USA > Iowa > Scott County > Davenport > History of Davenport and Scott County Iowa, Volume II > Part 80
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GEORGE SCHICK.
The name of Schick is a well known and familiar one in connection with the transfer and storage business in Davenport, for since the city has been of such magnitude as to support such trade interests members of the family, have been connected therewith. He whose name introduces this review is at the head of Schick Brothers Express & Storage Company.
George Schick was born in Davenport, April 20, 1877, a son of John and Minnie (Kuehl) Schick. The former is a son of John Schick, Sr., who organized the first express company in Davenport, his first equipment being a one-horse dray. Later when the business grew to one of more importance he associated with him his son John, while still later he admitted two other sons to a partner- ship, and they conducted business for many years, becoming one of the leading concerns in this line in Davenport.
George Schick at the usual age entered the public schools and therein mas- tered the branches of learning that fitted him for the practical duties of life. In the meantime, during the periods of vacation, he assisted his father and through this means qualified for carrying on the business on his own account in later years. Eventually the firm was incorporated and made a stock company, in which our subject was an active member. In December, 1905, however, the sons bought the father's interest and organized Schick Brothers Express & Storage Company, of which George Schick is the head. They are engaged in teaming and all such work and also are fitted for storing goods. This is the leading concern of its kind in Davenport and the firm not only retains its former customers but is adding daily to its list of patrons. They also have a government contract for carrying the mail from the postoffice to the various railway stations, this contract being in effect for two and a half years.
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Mr. Schick was married in 1899 to Miss Mayme Truelsen, a daughter of Hans Truelsen, and their union has been blessed with one son, Robert John, who is now in school. Mr. Schick belongs to the Masonic order and to the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He possesses a high order of business talent, which has served him well in the conduct of his enterprise and all with whom he has dealings find him true to the terms of a contract. Having spent his entire life in Daven- port-his native city-he is interested in her welfare and is numbered among her most substantial business men.
MRS. MELVINA POPE FANNING.
Mrs. Melvina Pope Fanning, who is well and favorably known in Princeton, where the greater part of her life has been passed, owns considerable property in the village and thirty-five acres of farm land in Princeton township. Her father, Isaac Tracy Pope, was one of the early settlers of Scott county and was a descendant of pioneers, for his ancestors came to America from England, when this continent was first being colonized Those who established the family on this side of the Atlantic were Thomas and John Pope, who crossed the ocean on the Mary and John, landing in Massachusetts September 3, 1634. John Pope was a freeman of Dorchester and in his will, drawn up in 1646, mentioned his brother Thomas, who is supposed to have been Thomas Pope of Plymouth.
Isaac Tracy Pope, a lineal descendant and the father of Mrs. Fanning, was born in Oswego county, New York, August 13, 1811, a son of Squire S. and Sallie (Angle) Pope, who came west in 1835 and settled in Quincy, Illinois. Isaac Tracy Pope received a common-school education in the east, married there and, in 1840 came to Linn county, Iowa, where he secured a tract of government land, upon which he built a log cabin, and there lived until 1854. Being in lim- ited circumstances he and his wife had to endure many hardships attendant upon the primitive state of the country and the strain of poverty. However, he was energetic and ambitious and in the course of years his labors brought him a gen- erous competence. In 1854 he removed from Linn county to Scott county, where he engaged in farming until his death, which occurred March 17, 1863. His wife survived him more than twenty years. She was Miss Mary A. Rathburn, in her maidenhood and a daughter of Washington and Eunice Rathburn. Born in Os- wego county, New York, March 15, 1814, she there grew to young womanhood and was married to Mr. Pope, January 28, 1834. She endured the hardships of pioneer life in Iowa in the early years of her wedded life, and when the Scott County Pioneer Society was organized became one of its honored members. Hers was a life of courage and devotion to her family, and she was deeply mourned when, on the 30th of December, 1886, she was called to her final rest. The last fourteen years of her life were passed in the home of her daughter, Mrs. Fan- ning. Nine children were born to her and her husband, as follows: Sarah, who became the wife of James Wood, of Princeton; William H., who wedded Miss Mary Allen and is now deceased; Melvina, who is the subject of this sketch ; James K., who married Miss Mary Green and is now living at Princeton; George W.,
MR. AND MRS. JOIN A. FANNING
MR. AND MRS. ISAAC T. POPE
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who wedded Miss Anna Maria Van Epps and is now a resident of Pleasant Valley township; and four who died in infancy. William H. Pope was born October 12, 1840, and was a young man of twenty-one when, on the 14th of October, 1861, he enlisted in the Second Iowa Cavalry under Colonel Egbert. He saw considerable active service during the Civil war and was discharged October 4, 1864.
Mrs. Melvina Pope Fanning was born in Linn county, Iowa, near the town of Lisbon, January 30, 1845, and accompanied her parents when they came to Scott county. She attended the common schools of Pleasant Valley township, although she was not permitted to give much time to the preparation of lessons, for at the age of fifteen her father bought a hotel in Princeton and placed her in charge of it. She conducted the hostelry with success, displayed good business judgment, and became favorably known in the village and the vicinity as a young woman of large ability.
At the end of four years she gave her hand in marriage to John A. Fanning, who was born at Clayton, Jefferson county, New York, May 20, 1835. In 1857 he came west, settling first in Moline, Illinois, where he lived until 1859, when he came to Princeton, Scott county. After the outbreak of the Civil war he enlisted from this village in Company C, Second Iowa Cavalry, and in the three years of his service participated in many of the hotly contested battles of the great struggle. Upon his return to civil life he took up his residence in Princeton, where he fol- lowed his trade as a blacksmith, and where, October 31, 1864, he was united in marriage to Miss Melvina Pope. The couple passed along the highroad of life together for more than a score of years, before their union was broken by the death of Mr. Fanning, who passed away in 1885.
Mrs. Fanning is well known and highly respected in Princeton township, where she has spent so many years. She has shown courage and ability in meeting the several problems that have confronted her, and while she has exhibited a keen business sagacity on many occasions, she is endowed with those womanly traits that make her beloved and venerated among a large circle of friends.
CHARLES VAN EVERA.
An excellent farming property of two hundred and eighty-six acres located in Davenport township pays tribute to the care and labor which Charles Van Evera bestows upon it, and in the fine crops which he annually harvests he is continually adding to his financial resources. He was born in the Empire state, March 2, 1847, a son of Rynier and Katherine (Stowits) Van Evera. The family came originally from Holland but have lived in America since before the Revolution. Rynier Van Evera was also born in New York, a son of John Van Evera. He was married in that state and in 1837 came west with his family, establishing his home in Muscatine county, Iowa. He located on one hundred and twenty acres of land which he purchased and thereon made his home for six years. He then disposed of that tract and removing to Scott county, rented various tracts of land until 1867, when he purchased the farm which is now in
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possession of the son Charles. For many years he was identified with the de- velopment and improvement of this farm and passed away March 9, 1883, while his wife survived him for only two years, her death occurring March 23, 1885. They had a family of five children, namely: Miranda, the widow of Cornelius Wilkin, who now makes her home with our subject; Joshua, of Florida; Charles, of this review ; and John and Henry, deceased.
Charles Van Evera was a little lad of seven years when he was brought by his parents to Iowa, the family home being established in Muscatine county. He started to school at the usual age in New York state and after removing to Muscatine county attended school there, while later, the family removing to Scott county, he attended the district schools here, but his education was com- pleted in the high school at Davenport. After putting aside his text-books he gave his attention to farming, having assisted his father during the periods of vacation while pursuing his studies.
Mr. Van Evera established a home of his own by his marriage on the 30th of December, 1874, to Miss Henrietta Kepler, a daughter of John and Ann (Doug- lass) Kepler, of Scott county. He then began work in earnest, following the pursuit to which he had been reared and this has been his occupation to the present time. He now owns two hundred and eighty-six acres in Davenport township, which was formerly the old home place, the house which stands on the farm having been erected by the father. Mr. Van Evera since taking pos- session has made other needed improvements and the place is now one of the most valuable in Davenport township. He carries on general farming and also raises stock, both branches of his business bringing him a good profit. His siic- cess has been won through the most honorable methods, so that it is all the more gratifying.
As above stated, Mr. Van Evera wedded Miss Henrietta Kepler, who was born in Pennsylvania, a daughter of John and Ann Kepler. The father was born in Blair county, Pennsylvania, October 21, 1831, while the mother was born in Cambria county, that state, November 17, 1832. In 1856 a removal was made to Scott county. The family lived for a few years thereafter in Le Claire town- ship but in 1861 took up their abode in Lincoln township, where the mother's death occurred on the 2d of February, 1877, when she was forty-five years of age. The father survived for many years and passed away in Chicago, Illinois, December 18, 1893, when he was sixty-two years old. Their family numbered eight children, as follows: Henrietta, now Mrs. Van Evera; T. B., of Tama county, Iowa ; W. D., of Lincoln township; G. M., formerly of this county ; W. E., a resident of Oregon ; William D., of Tama county, this state; M. H., who makes his home in Worth county, this state; and R. P. of Toledo, Iowa.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Van Evera has been blessed with nine chil- dren : Rynier, who died in infancy; Grace, at home; Carl, who wedded Josephine Seaman and lives in Davenport township, where he follows farming and stock raising, his specialty being red polled cattle; Katherine, who is engaged in teach- ing in Minnesota ; Kepler, who is studying for the ministry in McCormick The- ological Seminary, at Chicago; Anna, the wife of B. S. Bonnell, a resident of Lincoln township; Rodger, who married Zella Barr and is farming the home place; Benjamin, also at home; and Donald, who died when six years of age.
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Mr. Van Evera is a republican in his political belief and has served as school director but otherwise has filled no public office. His religious faith is indi- cated by his membership in the Presbyterian church at Summit, in which he is now acting as treasurer. Fortunate as has been his life, his record is untar- nished and the name of Charles Van Evera stands for honesty, integrity and up- right manhood.
THEODORE KRABBENHOEFT.
The name of Theodore Krabbenhoeft is an honored one in mercantile and financial circles in Davenport, where he is widely known as the president of the Davenport Cigar Box Company and as a director of the Davenport Savings Bank. What he has accomplished represents the utilization of the innate talents which are his, the recognition of opportunity and keen discrimination in deter- mining that which is essential in the successful conduct of business enterprises.
One of Davenport's native sons and a representative of one of its pioneer fam- ilies, he was born August 14, 1859, his parents being J. H. and Lizzette (Haak) Krabbenhoeft. The father was a native of Germany, born in the little village of Noehr near Kiel. He acquired his education in the schools of that country and there learned the mechanic's trade. His interests aroused by the favorable reports which he heard concerning the new world and its opportunities, he de- termined to try his fortune on the western continent and after bidding adieu to friends and family, sailed for New Orleans. He then made his way up the Mississippi river to St. Louis, where he remained until, attracted by the dis- covery of gold in California, he crossed the plains to the Pacific coast in 1849, remaining for about a year in the far west. He was among those who met suc- cess in the search for the precious metal and on his return brought with him sub- stantial evidence of his labors. Again making his way to the Mississippi val- ley, he proceeded to Davenport instead of St. Louis and settled on a farm in the vicinity of this city. Again he was attracted by gold discoveries when the pre- cious metal was found on Pike's Peak, and, making his way to Colorado, he remained there for some time. On his return to Scott county he resumed farm- ing in Davenport township, owning there a good tract of land which responded readily and generously to the care and labor which he bestowed upon it. Unto him and his wife, who was also a native of Germany, there were born seven children : George, deceased; Theodore, whose name introduces this record; Emma, the wife of Chris Niemand; Gus; Laura and Edward, both deceased; and Julius, who married Emma Pahl.
At the usual age Theodore Krabbenhoeft entered the common schools, wherein he completed his education. His early experience in the business world came through clerking in various commercial houses in the city and he made his first independent step as a grocer, opening a store which he conducted for some time with substantial success. Hoping to find a still broader field of labor, he disposed of his mercantile interests to his brother-in-law and entered the field of manufacturing in connection with the Davenport Cigar Box Company, which
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had been organized about a year previous. Soon after becoming connected therewith Mr. Krabbenhoeft was chosen general manager and upon the reor- ganization of the business accepted the presidency and has since remained at the head of what is now regarded as one of the leading concerns of the city.
On the 5th of November, 1882, Mr. Krabbenhoeft was married to Miss Emma Struck, a daughter of Henry Struck, of whom extended mention is made elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Krabbenhoeft belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Turner Society, in which organization he is very active. Diligence and perseverance constitute the keynote of his char- acter, and as he has steadily progressed in business circles each forward step has brought him a broader outlook and wider opportunity which he has fully utilized in the development of business interests that are now important and of exten- sive proportions.
CAPTAIN WARNER LEWIS CLARK.
Captain Warner Lewis Clark enjoys the distinction of being the oldest liv- ing settler of the state of Iowa and also of being the son of the first white man to establish a claim in Scott county. He was born on the Wabash river, near Mount Carmel, Wabash county, Illinois, November 14, 1822, a son of Ben- jamin Warren and Mary (Beard) Clark. The father was a native of Virginia, but the mother was born in Kentucky and did not survive the birth of her son. The earliest memories of the childhood of Captain Warner Lewis Clark are connected with the Indians, for at the time of his birth they were much more numerous than the white settlers. Indeed, in 1827, when the family re- moved to Rock Island, the Black Hawk, Keokuk and other tribes surrounded them and were their daily companions. As boys he and his brother, John P. Clark, played with them at ball, shooting arrows and other games which they taught them, and having learned the Indian language became conversant with many of the customs prevalent among the red people. On the Ist of June, 1833, with the rest of his family, Captain Clark removed to the Black Hawk pur- chase and they were the first to settle where is now the village of Buffalo, this county. Many are the memories of those early days, when the face of a white brother was infrequently seen. It was, indeed, a great event when the first school was taught here in 1836, and in it in the winter of 1838 Captain Clark received his last instruction in the rudiments of English education. On the 25th of October, 1839, occurred the death of his father, and a month later his stepmother also passed away, leaving eight children to struggle against the hardships that con- fronted them. The character of the life, far from discouraging them, taught them the invaluable lessons of industry and hopefulness, which were productive of large results if we are to judge from Captain Clark's career.
For a number of years after the death of his parents, Captain Clark lived upon the old homestead in Buffalo township and then, in 1847, removed to Dav- enport. Seven years later he and the late Captain Leroy Dodge bought a half interest in the packet line running between Keokuk, Davenport, and Rock Isl-
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and. Captain Clark received the contract for handling the United States mail. In 1857 he left Davenport to take up his residence in Buffalo, in order that he might operate the coal mines which were upon his place and thus supply his boats with coal. In the course of years he became very wealthy, although in the panic of 1859 he lost heavily, but had enough left to establish him comfortably and give him a good start again in life. During the year 1865 he opened an addition to the village of Buffalo, which still bears his name. Of course in late years he has taken little active part in the life that is going on about him, but he is, nevertheless, an eager spectator of events and has not remitted one bit of his interest in the things that pertain to the general welfare. He is able to con- trast the present with its conveniences with the hardships of the past, and while he cannot but acklowledge the great advancement that has been made, he is loath to say that better men are produced now than then. In fact those early days, while they called into play the sternest qualities of a nature, demanding courage and perseverance above all things, inculcated those principles upon which the highest success is built.
On the 9th of December, 1841, when he was but nineteen years of age, Captain Clark was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Baker, who was one year his junior. She was a daughter of Maurice and Margaret (Waters) Baker, the former a native of Maryland, the latter of Kentucky. Eight children were born to the Captain and his wife: Benjamin Warren, who wedded Miss Lizzie Evans, of St. Louis, Mis- souri, and passed away May 29, 1905; Emma M., who became the wife of General Jesse M. Harrison, of Dubuque, Iowa; Clara M., who is the widow of Charles F. Elmes, of Chicago; Florence L., who is the wife of W. L. Orrick, of Du- buque, Iowa; Lincoln L., who died unmarried August 28, 1882; Kate M., who died May 13, 1884; Anna M., who passed away August 27, 1889; and Charles C., who is engaged in the milling business in St. Louis, Missouri. Mrs. Clark died March 30, 1891.
Politically Captain Clark has always been in sympathy with the democratic party, and he is a member of the Episcopal church. He is a stanch defender of religion and his own life is lived in strict accord with the rules of Christian con- duct. He is temperate in all his habits, with a certain justifiable pride attrib- uting the many years of his life to that fact.
FRANK C. KEPPY.
The financial interests of Donahue find a worthy representative in Frank C. Keppy, who is acting as cashier of the Donahue Savings Bank. He was born April 5, 1876, the eldest of three children born unto Frank and Mary (Rohwer) Keppy, his younger brother being Louis A. Keppy, while the sister is Clara, the wife of Henry Klindt of Maysville, Scott county. All are mentioned elsewhere in this work.
Frank C. Keppy was reared on the home farm to the age of seven years, and his parents then removed to Donahue, where his entire life has been spent, with the exception of when away at school. He was given excellent educational ad-
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vantages that he might start out in life well equipped for the strenuous and ex- acting service of the times. He attended high school in Davenport and subse- quently attended Duncan's Business College in that city. Returning home, he became manager of his father's merchandise establishment in Donahue, being thus engaged for ten years. In 1905, upon the organization of the Donahue Savings Bank, Mr. Keppy was made its first cashier and has filled that position to the present time. The bank is established upon a firm basis, its stockholders being some of the best known and wealthiest citizens of that section of Scott county. The president and vice president are Frank Keppy and Albert C. Klindt, of Donahue, respectively, who with Emil Fellner, G. C. Mohr, Henry Meyer, Henry Schult and George Gollinghorst constitute the directorate.
Conducting his private interests in a successful manner, Mr. Keppy is also willing to lend his aid to the prosecution of public interests. He has followed in his father's political foosteps as a stanch supporter of the republican party, on which ticket he was elected mayor of Donahue, being the first man to fill the office. He is also acting as treasurer of the Allens Grove township school board and of the Donahue Percheron Horse Company. His fraternal relations are with the Knights of Pythias lodge at Dixon.
Mr. Keppy was married March 9, 1897, the lady of his choice being Miss Ella Meyer, who was born in Hickory Grove township, November 22, 1876. She is a daughter of Fritz and Rebecca (Shuck) Meyer, the former deceased and the latter now a resident of Davenport. By her marriage Mrs. Keppy has become the mother of an interesting son and daughter, Dennis B. and Etta C. The parents are prominent and popular in the social circles of the community, for they have here spent their entire lives and are therefore well known.
THOMAS PEACOCK.
A well improved farm.of twenty-seven acres, located in Buffalo township, is the home of Thomas Peacock, who was born near Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1849 and was a little lad of five years when brought to the new world by his parents, William and Jeannette (Crabb) Peacock, the year 1853 witnessing their arrival in the United States. The father died soon after reaching this country, having contracted a fever while on shipboard. The mother located near Potts- ville, Pennsylvania, where she remained until 1863, when she removed with her family to Bedford county, that state, and the son remained in the latter district three years, when in 1866 he came west. For a few years thereafter he engaged in mining and farming at intervals, and in 1871 he settled in Scott county and prospected for coal, working in the mines of this district for three years.
His lot up to this time had been rather a hard one. Deprived of his father at an early age, he had little opportunity of attending school, as he had to provide for his own support from a very early age, and practically all the knowledge he gained from his books was by study at night after he had completed his day's work. As above stated, he had worked at farm labor after coming to Scott county and through this means had ample opportunity to test the worth of the
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land and its possibilities. He was convinced that he could win success in this way and accordingly, in 1874, located on his present farm of twenty-seven acres in Buffalo township, to which he has since bent his energies.
Soon after coming to the west Mr. Peacock was married in Scott county, in 1873, to Miss Elizabeth M. Kearney, a daughter of John Kearney, of Buffalo township. Mrs. Peacock was born April 17, 1855, and by her marriage has become the mother of four living daughters: Mrs. Jeannette M. McCollough, who is with her parents; Elizabeth, the wife of William Kohl, residing near Linwood, Iowa; 'Annie, the wife of John Kohl; and Emma A., at home. Three sons died in youth.
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