Spetman, Fred W. (1855-1929)

SPETMAN

Posted By: Joyce Hickman (email)
Date: 1/22/2009 at 16:21:14

Fred W. Spetman
Sep 18, 1855 - Aug 15, 1929

(From the 1883 History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, by J. H. Keatley, p.56, Council Bluffs)
F. W. Spetman of the firm of F. W. Spetman & Bro., Council Bluffs, was born in Kane Township, this county, September 18, 1855. He attended Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College at Davenport, this State, and graduated in 1873. He started in business in Council Bluffs, in the fall of 1875, with about $1,500 in stock. The business increased to such an extent that he took in his brother, W. C. Spetman, and removed to No. 511 Main street, where he father had just completed a building, 22 x 70 feet, and two stories high, with a basement. But the steady increase of the business demanded still more room, and his father built an addition, 25 x 70, and two stories high. The firm now carry about $20,000 in stock, with annual sales amounting to $60,000. They carry a full line of general merchandise. In 1881, our subject was elected Alderman in the Third Ward, on the Democratic ticket, and served one year. He was married, September 10, 1878, to Alvini Laskowski, of Council Bluffs. Mr. Spetman is of German descent.

(From the 1891 Biographical History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, p.421)
Fred W. SPETMAN, of the firm of F. W. Spetman & Bro., Merchants of Council Bluffs, is a native of Pottawattamie County, born September 18, 1855, the oldest son of H. H. SPETMAN, whose sketch appears elsewhere. Our subject was reared on a farm and received his education in the public schools of the township and city of Council Bluffs. When seventeen years of age he went to Davenport, and attended the Bryant & Stratton College, where he graduated. He then returned to this city, and engaged as clerk for Smith & Crittenden, in the wholesale and retail dry-goods business, including both departments. He remained with them two years, after which he purchased a half interest in the store then known as Galleger & Lee, purchasing Galleger's interest. The store was located on B Street, opposite the Ogden House, and was then known as Lee & Spetman. Mr. SPETMAN continued for two years, and then purchased his partner's interest, and continued the business alone for one year and a half, when he sold out to J. C. Lee. He then, in 1877, removed to his present location, 509 and 511 Main Street and in company with his brother, W. C., they carry an extensive line of general merchandise, boots, shoes and clothing, and have built up an extensive business. In 1880-'81 he served as a member of the City Council from the Third Ward. In 1886 he was elected City Treasurer, serving two terms, or four years. Mr. SPETMAN was married September 10, 1879, to Miss Alvena Los KOWSKI, a native of St. Louis, who came with her parents, Edward Los KOWSKI, a native of Germany, to this county in 1858. They have four children: Ella M., Lulu R., Dora C., and Verra R. Mr. SPETMAN is a member of the I.O.O.F., No. 49, and of the A.O.U.W. He is also a member of the Lutheran Church. Politically he affiliates with the Democratic party.