Charles Beiderbecke Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. Surnames: Beiderbecke, Steibold, Fouberger. Charles Beiderbecke, coming to America as a young man of seventeen years and his youthful training being that of a German lad, entered upon activities in the new world with no false ideas concerning the advantages here offered. He knew, however, that the path to success is open to all and that the fruits of labor are sure and certain. Therefore with the persistent energy he sought prosperity and in time came to be known as one of the leading merchants and financials of Davenport. Born in Westpahlia, Germany, July 20, 1836, Charles Beiderbecke spent the first seventeen years of his life in his native country and there attended a university, studying for the ministry. He sailed for America in 1853. He did not tarry on the Atlantic coast but made his way to Indianapolis, Indiana, and for three years was employed in the post office. He was sent by the government to Dubuque, Iowa, where he also held a position in the postoffice, but not liking that city he remained for only a short time and then removed to Davenport. Here he afterward entered into partnership and then removed to Davenport. Here he afterward entered into partnership relations as the senior member of the firm of Beiderbecke & Miller, wholesale grocers. They were located at the corner of Gaines and Second streets and afterward removed to Second street between Main and Harrison streets. In 1880 Mr. Beiderbecke erected a business block in which he continued to carry on his commercial interests throughout the remainder of his days. He built up a large and successful enterprise and was considered one of the leading business men of the city. He based his business principles and actions on the rules which govern strict and unswerving integrity and in the development of his business ever kept in mind the fact that satisfied patrons are the best a! dvertisement. He held to high standards in the personnel of the house, in the character of goods carried and in the nature of the service rendered to the public, and as the years passed he enjoyed a constantly growing trade that for many years gave him a very substantial and gratifying income. Extending his efforts to other lines, he was recognized as one of the leading representatives of financial interests, becoming president of the Iowa national Bank, which he aided in organizing in 1890, continuing as chief executive officer until his death. He was also a director of the German Savings Bank. Mr. Beiderbecke's executive ability was furthermore called into play in connection with social and municipal interests. He was a director of the Maennerchoir and also a member of the Turners Society. In matters relative to the public welfare he gave endorsement wherever he believed that the best interests of the city might be conserved. The attitude of the business man concerning any public question is taken as the standard of its worth, for the public recognizes that the sound judgment and keen discernment which must constitute salient features in successful business life would readily discriminate between the essential and nonessential in public matters. Therefore when Mr. Beiderbecke gave his support to any municipal movement his course was on which gained a large following therefor (sic). He did not belong to any church but attended the services at the Unitarian and in his life exemplified a broad humanitarian spirit. On the 21st of April, 1860, Mr. Beiderbecke was united in marriage in Davenport to Miss Louise Piper, a daughter of August Piper, who came from Hamburg, Germany in 1856, establishing his home in this state and joining an Iowa regiment at the time of the Civil war, serving throughout the continuance of hostilities. After the war he returned to his city, where he engaged in business until his death on the 16th of December, 1889. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Beiderbecke were born eight children, but four died in infancy. The others are: Carl T.; Mrs. H. A. Steibold, who lives with her mother; Mrs. L. Fouberger; and Bismark H. Mr. Beiderbecke was devoted to his family and erected on of the finest homes in the city. There he passed away October 20, 1901, at the age of sixty-five years. His hope of bettering his financial condition in the new world was more than realized, for here he found good opportunities and wisely used them to work his way upward. There was no esoteric phase in his entire career. He sought success not through speculation but in the legitimate lines of trade and through judicious investment, mindful at all times of his obligations to others and conforming his course to a high standard of commercial ethics. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES