History of Scott County, Iowa, Part 80

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

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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.

fall of 1881 he was elected to the Iowa General Assembly, without opposition on the part of the Democracy. Mr. McManus married Flora N. Meek, March 9. 1876. She was born in Lexington, Mo. They have a family of three sons, viz. : James M .. Parker W., and William G. His mother and one sister reside with him.

Fred Melchert, dealer in agricultural implements, Nos. 705. 707 709. 711. 713 and 715 Harrison street. was born in Frederickstown, Md .. Jan. 28, 1840, and was a son of John and Mary Ann Melchert. natives of Germany, and now residents of Davenport. Fred re- ceived his education in Lockhaven, Pa., and in Davenport. He enlisted from Scott County in 1861. in the United States army, and served during the whole war. He was taken prisoner at Fayette- ville. Ark., and after 10 days of suffering succeeded in making his escape. He was six weeks in the Boston Mountains, and dur- ing that time suffered all pangs of hunger and fatigue. He was mustered out at Clinton, Ia., in 1865, and at once returned to Dav- enport. He engaged in shipping cattle until 1867, when he began traveling for Reapers & Mumers, and remained with them until 1869, when he embar ked in his present business. On the 6th of November, 1866, he was married to Rebecca Jane Creswell, of Pennsylvania. They have one child, Minnie. Mr. Melchert is a member of the Masonic K. T., Nobles of Domestic Shrine. He is vice-president of the Board of Trade, also of the Board of Produce. He is a director in the Davenport Plow Company.

Rec. James G. Merrill, Pastor of the Edwards Congregational Church, was born in Montague, Mass., Ang. 20, 1840, son of Rev. James H. and Lucia W. Merrill, nee Griswold. Mr. Merrill at- tended Phillips Academy of Andover, and Amherst College, grad- uating from the latter in 1863. He graduated in theology at the Theological Seminary of Andover in 1866. He was ordained at Mound City, Kansas, in January of 1866, where he remained until called to Topeka First Congregational Church in 1869. Soon after he was appointed superintendent of missions for Kansas, for about two years. He has had charge of his church here since January, 1872. He was married Oct. 11, 1866, to Louisa W. Boutwell, daughter of George Boutwell, deceased, of Andover, Mass. To them were born four children-Lncia G., Oliver B., Mary Perley and William F.

John B. Meyer. teller of Davenport Savings Bank, was born in the city of St. Louis, Mo .. Oct. 11, 1852. His parents were Francis E. and Augusta (Bade) Meyer, who had a family of four children, two living, viz .: Charles, cashier of the First National Bank. Davenport. and John B., the subject of this sketch. The family came to Buffalo, Scott Co., Iowa, in 1856, when John was but four years of age; when nine years of age the family inoved to Davenport, where he attended school until 14. He then worked for different parties until the fall of 1880, when he was ap- pointed to his present position as teller in the Davenport Savings Bank. He married Miss Anna Eckhard, May 12, 1880; she was

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born in Davenport, and was a daughter of D. Eckhard. Mr. John Mever is a member of Harmonia and Sehutzen Societies of Daven- port, and in polities a Republican, and a representative man of Davenport, where he has lived since four years of age.

F. Albert Miekly. carpenter, 314 W. Fifth St., was born in Ber- lin, Prussia, April 21. 1828. His parents, Martin and Catherine (Sanderis) Miekly, were natives of Berlin, where he died in 1875; she still resides there. The subject of this sketch emigrated to this country in 1852. and landed in New York after a journey of seven weeks. He spent a year in Chicago, Ill., and Michigan, and came to Davenport in the fall of 1853. He worked at his trade for Mr. Squire, now deceased, six months, then went into business for him- self. He has had good success in his business, and has built some of the finest residences in Davenport. He was married on the 18th of March. 1862, to Sophie Brugman, a native of Preslan, Prussia, Their union has been blessed with six children-Theodore. Adolph, Louis. Bertha. Augusta and Agnes. In politics. Mr. Miekly is a Republican.

Clinton U. Miller. photographer, 225 Brady St., was born in Clinton Co., N. Y., June 21, 1839; son of Abraham Miller, of Long Island. Clinton was reared on a farm and educated at Platts- burg, N. Y. Ile came to Scott County in 1876 and established a photographie gallery in Davenport. He does a large business and makes any kind of pictures. He employs three men to work for him. He was married June 29, 1856, to Eunice J. Hodgkins. This union was blessed with five children, one living. Nathan H .. who is in partnership with his father in the photograph business.

Capt. Samuel Mitchell was born in Sciota Co .. O., Oct. 19, 1S12. son of David and Mary Stockham, who were among the early settlers of Sciota County. The land was surveyed by Gen. Massy, his father assisting and received a tract of land for his pay. He was the first to open up the salt mines of that section. He was a prominent man in his district, being elected to the Legis- lature 1s times; was a personal friend of Gen. Harrison, Thomas Cowen, Sr .. Henry Clay, going all the way from Ohio to hear him make a speech. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm and received a limited education. When 22 years of age he left his home in Ohio on horseback and crossed the broad prairies of Illinois: came to Albany, Whiteside Co .. Ill., where he bought property and embarked in the lumber and mercantile business, and at the time of the tornado, which swept over that place in 1860 and swept away all he had accumulated. From there moved to Davenport. He married Mary Work in Marshall Co .. Ill .. by whom there was one son, James HI .. a graduate at Mt. Carroll Seminary, and at present employed by the N. W. R. R. Co., at Chicago. Mrs. Mitchell died' about 1541. He again married Eveline Howard: she was born in Norwich. Vt., Nov. 15, 1819. By this union there are four children living-Eveline B .. wife of N. W. Woodford, of Davenport: Charles H .. now a rising

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young lawyer of Chicago, and a graduate at the law department of the State University; Linnie R., and Mary, now the wife of J. F. Clark, of Davenport. The Captain has been engaged more or less in river traffic, having command of several boats. James H. en- listed in the 27th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war, being in the service nearly four years.

John F. Moeller, paper box manufactory, 325 and 327 West Second St., engaged in this business June 20, 1881. The factory was first established by Mr. Fay, who owned it until 1874, when Mr. H. F. Moeller purchased it and conducted it until Mr. J. F. Moeller bought him out on June 20, 1881. He manufactures paper boxes of every description, and is always prepared to fill orders promptly. The factory has been greatly improved under his management: have all the improved machinery for doing first- class work. He employs 16 girls. Mr. Moeller was born July 23, 1845, in Schleswig, Germany, and was a son of Wulf and Wihel- mina Moeller, natives of Germany. Jolin learned the brick-layer's trade and attended school in his native country until he was 19 years old, when he came with his brother to the United States. Ile spent three years in Calhoun Co., Mich., and in 1868 located in Davenport. He worked for Knostman & Peterson, in the furniture factory, where he learned turning, and in the box factory until he became proprietor of that business in 1SS1. Ile was mar- ried Oct. 27, 1871, to Mary Harder, a native of Germany. They have had five children-Minnie M., Henry, Tillie, Hannah and Hugo. Mr. Moeller is a member of I. O. O. F., Scott Co. Lodge, No. 37, ofthe United Brotherhood of Iowa, and K. P., Davenport Lodge, No. 50. In polities he is a Democrat.

Daniel Moore was born in the city of Leicester, Leicestershire, England, Sept. 25, 1819, and was a son of Richard and Elizabeth Moore, nee Smith. both natives of England, where they died. Daniel attended school in his native country until his tenth year, when in May, 1830, he emigrated to America. Landing in Phila- delphia, Pa., on the sixth day of July, 1830, with an older brother, Charles. who returned to England two years after, and is living there yet. His other brother, George then lived in Manayunk, Pa., but in the fall of the same year, 1830, concluded to move to Cincinnati, O., and they gave Daniel his choice, to stay in Phila- delphia or go to the West, and his choice was the latter. They crossed the Alleghany Mountains by teams to Pittsburg, Pa .. then down the Ohio River in a skiff, as far as Letart Falls, and from there to Cincinnati in a flat boat. He there agreed with Mr. Thomas Graham to learn the trade of baker, with whom he stayed until June, 1834. He then engaged in steam-boating until the fall of 1838, and made two trips from St. Louis to Prairie du Chien, Wis., in the fall of 1835. He quit the river in the fall of 1838, and again resumed his trade in St. Louis, Mo., where he was married on Jan. 21. 1840, to Miss Ellen Reilly Ayers, who was born in the city of New York and came to St. Louis in 1837. They have had five children-Robert P., Edwin O., Charles E., Eliza-

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CITY OF DAVENPORT.

beth and Horace S. Edwin O. died in 1847, and Elizabeth died in 1876. In October, 1841, they moved to Stephenson (now Rock Island) and started the baking business, but meeting with poor suecess they moved over the river to Davenport on Sept. 9, 1842, and have lived here ever since. From 1842 to 1851, he was the only baker and buteher carrying on business in Davenport. In 1551 he gave up the butchering and continued the baking until February, 1873, when he sold out and retired from the business. During the war he furnished bread for the soldiers under Govern- ment contract, and he fed the first company of soldiers that ar- rived here, and the last company that was mnstered out of service after the war was over. In 1573 he turned his attention to selling a patent bake-oven which he had invented for burning soft coal, and which met with a good sale. Soon after the organization of the Old Settlers' Society, he became a member, and has held the office of president of that association sinee the fall of 1881. In 1856 he was burned out, which was the direet cause of organizing the fire department of Davenport. He was one of the leading spirits in that organization, and was elected foreman of the hand engine " Witch." Two of his sons are members of the department at the present time. He also belonged to Scott Division, No. 1, Sons of Temperance, from 1851 to 1877, when he joined the United Order of Ancient Templars, and is still a member of the order. He was an old-time Whig from 1840 until the extinction of that party, since which time he has acted with the Republican party, until the last few years. Now he votes for principles more than party. Mr. Moore is a self-made man. and in spite of several reverses he has, by his own indomitable energy and perseverance, surmounted nearly all obstacles, and has made for himself a good name, merit- ing and receiving the confidence and respect of his fellow-citizens.

A. Moritz, wholesale and retail dealer in clothing and gents' furnishing goods, 105 West Second street. established this business in 1870 in company with L. Loenstein. Since 1871 Mr. Moritz has condneted this business alone. He oeenpies a building, 25 x Số feet. four stories in height, with a basement. His retail department is on the first floor; the wholesale on the second, third and fourth floors. Ile carries a full and complete line of domestic and im- ported goods. employs three traveling salesmen, and does an annual business of $175,000. Mr. Moritz was born near Frankford, Hessen, Germany, Dec. 19, 1846. When he was 18 years old, he emi- grated to the United States, and landed in New York City, where he clerked until 1867, when he came to Davenport, and elerked here until 1870, when he established his present business. He was married April 11, 1869, to Miss Caroline Hamburger, of Frankford, Germany. Ofsix children born to them, four are living-Harry, Sid- ney, Mamie and Jesse. Mr. Moritz is a Mason and Member of Fraternal Lodge. No. 221; Davenport Chapter, R. A. M., No. 16, and of 1. U. B. B., Lodge No. 174. He is one of the leading business-men of

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Davenport and has the largest and only exelusive wholesale clothing house in the city.

Dr. James B. Morgan was born in Erie Co., Pa., July 6, 1839. son of James B. Morgan, of England, who came to the United States when 18 years old. He was a sailor, and died when our subject was quite young. His mother was again married and the family moved to Delaware Co., Iowa, in the fall of 1845. James B. enlisted at Dubnque in Co., I, First Iowa Inf .. under Captain Frank J. Herron, afterward major-general. Dr. Morgan served as private for three months, then enlisted as orderly sergeant in Co. K, 12th Iowa Inf., for three years, and was then promoted to first lieutenant and served as sueh until the elose of the war. Ile participated in nearly all the principal battles of the West. Before entering the service, he had decided to study medicine and while in the army he learned a great deal about surgery by observation. In the fall of 1866 he began his professional career by attending lectures at Rush Medieal College in Chicago. IIe was induced by Prof. Laekey, demonstrator of anatomy at that eollege, to pursue den- tistry instead of surgery. In April. 1877, he came to Davenport, as delegate from Post 71, Hopkinton, Iowa, to the permanent organ- ization of the Grand Army of the Republic of Iowa, and made arrangements while here to study dentistry in the office of Dr. Miner. The following fall he entered Philadelphia Dental College, graduating from there as D. D. S. in February, 1878. He re- turned to this eity, and in June, 1879, purchased the office of Dr. Gnnekle, and has been actively engaged in the practice of his pro- fession since. He has all the latest appliances in dentistry and has inet with flattering sneeess as a practitioner. Dr. Morgan was the originator of the U. O. A. T. in Iowa, and is a zealous worker for that order, of which he is Past Templar of Templar No. 1, and is also Adjutant. Post No. 1, G. A. R. He was married to Miss Min- nie Harris of Sag Harbor, Long Island, N. Y., Sept. 28, 1871.

Mossman de Vollmer, commercial printers and manufacturers of all kinds of rubber stamps, 131 and 133 East Third street. The Rubber Stamp Manufactory was established in 1867, and incorpo- rated in 1879, as the T. S. Buck & Co. Rubber Stamp Manufacturing Company. On Aug. 20 Mr. Vollmer became half owner, and in 1881 Mr. Mossman purchased Buck's interest, and they added the job printing department, where they are prepared to do all kinds of commercial printing. Albert L. Mossman came to Davenport in 1852, and served an apprenticeship in the Gazette office, learning the various branches of the printing business, including press work and job printing, and was afterward manager for the Democrat job rooms 18 years, until Mareh 10, 1851. when he purchased the interest of T. S. Buck in the Rubber Stamp Manufactory. Mr. Mossman married Miss Amanda Campbell of Mercer Co .. Penn .. in 1861. The fruit of this marriage is three children, viz. : Win. C., Linnie ' and Roy Mossman. Mr. Albert L. Mossman, joined the Y. M. C. A. of this city some 15 years ago: and in Mareh, 1881, was elected president of this .association. He and wife are

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members of the Calvary Baptist Church, of which he is deacon. IIe has been superintendent of the North Davenport Mission Sun- day-school eight years, and a member of the Iowa Legion of Honor.

Henry Vollmer was born in Bremen, Germany, Dec. 27, 1537. His parents were John and Margaret (Kraul) Vollmer, who brought him to America in Is41, when four years of age; landed in New Orleans, then went to St. Louis, Mo., where Henry attended school until 13, when he learned the printer's trade with Hill & McKee, ofthe Missouri Democrat. In 1861 Mr. Vollmer came to Daven- port, where he worked as superintendent of the German Der Dem- ocrut paper, until 1879, when he established his present business, and in 1881 formed a partnership with Mr. Mossman. Mr. Voll- mer married Miss Dorathea Plambeck Aug. 15. 1863. The fruit of this marriage is seven children, of whom are living .- Emil, Henry, Charles, Dora and Agnes. Mr. Vollmer is a member of Davenport Lodge No. 17. A. O. U. W.

Christ Mueller, of the firm of Sehricker & Mueller, came to Dav- enport in June, 1852. and in the spring of 1554 engaged in the lumber business on a salary. Previous to this he had been en- graged in the manufacture of vinegar, but on April 1, 1854. his factory was totally destroyed by fire. He lost everything. compell- ing him to go to work as a laborer. From 1855 he was a partner in erecting a flouring mill in AAlliance. Iowa, which they ran two years, when. the enterprise proving unprofitable, he returned to the İumber business, as sdesman and manager for a firm in Daven- port. continuing until 1863. then speculated in grain until 1868. in which he was very successful. March 1, 1868, he bought an in- terest in his present business, and became a member of the above- named firm. The company buys logs and timber, which they manu- facture into lumber and shingles, and also run a saw and planing mill. They do an enormous business. having handled over 13.000,- 000 feet of lumber in 1581. They own a stern-wheel steamboat which is used in rafting, on which 15 men are employed. Their entire force numbers 125 hands. Mr. Mueller was born in Germany in 1823. in Holstein. lle was in the Seheleswick-Holstein rebel army, in which service he received three wounds in 1848. He landed in America in June, 1-52. Ile was united in marriage in June. 1854. in this city with Ephelia Claussen, daughter of II. R. Claussen, a prominent lawyer of Davenport, and at one time a member of the State Senate of Iowa. They have one daughter and four sons, the oldest of whom, Frank W., is bookkeeper for the firn1. Mr. Mueller was the original prime mover in organizing the Turners Society, and was 25 years one of its leading officers; has filled the principal chairs in the organization. He is also a member of the Schuetzenveen Sharp-Shooters' Association.

William Mullen, manager for the celebrated . Genuine Singer Company," office 326 Brady St., was born in Winnebago, Wis., Jan. 26, 1855. Ilis parents were Charles and Mary (Fox) Mullen, natives of Ireland and Canada. They had a family of

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seven sons. William, the subject of this sketch, attended school until 10 years of age. when his father died, and at that early age he struck out to make his own living. He drove team and worked for farmers until 15. when he learned iron and wood bridge building, which business he followed nntil 1872, when he came West. He worked here at Davenport, Iowa, on the Government bridge. as draw- tender, two years. Ile then worked at bridge-building for the C., R. I. & P. R'y until 1880, when he began to work for the Singer Co., and received his present appointment as manager of the Co.'s office here September, 1881. This office is the oldest sewing machine office in the city, and was established here in 1867, and thousands of the "Genuine Singer" sewing machines have been sold each year since that time, and this house justly deserves the good name it has always had. The Singer machine is widely known, and is a favorite with all for simplicity and splendid work. The history of the Singer machine is known by all, and these machines are sold all over the United States as well as in Europe. Mr. William Mullen, manager for the Davenport office, warrants every machine he solis. He married Miss Ella Mullen, April 21, 1873. She was born in Davenport, Iowa ; she was a daughter of William and Ella (O'Neil) Mullen, who settled in Scott County .in 1837 or 'S. Mr. and Mrs. William Mullen, subject of this sketch, have had three children, viz. : William, Jr., Robert, and George Mullen. Mr. Mullen is a member of the Catholic Total Abste- nence of America, and in politics he is a Greenbacker.

Thomas Murray, County Surveyor and City Engineer of Daven- port, was elected surveyor in the fall of 1867, and took charge of the duties of the office in Jannary, 1868; was appointed city engineer in the spring of the same year, and still holds both offices. He is of Scotch nativity, born in 1845. His father, Charles Mur- ray, married Miss Barbary Murray, and they emigrated to the United States in 1855, and located in Scott Co., Iowa, and are now residents of Davenport. They have a family of eight children. Thomas Murray attended the schools of this city, and having a taste for mathematics, naturally turned his attention to surveying. He is a Mason, a member of lodge, chapter and commandery. Ile was united in marriage in 1880 to Eva Daniels, a native of Scott County.

George Murray was born in Scotland. in March, 1810. Ile came to the United States in 1828, and located in Pennsylvania, in the contracting business, and built the Alleghany & Portage R. R., Pottsville R. R .. a portion of the Pennsylvania Central, the canal on Sandy and Beaver Rivers, Ohio, and the Iron Mountain Road in Missouri. In 1854 he came to Iowa and bought a farm near Davenport, bringing his family the following spring. In 1875 they moved into the city. His marriage to Esther Croyle oeeurred in 1833. They had nine children, three living .- James, William and Mary E. One son, Thomas, died in the war. a member of the 20th Ia. Infantry. Mrs. Esther Murray died and Mr. Murray was

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again married in 1854, to Mrs. Harriet Morgan, nee Wilson, Mr. Murray is member of the Masonic fraternity. Mrs. Murray of the Presbyterian church.

John J. Olshausen, M. D., is a native of Holstein, Germany, born June 6, 1817, son of John D. Olshansen, of Hanover, Ger- many. Dr. Olshansen was educated in the Gymnasium of Kanigs- berg, a Latin school, and graduated from the medical department of the University of Kiel in 1847. He emigrated to America in the same year and located in the praetiee of medicine in St. Louis, Mo., remaining there until the fall of 1554, when he came to Davenport, Ia. Ile has been the recipient of a large and successful practice here, among both the American and German people. He was married in St. Louis in 1848, to Margaret E. Shepman, of German birth, who enme to St. Louis, Mo., with her parents in 1>37. Dr. and Mrs. Olshausen had eight children, four living-Zoe, wife of Dr. Bernhardy, of Rock Island; Theodore, now married, is salesman for the Crescent Mills: Juliana and Walter. Dr. Olshausen made a tour through North and South America, from 1833 to '41. Ile is a member of the United States Medical Society and the Academy of Science. IIas been a member of the School Board for the past 12 or 15 years.

Thomas O' Shaughnessy, grocer. 629 Harrison street, is a native of County Galway, Ireland, born Dec. 15, 1834. He was a son of Ed- ward and Helen O'Shaughnessy, nee Wade, of Irish birth. When Thomas was abont 13 years of age his parents started for America. While on the way his father died and was buried at sea Dee. 28. 1847. The remainder of the family landed at New Orleans and from there went to Madison, Ind., where Thomas worked in a brick- yard until 1854, when the family came to Davenport. Thomas still continued in the same business here until 1868. He then opened a grocery store and has been engaged in that business since, and is now located at the above address, where he carries a full line of groceries and staple goods. He was married to Julia Byrne. June 15. 1863. She was born in County Wicklow, Ireland and was a daughter of Peter and Mary Byrne natives also of that country. To Mr. and Mrs. O'Shaughnessy have been born five children-Mary A., John E., Joseph P. and Ellen. Michael B. died Ang. 15, 1871. Mrs. Julia O'Shaughnessy died Dec. 25, 1873. Mr. O'Shaughnessy married for his second wife Katy, daughter of Patrick and Eliza (Duun) ()'Shaughnessy, Feb. 2. 1576. and by her has had three chil- dren-Thomas P., Michael P., who died Dec. 12. 1ST8, and Joseph. In connection with his grocery store Mr. O'Shaughnessy has a wholesale flour, feed and grain store, and is one of the enterpris- ing business men of the city. Hle is a member of the Irish National Land League. The family belong to the St. Anthony's Parish Catholic Church.

George Ott was born in Prussia. Germany, May 1, 1827. His parents died when he was nine years old. He received an education in Prussia, and came to the United States in 1854; located in Pongh-

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keepsie, N. Y., where he engaged in house-painting 13 years, then came to Davenport. In 1857 he went to St. Louis, Mo., returning to Davenport in 1860, and established his present business of saslı, door and blind manufactory. He began without any capital, ex- cept an honest name and an untiring energy; these conjoined with prudence and good management have produced the usual result- snecess. He now carries a capital stock of $75,000, besides doing an annual business of $260,000 in real estate, which is steadily in- creasing. He was married in February, 1849, to Regina Korns. They had two children-George and Lucy, both now married. Mrs. Regina Ott died and he was again married in 1865, to Louise Gosch.

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History of Scott County, Iowa, Part 80

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