USA > Iowa > Des Moines County > History of Des Moines County, Iowa, Volume II > Part 41
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sists of the first big proposition in the United States, draining over fifty thousand acres of land-an object lesson to the entire country. While Mr. Pettibone was a member of the school board, he was a member of the committee in charge of the building of the new high school. That was a hard-working committee which gave an immense amount of thought and time and labor to the duties that had been im- posed upon it, and in this labor of love Mr. Pettibone did his full share, and few things that he has done in his busy life have given him more pleasure and satisfaction than the completion of this beautiful school building."
Mr. Pettibone is indeed a leader in public affairs and has done much to mold public thought and action. He has ever looked beyond the exigencies of the moment to the opportunities and possibilities of the future and has labored not only for this but also for succeeding generations. His is a type of the highest patriotism, for in this day and age it is a recognized fact that the patriot is not the man who cheers the stars and stripes nor even who makes eloquent and thrilling speeches concerning the country, but he who diligently and persist- ently works for public benefits that the name of his country may be honored for its accomplishments and its opportunities wherever known. Burlington is proud of his record for he is essentially a Bur- lington product.
HARRY BOCK.
The name of Bock has long been associated with the florist's business in Burlington, and the subject of this review is now con- nected with the Bock greenhouses, and is thus active in the control of one of the leading enterprises of this character in Burlington. He was born at the old home place here on the 27th of August, 1881, and is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Wiemer) Bock. He has always resided in Burlington, and under the direction of his father he acquainted himself with the business of cultivating flowers and managing a greenhouse. He also spent one year in the Vaughan greenhouses of Chicago. Since his father's death he has worked with his mother, who conducts the business, and is ably assisted by her son Harry, who has become well acquainted with every phase of plant cultivation, as well as the sales end of the business. The products of the greenhouses now find a ready sale on the market, and the business has steadily grown and developed.
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In 1910 Mr. Bock was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Wohl- wend, who was born in Burlington, August 15, 1880, a daughter of J. J. and Rosa Wohlwend, natives of Germany. The father died in Burlington, where the mother still makes her home. Mr. and Mrs. Bock have an interesting little son, Joseph, who is named in honor of his grandfather.
Mr. Bock is a republican in his political views, having sup- ported the party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and also has membership with the Modern Woodmen of America, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Moose, the Eagles, and the Turn Verein. He is well known in the city where his entire life has been passed, and here he has made for himself a creditable record in business circles.
JOHN ZAISER.
John Zaiser was not only one of the most successful business men of Burlington, Iowa, but also served as mayor of that city. He was born in Schweigern, Wurtemberg, Germany, December 16, 1835, and in 1852, when seventeen years of age, came to America, locating in Quincy, Illinois. He had prepared himself to enter the ministry before leaving Germany, and in the year after his arrival in this country was admitted to the ministry of the German Meth- odist church. He continued in Quincy until 1853, when he came to Burlington, Iowa, which remained his home until his death.
In 1865, when thirty years of age, Mr. Zaiser retired from the pulpit and entered business life, becoming a member of a firm which under different names carried on the industry of wagon-making. The establishment was founded in a modest way, but as the proprie- tors were industrious and had good business ability, it grew to large proportions. Their success and reputation rested largely on the quality of goods which they turned out and which gave general satisfaction. Mr. Zaiser was identified with this wagon-making in- dustry until his death. For a number of years before his demise the firm consisted of two members, the partner of Mr. Zaiser being Arthur F. Hertzler. They operated under the name of the Orchard City Wagon Company, and occupied a large plant between Wash- ington and Jefferson streets, slightly north of Hawkeye street. This establishment was for many years one of the representative manu-
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facturing concerns of the city. Mr. Zaiser was to a large extent re- sponsible for its success, as he combined practical business methods with a rare sense of honesty and integrity.
On September 25, 1860, Mr. Zaiser was united in marriage to Miss Marguerite Funck, a native of Burlington and a daughter of John Adam Funck, who was a pioncer of this city, having in 1835 taken up his residence here. Mr. and Mrs. Zaiser had nine children, of whom one died in infancy. The others were Rev. J. Zaiser, Laura, Fred H., Lillian, Dr. Albert C. Zaiser, Esther, Adam T. and Dr. Harry E. Zaiser.
Throughout his life Mr. Zaiser proved a public-spirited citizen who always took an active part in movements undertaken for the betterment of his city. He was a life-long democrat and aided in promoting the welfare of his party, although he was never an office- seeker. However, when importuned by his friends or neighbors, he would come forth to assume public responsibility. He served for two terms in the city council with decidedly good results for Burlington. This was in the early '70s, and in 1880 he was honored by election to the mayor's chair. He served by re-election until 1884, and gave the city a beneficial and business-like administration. He was one of the carliest members of the First Methodist Episcopal church and active in its work. He was a kindly and charitable man, much beloved by all who knew him, and when he passed away, June 16, 1906, a sense of personal loss came to many homes in Burlington. He had passed his seventieth birthday when he departed this life, and he performed well such tasks as came to him. He never lost his interest in his fellowmen and was always the first to lift a hand in order to help those who wavered on life's pathway. His untar- nished name is the most precious possession which he left his widow and family, who perpetuate the family name in honorable positions in the world's work.
GEORGE L. UNTERKIRCHER.
Among those men who were prominent in business affairs in the city of Burlington was George L. Unterkircher, for a number of years engaged in the livery and undertaking business. He also had other interests and was a factor for progress in the commercial life of the city. He was born in Burlington, May 10, 1863, and died July 7, 1911, in the best years of his life. Although he was called
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to the Great Beyond much too early to achieve the goal of his ambi- tion, he attained a position which many a man of older years may never reach.
Mr. Unterkircher was a son of P. F. and Philipina (Johns) Unterkircher, the former of whom was born in Mezigen, Germany, November 30, 1826, and died in Burlington, August 31, 1893, hav- ing reached the age of sixty-seven years. He came to America in 1853 and first located in Clinton, Michigan, where he followed his trade of weaver. Soon afterward, however, he engaged in tanning, and in time became the owner of the tannery in which he had begun his career as a humble employe. In 1863 Mr. Unterkircher made his way to Iowa, locating near Augusta in Des Moines county, where he resided four years, and in 1867 came to Burlington. In that city he conducted a brewery for one year. He then established a steam laundry, which he operated in partnership with George A. Duncan, his business being the first enterprise of its kind in the city. Subse- quently he became interested in the livery business, purchasing the Stewart stables. The business prospered, and he later added an un- dertaking establishment. He remained the owner of these business properties until his death, although his sons became associated with him in business. The firm operated under the style of P. F. Unter- kircher & Sons. Mr. Unterkircher accumulated considerable prop- erty and left an estate which was the result of his industry, energy and frugality. In 1852, at Clinton, Michigan, he married Miss Philipina Johns, who died in 1888. He became recognized as one of the substantial citizens of Burlington and aided all public meas- ures of a worthy nature.
George L. Unterkircher was reared in Burlington, and in this city attended the public schools, subsequently taking up a course of study in Bryant & Stratton Business College. While yet a boy he made himself useful in his father's livery and undertaking establish- ments. He later became a member of the firm, which then changed its style to P. F. Unterkircher & Sons, under which it continued until the death of Mr. Unterkircher, Sr., in 1893. Subsequently our sub- ject and his brother, F. L. Unterkircher, leased from the estate the Washington street business for a period of five years, while the two other brothers, C. L. and H. O. Unterkircher, took over the Columbia barn on North Main street. George L. Unterkircher and his brother conducted business under the firm name of F. L. & G. L. Unter- kircher, and soon erected a fine new building at Third and Valley streets, which they occupied in 1896. This building was put up at an expense of sixty-five thousand dollars. Forty thousand dollars
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was invested in stock, of which thirty-five thousand dollars was par- ticularly devoted to acquiring the highest class of equipment and animals for their livery, which was modern in every respect. Their undertaking establishment also was one of the largest and most up to date in the state. In 1902 they added a large and artistically decorated chapel with a seating capacity of two hundred. F. L. Unterkircher had charge of the undertaking establishment, while our subject gave most of his attention to the livery business. He was very successful along this line, being an expert judge of animals, and as a side line he engaged largely in the purchase and sale of horses, doing a considerable business of this kind. Mr. Unterkircher was one of the most genial and pleasant-mannered business men of Burlington, in which city he had innumerable friends. He held con- siderable real estate and also was a director of the German-American Equation Premium Life Association and of the German-American Agency Company.
On September 12, 1882, Mr. Unterkircher married Miss Jennie Keegan, a native of Burlington, and they had one daughter, Grace, who married William Mathes. Mrs. Unterkircher, who died July 29, 1913, was widely and favorably known in Burlington, being par- ticularly interested in various organizations which make for the bet- terment of humanity and which interest themselves in the care of the needy and afflicted.
Mr. Unterkircher took a foremost rank among the public-spirited citizens of Burlington, for the advancement and progress of which city he considered no effort of his too great. He was an active demo- crat and frequently served as a delegate to state conventions and in other important capacities. In 1899 public recognition came to him when he was elected to the position of coroner of Des Moines county, an office which he held for four years. He discharged his difficult duties faithfully and with circumspection and made an excellent official record. His social and fraternal connections were many, and he was popular in all of the organizations to which he belonged. Among others, he was a member of Harold Lodge, I. O. O. F .; the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks; the Modern Woodmen of America; the Woodmen of the World; the Knights of the Macca- bees ; the Fraternal Order of Eagles; the Burlington Turner Society ; the Schwaebischer Verein; the Ancient Order of United Workmen; the Orchard City Club; the Commercial Men's Exchange, and the Business Men's Club. In the Commercial and Business Men's clubs Mr. Unterkircher found a broad scope for his activities in promot- ing the advancement of the city. He was an extremely popular
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man and had many friends in all circles of Burlington. He was hailed as a fine fellow on all hands and in his genial way brought the sunshine of life to many of his fellow-men. When the news of his death on July 7, 1911, traversed the city there was much sorrow and mourning. His many friends could hardly believe that one had gone out of their lives who had been much to them. His memory is loyally and reverently preserved as that of a man who combined with the highest qualities of character business ability of a high order, and who was ever ready to extend a helping hand to all those who were unfortunate. His help was not only of a material kind, but his mere presence inspired encouragement, and his good cheer seemed to drive away life's shadows.
IOWA BISCUIT COMPANY.
The Iowa Biscuit Company, controlling one of the chief manu- facturing concerns of Burlington, was established in November, 1907, at which time the company rented the building adjoining their present factory, a new building of five stories and basement. Six traveling salesmen represent the business upon the road, and they sell through jobbers and wholesale houses.
Theirs is one of the most perfectly equipped plants to be found in connection with manufacturing interests in the country. The company generates its own light and power, and the latest improved machinery is used in every department. While there are larger plants in the United States, there are none better. The question of modern sanitation has been studied, and cleanliness is one of the most important features of the business. The plant has a capacity of one hundred barrels of flour per day, manufactured into crackers and cakes. They employ from fifty to one hundred people, and one- fourth of the number are skilled laborers. There is a lunch room maintained in connection with the business for the employes, and the plant has supplied bathing equipment for the bakers. There is a rest room and there is a complete sprinkler equipment with two outside fire escapes. The building is a fireproof structure, and in the matter of light, ventilation, sanitation and other features the fac- tory is unsurpassed anywhere in the country. It extends from 214 to 220 South Third street.
The trade connections cover Iowa, northeastern Missouri, and western Illinois. They have adopted as a motto, "Sweet and Clean,"
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and their trade-mark is the Wild Rose. The present officers of the company are: J. M. Storrar, president; A. G. Oberle, vice presi- dent; A. H. Riepe, secretary-treasurer, and W. A. Baum, manager. In addition to the officers the other directors are Walter Burt, J. Russell Copeland and E. C. Gould.
F. F. HOUSTON.
F. F. Houston is the treasurer of the Rankin Coal & Ice Com- pany, which was incorporated on the Ist of January, 1914. This is an old established business of Burlington but has recently been taken over by three young men-men of enterprise, of progressive spirit and of indefatigable energy. Their well defined and care- fully executed plans are being carried forward to success, each bear- ing his part in the management, development and control of the business.
F. F. Houston was born in Burlington in 1878, a son of Joseph and Sarah L. (Bell) Houston. The father was a citizen of Des Moines county for a number of years, and for some time operated the flour mill in Burlington known as the Sunderland mill. He be- came a farmer of Watertown, South Dakota, being there engaged in agricultural pursuits for many years, and it was at that place that F. F. Houston acquired his education. In 1896 he returned to Burlington and at once entered the employ of his uncle, the late T. R. Rankin, since which time he has been connected with the coal and ice business of this city. He gradually worked his way upward as he proved his capability and fidelity until he is now a member of the firm and the present treasurer of the company. The other offi- cers are B. H. Heaton, president, and C. R. Hutchison, secretary. These young men became the successors of the old firm of T. R. Rankin & Company, and since the incorporation of the business on the Ist of January, 1914, have conducted their interests under the name of the Rankin Coal & Ice Company. They deal in ice and fuel, and today enjoy an extensive patronage. The original com- pany was formed in 1870 for the sale of ice and the business is one of the oldest of this character in this part of the state. The fuel de- partment was established in 1889 under the name of M. Dunn & Company, and in 1904 they sold out to Rankin & Company. Mr. Houston became a member of the Rankin company in 1900 and has since had voice in the management of the business. They are to-
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day the largest ice dealers in the city and also have a gratifying trade in fuel, their business along both lines constantly growing. They enjoy an unassailable reputation for commercial integrity, as well as enterprise, and their success shows that they keep in touch with modern business methods and are reliable in all their trade transactions.
In 1900 Mr. Houston was married to Miss Lottie Boger, who was born in Burlington, a daughter of John and Martha (Ryder) Boger. They reside at No. 1304 Summer street, and have three sons : George F., Robert Rankin, and Forest R., all born in Bur- lington. In politics Mr. Houston is a progressive, but not an office seeker. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Loyal Order of Moose, and the Knights of the Maccabees. He is a member of the Congregational church, is collector for the trustees, and for fourteen years was treasurer of the Sunday school, but re- signed in 1913. He is an upright, honest man, thoroughly reliable in all of his business transactions and in other connections, and many sterling traits of character have gained for him the high regard of all who know him.
EDWARD P. EASTMAN.
Edward P. Eastman, vice president and general manager of the Chittenden-Eastman Company, has figured in connection with the business interests of Burlington since 1877 and his ability and even paced energy have carried him into important relations. He was born in Salem, Ohio, January 1, 1860, and is a son of William and Frances Louisa (McConnell) Eastman. The father was en- gaged in the banking business in Ohio, and there passed away in 1904. He is survived by his widow, who now resides in Burlington.
The public schools and a business college constituted the training ground on which Edward P. Eastman qualified for life's responsi- bilities and business activities. He came to Burlington in December, 1877, when seventeen years of age and secured the position of book- keeper with the firm of Pollock, Granger & Chittenden. Through- out all the intervening period he has been connected with the busi- ness, and upon the organization of the present Chittenden-Eastman Company he became a member of the firm, and upon its incorpora- tion was chosen vice president and general manager.
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HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
This business was organized in 1866 as a jobbing and retail fur- niture business owned by H. Bailey & Company. With the retire- ment of Mr. Bailey, in 1873, the firm became Todd, Pollock & Granger, and later changes in the partnership eventually made Henry W. Chittenden the sole proprietor. For a year he was alone in the business, but on the ist of January, 1883, E. P. Eastman was admitted to a partnership, having served as bookkeeper and salesman for six years, so that he had intimate knowledge of the business and the methods of management. Under the firm style of Chittenden & Eastman the business was continued until July 1, 1899, when the Chittenden-Eastman Company was incorporated and the two senior partners were joined by a number of the older employes of the house who occupied positions in the office and upon the road. It has always been the policy of the firm to recognize faithfulness on the part of employes, and thus it was when the opportunity offered that some of the oldest and most reliable became stockholders in the concern. Something of the development of the business may be indicated in the fact that the sales originally amounted to about fifteen thousand dollars annually, but now bring in a return of nearly two million dollars. The growth has been continuous and substantial, and the house enjoys a most enviable reputation among its customers and among the manufacturers from whom they purchase goods not made in the Burlington plant. Each department has at its head a member of the company who is especially interested in that line, and there is a friendly rivalry to see who can make the best showing. They issue a catalogue of about seven hundred pages, ten by fourteen inches, in which are shown the most complete and best selling lines of goods that can possibly be brought together by men of long ex- perience in manufacturing and buying, with the advantage of ample capital and an enormous outlet for goods. Their motto has ever been "the best goods for the money." The company manufactures an exceedingly tasteful and well-made line of upholstered goods, for which they have won an enviable reputation. No factory in the country can excel their mattress department, for the building has been especially designed for the purpose and is perfect in its con- venience and sanitary arrangements. Carrying an immense stock on hand, the company is ready to meet any order at almost a mo- ment's notice. Within twenty-four hours after an order is received, shipment is ofttimes made. The house is today recognized as the world's largest furniture distributors. The plant covers a large acreage and most of the buildings are five stories in height. They have an extensive selling force and they employ skilled and compe-
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HISTORY OF DES MOINES COUNTY
tent workmen, while each department is under the care of capable managers. At the head of the credit department is R. J. Cowles; of the mail order department, C. J. Schenck; of the chair depart- ment, E. G. Disque; of the sales department, W. H. Plock; of the upholstery and mattress department, H. C. Jordan and C. A. Duffy. The officers of the company are: H. W. Chittenden, president; E. P. Eastman, vice president; W. B. Eaton, secretary; R. S. Schramm, treasurer; and H. Roberts, auditor.
Aside from his connection with the Chittenden-Eastman Com- pany, Mr. Eastman has been the president of the water company since its organization, and is also a director in the German-American Savings Bank. He was largely instrumental in the organization of the company that erected the Hotel Burlington, and is president of the Hotel Building Company. Thoroughness in everything that he undertakes is one of his strong characteristics. He has given prac- tically his undivided attention to the furniture business, and his close application has figured strongly in the success of the house. Moreover, he readily discriminates between the essential and the nonessential, and he has furthermore the power to unify seemingly diverse elements into a harmonious whole.
On the 29th of September, 1897, Mr. Eastman was married to Miss Millie Smith, of Burlington, a daughter of Frederick A. and Lucy (Parker) Smith. Mr. Eastman exercises his right of fran- chise in support of the men and measures of the republican party. He belongs to the Commercial and Golf clubs. He is now well known in the city in which for thirty-seven years he has made his home. There are no esoteric chapters in his life history, the record being as an open book which all may read, and, moreover, his busi- ness career is another proof of the fact that success and an honored name may be won simultaneously.
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JOHN ALVIN STUCKER.
John Alvin Stucker is a progressive and highly respected farmer of Yello.v Springs township, living on section 20, and is a repre- sentative of one of the early families of the county. He was born in Pleasant Grove township, December 9, 1869, a son of George Wash- ington and Lavina (Gannaway) Stucker. The father was born in Washington county, Indiana, February 11, 1840, and was brought
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to this county by his parents in 1849, the family home being estab- lished upon a farm near Pleasant Grove. He has since lived in Pleasant Grove township and has occupied his present farm since 1879. Following the outbreak of the Civil war, he responded to the first call for troops to serve for three months, enlisting in April, 1861. At the close of that period he veteranized and held all of the ' offices in his company, being advanced from corporal to captain of Company K, Eleventh lowa Infantry, with which he served for four years and three months, or until the close of the war. His has indeed been a most honorable and creditable military record. He was with Sherman on the march to the sea, participated in many of the most hotly contested engagements of the war, and at its close took part in the grand review in Washington, D. C. Throughout the entire period of his connection with the boys in blue, Captain Stucker was absent from duty only two weeks while home on a fur- lough. In days of peace his entire life has been devoted to farming and he ranks with the leading and highly respected agriculturists of his community. In politics he has been a lifelong republican.
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