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 80
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ica, the Elks, the Independent Order of Foresters, of which he was at one time High Chief Ranger of Iowa; the Dubuque Travel- ing and Business Men's Association, the Knights of Columbus and other social and benevolent organizations. His entire life has been passed as a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic church. May 28. 1880, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Voelker, daughter of Leopold Voelker, and to their union six sons and three daughters have been born, as follows: Leo A., a graduate of St. Joseph's College, and a licensed embalmer at Omaha, Nebraska ; Mathias, Jr., attending St. Paul Seminary: Alfred A., a student at Creighton Medical College; Herbert J., who is a graduate of St. Joseph's College, as are his elder brothers; Aloysius and Martin, students at St. Joseph's College; Martha, the wife of Dr. Henry Thill; Mary, who married M. J. Graves, the present deputy county court clerk; and Josephine, now Sister Mary Jeanette, of St. Frances Convent. Mr. Hoffmann is an ardent advocate of the cause of education, and his practicability is demonstrated in the opportunities given his children.
CHRISTIAN LOETSCHER, president of the Farley-Loetscher Man- ufacturing Company, of which he was one of the founders, and a recognized factor in the business world of Dubuque, is a native of the Republic of Switzerland. He was born August 2, 1850. a son of John Loetscher, and until his eighteenth year attended the public schools and served an apprenticeship at woodworking. Like many of the enterprising youths of the old countries of Europe, he concluded that better opportunities for advancement existed in America, and accordingly, in 1868, immigrated to the United States. For two years he worked at his trade in San Francisco, continuing the same occupation thereafter in other parts of California until the fall of 1872, when he located permanently in Dubuque. He secured employment with the sash, door and blind manufacturing establishment of Patch & Waite, but resigned this position to embark in business for himself. For one year, beginning January I, 1875, he was in business alone, then was associated in partner- ship with A. B. Carling, W. R. Clarke and J. A. Rickert. In 1881 the Farley-Loetscher Manufacturing Company was incorporated with J. P. Farley. H. L. Stout, J. M. Griffith, A. B. Carling, Christian Loetscher and A. A. Loetscher as stockholders. The first officers were J. P. Farley, president : H. L. Stout, vice-presi- dent, and A. W. Dougherty, secretary and treasurer. Mr. Farley continued as president until 1894, when he was succeeded by Christian Loetscher, who has since continued as the active head of the corporation. C. M. Peaslee was secretary and treasurer from 1892 to 1908, when he was succeeded by the present occupant, John A. Loetscher, son of the president. This concern has had a remarkable commercial growth. The original capitalization at time
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of incorporation was $75,000, but this has since been several times increased in order to keep abreast of its transactions, until its capital stock is now $1,000,000. In 1875 ten men were employed ; now there are six hundred employes, eight men being continuously on the road in the interests of the establishment. The Farley- Loetscher Manufacturing Company enjoys the distinction of being one of the largest sash and door manufacturing concerns in the country, and its phenomenal success is largely attributable to the keen foresight and business sagacity of the immediate subject of this sketch. Soon after coming to Dubuque, Christian Loetscher married Miss Mary Loetscher, daughter of Tobias Loetscher, of Dubuque, and to this union have been born the following children : John A., who began as office boy in the establishment of which he is now secretary and treasurer: F. W., educated in the public schools of Dubuque, Princeton University, a seminary and post- graduate course of five years, special courses of one year each at Berlin and Strasburg, professor of church history at Princeton three years, for a like length of time pastor of the Oxford Presby- terian Church at Philadelphia, and since 1910 has held a full professorship in Princeton Theological Seminary : E. C., connected with the Loetscher & Ryan Manufacturing Company, and a grad- vate of Cornell University, Ithaca, New York: Lydia C., wife of Professor Funk, of McAllister College, St. Paul, Minnesota ; Mary, deceased ; Alma A., the wife of M. C. Bardell, a banker at Marion, South Dakota; Elizabeth M. (Mrs. Lachner), whose husband is identified with the Loetscher & Ryan Manufacturing Company, of Dubuque ; Ernst, deceased : T. B., associated with the firm of which his father is president ; Arnold E., now taking a mechanical engi- neering course in the State University of Wisconsin ; and Florence, deceased. No family stands higher in the religious, social and commercial world of Dubuque than that of Christian Loetscher.
JOHN F. MCNAMARA, for many years engaged in mining and farming in Dubuque county and now living a retired life in the city of Dubuque, was born in Putnam county, New York, June 24, 1834, the son of Roger McNamara. In 1836 the family came to Dubuque county and here the father engaged in mining until his death in 1865. John F. McNamara was educated in the local public schools and early in life joined his father in mining operations, continuing until the latter's death, when he purchased the Carson farm of 149 acres in Mosalem township, which he later increased to 215 acres. From 1861 to 1867 he also engaged in the mining business, being part owner of the Driscoll and famous McNamara mine, from which 1,500,000 pounds of ore were extracted. About seven years ago Mr. McNamara disposed of his farming interests and retired from the active cares of life, removing into the city of Dubuque, where he now resides. To his marriage with Miss
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Catherine Callahan, daughter of Cornelius Callahan, who died in 1857, solemnized in the year 1860, the following children were born, nine of thirteen now living: Clement B., contractor ; Austin ; Cyril ; Lucy ; Margaret Priestly ; Martha Grace ; Agatha : Katherine Kinsella : Celia Gassman ; and four deceased. The family are devout members of the Roman Catholic church, and Mr. McNamara is a member of the Holy Name Society, and Mrs. McNamara of the Rosary Society and of the Mercy Hospital Association. Mr. McNamara has been a lifelong Democrat in his political views; served two years as justice of the peace in Mosalem township, two years as township trustee, and as supervisor from 1860 to 1864 and from 1885 to 1891. He is one of the oldest living residents of the county and bears the respect and good will of all who know him.
SHUBAEL A. MONGER. since 1904 city editor of the Telegraph- Herald of Dubuque, Iowa, was born in Anamosa, Iowa, Feb -. ruary 13, 1875, a son of C. H. and Katherine L. Monger. Both sides of the family are of English extraction. Shubael A. Monger was educated in the public schools of his native town, finishing in the Anamosa high school. From 1896 to 1904 he was editor and proprietor of the Anamosa Journal, succeeding his father upon the latter's death. Disposing of his newspaper property, he accepted the city editorship of the Telegraph-Herald in Dubuque and has been thus connected ever since. He is a Democrat in his political affiliations, and socially is identified with the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks.
DR. ROBERT J. SWEENEY, one of the most prominent of the younger generation of dental practitioners, was born and raised in Dubuque county. He is the son of James and Margaret ( Nevins ) Sweeney, early settlers. He received his early scholastic training in the Dubuque public schools, later entering and duly graduating from Bayless Business College. He determined to make the study and practice of dentistry his life work, and accordingly attended the Keokuk Dental School, from which institution he was graduated in 1904. Dr. Sweeney then began the practice of dentistry in his present spacious quarters in the Telegraph-Herald building, Seventh and Main streets, Dubuque, Iowa, and has here since been actively and successfully engaged in the general practice of his profession. He is a member of the Dubuque District Dental Society. the Iowa State Dental Association and the Catholic Order of Foresters, Knights of Columbus and the Loyal Order of Moose, being president of the latter organization. In 1910 he was united in marriage with Miss Ella J. O'Connell, daughter of Mrs. Mary O'Connell, of Graf, Iowa, and who for a number of years was one of Dubuque's most successful teachers. Dr. Sweeney is one of
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Dubuque's public-spirited and progressive men, and takes an active interest in local affairs of importance.
JOHN D. DENISON, JR., well-known resident of Dubuque, was born in Clarion, Iowa, September 29, 1872, and is the son of John W. and Triphina June (Gorton) Denison. He is of English, French and Dutch extraction. The family came from England to America at an early period. John Denison, Jr., received his early education in the public and high schools of his native city, grad- uating from the latter in 1889, and then took a collegiate course in the Upper Iowa University, graduating with the class of 1893. He then determined to take up the study and practice of law, and, accordingly, entered and in 1898 was duly graduated from the law department of the University of Nebraska with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. He immediately began the active practice of his profession, at which he has been unusually successful. He is a member of the American Bar Association. Mr. Denison has always taken a keen interest in his relations with other men, and socially is identified with various fraternal and benevolent organizations. In 1901 he served as head auditor in the Modern Woodmen of America; from 1905 to 1908 as beneficiary committeeman of the Royal Neighbors of America ; in 1904 he was president of the Iowa Fraternal Congress; and from 1905 to the present he has been a director of the Brotherhood of American Yeomen. Mr. Denison has also taken great interest in public affairs of importance, and as a Democrat in politics was the candidate of that party in 1902 for the office of attorney-general of Iowa and in 1906 for lieti- tenant-governor. In 1908 and again in 1910 he was the Demo- cratic candidate in the Third district for Congress. His oratorical ability is well known throughout the state, and there are but few men in Iowa whose services are in as great demand in political campaigns and public celebrations as those of Mr. Denison. At Freeport, Illinois, in the year 1900, he was united in marriage with Miss Maud Lulu Clark, a native of that place, and one son, John DeLoe, was born to them in March, 1903.
WILLIAM A. PALMER, now living a retired life in Dubuque, was born December 18, 1836, in Genesee county, New York, the son of David and Ann (Cochran) Palmer, both natives of Ireland and of Scotch-Irish extraction. David Palmer was a carpenter by trade, and spent his declining days at the residence of his son, William A .. in Dubuque. On January 12, 1877, Mr. and Mrs. Palmer celebrated their golden wedding, and three days later she passed away, aged seventy-four years. Mr. Palmer survived her until July 21, 1879, when he died as he had lived-an honest and a loyal citizen. William A. Palmer was educated in the public schools of Batavia, New York, came to Dubuque in 1860, and here
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established the printing and bookbinding business now conducted by Berg & Briggs. He was the active head of that establishment until 1905, at which time he retired from participation in business affairs. He has always taken great interest in church work and has taken an active part in civic and charitable affairs. He has been an elder of the Westminster Presbyterian Church for thirty years. He is regarded as one of Dubuque's leading citizens, has the respect and esteem of the entire community, and has assisted materially a number of the city's younger business men when they were boys, in whom he still retains an interest. In 1861, at Galena, Illinois, he was united in marriage with Miss Caroline Strong, a native of that place. She was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian church, devoting much of her time and means to the interests of church work, and died at Dubuque on September 30, 1905, greatly beloved by all who knew her.
PROF. JOHN A. MCFADDEN, instructor in elocution at the German Presbyterian Seminary, Dubuque, was born October I, 1844, in Baltimore, Maryland, the son of Hugh and Susanna S. McFadden. After attending the public schools he entered St. Timothy's College, and later was graduated from the department of elocution in Mir- dock College. His ability as a public speaker led him to believe that he would be most successful in life as a lawyer, and, accord- ingly, he entered the office of Congressman J. Morrison Harris and for three years read law. He was duly admitted by examination to practice before the Baltimore and Maryland state bars, but his continued interest in the subject of elocution caused him to aban- don a legal career, and he has since devoted his time to educational work, particularly as regards elocution and public speaking. After having spent two or three years in the Etonian School of Elocution. at Philadelphia, and after the completion of a course with the Monroe School of Elocution, at Boston, he was for a time associate professor at Johns Hopkins University and at Martyn College, Washington, District of Columbia, as well as instructor in the Central Young Men's Christian Association at Baltimore. Pro- fessor McFadden came to Dubuque about fifteen years ago and for the last six years has been connected with the German Presby- terian Seminary as instructor in elocution. His success in this particular line of endeavor has been unusual ; aside from his con- nection with the seminary, he maintains a studio for private instruc- tion. Many of his students have acquitted themselves with credit and distinction in the other institutions of the Northwest, thus demonstrating the thoroughness of his teaching. Professor Mc- Fadden married Miss Bernice M. Langworthy, the daughter of Lucius H. Langworthy, of Dubuque, and they reside at 606 West Third street.
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HENRY P. LEMPER, of Dubuque, is a native of the state of Illinois, his birth occurring at Galena, December 6, 1869, the son of A. J. and Catherine ( Mumm) Lemper. The father was a cooper by trade, and after attending the public schools of Galena, Henry P. Lemper learned that occupation under his father's tutelage. For five years thereafter he worked at his trade in Waterloo, Iowa, then returned to Galena and until 1907 was associated in business with his father. In that year he was elected city treasurer of Galena and held the office one year. Mr. Lemper then came to Dubuque and purchased the grocery business of his sister, Mrs. George A. Piffner, and in the adjoining building opened a buffet, the first in Dubuque to operate under the Mulct law, and he has since con- ducted both these establishments with unusual success. In 1907 his mother passed away and was buried in Galena, and since then the elder Lemper has made his home with his son in Dubuque. Henry P. Lemper is unmarried ; is a member of Eagle Lodge (Galena), the State Liquor Dealers' Association, the Grocerymen's Association, and is one of Dubuque county's progressive citizens. In religious views he is an adherent of the Roman Catholic faith, as were his parents before him, and affiliates with the Holy Ghost Church.
GEORGE TRAUFLER, who for years engaged in general farming and stock raising in Dodge township, Dubuque county, Iowa, and who now is living a retired life in the city of Dyersville, was born in Independence, Iowa, August 1, 1865, the son of Nicholas and Margaret Traufler. Nicholas Traufler was a native of Germany and came to America in 1855. He first located at Chicago, then at Dubuque, Iowa, and later at Independence, Iowa, where he fol- lowed his trade of blacksmith. He then located on a farm of 320 acres in Bremer county and operated same until 1904, at which time he retired and came to Dyersville, Iowa, to pass his remaining days. By hard work he accumulated a competency. He passed away September 22, 1910, aged eighty-seven years. His wife died February 4, 1899, at the age of seventy-two years, and both are buried in St. Francis Cemetery at Dyersville. The following named children were born to them: Margaret, who married J. W. Shields: Nicholas, sheriff, of Virginia City, Montana; Catherine, residing at Chicago: Anna, the wife of James Maron, farmer, of Jackson Junction, Winneshiek county, Iowa; George, subject of this sketch; and Elizabeth, who married Fred Farwell, creamery manager and contractor. George Traufler attended the public schools of Dayton township, Bremer county, Iowa, until sixteen years old, and then remained at home assisting his father until 1898. He then bought a farm of 194 acres in Dodge township, Dubuque county, near Dyersville, where he resided until his retirement. Although practically retired from the active cares of life, Mr. Traufler is not altogether idle. doing some teaming in Dyersville.
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He is a Democrat in politics, a Catholic in religion, and a member of the Roman Catholic Mutual Protective Association of the state of Iowa. November 19, 1901, at Luxemburg, this county, he mar- ried Miss Elizabeth, daughter of the old pioneers, Peter and Mary Gaul. Her father came from Luxemburg, Germany, to Dubuque county, in 1845, and here secured land from the government. After a long and honorable life he died on April 15. 1894, aged seventy-two years, and was followed by his wife, April 10, 1895, at the age of sixty-two years. Both are buried in the family lot in the cemetery at Luxemburg. To them these children were born: John, a carpenter; Peter, farmer; Joseph: Henry, farmer at Luxem- burg; Nicholas, farming on homestead; Margaret, residing in Dyersville, widow of Charles Duster; Mary, died in 1903 in a wagon accident ; Clara, married John Moores, contractor in Luxem- burg; Josephine, wife of John Goetzinger, farming in Oklahoma ; Catherine, married Nicholas Clemen, farming in Dodge township; and Elizabeth, wife of George Traufler. Mr. and Mrs. Traufler have one child, whom they adopted when one year and nine months old, named Elizabeth.
DR. CORNELIUS M. STEFFENS, president of the German Presby- terian Theological Seminary of Dubuque, was born in Veldhausen, Germany, September 28, 1867, the son of Rev. Dr. N. M. and Jane (Sutherland) Steffens. The father was a native of Germany, was educated for the ministry and for a number of years prior to his coming to America was a teacher in Roberts College, Constanti- nople, Turkey. The mother was born in Dundee, Scotland, grad- uated from Edinburgh University, and was a teacher of languages in Roberts College, where she met and married her husband. For a time after immigrating to the United States the elder Steffens filled several important pulpits and later occupied the chair of theology in the German Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Du- buque. He is now professor of theology in the Western Theolog- ical Seminary, Holland, Michigan, where he and his wife reside .. Their son, Cornelius M., was prepared for a collegiate education and entered Hope College, Holland, Michigan, graduating there- from in 1892 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Three years later he was granted the degree of Master of Arts from that insti- tution, succeeding which he studied two years in the Moody Biblical Institute, Chicago, and three years in the Western Theo- logical Seminary at Holland, Michigan. He was ordained in 1895, and created Doctor of Divinity by Lenox College, Hopkinton, Iowa, and Coe College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1905. In June of the year 1904 he was elected to his present position as head of the German Presbyterian Seminary, and as such has proved an impor- tant factor in the upbuilding of that institution. He has written numerous articles on religious topics, etc., for various publica-
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tions, and has delivered a number of notable addresses before con- ventions of Presbyterian assemblies, college convocations, etc. Before assuming his present position Dr. Steffens was for three years pastor of the Second Reformed Church of Rochester, New York, and for a like length of time was pastor of the church at Little Falls, New Jersey. His entire life has been spent in the interests of his church and in educational work. In 1897 he was united in marriage with Miss Anna Muehlendyke, daughter of A. and Mina (Zecveld) Muehlendyke, of Rochester. New York. She was educated in the high school and normal school of that city and was engaged in teaching when married to Dr. Steffens. To them one son, Ralph Sutherland, was born on April 2, 1898, now attending Lincoln school in Dubuque. Dr. Steffens has been a member of numerous associations and other meetings held in various parts of the country, and is identified with the National Teachers' Association. His residence is at 543 Third street.
BERNARD HOLSCHER, SR. With the passing of Bernard Hol- scher, Sr., March 6, 1892, Dubuque county lost one of her best and most deserving citizens and a man who bore the respect and esteem of all who knew him. He was born at Telgte, Prussian province of Westphalia, Germany, April 30, 1830, and was there educated and reared to manhood. When old enough he enlisted in the Prussian army, serving his country a number of years, and on May 5, 1857, left Bremer Harbor for the United States, with a view to making this country his future home. He landed at Balti- more, June 29, 1857, and on July 7 of the same year came to Dyers- ville, Dubuque county, Iowa. For a few months he was employed in a local lumber yard, and on January 1, 1858, in partnership with his brother, Henry Holscher. embarked in mercantile pursuits. This association continued until the death of the brother, February 21. 1883, and Mr. Holscher then continued the business alone until about 1890, at which time he disposed of his interests to his son-in- law, Joseph Pilmaier. He continued active business operations, however, dealing in grain until within a few weeks of his death. Upon the organization of the German State Bank at Dyersville, in 1886, Mr. Holscher was elected to the position of president by the stockholders, and so popular was the choice and so well did he perform his duties that the head of the institution never changed. On February 1, 1859, he was united in marriage with Miss Eliza- beth Stoeckel, who yet survives him. She was born at Zeinrierth, November 15, 1838, the daughter of Joseph and Margaret Stoeckel, and received her education in the public schools at New Vienna, Iowa. To her marriage with Mr. Holscher seven children were born, as follows: Bernard H. and Anna M., both dying in infancy ; Joseph, born October 15, 1861, died June 4, 1886: Katherine, wife of Joseph Pilmaier, she dying May 27. 1887, aged twenty years ;
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Elizabeth B., widow of Joseph Pilmaier, she dying September 3, 1891, aged twenty-two years, the mother of one daughter, Bertha, born May 7, 1889: Annie, wife of Henry Goerdt ; and John, capi- talist, who married Anna Kortenkamp, a niece of the first priest at Dyersville. When death halted the career of Mr. Holscher he was but sixty-two years of age, but he did much toward the growth and development of Dubuque county, and his memory will long linger in the hearts of his many friends and neighbors.
NICHOLAS MARTIN PHILLIP LENZ, of Dubuque, is a native of Germany, his birth occurring at Caub, on the banks of the River Rhine, May 24, 1854, and the son of Philip Egelbert and Christina ( Villman) Lenz. The father was a musician and dancing teacher by occupation. Nicholas Lenz was educated in the public schools of his native country, and in 1881 immigrated to America, coming to Davenport on July 17 of that year. He had served two years in the German army band and was associated with his father in teaching music and conducting a vineyard. He took a course in free-hand drawing in Germany, and after coming to the United States he studied photograph developing in Davenport, Iowa, and on June 15, 1887, opened his present studio in Dubuque, doing all kinds of photographie work. On May 14. 1891, he married Miss Anna Stuber, daughter of John S. Stuber, of Dubuque, and to them have been born: Louise, April 22, 1893, Audubon school graduate ; Norma, February 14, 1895, attending high school; and Edward John, attending high school, born August 17. 1896. Mr. Lenz is one of the representative business men of Dubuque, is a member of the Germania Veteran's Society, the Saengerbund, Modern Woodmen of America and the Modern Brotherhood of America, being an ex-vice-president of the first named organization. In politics he is a Democrat with socialistic tendencies, and resides with his wife and family at 2266 Jackson street. His studio is located at 1338 Clay street.
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