The subject of this sketch is one of Davenport's most successful, reliable and substantial business men. He began life with no capital other than his own abilities; but with a genius for hard work, he has, by business enterprise, determination and persevering industry, made for himself a name and attained to a position in business and financial circles both gratifying and creditable.
He is a native of Holstein, Germany, and was born in 1830, the second son of a family of three children. He lived in his native land until after he had reached his majority, receiving such education as the humble circumstances of his parents would permit, and doing the work that fell to the lot of boys of his class. He early acquired habits of industry and thrift and made good use of his opportunities. But he saw little chance for advancement in his own country, and accordingly, in 1853, he said good-by to his friends in the Fatherland and sailed for the United States, settling first in New York City, where he remained about a year. Thence turning his steps westward he went to Davenport, Iowa, reaching there on March 13, 1854, and at once entered upon what has proved a most successful business career. He began as a clerk in a drygoods store on a salary of twenty-five dollars per month, out of which he paid his living expenses and saved something each month, so that in the following year (1855) he had a small capital with which he began business on his own account, opening a retail meat market on a limited scale. He worked hard, early and late, carefully planned and economized, and under his good management his little business grew year by year, and yielded him most gratifying returns. He continued his retail market trade nineteen years; and in 1875, having accumulated a considerable amount of money and property, he branched out into the business of packing and shipping meats. That was twenty years ago; and during that period his trade has gradually developed and extended, until it now reaches throughout the entire West. In all his business dealings Mr. Kohrs is prompt and reliable, and wherever known, is respected and esteemed. Although his attention has been largely occupied in his business, he has always shown a commendable interest in matters pertaining to the welfare of his city. His political affiliations have always been with the Democratic party, and in 1882 he was elected a member of the Davenport City Council for a term of two years. He is a man of keen foresight and good judgment and has the happy faculty of making the most and best of his opportunities. Broad-minded, large-hearted, generous and genial, he readily makes friends, who esteem him for his whole-souled and manly qualities.
On December 25, 1857, he married Miss Johanna Lohnman, a native of Germany, by whom he has eight children.
BIOGRAPHIES