USA > Iowa > Muscatine County > History of Muscatine County, Iowa, from the earliest settlements to the present time, Volume II > Part 7
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F:DERLEIN
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ABTOR, LENOX AND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.
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HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY
December 19, 1883, the lady of his choice being Miss Maggie Shetler, who was born at Greensburg. Pennsylvania, February 4, 1853, a daughter of Jonas and Harriet (Hayes) Shetler. Five children came to bless this union, one of whom died in infancy, the others being: Ernest G., born November 4, 1884, who re- ceived a good education and is now living on the family homestead; Frank L., who was born July 10, 1886, and is a graduate of the Atalissa high school ; Emma A., born July 24, 1890, who graduated from the Atalissa high school and also attended the State Normal at Cedar Falls, Iowa, and who has taught school for the past three years, beginning before she was seventeen years of age; and Clella K., born July 5, 1893, who is now a pupil in the Atalissa high school, a member of the class of 1911.
Mr. Fiderlein politically gave his support to the republican party, believing that by so doing he best advanced the interests of the country. He was not a member of any religious denomination, but other members of the family are stanch believers in the authority and inspiration of the Bible. He was a highly intellectual man and kept well informed as to the progress of events in the world, being also an earnest friend of education. He will be remembered as a most estimable and highly respected citizen whose well directed efforts in behalf of his family and of his fellowmen fully entitle him to the profound respect in which he was held.
WILLIAM HOFFMAN.
The ability which William Hoffman has displayed in the practice of law has long since gained him distinction as a leading member of the bar of Muscatine, where he follows his profession as a partner in one of the leading law firms of eastern Iowa-Jayne & Hoffman. He is of German birth, although almost the entire period of his life has been passed in this country. He was born March 19, 1845, in Prussia. Both his paternal and maternal grandparents always re- mained residents of Germany. His grandfather on the paternal side was a blacksmith, while his maternal grandfather devoted his life to preaching and teaching. His parents, Frederick and Amanda (Hildebrand) Hoffman, were also natives of Germany, where the father learned the trade of a blacksmith and metal worker. The hope of bettering his financial condition in utilizing the broader business opportunities of the new world led him to come to America in 1845, at which time he took up his abode in Philadelphia. He remained in that city and in Reading for several years, after which he left Pennsylvania and in 1852 came to Iowa, settling first at Muscatine. Later he removed to Grand- view, where he followed his trade up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1861 when he was about forty years of age. His widow long survived him and died in 1905 when more than eighty years of age. They were the parents of six children, five sons and a daughter, but only two are now living, the brother of our subject being Fred J. Hoffman, of Mather, Wisconsin.
William Hoffman was a young lad when his parents took up their abode in Grandview, Iowa, where he resided until seventeen years of age, spending much Vol. II-4
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of his youth in the attainment of an education in public and private schools and the academy of that place. He afterward entered the Iowa State University, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy in 1870, while in 1872 lie completed preparation for the practice of law by graduation with the LL. B. degree. The same year he was admitted to the bar and in the fall of 1872 opened an office in Muscatine, where he has practiced continuously since. He was first associated with H. H. Benson, a former circuit judge, and in 1874 formed a partnership with Thomas Brown. Two years later they ad- mitted J. A. Pickler to the firm under the name of Hoffman, Pickler & Brown, which connection was continued until 1882, when Mr. Hoffman joined Judge W. F. Brannan and Henry Jayne under the firm style of Brannan, Jayne & Hoffman. Four years later the senior partner was elected judge of the district court and since that time the firm name of Jayne & Hoffman has been used. No change occurred in the partnership until the two sons of the partners were admitted, the old firm name, however, being still retained. Few lawyers have made more lasting impression upon the bar of the state, both for legal ability of a high order and for the individuality of a personal character which im- presses itself upon a community. Mr. Hoffman is devotedly attached to his profession, is systematic and methodical in habit, sober and discreet in judgment, diligent in research and conscientious in the discharge of every duty. His presentation of his cases indicates a thorough mastery of the questions involved.
On the 29th of September, 1874, Mr. Hoffman was married to Miss Irena Hutchinson, a daughter of John Hutchinson. Mrs. Hoffman was born in Ohio but her parents were natives of Virginia. Her father died in the Buckeye state and following the Civil war the mother came to Iowa. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman were born six children: Arthur, engaged in business with his father, who married Cora Hunt, by whom he has a son, William Hunt Hoff- man; Paul, a physician in Tipton, Iowa ; Ralph and Fred, both at home ; Harry, a most promising young man, who passed away at the age of seventeen years ; and Mabel V., who married S. J. Jeffers, a dentist, and now makes her home in Buffalo, Wyoming.
Mrs. Hoffman and some of the children are members of the Presbyterian church and in its work are actively interested. Mr. Hoffman belongs to Wyo- ming Lodge, No. 76, K. P., and is also entitled to wear the Grand Army button for there is an interesting military chapter in his life record. He was a young man of about seventeen years when, in 1862, he enlisted in Company G, Nine- teenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, serving for three years or until the close of the war. He participated in the battle of Prairie Grove, in which he was wounded, the siege of Vicksburg and the battle of Sterling Farn, Louisana, a part of his company and regiment being captured in the last named. Sub- sequently the Nineteenth Iowa was at Port Hudson and also participated in the capture of Spanish Fort, near Mobile, and in several skirmishes. It was subsequent to his service in the war that Mr. Hoffman entered the State Uni- versity and pursued his collegiate and law courses. His political support is given to the republican party, and in 1902 he was a candidate for congress but was defeated by Judge Wade in the second Iowa congressional district. The zeal
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HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY
with which he has devoted his energies to his chosen calling, the careful regard evinced for the interest of his clients and the assiduous attention to all the details of his cases have brought him a large business and made him very success- ful in its conduct.
PAUL W. FREUND.
Paul W. Freund is the junior member of the firm of Stohr & Freund, general machinists, whose shop is located at No. 119 West Front street in Muscatine. He is numbered among the worthy native sons of this city, his birth having here oc- curred on the 20th of June, 1873. His parents, Charles and Wilhelmina (Ader- man) Freund, were natives of Germany. His paternal grandfather, Joachim Freund, was likewise born in Germany and there passed away in middle life. The maternal grandfather, Adolph Aderman, also died in that country. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Friederika Smith, emigrated to the United States and passed away in Muscatine, Iowa, when about seventy-seven years of age. Their children were five in number, as follows: Mrs. Charles Freund; William, who is a resident of Muscatine; 'August, living in Germany; Lena, the wife of William Luedke, of Muscatine; and Johanna, who gave her hand in marriage to Charles Quandt, of Muscatine.
Charles Freund, the father of Paul W. Freund, was a laborer in Germany and after coming to the new world in 1873 followed various pursuits in Muscatine. At the present time, however, he is living retired in the enjoyment of well earned rest. The period of his residence here covers thirty-seven years and he is widely recognized as a substantial and respected citizen of the community. He is a de- voted member of the Lutheran church, in the faith of which his wife passed away on the 16th of May, 1910, when about seventy-seven years of age. They were the parents of five children, namely: William, who still makes his home in Prenzlau, Germany; Charles, of Muscatine, Iowa; Minnie, the wife of John Vetter, of Muscatine; Tena, the widow of Jacob Bronner; and Paul W., of this review.
The last named was reared in the city of his nativity and attended the public schools in the acquirement of an education. When a youth of sixteen he began learning the machinist's trade, which occupation he has followed continuously since with gratifying success. In 1897 he formed a partnership with Frank Stohr and opened a machine shop, having since done a general line of machine work under the firm style of Stohr & Freund. Carefully watching every detail of the business, his management has led to substantial growth in his trade relations and the enterprise is a valuable factor in the business circles of the city inasmuch as it furnishes employment to a number of skilled workmen.
On the 27th of June, 1900, Mr. Freund was united in marriage to Miss Caro- line Freyermuth, a native of Muscatine, Iowa, and a daughter of Henry and Christina (Smith) Freyermuth. They now have three children : Laura, Paul and William.
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Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Freund has cast his ballot in support of the men and measures of the democracy. Fraternally he is identified with the Elks and the Masons, belonging to Iowa Lodge, No. 2, A. F. & A. M .; Washington Chapter, No. 4, R. A. M .; and Webb Council, No. 18, R. & S. M. His wife is a devoted and consistent member of Grace Lutheran church. They reside at No. 312 West Fifth street, where Mr. Freund erected a good home about 1905. Having always lived in Muscatine, they are well known here and the circle of their friends is almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintances.
GEORGE A. CHAUDOIN.
George A. Chaudoin, who since April, 1907, has been in business on his own account as an electrician of Muscatine, furnishing all kinds of electrical supplies, is the owner of a well equipped establishment at No. 223 West Second street. He has lived in Muscatine from his birth to the present time, his natal day being February 12, 1875. His parents, Albert T. and Kate (Kinsley) Chaudoin, were likewise natives of this city. Jesse Chaudoin, the paternal grandfather, was a na- tive of France but emigrated to the United States in early manhood. He resided in Indiana for a time but in 1854 came to Muscatine, here working as a stone- mason and contractor. At the time of the Civil war he enlisted for service as a member of the Thirty-fifth Iowa Volunteer Infantry and while in the south died of fever, thus laying down his life on the altar of his adopted country. His wife; who bore the maiden name of Jane Sweeney, still survives him and makes her home with her son, E. B., in Riceville, Iowa. They were the parents of four sons and a daughter, namely : Albert T., Louis, Emery, Edward B. and Elizabeth.
Albert T. Chaudoin, the father of George A. Chaudoin, was a carpenter, con- tractor and builder by trade and spent his entire life in the city of Muscatine, be- ing widely recognized as one of its substantial and esteemed citizens. His demise occurred in 1892, when he had attained the age of forty-five years. He was a devoted and consistent member of the Presbyterian church, while his first wife, who bore the maiden name of Kate Kinsley, belonged to the United Brethren church. She was called to her final rest in 1882 when about thirty-three years of age. She had two children, George A. and Bert L. For his second wife Albert T. Chaudoin chose Miss Mary Tierney, by whom he had four children, two of whom died in infancy. The surviving children are Lelah and Frank.
George A. Chaudoin was reared in Muscatine and attended the public schools in the acquirement of an education. After putting aside his text-books he began working in a sawmill and later secured employment in the sash and door works of the Huttig Manufacturing Company. In 1894 he entered the service of the Citizens Railway & Electric Light Company, remaining with that corporation for twelve years. On the expiration of that period he became connected with the Jackson Electrical Supply Company and in April, 1907, purchased the electrical department of that concern, having since conducted it alone. He furnishes all kinds of electrical supplies and has built up a good business. He keeps in touch with the notable progress that is manifest in the electrical world and is qualified to
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put his knowledge and ideas into practical use in the conduct of the business in which he is now engaged.
On the 21st of February, 1906, Mr. Chaudoin was united in marriage to Miss Laura Link, a native of South Muscatine and a daughter of Henry Link, who was born in Germany and became an early settler of this county. He still resides within its borders. Unto him and his wife were born five children, namely : Andrew, Frank, Carrie, Emma and Laura.
Politically Mr. Chaudoin is a stalwart advocate of the democracy, believing firmly in its principles. Fraternally he is identified with the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks, the Maccabees, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and Wyoming Lodge, No. 76, K. P. He is a Presbyterian in religious faith, while his wife belongs to the Catholic church. Their home is at No. 1112 Iowa street, where Mr. Chaudoin owns a fine residence. They are well known throughout the community which has always been their home and have won a host of warm friends.
JAMES S. PATTEN.
James S. Patten, who has lived retired in Muscatine for the past twenty-three years, has been a resident of this city for six decades and was for a number of years successfully engaged in business as a lumber dealer. His birth occurred in Mount Gilead, Marion county, Ohio, on the 25th of January, 1826, his parents being Thomas and Elizabeth ( Porter) Patten, who were natives of Scotland and Pennsylvania respectively. The father, who was reared on a farm in Scotland, emigrated to the United States in early manhood and took up his abode in Penn- sylvania. He was married in Philadelphia and went with his bride to Marion county, Ohio, where he entered land and took up the occupation of farming. Dur- ing the war of 1812 he served as an officer, loyally defending the interests of his adopted country. He lived to attain the ripe old age of eighty-four years, passing away in Marion county. Ohio, in the faith of the Presbyterian church, of which his wife was also a member. The latter survived him and was eighty-six years of age when called to her final rest. They were the parents of ten children, six sons and four daughters, as follows: Elizabeth, the deceased wife of Elijah Ricketts; Joseph, who has passed away ; Mary, who gave her hand in marriage to John Longstreth; Tamsen, who is deceased; James S., of this review; Thomas and William, who have likewise passed away ; John, a resident of Mount Gilead, Ohio; Robert, deceased; and Jennie, who is the widow of Zell Owen and makes her home in Florida.
James S. Patten was reared to manhood on his father's farm in Ohio and ob- tained his early education in the old-fashioned subscription schools, while subse- quently he continued his studies in the district schools and later entered Iberia College at Iberia, Ohio. He next followed the profession of teaching for one year, imparting clearly and readily to others the knowledge that he had acquired. In the spring of 1850 he came to Muscatine, Iowa, and began the manufacture of sash and doors, conducting an enterprise of that character for five years. On
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HISTORY OF MUSCATINE COUNTY
the expiration of that period he embarked in the lumber business and successfully carried on his interests in this connection for a number of years. In 1887, how- ever, he put aside active business cares and has since lived in honorable retire- ment, his competence being sufficient to supply him with all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. He owns a handsome residence at No. 406 Iowa avenue and has long been numbered among the most substantial and respected citizens of Muscatine.
On the 5th of May, 1853, Mr. Patten was united in marriage to Miss Sarah 'A'. Neidig, a native of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Isaac and Susan (Miller) Neidig, who were likewise born in the Keystone state, the latter passing away there. Isaac Neidig came to Iowa in 1850 and was for a number of years actively engaged in business as a lumber dealer and grocery merchant of Muscatine. His demise here occurred when he was about eighty-five years of age. Unto him and his wife were born four daughters and a son, namely: Sarah A., Mary, Elizabeth, Susan and Samuel. Mr. and Mrs. Patten became the par- ents of three children. Ellsworth Clay, now deceased, was engaged in the lumber business in Des Moines at the time of his death, which occurred when he was but twenty-four years of age. May Villa, who keeps house for her father, preached in the Methodist church for a number of years. Henry Milton, a resi- dent of Des Moines, is engaged in business as a money loaner. He wedded Mabel Jackson, a sister of Judge D. V. Jackson, and is the father of one son, John Sin- clair Patten. Mrs. Sarah A. Patten was called to her final rest on the 5th of November, 1902, when seventy years of age, passing away in the faith of the Methodist church.
In politics Mr. Patten is a stanch republican and for one term he ably repre- sented the third ward in the city council. The cause of education has ever found in him a warm friend and for seventeen years he did effective service in its be- half as a member of the school board. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist church, while fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to Iowa Lodge, No. 2, A. F. & A. M .; Washington Chapter, No. 4, R. A. M .; and DeMolay Commandery, No. I, K. T. He has reached the venerable age of eighty-five years and in the evening of life can look back upon a well spent, useful and honorable career.
GEORGE EICHENAUER.
George Eichenatier, a cigar manufacturer and dealer of Muscatine, who has built up a large business through his energy and perseverance, was born in this city, January 12, 1858, a son of Conrad and Elizabeth (Kurtz) Eichenauer, both of whom were born in Germany. The father, as a young man, decided to cast his lot among strangers, believing that he could succeed better under conditions different from those which prevail in the thickly populated country where he was born. Accordingly he came to America and in 1854 began his battle with the world by driving a dray in Muscatine, later becoming a driver of a street sprinkler and engaging in general teaming. He was an industrious man of good character
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and for a time it appeared as though his ambitions would be realized, but in 1868, at the age of forty-five years, he was called away. Mrs. Eichenauer survived her husband thirty-seven years and departed this life at the age of seventy-three, in 1905. They were both members of the Lutheran church. There were four chil- dren in their family: George; Anna; Charles, of Muscatine; and Johnnie, de- ceased.
George Eichenauer was educated in the public schools, although obliged to work to assist in supporting the family even in his boyhood. At ten years of age he began to learn the tobacco business as a stripper, going to work at four o'clock in the morning and working late in the evening after leaving school. Later he learned the cigarmaker's trade, which he followed for many years as a journey- man. In 1897 he entered the cigar-making business for himself and has since continued in this line with marked success. Being a man of pleasing address, he has built up a fine patronage and made his establishment one of the most flourish- ing of the kind in the city.
On the 12th of September, 1888, Mr. Eichenauer was united in marriage to Miss Katie Gergen, a daughter of Gangolf and Catherine Gergen, both of whom were natives of Germany. They were early settlers of Muscatine and are now deceased. Five of their children are now living: Anna, the wife of Henry Mere- dith, of Davenport; Katie, now Mrs. Eichenauer; Clara, the wife of William Meerdink, of Muscatine; George, also of Muscatine; and Amelia, the wife of Frank Welch. Mr. and Mrs. Eichenauer are the parents of three children, Charles, William and Fred.
Mr. Eichenauer is not identified with any religious denomination but his wife is a stanch adherent of the Presbyterian church. He holds membership in Eagle Lodge, No. 10, Ancient Order of United Workmen, and Tent No. 9, Knights of the Maccabees, being also identified with the Merchants Life Insurance Company of Burlington. Politically he is independent, often voting for the man irrespec- tive of the party he represents. He and his family are now living in a comfortable home at No. 1309 Cedar street, which he erected in 1890. Mr. Eichenauer is an independent citizen who by a life of industry has won his way to an honorable position among his business associates. The success he has attained is a striking illustration of the possibilities that await any young man who is willing to deny himself during his earlier years in order to possess an abundance later in life.
JOSEPH WORRELL EELLS.
Joseph Worrell Eells, an able attorney of the Muscatine bar, was born in Woodville, Hancock county, Illinois, August 31, 1858, and is a representative of an old New England family. His grandfather, Samuel Eells, was a native of Connecticut and in that state his father, Dudley B. Eells, was also born. The latter became a minister of the Congregational church. When about ten years of age he had accompanied his parents on their removal to the west, the family home being established near Payson, Adams county, Illinois, where he was reared to manhood and where he now resides. He was married to Miss Camilla Cooke, a
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native of New York and a daugliter of Dr. Joseph Cooke, a physician by pro- fession, who was born in Massachusetts. He, too, became one of the pioneer set- tlers of Illinois, establishing his home in Hancock county, where he died at an advanced age. The death of his daughter, Mrs. Camilla Eells, occurred in On- tario, California, in 1902, when she was sixty-six years of age. At the time of the Civil war the Rev. Dudley B. Eells served as a chaplain in the Union army. Unto him and his wife were born seven children who reached mature years, five sons and two daughters : Rev. Emery S., of Grandview, Iowa ; Dr. Clarence W., who is a resident of Denver, Colorado; Louis W., living in Crocker, Iowa; Rev. A. M., of Dodge City, Kansas; Joseph Worrell, of this review; Evelyn, the wife of Frank Van Meter of Trenton, Missouri; and Lola, who is the wife of Dr. W. S. Simpson and resides in Des Moines, Iowa. They also lost two children, Charles and Ella E., in early life.
Joseph W. Eells spent his youth in various parts of Iowa, owing to the fact that his father's service as minister of the church led to various removals of the family. He supplemented his early education by study in the Denmark Academy and in Iowa College. Subsequently he engaged in teaching for several years and in 1884 was admitted to the bar, having during his leisure hours as a teacher mastered the principles of jurisprudence. For ten years after his admission he occupied the position of traveling attorney for the Iowa Mortgage Company of Muscatine. In 1894 he was elected clerk of the district court and his capability in office is indicated in the fact that he was reelected in 1896 and again in 1898, so that his incumbency covered six years. He is now president of the board of commissioners of insanity. His public duties have ever been discharged in a most capable and acceptable manner, winning for him the high regard and approval of all concerned.
On the Ioth of June, 1897, Mr. Eells was married to Miss Esther Smalley, a daughter of Abraham and Eliza E. Smalley, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Eells are prominent in the social circles of the city and their home is noted for a gracious and tactful hospitality.
W. O. FRITCHMAN.
W. O. Fritchman, the proprietor of Oak Lawn farm, is well known in stock circles of Muscatine, his activities as an importer and breeder of high grade sheep and chickens causing him to be recognized as one of the most prominent stockmen of the county. Born in Buffalo Prairie, Rock Island county, Illinois, on the IIth of March, 1858, he is a son of Adam and Margaret (McGrew) Fritchman, both natives of Pennsylvania. The father was born in Carlisle, Feb- ruary 29, 1824, and the mother in Westmoreland county, near Irwin Station, in 1826. They were reared and married in the Keystone state and caine west to Illinois in 1855, taking up their home in Rockland county. The year 1867 wit- nessed their arrival in Muscatine and this remained their home until 1895, when they removed to Cedar county, Iowa, where their remaining days were spent. The father was a farmer by occupation and at one time owned a farm of one
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