USA > Iowa > Des Moines County > History of Des Moines County, Iowa, Volume II > Part 36
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On the 9th of September, 1877, Mr. Bock was united in marriage to Miss Adelaide Schaffner, who was born in Des Moines county and died July 21, 1894. They were the parents of four children : William, who died at the age of two years; Clarence, a salesman for the nursery business, living in this city, where he has married and has one son, Milton; Gertrude, the wife of Ed Cook, of Clinton, Iowa, by whom she has two children, Glenn and Marita; and Adella, who died at the age of two years.
In December, 1895, Mr. Bock was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Frances Eckhart Hanson, who passed away June 6, 1900,. leaving two children, Jerome and Frances. On the 27th of July, 1904, Mr. Bock was married again, the lady of his choice being Mrs. Emma Kupper Kneubuhl, a widow, who was born in Des Moines county and by her first marriage had two chil- dren : Emily Kneubuhl, who is principal of a school in Minneapo- lis; and B. F., who has been connected with the United States navy for the past twelve years.
Mr. Bock gave his political allegiance to the democratic party, and he was one of the first selected to serve as alderman under the new commission form of government. His familiarity with plant life and the esteem in which he was held by all made him logically a candidate for the office and he was made commissioner of the parks, serving as president of the park board for nine years. He was one of the three park commissioners to succeed Philip Crapo Vol. II-23
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and for fifteen years he acted as president of the commission hav- ing Crapo Park in charge. He closely studied the opportunities for adorning and beautifying the park and Burlington has every rea- son to be proud of the results which crowned his efforts in that con- nection. When he was elected to the city government under the commission form he received the highest vote polled by any alder- man. Mr. Bock was an active member of the Turn Verein. He passed away March 31, 1914, and his death was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. He had an extensive circle of warm friends who entertained for him the highest regard.
Writing of his demise, one of the local papers said: "The loss of Mr. Bock will be felt by the community in marked manner, as his personality and high character contained those attributes of love, patience, courtesy and unselfishness which made his presence a source of joy and encouragement to his friends as well as intimate family. With him thought of others was ever paramount and he met his acquaintances with a ready, genial smile." In manner he was quiet and unostentatious, but the sterling worth of his character won recog- nition and all who knew him entertained for him the warmest regard. In his passing Burlington indeed lost one of its worthy and valued citizens.
MANASSEH EDWARDS.
For many years Manasseh Edwards was connected with lumber interests in Burlington, in which line of business he continued until his retirement from active life several years prior to his death. He was a native of Wales, born October 4, 1839, and as a child came with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Edwards, to the United States, the family locating in Louisa county, Iowa, where the father fol- lowed the trade of wagon-making.
Manasseh Edwards was educated in the public schools of that county and subsequently became a cabinet-maker. He established himself independently in that trade in Morning Sun, Louisa county, where by close application he gained prosperity. He became one of the influential men of the city, not only in business but in politics, and was twice elected county recorder, continuing in office for four years. In 1881 Mr. Edwards removed to Burlington and there iden- tified himself with the lumber business.
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In Morning Sun, Mr. Edwards was united in marriage to Miss Orra W. Hurd, a native of Ohio. Their children were: James Ly- man, who is one of the best known citizens of Burlington and stands high in financial circles as president of the Merchants National Bank of this city; Nancy L. and Lucretia E. Mrs. Edwards, who resides at No. 646 South Twelfth street, Burlington, is beloved by all who know her and takes a deep interest in the moral and intellectual de- velopment of the community.
Mr. Edwards was a republican but after coming to Burlington did not again enter politics. He belonged to the First Presbyterian church and was a member of the Masonic order. He had many com- mendable traits of character and his memory is dear to his many friends, who appreciated him as much for his qualities of character as for his achievements in the business world. He died April 8, 1913, at the age of seventy-three and one-half years, and with him there passed from life one of the commanding figures of that part of the state in which he resided.
BENJAMIN HARRISON HEATON.
Benjamin Harrison Heaton, president of the Rankin Coal & Ice Company, is thus active in the management of one of the important commercial interests of Burlington, where the company now enjoys an extensive and growing business. He was born in West Burling- ton, March 4, 1889, and is a son of John and Ella (Rankin) Heaton. The father's birth occurred in England, in 1845, and he now resides in West Burlington, where he is employed in the machine shops of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company. His wife was born in Lorissa, Cherokee county, Texas, in 1855, and by their marriage they had five children: David, who died in Iowa fifteen years ago; Isabelle, who is a teacher in the schools of Kirkwood, Mis- souri; Thomas H., who died December 13, 1914, and was buried in Burlington ; Benjamin H .; and John Robert, at home.
Benjamin H. Heaton pursued his education in the grammar schools of West Burlington and also studied for two terms in Elliott's Business College of Burlington. He was afterwards employed for fifteen months as a clothing salesman in the wholesale house of Mar- shall Field & Company of Chicago and later entered the employ of The Hub of Chicago, being connected with that establishment for four months. Subsequently he was an employe of the P. D. Madi-
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gan Company of Chicago for seven months and at the end of that time entered the service of Carson, Pirie, Scott & Company, having charge of the men's department for three years. In 1913 he returned to Bur- lington and on the Ist of October of that year became a member of T. R. Rankin & Company, now the Rankin Coal & Ice Company, with which he has since been connected. His previous broad and varied experience well qualified him for his duties and he has been very active in the development of the business, which is now one of the important concerns of the kind in the city.
On the 26th of April, 1911, Mr. Heaton wedded Miss Harriet A. Underwood, a daughter of John E. and Carrie May (Miner) Underwood, who reside in Chicago, Mr. Underwood being con- nected with the retail store of Marshall Field & Company. Mrs. Heaton was born in Frankfort, Indiana, in 1888. They now reside at No. 628 South Gunnison street and they attend the Presbyterian church. He is a wide-awake, active and alert young business man and his general experience, combined with his upright dealing and his courtesy, will be sure to win him in a short time a creditable posi- tion in business circles and success as a merchant in the line in which he engages.
MERCHANTS NATIONAL BANK.
The Merchants National Bank of Burlington is one of the strong financial institutions of the city. It was established November 7, 1870, and on its board of directors were F. W. Barhydt, who was made president, P. H. Smyth, C. W. Bodeman, J. C. McKell, C. O'Brion, L. Carper and L. Teedrick, while E. McKittrick was chosen cashier. A temporary organization was effected, Mr. Barhydt being the organizer, and the bank was capitalized for one hundred thou- sand dollars. Mr. Barhydt remained as president until April, 1904, when he resigned, but continued as a director until his death, which occurred on the 16th of July, 1913. Mr. Edwards succeeded him in the presidency. H. C. Garrett became cashier on the organization of the bank. Mr. Edwards had acted as cashier for seven years, com- ing to that office from the position of general bookkeeper. When he was advanced to the presidency H. J. Hungerford became cashier and so continues. There are three vice presidents, W. E. Blake. Alexander Moir and James Moir, while F. L. Houke and C. L. Fulton are assistant cashiers. Mr. Blake is chairman of the board
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of directors and in addition to the other officers the members of the board are H. A. Brown, W. C. Tubbs, W. W. Copeland, J. L. Ed- wards, J. L. Waite and John Bernard. In 1871 the present bank building was erected at the northeast corner of Main and Jefferson streets. In addition to its capital of one hundred thousand dollars the bank now has a surplus and undivided profits amounting to one hundred and twenty-seven thousand dollars, enjoying a respect which surpasses that accorded any other banking institution in the city.
CHARLES G. BOSCH.
Charles G. Bosch, conducting a profitable and growing plumbing and electric business in Burlington, belongs to that class of men who do not seek to figure prominently in public affairs nor occupy a spectacular position in public regard, but who by reason of their sub- stantial qualities constitute a most valuable element in citizenship. Burlington claims him as a native son. He was born May 24, 1854. his parents, who were natives of Germany, having come to this coun- try about 1851 or 1852, at which time the father opened a grocery store on West Washington street. In their family were seven chil- dren but only two survive, Charles Bosch and Mrs. Joseph Spies, both of Burlington. The father passed away almost four decades ago, after which his widow became the wife of John Dabb, who was a baker, conducting business on Washington street. The surviving daughter of that marriage is Mrs. Herman Wolfert, of West Bur- lington. The mother has passed away, however, and she and her two husbands now rest in Aspen Grove cemetery.
Charles G. Bosch pursued his early education in the German subscription schools and also attended the public schools of Burling- ton. He was eighteen years of age when he secured a position in the drug store of C. P. Squires, and subsequently he obtained employment in the plumbing establishment of Stewart & Hayden. At a later period he worked at the plumber's trade in Chicago and Denver, and with the passing years his skill, ability and resourcefulness steadily in- creased. In 1880 he built the gas plant in Creston, Iowa, which he operated for two years, and on the ist of November, 1883, he estab- lished a plumbing business on Main street in Burlington, so that he has now been connected with the business for more than three dec- ades. The beginning was small but as time passed on he had to in- crease his facilities to meet his growing trade and today he is con-
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ducting a very gratifying and successful plumbing and electric business.
On the 10th of October, 1882, occurred the marriage of Mr. Bosch and Miss Blanche Louisa Whitehead, a daughter of Josiah Whitehead, of Creston, Iowa. She died in 1910 and was buried in Burlington. In 1912 Mr. Bosch married Miss Clara Lau, of Bur- lington, a daughter of Nicholas and Caroline Lau. Her father con- ducts a meat market in this city. Mr. Bosch owns residence property in the city and also has other valuable real estate in Burlington. Fra- ternally he is connected with the Woodmen of the World and he also belongs to the Silver Lake Club. His political indorsement is usually given to the democratic party although he does not hesitate to vote independently if his judgment sanctions that course. He has been secretary of the Business Men's Club, in which he still holds mem- bership, and he is likewise a member of the Commercial Club. He cooperates in every movement for the benefit and welfare of the city and is a consistent and faithful member of the German Lutheran church, which has found in him a generous supporter as have various charitable organizations. His life has been well spent, and the salient traits of his character are such as win high regard. His busi- ness ability has gained for him the trust of contemporaries and col- leagues, and his devotion to the public good has placed him high on the roll of Burlington's progressive citizens.
W. H. GRUPE.
W. H. Grupe needs no introduction to the readers of this volume, for as an official in the Lagomarcino-Grupe Company he is widely known in commercial circles far beyond the limits of Burlington. He is a native of this city and many of his fellow townsmen have watched with interest and pride his advancement, resulting in the attainment of the splendid measure of prosperity which is today his. He was born in 1859, a son of N. P. and Lydia (Hartley) Grupe, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, but, attracted by the business opportunities of the new and growing west, they came to Iowa in 1842, settling in Burlington, where the father worked at the painter's trade and thus provided for his family.
At the usual age W. H. Grupe entered the public schools of Bur- lington and applied himself to the mastery of his studies until 1878, when, at the age of nineteen years, his text-books were put aside and
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he began learning more difficult and arduous lessons in the school of experience. He entered the employ of Andy Lagomarcino, a well known fruit merchant of Burlington, and gradually working his way upward in that connection by reason of his fidelity, trustworthiness and ready adaptability, he was admitted to a partnership in 1885. Since that time the business has grown continuously and he has been a factor in its advancing success. An extended history of the com- pany and the growth of the business is given on another page of this volume.
Mr. Grupe was united in marriage to Miss Ida Weisman, a na- tive of Keokuk, and to them has been born a son, Harold, and three daughters, Dorothea, Helen and Marion.
WILLIAM W. POTTER, M. D.
Dr. William W. Potter, engaged in the active practice of medi- cine at Mediapolis, was born at Lone Tree, Johnson county, Iowa, September 30, 1879, a son of W. S. and Julia E. Potter, the former a native of Norwich, Connecticut, born October 6, 1850, and the latter a native of the state of New York. The father came to Iowa in October, 1858, in company with his parents and has since resided in Johnson county, being now engaged in merchandising at Lone Tree. The mother died when their son Dr. Potter was but eight weeks old. The father afterward married again and the second wife bore the maiden name of Georgiana Lutz and was a good mother to the children of the first marriage, who were three in number : May, who died in 1901 at the age of thirty-one years; Frederick H., who was born March 9, 1878, and was graduated from Drake University, now a practicing attorney of Chicago; and William W. By the sec- ond marriage there were two daughters: Charlotte, yet at home; and Edna, who married Harvey Northrup and resides at Garden Grove.
Dr. Potter remained at home until 1900 and, passing through consecutive grades in the public schools, was graduated from the high school at Lone Tree with the class of 1899. He attended the State Teachers' College at Cedar Falls, Iowa, for one term and subse- quently engaged in teaching for two years in the country schools of Johnson and Cedar counties. He regarded this merely as an initial step to other professional labor, however, and with a desire to become a physician entered the medical department of the State University, from which he was graduated in 1906. He worked his way through
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the medical school and thus displayed the elemental strength and determination of his character, qualities which have been of great benefit to him in his later work. He had to drop out of college one year in order to earn a sufficient sum to enable him to continue the course. Following his graduation he began practice at Kinross, Iowa, where he remained from 1906 until 1910, and on the Ist of April, of the latter year, he came to Mediapolis, where he has since successfully followed his profession. He is conscientious in the dis- charge of all of his professional duties and his marked ability has gained him a growing patronage which is most gratifying. He is a member of the Des Moines County and Iowa State Medical Socie- ties and of the American Medical Association and thus keeps in- formed concerning the advanced thought and progressive methods of the leading physicians and surgeons of the country.
On the 10th of July, 1907, Dr. Potter was united in marriage to Miss Clara Louise Mason, of Cedar Rapids, and to them have been born two sons: John Wesley, born May 26, 1908; and Mason Wolcott, born June 6, 1911. Dr. Potter was reared in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which his father throughout his entire life has been an active member. The Doctor also joined the church and has been most loyal to its teachings. He is serving now on the official board. In politics he was formerly a republican, but because of his interest in the temperance cause he has become a pro- hibitionist. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons, the Odd Fellows and the Woodmen. His life has been a busy and useful one, fraught with many good deeds and actuated by kindly purposes and honorable principles. He has gained many friends during the period of his residence here and is well known socially and profes- sionally outside of Mediapolis.
JOHN EDWIN RHEIN.
Des Moines county has on the whole been signally favored in the class of men who have occupied her public offices, for with but few exceptions they have been loyal to the best interests of the com- munity and have labored diligently to advance the public welfare. Most true and loyal in the discharge of his duties is John Edwin Rhein, county treasurer, whose capability and fidelity are attested in the fact that he has been again and again elected to the office which he has filled continuously since 1900.
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In this connection Burlington is honoring one of her native sons, for he was here born on the 29th of December, 1858, his parents being Henry R. and Rebecca Emma (Swartzwelder) Rhein, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. In the Keystone state they were reared and married and in 1852 removed westward to Iowa, settling in Burlington. The journey westward was made by boat down the Ohio and up the Mississippi rivers to Keokuk and thence by stage to their destination. The father was a cabinetmaker by trade and followed that pursuit in early life, but in 1860 became an accountant and office man in Burlington and was thus engaged up to the time of his death, which occurred January 1, 1887. His widow survived for a quarter of a century, passing away December 14, 1912. Both were consistent and faithful members of the Episcopal church and were widely recognized as people of the highest respectability. Mr. Rhein held membership in the Masonic fraternity and in politics was an active democrat, laboring untiringly for the success of his party, upon which ticket he was elected to the office of city treasurer for one term. To him and his wife were born seven children, four of whom died in infancy, and of the three who survived to adult age Susan E. has also passed away. The others arc: William H., of Lander, Wyoming; and John Edwin.
The latter acquired a public-school education in Burlington and after his text-books were put aside he crossed the threshold of busi- ness life, spending six months as an employee in a drug store. He then entered the employ of Donahue & McCosh, hardware mer- chants, and his capability and fidelity are indicated in the fact that he remained in that service for six years. In 1886 he was appointed deputy treasurer under E. S. Burrus, who died in office, after which Mr. Rhein filled out the term. The following year Nils Anderson was elected and Mr. Rhein served under him as deputy until he was elected county treasurer in 1900. At each election his fellow towns- men have indorsed his conduct in office at the polls and he has thus been identified with the position as deputy and as treasurer for twen- ty-nine years-a record that is perhaps unparalleled in Iowa. In politics he has always been a democrat since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and he keeps in close touch with the questions and issues of the day.
Fraternally Mr. Rhein is connected with the Elks and the Eagles and he is a member of the Commercial Exchange of Burlington. Outside of politics he is perhaps best known in musical circles. He inherited and possesses much natural musical talent and has been identified with bands of this city since 1884. He is now a member of
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Fischer's Band, playing the bass horn. He and his father, mother and sister were at one time a quartet in the Episcopal church. He has ever been much interested in music and has done not a little to stimulate taste and talent in the art in Burlington. This has brought to him a wide acquaintance, as have his social and official connec- tions, and Mr. Rhein is a popular citizen, having an extended circle of friends throughout the county.
THE NATIONAL STATE BANK.
The National State Bank, of Burlington, is the oldest established bank in Iowa. It was organized in 1842 by F. J. C. Peasley & Com- pany, the silent partner of the firm being F. W. Brooks. These gen- tlemen were engaged in the commission and brokerage business on Front street and their business relations continued until the death of Mr. Peasley in 1845, after which Mr. Brooks continued the busi- ness and later in the same year was joined in a partnership by W. F. Coolbaugh under the firm style of Coolbaugh & Brooks, which rela- tion was maintained for thirteen years. They conducted a banking business at the corner of Main and Jefferson streets. On the 20th of August, 1858, a branch of the State Bank of Iowa was opened at the office of Coolbaugh & Brooks with a capital stock of one hundred thousand dollars under the direction of James W. Grimes, Charles Mason, Lyman Cook, W. F. Coolbaugh and F. W. Brooks. This was the First State Bank of Burlington. Mr. Coolbaugh resigned as president and director on the 29th of April, 1862, and was suc- ceeded in the presidency by Lyman Cook. The National State Bank as it now exists was established January 9, 1865, and capitalized for one hundred thousand dollars. In the meantime, in 1862, in Chi- cago, there was organized a private bank under the firm style of W. F. Coolbaugh & Company with Mr. Brooks as the silent partner. This became the Union National Bank in 1865.
Among the first stockholders of the National State Bank were Francis W. Brooks, who was elected president January 10, 1865; William F. Coolbaugh, of Chicago; Lyman Cook, E. D. Rand and O. H. Schenck, who became directors; and Franklin G. Parsons, who was made cashier. Mr. Brooks served as president until his death, which occurred April 1, 1869, and he was succeeded by E. D. Rand on the 5th of the same month, while James C. Peasley succeeded Mr. Parsons as cashier on the 28th of May, 1866. Mr. Rand remained
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as president until April 22, 1871, when Mr. Peasley was called to that office. John T. Remey was made cashier on the same date. When Mr. Peasley retired E. D. Rand became president on the Ist of September, 1881, and Mr. Peasley was made vice president. Mr. Rand served until September 1, 1883, when John T. Remey was elected president, while Mr. Rand became vice president and T. G. Foster cashier. The death of Mr. Rand occurred in April, 1887. It was on the 22d of April, of that year, that John J. Fleming was elected cashier. Mr. Foster resigned to look after Mr. Rand's interests and J. W. Brooks was made assistant cashier on the 22d of April, 1887, and was elected a member of the board of directors on the 10th of January, 1888. Mr. Fleming continued to act as cashier until March 20, 1900, when he was succeeded by J. W. Brooks, who was then made cashier and vice president, succeeding Charles Starker.
The capital stock of the bank has been advanced to one hundred and fifty thousand dollars and surplus and profits now amount to one hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars. The bank building has been remodeled several times, but the business is still conducted on the same site where it was begun in 1845. The statement of the bank at the close of the fiscal year ending March 4, 1914, showed splendid and substantial growth. Its resources amount to one million, eight hundred and forty thousand dollars, its deposits amount to one million, three hundred and sixty-four thousand dollars, and the bank is in a most flourishing condition. The present officers are John T. Remey, president; J. W. Brooks, vice president and cashier, with four assistant cashiers-M. C. Stelle, C. E. Brooks, F. W. Brooks and Miller R. Brooks. The directors of the company are John T. Remey, J. J. Fleming, J. W. Brooks, J. J. Seerley, Thomas Wilkin- son and C. E. Brooks.
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