History of Scott County, Iowa, Part 82

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 82

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Adelbert Riepe, druggist, No. 403 West 2d street, was born in Baltimore, Md., Oct. 11, 1855, and is a son of William and Louisa (Possner) Riepe. The former was born in Westphalia, Prussia, Nov. 16, 1816 ; the latter in Saxoria, March 14, 1832. They are now residents of Davenport. Adelbert came with his parents to this city in 1858, and received an education herc. He has been in the drug business since October, 1878. IIe has a steadily increasing trade.

Trangott Richter & Co., 323 and 325 W. Second St., wholesale and retail furriers and jobbers in hats, caps, gloves and straw goods, is the only firm in this branch of business in the city. The bnsi- ness was established by Mr. Richter in 1867, and July 1, 1881, Mr. George Franck was taken into partnership. They ocenpy two buildings, one being 150 x 55 feet, two stories in height, and a basement; the other, 150 x 25 feet, three stories in height, and a basement. They carry a complete stock of imported and domestic goods, and make a specialty of ladies' and gents' furs ; employ three traveling salesmen and sell goods in eight different States. They do an immense business, and are classed with the most prominent and substantial business men of the State. Trangott Richter was born in Prussia. Germany, May 9, 1844, and was a son of Henry and Caroline (Wolf) Richter, natives of Prussia. Trangott learned the furrier's trade in his native country and came to the United States when he was 20 years of age. He worked at his trade in New York six months, then obtained employment in a carriage shop at Dixon, III. After earning about $75 he went to Chicago and invested in furs, and established a store in Geneseo, Ill. He remained there three years and made $4,000. He came to Davenport and purchased Julius Koch's stock of furs, etc., and

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CITY OF DAVENPORT.

soon after purchased his present store. He was married Jan. 26, 1879, to Miss Minnie Brandt, of Davenport. They have two children-Eddie and Walter. Mr. Richter is a member of the K. P., German Lodge, No. 10, of the Harmonia Society and the Schutzen Society.

George Franck was born in Frankford, Germany, Oct. 4, 1844, and is a son of Henry and Mary Franek, natives of Germany. Mr. George Franck learned the furrier's trade in the old country, and came to the United States when 21 years old. He worked at his trade two years, and traveled for a New York house 12 years; then came to Davenport and formed his present partnership with Mr. Richter. He married Miss Tillie Senne in 1868, a native of Staten Island. They have had six children-Charles, Lonisa, William, Anna and George. Gustaf died in 1870. Mr. Franek is a member of the Enthomological and Beethoven Societies ot New York, and the Harmonia Society of Davenport.

U. N. Roberts, deceased, was born in Ruabon, Wales, Oct. 30, 1841. He came to the United States with his parents in 1849, and settled in Neenah, Wis. His father died in 1859, and he and his mother struggled hard to provide for the family. The subject of this record had an innate love for books and study, and being de- prived of those superior advantages so dear to a student, he applied himself diligently to develop a naturally fine mind and a superior intelleetnal ability. In this way he acquired much solid informa- tion, which was of much value to him in after years. He became a resident of Davenport, March 4, 1866, and engaged in the sash and door manufactory, in Forrest Block, on Perry St., with a. capital of 8672. He was very successful. In 1869 he lost every, thing in a fire, but began anew and again amassed a fortune. He was a liberal supporter of the church and all benevolent institu- tions. He was very active in the Y. M.C. A., and was its president at the time of his death. He was a truly good man and public- spirited citizen. He was married in South Bend, Ind., on June 17, 1868, to Julia Roraback, a native of Hudson, N. Y., born in 1836. They had two children-Edward C., and Horace G. Mrs. Roberts is a sister of U. N. Roraback. of the firm of U. N. Roberts & Co.

Thomas Robinson, retired farmer, 821 East Fourteenth street, Davenport, was born on a farm, where Martinsburg, Pa., now is, March 16, 1806. His parents, Thomas and Jane ( Ackerson ) Rob- inson, died, leaving him an orphan at 12 years of age, to make his own way in the world. When he was 17 years old he learned the stone-mason's trade, and followed that until April 5, 1>44, when he came to Scott County and bonght a farm in Davenport Town- ship, on Jersey Ridge. He was one of the first three men who broke prairie on that ridge. In April. 1877, he sold his farm and moved into Davenport, where he bought a nice residence on East Fourteenth street. He was married Ang. 15, 1839, to Miss Sarah B. J. Blake, of Bedford Co., Penn. Their union has been blessed

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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.

with 12 children, 9 living-Thomas M., George W., Samuel B., Mary E., Wilson P., Ella, M. B., Charley D. and Minnie. Mr. Robinson is a member of I. O. O. F., Davenport Lodge, No. 7. He. was educated in the Democratic school of politics, and has always adhered to that party. IIe cast his first ballot for Old Hickory Jackson.

Ferdinand Roddewig, importer and jobber in wines and liquors, 413 and 415 Harrison street, was born in Westphalia, Prussia, Germany, June 26, 1828. He was a son of Frederick and Charlotte Roddewig. natives of Germany, who was elerk of the court in the city of Biedefield, Prussia, Germany. He was a member of the Lutheran church, and she of the Catholic church. They had eight children, five living. Ferdinand lived with his father, attending High School until he was 15 years of age. Then elerked in a whole- sale linen store until 20 years of age, when he came alone to America; was 64 days coming from Bremen; landed at New Orleans, November, 1848. He worked here 18 months, and learned the cigar trade. Then went to St. Louis, Mo., and worked until January, 1851, when he opened a cigar manufactory, and in 1853, he returned to Germany, and visited his parents. Some months after he went to Sheboygan, Wis., and married Miss Metta H. Koehler, Nov. 26, 1853. She was born in Biedfeld, Germany, and was a daughter of Ferdinand and Ernestena Koehler, natives of Germany. After his marriage Mr. Roddewig went to St. Louis and ran his cigar factory until 1855, when he came to Davenport, Iowa, and opened a grocery and liquor store, where he now is, at 413 and 415 Harrison street; and in 1869 he opened his whole- sale liquor store, his present business, where he carries a full line of the finest native and imported wines and liquors, and is the oldest wholesale liquor man in the city. He and wife had four children, viz .: Lena, Panl, Peter E. and Ferdinand, Jr. Mrs. Roddewig died Sept. 2, 1875, and was buried in Davenport. Mr. Roddewig is a member of the Turner Society, Harmonia Society, and of the Shooters' Association; in politics, Independent, and is one of the representative men of Davenport, having been here since 1855.

M. J. Rohlfs, Treasurer of Scott County, was elected to this position in the fall of 1873, and entered upon the duties of his office Jan. 1, 1874, and has been elected four times continuously. He is of German nativity, born in 1816, and was educated in the Gun- noznim and a seminary of his native country. He emigrated to the United States in 1847, and came dircetly to Davenport, and has been a resident of Scott County over one-third of a century. On his arrival here he at once engaged in agricultural pursuits which he continued with some interruptions until he was elected to his pres- ent office. He has been identified with the Republican party since its organization and cast his first vote for Jolin C. Fremont. He was elected as representative from Scott County to the fowa General Assembly, and has held the office eight years successively. Upon retiring from that position he was immediately elected to his present

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CITY OF DAVENPORT.

office. Mr. Rohlt's was married in Germany in 1840 to Miss Eliza Rode; they are the parents of five children. all residing in Iowa. His son, Rudolph Rohlfs, is his depnty in the treasurer's office. Mr. Rohlfs is a member of the Davenport Turner Society, and is vice-president of the Turner's District Society, composed of the societies of that order in Iowa. He is an Odd Fellow and a mem- ber of Davenport Lodge, No. 37. During his connection with the Legislature he served with many of the men who have since helped to shape the political history of Iowa. He was one of the pioncer Germans who settled in Scott County and helped to lay the foun- dation for the large German settlement made here since.

Isauc Rothschild, the leading clothier and merchant tailor of Davenport, located at Nos. 102 and 104 Brady street, was born in Mordstetten, Wittenberg. Germany. Dec. 6. 1844, of Moses E. and Augusta (Ettlinger) Rothschild, natives of Germany. Isaac Rothschild learned the tailor's trade in his native country, and came to America when 18 years old. He landed in New York, and from there came to Davenport. arriving May 22, 1863, with 50 cents in his pocket. as a nest-cug for a fortune. He worked for his board for the first three months, but made $50 extra by putting strips on officers' suits for the soldiers. After the expiration of the three months his employer offered him $25 a month, which he ac- cepted and remained with him four years. Then went to Terre Hante, Ind., and controlled L. Rothschild's store for him during a nine months' visit in Europe. He returned to Davenport and clerked for his brother, E. Rothschild, one year, then went into partnership with him, under the firm name of E. Rothschild & Bro. In 1875 he purchased his brother's share and now conducts the business alone. He occupies a double store fronting on Brady and Second streets, and has what few stores, in much larger eities than Davenport. do not possess. and that is an exact duplicate on the upper floors of his stock on the first floor. He keeps first-class cutters. and goods from ahnost every country in the world. He gives employment to 40 men. He has just contracted for an enlarge- ment of his already mammoth establishment. In a word, Mr Rothschild is one of Davenport's most enterprising business men. Commencing in limited circumstances, he has by honest dealing and close application to work placed himself at the head as a clothier and merchant tailor. He was married Feb. 5, 1871. to Rosa Anerbach, daughter of Abraham and Paulen Auerbach, and a nicee of the poet, Berthold Von Auerbach, of Germany. Their union has been blessed with five children-Jennie, Ida, Hannie, Fannie and Mandie. Mr. Rothschild is a Mason and a member of Trinity Lodge, No. 208, from Blue Lodge to the Davenport Capital Lodge, No. 16. lle is a member of Davenport I. O. O. F., Lodge No. 7. and of the State, No. 3, Eucampment; of State Lodge No. 3, A. O. U. W; of the Mutual Brotherhood of Iowa; of the V. A. S. L. of HI. ; of the I. O. B. B .; the Davenport Boat (Inb; the Academy of Science: and the American Legion of Honor, Davenport Council, No. 718.

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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.

Balthasa Ruch, brickmaker, was born in Pittsburg, Pa., July 24, 1828. He was a son of Jost and Elizabeth Ruch, nee Gilmore, the former a native of Switzerland, ! the latter of Georgetown, Va. They were the parents of 11 children. The subject of this sketch attended school in Pittsburg until 1848, when he engaged in boat- ing coal on the Ohio River. In 1849 he went to Cincinnati, O., and worked in a brick-yard there one year. In 1850 went overland to California, where he mined four years. In 1854 he came to Dav- enport, remained a short time, then returned to his home in Pitts- burg and was there married to Amanda J. Weaver, Oct. 23, 1854. She was born in that city and was a daughter of Adam and IIan- nah (Foner) Weaver. Mr. and Mrs. Ruch went to Rock Island in 1855, and soon after came to Davenport, where they have since re- sided. He was engaged in the pork-packing and brick-making business until 1877, since then has manufactured brick exclusively. Mrs. Amanda Ruch died Oct. 28, 1858, having been the mother of three children, all deceased. Mr. Ruch married for his second wife India J. Johnson, March 12, 1860; her parents were James R. and Rebecca Johnson, natives of Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Ruch have one child, Lizzie Ruch. Mr. Ruch owns a nice residence at 130 West Twelfth street; he manufactures 1,000,000 bricks annually.

Chus H. Ruepke, of the firm of Ruepke, Schmidt & Co., man- ufacturers of all kinds of crackers and biscuits, northwest corner 4th and Iowa, established this branch of business July 1, 1874, as Ruepke & Schwarting. Nine months later Mr. Hugo Schmidt was taken in as a partner; he was killed July 23, 1878, by the ele- vator falling on him. In April, 1876, Mr. Jacob Wirtz became a partner. The factory has undergone a complete change since its organization and now has the finest and latest improved machinery. They have the Ruger's patent mixer, brakes and cutting machines, and Hall's patent revolving oven. They have two ovens and two sets of machinery. The double run was put up in 1880 by Roth & McMahon, owing to their being unable to fill their orders. They consume 90 barrels of flour per day. The building is 42 by 150 feet deep, two stories in height and a basement. Each floor is con- nected by a steam clevator. They have a 15 horse-power engine, and give employment to 35 men. They ship goods to seven different States, manufacture 50 varieties of crackers and biscuits and have had an unprecedented success in their butter wafers. The factory is the largest one of the kind in the State, and their trade is enor- mous. Chas. H. Ruepke was born in Hanover, Prussia, Germany, Jan. 9, 1842, and was a son of Christian and Julia (Langkop) Rnepke. In 1846 Charles came with his parents to America, landed in New Orleans, and six months later moved to St. Louis, Mo. Charles attended school and clerked in a clothing store there until his 19th year when the family came to Davenport, arriving here in the spring of 1864. Charles clerked in a grocery store here un- til 1867, when he established a store of his own. He continued in the grocery business until 1874, when he embarked in his present

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CITY OF DAVENPORT.

business. Ile was married July 9, 1565, to Florentine Witle, of Mecklenburg, Germany. They have four children -- Edmund, Arthur, Alvin and Otille. Mr. Rnepke is a Mason and a member of Fra- ternal Lodge, A. F. & A. M., No. 221; of the K. T., St. Simon of Cyrine, No. 9; of the Turner's Society, and the Davenport Schuetzen Society.

Ignatz Sauer, retired, was born in Bavaria, Germany, Nov. 6, 1825, and was a son of John H. and Bosalia Sauer, nee Maidhot. Ignatz was educated and learned the blacksmith's trade in Germany and in 1853 he emigrated to the United States. lle spent three months in Buffalo. N. Y., then came to Davenport. He worked in the Davenport and Le Claire foundry two years: in the Daven- port Plow Works ten years; in the Buford's Plow Works, at Rock Island, three years: then opened a shop of his own, which he operated until 1873, when he retired from business, having secured a comfortable competenev, content to give room for others. Ile was married May 14, 1855, to Theresa Proestler, a native of Ba- varia, Germany. Their union has been blessed with four children -Alloys, Joseph, Peter and Theresa.

Jumex Henry Schroeder, of the firm of Schroeder & Brandt, grocers. 1401 West Third street, was born Dec. 22, 1831, and is a sun of Henry and Margaret ( Schultz) Schroeder, he died in Holstein in 1872, she in 1850. The subject of this sketch eame to this country in April, 1857, and located in Davenport. He worked at various branches of business here two years, then obtained a elerk- ship in a general store at Le Claire, which he retained three years, then returned to Davenport. He clerked for Biederbecke & Miller, grocers. until 1868, when he established his present partnership with Mr. Brandt under the firm name of Schroeder & Brandt. They do a good business. Mr. Schroeder was married in the fall of 1862. in Le Claire, to Elizabeth Schwein, a native of Bavaria. Ger- many. By this union there has been eight children, six living- Henry, Jennie, Ingo, Laura, John and Emilie. Mr. Schroeder is a member of the Lutheran church.

Lorenzo Schricker, of the firm of Schrieker & Mueller, owners of the planing-mill, was born on the 25th of November, 1825. in Ger- many, and was a son of Christian and Eva Sehricker, natives of Ger- many. He was educated in the Polytechnic School of Nuremburg, and served a four years' apprenticeship in the dry-goods business at that place. Subsequently was engaged as book keeper for a Rail- road Co. at $12 a month, and when he was only 19 years old he took a contract to build a railroad. In the spring of 184s he emi- grated to America, and engaged in the confectionery business in Cincinnati, until the fall of that year, then went to St. Louis, where he purchased a stock of dry goods, and remained there in that busi- ness until 1849, when he went back to Germany for his mother, leaving his father in charge of his store. In the fall of 1850 he came to Davenport, where he engaged in the mercantile business until 1856, when he engaged in the private banking business, and

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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.

was agent for steamers between the United States and Europe. In 1858 he was elected city treasurer, being one of the first Republi- cans elected to office in the county. Ile served in that capacity two years, refusing a re-election, and meantime carrying on his other business. In 1863 he bought the saw-mill property with L. C. Dessaint and continued with him five years, then bought him out and took Mr. Christian Mueller into partnership with him. In 1871 Mr. Sehricker helped organize the Mississippi Logging Co., and was the first president of that company, but with his mill busi- ness this was more than he could attend to ; accordingly he resigned after serving two years. He has held the office of vice-president of the State Bank of Iowa, Merchants' branch, which was afterward changed into the Davenport National Bank, of which he is at pres- ent director. He is vice-president of the First National Bank of this city, and is a director of the First National Bank of Chip- pewa, Wis. He is the father of five children-William, Latins, Richard, Selma and Ottilie.

John B. Schmidt was born in the Kingdom of Wurtemberg. Germany, Jan. 6, 1834, and obtained an education in the common schools there. In 1854 he emigrated to this country and located in Newark, N. J., where he remained until 1855, when he came to Davenport, stayed six months, then returned to Newark. In 1857, he came again to Davenport, and has resided here since. He worked at the butcher's trade for J. Bruhm and A. P. & D. Kelly for six years, then established a shop of his own. He now owns the build- ing which he ocenpies, situated at 220 East Third street. Has a prosperous and steadily increasing trade. He supplies the Kimball, Ackley and Howard Houses and Schmidt's Hotel with all their fresh meat, and has the latest improved refrigerator for keeping meat in warm weather. He was married in 1863 to Amala Back. They have three children-Mina, Emma and John. Mr. Schmidt is a member of I. O. O. F. and A. O. U. W. Lodges, of the Fire Company and the Butchers' Society.

John H. Schuett, grocer, 332 West Second street. was born in Schleswig-Holstein. Germany, March 10. 1840. His parents were Detlif and Louisa Schuett, nee Zimmerman. John attended school until he was 16 years old. then learned the grocery. crockery and hardware trade in Echenfarde. IIolstein, where he remained four years, then clerked in the city of Haide three years. He spent eight years in Kiel, as bookkeeper, then came to the United States, and located in Davenport, Ia. Ile clerked for different parties some time, then purchased the grocery. erockery and glass- ware stock of Jake Malchan, and is still engaged in that business, at the above number. Ile carries a full and complete line of goods, and has a thriving trade. He is a member of the Turner Society, and in politics is a Republican.

Henry Schnitger, lessee of the Davenport City Railway, was born in Mineral Point, Wis., July 10, 1851, and is a son of Gustavus Schnitger, who was born in Prussia and emigrated to the United

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CITY OF DAVENPORT.

States in 1850. He went to Mineral Point, Wis., and engaged in farming there until 1854, when he moved to Scott County, and farmed in Davenport Township until the breaking out of the war. IIe enlisted as second lieutenant of Company E, 2d lowa Cavalry. He re-enlisted in 1864, as veteran, and was mustered out as first major of the regiment Hle was the first man on Island No. 10 when it was taken. Two years after his return to Davenport he was elected sheriff of Scott County, and served two terms in sue- cession. In the spring of 1878 he was appointed United States marshal of Wyoming Territory, and still holds that office, his youngest son being deputy United States marshal of that Terri- tory. The subject of this memoir received an education in the common schools and business college of Davenport. He was ap- pointed superintendent of the road he is now lessee of, in 1876, and March 1 of the following year he leased the road for a term of 10 years. During the time his father held the office of sheriff, Henry acted as his deputy.

Herman Schweizer, Sr .. grocer, corner of Fourth and lowa streets, was born in Wurtemberg. Germany, Feb. 20, 1816. IIe learned the tinner's trade, and was married there to Clara Kuhrler, Jan. 20. 1852. She was born in Darmstadt, Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Schweizer came to America in 1852, landing in New York on March 25 of that year. They remained in New York nearly a year, then moved to Alton. Ill. where he opened a stove and tin store. In 1865 they removed to Davenport, Ia. Hle conducted a hotel here eight years. also a restaurant and ice cream saloon. In 1871 he embarked in the grocery business, and has continued in it since. He carries a full and complete stock of goods. and has a growing trade. Mr. and Mrs. Schweizer have had three children-Herman Jr .. who was born in Alton. IH., March 6. 1856. Hle clerked in grocery stores until August, 1878. when he went into that branch of business for himself at his present number, 322 East Second street. where he carries a full line of groceries and staple goods. He was married to Louisa Blum Aug. 28, 1879. She was born in Davenport, of Rudolph and Christina (Weinburg) Blum, natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Ilerman Schweizer, Jr .. had one child, Archiball. who died Sept. 7, 1881. Mr. Schweizer is a member of the Iowa L. of II .. the American L. of H., V. A. S. Fraternity, of Turners' Association, the Grocers' Protec- tive AAssociation, and the Brotherhood of Iowa. Caroline Schweizer married Otto Helbig. and Ragina married Fred W. Lerch.

Alexander Scouller, foreman of the oat-meal mills. Davenport, was born in County Ayrshire, Scotland, on the 10th day of April, 1843, son of John and Margaret Osborne Seouller, natives of Scotland. ILis father was by trade a miller, and Alex was reared in the busi- ness. In 1872 he left his native country and came to the U. S. and located at Cedar Rapids, Iowa., where he was employed by Stewart & Donglass in the vat-meal mills of that city for nearly four years, and while engaged there invented a patent for cutting oat meal,

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HISTORY OF SCOTT COUNTY.

patented, Oct. 28, 1879, now being used in the Diamond Mills, of Davenport, the company having exclusive right for eight years of the patent. In May, 1861, the mill was burned out and Mr. Sconl- ler drew the plans and put in the machinery, in many cases de- vising many improvements. April 17, 1874, married Mary Orr. She was born in Canada. The fruit of this marriage is two chil- dren-Maggie B. and Annie O. Mr. and Mrs. S. are members of the Presbyterian church, of Davenport.

August Sebelien, proprietor of the Iowa State Steam and Dye Cleansing Works and Repairing Establishment, 223 Perry street, was born in Schleswig Holstein, Germany, Dec. 13, 1834, and was a son of Henry and Doraetta Sebelien, nee Peterson. August was educated and learned the dyer's trade in his native country, and in 1865 he came to America. He located in Davenport, where lie worked in the Davenport Woolen Mills seven years ; then estab- lished his present business. He was married to Miss Aretta Widerspeeler, Jan 2, 1869. She was born at Suhl, Germany. They have had three children-Albert, August, Jr., and Hugo. Mr. Sebelien is a member of I. O. O. F., Seott Lodge, No. 37; State Encampment, No. 3; A. O. U. W., Germania Lodge, No. 5; K. P., Davenport Lodge, No. 50; and of the Iowa Brotherhood.

Rev. William G. Shand was born June 3, 1810, at Dundee, Scotland. He was the youngest son of Thomas and Mary Ann ( Ayres ) Shand. His father was a native of Dundee, Scotland, and his mother of London, England. His parents resided in Scotland, and were members of the grand old historieal Covenanter church. William G. and his older brother, Alexander, were both intended by their parents for the ministry, a position regarded as one of the highest honors by Christains of simple and earnest faith. They both graduated from the University of St. Andrews, one of the most renowned of Scotland's educational institutions, and the seene of many stirring events during the reformation under Knox. William then attended for three years the divinity school sustained by the Association Synod, and presided over by the eminent divines, Drs. Balme and Duncan, who testified to the fidelity and success attend- ing him in his studies. In the fall of 1836 he emigrated to Amer- ica, and located in Pittsburg, Penn., where he spent much time in teaching and in private study. This, indeed, was the pleasure of his life. Not being gifted in conversation, his mind loved to hold converse with those whose thoughts have been the beacon light of the age. In 1851 he attended the Western Theologieal Seminary, and on the 20th of October, 1852, was licensed by the Presbytery of Blairsville, Penn., to preach the gospel. He then visited the West and labored for two years, and then returned to Pennsylvania, where he received eall to a church within the bounds of Blairsville Presbytery, and was installed, and labored until busi- ness of importance again ealled him West to Davenport, where he labored for many years in the eanse of his Master. He was married Oct. 26, 1865, to Margarett MeKee, who was born in Ire-

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History of Scott County, Iowa, Part 82

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