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 70
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103
ALBERT GIEGERICH, senior partner of the Model Wall Paper Company, was born in Sauk City. Wisconsin, March 2, 1867. His parents, Bertram and Katherine (Fuhr) Giegerich, were natives of
637
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Unter Franken und Aschaffenburg, Kingdom of Bavaria, Germany. In 1851, when sixteen years old, the father left the old country and immigrated to America, where for a time he worked at his trade of tailor in New York City. He then emigrated further west to Sauk City, Wisconsin, and there resided until his death in 1902, at the age of sixty-seven years. His wife passed away in 1874. After attending the public schools of his native town, Albert Gieger- ich, the immediate subject of this review, started out in life as a typesetter in a printing establishment, remaining thus employed until 1881. For a time he then studied the photography business, but later returned and for two years managed the business of his former employer. Subsequently, in partnership with Mr. Hugo Buchenau, he erected a photograph gallery at Prairie du Sac, Wis- consin, but two years later disposed of same, and with his partners, Charles Buchenau and Hugo Fisher, built the steamboat "May- flower," in which they traveled up and down the Wisconsin river, taking photographs. This business, however, proved unsuccessful and Mr. Giegerich a few months later first came to Dubuque. Hav- ing lost most of his money in the steamboat enterprise, he for a time worked in a lumber yard and later as paperhanger. This he continued until forming his present partnership with E. Wessel- hoft, in 1899, when they established themselves in the painting and paperhanging business. In 1901 they were forced to seek larger quarters, and ever since they have been very successful. Aside from the above mentioned business, they are largely engaged in the man- ufacture of postal cards, and have a separate establishment, employ- ing about forty people, for this purpose. Mr. Giegerich is a mem- ber of the Modern Woodmen of America. September 2, 1906, near East Dubuque, he was united in marriage with Miss Marie, daugh- ter of Jacob and Maria Krafft, her father being accidentally drowned some time ago, and to them nine children, four dying in infancy, have been born. Those living are: Ida, Albert, Leo, Marie and Martha.
FRANK N. SCHROEDER, president of the Schroeder & Kleine Grocer Company, has resided in Dubuque since childhood. His parents, Nicholas and Josephine (Glasser) Schroeder, came from Diekirch, Duchy of Luxemburg, Germany, to America in 1854, and for a time resided in Mobile, Alabama. From there they came by way of New Orleans up the Mississippi river to Dubuque, there being at that time no railroads. Here they lived happily together until Death beckoned them, the father passing away in 1882, aged sixty-five years, and the mother in 1888, aged sixty-nine years. The elder Schroeder was a cabinet-maker and followed that trade during his long residence in Dubuque. Both now lie at rest in Mount Calvary cemetery. Their son, Frank N. Schroeder, was born in Diekirch, Luxemburg, July 16, 1849, and early in life came with
638
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
his parents to Dubuque. After attending the public and parochial schools, he completed his education with a course in Bayless Busi- ness College, working during this time at such various odd posi- tions as were to be had. In 1865 he entered the wholesale grocery establishment of W. H. Rumpf, starting as an apprentice and aris- ing to the position of shipping and receiving clerk. In 1882, however, in partnership with John H. Kleine, Mr. Schroeder em- barked in the wholesale grocery business on his own account, and ten years later consolidated with Messrs. F. A. Rumpf and John P. Ferring, and continued business under the firm name of the Schroe- der & Kleine Grocer Company. Under capable management this concern has grown and prospered and is now regarded as one of the solid, substantial commercial houses of Dubuque. Aside from the above mentioned interests, Mr. Schroeder is a director of the Dubuque Altar Company. As a Democrat in politics he served three terms as county treasurer, and is at present a member of the Board of Education. He is of the Catholic faith and a member. of St. Mary's Catholic church. On November 7, 1871, at Dubuque, he married Miss Katherine, daughter of Michael and Anna Maria Beck, and to their union nine children, two dying in infancy, were born. Those living are named : William, secretary and treasurer of the Schroeder & Kleine Grocer Company; George W., assistant secretary and treasurer of same; John P., shipping clerk of same; Anna, a graduate of St. Clara College; Marie, a graduate of St. Joseph's Academy, Dubuque; Katherine, a graduate of Professor Kleine's Academy of Music, Dubuque; and Josephine, a graduate of St. Clara College.
CHRISTIAN ANTHON VOELKER, well-known insurance and real estate operator, came to Dubuque when one year old, and has made this city his home ever since. Born August 16, 1850, in Baden, Germany, he was the son of Leopold and Magdalena Voelker, who came to Dubuque in 1851 and for many years engaged in the lum- ber business. The father died in November, 1902, at the age of seventy-eight years, his wife's death having occurred six years previous, at seventy-four years of age. Both now lie at rest in Mount Calvary cemetery, but they are yet well remembered by their many friends and neighbors. When brought to Dubuque, Christian Anthon Voelker was but one year old, and until reach- ing the age of thirteen he attended the Trinity Parochial School, now known as St. Mary's. He then started out in life for himself as an apprentice in the chairmaker's trade, which he subsequently followed ten years. In 1873, however, he established himself in a small way in the dry goods business, increasing his stock and properties as occasion warranted, and followed this particular line of endeavor for over twenty years. Three years before disposing of the above mentioned interests he ventured into the real estate
639
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
field and his success therein was from the first assured. He erected many buildings throughout the city, was very successful in all oper- ations, and at the proper time added fire insurance to his business interests. In his political views Mr. Voelker is a Democrat, and as such, during the years 1896 and 1897, served as a member of the state legislative body. In 1886 and 1887 he was mayor of the city of Dubuque. In religion he is a Catholic, affiliating with St. Mary's Catholic church, of which he is also a trustee. Socially he is identi- fied with the Catholic Order of Foresters, the St. Pius-Alphonsus Benevolent Society and the Knights of Columbus, being an ex- president of the second named organization and Past Grand Knight of the latter. April 15, 1873, at Dubuque, Mr. Voelker was mar- ried to Miss Josephine Kolfenbach, daughter of Andrew and Ther- esa Kolfenbach, old settlers of Dubuque, and to them the following named five children were born: Joseph, who died in infancy, 1885; Elizabeth, the wife of Roman Corpstein, of Dubuque; Rosaline, a graduate of St. Mary's; Christian A., Jr., associated in business with his father; and Mary, now attending Immaculate Conception Academy.
FRANKLIN HINDS died in May, 1885. He was born in Vermont. He worked on the Erie Canal and in 1855 came to Dubuque and soon became prominent. He was one of the directors of the Du- buque & Minnesota Steamboat Company. In 1857 he engaged in the hardware business and afterwards the firm of Westphal, Hinds & Company became one of the largest of the West. He helped found the First National Bank in 1863 and was its president. He was active in school affairs and was a Congregationalist, and left a widow and four children.
J. J. E. NORMAN died December 12, 1872, as the result of a . runaway accident on the North Cascade road near Dubuque. He was pitched headfirst from his buggy into a rocky ravine. He lay unconscious several hours. He was born in Philadelphia in 1815 and came to Dubuque in 1841. He became prominent at once, both as a Catholic and as a friend of education. For over twelve years he was county superintendent of schools. He was able, honest, active, and always reliable.
PETER F. ERSCHENS, JR., was born in 1869. in Centralia, Du- buque county, Iowa, and is a son of Peter and Susana (Hoven) Erschens, who came to America and this county in 1852. Peter Erschens, Sr., died in 1897, at the age of sixty-four years, but his wife still survives him, aged seventy-four years. When the father first came here he embarked in mercantile pursuits at Centralia, which he continued a number of years, then secured land from the government and conducted a farm in connection with merchandis-
640
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
ing. He was one of the pioneer members of the Centralia Catholic church and did much to establish it at that place. In politics he was a Democrat. At the time of his death he owned 334 acres of valu- able farm land and also considerable property in the town of Cen- tralia. Peter F. Erschens, Jr., the immediate subject of this me- moir, received his early education in the school at Centralia, and later took a course at Sacred Heart College, Prairie du Chien, Wis- consin. His first business venture was the operation of a hotel at West Bend, Wisconsin, in 1898, and he remained thus employed for eighteen months. He then returned to the home farm in Du- buque county, and here has been successfully engaged in general farming and stock-raising ever since. He was married in the fall of 1898 to Miss Elizabeth George, daughter of John and Mary (Koustnacker) George, and to them five children have been born: Susana, Aloise, Peter, Severn and Alberta, all residing at home. John George was one of Centralia's leading merchants for over thirty years, and died December 29, 1909, preceded by his wife the year before. Mr. Erschens owned 160 acres of land near Centralia which he devotes to general farming and stock-raising, at which he has been uniformly successful. He is considered one of the sub- stantial citizens of the county, is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Roman Catholic church.
HON. DANIEL J. HAAS, mayor of the city of Dubuque, is a native of Seelbach, in the Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany, where he was born on Christmas Day, 1867. Joseph Haas, his father, was a teacher in an elementary school at Seelbach, took as his life part- ner Miss Maria Anna Hartzog, and died when but thirty-eight years old. His widow survived him in her native country until the age of sixty-four years. Daniel J. Haas was left fatherless the year of his birth, and until twelve years old attended school in his native town. Joseph Hummel, a near relative, who had immigrated to the United States and established himself in the drug trade at Grundy Center, Iowa, was visiting at Baden at this time, and upon his return to America took with him the subject of this sketch. He attended the public schools of Grundy Center until about the age of fifteen years, and assisted in the work of his uncle's drug store. He then went to Waterloo and was there employed by Wangler Brothers, druggists, for about three years, during which time he attended business college at night. In 1885 he came to Dubuque as clerk for George Wunderlich, druggist, but in 1887 began a course in pharmacy at the Chicago College of Pharmacy, graduat- ing therefrom in 1889. Returning to Dubuque, he resumed clerk- ing, about a year later establishing himself in the drug business upon his own responsibility at the corner of Twenty-fifth street and Cou- ler avenue. Mr. Haas has been more than ordinarily successful. Since 1905 he has devoted the greater part of his time to the manu-
641
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
facture of the "A-B-C Tea" and "A-B-C Liniment," which have developed to such proportions as to require three traveling sales- men constantly on the road taking orders, and a large number of employees in the manufacturing and clerical departments. From the time he first came to the United States, Mr. Haas has been actively concerned in all that pertains to the welfare of his adopted country, and particularly in the local affairs where he resides. He has served by election as alderman-at-large of the city, and in the spring of 1910 was elected mayor of Dubuque. He is a member of the Holy Ghost Roman Catholic church, and is also identified with the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Order of Foresters, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and several other fra- ternal organizations. January 7, 1891, he married Mathilda, the daughter of Peter and Mathilda Specht, of Dubuque, Iowa, and to their union six children have been born: Peter, who died in in- fancy; Estella; Maria Anna; Daniel J. Jr .; Louisa, and Joseph George. Mr. Haas is one of the foremost citizens of Dubuque, and a credit to the community.
NICHOLAS GOETZINGER, living a retired life in the village of Luxemburg, this county, was born in Luxemburg, Germany, De- cember 28, 1842, and is a son of Peter and Maria Goetzinger. Peter, the father, died in the old country, leaving Mary Goetzinger, widow, and seven children, five boys and two girls. Until twelve years of age he attended the German public schools, and for a time thereafter worked for wages on various farms. He then served an apprenticeship to the blacksmith's trade and subsequently worked as a journeyman at this occupation in different parts of Prussia and France. In 1867 the family crossed the ocean to the United States, landing at New York City, and immediately came west to Luxem- burg, Dubuque county, Iowa, joining his uncle, Henry Erniter, working as a blacksmith, and the rest of the family settled on a farm. Shortly thereafter he removed to Caledonia, Minnesota, but a year later returned to Dubuque county and for two years worked at his trade of blacksmith at New Vienna. He then again came to Luxemburg, and here opened a blacksmith shop, borrowing the necessary money and making most of the tools himself. By degrees he prospered, honorably settled all his obligations, added the manu- facture of wagons, buggies and sleighs to his business, and selling agricultural implements, and became one of the foremost men in his section of the county. In 1906 he retired from the active cares of life, and the business has since been conducted by his sons. Mr. Goetzinger is a Democrat in politics, and has served as president and director of the parochial school at Luxemburg for many years. In religion he is of the Roman Catholic faith and a member of the Roman Catholic Mutual Protective Association of the State of Iowa. At Luxemburg, February 14, 1871, he married Miss Kath-
642
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
erina, daughter of Johann and Katherina Guttenham, now deceased, and buried in Holy Trinity cemetery, and pioneer farmers and set- tlers of the township. To Mr. and Mrs. Goetzinger the following children were born: two who died in infancy; John H., blacksmith at Bancroft, Iowa; Henry, born April 7, 1875, successor to his father's business; Rev. Charles, born June 18, 1877, Catholic priest at Kingfisher, Oklahoma; Bernhard N., born February 8, 1879, in business with his brother Henry; J. Peter, born January 16, 1881, buttermaker of Hickory Valley Creamery; K. Theresa, born Octo- ber 25, 1882, a sister of the Order of St. Francis, in La Crosse, Wisconsin; Phillip J., born December 19, 1884, a teacher in King- fisher, Oklahoma; F. William, born January 30, 1886, a student in St. Joseph's College, Dubuque; Anna M., born December 13, 1889, at home; and Katie, died December 5, 1894. Mr. Goetzinger bears the respect and esteem of his many friends and neighbors, and has contributed his share toward the growth and development of Du- buque county.
FERNANDO H. WOOD, superintendent of the H. B. Glover Com- pany, Dubuque, is a native of Boston, Massachusetts, and the eldest in a family of five children born to the marriage of Charles S. Wood and Emily J. Brown, natives of Prince Edward's Island and Nova Scotia, respectively, and descended from old Puritan families. Both sides of the family participated in the Revolutionary war, favoring the Tory cause, the father's people subsequently locating in Prince Edward's Island and the mother's people in Nova Scotia. Both sides of the family finally returned to Massachusetts, locating at Boston, and there Mr. Wood and Miss Brown were married. They are still residing in that city, both aged seventy-seven years. Charles S. Wood was one of four brothers who lived in Massa- chusetts, and when war was declared between the North and South, they chose lots to see which should remain at home, and the choice fell upon Mr. Wood. Fernando H. Wood, the immediate subject of this memoir, attended the Boston public schools until fifteen years of age, then learned the wholesale dry goods business and for several years thereafter was associated with the A. J. Tower Com- pany, of Boston. Mr. Wood has been connected with the dry goods business practically all his life, and upon coming to Dubuque, Iowa, in 1894, became superintendent of the H. B. Glover Company and has retained this position ever since. On February 12, 1880, he was united in marriage with Miss Ida May Gilpatrick, daughter of Lorenzo and Abbie (Roberts) Gilpatrick, who were natives of Maine and New Hampshire, respectively, and are at present resid- ing in Wakefield, Massachusetts, both aged seventy-seven years. Mrs. Wood was the eldest of three children and was born on Feb- ruary 25, 1859, and is a direct descendant of Governor Wentworth, a colonial governor of the State of New Hampshire. She is active
643
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
in local social circles, is a member of the Dubuque Women's Club, the Monday Afternoon Club, and of the Ladies of the Civil War. To Mr. and Mrs. Wood the following named family of five chil- dren have been born: William F., married Eleanor H. Tabor, by whom he has one child, superintendent of the Welch-Cook Company, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Ethel, the wife of Leonard J. Pick, a trav- eling salesman, has one child, and resides in Elyria, Ohio; Vida, living at home; Edna, attending Southern Seminary, Buena Vista, Virginia ; Ruth, in school in Dubuque. Ethel had a musical educa- tion in the New England Conservatory at Boston; Vida received her scholastic training in the public and high schools and the Acad- emy of Visitation, Dubuque; and William attended Epworth Sem- inary and Cornell College at Mount Vernon, Iowa. Mr. Wood is a Republican in politics, is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Modern Woodmen of America, and he and family affiliate with St. Luke's Methodist Episcopal church.
PATRICK TINGLEY died August 10, 1865. He was a native of Ireland, born in 1799. He came to America in 1818 and married Catherine Rooney in St. Louis in 1824. He was one of the first settlers of Dubuque, arriving in August, 1833, and was a member of the Wisconsin territorial legislature. He was justice of the peace in 1835, alderman, mayor, representative in 1836, and senator and receiver of public moneys. He first lived in a tent at Main and First streets; the same year his log house on Bluff street was built, and here the first Catholic services in Dubuque were held.
RICHARD BONSON died February 1. 1883. He was born in Eng- land in 1814. He reached Dubuque in July, 1834, his mother dying of cholera as she came up the river. In 1836 his father and others erected a blast furnace at Rockdale. He twice represented the county in the legislature, in 1854 and 1856. He served as a mem- ber of the old Board of Supervisors. He became both wealthy and prominent. He left several children.
GEORGE METCALF was born in Center Grove, Dubuque county, Iowa, August 1, 1858, the son of John and Elizabeth (Tiplady) Metcalf. John Metcalf was born in Yorkshire, England, Decem- ber 17, 1818, and his wife in the same shire, January 1, 1821. They were married in Yorkshire in 1853 and two years later moved to America and settled at Center Grove, Dubuque county, Iowa. John Metcalf was among the early pioneer lead miners of Iowa, and he was engaged in this work all his life and considered one of the most successful mining men in the entire region. He was thoroughly conversant with the mining business, having commenced to work in the mines of England at the age of seven years. In 1863 he com- menced farming near Julien, this county, continuing thus until 1867,
644
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
when he bought the farm now owned and operated by his son, the subject of this sketch. He here remained until his death, February 6, 1898, followed by his widow January 1I, 1899. They had three children : Christopher, George and Mary Ann, all living in Dubuque county. George Metcalf received his early education in the public schools of his native country, and commenced work for himself on his father's farm at the age of seventeen. April 4, 1893, he mar- ried Miss Mary E. Beadle, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Brown) Beadle. Her father was a miner in the early days, but later in life bought a farm in Table Mound township. He is still living and is recognized as one of the substantial citizens of the county. Mrs. Beadle died November 1I, 1906. They were the parents of ten children, five of whom are living, Mrs. Metcalf being the second child. Mr. Metcalf is a member of the Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows, Dubuque County Horsemen's Protective Association and the Vigilance Committee, and while claiming no church relationship, supports the Methodist Episcopal church, of which his wife is a member. His farm comprises 159 acres, is located three and a half miles from Peosta, and thereon is a well stocked barn and a commodious and comfortable dwelling. His farm produces corn, oats and hay, an average crop being forty bushels of corn and a ton and a half of hay per acre. He makes a specialty of raising Shorthorn cattle and fine horses. In fact, he is so proficient in the care of horses that he is called upon for many miles around to administer to ailing animals. Many of his neigh- bors declare that he is better informed and can do more skillful work than many graduates of veterinary colleges. His ability as a diagnostician is conclusive evidence that he has a natural aptitude for this line of work, and had he devoted his entire time to the business, he would have attained a wide reputation for the treat- ment of disease in animals. Some horses raised by Mr. Metcalf have sold for $250, and there is always a good demand for his stock.
FRANK A. BEILER, president and general manager of the Du- buque Casket Company, is a native of this city, his birth occurring November 13. 1854. He is descended from an old German family, his parents, Frank A. and Jacobine Beiler, being among the early settlers of Dubuque. They immigrated to America in 1847 and for a time located in Cincinnati, but in 1854 came to Dubuque. Here for a time the father followed contracting, but subsequently organ- ized the Dubuque Cabinet-Makers' Association, with which he was for years identified. He passed away on October II, 1896, pre- ceded by his wife ten years before, and both now lie at rest in Lin- wood cemetery.
Until sixteen years old Frank A. Beiler attended the Third Ward (Prescott) School, and then spent the succeeding six years with the
645
HISTORY OF DUBUQUE COUNTY
Dubuque Cabinet-Makers' Association, learning thoroughly the up- holstering business. The following two years he was employed as manager and salesman in the furniture and undertaking business of Mr. Herincourt, and in 1879, in partnership with his employer, embarked in the above mentioned line of business, continuing two years. He then by purchase acquired an interest in the Dubuque Furniture and Burial Case Company, being a director and sales- man, but after being thus associated two and one-half years, helped to organize and was the first president of the Iowa Coffin Company. In 1893 the Dubuque Casket Company was organized and Mr. Beiler was elected its first secretary and treasurer. He held this position until 1900, when lie was elected president and general man- ager, and has been thus associated down to the present time. He is also president of the Iowa Oil Company and a director of the Dubuque Investment Company. Socially he is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Independent Order of Foresters, of which latter organization he was for ten years treas- urer. Politically he espouses the policies of the Democratic party. June 23, 1880, at Dubuque, he was united in marriage with Miss Annie, daughter of Joseph and Caroline Ernst, pioneer residents of Dubuque. Mrs. Beiler was born on October 29, 1862, and died August II, 1909, and now lies buried in Linwood cemetery, where also her father is at rest. Her mother still survives. To Mr. and Mrs. Beiler two sons and two daughters were born, as follows: Frank J., a graduate of Bayless Business College, and now asso- ciated with his father in business; Edward A., assistant bookkeeper for Dubuque Casket Company; Verena J. C., who married William Zimm; and Maud, a graduate of music.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.