History of Davenport and Scott County Iowa, Volume II, Part 8

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 8

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

The financial outlook was dark and discouraging but Mr. Williams was of an optimistic nature and believed that the obstacles and difficulties could be over- come by persistent, determined and honorable effort. He desired to take part in the struggle in which his country was engaged, but his only brother, Belden Williams, and Frank C. Robinson, his wife's only brother, were among the first to enlist, serving faithfully through the long four years of the war. With those two at the front Mr. Williams felt convinced that his duty must lie at home in the care of his widowed mother and his young wife and child. Accordingly in the fall of 1861 he accepted a position with Sickles & Preston, a prominent hardware firm of Davenport, with whom he continued for about four years, two of which he spent upon the road as traveling reprsentative of their wholesale house that had just been established in Chicago. At the end of that time he received an offer from the well known hardware firm of William Blair & Company, of Chicago, bringing him a large advance in salary. He traveled for that firm for four years, at the expira- tion of which time he was quite ready to settle down in the city of his choice- Davenport-where his family had continued to reside during the six years which he had spent upon the road, giving the best powers and strength of his young manhood to the honorable canceling of all of his indebtedness.

In 1869 Mr. Williams formed a partnership in the wholesale heavy hardware trade with R. Sieg, under the firm style of Sieg & Williams. His comprehensive knowledge of the business naturally made him the buyer for the house and during the eighteen years in which he was connected with the business he contributed largely to the upbuilding of a profitable enterprise which is still continued under the name of the Sieg Iron Company. The firm of Sieg & Williams were extensive jobbers in heavy wagon stock and other manufacturers' hardware, and in addi- tion to his mercantile interests Mr. Williams was a director of the Security Fire Insurance Company, a member of the Board of Trade and was connected with other business organizations. As the years went by he prospered in his undertak- ings, becoming recognized as one of the foremost merchants and leading business men of the city. His name stood as a synonym for commercial integrity, for he never made engagements that he did not fill nor incurred obligations that he did not meet. His methods were progressive and his course won for him the ad-

HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY

miration and respect of his contemporaries and colleagues. Mr. and Mrs. Wil- liams became the parents of four children, namely: Ella, who gave her hand in marriage to J. S. Thompson and now resides in Escondido, California; Anna, the wife of Dr. J. P. Crawford, whose sketch appears on another page of this work; Frederick Crosby, who passed away in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on the 21st of September, 1894, when twenty-four years of age; and Joseph Robinson, who died on the 19th of February, 1894, when a youth of eighteen years.

Mr. Williams passed away at Atlantic, Iowa, December 15, 1887, after a brief illness of ten days. He had for nearly thirty years been intimately associated with the growth and development of Davenport and was deeply interested in everything which promoted its prosperity. He felt a special interest in the Hen- nepin canal project and the building of the Davenport, Iowa & Dakota Rail- road and was one of its directors. His cooperation could always be counted upon to further movements for the public good and he gave of his time and means, as it was possible, to aid in the work of general improvement. While in business in New York he became a member of the Baptist church and for more than three decades was a consistent and active worker in the denomination. He served for a number of years as senior trustee in the Calvary Baptist church of Davenport. While he became known as a prominent and representative busi- ness man, it was his Christian spirit that made him most honored, for he molded his entire life in conformity with the teachings of his Master, ministering to others as the occasion offered and giving freely of his means to the support of the church and charity. He was one of the teachers in the Sunday school, a worker in the Young Men's Christian Association and at the time of his death was taking a most active and helpful interest in the work of erecting a house of worship for the Baptist people, acting as chairman of the building committee. It has been said: "Not the good that comes to us but the good that comes to the world through us is the measure of our success," and judged by this standard Alexander Fraser Williams was a most successful man.

AUGUST PAUSTIAN.

One of the native sons of Hickory Grove township, whose bountiful harvests sustain the reputation of this section of Iowa as an agricultural center is August Paustian, who was born March 2, 1856, a son of Frederick and Christina (Roehs) Paustian. They were both natives of Holstein, Germany, the former having been born January 14, 1820, the latter August 28, 1825. In the country of their birth they were reared and married, coming to the United States in 1851. On their arrival they made their way to Scott county, Iowa, locating upon a farm in Hickory Grove township, which had belonged to Mr. Paustian's father-in-law. He had learned the trade of a mason in the fatherland and this he pursued to some extent in this country in connection with the general farming, to which he devoted himself more and more as it proved a remunerative occupation. In the course of time he became very well-to-do and highly respected among the pioneers of this county, which remained his home until January 27, 1886, when at the age

HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY

of sixty-five years he passed away. His wife, who survived him about fifteen years, died July 21, 1900, when she was seventy-five years of age. They had a family of twelve children, but two died in childhood. The others are: Caroline, the wife of Martin Greenwood, of Cleona township; Fred, who resides in Minne- sota; August, the subject of this sketch; Emma, the wife of Christ Paustian, of Cleona township; Louis, who makes his home in Cedar county, Iowa; Sophia, the wife of William Buhmann, of O'Brien county, Iowa; James, who resides in Hickory Grove township; Charles, also a farmer in Hickory Grove township; Minnie, the wife of Herman Meinert, of Cleona township; and Bertha, the wife of Henry Paulsen of Muscatine county, Iowa.

August Paustian has spent all his life in Hickory Grove township and attended the district school near his home. He assisted his father in the cultivation of the fields constituting the homestead until he was married. Accordingly, he went to Cedar county, Iowa, where he remained for three years, at the expiration of that period returning to Hickory Grove township, Scott county. Here he operates a tract of one hundred and sixty acres on section 34 belonging to his father-in- law, but he owns one hundred and fifty-three acres of land on section 19, Liberty township, a landholding of no inconsiderable value. His wife recently bought one hundred and sixty acres on section 33, Hickory Grove township, a farm that was formerly known as the Goetsch homestead, so that in the aggregate Mr. Paustian lias a large amount of land under his control. In addition to his agri- cultural interest he holds stock in the Farmers Elevator of Walcott, one of the progressive enterprises of that village.

In 1884 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Paustian and Miss Matilda Lamp, who was born in Hickory Grove township, April 30, 1863. She is a daughter of Claus H. Lamp, who was one of the prominent farmers of his sec- tion of Scott county but has now retired from active life and lives at 1026 West Fourteenth street, Davenport. He was the parent of seven children: one who died in infancy, Matilda, Caroline, Julius, Gustav, Clara and Adolph. To Mr. and Mrs. Paustian were born eleven children, of whom seven are living, namely: Meta, Wilma, Julius, August, Martha, Hilda and Clarence. Hugo died at the age of six years. Harry was three and a half when he passed away. Alma died when three years old, and Edward was only two months when he died.

Although other tracts embrace a larger area none express more careful and thorough cultivation of the soil than does that which is Mr. Paustian's. He has not spared industry to make it productive and as he cultivates the fields with in- telligence he knows how to bring from them the largest harvests.

THOMAS F. HALLIGAN.

Davenport, the commercial center of Iowa and the home of many extensive wholesale houses, finds one of its prominent representatives in Thomas F. Halligan, president of the Halligan Coffee Company, an enterprise of large and extensive proportions, in the development of which he has been a most important factor. In commercial affairs he displays marked ability in discriminating be-

12 18

트롤트롤크 百壹

Thus F. Halligan

三

HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY

tween the essential and non-essential and bringing into close harmony the varied forces that constitute the interests of the enterprise with which he has been associated. He is one of the city's native sons, born October 25, 1855. His father, Patrick Joseph Halligan, was a native of Ireland, born in Summerhill, County Meath, August 31, 1825. He came to the United States as a young man of twenty-four years, settling in Paterson, New Jersey, in 1849. He there re- sided for two years, during which time he was married, on the 27th of October, 1850, to Miss Ellen McNally, a native of Clonard, County Kildare, Ireland, who came to the United States in 1850 and died in 1897. In 1851 Patrick J. Halligan and his young wife removed from Paterson, New Jersey, to Peru, Illinois, where for two years he was connected with the gas business. On the 17th of August, 1853, he arrived in Davenport and was superintendent of the gas company here from 1858 until 1888, or for a period of thirty years, at the end of which time he retired. He enjoyed in unqualified measure the confidence and trust of those whom he represented and gave to them an efficient and valu- able service, which was indicated in his long connection with the company. He enjoyed, moreover, the unqualified good will and esteem of all with whom he came in contact outside of business relations. He had a strong love for the land of his birth and was a member of the Sarsfield Guards when in Ireland, but was ever a most loyal American, in full sympathy with the republican form of government and the liberal principles for which this country stands. He died in 1893.

Thomas F. Halligan was the third in a family of six children, all of whom were born in Davenport with the exception of the eldest son, John. In St. Mar- guerite's parochial school Thomas F. Halligan pursued his studies until fifteen years of age, when he accepted a position in a flour and feed store, where he continued for a year. He then became delivery clerk in the grocery store of Morrison & Glaspell and thus obtained his initial knowledge of the business, with which he has been more or less intimately associated since that time. He re- mained with the firm and their successors for five years and in June, 1875, ac- cepted a position with Milton J. Glaspell. On the Ist of January, 1884, he en- tered into partnership with Mr. Glaspell in the grocery business at No. 16 East Third street under the firm name of Glaspell & Halligan. They were very suc- cessful, the firm enjoying a growing trade until 1887, when Mr. Halligan sold his interest and with G. J. Washburn organized the Washburn-Halligan Coffee Company, carrying a large line of teas, coffees and spices. This undertaking also proved profitable from its inception and after five years at their original location the firm in 1892 removed from Third street to larger quarters at No. 215 East Second street. On two occasions they suffered losses through fire but with resolute purpose they conducted their interests, the business continuing to prosper and grow until there was a pressing demand for still more commodious quarters. In 1907 the present magnificent building was erected and the busi- ness is now carried on extensively on East Fourth street. This is one of the most complete and attractive wholesale buildings in Davenport, where the whole- sale trade of this section of the country largely centers. Mr. Washburn retired in 1896 and the business was then reorganized under the name of the Halligan Coffee Company, with Thomas F. Halligan as president, R. F. Miller, vice pres-

HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY

ident, William Lillis, secretary, and Joseph E. Halligan, treasurer. The trade today extends largely over Iowa, Missouri, the Dakotas, Minnesota and I11- inois. The house sustains an unassailable reputation for the reliability of its business methods, and the spirit of enterprise and industry which dominates every department constitutes the basic element in the development of what is today one of the largest and most important wholesale concerns of the city.

On the 17th of August, 1886, Mr. Halligan was married to Miss Mary, a daughter of John and Bridget Lillis. Mrs. Halligan was born in Davenport and by her marriage has become the mother of six children : Gilbert L., Eugene J., Grace, Camilla, Thomas, Francis and Angela.

Mr. Halligan's social nature finds expression in his membership with the Commercial Club, the Woodmen of the World and the Knights of Columbus, and his standing in business circles is indicated in the fact that he has been elected to the presidency of the Jobbers & Manufacturers Association. He is active in every project concerning the welfare of the city and is a loyal son of Davenport, doing everything in his power to promote her welfare along the lines of substantial and permanent growth and improvement. He is recognized by friends and business associates as a man of high character and sterling qual- ities and his life record exemplifies many traits of character which are well worthy of emulation.

BERNARD A. HUSCHKE.

Bernard A. Huschke, who has lived retired at No. 1207 Grand avenue in Davenport for the past twelve years, successfully followed farming throughout his active business career. He is a native of Germany, his birth having occurred in Prussia on the 12th of September, 1831. He lost his parents, Charles and Margaret Huschke, when still very young. His father held a court offce in Germany and served as an army official for about nineteen years. Mr. Huschke of this review obtained his education in the schools of his native land and there also learned the blacksmith's trade. When a young man of twenty-four years he set sail for the new world, landing at New York on the 7th of October, 1855, after an ocean voyage of sixty-four days. He first located in Cincinnati but, being unable to obtain satisfactory employment, left the city at the end of two months and went to Ferdinand, Indiana, where he worked at his trade until the following spring. On leaving the Hoosier state he came to Davenport and here began work at the blacksmith's trade but after a couple of weeks secured employment as a farm hand at a wage of twelve dollars per month. Later he hired out at a salary of one hundred and twenty dollars per year and continued working as a farm hand until the time of his marriage in 1858. Following that important event in his life he began the operation of a rented farm of eighty acres in Davenport township and at the end of two years purchased the property, making his home thereon for about eight years. On the expiration of that period he sold the place and purchased and located upon a quarter section of land in Pleasant Valley township, to the further cultivation and improvement of which

HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY

he devoted his attention until 1898, making it a rich and productive farming property. In 1898 he disposed of the place and took up his abode in Davenport, being incapacitated for further active work because of injuries which he had re- ceived in a runaway accident. He won a gratifying measure of prosperity in the conduct of his agricultural interests and has long been numbered among the sub- stantial and respected citizens of Scott county.

On the 12th of July, 1858, Mr. Huschke was united in marriage to Miss Barbara Wachter, who was born in Switzerland on the 9th of October, 1839, her father being Frank Wachter, who settled in this county in 1848. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Huschke were born twelve children, the record of whom is as follows. Casper, who makes his home in Minnesota, married Miss Theresa Wager and has three children: Beatrice, Genevieve and Herbert. John, living in Iowa, wedded Miss Mary Schmidt, by whom he has six children .. Louisa, the next in order of birth, is at home. Marie gave her hand in marriage to Henry Meyer, of Stuart, Iowa, and is now the mother of four children. Amelia is the wife of Ludwig Schmidt, of Davenport, and has three children: Walter, Gertrude and Lucy. Leo, who wedded Miss Rose Baldwin, is a resident of Washington. Elizabeth, living in Portland, Oregon, is the wife of Benjamin Klotz, by whom she has four children : Rose, Leo, Frank and Anton. The Misses Margaret, Carrie and Amanda Huschke are still under the parental roof. Clara is now in a convent of Dubuque. Constantine, who died at the age of thirty-seven years, had married Miss Lottie Ryan, who is also deceased. The two children of this union, Ermentrude and Allen, make their home with our subject.

Since becoming a naturalized American citizen Mr. Huschke has given his political allegiance to the democratic party. He is a faithful communicant of the Catholic church and also belongs to the German Pioneers Society. Though born across the water and maintaining a love for his native land, he is yet thoroughly American in spirit and interests and loyal to the institutions of his adopted country. He has now passed the seventy-eighth milestone on life's journey and is well and favorably known throughout the county in which he has resided for more than a half century.

HENRY VOLLMER.

Henry Vollmer, long a respected resident and active business man of Daven- port, learned the printer's trade as the initial step in his business career and from a humble position worked his way steadily upward until he gained that success which comes from the capable management of large and important printing in- terests. He was a native of Germany and one of a family of several children. When little more than three years of age he was brought by his parents to the new world, the family home being established in St. Louis, where the days of his boyhood and youth were passed and his education was acquired. In early manhood he learned the printer's trade, which he followed in St. Louis and nearby towns until 1861, when he came to Davenport. Here he took a position with the German Democrat, being made foreman of the composing room, and for

HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY

almost a score of years he remained on that paper, his long connection therewith being incontrovertible proof of his capability and fidelity in discharging the du- ties that devolved upon him. In 1880 he resigned to engage in business on his own account and purchased an interest with J. M. Buck in a rubber stamp man- ufacturing enterprise. They extended the scope of their activities to include job printing and the partnership relation was maintained for some time, but eventually Mr. Buck sold his interest to A. L. Mossman and the firm of Mossman & Vollmer was formed. Under that style the business was continued until the death of Henry Vollmer, although for about a year prior to his demise his son Emil took his place in the active management of the business. Throughout his life Mr. Vollmer was actuated by laudable ambition and his earnest purpose and unfaltering industry constituted a force which won for him a gratifying measure of success.

In 1863 occurred the marriage of Henry Vollmer and Miss Dorothea Plam- beck, of Davenport, and unto them were born seven children: Emil, Henry, Carl, Fred, Arthur, Agnes and Dora. The children have all been provided with good educational privileges, not only in the schools of Davenport but also at Iowa City. Mrs. Vollmer was brought to this city when seven years of age by her parents and her father died three years later. The death of Mr. Vollmer occurred December 12, 1890, and thus passed away a man whose sterling worth was recognized by all who knew him. He belonged to the Turners Society, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and to the Knights of Pythias, and he was also known and honored for his activity and faithfulness in political circles. In 1883 he was elected to the office of county recorder, in which position he served for two terms, retiring in 1887 with the confidence and good will of all con- cerned. He was a man of strict probity and upright character, who at all times and under all circumstances could be depended upon to conserve the best inter- ests of any movement or measure with which he was connected. He won sub- stantial success in business and more than that he gained the confidence and good will of his fellowmen, leaving to his family the priceless heritage of an untarnished name.

CLAUS KROEGER.

Claus Kroeger is numbered among those representative German-American citizens who came to this country from the fatherland and here found the op- portunities for advancement which they sought along business lines. He is numbered among the old German settlers of Scott county and for almost four decades was actively and helpfully identified with its agricultural interests. As the result of energy, perseverance and well directed efforts he is now able to spend the evening of life in retirement, enjoying in well earned rest the fruits of former years of toil. Born in Holstein, Germany, on the 14th of April, 1829, he is a son of Hans and Lena Kroeger, whose entire lives were spent in the father- land.

HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY

For the educational advantages which Mr. Kroeger enjoyed during the period of his boyhood and youth he is indebted to the common schools of his native country, and he remained under the parental roof until the outbreak of the war of 1848-50 with Denmark, when he joined the German army and served through- out the period of hostilities. Returning home, he remained with his parents until 1854, when he responded to the call of the new world and, bidding adieu to home and fatherland, sailed for the United States, hoping to find better op- portunities for advancement in business than were offered in the old world. He left Germany on the 15th of March and upon arriving in this country came direct to Davenport, which point he reached on the 20th of May, more than two months being consumed by the journey. His first work here was in the capacity of farm hand and thus he labored by the month for about six years. His in- herent characteristic of thrift prompted him to carefully save his earnings and at the expiration of that period, feeling that the capital which he had accumu- lated was suffcient to justify such a step, he established a home of his own by his marriage, on the 21st of August, 1860, to Miss Anna Lage, who was born in Germany on the 9th of March, 1839, a daughter of Henry and Anna Lage, old German settlers of Scott county. In 1847, when a little maiden of eight years, she came with her parents to the United States, the family landing at New Or- leans, whence they came up the Mississippi river to St. Louis. After remaining in that city for about six weeks they continued their northward journey until they arrived in Scott county, Iowa, where the father purchased a tract of wild praire land which, by means of untiring industry, indefatigable energy and un- ceasing perseverance, he converted into a highly cultivated farm and which later became the home of our subject.

After his marriage Mr. Kroeger took up his abode upon the farm in Daven- port township upon which his father-in-law originally located, continuing to de- vote his time and energies to its development for more than thirty years. In the meantime he made a thorough study of agriculture, practiced rotation of crops and carried on his farming interests in a capable and businesslike way that brought most desirable results. 'Annually his fields yielded rich harvests as a reward for the care and labor bestowed upon them, and his agricultural interests proved a source of gratifying revenue. He purchased a farm in Lyon county, Iowa, which he later sold at a very advantageous price. That his efforts were crowned with a very substantial success is indicated by the fact that in 1893 he was able to retire from further active work. He removed to Davenport, purchasing a home at 1162 Fourteenth street, where he has since resided, a goodly competence mak- ing it possible for him to enjoy the comforts of life without further recourse to labor.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Davenport and Scott County Iowa, Volume II, Part 8

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

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