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 93
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CHARLES PITSCHNER, secretary and treasurer of the Dubuque Mattress Company since 1898, is a son of Charles and Ernestine Pitschner. The father came to Dubuque from Cincinnati, Ohio.
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in 1856, and for years conducted a retail grocery establishment in this city. He died in September, 1901, aged seventy-three years, and was followed by his wife in 1902, at the age of sixty-five years. Both are buried in the Center Grove Cemetery. Until sixteen years old Charles Pitschner attended the local public schools, then was employed as shipping clerk in the furniture establishment of Wull- weber Brothers, later becoming traveling salesman for the firm. In 1884 he became associated with the Dubuque Mattress Com- pany as a traveling salesman and secretary, and in 1898 was also elected treasurer, holding all these positions at the present writing. Mr. Pitschner is identified with the Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained the rank of Knights Templar. On December 23, 1896, in Dubuque, he was united in marriage with Miss Jessie Kam- muller, and to them two children have been born: Karl, attending Lincoln school, and Doris Elizabeth, also a student in that institu- tion. Mrs. Pitschner is the daughter of Louis and Martha Kam- muller, early settlers of Dubuque county. The father passed away in 1881, followed by his wife in 1902, and both are at rest in the family lot in Linwood Cemetery. Mr. Pitschner and family reside at 46 Winona avenue.
ANTON W. FERRING, vice president of the Schroeder-Kleine Grocer Company, Dubuque, since 1905, is a native of this city and the son of J. P. and Anna Ferring. J. P. Ferring was born and reared a subject of the German Empire and at an early date came to America, locating in Dubuque, Iowa. Here he engaged in the wholesale grocery business as a member of the firm of Rumpl, Hosford & Ferring, located on Main street, since dissolved, and was thus connected until his death in 1892, aged fifty-two years. Mrs. Ferring is also deceased, and both are buried in the Mount Olivet Cemetery. Anton W. Ferring was born on June 17, 1879, and was educated in the local public and parochial schools, gradu- ating also from the Dubuque High School. Immediately there- after he entered the employ of the Schroeder-Kleine Grocer Con !- pany, remaining about three weeks in the office and then taking up the sales end of the work. He gradually mastered the details of the grocery business and in 1905 purchased an interest in the con- cern, at which time he was elected to his present position of vice president. He is also a director of the corporation. In political affairs he is independent, voting for the man regardless of party affiliation, and socially is a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, being at present exalted ruler of the latter organization. On September 25, 1907, in Dubuque, Mr. Ferring was united in marriage with Miss Mar- garet Murphy, daughter of the pioneers, John S. and Anna Murphy. Mr. and Mrs. Ferring are members of St. Raphael's Cathedral and reside at 322 Bluff street.
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GEORGE P. SMITH, manager of the Western Grocer Company, Dubuque, since 1908, was born in Warren county, Pennsylvania, April 15, 1863, the son of C. H. and Martha J. Smith. C. H. Smith was prominent among the early members of the medical profession in Warren county, where he practiced for twenty years and later removed to Mason City, Iowa, where he remained active in his profession for thirty years, or until his death in February, 1909, aged seventy-two years. His wife passed away in 1903 at the age of sixty-five, and both are buried at Mason City. George P. Smith was primarily educated in the public schools of that city and later attended the high school. He then entered the State University of Iowa, where he remained until his twentieth year. He then established himself in the boot and shoe business in Mason City and was thus engaged from 1883 to 1894, then disposed of his interests and for about two years followed fruit raising in Cali- fornia with some success. He then returned to Mason City and in 1895 founded the Mason City Grocer Company, which he later sold to the Letts-Spencer-Smith Company, and which was after- wards merged into the Western Grocer Company, of which he is a director. Mr. Smith still retains extensive real estate interests in and around Mason City. In 1908 he established in Dubuque his present concern, located at the corner of First and Main streets, and has been thus connected ever since. He is an independent Repub- lican in politics and, while residing in Mason City, served as alderman from his ward. He is a Knight Templar Mason and a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. To his marriage with Miss Jennie A. Calkins, solem- nized in Oswego county, New York, on February 7, 1889, one daughter, Margaret C., now attending Dubuque High School, has been born. This branch of the Smith family came originally from Great Britain and has resided in America for many generations. Mr. Smith's residence is located at 1592 Locust street, Dubuque.
DANIEL E. MAGUIRE, since 1903 engaged in the general practice of law in Dubuque, with offices at 302 Security building, was born at East Dubuque, Illinois, July 31, 1877. He was reared there and in 1896 was graduated from the Dubuque High School. For about five years thereafter he remained at home, teaching for two years in the neighboring schools and assisting his father on the farm and in the store in East Dubuque. Having decided to make the study and practice of law his life's work, Mr. Maguire, in 1899, entered the legal department of the Iowa State University, and was duly graduated therefrom in 1903 with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. He immediately returned to Dubuque and embarked in the general practice of his profession, at which he has since successfully con- tinued. He is a member of the local order of Eagles, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Knights of Columbus and St. Patrick's
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Roman Catholic Church. On June 24, 1908, at Chicago, Mr. Maguire was united in marriage with Miss Alice G. Quinlan, daughter of John and Catherine Quinlan, the former a conductor on the Illinois Central railroad. Mr. and Mrs. Maguire reside at 427 South Alpine street, Dubuque.
WILLIAM B. MARTIN, since 1904 commissioner of the Dubuque Shippers' Association, with offices in the Bank and Insurance building, was born at Ypsilanti, Michigan, March 26, 1868, the son of William B., Sr., and Sarah Frances ( Thompson) Martin. The Martin and Thompson families have resided in America many generations, the mother's people coming to this country as early as 1701. She died on September 4, 1870, and is buried at Ypsilanti. During his active business career William B. Martin, Sr., engaged in mercantile pursuits, but for the past six years he has been retired from the active business cares of life and resides with his son in Dubuque. William B. Martin, the immediate subject of this review, was primarily educated in the public schools of his native city, later attending the State Normal School and Shattuck Military Academy at Faribault, Minnesota. For a time thereafter he was associated in business with his father, but in 1887 entered the general offices of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company at St. Paul, where he remained until 1890. The follow- ing year he entered the employ of the Chicago & Great Western Railway Company and remained thus connected for fourteen years. In 1897 he was promoted to the position of freight auditor and held that position until 1901. His next advance was to the assistant general freight agency, which position he held until coming to Dubuque. Socially Mr. Martin is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Dubuque Club, being at present secretary of the latter organization. In politics he is independent. On January 20, 1892, at St. Paul, Minnesota, he was united in marriage with Miss Rosa F. Wurst, daughter of Henry Wurst, who died at Fort Yates, North Dakota, in 1885. To Mr. and Mrs. Martin one daughter and one son have been born, named Ada M., attending Visitation Academy, and Wallace O., now in high school. The family home is at 88 Winona aventie.
MATHEW C. CLANCY, of the Clancy Transfer Company, located at 356 Iowa street, Dubuque, since 1900, is a native of Dubuque county and the son of Patrick and Ann Clancy. The father was born in Ireland and came to the United States when but ten years old. He located in Dubuque in 1846 and resided in this city until his death, which occurred on November II, 1902. He was a Democrat in politics, serving as alderman from his ward six years, and a Roman Catholic in religious faith. Mrs. Clancy yet survives him and resides at 115 Bluff street. Patrick Clancy was the organ-
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izer of the Clancy Transfer Company and carried on the business up to the time of his death, since which time his sons. Mathew, John. Thomas and Charles. have successfully continued. Robert, Kate and Annie were the other children born to Mr. and Mrs. Clancy. Kate married J. A. McDermott, of Minneapolis, and Annie became the wife of the late Thomas Healy, and at present resides with her mother. Mathew C. Clancy, the immediate subject of this review, primarily attended the local public and parochial schools. and finished his education with a course in St. Joseph's College, which he left when nineteen years old. He then assisted his father until the latter died, after which time, in partnership with the above mentioned brothers. he continued the business. He is a Democrat in politics and for eight years has served as alderman from his ward, and in religious views is a member of St. Raphael's Cathedral. On August 12. 1878, in Dubuque, Mr. Clancy was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Jamieson, daughter of George and Mary Jamieson. pioneers of the county. Her father died by accident in 1862. and was followed by his wife in 1902. aged sixty-eight years. Nine children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Clancy, named William, who died when eight years old; Ethel, died at the age of three: Harry A., conductor on the Illinois Central railroad, a graduate of Bayless Business College : Patrick M., brakeman on the Illinois Central road : George C., now attending the State Military School; Raymond H .. attending school at Marion, Iowa: Dorance M., attending Cathedral School: Lo- retta. the wife of S. Brim. merchant tailor, of Winona, Minnesota : and Catherine. a graduate of the Sister's Academy and residing with her parents.
FRANK P. KUTSCH. for the past sixteen years general foreman of the sheet metal department of the Peter Klauer Manufacturing Company, was born in Dubuque. June 9, 1858, and has known practically no other home. Nicholas and Helene Kutsch, his par- ents, came to Dubuque about 1850. and here for many years the father followed his trade of carpenter. He is now living in Du- buque, retired from the active cares of life. his wife dying in 1895, at the age of sixty years, and is now buried in Mount Calvary Ceme- tery. Frank P. Kutsch received his education in the local public and parochial schools, which he left when fourteen years old, and then was apprenticed to Mr. Peter Klauer. He remained with the concern upon its incorporation, and as occasion warranted was advanced step by step until he became general foreman of the sheet metal department, his present position. Mr. Kutsch is a Democrat in politics and a member of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in religious views. Socially he is identified with the Catholic Order of Foresters and the Aloysius Benevolent Society. On May 5, 1885, in Dubuque. he was united in marriage with Miss Anna Wiesebeck.
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and they reside at 2044 Jackson street. Mrs. Kutsch is the daughter of George and Anna Wiesebeck, early settlers of Dubuque county, her father dying at Spring Valley, Minnesota, and the mother in 1906, and both now lie at rest in Dubuque.
ALFRED L. CLARK, manager of the Clark Rolling Awning Com- pany, 224 Iowa street, Dubuque, since 1900, was born in Syracuse, New York, August 2. 1845. Warren and Elizabeth Clark, his parents, were of English and Irish descent, respectively, but both branches of the family have resided in America many generations. Warren Clark was a carpenter contractor and machinist by trade and followed this for years in Dubuque. He came to Dubuque in 1852, via Galena and Plattville, and died in East Dubuque in 1893 at the age of sixty-five years. His wife followed him in 1901, aged seventy-one. Alfred L. Clark, the subject of this sketch, attended the public schools until eighteen years old. In the fall of 1863, in answer to President Lincoln's call for volunteers, he enlisted for the preservation of the Union, but was recalled by his parents. This took place on three different occasions and he managed to remain in the service of his country until the close of that memo- rable struggle. He participated in various battles and skirmishes and was present at the battle of Nashville as corporal. At the close of the war he came to Dubuque and spent two years in completing his education. He then learned the carpenter trade with Hender- son & Brandt, architects and contractors, succeeding which for two years he was engaged in the manufacture of picture frames, learn- ing also gold gilding and stands today as the only man in Dubuque who can do this class of work. In 1871 the firm of Lyons & Rice failed in business, and the following year Mr. Clark, with the assistance of R. M. Hamlin, bought out the concern. Mr. Hamlin furnished the money and Mr. Clark managed the business, and their success was such that in time Mr. Clark was enabled to buy Mr. Hamlin's interest in 1875, and for two years thereafter con- tinued alone. In 1877 Mr. J. C. Gregoire was admitted to partner- ship, but two years later Mr. Clark sold out to his partner and began traveling. From 1879 to 1899 he was engaged in the art business in Dubuque, and in the fall of the latter year, in partner- ship with A. A. and W. F. Cooper, embarked in the awning busi- ness. This association was dissolved about two months and a half later, and the Clark Roller Awning Company was organized. This concern has been unusually successful in its business operations and is one of the solid and substantial commercial houses of Dubuque. Mr. Clark is the general manager and a director. He is the in- ventor of thirty-one different ingenous contrivances, among which are the roller awning patents and rope fire escapes which have been endorsed by fire commissioners and legislatures. His last invention was the new idea railroad car truck. Mr. Clark is a Republican in
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politics, and although he has been requested to run for office on various occasions has always refused, preferring to confine his attentions to private business affairs. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, the Woodmen of the World, Dubuque Traveling Men's Association, the Knights of Pythias, Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks and the Episcopal Church. He was married in Dubuque, October 6, 1874, to Miss Emma Melhop, daughter of John and Rebecca ( Wiening) Melhop, and two daugh- ters have been born to them, named May and Grace. May is a graduate of Dubuque High School and resides at home ; Grace mar- ried W. H. Glasser, of Dubuque. Mrs. Clark was a daughter of John and Rebecca Melhop, who were among the earliest pioneers of the county. Her father was a native of Germany, where he engaged in the wholesale grocery business, but in 1837 located in Dubuque, Iowa, and farmed until his death on November 1, 1901, aged eighty-four years. His wife died April 9, 1900, aged seventy- three years, and both are buried in Linwood Cemetery.
FREDERICK C. BURDT, of the contracting firm of C. Burdt & Son. was born in Dubuque, Iowa, April 6, 1872, and is a son of Christian Burdt, whose active career here as a contractor and builder for nearly half a century has made his name one of the most familiar in this section of the country. Christian Burdt came from Mecklen- burg, Germany, to Dubuque in 1859, and he has had to do with the erection of such noted structures as the Sacred Heart College at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, the public school and bank buildings in East Dubuque, a large number of buildings at Sumner, Iowa, the Carr, Ryder & Adams factory, the Couler avenue car barns, the Dubuque Club, the first Sacred Heart church, the Holy Ghost Convent, the Thill double store building, numerous public and parochial school edifices and scores of imposing dwellings. Fred- erick C. Burdt is a graduate of Sacred Heart College at Prairie du Chien and the Bayless Business College. He began his business career in a minor capacity in his father's office and step by step mastered all the details incident to the building and contracting industry. For a time he was in the employ of a large contracting firm in Chicago, but for the most part has been associated in busi- ness as a partner of his father. The sinking of the battleship Maine in Havana harbor and the subsequent declaration of war between the United States and Spain, led to his enlistment. He saw active service on the Island of Cuba and in the trenches before Santiago, then returned to his native city, which has since been the headquarters for his extensive building operations. Mr. Burdt is a member of the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, the Catholic Order of Foresters, the Modern Woodmen of the World, the Wood- men of America, the Knights of Pythias, and is an independent Republican in politics. On September 12, 1900, Miss Mary E.
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Eberhard became his wife, and to them four children have been born: Erwin C., born July 9, 1901 ; Alwin C. J., born October 20, 1902; Melvin F., born December 2, 1907; and Milita M., born July 5, 1910. Mrs. Burdt is the daughter of Joseph and Mary Jane Eberhard, who came to Dubuque in 1855.
ARTHUR M. CONZETT, secretary-treasurer and a director of the Iowa Dairy Company since its incorporation in 1906, is a native of Dubuque, a son of Otto and Catherine Conzett and grandson of Lucius Conzett. The latter immigrated to America from Switzerland with his family in 1835, locating in Dubuque, Iowa, and here died in 1896 when eighty-four years of age. Otto Conzett came to this country with his parents, learned the harness maker's trade, which he followed for many years, and is now living in Dubuque retired from the active cares of life. Arthur M. Conzett was born on July 14, 1878, and until seventeen years old attended the local public schools. He then, in 1895, joined his father in conducting the Key City Dairy Company and continued thus until, in partnership with Andrew Fletsch and Henry J. Jackson, he organized the Iowa Dairy Company. This concern is the largest of its kind in the state of Iowa, and through the excellent management of the above named gentlemen has become one of the solid and substantial business establishments of the city. They transact an immense amount of business annually : in one year they receive 1.780.866 pounds of crean1 and 2,929,648 pounds of milk for bottling purposes. Mr. Conzett is a Republican in his political views and affiliates with the Westminster Presbyterian Church. On June 3. 1908, in ยท Dubuque, he was united in marriage with Miss Josephine Nicks, daughter of Nicholas P. and Mary Nicks. and one daughter, Mil- dred Marie. was born to them on July 23. 1909. Mr. and Mrs. Nicks are among the pioneer settlers of the county. the former at present serving as deputy sheriff. The Conzett home in Dubuque is located at 2279 Jackson street.
HORACE F. BUNKER, president of the Dubuque Art Glass Com- pany, Dubuque, is a native of England, born January 18, 1879. at Lenton, Nottingham, the son of Henry and Rebecca Bunker. The family immigrated to America in 1886, locating for three years on a farm in Winnebago county, Illinois, and then removing to Rock- ford. There the father resided until 1909, at which time he came to Dubuque and has since made this city his home. Horace F. Bunker was educated in the Rockford public schools, and when fifteen years old entered the employ of the National Mirror Works with a view of learning thoroughly the business. He remained with this concern nine years. five years of which he was foreman, then went to Chicago, Illinois. and for five years was assistant foreman for the Chicago Mirror & Art Glass Manufacturing Company. He
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then came to Dubuque and in June, 1909, founded the Dubuque Art Glass Company, of which he has been the active head since the incorporation. Mr. Bunker, by reason of his long connection with the glass manufacturing business, has thoroughly mastered the details of that line of endeavor, and largely through his manage- ment the concern of which he is the head has become one of the solid and substantial commercial houses of the city. In politics he is independent, voting for the man rather than the party. On April 18, 1900, he was united in marriage, at Chicago, with Miss Jennie Downing, and to them three daughters have been born, named Lilly Louise, Jane, attending Lincoln School, and Helen Rebecca. Mrs. Bunker is the daughter of John and Elizabeth Downing, residents of Cascade. The Dubuque Art Glass Company employs in the neighborhood of thirty men and transacts business all over the United States.
REV. PETER O'MALLEY, pastor of St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church, Dubuque, since 1898, is a son of John and Nora (Ken- nedy ) O'Malley, and descended from an old Irish family. The parents were farmers in the old country and there died and were buried. Peter O'Malley, the immediate subject of this memoir, was born in the city of Limerick, February 8, 1866, and was primarily educated in the Jesuit College at that place. He early decided that his life had best be spent in the service of the Master, and accordingly in 1883 he entered St. Patrick's College, Thurles, County Tipperary. On June 24, 1890, at Maynooth, he was form- ally ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Walsh, of Dublin, and in September of that year came to America and Dubuque, Iowa, and until March, 1892, was assistant priest in St. Patrick's Church. His next mission was at St. Theresa's Church, Jackson county, Iowa, and due largely to his efforts a fine brick edifice was erected at Lamotte, that county. There he remained until called to Dubuque as pastor of St. Anthony's Church to succeed Father Kenny. His teachings and labors in this community have been of the highest order and much good has been brought about by his able ministrations. He erected a new church and school house and has improved the pastorage. Father O'Malley stands very high in the estimation of the citizens of Dubuque county.
THE RT. REV. ROGER RYAN, vicar general of the archdiocese of Dubuque, and on whom also the high church title of monsignor was bestowed in 1896, is a native of Cashel, County Limerick, Ireland, and the son of John and Ellen (Coffey) Ryan, whose ancestry can be traced in a direct line for a period of 1,500 years. Both father and mother lived and died in their native country. Father Ryan was born on April 6, 1842, and after attending the parochial schools finished his scholastic training with a six years'
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course in Mount Melleray College, County Waterford, Ireland. He early determined to study for the priesthood and to spend his life in the service of the Master. In 1868 he crossed the Atlantic ocean to America, and on March 13, 1869, was formally ordained to the priesthood. Shortly thereafter he came to Dubuque, Iowa, and for a time was associated with St. Raphael's Cathedral, later being transferred to St. Patrick's parish, where he has since continued and become endeared to the hearts of all who know him and listen to his able ministrations and teachings. Dubuque county owes a good deal to the efforts of Father Ryan. He not only built the imposing St. Patrick's Church edifice, pastorage and school, but was one of the most instrumental in bringing about the erection of St. Joseph's College, an institution whose influence in the behalf of education and moral uplifting has been felt all over the Middle West.
HARKER BRENT SPENSLEY, senior partner of the long established firmn of Spensley & Spensley, was born March 7, 1875. at Mineral Point, Wisconsin. His parents, John and Mary Spensley, for many years resided at Mineral Point, where the father was engaged in the lead smelting business. The mother, a daughter of Robert Waller, who came to America in 1820 and to Dubuque in 1830, is descended from an old English family whose members were prominent in affairs of the old country. When six years old Harker Brent Spensley came to Dubuque to be educated, and after attending the public schools entered and in 1904 was gradu- ated from the high school. This was supplemented by a course in the legal department of the State University at Iowa City, from which institution he was duly graduated and granted the degree of Bachelor of Laws. He immediately returned to Dubuque and has, since 1896, been engaged in handling a general line of investments. Mr. Spensley is also a director of the Dubuque Opera House. In politics he favors the policies of the Republican party, and in religious views is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, in which order he has attained the rank of Knight Templar Mason, and of the Knights of Pythias. On May 8, 1907, at Pasadena, California, he was united in marriage with the great-granddaughter of Col. D. E. Lyon. To Mr. and Mrs. Spensley one child, Ann, has been born, now living at home with her parents.
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