History of Davenport and Scott County Iowa, Volume II, Part 67

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 67


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After the death of her first husband Mrs. Davidson was married on the 11th of February, 1862, to William D. Follette and they became the parents of a son and daughter. The elder, Charles Stewart Follette, born 'August 4, 1863, mar- ried Leona Flora and is a marine engineer residing at Seattle, Washington.


MRS. MARIE L. FOLLETTE


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Genevieve Follette, born April 24, 1865, became the wife of Christopher T. Goodlow, who was a river engineer. Both are now deceased, the death of Mrs. Goodlow having occurred in 1903.


Mr. Follette was a farmer by occupation and a large landowner, having ex- tensive holdings, from which he derived a substantial annual income. His prop- erty interests also enabled him to leave his family in very comfortable financial circumstances, when, in March, 1880, he was called to his final rest. In his po- litical views he was a democrat but never aspired to office, preferring to con- centrate his energies upon his business affairs, in which he met with excellent success.


Mrs. Follette has now lived in Iowa for sixty-six years and during her resi- dence in Scott county has always enjoyed in large measure the friendly regard of those with whom she has been associated. After her husband's death she re- moved to Le Claire, where she is now pleasantly situated in a comfortable home.


HANS HEINRICH KISTENMACHER.


Among the many pioneer of Scott county who brought the strong traits of character of the German race to bear up its development was Hans Heinrich Kistenmacher, now deceased, who for more than a quarter of a century was a prosperous farmer of Blue Grass township, on the place which his son Louis still operates. He was born in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, January 3, 1826, and came to America before he reached his majority. On the 13th of July, 1847, he reached Scott county, and the next year was granted by the government eighty acres of land, the document asserting his right to its possession bearing the date of June 1, 1848, and being signed by President Polk. 'A' couple of years later he received forty acres more from the government, this grant being dated April 1, 1850, and bearing the signature of President Taylor. These scrips of national paper are still in the possession of Louis Kistenmacher, who places high value upon them, for their historical value and for the associations with which they will always be joined while in the family. For many years Mr. Kistenmacher tilled the soil with profit, although the early years of his residence here were attended with the hardships which come to the pioneer, and as time brought rich returns from his endeavors he acquired more land until at his death he owned four hundred and forty-five acres in Blue Grass township. In 1885 he retired from the active pursuit of farming, taking up his residence in the city of Daven- port, which was his home when, on the 19th of August, 1909, he passed away.


After coming to Scott county Mr. Kistenmacher was united in marriage to Miss Maria Kruse, who was born in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, March 3, 1833. Their marriage was blessed with the following children: Louis, of whom mention is made below ; Amelia, who, unmarried, is living in Davenport; Augusta, who became the wife of James Muldoon, of Corley, Iowa; Dorothea, the wife of Theodore Nelson, of Harlan, Iowa; Christina, who has not married and makes her home in Davenport; Della, who is also unmarried and lives in Davenport; and Bertha, the wife of Charles Zoller, of Davenport.


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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY


Louis Kistenmacher, the only son born to his parents, has always lived upon the farm where he resides today. It embraces two hundred acres of the old homestead and is well cultivated. In addition his wife owns three hundred and twenty acres in Rock county, Minnesota, a valuable asset. She was Miss Louisa Rochau in her maidenhood and is a daughter of F. A. Rochau, of Sheridan township. Eleven children have been born to the couple, all of whom are at home. They are Arnold, Henry, Walter, Alice, Lydia, David, Flora, Minnie, Martha, Louis and John. Mr. Kistenmacher has not allied himself with any political party, preferring to vote for measures and candidates as appear to him best, and for two terms has rendered efficient service to the community through being a member of the school board. He belongs to the Modern Brotherhood of America and is active in its lodge, No. 26, of Blue Grass, where he has made many friends, who, recognizing the high character of the man and aware of his success and the honorable manner in which it has been gained, are loyal in their admiration of him.


MRS. H. A. HORTON.


Among Le Claire's highly esteemed ladies is Mrs. H. A. Horton, who has now passed the seventy-first milestone on life's journey, her birth having occurred in Louisville, Kentucky, October 18, 1838. Her father, Nathan Hart, was born in Warsaw, Poland, in 1793, and it was after his arrival in America that he met and married Miss Amelia Van Ostern, who was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1813. For many years Mr. Hart engaged in the dry-goods business, but was living retired at the time of his death. He came to Iowa in 1857, settling in Le Claire, and for a long period was connected with the commercial interests of the town and contributed in no small degree to its commercial activity and prosperity. He always adhered to the Jewish faith and in his political views was a democrat but never an office seeker. In his family were eight children : Mary ; Elenora, the deceased wife of Major Foster, of the Eleventh Iowa Infantry; Rebecca, who became the wife of Colonel Mitchell, of the Eleventh Iowa Infantry; Moses, who died in Walla Walla, Washington; Mrs. Horton; Ada, who resides in Wakefield, Massachusetts ; Belle, who makes her home in Butte, Montana; and Edward, who was a newspaper editor of Chicago, where he died in 1889.


Mrs. Horton spent her girlhood in her native city and was nineteen years of age when she came with her parents to Iowa, where she has since made her home. On the 20th of September, 1865, she gave her hand in marriage to H. A. Horton, a son of George W. and Eliza (Brotherlin) Horton, who were residents of Clin- ton, Iowa, at the time of their demise. Their son, H. A. Horton, acquired his education in the graded schools of Le Claire and, entering business life, became a steamboat engineer on the Mississippi river. He always led a busy and useful life, was faithful, reliable and industrious and his services were, therefore, always in demand.


Mr. and Mrs. Horton became the parents of two children. Belle S., who was born February 23, 1868, is the wife of Edgar Kindley, a resident of Silvis, Illinois,


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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY


where he is filling the position of superintendent of schools. They have one child, Murena Kindley. George W. Horton, who was born in 1871, is a resident of Rock Island, Illinois, where he carries on business as an electrician. He wedded Mary Headley and they have one child, Isabel Horton, who was born March 25, 1906.


The death of Mr. Horton occurred January 8, 1910, and was deeply regretted by many friends as well as his immediate family. He was a faithful member of the Masonic fraternity, affiliating with Snow Lodge, No. 44, F. & A. M., at Le Claire, and was held in high esteem. He gave his political support to the republican party and was a stanch advocate of its principles. He held the office of school director and was also a member of the city council, in which connection he exercised his official prerogatives in support of various progressive public measures. His long residence in this county made him widely known and his many substantial qualities gained for him the high regard of those with whom he was brought in contact.


CORNELIUS J. BROWN.


Although Cornelius J. Brown took little active part in the public life of Davenport, his name was ever connected with those interests which make for progress, philanthropy and the general amelioration of the conditions that sur- rounded his fellow citizens. On the 20th of March, 1908, he passed from their midst, and has since been mourned as a man of ability and high character. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, March 15, 1843, and by the early death of his father was thrown upon his own resources while still a boy. Upon the inauguration of the Civil war, although only eighteen years of age, he enlisted in Knapp's Independent Battery, Twentieth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and in the four years of his service took part in many of the important battles of the great struggle, among which were the memorable fight at Chancellorsville, the second engagement at Bull Run, and that of Gettysburg. He had entered the army as a private, but in recognition of the valor which ever distinguished his presence upon the scene of conflict, he was promoted until at the close of the hostilities he held the rank of corporal.


After he returned to the life of a civilian Mr. Brown remained for a time in the east and then in 1872 came west, spending ten months at St. Louis, Mis- souri. In 1872 he came to Davenport, and almost immediately upon his arrival was made a clerk in the commandant's office at the Rock Island arsenal while in 1876 he was made chief clerk. There he remained during the remaining thirty-six years of his life, the length of his term of service telling its own story of the ability and conscientiousness of the man. He was highly regarded by his superior officers at the arsenal, while in Davenport, where he was known for his public- spirit and the interest he always evinced in the progress and development of the city, he had many warm friends, who were attached to him because of his many excellent and engaging qualities.


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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY


While still living in Philadelphia, Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Moore Hague, and unto them were born one daughter and four sons, namely : August Mangus, deceased; Mrs. W. E. Pheris, of St. Paul; Charles C., also of St. Paul, Minnesota; Benjamin F., who is a salesman; and Cornelius J., who is a clerk in the Arsenal. Mr. Brown was ever in sympathy with the re- ligious tenets of the Unitarians and was active in the work of that church, but although local matters, charities and other interests commanded much of his at- tention, he was most concerned for the welfare and advancement of the Masonic orders becoming, indeed, a man upon whom his fraternal brothers throughout the country conferred honors. He was made a Master Mason in Integrity Lodge, No. 187, A. F. & A. M., October 18, 1868; in May 1874 was exalted to the rank of Royal Arch Mason, and in 1875 was made a Knight Templar. In 1874 he had entered the Scottish Rite, and upon him was conferred the honorary thirty-third degree. His life ever exemplified the beneficent spirit of the craft which is based upon mutual helpfulness and brotherly kindness.


ERNEST T. KEGEL, M. D.


Although one of the younger physicians, Dr. Ernest T. Kegel is said to enjoy the largest practice in Scott county, outside of the city of Davenport, of any of those following the medical profession. He resides in Blue Grass town- ship, which has been the scene of his labors for more than a decade. A na- tive of Germany, he was born in Potsdam, June 13, 1875. His father, whose birth occurred in Saxony, wedded Miss Augusta Petersohn, a native of east Prus- sia, and in 1891 came to the United States. Upon reaching Iowa, he settled in Shelby county, where he engaged in the practice of medicine. He is still living there and is highly regarded.


Dr. Ernest T. Kegel received his early education in the public schools of Berlin, and after coming to this country pursued an academic course in the School of Correspondence. It was in September, 1892, that he came to America. He completed his studies in the Iowa State University, from which he was graduated with the class of 1896. Immediately thereafter he joined his father in Shelby county, Iowa, but remained only six months, after which he came to Blue Grass township, Scott county, taking up his residence in Walcott. In a few years he built up a large practice in that and adjoining townships, for as opportunity was afforded for the exercise of his talents he proved himself to be a man of skill and ability and one upon whose judgment in medical matters his clients might rely with confidence. He returned to Germany in 1907 to take a post-graduate course in the University of Berlin. He also studied in London, under the direction of Professors Douglas and Wright. Since he has identified himself with the interests of Blue Grass township, Dr. Kegel has done much to promote the public welfare and was one of the original stock- holders of the Farmers Savings Bank of Walcott, of which he was elected president in 1905. Since that date he has guided its financial policy with a


DR. ERNEST T. KEGEL


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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY


wise, conservative, yet progressive hand, and no small part of the prosperity of the locality is due to his efforts.


In December, 1897, was celebrated the wedding of Dr. Kegel and Miss Birdie J. Byrnes, a daughter of Dr. Thomas Byrnes, who practiced medicine in Wal- cott for a number of years. One son, Allen Byrnes, has been born to the couple.


Dr. Kegel is a member of all the Masonic bodies of Davenport, being a Knight Templar and has been advanced to the thirty-second degree in the Scottish Rite. He belongs also to the Modern Brotherhood of America, being president of the Walcott lodge. In recognition of his proficiency as a practi- tioner and of his character as a man, Dr. Kegel was appointed a health officer of the village of Walcott, in which position he is serving his second term, and was also made health officer of Hickory Grove township. As a member of the American Medical Association, and of the Iowa State, the Scott County, the Iowa and Illinois Central Medical Associations, he keeps well abreast of the advance which has been made in his profession. In connection with his practice Dr. Kegel conducts a drug store, wherein are dispensed drugs of a high quality, and which while it evinces the Doctor's business acumen is but another demon- stration of his desire to render his clients the greatest service within his power.


HERMANN WULF.


Hermann Wulf, who is at the head of one of the largest and most prosperous concerns of Davenport, the Davenport Brewing Company, was born in Germany, May 6, 1852, his parents being Michael and Margaret (Speckelman) Wulf, both natives of the fatherland. He received his education in his place of birth, where he also learned the trade of a locksmith, and in early manhood came to the United States, whither his brother Fred had preceded him. For eight years he worked at his trade here in conjunction with H. Mueller. Later he engaged in the grocery and saloon business for a number of years very successfully. In 1891 he and George Klindt bought out the interest of Henry Klindt and operated the Eagle Brewery on Third street, of which the latter had been the head for a number of years. For the next three years Mr. Wulf and his partners made it one of the substantial enterprises of Davenport until 1894, when a consolida- tion was effected among the five breweries in the city under the name of the Davenport Malting Company. In that year Mr. Wulf became the city representa- tive of the firm and in 1900 became its president. About 1908 the name was changed to the Davenport Brewing Company. Mr. Wulf is also a director in the Davenport Malt & Grain Company, his experience in this line of work making him a valuable member of the concern. He was also president of the Hawkeye Realty Company until 1910.


In 1874 Mr. Wulf wedded Miss Emma Seaman, a native of Davenport. Five children have been born to them: Amiel, Rudolph, Emily, Bertha and Hugo. Emily is now the wife of Hugo Moeller. Mr. Wulf belongs to all the German societies flourishing in this city and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. A man of fine business ability, he is also endowed with those traits


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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY


of character which make him popular among his fellowmen. While he is ever willing to join others in pleasure, he is, nevertheless, a good citizen. The Daven- port Brewing Company is one of the largest concerns here and is developing an ever increasing field of operations, largely due to the fact of Mr. Wulf's able guidance.


LOUIS A. LE CLAIRE, SR.


Few among the families of Davenport occupy a more prominent position than that of which Louis A. Le Claire, Sr., is at present the head. He has been for many years identified with the business life here and is now the vice president of the Le Claire & King Publishing Company. A native of Davenport, he was born January 4, 1842, a son of Alexius and Marie (Pujal) Le Claire. The father was a son of Francis Le Claire, a brother of Antoine Le Claire, who holds a most conspicuous place in the annals of Davenport from the time of its foun- dation. A more extended mention of him, however, is made in the history pref- atory to these biographies. Alexius Le Claire was a merchant and, like his uncle, was one of the important men of the city during his lifetime.


Louis A. Le Claire attended the public schools of Davenport and after com- pleting the course of study here entered Iowa College. When he embarked upon his business career in 1862 he engaged first in real-estate dealing, to which he devoted his energies for about thirteen years. At that time he became ad- ministrator of his uncle's estate and united his interests with those of a son of Colonel Davenport, filling the position of accountant in the latter's office. In 1882 he went to the western part of Iowa and then, in 1886, entered the gas office. About that time, however, on account of poor health, he was compelled to give up all business and take a much needed rest. Later, when he had recuperated, he joined his sons in the formation of the Le Claire & King Publishing Company, of which he was made vice president. This is one of the enterprising concerns of the city, owing no small share of its prosperity to the wisdom and good judg- ment of the senior member of the firm.


It was in December, 1870, that Mr. Le Claire was united in marriage to Miss Mattie S. Beddison, a daughter of Thomas and Martha (Corporal) Beddison. They are descendants of a family which has been prominent from the Revolu- tionary days and one ancestor fought in Washington's army. At that time the homestead was in one of the southern states, but later a removal was made to Rock Island, Illinois, where Thomas Beddison became very prominent. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Le Claire. Margaret has remained un- married and makes her home with her parents. Marie has passed away. Louis, Jr., is the president of the Le Claire & King Publishing Company. He married Miss Jessie Middleton and they have one daughter, Marie. Beatrice and Bernice are both at home. The family belong to the Catholic church of Davenport and are prominent in its work and liberal in its support. As is befitting a descendant of the famous Antoine Le Claire, our subject is one of the more prominent of the citizens of Davenport. He is interested in all the more vital of the city's affairs, although he has never been persuaded to take any active part in the local


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government. Nevertheless, he enjoys the sincere esteem of those who have come to know him and feel that he has made a name for himself and is not dependent on the reputation won by his ancestors, while his success is the outcome of clear judgment experience and unabating energy.


SAMUEL B. YOHN.


Samuel B. Yohn, living in Princeton, his attention in his business life being devoted to carpentering and farming, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsyl- vania, March 13, 1833, and has therefore reached the age of seventy-seven years His has been a well spent life and his many substantial qualities have gained him the trust and good will of his fellow townsmen.


His father, Frederick Yohn, was also a native of Lancaster county, born March 13, 1812, and, having arrived at years of maturity, he wedded Rebecca Church, who was born in the same county on the 4th of February, 1811. For many years they resided in the Keystone state, where they were married and reared their family, but in 1868 removed westward, settling in Scott county. The father purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land from Malen Bonnell in Princeton township and lived upon that farm for six years, carefully culti- vating the fields in the production of substantial harvests. He then removed to the village of Princeton, where he retired from active life, his death there oc- curring five years later. His children were Samuel B., Anna Elizabeth and Julia. The elder daughter was born October 22, 1847, and is the wife of David Condron, a carpenter residing in Princeton. The younger daughter is also liv- ing in Princeton and is now the wife of George Lancaster, an engineer.


Samuel B. Yohn is indebted to the district schools of his native county for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. After leaving school he learned the carpenter's trade and has followed it through much of his life, but at the time of the Civil war he put aside all business and personal considerations and responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting at Philadelphia, on the 20th of January, 1864, as a member of Company I, Second Pennsylvania Artillery. He served during the remainder of the war and participated in the battles of Cold Harbor, Petersburg and other important engagements. He continued with the army until some time after the close of hostilities, being honorably dis- charged January 29, 1866, at City Point, Virginia. He proved a faithful sol- dier, never faltering in his performance of duty but giving loyal aid to the cause he espoused.


When honorably discharged Mr. Yohn returned to Pennsylvania, where he continued to reside until 1879, when he came to Princeton, where he has since made his home. Here he has followed carpentering and has been closely and actively associated with building interests, his efficient workmanship bringing him a liberal patronage.


Mr. Yohn has been married three times. He first wedded Miss Mary Womert, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Womert. Unto them was born a son, Frank, who died when twenty years of age. For his second wife Mr. Yohn


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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY


chose Miss Etta Howard and to them was born a daughter, Etta, who died in infancy. For his third wife Mr. Yohn chose Sarah Ferguson, a native of Ga- lena, Illinois.


In his political views Mr. Yohn has always been a stalwart republican since casting his first presidential vote. He has held most of the township offices, in- cluding that of township trustee, and has always been loyal and faithful to the trusts reposed in him. He is recognized as a reliable and enterprising citizen, who is always found on the side of improvement and progress. He can remember seeing Antoine Le Claire in 1857. During the years of his residence in Scott county he has witnessed many changes and has taken helpful part in bringing about the transformation which has made Scott county one of the populous and prosperous sections of the great Mississippi valley.


J. H. VILMONT.


Despite the fact of his advancing years and the large measure of success which has come to him J. H. Vilmont has been unable to abandon the life of a farmer, which he has pursued in Scott county for so many years. He operates a tract of sixty-five acres in Allens Grove township, adjoining the farm on which he was reared.


A native of Lorraine, France, he was born May 14, 1851, his parents being Maurice and Eugena (Gaspard) Vilmont. The father, who was also a native of Lorraine, France, was a son of Francis and Marie Theresa (Ponel) Vilmont, who spent their whole lives in the country of their birth. Indeed, only one of their nine children, seven boys and two girls, came to America to make his fortune.


Maurice Vilmont, whose birth occurred July 15, 1825, came to Scott county, Iowa, immediately upon landing in this country in 1854. He was accompanied by his wife and son and took up his residence in Davenport, which he made his home for a few years, removing later to Clinton county, where he lived for a pe- riod of seven or eight years. In 1865 he located on the farm in Allens Grove township on which he resided until 1903, adjoining that of his son J. H. He had learned the trade of a stone-mason in the old country and worked at it for some time after his arrival here, both in Davenport and in Allens Grove township, where his abilities were frequently called into requisition by the early settlers here. He owns one hundred and sixty acres on section 16, Allens Grove township, on the bank of the Wapsipinicon river and during the years of his activity earned a well deserved success from the cultivation of its fields. In 1902 he relinquished the heavy cares of life and retired, now living with his son. His wife, who was born February 16, 1824, died in Davenport in February, 1891, leaving one child, J. H., the subject of this sketch.




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