USA > Iowa > Scott County > History of Scott County, Iowa > Part 99
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member of many societies of benevolent, beneficiary and social pursnits. In politics he is a Republican ; in religion is a free- thinker. Mr. G. was married in 1855, to Miss Sophia D., a daughter of Mr. John Halkens, a well-known early German settler of Scott County. Mrs. G. was born in 1835, in Meldorf, Duke- . dom Holstein, Germany. Their children are: Adel T., born in 1839, married to Mr. Otto Claussen, a merchant at Memphis, Tenn .; Sophia E,. born in 1865; and an adopted boy, Louis F. Halkens, born in 1861, now a printer at Denver, Colorado.
Alexander Grant was born in Bainshire, Scotland, July 20, 1820. He is the son of Peter and Margaret ( Washington ) Grant, both natives of Scotland, who lived and died in their native country. At 17 years of age Alexander went to sea and for several years served as a common sailor, then second and first mate. Tiring of sea lite, in 1844 he came to America, and located in Scott County. Here he made a claim and began farming. In 1851 he married Ann Fleming, who was born in Laneaster Co., Penn., Aug. 1, 1822, daughter of James and Margaret ( Bates ) Fleming, who came to Seott County, arriving June 27, 1840. In 1866 Mr. Grant pur- chased the farm on which he now resides. Six children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Grant, four of whom are now living- Margaret ( now Mrs. George Ashford), Frank, Nettie and Sydney. Those deceased are-Belle and Eliza. Mr. and Mrs. Grant are both members of the First Presbyterian Church, in Davenport. In politics Mr. Grant is a Republican.
Wulf Hahn was born in Propstic, Germany, Jan. 14, 1813. He is the son of Wulf and Ida Hahn, natives of Germany, who are now deceased. The subject of this sketch was edneated in the common schools of Germany, and reared on a farm. He was mar- ried in 1845 to Margaret Staltenberg, who was born in Holstein, Germany, July 31, 182v. In 1847 they emigrated to America, landing in New Orleans, from which place they proceeded to Scott County, where he purchased 40 aeres of land at the Government price of $1.25 per acre, and began farming. The first year he had to work in the plow factory or any other place where he could get anything to do so as to get either money or bread for his family to live on ; but at the same time he still continned farming. In 1856 he sold his farm for $50 per acre, and bought the farm where he now resides. He now owns 356 aeres in Davenport Township, 400 in Tama Co., Iowa, and 240 in Washington Territory. He has eight children-Ida, now Mrs. Hans Kronse; Kate, now Mrs. Charley Kaler; Minnie, now Mrs. T. H. H. BInnck; Emma, now Mrs. C. L. Sutkorf ; Henry, who married Emma Lay, and resides on the home farm: Augusta, Julia, Anna and one deceased. He is a member of the German Fire Insurance Company of Scott County, and was at one time president of the company. He is a Republi- can in polities.
Claus Horst was born in Propstie, Germany, Dec. 30, 1819. and was the son of Hans and Margaretta Gotleib Horst, who were also
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natives of Germany, where they both died. Claus received the common-school education of his native country. In 1847 he came to America by New Orleans and St. Louis, where he spent the first winter, arriving in Davenport the following spring, where he en- gaged himself to a farmer for $10 per month to break prairie, and worked at anything he could get to do to turn an honest penny. In 1850 he married Ida Hahn, who was born in the same place that he was born, in December, 1828, and was the daughter of John and Margretta Hahn, who were also born at the same place. Her father died in 1845, and the mother was married a second time, to Oswald Maas, and they came to America and located in Scott County in 1847, where the mother died in 1874. After Mr. Horst was married he commenced farming on 80 acres, and by his in- dustry and thrift accumulated an independence. He owned at his decease 560 acres of land, worth $80 per acre. In 1880 Mr. Horst went to New York on a visit in hopes to regain his health, which he had lost by hard work, but his hopes were vain, and he died there May 24, 1881, and the body was brought back to the Daven- port cemetery and buried. His widow and five children survive him. The widow lives on the farm with two sons and one daughter. Of their six children five are still living -- Louisa M. (now Mrs. Herman Voss). Adolph J., Thresa, A. C., Edward N., and Henry H.
Christian Kober is a native of Germany, and came to America with his parents when only nine years of age. Ile was reared on a farm in Pennsylvania, his education being very limited. In the spring of 1839 he came to Scott County and located a claim, and in the fall returned to Pennsylvania, where he was married, De- cember, 1839, to Saralı Moon, who was born Jan. 29, 1814. In the spring of 1840 the couple came to this eounty, and Mr. Kober be- gan improving his elaim. Hle erected a small eabin, which he furnished as well as his means would allow. Some time during the fall, while he and his wife were away from home, the cabin and all its contents were destroyed by fire. This misfortune disheartened the couple, and they would have surrendered all and returned to Pennsylvania, but for one reason-they did not have the means to get back. They spent the winter with a kind neighbor, and in the spring of 1841 rebuilt, after having sold SO aeres of his quarter seetion for the means to do so. Prosperity now overtook them, although it was not until about 1845 that they began to lay up anything. Mr. Kober has seen many changes in this county in his time, and from a life of toil and poverty he now enjoys a comfortable subsistence. Mr. and Mrs. Kober have five living chil- dren-Celia, now Mrs. Henry Woodford; Charles, who married Susan Reed, and resides on his father's homestead; Kate S., who married Robert Silks; Sue, now Mrs. James Murray ; one deceased, Julia S. Mr. Kober is in his 74th year, having been born April 18, 180S.
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Claus Kreoger was born in Holstein, Germany, April 14, 1829, and was the son of Hans and Lena (Glindermann) Kreoger, who both died in Germany. Claus was educated in Germany and reared on a farm. In 1856 he emigrated to America and settled in Scott County, where he worked as a farm hand for about four years. In 1860 he was married to Anna Loage, who was born in Germany in 1839, and came to America in 1847. They have six children-Henry L., Minnie, Emma, Louis and Augusta. Imme- diately after his marriage Mr. Kreoger bought the farm on which he now lives, buying 80 acres at first, then 80 more in a short time. Ile is a Republican in politics.
Il. Kuhl was born in Holstein, Germany, in 1826, and came to Davenport in 1847, where he worked as a day laborer until 1850, when he engaged in quarrying and in the manufacture of lime at Gilbert, Davenport Township, in which business he is still en- gaged. In 1850 he married Minnie Strobern, who was also born in Holstein, Germany, in 1829, and who came to America in 1847. They have had nine children-Josephine, Matilda, Emily, Edward, Minnie, Eustaff, Francis, Hilda and Nettie. Mr. Kuhl acts with the Republican party.
Jacob Lahr is a native of Prussia, and was born Jan. 20, 1850; his parents were Jacob and Helen (Mitchell) Lahr; his mother died in Germany in 1869, and his father emigrated to America in 1871, and located in Keokuk County. Jacob preceded his father a few months and for three years worked on a farm near Baden, Keokuk Co., at the expiration of which time he engaged with Joseph Lyfed & Co., in grain and stock trade, in which business he con- tinned six months. He was married to Ann Berchers, daughter of John and Ann (Peterson) Berchers, who was born in Scott County in 1854, of German parentage, her parents being natives of Holstein, who came to this country in 1852. Mr. Lahr eame to Scott County, and for some time ran the Green Tree Hotel in the north part of the township. In the spring of 1881 he moved to Gilbert and engaged in the saloon business. Mr. and Mrs. Lahr have three children-Lillie, Rosa and Jacob. Mr. Lahr votes the Democratie ticket.
John Lambert was born in New Jersey, Jan. 5, 1814. His father was Samuel Lambert, a native of New Jersey. His mother's maiden name was Rhoda Bailey, likewise a native of New Jersey. He was reared on his father's farm and what education he received was in the common schools of his native county. He remained with his father until 20 years of age, when he engaged with Mr. Logan and worked on his farm for six years, then with John Black, with whom he continued two years. In 1836 he was married to Julia Whitaker, who was born in Delaware, in 1812. After mar- riage they continued to reside on a farm near where he was born until 1844, when he moved to Scott Co., Iowa, and made claim to 160 acres of land, where he now resides. His means at this time
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was quite limited, $130 being the extent of his capital. Ile at once began breaking his ground, and by elose economy he laid up enough to pay for 80 aeres of his claim, which he has sinee worked and improved until it is now one of the best farms in the town- ship, worth $125 per aere. Mr. Lambert has been identified with the interests of Scott County many years. He has served the county as supervisor for some years, and for several years was president of the Agricultural Society, and has also been secretary of the same. In agricultural matters he has always taken a deep interest and to promote the welfare of his brother agriculturists he has devoted much time. Mr. Lambert has always taken a deep interest in educational matters, and has done much for the ad- vaneement of school interests in his township. When he came to the county there were no sehools here, and in company with several others rented a room and hired a teacher, which they eon- tinued to do until the passage of the school law. He has filled the offices of director and treasurer of the school district of Daven- port township. Mr. and Mrs. Lambert have had a family of six children, five of whom are now living-Emily L .. who resides with her father on the farm; Maria, now Mrs. Henry Ade ; Caro- line, now Mrs. Henry Penemore ; Adaline, now Mrs. Alfred E. Campbell. The one deceased, Aaron P., was the oldest son, and enlisted in 1862 in the war for the Union, and died in Spring- field, Mo .. during the same year. Mrs. Lambert died on the farm Jan. 25, 1882.
Peter Lamp is a native of Holstein, Germany, and is the son of Claus and Celia Lamp, nee Goesch. He was born Feb. 12, 1842, and eame to America with his parents in 1546. The first landing was in New Orleans, from which place they proceeded to St. Louis, where they spent the winter of 1846-'7. In the spring of the latter year they came to Scott County, where the elder Lamp engaged at his trade of carpenter, which he followed for some time. He sub- sequently purchased the farm on which the son now resides, and with whom he lives. Ilis mother died in 1869, and the father is now in his 82d year. The common schools of Scott County served Peter in an educational way. He married Anna Mneller in 1869. His wife was a daughter of Jacob and Margretta Mueller, natives of Germany, who came to Seott County in 1869; both are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Lamp are the parents of three ehil- dren-Celia, Claus Herman and Clara Margretta. Ile is the owner of 320 acres of land, one-half each in the townships of Dav- enport and Cleona. Ile has been school director for 10 years; has also served as road supervisor, and is a member of the Masonie order. In polities, Mr. Lamp is a Republican.
John Littig. One of the most substantial farmers of Davenport Township, is John Littig. Mr. Littig was born in Paris. France, on the 9th of March, 1823. Active life in all its stern reality appeared to him at an early age, teaching him to rely upon his own abilities, a lesson which proved invaluable in after years. In
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1835, at the age of 13, he emigrated with his parents to America, and landed at New Orleans. During his two years' residence there John figured among the news boys, carrying the Picayune, Herald and French Republican. From New Orleans he went to St. Louis, Mo., where he manifested great interest in American agriculture, which he afterward made his life-work. In 1837 he followed his parents to Rock Island and finally came to Davenport, where he was engaged by Harvey Leonard, who employed him in his brick- yard to carry the "Irish umbrella." He continued with Mr. Leonard for three years and made a faithful and assiduous hand. John subsequently spent seven years with Antoine Le Claire, where he was characterized by the same manly traits. One event trans- pired during this period of toil and hardship to make it memo- rable, namely-the treaty at Des Moines between Gov. Chambers and the Sacs and Foxes, whereby the Indians relinquished their rights to the northern half of Iowa. When Col. Geo. Davenport, Antoine Le Claire and Geo. L. Davenport were chosen as "white friends" of the Indians, to act as interpreters and conclude the treaty, John was appointed coachman for the venerable gentle- men, and this was aceounted no small honor. The party remained at Des Moines one week and Mr. Littig improved every oppor- tunity to study the life and customs of the savages. On his re- turn he was able to sound the war whoop and go through the maneuvers of an Indian dance, which though lacking the grace and dignity of the " light fantastic," was more amusing. Having saved a considerable sum of money by dint of industry and econ- omy he made his first investment in real estate, purchasing a piece of land near Gilbert town. Here he continued to toil early and late and laid the foundation for that future prosperity that has blessed him in his labors. In 1858 he removed to Duck Creek, made extensive improvements and remained there eight years, when he finally settled at his present homestead on section 37, four miles from the city of Davenport. This place became the center of his hopes and cares, and having faithfully tilled the soil and erected a commodious and substantial dwelling-house and barn, it is now regarded as the "apple of his eye." From time to time he has added to his other possessions until he owns 560 acres of as fine land as there is in Davenport Township and which has developed into valuable property. John Littig was united in marriage in 1844 to Margaret Stovir. But two of their children are now living-Peter Napoleon and Adam. Death having claimed his first consort, Mr. Littig was again married in 1858, to Lonise Roggie, and by this union there were 11 chil- dren-Lawrence W., Anthony Joseph, Marguerite Josephine, Henry Augustine, Mary Hortense, Regina Engenie, George Mar- cus (who died in early childhood), Marquis De La Fayette, Vietor Louis, John Vincent and Edward Clarence. Mr. Littig's parents being poor, he did not enjoy the educational privileges he so much coveted, and therefore determined his own children should
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not labor under the same disadvantages. Mr. Littig has been director of Gilruth's school for nine years, watching over its interests with unremitting attention. In addition to the branches taught there, Peter has attended Bryant & Stratton's Business College, and Adam studied at the Griswold College, Davenport. Lawrence W. gradnated from St. Vincent's College, Cape Girardeau, Mo., being valedictorian of the class of'81; the degrees of A. B. and A. M. have been successfully conferred npon him, and '83 will witness his completion of the medical eonrse at Iowa City. Joseph received instructions at Griswold and for some- time has been a successful teacher in the public schools of the township. Josephine finished the classical course with high hon- ors in '82 at the Immaculate Conception Academy, and Hortense and Eugenie are still attending the same institution. The time has not yet come when this generation will figure in the public history of their country, or native county, but it is hoped a useful and noble career awaits them. In 1878 Mr. Littig visited the scene of his early life in and about Paris, attended the exposition in that city, and also visited noted places in England and Ger- many. His sojourn in his native land was greatly enjoyed by him and will ever be a subject of unceasing comment. Mr. Lit tig is a stanneh adherent of the Democratie party, a liberal and charitable Christian, rearing his children in the faith of the Roman Catholic church, and instilling into their youthful minds by pre cept and example, that "honesty is the best policy." Having. amassed a considerable fortune by perseverence and industry, Mr. Littig is now enjoying an honorable independence. His progeni- tors are noted for longevity, his father having attained the age of 87. His social relations are harmonious and desirable, and it is the sincere wish of all who know him, that many years may yet be Mr. Littig's portion, which may be as pleasant and happy as his early life has been laborious and active.
Peter Littig was born in the Province of Lorraine, France, on the 20th day of August, 1794. Ilis childhood was passed in ob- seurity, but at a tender age he became an enthusiastic admirer of Napoleon's daring genins, and early resolved to follow in the foot- steps of the greatest general France ever produced. When Peter was 19 years old, he entered the French army; fought under Bona- parte at the battle of Waterloo; took part in the engagement at Leipsic, plunging boldly into the river Elster after the great stone bridge was blown up by the corporal, and was at the side of the noble and heroie Marshal Poniatowski when he (the marshal), wounded, bleeding and exhausted, fell from his horse while attempt- ing to seale the banks of the Elster, and sank beneath its waters. Both engagements proved most disastrous to the interests of Napo- leon, and Mr. Littig never could talk of the result of these encoun- ters without emotion. and they were subjects of deep interest to liis children and grandchildren. He was also fond of telling how he
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and other young soldiers of Napoleon skulked about the country for weeks after the battle of Waterloo, hoping that the emperor would lead them again. His parents and sisters, in the meantime, had mourned him among the slain. Mr. Littig remained faithful to Bonaparte during his exile at Elba, and when the conqueror re- turned to France he was one of the escort who went with him into Paris. In 1826, five years after the death of Napoleon Bonaparte, Mr. Littig went to Paris to reside, and engaged in business as a marble-cutter. There he continued to ply his trade for 11 years, bringing it out in all its perfection. But one little souvenir now remains of his genius-a small watch-stand carved out of solid marble by hand, in the city of Paris, passes down as an heirloom in the family. IIe emigrated with his family to the United States, landing at New Orleans, because French friends lived there. He resided in that eity two years, then came to Stephenson, now Rock Island. In New Orleans he had worked at cabinet-making, but now he set out as a stone-mason and contractor, following that trade and business until 1851, when he engaged in the brewery business. Mr. Littig built the first stone honse erected in Rock Island, and also built Huber's and Wagner's breweries in that city, and op- erated them both. In 1866 he erected the Eagle Brewery, corner Fifth and De Soto streets, Davenport. His whole manhood, up to his 72d year, was a life of industry and usefulness ; but the infirmities of old age coming on, he retired from active busi- ness life, taking up his home at the corner of Eighth and Marquette streets, where he spent the remaining 15 years of his earthly career, when death released his spirit. Mr. Littig was a fervent adherent of the Roman Catholic faith from his youth up, and expired after receiving the last rites of the church, in the 87th year of his age, A. D. 1881. Mr. Littig was married four times. His last consort, to whom he was united in 1853, survives him. He was the father of nine children-Augustine N., of Davenport; Peter, of Atlantic; John, of Davenport; Mrs. Mary Robida, of Chatfield, Minn. ; Mrs. Margaret Bub, of Winona, Minn .; Mrs. Rosalie Smith, of Camanche, Iowa; Mrs. Alexandrina Enderly, of Moline, Ill. ; Mrs. Sophia Leeds, of Peoria, and Mrs. Augusta Smithi, of Wilton. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren are numerous. After having been very liberal with his children, Mr. Littig died pos- sessed of an estate valned at $60,000.
John L. McCulloch was born in Holmes Co., Ohio, July 18, 1841. His parents were John and Maria R. (Laughhead) McCul- loch, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch and Irish descent. The subject of this sketch received a limited education in the dis- triet schools of Ohio; and in 1849 came with his parents to Scott County, and located in Hickory Grove Township. From there they removed to Jersey Ridge, Davenport Township, where his mother died; his father died in 1874. In 1861, John L. enlisted in the Civil war, in Company B, Sth Regiment of Iowa Volunteers, and served 18 months, being discharged on account of disability and
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sickness. IIe then returned to Scott County, and continued farming. In 1867 he was married to Catharine Ellen O'Brien, who was born in 1850, in Boston, Mass. From there she went to New York, thence to Holmes Co., O., where she was married. They have had two children -- Ida Luella and Sarah Rebecca (deceased). The family are members of the church, in Davenport. Mr. McCulloch owns 583 acres, worth $100 an acre. He is a Republican in politics.
Thomas J. MeHarg was born in Beaver Co., Pennsylvania, Sept. 4, 1825. Ile was the son of William and Margaret McHarg. The mother was of Irish and the father of Scotch descent. Thomas was educated in the common schools of Beaver County and was reared on a farm. In 1848 he emigrated to Scott Co., Iowa, and began work on a farm as a common hand, cradling the first summer 26 acres of grain. The following year reapers came into use so he did no more work with the cradle. He continued working with his brother until 1855, when he married Sarah Easley, and began farming for himself. Ilis wife was born in Saratoga Co., New York. He owns 160 acres of land in Scott County. He has been school director for many years; and a member of the United Presbyterian church.
Nicholas Mock was born in the Province of Saxon, Prussia, Nov. 19. 1810, son of Andrew and Christina (Deschner) Mock, both natives of Prussia. Onr subject was edneated in the common schools, and learned the wagon maker's-trade from his father at an early age. When 20 years old he enlisted in the army and served three years. In 1834 he was married to Miss Elizabeth Stitz, of Prussia, born in June. 1813. In 1845 they emigrated to America, going to St. Louis via New Orleans. He removed to Davenport in July of the same year, and went to work in the har- vest field, on the railroad, or any other employment that might be offered. He then opened a shop in Davenport where he worked at his trade four years, and then sold out and went to Hampton, Ill., remaining there 13 years. On his return to Scott County he purchased 40 acres of land on Duck Creek, and subse- quently enlarged his possessions to 135 acres. He has given most of his farm to his son, and now lives rather a retired life on a small tract of 25 acres. They have six children living-John, William, George, Catherine, Emma and Margaret. They have lost two children-Valentine and Paulina, the former killed at Atlanta, Ga. Mr. Mock owns considerable property in Davenport, and is in very comfortable circumstances. Politically, he is a Democrat. Both are members of the German Catholic church. Postoffice, Davenport.
Henry Parmele was born in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., March 10. 1825. His parents are William and Laura (Treat) Parmele, the former a native of Massachusetts and the latter of New York. His father was a farmer, but engaged for many years in the lumber trade. In 1838 he accompanied his parents to Scott County, where they located on a farm in his township, which they sub-
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sequently purchased from the Government when the lands came into market. On this farm the parents lived and died, the father in 1874, and the mother in April, 1875. Henry attended the common school, and for a time the select school of Father Pala- morgues, which completed his educational course. In 1852 Henry Parmele and Emma, daughter of Sylvester and Phoebe (Wolf) Condit, who was born Sept. 25, 1832, were united in mar- riage. Mr. and Mrs. Condit were natives of Greene Co., Pa., the former being born in 1806 and the latter in 1815. The family came to Seott County in 1835 and located on a farm near the present village of Le Claire, where Mr. Condit died May 27, 1881. Mrs. Condit yet lives on the old homestead. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Parmele located on their present farm which consists of 200 acres of land, worth $100 per acre. In 1853 Mr. Parmele lost a leg by disease, but he manages to do good service and attend well to his business with the aid of one natural and one wooden leg. Ile is the father of 11 children, four of whom are living- Rosa Ella, Anna Viola, Clara Belle. Harry Dillon. The seven deceased are Mary Ellen, Clarissa Jane, Laura Emma, William Henry, Phoebe Louisa, Hattie Jessie, John Forest. Mr. and Mrs. Parmele are members of the M. E. church. Mr. Parmele is a Republican in politics.
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