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 21
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 21
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 21
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Born and reared in Dubnque County, the sub- ject of this sketeh is the son of the late Jolin Gold- thorp, an honored and highly respected pioneer of the county. The latter was born in Yorkshire, England, July 27, 1808, and was there reared to manhood. In 1829, having resolved to seek a home in the New World, he took passage on the ship "John Wells" and after an uneventful voy- age landed in Philadelphia. Ir 1832 he eame west to Galena, Ill., where he engaged in mining. The following year he removed to Blue Mound, Wis., where he was similarly engaged. The year 1836 witnessed his advent into Dubuque County, of which he was a resident continously until his death.
With such perseverance did Mr. Goldthorp con- duet his enterprises that, beginning with nothing, he gradually became the possessor of several hun- dred aeres of fine land. In his labors he was as- sisted by the wise management, sympathy and pru- dence of his estimable wife. She was known in maidenhood as Alice Coeker and was born in Lan- castershire, England, in August, 1808. Becoming the wife of Jolin Goldthorp January 1, 1833, she remained his faithful, devoted helpmate until her deatlı, which occurred in Dubuque County. Five children resulted from her union, of whom John
R. and his sister Sarah still occupy the old home- stead. The honorable disposition, uprightness and stability of character, which were prominent in the life and actions of his father, have been in- herited by our subjeet, who is following in the footsteps of that parent. He is quiet and unas- suming in demeanor, a man of strietly temperate habits and sound business qualities. While his education was limited to eommon sehool advan- tages, he is a thoughtful reader and on all general topics is very well informed.
F RANK PALEY. Few men so young as Mr. Paley can look back over a business eareer so successful as his. Fortunate is the boy who, thrown upon his own resources at an early age, has the skill to do and the strength to endure until he aequires a footing among men; still more fortunate he who combines with his business skill and bodily strength the moral principles and self- respeet that bring with his financial sueeess the esteem of all who know him. Such were the for- tunate qualifications of our subject in boyhood and they have assisted him in attaining, though still young in years, an enviable position among the representative citizens of Dubuque Township.
A native of Minnesota, our subject was born December 11, 1866, and is the son of Adolphi and Sophia Paley, natives respectively of Bremen and Mecklenberg, Germany, who emigrated to the United States in 1828 and settled in Minnesota. He was one of eight children, of whom six are now living. His educational advantages were most meagre, in fact the knowledge he has gained is the result of his tutelage in the school of experience and observation. Early in life he became self-sup- porting and was only eleven years of age when he was one of the main supports of his mother.
At the age of fourteen years Mr. Paley was as- sisted by a capitalist in Dubuque to get a start in the dairy business, thus laying the foundation for his present large finaneial interests. Notwith- standing the fact that he was compelled to
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compete with old established business firms, he soon gained a solid footing as a reliable and en- ergetic man. Being a young man of business ability and progressive ideas, he soon worked his way to the front, and as the result of his en- ergy, Paley's dairy wagons can now be seen all over the city of Dubuque. On starting in busi- ness he was of course obliged to incur a heavy debt, but this was soon paid, and he then began to accumulate property. Ile is now the owner of four hundred acres situated near the corporate limits of the city of Dubuque.
September 24, 1891, Mr. Paley was united in marriage with Miss Emma Ernst, who was born near her present home and has made Dubuque County her life-long home. She is an accomplished lady, devoted to the welfare of her husband and their two daughters, Grace and Rosa. The political convictions of Mr. Paley are with the Republican party, and he may always be relied upon to cast his ballot in support of its men and measures. However, he has little time for the consideration of public affairs, preferring to concentrate his energy and activity upon his business interests.
AUL LATTNER, now deceased, was for many years one of the most prosperous and influential business men of Worthing- ton. He was a native of Germany, having been born in Volketshousen, June 29, 1832, and was the eldest of three sons born to Joseph and Veronica Lattner. The father of our subject was likewise a native of the Fatherland and was born February 4, 1803, while his good wife was born the same day and month but in the year 1810.
Joseph Lattner was a mechanic and upon emi- grating to the New World with his family in 1847, located at Port Jarvis, N. Y., where he was employed with the railroad force in the construc- tion of the New York & Erie Road. Three years later he moved to Zanesville, Ohio, and while there was contractor for the Lake Shore Road. He departed this life in 1852, and after his decease
his widow and children spent a year in Hamilton, Ontario, after which they moved to Niagara Falls, N. Y.
The subject of this sketch, in company with his brothers Jacob and Wendelin, also followed con- tracting, building many roads in the west, among the last work of the kind being a three-inile track for the Dubuque & Pacific, now the Illinois Cen- tral Road, in this county. R. B. Moran, who let the contract, failed in business and the brothers were obliged to accept a large amount of land in payment for their services. In 1860 they laid out the now thriving town of Lattner's and opened up in the mercantile business. The following year the Lattner brothers erceted a steam sawmill in the place and in 1864 completed the construction of the woolen mill. The firm was a most prosper- ous one; the brothers amassed a considerable for- tune and continued together until 1872, which the connection was dissolved.
Paul Lattner conducted the mercantile trade in the above place until 1886, when he disposed of his interest, and a year later we find him located in Worthington, where his younger brother, the Hon. Wendelin Lattner, was engaged in the mer- cantile business. Our subject followed farming ncar the city for three years after coming here, and in 1880 opened up a hotel which he carried on in the most profitable manner until his decease, which occurred January 14, 1891.
Our subject served for many years as Justice of the Peace at Lattner's, and was consequently known as 'Squire Lattner. He also held the posi- tion of Postmaster of the above place, and in 1884 was appointed to the same position at Worthing- ton by President Cleveland. He was Notary Pub- lic for some time, and in 1875 was brought prom- inently before the public as a candidate for the Legislature and was defeated by a very small ma- jority. He had filled the position of Township Clerk eight years. He was a citizen always on the side of every social and moral reform and none knew him but to respect and love him. As a friend he was stanchi and truc, and the poor and distressed found in him a cheerful helper, to whom no appeal was made in vain.
Paul Lattner was married in Independence,
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Iowa, November 15, 1857, to Miss Amanda Lesher, a native of Ohio, and of Dutch ancestry. At his death our subject left a family of fifteen children, nine sons and six daughters. The eldest, Jacob F., is editor of the Cedar Rapids Journal; Wend- line H. is one of the proprictors of the Kansas City Star; Samuel B. is engaged in the hardware business in Worthington; Joseph is a tinsmith in the employ of his brother Samuel; Paul is an en- gineer at Kansas City; John, George, Peter and Raymond arc at home with their widowcd motlier. The eldest daughter, Mary Amanda, is now Sister Mary Boniface, of the Franciscan Order of Du- buque; Susan is the wife of P. Vandever, of Dyers- ville; Clara is Mrs. John Klassen, residing in Gran- ville, this state, where her husband is engaged in the hardware business; Ella, Rosa and Anna are at home. The family occupy a pleasant home in Worthington, which was built by Mrs. Lattner after the decease of our subject.
Samuel B. Lattner, the third son of our subject, was born at Lattner's, February 5, 1862, where lie was given a good education. When only twenty years of age he engaged in the livery business in Worthington, and continued thus to operate for three years when he disposed of his stables and opened up a hardware establishment and has built upa large and profitable trade. He also handles ag- ricultural implements and owns a large warehouse stocked with all kinds of carriages and buggies, to which branch of business he gives his personal at- tention. On the death of his honored father he was appointed Notary Public in his place, and is still the incumbent of the position. He has been Village Clerk since the incorporation of the place, and also has been Treasurer of the School Board for the past five years. Like all of his ancestors lie is a Democrat in politics and a devout member of the Catholic Church.
Samuel Lattner was married in 1885 to Miss Mary, daughter of Daniel Gerhart, a retired farmer of Hopkinton, this state. To them have been born threc daughters, Emma, Laura and Rebecca. This gentleman occupies one of the finest residences in the place. It is pleasantly located on an eleva- tion just south of the business portion of Worth- ington and commands a good view of the sur-
rounding country. Samuel Lattner has ever borne his part in the development and upbuilding of liis community and is a prominent and influential citizen, highly respected throughout this section, where he has a large circle of friends and acquaint- ances.
EORGE SALOT, real-estate and insurance agent and abstracter of titles of Dubuque, was born in Aibre, Departement du Doubs, France, March 15, 1837. He was educated in the public schools of his native country and there spent the days of his boyhood and youth until 1853, when he bade adieu to home and friends and sailed for America. He was accompanied by his mother and when the journey across the At- lantic was accomplished, landed at New Orleans. They came at once to the west and located upon a farm near Dubuque, but agricultural pursuits were not according to his tastes. In consequence Mr. Salot engaged in the mercantile business in the village of Buncombe, Dubuque county, estab- lishing a general country store, which he carried on successfully for a period of eleven years. He then sold out and embarked in the real-estate and abstract business in Dubuque, associating himself in the enterprise with A. Cain. This connection was continued for one year.
In 1869 Mr. Salot entered upon official dutics, having been appointed City Recorder to fill a va- cancy. The following year he was appointed Harbor Master, and in 1872 he was appointed Deputy Sheriff by E. G. Young, thus serving dur- ing Mr. Young's term and also under his successor, Michael Liddy, also under Mr. Ferring. In the discharge of his public duties he continued until 1882, when he retired from office and again en- gaged in the real-estate, insurance and abstract business. He has crected a fine brick block known as the Salot Block at 715 Clay Street, opposite the Court House, and in this is located his office. As a real-estate agent hc deals in both city and farm property. Along the line of insurance hc repre- sents both home and foreign companies. He also
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makes loans on farm property in Iowa and has a complete set of abstract books of Dubuque County.
February 2, 1860, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Salot and Miss Catharine Schcibler, of Du- buque County, a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of William Scheibler. By their union have been born six children, four sons and two daughters, namely: George W., now of Chicago; William H .; Harry F., who assists his father in the offiee; Howard B., who attended the high school; Maggie, now Mrs. C. E. Goux, of Detroit, Mich .; and Manon B., who is yet in seliool. The family is widely and favorably known in the eom- munity and its representatives rank high in the social cireles in which they move. Mr. Salot is a self-made man, who started out in life for himself empty-handed, and his business career and the suc- eess which he has achieved are entirely due to his own efforts.
OSEPH PLATZ, a well known and highly respected citizen of Dubuque, elaims Ger- many as the land of his birth. He was born in Wurtemberg on the 8th of April, 1829, and is a son of Joseph and Helena (Lippe) Platz. They were also natives of Germany, and in that country were reared and married. There the mother spent her entire life, her death occurring at the age of sixty-five years. The father survived her for several years and passed away in Germany at the age of seventy-three.
No event of special importance occurred during the childhood of Joseph Platz of this sketelı. His boyhood days were uneventfully passed midst play and work and in attendance at the publie sehools, where he acquired a good education that fitted him for the practical and responsible duties of life. When a young man of twenty years he bade adieu to friends and native land and sailed for the United States, landing in New Orleans, from whenee he made his way up the Mississippi River to St. Louis. In that city he remained for a year, after which he went up the Missouri River to Ft. Leavenworth, Kan.
The year 1852 witnessed the arrival of Mr. Platz
in Dubuque, and with the interests of this place lie las sinee been identified during the greater part of the time. For one year he worked at his trade of stone mason, and then went to New Orleans, re- turning by steamer to Louisville, Ky., and then to Dubuque, spending forty-five days on the water. When he again reached this eity he sought and se- cured work as a stone mason, and to that business devoted his time and energies until 1861, when he built a lime kiln at Eagle Point and was engaged in the manufacture of lime until 1892. He built up an extensive trade, doing a large and luerative business, which yielded to him an excellent income that now enables him to live retired.
In 1854 Mr. Platz was united in marriage with Miss Wilhelmina Angelhorn, a native of Baden, Germany. To them were born two children, Wil- helmina and Georgie, but both are now deceased. They reside at No. 1433 Washington Street, where they have a pleasant home. Mr. Platz has become the possessor of considerable property and now spends his time in looking after his real-estate in- terests, or else in following his own inclinations, for the handsome competency which he has made enables him to enjoy a well earned rest. He had no capital when he came to America, but was in- dustrious and persevering, and making the most of his opportunities he has steadily worked his way upward to prosperity.
R ALPH SPENSLEY. There are many fine farms in Dubuque County which are mon- umental of the industry and prudence of their owners, and are the center of such agricult- ural efforts as bring good results in the way of fine erops and satisfactory incomes. One of these tracts consists of one hundred and sixty aeres in Dubuque Township, where numerous and substan- tial buildings have been erected, valuable im- provements introduced, and various arrangements made conducive to the comfort of the occupants and the convenience of their work. The owner of the place is the subject of this sketch.
In Yorkshire, England, May 8, 1819, Ralph
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Spensley was born to John and Elizabeth (Ped- lady) Spensley, the latter of whom died when only twenty-six years old. In 1831 the father emi- grated to Ameriea, taking passage at Liverpool and landing at Philadelphia. He was employed in the coal mines of Pennsylvania until about 1834, when he came west to Iowa and settled in Dubuque. Here he engaged in mining until 1839, and then returned to England, where his death oe- curred. He was a pioneer in the mining industry in this seetion and built one of the first lead fur- naces in the state.
Of two children comprising the parental family our subjeet is the only survivor. He aeeompanied his father to the United States and grew to man- hood in Dubuque. On establishing domestie ties he married, July 6, 1841, Miss Rosamund, daugh- ter of Richard and Alice (Bonson) Spensley, all natives of Yorkshire. She was a girl of fifteen when with her parents she emigrated from Eng- land to America, and coming direct to Dubuque has made this eounty her home during much of the time since. Her parents later removed to Galena, Ill., where both died, the father at the age of eighty-eight and the mother aged eighty-three. Judge Spensley, well and favorably known among the legal fraternity, and also recognized as one of the most honored members of the Bench, was her brother. Mr. and Mrs. Spensley are the parents of five children, yet living, namely: Richard W., who is married and has one ehild; Isabel, wife of C. S. Butler; Ralph, Jr., who married Miss Mary E. Stewart, and has one child; Robert V., a resident of Asberry, Iowa; and John F., who married Miss Edith A. Fawks, and lives in Dubuque.
After marriage, Mr. Spensley was employed in a smelter in Galena, Ill., for four years, thence going to Sinsinawa and engaging in similar work for seven years. He then retired from the mining business and bought an unimproved tract of one hundred and sixty aeres, where he has sinee re- sided, giving his attention to its improvement. In his political views he was an old-line Whig dur- ing the existence of that party, and after its dis- integration identified himself with the Republicans. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a generous contributor to its good work. He
has shown energy and skill in the affairs of life, and is deserving of the esteem in which he is held. He is intelligent, anxious to keep himself well in- formed and interested in the welfare of the county where he makes his home.
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F REDERICK R. NITZSCHE, M. D., a well known physician and surgeon of Dubuque, is a native of Germany. He was born in Saxony on the 2d of July, 1829, and is a son of Frederick Nitzsche, who was also born in Saxony and there spent his entire life, as did his wife, who bore the maiden name of Laura Lau.
In presenting to our readers the life record of Dr. Nitzsehe, we give them the history of one who is not only prominent in his profession, but is rec- ognized as one of the valued citizens of the county. He spent his boyhood days m his parents' home, no event of special importance occurring during his youth. The common schools afforded him his early educational privileges, and later he entered the gymnasium of Meissen, Germany, where he pursued his studies until eighteen years of age. The medieal profession had for him attractions, and with the desire to make its practice his life work, he entered the Medical College of Dresden, where he earnestly applied himself to gaining a thorough knowledge of the seienee of healing. He faithfully pursued his studies for four years, and was then graduated in 1861, after which he en- barked in practice in Saxony, eondueting a suc- eessful business for six years.
With the desire to seek a home and fortune be- yond the Atlantie, Dr. Nitzsehe sailed for America in 1867, and when the wide expanse of the waters had been covered by the vessel in which he em- barked, anehor was dropped in the harbor of New York, and he landed on American soil. For two years he remained in New York City, and thenee removed to Carlstadt, N. J., where he spent one year. In May, 1870, he eame to the west, taking up his residenee in Dubuque, where he was soon well established in his profession, winning a large
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and luerative practice as the result of his skill and ability.
In 1872 the Doctor was united in marriage with Miss Mina Merkel, and resides at No. 1077 Clay Street. In 1876 he took a course of lectures at Rush Medical College, of Chicago, and obtained a diploma from that institution. He is a member of the Dubuque Medical Society, and also belongs to the Julian Medical Society. While in school he was noted for earnest application to his studies, for thorough work and undivided attention, and these qualities have followed him through life, proving important factors in the success which has attended his efforts. In public affairs he takes an active and commendable interest, doing all in his power to aid in the growth, development and progress of the city with which he is now identified. He is held in high esteem, and his friends throughout the community are many.
J OHIN TIBEY is a contractor of stone work and owner of a stone quarry of Dubuque. Hc is numbered among the native sons of this city, for his birth here occurred on the 3d of May, 1862. The family is of Irish lineage. The father of our subject, Patrick Tibcy, was a native of Ireland, born in Limerick, and in 1850 he sailed for the United States. On landing in this country he at once came to Dubuque and cm- barked in business as a stone mason. He was united in marriage with Mary Cavanaugh, who died in Dubuque in 1887.
In recording the life of Jolin Tibey we present to our readers the history of one who is both widely and favorably known in this community. No event of special importance occurred during his boyhood and youth, which were quietly passed in his parents' home and in attendance at the public schools, where his education was obtained. When a young man he learned the stone mason's trade, and for two years was in the employ of Mr. O'Hara, a prominent and well known contractor of Cedar Rapids. On attaining lis majority lie began busi-
ness for himself. He opened up a stone quarry in this city and has since engaged in working the same. He there obtained an excellent quality of stonc, it being one of the best quarries in Dubuque County, and from the sale of this produet he re- ceives a good income. He takes contracts for the laying of foundations and has placed the founda- tions under many of the finest and most substan- tial buildings of Dubuque. Hc also does the other masonry work on the buildings; he erected the Auburn school and many other structures in this city, including a number of notably finc ones. His work is also first class in all particulars and his ef- ficiency has been one of the important factors in winning him the success which has attended his efforts. He is now at the head of a good paying business and is numbered among the substantial citizens of the community.
January 16, 1889, Mr. Tibey was united in marriage with Miss Mary Mangner, a native of Houston, Minn. Their union has been blessed with a family of three interesting children, a son and two daughters, namely: John, Mary and Ma- bel. The parents are both members of the Catholic Church, and their pleasant home is located at No. 509 Cleveland Avenue. Mr. Tibcy has always been actively identified with the work of public improve- ment and is a progressive and enterprising citizen who supports all interests calculated to advance the general welfare. With the exception of the short period spent at Cedar Rapids he has always lived in Dubuque.
D R. RODOLPHUS CLARK, who was suc- cessfully engaged in the practice of den- tistry in Dubuque, claims Massachusetts as the state of his nativity. Hc was born in Conway, Franklin County, on the 16th of February, 1815, and is a son of Ebenezer Clark, who was born May 28, 1781, made farming his life occupation, and died in 1832. The grandfather, Deacon Ebenezer Clark, was of English descent. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Sally Griffith and
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was born in Chatham, Conn., October 16, 1785. They were married April 15, 1808.
Dr. Rodolphus Clark is the fourth in order of birth in the family of six children who reached ma- ture years. The district and private schools of his native place afforded him his educational privi- leges. In the usual manner of farmer lads the days of his boyhood and youth were passed, and on the death of his father lic took charge of the old farm, which he successfully operated until 1844.
The Doctor was married November 28, 1839, the lady of his choice being Miss Clarissa D. Rog- ers, daughter of John Rogers, of Conway, Mass. By their union were born six children, four of whom reached mature years. Sarah G. dicd in her twenty-fourth year; Aurora B. is now the wife of Charles HI. Arms, of Chicago; Clara E. died at the age of seventeen; Ada M. is the wife of Will- iam P. Bingham, of Dubuque. Mrs. Clark, mother of the above children, dicd in Conway, Mass., Oc- tober 19, 1867, and the Doctor never married again.
Dr. Clark fitted himself for the practice of den- tistry by study in an office in Conway, and he there engaged in practice for the long period of a quarter of a century. In 1870 he came to Dubuque, where he commenced practice in company with his brother, E. L. Clark. This connection was continued un- til 1889, when he withdrew from the firm. Since that time he has lived retired, enjoying the rest he has so truly earned and richly deserves. While in active practice he always kept abreast with the times in everything connected with his profession, and his skill and ability were such as to win him a large business. As his financial resources have increased he has made judicious investments of his capital. He is now a Director of the Dubuque Na- tional Bank and also in the Beaver Valley Bank of Parkerburg, Iowa. In his political views he is a Republican, but has had neither time nor inclina- tion for public office, preferring to devote his en- ergies entirely to his business interests. He holds membership with the First Congregational Church, of which his wife was also a member in Massachu- setts, in which he has served as a Deacon and Trus- tee for several years. Hc takes an active part in church and benevolent work, is a friend to the
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