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Scott Co, Iowa - IAGenWeb Project
BIOGRAPHIES
Henry Klindt, Jr. Biography
From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E.
Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Klindt, Stelk, Kardel, Lamp, Sindt, Jurgens, Keppy.
The business interest of Maysville, Scott county, find a worthy representative
in Henry Klindt, who was born in this village September 25, 1880, a son of Henry
and Celia (Sindt) Klindt. The father was born in Hohndorf, Probstei, Germany,
March 12, 1846, and was there reared to the age of fifteen years, when his
parents, Heinrich and Katharine (Stelk) Klindt, removed to Prussia, Germany.
Heinrich Klindt was a wagon maker by trade and followed that occupation in the
old country but in 1868 he emigrated to America and settling in Scott county,
here engaged in farming throughout the remainder of his business career. Their
family numbered seven children, but the youngest, a daughter, was drowned in
Germany at the age of six years. The other members were: Claus, now a resident
of Davenport; Maggie, the wife of Fritz Kardel, also of that city; Lena, who
became the wife of Jochim Lamp, but is deceased; Jochim, who has also departed
this life; Henry, Sr.; and Katie, the wife of John Sindt, a resident of
Lyon county, Iowa. Both the parents passed away in Maysville, the father when
seventy-one years of age, and the mother at the age of sixty-nine years.
Henry Klindt, Sr., accompanied his parents on their various removals and was a
young man of twenty-two years when the family sought a home in the new world,
and from that time to the present he has made his home in Scott county. After
coming here he was engaged at farm labor for six years and then became
proprietor of a hotel in Maysville, conducting a saloon in connection with his
hostelry. He gave his time to this business for sixteen years and in the
meantime, meeting with success, he invested his money in farm lands in Minnesota
and the Dakotas. Since retiring from active business he has made his home in
Maysville and now gives his time to his land interests in the north. Mr. Klindt
was married on the 8th of February, 1876, to Miss Celia Sindt, who was born in
Scott county, October 16, 1854, a daughter of Henry and Bertha Sindt, who were
natives of Germany, whence they emigrated to America and located in Scott county
in the early '50s. Unto Mr. And Mrs. Klindt have been born five children
but Hertha and Grover are deceased, while the three surviving members are: Mate,
the wife of William Jurgens, a resident of New Liberty, Iowa; Albert, who
conducts a hotel in Donahue; and Henry Jr., of this review.
Henry Klindt Jr., was reared under the parental roof and acquired his elementary
learning in the common schools of Maysville, while later he pursued a business
course in Duncan's Business College at Davenport. Well qualified for the
practical duties of life he began his business career as a traveling salesman,
representing a Davenport firm for several years. In 1904 he engaged in business
in Maysville as a general merchant and has built up a good patronage which he
draws from the surrounding districts as well as from the village. He keeps a
stock of goods that meets the demands of the public and his moderate prices and
his fair dealings has proved his best advertisement. He owns his own store
building, a modern, two-story structure, sixty by thirty-two feet, the lower
floor being devoted to the business, while the second story is occupied as a
dwelling.
Mr. Klindt was married February 8, 1905, the lady of his choice being Miss Clara
S. Keppy, a native of Donahue, Scott county. She is a daughter of Frank Keppy,
who is engaged in merchandising in the latter place, and by her marriage she has
become the mother of one child, Lorane. Upon the incorporation of the village of
Maysville on the 11th of July, 1909, Mr. Klindt was elected its first mayor and
he has already demonstrated his fitness for the office. In his business affairs
he is very methodical and accurate as to details and shows splendid judgment in
the treatment of his employes and of all with whom he comes in contact.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
D. C. McCausland Biography
From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E.
Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: McCausland, Brakenridge, Smith, Coe.
D. C. McCausland is a representative of one of the old families of Scott county
and has resided here from his early boyhood days. Members of the family have
always been actively interested in the work of general progress and, like the
others of his name, D. C. McCausland has assisted in the material development of
the county, and in the support of many public measures for the general good. He
was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, on the 29th of October, 1846, and is
a son of John C. and Catherine McCausland, who removed from the Keystone state
to West Virginia when the subject of this review was only a year old. There they
resided for seven years, after which they came to Scott county. The father had
previously visited this district. Looking over the country and being pleased
with its future prospects he purchased a half section of land two miles south of
the present town of McCausland. He then brought his family to Iowa and began
life as a pioneer settler of Scott county. Upon his land there was a large stone house that had formerly been the
property of a Mr. Brakenridge, who owned a ranch in this district, adding to his
property from time to time until he had an entire section and a tract of one
hundred and eighty acres additional when he died. He was a man of undaunted
enterprise and good business ability and his careful management of his interests
brought him substantial and gratifying success. At the same time he commanded
the respect and confidence of all who knew him.
D. C. McCausland acquired his early education in the schools of West Virginia
and continued his studies in the district schools of Scott county and in private
schools, gaining a good knowledge of those branches of English learning which
are considered essential factors to success in business life. Through the period
of his youth he was instructed and trained for by his father in the work of the
fields an gained a practical knowledge of farm methods so that he was well
qualified to take charge of a farm of his own, when, in 1880, he removed to his
present home, which he had purchased and which has since been his place of
residence. The town of McCausland, where he now resides, was named in his honor.
He was the first in the town, and for a decade he remained in merchandising,
building up a good trade. He also dealt in horses for some time, but at the
present writing is handling South Dakota lands and in his real estate operations
is meeting with excellent success. He is the owner of a large amount of property in that state, while his holdings in Scott
county embrace five hundred acres of very valuable farm land.
On the 6th of May, 1880, Mr. McCausland was married to Miss Clina E. Smith, a
daughter of Seneca Smith, of Dubuque, and unto them were born three children:
John W., of Chicago; Mary B., the wife of O. O. Coe, of Canada, by whom she has
one child; and Guy C., at home.
Mr. McCausland has served as justice of the peace of Butler township and proved
a capable incumbent in that position, but has never been an office seeker,
always preferring to devote his time and energies to his business affairs. In
the capable direction of his mercantile, live-stock and land interests he has
met with substantial success and is recognized as one of the representative and
leading business men of this part of the county.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
William Pruter Biography
From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E.
Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Pruter, Fehrs, Kruse, Lamas, Schroader, Rohwer, Miller.
Among the many men who have followed farming with success and have now put aside
the mote arduous duties and live in retirement in Davenport is William Pruter.
He owns about seven hundred acres of farm land in Crawford county, Iowa, besides
the fine property where he lives. He was born in Holstein, Germany, October 27,
1830, a son of Hans and Agnes Pruter. The father was a carpenter by trade and,
like his wife, died in the fatherland.
William Pruter was reared and educated in the province of his birth, there
learning the trade of a cabinetmaker. When he reached manhood he entered the
German army, serving through the war of 1848-50. After its culmination he worked
at his trade until 1869, when he embarked for America. The ocean vessel dropped
anchor at New York, whence he and his wife and three children made their way to
Iowa. He bought eighty acres of land in Clinton county, on which the family
lived for the next three years, and then selling it they removed to Crawford
county, where Mr. Pruter purchased a tract of prairie land. He broke the soil,
prepared it for cultivation and in the course of years improved it greatly,
making it his home until 1902, when a large income and advancing years suggested
the wisdom of his retiring from active life.
Mr. Pruter has been married three times. His first wife was Miss Margaret Fehrs,
who died in 1867, leaving two children. Frank, who is now living in Crawford
county, wedded Miss Augusta Kruse, and they have five children: Carolina,
Julius, Frank, Gustave and Emma. Charles, who married Miss Dora Lamas, lives in
Crawford county and is the father of a daughter, Elsie. For his second wife Mr.
Pruter married Miss Carolina Schroader, who died leaving one son, John. On the
26th of November, 1872, Mr. Pruter married Miss Magdalene Rohwer, a daughter of
Hans and Magdalene Rohwer, who spent their entire lives in Germany. One son,
William, has been born of this union. He lives in Crawford county and married
Miss Clara Miller. They have two children, Clarence and Leslie.
While still in active business in Crawford county, Mr. Pruter was closely
identified with public interests in his locality and served as trustee, a member
of the school board and as supervisor of the roads in Hayes township. He
fulfilled the duties of these several offices with care and discrimination,
which gained for him the esteem of those who had chosen him as their
representative. The memory of the past years, which brought him such good
fortune, holds little bitterness for his success is due entirely to his own
efforts and not to the misfortune of others.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
Jacob Miller Biography
From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E.
Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Miller, Aikens, Heavlin, Kough, Bishop.
In the death of Jacob Miller, which occurred at his home on the Middle road, May
11, 1897, Scott county lost one of its well known and honored pioneer residents.
He had come to Iowa in 1846, removing to this state from Indiana. He was,
however, a native of Ohio, his birth having occurred in Brown county, that
state, in 1806. His father, John Miller, was a tailor and followed his trade in
Ohio and Indiana. Both he and his wife, Mrs. Anna Miller, were of German birth
and parentage. They removed from the Buckeye state to Indiana during the boyhood
days of Jacob Miller, who acquired his education in the common schools. After
putting aside his text-books he learned the blacksmith's trade and then,
thinking to have better business opportunities in Iowa, he removed to this
state. He engaged in blacksmithing on the farm which he purchased in LeClaire
township, making investment in government land, which he cleared and developed,
breaking the sod and planting his fields, which I course of time brought forth
rich harvests. Year after year he carefully carried on the farm work and in
addition to the cultivation of cereals best adapted to the soil and climate he
also raised stock and found it a profitable source of income. He continued to
carry on general farming until the fall of 1882, when he removed to his home on
the Middle road. He retained the ownership of his farm, however, until his
death. His property interests were a visible evidence of his well directed
energy and activity and he could truly be called a self-made man, for his
success came as the just reward of his earnest and unfaltering labor.
Mr. Miller was married twice. In Indiana, in 1831, he wedded Miss Jane Aikens
and unto them were born five daughters, including Mrs. Heavlin, whose daughter,
Mrs. James Kough, now resides with Mrs. Miller in Davenport. His first wife
passed away in November, 1876, and in 1881 he wedded Hila Bishop, whose father
came to Iowa from Illinois.
Mr. Miller voted with the democracy and had firm belief in the value of the
party principles as elements in good government. He did not seek nor wish for
office, however, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business
affairs. He held no membership in fraternities but was a devoted member of the
Baptist church for fifty years, serving for a long period as deacon in the
church. He took deep interest in all of its work, doing everything in his power
to promote its growth and extend its influence. His life was ever honorable and
upright, in harmony with his professions, and his sterling personal worth
commanded for him the respect of young and old, rich and poor. Had he lived
until June, 1897, he would have been ninety-one years of age. His life span
covered much of that century which up to this time has been the most important
in the world's history, chronicling as it does the most notable progress along
the paths of civilization. When he first saw the sunlight in Ohio, Iowa had no
place on the map save as a part of that great unexplored western country. The
first crude steamboat had not yet been floated upon the Hudson and a number of
years were to pass before the first telegraph line would transmit a message. Mr.
Miller lived to see all these and many more things accomplished, together with
the settlement of the great west and its division into states whose enterprises
and opportunities equal if not exceed those of the older east.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
Rev. W. P. Shannahan Biography
From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E.
Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Shannahan, Cashman.
Rev. W. P. Shannahan, president of St. Ambrose College, one of the strong
Catholic institutions of this state, was born in Muscatine county, Iowa,
February 2, 1870. His parents were John and Elizabeth (Cashman) Shannahan, the
former a native of Ireland and the latter of Kentucky. His early education was
obtained in St. Ambrose College , from which he was graduated in the class of
1896, while later he was graduated from the St. Paul Seminary in 1898. He
afterward did post graduate work in the Catholic University of Washington in the
scholastic year of 1899 and 1900, and was thus well qualified by liberal
training for the important work that has devolved upon him in connection with
educational interests.
On the 27th of May, 1899, the Rev. W. P. Shannahan was ordained to the
priesthood, taking his holy orders in St. Paul. After his studies were completed
in Washington he came to St. Ambrose College as one of its professors and in
January, 1907, was chosen president of the institution, which is a very old and
important one of this city, promoting in large measure the Catholic education of
the young in central Iowa.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
Dick R. Lane Biography
From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E.
Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Lane, Birdsall.
Dick R. Lane needs no introduction to the readers of his volume for he is a
representative of one of the most prominent and distinguished families of
Davenport, in which city he was born October 27, 1882. His grandfather and his
father, both distinguished representatives of the Iowa bar, are mentioned
elsewhere in this volume. The public schools of Davenport afforded Dick R. Lane
his early educational advantages and later he had the benefit of instruction in
the Phillips Academy at Andover, Massachusetts. Thus he gained a broad literary
knowledge to serve as the foundation upon which to rear the super-structure of
professional learning and in preparation for the bar he entered the law
department of the Iowa University, from which he was graduated in 1904. He then
commenced practice with his father and is proving an active, working member of
the firm. His knowledge of the law is also constituting an element in his
successful management of business interests. He is now the secretary and
treasurer of the Lane Building Company, secretary and treasurer of the Kimball
Hotel Company and treasurer of the Lane Building Company and treasurer of the
White Lily Manufacturing Company. His interest in Davenport's development along
business lines is of most practical and tangible character and his standing
among the leading business men of this city is indicated by the fact that he has
been elected to the presidency of the Commercial Club.
On the 25th of December 1904, Mr. Lane was married to Miss Grace Birdsall, a
daughter of Horace Birdsall, a prominent resident of Davenport. Fraternally he
is connected with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. His political
allegiance has always been given to the republican party and, prominent in its
local ranks, he is now serving as chairman of the county committee. He is
recognized as a young man of executive force and in possession of administrative
direction he has shown marked enterprise. His mental qualities are of a
brilliant character, his enterprise is undaunted, and with high ideals before
him he is continuously reaching out for further accomplishment. Like the others
of the family he is leaving the impress of his individuality upon the city in no
mistakable manner, his efforts and labors constituting a vital force in the
upbuilding and improvement of Davenport.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
Henry
Roehs Biography
From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E.
Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Roehs, Ball, Paustian, Anders.
Henry Roehs, one of Hickory Grove township's most popular and substantial
citizens, was born on his Present home farm in section 30, November 7, 1865, and
its attractions for him have proved sufficiently strong to induce him to spend
all his life here. He is the son of Fritz and Dorothea (Ball) Roehs, natives of
Holstein, Germany. It was the grandfather, John Roehs, who decided to put to a
personal test the much heralded resources of America, and in 1852 he came to
this country with his family. He came to Davenport and subsequently bought the
farm upon which his grandson now resides and operated it successfully for many
years. He was living upon it at the time of his death about twenty years ago at
the age of ninety-nine. He had two children: Fritz, the father of our subject;
and Christina, wife of Frederick Paustian. Our subject's parents were reared and
married in Germany. The father was only about twenty-two years of age when he
came to this country. He at once engaged in farming and prospered beyond his
brightest dreams. Possessed of absolutely nothing at first he died the owner of
four valuable farms, tow in Hickory Grove township; Louis, a resident of
Walcott; Mary, the wife of Henry Paustian, of Walcott; and Henry. The father was
born August 8, 1830, and died June 11, 1895. the mother, who now resides with
her son Henry, was born September 25, 1831.
Henry Roehs, who is thoroughly up-to-date in his methods of cultivation, gives
his attention to general farming. He believes in the best equipment available
and his farm buildings are models of convenience, these having been planned and
constructed by his father. He has additional interests, being a stockholder in
the Farmers Elevator Company of Walcott.
In 1888 Mr. Roehs, was united in marriage to Miss Sophia Anders, a native of
Holstein, the ancestral home of the Roehs, having been born there July 30, 1871.
She came to America with her widowed mother when ten years of age. The Roehs
family is brightened by the presence of eight children as follows: Herman,
Lizzie, Clara, Herbert, Hugo, Martha, Evelyn and Clarence. Mr. Roehs unites with
his many good gifts of mind and heart a fine, commanding presence which combine
to give him a personality not soon to be forgotten by those with whom he comes
in contact.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
Henry L. Kroeger Biography
From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E.
Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Kroeger, Loge, Goetsch, Brandt, Rohwer.
Henry L. Kroeger, whose well tilled farm in Davenport township is representative
of the best agricultural interests of this section of the county, was born on
the farm on which he now lives, February 18, 1864, a son of Claus and Anna
(Loge) Kroeger. The former was born in Holstein, Germany, April 14, 1829, his
parents being Hans and Lena Kroeger, who spent all their lives in the
fatherland. In his youth he served in the German war of 1848-50, for two years,
and in 1854, embarked upon his journey to America. Upon his arrival in Scott
county, Iowa, Mr. Kroeger secured employment as a farm hand with Mr. Schmidt and
continued to work for others until 1860, when he married and went to live upon
the place which is now the home of his son and which was then owned by his
father-in-law. Upon it he continued to pursue his vocation as a farmer until
1893, when he deemed it wise to retire from active life and accordingly took up
his residence in Davenport, where he is still living. He also owned a tract of
land in Linn county, Iowa, but has sold it. During his years of activity he
served as road supervisor and school director of Davenport township and was a
man well known and widely esteemed among his fellowmen. His wife, who was Miss
Lena Loge before her marriage , was born in Germany, march 9, 1839, and came to
the United States with her parents, Henry and Anna Loge, in 1847. They landed at
New Orleans, ascended the Mississippi river to St. Louis, where they spent six
weeks, and later came to Scott county, where they secured farm land from the
government.
Henry L. Kroeger has spent his whole life upon the farm whose soil he now
cultivates. In early years he learned all the secrets of its cultivation, so
that he is now one of the most successful agriculturists in his section of the
county. He attended the district schools in the vicinity of his home, acquiring
a fair English education. He has not made a specialty of any particular line of
work, but is engaged in general farming, for which the character of his soil is
well adapted. He has made good improvements and his fields present a neat and
thrifty appearance.
Mr. Kroeger has been twice married. On the 29th of August 1885, he wedded Miss
Lena Goetsch, who was born April 12, 1864, and through her marriage became the
mother of two children: Melanie, the widow of Ferd Ahrens; and Selma, who is at
home. The wife and mother died August 16, 1891, and December 1, 1892, Mr.
Kroeger was joined in wedlock to Miss Lena Rohwer, a daughter of Henry and
Kathryn (Brandt) Rohwer. Her father was born in Holstein, Germany, January 19,
1838, his parents being Joseph and Kathryn Rohwer. In 1868, accompanied by his
wife and daughter, Mrs. Kroeger, who was then two years of age, he sailed for
America. The little party landed in New York and then came to Iowa, spending a
few years in the city of Davenport. Later they bought eighty acres in Buffalo
township, this county, on which they made their home for about seventeen years,
at the end of that period removing to Rockingham township, where they are still
living. The mother was born in Holstein, Germany, September 1, 1844, and was
married to Mr. Rohwer in the old country, April 11, 1866. They had eight
children, of whom Lena, now Mrs. Kroeger, is the eldest. She has become the
mother of one son, Irwin. Mr. Kroeger is one of those men upon whose upright and
industrious life the stability of this nation depends. He has lived quietly, but
well, gaining as his reward both material prosperity and the respect of those
who have watched his progress.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
Hans Schlichting Biography
From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E.
Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Schlichting, Houschild, Frahm, Holst, Ronnfield, Hendricks, Harger,
Umlaud, Warneboldt.
A long trip across the ocean, travel by rail to Chicago and thence by wagon at
length brought the Schlichting family to Davenport in the spring of 1848. Hans
Schlichting was then a little lad of six years. He was born in Schleswig,
Germany, march 11, 1842, a son of Mathias and Marie Schlichting. The father was
a farmer in his native land but, believing that he would have better
opportunities of providing for his family in the new world, he crossed the
Atlantic in 1848 and, as previously stated, arrived in Scott county in the
spring of that year. This was still a frontier district, in which much of the
land was still unclaimed and uncultivated. The father bought a tract of one
hundred acres of prairie land in Blue Grass township and the family took up
their abode thereon in a little log house which was standing thereon. Later as
his financial resources permitted he bought more land. There were few families
in the neighborhood and some Indians were still to be seen. Hardships
and trials incident to pioneer life formed a feature of their early
experiences here, but as the years passed on Mathias Schlichting prospered in
his undertakings and from time to time made judicious investments in property,
the value of which increased with the settlement of the county as well as by
reason of the cultivation and improvement which he bestowed upon it. In later
years he gave to each of his five sons a farm and to his three daughters an
equivalent sum in money. He died at the age of sixty-eight years, while his wife
reached the age of seventy-two years. In their family were eight children: John,
now deceased; Anna, who married Henry Houschild, both are now deceased; Cathrina,
who married Frederick Frahm, but both have passed away; Christina, the widow of
Detlef Houschild; Peter, who is living in Davenport; Thomas, deceased; William,
a resident of this city; and Hans.
The last named, arriving in Scott county at the age of six years, pursued his
education in the public schools of Blue Grass township and afterward worked with
his father on the farm, breaking prairie with oxen. He lived upon the same farm
for forty-seven years and then retired, removing to Davenport. That long period
was one of earnest, persistent toil as he diligently cultivated the fields from
the time of early spring planting until crops were harvested in the late autumn.
He followed progressive methods in tilling the soil and as the result of his
care and wise management harvested good crops and in the course of years
acquired a competence that now enables him to live comfortably without recourse
to further labor. He was at one time the owner of five hundred and sixty acres
of valuable land, all in Scott county, but he has since sold a portion of it and
has given the remainder to his children.
Mr. Schlichting was married September 29, 1863, to Miss Mary Holst, a daughter
of Jurgen and Magdelina Holst, who were early settlers of this county, taking up
their abode in Princeton township when the work of development and improvement
had scarcely been begun here. Mrs. Schlichting was born in Holstein-Schleswig,
Germany, February 27, 1844, and in 1858 was brought to the United States by her
parents, who died on their farm in Princeton township. Unto Mr. and Mrs.
Schlichting have been born a daughter and two sons. Matilda became the wife of
John Ronnfield and died at the age of thirty-one years, leaving five children;
Florence Mary, who became the wife of Henry Hendricks, of this county, and had
four children, Esther M., Marie, Louisa and Leona; Cordelia C., who married Hugo
Harger; Lillian; Rose; and Edna. Fritz E., the second of the family, living in
Davenport, married Hannah Umlaud and has two children, Oliver V. and Leroy W.
John, also of Davenport, married Augusta Warneboldt and they have on daughter,
Carmel M.
The cause of public education has ever found in Mr. Schlichting a warm
supporter. He has served as school director of Blue Grass township for nine
years and was road supervisor for a few years. He has always been an earnest
republican, never faltering in his allegiance to the principles of the party,
for he believes that it contains for the best elements of good government. His
life has been a diligent one and his well spent years have brought him
substantial prosperity, while his reliable business methods have gained for him
the good will and confidence of all.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
Mrs. Elizabeth Incze Biography
From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E.
Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Incze, Houck, Loge.
The history of Mrs. Elizabeth Incze, one of Davenport township's well known
women, as that of her late husband, Francis Incze, is one of interest. She is a
native of Bavaria, Germany, her parents being Johann Philip and Anna (Houck)
Loge, both of whom died in their native land. In her early years she and her
brother John left the fatherland to try their fortunes in the United States.
They landed in New York in 1852 and in a little while went to Cincinnati, Ohio,
where Elizabeth was married to Francis Incze, who was born in Hungary, March 23,
1828. He was of noble birth and fine education, but his youthful ardor carried
him to imprudent lengths at the time of the war between Austria and Hungary in
1848 and he was exiled from his native land with many other revolutionists. They
wandered through many foreign lands, among them Turkey and Egypt, and finally
arrived in England, where the British government furnished them free of charge
with a ship in which to come to America. Upon landing in the east he was advised
to go to Cincinnati, where he learned the trade of wood turning. There he met
Mrs. Incze and about four years after their marriage they removed to Davenport.
Their residence in this city was of twenty years duration, Mr. Incze meantime
following his trade. At the end of this time they purchased a thirty-five acre
tract of fine land in Davenport township and removed to it to engage in fruit
growing. Mr. Incze followed his new vocation until his death, April 1, 1896.
Throughout his life he gave his support to the republican party.
Mrs. Incze is the mother of nine children, five of whom are still living, while
four are deceased. She is a woman of dauntless nature, whose courage in coming
to a new country when a young girl, unaccompanied by natural guardians, has been
matched by other deeds in subsequent years. In the rearing of her children and
in the management of her affairs since the death of her husband she has
exhibited executive ability greater than is usually accredited to her sex.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
Sam
T. White Biography
From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E.
Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: White, Thomas, Nagel.
Sam T. White is the president of the White Lilly Manufacturing company and a
representative of that class of citizens who find their stimulus for business
activity in necessity and competition. Placing his dependence upon his own
efforts and resources, form the outset of his career he has steadily progressed
in the business world along well defined lines of labor until he has reached an
important position in commercial circles as the president of the White Lily
Manufacturing Company of Davenport. He was born in Cornwall, England, February
1, 1868. That county was also the birthplace of his father, Samuel White,
who came to the United States in the early '40's. He was a miner by occupation,
and, attracted by the gold discoveries in California, went to the Pacific coast
in 1849. He traveled extensively through the western country, prospecting and
mining, and made some money while in that section.
In 1866 he returned to his
native country of Cornwall, where he wedded Miss Mary Ann Thomas. His death
occurred in Cornwall in 1880. His so, Sam T. White, was reared to farm life,
having but meager educational privileges, as it was necessary that he early
provide for his own support. He was a strong and vigorous boy, however, and when
but sixteen years of age he left England with a companion of the same age and
sailed for the United States, for the stories which he heard concerning business
conditions in the new world led him to the belief that he would have better
opportunities on the western continent. He settled first at Staatsburg, New
York, where he remained for a year and then went to Canada, where he followed
farming, ditching and well digging. He also worked in lumber camps and here his
extraordinary physiques stood him in good stead, enabling him to command high
wages because of the strength which he exercised in the performance of his
duties. He had no rich friends, was a stranger in a strange land and had to
depend on his own efforts. He succeeded because of his determination and his
energy and at all times was watchful of opportunities promising advancement. In
Canada he became interested in the bicycle business an met with prosperity in
that undertaking. In fact throughout his entire life he has carried forward to
successful completion every business with which he has become associated. In
1891 he removed to Chicago and became connected with several large firms in the
bicycle business, including the Stokes Company, the Monarch Manufacturing
Company and the Stover Bicycle Manufacturing Company. He afterward went upon the
road for the Western Wheel Works, his territory including Davenport, which he
made his headquarters. Here he soon gained a wide circle of friends and found
this city a congenial home. He remained with the Western Wheel Works until the
formation of the bicycle trust, when he went upon the road, representing a
number of Davenport concerns. One of his lines was the Ocean Wave Washer,
manufactured by Voss Brothers, and he took control of their output upon a
commercial basis. In 1902, recognizing the opportunity for the establishment, as
he believed, of a successful manufactory in the same line of business, he
organized the White Lily Washer Company in connection with B. L. and F. L.
Schmidt, and the business was instituted and profitably conducted under the
partnership relation until Mary 22, 1909, when Mr. White bought out his
partners' interests and reorganized the enterprise under the name of the White
Lily Manufacturing Company. The history of the company ahs been one of unbroken
progress. The business was organized with a capital of fifteen thousand dollars,
which has twice been doubled. In the first company Mr. White was secretary and
treasurer but was elected to the presidency of the new company, which has long
since been placed upon a paying basis and constitutes one of the important
productive industries of the city. On the 1st of May, 1907, Mr. White organized
the Ideal Lighting Company, of which he is the president. The White Lily company
does business in almost every part of the world, having a large export trade to
Australia and various European countries. It is managed along safe,
conservative, and yet progressive lines, the business being carefully
systematized so that maximum results are accomplished at the least possible
expenditure of time, money and labor, and this is the source of all successful
business enterprise.
On the 11th of April, 1901, occurred the marriage of Mr. White and Miss Anna
Nagel, a daughter of Henry Nagel, of Davenport. Mr. White stands high in Masonic
circles and is a past Master of Fraternal Lodge and member of the chapter and
commandery. He is also past venerable master of the Lodge of Perfection of the
Scottish Rite, wise master of the Rose Croix Lodge and past potentate of the
Mystic Shrine. He likewise belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks and other fraternities which recognize in him a valued and popular
representative. He is a whole-souled, popular man, who would make an ideal
political leader, but while he is interested in public affairs and assists his
friends in obtaining office, he does not care for political preferment himself,
desiring rather to concentrate his time and energies upon his business affairs,
which are of growing importance. He justly deserves the proud American title of
a self-made man, for he came to this country when a mere boy and by indefatigable energy, unabating industry and unassailable
business integrity won the confidence of others and worked his way upward until
he commands the respect and goodwill of all who know aught of his history. He is
fond of outdoor sports, genial in manner and wherever he goes, wins friends.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
W. W. Lunger Biography
From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E.
Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Lunger, McCormick, Crow.
One of the foremost representatives of the legal profession in Davenport is W.
W. Lunger, who was born in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, August 2, 1855. His father,
Frederick Lunger, was a native of New Jersey, and during his life was one of the
oldest railroad engineers in the country. He was first in the employ of the
Pennsylvania Company, controlling the throttle of the Rocket, an engine built in
England and shipped to the United States on a sailing vessel. Later he became an
engineer on various roads in Kentucky and Mississippi, and while in those
localities became acquainted with Henry Clay, Jefferson Davis and other
prominent men of that time. Later he went to Indiana, having charge of the first
passenger train that ran into Indianapolis. In 1856 he came to Davenport and,
having retired from the railroad business, bought an interest in the Twin City
Grist Mill with Adam Green as his partner. The mill burned in 1863 and for the
next few years Mr. Lunger returned to his engineering life, holding a position
under French & Davis. In 1863 he began farming on a tract in Littles Grove,
where his death occurred in 1883, at the age of seventy-four. He had been a
stanch republican after the organization of that party; was temperate in his
habits, proving himself in many ways a good citizen and of Scott county and of
the republic. His wife, who was Miss Harriett McCormick, was a native of
Cincinnati and died here in 1892, at the age of seventy-three. Ten children had
been born to them.
W. W. Lunger, who attended the public schools of Davenport, was reared upon a
farm and assisted in its work during his early years. He completed the course in
the Davenport High School at the age of eighteen and thereupon engaged in
teaching in Scott county for a period of six years. In that time he had saved
sufficient money to enable him to attend the Columbia Law School, for he had
determined to enter the legal profession. Here, as a classmate of Theodore
Roosevelt, he completed his course. He was graduated in 1882. The next two years
were spent at Grand Forks, North Dakota, whence he went to Springfield,
Illinois, and there for three years practiced his profession. It was during his
sojourn in that city that his abilities came to the notice of the Union Pacific
Railroad and he was called by them to go to Omaha. The next fourteen years were
spent in their employ, twelve years of that period in connection with the land
department of the railroad. In 1901 he came back to Davenport and, having engaged
in practice, the following year was elected to the city council for a term of
two years. Although so much of his energy had, of necessity, been devoted to the
interests of his employers, he still found time to exert his influence in behalf
of those questions which were nearest to his heart. The principal of these was
the protection of children from overwork and open vice. His name is linked with
the legislature in their behalf in this state and elsewhere, and in the city of
Davenport he has been most closely connected with the abolition of the slot
machines which he rightly regards as but an alluring incitement to later
gambling.
On the 5th of June, 1888, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Lunger and Miss Ada
M. Crow, who was born in Springfield, Illinois. They have one son, Fred, who was
graduated from the high school of Davenport and is now a student oat Cornell
University, looking forward to a career in the law. Mr. Lunger is a stanch
republican in his political sympathies and is active in local affairs, his
influence being exerted in behalf of improvement of conditions of living.
Fraternally he enjoys pleasant relations with the Masonic bodies.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
Thomas D. Starbuck Biography
From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E.
Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Starbuck, Davidson, Bruning.
One of the prominent and successful physicians of Davenport is Dr. Thomas D.
Starbuck, who for the last seven years has ministered to the physical needs of
the citizens here. An able practitioner, he enjoys the confidence of those who
know him, while he also receives their admiration, for his proficiency in hi
profession was not attained without numerous hardships and privations. He was
born in Winchester, Randolph county, Indiana, January 24, 1972, a son of W. W.
Louisa (Davidson) Starbuck. The father was a native of Virginia, but in 1822,
when about nine years of age removed to Indiana with his parents. He was a
farmer by occupation and lived to a good old age. His wife, however, died at an
early age, for Dr. Starbuck was only five years old when she passed away.
Thomas D. Starbuck, who was the youngest of this family, lived upon the farm inn
Randolph county, Indiana, until he was about thirteen years of age. He had
received a fair common-school education in the institutions of instruction in
his vicinity, but it was only enough to give him an incentive for a wider
intellectual outlook, which he determined to acquire when an opportunity
presented itself. In 1866 he left his home and began traveling, coming to Iowa
in the course of time. He settled first in Monticello, where he remained one
year, and then came to Davenport, where he entered Woods Business College. Upon
completing the course of study, he became connected with the St. James Hotel
where he remained from 1891 to 1898. In that time, however, he had taken up the
study of medicine, having decided to make its practice his life's work.
Finally he was able to enter the State University at Iowa City from which he
graduated with the degree of M. D., in 1902. Returning to Davenport, he
established himself in practice here, and this city has since been the scene of
his professional labors. He is a skilled practitioner, a man thoroughly
conversant with all phases of his art and endowed with those attractive
qualities of personality which immediately win for him confidence.
In 1902, when he was prepared to start upon his new work, Dr. Starbuck wedded
Miss Ludo Bruning, who was born in this city and is a member of one of the older
families of Scott county. Fraternally Dr. Starbuck is connected with the Knights
of Pythias, being a member of the local lodge of the city, at whose meetings he
frequently fins respite from the cares of the day. He is also a member of the
several organizations whose object is the advancement of the medical profession,
for he belongs to the Scott County, the Iowa State and the American Medical
Associations. He has made every endeavor to win an honorable reputation and has
no reason to doubt but that he has achieved his object. He has been known in his
professional capacity to the citizens of Davenport for only seven years, but
that period has been sufficient for them to recognize his high character and his
ability as a physician.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
Charles F. Clapp Biography
From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E.
Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Clapp, Bond, Meier, Ferring, Hartzel, Grieve, Knouse, Stump, Morse,
Guy, Marti, Drenter, Boise, Evans, Archy, Hine, Neil, Evans, Hine.
Charles F. Clapp is now living retired in Davenport, but for a long period he
was closely associated with the agricultural interests of Scott county and his
energy was so unabating, his enterprise so keen and his business methods so
practical that he now holds a place among the men of affluence of this section
of Iowa. He experienced many vicissitudes of fortune, but he persevered
courageously and may regard the record of his seventy-two years with a large
measure of satisfaction.
Charles F. Clapp was born in Fulton county, Illinois, February 28, 1838, a
descendant of one of three brothers who came from Europe many generations ago
and established the family in the eastern part of America. In its various
ramifications it is very numerous, for at a reunion held in Massachusetts in
1869 it was discovered that there were then over twelve hundred members, many of
them were pioneers in the middle west. Selah Clapp, the grandfather of Charles
F. Clapp, came west as far as Portage county, Ohio, in 1820 and bought a farm
near Kent, which is still in the possession of his descendents and of which his
grandson, Charles F., has a picture.
There his son, Spencer Clapp, the father of our subject, grew to manhood,
learned the shoemaker's trade and was united in marriage to Miss Philiua Bond.
In 1837 he and his brother-in-law, Seldon Bond, went with teams to Fulton
County, Illinois, where the former entered one hundred and sixty acres of land
and the latter three hundred and twenty, for which they paid one dollar and a
quarter an acre. They built a house upon their property and lived thereon until
1839, when Spencer Clapp was recalled to his home on account of the illness of
his father. After his death he sold his land in Fulton county and, driving the
same teams with which he had crossed the prairies before, returned to the
homestead. He managed it until October, 1854, when he came to Scott county,
Iowa. In Davenport, on Locust street just east of Brady, he built a house-which
by the way is still standing-and rented ten acres of land near what is now
Central Park, planting it in corn. The next year he leased forty acres more near the race track, for which he traded later for forty acres in
Sheridan township. But after he had built a house upon that land and removed his
family to it, it was discovered that the title was imperfect and he lost all he
had put into it, and had reaped only two crops from the fields. The house,
however, was not lost, for by means of thirty-two yoke of cattle and with the
assistance of friends he was able to drag it into the road, where it remained
for a year. In the work of moving, old Mr. Meier had his leg broken.
Charles F. Clapp, who had accompanied his father on his several removals after
leaving Fulton county, and had helped him in every way he could, was married
about that time and brought his bride to the little home standing in the middle
of the road, although later he went to live in a house belonging to his
brother-in-law, Frank Ferring, who had gone to the war. While still living in
the house in the road he received news that his brother, James Clapp, was among
those that died at Vicksburg. He was a member of Mark Thompson's company of the
Twentieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. Later Mr. Clapp himself was drafted into the
army, in 1863, shortly after he had purchased forty acres of land from Mr.
Hartzel and had put up a house upon it. When he learned his country needed him,
he sold his property for twelve hundred dollars, went to town every day to see
if the quota was filled and then found that whereas they needed only fifty men
from each township they had drafted one hundred, and that he being the eighty-fourth would not be required to render service.
Thereupon with the money he had from the sale of his farm, he bought eighty
acres in Sheridan township, the tract which his son David J. now owns and built
thereon a house. There he lived until 1867, when he sold forty acres to John
Grieve for fifteen hundred dollars and also disposed of some of the land he and
his father had bought previously. Then he bought one hundred and sixty acres in
Sheridan township, on which his son Charles now resides and which adjoined the
first tract, living thereon until 1896, when he retired to Davenport. Now he
owns two hundred and forty acres of fine farm land, this property being the
visible evidence of his life of thrift, industry and careful management.
It was on Christmas day, 1860, that Mr. Clapp wedded Miss Elizabeth Knouse, who
was born January 28, 1842, near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and was about eight
years of age when her parents, David and Mary (Stump) Knouse, came to Scott
county. They entered the land in Sheridan township about half a mile west of Mr.
Clapp's farm, but they spent their first night in Iowa on the place where
Charles Clapp now lives. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Clapp were nine children.
Samuel, born in the house standing in the road, October 25, 1861, married Miss
Nellie Morse and is now living at Adel, Iowa, where he is rearing his six
children, Paul, Edward, Mamie, Leslie, Elizabeth and Eleanor. Anna, born April
14, 1864, became the wife of L. B. Guy, of Davenport, and they have three sons,
Ralph, Kenneth and Donald. Emma, born June 23, 1866, and died July 3, 1890. She
had married George Marti and they had a daughter, become the wife of Milton
Drenter, of Lincoln township, passed away August 116, 1905, leaving three
children: May, Pearl and Frank. Seldon, born August 16, 1905, leaving three
children: May Pearl and Frank. Seldon, born August 16, 1871, married miss Lottie
Boise and is now residing in St. Joseph, Missouri, where he is rearing his two
sons, Seldon and Charles. David J. and Charles S., twins, were born June 11,
1874, and both are living on the old home place in Sheridan township. David J.,
married Jennie Neil, and they have one child, Neil. Charles S. wedded Miss Effie
M. Evans, and they have two children, Lester E. and Mildred E. Archy born
January 26, 1880, was graduated from the Iowa City Medical college and from
Chicago Medical Institute and is now practicing medicine in Muscatine, Iowa,
making a specialty of the eye, ear and nose. He wedded Miss Helen Hine. Nellie,
the youngest of Mr. Clapp's family, was born April 18, 1885, and is living with
her parents. All of the children have received good educations.
While a resident of Sheridan township Mr. clap rendered his fellow citizens
acceptable service for about ten years in the capacities of road supervisor and
school director and was ever devoted to the public good. Fraternally he is
associated with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and with the Woodmen of the
World, while his religious allegiance is given to the Christian church. He
joined this organization first in Davenport in 1854, and when he moved to the
country joined the congregation at Long Grove. Later, when he returned to
Davenport he again joined the church there and is now the oldest member of this
denomination in Scott county. He is deeply interested in church work and has
been treasurer of his church for a long period. His life has ever been actuated
by high principles, of honor and integrity, and the record of his life is
characterized by a steady progress resulting from the wise and intelligent
utilization of every opportunity that came to him, so that he may well enjoy the
rest he so richly deserves.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
Julius
Grell Biography
From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E.
Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Grell, Blümer, Reinhardt, Steen, Blanchard, Engelhart, Hoffman,
Hamann, Tackmann.
Julius Grell, a successful farmer and stock raiser of Hickory Grove township,
was born in Allens Grove township, this county, November 8, 1864, a son of James
and Margaret (Blumer) Grell. The former was a native of Kiel, Holstein, Germany,
where his birth occurred March 10, 1839, his parents being Frederick and
Margaret (Reinhardt) Grell, who spent their whole lives in the German
fatherland. T it Frederick Grell was especially attached for he had served a
term of seven years in the army. He was a farmer by occupation and was employed
as overseer of a large estate. Only four of his family of five sons and five
daughters came to the United States. These were: John, now deceased; James, the
father of our subject; Claus, who is now a resident of Nebraska; and Mrs.
Katherine Steen, now deceased.
James Grell spent his early years in the town of his birth, where he
learned the trade of a wagonmaker. At the age of twenty-three he determined to
emigrate to America, whither his brother John had preceded him. The latter made
his residence in Allens Grove township, this county so that it was but in the
natural course of events that James Grell should there locate. After his arrival
in Scott county he worked at his trade for seventeen years, while at the same
time he also engaged in the cultivation of the farm in Allens Grove township on
which he still resides. He cleared and developed it and as he prospered added to
its original area until now he owns three hundred and twenty acres of good
arable land on section 27. He also owns one hundred acres of timber land, his
present holdings, however, representing but a portion of his original
acquisition for he has bestowed large farms upon his sons. Before he embarked
for America Mr. Grell married Miss Margaret Blümer, also a native of Kiel,
Germany, and a daughter of David Blümer, who was born in Switzerland. Their
union was blessed with four sons and four daughters, namely: Edward, who is at
home; Julius, the subject of this sketch; Gus, who is mentioned elsewhere in
this work; Dora, the wife of Charles Blanchard, of Oklahoma; Emma, the wife of
Claus Engelhart and lives with Mr. Grell; Chris, who resides in Allens Grove
township; and Jennie, the wife of John Hoffman, of Winfield township, this
county. The mother died May 1, 1990, when about fifty years of age, but the
father is still living. He is a democrat in his political views and has been
very active in the public affairs of his township.
Julius Grell was reared under the careful guidance of his parents in Allens
Grove township, attending the district school near his home, in which he
obtained a fair education. The more substantial and practical training for life,
however, he received while he worked with his father in the fields, for he was
initiated into the secrets of agriculture as soon as he was able to handle the
plow. He remained with his father until he married, when he decided to make a
home for himself. Accordingly, he removed to section 2, Hickory Grove township,
where he owned a tract of one hundred and twenty acres. Here he engages in
diversified farming and raises a quantity of stock for the market. Putting into
practice the sound principles inculcated by his father Mr. Grell has won a well
deserved success in his calling and enjoys the respect of his associates.
In 1899 Mr. Grell wedded Miss Rosa Hamann, who was born in Davenport, March 23,
1867. Her parents, John and Anna (Tackmann) Hamann, were natives of Holstein,
Germany, and when they emigrated to America took up their residence in Scott
county. They are at present living in Sheridan township. Mr. and Mrs. Grell have
two children: Margaret Anna and Karl Julius.
Like his father, Mr. Grell has allied himself with the democratic party,
although his adherence to its principles is not founded wholly upon the
recommendation of another but because he believes firmly in them. He has,
however, not taken any conspicuously active part in local affairs.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
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