USA > Iowa > Des Moines County > History of Des Moines County, Iowa, Volume II > Part 33
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Charles E. Demling has spent his entire life in the city of his nativity and to its public-school system is indebted for the educational opportunities he enjoyed. He received his initial business training in his father's grocery store and afterward worked for a year for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company. On the expira- tion of that period he became bookkeeper for the Burlington Broom Factory, where he remained for five years, and at the end of that time was called to public office. He had previously served as street com- missioner clerk for a few years and in 1894 he was appointed to the position of city clerk, in which capacity he continued for two years. He was with the Dehner Cigar Company for about five years, or from 1895 until 1899, and in 1898 he was elected clerk of the district court, in which position he has since continued, covering a period of more than sixteen years. No stronger proof of his capability and fidelity could be given than the fact that he has been so long retained in the
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office. His political allegiance is given the democratic party and it has been upon that ticket that he has been chosen to his present position.
On the 30th of July, 1891, Mr. Demling was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Bohner, a daughter of Andrew and Rosina Bohner. Her father, a vineyardist who came to Burlington at an early day, died July 12, 1914. Mr. and Mrs. Demling have become parents of three sons and a daughter: Chester E., who is bookkeeper for the Merchants National Bank; Raymond M., who is living on his father's farm ; and John W., and Margaret, both in school.
Mr. Demling is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows and has filled all of the chairs in the local lodge. Throughout his entire life he has resided in Burlington and that the record that he has made is a most creditable one is indicated in the fact that many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood to the present time. He has many good qualities, is always genial and approachable, and is very popular among his fellow townsmen.
GEORGE H. NEFF.
Among the mercantile interests that make Burlington an attrac- tive shopping center is the shoe store of George H. Neff. He is not alone in this business, for he has a partner, Hugh B. Allen, and both have won recognition as leading and representative merchants of the city. Mr. Neff was born in Burlington, December 24, 1870, a son of Israel M. and Rebecca (Troxel) Neff, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania and who in 1860 came to Burlington. The father was a tinner by trade and followed that pursuit in order to provide for his family. He was killed in a cyclone in 1873, when the Pond Egg building was blown down, while his wife survived until 1900. His life was ever upright and honorable, in harmony with his professions as a member of the Evangelical church.
George H. Neff, reared in his native city and under the parental roof, attended the public schools and made his initial step in the business world as an employe in the W. W. Kimball Company's music house, where he remained for three years. At the end of that time he became connected with the shoe trade, securing a situation in Brown's store in June, 1887. Twelve years were passed in that connection, and in 1899 he entered the establishment of Hertzler & Boesch, there remaining until 1906. In that year he embarked
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in business on his own account, forming a partnership with George M. Saylor. They opened a shoe store and conducted the business successfully for seven years, or until January, 1913, when Mr. Neff sold out to his partner. He was again in the Brown shoe store until July of that year, and on the 28th of August, 1913, he entered into his present partnership relations with Hugh B. Allen, opening a shoe store at No. 318 Jefferson street, where they carry a full line of ladies' and men's shoes of excellent make. The establishment deserves the liberal patronage accorded it, and a growing trade proves the uprightness and enterprise of their business methods.
In 1897 Mr. Neff was married to Miss Sarah Daisy Brown, a daughter of J. W. Brown. She died in July, 1902, and on the 22d of September, 1904, Mr. Neff married Lena V. Brown, a sister of his first wife. By the first marriage there were two children, Robert and Margery, the latter of whom is deceased. The children of the second marriage are Geraldine and Clifford. Politically, Mr. Neff is a republican, while his religious faith is evidenced in his mem- bership in the First Methodist Episcopal church. His has been an active, useful and well spent life. He has long figured prominently in connection with the mercantile interests of the city, and through his own capability has risen to his present position as the successful owner of one of the retail establishments of the city.
THEODORE F. NIEMANN.
Theodore F. Niemann, conducting a general drug business at No. 115 Broadway, West Burlington, has been thus identified with the trade interests of the city for about eight years. He is serving as postmaster of West Burlington. He is a native son of Burlington, born September 23, 1885, and is a son of Theodore W. and Sophia (Walters) Niemann. The father is also a native of Burlington and a son of John Niemann, who came to this city in the period of its pioneer development. Theodore W. Niemann is now serving as constable of Burlington, and both he and his wife are widely known in the city where they have resided for so many years.
Theodore F. Niemann pursued his education in St. John's pa- rochial school of Burlington and studied pharmacy at home. He was but fourteen years of age when he started out in the business world on his own account, entering the employ of the Robinson Drug Company. It was his interest in the business that led him
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to take up the study of pharmacy, and he added to his practical ex- perience and training by service in the Edward Litzrodt drug store at the corner of Tenth and Maple streets. Gradually he worked his way upward as the result of his increasing knowledge and capability and by carefully saving his earnings he at length acquired capital sufficient to enable him to embark in business on his own account. Accordingly in 1907 he bought out the drug store of Dr. E. E. Kirkendall, which had been established in Burlington at an early day. Since that time Mr. Niemann has continuously engaged in the general drug business and now has a well appointed store at No. 115 Broadway, West Burlington. He carries a large and care- fully selected line of drugs and druggist's sundries, is most careful in the preparation of prescriptions and in all of his business dealings is thoroughly reliable. Moreover, his patrons ever find him cour- teous and obliging, and thus it is that his trade has constantly grown.
On the 24th of April, 1912, Mr. Niemann was joined in wedlock to Miss Florence Cook, of West Burlington, a daughter of Louis and Louise (Stockman) Cook, the former a boilermaker in the em- plov of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company. Mr. and Mrs. Niemann hold membership in St. Mary's Catholic church, and Mr. Niemann also belongs to the Knights of Columbus. His political support is given to the democratic party, and October 6, 1914, he was appointed postmaster of West Burlington, succeeding Charles Schwarz. As a representative of one of the pioneer fami- lies of the city he is widely known, but it is his personal worth which has gained for him the creditable position which he occupies in business circles and in public regard today.
EMIL F. KUITHAN.
Emil.F. Kuithan, of Burlington, is now living practically re- tired, save for the supervision which he gives to his invested interests. In former years he was actively identified with the banking busi- ness, but from his purchases and sales of property he has derived a handsome little fortune that now enables him to rest from further business activity. He was born in the historic city of Nauvoo, Illi- nois, February 10, 1859, a son of Frederick Kuithan, who was born in Dortmund, Prussia, on the 16th of August, 1829. The period of his youth and early manhood was spent in the fatherland, and in
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1855 he came to the United States. He was a member of a musical family. His father, a 'cello virtuoso, played in concerts with the great violinist, Paganini, while touring Germany in 1827. He trav- eled quite extensively, and for a time was in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and the important cities of Argentine, Chile and Peru. He was a highly educated man, a graduate of a German university and a noted linguist, speaking not only Spanish but also French, German and English. He was well versed in ethnology, ornithology, mammal- ogy and many other subjects. In the year 1855 he took up his abode at Nauvoo, Illinois, where he began the practice of medicine and the raising of grapes and other fruit, the sloping hillsides bordering the Mississippi at that point being especially adapted for grape cul- tivation. In 1869 he arrived in Burlington. Years before he had been graduated from a German medical school, and in this city he began practice, continuing in the profession for some years. He died January 13, 1904, and thus was terminated a life of usefulness and worth. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Peters, was born in Marietta, Ohio.
Emil F. Kuithan largely acquired his education in the schools of Nauvoo, and after coming to Burlington attended the North Hill school and the high school. He also pursued a commercial course in Elliott's Business College. Upon starting out in the business world, he secured a situation with Biklin-Winzer & Company, a wholesale grocery house, and continued with that firm for eleven and one-half years. He afterward went with the Iowa State Sav- ings Bank in the capacity of bookkeeper, and after acting in that capacity for four years was promoted to assistant cashier. He served in that capacity for sixteen years and in the meantime improved his opportunities for profitable investment in property. He is now the owner of much real estate in Burlington, which has increased greatly in value as the years have passed and the city has grown, thereby making a greater demand for realty and advancing prices. He is the owner of the Hotel Grove on Main street, one of the most de- sirable properties in the city, the building being eighty by one hun- dred and seventeen feet. He also owns numerous residence proper- ties and vacant lots, and he also has large farming interests in Illi- nois, near Nauvoo, and in Lee county, Iowa, devoted to the culti- vation of grapes. He has an extensive acreage in grapes, and ships in carloads. His business interests have ever been wisely managed and his enterprise has carried him beyond the point which the great majority reach, so that he is now one of the prosperous citizens of Burlington, his success being attributable entirely to his own labors.
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Mr. Kuithan has always been interested in the art of taxidermy and matters pertaining to ornithology and horticulture. In his polit- ical views he is a republican and keeps well informed on the ques- tions and issues of the day, but the honors and emoluments of office have no attraction for him. He is a member of the Silver Lake Hunting and Fishing Club and greatly enjoys outdoor sports. He was formerly one of the leading men of the Burlington Tumblers and an expert acrobat in his day and has always taken a keen interest in athletics and outdoor sports. He is likewise interested in chari- table organizations, to which he has been a generous contributor. His many sterling traits of character have gained him high regard and he is very popular with a large circle of friends.
CHARLES E. SCHRAMM.
Among the most popular business men of Burlington was Charles E. Schramm, whose life was cut short on account of an accident when he was in the midst of a successful career. He was connected with the J. S. Schramm Company, the leading dry-goods house of Burling- ton, and contributed much to its success. He was known to a large number of people because of his pleasant and agreeable personality.
Mr. Schramm was a native of Burlington, born January 9, 1862, and a son of John Siegmund and Amelia (Williams) Schramm. The father was a native of Germany and in this country found the oppor- tunity to display his rare business ability in building up one of the largest business houses in Burlington. The paternal grandparents of our subject were John Christopher and Anna Margaret ( Kessling) Schramm, while the maternal grandfather was Silas Williams.
Charles E. Schramm spent practically his entire life in Burling- ton. In the acquirement of his education he attended the North Hill school, from which he graduated into the high school. He was a bright student and a ready learner and had many friends among teachers and pupils. After completing his high-school course he entered his father's store, and in due time he became acquainted with the dry-goods business in all its phases. His industry, honesty and thoroughness were the stepping-stones to his success. Mr. Schramm had most pleasing manners and his kindly personality attracted many new customers to his establishment, while it made old-time friends of those who were in the habit of trading there. Fair methods were inseparable from all his transactions and he was ever courteous and
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polite to all those whom he met in a business or social way. His employes idolized him because of his fairness and justness.
On the 16th of January, 1893, Mr. Schramm was united in mar- riage to Miss Fannie G. Anderson and they had one daughter, Fran- ces, who with her mother survives him. There were also a number of brothers and sisters who mourned his death: Frank E., Ralph E. and Henry C. Schramm; Lucia L., who married T. G. Foster ; Anna P., the wife of J. E. Doane, of Chicago; and Miss Jessie Schramm.
Mr. Schramm was one of the most public-spirited citizens of Bur- lington and was always interested in the progress of the city. Al- though he did not care for public honors he took an intelligent inter- est in governmental affairs and carefully weighed the qualities of a candidate before he would give his support. The accident which caused his demise was most tragic. Although an excellent swimmer he had misjudged the depth of the stream when taking a plunge in the river and, striking his head, injured his spine. He first was taken to his home and later to the Burlington Hospital. Although the best possible care and attention were given him and experts were sum- moned not only from Burlington but from Chicago, the inevitable could not be averted. A most delicate operation was performed which at first seemed to hold out promise, but soon the hopes of fam- ily, friends, physicians and nurses came to naught and Mr. Schramm passed away August 25, 1913. Even his magnificent constitution could not overcome the severe shock to his system. When the news of his death spread throughout the city from house to house general mourning prevailed and all extended their deep sympathy to the bereaved family. With his death there came to a close a most prom- ising career of a man who had been a loving husband and father, an able business man and an American citizen of the highest type.
C. EDWARD GERLING.
C. Edward Gerling is conducting under his own name the former Carpenter jewelry store, the oldest known jewelry business in the United States which had previously been kept throughout the period of its existence in one family. It is definitely known to be the oldest business of the kind in Iowa and throughout the period of the exist- ence of the house the firm name has been synonymous with honorable dealing as well as with progressive methods. Mr. Gerling, who is now at the head of the establishment, was born in St. Louis, July
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23, 1865, and is a son of Charles and Caroline ( Moeller) Gerling. The father's birth occurred in Minden, Germany, and about 1860 he came to the United States. He did not tarry on the Atlantic coast, but made his way at once into the interior of the country, and after visiting Burlington continued on to St. Louis. There he established a grocery trade and remained in that business until his death, which occurred in 1870. His widow survives and now makes her home in Burlington with her son Edward, having returned to this city follow- ing her husband's death.
C. Edward Gerling was a lad of but five summers when the mother brought her family to this city. At the usual age he entered the public schools and passed through consecutive grades until he completed the course by graduation. He learned the jewelry busi- ness with M. C. Connor, and on the ist of August, 1884, he entered the employ of E. H. Carpenter, a jeweler, who was in control of the business that was established in 1837 by A. W. Carpenter, who died in the year 1869. His brother, G. B. P. Carpenter, together with E. H. Carpenter, continued the business until 1880, when the senior partner died, after which the junior partner continued alone until 1900, at which time his son, A. W. Carpenter, became iden- tified with the establishment. In the year 1900 Mr. Gerling took up the study of optics and graduated with the title of optometrist. He began at once the practice of fitting glasses to the eyes of those who needed them, and in 1904 took full charge of the optical depart- ment, which he continues to conduct successfully in connection with his jewelry business. It was on the Ist of August, 1913, that Mr. Gerling purchased the Carpenter interests-just twenty-nine years from the date on which he started to work. Fifteen days later E. H. Carpenter, who had so long been at the head of the business, died. The store is now under the Gerling name and is one of the oldest mercantile enterprises in the state. The original location in 1837 was at the corner of Front and Washington streets. Some years afterward a removal was made to the east side of Main street, near Jefferson street, and in 1869 a second removal was made to the corner of Jefferson and Third streets, where the business is still carried on.
Mr. Gerling holds membership with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, and has the honor of having been elected to hold office in all the stations of the lodge and is now a past exalted ruler. In politics he is independent, manifesting only a citizen's interest in the questions of the day. His attention has been chiefly concentrated upon his business affairs. From the outset of his career he recog- nized that industry wins, and industry therefore became one of his
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salient characteristics. His determination and enterprise have en- abled him to forge ahead and now he is one of the foremost examples of business enterprise in the city. His store is a well appointed establishment, containing a large and carefully selected line of jewelry, watches and precious stones, and he enjoys an unassailable reputation for commercial integrity.
GENERAL JAMES A. GUEST.
For many years General James A. Guest represented important commercial interests in Burlington as sole proprietor of the James A. Guest Piano concern. The beginning of this successful enter- prise and its continued prosperous existence were due to his execu- tive ability and also to that discriminating taste which made him an authority in music and musical matters. Moreover, honor is due General Guest for the service which he rendered in the Civil war and for his continued interest in military affairs. The splendid standing of the state militia is largely due to his efforts, as he took an important part in the reorganization of this body after the close of the war.
General Guest was born in Lyons, Wayne county, New York, May 4, 1845, and passed away in Burlington, Iowa, November 11, 1906, in his sixty-second year. He was a son of Joseph and Lydia (Curtis) Guest. The family trace their ancestry back to one Sir John Guest, of England. Joseph Guest, who left England as a pas- senger on the ship Delaware about 1645, settled at Swedesboro, New Jersey. There he built a house of imported brick-quite a preten- tious structure in those days-which is still standing. One of his descendants was William C. Guest, grandfather of the general, who was an officer in the Seventy-first New York Regiment in the War of 1812. He commanded a troop of cavalry and was stationed at Black Rock, now Buffalo, New York. Previous to that war he had removed from New Jersey to Lyons, New York, becoming a pioneer of the latter district. He married Mary Wallace, a relative of Sir John Wallace, of Scotland, and who had emigrated from her native country to New Jersey with her parents. Joseph L. Guest, father of General Guest, was born in New Jersey in 1809, and removed with his parents to New York state when he was an infant. He was reared and educated in Lyons, and later followed the career of a
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merchant tailor. He subsequently removed from the east to Michi- gan, in which state he made his home until his death.
James A. Guest was educated in the schools of Lyons, New York, and at the early age of seventeen enlisted, in 1862, in Company C, One Hundred and Sixtieth Regiment, New York Volunteers. He first proceeded with his regiment to New York city and later to New Orleans, making the voyage by sea. In the south he participated in the expedition of General Banks. Mr. Guest took part in twenty- one engagements and spent, with his regiment, two years in Louis- iana, after which he joined the commands of Generals Grant and Sheridan in Virginia. He was severely wounded in the battle of Winchester ("with Sheridan twenty miles away") and for two months afterward was in a hospital. He then rejoined his regiment and continued in the service until the end of the war. He was mus- tered out in November, 1865. Prior to his discharge he was sent to Georgia to quell a negro insurrection and was commissioned a second lieutenant by Governor Fenton, of New York. General Guest greatly distinguished himself in the service by faithfulness to duty and bravery before the enemy. He set an example to those who fought with him and under him.
After his discharge General Guest returned to Lyons, New York, and in order to improve his education took a course in Ames Business College at Syracuse, that state. He subsequently came to Iowa, mak- ing his home at Belle Plaine, where he remained until 1874 in the successful pursuit of his business affairs. He then came to Bur- lington, Iowa, and here he became connected with the piano and organ business by buying out the interest of Paul Lange in the firm of Lange & Van Meter. They were then the leading music dealers in the city, and after Mr. Guest acquired Mr. Lange's interest the firm became known as Van Meter & Guest. It so continued for two years, when Mr. Guest acquired Mr. Van Meter's share in the busi- ness and continued as sole proprietor. In November, 1905, the business was incorporated as the Guest Piano Company, and so con- tinues to date, Mrs. Guest serving as president since the death of her husband. Under the General's able management the business developed into one of the largest of its kind in the west. Branch houses were established under his direction in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Marshalltown, Muscatine, and Ottumwa, Iowa; in Quincy, Illinois ; and in other cities. They handled the highest grade of in- struments and the firm was the exclusive agent for a number of the most reputable makes on the market. Their business was of most gratifying proportions and they employed a large force of traveling,
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as well as local, salesmen. This success must be largely ascribed to the business ability of General Guest and to his rare judgment in musical matters, for he was not merely a music dealer but a lover of the art, and never tired of furthering musical study and endeavor. For many years he was instrumental in securing the best talent for concerts to be staged in Burlington, and he gave his best efforts to promote musical culture in that city.
General Guest was active in everything that concerned the public welfare. He was one of the most tireless men in furthering the in- terests of the city, and as president of the Commercial Exchange was in a position to do much in the expansion of trade and commercial interests. Although his business affairs were very large, he gave much of his valuable time to public causes.
General Guest was well known in military circles of the state. Shortly after coming here he identified himself with the militia, be- coming captain of Company H, Second Regiment, Iowa National Guard, which he organized. At that time the state militia was in no- wise efficient and he set himself the task of building up the organiza- tion and bringing it to a high state of perfection. In fact, it is largely due to his endeavors that the Iowa National Guard takes today such high rank among the state troops of the Union. Later Captain Guest was promoted to the rank of major, becoming in turn lieutenant colonel, colonel of the Second Regiment, and was subsequently chosen brigadier general of the First Iowa Brigade. After many years of most beneficial connection with the state troops he retired with that rank.
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