Julius Sander Biography >From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago. Surnames: Sander, Mack, Ranzow. The great business prosperity which has come to Davenport in the course of years is reflected in the success of Julius Sander, a dealer in general hardware, farm implements, seeds, buggies, wagons and automobiles. Having come to this country when a mere boy, with nothing but his own abilities and his determination to get ahead, the position he holds today is the result of his unaided efforts, and ready discernment of potential needs and the quality of being a good manager. He was born in Neumünster, Holstein, Germany, July 31, 1857, and was reared and educated in the place of his birth. In 1871, although but fourteen years of age, he emigrated to America, coming direct to Davenport immediately after landing upon our shores. Upon his arrival here he secured employment as a clerk in the hardware store of the old firm of E. H. Mack & Company, which was located on Second Street where the Davenport Savings Bank now stands. He remained with that concern, until 1876, when it went out of business, and for five years he worked for Sickles Preston. At the end of that period, in 1871, he had saved enough money and acquired a sufficient familiarity with business methods here to warrant his embarking in business for himself. Accordingly at 325 West Second street, he opened a hardware store, which was well supplied with all the articles generally to be found in such an establishment. With fourteen years of success behind him, in 1895 he opened another stor! e at 420 West Fourth street, where a large and varied line of farm implements were put on sale. In 1902 he combined the two stores, securing his present location at 218, 220, and 222 Ripley street, and here, keeping abreast of the times, he has added automobiles of reputable make, besides carrying a good line of buggies and wagons. Indeed, he has left no opportunity pass by unheeded, without trying to wrest from it some measure of advancement for himself. In consequence his is one of the busiest stores in the city, and the record of its sales will stand comparison with even larger concerns. In addition to hardware interests, Mr. Sander has been active in the financial circles here, for in 1893 he was one of the organizers of the Farmers & Mechanics Savings Bank, of which he is still a director, and later he was one of the organizers and directors of the Guarantee Mutual Life Insurance Company of Davenport. He holds the position of vice president of the Fairmount Cemetery Ass! ociation and has made his influence felt in all walks of life. In 1881 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Sander and Miss Lina Ranzow, a daughter of Charles F. Ranzow, now deceased. They have a son, Harry, who assists his father in business, and a daughter, Paula, who is attending high school. Mr. Sander has always given his support unfailingly to the democratic party, by which organization he was elected in 1908 to the board of county commissioners of Scott county. He holds the position of president of this body and will continue to exercise the duties of that office through the three years of his term. He belongs to several organizations, some of a fraternal nature, others social and still others of a beneficent character, for his is a member of the local Masonic lodge, the Turners, the Sharp Shooters Society, the Columbia Relief Society and the Davenport Cremation Society. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES