USA > Iowa > Des Moines County > History of Des Moines County, Iowa, Volume II > Part 18
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The parents were pioncer settlers of this county and their son Andrew was reared and educated in Burlington. When a young man he established a cigar factory in a small way on Maple street and be- ing eager to succeed, judicious in his transactions and industrious at his work, his business grew and he was soon forced to move to the down town district, locating at No. 717 North Main street, where he occupied a store room and in connection with his factory carried on a retail business. After a few years he made another removal, this time locating on Jefferson street, between Main and Front, where he continued until 1887, when he removed to the corner of Main and Jefferson streets. He was always careful of his business interests and once he secured a customer he held him by his fair treatment and the
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careful attention which he gave to individual wants and tastes. His circle of patrons extended as time passed and at his demise he owned the largest cigar business in Burlington. In 1905 he incorporated, taking William Bongert and John Dehner into the firm. Both were young men of sterling worth who relieved him of all charge of the work and anxiety connected with the conduct of the factory and store. Since his death the business has been carried on at the same location and under the name of the Andy Dehner Cigar Company, of which Mrs. Dehner now is president. It still is the foremost business of its kind in Burlington.
For many years the store of Mr. Dehner was the rendezvous of men about town, Mr. Dehner being popular with all classes of people and treating all fairly and squarely. He had friends everywhere, for he quickly established sympathetic bonds with all who came into contact with him and there were none who could resist his open- hearted, pleasant ways. Mr. Dehner was a great lover of the out-of- doors and fond of athletics and sports. He was devoted to the rod and gun and could interestingly narrate experiences which were per- sonal recollections. His store was dubbed the "swapping story" place and was a pleasant place where many an old fisherman and hunter would pass an hour in converse with those similarly inclined. Mr. Dehner was an ardent baseball enthusiast and in the earlier days of league ball in Burlington was president of the local club, much to the detriment of his pocket, as he had to stand heavy expenses to main- tain the organization at a time when such clubs did not pay their own way in the smaller cities.
On April 29, 1884, Mr. Dehner was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Dummler, who was born in Ottumwa, Iowa, February 26, 1861, and there resided to the time of her marriage. Her parents, Andy and Mary (William) Dummler, were natives of Germany and became early residents of Ottumwa, where they remained until called to their final rest. Mr. and Mrs. Dehner became the parents of eight children: Carl, now living in Detroit, Michigan; Anna, the wife of Christ Ostertag, of Burlington; Leo, also of this city; Cecelia, Min- etta and Andrew, all at home; Marion, who died at the age of thir- teen months ; and Edward, who died at the age of nine years.
In his religious faith Mr. Dehner was a Catholic, holding mem- bership in St. John's church, and in its work he took an active and helpful interest. In 1903 he erected the fine brick residence on Sum- mer street which is yet occupied by his family, and he delighted to dispense the hospitality of his home. He had great appreciation for friendship and was very popular among the people who were his
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associates. He was a member of the Crystal Lake Club and the Hawkeye Natives Club and fraternally belonged to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. Mr. Dehner is well remembered by the residents of Burlington, to practically all of whom he was known as one of the most agreeable men one is privileged to meet. He was open-hearted and open-handed, pleasant and genial alike to rich and poor, and his heart was large enough to take into his friendship all classes of people irrespective of achievement or attainment. He liked a man for what a man was and not for what he was worth, and it is for that reason that Andy Dehner will not be easily forgotten by the many who called him friend.
Since her husband's death Mrs. Dehner has been president of the Andy Dehner Cigar Company and has active voice in the manage- ment of the business. Her husband purchased the land and erected thereon the building used as a factory at Jefferson and Main streets, which is in the center of the city. The close comradeship between husband and wife, whereby Mrs. Dehner secured considerable knowl- edge of the business, enabled her to take up the work which he laid down and in its control she has displayed marked ability.
J. W. SMITH, M. D.
Burlington has every reason to be proud of the medical profes- sion as represented here, for on the whole its members are a class of men who recognize the obligations which devolve upon them and, holding to high professional ideals, are rendering valuable service to their fellows. Such is the record of Dr. Smith, who has now prac- ticed in this city for about twelve years. He is a native of the neigh- boring state of Missouri, his birth having occurred in Memphis, August 26, 1869, his parents being James and Sarah A. (Smith) Smith. The father was a farmer by occupation and thus provided for his family.
Dr. Smith had the usual experiences of the lad who is reared in the middle west and depends upon the public schools for his educa- tional training. After leaving the high school he entered the Barnes Medical College of St. Louis, in which he pursued the full course until graduated on the 9th of April, 1903, on which occasion his pro- fessional degree was conferred upon him. He immediately after- ward came to Burlington, where he has since remained in general practice. The steps in his orderly progression are easily discernible.
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He did not consider his education completed when he left college but has continued to read broadly and think deeply and has kept abreast with the onward march of the profession in every way.
On the 3Ist of December, 1895, Dr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Lydia M. Wedertz, of Burlington, a daughter of Charles and Mary Wedertz. Her father was one of the pioneer settlers and early merchants of Burlington and was a very popular and prominent man, especially influential among the German-American citizens, and in various ways he left the impress of his individuality for good upon the upbuilding of this section.
Dr. Smith is a republican but with independent tendencies. He is well known in Masonic circles, holding membership in the lodge and chapter, and he also belongs to the Woodmen of the World, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Ancient Order of United Work- men, the Degree of Honor, the Court of Honor, the Woodmen Circle, the Loyal Order of Moose and the Mystic Workers. He is likewise a member of the Burlington Automobile Club, a fact which indicates something of the nature of his recreation. Geniality and cordiality have gained him popularity and Dr. Smith is now widely and favor- ably known in his adopted city.
FERDINAND PIETZSCH.
Ferdinand Pietzsch was one of the honored veterans of the Civil war and is also a retired dry-goods merchant of Burlington. He was born in Saxony, Germany, at Langenfeld, on the 28th of October, 1841, and is a son of Alexander and Sedonia (Bonitz) Pietzsch. In 1848 the father crossed the Atlantic to New Orleans and thence made his way up the river to St. Louis and to Burlington, after which he returned in 1850 to his native land for his family. He brought his wife and children to the new world and again made the voyage to the Crescent City, proceeding thence northward to his destination. He was a manufacturer of woolen goods and after coming to Iowa turned his attention to farming, in which he continued until his death in 1851. His widow survived and passed away in Burlington when more than seventy-one years of age. In their family were thirteen children, one of whom died while they were crossing the Atlantic. They also lost four children the first year of their residence in Bur- lington. At the time of the father's death most of them were too
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young to work and the mother had a hard time to make both ends meet. The father had lost his money in Germany during the troub- lous times of 1848 and 1849 and had to start in life anew on coming to America. Seven children of the family reached adult age: Her- man, now deceased; Morris, who was shot by a burglar in St. Louis; Minnie, who became the wife of August Wedertz and died in Bur- lington; Ferdinand; Rosa, the widow of John Mathes, now living in Nashville, Tennessee; Ernest, also of Nashville; and Anna, the widow of Henry Pottoff and a resident of Burlington.
Ferdinand Pietzsch was brought to Burlington by his parents in 1850, when a lad of but nine summers, and has here since made his home. In his boyhood days he worked at farm labor and his life has ever been a most busy one. In May, 1863, however, he put aside all business and personal considerations and responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting as a member of Company D, Forty-eighth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, for one hundred days' service. After his return home he worked upon a farm for another year and in 1865 he was married. He afterward turned his attention to the dry-goods business and conducted a store in Burlington for twenty years, mak- ing a creditable record as an enterprising merchant. He then again took up farming, which he followed for seven years, and since that time he has lived retired. He has a large, fine home here and is en- joying well earned rest.
Mr. Pietzsch was united in marriage to Miss Mary Piper, who was born in Prussia, Germany, March 14, 1847, and when three years of age, with one brother, Fred Bock, was brought to America by her parents, Frederick and Dorothy (Schultz) Bock, who purchased a farm on the Fort Madison road in Des Moines county. For twenty years they remained upon that place and afterward took up their abode on a farm on the Flint river, where their remaining days were passed. They had a family of four children. John Christ, who at the first call for troops at the time of the Civil war, enlisted in 1861 for three months' service and afterward reenlisted for three years, while later he veteranized and served until the close of the war. He went with Sherman on the celebrated march to the sea and partic- ipated in a number of the most notable engagements. He afterward went to California and was never heard from again, so that it is prob- able that he lost his life on the coast. Mrs. Pietzsch was the second of the family. Annie became the wife of Ferdinand Schauenberg and died leaving one son, William, of Burlington. His son, Harry S., has resided with Mr. and Mrs. Pietzsch since he lost his mother at the age of three years.
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Mr. and Mrs. Pietzsch have had no children of their own but have reared three: Edward and Matilda Pietzsch and Harry Schauenberg. The adopted daughter is now the wife of Ernst Gerdes of this city, and Edward is an enterprising young business man. Harry Schauenberg has a responsible position with the German- American Savings Bank.
Mr. and Mrs. Pietzsch took a trip back to Germany in 1872 and thus renewed the friendships of early life. They are members of the First Evangelical church and are earnest and consistent Christian people, always doing good to others. They have a large, fine home in Burlington and the spirit of hospitality there reigns supreme. Mr. Pietzsch has seen many changes during the sixty-four years of his residence in Iowa. At the time of his arrival here Burlington was only a country town and all around grew the untouched forest, while the land where his home now stands was enclosed with a rail fence. Mr. Pietzsch has led a most quiet, peaceful, useful and honorable life. He has ever endeavored to deal justly with his fellowmen and his life, honorable and upright at all times, has measured up to the highest standards of manhood and citizenship.
ALFRED GRANT HOPKINS, M. D.
Dr. Alfred Grant Hopkins, of Burlington, Iowa, is an eminent physician and surgeon whose practice has extended to many cities besides the one in which he resides. He was born March 17, 1848, in New York city, New York, a son of Philip and Frances ( Elliott) Hopkins, the father a native of the north of Ireland and the mother a daughter of Dr. Elliott, of Tralee, on the Lakes of Killarney, Ireland. The father was a captain in the British navy, as were his father and grandfather before him. The birth of our subject oc- curred a few days after his parents had landed in New York. They made the voyage across the Atlantic in a sailing vessel, embarking at Liverpool, England. A cousin of Dr. Hopkins is now a captain in the British navy and a brother of our subject is a king's counsel, residing at Melbourne, Australia. Dr. Hopkins is descended in a direct line from Mr. Stephen Hopkins, who was a member of the first medical congress held at London and who was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence of the American colonies. He was a Quaker, or Friend, and wore his hat at that time, saying after
DR. ALFRED G. HOPKINS
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signing the articles that he was not sure how soon he would lose both his hat and head.
Dr. Hopkins first studied under a private tutor, then attended a grammar school in Toronto, Canada, from which he was graduated, and subsequently entered Lewiston Academy at Lewiston, New York, completing a course there. Following his graduation from that institution he worked in a drug store for two years and then matriculated in a medical college at Philadelphia, from which he was graduated with the class of 1870. He began practice at Harris- burg, Pennsylvania, and subsequently removed successively to the oil regions of Pennsylvania, to Niagara Falls, New York, and Chicago, Illinois. He resumed his professional study in the latter city and was graduated from the medical department of the University of Illinois in 1890, after which he returned east, practicing for three years in Boston, Massachusetts. At the expiration of that time he took a post-graduate course in physical diagnosis under the famous Dr. McWilliams, of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, at Chi- cago, which was connected with the University of Illinois. He next located at Omaha, Nebraska, but after residing there for a time gave up practice and spent five years traveling, visiting many different parts of the world. He then came to Burlington, which has since remained his home. He is one of the leaders of the medical profes- sion in eastern Iowa and embodies in his work the results of the dis- coveries and experiments of the investigators in all countries who are constantly seeking new knowledge concerning the best means of restoring health and prolonging life. He has met with marked success and patients come to him from a wide territory. There is probably no physician and surgeon in Burlington who has done more to alleviate human suffering and he has been especially quick in his response to the need of those who are dependent upon charity for medical treatment, giving his service oftentimes without the prospect of financial return.
Dr. Hopkins was married in Chicago to Miss Jane Austin and to their union three children have been born: Grace, the wife of Fred Spencer, a resident of Chicago; H. M .; and Tereze, the wife of M. C. Krarup, of New York city. Dr. Hopkins is independent in the exercise of his right of suffrage, voting for the men and meas- ures that he thinks will best subserve the interests of all the people. He is a communicant of the Protestant Episcopal church. He has been a member of various societies and fraternities, but the demands of his extensive practice now preclude to a great extent social en- gagements. In professional circles he has won distinction and his Vol. II-12
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personality, which is that of a gentleman of the old school, wins and retains the sincere friendship of those who are privileged to know him intimately.
FREDERICK J. DISQUE
At the age of seventy-nine years, Frederick J. Disque, who for many years has been well known in the business circles of Burlington as a harness manufacturer and dealer, is now living retired.
He was born in Rhenish Bavaria, Germany, January 5, 1836, a son of Conrad and Barbara (Fauth) Disque, who were both born in Rhenish Bavaria, at that time French territory. The father was born in 1804, became a wagon maker, and in 1845 removed to Philadel- phia, Pennsylvania, where he resided until his death, June 7, 1853. His wife was born November 6, 1807, and passed away in Philadel- phia, February 8, 1855. They had a family of ten children. The ancestry in the father's line is traced back to the French Huguenots, who during the religious persecutions in France were driven out. Of the ten children of Conrad and Barbara Disque, only three are now living: Frederick J .; Catherine, the widow of Fred Wehmeier ; and Appolania, the widow of Frederick Bierwirth, residing in Los Angeles, California.
Frederick J. Disque attended the public schools in his native town until he was eleven, and then came with the mother and family to America in 1847, two years after the immigration of the father. From that time forward, Fred made his own living and helped to support the family, working at boot fitting and whip making, as an expert stitcher. In 1856 the family of five children came to Bur- lington, through the generous aid and kindness of their uncle, Henry Disque, a pioneer who came here in 1842.
At the breaking out of the Civil war, Frederick J. enlisted in Company G, Fifty-seventh Illinois Infantry, at Camp Douglas, Chi- cago, November 5, 1861. This regiment took part in the siege of Fort Donelson, the battle of Shiloh and other engagements; one com- pany helped to hold the fort at Altoona Pass under General Corse. On the first day of the battle of Shiloh Mr. Disque was severely wounded, was discharged at Corinth, Mississippi, July 11, 1862. and returned to Burlington. Here he joined the regiment band that was being formed for the First Iowa Cavalry. On arriving at St.
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Louis to be mustered in they found that there were no more bands wanted.
He remained at St. Louis until the fall of 1863 when he returned to Burlington. Early in 1864 he entered the harness business of G. Ulrich as a partner, the new firm being Ulrich and Disque, which continued up to 1870 when G. Ulrich retired. Later Geo. J. Reis entered the firm which now became F. J. Disque and Company, which lasted until 1888 when Mr. Disque retired, disposing of his interest to the partner, Geo. J. Reis, who is still, in 1915, in business at the old stand, a period of fifty-one years.
On the 17th of February, 1871, Mr. Disque was united in mar- riage to Marie L. A. Holstein, who was born in Cassel, Germany, October 29, 1846, a daughter of Ludwig and Gertrude (Schmoll) Holstein. The father was born January 5, 1818, and died in Bur- lington in 1896. He came to America in 1852 to escape the reaction of the revolution of 1848-49, when so many revolutionists had to leave the fatherland. To him and his first wife were born three children : Charles, Marie L. A. and Conrad Holstein. The second wife of Mr. Ludwig Holstein was Francisca Miller, and they had three children : Herman J. and George J. Holstein, both of Burlington and Bertha Holstein, living in Colorado.
To Mr. and Mrs. F. J. Disque have been born six children : Louis E., born December 10, 1871, is now a traveling salesman, Herman F., born May 10, 1873, is also a traveling salesman for B. Young and Company, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and a member of the firm. Ed- ward G., born January 7, 1876, is a department manager and member of the Chittenden and Eastman Company. His marriage with Eliza- beth Verne Poor took place October 12, 1905, and two children were born to this union: Marie Elizabeth, born September 9, 1906, and Edward Neil, May 10, 1910. The fourth son of Fred J. and Marie Disque, Robert Conrad, was born March 14, 1883, is a graduate of the Burlington high school and the University of Wisconsin. He was for two years instructor in the Burlington high school and is now professor of electrical engineering at the University of Wisconsin. The fifth son, Walter Alfred Disque, was born February 3, 1885, completed a course in Elliott's Business College and was an instructor there for several years. He is now a member and department man- ager of the Charles Ilfeld Company, wholesale dealers in every thing, Albuquerque, New Mexico. The only daughter, Hattie Disque, was born November 7, 1880, and died August 10, 1881.
In 1884 F. J. Disque joined the G. A. R. Post, served as com- mander during 1888, was appointed quartermaster for the state en-
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campment 1889, and past adjutant 1890, reappointed excepting one year from year to year up to date, 1915. He served eight terms, six- teen years, as clerk of Burlington township. As one of the Des Moines county soldiers' relief commissioners, mostly as secretary, he served continuously since 1888, and assisted as such in establishing the soldiers' lot in Aspen Grove cemetery and the erection of the beautiful soldiers' monument thereon.
Mr. Disque is a self-made man who started in life empty-handed, but early realized that economy and industry are a sure foundation upon which to build success. He worked his way steadily upward in business, and commanded the respect, confidence and goodwill of his fellow townsmen. He is plain and unassuming in manner, but one of the most substantial German citizens of Burlington, highly hon- ored by all who know him. Moreover, he and his wife have reared a family of sons, of whom they have every reason to be proud, and who do credit to their parents' name.
E. L. NAUMANN.
E. L. Naumann is a successful druggist of Burlington, conducting a growing business. Laudable ambition and sound judgment have been balancing factors in his business career and have brought to him the measure of prosperity which he now enjoys. He was born in Hannibal, Missouri, February 6, 1868, and is a son of Henry and Anna (Riepe) Naumann. The father was a minister of the German Methodist Episcopal church and, according to the itinerant custom of that denomination, was located at various places, his influence be- ing one of far-reaching effect and benefit. He was called to serve as presiding elder and in 1871 he came to Burlington, where he or- ganized the Central Avenue German Methodist church. He was also pastor of the North Hill German Methodist church in the early '70s. His life was indeed a beneficent influence and his memory remains as an inspiration and a benediction to all who knew him. He passed away in Burlington, where his widow still resides among many friends who have long held her in the highest esteem.
E. L. Naumann largely acquired his education in the public schools of Quincy, Illinois, Muscatine, Iowa, and Burlington. Thinking to find the drug business congenial and hoping to make it a source of substantial profit, he began studying in the St. Louis College of Pharmacy and is numbered among its alumni of 1889. The fol- lowing year he embarked in the drug trade in Burlington, purchasing
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the store of E. E. Wyckoff on Third street, where he conducted busi- ness for two years. He then purchased the Larson drug store on Jefferson street and in February, 1892, combined the two stores at No. 213 Jefferson street. He carries a large and well selected line of drugs and druggists' sundries and the tasteful arrangement of his store, his thoroughly reliable business methods, his courteous treat- ment and his earnest desire to please his patrons have been the salient factors in his growing success.
In 1889 Mr. Naumann was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Held, of Burlington, a daughter of John N. and Louisa (Bach) Held, who were early settlers of this city, the father being identified with business interests as a commercial traveler. The two children of this marriage are: Russell W., who is with the Chicago, Bur- lington & Quincy Railroad Company ; and Louise, at home.
The parents hold membership in the First Methodist Episcopal church, of which they are loyal and consistent representatives. Mr. Naumann also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He gives his political indorsement to the republican party and in 1905 was called to the office of supervisor, which position he filled for three years, making a creditable record. This is the only office in which he has ever served, for he has always preferred to concentrate his time and energies upon his business affairs, and his close applica- tion, diligence and persistency of purpose have led him into impor- tant relations with the commercial interests of Burlington.
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