The record of Abraham Moritz career evidences the fact that there were many elements of strength in his character and that he well deserves a place on the roll of successful self-made men. Early thrown upon his own resources, he manfully faced the difficulties which always confront a poor boy striving to make his way in the world, and by persevering industry, and the genius of hard work, overcame every obstacle, and attained a position of influence, surrounded with material comforts and honored and beloved by all who knew him.
Abraham Moritz in his brief life did many things, and exhibited many qualities which, had the stage been larger, might have won distinction. He exhibited ability, energy, integrity, tact and many other admirable traits, not the least of which was a broad charity for his fellow-man. He conquered a foreign tongue; he conquered a race prejudice; he won fortune and friends in a land alien to his birth and died sincerely mourned by all his acquaintances. A native of Germany, he was born near Frankfort -on-the-Main, December 19, 1840. At the age of sixteen he started out for himself, seeking his fortune in foreign lands. In 1866 he came to the United States and for one year was employed as a clerk in a clothing house in New York City. There he met a merchant from Davenport, Iowa, Mr. L. Lowenstein, who after ward became his brother-in-law, who induced him to enter his employ. The relationship was mutually satisfactory, and Mr. Moritz showed himself so valuable to the business that he was admitted to a partner ship. In 1870, four years after landing on our shores, he started in business for himself, and his success, from the start, was phenomenal. He changed his location from time to time to secure in each instance larger quarters to accommodate his constantly increasing trade. He made and kept friends, and demonstrated such business sagacity, tact and good judgment, that the leading business men of the community sought his counsel on matters of public and financial import. He readily and heartily lent himself to the accomplishment or further ance of any legitimate project that bade fair to benefit the community, and achieved a reputation for disinterested public-spiritedness second to no one in the city. He was an active member of the Business Men's Association; served on many important committees, and rendered efficient help to the people. He helped to organize and promote many of the best enterprises set on foot in Davenport, among them being the Iowa National Bank. He was one of the organizers of this bank and served on its board of directors up to the time of his death. Some time prior to his decease, on account of failing health he sent in his resignation, expressing the opinion that others more capable of activity could be of better service, but his letter of resignation was respectfully considered and respectfully declined, his associates, as a member expressed it, determining to keep him for the good he had done.
He with a few other enterprising citizens was active in the con struction of the Second Street and Northwest Davenport Street Railway, which did much to render accessible and develop that part of the city and bring trade as well to that part of Davenport's business center. He never forsook the faith of his fathers, but was a consistent member and liberal supporter of the congregation of Temple Emanuel.
He was a member of Fraternal Lodge No. 221, A. F. and A. M., of which he was at one time Worshipful Master, and was also a member of Davenport Chapter R. A. M. No. 16, and of I. O. B. B., Lodge No. 174.
Mr. Moritz was a man of extraordinary strength of mind, but his physical strength was not equal to the demands made upon it by his wonderful activity. He was in ill health some time before his final breaking down, but his ambition and will power kept him up long after most men would have succumbed.
He married, April 11, 1869, Miss Carolina Hamburger. The union was a happy one, and his simple home life was, perhaps, more than usually pleasant. They had five sons, Ilarry, Sidney, Emanuel, Jesse and Edwin. Two of his brothers are living: Solomon of Davenport, and Simon of Kiota, Iowa. Mr. Moritz died February 4, 1891, and in his decease Davenport sustained the loss of an active and useful citizen.
BIOGRAPHIES