USA > Iowa > Scott County > Davenport > History of Davenport and Scott County Iowa, Volume II > Part 70
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The education of Henry Kohrs was received in the excellent schools of Ger- many and there learned the butcher's trade. When twenty-three years old he came to the United States and for a short time was in New York city but soon removed to Davenport, landing here March 13, 1854. Being a hard-working and industrious young man, he soon secured employment in a dry goods and grocery store, from which he went to a clothier's, and in this way became acquainted with the language and customs of his new home. In 1855, he was able to start in busi-
HENRY KOHRS
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
ness in a humble way, opening a market on Western between Fourth and Fifth streets. In 1857 he removed to Harrison avenue, and in 1858 erected a building at Nos. 310 and 312 West Second street, where he carried on business until 1874. During all this time he worked very hard, making every change pay, and carefully saving all he could, so that in 1874 he was able to embark in the pork packing busi- ness in a small way and so laid the foundation for his present immense establish- ment. The plant stands on its original site, but there have been many changes, not only in the buildings, but the methods. As his business grew, Mr. Kohrs also grew, eagerly seizing upon any improvement that would be profitable for him to introduce into his establishment. For years he continued alone and then took his sons into partnership with him. In 1898 W. H. Gehrmann became a member of the firm, which is now known as the Kohrs Packing Company. Of late years Mr. Gehrmann has relieved Mr. Kohrs of much of the active work.
On Christmas Day, 1857, Mr. Kohrs married Johanna Lohmann, a native of Germany, who came to Scott county in 1855 and like her husband is still in excel- lent health and in possession of all her faculties. Eight children were born to them : Amelia, now Mrs. Phillipson; Mary; Helen, now Mrs. William H. Gehr- mann; Bertha ; Conrad, who died in 1908, aged forty years; and Henry, John and Frank who are members of the firm.
While a good republican, Mr. Kohrs' time has been so occupied with business cares that he has had but little leisure to give to politics, but in the '8os he served his ward as a member of the council and was chairman of the committee on streets. He is a member of the Turner and Shooting Clubs. Although in his eightieth year, Mr. Kohrs spends several hours each day at his business, and is hale and hearty, enjoying the companionship of his wife and children and the esteem his success has won for him.
Aside from his material prosperity, Mr. Kohrs is worthy of all confidence and friendship he has evoked, for he possesses those sterling traits of character that make for the most desirable citizenship and which all captains of industry do not possess. As a business man he has prospered, but it is as the good citizen, the kind and loving husband and father that he will best be remembered. His children have been carefully reared by himself and wife to be a credit to any community, and thus in another way he has served his adopted country by giving it honorable citizens, carefully trained to recognize the law and its restrictions.
WILLIAM H. ROCK.
The strong traits of character predominant in the German race have been conspicuous in winning for William H. Rock the substantial position he holds among the farmers of Allens Grove township. There he engaged in farming for more than a quarter of a century until 1908, when he retired from active life and took up his residence in Dixon. He was born in Waldeck, Germany, December 2, 1853, a son of Louis and Fredericka (Bick) Rock. They spent their entire lives in the country of their birth and were the parents of seven sons and two daughters. Three of the former came to this country: William
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H., the subject; and F. H. and C. H., who settled first in Clinton county, Iowa, and later moved to Woodbury, county, Iowa.
William H. Rock attended the public schools of his fatherland until he was seventeen years of age, when he decided to come to America. After crossing the Atlantic he made his way immediately to Davenport, arriving here some time in the early part of 1870. He had little difficulty in finding work as a farm hand, receiving a small wage in compensation for his labor. Until he was twenty-six years of age he worked for others and then bought a tract of one hundred and sixty acres in Berlin township, Clinton county. Upon that he en- gaged in farming for a number of years, finally selling it in order that he might buy the two hundred and forty acres in Allens Grove township which was for so many years his home. It is situated about two miles south of the village of Dixon and is a fine arable tract. He improved it greatly during the years it was his home and from the cultivation of its soil derived a large profit. As the years brought him success he invested heavily in land elsewhere, purchasing one hundred and sixty-nine acres in Liberty township adjoining the corporate boundaries of Dixon, and five hundred and fifty-five acres in Oldham county, Texas. As these landholdings represent his own efforts he felt that he was weli justified in relinquishing the heavier cares of life and enjoying a respite from his toil.
In 1882 Mr. Rock wedded Miss Louise Rock, who was born in Scott county. November 1, 1860, a daughter of Christian and Wilhelmina Rock. They were both natives of Waldeck, Germany, and had come to this county sometime in the '50s. They are now residing in Allens Grove township. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Rock: Minnie, now the wife of Louis Wunder, of Hickory Grove township; and Herbert B., Hugo and Hellmuth, who are liv- ing upon their father's farm in Allens Grove township. The eldest of the sons is married.
When Mr. Rock became a citizen of this country he chose the democratic party as his guide in political matters and to its support has since given his un- qualified allegiance. He was active in the affairs of Allens Grove township, al- though never an office seeker, having for six years efficiently fulfilled the duties of assessor and for seven years having served the people as trustee. When the Dixon Savings Bank was organized a few years ago Mr. Rock became the vice president, a position he still holds. His activity in promoting this enterprise is but another indication of the progressive spirit which has been conspicuous throughout his life.
AUGUST HAASE.
The Haase family is one of the oldest in Davenport and August Haase, a native of Hanover, Germany, was the eldest of the name to settle in the town which was the beginning of the present thriving city on the Mississippi. He was born in 1816 and received his education in Germany, where he learned his trade, that of a miller. In middle life he was seized with the desire to try his
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fortunes in the wonderful America, about which so many of his associates were speculating. Upon arriving here he first took up his residence in Wisconsin but later came to Davenport, making the journey in a unique and primitive fashion, by building a flatboat and floating down the Mississippi river, reaching Daven- port in the spring of 1869. In course of time he established himself in a profitable business, opening a restaurant with a saloon and billiard hall in connection. He had a family of six children, of whom Carl, the eldest, was lost at sea in 1875. The others were Agnes, Clara, Gustav, and William and Sophia, twins.
Gustav Haase was born in Germany and had already received his education when his father brought the family to America. For a time he gave his as- sistance to his father and then went into the wholesale liquor business on his own account. 'After the tragic death of his brother Carl, who had had an in- terest in the firm, the younger brother William became a partner. William had previously been in the dry-goods business. The brothers were but twenty-three and twenty-one years of age at that time, the youngest wholesale liquor dealers in Iowa. Gustav was married March 30, 1878, to Miss Lea Tanner, and Wil- liam, March 24, 1880, wedded Miss Agnes Clug, two children, Inez and Claire, having been born of their union. Both brothers are Lutheran in their religious conviction and both hold membership in the Turners Society.
Carl Frederick Haase was born in Germany, in which country he received his education and spent his earlier years. Upon coming to America he as- sisted his father and engaged in various pursuits, finally entering into part- nership with his brother Gustav in the wholesale liquor business. His wife was before her marriage Miss Augusta Albers and they were the parents of two children. In making a trip to Germany in May, 1875, in company with his wife and children, their steamer, the Schiller, was lost off the English coast, and they, together with a number of other Davenport people, met their death. Mr. Haase's body was recovered and buried on an island near the scene of the disaster.
THEODORE BRUS.
One by one the sturdy men who came to Iowa when the state was first opened for the colonization by homesteaders and did much to promote its de- velopment are dropping from the ranks of its citizens. Among those who have passed away is Theodore Brus of Blue Grass township. A native of Holland, he was born January 28, 1839, and is a son of Theodore Brus, who decided to come to this country in 1846. Accompanied by his brother and sons he crossed the Atlantic and landed at New Orleans, whence he proceeded up the Missis- sippi river to St. Louis. There the little party spent one winter, continuing their journey with the opening of spring navigation until they reached Scott county, Iowa. In 1848 the father purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, where he took up his residence and made his home until his death, which occurred in 1860.
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Theodore Brus of this review participated in the work of clearing and break- ing the land when his father secured it and through the years of his active life devoted himself to the operation of the old homestead, for at the death of his father he purchased the interests his brothers and sisters had in the estate. He was successful beyond the average and enjoyed the satisfaction of knowing that his work, hard as it might have been at times, especially in early years, has contributed its full share to the prosperity and development of this region. After a useful and well spent life, Mr. Brus passed away, October 7, 1903.
On the 24th of May, 1870, Mr. Brus married Miss Catherine Pohlmann, a daughter of Bernard Pohlmann, of Davenport. Five of the children born of their union are living with their mother upon the old home place: Theodore, Agnes, Barney and Henry, twins, and Rudolph. Two daughters, Elizabeth and Mary, have passed away, the former in 1906, the latter in 1907. Hermann wedded Mary Gammon and lives in Scott county. Theodore, the oldest son, has served six years as a school director and he holds stock in the Blue Grass Savings Bank. In short he is a young man who is making the best of the many opportunities which have been presented to him.
Mr. Brus was a democrat in his political affiliations and served for a time as road supervisor. He was not an aspirant for official preferment, however, although as a good citizen he exerted his influence in the behalf of the common weal.
JESSE L. ARMIL.
Jesse L. Armil, a retired farmer making his home in Davenport, while not a native of this state, came here in early childhood before the land in this locality had been touched by the plow or harrow. Surrounded by the primitive condi- tions of pioneer life, he witnessed the great and beneficial change which the unremitting toil of man gradually brought about.
Mr. Armil was born on the 6th of May, 1833, in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and was only four years of age when brought to Iowa by his parents, John and Susan (Septer) Armil, reaching Scott county on the 19th of April, 1837. The family settled in the vicinity of what is now Davenport and there the father engaged in agricultural pursuits with good success, so that he was able to invest heavily in the rich farm land of this locality. His wife died in 1855, but he survived until 1887.
Jesse L. Armil received his education in the Catholic schools of this county and during his boyhood assisted his father in the work of the home farm. Later he engaged in dairying on a farm adjoining that of his father. He retired in 1905, removing to No. 628 West Locust street, which is a part of the farm en- tered by his father.
On the 19th of January, 1857, Mr. Armil was united in marriage to Miss Joanna Barrett, a daughter of John and Eliza Barrett, and to them have been born three children. Frances is now the widow of C. F. Sivertsen, a son of Christian Sivertsen. He was a millwright by trade and was twenty-two years of age when he came to Scott county, making his home here until his death,
JESSE L. ARMIL
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
which occurred on the 15th of December, 1906. Robert married Miss Anna Mundt and to them have been born seven children : Bessie, Ed, Earl, Ruth, Paul, Robert and Marie. He belongs to both the Elks and the Masonic fraternities and is now engaged in the dairy business, having succeeded his father, who for twenty-four years devoted considerable attention to that industry. Warner married Miss Frances McGee, by whom he had two children, Jesse and Frances. After her death he married Miss Cora Smiley. He, too, is a Mason and also belongs to the Improved Order of Red Men.
Mr. Armil still owns a good farm of seventy acres, now within the city limits of Davenport. He is an honored member of the Pioneers Society of Scott county and is held in high regard by all who know him. He has always been interested in public affairs and has done his part toward the development and upbuilding of the city.
MRS. ELIZABETH ADELAIDE JAMES.
In Le Claire, where she has long made her home, Mrs. James receives the respect and veneration which should ever be accorded those who have passed to a far point on life's journey. She was born in Richmond, Indiana, April 14, 1836, and was a daughter of Peter and Mary (Penry) Beers. Her father was a native of Columbus, Ohio, and her mother was born in the same city in 1815. They were both numbered among the pioneer residents of that state. After leaving Ohio they removed to Indiana and for some years were residents of Richmond. In 1843, however, they came to Iowa, settling at Burlington when this state was yet under territorial rule. There the father continued to reside through- out the remainder of his life. He was a farmer by occupation and devoted many years to the work of tilling the soil. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and he stanchly advocated its principles but never sought office as a reward for party fealty and allegiance. He died at Grand River, Iowa, in 1895, passing away at a ripe old age.
His daughter, Mrs. James, was only seven years of age at the time of the removal of the family from Indiana to Iowa, and in the schools of Burlington she acquired her education. She was capably trained in the work of the house- hold, so that she was well qualified to take charge of a home of her own at the time of her marriage to Thomas James, the wedding being celebrated on the 14th of February, 1854. He was a son of John and Mary (Davis) James, both of whom were natives of Wales, where they were born and reared. The birth of Thomas James occurred in Glasbury, Wales, on the IIth of May, 1826, and in his youthful days he was brought to the United States. At the time of the Mexican war he espoused the cause of his adopted country and became a mem- ber of the Missouri Artillery Lighthorse Battalion, under Major Clark. He served throughout the entire contest and was honorably discharged in 1848. Turning his attention to farming, he followed that pursuit for many years and in his business affairs was careful and systematic, bringing his fields under a high state of cultivation and gathering good crops as the reward of his earnest labors. In all of his business dealings, too, he was thoroughly reliable, being
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never known to take advantage of the necessities of his fellowmen in any trade transaction.
Three children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. James. The eldest, Florence, who was born in 1855, became the wife of Joseph Barnes, a resident of Le Claire, and they have two children : Raymond Barnes, now living in Des Moines, Iowa; and Rolla Barnes, of Le Claire, who married Miss Bessie Young and has two children, Jewel and Raymond Barnes. Fannie James, born March 29, 1858, is the wife of Frank Pope and they have one child, Albertine Pope. Albertine James, the youngest of the family, born March 6, 1865, is the wife of Milton Chambers and they have two children, Lotta J. and May Elizabeth Chambers, who are residing with their parents in Le Claire.
The death of Mr. James occurred January 6, 1908, when he had reached the very venerable age of eighty-two years. He came of English ancestry and ad- hered to the religious faith of the family, holding membership in the Episcopal church. His life was at all times guided by its principles and its teachings and he was ever an upright, honorable man. In his political views he was a democrat but never aspired to office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs that he might provide a comfortable living for his family, keeping them from want and supplying them with those opportunities and ad- vantages which go to make life worth living. Wherever known he was hon- ored and esteemed and most of all where he was best known.
CHARLES LERCHEN.
Charles Lerchen, deceased, who throughout life enjoyed a large acquaint- ance among the German residents of Davenport and was beloved and esteemed wherever he was known, by reason of a cheerful disposition and an honorable life, was born in Saxony, Germany, but lived in this country from early man- hood, for like many another son of the fatherland, he was attracted to the United States by the story of the opportunities for advancement said to lie here, although at the time he crossed the 'Atlantic, before the end of the first half of the last century, the full possibilities of this land were unknown. For a time after coming to America Mr. Lerchen lived in Wheeling, West Vir- ginia, and then removed to Detroit, Michigan, which, because of its position upon the lake, was farther developed than the country surrounding it.
In 1850 he came to Davenport and on Second street opened a leather and harness shop, for he had learned the saddler's trade in the land of his birth. He was thus engaged in business for some time and then, when the fever of western colonization began to take possession of men's minds, he went to Denver, Col- orado, being not only one of the early settlers of that city but also one of the first to embark in mercantile pursuits there. Toward the close of his life, how- ever, he returned to Davenport, where he resided until his death. A man of great energy and activity, he found the opportunities he sought in this country, was successful beyond the average, and also enjoyed the respect of the many
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persons, who, coming in contact with him in business or socially, found him a man who was ever genial, courteous and honorable.
While he was living in Germany Mr. Lerchen wedded Miss Amelia Wey- inan, who passed from this life May 21, 1900, at the advanced age of eighty- two years. Like her husband she was well and favorably known in the German circles of Davenport, particularly in those societies that aim to keep alive the spirit of the fatherland. In the Turnverein and Mannerchor she is remembered with especial fondness for the many acts of kindness and unselfishness she per- formed and for the flags she made for the societies. Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Lerchen, six of whom are still living: Carl, Mrs. Amelia Schlagel, William, Mrs. Lydia Meyer, Fannie and Pauline. Miss Fannie Ler- chen, like her parents, brothers and sisters, is well known in Davenport, which has been her home for so many years and where she has a circle of friends al- most coextensive with that of her acquaintances. Mr. Lerchen was numbered among the older and more prosperous of the German settlers of this county, and the honorable and upright record of his life is one of which fellow citizens and his children may well be proud.
GUS P. LAMP.
Gus P. Lamp, a well known resident of Hickory Grove township, is located on a desirable farm on section 32, whose associations must be doubly dear to him for it was here that he was born January 28, 1872. His parents were Claus H. and Katherine (Lamp) Lamp, who lived for a number of years in Daven- port. The subject of this sketch is one of a family of five children: Matilda, the wife of August Paustian, a resident of Hickory Grove township; Caroline, who married George Schlapkohl and lives in New Liberty township; Julius, located in Hickory Grove township; and Clara, who married Otto Harbeck and lives in Davenport.
Gus P. Lamp received his education in the public schools and spent four winters in attendance at Davenport's Business College, his training not being limited to his own particular vocation. Since he began his active business career his life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits, the scene of his ac- tivities being, as previously mentioned, the old home farm of three hundred and twenty acres on sections 32 and 29, Hickory Grove township. In addition to general farming he devotes a part of his attention to stock raising with profitable result. He is also a stockholder in the Galloway Manufacturing Com- pany, of Waterloo, Iowa. An evidence of his very provident nature is the fact that he carries ten thousand dollars life insurance.
Mr. Lamp was married July 2, 1896, to Miss Regina Magnus, of Davenport. She was born June 2, 1873, and is a daughter of Emil Magnus. They have three children : Louis C. E., Dewey D. and Malinda Luella.
Mr. Lamp is very happy in his fraternal relations, holding membership in two organizations in Walcott, lodge No. 1644 of the Eagles, and camp No. 7749 of the Modern Woodmen of America. Although comparatively a young
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man, he has accumulated a very considerable amount of wealth. Prudent, re- sourceful, a keen business man and yet a just neighbor, he is held in high re- gard by all who know him.
W. I. QUINN.
Among the honored pioneer residents of Scott county none is more worthy of mention than W. I. Quinn, a retired farmer, now living in Long Grove, where he owns two lots in addition to eighty acres of land in Winfield township. He was born in Preble county, Ohio, November 12, 1831, a son of Joseph C. C. and Julia Ann (Glines) Quinn. The father was one of the pioneers of Preble county and was there engaged in farming until 1838, when he decided to come west to Iowa. The little party that crossed the plains from Ohio in a covered wagon consisted of our subject's paternal grandparents, their two sons and their respective families. The aged grandfather said he wanted to see the country as they went along and as he could not do this when in the wagon, he walked for a large part of the way. He was not able to complete the journey, however, but died when they were in central Illinois. The rest of the party proceeded on their way, reaching Scott county, Iowa, October 14, 1838, after having spent four weeks on the journey. They located about sixteen miles north of Daven- port, on the Wapsipinicon, where the two brothers took up claims of eighty acres each, although they could not register them as the land had not then been opened up for settlement. However, they put up two log cabins, wherein the families began housekeeping, and when the land came into market they entered their claims and also forty acres each of timber. Joseph C. C. Quinn lived upon his eighty-acre farm for about five years and then traded it for one of forty acres farther down the river, which was partly cleared and had a log house upon it, living there for seven years. The family suffered terribly from the ague, the men being compelled to cease work two months every year on ac- count of it. After they had lived near the river for about twelve years and W. I. Quinn felt he was old enough to do for himself, he told his father he would not spend another winter on the Wapsie. Therefore they decided to give up the farm, and, selling the forty acres in 1850 for three hundred dollars, the father located on the prairie about two and a half miles south of Long Grove, where he entered one hundred and sixty acres of land. There he built a frame house, a log stable and a few sheds covered with hay, hauling the timber for these, and for his fences and other purposes from the banks of the Wapsie. Mr. Quinn lived there until 1867, when he sold eighty acres to Jacob Eldredge, his son, W. I., having bought the other eighty acres in 1852, and removed to Linn Grove, whence after several years he went to Jasper county, Iowa, which remained his home until his death.
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