USA > Iowa > Scott County > Davenport > History of Davenport and Scott County Iowa, Volume II > Part 68
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Since 1865 J. H. Vilmont has resided in Scott county, coming here with his parents when located in Allens Grove township, so that the greater part of his life has been spent here. He attended the public schools of this state, in which he obtained a fair education, although throughout the years he was studying he also helped his father upon the farm. He assumed the responsibility of its culivation
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MRS. J. H. VILMONT
J. H. VILMONT
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
when advancing age made it necessary for the father to resign the heavier cares. In 1903 the son bought another tract of one hundred and twenty acres in Allens Grove township, on which he resided until March, 1909, when he sold eighty acres of it and purchased sixty-five acres adjoining the old homestead, on section 17. Here he pursues general farming with good success for he is progressive as well as industrious, sparing no effort of his own to enhance the value of the property or increase its productiveness.
In 1872 Mr. Vilmont was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Flynn, who was born in New York state, July 9, 1853. About three years later she came to Scott county, Iowa, with her parents, Michael and Mary (Leary) Flynn, who were of Irish birth. They passed the remainder of their lives here. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Vilmont : Marie, now the wife of James McNie, of California; Maurice J., who is living in Allens Grove township; Sylvia, the wife of Adolph Michael, of Nebraska; Victor H., of Grundy Center, Iowa; Kath- arine, the wife of John Wuestenberg, of Allens Grove township; Simon, who is living in South Dakota; Esther, at home; Vivian V., of South Dakota; and Isa- dore, who is at home. Mr. Vilmont has the good will of his fellow agriculturists for he has proved himself a good farmer and a man capable of fulfilling his duties in life with honor.
THE VERY REV. MARMADUKE HARE, M. D.
The Very Rev. Marmaduke Hare, M. D., rector and dean of Trinity Cathedral, was born in Knottingly, Yorkshire, England, April 6, 1856, a son of the Rev. Robert Henry Hare, also a clergyman of the Church of England, and Margaret (Leighton) Hare, a cousin of Lord Leighton. On the paternal side of the house, the family belongs to that bearing the name of Hurstmontcieun.
Dr. Hare was educated at Bath College, after which he went to Kings Col- lege, from which he was graduated in medicine in 1876. For the following two years he practiced medicine in London, but carrying out the wishes of his mother he entered the church and studied theology at Dorchester College, Oxford, for two years, and was ordained by the bishop of Oxford in 1879. His first charge was the church of Dorchester Abbey. He then entered the army service during the first Boer war, and spent five years in South Africa. Returning to England he was appointed rector of Bow, London, E. C., where his pastorate extended over a decade. During that period he was chairman of the Poplar Board of Guardians and one of the managers of the London schoolboard.
During his military service in South Africa, in 1882, Dr. Hare was married to Mary Catherine, daughter of Sir Thomas Watson, then premier of South Africa, and a great granddaughter of Lord Saltoune. She died in London, in 1897, and soon thereafter the bereaved husband paid a visit to America. While in Albany, he accepted a call to St. Paul's church of that city. He remained a year at St. Paul's, and then spent four years as rector of St. George's church of Toronto. Following this he was rector of All Saints Church, of New Milford,
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
Connecticut. In 1907, he came to Davenport, becoming rector and dean of Trinity Cathedral in October of that same year.
Dr. Hare is a Mason, a member of the Commercial and Contemporary Clubs. He is a man of wide experience and profound learning and his personality and convincing manner make him very popular. His zeal in his work has resulted in very beneficial effects in the city and vicinity, where he is widely known and beloved.
JULIUS DENKMANN.
Julius Denkmann, one of the prominent German farmers of Davenport town- ship, who has given up the arduous life to which he devoted himself for so many years, was born in Prussia, Germany, November 10, 1840, a son of John and Mary (Quinn) Denkmann. The father came alone to the United States in 1846. and after spending the winter in New Orleans he ascended the Mississippi river to Scott county, Iowa, where he bought some raw prairie land from Cook & Sargent. As money was very scarce here he was compelled to sell part of his purchase in order to obtain funds wherewith to live. He was able to build a house, however, and in 1847 the rest of his family came from Germany. They, following the same route as Mr. Denkmann, got as far as St. Louis, where their progress was hindered on account of the ice in the river. With the opening of spring navigation in 1848 they came to Scott county and joined the husband and father and went to live in the new home which he had provided. Then ensued a period of many hardships and struggles for the land had to be broken and prepared for cultivation. Nevertheless, the years were productive of sub- stantial success, so that at their death the parents might look back upon the move to this country with satisfaction. The father was sixty-eight when his life was brought to a close, and the mother about seventy. They were buried at Oakdale cemetery. Eight children were born to them: William and Charles, deceased; Julius, the subject of this sketch; Fred and Otto, who live in Scott county; Chris- tiana, the widow of Dr. Brunner; Harmina, the widow of Christ Mickle; and Amelia, the wife of Charles Rockel.
Although Julius Denkmann was but seven years of age when he started upon his journey to this country he had already entered the public schools of his native land. After his arrival here he finished his education as best he could, though it was with many discouragements for at first the nearest school was in Blue Grass township, a distance of five miles from his home. Later, after the railroad was built, he attended school at Walcott. During the summer months, however, he farmed most diligently, assisting his father until his death and then engaged in agricultural pursuits for himself. His first purchase of land comprised one hundred and sixty acres in Liberty township. It was slightly improved at the time but proved to be so fertile that as the result of his labors he was able to buy another tract of equal area contiguous to it. Later he purchased one hun- dred and sixty acres more in Davenport township. It also was only partially im- proved but it had a small house upon it, to which Mr. Denkmann brought his bride and which remained their home until 1872. In that year he bought twenty-
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five acres of land on the middle road, on which he resided for about twenty years, when he removed to the twenty acres on the outskirts of the city of Davenport, which is his home at present. He has, however, given up all active participa- tion in the more difficult work of the farm; as his land holdings and the income he had derived through the labors of previous years enable him to enjoy the necessities and many of the luxuries of life without thought of physical toil.
Mr. Denkmann has made three trips to his native home. He went first in 1866 and while there, March 12, 1867, married Miss Anna Rochel, a daughter of Carl and Anna Rochel, of Germany. His wife returned with him to America in 1867 and in the course of years became the mother of six children : Paulina, who married Charles Strubie, and they live on Mr. Denkmann's farm in Daven- port township; Clara, the wife of Dr. Blakeman, of Davenport; Bianca, who married John Carson, of Davenport township, and they have one daughter, Eliza- beth; William, who wedded Meta Lamp and lives in Scott county; and the other two died in infancy.
In 1872 Mr. Denkmann made a second trip to Germany, remaining there a year, and then in 1896 crossed the ocean upon his third journey. On this occasion, however, he remained only six weeks. As he has felt that his good fortune has been made in Scott county, he has identified himself closely with the principal interests of his fellow citizens, exerting his influence especially during the years he was engaged in active life in advancing the cause of education, for he was chosen as one of the members of the school board. Although he has rented his farms and does not participate in farming, he is still accounted one of the promi- nent agriculturists of Davenport township. For the younger men his life may be taken as an example of the achievements to be gained from the cultivation of the soil, while among the older men who are his associates he enjoys the good will and respect conferred upon all who have attained success through their own endeavors.
MRS. KATHERINE TROMBLY.
Mrs. Katherine Trombly is the widow of George Trombly and resides in Le Claire, where she has made her home for more than a half century. She was born in County Clare, Ireland, in February, 1842, and was a daughter of James and Mary (Murray) McCaffrey, both of whom were also natives of the Emerald isle, where they resided until 1847, when they bade adieu to friends and native land and with their family sailed for America, hoping to enjoy better opportuni- ties in the new world. They landed at New Orleans and thence made their way up the Mississippi river to St. Louis, where their remaining days were passed.
Mrs. Trombly was only five years of age when her parents came to the United States and her education was acquired in the public schools of St. Louis, where she remained until 1857, when she came to Le Claire. She was married on the 16th of February, 1856, to George Trombly, a well known river man who sailed before the introduction of steamboats. He built the first raft boat on the river at Le Claire and for many years sailed the Mississippi waters as captain.
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Trombly were born three children. George, the eldest, born December 7, 1857, is a resident of Le Claire, where he is engaged as a steam- boat captain. He married Alice LaCock and they have an adopted daughter, Ruth. Robert Henry Trombly, born August 19, 1862, wedded Stella Young and they have four children, Helen, Robert, Arthur and Paul, who are with their parents in Dubuque, Iowa. Minnie, born February 13, 1866, is the wife of Elmer McCraney and they have one child, Harriet Katharine, who was born August II, 1905.
Mr. Trombly exercised his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the democratic party but never sought nor desired office, for his time was fully taken up with his business duties and home interests. He died October 16, 1904, and in his death the community lost a substantial citizen, for he belonged to that class of men who, though never figuring in public life, wield an influence in favor of right and progress.
LUDWIG H. SCHMIDT.
Among the many men who witnessed the development of Scott county from the days when those who located here had to go to the forests and hew the trees from which to make rude shelters for themselves was Ludwig H. Schmidt, now deceased, who was formerly one of the successful agriculturists of Blue Grass township. He was born in Revensdorf, near Kiel, Germany, a son of John Frederick Christian Schmidt, a highly respected school teacher there. In 1847 he, with his family, came to Scott county and bought land in Blue Grass town- ship, upon which he built a log cabin as his first dwelling place. He broke the land and prepared it for cultivation, becoming a prosperous farmer. Before his death he was in possession of one hundred and fifty acres of land.
Ludwig H. Schmidt, who was but nine years of age when his father came to this country, received but little education in the land of his birth and had but few opportunities for continuing his studies here, owing to the primitive condi- tion of the country and the necessity for his working in the fields. He had prac- tical preparation for life, however, and through his father obtained a good intro- duction into the world of letters. He assisted in the cultivation of the soil from the beginning, developing and making the improvements which adorned the place. Later, he assumed full charge of the homestead, which remained his place of residence throughout his life. A thorough and careful farmer, indus- trious and a good manager, he was very successful, both in general agriculture and in the growing of grapes for wine.
In 1865 Mr. Schmidt returned to Germany on a visit and there married Miss Dora Schuett, by whom he had nine children; Mrs. Ida Thorborg, 'Adolph, Mrs. 'Agnes Kistenmacher, Mrs. Helen Schroeder, Emil, Herman, Albert, Ferdinand and Richard.
Mr. Schmidt took an active interest in the public affairs of the country of his adoption and, being public-spirited, was identified with some of the more vital interests of Scott county. He was well known in agricultural circles in Blue
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
Grass township and was ever spoken of as a man of sound principles and high integrity. His death occurred in 1884. For several years Mrs. Schmidt lived upon the homestead but now resides in Davenport. She still owns two hundred acres of land, which her son Richard operates.
HEUER & WESTPHAL.
One of the important hostelries of the village of Dixon is that of which J. W. Heuer and Henry Westphal are the proprietors. The former, who is the senior member of the firm, was born in Ditmarschen, Holstein, Germany, April 29, 1854, a son of Henry and Marie (Karson) Heuer. His parents were also natives of the same province and in 1858 came to this country, making their way immedi- ately to Scott county, where they took up their residence in the city of Davenport. The mother passed away shortly after her arrival but Mr. Heuer is still living Three children were born to him and his wife: J. W., who is the subject of this sketch; Claus, who is deceased; and Maggie, who was the youngest of the family.
J. W. Heuer accompanied his parents when they came to America and has since spent all of his life in Scott county. He received a rather meager educa- tion in the schools of Davenport, for while still a youth he began to make his own way in the world. He found employment first in a brickyard, later in a furniture factory and finally learned the cigar business in the city. After he had become proficient in this last occupation he formed a partnership with his half- brother, Henry Westphal, and together they manufactured cigars in Davenport until 1882, when feeling that larger opportunities awaited them elsewhere they came to Dixon. For about a decade they devoted themselves to their trade and then opened the hotel and saloon of which they are still the proprietors.
In 1876 Mr. Heuer was married to Miss Annie Gerts, a native of the father- land, and seven children have been born to them: William, who died at the age of eight years; Martha, who passed away when five years old; Emil, who is en- gaged in the implement business in Dixon; Harry, who died at the age of five; and Millie, Herbert and Henry, who are at home. A man of good business ability and endowed with the qualities of industry and frugality, he has had a guiding hand in the operation of the business, which has prospered well during the eighteen years it has been conducted here.
Henry Westphal, junior partner in this profitable enterprise, was born in Davenport, Iowa, March 6, 1859, and has spent all his life in Scott county. His father was F. F. Westphal, a native of Holstein, Germany, and his brother is Adolph Westphal. After his wife's death, however, F. F. Westphal married Mrs. Henry Heuer, and by this second union three children, two sons and a daughter, were born. Henry Westphal attended the public schools of Davenport, but put aside his text-books when he was only thirteen years of age that he might learn the trade of a cigarmaker. He found employment with the Otto Albrecht Com- pany, first as a shipping boy. During the eight years he remained with that house he rose rapidly in their esteem and learned his trade well. When he at-
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
tained his majority, he was taken into partnership by Hr. Heuer, and together they worked in Davenport for a couple of years, coming to Dixon about 1882. Ten years later, they opened the hotel and saloon which has been a flourishing institution of the village. Its success has been due in no small measure to the strong traits of character which are Mr. Westphal's. He is a man who lets no good opportunity slip through his hands. Like his partner he has made every endeavor to satisfy the wants of the hotel's guests, making them both welcome and comfortable, while he has exercised an equally efficient oversight over the business part of the undertaking. Mr. Westphal has also fostered local enter- prises, for when the Dixon Savings Bank was organized, he became a stockholder in the concern and has since been one of the directors, having in this the sup- port of his partner.
HENRY F. REIMERS.
Henry F. Reimers is one of the prosperous German farmers of Winfield town- ship, where he owns and operates a tract of one hundred and sixty acres about a mile east of Long Grove. He was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, February 18, 1858, a son of Hans and Louisa Reimers. The father was a farmer in the old country and served in the army during the war between Holstein and Denmark from 1848 to 1850. In 1860 he came to America, landing at New York, whence he came to Scott county, Iowa, where a brother Peter was already residing. Shortly after his arrival here he enlisted in the Fourteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, serving in the Union army until the close of the Civil war, when he returned to Scott county and for a year farmed as a renter in Butler township. Then he bought a tract of eighty acres, which remained the family home for about seven years, for as the war cloud had lifted his wife and children crossed the ocean and came to this county. At the end of that period he sold that property and bought from John Holling the place whereon his son Henry now lives. It re- mained his home until 1894, when he retired and removed to Davenport, where his death occurred December 9, 1901. His widow still survives and makes her home in this city. She is the mother of five children, as follows: Henry, of this review; William, of Long Grove; Theodore, of Davenport township; Herman, who is living with his mother; and Emil, of Grundy county, Iowa.
Henry F. Reimers, although only seven years of age when brought to this country, had attended school a little in Germany, but his education was really obtained in the district schools of Butler and Winfield townships. He early became acquainted with the duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturist as he helped his father on the farm, and he continued at home until he was twenty- seven years of age, when he worked as a farm hand for three years. Then he married, and, renting land, he engaged in agricultural pursuits on his own ac- count, continuing as a tenant until 1909, when his circumstances justified his buying the place whereon he now lives, which was the old home farm. He raises various cereals adapted to soil and climate, and as the work is carried on along
MR. AND MRS. HENRY F. REIMERS
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
systematic and progressive lines large harvests result from his labor and energy. He is a stockholder in the bank at Donahue, Iowa.
On the 9th of December, 1887, Mr. Reimers wedded Miss Carolina C. Hol- land, a daughter of Adolph and Maggie Holland, of Davenport, of whom men- tion is made elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Reimers are the parents of nine children, namely : Effie, Liddie, Rudolph, Rosie, Henry, Laura, Adolph, Harry and Emil, who died at the age of three months. The parents belong to the Court of Honor, and Mr. Reimers belongs to the Turners society of Eldridge. A successful farmer, he is recognized throughout the community as a man of genuine personal worth, a good neighbor and stanch friend, possessing many of the sterling traits of character for which the German race is noted. He is a public-spirited citizen and served as school director for a number of years, all things that tend to promote the general welfare receiving his support.
FRANK NEUFELD, M. D.
Dr. Frank Neufeld, a physician of Davenport who has a pleasant home on the corner of Ainsworth and West Third streets, was born in Monroe county, Wisconsin, September 15, 1874, his parents being Lawrence and Catharine (Schriener) Neufeld. The father was a native of Daun, Germany, and there. received all of his education. In 1854 he came to the United States, being then twenty-eight years of age. He landed in New Orleans, where he spent two years, and from that city ascended the Mississippi river to St. Louis, continuing the journey to Rock Island, Illinois. After a sojourn of a few years there he went to Monroe county, Wisconsin, which remained his home for perhaps twelve years. At the end of that period he returned to Rock Island county, Illinois, where he successfully engaged in farming. With advancing years he retired from active life and removed to the city of Rock Island but later removed to Geneseo, Illinois, where he died April 28, 1906. His wife had died more than twenty years previously, for she passed away July 2, 1886.
Dr. Frank Neufeld attended the common schools of Rock Island county and after he had completed the regular course of study he took a commercial course in the city schools. By that time he had determined upon his life profession and entered the pharmaceutical department of the Northwestern University. Later he went to the John A. Creighton Medical College at Omaha, from which he was graduated in May, 1901. In recognition of the excellence of his work there he was given the first prize-a gold medal-in surgery. 'After his graduation he became interne at St. Joseph's Hospital at Omaha and on leaving there came direct to Davenport, which has since been his home and the scene of his labors. The record which he made as a student has been duplicated in the years of his work here. He has proved an efficient physician and a surgeon of skill and good judgment, so that all who have sought his aid speak highly of the man and his work. He is careful and thorough, not thinking of himself when it is a case of helping others, while his sympathy and his cheerful personality make him a man whose presence is ever welcome in the sickroom.
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
In Davenport, May 4, 1909, was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Neufeld and Miss Harriett Turner, a daughter of John and Ellen (McIlmurray) Neufeld. The Doctor belongs to all of the medical associations which aim to advance the interests of physicians, and he obtains recreation in the social gatherings of his brother Elks and Knights of Columbus.
FRANK DE COCK.
For more than thirty-five years Frank De Cock has been a resident of Scott county, and during the greater part of that period he has lived on the farm in Winfield township which is now his home. It is a fine tract, which originally embraced a quarter section, but five acres were taken from it when St. Ann's church was built. It is finely improved and well cultivated, rendering Mr. De Cock yearly large returns for his labor, so that he deserves classification with the prosperous citizens of the county.
He was born in Rock Island county, Illinois, June 6, 1864, and is a son of Evo and Piliga (Duyvetter) De Cock, both natives of Belgium. The father was born in 1833, received his education in the land of his birth and there was en- gaged in farming until he was twenty-seven years of age, when he came alone to the United States. Landing at New York, he came west, settling near Moline, Illinois, where he worked as a farm hand for about six years. Then he married and bought one hundred and sixty acres in Rural township, Rock Island county, whereon he lived until March 1, 1873, when he came to Scott county, Iowa. After his arrival he bought from Mike and Pat Norton the farm on which his son Frank is now living. At that time there were no improvements on the place except a small shanty and a small stable, and he immediately set to work to make it comfortable and profitable as a farm. He met with success in his undertakings and about 1888 removed from it to a tract of one hundred and eighty-two acres, also in Winfield township, which he had purchased. This second farm remained his home until his death, which occurred in March, 1905. Three other farms, one of one hundred and fifty-two acres, another of one hundred and sixty acres and the third of one hundred acres, which were in his possession, indicate the success which attended his labors as an agriculturist. He was a devout member of the Catholic church and gave liberally to its support. His wife survived him a little more than two years and was sixty-three years of age when in October, 1907, she was called to her final rest. She was the mother of ten children, as follows: Frank, of this review; Rose, who married Jerry King and now lives in Oklahoma; Mary, the wife of R. T. Murphy, of Winfield township; Sarah, who is a Sister in St. Vincent's Orphans Home in Davenport; Julia; Josephine, who married August De Cock, of Winfield township; Donatus, of Winfield township; Thomas ; John, of Winfield township; and Joseph, of Davenport.
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