Scott Co, Iowa USGenWeb Project

John W. Crowley Biography

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

Surnames: Crowley, Smith, Diehn, Keuhl.

Beginning at the lowest round of the ladder, but by his own splendid efforts advancing steadily, with no retrograde movement in the whole course of his career, a glance at the life of J. W. Crowley, president of the People's Construction Company, can not be otherwise than inspiring. He was born July 26, 1865, in Arena, Wisconsin, his parents being Thomas and Bridget (Smith) Crowley. The father was a native of Ireland and upon coming to the United States located in New Jersey. Attracted by the report of opportunity of the west he came to the Mississippi valley and for some time found employment on the construction of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway. He also mad a venture at agricultural work, but eventually took up the railway construction again. His health failed him in his later years and he lived retired at his home until his death. Our subject's mother is still living at the age of eighty-two years.
J. W. Crowley received a common-school education and at he age of sixteen entered the arena of life as a wage earner. He had the advantage of at first working under his father's direction and during two winter seasons he clerked in a store. A cousin engaged in railway work next gave him employment, and then for a while he was a traveling salesman for a publishing company. After another season on the pay roll of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company, he secured a position, in 1887, with the Flynn & Williams Construction Company, which was operating a large tract of land near Arena, Wisconsin. When this company changed the scene of its activities to Iowa where laying work and continued in this capacity for two years. In 1889 he assumed a similar position with another railway company operating in Missouri and Illinois. When the work of double tracking the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific was undertaken, Mr. Crowley was offered a responsible position which necessitated his removal to Buffalo, Iowa, and in course of time he was transferred to the bridge department. Not impeded by fear of change he next assumed a position in the Eagle Manufacturing Company. In 1896 he was made superintendent of construction in the steel department of a large factory located in Moline, Illinois.
Mr. Crowley's association with the city of Davenport began in 1897, when he was employed by the board of local improvements as inspector of construction. HE held this position for two seasons and then removed to Kansas City, Kansas, where for some time he superintended various construction enterprises. He returned to Davenport and the city again secured his services as inspector of construction. His splendid executive ability and sound judgment having become widely recognized, the Davenport, Rock Island & Northwestern Railway offered him the position of superintendent of construction and bridge of work, which he held until 1900. During the following year he filled a similar position with the Flick& Johnson Company and then organized the Crowley & Diehn Construction Company, Mr. Crowley assuming the office of president. This concern was reorganized in April 1902, as the People's Construction Company, with Mr. Crowley still at the head, and taking everything into consideration, it is not astonishing that it has taken its place among Davenport's leading industries.
On May 30, 1900, Mr. Crowley was united in marriage to Miss Augusta Keuhl, who is of German parentage. They have  a fine family of five children. Helen G., at home; Walter L., who attends St. Ambrose's College, as does Raymond J.; Frances R. in school; and Emmett A., the youngest in the family.
Mr. Crowley and his family are communicants of the Catholic church. He is identified with numerous orders, in all of which he enjoys prominence and popularity. These fraternal relations extend to the Elks, the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Order of Foresters, the Hiberians, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Woodmen of the World, and the Knights of Father Matthew, a temperance society. Not taking into account Mr. Crowley's success in his relations, both social and fraternal, Davenport is to be congratulated upon her possession of a citizen who contributes so materially to her high standing in the industrial world.

Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann


Hugo Moeller Biography

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

Surnames: Moeller, Harder, Wehling, Stockwell, Hass, Wulf.

Hugo Moeller, city clerk of Davenport and one of the rising young men of this city, demonstrates in his political career that there are certain men who are bound to rise above their fellows through energy and mastery of detail. He was born in this city, January 10, 1880, a son of John F. and Mary (Harder) Moeller. The father came to Davenport in 1863 from Germany, his native land, and after being engaged in several lines commenced manufacturing paper and cigar boxes. His wife came to Davenport with her father in the early '50s, having been born in Germany. Six children were born to them: Minnie, now Mrs. Wehling; Henry; Tillie, now Mrs. Stockwell; Hugo; Hannah, the deceased wife of Walter Hass, and Walter, also deceased.
Hugo Moeller was educated in the public schools, graduating from the high school in 1897. After being engaged in various kinds of work, he took a commercial course in Brown's Business College. For three years thereafter he was an agent of the Corn Products Refining Company, and worked hard to serve his house. A strong democrat, Mr. Moeller has always given his party a considerable portion of his time and was rewarded by election to the office of city clerk in 1906 and has been continuously reelected. He is an excellent official, obliging, courteous and hard-working, and the people of the city feel that no better man could be found to fill the responsible office.
In 1905 Mr. Moeller was married to Emelia Wulf, a daughter of Herman Wulf. Mr. Moeller belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the O. O. O., and is very popular in them all.
Still in the very prime of his young manhood, with years of usefulness stretching out before him, the idol of his party locally brilliant things are prophesied of this representative son of Davenport.

Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann


R. H. Harned Biography

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

Surnames: Harned, Von Maur, Metcalf, Pursel, Reeder.

A man of well balanced capacities and powers, his strong character and capabilities inspiring confidence in others, the story of the life of R. H. Harned is one of orderly progression. He is preeminently a man of business sense, easily avoiding the mistakes and disasters which come to those who, though possessing remarkable faculties in some respects, are liable to erratic movements that result in unwarranted risks and failure. His course has been one which has stood the test of time and of public approval and as senior partner of the firm of Harned and Von Maur he stands as one of the most prominent representatives of commercial interests in Davenport. H was born at Shickshinny, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, October 30, 1864, a son of Clark and Isabella T. (Metcalf) Harned the former a native of Shickshinny and the latter of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. After attending the public schools, in which he mastered the fundamental principles of education, R. H. Harned continued h!
is studies in the Wyoming Seminary and Commercial College and made his initial step in the business world by entering the employ of Fowler, Dick & Walker, dry-goods merchants of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, under whose direction he became acquainted with the dry-goods trade. He remained with that firm until 1887, when he entered into partnership with C. J. Von Maur and E. C. Pursel under the firm style of Harned, Pursel & Von Maur, coming to Davenport in that year on the 2d of April. They located at the southwest corner of Second and Brady streets and prospered from the beginning, enjoying a constantly increasing trade. In 1889, upon the death of Mr. Pursel, the style of the firm became Harned & Von Maur, which has since been continued. The original store was modest in its beginning but the energy, ability and character of the young men told and the enterprise developed along substantial lines, the growth of the business at last necessitating the erection of a new building for its accommodation. In 1898 the business was incorporated under the firm style of Harned & Von Maur. They remained in the original location until 1899, when a lot was purchased at the southeast corner of Harrison and Second streets and their present magnificent building was erected there. They have today one of the finest, best arranged and most modernly equipped stores in the state. The building has a frontage of eighty-six feet, is one hundred and fifty feet deep and has three stories with basement. It is equipped with a power and electric plant and the fittings of the store are most modern and attractive, including a pneumatic cash system and every convenience and facility for the conduct of a first-class department store. In 1906 it was necessary to lease a building to serve as an annex in which to store the reserve stock in order that their third floor might be utilized for retail purposes. Something of the growth of the business is indicated in that when it was established, on the 2d of April, 1887, they occupied a small store twenty by seventy-five feet. At the end of six months it was necessary to double their space and similar additions were made during the succeeding eighteen months. In 1892 an addition was made to the block, doubling the space which they then occupied and after seven years they removed to their present quarters. Thus from a modest beginning in a little corner shop this establishment has grown with the passing years, its magnificent success being due to the tireless energy, undaunted enterprise and reliable business methods of the partners, who enjoy the public confidence in an unusual degree. The simile of the acorn and the oak is especially applicable to this business, the tree weathering all financial storms, activity and commercial integrity constituting its roots, which have spread out and taken firm hold in the soil of public confidence and public opinion.
In 1899 Mr. Harned was married to Miss Mary Reeder, a native of Bordentown, New Jersey. They have two daughters, Eleanor M. and Louise I. The family residence is a splendid home on Mississippi avenue, attractive by reason of its hospitality as well as its tasteful furnishings. Mr. Harned is a member of the Golf and Outing Clubs and also the Commercial Club of Davenport. He is also greatly interested in church and philanthropic work and is now serving as a trustee and ruling elder in the First Presbyterian church, in which he has long held membership. He is also connected with the Young Men's Christian Association and is a cooperant factor in various lines of activity expressive of the recognition of the brotherhood of man and the Fatherhood of God. He stand today in his mature years a strong man, strong in his balanced mentally and physically, he has never feared to venture where favoring opportunity has presented, and his judgment and even-paced energy have carried him forward to the goal of success.

Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann


Alexander W. Brownlie Biography

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

Surnames: Brownlie, Neil, McCosh, Van Patten, Fluke, Thompson, Calderwood, Fleming.

Alexander W. Brownlie needs no introduction to the readers of this volume, for he has made his home within the borders of Scott county for more than three score years and ten, having been brought here by his parents when in the second year of his age. He was successfully engaged in farming and stockraising throughout his active business career but is living largely retired at the present time, enjoying the fruits of his former toil in well earned ease. His birth occurred in Canada on the 22d of May, 1837, his parents being James and Ritchie (Walker) Brownlie, both of whom were natives of Scotland. The father was born on the 26th of November, 1807, and the mother's birth occurred in the year 1810. They were married in Canada and remained residents of that country until 1838, when the family home was established in Scott county, Iowa, the father coming here a few months prior to the arrival of his wife and three children. James Brownlie took up a timber claim at Long Grove, w!
hich place at that time boasted only one shanty. He constructed a sod house or dugout and after residing therein for a year built what was considered a commodious log house in those days. In 1851 the primitive structure was replaced by another residence, which is still standing. James Brownlie accumulated about four hundred acres of land and devoted his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business career, bringing his fields under a high state of cultivation and improvement. He held various positions of public trust and responsibility and was one of the six men (all Brownlie by name) who organized the Christian church at Long Grove, in 1839. Preaching services were conducted in his home from 1839 until 1846, when a log church was erected, and he served as an elder until his demise. This church is the oldest in Scott county. Mr. Brownlie was called to his final rest in 1893 and the community thus lost one of its worthy pioneer settlers who!
se labors had proved a important element in the work of early development and upbuilding. His wife passed away in 1889. Their children were six in number, as follows: Jane, who id deceased, as is also her husband, James Neil; Mrs. Isabelle McCosh, who has likewise passed away; Alexander of this review; Catherine, the deceased wife of John Fluke, of Grinnell, Iowa; Andrew, who has also been called to his final rest; an Robert, who is a resident of Long Grove.
Alexander W. Brownlie began his education under the preceptorship of his parents, as there were still no schools in the  pioneer community. When he was about ten years of age a little "temple of learning" was established at Long Grove with Phillip Van Patten as instructor, and there he pursued his studies for a time. He remained under the parental roof until he was married and then purchased and located upon a tract of one hundred and sixty acres near Long Grove. Part of the land was broken and after the remainder had been made ready for farming purposes he erected a dwelling and there carried on his agricultural interests for about twelve years. On the expiration of that period he took up his abode on another farm of one hundred and thirty acres a little nearer Long Grove and, disposing of his original property soon afterward, was actively engaged in its operation for a great many years. In 1876 he became interested in the live stock business in association with his brother Robert and they carried on their operations in this connection for about a third of a century, making a specialty of shorthorn cattle, Poland China hogs and Percheran horses. He is still engaged in the live stock business to some extent but is living largely retired at the present time, making his home at No. 501 Kirkwood avenue in Davenport. He is one of the stockholders in the Stockmen's Bank at Long Grove, which he assisted in organizing in May 1907.
On the 22d of January, 1862, Mr. Brownlie was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Thompson, who was born in England on the 22d of January, 1841, and who in 1844 was brought to Scott county by her parents, the Hon. Hugh M. and Jane Thompson. Her father represented this district in the state legislature for a great many years and was also the president and manager of the Iowa Agricultural College. Mr. and Mrs. Brownlie became the parents of four children. Sarah, the eldest, wedded M. H. Calderwood, of Davenport, and is now the mother of seven children, namely: Ethel, Blanche; Errett and Almeta, twins; Helen; Dwight; and Ruth. William, the cashier of the Citizens First Bank of Davenport, wedded Miss Mary E. Fleming, by whom he has one child, Aline. Annie, who gave her hand in marriage to John Neil, of Cherokee, Iowa, now has four children: Iola, Jennie, Laverne and Bernice. Andrew Brownlie is deceased. Mrs. Elizabeth Brownlie, the wife and mother, was called to her final rest in the year 1874.
Mr. Brownlie is a lifelong member of the Christian church at Long Grove and has always held official position therein, having continuously served as trustee since its incorporation and as elder and Sunday school superintendent for about thirty years. He has spent practically his entire life in this county and is therefore familiar with its development from pioneer times down to the present, having aided in the arduous toil which brought about the wonderful transformation that is everywhere apparent in this part of the state.

Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann


Edward K. Ward Biography

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

Surnames: Ward, Taylor, Crocker.

Edward K. Ward, United States veterinary inspector, with offices in Davenport, was born in Guilford, Indiana, August 6 1864, his parents being Isaac B. and Emma (Taylor) Ward. He spent his early years in the Hoosier state and took advantage of her public-school opportunities. Later the citizens of his native town recommended him for the office of postmaster, in which capacity he rendered efficient service, and, known to be a stanch champion of the cause of education, he was also made school director.
At the age of twenty-nine, Mr. Ward entered the veterinary college at Toronto, Canada, with the idea of more thoroughly fitting himself for his life work and after taking the full course secured his degree. Thus equipped he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he engaged for a time in the practice of his profession, and then further satisfied his educational ambitions by taking a post-graduate course in the Columbian Correspondence School of Washington, D. C. Soon afterward he removed to Chicago and entered the government service as assistant veterinary inspector. After passing some time there, he returned t Cincinnati and became assistant to the chief inspector. His next step was to come to Davenport, where he accepted his present important and responsible position as United States veterinary inspector, and where the associations formed by him have been sufficiently pleasant to warrant his expectation of remaining here permanently.
The marriage of Mr. Ward and Miss Pearl Crocker, a young woman of his native state, was celebrated June 26, 1889. They have four children: Ama E., Pierman C., Erdine and Carl.
The social is a pleasant ingredient in the composition of Mr. Ward's nature, and he enjoys membership in the Masonic body and in an organization known as the Grotto. He is to a great extent a self-made man, never satisfied with mediocrity, and a worthy citizen whose high aims are not confined to his profession but extend to every relation of life.

Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann


Adolph Priester Biography

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

Surnames: Priester, Beuthien, Schlapp, Mixter.

Various business interests have felt the stimulus of the cooperation and sound judgment of Adolph Priester, who through many years has been closely connected with commercial and financial interests in Davenport. Difficulties have seemed but to arouse in him renewed energy and determination and with progress as his watchword he has pushed steadily forward, making for himself an honorable and enviable position among Davenport's chief business representatives. He was born June 30, 1848, in Holstein, Germany, and came to this country in August, 1857, when a youth of nine years, in company with his parents, Carl and Elise (Beuthien) Preister. The father was the founder of the family in the new world. He had followed farming in Germany and after crossing the Atlantic to the United States he made his way into the interior of the country and invested in land in Scott county. With characteristic energy he then began the development of a farm and soon brought his fields under a high !
state of cultivation.
Adolph Priester began his education in the schools of the fatherland and completed his course in the public schools of this country. He was reared to the occupation of farming and became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, but, thinking to find other pursuits more congenial, he turned his attention to merchandising, becoming active in the management of a dry-goods store in this city. He was afterward associated with a crockery company and later entered the Citizens National Bank, with which he was connected for twenty-eight years as teller and assistant cashier. While still engaged in the banking business he established an office for the conduct of an insurance business, representing the Germania Life Company, and following his retirement from the field of banking he was appointed state manager for the company, which he has thus represented to the present time. In this regard he controls an extensive insurance business annually, ca!
refully devising plans for the furtherance of the interest of the company in this state. He is likewise a director of the Davenport Brewing Company and is a well known business man.
On the 1st of December 1888, Mr. Priester was married to Miss Ida Koehler, a daughter of Henry and Ottilie (Schlapp) Koehler. Three children grace this marriage: Henry C., who has completed school and is now a private secretary to Mr. Mixter, superintendent of the Deere Plow Company; and Walter and Oscar C., who are yet students. Mr. Priester is well known in fraternal circles and in Masonry has attained the Knight Templar degree. He also belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and his membership relations extend to the Turner Society and to the Commercial Club. He manifests in his life many of the strong and sterling characteristics of his German ancestry. Patriotism and progress might well be termed the keynote of his character, for these qualities have been manifest in every relation of his life, making him one of the valued citizens of Davenport as well as one of its representative business men.

Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann


James Garstang Biography

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

Surnames: Garstang, Baker.

In the years of an active business life James Garstang was connected with carpentering in Davenport and helped to erect many substantial structures here. Now in his seventy-fifth year he is living retired, the fruits of his former toil supplying him with the necessities and comforts of life. He was born in Lancashire, England, February 29, 1836, a son of Collin and Anna Garstang. The father was a loom-maker in England and came to the United States in 1849 with his wife, his son James coming in 1853. After traveling to a considerable extent in this county he ultimately settled in Davenport, where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1867.
James Garstang came to the United states four years after his parents had taken up their abode on this side the Atlantic, although they returned to England and brought him to the new world. They landed at New York and all came direct to Davenport, James Garstang arriving here on the day that he was seventeen years of age. He attended school to a limited extent here and afterward drove  a team and was employed in other ways until about twenty years of age, when he began learning the carpenter's trade, which he found a congenial occupation, following it continuously until his retirement. As he prospered in his undertakings he made judicious investments in realty and now derives a substantial income form his property interests.
On the 30th of March, 1865, Mr. Garstang was married to Miss Mary Baker, a daughter of William Baker and a native of England. She was born October 19, 1839, and came to the United States at the age of sixteen years. Her mother died in England and her father died at sea while they were crossing the Atlantic. Mrs. Garstang lived to the age of sixty-nine years, passing away November 12, 1808. There were two children of that marriage, Collin and William Edward, but the latter died at the age of two years. The former was born December 7, 1867. There are now two grandsons, Clifford S. and Lloyd W.
Mr. Garstang continued actively in business in Davenport for many years and was always found reliable, painstaking and faithful in the execution of his work. His industry and careful management at length brought him a gratifying measure of success and with the retired men of affluence he is now numbered.

Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann


Ferdinand Wolf Biography

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

Surnames: Wolf, Buck, Kettleson, Muller.

Ferdinand Wolf, deceased, was at one time well known among the resident farmers of Scott County and, in fact, was a native son of the county, his birth having occurred in Butler township, on the 18th of February, 1869. His parents were Asmus and Catherine (Buck) Wolf, of whom mention is made on another page of this volume. He was a pupil in the district schools during his boyhood days and he remained upon the home farm until his marriage, aiding in the work of field and meadow as the years went by and thus gaining practical knowledge of the business which he decided to make his life work. At the time of his marriage he began farming on his own account on a tract of land owned by his father-in-law in Butler township. There he lived for five years. On the expiration of that period he purchased the farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Butler township upon which his widow now resides and one hundred and sixty acres adjoining the homestead. He made all the improvements upon the place. He cultivated his fields according to the most modern and progressive methods and years after yard carried on the farm work in such a practical and progressive manner that substantial success crowned his efforts.
It was on the 16th of March, 1894, that Mr. Wolf was married to Miss Alvina Muller, a daughter of Ernest and Christina (Kettleson) Muller. Mrs. Wolf was born in Butler township and her parents were both natives of Germany. Her father, who was born in Westphalia, came to the United States at the age of seventeen years with his mother. They first settled in Ohio and later came to Iowa, taking up their abode at LeClaire. Mr. Muller was a carpenter by trade and followed that pursuit for some time, but later turned his attention to farming. The first land he bought was in Butler township and from time to time he added to his original holdings until he had about six hundred and ninety acres in Butler township on the homestead. He was a man of good business ability and sound judgment, and the careful manner in which he controlled his farming interests enabled him to become one of the large landowners of the community. He filled the office of justice of the peace for a number of years and his decisions were always strictly fair and impartial. In 1874 he was elected on the republican ticket to the house of representatives and filled that position for three terms to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. He lived retired on his farm for a number of years prior to his death, which occurred in retired on his farm for a number of years prior to his death, which occurred in 1899, his remains being interred in Fairview Cemetery.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Wolf were born five children: Malitta, who was born November 24, 1897, and died when about seventeen years of age and settled near Dixon, Iowa. She died in 1898 and her remains were also interred in the Fairview cemetery.
The death of the husband and father occurred on the 3d of September, 1909, and his remains were interred in Fairview cemetery. He had served as school director for three years and was a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. While his time and attention were largely devoted to his farming interests, he yet advocated progress in all matters of citizenship and endorsed all practical methods for the benefit of the county. He had wide acquaintance in the township in which he lived and his many good qualities won him the esteem and high regard of a large circle of friends as well as the love of his own family.

Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann


H. H. Boettger Biography

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

Surnames: Boettger, Hansen.

H. H. Boettger, a cigar manufacturer and representative of some of the leading cigar producers in the country, is well established in Davenport. He was born here, April 5, 1884, a son of H. J. and Doretta (Kiene) Boettger. The father was born in Germany and came to Davenport in 1882. He was a cigarmaker by trade and finally established himself in the business of manufacturing cigars, having carried it on for the past fourteen years. Mrs. Boettger was also born in Germany, but they were married in the vicinity of Davenport. Three sons have been born to them: H. H., Edward A. and Christian.
H. H. Boettger was educated in the public schools and the high school of Davenport. He then took a commercial course in Brown's Business College. Having learned  the trade of making cigars in his boyhood. Mr. Boettger naturally turned toward that occupation when he was ready to begin his business life, joining his father in his enterprise, and they now have a fine trade, manufacturing their own brands.
A democrat in politics, Mr. Boettger has taken so active a part in labor matters that in November, 1908, he was elected a member of the lower house of the state assembly and has made a record for himself that indicates that he will be called upon to represent the people in still higher offices.
In 1904 Mr. Boettger was married to Ellen Hansen, who was born in Davenport, a daughter of Jens Hansen, and they have two children: Evangeline and Elizabeth. Mr. Boettger belongs to a number of fraternal orders as well as several social organizations and is very popular in them all. Brilliant and self-confident, knowing well what he can do and prompt to carry out his ideas, he easily meets every demand made upon him. His plans for the future and for the betterment of the condition of working people are many and worthy of being executed. Not only is he a statesman but he is very successful in business and understands every detail of the work he and his father are so successfully prosecuting.

Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann


George O. Hoffmann Biography

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

Surnames: Hoffmann, Paustian, Hansen.

George O. Hoffmann, president of the Shrecker Marble Works, is one of the enterprising business men of Davenport. A native of this city, from his childhood days he has heard stories of its growth, for his parents, Andrew and Anna (Paustian) Hoffmann, were among its earliest settlers. When they came here there was little to forecast the greatness to which it would attain and well can they remember those first years with all their hardships, but looking back over the passage of time they may feel a personal pride in the growth of the city for they have aided in its development. Both are numbered among the respected citizens of Davenport, where they are living in retirement.
George O. Hoffmann, the eldest of the five children born to his parents, attended the public school in district No. 5, in which he received all of his education. After he left hat institution, he learned the trade of marble engraving, gaining a high proficiency in the art during the many years he was in the employ of other men. Endowed with those qualities which make a man a leader and not a follower, he was not satisfied until he commenced business for himself. Accordingly, about ten or twelve years ago, he established the concern of which he is now president. During its existence it has made a place for itself among the business interests of Davenport and has won a large income for the man at its head. The field of its operations is constantly increasing and as this is the result of Mr. Hoffmann's own efforts he is well deserving of the respect and esteem he enjoys among his fellow citizens.
It was in 1890 that Mr. Hoffmann and Miss Wilhelmina Hansen were united in marriage and to them have been born five children: Florence, Hilda, Bertha, George and Pearlie, all of whom are at home. Mr. Hoffmann belongs to the Modern Brotherhood of America and to the Black hawk, in both of which bodies he is very active and has many friends among his fraternal brethren.

Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann


Parke T. Burrows Biography

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

Surnames: Burrows, McLane, Wolcott, McManus.

Parke Tunis Burrows is a Davenport architect who in the practice of his profession has done much to enhance the appearance of the city in the construction of substantial and attractive buildings, the list of which indicates the nature of his work and the appreciation on the part of the public for the value of his service.
Davenport numbers Mr. Burrows among her native sons, his birth having occurred here, August 8, 1871. His father, Elisha G. Burrows, was likewise born in Davenport, his natal year being 1840. He was a son of John McDowell Burrows, a prominent figure in the early history of Scott county and of Iowa, having located here in 1838. He was born in Elizabethtown, New Jersey, in 1814 and died here in 1889. He conducted a general store, also engaged in the grain business and owned and operated a private bank. Almost from the earliest occupancy of the white man in this state the Burrows family has been represented in Scott county. Elisha G. Burrows followed mercantile pursuits like his father.
Parke T. Burrows, reared in Davenport, attended the public schools and afterward entered the University of Illinois, from which he was graduated in 1892. He then spent three years in Chicago, studying architecture and gaining broad, thorough and practical knowledge in the offices of leading members of the profession in that city. In 1895 he returned to Davenport where he has since practiced. At that time the firm of Hubbell & Burrows was formed, but in 1896 Mr. Burrows became a partner of F. G. Clausen under the firm style of Clausen & Burrows. That relation was maintained until 1904, when he became a member of the firm of Temple, Burrows & McLane, which is still in existence. The years have chronicled his growing power and ability in this city and elsewhere, including St. John's Methodist Episcopal church, the high school, the public schools Nos. 11 and 13, the Davenport Hotel, the Commercial Club, the Lane building, the Unions Savings Bank building, the First National Bank and others. Those who know Davenport need but to see this citation in order to understand the position which Mr. Burrows fills as an architect and builder in this city, for those buildings are among the finest of Davenport. He has also erected many others in Iowa and Illinois and is a member of the American Institute of Architects.
In 1902 Mr. Burrows was married to Miss Camilla Simmons Wolcott, of St. Louis, a granddaughter of William McManus, a pioneer of Davenport. They have one daughter, Camilla. While Mr. and Mrs. Burrows are well known socially in Davenport he allows no outside interests to interfere with hi professional duties, taking genuine pleasure in his work as well as appreciating the opportunity which it affords him of promoting the adornment and improvement of the city along architectural lines.

Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann


Ferdinand Schlapkohl Biography

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

Surnames: Schlapkohl, Korn, Wohlert, Petersen.

Davenport has a large percentage of German people who, imbued with the spirit of progress, sought the opportunities of the new world, bringing with them the salient characteristics of the Teutonic race, which has ever been an important element in the colonization of America. To this number belongs Ferdinand Schlapkohl, now a retired business man and one of the veterans of the Civil war. His life record commends him to the confidence and good will of all and cannot fail to prove of interest to many of our readers.
Mr. Schlapkohl was born in Holstein, Germany, April 22, 1841, and is a son of Henry and Margaret Schlapkohl. The father was a farmer in his native land and left that country for America in 1853, accompanied by his family. He did not live to reach his destination, however  but died on the voyage. The mother and her four children afterward continued on their way to Davenport, where they had friends living. The two sisters, Kathryn and Dora, and the brother Henry Schlapkohl are all now deceased, while the mother passed away in 1856.
Ferdinand Schlapkohl attended school for about six years in Germany and after coming to America worked by the month as a farm hand in the summer seasons, while in the winter he attended school. He also took care of race horses in his young days and at different times was employed as a clerk in a store in Rock Island, where he obtained his first experience in the grocery business. He then enlisted on the 23d of September, 1861, as a member of Company I, Twelfth Missouri Infantry. He was enrolled at Davenport and joined his regiment at St. Louis, where he obtained his first experience in the grocery business. He then enlisted on the 23d of September, 1861, as a member of Company I, Twelfth Missouri Infantry. He was enrolled at Davenport and joined his regiment at St. Louis, after which he went up the Missouri river to Jefferson City, where the regiment were in camp for a couple of weeks, proceeding thence by rail to Sedalia, where they spent two day. They afterward marched to Springfield, Missouri, and winter quarters were established at Rolla, Missouri. In January, however, they broke camp and proceeded southward into Arkansas, participating in the battle of Pea Ridge, the next battle at Chickasaw Bayou occurring about New Year's day of 1862, after which the troops took part in the battle of Arkansas Post. Later came the battles of Jackson and Vicksburg, including the siege of the latter place until its capitulation. From that point the regiment proceeded to Memphis, where three days were spent, after which they started to Chattanooga and took part in the battles of Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge, proceeding on the Ringgold, where they again met the enemy in a hotly contested engagement. From that point they went to Woodville, Alabama, and camped there until May 1st. Mr. Schlapkohl with his command was all through the Atlanta campaign and after the capture of the city he was mustered out at St. Louis, September 23, 1864, by reason of the expiration of his three years' term of service.
Mr. Schlapkohl then returned to Davenport and in 1866 joined Mr. Prim in the grocery business on Harrison street. Later they removed to Second street, where the business was conducted until 1871, when the partnership was dissolved, Mr. Schlapkohl remaining alone in the grocery trade for thirty-seven years, or until the time of his retirement in 1903. For more than a third of a century he was one of the well known leading and prominent grocery merchants of the city, having a large trade which came to him as the result of his well selected line of goods, his careful business management, his reasonable prices and honorable dealing.
On the 22d of June, 1868, occurred the marriage of Mr. Schlapkohl and Miss Theresa Schmidt, a daughter of Carl Schmidt, of Long Grove. Unto them have been born seven children: Hulda, who married Charles Korn, of Davenport, and has three children, Gertrude, Ferdinand and Charles; Matilda, the wife of Chris Wohlert, of this city; Henry, deceased; Marie, at home; William, a business man of Durant, Iowa, who married Miss Petersen and has one child, Alice; Dora, who is a teacher in the schools of Davenport; and Thelka, at home.
Mr. Schlapkohl is a member of the Unitarian church and also belongs to the Turners and the Pioneer German Society. In politics he is a republican and is a citizen of worth, loyal at all times to high principles of manhood and to the best interests of municipal, state and national government. Moreover, he is a self-made man, dependent upon his own resources from an early age, working earnestly for the success which he has achieved, realizing ever that "there is no excellence without labor." His diligence has constituted the key that has unlocked for him the portals of success, enabling him now to live retired.

Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann




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