USA > Iowa > Des Moines County > History of Des Moines County, Iowa, Volume II > Part 19
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GEORGE BINDER, JR.
George Binder, Jr., is conducting an insurance agency in Burling- ton, and a circular letter advertising business. His interests along these lines, however, constitute but one phase of his activity, for he is a cooperant factor in many movements and measures which are ele- ments in the moral progress of the city as well. Burlington may well be proud to number him among her native sons. He was here born on the ist of February, 1878, and between the ages of six and fifteen years he was continuously a pupil in the public schools. He after- ward pursued a course in Elliott's Business College of this city and then entered the employ of the Donahoe Iron & Hardware Company in various capacities, continuing with that house for five years. On leaving that employ he went to Chicago and studied in the Art Insti-
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tute of that city for a year. He entered the employ of the Cross Printing Company as a designer and thus remained for a year.
Mr. Binder was, however, an active worker in the Young Men's Christian Association and was made assistant physical culture director at the west side organization. He filled that position until he returned to Burlington to accept the proffered position of director of the physical culture department of the Young Men's Christian Association of this city. He was one of the chief promoters of the new association building, working untiringly to advance the cause and secure the funds necessary to the erection of the splendid building which they now occupy. He remained an instructor until 1909, when he suffered a severe accident which tore the ligaments in his knee and prevented his following his previous line of work any longer. Ac- cordingly he embarked in the insurance business, taking up all branches except that of life insurance. He does a large circular letter advertising business and he represents six of the most important fire insurance companies. He was also appointed secretary of the Mer- chants Credit Rating Association, which was organized ten years ago, and he developed the association up to its present high standard, get- ting out the first book.
On the 29th of June, 1904, Mr. Binder was united in marriage to Miss Hattie K. Zaiser, of Burlington, who was educated in the schools here. They have a daughter, Elizabeth Marie, seven years of age. Mr. Binder is treasurer of the Des Moines County Sunday School Association. He likewise belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows but concentrates his attention upon his business, his home and his church activities. He has always believed that char- acter building is much more worth while than the accumulation of wealth and values his own self-respect and the esteem of his fellow- men more than business success, fame or position.
CHURCHILL DRUG COMPANY.
The Churchill Drug Company of Burlington is one of the largest wholesale enterprises of this character in the middle west. The busi- ness has been in continuous existence for over sixty years, they having succeeded the old wholesale drug houses of C. P. Squires & Company and Reynolds & Churchill. In 1889 articles of incorporation were taken out under the name of the Churchill Drug Company, with F. E. Churchill as president, C. P. Squires, vice president, F. S. Church-
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ill, secretary, and A. T. Churchill, treasurer. The first two have now passed away and the personnel of the house has somewhat changed, A. T. Churchill having become president, F. S. Churchill, vice presi- dent, C. S. Hutchins, second vice president, Herman Bouquet, secre- tary, and F. L. Hastings, treasurer. The company are now doing business in a four-story brick building they recently erected, having a frontage of one hundred and twenty feet on Fourth street, and one hundred and seventeen feet on Market street. A branch house was started in Cedar Rapids in 1904, and A. T. Churchill is president of that company. They occupy a five-story brick building with a one hundred and twenty foot frontage on First street. Each year the business shows a satisfactory increase, and they now have the distinc- tion of being one of the largest wholesale drug houses in the middle west, employing thirty-two traveling salesmen. They have never claimed philanthropic motives for their superior service, but have ever recognized the fact that close and prompt attention to the wishes of their patrons, fair prices and honorable dealing, always win suc- cess, and these qualities have continuously been employed in the house.
A. H. VORWERK, M. D.
Dr. A. H. Vorwerk, physician and surgeon of Burlington, is a native son of Des Moines county, born on the 21st of April, 1874. His father, Antone Vorwerk, was born at Kappeln, Emstek, Prussia, in 1826, and there spent the days of his boyhood and youth, coming to the United States when twenty-one years of age. In 1849 he arrived in Burlington and in this city was married to Clara Eversmann, who was born in Iburg, Germany, and arrived in Burlington in 1850. Their marriage was celebrated in St. Paul's Catholic church in October, 1853, and they became the parents of seven children who are yet living.
Dr. Vorwerk is the sixth of that family. He acquired his educa- tion in the public and parochial schools of Burlington and prepared for his professional career as a student in the medical department of the Iowa State University, in which he completed his course on the 17th of March, 1897, his M. D. degree being then conferred upon him. He located for practice at Bancroft, Iowa, where he remained until 1902, when he came to Burlington, where he has now practiced for more than twelve years.
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On the 27th of July, 1904, Dr. Vorwerk was united in marriage to Miss Kathryn Winkel, a native of Bancroft, Iowa. They hold mem- bership in St. Patrick's Catholic church and Dr. Vorwerk is also past worthy president of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. His political allegiance is given the democratic party. Professionally he is connected with the Des Moines County Medical Society, being elected its president for the year 1915, and is a member of the Iowa State Medical Associa- tion. For several years he has been county physician, in which con- nection his professional service has given entire satisfaction. He has spent the greater part of his life in Des Moines county, has a wide acquaintance among its citizens and is held in high regard by many friends.
MARTIN MOEHN.
The name of Martin Moehn has long been well known in business circles of Burlington, where for many years he has been connected with brewing interests, being now president of the Moehn Brewing Company. He represents one of the old families of Burlington, his birth having here occurred in 1860. His parents were Henry and Moneka (Ill) Moehn, natives of Germany. They came to Burling- ton, however, in early life and were married in this city, where Henry Moehn continued his residence for more than a half century. In early life he learned the cooper's trade and after coming to Bur- lington established a small cooperage business. However, his trade increased as the years passed on until his establishment became a large and important one. He conducted his business interests wisely and well, and his indefatigable energy, close application and capable management won him a gratifying measure of prosperity. He and his family were communicants of the Catholic church but he had no fraternal relations. He was widely and favorably known among the German-American residents of the city and enjoyed in large measure their respect and goodwill. He was twice married and passed away in 1897, the city thus losing a pioneer resident who had long been identified with the upbuilding and progress of the county, having cooperated in many measures which have proven extremely bene- ficial in advancing the best interests of Burlington.
Martin Moehn spent his youthful days under the parental roof and in the acquirement of an education attended both the public and
MARTIN MOEHN
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German schools and later the Bryant & Stratton Business College. On starting out in life on his own account he became connected with the grocery trade and also conducted a saloon. After four years he sold out to Barney Nieman and became interested in the bottling business, conducting a wholesale enterprise of that character for the old Bosch Brewery and also for other breweries. He purchased barrel goods and prepared it for the market by bottling. He was in business in connection with the old Western Brewery and later he turned his attention to the cooperage business, with which he had become familiar through assisting in his father's shop. He manu- factured all kinds of wooden kegs, conducting business under the name of the Martin Moehn Cooperage for a year and a half. He then sold out and leased the Western Steam Brewery, which was one of the oldest business enterprises along the Burlington tracks, having been established more than six decades ago. For thirteen years Mr. Moehn successfully operated that plant but near the close of that period gave his attention to the building and equipment of the extensive brewery which he today owns and occupies. The Western Brewery was owned for many years by the Bosch family. While Mr. Moehn was yet successfully operating the plant known as the Moehn Western Brewery he formulated plans for erecting a new and strictly modern brewery that would have a capacity com- mensurate with the increasing demands of the trade. With that end in view he organized a company, which was capitalized for one hun- dred and ten thousand dollars, and the brewery and necessary build- ings were erected at a cost approximating the capital stock. There is not a finer brewery in point of architecture in the country nor a plant more complete in every detail and appointment than the elegant struc- ture of red brick which was erected by Mr. Moehn. From the organi- zation of the Moehn Brewing Company under its present form Mr. Moehn has remained as the president, with Barney Nieman as vice president and John T. Beckman as secretary and treasurer. The annual output is thirty thousand barrels and employment is furnished to twenty men at the plant. The leading product is a brand called Moehn Select and the company conducts both a wholesale and fam- ily trade. The present brewery was opened to the public by a big reception held in the spring of 1904. The business has grown to extensive proportions and one of the profitable productive industries of the city is that of the Moehn Brewing Company.
Mr. Moehn was married on the 30th of May, 1882, in Burling- ton, to Miss Julia Schultz, a native of Germany, and they now have five children. The oldest son, George Moehn, attended successively
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the high school of Burlington, the Academy of Our Lady of Lourdes and a business college, studying bookkeeping, stenography and type- writing, and he is now serving as bookkeeper in the brewery. Augusta is a high-school graduate. Martin, Bertha and Robert are the younger members of the family, all of whom are communicants of St. Paul's Catholic church.
Mr. Moehn votes with the democratic party and has member- ship with the Eagles. He has never sought nor desired political office, vet in matters of progressive citizenship he is interested and has contributed generously in support of many plans and measures for the public good. In business he has steadily worked his way upward and from a humble position has advanced step by step until he is now one of the wealthy residents of the city.
JOHN C. HOPPMAN.
John C. Hoppman is the seretary and treasurer of the Henry Drug Company of Burlington and as such is a most active figure in the commercial circles of the city. Thorough college training well qualified him for his present activities and laudable ambition has kept him at the front in the circles of trade in which he is now engaged.
He was born in Burlington, October 24, 1870, and is a son of Fred W. and Christina (Von Nordheim) Hoppman, both of whom were natives of Prussia. The paternal grandfather was Lawrence Hopp- man, who became the founder of the family in the new world, coming to the United States about 1851 with his wife and children. Having arrived at years of maturity Fred W. Hoppman was united in mar- riage to Miss Christina Von Nordheim, also a native of Germany, who was brought to the new world in her early girlhood. Mr. Hopp- man was a contractor and builder and for an extended period was identified with the substantial improvement of this city but is now living retired. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party, and both he and his wife are communicants of the Catholic church.
John C. Hoppman acquired his education in St. John's parochial school and starting out in the business world on his own account, was for three years employed in a drug store. Realizing, however, the benefits of thorough training in this direction, he entered the St. Louis College of Pharmacy, from which he was graduated in 1891. Re- turning to Burlington, he entered the employ of George C. Henry in
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one of the leading drug stores of the city and that he won favor with his employer is indicated in the fact that he was admitted to a partner- ship in 1904, at which date the Henry Drug Company was incor- porated with George C. Henry, a well known Burlington capitalist, as president; E. S. Henry as vice president; and J. C. Hoppman as secretary and treasurer. This company succeeded to the business of George C. Henry, who established a drug store in Burlington in 1896 at the corner of Jefferson and Fourth streets, with a frontage of forty feet, occupying one floor and basement. There he conducted a gen- eral drug business with a well appointed soda fountain as one feature of the trade. This business was taken over by the Henry Drug Com- pany upon its incorporation.
On the 28th of October, 1907, Mr. Hoppman was united in mar- riage to Miss Mayme C. Kelly, a daughter of Thomas and Mary Kelly, of Burlington, her father being engaged in the insurance busi- ness in this city. Mr. Hoppman holds membership with the Benev- olent Protective Order of Elks and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He has always adhered to the religious faith in which he was reared, being a Catholic. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and he ever loyally supports its men and measures although he does not seek nor desire office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs, which are of growing importance. He is now active in the management of one of the leading mercantile estab- lishments of the city and its success in recent years is attributable largely to his efforts.
HON. EDWARD McKITTERICK.
In his long and active career the Hon. Edward McKitterick was not only interested in a number of important business enterprises of Burlington but in the later years of his life he successfully served as deputy auditor of the treasury department in Washington, acting in that capacity until death called him September 30, 1903, in his seventy-third year. Mr. McKitterick was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1830, his parents being John and Maria (Jones) McKit- terick. The father was an agriculturist by occupation and his son Edward was reared upon the home farm. He received a liberal edu- cation in his native country but in 1844, at the age of fourteen years, came to the United States to join relatives who resided in Chillicothe,
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Ohio. Shortly after his arrival in that city he accepted a position as clerk in a china store, which he held for some time.
In 1854 Mr. McKitterick removed to Burlington, Iowa, and opened the first porcelain ware establishment in this city, having for a partner a Mr. Miller. The firm thus continued until 1867, when J. C. McKell acquired Mr. Miller's interest. A few years later, how- ever, Mr. McKell retired. Mr. McKitterick was for many years one of the successful merchants of Burlington and enjoyed an extensive patronage. He had various other interests and was conceded to be one of the foremost business men of Burlington. He was one of the founders of the Merchants National Bank, of which he served for about seven years as cashier. He also acted at one time as receiver for the Burlington & Southwestern Railway and showed great busi- ness judgment in settling the affairs of this company. He was one of the incorporators and for many years an officer of the German- American Life Insurance Company of Burlington and had other financial and commercial interests. His advice was frequently sought by people in many walks of life and was often found to be of great value to those who faced a difficult business situation. In 1896 Mr. McKitterick accepted the appointment of deputy auditor of the treasury department at Washington, D. C., and acted in that capacity until his death. He was considered a most able official and in the dis- charge of his duties earned the highest commendation from the offi- cers of that department.
Mr. McKitterick was twice married, his first union being with Mary Creighton Massie, whom he wedded August 27, 1850. Their children were William, Alice, John, Nathaniel, Maria, Mary and Belinda. After the death of his first wife Mr. McKitterick married her sister, Miss Sarah B. Massie, and to them were born three sons : Edward, Leonard and Thomas. Mrs. McKitterick survives her hus- band and makes her home at No. 812 North Seventh street, Burling- ton. She has a large circle of friends who greatly admire her as a woman of culture and refinement.
It seems almost superfluous to mention that the activities of Mr. McKitterick had an important bearing upon the development of Burlington and affected not only the business growth of the city but the political, social and religious relations of its people. His early political allegiance was given to the democratic party and later, ow- ing to a change of his views on the tariff question, he became a repub- lican and loyally adhered to that party until his demise. He was well known in Masonic circles as an exemplary member of Des Moines Lodge, No. I, A. F. & A. M. The public-school system found in him
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a stalwart champion and earnest friend. He was president of the school board for three terms or six years and was the main factor in securing the first high school of Burlington and laid the cornerstone at the time of the erection of the old high school on West Hill. He was looked upon as the best friend of the public-school system of Bur- lington and, while he held high ideals in that connection, he used the most practical methods to secure their adoption. An earnest Chris- tian man, he held membership in the First Methodist Episcopal church for many years, served on its official board and for an extended period was superintendent of its Sunday school. To know him was to esteem and honor him. His life long counted as a factor for good in the community in which he lived, and the beauty and nobility of his character causes his memory to remain as an inspiration and a benediction to those with whom he came in contact.
GEORGE H. WASHBURN.
George H. Washburn, an architect of Burlington, practicing his profession in this city since 1898, was here born on the 14th of June, 1862, and is the son of Robert M. and Mary F. (Field) Washburn. The father's birth occurred in West Newton, Massachusetts, in 1832, and he was a son of Charles Washburn, a native of the old Bay state, and of Scotch-English descent. Robert M. Washburn came to Bur- lington in October, 1855, attracted by the advantages and opportu- nities of this growing western city. He became an active factor in its business circles, engaging in the manufacture of sash, doors and blinds, etc., on north Main street, his being one of the important early industrial enterprises of eastern Iowa. Later he turned his attention to merchandising as a dealer in furs, hats, caps and gents' furnishings, and still further extended the scope of his interests by becoming manager of the Grand Opera House, in which connection he continued until his death, on the 13th of April, 1891. He was also appointed United States liquor gauger under President Grant, acting in that capacity until the change in the law, which terminated the office. Mr. Washburn, in addition to the things above men- tioned. compiled and caused to be published "The People's Library," a volume of a scientific and historical nature. He was the inventor and had patented several articles and machines of more or less importance. Fraternally he was connected with the Knights of Pythias and such was his social nature that it won for him many
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warm and honored friends. His wife was born in Manchester, New Hampshire, on the Ist of May, 1836, and was the oldest daughter of Joseph B. and Sarah Adams (Gibbs) Field. Her father brought his family to Burlington in October, 1855, and was engaged as clerk and bookkeeper in the banking business of Green, Thomas & Company until 1866, when he removed to Ottumwa, Iowa, where he was chosen cashier in a bank. On the 9th of July, 1857, Robert M. Washburn married Mary F. Field. The ceremony was per- formed at the Episcopal church in Burlington by the Rev. Frank Haff, D. D. Mr. and Mrs. R. M. Washburn were the parents of three children : George H. ; Nellie M., who married C. H. McLaury, of Burlington; and Charles F.
Mr. George H. Washburn, a native of Iowa and of the city of Burlington, obtained his education in the public schools. His ambi- tion was to become an architect, and to do so, March 1, 1881, he en- tered the office of C. A. Dunham of Burlington, of whom it can be said that no one in the west stood higher, or enjoyed a greater reputa- tion as an architect. Under the direction of Mr. Dunham, Mr. Wash- burn began the study of the art of building in accord with such designs as show harmony, beauty and strength. Steadily he advanced in skill and efficiency, acquainting himself with all the scientific principles and every practical phase of the business. In August, 1898, he opened an office on his own account and is today one of the skilled, well known, popular, and successful architects of Burling- ton. He has designed many of the best homes of the city, also the buildings at the county farm, the infirmary and asylum for the insane, which are considered models of their character. His work shows comfort, utility, and beauty in a pleasing whole, and such is his knowledge and experience that he is largely regarded as an authority upon many questions relating to his profession in this part of the state.
On the 4th of September, 1889, Mr. Washburn was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Miller, and they have become the par- ents of two sons : Fredric A. and Robert M., both of whom are mar- ried and reside in Burlington. Mr. Washburn is an Elk, identified with the order since 1904. He is now secretary of the Burlington Launch Club, and a member of the Hawkeye Natives, formed of native sons of the state. His religious faith is that of the Episcopal church, and his political belief that of the republican party. He stands as a splendid example of American manhood and chivalry. Opportunity has been to him the open door to success, and energy and determination have enabled him to overcome all obstacles and
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difficulties and advance steadily toward his cherished goal. He has never concentrated his attention so largely upon his business affairs as to exclude active participation in other interests, and the social, genial qualities of his nature have rendered him popular with a large circle of friends.
FRANK LAWLOR.
Frank Lawlor has through an extended period been manager and superintendent of the Citizens Water Company, in which connection his efforts have been highly satisfactory and valuable. Thorough and liberal training in the profession of civil engineering and later experience along practical business lines of that character well quali- fied him for the position when he entered upon his present connection in 1903. He was born in St. John, New Brunswick, in 1857, a son of James J. and Mary (Ford) Lawlor. The father was a watch- maker and jeweler and long continued in business.
The son entered the employ of the engineering department of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railway in 1880 and in 1883 was transferred to Burlington, where he remained nearly seven years. In 1889 he left this city and went to South America, where he fol- lowed the profession of civil engineering, having already qualified for the profession by his previous study and practical training. Later he returned to Canada but again came to Burlington in 1903. He had previously been with the department of railways and canals in Canada, on the St. Lawrence river, but feeling that his business opportunities were superior in this city, he returned and accepted the position of superintendent of the Citizens Water Company and has since been in charge of the plant. The Burlington Water Com- pany was incorporated July 13, 1870, and the first stockholders were P. Henry Smythe, Mark S. Foote, F. G. Kendall, J. C. Peasley, Lyman Cook, George C. Lauman, D. W. Ewing, John G. Footc, John H. Gear, J. Morton, Charles Mason, Charles O'Brien, T. W. Barhydt, S. Long, T. W. Newman, E. Chamberlain and Richard Spencer. The franchise of the company expired in 1902 and in October of that year the Citizens Water Company was organized to take over the property and business of the first company. The plant has been enlarged and the business increased to meet the demands of the growing city, and under the direction of Mr. Lawlor the com-
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