Henry Vollmer

As printed in 1910

HENRY VOLLMER.

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 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.