ARP, JOHANNES A.
Johannes A. Arp, one of the progressive agriculturists of Hickory Grove township, was born in Davenport, November 9, 1855, but removed, with his parents, to the farm he now operates shortly after his birth. His father, Timm Arp, was a native of Holstein, Germany, and there married Miss Bertha Arp, also a native of that province. Shortly after their marriage they embarked upon their journey to this country, crossing the ocean by the southern route and landing at New Orleans, whence they made their way up the Mississippi to Davenport, reaching the city some time in 1851. Here Mr. Arp followed his trade of a carpenter for a couple of years, assisting in the construction of several of the more important buildings, among them being the First Lutheran church. Later he engaged in farming in conjuction with his brother Jochim, upon a tract of two hundred and forty acres in Hickory Grove township, which they operated successfully for a number of years. Later they divided the property, half of it falling, in the course of time to the heritage of Johannes A. Arp, the subject of this sketch. In the family were five children: Paul William, a sketch of whose life follows; Johannes A., the subject of this review; Henry Peter, of Glyndon, Minnesota; Caroline Magdaline, the wife of Levi Richard Bannister, of Hickory Grove township; and Ferdinand Theo, of Tea, South Dakota.
Johannes A. Arp has passed the greater part of his life upon the land he now cultivates. In his early years he assisted his father in the cultivation of its fields, even during the period when many boys give little thought to the serious responsibilities of life and are devoting all their time to school and lessons. When he married in 1879, he assumed full charge of the farm, which has since been his concern. The improvements which his father and uncle instituted upon the place, he has bettered, while he has, through care and skill, brought the fertility of the soil to its most productive state. He has been an earnest, industrious and thrifty farmer and is now in the enjoyment of an income which is a just recompense for his toil.
In 1881 Mr. Arp married Miss Amelia Puck, likewise a native of Scott county and a daughter of Egger Puck. They have four children: Adolph, Emil, Theo and Gustave. The eldest is residing in South Dakota, but the others are at home. After the death of his wife, Mr. Arp wedded Miss Dora Hansen, who was born in Schleswig, Germany, October 20, 1872. In 1891 she and a brother, Detlief, and a sister came to Davenport. The former is now a resident of North Dakota, and the latter is Mrs. Thomas Daily, of Davenprt. A sister Maggie, who is the wife of John Westphal, of Davenport, and a brother Hans, now of Jackson county, Minnesota, had preceded Mrs. Arp to the United States, as they came in 1883. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Arp was celebrated November 6, 1906, and has been blessed with one son, Clifford.
Mr. Arp has given his unqualified support in political matters to the democratic party but has taken no active part in the public life of his community. He is, however, a man of considerable spirit and is deeply concerned for the welfare of his fellow citizens, whose respect and esteem he enjoys.
This bio was extracted from the History of Davenport and Scott County, Vol. I and II, by Harry E. Downer, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. It was transcribed by Debbie Clough Gerischer.