BIOGRAPHIES

Henry Klindt, Jr. Biography

From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.

Surnames: Klindt, Stelk, Kardel, Lamp, Sindt, Jurgens, Keppy.

The business interest of Maysville, Scott county, find a worthy representative in Henry Klindt, who was born in this village September 25, 1880, a son of Henry and Celia (Sindt) Klindt. The father was born in Hohndorf, Probstei, Germany, March 12, 1846, and was there reared to the age of fifteen years, when his parents, Heinrich and Katharine (Stelk) Klindt, removed to Prussia, Germany. Heinrich Klindt was a wagon maker by trade and followed that occupation in the old country but in 1868 he emigrated to America and settling in Scott county, here engaged in farming throughout the remainder of his business career. Their family numbered seven children, but the youngest, a daughter, was drowned in Germany at the age of six years. The other members were: Claus, now a resident of Davenport; Maggie, the wife of Fritz Kardel, also of that city; Lena, who became the wife of Jochim Lamp, but is deceased; Jochim, who has also departed this life; Henry, Sr.; and Katie, the wife of John Sindt, a resident of Lyon county, Iowa. Both the parents passed away in Maysville, the father when seventy-one years of age, and the mother at the age of sixty-nine years.
Henry Klindt, Sr., accompanied his parents on their various removals and was a young man of twenty-two years when the family sought a home in the new world, and from that time to the present he has made his home in Scott county. After coming here he was engaged at farm labor for six years and then became proprietor of a hotel in Maysville, conducting a saloon in connection with his hostelry. He gave his time to this business for sixteen years and in the meantime, meeting with success, he invested his money in farm lands in Minnesota and the Dakotas. Since retiring from active business he has made his home in Maysville and now gives his time to his land interests in the north. Mr. Klindt was married on the 8th of February, 1876, to Miss Celia Sindt, who was born in Scott county, October 16, 1854, a daughter of Henry and Bertha Sindt, who were natives of Germany, whence they emigrated to America and located in Scott county in the early '50s. Unto Mr. And Mrs. Klindt have been born five children but Hertha and Grover are deceased, while the three surviving members are: Mate, the wife of William Jurgens, a resident of New Liberty, Iowa; Albert, who conducts a hotel in Donahue; and Henry Jr., of this review.
Henry Klindt Jr., was reared under the parental roof and acquired his elementary learning in the common schools of Maysville, while later he pursued a business course in Duncan's Business College at Davenport. Well qualified for the practical duties of life he began his business career as a traveling salesman, representing a Davenport firm for several years. In 1904 he engaged in business in Maysville as a general merchant and has built up a good patronage which he draws from the surrounding districts as well as from the village. He keeps a stock of goods that meets the demands of the public and his moderate prices and his fair dealings has proved his best advertisement. He owns his own store building, a modern, two-story structure, sixty by thirty-two feet, the lower floor being devoted to the business, while the second story is occupied as a dwelling.
Mr. Klindt was married February 8, 1905, the lady of his choice being Miss Clara S. Keppy, a native of Donahue, Scott county. She is a daughter of Frank Keppy, who is engaged in merchandising in the latter place, and by her marriage she has become the mother of one child, Lorane. Upon the incorporation of the village of Maysville on the 11th of July, 1909, Mr. Klindt was elected its first mayor and he has already demonstrated his fitness for the office. In his business affairs he is very methodical and accurate as to details and shows splendid judgment in the treatment of his employes and of all with whom he comes in contact.

Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann

D. C. McCausland Biography

From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.

Surnames: McCausland, Brakenridge, Smith, Coe.

D. C. McCausland is a representative of one of the old families of Scott county and has resided here from his early boyhood days. Members of the family have always been actively interested in the work of general progress and, like the others of his name, D. C. McCausland has assisted in the material development of the county, and in the support of many public measures for the general good. He was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, on the 29th of October, 1846, and is a son of John C. and Catherine McCausland, who removed from the Keystone state to West Virginia when the subject of this review was only a year old. There they resided for seven years, after which they came to Scott county. The father had previously visited this district. Looking over the country and being pleased with its future prospects he purchased a half section of land two miles south of the present town of McCausland. He then brought his family to Iowa and began life as a pioneer settler of Scott co!
unty. Upon his land there was a large stone house that had formerly been the property of a Mr. Brakenridge, who owned a ranch in this district, adding to his property from time to time until he had an entire section and a tract of one hundred and eighty acres additional when he died. He was a man of undaunted enterprise and good business ability and his careful management of his interests brought him substantial and gratifying success. At the same time he commanded the respect and confidence of all who knew him.
D. C. McCausland acquired his early education in the schools of West Virginia and continued his studies in the district schools of Scott county and in private schools, gaining a good knowledge of those branches of English learning which are considered essential factors to success in business life. Through the period of his youth he was instructed and trained for by his father in the work of the fields an gained a practical knowledge of farm methods so that he was well qualified to take charge of a farm of his own, when, in 1880, he removed to his present home, which he had purchased and which has since been his place of residence. The town of McCausland, where he now resides, was named in his honor. He was the first in the town, and for a decade he remained in merchandising, building up a good trade. He also dealt in horses for some time, but at the present writing is handling South Dakota lands and in his real estate operations is meeting with excellent success. He is the !
owner of a large amount of property in that state, while his holdings in Scott county embrace five hundred acres of very valuable farm land.
On the 6th of May, 1880, Mr. McCausland was married to Miss Clina E. Smith, a daughter of Seneca Smith, of Dubuque, and unto them were born three children: John W., of Chicago; Mary B., the wife of O. O. Coe, of Canada, by whom she has one child; and Guy C., at home.
Mr. McCausland has served as justice of the peace of Butler township and proved a capable incumbent in that position, but has never been an office seeker, always preferring to devote his time and energies to his business affairs. In the capable direction of his mercantile, live-stock and land interests he has met with substantial success and is recognized as one of the representative and leading business men of this part of the county.

Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann

William Pruter Biography

From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.

Surnames: Pruter, Fehrs, Kruse, Lamas, Schroader, Rohwer, Miller.

Among the many men who have followed farming with success and have now put aside the mote arduous duties and live in retirement in Davenport is William Pruter. He owns about seven hundred acres of farm land in Crawford county, Iowa, besides the fine property where he lives. He was born in Holstein, Germany, October 27, 1830, a son of Hans and Agnes Pruter. The father was a carpenter by trade and, like his wife, died in the fatherland.
William Pruter was reared and educated in the province of his birth, there learning the trade of a cabinetmaker. When he reached manhood he entered the German army, serving through the war of 1848-50. After its culmination he worked at his trade until 1869, when he embarked for America. The ocean vessel dropped anchor at New York, whence he and his wife and three children made their way to Iowa. He bought eighty acres of land in Clinton county, on which the family lived for the next three years, and then selling it they removed to Crawford county, where Mr. Pruter purchased a tract of prairie land. He broke the soil, prepared it for cultivation and in the course of years improved it greatly, making it his home until 1902, when a large income and advancing years suggested the wisdom of his retiring from active life.
Mr. Pruter has been married three times. His first wife was Miss Margaret Fehrs, who died in 1867, leaving two children. Frank, who is now living in Crawford county, wedded Miss Augusta Kruse, and they have five children: Carolina, Julius, Frank, Gustave and Emma. Charles, who married Miss Dora Lamas, lives in Crawford county and is the father of a daughter, Elsie. For his second wife Mr. Pruter married Miss Carolina Schroader, who died leaving one son, John. On the 26th of November, 1872, Mr. Pruter married Miss Magdalene Rohwer, a daughter of Hans and Magdalene Rohwer, who spent their entire lives in Germany. One son, William, has been born of this union. He lives in Crawford county and married Miss Clara Miller. They have two children, Clarence and Leslie.
While still in active business in Crawford county, Mr. Pruter was closely identified with public interests in his locality and served as trustee, a member of the school board and as supervisor of the roads in Hayes township. He fulfilled the duties of these several offices with care and discrimination, which gained for him the esteem of those who had chosen him as their representative. The memory of the past years, which brought him such good fortune, holds little bitterness for his success is due entirely to his own efforts and not to the misfortune of others.

Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann

Jacob Miller Biography

From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.

Surnames: Miller, Aikens, Heavlin, Kough, Bishop.

In the death of Jacob Miller, which occurred at his home on the Middle road, May 11, 1897, Scott county lost one of its well known and honored pioneer residents. He had come to Iowa in 1846, removing to this state from Indiana. He was, however, a native of Ohio, his birth having occurred in Brown county, that state, in 1806. His father, John Miller, was a tailor and followed his trade in Ohio and Indiana. Both he and his wife, Mrs. Anna Miller, were of German birth and parentage. They removed from the Buckeye state to Indiana during the boyhood days of Jacob Miller, who acquired his education in the common schools. After putting aside his text-books he learned the blacksmith's trade and then, thinking to have better business opportunities in Iowa, he removed to this state. He engaged in blacksmithing on the farm which he purchased in LeClaire township, making investment in government land, which he cleared and developed, breaking the sod and planting his fields, which I course of time brought forth rich harvests. Year after year he carefully carried on the farm work and in addition to the cultivation of cereals best adapted to the soil and climate he also raised stock and found it a profitable source of income. He continued to carry on general farming until the fall of 1882, when he removed to his home on the Middle road. He retained the ownership of his farm, however, until his death. His property interests were a visible evidence of his well directed energy and activity and he could truly be called a self-made man, for his success came as the just reward of his earnest and unfaltering labor.
Mr. Miller was married twice. In Indiana, in 1831, he wedded Miss Jane Aikens and unto them were born five daughters, including Mrs. Heavlin, whose daughter, Mrs. James Kough, now resides with Mrs. Miller in Davenport. His first wife passed away in November, 1876, and in 1881 he wedded Hila Bishop, whose father came to Iowa from Illinois.
Mr. Miller voted with the democracy and had firm belief in the value of the party principles as elements in good government. He did not seek nor wish for office, however, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs. He held no membership in fraternities but was a devoted member of the Baptist church for fifty years, serving for a long period as deacon in the church. He took deep interest in all of its work, doing everything in his power to promote its growth and extend its influence. His life was ever honorable and upright, in harmony with his professions, and his sterling personal worth commanded for him the respect of young and old, rich and poor. Had he lived until June, 1897, he would have been ninety-one years of age. His life span covered much of that century which up to this time has been the most important in the world's history, chronicling as it does the most notable progress along the paths of civilization. When he first saw the sunlight in Ohio, Iowa had no place on the map save as a part of that great unexplored western country. The first crude steamboat had not yet been floated upon the Hudson and a number of years were to pass before the first telegraph line would transmit a message. Mr. Miller lived to see all these and many more things accomplished, together with the settlement of the great west and its division into states whose enterprises and opportunities equal if not exceed those of the older east.

Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann

Rev. W. P. Shannahan Biography

From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.

Surnames: Shannahan, Cashman.

Rev. W. P. Shannahan, president of St. Ambrose College, one of the strong Catholic institutions of this state, was born in Muscatine county, Iowa, February 2, 1870. His parents were John and Elizabeth (Cashman) Shannahan, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Kentucky. His early education was obtained in St. Ambrose College , from which he was graduated in the class of 1896, while later he was graduated from the St. Paul Seminary in 1898. He afterward did post graduate work in the Catholic University of Washington in the scholastic year of 1899 and 1900, and was thus well qualified by liberal training for the important work that has devolved upon him in connection with educational interests.
On the 27th of May, 1899, the Rev. W. P. Shannahan was ordained to the priesthood, taking his holy orders in St. Paul. After his studies were completed in Washington he came to St. Ambrose College as one of its professors and in January, 1907, was chosen president of the institution, which is a very old and important one of this city, promoting in large measure the Catholic education of the young in central Iowa.

Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann

Dick R. Lane Biography

From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.

Surnames: Lane, Birdsall.

Dick R. Lane needs no introduction to the readers of his volume for he is a representative of one of the most prominent and distinguished families of Davenport, in which city he was born October 27, 1882. His grandfather and his father, both distinguished representatives of the Iowa bar, are mentioned elsewhere in this volume. The public schools of Davenport afforded Dick R. Lane his early educational advantages and later he had the benefit of instruction in the Phillips Academy at Andover, Massachusetts. Thus he gained a broad literary knowledge to serve as the foundation upon which to rear the super-structure of professional learning and in preparation for the bar he entered the law department of the Iowa University, from which he was graduated in 1904. He then commenced practice with his father and is proving an active, working member of the firm. His knowledge of the law is also constituting an element in his successful management of business interests. He is now the secretary and treasurer of the Lane Building Company, secretary and treasurer of the Kimball Hotel Company and treasurer of the Lane Building Company and treasurer of the White Lily Manufacturing Company. His interest in Davenport's development along business lines is of most practical and tangible character and his standing among the leading business men of this city is indicated by the fact that he has been elected to the presidency of the Commercial Club.
On the 25th of December 1904, Mr. Lane was married to Miss Grace Birdsall, a daughter of Horace Birdsall, a prominent resident of Davenport. Fraternally he is connected with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. His political allegiance has always been given to the republican party and, prominent in its local ranks, he is now serving as chairman of the county committee. He is recognized as a young man of executive force and in possession of administrative direction he has shown marked enterprise. His mental qualities are of a brilliant character, his enterprise is undaunted, and with high ideals before him he is continuously reaching out for further accomplishment. Like the others of the family he is leaving the impress of his individuality upon the city in no mistakable manner, his efforts and labors constituting a vital force in the upbuilding and improvement of Davenport.

Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann

Henry Roehs Biography

From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.

Surnames: Roehs, Ball, Paustian, Anders.

Henry Roehs, one of Hickory Grove township's most popular and substantial citizens, was born on his Present home farm in section 30, November 7, 1865, and its attractions for him have proved sufficiently strong to induce him to spend all his life here. He is the son of Fritz and Dorothea (Ball) Roehs, natives of Holstein, Germany. It was the grandfather, John Roehs, who decided to put to a personal test the much heralded resources of America, and in 1852 he came to this country with his family. He came to Davenport and subsequently bought the farm upon which his grandson now resides and operated it successfully for many years. He was living upon it at the time of his death about twenty years ago at the age of ninety-nine. He had two children: Fritz, the father of our subject; and Christina, wife of Frederick Paustian. Our subject's parents were reared and married in Germany. The father was only about twenty-two years of age when he came to this country. He at once engaged in farming and prospered beyond his brightest dreams. Possessed of absolutely nothing at first he died the owner of four valuable farms, tow in Hickory Grove township; Louis, a resident of Walcott; Mary, the wife of Henry Paustian, of Walcott; and Henry. The father was born August 8, 1830, and died June 11, 1895. the mother, who now resides with her son Henry, was born September 25, 1831.
Henry Roehs, who is thoroughly up-to-date in his methods of cultivation, gives his attention to general farming. He believes in the best equipment available and his farm buildings are models of convenience, these having been planned and constructed by his father. He has additional interests, being a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company of Walcott.
In 1888 Mr. Roehs, was united in marriage to Miss Sophia Anders, a native of Holstein, the ancestral home of the Roehs, having been born there July 30, 1871. She came to America with her widowed mother when ten years of age. The Roehs family is brightened by the presence of eight children as follows: Herman, Lizzie, Clara, Herbert, Hugo, Martha, Evelyn and Clarence. Mr. Roehs unites with his many good gifts of mind and heart a fine, commanding presence which combine to give him a personality not soon to be forgotten by those with whom he comes in contact.

Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann

Henry L. Kroeger Biography

From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.

Surnames: Kroeger, Loge, Goetsch, Brandt, Rohwer.

Henry L. Kroeger, whose well tilled farm in Davenport township is representative of the best agricultural interests of this section of the county, was born on the farm on which he now lives, February 18, 1864, a son of Claus and Anna (Loge) Kroeger. The former was born in Holstein, Germany, April 14, 1829, his parents being Hans and Lena Kroeger, who spent all their lives in the fatherland. In his youth he served in the German war of 1848-50, for two years, and in 1854, embarked upon his journey to America. Upon his arrival in Scott county, Iowa, Mr. Kroeger secured employment as a farm hand with Mr. Schmidt and continued to work for others until 1860, when he married and went to live upon the place which is now the home of his son and which was then owned by his father-in-law. Upon it he continued to pursue his vocation as a farmer until 1893, when he deemed it wise to retire from active life and accordingly took up his residence in Davenport, where he is still living. He also owned a tract of land in Linn county, Iowa, but has sold it. During his years of activity he served as road supervisor and school director of Davenport township and was a man well known and widely esteemed among his fellowmen. His wife, who was Miss Lena Loge before her marriage , was born in Germany, march 9, 1839, and came to the United States with her parents, Henry and Anna Loge, in 1847. They landed at New Orleans, ascended the Mississippi river to St. Louis, where they spent six weeks, and later came to Scott county, where they secured farm land from the government.
Henry L. Kroeger has spent his whole life upon the farm whose soil he now cultivates. In early years he learned all the secrets of its cultivation, so that he is now one of the most successful agriculturists in his section of the county. He attended the district schools in the vicinity of his home, acquiring a fair English education. He has not made a specialty of any particular line of work, but is engaged in general farming, for which the character of his soil is well adapted. He has made good improvements and his fields present a neat and thrifty appearance.
Mr. Kroeger has been twice married. On the 29th of August 1885, he wedded Miss Lena Goetsch, who was born April 12, 1864, and through her marriage became the mother of two children: Melanie, the widow of Ferd Ahrens; and Selma, who is at home. The wife and mother died August 16, 1891, and December 1, 1892, Mr. Kroeger was joined in wedlock to Miss Lena Rohwer, a daughter of Henry and Kathryn (Brandt) Rohwer. Her father was born in Holstein, Germany, January 19, 1838, his parents being Joseph and Kathryn Rohwer. In 1868, accompanied by his wife and daughter, Mrs. Kroeger, who was then two years of age, he sailed for America. The little party landed in New York and then came to Iowa, spending a few years in the city of Davenport. Later they bought eighty acres in Buffalo township, this county, on which they made their home for about seventeen years, at the end of that period removing to Rockingham township, where they are still living. The mother was born in Holstein, Germany, September 1, 1844, and was married to Mr. Rohwer in the old country, April 11, 1866. They had eight children, of whom Lena, now Mrs. Kroeger, is the eldest. She has become the mother of one son, Irwin. Mr. Kroeger is one of those men upon whose upright and industrious life the stability of this nation depends. He has lived quietly, but well, gaining as his reward both material prosperity and the respect of those who have watched his progress.

Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann

Hans Schlichting Biography

From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.

Surnames: Schlichting, Houschild, Frahm, Holst, Ronnfield, Hendricks, Harger, Umlaud, Warneboldt.

A long trip across the ocean, travel by rail to Chicago and thence by wagon at length brought the Schlichting family to Davenport in the spring of 1848. Hans Schlichting was then a little lad of six years. He was born in Schleswig, Germany, march 11, 1842, a son of Mathias and Marie Schlichting. The father was a farmer in his native land but, believing that he would have better opportunities of providing for his family in the new world, he crossed the Atlantic in 1848 and, as previously stated, arrived in Scott county in the spring of that year. This was still a frontier district, in which much of the land was still unclaimed and uncultivated. The father bought a tract of one hundred acres of prairie land in Blue Grass township and the family took up their abode thereon in a little log house which was standing thereon. Later as his financial resources permitted he bought more land. There were few families in the neighborhood and some Indians were still to be seen. Hardships!
 and trials incident to pioneer life formed a feature of their early experiences here, but as the years passed on Mathias Schlichting prospered in his undertakings and from time to time made judicious investments in property, the value of which increased with the settlement of the county as well as by reason of the cultivation and improvement which he bestowed upon it. In later years he gave to each of his five sons a farm and to his three daughters an equivalent sum in money. He died at the age of sixty-eight years, while his wife reached the age of seventy-two years. In their family were eight children: John, now deceased; Anna, who married Henry Houschild, both are now deceased; Cathrina, who married Frederick Frahm, but both have passed away; Christina, the widow of Detlef Houschild; Peter, who is living in Davenport; Thomas, deceased; William, a resident of this city; and Hans.
The last named, arriving in Scott county at the age of six years, pursued his education in the public schools of Blue Grass township and afterward worked with his father on the farm, breaking prairie with oxen. He lived upon the same farm for forty-seven years and then retired, removing to Davenport. That long period was one of earnest, persistent toil as he diligently cultivated the fields from the time of early spring planting until crops were harvested in the late autumn. He followed progressive methods in tilling the soil and as the result of his care and wise management harvested good crops and in the course of years acquired a competence that now enables him to live comfortably without recourse to further labor. He was at one time the owner of five hundred and sixty acres of valuable land, all in Scott county, but he has since sold a portion of it and has given the remainder to his children.
Mr. Schlichting was married September 29, 1863, to Miss Mary Holst, a daughter of Jurgen and Magdelina Holst, who were early settlers of this county, taking up their abode in Princeton township when the work of development and improvement had scarcely been begun here. Mrs. Schlichting was born in Holstein-Schleswig, Germany, February 27, 1844, and in 1858 was brought to the United States by her parents, who died on their farm in Princeton township. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Schlichting have been born a daughter and two sons. Matilda became the wife of John Ronnfield and died at the age of thirty-one years, leaving five children; Florence Mary, who became the wife of Henry Hendricks, of this county, and had four children, Esther M., Marie, Louisa and Leona; Cordelia C., who married Hugo Harger; Lillian; Rose; and Edna. Fritz E., the second of the family, living in Davenport, married Hannah Umlaud and has two children, Oliver V. and Leroy W. John, also of Davenport, married Augusta Warneboldt and they have on daughter, Carmel M.
The cause of public education has ever found in Mr. Schlichting a warm supporter. He has served as school director of Blue Grass township for nine years and was road supervisor for a few years. He has always been an earnest republican, never faltering in his allegiance to the principles of the party, for he believes that it contains for the best elements of good government. His life has been a diligent one and his well spent years have brought him substantial prosperity, while his reliable business methods have gained for him the good will and confidence of all.

Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann

Mrs. Elizabeth Incze Biography

From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.

Surnames: Incze, Houck, Loge.

The history of Mrs. Elizabeth Incze, one of Davenport township's well known women, as that of her late husband, Francis Incze, is one of interest. She is a native of Bavaria, Germany, her parents being Johann Philip and Anna (Houck) Loge, both of whom died in their native land. In her early years she and her brother John left the fatherland to try their fortunes in the United States. They landed in New York in 1852 and in a little while went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where Elizabeth was married to Francis Incze, who was born in Hungary, March 23, 1828. He was of noble birth and fine education, but his youthful ardor carried him to imprudent lengths at the time of the war between Austria and Hungary in 1848 and he was exiled from his native land with many other revolutionists. They wandered through many foreign lands, among them Turkey and Egypt, and finally arrived in England, where the British government furnished them free of charge with a ship in which to come to America. Upon landing in the east he was advised to go to Cincinnati, where he learned the trade of wood turning. There he met Mrs. Incze and about four years after their marriage they removed to Davenport. Their residence in this city was of twenty years duration, Mr. Incze meantime following his trade. At the end of this time they purchased a thirty-five acre tract of fine land in Davenport township and removed to it to engage in fruit growing. Mr. Incze followed his new vocation until his death, April 1, 1896. Throughout his life he gave his support to the republican party.
Mrs. Incze is the mother of nine children, five of whom are still living, while four are deceased. She is a woman of dauntless nature, whose courage in coming to a new country when a young girl, unaccompanied by natural guardians, has been matched by other deeds in subsequent years. In the rearing of her children and in the management of her affairs since the death of her husband she has exhibited executive ability greater than is usually accredited to her sex.

Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann

Sam T. White Biography

From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.

Surnames: White, Thomas, Nagel.

Sam T. White is the president of the White Lilly Manufacturing company and a representative of that class of citizens who find their stimulus for business activity in necessity and competition. Placing his dependence upon his own efforts and resources, form the outset o his career he has steadily progressed in the business world along well defined lines of labor until he has reached an important position in commercial circles as the president of the White Lily Manufacturing Company of Davenport. He was born in Cornwall, England, February 1, 1868. That county was also the birthplace of  his father, Samuel White, who came to the United States in the early '40's. He was a miner by occupation, and, attracted by the gold discoveries in California, went to the Pacific coast in 1849. He traveled extensively through the western country, prospecting and mining, and made some money while in that section. In 1866 he returned to his native country of Cornwall, where he wedded Miss Mary Ann Thomas. His death occurred in Cornwall in 1880. His so, Sam T. White, was reared to farm life, having but meager educational privileges, as it was necessary that he early provide for his own support. He was a strong and vigorous boy, however, and when but sixteen years of age he left England with a companion of the same age and sailed for the United States, for the stories which he heard concerning business conditions in the new world led him to the belief that he would have better opportunities on the western continent. He settled first at Staatsburg, New York, where he remained for a year and then went to Canada, where he followed farming, ditching and well digging. He also worked in lumber camps and here his extraordinary physiques stood him in good stead, enabling him to command high wages because of the strength which he exercised in the performance of his duties. He had no rich friends, was a stranger in a strange land and had to depend on his own efforts. He succeeded because of his determination and his energy and at all times was watchful of opportunities promising advancement. In Canada he became interested in the bicycle business an met with prosperity in that undertaking. In fact throughout his entire life he has carried forward to successful completion every business with which he has become associated. In 1891 he removed to Chicago and became connected with several large firms in the bicycle business, including the Stokes Company, the Monarch Manufacturing Company and the Stover Bicycle Manufacturing Company. He afterward went upon the road for the Western Wheel Works, his territory including Davenport, which he made his headquarters. Here he soon gained a wide circle of friends and found this city a congenial home. He remained with the Western Wheel Works until the formation of the bicycle trust, when he went upon the road, representing a number of Davenport concerns. One of his lines was the Ocean Wave Washer, manufactured by Voss Brothers, and he took control of their output upon a commercial basis. In 1902, recognizing the opportunity for the establishment, as he believed, of a successful manufactory in the same line of business, he organized the White Lily Washer Company in connection with B. L. and F. L. Schmidt, and the business was instituted and profitably conducted under the partnership relation until Mary 22, 1909, when Mr. White bought out his partners' interests and reorganized the enterprise under the name of the White Lily Manufacturing Company. The history of the company ahs been one of unbroken progress. The business was organized with a capital of fifteen thousand dollars, which has twice been doubled. In the first company Mr. White was secretary and treasurer but was elected to the presidency of the new company, which has long since been placed upon a paying basis and constitutes one of the important productive industries of the city. On the 1st of May, 1907, Mr. White organized the Ideal Lighting Company, of which he is the president. The White Lily company does business in almost every part of the world, having a large export trade to Australia and various European countries. It is managed along safe, conservative, and yet progressive lines, the business being carefully systematized so that maximum results are accomplished at the least possible expenditure of time, money and labor, and this is the source of all successful business enterprise.
On the 11th of April, 1901, occurred the marriage of Mr. White and Miss Anna Nagel, a daughter of Henry Nagel, of Davenport. Mr. White stands high in Masonic circles and is a past Master of Fraternal Lodge and member of the chapter and commandery. He is also past venerable master of the Lodge of Perfection of the Scottish Rite, wise master of the Rose Croix Lodge and past potentate of the Mystic Shrine. He likewise belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and other fraternities which recognize in him a valued and popular representative. He is a whole-souled, popular man, who would make an ideal political leader, but while he is interested in public affairs and assists his friends in obtaining office, he does not care for political preferment himself, desiring rather to concentrate his time and energies upon his business affairs, which are of growing importance. He justly deserves the proud American title of a self-made man, for he came to this country when a m!
ere boy and by indefatigable energy, unabating industry and unassailable business integrity won the confidence of others and worked his way upward until he commands the respect and goodwill of all who know aught of his history. He is fond of outdoor sports, genial in manner and wherever he goes, wins friends.

Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann

W. W. Lunger Biography

From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.

Surnames: Lunger, McCormick, Crow.

One of the foremost representatives of the legal profession in Davenport is W. W. Lunger, who was born in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, August 2, 1855. His father, Frederick Lunger, was a native of New Jersey, and during his life was one of the oldest railroad engineers in the country. He was first in the employ of the Pennsylvania Company, controlling the throttle of the Rocket, an engine built in England and shipped to the United States on a sailing vessel. Later he became an engineer on various roads in Kentucky and Mississippi, and while in those localities became acquainted with Henry Clay, Jefferson Davis and other prominent men of that time. Later he went to Indiana, having charge of the first passenger train that ran into Indianapolis. In 1856 he came to Davenport and, having retired from the railroad business, bought an interest in the Twin City Grist Mill with Adam Green as his partner. The mill burned in 1863 and for the next few years Mr. Lunger returned to his engineering life, holding a position under French & Davis. In 1863 he began farming on a tract in Littles Grove, where his death occurred in 1883, at the age of seventy-four. He had been a stanch republican after the organization of that party; was temperate in his habits, proving himself in many ways a good citizen and of Scott county and of the republic. His wife, who was Miss Harriett McCormick, was a native of Cincinnati and died here in 1892, at the age of seventy-three. Ten children had been born to them.
W. W. Lunger, who attended the public schools of Davenport, was reared upon a farm and assisted in its work during his early years. He completed the course in the Davenport High School at the age of eighteen and thereupon engaged in teaching in Scott county for a period of six years. In that time he had saved sufficient money to enable him to attend the Columbia Law School, for he had determined to enter the legal profession. Here, as a classmate of Theodore Roosevelt, he completed his course. He was graduated in 1882. The next two years were spent at Grand Forks, North Dakota, whence he went to Springfield, Illinois, and there for three years practiced his profession. It was during his sojourn in that city that his abilities came to the notice of the Union Pacific Railroad and he was called by them to go to Omaha. The next fourteen years were spent in their employ, twelve years of that period in connection with the land department of the railroad. In 1901 he cam back to Davenport and, having engaged in practice, the following year was elected to the city council for a term of two years. Although so much of his energy had, of necessity, been devoted to the interests of his employers, he still found time to exert his influence in behalf of those questions which were nearest to his heart. The principal of these was the protection of children from overwork and open vice. His name is linked with the legislature in their behalf in this state and elsewhere, and in the city of Davenport he has been most closely connected with the abolition of the slot machines which he rightly regards as but an alluring incitement to later gambling.
On the 5th of June, 1888, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Lunger and Miss Ada M. Crow, who was born in Springfield, Illinois. They have one son, Fred, who was graduated from the high school of Davenport and is now a student oat Cornell University, looking forward to a career in the law. Mr. Lunger is a stanch republican in his political sympathies and is active in local affairs, his influence being exerted in behalf of improvement of conditions of living. Fraternally he enjoys pleasant relations with the Masonic bodies.

Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann

Thomas D. Starbuck Biography

From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.

Surnames: Starbuck, Davidson, Bruning.

One of the prominent and successful physicians of Davenport is Dr. Thomas D. Starbuck, who for the last seven years has ministered to the physical needs of the citizens here. An able practitioner, he enjoys the confidence of those who know him, while he also receives their admiration, for his proficiency in hi profession was not attained without numerous hardships and privations. He was born in Winchester, Randolph county, Indiana, January 24, 1972, a son of W. W. Louisa (Davidson) Starbuck. The father was a native of Virginia, but in 1822, when about nine years of age removed to Indiana with his parents. He was a farmer by occupation and lived to a good old age. His wife, however, died at an early age, for Dr. Starbuck was only five years old when she passed away.
Thomas D. Starbuck, who was the youngest of this family, lived upon the farm inn Randolph county, Indiana, until he was about thirteen years of age. He had received a fair common-school education in the institutions of instruction in his vicinity, but it was only enough to give him an incentive for a wider intellectual outlook, which he determined to acquire when an opportunity presented itself. In 1866 he left his home and began traveling, coming to Iowa in the course of time. He settled first in Monticello, where he remained one year, and then came to Davenport, where he entered Woods Business College. Upon completing the course of study, he became connected with the St. James Hotel where he remained from 1891 to 1898. In that time, however, he had taken up the study of medicine, having decided to make its practice his life's work.
Finally he was able to enter the State University at Iowa City from which he graduated with the degree of M. D., in 1902. Returning to Davenport, he established himself in practice here, and this city has since been the scene of his professional labors. He is a skilled practitioner, a man thoroughly conversant with all phases of his art and endowed with those attractive qualities of personality which immediately win for him confidence.
In 1902, when he was prepared to start upon his new work, Dr. Starbuck wedded Miss Ludo Bruning, who was born in this city and is a member of one of the older families of Scott county. Fraternally Dr. Starbuck is connected with the Knights of Pythias, being a member of the local lodge of the city, at whose meetings he frequently fins respite from the cares of the day. He is also a member of the several organizations whose object is the advancement of the medical profession, for he belongs to the Scott County, the Iowa State and the American Medical Associations. He has made every endeavor to win an honorable reputation and has no reason to doubt but that he has achieved his object. He has been known in his professional capacity to the citizens of Davenport for only seven years, but that period has been sufficient for them to recognize his high character and his ability as a physician.

Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann

Charles F. Clapp Biography

From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.

Surnames: Clapp, Bond, Meier, Ferring, Hartzel, Grieve, Knouse, Stump, Morse, Guy, Marti, Drenter, Boise, Evans, Archy, Hine, Neil, Evans, Hine.

Charles F. Clapp is now living retired in Davenport, but for a long period he was closely associated with the agricultural interests of Scott county and his energy was so unabating, his enterprise so keen and his business methods so practical that he now holds a place among the men of affluence of this section of Iowa. He experienced many vicissitudes of fortune, but he persevered courageously and may regard the record of his seventy-two years with a large measure of satisfaction.
Charles F. Clapp was born in Fulton county, Illinois, February 28, 1838, a descendant of one of three brothers who came from Europe many generations ago and established the family in the eastern part of America. In its various ramifications it is very numerous, for at a reunion held in Massachusetts in 1869 it was discovered that there were then over twelve hundred members, many of them were pioneers in the middle west. Selah Clapp, the grandfather of Charles F. Clapp, came west as far as Portage county, Ohio, in 1820 and bought a farm near Kent, which is still in the possession of his descendents and of which his grandson, Charles F., has a picture.
There his son, Spencer Clapp, the father of our subject, grew to manhood, learned the shoemaker's trade and was united in marriage to Miss Philiua Bond. In 1837 he and his brother-in-law, Seldon Bond, went with teams to Fulton County, Illinois, where the former entered one hundred and sixty acres of land and the latter three hundred and twenty, for which they paid one dollar and a quarter an acre. They built a house upon their property and lived thereon until 1839, when Spencer Clapp was recalled to his home on account of the illness of his father. After his death he sold his land in Fulton county and, driving the same teams with which he had crossed the prairies before, returned to the homestead. He managed it until October, 1854, when he came to Scott county, Iowa. In Davenport, on Locust street just east of Brady, he built a house-which by the way is still standing-and rented ten acres of land near what is now Central Park, planting it in corn. The next year he leased fo!
rty acres more near the race track, for which he traded later for forty acres in Sheridan township. But after he had built a house upon that land and removed his family to it, it was discovered that the title was imperfect and he lost all he had put into it, and had reaped only two crops from the fields. The house, however, was not lost, for by means of thirty-two yoke of cattle and with the assistance of friends he was able to drag it into the road, where it remained for a year. In the work of moving, old Mr. Meier had his leg broken.
Charles F. Clapp, who had accompanied his father on his several removals after leaving Fulton county, and had helped him in every way he could, was married about that time and brought his bride to the little home standing in the middle of the road, although later he went to live in a house belonging to his brother-in-law, Frank Ferring, who had gone to the war. While still living in the house in the road he received news that his brother, James Clapp, was among those that died at Vicksburg. He was a member of Mark Thompson's company of the Twentieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. Later Mr. Clapp himself was drafted into the army, in 1863, shortly after he had purchased forty acres of land from Mr. Hartzel and had put up a house upon it. When he learned his country needed him, he sold his property for twelve hundred dollars, went to town every day to see if the quota was filled and then found that whereas they needed only fifty men from each township they had drafted one hundred, !
and that he being the eighty-fourth would not be required to render service. Thereupon with the money he had from the sale of his farm, he bought eighty acres in Sheridan township, the tract which his son David J. now owns and built thereon a house. There he lived until 1867, when he sold forty acres to John Grieve for fifteen hundred dollars and also disposed of some of the land he and his father had bought previously. Then he bought one hundred and sixty acres in Sheridan township, on which his son Charles now resides and which adjoined the first tract, living thereon until 1896, when he retired to Davenport. Now he owns two hundred and forty acres of fine farm land, this property being the visible evidence of his life of thrift, industry and careful management.
It was on Christmas day, 1860, that Mr. Clapp wedded Miss Elizabeth Knouse, who was born January 28, 1842, near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and was about eight years of age when her parents, David and Mary (Stump) Knouse, came to Scott county. They entered the land in Sheridan township about half a mile west of Mr. Clapp's farm, but they spent their first night in Iowa on the place where Charles Clapp now lives. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Clapp were nine children. Samuel, born in the house standing in the road, October 25, 1861, married Miss Nellie Morse and is now living at Adel, Iowa, where he is rearing his six children, Paul, Edward, Mamie, Leslie, Elizabeth and Eleanor. Anna, born April 14, 1864, became the wife of L. B. Guy, of Davenport, and they have three sons, Ralph, Kenneth and Donald. Emma, born June 23, 1866, and died July 3, 1890. She had married George Marti and they had a daughter, become the wife of Milton Drenter, of Lincoln township, passed away August 116, 1905, leaving three children: May, Pearl and Frank. Seldon, born August 16, 1905, leaving three children: May Pearl and Frank. Seldon, born August 16, 1871, married miss Lottie Boise and is now residing in St. Joseph, Missouri, where he is rearing his two sons, Seldon and Charles. David J. and Charles S., twins, were born June 11, 1874, and both are living on the old home place in Sheridan township. David J., married Jennie Neil, and they have one child, Neil. Charles S. wedded Miss Effie M. Evans, and they have two children, Lester E. and Mildred E. Archy born January 26, 1880, was graduated from the Iowa City Medical college and from Chicago Medical Institute and is now practicing medicine in Muscatine, Iowa, making a specialty of the eye, ear and nose. He wedded Miss Helen Hine. Nellie, the youngest of Mr. Clapp's family, was born April 18, 1885, and is living with her parents. All of the children have received good educations.
While a resident of Sheridan township Mr. clap rendered his fellow citizens acceptable service for about ten years in the capacities of road supervisor and school director and was ever devoted to the public good. Fraternally he is associated with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and with the Woodmen of the World, while his religious allegiance is given to the Christian church. He joined this organization first in Davenport in 1854, and when he moved to the country joined the congregation at Long Grove. Later, when he returned to Davenport he again joined the church there and is now the oldest member of this denomination in Scott county. He is deeply interested in church work and has been treasurer of his church for a long period. His life has ever been actuated by high principles, of honor and integrity, and the record of his life is characterized by a steady progress resulting form the wise and intelligent utilization of every opportunity that came to him, so that he may well enjoy the rest he so richly deserves.

Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann

Julius Grell Biography

From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.

Surnames: Grell, Blümer, Reinhardt, Steen, Blanchard, Engelhart, Hoffman, Hamann, Tackmann.

Julius Grell, a successful farmer and stock raiser of Hickory Grove township, was born in Allens Grove township, this county, November 8, 1864, a son of James and Margaret (Blumer) Grell. The former was a native of Kiel, Holstein, Germany, where his birth occurred March 10, 1839, his parents being Frederick and Margaret (Reinhardt) Grell, who spent their whole lives in the German fatherland. T it Frederick Grell was especially attached for he had served a term of seven years in the army. He was a farmer by occupation and was employed as overseer of a large estate. Only four of his family of five sons and five daughters came to the United States. These were: John, now deceased; James, the father of our subject; Claus, who is now a resident of Nebraska; and Mrs. Katherine Steen, now deceased.
James Grell  spent his early years in the town of his birth, where he learned the trade of a wagonmaker. At the age of twenty-three he determined to emigrate to America, whither his brother John had preceded him. The latter made his residence in Allens Grove township, this county so that it was but in the natural course of events that James Grell should there locate. After his arrival in Scott county he worked at his trade for seventeen years, while at the same time he also engaged in the cultivation of the farm in Allens Grove township on which he still resides. He cleared and developed it and as he prospered added to its original area until now he owns three hundred and twenty acres of good arable land on section 27. He also owns one hundred acres of timber land, his present holdings, however, representing but a portion of his original acquisition for he has bestowed large farms upon his sons. Before he embarked for America Mr. Grell married Miss Margaret Blümer, also a native of Kiel, Germany, and a daughter of David Blümer, who was born in Switzerland. Their union was blessed with four sons and four daughters, namely: Edward, who is at home; Julius, the subject of this sketch; Gus, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work; Dora, the wife of Charles Blanchard, of Oklahoma; Emma, the wife of Claus Engelhart and lives with Mr. Grell; Chris, who resides in Allens Grove township; and Jennie, the wife of John Hoffman, of Winfield township, this county. The mother died May 1, 1990, when about fifty years of age, but the father is still living. He is a democrat in his political views and has been very active in the public affairs of his township.
Julius Grell was reared under the careful guidance of his parents in Allens Grove township, attending the district school near his home, in which he obtained a fair education. The more substantial and practical training for life, however, he received while he worked with his father in the fields, for he was initiated into the secrets of agriculture as soon as he was able to handle the plow. He remained with his father until he married, when he decided to make a home for himself. Accordingly, he removed to section 2, Hickory Grove township, where he owned a tract of one hundred and twenty acres. Here he engages in diversified farming and raises a quantity of stock for the market. Putting into practice the sound principles inculcated by his father Mr. Grell has won a well deserved success in his calling and enjoys the respect of his associates.
In 1899 Mr. Grell wedded Miss Rosa Hamann, who was born in Davenport, March 23, 1867. Her parents, John and Anna (Tackmann) Hamann, were natives of Holstein, Germany, and when they emigrated to America took up their residence in Scott county. They are at present living in Sheridan township. Mr. and Mrs. Grell have tow children: Margaret Anna and Karl Julius.
Like his father, Mr. Grell has allied himself with the democratic party, although his adherence to its principles is not founded wholly upon the recommendation of another but because he believes firmly in them. He has, however, not taken any conspicuously active part in local affairs.

Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann