USA > Iowa > Muscatine County > History of Muscatine County, Iowa, from the earliest settlements to the present time, Volume II > Part 11
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Henry F. Giessler was reared at Wilton and received his preliminary educa- tion in the public schools. As a boy he evinced unusual taste for intellectual pursuits and after reaching manhood was matriculated in the State University of Iowa at Iowa City, from which he was graduated with the degree of A. M. in 1878. After leaving the university he taught school for a short time and then returned to his alma mater and entered its law department, from which he was graduated in 1880 with the degre of LL. B. He was admitted to the bar the same year and began practice at Vinton. In 1881, however, being at- tracted to the banking business, he became assistant cashier of the Union Bank at Wilton and in 1883 assumed the duties of cashier of the Carroll County Bank at Carroll, Iowa. In 1886 he organized the Bank of Oakley, at
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Oakley, Kansas, and continued at its head until 1901, when he came to Musca- tine as vice president of the German-American Savings Bank, of which he has been serving as president since 1905. This institution was organized July I, 1899, with a capital stock of sixty thousand dollars. It flourished from the beginning and is now capitalized at one hundred thousand dollars. It is known as one of the stanch financial institutions of the city and is patronized by many of the leading business firms.
On the 23d of June, 1887, Mr. Giessler was united in marriage to Miss Kate Pentzer, a native of Wilton and a daughter of Rev. Jacob and Martha (Countz) Pentzer. Mr. and Mrs. Giessler are members of the Presbyterian church. He is identified with Iowa Lodge, No. 2, A. F. & A. M .; Washington Chapter, No. 4, R. A. M .; De Molay Commandery, No. I, K. T .; and Kaaba Temple, N. M. S. Politically he is in sympathy with the republican party and while in Kansas served for six years, from 1895 to 1901, as a member of the state legis- lature, being a member of that body at the time he left the state. Had he de- voted his attention to law he would have gained a high place at the bar, but having become interested in the banking business he has perhaps been equally useful on account of his ability as an adviser in financial matters. He owes his present standing to perseverance and good judgment, combined with the strictest honor and integrity-characteristics which seldom fail to lead to deserved success.
JOHN C. FRENZEL.
Within the last half century the German element in America has assumed a prominence in every walk of life scarcely equalled in the history of nations. It is also a remarkable fact that the majority of German-born American citizens are self-made men, having won their way through many difficulties to the posi- tions of responsibility which they occupy. To this class belongs John C. Frenzel, who proved his patriotism by fighting for the Union and who has demonstrated his business ability by becoming the owner of one of the fertile and productive farms of Muscatine county.
He was born in Germany in 1837. At the age of nine years he came with his parents to America and continued under the parental roof until 1862, when he enlisted in Company C, Thirty-fifth Iowa Volunteers, for a period of three years and participated with his regiment in many of the important battles and engage- ments of the Civil war. He was present at the siege of Vicksburg and at the battle of Nashville, and after being honorably discharged and mustered out of service at Davenport, Iowa, came to Muscatine county and rented the old home- stead for six years. At the end of this time he removed to a farm near Wilton, where he continued for three years and then for eleven years cultivated a place near Dicebridge. Having made good use of his opportunities, he was now pre- pared to purchase land on his own account, and in 1887 he bought the home- stead, which comprises two hundred acres in Moscow township. He has greatly improved the place by the erection of buildings and fences, the planting of trees
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JOHN C. FRENZEL AND FAMILY
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AS CR, LENOX AND T TEN FOUNDAT ONS.
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and the careful cultivation of the soil, so that today it is one of the desirable properties in the township.
In 1870 Mr. Frenzel was united in marriage to Miss Anna E. Hucke, who was born on the 14th of January, 1849, and came to America in 1857 with her father, who located in Muscatine county. Of this union four children were born, namely : George M., deceased; Henry C., at home ; Emma, deceased; and Katharine E., the wife of Ira Creiner, of Muscatine county.
Mr. Frenzel gives his support to the democratic party and has served most acceptably for two years as township assessor. He and his estimable wife are connected with the Lutheran church and are stanch believers in its doctrines. They are widely and favorably known in the community because of their genial qualities and their willingness to assist in any movement that aims to promote the general welfare. Mr. Frenzel has justly gained a high standing in his locality as one of its most trustworthy and substantial citizens.
THOMPSON & THOMPSON.
Ralph U. and Herbert G. Thompson, brothers, constitute the well known law firm of Thompson & Thompson, of Muscatine, and in the professional circles of the city they have won notable distinction, their ability being indicated by the fact that they are retained.as counsel for the defense or prosecution in most of the important cases tried in the courts of this district.
They are sons of William B. and Maria (Barnett) Thompson, the former a native of Louisa county, Iowa, and the latter of Steeple Chase, England. The paternal grandfather, William Thompson, was a native of Ohio but was of Scotch descent. His father also bore the name of William and, coming to Iowa, spent his last days in Louisa county, where he died when more than eighty years of age. William Thompson, the grandfather, was a railroad contractor in early life but became one of the pioneer residents of Iowa, settling in this city when it was a part of the territory of Wisconsin. He went to Louisa county with his father in 1834 and took up twenty-seven hundred acres of government land, after which he devoted his time and energies to farming and cattle-raising. He died in Louisa county in 1902, at the venerable age of eighty-two years, while his wife, who bore the maiden name of Jane Shellabarger, was about eighty- one years of age at the time of her death.
They reared a large lamily including William B. Thompson, who was reared upon the homestead farm in Louisa county and devoted his energies to the work of tilling the soil and caring for the crops until the outbreak of the Civil war, when he enlisted in Company A, Seventh Iowa Infantry, with which he served as a private for two years. He was wounded at the battle of Resaca and was discharged on account of his injuries. For a time he was in a hospital at Lex- ington, Kentucky, afterward in an Indiana hospital and subsequently in a hos- pital at Keokuk, his wounds necessitating hospital treatment for a year and a half. He took part in a number of the hotly contested engagements of the war and when he had recovered his health resumed his education as a student Vol. II-6
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in Western College at Toledo, Iowa, from which he was graduated in due course of time. He afterward pursued a post-graduate course in the State University at Iowa City and later engaged in teaching school for ten years. He next turned his attention to the insurance business, holding the general agency of various companies. In the early period of his life he gave his political support to the republican party but afterward became a democrat.
William B. Thompson wedded Maria Barnett, a daughter of Alfred Barnett, a native of England, who engaged in the manufacture of lime in that country. After crossing the Atlantic to America he settled at Silver Creek, New York, where he operated some large lime kilns for a number of years. About 1845 he came to Iowa, settling in Iowa City, where he followed contracting and build- ing until the last few years of his life, which he spent in Louisa county, passing away when more than eighty years of age. He, too, was a soldier of the Civil war, belonging to the famous Gray Beard Regiment of this state. Unto him and his wife were born several children, including Alfred T., Simeon, Sarah, Maria, Hattie and Mary. It was Maria Barnett of this family who became the wife of William B. Thompson, and by their marriage were born five children : Harry C., a resident of Chicago; Ralph U. and Herbert G., of this review; and William and Elizabeth, both of whom died in early childhood. The eldest son is prominent in musical circles, being a composer and arranger of music. He has played with the Innis, Kryll, Thauvius and Brooks bands, which have world- wide reputations and has also been connected with St. Paul's Symphony and the International Grand Opera Company orchestras.
Mrs. Thompson was married twice, her first husband being Thomas John- son, who was killed while serving as a soldier of the Civil war in 1861. There were two children of that union, Frank A. and Carrie, the latter the wife of Nicholas J. Lenz, of Muscatine.
Ralph U. Thompson, senior member of the well known law firm of Thomp- son & Thompson, was born in Louisa county, Iowa, October 29, 1878, and when ten years of age came with his parents to Muscatine. Here he attended the public schools and afterward continued his education in Leverich Normal School and in the University of Iowa, wherein he prepared for a professional career, being graduated from the law department with the class of 1903. The same year he was admitted to the bar.
Herbert G. Thompson, junior partner of the firm, was born in Louisa county, December 31, 1880, and has lived in Muscatine county since eight years of age. He, too, attended the public schools and the Leverich Normal and pursued the collegiate and law courses in the State University, being graduated from the law department in June, 1903. At that time he was admitted to practice in the state and federal courts. At the same time the two brothers joined their father in opening a law, loan and real-estate office under the firm name of W. B. Thompson & Sons. Following their father's death, which occurred March 8, 1906, they discontinued the real-estate and loan departments and have since devoted themselves successfully to the practice of law, in which they have secured an extensive clientage.
On the 9th of June, 1902, Ralph U. Thompson was married to Miss Gertrude M. Carter, a daughter of Robert and Agnes Carter. He is a member of the
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Methodist church, while his wife is a Catholic in religious faith. He belongs to the Improved Order of Red Men and to the Sons of Veterans.
On the 5th of July, 1902, Herbert G. Thompson wedded Miss Ida B. Pepler, a daughter of Edward Pepler, and they have two children, Willis Bruce and Marie Meredith. Mr. Thompson is a Methodist, while his wife belongs to the Episcopal church. She was born in Johnson county, Iowa, where her parents, who were native of England, settled at an early day. Both her father and mother, however, are now deceased. The former was a soldier of the Civil war and was prominent in the public life of Johnson county, where he served as justice of the peace for many years. Unto him and his wife were born seven children, Thomas, Edward, Lydia, Carrie, Lucy, Ida and Jane.
Herbert G. Thompson, like his brother, is prominent in fraternal circles and is now serving as deputy great sachem of the Improved Order of Red Men of Iowa. He also holds membership with the Knights of Pythias, the Elks and the Sons of Veterans. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party, and he served as city attorney of Muscatine during the years 1909 and 1910. He is now filling the office of county attorney. The two brothers live together on their father's old homestead, where they have resided for twenty-two years. They are successful lawyers, are diligent students of their profession, and in their careful and thorough preparation of their cases is found one of the strong elements of their success.
GEORGE B. JACKSON.
There are certain qualities which are indispensable elements of success. Industry, perseverance and sound judgment ever constitute the foundation upon which prosperity is builded and, possessing these qualities in large measure, George B. Jackson is steadily working his way upward to a prominent position among the business men of Muscatine, being now president of the Jackson Motor Car Company, conducting an extensive garage and also engaging in the sale of automobiles at the southwest corner of Iowa avenue and Fourth street. He is one of the native sons of Muscatine, his birth having occurred on the 28th of November, 1851.
His parents were Peter and Nancy (Cox) Jackson, the former a native of Scotland and the latter of Indiana. The paternal grandfather, William Jack- son, spent his entire life in the land of hills and heather, where he died when. more than sixty years of age. Unto him and his wife were born four sons and a daughter: James; William, who died in Scotland; Margaret, the deceased wife of Douglas Velie; Peter; and Alexander. The maternal grandfather of George B. Jackson was of Scotch-Irish lineage and became an early settler of Muscatine county. His family numbered four daughters, including Nancy, Elmira and Mrs. John Kane. The first named became the wife of Peter Jackson. who had learned the cabinet-maker's trade in Scotland and came to America in 1837. In the fall of the following year he made his way westward to Mus- catine, which at that time was little more than a trading post on the frontier.
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In 1839 he took up his abode here permanently and established a general store, which he continued for a few years, also acting as local steamboat agent. He then became cashier of the Merchants Exchange Bank, which later changed its name to the First National Bank. For a long period he filled that position and his business ability, enterprise and intelligently directed effort contributed in substantial measure to the growth and successful development of the bank. He died in 1901 at the venerable age of more than cighty-four years. His first wife passed away in 1855 when about thirty-three years of age. He later mar- ried Miss Christiana Sinclair. There were three children of the first marriage: Isabel, who died in early womanhood; Marie, who passed away in infancy ; and George B., of this review. There were four children born of the second marriage: Henry, who passed away in infancy ; Douglas Velie, of Muscatine; Charles P., also of this city ; and Anna Mable, the deceased wife of Milton H. Patten, of Des Moines.
George B. Jackson now makes his home in the block in which his birth occurred. He attended the public schools, passing through consecutive grades until he became a high-school student. After the completion of his education he entered business circles as clerk in a general store and carefully saved his earn- ings until he acquired sufficient capital to enable him to engage in business on his own account. In 1881, therefore, he established a dry-goods store, which he conducted with success for twenty years, or until 1901. In the meantime he had increased his stock to meet the growing demands of his trade, for his pro- gressive methods and honorable dealings brought to him a constantly increasing patronage. For two years he lived retired and then turned his attention to the electrical supply business. In 1905 he became interested in the automobile busi- ness and in 1909 built the fine garage at the corner of Iowa avenue and Fourth street, where he is still located. He handles some of the standard makes of machines and also conducts a storage and repair department. His business in this connection has become extensive and profitable, indicating the careful man- agement and progressive spirit of Mr. Jackson.
On the 9th of June, 1875, Mr. Jackson was united in marriage to Miss Clementine Hague, who was born in Mansfield, Ohio, a daughter of Thomas and Lucinda (McColm) Hague, natives of Virginia and Indiana respectively. Her father was captain of a steamboat on the Ohio river and was drowned at St. Louis. Her mother survived him and after the Civil war came to Musca- tine where she died when more than seventy years of age. There were two children of that marriage, Clementine and William. Mrs. Hague married a second time, becoming the wife of the Rev. W. T. Watkins, and they had two children, May and Frank. Mr. Watkins also passed away and his widow became the wife of W. D. Ament, of Muscatine.
Mr. and Mrs. Jackson have one child, Bruce P., who is now a partner with his father in the automobile business. He married Miss Ethel Epperly and they have one son, George B. The parents are members of the Congregational church and Mr. Jackson belongs to lowa Lodge, No. 2, A. F. & A. M .; Wash- ington Chapter, No. 4. R. A. M .; De Molay Commandery, No. I, K. T .; Webb Council, R. & S. M .; Zarephath Consistory. S. P. R. S .; and Kaaba Temple, N. M. S. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he keeps well
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informed on the questions and issues of the day, although he does not seek nor desire public office. His worth is well known and his fellow townsmen esteem him highly for in all of his business career he has closely adhered to strict com- mercial ethics, winning his success by honorable and persistent purpose.
EDWARD MUNSON WARNER.
Edward Munson Warner, who in his professional career has given proof of his ability to cope with the intricate and involved problems of law, has practiced continuously in Muscatine since 1891. While his devotion to his client's interests is proverbial he never forgets that he owes a still higher allegiance to the majesty of the law and is never unmindful of the fact that there are certain things due to the court, to his own self-respect and above all to justice, which neither the zeal of the advocate nor the pleasure of success permits him to disregard. Throughout his entire life he has been a resident of Iowa, his birth having oc- curred near Bellevue, Jackson county, November 18, 1858. Comparatively little is known concerning the ancestral history of the family, owing to the early death of the paternal grandfather, David Warner, who passed away in Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, where he was following the occupation of farming. His widow long survived him and reared their family of ten children.
This number included Paul Warner, who was born in the Keystone state and in his youth learned and followed the tanner's trade, but in early manhood took up the occupation of farming, to which he ever afterward devoted his energies. In 1852 he came westward to Jackson county, Iowa, and in 1861 removed to Jones county. He died there in 1901 in his seventy-sixth year. He had for four decades been a representative farmer of that community and his well directed labors brought him success in the business which he chose as a life work. He held membership in the Presbyterian church, of which his widow is yet a member. Mrs. Warner bore the maiden name of Mary A. Hanna, and was also a native of Pennsylvania. Her father, Edward Hanna, was born in the Keystone state, was of Scotch-Irish descent and was a farmer by occupa- tion. He was twice married and lived to an old age. Mrs. Warner now makes her home in Monticello, Iowa. By her marriage she became the mother of three sons and three daughters, namely: Alicia, the wife of Robert Clark, of Scotch Grove, Iowa; Sarah J., of Monticello, Iowa; Edward M., of this review; Henry F., also of Monticello; Mary E., who died at the age of sixteen years; and William B., of Scotch Grove.
Edward Munson Warner was reared upon a farm in Jones county, Iowa, and the district schools provided him his educational privileges up to the time when he entered Lenox College at Hopkinton, Iowa, from which he was graduated with the class of 1881. He then taught school for one term and afterward studied law in the office of the Hon. F. O. Ellison, now judge of the district court in Cedar Rapids. On the 14th of May, 1884, he was admitted to the bar and the following year opened an office in West Liberty, Iowa, where he engaged in practice until 1891. For nineteen years, however, he has been a member of
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the Muscatine bar and is now accorded an extensive and representative clientage. He has gained a high place in his profession by hard work. Well versed in the learning of his profession and with a deep knowledge of human nature and the springs of human conduct, with great shrewdness and sagacity and extraordinary tact he is in the courts an advocate of great power and influence. Both judges and juries always hear him with attention and deep interest.
On the 23d of January, 1883, Mr. Warner was married to Miss Jennie S. Belden, a daughter of Thomas and Susan (Carter) Belden. Mrs. Warner is a native of Hopkinton, Delaware county, Iowa, as was her mother. Her father, however, was born in New York and became one of the early settlers of Dela- ware county. He died, however, while his daughter Jennie was an infant. Mrs. Belden long survived, passing away in November, 1904, when about seventy years of age. By her first marriage she had two children, Thomas L., and Jennie S. After the death of her first husband she became the wife of Rev. S. H. Merrill, and they had one son, Horatio Merrill. Mrs. Belden was the daughter of H. A. Carter, a New England farmer. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Warner have been born two children: Mabel E. and Charles Paul.
The parents are members of the Presbyterian church, of which Mr. Warner is serving as a trustee. His fraternal relations are with the Knights of Pythias, the Elks, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Modern Woodmen, and in all of these organizations he is regarded as a valued as well as popular representative. In politics he is an independent democrat. He served as county attorney for two terms, beginning in 1891, and for one term he was mayor of West Liberty. His official duties. have been discharged with a singleness of purpose that has greatly promoted the public welfare. He prefers, however, to concentrate his energies upon his law practice, which he regards as abundantly worthy of his best efforts. He is faithful to every interest committed to his care and while at times his presentation of his case is marked by a persuasive elo- quence, his arguments are based upon the facts in the case and the law applicable to them. In this he displays a comprehensive knowledge of the principles of jurisprudence.
JOHN F. DEVITT.
John F. Devitt is actively connected with the profession which has important bearing upon the stable prosperity of any community. Earnest effort, thorough and systematic study and strong powers of analysis have been important elements in his success, gaining for him a creditable position among the able lawyers of Muscatine, where he is practicing as junior partner of the firm of Horan & De- vitt. His birth occurred in De Witt, Clinton county, Iowa, May 24, 1867, his par- ents being John and Bridget (Foley) Devitt, both of whom were natives of County Tipperary, Ireland. The paternal grandparents spent their entire lives on the Emerald isle, where they reared two of their three children, one having died in infancy. Those who reached mature years were John and Minnie. The for- mer spent his youthful days as a farm boy in Ireland and on coming to America
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made his way into the interior of the country, settling in Clinton county, where he followed railroad work for a number of years. There he died in 1874, when about fifty years of age. In early manhood he had wedded Bridget Foley, whose parents always remained residents of Ireland. Unto this marriage there were born five children, two sons and three daughters: John F., of this review ; Anna, the wife of James Thornton, of De Witt, Iowa; Margaret, a trained nurse, also of De Witt; Nellie, the wife of Albert Johnson, of Chicago; and James A., a law- year of Oskaloosa, Iowa. The mother of these children passed away when about forty years of age, dying a year prior to the death of her husband. Both were consistent members of the Roman Catholic church.
In the county of his nativity John F. Devitt spent the period of his minority and resided upon a farm between the ages of twelve and twenty years. After attending the district schools he continued his education in the De Witt high school, from which he was graduated in 1888. He determined upon a profes- sional career and hoping to find the practice of law both congenial and profitable, he became a law student in the State University of Iowa, from which he was graduated with the LL. B. degree in 1891. The same year he was admitted to the bar and formed a partnership with a former classmate, Lawrence J. Horan. They opened an office in Muscatine on the ist of August, 1891, and for more than nine- teen years have continuously practiced in this city. 'A' liberal share of the business of the courts has been accorded them and they have been connected with much important litigation. Mr. Devitt closely studies every phase of a question that is involved in the trial of a case and his retentive memory enables him to cite prin- ciple and precedent. He also marshals the points of his case with the precision of a military commander and gives to the most important point its due relative prec- edence.
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