bettering his fortunes, has achieved his desires to such an extent that he felt justified in retiring from active farming. He was born in the province of Holstein, Oc- tober 28, 1843, his parents being Peter and Margaret (Goetsch) Dettmer, who passed their entire lives in the land of their birth.


In 1864 Peter Dettmer and an older sister came to the new world. They landed at New York, whence they made their way to Davenport, as they had


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relatives living here. On his arrival Mr. Dettmer found employment in a tannery, where he intended learning the trade, but the concern went out of business and accordingly he turned his attention to farming. For a few years he worked for others, but later he and his brother-in-law rented a tract of land which they operated in conjunction until 1871, when they severed their connection and Mr. Dettmer engaged in farming alone. He bought six acres of land and built a little two room house upon it, in which he lived for the next eleven years. He procured at that time about fifty head of cattle with the intention of enter- ing extensively into the dairy business and he was successful in this under- taking for the quality of his products found a ready market. As his income increased he invested in real estate until he owned about one hundred acres, a part of which was included within the boundaries of Davenport, and he divided it into town lots, from the sale of which he derived a handsome profit, a tribute to his forsight in selecting the location he had purchased. After about nine- teen year devoted to farming he felt justified in retiring from active participa- tion in that work and now gives his whole attention to looking after his financial interests.


Mr. Dettmer has been three times married. His first wife, who was Miss Anna Hendricksen in her maidenhood, died January 8, 1879. To them were born three children : William and Dora, who are deceased; and Fred, who married Miss Freda Smith and lives on a farm in Rockingham township, where he is rearing his five children. Mr. Dettmer's second wife was Miss Anna Ross, who has also passed away. They had three children: Lewis, who married Miss Anna Starder and lives in Rockingham township; Paulina, who became the wife of Paul Heckendorf, living on the Rockingham road; and Peter. On the 5th of May, 1906, Mr. Dettmer married Miss Helen Poller, a daughter of W. W. and Helen Poller, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her father was for thirty years superintendent of the United States mint at Philadelphia.


Mr. Dettmer has always taken a keen interest in local affairs, and in recog- nition of his success and as a tribute to his character as a man, he was elected a member of the board of education, an office he held for five years. He is also a member of the improvement committee of the Fairmount cemetery. Some years ago he made a trip to his old home in Germany. At present he lives in a handsome home which he erected in 1885 and in which he enjoys the many comforts to which his former toil so well entitles him. For twenty years he has been a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.


CHARLES HAMANN.


Among Scott county's native sons who are seeking their fortunes in agri- cultural lines and through their well directed efforts and untiring industry and diligence are meeting with gratifying prosperity, is numbered Charles Hamann, whose birth occurred in Davenport on the 17th of October, 1859. His parents, Henry and Christina (Petersen) Hamann, were both natives of Holstein, Ger- many, the former's birth there occurring on the 12th of August, 1821, and the


HENRY HAMANN


CHARLES HAMANN


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latter's on the Ioth of September, 1815. In 1856 they came to the United States, making their way direct to Davenport, and with the exception of about four years spent in Clinton county soon after their arrival in Iowa, their re- maining days were passed in Scott county, the greater portion of the time being spent on a farm in Cleona township. The father followed the occupation of farming throughout his entire life, and, although a poor man when he came to this state, at the time of his death was the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of valuable land, all well improved and under a high state of cultivation. He passed away on the 28th of June, 1905, his wife's death occurring on the 4th of September, 1899. In their family were six children, of whom our sub- ject was the youngest. The others are: Henry, a resident of Durant; Lena, the deceased wife of Rudolph Sebbelen; Dora, who married Christopher Schneck- loth, of Sunbury, Cedar county, Iowa; George, residing in Durant; and Adolph, who lives in Portland, Oregon.


Under the parental roof Charles Hamann spent the period of his boyhood and youth, acquiring his education in the district schools of Scott county. He was about eight or nine years of age when his parents took up their abode on the old homestead, and here our subject has made his home continuously since. At an early age he began working in the fields, assisting in the cultivation of the farm, and under his father's direction learned many valuable lessons con- cerning the best methods of plowing, planting and harvesting. Agricultural pur- suits have always characterized his efforts, for, upon attaining man's estate he wisely chose as his life work the occupation to which he had been reared. He has made a close study of farming, possesses good business ability and is pro- gressive and up-to-date in his methods, and that he has met with gratifying success in his undertakings is indicated by the fact that he is now the owner of three farms in Cleona township, each consisting of a quarter section of land, all under a high state of cultivation. The home farm is located upon section 22, and is a well improved and valuable property, containing two sets of substantial buildings and equipped with all modern conveniences and accessories for facili- tating farm labor. In connection with his general farming he also deals largely in stock, raising and fattening from three to four carloads annually. This branch of his business is proving very profitable.




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