History of Scott County, Iowa, Part 81

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 81

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Gustav Overdieck, now deceased, was born in the year 1818, in the Province of Holstein, Germany, and was a son of Indarino and Dora Overdieck, of German nativity. Mr. Gustav Overdieck tol- lowed a mercantile life in his native country, until 1848, and at that time he emigrated to America, and located in Scott Co., Iowa, where he engaged in farming until his death, which occurred in 1854, in Davenport. He was married in 1854 to Elise Anderson, who was born in Holstein, Germany, and came to this country in 1848. Of five children born to them, four are living-Hattie, Lotta, Ellen and Allen. Mr. Overdieck was a member of the Lutheran church, and a sincere Christian.

Simon Bailey Paige was born in Wentworth. N. H., Ang. 26, 1824. His father, James K. Paige, was of English descent. and his mother, Ann Maria Ramsay, of Scotch origin. Our subject was brought up a farmer, and attended the district-school winters, receiving material aid in his instructions from his mother. He also attended a private sehool several terms, and closed his studies in Plymouth Academy in 1844. In the fall of that year he went to Lowell, Mass., and worked during his three years' stay in two extensive banking establishments. In company with Mr. Cochran he embarked in the grocery trade, which he followed several years. From 1852 to 1855 he was deputy sheriff of Middlesex County. The next year, in partnership with his brother, he bought out an ex- tensive lumbering and general merchandise business at Oshkosh, Wis. This partnership still exists, being one of the oldest firms in Oshkosh. Our subject was an indefatigable worker for the busi- ness interests of his Western home, and was instrumental in in- corporating the Oshkosh & Mississippi River Railroad, being elected a director at the first meeting of the organization, and treasurer of the company at the first meeting of the directors. In 1872, Mr. Paige's health being somewhat impaired, he closed out his merchandising business and traveled extensively, visiting nearly every state in the Union. He also made a trip to Europe, traveling over the continent three times. and visiting the Holy Land, Syria, Turkey. Greece and islands of the Mediterranean, Cyprus, Malta, Sicily, Corfu, etc., closing his travels with a trip around the world. Ou his return he again applied himself to

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CITY OF DAVENPORT.

business, going extensively into the logging trade with his brother, purchasing 8237.000 worth of pine lands, mill property, etc. In February, 1881, the firm of Paige, Dixon & Co. was formed, and a purchase made of the extensive mill in this city formerly owned by John L. Davies. The magnitude of their business is indicated by the trial balance from their books, Nov. 30, being 8226, 845.48. Mr. Paige is a lover of good horses, and is the owner of a dozen or so. possessing the best strains of high-bred trotting blood in the country. Politically he is a Republican. Is a Mason of the 32d degree. Ile was married in 1848, in Lowell, to Miss Leaty Cush- ing Bean. They have had no children. Mrs. Paige met with a tragie death in the burning of the Beekwith House, which occurred in December, 1880. This was a crushing blow to a kind and affectionate husband, as they had never been separated but a few weeks at a time during their long and happy married life of nearly 33 years.

James Monroe Parker, retired, was born in Meshoppen, Luzerne Co. (now Wyoming Co.), Penn., May 20, 1824. llis father and mother, Jonathan and Naomi (Titus) Parker, were natives of Rutland Co., Vermont, and moved to Canada in an early day, where they remained five years. They then returned to Vermont, and soon after removed to Meshoppen, Penn., where his father engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods, continning until 1836, when he gave up the business and took charge of Dr. Rose's business in the selection and sale of wool and sheep, controlling the same for two years. HIe then went to Philadelphia and was appointed to take charge of the surveys of the Bingham estate. a large tract of wild land in Northern Pennsylvania, with head- quarters at Condersport, Potter Co., Penn., managing the same until the year 1842, when he removed to Davenport, Iowa, his family having preceded him, at which place he remained until his death. The subject of this sketch received only a common-school education in Pennsylvania, and worked in the woolen-mill with his father up to 1836. He then came West with his mother and two sisters, locating in Davenport, where his two brothers had set- tled two years previously. He was but 14 years old at that time. Ilis first work in Davenport was for the firm of Davenport & Watts, clerking in a store, where he remained one year. He then clerked for J. N. Macklot, corner Main and Front streets, and for Lewis A. Macklot, corner Main and Second streets. for three years, after which he took charge of a stock of goods for Henry A. Taylor. He next went to Camden, Ill., and associated himself with A. K. Philleo, where they carried on general merchandise for three vears. Hle then went to Rock Island and engaged with L. M. Webber for a year in the dry-goods business, after which he re- turned to Davenport and entered the bank of Cook & Sargent as cashier. remaining until 1853, at which time they started a branch bank in Rock Island, in which he was admitted as a partner. In 1856 they disposed of this bank to Mitchell & Cable, and he then

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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.

went to Florence, Neb., where they opened the " Bank of Flor- ence," and an exchange business in name of Cook, Sargent & Parker, our subject being cashier and general manager of the con- cern. He continued with the bank until 1860, when they wound up business. He then purchased land and commenced farming, adjoining the town. He was first married in 1853, to J. Zerlina Wing, born in Albany, N. Y., July 16, 1836, daughter of D. S. and Sarah (Heath) Wing. Their family consisted of three children -William Frederick, born in Rock Island, Ill .. Aug. 2, 1854: James Monroe, Jr., born in Florence, Neb., Nov. 20, 1859, and Josephine Talbot, born May 14, 1865, in the same place. Mrs. Parker died April 17, 1869. at his farm residence at Florence, Neb. On returning to Davenport soon after. he was appointed receiver of the Davenport Savings Institution, and was engaged a year and a half in winding up its business. Dec. 6, 1871. he married his present wife. Mrs. Ella (Wing) Taylor, who was born May 11, 1832, daughter of Abraham and Abigail ( Barnard) Wing, of Glen Falls, N. Y. Four years of their married lite were spent upon the farm in Nebraska and in traveling, making a trip to Europe dur- ing the time, and returning to Davenport after the Centennial Exposition, in the fall of 1876, where they now reside. Mr. Parker commenced life for himself when only 14 years of age, and his per- severance, industry and economy during the early years, enabled him later in lite to make and enjoy four trips to Europe with his family, and still has the satisfaction of owning several thousand acres of land in Iowa and Nebraska, bes des city property, and en. joving a pleasant home in Davenport. He was formerly a Whig, but on the organization of the Republican party became identified with and still belongs to same. flis two sons reside at Florence, and carry on his large farm near Omaha. Neb.

Samuel Parker, retired, was born in Middlesex Co., Mass., June 23, 1800. His father, Levi Parker, was a soldier in the Rev- olutionary war, and a lieutenant under Gen. Washington. His mother, Abigail (Pool) Parker, was a member of the Presbyterian church. They were natives of Massachusetts. Samuel attended school and worked at the blacksmith's trade until he was 18 years old, then followed peddling dry goods and tin ware through the Eastern States, until 1830 or 1831, when he went into the auction business. He kept a store at Troy and Rochester, N. Y., La Porte, Ind., and Aug. S, 1838, he located in Davenport Township. Ile bought a claim in this township, which he cultivated about eight years, and also acted as auctioneer of the county; then moved into Davenport, where he followed auctioneering until 1870 or '71, since which time he has lived retired. IIe has been twice mar- ried. first in 1830 to Mrs. Van Scou, who died in 1860, having been the mother of one child, now deceased. His second marriage occurred Oet. 9, 1862, to Mrs. Violette Igelberger, nee Kiddler. Mr. Parker was for many years a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge of Davenport. He owns two houses and lots in Davenport, one on

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CITY OF DAVENPORT.

Fourteenth street, the other on Sixth and Le Claire, where he re- sides. Ile has always been identified with the Democratic party. having cast his first ballot for old Hickory Jackson. He is now in his $2d year, and has been a resident of this city since 1838.

George W. Parker, retired farmer, was born in Sherbrook, Lower Canada, Jan. 5. 1513. and is the son of an honored sire, Jonathan, and Naomi (Tittus) Parker, who were natives of Ver- mont, an ! both born in the year 1786. Soon after their marriage they moved to Canada, and there resided five years, when they went back to Vermont, and from there moved to Meshoppen, Inzern, County, now Wyoming, Penn., where they lived for 15 years, when they moved to Silver Lake, Susquehanna Co., Penn., where his father engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods, which he followed up to 1836, after which he took charge of the Bingham estate and had charge up to 1842. The subject of thissketch was educated in the common schools mostly; attended the academy of Wilkes Barre, Penn., nearly two terms. He worked with his father in the woolen-mills up to 15 years of age, after which he worked on a farm and rafting on the river up to 22 years of age, and in June, 1836, came to Davenport, Iowa, most of which he footed it, and hired out on a farm until Ang. 30, 1836. He then followed wood-chopping up to Feb. 1, 1837. in the Galena bottoms. In the spring of 1837 he hired out to D. C. Eldridge, then Le Claire, after which he took a contract carrying mail for his brother from Davenport to Dubugne, which he continued up to March, 1838. when he again hired ont to D. C. Eldridge, and followed working on a farm np to February, 1839. He bought a claim for $150, with money he had saved from time to time, and commenced farming, where he resided up to the fall of 1980. He continued to add to his farm until he owned 320 acres. Ile was married in 1841 to Hanna Heller, who was born in Ohio in 1822. and raised a family of nine children, eight of whom are now living, viz .: Caroline S., Geo. T., Clara C., James W., Mary, Ella and Sarah; one deceased, Linda N. He moved to Davenport in the fall of 1850, and now resides at No. 1451 Ainsworth street. Mr. and Mrs. Parker were among the carly settlers of the county, and have lived to see many changes since their first com. ing. In the days of the Whigs Mr. Parker was a Whig, and on the organization of the Republican party he became identified with that party. In 1859 he was elected to the Legislature, and served in that capacity three successive terms: was one of the justices of the peace for two years, and county commissioner for three years,and a man who has been honored and respected by his fellow countrymen for many years. He now is somewhat re- tired from the busy cares of life, and living 'on what he had aeeu- mulated in an early day.

Herman Peters, barber and hairdresser, 227 W. 2d street, was born in Holstein, Germany, March 4, 1834, of Luetz and Sophia (Wieborg) Peters. Herman received an education, and learned

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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.

the barber's trade in his native country, and in 1824 emigrated to America. He lan led in New York City, May 27 of that year, and worked at his tade there until June 1, 1855, when he came West and located in Davenport on the 1st of July. In 1556 he opened a shop of his own, which he now has fitted up in first- class style, and employs three assistants. He was married to Miss Jenette Thoeming, May 15, 1357. She was born in Schles- wig-Holstein, and was a daughter of William Thoeming, who came to Scott County in 1853. Mr. and Mrs. Peters have 10 children, seven living-William, Helena, Amelia, Harry, Jenette, Louisa and Emma. William works in the shop with his father. Mr. Peters is a member of K. P., Damon Lodge No. 10, and Mnenachoir and Schutzen societies. He is one of our represen- tative business men and one of the oldest barbers in Davenport.

L. W. Petersen, dealer in carpets, wall paper, window shades, oil cloths, etc., No. 212 W. 2d street, was born in the city of Tou- dern-Schleswig, Germany, Nov. 24 1827, and was a son of A. and Mary Petersen, nee Horluck. He attended the public school and college until he was 16 years old, then learned the merchant's trade. In 1848 he joined the Holstein army, and served three years. In 1953, he came to the United States and went to Chi- cago. Ill., where he clerked in a wholesale house until November, 1855, when he came to Davenport and established his present business. He was married to Miss Annette Hoepfner, July 24, 1858. She was born in the city of Kiel, Germany. To them have been born four children, Ella, Harold P., Lavinius W .. and Hertha. In politics he is a Republican.

John H. C. Petersen, of the firm of J. H. C. Petersen & Sons. whelesale and retail dealers in dry goods, 217, 2173, 219 and 221 West Second street, established this business in 1871, as a retail store, and soon after engaged in the wholesale trade. They carry a full line of imported and domestic goods, and occupy a building 73x150 feet, using three ground floors for their retail goods, the second and third floors for the wholesale ; also occupy a duplicate wholesale department, 42 x 150 feet, three stories high and con- tamning 29,300 square feet of floor-room. They are the leading dry goods merchants of Davenport, and have a branch house at Geneseo, Ill., and one at Clinton, Ia. Their motto is, "One price and that the lowest." The subject of this sketch was born in Schleswig, Germany, April 8, 1821, and was a son of John and Christianna ( Sternhagen ) Petersen. John, Jr., attended school until he was 16, then served a five-years apprenticeship in the dry- . goods trade; afterward clerked eight years, then went into busi- ness for himself. In 1860 he came with his family to America, and located in Scott County. He farmed in Hickory Grove Township. In 1864 he went into the general merchandising busi- ness with a partner and continued until 1871, when he established his present business with his sons. He married Elizabeth Hansen, April 13, 1847. They have had 10 children, six living-Max D.,

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CITY OF DAVENPORT.

William D. and Henry F. (members of the firm ) Frederica, Agnes and Mary.

Fritz Postel, wholesale and retail dealer in domestic and im- ported wines, 427. Second street, Davenport, was born in Burg, in Suder- Dithmarchen, Holstein, Germany, May 4, 1848. He was a son of Andrew and Eliza ( Husmann ) Postel, natives of Holstein, Germany. He was a collector and police magistrate. He and wife are still living in Keil, Holstein, Germany, are members of the Lutheran church, and had a family of 10 children, seven living. Fritz was employed as overseer of a large estate until 20 years of age, then served one year as volunteer in the German army. Then returned to his position as overseer until the German-France war came, when he enlisted as a soldier in this war and remained in it to its close. The spring of 1872, he came to the United States, landed at New York City, and soon after came to Davenport, and followed farming six years; then opened his wholesale and retail liquor store, at 427 West Second street, where he carries a full line of domestic and imported wines. He was married to Miss Eliza Looft, December, 1879. She was born in Holstein, Germany, and was a danghter of Peter and Margaretta ( Haak ) Looft natives of Holstein. Mr. Fritz Postel is a member of Drnids, Davenport Lodge, No. 4.

Rudolph Priester, wholesale manufacturer of tobacco and cigars, 403 W. Second St .. beeame sole proprietor of this establishment in 1877; for two years prior to that time the business had been con- ducted by Rammelsberg & Priester. The subject of this memoir was born March 2, 1846. in Okdenberg, Germany, and was a son of Carl and Eliese (Benthien) Priester, of German birth. Rudolph attended school in his native country until he was 11 years old, when he came with his parents to America, and located in Daven- port, la .. in August. 1857. He worked on his father's farm in Winfield Township until he was 24 years old, when he was employed as bookkeeper for Miller & Priester in a cigar-box manufactory in Davenport. and remained with them until 1874. when he went into business for himself. His marriage with Miss Louisa Schlegel, of Davenport, ocenrred Oct. 29, 1873. Their union has been blessed with four children-Rudolph J., Clara, Ferdinand and Otto. Mr. Priester is a member of the German Lodge, A. O. U. W., No. 5; of I. O. O. F., Scott Lodge, No. 27; of K. P., Damon Lodge, No. 5; and of Druids, No. 4. He was elected to the office of city treasurer tour terms. In polities is a Democrat.

Peter Rauch. baker for Mr. John Aberle, 1404 W. Third St., was born in Hansen, Province of Payern, Germany, Feb. 18, 1859. He was a son of Michael and Barbara (Eirich) Rauch, natives of that place. Peter attended school until his 14th year, then assisted his father on the farm until he was 18 years old, when he came to the United States. He worked on a farm in Hudson Co., N. J., two years, then came to Iowa. He obtained employment on a farm near Clinton, where he remained until February, 1880, when

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DISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.

he came to Davenport and began to work for Mr. Aberle. He is an enterprising young man.

Kensyl Reading, son of Asher and Margaret (Wolverton) Read- ing, was born May 3, 1815, in Huntington Co., N. J. His parents were both natives of the same State. His father was a farmer, and died in 1864. His mother yet resides on the old homestead at the advanced age of 96. Kensyl was educated in the common schools of his native county, and assisted his father on the farm until 18 years of age, when he began working at the carpenter's

trade in- where he remained one year, after which he went to Cincinnati, O., and from there to Niles, Mich., remaining about one year in each place, working at his trade. He then, in 1836, went to New York, and in July of that year en- listed in the Second Regiment, U. S. Dragoons. He was in the recruiting service until December, 1836, when he was sent south with his regiment, remaining there till the expiration of his term of enlistment, which was for three years. He was mustered out as orderly sergeant. Returning to New Jersey, he engaged in farming until 1844. In 1841 he united in marriage with Hannah Risler, also a native of IIuntington Co., N. J., who was born in 1822. In the spring of 1844 Mr. and Mrs. Reading moved to Scott County, and purchased a farm of 120 acres of land, three and a half miles northeast of the city of Davenport. Five children were born unto them, four of whom are now living-Augustus, Mar- garet, now Mrs. Brewer; Adeline, now Mrs. M. H. Hurd; John. The deceased one was named Ella. Mr. Reading has never served on a jury, never had a law-suit, and was never a witness in any suit in his life. In polities he was originally a Democrat, but on the organization of the Republican party, he united his fortunes with it, and has since been an earnest advocate of its principles. Ile is a member of the M. E. church.

James A. Reid, M. D., Eclectic physician, was born in Madi- son Co., Ky., in 1830, and was reared chiefly in Randolph Co .. Missouri, at which place and Iowa his education was principally received. He read medicine in this city with Dr. M. D. Ifick- man, now deceased. He graduated from Eclectic Medical College, Cincinnati, Ohio, in the spring of 1855. He first located in Mo- line, Ill., and remained there until September, 1857, then came to Davenport, Iowa. He was married in 1862 to Annie E. Berry, a native of Harrisburg. Pa., but at the time of their marriage a resi- dent of Rock Island. They have two children-Clifton A., aged 18 years, who is now in Griswold College, and Annie Lillian, aged 15 years. Upon coming to Davenport Dr. Reid prosecuted a large and successful practice until 1869, when he traveled extensively in Eastern eities for his health, practicing some in the meantime. He spent the summer of 1871 in Chicago, and lost heavily during the great fire of October, that year. Ile lost a medical library and surgical instruments worth $3,700 in that fire ; having his office burned at East Madison street, where it was at that time. Since

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CITY OF DAVENPORT.

1872 he has been actively engaged in practice in Davenport. He is a member of the Iowa State Eclectic Medical Society; has served as its vice-president two years; was elected president in June, 18$1. Ile is also a member of the United States National Eelec- tie Medical Association. Ile read a paper on vaccination as a pre- ventive of small-pox, before the State Society at its last meeting; also read a paper before the National Association at its last meet- ing. The year previous he read a paper on the " Progress of Med- ical Science" before the State Society, and the year prior on "Sanitary Science."

Henry Reis, jeweler and watchmaker, 208 West Second street, was born in Hamburg, Germany, May 19, 1831, and is a son of John H. and Lena (Safk) Reis, of that country. He attended school until his 16th year, when he learned the trade of jeweler and watchmaker, which he followed in Germany until December, 1866, when he emigrated to America. He landed in New York and came at once to Davenport, arriving in January, 1867. Ile estab- lished a jewelry and watch-maker's shop, and is at present located at the above number, and is prepared to do all kinds of work in that line. He was married April 24, 1873, to Miss Sophia Schaffer. Her father, John N. Schaffer, was a cabinet-maker in Hamburg, Germany, where she was born. Mr. and Mrs. Reis have had two children-Lena and Martha. Mr. Reis affiliates with the Republi- can party.

William Renwick, one of Davenport's most prominent business men, was born in Liverpool, England, June 24, 1829, and is the son of James Renwick and Elizabeth, nee Lockerbie, both natives of Scotland and descendants of the old Covenanters. William received his early education in England, and later, after the re- moval of his father's family to lowa, in 1846, he attended the Iowa College. In 1850 he engaged in the grain and commission business with his father under the firm name of Renwick & Son. In 1852. in connection with their other business, the firm began dealing in and manufacturing lumber, and in 1855, selling their interest in other business, they devoted their time and capital ex- clusively to the lumber trade. His father returning in 1859, he conducted the business on his own account until 1875, when the firm of Renwick. Shaw & Crassett was formed. Mr. Renwick has been very successful in his business, and much of his success may be attributed to his perseverance and energy, even under adverse circumstances. In religions views he is a Presbyterian, and has been trustee of that church a minber of years. He was - president of the Board of Trade three years, and is an owner in and director of the Davenport City Street Railway Co. He was the first agent of the American. also of the United States Express Companies in Davenport. He is a member of the Scott Co. Ag- ricultural Society, in which he is much interested, having been a member for 22 years. Mr. Renwick has traveled extensively over the continent of Europe, and being an observing man has

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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.

gained a large fund of valuable information. He possesses much taste for the fine arts, and has recently added some fine paintings from the masters to his fine collection. He was married on the 21st of March, 1855, to Miss Cynthia Seymour, of Davenport, Iowa. Personally, Mr. Renwick has rare qualities, and by his upright course of life has made for himself an honorable reputa- tion. None excel him in unselfish devotion and unswerving fidelity to the worthy recipients of his confidence.

James Renwick is a native of Scotland, and was born April 6, 1805. In 1826 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Newell Lockerbie, who was born in Scotland in 1802. Two decades of their married life they spent in the old country, when the desire to better their fortunes and provide for their children took pos- session of their minds, and accordingly, in 1846, they came to America and located in Davenport. Here Mr. Renwick at once engaged in the business of planing and sawing lumber, which business he followed for 27 years, when he retired in favor of his son. Mr. and Mrs. Renwick are the parents of four children- William, Elizabeth, Margaret and Rebecca. In politics Mr. Ren- wick is a Republican.

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History of Scott County, Iowa, Part 81

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