History of Davenport and Scott County Iowa, Volume II, Part 75

Author: Downer, Harry E
Publication date: 1910
Publisher: Chicago : S.J. Clarke
Number of Pages: 1166


USA > Iowa > Scott County > Davenport > History of Davenport and Scott County Iowa, Volume II > Part 75


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On the 14th of September, 1887, Mr. Gifford wedded Miss Ella Webb, a daughter of C. T. and Charlotte (Lansing) Webb, who had come from Albany, New York. Their three children, Cornelia L., Juliet S. and Ira L., are in school.


The family are communicants of the Episcopal church and Mr. Gifford is a Mason, belonging to Trinity Lodge, No. 208, A. F. & A. M., and also to the chapter, commandery and Mystic Shrine. Respected and honored in business and official relations, he is regarded as one of the representative citizens of Davenport, inasmuch as he is ever a stalwart champion of those projects and move- ments which contribute to the material, intellectual, social and moral welfare of the community.


MRS. EMMA BAKER.


One of the attractive farms of Davenport township is the one of one hun- dred and seventy acres which Mrs. Emma Baker operates with the assistance of her sons and which represents the good management and foresight of its owner. She is a daughter of John and Charlotte (Lodge) Draper and was born in Naun- ton, Gloucestershire, England, September 21, 1846. Her father, whose birth occurred 1814, and her mother, who was born 1811, came to the United States about the middle of the last century. They made their way to Iowa almost immediately after landing, settling first in Pleasant Valley and then removing to the vicinity of Davenport, where they secured a tract of farm land which remained their home until the death of the father in 1878. The mother survived until 1899.


Mrs. Emma Baker attended the public schools of Davenport township, re- ceiving a good education. On the 21st of February, 1866, she gave her hand in marriage to John Baker, who was the oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Baker. He was born in England in 1843 and was about thirteen years of age when his parents came to America. After settling in Iowa, he bought twenty acres of land, on which his widow now lives, and started to raise sugar cane. He was successful in this occupation, besides making a reputation for himself through the manufacture of molasses, for he produced from amber cane more of this food product than any of his neighbors. Mr. Baker, who was highly regarded by his fellowmen, died October 8, 1886.


Mr. and Mrs. Baker became the parents of nine children. Alice married Truman Granville. They live at Omaha and have two sons, Stuart and Arthur. Nellie became the wife of Charles Hoover. Oliver lives in Nebraska. Frank lives in Davenport township, and Rose resides in Davenport. Florence became the wife of Harry Bills and they have two daughters, Virginia and Mabel. Bessie makes her home in Davenport. William and John are with their mother.


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JOHN BAKER


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They operate the farm, which consists now of one hundred and seventy acres, for after the death of her husband Mrs. Baker believed it a prudent thing to purchase one hundred and fifty acres of land. She has had no reason to regret her investment, for the land is rich, and, being tilled carefully and in accord- ance with scientific methods, is producing rich returns for her thought and the labor of her sons. While she has displayed fine business ability she has also reared her family well and inculcated into them noble qualities of character.


HENRY SCHUMACHER, M. D.


Among the worthy representatives of the medical profession in Walcott who are meeting with success in their chosen life work is numbered Dr. Henry Schumacher, who has also been closely identified with the public interests of this city during the period covering his residence here. A native of Illinois, he was born in Moline on the 23d of April, 1856, and is a son of Henry A. and Helena M. (Heyer) Schumacher. The father, who was born in Eutin, Germany, on the 24th of February, 1818, came to America in 1849, at once going to Cali- fornia with a party of gold seekers. In 1852 he went to Illinois, locating in Moline, where he was engaged in the butchering business until 1869. In 1853, in Moline, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Helena M. Heyer, who was also a native of Germany, her birth occurring in Pretz on the 30th of August, 1817.


For nine years Dr. Henry Schumacher of this review was a pupil in the public schools of Moline, and then accompanied his father on a visit to Ger- many, where, for two years, he attended school in Eutin. Upon his return from Germany he entered Griswold College in 1871, remaining there until 1873, and then went west, where for six years he was engaged in prospecting and mining. The year 1879 witnessed his return home, after which he became a student at the Iowa State University, from which he was graduated in the spring of 1882. In the meantime he had pursued a medical course and during the scholastic year 1881-82 had served as interne at Mercy Hospital, thus receiving excellent practical training. After completing his college course he returned to Moline and there took charge of the smallpox cases for the county. He remained in that place for only two months, however, and then went to Durant, where he followed his profession for nineteen years. On the 24th of December, 1899, he came to Walcott and has since made this place his home, continuing in the practice of medicine to the present time. Since opening up an office here he has gained a very large and representative patronage which is constantly in- .creasing in volume and importance, and he is now numbered among the well known and prominent practitioners of this county. He is not only thoroughly conscientious in the discharge of his various duties, fully recognizing the obli- gations that rest upon him in connection with his chosen calling, but keeps in close touch with the work of advancement and progress which is constantly be- ing carried on in the medical world, being a member of the American Medical Association, the Iowa State Medical Society, the Scott County Medical Society, the Tri City Medical Society and the Muscatine County Society of Physicians


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& Surgeons. He has ever remained an earnest student, continually broadening his knowledge by extensive reading and research, and everything that tends to solve the mystery which we call life is of intense interest to him.


Dr. Schumacher has been twice married. In 1883 he wedded Miss Laura Krabbenhoeft, who only lived for three months, however, and in 1884 he chose as his second wife Miss Rosa Steffen. This marriage has been blessed with two children, namely: Henry Walter, attending school in Moline; and Helena M., a resident of Durant. Dr. Schumacher is well known in fraternal circles, hold- ing membership in Doric Lodge, No. 319, A. F. & A. M., of Moline; Zarepath Consistory of Davenport; Knights of Pythias lodge, No. 312, of Walcott; Walcott lodge, No. 3479, M. W. A .; the Royal Neighbors; and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. In all of these organizations he is active and prominent.


Although he has attained a high place in his profession in this community, Dr. Schumacher is almost equally well known because of his deep and helpful interest in public affairs. Stalwart in his allegiance to democratic principles, during his residence in Durant he was mayor of that city for two terms, also served as coroner of Cedar county for two terms and likewise was pension ex- aminer under President Cleveland. His fellow citizens in Walcott have also recognized his ability and worth and have called him to important offices of honor, electing him mayor of the town, in which office he served during the years 1905-6-7. He has also been school director and is at present acting as justice of the peace, and in all instances has proven himself a very capable and efficient official, thoroughly justifying the faith placed in him by his fellow towns- men.


Dr. Schumacher is the owner and proprietor of Castle Hall, the lodge build- ing of Walcott, and has gained considerable prominence throughout the locality as an enthusiastic relic hunter, having in his possession some very interesting articles. He is the owner of a very valuable museum containing hundreds of Indian relics of all kinds, and also has a rare collection of stamps presented to him by a Danish prince, Ferdinand of Glücksburg, of which he is justly proud. He is likewise the possessor of a very fine collection of coins, containing thousands of pieces, some of which are hundreds of years old.


ALBERT KLINDT.


Albert Klindt, proprietor of the Hotel Donahue, at Donahue, Iowa, was born in Maysville, this county, October 2, 1877, a son of Henry and Cecelia (Sindt) Klindt. The father has long been known as one of the prominent citizens of Maysville and Hickory Grove township, being a man of public spirit whose in- fluence was ever exerted in behalf of public improvements. Indeed, he was one of the original directors and organizers of the Donahue Savings Bank and was instrumental in bringing that concern to a substantial financial footing. Five children were born to him and his wife: Meta, who is now the wife of William Jurgens, a merchant of New Liberty, this county; Albert, the subject of this


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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY


sketch; Hertha, who died at the age of two years; Henry, Jr., of whom men- tion is made elsewhere in this work; and Grover Cleveland, who died in infancy.


Albert Klindt remained in Maysville with his parents until he was twenty- one years of age, when he began his business career. He received his early education in the public schools there, later attending the free school in Daven- port for one year and completing his studies at Duncan's Business College. When he sought a position in the commercial world he found employment first as bookkeeper with the Davenport Ice Company, with whom he remained for one year. He went next to the German Savings Bank, of Davenport, holding a position in the mortgage department of that concern for two years. At the end of that period he entered the employ of Armour & Company as stock clerk at Freeport, Illinois, and at the end of three months was transferred to Gales- burg, that state, where he held the position of cashier. Shortly afterward, however, he resigned that position although he again entered their employ as a traveling man, going to St. Louis, Missouri, at the time of the world's fair there. When his work there was accomplished he was sent to Shreveport, Louisiana, but owing to ill health he was compelled to leave that section of the country, thereupon he returned to Scott county and took up his residence with his parents. On the Ist of January, 1906, he assumed the management of the Donahue Ho- tel, which his father owned and which he has since operated with success. In connection with the hotel, he has a saloon and dance hall, the latter being a popular resort in Allens Grove township. Mr. Klindt has other business in- terests, for he succeeded his father as director of the German Savings Bank here and is also an extensive shipper of poultry. He possesses unquestioned ability and has won a deserved success from his operations.


On the 22d of October, 1905, Mr. Klindt was united in marriage to Miss Kuhrt, who was born in Buffalo township, this county, August 12, 1881. Her parents, Herman and Emma (Bruhn) Kuhrt, were natives of Holstein, Ger- many, and upon coming to America settled in Buffalo township, which is still their home. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Klindt have been born two sons: Roland, and Henry, who is the third to bear that family name. One of the younger business men of his township, Mr. Klindt is also one of the more progressive, and in recognition of his success enjoys the respect of those who know him.


F. ESBIN SMITH.


F. Esbin Smith, superintendent of the Bettendorf Axle Company and a young man of more than usual ability, was born in Lima, Ohio, April 2, 1880, a son of Frank C. and Jennie (Fox) Smith, also natives of that state. As the father was made general foreman of the Fort Wayne car shops and continued in that position many years, the family removed to Fort Wayne when F. Esbin Smith was a boy. No longer filling that position, the elder Mr. Smith now resides in Cleveland, Ohio, and is connected with the New York Central lines.


After taking a public-school course, F. Esbin Smith entered the employ of S. F. Bowser & Company, of Fort Wayne, as an apprentice machinist and later.


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as special apprentice in the car department of the Pennsylvania road. After learning his trade the young man remained with the Pennsylvania people work- ing up to assistant general car inspector of the northwest system in which posi- tion he had charge of the inspection of all new passenger and freight cars built at car manufacturing companies. However, he was very ambitious, and in 1906 he secured a position of chief inspector of the Bettendorf Steel Car Com- pany, and located in Davenport. Early in 1908 he became assistant shop super- intendent of the Bettendorf Axle Company and in 1909 was promoted to super- intendent.


In December, 1907, Mr. Smith married Elizabeth Graper, a member of a cultured Kentucky family. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have a pleasant home here where their many friends are sure of being suitably entertained.


So many of the men in charge of various departments in Davenport are still young in years, although thoroughly experienced. It appears to be the desire of the heads of the various institutions to secure young men, believing that their energy, enthusiasm and new ideas will inject fresh blood and work out for ultimate good. There are few men of his age who have accomplished more in their appointed lines than Mr. Smith, who not only is fulfilling every expecta- tion of his company but has won the friendship of his men and obtained from them the best results.


During 1910 the Bettendorf Company did some extensive building, among which is the new erecting shop, a building having three hundred and sixty thousand square feet floor area. This building and the steel materials therein was super- intended by Mr. Smith and stands as the largest single building in the world and is one of the sightseeing points of Davenport.


JOHN H. HAMANN.


A valuable farming property of two hundred and sixty acres in Sheridan township is the result of what John H. Hamann has accomplished since coming to America, for he possesses the industry, thrift and preseverance so charac- teristic of the German race. He was born in Holstein, Germany, September 18, 1834, a son of Henry and Dorothy Hamann. The father served in the army and followed the occupation of farming as a life work. He passed away in Germany but his wife, who emigrated to the United States about 1863, died in this country in 1886.


From the reports which came to John H. Hamann in his early manhood, he was convinced that America offered better opportunities to the ambitious young man than did his own country, and accordingly, after he had completed his studies and was ready to start out in the business world, he set sail for the United States, the year 1857 witnessing his arrival in New York. From that place he at once made his way to Scott county, where for five years he was employed at farm labor. He then established a home of his own by his mar- riage, after which he located in Davenport and engaged in teaming for five years. However, farming seemed to appeal to him and accordingly he rented


MR AND MRS. JOHN HI, ILAMANN


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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY


a tract of land in Sheridan township, which he cultivated for six years. Dur- ing these years he had been successful, each year gathering good crops, which brought to him a sum of money that enabled him to purchase one hundred and sixty acres, which constitutes a portion of his present acreage. Locating on his newly acquired possessions, he at once began to further improve and develop the place and now has a fine country residence, surrounded with substantial barns and outbuildings. He has since added one hundred acres and now has a farm comprising two hundred and sixty acres, all of which is in a cultivable state. In addition to carrying on general farming he raises shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs, and he is today accounted one of the leading farmers and stock- raisers of Sheridan township.


It was on the 31st of January, 1863, that Mr. Hamann was married to Miss Anna Neilsen, who came to the United States from Germany in 1862, making the trip alone. She was born in Schleswig, Bredstedt, Germany, on the 28th of May, 1837, a daughter of Dietrich and Cathrina (Tackmann) Neilsen. By her marriage Mrs. Hamann has become the mother of two sons and two daughters. Rosie is the wife of Julius Grell, of Allens Grove township, and they have a daughter and son, Margaret and Carl. August, the second member of the family, wedded Minnie Leptien and they reside on his father's farm. They have four children : Leona, August, Luther and Elma. Augustus and Bertha are still with their parents.


Mr. Hamann gives stalwart support to the democratic party and on that ticket was elected township trustee, which office he filled very acceptably for six years. He has also been road supervisor and school director. He is methodical and systematic in his work, as is apparent in the conduct of his farm, all fields being platted and arranged so that the best results may be obtained from the labor expended. The outbuildings and barns are also arranged with a view to convenience and a glance at his attractive and well kept place, which is located within three miles of Eldridge, is in itself a lesson in thrift and industry.


JOSEPH D. BARNES.


Joseph D. Barnes has for sixty-six years been a resident of Scott county, nearly that entire period being passed in Le Claire. There are interesting chap- ters in his life record, not the least of which is relative to his service as a soldier of the Civil war. Moreover, he comes of an ancestry that has always manifested the greatest loyalty to the country when warfare has been in progress. His great-grandfather, Benjamin Barnes, at the age of sixteen years became a sol- dier in Fort William Henry on Lake George, New York, and when it was cap- tured by General Montcalm he was among the number who were made pris- oners of war. However, he succeeded in making his escape and reached the 'American lines in safety. His early experiences proved an excellent training school for his military service about twenty years later, when he became a cap- tain of the American troops in the war of the Revolution, participating in the battles of Lexington, Bunker Hill and other engagements.


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Elijah Barnes, a son of Captain Benjamin Barnes, was a resident of the state of New York, where he remained until the outbreak of the war of 1812, when he enlisted for service in the second war with England and participated in the battle of Plattsburg. He was afterward ordered to Niagara and en- gaged in the battles of Lundy's Lane and Chippewa. His health failing, he was granted a furlough that he might return home. He started but had proceeded only as far as Greenbush, New York, when he was sent to a hospital and soon afterward died leaving a widow and six children.


Dennis Barnes, son of Elijah Barnes, was born in Essex county, New York, December 22, 1806, and at the age of nineteen years left home, going to New York city, where he shipped on an outward bound vessel for the East Indies. He followed the life of a sailor for seven years, after which he went to New Orleans and engaged in the steamboat business in the Cincinnati and New Or- leans trade. To that business he devoted his energies for nine years. In 1836 he married Emily Danforth, of Cincinnati, and unto them were born four children : Norman L., Albert A., Joseph D. and Laura A. He was one of the early pioneers of Scott county, to which he made his way in 1842, entering land from the government. In 1844 he removed his family to his claim, whereon he spent much of his life. He died, however, in Davenport at the Fejvery Home at the age of ninety-two years.


Joseph D. Barnes, a son of Dennis and Emily Barnes, was born in the city of Cincinnati, March II, 1843, and was brought to Scott county by his parents the following year, the family landing at Le Claire from the steamboat Osprey. Since that time Joseph D. Barnes has resided almost continuously at Le Claire. At the outbreak of the Civil war he was a young man of nineteen years. His patriotic spirit was aroused by the attempt of the south to overthrow the Union and he enlisted as a private of Company K, Twentieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, to serve for three years or during the war. He participated in the battle of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, December 7, 1862, and for meritorious con- duct on the march and in battle he was promoted to the rank of orderly ser- geant. He also participated in the siege and capture of Vicksburg, which capitu- lated July 4, 1863, and in the siege and capture of Fort Morgan, Alabama, which was terminated September 6, 1864. He also aided in the siege of Fort Blakely, Alabama, and the assault thereon on the 9th of April, 1865. This was the last general engagement of the Civil war and for good conduct and strict attention to duty he was commissioned first lieutenant of his company. His rec- ord was a most creditable one, characterized by unfaltering loyalty to the fed- eral government. When the war closed he returned home and for two years followed rafting on the river, after which he turned his attention to farming near Port Byron, Illinois.


In the year 1873 Mr. Barnes was united in marriage to Miss Florence E. James, the eldest daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth James, of Le Claire. Unto them have been born five children, namely: Raymond J., Fannie Albertine, Laura Irne, Frank S. and Rolla T.


In the year 1878 Mr. Barnes returned with his family to Le Claire, where he has since made his home and is one of the respected residents there. He was at one time commander of the Grand Army post and has always been an active


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worker in the organization. He has recently been commissioned a special aid- de-camp on the staff of S. R. Van Sant, commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, with the rank of colonel. He was a member of the town coun- cil for twelve consecutive years and a member of the board of education for six years. As a Scott county pioneer he takes great interest in the early history of Le Claire and this section of the state and, being possessed of a wonderful mem- ory, he can recall events and happenings that have long since largely been for- gotten. He has watched with interest the progress and events that have oc- curred and at all times has rejoiced in what the county has accomplished.


Raymond J. Barnes, the eldest son of Joseph D. and Florence E. Barnes, was born near Port Byron, Illinois, November 12, 1874, and soon afterward the family removed to Le Claire, where he lived with his parents until twenty years of age, at which time he settled in Des Moines. On the outbreak of the Spanish-American war he enlisted with Captain Frank Lyman of the Twelfth United States Signal Corps and served for eleven months in Cuba. In the year 1904 he was united in marriage with Miss Bessie Young, of Des Moines, and their two children are Jewell May and Raymond J., Jr. It will be seen that each successive generation when the country has become involved in warfare that the Barnes family has been loyal to the best interests of the nation and has sought to give substantial proof of loyalty by active service in the field.


JOHN SOLLER.


John Soller is a prominent contractor and builder of Davenport and has been an active factor in promoting the building interests of the city, being ac- counted one of the substantial citizens and business men of this section of the state. He was born in northern Germany, April 20, 1851. He was reared and educated in the land of his nativity and came as a young man to the new world. He located first in Cincinnati, Ohio, and there learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed in that city for about eleven years. He then took up his abode in Davenport and here engaged in contracting and building on his own account. He has erected many prominent business and residence structures in this city and has attained a reputation which has placed him in a position second to none in his particular field of activity.


Mr. Soller was married April 9, 1875, the lady of his choice being Miss Jennie Hagemeyer, a daughter of William and Christina (Petersen) Hagemeyer, of Cincinnati, where the father is a manufacturer of cigars. One son and three daughters grace the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Soller : Minnie, the wife of Rev. Frank Hertzler, by whom she has three children, Merle, Esther and Miriam; Alice and Florence, both at home; and John, Jr., who wedded Miss Margaret Mahan, by whom he has a son, John.


Mr. Soller is a republican in his political faith and at one time served as president of the board of supervisors. He has attained high rank in Masonry, belonging to the blue lodge, chapter, commandery and the Mystic Shrine. He is likewise identified with the United Workmen and the Elks, while in religion




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