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 83
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JOHN P. KIRCHEN, SR., is one of the best-known men in Du- buque county, and has probably contributed as much good to future generations as any man within its borders. He was born in Nie- deranven, Grand Duchy Luxemburg, in 1840, a son of Nicholas and Susanna (Snyder) Kirchen, and was there reared to man's estate. He received superior educational advantages in his native land, also in France, and when twenty-one years old came to the United States and for two years taught school at Granville, Wisconsin. He then engaged in mercantile pursuits at Dubuque, Iowa, but after a short time removed to Cascade, which place has since been his home. For a great many years Mr. Kirchen has followed the profession of school teaching in Dubuque county, serving twenty- three years as teacher at Dyersville, and many men here and else- where who have become prominent in the various walks of life received from Mr. Kirchen their educational start in the world. A devout Catholic in religion, he conceived the idea that a journal devoted to the cause of the church would accomplish much good that could not otherwise be obtained. He founded the Katholischer Waechter in June, 1896, which has obtained a large circulation and a flattering recognition among the religious publications of the country. Mr. Kirchen, in 1870, married Catherine Ernster, who was born in Cascade township in 1855. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Kirchen are: Charles Nicholas, born December 14, 1871 ; Susanna Theresa. October 9. 1873; John, Jr., August 12, 1876; Henry Joseph, March 4, 1879, died March 5, same year ; Josephine Angela, March 13. 1881 : Emma, March 15, 1886, and John Nicho- las, June 24, 1888.
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DR. ORESTES A. BROWNSON, one of the youngest of Dubuque's successful medical practitioners, is a native of this city, his birth occurring October 22, 1884. He is the son of Dr. John J. and Mary G. Brownson, the father being one of the pioneer men of his profession in Dubuque county. After attending an elementary school our subject, Orestes A. Brownson, further pursued his studies at St. Raphael's Academy in Dubuque, and the Jesuit College at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. Inheriting much of the natural apti- tude and liking for the medical profession from his father, he sub- sequently entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at St. Louis, Missouri, and was duly graduated therefrom in 1906 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He served a one year's interne- ship in the Jefferson Hospital, St. Louis, and was also an associate- interne for a time in St. John's Hospital there. Following this he returned to his native city, and for some time remained in his father's office, where he was enabled to learn much not taught in previous schooling. He then opened an office of his own at the corner of Windsor and Eagle Point avenues, which he has since maintained. Dr. Brownson has made a specialty of the study of surgery, and recently took a post-graduate course in that branch of the profession at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Chi- cago. He is a member of the Dubuque County Medical Society, the Iowa State and American Medical associations, and is examin- ing physician for the Foresters, Modern Woodmen of America, and the Bankers' Life Insurance Company. He is also physician for St. Francis' Orphanage at Dubuque. In politics the doctor is a Democrat, and in religious views an adherent of the Roman Catholic faith. He is an ardent sportsman and during his vacations spends the time in hunting and fishing; he also takes an active interest in all branches of athletics, many of which he indulged in while at college. Although young in years, Dr. Brownson has attained an enviable reputation among the men of his profession, and he is highly respected in the community where he resides.
HARRY BARMEIER, well-known resident of Dubuque, is a native of the State of Indiana, born October 30, 1871, and the son of Bernhard and Henrietta Barmeier. After attending the public schools Harry Barmeier entered the University of Illinois, but was forced, because of very poor health, to leave same before grad- uation. But he finally recovered his health and took up the study of music, for which he had a great liking, and has since been a member of numerous musical organizations. In 1893 he came to Dubuque from Indianapolis and has since continuously resided in this city, taking an active part and interest in local affairs of im- portance. Shortly after coming to Dubuque Mr. Barmeier, owing to his interest in the field of sports, was appointed chief deputy Fish and Game Warden, which position he creditably filled for
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eight years. He is the author of the present hunters' license law. and was one of the organizers of the Iowa Fish and Game Pro- tective Association, the first convention of which was held in Du- buque, and has been first vice president of the organization since its inception. Mr. Barmeier had the written support of the leading fishermen and hunters of the state for the appointment of Game Warden, but was disappointed by Governor Carroll owing to his active support of Warren Garst's candidacy for Governor. He also for a time served as deputy State Milk Inspector, but resigned from this position. Mr. Barmeier has taken great interest in local affairs of importance and has the respect and esteem of all who know him. His residence is located at 414 Garfield avenue.
FRANK M. JAEGER, engaged in the general hardware and sport- ing goods business in Dubuque under the firm name of F. M. Jaeger & Co., is a native of this city and the son of the old pioneer, Francis Jaeger. Francis Jaeger was born in Dubuque, July 18, 1842, the son of Adam and Margaret Jaeger, who came here three years before by steamboat from New Orleans. He received his educa- tion in the local public schools, and early in life became interested in and learned merchandising. He subsequently became one of the organizers of the John Ellwanger Company, the D. C. Glasser Tobacco Company, and a director of the Dubuque High Bridge Company. He is a Roman Catholic in religion, a member of St. Mary's church, and for over thirty years has resided in his present ยท residence on Walnut street. After attending the Dubuque public schools, Frank M. Jaeger, son of Francis Jaeger, learned the hard- ware business under his father, and is at present engaged in that line of endeavor under the firm name of F. M. Jaeger & Co. This concern was established in 1860 at the present location by John McClay, who conducted it until 1880, succeeding which for five years Messrs. Schreiber and Conchar were the owners. They in turn disposed of it in 1885 to Messrs. Reinfried and Leckie, and two years later Francis Jaeger purchased the Leckie interest. Ten years later Mr. F. M. Jaeger acquired the Reinfried interest, and since that time has conducted it on his own account under the above mentioned firm name. The firm carries a full and complete line of general and builders' hardware and sporting goods. In 1893 Mr. F. M. Jaeger was united in marriage with Miss Rose Lorenz, who was born in Dubuque May 10, 1871, the daughter of R. Lorenz, and to them one daughter, Dorothy, was born on October 9, 1901. now attending Visitation Academy. Mr. Jaeger is one of Du- buque's representative men, is independent in politics, a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic church, and of the Dubuque Club, Commercial Club, Elks, Catholic Order of Foresters, is vice presi- dent of the Iowa Game Protective League, and for many years
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has been secretary of the Dubuque Gun Club. The family home is located on Prairie street.
LAWRENCE MOLONEY was a prominent figure among the pioneer settlers of Dubuque. He was born in Ireland, about the year 1819, and when about ten years old his parents immigrated to the United States, arriving in Dubuque shortly after the Black Hawk Pur- chase. Young Lawrence was thrifty and industrious, and before he reached the age of manhood had acquired a good business educa- tion, though there were no schools in those days. He had several brothers and sisters, all or nearly all of whom acquired homes in Dubuque and vicinity. Lawrence, soon after attaining his majority, commenced accumulating property on every favorable opportunity. He erected a three-story brick building on the south half of the lot now occupied by the A. A. Cooper building, corner of Third and Main streets, which he used for a general store several years. In the meantime General Gehon bequeathed him considerable land. and a smaller bequest was made by a Mr. Slater. These bequests were made in testimony of the high esteem in which those gentlemen held Mr. Moloney. In 1849 he married Miss Maria Quigley. Three children were the fruits of the union: Mrs. Kate Sullivan, of Du- buque county ; Mr. John Moloney, and Mrs. Nellie Thompson, of North Yakima, Washington.
The great financial boom that struck Dubuque in the year 1855 caused a rapid advance in all kinds of property, especially real estate, and. as Mr. Moloney owned large tracts, his wealth increased rap- idly. In 1856 he was rated as being worth $250,000; that year he conceived the idea of tearing away the frame building adjoining his store, on the north side, and erecting in its stead a three-story brick building. He was offered $30,000 for the ground, including the brick store, which he occupied, but he concluded to build. He could see his way clear without going in debt, and he felt that with the property clear he was running no risk. The workmen, however, in excavating for the foundation, undermined the north wall of the store, and it had to be taken down. This changed the plans and very materially added to the expense. The building was completed about the time the panic of 1857 struck Dubuque. Real estate, rents and nearly everything else, except money, went on a slide. Money could not be realized, chiefly because there was but little of it in the country. The paper money was rendered worthless by the failure of the banks and the gold and silver was needed in New York City, where it was sent to pay debts. Mr. Moloney borrowed $10,000 from Mr. Corwith, banker, of Galena; this run at 10 per cent for five years, when the mortgage was foreclosed, and the house that cost $55.000 and the ground for which he had been offered $30,000 sold for this sum with interest. Mr. Moloney died in 1864, leaving an estate consisting of considerable land, most of which was taken
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to satisfy a claim made by the E. Shine Estate. Mr. Moloney was a gentleman of many fine qualities. Wealth made no change in his demeanor. Without pride or vanity, he was dignified and courteous to all, with habitual self-possession and self-respect, as well as honest and honorable in all his dealings.
DR. ALBERT HERMAN BLOCKLINGER has for the past ten years been actively identified with the general practice of medicine in Dubuque. A native of this city, he was born November 26, 1868, the son of Gottfried Joseph and Ursula (Hilti) Blocklinger, the father being a native of Sargens, in the canton of Saint Gall, Switzerland, and the mother of Grabs, in canton of Saint Gall. They came to America and Dubuque at an early date and here their son, Albert Herman, received his early education in the Audubon and Fifth Ward public schools, subsequently also graduating from the high school here. Possessing a natural liking for the medical profession, our subject determined early in life to make it his life's work, and accordingly entered and in 1894 was duly graduated from the Iowa State Medical School with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. The doctor began the practice at La Motte, Iowa, where he remained six years, and then took a post-graduate course in internal medicine at Vienna, Austria, receiving a diploma from the institution there. In 1901 he returned to Dubuque, immediately embarked in the general practice of his profession and has since continued, with the exception of the year 1905, when he again went abroad and further pursued the study of internal medicine at Vienna, Berlin and Berne. Previous to this, however, in 1904 lie took a course in electro therapeutics in Chicago. He is a member of the American, Iowa State and Dubuque County Medical associations, being president of the latter at this writing, and is now delivering a course of lectures in the Dubuque County schools. He has contributed extensively to various papers and medical magazines, and has written articles which have been read before and approved by medical societies. He is a recog- nized authority on X-ray work. Aside from his profession, the doctor is identified with the Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained the thirty-second degree, and also is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Foresters. In religious views he is a Pres- byterian and in politics an independent Republican. He is an ex- member of the Iowa National Guard, formerly an officer of Com- pany A, and has attained high rank among the members of the medical profession in Dubuque County.
On November 25, 1903, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Ellen Hodgdon, the only daughter of General Hodgdon, who was one of Dubuque's pioneer attorneys, having begun practice here in 1853.
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TIMOTHY SULLIVAN, of Dubuque, is descended from one of the old and hightly respected families of Dubuque County. Timothy Sullivan, his father, was a native of County Cork, Ireland, and his mother, Mary ( Mehan) Sullivan, of the State of Pennsylvania. The father immigrated to America in 1843 and for two years worked in the coal mines of Pennsylvania. He then came to Dubuque County and here resided until his death. Timothy Sul- livan Jr., was born in Dubuque Township, this county, on March 25, 1858, and received his education in the public schools of Center- ville and in St. Patrick's Academy, Dubuque. He remained on the home farm until twenty-eight years old and then married Miss Katherine Moloney, daughter of Lawrence Moloney and a niece of P. J. Quigley. To them five children were born, all of whom are residing at home, as follows: William A., Frank, Clarence, Robert and Amy. Mr. Sullivan is the owner of 400 acres of land in Dubuque Township, known as "McKnight's Springs," 200 of which is under cultivation, and also has thirty fine milch cows, selling milk and cream to the Dubuque markets. He has always taken an active interest and part in public affairs; from 1901 to 1904 he served as county supervisor, from 1904 to 1908 as county clerk of District Court, and as a Republican has served as delegate to sev- eral State conventions. Socially he. is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Woodmen of the World and the Yeomen, carrying insurance in all of these orders. The Sullivan family are staunch adherents of the Roman Catholic faith, affiliating with St. Patrick's Church, and are among the first people of the county.
BERNARD SCHULTE, deceased, founder of the cut stone contract- ing firm of B. Schulte & Son, was born in the Prussian Province of Westphalia. Germany, October 29, 1832, and was a son of Stephen and Theresa Schulte, both of whom died in the old coun- try.
Mr. Schulte emigrated to America in 1854 and located in Dun- leith, now East Dubuque, Illinois, where he worked at the trade of stone cutting until after the close of the Civil War. In 1867 he came to Dubuque and engaged in the cut stone contracting business for a period of twenty-two years. One of his early stone contracts was the Cathedral Parochial Residence. He then founded the firm of B. Schulte & Son, which he lived to see become one of the fore- most cut stone contracting firms in the middle West.
Mr. Schulte was a Roman Catholic in religion and a Democrat in politics, but never participated in public affairs to any extent, preferring to confine his attention wholly to private business mat- ters.
He married Anna Clara Becker, daughter of Fred and Clara Becker, her father being a mercantile dealer in Germany, and to
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their union were born these children: John J., Katie, George, Mary, Valentine.
On July 13, 1900, Mr. Schulte passed away, and with his death Dubuque lost one of her best citizens.
Mrs. Schulte is yet living and makes her home in this city.
John J. Schulte, now senior member of the B. Schulte & Son cut stone contracting concern, is a native of Dubuque and a son of Bernard and Anna Clara (Becker) Schulte. He was born July 29, 1861, and received his education in St. Mary's Parochial School and local colleges. He then went with the father and learned the contracting business thoroughly and in 1890 was admitted into partnership.
On October 30, 1888, Mr. John Schulte was united in marriage with Miss Mary Anna Holscher, daughter of Henry Holscher, of Dyersville, Iowa, and to them the following children were born: Julius B., Henrietta, Helen, Mildred, Bernard and Marion.
The family are of Roman Catholic faith and affiliate with the St. Mary's church.
George G. Schulte, of the B. Schulte & Son cut stone contracting firm, was born in Dubuque, April 5, 1871, and is a son of Bernard and Anna Clara (Becker) Schulte. He received his education in the Parochial School and colleges and immediately thereafter learned the contracting business and in 1898 was admitted to the B. Schulte & Son stone contracting firm.
On October 18, 1898, Mr. George G. Schulte was united in mar- riage with Miss Mary T. Heles, daughter of John and Pauline Heles, and to this union the following children have been born: George N., Orestes, J. P. and Marie H.
The family are of Roman Catholic faith and affiliate with the St. Mary's church.
In 1902, after the death of B. Schulte, John J. and George G. Schulte assumed the interest of B. Schulte and have ever since been thus connected in conducting a constantly increasing business.
The concern is regarded as one of the able and substantial houses of the city, and many fine homes and public buildings have been erected by them. Among the most important are : The Pike County Court House at Pittsfield, Illinois : the Manchester Court House of Delaware County, Iowa ; the Decorah Court House of Winneshiek County, Iowa ; the United States Postal Savings Bank Building of Decorah, Winneshiek County, Iowa, now being constructed; the Mount Clemens (Michigan) Post Office ; the First National Bank of Dubuque, Iowa; the First National Bank of Riceville, Iowa ; the Bank of New Glarus, Wisconsin; the First National Bank of Independence, Iowa; the Conservatory of Music, St. Josephs; Dubuque Infirmary, Dubuque, Iowa; Chapel at Mount Olivet ; Chapel of Mount Calvary ; F. D. Stout residence, Dubuque ; N. J. Schrup residence, Dubuque, and many others.
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CHARLES E. LEIGH, living a retired life in Dyersville since 1905, was born a subject of the British Crown, birth occurring at Exeter, County Devonshire, on September 10. 1830. The Leigh family is descended from old English stock, and Edward Manley Leigh, father of Charles E., was a Tory. He married Miss Mary Ann Bailey, who was also of English extraction. Charles E. Leigh at- tended the public schools of his native country until eighteen years old, then studied civil engineering and for two years was connected with the South Devon Railroad. He came to America by way of New York City in 1852 and immediately came West to Dyers- ville, Iowa. He purchased a 250-acre farm in Dodge Township, which he conducted until 1857, then accepted a position as agent on the Dubuque Pacific Railroad, now part of the Illinois Central System. In 1859 he went West on a surveying trip for that road, but six months later returned to Dubuque County and bought a 181-acre tract of land near Dyersville. In 1876 he moved into the city of Dyersville and was elected Justice of the Peace, holding that office for fourteen years. In 1890 he retired from the active cares of life and has since resided in the city. He is a Democrat in poli- tics, has held all public offices in Dodge Township and has served as a director on the Board of Education. He is a member of the Legion of Honor, and in religious views is an Episcopalian. On November 3, 1855, Mr. Leigh was united in marriage with Miss Martha Kerle, daughter of Joseph Kerle, deceased, one of Dubuque County's pioneers. To Mr. and Mrs. Leigh thirteen children have been born, the following named yet living: Edward Henry, farm- ing at Thomson, Winnebago County, Iowa; Augusta Mary, wife of Joseph Burton, of Chicago; Dr. Joseph F., dentist at Evanston, Illinois ; Dr. Charles Lloyd, dentist at Davenport, Iowa; Martha Mabel, wife of D. W. Armstrong, of Dyersville; Alice May, wife of Dr. J. E. Waterhouse, dentist at Lansing, Iowa; and Rose Blanch, residing at home. Mr. and Mrs. Leigh celebrated their golden wedding in 1905 at Evanston, Illinois, and in 1910 their fifty-fifth anniversary. They are highly respected by all who know them.
FREDERICK WEIGEL was born in Wurttemberg, Germany, October 27, 1819, and while but a youth, at the age of eleven came to this country with his parents and three sisters, landing in America in September, 1830. They located first in the State of Pennsylvania, but their residence there was of short duration and subsequently they moved to St. Louis, where they resided for a period of two years, removing to the city of Dubuque June 3, 1833. Here at that time reigned in solitude the primitive forest and virgin prairie, a wild and desolate country where but a short time before their arrival dominion was disputed only by the wild beast and un- tutored savage. In this wild country they were obliged to seek
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shelter in the best way they could, and took up their abode in the southern part of this lonely place, the place where they located being near where the Seippel Lumber Company now has its place of busi- ness. Mr. Weigel and his father's family endured the hardships and trials that all pioneers were obliged to pass through in culti- vating and building up a wild country, but they possessed that thrift, enterprise and energy so characteristic of the early pioneer. and by their efforts, wisdom and determination helped to build a city, as if by magic, out of comparative chaos.
The family later moved to what is now known as Sixth and Iowa streets, where the business place of Berg & Briggs is now located. Here they built a log house and the land in the entire block between what is now known as Sixth and Seventh and Main and Iowa streets was cultivated in corn and other vegetables. Sev- eral years later Mr. Weigel, Sr., purchased a farm near Bloody Run, but Mr. Frederick Weigel, preferring a business career, re- mained on the farm but a short time. As civilization improved prospects for business were brighter and more promising and Mr. Weigel decided to build a flour mill; accordingly he went to Cin- cinnati in 1848 to purchase the material necessary for this mill. It took some weeks to get the machinery, and when Mr. Weigel re- turned he learned that Booth and Nadeau were contemplating en- gaging in the same business and were planning to build a mill directly opposite the site purchased by Mr. Weigel; now the de- mand at this early period for two flour mills was not great enough, and the outlook for Mr. Weigel was anything but promising, but possessing that spirit and energy and unconquerable determination of the man of that day, he was not to be defeated in his enterprise and built his mill after the Booth Mill was completed. His mill was known as the Key City Flour Mills. He was obliged to keep his machinery running day and night in order to compete with the owners of the other mill. His business, though so discouraging at first, proved a success and later he sold his mill and engaged in the pork packing business and also in real estate. He erected a building on the northeast corner of Sixth and Main streets, where the National Clothing Store now stands. The lower part of this build- ing was used for store rooms and the upper story was used for office purposes. It was in these offices where many of our most prominent and successful lawyers and judges began their careers. Mr. Weigel at that time constructed a number of buildings in and about the city and Dubuque began to grow. In those early days, where so much had to be accomplished in building up a city, the early pioneer must be able to live above the stormns of adversity ; determination, thrift and energy had to be intimately interwoven with stability and advancement. Mr. Weigel never looked for a decline in interest, strength nor ambition, but possessed that komm
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foresight which was of intrinsic value to the men of that day. He was elected a member of the City Council several times on the Republican ticket and was nominated for mayor of the city on two occasions, but his business interests would not permit him to enter into the city's politics to a great extent.
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