USA > Iowa > Muscatine County > History of Muscatine County, Iowa, from the earliest settlements to the present time, Volume II > Part 60
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On the 13th of August, 1890, Mr. Eaton was united in marriage to Miss Dora Lipplegoes, a native of Germany and a daughter of Theodore and Wil- helmina Lipplegoes, who were early settlers of Muscatine, Iowa. Unto our sub- ject and his wife has been born a son, Horace.
Mr. Eaton is a republican in politics, supporting the men and measures of that party by his ballot. He is a member of Muscatine Lodge, No. 5, I. O. O. F., Prairie Encampment, No. 4. I. O. O. F., and Muscatine Camp, No. 106, M. W. A., and has filled all of the chairs in those organizations. For twelve years he served as captain of the team in connection with the Modern Wood- men camp. Shortly after his marriage he built a nice residence at No. 510 Woodlawn avenue which has since been his home. His life has been one of continuous activity, in which has been accorded due recognition of labor and today he is numbered among the substantial citizens of his native county.
JOHN L. KLEIN, M. D.
From no professional man do we expect or exact so many of the cardinal virtues as from the physician. If the clergyman is austere we imagine that his mind is absorbed with the contemplation of things beyond our ken; if our law- yer is brusque and crabbed, it is the mark of genius; but in the physician we expect not only a superior mentality and comprehensive knowledge but also sympathy as wide as the universe. Dr. John L. Klein in large measure meets all of these requirements and is regarded by many as an ideal physician. Cer- tainly if patronage is any criterion of ability he ranks high among the leading physicians and surgeons of Muscatine and this section of Iowa, in which he is now enjoying a large and lucrative practice.
Dr. Klein was born near Iowa City, Iowa, on the 18th of October, 1873. The name indicates his German ancestry. His grandfather, Peter Klein, was born in Germany and there learned the harness and saddle making trades. After coming to America he established his home in Johnson county, Iowa, where he lived retired to the time of his death, which occurred when he was eighty-two
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years of age. He was married three times, his first wife being the grandmother of Dr. Klein. His family numbered thirteen or fourteen children, including Anthony, John, Albert, Adam, Christian, Joseph, Peter and Lena.
Of this family Adam Klein, the father of the Doctor, was born in Baden, Germany, and was a laboring man in his native land. He was, however, but eighteen years of age when he crossed the Atlantic to the new world, settling first in Philadelphia, while subsequently he became one of the pioneer residents of Johnson county, Iowa, where he engaged in farming. He died there on the 4th of October, 1875, at the age of fifty-eight years. He was a consistent mem- ber of the Catholic church, to which his widow also belongs. In early manhood he wedded Frances Walter, who was born in Alsace-Lorraine, Germany. Her father, who was the village blacksmith in his home town in Germany, also fol- lowed the occupation of farming and was the owner of considerable property there. He died in Germany at the age of fifty years. His family numbered one son and three daughters: Peter, Lena, Salome and Frances. The last named became the wife of Adam Klein and by her marriage had eight children, four sons and four daughters : Catharine, who is deceased; Helen, Mary and Albert, all of whom are residents of Iowa City; Jolin L., of this review; Adam R., a practicing physician of El Paso, Texas; and two who died in early life.
Dr. Klein spent his youthful days upon the home farm in Johnson county, Iowa, to the age of sixteen or seventeen years and during that period acquired a good education in the district schools, which he supplemented by study in the Iowa City Academy, from which he was graduated with the class of 1893. Hav- ing determined upon a professional career and believing that he would find the practice of medicine congenial, he next entered the medical department of the State University at Iowa City and was graduated in 1897. He began practice in Muscatine, where for thirteen years he has devoted his time and attention to his professional duties. He was associated with Dr. Weaver in establishing the Bellevue Hospital of Muscatine, of which they are still the owners. This meets a need in professional service in the city and has been accorded a liberal patronage. It is splendidly equipped for the care of the sick and for surgical work, the most modern methods of treatment being employed. In commercial lines Dr. Klein has also some interests, being a stockholder and one of the di- rectors of the Muscatine Produce & Pure Ice Company.
On the Ist of October, 1907, was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Klein and Miss Florence C. Schmidt, a native of this city and a daughter of Gustave and Agnes (Achter) Schmidt, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Muscatine. The father was a merchant for a number of years and afterward became a banker and also the president of the produce company. The extent and importance of his business affairs made him a prominent factor in the com- mercial circles of this city and his personal worth gained for him the high re- gard of all with whom he came in contact. His parents also became residents of Muscatine, where both died when more than eighty years of age. Gustave Schmidt continued to make Muscatine his home until called to his final rest on the 16th of March, 1910. His widow is still a resident of this city. They were the parents of three daughters but two of the number are deceased, Mrs. Klein
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being the only one now living. By her marriage she became the mother of one child, Dorothy Marie.
Dr. and Mrs. Klein reside at No. 213 West Third street, where they own a good home. They are members of the Catholic church and Dr. Klein also be- longs to the Knights of Columbus, the Red Men, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Workmen and the Elks. His political allegiance is given to the democracy but while he takes an active interest in public affairs and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, he does not seek or desire office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his professional duties. With a nature that could never content itself with mediocrity, he has so qualified that he has steadily advanced to a prominent position among thie capable members of the profession in eastern Iowa and the public and the medical fraternity ac- knowledge his worth and merit.
RICHARD IRWIN VANCE.
High respect and good-will were ever tendered Richard Irwin Vance, for he was a man of upright life and high principles and wherever he went won the confidence of those with whom he came in contact. He was born at Newville, Pennsylvania, on the 8th of April, 1817, a son of John and Jane (Irwin) Vance, both of whom were natives of Ireland, where they were reared and married. In 1808 they bade adieu to the Emerald isle and sailed for the new world, land- ing at New York. After a year there passed they removed to Pennsylvania, where their remaining days were spent. The father was a stone-mason by trade, following that pursuit for many years in Newville. In his family were five children : Richard, who died in infancy ; John, who died at the age of eight years; Isabelle, who died when twenty-two years of age; Richard Irwin; and John Jackson.
Richard I. Vance was the last surviving member of this family. He re- mained a resident of his native town until 1845 and during that period acquired his education in the public schools and served an apprenticeship to the cabinet- maker's trade, beginning his term of indenture when fourteen years of age. When his apprenticeship was completed he went to Pittsburg, but the failing health of his parents caused his return to his native town and he continued there, as previously stated, until 1845. In that year he sought a home in the middle west and came to Muscatine, then called Bloomington, in company with his younger brother, John, traveling by boat all the way. Both worked at the cabinet-maker's trade until 1855. when they located upon the prairie on adjoin- ing farms. In Muscatine they erected a good building, in which they conducted their cabinet-making business, which they carried on for a number of years after buying their land. The farm, however, remained the place of residence of Richard I. Vance until his death and as the years passed by he prospered in its development and cultivation. He purchased unbroken prairie land of a Mr. Evans, who had entered it from the government, and since it came into posses- sion of Mr. Vance in 1855 it has been owned and occupied by members of the
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family. He placed the fields under a high state of cultivation and added to the property until he owned over two hundred acres on section 34, Sweetland town- ship. He added many improvements to the place, including good buildings, and at all times he followed progressive methods in the care and cultivation of his farm.
In Muscatine on the 19th of March, 1852, Mr. Vance was united in mar- riage to Miss Mary M. Hershey, who was born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Feb- ruary 22, 1829, and in 1850 came to Muscatine county with her parents, Jacob and Elizabeth (Klepper) Hershey, both of whom were natives of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, but spent their last days in Muscatine. They had a family of seven children, as follows: Catharine, who became the wife of Samuel Frantz but is now deceased; Mary M., who became Mrs. Vance; Abraham B., a physi- cian who has also passed away; Elizabeth, the deceased wife of Dr. Christian Hershey; Benjamin Franklin, living in South Pasadena, California; Emanuel W., a resident of Fairplay, Colorado; and Emeline, the deceased wife of Lyman Banks.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Vance was blessed with seven children, all of whom are yet living, namely: Charles, a resident of Wymore, Nebraska; Elizabeth, at home; John J., who is living in Alliance, Nebraska; Margaret, at home; Edward, of Harvey, Illinois; Katherine, at home; and Marian, the wife of J. D. Barnes, of Morgan Park, Illinois.
The father passed away April 15, 1904, and the mother on the 4th of May, 1907. Both were people of the highest personal worth and were devoted mem- bers of the Presbyterian church, in the work of which they took an active part for many years. Mr. Vance was closely identified with the early history of Muscatine and this county and always rejoiced in its advancement and progress. He was interested in its welfare to the day of his death, which occurred when he was eighty-seven years of age. His sterling traits of character, his fidelity to duty, his strict honesty and his kindly spirit were qualities which endeared him to all who knew him and won him the respect of many friends.
FRANK JACKSON.
Frank Jackson, now retired, who is recognized as one of the responsible citi- zens of Muscatine, was born in this city, January 18, 1855, of Scotch descent. He is a son of Alexander and Lucy Aun (Daily) Jackson, the former of whom was born in Scotland, May 9, 1818, and the latter in Chillicothe, Ohio. At seventeen years of age Alexander Jackson left his native country to seek his fortune. He came to Albany, New York, where he learned the harnessmaker's trade, working later in New York city, Cincinnati, St. Louis, and Galena, Illi- nois. He first came to Iowa in 1839 but did not remain at that time. In 1843 he settled permanently at Muscatine and began working at his trade, conducting a harness shop for fifteen years. He then became connected with the Muscatine Gas Company as secretary and treasurer and was for many years active in its management. He was one of the original directors of the old Muscatine Na-
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tional Bank and was president of the water works until the disposal of the same to the city. He was an earnest friend of education and held various school and town offices, being regarded as one of the most trustworthy and public-spirited citizens of Muscatine. He and his wife were active workers in many ways in behalf of the community and were valued members of the Congregational church. Mr. Jackson was called from earthly scenes in 1903, at the age of eighty-five years. His wife died in 1896, being then seventy-five years of age. They were the parents of five children, three of whom are now living: Mary, the wife of S. B. Cook; Lucy, now Mrs. Ogilvie; and Frank, our subject.
Educated in the public schools, Frank Jackson grew to manhood under the kindly influences of a happy home and began his business career as errand boy in the old Muscatine National Bank. In his early manhood he went to Chicago, where he was employed as clerk for five years in the wholesale hard- ware establishment of Seeberger & Breakey. After resigning from this posi- tion he was connected for one year with the retail hardware business at Dan- ville, Illinois. Returning to Muscatine in 1878, he was employed for two years in a retail grocery store and then spent one year rafting logs on the Mississippi river. About 1885 he entered the wholesale grocery business in this city, to which he devoted his attention for twenty years and gained a wide reputation as one of the substantial business men of the city. He has been living retired for the past five years.
On the 10th of August, 1887, Mr. Jackson was united in marriage to Mrs. Clara C. (Burneby) Wheeler, a daughter of Edward and Lydia (Sunbury) Burneby, both of whom were natives of Canada. Mrs. Jackson first married Arthur Wheeler and lived in Lowell, Massachusetts, where he died, and she subsequently came to Iowa, where her parents were then living, here becoming acquainted with Mr. Jackson. Mr. Jackson is not connected with any religious organization nor has he ever been an active worker in politics, preferring rather to devote his energies to his private interests. Being gifted with good business capacity and executive force, he early won recognition and for many years was one of the capable and energetic men of the community. He is now enjoying at ease the results of his diligence and application.
GEORGE J. LANG.
On a well cultivated farm in Wilton township lives George J. Lang, a native of Muscatine county, where he has spent his entire life, contributing according to his ability toward the great advancement that has been made in this part of the state. He was born on his father's farm in Wilton township, January II, 1853, being a son of Henry and Elizabeth ( Bareiter) Lang. The father was born in Germany and engaged in farming in his native country until 1848, when he came to the United States, locating in Wilton township, Muscatine county, Iowa. Until his death, which occurred January 22, 1872, he lived upon the farm where he first took up his home. He was a man of great energy and perseverance and also of unusual business ability, as is indicated by the fact that
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he acquired five hundred and sixty acres of land entirely through his own effort. The mother of our subject was born and reared in Germany, all of her children being natives of that country except the subject of this review. She passed away in 1894. Of her family of nine children six are now living: Eva, the widow of Michael Fish, of Keswick, Iowa; Nicholas and Henry, farmers of Muscatine county ; George J., our subject; J. C., of California; and Christa, the wife of George Dimmitt, of Colby, Kansas.
George J. Lang was reared on the parental homestead and was a pupil of the district school in his boyhood. He assisted on the home farm and took charge of the place after the death of his parents, being now the owner of one hundred and thirty acres, upon which he has made many improvements so that his farm is today one of the pleasing features of the landscape. Through thor- ough tilling of the soil and careful rotation of crops he gathers good harvests, feeding the grain to his stock in preference to selling it outright. He possesses the qualities essential to success and has applied himself to general farming, specializing in the raising of live stock and preparing the same for the market so as to receive the best prices.
In 1876 Mr. Lang was united in marriage to Miss Nettie Malone, of Mos- cow township, and four children blessed the union: Christa, now the wife of Ed Herr, of Wilton township; Rena, at home; Lola, the wife of L. R. Dunker, of Wilton township; and John, also at home. The wife and mother passed away September 25, 1885.
Mr. Lang takes great interest in the welfare of the community and is an active member of the Evangelical church, having served for several years as superintendent of the Sunday school. Politically he is identified with the re- publican party and for four years was a member of the board of county super- visors. He has also served with general acceptance as trustee and justice of the peace. In all his work, whether in his personal behalf or as public officer, he has shown good judgment and thus won a place as one of the substantial and trust- worthy citizens of Muscatine county.
WILLIAM McQUESTEN.
William McQuesten, president of the McQuesten & Sawyer Company of Muscatine and one of the prominent business men of the city, was born here, January 11, 1869. He is a son of William Wirt and Elizabeth Frances (Webb) McQuesten, natives of Washington, New Hampshire, and Brooklyn, New York, respectively. The father went to Canada after arriving at manhood and en- gaged in the foundry business there but later came west and was one of the early settlers of Muscatine. He was connected with the hardware business in this city for some forty years and sold the first hard coal burner that was disposed of in Muscatine. He also handled the first carload of hard coal that arrived in this community and was a pioneer in his business. He departed this life at seventy- two years of age in 1905, but his wife is still living in Muscatine. Five children were born to them: Ella, the wife of E. J. Richie, of Little Falls, Minnesota ;
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William, our subject; Sarah W .; Frederick, who died at the age of thirteen ; and Harriet S.
William McQuesten was educated in the public schools of this city, graduat- ing from the high school in 1888. He began his business career in his father's store by learning the tinner's trade and later became head clerk downstairs, his father and S. P. Sawyer being partners in the establishment. In 1894 Samuel F. Sawyer, a son of the senior member of the firm, and the subject of this review decided to go into the hardware business at Springfield, Missouri, but were persuaded by their parents not to do so. The older men withdrew from the firm and the younger ones continued in the business together until the death of Samuel F. Sawyer. The firm is now incorporated under the same title that pre- vailed originally, with Mr. McQuesten at its head. It is recognized as one of the leading hardware establishments in this part of the country and attracts a large patronage from many points outside of Muscatine.
On the 28th of September, 1898, Mr. McQuesten was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Kulp, a daughter of Dr. J. S. Kulp, of Muscatine. Her parents were born in Pennsylvania and settled in Muscatine, where Dr. Kulp became a leading dentist. One son, Joseph, has been born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. McQuesten.
Mr. McQuesten and his wife are both members of the Congregational church, to which they are liberal contributors. Politically he is identified with the re- publican party, believing that its candidates and principles are those best adapted to advance the prosperity of the country. In the midst of an active and success- ful career Mr. McQuesten has gained an enviable reputation as a man of sound business judgment and one whose word is as good as his security. He is always ready to extend any assistance possible to deserving aspirants for places of re- sponsibility and is known as an intelligent and progressive gentleman, who could have succeeded in anything he undertook, for he never has known the meaning of the word fear, and he never bowed to any obstacle that threatened to interfere permanently with his progress. Such men are the natural leaders in any com- munity, having earned the title by their innate ability.
GOTTLIEB EHRECKE.
Gottlieb Ehrecke, who was called to his final rest on the 16th of January, 1898, was for many years numbered among the substantial and representative farmers and stockmen of Muscatine county and at the time of his death owned three hundred and eighty-three acres of land in Fulton township. His birth oc- curred in Germany in 1815 and in that country the first thirty-seven years of his life were spent. In 1852 he crossed the Atlantic to the United States, first locat- ing in Davenport, Iowa, while a short time afterward he came to Muscatine county. Here he secured employment by the day, working for a few years at a wage of fifty cents per day. In 1856 he purchased forty acres of land, grubbed out the timber and improved the tract on a small scale, making his home thereon until 1872. In that year he extended the boundaries of his farm to include two
MR. AND MRS. GOTTLIEB EHRECKE AND SON EMIL
T ENBLIC LIBRARY
1 MYX IND PAYONS.
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hundred and twenty-three acres and removed to that part of the place on which the buildings are now situated. At the time of his demise he owned three hundred and eighty-three acres of well improved and valuable land in Fulton township, his property being the visible evidence of his life of well directed industry, thrift and enterprise. In connection with the tilling of the soil he made a specialty of handling stock, both branches of his business returning to him a gratifying an- nual income.
Mr. Ehrecke was married twice. By his first wife, a Miss Koeppe, whom he wedded in Germany, he had seven children, three of whom died in the father- land. The others came to America and are all now living in Iowa. They are as follows: Mary, who was born on the 7th of January, 1843; Bertha, whose birth occurred August 6, 1844; Augusta, whose natal day was October 18, 1845; and Emma, who first opened her eyes to the light of day on the 15th of October, 1850. The wife and mother passed away in 1850 and soon afterward Mr. Ehrecke wedded Miss Johanna Schmelzer, the ceremony taking place just prior to their emigration to the new world. Miss Schmelzer was a native of Germany, born on the 20th of June, 1829, and by her marriage she became the mother of eight children. Herman, whose birth occurred on the 26th of November, 1852, still resides on the old homestead farm, of which he owns a third interest and also forty-five acres more. He likewise owns a third interest in a Minnesota farm and is a stockholder in the Blue Grass Savings Bank and the American Security Company of Davenport, Iowa. In public office he has also made a creditable record, having served as road supervisor for eight years and as a member of the school board for four years. Charlotte, who was born on the 30th of May, 1854, died on the 11th of November, 1909. She was the wife of John Laschanzky, of Clinton county, Iowa, and left seven children to mourn her loss. A sketch of Rudolph Ehrecke appears on another page of this volume. Ida, whose natal day was September 23, 1858, is the wife of Henry Plett, of Scott county, and the mother of five children. Charles, who was born on the 17th of January, 1861, at- tended the common schools and also pursued a commercial course in Wilton Academy, being a graduate of that institution. He resides on the old home place. owning a.third interest in the property, and also has a third interest in two hun- dred acres of land in Minnesota. He is a fancier of Norman and Percheron horses, shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs. The Blue Grass Savings Bank numbers him among its charter members and stockholders and he has served as a director of that institution since its establishment. He is likewise a stock- holder in the Guaranty Mutual Life Insurance Company, the American Security Company and the Great Western Remedy Company, all of Davenport, Iowa. His political allegiance is given to the democracy and for fourteen years he ably served in the capacity of township assessor. Amelia, the sixth child of Mr. and Mrs. Ehrecke, was born on the 18th of June, 1863, and gave her hand in mar- riage to Henry Ahrens, of Cedar county, Iowa, by whom she has five children. Mr. and Mrs. Ahrens own a farm of one hundred and eighty acres. Emil, whose birth occurred in April, 1868, passed away on the 12th of November, 1906, leav- ing a widow and two children to mourn his loss. His widow still resides on the old homestead with her brothers-in-law. Lena Ehrecke, who was born in 1865, died in March, 1866.
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Gottlieb Ehreeke, of this review, died on the 16th of January, 1898, while his wife was called to her final rest on the 7th of December, 1900, both passing away in the faith of the Lutheran church. Their remains were interred in the Blue Grass cemetery of Scott county. The hope that led Mr. Ehrecke to leave his native land and seek a home in America was more than realized, for here he found the opportunities he sought and in their utilization won a place among the respected and prosperous citizens of his community.
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