The Vollmer Family of Scott County, Iowa

Henry Vollmer, long a respected resident and active business man of Davenport, learned the printer's trade as the initial step in his business career and from a hum.ble position worked his way steadily upward until he gained that success which comes from the capable management of large and important printing interests. He was a native of Germany and one of a family of several children. When little more than three years of age he was brought by his parents to the new world, the family home being established in St. Louis, where the days of his boyhood and youth were passed and his education was acquired. In early manhood he learned the printer's trade, which he followed in St. Louis and nearby towns until 1861, when he came to Davenport. Here he took a position with the German Democrat, being made foreman of the composing room, and for almost a score of years he remained on that paper, his long connection therewith being incontrovertible proof of his capability and fidelity in discharging the duties that devolved upon him. In 1880 he resigned to engage in business on his own account and purchased an interest with J. M. Buck in a rubber stamp manufacturing enterprise. They extended the scope of their activities to include job printing and the partnership relation was maintained for some time, but eventually Mr. Buck sold his interest to A. L. Mossman and the firm of Mossman & Vollmer was formed. Under that style the business was continued until the death of Henry Vollmer, although for about a year prior to his demise his son Emil took his place in the active management of the business. Throughout his life Mr. Vollmer was actuated by laudable ambition and his earnest purpose and unfaltering industry constituted a force which won for him a gratifying measure of success.

In 1863 occurred the marriage of Henry Vollmer and Miss Dorothea Plambeck, of Davenport, and unto them were born seven children: Emil, Henry, Carl, Fred, Arthur, Agnes and Dora. The children have all been provided with good educational privileges, not only in the schools of Davenport but also at Iowa City. Mrs. Vollmer was brought to this city when seven years of age by her parents and her father died three years later. The death of Mr. Vollmer occurred December 12, 1890, and thus passed away a man whose sterling worth was recognized by all who knew him. He belonged to the Turners Society, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and to the Knights of Pythias, and he was also known and honored for his activity and faithfulness in political circles. In 1883 he was elected. to the office of county recorder, in which position he served for two terms, retiring in 1887 with the confidence and good will of all concerned. He was a man of strict probity and upright character, who at all times and under all circumstances could be depended upon to conserve the iest interests of any movement or measure with which he was connected. He won substantial success in business and more than that he gained the confidence and good will of his fellowmen, leaving to his family the priceless heritage of an untarnished name.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

KARL VOLLMER, M. D.

Davenport, his native city, numbers among her honored and successful physicians Dr. Karl VoUmer, who by reason of his ability and thorough training has attained foremost rank among the representatives of the medical profession in this city. Born on the 20th of November, 1869, he is a son of Henry and Dorothea (Plambeck) VoUmer, extended mention of whom is made on another page of this volume, and a brother of Henry Vollmer, attorney and counsellor of this city.

In the public schools of Davenport Dr. Vollmer acquired his preliminary education and later, deciding upon the practice of medicine as his life work, became a student under the direction of Surgeon-in-Chief Peck, of the Rock Island Railway, and was the last one to study under that well known physician, who was recognized as one of the best medical practitioners of his day. Under his guidance Dr. Vollmer became imbued with the importance of his profession and also its beauty, mystery and unselfishness, and it was his ambition to follow in the footsteps of him who was his principal inspiration. With this end in view he entered the medical department of the Iowa State University, from which he was graduated in 1892, and then went abroad, spending a season at the Allegemeine Krankenhause in Vienna in post-graduate work. This was followed by a season as assistant in the Royal Opthalmic Hospital in London, after which he returned to Davenport, and in the fall of 1893, thus well equipped, entered upon the practice of his profession in this city. His study abroad had been confined principally to the eye, ear, nose and throat, and along this line he has since continued to specialize, his office in the Schmidt building being thoroughly equipped with every modern and up-to-date accessory for carrying on this branch of the medical profession. In 1906 he again went abroad and supplemented his former study by work at Warzburg University. He keeps in close touch with his professional brethren through his membership in the National, State and County Medical Societies, and the high place which he occupies in medical circles is indicated by the fact that in 1907 he was elected to the presidency of the latter organization.

It was in 1897 that Dr. Vollmer was united in marriage in Davenport to Miss Paula Koehler, a daughter of Henry and Ottilie Koehler, mention of whom will be found elsewhere in this volume. This union has been blessed by the birth of one son, born on the 20th of October, 1902, who is the life and light of the household. The family reside in an attractive home at No. 817 West Seventh street, and are very prominent in the social circles of the community. Dr. Vollmer is on the staff of Mercy and St. Luke's Hospitals, and with a large private practice demanding his time and talents, he has little time for the amenities of life, yet he takes time to keep up his interest in things municipal and social and gives hearty support to the democratic party, while he is a member of the Commercial Club, the Outing Club, the Davenport Turn Verein and many local social societies of lesser note. His principal interest, however, is in his profession, the duties of which he performs in a conscientious and thorough manner, fully realizing the heavy responsibilities that rest upon him in the conduct of his chosen calling. Davenport has watched with interest his rapid and substantial rise and this city, in which he was reared and which has been the center of his efforts and activities, recognizes him as one of her most valuable citizens and an honor to his profession.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

During thirteen years' connection with, the bar of Davenport, Fred Vollmer has made steady progress, recognizing the fact that in law advancement must depend upon individual effort and merit. He was born in this city, December 12, 1874. His father, Henry Vollmer, was a native of Bremen, Germany, and came to the United States in 1853, when three years of age, his parents crossing the Atlantic to America and settling in Davenport. After attaining to years, of maturity, Henry Vollmer became a prominent citizen, both in his commercial connections and in his association with public affairs. For many years he conducted a printing business and the enterprise was one of large and profitable proportions. As a citizen he took active and helpful interest in various measures for the public good and for four years served as county recorder. He married Dora Plambeck and continued a resident of Davenport from 1853 until 1890, when he was called to his final rest.

Reared in the city of /his nativity, Fred Vollmer at the usual age began his education in the public schools and passed through consecutive grades until he was qualified to enter the Iowa State University. It was in that institution that he prepared for a professional career, being graduated from the law department with the class of 1896. He was then admitted to practice and opened an office in Davenport, where he has since remained. He has always engaged in the general practice of law, keeping well informed on various branches of jurisprudence and his continued research and investigation along professional lines has given him rank among the more able and successful lawyers of the city.

Mr. Vollmer is also active in politics as a supporter of the democratic party and his labors have been an effective force in promoting its success. In 1908 he was elected county attorney, which position he is still filling and neither fear nor favor can serve him in the faithful performance of his duties. His social relations are with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and outside of fraternal organizations he has many warm friends, having always resided in the city where he yet makes his home.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.