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 69
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PROF. CHARLES G. KRETSCHMER .- Fifty-four years a teacher ! For thirty-nine years four months principal of one school! Such is the record of Prof. Charles G. Kretschmer, one of Dubuque's veterans in the educational field. He was a native of Germany, his birth occurring in the village of Gloschkau, near Breslau, January 19, 1822, and he was one of four sons born to a prosperous farmer. In 1843, when twenty-one years of age, he graduated with honors from the Breslau Seminary, receiving from the state a diploma as teacher, and thereupon began his life work. He taught the village school of Peterwitz from 1843 to 1846, and then accepted the prin- cipalship of the school at Sadewitz, which position he held until coming to America in 1849. He first went to New Orleans, but after a few months' residence in that city removed to St. Louis and tliere established a private school which he conducted successfully
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until 1853, when he came to Dubuque. Easily recognizing the lack of sufficient educational facilities for a young city of rapid growth, he opened a private school at the corner of Seventh and White streets. In 1858 the board of education of Dubuque, recognizing his worth as teacher and manager, elected him principal of the Fifth ward school (now called Audubon school). As conclusive evidence of his success it need but be said that he held this position to the end of his life-a period of thirty-nine years and four months. During his administration the number of teachers in this school increased from six to sixteen and the number of pupils from 150 to 720. Kind, simple-hearted, enthusiastic, his interest in the welfare of the boys and girls and in that of the hundreds of men and women who had been his pupils was as great in the last year of his life as in the prime of manhood. He kept in close touch with the educational progress of the half century which witnessed such marvelous advancement in school methods. He was always accu- rate and systematic in whatever he undertook, a tireless worker, a courteous gentleman. In these facts may be found the cause of his success and the secret of his strong hold on the affections of his patrons and pupils. In the summer of 1897 he announced his inten- tion to retire from active service at the close of the following school year, the fifty-fifth as teacher and fortieth as principal of the Audu- bon school. Some one proposed a memorial picnic in his honor. The suggestion was received enthusiastically by the hundreds of former pupils, many of whom were prominent business men. Meet- ings were held, committees appointed, and arrangements completed promptly. The picnic, held on the second day of September, was a pronounced success in every respect and showed the great love and esteem borne him. Professor Kretschmer was married to Miss Anna Fengler, daughter of Rev. E. Fengler, in 1854, and eight children blessed their union. He joined the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in 1855 and was an active member to the end of his life, filling the various chairs in the local lodge and holding the positions of grand master and grand representative of the state. He was also a prominent member of the German Benevolent Society, which he joined in 1855. He was taken ill in the school- room December 1, 1897, and died December 9, at the age of seventy- five years, ten months and twenty days, survived by his widow and five children, all residents of Dubuque : Mrs. Eugenia A. Hollings- worth, directress of one of Dubuque's public kindergartens: Frank G., who died December 23, 1893 : Sylvia A., wife of C. K. Mathis, secretary of the Mathis-Mets Company ; Herbert C., president of the Kretschmer Manufacturing Company ; Fred N., vice president and treasurer of same, and William M., secretary of the Dubuque Industrial Incorporation and member of the firm Kretschmer & Lee engaged in the insurance, real estate and loan business.
REV. F. W. PAPE
REV. A. G. THOLE
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REV. FREDERICK W. PAPE, pastor of St. Boniface Roman Cath- olic church at New Vienna, Iowa, is a native of the province of Westphalia, Kingdom of Prussia, Germany. He was born January 21, 1844, and is the youngest of eight sons born to the marriage of William Pape and Margaret Happe. In the year 1850, after having decided that better opportunities for advancement could be obtained in America, William Pape, together with his entire family, immi- grated to the United States. As he was reared a farmer in Europe. he determined to follow that occupation also in this country. He came to the pioneer settlement of New Vienna, in Dubuque county, Iowa, and there purchased 320 acres of land at government prices. Upon this he erected dwellings and continued improving. Here he died in 1878, at the age of seventy-seven years, preceded by his wife ini 1862, at the age of sixty-two years.
Rev. Frederick W. Pape received his early education in the parochial log schoolhouse connected with St. Boniface church, New Vienna, Iowa. Early in life he held a position as clerk in a store at Dyersville, Iowa, but later took to travel, visiting different states besides Cuba and Mexico. At a still later period he became a mer- chant at Lyons, Iowa. For some time he had been privately study- ing for the ministry, but in 1866 entered Notre Dame University, Indiana, and later completed the theological course at St. Francis Ecclesiastical Seminary at Milwaukee. In 1874 he was ordained to the priesthood and was first assigned to mission work in the western part of Iowa, continuing thus to establish and organize new parishes for a period of seven years. By direction of Archbishop Hennessy, of Dubuque, he organized the Sacred Heart parish at Dubuque, built the first church and school and was pastor of the same for three years.
In 1883 he was appointed to St. Boniface church, New Vienna, Iowa. This congregation flourished under his wise leadership and the present magnificent St. Boniface church and school buildings were erected. A full description of this church and school appears elsewhere in the historical department of this work. Father Pape is one of the leaders of religious thought in this section of the country.
The present assistant to Rev. F. W. Pape is Rev. A. J. Thole, born at Petersburg, Iowa, October 4, 1885, and ordained to the priesthood June 8, 1910.
JOHN R. WALLER, although one of the younger members of the Dubuque bar, has attained a standing in the legal profession that entitles him to a page in the current history of Iowa jurisprudence. He was born in this city February 1, 1883, and received his early education in the parochial and public schools. He entered the local high school from Grammar School No. 69, New York city, and was graduated with the class of 1902. Mr. Waller decided to engage in the practice of law, and selected Yale and Chicago universities for
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his undergraduate work. He received the degree Bachelor of Civil Law from Yale in 1905. After a year spent in post graduate work at the University of Michigan, he was granted the degree Master of Laws. Mr. Waller then spent a year at Oxford University. England, and on the Continent engaged in the study of foreign judicial systemis, and finished his studies with review work at the University of Iowa. While at college Mr. Waller was prominent in literary, athletic and musical circles, and held several offices of importance. He was also elected to membership in Book and Gavel Society (Yale), Zeta Psi Fraternity, Michigan Glee Club and Oxford Union Society. Since coming to the local bar Mr. Waller has been one of its most active members, and has taken part in many important cases. In the interest of this city he represented the local residents in an action before the board of railroad commissioners of Iowa to compel the express companies to extend their delivery limits in Dubuque. He also assisted the attorney general of Iowa in the celebrated Bridge Toll case, and was the youngest lawyer to have argued before the Interstate Commerce Commission. On both sides Mr. Waller is a descendant of Dubuque's pioneer families. His grandparents resided in this city, as did six of his great-grand- parents, and William Newman, a great-great-grandfather. His father was the late John R. Waller ( 1845-1891 ), one of Dubuque's leading citizens, a man greatly beloved and one whose influence in the upbuilding of this city is still felt. His grandparents, Robert and Maria Waller, were born in Yorkshire, England, and came to Dubuque in 1832. Robert Waller operated the first successful lead smelting furnace in Iowa, and was actively interested in promoting many early enterprises. He died in this city March 17, 1859, leav- ing his widow and four children: Frances ( Mrs. William Coates ), Alice (Mrs. James Woodward), Mary Jane ( Mrs. John Spensley ) and John Robert Waller. Of these Mrs. Woodward and Mrs. Spensley survive. Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Cooper, the maternal grand- parents of Mr. Waller, are referred to elsewhere in this volume. Outside of the legal profession Mr. Waller is secretary and treasurer of the Allison-Henderson Memorial Association and president of the A. C. Waller Company. He is also commander of the Sons of Veterans, a member of the Sons of the Revolution and of several clubs and legal societies. He resides with his mother, Mary E. Waller, and brother, Austin C. Waller, at 590 Bluff street.
CHARLES CHRISTMAN, now living retired in Dubuque, is a descendant of one of the oldest families of the county, his parents, Peter and Margaret Christman, locating here at the early date of 1837. Peter Christman was a machinist in Pennsylvania, but upon coming to lowa settled upon a tract of new land in Jefferson town- ship which he cleared and farmed many years. He retired from active life in 1857, and died July 17, 1862, followed by his widow
John Q. Haller
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John Ellevan
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February 19, 1891, at the advanced age of ninety years. Their children have become well known among the best people of Dubuque. Two children, Margaret and Frank, died in infancy ; Peter, named after his father, spent the greater part of his life in Dubuque, and died January 14, 1896, an honored and respected citizen : Jacob, who was for so many years here engaged in mercan- tile pursuits, died November 16, 1900, aged seventy-six years ; Jolin, a dry goods merchant here for a great many years, died October 26, 1889: Henry, who died in the prime of life, aged about thirty-eight years; Augustus, like the most of his brothers, was engaged in merchandising in Dubuque, and died September 7, 1894, when fifty-eight years and one day old : Catherine, who became Mrs. Elberth and resided in this city, a widow ; Sarah M., also residing in Dubuque, and Elizabeth M., who married George L. Durno and makes her home at Springville, Iowa.
Charles Christman was born at Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, October 2, 1835, and was consequently but two years of age when his parents came to Dubuque county. Naturally, at that early period, his opportunities for securing an education were very limited and confined to the crude schools of pioneer days. Being a close observer of men and events, however, he has supplemented his school efforts by extensive readings until he is now conceded to be one of the well informed men of the community. He remained on the home farm until fourteen years old, then came to Dubuque in 1849 and began working for the hardware firm of Farley & Christ- man, the junior partner of the firm being his brother. Jacob. He thus continued until 1860, when he became a member of the firm of Weller & Christman, also engaged in the hardware business. Until his retirement from the active burdens of life Mr. Christman was continuously engaged in this line of endeavor. Within the span of his eventful career he has seen Dubuque emerge from a straggling frontier village to one of the foremost cities of Iowa. For a period of nearly fifty years he was here actively engaged in mercantile pursuits, and to such men as Mr. Christman is due the credit of Dubuque's present standing for conservative probity and sound commercialism among the cities of the country. He is a stockholder and director of the German Savings Bank of Dubuque, a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and a Republican. In the evening of his life he can look backward with contentment to an honorable career, filled with hard work, in which he has accumulated a comfortable amount of this world's goods, and with the conscious- ness that he has fought a good fight and won the respect of his fellow men.
JOHN ELLWANGER, since 1899 president of the John Ellwanger Company, came to Dubuque when but three years old and has known, practically, no other home. He was born May 24. 1849, in
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Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, the son of Peter and Agatha Ell- wanger, both natives of that country, where for years the father was a music teacher of some renown. In 1852, when John Ellwanger was three years of age, the family immigrated to America and came to Dubuque, where our subject attended the public schools and later Bayless Business College, graduating from the latter when thirteen and one-half years old. His first venture in the business world was as bundle boy in the dry goods establishment of Wood, Luke & Co. until they sold to Sheffield, Wood & Co., who changed the business to a strictly wholesale establishment. He entered the employ of James Levi, and remained with him about one year, when he became clerk in a clothing business till 1871. He then went with the whole- sale liquor firm of Francis Jaeger, and until June 1, 1875, was book- keeper, but at that time, in partnership with Mr. Michael Brady, he purchased a two-thirds interest in his employer's business, and continued operations under the firm name of Brady, Ellwanger & Co. This association continued until the death of Mr. Brady, May 8. 1899, and on the first of June, same year, the firm was incor- porated under the name of the John Ellwanger Company, and Mr. Ellwanger has since been the president and general manager of same. Aside from the above mentioned interests he is president of the Dubuque Fire & Marine Insurance Company, secretary of the Dubuque Bridge Company, and a director of the Union Electric and Dubuque Altar Manufacturing companies. In politics he is a Democrat and takes an active interest in local civic affairs. Mr. Ellwanger married Miss Sophia A. Bucknam, daughter of William D. Bucknam, on December 5, 1871. To this union were born two sons : William E. and Ralph J., now associated in business with their father, and one daughter, Josephine. Mrs. Ellwanger died September 2, 1904. On February 5, 1906, Mr. Ellwanger was mited in marriage with Mrs. S. Fannie Lewis Bucknam. The family residence is at 1392 Main street. Mr. Ellwanger is one of he successful business men of Dubuque, is active in local affairs of mportance and is considered one of the progressive men of the day.
WALTER MANSON, deceased, figured prominently in the affairs of Dubuque county, and because of his native shrewdness and sterling honesty succeeded in his various undertakings and com- manded universal respect. He was born in Scotland in 1808, and at about the age of twenty-two years immigrated to Canada. He subsequently moved to Vermont, then to Ohio, and at an early day came to Dubuque county, Iowa, and was here engaged in milling with James Pratt and Thomas Watters, Sr. He bought the Rock- dale Mill, which he managed until 1868, then disposed of the prop- erty and devoted the remainder of his life to building business blocks and residences and looking after his various investments. He died March 28, 1879. Mr. Manson was first married to Jane
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Alderson, who died January 31, 1861. His second wife was Eliza- beth Nicholson, a native of England, who when twelve years old came with her father, Thomas Nicholson, to America in 1851. Two children were born to the second marriage, named John W., now associated with the Iowa House Furnishing Company, and Nettie. Mrs. Manson is living and resides in Table Mound township. The Manson family is typically of the best element that has made Du- buque county one of the greatest of the many great counties in the State of Iowa.
PHILIP C. PFERSCH is one of the progressive business men of Dubuque, and was born in this city, July 7, 1875. His father, Philip Pfersch, after whom he was named, was a native of Ger- many, as was also his wife, whose maiden name was Marie Tugel. They came to America with their respective families in 1854 and 1853. and were married in Dubuque, Iowa, in 1856. Six children were born to them, their names being Augustus and William, both dead; Philip C., Marie (Mrs. Henry O. Rose), Louise (Mrs. Henry Matthews), and Caroline. The elder Philip Pfersch learned the harnessmaker's trade in his native country, and followed that occupation there and in this country until his death, March 18, 1898. His widow died June 4, 1910. Philip C. Pfersch has always made Dubuque his home. His early life was passed in attending the public schools, and later, when old enough, he learned harness- making of his father and upon the latter's death succeeded him as proprietor of the establishment, continuing as such to the present. He is a Republican in politics and a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He married Miss Hettie Whitehead, daughter of E. E. Whitehead, of Farley, Iowa, and he and wife are communicants of the Westminster Pres- byterian church.
DR. MATHIAS D. LINEHAN, one of the leading medical practi- tioners of Dubuque, was born and reared in this city, and is a son of Dennis W. and Mary (Cox) Linehan. The father was a con- tractor and real estate dealer and is now living a retired life in this city. Dr. Linehan is at present serving as county physician for his county. Socially he is identified with the Knights of Columbus, Woodmen of the World, Modern Brotherhood of America, Modern Woodmen of America, F. O. E., O. O. O. He is a member of the American Medical Association, the Iowa State Medical Society, and the Dubuque County Medical Society. Dr. Linehan is also medical examiner for Company A, Fifty-third Regiment, Iowa National Guard, and the Guarantee Mutual Life Insurance Com- pany, and is house physician for St. Anthony's Home for the Aged. He is prominent in any movement that portends to the growth and
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development of the county, is highly respected by all who know him, and has attained high rank in his profession.
FREDERICK C. ROBINSON, now serving at Dubuque his sixth suc- cessive term as Grand Secretary of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America, is a native of this city, his birth occurring on September 18, 1871, and the son of David E. and Eliza W. Robinson. He received his early education in the public schools and later entered Bayless Business College, where he completed several courses. He then for a time was con- nected with the insurance firm of Duncan & Waller, but in 1895, in partnership with Mr. F. W. Coates, bought out this firm and under the name of Coates & Robinson continued the business. He is also associated with various other enterprises. On October 14. 1896, he was united in marriage with Miss Adeline S. Howie, and to them three boys, two living, were born, as follows: Frederick C. and James H. Mr. Robinson has always taken great interest and delight in his associations with his fellowmen, and has been promi- nent in the affairs of various orders. He is a Knight Templar Mason, being identified with Siloam Commandery, No. 3, of Du- buque, and he is also a member of El Kader Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He holds membership in the Modern Woodmen of America, being identified with Hustler Camp. In the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks he has been especially prominent, and has filled the following offices with credit and distinction: Tiler, 1895-6; Es- teemed Leading Knight, 1897; Exalted Ruler, 1898-9; District Deputy, 1900-02, and on July 19, 1904, at Cincinnati, he was fur- ther honored by being elected Grand Secretary of the Order for the United States of America. For six years lie has been the incum- bent of this position, and how well he has performed his duties may be determined by the length of time served. Mr. Robinson is one of Dubuque's progressive citizens and is highly regarded by his many friends.
JACOB KESSLER is deserving of more than passing notice because of his long, useful and honorable life of more than half a century in Dubuque county. Born November 13, 1830, at Blieskostel, in the Kingdom of Rhenish Bavaria, Germany, he is a son of Jacob and Agnes (Wack) Kessler. He attended the schools of his native country in boyhood and there learned the baker's trade, but in 1852 came with his parents to the United States, their port of entry being New Orleans. From the latter place the family came up the Mis- sissippi river to Galena, Illinois, subsequently moving to Dubuque. where the father died at the age of seventy-seven years, and the mother in 1897, when over ninety-one years old. For the first few years after coming to this country Jacob Kessler was employed at
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various occupations and at numerous places. He had to learn a new language and acquire the customs of a strange people, and any employment of an honorable nature that came his way was gladly welcomed by him. From Galena he went to St. Louis, where he worked at his trade for a time, later continuing the same at Boon- ville, Missouri, and still later on tlie steamboat "Excelsior" and other boats plying on the Mississippi river. In 1858 he returned to Galena, but in March of the following year embarked in merchandis- ing with his brother-in-law at Waupeton, this county. This he con- tinued until 1870, when he bought a farm of 120 acres in Jefferson township, upon which he located and engaged in agricultural pur- suits. To this he added forty acres more, but eventually sold the addition to his son. During this time Mr. Kessler took an active interest in the growth and welfare of the community, and as a Dem- ocrat was elected a member of the Board of Supervisors in 1875, a position to which he was re-elected twice, serving in all six years. Upon the expiration of his last term, in 1882, he received the ap- pointment of overseer of the poor, and served as such until the first Monday in January, 1892. In 1882 Mr. Kessler moved to Dubuque, which has since been his home, and since August, 1888, he has been engaged in mercantile pursuits at 3056 Couler avenue, his residence being immediately adjacent to the store. Inheriting the sturdy thrift and honesty of his forebears, Mr. Kessler has prospered in material welfare in the land of his adoption, and what is even more greatly prized by him, he bears an honored and re- spected name. On August 7, 1860, he married Ellen McDonald, daughter of John and Jennie McDonald, early settlers of Dubuque county, and to them have been born eight children, two dying in infancy. The six children living are named as follows: Mary Agnes, wife of Dennis Sullivan, a farmer of South Dakota; John, a farmer of this county: Ellen Anna, who married Henry Hebner and resides at Tacoma, Washington; William C., engaged in black- smithing at Luxemburg, this county; Lizzie, the wife of John Rit- tenmeier, of Dubuque; and Jacob, residing in the State of Wash- ington. The family are of the Roman Catholic faith in religion.
BEN. M. SAMUELS, of Dubuque, was Democratic candidate for Governor in 1857. He was born in Virginia in 1823, and his father was Joseph Samuels, an eminent lawyer there. He read law with his father and in 1848 came to Iowa and located in Dubuque. Soon afterward he was elected city attorney. In 1854 he was elected to the legislature, and in 1857 nominated by the Democracy for Gov- ernor. His nomination was ratified here in a public meeting at Main and Fourth streets, where a large bonfire was lighted. He addressed the citizens on the issues of the day. He was a brilliant orator and an able lawyer.
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DR. TIMOTHY MASON was born in New York in 1797 and died in Dubuque in January, 1875. He came to Dubuque in 1836 and was ever prominent in public affairs. He early engaged in the drug business. He was an early member of the territorial legislature, and was for many years connected with school government in Dubuque. He was one of the founders of the Universalist Society and of the Masonic lodge here. His daughters married Ben. M. Samuels and M. W. Smith.
WILLIAM A. HARKETT came to the city of Dubuque in 1872 and in a small way embarked in the nursery and cut flower business at 179 Hill street. Possessing a natural liking and aptitude for the business he almost immediately became successful and his establish- ment today is regarded as one of the largest and best of its kind in the entire state. Mr. Harkett was born in the vicinity of Lon- don, England, March 9, 1848, and received his education in the public schools of that city. His parents, William and Jane Harkett, were both natives of the same locality and, after long and useful lives, passed away and were laid at rest nearby. The father was a livestock dealer by occupation, as was his father, Jonathan Hark- ett, before him, and for many years was actively and successfully engaged in that particular line of industry. Early in life William A. Harkett came to America and, after a short stop in New York City, emigrated west to Bloomington, Illinois, where relatives were residing. Later he went to Chicago with the intention of embark- ing in business, but owing to the great fire of 1871 he gave up this plan and came to Dubuque. Here, as before stated, he prospered in the nursery and cut flower business, and today his establishment covers practically an entire city block. For years Mr. Harkett's business operations grew and in time ranged from the State of Illinois to the Pacific coast. In recent years, however, he has con- fined his business to nearer fields, the State of Iowa and adjoining counties in Wisconsin and Illinois. Mr. Harkett is a Republican in politics and for years has been identified with the Masonic fra- ternity, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. In March, 1871, at Bloomington, Illinois, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Wride, daughter of Rev. Peter and Elizabeth Wride. To Mr. Harkett and wife four children have been born, as follows: Arthur, William Frank and Charles, edu- cated and reared in Dubuque, and now associated in business with their father, and Flora, manager of one of her father's stores. Mr. Harkett has made life a success and is regarded as one of the public-spirited citizens of the county.
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