The subject of this sketch, a native of Germany, was born in Elsenfield, on the River Main, February 5, 1827. When he was thirteen years old his father immigrated with his family to the United States. Going down the Main to the Rhine and thence to Rotterdam, he sailed on board an American vessel for Baltimore, Maryland, arriving in that city after a voyage of fifty-eight days. Thence he went to Havre-de Grace, from there to Pittsburgh, and thence by steamer to Cincinnati, Ohio. At Cincinnati the son, Amandus, served an apprenticeship and became a carriage maker. In 1853 he settled in Davenport, and there erected the first carriage factory in the State of Iowa. His business prospered from the first, and to meet the demands of his rapidly growing trade he, in 1855, enlarged his plant and increased the number of employees. During that year his factory turned out what was known as the "Pilot," the handsomest hose-cart ever built in the West. It was elaborately carved and trimmed with brass, and for many years was in use in Davenport. During that year, also, he made large profits from some real estate investments. Associated with him in his factory was his brother Adam. In 1860 Amandus retired from active business, and the brother went to Denver, Colorado, and established a carriage factory which he now conducts under the firm name of Woeber Brothers.
Mr. Woeber has always been an enterprising, energetic and progressive man, and in all his relations with others has demeaned himself in a manner to command confidence and respect. He is a member of St. Joseph's Benevolent Society of Davenport, and liberally contributes to worthy charities. In religious faith he is a Catholic. His political affiliations have always been with the Democratic party, and he has served one term as a member of the Davenport City Council from the First Ward.
October 12, 1852, Mr. Woeber married Miss Therisca Schennes of Cincinnati, and twelve children have been born of this union.
BIOGRAPHIES