USA > Iowa > Scott County > Davenport > History of Davenport and Scott County Iowa, Volume II > Part 77
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P. W. RECK.
The record of P. W. Reck is that of a strenuous life-the record of a strong individuality, sure of itself, stable in purpose, quick in perception, swift in de- cision, energetic and persistent in action. All these find proof in the fact that in twenty-three years he has worked his way up from the position of an ap- prentice through all the intermediate stages until he was made general super- intendent of the mammoth plant of the Bettendorf Axle Company in 1902. A native of Mendota, Illinois, he was born July 15, 1866. His father, William Reck, was born in Westerhousen am Rhein, Germany, but came to the
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United States in his childhood, his parents settling in Illinois, where he grew to manhood and engaged in farming. He was united in marriage to Miss Eliza- beth Eich, a native of Cologne, Germany, who was also quite young when her parents came to the new world and settled in Illinois.
P. W. Reck attended the schools of Mendota and also worked upon his fath- er's farm until nineteen years of age, when he started in business life for him- self. Having a strong predilection for mechanics, he secured a situation with the Bettendorf Axle Company, of Davenport, and has since been connected with this important corporation. As an apprentice he made steady progress and in twenty-three years has made continuous advancement in connection with the business, having been appointed superintendent in 1902 of an enterprise which is known not only throughout this country but throughout the world. Mr. Reck was also one of the organizers of the Bettendorf Savings Bank and became its first president.
It was in March, 1888, that Mr. Reck was united in marriage to Miss Minnie E. Eike, a native of Guttenberg, Iowa. Her parents were old and respected set- tlers of that section of the state and she holds the distinction of having been the first white child baptized in the Guttenberg Catholic church. Two sons have been born unto them, Edgar William and Leroy M. Mr. Reck holds mem- bership with the Commercial Club and the Auto Club, of Davenport, and the Western Railway Club of Chicago and enjoys pleasant fraternal relations with the Modern Woodmen of America. A man of genial and pleasing person- ality, he also possesses distinct executive ability with a power to guide and control others, so that he has been a most competent official in the responsible position which he has filled for the past eight years. Moreover he has been one of the active promoters of the town of Bettendorf. He was one of its incor- porators, served on its first board of councilmen and was elected mayor later, filling that position for one year, when he resigned. He has since continuously served as councilman with the exception of one year. He was also instrumental in having a fourth-class postoffice established at this place. For six weeks he labored for that purpose and at the end of that time Bettendorf was placed on the United States mailing map.
THOMAS B. MAW.
Thomas B. Maw, who owns and cultivates a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of productive land in Winfield township and is also part owner of a tract of twenty acres of timber land on the Wapsie, was born in Allens Grove town- ship, Scott county, November 20, 1845, a son of Johnson and Julia (Thomp- son) Maw. The father, a native of England, was born in 1814, acquired his education in the schools of that country and afterward learned the tailor's trade. In the year 1834 he sailed for the United States and settled in New York, where he spent two years. About 1841 he came to the middle west and established his home in Allens Grove township, Scott county, Iowa. This was several years be- fore the state was admitted to the Union and even the counties bordering the
THOMAS B. MAW
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Mississippi were but sparsely settled, the work of improvement and cultivation being scarcely begun. Wild game was quite plentiful and the prairies were covered with their native grasses. Mr. Maw entered raw land from the govern- ment, for which he paid the usual price of a dollar and a quarter per acre. He began with about eighty acres and as the years passed he added to his original holdings from time to time until he was the owner of more than three hundred acres at his demise. He was diligent and persevering in business and the careful manner in which he cultivated his farm made it a valuable and productive prop- erty. He also took an active part in community affairs and held most of the township offices, also serving as as school director and trustee. He was elected on the democratic ticket and always remained a stanch advocate of the de- mocracy. He was also one of the organizers of the Grange and did everything in his power to advance agricultural interests in this part of the state.
Johnson Maw died in 1899, while his wife passed away at the age of sixty- five years. She was born in Virginia and came with her parents to Scott county, Iowa, about 1840, the journey being made with ox-teams across the country from the Old Dominion. The Thompson family also established their home in Al- lens Grove township and in this locality Mrs. Maw continued to reside until called to her final rest. By her marriage she became the mother of ten children, namely : Elizabeth, the wife of John Riley, of Allens Grove township; Thomas B., of this review; John E., who makes his home in Nebraska; George, a resident of Davenport; Hannah, the wife of R. K. Brownlee, of Long Grove, this county ; Frederick, a resident of Idaho; Linnie, who became the wife of a Mr. Fuller and is now deceased; Nellie, of Long Grove; Stephen, who lives in Nebraska; and Morgan, of Davenport.
Thomas B. Maw has spent his entire life in this county and his memory goes back to the time when the homes were widely scattered, when the land was largely uncultivated and when there were few of the advantages known to the older east. In his childhood he attended the district schools of Allens Grove township and there learned the carpenter's trade, for about ten years assisting in the erection of many houses and buildings in Scott county and especially in Allens Grove town- ship. At length he abandoned that trade to resume the occupation of farming and for a few years rented land from his father, during which period he carefully saved his earnings until his capital was sufficient to enable him to purchase eighty acres of land in Winfield township. It was an improved tract, upon which he made his home for twelve years, when he sold out and bought his present farm, which he purchased from John Little, who had bought it from the government. Upon this place Mr. Maw has remained continuously since and has made nearly all of the improvements which constitute this one of the attractive farms of the district. The fields are carefully tilled and return him good crops, while upon this place he keeps good grades of stock.
On the 16th of March, 1882, Mr. Maw was married to Miss Jane Whistler, a daughter of Thomas and Betsey Whistler, of Allens Grove township. Mrs. Maw was born in Buffalo, Scott county, and is fifty-five years of age. By her marriage she became the mother of two children : Ruby, who married George Clapp and has one child, Zella; and Ollie E., who was killed by a horse in 1908, when eighteen years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Clapp reside with her parents.
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Mr. Maw has served as school director of Winfield township and has ever been interested in the cause of education, realizing how valuable is intellectual training as a preparation for life's practical and responsible duties. For sixty-five years he has witnessed the growth and development of the county as it has thrown off the evidences of pioneer life and taken on all the conditions which indicate modern progress. He has seen the wild land transformed into rich fields, the pioneer homes replaced by commodious and substantial residences, while villages have been converted into enterprising towns and cities. At all times he has been interested in the welfare of the community and rejoices in what has been accom- plished. He is now practically living retired, leaving the active work of the farm to his son-in-law but retaining the ownership of the property he derives therefrom a substantial annual income.
HENRY GOETTSCH.
Among the native sons of Scott county who are seeking their fortunes in the tilling of the soil is Henry Goettsch, whose birth occurred in Davenport on the 8th of March, 1858. His parents are Jochim and Bertha Goettsch, both natives of Germany, where the former was born on the 19th of October, 1838. He came to the United States when about eight years of age with his parents, who landed at New Orleans and made their way direct to Scott county, within the borders of which their remaining days were passed. The father was for many years en- gaged in the occupation of farming and today owns a valuable property of one hundred and sixty acres in Cleona township, although he is now living retired and resides in Davenport with his wife. He is the father of four children, of whom our subject is the eldest, the others being: Theodore, a resident of Durant; Laura, the wife of Frank Peterson ; and Clara, who lives with her parents.
Henry Goettsch was brought to Cleona township when but two years of age and acquired his education in the district schools of that township, being reared to manhood upon his father's farm. Amid the wholesome scenes and environ- ment of rural life he early acquired habits of industry, perseverance and integ- rity-habits which formed an excellent foundation stone upon which to build his business career-and in the work of the home fields gained thorough and prac- tical experience in farming which proved of much benefit to him when he entered the business world on his own account. Agricultural pursuits have ever claimed his attention and that he has been successful in this line of activity is indicated by his present high standing in agricultural circles, where he is recognized as a substantial, progressive and representative business man. He is the owner of the farm upon which he now makes his home, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres of valuable land which adjoins the county line and constitutes the northwest quarter of section 19. He also owns another quarter section in Farmington town- ship, Cedar county, about one mile from his home place, which is operated by a tenant and returns good annual rental. On the home farm he carries on gen- eral farming and is systematic and methodical in his methods, while everything
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about the place indicates that he is in close touch with the modern spirit of progress which is manifest in agricultural lines.
Mr. Goettsch laid the foundation for a happy home life of his own in his marriage, on the 19th of February, 1886, to Miss Caroline Feldham, who was born near Racine, Wisconsin, on the 25th of February, 1864, and with her par- ents came to Iowa in 1865. She is a daughter of Martin and Caroline (Mar- tin) Feldham, both natives of Germany, the former having passed away in 1900 when eighty-one years of age, while the latter survives and makes her home in Durant. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Goettsch have been born nine children : Ella, Caroline, Albert, Emil, Lulu, Rosa, Bertha, Vera and Viola. With the exception of the eldest, who is now the wife of Charles Schneckloth, of Durant, all are yet unmarried and make their home under the parental roof, the family circle remaining unbroken by the hand of death.
Mr. Goettsch exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the democratic party but has never sought nor desired public office for himself. He is well known throughout the community where his entire life has been spent and has gained the unqualified respect, confidence and good will of all with whom he has been associated, for his life has ever been actuated by high and honorable principles and in his relations with his fellowmen he dis- plays substantial qualities and a kindly and just spirit.
WILLIAM HOERSCH.
William Hoersch, who as a member of the Davenport bar gives his attention to civil rather than criminal law and to advisory work rather than to trial prac- tice, is regarded as one of the most learned representatives of the legal profes- sion here. His life record is in contradistinction to the old adage that "a prophet is never without honor save in his own country," for Mr. Hoersch, a native of Scott county, has so directed his labors here as to gain signal recognition for his ability and for the energy and intellectual force which have carried him into important professional relations.
His birth occurred about two miles north of Walcott, June 30, 1861, his par- ents being John J. and Mary (Hausmann) Hoersch, both of whom were na- tives of Germany. The year 1849 witnessed their arrival in the new world and in 1851 they became residents of Davenport, while in 1854 their marriage was celebrated in this county. When their son William was two years of age the family home was established in Davenport. Arriving at school age, Mr. Hoersch of this review, pursued his studies in the graded and high schools of Daven- port, gaining thus a fair literary education around which as a nucleus has gath- ered the information and knowledge that years have brought as the result of experience, reading, research and investigation. Determining upon the practice of law as a life work, he devoted two years to study in the office of Stewart & White, attorneys of Davenport, and then matriculated in the law school of Iowa University, from which he was graduated in June, 1882.
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In the spring of the following year Mr. Hoersch engaged in practice inde- pendently and has remained alone throughout his professional career. But while he has had no partners, his office has been a favorite one with students in which to read law and with novitiates in practice who have sought employment with him. Several of the younger members of the bar have made their start with Mr. Hoersch and all admit that their habits of close application, thorough re- search and careful preparation are largely due to his example and counsel. As previously stated, Mr. Hoersch does not care for trial practice. Perhaps the knowledge of law and the finesse required in his chosen field is much greater than is that of an advocate -- certainly it is no less-but laws and their practical use are to him familiar and with common use thoroughly understood. To him the law pertaining to estates, real estate, abstracts of title and to loans and col- lections furnishes a favorite tilting ground and here he finds his greatest pleas- ure, his surest victories and quickest remuneration, while his clients implicitly rely on his judgment and accept without demur his decisions. His practice is large and valuable, perhaps one of the largest in the city in examination of abstracts, while in loans and collections it is far from inconsiderable. He has an old and well established clientele, including many who would feel at an utter loss where to seek counsel if his services were denied them.
On the 29th of October, 1890, Mr. Hoersch was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Peterson, a daughter of August Peterson, and they have become parents of two sons and a daughter. The family attend the German Methodist church, to the support of which Mr. Hoersch is a liberal contributor, giving generously to various lines of church work and as well to many charities and benevolences. His interest centers in his home and in his practice, precluding activity in po- litical or public lines. The standards which he sets up for himself, however, are high and constitute him a devoted husband and father, a faithful citizen and a loyal advocate of whatever cause he espouses. No member of the profession enjoys in larger measure the high regard and esteem of the members of the Davenport bar and no individual is perhaps more worthy the genuine friendship accorded him. He is a champion of Davenport and its interests and yet has always pre- ferred that his public service should be done as a private citizen through in- fluence and quiet support rather than as an incumbent in public office. He has wisely and conscientiously used the talents with which nature has endowed him and has thus come to be known as one of the representative lawyers and citi- zens of Scott county.
HENRY STEFFEN.
Henry Steffen was born in Scott county, July 14, 1867, and has paid the county the highest compliment within his power by always remaining within its borders. He is the son of Claus and Silke (Lamp) Steffen, who came to this country in 1866 and were soon afterward married here. The father came into possession of a tract of one hundred and twenty-two acres on section 31, Allens Grove town- ship. The young couple prospered through their industry and good management
HENRY STEFFEN
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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY
and three sons, of whom Henry Steffen is the eldest, were born to inherit America's freedom and opportunity. When the subject of this sketch was only about twelve years of age he was unfortunate enough to lose his father and he began at once to share the burdens which had fallen with unusual weight upon the shoulders of the mother. Together they continued the improvement of the farm, which is today a valuable and highly developed piece of property. In 1904 the mother ended a courageous and useful life at the age of sixty-five years. The other sons are William, living in Chicago, and Gustaf, who is at present located in South Dakota.
Henry Steffen makes his residence upon the family homestead, where he en- gages in general farming and has the good fortune to prove himself adapted to his calling. In 1902 he laid the foundation of a happy domestic life by his mar- riage to Miss Alfreda Herbst, like her husband a native of Scott county, born March 4, 1879, and also like him of German parentage, her father being Frederick Herbst, a blacksmith whose native land was Germany. They have three children: Viola, and twins named Herbert and Harry.
The bone and sinew of any civilization is found in its agricultural element and Henry Steffen is a representative of this element, being thrifty, progressive and active in his furtherance of the general good of the community, to which he is particularly attached by reason of a life-long residence.
CHARLES M. ROBERTSON.
Charles M. Robertson, who carries on general farming in Sheridan township, where he is the owner of eighty acres of fine farm land lying on section I, about two miles northeast of Eldridge, is numbered among Iowa's native sons, his birth having occurred at Long Grove, November 1, 1872. His parents were William D. and Margaret O. (Murray) Robertson, who were among the earliest settlers of this county. They were both natives of Scotland, the father born January 12, 1844. He was brought to the United States in June, 1853, by his parents, William and Marion (Mckenzie) Robertson, and his two sisters were also of the party. William Robertson was a tailor by trade and followed that business in Scotland, but after coming to the United States gave his attention to general agricultural pursuits. It was in the year 1849 that he severed the connections that bound him to Great Britain and sailed for New Orleans, whence he made his way up the river to Scott county. He took up his abode in Winfield township, near Long Grove, where he purchased eighty acres of prairie land. It was wild and unimproved, not a furrow having been turned or a stick of timber cut thereon. He at once began to cultivate the land but lived with relatives until the family came in 1853. They, too, landed at New Orleans and at once pro- ceeded to Long Grove. Later William Robertson built a house and both he and his wife resided on the old homestead until called to their final rest, his death occurring August 9, 1889, when he was eighty-three years of age, while his wife passed away in 1889, at the age of seventy-nine years, her birth having occurred in 1810. As time passed on Mr. Robertson added to his original holdings but later sold much of his land. He twice entered land from the government and
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at the time of his death had about one hundred and eighty acres. In his busi- ness affairs he was practical and was recognized throughout the community as a man of unfaltering industry and perseverance. He served as a school director in Winfield township and also as road supervisor and was faithful to every trust reposed in him. While in Scotland he held membership in the Presbyterian church but in this country attended the Christian church at Long Grove. His family numbered three children : Marion S., living in Scott county; William D .; and Jane C., the widow of James Cameron, who was city plumbing inspector of Davenport.
The second of the family William D. Robertson, was the father of Charles M. Robertson and was but nine years of age when he became a resident of Scott county. He had previously attended school in his native country and he con- tinued his education at Long Grove. Reared to the occupation of farming, he made it his life work and remained with his parents up to the time of his mar- riage in 1870, when he removed to a farm of eighty acres in Winfield township. There he lived until 1889, when his mother died and he returned to the old home place, residing thereon until his retirement from active business life in 1906. His three remaining years were spent in the enjoyment of well earned rest and on the 7th of May, 1909, his death occurred. He had ever been a stalwart cham- pion of the cause of education and served as a school director. In fact, he always stood for progress and improvement along many lines and his influence could ever be counted upon to favor the best interests of the community. His wife came to the United States about 1850 with her parents, Charles and Barbara Murray, who also cast in their lot with the pioneer residents of Scott county. Mrs. Robertson survived her husband for only a few months, passing away July 12, 1909. There were three children in the family, but William W., the second in order of birth, died in September, 1902, at the age of twenty-seven years. The youngest, John K., is still living on the old homestead.
Charles M. Robertson, the eldest of the family, has always made his home in Scott county and attended school at Long Grove, dividing his time between the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the work of the home fields. When he put aside his text-books he concentrated his energies upon the farm work and continued with his father until his marriage, which was cele- brated on the 19th of February, 1902, the lady of his choice being Miss Daisy May Price, a daughter of Nathaniel and Catherine (Baker) Price. Her father was born in England, February 6, 1841, and came to the United States when a young man, settling in Scott county. He was a gardener and followed that pur- suit in Davenport township. His wife, who was born in England, August 12, 1847, died November 12, 1903. She had come to Scott county with her parents in her girlhood days. By her marriage she became the mother of three children: Sarah, deceased; Mrs. Robertson ; and Edward Nathaniel, at home.
Following their marriage- Mr. and Mrs. Robertson removed to their present farm on section 1, Sheridan township, purchasing the property from R. K. Brownlee. He has since made some improvements upon it and is busily en- gaged in tilling the soil, which responds generously to the care and cultivation which he bestows upon it. He thus annually harvests good crops and is meet- ing with continued success in his chosen life work.
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Mr. Robertson is a member of the Woodmen of the World of Long Grove and has held office in that order and also in the Odd Fellows lodge of Long Grove. His friends find him cordial and courteous and he enjoys the high esteem of those who know him. The attractiveness of Scott county as a place of residence is indicated in the fact that many of her native sons remain within her borders. Mr. Robertson has ever felt that he could find no better opportunities in other parts of the country than in the rich farming section of Iowa, and, devoting his attention to general agricultural pursuits, he is now winning a substantial re- ward for his labors.
PETER FEDDERSEN.
Peter Feddersen, who owns one hundred and twenty acres of rich farm land in Davenport township and a handsome town residence on Vine street, Daven- port, in which he is now living in retirement, is one of the older German settlers of Scott county. He was born in the province of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, December 5, 1828, a son of Peter and Katherina (Hendricksen) Feddersen. The former was engaged in agricultural pursuits in the old country and, like his wife, spent his entire life there.
Peter Feddersen was reared and educated in the land of his birth and as- sisted his father in the operation of the farm until he entered the German army. He took part in the Holstein war with Denmark from 1848 to 1850 and later served three years in the Danish army, returning to agricultural pursuits at the expiration of that period. In 1857, on one of the first steamers, he and three friends came to America. 'About sixteen days were consumed in crossing the ocean, and they landed at New York, whence they came directly to Davenport, the trip across the country requiring a month in those days. He and his friend, Peter Hendricksen, remained in the city but the other two went west.
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