J. E. Burmeister Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. Surnames: Burmeister, Behrens, Faster. J. E. Burmeister, whose position as a financier and reputation for sound and reliable methods, have made him well known throughout this part of the state, was born in Davenport, January 17, 1877, a son of Ernst and Mary (Faster) Burmeister, natives of Germany. The father was born in 1846 and came to Davenport in 1870, here meeting and marrying his wife. They had two sons: John F. and J. E. For many years Ernst Burmeister operated a large meat market. He died March 29, 1882. The Davenport public schools furnished J. E. Burmeister with a good education, and he added to it by a course at the Davenport Business College. When but a lad he commenced earning his own living as a messenger boy, and then worked up to bookkeeper. By this time he had proven his worth and was employed by the Iowa National Bank as messenger boy. From that time on his rise was rapid through the successive grades of promotion. In 1902 he was made assistant cashier; in January, 1903, he was made cashier; and in December, 1907, became vice president. In addition to his connection with the bank, Mr. Burmeister has many other interests in the city, being secretary of Voss Brothers Manufacturing Company and secretary and treasurer of the Davenport Locomotive Works, as well as many others. In 1902 he married Emma Behrens, who was born in Davenport, a daughter of P. M. Behrens, an old resident of the city and a native of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Burmeister have two children; Richard and Bernice. During the Spanish-American war Mr. Burmeister served in the Fiftieth Iowa Infantry as quartermaster sergeant of Company B. Prior to this he was a member of the Iowa National Guards and was prominent in such work. He is a Mason and an Elk and also belongs to the Travelers Association and the Commercial Club. Although a young man in years, he has accomplished much, demonstrating what can be done through sheer effort and untiring industry. He is a strong man, holding firmly to his own views, and influencing others to his way of thinking. Enthusiastically carrying out his plans when once he has entered into anything, he is an important factor in the life of Davenport and has become very popular with all with whom he is associated in either a business or social way. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES