Soenke
Hans SOENKE (1803 - 1881) and Christina Maria JACOBS (1802 - 1864)
my ggg-grandparents, maternal line
gg: Anna Christina SOENKE (1832 - 1917)
g: Laura HANSEN (1870 - 1920)
grandmother: Nora KRUEGER (1904 - 1994)
mother: Lois POSEKANY (1927 - 2009)
William HALOUPEK (1956 - )
Hans SØNKE was born 10 Aug 1803 in Schwabstedt, Schleswig, Germany, and died 5 Aug 1881 in Scott County, IA. His parents and siblings are not known, but there were other SØNKEs in the village of Schwabstedt, and I haven't put them together yet.
Christina Maria JACOBS was born 14 Aug 1802 in Schwabstedt, and died 26 Mar 1864 in Scott County, IA. Her parents were Johann J. JACOBS and Maria KRÖGER. Christina's ancestry can be traced back 4 more generations, in Schwabstedt. See the JACOBS page for this.
Hans SØNKE/SÖNKE became Hans SOENKE in America. (The Danish Ø became Ö in German, and was usually translated as OE or O in American English.)
Schwabstedt, Schleswig
The region of Schleswig-Holstein has changed hands between Germany and Denmark. See Rootdigger for a brief historical timeline.
This map shows Schleswig and Holstein in the period 1815-1866. Schwabstedt is in southern Schleswig.
Schwabstedt (1895) by Julius Fürst. This shows the Treene River, probably where Hans SØNKE had his ferry in 1840.
The Schwabstedt-Wappen coat-of-arms
The municipality of Schwabstedt/Svabsted/Svavsted today has population 1,340, and probably had no more than that in the early 19th Century. More maps are on the HANSEN page.
St. James church in Schwabstedt
The SØNKE family in Schwabstedt
Hans SØNKE and Christina Maria JACOBS were born in Schwabstedt parish, about 1803 and 1802, and married on 13 Jun 1828. Their first child was born about 1830, in Schwabstedt.
Parish register Schwabstedt 1828 / 9
Marriage: 13.Juni
Hans Süncke hieselbst, des weyland Peter Süncke im hiesigen S ...?? und Frauen Maria, geborene Lorenzen ehelicher Sohn;
mit Christina Maria Jacobs, des weyland Johann Jacobs hieselbst u. Frauen Maria, geborene Kröger eheliche Tochter.
Vor der Copulation, welche nach vorangegangener dreymaliger Proclamation ohne erfolgte Einsage; in der Kirche vollzogen ward, wurden folgende Scheine producirt:
1. Blatternschein der Braut d.d....?? d. 31. Dec. 1811. Friedlieb
2. Blatternschein des Bräutigams d.d. Schwabstedt d. 21. Ja. 1816 . Friedlieb
The SØNKE family appeared in the Danish Census of 1835. These records are in bad shape, and I don't know how the transcribers at Ancestry managed, but the records seem consistent from one census to the next, and I think they are mostly accurate, although I can't verify it directly. It was not unusual, in Denmark and northern Germany, for married women to be called by their maiden names, and sometimes the children would also take their mother's name.
The 1835 Census appears to have been written in German. The 9 households on page 260 appear to be numbered from 81 to 89. The SØNKE family resides at 89. Lebtbaust (livestock building). Others on the page are 86. Neubaust (new building) and 88. Altbrust (altbaust is old building). So it seems that the SØNKEs lived in a barn! Or maybe it just means they lived on a farm.
It is not clear whether Peter SØNKE is with the family or next door, as he appears on the next page. He is "living on charity" and is probably Hans' brother.
Christina's surname is transcribed as JANKS. I don't know is this is a mistake, or if JANKS is a form of JACOBS. There is another JANKS family of at the top of the page, 81. Jestenste, with head Anna JANKS, age 55 (1780), a widow. Also Hans Jensen JANKS 26 (1809), Peter JANKS 13 (1822) and Anna JANKS 10 (1825).
The 1840 Danish Census for Svabsted (Schwabstedt) Parish has Hans and Christina, with 5 children, ages 2 to 9. Their address was 88 Altbaustelle (old construction site). Hans was a ferry leaseholder. Peter, probably Hans' brother, had moved in, and was still living on charity. They had a maid, and Claus HANACK, age 30, was a driver, which probably means that he operated the ferry owned by Hans.
The 1845 Danish Census, again in German, has the SØNKE household of 14 in Süderhöft (Danish: Sønderhøft). The transcriber at Ancestry has Süder-Harde, but there was no place by that name, and Süderhöft was just east of Schwabstedt. They were the first houshold listed in Süderhöft, with address 1 Altbaugebäude (old building).
This census tells us that Hans, Christina, and all their 8 children, were born in Schwabstedt parish. Hans was a stain agent, whatever that means!
Thanks to Ann Vibeke Knudsen for help with the photo.
I found this photo in a case at Lawrence Posekany's home in Des Moines, IA, with photos of the HANSENs and KRUEGERs. I thought it was Hans SOENKE Jr. (1836-1910), and that the picture had been reversed, since it was his right arm that he lost. (His foot also appears twisted, and he surely must have needed that cane.) On the back it says "great grandfather Soenke" and "Photographische Anstalt von L C Mertens in Rendsburg". So it was taken at Rendsburg, Germany, about 30 km east of Schwabstedt.
It can't be Hans Jr or Sr, who left Germany in 1853, at age 17 and 49. It must be the father of Hans Sr.
The daguerreotypist Ludwig MERTENS had a studio in Rendsburg, as early as 1852. It is possible that this was taken in 1852 or 3, and Hans brought it to Iowa with him. Or maybe it was made later, and sent by mail.
Immigration
Hans and Christina immigrated to America, along with their 8 children, age 9 to 21, departing from Hamburg, Germany, and arriving in New York on the ship Hansa, 31 May 1853. They were my 3g-grandparents, and the first of my ancestors in America. Christina was my mother's mother's mother's mother's mother! The JACOBS page takes the ancestry back 4 more generations.
from the Hansa ship's manifest
They arrived in New York and came "direct to St. Louis" and stayed with friends in MO for a few months. Hans leased a farm in Hickory Grove, near Davenport, in Scott County, Iowa.
Listed next to the family was Peter JACOBS, possibly a younger brother or cousin of Christina, although I don't have further records of him. The list was not grouped by family. H. HANSEN, age 29, was also listed nearby.
The records of Schwabstedt have many JACOBS, PETERS, CLAUSEN, MÖLLER, HANSEN, and others that later appeared in the records of Scott County, IA, and intermarried with the SOENKE family.
The SOENKEs in Scott County, IA
Davenport was the location of the first railroad bridge across the Mississippi. It was built by the Rock Island railroad, in 1865. It was a source of great controversy, because it threatened the steamboat industry, in terms of competition and also possible obstruction of river traffic. The railroad passed within a half mile of the Hans SOENKE farm in Blue Grass Township, Sections 3 and 4.
Hans SOENKE was not a poor immigrant. He leased a 480 acre farm near Davenport, which he later purchased. This land was in two pieces, about 3 miles apart. It was all prairie, but Hans and his sons fenced and cultivated it and built a house for the family.
Hans SOENKE and his sons and sons-in-law maintained several farms in Blue Grass and Hickory Grove Townships.
1860 US Census for Hickory Grove Township, Scott County, IA
The 1860 US Census for Hickory Grove Township, Scott County, lists the family as SONGE [LONGE]. The census taker has been careful to distinguish between Schleswig and Holstein, recording the SOENKE family as coming from Schleswig.
The age entered for Anna is an illegible squiggle, which the transcriber has recorded as 6/12, or 6 months. However, I think the squiggle is a 26. Other records show that the SOENKE children were all born two years apart, like clockwork.
The two-year-old "farmhand" Zergin VOGT must be the son of Christina SOENKE, who from other records is known to have married John VOGT (b. Abt. 1837). John and Christina had 7 other children, from 1863 to 1879, but there is no further mention of Zergin. I don't know where John VOGT was in 1860, unless he is the same as John KOHL.
Fred HANSEN is probably Freidrich HANSEN (b. 21 Feb 1834, d. 26 Jul 1907), who married Anna Christina SOENKE in Davenport, some time in 1860. The census was taken on 21 Jun 1860, so the wedding must have been after that. It looks like the farmhand married the farmer's daughter! The same thing happened to their daughter, Laura HANSEN, who married Albert KRUEGER, a farmhand working for Fred HANSEN, and living with the family. See the Hansen page.
Hans PETERS, age 65, is not listed as a farmhand, so he was probably family, maybe related to Catharina PETERS, who married Christina Maria (JACOBS) SOENKE's brother, Johan JACOBS. Catharina had died in 1847, leaving 6 young children.
Christina Maria (JACOBS) SOENKE died on 26 Mar 1864 in Hickory Grove. The shared gravestone of Christina and Hans, in Fairmount Cemetery, Davenport, Scott, IA has their birth and death dates.
At the time of Christina's death, her children were grown, aged about 22 to 34. Some time between 1864 and 1870, Hans retired from farming, and in 1870 he was living with friends in Davenport.
1905 map of western Blue Grass Township, Scott County, IA
Places of interest in the 1905 map.
Sections 3,4: Hans SOENKE [Jr] 237.6 acres [left to Hans Jr in the will of Hans Sr]
Section 3: residence of P. SOENKE
Section 16: Catherine SOENKE [widow of Peter] 160 acres in 2 parts
Section 16: Henry TIMM [widower of Katherine SOENKE] 160 acres [left in Hans Sr will]
Section 17: Wm. SOENKE 160 acres
Section 18: Geo. F. SOENKE 160 acres
Section 29: Clara SOENKE [wife of William?] 200 acres
Section 33, 26: Wm. F. ILLIAN est [father-in-law of Emma and Peter F. SOENKE] 151 acres
The Plat Maps for Blue Grass Twp, Scott County in 1882, 1895, 1905 and 1919 show an increasing number of farms owned by the SOENKE family.
The Davenport city directory has Hans Soenke, with various spellings, from 1870 to 1880, living at 616 W Third Street. This is downtown, between Western Avenue and Gaines, less than 1000 feet from the Scott County Courthouse, and 2,000 feet from the Mississippi River.
Davenport City Directory
1870: Sonke Hans, res Third, ns 5 w Western Avenue.
1873: Suencke Hans, res Third ss 5 e Brown
1874: Soenke Hans, res 614 w 3d
1876: Soenke Hans, 616 w 3rd
1877: Suenke, Hans, 616 w 3d
1880: Soenka Hans, res 616 w 3d
616 W Third Street, Davenport, IA today. Could this building be over 150 years old?
In 1880 Hans was still living in Davenport, with a housekeeper. The address was 616 Third Street. Another family shared this address, which probably means that the house was divided into apartments.
Descendants of Hans and Christina
Hans and Christina had 8 children, one every two years.
Hans SOENKE b: 10 Aug 1803 in Schwabstedt, d: 05 Aug 1881 in Davenport, Scott, IA, age 77
... + Christina Maria JACOBS b: 14 Aug 1802 in Schwabstedt, m: 13 Jun 1828 in Germany, d: 26 Mar 1864 in Davenport, Scott, IA, age 61
......1. Maria SOENKE b: 1830 in Schwabstedt, d: 22 Jul 1868 in IA, age about 38
......2. Anna Christina SOENKE b: 24 Jul 1832 in Schwabstedt, d: 09 Jun 1917 in Benton, IA, age 84
...... + Friedrich HANSEN b: 21 Feb 1834 in Germany, m: 1860 in Davenport, Scott, IA, d: 26 Jul 1907 in Benton, IA, age 73
......3. Peter SOENKE b: 19 Feb 1834 in Schwabstedt, d: 10 Feb 1892 in Davenport, Scott, IA, age 57
...... + Catherine ROHWER b: 12 Jun 1846 in Javensteadt, Germany, m: 17 Dec 1867 in Scott, IA, d: 2 Jun 1924 in Walcott, Scott, IA, age 77
......4. Hans SOENKE b: 31 Jan 1836 in Schwabstedt, d: 05 Mar 1910 in IA, age 74
...... + Anna Margaretha IMBECK b: 17 Nov 1842 in Hollbüllhuus, Schleswig, m: 28 Dec 1865 in Scott, IA, d: 27 Feb 1912, age 69
......5. Christina SOENKE b: 03 Apr 1838 in Schwabstedt, d: 16 Sep 1923 in Davenport, Scott, IA, age 85
...... + John VOGT b: Abt. 1837 in Germany, m: Muscatine, d: 1910 in IA, age about 73
......6. Johan SOENKE b: 1840 in Schwabstedt, d: 26 Mar 1865, age 24 or 25
......7. Margaretha SOENKE b: 1842 in Schwabstedt, d: 1884 in IA, age about 42
...... + Jacob Hans BRODERS b: Feb 1838 in Schleswig, m: 26 Dec 1865 in Scott, IA, d: 12 Mar 1926 in IA, age 88
......8. Katherine SOENKE b: 1844 in Schwabstedt
...... + Henry TIMM b: 1826 in Holstein, m: 25 Nov 1870 in Scott, IA
1. Maria SOENKE was born about 1830 in Schwabstedt, and died 22 Jul 1868 in IA, age about 38. She does not seem to have married or had children. Her gravestone is in Fairmount Cemetery, Davenport.
2. Anna Christina SOENKE was born 24 Jul 1832 in Schwabstedt, died 9 Jun 1917 in Benton, IA, age 84. She married about 1860 in Davenport, Scott, IA, to Friedrich HANSEN, born 21 Feb 1834 in Germany, died 26 Jul 1907 in Benton, IA, age 73.
Anna SOENKE married Frederick HANSEN, who had emigrated from Denmark in 1856. They settled on a farm in Benton County, 2 miles north of Keystone.
They were my gg-grandparents. See the HANSEN page.
Anna SOENKE and Friedrich HANSEN
Ludwig Studio, Keystone, IA
3. Peter SOENKE was born 19 Feb 1834 in Schwabstedt, died 10 Feb 1892 in Davenport, Scott, IA, age 57. He married on 17 Dec 1867 in Scott, IA, to Catherine ROHWER, born 12 Jun 1846 in Javensteadt, Germany, died 2 Jun 1924 in Walcott, Scott, IA, age 77.
Peter SOENKE helped his father with farm work until he was 25. Then, in 1859, he went to California to prospect for gold, which is why he was not with the family in 1860. After 6 years he sold his claim and came back to Davenport. He was able to buy back part of the farm that his father had owned at one time. While he was digging for gold, his mother had died, and his country had gone through a terrible civil war.
Peter SOENKE biography
Peter Soenke, now deceased, was numbered among those representative American citizens who claim Germany as the place of their nativity but who in America find opportunity for advancement and progress along business lines. Born in Schleswig-Holstein on the 19th of February, 1834, he was a son of Hans and Christina Soenke, both natives of that province, the former born on the 10th of August, 1803, and the latter on the 14th of August, 1802. In 1853 the family came to America, landing at New Orleans, from which place they made their way northward to Iowa, locating in Scott county. The father carried on agricultural pursuits in Blue Grass township in the capacity of renter for a number of years, after which he purchased a farm upon which he continued to reside until his demise, which occurred on the 5th of August, 1884.
Peter Soenke acquired his education in the schools of his native country and remained a resident of the fatherland until the removal of the family to the United States, when he was about nineteen years of age. After his arrival in Scott county he assisted his father in his agricultural pursuits until 1859, when he went to California and spent nearly six years prospecting for gold. In the meantime he located a claim which he later sold, and after returning to Scott county in 1865 purchased a farm in Blue Grass township which had previously been owned by his father and which is now in the possession of Peter F. Soenke. There he continued to carry on general farming for a number of years, and in this line of activity became very successful, at the time of his death owning a valuable farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Scott county and a tract of similar size in Muscatine county, all under a high state of cultivation. He was one of the organizers of the Mutual Fire Insurance Company of German Householders and at the time of his demise was one of the trustees of that company.
On the 17th of December, 1867, Mr. Soenke was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Rohwer, a daughter of Jurgen Rohwer, a native of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, and unto this union were born nine children, namely: Hans William, who married Clara Schlichting and is a prosperous agriculturist of Blue Grass township, where he owns two farms and is also a stockholder in the Blue Grass Savings Bank; Peter F. Soenke, born on the 29th of March, 1873, who married Emma F. Illian, a daughter of William F. Illian, of Scott county, and who is now the owner of the original Soenke farm, where he makes his home, being also a stockholder in the Blue Grass Savings Bank, a part owner of a creamery in Clay county, Iowa, and a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Walcott; George F., who married Olga Schuett, a daughter of Theodore Schuett, of Scott county, and owns a farm of one hundred and sixty acres just south of Walcott; Carl H., who married Agnes Gollinghorst and is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Muscatine county; Ernest E., who married Hertha Haller and resides in Davenport; Fred H., who makes his home with his mother on what is known as Locust street road near Davenport; Anna C., the wife of Louis Puck, of Davenport township; Emma C., who wedded Albert Illian, of Blue Grass; and one who died in infancy.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Soenke was member of Scott Lodge, No. 37, I. O. O. F., of Davenport, while politically his views were in accord with the principles of the democratic party. He was at one time township trustee of Blue Grass township and for several years served as school director, the cause of education finding in him a warm champion. He passed to his final rest on the 10th of February, 1892, and with his death Blue Grass township lost one of its representative and valued citizens who had ever been thoroughly identified with its interests and who, during the period of his residence within its borders, had gained an extensive circle of warm friends who entertained for him the highest regard and esteem because of his many excellent traits of character.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
Vol. 2 History of Davenport and Scott County by Harry E. Downer (1910)
Catherine (ROWHER) SOENKE and daughters, Emma (standing) and Anna.
Brandt Bros Studio, Davenport
The 8 children of Peter and Catherine
Back: Ernest, Emma, Fred, George
Front: Anna, Carl, William, Peter
The 1900 US Census has Catherine, on the farm in Blue Grass, with 4 of her children. She was then a widow, but the record says she was married, 33 years, and had 9 children, with 8 still living. So she must have had one child who died in childhood. Catherine was a Farmer, with her 3 sons helping. She owned the farm, free of mortgage. She had immigrated in 1865.
In 1910 Catherine was living in Blue Gras with her son, Fred. This record repeated that she had 9 children, with 8 still living. It says she had immigrated in 1866.
The 1920 Census has Catherine still living with her son Fred, but now he is head-of-household, and owner of the farm. Now her birthplace, and her parents' birthplace, is Denmark, not Germany. This is more accurate, since Schleswig was ruled by Denmark at the time. The farm was on Locust Street Road. Today there is a Locust Street in Davenport, which runs westward out of the city, toward some of the Soenke farms south of Walcott.
Peter and Catherine had 8 known children, probably all born in Hickory Grove or Blue Grass.
3.i. William Hans SOENKE was born 29 Mar 1869, and died 16 Jan 1929 in Davenport, age 59. He married on 3 Mar 1892 in Davenport, to Clara SCHLICHTING, born 16 Jul 1869 in Scott County, died Jan 1949, age 79. They were both 22 when married. They lived in Blue Grass, and had 4 children.
RETIRED BLUE GRASS FARMER SUCCUMBS HERE
William Soenke Dies at St. Luke’s Hospital of Pneumonia
William Soenke, 2312 Harrison street, retired Blue Grass farmer, died at 8 p.m. Thursday at St. Luke’s Hospital. Death was due to pneumonia which he contracted two weeks ago.
Mr. Soenke was born in Blue Grass township, March 29, 1869. He received his education the the schools of that township and resided there his entire life. On March 3, 1892 he was married to Miss Clara Schlichting at Davenport. The couple settled on a farm one mile north of Blue Grass where they resided until March 1928 when they retired and moved to Davenport. Mr. Soenke was a member of the Scott County Pioneer’s association.
Surviving besides the widow are four children, Miss Ella and Albert Soenke, at home; Mrs. Katie Moeller and Thomas Soenke, Walcott; one grand-daughter, Geraldine Lois-Moeller; five brothers, Peter, Ernest, and Fred, Davenport; Carl, Stockton; and George of Walcott; and two sisters, Mrs. Anna Puck and Mrs. Emma Illian, both of Walcott.
The body was removed to the Runge mortuary and will be returned to the late home Sunday morning where funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday. Burial will be made in Pine Hill cemetery.
The Davenport Democrat and Leader (Davenport, IA) Friday, 11 Jan 1929, page 21
The Soenke Funeral.
Funeral services for William Soenke were held at 2 o’clock Monday afternoon at the family home, 2312 Harrison street. The Rev. J. H. Gabriel, officiated at the services at the home and at the grave in Pine Hill cemetery.
Mrs. C. H. Wolff and Mrs. Harry Lorenz, accompanied by Mrs. Charles Dohrn, sang “Beautiful Isle of Somewhere, Jesus Savior Pilot Me,” and “This is the Close of a Perfect Day.”
Pallbearers were Christopher Buttenob, Claus Heuer, Ed C. Knaack, Theodore Brus, William Bossen, and Harry Scheile.
The Davenport Democrat and Leader (Davenport, IA) Tuesday, 15 Jan 1929, page 19
[ASC, p. 163]
[ASC, p. 149]
[ASC, p. 161]
3.ii. Anna Christine SOENKE was born 13 Dec 1870, and died 13 Jul 1948, age 77. She married on 21 Feb 1893 in Scott County, to Louis H. PUCK, born about 27 Apr 1866 in IA, died 7 Nov 1916, age 50. She was 22 and he was 27 when they married. He died after being kicked and dragged by a horse. Anna and Louis had a farm on the NW side of Davenport, and had 3 children: Waldo (1893), Elsie (1897) and Edgar (1901).
The Daily Times (Davenport, IA) Tuesday, 7 Nov 1916, page 5
The Puck Funeral.
The remains of the late Louis Puck, who came to his death last Tuesday morning by being kicked by a horse and dragged for nearly 50 feet under a road drag, were incinerated Thursday afternoon at the Davenport Crematorium following services held at the home, R. R. 2, Davenport.
The large number of friends in attendance at the services and the profusion of beautiful flowers gave evidence of the high esteem in which he was held. Mr. Puck was one of the widest known residents northwest of the city, and leaves with his innumerable friends the memory of a man who commanded the highest respect from his every acquaintance. Johannes Kroeger officiated at the home, while services at the Crematorium were under the auspices of the Masonic order, J. Evans and Arthur Muhs speaking on behalf of the Masons.
The pallbearers were Dr. J. S. Weber and Henry Jebens of the Masons, Peter Peters and J. Jepsen, representing the directors of the Northwest Davenport Savings bank, Henry Horst and Charles Kruse, personal friends.
Quad City Times (Davenport, IA), 10 Nov 1916, page 9
Mrs Anna Puck, 78, Walcott Resident, Dies; Ill 4 Weeks
Mrs. Anna C. Puck, 78, of R. R. No. 2, Walcott, widow of Louis H. Puck, Davenport township farmer, died at 10:50 p.m. Tuesday in Mercy Hospital following a four-week illness.
A life resident of Scott county, Mrs Puck, daughter of Peter and Catherine Soenke, was born in Blue Grass township, Dec. 13, 1870; received her education in the county rural schools, and was married to Mr Puck Feb. 21, 1893. He died Nov. 7, 1916. A daughter, Mrs Elsie C. Illian died in 1930, and four brothers, William, Peter, Carl and Ernest Soenke, preceded her in death.
Survivors include two sons, Waldo H. Puck, R. R. No. 3, Davenport and Edgar L. Puck, R. R. No. 4, Davenport; two brothers, George Soenke, of near Walcott and Fred Soenke, Pasadena, Calif.; a sister, Mrs Albert Illian, Walcott; eight grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.
The body was removed to Runge mortuary, where services will be held in the chapel at 1 p.m. Saturday. Burial will be in Fairmount cemetery.
The Daily Times (Davenport, IA) 14 Jul 1948, page 2
3.iii. Peter Ferdinand SOENKE was born 29 Mar 1873 and died 25 Jul 1934. in Davenport, age 61. He married (1) on 27 Feb 1907 in Blue Grass, to Emma Fredericka ILLIAN, born 20 Mar 1866 in Blue Grass, died 1 Jul 1926 in Davenport, age 60. He was 33 and she was 40 when they married. They lived in Blue Grass, and had no children.
Peter married (2) on 29 Nov 1928 in Scott County, to Marie Helen (PETERSEN) BRUHN, born 23 Mar 1892 in Germany, died about 1980 in IA, age 51 or 52. So he was 55 and she was 35 when they married. Marie was the widow of Friedrich BRUHN, and had a son, Walter Frederick BRUHN (1912). Peter and Marie had a daughter, Hertha Ann SOENKE (1930).
Quad-City Times (Davenport, IA) Friday, 12 Feb 1915, page 4
The Daily Times (Davenport, IA) Sat, 29 Jan 1916, page 2
3.iv. George Fredrick SOENKE was born 29 Apr 1875, and died 30 Sep 1954 in Davenport, age 79. He married on 18 Mar 1908 in Davenport, to Olga SCHUETT, born 12 Dec 1884 in Scott county, died 1 Jul 1973 in Davenport, age 88. He was 32 and she was 23 when they married. They lived in Blue Grass, and had 9 children.
At age 30, George was nearly killed in a train accident. He went on to be a highly innovative farmer, using the latest technology. The 1905 map of Blue Grass (above) shows George's 160-acre farm in Section 18, south of Walcott.
The Daily Times (Davenport, IA) Friday, 1 Sep 1905, page 6
Quad-City Times (Davenport, IA) Tuesday, 23 Mar 1915, page 4
The Fresno Bee (Fresno, CA) Sunday, 4 Aug 1935, page 26
George Soenke Of Blue Grass Township Dies
Funeral services for George F. Soenke, 79, well known Blue Grass township farmer who died at 10:30 p.m. Thursday in St Luke’s Hospital after having been ill six days, will be held at 1 p.m. Monday in Runge chapel, with burial in Davenport Memorial Park.
Mr. Soenke was born in Blue Grass Township April 29, 1875 and attended schools there and at Iowa State college at Ames. He married Olga Schuett in Davenport March 18, 1908. The couple lived on a farm one-and-one-half miles south of Walcott.
He was a member of the Scott County Farm Bureau and the Knights of Pythias in Walcott. He was past president of the Township school board and also served on the board and as township trustee for many years.
Survivors are the widow; four daughters, Mrs. Raymond Wiese, Davenport; Mrs. Otto Hess, Walcott; Mrs. Earl Giese, Walcott, and Mrs. Fred Kummerfeldt, Stockton; four sons: Louis, Davenport; Clarence, Cleveland, Ohio; Leonard, with the Air Force in Tacoma, Wash; and Elmer, at home; 14 grandchildren, a sister, Mrs. Albert Illian, Davenport, and a brother, Fred, in California. Four brothers and a sister preceded him in death.
The Daily Times (Davenport, IA) 1 Oct 1954, page 19
3.v. Carl Herman SOENKE was born 18 Dec 1877, died 31 Jul 1945 in Davenport, age 67. He married on 12 Mar 1902 in Walcott, to Agnes B. GOLLINGHORST, born 4 Nov 1881 in Hickory Grove, died 1 Nov 1971 in Davenport, age 3 days short of 90. Carl was 24 and Agnes was 20 when they married. They had a farm in Fulton Township, Muscatine County, IA, and had 4 children: Viola (1904), Florence (1908), Carroll (1912), and Velma (1923). See the map in the section on Carl's 1st cousin, Christina (SOENKE) VOGT, below.
3.vi. Ernest Emil SOENKE was born 20 Jun 1880, died 27 Dec 1945 in Davenport, age 65. He married on 19 Oct 1909 in Davenport, to Hertha Bertha HALLER, born 30 Nov 1886 in Davenport, died Sep 1979 in Scott County, age 92. He was 29 and she was 22 when they married. They lived in Davenport, and had 5 children. Ernest was an insurance executive.
The Daily Times (Davenport, IA) Wed, 20 Oct 1909, page 6 Haller-Soenke wedding
above and right: clips from the article "Men at the Helm of Five Strongly Financed Home Insurance Firms of Davenport" The Davenport Democrat and Leader, Thursday, 17 Jul 1924
Quad City Times (Davenport, IA) Friday, 28 Dec 1945, page 1 (I don't have access to the part on page 2.)
3.vii. Fred Herbert "Fritz" SOENKE was born 6 Jul 1882, and died 22 Aug 1973 in Davenport, age 89. He never married or had children. He lived with his mother, and managed the farm until she died in 1924. The 1925 Iowa State Census has him still living on the farm.
Fred Herbert "Fritz" SOENKE. Brandt Studio, Davenport, IA.
I have not found Fred in any census after 1925. However, there was a Fred H. SOENKE in Pasadena, CA from about 1934 to 1960, who appeared in several directories and voter lists. This must be the right one, as shown by the WWII draft card, below.
WWII draft card for Fred Herbert SOENKE
Fred is buried in Fairmount Cemetery, Davenport. He died on 22 Aug 1973, age 91. He must have returned to Scott County between 1960 and 1973.
3.viii. Emma Catherine SOENKE was born 26 Apr 1886, and died 17 Jul 1961 in Davenport, age 75. She married on 16 Jan 1907 in Blue Grass, to Albert Louis ILLIAN, born 18 Jul 1879 in Blue Grass, and died on 22 Jun 1958 in Davenport, age 78. She was 20 and he was 27 when they married. They had 7 children, and farmed in Blue Grass until 1950, when they retired to Davenport. Besides farming, Albert was Vice President and Director of Walcott Trust & Savings Bank.
Emma SOENKE married Albert ILLIAN and became Emma ILLIAN. Her brother Perter F. SOENKE married Emma ILLIAN, Albert's sister, and she became Emma SOENKE. So the two Emmas traded last names.
[ASC, p. 169]
4. Hans SOENKE Jr was born 31 Jan 1836 in Schwabstedt, died 5 Mar 1910 in IA, age 74. He married on 28 Dec 1865 in Scott, IA, to Anna Margaretha IMBECK or INBECK, born 17 Nov 1842 in Hollbüllhuus, Schleswig, and died 27 Feb 1912, age 69. Hans was 29 and Anna was 23 when they married. They lived in Blue Grass Township, and had 7 children.
Hans and his sister, Anna, both married immigrants from Hollbüllhuus, a small village about 2 km east of Schwabstedt, in Schleswig, once part of Denmark, now Germany. Many families came from the Schwabstedt area to Blue Grass.
Hans was only 17 when the family came to Scott County. He helped his father with the farm work, and also found employment during harvest time at some of the neighboring farms. Somehow he lost his right arm in the process. Still, he became a highly competent farmer, and took over the farm when his father died in 1881. Hans was school director for a number of years in Bluegrass Township, and was formerly on the directorate of the Walcott Savings Bank and the Walcott Creamery Company.
Hans SOENKE Jr biography
Among the old residents of Scott county who are now living in retirement in Davenport, Hans Soenke is numbered. He was formerly engaged in farming and still owns valuable and extensive lands in the state. He was born in Holstein, Germany, January 31, 1836, a son of Hans and Christina (Jacobs) Soenke. The father emigrated with his family to the new world in 1853, and, landing at New York city, made his way direct to St. Louis, whence he went up the river about a hundred miles, where lived some friends, with whom the Soenke family remained for a few months. The father then sought a location and, deciding upon Iowa as a suitable place to settle, he rented land in Hickory Grove township, Scott county, where he spent the first winter and then removed to Blue Grass township, living there for four years, and then operated a farm in Hickory Grove township. He next leased four hundred and eighty acres in blue Grass township, this being divided into two farms, which lay about three miles apart. This was all prairie but Mr. Soenke at once began to place the fields under cultivation, having fenced the place and erected a house. In course of years he purchased this land and carried on farming on an extensive scale until his demise. His family numbered eight children: Mary, deceased; Margaret, who became the wife of J. Brothers and has also departed this life; and Katherine, the deceased wife of Henry Timm. Both the parents died many years ago. The father, who was born August 8, 1803, died in 1881 on the seventy-eighth anniversary of his birth. The mother, who was likewise born in 1803, passed away in 1863.
Hans Soenke, whose name introduces this review, was a youth of seventeen years when he accompanied his parents on their trip to the new world. After their arrival here, he located with them in Scott county, where he found employment during the harvesting season. While thus engaged he had the misfortune to lose his right arm. When the father rented a farm the son assisted him in his work and accompanied him on his various removals after coming to Scott county, assisting in the work of the different farms. After the father's demise, Mr. Soenke took charge of the place and made it his home until 1898, since which time he has lived retired in Davenport. He still retains possession of the farm of two hundred and forty acres in Blue Grass township and owns a similar amount in Clay county, this state. This is all valuable land and supplies him with a good competency, which enables him to enjoy all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.
Mr. Soenke was married December 20, 1865, to Miss Anna Inbeck, a daughter of John and Augustina Margaret Inbeck, whose parents located in Davenport in 1863. They have become the parents of the following named. Christina is the deceased wife of Louis Koechert, who lives on Mr. Soenke's farm in Clay county. She was the mother of a daughter and two sons, Ida, Albert, and Herman. Hans, the next member of the family, wedded Helen Puck but is now deceased. Henry, who lives on the homestead place in Blue Grass township, wedded Miss Minnie Sulk and they have two children, Karma and a baby. Wilhelmina is the wife of Henry Faurback and they reside in Cleona township, Scott county. They have five children, Fred, Mary Ann, Elmer, Ida and Loyd. Agnes Soenke is the wife of William Ruge, of Walcott, Iowa, and is the mother of five children, Walter, Clarence, Hans, Etta and Boeta. Ida, the sixth member of the family is with her parents. Herman, the youngest, wedded Ella Dean and they have a daughter, Erma.
While still a resident of Blue Grass township, Mr. Soenke served as school director for a number of years and was formerly on the directorate of the Walcott Savings Bank and the Walcott Creamery Company and he still is a stockholder in these two concerns. He has been treasurer of the German Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Walcott since 1882. In former years his life was one of continuous activity, in which was accorded due recognition of labor, and today he is numbered among the substantial citizens of Davenport and Scott county. His interests have at all times been thoroughly identified with those of Scott county, and at all times he is ready to lend his aid and cooperation to any movement calculated to benefit this section of the country or advance its wonderful development. He is a member of the German Pioneers Association and in politics is a democrat.
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
Vol. 2 History of Davenport and Scott County by Harry E. Downer (1910)
Hans lived on the farm, with his parents in, 1960. The census, above, shows he was 24, and still single. His mother died on 26 Mar 1864, he was married on 28 Dec 1865, and his father had retired and moved to Davenport by 1870.
The 1870 US Census has Hans Jr and family on one of the SOENKE farms in Blue Grass. Hans owned real estate valued at $12,000 and personal estate $3,000. He was quite a successful farmer for a 34-year-old.
In 1860 the SOENKEs had several farmhands living in the household, including a 65-year-old named Hans PETERS. In 1870 Hans Jr had 2 farmhands named Hans PETERS, age 25 and 16.
1870 Ag schedule for Blue Grass Township, Scott County, IA
Hans Sönke, 240 acres, Improved.
Value of farm: $12,000; Value of Farm Implements: $1,000; Wages paid: $1,300
Horses: 5; Mules and Asses: 2; Milch cows: 10; Other cattle: 32; Swine: 120; Value of livestock: $2,000
Spring wheat: 600 bushels; Indian corn: 2,000 bushels; Oats: 600 bushels; Barley: 600 bushels
Irish potatoes: 60 bushels; Butter: 200 lbs; Hay: 6 tons
Value of animals slaughtered: $700; Value of total farm production: $2,000
By 1900, Hans Jr retired from farming and purchased a large house in Davenport, from Henry STRUCK, Jr. This home, at 614 W 5th Street, is often featured in tours of the historic Gold Coast district of Davenport.
614 W 5th Street, Gold Coast District, Davenport, IA [BTL, p. 8]
The 1900 US Census, taken 12 Jun 1900, has Hans and Anna at 614 W 5th Street, Davenport. Hans owned the property, free of mortgage. The census also confirms that they had been married 35 years, Anna had 7 children, with 5 still living, Hans immigrated to the US in 1853, and Anna in 1863.
Hans Jr and Anna had 7 children, probably all born in Blue Grass Township.
4.i. Christina Margaretha SOENKE was born 12 Dec 1866, died 19 Sep 1906 in St Paul, Dakota, MN, age 39. She married on 31 Jan 1888 in Scott County, to Louis KOECHERT, born 6 Oct 1863 in Macomb, Wright, MO, died 8 Oct 1927 in Clay, IA, age 64. She was 21 and he was 24 when they married. They lived in Clay County, IA and had 3 children.
The Davenport Democrat and Leader (Davenport, IA) 19 Oct 1927
Will of Louis KOECHERT, probated 14 Nov 1927, in Clay County, IA
4.ii. Hans F. SOENKE was born 30 Aug 1868, and died 12 May 1900, age 31. He married on 17 Feb 1897 in Davenport to Helene E. "Lena" PUCK, born 22 Feb 1872 in Davenport, died 12 Mar 1945, age 73. He was 28 and she was 25 when they married. They had only been married 3 years when Hans died, and had no children. His gravestone can be found in Lone Tree Cemetery, Everly, Clay, IA.
Lena remarried on 7 Jul 1903 in Bennington, NE, to Hans Rathje HOLLING, born 24 May 1871 in Jevenstedt, Holstein, about 40 km SE of Schwabstedt. They lived in Morrison, Jefferson, CO.
4.iii. Henry P. SOENKE was born 10 Dec 1869, died 23 Oct 1936 in Walcott, age 66. He married (1) on 29 Dec 1897 in Walcott, to Minnie GULCK, born Oct 1874 in Scott County, died 7 Jun 1914 in IA, age 39. He was 28 and she was 23 when they married. They lived on a farm in Blue Grass, and had 2 children.
Henry married (2) on 12 Aug 1919 in Davenport, to Matilde "Tillie" WICHMANN, born Apr 1877 in Scott County, died 2 Oct 1957 in IA, age 80. He was 49 and she was 42 when they married. They had no children. They moved to Walcott, where Henry worked as an insurance agent.
One of these photos must be mislabeled:
[ASC, p. 151]
4.iv. Wilhelmina "Minna" SOENKE was born 10 Oct 1872, died 9 Mar 1956 in Walcott, age 83. She married on 26 Dec 1893 in Davenport, to Henry FEUERBACH, born 5 Jul 1870 in Walcott, died 13 Sep 1935 in Walcott, age 65. She was 21 and he was 23 when they married. They farmed in Cleona Yownship, Scott County, and had 5 children.
Henry FEUERBACH Biography
Henry Feuerbach has always resided on the farm in Cleona township which he now occupies. Here he was born July 5, 1870. He is the son of Johannas and Marie Elizabeth (Deitz) Feuerbach, natives of Hess-Darmstadt, Germany, who were married in the old country and came to America about the year 1856. They located in Scott county and were sufficiently pleased with the neighborhood to remain here the rest of their lives, the father taking up farming as his vocation. He died February 9, 1884, at the age of sixty-six years. The mother survives and she and her son are among the largest property owners hereabout. Her holdings consist of some five hundred and sixty acres, three hundred of which are operated by Henry Feuerbach. Mrs. Feuerbach, who now resides in Walcott, was born December 18, 1832. She has two children, Carolina, wife of Henry Moeller of Walcott, and the subject of the sketch. Her husband had three children by a former marriage, these being John, deceased; Philip of Keystone; and Bertha Dittmer, deceased.
The property of Henry Feuerbach consists of the home place on section 36, one hundred and sixty acres on section 18, one hundred and sixty acres on section 17, and sixty acres on section 25, on the Hickory Grove township line, this amounting to five hundred and forty acres of land, all in Cleona township. All the improvements on this very desirable property were made by Mr. Feuerbach and his father. Here he engages in general farming and stock-raising and as an additional interest holds a director ship in the Walcott Savings Bank.
On Christmas day, of 1893, Mr. Feuerbach and Miss Wilhelmina Soenke were united in marriage. Mrs. Feuerbach was born October 10, 1872, in Blue Grass township, her parents being Hans and Anna (Broeders) Soenke, natives of Germany, but now residing in Davenport. Five children add interest and cheer to their home. These are by name Ferdinand, Mary Anna, Elmer, Ida and Lloyd.
Politically Mr. Feuerbach pays fealty to the democratic party. He takes a live interest in public affairs and several trusts have been put into his hands as a result of the confidence of his associates. He is now serving his third term as township trustee, is a member of the township schoolboard and for many years has been a trustee of the Walcott Mutual Fire Insurance Company. He is identified with the Walcott Knights of Pythias and the Modern Women of America, and in these fraternal relations enjoys the same high regard that he wins from the public in general.
[HDSC] Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
I think this is a mistake. It should be Henry Feuerbach. [ASC, p. 149]
I don't recall where I got this.
HENRY FEUERBACH, LIFE RESIDENT OF COUNTY, IS DEAD
Henry Feuerbach, a life resident of Scott County, died at 7:15 p. m. Friday at the family home in Walcott, as the result of a stroke of apoplexy suffered early Friday morning.
Mr. Feuerbach was born on July 5, 1870, in Cleona township and received his education in the rural schools. On Dec 25, 1893, he was married to Miss Wilhelmina Soenke. The couple engaged in farming north of Walcott for many years, retiring and moving to Walcott 12 years ago. Mr. Feuerbach was a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights of Pythias of Walcott.
Surviving are his widow; two daughters, Mrs. William Rostenbach of Walcott and Mrs. Ray Jacobs of Los Angeles, Calif.; three sons, Ferd of Stockton, Elmer and Lloyd Feuerbach, both of Walcott; one sister, Mrs. Henry Moeller of Walcott and 14 grandchildren.
The body was taken to the Runge mortuary, where funeral services will be held at 2 p. m. Tuesday. Burial will be in the Walcott cemetery.
The Daily Times (Davenport, IA) Saturday, 14 Sep 1935
MRS. HENRY FEUERBACH
Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 1 p.m. in the Runge Chapel for Mrs. Henry Feuerbach, 83, of Walcott, who died Friday at 8:20 p.m. in Marquette Heights Nursing Home following an extended illness. Burial will be in the Walcott Cemetery.
Born Oct. 10, 1872, in Blue Grass Township in Scott County, the former Wilhelmina Soenke attended schools there and was married to Mr. Feuerbach Dec 26, 1893. The couple farmed north of Walcott until 1925 when they moved to Walcott. Mr. Feuerbach died Sept. 13, 1935. Mrs. Feuerbach was a member of the Royal Neighbors Camp No. 3798.
Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Mary Ann Rostenbach, Stockton, and Mrs. Ida Jacobs, Los Angeles; three sons, Ferd and Elmer, both of Davenport, and lloyd, of Walcott; 14 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. Three brothers and three sisters preceded her in death.
The Daily Times (Davenport, IA) 10 Mar 1956
4.v. Agnes SOENKE was born 18 Jun 1875, died 3 Jan 1948 in Sheboygan, WI, age 72. She married on 14 Oct 1897 in Blue Grass, to Wilhelm Fredrick RUGE, born 14 Oct 1871, died 7 Mar 1946, age 74. She was 22 and he was 26 when they married, on his birthday. They had 8 children, and moved to Sheboygan, WI.
The 1910 US Census has William and Agnes in Davenport. The census was taken 23 Apr 1910, less than 2 months after Agnes' father, Hans SOENKE Jr, had died. Her mother, Anna (IMBECK) SOENKE lived with them, in the same house where Hans and Anna had lived, at 614 W 5th Street. William was a real estate agent. Agnes had 5 children, all still living, clearly the 5 listed. Anna had 7 children, 4 still living. Anna had immigrated in 1862.
The RUGE family must have moved in recently, since they were still in Blue Grass when the youngest child, Boita RUGE, was born on 27 Mar 1909.
4.vi. Ida SOENKE was born 22 Nov 1877, and died on 4 Feb 1893 in Walcott, age 15.
OBITUARY.
SOENKE.
Ida, the 16-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hans Soenke died Sunday afternoon at 4 o’clock after a brief illness. The funeral takes place Wednesday from the family residence on the farm on the Fulton road, at 2 o’clock. Interment in West Davenport cemetery.
The Davenport Democrat and Leader (Davenport, IA) Tuesday, 6 Feb 1894, page 4
SOENKE
Ida Soenke, the 16-year-old daughter of Hans and Anna Soenke, died at the family home on the Fulton road near Walcott, Sunday. Lung fever was the cause of death.
The funeral occurs Wednesday at 1 p.m. from the home, with interment at Little’s Grove.
Quad-City Times (Davenport, IA) Tuesday, 6 Feb 1894, page 1
SOENKE.
Miss Ida Soenke, daughter, of Mr. and Mrs. H. Soenke, died at the family residence near Walcott, Ia. The young lady was in her sixteenth year and had many friends. The interment will take place to-morrow afternoon at 1 o’clock from the home and interment will be at Little’s Grove.
The Daily Times (Davenport, IA) Tuesday, 6 Feb 1894, page 4
[Obviously the funeral, not the interment, was at the family home. She was 15, in her 16th year. She shares a stone with her parents in Walcott cemetery.]
4.vii. Herman SOENKE was born 30 Oct 1880, died 1 Apr 1951 in Salinas, Monterey, CA, age 70. He married on 12 Jul 1906 in Round Lake, Jackson, MN to Ella DIEHN, born March, 1887 in Cass, IA and died 12 Apr 1935 in Pipestone, MN. He was 25 and she was 19 when they married. They had 5 children.
5. Christine SOENKE was born 3 Apr 1838 in Schwabstedt, died 16 Sep 1923 in Davenport, Scott, IA, age 85. She married about 1861 to John VOGT, born in Oct 1836 in Hollingstedt, Schleswig, and died 1910 in IA, age 73. They had 7 children.
Christine was still single in 1860 - see the 1860 US Census, above. So they were probably married in Scott or Muscatine County, when Christina as about 22 and John was about 23-4. Hollingstedt is about 15 km NE of Schwabstedt, so they came from the same area.
John and Christine are buried in Walcott Cemetery.
There were other VOGT families in the area, possibly unrelated. In particular, there were other John VOGTs. Our John VOGT only had one wife, Christine, and farmed in Fulton Township, Muscatine County, IA, near Stockton, until his death in 1910.
1916 map of Sections 9-16, Fulton Township, Muscatine County, IA. The John G. VOGT property in Section 9 is less than 1 mile south of the village of Stockton, which is 4 miles west of Walcott, Scott County.. In Section 15 is the farm belonging to Annie and Bertha VOGT. The Carl H. SOENKE farm is in Section 13. The Jacob H, BRODERS farm is in Section 10 and 16. [AMC]
Newspaper articles
FULTON … and John Vogt, not content with the fine barn he erected last summer is going right ahead, to put up a dwelling house, that will be an ornament to his neighborhood.
Muscatine News-Tribune (Muscatine, IA) Thursday, 4 Mar 1875, page 4
Esther King and hus. to John Vogt – ne ¼ se ¼ sec 9, 78, 1 east; $1,600.
The Muscatine Journal (Muscatine, IA) Saturday, 6 Nov 1875, page 4
Northwest of the Krone place we come to the fine 320-acre farm of John Vogt. His stock in trade is grain, high-grade cattle and hogs.
The Muscatine Journal (Muscatine, IA) Thursday, 1 Aug 1895, page 1
ONLY A THREE-FOURTH’S CROP.
John Vogt of Stockton Says the Hard Hail Did Considerable Damage.
John Vogt, of Stockton, is in the city on a visit. He reports that there will be three-fourths of a corn crop in that district notwithstanding the excessive hail storm which swept over the country recently. He says the chief damage about Stockton was in the blowing over of the wheat, barley, rye and oat stacks. Blue Grass township suffered the most he said.
The Daily Times (Davenport, IA) Saturday, 1 Sep 1900, page 2
John Vogt, of Stockton, a prosperous farmer of that section, was in the city today purchasing his Christmas presents. He announces the annual meeting of the Walcott Mutual Fire Insurance company, of which he is the president, for Tuesday, Dec. 9, at the Walcott hotel.
Quad-City Times (Davenport, IA) Tuesday, 2 Dec 1902, page 7
DISPOSES OF PROPERTY BY HIS LAST WILL
JOHN VOGT LEAVES CONSIDERABLE ESTATE, DISPOSING OF IT ALL TO HIS CHILDREN—WILL WAS OPENED AND PUBLICLY READ YESTERDAY.
The last will and testament of the late John Vogt was opened and publicly read in the office of the county clerk yesterday afternoon. By his last will he appoints his two sons, John G. and William H. Vogt, as executors without bond. He leaves his wife $10,000 and a farm in section 9 to John G. Vogt. His farm in section 15 he divides in half between Bertha and Anna Vogt. He leaves his section of land in Comanche County, Oklahoma, to his son, William. To his son, Henry W. Vogt, and to his daughters, Wilhelmina Umlandt and Emma Hern, he gives $8,000 apiece in cash.
Muscatine News-Tribune, 30 Nov 1910, page 5
SCOTT COUNTY PIONEER WOMAN DIES, AGE 85
Mrs. Christine Vogt was Resident of This Vicinity for Seventy Years.
Mrs. Christine Vogt, pioneer resident of Scott county, passed away at the home, 2025 Marquette street, at 1:30 Sunday afternoon. She had been in failing health for the past five weeks, due to the infirmities of old age.
Miss Soenke was born in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany April 3, 1838. She came to America with her parents at the age of 15 years, and directly to Scott county.
She was united in marriage to John Vogt at Davenport in 1861, and the couple settled on a farm a mile and a half southeast of Stockton, where Mrs. Vogt resided until two years ago when she moved to Davenport.
Her husband preceded her in death 13 years ago, and one daughter also preceded her mother in death three years ago.
Mrs. Vogt was well known among the older residents in the vicinity of Walcott and Stockton, and made many friends among the younger people by her unfailing kindness.
Surviving are three sons, Henry W. of Pendleton, Ore., William H. of Hulen, Okla., and John G. of Davenport; three daughters, Mrs. Minnie Umland of Lawton, Okla., Miss Bertha Vogt of Davenport, and Mrs. Emma Franck of Davenport.
The funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon at 1 o’clock from the home, 2025 Marquette street. Interment will be made in Walcott cemetery. The family requests that no flowers be sent.
The Davenport Democrat and Leader (Davenport, IA) Monday, 17 Sep 1923, page 14
6. Johann "John" SOENKE was born about 1840 in Schwabstedt, and died 22 Sep 1865, age 24 or 25. He was with the family in the 1845 Danish Census, in the 1853 passenger list, and in the 1860 US Census, above. He has a large monument in Fairmount Cemetery, Davenport. Nothing else seems to be known.
7. Margaretha SOENKE was born about 1842 in Schwabstedt, and died on 16 Dec 1882 in Muscatine County, IA, age 40. She married on 26 Dec 1865 in Scott, IA, to Jacob Hans BRODERS, born 21 Feb 1838 in Schwabstedt, died 12 Mar 1926 in Durant, Cedar, IA, age 88. She was 23, he was 27. They had 6 children, and farmed near Stockton, in Fulton Township, Muscatine County, IA, next to Margaretha's sister, Christine VOGT. See the 1916 map, above.
Margaretha became Margaret in America, and Jacob was sometimes called Jake, or John. Broders is the German word for brothers.
Jacob remarried, on 8 Jan 1884 in Muscatine County, to Margaretha WIECK (or WEICK, WICK, WUCK, WISCH), born 10 Jul 1852 in Schleswig-Holstein, died 12 Feb 1937 in Durant, Cedar, IA, age 84. Jacob was 46 and Margaretha was 32 when they married. They had 4 children, in Fulton Township. Jacob retired from farming about 1901, and they moved to Durant, Cedar County, IA, about 3 miles west of Stockton.
Jacob and his 2nd wife visited Germany in 1899. They returned on the Auguste Victoria, departing from Hamburg on 1 Jun 1899, destined for New York. They travelled with Caroline BRODERS, a year older than Jacob. All 3 listed their residence as Davenport.
Jacob and both wives are buried in Durant Cemetery.
Jacob Hans BRODERS (1838-1926)
BRODERS ornamental stone in Durant Cemetery
Jacob BRODERS at home
This family has been tricky, initially because Jacob's wives were both named Margaretha. There is also the mystery of Louisa BRODERS. She was called Louseva, born Aug 1875 in Germany, in the 1900 US Census, above. She was also called a daughter in the will of Jabob BRODERS Sr. However, she doesn't appear with the family in the 1880 US Census, and they were not in Germany in 1875.
I suspect that Louisa was a child of Margaretha WIECK by a previous marriage, later adopted by Jacob BRODERS. Also, Gustav BRODERS, son of Jacob BRODERS and Margaretha SOENKE, married Louise Margaretha WIECK, born about 1875 in Schleswig. So Gustave married his adopted half-sister. They were not blood-related.
In 1870, Jacob was already a successful farmer, in Fulton Township, just south of Stockton. Jacob and Margaret (SOENKE) had their first 2 children: Alvena (later called Alwine) and Jacob Jr.
By 1880, Jacob and Margaret had a large household, with 6 children, 2 farmhands, and a kitchen helper.
Margaret died on 16 Dec 1882, leaving 6 children: Alvena (14), Jacob Jr (12), Ferdinand (10), Gustav (7), Anna (5), William (3). I have not found an obituary or death certificate.
The 1900 US Census has Jacob with his 2nd wife, and his younger children. The older children had married, and at least Ferdinand lived nearby, as 3 BRODERS families were listed consecutively. In family 173, brothers H C and Harry BRODERS were probably nephews of Jacob. H C and Imma had been married 6 years, and she had 3 children, all still living. The record says that Jacob and Margaret had been married 35 years, and she had 13 children, with 11 still living, but that is surely a mistake, combining children of both wives. Ferd and Emma had been married 2 years, and had 1 child. The servant Hauny FRAMYE immigrated to America in 1890, Jacob in 1859, Margaret and Louvesa in 1880.
J. H. BRODERS, A PIONEER DURANT RESIDENT, DEAD
Broke Prairies with Oxen; Voted for Lincoln; Was 88 Years Old.
Jacob H. Broders, a pioneer resident of Scott county in the community of Durant, having settled there in the early 60’s, passed away Friday evening at 8:30 o’clock. His death occurred at his home in Durant where he had resided the past 25 years.
Mr. Broders was born in Schwabstedt, Schleswig, Germany, Feb. 21, 1838, and came to the United States, and direct to Davenport, in 1859. He took up farming shortly after his arrival here and in 1865 located on the prairies near Stockton. He was still owner of the homestead at the time of his death, but upon his retirement 25 years ago moved to Durant to make his home there.
Until the spring of 1925 when an ailment set in that caused his death Friday, Mr. Broders had been hale and active for his advanced years. When first coming here he farmed in a most primitive manner having broken the prairie with oxen. From the employment of only such necessary equipment to the use of modern improved farm implements has been a part of his experience. He carried the distinction of of having voted for Abraham Lincoln, when the latter was termed the rail-splitter candidate.
In 1865 he was married to Margaret Soenke in Scott county, who preceded him in death in 1882. Two years later he again married, at that time being married to Miss Margaret Wieck, who survives besides six sons, J. H. Broders, Jr. and William E. Broders, Durant. Fred W. Broders on the old homestead. Gustav Broders of Pleasant Prairie. Ben Broders of Port Angeles, Wash., and Herman Broders of Waterloo, Ia.,and three daughters, Mrs. Louis Duge of Muscatine, and Mrs. Ferd Dittmer of Durant, and Mrs. Rasck at home. A sister, Mrs. Jurgen Thede of Durant, who is two years his senior, also survives besides 20 grandchildren, and 77 great grandchildren.
The funeral arrangements will be announced Monday upon the arrival of the son from Washington.
The Davenport Democrat and Leader (Davenport, IA) Sunday, 14 Mar 1926, page 3
MRS. J. BRODERS OF DURANT IS CLAIMED BY DEATH AT AGE 84
Durant, Ia., Feb. 12—(Special)—Mrs Jacob Broders, age 84, died at her home here at 7:30 a. m. today, following a lingering illness.
Margaretha Wick was born in Germany July 10, 1852, and came to Cedar county 55 years ago. She married Jacob Broders Jan. 12, 1884 and the couple resided on a farm near Stockton until 35 years ago when they moved to Durant. Her husband preceded her in death.
Surviving are two sons, Glenn Broders of Coquill, Ore., and Herman Broders of Waterloo; one daughter, Mrs Ida Rasck of Durant; six step-children, Ferdinand Broders of Davenport, Mrs Louis Duge of Muscatine, Jacob and Gustav Broders and Mrs Ferdinand Dittmer, all of Durant, and William Broders of South Bend, Ind.; 20 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p. m. Sunday at the residence. The Rev. J. A. Miller of Davenport will officiate and burial will be in Durant cemetery.
The Daily Times (Davenport, IA) 12 Feb 1937, page 13
[Note: Her eldest son was Bernhardt Frederick “Ben” Broders, not Glenn.]
8. Katherine SOENKE was born about 1845 in Schwabstedt. She married on 25 Nov 1870 in Scott, IA to Heinrich "Henry" TIMM, born 26 Jun 1834 in Holstein, died 22 Feb 1906 in Blue Grass, Scott, IA, age 71. He is buried in Walcott Cemetery.
In the 1870 US Census, Katherine appears as a domestic servant in the household of her sister, Anna Christina (SOENKE) HANSEN and her husband, Frederick HANSEN. See the HANSEN page.
The will of Hans SOENKE Sr, written 15 Jul 1878, refers to his son-in-law Henry TIMM, husband of his late daughter Katherine. The will goes into some detail to make sure that Henry TIMM should transfer certain property and funds to Peter Henry TIMM, son of Henry and Katherine. So Katherine must have died between 25 Nov 1870 and 15 Jul 1878.
Iowa, U.S., Marriage Records, 1880-1945
Name: Peter H Tunn
Gender: Male
Race: White
Age: 28
Birth Date: abt 1871
Birth Place: Scott County, IA
Marriage Date: 9 Mar 1899
Marriage Place: Cass, Iowa, USA
Father: Henry Tunn
Mother: Sonke
Spouse: Miss Annie M. Shultz
U.S., Newspapers.com Obituary Index, 1800s-current
Name: Peter Timm
Death Age: 83
Birth Date: 10 Sep 1871
Birth Place: Blue Grass township
Marriage Date: 9 Mar 1896
Residence Place: Atlantic
Death Date: Abt 1955
Obituary Date: 5 Mar 1955
Obituary Place: Davenport, Iowa, USA
Newspaper Title: The Daily Times
Spouse: Annie Schultz
Child: Ralph
Siblings: Annie Peterson, Caroline Levetzow, Henry Timm
Henry TIMM married Pauline "Lena" BOETHEL on June 6, 1878 in Scott County. His wife was called "Abel" in the 1880 US Census. I suspect that the 4 youngest children were Katherine's.
For brevity: Davenport, Walcott, Blue Grass and Hickory Grove are all in Scott County, IA.
Hans SOENKE b: 10 Aug 1803 in Schwabstedt, d: 05 Aug 1881 in Davenport
... + Christina Maria JACOBS b: 14 Aug 1802 in Schwabstedt, m: 13 Jun 1828 in Ger, d: 26 Mar 1864 in Davenport
......1. Maria SOENKE b: 1830 in Schwabstedt, d: 22 Jul 1868 in IA
......2, Anna Christina SOENKE b: 24 Jul 1832 in Schwabstedt, d: 09 Jun 1917
...... + Friedrich HANSEN b: 21 Feb 1834 in Ger, m: 1860 in Davenport, d: 26 Jul 1907
.........i. Henry HANSEN b: Aug 1865 in IA, d: 1934 in IA
.........ii, Caroline HANSEN b: Sep 1867 in IA, d: 1946
.........iii. Laura HANSEN b: May 1870 in Homer, IA, d: 24 Feb 1923 in Benton, IA
......... + Albert KRUEGER b: 13 Apr 1873 in Stradun bei Schonlanke, Prussia, m: 07 Nov 1902 in Keystone, Benton, IA, d: 17 May 1949 in Elberon, Tama, IA
.........iv. Annie HANSEN b: Feb 1872 in IA, d: 1942 in IA
......... + George Peter HANSEN b: 02 Feb 1859 in Ger, m: 1897, d: 14 Apr 1906 in IA
......3. Peter SOENKE b: 19 Feb 1834 in Schwabstedt, d: 10 Feb 1892 in Davenport
......+ Catherine ROHWER b: 12 Jun 1846 in Holstein, m: 17 Dec 1867 in Scott, IA, d: 2 Jun 1924 in Walcott
.........i. Hans William SOENKE b: 29 Mar 1869 in Scott, IA, d: 16 Jan 1929 in Davenport
......... + Clara SCHLICHTING b: 16 Jul 1869 in Scott, IA, m: 03 Mar 1892 in Davenport, d: Jan 1949
.........ii. Anna Christine SOENKE b: 13 Dec 1870 in Scott, IA, d: 13 Jul 1948 in Davenport
......... + Louis H. PUCK b: 27 Apr 1866 in IA, m: 21 Feb 1893 in Scott, IA, d: 7 Nov 1916 in Scott, IA
.........iii. Peter Ferdinand SOENKE b: 29 Mar 1873 in Scott, IA, d: 25 Jul 1934
......... + Emma Fredericka ILLIAN b: 20 Mar 1866 in Blue Grass, m: 27 Feb 1907 in Blue Grass, d: 01 Jul 1926 in Davenport
......... + Marie Helen (PETERSEN) BRUHN b: 23 Mar 1892 in Ger, m: 29 Nov 1928 in Scott, IA, d: 1980 in IA
.........iv. George Fredrick SOENKE b: 29 Apr 1875, d: Bef. 1958
......... + Olga SCHUETT b: 12 Dec 1884 in Scott, IA, m: 18 Mar 1908 in Davenport, d: 01 Jul 1973
.........v. Ernest Emil SOENKE b: 20 Jun 1880 in Blue Grass, d: 1945 in Scott, IA
......... + Hertha Bertha HALLER b: 30 Nov 1886 in Davenport, m: 19 Oct 1909 in Davenport, d: Sep 1979 in Scott, IA
.........vi. Fred Herbert "Fritz" SOENKE b: 06 Jul 1882 in Blue Grass, d: 01 Aug 1973 in Davenport
.........vii. Emma Catherine SOENKE b: 26 Apr 1886 in Blue Grass, d: 17 Jul 1961 in Davenport
......... + Albert Louis ILLIAN b: 18 Jul 1879 in Blue Grass, m: 16 Jan 1907 in Blue Grass, d: 22 Jun 1958 in Davenport
.........viii. Carl Herman SOENKE b: 18 Dec 1887 in Blue Grass, d: 31 Jul 1945 in Davenport
......... + Agnes B. GOLLINGHORST b: 04 Nov 1881 in Hickory Grove, m: 12 Mar 1902 in Walcott, d: 1 Nov 1971 in Davenport
......4. Hans SOENKE b: 31 Jan 1836 in Schwabstedt, d: 05 Mar 1910 in IA
...... + Anna Margaretha INBECK b: 17 Nov 1842 in Holenhaus-Holstein, m: 28 Dec 1865 in Scott, IA, d: 27 Feb 1912
.........i. Christina M SOENKE b: 12 Dec 1866 in Walcott, d: 19 Sep 1906 in St Paul, Dakota, MN
......... + Louis KOECHERT b: Oct 1863 in MO, m: 31 Jan 1888
.........ii. Hans F. SOENKE b: 30 Aug 1868 in , Scott, IA, d: 12 May 1900
......... + Helene E. PUCK b: 1873 in Davenport, m: 17 Feb 1897 in Davenport
.........iii. Henry P. SOENKE b: 10 Dec 1869 in ,Scott, IA, d: 23 Oct 1936 in Walcott
......... + Minnie GULCK b: Oct 1874 in Scott, IA, m: 29 Dec 1897 in Walcott, d: 07 Jun 1914 in IA
......... + Matilde 'Tillie' WICHMANN b: Apr 1877 in Scott, IA, m: 12 Aug 1919 in Davenport, d: 02 Oct 1957 in IA
.........iv. Wilhelmina "Minnie" SOENKE b: 10 Oct 1872 in Blue Grass, d: 09 Mar 1956 in Walcott
......... + Henry FEUERBACH b: 05 Jul 1870 in Walcott, m: 26 Dec 1893 in Davenport d: 13 Sep 1935 in Walcott
.........v. Agnes SOENKE b: 18 Jun 1875 in Walcott, d: 03 Jan 1948 in Sheboygan, WI
......... + Wilhelm Fredrick RUGE b: 14 Oct 1871, m: 14 Oct 1897 in Blue Grass, d: 07 Mar 1946
.........vi. Ida SOENKE b: 22 Nov 1877, d: 04 Feb 1893 in Walcott
.........vii. Herman SOENKE b: 30 Oct 1880 in Walcott, d: 01 Apr 1951 in Salinas, Monterey, CA
......... + Ella DEAN
......5. Christina SOENKE b: 03 Apr 1838 in Schwabstedt, d: 16 Sep 1923 in Davenport
...... + John VOGT b: Abt. 1837 in Ger, m: Muscatine, d: 1910 in IA
.........i. Anna T VOGT b: May 1878 in IA
.........ii. John J VOGT b: Sep 1876 in IA
.........iii. Bertha VOGT b: 1870 in IA
.........iv. William H VOGT b: Abt. 1869 in Muscatine, IA, d: 27 Sep 1933
.........v. Wilhelmine C VOGT b: Abt. 1864
.........vi. Henry VOGT b: Abt. 1863
.........vii. Emma VOGT b: Jul 1879 in IA
......6. Johan SOENKE b: 1840 in Schwabstedt, d: 26 Mar 1865
......7. Margaretha SOENKE b: 1842 in Schwabstedt, d: 1884
...... + Jacob Hans BRODERS b: Feb 1838 in Schleswig, m: 26 Dec 1865 in Scott, IA, d: 12 Mar 1926 in IA
.........i. William E. BRODERS b: Aug 1879 in Muscatine, IA, d: Aft. Jun 1917
......... + Mina L. SMITH b: 26 Sep 1886, m: 24 Feb 1904 in Durant, Cedar, IA, d: Jan 1980 in Dallas, Dallas, TX
.........ii. Gustave BRODERS b: Jul 1876 in Muscatine, Muscatine, IA, d: Jul 1953
.........iii. Alvine Christine BRODERS b: 19 Nov 1867 in Stockton, Muscatine, IA, d: 04 Nov 1963
......... + Louis DUGE b: 21 Nov 1864 in Scott, IA, m: 21 Feb 1890
.........iv. Jacob H. BRODERS b: 09 Oct 1869 in Stockton IA, d: 03 Jun 1946
......... + Adelia DITTMER b: 10 Dec 1877 in Muscatine IA, m: 1895, d: 10 Feb 1951
.........v. Ferdinand W BRODERS b: 1871 in Muscatine, Muscatine, IA, d: Aft. Jun 1917
......... + Emma Lousia TELSROW b: Abt. 1878 in Cleona, Scott, IA
.........vi. Annie BRODERS b: 30 Sep 1876 in IA, d: 26 Feb 1961
......... + Ferdinand DITMER
.........vii. Bernhardt BRODERS b: Abt. 1884 in Muscatine, IA
.........viii. Ida RASCK b: Abt. 1887 in Stcokton, IA
......8. Katherine SOENKE b: 1844 in Schwabstedt
...... + Henry TIMM b: 1826 in Holstein, m: 25 Nov 1870 in Scott, IA
.........i. Peter TIMM b: 1871 in Scott, IA
......... + Annie M. SHULTZ b: 1877 in Sherman, MO, m: 09 Mar 1899 in Atlantic, Cass, IA
Henry FEUERBACH married Wilhelmina "Minnie" SOENKE. Along with his mother, Henry was owner of one of the largest farms in the area, comprising 560 acres of Cleona Township. They had five children.
Yearbook Pictures
Carroll "Carl" SOENKE, 1936, U of Northern Iowa, p 100 and 1939, Iowa State Teachers College, p 120.
I don't really think these two are the same. Maybe there is a mistake.
Carroll SOENKE (1912 - 1982) was the son of Carl Herman SOENKE and Agnes B. GOLLINGHORST.
He married Anna A. PLAKATKA. They lived in Davenport, and had three children.
Clarence and Helene SOENKE, 1930 Davenport High School
General Course: R.O.T.C. for Clarence, and Chorus, for Helene
Clarence F. SOENKE (1911 - Bef. 2006) and Helene SOENKE (1916 - 1986)
were children of George Fredrick SOENKE and Olga SCHUETT.
Harold H. SOENKE, 1931 Iowa State p 131, and 1932 Iowa State p 95.
Harold Haller SOENKE (3 Oct 1910 - Sep 1978) was the son of Ernest Emil SOENKE and Hertha Bertha HALLER.
He served in WWII, and died in Los Alamos, NM.
Harold H. SOENKE 1932 Iowa State p 115, and 1933 Iowa State p 109
John E. SOENKE, 1932 Iowa State p 307, and 1935 U Michigan p 286 (listed as Senior). John Ernest SOENKE (6 Apr 1914 - 4 Apr 1977) was the son of Ernest Emil SOENKE and Hertha Bertha HALLER, and brother of Harold SOENKE (above). He lived in Baltimore in 1940, and is buried in Kettering, Montgomery, OH.
Louis G. SOENKE, 1933 Iowa State p 80 (Architectural Engineering) and 1936 Iowa State p 119.
Louis George SOENKE (4 Jun 1909 - Bef. 2006) was the son of George Fredrick SOENKE and Olga SCHUETT, and brother of Clarence and Helene (above). He lived in Davenport at least until 1940.
Please look at the unidentified photos here and here.
[AMC] Atlas of Muscatine County, Iowa; containing maps of villages, cities, and townships of the county, maps of state ... Farmers directory (1916)
[ASC] Atlas of Scott County, IA 1905
[BTL] Built to Last: Visions of the Gold Coast
[HDSC] Biographies of Hans SOENKE Jr and Peter SOENKE from Vol. 2 History of Davenport and Scott County by Harry E. Downer (1910)
Updated 1 Dec 2022 by William Haloupek. Contact haloupek at gmail dot com.