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 95
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Phoebe married Samuel Elmer, August 10, 1848, and they had twelve children, seven of whom are living: Susan (Weineke), Daniel, Emma (Trumbull), Charles, Frances (Engler), Florence, and Minnie (Goodfide). Christiana married Peter Christman No- vember 27, 1846; they had eleven children, seven of whom are living: John, Fred, Ida (Nienstedt), Peter, Charles, William, and Emma (Manson).
Mr. Healey died in 1878; Mr. Elmer, June 18, 1895; Mr. Christ- man, January 14, 1896. The three sisters reside in the city of Dubuque, aged eighty-seven, eighty-five and eighty-three years, respectively.
JOSEPH W. NEWBURGH, one of the oldest living residents of Dubuque, and who for nearly fifty years has conducted a contract- ing painting, paper-hanging and decorating establishment in this city, was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, January 13, 1840, the son of Fred W. and Caroline (Oenrichihaus ) Newburgh. The father was a native of Pennsylvania and the mother of Germany The father's father came from Holland at an early date and partici- pated in the War of 1812. Joseph W. Newburgh was educated in the district schools of his native county and early in life turned his attention to painting. For a time thereafter he worked at his trade
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in Cleveland, Ohio; then in Canada, and subsequently at Detroit, Chicago, Janesville and Galena until 1863. when he located perma- nently in Dubuque. He opened an office here as a contracting painter, paper-hanger and decorator, and ever since has been a resi- dent and foremost business man of Dubuque. His business in- creased as time passed and spread to neighboring cities, but of recent years Mr. Newburgh has confined his operations largely to this city. His services are in such demand here that he has but little or no time for work elsewhere. In Dubuque the name New- burgh is synonymous with "the best there is in his line." He holds the enviable reputation of being the second oldest business man in continuous management under the same name in Dubuque, and has conducted his affairs with his own sign over the door for over forty-eight years. Mr. Newburgh is the second oldest living mem- ber of the Dubuque lodge of the Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained the rank of Knight Templar Mason, and is also the second oldest member of Harmony Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. For many years he has also been identified with the Knights of Pythias. In political views he is a Republican, but. although always taking an active interest in public affairs, has never aspired to hold office, preferring to confine his attention to business affairs. In 1860 he married Miss Elizabeth Brendell, of Galena, Illinois, the daughter of John Brendell, and to them these children have been born: Carrie, now Mrs. Homer E. Jackson; Charles, in glass business at Chicago, and Albert, associated in business with his father. Mrs. Newburgh was born in November, 1840, and she and her husband have lived happily together for over fifty years. They have long been inactive members of St. Luke's Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. and Mrs. Newburgh are among Dubuque's best citizens and are highly respected and esteemed by all who know them.
ROBERT W. QUINLAN, engaged in the grocery and buffet busi- ness in the city of Dubuque, was born in Sinsinawa, Grant county, Wisconsin, April 18, 1869, the son of Henry and Margaret (Len- ham) Quinlan. During his active business career Henry Quinlan was a grocer and buffet operator, and at an advanced age he passed away at his home in East Dubuque, where his widow still resides. Robert W. Quinlan received his early education in the public schools, later taking an electrical course with the Scranton Corre- spondence School, and for twenty years thereafter was employed as operator and electrician by the Western Union and Postal tele- graph companies and the Board of Trade. He came to Dubuque in 1905 and purchased his present establishment, located at 1091 White street, and has since been thus successfully engaged. In 1894 he was united in marriage with Miss Danglemeyer, of East Dubuque, and one son. Robert Joseph, was born to them on March
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26, 1910. Mr. Quinlan is a Democrat in national political views, but in local affairs prefers to cast his vote for the man, regardless of party affiliation. Socially he is identified with the Eagles, Ori- oles, Woodmen of the World, Owls and the Liquor Dealers' and Grocerymen's associations. Although always taking an active in- terest in local affairs of importance, he has never held office, prefer- ring to confine his attentions to private business.
EDMUND A. LINEHAN, prominently identified with the retail drug interests of Dubuque, was born in this city, October 26, 1873. the son of Dennis W. and Mary A. (Cox) Linehan. Dennis W. Linehan was of Irish nativity, born in 1840, and when ten years of age was brought to the United States by his parents, Edmund and Mary (Donovan ) Linehan, and the father for years engaged in the contracting business in Dubuque. To them were born seven children, as follows: Dennis W., November 4, 1840; J. J. ; Rev. T. M., afterwards a bishop (deceased) ; M. C .; Bart E., and Michael, both deceased, and Mrs. Mary Molo. of Dubuque. Dennis WV. Linehan eventually succeeded to his father's contracting busi- ness, and also for many years engaged in the real estate business. In 1910, owing to ill health, he retired from active participation in business affairs. Edmund A. Linehan, the immediate subject of this memoir, attended the public schools, St. Joseph School, St. Josephi's College and St. Mary's College, of St. Marys, Kansas. For three years he then was with Walton & Bieg, stationers. of Dubuque, then with Linehan & Molo three years, and also as purchasing agent for the Union Electric Company seven years. From 1906 to 1910 he served as city recorder of Dubuque, and is at present engaged in the drug business at the corner of Iowa and Twelfth streets, which establishment was formerly owned by J. J. Fettgatter. In 1904 Mr. Linehan was united in marriage with Miss Elma C. Mclaughlin, daughter of J. T. McLaughlin, of Chicago, and to them have been born: Mary Elma and Edmund John. Mr. Linehan has always been an active Democrat in his political affilia- tions, is a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Order of Foresters and resides with his family at 349 Hill street.
JAMES LEARY, of the Leary Commission Company, dealers in stocks, bonds, grain, cotton, provisions, etc .. with offices in the Bank and Insurance building, was born in County Wickford, Ire- land, August 13, 1868. He received his education in the Canadian sectarian schools, business college, and in Bishop's Academy at Montreal. He then studied telegraphy and for a number of years was employed by the Canadian Pacific and other railroads as oper- ator and train dispatcher. He later relinquished this, however, to engage in the brokerage business on the Chicago Board of Trade, being thus connected for a period of ten years. In 1902 he opened
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his present offices in Dubuque and has since made his headquarters in this city. He is independent in politics, stands high in social and business circles, and is a member of the Dubuque Club, the Elks, and the Catholic Order of Foresters. In religious views he is a Roman Catholic and a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. To his marriage with Miss Matilda St. Pierre, of Montreal, two sons have been born. namely, Walter, now attending St. Joseph's Academy, and William, a student in the public schools.
JOHN M. BYRNE was born in the city of Dubuque on May 29, 1853, the second in a family of four children born to the union of Patrick and Theresa (Hart) Byrne. The father, a native of Kil- kenny county, Ireland, came to America and Dubuque in 1850 and obtained employment as clerk in the O'Hallern grocery establish- ment. He was later elected city treasurer of Dubuque and died in 1858 while occupying that office. He was forty yaers of age when he passed away and was survived by his wife until 1878, she dying when fifty-one years old. To them four children were born, as fol- lows : one, who died on the passage across the Atlantic to the United States, unnamed; John M., subject of this review ; Joseph T. and Francis J. John M. Byrne received his education in the local public schools, succeeding which he spent six years in the L. H. Jordan sash factory. After a short connection with Patch & Waite he then established himself in the grocery business at the southwest corner of Fifth and Main streets, continuing thus two and a half years and then selling to Dunn & Collins. He and brothers then purchased of the George Wilde estate the livery establishment where the Rider- Wallis building now stands, taking charge on September 26, 1876, and conducted that business some fourteen months under the firm name of O'Brien & Byrne Brothers. In November, 1877, the Byrne brothers disposed of their interests to Mr. O'Brien, and on May 12 of the following year established themselves at Seventh and Locust streets, which barn is still operated. On May 12, 1888, they acquired the large barn and transfer house at Ninth and Iowa streets, now their headquarters, and in 1901 also purchased the Dubuque Omni- bus Company, which they have since successfully operated. John M. Byrne is a member of the Dubuque Club, the Commercial Club, St. Raphael's Cathedral and the Modern Woodmen of America.
DR. ISAAC S. BIGELOW, perhaps the oldest active medical prac- titioner in Dubuque, and a man highly respected by all who know him, is a native of Dubuque county, his birth occurring January 27, 1859, in Washington Township. He was the youngest son of Dr. Israel S. and Margaret (Bughman) Bigelow, pioneer residents of this county. The father was born and reared in Center county, Pennsylvania, and there for a time practiced medicine, but at an early date came west to Dubuque county, with the intention of
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abandoning his practice and following farming. However, when it became known generally that he was a doctor, the demand for his services became so great that he was forced to resume the practice. For a period of fifty years he was thus engaged throughout Du- buque, Jackson and Jones counties, and during this time was spared none of the trials and hardships incident to the life of the early practitioner. He kept fully alive to the leading topics of the day, and when Death halted his career in 1881, at the great age of eighty-one years, the people lost one of their best friends and the county a good and loyal citizen. His wife still survives and is now residing with her son, a kindly old lady of eighty-nine years. To their union the following children were born: Alpheus, of Boze- man, Montana ; Mrs. Anna Iong, of Iowa; Mrs. Sarah Lloyd, of Algona, Iowa; Mrs. Mary Long, of Nebraska : Mrs. Emma Seeley, of Algona, Iowa; Israel, of Bozeman, Montana: James, of Du- buque, and Dr. Isaac S., our subject. After attending the public schools Dr. Isaac S. Bigelow pursued his studies in Lenox College, and subsequently entered and in 1881 was duly graduated from Rush Medical College, Chicago, with the degree of Doctor of Medi- cine. For two years he then practiced medicine at La Mott, Jack- son county, Iowa, and in 1883 came to Dubuque, and in partnership with Dr. Benjamin McCluer ( then one of the leading physicians of Dubuque) engaged in the general practice of his profession for six years. This association continued until 1890 and since that time our subject has continued alone. He is recognized as one of the leading men of his profession in the county, and for years, by reason of conscientious practice, has enjoyed a large clientele. Dr. Bigelow is a member of the American Medical and Iowa State Medical associations, is an ex-president and ex-secretary of the Dubuque County Medical Society, and has contributed various arti- cles to medical journals, chief among which was, perhaps, "Frac- tures of Elbow Joint," which attracted wide and favorable atten- tion. He is a member of the Finley Hospital staff, and is physi- cian for the Iowa Home for the Friendless. For years he served as examiner for the Iowa State Pension Board, and was a member of the Insanity Commission. In politics the doctor is a Democrat of the Cleveland school, and socially is a Knight of Pythias and a member of the Dubuque Club. In 1887 he was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Van Duyce, of Dubuque, and to them, on April 29, 1889, was born Emily, now a graduate of the Quincy Mansion School, of Boston. The doctor is still actively and suc- cessfully engaged at his profession and, like his father before him, is a highly respected citizen of Dubuque county.
JACOB SPEILMAN, one of the venerable pioneers now residing in Dubuque, was born in Germany. April 14, 1822, the son of Mathew Speilman. He learned the trade of carpenter, joiner and builder
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under the tutelage of his father, who was extensively engaged in the contracting and building business. He came to Chicago, Illi- nois, many years ago, where he followed his trade until 1848, when he removed to Dubuque, Iowa, and has since continuously made his home in this city. His father came here at the same time, and they had their active part in the construction of many of the earlier substantial buildings of Dubuque, and some of them are still in a good state of preservation. In March, 1848, Jacob Speilman was united in marriage with Miss Carrie Walker, and to them were born nine children, eight of whom are living : Carrie, Minnie, Mary, Lena, Jacob Speilman, Jr., Frederick, David and Charles. After retiring from the active pursuit of his trade, Mr. Speilman was employed as a carpenter for a number of years in the car shops of the Chi- cago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway in Dubuque. He has been in retirement for some years, and with his wife is enjoying the peace and quiet earned by a well-spent life in their comfortable resi- dence at 534 Rhomberg avenue, Dubuque.
FERDINAND FREKING has for many years been actively identified with the farming interests of Dubuque county, Iowa. He is of German nativity, born at Oldenburg, December 6, 1856, and a son of Carl and Elizabeth Freking, both of whom lived and died in the old country. He attended the German public schools until reaching the age of fourteen, and for several years thereafter assisted his father with the work of the home farm. In 1875 Mr. Freking determined to cast his lot with the thousands of home- seekers who were constantly immigrating to the United States, and accordingly crossed the Atlantic ocean to this country, landing at New York City. He immediately came west to Dubuque county, Iowa, and for a time worked as a farm hand; then removed to Delaware county, Iowa, and farmed on rented land for seven years. Succeeding this he returned to Dubuque county and bought a tract of 160 acres of rough and unimproved prairie land in New Wine township, and this has been his home ever since. Mr. Freking erected suitable buildings on his property and is engaged in general farming and stock raising. His life in this country was begun under rather adverse circumstances, he being $4,100 in debt on his farm, but by hard work and careful saving of his money he honor- ably settled all obligations and today is regarded as one of the pro- gressive and prosperous farmers of the community. As a Demo- crat in politics, he has taken an active interest and part in local affairs of importance, and for fifteen years has served as a member of the school board. He is a Roman Catholic in religion, belong- ing to Father Pape's parish, and is a member of the Roman Catho- lic Mutual Protective Association of the State of Iowa. Mr. Frek- ing has been twice married: First to Miss Helena Glass, who died April 15. 1888, leaving two daughters, Frances and Elenora, the
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former the wife of Clemens Lunsman ; October 3, 1893, Mr. Frek- ing married Miss Francisca Oberbroeckling, daughter of the old pioneers, George and Maria Oberbroeckling, yet residing in this county. To Mr. Freking's second marriage the following named children have been born : Franz, assisting his father ; Mary, Martha, Annie, Leonetta and Catherina, all of whom are being reared in the Catholic faith.
FRANCIS XAVIER BULLINGER, who passed away January 5, 1899, at Dyersville, was one of Dubuque county's foremost citizens. A native of Bavaria, Germany, he was born December 3. 1833, and when but eighteen years of age was master of the German, French and Latin languages and a graduate of the Gymnasium at Heidel- berg. In 1854 he determined to cross the ocean and seek a home and fortune in America, and after landing in this country located for a time at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he attended St. Francis College. He then accepted a position in the postoffice of that city, succeeding which for many years he taught in the public schools throughout Iowa and Wisconsin. In 1859 he came to Dyersville, Iowa, and embarked in mercantile pursuits, at which he success- fully continued for many years. He was ever active in local affairs of importance, and when death halted his career he died in the knowledge that his whole life had been devoid of dishonorable deeds, and with the high respect and esteem of his fellowmen. On September 6, 1856, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Boeckensted, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Frank Boeckensted. She was born a subject of the German Empire, birth occurring at Steinfelf, Oldenburg, March 30, 1841, and when five years old was brought to the United States and New Vienna, Dubuque county, Iowa, arriving here on All Saints Day of the year 1846. Her mar- riage to Mr. Bullinger took place in St. Boniface Church, the late Rev. Father Jacob Orth officiating, and shortly after the ceremony they removed to Dyersville. Mrs. Bullinger was a very kindly lady and had hosts of friends wherever she was known. On May 21, 1898, she was summoned to the great beyond, and her loss was mourned generally throughout the county. To her and husband the following named children were born: John; Joseph; Lydia, born at Dyersville, educated in the public schools, a graduate of high school, taught ten years in the county schools, and after her mother's death engaged in the millinery business; and Annie, educated in the Dyersville parochial school, and now engaged with her sister in the millinery business.
JOHN W. MENKE, engaged in general farming and stock raising near Luxemburg, is a native of Liberty township, Dubuque county, Iowa. and a son of Henry and Katherina Menke. Henry Menke was born in the Prussian Province of Westphalia, Germany, and in
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1840 immigrated to the United States and came to Dubuque county. He settled on 240 acres of land in section 16, Liberty township, and here participated in the scenes and incidents prevalent in the early days. He was schooled in the lessons of thrift and economy in the fatherland, and these essential qualities for success he put into oper- ation in this country. As time passed he prospered, the first build- ings were replaced with better ones, old-fashioned implements of husbandry gave way to those of more modern manufacture, and the soil was brought to a high state of cultivation on a scientific basis. Mr. Menke was prominent and held various township offices of honor and trust, and in 1894, at the age of sixty-eight years, passed away. His widow yet survives him and resides at Bancroft, Iowa. John W. Menke was born on the old homestead, July 21, 1859, and during boyhood days attended the district and parochial schools and assisted his father with the work on the farm. His schooling was completed in his thirteenth year, and he remained under the parental roof until of age. He then bought forty acres of land in Liberty township, later adding forty more thereto, which he disposed of before purchasing his present property near Luxemburg. He has always followed general farming and stock raising. In politics he is a Democrat, in religion a staunch adherent of the Roman Catholic faith. He belongs to the Roman Catholic Mutual Protective Asso- ciation of the State of Iowa. February 8, 1881, he married, at Luxemburg, Miss Katherine Froehle, daughter of Clemens and Mary Froehle, and one daughter, Irene, who was educated in the parochial school, has been born to them. Mrs. Menke's father was a native of Oldenburg, Germany, and immigrated to America about 1845. He came to Dubuque county, Iowa, and for many years fol- lowed farming, dying in 1897 at the age of sixty-eight years. His widow yet survives him, aged seventy-nine years.
GEN. GEORGE W. JONES, one of the foremost men of Dubuque, and prominent in national and state affairs, was born at Vincennes, Indiana, April 12, 1804. In 1825 he graduated at Transylvania University, succeeding which he read law. Owing to failing health, he was advised to take up outdoor pursuits, and in 1827 located at Sinsinawa Mound, Wisconsin, seven miles from Dubuque. He served in the Black Hawk war, and under General Dodge partici- pated in the battle on the Wisconsin river when the Indians were practically annihilated. Upon the close of the war he was appointed colonel of the militia. In 1833 he was appointed a judge of the United States district court and as such attained distinction. Two years later. and again in 1837, he became congressional delegate from Michigan Territory, then embracing nearly all the Northwest, and was instrumental in organizing the territories of Wisconsin and Iowa. and was strongly recommended for governor of the former. In 1840 he was made surveyor-general by President Van Buren, a
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position he filled until removed by President Harrison for political reasons, but from 1845 to 1848 occupied the place by reappointment of President Polk. In 1848, General Jones and A. C. Dodge, both Democrats, were elected the first United States Senators from Iowa. The general was re-elected in 1853, and served till the expiration of the term, March 4, 1859, on which day he was appointed minister to Bogota. He was recalled at the beginning of the Lincoln admin- istration. Because of intimate friendship with Jefferson Davis, he was arrested and for a number of months confined a prisoner in Fort Lafayette. Intellectually, General Jones was a giant, and to enumer- ate his many public acts would fill a volume. He was original, and a pioneer in clearing the way for many of the progressive changes which have come to the country in subsequent years. When a dele- gate in congress, he secured the establishment of a land office in Dubuque and one in Burlington, and the office of surveyor-general in Dubuque ; the construction of lighthouses along the western shore of Lake Michigan; large appropriations for the improvement of public roads and the improvement of the rapids of the lower Missis- sippi river ; the purchase of large tracts of land from the Sac and Fox Indians, etc. As senator he secured for Dubuque the initial point for the river mail line between Galena and St. Paul and the carrying of the mail by a Dubuque concern, and in numerous other ways accomplished much for Iowa and Wisconsin. General Jones was a man of marked personality. Invariably courteous, especially to ladies, he was equally aggressive in advocating his cause among men. His physical courage was undoubted. His marriage with Josephine Gregoire was one of unalloyed happiness. He died July 22, 1896, aged ninety-two years, three months and ten days, and was buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery, by the side of his wife, who had preceded him several years, receiving the full rites of the Roman Catholic church, of which he was a devout member. His surviving daughter, Mrs. J. Linn Deuss, lives at 1599 Bluff street, Dubuque.
D. C. HUNTOON, a well-known resident of Dubuque, was born at Marine City, Clair county, Michigan, on August 25, 1854, and is a son of Edward and Cordelia (Wilkins) Huntoon, and grand- son of Dr. Humphrey Huntoon, who came to America during colonial days and participated in the Revolutionary war. The father was a sailor and for many years resided at Marine City, where he died in 1896, and was followed by his wife in 1903. Del C. Huntoon was educated in the public schools of his native city and later entered the State University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, from which institution he was graduated in 1876. He then took up journalism and has followed that profession ever since, a period covering thirty years. Upon coming to Dubuque he became editor of the Times-Journal, which position he has since held, and as a
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Republican in politics has served as assistant chairman of the Republican State Central Committee of Iowa. He has always taken great interest in public affairs of importance, both local and national, and has officiated in numerous public positions. Mr. Hun- toon is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in religious views is identified with the Episcopal church. On November 21, 1904, in Dubuque, he was united in marriage with Miss Annie E. Mar- shall, who was born in Dubuque and attended the Prescott school. She was the daughter of William and Sarah Marshall, the former dying February 15, 1904, and the latter February 10, 1907, and both are buried in the family lot in Linwood Cemetery.
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