Christina Wiese

As printed in 1910

CHRISTINA WIESE.

The student of history doesn't carry his investigation far into the records of Scott county without learning that the German element in its citizenship has played a most important part in its upbuilding and progress. One of the representatives of the Teutonic race, Fritz Wiese long resided in Davenport, where for more than a quarter of a century he was connected with the livery business. He was born in Holstein, Germany, June 17, 1838, a son of Max and Lucy Wiese. At the usual age he entered school in his native country and when fourteen years of age came to the United States with his parents, who settled in Moline, Illinois. From that time forth Fritz Wiese was dependent upon his own resources. He secured employment with the Deere works as a blacksmith, being one of the first engaged for the shop. In time the business was developed into the great enterprise known as the Deere Plow Works. Mr. Wiese continued to live at Moline for about three years, at the end of which time his parents purchased a farm in Rock Island county and he took up his above there. His parents remained occupants of the old home place until called to their final rest.

On the 2d of January, 1863, Mr. Wiese was married and continued to live on the old farm in Illinois for about five years, after which he made his home in the vicinity of Rock Island until 1868. He then purchased a farm near Mount Joy, where he made his home for seven years, and on the expiration of that period he rented his land and took up his above in Mount Joy. He turned his attention to the cattle business at Davenport and later engaged in the livery business, which he continued for about thirty years, at the end of which time he retired, turning over the business to his son. His remaining days were spent in the enjoyment of well earned rest, his death occurring February 17,

It was on the 2d of January, 1863, that Mr. Wiese was united in marriage to Miss Christina Schnack. She was born near Kiel, Germany, June 24, 1840, a daughter of James and Christina Schnack. Mrs. Wiese came to the United States with her brother John and an aunt in 1860, landing in New York, after which she made her way westward to Davenport. Here she was married and became the mother of five children. Lewis, of Davenport, who is now conducting the livery business and is serving as alderman from the fourth ward, married Bertha Springmier and has three children: Fred and Henry, twins; and Lillie. Laura is the widow of Frank Peto and has two children, Ellis and Camello; with whom she resides in Davenport. Emil, of this city, wedded Bertha Ruge, who died, leaving one child, Thelma. Alvina is the wife of Frank Bey, of Davenport, and has five children: Alvin, Clarence, Frank, Lawrence and Raymond. Anna is the widow of William Brandt and has three children: Lucile, Lillie and Isabelle.

Mr. Wiese was a member of the Turner Society and the German Shooting Society. He was a man of liberal and generous spirit who gave freely of his means to advance worthy public movements and at the same time rendered aid in many individual cases. His good qualities were numerous and won for him a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances.

As printed in History of Davenport and Scott County Iowa : Illustrated (1910). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.