USA > Iowa > Muscatine County > History of Muscatine County, Iowa, from the earliest settlements to the present time, Volume II > Part 77
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Politically Mr. Mills is a stanch advocate and supporter of the democracy. He has ably served as township assessor for eight years, was township trustee for one term and has also acted as secretary of the school board. He is a mem- ber of Nichols Lodge, No. 4195, M. W. A .; Adams Lodge, No. 352, M. B. A .; and Nichols Lodge, No. 664, I. O. O. F. In religious faith he and his family are Protestants. Upright and honorable in all of his dealings, he well merits the kindly regard which is uniformly tendered him and the circle of his friends is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances.
JOSEPH E. KENNEDY.
Joseph E. Kennedy, the owner of a well improved farm of three hundred and twenty-nine acres in Wapsinonoc township, is actively engaged in the work of the fields and also devotes considerable attention to horses. His birth oc- curred in Cedar county, Iowa, on the 26th of January, 1879, his parents being William and Ann Kennedy, who were natives of New York and Canada re- spectively. On coming to Iowa they first took up their abode in Muscatine county but later removed to Cedar county. where they continued to reside throughout the remainder of their lives. William Kennedy had been en- gaged in the furniture business in early manhood but after coming to this state devoted his attention to farming, owning a tract of eighty acres. He lived to attain the ripe old age of seventy-five years, while his wife was called to her final rest in 1881. Their children were eight in number, namely: Albert; Sarah; William H .; Nettie; Charles, who is deceased; Lizzie; Joseph E., of this review; and Florence, who has also passed away.
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Joseph E. Kennedy has been actively and successfully identified with gen- eral agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business career. He has pros- pered in his undertakings and is now the owner of three hundred and twenty- nine acres of rich and productive land in Wapsinonoc township, where he makes his home. He raises the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and also makes a specialty of handling horses, both branches of his business proving profitable.
Mr. Kennedy was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Barnhart, a daughter of Daniel and Della (Ellyson) Barnhart, who now reside on a farm in Cedar county, Iowa. The father is a native of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, while the mother's birth occured in West Branch, Iowa. The latter has continuously re- sided in this state from her birth to the present time. Mrs. Kennedy is one of a family of three children, the others being: James Curtis, who is married and makes his home in Cedar county; and Sadie Elizabeth.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Kennedy has supported republican men and measures but his aspirations have not been in the line of office seeking. He was reared in the faith of the Methodist church. He has always lived in this part of the state and enjoys an enviable reputation as an enterprising young agriculturist and respected citizen.
CHARLES ATTENEDER.
Charles Atteneder, who is actively identified with the farming interests of Muscatine county and owns a desirable property in Montpelier township, has well earned a place in the permanent regard of the county's representative citi- zens. He belongs to that class of men whose labors contribute to the material advancement of the state and who may be depended upon to aid in times of emergency. The success which he has attained is the result of his own efforts, his battle with the world having developed in him those attributes which are so essential in the safe conduct of a business.
Born in the township where he now lives, September 16, 1858, he is the son of Charles Atteneder, a native of Germany, who was born March 13, 1826. The father grew to manhood in the fatherland and emigrated to the United States in 1851, being then twenty-five years of age. He came to Muscatine county, Iowa, in 1852 and purchased eighty acres of land in Montpelier town- ship, where he lived for fifty years, accumulating a valuable farm of two hun- dred and eighty acres. The mother before her marriage was Barbara Hahn. She was also a native of Germany, born in 1826, and came to this country in 1852. There were six children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Atteneder, three of whom are now living, namely: George, a resident of Idaho; Charles, our subject ; and William.
Charles Atteneder was educated in the public schools of Muscatine county, and, after arriving at manhood and having a desire to see the world, he went to Atlanta, Georgia, where he lived for sixteen years. However, he returned to the county of his birth and purchased eighty acres in Montpelier township, which he has since cultivated with a goodly measure of success. He also owns
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property in Atlanta and has in his various business transactions shown a judg- ment that is highly creditable.
Mr. Atteneder was united in marriage to Miss Pauline Wurm, of Marion, Alabama, and one child, Lilly, has blessed this union. Ever since he arrived at voting age Mr. Atteneder has given his support to the republican party. He has not sought nor desired public office as his energies have been devoted to his private affairs, in the promotion of which he has found his time well occupied. He is a firm believer in the authority of the Bible and is a member of the Epis- copal church, to which he is a liberal contributor. Having early conceived a high ideal in life, he has been controlled by laudable principles and has sought to promote the best interests of all with whom he has associated. He has clearly deserved the success that has rewarded his labors.
THOMAS AND MATILDA F. BURKE.
It would be difficult to name a more worthy couple than Thomas and Matilda F. Burke, for a number of years residents of Muscatine county and now de- ceased. Their memory is revered by many to whom they were known and espe- cially by friends and neighbors who were more intimately acquainted with their sterling qualities. Mr. Burke was a native of Ireland and his wife of England, her maiden name being Matilda F. Robshaw. They came to America and were married in Muscatine county, May 5, 1864. Mr. Burke was a man of excellent habits and a laudable ambition and he and his bride began the journey of life together on a farm in Pike township. Mrs. Burke passed away December 17, 1874, only ten years after her marriage, and was laid to rest in Timber Lake cemetery, Goshen township. Mr. Burke subsequently removed to a farm of one hundred and sixty acres one mile south of the place he originally rented and cultivated it with a gratifying measure of success until his death, which oc- curred October 15, 1902. His remains were interred in the Catholic cemetery at West Liberty, Iowa. Owing to his honorable dealing with his fellowmen, his genial manner and a spirit of friendliness, which was one of his prominent char- acteristics, he was greatly respected in the community where he passed nearly forty years. He always discharged his duties to the best of his ability, never taking advantage of another to promote his own interests. He was justly re- garded as one of the substantial and representative men in Pike township- one that fully deserved the confidence of all with whom he came into contact.
To Mr. and Mrs. Burke one child was born, Margaret J., whose natal day was July 14, 1865. She continued with her father until his death, with the exception of a few years, and having inherited the home place, she has lived in comfort and is also able to assist others less fortunate than herself. She rents the farm and lives with her only son in quiet retirement at the old home which is endeared to her by many associations. She received good advantages of edu- cation at St. Mathias School, Muscatine, and is recognized by her friends and acquaintances as a lady of many admirable attributes which she inherited from excellent parentage.
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Mr. Burke was a sincere adherent of the democratic party but never sought political honors, preferring to devote his time to his business or his family, it being his greatest pleasure in his later years to enhance the comfort and hap- piness of his daughter in every way possible. Starting early in life upon his own resources, he adopted America as his country and under the beneficent influences of the republic gained financial independence and also the respect and good- will of all with whom he came into contact.
THOMAS J. HUFFMAN.
A successful farmer of Orono township and also a popular public official, Thomas J. Huffman has by his industry, intelligent and enterprising spirit gained the confidence and respect of the entire community. He was born in Louisa county, Iowa, March 13, 1857, son of Thomas S., and Katherine ( Mil- ler) Huffman, the father being a native of New Jersey and the mother of Pennsylvania, They were married in the Keystone state and came west early in the '50s to Illinois, where they remained for several years, and then removed to Louisa county, Iowa. Mr. Huffman became one of the successful farmers of the county and was the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of well im- proved land. He departed this life in January, 1889, and his first wife died November 23. 1875, their remains being interred in Concord cemetery, Louisa county. There were eleven children in the family, namely: Mary, who mar- ried Johnathan Drake of Louisa county and is now deceased; George, who was last heard of in California ; William, who was born October 23. 1848, and died February 25, 1862; James, of Western, lowa; Thomas J., the subject of this review; Henry of Illinois : Charles F., of Dakota; Johnson, of Kelerton, Iowa ; Amanda, the widow of Abner Ball of Louisa county; Alice N., widow of Will- iam Storey of Wapello, Iowa; and Martha E., now the wife of John Hank, living near Wapello. The father of these children was twice married, his second wife being Mrs. Weber, a native of Germany, widow of Fred Weber. She passed away in 1904.
Thomas J. Huffman received his early education in the district schools and continued at the parental home until he arrived at the age of twenty-two years. After engaging in farm work upon his own account for a short time he was married and rented land, which he cultivated to such good advantage that he was able in 1895 to purchase a farm near Conesville. He has greatly improved the place and is recognized as one of the most energetic and successful farmers in this section.
On the 28th of June, 1882, Mr. Huffman was united in marriage to Miss Cynthia Bede, who was born in Ohio, October 6, 1842, a daughter of William and Mary ( Price) Bede. The father was a native of Scotland and the mother of Kentucky. They were married in Ohio and subsequently came to Van Buren county, Iowa, later removing to Louisa county, where Mr. Bede passed away in January, 1857. His wife died May 23, 1871, and was laid to rest beside her husband in Wapello cemetery. There were eight children born to Mr. and
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Mrs. Bede : Mary, who died at the age of sixteen years; Richard, who gave up his life for his country at the time of the Civil war; Cynthia, now Mrs. Thomas J. Huffman ; Robert, of Nebraska; Elizabeth, the wife of Israel Hill of Cones- ville : Minerva, who became the wife of John Price of Illinois and is now de- ceased; Jackson, who died at Conesville, February 7, 1910; and Nancy, who died in infancy. One child, Edna, came to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Huffman. She was born September 11, 1883, and received a high-school edu- cation. She is now the wife of E. C. Snyder, of Conesville.
Socially, Mr. Huffman is identified with Lodge No. 8342, M. W. A. He and his family are valued members of the Reformed church of Conesville and are active workers in its behalf. Politically, he gives his support to the democratic party and although he has never tirged his claims for public office he has served inost acceptably as road supervisor, member of the school board and also for seven years as member of the city council. He is now mayor of Conesville, and as he gives to his public duties the same interest and energy that he de- votes to his private affairs, his administration is proving highly satisfactory to the people of the community.
J. A. BARTEMEIER.
Among the business men of Muscatine J. A. Bartemeier occupies an hon- ored place not only on account of his success in mercantile affairs but because of personal qualities that inspire the respect of associates and acquaintances. He was born in Davenport, Iowa, February 6, 1865, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Reers) Bartemeier, both of whom were natives of Baden, Germany. The father learned the tailor's trade and, believing that more favorable condi- tions existed in the American republic than prevailed in the older European countries, he came to the United States and located in St. Louis in 1848. In 1853 he removed to Davenport, Iowa, and was at the head of a merchant tail- oring establishment until his death, which occurred in 1901 when he was sev- enty-one years old. His wife passed away in 1884 at the age of sixty-four years. Both were devout Roman Catholics. John Bartemeier, the paternal grandfather, was a farmer in Germany and died in his native land a few years after reaching manhood. His widow died at sea while coming to America. There were two sons in the family, John and Fred. The maternal grandfather was Bernard Reers, a carpenter.
Unto John and Elizabeth (Reers) Bartemeier seven children were born, six of whom grew to maturity: Mary, the wife of Valentine Dauber, of Rock Island, Illinois; Theresa, the wife of Captain John Streckfus, also of Rock Island; Gunda, now Mrs. Michael Maugan, of Davenport; Hannah, the wife of B. Winter, of Rock Island; John A .; and Elizabeth, who was the first wife of B. Winter and is now deceased.
J. A. Bartemeier was educated in the parochial schools of Davenport and took a course of one year in the Davenport Business College. After laying his books aside he went to Jackson county, Minnesota, and farmed for five years
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upon a section of land owned by his father. In the meantime he was married, . and, being attracted to his native state, came to Muscatine, where he associated with his father-in-law in farming for three years. Later he entered the hard- ware business, in which he has since continued with growing success, having gained a liberal patronage not only from the people of the city but from a wide region in this section. He is a member of the board of directors of the German-American Bank and also vice president of the Muscatine Pearl Nov- elty Company.
On the 30th of November, 1887, Mr. Bartemeier was married to Miss Cath- erine Schwab, a native of Buffalo Prairie, Illinois, and a daughter of Michael and Catherine (Fuhr) Schwab. Mr. Schwab was born in Germany and his wife in Buffalo, New York. They were early settlers of Buffalo Prairie and have lived in Muscatine county thirty-six years, removing to the city of Musca- tine in March, 1910. Six children blessed their union, Mary, Lucy, Barbara, Joseph, Catherine and one who died in infancy. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bartemeier seven children were born, one of whom died in infancy. John was called away at the age of six and one-half years and Michael at the age of four and one-half years. Those living are Leo, Carl, Edgar and Blanche.
Mr. and Mrs. Bartemeier are consistent members of the Catholic church and liberal contributors toward its support. Mr. Bartemeier is identified with the Knights of Columbus, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Mod- ern Woodmen of America. Politically he is in sympathy with the democratic party and strongly endorses its principles, believing that they are best adapted to advance the interests of the individual and the nation. He is a man of good judgment and high character-one who is not easily discouraged in a worthy undertaking and who generally finds a way to accomplish anything he sets out to do. He is energetic and progressive, a liberal giver to all worthy objects and a sterling champion of the city which he adopted as his home.
FRANCIS XAVIER SCHAEFER.
Success is the legitimate and logical outcome of close application, deter- mination and well formulated plans. All of these have been elements in the prosperity of Francis X. Schaefer, now proprietor of a laundry and dry-clean- ing and dyeing establishment at No. 215 Iowa avenue in Muscatine. This is his native city, his birth having here occurred November 16, 1873.
He bears the name of his paternal grandfather, Francis Schaefer, who be- came one of the early residents of Muscatine, where he conducted a brewery for several years. He died at the age of sixty-six years. Unto him and his wife, Anna Schaefer, there were born three children, John, George and Anna. George A. Schaefer was a native of Germany and was a lad of eleven years when brought to the United States by his parents, who crossed the broad At- lantic that they might enjoy the better business opportunities offered in the new world. The family did not tarry long on the Atlantic coast but made their way at once into the interior of the country, settling in Muscatine when this was
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but a small town of comparatively little industrial or commercial importance. Later George A. Schaefer engaged in business here as a brick manufacturer and grocer, conducting industrial and commercial interests with success for a num- ber of years. He wedded Anna Doerfler, who was also born in Germany, in which country her parents died. She was one of a family of seven children, namely : Mrs. Peter Hirschman; Kate, the wife of George Hunt; Mrs. John Heibner ; Mrs. Christ Will; Anna, who became the wife of Mr. Schaefer ; John; and one who was killed in the Civil war.
The marriage of George A. Schaefer and Anna Doerfler was celebrated in Muscatine, and here they maintained their residence until called to their final rest. Both were consistent members of the Catholic church. The mother died in 1890 at the age of forty years, but the father survived for about sixteen years and passed away on the 3d of January, 1906, at the age of sixty-five years. Their family numbered fifteen children, of whom eight are now living: George, Jr., of Chicago; Anna, the wife of A. J. Fuller, of Muscatine; Francis X., of this review; Mary, the wife of O. O. Hager, of Lincoln, Nebraska ; Kate, who married A. F. Millis, of Waukesha, Wisconsin; Dr. Joseph Schaefer, of Chicago; Edward, also of that city; and Charles, of Muscatine.
No event of special importance colored the life of Francis X. Schaefer. His early days were spent in Muscatine and his education was acquired in the parochial school. After putting aside his text-books he began clerking in a clothing store and in 1893 he turned his attention to the hat business in partner- ship with H. K. Rutherford. In the same year he embarked in the laundry business in connection with Miss Lydia Parker and Mrs. L. M. Maxon. This relation was maintained for two years, when Mr. Schaefer disposed of his interest in both the laundry and the hat store. Subsequently he purchased the New Process laundry on East Second street and afterward bought his present building at No. 214 Iowa avenue. To that location he removed his laundry and has since successfully conducted it. He is carrying on an extensive business for the excellence of the work there done brings him a liberal patronage. In 1903 he purchased the Kemble Hotel, which he conducted for a year, after which he bought the Commercial Hotel of which he was proprietor for four years and ten months. In 1904 he began a carpet cleaning and rug making business in which he still continues, and in 1908 he added a dry-cleaning and dyeing department. These various interests still claim his attention, and he is now conducting a business of extensive and profitable proportions. In addi- tion to his other interests he is a stockholder in the Muscatine State Bank.
On the 25th of December, 1902, Mr. Schaefer married Miss Clara Apel, a daughter of John Apel. Mrs. Schaefer died February 24, 1904, leaving a son, Clarence. On the Ist of September, 1906, Mr. Schaefer wedded Miss Clara Hess, a native of Muscatine and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Adam Hess, the former a native of Germany, and the latter of Muscatine. Her father is now deceased, but her mother still survives. Their family numbers three sons and four daughters, Harry, Frank, Benjamin, Clara, Nellie, Sadie and Helen. There has been one son born of Mr. Schaefer's second marriage, Harold X.
The parents are members of St. Mathias Catholic church, and fraternally Mr. Schaefer is connected with the Knights of Columbus, the Benevolent and
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Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of the Maccabees, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Modern Woodmen. Politically he is a republican, stanchly advocating the principles of the party. He lives at No. 215 Iowa ave- nue and in addition owns three fine business blocks on the same street, his property being the visible evidence of his life of well directed energy and thrift. Gradually he has worked his way upward and in the field where he labors is meeting with substantial and well merited success.
ISAAC W. LEWIS.
The owner of a farm of four hundred and sixty acres of good land in Iowa, it is safe to prophesy that Isaac W. Lewis will be able to keep the wolf from the door for some years to come. This valuable property he has acquired through his own energy and sound business judgment and at the same time he has at- tained a position as one of the highly respected citizens of Muscatine and Cedar counties.
He was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, May 5, 1834, a son of William and Elizabeth (Rossiter) Lewis. The father, who was also a native of that county, removed to Columbiana county, Ohio, and cultivated a farm nine miles from Salem until 1846, when he joined the great movement in the course of which many states west of the Mississippi river received a fresh influx of settlers. He traveled with his family by wagon, and the Mississippi river being so high at Muscatine, he crossed at Burlington on a steam ferry. He located at Pedee, Cedar county, where he continued until his death, which occurred in 1880. The mother of our subject was also a native of the Keystone state, where she mar- ried Mr. Lewis. She passed away in 1887. There were six children in their family, of whom John S., Joseph P., Lydia and Cynthia are deceased. The only member of the family now living besides the subject of this review is William Clarke, who is engaged in farming near Higginsville, Missouri.
Isaac W. Lewis came with his parents to Iowa at the age of twelve years, the long trip over the rough roads of that day and the strange scenes through which he passed making an impression upon his mind that has never been ob- literated. He received his education in the common schools of Ohio and Iowa, showing by his application to his studies an ability to concentrate his attention which has greatly assisted him in his business affairs. He remained with his' parents until twenty-two years of age and for some years followed threshing and breaking prairie, and later engaged quite extensively in stock buying. In 1886 he removed to Tipton and for four years was identified with the real-estate busi- ness. In 1890 he took up his abode in West Liberty, where he has since lived. Being a man of industry and good judgment, lie has steadily prospered and now owns four hundred and sixty acres of valuable land in Iowa township, Cedar county, and a fine residence in West Liberty. He is engaged on a large scale in cattle raising and feeding, and as he thoroughly understands marketing, he usu- ally obtains a satisfactory price for his stock.
MR. AND MRS. ISAAC W. LEWIS
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On the 12th of June, 1856, Mr. Lewis was united in marriage to Miss Jane Elizabeth Pierce, a native of Maryland and a daughter of Isaiah and Charlotte (Smith) Pierce, farming people of Maryland, who came to Cedar county, Iowa, in 1855. Her father followed farming there until his death. Mrs. Pierce passed away in Muscatine county and both are buried in Pedee cemetery, Cedar county, lowa. Five children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis: Henry F., who is the owner of a valuable farm in Cedar county ; Joseph Earl, a prominent real-estate man of Kentfield, Marin county, California; Ernest, deceased; Inez, the wife of Dr. L. F. Woodruff of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Lottie, now Mrs. Isaac Filson, also of Cedar Rapids, Ruby I., a daughter of Henry F. Lewis, is a young lady of unusual educational qualifications, and on November 8, 1910, was elected superintendent of schools in Cedar county. She is a democrat but is so popular in the county that she easily overcame a repub- lican majority of three hundred and is now serving in an office for which she is eminently qualified.
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