For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 171
JOHN J. HAVERCAMP. John J. Havercamp, recognized as one of the leading druggists of Muscatine, was born in this city, September 5, 1863. He is a son of Martin and Bernardina Havercamp, both of whom were born in Hanover, Germany, although the mother's ancestors lived in Holland. Martin Havercamp came to America when a young man, locating in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he entered the employ of Tweed & Andrews, wholesale grocers. He removed to Muscatine, Iowa, in 1856, and here he engaged in the retail grocery business from the early '60s until 1878, when he passed away at the age of fifty-eight years. Mrs. Havercamp is still living. George B. Havercamp, the paternal grandfather, was a trader in Germany. He came to this country with his wife two years after their son Martin arrived, living for a time in Cincinnati. He removed to Muscatine about 1856 and continued here during the remainder of his life. Grandfather Stocker, on the maternal side, was a quarry owner of Hanover. Seven children were born to Martin and Bernardina Havercamp: Martin; Josephine, the wife of August A. Balluff, of Davenport; Harry; Bernardina; John J., George B.; and Joseph W.John J. Havercamp was educated in the public and parochial schools of Muscatine and also attended Snavely's College. In 1879 he began his business career as a clerk in the drug store of Dr. I. L. Graham. Here he gained a practical experience in the details of business, showing an ability that gave large promise for his future. In 1889 he established a drug store of his own, which he has since conducted. Energetic and wide-awake, he keeps fully abreast of the times, and his store is one of the most attractive of the kind that is to be seen anywhere. By his well directed efforts he has largely contributed to the business prosperity of the city and also to his individual success.
In 1902 Mr. Havercamp was united in marriage to Miss Bennie B. Sterling, a daughter of John and Harriet Sterling. Mrs. Havercamp is a native of Louisa county, Iowa. Her father lived in Muscatine for several years, the mother having died before he came here. Three children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Havercamp: Julian E.; Gladys Adella, who died in infancy; and Paul J.
Mr. Havercamp is identified with the democratic party and is a stanch upholder of its principles. As a public-spirited citizen he is ever ready to assist in forwarding the permanent interests of his native city. He has attained his present success by patient application and close attention to the wants of his customers and has gained a high reputation for his conscientious discharge of every duty as it has arisen in the course of an active and useful career.
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