USA > Iowa > Des Moines County > History of Des Moines County, Iowa, Volume II > Part 24
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45
On the 24th of April, 1907, Mr. Schramm was united in inarriage to Miss Gertrude Taeger, a daughter of Charles and Amelia ( Boken- kamp) Taeger, the former deceased, while the latter survives. Mr. and Mrs. Schramm have one child, Lucia Elizabeth. Mr. Schramm belongs to the Elks lodge, the Loyal Order of Moose and the United Commercial Travelers, while in politics he is a progressive with inde- pendent tendencies. Practically his entire life has been spent in this
286
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
city and he has been connected with its commercial interests almost continuously since attaining his majority. Advancement has come to him in recognition of merit and ability and yet he has scarcely compassed three decades on life's journey. There are few idle moments in his career and the energy which he has displayed in closely applying himself to his work has carried him to a point in commercial circles that many an older man might well envy.
ARTHUR J. KLEIN.
Arthur J. Klein, of Burlington, is the secretary and manager of the Northwestern Stamping Company, and his enterprising spirit and progressive methods have constituted a valuable factor in the growing success of this undertaking. Born in Burlington in 1882, he is a son of James S. and Christina D. (Biklen) Klein. The father was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1855, and in early life came to Burlington, where he formed the acquaintance of Miss Biklen, a native of this city. For thirty years he was a well known representa- tive of commercial interests in Burlington, being engaged in the grocery business for three decades. He died in the year 1903 and his widow is now living abroad.
Their son, Arthur J. Klein, began his education in the public schools at the usual age and passed through consecutive grades until he had completed the high school course. He started upon his busi- ness career in connection with the grocery trade and was associated therewith until he joined the Northwestern Stamping Company in the fall of 1910. He has done much toward promoting its success. Becoming connected with the business, he made it his purpose to thor- oughly acquaint himself with every phase of the trade and he has advanced well formulated plans that have contributed to the further growth of the business, which is now liberally patronized. The busi- ness was established under the name of the Northwestern Con- solidated Iron and Steel Manufacturing Company and was thus operated until September, 1911, when a reorganization was effected, the articles of incorporation amended and the name changed to the Northwestern Stamping Company. Its founders were its present of- ficers, save Mr. Klein, who afterward became connected with the business. F. E. Ihrer is the president, W. W. Copeland, vice presi- dent; and Arthur J. Klein, secretary and manager. The company engages in the manufacture of dies and hardware specialties and
287
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
furnishes employment to sixteen workmen. They occupy a two-story brick building, seventy-five by thirty feet, and also have a large ware- house. The business has shown a marked increase during the past year and the trade now extends throughout the United States and Canada.
On the 5th of September, 1911, Mr. Klein was united in marriage to Miss Emma C. Senti, of Burlington, and they have one son, James S., now two years of age. The parents are members of the German Evangelical church, in the work of which they take an active and helpful part and to the support of which they contribute generously. Mr. Klein was also an earnest worker in securing funds for the build- ing of the Young Men's Christian Association and served on several important committees which contributed to the success of the under- taking. His life, upright and honorable in every relation, has won for him the high regard and confidence of those with whom he has come in contact. Men speak of him in terms of warm esteem and he has a large circle of friends in his native city.
EDWARD RAPP.
Throughout his entire business career Edward Rapp has never dissipated his energies over a broad field, but has concentrated his efforts upon a single line of commercial activity with the result that he is thoroughly acquainted with every phase of the jewelry trade and since embarking in business on his own account in that line has made steady and substantial progress.
Mr. Rapp is of the second generation of the family to reside in Burlington, where his birth occurred on the 31st of March, 1860. His parents were Jacob and Eva Maria (Koenig) Rapp, the former a native of Wurtemberg, and the latter of Bavaria, Germany. The father's birth occurred on the ist of September, 1821, and in early life he learned the locksmith's trade, which he followed in Germany until 1851, when he crossed the Atlantic to the United States, sailing from Havre, France, to New York. He settled first in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and was employed for a year in the shops of the Penn- sylvania Railroad at Allegheny City, finishing the metal works for the locomotives. In the east he wedded Eva Maria Koenig, who had come to the United States in the early 'sos. They removed westward to Burlington in 1856 and the father followed the locksmith's trade in the employ of others until the early '6os, when he opened a shop of
288
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
his own, which he conducted successfully for many years, or until he retired from active business life about 1900. His remaining days were spent in the enjoyment of well earned rest until he was called to the home beyond on the 20th of November, 1913, when he had reached the very venerable age of ninety-two years. His widow sur- vives and is now eighty-three years of age. A contemporary biog- rapher, after referring to his business activity, says: "Such is a brief outline of his business career, but it tells nothing of his years of close application, unfaltering diligence, unabating energy and persever- ance, and yet all those qualities have been salient features in his busi- ness career. He worked hard to build up a good trade, giving excellent service and charging moderate prices, and as the years passed by, his labors were rewarded by a large patronage, which in time brought to him a capital sufficient to enable him to lay aside further business cares in the line of his trade."
To Mr. and Mrs. Rapp were born three children, of whom Paulina died at the age of three years and William in early manhood. Edward Rapp and his mother are the only surviving members of the family. He attended the public schools until he had mastered branches of learning taught in the high school and later he attended Elliott's Business College. When a young man he became connected with the jewelry business, working for others for a few years. He was with M. C. Connor for a quarter of a century and upon the death of Mr. Connor in 1905 he purchased the business, which had been estab- lished in 1866 by the firm of Fix & Connor. The senior partner was connected therewith until he sold out in 1880. It was in the fall of that year that Mr. Rapp became connected with the business and thereafter was with Mr. Connor until the latter's death, since which time Mr. Rapp has been alone in conducting the enterprise. He has never deviated from the honorable principles which were instituted at the inception of the business, but has always kept in touch with the trend of progress and improvement. His stock of goods is large and carefully selected, is attractive and pleasing in arrangement and his sales have grown year by year.
In November, 1886, Mr. Rapp was united in marriage to Miss Flora E. Hermann, a daughter of Henry and Katherine (Dewein) Hermann. Her father, who was an early settler, came to Burlington in the '6os and was identified with commercial pursuits in this city to the time of his death. He has passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Rapp have become the parents of two children : Herbert, who is now asso- ciated with his father in business; and Paul F., who is attending the high school.
289
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
Mr Rapp is a valued member of several fraternal organizations, including the Elks, the Odd Fellows, the Moose and the Woodmen of the World. He also has membership with the Launch Club and with the Commercial Exchange. He attends the Congregational church and he gives his political indorsement to the democratic party. He is of that class of citizens who, representing the second generation of the family in Burlington, have profited by the efforts of the pioneers and early settlers and upon the foundation which the latter laid have built the superstructure of Burlington's present prosperity and great- ness. Those who have met him in a business way speak in high terms of his courtesy, his geniality, his enterprise and reliability, and his social acquaintances entertain for him the warmest regard, recogniz- ing in him a man of genuine personal worth.
J. GEORGE WALDSCHMIDT.
J. George Waldschmidt has since May, 1914, been cashier of the Iowa State Savings Bank in Burlington, his native city. He was born May 9, 1869, a son of Theodore and Elizabeth Waldschmidt. The latter, also a native of Burlington, was a representative of one of the oldest pioneer families, her parents being Francis and Chris- tina Bercht, who came to Burlington in 1833, casting in their lot with the villagers who were attempting to extend civilization beyond the Mississippi by the establishment of homes and business interests at this point. Several years elapsed before Iowa was organized under territorial government and it was yet a long period ere Burlington had railway connection with the outside world. Mr. Bercht was a cabinetmaker by trade and opened the first furniture shop in the city. Theodore Waldschmidt came to Burlington in 1859 from Nebraska, whither he had located in an early day. He was a veteran of the Civil war and following his return from the army after victory had perched upon the federal banners, he established the Union Hotel of Burlington, which he conducted for a few years. He afterward filled the office of deputy sheriff and still later went upon the road as a traveling salesman, spending more than twenty years in that con- nection. To him and his wife were born six children, of whom but two are yet living, the sister of J. George Waldschmidt being Mrs. Charles U. Mesmer, of Burlington.
In the public schools of his native city J. George Waldschmidt acquired his education. No event of special importance occurred
290
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
to vary the routine of life for him in his boyhood and youth. When his school days were over he began work for the Burlington Insur- ance Company as an office employe and later turned his attention to financial pursuits by entering the service of the German American Savings Bank, in which he became the first assistant cashier. At a later date he engaged in the retail furniture business in connection with the J. V. Ritchey Furniture Company but was burned out in 1904. At that time he secured a situation in the Iowa State Savings Bank as teller and, working his way upward, was afterward assistant cashier, while in May, 1914, he was advanced to his present respon- sible and arduous position as cashier. He is thus actively connected with the financial interests of the city.
On the 23d of June, 1898, Mr. Waldschmidt was united in mar- riage to Miss Ada C. Bowen, of Iowa City, by whom he has two daughters, Mary and Eleanor. Mr. Waldschmidt holds member- ship with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Woodmen of the World and the Turners and his political allegiance is given to the democratic party. He is widely known in the city where his entire life has been passed and the possession of many substantial traits of character has gained for him the warm and enduring regard of all with whom he has been brought in contact.
M. U. BRIDWELL.
M. U. Bridwell is president of the Citizens State Bank at Medi- apolis and occupies a creditable and enviable position in financial circles in this part of the state. He closely studies the banking busi- ness, keeps in touch with every phase of the financial situation and has been active in formulating the policy for this bank which has made it one of the safe, substantial institutions of the county.
Mr. Bridwell is a native of Mediapolis, born May 13, 1877. His parents, Elijah and Melinda (Seeds) Bridwell, were natives of Ross county, Ohio, and were brought to Des Moines county in childhood by their respective parents. In the family of Martin Bridwell, the paternal grandfather, were four children : Elijah; John, who enlisted from this county for service in the Civil war and was killed while at the front; Sophia, the deceased wife of M. J. Seeds; and Mrs. Martha Harper, of Kansas City. As stated, the Seeds family also arrived in this county in pioneer times when Melinda Seeds and Elijah Bridwell were both young. Here they reached adult age and
291
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
were married in the '6os. When their son M. U. Bridwell was four or five years of age they removed to What Cheer, Iowa, where they lived for three or four years, and on the expiration of that period took up their abode in Brighton, Iowa, where the father passed away in December, 1907, at the age of sixty-seven years. He had devoted his entire life to farming. His father, Martin Bridwell, on arriving in Des Moines county, entered a tract adjoining Mediapolis on the north and later, taking up his abode in the town, his son, Elijah Bridwell, took possession of the farm. In his political views the lat- ter was a stalwart republican and he and his family were identified with the Methodist Episcopal church. His widow survives and yet makes her home in Brighton. To Mr. and Mrs. Elijah Bridwell were born five children, of whom two died in infancy, while Leona is the deceased wife of W. S. Husted. The surviving members of the family are Frank O. and M. U., the former now a resident of Keota, Iowa.
While M. U. Bridwell accompanied his parents to What Cheer and afterward to Brighton in his boyhood days, he returned to Medi- apolis when twenty years of age and entered the Citizens Bank to learn the business. He has since been identified with this institu- tion, serving as assistant cashier, as cashier and as vice president before being elected president in the year 1911. He acquired a high- school education at Brighton and liberal intellectual, training quali- fied him for the responsible duties which came to him in connection with the banking business. His power and ability have gradually increased and he is today a most capable banker, thoroughly under- standing every phase of the business. The Citizens State Bank is now capitalized for one hundred thousand dollars and has a surplus of fifty thousand dollars. It owns and occupies a fine business block, well equipped in every particular. The officers of the bank are: M. U. Bridwell, president; S. J. Huston, vice president ; J. L. Jones, vice president; E. R. Nordstrom, cashier; and J. E. Berry, assistant cashier. The official statement of the bank, issued January, 1915, shows the institution to be in splendid condition and its business has grown year by year, its deposits now exceeding seven hundred thou- sand dollars.
In 1905 Mr. Bridwell was united in marriage to Miss Keo B. Luckenbill, a native of Huron township and a daughter of David H. Luckenbill, of Mediapolis. In politics Mr. Bridwell is a repub- lican and for six years served as clerk of his town, while for the past six years he has been treasurer of Mediapolis. Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the
292
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
Modern Woodmen of America. He is widely known and has sub- stantial qualities which have given him high rank both as a busi- ness man and citizen. He represents one of the old pioneer families of the county, established here at an early day, and since that time the Bridwells of three generations have been factors in the develop- ment and upbuilding of the community.
CHARLES ARMKNECHT.
From the position of office boy to that of a leading merchant as a member of the oldest and one of the largest commercial establish- ments in Burlington is the record which compasses the business career of Charles Armknecht. The establishment of which he is now one of the members is conducted under the firm name of J. S. Schramm Company. Burlington owes much to her German-American citi- zens, men who have come from the fatherland, bringing with them the sterling qualities which have led to the upbuilding of the German empire and which have constituted a valuable force in the develop- ment and improvement of many sections of the new world.
In the kingdom of Bavaria Charles Armknecht was born Decem- ber 23, 1850, his parents being Phillip and Fredericka (Diffenbach) Armknecht, who came to the United States in the fall of 1851. They landed at New Orleans and made their way at once into the interior of the country, settling in Lee county, Iowa, where the father fol- lowed his trade of wagon making. He also purchased a tract of land and carried on general farming in connection with the work in the shop. For seven years he lived upon the farm and then took up his abode in Franklin, Lee county, where he purchased ten acres, upon which he engaged in horticultural pursuits. There he resided until his death, which occurred in 1889, while his wife passed away about 1880.
Charles Armknecht spent much of his youth in Lee county, but in May, 1865, when fourteen years of age, came to Burlington, where he entered the employ of J. S. Schramm in the capacity of clerk. He has since been associated with the business continuously and follow- ing the death of Mr. Schramm in 1898 the business was reorganized, the partners in the undertaking being Charles Armknecht and Charles and Frank Schramm and other members of the Schramm family. In the meantime the subject of this review had steadily worked his way upward, his determination and energy carrying him
293
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
from one position to another, bringing with it added duties and responsibilities. In August, 1913, Charles Schramm was killed upon the river, at which time Mr. Armknecht and Frank Schramm took over the management of the business and are today managers of the oldest and one of the most extensive dry-goods establishments of Burlington. Since becoming clerk in the store Mr. Armknecht has thoroughly acquainted himself with every phase of the business and has exemplified in his life the spirit of modern progress in commer- cial fields. The company now carries a large and well selected line of goods, and their store is attractive by reason of its tasteful arrange- ment and popular because of its thoroughly reliable methods. The utmost care has ever been exercised in the personnel of the house, in the treatment accorded patrons and in the maintenance of an irre- proachable standard of business integrity.
Mr. Armknecht is a member of the Commercial Exchange and is in hearty sympathy with its purposes and plans to advance the wel- fare and extend the trade connections of the city. He was one of the organizers of the old Driving Club and he still owns good driving horses. He belongs to the Launch Club, gives his political allegiance to the republican party and attends the Presbyterian church. These indicate something of the nature of his interests and activities out- side of business. He is at all times actuated in his public activities by an earnest desire to advance the general welfare and he was one of the first to advocate good roads and has labored untiringly in that direction, being one of the promoters in the movement to better the highways of the state. While born across the water, practically his entire life has been spent in Iowa and he is a representative citizen of the state, proud of the commonwealth and at all times recognizing his duties and his obligations in the public life of the community.
C. S. HUTCHINS.
C. S. Hutchins, who has been connected with the Churchill Drug Company since its organization and who is recognized as one of the alert, energetic and enterprising business men of Burlington, is num- bered among the native sons of New England, his birth having oc- curred at Bennington, Vermont, on the 20th of May, 1864. His par- ents were Thomas A. and Eliza B. (Squires) Hutchins. The father engaged in the lumber business in the east and was also postmaster of Bennington.
294
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
C. S. Hutchins spent the greater part of his minority in his native city and attended its public schools, but when seventeen years of age he sought the opportunities and advantages of the middle west and made his way to Burlington, where he entered the firm of C. P. Squires & Company. Since that time he has been a factor in the commercial circles of the city and since the consolidation of that company with the Churchill Drug Company he has been connected with the latter. He has made for himself a creditable name and place in mercantile circles, being regarded as a thoroughly reliable and enterprising man who embodies in his career the modern commercial spirit manifest in continuous advancement and development.
On the 22d of May, 1900, Mr. Hutchins was united in marriage to Miss Frances H. Potter, a daughter of Thomas J. Potter of this city. Mr. Hutchins holds membership in the Commercial Exchange. In politics he is a republican, well versed on the questions and issues of the day but not an office seeker. His religious faith is that of the Episcopal church and along benevolent and social lines he is con- nected with the Elks, the Golf Club and the Auto Club. For a third of a century he has been a resident of Burlington and during this period has gained an extensive circle of warm friends as well as made for himself a creditable position along commercial lines.
CHARLES BLANKE.
Charles Blanke is the secretary of the German-American Life Insurance Company of Iowa and has been connected with this or- ganization since 1901, his efforts being a vital element in its success. He was born in Gasconade county, Missouri, July 15, 1851, and was educated in the county schools there to the age of fourteen years. He remained upon the home farm until he reached the age of eighteen and during that period utilized much of his leisure time in study at home. He then took up the profession of teaching in the schools of his native county and was identified with the profession until 1871, when he came to Burlington, where he taught for two years. A school was conducted in connection with the First German Methodist Epis- copal church and he was the teacher thereof until 1873. He then turned his attention to the dry-goods business, entering the employ of C. F. and John Boesch and with them continued for ten years. On the expiration of that decade he took up the insurance and real-estate business in connection with his brother, S. D. Blanke. He carried
.
CHARLES BLANKE
297
HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
on that business until 1901, when he became a factor in the organiza- tion of the German-American Life Insurance Company of lowa, of which he was first assistant secretary, while in 1912 he was made secretary.
The company was founded by F. H. A. Koch in July, 1887, as an assessment company under the name of the German-American Mutual Life Association. In 1901 a reorganization was effected under the name of the German-American Equation Premium Life Association, changing to the equation premium from the assessment plan. In 1912, the laws of the state being such that legal reserve was necessary, they again reorganized under the present name and changed to the old line legal reserve plan. The business has grown rapidly since reorganization. They confine their attention solely to the issuance of policies in Iowa but expect within a year to extend their operations to other states. The present officers of the company are: P. C. Naumann, president; Lewis H. Koch, vice president; Charles Blanke, secretary ; and Henry Miller, Jr., treasurer.
On the 26th of March, 1874, Mr. Blanke was united in mar- riage to Miss Mary Kostfeld, of Burlington, and to them has been born a daughter, Louise, whose birth occurred in 1875. She is now the wife of Dr. J. N. Patterson, of Burlington. Mr. Blanke gives his political support to the republican party, and he and his wife are members of the First Methodist Episcopal church and take an active part in the work of the church and the Sunday school. Their interest along the line of moral progress indicates the rules which govern their conduct and shape their character development.
E. J. WEHMAN, M. D.
Dr. E. J. Wehman has been a representative of the medical pro- fession in Burlington since 1907 and specializes in his practice in ° internal medicine. He possesses the scientific knowledge and the broad humanitarian spirit each of which are indispensable in the attainment of the highest success. Born in Burlington on the 2d of October, 1881, Dr. Wehman is a son of Fred W. and Anna (Bos- meyer) Wehman. The father, a native of Germany and a cabinet- maker by trade, came to Burlington in 1858 and here followed his chosen occupation. His wife, a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Bosmeyer, who came to Burlington at an early day in the development of this city. Her Vol. II-16
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.