USA > Iowa > Scott County > Davenport > History of Davenport and Scott County Iowa, Volume II > Part 73
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Mr. Grieve is a faithful member of the Christian church in Davenport and formerly belonged to the church of that denomination at Long Grove, serving as one of its deacons for a number of years. The period of his residence in Scott county covers two-thirds of a century and he has been an interested witness of the transformation that has been wrought as pioneer conditions have given way be- fore the onward march of civilization. He is now in the seventy-second year of his age and that his life has ever been upright and honorable is indicated by the fact that the associates of his boyhood and youth are still numbered among his stanch friends and admirers.
U. N. ROBERTS.
When nature takes its course and man arrives at old age and then passes from the scene of earthly activities, sorrow is often felt, but not the intense regret which comes when the young man whose career of usefulness has scarcely begun, is taken. In the midst of a career in which he was using wisely and intelligently the talents with which nature endowed him, U. N. Roberts was called from this life and only the memory of his noble manhood, his upright citizenship and his splendid business and executive abilities tempered the poignant grief that was everywhere felt by those who had met him through commercial or social re- lations. In the little rock-ribbed country of Wales his birth occurred, the place of his nativity being the town of Ruabon, while his natal day was October 30, 1841. Eight years passed and in 1849 he accompanied his parents as they crossed the Atlantic to the new world and established their home in Neenah, Wisconsin. Ten days later the family were appalled by the death of the husband and father and upon the widowed mother devolved the care, support and protection of her children. Struggles and trials confronted the family and the financial con- dition made it imperative that the sons should aid in their own support as soon as possible. Therefore at a tender age U. N. Roberts sought employment and the spelndid establishment of which he was the head became the measure of his ability and enterprise, for his success was attributable entirely to his own labors.
On the 4th of March, 1866, when in his twenty-fifth year, Mr. Roberts came to Davenport, intent upon establishing himself in some business which he under-
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stood and therefore which would constitute for him the avenue that he might travel toward the goal of success. He had already had experience in the manu- facture of sash and doors while in Wisconsin and with the resolve that his labor should directly benefit himself he rented a room on Perry street and on the 25th of April, 1866, there embarked in business on his own account, with a total capital of but six hundred and seventy-two dollars. He at once began the manufacture of sash, doors and blinds and though the enterprise was started on a small scale, the business gradually developed until it became one of the mammoth productive industries of the city. He carefully solved each business problem as it came to him, drawing from his previous experiences for the right answer to the question and also making demand upon his initiative spirit that he might formulate and execute new plans. He had already established a growing business when in 1869 disaster in the shape of a fire stared him in the face. His entire plant was destroyed but by determined effort and renewed perseverance he was again soon established in business and at his demise left an enterprise with extensive trade connections and founded upon an unassailable reputation for commercial integrity and probity. The impetus which he gave to the undertaking has been manifest throughout all the ensuing years. At his death the business was continued under the name of U. N. Roberts & Company and has since been incorporated under the style of the U. N. Roberts Company, with a paid up capital of three hundred thousand dollars. The plant is now very extensive and the scope of the business has been extended to include doors, sash, blinds, inte- rior finish, art and prismatic glass. In all matters of material concern affecting the prosperity of Davenport, the city of his adoption and pride, Mr. Roberts took deep interest. He was especially concerned in the effort to secure the com- pletion of the Davenport & Northwestern Railroad to the city and his efforts in this as well as in other lines were crowned with success.
The spirit of commercialism was by no means the dominant element in the life of Mr. Roberts, who believed with Lincoln "There is something better than making a living-making a life." He was never neglectful of those interests which tend to the betterment and uplifting of the individual and the community at large. From the time of his arrival in Davenport he was a liberal supporter of the Congregational church and aided that organization very materially during the period of its financial struggle. About four years prior to his demise he transferred his relation to the Presbyterian church and became one of the most highly valued adherents of that organization, serving as a member of its board of trustees at the time of his death. He was always in attendance at church services on Sunday and the midweek meetings and by financial support and influence did everything in his power to promote the growth and extend the cause of the church. For years he was also one of the liberal members of the Young Men's Christian 'Association and before his death had made generous plans for assisting that organization in its efforts to erect for itself a building. He was president of that organization and in no phase of Davenport's life was his loss more keenly felt. Charitable in spirit, he gave freely to many ben- evolences and was ever ready to extend a helping hand to those in need of as- sistance.
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On the 17th of June, 1868, Mr. Roberts was married to Miss Julia A. Rora- back, the second daughter of Isaac and Rhoda Roraback, of South Bend, In- diana, the marriage ceremony being performed by Rev. Thomas P. Campbell. Unto them were born two children. To his family he was most devoted, count- ing no personal effort or sacrifice on his part too great if it would promote the happiness or enhance the welfare of the members of his own household. He passed away September 7, 1877, after an illness of about a month. His memory is perpetuated in the splendid industrial establishment which he founded, but more than that, in the hearts of those who knew him. All were glad to call him friend because of the warmth of his nature and the fact that he stood for that which is highest and noblest in human affairs. At the time of his demise one of the city papers said of him : "A good man and a public-spirited citizen has fallen. In such a death Davenport suffers a real and serious loss. Mr. Roberts was emphatically a growing man. Already, young as he was, he filled a wide place in our city. Had his life been spared a few years longer, the real strength and nobility of his character would assuredly have won for him a still higher place in the city and in public life."
JOHN ADOLPH OTTO.
On the 2d of October, 1909, there occurred an event which caused general mourning in Blue Grass township-the death of John Adolph Otto. In him were embodied the virtues of the early pioneers-the steadfast purpose, rugged integrity and moral zeal-virtues to which the splendid civilization of Scott county is indebted for its wonderful development and progress.
Mr. Otto, who was born in Pommern, Germany, January 1I, 1832, came with his parents, Adolph and Sophie Otto, and the other members of the family, to the new world in 1847. They were fourteen weeks and three days on the water, landing at Boston, Massachusetts, where John Otto and his brother Bernard remained for two years, but the parents continued their journey westward. They lived in Davenport one year, subsequent to which time the father pur- chased eighty acres of land from the government and this tract is still in pos- session of the family, being now owned by Louis Otto, a son of Bernard Otto. The father after coming into possession of this land set to work in earnest to improve and develop the place. He made his home throughout his remaining years on the farm where his son August now lives.
John Adolph Otto was a youth of fifteen years when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to America and on his arrival he sought immediate employment, so that all the education he acquired was in the schools of his na- tive country. As above stated, he remained in Boston for two years after com- ing to the new world and at the end of that time joined his father in Scott county. Upon his arrival in this county he at once took up farming and this continued to be his occupation until his death. He started, as do most settlers, in a humble way, but he possessed that tenacity of purpose that led him upward to success, and when he was called to his final rest, on the 2d of October, 1909,
MR. AND MRS. JOHN ADOLPH OTTO
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he owned three hundred and twenty acres of land in Scott county and three hundred and twenty acres in Muscatine county, Iowa.
After reaching years of maturity Mr. Otto sought a companion and helpmate in the person of Miss Wilhelmina Schnore, who was likewise born in Germany but at the time of their marriage was residing in Scott county. With the mother two sons and three daughters survive the father's death : Matilda, living in Du- rant; Carl, also of that city; Albertina, the wife of Davie Ruwe, also of Du- rant; Wilhelmina, the wife of Charles Rohlk, a resident of Durant; and August.
The last named was reared under the parental roof, continuing to assist his father in the work of the home farm until the latter's death. He is now oper- ating the farm on his own account and is a most enterprising and prosperous young farmer, whose business methods are such as commend him to the admira- tion and respect of the community. He was married to Miss Louisa Kronen- berg, a daughter of Henry Kronenberg, who made his home in Blue Grass town- ship but is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Otto have one daughter, Wilma, who was born December Ii, 1907.
The Otto family has always been numbered among those of worth and prominence in Blue Grass township. John Otto was identified with its agri- cultural interests for almost six decades and his son is still continuing along that line, fully sustaining the reputation that was always borne by his honored father.
JAMES C. MURRAY.
Among the many citizens of Davenport, the active years of whose life have been devoted to agricultural pursuits is James C. Murray, who owns one hun- dred acres of fine land in Davenport township, about two and a half miles from the Orphans' Home, on the Orphans' Home Road. He was born January 13, 1845, and is a son of George and Esther (Croyle) Murray. The father was born in Scotland and was the first of his family to come to this country. He settled and lived for a time in Pennsylvania, and then in 1855 came to Scott county, where he engaged in farming for many years. Later, having gained a success from his vocation he retired from active life, taking up his residence in the city.
James C. Murray was about ten years of age when his father moved to Iowa, but nevertheless his education has been derived entirely from the schools of Scott county. While it was meager compared to that given to pupils today, it amply fitted him, when it was united to the practical training received at home, for the responsibilities of life and for the attainment of success. When he started out for himself in the world of work and men, he continued in the vocation to which he had been reared, and added stock-raising to the general cultivation of the soil. Chicago and Davenport were his principal markets, and his stock, always well kept, ever commanded large prices. About twenty years ago he rented his land, some of the finest and most arable in the neighborhood of Davenport, and took up his residence in the city. He has a comfortable home at
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1517 Le Claire street, where he enjoys a well deserved rest from the hard toil of life.
At the opening of the year of 1880 Mr. Murray was united in the bonds of wedlock to Miss Susie K. Kober, a daughter of Christian Kober. One son, Christian, was born to them but passed away in early life. Although success- ful in his business, Mr. Murray has had no desire to enter the arena of public affairs. He has, however, joined the ranks of the Masons, and is not infre- quently present at the meetings of the Davenport lodge.
ISAAC CODY.
Isaac Cody, the father of "Buffalo Bill," the famous scout, Indian fighter and showman, was one of the pioneer settlers of Scott county. He was born and reared near Cleveland, Ohio, and was there married, but his wife died soon afterward, leaving a little daughter, Martha. Mr. Cody then went to Cin- cinnati with the intention of studying medicine but about that time the territory of Iowa was opened for settlement and he decided to emigrate to what was then the far west. In the meantime he had wedded Miss Mary Laycock, of Cincinnati, and unto them were born seven children, namely: Samuel, Julia, William F., Eliza, Helen, May and Charles.
Mr. Cody followed farming most of the time during his twelve years' resi- dence in Scott county. In the spring of 1852 he removed with his family to Weston, Missouri, and as soon as the territory of Kansas was opened for settle- ment he was among the first to enter, residing there all through the period of the troubles that antedated the Civil war. Mr. Cody was an outspoken free- state man and on one occasion, while making a speech in defense of his prin- ciples, he was stabbed in the back by a Missourian and was forced to leave the territory, for his life was constantly in danger. Therefore he returned east to his native state of Ohio, where he made many speeches in favor of the ad- mission of Kansas into the Union as a free state. On his return to Kansas he passed through Iowa and delivered speeches in Davenport and Le Claire. He was a very active man in making Kansas a part of the free territory, although he did not live to realize his one great ambition, which was to see Kansas be- come a pro-white state.
His son, William F. Cody, known throughout the world as "Buffalo Bill," was born in Le Claire township, February 26, 1845, on what is at present known as the John S. Wilson farm, a mile and a half northwest of the town. It ap- pears that Mrs. Cody had already selected a name if her child should be a boy and on being informed that such was the case she immediately announced that his name should be William Frederick. The family lived in Scott county until 1852 and there were in addition to the parents six children, as follows: Martha, Julia, William, Eliza, Helen and May. Samuel, the eldest son, had been killed while riding an unbroken colt at Walnut Grove, where the family had been living for a year. W. F. Cody at that time was a tall, dark-haired boy, seven years old, and was very fond of horses. Already he could manage a team as
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well as any ordinary man and, in fact, he drove one of his father's teams on the trip to western Missouri, which was in the year 1852. In the year 1857 his father died, leaving him, at the tender age of twelve years, the sole pro- tector and support of the family. After the father's death he struck out for the plains and engaged in herding cattle, driving stage, acting as a pony express rider and doing other such work as was incident to a life in that sec- tion of the country. After the outbreak of the Civil war he became one of the famous "red-legged scouts," a company commanded by Captain Tuff. He served for two years and then joined the Seventh Kansas, known as Jenni- son's Jayhawkers, with which he served until the war closed. After the war he returned to the plains and was a scout for Generals Sheridan, Miles, E. A. Carr and others, while subsequently he became associated with Ned Buntlin in the show business, which he has followed continuously and at this writing, in 1910, is still under the canvas. His mother, Mrs. Cody, died November 22, 1863, at her home in Kansas. Said one who knew her more than a half century ago: "She was quite a literary woman, a lady in every sense of the term; a great admirer of Queen Victoria and proud she would have been could she have lived to know that her son, William Frederick, was the only American ever granted special favors by the queen of England."
CHARLES T. KINDT.
Charles T. Kindt, one of the most progressive and prominent theatrical managers of the west, his business enterprise and discrimination being evidenced in his successful control of over fifty theaters which he owns and many others which he represents, was born in Sandusky, Ohio, May 28, 1862. His father, Louis Kindt, a native of Germany, was born January 1, 1826. . The grandfather held a high official position in the province of Baden and, greatly interested in the political situation of the country, became connected with the revolution of 1848 as one of the leaders in the movement that sought greater liberty for the people. He was a man of wide influence, who died shortly after his capture at the ad- vanced age of eighty-two years. His son, Louis Kindt, then sailed for the new world, hoping here to enjoy the liberty that was denied him in his native country. The vessel in which he sailed was wrecked on the voyage and he spent three days floating on a raft, after which he was picked up off the banks of New- foundland and landed on American shores. At length he settled at Pottsdam, Pennsylvania. He was a man of liberal education, having studied at Heidel- berg University, his taste and talent for art leading him to pursue a course along that line. He first engaged in teaching in Pottsdam but after a brief period turned his attention to his chosen profession and became one of the most famous scenic artists in the entire country. He passed by successive and logical steps into the theatrical business as a promoter of theatrical interests in vari- ous cities. He now lives in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and while he has practically retired from active business still paints for his own amusement and recreation and is accounted a connoisseur of art, while his ability in production has placed
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him among the eminent representatives of his line. Among his most famous productions are the Battle of Lookout Mountain and the Battle of Gettysburg, painted by him for exhibit as cycloramas. In the centennial year 1876 he was chosen as the artist for and had charge of the pageant at Davenport.
In his younger days Charles T. Kindt traveled from place to place with his father but his education was not neglected, as he attended school in various cities, becoming a high school student in Chicago. He afterward took up the business of wood engraving and followed it until the process of photo-engraving was discovered, when he realized that there was then no future for him as a carver of wood. Accordingly he turned his attention to his father's profession of scenic painting and in 1887 came to Davenport to paint the scenery for the new Turner Hall. Favorably impressed with the city and its people, he remained here and has never regretted his choice. He assumed the management of the theater in Turner Hall and extended the scope of his efforts, becoming a mem- ber of the firm of Chamberlin, Harrington & Kindt, forming what is now known as the I. & I. circuit of theaters, owning and conducting over fifty theaters and representing several hundreds of others. To Mr. Kindt and his associates is due the excellent class of amusements given to the public through the avenue of the theaters which they own and the theatrical business is so ably managed that success has followed as the immediate result of their labors. Mr. Kindt is also largely interested in advertising and is the president of the Western Theatrical Managers Association, having three times been elected to the office. In 1882 Mr. Kindt was married to Miss Nellie Stoddard, a native of Kenosha, Wis- consin, and they have three children: Caroline, now the wife of S. B. Fields ; Charles Roy, associated with his father in business; and Julia Helen. Mr. Kindt is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Turners and a large number of professional societies. He is genial and popular not only with his fellow townsmen but with theatrical people and all with whom busi- ness relations bring him in contact. Catering to the human need for amuse- ment through the avenue of the theater, he is giving to the public entertain- ment that is of a recreative and most interesting character and through the medium of the circuit which has been established attractions are secured for various towns which otherwise would not have the opportunity to hear first- class entertainments.
VERNER E. HAYWARD.
Verner E. Hayward is a college man and a most successful and prominent representative of the business circles of Davenport, where he is widely known as secretary, treasurer and general manager of the Davenport Ladder Company. He was born in Garner, Iowa, November 15, 1882, a son of the Hon. W. C. Hayward, secretary of state. He was only three years of age when the family came to this city and the public schools afforded him his preliminary educational opportunities. Following his graduation from the high school with the class of 1900 he continued his studies in the Iowa State College at Ames and in Cornell
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College at Mount Vernon, Iowa. He then entered the field of manufacture and is now associated with one of the city's most important productive industries as the secretary, treasurer and general manager of the Davenport Ladder Com- pany, of which W. C. Hayward is the president. This concern conducts a very extensive business and although a young man, not yet having completed three decades, Mr. Hayward manages the enterprise with marked capability, discretion and force. He possesses in large measure that quality which for want of a better term has been called commercial sense-a ready recognition of op- portunities, combined with an intelligent use thereof.
In September, 1904, Mr. Hayward was married to Miss Kate Ford, a native of Manchester, Iowa, and they have one son, William Ford, born August 8, 1907. Mr. Hayward belongs to Davenport Lodge, No. 37, A. F. & A. M .; Davenport Chapter, No. 16, R. A. M .; St. Simon of Cyrene Commandery, No. 9, K. T .; the Davenport Commercial Club; and other local organizations.
PETER SOENKE.
Peter Soenke, now deceased, was numbered among those representative American citizens who claim Germany as the place of their nativity but who in America find opportunity for advancement and progress along business lines. Born in Schleswig-Holstein on the 19th of February, 1834, he was a son of Hans and Christina Soenke, both natives of that province, the former born ou the Ioth of August, 1803, and the latter on the 14th of August, 1802. In 1853 the family came to America, landing at New Orleans, from which place they made their way northward to Iowa, locating in Scott county. The father car- ried on agricultural pursuits in Blue Grass township in the capacity of renter for a number of years, after which he purchased a farm upon which he con- tinued to reside until his demise, which occurred on the 5th of August, 1884.
Peter Soenke acquired his education in the schools of his native country and remained a resident of the fatherland until the removal of the family to the United States, when he was about nineteen years of age. After his arrival in Scott county he assisted his father in his agricultural pursuits until 1859, when he went to California and spent nearly six years prospecting for gold. In the meantime he located a claim which he later sold, and after returning to Scott county in 1865 purchased a farm in Blue Grass township which had previously been owned by his father and which is now in the possession of Peter F. Soenke. There he continued to carry on general farming for a number of years, and in this line of activity became very successful, at the time of his death owning a valuable farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Scott county and a tract of similar size in Muscatine county, all under a high state of cultivation. He was one of the organizers of the Mutual Fire Insurance Company of German House- holders and at the time of his demise was one of the trustees of that company.
On the 17th of December, 1867, Mr. Soenke was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Rohwer, a daughter of Jurgen Rohwer, a native of Schleswig-Hol- stein, Germany, and unto this union were born nine children, namely: Hans
-
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William, who married Clara Schlichting and is a prosperous agriculturist of Blue Grass township, where he owns two farms and is also a stockholder in the Blue Grass Savings Bank; Peter F. Soenke, born on the 29th of March, 1873, who married Emma F. Illian, a daughter of William F. Illian, of Scott county, and who is now the owner of the original Soenke farm, where he makes his home, being also a stockholder in the Blue Grass Savings Bank, a part owner of a creamery in Clay county, Iowa, and a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Walcott; George F., who married Olga Schuett, a daughter of Theo- dore Schuett, of Scott county, and owns a farm of one hundred and sixty acres just south of Walcott; Carl H., who married Agnes Gollinghorst and is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Muscatine county ; Ernest E., who married Hertha Haller and resides in Davenport; Fred H., who makes his home with his mother on what is known as Locust street road near Davenport; Anna C., the wife of Louis Puck, of Davenport township; Emma C., who wedded Albert Illian, of Blue Grass; and one who died in infancy.
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