Scott Co, Iowa - IAGenWeb Project
A. E. Walsh Biography
From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Walsh, Carroll, Brownlie, Calnan.
Prominent among the energetic, farsighted and successful business men of Davenport is A. E. Walsh, whose ability has been demonstrated both in connection with the profession of the law and in the establishment and control of important financial interests. He is now best known to the general public as the vice president of the Citizens Trust & Saving Bank. His birth occurred in Clinton, Iowa, January 24, 1874. His father, Anthony Walsh, a native of Ireland, came to the United States in 1852 and settled in Davenport, where for a few years he was connected with the law offices of Judge Grant. He afterward removed to Clinton county, where he engaged in farming for a few years and then took up his abode in the city of Clinton in order to provide his children with better educational facilities. There he turned his attention to merchandising and for many years has been numbered among the progressive and prosperous business men of that place. He married Josephine Carroll, who was born in Ireland and in her girlhood days accompanied her parents when they settled in LeClaire, this county.
Spending his boyhood days under the parental roof, A. E. Walsh was educated in the public schools of Clinton and after completing his more specifically literary course took up the study of law in the University of Iowa, from which he was graduated in the class of 1896. There were six children in the family, all of whom became lawyers. They maintain an office, although they are men of many affairs and do nothing in law practice except corporation work. They are men in whom the initiative spirit is strong, leading to the establishment and operation of successful business ventures, and in 1906 they assisted in organizing the Citizens Trust & Savings Bank, of which E. C. Walsh is the president, A. E. Walsh the vice president, W. T. Brownlie, cashier and C. J. Calnan assistant cashier.
A. E. Walsh is also prominent in fraternal and club circles. He is lecturer of the Knights of Columbus, treasurer of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and deputy high chief ranger of the Foresters. He also belong to the he Commercial Club of Davenport and the Davenport Outing Club and takes active interest as a cooperant factor in many projects and movements which are instituted for the benefit of the city and the development of its business connections.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
John H. Brus Biography
From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Brus, Bockhorst.
One of the enterprising farmers of Buffalo township is John H. Brus, who was born in Muscatine county, Iowa, and is a son of Rudolph and Adelheid (Bockhorst) Brus. The father was born in Holland, July 19, 1838, and at the age of eight, in 1846, he came with his parents to this country. Like so many of their compatriots the family landed at New Orleans, thence made their way by boat up the Mississippi river to St. Louis, where they disembarked and spent six months, so that it was not until the spring of 1847 that they reached Scott county. Here in Blue Grass township, Theodore Brus, the paternal grandfather, bought a farm, which has remained in the possession of his descendants to the present and is the home of a grandson Theodore and his mother. On that place Rudolph Brus grew to young manhood, witnessing and participating in the development of the county, which was rapidly progressing during those years. In 1864, in Davenport he wedded Miss Adelheid Bockhorst, who was born in Prussia, Germany, in 1843, and is a daughter of Henry Bockhorst, who had come to this country and taken up his residence in Scott county, Iowa. In 1874 Mr. Brus purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land upon the line between Blue Grass and Hickory Grove townships. That farm remained his home throughout the rest of his life and is now the residence of his widow and their two sons, Frank and Bernard, and their daughter. Rudolph Brus died in 1892, and with his demise, Blue Grass township lost one of its valued citizens and successful agriculturists.
John H. Brus was reared upon the farm his father had bought. He was enrolled as a pupil in the public schools of his district, although no more time than was necessary was devoted to the preparation of lessons, for there was always labor to be accomplished around the home. He lived with his family, operating the place after the death of his father until 1900, when, having married, he was desirous of establishing a home of his own. Accordingly he went to Hickory Grove township, where he rented property, and then, after two years' experience, came to Buffalo township, where he purchased the fine farm he and his wife own and which has been their home since. He has cultivated the soil with skill and profit and is rapidly rising to a position among the men engaged in a similar occupation.
It was in 1900 that Mr. Brus was united in marriage to Miss Lena Brus, a daughter of Jacob Brus, from whom the young couple acquired their home. They have become the parents of five children, namely: Adeline, Raymond, Velma, Walter and Marie.
Since old enough to exercise the franchise right of an American citizen, Mr. Brus has adhered to the principles of the republican party, and on its ticket was elected to membership on the school board, which he still holds. While he was still a resident of Blue Grass township he was also identified with public interests, for then he served as road supervisor. A member of the Catholic faith, he belongs to the congregation of St. Joseph's in the city of Davenport. Having fulfilled the public trust imposed upon him with credit to himself and the satisfaction of his fellow citizens, Mr. Brus enjoys the respect of those associated with him in occupation, while the success which has come to him has won their admiration.Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
Walter H. Petersen Biography
From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Petersen, Runge, Littig, Chamberlin, Cass.
Although one of the younger members of the Davenport bar, Walter H. Petersen has made a creditable record as one whose ability enables him to successfully cope with the intricate problems of jurisprudence and to meet in forensic combat those who have long been established in practice. He was born in Davenport, October 6, 1877, and is a son of Max D. and Caroline (Runge) Petersen, by whom excellent educational privileges were afforded him. After passing through consecutive grades in the public schools to his graduation from the high school with the class of 1895, he pursued an academic course in the State University and afterward entered the law school of the same institution, form which he was graduated with the Bachelor of Law degree in the class of 1901. He further prepared for his profession in the Harvard Law School at Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he won his diploma in 1902.
In October of the same year Mr. Petersen opened an office in Davenport and soon formed a partnership with Victor L. Littig, under the firm style of Littig & Petersen. Subsequently he was associated with W. M. Chamberlin an the firm of Chamberlin & Petersen enjoyed a growing practice until June 15, 1907, when they severed their interests and Mr. Petersen has since practiced alone. Success has attended him and he credits any such favors of fortune to the habits of careful preparation, study of his cases from the side of law and evidence, the arrangement of the points of argument and strict attention to business. He possesses, moreover, superior oratorical ability, his fine voice giving power to his natural eloquence and thus he has won the reputation of being remarkably successful with juries and a skillful cross examiner. He is a young man of high ideals in his profession and in the seven years of his practice in Davenport has made steady progress. He is seldom, if ever, at fault in the application of a legal principle and his careful analysis enables him to readily determine the salient points in the case and to give relative value to each point in his argument before court of jury.
On the 10th of June, 1903, Mr. Petersen was married to Miss Mary Cass, a native of Chicago. He belongs to the Commercial Club and to various social organizations, including the Rock Island, the Outing, Automobile and Arsenal Golf Clubs-associations which indicate much of the nature of his interests and recreation. He is also identified with business organizations and he attends the Episcopal church. In his political views he is a pronounced republican and has done much active campaign work. He does with all of his might and with a sense of conscientious obligation whatever his hand finds to do and is a social, genial, generous man, enthusiastically devoted to the interests of his native city and taking a share in all of its business and social life.Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
Mrs. Hattie Stichter Biography
From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Stichter, Schoenhanken, Graham, Schaffer, Morey, Bissick, Sweeney, Bickle.
Mrs. Hattie Stichter, who throughout the period of her married life has lived in Princeton township, where since her husband's death she has continued to make her home, was born in Germany, September 27, 1846. Her father, Andrew Walter, was also a native of the country, born in 1801. After arriving at years of maturity he was united in marriage to Miss Ina Schoenhanken and they spent their entire lives in Germany, where the father was a gardener an fruit grower. In accordance with the laws of the country, he also served for three years in the German Army. Both he and his wife are now deceased.
Mrs. Stichter remained in Germany through the period of her girlhood and in 1865, when a young lady of eighteen years, crossed the Atlantic to America, landing in New York. After a few days spent in that city she continued on her way to Chicago and from that point proceeded to Clinton, Iowa, where for two years she worked for her brother. At the end of that time, on the 1st of September, 1867, she gave her hand in marriage to John Stichter. He, too, was of German birth, his natal day being May 6, 1829. On crossing the Atlantic he landed at New York and for many years was a respected and worthy citizen of Scott county, where he engaged in farming, making his home in Princeton township, where he secured on hundred and seventy-four acres of land. As the years passed by he converted the tract into rich and productive fields, making his farm a valuable property, from which he annually gathered good harvests.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stichter were born eight children. Annie, who was born March 5, 1874, is the wife of Henry Graham, a resident of Princeton township, where he follows farming. They have three children: Elmer, Ward and Louis Graham. Frank Stichter, who was born December 18, 1875, married Nellie Schaffer and is also engaged in farming in Princeton township. Edward, who was born October 15, 1877, is a Mason and resides in LeClaire. He wedded Ella Morey, and they have one child living, Lela; and one child deceased, Louis Frank. Andrew Stichter, born March 4, 1879, married Tracy Bissick and resides in LeClaire. Henry, born December, 20, 1881, and living in LeClaire, where he is engaged in teaming, married Lila Sweeney and has two children, Henry and Flora. Louis, who was born April 20, 1883, resides with his mother on the home farm, which he now operates for her. Katie, born August 20, 1884, is the wife of Floyd Bickle, and they have one child, Louis. They reside in Princeton township and Mr. Bickle is pathmaster of the township. May, born July 24, 1888, is yet at home with her mother.
Mr. Stichter was a republican in his political views and always exercised his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of that party but never sought nor desired office, as he preferred to concentrate his energies upon his farming interests. He attended the German Lutheran church and his life was an upright, honorable one, winning him the respect and good will of all with whom he was associated. For a great many years he was identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He died January 29, 1891, and many friends as well as his immediate family felt deep regret over his loss. His widow, one son and daughter yet remain upon the old homestead farm, while the other children are all married and have gone to homes of their own.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
Henry Thuenen Biography
From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Thuenen, Busch, French, Neumiller.
Henry Thuenen, occupying a position of distinction as a representative of the Davenport bar, has spent his entire life in this city, where his birth occurred July 9, 1868. His father, Henry Thuenen, as the name indicates, was a native of Germany. He was born in Prussia, May 19, 1832, and came to Davenport in 1855 when a young man of twenty-three years. The following years he was married to Miss Elizabeth Busch, who was born in Germany, June 30, 1829, and died on the 23d of February, 1907. Henry Thuenen, Sr., was a wagon maker and blacksmith and after working for a time at his trade in the employ of others, engaged in business for himself and in the course of years earned a comfortable competence which now enables him to live retired. His family numbered twelve children, of whom four daughters and two sons lived to years of maturity. These are all yet living in Davenport.
Entering the public schools at the usual age, Henry, Thuenen continued his education through successive grades until he was graduated from the high school of Davenport with the class of 1887. He determined to concentrate his efforts of Davenport with the class of 1887. He determined to concentrate his efforts upon professional interests and to this end became a law student in the office and under the direction of Judge French. His thorough preliminary reading was followed by admission to the bar in October, 1890, after successfully passing the required examinations before the supreme court. He has since engaged in practice and his ability and learning have carried him into important relations with the legal profession in Davenport. His mind is analytical and logical in its turn and his thorough preparation of his cases and his correct application of legal principles have constituted him one of the most forceful factors at the Davenport bar. He has also figured actively in political circles, serving for three years as alderman from the sixth ward, his election occurring in 1895. In 1899 he was chosen to represent his district in the lower house of the twenty-eighth general assembly but resigned at the adjournment of the session in order to accept the office of city attorney, which position he filled most creditably and faithfully for six years. He is now concentrating his energies solely upon his professional duties but still takes the interest in politics which every good citizen should feel and keeps thoroughly informed concerning the questions and issues of the day.
In 1892 Mr. Thuenen was married to Miss Emma Neumiller, a native of Davenport and a daughter of Joseph and Marie Neumiller. The six children of this marriage are Joseph H., Harold F., Henry W., Millie, Helen and Edna.
Mr. Thuenen is identified with the Masonic fraternity, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and other societies, the basic principles of which find exemplification in his life. In a profession where progress depends entirely upon individual merit, he has worked his way steadily upward and in the twenty years of his connection with the law his efforts have been of an important character, indicative of his ability and his unfaltering devotion to the interests of his clients.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
Fritz Bernick Biography
From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Bernick, Sheelie, Harsch.
Fritz Bernick is successfully engaged in farming in Buffalo township and is well known as a raiser of Scotch shorthorn cattle, to which line of business he gives much of his time. A farm in Blue Grass township, Scott county, was the place of his nativity, his natal day being December 29, 1857. His father, Mortiz Bernick, was born in Germany, November 29, 1826, the wedding ceremony being performed in the year 1846. They began their domestic life in the land of their birth and there remained until 1857, when, the father believing he could provide a better living for himself and family in the new world, they set sail for America and upon their arrival here at once made their way to Scott county, Iowa. The father rented land of a Mr. Newcomb in Blue Grass township and continued its operation until 1866, when he purchased a tract of land in Muscatine county, this state, to which he removed. He was very successful in his farming operations and became a prominent and influential citizen of that section of the state. There are four living members of the family, those beside our subject being: Moritz, a farmer of Muscatine county; Adolf, who lives in Cedar county, Iowa; and Elizabeth, the wife of Charles Sheelie, a resident of Davenport.
Fritz Bernick was reared on the farm in Blue Grass township to the age of nine years, when he accompanied his parents on their removal to their newly acquired tract of land in Muscatine county, and it was in the district schools of the latter place that he acquired his early education, completing his studies in Davenport in 1871. On putting aside his text-books he returned to the home farm in Muscatine county and for a decade worked for his father. During this time he gained an intimate knowledge of the best methods of farming so that when he started out independently he was well qualified for carrying on a successful business.
In 1881 he established a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Melinda Harsch, a daughter of Emanuel Harsch, who was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, November 7, 1823, and located in Scott county in 1852. He still owns a farm in Buffalo township, which is operated by Mr. Bernick, and he makes his home with his daughter and her husband.
Mr. Bernick prior to his marriage had made arrangements to farm his father-in-law's place and immediately after that important event in his life he took up his abode thereon. He has since purchased land in the same neighborhood and altogether has under his supervision two hundred and eighty acres, most of which is under cultivation but a portion of the land is devoted to pasturage, for his is engaged in breeding and raising Scotch shorthorn cattle, making a specialty of this branch of business. Mr. Bernick also owns a section of land in Kansas, buying this in 1886, and he likewise owns a section in Canada.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Bernick has been bless with five sons and one daughter, namely: Fritz, who is an electrical engineer in the employ of the Ames Electric Company at Ames, Iowa; Emanuel H., who is in Downey, this state; and Benjamin H., Henry H., Charlie and Lulu M., all at home.
Mr. Bernick is a democrat and takes an active interest in public affairs. In 1906 he was elected justice of the peace, while for the past ten years he has served as township trustee and school director. He is also a stockholder in the Blue Grass Savings Bank. His life has been one of continuous activity, in which has been accorded due recognition of labor, and today he is numbered among the substantial citizens of Scott county. His interests are thoroughly identified with those of his county. His life has been one of continuous activity, in which has been accorded due recognition of labor, and today he is numbered among the substantial citizens of Scott county. His interests are thoroughly identified with those of his county and at all times he is ready to lend his aid and cooperation to any movement calculated to benefit this section of the county or advance its wonderful development.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
Stuteley P. Stacey Biography
From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Stacey, Van Epps.
Stutely P. Stacey was numbered among the early settlers of Scott county, where he arrived in 1850. Only four years before had the state been admitted to Union and, while settlements had been made along the Mississippi and in central Iowa, there were still great undeveloped and unimproved districts in western Iowa. Mr. Stacey was born June 19, 1822, at West Point, New York, and pursued his education there, retaining his residence in the east until about twenty-eight years of age, when he came to this county and established his home in Pleasant Valley township. There he purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres and brought his fields under a high state of cultivation, carefully carrying on his work as the years passed by. He studied the soil, understood the requirements of different grains and by the careful rotation and care of his crops succeeded in gathering good harvest each year. The greater part of his life was given to general farming and upon his original home stead he resided for thirty-eight years, or until 1888, when he sold the property to Mr. Hess.
While residing upon the farm Mr. Stacey served for a long period as assessor of his township. He was also a member of the school board and was interested in all measures and movements for the benefit of the community.
Mr. Stacey was united in marriage to Miss Agnes Van Epps, who came to this county with her father, Charles Van Epps, from Schenectady county, New York, where she was born. They arrived in 1853 but the father was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, for a year afterward he passed away. His widow, however, survived for many years and was long a resident of Scott county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stacey were born three children, but all died in infancy. Mrs. Stacey has spent the greater part of her life in Scott county and since her husband's death has made her home in Davenport. She enjoys a wide acquaintance and has a large circle of warm friends. She has long been an earnest champion of the cause of temperance and is an active worker in the Women's Christian Temperance Union.
Mr. Stacey was a devoted member and loyal supporter of the Methodist church and his life conformed to its teachings. For forty years he was an exemplary member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and in politics he was a republican from the organization of the party. His life was characterized by a worthy charity that prompted him ever to extend a helping hand to the poor and needy. He died May 21, 1889, and thus closed a life record that in all of its relations measured up to the full standard of upright, honorable manhood While he never sought to figure prominently in public affairs, he never neglected the performance of his daily duties, nor was he ever inconsiderate of forgetful of the rights and privileges of others. On the contrary, he was always willing to aid a fellow traveler on life's journey and his life record was crowned with the memory of many good deeds as well as unassailable honor and integrity in business affairs.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
Henry Kahler Biography
From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.
Surnames: Kahler, Hill, Beyer, Calkins, Bergert, Malone, Hasse, Nutting, Bath.
Henry Kahler, who is now living retired at No. 422 Marquette street in Davenport, was in former years prominently identified with building interests as a carpenter and contractor and his labors in this connection contributed materially to the he growth and development of the city. His birth occurred in Holstein, Germany, on the 20th of June, 1834, his parents being Hans and Charlotta Kahler. The father, who was a laborer and also engaged in farming on a small scale, participated in the Schleswig-Holstein wars from 1848 to 1850. In 1855, in company with his wife and children, he embarked on a sailing vessel bound for American shores and landed at Galveston, Texas, after an ocean voyage of about eight weeks. They remained in Galveston for only two days and then boarded a cattle ship for New Orleans, whence they took passage on a boat which brought them to Davenport on the 26th of June, 1855. Hans Kahler continued to reside in this city throughout the remainder of his life, passing away on the 1st of April, 1900, when he had attained the venerable age of ninety-four years and he became well known and highly esteemed as a substantial and representative citizen. The demise of his wife had occurred soon after their arrival in Davenport. Their children were six in number, as follows: Henry, of this review; Charles F., a retired agriculturist residing in Davenport; Dora, who is deceased; Mary, the wife of John Hill, of Davenport; Louisa, who has also passed away; and August, who makes his home in Ottumwa.
Henry Kahler spent the first twenty years of his life in the land of his nativity, turning his attention to farm work after he had completed his education. In 1854 he crossed the Atlantic to the United States in company with friends, landing at New Orleans, Louisiana. He then made his way up the Mississippi river to Davenport, stopping for a few days at St. Louis enroute. After arriving in this county he secured employment as a farm hand during the harvest season but as his wages were only eleven dollars per month, he soon abandoned the position and began learning the carpenter's trade. To that occupation he devoted his time and energies throughout his active business career and many evidences of his skill as a builder are seen in the residences of Davenport and vicinity. In 1862 he journeyed westward to California, where he remained for two years, working at his trade and also in a quartz mill. On returning to this city he enlisted for service in the Union Army, joining company C, Fourteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, in August, 1864. He did detail duty around Davenport until the close of hostilities and was honorably discharged on the 14th of May, 1865. On once more taking up the pursuits of civil life he resumed his business as a carpenter and contractor and thus remained an active and successful representative of building interests until the time of his retirement.
On the 5th of May, 1866, Mr. Kahler was united in marriage to Miss Julia Beyer, who was born in Rock Island county, Illinois, on the 2d of November, 1846, and was a representative of one of the oldest families in Scott county. Her father, William Beyer, who was native of Hildesheim, Germany, emigrated to the United States in 1845 and ten years later located on a farm in Hickory Grove township, Scott county, Iowa, where he made his home until the time of his death. In the fall of 1878 he was awakened one night by the glare and crackling of fire and found his barn in a mass of flames. He entered the burning building in an attempt to save at least a few of his horses and on leaving the barn one of the horses stepped on him, pinning him to the ground and breaking one of his legs. He managed to escape from the barn but died after several months of suffering, passing away in 1879, when sixty-five years of age. Mrs. Henrietta Beyer, who survived her husband for many years, was called to her final rest on the 2d of May, 1907, her demise occurring in Davenport. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kahler were born ten children, the record of whom is as follows. Amelia, whose birth occurred May 26, 1867, gave her hand in marriage to Richard Calkins, of Davenport. Charles, who was born in 1868, passed away in 1894. Minnie, whose natal day was May 4, 1871, wedded Herman Bergert and has a son, Harold, who was born on the 16th of November, 1895. Henrietta, whose birth occurred in 1873, was called to her final rest in 1892. Louie, who was born April 10, 1875, is a resident of Davenport. By his marriage to Miss Margaret Malone he has four children, namely: Henrietta, LeRoy, Edna and Vesta. Henry, whose birth occurred in 1876, died in the year 1881. Clara, who first opened her eyes to the light of day on the 22d of August 1878, is the wife of Otto Hasse, of Davenport. Paula, born February 12, 1883, wedded Charles Nutting of Rock Island, Illinois. Ella, who was born June 9, 1885, married Otto Bath of Davenport and has a daughter, Loretta. Leander, whose natal day was November 15, 1887, lives in Davenport. Mrs. Julia Kahler, the mother of these children, passed away on the 28th of February, 1909, and her demise was the occasion of deep and widespread regret.
Fraternally Mr. Kahler is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and he still maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in August Wentz Post, G. A. R. He also belongs to the old volunteer fire department and is a well known member of the German Pioneers Association. He is widely and favorably known throughout the community qualified confidence and regard of all with whom business or social relations have brought him in contact. The hope that led him to leave his native land and seek a home in America has been more than realized, for thorough the wise utilization of his opportunities he has steadily worked his way upward and has won a competence that now enables him to spend his remaining days in well earned ease, surrounded by all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann