Iowa Old Press

Davenport Daily Times
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
Saturday, November 3, 1900

Foundations of Scott County.
In Old Rockingham.
It's Rise and Fall...
How the Smallest Township in the County Came Very Near to Becoming the Most
Important-
Some Interesting Details of the Township.
By F.J. B. Huot

     "Here we are a happy, happy band
     On the banks of Rockingham."
                    - An Old Time Jingle

     Although Rockingham township is the smallest in Scott county, still it
is one around which many historical events have centered. Its settlement
began simultaneously with those of Princeton, Pleasant Valley and LeClaire,
and but one year later than those of Buffalo and Davenport. During the years
1835, 1836 and 1837 a few settlers made claims upon the land lying back from
the river along under the bluffs and on the edge of the prairie. Among these
were David Sullivan in 1835, who pitched his rude log house immediately back
of the village of Rockingham, and under its protective bluff. His farm
extended to the bottom lands. Other settlers were Rufus Ricker, who arrived
in 1836 and Rev. Enoch Mead who came in the winter of 1837, and who was the
first clergyman to reside in the township.

The Bluff and Prairie Settlers.
     Among those who settled on the bluffs and one the edge of the prairie
may be mentioned Lewis Binglesly in 1837 and John Wilson in 1835, the latter
being familiarly known as "Wildcat Wilson" form his having boasted that that
he "whipped his weight in wildcats," and Charles Jacob Friday, the first
permanent German pioneer in Scott county, who is credited with breaking the
first ground upon the bluffs-ten acres for himself and four for Mr.
Wingfield, in 1836. John W. Brown, William Van Tuyl and John Burnsides also
made claims or purchased them on Black Hawk Creek just above Rockingham in
the present locality known as Black Hawk to the rear and south of Schuetzen
Park in Davenport as early as 1836.

Laid out in 1836
     As we have already stated, the town of Rockingham was laid out in 1836
by J.H. Sullivan, James Davenport, Adrian H. Davenport and others and was
located in section 8 of that township. In the August of that year Colonel
Sullivan with his family and some others came out for settlement. On the
first of May, 1836, the infant village contained only two log cabins, one
being occupied by Adrian H. Davenport and his family and the other by a Mr.
Foster. Mr. Sullivan brought with him a small stock of goods and removing
his store from Stevenson (now Rock Island) where he had been trading for a
year previous, he erected a small building and opened a dry goods and
grocery store, the first in the town, which for some time did a thriving
business.

With Surprising Growth.
     So rapidly did the little place augment that in the fall and winter of
1836 Rockingham contained some thirteen houses and about 160 inhabitants,
among whom may be mentioned the following gentlemen:
     Colonel Sullivan and family, Jas. Davenport and family, John Coleman
and brothers, John Willis, S.S. Brown, Henry C. Morehead, David Sullivan,
Cornelius Harrold, Richard Harrison, James B. McCoy, E.H. Shepherd,
Millington Easley, Franklin Easley, William Lingo, William Mountain, Etherel
Camp, J.M. Camp, William White, William Detro, Mr. Cole, H.W. Higgins, Mr
.Foster, Dr. E.S. Barrows.

The Old Rockingham Hotel
     In 1836 a large hotel was erected by J.H. Sullivan, James and Adrian H.
Davenport and was kept by H.W. Higgins, who officiated as its boniface for
several years. This was considered to be one of the best public houses west
of the Mississippi. The county commissioners held their court or rather
sessions, within its walls until it was finally and irrevocably settled that
Davenport was to be the county seat. Several stirring elections are on
record in the history of the old tavern which already has had special
mention where occasion was had to speak of the county seat contest.
     In the spring of 1837 to more dry goods and general merchandise stores
were opened in the village, one by the Davenports and the other by John S.
Sheller & Co.

The First Steam Flour Mill
     In the summer of that year a steam saw and flouring mill was erected by
Mr. Sullivan, it being the first of the kind built in Scott county, in the
Black Hawk purchase. This mill rendered efficient service for a great many
years. Even after the village ceased to exist it did duty for the farming
community in its neighborhood. It was, however, torn down in 1852, the shell
of the building being removed and re-erected as a barn or granery while its
machinery was shipped aboard a steamboat and taken to LeClaire where it was
installed in the mill established by Adrian H. Davenport, in that village.

Two Years After.
     In 1838 Rockingham contained fifty houses, including stores and work
shops, and in 1839 there were four dry goods stores, three grocer stores,
one drug store and several saloons, or "whisky shops" as they were called in
that day. All the trade were represented by the population and the town gave
every evidence of thrift and longevity. The mill, the hotel, the workshops,
the stores and the ferry did an immense pioneer business and the prestige of
the growing village was considered superior to that of Davenport. But there
came a sudden decline the cause of which must be attributed to her failure
to secure the county seat.

Made a Desperate Effort
     Rockingham made a desperate effort to secure the county seat and when
that failed her hopes began to decline, and from the date the contest was
decided in favor of Davenport all efforts to build up the place ceased and
removals began, one by one, until today but one building remains upon the
site of the once flourishing village. The visitor to its site will behold
none of its former importance. Only the old time hotel up to 1830 a farmer's
stopping place, with its spacious bar-room, once a hotel office, where the
politicians of the latter '30s met to discuss the possibilities of her
securing the coveted prize, but now an ordinary farm house, remains to tell
the tale of her disappointment and of her decline.

What Willard Barrows Says
     Speaking of those who were instrumental in building up the village,
Willard Barrows, our first surveyor, writing in 1860 says:
     "Of the early settlers of Rockingham, many are still inhabitants of
Scott county; some have died and many settled in this portion of the state.
We should like to speak more in detail of the early trials and difficulties
through which they passed; of their joys and sorrows of their disappointed
hope and be allowed to follow each of his fortunes since the days of old
Rockingham, but the limits of this work will not allow. There is, however,
one truthful remark which may be written. 'No village in the far west at
that day could boast of a better class of citizens, or of those of whom she
could be more proud than Rockingham, both on account of their high toned
moral character, their social and friendly qualities, and their kind and
liberal attention to the sick and the stranger. Many a wanderer from the
home circle has been made to know this, when laid upon a sick bed in a far
western village he has found the kindly tones and skillful hands of woman in
his sick room, and had at the same time, substantial proof that he was not
forgotten by the "sterner sex.'"
     This is, indeed, a tribute to the pioneers of Rockingham, coming from
one who knew them best and almost repeats the story of Acadia in those
beautiful acres of Scott county's smallest township.

The Rockingham Postoffice
     A postoffice was established in Rockingham village in 1836 with I.H.
Sullivan as postmaster. The office was continued until 1841 and then
abolished. Upon petition it was restored, but finally after a precarious
existence of ten years it was discontinued in 1851.

Horticulture
     Since the decline of the village the farmers of Rockingham have made a
specialty of fruit raising. In which they have succeeded to marked degree.
Early in 1840 a Quaker from Indiana came up the river with a load of
"grafted and budded" trees. He stopped at Rockingham village, where the
entire stock was disposed of. The trees adapted to the climate and the fruit
showed an excellent quality. Among those who made a specialty of
arborculture and horticulture generally may be mentioned Enoch Mead, the
Presbyterian divine, Charles Jacob Friday and his son, John M. Friday,
Sandford Stevens, and Richard Jenkins.

Town Platted in 1836
     The energetic rival of Davenport in the late '30s was Rockingham,
which, from the year 1834 to 1840 promised to divide honors with her until
the contest for the county seat in the latter year shredded her hopes and
diminished her prestige forever. In March 1834, one year after the
settlement of the present site of Davenport, and two years after the Black
Hawk purchase, Adrian H. Davenport made a claim at Rockingham and he and his
uncle, James Davenport, and Colonel John Sullivan became proprietors of the
site of what they dreamed would one day be a thriving city. A town was laid
out and a ferry established between its shore and the mouth of the Rock
river opposite. This was the third ferry operated across the Mississippi
river, the first being the celebrated Clark ferry at Buffalo, while Antoine
LeClaire divides honors with Colonel George Davenport in the establishment
of the second between Davenport and Stephenson (now Rock Island).

The Exodus to Davenport
     Adrian H. Davenport also kept a general store in the infant village,
and for a time did a large and lucrative business. He was the moving spirit
to Rockingham until along about 1840. When Davenport was chosen for the
county seat, and the desertion of the village commenced. All the leading
residents of the place aside from Mr. Davenport, pulled up stakes and
removed to the promising young city several miles further up the river.

Admiral Site for a City
     In the fall of 1836 the city of Rockingham was laid out by a company
among whom were Adrian H. Davenport, Colonel John Sullivan, Ebenezer Cook,
General George B. Sargent, Dr. Barrows, Benjamin W. Clark, of Buffalo, John
P. Cook, a Mr. Robertson and John B. Sheller. It was thought to be a most
admirable site for a city and an excellent locality for shipping for the
reason that it was opposite the embrouchure of Rock river, which was
supposed to be navigable. General George M. Sargent stated that he once
ascended it to the distance of 240 miles, in a steamboat, and hence it was
very reasonably supposed that an important junction might be found with
interior towns and a heavy river traffic thereby supported.

Our First Clergyman
     The town of Rockingham was early favored with religious institutions.
Travelling preachers occasionally visited the place at the time of its early
settlement. The first minister of the gospel to establish himself
permanently was the Rev. Enoch Mead, a Presbyterian clergyman from the east.
Arriving in the winter of 1837-38 he soon succeeded in gathering a
congregation and later organized a Presbyterian society which was we believe
the original church organized in the county. His family soon joined him in
his new home. Early after the settlement of that place the brethren of the
Methodist faith formed a "class" but had no regular pastor, the pulpit being
supplied at random by itinerants of that denomination. The Presbyterians and
the Methodists were the only religious societies in the township, and up to
1882 they remained the only definitely established church denominations in
that section.

The First School Taught
     The first school session in Rockingham was held in the summer of 1837.
It was taught by Miss Rhoda Vosbury, a niece of Judge W.L. Cook. Rev. Enoch
Mead taught a four-months' term in the following winter. The township now
has something like three sub-districts with an enrollment of something over
150. Several neat frame "schoolhouses", chief of which is the "Walnut Hill"
and "Fairview", just west of town, testify to the advance made in the
educational history of this little township since 1837.

Davenport Daily Times
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
Saturday, November 10, 1900

Foundations of Scott County.
Old Rockingham.
Its Bustling Days and Noted Pioneers
Some of Them Still Survive While Others Have Traveled the Path Over Which
None Return,
 Leaving a Monument of Worthy Deeds.

By. F.J.B. Huot


Adrian H. Davenport
     Another of the prominent men in the history of Scott county during the
first twenty years of its existence, and particularly of Rockingham, of
which he was the earliest promoter, was Adrian H. Davenport, who was born in
Shawneetown, Illinois, March 14th, 1812, the son of Marmaduke S. Davenport.
His father was appointed Indian Agent on Rock Island in 1832 and it was then
that the family came to the Island to live. Adrian H. was married at Fort
Armstrong in 1833 to Miss Harriet Lane, and he survived her loss less than a
year, she dying in June 1880.

Was Second Sheriff in Scott County
     Four years after taking out his claim at Rockingham and two years after
the platting of the city, Captain A.H. Davenport was appointed the second
sheriff of Scott county, Iowa, by Governor Lucas to succeed Major Frazer
Wilson who was the first sheriff of the county appointed by Governor Dodge
under the territorial government of Wisconsin. Captain Davenport served
under this appointment until 1839 when the office of sheriff was made
elective by a change in the organic law of the territory and the
establishment of the county seat at Davenport. He was then elected and
re-elected every two years until 1846 when under the law he could serve no
longer. His portrait now hangs in the Scott county court chamber.
     The captain then retired to private life and one year later, 1847, he
moved from Rockingham to LeClaire where he became largely interested in the
latter town. After his departure Rockingham gradually became deserted, until
today the casual passerby can scarcely realize that once blossomed the
old-time boastful and dangerous rival of Davenport which, had she secured
the county seat, might have been today the flourishing metropolis while
these paved streets would have exchanged with her for her mud, her sands and
her rock-ribbed shores.

Old John Friday
     The oldest settler in Rockingham township, exclusive of the Davenports,
was Charles Jacob Friday, a native of Wurtenburg, Germany, who was the first
German to settle on these Scott county acres. Mr. Friday was born in 1788
and came to America in 1832, arriving in Davenport on April 15th of that
year. He died in Scott county upon his original claim.
     When this pioneer came to Iowa, and took out a claim on the edge of the
prairie, bordering the bluffs overlooking Rockingham, he brought with him
his son, John M., who was born in Wurtenburg, Germany, May 18th, 1819. Young
Friday received a meagre education in the Fatherland, being only thirteen
years of age when his parents reached Davenport.

The First White Child
     At the time of their advent cabins were scarce and the families were
obliged to live in their wagons. On May 18th, 1832, one month after their
arrival, the wail of a baby girl startled the birds with its unusual sound.
The infant was christened Caroline and was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Charles Jacob Friday, the rival of Mrs. Fridley and David L. Clark for the
honor of being the first white child born in Scott county. Caroline Friday
(now Mrs. George Winton) was born in a wagon not far from the present site
of the Friday farm-house in Rockingham township. Her brother John M. Friday
broke the first prairie in the township and fenced in the first ten acres,
planting the same in corn in June 1836. He also planted the first apple
trees in Scott county during the same year, and raised the first crop of
fall wheat. He also claims to have helped get out the first timbers sawed at
the mill in Rockingham which was the only one between St. Louis and Dubuque
on the Mississippi river.

John M. Friday
     John M. Friday married Miss Elizabeth Forgey on May 6th, 1847. This
union was blessed with eight children, Caroline, born March 13th, 1848;
Nancy, April 8th, 1850; Anna D., August 22d, 1852; Sarah E., December 26th,
1854; Minerva, June 2d, 1856; Mary L, October 16th, 1859 and John M. July
19th, 1862. Mr. Friday came to Scott county a poor boy thirteen years of
age, sixty-four years ago, and was one of the heaviest tax payers in
Rockingham township. He owned at the time of his death two years ago, 243
acres of land in that township, 408 acres or thereabouts in Blue Grass, and
120 acres in Davenport townships, making considerably over a section in all.
He has held several important county offices and was classed with the
wealthy and influential men of the county. he was full of reminiscences and
was a member of the Old Settlers' Association. He resided on the old
farmstead until his death at the age of seventy-nine years, on his farm west
of the city, where, in retired life he looked with satisfaction upon the
result of his labors, expended towards the improvement of his county and the
bringing of it to its present prosperous condition.
     As a companion Mr. Friday was genial and sociable, while as a friend
there were none truer to his fellows than he. His name, his methods and his
advice were things to conjure by in his township. He died full of years in
1898.

Davenport Times
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
Tuesday, Nov. 13, 1900

LECLAIRE
     LeClaire, Ia., Nov. 13- John Elliott returned home the last of the week
from his work on the river...Editor Henry Ames of the LeClaire Advance was a
business caller in Davenport yesterday...Mrs. McCord of LaCrosse, who has
been visiting with her parents here for the last few days, returned home
Saturday...Engineer William Keys has been transferred to passenger engine
No. 2 as fireman. A.M. Nye has taken his place on the work train...Rev. J.W.
Weddell, of Davenport, will deliver a lecture at the Baptist church near
Argo this (Tuesday) evening...Harry Toher is remodeling his old homestead
property in the north end of town...P.G. Davis visited relatives in
Davenport the first of the week...Mrs. Captain Zack Sul?er spent Saturday
shopping in Davenport...Mr. and Mrs. Van Sant received a telegram last
Thursday informing them that their son, Sam Van Sant, had been elected
governor of Minnesota...G.M. Thompson made a business call in Davenport
Saturday...Mr. J.W. Rambo spent last week with relatives in Iowa
City...Capt. E.J. Lancaster and daughters Ollie and Alice, were in Davenport
visiting last Saturday...Josie Rutledge was taken suddenly ill with
diphtheria yesterday morning and is reported no better at this writing...L.
Clements, of Princeton, was appointed foreman of a section crew here last
week and is filling the vacancy caused by the resignation of C.E.
Lumburg...Tate Tadam of Omaha spent Sunday at the home of Mr. and Mrs.
Albert Rathman of this city...Z.T. Wilson was contracting business in
Clinton Saturday.

WEST LIBERTY [Muscatine Co.]
     West Liberty, Ia. Nov 13- Rob Osborne of Davenport, is a guest at the
J.B. Luse home..Jesse Morris of Muscatine was a business visitor here
Saturday...A series of meetings is being held at the Christian church, Rev.
Roming an Evangelist is conducting the meetings...Miss Lizzie Corbin is
having serious trouble with her eyes and is unable to attend school...Geo.
Robshaw's new house on Columbus street is ready for the plasterers...Misses
Minnie Lamb and Myrtle Mackiniege of Atalissa visited friends here
Saturday...Mr. Woodford, daughter Inez and son, Laird, of Grinnell, are
guests at the Lambing home...The many friends of Miss Lou Teeters will be
grieved to learn of her very serious illness...Jas. Gruell of West Branch
was a West Liberty visitor Sunday...Miss Oda Romaine will go to Muscatine
tomorrow to begin her work in the school there.

WILTON [Muscatine Co.]
     Wilton, Ia. Nov 12- Dr. A.R. Leith was in attendance at the Republican
banquet at the St. James at Davenport last Friday evening...Mr. and Mrs.
Kiser of Cedar county have moved to Wilton and are nicely located on East
Fifth street in the house recently vacated by James Skelley who lately moved
to Chicago...Miss Belle Stutler and O.W.L. Daily will  be united in marriage
at the home of the bride's parents in Wilton, Nov. 14, 1900 at 7 p.m....Miss
Collins, one of the teachers at the college, spent Saturday and Sunday at
her home in Davenport...Mr. and Mrs. George Nicolous and son Leo were
Davenport visitors last week...Mr. Kenyon, of Minneapolis, is here on a
visit to his daughter, Mrs. W.A. Loving...Dr. and Mrs. Henry Mason have
returned from Chicago where they spent a part of their honeymoon...J.B.
McCartney, the wide-awake proprietor of the Arcade restaurant, has been
having a severe tussle with his rheumatism for the past two weeks.

BENNETT [Cedar Co.]
     Bennett, Ia., Nov 12- Ralph Wright spent Sunday with his best girl in
Wilton...Mr. Kinney and son of Annendale, N.J. are visiting at the home of
the former's cousin, Mrs. J.H. Webb, in Bennett at present...Mr. and Mrs. R.
Babcock, of Maquoketa, visited over Sunday at the home of the latter's
sister, Mrs. George Dilley, in Bennett...Chas Eggert was a Davenport visitor
on Saturday...Mrs. Wm. Goettsch and baby went to Davenport Saturday morning
for a visit with relatives...Mrs. C.W. Hamilton and baby came last Tuesday
morning for an extended visit at the home of her father H. Rogennitter in
Bennett. Mr .Hamilton has quit his job on the Stanwood Herald and is now
working on the Cedar County Republican in Tipton...Ruth Foster returned home
from her three months' visit with her sister, Mrs. Francis, last Thursday
morning...A baby boy was born to Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Langman last Tuesday,
election day...E.P. Wingert spent last Sunday at his parental home near York
Prairie.

ELDRIDGE
     Eldridge, Ia. Nov 12- Hurrah for McKinley, Roosevelt and Rumple...The
election passed off quietly here. This township including Eldridge gave
McKinley 148, Bryan 127...Arthur Platt returned from Clinton county last
week...Geo Ramsey and wife are visiting in Chicago at present...Peter Duffy
and family moved to Davenport last week...B.F. Quinn and wife of Laurel, Ia.
and J.G. Steffe and wife of Luverne, Minn. attended the funeral of Mr.
Steffe Friday...Geo. Steffe died at his home a few miles east of town
Tuesday night, the cause of death was heart failure. Mr. Steffe was born in
Germany in 1823. He emigrated to this country in 1859. After living two
years in Ohio, he moved to Davenport, Ia. In 1864 he removed to a farm near
Eldridge, where he resided until his death. Mr .Steffe was a veteran of the
Civil War, he served all through the rebellion and was in that famous march
through Georgia, from Atlanta to the Sea under Gen. Sherman. He was always a
staunch Republican. He voted the Republican ticket last Tuesday, only  a few
hours before his death. His wife died about three years ago. The surviving
children are Mrs. Mary Harrison, of Davenport, Miss Sadie and Hiram of Scott
county, Mrs. B.F. Quinn of Eldridge, Ia. and J.G. Steffe of Luverne, Minn.
Mr. Steffe was for many years a member of the Presbyterian church. The
funeral took place Friday with interment at Summit cemetery. Revs. Johnson
and Moffat conducted the funeral services.

Davenport Times
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
Thursday, Nov. 22, 1900

LONG GROVE
     Long Grove, Ia., Nov. 21- Many of the farmers around Long Grove are
done picking corn this practically ending the years' work. The crops have
been good and the farmers can now enjoy themselves through the winter by
hunting quail, rabbits, doing the chores, roasting shins, reading the
Davenport Times and be ready to start in with the 4th of next March with
another four years of prosperity...Brownlie Bros. shipped a carload of hogs
to Davenport on Tuesday of the week. Wm. Brownlie is in the northwestern
part of the state on a business trip, and is expected to return home this
week...Mr. R. Underholt is visiting friends in LeClaire and is expected to
return home on Friday of the week...There will be a chicken pie festival at
the Christian church on Thursday evening of this week. It is hoped that it
will be well attended...Mrs. W.E. Owen returned home from Mitchell, S.D.
where she has been visiting friends...R.K. Brownlie is building a fine new
residence in the Grove. The house when completed, will be one of the finest
in this part of the Scott county. It will be ready for occupance in the
early part of the coming year....Mrs. P.H. Owen of Dixon, Ill. is visiting
with relatives in the Grove.

LeCLAIRE
     LeClaire, Nov. 22- Jones and Kylor shipped three carload of hogs to
Chicago Tuesday...W.P. Headley made a business trip to Davenport the first
of the week...The Court of Honor lodge will take in eight new members at
their regular meeting on Thursday evening of this week...E. Fowler was
transacting business in Davenport yesterday...Mrs. W.P. Headley left on
Tuesday for Colfax, Ia. for a short visit with relatives and friends...Mrs.
Lois Spinsby came home yesterday afternoon after spending severla weeks with
her sister at Keokuk, Ia...Charles Bickel is in Davenport on business this
week...Laurel Suiter, the 9-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. John Suiter, of
this city, died early yesterday morning of diphtheria. This is the third
death which has occurred since the malady first begun here, the child was
taken sick about a week ago; no new cases have been reported during the past
few days. The funeral was held at 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon.

WEST LIBERTY [Muscatine Co.]
     West Liberty, Ia. Nov. 22- The funeral services of George Rolfs were
held in the Presbyterian church, Tuesday afternoon, Rev. Bradley
officiating. Mr. Rolfs, who was a former West Liberty boy was a switchman
and his death was the result of injuries received in the Valley Junction
switch yards...Mr. and Mrs. George Ward left Tuesday morning for Pittsburg,
Pa. where they will visit and attend to business relative to the settlement
of the Ward estate...Miss Edith Lyle of Tipton is the guest of her aunt,
Mrs. Chas. Briggs...Miss Nellie Donnelly has been quite ill and unable to
attend school...Work has begun on the new freight depot. It will go upon the
site of the old one.

TIPTON [Cedar Co.]
     Tipton, Ia., Nov. 21- Mrs. Wm. Chamberlain is still very low with
typhoid fever, though reported on the street Monday evening as having
died...William H. Knott is out again but moves about very slowly. His health
has been failing for some months...Miss Carrie Pfaff, of Buchanan has been
visiting her brothers and their families and many friends during the past
two weeks in Tipton...Attorney Jos. W. Bull, of Duluth, Minn. is visiting
Mrs. Eliza Cobb, with his wife. The two sisters and Mr. Bull are all old
time people of Tipton in the war days.


DIPHTERIA CASE IN BUFFALO
Little Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S.H. Morehead the Victim.
     Several cases of diptheria have been reported in certain parts of the
county in the past few days. The little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S.H.
Morehead in Buffalo is down with the disease and other children in the
neighborhood are said to have sore throats.
     The schools of LeClaire were closed some days ago on account of cases
in that place. It is claimed that the water which has been supplied to the
school is not as good as it should be, and that most of the cases of
diphtheria and typhoid fever hat have occurred there have been traceable to
the water near the school house.

Davenport Times
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
Saturday, Nov. 24, 1900

DAVENPORT TRULY A CITY OF PROGRESS

BRANDT BROS.
119 West Second Street
     It is no more than natural that a city like Davenport whose people take
a great interest in art and its development, whose love of home, literature,
music and the sciences have been enhanced form year to year by the beauty of
its surroundings and commercial advantages should have in its midst men of
high merit in their special callings. Brandt Bros. who have been located at
119 West Second street for a number of years, have done much as exponents of
the art of photography, to arouse the interest of the people in this
vicinity in that business, for they have turned out some of the finest
photographic work that has ever been seen here. They are familiar with the
latest processes known to the art, and as artists who fully understand the
matter of producing the desirable effects and details of finish, they may be
equalled, but they cannot be surpassed.
     Theirs is a model establishment and that long years of experience and
progress on their part has gained for them the esteem and confidence of the
public is evidenced by the continually increased patronage of the same. They
spare no pain nor expense in perfecting their work and they are ever
painstaking in producing good reproductions. They have been very successful
in the taking of babies and children's pictures and at all times exercise
great patience in posing the little ones.
     The studio is fitted up with every accessory for the faithful
production of photographs, all of which are of the highest standard grade.
Special attention is also given to the copying of small pictures to
life-size portraits, and this work in water colors, crayons, pastels, etc.
has given them a reputation throughout all this vicinity and specimens of
their work are to be found in many homes in different parts of the state.
This firm is very busy at the present time, but after Christmas it is their
intention to make great improvements in their studio and be prepared to
carry on the business on a more extensive scale. There is no more artistic
work turned out by any other photograph gallery in this community. The
public is invited to inspect their work at any time. Their prices are
reasonable.

SCHLEGEL-M'NEVIN PIANO CO.
A Firm Which Handles Many of the Celebrated Pianos.

     The Schlegel-McNevin Piano Company located in the McCullough building
at 122 and 124 west Third is probably, while not the oldest one of the most
most representative in the city. Mr. Christ W. Schlegel, and old newspaper
man and therefore the "fidus acitates" of the public, is its chief
proprietor, while with him is associated Thomas H. McNevin, a respectable
and accomplished gentleman. Hence the firm is every day growing in favor and
its future is assured. Mr. Schlegel has been for years a resident of this
city, and has been associated with several newspapers in Davenport, lately
with the H. Lischer Printing Co., publishers of the Demokrat. He is well
known and is a gentleman whom it is a pleasure to meet, and with whom
acquaintanceship is an enjoyment.
     Thomas H. McNevin is a Rock Islander, who is the senior member of the
confectioners firm of McNevin & Gansert. He is highly regarded as a
successful business man and is tireless in the prosecution of the interests
of his patrons both in his Rock Island and Davenport business.
     The firm handles the following celebrated pianos-Julius Bauer & Sons;
Needham; Steger & Sons; Singer; Schaeffer and the Crown & Angelius. Its
specialties are the high grade professional violins which are imported and
warranted to be hand, not machine made, as also graduated mandolins and
guitars. Fine violin cello, guitar, mandolin banjo, zither and harp strings
constantly are kept on hand as also everything in small goods.
     Sheet music is its specialty. The largest stock of popular,
instrumental and vocal music is theirs, and sheet music for concerts, etc.
will be found in their well appointed emporium.
     The firm has one of the largest stocks to select from which has ever
been carried in Davenport. Their pianos are in all kinds of woods and styles
of finish. Good and warranted pianos may be had from $225 and upwards. No
trickery nor mis-representations will be resorted to, tolerated nor
permitted. Reliable and honorable dealings and methods are the rule from
which there has been, nor will be, no deviation. The gentlemen composing the
firm are sufficient warrant for the truth of this statement. Goods are what
they are represented to be and there is no shoddiness to be found among the
stock.
     The firm also does repairing and expert piano tuning. Telephone number
455.

JOHN OCHS' SONS.
One of the Oldest Firms in Eastern Iowa.
    There are many elements that enter into the progress and development of
a city, but it is safe to say that the concerns that have for their purpose
the extension of the reality interests of a community are the most
substantial contributors to its welfare; for, as we are told by the
political economists, lands are the basis of all property-the fountain head
from which all other material interests flow.
     Davenport, within recent years, by reason of its unexcelled advantages,
has become one of the most prominent cities of this section. Many of its
business establishments have assumed large proportions. The city's location,
the establishment of varied industries,  its railway facilities and the work
shops of the government at Rock Island arsenal, at our very door, has
naturally made it an inducement for people to locate here and the increased
scope given to the city has enhanced the importance of realty movements, and
placed the trade of city property second to no other class of business.
     Prominent in this particular line is the firm of Jno. Ochs' Sons, one
that has been doing business uninterruptedly, in this city for the past 46
years. The business was established by John Ochs, one of the early settlers
of this vicinity, in 1854. He conducted a real estate office in Davenport
for a quarter of a century more , when he was succeeded by his sons, Louis
A., and Joseph, men who are in touch with the commercial pulse of the city
and have measured its progress as no other men who have been engaged in the
handling of real estate in this locality for the past 20 years. They are the
owners of more vacant lots than any other real estate firm in Davenport, and
they are the sole handlers of the city's best additions and the cheapest
lots. The firm of Jno. Ochs' Sons has negotiated sales in Davenport during
the past year aggregating more money than has been made by any other real
estate firm in property in cities of eastern Iowa.
     The firm was established for the purpose of providing men of modest
means with homes, and it is making a proposition to respective purchasers,
which is characterized by a liberality that is commendable and worthy of
careful note. The office of the firm is located at 126 Main street.


SICKELS, PRESTON, & NUTTING.
Wholesalers and Jobbers in Hardware and Paints and Oils.
     There is no gauge that so plainly indicates the advantages and
resources of a manufacturing locality as its operations in and demands for
iron, steel, metals and hardware which may invariably be taken as a true
index of its industrial standing. The growth of great houses supplying these
demands is also a sure indication that the demand exists, and while Iowa
possesses a number of extensive enterprises devoted to this trade, Davenport
is entitled to the credit of being the home of one of the largest, most
extensive and exclusive wholesale hardware houses of them all-the Sickels,
Preston, Nutting company.
     This institution whose trade facilities and business ramifications are
of a metropolitan order dates back to the middle of the century, for it was
in 1850 that it was founded by Sickels and Preston. After a continued
existence of 45 years under this firm name during the latter part of which
the active management of the house was in charge of Colonel J.R. Nutting,
the business of the institution has expanded until today it is one of the
largest wholesale hardware houses in the west. From the time that Colonel
Nutting entered the employ of the house in 1864, as a clerk or it might be
stated form the beginning its honorable history has been an unbroken record
of progress, and at the present time its trade is being extended in every
direction. Today, the Sickels, Preston, Nutting company of Davenport with
its branch house is the Sickels and Nutting company No. 35 Barclay street.
New York city is among the foremost in the control of trade employed by Iowa
wholesale hardware dealers.
     The Sickels, Preston, Nutting company employs a large number of
traveling representatives, and all Iowa is covered besides northern
Missouri, southern Minnesota and western Illinois. The various floors of
this large establishment and its special warehouse are filled with
everything known to the hardware trade- shelf hardware, fine cutlery,
paints, oils, tools, coach, saddlery and carriage hardware, varnishes, guns,
ammunition, loaded shells, etc. Tinners' supplies, metal roofings, binder
twine, ropes and cordage are all handled extensively also by this firm.

TRI-CITY LITHOGRAPHING COMPANY
Fine Bank and Office Stationery-Color Lithography
     The Tri-City Lithographing Company is a new institution recently
started here that should have the consideration of every user of fine
stationery in the three cities. They are more than a new concern, as the
Iowa Lithographing Company, of Des Moines, are deeply interested and the two
institutions work in harmony to the great benefit of one here.
     Outside of this some of the local stockholders are Chas. Pasche, Aug.
E. Steffen, F.H. Griggs, C.N. Newcomb and E. Zoller.
     The machinery is the very latest design, the press being of an extra
large size.
     Mr. G.H. Blanchard, of Des Moines, is a large stockholder and did the
organizing and equipping of the plant. Mr. E.C. Knight has had wide
experience in the business and comes from St. Louis to take charge of the
inside work. The present quarters have been completely equipped with all of
the conveniences necessary to perfect execution of the work, but with a
continuation of the present encouraging prospects, a new building will not
be a distant consideration.
     As the name signifies they make a specialty of lithographing which
covers both color work and fine bank and office stationery.
     The three cities have long been in need of an institution of this kind
and now that one has come without bonus or expectation of reward outside of
just business dealings, it is to be hoped that users of their product will
give them the opportunity for securing orders that they deserve

THE DAVENPORT WATER CO.
An Institution That Banks as a Leader in the Country.
     Davenport has reason to be proud of her splendid water plant, which
since 1873 has been the pride of this vicinity. Today there is no such
system in the world. The Czar sent one of his renowned engineers a few years
ago to inspect it, and to especially investigate the system of filteration
in use here. A recent letter from Mr. Simin, the Hessian expert engineer
states that an experimental plant is ins operation in Moscow on lines
similar to the Davenport filters.
     In 1872 Ex-Mayor Michael Donahue, father of our present Col. J.P.
Donahue, associated with his brother Col. Peter Donahue of San Francisco,
Cal., organized the Davenport Water Co. A franchise was secured from the
city council and the pumping station was erected in East Davenport, the main
building of which still remains.
     Without exception the system as it is today is the most complete in the
world. It is not secondary to any other plant in this city neither to any of
its manufacturing interests. No adequate words of praise may be spoken. The
bare facts briefly told will suffice.
     Through a tunnel built below the bed of the river and extending to the
channel the water flows into two large pump wells. This tunnel is located a
bout a mile above the government bridge, and above any danger of local
sewerage contamination. The current in the river at this point is seldom
less than five miles an hour, travelling over rapids which produce aeration
and natural purification. The pump wells are built of heavy masonry and are
separated by a screen of heavy coarse mesh wire to screen off fish, bark,
chips, leaves, etc. The suction of pumps are in these wells from which the
water is pumped and by direct pressure through the filter plant to reservoir
and city. Over these wells is located the gate house wherein are situated
the gearings for the operation of the tunnel gates and the pumps for the
removal of sand, etc. from the wells.
    The company in 1890 began an investigation which led to the erection of
the filter plant through which the water from the wells is forced by direct
pressure into the city mains and to the reservoir, or Pumping Station No. 2,
situated upon the hill.
     This filter plant consists of 10 double filter shells seven and a half
feet in diameter and thirty-two feet long built of mild homogenous steel of
60,000 pounds tensile strength and five eighths of an inch in thickness,
testing to 200 pounds per square inch. The plant or rater the ten shells or
tanks have a nominal capacity of 6,000,000 gallons per 24 hours, but an
actual capacity of 7,500,000 gallons. This makes it the largest direct
pressure mechanical filter plant in the world. There may be, it is true,
larger settling basins, but nowhere a larger direct pressure mechanical
filter.
     The battery of shells may be operated separately or collectively. Each
"shell" or filter tank, is three-fourths full of white sea sand taken from
Horn Island in the Gulf of Mexico. The sand is non-porous and admirably
adapted for filteration. Each grain is clear cut, of even texture, and a
perfect crystal. No microbes may become entangled between its pores and
hence the sanitation of the water is perfect....
     ...The company is a most deserving one. It has treated fairly with the
city, has always furnished an adequate fire pressure and an abundant water
supply and is ever solicitous for its patrons and reasonable in its charges.
It is officered as follows:
     President-F.H. Griggs.
     Vice President and Superintendent-T.N. Hooper
     Secretary- James P. Donahue.
     Its main offices are in the reconstructed Donahue building at 114 west
Third street, while its pumping stations are at 1719 east Front street, and
1416 Ripley street.

STEARNS PAINT MFG. CO.
Manufacturer of Paints and Dry Vermillion.
     One of the noted business enterprises of this city and one that has had
a phenomenal growth since its inception is the works of the Sterns Paint
Manufacturing Company. The works were established in 1880, the founder being
W.C. Smith and W.P. Stearns. The present company was incorporated in 1888.
The business occupies one of the largest brick buildings used for
manufacturing in the city, it being 50 feet wide, 160 feet long and
containing four stories, three of which are devoted to the production of
paints, while the other is used as a storage and shipping room. The plant is
located near the river, one block west of the government bridge, and only a
few blocks from the different railroad depots, side track facilities.
     The company has large branch houses at St. Paul and Kansas City but all
the product of the company is manufactured at the Davenport establishment.
The branches, whoever, are kept well supplied. The principal products of the
company are Stearns house paints and their sales have been increasing very
rapidly in recent years. They have been in great demand in all the states
from Minnesota to Texas and in all the western states. They may be said to
have almost a continental reputation. The Stearns Paint Company also makes a
specialty of implement paints. These are used very extensively by the large
implement manufacturing establishments of Davenport, Rock Island and Moline
and other implement producing centers. This house pays special attention to
the manufacture of dry vermillion, largely used by the implement concerns of
this vicinity.
     Walter Chambers is president of the company, M.L. Marks,
vice-president, W.E.Pheris, secretary and manager and L. Johnson,
superintendent. Mr. Pheris has been connected with the concern for the past
15 years and is thoroughly familiar with every detail of the business. The
fact that this house has become one of the foremost paint manufacturing
plants of the country, is due to a great extent to his conservative  and
judicial management, and the particularly personal interest he has shown at
all time in the process of the institution. The business of the company has
increased so in the past four years as to naturally necessitate an
enlargement of its working force and today it employs from 45 to 60 men in
its various departments. An exclusive wholesale jobbing trade is carried on
and the paints, which are the most durable in the world, are put up in every
conceivable shade and color, already mixed and prepared for the painter's
brush. Thus it will be seen that the saving of time and labor is a big thing
and this recommendation is further strengthened by the fact that the cost
over the old method of buying paint is scarcely noticeable. Taken as a
whole, the Stearns Paint works is a model establishment of its kind,
possessing every equipment for modern convenience in the manufacture of
paints and with its skilled employes and efficient management, it has become
one of the leading paint manufacturing concerns of the west.

THE J. GOOS COMPANY
One of the Largest Wholesale Manufacturers of Cigars.
     Good things invariably attain good results. This is as true of the
tobacco business as well as any other. One of the firms that has made a
splendid reputation as manufacturer and dealers of leaf tobacco is that of
J. Goos company, its goods are sold in all the middle and western states. It
manufactures some of the finest brands of cigars that have ever been on the
market in this vicinity.
     This business was established in 1892 by J. Goos and a short time after
the management was changed and the J. Goos company was incorporated and the
business was carried on from Jan. 1, 1900 under that name. The trade of the
company has doubled during the past year and today it is one of the largest
of any house of its kind west of Chicago.
     More of this concern's goods are being sold in Iowa, Minnesota,
Nebraska, Missouri and Colorado direct from the factory and through jobbers
then sold in this way by any other factory.
     This company's principal sellers are all high grade goods. The
specialties being the "Santa Fama" domestic cigars in five sizes, the "Fuma
Cedaro" in clear Havana, 10 cent goods, and the "Supreme Nation Seed and
Havana" cigars in four sizes. The nickel goods are the "Miota," Shop
Smokers," and the Cuban Sister cigars. Any dealers not handling these goods
can get them by writing to the factory, No. 264,  Fourth division of Iowa.
The location of the factory is at 207-209 East Second street.
     The officers of the company are among the most enterprising and popular
citizens of the city, the president being J. Goos, the vice president, W.W.
Eberle, and the secretary and treasurer, J. L. Grieve. The manufacture of
cigars has undergone great changes in the past few years and the factory
that is going to sustain a good reputation for superior makes must be
abreast of the time and be able to meet the demands of the public. During
the time that this company has been in existence, nothing has come into its
factory to be made into cigars but the best quality of domestic and Havana
goods. The product of this factory is making it famous in all parts of the
state and in other states to which it makes shipments.

ECONOMY RUG COMPANY
Manufacturers of Rugs and Equipments for Their Production.
     One of the flourishing institutions of Davenport is that of the Economy
Rug company manufacturers of handmade rugs from old carpets. This company
employes more than 20 men the year round, and it has outgrown its quarters
three times in the past two years and is now contemplating the erection of a
commodious factory.
     This industry is comparatively new and people are just beginning to
realize that old carpets which they considered worthless a few years ago, or
at best something which would bring only a few cents at the junk dealers,
can be converted into beautiful rugs and at only a fraction of the cost of
anything else that could take the place of or compare favorably with their
rugs.
     This company does not confine itself to plain work, or the manufacture
of the hit-and-miss rag carpet effect produced by other rug concerns through
out the country, but it does spotting, dado, border, circle and other design
work.
     The factory is under the direct supervision of its founder, A.H.
Fowler, a man who has had 20 years experience in the rug and carpet trade.
His past experience has fitted him to utilize everything to the best
possible advantage. Besides, he is an artist in designing and understands
that branch of the business thoroughly.
     The Economy Rug company owes its success largely to the business
methods it has followed from the beginning, thus gaining and retaining the
confidence of the people. The company guarantees its customers that there
will be no loss in the makeup of goods brought them, and it will give
satisfaction. If the rugs turned out are not as represented, or for any
reason are not satisfactory, patrons are not asked to pay for them, but on
the other hand the firm will pay the patron for the old carpet used and a
much higher price than could be realized from the junk dealer. It is able to
do this because its rug, being a staple article, is in urgent and increasing
demand.
     The company uses only its own special make of looms and machines for
the manufacture of its rugs and owing to the great number of calls and
letters of inquiry received relative to them it has decided to add another
branch of the business, that of the manufacture of complete equipments for
up to date plants, also, the manufacture of Main's rug display track, a
device that bids fair to revolutionize the handling and sale of heavy rugs.
     The taking up cleaning and relaying of carpet is an important branch of
the company's business. In fact, it in the only concern in the three cities
making this a specialty, and employing an expert in this line the year
round, and two and even as many as three in the rush season.

AUGUST STEFFEN DRY GOODS CO.
One of the Representative Wholesale Davenport Concerns.
     The August Steffen Dry Goods company, incorporated this year,but
established in 1854 by August Steffen, Sr., deceased, is on of the
representative wholesale dry goods houses in the city. The company occupies
what is known as the Steffen block on the northwest corner of Second and
Harrison streets, its floor space is 66 feet on Second street and 150 feet
on Harrison street, and the wholesale business takes up the lower floor and
basement. Thus the company has 28,700 square feet of space or 9,900 square
feet on each floor.
     The annex to the Steffen building on the east is 22x75 feet and
contains three floors and a basement. In this annex the company occupies the
two upper floors and basement, also thus giving an additional floor space of
4,950 square feet or 1,650 square feet on each floor or total space of
33,650 feet.
     The company employs nine traveling men whose territory covers South
Dakota, Nebraska, the entire state of Iowa, western Illinois, southern
Minnesota and part of Missouri.
     This firm is sole agent for the Hawkeye Manufacturing company for
workingmen's clothing such as shirts, overalls, duck coats and jumpers. This
might be called its specialty. However, dry goods and notions of all kinds,
nothing shoddy, are handled by the company which has a reputation for its
stock of dress goods, upon which it has always prided itself.
     The house having been established by the elder Steffen in 1854, it is
in consequence the oldest dry goods house in this city with but one sole
exception. The company also deals in furnishing goods and has made a record
in the sales in this department during the past several years. Its place of
business is technically known as 224-226-228 and 230 West Second street, but
is more generally known to the purchasing public as second and Harrison
streets. New York office 335 Boradway represented by Thos. Howard, formerly
of Davenport.
     Everybody knows Steffen's corner and everybody knows August E. Steffen
who is the president and treasurer of the company and his brother-in-law
B.F. Aufderheide, the vice-president. Rud Hauck [or Hanck] is the treasurer
of the company. All are Davenport business men and have most praise worthy
reputations in this city, where they are admired and respected by all who
know them. The August Steffen Dry Goods Company takes pride in the fact that
it is the largest house jobbing in dress goods in the state. Its patronage
is evidenced by the fact that its nine traveling men are constantly on the
road. May its clientele never grow less and may the efforts of its worthy
members be crowned with fortune in the near future.

TRI-CITY CARRIAGE WORKS
Manufacturers and Dealers in All Kinds of Vehicles
     Two of the veteran carriage builders of the city compose the firm that
operates as Tri-City Carriage Works established at 312 East Third street,
Chas. P. Lathrop nd Chas. P. Nicholas, composing the firm of
Lathrop-Nicholas, were reared in the business and each has worked at
carriage building for the past 20 years. Mr. Lathrop's father was in the
business before him. These works have been established for two years.
     All kinds of light vehicles are manufactured including light delivery
wagons. The firm expects soon to carry a full line of stock of the latest
makes most of which will be its own. It will also handle the best makes of
rubber tires and be able to furnish the people with them at less cost than
they are sold by any other establishment in the city. This firm built the
new wagon in Hose house No. One and it is the best now in any of the houses
of the department. It is the first first fire wagon of modern style that has
been constructed by any of the carriage workers of this city.
     Special attention is given also to repairing of all kinds. The firm has
done considerable of this class of work during the past year and those who
once patronize them become their regular customers. Their business is
gradually expanding as a result of the first-class work they are turning out
and their fair treatment of the public.

PITTSBURG PLATE GLASS CO.
Manufacturers and Jobbers of Glass and Paints.

     An institution which has had a remarkable growth since it was
established in Davenport, and which is today regarded as one of the great
interests of the city, is the Pittsburg Plate Glass company. The house was
established here as something of an experiment about four or five years ago
and the business it has done since that time warrants the statement that it
has become one of the permanent business enterprises of this vicinity, it
has been under the best sort of management from the very beginning and this
has probably been the chief reason for the remarkable success that has
characterized its business.
     It is now the heaviest dealer in plate glass in the country west of
Chicago and there is nothing in even that city in the line of plate glass
that excels the quality turned out by this factory. This house here also
makes a specialty of art glass, which it manufactures, and it has recently
secured some of the largest contracts that have ever been let in this
section. The company purchased the paint business of the Jas. E. Patton
company of Milwaukee, but a short time ago, and it will from this time forth
carry a full line of paints and painters' sundries in addition to its glass
products. The paints will be manufactured at the Milwaukee house and each
branch of the company will carry a fall line.
     The manager of the Davenport house is F.W. Currier. He has been here
for the past few months but he has had an extensive experience in the
business having grown up with the concern. He was assistant local manager of
the Minneapolis house for a number of years and he is perhaps one of the
best posted young men in the company's employ. This house shops as far west
as Creston, Ia., and its territory east of here covers a small portion of
Illinois. The Pittsburg company makes it an object to fill all orders
promptly and to furnish the lowest freight rates to its customers. A trip
through the factory here reveals the magnitude of the company's work for
skilled mechanics are to bee seen busily engaged daily in preparing art
glass, doing beveling and silvering while others are employed in the
manufacture of mirrors.
     This concern has furnished the art glass in nearly all the fine
residences that have gone up in Iowa in the past few years as well as having
furnished the plat glass for most of the large business buildings that have
been constructed within several hundred miles of this place during this same
period.
     The Pittsburg Plate Glass company has about a dozen manufacturing
plants in the states of Pennsylvania and Indiana and at a few other points
in the country besides Davenport, and besides its warehouse here it has
extensive warehouses in the cities of Boston, New York, Cincinnati,
St.Louis, Chicago, Minneapolis, Detroit and Philadelphia.
     The business of the company here is located on Scott street on the west
side, opposite the court house and it has splendid switching facilities
whereby it is enabled to ship any quantity of its product on short notice.
There is now no better known industry in this part of the state than the
local plant of the Pittsburg Plate Glass company and the good reputation and
extensive trade it enjoys is due to its wise management and fair dealing
with the public.

THE MARTIN-WOODS COMPANY
Wholesale Fruits and Produce.
     A business concern which was established in this city a quarter of a
century ago and which has gradually grown with the city's other mercantile
lines, is the wholesale fruit and produce house of the Martin-Woods company.
This is one of the largest houses of the kind in the state and one of the
best managed in the west.
     The business was established in 1875 by M.D. Huggins, and the
Martin-Woods company succeeded him in 1884, occupying the Fejervary building
on Second street between Perry and Brady, for 11 years. During all this time
the business increased in volume, the need of larger and better cold storage
facilities became apparent as well as more roomy quarters for the general
transaction of business. So five years ago the company built its own plant,
its present quarters at 113 and 115 Perry street. and there it has carried
on an extensive trade in the handling of fruit and produce since. The
structure covers an area of 72x140 feet, is three stories high, and has a
basement. The house is equipped with the very best facilities for cold
storage and it has a capacity for eight or ten cars.
     The fruit business of the Martin-Woods company has assumed proportions
in recent years, and the trade of the house is not excelled in quantity and
quality of goods shipped by any other wholesale fruit and produce house in
Iowa. This company may be said to be the pioneer shippers of Michigan
peaches direct from the field into this state. It has shipped as high as 160
carloads in a season,and every...[cannot read rest of paragraph].
     This house handles all kinds of California fruit, and every known fruit
of the south. it handles strawberries by the carload and makes a specialty
of packing apples. It is one of the busiest houses in the west employing at
different times from 25 to 35 persons, all of whom are thoroughly informed
as to the details of the business in their respective departments. A large
number of the employes of the house have been with it from the beginning.
Besides supplying most of the retail trade of the cities of Moline, Rock
Island and Davenport, shipments are made to all points in eastern Iowa and
western Illinois.
    The Martin-Woods company began business in a small way, but like every
other business conducted upon lines of honesty and fair dealing, it has been
the recipient of a large and well-deserved patronage from the public and the
present proportions of the big establishment attest its rapid growth. It is
one of the most substantial commission and wholesale fruit produce concerns
in this section.

WM. SCHAKE
Merchant Tailor, 307 West Third Street.
     High art tailoring. For a city of its size, Davenport can boast of the
best dressed men in the state. This fact speaks volumes for our tailoring
establishments and is the best possible recommendation of their work. The
establishment of Mr. Shake, who by the way, is a graduate of Mitchell's of
New York, began business in 1888,and has now one of the best equipped plants
in the city and by his superior workmanship, has made a reputation that is
bound to stand the test of time for many years to come. He buys his stock
direct from the eastern markets and employs only the best assistance and
with his practical experience and good judgment as a safeguard he is
prepared to satisfactorily fill the wants of the trade from his large and
up-to-date stock of fall, and winter woolens, consisting of the finest
foreign and domestic fabrics. he sells nothing that cannot be
conscientiously recommended and his reputation already established will
justify us in saying that any one wishing to purchase a tailor-made suit,
trousers or overcoat will find at Mr. Schake's place one of the largest and
best stocks in the city to select from and in the reach of all who wish to
be well dressed

DAVENPORT LADDER COMPANY
Manufacturers of All Kinds of First Class Ladders.
     Davenport claims the credit of having one of the best ladder
manufacturing establishment in this vicinity and the trade which it enjoys
fully justifies the statement that no better ladders are made by any other
concern now in that business, and not as good in many particulars than those
turned out by the Davenport Ladder company. It manufactures all kinds of
ladders, except poor ones. It turns out only the best. It makes ladders
suitable for carpenters, painters, farmers, fire departments, etc. Extension
ladders, single ladders, step ladders and trestles are gotten out in the
best of shape and their endurance is one of the best testimonials of their
manufacture.
     The company's very best ladders in fact, the best known, are made from
New England spruce and they are sold in the west only by this company. The
pine ladders it manufactures are made from carefully selected Norway pine
while the extension ladders are made from choice straight-grained spruce or
Norway pine with hickory rungs and trimming of the best malleable iron.
Their spruce ladders are the only ladders made with iron rollers in the
upper section, which assists the top in rolling up over siding or other
projections. With the roller improvements one man can handle a 40-foot
spruce ladder with case. Ladders are sold singly or in carload lots and the
prices are low for first-class goods.


WUNDER BROTHERS
Bookbinders, Manufacturers of Blank Books and Job Printers.
     No business is built up in a day, but the results of perseverance and
pluck are bound to tell in a short time and that is what has marked the
business of Wunder Bros. bookbinders, blank book manufacturers and job
printers, No. 120 1/2 Harrison street. These brothers, W.J. and John G.A.
Wunder, began business for themselves a few years ago and they have added to
the facilities they had at the start until today they have one of the best
patronized of the small bookbinding and blank book manufacturing plants in
the tri-cities.
     The Wunder Brothers are young men, but they have spend a number of
years in the work in which they are now engaged. They manufacture all kinds
and sizes of blank books, from the pocket size to the largest size needed in
mercantile establishments. They use only the best stock in all the work they
turn out. Prompt filling of orders has always been their custom. Their
specialties are Wunder's petit ledgers, shipping books and combined
revolving hotel register and desk. Everything in the line of job work, such
as special ruled stationery, order blanks, etc. is done in a thorough and
practical manner. Special attention is given to the binding of magazine and
periodicals.
     The enterprising establishment has become permanently identified with
the commercial interests of Davenport. If its business continues to increase
as it has during the past eight months, it will not be long before larger
quarters will be required for it.
     Why send your fine art binding work outside of the city to be done when
Wunder Bros. are thoroughly equipped and experienced in such work.

THE PEOPLE'S STEAM LAUNDRY
125 East Third Street-Phone 46.
     Cleanliness is next to Godliness and a man is often judged by the state
of his linen. He may be incased in a suit of broadcloth and his other
apparel according to the latest models of the fashion-plate, yet if he lives
in Davenport and his linen does not bear the immaculate stamp of some first
class laundry like that of the People's of which Crook Bros. are the
proprietors, he is not regarded as a well-dressed man.
     The People's Steam laundry moved into its new building furnished
throughout with the most modern machinery adapted to the laundry business
just one year ago. The list of its patrosn has greatly increased since that
time and it is now doing as much work in this line as any other large
laundry in the state. It claims but one trade-mark and that is familiar to
the people. "The Three B's"- bigest, best and busiest. This laundry makes a
specialty of flat and family work, its equipment being particularly adapted
to it. Sometime ago it became necessary to put in a new Mangle machine and
this greatly facilitates the handling of this kind of work. This concern
laundries large qualities of table-linen, giving to it a bright, glossy
finish, same as new. Special attention is also given to lace curtains.
     Everybody in Davenport knows of the People's laundry and it is
unnecessary to state that it has every adjunct required for perfect work.
Its work speaks for itself, and in this connection it may be said the it
never loses a customer, which is sufficient testimony of its superiority. It
has branch offices at different points in the city for the convenience of
its patrons, and laundry work of every description can be called for by its
delivery wagons finished and delivered promptly and in the best possible
shape.

REIMERS & FERNALD COMPANY
Manufacturers and Jobbers in Crackers and Candy

     The firm of Reimers & Fernald company is a household word in all parts
of Eastern Iowa for it is in fact one of the most substantial firms of its
kind in the state. This wholesale candy and cracker house has been for years
one of the most prominent in this section. The business was founed by Capt.
August Reimers in 1871 and in 1874 the firm of Reimers & Fernald was formed.
Thsi continued until 1894 when the business was incorporated under the name
of Reimers & Fernald company.
     During all these years until 1889, the attention of the concern was
devoted exclusively to the manufacture of candies, and it is the pioneer
house in that particular in the city. It combined the cracker with its candy
business Jan. 1, 1889 and it has done a large business in the manufacture of
crackers from the very beginning. The Poetless brand is its specialty and
the sales of this cracker have been something enormous. The large bulk of
the company's trade is in all parts of Iowa and Illinois, and it makes
heavey shipments to points in Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri.
     The products of this house, comprising as they do every variety of
staple and fancy crackers and candies of superior excellence, has won for it
a reputation unsurpassed by any other candy and cracker manufacturing
concern that does business in Iowa. The management of this large
establishment, which is located at 213-215 East Second street, are
representative citizens of Davenport and are prominently identified with the
growth and development of the industrial facilities of this city. The policy
upon which this business has been conducted is such as to place it in the
front rank of the trade, and the many advantages and inducements offered to
dealers insure a continued prosperity for this old and well known house.
.

Davenport Times
Davenport, Scott, Iowa
Saturday, Nov. 24, 1900

DAVENPORT TRULY A CITY OF PROGRESS


ADOLPH W. PETERSEN
Dealer in All Kinds of Farm Machinery, Buggies and Wagons
     This enterprise of A.W. Petersen has been conducted by him for the last
three years. Mr. Petersen is a Scott county man, having been born and reared
on a farm six miles north of the city where he was engaged in farming for
many years. He is the only implement dealer in the city who owns his own
building and it is located at 320 West Third street, where he sells for
honest profit. Being a reliable he carries a full line of farm machinery,
farming hardware and tools. He is the agent for the Milwaukee binder and
mower and also the Buckeye mower.
     Mr. Petersen handles a very large variety of stock such as the Peru
Morrison and Gale plows and cultivators, Prairie City seeders, feed grinders
and corn shellers of different manufacture.
     The Olds wagon of which he recently received a car load is one of the
best light running farm wagons ever turned out by any factory. Buggies and
spring wagons of the best manufacture all kinds of paints and oils, grass
and garden seeds, sewing machines, washing machines and in fact, everything
required by the farmer in the way of machinery and goods is sold by Mr.
Petersen. He personally attends to all the details of his business. He buys
for cash and the up to date business man, Mr. Petersen has built up an
extensive trade in all parts of the country and it is growing.

MARQUETTE COAL COMPANY
Wholesale and Retail Dealers in Hard and Soft Coal
     The Marquette Third Vein Coal company of Davenport cuts a large figure
as one of the institutions of Davenport than is probably known to many of
our citizens. While its mines are situated in Illinois at Marquette and
Sharland, 75 miles distant, the accounting office is at Davenport and
semi-monthly pay roll aggregating nearly $30,000 per month is distributed to
nearly 500 employes.
     Through the superior merits of the company's product, aptly christened
by the trade the "Rocking Valley" of Illinois, and the aggressive policy of
its management, an urgent demand for this coal has sprung up all over
northern Illinois, southern Wisconsin, eastern central, western and northern
Iowa, southern Minnesota, eastern Nebraska and the Dakotas.
     Besides its superior quality for domestic use, it ranks high for the
use of manufacture. The Galesburg brick are now using this company's coal
for the manufacture of vitrified paving brick with which the three cities
are largely being paved and for this purpose the most severe test is made of
the fuel. The railway companies are also large users of this coal for their
locomotives.
    Col. J.S. Wylie is the president and treasurer of this company and
locally he is selling this coal largely at retail from his yards in this
city. Davenport office, Marquette building, 116 West Third st.

D. REGENNITTER'S SONS.
Extensive Dealer in Hay, Straw, and Grain.
     It was in 1857, just 42 years ago that D. Regennitter drove into what
was then the town of Davenport with his first load of hay. It was produced
in the best hay growing district of this county and it brought the best
price then ruling in the market. He continued to haul hay and finally
established himself in the hay and feed business in this city and became one
of the successful dealers of this locality.
     In 1892 his two sons, Wm. H, and J. D. Reginnitter were taken in as
partners and all three conducted the business until 1897 when the father
died. The firm of D. Reginnitter's Sons was then formed and the brothers
have since carried on the business. They have the heaviest hay and feed
sales of any dealers in the tri-cities, and they sell more hay alone than
all the other dealers of the city combined.
     Besides handling considerable of the loose hay which is brought into
the city, they sell from 255 to 300 cars of pressed hay a year. They built a
large barn last summer at Rodman, Ia., which will hold 1,050 tons and it can
be shipped here as required. Formerly it had been their custom to store hay
in Davenport. The firm also built a barn at North Henderson, Ill. and most
of the straw it handles comes from there. This barn has a capacity of 150 to
175 tons and this season both barns were filled, in order to be better able
to handle the hay brought in from the vicinity, the firm has bought a hay
press and this is used as the occasion demands.
     The Regennitter Bros. handle large quantities of hay also from
different points in Iowa and a large amount shipped in from Kansas City.
Their trade is confined solely to this particular locality. The office of
the firm is on Front Street, near Perry, where it has been located for the
past 20 years and is one of the landmarks of the town. A large supply of
hay, straw and grain is kept on hand at the firm's barns in this city and
they are therefore able to fill orders in all kinds of weather.


THEY GIVE LIGHT AND HEAT
A Visit to the Davenport Gas and Electric Co. Plant
     The Davenport Gas and Electric Company, one of the largest public
institutions of our city furnishing to the public light, heat and power,
three of the essential articles of our daily use, yet few people in our city
have ever been to the works where it is generating the growth of our city
and the ? of its population have caused a company to increase the capacity
of its plant more than double within the past five years. When the manager
was asked to give out a few facts concerning the operation of these works,
which are of such importance to the people and especially at this season of
the year, when nearly every tore and residence in the city is using some of
its products, he stated that the plant was in splendid operating condition
with ample capacity in every department and well equipped for producing the
incandescent electric lights, the arc lights together with direct current
power, he requested the writer to go down and visit the plant and
investigate for himself. Taking advantage of the invitation the writer
sought out the superintendent of both departments, Mr. Bredow and Mr. Bowers
and with them  started on a general inspection tour. He found there
installed arc machines with a total capacity to carry seven hundred arc
lights, every machine belted and coupled up to a main shaft line, with
immense switches, fastened on a marble switch board, which extends along the
font of the main portion of the plant. Four incandescent light machines were
also attached in the same way to the same shafting, which is made to revolve
two hundred and seventy revolutions per minute by two immense engines with
wheels twenty and twenty-four feet in diameter respectively, capable of
pulling fourteen hundred horse power. These engines are also supplemented
with three smaller ones which are used in day time; on one of these smaller
engines the reporter found a handsome machine and was informed  that it was
the new three hundred horsepower generator. He also found a pair of large
Worthington steam pumps, pumping water from the artesian wells, which are
located in this plant.
     Going into the fireroom he found eleven large boilers ready for service
and passing on into the gas department was found the four new gas benches
all completed and in working order. These benches alone have a capacity to
make more gas than is used in the entire city. Next to these is the water
gas department which also has a capacity in itself to produce more gas than
ins now used in the city, making a duplicate gas plant.
     The making of gas, the scrubbing and purifying of the same and the
conveying of it to the holders is certainly an interesting process. One only
need to visit these works to satisfy themselves of he capacity and ability
of his company to furnish its patrons with good and sufficient service equal
to that of any plant in the state. Upon leaving the plant the reporter was
shown the charts taken from the instruments which record the city lighting
which is done by this company. These charts show a record of which the
company may well feel proud.
     The Davenport Gas & Electric company is doing everything in its power
to give the people of Davenport the best service in the city in the way of
electric and gas lighting. The officers connected with the concern are
accommodating and anxious to please at all times. They are worthy of
support.

JOS. JACOBS, FURNISHER
One of the Leading Hat and Men's Furnishing Stores
     Among the business houses that have been recently added to our city
none probably has received more attention at the hands of the public than
the one under the management of Jos. Jacobs, at 224-226 Brady street. Coming
to our city as a stranger he has in the space of a few months succeeded in
establishing a fine trade in his line of men's furnishings and hats. The
large plate glass windows which form the front of his store are at all times
tastefully decorated with the latest novelties in neckwear, shirts and
hosiery and other articles usually found in a modern and up-to-date
furnishing store.
     On the interior the display is in keeping with the standard of the show
windows, showing to advantage the varied assortment of holiday novelties
such as bath robes, smoking jackets, family night robes, etc.
     Making shirts to order has been one of the successful ventures of this
new firm and with the regular stock which is always complete, his shirt
department has made rapid strides and bids fair so as to become in size what
it is already in style, the leader in the three cities.
     In the hat department are such high grades as Dunlap & Co.'s. for which
Mr. Jacobs has the sole agency for Davenport.
     Ladies can find a full and complete line of useful holiday presents
such as gloves, ties, important silk handkerchiefs, fancy mufflers, walking
canes, umbrellas, jewelry, and above all a nobby line of fancy suspenders
with gold and silver buckles, designs and beauty surpassed.


IOWA PLUMBING AND HEATING COMPANY
Sanitary Plumbing and Heating of all Kinds.
     Great strides have been made in plumbing within the past decade, and
now it might be said to be reduced to a science. There is nothing of more
importance in every house or public building than to have the plumbing,
heating and lighting arrangements of a first class order. The Iowa Plumbing
and Heating Company, whose headquarters are at 411 West Second street,
recognizing the imperative necessity of the most sanitary work in all this
line, has during the time it has been in business employed only expert men
and by superior workmanship it has gradually forged to the front until today
it occupies a leading position among the plumbing and steam heating
establishments of this city.
     This company was incorporated march 1, 1899, and is one of the youngest
companies in this line in the tri cities. Its officers are Henry C.
Claussen, president; Edward L. Bolte, vice-president and Wm. R. Johnson,
secretary and treasurer.
     Besides devoting special attention to plumbing, steam and hot water
heating and gas fitting of all kinds, a full line of engineer's supplies are
carried. Some of the big jobs that the concern has done and which commends
it to the public is the plumbing for the Schricker and Rodler flats, on
Scott street, the Argyle building on Brady street; J.W. Gilchrits's new
residence and the double house of Col. T.N. Hooper on Grand avenue. This
company also furnished the plumbing and heating of the Andresen flats at the
corner of Third and Western avenue and the heating of the Edward's
Congregational church.

WARNER AND COMPANY
One of the leading Automatic Gas Lamp Companies of Iowa
     One of the latest acquisitions to the business interests of this city
is Warner & Company, who are the state agents for the automatic gas lamps
manufactured by the Automatic Gas Lamp Company of Omaha. This firm ahs been
located in Davenport but a short time at 313 Brady street, and during the
time it has been here it has sold large numbers of this celebrated lamp.
     It is the only lamp that has been recognized by the state board of
health of Iowa, and has had its most cordial endorsement. This lamp has also
been most heartily commended by the Underwriters bureau of fire protection
engineering of the state of Illinois as the most suitable for use inside
insured buildings when installed according to such rules governed by such
devices.
     All of these lamps are of the best material and workmanship and
manufactured to a rigid personal inspection of all the material and
supplies. They give a steady, soft, white light and they are free from smoke
and offensive odor and are absolutely safe. One quart of oil will last 14
hours, and the light produced is from 87 to 97 candle power, equivalent to
five ordinary 16 candle incandescent electric lights. Its cost is but a
small fraction of that of coal, gas or electricity, and is even less that
that of coal oil, in fact they are superior to any of the modern methods of
illumination and in point of economy best of any other lamps on the market.
These lamps are generated with a match and with them the cost of 14 hours
light is but 3 cents.
     Warner & Company are also general agents for gas and gasoline mantles,
burners, chimneys and shades and complete Welsbach lights.


C. B. & Q.
Transfer and Express Co.
     In a city the size of this there are usually a number of express and
transfer lines and one of the busiest in this city is one of which C.N.
Petersen is the manager-the C.B. & Q. Transfer Co. There is not a busier man
in the city than this enterprising citizen and his line has undoubtedly more
to do than any other railway express line in the tri-cities. The company has
25 or more heavy teams and gives employment to about a score of men. Special
attention is given to the handling of freight of all kinds and prompt
store-door deliveries are one of the features of this business. This company
has had the contract for a number of years of handling the freight of the
C.B. & Q. road in this vicinity and the satisfaction it has given speaks
volumes for it. there is no transfer company in the three cities that has a
better record for the careful handling and transfering of household goods
and merchandise from one place to another in the cities of Davenport, Rock
Island and Moline, than this well known company.
     Trunks, baggage and safes of all kinds are hauled from one depot to
another at all hours of the day and night, and the charges are at all times
most reasonable. Besides handling the freight of the C.B. & Q. depot for a
number of years, the company has acquired a large patronage from the
different business enterprises of the tri-cities and it has increased from
year to year. The business of the company is now one of the best enjoyed by
any of the large transfer lines of the three cities and this is due largely
to the business methods and energy of the manager, Mr. Petersen.
     The company also makes a specialty of handling superior quality of hard
and soft coal and wood and at the lowest prices. Mr. Petersen has resided
here for the past 35 years and for the past 2 years he has been engaged in
the teaming business. He is one of the most energetic business men of the
community. Calls left at the office of the company at 221-323 east Second
street or at the C.B. & Q. Freight Office or given by phone 130 will be
attended to promptly.

PRINZ AND LARMORE
Manufacturers of Ice Cream and Dealers in Butter, Eggs and Cheese
     There are probably no more enterprising young business men in Davenport
than the members of the firm of Prinz & Larmore. Chas. Prinz and G.T.
Larmore were reared on farms. The depot which they have established here for
ice cream, milk and cream, butter, eggs and cheese is the most extensive of
its kind in Davenport.
     This firm carries on a wholesale and retail business and during the
past two years it has shipped ice cream to all points in this immediate part
of the state and to a number of towns quite distant. Owing to the increase
in their ice cream trade, the firm has specially engaged a highly salaried
expert ice cream maker from Horton's of New York city, the largest ice cream
manufacturing plant in the world, and it is now in a position to fill all
orders promptly both plain and fancy.
     The milk and cream used and handled by this firm is from its own dairy,
composing more than 100 high grade milk producers, well fed and properly
cared for. Both Mr. Prinz and Mr. Larmore have spent most of their lives
thus far in the dairy business and they understand the needs of the public
in this line. They have very large sales of domestic and foreign cheese, all
grades and they are shipping constantly to various points in this state and
Illinois. The Prinz and Larmore depot is located at 508-510 West Third
street. Long distance phone 789.

UNTER DEN LINDEN
Otto H. Lahrmann, Prop.
     There is no better known man in all Davenport than Otto Lahrmann. He is
one of the city's best citizens and one of its most progressive and
successful businessmen. For years he was connected with one of the wholesale
hardware establishments of this place and for a time was the manager of
Turner hall. He became the proprietor of "Unter Den Linden" at the southeast
corner of Scott and Third street, four years ago, and his restaurant,
refreshment and dining-room facility, together with the courteous treatment
accorded all patrons has made his place one of the popular resorts of the
public. His dining-room service is excellent and special attention is given
to the serving of evening or theater parties.
     There is probably no similar place in the city that is better equipped
than "Unter Den Linden" and its popularity is due in large measure to the
fact that everything is carried on in a thoroughly business-like manner. He
is prepared to serve large evening, or short theater parties in the best of
style on short notice, and the satisfactory business he has done in this
line since he became established there is sufficient evidence of a growing
patronage in this particular in the future. The dining-rooms are well
arranged and the surroundings are such as to make it devoid of that
publicity which is characteristic of so many restaurants or cafes.
Considerable is to be done by Mr. Lahrmann in the way of improvements so as
to make the accommodations in this regard the best to be had, for it is his
intention to cater to the best class of people and in this way sustain and
promote the good reputation his business has gained since it was
established. During the theater season quite a number of parties from the
tri-cities have taken advantage of the dining-room accommodations of "Unter
Den Linden" and this class of patronage will continue to increase as it
never has before.

THE DAVENPORT BOILER WORKS
Manufacturer of High Grade Boilers.
     Many new and important business improvements have been made in the
production of boilers and Davenport possesses a plan which is noted for the
many points of superiority of the boilers manufactured there. Reverence is
made to the Davenport Boiler works of which L. Grupe is proprietor, at 317
East Second street. This business was started by Mr. Grupo in 1881-19 years
ago. The first day he was in the town he was bale to come to the conclusion
that this was a place for him to settle, and he bought the ground that is
the site of the present works and established a shop the next day. His
business, of course, grew with the place and he has work enough to keep a
good-sized crew busy from one year's end to the other. He employs from 16 to
50 men and they are employed in the making of all kinds of boilers. This is
the only large boiler factory in the city. Special attention is paid to all
kinds of repairing and sheet-iron work of every description. A specialty is
made of the bu9ilding of patent dryers for glucose factories, breweries and
starch works. These dryers have proved to be the right thing in all
establishments where there is  considerable refuse to dry. This dryer is Mr.
Grupo's own invention and it has many points of excellence over those now in
use. The boiler works is one of the oldest in this section of the country.
The largest boilers in all the factories of Davenport were made in this
establishment and besides doing repair work and furnishing boilers for
various big manufacturing plants in the tri-cities it carries on and
extensive business in shipping to different parts of the country. For
several years past this concern had shipped boilers to points in the Dakota,
Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska and Kansas.


DAVENPORT MALTING COMPANY
Brewers of Keg and Bottle Beer.
     Davenport beer, wherever known is liked. No better beer is made
anywhere than in old German Davenport.
     The method used in the manufacture of beer have been greatly improved
in the past decade and particularly in the past few years owing to the
wonderful advancement that has been made in the way of better machinery, and
today it is an absolute fact that the large breweries of the land have as
nearly reached perfection in the making of beer as it is possible for human
skill to do.
     Recognizing the necessity of having a plant established here that could
produce a first-class beer, which the breweries in operation in this city at
that time could not do because of their inadequate equipments, some of the
leading business men organized the Davenport Malting company, Nov. 1, 1894.
This was virtually a consolidation of the five small plants namely the
breweries of M. Frahm & Son, Koehler & Lange, Mengel, Klindt & Co., Julius
Lehrkladt and Aug. Zoller & Bros. Some of these had been in operation for
more than 40 years and had a state wide reputation. The new plant was
established on West Second street at the foot of Taylor and it has a
frontage of 500 feet running back 400 feet to the switching facilities of
the B.C.R. & N., the C.M. & St. P. and the D.R.I. & N W. This large brewery
is equipped with absolutely modern machinery and its storage capacity is so
large that no keg of beer is ever sold that is less than five months old,
and bottled beer from eight to ten months old. The brands manufactured by
this concern are keg beer-Davenport Malt Standard and Muenchner and the
bottled beer-Pale Export and Muenchner.  Iowa barley and New York hops are
used in the manufacture of the company's keg beer and in the manufacture of
the bottled beer,  Iowa barley, India rice and Bohemian hops are used.
     The Davenport Malting company is now producing a beer that is
unequalled and never excelled. Lager beer is today the popular beverage but
it is not alone as a beverage that it has won its popularity. It has become
an absolute necessity in nearly every household, no matter what station in
life its people may occupy, considering the extraordinary cheap price at
which it is sold and the feeling of contentment and enjoyment it gives all
the tired workers.
     The brewery of this company is the second largest in the state, the
most complete in this city and well worthy of a visit of inspection. The
temperature in the cold storage rooms is maintained at a certain degree so
that the beer is kept cool, sparkling and invigorating throughout the year.
The company employs 60 men and has 15 agencies located at different points
in Iowa to which it ships its product in carload lots. Its beer is sold in
all parts of the state and in southwestern Minnesota. The plant has a
capacity of 100,000 barrels and last year the sales were over 50,000
barrels. Through various causes the consumption of beer has increased in
recent years, especially by families. Very frequently the beer of the
Davenport Malting company is ordered by physicians for their patients. It
might be stated that beer of all kinds has grown steadily in favor with the
American people. In that regard Dr. Rainsford of St. George's Episcopal
church, New York city, advocates the establishment of saloons that would be
compelled to sell the best beer obtainable. Davenport Malting beer is of
such quality that it is only necessary to introduce it into any locality and
the public in every case will prefer it above all others. It is found on
sale, not only in this city, but in almost every enterprising town in Iowa.
That the efforts of the Davenport Malting company to produce a standard
quality of beer have been highly successful, ample evidence is shown in the
increase of its annual production and sale.
     The officers of the company are O.C. Koehler, president; Geo. Mengel,
vice president; Geo. Klindt, secretary. The offices of the company are next
to the brewery.

ALBERT HARTWIG
Undertaker and Embalmer
     The undertaker is sometimes the last man on earth that one wants to
think of but it is well to bear in mind that his business is one of the
mercantile interests of any city and among the undertakers right in our
midst is A. Hartwig, who is located at 426 West Second Street. Albert
Hartwig is associated with his brother J. Hartwig who was with N. Nissen for
20 years, nearly the whole period that well known undertaker was in business
here.
     The Hartwig brothers have devoted a great deal of time and attention to
studying the needs of the public in this line, and particularly in that of
embalming. They are prepared to do this work as it should be done and at the
reasonable prices prevailing. This store contains a fine assortment of
supplies, consisting of fine burial caskets in solid mahogany, walnut,
quartered oak, metallics and textile covered caskets of the most elegant
tapestries in silk, plush, velvet, broadcloths, and covered on cedar or
chestnut with either zinc, copper or metallic linings.
     Mr. Hartwig is a thoroughly practical man, having had some years of
experience in this business and allwork entrusted to his care will receive
prompt and careful attention, insuring the very best satisfaction to every
person who calls upon him in any department of his work. He is one of the
most accommodating, genial and well-informed young men in the business in
the tri-cities and he is laying the foundations of an excellent trade.


R. VOGEL, AGENT ANHEUSER.
Busch Brewing Assn., St. Louis- Wholesale Wine and Liquor Dealer-Owner of
the Bottling Works.
     At No. 210 and 212 east Front street is located the office and ware
house of R. Vogel, who operates a brewery and distillers agency and who is a
wholesale dealer in the celebrated Anehuser-Busch St. Louis beer, as also in
California wines and brandies, Kentucky sour mash, and pure old rye
whiskies.
     Mr. Vogel established himself here last summer having been forced to
remove here from Iowa City by reason of fire. Mr. Vogel has erected a large
and entirely new building at the above place an embellishment to the city in
general, which is built in modern style, and adapted for the wholesale beer
and liquor business. The bottling department of the plant is one of the
finest in the state and is equipped with all of the latest improved
machinery in the market.
     Besides all of the brands of the Anheuser-Busch beers which he handles
and bottles for trade and family use, Mr. Vogel deals in all of the Kentucky
choice whiskies, such as the Park hill, Sherwood, Pepper Anderson,
hermitage, Mac Brayer, Monticello and Gurckenheimer brands, (the latter four
being ten year old brands), the Pennsylvania and Maryland ryes besides
brandies, gins, rums, bitters, domestic and imported Kuemmel and several
other miscellaneous liquors, including Scotch, Irish, Nordhaeuser and Swensk
spirituous goods.
     Select and well aged wines, both sweet and dry, bare kept in stock and
orders for all sorts of goods are solicited for, Mr. Vogel asks the
patronage which he deserves. Being a new comer here he is not as well known
now as he will be later. He requests you to give him your steady orders. His
telephone is No. 544.

QUIRK'S MACHINE SHOP
General Repairing of All Kinds of Machinery
     A man who steps into P.D. Quirk's machine shop at the foot of Brady
street finds one of the best equipped shops of its kind in the city. Mr.
Quirk is a veteran machinist and has been in business in Davenport for the
past 29 years. His work is principally repairing of all kinds of machinery.
He keeps seven men regularly employed and frequently has occasion to employ
more than that number.
     His shop has always been well patronized but this is due largely to the
fact that a job never leaves the place until thorough inspection is made and
the work is thoroughly tested. Wm. J. Pugh, who is well known in Chicago and
New York, among machine men has been with Mr. Quirk for some time and is at
present engaged in the building of an automobile which promises to surpass
some of the late models in many particulars. The motive power will be an
absolutely noiseless gasoline engine, so designed and constructed as to give
the operator full control of any load that he might have.
     Mr. Pugh is building the auto for his own use. The machinery in it will
be much lighter in proportion to horse-power than that of any other light
engine to serve the same purpose. When it is completed it will be seen on
the streets of this city quite frequently.


SWEET & MINEHAN.
The Popular Shoe House.
     In pace with the general activity and energy which is a marked feature
with many of our establishments and enterprises, Messrs. Sweet & Minehan's
shoe house, 208 West Second street, is making rapid strides to the front.
Being in existence only since August 1898, this store has become popularly
known throughout the city and county and is receiving the bulk of the medium
and high class trade to which they cater. The store is a model of
perfection, simplicity and neatness, being a marked feature in its general
make-up. For the comfort of the many patrons, the store is in every respect
better equipped and adapted than any similar place in the city.
     No one fashion had made greater strides in the past decade than the
change in ideas in shoes. Many factors have combined to do it. The tide of
population is slowly but surely turning toward demanding a better class of
shoe than they did in years gone by. The shrewd discerning caterer to the
new wants had discovered this and prepared his business accordingly. This
keeping abreast of the time is emphasized in the selection of stock which
consist of Edwin Clapp and for men Laird, Schober & Cos. ladies. William
Hoyt's for children. These are only a few of many makes displayed here. They
warrant every pair, no matter what the price may be, to be as represented.
     Messrs Sweet & Minehan are both well and favorably known and you are
invited to call and inspect the latest style in men's women's and children's
shoes. You are not asked to buy, we simply ask you to call and inspect our
stock.

[Transcribed by C.J.L.]