THODE, HENRY
Henry Thode, who worked his way upward from a humble beginning and gave proof in his life that success is the outcome of clear judgment, experience and indefatigable energy rather than the result of fortunate circumstances or propitious environment, was born in Neustadt, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, February 15, 1828. In his youthful days he learned the wagon maker's trade, which he followed in his native country until he came to America in 1852. Crossing the Atlantic on one of the old-time sailing vessels, he landed at New Orleans on the 3d of October and made his way northward to Iowa. At Rock Island he secured employment, there working at his trade for a year. On the expiration of that period he came to Davenport where he opened a wagon maker's shop and conducted business on his own account. For a time after his arrival he was in partnership with a Mr. Linke in the ownership and conduct of a blacksmith shop on Harrison street, continuing in the business for eight years. He afterward formed a partnership with his father-in-law, Mr. Goss, who was a wagon maker by trade and came to this country from Holstein, Germany, in 1851, at the age of fifty-five years. He entered the wholesale liquor business in 1866, in connection with Mr. Langfeldt, on West Second street, under the firm name of Langfeldt, Thode & Company. The partnership was dissolved in 1874 and Mr. Thode continued to carry on business in that line until his death.
On the 28th of October, 1854, was celebrated the marriage of Henry Thode and Miss Augusta Goss. Her father died many years ago but his wife lived until about 1893, when she passed away at the venerable age of ninety-one years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Thode were born eleven children, eight of whom yet live, named being now the wife of H. J. Garstang. The death of Mr. Thode occurred October 18, 1893, after a residence in Davenport of about forty years. He was also an honorary member of the Schuetzen Society. He was much interested in the German schools of Davenport and in his fellow countrymen, whom he assisted in many ways. His life stood to them as an example of patriotic American citizenship and of enterprise and energy in business affairs, for the success he achieved in life was attributable entirely to his own labors.
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 Elaine Rathmann.