USA > Iowa > Dubuque County > History of Dubuque County, Iowa; being a general survey of Dubuque County history, including a history of the city of Dubuque and special account of districts throughout the county, from the earliest settlement to the present time > Part 65
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At Chicago, on October 14, 1884, he married Miss Mary A. Kranz, daughter of Nicholas Kranz, a pioneer of the North Side of that city, and four children have been born to this union: Charles J., a graduate of the Dubuque High School and manager of a local department of the Dubuque Fire & Marine Insurance Company ; Oliver G., a student at St. Joseph's College, Dubuque; Lillian M. and Rosalyn, both graduates of St. Joseph's Academy.
JAMES ARMSTRONG, who founded the Armstrong Lumber Com- pany at Dyersville in 1882. is a native of County Down, Ireland,
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his birth occurring January 22, 1842. When but a small lad his parents, David and Jane Armstrong, came to the United States and for a time resided in New York. In 1854, at a time when this section of the country was in a primitive condition, they came to Dubuque, Iowa, where the father figured as the largest contractor of his day. He built, among other important structures, the present county jail and the sheriff's house, and also up to the beginning of the Civil war all the principal bridges contiguous to Dubuque. In 1860 he removed to Taylor Township, where he owned and operated a splendid farm of some 600 acres, subsequently going to Inde- pendence, Iowa, where he was engaged in contracting until his death in July, 1894, at the age of eighty-four years. His wife died in February, 1864, when sixty-four years old. Mr. Armstrong was a man of unusual force and character, of great vitality and activity, and by reason of his upright life commanded the respect of all who knew him.
In the Third Ward School of Dubuque James Armstrong re- ceived his primary education. When fifteen years old he was left in charge of his father's large farm in Taylor Township, and in 1865 was deeded a tract of 160 acres, continuing farming until 1872. In the latter year, in partnership with George McGee, he embarked in mercantile pursuits at Farley, but in 1880 removed to Dyers- ville and engaged in the hardware and implement business, con- tinuing this alone and in partnership with others, until he founded the present Armstrong Lumber Company. Mr. Armstrong has lived practically his entire life in Dubuque county and is uni- versally conceded to be one of its best citizens. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics is a Democrat. He served one term as mayor of Dyersville, and from 1884 to 1890 was a member of the Board of Aldermen. June 7, 1865, he mar- ried Miss Martha Dick, a native of Philadelphia, the daughter of James and Eliza Dick. James Dick died in Philadelphia March 9, 1868, and his wife, who was a relative of President James Bu- chanan, came to Dubuque and here died October 9, 1889. To Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong twelve children have been born: David Ray- mond and Roy Harold, dying in infancy; Geo. G. and Jas. E., president, and Chas. L., secretary and treasurer of the Armstrong Manufacturing Company, manufacturers of well drilling machinery and gas engines, Waterloo, Iowa; David W., for three terms mayor of Dyersville, and secretary and treasurer of the Jas. Armstrong Lumber Co .; Clara M., now Mrs. Dr. John Muel- ler. of Dyersville, this county ; Emily M., married T. R. Bell, who is manager of a large concern at Minneapolis, Minnesota ; Margaret E., the wife of Elmer E. Carty, a farmer near Earlville, Iowa; Eliza J., now Mrs. E. C. Herling, Illinois Central station agent at Charles City, Iowa; and Mary J. and Martha L., residing under the parental roof at Dyersville.
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DR. EMIL F. MUELLER, of Dyersville, was born at New Vienna, this county, on April 22, 1880, and is a son of Dr. Nicholas J. A. and Theresa Mueller, the former a native of Luxemburg and the latter of the state of Ohio. Dr. Emil F. Mueller received his early education in the parochial school of Dyersville, subsequently taking a two years' special course in the Iowa State University at Iowa City. Having read medicine under the tutelage of his father. he entered the medical department of the Northwestern University at Chicago, was graduated therefrom in June. 1904, and then was associated in practice with his father at Dyersville until February, 1905. For a time succeeding this he was resident surgeon in the Lying-in Hospital and Dispensary, city of Chicago, where also he took a post-graduate course in the Electro Therapeutic College, and was emergency surgeon in the Deering branch of the Inter- national Harvester Company. From 1907 to October, 1908, Dr. Mueller practiced his profession alone in Dyersville, then joined with his brother, who had been located at New Vienna, and has attained high rank among the medical practitioners of the county. He is a Republican in politics, belongs to the Dubuque Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and is identified with the Dubuque County and American Medical Societies. He is the local surgeon for the Chicago & Great Western Railroad Company, the Illinois Central Railroad Company and the Aetna Accident Insur- ance Company, and is medical examiner for the New York Life, New York Mutual, Germania Life, Bankers' Life, Penn. Mutual, Mutual Benefit, of Newark, N. J., Aetna Life, Pacific Mutual, Northwestern Mutual and Equitable insurance companies. Dr. Mueller is also local examiner for the Modern Woodmen of Amer- ica, and is among the highly respected residents of the community.
JOSEPH FREDERICK STAMPFER, active head of the long established dry goods firm of J. F. Stampfer & Co., was born in Louisville, Kentucky, November 9, 1855. His parents, J. F. and Barbara Stampfer, were natives of Germany, their home being in West- phalia, but in 1849 they emigrated to America and located at St. Louis, Missouri. They lived happily together in this country until 1887, when the mother passed away at the age of sixty-six years, followed by the father in 1891 at the age of eighty-three. Shortly after emigrating to the United States the family came North to Fort Madison, Iowa, and there our subject received his early school- ing in the public institutions. Upon the removal of his parents to Dallas City, Illinois, in 1865, Mr. Stampfer continued his studies in the common schools, and then came alone to Dubuque. For thirteen years he was connected with the dry goods establishment of J. & A. Christman, starting as clerk and in time becoming salesman and buyer for several departments. While thus employed he became thoroughly familiar with every department of the dry goods busi-
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ness, and subsequently went to Waverly, Iowa, and bought the store owned by H. L. Ware. One year later, however, he disposed of his holdings, returned to Dubuque, and by purchase acquired the inter- est of Mr. Kees in the firm of Kees & Sullivan, the style of the association being then changed to Sullivan & Stampfer. They con- tinued in partnership until 1901, when Mr. Stampfer bought his partner's share, and under the name of J. F. Stampfer continued alone. In 1908 the concern was incorporated, and has since con- ducted its affairs under the firm name of the J. F. Stampfer Com- pany. By shrewd and careful business management they have grown and prospered and today are credited with having one of the most complete and up-to-date establishments in the city. Aside from the above interests, Mr. Stampfer is president of the Security Building Company and a director of the Dubuque Building and Loan Association. He is a Republican in politics and a member and trustee of St. Luke's Methodist Episcopal church. To his marriage with Miss Belle Meredith, solemnized June 5, 1889, at Dell Rapids, South Dakota, three children have been born, as follows: Mildred M., J. F., Jr., and Thomas M.
DR. HUBERT ANTON SUMPMANN, since 1907 engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery at 969 Iowa street, Dubuque, was born in Telgte, Province of Westphalia, Germany, September 26, 1864, the son of C. J. and Elizabeth Sumpmann. The father died in the old country, December 21, 1882, and the mother on July 7, 1907. After attending the German public schools Hubert A. Sump- mann entered the Home University and upon coming to America pursued his studies in the Epworth Seminary and the Upper Iowa University. He then taught for a time in the public schools of Delaware county, Iowa, later entering the Chicago Homeopathic College and graduating therefrom in 1890 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Until 1896 he practiced his profession at New Vienna, Dubuque county, then returned to Chicago and took a one year's course in the College of Physicians and Surgeons. In 1900 he spent a number of months in Europe, doing hospital work. He located for eleven years at Dyersville and then took a post-graduate course in the Post-Graduate School, Chicago, and afterwards came to Dubuque and located in his present offices. Here Dr. Sumpmann has built up a large and lucrative practice and has attained prom- inence among local medical practitioners. He is local physician for the Orioles and is a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic church. At Petersburg, Iowa, on September 30, 1890, he was united in mar- riage with Miss Maria Agnes Woerdeshoff, daughter of William Woerdeshoff, a pioneer settler of that locality, and to them two sons and two daughters have been born, named as follows: Wil- liam C., clerk for the Standard Oil Company; Emma, graduate of the Immaculate Conception Academy, and now teaching music ;
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Clarence H., attending St. Mary's High school; and Henrietta, attending St. Mary's Parochial school.
DR. BERNARD H. LUCHRSMANN, engaged in the general practice of medicine and surgery at Dyersville, is a native of Dubuque county, Iowa, born on a farm in New Wine township, May 8, 1874, and is a son of the old pioneers, Bernard and Margaret Luchrsmann. The parents were natives of Germany and came to America and Dubuque county, Iowa, in 1848, locating on a farm in New Wine township. The father became active in local affairs of importance, was a Democrat in politics, served as mayor of Dyersville and during the Civil war he assisted in the enrollment of troops for the Union army. He died in January, 1906, aged eighty-eight years, and was followed by his wife in September, 1907, and both are buried in St. Francis cemetery, at Dyersville. Dr. Bernard H. Luchrsmann received his early education in the parochial school at Dyersville, and later attended St. Francis College, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and St. Joseph's College, Dubuque. He also took a course in the State University of Iowa. He determined to take up the study and prac- tice of medicine and surgery, and in 1900 was graduated from the medical department of the State University of Illinois, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. For a time he practiced at Norway. Benton county, then came to Dyersville, where he has been very successful in the accumulation of a large and lucrative practice. Dr. Luchrsmann is a member of Dubuque Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Catholic Order of Foresters, American and Dubuque County Medical Associations and the Roman Catholic church. May 14, 1902, at Norway, Iowa, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Schulte, daughter of Charles and Mary Schulte, who came to this country from Germany in 1870. To Dr. and Mrs. Luchrsmann one daughter and one son have been born, named, Dorothea, born February 6, 1903, and Bernard, born February 7, 1906.
JOSEPH H. LIMBACH, of Dyersville, Iowa, is one of the old and highly respected residents of Dubuque county. He is a native of the state of West Virginia, his birth occurring at Wheeling in May, 1842, and was a son of John and Barbara Limbach, who were born in Germany and came to the United States in or about 1830. The family first located in Pennsylvania, where the father followed merchandizing, but in 1858 came west to Delaware county, Iowa, and purchased 200 acres of land at $25 an acre. They experienced all the trials and hardships incident to pioneer life, but gradually improved their land until it became one of the best farms in the community. In 1869 John Limbach retired from the active cares of life, and with his wife removed to Dyersville, where he passed away in 1873 at the age of seventy years. Mr. Limbach died as he
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had lived. a good and honorable citizen, and his loss was keenly felt throughout the entire county. In 1886, when eighty years of age, his wife followed him, and both now lie at rest in the Catholic cemetery at Dyersville. After attending the public schools, Joseph H. Limbach, the immediate subject of this review, took a course in St. Francis College, Loretta, Cambria county, Pennsylvania, and subsequently spent two years under the instruction of the Dominican Brothers, at Sinsinawa Mound, Grant county, Wisconsin. When nineteen years old he came to Dyersville, Iowa, and with his broth- ers, Anthon and John, embarked in the general merchandise busi- ness, continuing thus from 1862 to 1898. John Limbach died in 1881, but the partnership was continued by the two remaining broth- ers up to the above date, and their establishment became one of the largest of its kind in this section of the county. Subsequently Mr. Limbach disposed of his interests to his nephews, John A., Harry and Joseph Limbach, and embarked in the live stock, grain and flour business. He has been unusually successful in this line and is recognized as one of the large dealers in this part of the state. He is a Democrat in his political affiliations, and has served as mayor of Dyersville two terms, treasurer three terms and city alderman for ten years. He is a charter member of the St. Francis Mutual Society of Dyersville, and for a period of forty-nine years has been identified with the church of that place. On September 3, 1866, at Dyersville, he was united in marriage with Miss Anna Dyer, daugh- ter of Judge Dyer, who was the founder of the city of Dyersville. To Mr. and Mrs. Limbach two children have been born, Edith and Florence. Edith married Thomas McGrath, a druggist of Keokuk, Iowa, and Florence became the wife of George Ham, a real estate dealer of her home city. Mr. Limbach has always taken an interest in any movement toward the betterment of local conditions and has contributed liberally from his means toward the support of churches, schools and colleges. During his administration as mayor he was one of the advocates of the Chicago & Great Western Railway enterprise and was instrumental in bringing that road to Dyersville.
FRIDOLIN JOSEPH HEER, SR., was born July 30, 1834, in Wallen- stadt, Canton St. Gallen, Switzerland. His father was a lifelong builder and overseer of buildings in his native town, and his son followed his occupation. After leaving school he became an appren- tice to a master stone cutter and builder in Rapperswil, Canton St. Gallen, with whom he studied and worked until he rose to the posi- tion of foreman, when his master entrusted him with the overseeing of important works in Switzerland and Germany. For six years he traveled on foot into northern Germany, working at his trade, after which he studied art in Munich, for two years, under the renowned sculptor, Professor Riedmuller.
Thus equipped, Fridolin Heer established himself as steinmetz-
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meister (master stone cutter ) in Chur, Canton Graubundten, in 1860, and soon had a well established business. It was here his mind and hand planned and erected the monumental fountain, in front of the cathedral, for the great Pater Theodosius (one of Switzerland's greatest men ), which was made special mention of by the Society of Ait in Munich, as "A work of art, worthy of special mention," as was also the Bischof Haller monument in St. Gallen. On April 26, 1860, Mr. Heer married Miss Lisette Breitler, of Basadingen, Can- ton Thurgau. Four children blessed the union, one infant son dying in Chur, the remaining three still residing in the parental home.
After five years of prosperous labors, sudden financial reverses caused by the sudden death of his friend, Pater Theodosius, over- came him, which forced him to leave home and country. At once he wended his way to the United States, in July, 1865. His des- tination was Belleville, Illinois, where he had relatives. He soon became acquainted and made friends who assisted him in finding work, which enabled him, after six months' residence there, to send for his family. The climate, however, was not favorable to Mrs. Heer's health, and they were thus compelled to seek a more northerly location. Chicago was their destination, where they resided two years, when Mr. Heer heard of the glowing accounts of the pros- pects of that growing western town, Dubuque, Iowa, on the Missis- sippi, whither they repaired, and which was henceforth to be their home and field of labors ; it was in 1868.
The first years of Mr. Heer's labors were given to stone cutting, after which he made architecture his line of work to the end of his life. His work and buildings everywhere, are living proofs of his ability and skill, and attest the solidity of their construction. The first buildings planned and erected by him were the A. Hubert cut stone porch and fence to residence on Main street, then followed successively the James Levi store, Town Clock building, Globe build- ing. Rider and Jacob Michel buildings; the residences of William Bradley, Colonel Henderson, Mr. Vanduzee, W. J. Knight. J. T. Hancock, Andrew Tredway, Alexander Yound, James Levi, the Eagle building, County Poor House, first building of Mount St. Joseph's Academy, St. Francis Convent and Orphans' Home, in this city, public school at Dyersville, Catholic churches at Luxemburg, Fort Dodge, Westphalia: Feeble Minded Institution at Glenwood. and many others too numerous to mention.
Upon the return of his son, Fridolin Joseph, Jr., from the School of Architecture in Stuttgart, Europe, father and son associated into the firm of Frid. Heer & Son, which has since planned and erected the following well-known buildings : Dubuque County Court House ; Jackson, Irving, Fulton and Morse public schools, superintended the large plant of the Dubuque Brewing and Malting Company's build- ings, and have done all their designing since, for buildings in and out of the city ; also designed the addition to St. Joseph's Acad-
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emy, Thirteenth and Main street, the First Security building, M. M. Hoffman store and flat building, John Olinger's buildings, German Presbyterian church, Seventeenth and Iowa street ; the residences of H. L. Stout, William Molo, Alf. Mathews, F. A. Rumpf, A. F. Heeb, John Schwind, Aloys Glab, Nickolas Glab, Peabody double flats, N. J. Schrup, Lawrence Gonner, and many others. Among the churches, St. Francis Catholic church at Dyersville, Sacred Heart at Fort Madison: Sacred Heart at Pomeroy, Ohio: St. An- thony's, Milwaukee ; Catholic churches at Oregon, Illinois, Savanna. Illinois, North Washington, Iowa, New Hampton Catholic school and Lutheran church, also Lutheran church alterations at Bellevue, Iowa; St. Felix Catholic church, school and Orphans' Home at Wabasha, Minnesota : the first addition to Sacred Heart (Jesuit) College at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, also the residence of Charles Grelle, Jr., at this place, and the different buildings of St. Mary's Academy, since 1886. The larger addition to the latter, erected during the past two years, with the Marquette monument, and the shrine of Lourdes on the Academy grounds, terminated the work of his life.
Could he have closed his life more nobly ? How noble it was of liis devoted friends in St. Mary's Academy to show their appre- ciation of his efforts in the erection of the Marquette monument, in his lifetime-while yet he could rejoice at these beautiful marks of grateful appreciation-after the unveiling of the monument on that memorable 17th day of June, 1910, the 237th anniversary of the discovery of the Mississippi at the mouth of the Wisconsin river, a short distance south of the academy grounds. These are their words of appreciation :
"To Mr. Frid. Heer, Sr., the architect of the monument, the sturdy old Swiss patriot, the American so true to his adopted count- try, the indefatigable worker in this cause so dear to his heart-to him, indeed, is owed a word of appreciation and tribute of praise. May his work and his success be an example and an inspiration to the younger generation of American citizens."
Active and ambitious, he toiled early and late, the last weeks called for more traveling and strain than his nervous but robust nature could endure ; he contracted a cold on one of these trips, with seemingly no serious symptoms, which despite the medical attend- ance, rapidly developed into pneumonia, which had such firm hold of him that left no hope for recovery, and surrounded by his sorrow- ing children and their prayers and those of the Reverend Father who administered the last sacred sacraments of the dying. he breathed his soul into the hands of his Maker, in his home, on Mon- day night, September 19, 1910. The news of his death came with startling abruptness to his many friends in this and other cities, wherever he was known, and caused universal sorrow, especially
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in Prairie du Chien, where he spent most of the past two years, and had said farewell only the day before he passed away.
Those who knew him best valued him most. He was the soul of good-heartedness, liberal and liberal-minded as only men can be who come from the Swiss Alps; Dubuque never harbored within her borders a more unselfish, disinterested man than Fridolin Heer. Ever ready to extend a helping hand to the sorrow and welfare of his fellow men, his last work of charity was for his flood-stricken countrymen in Switzerland, his beloved native land, to which he was attached with every fibre of his heart. For these he-with other Swiss citizens, collected the snug little sum of two hundred dollars- which he himself presented to the Swiss consul in Chicago, the Thursday evening before death claimed him. Throughout his life courses the bent of disinterested charitableness, meaning well towards all ; but as the world's run, he, too, had to suffer most from those he served most. However, he has closed his life, and took with him a life full of kindly deeds which alone will be a lasting monument to his memory.
Mr. Heer leaves to mourn his death three children, Fridolin Joseph, Jr., who for years has been his faithful associate ; Elise M .. teacher of German in the Fulton public school and St. Anthony's Catholic school ; and Pauline M., who besides giving piano instruic- tion, has long been her father's and brother's assistant in their office work. His good, devoted wife preceded him in death five years and four months ago. Besides his family there are left to mourn his loss, four grandchildren and one elder brother, Hauptmann A. Heer, in Wallenstadt, who has been president of his town since 1860, (and last 25th October celebrated his diamond wedding, while on January 12, III, his wife celebrated her 100th birthday, both in the enjoy- ment of good health and spirits).
Mr. Heer was a faithful adherent of the Catholic faith, in which he lived and died. He was the founder of the Swiss Helvetia Mæn- nerchor, and its president at the time of his death. He was also a member of the Dubuque Schutzen Gesellschaft, the Veteran Fire- men, Old Settlers' Association and the Dubuque Sængerbund, who very touchingly rendered two appropriate numbers at the home of their departed Sængerbruder, before the remains were conveyed to the Sacred Heart church, Thursday morning at 9 o'clock. Septem- ber 22, 1910, where requiem mass was celebrated, and a most con- soling funeral sermon preached by the celebrant of the mass, Rev. A. Boeding, who also prepared him for death; after which all that was mortal of Fridolin Heer was conveyed to his last resting place in Mount Calvary. A man of honor has departed from nis, may his soul rest in peace. Many came from far and near to view for the last time the face of one they loved in life, and beautiful were the floral offerings that kind-hearted friends had tendered him.
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TRIBUTE TO FRIDOLIN HEER, SR.
He cared not what the world might say, When duty's voice was heard ---
Fearless of man, fearful alone of God,
He kindled at its word.
Like dauntless warrior, read in legends old, Encountless dangers only made him bold.
His was the soul to bear,
His was the soul to dare, In doing right.
A grand old man, 'tis well and truly said, A man whose early life was gently bred ; A patriot through and through.
A man whose friendship was a thing to prize, A man whose motives suffered no disguise, But more-a Christian, too.
True to his country, true to his home and God, His useful course is run.
The weary years of waiting now are o'er, His task in life is done,
He is not lost to us, but only gone before. Prairie du Chien, Wis., Sept. 21, 1910. A FRIEND.
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