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 33
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 33
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 33
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HRISTIAN DAVIDSHOEFER, a promi- nent farmer and agriculturist of Dubuque County, Iowa, was born in Bavaria, Ger- many, March 7, 1830. Hc was the son of Christ and Catherine (Noel) Davidshoefer, both of whoni were natives of Germany. The father was born there in 1802 and died in 1883, while the mother was born in 1796 and died in 1879. They emigrated to America in 1861, and after a long and tedious voyage landed in New York City. Strangers in a strange land, they remained here but a short time, when they left for Jefferson Township, Dubuque County, Iowa. There were four children born to them as follows: Christ, Lorene, Barbour and Kitty L.
The subject of this biography came to the United States in 1850 to avoid serving his time as a sol- dier, which is compulsory in Germany, and landed in the metropolis of the New World with the modest capital of five cents in his pocket. He re- mained a short time in New York City and then left for Buffalo, N. Y., where he resided for six years, working at his trade of shoemaking. He
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then left Buffalo for Sherrill's Mound, Dubuque County, where he worked for five years at his trade. He next settled down in Concord Town- ship, the same county, where he followed his trade until the year 1858, when he purchased two hun- dred and seventy acres of land, which he improved and cultivated until at present it is hard to find a better piece of farming land in the township. Mr. Davidshoefer thinks a great deal of his orchard, log cabin and a running spring which are located on his farm.
In 1851 Mr. Davidshoefer was united in mar- riage with Miss Mary Fryburger, who was born at Elsas, France, in the year 1834. She was one of twelve children, her parents also being natives of France. Mr. and Mrs. Davidshoefer have been blessed with twelve children, as follows: Mary, George, Christ, Charles, Louise, Henry, Frank, Kattie, Lena, Nickie, Racie and Frank.
Our subject is an honorable, straightforward man, of first-class personal characteristics. He came to Dubuque County in its infancy and glories in its advancement and progress. He has battled with the world alone, but with the help of One who never fails to make successful an honest effort, he is to-day one of Dubuque County's most prosper- ous citizens. He is a Democrat in politics and has kept his motto "there is no such word as fail."
ESTLEY SOUTHWICK. Many of the finest business blocks and residences of Olin stand as monuments to the taste, skill and originality of Mr. Southwick, who has carried on an extensive business as a contractor and builder at this place for thirty years. In 1866 he superintended the erection of the first graded school building here. The edifices in which the Methodist Episcopal and the United Brethren con- gregations hold religious services are also his handiwork. Among the residences that he has erected are those of Jonathan Easterly, Lute Car- penter and Dr. J. A. White, and he has also built a number of the most substantial business blocks
of the city, among them thic Snyder & Port and the Dayton Buildings.
Perry County, Ohio, is the birthplace of Mr. Southwick, and June 28, 1828, his natal day. He is of direct English descent, his paternal grand- father, Israel Southwick, having been born in that country, whence he emigrated to America in an carly day. The maternal grandfather, John Rod- man, died in Kentucky when lacking only two years of having rounded out a full century. Our subject's parents, Ezra and Melinda (Rodman) Southwick, were born in New York, but became early settlers of Perry County, Ohio, where they lived upon a farm. In 1853 they removed west to Iowa and settled in Jones County, where they died, both at the age of seventy-seven years. The father devoted his attention to agriculture through- out his entire life. He voted the Democratic ticket, but did not take an active part in publie affairs.
In boyhood our subject was a resident of Dela- ware County, Ohio, where his schooling was ob- tained, and where also he learned the trade of a carpenter. May 2, 1852, he came to Iowa, and after working at his trade for a short time in va- rious places, he settled in Olin, where for thirty years he has made his home. He is a skilled car- penter, and has been given the contract for the erection of numerous public and private buildings throughout the county. Since attaining his ma- jority he has always voted the Democratic ticket, and believes that the principles of this party are most conducive to the progress of the nation and the welfare of the people. For some time he has officiated as Justice of the Peace. In his social connections he is identified with the Ancient Landmark Lodge No. 200, F. & A. M., of which he was one of the charter members.
The first marriage of Mr. Southwick occurred in 1859, at which time he was united with Miss Ruth Marsh, a native of Indiana and daughter of Cyrus Marsh, one of the old settlers of the Hoosier State. This lady died in 1879, leaving five children, named as follows: Edwin, who is a resident of Maxwell, Iowa; Emory; Laura, wife of George Payne, of Sabula, Iowa; Charles, who lives in Olin; and Bert, who is in Nebraska. In Decem-
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ber, 1881, Mr. Southwick was united in marriage with Miss Deborah A. Shaw, a native of Columbi- ana County, Ohio. In their religious connections Mr. Southwick is a Baptist, while his wife holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church. The family is one of prominence in Olin, and is influential in the best social circles of the place. The success which has attended Mr. Southwick's efforts is due to his own indefatigable exertions, as he started in business without capital, and through good management has gained a fair amount of this world's goods.
T IIOMAS KINGSLEY. One of the promi- nent industries of Cascade, and one which has also become widely and favorably known throughout the surrounding country, is the mill of which Mr. Kingsley is proprietor. The Cascade Mills, as they are named, contain all the modern improvements in machinery, including a complete roller system. The quality of the prod- ucts is excelled by none, and the reputation of the mills is established. The success of the enter- prise is due largely to the proprietor, who since assuming its management has conducted it upon strictly business principles.
The Kingsley family is of English origin. Our subject's father, John, was born in Abroy, Buck- inghamshire, and followed the occupation of a farmer. In 1841 he married Miss Mary M. Col- lins, a native of the same shire, and for a number of years thicreafter they continued to reside in England. Thence in 1857 they emigrated to America and for three years sojourncd in Cleve- land, Ohio. Coming to Iowa in 1860, they settled in Cascade Township, Dubuque County, where they resided upon a farm until their deaths. Mrs. Kingsley was a member of the Baptist Church at Worthington, Dubuque County, and in that faith she passed from earth in November, 1879. Her
husband survived her for twenty-seven months, dying August 18, 1881.
There were born unto John and Mary Kingsley three sons and one daughter. Thomas, their eld- est child, was born at Buckinghamshire, England, on the 19th of July, 1849; Frederick W., next in order of birth, was born there on the 22d of April, 1852; Charles J. was born in Sussex, May 6, 1854; Lois was born after the family settled in Cascade Township, Dubuque County, Iowa, her birth oc- curring in 1860. The subject of this sketch re- ceived liis education in the public schools and at the age of fifteen became a clerk in the general dry-goods and grocery store in Cascade. He con- tinued in a clerical capacity until 1880, making but two changes in situations during these years.
In 1881 Mr. Kingsley began for himself in the grocery business, and gradually enlarged his stock by the purchase of goods suitable to a country trade, in which he still continues. He became the proprietor of the Cascade Flouring Mills in the year 1889, and is conducting a large and suc- cessful trade. He is a man of energy, excellent business capacity and scrupulous integrity, and his prosperity is well deserved. His political be- lief is in accordance with the principles of the Republican party, and he is sound in the faith. From youth he has been an active member of the Baptist Church, and has officiated as Sunday- school Superintendent. Socially he holds con- nection with the Masonic fraternity, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Modern Wood- men of America.
December 23, 1873, Mr. Kingsley married Miss Maggie A., eldest daughter of A. P. Hamil, of Cascade, Iowa. Her father was born in Tennessee, and her mother, Mary J., was a native of Ireland. She was born in Cascade April 18, 1854, and spent her entire life in this place. From the day of lier marriage to the day of her death she was a devoted wife, and when she passed away, Novem- ber 2, 1891, she left besides two daughters and her husband, a host of warm, personal friends to mourn her loss. For many years she held mem- bership in the Baptist Church and was an earnest teacher in the Sunday-school. Her children are, Myrta E., who was born June 25, 1876, and Ida
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M., August 3, 1877. The lady who on the 5th of September, 1894, was united in marriage with Mr. Kingsley bore the maiden name of Ida Me- lissa Weir, and is the daughter of William and Melissa Weir, natives respectively of Peterboro, and Hastings, Canada. Mrs. Kingsley was born in Monticello, Jones County, Iowa, May 28, 1868, and continued to reside in that city until her mar- riage.
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EV. JAMES B. ZIGRANG, pastor of St. Paul's Catholic Church of Worthington, was born in the little village of Contern, in Luxemburg, Germany, October 18, 1850. He is of French descent, his paternal great-grandfa- ther having been born in France, but from there in 1725 went to Luxemburg, where he followed the blacksmith's tradc. It is said that he manu- factured the first steel plows made in Germany. He had one son who was a contractor, and aided in building the fort of Metz and Strasburg for the French. Afterward he became very wealthy, and was one of the most extensive land owners for many miles around. He was accidentally killed when forty-six years of age.
Grandfather Zigrang was the eldest of seven sons, and several of his brothers served as soldiers in the French army, under Napoleon I. He con- tinued the business left him by his father, but so far as we have any record did not meet with the extraordinary success that attended the latter's cfforts. In 1856 he came to America and at once settled in Jackson County, Iowa, where he re- mained until his decease, May 13, 1872, at the age of eighty-five years. He was twicc married and had children by both unions. Henry, father of our subject, was the eldest born, and with his brother Nicholas, preceded his father to the New World two years. He came to Jackson County and settled on a farm.
At the outbreak of the Civil War, Nicholas Zigrang offered his services to the Union, and was one of the soldiers detailed to take Jeff Davis to Washington after the capture of that famous Con-
federate leader. He very nearly got himself into trouble by offering to give one of his comrades $10 to shoot Davis. After the establishment of peace he returned to Iowa and made his home with relatives, never having married. A half- brother of the former, John by name, also served through the war, but returned home at its close, much broken in health, and although still living, is an invalid. Another half-brother, Jolın Peter, went to California many years ago and nothing further was ever heard of him.
The mother of our subject, whose maiden name was Catherine Besch, was also born in Luxemburg, and died July 11, 1878. After her decease the father made his home with our subject until July 20, 1881, when he passed from earth. John Beschi, our subject's maternal uncle, came to America prior to the Civil War, in which he took an active part, participating in the march to the sca with Sherman's army. Henry Zigrang was a man of iron will, but with a tender heart. An upright Christian gentleman, he was greatly beloved by all, but more especially by the poor, in whom he always took great interest and in whose behalf he devoted much of his time and ample means.
Rev. J. B. Zigrang was the eldest of five chil- dren born to his parents. His sister Susan mar- ricd Nicholas Homan, who, for many years was "mine host" of the American House in Bellevue, Jackson County, but now resides at Sioux Falls. Jane was educated in the schools of Milwaukee, Wis., and taught school for a number of years; she is now the wife of John Goeders, a clothing mer- chant of Algona, Iowa. Katie is keeping house for our subject; Dennic is proprictor of the large ma- chine shops in Livermore.
Upon his father's farm our subject grew to ma- ture years and received his primary education in the neighboring schools. When seventeen years old he entered Calvary College in Wisconsin, and after graduating from the classical course of that school in '72, he continued his studies in St. Fran- cis' College, Milwaukee. On account of failing health he was obliged to abandon his studies tem- porarily, and for a time he taught school in Jack- son County. When his health warranted, he en- tered St. John's Seminary, near St. Cloud, Minn.,
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from which he was graduated in 1877. August 15 of that year he was ordained to the priesthood and the following October was sent to Hale (now St. Joseph), Iowa, where he took charge of the parish, and also preached to five other congrega- tions. For twelve years he continued thus en- gaged, during which time he built the church at Britt, Hancock County, also edifices at Livermore and Dakota City.
The manifold duties of these positions, requir- ing, as they did, that Father Zigrang travel over a wide extent of country, proved too much for his strength, and the Bishop therefore transferred him to Worthington in October, 1889. Here he succeeded Father Heer, an able and popular priest, who is now rector of the Dyersville Church. Sinee coming to Worthington our subjeet has organized a benevolent society for the benefit of the poor and siek of the parish, and devotes his entire time to the noble work in which he is engaged. He is held in high regard, both by his parishioners and by the citizens of the place, of whatever belief.
ILLIAM SCHODDE. The life of this well known citizen of Monticello af- fords a striking illustration of what may be accomplished by patience and persever- anee. On coming to America he had neither money nor friends, and for a long time he was un- able to secure employment, but his was not a na- ture to grow despondent over misfortune. Un- daunted by the many obstacles with which he was obliged to contend, lie persevered until finally he gained a justly merited success. In the evening of his life he is living in retirement from active business cares, and in his pleasant home is sur- rounded by all the comforts and many of the lux- uries of existence. What he is and what he has may be attributed to his unaided exertions, his tireless energy and excellent judgment.
The Schodde family is of German origin, and
both our subject's father, William, and his grand- father, Frederick, were born in that country. The former followed the occupation of a farmer dur- ing his active years, and was a man of energetic nature, though never well-to-do. The subject of this sketeh was reared at home, receiving a prae- tical education in the common and parochial schools. At the age of fourteen years he was con- firmed a member of the Lutheran Church, and has since been a consistent, earnest Christian, as is also his mother.
When a youth of eighteen years, in 1847, Mr. Sehodde embarked on a sailing-vessel at Bremen, and after a voyage of eight weeks landed in Bal- timore. The passengers, however, were quaran- tined for some time on account of the fact that there were some cases of smallpox on board. On being released he journeyed by rail to Cumber- land, Pa., thence walked to Pittsburg, and taking a steamer traveled down the Ohio to Cincinnati, where he was obliged to remain about ten days on account of high water. As soon as possible he boarded a steamer and proceeded down the Ohio and up the Mississippi to St. Louis, reaching that eity on the 1st of January, 1848. Renting a room in a boarding house he at once commeneed search for employment, and after a time sceured work at selling milk, his wages being $8 per month. How- ever, after a trial of twenty-four hours he was dis- charged, having earned fifty een ts.
Next Mr. Schodde was employed by a Mr. Kra- mer to drive a team to a stone quarry, receiving $4 per month. After working for one month he left the place, his employer having insisted that he must drink whiskey if he remained with him, and our subject steadily refused to do so. As money was very scarce in those days his salary was given him, not in cash, but in an order on a store. Later we find him employed by Adam Miller, who lived upon a farm fourteen miles south of St. Louis and near Jefferson Barracks. There he was kindly treated and found a pleasant Christian home, and in his heart to-day there lingers a delightful inem- ory of the kindness of this family. Though he worked hard, yet he enjoyed many hours of relax- ation from labor. Sunday in that Christian home was a day of rest, and he was thus given the priv-
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ilege of attending church serviees, also of being present at the prayer meetings held at Mr. Miller's home or in some neighbor's house.
After four months with this employer Mr. Schodde hired out to work for a Mr. Wilson who owned a sawmill at St. Louis, and also one in Texas County, Mo. Our subject was sent to the latter and remained there until the mill was sold, after which he returned to St. Louis on a raft of lumber via the Gaseonade and Missouri Rivers. On reaching the city in 1849 he found the eholera was raging there. He then went to Elkhorn, Washington County, Ill., and visited luis unele, Henry Schodde, until the plague had abated. Then returning to St. Louis he found all kinds of business dull and work very searce. Thinking it might be to his advantage to seek another location he went by steamer to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he had an unele, a plasterer by trade. Under his in- struetion he learned the trade, remaining in the city until the fall of 1851.
Going again to St. Louis Mr. Sehodde still found it impossible to get work there, so he aeeepted a position as fireman on a Missouri River steam- boat running to Lexington, Mo., and returning thenee to St. Louis. Again lie was compelled to seek a place, and again his efforts were fruitless. Finally he had but ninety-five eents left in his possession. It was a situation dark enough to dis- eourage even the stoutest of hearts, but through it all he never lost faith in the goodness of God and believed that in the end all would come right. He learned that men were wanted in Memphis, Tenn., for ehopping wood, and with the small sum left in his possession he seenred passage to that eity, working for the eook in order to obtain pro- visions. Arriving in Memphis he was met with the same discouraging story. There was no work. As he could not remain there without money he worked his passage on a steamer to New Orleans, only to meet with the same disheartening refusal on every application for a place.
Going to a boarding house Mr. Sehodde pawned his trunk for board. The following day he crossed the Mississippi, looking for work on the plan- tations and also visiting twenty mills in a vain search for employment. Spending the night on
the plantation he returned the next morning with- out breakfast to New Orleans. Next he went to the garrison near the city and inquired of the offi- cials there if he eould enter as a soldier in the reg- ular army, but there met with his usual rejection. However, the tide of fortune soon turned and at last he was successful in seeuring a place in a res- taurant, where he worked for three months at $15 per month. Later he was employed on a steamer plying the river between New Orleans and St. Louis.
Returning to St. Louis, again without money, Mr. Schodde found work at onee at the plasterer's trade, and continued thus engaged for some time. In 1852 he married Miss Louisa, daughter of Frederiek Gruber. Afterward he worked at his trade in central Illinois and was in the employ of the Illinois Central Railroad, but the plaec. where he lived being unhealthy he removed in tlie spring of 1856 to Dubuque, Iowa, where he fol- lowed his trade. Later he kept a boarding house in that eity for some years. In 1862 he embarked in the manufacture of vinegar under the firm name of William Sehodde & Co., but disposed of the enterprise when the tax was placed on alcohol. Until 1867 he was engaged in the manufacture of woodenware, and upon selling out that business he came to Monticello.
Shortly after Mr. Schodde's arrival in Monti- cello he enibarked in the general mercantile busi- ness under the firm title of William Schodde & Co., continuing thus interested for some years, and after a time purchasing his partner's interest in the eoneern. Suecess met his efforts; he gained a lucrative trade extending over a large portion of the surrounding country, and also gained a rep- utation as an honest and reliable merchant.
On account of failing health, and also with a desire to visit the seenes of his childhood, Mr. Schodde crossed the ocean in the year 1871 and visited the old home in Germany. His mother, Angie (Barkam) Sehodde, who is still living, had not seen him for twenty-four years and failed to recognize him when he eame to the house. Seeing that she did not know him he asked her if she would let him have something to eat. Soon he revealed his identity and the surprise and joy of
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the old mother may be more easily imagined than described. After a visit of six weeks in Germany he returned to the United States, and the vessel meeting with an accident near Halifax the passen- gers were detained for a short time, reaching New York, however, in safety. On his return to Mon- ticello Mr. Schodde resumed his mercantile trade, in which he continued until 1884, and then selling out retired from active business.
Upon the organization of the German Reformed Church in Monticello in 1869, Mr. Schodde bc- came one of its charter members and has since been identified with its progress. It has grown with great rapidity, especially during late years, and the congregation now numbers three hundred. In all his dealings with his fellow-men Mr. Schodde has endeavored to exemplify the sincerity of his Christian belicf, and his life has been modeled after the teachings of the Golden Rule. While he has gained the estecm of all with whom he has had business or social relations he has also been pros- pered in material matters and is now the owner of valuable property, including two store buildings in Monticello, one hundred and sixty-six acres in Jones County, one hundred and sixty aeres in Madison County, Neb., and cighity acres in Grundy County, Iowa. To Mr. and Mrs. Schodde were born seven children, all living, as follows: Amelia, William, Augusta, Lucy, George, Charles and Otto.
A J. DALBY. For just forty years this worthy old settler of Jones County has been identified with its growth and suc-
cess. After his long and useful career of active labor, he is enjoying thic fruits of liis toil and is living retired from care at his pleasant residence in Olin, Jones County. He is still the owner of the farm which he formerly cultivated, and posses- ses an ample competence for the provision of the necessities and many of the luxuries of life.
The father of our subjeet was Elijah Dalby, who was born and reared in Virginia and who was a son of Joel Dalby, a native of Scotland. Rcmov-
ing to America, for many years lic resided in the Old Dominion, but afterward settled in Ohio and died in the city of Xcnia. About 1858 Elijah Dalby went to Ohio and became one of the pio- neers of Athens County. His wife, whose girl- hood name was Prosena Thompson, was also born in Virginia, coming from one of the old and re- spectcd families of that state. Her father, John Thompson, was born in England and as a soldier participated in the Dunbar War, which occurred prior to the Revolution.
September 8, 1829, A. J. Dalby was born in Athens County, Ohio, and his boyhood days were passed in the Buckeye State, where he received a common-school education. In 1854 he came to the west and at first made a settlement in Hale Township, of this county, where for a number of years he met with prosperity in the cultivation and management of his farm. As the years passed his possessions were gradually increased and his means wiscly invested. At the present time he owns a finc farm of four hundred acres; it is nearly all under cultivation and there are many improve- ments upon it.
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