USA > Iowa > Muscatine County > History of Muscatine County, Iowa, from the earliest settlements to the present time, Volume II > Part 13
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trailor's trade. After coming to the new world he settled at Vandalia, Illinois, where he conducted a tailoring business for many years. Both he and his wife lived to old age. Their family numbered but two children, Louisa and Charles, the former the wife of Jacob Braunwarth. In the years of an active business career the father of our subject made for himself an honored name and gained a creditable position in the commercial circles of Muscatine. His record remained an untarnished one to the end and his name became the synonym for business ac- tivity, enterprise and integrity. He passed from life on the evening of April 5, 1897, when more than seventy-two years of age and thus Muscatine lost one of its oldest and most esteemed citizens, one whose probity and honor were ever above question. He cared nothing for social activities and when not occupied with his business his chief delight was to spend his leisure hours at home with his family. He was a broad reader and the taste which he displayed in the selection of books was excellent. He ever warmly encouraged his children in their studies and was very anxious that they should have good educational privileges, knowing the value of thorough mental training and discipline as a preparation for life's practical work. Unto him and his wife were born seven children: Sarah, who is a prac- ticing physician, Anna, who is also practicing medicine in Chicago; Emma, who is likewise engaged in the practice of medicine ; Charles C., of this review ; Jessie ; Alice, the wife of Frank Halstead, a practicing physician of Muscatine; and William, also of this city.
Charles C. Braunwarth, whose name introduces this record, was born and reared in Muscatine and at the usual age began his education in the public schools, from which he was graduated on the completion of the high-school course in the class of 1879. When nine years of age his father gave him twenty-five cents with which to buy a bed-ticking apron and he began right then to learn the shoe- maker's trade, working in the morning and evening hours and attending school during the regular session of the day. He also worked at the shoemaker's bench on Saturdays and did not know what it was to have a holiday. He followed in his father's footsteps, obeyed his instructions and cultivated habits of industry and economy which have constituted valuable factors in his success in later years. When he was graduated from school he had his trade learned and continued to work with his father until the latter's death, after which he became his father's successor in the business that he still carries on at the old location, at No. 112 East Second street, where the business has now been conducted for almost sixty years.
In May, 1904, Mr. Braunwarth was married to Miss Anna Keck, a native of Wapello, Iowa, and a daughter of John and Anna M. Keck. Her father died in Wapello in 1898 but her mother is still living. They were the parents of four sons and a daughter, John, Fred, Henry, Louis and Anna. Mr. and Mrs. Braunwarth have become the parents of one child, Alpha Keck. The family residence is at Sixth and Linn streets, where Mr. Braunwarth owns a fine residence. He also has other city property which is the evidence of his success in the field of business which he has chosen as his life work.
He is a prominent and exemplary Mason, holding membership in Iowa Lodge, No. 2, A. F. & A. M., of which he is worshipful master ; Washington Chapter, No. 4, R. A. M .; Webb Council, No. 18, R. & S. M .; De Molay Commandery, No. I,
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K. T .; Zarephath Consistory, A. & A. S. R., of Davenport, Iowa; and Kaaba Temple of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Both he and his wife hold member- ship with the Eastern Star. Politically he is an active democrat. He greatly en- joys hunting and fishing and in collaboration with Philip Mackey has written a valuable and interesting history on hunting and fishing in Iowa, covering a period of about seventy-five years. The volume contains the names of a great many noted hunters and fishermen during that period. The success he has achieved is such as to allow leisure in which to indulge his love of sports and yet he is pre- eminently a business man, active and energetic, his well directed labors having brought him the success which is the fitting crown of his well spent years.
FRANKLIN BARNES.
Franklin Barnes, deceased, was for nearly fifty years prominently connected with the agricultural interests of Muscatine county. He gained an acknowledged standing not only as a leading farmer, but also as a man who contributed his full share toward the upbuilding of the county and in enhancing the comfort and happiness of those with whom he was associated.
Born in Knox county, Ohio, December 30, 1833. he was the son of Enos and Charlotte ( Bagley) Barnes. The father was a native of Vermont and the grand- father of New Hampshire, the family being of English descent. Enos Barnes enlisted as a soldier in the war of 1812, but was never called into service. In 1818 he removed with his family to Athens county, Ohio, and later became a resident of Knox county. By trade he was a blacksmith, and he followed that occupation in connection with farming. In 1838, believing that more favorable opportunities were presented in the great west, he made a trip to lowa and bought land on section 12, Wapsinonoc township. He returned to the Buckeye state and the next year brought his family to Iowa, where he spent the remain- der of his days. He passed away in November, 1880, having arrived at the age of four-score years. The beloved wife and mother died in 1883 at the age of eighty-three years. Both were members of the Christian church. Originally a whig, he became a republican upon the organization of that party and continued as a stanch supporter of its candidates. There were nine children in their fam- ily, of whom George, Lucy, Almon, Simeon, Gilbert, Charles and Franklin are deceased. Those living are : Amy, now the wife of the Hon. Samuel D. Chesbro, of Salt Lake City. Utah; and Diantha, the widow of J. A. Givens, of Richland, Iowa.
Franklin Barnes came with his parents to Iowa at six years of age and re- ceived his education in the district schools of Muscatine county. He was thor- oughly instructed by his father in the various details of farming and continued at home until after reaching his majority, purchasing eighty acres of land on section 17, Wapsinonoc township, in 1857. He was a man of thrifty, industrious habits and applied himself to such good purpose that he became the owner of eight hundred and five acres in Wapsinonoc township, his farm being recognized as one of the most valuable pieces of property in Muscatine county. He erected
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LISBARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDRYMAS.
FRANKLIN BARNES
MRS. ELIZABETH BARNES
THE NEWYORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDAT ONS.
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a residence which cost three thousand dollars and a barn costing two thousand dollars, and the other buildings were models of convenience. He succeeded ad- mirably as a breeder of fine hogs and horses and indeed was highly successful in any line to which he devoted his attention. In February, 1889, he retired from active life, taking up his residence at West Liberty. His widow now owns three farms in Kansas, of one hundred and sixty acres each, one hundred and twenty acres of valuable land in Wapsinonoc township and a fine residence in West Liberty.
In 1857 Mr. Barnes was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth La Rue, born in Wayne county, Ohio, and a daughter of John and Abigail (Knight) La Rue. The parents were both natives of Pennsylvania, the father being a descendant of French ancestry. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Barnes, namely : Thedora, now the wife of Robert C. Wagner, of West Liberty, a record of whom appears elsewhere in this work; Susie, the wife of George Gibson, a real- estate man of Winterset, Iowa, and the mother of four children, Ralph, Nellie, Blanche and Clarinda; Fanny L., the wife of Orris Leabhart, who is living re- tired at Tipton, Iowa, and has one son, Herman; Harry, a farmer living near Beloit, Kansas, who married Miss Bessie Rhodes and has four children : Emery, Ralph, Vernon and Dora; and Nellie, who died in 1893 at the age of nineteen years.
Mr. Barnes died in 1904 and the general expression of regret upon the an- nouncement of his departure gave evidence of the profound regard in which he was held by all who knew him. Politically, he was in sympathy with the repub- lican party and religiously he was identified with the Christian church. Mrs. Barnes is a valued member of the same church and also of the Ladies Aid So- ciety. She is a lady of kindly and benevolent qualities and is greatly respected by the entire community.
EDWARD K. TYLER, M. D.
Many accord the practice of medicine the highest rank in the classification of different lines of business according to usefulness. There is no other profession so little commercialized, for every successful physician must possess the spirit of broad humanitarianism which seeks the good of the race even at the sacrifice of personal advancement. In Dr. Edward K. Tyler are found many of the elements which go to make up the competent, capable and sympathetic physician and in his practice in Muscatine he has made substantial and gratifying progress. He has an extensive acquaintance in this county for it was in the town of Fairport that he was born on the 21st of March, 1859, and through the intervening years, with but a brief exception, he has lived in this part of the state.
His parents were William C. and Elizabeth M. (Griffin) Tyler, natives of North Carolina and Alabama respectively. His paternal grandfather was born in North Carolina, where he followed the occupation of farming. The maternal grandfather was born in Alabama, where he followed merchandising and was also the owner of a plantation and many slaves. In early life William C. Tyler be- Vol. II-1
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came the owner of a tannery and also conducted a boot and shoe store at Citron- ella, North Carolina. Believing better opportunities might be secured in the middle west, he came to Iowa in 1856, establishing his home at Fairport, where he remained until after the outbreak of the Civil war. His sympathies were with the Union and he enlisted in the famous Greybeard regiment, remaining at the front until stricken with malarial fever, which terminated his life when he was fifty- six years of age. His widow long survived him and passed away in 1908 at the advanced age of eighty-three years. Both were consistent Christian people, their membership being in the Methodist church. Their family numbered nine chil- dren, namely: William C., of Ilinois City, Illinois; Archibald G., of Muscatine ; Dr. Edward K., of this review; Henry L., of Vernon, Iowa; Mary, the wife of M. J. Kennelly, of El Dorado, Arkansas; and John K., Missouri, Elizabeth May and Charles P., all of whom have passed away.
Edward K. Tyler was reared in Muscatine county and was in the school of the soldier's orphans until thirteen years of age. He afterward attended the pub- lic schools in Muscatine and subsequently spent two years in the south. He then took up the subject of medicine in the office and under the direction of Dr. W. S. Robinson, and was graduated from the medical department of the State University of Iowa at Iowa City in 1882. He first located for practice in Illinois City, Illinois, where he remained until 1887, when he opened an office in Muscatine, where for twenty-three years he has followed his profession, maintaining a fore- most position as a prominent representative of the medical fraternity here.
On the 4th of July, 1896, Dr. Tyler was married to Miss Louise M. Hedges, a native of Marengo, Johnson county, Iowa, and a daughter of Christian Hedges. By her marriage she has become the mother of two children, Odetta M. and Dorothy L. The family residence is at No. 312 West Fourth street, Dr. Tyler having erected the home there in 1905.
He and his wife are members of the Methodist church and their many ster- ling traits of character have gained for them firm hold upon the affection of those who know them. His fraternal relations are with Iowa Lodge, No. 2, A. F. & A. M., and his political support is given to the republican party but he does not seek nor desire office, perferring to concentrate his energies upon his professional duties. He keeps in touch with the advanced thought of the profession through his membership in the Muscatine County Medical Society, the Iowa State Medi- cal Society and the American Medical Association. Original research and inves- tigation also promote his efficiency and advance him in the ranks of the medical fraternity, where he has long occupied a prominent place.
SIMON GERBERICH STEIN.
An analyzation of the life record of Simon Gerberich Stein indicates the fact that he has shaped his actions by the rules which govern strict and unswerving business integrity and indefatigable industry. It is true that he entered upon business interests already established, but in controlling and enlarging these many a man of less resolute a spirit would have failed. His record stands as.
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proof of the fact that success is not a matter of genius, as held by some, but is rather the outcome of clear judgment and experience.
Muscatine is proud to number Dr. Stein among her native sons. He was born December 12, 1861, of the marriage of Simon G. and Ann Catharine (Berntheisel) Stein, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. They had but two children, the elder being Barbara Angeline, the deceased wife of Arthur M. Barnhart of Chicago, Illinois. The surname indicates the German ancestry of the family, yet from colonial days the ancestors of our subject have lived in America. The lineage is traced back to John Sebastian Stein, who was born in Grumbach, Rheingravestein province, Germany on the Ist of October, 1696. He was the father of John Abraham Stein, who was born in 1724, and became the father of John Philip Stein, who was born in 1760. His son Abra- ham Stein, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania in 1788, and made farming his life occupation. He married Anna Barbara Gerberich, and both lived to an advanced age. They reared a family of five children : Abram G., John G., Daniel G., Barbara and Simon G. The maternal grandfather of Simon Gerberich Stein was Matthias Berntheisel a native of Pennsylvania, born in South Lebanon township, Lebanon county. He made farming his life work, thus supporting his family. He married Nancy Huber and they spent their entire lives in Lebanon county, where his death occurred when he was in mid- dle age, his widow surviving until she had reached an advanced age. They were the parents of four children: Enos, Josiah, Ann Catharine, and one who died in infancy.
Of that family Ann Catharine Berntheisel became the wife of Simon Ger- berich Stein, Sr. The latter was reared in East Hanover township, Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, spending his youthful days upon his father's farm, and acquiring during that period a good common-school education. He afterward removed westward to Ohio and subsequently became a resident of Moline, Illinois, where he was employed in the old Sears mill. In 1849 he came with a lumber raft to Muscatine, bringing a supply of lumber for the retail trade. From that time to the present the name of Stein has figured prominently in the business circles of the city and enterprise and progress here have largely been conserved through the efforts of Simon Gerberich Stein, Sr., and his son, who is also his namesake. In 1850 the firm of S. G. & P. Stein, was organized for the conduct of a furniture store, which was managed by the junior partner- Philip Stein. About the same time S. G. Stein became one of the founders of the Merchants Exchange Bank, the successor of the Isett & Brewster Bank, and the predecessor of the Merchants Exchange National Bank and later, the First National Bank. He was chosen to the presidency of the institution and remained as its chief executive, continuing as president of the First National Bank up to the time of his death. For forty-three years he was a resident of Musca- tine, and his business ability constituted a valuable feature in the growth and prosperity of the city. He quickly and correctly solved the intricate problems of banking, and yet this did not cover the scope of his business activity, for he was also prominent in the management of other concerns. He was presi- dent of the Muscatine Oat Meal Company, a director of the Muscatine Water Works Company, and vice president of the Muscatine Savings Bank. He was
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also a part owner with Captain Andrew Davidson of the old Ida May ferry boat, and was actively interested in the organization and building of what was then the Muscatine & Western Railway, now a part of the Rock Island system. In public affairs he also figured prominently, and his opinions carried weight where subjects relative to the welfare of the commonwealth were under discus- sion. In 1870 he served as one of the commissioners who had in charge the building of the state capitol. He also twice served as mayor of Muscatine, and the personal popularity reposed in him by his fellow citizens is indicated in the fact that at his second election he was made the nominee of both parties and had no opposition. His life record, which had its beginning in East Hanover township, Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, on the 7th of March, 1818, was brought to a close in Muscatine on the 11th of January, 1892. His wife, who was also a native of Lebanon county, born March 3, 1823, traveled life's journey for seventy-eight years, passing away on the 5th of June, 1901. Both became mem- bers of the Lutheran church in early life, but attended the First Presbyterian church of Muscatine.
Inspired by the example of his honored father, Simon Gerberich Stein, Jr., has made steady progress in business circles, and by his excellent record has added to the splendid reputation of the family. He was reared in Muscatine, where he attended the public schools, however supplementing his early education by study in the old Chicago University, where he remained as a student from 1878 until he was graduated in 1883, at which time the Bachelor of Arts degree was conferred upon him. From 1886 until 1889, he attended the Chicago Med- ical College, now the medical department of the Northwestern University at Evanston, Illinois. In 1890 he went abroad and traveled for fourteen months in the principal countries of Europe and also entered Asia as a tourist in Syria. In 1891 he returned to his native land. He found that his father's health was failing, and at his father's death he was elected a member of the directing boards of the different companies with which his father was associated, thus taking up the work which the Hon. Simon Gerberich Stein had laid down. He was made vice president of the First National Bank, and proving his ability, business sagacity and unfaltering enterprise, he was chosen to the presidency of the bank upon the death of H. W. Moore. He was also made president of the Mus- catine Oat Meal Company, so serving until it was merged into the Great Western Cereal Company, after which he served as a director in the latter for several years. He was likewise a director in the Muscatine Water Works Company until the property was sold to the city. He has been a library trustee of the P. M. Musser Library since its establishment.
On the 17th of March, 1896, Dr. Stein was married to Miss Clarissa Ormiston Sawyer, a native of Hamilton, Canada, and a daughter of Stephen Payson and Frances (Gillit) Sawyer. Her father was a native of West Amesbury, Mas- sachusetts. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Stein have been born two children, Simon Ger- berich and Samuel Sawyer. The parents are very prominent socially and are devoted members of the First Presbyterian church in which Dr. Stein is serving as a trustee and treasurer. His political indorsement is stanchly given to the republican party. He is very prominent in fraternal organizations, holding mem- bership in Iowa Lodge, No. 2, A. F. & 'A. M .; Washington Chapter, No. 4,
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R. A. M .; Webb Council, No. 18, R. & S. M .; De Molay Commandery, No. 1, K. T .; Kaaba Temple of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine at Davenport; and Zarephath Consistory, No. 4, A. & A. S. R., of Davenport. In 1909 he also received the degree of K. C. C. H. He likewise belongs to Muscatine Lodge, No. 5, Prairie Encampment, N. 4, I. O. O. F .; Wyoming Lodge, No. 76, K. P .; and Muscatine Camp, No. 106, M. W. A.
There is no resident of Muscatine more loyal and true to his lionest con- victions than Simon Gerberich Stein, whether it be in professional, social, polit- ical or religious life, and his service, therefore, has been of the greatest possi- ble value to his fellowmen. He has accomplished much in the business world and his varied enterprises have been of such a character that they have bene- fited the country and advanced the general prosperity while contributing to his success. A man of strong force of character, determined purpose and sound judgment, he has had not only the ability to plan but also to execute large business interests, and through all the years of his successful career he has main- tained a reputation for commercial integrity that is above question.
OTTIE S. SNYDER.
Ottie S. Snyder is one of the successful business men of Muscatine, conducting a livery stable and carriage repository at Nos. 213 and 215 West Front street. He is a native of this city, his birth having here occurred on the 3d of February, 1867, the only child of William H. and Rebecca (Bitzer) Snyder, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. The family comes of German ancestry, although the first representatives of the name in America settled here at an early period in the colonization of the new world. It is definitely known that his great-grandpar- ents were residents of Pennsylvania, for in that state his grandfather, Samuel Snyder, was born. By his first marriage he had but one child, William H. Fol- lowing the death of his first wife Samuel Snyder married again and by that union had a daughter, who became the wife of a Mr. Metcalf and died in Colorado. At the time of the war of 1812 Samuel Snyder espoused the cause of his country and did active duty at the front. He was a minister of the United Brethren church and labored in various communities to spread the truth of the gospel. He lost his life at Lawrence, Kansas, as the result of a barbarous attack by bush- whackers.
William H. Snyder, father of O. S. Snyder, was reared to manhood in the Keystone state and on removing westward became one of the early settlers of Muscatine. Here he engaged in driving a team for the Chambers Lumber Com- pany and also for the Musser Lumber Company and his early work foreshadowed his business interests in later life. Subsequently he established a transfer line and also carried the mail for more than twenty years. On the expiration of that pe- riod he turned his attention to the livery business, which he followed until his death. He built a large barn and had an extensive patronage, for he was always straightforward in his dealings and put forth earnest efforts to please his patrons.
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He died October 1, 1898, and his wife passed away December 6, 1897. Both were members of the United Brethren church.
Ottie S. Snyder was reared in Muscatine and at the usual age was sent as a pupil to the public schools. After putting aside his text-books he worked with his father and upon the latter's death became his successor as owner of the livery business. He conducts a very extensive livery barn, unsurpassed in the state of Iowa, and in addition has a carriage repository for carriages, buggies, wagons and harness. Through his entire business career he has been looked upon as a model of integrity and honor and his record is an example of what determination and force can accomplish for a man of natural ability and strength of character.
In 1898 Mr. Snyder was married to Miss Rosa Hinkhouse, a native of Cedar county, Iowa, and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Hinkhouse, who were natives of Germany. Coming to America, they settled in Cedar county, Iowa, and many years ago became residents of Muscatine. The father was at one time proprietor of a lime kiln and hauled lime from Cedar county to Muscatine in an early day. Both he and his wife died in this city, where they had long made their home and where they were accorded the friendship and high regard of many who knew them. They had three children : Minnie, Rosa and a son, but Mrs. Snyder is the only one now living. She is a member of the Lutheran church and has a wide acquaintance in the city in which almost her entire life has been passed.
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