USA > Iowa > Scott County > Davenport > History of Davenport and Scott County Iowa, Volume II > Part 74
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In his fraternal relations Mr. Soenke was a member of Scott Lodge, No. 37, I. O. O. F., of Davenport, while politically his views were in accord with the principles of the democratic party. He was at one time township trustee of Blue Grass township and for several years served as school director, the cause of education finding in him a warm champion. He passed to his final rest on the 10th of February, 1892, and with his death Blue Grass township lost one of its representative and valued citizens who had ever been thoroughly iden- tified with its interests and who, during the period of his residence within its borders, had gained an extensive circle of warm friends who entertained for him the highest regard and esteem because of his many excellent traits of character.
GEORGE W. CURTIS.
The simple weight of his character and ability has carried George W. Cur- tis into important relations with the public life and interests of Long Grove, where he is now engaged in business as a member of the H. W. Meier Auto- mobile Company. He was formerly for many years a leading merchant of the town and the methods which he followed might well serve as an example to those who wish to win honorable success.
He was born in Davenport, March 30, 1860. His father died when the son was very young, and he was adopted by Abraham Curtis, one of the very early settlers of the county, who arrived here in 1852. He was then a man of thirty- five years, his birth having occurred in Rensselaer county, New York, Febru- ary 10, 1817. His parents were Daniel and Mehitable (Masters) Curtis. The former died in the Empire state, but the latter came to Scott county, where she passed away in 1889. Abraham Curtis acquired his education in his native county, attending the district schools and after putting aside his text-books he gave his undivided attention to farming until he came to the middle west with his wife in 1852. With Scott county as his destination, he purchased one hun- dred and sixty acres of government land near the present town of Donahue in
ABRAHAM CURTIS
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
Hickory Grove township at four dollars per acre. This was wild prairie, but he at once began to break the sod and soon the farm was under cultivation, while from year to year he added to the improvements upon the place, con- verting it into one of the well developed properties of the region. He resided thereon until the spring of 1881, when he retired from active farm life and removed to Davenport. While residing on the old homestead he had purchased other land from time to time until he was the owner of about five hundred acres in Scott county and also had four hundred acres in Illinois. His capital was thus placed in the safest of all investments-real estate-and as the years went by he met with substantial prosperity which came as the direct reward of his earnest, persistent labor. He took a keen interest in the Methodist church and its growth, but was not a member. His wife and family also attended that church. Mr. Curtis passed away November 12, 1902, and his remains were in- terred in Pine Hill cemetery at Davenport. His wife, who was born in Wash- ington county, New York, April 1, 1819, died on the 9th of April, 1893, and she, too, was laid to rest at Pine Hill. They were married in 1851, and having no children of their own, they reared three adopted children: Abbie, the wife of Dr. J. R. Dosh, of Stuart, Iowa; Anna I., the wife of Lester Adams, of Eagle Bridge, New York; and George W.
The last named pursued his education in the district schools of Hickory Grove township, Cornell College, of Mount Vernon, and the Davenport Busi- ness College. He remained with his foster parents in Davenport until January, 1884, when he removed to Long Grove and formed a partnership with M. M. Rice. They purchased a store and stock of general merchandise from O. W. Richardson & Company and continued together in business for two years, when Mr. Curtis purchased his partner's interest and continued alone until 1901. In the conduct of his mercantile enterprise he met with substantial success, con- ducting a profitable business until he sold the stock to Marriott & George. He still owns the building, however. While still engaged in general merchandising he established the Star Creamery of Long Grove in 1890, but also leased that property at the time he rented his store. He then lived retired until 1909, but indolence and idleness are utterly foreign to his nature and preferring to re- main an active factor in business circles he formed a partnership with H. W. Meier and G. B. Maxwell, under the firm name of the H. W. Meier Automobile Company. They handle some of the best makes of motor cars and are suc- cessful in the past year in filling many orders. In addition to his interests in this line, Mr. Curtis is the owner of two hundred and forty acres of valuable land in Hickory Grove township and is a stockholder in the Stockman's Savings Bank at Long Grove.
On the 25th of September, 1885, occurred the marriage of Mr. Curtis and Miss Minnie Martindale, a daughter of Thomas and Mary Ann Martindale, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Curtis have been born seven children, as follows: Raymond A., who is acting as cash- ier in the Stockman's Savings Bank at Long Grove; Bessie M., who is attend- ing college at Eureka, Illinois; LeRoy M., Edith M., Harold T., Margaret E. and Robert, all still under the parental roof.
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The family are members of the Christian church at Long Grove, in which Mr. Curtis is serving as elder. He has also acted as superintendent of the Sunday school and at the present time his son is filling that position. Mr. Curtis has been a member of this church for twenty-four years and has taken a most active and helpful part in its work and contributes generously to its support. He was treasurer of Long Grove for more than fifteen years. He and his chil- dren have always been prominent in musical circles here, all possessing good musical ability, well developed, and Raymond Curtis is now acting as organist of the Christian church. Fraternally Mr. Curtis is associated with the Wood- men of the World at Long Grove, and both he and his wife are members of the Court of Honor. In both these organizations he has held office, and for seventeen years he filled the position of postmaster of Long Grove, being first appointed during the administration of President Arthur and continuing in the position by reappointment until he resigned because of the pressure of other business interests. He has been a directing force in much that has contributed to the city's commercial progress, and his name is linked with many of the movements and measures that have been of marked value in promoting the growth of the town along other commendable lines. His life work has always conformed to a high standard of upright and honorable manhood and his gen- uine personal worth is acknowledged by all who know him.
J. W. GILCHRIST.
A native of Scotland but a resident of this country since a lad of fourteen years, J. W. Gilchrist has become in Davenport-the city of his adoption-one of its most highly honored and respected citizens. He is identified with that important branch of industry-the coal and lumber business. The date of his birth is September 28, 1857, and his parents are H. M. and Mary (Weir) Gil- christ. His father, who preceded him in the coal and lumber business, was a man of means, who left Caledonia, Scotland, in 1871 and shortly after landing in America located in Rapids City, Illinois. The town of Gilchrist in Mercer county, Illinois, was laid out by him and received his name becoming a place of considerable importance in the coal industry.
J. W. Gilchrist had already received a good education in Scotland when he came to this country. He was so situated that he was able to acquaint himself with all the details of his father's business and as soon as he had attained to sufficient age he became associated with that gentleman. Their success has been good and as a matter of history needs no comment.
Mr. Gilchrist was married in 1877 to Miss Caroline Schaechter, and to them have been born nine children. Hugh, who married Miss Elizabeth McQuirk and has a daughter, Marjorie, assists his father in the lumber and coal business. Mary is the wife of Charles Crowe and resides in Los Angeles. John W., Jr., also assists his father in the business. Grace is the wife of John Ploehm. Ar- chibald is a student at Purdue University. Jean, Charles, Caroline and Helen are all at school, Caroline being enrolled at St. Katherine's school.
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The Gilchrist home is among the most attractive in the city. This was pur- chased upon the removal of the family of Davenport in 1899 and it was origin- ally the old Fulton home. It has been rebuilt and remodeled and is both hand- some and picturesque, commanding as it does a fine view of the river.
Mr. Gilchrist attends the Presbyterian church and in his fraternal relations he is a Mason. Resolute, keen and upright, exhibiting in his life many of those traits characteristic of his Scotch ancestry, he constitutes in himself a valuable factor in the life of Davenport, both in its social and economic relations.
A. H. STOLTENBERG.
A. H. Stoltenberg, who, free from ostentation and display, is nevertheless by the consensus of public opinion accorded prominence in financial circles of Iowa and has come to be recognized as one of the leading representatives of banking interests in this state, was born in Blue Grass township, this county, on the 14th of September, 1863. His father, Heinrich Stoltenberg, was a na- tive of Holstein, Germany, and a shipwright by trade.' He sailed between Liver- pool and New York for several years before finally taking up his abode in Blue Grass township with the other members of his father's family. Turning his attention to general agricultural pursuits, he became prosperous in his farming operations and was well known as one of the reliable and enterprising citizens of his community. He died April 28, 1893. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Trina Lamp, was a native of Germany and a member of one of the oldest families of this county, represented here since 1846. She survived her husband for several years and passed away December 4, 1899.
Reared on his father's farm, A. H. Stoltenberg pursued his education in the public schools of the county and afterward took charge of the old home- stead, which he continued to cultivate for fifteen years, bringing the fields under a high state of development and carrying on his work along the most progressive lines. In 1900 he removed to Davenport and became interested in a number of business ventures. His sound judgment and keen discernment made his cooperation a valued factor in successful management. He is now largely interested in banking, being connected with a number of banks in Davenport as a stockholder. He was one of the organizers of the Lake Park (Iowa) Bank and the State Bank of Harris, Iowa.
Interested as all American citizens should be, in the political situation of the country, he has thoroughly informed himself concerning the questions and issues of the day and gives stalwart support to the republican party. He has no desire for office, but during his absence in California was nominated for the legislature, the party recognizing that he would be a strong candidate and feel- ing moreover that his sound business judgment and public-spirited citizenship would constitute important elements in the adoption of wise legislative measures. He served through the thirtieth, thirty-first and thirty-second general assemblies and an extraordinary session of the thirty-second, representing the thirty-fourth district. Each question that came up for settlement received his earnest and
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
thoughful consideration and such is the regard entertained for his political wis- dom and sagacity that his support of a measure also secured the endorsement of others. He has held a number of minor offices and yet he is by no means a politician, for his preference is to remain free from entangling alliances with political activity.
In 1886 Mr. Stoltenberg was married to Miss Magdeline Weise, a native of Scott county and a daughter of Peter Weise, one of the old settlers here. They now have one child, Clara. Mr. Stoltenberg is prominent in the Masonic fra- ternity, having attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite, while he has also crossed the sands of the desert with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He seeks no notoriety but belongs to that class of solid, subtantial citizens whose genuine worth all recognize. He represents one of the old families of the county, is deeply interested in the welfare of the community and his endorsement of public measures usually secures them other followers.
JAMES GRELL.
James Grell, who is now practically living retired on his farm in Allens Grove township, formerly led a very active, busy and useful life and well de- serves the rest which he now enjoys. He was born in Kiel, Holstein, Germany, March 10, 1839, a son of Frederick and Margaret (Reinhardt) Grell, who spent their entire lives in the fatherland. The father served seven years in the German army and was a farmer by occupation, being overseer of a large estate. His family numbered five sons and five daughters, but only four came to the United States, these being: John, who is now deceased; James, of this review; Claus, who makes his home in Nebraska; and Katherine, who became the wife of Henry Steen and has departed this life.
James Grell spent the period of his boyhood and youth in his parents' home and when fifteen years of age began learning the wagonmaker's trade, which he followed until he attained the age of twenty-three years. Possessing strong and persevering characteristics, developed by his earlier environment, which, coupled with the livelier impulses of the Teutonic blood of his ancestors, made him at that time seek wider fields in which to give scope to his ambition and industry, and he accordingly emigrated to the new world. His brother John had preceded him to America and was located in Allens Grove township, Scott county. This fact led James Grell to this county, and he here worked at his trade for seventeen years on the farm which he now owns. In the meantime he had purchased small tracts of timber land and in addition to working at his trade of wagonmaker, he cleared and developed his land, putting it in condition for cultivation. When he had a sufficient amount ready to plant he abandoned his trade and gave his full time to the care of his fields. As he prospered he kept adding to his original purchase until he now owns a half section of good farming property, located on section 27, Allens Grove township, and in addition he owns one hundred acres of timber land. He has also given some of his land to his sons, for at one time he was the owner of six hundred acres. Mr. Grell
JAMES GRELL
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
made all of the improvements on his place, the family occupying a comfortable home, while the outbuildings and barns are all arranged with a view to conven- ience. For many years he was busily engaged in carrying on his work, but he is now practically living retired, merely giving supervision to his interests, while the actual labor is performed by others.
Mr. Grell was married in 1862, just before starting on his trip to the new world, the lady of his choice being Miss Margaret Blümer, who was born near Kiel, Holstein, Germany, January 14, 1839. She was a daughter of David Blümer, who was born in Switzerland. The young couple reached their destina- tion, Scott county, in June, 1862, and here reared a family numbering four sons and four daughters. Edward, the eldest, is at home. Julius is a resident of Hickory Grove township, Scott county, and is mentioned elsewhere in this work. Gus is also mentioned in this volume. Dora is the wife of Charles Blanchard and they make their home in Oklahoma. Emma is the wife of Herman Thede, a resident of Hickory Grove township. Minnie is the wife of Claus Engelhart and they make their home with Mr. Grell. Mr. Engelhart served eight years in the regular army in Company E, Seventeenth United States Infantry. This service included the Spanish-American war in Cuba and thirteen months in the Philippines, where he acted as sergeant of his company. He participated in thirteen engagements during his eight years' service. Chris, the next member of the Grell family, resides in Allens Grove township, and Jennie, the youngest, is the wife of John Hoffman, of Winfield township, Scott county. The wife and mother departed this life on the Ist of May, 1889, when about fifty years of age.
Mr. Grell is a democrat in his political affiliations, and for a quarter of a century served as justice of the peace, his efficiency in office being indicated by his long term of service. For a similar period he also acted as trustee of his township. He has always taken a deep interest in political affairs, and is willing to lend his aid and cooperation to everything that tends to advance the public welfare. Though born across the water, he is thoroughly American in thought and feeling, and is patriotic and sincere in his love for the stars and stripes. His career is identified with the history of Scott county, where he has acquired a competence and where he is an honored and respected citizen.
ALONZO WILLIAM CANTWELL, M. D.
Few men have had firmer hold on the affection of their fellow townsmen than Dr. Alonzo William Cantwell and the record of his life therefore cannot fail to prove of interest to many of our readers. He was born April 25, 1841, in Mansfield, Ohio. His parents were James and Sarah (Ferguson) Cantwell, also natives of the Buckeye state. The father was a well-to-do contractor, farmer and mill operator, closely associated with the business activity and sub- stantial development of the section in which he lived. He served with credit as a soldier of the Mexican war and when the Civil war broke out he recruited a company and went to the front as lieutenant colonel of the Fourth Ohio Infan-
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
try. Six months later he recruited the Eighty-second Ohio Infantry, of which he was commissioned colonel, serving with that rank until killed at the second battle of Bull Run on the 29th of August, 1862. Had he survived that fatal day he would have been made brigadier general.
Dr. Cantwell was educated in the public schools of Mansfield, being gradu- ated from the high school with the class of 1858. He devoted the succeeding year to the grocery business but did not find it a congenial pursuit and retired at the end of that time. In 1860 the family removed to Kenton, Ohio, and Dr. Cantwell assisted his father in looking after his various interests. Thus his time was busily occupied, for his father was the owner of farming property, mills and much live stock. In 1862, in spite of his father's opposition, he de- termined to join the army and was commissioned first lieutenant. On the day that he had arranged to report for duty with twenty-five men his father was killed. Dr. Cantwell was compelled to proceed with his men but Governor Tod assisted him in having his resignation accepted and he returned home to settle up his father's estate. The next three years were devoted to that task and in 1865 he went to Chillicothe, Missouri, where he engaged in the hardware business. After a short time, however, he accepted a position as traveling sales- man with a wholesale hardware house and in 1866 he went to McMinnville, Tennessee, where he joined a cousin in the hardware business for six months. On the expiration of that period he returned home. Commercial pursuits were not entirely congenial to him and therefore he determined upon a professional career, deciding to study medicine. In preparation for the practice he pursued a course in the State University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and was graduated in March, 1869. The same year he came Davenport and entered the office of Dr. A. T. Maxwell, an old friend of his father's with whom he remained for three and a half years.
In 1872 Dr. Cantwell was married to Miss Martha Dalzell, who was born in Philadelphia, November 12, 1839, a daughter of John Dalzell, who was born in Ireland and came to the United States in 1817. He settled in Pittsburg and in 1818 was married to Miss Elizabeth Miskally, of Philadelphia. In 1842 he re- moved to Iowa, locating north of Davenport. While living on the farm he be- came a man of affairs in this city. He was prominent in banking circles, acquired considerable property and erected many houses and stores in Daven- port. His business enterprise and activity contributed largely to the substantial growth and upbuilding of the city. Mrs. Cantwell was the youngest child and her life record continued to the 19th of January, 1904, when she was called to her final rest.
In the year of his marriage Dr. Cantwell began practice alone and in 1873 he was appointed city and county physician, which position he filled for five years. In 1872 he rendered valuable service in the smallpox epidemic, taking charge of a pest house, for which act of bravery the city voted him one hundred dollars. He was also a member of the board of health for many years and for a long period was president of the board of pension examiners. He was also a member of the different medical societies and served as president of the Scott County Medical Society and treasurer of the Illinois Central District Medical Society for twenty years. He was one of the organizers of the Iowa
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
Public Health Association and for the first ten years acted as its president. He was a stanch apostle of everything pertaining to public health and did all he could to check the ravages of disease, not only through private practice but in disseminating knowledge that would constitute a source of prevention.
Dr. Cantwell was also one of Davenport's most eminent representatives of Masonry. He took high degrees in both the York and Scottish Rites and acted as presiding officer in all the different Masonic bodies. He stood not only in the front rank of his profession but was also a respected citizen and honored man, his fellow townsmen entertaining for him the highest esteem because of the character and value of his public work and his unfaltering fidelity to high and honorable principles.
IRA L. GIFFORD.
Ira L. Gifford, now living retired in Davenport, was born in this city, April 2, 1860. His father, Ira M. Gifford, was a native of the Empire state, his birth occurring in Schlaghticoke, near Valley Falls, New York. He was a farmer in the east, and, following his removal to Iowa about 1855, he came to Daven- port and invested extensively in lands in this state, improving his opportunities to purchase at a low figure, for with keen foresight he realized that with the settlement of the state the land must eventually rise in value. As the years passed on the wisdom of his judgment was proven, and he won a place among the men of affluence because of his previous wise investments. Later he en- gaged in the banking business and became one of the prominent citizens of this section of the state. For a great many years he was president of the First Na- tional Bank of Davenport, being connected with Austin Corbin in its manage- ment. It was chartered in 1863 and was the first national bank of the city. He carefully formulated his plans, was determined in their execution and as the years passed by he left the impress of his individuality upon the public life of the community, especially in financial circles. He was one of the organizers of what is now the Davenport Savings Bank, of which he was a stockholder and director for many years. During the Civil war he was appointed by Gov- ernor Kirkwood as inspector of the commissary department of the Iowa troops with the rank of lieutenant colonel. In 1858 he also served as clerk of the county courts and was a republican in politics.
Ira M. Gifford was married to Miss Helen J. Lowrey and they became the parents of two children, Waite and Ira L. The death of the father occurred August 12, 1885, and in his passing Davenport lost one of its representative and honored citizens. His widow long survived him and was called to her final rest January 31, 1907. Both were interred in a Davenport cemetery.
Ira L. Gifford acquired his education in the public schools of Davenport and in early manhood secured employment in a hardware store, where he re- mained for about seven years. During the succeeding decade he was in business on his own account and on the expiration of that period removed to Chicago, where he entered the employ of the government, receiving appointment as revenue
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
stamp agent in the treasury department from Lyman J. Gage. After a few years he was transferred to the position of assistant cashier of the postoffice. He re- mained in Chicago for twelve years, when impaired health caused him to with- draw from business circles, and he has since lived retired in Davenport.
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