Henry Korn, alderman from the Fourth Ward of Davenport, is a native of Germany, being the son of Peter and Anna (Scheafer) Korn, both deceased, who were residents of Kur Hessen, Germany. Mr. Korn was born December 29, 1838, and twenty years later immigrated to America, landing in Baltimore, unaccompanied, but filled with the idea of seeking his fortune in the new world. He learned the baker's trade, and then occupied a position in the Government bakeries in the City of Baltimore during the war. On the second of September, 1864, he came to Davenport, and his career in this city began as an employé for William Pape, who was at that time the most prosperous baker in the city.
He continued with Mr. Pape until the first of January, 1866, at which time he took charge of the bakery and kitchens at the Orphans' Home. In this work he remained until the first of March, 1868, and it is said of him, by those who knew him at the time, that his faithfulness and diligence made him an invaluable employé to those who had the Orphans' Home in charge. Mr. Korn, however, being ambitious and energetic, was not inclined to remain in this position for any longer time than was absolutely necessary, and accordingly he rented Mr. Pape's establishment — the latter retiring from business on the date above mentioned - and continued with considerable prosperity until 1873, when he bought the establishment entire, since which time he has made a notable success and has established himself in business circles in Davenport, making a reputation for fair methods and sincerity and honesty of purpose which has won him the respect and esteem of the citizens generally Mr. Korn's business has been enlarged and extended to a remarkable degree since he first became proprietor of the establishment in 1868. At that time his bakery was a small, unpretentious affair, and everything which was turned out for the trade was the product of "hand work.” He has now the best improved machinery and the most complete equipment in every detail which his business demands, and not only supplies an enormous trade in the City of Davenport, but various other sections of the country, having established an enviable reputation as to the quality of his goods. His specialty is Vienna toast, which is extremely popular.
As tending to show the extent of Mr. Korn's public spirit and enterprise it may be stated that he is interested in the Tri-City Packing Company, the Davenport Milling Company, the Cold Storage Company, the Davenport Fair and Exposition Society, the Mile Track Association, and numerous other smaller institutions. He is a prominent member of the Turner Society, of the Knights of Pythias and of the Freie Brüder Society. He is the staunchest kind of a Democrat, and has always fully endorsed the principles of that party. He is now serving his third term as alderman, having been first elected in 1891, and his connection with some of the most important affairs affecting the city's government has been quite prominent. In everything he undertakes he displays a spirit of fairness and justice to all parties concerned, and his constituents recognize his ability to take care of their interests.
Mr. Korn's marriage occurred in the City of Baltimore, August 13, 1864, just a month or two previous to his coming to Davenport. Mrs. Korn's maiden name was Elizabeth Alheith, and she was a native of the same place in Germany in which Mr. Korn was born. The children of this union are: William II ., who is married to Susan Tanner of Daven port, and who has one girl; Charles H., who is married to Hulda Schlap kohl, and who has one girl; Harry H., John H., Otto H., Lena and Bertha. The first two mentioned — William II and Charles H. — are partners in the business with their father under the firm name of Henry Korn & Sons. There is good reason to believe that the name will be per petuated through many years, and that the sons will be able to conduct the business which their father has established, with equal success.
BIOGRAPHIES