History of Scott County, Iowa, Part 78

Author: Inter-state Publishing Company (Chicago, Ill.)
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago, Inter-state publishing co.
Number of Pages: 1280

USA > Iowa > Scott County > History of Scott County, Iowa > Part 78

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James R. King, dealer in house-furnishing goods, 221 Perry street, was born in Boston, England. Dec. 11, 1854. He became self supporting at 12 years of age, having attended school prior to

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CITY OF DAVENPORT.

that time. and worked at gardening until he was 20 years old; then worked in a hotel in the city of London until Sept. 1. 1874, when he emigrated to the United States, and landed at New York; thence to Magnoketa, Iowa, where he worked at the boot and shoe trade some 15 months; then came to Davenport. He worked at the Burtis House, and put in all his leisure hours in working at the boot and shoe trade. After working some time at the hotel and his trade he opened a saloon, which he conducted until March, 1878, when he established liis present business. He keeps a com- plete stock of goods always on hand. and has a steadily increasing trade. Ile was married to Anna M. Jones, May 26, 1879. She was born in the State of Illinois. They have one child-Earl J. Mr. King is emphatically a self-made man, as he came to Dav- enport in limited circumstances and has by close application to business and fair dealing accumulated a comfortable competence.

Otto Kircher, deceased, was born in Carlsruhe, Baden, Ger- many, July 1, 1842, son of Carl and Wilhemina Kircher, natives of Germany. He was educated in the schools of Frankfurt, Germany, and in company with a younger brother emigrated to America about the year 1864. Ile located first in Chicago, traveling for the jewelry house of Mr. Kromberg. In October, 1867, he came to Davenport, and the following year, in partnership with Mr. Goos, opened a jewelry store in the Newcomb House Block. Mr. Goos was a man of sterling business qualifications, and, aided by the in- domitable energy of Mr. Kircher, the firm succeeded beyond their most sanguine expectations. In 1875. Mr. Kircher, wishing to pay a visit to his parents and friends in Germany, embarked on the ill- fated steamer " Schiller." and perished in the wreck of that vessel near the Sicilly Islands, May 7, 1875. Mr. K. was married Dec. 31, 1>71, to Miss Tillie Steinhilher, daughter of Ezekiel Stein- hither, of Blue Grass township. They had two children-Minnie and Otie : the first of whom died in 1877. Two years subsequent to the sad death of Mr. Kircher, Mr. Goos was taken away, and Mrs. Kireher, with commendable spirit and energy, has continued the business, and to-day has one of the largest and best-fitted jewelry establishments in Davenport, located at the corner of Brady and Third streets.

Henry Klindt, of the firm of J. Lage & Co., brewers, corner Fifth and Desota streets, was born Oct. 12, 1539, in Holstine, Ger- many. Ifis parents were Thies and Wiebke Klindt, native of Hol- stine, where he died in 1848; she died in Davenport in 1878. Henry Klindt came to Davenport in 1855; he engaged in farming two years, teamed two years, then took a trip to New Orleans. Ile en- listed in the U. S. army at St. Louis and served nearly two years as private, receiving his discharge in April, 1863. Ile returned to Davenport, and again engaged in teaming until 1868, when he en- gaged in the flour and feed business which he followed until becoming a partner in his present business, in 1875. He was married in Davenport, on May 10, 1863, to Catherine Schnoor. They have

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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.

one child, George, born on Jan. 10, 1864. In politics, Mr. Klindt is a Democrat.

Peter Kloppenburg, dealer in dry goods and groceries. 1634 West Locust street, was born in Holstine, Germany, Jan. 4, 1839, and was a son of Steffen and Gerehen Kloppenburg, of that place. Ilis mother died in Holstine; his father still resides there. In 1871 Peter Kloppenburg left his native country for America. He landed in New York, where he remained one year, then located in Daven- port. He worked about four months in a lumber yard, then ob- tained a situation in a grocery store, which he retained until going into business for himself. He carries a complete stock of goods, and has a steadily increasing trade.

Chas. F. Knappe, grocer, 322 Harrison street, was born in Halle. Prussia, Germany, Sept. 27, 1833. He was a son of Philo and Wilhelmena (Buschbeck) Knappe, natives of Prussia, Ger- many. Charles was 14 when his father died. He attended school until 18 years of age when he went in a sailing vessel to New Or- leans; was 93 days at sea. Soon after his arrival he went to Rio Janeiro, South America, and worked in a drug store as clerk nine months; then went to Bahia S. A. and soon after came to St. Louis, Mo., and worked as draughtsman and machinist, and ran on the Mississippi River as engineer until May, 1861, when he enlisted in Co. D, 2d Mo. Vol. Inf., for three months, then reinlisted as 2d lieutenant in Co. E, 2d Mo. Vol. Inf., and was promoted to Major. He was in the battles of Booneville, Mo., Wilson Creek Mo., Pea Ridge, Ark., Perryville, Ky., "Stone River," Tenn., and Chicanoga, Ga. Was mnstered ont at St. Louis, November, 1864. He then came to Davenport, Iowa, and was salesman in a lumber yard for Des Saint & Schricker five months; then traveled for Beiderbecke & Miller, wholesale grocers in Davenport, until fall 1880, when he went into business for himself and opened a grocery store, and at present is located at 322 Harrison street, where he carries a full line of groceries, provisions, staple and fancy goods, and is one of the enterprising grocers of Davenport. He was married to Miss Margot Knighton, May, 1856; she was born in St. Louis, Mo. The fruit of this marriage was four children, one living, viz. : Richard C. Knappe, studying civil engineering at Berlin, Germany. Mrs. Knappe died in 1860, and October, 1863, Mr. Knappe married Katrina Weinbrenner, a native of Wurtemberg, Germany. Mr. Knappe is a member of Masonic Fraternal Lodge, A. F. & A. M., No. 231, Davenport-and in politics, Independent. . Louis Koell, grocer. 225 Harrison street, was born in Oldenburg, Germany, Apr. 10, 1836. He was a son of William and Katherine Koell, natives of Germany. Louis went to sea when he was 15 years of age and came to New York, arriving in 1852. He then shipped on a navy vessel bound for the East Indies and led a sea-far ing life until 1869, when he went to Winona, Minn., and worked there in a saw-mill 18 months; then went to Green Bay, Wis., and remained there nine months. Afterward came to Davenport,

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CITY OF DAVENPORT.

and located at his present place of business, in the grocery trade where he carries a full stock, worth $800. He was married to Katrina Homann, Jan. 23, 1872. She was born in Germany and was a daughter of Henry Homann. Mr. and Mrs. Koell have one adopted child, Anna Koell. The subject of this record is a member of the K. P. Lodge, No. 50 ; Davenport Druids Lodge, No. 4 ; and the Shooting society of Davenport. Mr. Koell was on board the ship " Resident " when it made its first entrance into the Japan, port, in 1856, that vessel being among the first permitted to enter that port. He has sailed around the world, and has made six trips to the West Indies.

Robert Krause, wholesale and retail dealer in eloths. triminings, gents' furnishing goods and elothing, 125 and 127 East Second street, established his present business Aug. 15, 1854, in partner- ship with his brother, William Krause, under the firm name of W. & R. Krause, and remained as such until the spring of 1858, when Win. Krause withdrew from the firm; since that time Robert has conducted the business alone. He occupies two three-story build- ings. 40 x 150 feet deep, with basements, and carries a full line of im- ported and domestic goods. Mr. Krause was born Nov. 13, 1834, in the village of Walkenried, at the foot of the Hartz Mountain, in Brunswick, Germany. He emigrated to America with his parents in 1848, and settled in the State of Ohio. Mr. Robert Krause came to Davenport in May, 1852, where he clerked in a grocery store two years, and in a elothing house 15 months, then went into business for himself. He was married January 1, 1860, to Louisa, eldest daughter of Ezekiel Steinhilber, and native of Wheeling, Va. They have two daughters-Clara L. and Emilie V.

Henry Krohn, dyer at the Steam Dye Works, 223 Perry street, is a native of Schleswig-Ilolstein, Germany. born Sept. 6, 1852, of John and Elizabeth Krohn, of German birth. Henry received an education, and learned the dyer's trade in Germany, and emigrated to the United States in September, 1871. He went to Chicago, where he worked at his trade until the fall of 1876, when he came to Davenport and obtained employment at the dye works, where he still remains. He was married to Miss Elizabeth Philebahr, March 22, 1579. She was born in Rock Island, Ill., and was a daughter of Peter and Bertha (Schlemmer) Philebahr. Mr. and Mrs. Krohn have one child, Anna. He is a member of K. P., Davenport Lodge, No. 50, and in polities is a Demoerat.

Nicholas Kuhnen is a native of Rhenish Prussia (Germany), having been born in Treves, on the 19th of May, 1828, where he received a substantial education. At the age of 18 he came to the United States, and followed his trade of cigar-maker in dif- ferent places for several years, coming to Davenport in June, 1854, which eity has since been his home. He brought with him a mis- cellaneous stock purchased in St. Louis with the few hundred dollars he had saved from his small earnings, and on his arrival opened an unpretending retail tobacconist store, supplying it with

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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.

cigars of his own make. A few years later his thrift and popular- ity made it necessary to obtain more commodious quarters in a better street. Continued prosperity soon led him to open a factory for the wholesale business, and in four years after his arrival took rank among the leading business houses of the city, which position he has steadily maintained, now being at the head of the tobacco business in the State, occupying with his store and mannfactory one of the largest business buildings in the city, employing large numbers of operatives, and finding a market in most of the States and Territories of the Northwest.

The successful career of Nicholas Knhnen marks him as a man of superior business qualifications. The same principle of exact honesty which made him friends in the beginning, has been most carefully maintained through his years of growth and prosperity. Thorough discipline in every department, exact honesty in every relation of life, has given a commercial and social position that is to be valued beyond all price.

In November, 1861, Mr. Kuhnen was united in marriage with Miss Mary Alexander, of New York, the fruit of which happy union was one son, Nicholas V. Kuhnen, born Sept. 1, 1862, who is already largely sharing the business burdens of the house with his father; and three daughters-Mary M., Esther Annie,and Alice Lonise, all of whom were born in Davenport.

Though enjoying the esteem and confidence of the best business and social circles, and the benevolent orders of which he has long been a useful member, he has ever abstained from public prefer- ment, accepting positions in the council and educational boards of the city only as a matter of duty to the public, which all good citi- zens should be willing to share. As a member of bank boards, or the incumbent of any position of public or private trust, he has made a record which his family and friends may ever regard with just pride. A happy home, a well-managed business, the society of friends, and an unblemished reputation-these are the objects he has sought for and nobly achieved.

William O. Kulp, the leading dentist of Davenport, was born on the 19th of September, 1836, in Wadsworth, O., and was a son of Joseph and Sarah Kulp, nee Overholt, natives of Pennsyl- vania. William had an innate love for the medical profession, and at an early age determined that that should be his life work. Accordingly he worked at various branches of business merely to gain a livelihood while completing his medical studies. In Oc- tober, 1859, he located in Muscatine, Ia., and formed a partnership with H. G. Hall, a prominent dentist of that place. This partner- ship continued until 1861, when Dr. Hall retired and Dr. Kulp practiced alone in Muscatine until 1871, when he came to Daven- port, and is now located at 114 West Third street. Ile was mar- ried on May 26. 1862, to Miss Mary A. Jones, of New York City. She was the daughter of the Rev. D. E. Jones, deceased, and Dorcas, nee Letts. Of five children born of this union four are liv-

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ing, Kate R .. Lizzie B., Joseph R., and Zella M. Dr. Kulp is a a member of the Iowa L. of K., Scott Lodge, No. 2, also A. O. U. W., No. 17. Through his efforts the Iowa Dental Association was organized in 1863. He is known to dentists as the father of the Iowa State Dental Society. In 1567 he was called to the chair of operative dentistry in the Missouri Dental College, filling the chair one winter, when, owing to the illness of his family. he returned to Muscatine. He has been a member of the American Dental As- sociation since 1864. Dr. Kulp is well and favorably known to the public as a skillful and reliable dentist.

Henry Lamp, President of the West Davenport Furniture Com- pany, locatedfon Warren, between Fifth and Sixth streets, was born Sept. 4. 1846, in Holstein. Kiel, Germany, and is a son of John Lamp, also of that place; his parents reside in Germany. Henry received a college education at the University of Kiel. When he was 15 years old he entered the School of Mechanics, · where nothing is taught except the formation and uses of machin- ery; remained there two and one-half years; afterward served an apprenticeship to a machinist. In 1866 he emigrated to America and came direct to Davenport. He worked in Donahne's machine shop one year, then spent four years at engineering. Subse- quently purchased an interest in his present business, the Daven- port Furniture Company. They employ 65 men and do an enor- mous business, selling furniture in lowa, Illinois, Missouri and Nebraska. Mr. Lamp married Miss Katie Luett. She was born on the Government Island in 1848. He served as alderman of his ward one term, and in politics is a Democrat.

Valentine Laux, grocer, 1101, W. Sixth street, was born Oet. 6, 1826, in Herxheim Sandan, Rheinpfalz Province, Germany. His parents were Francis Jacob and Margaret Lanx, natives of Ger- many, where they both died. he in 1842, and she in 1860. Val- entine Lanx came to this country in 1847, and went to Cincinnati, where he remained until the summer of 1856, when he came to Davenport. He was employed in the printing office of Richard- 8011 Bros., editors of the Democrat. as pressman; remained with them three years; was then engaged on the Gazette staff 13 years. Subsequently he engaged in his present business as grocer. He was married in Ilamilton Co., Ohio, on the 10th of January, 1852, to Elizabeth Kress. She was born in Rheinpfalz, Bavarian Prov- inee, Germany. They have nine children-Teresa, Maggie, Caro- line, William, Rosa. Mary, Charles. Flora and Harry. In politics Mr. Laux is a Republican.

Julius Lehrkind, brewer, corner Second and Taylor streets, was born in Hlaspe, Prussia. Dec. 25, 1842. His father, Carl Lehrkind, was a native of that place and died there in 1865; his wife, Bertha, nee Schumann, was born in Iserlohn. Prussia, and died in Haspe in 1847. Julius Lehrkind came to America in 1863 and remained until 1865, when he returned to Germany. coming again to America in 1866. He worked in a brewery in Philadelphia, Pa.,

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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.

one year and a half; then he spent some time in traveling, loeat- ing in Davenport in 1868. He at once engaged in the brewery business, at his present location. Second and Taylor streets. Pre- vious to coming to Davenport, he kept a brewery in Black Hawk, Scott Co., 10 years. He was married in Le Claire, Ia., March 1, 1871, to Emilie Lamback. Her parents reside in this city. Mr. and Mrs. Lehrkind have had five children-Julius, Walter, Carl, Bertha and Emilie.

Harvey Leonard, ex-Sheriff of Scott County, was first elected to office in 1847, and held it continuously until 1860; then there was an interval of 12 years during which he was out of office. He was again elected and took charge of the office in Jannary, 1872, and has filled the office by re-election until January, 1882, making a total of 22 years and five months that he has served in the capacity of sheriff. Upon his refusal to run for it longer, his son Nathaniel was elected in the fall of 1881, and assumed the duties of the office Jan. 1, 1882. Mr. Harvey Leonard was born in Warren Co., O., Nov. 20. 1812. His parents were James Leonard, a Pennsylvanian, and Jane ( Biggs) Leonard, a native of Virginia. To them were born seven children, of whom three sons and one daughter are living. Harvey Leonard was the first born child. His parents moved to Dearborn Co .. Ind., when he was a small lad. He remained there until he was 16 years of age, when he went to St. Clair Co., Ill., and there prosecuted his trade of briek- maker and mason; the former trade he was master of at that early age. Atter remaining there nine years, he came to Daven- port, Iowa, in the spring of 1837. At that time there were but three cabins on the ground composing the present site of the city. At the present time there are but three persons living who preceded him in the city, viz .: D. C. Eldridge, Wm. L. Cook and Win. Van Tyle. He at once engaged in manufacture of brick, of which he made the first ever used in Davenport, and carrying on mason work, taking contracts for erecting buildings. In Angust, 1838, he erected the first brick building in the city, which still stands on the northeast corner of Main and Third streets. He pursued his trade until 1856, when the duties of his office became so onerous that he was compelled to abandon it, and devote his time to official labors; during the interim of 12 years that he was out of office, he assumed the business of brick-making. Mr. Leonard was married in St. Clair Co., Ill., in 1835, to Pelagil Boughnou; she is of French descent, and was born in St. Louis, Mo., in 1814. Eleven children blessed this union, viz .: James M., Charles H (deceased), Nathaniel, who was for several years deputy sheriff and is now sheriff) Pelagie Jane, (now the wife of Jolin J. Ryan, and resides in Larimer Co., Col.) Samuel Fletcher, Louise (who died in youthi) George J., John H .. Agnes (now deceased), Laurel S., Leonard. The living children are all residents of Scott County, save the one daughter; they were all born in Davenport except James M., who was born in St. Claire Co., Ill. Mr. Leonard has been a member

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of the Old Settlers' Association since its organization, and has served as its president. Politically he is a Demoerat and has al- ways been elected against a Republican majority in the county; he was first elected much against his wish. Mr. Leonard made the first brick for and built the court-honse in 1842. In that year he was elected mayor of the city of Davenport.

Nathaniel Leonard, Sheriff of Seott Co., Iowa, was born in the eity of Davenport, on March 21, 1843. His father, Harvey Leonard, was born in Lebanon Co., O., and settled in Scott County in the spring of 1836; he married Pelagil Boughinou, by whom he had 11 children. Nathaniel was the third son; he attended school un- til he was 18 years old when he went to the Rocky Mountains and engaged in mining and prospecting until 1868, and at that time returned to Davenport. He followed brick-making here until 1873. when he was appointed deputy sheriff, and held that position until October 1881, when he received his present appointment. He was nnited in marriage with Mrs. Mary E. Albrecht, of Louisa Co., Ia., on April 7, 1871, They have three children-Edward. Willie and Bessie. Mr. Leonard is a member of Druids Lodge, No. 10. In political views he is a Democrat.

Chas. M. Leonard, foreman C., R. I. & P. Railway car shops, was born in Randolph, Mass .. March 12, 1840. He was a son of M. M. and Mercy J. (Jenny) Leonard. They had a family of four children, three sons and one daughter. Chas. M. was the eldest son, and when nine years of age moved with his parents to Wey- month, Mass., where he attended the common and high schools nntil 18, graduating June, 1558. He then worked in a planing-mill until April 1861, when he enlisted in Company II. 11th Massachu. setts Infantry Volunteers, and remained in the service three years, when he located at La Salle, Ill., and followed the trade of mill- wright until September, 1566. Ile then worked in C., R. I. & P. Railway ear shops at Chicago, Ill .. until October, 1871; when he went to Trenton. Mo., where he had charge of the company's shops until March, 1874, when he took charge of the same company's car shops at Davenport. Mr. Leonard married Miss Anna E. Miller, Nov. 30, 1870. She was born in Catskill. N. Y .; her pa- rents were Joel E. and Euniee Miller. Mr. and Mrs. Leonard are both members of the Calvary Baptist Church in Davenport. Mr. Leonard is a Mason and a member of Davenport Lodge, A. F. & A. M., No. 37, and in politics he is a Republican. He has worked for the C., R. I. & P. Railway since September, 1866.

A. J. & F. W. Lerch, dealers in stoves and tinware, 120 West Third street, established this business in 1867, on a small capital. By fair dealing and steady application to business, they have placed themselves at the head in their line of business in Daven- port. They own and occupy a large three-story building 25 x 123 feet, with a basement. An elevator connects the floors, and on the whole it is one of the finest business buildings in the city. A.

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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.

J. & F. W. Lerch were born in Munders, Hanover, Germany, the former on Oct. 23. 1843, the latter Feb. 11, 1839. Their parents were Henry Lerch and Johanna, nee Rumpf, natives of Hanover. They attended school in Germany until they were 14 years old when they learned the tinner's trade and followed that business until they came to America. F. W. came in 1855, and landed at New York, Dec. 22, of that year. Previous to coming to Daven- port. he worked in Pittsburg, Pa., seven years, and at Watertown Arsenal. near Boston, Mass .; near San Francisco, Cal., and in 1865 went to Rock Island. Ill., where he worked at the Arsenal until 1867, then came to Davenport and formed a partnership with his brother, which still continues. He married Regina Schweizer, born in Williamsport, N. Y., April 6, 1871. They have four chil- dren -- Willie, Otto, Clara and August. He is a Mason and a mem- ber of Fraternal Lodge, No. 221; Davenport Chapter, No. 16, St. Simon of Cyreus, No. 9; K. F. ; Nobles of Mystic Shrine; is a 32d degree member of the A. A. S. M. and Iowa L. of H .; of the Northwestern Masonic Association of Chicago, and Freemason Mntnal Aid Association, of Preston, Iowa. A. J. Lerch came to America in 1865, and worked at his trade in Pittsburg until 1866 when he came to Davenport, and one year later formed his present partnership. He married Helena Schlapp, of Burlington, Iowa, Oct. 5, 1874. They have three children-Oscar, Gustaf and Meta. He is a member of the Turners Society.

Charles Lesslie, son of Edward and Grace ( Watson ) Lesslie, was born June 17, 1811. at Dundee, Scotland. of which place his parents were also natives. His father, a stationer and druggist, emigrated with his family to Canada abont 1822 ( some mem- ber of it had preceded him ), and settled in the town of Dundas, Wentworth Co., where he engaged in general merchandising, having branch stores under the management of the elder sons at York ( now Toronto ) and Kingston, carrying on an extensive business. The Canadian rebellion of 1837 and the political turbulence which suc- ceeded it gave rise to a general desire for immigration ; and his elder brother. James, having in 1838 visited the Territory of Iowa as one of the commissioners of the Canadian Emigration Society, and selected the village of Davenport as a promising site for a colony. Mr. Chas. Lesslie the following year moved to that place, where he has since resided. and at once established himself as a merchant, in which business he was successful, and from which he retired in 1857. He was married in June, 1845, to Orina W. San- ford, the daughter of a Davenport merchant, a true-hearted and refined Christain woman. They had six children, one living, Charlie C. He became a citizen of the United States the same year. In 184S he was elected township sehool inspector. and represented his ward as alderman that year, a position which he again filled in 1850. Was immediately nominated for mayor about this time, but declined to act. Though not a politician, he took an active part in the temperance reform of that period, and was an officer of the first

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temperance society organized in Iowa, and was also a firm friend of the anti-slavery canse. He was one of the charter members of the Davenport Board of Trade, and its first president : and in 1857-'58 was treasurer of the Hawkeye Insurance Company. In 1860 he was elected a director of the State Bank of Iowa, and retained a position upon the board for several years after that institution was re-organized as the Davenport National Bank. Soon after his ar- rival in Davenport, he united with the Disciples of Christ, and has been an active member of that denomination, serving that church for many years in the capacity of elder, trustee and chor- ister. and has also taken part in the management of the missionary and State work of that body.

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History of Scott County, Iowa, Part 78

Author: Inter-state Publishing Company (Chicago, Ill.) Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Chicago, Inter-state publishing co. Number of Pages: 1280

Author: Inter-state Publishing Company (Chicago, Ill.)
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago, Inter-state publishing co.
Number of Pages: 1280