USA > Iowa > Clayton County > Portrait and biographical record of Dubuque, Jones and Clayton counties, Iowa. Containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 12
USA > Iowa > Dubuque County > Portrait and biographical record of Dubuque, Jones and Clayton counties, Iowa. Containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 12
USA > Iowa > Jones County > Portrait and biographical record of Dubuque, Jones and Clayton counties, Iowa. Containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the counties, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 12
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)ILLIAM J. MORGANS. One of the beautiful rural abodes of Dubuque County is known as "Maplehurst." It is situated amid beautiful surroundings in Du- buque Township. The residence is a neat and comfortable house, suggesting by its interior ar- rangements the refined tastes of the family. The outbuildings and other improvements are equally well adapted to their varied uses. Here Mr. Mor- gans and his amiable wife make their home and hospitably entertain their hosts of friends who come thither.
The Morgans family is of Welsh and English descent, and the immediate progenitors of our sub-
ject were of foreign birth. His parents, William J. and Barbara (Lewis) Morgans, were born in Wales, but came to this country in childhood. The father, who was a stone mason by trade, followed that occupation after coming to the United States. His death occurred in New Jersey in 1891, at the age of seventy-seven years. His wife dicd in Luzerne County, Pa., June 10, 1848.
The subject of this sketch was born in Luzerne County, Pa., February 25, 1828, and in youth learned the trade of a stone mason and stone- cutter. At the age of sixteen he left home and began the struggle of life for himself. Coming directly to Dubuque, he followed his trade for some time. During the winter of 1856-57 .he engaged in mining and was fortunate enough to strike a valuable lead. He contin- ued mining until the outbreak of the Civil War, when, his sympathies aroused in behalf of the Un- ion cause, he enlisted in the army in October, 1861, becoming a member of Company E, Fifth Iowa Cavalry. He was a brave soldier, never shirking a duty but participating with his company in the thickest of every fight.
Being honorably discharged at the expiration of his term of service, Mr. Morgans returned to Du- buque and resumed his former occupation of a miner. October 26, 1865, he established domestic ties, being united in marriage with Miss Pris- cilla, daughter of Richard and Jane Bonson. Further mention concerning the family history is made in the sketch of Richard Bonson, presen ted on another page of this volume. The family is one of prominence and considerable influence, and the pleasant home occupied by Mr. Morgans is a part of the old Bonson farm, which she has inher- ited.
There have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Morgans four children: Richard B., William C., Priscilla E. and Samuel S. The children are well educated, having attended the best schools of Dubuque. Af- ter his marriage our subject lived in Dubuque and vicinity for several years, and thence moved to his present homc. Though practically retired from life's active duties, he still engages in mining dur- ing the winter seasons. His private duties have been so engrossing as to preclude participation in
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public affairs, but notwithstanding this he takes a commendable interest in matters of local and gen- eral importance, and advocates the principles of the Republican party. With his family he attends the Methodist Episcopal Church.
H ON. JAMES ROWAN, a capitalist of Du- buque, who in business eireles has long occupied a leading position, was born on the En.erald Isle in 1835, and claims Dublin as his native city. He began his education in that eoun- try. When a youth of ten years he sailed for America, landed in New York City and thenee went to Paterson, N. J., where he learned the trade of gardening. He there worked at $2 per month for a time. He received instructions in the elassies from a Presbyterian minister, Rev. Mr. Hon- bloer, thus adding greatly to his education. For some time he was employed by Rosswell Colt, then the owner of the waters of the Passaic River. In 1846 he enlisted with the Columbia, N. Y., Volun- teers for service in California, under Colonel Stevenson. He was engaged in duty throughout the Mexican War, and was then honorably dis- charged. During his service gold was discovered in California and he engaged in gold mining on the American River, being thus employed until 1849, when he returned to New York City. He then sailed for Dublin to visit his parents and the friends of his youth.
After his return to the United States, Mr. Rowan came to Dubuque and has been prominently con- nected with its business and leading enterprises. He purchased land in Dubuque County and began improving the same, devoting his time and atten- tion to agricultural pursuits, but owing to wet seasons this venture did not prove profitable and he left the farm and returned to the city. Here he engaged in the grain business, shipping to the eastern markets and to St. Louis, Mo. In 1852 he embarked in merchandising in partnership with Christian Healey, a connection which was contin-
ued for two years. He then began dealing in real estate, handling both city and farm property. In 1856 · he became interested in lead mining and struck a rich lead mine from which he gained a handsome yield. This he continued to operate until 1860. The following year he again ein- barked in the grain business, in which he contin- ued until the close of the war, but he lost quite heavily on account of there not being sufficient shelter for his grain along the route. When the war ended he began dealing and speculating in real estate, which has been his chief occupation up to the present time. He is also interested in other industries in Dubuque .. He has met with reverses, yet with renewed resolution and determination he has started anew, and as the result of his praetieal business methods, his enterprise and perseverance, he has become one of the substantial citizens of the community.
Mr. Rowan was married in 1852 to Miss Chris- tina Healey, a native of Ireland, who during her early girlhood was brought to America. They have four children, three daughters and a son, the latter, Joseph Rowan, being a prominent dry-goods merchant of Dubuque. The family are all mem- bers of St. Patrick's Catholic Church.
In his political views Mr. Rowan is a Demoerat. In the fall of 1887 he was elected to the Legisla- ture as Representative from this district and served on several important committees. He takes an active part in politieal affairs and does all in his power to insure the success of his party.
J OHN KLEINSCHMIDT, whose name is in- separably connected with the political and business history of Dubuque, is now engaged in dealing in real estate. He is a native of the city which is still his home, his birth having here occurred September 9, 1860. His father, Frederiek Kleinschmidt, was a native of Germany, born in Westphalia, and on emigrating to Ameri- ea, settled in Dubuque, where he spent his remain-
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ing days, his death here occurring in 1891. The year of his arrival was 1852. His wife was in her inaidenhood Catherine Schleyer. She was born in Bavaria, and is still a resident of this city.
We now take up the personal history of our sub- ject and in so doing present to our readers the life record of one who is bothi widely and favorably known in Dubuque. He attended the public schools until twelve years of age, at which time he en- tered upon his business career as a clerk in his father's store. There he remained as an employe for some time, and later became a partner in the business, which was then conducted under the firm style of F. Kleinschmidt & Son. When the junior partner had acquired a sufficient capital he pur- chased his father's interest in the store and carried on business alone for a number of years. He had an excellent stock of goods, and as the result of his fair and honest dealing and courteous treat- ment of his patrons he secured a liberal patronage, building up an extensive trade which yielded to him a handsome income. In 1893 he sold out, and has since given his time and attention to his property interests, for as the years have passed and his financial resources werc increased he has made judicious investments in real estate and now has much property in this city.
An important event in the life of Mr. Klein- schmidt occurred in 1886, when was celebrated his marriage with Miss Matilda Lembeck, a daughter of Joseph Lembeck, one of the early settlers of this county. Their union has been blessed with three children, two sons and a danghter, namely: John, Carl and Maxalinda. They reside at the corner of Thirteenth and White Streets, where they have a pleasant homc, supplied with all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.
In connection with his other business interests, Mr. Kleinschmidt was one of the organizers of the Iowa Mutual Building & Loan Association, and was Secretary of the same for a time. Socially, lie is a member of the Independent Order of Forres- ters. He takes an active interest in politics, keeps well informed on the issues of the day and always supports the men and measures of the Democracy. He served efficiently for one term as Alderman from the Third Ward, being elected to that office
in 1887. He has been active in inaugurating the sewer and water systems of Dubuque, takes an active interest in all works of public improve- ment, and does all in his power to advance the best interests of the community, whereof he is rec- ognized as a representative and valued citizen.
N ICHOLAS P. NICKS, a contractor and bnilder, was born in Dubuque, on the 4th of March, 1858, and has spent his entire life in his native city, where he is now widely and favorably known. The family is of German origin. The father of our subject, Peter Nicks, is a native of Luxemburg, Germany. In 1850 lie bade adieu to the friends and home of his earlier years and sailed for the New World, taking up his residence in Dubuque, Iowa, where he has now made his home for forty-four years. He has now reached the age of sixty-two and still makes his home in this city. His wife, who bore the name of Catherine Kiefer, is also a native of Germany.
Under the parental roof Nicholas P. Nicks was reared to manhood and in the public schools ac- quired his literary education. He afterwards pur- sued a commercial course in the Bayless Business College of this city, and at the age of seventeen he began to earn his own livelihood, since which time he has been dependent on his own resources. He commenced learning the carpenter's trade and after he had mastered the business hic worked as a journeyman for some time. In 1882 he began business for himself as a contractor and builder and has carried on operations along that line con- tinuously since. He is an expert workman, always faithfully lives np to his part of the contract, and by fair and honest dealing and courteous treat- ment of his patrons he has succeeded in building up a good business. Many of the important build- ings of the city were erected nnder his supervision, including the residences of C. L. Lesure, L. Bis- sell, Nicholas Glab, O. Glab, Thomas Connelly and Mrs. F. Thomas. He was also the architect and
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builder of the F. M. Hoffman Block, the H. B. Glover & Co. Block, the Page House, and many other of the substantial structures of the city.
In 1881 Mr. Nieks was united in marriage with Miss Mary Frommelt, of Dubuque. They reside at 2279 Jackson Street, and their home has been blessed by the presence of three children, two sons and a daughter, namely: Peter, Josephine and Grover A.
Mr. Nicks takes quite an active interest in po- litical affairs, keeps well informed on the issues of the day, and is a stalwart advocate of the men and measures of the Democracy. In 1892 he was elected Alderman of the city from the Fifth Ward, and for one term efficiently served in that capacity. He is a public spirited and progressive citizen, in whom the best interests of the community find a friend, and all who know him esteem him highly for his strict integrity and sterling worth. He and his family are members of the Catholic Church.
HARLES MILLER, deceased, was for many years one of the well-to-do farmers of Du- buque County, and at his death his com- munity was deprived of one of its best residents. His estate was located on section 23, Jefferson Township, and bore all the usual improvements which were necessary to carry on the work in which its owner was engaged.
Our subjeet was a native of Russia, and was born November 30, 1827. In 1853, when deciding to come to America, he first landed in New York, wlience he made his way directly to this county in order to join his parents, who had preceded him to the New World the previous year. Charles be- ing the oldest of the family, his father gave him forty acres of wild farming land, trusting to his ability to cultivate and improve it. Hc was cn- terprising and energetic, and it was not long be- fore he produced the largest crop of corn in his district in proportion to the amount of land de- voted to that article.
Charles Miller was married June 4, 1852, to Miss Anna Liza, the daughter of George and Flora (Snider) Vetter, also natives of Russia. Their
union resulted in the birth of ten children, named respectively: Charles, Mary, Louise, Louis, Henry, Katie, Martin, Emma, Christine and Edward. The husband and father was called home May 3, 1884. His death was a sad blow not only to mourning relatives, but to many friends in whose hearts he held a warm place.
Mr. Miller was a Christian man in every sensc of the term, and a devoted member of the Con- gregational Church. In politics he upheld the policy of the Democratic party. He was a man honorable in every relation of life, and was highly regarded by all who knew him or had dealings with him.
J OHANNA (BAKER) SPECHT. The subject of this sketch is the widow of John Specht, Sr., who was born in Byron, Germany, in 1807. IIc came to the United States, land- ing in New York City in the year 1832, where he remained but a short time. He left New York for Dubuque, Iowa, where he remained for five years, working at his trade, that of a carpen- ter, and he had the honor of building the first frame house in Dubuque. From here he removed to Peru Township, where he took up one thousand and three hundred acres of land and settled down. He remained in this place until his death, which occurred October 24, 1866, when he had reached the age of fifty-eight years. He left property con- sisting of one thousand and three hundred acres of land in Peru Township and lands in Minnesota, also the only ferry linc between Spechit's Ferry, Potosia and Dubuque. The land was divided among his family, and the ferry line is now owned by his widow.
John Specht, Sr., was the most prominent man in Peru Township, and was widely known for his generosity. There were no schools in those days and he hired a private teacher to educate his chil- dren, who were named as follows: Edward; Her- man, deceased; Caline; Werner, deceased; Mary, Henry and John, Jr.
Johanna Specht, our subject, is a native of Ger-
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many, and was born in Hanover about 1814. She is the daughter of Fred and Johanna Benson, who were also natives of Hanover, Germany. To this union were born two children, Caline Baker Swear and our subjeet, Johanna.
John, Jr., the youngest of the children of John and Johanna Specht, was born in Peru Township, Mareh 15, 1851, and was united in marriage with Miss Ida May Roberts, of Dubuque, Iowa, on No- vember 1, 1883. To them have been born two children, Saralı Alline and John. Mrs. Specht is the daughter of Henry and Anna (Bonham) Roberts, the former born in Iowa, and the latter in Illinois; they were the parents of seven children. The par- ents were of Seoteli and Welsh ancestry. The father is dead, and the mother lives in Tacoma, Wash. Mr. Specht. left the parental roof when he had reaelied his majority, and having purchased a boat engaged in business for himself until 1891, when he sold the boat and became pilot and captain of his mother's boat, the "Teal," which runs be- tween Specht's Ferry, Potosia and Dubuque. He resides in Dubuque and is the owner of one hun- dred and seventy-five aeres of choice farm land and other real estate.
Our subjeet is the possessor of one hundred and fifty aeres of land, the ferry line and other per- sonal property, and she lives in the building whiel was put up about forty-three years ago. The home- stead is called Speelt's Landing. She is an ex- emplary member of the Presbyterian Church, and her son John is a member of the Congregational Church; politically, he is a Republican and an ardent advocate of the party of reform. He has never been troubled by aspirations for politi- cal office, but as a true and loyal eitizen, is ever ready to lend a helping hand in matters of public enterprise and improvement.
J ACOB ZOLLICOFFER. This name is familiar to many of our readers, particularly to those interested in agriculture, as he who bears it has for many years been engaged in that oc- eupation in Dubuque County. His home is in Dubuque Township, where he owns four hundred
and fifty acres of improved land. Having retired from aetive work himself, he has given to his sons the management of the estate, and it is safe to say that under their capable supervision the value of the property will be still further enhanced.
The Zollicoffer family is of German origin. The parents of our subjeet, George and Elizabeth Zol- licoffer, were natives of Bavaria, and thence emi- grated to the United States in 1834, settling in Alton, Ill., where for two years the father worked at the trade of wagon-maker. In 1836 he came to Dubuque and for nine years was similarily em- ployed, after which, turning his attention to agri- culture, he purchased four hundred and fifty aeres of unimproved land where our subjeet now lives. For some years he was actively engaged in the till- ing of the soil, after which, retiring from the farm, he settled in Dubuque and remained a resident of this city until the death of his wife. From that time until his demise, in 1873, he made his home with Jacob.
With the early history of Dubuque County, George Zollicoffer was intimately identified, being one of its first settlers as well as one of its fore- most citizens. Ile was an excellent type of his nationality, displaying in the management of his affairs the energy, frugality and strict integrity that characterize the Germans. He was highly es- teemed by all who knew him, and left behind him a record which his posterity and all others might emulate to their advantage.
The subject of this sketchi was born in Dubuque, Iowa, March 10, 1839, and is one of six children, of whom three are now living. At the age of three years he was taken by his parents to the farm in Dubuque Township, where he remained until at- taining his majority. For a time thereafter he was a student in the city schools. In 1864 he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Friend, who was born in Pennsylvania, the daughter of John and Elizabeth Friend. Seven children were given to them, of whom all but one are now living, namely: George E .; Frank S., who married Emma Roehl and has one child, Leroy Eugene; William J., Elizabeth J., Milan A. and Nellie K. The older children are graduates of the Dubuque schools and are well informed and intelligent.
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Frank S. and William J. rank among the progres- sive young agriculturists of the county. They have charge of the estate, and being persevering and enterprising have already met with success in their undertaking.
For two years after his marriage our subject lived in Dubuque, then settled on the old home- stead. By his practical skill and steady industry he has been enabled to embellish the farm with vari- ous improvements, marking it as the property of a thrifty man. In the county where he has always made his home he is highly esteemed by a large circle of acquaintances.
AMES SWEENEY. Many pleasant homes may be seen throughout Dubuque County and some are of more than ordinary beauty, either in architectural design or surroundings. Among those in Dubuque Township that arc com- modious and set in the midst of broad fields is the farm owned and occupied by Mr. Sweeney, which comprises one hundred and sixty acres. The tract is well located and bears the improvements usually made by a man who desires to keep up with the times and surround himself with the conveniences of modern rural lifc. Honest and persistent effort on his part has been crowned by success, and to-day he ranks among the prosperous citizens of the township.
The parents of our subject, Miles and Mary (Flynn) Sweeney, lived and died in Ireland, where the father was superintendent of a landlord's es- tate during the greater part of his life. They were honest and industrious people, and reared a family of twelve children. James was born in County Mayo, July 20, 1820, and spent the years of youth and early manhood in the land of his birth, having no educational advantages. In 1849 he crosscd the ocean and after a voyage of five weeks between Liverpool and New York landed in the latter city. From therc he went to Geneva, N. Y., where for five years he was employed by the montlı.
In September, 1856, Mr. Sweeney married Miss
Margaret Nevins, who was born near her husband's native home. They have been the parents of twelve children, of whom ten are living, as follows: Mary, Miles, Anna, Sarah, William, James, Robert, Charles, Lizzie and Lucy. After his marriage Mr. Sweeney settled in the vicinity of his present homc. In 1859 he began to operate a rented farm, upon which he engaged in tilling the soil for ten years. He then purchased one hundred and sixty acres com- prising his present homestead. At the time of purchase this was almost wholly unimproved, and its present neat appearance is due to the energy of the owner, who has erected all the buildings, planted the trees and transformed the property into one of the most attractive homes of the county.
The principles of the Democratic party receive the hearty and loyal support of Mr. Sweeney, who, however, has been too much engrossed in his per- sonal affairs to take an active part in public mat- ters. As a citizen he has been active in every way and has given liberally to churches and schools, especially to the Catholic Church, of which he is a member. He had no one to help him start in life, but was obliged to make his way in the world as best he could. That he has succeeded in his worthy enterprises is shown by a glance at his fine estate.
OHN P. PAGE is the genial and popular pro- prictor of the Page House of Dubuque. Ile was born in the village of Sure, Germany, on the 26th of July, 1844, and is a son of Francis and Anna May (Maljet) Page. He was reared and educated in his native land, and there remained until twenty-six years of age, and in 1870 with the family crossed the briny deep to the New World, landing in New York City. They came at once to Dubuque, where the parents made a permanent location, here spending their remain- ing days. Mr. Page of this sketeh worked at vari- ous occupations whereby he might earn an honest living until 1873, when he entered the Catholic printing office, where he was employed for thrce years. This proved to him a valuable school.
May 2, 1877, Mr. Page was united in marriage
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with Miss Theresa Eizmann, of Dubuque, and to them have been born eight ehildren, two sons and six daughters. For a time our subject engaged in earrying on a restaurant and saloon, but in 1883 he built the Page Hotel, which is a four-story brick structure, furnished throughout in the latest style. It is supplied with the latest improvements in the way of plumbing, the house is heated with steam and lighted with both gas and electric lights, the rooms are commodious and airy and there is a large, light dining-room. The table is always supplied with the delicacies of the season, and is kept up in first-elass stylc. The hotel is located at the corner of Fourth and White Streets and re- ceives a liberal patronage. The owner always tries to make his guests feel at ease, looks well after their comforts, and among those who give him their patronage he has made many warm friends and agreeable acquaintances, who esteem him high- ly. In his political views he is a Democrat and stanchly advocates the principles of that party. He is now serving his second term as Alderman from the Second Ward, and is an efficient and capable officer. He and his family are members of St. Mary's Catholic Church. In connection with his other property Mr. Page owns a farm in Du- buque County, which is under a high state of cul- tivation and adds materially to his income. He began life without means, save a determination to succecd, but has made the most of his opportuni- ties and privileges through life and is now the possessor of a comfortable competence as the re- sult of his well direeted efforts.
1 ACOB MICHEL, a retired merchant of Du- buque, for some years was connected with the business interests of this city, but as the result of a steadfast purpose, careful atten- tion to details and systematic business methods he acquired the capital which now enables him to retire from further labor. We take great pleasure in presenting to our readers this record of his life.
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