USA > Iowa > Des Moines County > History of Des Moines County, Iowa, Volume II > Part 17
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WILLIAM FLETCHER HAYDEN.
A well spent life enabled William Fletcher Hayden to leave to his family an untarnished name when death called him. He was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, November 5, 1836, a son of the Rev. John and Sarah (McCotter) Hayden, who were likewise natives of Ohio. The father was a circuit rider of the Methodist Episcopal church and in the year 1839 came to Burlington, finding here a little village on the river bank which had but little industrial or commercial prom- inence, although it was becoming a trading point for vessels and for the settlers who were making their way westward. At the time of his arrival his father, Stephen Hayden, also came and built the old Star home on Sixth street. Stephen Hayden passed away in Burlington. His son, the Rev. John Hayden, devoted his entire life to the work of the ministry and died upon a farm at Libertyville, Iowa, which farm had been in possession of the family for seventy years. At one time he represented Jefferson county in the state legislature, as did his son, Dr. John Wesley. To him and his wife were born six chil- Vol. II-11
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dren : William F .; John Wesley, a physician who died in Fairfield, Iowa; Thomas Morris, who was formerly a physician but is now a banker and fruit grower of Fresno, California; Mrs. Sarah Daven- port, living in California; James, whose home is at Eldon, Iowa, where he owns a ranch ; and Dr. Reed Hayden, now deceased.
William F. Hayden was but three years of age when brought by his parents to Burlington. As a boy he traveled with his father in missionary work among the Indians and the whites who were early settlers of this section. The Indians told him they would steal him, as he had black eyes. He could relate many interesting tales of the red men, their habits and their mode of living. He supplemented his early education by study in the college at Fairfield, Iowa, and also at Mount Pleasant, and some of the large elm trees now seen upon the college campus he aided in planting.
When twenty-two years of age Mr. Hayden was married and established his home in Burlington, where he spent his remaining days, conducting business as an architect and contractor. He was also identified with manufacturing interests, engaging in the making of caskets and in other lines. He was also identified with the White Breast coal mine of Burlington.
Mr. Hayden was united in marriage in 1858 to Miss Susanna Jackson, who was born about ten miles from Wheeling, West Vir- ginia, on the Ohio side of the river, November 28, 1835, and came to Burlington by the river route when fourteen years of age in company with her parents, William and Margaret Jackson, who were natives of Frederick county, Virginia. Her father was a relative of General "Stonewall" Jackson and also of President Andrew Jackson. Her grandfather, William Jackson, played a prominent part in the early history of Virginia. The death of Mrs. Hayden occurred September 15, 1910, while Mr. Hayden passed away May 5, 1903. The loss of both was deeply deplored by their many friends and most of all by their immediate family. They had five children : Perle, who resides at the old home at No. 701 Division street, occupying a large fine resi- dence which was erected by her father more than forty years ago; Jessie H., the wife of Francis Brooks, a resident of Everett, Washing- ton ; Margaret, the wife of Harold Dayton, of New York city; Mrs. May H. Smith, who died leaving two daughters, Katharine and Margaret, who reside with their aunt, Miss Hayden; and Edward J., who is living in Nutley, New Jersey. Miss Hayden is a graduate of the Burlington high school and is a lady of excellent business quali- fications. Her father died eleven years ago and left valuable property interests, and as her mother was unable to assume their management,
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Miss Hayden took up the business and has successfully controlled the interests of the estate.
William F. Hayden was a man of many sterling traits of char- acter and his name is inseparably interwoven with the history of Bur- lington, where he made his home for nearly two-thirds of a century. At the time of his death he was one of its oldest residents. There were few who could relate stories of Burlington's villagehood from an actual personal knowledge thereof. He grew with the city and contributed to its growth and improvement and at all times con- formed his life to his professions as a member of the Methodist Epis- copal church, so that he left to his family not only a goodly inheritance in property but also an honored name.
J. N. PATTERSON, M. D.
Dr. J. N. Patterson has been a representative of the medical pro- fession of Burlington since July, 1898, and had resided here for but a brief period ere his power in professional work began to draw to him a growing practice that is now gratifying and extensive. He was born in Greenbush, Ontario, September 23, 1864, and is a son of John and Mary Ann (Empey) Patterson. The father was a farmer by occupation and spent his entire life in Canada, as did the mother.
When Dr. Patterson had mastered the branches of learning taught in the public schools of his native city he entered Queen's University at Kingston, Ontario, and was graduated from the medical depart- ment of that institution with the class of 1890. Crossing the border into the United States, he practiced in Ohiowa, Fillmore county, Ne- braska, through the ensuing eight years and in July, 1898, came to Burlington. For sixteen years he has followed his profession in this city and his professional aid is entirely satisfactory to his many patients. He holds to the highest professional standard and is true to its ethical teachings. He practices both medicine and surgery and he is a member of the Des Moines County Medical Society, the Iowa State Medical Society and the American Medical Association.
On the 28th of December, 1904, Dr. Patterson was united in mar- riage to Miss Louise Blanke, a native of Burlington and a daughter of Charles and Mary Blanke. Dr. Patterson exemplifies in his life the beneficent spirit upon which the order of Masonry is founded, having membership in Malta Lodge, No. 98, A. F. & A. M. He also belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. He exercises his right
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of franchise in support of the men and measures of the democratic party and his religious faith is evidenced by his membership in the First Methodist Episcopal church. His has been an active and well spent life, characterized by fidelity to high ideals, and his efforts at all times have been a matter of valuable aid to his many patrons.
ADOLPH SCHOENHAAR.
Adolph Schoenhaar, proprietor of an establishment for the manu- facture of mineral waters at No. 1249 Agency avenue in Burlington, was born in Germany, August 24, 1858, a son of Gottlieb Adam and Louisa (Fuernhaber) Schoenhaar. The parents were both natives of Germany and died there many years ago. Adolph Schoenhaar was but nine years of age when his mother passed away. In the family were eight children, of whom five are yet living. William resides in Wilmington, Delaware, where he is engaged in the bakery business, and the others, save our subject, are residents of Germany.
Adolph Schoenhaar attended the public schools of his native country and worked in a flour mill there before coming to the new world. Believing that he might have better opportunities and advan- tages on this side the Atlantic, he came to the United States in 1882 and arrived in Burlington on the 27th of September. On that date there was snow and ice upon the ground, winter setting in very early that year. He first worked for Christian Bicklin as a farm hand and later was employed by Raessener & Muengenmeyer, who were con- ducting a butchering business. He was afterward employed for fifteen years by Christ Mathies in a soda water manufactory, where he learned his present business. He acquainted himself with every phase of the trade and the methods of manufacture, and in 1909 he formed a partnership with Julius Fladt and established his present business. The partnership was maintained for several years, but for the past three years Mr. Schoenhaar has been alone. He manu- factures all kinds of soda water and soft drinks, conducting both a wholesale and retail business, selling largely to the city and private trade. He has secured a liberal patronage and has prospered from the outset until he now owns the ground and all of the buildings which he occupies and at the same time has an extensive trade which is growing year by year.
On the 9th of June, 1889, Mr. Schoenhaar was united in marriage to Miss Mary Vogelgesang, who was born in Burlington in 1859, a
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daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Vogelgesang, who were natives of Germany and came to America in early life. The mother died when her daughter Mrs. Schoenhaar was but eight years of age. The father, who was a dairyman, died about nine years ago. They had eight children, all of whom are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Schoen- haar have had no children of their own, but have reared a niece, Glory Schoenhaar, who was born in Burlington in June, 1905, and is now in school.
Mr. and Mrs. Schoenhaar hold membership in St. John's Catholic church. They reside at No. 846 Columbia street, where they have made their home since 1893. Fraternally he is connected with the Eagles and with the Turner Society, and in politics he has always been a democrat since becoming a naturalized American citizen but never an office seeker. He is truly a self-made man. At the time of his marriage he had but twenty-seven dollars, but he possessed courage and industry in large measure and these have been the elements which have carried him forward to success. He has gained a fair com- petence and is respected by one and all. His friends find him a genial, entertaining companion and ever a courteous gentleman, and as a citizen he is public-spirited, taking much interest in those things which are of value and worth to the community.
HENRY EILERS.
The growth and prosperity of a city does not depend upon a single individual but upon the aggregate efforts of many, especially of that class who control and promote the important industrial and com- mercial interests. In this number is included Henry Eilers, a con- crete and cement contractor with office at No. 1604 Lincoln street. He was born April 28, 1860, in Germany, a son of Eilert and Wibke (Miners) Eilers, who were likewise natives of that country, where they remained until called to their final rest. The father died when his son Henry was but six years of age. In the family were three children: Fred, now living in the state of Washington; Elizabeth, the wife of Henry Heanen, of Germany; and Henry.
The last named was educated in the free schools of Germany and first took up timber work, sawing the rough timber and then selling to others. The year 1881 witnessed his arrival in Burlington. This was about the time he attained his majority. He was first employed as a laborer and secured a situation with Leige Henry, a brick con-
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tractor. He afterward entered the employ of the Chicago, Burling- ton & Quincy Railroad Company and still later worked at cement work, becoming foreman for George Kriechbaum, with whom he remained for a few years. He began to take contracts on his own account about 1885 or 1886 and has erected a number of cement houses, including two for Mr. Cowles, one for Mr. Copeland and one for Mrs. Vermann, in addition to his own residence, an elegant and commodious two-story dwelling which he built in 1905. He also did all the cement work for the Churchhill & McConnel factory and the building of the Iowa Soap Company. He manufactures cement blocks at home, having a well equipped plant upon his grounds, is very successful and takes contracts for all kinds of cement work. He was the first man to put in a concrete foundation in the city of Bur- lington, this being put in for Mr. Emloff on Gunnison street on West Hill. He thoroughly understands every phase of the business and has been accorded a liberal and growing patronage.
In August, 1882, Mr. Eilers was married to Miss Annie Ficken, who was born in Germany, June 10, 1858, a daughter of Eilert and Helena (Lange) Ficken, both of whom were natives of Germany and in 1880 came to America, settling in Burlington. The father was a farmer by occupation and was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, for his death occurred about a year after his arrival here. His wife passed away about twenty years ago. They had eight children, of whom four are now living: Lena, the widow of Christian Hor- beck, of Burlington; Dorothy, the widow of Richard Vermann, of Peoria, Illinois; Henry, of Muscatine, Iowa; and Mrs. Eilers. To Mr. and Mrs. Eilers have been born six children, of whom four sur- vive. Ferdinand was born in April, 1884; Helena Amanda was born November 26, 1887; John Henry, twin brother of Helena Amanda, died October 6, 1888; Lillian was born in 1891 and died in 1911 after completing the course in business college; Rosa was born May 9, 1894, and attended business college, while now she is a stenographer for the firm of Clinton & Copeland; and Henry was born July 6, 1897.
Mr. and Mrs. Eilers are devoted members of the Baptist church, their lives being in consistent harmony with its teachings. They have an attractive home which is a most hospitable one and they also own several other houses, including two on Lincoln street and two else- where in the city. They have made every effort to win success and prosperity has attended their efforts. They have also given their chil- dren good advantages and at all times have held to progressive ideas in relation to home life and to the community. Their own home is
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one of the most attractive in the neighborhood, surrounded by beauti- ful grounds adorned with flowers of all kinds. Mr. Eilers cast his vote for the democratic party in carly manhood but now largely votes independently. He has never been an office seeker, always preferring to give his time and attention to his business affairs, and gradually he has worked his way upward, gaining thorough understanding of the trade in every particular and advancing step by step through honor- able methods until he is now one of the foremost cement contractors of the city.
CHARLES EDGAR ELLIOTT.
Charles Edgar Elliott, president of Elliott's Business College of Burlington, was born in Rochester, New York, September 7, 1883, while his mother was visiting in that city. Burlington, however, has always been his home and its public schools afforded him his prelim- inary educational advantages. He afterward spent two years as a student in the University of Wisconsin and in Elliott's Business Col- lege he pursued a full course and was graduated with the class of 1901. This school was founded, promoted and conducted by his father, George W. Elliott, who became recognized throughout the country as one of the most successful educators in the field of com- mercial instruction, and built up in Burlington an institution of which the city has every reason to be proud.
Following his graduation Charles E. Elliott became a teacher in the school and has continued as such for the past ten years. He seemed to have inherited his father's ability as an instructor and grad- ually developed his powers in the educational field. His instruction has ever been clear and concise and he has the ability to impart readily and impressively to others the knowledge that he has acquired. Upon the death of his father, in 1913, he succeeded to the presidency of the college and is now directing its interests, maintaining the high standard instituted by his father. He is looking toward the constant broadening and improvement of methods of instruction and also of school equipment and his friends feel no doubt of the fact that he will keep the school in close touch with the progress and demands of the time in the business world. Elliott's Business College occupies a large three story brick building, containing many class rooms and splendidly equipped office and counting rooms, where business can
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be transacted in exactly the same manner as if commodities were to be bought and sold.
In 1910 Mr. Elliott was united in marriage to Miss Martha E. Schuetze, of Burlington, a daughter of George H. Schuetze, who is connected with the Murray Iron Works. Mr. and Mrs. Elliott have a son, Charles, now two and a half years of age. The parents are members of the Catholic church, and Mr. Elliott gives his political allegiance to the republican party.
CHARLES G. EARNEST.
Charles G. Earnest has the distinction of being the first repub- lican sheriff of Des Moines county in twenty years and indorsement of his splendid record in office came in a largely increased vote at his second election. Moreover, he is well known as a successful dairyman, conducting a wholesale business of that character.
He was born in Des Moines county, February 24, 1858, a son of David A. and Catherine A. (Garman) Earnest. The father, who was a native of Pennsylvania and of German descent, became one of the pioneer settlers of this part of the state, establishing his home in Des Moines county in 1845, and the following year purchased a tract of land near Burlington. Turning his attention to general agri- cultural pursuits, he continued actively in the work of the farm until after the outbreak of the Civil war. Although he was too old to be drafted, his spirit of patriotism and loyalty to his adopted country prompted his enlistment and he joined the "boys in blue" of Com- pany E, Twenty-fifth Iowa Infantry, with which he went to the front. He laid down his life on the altar of his country, dying in a hospital at Memphis, Tennessee, and there his remains rest, marked by a tombstone showing his name, regiment, etc. His widow long survived him, passing away in 1910, at the age of eighty-three years. In their family were four sons: M. B., now a resident of California ; David A., who was killed in a railway accident; Charles G., of this review; and Christopher, who became a railroad engineer and lost his life in a wreck. The father had been married previously and had four children by his first marriage, but all have passed away.
Charles G. Earnest, spending his youthful days upon the home farm in this county, attended the public schools and in the periods of vacation worked in the fields, aiding in the plowing, planting and harvesting and thus gaining a practical knowledge of all the phases of
CHARLES G. EARNEST
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farm work. In 1879-the year in which he attained his majority- he embarked in the dairy business, in which he still continues, being now proprietor of the C., B. & Q. dairy. He assisted in organizing the Sanitary Milk Company and was its first president. Gradually his business has advanced along substantial lines, owing to his cap- able management and he is now selling all milk at wholesale. He milks forty cows and finds a ready market for the product. He is well known as an enterprising, progressive business man, and his success is well merited.
In 1891 Mr. Earnest was united in marriage to Miss Kate E. Kelley, a daughter of Isaac and Nettie Kelley, both of whom are now deceased. Her father was also a farmer of this state. Mr. Earnest holds membership in the Commercial Exchange and his fraternal connections are with the Eagles, the Elks, the Moose and the Red Men. He is likewise a charter member of the Carthage Lake Club. His political allegiance has always been unswervingly given to the republican party, but he never held office until appointed sheriff to succeed W. M. Muenzenmeyer, who passed away in 1902. At the next election he was a candidate for the office, but was de- feated by seventy-three votes. In 1910 he again became a candidate and on that occasion was elected by seventy-three votes. Once more he was the republican nominee in 1912 and the result of that election is one of which he has every reason to be proud, for he was given a majority of twelve hundred. In 1914 he was again clected to the office of sheriff by about the same majority as before, and is thus serving as the first republican sheriff of Des Moines county in twenty years. It does not take any great insight to read between the lines in this connection, for the increased vote indicates how prompt, cap- able, fearless and impartial he has been in the discharge of his offi- cial duties.
EWALD H. HOELZEN.
Ewald H. Hoelzen, who is conducting a general real-estate and insurance business at No. 210 North Fourth street, Burlington, in partnership with F. W. Rasche, has secured a large clientage that makes his business a profitable onc. His surname indicates his Ger- man nativity. He was born October 10, 1865, in the fatherland, his parents being Frederick and Ida (Zander) Hoelzen, who in 1877 came to the United States, making their way at once to Burlington.
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The father was a minister of the German Baptist church and engaged in preaching in this city for thirteen years but at length retired from the ministry, although his deep interest in and active support of the church never wavered to the time of his death, which occurred in 1909. For eight years he survived his wife, who passed away in 1901. In their family were nine children : Fred, who is now living retired in Burlington; Hugo, who is engaged in the grocery business in this city ; Clara, the wife of O. G. Gerdes, of Burlington; Ewald H .; Ida, the wife of August G. Schmidt, of Burlington; William, of the same city; Bertha, the wife of John Doden, a farmer; Ella, who is book- keeper for the Volksfreund Tribune; and Amanda, the wife of Diet- rich Sproch, of Burlington.
Ewald H. Hoelzen was a lad of eleven summers when brought by his family to the new world and in the public schools of Burlington he pursued his education. When he had finished his studies he took up the printing business in the employ of Conrad Lutz and later he was connected with the Tribune, a German paper published in this city. In 1886 he went to Cleveland, Ohio, where he became con- nected with the Sendbote, a German paper with which he was identified for seven years. Upon his return to Burlington in 1893 he engaged in the retail oil business, continuing actively in that field for six years. He afterward worked for the Volksfreund Tribune as advertising solicitor for seven years and this brought him a wide acquaintance which has been of immense value to him in his present business connection. On resigning his position with the paper he entered the employ of the Parsons Realty Company, with which he was connected for six years, at the end of which time he became a partner in the business and was elected vice president. Afterward he succeeded to the presidency, but in 1912 sold his interest in the busi- ness and started independently at No. 210 North Fourth street in the conduct of a general real-estate and insurance business, in which he is now associated with F. W. Rasche. He has comprehensive knowl- edge of everything connected with the real-estate market, is correct in his valuations of property and has negotiated many important realty transfers.
On the 28th of November, 1889, Mr. Hoelzen was united in mar- riage to Miss Susie M. Schulte, of Cleveland, Ohio, her father being Herman Schulte, the manager of the German Baptist Publishing House. Our subject and his wife have seven children, as follows : Florence Grace, who gave her hand in marriage to Harry Schulz. connected with the Burrus Marble & Stone Works of Burlington ;
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Arthur C., who is employed in his father's office ; and Edna, Clarence, Edwin, Mildred and Kenneth, all at home.
The family are members of the German Baptist church, in the work of which they take a most active and helpful interest, while to its support they contribute generously. Mr. Hoelzen has served as secretary of this church for the past seventeen years. He is a pro- gressive in politics, active and interested in the party and its success. He was one of the organizers of the West End Improvement Club and is a public-spirited citizen, manifesting a deep interest in all those concerns which are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride. He stands for progress in municipal affairs, just as he does in business life, and many public movements have felt the stimulus of his cooperation.
ANDREW DEHNER.
There probably was no man who had more sincere friends in Bur- lington than Andrew Dehner, popularly known as "Andy." He was the founder and for many years the head of the Andy Dehner Cigar Company. Mr. Dehner was born in Burlington, July 15, 1853, and died in that city March 6, 1909, when nearly fifty-six years of age. He was a son of John and Mary Dehner, who were both natives of Germany. They became early settlers of Lincolnville or Burlington, Iowa, and the father was one of the founders of Dutchtown, where he resided to the time of his death. He was proprietor of a truck farm and in its cultivation provided for the support of his family, which numbered four children: Paul, who is still living in Dutchtown ; Lawrence, deceased; Andrew ; and Mary, who is the widow of Henry Mochn, of Burlington.
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