USA > Iowa > Muscatine County > History of Muscatine County, Iowa, from the earliest settlements to the present time, Volume II > Part 16
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and served two terms as deputy county treasurer and the same length of time as county treasurer. He was afterward deputy postmaster of Muscatine under Colonel Beach and upon retiring from this position assisted in organizing the Muscatine Savings Bank, of which he was cashier until failing health com- pelled him to retire. He established a hardware business in 1875 under the title of R. T. Thompson Son & Company. In 1878 he withdrew and the firm be- came Thompson Brothers, with Theron and William L. Thompson as the pro- prietors. The latter departed this life in 1906 and the firm was incorporated in 1907 as Thompson Brothers Company with Theron Thompson at its head. William L. Thompson was an energetic, enterprising and public-spirited busi- ness man and will long be remembered for his activity in behalf of the interests and permanent welfare of Muscatine. On the Ist day of February, 1890, Robert T. Thompson died at the age of sixty years. He was identified with the Ma- sonic order and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and politically was a supporter of the republican party. His wife survived him fourteen years, being called away at seventy years of age, in 1904.
Robert Thompson, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was of Scotch descent and was born in Pennsylvania. He became an early settler of Ohio, keeping a hotel at Cadiz for a number of years. He died at the home of his only daughter in Muscatine county in 1875, having arrived at the age of seventy- nine years. His wife, who was Barbara Ebbert before her marriage, was called away when comparatively a young woman. There were six children in the family, Theron, William, Robert, John, Salina and Catharine. The maternal grandfather was Ira Lewis, a native of Ohio, who learned the tanning business and also followed the occupation of farming. His wife was Sarah Wilson and they lived in Harrison county, Ohio, where he died. He had one child, Emily A., the mother of our subject. Mrs. Lewis was again married, her second union being with Morgan Lewis, the brother of her first husband. Two children were born to them: Catharine, of Muscatine, Iowa, who married Hugh K. Mitchell, of New Philadelphia, Ohio, now deceased; and John W., who died at the age of twenty-one years in Ohio. Unto Robert T. and Emily A. Thompson eight children were born, four of whom grew to maturity, Theron, Barbara Ella, Robert L. and William L.
Theron Thompson, whose name introduces this review, was five years of age when he came to Iowa with his parents and seven years later took up his residence in Muscatine, where he has since lived. He received his preliminary education in the public and high schools and after leaving the latter devoted his attention for three and one-half years to the tinner's trade. Feeling the im- portance of larger educational advantages, he entered the State University at Iowa City. Upon his return to Muscatine he entered the hardware business, in which he has ever since continued, the company with which he is iden- tified being known as as one of the leading concerns of the kind in this part of the state. He is also president of the Detthof Hardware Company of Mus- catine, a director of the Hershey State Bank and a director of the Puritan Ice Company.
On the 9th of March, 1882, Mr. Thompson was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Moorehouse, a daughter of Captain Le Grand and Julia Moorehouse.
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She was born in St. Louis, Missouri, her parents being natives of Pennsylvania. They came to Muscatine many years ago and lived in this city and vicinity but spent the latter years of their lives with a daughter at Springfield, Missouri. They were the parents of four children: Laura, the wife of John Stephens ; Nellie, now Mrs. Thompson; Carrie, the wife of Robert L. Thompson; and Edwin L. Three children have brightened the home of Mr. and Mrs. Thompson : Maynard L., a graduate of the architectural department of the Armour In- stitute at Chicago and since associated with his father in the hardware busi- ness ; Leila E., and Gail M.
Mr. Thompson is not a member of any religious denomination but attends the Episcopal church, with which his wife is affiliated. He has never given much time to politics, as his attention has mainly been devoted to his private business, but he is in sympathy with the republican party and heartily supports its candidates. He is a firm and consistent advocate of honesty and square dealing in public as well as in private affairs. He has the happy faculty of making and retaining friends, and no man in Muscatine is more highly respected than the gentleman whose life record is here presented.
SAMUEL SHAMMO.
Samuel Shammo, for many years actively connected with the business in- terests of Muscatine and who departed this life in June, 1896, was born at Halifax, Pennsylvania, in 1828, a son of John Shammo, who was also a native of the Keystone state and was of German descent. There were fourteen chil- dren in the family, of whom the following grew to maturity, William, Aaron, Henry, John, Isaac, Sarah, Rebecca and Samuel. All are now deceased, the last one departing this life in the summer of 1910.
Samuel Shammo grew up at Halifax and received his education in the com- mon schools. After laying aside his books he learned three trades: the tinner's saddler's and tanner's, and upon coming to Muscatine he entered the saddlery shop of 'Alexander Jackson. Later he was associated with Thomas Cumming in the wholesale grocery business, in which he continued with marked success for twenty-five years, gaining a reputation as one of the ablest business men in this part of the country. During the last ten years of his life he lived retired.
On the 6th of November, 1868, Mr. Shammo was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Myers, a daughter of David and Nancy (Beihel) Myers. Her parents were both born in Pennsylvania and came to Muscatine in 1853 when she was thirteen years of age. Her father, who was a wagon and carriage maker, moved to Rock Island, Illinois, and there was called away at the age of seventy- six years, his wife departing this life at the age of sixty-eight years. They were the parents of seven children, two of whom died in infancy. The other members of the family were: Mary E., Rebecca, Anna, William and Ida. Mary E. was born in Newry, Blair county, Pennsylvania, November 26, 1840. She was educated in the common schools and grew up under the kindly influences of a peaceful home, becoming a woman of unusually attractive character. The pa-
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ternal grandfather of Mrs. Shammo died in Pennsylvania and the maternal grandfather, George Riehl, was a farmer of that state and a large landowner. He was born in Germany and came to this country with his parents, his father participating as a soldier in the Revolutionary war.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Shammo two children were born. Carrie May married Roy C. Brown and they are now living on a fruit ranch near Granger, Wash- ington. They have two sons, Roger and Richard. Eva B. married Clymer Coldren, of Phoenix, Arizona, and they have one son, Samuel, named in honor of his grandfather. Mrs. Shammo since the death of her husband fourteen years ago has made her home at the family residence, No. 1315 Smalley avenue, Muscatine, and she has many friends in the city where she has spent the principal years of her life.
Mr. Shammo was a consistant member of the Methodist church, as is his widow, and ever gave a willing ear to calls for assistance from those less favored than himself. Fraternally he was identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and had many warm friends among the brethren of that beneficent order. By his sagacity and good judgment he accumulated a fortune and no one ever envied him his prosperity, as he was honest and straightforward in his dealings, gaining the enduring esteem of his associates and friends. No record of Muscatine county would be complete without adequate mention of the honored subject of this review.
J. HENRY HAHN.
Among the enterprising citizens of Muscatine county is J. Henry Hahn, the owner of a farm in Moscow township, which he has greatly improved, making it one of the most valuable properties of the size in the region. Born in this county, January 5, 1864, he is the son of Paulis and Anna (Hucke) Hahn, both natives of Germany. The father came to America in 1832, being one of the early set- tlers of Muscatine county, where he entered government land and was actively identified for many years with farming interests. He passed away in 1902, at the age of seventy-eight years, and his wife departed this life in 1906, at the age of seventy-six years. There were five children in their family, namely: Anna. the wife of Charles Winkler, of Moscow, Muscatine county; John, of Muscatine township; Katharine, the wife of Adam Frenzel, of Waterloo, Iowa ; Henry, our subject ; and Paulis, Jr., of Moscow township.
J. Henry Hahn grew up under the paternal roof, remaining at home and as- sisting his father until after reaching the estate of manhood. He received his preliminary education in the district schools and the interest which he there evinced in his studies gave evidence of his power of application to business lines later in life. At the age of twenty-three he bought the farm where he now lives, which comprises two hundred acres, the comfortable family residence being an indication of the good taste of its owner and the ample barns and other out- buildings presenting evidence of the thoughtful attention which he bestows upon his calling. He makes a specialty of raising and feeding hogs and cattle. In
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addition to his farming interests he is a stockholder in the Farmers National Bank at Wilton Junction.
On January 5, 1887, Mr. Hahn was united in marriage to Miss Frances B. Rost, who was born in Clinton county, Iowa, in 1862, and is a daughter of M. and Katherine (Bollinger) Rost. Her parents were born in Switzerland and after coming to America, for three years made their home in Clinton county, Iowa, and two years in Whiteside county, Illinois, and then located in Muscatine county, Iowa. The mother has passed away but the father is still living. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hahn five children were born, one of whom died in infancy, the other members of the family being: Ida, the wife of John Van Gent; and Fanny, Louis and Freda, all of whom are at home.
Mr. Hahn gives his allegiance to the republican party and has served as township clerk and also for five years as a member of the school board. He is a stanch friend of education and, having observed its advantages, he has insisted on the employment of the best teachers, thus performing a pleasing duty in be- half of the boys and girls of the neighborhood. He and his family are connected with the Evangelical church and by their example have assisted materially in advancing the permanent interests of the entire region.
PETER MILLER MUSSER.
Peter Miller Musser was born in Whitehall, Lancaster county, Pennsyl- vania, April 3, 1841. His parents were John and Casiah ( Miller) Musser, whose family numbered three children, Kate, Peter and Lizzie. The parents were natives of Adamstown, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and of original Penn- sylvania Dutch stock, and the whole community in which they lived used the language of that people in all of the ordinary transactions with each other. The father was a merchant throughout his business life, first at Whitehall and afterward in Adamstown, to which place he removed in 1848, there opening a general store, which he conducted until he retired from business in 1875.
Peter M. Musser had only a common-school education and when out of school and during vacations he was in the store, assisting his father, who handled all kinds of merchandise and bought and sold all kinds of produce, so that the training proved a splendid school of business for the son. The father was a very methodical man and it was while with him that P. M. Musser learned many things which were a great help to him all of his business life. One of the points the father insisted on was that everything should have its regular place so that if he wanted something even in the dark he could put his hand upon it. The training of the son was therefore one that qualified him for systematic management, methodical work and thoroughness in all that he did. He continued with his father until twenty-two years of age, then left his home and came to Muscatine, Iowa, in March, 1863. Here he worked with his uncles, Richard and Peter Musser, in their lumber business and after spending about a year in Muscatine removed to Iowa City in 1864. His uncle, Peter Musser, who had charge of the yard there decided to sell out on account of poor health
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and P. M. Musser at that time bought an interest in the yard and was in charge of the business there as long as he lived in Iowa City. The sales of this yard amounted to from sixty-five thousand to one hundred and forty-three thousand dollars per annum and the business was very successful. There were few rail- road lines in Iowa at that day and trade extended in all directions from twenty- five to fifty miles or more.
On the 19th of December, 1865, Mr. Musser was united in marriage to Miss Julia Elizabeth Hutchinson, a daughter of Robert and Julia M. Hutchinson, of Iowa City. Four children were born unto them, Cliff, Laura, Helen and John, but the second named died in infancy. The last two, both bright and beautiful children, were stricken with diphtheria at the same time in the winter of 1888 and died, the one a day after the other, Helen being thirteen and John six years of age. The loss of these children left a blank in the homes and lives of the parents which time has not been able to fill.
In 1869 Mr. Musser became interested as a solid partner with John W. Porter in the lumber business at Iowa City and in 1873 they purchased the yard of R. Musser & Company of Iowa City and assumed the firm name of Musser & Porter, which was continued until the death of Mr. Porter in 1883. In 1871 the firm of R. Musser & Company built their sawmill on the bank of the Mississippi river in South Muscatine, Iowa, and from the establishment of the enterprise P. M. Musser was one of the stockholders. About 1873 he left the business in Iowa City largely in charge of Mr. Porter, spending most of the week at the mill in Muscatine and his Sundays at home. In 1875 he removed to Muscatine, resid- ing at first on East Front street and in 1886 removed to West Second street, where he now resides in a lovely home on the bluff overlooking a beautiful view of the Muscatine river and the surrounding country.
In the management of the business at Muscatine his uncles, Richard and Peter Musser, took care of the manufacturing department, while P. M. Musser had general charge of the office and the sale of the products of the sawmill. The business of the Mussers in Muscatine was esablished in 1855 under the firm name of Hoch, Musser & Company, but Mr. Hoch withdrew in 1858 and the firm name was changed to R. Musser & Company and again in 1873 to P. M. Musser & Company on account of the withdrawal of Richard Musser. Then again in 1876 Richard Musser once more took an interest in the business and the firm name of Musser & Company was adopted. The Musser Lumber Company was organized in 1881, taking over all of the assets of Musser & Company. The officers of the new company were: Peter Musser, president ; Richard Musser, vice president ; P. M. Musser, secretary and treasurer; and C. R. Fox, yard superintendent, while John Musser of Adamstown, Pennsylvania, was the only other stockholder. Each of these parties held his office as long as he lived. Richard and John Musser both died in 1896, Charles R. Fox in 1904, and Peter Musser in 1910, so that at the present time P. M. Musser is the only surviving member of the original company. The supply of logs for the sawmill having been exhausted, the mill was shut down in 1905, dismantled and the business has been practically closed up except that the company still owns the real estate, consisting of the grounds and office. Mr. Musser is also president of the Muscatine State Bank, formerly the Cook, Musser & Company State Bank,
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which was established under the name of Silverman, Cook & Company, on the Ist of February, 1870. The Musser State Bank is now occupying its beautiful new building on the corner of Iowa avenue and Second street, where business has been carried on from the beginning.
By nature Mr. Musser is very generous and he is known as one of the most liberal of the citizens of Muscatine, giving largely to all of the religious and benevolent work which appeals to him as worthy and also contributing freely to any individual movement. He was a liberal contributor to the Old Ladies Home and built the fine and commodious public library of the city. He also built a beautiful chapel as a memorial to his father and mother at the old home in Adamstown, Pennsylvania. One of his strongly marked characteristics is that he cannot bear to see anything go to waste. He can lose a large sum of money in some investment and preserve his usual equanimity but if he sees a board broken without good cause or a shingle or lath thrown out in the wood- pile, which should have been utilized, his patience is sorely tried. He loves a good horse and also thoroughly enjoys his automobile, making many trips to the surrounding towns and cities. He enjoys travel and in the fall and winter of 1909-10, accompanied by his wife, made a delightful trip around the world on the steamer Cleveland. For several years they have been spending the winter seasons at Coronado Beach, California. Mr. Musser is a Knights Templar and Scottish Rite Mason and also an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is now in the prime of life and, while he has never been a strong man physically, still he comes from a long lived ancestry and it is to be hoped that many years will yet be accorded him in which to enjoy his well earned fortune.
CHARLES AUGUSTUS FISCH.
Charles Augustus Fisch, a prosperous and well known resident of Muscatine who makes his home at No. 106 East Second street, has lived practically retired for the past three years, merely looking after his farm lands and other property interests. During his active business carcer he was prominently identified with mercantile interests as a hardware dealer. He is numbered among the worthy native sons of Muscatine, his birth having here occurred on the 23d of August, 1857. His parents, Jacob and Martha (Huckey) Fisch, both of whom were na- tives of Germany, are mentioned at greater length on another page of this work.
Charles A. Fisch was reared in the city of his nativity and supplemented his early education, obtained in the grammar and high schools, by a course of study in Snavely's College. After putting aside his text-books he began working in the hardware store of his father, who was engaged in business in Muscatine for many years and was long one of the best known residents of the city. In 1890 Charles, Henry and George Fisch purchased their father's business and conducted it for about five years, on the expiration of which period George Fisch retired and established an enterprise of his own. Charles and Henry remained together until 1907 and then closed out the business. During the past three years, therefore, Charles A. Fisch has lived retired save for the supervision which he gives to his
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farm lands and other property interests. He owns considerable land in the Sas- katchewan country in Canada and also has some property farther east-near Sault Sainte Marie.
On the 11th of June, 1904, Mr. Fisch was united in marriage to Miss Char- lotte A. Parr, a native of Chippewa, Canada, and a daughter of Edmund and Esther Parr, both of whom were natives of England. Her father followed farm- ing in early manhood and later became a contractor. He now makes his home at Sault Sainte Marie, Canada. Unto him and his wife, who passed away in 1907, were born twelve children. Five of the number are yet living, as follows: Char- lotte A .; Joseph; Ida, the wife of William Edwards; Fred; and Ernest.
Politically Mr. Fisch is independent, supporting men and measures rather than party. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Baptist church, to which his wife also belongs. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, be- longing to Iowa Lodge, No. 2, A. F. & A. M .; Washington Chapter, No. 4, R. A. M .; and DeMolay Commandery, No. I, K. T. His entire life has been spent in Muscatine and lie has long been numbered among the leading and representative citizens here.
JEREMIAH H. CARL.
Thirty-three years ago Jeremiah H. Carl, justice of the peace and city police judge of Muscatine, took up his residence in this city. He came to the state be- fore the Civil war and has been one of its wide-awake and progressive citizens, lending his aid to every worthy cause and proving his ability to fill any position to which he may aspire. He was a valiant soldier in the war and has capably dis- charged every responsibility he has undertaken.
He was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, September 2, 1840, and is a son of Christian and Sarah (Kell) Carl, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. The father was a stone mason, bricklayer and contractor in the Keystone state and served also as captain in the state militia and held various township offices. He came to Iowa on the roth of April, 1858, and for ten years engaged in farm- ing in Washington county, removing to Cedar county in 1868, where he purchased a farm three miles northwest of Wilton. There he died in January, 1875, at the age of sixty-eight years. His wife departed in 1890 at the age of seventy-six years. They were active workers in the Reformed church and built a church in Pennsylvania, known as the Emanuel church. George Carl, the paternal grand- father, was also a native of Pennsylvania; was of German descent and was a modest, retiring man. He died at the age of seventy-two years and was the father of nine children, three daughters and six sons, George, Adam, Isaiah, Christian, John, Daniel, Fannie, Eliza and Polly. Isaiah and Christian were twins and all the members of the family lived to quite an advanced age. The maternal grand- father, Philip Kell, a native of Pennsylvania, was a farmer and married Eliza- beth Swartz. Their children were Joseph, Simon and Sarah.
Unto Christian and Sarah Carl ten children were born: Matilda E., the widow of W. R. Dafford, of Los Angeles, California; Martha Jane, the widow
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of John Brett, of Oakdale, Nebraska; Emeline E., who became the wife of Jolin T. Long and is now deceased; Jeremialı H., our subject; Frances Catharine, who married George Sweet and is now deceased; Julia Ann, who married David Hili- gast and is also deceased ; Daniel S., of Imperial, Kansas; Nevin P., of Vinton, lowa; Floy Effie, who married John Herr, and is now deceased; and Sarah Ann, who died from the effects of being scalded.
Jeremialı H. Carl was educated at Buffalo Valley, Perry county, Pennsylvania, in the district schools. He came to Iowa with his parents when seventeen years of age, and on the 10th of August, 1861, enlisted in Company C, Eighth Iowa In- fantry, in the Union cause. He began as a private and later became corporal in his company, serving under Colonel James L. Geddes and participating in many of the great battles, sieges and movements of the war. He was present at the battles of Shiloh, Tennessee; Jackson, Mississippi; the siege of Vicksburg, the second battle of Jackson, the battles of Brandon, Mississippi; Forrest's raid on Memphis, Tennessee ; and Spanish Fort, and took part in innumerable skirmishes, being made a prisoner at the battle of Shiloh. Notwithstanding the fact that he was many times exposed to the fire of the enemy he was never wounded. He conducted himself throughout his entire service in such a way as to receive the heartiest commendation of his superior officers.
After being honorably discharged on the 20th of April, 1866, Mr. Carl re- turned to Washington county, Iowa, and applied himself to the peaceful pursuit of farming. Subsequently he moved to Cedar county and in the fall of 1869 came to Muscatine county, locating in the city of Muscatine in 1877. He was identified with the restaurant and confectionery business for some years and then added a bakery, his place becoming one of the popular establishments of the kind in the city. After twenty-four years spent in business he was appointed city weigh- master for a term of two years and five or six years later was made justice of the peace, which office he now holds, being also elected police judge at the election of 1910.
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